3 of the Best Canadian Energy Stocks to Buy in June 2021

Canadian energy stocks have steadily been outperforming the market in 2021! Here are three of my favourite picks to buy in June.

| More on:

Canadian energy stocks have been on a roll in 2021. Over the past 6 months, the TSX Energy Capped Index is up 29%. Frankly, it’s not really a surprise. After the March 2020 oil crash, Canadian energy stocks were essentially left for dead. There was only upside from there. Even despite the recent run, valuations are still pretty cheap.

Many Canadian energy stocks are better than ever

Fortunately, many of these energy businesses took the pandemic to reduce overall costs, lower debt, and unlock operational efficiencies. Now with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil prices consistently above US$60 per barrel, many of these companies are producing tons of cash every quarter.

In light of the pandemic recovery and more stable energy prices, here three of my top Canadian energy stocks to buy in June 2021.

Suncor: A top Canadian energy stock

Suncor (TSX:SU)(NYSE:SU) looks fairly attractive right here. It financially and operationally took a bit of a stumble in 2020. With energy prices hitting negatives, it took some significant losses and had to drastically reduce its dividend. However, since then, the company has been working hard to right-side its operating model and clean up its balance sheet.

Today, it can now produce oil from its oil sands projects for less than US$20 a barrel. Likewise, it has incredibly long-life production assets. As a result, this business has a decent margin of safety, should commodity volatility return.

In its recent first quarter, the company produced over $2 billion of funds from operation. All this is going to reducing debt and buying back stock. This Canadian stock pays a 3% dividend but has failed to enjoy the same recovery as other oil majors. Consequently, I think it looks attractive here.

Pembina Pipeline: An integrated pipeline business

Pembina Pipeline (TSX:PPL)(NYSE:PBA) is a picks and shovels way to play the recovery in Canadian energy stocks. It operates pipelines connecting Canada to global markets. Pembina also has natural gas processing and midstream operations. It primarily services energy producers in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin.

94% of its adjusted EBITDA is derived from fee-based contracts, with only limited exposure to direct commodity pricing. Consequently, the company produces very stable streams of cash flow that allow it to pay a safe (but very attractive) 6.44% dividend.

In a strong energy environment, this Canadian stock benefits from higher volumes in its assets, but also better pricing margins. This company is very conservatively managed and has a good balance sheet. Likewise, it just had $1 billion of projects come into service and has more coming online in the next few years. All-in, this is a safe way to bet on rising energy prices to come.

Tourmaline Oil: A natural gas leader

Another attractive Canadian stock is Tourmaline Oil (TSX:TOU). Oddly enough, most of Tourmaline’s operations are from natural gas production. In fact, it is Canada’s largest natural gas producer and the fifth largest natural gas midstream operator.

During the pandemic, the company utilized its strong, low-levered balance sheet to acquire some really attractive assets at fairly low valuations. Today, these investments are paying off. Its first-quarter production and cash flows hit all-time records. It earned $233 million of free cash flow in the quarter and projects earning a 13% free cash flow yield for 2021.

At this pace, the company could be debt-free in six quarters or less. Likewise, it just boosted its dividend payout. Today, it pays a 2.17% dividend. This company has an expert management team, great assets, and a balance sheet most energy companies dream of. Tourmaline is a great energy stock, nonetheless an all-around great Canadian business.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Robin Brown owns shares of PEMBINA PIPELINE CORPORATION and TOURMALINE OIL CORP. The Motley Fool recommends PEMBINA PIPELINE CORPORATION.

More on Energy Stocks

man touches brain to show a good idea
Energy Stocks

1 No-Brainer Energy Stock to Buy With $500 Right Now

Should you buy a cyclical energy stock at its decade-high? Probably not. But read this before you make a decision.

Read more »

A solar cell panel generates power in a country mountain landscape.
Energy Stocks

Top Canadian Renewable Energy Stocks to Buy Now

Here are two top renewable energy stocks long-term investors can put in their portfolios and forget about for a decade…

Read more »

oil and gas pipeline
Energy Stocks

Where Will Enbridge Stock Be in 3 Years?

After 29 straight years of increasing its dividend and a current yield of 6%, here's why Enbridge is one of…

Read more »

Pumpjack in Alberta Canada
Energy Stocks

Is Enbridge Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

Enbridge stock just hit a multi-year high.

Read more »

oil pump jack under night sky
Energy Stocks

Where Will CNQ Stock Be in 3 Years?

Here’s why CNQ stock could continue to outperform the broader market by a huge margin over the next three years.

Read more »

engineer at wind farm
Energy Stocks

Invest $20,000 in This Dividend Stock for $100 in Monthly Passive Income

This dividend stock has it all – a strong outlook, monthly income, and even more to consider buying today.

Read more »

A worker overlooks an oil refinery plant.
Energy Stocks

Is Imperial Oil Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

Valued at a market cap of $55 billion, Imperial Oil pays shareholders a growing dividend yield of 2.4%. Is the…

Read more »

Pumpjack in Alberta Canada
Energy Stocks

Where Will Imperial Oil Stock Be in 1 Year?

Imperial Oil is a TSX energy stock that has delivered market-thumping returns to shareholders over the last two decades.

Read more »