2 TSX Energy Stocks to Buy as Oil Rallies

Canadian Natural Resources (TSX:CNQ)(NYSE:CNQ) and Cenovus Energy (TSX:CVE)(NYSE:CVE) are quality TSX energy stocks worth buying now.

| More on:

Oil prices are picking up traction again, breaking its painful seven-day losing streak amid Delta variant concerns. While it’s tough to say where WTI (West Texas Intermediate) prices could be headed next, given the large number of variables involved, I think that the reversal of trend is worth betting on if you’re light on fossil fuel plays and have been waiting for a great time to get back in. Undoubtedly, energy is not a sexy place to invest these days. But with that, there’s profound value to be had for those who are willing to act contrarian.

Moving into the fall season, I wouldn’t be shocked if oil surged above US$80. Battered TSX energy stocks like Canadian Natural Resources (TSX:CNQ)(NYSE:CNQ) and Cenovus Energy (TSX:CVE)(NYSE:CVE) could have room to run in such a bull-case scenario. But which is the better buy here? Let’s have a closer look to get a better gauge of the risk/reward tradeoff at this juncture.

Canadian Natural Resources: There’s a new king of the oil patch

Canadian Natural Resources posted an impressive recovery from the 2020 coronavirus crash, which wiped out over 71% of the TSX energy stock’s value in just weeks. If you’d held or bought more through the very painful implosion, you not only scored incredible gains, but you also locked in a sizeable dividend yield that’s yours to keep.

Today, the dividend yield has shrunk back to normalized levels at 4.6%. The opportunity to snag a steal has come and gone. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t any value left in the oil kingpin, especially if you think oil could test the US$100 level at some point in the “Roaring 2020s.”

In terms of quality in the energy sector, I think Canadian Natural is the best of its breed. The company has an incredibly resilient mix and an exceptional operating performance amid some rough headwinds. With one of the most attractive dividend policies in the oil patch, CNQ should be the go-to for income investors seeking the optimal risk/reward tradeoff. Although you won’t get the most gains from the name in a continuation of oil’s rally, you will get far better downside protection, given the firm’s rock-solid balance sheet and resilient integrated operations.

Cenovus Energy: High risk but higher reward

For those seeking a higher-upside trade, Cenovus Energy may be the better horse to bet on amid oil’s renewed momentum. The company has been quite busy divesting ample amounts of assets to improve the state of the balance sheet. While it has been a bumpy ride for the $21.2 billion integrated energy company that fell upon hard times last year, it certainly seems like things are finally looking up for a name that could be on the cusp of a multi-year breakout.

Shares are still off over 20% from January 2020 levels. But if oil keeps rallying at this pace, I think it will be just a matter of time before the name makes a run for the $15 level. Analysts are ridiculously bullish on the name, with Credit Suisse’s Manav Gupta recently upgrading the name to a buy with a $15 target. At a nearly 10% discount to book value, I’d say the margin of safety is looking quite sizeable in the underappreciated TSX energy stock.

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 Joey Frenette has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Energy Stocks

oil and natural gas
Energy Stocks

3 Top Energy Sector Stocks for Canadian Investors in 2025

These energy companies have a solid business model, generate growing cash flows and pay higher dividends to their shareholders.

Read more »

oil pump jack under night sky
Energy Stocks

1 Canadian Energy Stock Poised for Big Growth In 2025

Undervaluation, a heavy discount, and a favourable regional outlook might push one energy stock up, even if the sector is…

Read more »

Canadian energy stocks are rising with oil prices
Energy Stocks

1 Canadian Energy Stock Poised for Big Growth in 2025

Enbridge stock is looking more and more attractive these days, especially with a 6% dividend yield on deck.

Read more »

Oil industry worker works in oilfield
Energy Stocks

Energy Sector Strength: A Canadian Producer That Can Thrive in Any Market

While gold stocks are the norm, relatively few Canadian energy stocks operate primarily outside the country. The ones that do…

Read more »

oil pump jack under night sky
Energy Stocks

Canadian Oil and Gas Stocks to Watch for 2025

Natural gas producer Tourmaline stands to benefit from a rise in natural gas prices as LNG Canada begins operation.

Read more »

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Energy Stocks

Your Blueprint to Build a 6-Figure TFSA

Know the blueprint or near-perfect strategy on how to build and achieve a 6-figure TFSA.

Read more »

oil and gas pipeline
Energy Stocks

Enbridge: Buy, Sell, or Hold in 2025?

Enbridge is up 30% in the past six months. Are more gains on the way?

Read more »

oil pump jack under night sky
Energy Stocks

Canadian Natural Resources: Buy, Sell, or Hold in 2025?

CNRL is moving higher to start 2025. Are more gains on the way?

Read more »