Diversify with these two energy producers

Article Excerpt

We recommend that most investors maintain exposure to the oil and gas industry as part of a balanced portfolio. Still, to cut risk, you should focus on producers with positive cash flow even at low energy prices. Here are two stocks that meet that requirement—and pay dividends. ARC RESOURCES, $16.36, is a buy. The company (Toronto symbol ARX; Shares o/s: 611.3 million; Market cap: $10.2 billion; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk; Dividend yield: 4.2%; www.arcresources.com) produces natural gas as well as oil. Its average output of 338,377 barrels of oil equivalent per day is 62% natural gas and 38% oil. Cash flow per share in the quarter ended March 31, 2023, rose 7.4%, to $1.16 from $1.08 a year earlier. Higher realized oil and gas prices from hedging offset 1.8% lower output, and pushed up cash flow. Long-term debt stands at $1.1 billion, or a low 11% of ARC’s market cap. The company has now decided to go ahead with its Attachie Phase I processing facility in the Montney area…