The TSX or Toronto Stock Exchange ended the week on a positive note with gains for oil and gas companies. Canada’s top stock index recorded a gain of 184 points last week, boosted by higher commodity prices, strong earnings results from energy-related companies, and improved investor sentiment. With that said, let’s take a look at 5 top TSX stocks that rose in the third quarter.
Suncor Energy Inc. (SU)
Suncor Energy Inc. is one of the largest integrated energy companies in the country. The Canadian-based company produces crude oil, natural gas, and refinery products such as gasoline and diesel. Suncor reported a significant increase in third quarter earnings this year compared to the same period last year. The company’s operating income of approximately $1.2 billion was nearly double its third quarter earnings in 2019. Suncor’s chief executive officer Mark Little said the results showed their “ability to deliver strong results while focusing on sustainability and reducing our environmental footprint.” The company’s share price surged 8.71% last week and closed at $37.68 on Friday.
Cenovus Energy Inc. (CVE)
Cenovus Energy Inc. is another large Canadian energy company. The company focuses on the production, marketing, and exploration of crude oil and natural gas. Cenovus recorded an impressive financial performance in the third quarter of 2020, in the midst of the global pandemic. The company reported operating income of $947 million, a substantial increase compared to its third quarter earnings of $599 million in 2019. Its share price also closed in the green, recording a gain of 9.91% last week and closing at $9.07 on Friday.
Imperial Oil Ltd. (IMO)
Imperial Oil Ltd. is a leading integrated energy producer in Canada. The Calgary-based company produces and distributes refined petroleum products such as gasoline and diesel. Imperial Oil’s earnings report for the third quarter was once again impressive. It generated operating income of $637 million compared to its operating income of $497 million in 2019. Its share price also surged last week, recording a gain of 9.72% and closing at $27.47 on Friday.
Husky Energy Inc. (HSE)
Husky Energy Inc. is one of the largest independent oil and gas companies in Canada. The company’s operations focus on exploration and production, as well as retail, transportation, and refining of crude oil and natural gas. Husky Energy declared its financial results for the third quarter, which showed strong growth from the same period last year. It generated an operating income of $499 million, more than double the operating income of $231 million in 2019. Its share price rallied last week, recording a gain of 4.39% and closing at $5.07 on Friday.
Arc Resources Ltd (ARX)
Arc Resources Ltd is an exploration and production firm that focuses on the production of crude oil and natural gas, mainly in the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. The company reported strong results in the third quarter of 2020 with operating income of $281 million, significantly higher than the $183 million in the same quarter last year. Arc Resources’ share price rose last week, recording a gain of 1.51% and closing at $17.82 on Friday.
The recent performance of these stocks suggests that Canadian energy companies have managed to navigate the economic downturn caused by the global pandemic. While volatile oil prices remain a concern, improving global demand and favorable earnings reports bode well for the energy sector in the near future.
“5 Hot TSX Stocks to Watch: Oil & Gas Prices Surge on Q3 Earnings
