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Investing in energy stocks

Under the right conditions, energy stocks can yield good dividends but they can be at the mercy of political and environmental factors. Here are our 10 energy stock picks.

Sector-specific investing can help you broaden and diversify your portfolio. But each sector comes with a unique assortment of benefits and risks.

What are energy stocks?

Energy stocks fit into the energy sector of the stock market—one of 11 sectors defined by the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS). Companies in the energy sector focus on the location, mining and production of oil, coal and natural gas.

What subcategories are included in this sector?

Companies that fall within the energy sector can be sorted into the following subcategories:

  • Oil and gas. At the start of the supply chain, we find companies responsible for drilling and producing oil and natural gas.
  • Pipelines. These mid-stream providers transport oil and natural gas from the drilling site to their respective refineries.
  • Mining. Mining companies produce coal that helps fuel power plants.
  • Renewable energy. Those that produce wind and solar energy are considered renewable energy providers.
  • Chemicals. This subcategory is comprised of companies responsible for refining oil and gas into specialty chemicals.

Investing in energy stocks


Enbridge logo

Enbridge Inc. (TSX: ENB, NYSE: ENB)

Enbridge Inc. is an energy infrastructure company that operates through 5 segments: Liquids Pipelines, Gas Transmission and Midstream, Gas Distribution and Storage, Renewable Power Generation and Energy Services.

  • Market cap: C$93.623 billion
  • YTD performance: 17.93%
  • 1 Year performance: 24.67%
  • 5 Year performance: 94%
  • P/E Ratio: 20.24
  • Headquarters: Canada
Buy on Interactive Brokers

Suncor logo

Suncor Energy Inc. (TSX: SU, NYSE: SU)

Suncor Energy Inc. is an integrated energy company that explores for, develops, produces, transports, refines and markets crude oil in Canada and internationally. It also operates wind farms in Ontario and Western Canada.

  • Market cap: C$60.936 billion
  • YTD performance: 34.50%
  • 1 Year performance: 61.01%
  • 5 Year performance: 199%
  • P/E Ratio: 15.38
  • Headquarters: Canada
Buy on Interactive Brokers

TC Energy logo

TC Energy Corporation (TSX: TRP, NYSE: TRP)

TC Energy Corporation is a North American energy infrastructure company that operates through 5 segments: Canadian Natural Gas Pipelines; U.S. Natural Gas Pipelines; Mexico Natural Gas Pipelines; Liquids Pipelines and Power and Storage.

  • Market cap: C$71.088 billion
  • YTD performance: 23.15%
  • 1 Year performance: 20.57%
  • 5 Year performance: 77%
  • P/E Ratio: 38.95
  • Headquarters: Canada
Buy on Interactive Brokers

Exxon Mobil logo

Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE: XOM)

Exxon Mobil Corporation explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas in the United States and internationally. It operates through Upstream, Downstream and Chemical segments.

  • Market cap: C$371.141 billion
  • YTD performance: 43.54%
  • 1 Year performance: 54.14%
  • 5 Year performance: 116%
  • P/E Ratio: 16.30
  • Headquarters: United States
Buy on Interactive Brokers

Parkland Corporation logo

Parkland Corporation (TSX: PKI, OTC Markets: PKIUF)

Parkland Corporation operates food stores, convenience stores and gas stations in Canada, the United States, the Caribbean region and Central and South America. It operates under multiple brands including Ultramar, Esso, Fas Gas Plus, Chevron, Pioneer, Bluewave Energy, Pipeline Commercial, Columbia Fuels and Sparlings Propane.

  • Market cap: C$5.658 billion
  • YTD performance: 5.55%
  • 1 Year performance: -6.97%
  • 5 Year performance: 170%
  • P/E Ratio: 57.34
  • Headquarters: Canada
Buy on Interactive Brokers

Canadian Natural Resources logo

Canadian Natural Resources Limited (TSX: CNQ, NYSE: CNQ)

Canadian Natural Resources Limited acquires, explores for, develops, produces, markets and sells crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The company offers synthetic crude oil (SCO), light and medium crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil), primary heavy crude oil and Pelican Lake heavy crude oil.

  • Market cap: C$96.491 billion
  • YTD performance: 55.29%
  • 1 Year performance: 113.48%
  • 5 Year performance: 222%
  • P/E Ratio: 12.85
  • Headquarters: Canada
Buy on Interactive Brokers

Imperial Oil logo

Imperial Oil Limited (TSX: IMO)

Imperial Oil Limited explores for, produced and sells crude oil and natural gas in Canada. The company operates through 3 segments: Upstream, Downstream and Chemical segments.

  • Market cap: C$42.905 billion
  • YTD performance: 40.27%
  • 1 Year performance: 99.66%
  • 5 Year performance: 210%
  • P/E Ratio: 18.39
  • Headquarters: Canada
Buy on Interactive Brokers

Pembina Pipeline Corporation logo

Pembina Pipeline Corporation (TSX: PPL, NYSE: PBA)

Pembina Pipeline Corporation provides transportation and midstream services for the energy industry. It operates through 3 segments: Pipelines, Facilities and Marketing & New Ventures.

  • Market cap: C$27.568 billion
  • YTD performance: 30.54%
  • 1 Year performance: 34.65%
  • 5 Year performance: 173%
  • P/E Ratio: 25.17
  • Headquarters: Canada
Buy on Interactive Brokers

Cenovus Energy logo

Cenovus Energy Inc. (TSX: CVE, NYSE: CVE)

Cenovus Energy Inc. develops, produces and markets crude oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas in Canada, the United States and the Asia Pacific region.

  • Market cap: C$43.996 billion
  • YTD performance: 42.17%
  • 1 Year performance: 117.24%
  • 5 Year performance: 362%
  • P/E Ratio: 81.67
  • Headquarters: Canada
Buy on Interactive Brokers

Gibson Energy logo

Gibson Energy Inc. (TSX: GEI)

Gibson Energy Inc. is a liquids infrastructure company that gathers, stores, optimizes, processes and marketing of liquids and refined products in North America. It operates through 2 segments: Infrastructure and Marketing.

  • Market cap: C$3.683 billion
  • YTD performance: 12.04%
  • 1 Year performance: 17.16%
  • 5 Year performance: 145%
  • P/E Ratio: 25.90
  • Headquarters: Canada
Buy on Interactive Brokers

What ETFs track the energy sector?

Individual stocks are highly liquid. But if you want exposure to a broader range of energy stocks, consider investing in exchange traded funds (ETFs). ETFs hold stocks in many companies and are therefore more diversified and less risky than buying a few individual stocks. That being said, ETFs typically pay lower dividends and may come with higher fees.

Look for ETFs that track the energy sector like the ones below:

StockCodeExchange
iShares S&P/TSX Capped Energy Index ETFXEGTSXBuy on Interactive Brokers
Horizons S&P/TSX Capped Energy Index ETFHXETSXBuy on Interactive Brokers
BMO Equal Weight Oil & Gas Index ETFZEOTSXBuy on Interactive Brokers
iShares Global Clean Energy ETFICLNNasdaq Global MarketBuy on Interactive Brokers
BMO Clean Energy Index ETFZCLNTSXBuy on Interactive Brokers
Energy Select Sector SPDR FundXLENYSEArcaBuy on Interactive Brokers
Vanguard Energy Index FundVDENYSEArcaBuy on Interactive Brokers
iShares Global Energy ETFIXCNYSEArcaBuy on Interactive Brokers
iShares U.S. Energy ETFIYENYSEArcaBuy on Interactive Brokers
Alerian MLP ETFAMLPNYSEArcaBuy on Interactive Brokers

Compare online trading platforms to buy energy stocks and ETFs

1 - 4 of 4
Name Product Finder Rating Available Asset Types Stock Trading Fee Account Fee Signup Offer Table description
Interactive Brokers
Finder Score:
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Stocks, Bonds, Options, ETFs, Currencies, Futures
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CASHBACK
CIBC Investor's Edge
Finder Score:
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3.8 / 5
Stocks, Bonds, Options, Mutual Funds, ETFs
$6.95
$0 if conditions met, or $100
100 free trades + up to $4,500 cash back
An easy-to-use platform with access to a variety of tools to help you trade with confidence.
Questrade
Finder Score:
★★★★★
4.3 / 5
Stocks, Bonds, Options, Mutual Funds, ETFs, GICs, International Equities, Precious Metals
$4.95 - $9.95
$0
Get $50 in free trades when you fund your account with a minimum of $1,000.
Opt for self-directed investing and save on fees or get a pre-built portfolio to take out some of the guesswork.
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Qtrade Direct Investing
Finder Score:
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Stocks, Bonds, Options, Mutual Funds, ETFs, GICs
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Low trading commissions and an easy-to-use platform with access to powerful tools and a wide selection of investment options.
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Why invest in energy stocks?

The energy market is massive, and for good reason—this resource has been in high demand globally for many years. Even taking into account the shift towards clean energy, the world is still decades away from being free from oil, coal and gas.

The energy sector’s profitability is largely tied to the price of crude oil, but stock prices are typically stable and often pay dividends. Income from energy stocks may also be tax-sheltered—an attractive incentive for investors.

How to invest in oil in Canada

What unique risks does the energy sector face?

Politics play a sizable role in the energy sector’s performance. If companies explore for energy resources in unstable territories, projects are at risk of being sidelined or halted in the face of political turmoil.

Incorrect geological reports, oil spills and accidents can be costly for investors. This sector isn’t without its risks, and investors should weigh the benefits against the drawbacks before putting up their funds.

Bottom line on energy stocks

Investing in the energy sector can yield profits, but you need to be aware of how energy stocks can be affected by factors such as political turmoil, changing energy technology and environmental initiatives. Carefully compare stock trading platforms to find the best energy investments for your individual preferences and investment goals.

Frequently asked questions

Disclaimer: This information should not be interpreted as an endorsement of futures, stocks, ETFs, options or any specific provider, service or offering. It should not be relied upon as investment advice or construed as providing recommendations of any kind. Futures, stocks, ETFs and options trading involves substantial risk of loss and therefore are not appropriate for all investors. Trading forex on leverage comes with a higher risk of losing money rapidly. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Consider your own circumstances, and obtain your own advice, before making any trades.

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