Bright outlook for top energy producers

Article Excerpt

The shares of oil and gas stocks remain high as energy demand continues to be strong. We continue to recommend that most investors maintain some exposure to the oil and gas industry as part of a balanced portfolio. But, to cut your risk, you should stick with producers that have positive cash flow even in times of low energy prices. Here are two that meet that requirement. On top of that, they pay high dividends: PEYTO EXPLORATION & DEVELOPMENT, $11.66, is a buy for aggressive investors. This producer (Toronto symbol PEY; Shares outstanding: 172.0 million; Market cap: $2.0 billion; TSINetwork Rating: Speculative Risk; Dividend yield: 11.3%; www.peyto.com) focuses on both gas and oil in Alberta. Production is 87% gas and 13% oil. In the quarter ended December 31, 2022, output rose 7.8%, to 104,944 barrels of oil equivalent per day from 97,306 a year earlier. Cash flow jumped 29.3%, to $1.28 a share from $0.99. The higher production and increased oil and gas prices contributed to…