High dividend yields add to their appeal

Article Excerpt

The shares of oil and gas stocks remain high as energy demand remains 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 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, $12.61, is a buy for aggressive investors. This producer (Toronto symbol PEY; Shares outstanding: 175.1 million; Market cap: $2.2 billion; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk; Dividend yield: 10.5%; www.peyto.com) focuses on both gas and oil in Alberta. Production is 89% gas and 11% oil. In the quarter ended June 30, 2023, output fell 4.6%, to 98,777 barrels of oil equivalent per day from 103,583 a year earlier. The company held back drilling as energy prices declined. Cash flow dropped 33.1%, to $0.81 a share from $1.21. The lower production and reduced…