Rising production powers these two juniors

Article Excerpt

The shares of oil and gas stocks remain high as energy demand stays 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 should meet that requirement. Moreover, they pay solid dividends: ARC RESOURCES, $24.98, is a buy. The company (Toronto symbol ARX; Shares o/s: 597.6 million; Market cap: $14.9 billion; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk; Dividend yield: 2.7%; www.arcresources.com) produces natural gas as well as oil. Its average output of 352,328 barrels of oil equivalent per day is 63% natural gas and 37% oil. Cash flow per share in the quarter ended March 31, 2024, fell 12.9%, to $1.01 from $1.16 a year earlier. Lower realized oil and gas prices offset the 4.1% higher output and pushed down cash flow. Long-term debt stands at $1.1 billion, or a low 7%…