They’re buys even if they defy activists

Article Excerpt

Activist investors tend to do a good job identifying ways that under-performing companies like Suncor and Alphabet can boost shareholder value. Even though they’re not always successful, those high-profile investors help draw attention to firms with already-good long-term prospects. SUNCOR ENERGY INC. $42 is still a buy. The company (Toronto symbol SU; Resources sector; Shares outstanding: 1.44 billion; Market cap: $60.5 billion; Dividend yield: 5.0%; Takeover Target Rating: Medium; www.suncor.com) is Canada’s largest integrated oil firm, with major projects in the Alberta oil sands. Suncor also operates four refineries, along with 1,875 Petro-Canada gas stations. Following a strategic review. Suncor has decided to retain its Petro-Canada gas stations. Activist investor Elliott Management, which owns 3.4% of the company’s shares, has pushed the company to sell or spin off this business. Suncor feels keeping the chain—the leader in its market, with 18% of Canadian retail fuel sales—will provide the most benefit to shareholders. Going forward, it aims to improve Petro-Canada’s performance through new alliances with fast-food chains and…