Energy Business

RBC Out With First Global Energy Best Ideas Picks for 2019

The pounding the energy sector has taken since early October is enough to make many investors run and hide. Down over 30% at one point, shares of many of the top companies in the sector have been beaten back to levels they were at this time last year and lower. Investors with a little dry powder and a longer time horizon now have the opportunity to buy some of the top stocks at much cheaper valuations.

In a new research report, the energy team at RBC makes some beginning-of-the-year changes to the firm’s well-respected Global Energy Best Ideas list. We screened the list for the top U.S.-based picks in both energy and oilfield services, and we found five top companies that look like outstanding choices for investors looking to add energy stocks to portfolios that have strong potential for gains in 2019. All are rated Outperform at RBC.

Anadarko Petroleum

This top stock is still down a stunning 30% from highs printed in October, and it is a new addition to the Best Ideas list. Anadarko Petroleum Corp. (NYSE: APC) operates through three segments. The Oil and Gas Exploration and Production segment explores for and produces natural gas, oil, condensate and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The other segments are Midstream and Marketing.

Anadarko is expected to maintain the capacity to sustain planned stock buybacks at current levels, providing support to close a current perceived value gap. The company presented its 2019 strategy at the end of the year, which revealed plans to invest $4.3 billion to $4.7 billion on capital projects in 2019, slightly below the $4.5 billion to $4.8 billion spent the previous year. The company will be able to finance this investment with the cash flows produced from $50 a barrel oil.

Anadarko Petroleum shareholders are paid a 2.53% dividend. The RBC price target for the shares is $74, and that figure compares with the Wall Street consensus price objective of $78.02. The stock closed trading Tuesday at $47.34 a share.

Helmerich & Payne

This large-cap sector leader is perhaps a safer and more conservative play. Helmerich & Payne Inc. (NYSE: HP) is the largest U.S. land driller and provides onshore drilling services primarily in the United States. It also offers land rigs internationally, as well as offshore platform rigs in the Gulf of Mexico.

The company provides drilling rigs, equipment, personnel and camps on a contract basis to explore for and develop oil and gas from onshore areas and fixed platforms, tension-leg platforms, and spars in offshore areas. Its contract drilling business operates through three reportable segments: U.S. Land, Offshore and International Land.

The analysts cite the big price drop over the past two months as unwarranted, and they also note the company has the best U.S. land drilling rigs, the most upgradeable rigs, the best capital structure and a 47-year history of dividend increases.

Helmerich & Payne investors are paid a very big 5.57% dividend. RBC has a strong $90 price target on the stock, and the posted consensus price objective is much lower at $71.04. The shares closed at $51 in Tuesday’s trading.

Sponsored: Tips for Investing

A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit.