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The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Canadian Natural Resources, Continental Resources, Oceaneering International, Marathon Oil and Enerplus Corp
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For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – May 26, 2021 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNQ - Free Report) , Continental Resources, Inc. , Oceaneering International, Inc. (OII - Free Report) , Marathon Oil Corporation (MRO - Free Report) and Enerplus Corporation (ERF - Free Report) .
Here are highlights from Tuesday’s Analyst Blog:
5 Momentum Stocks in the Energy Space That You Need to Buy
In early and mid-2020, the energy sector was devastated, with the space left for dead due to the unprecedented turmoil caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. While most businesses were hit hard by the coronavirus-induced lockdowns, the demand destruction and price plunge associated with oil was like no other.
However, the commodity has recovered strongly from those depths to more than $60 a barrel, while the sector components have reacted very positively to this robust investment landscape.
The Great Energy Revival
Taking investors on a roller coaster ride, crude has made a stunning rebound — from the depths of minus $38 a barrel in April 2020 to reclaim a nearly two-year high above $66 in March.
The commodity has spent much of the past few months trading higher on continued vaccine-related developments and their successful deployment around the world, offering hope of an earlier-than-expected pickup in demand. The OPEC+ cartel's calibrated production policy has also driven up oil.
In its recent meeting, member countries of the OPEC+ group — a coalition between OPEC countries under kingpin Saudi Arabia and non-members led by Russia — decided to gradually loosen the output cuts from May through July, reflecting their confidence in the fuel's demand.
Easing coronavirus infections, signs of robust demand in the world's second-largest oil consumer, China, and the passage of the $1.9 trillion stimulus bill are the other positives in the oil story.
The renewed enthusiasm can be gauged from the fact that the Zacks Oil/Energy sector has gained 21.8% so far this year, handily outperforming the S&P 500 Index's 11.3% appreciation. Meanwhile, several momentum stocks in the sector with a top Zacks Rank have provided generous returns in the year-to-date period. These stocks also have more upside left in the near term.
Upward Momentum Looks Set to Continue
Apart from vaccine breakthroughs, much of the positive argument is simply a bet on stronger economic growth in America and the subsequent improvement in consumer spending.
Following the epic meltdown in the second quarter of 2020, the U.S. GDP has rebounded strongly. With fundamentals remaining strong, the economy is witnessing an impressive recovery since the beginning of 2021. In particular, the vaccination drive on a priority basis has helped to ramp up the level of activities.
An improving job market and expectations of record-high corporate profits in 2021 are signaling the economy's steady return to full health. The massive fiscal stimulus, which has started to take effect, should further bolster the economy.
Further, Americans have built up forced savings of around $2.3 trillion over the pandemic. This unprecedented level of excess personal accumulation, together with the huge pent-up demand is expected to drive consumer spending in the near future. A 10.7% spike in first-quarter 2021 consumer spending is proof of the strong tailwind.
Against this positive economic backdrop, end-user fuel usage is expected to improve.
To tap the oil market's rally, one could use momentum as an investing strategy. Momentum investing looks to fetch profits from hot stocks that have shown an uptrend over the past few weeks or months. In other words, while investors will essentially be buying high, they hope to sell even higher.
How to Benefit From the Improving Macro Backdrop
While all oil-focused stocks stand to benefit from rising commodity prices, the upward revision of earnings per share (EPS) estimate for 2021 is a crucial indicator in identifying potential winners in the space. This simply means the market is expecting the company to do good business this year. In particular, market participants are likely to be interested in those stocks that have witnessed positive EPS estimate revisions within the last 7 to 60 days.
Our Top Picks
We have narrowed down our search to five momentum stocks that have gained handsomely this year. Further, these energy stocks witnessed robust earnings revisions in the last 7 to 60 days and have strong growth potential. Each of our picks carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) and has a Momentum Score of A or B.
Canadian Natural Resources: This Canadian energy major boasts a diversified portfolio of crude oil (heavy as well as light), natural gas, bitumen and synthetic crude oil. Canadian Natural Resources has decided to maintain its dividend despite last year's historical drop in oil price, reflecting strength in its cash flows. The company is counted as a Canadian Dividend Aristocrat with an attractive yield.
The company has an expected earnings growth rate of 752.08% for the current year. Over 30 days, Canadian Natural Resources has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its 2021 earnings increase 17.2%. The oil biggie carries a Zacks Rank #1 and has a Momentum Score of A.
Continental Resources: Continental Resources has a premier position in the oil-heavy Bakken shale play. From 2019 to 2023, it expects oil equivalent production to see a compound annual growth rate of 8-10%. This will likely help Continental Resources generate average annual free cash flow of $3.5-$4 billion over the five-year period.
Notably, the company recently reported strong quarterly results owing to higher realizations of commodity prices and lower operating expenses. Further, the energy explorer recently reinstated its dividend payments, which offers certainty about the company's financial well-being.
Continental Resources has an expected earnings growth rate of 269.23% for the current year. Over 60 days, the company has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its 2021 earnings improve 57.1%. Continental Resources carries a Zacks Rank #1 and has a Momentum Score of B.
Oceaneering International: One of the leading providers of integrated technology solutions, Oceaneering International is active at all the phases of the offshore oilfield lifecycle. Oceaneering's geographically diversified asset base is spread across the United States and rest of the world and its revenues are evenly split between its international and domestic operations, lowering its risk profile. The company strives to improve its returns by driving efficiencies in cost and performance.
Oceaneering International has an expected earnings growth rate of 92.59% for the current year. Over 30 days, the company has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2021 earnings improve 90.5%. The energy services company carries a Zacks Rank #2 and has a Momentum Score of A.
Marathon Oil Corp.: The upstream energy company's oil and gas operations are mainly concentrated in the United States (including Oklahoma, Eagle Ford, Bakken and Northern Delaware) and Equatorial Guinea. Boasting financial stability and a solid balance sheet, Marathon looks poised for strong free cash flow generation through the next few years. Importantly, the company's capital expenditure continues to fall as it keeps a tight leash on spending levels.
Marathon Oil, which recently raised its quarterly base dividend by 33%, has an expected earnings growth rate of 150.86% for the current year. Over 60 days, the company has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its 2021 earnings surge 136%. Marathon Oil carries a Zacks Rank #2 and has a Momentum Score of A.
Enerplus Corp.: Enerplus focuses on Bakken and Three Forks formations in the Williston Basin in North Dakota, together with interests in the Marcellus Basin and waterflood projects in Canada. Banking on its low financial leverage and robust liquidity, this upstream energy firm is in a relatively better position to benefit from the improving price environment.
Enerplus has an expected earnings growth rate of 1,14.29% for the current year. Over 30 days, the company has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its 2021 earnings improve 7.6%. Enerplus carries a Zacks Rank #2 and has a Momentum Score of B.
Bitcoin, Like the Internet Itself, Could Change Everything
Blockchain and cryptocurrency have sparked one of the most exciting discussion topics of a generation. Some call it the "Internet of Money" and predict it could change the way money works forever. If true, it could do to banks what Netflix did to Blockbuster and Amazon did to Sears. Experts agree we're still in the early stages of this technology, and as it grows, it will create several investing opportunities.
Zacks has just revealed 3 companies that can help investors capitalize on the explosive profit potential of Bitcoin and the other cryptocurrencies with significantly less volatility than buying them directly.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
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The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Canadian Natural Resources, Continental Resources, Oceaneering International, Marathon Oil and Enerplus Corp
For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – May 26, 2021 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNQ - Free Report) , Continental Resources, Inc. , Oceaneering International, Inc. (OII - Free Report) , Marathon Oil Corporation (MRO - Free Report) and Enerplus Corporation (ERF - Free Report) .
Here are highlights from Tuesday’s Analyst Blog:
5 Momentum Stocks in the Energy Space That You Need to Buy
In early and mid-2020, the energy sector was devastated, with the space left for dead due to the unprecedented turmoil caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. While most businesses were hit hard by the coronavirus-induced lockdowns, the demand destruction and price plunge associated with oil was like no other.
However, the commodity has recovered strongly from those depths to more than $60 a barrel, while the sector components have reacted very positively to this robust investment landscape.
The Great Energy Revival
Taking investors on a roller coaster ride, crude has made a stunning rebound — from the depths of minus $38 a barrel in April 2020 to reclaim a nearly two-year high above $66 in March.
The commodity has spent much of the past few months trading higher on continued vaccine-related developments and their successful deployment around the world, offering hope of an earlier-than-expected pickup in demand. The OPEC+ cartel's calibrated production policy has also driven up oil.
In its recent meeting, member countries of the OPEC+ group — a coalition between OPEC countries under kingpin Saudi Arabia and non-members led by Russia — decided to gradually loosen the output cuts from May through July, reflecting their confidence in the fuel's demand.
Easing coronavirus infections, signs of robust demand in the world's second-largest oil consumer, China, and the passage of the $1.9 trillion stimulus bill are the other positives in the oil story.
The renewed enthusiasm can be gauged from the fact that the Zacks Oil/Energy sector has gained 21.8% so far this year, handily outperforming the S&P 500 Index's 11.3% appreciation. Meanwhile, several momentum stocks in the sector with a top Zacks Rank have provided generous returns in the year-to-date period. These stocks also have more upside left in the near term.
Upward Momentum Looks Set to Continue
Apart from vaccine breakthroughs, much of the positive argument is simply a bet on stronger economic growth in America and the subsequent improvement in consumer spending.
Following the epic meltdown in the second quarter of 2020, the U.S. GDP has rebounded strongly. With fundamentals remaining strong, the economy is witnessing an impressive recovery since the beginning of 2021. In particular, the vaccination drive on a priority basis has helped to ramp up the level of activities.
An improving job market and expectations of record-high corporate profits in 2021 are signaling the economy's steady return to full health. The massive fiscal stimulus, which has started to take effect, should further bolster the economy.
Further, Americans have built up forced savings of around $2.3 trillion over the pandemic. This unprecedented level of excess personal accumulation, together with the huge pent-up demand is expected to drive consumer spending in the near future. A 10.7% spike in first-quarter 2021 consumer spending is proof of the strong tailwind.
Against this positive economic backdrop, end-user fuel usage is expected to improve.
To tap the oil market's rally, one could use momentum as an investing strategy. Momentum investing looks to fetch profits from hot stocks that have shown an uptrend over the past few weeks or months. In other words, while investors will essentially be buying high, they hope to sell even higher.
How to Benefit From the Improving Macro Backdrop
While all oil-focused stocks stand to benefit from rising commodity prices, the upward revision of earnings per share (EPS) estimate for 2021 is a crucial indicator in identifying potential winners in the space. This simply means the market is expecting the company to do good business this year. In particular, market participants are likely to be interested in those stocks that have witnessed positive EPS estimate revisions within the last 7 to 60 days.
Our Top Picks
We have narrowed down our search to five momentum stocks that have gained handsomely this year. Further, these energy stocks witnessed robust earnings revisions in the last 7 to 60 days and have strong growth potential. Each of our picks carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) and has a Momentum Score of A or B.
You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Canadian Natural Resources: This Canadian energy major boasts a diversified portfolio of crude oil (heavy as well as light), natural gas, bitumen and synthetic crude oil. Canadian Natural Resources has decided to maintain its dividend despite last year's historical drop in oil price, reflecting strength in its cash flows. The company is counted as a Canadian Dividend Aristocrat with an attractive yield.
The company has an expected earnings growth rate of 752.08% for the current year. Over 30 days, Canadian Natural Resources has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its 2021 earnings increase 17.2%. The oil biggie carries a Zacks Rank #1 and has a Momentum Score of A.
Continental Resources: Continental Resources has a premier position in the oil-heavy Bakken shale play. From 2019 to 2023, it expects oil equivalent production to see a compound annual growth rate of 8-10%. This will likely help Continental Resources generate average annual free cash flow of $3.5-$4 billion over the five-year period.
Notably, the company recently reported strong quarterly results owing to higher realizations of commodity prices and lower operating expenses. Further, the energy explorer recently reinstated its dividend payments, which offers certainty about the company's financial well-being.
Continental Resources has an expected earnings growth rate of 269.23% for the current year. Over 60 days, the company has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its 2021 earnings improve 57.1%. Continental Resources carries a Zacks Rank #1 and has a Momentum Score of B.
Oceaneering International: One of the leading providers of integrated technology solutions, Oceaneering International is active at all the phases of the offshore oilfield lifecycle. Oceaneering's geographically diversified asset base is spread across the United States and rest of the world and its revenues are evenly split between its international and domestic operations, lowering its risk profile. The company strives to improve its returns by driving efficiencies in cost and performance.
Oceaneering International has an expected earnings growth rate of 92.59% for the current year. Over 30 days, the company has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2021 earnings improve 90.5%. The energy services company carries a Zacks Rank #2 and has a Momentum Score of A.
Marathon Oil Corp.: The upstream energy company's oil and gas operations are mainly concentrated in the United States (including Oklahoma, Eagle Ford, Bakken and Northern Delaware) and Equatorial Guinea. Boasting financial stability and a solid balance sheet, Marathon looks poised for strong free cash flow generation through the next few years. Importantly, the company's capital expenditure continues to fall as it keeps a tight leash on spending levels.
Marathon Oil, which recently raised its quarterly base dividend by 33%, has an expected earnings growth rate of 150.86% for the current year. Over 60 days, the company has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its 2021 earnings surge 136%. Marathon Oil carries a Zacks Rank #2 and has a Momentum Score of A.
Enerplus Corp.: Enerplus focuses on Bakken and Three Forks formations in the Williston Basin in North Dakota, together with interests in the Marcellus Basin and waterflood projects in Canada. Banking on its low financial leverage and robust liquidity, this upstream energy firm is in a relatively better position to benefit from the improving price environment.
Enerplus has an expected earnings growth rate of 1,14.29% for the current year. Over 30 days, the company has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its 2021 earnings improve 7.6%. Enerplus carries a Zacks Rank #2 and has a Momentum Score of B.
Bitcoin, Like the Internet Itself, Could Change Everything
Blockchain and cryptocurrency have sparked one of the most exciting discussion topics of a generation. Some call it the "Internet of Money" and predict it could change the way money works forever. If true, it could do to banks what Netflix did to Blockbuster and Amazon did to Sears. Experts agree we're still in the early stages of this technology, and as it grows, it will create several investing opportunities.
Zacks has just revealed 3 companies that can help investors capitalize on the explosive profit potential of Bitcoin and the other cryptocurrencies with significantly less volatility than buying them directly.
See 3 crypto-related stocks now >>
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Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.