Should I invest in Suncor Energy shares in December 2021?

Suncor Energy Inc. (NYSE: SU) shares have advanced more than 25% since the beginning of October 2021, and the current price stands at $26.6.

Suncor doubled its dividend

Suncor Energy primarily focuses on developing petroleum resource basins in Canada's Athabasca oil sands, but the company also trades in crude oil, natural gas, byproducts, refined products, and power.

Suncor Energy shares are advancing last several weeks; the company reported strong third-quarter results in October, and the board of directors declared a C$0.42/quarterly share dividend which represents a 100% increase from the prior dividend of C$0.21.

For the third quarter, Suncor Energy has returned more than C$1 billion to shareholders in the form of C$310 million in dividends and C$700 million in share repurchases.

It is also important to mention that the board of directors announced the decision to boost the share repurchase program to approximately 7% of Suncor's public float.

Total revenue has increased by 58% Y/Y to C$10.21 billion in the third quarter, slightly below expectations, while the GAAP earnings per share were C$0.59. Mark Little, CEO of Suncor Energy, added:

Suncor Energy continues to invest in projects to drive increased cash flow, but surging COVID-19 cases could hit demand for crude oil again.

Austria imposed a nationwide lockdown from this Monday, and according to Germany's Health Minister Jens Spahn, Germany is also not ruling out a new lockdown.

The battle against the coronavirus is still not over, and the market could easily become oversupplied, which represents a threat to crude oil prices.

Suncor has a few competitive advantages when it comes to oil; the management is saying that, with much lower prices, the company can still make money, pay a dividend, and wait for better times.

The company's stability in a variety of market conditions has revealed its true staying power while management expects a positive trend to continue into 2022.

Fundamentally looking, Suncor trades at less than six times TTM EBITDA, and with a market capitalization of $37.9 billion, shares of this company are not expensive.

Suncor's balance sheet remains stable, the current dividend yield is above 5%, and shares of this company could provide strong returns for long-term investors.

Bulls control the price action

Suncor Energy shares have advanced more than 25% since the beginning of October 2021, and according to technical analysis, the bulls remain in control of the price action for now.

If the price falls in the upcoming period, every price in a range from $22 to $20 could be a very good opportunity to invest in Suncor stock.

Summary

Suncor Energy shares have advanced more than 25% since the beginning of October 2021, and the board of directors declared a C$0.42/quarterly share dividend which represents a 100% increase from the prior dividend of C$0.21. Suncor Energy continues to invest in projects to drive increased cash flow, and its stability in various market conditions has revealed its true staying power.