Trillium Therapeutics up 1,308% in 2020
Canadian equities closed out 2020 with a slight gain, though lagged their peers south of the border.
The S& P/ TSX Composite Index advanced 2.2 per cent this year, while the S& P 500 Index rose 16 per cent. Oil and gas stocks were among laggards as lockdowns continued, denting demand.
Here’s a look at some companies that benefited — and those that have suffered this year.
Winners
❚ Trillium Therapeutics Inc. (+ 1,308 per cent): Cancer drug developer surged after data, and has been a hedge fund favourite.
❚ Ballard Power Systems Inc. (+ 221 per cent): Clean energy and electric- vehicle exposure has propelled Ballard.
❚ Shopify Inc. (+ 178 per cent) and Lightspeed POS Inc. (+ 149 per cent): Tech platforms surged during COVID-19 lockdowns, and the two have emerged as Canadian tech darlings.
❚ New Gold Inc. (+ 143 per cent) and Teranga Gold Corp. (+ 95 per cent): Gold acted as a haven during the pandemic, while fiscal uncertainty remains.
❚ Cargojet Inc. (+ 108 per cent): Cargo shipping has hit peak levels as many retail storefronts remain closed during lockdowns.
❚ Canfor Corp. (+ 89 per cent): Lockdowns boosted lumber futures on home renovations.
Losers
❚ Suncor Energy Inc. (-50 per cent), Inter Pipeline Ltd. (-47 per cent), Cenovus Energy Inc. (- 41 per cent): Energy stocks lagged as oil briefly turned negative in the early stages of lockdowns along with a Saudi- Russia price war.
❚ Air Canada (- 53 per cent): Travel bans crushed global flying.
❚ Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust (- 43 per cent): Quebec REIT looking at strategic alternatives given office and retail exposure.