Encana posts 41 pct cash flow increase

Encana’s strong second quarter of 2014 saw the company continue to make faster than expected progress in the execution of its strategy, with the reporting period highlighted by the acquisition of Eagle Ford assets for a sixth growth area, the highly successful initial public offering (IPO) of PrairieSky Royalty and impressive liquids production growth.

“We had a strong second quarter off of the back of a very good first quarter, and we’re meeting or exceeding our targets in every area of our business since announcing our new strategy eight months ago,” says Doug Suttles, Encana’s President & CEO. “The divestitures that we executed over the past three months have unlocked value from our asset base and simplified our business model, allowing us to stay focused on our highest-value opportunities. This was complemented by strong operating performance that saw our teams deliver on liquids growth targets and achieve significant year-over-year cost savings.”

The company achieved strong second quarter liquids growth from the five growth areas identified in last November’s strategy launch. Oil production of 34,200 barrels per day (bbls/d) represented a 49 percent year-over-year increase, while 34,000 bbls/d of natural gas liquids production represented 38 percent growth. Year-to-date, the growth areas have received approximately 80 percent of Encana’s total capital investment and recorded a 50 percent increase in net wells drilled.

“We have been growing our liquids production more quickly than expected,” says Suttles. “We are making excellent progress in our growth areas while at the same time delivering stronger than expected results from our base assets. Our operational performance and continued attention to cost efficiencies are helping to drive us towards higher margins and more profitable growth.”

Natural gas production for the second quarter, was slightly over 2.5 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d), down eight percent on a year-over-year basis primarily due to recent divestitures of large natural gas-producing properties.

Encana generated cash flow of approximately $656 million or $0.89 per share in the second quarter of 2014; operating earnings of $171 million or $0.23 per share; and net earnings attributable to common shareholders of $271 million or $0.37 per share. Year-to-date, the company has reported cash flow of approximately $1.8 billion for a 41 percent rise year-over-year, while $686 million in operating earnings and $387 million in net earnings attributable to common shareholders are increases of 61 percent and 29 percent, respectively, from 2013 levels.

Encana continued to enhance its financial strength through a quarter of rapid portfolio transition. Proceeds received from the IPO and divestitures transactions, along with year-to-date free cash flow of approximately $679 million, contributed to a strong period-end balance of approximately $2.7 billion in cash and cash equivalents. As a result of the strong results achieved thus far in 2014, the company has increased its cash flow guidance from $2.9-$3.0 billion to $3.4-$3.6 billion. Encana has also increased its upstream capital investment guidance to $2.6-$2.7 billion, up from $2.3-$2.4 billion, largely attributable to the planned capital expenditures in the newly acquired Eagle Ford position.

The company also now expects 2014 total liquids production of 86,000 to 91,000 bbls/d, up from previous guidance projections of 68,000 to 73,000 bbls/d.

“We continue to successfully execute on our strategy and meet our key benchmarks,” says Suttles. “We are transitioning our portfolio while delivering strong operating performance and maintaining the balance sheet strength necessary for us to be opportunistic. Our second quarter results have us well positioned for further success in the second half of the year.”

Press Release, July 23, 2014; Image: Encana