EnCana’s split unlocks value

Article Excerpt

EnCana encountered some skepticism when it shifted its focus from conventional energy production into unconventional gas and oil sands properties. These properties are costlier to develop and slower to generate a profit, but they have much greater long-term potential. The company’s latest move to add value is its plan to split itself into separate oil and gas companies. It drew acclaim rather than skepticism, and it helped push the stock up to a new all-time high of $98. We feel further gains are likely. ENCANA CORP. $93 (Toronto symbol ECA; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Resources sector; Shares outstanding: 750.0 million; Market cap: $69.8 billion; SI Rating: Average) is a leading North American producer of natural gas and oil. The company took its current form in April 2002 through the merger of PanCanadian Energy Corp. and Alberta Energy Corp. Soon after, it sold most of its conventional properties to focus on what it calls “key resource plays”, including early-stage natural gas fields and oil sands…