Balanced Output is a Bonus for Enerplus

Article Excerpt

ENERPLUS RESOURCES FUND, $43.76 (Toronto symbol ERT.UN; SI Rating: Speculative) is one of North America’s largest oil and gas trusts. In the three months ended June 30, 2008, Enerplus’ revenues rose 91.2%, to $741.5 million from $387.9 million. Cash flow per unit rose 52.2%, to $2.42 from $1.59. The rise in revenue and cash flow came largely from increased production and higher oil and gas prices. Enerplus’ average daily production rose 21.5% in the latest quarter, to 100,188 barrels of oil equivalent from 82,478 barrels. Production is currently weighted 60% toward natural gas and 40% to oil. In the latest quarter, its average realized price for oil was $114.04 a barrel, up 84.1% from $61.93 a year earlier. Natural gas was $9.87 per thousand cubic feet, up 40.2% from $7.04. Enerplus continues to focus on building a well diversified portfolio balanced between low-risk, shorter- term assets that generate steady cash flow such as conventional oil and gas and shallow gas properties, and higher-risk, longer-term…