Ovintiv lowers its costs

Article Excerpt

OVINTIV INC., $17.17, is a buy. The energy producer (Toronto symbol OVV; Shares outstanding: 259.9 million; Market cap: $4.3 billion; TSINetwork Rating: Average; Dividend yield: 2.8%) continues to improve its efficiency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and falling oil prices. As a result, the company cut its operating costs per well by 20% compared to 2019. Ovintiv also lowered this year’s capital spending to $1.8 billion from $2.7 billion under its initial plan. Those savings will help the company cut its long-term debt, which stood at $7.14 billion as of September 30, 2020. That’s a high 2.6 times Ovintiv’s currently depressed market cap. However, most of those loans come due in 2024 or later. The company also held cash of $32 million. Ovintiv’s shares yield a solid 2.8%. Note, though, that Canadians who hold Ovintiv outside of a registered account (such as an RRSP or RRIF) will now be subject to the 15% U.S. withholding tax on their dividends. Ovintiv Inc. is a buy. buy…