Two top U.S. natural-gas producers

Article Excerpt

Natural-gas prices are up 22.2%, to $5.50 U.S. per thousand cubic feet from $4.50 in early December 2009. Colder weather in the U.S. is the main reason for the rise. As well, producers cut back on drilling in response to lower prices in 2009. That cut inventories. An improving economy is also lifting demand. Gas-weighted Cimarex and Devon trade at reasonable multiples to their forecast cash flows, based on today’s prices. As well, both have low debt and steady development spending. That puts them in a good position to prosper, even if natural-gas prices falter. CIMAREX ENERGY $54.13 (New York symbol XEC; SI Rating: Extra Risk) (303-295-3995; www.cimarex.com; Shares outstanding: 83.5 million; Market cap: $4.5 billion; Dividend yield: 0.4%) is an oil and gas explorer and producer that mainly operates in the U.S. Natural gas makes up 70% of its production. Cimarex has properties in western Oklahoma; Kansas; the upper Gulf Coast regions of Texas and southern Louisiana; the Permian Basin area of…