EnCana Gains From Oil Sands

Article Excerpt

ENCANA $77 (Toronto symbol ECA; SI Rating: Average) continues to hit all-time highs as it enjoys the benefits of its oil sands joint venture with U.S.-based oil producer ConocoPhillips, as well as increased oil and gas production. In the three months ended December 31, 2007, earnings per share rose 65.4%, to $1.34 from $0.81 a year earlier (all figures except share price in U.S. dollars). Cash flow per share grew 17.4%, to $2.56 from $2.18. Revenue rose 57.8%, to $5.8 billion from $3.7 billion. EnCana has doubled its quarterly dividend, from $0.20 U.S. a share to $0.40 U.S. The new annual rate of $1.60 U.S. yields 2.1%. EnCana is a buy. buy…