Three Safety-conscious Oil & Gas Trusts

Article Excerpt

These three trusts now trade at low multiples to cash flow based on the 12 months to September 30, 2008. However, oil and gas prices have fallen sharply since the end of the third quarter, which will cut their cash flow in the fourth quarter. This trend will likely continue into next year. Nevertheless, with their reasonable debt and low payout ratios, all three are well-positioned to withstand lower prices. ARC ENERGY TRUST $18.72 (Toronto symbol AET.UN; Shares outstanding: 215.3 million; Market cap: $4.0 billion; SI Rating: Speculative) produces oil and gas in western Canada. In the three months ended September 30, 2008, ARC’s revenue rose 61.8%, to $485.7 million from $300.2 million. Cash flow per unit rose 36.5%, to $1.16 from $0.85. The rise in cash flow came largely from higher oil and natural gas prices. ARC’s average daily production of 64,325 barrels of oil per day equivalent is weighted 50% toward oil and 50% natural gas. ARC’s debt remains low, at…