Gains ahead for these energy stocks

Article Excerpt

Dear client, We recommend that most investors maintain some exposure to the Resources sector as part of a well-balanced portfolio. To further cut your risk, you should focus on well-established producers with high-quality reserves such as Encana and Cenovus. In response to the big drop in oil prices—from a high of $110 U.S. in 2014 to a low of $30 U.S. in 2016—both companies aggressively cut their costs. The improvements continue to spur their earnings, especially given OPEC’s decision to cap its production. That move has lifted oil prices to around $50 U.S. Improved efficiency at Encana and Cenovus will also help them stay profitable despite cyclical oil prices. ENCANA CORP. $14 (Toronto symbol ECA; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Resources sector; Shares outstanding: 973.0 million; Market cap: $13.6 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 4.3; Dividend yield: 0.6%; TSINetwork Rating: Average; www.encana.com) has narrowed its focus in the past few years to four key properties: Montney (B.C.), Duvernay (Alberta), and Eagle Ford and Permian (both in Texas)…