Apache can profit from low oil prices

Article Excerpt

APACHE CORP. $74 (New York symbol APA; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Resources sector; Shares outstanding: 334.7 million; Market cap: $24.8 billion; WSSF Rating: Average) has significant offshore operations in the Gulf of Mexico. These platforms cost more to operate than land-based wells. Lost production due to hurricanes also adds risk. Still, Apache’s per-share earnings before one-time items rose 47.0% in the third quarter of 2008, to $3.19 from $2.17 a year earlier, thanks to higher oil and natural gas prices. Revenue grew 34.3%, to $3.4 billion from $2.5 billion. Apache uses acquisitions to replenish its reserves. It holds cash of $1.6 billion or $4.90 a share, and lower oil prices should make purchases more affordable. As well, long-term debt of $3.9 billion is equal to about six months’ cash flow. However, falling energy prices could offset the benefits of any extra production. Apache is still a hold. hold…