EnCana split should pay off

Article Excerpt

ENCANA CORP. $62 (Toronto symbol ECA; Shares outstanding: 750.2 million; Market cap: $46.5 billion; SI Rating: Average) has announced that it will split itself into two separate companies. One will keep the EnCana name, and will focus on unconventional natural gas. The other will operate as Cenovus Energy Inc., and will specialize in oil-sands projects, oil refineries and conventional natural gas. EnCana had hoped to complete the split in early 2009, but the stock-market decline and tight credit markets delayed the transaction. Shareholders will get one share of each new company. They will not have to pay capital-gains taxes until they sell their new shares. Initially, EnCana intends that the two companies’ combined dividends will equal its current annual dividend of $1.60 U.S. per share, for a 2.6% yield. EnCana aims to complete the split by the end of November. Low natural-gas and oil prices could make the two smaller companies attractive as takeover candidates. As well, breakups like this help unlock hidden value, and…