Encana provides interim update on strength of operations

June 10, 2019 CNW

Encana repurchased 10% of its outstanding shares year-to-date; Plans to commence additional buyback in July 2019
Recent strong well performance in STACK strengthens the Company’s second quarter 2019 production outlook
Company reiterates annual capital investment plan
Portfolio further refined through agreement to exit China
CALGARY, June 10, 2019 /CNW/ – Encana Corporation (NYSE, TSX: ECA) today provided an update on its share buyback program and disclosed its intention to execute a substantial issuer bid (SIB) to fulfill its previously announced 2019 share buyback. In addition, the Company signed an agreement to exit China, strengthened its production outlook for the second quarter of 2019 and reiterated its original capital investment plan.

Encana provides interim update on strength of operations (CNW Group/Encana Corporation)

Encana repurchases 10% of outstanding shares year-to-date; intends to commence additional buyback for up to $213 million to complete its previously announced $1.25 billion share buyback program

Since commencing its buyback program in March 2019, Encana has invested $1.037 billion to purchase approximately 149.4 million common shares, the maximum allowed by the Toronto Stock Exchange under the normal course issuer bid program, at an average price of $6.94 per share (all amounts stated in US dollars). Repurchases to date represent 10% of the Company’s outstanding public float. Encana intends to fulfill its initial pledge to repurchase $1.25 billion in 2019 through a Substantial Issuer Bid (“SIB”) to purchase for cancellation up to $213 million of additional common shares. The SIB is expected to commence in July 2019, subject to customary approvals. The repurchase price or price range will be determined at that time.

Doug Suttles, Encana President and CEO, said, “We see compelling value in Encana shares today and we intend to fulfill our commitment to return cash to shareholders through the SIB program. This is part of our sustainable business model which profitably grows liquids, generates free cash and returns significant cash to shareholders through dividends and opportunistic buybacks.”

In addition, the Company recently retired its $500 million 6.50% Senior Notes due May 2019 through the issuance of commercial paper at more attractive rates.

Encana continues to refine asset portfolio and reaches agreement to exit its China operations

Encana recently reached an agreement with its partner, the Chinese National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), to terminate its production sharing contract (PSC) with CNOOC, which covers offshore operations in China. The termination is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions and Encana expects to terminate the PSC and handover operation to CNOOC on July 31, 2019.

Second quarter production benefitting from strong new well performance

Total Company liquids production second quarter-to-date has averaged approximately 320 Mbbls/d, or about 10% higher than first quarter 2019 average proforma levels. Increased liquids volumes are being driven by strong oil and condensate volumes from Encana’s core growth assets in the Anadarko, Permian and Montney, which are expected to be up 13 – 15% over the first quarter of 2019. Despite severe weather incidents in each of these regions during the second quarter, production impact has been minimal.

Performance from recent wells in the Anadarko Basin has been strong and production is benefitting from Encana’s focus on the oil window in the core of its large, contiguous acreage position in STACK. Anadarko Basin production in the second quarter to date has averaged a record level of more than 160 MBOE/d, representing a double-digit increase over the first quarter of 2019. Importantly, oil and condensate production quarter-to-date has averaged about 60 Mbbls/d, an increase of nearly 20% from its first quarter proforma 2019 average. STACK proforma oil production quarter-to-date has averaged about 48 Mbbls/d, up more than 30% when compared to the first quarter of 2019.

“Since closing our Newfield acquisition in mid-February, we have driven a significant reduction in well costs and delivered strong performance from new wells in the STACK. We have pumped our high-intensity completion design on more than two dozen wells with development spacing of six to eight wells per section. Results from these wells have been very strong,” said Suttles. “When our industry-leading well costs are combined with our favorable royalty structure (<20%) and agreements to access preferred oil and gas markets, we can deliver strong and competitive returns in the STACK. We look forward to sharing our progress with shareholders with our second quarter results.”

When combining the record production levels in the Anadarko with strong quarter-over-quarter growth in the Permian and Montney, Encana expects that its second quarter 2019 proforma production will be 585 – 595 MBOE/d. Liquids production is expected to comprise about 54% of total production.

Full-year production and capital investment outlook reiterated

Encana today reiterated both its 2019 proforma capital investment and production outlooks. Capital investments are expected to be $2.7 – $2.9 billion. Full-year 2019 proforma production is expected to be within the Company’s original range of 560 – 600 MBOE/d, including the impact of the Company’s planned exit from China in the second half of 2019.

Suttles added, “We are delivering on our key objectives and expect to generate significant free cash this year even if recent oil prices are sustained through year-end. Our results are driven by profitable liquids growth, strong performance from new wells across the portfolio and our never-ending focus on costs and efficiencies. In addition, our risk management program is reducing the impact from recent oil price volatility.”

As of May 31, 2019, Encana has hedged approximately 128 Mbbls/d of expected oil and condensate production at an average price of $58.39 per barrel for the balance of 2019. The Company also has 951 MMcf/d of its expected remaining 2019 natural gas production hedged at an average price of $2.74 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf).