Independent energy explorer Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (CNQ) has agreed to acquire certain liquids-rich natural gas properties in western Canada from Oklahoma City-based Devon Energy Corp. (DVN) for C$3.125 billion ($2.86 billion) in cash.
The market reacted positively to the news, which was announced before market hours on Wednesday, Feb 19. Shares of Canadian Natural ended at $36.69 on that day – up 2.6% from Tuesday’s close.
The to-be-bought assets – adjacent to Canadian Natural’s existing fields in the region – hold an estimated 272.2 million oil-equivalent barrels (MMBOE) in proved reserves (70% gas) and will add 86,633 BOE to the nation’s largest heavy oil outfit’s daily production. Other constituents of the deal include 2.2 million acres of undeveloped land, 2.7 million acres of royalty lands, six natural gas plants and added infrastructure
The potential acquisition – which is likely to be sealed by Apr 1 subject to customary closing conditions – is expected to be immediately accretive to Calgary, Alberta-based Canadian Natural’s production, cash flows and profits. Importantly, the addition of the acreage and infrastructure will boost growth prospects of the company in its core areas, with possibility to further enhance value in the future.
Canadian Natural is engaged in the acquisition, development and exploration of crude oil and natural gas properties. It is one of the largest independent exploration and production companies in Canada, with extensive heavy crude oil and natural gas developments.
The company’s large, diversified oil and gas asset bases, together with international exposure and a well-balanced blend of conventional and unconventional prospects, provides a buffer against sectoral uncertainties.
Canadian Natural currently retains a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), implying that it is expected perform in line with the broader U.S. equity market over the next one to three months.
However, some better-ranked Canadian upstream energy stocks include Crescent Point Energy Corp. (CPG) and Bellatrix Exploration Ltd. (BXE). Both these entities – sporting a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) – have solid secular growth stories with potential to rise from current levels.
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