Canadian Natural Gas Stocks Like Encana Corp. (TSX:ECA) Will Soar if This Happens

Encana Corporation (TSX:ECA)(NYSE:ECA) and Peyto Exploration and Deveopment Corp. (TSX:PEY) remain good bets for the contrarian investor looking for explosive upside.

| More on:

After years of talks, of almost happening, then being put on hold indefinitely, LNG Canada finally announced the approval of its mega LNG project last year.

The approval will ultimately open the natural gas market for Canadian natural gas producers to reach international markets.

While this is a great first step, it is not enough, as a new consortium of natural gas producers knows.

This consortium, which consists of 10 producers, including Peyto Exploration and Development (TSX:PEY), produces approximately 20% of Canada’s natural gas and is tired of waiting for the government and for the foreign major energy players to make bolder moves into LNG.

The consortium is therefore taking action. The producers have joined forces and are aggressively attempting to bring LNG projects back to life.

Ultimately, if more LNG projects are built in Canada, the opening of this industry will drive Canadian natural gas prices significantly higher.

Here are three of the natural gas stocks that contrarian investors may want to consider establishing positions in today while they are so cheap.

Encana (TSX:ECA)(NYSE:ECA)

With 55% of its production being natural gas, Encana has the benefit of having leverage to natural gas while also benefitting from strong oil prices today.

The stock has enjoyed a resurgence from its 2018 lows (+38%), as the company has a lot of room for cost cutting. Its top-tier North American resource plays, such as the Duvernay, the Permian, and Montney, position it really well going forward.

Peyto Exploration and Development

Since 2010, Peyto’s production has increased from roughly 20,000 boe per day to almost 120,000 boe per day.

And although production is set to decline in 2019 due to reduced spending, the company expects to increase production thereafter as a result of its increasing focus on higher-margin liquids production.

In 2019, cash flows should look better, as 20% of volumes will be exposed to U.S. natural gas pricing and as the company has shifted drilling focus to liquids.

Peyto stock still pays a 3.24% dividend yield and stands to benefit greatly from future LNG plants.

Nuvista Energy (TSX:NVA)

Nuvista stock has gotten crushed since its highs of last year, losing half of its value. And with a 60% natural gas weighting, we can easily see why.

And while Nuvista is certainly a contrarian stock in an industry that is at cyclical lows, it is trading at value prices and has massive upside when the cycle turns.

Fundamentally, the company is on a roll, and its exposure to the very prolific Montney resource play is expected to continue to drive strong results pay off in the next few years. We can expect strong production growth of almost 20% this year, and the company is achieving a more than 30% growth in cash flow per share.

In conclusion

The Canadian natural gas industry is certainly facing a do-or-die situation. Although it hasn’t gotten as much attention as the Canadian oil industry, it is just as bad.

I’m betting that the Canadian government and Canadian natural gas producers will increasingly take action to prevent the death of this industry, and as we continue to see glimmers of this, natural gas stocks will increasingly reflect the good news.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Karen Thomas owns shares of ENCANA CORP., NUVISTA ENERGY LTD., and PEYTO EXPLORATION AND DVLPMNT CORP.

More on Dividend Stocks

Canadian Dollars bills
Dividend Stocks

3 Monthly-Paying Dividend Stocks to Boost Your Passive Income

Given their healthy cash flows and high yields, these three monthly-paying dividend stocks could boost your passive income.

Read more »

Make a choice, path to success, sign
Dividend Stocks

The TFSA Blueprint to Generate $3,695.48 in Yearly Passive Income

The blueprint to generate yearly passive income in a TFSA is to maximize the contribution limits.

Read more »

hand stacks coins
Dividend Stocks

3 Ultra-High-Yield Dividend Stocks You Can Buy and Hold for a Decade

These three high-yield dividend stocks still have some work to do, but each are in steady areas that are only…

Read more »

senior man and woman stretch their legs on yoga mats outside
Dividend Stocks

TFSA: 2 Canadian Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever

Here are 2 TFSA-worthy Canadian stocks. Which one is a good buy for your TFSA today?

Read more »

calculate and analyze stock
Dividend Stocks

This 5.5% Dividend Stock Pays Cash Every Single Month!

This REIT may offer monthly dividends, but don't forget about the potential returns in the growth industry its involved with.

Read more »

Silver coins fall into a piggy bank.
Dividend Stocks

How to Use Your TFSA to Earn up to $6,000 Per Year in Tax-Free Passive Income

A high return doesn't mean you have to make a high investment -- or a risky one -- especially with…

Read more »

path road success business
Dividend Stocks

2 High-Yield Dividend Stocks to Buy Hand Over Fist and 1 to Avoid

High yields are great and all, but only if returns come with them. And while two of these might, another…

Read more »

Man holds Canadian dollars in differing amounts
Dividend Stocks

This 7% Dividend Stock Pays Cash Every Month

A high dividend yield isn't everything. But when it pays out each month and offers this stability, it's worth considering!

Read more »