CANADA: Blackmont Analyst Bullish on Nexen and EnCana Before Earnings Thursday

by FP Trading Desk
Both EnCana Corp. (ECA) and Nexen Inc. (NXY) report fourth quarter results before markets open on Thursday. While Nexen shares have risen dramatically in recent weeks on rumors that the oil and gas producer is a takeover candidate, EnCana could post the largest annual profit in Canada’s history.

Blackmont Capital analyst Menno Helshof is optimistic and has a “buy” rating on both companies, expecting to see a 5% production increase from Nexen in the quarter.

However, he thinks lower oil prices will lead to a decline in both earnings and cash flow per share. He has a C$71 price target on Nexen shares, which closed at C$69.45 in Toronto on Friday.

Mr. Helshof also expects higher production numbers from EnCana, and is bullish on the stock with a US$57 price target, representing upside of 17%.



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