Will Penn West’s Cuts Drive Future Profits?

Penn West Exploration’s turnaround waltz continues.

The Motley Fool

Penn West Exploration (TSX:PWT,NYSE: PWE), one of Canada’s largest conventional oil producers, is cutting production guidance for 2014. It’s another step in the company’s plan to sell or shut in wells that aren’t producing profits. Because of this, the company expects to produce between 101,000 and 106,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, or BOE/d. That’s down from its earlier estimates of 105,000 to 110,000 BOE/d for 2014.

Asset exodus continues
Penn West has been shedding assets in an effort to boost sagging profits. Its latest move has the company entering into a $175 million production sharing agreement on some natural gas weighted properties that are currently producing 6,700 BOE/d. That’s just the first step in a plan that has the company looking to offload as much as $2 billion worth of assets it begins phase two of its divestiture strategy.

Coming up next, investors should expect to see the company sell its Peace River Oil Partnership in the oil sands, its natural gas heavy Cordova assets and its position in the emerging liquids-rich Duvernay. The asset that has the most intriguing potential is the Duvernay, which could fetch a nice sum for Penn West.

Producers like Encana (TSX:ECA)(NYSE:ECA) and Talisman Energy (TSX:TLM)(NYSE:TLM) see world class potential out of that play. Both companies are looking to sell assets elsewhere in order to invest in in the Duvernay to fuel growth. Penn West, on the other hand, has decided that its best course of action is to focus on conventional light oil assets like the Cardium and Viking, as that is where its expertise lies.

Focus on profits
In addition to selling assets to pay down debt, the company is also focusing on cutting its costs so that it can enhance profitability. That’s why we are seeing the company actually take a step back by shutting down unprofitable production. That move has Penn West shutting in 3,200 BOE/d of production in 2014 as it simply cannot make any money from these wells.

Penn West has made a lot of painful cuts over the past year as it slashed the dividend and its workforce as part of its efforts to turn things around. Over the long term these moves should eventually pay off, however, there is still a lot of uncertainty in the short term as the company still has a long way to go.

Foolish bottom line
Penn West continues to take one step forward and two steps back on its production as its sheds assets, while at the same time investing to grow in its new focus areas. Because of this, investors might want to continue to watch this one from the sidelines for a while.

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 Matt DiLallo does not own shares in any company mentioned here.

More on Investing

FREIGHT TRAIN
Investing

CNR Stock: Should You Buy Today?

Canadian National Railway has been hit in recent quarters, as economic growth has slowed, with CNR stock declining 10% in…

Read more »

Family relationship with bond and care
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: 3 Cheap Canadian Stocks for Retirees

These three Canadian stocks are super cheap for retirees looking for a great buy that will last the test of…

Read more »

calculate and analyze stock
Dividend Stocks

CPP Disability Benefits: Here’s How Much You Could Get

Not everybody can get CPP disability benefits. If you want some passive income, consider investing in Royal Bank of Canada…

Read more »

growing plant shoots on stacked coins
Dividend Stocks

Boosting Your Monthly Income: TSX Stocks That Deliver

Dividend investing can boost regular or active incomes, especially select TSX stocks that pay monthly dividends.

Read more »

consider the options
Tech Stocks

Better Buy (2024 Edition): Shopify or Nvidia Stock?

Shopify (TSX:SHOP) isn't the only red-hot tech stock in town that could add to recent gains.

Read more »

Bad apple with good apples
Investing

5 Stocks You Can Confidently Invest $500 in Right Now

These stocks could significantly grow your investment over the next decade.

Read more »

Illustration of bull and bear
Tech Stocks

A Bull Market Is Coming: 3 Growth Stocks That Could Thrive

Given their high growth prospects and cheaper valuation, these three growth stocks would be an excellent buy as the market…

Read more »

Golden crown on a red velvet background
Energy Stocks

Enbridge Stock: This Dividend Aristocrat Could Gain in 2024

Enbridge (TSX:ENB) stock is looking like a great buy as management expects it to grow in 2024.

Read more »