U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K

Report of Foreign Private Issuer

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For May 14, 2015 Commission File Number:  1-15226

 

 

 

ENCANA CORPORATION

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

Suite 4400, 500 Centre Street SE

PO Box 2850

Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 2S5

(Address of principal executive office)

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:

Form 20-F            Form 40-F ü 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):           

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):           

Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2 to this report, furnished on Form 6-K, shall be incorporated by reference into or as an exhibit to, as applicable, each of the registrant’s Registration Statements under the Securities Act of 1933: Form F-3 (File No. 333-187492), Form S-8 (File Nos. 333-124218, 333-85598, 333-140856 and 333-188758) and Form F-10 (File No. 333-196927).


DOCUMENTS FILED AS PART OF THIS FORM 6-K

See the Exhibit Index to this Form 6-K.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date: May 14, 2015

 

    ENCANA CORPORATION

(Registrant)

By:

    /s/             Jocelyn S. Salazar 

        Name: Jocelyn S. Salazar
        Title:   Assistant Corporate Secretary


Form 6-K Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit No. The following documents have been filed with Canadian securities commissions:
99.1 Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the period ended March 31, 2015.
99.2 Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the period ended March 31, 2015.
99.3 Supplemental Financial Information (unaudited) Exhibit to the March 31, 2015 Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements “Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratios”.
99.4 Certificate, dated May 13, 2015, of Douglas J. Suttles, President & Chief Executive Officer, regarding the “Certification of Interim Filings” pursuant to Form 52-109F2.
99.5 Certificate, dated May 13, 2015, of Sherri A. Brillon, Executive Vice-President & Chief Financial Officer, regarding the “Certification of Interim Filings” pursuant to Form 52-109F2.


LOGO

 

Encana Corporation

Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

For the period ended March 31, 2015

(U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


First quarter report

for the period ended March 31, 2015

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings (unaudited)

 

                                                                          
          

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 
($ millions, except per share amounts)           2015     2014  
 

Revenues, Net of Royalties

     (Note 3   $ 1,249      $ 1,892   
 

Expenses

     (Note 3      
 

Production and mineral taxes

       19        47   
 

Transportation and processing

       340        379   
 

Operating

       189        189   
 

Purchased product

       121        228   
 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

       466        418   
 

Impairments

     (Note 9     1,916        -   
 

Accretion of asset retirement obligation

     (Note 12     12        13   
 

Administrative

     (Note 16     72        102   
 

Interest

     (Note 6     125        147   
 

Foreign exchange (gain) loss, net

     (Note 7     656        224   
 

(Gain) loss on divestitures

     (Note 5     (14     1   
 

Other

             1        -   
 
               3,903        1,748   
 

Net Earnings (Loss) Before Income Tax

       (2,654     144   
 

Income tax expense (recovery)

     (Note 8     (947     28   
 

Net Earnings (Loss)

           $ (1,707   $ 116   
 

Net Earnings (Loss) per Common Share

        
 

Basic & Diluted

     (Note 13   $ (2.25   $ 0.16   

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (unaudited)

 

                                                                          
           Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
($ millions)     2015     2014  
 

Net Earnings (Loss)

  

  $ (1,707   $ 116   

Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax

        
 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     (Note 14     478        24   
 

Pension and other post-employment benefit plans

     (Notes 14,18     1        -   
 

Other Comprehensive Income

  

    479        24   
 

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

  

  $ (1,228   $ 140   

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

    Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Encana Corporation   1   Prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP in US$


First quarter report

for the period ended March 31, 2015

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (unaudited)

 

                                                                          
($ millions)           As at
March 31,
2015
    As at
December 31,
2014
 
 

Assets

        
 

Current Assets

        
 

Cash and cash equivalents

     $ 2,030      $ 338   
 

Accounts receivable and accrued revenues

       940        1,307   
 

Risk management

     (Note 20     607        707   
 

Income tax receivable

       384        509   
 

Deferred income taxes

             101        -   
       4,062        2,861   
 

Property, Plant and Equipment, at cost:

     (Note 9      
 

Natural gas and oil properties, based on full cost accounting

        
 

Proved properties

       41,086        42,615   
 

Unproved properties

       5,984        6,133   
 

Other

             2,446        2,711   

Property, plant and equipment

       49,516        51,459   
 

Less: Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization

             (34,354     (33,444
 

Property, plant and equipment, net

     (Note 3     15,162        18,015   
 

Cash in Reserve

       44        73   
 

Other Assets

       356        394   
 

Risk Management

     (Note 20     13        65   
 

Deferred Income Taxes

       349        296   
 

Goodwill

     (Notes 3, 4     2,850        2,917   
 
       (Note 3 )   $ 22,836      $ 24,621   
 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

        
 

Current Liabilities

        
 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     $ 1,903      $ 2,243   
 

Income tax payable

       16        15   
 

Risk management

     (Note 20     13        20   
 

Current portion of long-term debt

     (Note 10     1,291        -   
 

Deferred income taxes

             91        128   
       3,314        2,406   
 

Long-Term Debt

     (Note 10     5,925        7,340   
 

Other Liabilities and Provisions

     (Note 11     2,225        2,484   
 

Risk Management

     (Note 20     12        7   
 

Asset Retirement Obligation

     (Note 12     773        870   
 

Deferred Income Taxes

             1,070        1,829   
 
               13,319        14,936   
 

Commitments and Contingencies

     (Note 21      
 

Shareholders’ Equity

        
 

Share capital - authorized unlimited common shares, without par value

        
 

    2015 issued and outstanding: 840.9 million shares (2014: 741.2 million shares)

     (Note 13     3,562        2,450   
 

Paid in surplus

     (Note 17     1,358        1,358   
 

Retained earnings

       3,429        5,188   
 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     (Note 14     1,168        689   
 

Total Shareholders’ Equity

             9,517        9,685   
 
             $ 22,836      $ 24,621   

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

    Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Encana Corporation   2   Prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP in US$


First quarter report

for the period ended March 31, 2015

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (unaudited)

 

 

                                                                                                                 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2015

($ millions)

          Share
Capital
    

Paid in

Surplus

   

Retained

Earnings

    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
     Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 

Balance, December 31, 2014

     $ 2,450       $ 1,358      $ 5,188      $ 689       $ 9,685   

Net Earnings (Loss)

       -         -        (1,707     -         (1,707

Dividends on Common Shares

     (Note 13     -         -        (52     -         (52

Common Shares Issued

     (Note 13     1,098         -        -        -         1,098   

Common Shares Issued Under Dividend Reinvestment Plan

     (Note 13     14         -        -        -         14   

Other Comprehensive Income

     (Note 14     -         -        -        479         479   

Balance, March 31, 2015

           $ 3,562       $ 1,358      $ 3,429      $ 1,168       $ 9,517   

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014

($ millions)

          Share
Capital
     Paid in
Surplus
    Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
     Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 

Balance, December 31, 2013

     $ 2,445       $ 15      $ 2,003      $ 684       $ 5,147   

Share-Based Compensation

     (Note 17     -         (2     -        -         (2

Net Earnings

       -         -        116        -         116   

Dividends on Common Shares

     (Note 13     -         -        (52     -         (52

Common Shares Issued Under Dividend Reinvestment Plan

     (Note 13     1         -        -        -         1   

Other Comprehensive Income

     (Note 14     -         -        -        24         24   

Balance, March 31, 2014

           $ 2,446       $ 13      $ 2,067      $ 708       $ 5,234   

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

    Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Encana Corporation   3   Prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP in US$


First quarter report

for the period ended March 31, 2015

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (unaudited)

 

 

                                                                          
           Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
($ millions)           2015     2014  
 

Operating Activities

        
 

Net earnings (loss)

     $ (1,707   $ 116   
 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

       466        418   
 

Impairments

     (Note 9     1,916        -   
 

Accretion of asset retirement obligation

     (Note 12     12        13   
 

Deferred income taxes

     (Note 8     (963     12   
 

Unrealized (gain) loss on risk management

     (Note 20     136        285   
 

Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss

     (Note 7     559        197   
 

(Gain) loss on divestitures

     (Note 5     (14     1   
 

Other

       90        52   
 

Net change in other assets and liabilities

       (7     (9
 

Net change in non-cash working capital

             (6     (142
 

Cash From (Used in) Operating Activities

             482        943   
 

Investing Activities

        
 

Capital expenditures

     (Note 3     (736     (511
 

Acquisitions

     (Note 5     (35     (23
 

Proceeds from divestitures

     (Note 5     873        47   
 

Cash in reserve

       29        3   
 

Net change in investments and other

             137        38   
 

Cash From (Used in) Investing Activities

             268        (446
 

Financing Activities

        
 

Net issuance (repayment) of revolving long-term debt

       (66     -   
 

Repayment of long-term debt

     (Note 10     -        (770
 

Issuance of common shares

     (Note 13     1,088        -   
 

Dividends on common shares

     (Note 13     (38     (51
 

Capital lease payments and other financing arrangements

     (Note 11     (16     (24
 

Cash From (Used in) Financing Activities

             968        (845
 

Foreign Exchange Gain (Loss) on Cash and Cash Equivalents Held in Foreign Currency

             (26     (56

Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

       1,692        (404
 

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period

             338        2,566   
 

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period

           $ 2,030      $ 2,162   
 

Cash, End of Period

     $ 202      $ 208   
 

Cash Equivalents, End of Period

             1,828        1,954   
 

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period

           $ 2,030      $ 2,162   

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

    Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Encana Corporation   4   Prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP in US$


First quarter report

for the period ended March 31, 2015

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

(All amounts in $ millions unless otherwise specified)

 

1. Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

Encana Corporation and its subsidiaries (“Encana” or “the Company”) are in the business of the exploration for, the development of, and the production and marketing of natural gas, oil and natural gas liquids (“NGLs”). The term liquids is used to represent Encana’s oil, NGLs and condensate.

The interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Encana and are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”).

The interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Encana and entities in which it holds a controlling interest. All intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated on consolidation. Undivided interests in natural gas and oil exploration and production joint ventures and partnerships are consolidated on a proportionate basis. Investments in non-controlled entities over which Encana has the ability to exercise significant influence are accounted for using the equity method.

The interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared following the same accounting policies and methods of computation as the annual audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2014, except as noted below in Note 2. The disclosures provided below are incremental to those included with the annual audited Consolidated Financial Statements. Certain information and disclosures normally required to be included in the notes to the annual audited Consolidated Financial Statements have been condensed or have been disclosed on an annual basis only. Accordingly, the interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the annual audited Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2014.

These unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect, in the opinion of Management, all normal and recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position and results of the Company as at and for the periods presented. Interim condensed consolidated financial results are not necessarily indicative of consolidated financial results expected for the fiscal year.

 

2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Changes in Accounting Policies and Practices

On January 1, 2015, Encana adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-08, “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity” as issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). The update amends the criteria and expands the disclosures for reporting discontinued operations. Under the new criteria, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations would qualify as a discontinued operation. The amendments have been applied prospectively and have not had a material impact on the Company’s interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Encana Corporation   5   Prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP in US$


First quarter report

for the period ended March 31, 2015

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

(All amounts in $ millions unless otherwise specified)

 

2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements (continued)

 

New Standards Issued Not Yet Adopted

As of January 1, 2016, Encana will be required to adopt the following pronouncements issued by the FASB:

 

 

ASU 2014-12, “Compensation - Stock Compensation: Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved After the Requisite Service Period”. The update requires that a performance target that affects vesting and could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. The amendments will be applied prospectively and are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

ASU 2015-02, “Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis”. The update requires limited partnerships and similar entities to be evaluated under the variable interest and voting interest models, eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, and simplify the identification of variable interests and related effect on the primary beneficiary criterion when fees are paid to a decision maker. The amendments can be applied using either a full retrospective approach or a modified retrospective approach at the date of adoption. Encana is currently assessing the potential impact of the amendments on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

ASU 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs”. The update requires debt issuance costs to be presented on the balance sheet as a deduction from the carrying amount of the related liability. Previously, debt issuance costs were presented as a deferred charge within assets. The amendments will be applied retrospectively. As at March 31, 2015, $43 million of debt issuance costs were presented in Other Assets on the Company’s interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet ($48 million as at December 31, 2014).

As of January 1, 2017, Encana will be required to adopt ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” under Topic 606, which was the result of a joint project by the FASB and International Accounting Standards Board. The new standard replaces Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition”, and other industry-specific guidance in the Accounting Standards Codification. The new standard is based on the principle that revenue is recognized on the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The standard can be applied using either the full retrospective approach or a modified retrospective approach at the date of adoption. Encana is currently assessing the potential impact of the standard on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

3. Segmented Information

Encana’s reportable segments are determined based on the Company’s operations and geographic locations as follows:

 

 

Canadian Operations includes the exploration for, development of, and production of natural gas, oil and NGLs and other related activities within the Canadian cost centre.

 

 

USA Operations includes the exploration for, development of, and production of natural gas, oil and NGLs and other related activities within the U.S. cost centre.

 

 

Market Optimization is primarily responsible for the sale of the Company’s proprietary production. These results are reported in the Canadian and USA Operations. Market optimization activities include third party purchases and sales of product to provide operational flexibility for transportation commitments, product type, delivery points and customer diversification. These activities are reflected in the Market Optimization segment. Market Optimization sells substantially all of the Company’s upstream production to third party customers. Transactions between segments are based on market values and are eliminated on consolidation.

Corporate and Other mainly includes unrealized gains or losses recorded on derivative financial instruments. Once the instruments are settled, the realized gains and losses are recorded in the reporting segment to which the derivative instruments relate.

 

    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Encana Corporation   6   Prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP in US$


First quarter report

for the period ended March 31, 2015

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

(All amounts in $ millions unless otherwise specified)

 

3. Segmented Information (continued)

 

Results of Operations (For the three months ended March 31)

Segment and Geographic Information

 

                                                                                                     
      Canadian Operations      USA Operations      Market Optimization  
      2015      2014      2015     2014      2015      2014  
   

Revenues, Net of Royalties

   $ 632       $ 1,193       $ 588      $ 713       $ 139       $ 244   
   

Expenses

                    
   

Production and mineral taxes

     -         5         19        42         -         -   
   

Transportation and processing

     177         215         155        163         -         -   
   

Operating

     42         92         125        74         16         13   
   

Purchased product

     -         -         -        -         121         228   
   
     413         881         289        434         2         3   
   

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     105         172         336        212         -         3   
   

Impairments

     -         -         1,916        -         -         -   
   
     $ 308       $ 709       $ (1,963   $ 222       $ 2       $ -   

 

                                                                   
      Corporate & Other     Consolidated  
      2015     2014     2015     2014  
 

Revenues, Net of Royalties

   $ (110   $ (258   $ 1,249      $ 1,892   
 

Expenses

          
 

Production and mineral taxes

     -        -        19        47   
 

Transportation and processing

     8        1        340        379   
 

Operating

     6        10        189        189   
 

Purchased product

     -        -        121        228   
 
     (124     (269     580        1,049   
 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     25        31        466        418   
 

Impairments

     -        -        1,916        -   
 
     $ (149   $ (300     (1,802     631   
 

Accretion of asset retirement obligation

           12        13   
 

Administrative

           72        102   
 

Interest

           125        147   
 

Foreign exchange (gain) loss, net

           656        224   
 

(Gain) loss on divestitures

           (14     1   
 

Other

                     1        -   
 
                       852        487   
 

Net Earnings (Loss) Before Income Tax

           (2,654     144   
 

Income tax expense (recovery)

                     (947     28   
 

Net Earnings (Loss)

                   $ (1,707   $ 116   

Intersegment Information

 

                                                                                                     
      Market Optimization  
      Marketing Sales      Upstream Eliminations     Total  
      2015      2014      2015     2014     2015      2014  
   

Revenues, Net of Royalties

   $ 1,165       $ 2,227       $ (1,026   $ (1,983   $ 139       $ 244   
   

Expenses

                   
   

Transportation and processing

     95         127         (95     (127     -         -   
   

Operating

     16         25         -        (12     16         13   
   

Purchased product

     1,052         2,070         (931     (1,842     121         228   
   

Operating Cash Flow

   $ 2       $ 5       $ -      $ (2   $ 2       $ 3   

 

    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Encana Corporation  

7

  Prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP in US$


First quarter report

for the period ended March 31, 2015

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

(All amounts in $ millions unless otherwise specified)

 

3. Segmented Information (continued)

 

Capital Expenditures

 

                                 
     Three Months Ended  
     March 31,  
      2015      2014  
 

Canadian Operations

   $ 151       $ 281   
 

USA Operations

     583         226   
 

Market Optimization

     -         1   
 

Corporate & Other

     2         3   
 
     $ 736       $ 511   

Goodwill, Property, Plant and Equipment and Total Assets by Segment

 

                                                                                                     
    Goodwill     Property, Plant and Equipment     Total Assets  
    As at     As at     As at  
     March 31,
2015
    December 31,
2014
    March 31,
2015
    December 31,
2014
    March 31,
2015
    December 31,
2014
 
   

Canadian Operations

  $ 721      $ 788      $ 1,304      $ 2,338      $ 2,447      $ 3,632   
   

USA Operations

    2,129        2,129        12,166        13,817        14,779        16,800   
   

Market Optimization

    -        -        1        1        73        181   
   

Corporate & Other

    -        -        1,691        1,859        5,537        4,008   
   
    $ 2,850      $ 2,917      $ 15,162      $ 18,015      $ 22,836      $ 24,621   

 

4. Business Combinations

Eagle Ford Acquisition

On June 20, 2014, Encana completed the acquisition of properties located in the Eagle Ford shale formation for approximately $2.9 billion, after closing adjustments. The acquisition included an interest in certain producing properties and undeveloped lands in the Karnes, Wilson and Atascosa counties of south Texas. Encana funded the acquisition with cash on hand. Transaction costs of approximately $9 million were included in other expenses.

Athlon Energy Inc. Acquisition

On November 13, 2014, Encana completed the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Athlon Energy Inc. (“Athlon”) for $5.93 billion, or $58.50 per share. In addition, Encana assumed Athlon’s $1.15 billion senior notes and repaid and terminated Athlon’s credit facility with indebtedness outstanding of $335 million. Encana funded the acquisition of Athlon with cash on hand. Transaction costs of approximately $31 million were included in other expenses. Following completion of the acquisition, Athlon’s $1.15 billion senior notes were redeemed in accordance with the provisions of the governing indentures. Athlon’s operations focused on the acquisition and development of oil and gas properties located in the Permian Basin in Texas.

 

    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Encana Corporation   8   Prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP in US$


First quarter report

for the period ended March 31, 2015

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

(All amounts in $ millions unless otherwise specified)

 

4. Business Combinations (continued)

 

Purchase Price Allocations

The transactions were accounted for under the acquisition method, which requires that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their fair values as of the acquisition date. The purchase price allocations, representing consideration paid and the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date, are shown in the table below.

 

                                                 
Purchase Price Allocation    Eagle Ford (1)     Athlon (2, 3)  
 

Assets Acquired:

      

Cash

   $ -      $ 2   

Accounts receivable and other current assets

     4        133   

Risk management

     -        80   

Proved properties

     2,873        2,124   

Unproved properties

     78        5,338   

Other property, plant and equipment

     -        2   

Other assets

     -        2   

Goodwill

     -        1,724   

Liabilities Assumed:

      

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     -        (195

Long-term debt, including revolving credit facility

     -        (1,497

Asset retirement obligation

     (32     (25

Deferred income taxes

     -        (1,724
 

Total Purchase Price

   $ 2,923      $ 5,964   

 

(1) 

The purchase price allocation for Eagle Ford is finalized.

(2) 

The purchase price allocation for Athlon is preliminary. There were no changes during the first quarter of 2015.

(3) 

The purchase price includes cash consideration paid for issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Athlon of $58.50 per share totaling $5.93 billion, as well as payments to terminate certain employment agreements with Athlon’s management and payments for certain other existing obligations of Athlon.

The Company used the income approach valuation technique for the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The carrying amounts of cash, accounts receivable and other current assets, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair values due to the short-term maturity of the instruments. The fair values of the risk management assets and long-term debt, including the revolving credit facility, are categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and were determined using quoted prices and rates from an available pricing source. The fair values of the proved and unproved properties, other property, plant and equipment, other assets, goodwill, and asset retirement obligation are categorized within Level 3 and were determined using relevant market assumptions, including discount rates, future commodity prices and costs, timing of development activities, projections of oil and gas reserves, and estimates to abandon and reclaim producing wells.

Goodwill arose from the Athlon acquisition primarily from the requirement to recognize deferred taxes on the difference between the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the respective carry-over tax basis. Goodwill is not amortized and is not deductible for tax purposes.

 

    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Encana Corporation   9   Prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP in US$


First quarter report

for the period ended March 31, 2015

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

(All amounts in $ millions unless otherwise specified)

 

4. Business Combinations (continued)

 

Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information

The following unaudited pro forma financial information combines the historical financial results of Encana with Eagle Ford and Athlon, and has been prepared assuming the acquisitions occurred on January 1, 2014. The pro forma information is not intended to reflect the actual results of operations that would have occurred if the business combinations had been completed at the date indicated. In addition, the pro forma information does not project Encana’s results of operations for any future period. The Company’s consolidated results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 include the results from Eagle Ford and Athlon.

 

                                                 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 ($ millions, except per share amounts)    Eagle Ford      Athlon  
 

Revenues, Net of Royalties

   $ 2,276       $ 1,987   

Net Earnings

   $ 268       $ 118   
 

Net Earnings per Common Share

       

Basic & Diluted

   $ 0.36       $ 0.16   

 

5. Acquisitions and Divestitures

 

                                                 
    

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 
      2015     2014  
 

Acquisitions

      

Canadian Operations

   $ -      $ 2   

USA Operations

     1        21   

Corporate & Other

     34        -   

Total Acquisitions

     35        23   
 

Divestitures

      

Canadian Operations

     (829     (32

USA Operations

     3        (14

Corporate & Other

     (47     (1

Total Divestitures

     (873     (47

Net Acquisitions & (Divestitures)

   $ (838   $ (24

Divestitures

For the three months ended March 31, 2015, divestitures in the Canadian Operations were $829 million (2014 - $32 million), which primarily included the sale of certain assets in Wheatland located in central and southern Alberta for proceeds of approximately C$558 million ($468 million), after closing adjustments and the sale of certain natural gas gathering and compression assets in the Montney area of northeastern British Columbia for proceeds of approximately C$455 million ($359 million) after closing adjustments. Amounts received from the divestiture transactions have been deducted from the Canadian full cost pool.

Corporate and Other acquisitions and divestitures include the purchase and subsequent sale of the Encana Place office building located in Calgary, which resulted in a gain on divestiture of approximately $12 million.

 

    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Encana Corporation   10   Prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP in US$


First quarter report

for the period ended March 31, 2015

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

(All amounts in $ millions unless otherwise specified)

 

6. Interest

 

                                                 
    

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 
      2015      2014  
 

Interest Expense on:

       

Debt

   $ 95       $ 112   

The Bow office building

     16         19   

Capital leases

     9         9   

Other

     5         7   
     $ 125       $ 147   

 

7. Foreign Exchange (Gain) Loss, Net

 

                                                 
    

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 
      2015     2014  
 

Unrealized Foreign Exchange (Gain) Loss on:

      

Translation of U.S. dollar debt issued from Canada

   $ 464      $ 204   

Translation of U.S. dollar risk management contracts issued from Canada  

     (35     (7

Translation of intercompany notes

     130        -   
     559        197   

Foreign Exchange on Intercompany Transactions

     (2     26   

Other Monetary Revaluations and Settlements

     99        1   
     $ 656      $ 224   

 

8. Income Taxes

 

                                                 
    

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 
      2015     2014  
 

Current Tax

      

Canada

   $ 13      $ 7   

United States

     1        3   

Other countries

     2        6   

Total Current Tax Expense

     16        16   
 

Deferred Tax

      

Canada

     (323     4   

United States

     (760     2   

Other countries

     120        6   

Total Deferred Tax Expense (Recovery)

     (963     12   
     $ (947   $ 28   

Encana’s interim income tax expense is determined using an estimated annual effective income tax rate applied to year-to-date net earnings before income tax plus the effect of legislative changes and amounts in respect of prior periods. The estimated annual effective income tax rate is impacted by the expected annual earnings, statutory rate and other foreign differences, non-taxable capital gains and losses, tax differences on divestitures and transactions and partnership tax allocations in excess of funding.

 

    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Encana Corporation   11   Prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP in US$


First quarter report

for the period ended March 31, 2015

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

(All amounts in $ millions unless otherwise specified)

 

9. Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

 

                                                                                                                             
     As at March 31, 2015      As at December 31, 2014  
      Cost     

Accumulated

DD&A (1)

    Net      Cost     

Accumulated

DD&A (1)

    Net  
 

Canadian Operations

                 

Proved properties

   $ 16,016       $ (15,257   $ 759       $ 18,271       $ (16,566   $ 1,705   

Unproved properties

     420         -        420         478         -        478   

Other

     125         -        125         155         -        155   
       16,561         (15,257     1,304         18,904         (16,566     2,338   
 

USA Operations

                 

Proved properties

     25,009         (18,508     6,501         24,279         (16,260     8,019   

Unproved properties

     5,564         -        5,564         5,655         -        5,655   

Other

     101         -        101         143         -        143   
       30,674         (18,508     12,166         30,077         (16,260     13,817   
 

Market Optimization

     7         (6     1         8         (7     1   

Corporate & Other

     2,274         (583     1,691         2,470         (611     1,859   
     $ 49,516       $ (34,354   $ 15,162       $ 51,459       $ (33,444   $ 18,015   

 

(1) 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization.

Canadian Operations and USA Operations property, plant and equipment include internal costs directly related to exploration, development and construction activities of $56 million which have been capitalized during the three months ended March 31, 2015 (2014 - $101 million). Included in Corporate and Other are $61 million ($65 million as at December 31, 2014) of international property costs, which have been fully impaired.

For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company recognized a ceiling test impairment of $1,916 million (2014 - nil) before tax in the U.S. cost centre, which is included within accumulated DD&A in the table above. The impairment resulted primarily from the decline in the 12-month average trailing commodity prices which reduced proved reserves volumes and values. There was no ceiling test impairment in the Canadian cost centre for the three months ended March 31, 2015 (2014 - nil).

The 12-month average trailing prices used in the ceiling test calculations were based on the benchmark prices below. The benchmark prices were adjusted for basis differentials to determine local reference prices, transportation costs and tariffs, heat content and quality.

 

                                                                                   
     Natural Gas      Oil & NGLs  
     

Henry Hub

($/MMBtu)

    

AECO

(C$/MMBtu)

    

WTI

($/bbl)

    

Edmonton

Light Sweet

(C$/bbl)

 

12-Month Average Trailing Reserves Pricing

             

March 31, 2015

     3.88         3.86         82.72         84.80   

December 31, 2014

     4.34         4.63         94.99         96.40   

March 31, 2014

     3.99         3.83         98.46         96.84   

Capital Lease Arrangements

The Company has several lease arrangements that are accounted for as capital leases, including an office building, equipment and an offshore production platform.

In December 2013, Encana commenced commercial operations at its Deep Panuke facility located offshore Nova Scotia at which time the Company recorded a capital lease asset and a corresponding capital lease obligation related to the Production Field Centre (“PFC”). Variable interests related to the PFC are described in Note 15.

As at March 31, 2015, the total carrying value of assets under capital lease was $464 million ($547 million as at December 31, 2014). Liabilities for the capital lease arrangements are included in other liabilities and provisions in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and are disclosed in Note 11.

 

    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Encana Corporation   12   Prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP in US$


First quarter report

for the period ended March 31, 2015

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

(All amounts in $ millions unless otherwise specified)

 

9. Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (continued)

 

Other Arrangement

As at March 31, 2015, Corporate and Other property, plant and equipment and total assets include a carrying value of $1,303 million ($1,431 million as at December 31, 2014) related to The Bow office building, which is under a 25-year lease agreement. The Bow asset is being depreciated over the 60-year estimated life of the building. At the conclusion of the 25-year term, the remaining asset and corresponding liability are expected to be derecognized as disclosed in Note 11.

 

10. Long-Term Debt

 

                                                                          
     

C$

Principal

Amount

    

As at

March 31,

2015

   

As at

December 31,

2014

 
 

Canadian Dollar Denominated Debt

         

5.80% due January 18, 2018

   $ 750       $ 591      $ 647   
 

U.S. Dollar Denominated Debt

         

Revolving credit and term loan borrowings

        1,211        1,277   

U.S. Unsecured Notes

         

5.90% due December 1, 2017

        700        700   

6.50% due May 15, 2019

        500        500   

3.90% due November 15, 2021

        600        600   

8.125% due September 15, 2030

        300        300   

7.20% due November 1, 2031

        350        350   

7.375% due November 1, 2031

        500        500   

6.50% due August 15, 2034

        750        750   

6.625% due August 15, 2037

        500        500   

6.50% due February 1, 2038

        800        800   

5.15% due November 15, 2041

              400        400   
                6,611        6,677   

Total Principal

        7,202        7,324   
 

Increase in Value of Debt Acquired

        30        34   

Debt Discounts

        (16     (18

Current Portion of Long-Term Debt

              (1,291     -   
              $ 5,925      $ 7,340   

Long-term debt is accounted for at amortized cost using the effective interest method of amortization. As at March 31, 2015, total long-term debt had a carrying value of $7,216 million and a fair value of $8,048 million (as at December 31, 2014 - carrying value of $7,340 million and a fair value of $7,788 million). The estimated fair value of long-term borrowings is categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and has been determined based on market information, or by discounting future payments of interest and principal at interest rates expected to be available to the Company at period end.

On March 5, 2015, Encana provided notice to note holders that it would redeem the Company’s $700 million 5.90 percent notes due December 1, 2017 and C$750 million 5.80 percent medium-term notes due January 18, 2018. Accordingly, these notes are presented within the current portion of long-term debt on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as at March 31, 2015. On April 6, 2015, the Company used net proceeds from the common shares issued, as disclosed in Note 13, and cash on hand to complete the note redemptions.

On February 28, 2014, Encana announced a cash tender offer and consent solicitation for any and all of the Company’s outstanding $1,000 million 5.80 percent notes with a maturity date of May 1, 2014. The Company paid $1,004.59 for each $1,000 principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but not including, the settlement date and a consent payment equal to $2.50 per $1,000 principal amount of the notes.

On March 28, 2014, the tender offer and consent solicitation expired and on March 31, 2014, Encana paid the consenting note holders an aggregate of approximately $792 million in cash reflecting a $768 million principal debt repayment, $2 million for the consent payment and $22 million of accrued and unpaid interest.

 

    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Encana Corporation   13   Prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP in US$


First quarter report

for the period ended March 31, 2015

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

(All amounts in $ millions unless otherwise specified)

 

11. Other Liabilities and Provisions

 

                                             
     

As at

March 31,

2015

    

As at

December 31,

2014

 
 

The Bow Office Building (See Note 9)

   $ 1,358       $ 1,486   

Capital Lease Obligations (See Note 9)

     424         473   

Unrecognized Tax Benefits

     238         279   

Pensions and Other Post-Employment Benefits

     147         144   

Long-Term Incentives (See Note 17)

     21         70   

Other

     37         32   
     $ 2,225       $ 2,484   

The Bow Office Building

As described in Note 9, Encana has recognized the accumulated costs for The Bow office building, which is under a 25-year lease agreement. At the conclusion of the 25-year term, the remaining asset and corresponding liability are expected to be derecognized. Encana has also subleased part of The Bow office space to a subsidiary of Cenovus Energy Inc. (“Cenovus”). The total undiscounted future payments related to the lease agreement and the total undiscounted future amounts expected to be recovered from the Cenovus sublease are outlined below.

 

                                                                                                        
(undiscounted)    2015     2016     2017     2018     2019         Thereafter               Total  

Expected Future Lease Payments

   $ 55      $ 74      $ 75      $ 75      $ 76      $ 1,511      $ 1,866   

Sublease Recoveries

   $ (27   $ (36   $ (37   $ (37   $ (37   $ (743   $ (917

Capital Lease Obligations

As described in Note 9, the Company has several lease arrangements that are accounted for as capital leases, including an office building, equipment and an offshore production platform. Variable interests related to the PFC are described in Note 15.

The total expected future lease payments related to the Company’s capital lease obligations are outlined below.

 

                                                                                                        
      2015      2016      2017      2018      2019          Thereafter                Total  

Expected Future Lease Payments

   $ 74       $ 98       $ 99       $ 99       $ 99       $ 232       $ 701   

Less Amounts Representing Interest

     31         41         37         33         29         50         221   

Present Value of Expected Future Lease Payments

   $ 43       $ 57       $ 62       $ 66       $ 70       $ 182       $ 480   

 

    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Encana Corporation   14   Prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP in US$


First quarter report

for the period ended March 31, 2015

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

(All amounts in $ millions unless otherwise specified)

 

12. Asset Retirement Obligation

 

                                         
     

As at

March 31,

2015

   

As at

December 31,

2014

 
 

Asset Retirement Obligation, Beginning of Year

   $ 913      $ 966   

Liabilities Incurred and Acquired (See Note 4)

     9        85   

Liabilities Settled and Divested

     (86     (188

Change in Estimated Future Cash Outflows

     -        35   

Accretion Expense

     12        52   

Foreign Currency Translation

     (34     (37

Asset Retirement Obligation, End of Period

   $ 814      $ 913   
 

Current Portion

   $ 41      $ 43   

Long-Term Portion

     773        870   
     $ 814      $ 913   

 

13. Share Capital

Authorized

The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of no par value common shares, an unlimited number of first preferred shares and an unlimited number of second preferred shares.

Issued and Outstanding

 

                                                                                   
    

As at

March 31, 2015

    

As at

December 31, 2014

 
     

Number

(millions)

     Amount     

Number

(millions)

     Amount  
 

Common Shares Outstanding, Beginning of Year

     741.2       $ 2,450         740.9       $ 2,445   

Common Shares Issued

     98.4         1,098         -         -   

Common Shares Issued Under Dividend Reinvestment Plan

     1.3         14         0.3         5   

Common Shares Outstanding, End of Period

     840.9       $ 3,562         741.2       $ 2,450   

On March 5, 2015, Encana filed a prospectus supplement (the “Share Offering”) to the Company’s base shelf prospectus for the issuance of 85,616,500 common shares and granted an over-allotment option for up to an additional 12,842,475 common shares at a price of C$14.60 per common share, pursuant to an underwriting agreement. The aggregate gross proceeds from the Share Offering were approximately C$1.44 billion ($1.13 billion). After deducting underwriter’s fees and costs of the Share Offering, the net proceeds received were approximately C$1.39 billion ($1.09 billion).

During the three months ended March 31, 2015, Encana issued 1,267,680 common shares totaling $14 million under the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan (“DRIP”). During the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, Encana issued 240,839 common shares totaling $5 million under the DRIP.

Dividends

During the three months ended March 31, 2015, Encana paid dividends of $0.07 per common share totaling $52 million (2014 - $0.07 per common share totaling $52 million). Common shares issued as part of the Share Offering as described above were not eligible to receive the dividend paid on March 31, 2015.

For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the dividends paid included $14 million in common shares which were issued in lieu of cash dividends under the DRIP (2014 - $1 million).

 

    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Encana Corporation   15   Prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP in US$


First quarter report

for the period ended March 31, 2015

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

(All amounts in $ millions unless otherwise specified)

 

13. Share Capital (continued)

 

Earnings Per Common Share

The following table presents the computation of net earnings per common share:

 

                                                 
     Three Months Ended  
     March 31,  
(millions, except per share amounts)    2015     2014  
 

Net Earnings (Loss)

   $ (1,707   $ 116   
 

Number of Common Shares:

      
 

Weighted average common shares outstanding - Basic

     757.8        741.0   

Effect of dilutive securities

     -        -   

Weighted average common shares outstanding - Diluted

     757.8        741.0   
 

Net Earnings (Loss) per Common Share

      

Basic

   $ (2.25   $ 0.16   

Diluted

   $ (2.25   $ 0.16   

Encana Stock Option Plan

Encana has share-based compensation plans that allow employees to purchase common shares of the Company. Option exercise prices are not less than the market value of the common shares on the date the options are granted. All options outstanding as at March 31, 2015 have associated Tandem Stock Appreciation Rights (“TSARs”) attached. In lieu of exercising the option, the associated TSARs give the option holder the right to receive a cash payment equal to the excess of the market price of Encana’s common shares at the time of the exercise over the original grant price.

In addition, certain stock options granted are performance-based whereby vesting is also subject to Encana attaining prescribed performance relative to predetermined key measures. Historically, most holders of options with TSARs have elected to exercise their stock options as a Stock Appreciation Right (“SAR”) in exchange for a cash payment. As a result, Encana does not consider outstanding TSARs to be potentially dilutive securities.

Encana Restricted Share Units (“RSUs”)

Encana has a share-based compensation plan whereby eligible employees are granted RSUs. An RSU is a conditional grant to receive an Encana common share, or the cash equivalent, as determined by Encana, upon vesting of the RSUs and in accordance with the terms of the RSU Plan and Grant Agreement. The Company intends to settle vested RSUs in cash on the vesting date. As a result, Encana does not consider RSUs to be potentially dilutive securities.

 

    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Encana Corporation   16   Prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP in US$


First quarter report

for the period ended March 31, 2015

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

(All amounts in $ millions unless otherwise specified)

 

14. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

 

                                                 
     Three Months Ended  
     March 31,  
      2015     2014  
 

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment

      

Balance, Beginning of Year

   $ 715      $ 693   

Current Period Change in Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment

     478        24   
 

Balance, End of Period

   $ 1,193      $ 717   
 

Pension and Other Post-Employment Benefit Plans

      

Balance, Beginning of Year

   $ (26   $ (9

Reclassification of Net Actuarial (Gains) and Losses to Net Earnings
(See Note 18)

     1        -   

Income Taxes

     -        -   

Balance, End of Period

   $ (25   $ (9

Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

   $ 1,168      $ 708   

 

15. Variable Interest Entities

Production Field Centre

In 2008, Encana entered into a contract for the design, construction and operation of the PFC at its Deep Panuke facility. Upon commencement of operations in December 2013, Encana recognized the PFC as a capital lease asset as described in Note 9. Under the lease contract, Encana has a purchase option and the option to extend the lease for 12 one-year terms at fixed prices after the initial lease term expires in 2021.

As a result of the purchase option and fixed price renewal options, Encana has determined it holds variable interests and that the related leasing entity qualifies as a variable interest entity (“VIE”). Encana is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE as the Company does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance. Encana is not required to provide any financial support or guarantees to the leasing entity or its affiliates, other than the contractual payments under the lease and operating agreements. Encana’s maximum exposure to loss is the expected lease payments over the initial contract term. As at March 31, 2015, Encana’s capital lease obligation of $410 million ($462 million as at December 31, 2014) related to the PFC.

Veresen Midstream Limited Partnership

On March 31, 2015, Encana, along with the Cutbank Ridge Partnership (“CRP”), entered into natural gas gathering and compression agreements with Veresen Midstream Limited Partnership (“VMLP”), under an initial term of 30 years with two potential five-year renewal terms. As part of the agreement, VMLP agreed to undertake expansion of future midstream services in support of Encana and the CRP’s development of the Montney play. In addition, VMLP will also provide to Encana and the CRP natural gas gathering and processing under existing agreements that were contributed to VMLP by its partner Veresen Inc., with remaining terms of 17 years and up to a potential maximum of 10 one-year renewal terms.

 

    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Encana Corporation   17   Prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP in US$


First quarter report

for the period ended March 31, 2015

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

(All amounts in $ millions unless otherwise specified)

 

15. Variable Interest Entities (continued)

 

Encana has determined that VMLP is a VIE and that Encana holds variable interests in VMLP. Encana is not the primary beneficiary as the Company does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact VMLP’s economic performance. These key activities relate to the construction, operation, maintenance and marketing of assets owned by VMLP. The variable interests arise from certain terms under the long-term service agreements which include: i) a take or pay for volumes committed to certain gathering and processing assets ii) an operating fee of which a portion can be converted into a take or pay once VMLP assumes operatorship of certain compression assets and iii) a potential payout of minimum costs associated with certain gathering and compression assets. The potential payout of minimum costs is assessed in the eighth year of the assets’ service period based on whether there is an overall shortfall of total system cash flows from natural gas gathered and compressed under certain agreements. The potential payout amount can be reduced in the event VMLP procures unused capacity to third party users. Encana is not required to provide any financial support or guarantees to VMLP.

The total maximum exposure to loss as a result of Encana’s involvement with VMLP is estimated to be $1,183 million as at March 31, 2015 and is based on the future take or pay for volumes committed to certain gathering and processing assets and the potential payout of minimum costs associated with certain gathering and compression assets. The total maximum exposure to loss associated with the potential payout requirements are highly uncertain as the payout amount is contingent on future production estimates, pace of development and capacity contracted to third parties. As at March 31, 2015, accounts payable and accrued liabilities includes $5 million related to the take or pay commitment. The take or pay for volumes committed to certain gathering and processing agreements are included in Note 21.

 

16. Restructuring Charges

In November 2013, Encana announced its plans to align the organizational structure in support of the Company’s strategy. Since the announcement, the Company has incurred restructuring charges primarily related to severance costs totaling $124 million, of which $3 million remains accrued as at March 31, 2015. Total restructuring charges are expected to be approximately $134 million before tax. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, no restructuring charges were incurred (2014 - $15 million). The remaining restructuring charges of approximately $10 million are anticipated to be incurred during the remainder of 2015. Restructuring charges are included in administrative expense in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings.

 

17. Compensation Plans

Encana has a number of compensation arrangements under which the Company awards various types of long-term incentive grants to eligible employees. These primarily include TSARs, Performance TSARs, SARs, Performance SARs, Performance Share Units (“PSUs”), Deferred Share Units (“DSUs”) and RSUs. These compensation arrangements are share-based.

Encana accounts for TSARs, Performance TSARs, SARs, Performance SARs, PSUs and RSUs held by Encana employees as cash-settled share-based payment transactions and, accordingly, accrues compensation costs over the vesting period based on the fair value of the rights determined using the Black-Scholes-Merton and other fair value models.

As at March 31, 2015, the following weighted average assumptions were used to determine the fair value of the share units held by Encana employees:

 

                                                 
      Encana US$
Share Units
     Encana C$
Share Units
 

Risk Free Interest Rate

     0.50%         0.50%   

Dividend Yield

     2.51%         2.46%   

Expected Volatility Rate

     31.97%         30.06%   

Expected Term

     1.9 yrs         1.9 yrs   

Market Share Price

     US$11.15         C$14.14   

 

    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Encana Corporation   18   Prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP in US$


First quarter report

for the period ended March 31, 2015

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

(All amounts in $ millions unless otherwise specified)

 

17. Compensation Plans (continued)

 

The Company has recognized the following share-based compensation costs:

 

                                                 
     Three Months Ended  
     March 31,  
      2015     2014  
 

Compensation Costs of Transactions Classified as Cash-Settled

   $ (6   $ 72   
 

Compensation Costs of Transactions Classified as Equity-Settled (1) 

     -        (2

Total Share-Based Compensation Costs

     (6     70   

Less: Total Share-Based Compensation Costs Capitalized

     3        (26

Total Share-Based Compensation Expense

   $ (3   $ 44   
 

Recognized on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings in:

      

Operating expense

   $ (2   $ 20   

Administrative expense

     (1     24   
     $ (3   $ 44   

 

(1) 

RSUs may be settled in cash or equity as determined by Encana. The Company’s decision to cash settle RSUs was made subsequent to the original grant date.

As at March 31, 2015, the liability for share-based payment transactions totaled $82 million ($99 million as at December 31, 2014), of which $61 million ($29 million as at December 31, 2014) is recognized in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

                                                 
      As at
March 31,
2015
     As at
December 31,
2014
 
 

Liability for Cash-Settled Share-Based Payment Transactions:

       

Unvested

   $ 64       $ 78   

Vested

     18         21   
     $ 82       $ 99   

The following units were granted primarily in conjunction with the Company’s March annual long-term incentive award. The TSARs and SARs were granted at the volume-weighted average trading price of Encana’s common shares for the five days prior to the grant date.

 

                        
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 (thousands of units)        

TSARs

     1,934   

SARs

     1,444   

PSUs

     2,291   

DSUs

     158   

RSUs

     6,353   

 

    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Encana Corporation   19   Prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP in US$


First quarter report

for the period ended March 31, 2015

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

(All amounts in $ millions unless otherwise specified)

 

18. Pension and Other Post-Employment Benefits

The Company has recognized total benefit plans expense which includes pension benefits and other post-employment benefits (“OPEB”) for the three months ended March 31 as follows:

 

                                                                                         
    Pension Benefits     OPEB     Total  
     2015     2014     2015     2014     2015     2014  
   

Defined Benefit Plan Expense

  $ 1      $  -      $ 3      $ 3      $ 4      $ 3   

Defined Contribution Plan Expense

    8        8        -        -        8        8   

Total Benefit Plans Expense

  $ 9      $ 8      $ 3      $ 3      $ 12      $ 11   

Of the total benefit plans expense, $9 million (2014 - $8 million) was included in operating expense and $3 million (2014 - $3 million) was included in administrative expense.

The defined periodic pension and OPEB expense for the three months ended March 31 are as follows:

 

                                                                                         
    Pension Benefits     OPEB     Total  
     2015     2014     2015     2014     2015     2014  
   

Current Service Costs

  $ 1      $ 1      $ 2      $ 2      $ 3      $ 3   

Interest Cost

    2        3        1        1        3        4   

Expected Return On Plan Assets

    (3     (4     -        -        (3     (4

Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income:

               

Amortization of net actuarial (gains) and losses

    1        -        -        -        1        -   

Total Defined Benefit Plan Expense

  $ 1      $ -      $ 3      $ 3      $ 4      $ 3   

The amounts recognized in other comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31 are as follows:

 

                                                                                         
    Pension Benefits     OPEB     Total  
     2015     2014     2015     2014     2015     2014  
   

Total Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Before     Tax

  $ (1   $  -      $  -      $  -      $ (1   $  -   

Total Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, After     Tax

  $ (1   $ -      $ -      $ -      $ (1   $ -   

 

    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Encana Corporation   20   Prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP in US$


First quarter report

for the period ended March 31, 2015

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

(All amounts in $ millions unless otherwise specified)

 

19. Fair Value Measurements

The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accrued revenues, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their carrying amounts due to the short-term maturity of those instruments. The fair value of cash in reserve approximates its carrying amount due to the nature of the instrument held.

Recurring fair value measurements are performed for risk management assets and liabilities and are discussed further in Note 20. These items are carried at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and are classified within the three levels of the fair value hierarchy in the tables below. There have been no transfers between the hierarchy levels during the period.

 

                                                                                         
As at March 31, 2015   Level 1
Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
    Level 2
Other
Observable
Inputs
    Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
    Total Fair
Value
    Netting (1)     Carrying
Amount
 

Risk Management

               

Risk Management Assets

               

Current

  $ -      $ 629      $ -      $ 629      $ (22   $ 607   

Long-term

    -        16        -        16        (3     13   

Risk Management Liabilities

               

Current

    -        22        13        35        (22     13   

Long-term

    -        4        11        15        (3     12   
                     
As at December 31, 2014   Level 1
Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
    Level 2
Other
Observable
Inputs
    Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
    Total Fair
Value
    Netting (1)     Carrying
Amount
 

Risk Management

               

Risk Management Assets

               

Current

  $ -      $ 718      $ -      $ 718      $ (11   $ 707   

Long-term

    -        67        -        67        (2     65   

Risk Management Liabilities

               

Current

    6        14        11        31        (11     20   

Long-term

    -        2        7        9        (2     7   

 

(1) 

Netting to offset derivative assets and liabilities where the legal right and intention to offset exists, or where counterparty master netting arrangements contain provisions for net settlement.

 

    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Encana Corporation   21   Prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP in US$


First quarter report

for the period ended March 31, 2015

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

(All amounts in $ millions unless otherwise specified)

 

19. Fair Value Measurements (continued)

The Company’s Level 1 and Level 2 risk management assets and liabilities consist of commodity fixed price contracts and basis swaps with terms to 2018. The fair values of these contracts are based on a market approach and are estimated using inputs which are either directly or indirectly observable at the reporting date, such as exchange and other published prices, broker quotes and observable trading activity.

Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

As at March 31, 2015, the Company’s Level 3 risk management assets and liabilities consist of power purchase contracts with terms to 2017. The fair values of the power purchase contracts are based on the income approach and are modelled internally using observable and unobservable inputs such as forward power prices in less active markets. The unobservable inputs are obtained from third parties whenever possible and reviewed by the Company for reasonableness.

Changes in amounts related to risk management assets and liabilities are recognized in revenues and transportation and processing expense according to their purpose.

A summary of changes in Level 3 fair value measurements for the three months ended March 31 is presented below:

 

                                                 
     Risk Management  
      2015     2014  
 

Balance, Beginning of Year

   $ (18   $ (7

Total Gains (Losses)

     (11     (1

Purchases and Settlements:

      

Purchases

     -        -   

Settlements

     5        1   

Transfers in and out of Level 3

     -        -   
 

Balance, End of Period

   $ (24   $ (7
 

Change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets and liabilities held at end of period

   $ (9   $ (1

Quantitative information about unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements is presented below:

 

                                                                                                   
      Valuation Technique      Unobservable Input      As at
March 31,
2015
     As at
December 31,
2014
 
 

Risk Management - Power

    
 
Discounted
Cash Flow
  
  
    
 
Forward prices
($/Megawatt Hour)
  
  
   $ 35.06 - $39.75       $ 40.70 - $48.50   

A 10 percent increase or decrease in estimated forward power prices would cause a corresponding $4 million ($5 million as at December 31, 2014) increase or decrease to net risk management assets and liabilities.

 

    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Encana Corporation   22   Prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP in US$


First quarter report

for the period ended March 31, 2015

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

(All amounts in $ millions unless otherwise specified)

 

20. Financial Instruments and Risk Management

A) Financial Instruments

Encana’s financial assets and liabilities are recognized in cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accrued revenues, cash in reserve, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, risk management assets and liabilities and long-term debt.

B) Risk Management Assets and Liabilities

Risk management assets and liabilities arise from the use of derivative financial instruments and are measured at fair value. See Note 19 for a discussion of fair value measurements.

Unrealized Risk Management Position

 

                                                 
      As at
March 31,
2015
     As at
December 31,
2014
 
 

Risk Management Assets

       

Current

   $ 607        $ 707    

Long-term

     13          65    
       620          772    
 

Risk Management Liabilities

       

Current

     13          20    

Long-term

     12            
       25          27    
 

Net Risk Management Assets

   $ 595        $ 745    

Commodity Price Positions as at March 31, 2015

 

                                                                                                   
      Notional Volumes      Term    Average Price      Fair Value  

Natural Gas Contracts

           

Fixed Price Contracts

           

NYMEX Fixed Price

     1,000  MMcf/d         2015      4.29  US$/Mcf       $ 413   

Basis Contracts (1)

      2015-2018         62   

Other Financial Positions

                            1   

Natural Gas Fair Value Position

                            476   

Crude Oil Contracts

           

Fixed Price Contracts

           

WTI Fixed Price

     55.8  Mbbls/d         2015      62.09  US$/bbl         146   

WTI Fixed Price

     1.2  Mbbls/d         2016      92.35  US$/bbl         16   

Basis Contracts (2)

            2015-2016               (19

Crude Oil Fair Value Position

                            143   

Power Purchase Contracts

           

Fair Value Position

                            (24

Total Fair Value Position

                          $ 595   

 

(1) 

Encana has entered into swaps to protect against widening natural gas price differentials between benchmark and regional sales prices. These basis swaps are priced using differentials determined as a percentage of NYMEX.

 

(2) 

Encana has entered into swaps to protect against widening Brent and Midland differentials to WTI. These basis swaps are priced using fixed price differentials.

 

    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Encana Corporation   23   Prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP in US$


First quarter report

for the period ended March 31, 2015

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

(All amounts in $ millions unless otherwise specified)

 

20. Financial Instruments and Risk Management (continued)

B) Risk Management Assets and Liabilities (continued)

Earnings Impact of Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Risk Management Positions

 

                                                                                                   
     Realized Gain (Loss)     Unrealized Gain (Loss)  
     Three Months Ended
March 31,
    Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
      2015     2014     2015     2014  
   

Revenues, Net of Royalties

   $ 245      $ (140   $ (128   $ (284

Transportation and Processing

     (5     (1     (8     (1
   

Gain (Loss) on Risk Management

   $ 240      $ (141   $ (136   $ (285

Reconciliation of Unrealized Risk Management Positions from January 1 to March 31

 

                                                                          
     2015     2014  
      Fair Value     Total
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
    Total
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
 
 

Fair Value of Contracts, Beginning of Year

   $ 745         

Change in Fair Value of Contracts in Place at Beginning of Year and Contracts Entered into During the Period

     104      $ 104      $ (426

Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustment on Canadian Dollar Contracts

     2         

Settlement of Athlon Crude Oil Contracts from Business Combination

     (16      

Fair Value of Contracts Realized During the Period

     (240     (240     141   

Fair Value of Contracts, End of Period

   $ 595      $ (136   $ (285

C) Risks Associated with Financial Assets and Liabilities

The Company is exposed to financial risks including market risks (such as commodity prices, foreign exchange and interest rates), credit risk and liquidity risk. Future cash flows may fluctuate due to movement in market prices and the exposure to credit and liquidity risks.

Commodity Price Risk

Commodity price risk arises from the effect fluctuations in future commodity prices may have on future cash flows. To partially mitigate exposure to commodity price risk, the Company has entered into various derivative financial instruments. The use of these derivative instruments is governed under formal policies and is subject to limits established by the Board of Directors. The Company’s policy is to not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

Natural Gas - To partially mitigate natural gas commodity price risk, the Company uses contracts such as NYMEX-based swaps and options. Encana also enters into basis swaps to manage against widening price differentials between various production areas and various sales points.

Crude Oil - To partially mitigate against crude oil commodity price risk including widening price differentials between North American and world prices, the Company has entered into fixed price contracts and basis swaps.

Power - The Company has entered into Canadian dollar denominated derivative contracts to manage its electricity consumption costs.

 

    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Encana Corporation   24   Prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP in US$


First quarter report

for the period ended March 31, 2015

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

(All amounts in $ millions unless otherwise specified)

 

20. Financial Instruments and Risk Management (continued)

C) Risks Associated with Financial Assets and Liabilities (continued)

Commodity Price Risk (continued)

The table below summarizes the sensitivity of the fair value of the Company’s risk management positions to fluctuations in commodity prices, with all other variables held constant. The Company has used a 10 percent variability to assess the potential impact of commodity price changes. Fluctuations in commodity prices could have resulted in unrealized gains (losses) impacting pre-tax net earnings for the three months ended March 31 as follows:

 

                                                                                                   
     2015     2014  
      10% Price
Increase
    10% Price
Decrease
    10% Price
Increase
    10% Price
Decrease
 
 

Natural Gas Price

   $ (70   $ 70      $ (385   $ 385   

Crude Oil Price

     (78     78        (29     29   

Power Price

     4        (4     7        (7

Credit Risk

Credit risk arises from the potential that the Company may incur a loss if a counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its obligation in accordance with agreed terms. This credit risk exposure is mitigated through the use of Board-approved credit policies governing the Company’s credit portfolio including credit practices that limit transactions according to counterparties’ credit quality. Mitigation strategies may include master netting arrangements, requesting collateral and/or transacting credit derivatives. The Company executes commodity derivative financial instruments under master agreements that have netting provisions that provide for offsetting payables against receivables. As at March 31, 2015, the Company had no significant collateral balances posted or received and there were no credit derivatives in place.

As at March 31, 2015, cash equivalents include high-grade, short-term securities, placed primarily with financial institutions and companies with strong investment grade ratings. Any foreign currency agreements entered into are with major financial institutions in Canada and the U.S. or with counterparties having investment grade credit ratings.

A substantial portion of the Company’s accounts receivable are with customers in the oil and gas industry and are subject to normal industry credit risks. As at March 31, 2015, approximately 94 percent (94 percent as at December 31, 2014) of Encana’s accounts receivable and financial derivative credit exposures were with investment grade counterparties.

As at March 31, 2015, Encana had three counterparties (three counterparties as at December 31, 2014) whose net settlement position individually accounted for more than 10 percent of the fair value of the outstanding in-the-money net risk management contracts by counterparty. As at March 31, 2015, these counterparties accounted for 17 percent, 15 percent and 14 percent (16 percent, 16 percent and 15 percent as at December 31, 2014) of the fair value of the outstanding in-the-money net risk management contracts.

Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk arises from the potential that the Company will encounter difficulties in meeting a demand to fund its financial liabilities as they come due. The Company manages liquidity risk using cash and debt management programs.

The Company has access to cash equivalents and a range of funding alternatives at competitive rates through committed revolving bank credit facilities and debt and equity capital markets. As at March 31, 2015, the Company had committed revolving bank credit facilities totaling $3.8 billion which include C$3.5 billion ($2.8 billion) on a revolving bank credit facility for Encana and $1.0 billion on a revolving bank credit facility for a U.S. subsidiary, the latter of which remains unused. Of the C$3.5 billion ($2.8 billion) revolving bank credit facility, $1.6 billion remained unused. The facilities remain committed through June 2018.

Encana also has accessible capacity under a shelf prospectus for up to $4.9 billion, or the equivalent in foreign currencies, the availability of which is dependent on market conditions, to issue debt and/or equity securities in Canada and/or the U.S. The shelf prospectus expires in July 2016.

The Company believes it has sufficient funding through the use of these facilities to meet foreseeable borrowing requirements.

 

    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Encana Corporation   25   Prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP in US$


First quarter report

for the period ended March 31, 2015

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

(All amounts in $ millions unless otherwise specified)

 

20. Financial Instruments and Risk Management (continued)

C) Risks Associated with Financial Assets and Liabilities (continued)

Liquidity Risk (continued)

The Company minimizes its liquidity risk by managing its capital structure. The Company’s capital structure consists of shareholders’ equity plus long-term debt, including the current portion. The Company’s objectives when managing its capital structure are to maintain financial flexibility to preserve Encana’s access to capital markets and its ability to meet financial obligations and to finance internally generated growth as well as potential acquisitions. To manage the capital structure, the Company may adjust capital spending, adjust dividends paid to shareholders, issue new shares, issue new debt or repay existing debt.

The timing of expected cash outflows relating to financial liabilities is outlined in the table below:

 

                                                                                         
      Less Than
1 Year
     1 - 3 Years      4 - 5 Years      6 - 9 Years      Thereafter      Total  

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

   $ 1,903       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 1,903   

Risk Management Liabilities

     13         12         -         -         -         25   

Long-Term Debt (1)

     1,823         610         2,295         1,610         6,313         12,651   

 

(1) 

Principal and interest.

Included in Encana’s long-term debt obligations of $12,651 million at March 31, 2015 are $1,211 million in principal obligations for revolving credit and term loan borrowings related to U.S. Commercial Paper. These amounts are fully supported and Management expects they will continue to be supported by revolving credit facilities that have no repayment requirements within the next year. The revolving credit facilities are fully revolving for a period of up to five years. Based on the current maturity dates of the credit facilities, these amounts are included in cash outflows for the period disclosed as 4 - 5 Years. Further information on Long-Term Debt is contained in Note 10.

Foreign Exchange Risk

Foreign exchange risk arises from changes in foreign exchange rates that may affect the fair value or future cash flows of the Company’s financial assets or liabilities. As Encana operates primarily in North America, fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. and Canadian dollars can have a significant effect on the Company’s reported results. Encana’s financial results are consolidated in Canadian dollars; however, the Company reports its results in U.S. dollars as most of its revenue is closely tied to the U.S. dollar and to facilitate a more direct comparison to other North American oil and gas companies. As the effects of foreign exchange fluctuations are embedded in the Company’s results, the total effect of foreign exchange fluctuations is not separately identifiable.

To mitigate the exposure to the fluctuating U.S./Canadian dollar exchange rate, Encana maintains a mix of both U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar debt and may also enter into foreign exchange derivatives. As at March 31, 2015, Encana had $6.6 billion in U.S. dollar debt issued from Canada that was subject to foreign exchange exposure ($6.7 billion as at December 31, 2014) and $0.6 billion in debt that was not subject to foreign exchange exposure ($0.6 billion as at December 31, 2014). There were no foreign exchange derivatives outstanding as at March 31, 2015.

Encana’s foreign exchange (gain) loss primarily includes unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses on the translation of U.S. dollar denominated debt issued from Canada, unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses on the translation of U.S. dollar denominated risk management assets and liabilities held in Canada and foreign exchange gains and losses on U.S. dollar denominated cash and short-term investments held in Canada. A $0.01 change in the U.S. to Canadian dollar exchange rate would have resulted in a $48 million change in foreign exchange (gain) loss as at March 31, 2015 (2014 - $48 million).

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk arises from changes in market interest rates that may affect the fair value or future cash flows from the Company’s financial assets or liabilities. The Company may partially mitigate its exposure to interest rate changes by holding a mix of both fixed and floating rate debt and may also enter into interest rate derivatives to partially mitigate effects of fluctuations in market interest rates. There were no interest rate derivatives outstanding as at March 31, 2015.

As at March 31, 2015, the Company had floating rate debt of $1,211 million. Accordingly, the sensitivity in net earnings for each one percent change in interest rates on floating rate debt was $9 million (2014 - nil).

 

    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Encana Corporation   26   Prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP in US$


First quarter report

for the period ended March 31, 2015

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

(All amounts in $ millions unless otherwise specified)

 

21. Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

The following table outlines the Company’s commitments as at March 31, 2015:

 

                                                                                          
      Expected Future Payments  
(undiscounted)    2015      2016      2017      2018      2019      Thereafter      Total  

Transportation and Processing

   $ 598       $ 787       $ 779       $ 798       $ 674       $ 3,085       $ 6,721   

Drilling and Field Services

     164         128         90         47         14         16         459   

Operating Leases

     24         27         22         21         8         20         122   

Total

   $ 786       $ 942       $ 891       $ 866       $ 696       $ 3,121       $ 7,302   

Included within transportation and processing in the table above are certain commitments associated with midstream service agreements with VMLP as described in Note 15.

Contingencies

Encana is involved in various legal claims and actions arising in the course of the Company’s operations. Although the outcome of these claims cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not expect these matters to have a material adverse effect on Encana’s financial position, cash flows or results of operations. If an unfavourable outcome were to occur, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on the Company’s consolidated net earnings or loss in the period in which the outcome is determined. Accruals for litigation and claims are recognized if the Company determines that the loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The Company believes it has made adequate provision for such legal claims.

 

    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Encana Corporation   27   Prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP in US$


 

 

LOGO

 

    Encana Corporation

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis

 

 

    For the period ended March 31, 2015

 

    (Prepared in U.S. Dollars)

 

 


Management’s Discussion and Analysis

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) for Encana Corporation (“Encana” or the “Company”) should be read with the unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the period ended March 31, 2015 (“Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements”), as well as the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2014.

The Consolidated Financial Statements and comparative information have been prepared in accordance with United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and in U.S. dollars, except where another currency has been indicated. References to C$ are to Canadian dollars. Encana’s financial results are consolidated in Canadian dollars; however, the Company has adopted the U.S. dollar as its reporting currency to facilitate a more direct comparison to other North American oil and gas companies. Production volumes are presented on an after royalties basis consistent with U.S. oil and gas reporting standards and the disclosure of U.S. oil and gas companies. The term “liquids” is used to represent oil, natural gas liquids (“NGLs” or “NGL”) and condensate. The term “liquids rich” is used to represent natural gas streams with associated liquids volumes. This document is dated May 11, 2015.

For convenience, references in this document to “Encana”, the “Company”, “we”, “us”, “our” and “its” may, where applicable, refer only to or include any relevant direct and indirect subsidiary corporations and partnerships (“Subsidiaries”) of Encana Corporation, and the assets, activities and initiatives of such Subsidiaries.

Certain measures in this document do not have any standardized meaning as prescribed by U.S. GAAP and, therefore, are considered non-GAAP measures. Non-GAAP measures are commonly used in the oil and gas industry and by Encana to provide shareholders and potential investors with additional information regarding the Company’s liquidity and its ability to generate funds to finance its operations. Non-GAAP measures include: Cash Flow; Free Cash Flow; Operating Earnings; Upstream Operating Cash Flow, excluding Hedging; Operating Netback; Debt to Debt Adjusted Cash Flow; and Debt to Adjusted Capitalization. Further information regarding these measures can be found in the Non-GAAP Measures section of this MD&A, including reconciliations of Cash from Operating Activities to Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow, and of Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Common Shareholders to Operating Earnings.

The following volumetric measures may be abbreviated throughout this MD&A: thousand cubic feet (“Mcf”); million cubic feet (“MMcf”) per day (“MMcf/d”); barrel (“bbl”); thousand barrels (“Mbbls”) per day (“Mbbls/d”); barrels of oil equivalent (“BOE”) per day (“BOE/d”); thousand barrels of oil equivalent (“MBOE”) per day (“MBOE/d”); million British thermal units (“MMBtu”).

Readers should also read the Advisory section located at the end of this document, which provides information on Forward-Looking Statements and Oil and Gas Information.

 

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   1   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


Encana’s Strategic Objectives   

Encana is a leading North American energy producer that is focused on developing its strong portfolio of resource plays producing natural gas, oil and NGLs. Encana is committed to growing long-term shareholder value through a disciplined focus on generating profitable growth. The Company is pursuing the key business objectives of balancing its commodity portfolio, focusing capital investments in strategic high return scalable projects, maintaining portfolio flexibility to respond to changing market conditions, maximizing profitability through operating efficiencies, reducing costs and preserving balance sheet strength.

Encana continually strives to improve operating efficiencies, foster technological innovation and lower its cost structures, while reducing its environmental footprint through play optimization. The Company’s resource play hub model utilizes highly integrated production facilities to develop resources by drilling multiple wells from central pad sites. Capital and operating efficiencies are achieved through repeatable operations, optimizing equipment and processes and by applying continuous improvement techniques.

Encana hedges a portion of its expected natural gas and oil production volumes. The Company’s hedging program reduces volatility and helps sustain Cash Flow and operating netbacks during periods of lower prices. Further information on the Company’s commodity price positions as at March 31, 2015 can be found in the Results Overview section of this MD&A and in Note 20 to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Additional information on expected results can be found in Encana’s 2015 Corporate Guidance on the Company’s website www.encana.com.

 

Encana’s Business  

Encana’s reportable segments are determined based on the Company’s operations and geographic locations as follows:

 

   

Canadian Operations includes the exploration for, development of, and production of natural gas, oil and NGLs and other related activities within Canada.

 

   

USA Operations includes the exploration for, development of, and production of natural gas, oil and NGLs and other related activities within the U.S.

 

   

Market Optimization is primarily responsible for the sale of the Company’s proprietary production. These results are reported in the Canadian and USA Operations. Market optimization activities include third party purchases and sales of product to provide operational flexibility for transportation commitments, product type, delivery points and customer diversification. These activities are reflected in the Market Optimization segment. Market Optimization sells substantially all of the Company’s upstream production to third party customers. Transactions between segments are based on market values and are eliminated on consolidation. Financial information is presented on an after eliminations basis within this MD&A.

Corporate and Other mainly includes unrealized gains or losses recorded on derivative financial instruments. Once the instruments are settled, the realized gains and losses are recorded in the reporting segment to which the derivative instruments relate.

 

 

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   2   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


Results Overview  

Highlights

 

In the three months ended March 31, 2015, Encana reported:

 

   

Cash Flow of $495 million and Operating Earnings of $9 million.

 

   

Net Loss of $1,707 million, including an after-tax non-cash ceiling test impairment of $1,222 million.

 

   

Average realized natural gas prices, including financial hedges, of $4.78 per Mcf. Average realized oil prices, including financial hedges, of $46.17 per bbl. Average realized NGL prices of $21.92 per bbl.

 

   

Average natural gas production volumes of 1,857 MMcf/d and average oil and NGL production volumes of 120.7 Mbbls/d.

 

   

Dividends paid of $0.07 per share.

 

   

Cash and cash equivalents of $2,030 million at period end.

Significant developments for the Company during the three months ended March 31, 2015 included the following:

 

   

Completed a bought deal offering of 85,616,500 common shares of Encana and the over-allotment option of an additional 12,842,475 common shares of Encana at a price of C$14.60 per common share (the “Share Offering”). The Share Offering was completed during March 2015 for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately C$1.44 billion.

 

   

Provided notice on March 5, 2015 to note holders that the Company would redeem its $700 million 5.90 percent notes due December 1, 2017 and its C$750 million 5.80 percent medium-term notes due January 18, 2018. On April 6, 2015, the Company used net proceeds from the Share Offering and cash on hand to complete the note redemptions.

 

   

Closed the sale of the Company’s working interest in certain properties in central and southern Alberta to Ember Resources Inc. on January 15, 2015 for proceeds of approximately C$558 million, after closing adjustments.

 

   

Closed the sale of certain natural gas gathering and compression assets in northeastern British Columbia to Veresen Midstream Limited Partnership (“VMLP”) on March 31, 2015 for cash consideration net to Encana of approximately C$455 million, after closing adjustments. In conjunction with the sale, VMLP will undertake the expansion of future midstream services and will also provide natural gas gathering and processing in Montney to Encana and the Cutbank Ridge Partnership (“CRP”).

 

 

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   3   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


Financial Results

 

 

        2015          2014         2013  
  ($ millions, except as indicated)   Q1          Q4      Q3     Q2      Q1          Q4      Q3      Q2   

Cash Flow (1)

      $ 495             $ 377           $ 807           $ 656           $ 1,094             $ 677           $ 660           $ 665    

$ per share - diluted

    0.65           0.51         1.09         0.89         1.48           0.91         0.89         0.90    

Operating Earnings (1)

             35         281         171         515           226         150         247    

$ per share - diluted

    0.01           0.05         0.38         0.23         0.70           0.31         0.20         0.34    

Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Common Shareholders

    (1,707)          198         2,807         271         116           (251)        188         730    

$ per share - basic & diluted

 

   

 

(2.25)

 

  

 

     

 

0.27 

 

  

 

   

 

3.79 

 

  

 

   

 

0.37 

 

  

 

   

 

0.16 

 

  

 

     

 

(0.34)

 

  

 

   

 

0.25 

 

  

 

   

 

0.99 

 

  

 

Revenues, Net of Royalties

    1,249           2,254         2,285         1,588         1,892           1,423         1,392         1,984    

Realized Hedging Gain (Loss), before tax

    240           124         28         (102)        (141)          174         175         52    

Unrealized Hedging Gain (Loss), before tax

    (136)          489         231                (285)          (301)        (128)        469    

Upstream Operating Cash Flow

    702           821         982         800         1,315           901         794         788    

Upstream Operating Cash Flow Excluding Realized Hedging (1)

 

   

 

454 

 

  

 

     

 

694 

 

  

 

   

 

952 

 

  

 

   

 

898 

 

  

 

   

 

1,455 

 

  

 

     

 

728 

 

  

 

   

 

622 

 

  

 

   

 

737 

 

  

 

Capital Investment

    736           857         598         560         511           717         641         639    

Net Acquisitions & (Divestitures) (2)

    (838)          50         (2,007)        652         (24)          (72)        (51)        (312)   

Free Cash Flow (1)

    (241)          (480)        209         96         583           (40)        19         26    

Ceiling Test Impairments, after tax

    (1,222)                                                        

Gain (Loss) on Divestitures, after tax

   

 

10 

 

  

 

     

 

(11)

 

  

 

   

 

2,399 

 

  

 

   

 

135 

 

  

 

   

 

 

  

 

     

 

 

  

 

   

 

 

  

 

   

 

 

  

 

Production Volumes

                   

Natural Gas (MMcf/d)

    1,857           1,861         2,199         2,541         2,809           2,744         2,723         2,766    

Oil & NGLs (Mbbls/d)

                   

Oil

    79.2           68.8         62.1         34.2         32.1           33.0         27.2         22.9    

NGLs

    41.5           37.6         41.9         34.0         35.8           33.0         31.0         24.7    

Total Oil & NGLs

    120.7           106.4         104.0         68.2         67.9           66.0         58.2         47.6    

Total Production (MBOE/d)

    430.1           416.7         470.6         491.8         536.1           523.4         512.1         508.6    

Production Mix (%)

                   

Natural Gas

    72           74         78         86         87           87         89         91    

Oil & NGLs

    28             26         22         14         13             13         11           

 

  (1)

A non-GAAP measure, which is defined in the Non-GAAP Measures section of this MD&A.

  (2)

Excludes the impact of the PrairieSky Royalty Ltd. divestiture and the Athlon Energy Inc. acquisition during 2014, as summarized in the Net Capital Investment section of this MD&A.

Encana’s quarterly net earnings can be significantly impacted by fluctuations in commodity prices, realized and unrealized hedging gains and losses, production volumes, foreign exchange rates, ceiling test impairments and gains or losses on divestitures, which are provided in the Financial Results table and Prices and Foreign Exchange Rates table within this MD&A. Quarterly net earnings are also impacted by Encana’s interim income tax expense calculated using the estimated annual effective income tax rate as discussed in the Other Operating Results section of this MD&A. Quarterly net earnings are also impacted by acquisition and divestiture transactions, which are discussed in the Net Capital Investment section of this MD&A.

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   4   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


Under full cost accounting, the carrying amount of Encana’s natural gas and oil properties within each country cost centre is subject to a ceiling test performed quarterly. Ceiling test impairments are recognized when the capitalized costs, net of accumulated depletion and the related deferred income taxes, exceed the sum of the estimated after-tax future net cash flows from proved reserves as calculated under Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) requirements using the 12-month average trailing prices and discounted at 10 percent.

In the first quarter of 2015, the Company recognized an after-tax non-cash ceiling test impairment of $1,222 million in the U.S. cost centre. The non-cash ceiling test impairment primarily resulted from the decline in the 12-month average trailing commodity prices. Further declines in the 12-month average trailing commodity prices could reduce proved reserves values and result in the recognition of future ceiling test impairments. Future ceiling test impairments can also result from changes to reserves estimates, future development costs, capitalized costs and unproved property costs. Proceeds received from natural gas and oil divestitures are generally deducted from the Company’s capitalized costs and can reduce the likelihood of ceiling test impairments.

The Company believes that the discounted after-tax future net cash flows from proved reserves required to be used in the ceiling test calculation are not indicative of the fair market value of Encana’s natural gas and oil properties or the future net cash flows expected to be generated from such properties. The discounted after-tax future net cash flows do not consider the fair market value of unamortized unproved properties, or probable or possible natural gas and liquids reserves. In addition, there is no consideration given to the effect of future changes in commodity prices. Encana manages its business using estimates of reserves and resources based on forecast prices and costs.

Three months ended March 31, 2015 versus March 31, 2014

Cash Flow of $495 million decreased $599 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015 primarily due to the following significant items:

 

   

Average realized natural gas prices, excluding financial hedges, were $3.53 per Mcf compared to $6.37 per Mcf in 2014 reflecting lower benchmark prices. Lower realized natural gas prices decreased revenues $472 million. Average realized liquids prices, excluding financial hedges, were $34.13 per bbl compared to $69.23 per bbl in 2014 reflecting lower benchmark prices. Lower realized liquids prices decreased revenues $208 million.

 

   

Average natural gas production volumes of 1,857 MMcf/d decreased 952 MMcf/d from 2,809 MMcf/d in 2014 primarily due to divestitures during 2014, natural declines in the USA Operations and lower production from Deep Panuke, partially offset by a successful drilling program in Montney. Lower natural gas volumes decreased revenues $550 million. Average oil and NGL production volumes of 120.7 Mbbls/d increased 52.8 Mbbls/d from 67.9 Mbbls/d in 2014 primarily due to acquisitions during 2014 and successful drilling programs in oil and liquids rich natural gas plays, partially offset by divestitures during 2014. Higher oil and NGL volumes increased revenues $156 million.

 

   

Realized financial hedging gains before tax were $240 million compared to losses of $141 million in 2014.

 

   

Production and mineral taxes decreased $28 million primarily due to divestitures during 2014 and lower commodity prices, partially offset by acquisitions during 2014.

 

   

Transportation and processing expense decreased $39 million primarily due to divestitures during 2014 and the lower U.S./Canadian dollar exchange rate, partially offset by higher liquids volumes processed in Montney.

Operating Earnings of $9 million decreased $506 million primarily due to the items discussed in the Cash Flow section. Operating Earnings for the first quarter of 2015 were also impacted by a higher foreign exchange loss on the revaluation of other monetary assets and liabilities, higher depreciation, depletion and amortization (“DD&A”), lower long-term compensation costs due to the decrease in the Encana share price and deferred tax.

Net Loss in the first quarter of 2015 was $1,707 million compared to Net Earnings of $116 million in 2014 primarily due to an after-tax non-cash ceiling test impairment and the items discussed in the Cash Flow and Operating Earnings sections. Net Loss for the first quarter of 2015 was also impacted by a higher after-tax non-operating foreign exchange loss and lower after-tax unrealized hedging losses.

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   5   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


Prices and Foreign Exchange Rates

 

 

          2015         2014         2013  
  (average for the period)   Q1         Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1         Q4     Q3     Q2  

Encana Realized Pricing

                   

Including Hedging

                   

Natural Gas ($/Mcf)

      $ 4.78            $ 4.16          $ 4.03          $ 4.08          $ 5.82            $ 4.34          $ 4.00          $ 4.17   

Oil & NGLs ($/bbl)

                   

Oil

    46.17          80.38        90.22        89.55        86.34          85.39        90.42        88.27   

NGLs

    21.92          40.87        48.76        49.39        53.79          48.59        46.35        49.63   

Total Oil & NGLs

    37.83          66.40        73.50        69.53        69.19          67.01        66.95        68.25   

Total ($/BOE)

    31.24          35.55        35.06        30.75        39.22          31.23        28.85        29.08   

Excluding Hedging

                   

Natural Gas ($/Mcf)

    3.53          3.94        3.88        4.46        6.37          3.69        3.26        3.99   

Oil & NGLs ($/bbl)

                   

Oil

    40.53          66.38        90.18        92.93        86.43          82.54        96.09        85.89   

NGLs

    21.92          40.87        48.76        49.39        53.79          48.59        46.35        49.63   

Total Oil & NGLs

    34.13          57.35        73.48        71.23        69.23          65.58        69.60        67.10   

Total ($/BOE)

    24.82          32.25        34.36        32.93        42.12          27.63        25.23        27.99   

Natural Gas Price Benchmarks

                   

NYMEX ($/MMBtu)

    2.98          4.00        4.06        4.67        4.94          3.60        3.58        4.09   

AECO (C$/Mcf)

    2.95          4.01        4.22        4.68        4.76          3.15        2.82        3.59   

Algonquin City Gate ($/MMBtu)

    11.41          4.99        2.97        4.23        20.28          7.80        3.98        4.63   

Basis Differential ($/MMBtu)

                   

AECO/NYMEX

    0.57          0.44        0.16        0.40        0.60          0.59        0.89        0.56   

Oil Price Benchmarks

                   

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) ($/bbl)

    48.64          73.15        97.17        102.99        98.68          97.46        105.81        94.17   

Edmonton Light Sweet (C$/bbl)

    51.94          75.69        97.16        105.61        99.83          86.58        103.65        92.67   

Foreign Exchange

                   

Average U.S./Canadian Dollar Exchange Rate

    0.806            0.881        0.918        0.917        0.906            0.953        0.963        0.977   

Encana’s financial results are influenced by fluctuations in commodity prices, price differentials and the U.S./Canadian dollar exchange rate. In the first quarter of 2015, Encana’s average realized natural gas price, excluding hedging, reflected lower benchmark prices compared to 2014. Hedging activities contributed $1.25 per Mcf to Encana’s average realized natural gas price in the first quarter of 2015. The average realized natural gas price for production from Deep Panuke was $10.68 per Mcf in the first quarter of 2015 compared to $19.14 per Mcf in 2014 and increased Encana’s average realized natural gas price $0.77 per Mcf in the first quarter of 2015 compared to $1.27 per Mcf in 2014.

In the first quarter of 2015, Encana’s average realized oil and NGL prices, excluding hedging, reflected lower benchmark prices compared to 2014. Hedging activities contributed $5.64 per bbl to Encana’s average realized oil price in the first quarter of 2015.

As a means of managing commodity price volatility and its impact on cash flows, Encana enters into various financial hedge agreements. Unsettled derivative financial contracts are recorded at the date of the financial statements based on the fair value of the contracts. Changes in fair value result from volatility in forward curves of commodity prices and changes in the balance of unsettled contracts between periods. The changes in fair value are recognized in revenue as unrealized hedging gains and losses. Realized hedging gains and losses are recognized in revenue when derivative financial contracts are settled.

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   6   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


At March 31, 2015, Encana has hedged approximately 1,000 MMcf/d of expected April to December 2015 natural gas production using NYMEX fixed price contracts at an average price of $4.29 per Mcf. In addition, Encana has hedged approximately 55.8 Mbbls/d of expected April to December 2015 oil production using WTI fixed price contracts at an average price of $62.09 per bbl and approximately 1.2 Mbbls/d of expected 2016 oil production at an average price of $92.35 per bbl.

The Company’s hedging program helps sustain Cash Flow and operating netbacks during periods of lower prices. For additional information, see the Risk Management – Financial Risks section of this MD&A.

Foreign Exchange

As disclosed in the Prices and Foreign Exchange Rates table, the average U.S./Canadian dollar exchange rate decreased 0.100 in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 2014. The table below summarizes selected foreign exchange impacts on Encana’s financial results in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.

 

                      $  millions                  $/BOE  

  Increase (Decrease) in:

     

Capital Investment

     $        (32)      

Transportation and Processing Expense

     (24)         $ (0.61)   

Operating Expense

     (10)         (0.26)   

Administrative Expense

     (8)         (0.20)   

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

     (19)         (0.49)   

Price Sensitivities

Natural gas and liquids prices fluctuate in response to changing market forces, creating varying impacts on Encana’s financial results. The Company’s potential exposure to commodity price fluctuations is summarized in the table below, which shows the estimated effects that certain price changes would have had on the Company’s Cash Flow and Operating Earnings for the first quarter of 2015. The price sensitivities below are based on business conditions, transactions and production volumes during the first quarter of 2015. Accordingly, these sensitivities may not be indicative of financial results for other periods, under other economic circumstances or with additional fluctuations in commodity prices.

 

               Impact On                  
    ($ millions, except as indicated)    Price Change (1)                       Cash Flow                       Operating Earnings  

Increase or Decrease in:

              

NYMEX Natural Gas Price

   +/- $0.50/Mcf           $        45            $        33   

WTI Oil Price

   +/- $10.00/bbl             55              36   

 

(1)

Assumes only one variable changes while all other variables are held constant.

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   7   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


Production Volumes   

 

                    Three months ended March 31  
  (average daily, after royalties)                      2015      2014  

Natural Gas (MMcf/d)

          1,857         2,809   

Oil (Mbbls/d)

          79.2         32.1   

NGLs (Mbbls/d)

                        41.5         35.8   

Total Oil & NGLs (Mbbls/d)

                        120.7         67.9   

Total Production (MBOE/d)

                        430.1         536.1   

Production Mix (%)

          

Natural Gas

          72         87   

Oil & NGLs

                        28         13   

Production Volumes by Play

          
    Three months ended March 31  
    (average daily, after royalties)   Natural Gas (MMcf/d)         Oil & NGLs (Mbbls/d)  
                 2015     2014         2015      2014  

Canadian Operations

          

Montney (1)

    717        620          23.3         16.2   

Duvernay

    16        8          2.8         1.4   

Other Upstream Operations

          

Wheatland (2)

    111        324          1.7         11.3   

Bighorn

    4        246          -         12.1   

Deep Panuke

    182        253          -         -   

Other and emerging (1)

    98        117          -         -   

Total Canadian Operations

    1,128        1,568          27.8         41.0   

USA Operations

          

Eagle Ford

    36        -          36.0         -   

Permian

    34        -          26.7         -   

DJ Basin

    49        40          14.3         10.5   

San Juan

    13        7          6.7         2.7   

Other Upstream Operations

          

Piceance

    343        436          3.7         5.4   

Haynesville

    230        331          -         -   

Jonah

    -        282          -         4.7   

East Texas

    -        113          -         1.2   

Other and emerging

    24        32          5.5         2.4   

Total USA Operations

    729        1,241          92.9         26.9   

Total Production Volumes

    1,857        2,809            120.7         67.9   

Total Production Volumes – Growth Assets (1)

    865        675            114.1         31.5   

 

    (1)

  Montney has been realigned to include certain production volumes which were previously reported in Other and emerging.

    (2)

  Wheatland was previously presented as Clearwater.

Growth assets includes Encana’s top four strategic assets – Montney, Duvernay, Eagle Ford and Permian – as well as the DJ Basin, San Juan and the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale (“TMS”), which represent additional high-quality investment opportunities. Other Upstream Operations includes production volumes from plays that are not part of the Company’s current strategic focus as well as prospective plays that are under appraisal, including the TMS, which is reported within Other and emerging in the USA Operations.

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   8   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


The production volumes associated with the lands transferred to PrairieSky Royalty Ltd. (“PrairieSky”) were included in Encana’s Wheatland play until September 25, 2014, after which Encana no longer held an interest in PrairieSky.

Three months ended March 31, 2015 versus March 31, 2014

In the first quarter of 2015, average natural gas production volumes of 1,857 MMcf/d decreased 952 MMcf/d from 2014. The USA Operations volumes were lower in the first quarter of 2015 primarily due to the sales of the Jonah and East Texas properties in the second quarter of 2014 and natural declines in Haynesville and Piceance. The Canadian Operations volumes were lower in the first quarter of 2015 primarily due to the sale of the Bighorn assets in the third quarter of 2014, the sale of certain assets included in Wheatland in January 2015 and a production decline at Deep Panuke primarily due to a higher water production rate, partially offset by a successful drilling program in Montney.

In the first quarter of 2015, average oil and NGL production volumes of 120.7 Mbbls/d increased 52.8 Mbbls/d from 2014. The USA Operations volumes were higher in the first quarter of 2015 primarily due to the acquisitions of Eagle Ford and the Permian assets in the second and fourth quarters of 2014, respectively, and successful drilling programs in San Juan, the DJ Basin and the TMS, partially offset by the sales of the Jonah and East Texas properties in the second quarter of 2014. The Canadian Operations volumes were lower in the first quarter of 2015 primarily due to the sales of the Bighorn assets and the Company’s investment in PrairieSky in the third quarter of 2014, partially offset by a successful drilling program in Montney.

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   9   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


Net Capital Investment   

 

     Three months ended March 31  
    ($ millions)    2015     2014  

Canadian Operations

       $ 151          $ 281   

USA Operations

     583        226   

Market Optimization

     -        1   

Corporate & Other

     2        3   

Capital Investment

     736        511   

Acquisitions

     35        23   

Divestitures

     (873     (47

Net Acquisitions & (Divestitures)

     (838     (24

Net Capital Investment

       $ (102       $ 487   

Capital Investment by Play

    
     Three months ended March 31  
    ($ millions)    2015     2014  

Canadian Operations

    

Montney (1)

       $ 79          $ 208   

Duvernay

     70        71   

Other Upstream Operations

    

Wheatland (2)

     -        18   

Bighorn

     -        9   

Deep Panuke

     2        (3

Other and emerging (1)

     -        (22

Total Canadian Operations

       $ 151          $ 281   

USA Operations

    

Eagle Ford

       $ 197          $ -   

Permian

     217        -   

DJ Basin

     88        59   

San Juan

     36        52   

Other Upstream Operations

    

Piceance

     3        21   

Haynesville

     2        38   

Jonah

     -        11   

East Texas

     -        10   

Other and emerging

     40        35   

Total USA Operations

       $ 583          $ 226   

Capital Investment – Growth Assets (1)

       $ 713          $ 410   

 

  (1)    Montney

has been realigned to include certain capital investments which were previously reported in Other and emerging.

  (2)    Wheatland

was previously presented as Clearwater.

Growth assets includes Encana’s top four strategic assets – Montney, Duvernay, Eagle Ford and Permian – as well as the DJ Basin, San Juan and the TMS, which represent additional high-quality investment opportunities. Other Upstream Operations includes capital investment from plays that are not part of the Company’s current strategic focus as well as prospective plays that are under appraisal, including the TMS, which is reported within Other and emerging in the USA Operations. For the first quarter of 2015, capital investment in the TMS was $26 million (2014 – $20 million).

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   10   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


Capital investment associated with the lands transferred to PrairieSky was included in Encana’s Wheatland play until September 25, 2014, after which Encana no longer held an interest in PrairieSky.

Three months ended March 31, 2015 versus March 31, 2014

Capital investment during the first quarter of 2015 was $736 million compared to $511 million in 2014. The Company’s disciplined capital spending focused on investment in its growth assets, as well as executing drilling programs with joint venture partners. During the first quarter of 2015, capital spending in the Company’s growth assets totaled $713 million (2014 – $410 million), representing approximately 97 percent (2014 – 80 percent) of the Company’s capital investment, with $563 million (2014 – $279 million) spent on Encana’s top four strategic assets.

Divestitures

Divestitures in the first quarter of 2015 were $829 million in the Canadian Operations. This included approximately C$558 million ($468 million), after closing adjustments, for the sale of the Company’s working interest in certain assets included in Wheatland located in central and southern Alberta which comprised approximately 1.2 million net acres of land that contained over 6,800 producing wells. Encana retains a working interest in approximately 1.1 million net acres in the area. The Canadian Operations also included approximately C$455 million ($359 million), after closing adjustments, in cash consideration net to Encana for the sale of certain natural gas gathering and compression assets in northeastern British Columbia to VMLP. In conjunction with the sale, VMLP will undertake the expansion of future midstream services and will also provide natural gas gathering and processing in Montney to Encana and the CRP. Further information can be found in Note 15 to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Amounts received from the divestiture transactions above have been deducted from the Canadian full cost pool.

2014 Capital Transactions

The following significant acquisition and divestiture transactions, which occurred during 2014, have impacted the Company’s production volume and operating cash flow variances for the first quarter of 2015:

 

    Transaction    Location      Closing Date  

Canadian Operations

     

Divestiture of Encana’s investment in PrairieSky (1)

     Alberta         September 26, 2014   

Sale of Bighorn assets

     Alberta         September 30, 2014   

USA Operations

     

Sale of Jonah properties

     Wyoming         May 12, 2014   

Sale of East Texas properties

     Texas         June 19, 2014   

Acquisition of properties in the Eagle Ford shale formation

     Texas         June 20, 2014   

Acquisition of Athlon Energy Inc. with assets in the Permian Basin (1)

     Texas         November 13, 2014   

 

  (1)

Transactions involved the disposition or acquisition of common shares and, therefore, were not part of the Company’s net acquisition and divestiture activity for 2014.

Refer to the annual MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2014 for a comprehensive discussion of these transactions.

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   11   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


Results of Operations

Canadian Operations

 

Operating Cash Flow

 

     Three months ended March 31  
     Natural Gas          Oil & NGLs          Total (1)  
  ($ millions)    2015      2014          2015      2014          2015      2014  

  Revenues, Net of Royalties, excluding Hedging

    $   396        $  1,017          $     77        $   245          $   476        $  1,268   

  Realized Financial Hedging Gain (Loss)

     154         (75        2         -           156         (75

  Revenues, Net of Royalties

     550         942           79         245           632         1,193   

  Expenses

                     

Production and mineral taxes

     -         2           -         3           -         5   

Transportation and processing

     163         201           14         14           177         215   

Operating

     36         84           6         6           42         92   

  Operating Cash Flow

    $ 351        $ 655            $ 59        $ 222            $ 413        $ 881   
Production Volumes                      
     Three months ended March 31  
    

Natural Gas

(MMcf/d)

        

Oil & NGLs

(Mbbls/d)

        

Total

(MBOE/d)

 
      2015      2014          2015      2014          2015      2014  

  Production Volumes – After Royalties

     1,128         1,568             27.8         41.0             215.8         302.4   
Operating Netback (2)                      
     Three months ended March 31  
    

Natural Gas

($/Mcf)

        

Oil & NGLs

($/bbl)

        

Total

($/BOE)

 
      2015      2014          2015      2014          2015      2014  

  Revenues, Net of Royalties, excluding Hedging

    $   3.89        $   7.17          $   30.65        $  66.36          $   24.30        $  46.20   

  Realized Financial Hedging Gain (Loss)

     1.52         (0.53        0.78         (0.09        8.04         (2.77

  Revenues, Net of Royalties

     5.41         6.64           31.43         66.27           32.34         43.43   

  Expenses

                     

Production and mineral taxes

     -         0.01           0.04         0.80           0.02         0.18   

Transportation and processing

     1.60         1.42           5.82         3.80           9.12         7.87   

Operating

     0.35         0.59           2.31         1.75           2.14         3.29   

  Operating Netback

    $ 3.46        $ 4.62            $ 23.26        $ 59.92            $ 21.06        $ 32.09   

 

  (1)

Also includes other revenues and expenses, such as third party processing, with no associated volumes.

  (2)

A Non-GAAP measure as defined in the Non-GAAP Measures section of this MD&A.

Three months ended March 31, 2015 versus March 31, 2014

Operating Cash Flow of $413 million decreased $468 million primarily due to the following significant items:

 

   

Lower natural gas prices reflected lower benchmark prices, which decreased revenues $333 million. The average realized natural gas price for production from Deep Panuke was $10.68 per Mcf compared to $19.14 per Mcf in 2014 and increased the average realized natural gas price $1.30 per Mcf compared to $2.29 per Mcf in 2014.

 

   

Lower liquids prices reflected lower benchmark prices, which decreased revenues $89 million.

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   12   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


   

Average natural gas production volumes of 1,128 MMcf/d were lower by 440 MMcf/d, which decreased revenues $288 million. Average oil and NGL production volumes of 27.8 Mbbls/d were lower by 13.2 Mbbls/d, which decreased revenues $79 million. Changes in production volumes are discussed in the Production Volumes section of this MD&A.

 

   

Realized financial hedging gains were $156 million compared to losses of $75 million in 2014.

 

   

Transportation and processing expense decreased $38 million primarily due to the sale of the Bighorn assets in the third quarter of 2014, the lower U.S./Canadian dollar exchange rate and the sale of certain assets included in Wheatland in January 2015, partially offset by higher liquids volumes processed in Montney.

 

   

Operating expense decreased $50 million primarily due to the sale of certain assets included in Wheatland in January 2015, lower long-term compensation costs due to the decrease in the Encana share price, the lower U.S./Canadian dollar exchange rate, and the sale of the Bighorn assets in the third quarter of 2014.

Other Expenses

 

     Three months ended March 31  
  ($ millions, except as indicated)    2015      2014  

  Depreciation, depletion & amortization

       $                 105           $                 172   

  Depletion rate ($/BOE)

     5.39         6.28   

DD&A decreased primarily due to lower production volumes and the lower U.S./Canadian dollar exchange rate. The lower depletion rate in the first quarter of 2015 resulted primarily from the lower U.S./Canadian dollar exchange rate, and the sales of the Bighorn assets and the Company’s investment in PrairieSky in the third quarter of 2014.

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   13   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


USA Operations

 

Operating Cash Flow

 

     Three months ended March 31  
     Natural Gas          Oil & NGLs           Total (1)  
  ($ millions)    2015      2014          2015      2014           2015      2014  

  Revenues, Net of Royalties, excluding Hedging

    $ 195        $ 596          $ 295        $ 179           $ 496        $ 778   

  Realized Financial Hedging Gain (Loss)

     54         (65        38         -            92         (65

  Revenues, Net of Royalties

     249         531           333         179            588         713   

  Expenses

                      

Production and mineral taxes

     4         29           15         13            19         42   

Transportation and processing

     151         163           4         -            155         163   

Operating

     49         68           75         8            125         74   

  Operating Cash Flow

    $ 45        $ 271            $ 239        $ 158             $ 289        $ 434   
Production Volumes                       
     Three months ended March 31  
    

Natural Gas

(MMcf/d)

        

Oil & NGLs

(Mbbls/d)

         

Total

(MBOE/d)

 
      2015      2014          2015      2014           2015      2014  

  Production Volumes – After Royalties

     729         1,241             92.9         26.9              214.3         233.7   
Operating Netback (2)                       
     Three months ended March 31  
    

Natural Gas

($/Mcf)

        

Oil & NGLs

($/bbl)

         

Total

($/BOE)

 
      2015      2014          2015      2014           2015      2014  

  Revenues, Net of Royalties, excluding Hedging

    $   2.97        $   5.34          $  35.18        $  73.61           $   25.34        $  36.82   

  Realized Financial Hedging Gain (Loss)

     0.82         (0.58        4.58         0.04            4.78         (3.07

  Revenues, Net of Royalties

     3.79         4.76           39.76         73.65            30.12         33.75   

  Expenses

                      

Production and mineral taxes

     0.06         0.26           1.80         5.46            0.97         1.99   

Transportation and processing

     2.30         1.46           0.43         -            8.02         7.75   

Operating

     0.75         0.61           8.96         3.16            6.44         3.60   

  Operating Netback

    $ 0.68        $ 2.43            $ 28.57        $ 65.03            $ 14.69        $ 20.41   

 

  (1)

Also includes other revenues and expenses, such as third party processing, with no associated volumes.

  (2)

A Non-GAAP measure as defined in the Non-GAAP Measures section of this MD&A.

Three months ended March 31, 2015 versus 2014

Operating Cash Flow of $289 million decreased $145 million primarily due to the following significant items:

 

   

Lower natural gas prices reflected lower benchmark prices, which decreased revenues $139 million. Lower liquids prices reflected lower benchmark prices, which decreased revenues $119 million.

 

   

Average natural gas production volumes of 729 MMcf/d were lower by 512 MMcf/d, which decreased revenues $262 million. Average oil and NGL production volumes of 92.9 Mbbls/d were higher by 66.0 Mbbls/d, which increased revenues $235 million. Changes in production volumes are discussed in the Production Volumes section of this MD&A.

 

   

Realized financial hedging gains were $92 million compared to losses of $65 million in 2014.

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   14   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


   

Production and mineral taxes decreased $23 million primarily due to the sale of the Jonah properties in the second quarter of 2014 and lower commodity prices, partially offset by the acquisitions of Eagle Ford and the Permian assets in the second and fourth quarters of 2014, respectively.

 

   

Operating expense increased $51 million primarily due to the acquisitions of Eagle Ford and the Permian assets in the second and fourth quarters of 2014, respectively, partially offset by the sales of the Jonah and East Texas properties in the second quarter of 2014 and lower long-term compensation costs due to the decrease in the Encana share price.

Other Expenses

 

         Three months ended March 31      
  ($ millions, except as indicated)    2015      2014    

  Depreciation, depletion & amortization

     $          336         $          212     

  Depletion rate ($/BOE)

     16.96           10.09     

  Impairments

     1,916         -     

DD&A increased primarily due to a higher depletion rate of $16.96 per BOE in 2015 compared to $10.09 per BOE in 2014, partially offset by lower production volumes. The higher depletion rate in the first quarter of 2015 resulted primarily from the acquisitions of Eagle Ford and the Permian assets in the second and fourth quarters of 2014, respectively, and a decrease in proved reserves as a result of the sale of the Jonah properties in the second quarter of 2014.

In the first quarter of 2015, the USA Operations recognized a before-tax non-cash ceiling test impairment of $1,916 million. The impairment primarily resulted from the decline in the 12-month average trailing commodity prices, which reduced the USA Operations proved reserves volumes and values as calculated under SEC requirements.

The 12-month average trailing prices used in the ceiling test calculations were based on the benchmark prices below. The benchmark prices were adjusted for basis differentials to determine local reference prices, transportation costs and tariffs, heat content and quality.

 

         Natural Gas          Oil & NGLs    
     

Henry Hub    

($/MMBtu)    

    

WTI  

($/bbl)  

 

  12-Month Average Trailing Reserves Pricing (1)

     

  March 31, 2015

     3.88             82.72     

  December 31, 2014

     4.34             94.99     

  March 31, 2014

     3.99             98.46     

 

(1)

All prices were held constant in all future years when estimating reserves.

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   15   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


Market Optimization

 

 

         Three months ended March 31      
  ($ millions)    2015      2014    

  Revenues

       $ 139           $ 244     

  Expenses

     

Operating

     16         13     

Purchased product

     121         228     

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     -         3     
         $ 2           $ -     

Market Optimization revenues and purchased product expense relate to activities that provide operational flexibility for transportation commitments, product type, delivery points and customer diversification. Revenues and purchased product expense decreased in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to lower commodity prices, partially offset by higher volumes required for optimization.

Corporate and Other

 

 

         Three months ended March 31      
  ($ millions)    2015     2014    

  Revenues

       $ (110       $ (258)    

  Expenses

    

Transportation and processing

     8        1     

Operating

     6        10     

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     25        31     
         $ (149       $ (300)    

Revenues mainly include unrealized hedging gains or losses recorded on derivative financial contracts which result from the volatility in forward curves of commodity prices and changes in the balance of unsettled contracts between periods. Transportation and processing expense reflects unrealized financial hedging gains or losses related to the Company’s power financial derivative contracts. DD&A includes amortization of corporate assets, such as computer equipment, office buildings, furniture and leasehold improvements.

Corporate and Other results include revenues and operating expenses related to the sublease of office space in The Bow office building. Further information on The Bow office sublease can be found in Note 11 to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   16   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


Other Operating Results

Expenses

 

 

         Three months ended March 31      
 ($ millions)    2015     2014  

 Accretion of asset retirement obligation

         $ 12      $ 13   

 Administrative

     72        102   

 Interest

     125        147   

 Foreign exchange (gain) loss, net

     656        224   

 (Gain) loss on divestitures

     (14     1   

 Other

     1        -   
           $ 852      $ 487   

Administrative expense in the first quarter of 2015 decreased from 2014 primarily due to lower long-term compensation costs due to the decrease in the Encana share price, lower restructuring costs and the lower U.S./Canadian dollar exchange rate. There were no restructuring costs incurred in the first quarter of 2015 compared to $15 million in 2014.

Interest expense in the first quarter of 2015 decreased from 2014 primarily due to lower interest on debt resulting from the long-term debt repayment and redemption in the first half of 2014.

Foreign exchange gains and losses result from the impact of the fluctuations in the Canadian to U.S. dollar exchange rate. Foreign exchange losses increased in the first quarter of 2015 primarily due to higher losses on the translation of U.S. dollar long-term debt issued from Canada, intercompany transactions and the revaluation and settlement of other monetary assets and liabilities.

Gain on divestitures in the first quarter of 2015 primarily includes a gain on the sale of the Encana Place office building in Calgary.

Income Tax

 

 

         Three months ended March 31      
 ($ millions)    2015     2014  

 Current Income Tax

   $ 16      $ 16   

 Deferred Income Tax (Recovery)

     (963     12   

 Income Tax Expense (Recovery)

   $ (947   $ 28   

Total income tax recovery in the first quarter of 2015 was primarily due to lower net earnings before tax. The net earnings variances are discussed in the Financial Results section of this MD&A.

Encana’s interim income tax expense is determined using the estimated annual effective income tax rate applied to year-to-date net earnings before tax plus the effect of legislative changes and amounts in respect of prior periods. The Company’s effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2015 is higher than 2014 primarily as a result of changes in expected annual earnings. The estimated annual effective income tax rate is impacted by expected annual earnings, statutory rate and other foreign differences, non-taxable capital gains and losses, tax differences on divestitures and transactions, and partnership tax allocations in excess of funding.

Tax interpretations, regulations and legislation in the various jurisdictions in which the Company and its subsidiaries operate are subject to change. As a result, there are tax matters under review. The Company believes that the provision for taxes is adequate.

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   17   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

         Three months ended March 31      
 ($ millions)    2015     2014  

 Net Cash From (Used In)

    

Operating activities

   $ 482      $ 943   

Investing activities

     268        (446

Financing activities

     968        (845

Foreign exchange gain (loss) on cash and cash equivalents held in foreign currency

     (26     (56

 Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

   $ 1,692      $ (404

 Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period

   $ 2,030      $ 2,162   

Operating Activities

 

Net cash from operating activities in the first quarter of 2015 of $482 million decreased $461 million from 2014. These changes are primarily a result of the Cash Flow variances discussed in the Financial Results section of this MD&A. In the first quarter of 2015, the net change in non-cash working capital was a deficit of $6 million compared to $142 million in 2014.

The Company had a working capital surplus of $748 million at March 31, 2015 compared to $455 million at December 31, 2014. The increase in working capital is primarily due to an increase in cash and cash equivalents and a decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, partially offset by an increase in the current portion of long-term debt, a decrease in accounts receivable and accrued revenues and a decrease in income tax receivable. At March 31, 2015, working capital included cash and cash equivalents of $2,030 million compared to $338 million at December 31, 2014. Encana expects that it will continue to meet the payment terms of its suppliers.

Investing Activities

 

Net cash from investing activities in the first quarter of 2015 was $268 million compared to net cash used of $446 million in 2014. The change was primarily due to higher proceeds from divestitures, partially offset by higher capital expenditures. Further information on capital expenditures and acquisitions and divestitures can be found in the Net Capital Investment section of this MD&A.

Financing Activities

 

Net cash from financing activities in the first quarter of 2015 was $968 million compared to net cash used of $845 million in 2014. The change was primarily due to proceeds from the issuance of common shares pursuant to the Share Offering in the first quarter of 2015 and the repayment of long-term debt in the first quarter of 2014.

Long-Term Debt

Encana’s long-term debt, excluding the current portion, totaled $5,925 million at March 31, 2015 and $7,340 million at December 31, 2014. The current portion of long-term debt outstanding was $1,291 million at March 31, 2015. This amount was classified as current as a result of the Company’s planned debt redemption in April 2015, as discussed below. There was no current portion of long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2014.

On April 6, 2015, the Company used the net proceeds from the Share Offering and cash on hand to complete the redemption of its $700 million 5.90 percent notes due December 1, 2017 and its C$750 million 5.80 percent medium-term notes due January 18, 2018. The note redemptions required an aggregate one-time early interest payment of approximately $165 million and is expected to save Encana a gross amount of approximately $205 million in future interest expense, based on current foreign exchange and treasury rates.

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   18   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


During the first quarter of 2015, Encana implemented a U.S. Commercial Paper (“U.S. CP”) program which is fully supported by the Company’s revolving credit facility. At March 31, 2015, Encana had an outstanding balance of $1,211 million which reflected U.S. CP issuances that had an average term of 38 days and a weighted average interest rate of 0.66 percent. Management expects these amounts will continue to be supported by the revolving credit facility that has no repayment requirements within the next year. At December 31, 2014, Encana had an outstanding balance of $1,277 million under the Company’s revolving credit facility, which reflected principal obligations related to LIBOR loans maturing at various dates with a weighted average interest rate of 1.62 percent. During the first quarter of 2015, Encana repaid the outstanding balance relating to LIBOR loans using proceeds from the U.S. CP program and cash on hand. Additional detail on Encana’s credit facilities can be found below.

Encana has the flexibility to refinance maturing long-term debt or repay debt maturities from existing sources of liquidity. Encana’s primary sources of liquidity include cash and cash equivalents, revolving bank credit facilities, working capital, operating cash flow and proceeds from asset divestitures.

Credit Facilities and Shelf Prospectus

Encana maintains two revolving bank credit facilities which remain committed through June 2018. At March 31, 2015, Encana had available unused committed revolving bank credit facilities of $2.6 billion as follows:

 

   

A committed revolving bank credit facility for C$3.5 billion ($2.8 billion) for Encana, of which $1.6 billion remained unused.

 

   

A committed revolving bank credit facility for a U.S. subsidiary for $1.0 billion, all of which remained unused.

On June 27, 2014, Encana filed a short form base shelf prospectus, whereby the Company may issue from time to time up to $6.0 billion, or the equivalent in foreign currencies, of debt securities, common shares, preferred shares, subscription receipts, warrants and units in Canada and/or the U.S. On March 5, 2015, the Company filed a prospectus supplement to the base shelf prospectus for the issuance of 85,616,500 common shares of Encana and granted an over-allotment option for up to an additional 12,842,475 common shares of Encana at a price of C$14.60 per common share, pursuant to an underwriting agreement. The Share Offering of 98,458,975 common shares of Encana was completed during March 2015 for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately C$1.44 billion ($1.13 billion). After deducting underwriter’s fees and costs of the Share Offering, the net proceeds received were approximately C$1.39 billion ($1.09 billion). At March 31, 2015, $4.9 billion, or the equivalent in foreign currencies, remained accessible under the shelf prospectus, the availability of which is dependent upon market conditions. The shelf prospectus expires in July 2016.

Encana is currently in compliance with, and expects that it will continue to be in compliance with, all financial covenants under its credit facility agreements. Management monitors Debt to Adjusted Capitalization as a proxy for Encana’s financial covenant under its credit facility agreements which require debt to adjusted capitalization to be less than 60 percent. The definitions used in the covenant under the credit facilities adjust capitalization for cumulative historical ceiling test impairments that were recorded as at December 31, 2011 in conjunction with the Company’s January 1, 2012 adoption of U.S. GAAP. Debt to Adjusted Capitalization was 29 percent at March 31, 2015 and 30 percent at December 31, 2014.

Outstanding Share Data

 

 (millions)    December 31, 2014          March 31, 2015          May 8, 2015  

 Common Shares Outstanding

     741.2         840.9         840.9   

 Stock Options with TSARs attached:

        

Outstanding

     21.3         20.8         20.6   

Exercisable

     10.0         11.2         11.1   

Pursuant to the Share Offering, Encana issued approximately 98.4 million common shares during the first quarter of 2015.

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   19   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


During the first quarter of 2015, Encana issued 1,267,680 common shares under the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan (“DRIP”) compared with 54,472 common shares in 2014. The number of common shares issued under the DRIP increased in the first quarter of 2015 as a result of Encana’s February 25, 2015 announcement that, effective with the dividend payable on March 31, 2015, any future dividends in conjunction with the DRIP will be issued from its treasury with a two percent discount to the average market price of the common shares unless otherwise announced by the Company via news release.

A Tandem Stock Appreciation Right (“TSAR”) gives the option holder the right to receive a cash payment equal to the excess of the market price of Encana’s common shares at the time of exercise over the original grant price.

Dividends

Encana pays quarterly dividends to shareholders at the discretion of the Board.

 

                 As at March 31               
($ millions, except as indicated)    2015      2014  

Dividend Payments

     $        52         $        52   

Dividend Payments ($/share)

     $     0.07         $     0.07   

The dividends paid in the first quarter of 2015 included $14 million in common shares issued in lieu of cash dividends under the DRIP compared to $1 million for 2014. Common shares issued in the Share Offering were not eligible to receive the dividend that was paid during the first quarter of 2015.

On May 11, 2015, the Board declared a dividend of $0.07 per share payable on June 30, 2015 to common shareholders of record as of June 15, 2015.

Capital Structure

The Company’s capital structure consists of total shareholders’ equity plus long-term debt, including the current portion. The Company’s objectives when managing its capital structure are to maintain financial flexibility to preserve Encana’s access to capital markets and its ability to meet financial obligations and finance internally generated growth, as well as potential acquisitions. Encana has a long-standing practice of maintaining capital discipline and managing and adjusting its capital structure according to market conditions to maintain flexibility while achieving the Company’s objectives.

To manage the capital structure, the Company may adjust capital spending, adjust dividends paid to shareholders, issue new shares, issue new debt or repay existing debt. In managing its capital structure, the Company monitors the following non-GAAP financial metrics as indicators of its overall financial strength, which are defined in the Non-GAAP Measures section of this MD&A.

 

          March 31, 2015          December 31, 2014  

Debt to Debt Adjusted Cash Flow

     2.6x         2.1x   

Debt to Adjusted Capitalization

     29%         30%   

Subsequent to the debt redemption completed on April 6, 2015, Debt to Debt Adjusted Cash Flow was approximately 2.1x and Debt to Adjusted Capitalization was approximately 26 percent.

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   20   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

The following table outlines the Company’s commitments at March 31, 2015:

 

     Expected Future Payments  
 ($ millions, undiscounted)    2015      2016      2017      2018      2019      Thereafter      Total  

 Transportation and Processing

   $     598       $     787       $     779       $     798       $     674       $     3,085       $     6,721   

 Drilling and Field Services

     164         128         90         47         14         16         459   

 Operating Leases

     24         27         22         21         8         20         122   

 Commitments

   $ 786       $ 942       $ 891       $ 866       $ 696       $ 3,121       $ 7,302   

In addition to the Commitments disclosed above, Encana has significant development commitments with joint venture partners, a portion of which may be satisfied by the Drilling and Field Services commitments included in the table above.

Included in Transportation and Processing in the table above are certain commitments associated with midstream service agreements with VMLP. Additional information can be found in Note 15 to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Further to the Commitments disclosed above, Encana also has obligations related to its risk management program and to fund its defined benefit pension and other post-employment benefit plans. Further information can be found in Note 20 to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements regarding the Company’s risk management program.

Contractual obligations arising from long-term debt, asset retirement obligations, The Bow office building and capital leases are recognized on the Company’s balance sheet. Further information can be found in the note disclosures to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company expects to fund its 2015 commitments and obligations from Cash Flow and cash and cash equivalents.

Contingencies

Encana is involved in various legal claims and actions arising in the course of the Company’s operations. Although the outcome of these claims cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not expect these matters to have a material adverse effect on Encana’s financial position, cash flows or results of operations. If an unfavourable outcome were to occur, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on the Company’s consolidated net earnings or loss in the period in which the outcome is determined. Accruals for litigation and claims are recognized if the Company determines that the loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The Company believes it has made adequate provision for such legal claims.

.

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   21   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


Risk Management

Encana’s business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, and in some cases its reputation, are impacted by risks that can be categorized as follows:

 

   

financial risks;

 

   

operational risks; and

 

   

environmental, regulatory, reputational and safety risks.

Encana aims to strengthen its position as a leading North American energy producer and grow shareholder value through a disciplined focus on generating profitable growth. Encana continues to focus on developing a balanced portfolio of low-risk and low-cost long-life plays, which allows the Company to respond well to market uncertainties. Management adjusts financial and operational risk strategies to proactively respond to changing economic conditions and to mitigate or reduce risk.

Issues that can affect Encana’s reputation are generally strategic or emerging issues that can be identified early and then appropriately managed, but can also include unforeseen issues that must be managed on a more urgent basis. Encana takes a proactive approach to the identification and management of issues that affect the Company’s reputation and has established appropriate policies, procedures, guidelines and responsibilities for identifying and managing these issues.

Financial Risks

Encana defines financial risks as the risk of loss or lost opportunity resulting from financial management and market conditions that could have an impact on Encana’s business.

Financial risks include, but are not limited to:

 

   

market pricing of natural gas and liquids;

 

   

credit and liquidity;

 

   

foreign exchange rates; and

 

   

interest rates.

Encana partially mitigates its exposure to financial risks through the use of various financial instruments and physical contracts. The use of derivative financial instruments is governed under formal policies and is subject to limits established by the Board. All derivative financial agreements are with major global financial institutions or with corporate counterparties having investment grade credit ratings. Encana has in place policies and procedures with respect to the required documentation and approvals for the use of derivative financial instruments and specifically ties their use to the mitigation of financial risk in order to support capital plans and strategic objectives.

To partially mitigate commodity price risk, the Company may enter into transactions that fix, set a floor or set a floor and cap on prices. To help protect against regional price differentials, Encana executes transactions to manage the price differentials between its production areas and various sales points. Further information, including the details of Encana’s financial instruments as at March 31, 2015, is disclosed in Note 20 to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Counterparty credit risks are regularly and proactively managed. A substantial portion of Encana’s credit exposure is with customers in the oil and gas industry or financial institutions. This credit exposure is mitigated through the use of Board-approved credit policies governing the Company’s credit portfolio, including credit practices that limit transactions and grant payment terms according to industry standards and counterparties’ credit quality.

The Company manages liquidity risk using cash and debt management programs. The Company has access to cash equivalents and a range of funding alternatives at competitive rates through committed revolving bank credit

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   22   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


facilities and debt and equity capital markets. Encana closely monitors the Company’s ability to access cost-effective credit and ensures that sufficient liquidity is in place to fund capital expenditures and dividend payments. The Company minimizes its liquidity risk by managing its capital structure which may include adjusting capital spending, adjusting dividends paid to shareholders, issuing new shares, issuing new debt or repaying existing debt.

Operational Risks

Operational risks are defined as the risk of loss or lost opportunity resulting from the following:

 

   

operating activities;

 

   

capital activities, including the ability to complete projects; and

 

   

reserves and resources replacement.

The Company’s ability to operate, generate cash flows, complete projects, and value reserves and resources is subject to financial risks, including commodity prices mentioned above, continued market demand for its products and other risk factors outside of its control. These factors include: general business and market conditions; economic recessions and financial market turmoil; the overall state of the capital markets, including investor appetite for investments in the oil and gas industry generally and the Company’s securities in particular; the ability to secure and maintain cost-effective financing for its commitments; legislative, environmental and regulatory matters; unexpected cost increases; royalties; taxes; volatility in natural gas and liquids prices; partner funding for their share of joint venture and partnership commitments; the availability of drilling and other equipment; the ability to access lands; the ability to access water for hydraulic fracturing operations; weather; the availability of processing capacity; the availability and proximity of take-away capacity; technology failures; the ability to integrate new assets; cyber-attacks; accidents; the availability of skilled labour; and reservoir quality. If Encana fails to acquire or find additional natural gas and liquids reserves and resources, its reserves, resources and production will decline materially from their current levels and, therefore, its cash flows are highly dependent upon successfully exploiting current reserves and resources and acquiring, discovering or developing additional reserves and resources. To mitigate these risks, as part of the capital approval process, the Company’s projects are evaluated on a fully risked basis, including geological risk, engineering risk and reliance on third party service providers.

When making operating and investing decisions, Encana’s highly disciplined, dynamic and centrally controlled capital allocation program ensures investment dollars are directed in a manner that is consistent with the Company’s strategy. Encana also mitigates operational risks through a number of other policies, systems and processes as well as by maintaining a comprehensive insurance program.

Environmental, Regulatory, Reputational and Safety Risks

The Company is committed to safety in its operations and has high regard for the environment and stakeholders, including the public and regulators. The Company’s business is subject to all of the operating risks normally associated with the exploration for, development of and production of natural gas, oil and NGLs and the operation of midstream facilities. When assessing the materiality of environmental risk factors, Encana takes into account a number of qualitative and quantitative factors, including, but not limited to, the financial, operational, reputational and regulatory aspects of each identified risk factor. These risks are managed by executing policies and standards that are designed to comply with or exceed government regulations and industry standards. In addition, Encana maintains a system that identifies, assesses and controls safety, security and environmental risk and requires regular reporting to the Executive Leadership Team and the Board. The Corporate Responsibility, Environment, Health and Safety Committee of Encana’s Board provides recommended environmental policies for approval by Encana’s Board and oversees compliance with government laws and regulations. Monitoring and reporting programs for environmental, health and safety performance in day-to-day operations, as well as inspections and audits, are designed to provide assurance that environmental and regulatory standards are met. Emergency response plans are in place to provide guidance during times of crisis. Contingency plans are in place for a timely response to environmental events and remediation/reclamation strategies are utilized to restore the environment.

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   23   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


Encana’s operations are subject to regulation and intervention by governments that can affect or prohibit the drilling, completion, including hydraulic fracturing and tie-in of wells, production, the construction or expansion of facilities and the operation and abandonment of fields. Changes in government regulation could impact the Company’s existing and planned projects as well as impose a cost of compliance.

In the state of Colorado, several cities have passed local ordinances limiting or banning certain oil and gas activities, including hydraulic fracturing. These local rule-making initiatives have not significantly impacted the Company’s operations or development plans in the state to date. Encana continues to work with state and local governments, academics and industry leaders to respond to hydraulic fracturing related concerns in Colorado. The Company recognizes that additional hydraulic fracturing ballot and/or local rule-making limiting or restricting oil and gas development activities are a possibility in the future and will continue to monitor and respond to these developments in 2015.

The U.S. federal government has noted climate change action as a priority for the current administration. On January 14, 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) outlined a series of steps to address methane and volatile organic compound emissions from the oil and gas industry, including a new goal to reduce oil and gas methane emissions by 40 to 45 percent from 2012 levels by 2025. The reductions will be achieved through regulatory and voluntary measures which have not yet been announced. The EPA plans to propose this new rule and guidance in late summer 2015 with a final rule and guidance expected in 2016.

A comprehensive discussion of Encana’s risk management is provided in the Company’s annual MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   24   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


Controls and Procedures

Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over the Company’s financial reporting, which is a process designed by, or designed under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and effected by the Board, Management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Except for changes relating to the continuing integration of Athlon Energy Inc. (“Athlon”), as discussed below, there have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended March 31, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting.

In accordance with Section 3.3(1) of National Instrument 52-109 and Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the United States Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Management has limited the scope and design and subsequent evaluation of internal controls over financial reporting to exclude the controls, policies and procedures of Athlon, acquired through a business combination on November 13, 2014. Summary financial information related to Athlon’s operations included in Encana’s Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the period ended March 31, 2015 is as follows:

 

 ($ millions)        

 Revenues

               $ 55   

 Net Earnings

     25   

 Current Assets

     61   

 Non-Current Assets

     3,059   

 Current Liabilities

     41   

 Non-Current Liabilities

     168   

Limitations of the Effectiveness of Controls

The Company’s control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to Management regarding the preparation and presentation of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation and should not be expected to prevent all errors or fraud. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   25   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


Accounting Policies and Estimates

Critical Accounting Estimates

 

Refer to the annual MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2014 for a comprehensive discussion of Encana’s Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Changes in Accounting Policies and Practices

On January 1, 2015, Encana adopted Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity as issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). The update amends the criteria and expands the disclosures for reporting discontinued operations. Under the new criteria, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations would qualify as a discontinued operation. The amendments have been applied prospectively and have not had a material impact on the Company’s Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

New Standards Issued Not Yet Adopted

As of January 1, 2016, Encana will be required to adopt the following pronouncements issued by the FASB:

 

   

ASU 2014-12, Compensation – Stock Compensation: Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved After the Requisite Service Period. The update requires that a performance target that affects vesting and could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. The amendments will be applied prospectively and are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

   

ASU 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. The update requires limited partnerships and similar entities to be evaluated under the variable interest and voting interest models, eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, and simplify the identification of variable interests and related effect on the primary beneficiary criterion when fees are paid to a decision maker. The amendments can be applied using either a full retrospective approach or a modified retrospective approach at the date of adoption. Encana is currently assessing the potential impact of the amendments on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

   

ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. The update requires debt issuance costs to be presented on the balance sheet as a deduction from the carrying amount of the related liability. Previously, debt issuance costs were presented as a deferred charge within assets. The amendments will be applied retrospectively. As at March 31, 2015, $43 million of debt issuance costs were presented in Other Assets on the Company’s interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet ($48 million as at December 31, 2014).

As of January 1, 2017, Encana will be required to adopt ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers under Topic 606, which was the result of a joint project by the FASB and International Accounting Standards Board. The new standard replaces Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and other industry-specific guidance in the Accounting Standards Codification. The new standard is based on the principle that revenue is recognized on the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The standard can be applied using either the full retrospective approach or a modified retrospective approach at the date of adoption. Encana is currently assessing the potential impact of the standard on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   26   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


Non-GAAP Measures

Certain measures in this document do not have any standardized meaning as prescribed by U.S. GAAP and, therefore, are considered non-GAAP measures. These measures may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. These measures are commonly used in the oil and gas industry and by Encana to provide shareholders and potential investors with additional information regarding the Company’s liquidity and its ability to generate funds to finance its operations. Non-GAAP measures include: Cash Flow; Free Cash Flow; Operating Earnings; Upstream Operating Cash Flow, excluding Hedging; Operating Netback; Debt to Debt Adjusted Cash Flow; and Debt to Adjusted Capitalization. Management’s use of these measures is discussed further below.

Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow

 

Cash Flow is a non-GAAP measure commonly used in the oil and gas industry and by Encana to assist Management and investors in measuring the Company’s ability to finance capital programs and meet financial obligations. Cash Flow is defined as cash from operating activities excluding net change in other assets and liabilities, net change in non-cash working capital and cash tax on sale of assets.

Free Cash Flow is a non-GAAP measure defined as Cash Flow in excess of capital investment, excluding net acquisitions and divestitures, and is used to determine the funds available for other investing and/or financing activities.

 

      2015               2014               2013  
   ($ millions)    Q1               Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1               Q4     Q3     Q2  

Cash From (Used in) Operating Activities

       $     482                $     261          $ 696          $ 767          $     943                $     462          $     935          $     554   

(Add back) deduct:

                            

Net change in other assets and liabilities

     (7           (15     (11     (8     (9           (21     (15     (22

Net change in non-cash working capital

     (6           (141     155        119        (142           (183     300        (81

Cash tax on sale of assets

     -              40        (255     -        -              (11     (10     (8

Cash Flow

       $ 495                $ 377          $ 807          $ 656          $ 1,094                $ 677          $ 660          $ 665   

Deduct:

                            

Capital investment

     736              857        598            560        511              717        641        639   

Free Cash Flow

       $ (241                 $ (480       $     209          $ 96          $ 583                    $ (40       $ 19          $ 26   

 

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   27   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


Operating Earnings

 

Operating Earnings is a non-GAAP measure that adjusts Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Common Shareholders by non-operating items that Management believes reduces the comparability of the Company’s underlying financial performance between periods. Operating Earnings is commonly used in the oil and gas industry and by Encana to provide investors with information that is more comparable between periods.

Operating Earnings is defined as Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Common Shareholders excluding non-recurring or non-cash items that Management believes reduces the comparability of the Company’s financial performance between periods. These after-tax items may include, but are not limited to, unrealized hedging gains/losses, impairments, restructuring charges, non-operating foreign exchange gains/losses, gains/losses on divestitures, income taxes related to divestitures and adjustments to normalize the effect of income taxes calculated using the estimated annual effective income tax rate.

 

      2015               2014               2013  
   ($ millions)    Q1               Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1               Q4     Q3     Q2  

Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Common Shareholders

       $ (1,707             $     198          $ 2,807          $     271          $     116                $ (251       $     188          $     730   

After-tax (addition) / deduction:

                            

Unrealized hedging gain (loss)

     (98           341        160        8        (203           (209     (89     332   

Impairments

     (1,222           -        -        -        -              -        (16     -   

Restructuring charges

     -              (4     (5     (5     (10           (64     -        -   

Non-operating foreign exchange gain (loss)

     (508           (151     (218     156        (194           (124     105        (162

Gain (loss) on divestitures

     10              (11     2,399        135        -              -        -        -   

Income tax adjustments

         102              (12         190        (194     8              (80     38        313   

Operating Earnings

       $ 9                    $ 35          $ 281          $ 171          $ 515                    $ 226          $ 150          $ 247   

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   28   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


Upstream Operating Cash Flow, excluding Hedging

 

Upstream Operating Cash Flow, excluding Hedging is a non-GAAP measure that adjusts the Canadian and USA Operations revenues, net of royalties for production and mineral taxes, transportation and processing expense, operating expense and the impacts of realized hedging. Management monitors Upstream Operating Cash Flow, excluding Hedging as it reflects operating performance and measures the Company’s portfolio transition to higher margin production. Upstream Operating Cash Flow, excluding Hedging is reconciled to GAAP measures in the Results of Operations section of this MD&A. The table below totals Upstream Operating Cash Flow for Encana.

 

     2015                2014               2013  
   ($ millions)   Q1                Q4      Q3      Q2     Q1               Q4      Q3      Q2  

Upstream Operating Cash Flow

                                

Canadian Operations

  $     413             $     341       $     477       $     447      $ 881            $     526       $     406       $     383   

USA Operations

    289               480         505         353        434              375         388         405   
    $ 702             $ 821       $ 982       $ 800      $ 1,315            $ 901       $ 794       $ 788   

(Add back) deduct:

                                

Realized Hedging Gain (Loss)

                                

Canadian Operations

  $ 156             $ 49       $ 19       $ (49   $ (75         $ 90       $ 95       $ 21   

USA Operations

    92               78         11         (49     (65           83         77         30   
    $ 248             $ 127       $ 30       $ (98   $ (140         $ 173       $ 172       $ 51   

Upstream Operating Cash Flow, excluding Hedging

                                

Canadian Operations

  $ 257             $ 292       $ 458       $ 496      $ 956            $ 436       $ 311       $ 362   

USA Operations

    197               402         494         402        499              292         311         375   
    $ 454             $ 694       $ 952       $ 898      $ 1,455            $ 728       $ 622       $ 737   

Operating Netback

 

Operating Netback is a common metric used in the oil and gas industry to measure operating performance by product. Operating Netbacks are calculated by determining product revenues, net of royalties and deducting costs associated with delivering the product to market, including production and mineral taxes, transportation and processing expense and operating expense. The Operating Netback calculation is shown in the Results of Operations section of this MD&A.

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   29   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


Debt to Debt Adjusted Cash Flow

 

Debt to Debt Adjusted Cash Flow is a non-GAAP measure monitored by Management as an indicator of the Company’s overall financial strength. Debt Adjusted Cash Flow is a non-GAAP measure defined as Cash Flow on a trailing 12-month basis excluding interest expense after tax.

 

   ($ millions)                March 31, 2015      December 31, 2014  

Debt

         $ 7,216         $            7,340   

Cash Flow

           2,335         2,934   

Interest Expense, after tax

               470         486   

Debt Adjusted Cash Flow

             $   2,805         $            3,420   

Debt to Debt Adjusted Cash Flow

               2.6x         2.1x   

Debt to Adjusted Capitalization

 

Debt to Adjusted Capitalization is a non-GAAP measure which adjusts capitalization for historical ceiling test impairments that were recorded as at December 31, 2011. Management monitors Debt to Adjusted Capitalization as a proxy for Encana’s financial covenant under its credit facility agreements which require debt to adjusted capitalization to be less than 60 percent. Adjusted Capitalization includes debt, total shareholders’ equity and an equity adjustment for cumulative historical ceiling test impairments recorded as at December 31, 2011 in conjunction with the Company’s January 1, 2012 adoption of U.S. GAAP.

 

($ millions)               March 31, 2015      December 31, 2014  

Debt

        $ 7,216         $          7,340   

Total Shareholders’ Equity

          9,517         9,685   

Equity Adjustment for Impairments at December 31, 2011

              7,746         7,746   

Adjusted Capitalization

            $ 24,479         $        24,771   

Debt to Adjusted Capitalization

              29%         30%   

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   30   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


Advisory

Forward-Looking Statements

 

In the interest of providing Encana shareholders and potential investors with information regarding the Company and its subsidiaries, including Management’s assessment of Encana’s and its subsidiaries’ future plans and operations, certain statements contained in this document constitute forward-looking statements or information (collectively referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of the “safe harbour” provisions of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “forecast”, “target”, “project”, “objective”, “strategy”, “strives”, “agreed to” or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. Forward-looking statements in this document include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to:

 

 

achieving the Company’s focus on developing its strong portfolio of resource plays producing natural gas, oil and NGLs

 

commitment to growing long-term shareholder value through a disciplined focus on generating profitable growth

 

pursuing its key business objectives of balancing its commodity portfolio, focusing capital investments in strategic high return, scalable projects, maintaining portfolio flexibility, maximizing profitability through operating efficiencies, reducing costs and preserving balance sheet strength

 

anticipated revenues and operating expenses

 

improving operating efficiencies, fostering technological innovation, lowering cost structures and the success of the resource play hub model

 

the anticipated proceeds from various joint venture, partnership and other agreements entered into by the Company, including their successful implementation, expected future benefits and the Company’s ability to fund future development costs associated with those agreements

 

statements with respect to future ceiling test impairments

 

anticipated dividends

 

anticipated oil, natural gas and NGLs prices

 

projections contained in the 2015 Corporate Guidance (including estimates of cash flow including per share amounts, natural gas, oil and NGLs production, capital investment and its allocation, operating costs, sensitivities on price and their impact on cash flow and operating earnings, assumptions regarding oil, natural gas and NGLs prices and foreign exchange rates)

 

estimates of reserves and resources

 

projections relating to the adequacy of the Company’s provision for taxes and legal claims

 

the flexibility of capital spending plans and the source of funding therefor

 

expected future interest expense savings

 

anticipated access to capital markets and ability to meet financial obligations and finance growth

 

the benefits of the Company’s risk management program, including the impact of derivative financial instruments

 

projections that the Company has access to cash and cash equivalents and a range of funding at competitive rates

 

the Company’s ability to meet payment terms of its suppliers and be in compliance with all financial covenants under its credit facility agreements

 

anticipated debt repayments and the ability to make such repayments

 

expectations surrounding environmental legislation including regulations relating to carbon, air quality, water, land and hydraulic fracturing and the impact such regulations could have on the Company

 

anticipated flexibility to refinance maturing long-term debt or repay debt maturities from existing sources of liquidity

 

anticipated cash and cash equivalents

 

expectation to fund 2015 commitments from Cash Flow, cash and cash equivalents

 

the anticipated effect of the Company’s risk mitigation policies, systems, processes and insurance program

 

the Company’s ability to manage its Debt to Debt Adjusted Cash Flow and Debt to Adjusted Capitalization ratios

 

the expected impact and timing of various accounting pronouncements, rule changes and standards on the Company and its financial statements

 

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   31   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur, which may cause the Company’s actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any estimates or projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, among other things:

 

 

commodity price volatility

 

assumptions based upon the Company’s current guidance

 

fluctuations in currency and interest rates

 

risk that the Company may not conclude divestitures of certain assets or other transactions or receive amounts contemplated under the transaction agreements (such transactions may include third party capital investments, farm-outs or partnerships, which Encana may refer to from time to time as “partnerships” or “joint ventures” and the funds received in respect thereof which Encana may refer to from time to time as “proceeds”, “deferred purchase price” and/or “carry capital”, regardless of the legal form) as a result of various conditions not being met

 

risks inherent in the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ marketing operations, including credit risks

 

imprecision of reserves estimates and estimates of recoverable quantities of natural gas and liquids from plays and other sources not currently classified as proved, probable or possible reserves or economic contingent resources, including future net revenue estimates

 

potential disruption or unexpected technical difficulties in developing new facilities

 

risks associated with technology

 

the Company’s ability to acquire or find additional reserves

 

availability of hedges at attractive prices and hedging activities resulting in realized and unrealized losses

 

business interruption and casualty losses

 

risk of the Company not operating all of its properties and assets

 

counterparty risk

 

downgrade in credit rating and its adverse effects

 

liability for indemnification obligations to third parties

 

variability of dividends to be paid

 

the Company’s ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to meet its current and future obligations

 

the Company’s ability to access external sources of debt and equity capital

 

the timing and the costs of well and pipeline construction

 

the Company’s ability to secure adequate product transportation

 

changes in royalty, tax, environmental, greenhouse gas, carbon, accounting and other laws or regulations or the interpretations of such laws or regulations

 

political and economic conditions in the countries in which the Company operates; terrorist threats; risks associated with existing and potential future lawsuits and regulatory actions made against the Company

 

risk arising from price basis differential

 

other risks and uncertainties described from time to time in the reports and filings made with securities regulatory authorities by Encana

 

 

Although Encana believes that the expectations represented by such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Furthermore, the forward-looking statements contained in this document are made as of the date hereof and, except as required by law, Encana undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Forward-looking information respecting anticipated 2015 cash flow for Encana is based upon, among other things, achieving average production for 2015 of between 1,600 MMcf/d and 1,700 MMcf/d of natural gas and 130 Mbbls/d to 150 Mbbls/d of liquids, commodity prices for natural gas and liquids based on NYMEX $3.00 per MMBtu and WTI of $50 per bbl, an estimated U.S./Canadian dollar exchange rate of 0.80 and a weighted average number of outstanding shares for Encana of approximately 821 million.

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   32   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


Assumptions relating to forward-looking statements generally include Encana’s current expectations and projections made in light of, and generally consistent with, its historical experience and its perception of historical trends.

Encana is required to disclose events and circumstances that occurred during the period to which this MD&A relates that are reasonably likely to cause actual results to differ materially from material forward-looking statements for a period that is not yet complete that Encana has previously disclosed to the public and the expected differences thereto. Such disclosure can be found in Encana’s news release dated May 12, 2015, which is available on Encana’s website at www.encana.com, on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

Oil and Gas Information

 

National Instrument 51-101 (“NI 51-101”) of the Canadian Securities Administrators imposes oil and gas disclosure standards for Canadian public companies engaged in oil and gas activities. The Canadian protocol disclosure is contained in Appendix A and under “Narrative Description of the Business” in the Company’s Annual Information Form (“AIF”). Encana obtained an exemption dated January 4, 2011 from certain requirements of NI 51-101 to permit it to provide certain disclosure prepared in accordance with U.S. disclosure requirements, in addition to the Canadian protocol disclosure. The Company’s U.S. protocol disclosure is included in Note 26 (unaudited) to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2014 and in Appendix D of the AIF.

Further, Encana obtained an exemption dated January 21, 2015 from certain requirements of NI 51-101 to permit it to use the definition of “product type” contained in the amendments to NI 51-101, published by the securities regulatory authority in each of the jurisdictions of Canada on December 4, 2014 that are anticipated to come into force on July 1, 2015, as it relates to its Canadian protocol disclosure contained in Appendix A of the AIF.

A description of the primary differences between the disclosure requirements under the Canadian standards and under the U.S. standards is set forth under the heading “Reserves and Other Oil and Gas Information” in the AIF.

Natural Gas, Oil and NGLs Conversions

In this document, certain natural gas volumes have been converted to BOE on the basis of six Mcf to one bbl. BOE may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A conversion ratio of 6:1 is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent value equivalency at the wellhead.

Given that the value ratio based on the current price of natural gas as compared to oil is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6:1, utilizing a conversion on a 6:1 basis may be misleading as an indication of value.

Play and Resource Play

Play is a term used by Encana which encompasses resource plays, geological formations and conventional plays. Resource play is a term used by Encana to describe an accumulation of hydrocarbons known to exist over a large areal expanse and/or thick vertical section, which, when compared to a conventional play, typically has a lower geological and/or commercial development risk and lower average decline rate.

Additional Information

 

Further information regarding Encana Corporation, including its AIF, can be accessed under the Company’s public filings found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, on EDGAR at www.sec.gov and on the Company’s website at www.encana.com

 

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Encana Corporation   33   Prepared using U.S. GAAP in US$


LOGO

Encana Corporation

Supplemental Financial Information (unaudited)

Exhibit to the March 31, 2015 Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratios

The following ratios are provided in connection with the Company’s continuous offering of medium term notes and debt securities and are for the twelve month period then ended. The ratios have been calculated based on the Company’s consolidated financial results prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.

 

                                                 
For the twelve months ended March 31 2015   2014  

Interest coverage on long-term debt (times)

Net Earnings (1)

  4.7      2.1   

Cash Flow (2)

  5.8      7.5   

 

 

 

(1) 

Net Earnings before income tax and borrowing costs, divided by borrowing costs, where borrowing costs consist of interest expense on long-term debt, including the current portion.

 

(2) 

Cash Flow before income tax and borrowing costs, divided by borrowing costs, where borrowing costs consist of interest expense on long-term debt, including the current portion. Cash Flow is a non-GAAP measure defined as Cash from Operating Activities excluding net change in other assets and liabilities, net change in non-cash working capital and cash tax on sale of assets.



FORM 52-109F2

CERTIFICATION OF INTERIM FILINGS

FULL CERTIFICATE

I, Douglas J. Suttles, President & Chief Executive Officer of Encana Corporation, certify the following:

 

1. Review: I have reviewed the interim financial report and interim MD&A (together, the “interim filings”) of Encana Corporation (the “issuer”) for the interim period ended March 31, 2015.

 

2. No misrepresentations: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim filings do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was made, with respect to the period covered by the interim filings.

 

3. Fair presentation: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim financial report together with the other financial information included in the interim filings fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, financial performance and cash flows of the issuer, as of the date of and for the periods presented in the interim filings.

 

4. Responsibility: The issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (“DC&P”) and internal control over financial reporting (“ICFR”), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings, for the issuer.

 

5. Design: Subject to the limitations, if any, described in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I have, as at the end of the period covered by the interim filings

 

  (a) designed DC&P, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance that

 

  (i) material information relating to the issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which the interim filings are being prepared; and

 

  (ii) information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and

 

  (b) designed ICFR, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the issuer’s GAAP.

 

5.1 Control framework: The control framework the issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I used to design the issuer’s ICFR is the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework.

 

5.2 ICFR - material weakness relating to design: N/A

 

5.3 Limitation on scope of design: The issuer has disclosed in its interim MD&A

 

  (a) the fact that the issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I have limited the scope of our design of DC&P and ICFR to exclude controls, policies and procedures of a business that the issuer acquired not more than 365 days before the last day of the period covered by the interim filings; and

 

  (b) summary financial information about the business that the issuer acquired that has been proportionately consolidated or consolidated in the issuer’s financial statements.


Page 2 of 2

 

6. Reporting Changes in ICFR: The issuer has disclosed in its interim MD&A any change in the issuer’s ICFR that occurred during the period beginning on January 1, 2015 and ended on March 31, 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer’s ICFR.

Date: May 13, 2015

 

/s/Douglas J. Suttles
Douglas J. Suttles
President & Chief Executive Officer


FORM 52-109F2

CERTIFICATION OF INTERIM FILINGS

FULL CERTIFICATE

I, Sherri A. Brillon, Executive Vice-President & Chief Financial Officer of Encana Corporation, certify the following:

 

1. Review: I have reviewed the interim financial report and interim MD&A (together, the “interim filings”) of Encana Corporation (the “issuer”) for the interim period ended March 31, 2015.

 

2. No misrepresentations: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim filings do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was made, with respect to the period covered by the interim filings.

 

3. Fair presentation: Based on my knowledge, having exercised reasonable diligence, the interim financial report together with the other financial information included in the interim filings fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, financial performance and cash flows of the issuer, as of the date of and for the periods presented in the interim filings.

 

4. Responsibility: The issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (“DC&P”) and internal control over financial reporting (“ICFR”), as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings, for the issuer.

 

5. Design: Subject to the limitations, if any, described in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3, the issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I have, as at the end of the period covered by the interim filings

 

  (a) designed DC&P, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance that

 

  (i) material information relating to the issuer is made known to us by others, particularly during the period in which the interim filings are being prepared; and

 

  (ii) information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and

 

  (b) designed ICFR, or caused it to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the issuer’s GAAP.

 

5.1 Control framework: The control framework the issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I used to design the issuer’s ICFR is the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework.

 

5.2 ICFR - material weakness relating to design: N/A

 

5.3 Limitation on scope of design: The issuer has disclosed in its interim MD&A

 

  (a) the fact that the issuer’s other certifying officer(s) and I have limited the scope of our design of DC&P and ICFR to exclude controls, policies and procedures of a business that the issuer acquired not more than 365 days before the last day of the period covered by the interim filings; and

 

  (b) summary financial information about the business that the issuer acquired that has been proportionately consolidated or consolidated in the issuer’s financial statements.


Page 2 of 2

 

6. Reporting Changes in ICFR: The issuer has disclosed in its interim MD&A any change in the issuer’s ICFR that occurred during the period beginning on January 1, 2015 and ended on March 31, 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer’s ICFR.

Date: May 13, 2015

 

/s/Sherri A. Brillon
Sherri A. Brillon

Executive Vice-President & Chief

Financial Officer

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