Thanks to its range of asset and geographic diversity, Enerplus (ERF -1.10%) continues to grow in a troubling natural gas market. Targeting crude oil, to the tune of 72% of its 2012 capital expenditures, helped it increase production by 9% and funds flow by 12% over 2011. Increased focus on the Bakken and Three Forks crude oil plays has been facilitated by additional rail takeaway capacity thanks to Plains All American Pipeline (PAA 1.90%) and Enbridge (ENB 1.71%). Petroleum traffic by rail saw a 46% increase in 2012 over the previous year.
For 2013, the company's current focus should continue, and dividend investors should remain confident in their ability to enjoy an 8% dividend payout from the company's monthly distributions. Check out the video below for more details on Enerplus' 2012 successes.
