July 27 (Reuters) - Cenovus Energy Inc CVE.TO
* Cenovus delivers strong second quarter performance
* Q2 operating earnings per share c$0.36
* Q2 earnings per share c$2.37
* Q2 earnings per share view c$0.02 -- Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S
* Reduced planned 2017 capital spending by approximately $200 million to $1.7 billion at midpoint
* In Q2, production averaged 153,953 bbls/d, a 97 pct increase from same period in 2016 for Christina Lake
* Qtrly total oil and liquids production 333,664 BBLS/D versus 198,080 BBLS/D last year
* brian Ferguson will retire as president & chief executive officer and as a director of company on October 31, 2017
* Cenovus has updated its capital spending guidance for 2017
* Ferguson will continue in an advisory role reporting to board chair until March 31, 2018
* Has engaged an executive search firm which is currently conducting a global search for a new chief executive officer
* Total planned capital expenditures have been reduced by approximately $200 million at midpoint of range for 2017
* Production averaged 107,859 BBLS/D in Q2, 67 pct higher than in same period of 2016 for foster creek
* Qtrly adjusted funds flow per share $0.71
* Cenovus continues to target between $4 billion and $5 billion in announced asset sale agreements during 2017