CHEMTRADE LOGISTICS INCOME FUND $17.15 - Toronto symbol CHE.UN

CHEMTRADE LOGISTICS INCOME FUND $17.15 (Toronto symbol CHE.UN; TSINetwork Rating: Speculative) (416-496-5856; www.chemtradelogistics- .com; Units outstanding: 41.7 million; Market cap: $710.0 million; Dividend yield: 7.1%) is one of North America’s largest providers of removal services for resource firms, such as oil refineries and base-metal processors. These companies create sulphur, acid and other by-products as part of their activities. Chemtrade converts these substances into useful chemicals, like sulphuric acid.

Chemtrade’s Marsulex subsidiary provides a range of environmental services, including improving air quality and treating and handling industrial waste.

In the three months ended December 31, 2012, Chemtrade’s revenue fell 9.8%, to $223.0 million from $247.2 million a year earlier. The decline mostly reflects lower prices for sulphuric acid on international markets. However, cash flow per unit rose 13.1%, to $0.69 from $0.61.

High distribution looks safe

Chemtrade will continue as an income trust. That’s because it believes it is structured in such a way that its earnings will be subject to a Canadian tax rate of no more than 10%. That will help it keep its distributions high. Chemtrade currently has a 7.0% yield and pays out just 60% of its cash flow to unitholders.

The trust’s exposure to cyclical commodity and chemical prices adds risk. It also needs sustained economic growth to keep demand for its services high. However, increasingly strict environmental regulations should keep spurring sales of Chemtrade’s removal services. As well, the company lowers its risk by signing long-term contracts with its customers.

Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund is a buy.

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