VERESEN $11.97 (Toronto symbol VSN; Sharesoutstanding: 197.5 million; Market cap: $2.4 billion;TSINetwork Rating: Average; Yield: 8.4%) ownspipelines, power plants and natural gas processingfacilities across North America. One of its majorholdings is 50% of the Alliance gas pipeline, whichruns 3,000 kilometres between Chicago and Fort St.John, B.C. Enbridge owns the other 50%. Thecompany also owns the Alberta Ethane GatheringSystem, and Veresen and Enbridge together hold85.4% of the Aux Sable natural gas liquids (NGL)plant.
In December 2011, Veresen paid Encana Corp.$920 million for the Hythe/Steeprock natural gasgathering and processing complex in the Montneyregion of B.C. and Alberta. Encana also signed along-term deal to buy most of this facility’s gas.
In the quarter ended September 30, 2012, cashflow rose 12.9%, to $61.4 million from $54.4 milliona year earlier. Cash flow per share fell 6.1%, to $0.31from $0.33, on more shares outstanding.
Profit margins at Aux Sable have declined alongwith NGL prices. However, Veresen’s longer-termoutlook is sound, and it trades at 10.9 times itsforecast 2013 cash flow of $1.10 a share. The stockyields 8.4%, and the dividend appears safe.
Veresen is still a buy.