Royalty trusts: Acquisitions work for Pengrowth

Article Excerpt

PENGROWTH ENERGY TRUST $17 (Toronto symbol PGF.UN; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Resources sector; Units outstanding: 248.3 million; Market cap: $4.2 billion; SI Rating: Average) has agreed to acquire Accrete Energy Inc. for $95 million in new units. The purchase price is equal to 35% of Pengrowth’s second-quarter cash flow of $267.9 million or $1.08 a unit. Accrete’s properties in the Harmattan region of Alberta will increase Pengrowth’s daily oil production by 6%, and its oil reserves by 3%. We generally downplay companies that rely on acquisitions for growth. But Pengrowth’s focus on proven properties that immediately add to its cash flow cuts this risk. Among royalty trusts, Pengrowth is a buy for aggressive investors. investors…