TC Energy is a buy but hold South Bow

Article Excerpt

TC Energy has completed the spinoff of its oil pipeline business as South Bow. Investors received 0.2 of a South Bow share for every TC share they held. They’re not liable for capital gains taxes until they sell their new shares. The split lets TC Energy better focus on its natural gas pipelines and power plants. South Bow’s future also looks bright, and its steady cash flows support its high yield. However, its high debt load adds to its short-term risk. TC ENERGY INC., $68.68, is a buy. The company (Toronto symbol TRP; Shares outstanding: 1.0 billion; Market cap: $71.2 billion; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; Dividend yield: 4.8%; www.tcenergy.com) is now in the process of selling $3 billion of its less-important assets in 2024. It will apply the proceeds to its debt of $55.6 billion, which is a high 79% of its market cap. Note—high debt levels are common for big utilities. That’s because regulators set their rates at levels that guarantee operators a return…