Fort Chicago plans for 2011

Article Excerpt

FORT CHICAGO ENERGY PARTNERS L.P. $10.05 (Toronto symbol FCE.UN; Units outstanding: 137.9 million; Market cap: $1.4 billion; SI Rating: Extra Risk) has announced that it plans to convert to a dividend-paying corporation before Ottawa starts taxing income trusts on January 1, 2011. The trust’s conversion will likely take place in the fourth quarter of 2010. Fort Chicago owns and operates energy infrastructure across North America. One of its major holdings is a 50% interest in the Alliance natural-gas pipeline, which runs 3,000 kilometres from Fort St. John, B.C., to Chicago. Enbridge Inc. owns the other 50%. Unitholders will be able to exchange their units for common shares of the new corporation on a tax-deferred basis — you won’t pay capital gains tax until you sell. The trust believes that it can maintain its current $1.00-per-unit distribution through 2010 and after its conversion. Upon conversion, the distribution will change to a dividend, and be eligible for the Canadian dividend tax credit. The partnership’s units…