Topic: How To Invest

Hi Pat: Could I please get your opinion on Peyto Energy Trust? Is it in a good position for 2011? Thanks.

Article Excerpt

Peyto Energy Trust, $13.32, symbol PEY.UN on Toronto (Units outstanding: 114.9 million; Market cap: $1.5 billion), produces and explores for oil and natural gas in Alberta. Its production is weighted 84% toward gas and 16% to oil. Peyto had cash flow of $0.39 a unit in the three months ended September 30, 2009. The stock trades at 8.5 times Peyto’s annualized cash flow, based on that quarter. The company’s $420 million of long-term debt is a reasonable 28% of its market cap. The units yield 10.8%. Peyto paid out a high 91% of its cash flow as distributions in the latest quarter. That may force the trust to cut its distributions when Ottawa’s new income-trust tax takes effect in 2011. However, rising natural gas prices would boost Peyto’s cash flow and lower that payout ratio. That could let the trust avoid a distribution cut. Peyto Energy Trust is not among our favourites, but it’s okay to hold. hold. …