Smart acquisitions fuel their high yields

Article Excerpt

Growth by acquisition can be risky. Newlypurchased companies may develop unforeseen problems,especially in an unsettled economy. ButPembina has lowered that risk with its latest deal bypurchasing a rival in a business where it’s already aleader. Meanwhile, Veresen aims to add plants withlong-term contracts already in place.PEMBINA PIPELINE $28.71 (Toronto symbolPPL; Shares outstanding: 292.3 million; Market cap:$8.4 billion; TSINetwork Rating: Average; Dividendyield: 5.6%; www.pembina.com) owns pipelinesystems that transport half of Alberta’s conventionaloil production, 30% of the natural gas liquids(NGLs) produced in western Canada and virtually allof B.C.’s conventional oil output.In the quarter ended September 30, 2012, Pembina’srevenue rose 171.2%, to $815.3 million from$300.6 million a year earlier. In April 2012, it boughtrival Provident Energy, which extracts, transports andstores NGLs, for $3.2 billion. Provident was themain reason for the higher revenue.Cash flow rose 62.4%, to $133.2 million from$82.0 million. However, cash flow per share fell6.1%, to $0.46 from $0.49, because the companyissued more shares to pay for Provident.Provident is a good fit…