Giant midstream company Enbridge (TSX:ENB, NYSE:ENB) is preparing to report earnings on August 1. The company’s earnings releases may be a little convoluted, however, given that there are an awful lot of things going on at Enbridge right now. In order to be prepared to fully digest the earnings release, let’s take a look at the five business segments that make up Enbridge.
All in the family
The five business segments that combine to form Enbridge are liquids pipelines; gas distribution; gas pipelines, processing and energy services; sponsored investments; and corporate.
Here is how adjusted earnings broke down in the first quarter of 2013 on a per segment basis:
Source: Enbridge
No surprise here, liquids pipelines are at the core of Enbridge’s earnings. However, the company is more diverse than many investors realize, and part of that diversity comes from segments with names that really don’t clue us in to what goes on inside, like “sponsored investments” and “corporate”. With that in mind, let’s dig into these five businesses.
1. Liquids pipelines
Enbridge’s liquids pipeline assets play a key role in the energy relationship between Canada and the United States. Its Mainline system is the longest crude oil pipeline system, with an export capacity of 2.5 million barrels per day. The company is responsible for moving 65% of western Canada’s crude exports, and the U.S. relies on Enbridge for 13% of its daily crude imports.
All told, 11 pipelines and seven systems in the U.S. and Canada move an average of 2.2 million barrels per day of crude oil and liquids. These export numbers put Enbridge ahead of its midstream peers TransCanada (TSX: TRP), which moves 20% of Canada’s oil exports, and Pembina Pipeline (TSX: PPL), which though it controls 30% of all oil sands takeaway capacity, does not factor directly into the U.S. export game.
2. Gas distribution
The company’s gas distribution business exists solely in eastern Canada, stretching from Toronto through Quebec and into New Brunswick. It’s actually the largest gas distribution utility in Canada, serving 2 million customers. Management expects this segment to continue to grow, and its significance should not be overlooked.
3. Gas pipelines, processing and energy services
Enbridge has five natural gas pipeline systems, which include 25 processing plants, and nine treating plants. It also controls or has a stake in 14 offshore gathering systems in the Gulf of Mexico.
4. Sponsored investments
This segment is where Enbridge squirrels away earnings from its U.S. subsidiary, Enbridge Energy Partners. The U.S. Enbridge has a liquids pipeline business, as well as a natural gas business. After a very large spill on its Line 6B in 2010, the subsidiary also contributes its share of problems and rising costs.
Sponsored investments also includes the Enbridge Income Fund, which is where, as of a 2012 dropdown, the company accounts for its renewable energy and crude oil storage assets.
5. Corporate
Finally, we have the catch-all Corporate segment. This is very much a category that exists because of accounting. Here investors will find earnings from new acquisitions or stakes in other entities, gains or losses from derivatives, and gains or losses from foreign tax recoveries.
Bottom line
When a company like Enbridge is in the news for the same reason over and over again, it is easy to lose track of what else matters to the success of the company. Taking the time to review the business breakdown of your investments can help you stay grounded and focused come earnings time.
Assembling an air-tight portfolio can be a tall order. But every seasoned investor knows this little secret: You can build your portfolio and protect it with high-yielding dividend stocks! Now, which dividend plays are the best, you ask? We found 13 of them … To help take the guesswork out of dividend investing, The Motley Fool assembled a Special FREE Report, “13 High-Yielding Stocks to Buy Today.” Just click here to receive a copy at no charge!
The Motley Fool’s purpose is to help the world invest, better. Click here now for your free subscription to Take Stock, The Motley Fool Canada’s free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest in Foolish investing.
Fool contributor Aimee Duffy has no position in any stocks mentioned at this time. The Motley Fool does not own any stocks mentioned at this time.
