In no way does Superior Plus Corp. (TSX: SPB) sound like the hottest company in the TSX. But for long-term dividend investors, there are few better options than this boring and consistent high-yield stock.
Today, Superior Plus stock yields 6.24%, and has managed to maintain a healthy monthly dividend for nearly a decade. When you look at what drives the underlying business and profitability, it seems likely that Superior Plus can continue pleasing high-yield income investors.
What’s so special about the company?
A business built for stability
During the most recent crash, oil producers saw their profits dip considerably, often leading to sizable losses or even bankruptcy. The reason for this is as straightforward as it gets: lower commodity prices resulted in lower selling prices, which concluded with lower revenues and earnings.
While it’s often categorized as an energy company, don’t confuse Superior Plus with these volatile producers, because it isn’t actually involved in the drilling of oil or natural gas. Instead, it primarily distributes propane across Canada. It is also involved in the distribution of many other refined fuels across the entirety of North America.
So, Superior Plus services the energy industry and is one degree removed from volatile energy prices. But surely the company is still negatively impacted by falling prices, right?
This is where the strength of Superior Plus’s business shows the most. Revenues are largely volume based, meaning that even if energy prices remain volatile, Superior Plus won’t feel a big impact. As long as producers keep pumping, Superior Plus keeps profiting.
To demonstrate the company’s stability, we can look at its ability to generate cash flow, even with decade-low commodity prices. For 2015 operating cash flow came in at $261 million. That’s up from 2014’s result of $238 million and 2013’s result of $185 million. So, Superior Plus was able to grow operating cash flows even with oil falling towards US$30 a barrel!
Use current uncertainty to your advantage
On June 30 Superior Plus pulled out of its planned acquisition of rival chemical maker Canexus Corp. after failing to agree on the terms of a merger. Previously, the FTC came out in opposition to the merger, saying the deal would lead to higher prices for sodium chlorate, a chemical used to bleach wood pulp that is then processed into paper, tissue, and other products. Then last month, Superior Plus decided to sell its construction products distribution business for $325 million.
The latest flurry of activity has pushed shares down to the same level it was trading at in early 2013, giving investors a sizable 6.24% yield. The good news is that the company’s core business hasn’t changed at all. In fact, management has said that the proceeds from its latest asset sale will go towards strengthening its propane distribution and specialty chemicals businesses.
If you’re looking to ride a long-term high-yield dividend player, consider picking up Superior Plus at its current discounted price.
