Here’s How Pembina Pipeline Stock Can Afford Its 6.4% Dividend Yield

Pembina Pipeline stock currently offers shareholders a dividend yield of 6.4%. With a payout ratio of below 60%, can PPL continue to increase dividends?

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Upstream energy stocks are cyclical, as their earnings and cash flows are directly tied to oil prices. But mid-stream companies such as Pembina Pipeline (TSX:PPL) are relatively immune to fluctuations in commodity prices as cash flows are generally tied to long-term contracts.

Due to the predictable nature of its cash flows, Pembina Pipeline was among the few TSX energy stocks that maintained dividend payouts even amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, Pembina Pipeline pays shareholders an annual dividend of $2.67 per share, translating to a forward yield of 6.4%. Here’s how Pembina Pipeline can afford its tasty dividend yield.

Is Pembina Pipeline stock a good buy?

Pembina Pipeline is engaged in the provision of midstream and transportation services. The Pipelines business includes oil sands and transmission pipeline systems, crude oil storage, and related infrastructure.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3Pembina Pipeline PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALL19 Aug 201318 Aug 2023Zoom ▾201420152016201720182019202020212022202320142014201620162018201820202020202220220www.fool.ca

The Facilities segment consists of processing and fractionation facilities that provide customers with natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGL) services. Pembina also has a Marketing and New Ventures segment, which includes value-added commodity and marketing activities.

In Q2 2023, Pembina reported earnings of $363 million and adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization) of $823 million. Its debt-to-EBITDA multiple stands at 3.5 times, and the company expects to end the year with a ratio of 3.4 to 3.6 times.

In the June quarter, Pembina reduced consolidated debt by $450 million by using the proceeds from the sale of its interest in the Key Access Pipeline System and operating cash flows.

Results in Q2 reflect the resiliency of Pembina’s pipelines as it benefits from growth in volumes, improved tools on certain systems, and increased contribution from the crude oil marketing segment. This growth was offset by seasonality in Pembina’s natural gas liquids marketing business and lower NGL prices in Q2.

Results in the June quarter were hit by wildfires in Alberta and British Columbia, which impacted Pembina’s customer operations. Further, third-party outages and reduced operating pressure on the Northern Pipeline system negatively impacted EBITDA by around $23 million, while revenue deferrals and costs may have reduced EBITDA by $21 million.

What is Pembina’s dividend growth rate?

Pembina is an integrated midstream infrastructure company with a portfolio of “difficult-to-replicate assets,” providing it with a competitive advantage. Its low-risk business model delivers resilient and growing cash flows resulting in consistent dividend increases. In the last 15 years, dividend payouts have increased at an annual rate of 4.3%.

With a payout ratio of less than 60%, Pembina Pipeline’s dividend is sustainable, with enough room to increase it in the future.

Despite a sluggish macro environment, Pembina Pipeline expects pipeline volumes to grow between 4% and 6% annually. Moreover, 70% of its cash flows are backed by take-or-pay contracts allowing it to generate steady cash flows even in an uncertain economic backdrop. Over 80% of its EBITDA is fee-based across 200 counterparties.

Pembina Pipeline continues to optimize its pipeline capacity and operations while constructing cogeneration facilities, both of which should positively impact cash flows and profitability.

Priced at 14.8 times forward earnings, PPL trades at a cheap valuation and is priced at a discount of 20% to consensus price target estimates.

Should you invest $1,000 in Pembina Pipeline right now?

Before you buy stock in Pembina Pipeline, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor Canada analyst team just identified what they believe are the Top Stocks for 2025 and Beyond for investors to buy now… and Pembina Pipeline wasn’t one of them. The Top Stocks that made the cut could potentially produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider MercadoLibre, which we first recommended on January 8, 2014 ... if you invested $1,000 in the “eBay of Latin America” at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $20,697.16!*

Stock Advisor Canada provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month – one from Canada and one from the U.S. The Stock Advisor Canada service has outperformed the return of S&P/TSX Composite Index by 29 percentage points since 2013*.

See the Top Stocks * Returns as of 3/20/25

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Aditya Raghunath has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Pembina Pipeline. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Confidently Navigate Market Volatility: Claim Your Free Report!

Feeling uneasy about the ups and downs of the stock market lately? You’re not alone. At The Motley Fool Canada, we get it — and we’re here to help. We’ve crafted an essential guide designed to help you through these uncertain times: "5-Step Checklist: How to Prepare Your Portfolio for Volatility."

Don't miss out on this opportunity for peace of mind. Just click below to learn how to receive your complimentary report today!

Get Our Free Report Today

More on Energy Stocks

A plant grows from coins.
Energy Stocks

2 Discounted Dividend Stocks With Significant Growth Potential

If you’re in search of income and capital appreciation in the long run, here are two discounted Canadian dividend stocks…

Read more »

Senior uses a laptop computer
Energy Stocks

Here’s How Investors Can Turn $15,000 in a TFSA Into $235,000

Energy stocks aren't created equal, and this one might be one of the best of the batch.

Read more »

A red umbrella stands higher than a crowd of black umbrellas.
Dividend Stocks

3 Reasons I’m Considering Enbridge Stock for a $5,000 Investment This April

I'm considering Enbridge stock to provide some defensive appeal and a juicy dividend to my long-term portfolio.

Read more »

Oil industry worker works in oilfield
Energy Stocks

CNQ Stock: Buy, Hold, or Sell Now?

CNRL is down 35% in the past year. Is CNQ stock now oversold?

Read more »

Canadian dollars in a magnifying glass
Dividend Stocks

Young Investors: How I’d Allocate $10,000 for Long-Term Potential

Young Canadians can achieve financial independence faster by saving and investing early.

Read more »

canadian energy oil
Energy Stocks

How I’d Position $7,000 in This Canadian Energy Stock for 2025 Growth Potential

Tourmaline, Canada's low-cost and largest natural gas producer, is benefiting from strong industry fundamentals.

Read more »

nuclear power plant
Energy Stocks

1 Magnificent Canadian Stock Down 40% to Buy and Hold Forever

This energy stock may be down, but do not count it out if you're looking for long-term income.

Read more »

A plant grows from coins.
Energy Stocks

Where I’d Put $15,000 in Top Energy Stocks for Income and Appreciation

The recent pullback in energy stocks presents a compelling opportunity for long-term investors to generate capital gains and dividend income.

Read more »