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:

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.

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.

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.

More on Energy Stocks

Canadian energy stocks are rising with oil prices
Energy Stocks

Outlook for Cenovus Energy Stock in 2025

A large-cap energy stock and TSX30 winner is a screaming buy for its bright business outlook and visible growth potential.

Read more »

canadian energy oil
Energy Stocks

Is Baytex Energy Stock a Good Buy?

Baytex just hit a 12-month low. Is the stock now oversold?

Read more »

Trans Alaska Pipeline with Autumn Colors
Energy Stocks

Is South Bow Stock a Buy After its Split From TC Energy?

Let’s see if South Bow stock's current valuation makes sense.

Read more »

Trans Alaska Pipeline with Autumn Colors
Energy Stocks

Is Enbridge Stock a Good Buy?

Enbridge is up 24% in 2024. Are more gains on the way?

Read more »

ETF chart stocks
Energy Stocks

1 Top High-Yield Dividend ETF to Buy to Generate Passive Income

A high-yield ETF with North America’s energy giants as top holdings pay monthly dividends.

Read more »

oil pump jack under night sky
Energy Stocks

1 Energy ETF to Buy With $1,000 and Hold Forever

This Hamilton energy ETF is diversified across North America and pays a 10% yield.

Read more »

engineer at wind farm
Energy Stocks

1 Canadian Utility Stock to Buy for Big Total Returns

Let's dive into why Fortis (TSX:FTS) remains a top utility stock long-term investors may want to consider right now.

Read more »

Canadian dollars in a magnifying glass
Energy Stocks

The Smartest Energy Stocks to Buy With $200 Right Now

The market is full of great growth and income stocks. Here's a look at two of the smartest energy stocks…

Read more »