Q: further to yesterday's question from Arnold-----there are two articles re BIP.UN in Seeking Alpha yesterday re BIP.UN. Do you have any comments on the opinions and do you have any information on buyback from Brookfield on this stock.
5i Research Answer:
BIP has not been buying back units, and its parent company has not disclosed an increased ownership position. The articles highlight the stock's decline in the current higher rate environment, but go into the company's long history of raising distributions. The stock has not been acting well, but cash flow is up 4X from 2016. The distribution has gone from 26c to 38.25c during that time. Right now investors look to be selling on fear of higher rates, a recession, or for tax losses. Momentum is certainly negative, but if investors can look beyond the current market malaise we think there is a decent opportunity here for investors with patience to ride out this interest rate cycle.