Q: A group of 8 Pipeline and Midstream companies analyzed by a broker has a 2015 forward PE of 28.4, after removing a high outlier, VSN. To me this number seems quite lofty and I'd like to know how it compares historically, say in the group's last cycle peak; after all how much growth can this group generate? I know the analysts say that growth is visible years out but it seems N. America is presently awash in oil with an average 250,000 BPD being imported by Eastern Canada from the U.S. so if shale oil continues to expand production, and there's no consensus on this prospect, would that be a catalyst for the group to stumble or accelerate growth? It seems likely that the growth number should be far less than 28% too, hardly justifying the PE.
And it seems the group is analyzed on its AFFO yield (like REITs) of 6.3% for 2015. Should interest rates rise would the group be hurt by the rise? Current stock yield averages only 3.6%. In the group I hold ENB with smaller positions in IPL and ALA; stock prices have been on a 45 degree climb for several years now - time to take profits or just watch closely? Thanks, J.
And it seems the group is analyzed on its AFFO yield (like REITs) of 6.3% for 2015. Should interest rates rise would the group be hurt by the rise? Current stock yield averages only 3.6%. In the group I hold ENB with smaller positions in IPL and ALA; stock prices have been on a 45 degree climb for several years now - time to take profits or just watch closely? Thanks, J.
