Benj Gallander
Connors Bros. Income Fund
CBF.UN-T
COMMENT
Dec 24, 2007
His partner bought into this, but not attractive enough for him. If they get their house in order, there will be better distributions going forward. He couldn't see that the upside was attractive enough.
Payout is in Cdn$ and most of its earnings are in US$’s. Also have been hurt by rising energy prices. Have improved profit margins by more efficient processes, but will be difficult going forward.
The distribution is fairly safe at this time.
Has gone through some transitions over the last couple of years. Herring to Tuna. Management is consistent, and financials are consistent.
Feels the price of the product will increase to cover the cost of transporting goods.
Had some difficulties, but has proven to be a well managed company. Attractively priced. Well financed, so distributions are not threatened. 11.9% yield.
Too early to go into this one yet. Management did a great job. Very proactive in recalling the tainted product (only a small portion of their business). Had to shut down a plant and not sure when that will reopen. Also have cost pressures in their core business of tuna and sardines.
Distribution story has been a long-term issue. Have had to cut them several times. It took too much debt onto its balance sheet. Income trusts have to have very conservative balance sheets.
Will have to get their fiscal house in order before they can go back to the prior distribution level. There are facing increases in commodity prices. Will possibly take another year or so before they can realistically raise distributions.
There are quite a few things in play with this trust. Had a recall that forced them to shut down production and for a longer period than expected. There are some headwinds that food, tin manufacturers will be facing. Steel and tin prices are continuing to move higher. Also expecting protein prices to move higher. There are better places to go.