
TSE:TRP
This summary was created by AI, based on 18 opinions in the last 12 months.
TC Energy (TRP) is perceived as one of the more expensive stocks in the midstream pipeline sector, trading at a premium valuation due to its strong position in natural gas infrastructure and expanding project backlog. While experts acknowledge the company's stable cash flows, solid dividend growth, and investment-grade credit rating, they are cautious about its current high price-to-earnings (PE) ratio, which is around 23x for 2028 earnings growth of about 6%. Many analysts recommend holding the stock for the long term, given its robust network and potential for continued growth, particularly as natural gas becomes a more favored energy source. However, some experts suggest waiting for a more attractive entry point, as the overall market conditions could lead to volatility and potential downgrades in valuations, particularly in light of rising interest rates. Overall, TRP is viewed positively for its long-term utility but with concerns regarding its current valuation.
TRP plans to spin off its liquids division, TC Energy Liquid Corp., South Bow. Under the proposed spinoff, TC Energy shareholders will retain their current ownership in TC Energy's common shares and receive a pro-rata allocation of common shares in the new Liquids Pipelines Company, South Bow. The spin off will be tax free to Canadians. Full details are still not available, but we believe it is the right move for the company. Dividends (total) will stay the same and should continue to grow at both companies. We would, for now, suggest keeping both, unless and until new information becomes available. There is still plenty of time here before the split closes.
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Coastal GasLink on schedule and on budget, set to deliver gas by end of fiscal 2023. This should be a de-risking event for them. Pretty cheap at 11x 2024. Asset sales should help de-risk. Really good dividend, good price, OK catalysts. Not a lot of growth. Will work at these levels, with interest rates coming down. His pecking order is ALA, ENB, and then TRP.
The outlook is good with increased profit guidance and the company's confidence in reducing debt levels by the end of next year. It has a 7.2% yield and can grow its dividends by 3 to 5% a year. if there are rate cuts next year this would be good for high dividend payers such as pipelines.
Buy 10 Hold 10 Sell 2
TRP currently has a high debt load, with a net debt of and net debt/EBITDA reaching 8.2x, which is high compared to peers and to TRP’s historical range as well. The total capex is also quite high, estimated to be around $12B, which accounts all the operating cash flow. This is very common for the sector, though, and TRP is not unique here.
The encouraging news is that TRP is accelerating the deleveraging process by divesting $5+ billion in assets as recently TRP completed the sale of 40% of a non-controlling equity interest.
Overall, we don’t like too much debt, but cash flow is stable and the business is regulated. We consider it 'OK' for income but do prefer ENB and PPL.
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No insight on any lawsuit, but sounds political. US elections are next year, so we'll see. Lagged the group because of Coastal GasLink cost overruns, which should be behind them next year. Pipelines as a group are attractive for income. Yield's probably over 7%. She owns ENB, yielding over 7%, and PPL with a yield of over 6%.
Re-evaluating strategy. Asset sale proceeds used to pay down debt. Coastal GasLink will help move product. Dividend is nice to have in your portfolio. 89% of debt is fixed rate, and average maturity is 18 years, so well insulated from impact of higher rates. Yield is 7.57%.
(Analysts’ price target is $52.51)
Buy at current levels. Good exposure to growth in natural gas demand, with natural gas egress in western Canada. Company split will probably eventually be well received -- the asset is fully contracted for 2 decades, predictable cashflows. Discount to peers. Yield is 7%, solid.