Topic: Growth Stocks

CHEMTRADE LOGISTICS INCOME FUND $15.49 – Toronto symbol CHE.UN

CHEMTRADE LOGISTICS INCOME FUND $15.49 (Toronto symbol CHE.UN; TSINetwork Rating: Speculative) (416-496-5856; www.chemtradelogistics. com; Units outstanding: 41.7 million; Market cap: $645.9 million; Dividend yield: 7.8%) is one of North America’s largest providers of removal services for resource firms, such as oil refineries and base-metal processors. These companies create sulphur, acid and other by-products as part of their activities. Chemtrade converts these substances into useful chemicals, like sulphuric acid.

In June 2011, Chemtrade bought Marsulex Inc. for $419.5 million. Marsulex provides a range of environmental services, including improving air quality and treating and handling industrial waste.

In the three months ended September 30, 2012, Chemtrade’s revenue fell 10.3%, to $240.9 million from $268.5 million a year earlier. Cash flow per unit fell 25.0%, to $0.72 from $0.96. However, the decline was mostly due to a one-time accounting charge. The 2011 quarter was also particularly strong.

Chemtrade will continue as an income trust. That’s because it believes that it is structured in such a way that its earnings will be subject to a Canadian tax rate of no more than 10%. That will help it maintain its distribution, which currently gives it a high 7.8% yield. It pays out just 60% of its cash flow to unitholders. The trust’s exposure to cyclical commodity and chemical prices adds risk. It also needs sustained economic growth to keep demand for its services high. However, prices of sulphur and sulphuric acid remain strong, and increasingly strict environmental regulations should keep spurring demand for Chemtrade’s removal services. As well, the company lowers its risk by signing long-term contracts with customers.

Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund is a buy.

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