Number crunching
On the top line, Spectra Energy Corp. (NYSE:SE)’s operating revenue clocked in $1.220 billion, 9.7% above Q2 2012, but slightly less than analysts’ $1.264 billion projections.
The same story held true on the bottom line. Spectra reported adjusted EPS of $0.30, $0.03 below last year’s second quarter and $0.02 below analysts’ estimates.
For a peck of perspective, here’s how Spectra Energy Corp. (NYSE:SE)’s done over the last five years. While sales have ended up more or less where they were in August 2008, adjusted EPS has dropped off 30%, mostly over the last couple years:
SE Revenue TTM data by YCharts
Putting numbers in place
Although analysts were watching the numbers to see how much earnings Spectra Energy Corp. (NYSE:SE) pocketed this past quarter, the real news came from Spectra Energy Corp. (NYSE:SE)’s continued asset “drop-down” to Spectra Energy Partners, LP (NYSE:SEP). The former will hand off all remaining U.S. transmission and storage assets, as well as all remaining liquid assets, to the latter, paving the way for Partners to take advantage of a lucrative master limited partnership (MLP) tax status.
While that’s good news for Spectra Energy Partners, LP (NYSE:SEP), it also paves the way for Spectra Energy Corp. (NYSE:SE) to focus on lucrative transmission projects. Just two weeks ago, the company announced that it would be teaming up with NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE) to build Florida’s third major natural gas pipeline. The project is priced at $3 billion, but will vastly improve the state’s gas infrastructure as regional demand continues to head higher.
Source: Spectra Q2 2013 Earnings
Spectra’s also got its eye on new transmission in the Marcellus Shale region. Chesapeake Energy Corporation (NYSE:CHK) marketing is working through the contracting for Spectra on a $500 million, 73-mile pipeline that will link the reserves to the Gulf Coast.
Source: Spectra Q2 2013 Earnings
At the same time, the utility’s keeping some gas close to home with an $850 million expansion to its current Northeast regional connection. With 15-year contracts in the bag from Northeast Utilities System (NYSE:NU), National Grid plc (ADR) (NYSE:NGG), and UIL Holdings Corporation (NYSE:UIL), the renovation is well deserved.
Source: Spectra Q2 2013 Earnings
Can the Spectras keep soaring?
Spectra and Partners have made remarkable gains in the last year. Both stocks soared on the news of Spectra’s asset dropdown, although Spectra Energy Partners, LP (NYSE:SEP) ultimately pocketed more of the market-moving action.
With the big news over, the real question is whether Spectra Energy Corp. (NYSE:SE)’s transmission deals and Spectra Energy Partners, LP (NYSE:SEP)’ operations and tax status will live up to expectations. Both stocks’ P/E ratios are about 70% higher than their peers, but stable earnings are a lucrative lure for income investors. The utility’s dividend yield stands at 3.45%, while the MLP’s clocks in at 4.75%.
At current prices, I think Partners offers investors a long-term dividend churner for those wanting consistent distributions without worrying as much about short-term share price rises and dips. Although Spectra Energy’s got big transmission plans of its own, its valuation puts it out of my price range for the time being.
The article Can Natural Gas and Special Tax Status Keep These Dividend Stocks Soaring? originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Justin Loiseau.
Fool contributor Justin Loiseau has no position in any stocks mentioned. You can follow him on Twitter, @TMFJLo, and on Motley Fool CAPS, @TMFJLo.The Motley Fool recommends National Grid plc (NYSE:NGG) (ADR) and Spectra Energy. The Motley Fool has the following options: long January 2014 $30 calls on Chesapeake Energy (NYSE:CHK).
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