Buy Pembina (TSX:PPL) Before its Inter Pipeline (TSX:IPL) Takeover

Inter Pipeline, which recently fought off a hostile takeover by Brookfield, might be acquired by Pembina Pipeline stock.

| More on:

The energy sector is on a tear since November 2020. The S&P/TSX Capped Energy Index has grown a 100% since then. Not all energy stocks have grown at quite the same pace within the same time frame, but the overall aura is of recovery. The demand for oil is surging, and thanks to the combined efforts of OPEC+ countries to slash oil production, the global surplus is expected to be gone by the end of this month.

With rising demands and controlled output, the energy sector is expected to recover from the financial wounds the pandemic dealt. But the scars are likely to remain. The low demand during the pandemic instigated a lot of consolidation activity. But the deal between Pembina Pipeline (TSX:PPL)(NYSE:PBA) and Inter Pipeline (TSX:IPL) that’s about to go down trumps almost all the major deals made in the last four years in the Canadian energy sector.

A hostile takeover averted

Brookfield Asset Management, one of the largest asset management firms in the country, offered to buy Inter Pipeline for $7.1 billion (or $16.5 a share) in February. The move was widely regarded as a hostile takeover, and the company recommended that investors (since their vote would have determined the fate of the deal) reject it, as it undervalued the company.

One reason that Inter Pipeline was vulnerable to this takeover might have been the giant petrochemical complex (Heartland) the company was building near Edmonton, Alberta. The $4 billion project is the largest capital investment the company ever made, and it’s expected to start operating in 2022. The project became a major financial vulnerability and opened Inter Pipeline up for a hostile takeover.

A friendly takeover

Four months after Inter Pipeline fought off Brookfield’s takeover, Pembina offered to buy the company for $8.3 billion in an all-stock deal. Pembina’s offer values Inter Pipeline at about $19.45 per share, which is a premium compared to the company’s current value of $18.9 per share. Pembina will also take over most of the debt (72%), and the rest will remain with Inter shareholders.

The deal is quite good for the shareholders as well, since they’ll receive one Pembina share for two of their Inter Pipeline shares, which is a tad more than fair as per the current valuation of both companies. It’s Pembina’s third attempt to buy Inter Pipeline. The deal has been accepted unanimously by the boards of both companies, and they are waiting on the shareholders’ vote.

The combined entity will be one of the largest players in the industry and will have 25,000 km of oil and gas pipelines under its control.

Foolish takeaway

Pembina stock has grown over 40% in the last seven months. It’s currently offering a mouthwatering yield of 6.6%. If its Inter Pipeline acquisition goes through without a hitch or regulatory issues, the company is bound to benefit from the expected recovery and future growth of the energy sector. The Heartland petrochemical complex will add significantly to the capabilities and operating “options” of the combined entity.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Adam Othman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Brookfield Asset Management. The Motley Fool recommends Brookfield Asset Management Inc. CL.A LV and PEMBINA PIPELINE CORPORATION.

More on Dividend Stocks

Canadian Dollars bills
Dividend Stocks

3 Monthly-Paying Dividend Stocks to Boost Your Passive Income

Given their healthy cash flows and high yields, these three monthly-paying dividend stocks could boost your passive income.

Read more »

Make a choice, path to success, sign
Dividend Stocks

The TFSA Blueprint to Generate $3,695.48 in Yearly Passive Income

The blueprint to generate yearly passive income in a TFSA is to maximize the contribution limits.

Read more »

hand stacks coins
Dividend Stocks

3 Ultra-High-Yield Dividend Stocks You Can Buy and Hold for a Decade

These three high-yield dividend stocks still have some work to do, but each are in steady areas that are only…

Read more »

senior man and woman stretch their legs on yoga mats outside
Dividend Stocks

TFSA: 2 Canadian Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever

Here are 2 TFSA-worthy Canadian stocks. Which one is a good buy for your TFSA today?

Read more »

calculate and analyze stock
Dividend Stocks

This 5.5% Dividend Stock Pays Cash Every Single Month!

This REIT may offer monthly dividends, but don't forget about the potential returns in the growth industry its involved with.

Read more »

Silver coins fall into a piggy bank.
Dividend Stocks

How to Use Your TFSA to Earn up to $6,000 Per Year in Tax-Free Passive Income

A high return doesn't mean you have to make a high investment -- or a risky one -- especially with…

Read more »

path road success business
Dividend Stocks

2 High-Yield Dividend Stocks to Buy Hand Over Fist and 1 to Avoid

High yields are great and all, but only if returns come with them. And while two of these might, another…

Read more »

Man holds Canadian dollars in differing amounts
Dividend Stocks

This 7% Dividend Stock Pays Cash Every Month

A high dividend yield isn't everything. But when it pays out each month and offers this stability, it's worth considering!

Read more »