Author: Brian Bollinger, Simply Safe Dividends

The company enjoys an asset-light model which generates consistent free cash flow, holds profits fairly steady during industry downturns thanks to its variable cost structure, and earns solid returns on invested capital. When combined with management’s conservative capital allocation and the essential logistics services it provides, the company has been able to reward shareholders with higher dividends each year since it went public in 1997.

It’s a simple, boring business, and its time-tested operation, well-known brand, economies of scale, defensive profile, and dependable cash flow generation make it a reliable dividend aristocrat. All things considered, it seems likely to remain an appealing long-term investment for conservative investors seeking sources of safe dividend income.

Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway and Bill Gates’ Foundation Trust both own stakes in the company, so it’s no surprise that it appears to have several enduring competitive advantages. The company’s global scale, hard-to-replicate global transportation network, and continued investments in efficiency initiatives seem likely to keep it at the top of its industry and paying safe, growing dividends for many years to come.

It’s not necessarily a reason to sell the stock if you own it, but you should remain aware of the higher operational, financial, and political risks facing the company.

It’s one of the fastest-growing and most diversified utilities in the world. And for a utility, it appears to offer some of the best cash flow diversification and long-term growth potential.