Algonquin offers low-risk growth

Article Excerpt

Dear client: Algonquin Power expects to soon complete its biggest acquisition to date, the $3.4 billion purchase of Missouri-based Empire District Electric. Growth by acquisition adds risk. But Algonquin cuts that risk by buying profitable utililities that either sell their power under long-term contracts or under rates set by regulators to ensure a profit. ALGONQUIN POWER & UTILITIES $12 (Toronto symbol AQN; High-Growth Dividend Payer Portfolio, Utilities sector; Shares outstanding: 274.0 million; Market cap: $3.3 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 3.0; Divd. yield: 4.7%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Above Average; www.al gonquinpower.com) operates through two main businesses: Generation and Distribution. The Generation Group produces and sells electricity across North America. It generates 1,385 megawatts of power through wind (65%), thermal (24%), hydroelectric (9%) and solar (2%) operations. About 86% of its electric power is sold The Distribution Group provides regulated electricity, natural gas, water distribution and wastewater collection services. This includes: electricity distribution to 93,000 customers in California and New Hampshire; natural gas distribution to 293,000 customers…