Algonquin offsets its acquisition risk

Article Excerpt

Algonquin Power continues to expand through big acquisitions. That adds risk. Still, the company focuses on making purchases that add immediately to its cash flow. As well, its renewable energy projects sell their power under long-term government-guaranteed contracts. The company’s international expansion also cuts its geographic risk. ALGONQUIN POWER & UTILITIES $18.05 (Toronto symbol AQN; Shares outstanding: 492.9 million; Market cap: $9.0 billion; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk; Dividend yield: 4.1%; www.algonquinpower.com) operates through two main businesses: The Liberty Power Group produces and sells electricity from 39 clean energy facilities across North America; and the Liberty Utilities Group provides regulated electricity, natural gas, water distribution and wastewater collection services. In the quarter ended June 30, 2019, revenue fell 6.1%, to $343.6 million from $366.1 million a year earlier. (All figures except share price and market cap in U.S. dollars.) That decline is mainly due to lower demand for power at its Liberty Utilities operations in the U.S. However, due to the contribution of…