Long-term contracts are key to their growth

Article Excerpt

ALGONQUIN POWER & UTILITIES $11.13 (Toronto symbol AQN; Shares outstanding: 273.3 million; Market cap: $3.0 billion; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk; Divd yield: 5.1%; www.algonquinpower.com) has tripled in size in the past three years, mainly by acquisition. With hydroelectric, thermal, solar and wind plants, the company generates 1,300 megawatts. That’s up from 460 three years ago. Algonquin’s utility businesses now provide water, electricity and gas to 564,000 customers. That’s up from 120,000 three years ago. In the quarter ended September 30, 2016, revenue rose 16.7%, to $221.3 million from $189.6 million a year earlier. Cash flow rose 12.3%, to $61.0 million from $54.3 million. Cash flow per share was unchanged at $0.22. In February 2016, the company made its biggest acquisition: the $3.4 billion purchase of Empire District Electric. Missouri-based Empire serves over 218,000 customers through eight power plants. Together, they produce 1,326 megawatts of generating capacity. Growth by acquisition—particularly rapid growth— adds risk. But Algonquin cuts that risk by buying profitable utilities. Its renewable…