Secure, high dividends from renewable power

Article Excerpt

ALGONQUIN POWER & UTILITIES $14 (Toronto symbol AQN; High-Growth Dividend Payer Portfolio, Utilities sector; Shares outstanding: 382.5 million; Market cap: $5.4 billion; Dividend yield: 4.6%; Divd. Sustainability Rating: Above Average; www.algonquinpower.com) operates through two main businesses: Generation and Distribution. The Generation Group produces and sells electricity across North America. It generates 1,545 megawatts of power through wind (68%), thermal (22%), hydroelectric (8%) and solar (2%) operations. It sells 88% of its power under long-term contracts. The Distribution Group provides regulated electricity, natural gas, water distribution and wastewater collection services to over 780,000 customers. In January 2017, Algonquin completed its biggest acquisition to date—the $3.4 billion purchase of Empire District Electric. Missouri-based Empire serves over 218,000 customers through eight power plants. It has contributed 1,400 megawatts of regulated power. On January 16, 2017, Algonquin raised its dividend by 10% to $0.64 annually for a high yield of 4.6%. It’s the seventh consecutive year of double-digit dividend growth. As a result of the Empire purchase, revenue in…