Smart acquisitions spur Algonquin

Article Excerpt

Algonquin Power continues to expand through big acquisitions. That adds risk. But the company cuts that risk by buying profitable utilities. Its renewable energy projects also sell their power under long-term government- guaranteed contracts. ALGONQUIN POWER & UTILITIES $14.01 (Toronto symbol AQN; Shares outstanding: 273.3 million; Market cap: $6.0 billion; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk; Dividend yield: 4.2%; www.algonquinpower.com) operates through two main businesses: The Generation Group produces and sells electricity across North America. The Distribution Group serves 564,000 customers with regulated electricity, natural gas and water distribution, and wastewater collection. In January 2017, Algonquin completed its biggest acquisition to date: the $3.4 billion purchase of Missouri-based Empire District Electric. In the quarter ended September 30, 2017, Empire increased Algonquin’s revenue by 100.3%, to $443.3 million from $221.3 million a year earlier. Cash flow jumped 108.2%, to $127.0 million from $61.0 million. Cash flow per share rose 50.0%, to $0.33 from $0.22, on more shares outstanding from the Empire purchase. The company has just…