These utilities continue to extend their reach

Article Excerpt

Both Emera and Fortis have used acquisitions to expand beyond their home markets in Atlantic Canada. We generally take a skeptical view of companies that grow their businesses that way. Hidden problems with new operations can offset the expected profit gains. However, their new operations are rate-regulated utilities with predictable revenue streams. Moreover, the extra cash flows will let both firms raise their dividends over the next few years. EMERA INC. $48 (Toronto symbol EMA; Income Portfolio, Utilities sector; Shares outstanding: 212.1 million; Market cap: $10.2 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 1.6; Dividend yield: 4.7%; TSINetwork Rating: Average; www. emera.com) owns 100% of Nova Scotia Power, that province’s main electricity supplier. This business supplies 20% of Emera’s earnings. In the past few years, the company has invested in several power plants and natural gas pipelines in the U.S. and the Caribbean. Those include its July 2016 purchase of Teco Energy for $13.9 billion. That firm supplies electricity and natural gas to 1.05 million customers in…