Tag Archives: Algonquin

A Higher-Growth Utility For Your Income Needs

Recently, I got an article published about Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (TSX:AQN)(NYSE:AQN). That’s right. It’s a higher-growth utility that might help to fill your income needs.

Summary

  • Algonquin is estimated to grow at a rate (of 10%) that’s double that of some its bigger peers.
  • It offers a ~4.9% yield and aims to increase its dividend at a CAGR of 10% through 2022.

Business Overview

Algonquin’s portfolio is best summed up in two parts:

1) Non-regulated electric generation assets powered by renewable and thermal energy. It has 1,545 MW of net generating capacity (68% wind, 8% hydro, 2% solar, and 22% thermal) across 38 facilities. This part of the portfolio makes up ~30% of Algonquin’s assets.

About 87% of the output from its hydro, wind, and solar facilities (i.e. ~68% of its net generating capacity) have long-term power purchase agreements with a production-weighted average remaining term of ~15 years.

2) Regulated electric, natural gas, water distribution and wastewater collection utility systems, and transmission operations serve 762,000 customers across 12 U.S. states through 33 utilities. This part of the portfolio makes up ~70% of Algonquin’s assets.

Algonquin has been benefiting from the shift to renewable power from coal. The utility has been growing its power portfolio partly by developing its own projects and partly by accretive acquisitions. Its regulated utilities continue to grow organically, and the company is also on the lookout for accretive acquisitions.

Dividend

Algonquin has increased its dividend for 7 consecutive years with a 5-year dividend growth rate of ~9.6%, and it currently offers a decent yield of ~4.9% that’s juicier than most other utilities. Management targets dividend growth of ~10% per year, which will reduce Algonquin’s payout ratio over time.

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