I first became acquainted with Algonquin Power & Utilities (NYSE: AQN) back in the early ‘00s. Then it was a small power plant developer growing rapidly by taking advantage of the Canadian income trust investment boom.
The combination of heavy debt and pressured revenue drove dividends cuts at 25 of the essential services companies in our Utility Report Card coverage universe last year. It triggered 16 in 2019 and five more so far this year, last month AT&T Inc (NYSE: T) and Singapore Telecom (Singapore: ST, OTC: SGAPY).
Last week, Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure (NSDQ: AY) raised its quarterly dividend to 43 cents per share. That’s 4.9 percent higher than the year ago payment. It’s also what the company paid in December 2015, just prior to the bankruptcy of then parent Abengoa SA, making it a capstone for a remarkable metamorphosis.
For nearly eight years as a Conservative Holding, Brookfield Renewable Partners (TSX: BEP-U, NYSE: BEP) has reliably built cash flow from a growing global portfolio of contracted hydro, wind and solar assets. Dividends have increased nearly 60 percent since my initial recommendation and face few hurdles to 5 to 8 percent annual growth.
Last month, I highlighted two ways to bet on the rising tide of utility mergers and acquisitions. The most potentially lucrative are the 8 companies likely to fetch a high premium takeover offer in the next 12 to 18 months.
Heavy debt and revenue under pressure: Those are always the two biggest risks to dividends. And when combined, a cut is usually on the way. Both are common maladies for the four remaining companies on my Endangered Dividends List.
Since results of the November 2020 presidential election became clear, shares of Aggressive Holding Kinder Morgan Inc (NYSE: KMI) are up nearly 50 percent.
Roger's favorite utilities for investors seeking superior price appreciation by taking calculated risks.
Harness the tried and true wealth-building power of rising dividends.
Nothing compounds wealth like reinvesting a rising stream of dividends.
Warning: Falling Dividends.
Roger's current take and vital statistics on more than 200 essential-services stocks.