Its quality businesses cut your risk

Article Excerpt

We’re often wary of companies that rely on acquisitions to fuel their growth. However, Algonquin is an exception. Its focus on high-quality, regulated utilities cuts the risk of a major setback. The steady cash flow from its businesses also let Algonquin raise your dividend by 10% in both 2019 and 2020. It plans to reward investors with another 10% increase in 2021. ALGONQUIN POWER & UTILITIES CORP. $18 is a top pick for 2020. The company (Toronto symbol AQN; High-Growth Dividend Payer Portfolio, Utilities sector; Shares outstanding: 583.3 million; Market cap: $10.5 billion; Dividend yield: 4.6%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Above Average; www.algonquinpower.com) generates value for investors through two main businesses. Liberty Power Group produces electricity from 35 clean-energy facilities in North America; and Liberty Utilities Group provides regulated electricity, gas, water distribution and wastewater collection to more than 750,000 customers in 12 U.S. states. Algonquin also owns 44.2% of Atlantica Yield plc (Nasdaq symbol AY), which has its own renewable energy assets. Investors saw their quarterly dividend rise…