Two high-yield distributions move higher

Article Excerpt

BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE PARTNERS L.P. $39 (Toronto symbol BEP.UN; High-Growth Dividend Payer Portfolio, Utilities sector; Units outstanding: 296.3 million; Market cap: $11.6 billion; Dividend yield: 6.2%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Above Average; www.brookfieldrenewable.com) has interests in 207 hydroelectric generating stations, 37 wind farms and five natural gas-fired power plants. In all, it has over 10,676 megawatts of generating capacity. The company will raise its quarterly distribution by 5.1%, with the March 2017 payment. The new annual rate of $1.87 U.S. a unit yields a high 6.3%. Currently, 88% of Brookfield’s power generation comes from hydro, 11% from wind, and the remaining 1% is biomass and natural gas. Roughly 65% of the power generation occurs in North America, with another 15% in Brazil, 15% in Latin America and 5% in Europe. In the quarter ended December 31, 2016, Brookfield’s cash flow per unit rose 8.3%, to $0.39 U.S. from $0.36. The gains came mostly from new plants now in operation. Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. remains a buy. H&R…