Topic: How To Invest

Dividend Advisor Hotline – Friday, February 28, 2025

Article Excerpt

INNERGEX RENEWABLE ENERGY INC., $13.60, Toronto symbol INE, is a hold. The company operates 42 hydroelectric plants, 35 wind farms, 9 solar fields, and three battery energy storage facilities, in Canada, the U.S., Chile and France. For 2024, Innergex reduced its dividend payout ratio to between 30% and 50% of its free cash flow (operating cash flow less capital expenditures) to provide maximum financial flexibility for investments in new projects. As a result, the company cut its annual dividend rate by 50.0% to $0.36 a share, which yields 2.6%. Based on that rate, the payout ratio represents a sustainable 40% of the past 12 months’ earnings. The stock jumped over 50% this week after Innergex accepted an all-cash takeover offer of $13.75 a share from the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec. It manages the province’s public pension plan. Hydro-Québec, which owns 19.9% of Innergex, has agreed to support the bid. Assuming regulators and shareholders approve, the Caisse expects to complete the purchase later this…