Investment Q&A

Q: You are likely tired of questions on AQN so please bear with me. I have a full position in AQN, have long term investing horizons and like a steady dividend. Do you see AQN as a long term hold or should I just take my lumps and move on? thanks al

Q: Hello Peter
What is your opinion on Northland and Algonquin Power
Are the dividends safe ?
Which has the greater potential for growth

Thank you
Howard

Q: Hi Peter, Ryan, and Team,

Your last answer to a 5i member (Peter) regarding the sustainability of AQN’s dividend is more positive than David Berman’s piece in today’s Globe & Mail.

In light of his article, where he repeated a comment by a Scotiabank analyst: “We have taken all dividend growth out of our model and, even still, the payout ratio remains 103 per cent of earnings per share in 2023 and 97 per cent in 2024,” Robert Hope, an analyst at Bank of Nova Scotia, said in a note.

Algonquin’s management said last week that it was targeting a dividend payout ratio of 80 per cent to 90 per cent, meaning that the company expects to distribute no more than 90 per cent of its profits as dividends over the longer term.

“This payout ratio target would be above its peers and, in general, makes growing the business without external equity more difficult. If the company does pursue a full reset, we could see a reduction in the dividend,” Mr. Hope said.

Is 5i still of the opinion that the dividend won’t be cut? My feeling is that if in fact the dividend is cut, the stock will decline even further, and as always, welcome your thoughts.

Q: Do you see any danger of AQN becoming insolvent?
With appreciation,
Ed

Q: Hi 5i,

I currently own the above noted renewable energy utilities. I am thinking of selling AQN. If I did so, (and I would like to keep it in renewables) would you recommend putting the proceeds towards one of the above or something like NPI or possibly a renewable energy ETF. Could you recommend 1 to 3 ETFs?

Thanks!!

Q: does AQN make an attractive take-over candidate at current prices or marginally lower prices...would look to harvest tax loss but trying to assess risks of that strategy...would it be more attractive to a US peer vs. Can...many thanks...cheers

Q: Hi 5i Team

Pretty disappointing day for AQN investors. Three questions:

1) Do you think they will need to do an equity raise in 2023 relating to the Kentucky Power acquisition? Initially, they're planning to cover it through existing borrowings (at floating rates) but management indicated on the CC that is expected to be short term.

2) Do you have any info on the actual NAV of their assets (thinking of this like a REIT)? If not, any suggestions where to look / how to calc?

3) Given the importance of dividends to investors (current and future), what will likely be the catalyst for cutting it and how long do you think they will hold the line before deciding it's necessary?

Thanks
Peter

Q: I have a question about 956
Good Morning. I think it’s time to sell Algonquin ( albeit about 6 months late) I was initially going to ask for a proxy but now with its prospects doubt I ever buy it back. With a long time frame and no restrictions on sector/ risk etc can you suggest 2 high conviction names please.
Thank you

Q: Good morning all at 5i!!

I hold both having just purchased capital power a little while ago. I have held Algonquin for a long time. Should I sell Algonquin shares and buy more Capital power, or keep both since they are held in different portfolios???
Cheers,
Not liking the snow.. Tamara

Q: I’m still in the green on AQN, having owned it for a while. I held on for the dividend and because it is in a non-registered account and didn’t want to pay the tax. Of course, the share price is about half of its peak of about a year ago. I did not see any signs at the peak that AQN would have such a precipitous fall.

How to view this?
1. Tune it all out as noise and keep collecting the dividend.
2. In future, trim any stock that more than doubles and reinvest in a different company, taxes be damned.
3. Consider this drop as over done and a buying opportunity.

Q: Hi,
Having a position in AQN that is now underwater, I am wondering about selling it as well as two bank holdings that have a total profit equal to AQN's loss with the idea that I can use the proceeds to purchase another bank stock or two, top up ENB holdings, or something else you might recommend. All three holdings are in taxable accounts. Open to suggestions, as I have the sense that waiting to see how AQN does from here appears to be more risky than moving on. Your thoughts on this idea would be most appreciated!

Dawn

Q: Do you feel both these utilities are in oversold condition based on your review of their latest quarterly results?

Q: What is your opinion about the sustainability of the dividend with AQN? With the recent price fall and financials and their outlook, it looks pretty shaky...

Q: Do you think there is a realistic chance of a dividend cut at this point? If so, where would you place the odds?

Q: Hi Peter, Ryan, and Team,

Would you consider Algonquin to essentially be an income stock in the near term? Having held it for some time now, and always 'hoping' for better results, we now find ourselves underwater. (Too bad we didn't sell yesterday!!) In the Utilities sector, we also hold BEP.UN (terrific gain, CPX (also underwater), and FTS (nice moderate gain). Once the dust settles, and we’re able to sell AQN, which of our other Utilities would you suggest to put the proceeds, or is there perhaps another Utility you’d recommend? Thanks as always for your timely advice.

Q: I dis read your comment today on a "similar" question,I hold a large amount of this stock in registered and non registered accounts , mainly for dividends during future retirement .Is the actual dividend at risk ,and is this Cie at risk for a longer term investment ( In other words ,is it relatively safe to keep this large portion of the stock?) , Regards

Q: Could you comment on earnings. Any red flags or is this a buying opportunity for a long term investor.

Thanks!

Q: Can you please rank the above utilities for Value. I used EV/EBITA data from Yahoo Finance and got this: NPI (8), BIP.UN (11), FTS (12.7), BLX (13), BEP.UN (15), NEE (26), AQN (28)
Thanks!

Q: I've been building out a sub portfolio in my registered account with the above stocks. It's hard to turn down 5-7% yields + growth potential.

Do you perceive any major crossover/risk with the holding all of the above / should I consider consolidating?

Q: Hi, Capital Power announced strong results, but the stock keeps declining, despite its cheaper valuation compared to other utilities. Any comments ? Thanks