Canadian UtilitiesCU.TOCOMMENTJan 04, 2018Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Jun 23, 2026. Market Open.
Billy Kawasaki’s Insights - Billy’s most-liked answers from 5i Research. There is no news that would account for the correction. Dividend stocks may see some weakness if there are rate fears. The stock also fell below its 50-day moving average so this may have caused some technical selling. Unlock Premium - Try 5i Free
They're focused on Alberta. Likes it. They've transitioned well to having more regulated cash flows, but there's less growth than Northland Power or Boralex, but CU has a cheaper PE. It's a steady eddy.
He likes utilities; defensive and paying good dividends in a low rate environment. CU depends on Alberta, which is challenged by oil. He prefers Fortis and Boralex, Innergex and AQN-T, which will maintain or increase current stock levels. If you own this, hold it and wait for a recovery; the dividend is safe.
CU vs. H Hydro One had serious issues, but a decent dividend. If he had to pick one right now, he'd pick CU. Looks a bit steadier. Hydro One is in nosebleed territory, and looks as though it's starting to come off. CU is consolidating, and looks to go higher short-term. $35 is a good stop level to sell CU, $22 for Hydro One.
When we talk about rising interest rates affecting utility stocks, it's a trade in market terminology. What happens in real cases is that as interest rates go up, these companies have a lot of debt and have to roll over their debt at higher rates. That squeezes the margins. However, over time, they can apply to their regulatory bodies for a rate of return increase on what they charge people. As rates rise, if you get another 5%-10% correction, you start dipping your toe in and trying to average up.