Head-To-Head Comparison: Algonquin Power & Utilities (NYSE:AQN) vs. Electricité de France (OTCMKTS:ECIFY)

Algonquin Power & Utilities (NYSE:AQN) and Electricité de France (OTCMKTS:ECIFY) are both utilities companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their risk, earnings, analyst recommendations, dividends, valuation, profitability and institutional ownership.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

62.3% of Algonquin Power & Utilities shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.1% of Algonquin Power & Utilities shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Risk & Volatility

Algonquin Power & Utilities has a beta of 0.7, meaning that its stock price is 30% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Electricité de France has a beta of 1.26, meaning that its stock price is 26% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Profitability

This table compares Algonquin Power & Utilities and Electricité de France’s net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

	Net Margins	Return on Equity	Return on Assets
Algonquin Power & Utilities	5.77%	5.16%	1.79%
Electricité de France	N/A	N/A	N/A

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Algonquin Power & Utilities and Electricité de France”s revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

	Gross Revenue	Price/Sales Ratio	Net Income	Earnings Per Share	Price/Earnings Ratio
Algonquin Power & Utilities	$2.55 billion	1.71	$180.80 million	$0.19	29.89
Electricité de France	$151.19 billion	0.35	-$18.90 billion	N/A	N/A

Algonquin Power & Utilities has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Electricité de France.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of current recommendations for Algonquin Power & Utilities and Electricité de France, as reported by MarketBeat.

	Sell Ratings	Hold Ratings	Buy Ratings	Strong Buy Ratings	Rating Score
Algonquin Power & Utilities	0	6	6	0	2.50
Electricité de France	0	0	0	0	0.00

Algonquin Power & Utilities presently has a consensus price target of $6.72, indicating a potential upside of 18.40%. Given Algonquin Power & Utilities’ stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Algonquin Power & Utilities is more favorable than Electricité de France.

Summary

Algonquin Power & Utilities beats Electricité de France on 10 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Algonquin Power & Utilities

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. is an investment holding company, which engages in energy generation and water distribution facilities. It operates through the Regulated Services Group and Renewable Energy Group segments. The Regulated Services Group segment owns and operates a portfolio of electric, natural gas, water distribution, and wastewater collection utility systems and transmission. The Renewable Energy Group segment focuses on operating a diversified portfolio of renewable and thermal electric generation assets. The company was founded on August 1, 1988 and is headquartered in Oakville, Canada.

About Electricité de France

Electricité de France S.A., an integrated energy company, engages in the power generation, transmission, distribution, supply, and trading activities in France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and internationally. The company generates electricity through nuclear, fossil fuel, hydro, solar, wind, biomass, biogas, thermal, and cogeneration plants. It also manages low and medium-voltage public electricity distribution networks; operates, maintains, and develops high-voltage and very-high-voltage electricity transmission networks; and services and produces equipment and fuel for nuclear reactors. In addition, the company is involved in commodity trading activities; and the provision of energy services, including district heating services, thermal energy services, etc. It serves approximately 38.5 million customers, including small businesses, local authorities, and industrial and residential customers. The company was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in Paris, France.