Hydro One Ltd. Stock: The Pros and Cons of Investing in a Company With Government Ties

Is the Ontario Government’s 47% ownership of Hydro One Ltd. (TSX:H) a good or bad thing?

| More on:
The Motley Fool

The woes of being an investor in a privately run but publicly traded company can be enough for even the most plain vanilla company. For firms such as Hydro One Ltd. (TSX:H), however, the realities of a century-long-plus relationship with government involvement can prove complex for investors looking to forecast futures.

It goes without saying that different governments have different agendas, and with provincial politics in Ontario taking a hard left turn in recent weeks, the future of Hydro One and its ability to raise rates, vote in higher compensation packages for executives, or run the business as usual may become much more difficult in the near term if Premier Ford decides to put the government’s 47% stake in Hydro One to use. The “Fair Hydro Plan” that has been proposed and the Ontario Energy Board’s previous resistance and incrustation of proposed rate increases by Hydro One could potentially take a more conservative turn under a Ford government.

Premier Ford has spoken out against the compensation packages of some of Hydro One’s most notable employees, thereby indicating that the government could potentially get rid of the board and senior executives at the company could cause rates to decline – moves that would undoubtedly cause turmoil. While this is all speculation at this point, it appears the market is taking a negative view of potential government intervention, with investors largely staying on the sidelines with respect to Hydro One.

Bottom line

The degree to which government intervention in the private sector affects stock price performance in a positive or negative manner really depends on the company in question. With hydro in Ontario being a hotbed for discussion and a potential vote-changer moving forward, I expect the situation will turn out to be much less rosy for Hydro One than numerous Bombardier interventions from various of the Canadian government.

Stay Foolish, my friends.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Chris MacDonald has no position in any stocks mentioned in this article.

More on Dividend Stocks

dividends can compound over time
Dividend Stocks

Want a 7% Yield? The 3 TSX Stocks to Buy Today

These TSX stocks are offering high yields of over 7%, making them attractive for investors seeking steady passive income.

Read more »

how to save money
Dividend Stocks

The Smartest Dividend Stocks to Buy With $200 Right Now

These smartest dividend stocks can consistently pay and increase their dividends in the coming years, irrespective of the macro uncertainty.

Read more »

Electricity transmission towers with orange glowing wires against night sky
Dividend Stocks

3 Utility Stocks That Are Smart Buys for Canadians in November

These utility stocks benefit from regulated businesses and generate predictable cash flows that support higher dividend payouts.

Read more »

Start line on the highway
Dividend Stocks

Invest $10,000 in This Dividend Stock for $600 in Passive Income

Do you want to generate passive income? Forget the rental unit! This option will save you the mortgage yet still…

Read more »

Senior uses a laptop computer
Dividend Stocks

1 Reliable Dividend Stock for the Ultimate Retirement Income Stream

TD Bank (TSX:TD) shares are way too cheap with way too swollen a yield for retirees to pass up right…

Read more »

A worker drinks out of a mug in an office.
Dividend Stocks

Is Brookfield Infrastructure Partners a Buy for its 4.75% Yield?

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (BIP) has a 4.75% dividend yield. Is it worth it?

Read more »

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Dividend Stocks

Where to Invest Your $7,000 TFSA Contribution

The TFSA is attractive for investors who want to generate tax-free passive income.

Read more »

The TFSA is a powerful savings vehicle for Canadians who are saving for retirement.
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: 3 Dividend Stocks Worth Holding Forever

These TSX stocks have the potential to grow their dividends over the next decade, making them top investments for TFSA…

Read more »