Allete Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

ALLETE, Inc. (NYSE:ALE) has announced a quarterly dividend increase to 63 cents per share, reflecting a 2% increase. This decision comes from the Board's confidence in the company's growth outlook. The annualized dividend now stands at $2.52 per share, with payment scheduled for March 1 to shareholders of record on February 16, 2021. ALLETE maintains a strong track record with over 71 consecutive years of dividend payments, underscoring its commitment to returning value to shareholders.

ALLETE Inc. (NYSE:ALE) is set to announce its financial results for 2020 before the markets open on February 17, 2021. Following the announcement, key executives including CEO Bethany M. Owen and CFO Robert J. Adams will host a conference call at 10 a.m. ET to discuss the results and provide 2021 earnings guidance. Interested parties can join the call or access a webcast via ALLETE's website. The call replay will be available until February 24, 2021. ALLETE, based in Duluth, Minnesota, operates utilities and clean energy interests.

Minnesota Power, an ALLETE company, has set a target to achieve 100% carbon-free energy by 2050, as part of its Energy Forward strategy. Having already reached 50% renewable energy supply, the company plans to submit its Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission on Feb. 1, outlining steps to increase this to 70% by 2030. Key actions include adding 400 MW of wind and solar energy and retiring coal-fired units. Minnesota Power also aims for an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2035, surpassing state goals.

ALLETE (NYSE: ALE) has secured nearly $350 million in tax equity financing through its subsidiaries for two completed wind energy projects. The Diamond Spring wind site in Oklahoma, a 303-megawatt facility, sells renewable energy to major clients like Walmart and Starbucks. Concurrently, the Nobles 2 wind facility in Minnesota, with a capacity of 250 megawatts, also achieved commercial operation in early December. ALLETE aims to leverage its expertise in renewable energy to drive growth in the sector while enhancing sustainability efforts.

ALLETE Clean Energy has commenced commercial operations at its Diamond Spring wind site in Oklahoma, boasting a capacity of 303 megawatts. This facility will supply renewable energy to Walmart, Smithfield Foods, and Starbucks under long-term agreements. With the Diamond Spring site, ALLETE Clean Energy's total wind capacity exceeds 1,000 megawatts, powering approximately 114,000 homes. Executives emphasize the site's role in meeting sustainability goals amid growing demand for renewable energy. Future developments include the upcoming Caddo wind site, further solidifying ALLETE's position in the clean-energy market.

Minnesota Power has achieved a significant milestone by delivering 50% of its energy from renewable sources, becoming the first utility in Minnesota to reach this level. This accomplishment is part of its EnergyForward strategy to transition from coal to cleaner energy, supported by the recently operational Nobles 2 wind project. With a growing wind portfolio of about 870 megawatts, the company also aims to submit its Integrated Resource Plan to enhance future renewable energy investments and grid reliability.

ALLETE Clean Energy, a subsidiary of ALLETE (NYSE: ALE), has signed a renewable energy sale agreement with McDonald's Corp. (NYSE: MCD) for 200 megawatts from the Caddo wind site under construction in Oklahoma. The project, totaling 300 megawatts, will double ALLETE Clean Energy’s capacity and is expected to support over 200 construction jobs and long-term operational roles. Additionally, the project is projected to generate $50 million in tax revenue and $54 million in payments to landowners, while helping McDonald's achieve a 36% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

ALLETE, Inc. (NYSE: ALE) reported third-quarter 2020 earnings of 78 cents per share on a net income of $40.7 million, an increase from 60 cents per share and $31.2 million in the same period last year. The company highlighted significant progress on renewable energy projects totaling over 500 megawatts. The Regulated Operations segment achieved $42.4 million in net income, up from $32.4 million year-over-year, despite lower sales to commercial customers due to COVID-19. Annual adjusted earnings guidance is projected between $3.25 and $3.45 per share.

The board of directors of ALLETE has declared a quarterly dividend of 61.75 cents per share of common stock, maintaining an annual dividend of $2.47 per share. The dividend will be paid on December 1 to shareholders recorded by the close of business on November 16, 2020. ALLETE operates through its electric utilities, including Minnesota Power and Superior Water, Light and Power, along with several energy subsidiaries.