Algonquin Power & Utilities (AQN) vs TransAlta (TAC)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
Algonquin Power & Utilities (AQN) has outperformed TransAlta (TAC) over the past year, losing 13.8% versus a loss of 17.4%. Over five years, TAC leads with a +14.6% price change compared with -66.2% for AQN. TransAlta is the larger company by market cap ($4.08 billion vs $3.91 billion), about 1.0 times the size.
On valuation, Algonquin Power & Utilities trades at a lower forward P/E (12.4x vs 31.0x for TransAlta). Algonquin Power & Utilities offers the higher dividend yield (5.12% vs 2.06%).
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | AQN | TAC |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $5.08 | $12.89 |
| Market cap | $3.91B | $4.08B |
| 1-day change | +0.40% | +0.08% |
| YTD return | -17.40% | +1.98% |
| 1-year return | -13.75% | -17.42% |
| 5-year return | -66.25% | +14.58% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 21.17 | — |
| Forward P/E | 12.44 | 31.04 |
| EPS (TTM) | $0.24 | $-0.22 |
| Dividend yield | 5.12% | 2.06% |
| Annual dividend | $0.26 | $0.265 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $2.43B | — |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +4.92% | — |
| Net income (latest FY) | $180.80M | — |
| Operating margin | 20.74% | — |
| Net margin | 7.43% | — |
| 52-week high | $7.11 | $17.88 |
| 52-week low | $4.91 | $11.38 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -28.55% | -27.91% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +29.53% | +0.70% |
| Average volume | 4.09M | 1.74M |
| Shares outstanding | 769.90M | 316.30M |
| Employees | 3,233 | 1,350 |
| Sector | Utilities | Utilities |
| Industry | Electric Utilities: Central | Electric Utilities: Central |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Algonquin Power & Utilities offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (5.12% vs 2.06%).
About Algonquin Power & Utilities
AQN stock →Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. operates in the power and utility industries.
Utilities · Electric Utilities: Central · 3,233 employees
About TransAlta
TAC stock →TransAlta Corporation engages in the development, production, and sale of electric energy. It operates through Hydro, Wind and Solar, Gas, Energy Transition, and Energy Marketing segments.
Utilities · Electric Utilities: Central · 1,350 employees
AQN vs TAC FAQ
Which is bigger, Algonquin Power & Utilities or TransAlta?
TransAlta (TAC) is larger, with a market capitalization of $4.08B compared with $3.91B for Algonquin Power & Utilities (AQN).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AQN or TAC?
AQN returned -13.75% over the past 12 months, compared with -17.42% for TAC (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which pays a higher dividend, Algonquin Power & Utilities or TransAlta?
Algonquin Power & Utilities has the higher yield at 5.12%, compared with 2.06% for TransAlta.
Are Algonquin Power & Utilities and TransAlta in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Electric Utilities: Central industry within the Utilities sector.