The AES Corporation (AES), Duke Energy Corp (DUK), National Grid plc (ADR) (NGG) & More: 5 Dividend Stocks for International Growth

(Inter)National Grid
National Grid plc (ADR) (NYSE:NGG) is anything but, unless you’re based in the United Kingdom. This utility is listed on the U.S. stock exchange, but its blood runs British blue. Its U.K. transmission and gas distribution collectively account for 67% of total operating profit, compared with 29% for its Northeast  U.S. regulated companies.

A bet on National Grid plc (ADR) (NYSE:NGG) is, in many ways, a bet on Europe’s recovery. National Grid plc (ADR) (NYSE:NGG) earned The Motley Fool’s Income Investor stamp of approval way back in 2005, and it has ticked up nicely since its Great Recession correction. With its dividend at a 10-year high, now might be the perfect time to pull some profit from the ‘ol motherland.

Canada, eh?
As a final note, who could ignore the diversification in our Northern neighbor? Exelon and Atlantic Power Corp (NYSE:AT) have hopped across the border to make electricity alongside maple syrup. Canada’s proximity allows for inputs and outputs to flow easily and freely, creating a unique international opportunity.

Canada and the U.S. are two of the most closely tied economies in the world, but there are other reasons to head abroad. Exelon’s 20-state and three-province spread create a myriad of regulation options for the utility to choose from as it reorients its generation portfolio.

Source: Exelon EEI presentation.

Atlantic is reeling from a dismal quarter and slashed dividend, and it plans to invest heavily in natural gas and renewables to put itself back in the black. With 13 states and two provinces to choose from, a decent dose of strategy could help Atlantic to generate profit in addition to electricity.

Source: Atlantic Power Investor Relations.

Global growth
Growth rates aren’t what they used to be in the U.S., and a dash of international assets could go a long way to pushing your dividend stocks past mediocre margins. Including utilities in your diversification plan is one of the easiest ways to balance steady income with growth opportunities, so make your move today.

The article 5 Dividend Stocks for International Growth originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Justin Loiseau has no position in any stocks mentioned, but he does use electricity. You can follow him on Twitter, @TMFJLo, and on Motley Fool CAPS, @TMFJLo. The Motley Fool recommends Exelon and National Grid.

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