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Roger S. Conrad
Roger S. Conrad needs no introduction to individual and professional investors, many of whom have profited from his decades of experience uncovering the best dividend-paying stocks for accumulating sustainable wealth.
Roger built his reputation with Utility Forecaster, a publication he founded more than 20 years ago that The Hulbert Financial Digest routinely ranked as one of the best investment newsletters. He’s also a sought-after expert on master limited partnerships (MLP) and former Canadian royalty trusts.
In April 2013, Roger reunited with his long-time friend and colleague, Elliott Gue, becoming co-editor of Energy & Income Advisor, a semimonthly online newsletter that’s dedicated to uncovering the most profitable opportunities in the energy sector.
Although the masthead may have changed, readers can count on Roger to deliver the same high-quality analysis and rational assessment of the best dividend-paying utilities, MLPs and dividend-paying Canadian energy names.
Articles
Flight to Quality Shifts Risks
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Dec. 10, 2018
It’s “risk off” time again in the US stock market. Stocks of companies considered resistant to US/China trade war pressures and a possible recession are catching bids at their most frenetic pace in two years.
Approaching Dividend Cuts Will Bring Clarity
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Dec. 10, 2018
Dominion Energy (NYSE: D) reached a “definitive merger agreement” to buy out minority unitholders in its Dominion Midstream Partners (NYSE: DM) affiliate.
The final terms reduce the effective distribution cut in the first year of the deal to a bit less than 15 percent. That includes the additional distribution payment of 36.9 cents and Dominion Energy’s expected 10 percent dividend increase in January.
Electric Utilities Face the New Abnormal
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Nov. 18, 2018
California's historic Camp Fire, so far has claimed more than 60 lives, and estimates of damage to property are in already in the tens of billions. With super-dry conditions in the west and hurricanes in the east recurring more frequently," US utilities now face an increasing challenge ensuring grid resiliency and safety in a new abnormal of violent weather.
More Fires in California, Amerigas Still Solid
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Nov. 14, 2018
This year's autumn rains are late arriving in bone-dry California, resulting in another season of devastating fires. Smoke from the massive “Camp Fire” in northern California currently shrouds San Francisco and the ongoing Edison Electric Institute's annual Financial Conference in the city’s downtown area. Executives from PG&E (NYSE: PCG), the utility serving the affected region, withdrew from the conference to deal with the crisis.
Election Results and Earnings are Favorable Portents
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Nov. 11, 2018
The Dow Jones Utility Average finished the month of October up 1.9 percent. That was almost 9 percentage points better than the S&P 500, and despite rising interest rates.
Historically, a positive October for utilities has meant a solid finish to the year. This time, the sector will have two other potential catalysts to help it along: Strong third quarter earnings and guidance, and what appear to be mostly supportive outcomes from the recent nationwide elections.
I highlight numbers and guidance for the 200 plus essential service companies of our coverage universe in the Utility Report Card.
Atlantica Yield: Delivering on Dividends and Growth
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Nov. 11, 2018
The essential element of every successful yieldco is a deep-pocketed and motivated sponsor. Atlantica Yield (NYSE: AY) definitely has one in Algonquin Power & Utilities (TSX: AQN, NYSE: AQN), the financially strong North American utility that’s also a seasoned contract power project developer.
Aqua America Turns on the Gas
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Nov. 11, 2018
Conservative Holding Aqua America Inc (NYSE: WTR) produced a more than 22-fold return over the past quarter century. The simple formula for those gains: Acquiring small water systems unable to meet safe drinking water standards, upgrading them and passing along profits as consistent dividend growth.
Portfolio Strategy: Bedrock for Unsteady Times
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Nov. 11, 2018
Third quarter 2018 results are now in for all but a handful of the 200 plus coverage universe stocks. That also includes all Conrad’s Utility Investor Portfolio companies except Amerigas Partners (NYSE: APU), which reports next week.
I highlight analysis of key numbers and guidance in Utility Report Card. Readers can access either on the website under the “Portfolios” tab, or by simply printing out the accompanying PDF with your issue.
Cutting Dividends to Avoid Capital Markets
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Nov. 11, 2018
Buckeye Partners (NYSE: BPL) has cut its distribution for the first time in its 30-year plus history: A -40.6 percent reduction spot on with our expectation.
The move saves $300 million. That will fund modest capital spending without issuing new equity and make it easier to refinance the hefty $925 million in debt maturing through 2019.
Elections 2018: Utilities Fare Well But With Challenges
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Nov. 11, 2018
Elections have consequences. And few companies are as potentially exposed as providers of essential services like electricity, heat, water and communications.
This year’s voting was no exception. Typically, mid-term elections are ill-attended affairs where the more energized party ambushes the other. This time, however, both Democrats and Republicans came out to play with the highest turnout for a non-presidential election year since 1966.
MODEL PORTFOLIOS & RATINGS
Aggressive Income Portfolio
Roger's favorite utilities for investors seeking superior price appreciation by taking calculated risks.
Conservative Income Portfolio
Harness the tried and true wealth-building power of rising dividends.
Top 10 DRIPs
Nothing compounds wealth like reinvesting a rising stream of dividends.
Endangered Dividends List
Warning: Falling Dividends.
Utility Report Card
Roger's current take and vital statistics on more than 200 essential-services stocks.
Conrad's Utility Investor
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