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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
The Investment Boom is On and Utility Values Abound
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Nov. 11, 2024
In the past month, America has elected a new president and Congress, along with literally hundreds of state legislators and governors. And the Federal Reserve has delivered on a second cut since its historic September 18 pivot, from “higher for longer” interest rates.
For investors, the far more consequential event has been the mostly passed season for Q3 earnings releases and guidance updates.
The Utility Report Card has my company-by-company analysis for the 170 utilities and essential services providers I’ve tracked now for nearly four decades. My top takeaway: Investment is booming, and that’s very good news for Conrad’s Utility Investor recommendations’ earnings, dividends and ultimately stock prices over the next few years.
Clearway Energy: Politics-Proof Renewable Energy Growth
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Nov. 11, 2024
Steadily growing cash flow and dividends by adding long-term contracted power generation:
That’s been Clearway Energy’s (NYSE: CWEN) successful strategy for the decade plus since former parent NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG) launched it as NRG Yield. And the company continues to thrive under Clearway Group 54.91% of voting shares, 42.12% economic interest), which is owned by TotalEnergies (Paris: TTE, NYSE: TTE) and Blackrock/GIP.
Essential Utilities: Regulatory Certainty Brings a Return to Growth
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Nov. 11, 2024
For most of 2024, long-time water utility favorite Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) was unable to affirm previous long-term earnings growth guidance of 5 to 7 percent. This month, it did so again, thanks to amicable natural gas and water rate decisions in Pennsylvania.
Home to its cornerstone water franchise and only gas utility—Peoples Natural Gas—the Keystone state is by far Essential’s most important regulatory jurisdiction. And in a 5-0 ruling the Public Utility Commission approved both a $93 million increase and a “weather normalization” mechanism for gas distribution, at a stroke limiting weather-related fluctuations in revenue.
Portfolio Strategy: Strong Earnings Will Grow Your Wealth
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Nov. 11, 2024
The Dow Jones Utility Average’s year to date return is now 20.5 percent. That’s a decline of around -1.4 percent since the Federal Reserve pivoted to lower interest rates on September 18.
The DJUA is once again lagging well behind the S&P 500, which as of Friday’s close was sitting on a 27 percent return. And it’s well behind the Nasdaq 100’s 26 percent plus return as well.
Two Dividend Cuts and a Likely Third
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Nov. 11, 2024
Just weeks after raising its final dividend for FY2024 (end June 30), Spark New Zealand Ltd (NZ: SPK, OTC: SPKKY) announced a -9.1 percent cut in its FY2025 dividend.
Last month, I noted management’s dour forecast for FY2025. And it’s now doubled down on that outlook, cutting EBITDA guidance to a range of NZD1.12 to NZD1.18 billion from the previous NZD1.17 to NZD1.22 billion. The telecom also cut its planned capital expenditures to NZD415 to NZD435 million, versus previous guidance for NZD460 to NZD480 million.
To Bet on 2024 Election Results, Focus on the Micro
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Nov. 11, 2024
Elections have consequences. In my view, last week’s outcome is much better explained by who didn’t vote than who did—as apparently almost one in seven 2020 Biden voters didn’t pull the lever for Harris in 2024 But whatever the reason, the results this time will likely have a profound impact on investors.
The trick following every election is deciding what consequences are worth betting on. Unfortunately, it’s a losers’ game for many investors.
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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