Roger S. Conrad

The recent pullback in this stock creates a buying opportunity for investors who missed it the first time.

We explore what the Nebraska Public Service Commission's approval of the Keystone XL pipeline's cross-border segment really means for TransCanada Corp.

Two of our Portfolio holdings announced third-quarter results after the November issue of Conrad's Utility Investor hit the web.

Rarely has the difference between leading and lagging stocks been as stark as today, thanks in part to the rise of passive investment strategies and exchange-traded funds that offer one-stop exposure to a sector, industry, or theme. And with the equity market trending higher, investors rightly question why they should go out on a limb by putting your money into an underperformer? Our model Portfolios have benefited from investors’ headlong rush into the utility sector, though 17 of our picks trade above our value-based buy targets. Other stocks can’t seem to catch a break, regardless of their earnings. Historically elevated valuations in the utility sector also create a scenario where investors tend to sell first and ask questions later, a dynamic that can create compelling buying opportunities. Remember what sparked a selloff in Dominion Energy (NYSE: D) in late January and early February 2017? Memory failed me despite all the time I spend in front of a Bloomberg terminal, taking notes on earnings calls and poring over quarterly results—I had to revisit my Feb. 3 Alert for all the gory details. This first-quarter hiccup fades into the background when you consider management’s guidance for stepped-up dividend growth and the stock’s 19 percent total return since that bout of profit-taking. In this market, investors must remain nimble and have the courage of conviction to distinguish real buying opportunities from falling knives—that comes from understanding a company’s underlying business. That’s why we dedicate so much time to analyzing quarterly results in the Utility Report Card and attending industry conferences.  

With many potential takeover candidates trading at sky-high valuations, interest in whole-company acquisitions has waned. We review the current slate of deals involving names in our Utility Report Card and highlight our favorite takeover plays.

Most of the names in our Utility Report Card have reported third-quarter results, with a quartet of Portfolio holdings earning higher buy targets after surprising to the upside or announcing key company-specific developments.

Three members of the Endangered Dividends List have cut their payouts since the October 2017 issue.

This under-the-radar utility recently established a new growth platform that should build wealth for shareholders.

Recent weakness in this telecom giant's share price belies its strong balance sheet, ample free cash flow and intermediate-term growth prospects.

The internet of things could be a game-change for electric utilities.