Conservative Income Feature

Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) was first to prove the potential of 4G wireless. So when rival T-Mobile US (NSDQ: TMUS)—Deutsche Telekom’s (Germany: DTE, OTC: DTEGY) US unit—appeared to take the lead rolling out 5G, many have assumed the company has passed the torch of industry leadership.

Conservative Holding Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE) this week raised the mid-point of its 2021 earnings guidance range to $8.05 per share, a significant leap from the previous $7.80. That’s just one of the highlights from its June 29 Strategic Update and Financial Outlook.

I first became acquainted with Algonquin Power & Utilities (NYSE: AQN) back in the early ‘00s. Then it was a small power plant developer growing rapidly by taking advantage of the Canadian income trust investment boom.

For nearly eight years as a Conservative Holding, Brookfield Renewable Partners (TSX: BEP-U, NYSE: BEP) has reliably built cash flow from a growing global portfolio of contracted hydro, wind and solar assets. Dividends have increased nearly 60 percent since my initial recommendation and face few hurdles to 5 to 8 percent annual growth.

From range limits to battery costs, electric vehicles have a long way to go before they rule America’s roads. And even the leading name in EV manufacturing Tesla Inc (NSDQ: TSLA) still relies on tax credits and outside capital to fund operations.

Since 1999, utility stocks have finished higher 7 years when interest rates have risen and never lower. In fact, three worst performances by far were during years of falling rates: 2008, 2002 and 2001.

In the past year, BCE Inc (TSX: BCE, NYSE: BCE) took hits from pandemic fallout and government pressure to cut broadband and wireless rates. And though less exposed than archrival Telus Inc (TSX: T, NYSE: TU), the company was forced to overhaul 5G strategy when equipment maker Huawei became persona non grata.

Locked in 6 to 8 percent annual earnings growth secured by steady rate base expansion; Strong regulatory relations in 8 southern states, particularly Texas; A dividend that’s nearly doubled over the past decade and is still covered better than 2-to-1 by profits; A secure A-rated balance sheet and operating metrics routinely at the top for natural gas distributors.

This is a stock market that plays favorites. And clearly AT&T Inc (NYSE: T) hasn’t been one this year, with investors alternately grousing about high levels of debt, pandemic-affected results at WarnerMedia and dividend safety.

Conservative Holding Avangrid Inc (NYSE: AGR) hasn’t raised its dividend since July 2018. Not surprisingly, its returns have since lagged the Dow Jones Utility Average by more than 25 percentage points.

Two major developments in the past month promise a favorable reversal of fortune, even as shares have dropped roughly 10 percent to an attractive entry point.