Feature Article
TransCanada Corp: Midstream with Momentum
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Mar. 10, 2019
TransCanada Corp (TSX: TRP, NYSE: TRP) has long been synonymous with the delayed north leg of the Keystone XL pipeline. Earlier this decade, the project to deliver Alberta oil to the US Gulf Coast seemed a sure thing. Then it became the one pipeline the Obama Administration rejected, only to be revived by the Trump Administration.
Follow the Growth
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Mar. 10, 2019
These are complex and volatile times for the stock market. But we still find a simple approach best for running the Conrad’s Utility Investor model portfolios.
Telecom: Get Big or Go Home
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Mar. 10, 2019
Sweet yields can bring sour consequences. That’s a lesson I learned once again, after recommending high yielding CenturyLink Inc (NYSE: CTL) in last month’s Feature article. The company was on the Endangered Dividends List for shrinking revenue. Nonetheless, hefty free cash flow and attractive broadband assets convinced me the dividend could be maintained.
Another Wave of Dividend Cuts
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Mar. 9, 2019
Talk about getting egg on your face: Not one but two of the high yielding companies from last month’s Feature article announced dividend cuts in the past month. The good news is both were already on the Endangered Dividends List and had priced in cuts, so additional downside has been limited.
NTT: Tomorrow’s Telecom for a 20th Century Price
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Feb. 11, 2019
When the Japanese government called for a big cut in wireless rates last year, NTT DoCoMo (Tokyo: 9437, OTC: DCMYY) was first to respond. Investors immediately assumed the worst, selling off its shares as well as those of its parent and 56.52 percent owner Nippon Telegraph & Telephone (Tokyo: 9432, OTC: NTTYY).
Another Chance to Buy Telecom’s Best
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Feb. 11, 2019
Last week, Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) sold $1 billion in 10-year green bonds at a cost that was 14 percent lower than expected. That’s just the latest demonstration of this company’s superior access to capital, even as it generates $18 billion in free cash flow this year, or twice its total dividends.
Following the Numbers
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Feb. 11, 2019
For income investors, only two things matter when it comes to returns: Are the companies we own solid on the inside and can they grow their dividends sustainably? Reliably rising dividends keep your income ahead of inflation. Stock prices always follow a rising dividend higher, just as dividend cuts always send them lower.
No New Cuts, Some New Risks
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Feb. 11, 2019
Dominion Midstream has merged into its general partner Dominion Energy (NYSE: D). Unitholders by now should have received 0.2492 shares of D per DM unit. Factoring in Dominion Energy’s 10 percent dividend increase and a final partnership distribution of 36.9 cents per unit paid last month, Midstream unitholders will receive approximately -6.5 percent less in 2019 distributions than they did in 2018.
Another Crack At High Yield Hunting
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Feb. 11, 2019
Calendar year 2018 was a tough time for high yield seekers.
Interest rates and Federal Reserve policy were hardly the problem. Though quite volatile, the benchmark 10-year Treasury note yield nonetheless finished about where it started. And as for the Fed, what was already the slowest monetary tightening cycle in history has basically stalled out.
AGL Energy: Staying the Course to Long-Term Dominance
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Jan. 14, 2019
Utilities that go to war with regulators should normally be avoided. The exception this year is Australia’s dominant electric company AGL Energy (ASX: AGL, OTC: AGLXY).
The country holds national elections this year. By every poll, the opposition Labor Party is headed for a potentially big win. And in response, the ruling Liberal/National Party coalition has turned to utility bashing to score political points.
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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