Feature Article
ONEOK Inc: High Growth Midstream in the Sweet Spot
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Dec. 10, 2018
In little more than a decade, shale-drilling technology has converted the US to a net exporter of energy. And frac water recycling, more efficient proppants and use of information technology continue to drive down costs, increasing industry staying power.
Dominion Energy Gets Ready to Roll
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Dec. 10, 2018
It’s been an up and down 2018 so far for Conservative Holding Dominion Energy (NYSE: D). Downside began shortly after New Year’s, following a daring takeover bid for SCANA Corp (NYSE: SCG). That was just as South Carolina regulators and legislators were turning utilities into election year punching bags for cancelling the Summer nuclear construction project.
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.
Utility Mergers: The State of Play
Avista Corp (NYSE: AVA) closed December 4 at $52 and change, and opened December 6 in the low-40s. The catalyst: While the US market was closed on December 5, the Washington Utilities Commission concluded months of deliberations by rejecting Canadian utility Hydro One Ltd’s (TSX: H, OTC: HRNNF) all-cash takeover offer.
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.
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