Feature Article
Dividend Safety: Interest Rates Matter
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Nov. 16, 2016
Thanks to 15 years of cutting operating risk and debt, not even a much higher spike in borrowing costs would threaten dividends of best-in-class utilities. With ample cash flow and minimum near-term borrowing needs, they can hold off until pension funds and other institutional buyers must return to the table. Unfortunately for the weaker credits covered in our Utility Report Card, rising interest rates could ratchet up the pressure on their balance sheets and force them to redeploy cash that they currently pay out as dividends.
Volatile Stock, Steady Business
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Nov. 16, 2016
Despite recent volatility, this master limited partnership's underlying operations have delivered stable results since oil prices started to tumble in summer 2014. The addition of a new growth platform sets the stage for more upside.
Election 2016: Plenty of Good News for Utilities
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Nov. 15, 2016
While the market sorts out the implications of the 2016 federal election, the recent selloff in utility stocks and results at the state level create opportunities for savvy investors.
Hello, Missouri!
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Nov. 15, 2016
A transformative acquisition and improving regulatory environment should make our latest addition to the Aggressive Income Portfolio a winner.
What’s Next for Utility Stocks?
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Oct. 11, 2016
With utility stocks down more than 10 percent since early July, our approach of high-grading the model Portfolios, taking partial profits on overextended names and betting on a pullback has paid off. We weigh the scenarios that could emerge in coming months and revisit our investment strategy.
Boom! Goes the Dividend
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Oct. 11, 2016
We weren't surprised when Ferrellgas Partners LP (NYSE: FGP) announced that the master limited partnership may need to cut its distribution by 50 percent.
Stick with the Plan
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Oct. 11, 2016
The investment strategy we’ve pursued over the past several months has paid off thus far. And after the recent pullback in utility stocks, two of our longtime favorites once again trade below our value-based buy targets.
Water Slide
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Oct. 11, 2016
Shares of our favorite water utility have finally pulled back to a reasonable valuation.
Pattern Recognition
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Oct. 11, 2016
This company's operating results have been a portrait of consistency despite the volatility in its stock price.
More Downside to Come?
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Sep. 12, 2016
The recent selloff in utility stocks has been a boon for our hedge position, but the sector still trades at historically elevated valuations. Investors should stick with our three-part game plan for navigating this challenging market.
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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