Feature Article

Northern Resilience

By Roger S. Conrad on Mar. 10, 2016

This Canadian pipeline owner boasts a strong balance sheet, relatively low cost of capital and a robust backlog of growth projects.

A Wave of Dividend Cuts

By Roger S. Conrad on Mar. 10, 2016

Nine of the more than 200 companies covered in our Utility Report Card have slashed their dividends since we posted the February issue of Conrad’s Utility Investor.

Utilities take the crown as the S&P 500’s top-performing sector this year, with the group generating a total return of 10.5 percent. Much of this strength reflects the appeal of utilities’ resilient cash flow and generous dividends, qualities that make the sector a good place for investors to hide out in uncertain times. But every stock takes a hit in a bear market; savvy investors should bide their time and wait for valuations to improve.

Water World: An Interview with Chris Franklin, CEO of Aqua America

By Roger S. Conrad on Mar. 10, 2016

Aqua America continues its time-tested strategy of making smart capital expenditures and building scale in attractive jurisdictions through bolt-on acquisitions.

Yield with a Growth Kicker

By Roger S. Conrad on Mar. 10, 2016

Investors usually buy utility stocks for their resilient underlying businesses and generous dividend yields—qualities that become even more appealing during times of economic uncertainty and market volatility. But some of our favorite, best-in-class names offer exposure to compelling growth stories that could drive significant outperformance in coming years.

Utility Report Card: Coverage Update

By Roger S. Conrad on Feb. 7, 2016

This month, we’ve dropped six oil and gas producers from the Utility Report Card because these names have little in common with the utility stocks at the core of our investment strategy, aside from paying (or formerly paying) dividends.

Exiting at the Right Price

By Roger S. Conrad on Feb. 7, 2016

Overly aggressive guidance could land this master limited partnership in the penalty box.

Fixed-Income Value Play

By Roger S. Conrad on Feb. 7, 2016

The sudden meltdown in the high-yield bond market doesn’t show any signs of letting up, especially with the US economy continuing to weaken. But with pain comes opportunity: For the first time since 2009, fixed-income securities issued by essential-service companies trade at favorable valuations.

Time to High-Grade

By Roger S. Conrad on Feb. 7, 2016

In a bear market, the weaklings always suffer the most. Investors should reduce risk, consider taking profits on any names that have rallied to unsustainable valuations and keep an eye out for opportunities to add to or establish positions in high-quality names.

Home for At-Risk Dividends

By Roger S. Conrad on Feb. 7, 2016

Our Endangered Dividends List has a new member, while one former resident returns to the general population after slashing its payout for a second time.

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.

ABOUT ROGER CONRAD

Roger S. Conrad

Founder and Chief Editor:
Conrad's Utility Investor
Capitalist Times and
Energy & Income Advisor

Roger S. Conrad needs no introduction to individual and professional investors, many of whom have profited from his decades of experience uncovering the best dividend-paying stocks for accumulating sustainable wealth. Roger b