Feature Article
Sticking to the Plan
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Mar. 10, 2016
On Sept. 23, 2015, we issued an Alert swapping NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG) out of the Aggressive Income Portfolio and into NRG Yield (NYSE: NYLD), the yieldco associated with the ailing power producer. The swap couldn't have been timed better.
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.
Focus on Strategy
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Mar. 10, 2016
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.
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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