Feature Article
Electric Vehicles, Electric Utilities, Yieldcos and Junk Bonds
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Apr. 12, 2016
The hubbub surrounding the unveiling of Tesla Motors’ Model S has resulted in a bumper crop of articles about the ascendancy of electric vehicles and reduced demand for fossil fuels. These headlines attract eyeballs, but they don’t necessarily shed light on the best opportunities for investors who want to profit from the long-run success of electric vehicles.
Three-Step Investment Program for a Choppy Market
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Apr. 11, 2016
With utility stocks trading at frothy valuations, investors should consider taking some profits off the table in their big winners and exiting any higher-risk names to raise dry powder for future buying opportunities.
Stamp of Approval
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Apr. 11, 2016
A transformative acquisition lands this former Aggressive Income Portfolio holding in the Conservative Income Portfolio.
Two Big Dividend Cuts and More on the Way
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Apr. 11, 2016
Two companies in our coverage universe cut their dividends last month. We look at what went wrong and add four names to our Endangered Dividends List.
Financing the Future of Energy
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Apr. 11, 2016
During the gold rush, companies that supplied the picks and shovels to the diggers reaped the biggest profits. And no “equipment” is more important to the development of America’s renewable-energy future than money.
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.
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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