Feature Article
The Power of Low Expectations
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Nov. 7, 2014
Brazil's largest electric utility has taken a beating. But its bargain-basement valuation means it won't take much good news to send this aggressive bet higher.
Standing at the Top
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Nov. 7, 2014
For the better part of two decades, governments have sought to promote competition in the telecommunication sector. Ironically, the more regulators have strived in this direction, the more dominant the industry leaders have become.
This Canadian telecom has invested heavily in its network, and is a major player in content with a big chunk of the country's wireless spectrum.
Chevron Corp: The Next 1,000 Percent
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Oct. 4, 2014
Top 10 DRIPs Portfolio holding Chevron Corp has rewarded investors with steady gains for the last two decades.
Pembina Pipeline Corp: A Buy Once Again
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Oct. 4, 2014
Former income trust Pembina Pipeline Corp (TSX: PPL, NYSE: PBA) has generated a total return of more than 3,000 percent since October 1998. And it has ample opportunity to grow its cash flow in years to come.
Dim Prospects Call for Caution
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Oct. 4, 2014
Dashed merger hopes, unfavorable regulatory environments and dim prospects signal investor caution is still in order for these companies.
Abundant Bargains Abroad
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Oct. 4, 2014
Many of the stocks in the Aggressive Income Portfolio and Conservative Income Portfolio trade below our buy targets. And eight of my Top 10 DRIPs are also at ideal entry points.
Some of the best buys right now are outside the US, largely because the greenback has surged against many currencies this year.
Two factors support this strength: Slowing economic growth in China, which has pressured the currencies of commodity-exporting countries; and a US economy that has gained steam, enabling the Federal Reserve to rein in quantitative easing at a time when the European Central Bank plans to start buying bonds.
Looking for Value in All the Right Places
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Oct. 4, 2014
Fears of rising interest rates and falling oil prices got you down? Take advantage of this opportunity to add to some of our favorite essential-services names, many of which now trade below our buy targets. Here’s what you need to know to profit from what’s going on in the utility space.
MDU Resources Group: Bakken Bet is Cheap Again
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Sep. 13, 2014
West Texas Intermediate crude oil has slipped to $93 a barrel, its lowest price in two years, and producers in North Dakota’s prolific Bakken Shale part with their output for less than $88 a barrel.
But not even $70 oil would derail growth for our favorite bet on the Bakken Shale.
AmeriGas Partners LP: Value in Propane Distribution
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Sep. 13, 2014
Historically, propane distributors’ profits have been challenged by unpredictable weather, volatile wholesale prices, competition from natural gas and an extremely dispersed customer base. In the past, these obstacles translated into erratic returns for shareholders.
The industry’s solution: Increased scale through consolidation. Propane distributors—mostly master limited partnerships (MLP)—continue to consolidate, expanding their geographic reach and improving their purchasing power. These efforts have resulted in steadier sales and boosted margins.
Fines, Settlements and One Good Deal
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Sep. 13, 2014
Regulators in California and in France bear down on troubled utilities, while two overseas telecoms move closer to finalizing their merger.
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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