Feature Article

Thanks to the rapid development of renewable energy and the support of state regulators, this utility has moved to break its addiction to imported oil, setting the stage for higher profits over the long term and lower bills for consumers.

With valuations elevated in the utility sector, investors should pay close attention to the risks and opportunities created by four key themes.

Hedgeye and Barron's called Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP and its general partner, Kinder Morgan Inc. a "house of cards."  Richard Kinder, the partnership's Chairman and CEO, responded, "I'll buy, you sell and we'll see who's right."  Since then, this diversified owner of fee-based midstream assets has beaten its own first-quarter guidance, turning the market and burning the critics.

Our Portfolios are a mixed bag in terms of their underlying businesses and growth drivers. But our holdings are on track for solid earnings and dividend growth over the long haul. These names don’t respond uniformly to changing business conditions or short-term market moves so diversification is key to reduce volatility.

Four of the holdings in our Endangered Dividends List still have potential upside, but a questionable acquisition by one propane distributor rates a sell call.

Although the S&P 500 Utility Index has outperformed every other economic sector in the S&P 500 this year, disciplined investors have ample opportunity to lock in above-average yields on some of our favorites.

By and large, our favorite utilities and other essential-service providers have announced solid first-quarter results, while the market’s low expectations provides a blessing in disguise.

Rising dividends are the essential fuel for higher stock prices. And nothing is more critical for payout growth than healthy, expanding businesses.

America’s leading wireless company grew its earnings per share by 23.5 percent from year-ago levels, expanded its wireless margins to 52.1 percent from 50.4 percent, increased its revenue per customer by 6.3 percent and generated $2.95 billion in free cash flow. 

Not one of the hundreds of regulated utility mergers over the past century has failed to create a stronger, healthier company. Despite skepticism in some quarters, Exelon Corp’s (NYSE: EXC) $6.8 billion purchase of Pepco Holdings (NYSE: POM) is also set for success.