Feature Article
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.
One to Cash Out, Three to Lock In
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Sep. 13, 2014
Although we prefer to buy and hold to build wealth over the long haul, we’re not averse to locking a big gain from time to time on momentum-driven names—especially in a five-year-old bull market.
Big Doings in the Utility Sector
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Sep. 13, 2014
We book an almost 55 percent gain on Consolidated Communications, highlight our best buys in the current market and explore some of the biggest trends driving returns in the essential-services space.
Four Sells and One Big Win
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Aug. 9, 2014
We sold Aggressive Income Portfolio member Windstream Holdings (NSDQ: WIN) for a roughly 52 percent profit since October 2013, and look at four other companies facing challenges.
Dominion Resources: Buy the Dip
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Aug. 9, 2014
Earlier this summer, momentum chasers bid the stock price up to an all-time high, but now's the time to invest in this exceptionally solid electric utility and pipeline owner at a favorable price.
Learning from Earnings
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Aug. 9, 2014
Our Portfolio holdings continue to post solid quarterly results. Even better, the market’s recent pullback gives us an opportunity to buy our favorites at appealing prices.
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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