Investing Topics: Regulated Utilities

Imagine a future where US coal-fired power plants continue to generate reliable baseload power, while CO2 collected during their operation fuels the shale oil boom. 

The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed rules on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions create dange and opportunities for investors in utility stocks.

Five more Conrad’s Utility Investor portfolio stocks have hit new 52-week highs since the last Utility Roundup and 17 of the 30 companies in my Aggressive Income and Conservative Income Portfolios have hit 52-week highs this month.

Wisconsin Energy's $8.93 billion acquisition of Itegrys Energy marks the latest mega-deal in the energy patch. We scrutinize the merger and explain why this won't be the last big transaction in the utility sector. 

A growing, capital-intensive business must regularly be fed with sales of debt and equity. Investors almost invariably fear such offerings as either dilutive or incurring more debt. But the lowest corporate borrowing rates in a generation have enabled companies to cut interest expenses with new debt offerings, eliminating their near-term exposure to rising rates. This week, we look at six Conrad's Utility Investor Portfolio holdings that have had recent offerings.

Now more than ever, investors looking to profit from the US energy boom must also pay attention to regulatory and legislative developments in Washington.

Exelon Corp’s (NYSE: EXC) $6.9 billion all-cash takeover offer for Pepco Holdings (NYSE: POM) has gotten a mixed reception from investors, but the deal pushes the acquirer closer to resuming dividend growth.

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

Savvy investors who buy the best utility stocks at the best prices will outperform the index huggers.