Investing Topics: Telecom Stocks
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.
Third-Quarter Earnings Season Kicks Off
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Oct. 24, 2014
Although falling crude-oil prices have dominated the financial headlines, third-quarter earnings season is under way.
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.
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.
The Short End of the Stick
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Aug. 31, 2014
Perhaps those dastardly short sellers aren’t so smart after all.
Elections and Short Sellers
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Aug. 9, 2014
While the partisan battle for the US Senate this November makes headlines, the real action for investors is in the gubernatorial elections.
Winning governors will appoint state regulators, who set policy for everything from mega-mergers and customer rates to carbon dioxide emissions. Much will depend on what happens in the six states where incumbents look vulnerable: Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas and South Carolina.
Picking the best opportunities to bet against short sellers helped us to book a 52 percent gain in Windstream Holdings (NSDQ: WIN) and a 58.2 percent profit on Enel (Milan: ENEL, OTC: ENLAY). We expect our latest addition to the Aggressive Income Portfolio to also confound short sellers and reward us with solid returns.
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.
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
BACK TO TOP