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Investing Topics: Utility Stocks

Bring on the Q2 Numbers

By Roger S. Conrad on Jul. 21, 2014

On July 14-15, the US Energy Information Administration held its annual conference in Washington, D.C. Speakers ranged from government analysts and statisticians, politicians and regulators to high-level industry consultants and luminaries like author Daniel Yergin. My colleague Elliott Gue and I attended to uncover investment opportunities obscured by faulty conventional wisdom. Here's our take.

EPA’s Crackdown on CO2 Emissions: An Indecent Proposal?

By Roger S. Conrad on Jul. 6, 2014

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

Finding Value in a Higher-Priced Market

By Roger S. Conrad on Jun. 6, 2014

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.

Solid Results and Low Expectations Drive Returns

By Roger S. Conrad on May. 2, 2014

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.

Strong Earnings Promise Outsized Returns

By Roger S. Conrad on May. 2, 2014

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

Exelon Gets a Boost from Pepco Deal

By Roger S. Conrad on May. 2, 2014

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.

Telecom’s Big 2 “Phone In”

By Roger S. Conrad on Apr. 28, 2014

Few companies attract as much attention when they report quarterly earnings as Telecom’s Big Two: AT&T Inc (NYSE: T) and arch rival Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ). And the past week has been no exception.

Utility Roundup: Keystone, Kinder and Q1 Numbers

By Roger S. Conrad on Apr. 21, 2014

Uncle Sam is kicking the can down the road again on the Keystone XL Pipeline. In a non-decision that should have surprised no one, the US State Department delayed a final ruling on the $5.4 billion project.

Energen Sells Alagasco, Others Top Low Expectations

By Roger S. Conrad on Apr. 14, 2014

Energen Corp (NYSE: EGN) will sell its Alabama gas distribution utility to Laclede Gas (NYSE: LG), for $1.28 billion in cash plus $320 million in assumed debt. The company will deploy the estimated $1.1 billion in after tax proceeds to further develop its high potential properties in the Permian Basin.

European Spring Brings Dividend Woes

By Roger S. Conrad on Apr. 5, 2014

Soft economic growth and dysfunctional regulation have brought payout cuts for five European power, telecom and water providers. And all but one signal further reductions in the next 12 to 18 months.

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ABOUT ROGER CONRAD

Roger S. Conrad needs no introduction to individual and professional investors, many of whom have profited from his decades of experience uncovering the best dividend-paying stocks for accumulating sustainable wealth. Roger b