With Utility Stocks Running It’s Time to Get Tactical

Not every big utility stock hit a 52-week high in the past month. But with the Dow Jones Utility Average up nearly 20 percent year to date, a baker’s dozen Portfolio stocks sell for more than their highest recommended entry points. That’s a massive turnaround from earlier this year. Consistent, strong earnings have been one factor: 26 Utility Report Card companies raised guidance after releasing Q2 results. And only one of the 8 that cut was actually a regulated utility, weather-impacted gas distribution utility Spire Inc (NYSE: SR). The health and growth of underlying businesses always drives long-term investor returns. As the Portfolio discussion highlights, Conrad’s Utility Investor recommendations are on the right track. And as noted in the August 9 Alert “Rounding Up Portfolio Earnings and Staying the Course”, that even includes surprise dividend cutter Algonquin Power & Utilities (TSX: AQN, NYSE: AQN).