The ability to spend on technology and infrastructure is what separates the wheat from the chaff in the communications sector. Read More

An abrupt change in management's public stance on the company dividend is grounds for removal from the Portfolio. Read More

It looks like commitments to fund renewable energy development will be the price exacted by regulators to approve essential-service deals. Read More

Two telecoms trimmed dividends last month, though the real concern is concentrated not on a sector but in Europe, where borrowing costs threaten payouts for several other utilities. Read More

Previous federal efforts to curtail noxious emissions have proven both adequate to the task and not as burdensome as some would have you believe. Nevertheless, progress is being made right now because of market forces. Read More

Trying to predict The Taxman’s moves and acting on same is a loser’s bet. Read More

Essential-service stocks are lagging in the early part of the year, again. Consider this another opportunity to establish or add to positions in solid, high-quality, cash-generating businesses. Read More

Government efforts to influence industrial policy oftent result in unintended consequences. The track record is not without successes, but recent regulatory decisions have been spotty, at best. Read More

Last month I noted natural gas prices were “flashing yellow” for investors. This month they’ve gone full-out red. That’s very bad news indeed for any company with earnings that rise and fall with natural gas prices. But it’s also very good news for companies that benefit from lower gas prices… Read More

A positive earnings season for essential-service companies is underway, and economic data are showing new signs of strength. This means it’s time to be wary. Read More