Essential-service companies are enjoying the benefits of extremely low interests, cutting expenses, eliminating refinancing risk and raising funds for growth. Read More

Many hard-hit utilities have earned praise for their response to Hurricane Irene, a positive sign in an industry that has to keep its customers happy to keep its regulators happy. Others have struggled to get systems back up and will suffer for it. Read More

Dividend-paying stocks are the cornerstone of any successful income investing strategy. But a diversified portfolio is the key to long-term success. Although bond yields continue to plumb near-record lows, every investor should have some exposure to fixed-income securities. When Standard & Poor’s made noises about cutting the US government’s credit… Read More

With a major hurricane bearing down on dense East Coast population centers, it’s time to take a look at which essential-service companies have exposure and identify those with the wherewithal to withstand the threat. Read More

Twenty dividend increases in 19 years: That reliable… Read More

The 10-year US Treasury note hit another record low--below 2 percent--this week. Among other implications, high-quality dividend payers can refinance existing debt and borrow new funds at record-low rates. Read More

It’s the numbers built up day after day, quarter after quarter, year after year, that matter, not crazy, fear-induced swings in equity indexes. Read More