The reaction to third-quarter numbers for essential-service companies reveals a market that’s still skittish. Continued earnings strength, however, is a likely byproduct of November’s elections.
The last decade has been marked by improving utility-regulator relations. November’s midterm elections are likely to contribute to the positive environment for essential-service companies.
Only when a company’s results justify it will I consider boosting a buy target.
Rising industrial demand is one factor that could pull natural gas prices higher.
Threats to its franchise from competitors as well as a meddlesome government have Telecom New Zealand (NYSE: NZT) facing a lot of uncertainty.
The city will pay $29 a share to acquire its water utility.
Steady, unspectacular results largely track what’s happening in the economy: a steady, unspectacular recovery that’s just too slow for many.
Even after a strong rally off a near-term low Buckeye Partners LP (NYSE: BPL), a consistent payer with a strong underlying business, yields more than 6 percent.
Enel (OTC: ENLAY) is the biggest player in Europe’s best electricity market, and its reach now extends well beyond Italy.
Provident Energy Trust (TSX: PVE-U, NYSE: PVX) clarified its post-Jan. dividend policy, including a post-conversion yield of 7 percent.
