Ameren wants to negotiate a rate cut and/or return to full regulation in Illinois in order to head off a bankruptcy-threatening rate freeze. Discussions on a compromise are apparently continuing, with the goal to make a deal before the legislature reconvenes this month. Read More

Small municipal water systems across America are flunking clean water tests. Some are selling to private companies. Others are retaining ownership but turning over operations to qualified managers. Read More

Nearly two years ago, I recommended ARC Energy Trust as a high-income bet on rising energy prices. Despite extreme ups and downs, it’s produced a total return of nearly 50 percent. More important, it should do at least that well over the next two years and beyond. Read More

Misplaced priorities, low interest rates, a sluggish economy, executive greed: Whatever’s to blame, the typical American company isn’t making it when it comes to providing high yields, even utilities. Read More

Wall Street’s favorite utilities are paying paltry yields of 3 percent and less. But there are plenty of places to grab far larger dividends, if you’re willing to go a little off the beaten path. Read More

For the second time in two years, Telecom Italia cut revenue and profit forecasts. It now expects to reduce its dividend to 80 to 85 percent of 2008 earnings, or roughly 20 percent. There are hopeful signs, such as rapid debt reduction and a possible alliance with Telefonica. Hold Telecom Italia. Read More

High yields are only half the story; you need growth to back up and increase cash flows over time. That means owning companies that constantly lay building blocks for solid businesses. Read More

From recession fears to global warming concerns, King Coal has taken a beating in the press lately. The result: a solid opportunity to buy coal stocks like new Growth Portfolio Aggressive Holding Penn Virginia Resources. Read More

In late 2000, the CEO of Broadwing Communications refused an interview for my book Power Hungry, asserting he was running a broadband company, not a telecom utility. Today, you’d be hard pressed to encounter a similar attitude at the successor company, Cincinnati Bell. Read More

Investing isn’t just about getting on board the latest fad. A “can’t-lose” trading system is never that. Read More