Great Plains Energy, Inc.

• Check Out These Total-Return Holdings

  By Damon Churchwell - February 5, 2013 | Tickers: BPL, CTL, GXP, SON

  With Treasury yields at near-zero levels, investments that provide a solid yield while also offering price upside look like appealing considerations for one’s portfolio at this time. The telecom, energy, pharmaceutical, food processing, bank, financial, restaurant, REIT and pipeline operator sectors are places to look for such gems. Here are just a few, all yet to report December-quarter earnings, worth purchasing:

  CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL)

  Among the telecom giants, this more »

• A Dividend Aristocrat For How Long?

  By Chad Henage - August 14, 2012 | Tickers: AEE, EXC, GXP, UGI

  This year, 14 new dividend aristocrats were named. One of these companies was UGI Corporation (NYSE: UGI), which is both a natural gas and electricity supplier as well as a propane distributor. These businesses traditionally are fairly stable, and I'm certain this stability has led to the company's ability to increase its dividend for at least 25 years. However, there is one glaring weakness in this new dividend aristocrat that makes me question how long the company will retain this new title.