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Bob Ciura

rciura

Bob Ciura, MBA, has written for The Motley Fool since 2012. I focus on energy, consumer goods, and technology. I look for growth at a reasonable price, with a particular fondness for market-beating dividend yields.

Recent Articles by Bob Ciura

Mar 19, 2014 by Bob Ciura

BP is Back in Business in the Gulf of Mexico in a Big Way

Significant discoveries in recent months and a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will pave the way for BP to dominate in the Gulf once again.

Mar 18, 2014 by Bob Ciura

Utility Stocks Should Not be Viewed as Bonds

Investors often fret about utility stocks like AEP, Duke, and Consolidated Edison when interest rates are going up. However, it's important to remember a fundamental difference between bonds and stocks.

Mar 18, 2014 by Bob Ciura

As BP Climbs a Wall of Worry, Here's the Risks You Should Consider Before Buying

BP's heavy reliance on Russian energy production and the ongoing civil trial stemming from the 2010 oil spill are two major risks to carefully consider.

Mar 17, 2014 by Bob Ciura

Why a Boring Business Can Be Your Best Friend

Companies that are considered boring, such as industrials like Emerson Electric, Dover, and Illinois Tool Works, generate returns that are anything but boring.

Mar 17, 2014 by Bob Ciura

Is Southern Company's Debt Load a Cause For Concern?

If interest rates rise, utilities may be in trouble to refinance their heavy debt loads. Should Southern Company's investors worry?

Mar 15, 2014 by Bob Ciura

Don't Overreact to Fear of a Chinese Economic Slowdown

Investors are selling off precious metals mining stocks in the aftermath of disappointing Chinese exports. But the market seems to be missing the long-term production growth prospects of Barrick Gold, Freeport-McMoRan, and Southern Copper.

Mar 15, 2014 by Bob Ciura

The Best Dollar Store for Your Dollar

When it comes to dollar stores, Dollar General continues to lead the pack. Here's why investors should look past its current struggles to realize its greater potential.

Mar 14, 2014 by Bob Ciura

Is Chevron's Latest Announcement a Disappointment?

Chevron has lowered its long-term production forecast and will sell off $10 billion in assets. Should investors be concerned?

Mar 14, 2014 by Bob Ciura

DuPont's Push Into Agriculture Will Pay Rewards for Years

DuPont has targeted agriculture as its next growth venture and has rolled out a number of products designed to solve increasingly challenging agricultural issues.

Mar 14, 2014 by Bob Ciura

This Copper Miner is About to Become an Energy Powerhouse

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold will soon be much more than just a copper miner. It made huge acquisitions last year to break into oil and gas production in a big way.

Mar 13, 2014 by Bob Ciura

Canada Holds the Key to ExxonMobil's Production Growth

After a year of falling production and amid renewed capital discipline, ExxonMobil is banking on its Kearl project in the Canadian oil sands.

Mar 13, 2014 by Bob Ciura

The Gulf of Mexico Is Crucial to Royal Dutch Shell's Future

Royal Dutch Shell is taking an axe to capital expenditures and is undergoing a wave of asset divestments. As a result, its existing projects like the Gulf of Mexico become even more crucial for production growth.

Mar 13, 2014 by Bob Ciura

Energy is General Electric's Next Great Frontier

GE is breaking away from its reputation as an industrial conglomerate and is steadily building out an emerging multi-billion dollar oil and gas business.

Mar 12, 2014 by Bob Ciura

What Should LINN Energy Do With its Prized Asset?

LINN has yet to maximize the potential of its Midland Basin asset, but it's actively weighing options to create immediate value for investors.

Mar 12, 2014 by Bob Ciura

Exxon Mobil Corporation Is Confident and You Should Be Too

The largest energy company in the world has a record number of projects coming on-line and will focus on higher-margin products. Add it all up, and 2014 could be a fantastic year for Exxon Mobil.

Mar 12, 2014 by Bob Ciura

Why the U.S. Consumer Is Doing Better Than You Might Think -- and What It Means for These 3 Companies

Consumer spending and hiring are coming in better than expected. That should boost the outlook for companies reliant on the consumer, including Clorox, Lowe's, and Costco.

Mar 11, 2014 by Bob Ciura

Will ExxonMobil's Future Production Disappoint?

ExxonMobil is cutting upstream spending and sees flat production growth this year. Can the company execute enough on existing projects to keep profits afloat?

Mar 9, 2014 by Bob Ciura

Are China's Top Companies Better Than Ours?

While ExxonMobil and Chevron are disappointing investors on production, PetroChina is outperforming. Here's why.

Mar 8, 2014 by Bob Ciura

How IBM Will Reach Its Profit Potential

IBM has pledged to increase earnings by 23% by the end of 2015. Here's how the technology giant plans to do it.

Mar 7, 2014 by Bob Ciura

Dividend Growth Investors Should Consider Seadrill Partners

Seadrill Partners yields half as much as Seadrill, but it's got much greater room for distribution growth over the next several years.

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