During times of turbulence and uncertainty in the markets, many investors turn to dividend-yielding stocks. These are often companies that have high free cash flows and reward shareholders with a high dividend payout.Benzinga readers can review the latest analyst takes on their favorite stocks by visiting Analyst Stock Ratings page. Traders can sort through Benzinga's extensive database of analyst ratings, including by analyst accuracy.Below are the ratings of the most accurate analysts for three high-yield ...

Core Insights - Investors are increasingly turning to dividend-yielding stocks during market turbulence and uncertainty, as these companies typically have high free cash flows and offer substantial dividend payouts [1] Company Ratings and Performance - **Edison International (NYSE:EIX)**: - Dividend Yield: 5.70% - Barclays analyst Nicholas Campanella maintained an Overweight rating and reduced the price target from $69 to $68 on October 29, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 68% [7] - Wells Fargo analyst Shahriar Pourreza initiated coverage with an Equal-Weight rating and a price target of $56 on October 28, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 70% [7] - Recent News: Posted upbeat quarterly results on October 28, 2025 [7] - **Avista Corp (NYSE:AVA)**: - Dividend Yield: 4.80% - Wells Fargo analyst Shahriar Pourreza initiated coverage with an Equal-Weight rating and a price target of $38 on October 28, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 70% [7] - Jefferies analyst Julien Dumoulin-Smith maintained a Hold rating and raised the price target from $40 to $41 on October 22, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 65% [7] - Recent News: Posted mixed third-quarter results on November 5, 2025 [7] - **Eversource Energy (NYSE:ES)**: - Dividend Yield: 4.74% - Scotiabank analyst Andrew Weisel maintained a Sector Underperform rating and cut the price target from $64 to $63 on November 20, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 69% [7] - Wells Fargo analyst Shahriar Pourreza downgraded the stock from Overweight to Equal-Weight and cut the price target from $79 to $63 on November 20, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 70% [7] - Recent News: Reported better-than-expected quarterly results on November 4, 2025 [7]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of high-quality dividend growth investments for building stable and long-term wealth for investors [2][3] Group 1: Investment Strategy - The focus is on closed-end funds, dividend growth stocks, and option writing as methods to generate income [3] - The service aims to provide ideas for investments that are leaders in their respective industries, ensuring stability and growth [2] Group 2: Leadership and Expertise - The leader of the Cash Builder Opportunities group has 14 years of investing experience and previously served as a fiduciary and registered financial advisor [3] - The group offers model portfolios and research to assist investors in making informed decisions [3]

Group 1 - The article does not provide any specific content or key points related to a company or industry [1]

Core Insights - The article discusses Avista Corporation (AVA) and assigns a "Buy" rating with a stock price around $38 and a Fair Value estimate of approximately $42.1, highlighting the company's predictable business model [1] Group 1: Investment Strategy - The investment style combines fundamental analysis with options strategies, categorized as "Fundamental Options" [1] - Various investment strategies are pursued, including income-oriented investments, growth at a reasonable price, deep value based on discounted cash flow, and dividend aristocrats [1] - The company typically invests for the long term but also employs 20-25 options strategies for purposes such as hedging, bullish substitutes, neutral trades, trading volatility, and earnings-related trades [1] Group 2: Teaching and Community Engagement - The company has a passion for teaching and has experience as a formal and informal educator, including authoring a free local investing newsletter [1]

Core Insights - Avista Corporation (NYSE:AVA) is recognized as one of the 15 overlooked dividend stocks to consider for investment [1] - Mizuho has increased its price target for Avista from $39 to $42, maintaining a Neutral rating after the company's strong Q3 performance [2] - The company reported Q3 2025 revenues of $403 million, a 2.35% increase year-over-year, although it fell short of analysts' expectations by $14.7 million [3] Financial Performance - Q3 2025 revenues reached $403 million, reflecting a 2.35% increase compared to the same quarter last year [3] - The company had $210 million in liquidity available under its committed line of credit and $43 million under its letter of credit facility as of September 30, 2025 [3] - Avista plans to issue approximately $120 million in long-term debt and up to $80 million in common stock in 2026 [3] Capital Expenditures and Future Plans - CFO Kevin Christie reported $363 million in capital expenditures for the first three quarters of 2025, with total spending expected to reach $525 million for the year [4] - Potential capital opportunities could amount to $500 million between 2026 and 2029, including a request for proposals (RFP) and the addition of a large customer [4] Company Overview - Avista Corporation provides electricity and natural gas services, generating, transmitting, and distributing energy to customers across the Pacific Northwest [5]

Core Insights - During market turbulence, investors often seek dividend-yielding stocks, which typically have high free cash flows and offer substantial dividends [1] Company Ratings and Performance - **Edison International (NYSE:EIX)**: - Dividend Yield: 5.85% - Analyst Paul Fremont from Ladenburg Thalmann maintained a Neutral rating and raised the price target from $52.5 to $55 on Oct. 30, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 62% [7] - Barclays analyst Nicholas Campanella maintained an Overweight rating and reduced the price target from $69 to $68 on Oct. 29, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 68% [7] - Recent News: Posted better-than-expected third-quarter results on Oct. 28 [7] - **Avista Corp (NYSE:AVA)**: - Dividend Yield: 4.85% - Wells Fargo analyst Shahriar Pourreza initiated coverage with an Equal-Weight rating and a price target of $38 on Oct. 28, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 68% [7] - Jefferies analyst Julien Dumoulin-Smith maintained a Hold rating and raised the price target from $40 to $41 on Oct. 22, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 65% [7] - Recent News: Posted mixed quarterly results on Nov. 5 [7] - **Clearway Energy Inc (NYSE:CWEN)**: - Dividend Yield: 5.19% - Roth Capital analyst Justin Clare reiterated a Buy rating and raised the price target from $38 to $39 on Nov. 5, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 69% [7] - CIBC analyst Mark Jarvi maintained a Neutral rating and increased the price target from $35 to $37 on Oct. 21, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 68% [7] - Recent News: Posted upbeat quarterly results on Nov. 4 [7]

Group 1 - The article does not provide any specific content related to a company or industry, as it appears to be a technical issue regarding browser settings and ad-blockers [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated earnings year-to-date in 2025 were $1.51 per diluted share compared to $1.44 in 2024, reflecting a growth of approximately 4.86% [3] - For Q3 2025, consolidated earnings were $0.36 per diluted share, up from $0.23 per diluted share in Q3 2024, indicating a year-over-year increase of about 56.52% [3] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Year-to-date results at Avista Utilities were $1.63 per diluted share, reflecting a nearly 15% increase over 2024's year-to-date results, driven by regulatory outcomes and capital deployment [4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The 2025 wildfire season concluded without public safety power shutoffs, attributed to strategic grid improvements and community collaboration [5][6] - The company is expanding its network of AI-enabled cameras for wildfire monitoring, aiming for coverage of high-risk areas by the end of 2026 [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to supporting reliable and affordable customer service, community investment, and shareholder value through strategic initiatives [4] - The 2025 all-source RFP aims to secure up to 425 megawatts of new capacity, with a focus on leveraging federal tax credits before they expire [10] - The company is evaluating new generation resources and system capacity to attract large load customers, which are central to long-term planning [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future opportunities, particularly in engaging with potential large load customers and the positive momentum in core business operations [16] - The expected return on equity at Avista Utilities is projected at 8.8%, with long-term earnings growth anticipated at 4%-6% from the midpoint of 2025 guidance [15] Other Important Information - Capital expenditures at Avista Utilities were $363 million in the first three quarters of 2025, with an expected total of $525 million for the year [13] - The company plans to issue up to $80 million of common stock in 2025, including $45 million already issued [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding the $80 million equity needs for 2026 and potential divestitures - Management indicated that the $80 million equity needs are expected to be met through periodic offerings, and significant divestitures are not anticipated [20][21] Question: On the rate-based outlook and incremental CapEx opportunities - Management clarified that additional capital opportunities could help reach the top end of the 4%-6% growth range, but not exceed it [22][23] Question: About managing external risks in the upcoming Washington MYRP filing - Management explained that they have the option to refile if external risks impact the plan, allowing flexibility in response to inflation and investment opportunities [29][30] Question: On the mark-to-market process for other businesses - Management confirmed a quarter lag for some investments, with optimism about potential recovery in clean energy investment values [33] Question: Regarding the mix of debt and equity financing for incremental CapEx - Management expects a mix of approximately 50/50 for incremental capital financing, with base capital plans indicating $120 million in debt and $80 million in equity [34]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated earnings year-to-date in 2025 were $1.51 per diluted share compared to $1.44 year-to-date in 2024, reflecting a growth of approximately 4.86% [3] - For the third quarter of 2025, consolidated earnings were $0.36 per diluted share compared to $0.23 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2024, indicating a significant increase of about 56.52% [3] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Year-to-date results at Avista Utilities were $1.63 per diluted share, reflecting a nearly 15% increase over 2024's year-to-date results, driven by regulatory outcomes and capital deployment [4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The 2025 wildfire season concluded without the need for public safety power shutoffs, showcasing the effectiveness of the wildfire resiliency program [5] - The company received over 80 bids in its 2025 Request for Proposals (RFP), with 69 supply-side bids totaling nearly 14 GW of capacity and 17 demand response projects offering almost 300 MW [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on supporting reliable and affordable customer service, community investment, and shareholder value through strategic initiatives [4] - The company plans to submit its wildfire mitigation plan to the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, marking a significant step in compliance with new legislation [8] - The company is working on expanding its network of AI-enabled cameras for wildfire monitoring and early detection, aiming for coverage of high-risk areas by the end of 2026 [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future opportunities, particularly in engaging with potential large load customers, which are central to long-term planning and investment strategy [10] - The company confirmed its consolidated earnings guidance for 2025, with expectations of $2.52-$2.72 per diluted share, while Avista Utilities is expected to contribute towards the upper end of its range [15][16] Other Important Information - Capital expenditures at Avista Utilities were $363 million in the first three quarters of 2025, with an expected total of $525 million for the year and $3.7 billion from 2025 through 2030 [14] - The company issued $120 million of long-term debt in July and does not expect further debt issuances this year [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding the $80 million equity needs for 2026 and potential divestitures - Management indicated that the expectation of up to $80 million for 2026 may change with additional capital investment opportunities, but significant divestitures are not anticipated [21] Question: On the rate-based outlook and incremental CapEx opportunities - Management clarified that additional capital opportunities could help reach the top end of the growth range of 4%-6% but would not exceed that range [22] Question: Managing external risks in the upcoming Washington MYRP filing - Management explained that if external risks arise, they have the option to refile the rate case, allowing for adjustments based on inflation or investment opportunities [30] Question: On the mark-to-market process for other businesses - Management confirmed that there is a quarter lag for some investments, and the current quarter reflects second-quarter values, with optimism about potential recovery in clean energy investments [34] Question: Mix of debt and equity financing for potential incremental CapEx - Management stated that the base capital plan for this year includes $120 million in debt and $80 million in equity, with incremental capital expected to be roughly 50/50 [35]