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 ...

Group 1 - Avista Corporation (NYSE:AVA) is recognized as one of the best electric utility stocks to buy according to analysts [1] - The company filed for annual rate adjustments with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, proposing an 8.6% decrease in natural gas rates and a 1.7% increase in electric rates [1] - Five electric adjustments were filed, aimed at changing overall electric revenues if approved [1] Group 2 - For the three months ended June 30, 2025 (Q2 2025), Avista reported an increase in electric utility margin due to general rate cases, customer growth, and non-decoupled load growth [2] - The company incurred a pre-tax expense of $9 million under the Energy Recovery Mechanism (ERM) in H1 2025, compared to $5 million in H1 2024 [2] - Avista expects its utilities to contribute between $2.43 and $2.61 per diluted share in 2025, driven by strong performance, cost management, and favorable regulatory outcomes [2]

Group 1: Avista Corp. - Avista has a history of raising dividends for 22 consecutive years, with the most recent increase on Feb. 12, raising the quarterly payout from $0.475 to $0.49 per share, resulting in an annual figure of $1.96 per share [3] - The current dividend yield for Avista is 5.39% [3] - As of June 30, Avista's annual revenue was $1.96 billion, and Q2 2025 revenues were reported at $411 million with an EPS of $0.17, both below consensus estimates [4] Group 2: Cogent Communications - Cogent Communications has increased its dividend for 51 consecutive years, with the latest hike on May 8, raising the quarterly payout from $1.01 to $1.015 per share, equating to an annual figure of $4.06 per share [6] - The current dividend yield for Cogent Communications is 11.30% [6] - As of June 30, the company's annual revenue was $1 billion, and Q2 2025 revenues were $266.17 million, which missed the consensus estimate of $246.83 million, while the per-share loss of $1.21 was better than the consensus of $1.08 loss per share [7] Group 3: Mondelez International - Mondelez International is involved in the manufacturing, marketing, and selling of snack food and beverage products globally [8]

Core Insights - Avista Corporation is a utility company providing electric and natural gas services primarily in the Pacific Northwest, competing with other regional utility companies [1] Rate Adjustments - Avista has submitted annual rate adjustment requests to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, proposing a decrease in natural gas rates by 8.6% and an increase in electric rates by 1.7%, effective November 1, 2025 [3] - The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has approved Avista's settlement agreement for electric and natural gas rate cases, with new electric rates increasing annual base revenues by $19.5 million (6.3%) in 2025 and $14.7 million (4.5%) in 2026, while natural gas revenues will rise by $4.6 million (9.2%) in 2025 [4] Financial Metrics - Avista's capital structure includes a 9.6% return on equity and a common equity ratio of 50%, with a rate of return on rate base of 7.28% [5] - The stock has experienced a 52-week high of $43.09 and a low of $34.80, with a current market cap of approximately $2.97 billion [2][5]

Group 1 - iREIT+HOYA Capital focuses on income-producing asset classes that provide sustainable portfolio income, diversification, and inflation hedging [1] - NVIDIA reported earnings that exceeded both top and bottom line estimates, yet the stock price declined, indicating market limitations even for high-growth stocks [2] Group 2 - The article emphasizes the importance of due diligence and encourages readers to draw their own conclusions before making investment decisions [3] - Seeking Alpha clarifies that past performance does not guarantee future results and that the views expressed may not reflect the opinions of the platform as a whole [4]

Core Viewpoint - Avista has received approval for new electric and natural gas rates from the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, which will take effect on September 1, 2025, and September 1, 2026, aimed at increasing revenue and supporting infrastructure investments [1][2][4]. Rate Changes - The approved electric rates will increase annual base electric revenues by $19.5 million or 6.3% starting September 1, 2025, and by $14.7 million or 4.5% starting September 1, 2026 [2]. - For natural gas, the rates will increase annual base natural gas revenues by $4.6 million or 9.2% effective September 1, 2025, and will decrease base revenues by $0.2 million or 0.4% effective September 1, 2026 [2]. Financial Structure - The settlement includes a capital structure with a 9.6% return on equity (ROE), a common equity ratio of 50%, and a rate of return (ROR) on rate base of 7.28% [3]. Company Perspective - The decision by the Commission is viewed as fair and reasonable for Idaho customers, the company, and shareholders, supporting Avista's capital investments and infrastructure maintenance [4]. Customer Base - Avista serves over 145,000 electric customers and 93,000 natural gas customers in Idaho, with a broader service area covering 30,000 square miles and a total customer base of 422,000 for electric and 383,000 for natural gas [5][6].

Leadership Changes - Avista announced leadership changes effective October 1, 2025, as part of a succession strategy aimed at enhancing operational capabilities and promoting future growth [1][7] - Jason Thackston has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Growth, Energy Policy, and External Relations, expanding his responsibilities to include company-wide growth initiatives [2] - Wayne Manuel has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Operations and Technology, overseeing energy delivery operations and technology initiatives [3] - Alexis Alexander will succeed Manuel as Vice President, Chief Information Officer/Chief Security Officer, leading Avista's information systems and cybersecurity strategy [5] Background of Key Leaders - Wayne Manuel joined Avista in 2023 and has a diverse background in Information Technology, Strategy, and Operations [4] - Alexis Alexander has been with Avista since 2007, holding various leadership roles, including Director of Applications, and has a strong track record in managing high-impact projects [6][7] Company Overview - Avista Corp. is involved in the production, transmission, and distribution of energy, serving 423,000 electric customers and 383,000 natural gas customers across a service territory of 30,000 square miles [8]

Financial Performance - The consolidated earnings for the first half of 2025 were $1.15 per diluted share, a decrease from $1.20 for the first half of 2024 [4] - For the second quarter of 2025, consolidated earnings were $0.17 per diluted share, down from $0.29 for the second quarter of 2024 [4] Conference Call Details - The Q2 2025 Earnings Conference Call was hosted by Stacey Walters, Investor Relations Manager, with participation from President and CEO Heather Rosentrater and CFO Kevin Christie [2] - The earnings and Form 10-Q for Q2 2025 were released premarket and are available on the company's website [2]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated earnings for 2025 were $1.15 per diluted share, down from $1.20 in 2024, with year-to-date results at $1.25 per diluted share, reflecting a nearly 7% increase over 2024 [5][7] - Consolidated earnings for the second quarter of 2025 were $0.17 per diluted share, compared to $0.29 in the same period of 2024 [5][6] - Valuation losses of $0.12 per diluted share in the second quarter materially impacted consolidated earnings [13][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Avista Utilities' year-to-date results showed strong performance, underpinned by diligent cost management and constructive regulatory outcomes [7][8] - Capital expenditures at Avista Utilities were $236 million in 2025, with expectations of overall capital expenditures of $525 million for the year [17] - From 2025 through 2029, capital expenditures are expected to reach nearly $3 billion, resulting in an annual growth of 56% [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The clean energy sector faced headwinds due to shifts in market sentiment and public policy, negatively impacting valuations within the company's investment portfolio [6][8][14] - The company received over 80 bids in its RFP process, indicating a broad range of resource options including wind, solar, battery storage, and natural gas [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on serving customers and communities while ensuring reliable energy provision, with an RFP issued to meet identified needs by 2029 [9][10] - The company is optimistic about future opportunities, particularly in discussions with potential large load customers, with over 3,000 megawatts of requests in the pipeline [11][12] - The company plans to continuously invest in utility infrastructure to support customer growth and maintain system reliability [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management affirmed consolidated earnings guidance for 2025, expecting a range of $2.52 to $2.72 per diluted share, with Avista Utilities contributing toward the upper end of $2.43 to $2.61 per diluted share [19][20] - The company anticipates that clarity in public policy will moderate valuation volatility in clean technology investments [14][15] - Management expressed confidence in achieving an expected return on equity of 8.8% at Avista Utilities, while acknowledging potential for additional growth [21][35] Other Important Information - The company has available liquidity of $106 million under its committed line of credit and $42 million under its letter of credit facility as of June 30 [18] - S&P removed the negative watch from the company's credit rating, indicating strength in its balance sheet and business plans [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Characterization of the 3,000 megawatts of large load in discussions - Management indicated that the 3,000 megawatts in the pipeline includes a variety of load types, not limited to data centers or high-tech manufacturing, and that the RFP responses will help inform these discussions [27][28] Question: Comfort with the high end of the RFP of 400 megawatts - Management expressed confidence in having sufficient opportunities to support conversations with potential customers based on the 80 bids received [29] Question: Outlook on exit or monetization opportunities for non-regulated businesses - Management is analyzing future strategies for non-regulated businesses and is considering moderating budgets while assessing the clean energy landscape [30][31] Question: Potential upside to close the regulatory gap for ROE - Management stated that while the 8.8% ROE is achievable, they are focused on ensuring that the number is realistic and based on current opportunities for growth [35]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated earnings for Q2 2025 were $1.15 per diluted share, down from $1.20 in Q2 2024, reflecting a decrease of approximately 4.17% [4] - Year-to-date results for Avista Utilities showed earnings of $1.25 per diluted share, representing a nearly 7% increase over the same period in 2024 [5] - Consolidated earnings were impacted by valuation losses of $0.12 per diluted share in Q2 2025, primarily due to investments in clean technology focused funds [11][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Avista Utilities' performance remained strong, supported by constructive regulatory outcomes and diligent cost management [11] - The company expects capital expenditures of $525 million in 2025, with a projected total of nearly $3 billion from 2025 to 2029, indicating an annual growth of 56% [16][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The clean energy sector faced headwinds, affecting consolidated earnings performance in Q2 2025 [5] - Valuations within the clean technology investment portfolio were significantly impacted by shifts in public policy and market sentiment [6][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on serving customers and communities while ensuring reliable energy provision, as evidenced by the issuance of an RFP for 100 to 425 megawatts of generation [7] - The RFP process received over 80 bids, including various resource options such as wind, solar, and natural gas, indicating a broad approach to meeting future energy needs [8][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future opportunities, particularly in relation to large load customers, with over 3,000 megawatts of requests in the pipeline [9] - The company confirmed its consolidated earnings guidance for 2025, expecting a range of $2.52 to $2.72 per diluted share, with Avista Utilities contributing toward the upper end of $2.43 to $2.61 per diluted share [18][19] Other Important Information - The company has available liquidity of $106 million under its committed line of credit and $42 million under its letter of credit facility as of June 30 [17] - S&P removed the negative watch from the company's credit rating, indicating strength in its balance sheet and business plans [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Characterization of the 3,000 megawatts of large load in discussions - The 3,000 megawatts in the pipeline includes a variety of load types, not limited to data centers or high-tech manufacturing, and the RFP responses will help inform these discussions [25][26] Question: Potential for exit or monetization opportunities in other businesses - The company is analyzing its non-regulated businesses and considering moderation of budgets while maintaining strategic benefits from clean technology investments [28][30] Question: Outlook for wildfires in the region - Fire activity has been above normal, but the company has not seen significant starts in August and is employing mitigation tactics to minimize risks [42][44]