In its upcoming report, CenterPoint Energy (CNP) is predicted by Wall Street analysts to post quarterly earnings of $0.46 per share, reflecting an increase of 15% compared to the same period last year. Revenues are forecasted to be $2.33 billion, representing a year-over-year increase of 2.9%.Over the last 30 days, there has been no revision in the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter. This signifies the covering analysts' collective reconsideration of their initial forecasts over the course of this timef ...

Core Viewpoint - Jefferies expresses a positive outlook on five dividend-paying utility stocks while cautioning about potential regulatory and political challenges in the sector due to upcoming elections [1]. Group 1: Sector Overview - The utility sector has seen a significant increase, with a nearly 21% gain from its low in April 2025, driven by rising electricity demand from data centers [1]. - Despite the positive start to 2026, investor concerns have emerged due to unfavorable regulatory and political developments, particularly with 36 gubernatorial elections expected [1]. - Jefferies highlights that utility stocks are likely to perform better than high-flying technology stocks during potential market declines [1]. Group 2: Recommended Utility Stocks - **Ameren Corp. (NYSE: AEE)**: Offers a 2.69% dividend; operates in four segments including electric and natural gas distribution. Jefferies target price is $124 [1]. - **CenterPoint Energy Inc. (NYSE: CNP)**: Provides a 2.16% dividend; operates electric and natural gas distribution services. Jefferies target price is $44 [1]. - **Entergy Corp. (NYSE: ETR)**: Engaged in electric power production with a 2.48% dividend; operates in the Deep South. Jefferies target price is $114 [2]. - **NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI)**: Offers a 2.55% yield; operates natural gas distribution in several states. Jefferies target price is $49 [2]. - **One Gas Inc. (NYSE: OGS)**: Provides a 3.32% dividend; focuses on natural gas distribution across multiple states. Jefferies target price is $95 [2].

Core Insights - CenterPoint Energy has launched a new Community Progress Tracker to enhance transparency and allow customers to monitor electric grid upgrades in Greater Houston [1] - The initiative is part of the Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI), aimed at strengthening the electric grid against severe weather events [1] Group 1: Community Progress Tracker - The Community Progress Tracker provides access to information on over 56,000 new storm-resilient poles, more than 8,000 miles of tree-trimming, and over 500 new automation devices since August 1, 2024 [1] - The tool allows customers to view upgrades specific to their neighborhoods, including storm-resilient poles, underground power lines, and advanced grid technologies [1] - Future features of the tracker will enable customers to monitor ongoing and upcoming resiliency projects in their areas [1] Group 2: Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI) - GHRI is a multi-year program focused on improving the reliability and resiliency of the electric grid [1] - Since August 2024, CenterPoint has deployed 1,500 advanced weather stations, installed over 500 automation devices, trimmed vegetation along more than 8,000 miles of distribution lines, and undergrounded over 430 miles of power lines [1] - The initiative aims to build the most resilient coastal grid in the nation, with a comprehensive approach to infrastructure hardening [1] Group 3: Company Overview - CenterPoint Energy serves approximately 7 million metered customers across multiple states, including Texas, and has approximately $45 billion in assets as of September 30, 2025 [1] - The company has been in operation for over 150 years and employs around 8,300 individuals [1]

Core Insights - Resilient Structures (RS) has entered a long-term supply agreement with CenterPoint Energy to support the Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative, aimed at enhancing the region's energy infrastructure against extreme weather [1][4] - The agreement will lead to the expansion of RS's operations in Humble, Texas, creating over 200 new jobs and aligning with CenterPoint's goal of developing a resilient coastal grid for 2.9 million customers in Greater Houston [2][3] Company Overview - Resilient Structures is a leading manufacturer of high-performance composite utility poles, with over 30 years in the industry and operations in Texas, Utah, and Ontario [5] - CenterPoint Energy is a multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company serving approximately 7 million metered customers across several states, with assets totaling around $45 billion as of September 30, 2025 [6]

Core Insights - CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (CNP) has a market capitalization of $25.9 billion and operates in electric transmission, distribution, generation, and natural gas services across multiple states, serving over 2.8 million customers [1] Performance Overview - CNP shares have outperformed the broader market over the past 52 weeks, returning 23.6% compared to the S&P 500 Index's 15.4% [2] - Year-to-date, CNP shares are up 4.8%, while the S&P 500 has risen by 1.1% [2] - CNP has also outpaced the State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU), which returned 10.5% over the same period [3] Financial Results - In Q3 2025, CenterPoint reported adjusted EPS of $0.50, a more than 60% increase from Q3 2024, and reiterated its 2025 adjusted EPS guidance of $1.75 - $1.77 [6] - The company reported a net income of $293 million for the quarter, with Houston Electric industrial throughput increasing over 17% year-over-year [6] Analyst Expectations - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, analysts expect CNP's adjusted EPS to grow by 8.6% year-over-year to $1.76 [7] - The consensus rating among 17 analysts covering the stock is a "Moderate Buy," with eight "Strong Buy" ratings and nine "Holds" [7] Price Targets - Morgan Stanley raised its price target on CenterPoint Energy to $37, maintaining an "Equal Weight" rating [8] - The mean price target of $42.67 suggests a 6.2% premium to CNP's current price, while the highest price target of $49 indicates a potential upside of 21.9% [8]

Core Viewpoint - CenterPoint Energy has successfully restored power to nearly 30,000 users while maintaining over 99% service integrity, demonstrating its operational efficiency and commitment to customer service [1] Group 1 - CenterPoint Energy deployed 500 contract workers to assist other states in power restoration efforts [1]

Core Viewpoint - CenterPoint Energy (CNP) experienced a 1.8% increase in early trading on Monday, following its forecast of potential power outages affecting 100,000 to 200,000 customers during a storm, while indicating that most users would have their power restored within 12 hours after the outage [1][1][1] Summary by Category Company Performance - CenterPoint Energy's stock rose by 1.8% in early trading [1][1][1] Operational Forecast - The company predicts that between 100,000 to 200,000 customers may experience power outages due to the storm [1][1][1] - It is expected that the majority of users will have their power restored within 12 hours after the outage [1][1][1]

Core Insights - A winter storm is impacting the Greater Houston area, with hard freezes expected and over 3,300 workers mobilized for damage assessment and power restoration [1][2][3] Company Response - CenterPoint Energy has deployed an expanded workforce of 3,300 workers to assess and repair weather-related damages, with less than 2,000 customers currently experiencing outages, representing less than 1% of its 2.9 million customers [2][3] - The company activated its Emergency Operations Center on January 21 to prepare for the winter storm, including staging over 700 natural gas workers and inspecting critical electric equipment [5][9] - CenterPoint has conducted outreach to Critical Care customers and is providing regular updates to government officials and the media regarding its preparation and response efforts [5][6] Safety Measures - The company emphasizes safety by reminding customers to stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines and to report any such incidents immediately [4] - CenterPoint encourages customers to enroll in its Power Alert Service for updates on outages and restoration times [6] Preparedness Actions - CenterPoint has implemented winter readiness activities since fall 2025, including weatherization requirements and emergency training for personnel [6][9] - The company has donated and installed over 20 emergency backup generators and positioned 17 compressed natural gas trailers to enhance local emergency preparedness [9] Customer Communication - CenterPoint provides an Outage Tracker for customers to monitor outages by county, city, and zip code, ensuring accessibility for all users [7]

Core Viewpoint - CenterPoint Energy is mobilizing resources and personnel in preparation for a significant winter weather event expected to impact Southeast Texas, emphasizing customer safety and service continuity [1][3]. Emergency Preparedness - 100% of CenterPoint's 3,300 line skills workers and contractors will be in place by 12 p.m. Saturday to respond to the winter weather [1]. - The Emergency Operations Center has been fully activated with approximately 200 personnel and will remain operational throughout the storm [2]. - Over 700 natural gas workers and contractors are being deployed to support the response efforts during the weekend [2][5]. Safety Measures - The company urges the public to heed local officials' guidance and stay off roads from Saturday night through Monday due to hazardous conditions [1]. - Customers are reminded to assume downed power lines are energized and to maintain a safe distance from them [4]. Equipment and Resource Readiness - CenterPoint has positioned 17 compressed natural gas (CNG) trailers to ensure supply availability and has pre-staged electric restoration equipment, including over 9,200 distribution poles and more than 11,500 transformers [5]. - The company is inspecting nearly 200 natural gas regulator stations and has installed heaters to prevent ice damage [5]. Customer Communication - CenterPoint encourages customers to enroll in the Power Alert Service® for updates on outages and restoration times [6]. - Customers can access storm-related safety tips in multiple languages through the company's website [7]. Company Overview - CenterPoint Energy, Inc. serves over 7 million metered customers across Texas and other states, with approximately $45 billion in assets as of September 30, 2025 [9]. - The company has been operational for over 150 years and employs around 8,300 individuals [9].

Core Points - CenterPoint Energy is preparing for severe winter weather in Southeast Texas, with approximately 3,300 electric employees and contract workers pre-staged for storm preparation and restoration efforts [1][8] - The State of Texas has issued a disaster declaration in anticipation of the weather impacts, and CenterPoint is coordinating closely with government officials and emergency agencies [4] - The company has activated its Emergency Operations Center and is deploying over 700 natural gas workers and contractors to support the response [9][15] Preparation and Response - CenterPoint has established three staging sites in the Greater Houston area to pre-position resources for potential restoration efforts [1][10] - The company has enhanced its natural gas infrastructure with hardening measures and has placed Compressed Natural Gas trucks at 13 strategic locations to support the system [7][15] - CenterPoint's winter readiness plan includes monitoring weather forecasts and encouraging customers to stay informed and prepared for cold weather [5][11] Customer Communication and Safety - Customers are urged to have an emergency plan in place and can access storm-related safety tips through CenterPoint's website [12] - The company offers a Power Alert Service for customers to receive updates on winter storm outages and restoration times [11][13] - CenterPoint is conducting outreach to critical care customers and has implemented enhanced communication strategies to keep customers informed [15]