Group 1 - CenterPoint Energy has elected two new members to its Board of Directors, Manuel Miranda and Laurie Fitch, effective April 16, 2025 [1][2][3] - The company is focused on divesting non-regulated and non-core businesses to enhance the resilience, reliability, and safety of its systems, aiming to build the most resilient coastal grid in the country [2][3][7] - The new board members bring extensive experience in the utility and infrastructure sectors, particularly in system reliability, infrastructure growth, and climate resilience [3][7] Group 2 - Manuel Miranda has 40 years of experience in the utility industry, notably improving hurricane resiliency at Florida Power & Light, and has led efforts for 47 tropical storms and hurricanes [4][5] - Laurie Fitch has a strong background in investment and advisory roles within the global power sector, having worked at PJT Partners and Morgan Stanley, and has significant experience in the utility and infrastructure sectors [6][8] - CenterPoint Energy serves approximately 7 million metered customers across multiple states and has approximately $44 billion in assets as of December 31, 2024 [9]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. stock markets are experiencing extreme volatility due to the imposition of new tariffs by the Trump administration, which has raised concerns about a potential global trade war and its impact on the U.S. economy [2][4]. Group 1: Market Overview - The baseline tariff of 10% was imposed on all imports starting April 5, 2025, with rates reaching as high as 145% for certain countries like China [2][3]. - The S&P 500 index is currently in correction territory, having declined by 8.6% year to date, and was trading close to bear market levels last week [5]. Group 2: Featured Stocks - A selection of stocks that have provided double-digit returns year to date includes American Water Works Co. Inc. (AWK), Exelon Corp. (EXC), CenterPoint Energy Inc. (CNP), The Progressive Corp. (PGR), and Brown & Brown Inc. (BRO), all carrying a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [6]. Group 3: American Water Works Co. Inc. (AWK) - AWK is benefiting from contributions from acquired assets and military contracts, with new water and wastewater rates enhancing performance [7]. - The company is expanding its operations through both organic and inorganic initiatives, with 17 pending acquisitions expected to add 24,200 customers [9]. - AWK has projected revenue and earnings growth rates of 1.6% and 6.1%, respectively, for the current year, with a recent 0.2% improvement in the earnings consensus estimate [10]. Group 4: Exelon Corp. (EXC) - Exelon's investments are aimed at strengthening its transmission and distribution infrastructure, with initiatives in grid modernization expected to enhance service reliability [11]. - The company anticipates revenue and earnings growth rates of 4.2% and 6.4%, respectively, for the current year, with a 0.8% improvement in the earnings consensus estimate over the last 30 days [12]. Group 5: CenterPoint Energy Inc. (CNP) - CNP is positioned to benefit from increasing electricity demand driven by the electrification of transportation and investments in renewable energy [13]. - The company has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 3.2% and 8%, respectively, for the current year, with a 0.6% improvement in the earnings consensus estimate over the last 60 days [16]. Group 6: The Progressive Corp. (PGR) - PGR is experiencing growth due to higher premiums and a strong product portfolio, focusing on becoming a one-stop insurance destination [17]. - The expected revenue and earnings growth rates for PGR are 16.1% and 10.9%, respectively, with a 1% improvement in the earnings consensus estimate over the last seven days [18]. Group 7: Brown & Brown Inc. (BRO) - BRO's growth trajectory is supported by a compelling portfolio and strategic initiatives that enhance its capabilities and geographic reach [19]. - The company has projected revenue and earnings growth rates of 8.4% and 9.1%, respectively, for the current year, with a 0.2% improvement in the earnings consensus estimate over the last 30 days [20].

Market Overview - U.S. stock markets are experiencing extreme volatility in April due to the "Liberation Day" tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, with a baseline tariff of 10% on all imports and rates as high as 145% for certain countries like China [1][2] - The S&P 500 index is currently in correction territory, trading almost in bear market zone, with a year-to-date decline of 8.6% [3] Investment Opportunities - Despite the overall market downturn, a handful of S&P 500 stocks have provided double-digit returns year to date, with five recommended stocks carrying a favorable Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy): American Water Works Co. Inc. (AWK), Exelon Corp. (EXC), CenterPoint Energy Inc. (CNP), The Progressive Corp. (PGR), and Brown & Brown Inc. (BRO) [4] American Water Works Co. Inc. (AWK) - AWK is benefiting from contributions from acquired assets and military contracts, with new water and wastewater rates boosting performance [8] - The company is expanding operations through organic and inorganic initiatives, with 17 pending acquisitions expected to add 24,200 customers [10] - AWK has expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 1.6% and 6.1%, respectively, for the current year, with a 0.2% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings over the last seven days [11] Exelon Corp. (EXC) - Exelon's investments are aimed at strengthening its transmission and distribution infrastructure, with initiatives in grid modernization improving operational resilience [12] - The company has expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 4.2% and 6.4%, respectively, for the current year, with a 0.8% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings over the last 30 days [13] CenterPoint Energy Inc. (CNP) - CNP is positioned to benefit from increasing electricity demand due to the electrification of transportation and investments in renewable energy [14] - The company has expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 3.2% and 8%, respectively, for the current year, with a 0.6% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings over the last 60 days [17] The Progressive Corp. (PGR) - PGR is gaining from higher premiums and a strong product portfolio, focusing on becoming a one-stop insurance destination [18] - The company has expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 16.1% and 10.9%, respectively, for the current year, with a 1% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings over the last seven days [19] Brown & Brown Inc. (BRO) - BRO's growth trajectory is driven by organic and inorganic initiatives, enhancing its capabilities and geographic reach [20] - The company has expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 8.4% and 9.1%, respectively, for the current year, with a 0.2% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings over the last 30 days [22]

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Core Insights - CenterPoint Energy has made significant progress in the Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI), with approximately 70% of the second phase now complete, aiming to enhance grid resiliency before the 2025 hurricane season [1][4][5] Group 1: GHRI Progress - The company has completed 350 miles of undergrounding, installed over 17,500 stronger poles, cleared over 2,900 miles of high-risk vegetation, and placed over 3,380 automated reliability devices [1][2][5] - GHRI efforts are expected to reduce outages for customers by more than 125 million minutes annually [1][2][5] Group 2: Upcoming Initiatives - CenterPoint plans to install 100 new local weather monitoring stations by June 1 to enhance storm preparation and situational awareness [3][5] - The company continues to improve communication and preparedness through a year-round safety campaign and engagement with local officials [6][7] Group 3: Company Overview - CenterPoint Energy is the only investor-owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, serving approximately 7 million metered customers across multiple states [8]

Market Overview - Wall Street experienced significant losses, with the Dow recording back-to-back losses exceeding 1,500 points on April 3 and 4, including a drop of 2,231 points on April 4, marking one of the highest single-day declines in history [4] - The S&P 500 index fell more than 10% over the last two trading days of the previous week, with a 6% drop on April 6, its worst day since March 2020, currently in correction territory with a 17% decline from its February peak [5] - The Nasdaq Composite also plummeted 6% on each of the last two trading days, now in bear territory with a 22% drop from its recent high, while the CBOE VIX reached 45 on April 4, indicating extreme market fear [6] Defensive Stocks Recommendations - Investing in defensive sectors such as consumer staples, utilities, and healthcare is recommended, with five stocks identified: Molson Coors Beverage Co. (TAP), CenterPoint Energy Inc. (CNP), WEC Energy Group Inc. (WEC), Abbott Laboratories (ABT), and HCA Healthcare Inc. (HCA) [3][7] Company Insights Molson Coors Beverage Co. (TAP) - TAP has shown strong performance in Canada and EMEA&APAC, with Q4 2024 results surpassing estimates and year-over-year earnings growth [11] - Projected sales growth for 2025 is in low-single digits, with underlying EPS expected to grow in high-single digits [12] - Current revenue and earnings growth rates are 0.1% and 6.9%, respectively, with a dividend yield of 3.07% [13] CenterPoint Energy Inc. (CNP) - CNP is positioned to benefit from rising electricity demand due to the electrification of transportation and investments in renewable energy [14] - The company is investing in infrastructure to support electric vehicle (EV) growth, including off-road electrification initiatives [16] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 3.2% and 8%, respectively, with a dividend yield of 2.44% [17] WEC Energy Group Inc. (WEC) - WEC is benefiting from both organic and inorganic growth, with strategic investments aimed at enhancing infrastructure and achieving net carbon neutrality by 2050 [18] - Demand from commercial and residential customers is improving, with expected revenue growth in the 2025-2027 period [19] - Current revenue and earnings growth rates are 9.2% and 8.5%, respectively, with a dividend yield of 3.42% [20] Abbott Laboratories (ABT) - ABT utilizes AI for healthcare solutions, including advanced medical imaging and predictive algorithms for heart attack prevention [21] - The company holds a strong position in point-of-care testing across various health areas [22] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 5.9% and 10.3%, respectively, with a dividend yield of 1.90% [23] HCA Healthcare Inc. (HCA) - HCA's revenues are increasing due to growth in admissions and surgeries, with projected revenues for 2025 between $72.8 billion and $75.8 billion, indicating a 5.2% rise from 2024 [24] - The company has benefited from acquisitions and its telemedicine business, with operating cash flows rising 11.5% year over year in 2024 [25] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 5.8% and 13.8%, respectively, with a dividend yield of 0.87% [25]

CenterPoint proposal to remove emergency temporary generation costs would lower monthly bills immediately and by as much as $2 per month by 2027 15 generation units would be sent to San Antonio area by Summer 2025 to help meet Texas' current and future energy needsHOUSTON, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, as part of its continuing commitment to better serve customers across the Greater Houston area, CenterPoint testified before the Texas Senate Committee on Business and Commerce on its proposal to remov ...

Company Overview - CenterPoint Energy, Inc. is the only investor-owned electric and gas utility based in Texas [1] - The company serves approximately 7 million metered customers across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas [1] - As of December 31, 2024, CenterPoint Energy owned approximately $44 billion in assets [1] - The company has approximately 8,500 employees and has been in business for over 150 years [1] Upcoming Events - CenterPoint Energy will hold its First Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call on April 24, 2025, at 7:00 a.m. Central time [1] - The conference call can be accessed via the internet through the company's investor relations page [1]

SAN DIEGO, March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Johnson Fistel, PLLP, a shareholder rights law firm, announces its investigating potential breaches of fiduciary duties by certain directors and officers of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) in relation to their obligations to the company's shareholders. What can I do? If you are a current CenterPoint Energy, Inc. shareholder, you may have legal claims that may be brought on behalf of the company, against the company's directors and officers. If you wish to d ...

Core Insights - Osmose and Neara have formed a strategic partnership to enhance utility asset risk assessment and improve data quality for companies like CenterPoint Energy [1][2] - The collaboration aims to address data quality challenges that hinder effective decision-making in utility management [2][3] Group 1: Partnership Overview - The partnership combines Osmose's expertise in field data collection and structural analysis with Neara's AI-driven predictive modeling [2][3] - This collaboration will enable utilities to prioritize asset upgrades more efficiently and accurately [1][3] Group 2: Benefits of the Partnership - Enhancing data accuracy through on-site verification by Osmose and AI processing by Neara, leading to more reliable structural data [5][6] - Improving risk-based decision-making by providing insights into asset conditions and applying predictive analytics to quantify risk [5][6] - Optimizing restoration strategies by allowing utilities to target efforts with precision and prioritize actions based on risk-adjusted priorities [5][6] Group 3: Impact on CenterPoint Energy - CenterPoint Energy is utilizing the partnership's tools to enhance storm preparedness and improve network reliability [3][4] - The collaboration supports a proactive, data-driven approach to utility management, moving beyond traditional inspection cycles [4][5] Group 4: Quantifiable Outcomes - The partnership can lead to up to 70% cost savings by reinforcing rather than replacing high-risk assets [10] - It can achieve up to 80% faster restoration times, minimizing disruptions and enhancing reliability [10] - The partnership aims for 25% more accurate asset prioritization, ensuring critical upgrades are addressed first [10]