Dominion Energy (D) appears an attractive pick, as it has been recently upgraded to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). This rating change essentially reflects an upward trend in earnings estimates -- one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices.The Zacks rating relies solely on a company's changing earnings picture. It tracks EPS estimates for the current and following years from the sell-side analysts covering the stock through a consensus measure -- the Zacks Consensus Estimate.Since a changing earnings pic ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the contrasting profiles of Oklo Inc. and Dominion Energy, both of which are involved in the nuclear power sector, highlighting their different stages of development and market perceptions [1][2]. Group 1: Oklo Inc. - Oklo is focused on next-generation microreactors, particularly its Aurora microreactor platform, and has made significant progress with a binding contract with Siemens Energy, which reduces supply-chain risks [3][6]. - Despite its long-term potential, Oklo has faced volatility, missing earnings in three of the last four quarters and experiencing a stock price decline of over 50% from its 52-week high [4][6]. - The company is still in the pre-revenue stage, raising concerns about execution risks and the need for additional capital, having already raised $460 million and filed for a $3.5 billion shelf registration [6][7]. - Regulatory challenges persist, with slow nuclear permitting processes that could lead to schedule delays, further complicating Oklo's path to commercialization [5][6]. Group 2: Dominion Energy - Dominion Energy operates a stable nuclear fleet that supplies nearly 40% of its electricity, providing a solid foundation for long-term growth and stability [8][10]. - The company is undergoing a turnaround, focusing on debt reduction, capital discipline, and a long-term capital expenditure program of $50 billion from 2025 to 2029, aimed at grid upgrades and renewable energy investments [10][11]. - Dominion's earnings visibility is strong, with projected EPS of $3.40 in 2025 and $3.60 in 2026, indicating growth rates of 23% and 6% respectively, alongside expected revenues of $16 billion in 2025 [18][20]. - The company is also advancing major projects like the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, which is over 60% complete and on schedule, contributing to its rate-base growth [11][12]. Group 3: Comparative Analysis - Oklo's stock has seen a significant increase of over 300% year-to-date, driven by speculative sentiment, while Dominion's stock has risen about 16%, reflecting steady progress [13]. - Valuation metrics show Oklo trading at an elevated 11X book value, indicating speculative enthusiasm, whereas Dominion trades at 1.7X, aligning more closely with regulated utility fundamentals [15]. - Both companies carry a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), but Dominion is viewed as better positioned due to its regulated earnings and lower risk profile compared to Oklo's speculative nature [22].

Group 1 - Dominion Energy is positioned to benefit from several long-term initiatives in the states it serves [2] - The stock is currently considered cheap after experiencing years of negative returns, presenting a potential buying opportunity [2]

Core Insights - The stock is currently considered cheap after experiencing years of negative returns, indicating a potential buying opportunity [1] Company Analysis - The prolonged period of negative returns suggests that the company may have been undervalued in the market, creating an attractive entry point for investors [1]

Industry Overview - Nuclear energy is increasingly recognized as a key resource for meeting the growing demand for clean electricity, providing consistent, carbon-free generation unlike solar and wind [2][3] - The nuclear industry is gaining momentum due to updated regulatory frameworks and advancements in microreactors and small modular reactors (SMRs), driven by rising clean energy needs from AI-driven data centers and electric vehicles [3][5] - The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that energy supply from nuclear power will nearly double between 2020 and 2050, with global annual investment in nuclear power expected to surge from about $30 billion in 2010 to over $100 billion by 2030 [5] Investment Opportunities - Nuclear energy-related stocks, such as Dominion Energy, Ameren Corporation, and BWX Technologies, are becoming attractive investment options due to their ability to provide stable energy output [4][7] - Dominion Energy operates four nuclear power stations that supply nearly 40% of its total energy production, focusing on next-generation technologies like SMRs to support future expansion [8][9] - Ameren Corporation plans to add 1,500 MW of new nuclear generating capacity by 2045 and has received a license renewal to operate its existing Callaway Energy Center until October 2044 [11][12] Company Highlights - BWX Technologies provides a broad portfolio of nuclear components and services, including reactor systems for U.S. Navy submarines and support for nuclear R&D [14] - The acquisition of Kinectrics enhances BWXT's capabilities in lifecycle management for the nuclear industry and isotopes production for the radiopharmaceutical market [15] - BWXT secured a 10-year, $1.6 billion contract from the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration to support national security missions [16]

Core Insights - Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy are leading utility companies in the U.S. focusing on infrastructure upgrades and renewable energy expansion [1][17] - Both companies are enhancing grid resilience and reliability during severe weather through modernization efforts [1] - Strategic acquisitions are being pursued by both companies to broaden their renewable energy portfolios and strengthen market presence [1] Company Overview - NextEra Energy is recognized for its leadership in renewable energy, with significant investments in wind, solar, and battery storage [2] - Dominion Energy is committed to its nuclear fleet while exploring next-generation nuclear technologies, including potential Small Modular Reactor projects [3] Financial Performance - Dominion Energy's earnings per share estimates for 2025 and 2026 have increased by 0.29% and 0.28% respectively over the past 60 days, with a long-term growth rate of 10.26% [5] - NextEra Energy's earnings per share estimates for 2025 and 2026 have remained unchanged, with a long-term growth rate of 8.08% [7] Return on Equity - NextEra Energy has a return on equity (ROE) of 12.42%, while Dominion Energy's ROE is 9.6% [8] Dividend Yield - NextEra Energy's current dividend yield is 2.71%, while Dominion Energy's yield is higher at 4.34% [10] Long-Term Investment Plans - NextEra Energy plans to invest approximately $74.6 billion from 2025 to 2029 to enhance its infrastructure and clean energy assets [12] - Dominion Energy has a capital expenditure plan of $50 billion for the same period to strengthen its renewable operations [12] Valuation - NextEra Energy is trading at a forward P/E of 21.19X, while Dominion Energy is at 17.17X, indicating a premium for NextEra [13] Price Performance - Over the past month, Dominion Energy's shares increased by 1.1%, contrasting with a 3% decline in NextEra Energy's shares [15] Summary - Based on various factors, Dominion Energy currently has an edge over NextEra Energy, including better price performance, stronger dividend yield, improved earnings estimates, and more attractive valuation [18]

Core Insights - Dominion Energy, Inc. is focusing on long-term strategic investments and infrastructure expansion to enhance its electric and natural gas systems, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050 [1][3] - The company is recognized as a strong investment option within the Zacks Utility-Electric Power industry due to its growth outlook and expansion plans [1][2] Growth Outlook - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings per share (EPS) has increased by 0.30% to $3.40 over the past 60 days [3] - Expected revenues for 2025 are projected at $15.56 billion, indicating a growth of 7.62% from the 2024 reported figure [3] - Dominion Energy's long-term earnings growth rate is estimated at 10.26% [3] - The company has consistently beaten earnings estimates in the last four quarters, with an average surprise of 12.72% [3][10] Capital Return Program - Dominion Energy has been enhancing shareholder value through consistent dividend payments, with a current quarterly dividend of 66.75 cents per share, leading to an annualized dividend of $2.67 [4] - The current dividend yield stands at 4.34%, significantly higher than the Zacks S&P 500 composite average of 1.11% [4] Capital Investment and Expansion Plan - The company has committed to a nearly $50 billion infrastructure investment plan through 2029, starting with $12.1 billion in 2025 [5][10] - Investments will support the expansion of battery storage, solar, hydro, and both offshore and onshore wind projects by 2036, with an average increase in renewable energy capacity of over 15% per year for the next 15 years [6] Financial Metrics - Dominion Energy's Return on Equity (ROE) is currently at 9.60%, which is above the sector average of 9.38% [7] - The times interest earned (TIE) ratio at the end of Q3 2025 is 2.6, indicating the company's ability to meet long-term debt obligations [8] Share Price Performance - Over the past six months, Dominion Energy's shares have increased by 9.2%, although this lags behind the industry's growth of 11.9% [11]

Company Overview - Dominion Energy, Inc. (NYSE:D) provides regulated electricity service to 3.6 million homes and businesses in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and regulated natural gas service to 500,000 customers in South Carolina [2]. Price Target Adjustment - On November 20, Morgan Stanley lowered its price target on Dominion Energy from $66 to $65 while maintaining an 'Equal Weight' rating on its shares, citing the underperformance of the utilities sector compared to the overall market in October [3]. Acquisition Talks - Dominion Energy is in discussions to acquire the Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative, which would enable the company to serve the growing cluster of data centers in Northern Virginia. A decision on the deal has not yet been made [4]. Demand for Data Centers - In its Q3 earnings call, Dominion Energy reported a rising demand for data centers, currently contracting to provide 47 GW of capacity, which is a 17% increase from approximately 40 GW as of December 2024 [5].

Group 1 - Dominion Energy (D) is currently trading within a support range of $58.42 to $64.58, where it has historically rebounded seven times over the past decade, averaging a peak return of 13.4% [3] - The stock's recent decline raises questions about whether it is nearing exhaustion or preparing for further declines, as support levels can attract bargain hunters but may also fail if underlying pressures persist [2][4] - Despite exceeding Q3 operating earnings expectations and showing operational strengths, the stock has a high P/E ratio of around 23x, indicating a premium valuation, and faces significant leverage with a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.7 [4] Group 2 - The stock has experienced significant declines in the past, including a 25% drop during the Dot-Com Bubble, a 41% drop during the Global Financial Crisis, and a 52% decline during the Inflation Shock, highlighting its vulnerability to adverse market conditions [6] - Analyst consensus remains a 'Hold' with average price targets suggesting only slight upside, compounded by sector-wide pressures such as sensitivity to interest rates and rising capital costs [4] - Recent financial metrics show a revenue growth of 5.3% over the last twelve months and a free cash flow margin of almost -53.0%, indicating challenges in cash generation [10]

Group 1 - Dominion Energy is trading cautiously as investors assess the company's restructuring progress, pending rate-case decisions, and an uncertain interest-rate environment, with recent stock stabilization indicating easing downside pressures [2] - The stock is currently within a support zone ($57.83 – $63.91), where it has historically rebounded, achieving an average peak return of 13.2% over the last 10 years [3] - Dominion's Q3 2025 results and reaffirmed guidance are supported by solid demand from expanding data-center infrastructure and progress on its offshore wind project, although macro headwinds such as rising capital costs and regulatory scrutiny persist [4] Group 2 - Key financial metrics for Dominion Energy include a revenue growth of 5.3% LTM and an average of 7.5% over the last 3 years, with a PE multiple of 22.7 [8] - The company has faced significant stock-specific risks in the past, with declines of about 25% during the Dot-Com Bubble and 2018 Correction, and a 52% drop during the Inflation Shock [6]