At Friedrich Global Research we are searching for what we believe will be the safest and best performing companies in which to buy stocks. Our back-tested, foundational Free Cash Flow ratio provided a CAGR of 21% over a 60-year test period. Learn more at AskFriedrich.com .It's difficult sometimes, but I try to ignore many of the temporary macro headlines when investing. I consider the war in the Middle East to be temporary but likely to last several more weeks. The first three weeks have seemedFounder of Be ...

Eversource Energy (NYSE:ES) is included among the 14 Quality Stocks with Highest Dividends. JPMorgan Lifts Eversource (ES) Price Target Following Model Updates Pixabay/Public Domain On March 12, JPMorgan raised its price recommendation on Eversource Energy (NYSE:ES) to $75 from $72. The firm reiterated an Underweight rating on the shares. The update followed changes to its models for the North American utilities group. During the Q4 2025 earnings call, President, CEO, and Chairman Joseph Nolan said tha ...

Core Viewpoint - Eversource Energy views the proposed final decision by the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to approve the sale of Aquarion Water Company as a constructive development, while the sale is not included in their 2026 guidance [1]. Financial Performance - Eversource's 2025 earnings were reported at $1.69 billion, or $4.56 per share, compared to $811.7 million, or $2.27 per share in 2024 [1]. - Non-GAAP recurring earnings for 2025 totaled $1.77 billion, or $4.76 per share [1]. - The company projects 2026 earnings between $4.80 and $4.95 per share, with a long-term earnings per share growth rate of 5 to 7 percent through 2030, using 2025 non-GAAP results as the base year [1]. Strategic Actions - Eversource has taken preliminary steps to ensure stability with or without the sale of Aquarion, including the issuance of Junior Subordinated Notes and filing a rate case for Aquarion [1]. - A $600 million debt issuance was completed at the parent company level in October [1]. Company Recognition - Eversource is recognized as the 1 U.S. utility on TIME's List of World's Best Companies for 2024 and is celebrated for its corporate citizenship [1]. - The company is also acknowledged as the 1 Energy Efficiency Provider in the Nation and has a commitment to a clean energy future in the Northeast [1]. Operational Overview - Eversource serves approximately 4.6 million customers across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, providing electricity, natural gas, and water [1]. - The company employs over 10,500 individuals and focuses on delivering reliable energy and water with superior customer service [1].

Core Viewpoint - Eversource Energy's stock price target has been raised by multiple financial institutions following its Q4 results, indicating positive market sentiment and growth potential for the company [1][2]. Financial Performance - Eversource Energy reported a full-year 2025 non-GAAP EPS of $4.76, up from $4.57 in 2024, reflecting a growth of approximately 4.2% [3]. - The full-year GAAP EPS saw a significant increase to $4.05 from $2.27, while Q4 EPS reached $1.12 on both GAAP and non-GAAP bases, improving from GAAP $0.20 and non-GAAP $1.01 in the prior-year quarter [3]. - The company introduced 2026 EPS guidance of $4.80–$4.95 and reaffirmed a long-term EPS CAGR target of 5%–7%, aiming to achieve the upper half of that range by 2028 [3]. - Eversource Energy paid dividends of $3.01 per share in 2025, marking a 5.2% year-over-year increase [3]. Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - BMO Capital raised its price target on Eversource Energy to $79 from $75 while maintaining a Market Perform rating, citing the stock's outperformance and a financing plan that alleviated dilution concerns [1]. - UBS also raised its price target to $80 from $75 while maintaining a Neutral stance, emphasizing milestones in 2026 that will influence the company's trajectory towards its long-term EPS growth target of 5%–7% for 2025–2030 [2]. Company Overview - Eversource Energy, founded in 1966 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, operates regulated electric, natural gas, and water utilities across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire [4].

Group 1 - Dividend Kings is running a special promotion in March where new users can enter a drawing to pay only $1 for their first year of membership [1] - The promotion includes a $30 month-long trial, and one new or returning subscriber will be refunded $698 [1] - The focus of Dividend Kings is on providing actionable insights into high-quality dividend-growing and undervalued opportunities, aiming for strong total returns through cash dividends and capital gains [1] Group 2 - The lead analyst for Dividend Kings, Scott Kaufman, has over a decade of experience in the financial sector [1] - The team includes Kody's Dividends, Justin Law, and Rachel Kaufman, contributing to the insights provided by Dividend Kings [3]

Group 1 - Dividend Kings is offering a special promotion in March where new users can enter a drawing to pay only $1 for their first year of membership [1] - The promotion includes a $30 month-long trial, and one new or returning subscriber will be refunded $698 [1] - The company emphasizes the importance of demonstrating shareholder value through actions rather than just words [1] Group 2 - Scott Kaufman, known as Treading Softly, has over a decade of experience in the financial sector and serves as the lead analyst for Dividend Kings [1] - The focus of the analysis is on identifying high-quality dividend-growing and undervalued investment opportunities [1] - The goal is to achieve a strong total return through cash dividends and capital gains [1]

Core Insights - Generative AI is viewed as a transformative technology by Amazon's CEO Andy Jassy, indicating its potential to significantly enhance customer experiences across the company [1] - Elon Musk predicts that humanoid robots could create a market worth $250 trillion by 2040, representing a substantial shift in the global economy driven by AI innovations [2] - Major firms like PwC and McKinsey acknowledge that AI could unlock multi-trillion-dollar opportunities, reinforcing the optimistic outlook on AI's economic impact [3] Company and Industry Analysis - A breakthrough in AI technology is believed to be redefining work, learning, and creativity, leading to increased interest from hedge funds and top investors [4] - There is speculation about an under-owned company that may play a crucial role in the AI revolution, suggesting that its technology could pose a threat to competitors [4] - Prominent figures in technology and investment, including Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, recognize AI as a significant advancement with the potential for broad societal benefits [8]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the appeal of five Dividend Aristocrats as preferred retirement income stocks for Baby Boomers, emphasizing their reliability in providing consistent dividend increases over 25 years, which is crucial for investors seeking stable income during market volatility [1]. Group 1: Dividend Aristocrats Overview - Dividend Aristocrats are S&P 500 companies that have raised their dividends for 25 consecutive years, making them attractive for growth and income investors [1]. - The 69 companies on the 2026 S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats list must meet specific criteria, including being a member of the S&P 500, having an average daily trading volume of at least $5 million, and a market capitalization of at least $3 billion [1]. Group 2: Featured Dividend Aristocrats - **Amcor PLC**: Offers a 5.18% dividend and is involved in sustainable packaging solutions across various industries, including food and healthcare. It has a Buy rating with a target price of $60 [1]. - **Eversource Energy**: Provides a 4.09% dividend and operates in energy delivery across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. It has a Buy rating with a target price of $79 [1]. - **Hormel Foods Corp.**: Known for its diverse food products, it offers a 4.95% dividend and is restructuring to improve performance. It has a Buy rating with a target price of $31 [2]. - **Kimberly-Clark Corp.**: A personal care company with a 4.66% dividend, it has raised dividends for 53 consecutive years and is acquiring Kenvue Inc. in a $48.7 billion deal. It has a Buy rating with a target price of $120 [2]. - **Realty Income Corp.**: A real estate investment trust with a 4.89% monthly dividend, it invests in commercial properties and has a Buy rating with a target price of $69 [2].

Revenue and Sales Performance - Eversource's total retail tariff sales revenues increased to $4,155.4 million in 2025, up by $332.7 million from $3,822.7 million in 2024, representing an 8.7% growth[44] - The supply revenue component decreased by $44.1 million to $1,050.0 million in 2025, accounting for 25% of total revenues, while local delivery revenue increased by $70.6 million to $1,425.1 million, representing 34% of total revenues[44] - Public benefits revenue surged by $249.8 million to $959.3 million in 2025, making up 23% of total revenues, compared to 19% in 2024[44] Customer Base and Service Areas - Eversource's electric distribution segment serves approximately 1.32 million customers in Connecticut as of December 31, 2025[35] - NSTAR Electric served approximately 1.62 million customers across 159 cities and towns in Massachusetts as of December 31, 2025[50] - PSNH furnished retail franchise electric service to approximately 549,000 customers in New Hampshire as of December 31, 2025[59] Rate Structures and Adjustments - CL&P's distribution rates are frozen until at least January 1, 2024, following a settlement agreement with PURA, which does not apply to other rate mechanisms[44] - NSTAR Electric's retail rates include a supply component and a delivery component, with the supply charge based on competitive procurements and reset every six months[54] - PSNH's distribution rates were established in a July 2025 NHPUC-approved rate case, with rates effective August 1, 2025[65] Regulatory and Compliance Issues - Eversource is subject to various regulatory risks, including changes in laws and regulations that may impact compliance costs and strategic initiatives[27] - NSTAR Gas and EGMA's rates are subject to regulation by the DPU, while Yankee Gas is regulated by the PURA, covering aspects like rates and service standards[84] - The DPU has mandated that LDCs submit climate compliance plans every five years starting April 1, 2025, to align with Massachusetts' 2050 climate goals[90] Environmental and Sustainability Initiatives - Eversource aims for a 45% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2050, focusing on absolute emissions reductions rather than carbon offsets[124] - From 2018 to 2024, Eversource achieved nearly a 30% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions through initiatives like improved energy efficiency and replacing leak-prone natural gas pipes[125] - The company is exploring alternative technologies such as networked geothermal for heating and cooling to reduce carbon intensity[125] Financial and Risk Management - Eversource's Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) program identifies and mitigates principal risks, integrating with compliance, auditing, and insurance functions[489] - All of Eversource's long-term debt was at a fixed interest rate as of December 31, 2025, significantly reducing interest rate risk[490] - If unsecured debt ratings fall below investment grade, Eversource's contracts would require additional collateral in the form of cash or letters of credit[493] Operational Performance and Metrics - NSTAR Electric's service quality metrics showed that the company achieved results at or above target for all metrics in 2025, avoiding any SQ charge[56] - Eversource's safety performance metric, Days Away Restricted Time (DART), increased from 0.76 in 2024 to 0.87 in 2025, indicating a need for continued focus on safety improvements[133] - NSTAR Gas incurred approximately $1.6 million in service quality charges for failing to meet performance metrics in 2025, recorded as a regulatory liability[91] Employee and Workforce Information - As of December 31, 2025, Eversource employed 10,731 employees, with approximately 49% being union members covered by collective bargaining agreements[132] - The company is committed to fostering a safe and healthy work environment, offering competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits to attract and retain talent[142]

Core Viewpoint - UBS maintains a Neutral rating for Eversource Energy and raises the price target from $75 to $80, reflecting confidence in the company's future performance [2][5] Financial Performance - Eversource reported earnings of $1.69 billion, or $4.56 per share for 2025, a significant increase from 2024's earnings of $811.7 million, or $2.27 per share [2][5] - The company's non-GAAP recurring earnings for 2025 were $1.77 billion, or $4.76 per share, indicating strong operational performance [3][5] Stock Performance - The stock price has risen by $3.04, a 4.32% increase, with a current trading range between $70.59 and $74.13 [3] - Over the past year, Eversource's stock reached a high of $75.25 and a low of $52.28, with a market capitalization of approximately $27.52 billion and a trading volume of 4,278,991 shares [4]