Core Insights - The article discusses the impact of ongoing inflation on the Federal Reserve's monetary policy and suggests focusing on low-beta defensive stocks to navigate market volatility [2][3][10] Economic Context - Inflation has risen, with the personal consumption expenditure (PCE) index increasing by 2.8% year-over-year in November, moving further away from the Federal Reserve's 2% target [6][8] - Personal income growth has slowed, with increases of 0.1% in October and 0.3% in November, below analysts' expectations [9] Investment Recommendations - Investors are advised to consider low-beta defensive stocks, particularly in the utility and consumer staples sectors, to mitigate market fluctuations [4][5] - Featured stocks include: - **Ameren Corp. (AEE)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 8.2%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.58, dividend yield of 2.78% [12][13] - **Fortis, Inc. (FTS)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 4.2%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.50, dividend yield of 3.46% [14][15] - **ONE Gas, Inc. (OGS)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 11.8%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.81, dividend yield of 3.47% [16] - **Hormel Foods Corp. (HRL)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 6.6%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.33, dividend yield of 4.76% [17] - **J&J Snack Foods Corp. (JJSF)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 4.5%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.34, dividend yield of 3.43% [18][19]

Momentum investing revolves around the idea of following a stock's recent trend in either direction. In "long context," investors will be essentially be "buying high, but hoping to sell even higher." With this methodology, taking advantage of trends in a stock's price is key; once a stock establishes a course, it is more than likely to continue moving that way. The goal is that once a stock heads down a fixed path, it will lead to timely and profitable trades.While many investors like to look for momentum i ...

Market Overview - Volatility has returned to Wall Street, with major indexes giving up gains for the year due to uncertainty over the economy's health and fresh geopolitical tensions [1] - Investors are concerned about the economy's health, as consumer confidence fell to 89.1 in December, a decline of 3.8 points from November's reading of 92.9 [6] Defensive Stock Recommendations - Investors may want to focus on low-beta, defensive stocks, particularly from the utility sector, to cushion against market swings [2] - Recommended companies include: - **Ameren Corporation (AEE)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 8.2%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.58, and a dividend yield of 2.74% [8][10] - **Fortis, Inc. (FTS)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 3.8%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.50, and a dividend yield of 3.48% [12][10] - **Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PEG)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 9.8%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.6, and a dividend yield of 3.17% [14][10] Company Profiles - **Ameren Corporation**: A utility company serving nearly 2.4 million electric and over 900,000 natural gas customers in Missouri and Illinois [7] - **Fortis, Inc.**: Engaged in electric and gas utility business, operating primarily in Canada, the U.S., and the Caribbean [11] - **Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated**: A diversified energy company with regulated electric and gas utility operations primarily in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic U.S. [13]

Core Viewpoint - Fortis Inc. is set to release its 2025 financial results on February 12, 2026, with a teleconference and webcast scheduled for the same day at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time, featuring key executives discussing the results [1]. Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - The financial results for 2025 will be disclosed on February 12, 2026 [1]. - A teleconference and webcast will be held at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on the same day [1]. - Key executives, including the President and CEO David Hutchens and CFO Jocelyn Perry, will present the annual financial results [1]. Group 2: Participation Details - Shareholders, analysts, and media members can access the teleconference via a live webcast on the company's website [2]. - North American participants can call toll-free at 1.833.821.0229, while international participants can call 1.647.846.2371 [3]. - Pre-registration for the call is available, allowing participants to receive a calendar invite with dial-in details [3]. Group 3: Webcast Availability - A live and archived audio webcast of the teleconference will be accessible on the company's website [4]. - A replay of the teleconference will be available two hours after the call until March 12, 2026 [4]. Group 4: Company Overview - Fortis is a diversified leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry, reporting $12 billion in revenue for 2024 and total assets of $75 billion as of September 30, 2025 [5]. - The company employs 9,600 individuals and serves utility customers across five Canadian provinces, ten U.S. states, and the Caribbean [5]. - Fortis shares are traded on the TSX and NYSE under the symbol FTS [5].

Key Takeaways Fortis benefits from transmission expansion, grid modernization and rising energy demand from data centers. FTS plans $28.8B in investments from 2026-2030 to strengthen transmission, distribution and reliability.FTS offers a 3.54% dividend yield and has raised dividends consistently, targeting 46% growth through 2030.Fortis Inc. (FTS) continues to benefit from investments made in the expansion of major transmission projects and from rising demand for energy from data centers.  Grid modernizati ...

Core Thesis - Fortis Inc. is viewed positively due to its stable returns, predictable dividends, and disciplined growth strategy, with a current share price of $51.70 and P/E ratios of 21.69 (trailing) and 20.28 (forward) [1][2] Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, Fortis reported adjusted EPS of $0.87, slightly up from $0.85 in the previous year, attributed to rate base growth and regulatory adjustments at Central Hudson [2] - The company's 5-year capital plan increased by 11% to $28.8 billion, focusing on regulated assets, particularly in U.S. transmission utility ITC [2] Dividend and Capital Structure - Fortis increased its quarterly dividend by 4.1%, achieving 52 consecutive years of dividend growth, solidifying its status as a dividend king [3] - The capital structure remains robust, with no new equity needed and stable leverage, allowing the company to fully fund its growth plan while maintaining flexibility through DRIP and ATM programs [3] Market Position and Outlook - The combination of predictable rate base growth, disciplined capital deployment, and potential demand from AI-driven electricity consumption positions Fortis for continued stability and compounding returns [4] - The stock currently yields 3.56%, slightly below its 5-year average of 3.81%, and is considered a long-term hold for reliable income with limited downside [4] Investment Appeal - Fortis exemplifies the value of regulated cash flows, providing steady results in a volatile market, making it a core holding for income-oriented investors [5] - Additional buying may be considered if valuations become more attractive, reflecting a disciplined investment approach [5]

Group 1 - The article does not provide any relevant content regarding company or industry insights [1]

Core Insights - Fortis Inc. has declared dividends payable on March 1, 2026, for various classes of shares, with specific amounts designated for each type [2][4] - The common share dividend and preference share dividends are eligible for federal and provincial dividend tax credits [2] - Fortis reported a revenue of $12 billion for 2024 and total assets of $75 billion as of September 30, 2025 [3] Dividend Details - The declared dividends include: - $0.64 per share on Common Shares - $0.3063 per share on First Preference Shares, Series "F" - $0.3826875 per share on First Preference Shares, Series "G" - $0.26144 per share on First Preference Shares, Series "H" - $0.232890 per share on First Preference Shares, Series "I" - $0.2969 per share on First Preference Shares, Series "J" - $0.3418125 per share on First Preference Shares, Series "K" - $0.3433125 per share on First Preference Shares, Series "M" [4] Company Overview - Fortis is a diversified leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry, serving utility customers across five Canadian provinces, ten U.S. states, and the Caribbean [3] - The company employs approximately 9,600 individuals [3] - Fortis shares are traded on the TSX and NYSE under the symbol FTS [3]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of including specific stocks in a million-dollar portfolio to counteract inflationary pressures and achieve significant capital appreciation [3][6]. Company Summaries Alphabet (GOOG) - Alphabet's cloud operations experienced a 35% year-over-year growth last quarter, indicating strong performance in this segment [4][6]. - The company is investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI) through its Gemini model, which is crucial for maintaining its market leadership in the AI space [6]. - Recent investments from Berkshire Hathaway in Alphabet reinforce its status as a world-class growth stock with a reasonable valuation [6]. Fortis (FTS) - Fortis is recognized for its stability and strong long-term total returns, driven by consistent dividend growth, boasting a 3.5% current dividend yield and 51 consecutive years of dividend increases [7][8]. - The company announced a $28.8 billion capital spending plan over the next five years, which is expected to enhance its cash flow generation [7]. - Fortis reported a 42% year-over-year increase in earnings per share, attributed to improved operational efficiency and price increases [7]. Coca-Cola (KO) - Coca-Cola is highlighted as a globally recognized brand, with strong total returns similar to Fortis, and is a long-term holding for Warren Buffett [8][9]. - The company faces challenges in maintaining pricing power amid inflationary pressures, but management aims to achieve a $12 billion cash flow target within the next year [9].

Core Viewpoint - The comparison between Portland General Electric (POR) and Fortis (FTS) indicates that POR is currently a more attractive option for value investors due to its stronger earnings outlook and favorable valuation metrics [1][3][7]. Valuation Metrics - Portland General Electric has a forward P/E ratio of 15.38, while Fortis has a forward P/E of 20.86, suggesting that POR is undervalued compared to FTS [5]. - The PEG ratio for POR is 4.53, compared to FTS's PEG ratio of 4.86, indicating that POR may offer better value when considering expected earnings growth [5]. - The P/B ratio for POR is 1.41, while FTS has a P/B ratio of 1.46, further supporting the notion that POR is relatively undervalued [6]. Earnings Outlook - Portland General Electric is experiencing an improving earnings outlook, which enhances its attractiveness in the Zacks Rank model [7].