Fortis (FTS) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.55 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.51 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.49 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of +7.84%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this electric and gas utility would post earnings of $0.69 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.7, delivering a surprise of +1.45%.Over the last four quarters, the co ...

Core Insights - Fortis Inc. reported strong second quarter results for 2025, with net earnings of $384 million or $0.76 per common share, reflecting a $53 million increase from the same period in 2024 [3][8] - The company is executing a disciplined capital plan and regulatory growth strategy, positioning itself well for achieving its objectives for the year [3] Financial Performance - Net earnings for the first half of 2025 reached $883 million, or $1.76 per common share, an increase of $93 million compared to the same period in 2024 [4] - The increase in earnings was driven by rate base growth across utilities, including FortisBC Energy's Eagle Mountain Pipeline project and higher earnings at Central Hudson [3][4] - The weighted average number of common shares outstanding increased, largely due to the dividend reinvestment plan [5] Capital and Growth Updates - Fortis is on track with its $5.2 billion annual capital plan, having invested $2.9 billion in the first half of 2025 [6] - The Roadrunner Reserve 1 battery storage project, with a capacity of 200 MW, was placed in service, facilitating renewable energy integration [6] - Tucson Electric Power (TEP) plans to convert 793 MW of coal-fired generation to natural gas by 2030, which will not materially impact the current five-year capital plan [7] Regulatory Developments - TEP filed a general rate application for new rates effective September 1, 2026, requesting a net increase of US$172 million in retail revenue [13] - Central Hudson filed a joint proposal for a three-year rate plan with a continuation of a 9.5% allowed return on equity [14] Sustainability Efforts - Fortis achieved a 34% reduction in scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions through 2024 compared to 2019 levels [15] - The company aims for a coal-free generation mix by 2032 and a net-zero goal by 2050, although interim GHG reduction targets may take longer to achieve [16] Outlook - Fortis expects its $26.0 billion five-year capital plan to increase the midyear rate base from $39.0 billion in 2024 to $53.0 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.5% [18] - The company anticipates long-term growth in rate base will drive earnings that support dividend growth guidance of 4-6% annually through 2029 [18]

Market Overview - Wall Street experienced a sharp retreat after the Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates unchanged in the range of 4.25-4.50% [4][5] - Investor optimism faded following the announcement, leading to increased market volatility [1] - The uncertainty surrounding President Trump's impending tariff decisions is contributing to market fluctuations [1][7] Investment Recommendations - It is advisable to invest in safe-haven defensive stocks from the utility sector, including ONE Gas, Inc. (OGS), Fortis, Inc. (FTS), Northwest Natural Holding Company (NWN), and IDACORP, Inc. (IDA) [2] - These stocks are categorized as low-beta (beta greater than 0 but less than 1), making them suitable for investors seeking stability [3] Company Profiles ONE Gas, Inc. (OGS) - OGS is a regulated natural gas distribution utility serving over 2.3 million customers across Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas [9] - Expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 9.7%, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 0.2% over the last 60 days [11] - OGS has a beta of 0.80 and a current dividend yield of 3.68% [11] Fortis, Inc. (FTS) - Fortis operates in the electric and gas utility sector, primarily in Canada, the U.S., and the Caribbean [12] - The expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 4.2%, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 0.8% over the last 60 days [12] - FTS has a beta of 0.48 and a current dividend yield of 3.63% [12] Northwest Natural Holding Company (NWN) - NWN builds and maintains natural gas distribution systems and invests in pipeline projects, serving customers in the U.S. and Canada [13] - The expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 23.6%, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 1.4% over the last 60 days [14] - NWN has a beta of 0.53 and a current dividend yield of 4.83% [14] IDACORP, Inc. (IDA) - IDA is involved in the transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity services in southern Idaho and eastern Oregon [15] - The expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 6%, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 0.3% over the last 60 days [15] - IDA has a beta of 0.56 and a current dividend yield of 2.81% [15]

ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland and Labrador, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This news release constitutes a "Designated News Release" incorporated by reference in the prospectus supplement dated December 9, 2024 to Fortis' short form base shelf prospectus dated December 9, 2024. Fortis shares are listed on the TSX and NYSE and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com, www.sedarplus.ca, or www.sec.gov. For more information, please contact: The Board of Directors of ...

Market Overview - Wall Street has experienced a rally, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq reaching multiple record highs due to positive trade negotiations and a strong earnings season [1] - Despite the rally, concerns about the economy persist, particularly regarding high inflation and the Federal Reserve's stance on interest rates [2][8] Federal Reserve Insights - The Federal Reserve is expected to maintain interest rates in the range of 4.25-4.5% during the upcoming FOMC meeting, with no cuts anticipated [5][8] - Retail sales increased by 0.6% in June, indicating resilient consumer spending despite inflationary pressures [5] - The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.3% in June, influenced by higher consumer goods prices due to tariffs [6] Investment Recommendations - It is advisable to invest in low-beta defensive stocks from the utility and consumer staples sectors, which include Entergy Corporation, Fortis, Inc., Northwest Natural Holding Company, and Ingredion Incorporated [3][4] - These stocks are characterized by high dividend yields and favorable Zacks Ranks, making them appealing amid inflation and interest rate uncertainties [11] Company Profiles Entergy Corporation - Engaged in electric power production and retail distribution, with a generating capacity of 30,000 MW, including over 8,000 MW of nuclear capacity [9] - Expected earnings growth rate of 6.6% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank of 2 and a dividend yield of 2.72% [10] Fortis, Inc. - Operates in the electric and gas utility sector, primarily in Canada and the Caribbean [12] - Expected earnings growth rate of 4.2% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank of 2 and a dividend yield of 3.63% [12] Northwest Natural Holding Company - Focuses on natural gas distribution systems and pipeline projects, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers [13] - Expected earnings growth rate of 23.6% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank of 2 and a dividend yield of 4.80% [14] Ingredion Incorporated - Provides ingredient solutions, specializing in nature-based sweeteners and starches for various industries [15] - Expected earnings growth rate of 6.8% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank of 2 and a dividend yield of 2.40% [16]

Core Viewpoint - Fortis (FTS) is anticipated to report a year-over-year increase in earnings driven by higher revenues, with a consensus outlook suggesting a positive earnings picture for the company [1][3]. Earnings Expectations - The upcoming earnings report is expected to reveal quarterly earnings of $0.51 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of +4.1% [3]. - Revenues are projected to reach $2.01 billion, which is a 3.2% increase compared to the same quarter last year [3]. Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate for Fortis has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, indicating stability in analyst expectations [4]. - The Most Accurate Estimate for Fortis is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in an Earnings ESP of +1.48%, suggesting a bullish outlook from analysts [12]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - A positive Earnings ESP reading indicates a likely earnings beat, especially when combined with a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [10][12]. - Fortis has a Zacks Rank of 2, enhancing the probability of exceeding the consensus EPS estimate [12]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Fortis exceeded the expected earnings of $0.69 per share by delivering $0.70, resulting in a surprise of +1.45% [13]. - Over the past four quarters, Fortis has consistently beaten consensus EPS estimates [14]. Industry Context - IdaCorp (IDA), another player in the electric utility sector, is expected to report earnings of $1.7 per share, indicating a year-over-year decline of -0.6% [18]. - IdaCorp's revenues are anticipated to be $453.36 million, reflecting a slight increase of 0.5% from the previous year [18].

ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland and Labrador, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fortis Inc. ("Fortis" or the "Corporation") (TSX/NYSE: FTS) will release its second quarter 2025 financial results on Friday, August 1, 2025. A teleconference and webcast will be held the same day at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern). David Hutchens, President and Chief Executive Officer and Jocelyn Perry, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer will discuss the Corporation's second quarter financial results. Shareholders, analysts, mem ...

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve is maintaining a cautious stance regarding interest rate cuts due to concerns over inflationary pressures from tariffs imposed by President Trump, leading to uncertainty in the market [1][5][6]. Federal Reserve Meeting Insights - The minutes from the latest Federal Reserve meeting indicate that most officials are not in a hurry to implement an immediate rate cut, suggesting a wait-and-see approach [2][5]. - A delay in rate cuts could lead to increased volatility in the stock market [2][7]. - Most participants believe that any inflationary impact from tariffs will be temporary or modest, and there is no urgency for rate cuts in the near term [6]. Investment Recommendations - Given the current uncertainty, it is advisable to invest in defensive stocks from the utility and consumer staples sectors, which are considered safe havens [3][11]. - Recommended stocks include: - **Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 6%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.70, and a dividend yield of 2.27% [9]. - **Fortis, Inc. (FTS)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 3.8%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.48, and a dividend yield of 3.81% [13]. - **Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 1.7%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.37, and a dividend yield of 2.27% [15]. - **The Coca-Cola Company (KO)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 3.1%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.45, and a dividend yield of 2.94% [17]. Stock Characteristics - The recommended stocks are characterized by low beta (greater than 0 but less than 1), high dividend yields, and favorable Zacks Ranks, making them attractive in the current market environment [4][11].

ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland and Labrador, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fortis Inc. ("Fortis" or the "Corporation") (TSX/NYSE: FTS) will release its second quarter 2025 financial results on Friday, August 1, 2025. A teleconference and webcast will be held the same day at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern). David Hutchens, President and Chief Executive Officer and Jocelyn Perry, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer will discuss the Corporation's second quarter financial results. Shareholders, analysts, mem ...

Economic Overview - Consumer confidence index declined to 93 in June, a 5.4-point drop from May's 98.4, and significantly lower than the expected rise to 100 [4][10] - Concerns over job availability and uncertainty regarding President Trump's tariffs contributed to the decline in consumer confidence [5][10] - The labor market differential fell to 11.1 in June from 12.7 in May, marking its lowest point in four years [5] Investment Recommendations - It is advisable to invest in safe-haven defensive stocks from the utility and consumer staples sectors, including Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO), NiSource Inc. (NI), Fortis, Inc. (FTS), Ingredion Incorporated (INGR), and Altria Group, Inc. (MO) [2][10] - These stocks are categorized as low-beta (beta greater than 0 but less than 1) and are expected to provide high dividend yields along with favorable Zacks Ranks [3][10] Company Profiles Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) - Engaged in regulated natural gas distribution and storage, serving approximately 3.3 million customers across eight states [9] - Expected earnings growth rate of 6% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 2.22% [11] NiSource Inc. (NI) - Provides natural gas and electricity to around 3.7 million customers in six states, with one of the largest natural gas distribution networks in the U.S. [12] - Expected earnings growth rate of 7.4% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 2.76% [13] Fortis, Inc. (FTS) - Operates in the electric and gas utility business, primarily in Canada, the U.S., and the Caribbean [14] - Expected earnings growth rate of 3.4% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 3.76% [15] Ingredion Incorporated (INGR) - Specializes in nature-based sweeteners, starches, and nutrition ingredients, serving various sectors [16] - Expected earnings growth rate of 6.1% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 2.33% [17] Altria Group, Inc. (MO) - Evolving beyond traditional cigarettes into the smokeless category due to rising health consciousness and regulatory pressures [18] - Expected earnings growth rate of 4.9% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 6.81% [19]