Core Insights - Fortis reported quarterly earnings of $0.59 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.61 per share, and down from $0.62 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of -3.28% [1] - The company posted revenues of $2.13 billion for the quarter ended September 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.74% and up from $2.03 billion year-over-year [2] - Fortis shares have increased approximately 19.8% year-to-date, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 16.5% [3] Earnings Outlook - The future performance of Fortis stock will largely depend on management's commentary during the earnings call and the company's earnings outlook [4] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.62 on revenues of $2.14 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $2.48 on revenues of $8.98 billion [7] Industry Context - The Utility - Electric Power industry, to which Fortis belongs, is currently ranked in the top 23% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a favorable outlook compared to the bottom 50% [8] - The correlation between near-term stock movements and earnings estimate revisions suggests that tracking these revisions can provide insights into stock performance [5][6]

Core Insights - Fortis Inc. reported third quarter net earnings of $409 million, or $0.81 per common share, a decrease of $11 million compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to income taxes and closing costs related to the sale of FortisTCI [4][6][10] - The company announced a new five-year capital plan totaling $28.8 billion, an increase of $2.8 billion from the previous plan, driven by higher transmission investments and customer growth [3][12][20] - Fortis expects annual dividend growth of 4-6% through 2030, supported by a robust rate base growth projected to increase from $41.9 billion in 2025 to $57.9 billion by 2030 [3][20][22] Financial Performance - Net earnings attributable to common equity shareholders for Q3 2025 were $409 million, or $0.81 per share, down from $0.85 per share in Q3 2024 [4][8] - Adjusted net earnings per common share increased to $0.87, up from $0.85 in the same quarter of 2024 [8][10] - Year-to-date net earnings increased by $114 million, or $0.18 per share, compared to the same period in 2024, driven by rate base growth and favorable exchange rates [6][10] Capital Expenditures and Investments - Capital expenditures for 2025 are expected to be approximately $5.6 billion, up from a previous estimate of $5.2 billion, primarily due to increased transmission investments [11][12] - The new capital plan includes significant investments in transmission and distribution to support load growth and reliability, with only 21% related to major capital projects [12][22] - Fortis has identified additional growth opportunities beyond the five-year plan, including investments associated with the MISO long-range transmission plan [14][22] Dividends and Shareholder Value - The Board of Directors declared a 4.1% increase in the common share dividend for the fourth quarter of 2025, reflecting the company's commitment to shareholder returns [3][16] - The dividend reinvestment plan is expected to provide common equity proceeds to support the capital plan [13][20] Regulatory and Market Developments - The New York State Public Service Commission approved a three-year rate plan for Central Hudson, which includes a 9.5% allowed return on equity [19] - Fortis is experiencing interest from potential new large retail customers in sectors such as manufacturing and data centers, indicating potential for future energy demand growth [15][22] Environmental and Strategic Outlook - Fortis aims to achieve interim greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets of 50% by 2030 and 75% by 2035, although challenges remain [23] - The company remains committed to a coal-free generation mix by 2032 and a net-zero goal by 2050 [23]

Core Points - Fortis Inc. will release its third quarter 2025 financial results and a new five-year capital outlook for 2026-2030 on November 4, 2025 [1] - A teleconference and webcast will take place on the same day at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern) featuring David Hutchens and Jocelyn Perry discussing the financial results and outlook [1] Participation Details - Shareholders, analysts, and media can listen to the teleconference via a live webcast on Fortis' website [2] - North American participants can call toll-free at 1.833.821.0229, while international participants can call 1.647.846.2371, with a recommendation to dial in 10 minutes early [3] Webcast Availability - A live and archived audio webcast will be available on Fortis' website, with a replay accessible two hours after the call until December 4, 2025 [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 $73 billion as of June 30, 2025 [5] - The company employs 9,700 individuals and serves utility customers across five Canadian provinces, ten U.S. states, and the Caribbean [5]

Core Viewpoint - Identifying top dividend stocks is essential, but finding companies capable of sustaining those dividends for many years is significantly more challenging [1] Group 1 - The focus is on companies that not only provide dividends but can also maintain them over the long term [1]

Core Viewpoint - Investors are reassured about their portfolios despite market uncertainties [1] Group 1 - The article addresses concerns of investors who are anxious about their investments [1] - It emphasizes that there are strategies and insights available to help manage investment risks [1]

Core Viewpoint - Fortis Inc. will release its third quarter 2025 financial results and a new five-year capital outlook for 2026-2030 on November 4, 2025, with a teleconference scheduled for the same day [1] Group 1: Financial Results and Outlook - The teleconference will feature discussions led by David Hutchens, President and CEO, and Jocelyn Perry, Executive Vice President and CFO, regarding the third quarter financial results and the five-year capital outlook [1] - Fortis reported a revenue of $12 billion for 2024 and total assets of $73 billion as of June 30, 2025 [5] Group 2: Participation Details - Shareholders, analysts, and media can listen to the teleconference via a live webcast on the company's website [2] - North American participants can join the call toll-free at 1.833.821.0229, while international participants can call 1.647.846.2371, with a recommendation to dial in 10 minutes prior to the start [3] - A live and archived audio webcast will be available on the company's website, with a replay accessible two hours after the call until December 4, 2025 [4]

Core Viewpoint - A revival of "That '70s Show" is anticipated, but it may not meet the entertainment standards of the original series [1] Group 1 - The revival is expected to attract fans of the original show, indicating a potential market interest [1] - Concerns are raised regarding the quality and entertainment value of the new series compared to the original [1]

Core Points - Fortis Inc. has successfully closed a private placement offering of $750 million in subordinated notes with a fixed interest rate of 5.100% due on December 4, 2055 [2] - The offering was facilitated by a syndicate of agents, including major financial institutions such as BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. and Scotia Capital Inc. [2] - Fortis is a leading player in the North American regulated electric and gas utility sector, reporting revenues of $12 billion and total assets of $73 billion as of June 30, 2025 [4] Company Overview - Fortis operates in five Canadian provinces, ten U.S. states, and the Caribbean, employing approximately 9,700 individuals [4] - The company's shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol FTS [4]

Economic Overview - U.S. consumer confidence dropped to 97.4 in August from 98.7 in July, indicating a decline of 1.3 points, with short-term expectations for income, business conditions, and employment also falling to 74.8 [4][5] - Concerns about the economy have been exacerbated by tariffs imposed by President Trump, which have raised inflation fears and impacted consumer confidence [5][6] - A weak labor market, characterized by slow job additions, has further fueled recession fears, despite low layoffs and unemployment rates [7] Investment Recommendations - Given the economic uncertainty, it is advisable to invest in low-beta defensive stocks from the utility and consumer staples sectors, which include Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO), Fortis, Inc. (FTS), Northwest Natural Holding Company (NWN), Ingredion Incorporated (INGR), and Carriage Services, Inc. (CSV) [2][10] - These stocks are characterized by a beta greater than 0 but less than 1, indicating lower volatility, and they also offer high dividend yields [3] Company Profiles - **Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO)**: Engaged in regulated natural gas distribution and storage, serving approximately 3.3 million customers across eight states. Expected earnings growth rate is 7.2% for the current year, with a beta of 0.75 and a dividend yield of 2.09% [8][9] - **Fortis, Inc. (FTS)**: Operates in the electric and gas utility sector, primarily in Canada and the Caribbean. Expected earnings growth rate is 4.6% for the current year, with a beta of 0.48 and a dividend yield of 3.57% [10][11] - **Northwest Natural Holding Company (NWN)**: Focuses on natural gas distribution systems and pipeline projects, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Expected earnings growth rate is 25.3% for the current year, with a beta of 0.59 and a dividend yield of 4.72% [12][13] - **Ingredion Incorporated (INGR)**: Provides ingredient solutions specializing in nature-based sweeteners and starches, serving various sectors. Expected earnings growth rate is 6.7% for the current year, with a beta of 0.77 and a dividend yield of 2.47% [14] - **Carriage Services, Inc. (CSV)**: A leading provider of death care services in the U.S., offering a range of funeral and burial services. Expected earnings growth rate is 23.4% for the current year, with a beta of 0.86 and a dividend yield of 1.03% [15][16]

Core Points - Fortis Inc. has announced a private placement offering of $750 million in 5.100% fixed-to-fixed rate subordinated notes due December 4, 2055 [1] - The offering is being conducted through a syndicate of agents and is expected to close on September 4, 2025 [1][2] - The net proceeds from the offering will be used to reduce borrowings under the corporation's revolving corporate credit facility and for general corporate purposes [2] - Fortis reported 2024 revenue of $12 billion and total assets of $73 billion as of June 30, 2025 [4] - The corporation serves utility customers across five Canadian provinces, ten U.S. states, and the Caribbean with a workforce of 9,700 employees [4]