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].

Core Insights - Fortis Inc. (FTS) is benefiting from investments in major transmission projects and increasing energy demand from data centers, which enhances service reliability and supports an expanding customer base [1][8] Growth Projection & Surprise History - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Fortis' 2026 earnings per share is $2.56, indicating a year-over-year growth of 3.23% [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 revenues is $9.26 billion, suggesting a year-over-year improvement of 5.50% [2] - The company's long-term earnings growth rate is projected at 4.29%, with an average earnings surprise of 2.38% over the last four quarters [3] Stable Investments - Fortis plans to invest $28.8 billion from 2026 to 2030, focusing on strengthening transmission and distribution projects, supporting load growth, reliability, and future generation interconnections [4][8] Dividend History - Fortis has a dividend yield of 3.54%, higher than the industry average of 2.91%, and announced a first-quarter 2026 dividend of 64 cents per share, leading to an annualized dividend of $2.56 [5] - The company aims for long-term dividend growth of 4-6% by 2030 [5] Share Price Performance - Over the past three months, Fortis' stock has gained 2.3%, contrasting with a 4.1% decline in the industry [7]

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].

Group 1: Canadian Energy Sector Overview - The Canadian energy sector, particularly oil and gas stocks, has reached a new all-time high, including dividends, reflecting strong performance [2][4] - The investment thesis for Canadian oil and gas stocks has proven successful, with the index (XEG-T) increasing by 410% since October 2020, as companies have heavily invested in their projects and are well-positioned for lower price environments [4][8] - Canadian pipeline companies are also increasing their volumes, with TC Energy and Enbridge being highlighted as strong performers in the sector [6][8] Group 2: Key Companies in the Sector - Major companies such as Canadian Natural Resources (CNQ), Imperial Oil (IMO), Suncor Energy (SU), and Tourmaline Oil (TOU) are favored investments, with many accounts holding these stocks [5] - Fortis Inc. reported net earnings of CAD 409 million for Q3 2025 and increased its dividend by 4.1%, with a capital plan of CAD 28.8 billion for 2026-2030 [17] - Brookfield Infrastructure Partners operates in various sectors, including utilities, and has a valuation that is 7.9% higher than its current price [19] Group 3: Performance and Future Outlook - The performance of Canadian energy holdings is beneficial for Canadian investors and indices, with materials being a significant driver of stock outperformance compared to the U.S. [8][12] - Analysts have noted the durability of earnings in Canadian regulated utilities, with companies like Fortis and Hydro One showing strong growth trajectories [11][12] - The long-term outlook for the utility sector suggests a reliable total return in the high-single to low-double digits, driven by sustainable dividend growth [12]

Core Insights - Fortis Construction has appointed Michele Leiva and Briston Blair to its Board of Directors, enhancing its commitment to strategic growth and purpose-driven operations [1][2] - The appointments reflect Fortis' focus on diversity and inclusion, with Michele Leiva being the first female board member [2] - Both new board members bring extensive experience in the construction industry, which will aid in guiding Fortis' strategic decisions and expansion efforts [2][4] Company Overview - Fortis Construction is an employee-owned general contractor with a focus on making a positive impact through relationships, projects, and community service [5] - The company operates in various markets, including data centers, science & technology, commercial, healthcare, and education, with a workforce of over 600 employees [5] Board Member Profiles - Michele Leiva has over 40 years of experience in the construction industry, previously serving as Chief Financial Officer at DPR Construction, where she significantly influenced the company's financial strategy [2][3] - Briston Blair has more than 20 years of experience in operations and technology, currently serving as Senior Vice President of Innovation & Strategy at Comfort Systems USA, with a strong understanding of the construction ecosystem [3][4] Strategic Focus - The appointments of Leiva and Blair are expected to support Fortis in navigating industry challenges and opportunities, emphasizing innovation, partnership, and operational excellence [4] - Fortis aims to deliver high-performance solutions for complex projects, including hyperscale data centers and advanced research facilities, reflecting its reputation for pioneering in the construction sector [4]