Market Overview - Volatility has returned to Wall Street due to escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, with the U.S. gradually getting involved [2][5] - The Dow declined by 0.7%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq fell by 0.8% and 0.9%, respectively [5] - Recent geopolitical tensions have unsettled markets, which could remain volatile for an extended period [9] Investment Recommendations - It is advisable to invest in safe-haven defensive stocks from the utility sector, including Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO), Fortis, Inc. (FTS), MDU Resources Group, Inc. (MDU), and NiSource Inc. (NI) [3][11] - These stocks are characterized by low beta (greater than 0 but less than 1), high dividend yields, and favorable Zacks Ranks [4][11] Company Profiles Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) - Engaged in regulated natural gas distribution and storage, serving approximately 3.3 million customers across eight states [10] - Expected earnings growth rate of 6% for the current year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 0.6% over the last 60 days [12] - Current dividend yield is 2.27% and beta is 0.71 [12] Fortis, Inc. (FTS) - Operates in the electric and gas utility business, primarily in Canada, the U.S., and the Caribbean [13] - Expected earnings growth rate of 3.4% for the current year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 3.3% over the last 60 days [14] - Current dividend yield is 3.70% and beta is 0.49 [14] MDU Resources Group, Inc. (MDU) - Provides value-added natural resource products and regulated energy delivery services [15] - Expected earnings growth rate of 5.6% for the current year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 1.1% over the last 60 days [15] - Current dividend yield is 3.18% and beta is 0.72 [15] NiSource Inc. (NI) - Delivers natural gas and electricity to approximately 3.7 million customers across six states [16] - Expected earnings growth rate of 7.4% for the current year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 0.5% over the last 60 days [17] - Current dividend yield is 2.83% and beta is 0.54 [17]

Group 1 - Fortis Inc. is a utility company that provides energy to millions of customers [1] - The company has attracted attention for its operations in the utility sector [1] Group 2 - Nabeel Bukhari, a law graduate with expertise in financial analysis, offers insights into business dynamics relevant to the financial realm [1]

Group 1 - The article discusses the interest in Canadian utility companies, particularly highlighting their appeal to conservative, income-generating investment strategies [1] - The target demographic for these investment strategies is characterized as middle-aged individuals, specifically Generation X, who are seeking to increase their income in a challenging economic environment [1] Group 2 - The article does not provide specific financial data or performance metrics related to the companies mentioned [2][3]

Core Points - Fortis Inc. announced the conversion of its Series H and Series I preference shares, with 11,298 Series H Shares converted to Series I Shares and 248,830 Series I Shares converted to Series H Shares [1] - Following the conversions, Fortis has 7,902,614 Series H Shares and 2,097,386 Series I Shares outstanding, both of which will continue to be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange [1] - The Series H Shares will pay a fixed annual dividend rate of 4.183 percent starting June 1, 2025, while the Series I Shares will pay a floating quarterly dividend based on an annual rate of 4.103 percent for the first period [2][3] Company Overview - Fortis is a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry, reporting revenue of $12 billion for 2024 and total assets of $75 billion as of March 31, 2025 [5] - The company employs 9,800 individuals and serves utility customers across five Canadian provinces, ten U.S. states, and three Caribbean countries [5] - Fortis shares are publicly traded on both the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol FTS [5]

For those looking to find strong Utilities stocks, it is prudent to search for companies in the group that are outperforming their peers. Has Fortis (FTS) been one of those stocks this year? By taking a look at the stock's year-to-date performance in comparison to its Utilities peers, we might be able to answer that question.Fortis is a member of the Utilities sector. This group includes 106 individual stocks and currently holds a Zacks Sector Rank of #2. The Zacks Sector Rank includes 16 different groups a ...

Group 1 - Fortis Inc. (FTS) is a Canadian electric and gas utility company with a Zacks Rank 1, and its current year earnings estimate increased by 4.2% over the last 60 days [1] - Fortis' shares have gained 9.5% over the last three months, while the S&P 500 declined by 1%, indicating strong performance [1] - The company has a Momentum Score of A, reflecting its strong momentum characteristics [1] Group 2 - MGIC Investment Corporation (MTG) is a mortgage insurance company with a Zacks Rank 1, and its current year earnings estimate increased by 1.8% over the last 60 days [2] - MGIC's shares have gained 8.9% over the last three months, compared to the S&P 500's decline of 1%, showcasing solid performance [2] - The company possesses a Momentum Score of B, indicating good momentum characteristics [2]

Group 1: Fortis Inc. (FTS) - Fortis Inc. is a Canadian electric and gas utility company with a Zacks Rank 1 [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Fortis' current year earnings has increased by 4.2% over the last 60 days [1] - Fortis has a dividend yield of 3.6%, which is higher than the industry average of 3.1% [1] Group 2: MGIC Investment Corporation (MTG) - MGIC Investment Corporation is a mortgage insurance company with a Zacks Rank 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MGIC's current year earnings has increased by 1.8% over the last 60 days [2] - MGIC has a dividend yield of nearly 2%, compared to the industry average of 1.7% [2]

ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland and Labrador, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fortis Inc. ("Fortis" or the "Corporation") (TSX/NYSE: FTS) announced the voting results from its Annual Meeting of Shareholders held today. Shareholders voted in favour of all items of business before the meeting, including electing the nominated directors, appointing Deloitte LLP as the Corporation's auditors, and approving the non-binding advisory vote regarding the Corporation's approach to executive compensation. Election of Direct ...

Core Insights - The author transitioned from a traditional financial career to focus on personal finance education through online platforms [1] Group 1: Background and Experience - The author has a background in finance-marketing, holding a bachelor's degree, CFP title, and an MBA in financial services [1] - The author worked in private banking for five years before deciding to pursue a different path [1] Group 2: Career Transition - In 2016, the author traveled across North America and Central America with family, which influenced the decision to leave the financial industry [1] - The author quit the traditional job in 2017 to help others with personal finance through investing websites [1]

For those looking to find strong Utilities stocks, it is prudent to search for companies in the group that are outperforming their peers. Has Fortis (FTS) been one of those stocks this year? A quick glance at the company's year-to-date performance in comparison to the rest of the Utilities sector should help us answer this question.Fortis is one of 106 individual stocks in the Utilities sector. Collectively, these companies sit at #1 in the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank gauges the strength of our ...