Core Points - Fortis Inc. has declared dividends payable on September 1, 2025, to shareholders of record as of August 19, 2025 [2] - The common share dividend and preference share dividends are designated as eligible dividends for federal and provincial dividend tax credit purposes [2] - Fortis reported 2024 revenue of $12 billion and total assets of $75 billion as of March 31, 2025 [3] - The company serves utility customers in five Canadian provinces, ten U.S. states, and three Caribbean countries [3] - Fortis shares are listed on the TSX and NYSE under the symbol FTS [3] Dividend Details - The declared dividends include $0.615 per share on Common Shares [4] - Preference Shares dividends include various amounts such as $0.3063 for Series "F" and $0.3826875 for Series "G" [4] - The complete list of preference share dividends includes Series "H" at $0.26144, Series "I" at $0.258545, Series "J" at $0.2969, Series "K" at $0.3418125, and Series "M" at $0.3433125 [4]

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].

Core Viewpoint - Fortis Inc. is set to release its second quarter 2025 financial results on August 1, 2025, with a teleconference and webcast scheduled for the same day at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time [1] Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - The second quarter financial results will be discussed by David Hutchens, President and CEO, and Jocelyn Perry, Executive Vice President and CFO [1] - Shareholders, analysts, and media members are invited to participate in the teleconference via a live webcast on the company's website [2] Group 2: Participation Details - Financial community members in Canada and the U.S. can join the call toll-free at 1.833.821.0229, while international participants can call 1.647.846.2371 [3] - Participants are encouraged to dial in 10 minutes prior to the start of the call, and no access code is required [3] - Pre-registration for the call is available on the company's website, 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 September 1, 2025 [4] Group 4: Company Overview - Fortis is a 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 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 traded on the TSX and NYSE under the symbol FTS [5]

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].

Core Viewpoint - Fortis Inc. is set to release its second quarter 2025 financial results on August 1, 2025, with a teleconference and webcast scheduled for the same day at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time [1] Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - The teleconference will feature discussions led by David Hutchens, President and CEO, and Jocelyn Perry, Executive Vice President and CFO, regarding the Corporation's financial performance for the second quarter [1] - Shareholders, analysts, and media members are invited to participate in the teleconference via a live webcast on the Corporation's website [2] Group 2: Participation Details - Financial community members in Canada and the U.S. 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 early [3] - Pre-registration for the call is available, allowing participants to receive a calendar invite with dial-in details and a unique access code [3] Group 3: Webcast Availability - A live and archived audio webcast of the teleconference will be accessible on the Corporation's website, with a replay available two hours post-call until September 1, 2025 [4] Group 4: Company Overview - Fortis is a leading player in the North American regulated electric and gas utility sector, reporting $12 billion in revenue for 2024 and total assets of $75 billion as of March 31, 2025 [5] - The Corporation 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 TSX and NYSE under the symbol FTS [5]

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]

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]