4 Utility Stocks to Buy as Consumer Confidence Sinks to 12-Year Low

Economic Overview - U.S. consumer confidence declined to 92.9 in March, down 7.2 points from the previous month, missing the consensus estimate of 93.5 [4] - The Expectations Index fell 9.6 points to 65.2, marking its lowest level in 12 years, with readings below 80 indicating potential recession [4] - Concerns over President Trump's tariffs and inflation are contributing to the decline in consumer confidence and investor sentiment [6][7] Utility Stocks Investment - Utility stocks are recommended as defensive investments in the current economic climate, with Avista Corporation (AVA), CMS Energy Corporation (CMS), NiSource Inc. (NI), and CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (CNP) identified as strong picks [2] - These stocks have a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) and are categorized as low-beta stocks, which are less volatile [3] Company-Specific Insights Avista Corporation - Avista Corporation has an expected earnings growth rate of 14% for the current year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 3.6% over the past 60 days [9] - The company has a beta of 0.46 and a current dividend yield of 4.94% [9] CMS Energy Corporation - CMS Energy Corporation has an expected earnings growth rate of 7.8% for the current year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 0.3% over the last 60 days [12] - The company has a beta of 0.35 and a current dividend yield of 2.97% [12] NiSource Inc. - NiSource Inc. has an expected earnings growth rate of 9.1% for the current year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 2.7% over the past 60 days [14] - The company has a beta of 0.50 and a current dividend yield of 2.81% [14] CenterPoint Energy, Inc. - CenterPoint Energy has an expected earnings growth rate of 8% for the current year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 0.6% over the last 60 days [16] - The company has a beta of 0.91 and a current dividend yield of 2.46% [16]