Is Dominion Energy the Smartest Investment You Can Make Today?

Core Viewpoint - Dominion Energy presents attractive features for dividend investors despite concerns over past management decisions and dividend cuts [1][5] Group 1: Dividend Performance - Dominion Energy projected continued dividend growth before selling pipeline assets to Berkshire Hathaway, leading to a material cash flow loss and a subsequent dividend reset [2] - The company made a single dividend increase before conducting a year-long business review, resulting in further asset sales without cutting the dividend, but indicating a need to strengthen the balance sheet before resuming dividend growth [4][5] - The 2025 dividend guidance is set at $2.67 per share, the same as in 2024, indicating that the company's revamp is still ongoing despite reasonable overall business performance [5] Group 2: Investment Appeal - Dominion Energy offers a dividend yield of 5%, significantly higher than the average utility yield of around 2.9%, enhancing income for dividend investors [7] - The company projects 5% to 7% earnings growth supported by a $50 billion capital investment plan, which is a 16% increase from the previous year [8] - Key components of the capital investment plan include renewable energy projects and assets for data centers and AI, with a notable 88% increase in demand from data centers in Virginia between July and December 2024 [9] Group 3: Future Outlook - Long-term dividend investors may find it wise to invest in Dominion Energy now, as the company has streamlined its operations and is focused on executing its growth plan [10] - The elevated yield provides a generous return while waiting for the anticipated return of dividend growth, which could lead to a higher valuation from Wall Street once it occurs [10]