3 Utility Stocks to Buy Ahead of Market Jitters

Core Viewpoint - The utility sector remains relevant for investors seeking stability amid market volatility, with a focus on utility stocks as a safer investment option [1]. Group 1: Duke Energy (DUK) - Duke Energy operates in two segments: Electric Utilities and Infrastructure, and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure, with a strong coverage map in regions experiencing population growth [2]. - For fiscal 2023, Duke's average quarterly earnings were 3.2% below parity, but analysts project an improvement with EPS expected to rise to $5.97 from $5.56 last year, and revenue anticipated to reach $30.18 billion, up 3.8% from $29.06 billion [3]. Group 2: American Water Works (AWK) - American Water Works focuses on regulated water services and waste management, serving approximately 3.5 million customers across 1,700 communities in 14 states [4]. - Despite a nearly 10% decline in equity value since the start of the year and a 20% drop over the past 52 weeks, analysts expect EPS to improve to $5.24 in fiscal 2024 from $4.90 in 2023, with revenue projected at $4.42 billion, up 4.5% from $4.23 billion [4][5]. Group 3: Portland General Electric (POR) - Portland General Electric is an integrated electric utility in Oregon, involved in various aspects of electricity generation and distribution, with a focus on areas experiencing positive net migration [5]. - Analysts forecast a recovery in fiscal 2024, with EPS expected to rise to $3.07 on revenue of $3.03 billion, compared to last year's EPS of $2.38 and revenue of $2.92 billion [6].