The stock market is having a rough start to the year. The S&P 500 is down about 15% from its recent peak. Many stocks have fallen even more. Despite its robust growth, Broadcom shares have sunk more than 30% from their recent peak. That has knocked its valuation down to about 25.7 times forward earnings. While that's not exorbitant for a company growing as fast as Broadcom, it's higher than the broader market indexes. The S&P 500 trades at less than 20 times its forward earnings, while the Nasdaq-100 fetche ...

Investment Rating - The report assigns an "Overweight" rating to Tenaga Nasional (TENA.KL) with a price target of RM16.30, reflecting a 22% upside from the current price of RM13.38 [7]. Core Insights - The power market is expected to remain tight, but risks related to US chip exports to South Asia have emerged, prompting a reduction in the price target from RM20.60 to RM16.30 [1][5]. - Tenaga Nasional has experienced a 35% re-rating in 2024 due to higher-than-expected power demand and positive surprises in data center growth in Malaysia [2]. - The tightening of export controls on chips for China data centers and tariffs on Malaysian semiconductors pose risks to Tenaga's growth narrative, leading to adjustments in the cost of capital and long-term growth expectations [2][3]. Summary by Sections Price Target and Valuation - The price target for Tenaga Nasional has been lowered to RM16.30 from RM20.60, reflecting increased risks associated with slower power demand growth [5][37]. - The implied target multiple has been adjusted from approximately 20x to 16x due to anticipated slower growth in power demand [5]. Financial Performance and Projections - Revenue projections for 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027 are RM65,835 million, RM71,203 million, RM73,352 million, and RM75,278 million respectively [30]. - Earnings per share (EPS) estimates for 2025, 2026, and 2027 have been revised to RM0.90, RM1.00, and RM1.09, reflecting a decrease of 2%, 4%, and 13% respectively [34][33]. Market Dynamics - Load utilization in February 2025 was reported at 700MW, indicating a significant increase from 400MW in December 2024, with no slowdown observed in the data center pipeline [4]. - The report notes that Tenaga's data center pipeline remains robust, with 39 additional projects in the application stage and 60 at pre-consultation [4][21]. Regulatory and Economic Factors - The regulatory environment is expected to support Tenaga's capital expenditures, allowing for sustained dividends at a yield of 4% and earnings growth of 6-7% CAGR, even if data center demand disappoints in 2025 [5][41]. - The report highlights that Tenaga's profitability is set to benefit from energy transition investments and a growing demand for power, particularly from data centers [16][41].

Core Viewpoint - Dividend stocks can provide a combination of attractive and growing dividend income along with stock price appreciation, helping investors grow their wealth steadily [1] Group 1: Dividend Stocks Overview - Johnson & Johnson, Invitation Homes, and NextEra Energy are highlighted as top dividend stocks, each offering yields over 3%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's yield of 0.13% [2] - These companies have a strong history of increasing their dividend payments, which is expected to continue [2][13] Group 2: Johnson & Johnson - Johnson & Johnson currently has a dividend yield of 3.3%, generating $3.30 of dividend income annually for every $100 invested [4] - The company boasts a AAA-bond rating and a strong balance sheet with $13.5 billion in net debt against $38.8 billion in cash, supporting its $11.8 billion dividend outlay from $20 billion in free cash flow last year [5] - The company has increased its dividend by 4.8%, marking 63 consecutive years of growth, placing it among the elite Dividend Kings [6] - Johnson & Johnson invests heavily in R&D, with $17 billion spent last year, and has made over $30 billion in acquisitions, which are expected to support future dividend growth [7] Group 3: Invitation Homes - Invitation Homes has a dividend yield of 3.4% and owns or manages over 110,000 rental homes in high-demand markets, ensuring steady income [8] - The company has acquisition channels for purchasing newly built homes and currently has over 2,000 homes under construction, contributing to its growth [9] - Invitation Homes raised its dividend by 3.6% last December and has consistently increased its dividend since going public in 2017 [9] Group 4: NextEra Energy - NextEra Energy offers a dividend yield of 3.4% and generates stable cash flow from electricity demand and regulated rate structures [10] - The company is a leading investor in renewable energy infrastructure, expecting to grow its adjusted earnings per share at the high end of its 6% to 8% annual target range through at least 2027 [11] - NextEra anticipates a 10% annual increase in its dividend payout, having achieved a 10% compound annual growth rate over the past 20 years [12]

Core Viewpoint - Xcel Energy is expected to report a year-over-year increase in earnings and revenues, with the actual results being crucial for stock price movement [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - The consensus EPS estimate for Xcel is $0.96 per share, reflecting a +9.1% change year-over-year [3]. - Revenues are anticipated to be $3.93 billion, which is a 7.8% increase from the previous year [3]. Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised down by 4.03% over the last 30 days, indicating a reassessment by analysts [4]. - A positive Earnings ESP of +0.70% suggests analysts have recently become more optimistic about Xcel's earnings prospects [10][11]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model indicates that a positive reading is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, especially when combined with a Zacks Rank of 1, 2, or 3 [8]. - Xcel currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3, indicating a likelihood of beating the consensus EPS estimate [11]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Xcel was expected to post earnings of $0.87 per share but delivered only $0.81, resulting in a -6.90% surprise [12]. - Over the past four quarters, Xcel has only beaten consensus EPS estimates once [13]. Conclusion - Xcel is viewed as a compelling candidate for an earnings beat, but investors should consider other factors influencing stock performance [16].

Core Viewpoint - The stock market has experienced a significant decline this year due to tariff concerns, leading to increased dividend yields for high-quality companies, providing investors with opportunities for durable passive income streams even amid economic downturns [1]. Group 1: Dominion Energy - Dominion Energy currently offers a dividend yield of 5.1%, supported by stable cash flow from electricity and natural gas supply in Virginia and the Carolinas [2]. - The company is investing $50 billion through 2029 to expand power generation, anticipating increased electricity demand from AI data centers and onshoring manufacturing, which is expected to grow earnings per share by 5% to 7% annually [3]. Group 2: NNN REIT - NNN REIT has a dividend yield of 5.8%, generating steady rental income from a portfolio of single-tenant net lease retail properties where tenants cover all operating costs [4]. - The REIT pays out less than 70% of its cash flow in dividends, projecting $200 million in post-dividend free cash flow for reinvestment in additional income-generating properties, and has increased its dividend for 35 consecutive years [5]. Group 3: Brookfield Infrastructure - Brookfield Infrastructure offers a dividend yield of around 5%, with 85% of its funds from operations supported by government-regulated rate structures or long-term contracts [6]. - The company retains 60% to 70% of its stable cash flow for reinvestment, focusing on growing its business and upgrading infrastructure, with expected FFO per share growth of over 10% annually, supporting 5% to 9% dividend growth [7]. Group 4: Verizon - Verizon's dividend yield is 6.2%, with recurring cash flow from wireless and broadband services, generating $36.9 billion last year [8]. - The company is investing $17.1 billion in capital expenditures and has $8.6 billion in excess free cash, which is used to strengthen its balance sheet and support its dividend payments [9]. - Verizon is acquiring Frontier Communications for $20 billion to enhance its fiber network, with investments in fiber and 5G expected to grow cash flow and continue its 18-year dividend growth streak [10]. Group 5: Oneok - Oneok has a dividend yield of 5%, supported by stable cash flow from government-regulated rate structures and long-term contracts [11]. - The company is diversifying and expanding its midstream platform through major acquisitions and organic capital projects, positioning itself for 3% to 4% annual dividend growth while maintaining a trend of dividend stability for over 25 years [12]. Group 6: High-Yielding Dividend Stocks - The recent stock market sell-off has led to increased dividend yields, with many high-quality companies offering payouts of 5% and above, providing attractive income streams for investors [13].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the search for defensive investment opportunities to enhance portfolio stability in a challenging economic environment, particularly focusing on income-generating strategies favored by a Generation X investor [1]. Group 1: Investment Strategy - The investor profile described is a Generation X individual who is over-educated and under-funded, seeking ways to increase income [1]. - The investment approach leans towards conservative, income-generating strategies typically associated with older investors, while also recognizing the value of growth strategies favored by younger investors [1].

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. stock markets are experiencing extreme volatility due to the imposition of new tariffs by the Trump administration, which has raised concerns about a potential global trade war and its impact on the U.S. economy [2][4]. Group 1: Market Overview - The baseline tariff of 10% was imposed on all imports starting April 5, 2025, with rates reaching as high as 145% for certain countries like China [2][3]. - The S&P 500 index is currently in correction territory, having declined by 8.6% year to date, and was trading close to bear market levels last week [5]. Group 2: Featured Stocks - A selection of stocks that have provided double-digit returns year to date includes American Water Works Co. Inc. (AWK), Exelon Corp. (EXC), CenterPoint Energy Inc. (CNP), The Progressive Corp. (PGR), and Brown & Brown Inc. (BRO), all carrying a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [6]. Group 3: American Water Works Co. Inc. (AWK) - AWK is benefiting from contributions from acquired assets and military contracts, with new water and wastewater rates enhancing performance [7]. - The company is expanding its operations through both organic and inorganic initiatives, with 17 pending acquisitions expected to add 24,200 customers [9]. - AWK has projected revenue and earnings growth rates of 1.6% and 6.1%, respectively, for the current year, with a recent 0.2% improvement in the earnings consensus estimate [10]. Group 4: Exelon Corp. (EXC) - Exelon's investments are aimed at strengthening its transmission and distribution infrastructure, with initiatives in grid modernization expected to enhance service reliability [11]. - The company anticipates revenue and earnings growth rates of 4.2% and 6.4%, respectively, for the current year, with a 0.8% improvement in the earnings consensus estimate over the last 30 days [12]. Group 5: CenterPoint Energy Inc. (CNP) - CNP is positioned to benefit from increasing electricity demand driven by the electrification of transportation and investments in renewable energy [13]. - The company has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 3.2% and 8%, respectively, for the current year, with a 0.6% improvement in the earnings consensus estimate over the last 60 days [16]. Group 6: The Progressive Corp. (PGR) - PGR is experiencing growth due to higher premiums and a strong product portfolio, focusing on becoming a one-stop insurance destination [17]. - The expected revenue and earnings growth rates for PGR are 16.1% and 10.9%, respectively, with a 1% improvement in the earnings consensus estimate over the last seven days [18]. Group 7: Brown & Brown Inc. (BRO) - BRO's growth trajectory is supported by a compelling portfolio and strategic initiatives that enhance its capabilities and geographic reach [19]. - The company has projected revenue and earnings growth rates of 8.4% and 9.1%, respectively, for the current year, with a 0.2% improvement in the earnings consensus estimate over the last 30 days [20].

Market Overview - U.S. stock markets are experiencing extreme volatility in April due to the "Liberation Day" tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, with a baseline tariff of 10% on all imports and rates as high as 145% for certain countries like China [1][2] - The S&P 500 index is currently in correction territory, trading almost in bear market zone, with a year-to-date decline of 8.6% [3] Investment Opportunities - Despite the overall market downturn, a handful of S&P 500 stocks have provided double-digit returns year to date, with five recommended stocks carrying a favorable Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy): American Water Works Co. Inc. (AWK), Exelon Corp. (EXC), CenterPoint Energy Inc. (CNP), The Progressive Corp. (PGR), and Brown & Brown Inc. (BRO) [4] American Water Works Co. Inc. (AWK) - AWK is benefiting from contributions from acquired assets and military contracts, with new water and wastewater rates boosting performance [8] - The company is expanding operations through organic and inorganic initiatives, with 17 pending acquisitions expected to add 24,200 customers [10] - AWK has expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 1.6% and 6.1%, respectively, for the current year, with a 0.2% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings over the last seven days [11] Exelon Corp. (EXC) - Exelon's investments are aimed at strengthening its transmission and distribution infrastructure, with initiatives in grid modernization improving operational resilience [12] - The company has expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 4.2% and 6.4%, respectively, for the current year, with a 0.8% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings over the last 30 days [13] CenterPoint Energy Inc. (CNP) - CNP is positioned to benefit from increasing electricity demand due to the electrification of transportation and investments in renewable energy [14] - The company has expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 3.2% and 8%, respectively, for the current year, with a 0.6% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings over the last 60 days [17] The Progressive Corp. (PGR) - PGR is gaining from higher premiums and a strong product portfolio, focusing on becoming a one-stop insurance destination [18] - The company has expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 16.1% and 10.9%, respectively, for the current year, with a 1% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings over the last seven days [19] Brown & Brown Inc. (BRO) - BRO's growth trajectory is driven by organic and inorganic initiatives, enhancing its capabilities and geographic reach [20] - The company has expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 8.4% and 9.1%, respectively, for the current year, with a 0.2% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings over the last 30 days [22]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The report focuses on the **Asia utilities and energy sector**, highlighting the resilience of companies in this space against US tariffs, particularly in Hong Kong and Mainland China [2][19]. Core Insights - **Hong Kong Utilities**: Companies like CLP (2 HK, Buy) and CKI (1038 HK, Buy) are expected to maintain strong cash flows and shareholder returns due to their regulated business nature and predictable cash flows, despite macroeconomic uncertainties [3][13]. - **Mainland China Utilities**: Gas utilities are noted for their resilience, with companies like China Gas (384 HK, Hold) and BEH (392 HK, Buy) showing less exposure to industrial demand. The impact of US tariffs is minimal, with crude oil and LNG imports from the US accounting for only 2% and 5% of total imports, respectively [4][19]. - **ASEAN and India Utilities**: SCI (SCI SP, Buy) and NTPC (NTPC IN, Hold) are highlighted for their defensive characteristics against trade policies and macroeconomic risks [5][29]. Investment Recommendations - **Preferred Stocks**: The report lists six preferred stocks rated as Buy: CLP, CKI, Yangtze, Longyuan, SCI, and Hanwha Solutions, with no changes to target prices [11]. - **Valuation Metrics**: The report provides detailed valuation metrics for various companies, including target prices and expected upside percentages. For instance, CLP has a target price of HKD78.00, implying a 22.3% upside [35]. Risks and Challenges - **Oil and Gas Sector**: The report notes that the bearish expectations on oil prices could negatively impact earnings for companies like CNOOC (883 HK, Buy) and PetroChina (857 HK, Buy) [30]. - **Trade Policy Impacts**: The solar supply chain is under pressure due to US tariffs, particularly affecting Chinese manufacturers, while Korean suppliers like Hanwha are expected to outperform [6][31]. Additional Insights - **Cash Flow Resilience**: Gas utilities are highlighted for their strong cash flows and ability to maintain dividends, with BEH and CGH noted for their dividend policies [22][23]. - **Market Dynamics**: The report emphasizes that Hong Kong utilities have shown consistent outperformance against market risks, supported by favorable correlations with equity risk premiums and UST yields [3][13]. Conclusion - The Asia utilities and energy sector is positioned defensively against trade risks, with specific companies demonstrating strong fundamentals and cash flow resilience. Investment opportunities are identified in both Hong Kong and Mainland China utilities, as well as in select ASEAN and Indian companies.

FirstEnergy Corporation’s (FE) subsidiary, FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company (FE PA), completed work to enhance its energy delivery system in Venango and Crawford counties.The project's goal is to enhance the line's performance, which was impacted by multiple equipment-related outages during the previous five years. About 540 consumers benefit from the rebuilt line's more reliable flow to the Polk substation. The project began in November 2024.FE’s Project in DetailsThe project included replacing mo ...