For those looking to find strong Utilities stocks, it is prudent to search for companies in the group that are outperforming their peers. Has Fortis (FTS) been one of those stocks this year? A quick glance at the company's year-to-date performance in comparison to the rest of the Utilities sector should help us answer this question.Fortis is one of 106 individual stocks in the Utilities sector. Collectively, these companies sit at #1 in the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank gauges the strength of our ...

Sempra (SRE) came out with quarterly earnings of $1.44 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.21 per share. This compares to earnings of $1.34 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 19.01%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this natural gas and electricity provider would post earnings of $1.63 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.50, delivering a surprise of -7.98%.Over the last four qua ...

Evergy Inc (EVRG) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.54 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.66 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.54 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of -18.18%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this electric utility would post earnings of $0.36 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.35, delivering a surprise of -2.78%.Over the last four quarters, the com ...

UGI (UGI) came out with quarterly earnings of $2.21 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.80 per share. This compares to earnings of $1.97 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items. This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 22.78%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this natural gas and electric utilities operator. Would post earnings of $1.21 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.37, delivering a surprise of 13.22%. Over the last f ...

Core Viewpoint - American States Water (AWR) reported quarterly earnings of $0.70 per share, matching the Zacks Consensus Estimate and showing an increase from $0.62 per share a year ago [1] - The company also posted revenues of $148.01 million for the quarter, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.24% and up from $135.25 million year-over-year [2] Financial Performance - Earnings per share (EPS) for the last quarter were $0.70, consistent with estimates, and the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times in the last four quarters [1] - Revenues for the quarter were $148.01 million, surpassing expectations and marking a year-over-year increase [2] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.91, with projected revenues of $169 million, and for the current fiscal year, the estimate is $3.28 on $621 million in revenues [7] Market Performance - American States Water shares have increased by approximately 3.9% since the beginning of the year, contrasting with a decline of -4.7% in the S&P 500 [3] - The company's stock is currently rated Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating expectations of underperformance in the near future due to unfavorable estimate revisions [6] Industry Outlook - The Utility - Water Supply industry is currently ranked in the top 21% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable outlook compared to lower-ranked industries [8] - Empirical research indicates a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which can be tracked by investors [5]

Chesapeake Utilities (CPK) came out with quarterly earnings of $2.22 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.28 per share. This compares to earnings of $2.10 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of -2.63%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this energy and utility company would post earnings of $1.67 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.63, delivering a surprise of -2.40%.Over the last four ...

While Atmos has outperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock? Atmos Energy (ATO) came out with quarterly earnings of $3.03 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.92 per share. This compares to earnings of $2.85 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items. This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 3.77%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this natural gas utility would post earni ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Orders increased by nearly 22% in the quarter, resulting in a record backlog of $932 million [15] - Sales rose by 6.6% in the quarter, with all three segments contributing to the growth [15] - Adjusted EBIT margins were at 18%, with incremental margins on sales growth at 56%, leading to adjusted earnings per share of $1.35, a 24% increase year-over-year [15][21] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Aerospace and Defense**: Orders were up 5% with nearly 8% sales growth, driven by commercial aerospace and Navy orders. Adjusted EBIT margins increased by 400 basis points, with EBIT dollars up 28% due to favorable pricing and mix [16][17] - **Utility Solutions Group**: Orders grew nearly 17%, with sales growth of 4%. Adjusted EBIT margins improved to 23%, up 290 basis points year-over-year [18] - **Test Business**: Orders surged by 75%, with sales up 9%. Margins improved to 12.4%, benefiting from volume leverage and price increases [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The aerospace and defense market is expected to continue growing despite macro uncertainties, with strong demand for commercial and defense aircraft [8] - The utility market is experiencing a favorable business cycle, driven by increased electricity demand and aging infrastructure [11] - The renewable energy market is recalibrating, but order activity is improving compared to the previous year [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company completed a major acquisition of SMMP, rebranding it as ESCO Maritime Solutions, which is expected to enhance margins and growth [10] - The strategic planning process assessed end markets and strategies to achieve above-market growth [7] - The company remains focused on navigating macroeconomic challenges while leveraging its diverse business mix [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate economic challenges and highlighted strong operational performance [5][25] - The outlook for the aerospace and defense markets remains positive, with expectations for continued growth despite recent order moderation [8] - Management acknowledged potential impacts from tariffs but emphasized proactive measures to mitigate risks [34] Other Important Information - The company updated its earnings guidance for 2025, projecting adjusted earnings per share in the range of $5.85 to $6.15 [23] - The acquisition of ESCO Maritime Solutions is expected to contribute adjusted earnings per share of $0.20 to $0.30 for the remainder of the fiscal year [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on the sale of VACCO - Management indicated ongoing interest in the sale process, with a decision expected by May [28] Question: Performance of the underlying business - Management noted improvements in overall business performance, with stabilization observed compared to previous years [30] Question: Clarification on tariff impacts - The estimated tariff impact of $2 million to $4 million is a net figure, factoring in pricing adjustments and operational changes [34] Question: Cash generation from Maritime Solutions - Management expects strong cash flow benefits from the Maritime acquisition, with ongoing assessments as integration progresses [42] Question: Thoughts on shipbuilding budgets and orders - Management expressed confidence in the shipbuilding budget and order flow, particularly for Navy programs [45][76] Question: Insights on commercial aircraft orders - Management noted a moderation in commercial aircraft orders but remains optimistic about future demand normalization [72] Question: Pro forma capital structure and leverage profile - Management indicated a leverage ratio of just over 2.2 at closing, with expectations to reduce it below 2 as debt is paid down [81]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Orders increased by nearly 22% in the quarter, resulting in a record backlog of $932 million [15] - Sales grew by 6.6% in the quarter, with all three segments contributing to the increase [15] - Adjusted EBIT margins were at 18%, with incremental margins on sales growth at 56%, leading to adjusted earnings per share of $1.35, a 24% increase year-over-year [15][21] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Aerospace and Defense**: Orders were up 5% with nearly 8% sales growth, driven by commercial aerospace and Navy orders. Adjusted EBIT margins increased by 400 basis points, with EBIT dollars up 28% due to favorable pricing and mix [16][18] - **Utility Solutions Group**: Orders grew nearly 17%, with sales up 4%. Doble experienced 5% sales growth, while NRG's sales were flat. Adjusted EBIT margins improved to 23%, up 290 basis points year-over-year [17][19] - **Test Business**: Orders surged by 75% compared to last year, with sales up 9%. Margins improved to 12.4%, benefiting from volume leverage and price increases [19][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The aerospace market shows fundamental demand for additional commercial and defense aircraft, with expectations for continued growth despite recent moderation in order rates [8][9] - The utility market is experiencing a favorable business cycle, driven by increased electricity demand and aging infrastructure [11][12] - The test business is recovering, with strong activity in EMC testing, healthcare, and industrial markets [13][14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company completed a major acquisition of SMMP, rebranding it as ESCO Maritime Solutions, which is expected to enhance margin and growth profiles [10][24] - The strategic planning process indicates a focus on delivering above-market growth by assessing end markets and strategies [6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating macroeconomic uncertainties and geopolitical risks, highlighting strong underlying business conditions [4][5] - The long-term outlook for aerospace and defense remains positive, with expectations for continued growth despite short-term challenges [7][9] - The company anticipates growth in the utility sector due to increasing electricity demand and the importance of renewable technologies [12] Other Important Information - The company expects sales growth of 6% to 8% for the year, with adjusted earnings per share guidance increased to a range of $5.65 to $5.85 [23][24] - The acquisition is projected to contribute adjusted earnings per share in the range of $0.20 to $0.30 [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on the sale of VACCO - Management indicated ongoing interest in the sale process, with a decision expected by May [28] Question: Performance of the underlying business - The business has stabilized with improved performance compared to last year, although margins remain lower than other segments [30] Question: Clarification on tariff impacts - The estimated tariff impact of $2 million to $4 million is a net number, factoring in mitigation efforts [32][34] Question: Cash generation from Maritime Solutions - Management expects strong cash flow benefits from the Maritime acquisition, with ongoing assessments as integration progresses [40] Question: Thoughts on the 2025 and 2026 budget for shipbuilding - Management is optimistic about the shipbuilding budget, noting strong visibility and progress in programs [42][43] Question: Commercial aircraft orders moderation - Management noted a slight moderation in orders due to inventory management but remains confident in future growth [68] Question: Status of Department of Defense programs - Programs related to submarines and Navy initiatives are prioritized, with a positive order flow expected [70]

MGE (MGEE) is expected to deliver a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended March 2025. This widely-known consensus outlook gives a good sense of the company's earnings picture, but how the actual results compare to these estimates is a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price.The earnings report might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than expectations. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may mov ...