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 ...

Core Viewpoint - Southern Company is facing allegations of engaging in smear campaigns against Latino individuals and families, which has drawn criticism from advocacy groups and raised questions about the company's commitment to racial equity and inclusion [1][4]. Group 1: Allegations and Investigations - Ernesto Pichardo, Chairman of the CDLU, has called for Southern Company to stop its alleged million-dollar smear campaigns against Latinos, stating that these actions serve no corporate purpose [1]. - An investigative report by Rob Holbert reveals that Southern Company may have funded a smear website through a consulting firm, Matrix, LLC, which reportedly received $2.2 million annually without invoicing [1]. - The smear campaign reportedly targeted K.B. Forbes, CEO of Consejo de Latinos, who faced harassment including a phony protest, smear news stories, and social media attacks [2]. Group 2: Nature of the Smear Campaign - The smear website created against Forbes is described as unprofessional, using low-quality graphics to falsely accuse him of racism and deception [3]. - The campaign also involved defaming attorney Burt Newsome, who was linked to a lawsuit against Balch & Bingham, a law firm favored by Southern Company [3]. - The motivation behind these actions appears to stem from a belief that Newsome is an adversary to the utility industry and has conflicts with Southern Company's preferred legal representation [3]. Group 3: Company’s Public Image vs. Actions - Southern Company has publicly advocated for racial equity and inclusion, yet its alleged actions contradict this stance by targeting and defaming Latino individuals [4].

Company Overview - Ameren Corporation serves 2.5 million electric customers and over 900,000 natural gas customers across a 64,000-square-mile area through its subsidiaries Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois [3] - Ameren Illinois focuses on electric transmission and distribution as well as natural gas distribution services, while Ameren Missouri provides electric generation, transmission, and distribution services along with natural gas distribution [3] - Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois is involved in developing, owning, and operating rate-regulated regional electric transmission projects within the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. [3] Upcoming Earnings Call - Martin J. Lyons Jr., chairman, president, and CEO, along with Michael L. Moehn, senior executive vice president and CFO, will discuss the first quarter 2025 earnings and guidance during a conference call on May 2 at 9 a.m. Central Time [1] - The call will be accessible via live broadcast on AmerenInvestors.com, with supporting materials available in the "Investor News and Events" section [2] - A replay of the webcast will be available for one year starting approximately one hour after the call concludes [2]

Core Insights - Entergy's 2024 Performance Report highlights the company's achievements, future plans, and strategies aimed at benefiting stakeholders [1] - The company is focused on growth, sustainability, and affordability while maintaining a strong financial position [2][4] Group 1: Growth and Investment - Entergy plans to invest $37 billion through 2028 to support anticipated growth in the Gulf South region, driven by new operations and expansions [2] - The company is strategically positioned to leverage its access to international markets via the Mississippi River and Gulf Coast ports [2] Group 2: Clean Energy Transition - Entergy operates one of the cleanest large-scale power generation fleets in the U.S. and is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 [3] - The company is expanding its generation portfolio with cleaner technologies to meet the needs of new large customers, including data centers [3] Group 3: Customer Affordability - Entergy is dedicated to keeping energy bills low, particularly for financially struggling customers, through energy efficiency initiatives and resources like the Bill Toolkit [4] - The company promotes energy audits, incentives, and rebates to help customers reduce their energy usage [4] Group 4: Community Impact - In 2024, Entergy's corporate social responsibility efforts resulted in an economic impact of $153.52 million across its service area [5] - Employees contributed over 122,000 hours of volunteer service, valued at more than $4 million, demonstrating the company's commitment to community empowerment [5] Group 5: Financial Performance - Entergy reported adjusted earnings per share of $3.65 for 2024, reflecting strong financial results and value creation for stakeholders [6] - The company is investing in its power delivery system to enhance reliability and support the growing industrial load [6]

Core Insights - Consistency is emphasized as the most important factor in dividend growth investing [1] Group 1 - The author has been investing since September 2017 and has a long-standing interest in dividend investing since 2009 [1] - The blog "Kody's Dividends" documents the journey towards financial independence through dividend growth investing [1] - The author expresses gratitude for the blog's role in connecting with the Seeking Alpha community as an analyst [1] Group 2 - The author holds a beneficial long position in shares of GOOGL and META through various means [1] - The article reflects the author's personal opinions and is not influenced by compensation from any company mentioned [1]

Big tech stock Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) was last seen up 4.2% to trade at $179.62, after an upgrade from Jefferies to "hold" from "underperform" due to the possibility a tariff exemption. The firm also lowered its price target to $167.88 from $202.33, however, amid global recession risks and a softer view on artificial intelligence (AI) growth. Mirroring the broader market, today's pop has AAPL looking to snap a dramatic four-day losing streak. The stock is down 28.7% this year, but still sports a 5.3% year- ...

Group 1 - Dominion Energy is one of the largest energy companies in the US, providing electricity to millions across Virginia, North/South Carolina, and natural gas to various states [1] - The company has a current portfolio of more than 30,000 [1] - The focus is on analyzing undervalued and disliked companies or industries with strong fundamentals and good cash flows, particularly in sectors like Oil & Gas and consumer goods [1] Group 2 - The analyst expresses a preference for long-term value investing while also engaging in deal arbitrage opportunities [1] - There is a noted aversion to investing in high-tech businesses or certain consumer goods, as well as cryptocurrencies [1] - The aim is to connect with like-minded investors through Seeking Alpha to share insights and build a collaborative community [1]