Group 1 - Utilities (XLU) is one of only three S&P 500 sector ETFs that is up for the year, indicating strong performance in a generally declining market [1] - Despite a significant rebound in US equities since last week's lows, most sectors are experiencing notable declines, highlighting the defensive nature of utilities [1] - The trend suggests that defensive sectors like utilities remain in vogue as investors seek stability amid market volatility [1]

Group 1 - The article emphasizes the importance of stability in earnings and the ability to generate steady dividend income, particularly highlighting utility companies as strong candidates for meeting these criteria [2] - Sempra (NYSE: SRE) is specifically mentioned as a utility company that currently trades favorably, suggesting potential for investment [2] Group 2 - The focus of the investment service is on income-producing asset classes that provide sustainable portfolio income, diversification, and inflation hedging [1]

Core Points - PSEG Long Island and Suffolk County are collaborating to provide over 230 free trees to customers as part of the Energy-Saving Trees program, aimed at reducing utility bills and enhancing system reliability [1][3] - The initiative is timed with Earth Day and emphasizes the environmental benefits of tree planting, including potential savings of up to 20% on summer energy bills once trees mature [2][3] - The program includes an online tool for customers to estimate energy savings based on strategic tree planting locations [3] Group 1 - The Energy-Saving Trees program allows customers to reserve trees starting April 14, with pick-up scheduled for April 22 at the H. Lee Dennison Building [2][4] - PSEG Long Island will also provide information on energy-saving programs and distribute reusable shopping bags and free LED lightbulbs during the tree pick-up event [4] - A similar event will be held in Nassau County on April 26, where residents can reserve trees starting April 17 [5] Group 2 - PSEG Long Island will participate in the RISE Earth Day event in the Rockaways on May 3, giving away 35 trees on a first-come, first-served basis [6] - The company is offering free Google Nest smart thermostats to customers through its Online Marketplace until April 29 [6] - PSEG Long Island is committed to community support through its Community Partnership Program, actively participating in local charity events [7]

Core Viewpoint - Exelon Corporation (EXC) is positioned as a strong investment option in the utility sector due to its systematic investments aimed at enhancing transmission and distribution infrastructure, which will improve service reliability and operational resilience [1] Group 1: Growth Projections - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings per share (EPS) has risen by 1.1% to $2.66 over the past 60 days [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 sales is projected at $23.99 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 4.2% [2] - Exelon's long-term earnings growth rate is estimated at 5.99%, with a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 7.6% [2] Group 2: Solvency - The time-to-interest earned ratio at the end of Q4 2024 was 2.4, indicating the company's strong ability to meet future interest obligations [3] Group 3: Dividend Growth - Exelon has declared a quarterly dividend of 40 cents per share for Q1 2025, leading to an annualized dividend of $1.60 [4] - The company aims to increase its dividend per share at a rate of 5-7% annually through 2028, subject to board approval, with a long-term dividend payout ratio projected at 60% [5] - Exelon's current dividend yield stands at 3.41%, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite average of 1.38% [5] Group 4: Strategic Investments - Exelon plans to invest nearly $38 billion in regulated utility operations from 2025 to 2028, marking a 10% increase from previous plans [6] - The investment allocation includes $21.7 billion for electric distribution, $12.6 billion for electric transmission, and $3.8 billion for gas delivery [6] Group 5: Share Price Performance - Over the past three months, Exelon's stock has returned 19.1%, significantly outperforming the industry's growth of 1.8% [7]

Summary of European Equity Strategy Conference Call Industry Overview - The focus is on the European equity market, particularly in the context of potential recession risks and sector performance. Key Points and Arguments Market Outlook - European equities are currently trading in line with long-term cycle average multiples, indicating limited pricing of recession risks [2] - Analysis suggests that European equities have only "travelled" about one-third to half of the way towards pricing a moderate recession or material growth slowdown [2] - The risk-reward scenario remains negative, with a projected downside of -7% to a moderate bear case and -22% to a full bear case [2] Defensive Investment Strategy - A recommendation to shift investments into defensive sectors with relative earnings resilience, such as Defence, Utilities, Software, and Telecoms [4] - German defence companies, particularly Rheinmetall, are highlighted as top picks due to their fundamental resilience [4] Sector Analysis - Defence, Life Sciences, and Software sectors show positive exposure to Trump administration policies, while Semiconductors, Materials & Mining, and Autos are identified as more cyclical and risky [5][8] - Utilities and Telecoms are categorized as the most defensive sectors, with Software and Defence also showing resilience [16] Earnings Expectations - Analysts expect a skew towards downside in upcoming earnings results, particularly for cyclical stocks, with previews indicating that 40 stocks may miss earnings expectations [9] - Key stocks expected to beat earnings include Siemens Energy, Euronext, SocGen, AstraZeneca, and Accor, with a notable concentration in the banking sector [9] Pricing Power and Exposure - Defence, Software, and Semiconductors are noted for having the highest pricing power in the current environment [4][23] - A detailed analysis of stock-level cyclicality, pricing power, and exposure to Trump administration policies was conducted across approximately 550 companies [3][14] Risk Areas - Key areas of downside risk include Semiconductors, Materials & Mining, Construction & Materials, Transport, and Autos, which are considered highly cyclical [5] - The analysis also incorporates exposure to China and the US, with lower exposure preferred for resilience [14][26] Conclusion - The current market environment necessitates a more sophisticated approach to identifying defensives and cyclicals, moving beyond traditional measures [3][14] - The focus should remain on fundamentally resilient sectors while being cautious of valuation levels due to potential earnings downturns, especially in cyclical areas [15] Additional Important Insights - The analysis emphasizes the importance of understanding the interplay between sector performance, macroeconomic factors, and geopolitical influences, particularly regarding US policies and China exposure [3][14][26] - The report includes various exhibits that provide visual data on sector cyclicality, pricing power, and exposure to external factors, aiding in investment decision-making [16][21][23]

Core Insights - Three stocks with strong momentum and buy rank are highlighted for investors: Michelin, Allianz SE, and Engie SA [1][2][3] Group 1: Michelin - Michelin (MGDDY) has a Zacks Rank 1 and a 15.5% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings over the last 60 days [1] - Michelin's shares increased by 0.8% in the last three months, while the S&P 500 declined by 9.9% [1] - The company has a Momentum Score of A [1] Group 2: Allianz SE - Allianz SE (ALIZY) also holds a Zacks Rank 1 with a 5.5% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - Allianz's shares rose by 21.5% over the last three months, contrasting with the S&P 500's decline of 9.9% [2] - The company has a Momentum Score of B [2] Group 3: Engie SA - Engie SA (ENGIY) has a Zacks Rank 1 and a 9.2% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings over the last 60 days [2][3] - Engie's shares gained 26.8% over the last three months, while the S&P 500 declined by 9.9% [3] - The company possesses a Momentum Score of A [3]

Core Viewpoint - TXNM Energy, Inc. is set to announce its first quarter 2025 financial results on May 9, 2025, prior to market opening, followed by a live conference call to discuss the results and company updates [1]. Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - The financial results for the first quarter of 2025 will be announced before the market opens on May 9, 2025 [1]. - A live conference call will take place at 11 a.m. Eastern Time on the same day to discuss the financial results and other updates [1]. Group 2: Participation Details - Investors and analysts can pre-register for the live conference call through a provided link [2]. - For those unable to pre-register, participation can be done by dialing specific phone numbers fifteen minutes before the event [2]. Group 3: Company Background - TXNM Energy is an energy holding company based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, serving over 800,000 homes and businesses in Texas and New Mexico through its regulated utilities, TNMP and PNM [4].

Company Overview - PPL Corporation is a leading U.S. energy company based in Allentown, Pennsylvania, providing electricity and natural gas to over 3.6 million customers [4] Upcoming Earnings Release - PPL Corporation will release its consolidated first-quarter 2025 earnings results on April 30, 2025 [1] - The earnings call will feature PPL's president and CEO, Vincent Sorgi, along with other executives discussing the quarterly results and business outlook [1] Conference Call Details - The conference call will begin at 11 a.m. Eastern Time and will be available via live webcast and telephone [2] - Interested participants can access the webcast at PPL's investor website or join by calling the provided numbers [2] Replay Information - A replay of the conference call, along with presentation slides, will be available for 90 days after the event on PPL's investor website [3]

Core Points - The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC) has issued a Certification of Stipulation recommending approval of PNM's 2025 Rate Request application [1] - The stipulation includes a $105.0 million increase in PNM's revenue requirements, based on a 9.45% return on equity and a 51% equity capitalization structure [3] - The rate increase will be phased in, with 50% effective July 1, 2025, and the remaining increase effective April 1, 2026 [2] Company and Industry Details - PNM is a wholly-owned subsidiary of TXNM Energy, which serves over 800,000 homes and businesses across Texas and New Mexico [6] - The current authorized rates for PNM are based on a 9.26% return on equity and a 50% equity capitalization structure [3] - Various parties, including the Utility Division Staff of NMPRC and several community organizations, support the stipulation, while other intervening parties do not oppose it [4]

Core Viewpoint - The utility sector is viewed as a safe investment during economic turbulence, providing essential services that consumers prioritize even in difficult times [1][7][8]. Group 1: Definition and Characteristics of Utility Stocks - Utility stocks are companies primarily involved in distributing essential services such as electricity, gas, and water [5][6]. - The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) categorizes the utility sector to include electric, gas, and water utilities, as well as independent power producers and energy traders [6]. - Utility companies exhibit low economic sensitivity, generating stable revenues and profits, and are known for their substantial dividends [8][9]. Group 2: Investment Appeal - Investors are drawn to utility stocks due to their "stickiness" in revenues, similar to healthcare and consumer staples, making them defensive stocks [7][8]. - Utilities are often among the best-yielding market sectors, providing safety and potential upside during market downturns [9]. - The sector's stability allows for gradual rate increases, although growth is typically capped at low single-digit rates [11]. Group 3: Recent Trends and Opportunities - The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to significantly increase power usage over the next decade, presenting a unique growth opportunity for utility companies [12][13]. - This trend may enable utilities to enhance their business results in a way that has not been seen before [13]. Group 4: Criteria for Selecting Utility Stocks - A quality screen for selecting utility stocks includes companies within the S&P Composite 1500, with a long-term estimated earnings-per-share growth rate of at least 5% [15]. - Stocks should have a dividend yield of at least 2.5%, with a history of growing dividends by at least 5% over the past year [16][17]. - Companies should have at least five covering analysts and a consensus Buy rating of 2.5 or less on S&P Global Market Intelligence's ratings scale [18][19]. Group 5: Recommended Utility Stocks - Recommended utility stocks include: - IDACORP (IDA): 2.9% yield, 5.5% estimated annual dividend growth, 8.3% long-term EPS growth, consensus rating 1.75 [19]. - NiSource (NI): 2.8% yield, 6.8% estimated annual dividend growth, 8.0% long-term EPS growth, consensus rating 1.53 [19]. - DTE Energy (DTE): 3.1% yield, 6.9% estimated annual dividend growth, 8.0% long-term EPS growth, consensus rating 2.05 [19]. - New Jersey Resources (NJR): 3.6% yield, 5.4% estimated annual dividend growth, 7.6% long-term EPS growth, consensus rating 2.22 [19]. - CMS Energy (CMS): 2.9% yield, 5.8% estimated annual dividend growth, 7.3% long-term EPS growth, consensus rating 2.21 [19]. - Sempra (SRE): 3.7% yield, 5.6% estimated annual dividend growth, 7.0% long-term EPS growth, consensus rating 2.11 [19]. - Ameren (AEE): 2.6% yield, 6.3% estimated annual dividend growth, 6.9% long-term EPS growth, consensus rating 2.24 [19]. - Public Service Enterprise Group (PEG): 3.1% yield, 5.7% estimated annual dividend growth, 6.6% long-term EPS growth, consensus rating 2.35 [19]. - Essential Utilities (WTRG): 3.2% yield, 6.6% estimated annual dividend growth, 6.5% long-term EPS growth, consensus rating 1.46 [19]. - FirstEnergy (FE): 4.1% yield, 5.6% estimated annual dividend growth, 5.7% long-term EPS growth, consensus rating 2.39 [20].