Group 1: Fortis Inc. (FTS) - Fortis Inc. is a Canadian electric and gas utility company with a Zacks Rank 1 [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Fortis' current year earnings has increased by 4.2% over the last 60 days [1] - Fortis has a dividend yield of 3.6%, which is higher than the industry average of 3.1% [1] Group 2: MGIC Investment Corporation (MTG) - MGIC Investment Corporation is a mortgage insurance company with a Zacks Rank 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MGIC's current year earnings has increased by 1.8% over the last 60 days [2] - MGIC has a dividend yield of nearly 2%, compared to the industry average of 1.7% [2]

Core Viewpoint - PSE&G is amending its proposal to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to provide additional short-term assistance in response to rising electric supply costs, while also preparing for long-term solutions to address these challenges [1][2]. Short-term Solutions - PSE&G has filed with the BPU to approve a Temporary Supply Offset Clause (TSOC) that would provide a temporary credit starting July 1, 2025, to mitigate electric bill increases due to high capacity market prices [4]. - The company is proposing options for the TSOC, including a 100%, 50%, and 25% offsetting credit based on BPU guidance [4]. - PSE&G is also implementing an expansion of the Winter Termination Program to protect low-income individuals from utility shut-offs and suspending reconnection fees [7]. Long-term Solutions - PSE&G has highlighted the need for long-term solutions to address the supply and demand imbalance in the PJM region, advocating for policy and legal changes to encourage new generation development [5]. Customer Assistance Programs - PSE&G has been actively working with customers and community organizations to raise awareness about energy assistance options, resulting in approximately 226,000 customers receiving over $265 million in support last year [9]. - The company offers various bill payment tools, including an Equal Payment Plan that allows customers to levelize their monthly payments and Deferred Payment Arrangements for past-due balances [11]. Energy Efficiency Initiatives - PSE&G's energy efficiency programs have benefited over 415,000 customers, leading to nearly $640 million in annual savings through reduced energy consumption [8]. - The company continues to promote affordability and bill management programs through multiple communication channels, ensuring customers are informed about available assistance [12]. Company Background - PSE&G is New Jersey's oldest and largest gas and electric delivery utility, recognized for its reliability and customer satisfaction, having won the ReliabilityOne® Award for 23 consecutive years [13].

Core Viewpoint - WEC Energy Group (WEC) has shown a downtrend recently, losing 6.7% over the past week, but a hammer chart pattern suggests a potential trend reversal as buying interest may be emerging [1][2]. Technical Analysis - The hammer chart pattern indicates a possible bottoming out, suggesting that selling pressure may be subsiding [2][5]. - This pattern forms when there is a small candle body with a long lower wick, indicating that despite a new low, buying interest has emerged to push the stock price up towards the opening price [4][5]. - Hammer candles can appear on various timeframes and are utilized by both short-term and long-term investors [5]. Fundamental Analysis - There has been a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions for WEC, which is a bullish indicator as it typically leads to price appreciation [7]. - The consensus EPS estimate for the current year has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, indicating strong agreement among analysts regarding WEC's potential for better earnings [8]. - WEC currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks, which historically outperform the market [9].

Core Viewpoint - Fortis Inc. reported a strong start to 2025, with a focus on executing capital programs and pursuing investment opportunities while maintaining a commitment to affordable energy and dividend growth of 4-6% through 2029 [2][10]. Financial Performance - The Corporation's net earnings for Q1 2025 were $499 million, or $1.00 per common share, reflecting an increase of $40 million or $0.07 per share compared to Q1 2024, driven by rate base growth and favorable exchange rates [3][9]. - Capital expenditures for the first quarter were $1.4 billion, part of a $5.2 billion annual capital plan that remains on track [9]. Regulatory Developments - The British Columbia Utilities Commission approved FortisBC's rate framework for 2025-2027, providing clarity and stability for operating expenses and capital investments [4]. Credit Ratings - Moody's confirmed Fortis' Baa3 issuer and senior unsecured debt ratings with a stable outlook in March 2025, while DBRS confirmed an A (low) rating in May 2025 [5]. Capital Plan and Growth Outlook - Fortis has a $26.0 billion five-year capital plan aimed at increasing the midyear rate base from $39.0 billion in 2024 to $53.0 billion by 2029, translating to a compound annual growth rate of 6.5% [8][10]. - The Corporation is exploring further growth opportunities, including electric transmission grid expansion and investments in renewable energy infrastructure [12]. Environmental Commitment - Fortis has reduced its direct greenhouse gas emissions by 34% from a 2019 baseline and aims for a 50% reduction by 2030 and 75% by 2035, with a long-term goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 [13].

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ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland and Labrador, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fortis Inc. ("Fortis" or the "Corporation") (TSX/NYSE: FTS) will release its first quarter 2025 financial results on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. A teleconference and webcast will be held the same day at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern). David Hutchens, President and Chief Executive Officer and Jocelyn Perry, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer will discuss the Corporation's first quarter financial results. Shareholders, analysts, memb ...

Core Viewpoint - Despite market volatility in 2025, certain stable companies have provided solid returns, distinguishing themselves from high-growth tech stocks and offering safety and performance to investors [1] Group 1: Southern Company (SO) - Southern Company has shown impressive strength in 2025, with a year-to-date increase of approximately 11%, while the S&P 500 is down nearly 7% [2] - The company has a market capitalization of nearly $100 billion and is the second-largest holding in the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund, benefiting from strong inflows as investors seek stability [3] - Southern Company offers a dividend yield of 3.16% and is trading above its 200-day moving average, indicating a bullish trend [4] Group 2: Coca-Cola Company (KO) - Coca-Cola has seen a nearly 17% increase in shares year-to-date, outperforming the broader market and the consumer staples sector [6] - The company has attracted significant institutional support, with inflows totaling nearly $18 billion over the past 12 months, reflecting a demand for safety and yield [7] - Analysts maintain a consensus Buy rating for Coca-Cola, with an average price target of $75.06, indicating potential upside [8] Group 3: Verizon Communications (VZ) - Verizon has outperformed the S&P 500 with a 7% increase year-to-date and offers a substantial dividend yield of 6.3% [10] - The company reported strong Q1 2025 results, with an EPS of $1.19 and revenue of $33.5 billion, reaffirming its full-year guidance [11] - Verizon has a history of increasing dividends for 20 consecutive years and continues to generate strong free cash flow, making it attractive for long-term investors [12]

Core Points - Unitil Corporation is set to release its first quarter 2025 earnings on May 6, 2025, after market close [1] - A conference call and webcast to discuss the quarterly results will take place on May 7, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. (ET) [1] - Presentation materials related to the earnings will be available on the Company's Investors page prior to the call [1] Company Overview - Unitil Corporation provides electricity and natural gas services in New England, focusing on safe and reliable energy delivery [3] - The company operates in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, serving approximately 109,400 electric customers and 97,600 natural gas customers [3] - Unitil is committed to community involvement and the development of efficient energy delivery technologies [3]

Fortis (FTS) could be a solid addition to your portfolio given its recent upgrade to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). This upgrade is essentially a reflection of an upward trend in earnings estimates -- one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices.A company's changing earnings picture is at the core of the Zacks rating. The system tracks the Zacks Consensus Estimate -- the consensus measure of EPS estimates from the sell-side analysts covering the stock -- for the current and following years.Individual inve ...

Company Overview - MDU Resources Group Inc. is a member of the S&P SmallCap 600 index, providing electric and natural gas distribution services to over 1.2 million customers in the Pacific Northwest and Midwest [2] - The company operates a natural gas pipeline network exceeding 3,800 miles, ensuring reliable energy delivery across the Northern Plains [2] - MDU Resources has a legacy of over a century, focusing on delivering safe, reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible energy solutions [2] Upcoming Events - MDU Resources will webcast its first quarter 2025 earnings conference call on May 8 at 2 p.m. ET, with results released before U.S. financial markets open [1] - The webcast can be accessed through the company's website under the "Investors" section, with a replay available post-event [1]