Economic Overview - Consumer confidence in the United States fell to 89.1 in December, a decline of 3.8 points from November's 92.9, indicating growing concerns over jobs and income amid a weakening economy [4][10] - The Present Situation Index dropped 9.5 points to 116.8, reflecting a negative assessment of current business and labor market conditions [4] - The Expectations Index remained unchanged at 70.7, staying below the 80 mark for 11 consecutive months, which signals a potential recession [5] Federal Reserve Actions - The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points three times in the current year but indicated only one rate cut for the next year due to persistent high inflation [5][6] Market Trends - A significant tech selloff has occurred, with investors offloading tech stocks due to concerns over profitability against high valuations, leading to a loss of momentum in the tech rally [6][10] Investment Recommendations - Investors are advised to focus on low-beta, defensive stocks from the utility and consumer staples sectors to mitigate market volatility [2][10] - Recommended stocks include: - **Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 6.7%, beta of 0.75, and a dividend yield of 2.38% [8][7] - **American States Water Company (AWR)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 5.1%, beta of 0.70, and a dividend yield of 2.76% [12][11] - **Sempra (SRE)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 12.1%, beta of 0.73, and a dividend yield of 2.91% [13] - **Ingredion Incorporated (INGR)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 1.6%, beta of 0.72, and a dividend yield of 2.94% [14]

Core Insights - GE Vernova Inc. (GEV) is leveraging acquisitions to enhance its operations and strengthen its core capabilities in electrification and power grid infrastructure [1][10] - The company is well-positioned to meet rising electricity demand and improve its competitive edge in supplying critical energy infrastructure [1] Acquisitions and Market Expansion - GEV's acquisitions are expanding its market reach by providing access to new customers, regions, and product offerings, thereby increasing revenue opportunities [2] - In October 2025, GEV announced plans to acquire the remaining 50% stake in Prolec GE, which will enhance its Electrification segment and manufacturing capabilities [3] - The acquisition of Alteia in August 2025 integrates advanced AI technology into GEV's GridOS® software platform, strengthening its position in the AI-enabled electrification market [4] - The completion of the acquisition of Woodward's gas turbine combustion parts business in March 2025 improves GEV's supply chain and production reliability, addressing the rising demand from data centers and grid expansion [5] Industry Trends and Strategic Positioning - GEV is aligning its acquisitions with trends in data centers requiring reliable electricity infrastructure and the energy transition towards modern grids and electrification solutions [6] - This strategic alignment positions GEV for sustainable and profitable growth in the evolving energy landscape [6] Earnings Estimates and Stock Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a year-over-year EPS growth of 30.65% for 2025 and 82.06% for 2026 [9] - GEV's stock is trading at a premium with a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 50.13X compared to the industry average of 20.64X [12] - Over the past six months, GEV's shares have increased by 25.3%, outperforming the industry's growth of 13.8% [14]

TAOS, N.M.--(BUSINESS WIRE)---- $NVVE #Agreement--Kit Carson Electric Cooperative, Inc. (KCEC) has selected Nuvve New Mexico, LLC, a subsidiary of Nuvve Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: NVVE), to deploy and operate advanced battery energy storage systems under a Battery-as-a-Service (BAAS) model at two separate locations in northern New Mexico. Under the terms outlined in a recently executed term sheet, Nuvve New Mexico will develop two 5-megawatt / 20-megawatt-hour (4-hour) battery systems designed to provide peak l ...

Core Insights - Edison International (EIX) is focused on enhancing its infrastructure, modernizing the grid, and expanding its renewable energy portfolio to provide reliable energy to its growing customer base [1] - The long-term earnings growth rate for the company is projected at 10.93% over the next three to five years [1] Tailwinds - EIX is well-positioned to benefit from increasing electricity demand due to the growth of AI-based data centers and the electrification of transportation and buildings [2] - The company is implementing a systematic capital investment strategy to strengthen its infrastructure, ensuring safe and resilient electricity supply [2] Capital Investment - EIX anticipates a long-term capital investment of $28-$29 billion from 2025 to 2028, with approximately 97% of this budget allocated to critical transmission, distribution, and generation capacity [3] Electric Vehicle Market - To leverage the expanding electric vehicle (EV) market, EIX launched the Charge Ready 2 program in 2020, which is the largest light-duty EV charging initiative by an investor-owned utility in the U.S. [4] Headwinds - EIX faces increasing wildfire risks due to climate change, with California experiencing unprecedented weather conditions that may lead to additional wildfire activity in 2025 and beyond [5] - The challenging weather and fuel conditions in California raise the risk of wildfires, potentially impacting operations and financial exposure [5] Price Performance - Over the past six months, EIX shares have increased by 13.6%, outperforming the industry growth of 7.3% [6] Investment Considerations - EIX currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), while competitors such as Ameren Corporation, Dominion Energy, and NiSource Inc. have better rankings [9] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates year-over-year EPS growth for AEE, D, and NI of 8.21%, 22.74%, and 7.43%, respectively [10]

Core Insights - The Federal Reserve has reduced interest rates by 25 basis points, bringing the federal funds rate to a target range of 3.5% to 3.75% [1] - The transition in leadership at the Federal Reserve in 2026 introduces uncertainty regarding future interest rate policies [4][5][8] Consumer Staples and Utilities Sector - Stocks in the Zacks Consumer Staples and Utilities sectors are recommended due to their lower volatility amid current market uncertainty [2][9] - Notable consumer staples stocks include Monster Beverage (MNST) and Mama's Creations, Inc. (MAMA), both rated Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [2][11] - Utilities stocks such as Dominion Energy (D), Ameren Corporation (AEE), and Sempra Energy (SRE) hold Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) and are expected to perform well [2][11] Low-Beta Stocks - The highlighted stocks are categorized as low-beta stocks, indicating they are less volatile compared to the broader market [3][12] - These stocks are projected to show earnings growth in 2026, supported by favorable Zacks Ranks [3] Individual Stock Performance - **Monster Beverage**: - Beta of 0.48, long-term earnings growth of 16.81%, and 2026 sales estimate of $9 billion reflecting a growth of 9.48% [16][17] - **Mama's Creations**: - Beta of 0.79, long-term earnings growth of 4.35%, and 2026 sales estimate of $218.2 million reflecting a growth of 26.49% [18][19] - **Dominion Energy**: - Beta of 0.70, long-term earnings growth of 10.26%, and 2026 sales estimate of $16.48 billion reflecting a growth of 5.14% [20][21] - **Ameren Corporation**: - Beta of 0.57, long-term earnings growth of 8.52%, and 2026 sales estimate of $9.71 billion reflecting a growth of 6.33% [22][23] - **Sempra Energy**: - Beta of 0.73, long-term earnings growth of 7.33%, and 2026 sales estimate of $14.74 billion suggesting growth of 8.5% [24][25]

Core Insights - Xcel Energy employees, contractors, and retirees contributed over $14 million and nearly 60,000 volunteer hours in 2025 to support charitable organizations and causes [1] - The company's Foundation increased its giving impact by investing nearly $5 million this year [1] Contribution Details - Total contributions included over $14 million in financial support [1] - Volunteer efforts amounted to nearly 60,000 hours [1] - The Foundation's investment for the year was nearly $5 million [1]

Key Takeaways CNP is investing heavily to strengthen grid infrastructure and expand transmission and distribution networks.CNP plans $65B of capital spending in 2026-2035 for underground lines and self-healing automation.CNP targets major renewable growth, aiming for about 1,000 MW of wind and solar capacity by 2026.CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (CNP) has been making systematic investments to strengthen its infrastructure, enhance transmission and distribution networks, upgrade the grid, and expand its renewable ...

Key Takeaways DUK's regulated utility structure provides stable, predictable revenues and approved returns on investments.DUK plans to invest $190-$200B over the next decade, with most spending focused on clean energy transition.DUK expects adjusted EPS growth of 5-7% through 2029, supported by efficient cost recovery.Duke Energy (DUK) benefits from operating primarily as a regulated utility because regulation provides stable and predictable revenues. Regulators allow the company to earn approved returns on ...

Core Viewpoint - Utility firm PG&E Corp is actively working to assess a transformer fire in San Francisco and restore power to affected customers safely [1] Group 1 - PG&E Corp's crews are engaged in assessing the situation following a transformer fire [1] - The company is focused on restoring power to customers impacted by the incident [1]

Accessible version Investment Grade Utilities Utilities and Power Weekly Last week's best and worst performers IG Utilities performed in line with the market last week returning 0.3%. Last week's best performing HoldCo credits were Dominion Energy Inc 4.60% Sr Unsecured notes due 2049 (+1.2%) & American Water Capital Corp 4.30% Sr Unsecured notes due 2042 (+1.2%) and the worst performing HoldCo credits were Southern Co. 6.375% Jr Subordinated notes due 2055 (-0.7%) & NextEra Energy Capital Holdings Inc 6.75 ...