Core Viewpoint - Fortis (FTS) is anticipated to report a year-over-year increase in earnings driven by higher revenues, with a consensus outlook suggesting a positive earnings picture for the company [1][3]. Earnings Expectations - The upcoming earnings report is expected to reveal quarterly earnings of $0.51 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of +4.1% [3]. - Revenues are projected to reach $2.01 billion, which is a 3.2% increase compared to the same quarter last year [3]. Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate for Fortis has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, indicating stability in analyst expectations [4]. - The Most Accurate Estimate for Fortis is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in an Earnings ESP of +1.48%, suggesting a bullish outlook from analysts [12]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - A positive Earnings ESP reading indicates a likely earnings beat, especially when combined with a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [10][12]. - Fortis has a Zacks Rank of 2, enhancing the probability of exceeding the consensus EPS estimate [12]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Fortis exceeded the expected earnings of $0.69 per share by delivering $0.70, resulting in a surprise of +1.45% [13]. - Over the past four quarters, Fortis has consistently beaten consensus EPS estimates [14]. Industry Context - IdaCorp (IDA), another player in the electric utility sector, is expected to report earnings of $1.7 per share, indicating a year-over-year decline of -0.6% [18]. - IdaCorp's revenues are anticipated to be $453.36 million, reflecting a slight increase of 0.5% from the previous year [18].

Market Overview - Volatility has returned to Wall Street due to escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, with the U.S. gradually getting involved [2][5] - The Dow declined by 0.7%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq fell by 0.8% and 0.9%, respectively [5] - Recent geopolitical tensions have unsettled markets, which could remain volatile for an extended period [9] Investment Recommendations - It is advisable to invest in safe-haven defensive stocks from the utility sector, including Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO), Fortis, Inc. (FTS), MDU Resources Group, Inc. (MDU), and NiSource Inc. (NI) [3][11] - These stocks are characterized by low beta (greater than 0 but less than 1), high dividend yields, and favorable Zacks Ranks [4][11] Company Profiles Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) - Engaged in regulated natural gas distribution and storage, serving approximately 3.3 million customers across eight states [10] - Expected earnings growth rate of 6% for the current year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 0.6% over the last 60 days [12] - Current dividend yield is 2.27% and beta is 0.71 [12] Fortis, Inc. (FTS) - Operates in the electric and gas utility business, primarily in Canada, the U.S., and the Caribbean [13] - Expected earnings growth rate of 3.4% for the current year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 3.3% over the last 60 days [14] - Current dividend yield is 3.70% and beta is 0.49 [14] MDU Resources Group, Inc. (MDU) - Provides value-added natural resource products and regulated energy delivery services [15] - Expected earnings growth rate of 5.6% for the current year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 1.1% over the last 60 days [15] - Current dividend yield is 3.18% and beta is 0.72 [15] NiSource Inc. (NI) - Delivers natural gas and electricity to approximately 3.7 million customers across six states [16] - Expected earnings growth rate of 7.4% for the current year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 0.5% over the last 60 days [17] - Current dividend yield is 2.83% and beta is 0.54 [17]