New Jersey Resources Corporation (NYSE:NJR) ranks among the best hydrogen and fuel cell stocks to buy for 2026. On December 17, Mizuho upgraded New Jersey Resources Corporation (NYSE:NJR) from Neutral to Outperform, lifting its price target to $54 from $51. The rating increase is based on attractive valuation and solid fundamentals, with Mizuho stating that NJR trades at a 23% discount compared to its local distribution peer group based on 2028 consensus expectations. Mizuho claims New Jersey Resources C ...

Company Overview - TXNM Energy has a market capitalization of $6.42 billion, with a revenue of $2.11 billion and a net income of $176.92 million for the trailing twelve months [5] - The company operates a regulated utility business model, providing electricity generation, transmission, and distribution services primarily in New Mexico and Texas [8] - TXNM Energy serves a diversified customer base, including residential, commercial, and industrial users, and leverages a diverse energy mix, including renewables, to ensure reliable service and stable cash flows [9] Recent Developments - Athos Capital disclosed a new position in TXNM Energy, acquiring 142,842 shares valued at $8.08 million, which represents approximately 5.06% of the fund's reportable U.S. equity assets [2][3][6] - As of the latest filing, TXNM Energy shares were priced at $58.92, reflecting a 23% increase over the past year, outperforming the S&P 500, which rose by 16% in the same period [4] Financial Performance - TXNM Energy reported third-quarter GAAP earnings of $1.22 per share, with ongoing earnings of $1.33, supported by approved rate increases in New Mexico and transmission recovery in Texas [11] - The company is investing heavily in grid infrastructure and energy storage, including a $78 million battery project linked to existing solar assets [11] Market Position and Outlook - TXNM Energy is undergoing a pending acquisition by Blackstone Infrastructure at a price of $61.25 per share, which may cap the upside potential for investors [10] - The company is not reaffirming its 2025 guidance while the acquisition transaction is pending, and regulatory approvals could extend into late 2026 [11]

Group 1 - American Electric Power Company, Inc. (AEP) is recognized as one of the 10 Best Performing Electrical Infrastructure Stocks in 2025 [1] - AEP has the largest network of 765 kV transmission lines in the United States, covering more miles than all other utilities combined [2] - The U.S. grid is primarily dominated by alternating current, with transmission voltages ranging from 100 kV to 765 kV, and only about 10,000 miles of the grid operates at 765 kV, which is less than 1% of total transmission mileage [2] Group 2 - AEP's assets are located in the service territories of all four regional grid operators in the U.S. that are pursuing 765 kV expansion [3] - More than 400 miles of new 765 kV lines have been approved by PJM Interconnection, and other regional operators are also moving towards 765 kV developments [3] - AEP provides electricity generation, transmission, and distribution services to over 5 million customers across 11 states [5] Group 3 - JPMorgan raised the price target for AEP from $121 to $125 while maintaining a Neutral rating, reflecting updated valuation models [4]

American Electric Power Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:AEP) is included among the 15 Best Blue-Chip Stocks with Growing Dividends. JPMorgan Lifts AEP Price Target Following Utility Sector Model Update On December 12, JPMorgan analyst Jeremy Tonet raised his price target on American Electric Power Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:AEP) to $125 from $121, while maintaining a Neutral rating on the stock. The adjustment followed updates to the firm’s models across the North American utilities sector. Electric demand is now acce ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported diluted earnings per share of $7.46, marking the 23rd consecutive year of earnings per share growth [3] - Fiscal 2025 also represents the 41st consecutive year of dividend growth [3] - Consolidated capital spending increased to $3.6 billion, with 87% dedicated to improving safety and reliability [11] - Rate base increased by 14% to an estimated $21 billion as of September 30 [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 57,000 residential customers were added during Fiscal 2025, with over 44,000 located in Texas [4] - Nearly 3,200 commercial customers and 29 industrial customers were added, with anticipated annual consumption of approximately 4 BCF of gas from industrial customers [4] - Over the last five years, nearly 300,000 residential and commercial customers were added, along with 225 industrial customers with an estimated annual load of 63 BCF when fully operational [4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Texas added jobs at a faster rate than the nation, growing at a rate of 1.14% [5] - The current population estimate for the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is approximately 8.6 million, projected to be the third largest metropolitan area in the U.S. by 2030 [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to invest $26 billion over the next five years, with approximately 85% allocated to safety and reliability [8][14] - The five-year plan reflects the impact of Texas House Bill 4384, allowing for quicker recovery of capital spending [9][16] - The company anticipates earnings per share growth of 6-8% from the midpoint of its rebased Fiscal 2026 guidance [9][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to meet safety, reliability, and economic development expectations [19] - The company highlighted the importance of natural gas in economic development across its service territory [4][19] - Management noted that the average monthly natural gas bill for residential customers is expected to remain the lowest utility bill in the home [20] Other Important Information - The company completed integrity inspections and verification work on its storage facilities, with ongoing work expected to continue into late calendar year 2026 [8] - The company has a weighted average cost of debt of 4.2% with an average maturity of 17.5 years and approximately $4.9 billion in liquidity [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the larger load customers and the Refresh Capital plan? - Management indicated that 85% of spending is dedicated to safety and reliability, with modest growth included in the plan [25] Question: Can you discuss capital recovery and its impact on growth? - Management stated that the planning process has been consistent since 2011, focusing on safety, reliability, and growth needs [27] Question: What is the annual impact of Texas HB 4384? - Management confirmed that the impact of House Bill 4384 is factored into the rebased earnings per share guidance [43] Question: How is the equity and debt funding structured for the five-year plan? - Management indicated a balanced approach with roughly 50% of annual cash needs coming from equity and 50% from debt [44][45] Question: Will the 60/40 split of HB 4384 benefits change year over year? - Management does not expect the split to change, as the five-year planning process is consistent [47]

Core Viewpoint - American Electric Power Company, Inc. (AEP) is highlighted as a strong high-growth utility stock, with BMO Capital maintaining an Outperform rating and increasing the price target from $121 to $127 ahead of the Q3 2025 financial results [1]. Group 1: Financial Performance and Expectations - BMO Capital expects AEP's Q3 EPS to be $1.78, which is below the median estimates of $1.83 and $1.86 from FactSet and Bloomberg, respectively [1]. - The company is set to revise its 5-year financial agenda, anticipating a capital program of $70 billion or higher, indicating a 30% increase from the existing plan [2]. Group 2: Capital Expenditure and Financing Strategy - AEP's capital expenditure (capex) outlook is a key factor for potential stock rerating, with a focus on the asset portfolio and funding strategy [3]. - It is anticipated that AEP will utilize equity financing for approximately 30%-40% of its additional capex [3]. Group 3: Company Overview - American Electric Power, based in Columbus, Ohio, operates as a public utility holding company specializing in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution for both retail and wholesale customers [4].

Company Overview - Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) is valued at a market cap of $28.4 billion and is a fully regulated natural gas company based in Dallas, Texas, providing services to over 3 million customers across eight states [1] Earnings Expectations - Analysts expect ATO to report a profit of $0.96 per share for fiscal Q4 2025, which is an increase of 11.6% from $0.86 per share in the same quarter last year [2] - For fiscal 2025, ATO is projected to report a profit of $7.38 per share, up 8.1% from $6.83 per share in fiscal 2024, with further growth expected to $7.90 in fiscal 2026 [3] Stock Performance - ATO shares have increased by 24.5% over the past 52 weeks, outperforming the S&P 500 Index's 15.1% return and the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund's 11% rise during the same period [4] Recent Financial Results - In Q3, ATO's EPS was $1.16, which was below expectations, yet shares rose by 3.6% in the following trading session due to an increase in fiscal 2025 guidance, now expecting EPS in the range of $7.35 to $7.45 [5] - The company's total operating revenue increased by 19.6% year-over-year to $838.8 million, with distribution segment revenue growing by 21.1% and pipeline and storage revenue climbing by 8.7% [5] Analyst Ratings - Wall Street analysts have a "Moderate Buy" rating for ATO, with three recommending "Strong Buy," one indicating "Moderate Buy," and ten suggesting "Hold" [6] - ATO is currently trading above its mean price target of $171.54, with a Street-high price target of $185 indicating a 4.5% premium to current price levels [6]

Core Insights - FirstEnergy Corp. is a major electric utility holding company based in Ohio, serving approximately 6 million customers across multiple states with a market cap of $27.1 billion [1] Earnings Expectations - FirstEnergy is expected to announce its fiscal Q3 2025 earnings results on October 22, with analysts predicting an adjusted EPS of $0.73, a decrease of 14.1% from $0.85 in the same quarter last year [2] - For fiscal 2025, the anticipated adjusted EPS is $2.53, reflecting a decline of 3.8% from $2.63 in fiscal 2024, but is expected to grow by 6.7% year-over-year to $2.70 in fiscal 2026 [3] Stock Performance - Over the past 52 weeks, FirstEnergy shares have increased by 8.2%, which is lower than the S&P 500 Index's return of 14.8% and the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund's gain of 11.7% during the same period [4] Analyst Ratings - Analysts maintain a cautiously optimistic view on FirstEnergy stock, with a consensus "Moderate Buy" rating; out of 17 analysts, six recommend a "Strong Buy," one a "Moderate Buy," and ten a "Hold" [6] - The mean price target for FirstEnergy is $47.83, suggesting a slight potential increase from current market prices [6] Recent Developments - On October 16, FirstEnergy shares fell by 1.9% after JPMorgan Chase & Co. analyst Jeremy Tonet reaffirmed a "Hold" rating with a price target of $47, citing stable utility operations but ongoing challenges in the power generation segment [5]

Core Insights - The article discusses the competitive landscape of Sempra Energy (SRE) in the Multi-Utilities sector, highlighting that competitors D and PCG may present more favorable investment opportunities due to their lower valuations and higher revenue and operating income growth compared to SRE [2][6]. Group 1: Company Performance - Sempra Energy provides energy services, including electric supply and natural gas distribution, transmission, and storage, both in the United States and globally [3]. - There is a noted divergence between Sempra's stock valuation and its performance, suggesting that SRE may be overpriced relative to its competitors [5]. Group 2: Investment Strategy - A diversified investment strategy is recommended to minimize risks associated with investing in single stocks, emphasizing the importance of strategic asset allocation [2]. - The Trefis High Quality Portfolio aims to minimize stock-specific risks while providing upside potential, having achieved over 91% returns since its inception [7].

Group 1: Market Overview - The US large-cap equity market experienced significant growth in Q2 2025, with the S&P 500® Index increasing by 10.94% due to reduced tariff concerns from the Trump administration [1] - The Macquarie Core Equity Fund's Institutional Class outperformed the S&P 500 Index, returning 11.94% in the same quarter, with 80% of the performance attributed to sector selection [1] Group 2: Eaton Corporation Performance - Eaton Corporation plc (NYSE:ETN) reported a one-month return of 6.81% and a 12.30% increase in share value over the past 52 weeks, closing at $371.27 per share with a market capitalization of $144.535 billion on September 18, 2025 [2] - The company rebounded during the quarter, driven by renewed optimism in AI and a strong aerospace components business, which is expected to benefit from increased aircraft production and refurbishment [3] Group 3: Financial Metrics - In Q2 2025, Eaton Corporation plc reported revenue of $7 billion and expanded its margins by 20 basis points to 23.9% [4]