Earnings Performance - Eversource Energy reported quarterly earnings of $1.12 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.1 per share, and up from $1.01 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of +1.63% [1] - The company posted revenues of $3.37 billion for the quarter ended December 2025, which was below the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.28%, compared to $2.97 billion in the same quarter last year [2] Market Performance - Eversource shares have increased by approximately 4.3% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 1.4% [3] Future Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $1.62 on revenues of $4.26 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $4.95 on revenues of $14.3 billion [7] - The Zacks Rank for Eversource is currently 3 (Hold), indicating that the shares are expected to perform in line with the market in the near future [6] Industry Context - The Utility - Electric Power industry, to which Eversource belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 44% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting that the outlook for the industry can significantly impact stock performance [8]

Core Viewpoint - Eversource Energy reported a significant increase in fourth-quarter profit, driven by improved performance in its gas business and the absence of substantial one-time charges that impacted earnings in the previous year [1]. Financial Performance - Eversource's net income for the fourth quarter reached $421.3 million, or $1.12 per share, compared to $72.5 million, or 20 cents per share, in the same quarter last year [1]. - The natural gas segment earned $123.6 million, up from $103.4 million a year earlier [1]. Future Outlook - The company forecasts 2026 profit to be between $4.80 and $4.95 per share, with analysts estimating a full-year profit of $4.97 per share [1]. - Eversource expects its long-term earnings per share growth rate to remain in the range of 5% to 7% through 2030 [1]. Capital Investment - Eversource raised its five-year capital investment plan to $26.5 billion, an increase from the previous $24.2 billion, primarily due to higher spending on electric and natural gas distribution infrastructure [1]. - The company anticipates raising between $800 million and $1.1 billion in equity from 2026 to 2030, excluding routine issuances related to its dividend reinvestment and compensation programs [1].

Financial Performance - Eversource Energy reported full-year 2025 earnings of $1.69 billion, or $4.56 per share, compared to $811.7 million, or $2.27 per share, in 2024, representing a 108.5% increase in earnings [2]. - Non-GAAP recurring earnings for 2025 totaled $1.77 billion, or $4.76 per share, up from $1.63 billion, or $4.57 per share, in 2024 [2]. - The company expects 2026 earnings to be between $4.80 and $4.95 per share, with a long-term growth rate of 5% to 7% through 2030 [7]. - Eversource's electric transmission segment earned $776.7 million in 2025, an increase of 7.2% from $724.6 million in 2024 [10]. - The electric distribution segment reported earnings of $667.1 million in 2025, up 5.6% from $631.7 million in 2024 [11]. - The natural gas distribution segment earned $360.5 million in 2025, a 23.9% increase from $291.0 million in 2024 [12]. Investment Plans - Eversource announced a new five-year investment plan totaling $26.5 billion for 2026 to 2030, an increase of $2.3 billion from the previous plan [8]. - The company plans to raise equity between $800 million and $1.1 billion during the 2026-2030 period [9]. Customer Base - Eversource's total customer base includes approximately 4.6 million electric, natural gas, and water customers across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire [17]. Risks and Uncertainties - The company recorded an aggregate net after-tax loss of $75.0 million related to offshore wind project liabilities in 2025, impacting earnings per share by $0.20 [4]. - Eversource Energy's forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations [19]. - The company emphasizes the potential impact of cyber events, regulatory actions, and changes in laws on its operations and financial performance [19]. - Eversource Energy is subject to variability in costs and investment returns related to its offshore wind projects, specifically Revolution Wind and South Fork Wind [19]. - The company faces challenges from extreme weather events and climate change, which could disrupt its water supplies and distribution systems [19]. - Eversource Energy's access to capital may be limited or more costly due to disruptions in capital markets [19]. - Changes in economic conditions, including interest rates and customer demand, could significantly affect the company's financial outlook [21]. - The company acknowledges the unpredictability of third-party suppliers and service providers, which may impact operational performance [19]. - Eversource Energy's management encourages stakeholders to review risk factors detailed in its SEC filings for a comprehensive understanding of potential challenges [20]. - The company does not undertake an obligation to update forward-looking statements unless required by federal securities laws [21]. - Eversource Energy's strategic initiatives may be influenced by changes in accounting standards and financial reporting regulations [21].

Core Insights - Eversource Energy (ES) is expected to report quarterly earnings of $1.11 per share, reflecting a 9.9% increase year-over-year, with revenues projected at $3.53 billion, an 18.9% increase compared to the previous year [1]. Earnings Estimates - Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate has been revised downward by 4.9%, indicating a collective reassessment by analysts of their initial forecasts [2]. - Prior to earnings announcements, revisions to earnings estimates are crucial as they serve as indicators for predicting investor actions regarding the stock [3]. Key Metrics - The consensus estimate for 'Operating Income - Electric Distribution' is $149.77 million, down from $178.10 million year-over-year [5]. - Analysts predict 'Operating Income - Electric Transmission' will reach $304.01 million, up from $276.90 million year-over-year [5]. - The estimated 'Operating Income - Natural Gas Distribution' stands at $157.71 million, compared to $149.60 million from the previous year [6]. Stock Performance - Over the past month, Eversource shares have recorded a return of -1.6%, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has remained unchanged [6]. - Eversource holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting it is likely to outperform the overall market in the upcoming period [6].

Core Viewpoint - Eversource Energy (ES) is expected to report its fourth-quarter 2025 results on February 12, with a projected earnings per share (EPS) of $1.11, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 9.90% and revenues estimated at $3.53 billion, indicating an 18.86% improvement from the previous year [1][2]. Group 1: Q4 Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Eversource Energy's earnings is set at $1.11 per share, which represents a year-over-year increase of 9.90% [2]. - Revenue expectations are pegged at $3.53 billion, implying an 18.86% year-over-year improvement [2]. Group 2: Factors Impacting Q4 Earnings - Eversource Energy's fourth-quarter earnings are likely to benefit from load growth driven by rising electrification and economic expansion, as well as grid modernization and decarbonization efforts [3]. - The implementation of a new gas rate of nearly $62 million by Eversource Gas Company of Massachusetts in November 2025 is expected to positively impact fourth-quarter earnings [3]. - However, the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority's rejection of Eversource Energy's $2.4 billion sale of Aquarion Water Company may adversely affect current quarter performance and future plans [4]. - Increased operation and maintenance expenses may partially offset the positive impacts on earnings, along with a dilutive effect from a 7.1 million share equity issuance [4]. Group 3: Earnings Prediction - The company's Earnings ESP is +1.27%, indicating a favorable outlook for an earnings beat [5]. - Eversource Energy currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3, suggesting a hold position [6].

Core Viewpoint - Eversource Energy has shown strong performance in the market, with significant growth in stock value, despite facing challenges related to its transition to clean energy and recent earnings reports [2][4]. Company Overview - Eversource Energy, founded in 1927 and based in Springfield, Massachusetts, is a public utility holding company engaged in energy delivery, with a market capitalization of $25.7 billion. The company operates through segments including Electric Distribution, Electric Transmission, Natural Gas Distribution, and Water Distribution [1]. Stock Performance - Eversource shares have outperformed the broader market over the past year, with a stock growth of 17.6% over the last 52 weeks and a 1.4% increase year-to-date. In comparison, the S&P 500 Index has returned 14% over the same period [2]. - The stock has also outperformed the State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU), which saw an 11% rise over the past 52 weeks [3]. Recent Earnings - In Q3 2025, Eversource reported revenue of $3.2 billion, exceeding Wall Street estimates. The adjusted EPS for the quarter was $1.19, surpassing estimates by 6.3%. However, shares fell by 1.2% following the earnings report due to a $75 million charge related to increased liability from previously sold offshore wind projects [4]. Future Expectations - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, analysts anticipate a 3.9% year-over-year increase in adjusted EPS to $4.75. Eversource has a strong track record of meeting or exceeding earnings estimates in the past four quarters [5]. Analyst Ratings - Eversource currently holds a consensus "Hold" rating among analysts, with 15 analysts covering the stock. The breakdown includes four "Strong Buys," eight "Holds," one "Moderate Sell," and two "Strong Sells." The sentiment has become more bearish, with two fewer "Strong Buy" ratings compared to three months ago [6]. - UBS analyst William Appicelli maintained a "Hold" rating and lowered the price target from $78 to $73 [8].

Core Insights - Eversource Energy supplies electricity, natural gas, and water to approximately 4.6 million customers across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, operating as a regulated utility with rates set by federal and state regulators [1] - The company has a strong earnings record and is expected to benefit from scheduled rate increases, ongoing transmission upgrades, and investments in clean energy projects [2] - Eversource has exited its US commercial-scale offshore wind business, allowing it to focus entirely on regulated utility operations [2] Investment and Growth Plans - Management plans to invest about $24.2 billion between 2025 and 2029 to modernize and expand infrastructure, with an additional $1.5 billion to $2 billion available for incremental projects during the same period [3] - These investments support an outlook for 5% to 7% annual non-GAAP EPS growth over the forecast window [4] Dividend Information - Eversource Energy recently raised its quarterly dividend by 4.7% to $0.7875 per share, marking 26 consecutive years of dividend growth [4] - The company is recognized among the Dividend Growth Stocks: 25 Aristocrats, indicating a strong commitment to returning value to shareholders [7]

Core Insights - The article discusses the 25 best dividend aristocrat stocks, which are companies that have consistently raised their dividends for at least 25 years, appealing to investors due to their reliability in dividend growth [1] Group 1: Dividend Aristocrats Overview - Dividend aristocrats are typically mature companies with stable earnings, and management prioritizes dividend increases as a core responsibility [2] - Despite their reputation, dividend aristocrats can still reduce dividends, as evidenced by Walgreens Boots Alliance's significant cut in early 2024, highlighting that historical performance does not guarantee future safety [3] Group 2: Importance of Dividends - Research from S&P Dow Jones Indices indicates that dividends have contributed approximately 31% to the total return of the S&P 500 since 1926, with capital appreciation accounting for 69% [5] - The S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats have historically provided higher returns with lower volatility compared to the broader S&P 500, leading to stronger risk-adjusted returns [6] Group 3: Methodology for Stock Selection - The article's methodology involved scanning a list of Dividend Aristocrats to identify companies with the strongest dividend growth rates over the past five years, resulting in a selection of 25 companies ranked by their growth rates [8] Group 4: Company Highlights - **Eversource Energy (NYSE:ES)**: - 5-Year Average Dividend Growth Rate: 5.81% - The company serves approximately 4.6 million customers and is focused on regulated utility operations, with plans to invest about $24.2 billion from 2025 to 2029 for infrastructure modernization [10][12] - Recently raised its quarterly dividend by 4.7% to $0.7875 per share, marking 26 consecutive years of dividend growth [13] - **Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX)**: - 5-Year Average Dividend Growth Rate: 5.97% - Announced a $110 million investment to expand production of prefillable syringes, expected to create around 120 new jobs [15][16] - Remains a leading medical technology company focused on healthcare advancements [17] - **General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD)**: - 5-Year Average Dividend Growth Rate: 6.40% - Reported fourth-quarter results exceeding estimates, driven by strength in combat and marine systems, although full-year profit outlook was below expectations [19][22] - The company is experiencing strong demand across its business segments, particularly in defense, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions [21]

Core Viewpoint - Eversource Energy (ES) is positioned well to continue its trend of beating earnings estimates, making it a stock worth considering for investors [1]. Earnings Performance - Eversource has a strong track record of beating earnings estimates, with an average surprise of 3.65% over the last two quarters [2]. - In the most recent quarter, Eversource reported earnings of $1.19 per share, exceeding the expected $1.12 per share, resulting in a surprise of 6.25% [2]. - For the previous quarter, the company reported $0.96 per share against an estimate of $0.95 per share, achieving a surprise of 1.05% [2]. Earnings Estimates and Predictions - Recent earnings estimates for Eversource have been revised upward, indicating growing analyst confidence in the company's near-term earnings potential [5]. - The Zacks Earnings ESP for Eversource is currently +0.75%, suggesting a positive outlook for the upcoming earnings report [8]. - The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) indicates a high probability of another earnings beat [5][8]. Earnings ESP Metric - The Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with the Most Accurate Estimate reflecting the latest analyst revisions [7]. - Stocks with a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 or better have historically produced positive surprises nearly 70% of the time [6]. - A negative Earnings ESP can reduce predictive power but does not necessarily indicate an earnings miss [9].

Core Viewpoint - Eversource Energy is recognized as a strong investment opportunity, particularly due to its consistent dividend growth and recent price target increase by Wells Fargo [1][4]. Dividend Information - Eversource Energy announced a quarterly dividend of $0.7875 per share, reflecting a 4.65% increase from the previous dividend of $0.7525 [3]. - This increase marks the 26th consecutive annual dividend increase for the company [3]. - The annual dividend yield stands at 4.26%, positioning Eversource as a favorable option for dividend investors [3]. Analyst Insights - Wells Fargo raised its price target for Eversource Energy from $63 to $71 while maintaining an 'Equal Weight' rating [4]. - The revision is viewed as a battleground call, indicating the need for clearer visibility on the utility's balance sheet to justify the investment [4]. - Analysts suggest that while there are potential pathways for growth, it may still be premature to invest in Eversource shares at this time [4].