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].

Core Insights - Eversource Energy has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.7875 per share, payable on March 31, 2026, to shareholders of record as of March 5, 2026 [1] Group 1: Company Recognition and Commitment - Eversource has been recognized as one of America's Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek for 2026 [2] - The company is ranked as the 1 utility on USA Today's list of America's Climate Leaders for 2025 [2] - Eversource serves approximately 4.6 million customers across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire [2] Group 2: Operational Excellence and Sustainability Initiatives - Eversource is identified as the 1 Energy Efficiency Provider in the Nation [2] - The company employs over 10,000 individuals to deliver reliable energy and water services with a focus on superior customer service [2] - Eversource is advancing a clean energy future in the Northeast through various initiatives, including a networked geothermal pilot project, solar energy, offshore wind, electric vehicles, and battery storage [2]

Weather Impact on Boston - Boston is expected to receive up to 18 inches (46 centimeters) of snow from a storm, marking the most significant snowfall from a single storm in four years [1][2] - The National Weather Service forecasts 12 to 18 inches of snow across much of southern New England, with snow beginning late Sunday morning or early afternoon [2] - Travel conditions are anticipated to be "very difficult to impossible" overnight Sunday into Monday morning, prompting state officials to take action [3] Government Response - Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has instructed all non-essential state employees to work from home on Monday and encouraged private-sector employers to do the same [3] - Mayor Michelle Wu has opened city youth centers as warming stations for individuals seeking refuge from the cold [4] Utility Preparedness - Eversource Energy and other utilities are prepared with extra utility poles, transformers, and equipment to address potential power outages due to the storm [5] - Wind gusts during the storm could reach 30 miles (48 kilometers) per hour, which may exacerbate the situation [5]

Core Insights - Regulated utilities are favored investments for dividend growth due to their stable cash flows and potential for capital gains [1] Group 1: Investment Rationale - The financial sector experience of the lead analyst contributes to actionable insights into high-quality dividend growth opportunities [1] - The focus is on achieving a robust total return through cash dividends and strong capital gains [1]

Core Viewpoint - Eversource Energy is a public utility holding company with a market cap of $25.7 billion, engaged in energy delivery across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, and is expected to announce its fiscal Q4 2025 results soon [1] Financial Performance - Analysts anticipate Eversource to report an adjusted EPS of $1.19 for Q4 2025, reflecting a 17.8% increase from $1.01 in the same quarter last year [2] - For fiscal 2025, the expected adjusted EPS is $4.75, a rise of 3.9% from $4.57 in fiscal 2024, with projections of 4.8% growth year-over-year to $4.98 in fiscal 2026 [3] Stock Performance - Eversource Energy's stock has increased by 22.5% over the past 52 weeks, outperforming the S&P 500 Index's gain of 19.3% and the State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF's increase of 14.7% during the same period [4] Recent Developments - Despite reporting better-than-expected Q3 2025 adjusted EPS of $1.19, Eversource's shares fell by 1.2% the following day due to a $75 million charge related to increased liability from previously sold offshore wind projects, indicating ongoing risks in its clean-energy transition [5] Analyst Ratings - The consensus rating for Eversource Energy stock is cautious, with a "Hold" rating overall; among 16 analysts, there are five "Strong Buys," eight "Holds," one "Moderate Sell," and two "Strong Sells," with an average price target of $72.92, suggesting a potential upside of 6.6% from current levels [6]

Core Insights - Eversource Energy is recognized as one of the 14 Best Dividend Growth Stocks to Buy and Hold in 2026 [1] - UBS has lowered its price target for Eversource Energy to $73 from $78 while maintaining a Neutral rating, citing constructive regulatory progress [2] - Eversource experienced strong gains in 2025, with shares rising over 18%, but faced a nearly 9% drop in November due to regulatory rejection of its water utility business sale [3] Regulatory Developments - Eversource's NStar Gas reached a rate settlement with the Massachusetts Attorney General, which, if approved, would help the company avoid a formal rate case and resolve pending regulatory issues [2] - The company had agreed to sell its water utility, Aquarion, for $2.4 billion, but regulators rejected the sale due to concerns over managerial suitability and public interest, despite meeting financial and technological requirements [4] - The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority is exploring a non-profit ownership model for water utilities, but has found it challenging to move away from the investor-owned structure [5] Financial Performance - Eversource's share price increased by more than 18% in 2025, but the momentum was hindered by a nearly 9% decline in November following regulatory decisions [3] - The proposed sale of Aquarion was initially seen as a strategic move to streamline operations and reduce debt, but regulatory hurdles have complicated these efforts [4]

Core Insights - Eversource Energy (ES) is focusing on strategic investments to enhance its transmission and distribution networks, which is expected to improve operational efficiency and service reliability, thereby attracting more customers [1] - The company's long-term earnings growth rate is projected at 5.92% over the next three to five years [1] Investment Plans - Eversource has outlined a long-term capital investment plan of $24.2 billion for the 2025-2029 period, with nearly $16.2 billion allocated for electric and natural gas distribution networks and $6.8 billion for the electric transmission segment [2] - Additional capital investment potential of $1.5-$2.0 billion is expected over the same timeframe [2] - The company plans to invest nearly $2 billion in replacing aging infrastructure, $1.5 billion in its cable undergrounding program, $1 billion in substation development, and $0.5 billion in clean energy initiatives through 2028 [3] Regulatory Support - Eversource's customer-focused investments in electric transmission and distribution are backed by constructive regulatory mechanisms, ensuring timely cost recovery for most of its businesses [4] - Consistent performance and investments are likely to support long-term earnings per share growth of 5-7% from the 2024 base [4] Challenges - In January 2025, Eversource announced a definitive agreement to sell Aquarion Water Company for $2.4 billion, but the sale was halted by Connecticut's Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) due to concerns over potential rate hikes and insufficient regulatory oversight [5] - This situation has led Eversource to pursue alternative financing and explore a new rate case for Aquarion Water [5] Performance Metrics - Over the past year, ES shares have increased by 15.3%, although this growth lags behind the industry's 18.9% [7] - The company maintains a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), while competitors such as The AES Corporation, NextEra Energy, and PG&E Corporation hold a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [10]

Core Insights - During market turbulence, investors often seek dividend-yielding stocks, which typically have high free cash flows and offer substantial dividends [1] Group 1: Company Ratings and Analyst Insights - Dominion Energy Inc (NYSE:D) has a dividend yield of 4.49%. Barclays analyst Nicholas Campanella maintained an Overweight rating and raised the price target from $63 to $64, with an accuracy rate of 65%. JP Morgan analyst Jeremy Tonet maintained an Underweight rating and lowered the price target from $62 to $59, with an accuracy rate of 63% [6] - Eversource Energy (NYSE:ES) has a dividend yield of 4.48%. UBS analyst William Appicelli maintained a Neutral rating and cut the price target from $78 to $73, with an accuracy rate of 66%. JP Morgan analyst Jeremy Tonet maintained an Underweight rating and slashed the price target from $72 to $71, with an accuracy rate of 63% [6] - Avista Corp (NYSE:AVA) has a dividend yield of 5.20%. Wells Fargo analyst Shahriar Pourreza initiated coverage with an Underweight rating and a price target of $38, with an accuracy rate of 66%. Jefferies analyst Julien Dumoulin-Smith maintained a Hold rating and raised the price target from $40 to $41, with an accuracy rate of 65% [6] Group 2: Recent Company Performance - Dominion Energy reported strong third-quarter performance for 2025, with adjusted earnings and revenue exceeding consensus expectations, highlighting operational resilience and strategic execution [6] - Eversource Energy reported better-than-expected quarterly results on November 4, 2025 [6] - Regency Centers elected Mark J. Parrell to its board of directors on December 16, 2025 [6]

Core Insights - Eversource Energy (NYSE:ES) is recognized as one of the best utility stocks to invest in according to hedge funds [1] - The company operates New England's largest energy delivery system, serving customers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire [2] Price Target Adjustments - JPMorgan has lowered its price target on Eversource Energy from $72 to $71 while maintaining an 'Underweight' rating, indicating an upside potential of almost 4% from the current share price [3] - Conversely, BofA raised its price target from $72 to $75 while keeping a 'Buy' rating, following an investor trip and discussions with the company's CFO, leading to increased EPS forecasts for the 2026-29 period [4] Financial Outlook - Eversource Energy reaffirmed its 5-year capital plan of $24.2 billion through 2029, with additional capital investment opportunities estimated between $1.5 billion to $2 billion [5] - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.7525 per share, resulting in an annual dividend yield of 4.43%, positioning it among the best utility dividend stocks [5]

Core Insights - The utility sector has benefited significantly from the AI boom, with major companies securing substantial contracts with hyperscalers, leading to billions in investments in the coming years [1] - Recent concerns about an AI bubble have tempered bullish sentiment, causing investors to question the realization of these promised investments [2] - Despite outperforming the market for most of the year, the utilities sector has recently experienced a pullback, with the S&P Utilities index up 12.41% since the beginning of 2025, compared to a 15.44% gain in the overall S&P 500 [3] Company Highlights - **Dominion Energy, Inc. (NYSE:D)**: - Serves 3.6 million homes and businesses in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and provides natural gas service to 500,000 customers in South Carolina [8] - Morgan Stanley reduced its price target from $65 to $62, maintaining an 'Equal Weight' rating, indicating a potential upside of 4.5% [9] - JPMorgan also lowered its price target from $62 to $59, keeping an 'Underweight' rating [10] - Holds a strong position in Virginia's 'Data Center Alley', with 450 data centers connected and over 25% of sales from these facilities; has approximately 47 GW of data-center supply in contracting stages, up from 40 GW [11] - **Eversource Energy (NYSE:ES)**: - Operates New England's largest energy delivery system, serving customers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire [12] - JPMorgan lowered its price target from $72 to $71, maintaining an 'Underweight' rating, indicating almost 4% upside potential [13] - BofA raised its price target from $72 to $75, maintaining a 'Buy' rating after discussions regarding the utility's regulatory roadmap [14] - Reaffirmed a 5-year capital plan of $24.2 billion through 2029, with additional investment opportunities of $1.5 billion to $2 billion; declared a quarterly dividend of $0.7525 per share, with an annual dividend yield of 4.43% [15]