S&P Futures
3,267.75+4.25(+0.13%)Dow Futures
26,371.00-38.00(-0.14%)Nasdaq Futures
11,188.25+55.50(+0.50%)
Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU)
62.90 +0.10 (0.16%)
Before hours: 7:40AM EDT
| Previous Close | 64.68 |
| Open | 63.78 |
| Bid | 62.95 x 1300 |
| Ask | 65.39 x 3100 |
| Day's Range | 62.67 - 64.60 |
| 52 Week Range | 43.44 - 71.10 |
| Volume | 17,013,345 |
| Avg. Volume | 12,531,981 |
| Net Assets | 11.41B |
| NAV | 64.66 |
| PE Ratio (TTM) | N/A |
| Yield | 3.28% |
| YTD Daily Total Return | 2.74% |
| Beta (5Y Monthly) | 0.41 |
| Expense Ratio (net) | 0.13% |
| Inception Date | 1998-12-16 |
- InvestorPlace
3 Utility Stocks With Tried-and-True Gains
The utility sector comprises companies that provide essential products and services, including water, electricity, natural gas, sewage, and other services. The sustained demand for these services has helped utility stocks generate stable earnings. Due to the reliability of earnings, these companies can effectively payout dividends at significantly higher average yields. Hence, the unmatched combination of income generation and profitability makes utility stocks an excellent low-risk option for investors. This year, the utility stocks represented by the Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (NYSEARCA:XLU), have underperformed the broader market. The S&P 500 index grew 6% since the beginning of the year, while the Utilities ETF fell by nearly 2%.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips 7 Airline Stocks to Buy on Pelosi Stimulus Hopes Tech stocks have ruled the roost this year, but utility stocks’ importance in a well-rounded portfolio cannot be denied either. Therefore, let’s look at three utility stocks that remained resilient despite the effects of the pandemic. American Water Works (NYSE:AWK) AES Corporation (NYSE:AES) NextEra Energy (NYSE:NEE) Utility Stocks: American Water Works (AWK) Source: Shutterstock American Water Works provides regulated water and wastewater services to homeowners and the military. It is currently the largest water and wastewater utility company in the U.S. Additionally, it also makes money using specific market-based activities. It remained resilient in the face of the pandemic, as AWK stock grew 13.7% relative to the S&P 500. It recently reported its solid second-quarter results. Earnings per share (EPS) for six months ended June 30 was at $1.65, roughly 5.8% compared to the prior-year period. Income from its regulated business was $177 million, compared to $156 million in the same period last year. Additionally, income from market-based activities also increased by $2 million. Despite the slowdown in water usage in the country, the increase in prices has helped offset revenues’ impact. Moreover, the directors announced a quarterly cash dividend payment of 55 cents per share. Hence, the dividend growth rate for the past year for the company is around 10%. American Water Works expects to grow its EPS and dividends at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 7% to 10% from 2019 to 2024. NextEra Energy (NEE) Source: madamF / Shutterstock.com NextEra Energy is the most valuable energy company in terms of market capitalization in the U.S. It runs regulated electric utilities in Florida and a nonregulated energy business operating natural gas and renewable energy projects. Additionally, it boasts one of the most robust financial profiles in the sector, with the highest credit ratings among businesses of its kind. NEE stock’s 12-month return relative to the S&P 500 is at a healthy 19.3%. The company reported its second-quarter results back in July, which was weighed down by the pandemic. The adjusted EPS for the quarter was at $2.61, surpassing expectations by 4.4%. However, revenues were down 15.4%. Revenues across all its segments lagged behind consensus estimates. Nevertheless, the company’s earnings are expected to grow at a CAGR of 6% to 8% per year through 2021. 7 Airline Stocks to Buy on Pelosi Stimulus Hopes Its financial strength continues to impress as cash and cash equivalents were up 268% crossing the $1 billion mark. Moreover, the company plans to increase its dividend by approximately 10% per year through 2022. AES Corporation (AES) Source: zhao jiankang / Shutterstock.com AES is one of the largest electric utility companies in the U.S. operating in multiple nations. It has one of the most diversified portfolios of distribution and electricity generation businesses. Additionally, it is among the top electric utility companies leading the charge towards renewable energy. AES stock’s 12-month return relative to the S&P 500 is at a solid 10.9%. The pandemic weighed down the company’s second-quarter results. Adjusted EPS was down 3.8% to 25 cents while revenues dropped 11.3%. Despite the slowdown, the management feels that market demand is better than their expectations, and collections are in line with historical levels. The company expects a 7% to 9% average growth rate for its business through to 2022. AES is betting heavily on the green revolution and hopes to generate less than 10% of its electricity from coal by 2030. It is aggressively retiring its coal plants and remains focused on increasing its renewable plants. On the date of publication, Muslim Farooque did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. More From InvestorPlace Why Everyone Is Investing in 5G All WRONG Top Stock Picker Reveals His Next 1,000% Winner Radical New Battery Could Dismantle Oil Markets Revolutionary Tech Behind 5G Rollout Is Being Pioneered By This 1 Company The post 3 Utility Stocks With Tried-and-True Gains appeared first on InvestorPlace.
- MarketWatch
American Electric Power raises dividend 5.7%, to yield above utilities peer group
American Electric Power Co. Inc. announced Tuesday a 5.7% increase to its quarterly dividend, to 74 cents a share from 70 cents. The electricity transmission company's new dividend will be payable Dec. 10 to shareholders of record on Nov. 10. The stock slipped 0.2% to $91.12 in afternoon trading. At current prices, the new annual dividend rate implies a dividend yield of 3.25%, compared with the yield for the SPDR Utilities Select Sector ETF of 3.04% and the implied yield for the S&P 500 of 1.63%, according to FactSet. "AEP has paid a cash dividend on its common stock every quarter since 1910, and we're pleased our strategic business decisions continue to provide increased returns to our shareholders," said Chief Executive Nicholas Akins. The stock has slipped 3.6% year to date, while the utilities ETF has eased 0.9% and the S&P 500 has gained 7.6%.
- Investopedia
Active Traders Are Betting on the Utilities Sector
Nearby support and resistance levels are making the utilities sector one to watch over the final months of 2020.
