Stock price when the opinion was issued
Bumps along the road, but the price has appreciated. Utilities are always levered, so as rates go up, there's more interest expense on the balance sheet and less profit hits the bottom line. Rates coming down have helped EMA's profit. Over time, expectation is that it will be the better choice. Yield is north of 5%.
A boring, stable utility. Pretty much discarded last year with people chasing the AI trend. Big move since January with the flight to safety. Outlook was upgraded from Negative to Stable. Good job reducing leverage. Florida just approved storm reparation costs from 2 hurricanes in 2024.
Likes it. Up 21% YTD. The do what they say they're going to do. Nova Scotia now coming out of its rate freeze, should see earnings increase in 2026. Asset sales mean that debt level is OK. Dividend can still be increased, though at lower levels than historically. Has trouble trimming a name that's been really good to her, especially as she's a long-term investor.
Utilities is her favourite sector. If economy rolls over, $$ will come out of the high-torquey sectors and move to defensive.
Volatility in last month has been great for all the utilities. Not a lot of growth, only ~7%. He looks for a bit more growth. Great place to shelter for defensive positioning, plus 4.9% yield.