In times of market volatility, seeking out dividend-yielding stocks can be a wise move for investors. These companies often boast strong cash flows and generously reward shareholders with high dividend payouts. To help navigate the landscape, we’ve compiled analyst ratings for three high-yielding utility stocks: Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure (AY), Clearway Energy (CWEN), and Spire Inc. (SR).
Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure plc (AY)
AY, with a dividend yield of 8.11%, has garnered attention from analysts. Angie Storozynski, an analyst at Seaport Global, downgraded the stock from Buy to Neutral on May 29. Despite the downgrade, Storozynski’s accuracy rate is a notable 75%. On the other hand, James Thalacker of BMO Capital maintained a Market Perform rating and raised the price target from $20 to $23 on May 10. Thalacker boasts a 75% accuracy rate as well. Notably, Atlantica Sustainable posted better-than-expected quarterly sales on Aug. 1, as reported by Benzinga Pro’s real-time newsfeed.
Clearway Energy, Inc. (CWEN)
CWEN, offering a 6.43% dividend yield, has caught the eye of analysts. Jefferies analyst Julien Dumoulin-Smith initiated coverage with a Buy rating and a price target of $68 on Sept. 20, showcasing an accuracy rate of 68%. Morgan Stanley analyst Robert Kad echoed a positive outlook, upgrading the stock from Equal-Weight to Overweight and boosting the price target from $25 to $36 on July 31. Kad’s accuracy rate sits at an impressive 79%. Look out for Clearway Energy’s third quarter 2024 financial results, which are expected to be released on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Benzinga Pro’s real-time newsfeed will provide up-to-the-minute updates.
Spire Inc. (SR)
SR, boasting a 4.66% dividend yield, has seen mixed analyst sentiment. Ladenburg Thalmann analyst Paul Fremont downgraded the stock from Neutral to Sell and cut the price target from $65.5 to $60.5 on Oct. 17. Fremont has a 62% accuracy rate. However, Wells Fargo analyst Sarah Akers maintained an Equal-Weight rating and raised the price target from $72 to $73 on Oct. 16. Akers’ accuracy rate is 69%. Spire will host a conference call and webcast on Wednesday, Nov. 20, to discuss fiscal 2024 fourth quarter financial results. Keep an eye on Benzinga Pro’s charting tool for insights into the trend of SR stock.
These are just a few insights into the analyst sentiment surrounding these high-yielding utility stocks. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis from Benzinga Pro’s in-depth coverage.
