Eversource Energy

ES

Market cap $26B

During times of turbulence and uncertainty in the markets, many investors turn to dividend-yielding stocks. These are often companies that have high free cash flows and reward shareholders with a high dividend payout.

Eversource Energy (NYSE:ES) has pulled back sharply in recent weeks, falling 11.51% over the past month to $67.44, even as the stock holds a 11.84% gain over the past year.

Eversource Energy is rated a Buy, offering a 4.7% yield and compelling valuation after divesting non-core assets. ES expects sustainable 5.5% annual EPS and dividend growth supported by $26.5B in regulated infrastructure investments through 2030. Valuation models indicate ES trades at a 20–25% discount to fair value, with projected 14–16% annual total returns over five years.

Dividend Aristocrats, tracked via NOBL, outperformed SPY YTD despite a sharp March pullback, with 44 Aristocrats beating SPY and 17 posting double-digit gains. Momentum, valuation (via dividend yield theory), and projected long-term total return now guide Aristocrat selection, with 39 currently screening as undervalued and offering ≥10% expected annualized returns. Recent dividend increases from CL, GD, LIN, and O bring the 2026 average Aristocrat dividend growth rate to 3.40%, with Realty Income expected to announce further hikes throughout the year.

HARTFORD, Conn. & BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following today's proposed final decision by the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to approve the proposed sale of the Aquarion Water Company to the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, Eversource Energy (NYSE: ES) issued the statement below from Eversource Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer John Moreira. Today's proposed final decision in the Aquarion case is a constructive development.

Eversource Energy reaffirms its "Buy" rating, supported by a $26.5 billion five-year capex plan and robust financials. ES targets 5%–7% annual non-GAAP EPS growth, underpinned by an 8.3% rate base CAGR and constructive regulatory outcomes. Shares trade at a 9% discount to fair value ($83), offering 14% upside potential by end-2026 and a 4.2% forward yield.

The ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrat ETF (NOBL) is up 9.39% YTD in 2026, decisively outperforming SPY's 1.08%. Dividend Aristocrats are regaining momentum after a weak 2025, with 55 outpacing SPY and 39 posting double-digit gains this year already. Dividend growth is lagging, with 2026's average increase currently at 3.22%, below last year's trend and potentially signaling headwinds.

At 24/7 Wall St., we have closely followed dividend-paying stocks for over 15 years.

Barron's 2025 Top 100 Sustainable Companies, ranked via Calvert's ESG metrics, highlight dividend-paying 'dogs' with strong yield and potential upside. Yield-based analysis identifies Robert Half, Regions Financial, and others as offering dividends exceeding share prices, with Regions uniquely 'safer' by free cash flow. Analyst forecasts suggest 17.46%–42.16% net gains for select ESG 'dogs' by February 2027, with average risk 12% below the market.

HARTFORD, Conn. & BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Add after last table of release dated February 12, 2026: "CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME/(LOSS)" table. The updated release reads: EVERSOURCE ENERGY REPORTS FULL-YEAR & FOURTH QUARTER 2025 RESULTS Eversource Energy (NYSE: ES) today reported full-year 2025 earnings of $1.69 billion, or $4.56 per share, compared with full-year 2024 earnings of $811.7 million, or $2.27 per share. Non-GAAP recurring earnings totaled $1.77 billion1, or $4.76 per shar.