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For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – June 11, 2026 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Merck & Co., Inc. MRK, The Southern Co. SO, Lumentum Holdings Inc. LITE and Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. PEBK.

Here are highlights from Wednesday’s Analyst Blog:

Top Research Reports for Merck, Southern Company and Lumentum

The Zacks Research Daily presents the best research output of our analyst team. Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including Merck & Co., Inc., The Southern Co. and Lumentum Holdings Inc., as well as a micro-cap stock Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc.. The Zacks microcap research is unique as our research content on these small and under-the-radar companies is the only research of its type in the country.

These research reports have been hand-picked from the roughly 70 reports published by our analyst team today.

You can see all of today's research reports here >>>

Today's Featured Research Reports

Merck's shares have outperformed the Zacks Large Cap Pharmaceuticals industry over the past year (+53.3% vs. +25.2%). The company's blockbuster drug, Keytruda, and new products have been driving sales. Animal Health is also contributing to growth. Though Keytruda will lose patent exclusivity in 2028, its sales are expected to remain strong until then.

Merck's new products, Winrevair, Welireg and Capvaxive, key pipeline progress and expansion of its respiratory and infectious disease and oncology portfolios through the acquisitions of Verona Pharma, Cidara Therapeutics and Terns Pharmaceuticals have improved its long-term growth prospects. This progress has increased confidence that Merck can maintain growth even after Keytruda loses exclusivity.

However, it faces several near-term challenges, including persistent challenges for Gardasil in China, potential competition for Keytruda, and rising competitive and generic pressure on some of its drugs.

(You can read the full research report on Merck here >>>)

Shares of Southern Company have gained +7.1% over the past year against the Zacks Utility - Electric Power industry's gain of +23.2%. The company is a leading U.S. electric utility with a stable, recession-resistant business model, benefiting from strong electricity demand growth, particularly from data centers and hyperscale customers, and a robust pipeline exceeding 75 gigawatts of potential projects.

Southern Company is expanding its regulated generation and transmission assets, investing in battery storage and renewable projects, and maintaining a 25-year streak of dividend increases, appealing to income-focused investors.

However, elevated leverage with $67.1 billion in long-term debt, capital-intensive infrastructure needs, exposure to economic slowdowns, regulatory risks, ongoing depreciation charges, and weather-driven earnings volatility limit financial flexibility. Hence, investors are advised to wait for a better entry point.

(You can read the full research report on Southern Company here >>>)

Lumentum's shares have outperformed the Zacks Communication - Components industry over the past year (+968.3% vs. +313.6%). The company is benefiting from sustained AI and cloud network buildouts, with record fiscal Q3 revenue and expanding profitability as laser chips and cloud transceivers scale.

Management's Q4 outlook calls for another step up in revenue and operating margin, supported by continued EML growth, scale-across components like pump and narrow linewidth lasers, and a ramp in 1.6T transceivers with initial internal CW laser integration. A multiyear OCS purchase agreement and the acquisition of an additional indium phosphide fab, backed by a larger cash balance, extend capacity and visibility, while CPO development moves toward revenue.

However, supply constraints and outsourcing dependence can delay shipments, and ongoing ASP and customer concentration risks remain a headwind. Industrial lasers remain muted and can dilute the mix.

(You can read the full research report on Lumentum here >>>)

Shares of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina have outperformed the Zacks Banks - Southeast industry over the past year (+66.1% vs. +15.4%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $236.97 million has its investment thesis supported by improving earnings power, driven by balance-sheet management, loan growth and a stable deposit franchise. Margin expansion reflects effective asset-liability management and favorable funding dynamics, while loan growth continues to support revenue generation.

Strong capital levels and a conservative dividend policy provide flexibility to support future growth and shareholder returns. However, key risks include rising operating expenses, potential margin compression from higher funding costs and higher credit costs tied to portfolio growth.

Fee income remains sensitive to appraisal-related activity. Valuation reflects investor caution around the sustainability of earnings growth and credit performance. Further upside will depend on sustaining profitability, maintaining credit quality and delivering consistent earnings growth.

(You can read the full research report on Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina here >>>)

Story Continues

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Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report

Southern Company (The) (SO) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Lumentum Holdings Inc. (LITE) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK) : Free Stock Analysis Report

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research

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Haftungsausschluss: Der Text wurde mit Hilfe einer KI zusammengefasst und übersetzt. Für Aussagen aus dem Originaltext wird keine Haftung übernommen!

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

The Zacks Research Daily presents the best research output of our analyst team. Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK), The Southern Co. (SO) and Lumentum Holdings Inc. (LITE), as well as a micro-cap stock Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK). The Zacks microcap research is unique as our research content on these small and under-the-radar companies is the only research of its type in the country.

These research reports have been hand-picked from the roughly 70 reports published by our analyst team today.

You can see all of today's research reports here >>>

Ahead of Wall Street

The daily 'Ahead of Wall Street' article is a must-read for all investors who would like to be ready for that day's trading action. The article comes out before the market opens, attempting to make sense of that morning's economic releases and how they will affect that day's market action. You can read this article for free on our home page and can actually sign up there to get an email notification as this article comes out each morning.

You can read today's AWS here >>> CPI Inflation Rate +4.2%: Hottest in 3 Years

Today's Featured Research Reports

Merck's shares have outperformed the Zacks Large Cap Pharmaceuticals industry over the past year (+53.3% vs. +25.2%). The company's blockbuster drug, Keytruda, and new products have been driving sales. Animal Health is also contributing to growth. Though Keytruda will lose patent exclusivity in 2028, its sales are expected to remain strong until then.

Merck's new products, Winrevair, Welireg and Capvaxive, key pipeline progress and expansion of its respiratory and infectious disease and oncology portfolios through the acquisitions of Verona Pharma, Cidara Therapeutics and Terns Pharmaceuticals have improved its long-term growth prospects. This progress has increased confidence that Merck can maintain growth even after Keytruda loses exclusivity.

However, it faces several near-term challenges, including persistent challenges for Gardasil in China, potential competition for Keytruda, and rising competitive and generic pressure on some of its drugs.

(You can read the full research report on Merck here >>>)

Shares of Southern Company have gained +7.1% over the past year against the Zacks Utility - Electric Power industry's gain of +23.2%. The company is a leading U.S. electric utility with a stable, recession-resistant business model, benefiting from strong electricity demand growth, particularly from data centers and hyperscale customers, and a robust pipeline exceeding 75 gigawatts of potential projects.

Southern Company is expanding its regulated generation and transmission assets, investing in battery storage and renewable projects, and maintaining a 25-year streak of dividend increases, appealing to income-focused investors.

However, elevated leverage with $67.1 billion in long-term debt, capital-intensive infrastructure needs, exposure to economic slowdowns, regulatory risks, ongoing depreciation charges, and weather-driven earnings volatility limit financial flexibility. Hence, investors are advised to wait for a better entry point.

(You can read the full research report on Southern Company here >>>)

Lumentum's shares have outperformed the Zacks Communication - Components industry over the past year (+968.3% vs. +313.6%). The company is benefiting from sustained AI and cloud network buildouts, with record fiscal Q3 revenue and expanding profitability as laser chips and cloud transceivers scale.

Management's Q4 outlook calls for another step up in revenue and operating margin, supported by continued EML growth, scale-across components like pump and narrow linewidth lasers, and a ramp in 1.6T transceivers with initial internal CW laser integration. A multiyear OCS purchase agreement and the acquisition of an additional indium phosphide fab, backed by a larger cash balance, extend capacity and visibility, while CPO development moves toward revenue.

However, supply constraints and outsourcing dependence can delay shipments, and ongoing ASP and customer concentration risks remain a headwind. Industrial lasers remain muted and can dilute the mix.

(You can read the full research report on Lumentum here >>>)

Shares of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina have outperformed the Zacks Banks - Southeast industry over the past year (+66.1% vs. +15.4%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $236.97 million has its investment thesis supported by improving earnings power, driven by balance-sheet management, loan growth and a stable deposit franchise. Margin expansion reflects effective asset-liability management and favorable funding dynamics, while loan growth continues to support revenue generation.

Strong capital levels and a conservative dividend policy provide flexibility to support future growth and shareholder returns. However, key risks include rising operating expenses, potential margin compression from higher funding costs and higher credit costs tied to portfolio growth.

Fee income remains sensitive to appraisal-related activity. Valuation reflects investor caution around the sustainability of earnings growth and credit performance. Further upside will depend on sustaining profitability, maintaining credit quality and delivering consistent earnings growth.

(You can read the full research report on Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina here >>>)

Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL), Woodward, Inc. (WWD) and Lamar Advertising Co. (LAMR).

Mark Vickery Senior Editor

Note: Sheraz Mian heads the Zacks Equity Research department and is a well-regarded expert of aggregate earnings. He is frequently quoted in the print and electronic media and publishes the weekly Earnings Trends and Earnings Preview reports. If you want an email notification each time Sheraz publishes a new article, please click here>>>

Story Continues

Today's Must Read

Merck's (MRK) Growth Outlook Stable Despite Keytruda Patent Cliff

Southern Company (SO) Buoyed by High Demand From Data Centers

AI-Driven Optics Upgrades Boosts Lumentum's (LITE) Prospects

Featured Reports

Growing Mission-Critical Demand & Integrated Model Aid Sterling (STRL) Per the Zacks analyst, Sterling is gaining from robust demand trends for mission-critical activity, mainly in data centers and semiconductors. Also, its integrated business model adds to the growth.

Woodward (WWD) Gains from Strength in Aerospace Segment Per the Zacks analyst, Woodward's Aerospace segment is gaining from strength in the commercial aftermarket and higher defense activity, with fiscal 2026 revenues expected to grow 21-24% from this unit

Lamar (LAMR) Digital Growth Fuels Cash Flow Despite Cyclical Ad Risk Per the Zacks Analyst, Lamar's resilient local demand and growing digital business support steady cash generation and dividends, while cyclical ad budgets and leverage remain key risks.

Service Center Unit Aids Applied Industrial (AIT), Costs Ail Per the Zacks analyst, Applied Industrial's Service Center Based Distribution segment is driven by increase in demand for technical MRO services. However, high costs remain concerning for the company.

Restructuring Gains and Demand Driven Growth Boosts VMI Prospects Per the Zacks analyst, VMI is benefiting from ongoing restructuring initiatives that are resulting in cost savings. The Utility segment is also poised for robust growth from high demand.

Investments & Customer Additions Aid Southwest Gas (SWX) Per the Zacks analyst, Southwest Gas' strategic investment plans will support system improvements and pipe replacement programs. Consistent customer additions will further boost its results.

Blue Owl (OBDC) to Grow on Diversified Portfolio Amid Margin Pressure Per the Zacks analyst, Blue Owl's diversified portfolio supports growth, but lower interest rates and spread compression are weighing on earnings.

New Upgrades

Five Below's (FIVE) Traffic Gains and Customer Focus Fuel Growth Per the Zacks analyst, Five Below may benefit from broad-based customer traffic gains and a customer-centric strategy that strengthens engagement and supports sustained demand momentum.

Expanding DevSecOps Footprint Aids GitLab (GTLB) Prospect Per the Zacks analyst, GitLab is benefiting from growing DevSecOps adoption, strong renewal trends and increasing AI-driven usage across workflows.

SaaS Expansion Supports Omnicell's (OMCL) Growth Outlook The Zacks analyst is optimistic about Omnicell's growth outlook, driven by expanding SaaS and Expert Services adoption, pharmacy automation initiatives and global expansion.

New Downgrades

Theravance (TBPH) Relies on Profit Sharing Amid Pipeline Constraints Theravance's revenue growth is driven by higher profit-sharing income from U.S. Yupelri sales. Lack of Pipeline Diversification and discontinuation of lead its candidate concern the Zacks analyst.

Chord Energy's (CHRD) Williston Basin Advantage Drives Growth Chord Energy's Williston Basin position and its shift to longer laterals drive cost-efficient production growth. However, its sensitivity to oil prices concerns the Zacks analyst.

Weak Global Vehicle Production to Hurt Aptiv (APTV) Per the Zacks analyst, weak global vehicle production due to geopolitical tensions, weak momentum for electric cars, and worldwide semiconductor shortage are expected to impact Aptiv's business.

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report

Southern Company (The) (SO) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Lamar Advertising Company (LAMR) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Woodward, Inc. (WWD) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Lumentum Holdings Inc. (LITE) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Autoscope Technologies Corporation (AATC) : Free Stock Analysis Report

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research

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Haftungsausschluss: Der Text wurde mit Hilfe einer KI zusammengefasst und übersetzt. Für Aussagen aus dem Originaltext wird keine Haftung übernommen!

Der Boom von künstlicher Intelligenz sorgt dafür, dass Energieversorger zu unerwarteten politischen Zielen werden. Staatsbeamte in verschiedenen Ländern drücken sich gegen steigende Strompreise aus, die viele Verbraucher auf die Expansion von Datenzentren und den Gewinnwachstum der Versorger zurückführen. In einigen Bundesstaaten wie Arizona, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New York und Pennsylvania fordern Beamte und Regulatoren mit ungewöhnlicher Intensität die Energieversorger auf, ihre Tarife nicht zu erhöhen. Einige fragen sogar das Jahrzehnte alte Geschäftsmodell an, das es den regulierten Versorgern ermöglicht, garantierte Renditen für große Investitionen in Infrastruktur zu erzielen.

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Die Southern Company SO hat im ersten Quartal 2026 einen bereinigten Gewinn pro Aktie von 1,32 US-Dollar erzielt, was einem Anstieg von 7,3% gegenüber dem Vorjahresquartal entspricht. Der Wert übertraf das Zacks-Konsens-Target um 9,1%. Die Quartalsumsatzkam auf 8,4 Milliarden US-Dollar, ein Anstieg von 8% gegenüber dem Vorjahreszeitraum. Der Umsatz übertraf auch das Konsensziel von 8,1 Milliarden US-Dollar um 3,8%.

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Qualcomm-Aktien stiegen im April aufgrund von AI-Begeisterung an, die Firma setzt ihre soliden Dividendenzahlungen fort. Southern erzeugt starke Nachfrage aus Datenzentren mit einem Ausbeute von über 3%. PACCAR erhöhte seine Dividende trotz eines Rückgangs in 2025. Qualcomm hat im April eine 3,4%ige Dividendensteigerung angekündigt und setzt ihre Quartalszahlung auf 92 Cent pro Aktie. Southern hat kürzlich eine moderate 2,7%ige Erhöhung seiner Quartalsschüttbaren Dividende angekündigt, die sich nun bei 76 Cent pro Aktie befindet. PACCAR erhöhte seine Quartalsdividende um 6%, was sie auf 35 Cent pro Aktie bringt.

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Zusammenfassung

Der Artikel beleuchtet eine übersehene Investitionsmöglichkeit innerhalb des Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU), argumentierend, dass seine Bedeutung im aktuellen KI-Boom oft übersehen wird. Während Nvidia und Microsoft die KI-Narrative dominieren, erlebt das Fundament – das Stromnetz – einen massiven Anstieg der Nachfrage, angetrieben durch den boomenden Datenzentrum-Sektor. Diese Nachfrage wird voraussichtlich bis 2030 um mehr als das Doppelte steigen, was das Stromnetz als eine bemerkenswert widerstandsfähige und potenziell leistungsstarke Investition positioniert.

XLU, ein passiver ETF, bietet eine konzentrierte Exposition auf US-regulierte Versorgungsunternehmen und hält über 99 % seines Portfolios in diesen Unternehmen. Diese Struktur ermöglicht es Investoren, direkt von der wachsenden Notwendigkeit zu profitieren, um die Stromversorgung von Datenzentren zu gewährleisten, selbst wenn sie nicht direkt in KI-Unternehmen investieren. Die Performance des Fonds in den letzten 12 Monaten hat diese der des S&P 500 übertroffen und seine potenziellen Chancen unterstreicht.

Der Kern des Arguments basiert auf der Abhängigkeit der KI-Entwicklung von zuverlässiger Energie. Datenzentren, die für die Expansion von KI unerlässlich sind, benötigen enorme Energieverbrauch und erfordern erhebliche Modernisierungen des bestehenden Stromnetzes. Unternehmen wie American Electric Power und NextEra Energy sichern sich bereits massive neue Lastenverpflichtungen, was das erwartete Wachstum widerspiegelt. Dieser Anstieg der Nachfrage wird durch den Bau neuer Datenzentren angeheizt, viele davon sind noch nicht in Betrieb und deuten auf einen weiteren Anstieg des Stromverbrauchs hin, sobald sie in Betrieb sind.

Dennoch gibt es einige Überlegungen bei der Investition in XLU. Die Konzentration des Fonds auf Versorgungsunternehmen birgt einige Risiken. Investoren sollten sich auch der Zinsanfälligkeit bewusst sein – Versorgungsunternehmen haben oft erhebliche Schulden und steigende Zinsen können ihre Rentabilität und Dividendenzahlungen negativ beeinflussen. Darüber hinaus kann das Fehlen einer Technologie-getriebenen Wachstumsbeteiligung die potenziellen Erträge von XLU im Vergleich zu Unternehmen beschränken, die direkt an der KI-Revolution beteiligt sind.

Trotz dieser Abwägung bleibt der langfristige Ausblick für XLU stark, angetrieben von der grundlegenden Notwendigkeit von Strom, um die KI-Revolution zu unterstützen. Der Artikel plädiert dafür, XLU als wesentlichen Bestandteil eines diversifizierten Portfolios zu betrachten, insbesondere wenn Investoren auf Renteneinkommensstrategien umsteigen.

Dabei wird auf eine kostenlose Ressource, "The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income", hingewiesen, die einen einfachen Ansatz zur Umwandlung von Investitionen in ein zuverlässiges Renteneinkommen bietet. Sie adressiert einen kritischen Versäumnis – die Übergangsphase von Vermögensaufbau zu Vermögensschutz und Einkommensgenerierung – der oft von Investoren übersehen wird. Diese Anleitung bietet den notwendigen mathematischen und strategischen Rahmen für eine effektive Rentenplanung.

Haftungsausschluss: Der Text wurde mit Hilfe einer KI zusammengefasst und übersetzt. Für Aussagen aus dem Originaltext wird keine Haftung übernommen!

Quick Read

Fidelity MSCI Utilities Index ETF (FUTY) charges 0.084% in fees and holds NextEra Energy (NEE) at 12.33%, Southern Co (SO), Duke Energy (DUK), Constellation Energy (CEG) which acquired Calpine in January 2026 to become the nation’s largest private power producer at 55 GW, American Electric Power (AEP), and Vistra Corp (VST) with 2026 guided EBITDA of $6.8B-$7.6B. FUTY returned 20% over the past year and 64% over five years, though it carries merchant power volatility risk distinct from traditional regulated utilities. AI-driven demand for carbon-free nuclear electricity has transformed FUTY from a pure defensive income fund into a vehicle with meaningful exposure to the data center power theme, as Constellation Energy and Vistra have signed long-term power purchase agreements with Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon Web Services. Have You read The New Report Shaking Up Retirement Plans? Americans are answering three questions and many are realizing they can retire earlier than expected.

Utilities have long been the portfolio's boring backbone: predictable dividends, regulated cash flows, and a tendency to hold up when riskier assets sell off. Fidelity MSCI Utilities Index ETF (NYSEARCA:FUTY) packages that idea into a single fund at near-zero cost, but what investors actually own is more nuanced than the classic defensive utility story."Fermi 2 Nuclear Power Plant Cooling Towers" by AmyZZZ1 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.·"Fermi 2 Nuclear Power Plant Cooling Towers" by AmyZZZ1 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.

Steam billows from nuclear power plant cooling towers reflected in a body of water.

What FUTY Is Designed to Do

FUTY tracks the MSCI USA IMI Utilities 25/50 Index, a market-cap-weighted benchmark covering the full U.S. utilities sector. The fund charges an expense ratio of 0.084%, among the lowest for any sector ETF. With $2.48 billion in net assets and a 2013 inception date, it has a long enough track record to evaluate through multiple rate cycles.

Have You read The New Report Shaking Up Retirement Plans? Americans are answering three questions and many are realizing they can retire earlier than expected.

The return engine is straightforward: regulated utility businesses earn predictable returns on their rate bases, pass costs through to customers under state-approved agreements, and distribute a large share of earnings as dividends. The dividend yield sits near 2.5%, which functions as the income floor while capital appreciation depends on the rate environment and earnings growth.

The index uses a 25/50 concentration cap, meaning no single issuer can exceed 25% and companies above 5% collectively cannot exceed 50%. In practice, NextEra Energy represents 12.33% of the fund, more than double the second-largest holding. The top five names — NextEra Energy (NYSE:NEE), Southern Co (NYSE:SO), Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK), Constellation Energy (NASDAQ:CEG), and American Electric Power (NASDAQ:AEP) — together account for roughly 35% of the portfolio across 65 total positions.

Story Continues

The AI Power Twist Hidden Inside a Defensive ETF

Investors buying FUTY as a pure bond proxy are getting something different. The MSCI utilities index includes competitive merchant power companies alongside regulated utilities, and two top-ten holdings — Constellation Energy and Vistra Corp (NYSE:VST) — operate in deregulated markets, earn revenue from wholesale power prices, and have signed long-term power purchase agreements with hyperscalers including Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon Web Services to supply carbon-free nuclear electricity to data centers.

Constellation completed its acquisition of Calpine in January 2026, creating the nation's largest private power producer at 55 GW of combined capacity. Vistra has guided for 2026 adjusted EBITDA of $6.8 billion to $7.6 billion. These are growth stories. Their inclusion gives FUTY meaningful sensitivity to the AI electricity demand theme.

Does the Fund Deliver on Its Promise?

FUTY has performed well recently. The fund is up 20% over the past year and 6.6% year-to-date, tracking closely with the SPDR Utilities ETF (XLU), which returned 20.4% over the same one-year period. The five-year returns are nearly identical — FUTY up 64% versus XLU up 66% — meaning the primary advantage FUTY holds over its closest competitor is cost, not composition.

The underlying fundamentals support recent performance. Duke Energy delivered FY2025 adjusted EPS of $6.31 with a $103 billion five-year capital plan. American Electric Power reported FY2025 net income up 21% and has signed agreements for 56 GW of incremental load by 2030. NextEra grew full-year 2025 adjusted EPS by more than 8% and targets the same 8%+ compound annual growth rate through 2032.

Three Tradeoffs Worth Understanding

Interest rate sensitivity: Utilities carry large debt loads to fund infrastructure, and their dividend yields compete directly with Treasury yields. The 10-year Treasury currently sits at 4.33%, up 30 basis points over the past month. At that level, FUTY's roughly 2.5% dividend yield offers limited income premium over risk-free alternatives, compressing valuations when rates rise further. Merchant power volatility: Constellation and Vistra behave differently from regulated utilities during market stress. A Reddit post in late March titled "VST & CEG getting absolutely hammered today" captured a session where both names fell sharply on rising yields and cooling AI sentiment. Vistra is down 5.5% year-to-date and Constellation is down 16% year-to-date, creating drag even as traditional regulated names have held up. Concentration in the top holding: NextEra's 12% weight means a single stock's performance materially moves the fund. Its Q4 2025 adjusted EPS of $0.54 missed consensus by 41%, though the full-year result remained strong.

FUTY functions as a defensive income sleeve for investors seeking broad U.S. utilities exposure at minimal cost, but the presence of merchant power names means it carries more cyclical risk than its label suggests. Investors expecting pure bond-proxy behavior during rate spikes should account for that distinction.

The New Report Shaking Up Retirement Plans

You may think retirement is about picking the best stocks or ETFs and saving as much as possible, but you'd be wrong. After the release of a new retirement income report, wealthy Americans are rethinking their plans and realizing that even modest portfolios can be serious cash machines.

Many are even learning they can retire earlier than expected.

If you're thinking about retiring or know someone who is, take 5 minutes to learn more here.

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Allianz für Kritische Infrastruktur (ACI) wird gestartet

NEW YORK, 26. Februar 2026 – (BUSINESS WIRE) – Die Allianz für Kritische Infrastruktur (ACI) wurde offiziell als eine von der Industrie getriebene, gemeinnützige Koalition gegründet, die sich dem Stärken der nationalen Widerstandsfähigkeit widmet. Die ACI vereint Eigentümer, Betreiber und Branchenvertreter, um Zusammenarbeit und Informationsaustausch zu fördern und sicherzustellen, dass die kritische Infrastruktur gemeinsam Bedrohungen antizipieren, diese abwehren und darauf reagieren kann. Durch die Nutzung der kombinierten Ressourcen und des Fachwissens ihrer Mitglieder wird die ACI als zentraler Anlaufpunkt für die Planung der Widerstandsfähigkeit, das Krisenmanagement und die Koordination der Maßnahmen dienen. Aufbauend auf über einem Jahrzehnt des Erfolgs der Tri-Sector Executive Working Group stellt die ACI eine Weiterentwicklung der kollaborativen Risikobewältigung und Krisenreaktion dar. Zu den Gründungsmitgliedern gehören AIG, AT&T, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, Consolidated Edison, Inc., JPMorganChase, Lumen Technologies, Mastercard, Southern Company und Xcel Energy.

Die Mission der ACI ist es: systematische Risiken zu identifizieren und Strategien zu entwickeln, um die Widerstandsfähigkeit der Sektoren der kritischen Infrastruktur zu stärken. Robuste Widerstandsfähigkeitsprotokolle für einen priorisierten, sektoralen Einsatz bei aufkommenden Bedrohungen zu entwickeln und zu testen. Verständnis und koordinierte Maßnahmen gegen Risiken für die kritische Infrastruktur zu fördern. Krisenreaktionen durch sektoralen und öffentlichen-privaten Kooperationsrahmen zu koordinieren, wobei der Schwerpunkt auf der Schadensbegrenzung liegt.

"Da fast 85 Prozent der kritischen Infrastruktur unseres Landes privat und betrieben werden, haben wir eine gemeinsame Verantwortung, uns den schnelllebigen und miteinander verbundenen Bedrohungen zu stellen. Die ACI bietet uns eine praktische Möglichkeit, dies zu tun - indem Sektoren zusammengebracht werden, um Einblicke auszutauschen, schnell Entscheidungen zu treffen und wenn es darauf ankommt, als Einheit zu handeln. Diese Koordination ist entscheidend, um sicherzustellen, dass die Dienstleistungen, auf die die Menschen täglich angewiesen sind, widerstandsfähig und sicher bleiben", sagte Michael Lashlee, Chief Security Officer, Mastercard.

Die ACI wird über eine gestufte Mitgliedschaftstruktur arbeiten, um eine breite Beteiligung der Mitglieder sowie Interessenverbände und staatliche Partner zu gewährleisten. Für weitere Informationen besuchen Sie unsere Website oder senden Sie eine E-Mail an information@criticalalliance.org.

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Okay, here’s a 600-word summary of the provided text, followed by a German translation:

Summary (600 Words)

Southern Company (SO), a major U.S. power supplier, reported its fourth-quarter 2025 earnings, revealing a mixed performance. While the company’s bottom line exceeded expectations due to strong retail sales driven by data center growth and new customers, higher operating expenses weighed on overall profitability. The company reported revenues of $7 billion, a 10.1% increase compared to the previous year’s fourth quarter and beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by $117 million.

Despite the penny miss on earnings per share (EPS), the company’s overall performance was bolstered by increased retail electricity demand. This surge was fueled by the growing demand from data centers and the addition of new customers. Furthermore, Southern Company’s wholesale power sales rose significantly by 14.5%. The company’s total electricity sales increased by 4.9% compared to the same period last year, showcasing robust demand across its operations. Retail sales also improved, rising by 1.7% across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.

However, the increased demand came with a cost. Operating expenses rose substantially, with O&M costs increasing by 6.1% to $2.1 billion and total operating expenses climbing by 14.8% to $6.1 billion. This expense increase negatively impacted profitability.

Looking ahead, Southern Company management has provided guidance for the current year, projecting EPS of $4.50 - $4.60 and a March quarter EPS of $1.20. Crucially, the company anticipates long-term EPS growth of 8% through 2030.

The report included comparisons with other utility companies. Exelon Corporation (EXC) reported a beat, driven by strong distribution rates and favorable weather. American Water Works Company (AWK) experienced an EPS miss but showed growth in revenues and operating income. IDACORP, Inc. (IDA) delivered a strong earnings surprise due to customer growth and favorable tax benefits.

These comparisons highlighted the varying factors influencing utility company performance. Exelon's success was linked to specific regional conditions, while American Water Works benefited from revenue decoupling and investment plans. IDACORP’s performance was driven by robust customer growth and strategic tax credits.

Each company provided its own guidance. Exelon projected EPS of $6.02-$6.12 for 2026 and plans a significant capital expenditure of $3.7 billion. American Water Works anticipates growth of 7-9% for EPS and rate base growth of 8-9%, along with a substantial long-term capital expenditure plan of $19-$20 billion for 2026-2030 and $46-$48 billion for 2026-2035. IDACORP anticipates capital expenditures between $1.3 billion and $1.5 billion for 2026-2030.

The report emphasizes the cyclical nature of the utility industry, influenced by factors like data center growth, customer additions, weather patterns, and regulatory policies. While some companies faced headwinds from rising expenses, others benefited from strong demand and strategic initiatives.

German Translation (approx. 600 words)

Zusammenfassung der Quartalsergebnisse von Southern Company (SO)

Southern Company (SO), ein bedeutender US-Energieversorger, veröffentlichte seine Quartalsergebnisse für das vierte Quartal 2025 und präsentierte eine gemischte Performance. Obwohl der Gesamtbetrag (Bottom Line) die Erwartungen übertraf, lag dies an starken Einzelhandelsumsätzen, die durch das Wachstum von Datenzentren und die Gewinnung neuer Kunden angetrieben wurden, belasteten jedoch höhere Betriebskosten die Gesamtrentabilität. Das Unternehmen meldete Einnahmen in Höhe von 7 Milliarden US-Dollar, was einem Anstieg von 10,1 % gegenüber dem Umsatz im vierten Quartal des Vorjahres entspricht und die Zacks Consensus-Schätzung um 117 Millionen US-Dollar übertraf.

Trotz des Fehltreffers von einer Cent pro Aktie (EPS) wurde die Gesamtperformance des Unternehmens durch die erhöhte Stromnachfrage gesteigert. Dieser Anstieg wurde durch die wachsende Nachfrage nach Datenzentren und die Gewinnung neuer Kunden angetrieben. Darüber hinaus stiegen die Wholesale-Stromverkäufe von Southern Company erheblich um 14,5 %. Der Gesamtumsatz mit Strom stieg im Vergleich zum gleichen Zeitraum des Vorjahres um 4,9 %. Der Einzelhandelsumsatz verbesserte sich ebenfalls, wobei er in den Bereichen Wohn-, Gewerbe- und Industrie um 1,7 % stieg.

Diese erhöhte Nachfrage hatte jedoch ihren Preis. Die Betriebskosten stiegen erheblich, wobei die Kosten für Wartung und Betrieb (O&M) um 6,1 % auf 2,1 Milliarden US-Dollar stiegen und die Gesamtkosten um 14,8 % auf 6,1 Milliarden US-Dollar anstiegen. Dieser Kostenerhöhung hatte einen negativen Einfluss auf die Rentabilität.

Ausblickweise hat Southern Company seine Prognose für das laufende Jahr gegeben und EPS von 4,50 bis 4,60 US-Dollar sowie einen EPS für das Märzquartal von 1,20 US-Dollar erwartet. Entscheidend ist, dass das Unternehmen eine langfristige EPS-Wachstumsrate von 8 % bis 2030 prognostiziert.

Der Bericht umfasste Vergleiche mit anderen Energieversorgern. Exelon Corporation (EXC) meldete einen Gewinn, der auf starke Vertriebs- und Übertragungskennzahlen und günstige Wetterbedingungen zurückzuführen war. American Water Works Company (AWK) verzeichnete einen EPS-Fehltreffer, zeigte aber Wachstum in Einnahmen und Betriebsgewinnen. IDACORP, Inc. (IDA) erzielte eine starke Gewinnübertreffung aufgrund eines starken Kundenwachstums und günstiger Steuervergünstigungen.

Diese Vergleiche unterstrichen die verschiedenen Faktoren, die die Performance von Energieversorgern beeinflussen. Der Erfolg von Exelon war auf bestimmte regionale Bedingungen zurückzuführen, während American Water Works von der Umsatz-Decoupling und Investitionsplänen profitierte. IDACORPs Performance wurde durch ein robustes Kundenwachstum und strategische Steuergutschriften vorangetrieben.

Jedes Unternehmen gab seine eigenen Prognosen ab. Exelon prognostizierte einen EPS von 6,02 bis 6,12 US-Dollar für 2026 und plant eine erhebliche Kapitalausgabe von 3,7 Milliarden US-Dollar. American Water Works erwartet ein Wachstum von 7-9 % für den EPS und einen Basiszinssatz von 8-9 % sowie einen erheblichen langfristigen Kapitalausgabenplan von 19-20 Milliarden US-Dollar für 2026-2030 und 46-48 Milliarden US-Dollar für 2026-2035. IDACORP erwartet Kapitalausgaben zwischen 1,3 und 1,5 Milliarden US-Dollar für 2026-2030.

Der Bericht betont die zyklische Natur der Energieversorgungsbranche und wird von Faktoren wie dem Wachstum von Datenzentren, der Gewinnung von Kunden, Wetterbedingungen und regulatorischen Richtlinien beeinflusst. Während einige Unternehmen mit steigenden Kosten zu kämpfen hatten, profitierten andere von der starken Nachfrage und den strategischen Initiativen.

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Quick Read

The Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND) features an attractive 4.17% yield and avoids exposure to the S&P 500. The iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) includes 175 holdings with a focus on stocks that move slowly. The State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) brings you a 2.48% annualized distribution yield with an array of blue-chip electric power providers. A recent study identified one single habit that doubled Americans’ retirement savings and moved retirement from dream, to reality. Read more here.

History shows that midterm election years aren't always great years for the S&P 500. Are you properly protected against the full blow of a 2026 market crash?

Probably not, but there are action steps you can take today to brace for the impact of a potential market collapse. Fortunately, there are safety-first exchange traded funds (ETFs) that won't necessarily offer full protection but could at least reduce the overall effect on your portfolio.

To set you in the right direction, I'm ready to reveal three excellent ETFs to help shield your wealth against a possibly imminent S&P 500 crash. The market will have its rough patches, but owning one or more of these funds might get you through to the other side.

Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND)

The classical approach to crash-proofing a portfolio is to mix stocks with U.S. government bonds. If it's impractical to directly add bonds to your portfolio, or if you just want the ease of buying an ETF, you might consider the Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (NASDAQ:BND).

While it might not sound impressive that the Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF is up 3% over the past 12 months, let's not miss the point here. With the BND ETF, we're seeking portfolio diversification and yield, not huge share-price gains.

U.S. government bonds have tended to hold up relatively well during previous stock market crashes. Knowing this, you can feel comfortable holding the Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF as it invests in an array of bonds with good ratings (BBB or higher).

Furthermore, 69.07% of the fund consists of U.S. government bonds. The fund's manager, Vanguard, observes that the BND ETF's "share value tends to rise and fall modestly."

Thus, we're discovering an important theme for crash-protective ETFs: de-risking through reduced volatility. Another theme is income generation as this can soften the blow of a broad-market crash.

On that topic, Vanguard proclaims that its Total Bond Market ETF offers "relatively high potential for investment income." Specifically, it features a robust 30-day SEC dividend yield of 4.17% and only deducts an annualized expense ratio of 0.03% from the share price. For those reasons, the BND ETF is easily my best pick for stock market turbulence in 2026.

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iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV)

We veered away from S&P 500 exposure with Vanguard's Total Bond Market ETF, but now we'll wade carefully back into the stock market. It's possible to participate in some S&P 500 stocks as long as you do it in a targeted way -- and one strategy is to own the iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:USMV).

It has a long name, but the iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF is based on the simple premise that some stocks don't typically move as fast as the overall stock market. To be more specific, the USMV ETF has 175 holdings including blue-chip names like Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM), Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK), and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ).

Those stocks aren't known to be fast movers, but that's the whole point. Check the chart, and you'll find that the iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF rose 3.5% over the past 12 months and rapidly recovered from April 2025's tariff scare.

Moreover, the USMV ETF won't crush you with excessive operating fees. Currently, the fund's annualized expense ratio is 0.15%, which you probably won't even notice or complain about.

Finally, it's worth mentioning that the iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF advertises a trailing 12-month dividend yield of 1.48%. This is a nice bonus to go along with the USMV ETF's low-fee exposure to some of the market's steadiest stocks.

State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU)

Topping off this list of crash-resistant funds for 2026 is the State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (NYSEARCA:XLU). This one has 31 stocks in its holdings list and as you probably surmised, the XLU ETF concentrates on the utilities sector.

Remember, people won't want to stop using electricity even if there's a stock market crash and a recession in 2026. That's why it's a fairly safe bet to own the State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF with industry-leading names like The Southern Company (NYSE:SO), Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK), and American Electric Power (NASDAQ:AEP).

Impressively, the XLU ETF is up 18% over the past 12 months, so it's a possible growth vehicle as well as a relative safe haven. It's also an income generator as the State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF sports a 2.48% annualized distribution yield.

Not only that, but the XLU ETF keeps its costs low with an annualized expense ratio of 0.08%. So, unless you really think that a market crash would knock out America's electric power grid, you can fortify your portfolio's safety net with the State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF.

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