Analysts Recommend Low-Beta, High-Yield Stocks Amid Market Volatility
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 6 hours ago
0mins
Source: NASDAQ.COM
- Market Volatility Factors: The U.S. stock market has shown mixed performance in 2026, primarily influenced by concerns over AI investment sustainability, Trump's tariffs, and geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East, which have heightened the appeal of low-beta stocks for investors seeking stability.
- Hershey's Performance: Hershey (HSY) is projected to achieve revenue and earnings growth rates of 4.8% and 29.3% for 2026, respectively, with the Zacks consensus estimate for earnings improving by 16.7% over the past 30 days, indicating strong performance and innovation in the snack market.
- BHP Group Dynamics: BHP (BHP) reported a 1% decline in iron ore output but a 4% increase in copper production in Q1 2026, with projected iron ore production between 258-269 million tons, reflecting stability in the global mining market and confidence in future growth.
- Atmos Energy Outlook: Atmos Energy (ATO) expects revenue and earnings growth rates of 18.8% and 9% for 2026, respectively, and has enhanced profitability and shareholder value through strategic acquisitions and new customer additions, showcasing strong potential amid rising natural gas demand.
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Analyst Views on ETR
Wall Street analysts forecast ETR stock price to fall
15 Analyst Rating
11 Buy
4 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 105.810
Low
86.00
Averages
103.87
High
115.00
Current: 105.810
Low
86.00
Averages
103.87
High
115.00
About ETR
Entergy Corporation is an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations. The Company operates primarily through a single segment, Utility. The Utility segment includes the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electric power in portions of Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, and Louisiana, including the City of New Orleans. The Utility segment includes five retail electric utility subsidiaries: Entergy Arkansas, LLC, Entergy Louisiana, LLC, Entergy Mississippi, LLC, Entergy New Orleans, LLC, and Entergy Texas, Inc. These companies generate, transmit, distribute, and sell electric power to retail and wholesale customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. The Company owns and operates power plants with approximately 25,000 MW of electric generating capacity. It delivers electricity to approximately three million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Analysts Recommend Low-Beta, High-Yield Stocks Amid Market Volatility
- Market Volatility Factors: The U.S. stock market has shown mixed performance in 2026, primarily influenced by concerns over AI investment sustainability, Trump's tariffs, and geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East, which have heightened the appeal of low-beta stocks for investors seeking stability.
- Hershey's Performance: Hershey (HSY) is projected to achieve revenue and earnings growth rates of 4.8% and 29.3% for 2026, respectively, with the Zacks consensus estimate for earnings improving by 16.7% over the past 30 days, indicating strong performance and innovation in the snack market.
- BHP Group Dynamics: BHP (BHP) reported a 1% decline in iron ore output but a 4% increase in copper production in Q1 2026, with projected iron ore production between 258-269 million tons, reflecting stability in the global mining market and confidence in future growth.
- Atmos Energy Outlook: Atmos Energy (ATO) expects revenue and earnings growth rates of 18.8% and 9% for 2026, respectively, and has enhanced profitability and shareholder value through strategic acquisitions and new customer additions, showcasing strong potential amid rising natural gas demand.
See More
Trump Pushes Energy Commitment from Data Centers
- Political Commitment: In his State of the Union address, Trump mentioned securing a pledge from major tech companies to supply power for data centers, although details remain unclear, this could impact future electricity supply and cost structures.
- Growing Power Demand: NextEra Energy plans to build 15 gigawatts of new power capacity to meet data center demands, indicating a shift towards gas generation while emphasizing renewable energy, reflecting changing policy directions.
- Market Dynamics: With accelerated data center construction, the U.S. is expected to face a net negative power supply by 2029, tightening the electricity market and boosting market share for independent power producers.
- Investment Opportunities: Wells Fargo has named Constellation Energy as its top pick among independent power producers, projecting a 40% stock price increase, while other independent producers like NRG and Talen are also viewed positively, indicating optimistic sentiment towards data center-related investments.
See More
Tech Giants Like Alphabet and Amazon Cover AI's Energy Costs, Boosting Utility Stocks.
- AI in Financial Markets: AI is significantly impacting financial markets, providing smaller utilities with advantages over much larger tech companies.
- Investment Opportunities: This technological edge allows investors to capitalize on the unique advantages that these utilities have gained through AI.
See More
Amazon to Invest $12 Billion in Louisiana Data Centers
- Massive Investment: Amazon announced plans to invest $12 billion in new data centers in Louisiana, aimed at bolstering its artificial intelligence and cloud computing infrastructure, reflecting its ambitious strategy in the AI sector.
- Job Creation: The new data centers are expected to create 540 full-time jobs and support around 1,700 related roles, such as electricians and HVAC technicians, thereby boosting the local economy significantly.
- Capital Expenditure Plans: Amazon anticipates a capital expenditure of $200 billion this year, surpassing other major tech companies, although Wall Street remains skeptical, leading to a market value loss of over $450 billion following its earnings report.
- Environmental Responsibility Commitment: Amazon has committed to using only surplus water from the local area and plans to invest up to $400 million in public water infrastructure to ensure that the new facilities do not strain local water resources.
See More
New Director Takes Charge of Energy Dominance Financing Office
- Loan Review Overhaul: New Director Gregory Beard has conducted a comprehensive review of loans approved during the Biden administration, impacting over 80% of the portfolio, approximately $83.6 billion, aimed at ensuring projects align with Trump-era energy goals, thereby protecting taxpayer funds while enhancing project affordability and reliability.
- Accelerated Capital Deployment: Beard stated that the Energy Dominance Financing Office will dispense loans at a record pace, with around 80 active loan applications currently in the pipeline, covering both new projects and those reframed to meet the new administration's priorities, which is expected to drive future energy investments in the U.S.
- Nuclear Energy Focus: With support from the Trump administration, the EDF is prioritizing nuclear projects, planning to back up to 80% of project costs, aiming to quadruple U.S. nuclear capacity by 2050 to address challenges posed by climate change and rising electricity demand.
- Breaking China's Mineral Dominance: The EDF will focus on supporting projects that disrupt China's dominance in critical mineral supply chains, with Beard indicating a commitment to intervene and back initiatives that can interrupt China's strategic plans, thereby ensuring U.S. self-sufficiency in essential materials and enhancing national security.
See More
Utilities Sector Surges with Strong Dividend Prospects
- Utilities Sector Performance: The utilities sector in the S&P 500 has shown remarkable performance in 2026, rising over 2% on Friday, marking its longest winning streak since July 2024, indicating strong market confidence.
- American Electric Power Earnings: American Electric Power reported adjusted earnings of $1.19 per share for Q4, exceeding the market expectation of $1.15, with revenue of $5.31 billion, showcasing effective execution under new management and growth potential.
- Entergy's Outlook: Entergy's adjusted earnings came in at 51 cents per share for Q4, slightly below expectations, yet its 2026 guidance indicates robust growth prospects with an 8% CAGR for retail sales, reflecting a conservative approach to new projects.
- Analyst Ratings Optimistic: Analysts are generally bullish on both American Electric Power and Entergy, with 10 out of 24 analysts rating AEP as buy or strong buy, and 19 out of 25 analysts giving similar ratings to Entergy, reflecting strong confidence in utility stocks.
See More
Analysts Recommend Low-Beta, High-Yield Stocks Amid Market Volatility
- Market Volatility Factors: The U.S. stock market has shown mixed performance in 2026, primarily influenced by concerns over AI investment sustainability, Trump's tariffs, and geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East, which have heightened the appeal of low-beta stocks for investors seeking stability.
- Hershey's Performance: Hershey (HSY) is projected to achieve revenue and earnings growth rates of 4.8% and 29.3% for 2026, respectively, with the Zacks consensus estimate for earnings improving by 16.7% over the past 30 days, indicating strong performance and innovation in the snack market.
- BHP Group Dynamics: BHP (BHP) reported a 1% decline in iron ore output but a 4% increase in copper production in Q1 2026, with projected iron ore production between 258-269 million tons, reflecting stability in the global mining market and confidence in future growth.
- Atmos Energy Outlook: Atmos Energy (ATO) expects revenue and earnings growth rates of 18.8% and 9% for 2026, respectively, and has enhanced profitability and shareholder value through strategic acquisitions and new customer additions, showcasing strong potential amid rising natural gas demand.
See More
Trump Pushes Energy Commitment from Data Centers
- Political Commitment: In his State of the Union address, Trump mentioned securing a pledge from major tech companies to supply power for data centers, although details remain unclear, this could impact future electricity supply and cost structures.
- Growing Power Demand: NextEra Energy plans to build 15 gigawatts of new power capacity to meet data center demands, indicating a shift towards gas generation while emphasizing renewable energy, reflecting changing policy directions.
- Market Dynamics: With accelerated data center construction, the U.S. is expected to face a net negative power supply by 2029, tightening the electricity market and boosting market share for independent power producers.
- Investment Opportunities: Wells Fargo has named Constellation Energy as its top pick among independent power producers, projecting a 40% stock price increase, while other independent producers like NRG and Talen are also viewed positively, indicating optimistic sentiment towards data center-related investments.
See More
Tech Giants Like Alphabet and Amazon Cover AI's Energy Costs, Boosting Utility Stocks.
- AI in Financial Markets: AI is significantly impacting financial markets, providing smaller utilities with advantages over much larger tech companies.
- Investment Opportunities: This technological edge allows investors to capitalize on the unique advantages that these utilities have gained through AI.
See More
Amazon to Invest $12 Billion in Louisiana Data Centers
- Massive Investment: Amazon announced plans to invest $12 billion in new data centers in Louisiana, aimed at bolstering its artificial intelligence and cloud computing infrastructure, reflecting its ambitious strategy in the AI sector.
- Job Creation: The new data centers are expected to create 540 full-time jobs and support around 1,700 related roles, such as electricians and HVAC technicians, thereby boosting the local economy significantly.
- Capital Expenditure Plans: Amazon anticipates a capital expenditure of $200 billion this year, surpassing other major tech companies, although Wall Street remains skeptical, leading to a market value loss of over $450 billion following its earnings report.
- Environmental Responsibility Commitment: Amazon has committed to using only surplus water from the local area and plans to invest up to $400 million in public water infrastructure to ensure that the new facilities do not strain local water resources.
See More
New Director Takes Charge of Energy Dominance Financing Office
- Loan Review Overhaul: New Director Gregory Beard has conducted a comprehensive review of loans approved during the Biden administration, impacting over 80% of the portfolio, approximately $83.6 billion, aimed at ensuring projects align with Trump-era energy goals, thereby protecting taxpayer funds while enhancing project affordability and reliability.
- Accelerated Capital Deployment: Beard stated that the Energy Dominance Financing Office will dispense loans at a record pace, with around 80 active loan applications currently in the pipeline, covering both new projects and those reframed to meet the new administration's priorities, which is expected to drive future energy investments in the U.S.
- Nuclear Energy Focus: With support from the Trump administration, the EDF is prioritizing nuclear projects, planning to back up to 80% of project costs, aiming to quadruple U.S. nuclear capacity by 2050 to address challenges posed by climate change and rising electricity demand.
- Breaking China's Mineral Dominance: The EDF will focus on supporting projects that disrupt China's dominance in critical mineral supply chains, with Beard indicating a commitment to intervene and back initiatives that can interrupt China's strategic plans, thereby ensuring U.S. self-sufficiency in essential materials and enhancing national security.
See More
Utilities Sector Surges with Strong Dividend Prospects
- Utilities Sector Performance: The utilities sector in the S&P 500 has shown remarkable performance in 2026, rising over 2% on Friday, marking its longest winning streak since July 2024, indicating strong market confidence.
- American Electric Power Earnings: American Electric Power reported adjusted earnings of $1.19 per share for Q4, exceeding the market expectation of $1.15, with revenue of $5.31 billion, showcasing effective execution under new management and growth potential.
- Entergy's Outlook: Entergy's adjusted earnings came in at 51 cents per share for Q4, slightly below expectations, yet its 2026 guidance indicates robust growth prospects with an 8% CAGR for retail sales, reflecting a conservative approach to new projects.
- Analyst Ratings Optimistic: Analysts are generally bullish on both American Electric Power and Entergy, with 10 out of 24 analysts rating AEP as buy or strong buy, and 19 out of 25 analysts giving similar ratings to Entergy, reflecting strong confidence in utility stocks.
See More
