Deutsche Bank analyst Jonathan Arnold said he would raise regulated utility weightings heading into 2016, given the group's underperformance in 2015, adding that he favors names with above-average infrastructure growth and visibility along with regulated transitions. He upgraded ITC Holdings (ITC) and WEC Energy (WEC), each to Buy from Hold, as he belives they meet that criteria. He also reiterated Buy ratings on a number of other regulated utilities that meet the above description - American Electric (AEP), CMS Energy (CMS), Edison International (EIX), NextEra Energy (NEE) and PPL Corp. (PPL).

BMO Capital raised the firm's price target on NextEra Energy to $72 from $70 and keeps an Outperform rating on the shares after its Q1 earnings beat. The company's 2.765 MWs of originations, net 1.5 GWs added to NEER's backlog, and positive outlook for robust data center-related demand drove the outperformance on the day, the analyst tells investors in a research note. The stock warrants a premium valuation given its fundamental and thematic drivers, including one of the world's largest renewable backlogs and favorable recovery of investments, the firm added.

Reports Q1 revenue $2.18B, consensus $2.34B. "We experienced a warmer than normal winter but remain on track to deliver our full year earnings guidance," said Garrick Rochow, President and CEO of CMS Energy and Consumers Energy. "I continue to be pleased with our performance, namely in the progress of our electric Reliability Roadmap and economic development efforts while continuing to lead the clean energy transformation, which will be further supported by Michigan's new clean energy law."

Continues to expect to grow its dividends per share at a roughly 10% rate per year through at least 2026, off a 2024 base.

Reports Q1 revenue $5.73B, consensus $6.05B. "NextEra Energy delivered strong Q1 results, growing adjusted EPS by approximately 8.3% year-over-year," said CEO John Ketchum. "Both FPL and NextEra Energy Resources delivered solid financial and operating performances to start off the year. FPL placed into service 1,640 megawatts of new, cost-effective solar, while NextEra Energy Resources added approximately 2,765 megawatts of new renewables and storage to its backlog, marking its second-best origination quarter ever and its best quarter for both solar and storage origination. Our two businesses are well positioned to meet future power demand with renewables, storage and transmission, while leveraging our combination of enterprise-wide scale, decades of experience and investment in technology to drive long-term value for customers and shareholders. We will be disappointed if we are not able to deliver financial results at or near the top of our adjusted EPS expectations ranges in each year through 2026, while maintaining our strong balance sheet and credit ratings."