The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights Atmos Energy, CenterPoint Energy, Consolidated Water and Northwest Natural Holding

For Immediate ReleaseChicago, IL – October 14, 2025 – 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: Atmos Energy Corp. ATO, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. CNP, Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. CWCO and Northwest Natural Holding Co. NWN.Here are highlights from Monday’s Analyst Blog:4 Low-Beta Stocks to Bank On as Consumer Sentiment SinksU.S. consumer sentiment was little changed in October compared to last month’s reading, as consumers braced for some positive developments and tried to see past the ongoing government shutdown. However, concerns about the labor market and high inflation continued.Although the sentiment was slightly better than expected, it remains low as consumers are still uncertain about the economy’s future. Also, markets have been volatile this month due to these uncertainties.Given this situation, it would be ideal to take refuge in low-beta, defensive stocks, such as those from the utilities sector, to navigate this volatility. These include Atmos Energy Corp., CenterPoint Energy, Inc., Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. and Northwest Natural Holding Co. Each of these stocks carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.These stocks are from the low-beta category (beta greater than 0 but less than 1). Hence, the recommended approach is to invest in low-beta stocks with a high dividend yield and a favorable Zacks Rank.Consumer Sentiment Still LowThe University of Michigan’s Surveys of Consumers preliminary reading showed that consumer sentiment came in at 55, dropping just 0.1 point from September’s reading of 55.1, and was higher than the consensus estimate of 54.1.The survey’s near-unchanged reading came as consumers’ one-year expectations of inflation fell in October. The index for consumers’ expectations of inflation over the next 12 months dropped to 4.6% in October, from 4.7% in the prior months. The expectations for long-term inflation, or over the next five years, remained unchanged at 3.7%.However, the expectation for near-term inflation remains high, with the present inflation also quite elevated. The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points in September and has hinted at two more quarter-basis-point rate cuts this year. However, higher inflation and a shrinking labor market have been lingering concerns.Also, federal funding has come to an abrupt halt this month due to the ongoing government shutdown, which is about to enter its third week. Although investors have tried to overlook the shutdown, markets have turned volatile over the past week, with all three major indexes ending in negative territory for the week.4 Low-Beta Utility Stocks with UpsideAtmos Energy Corp.Atmos Energy Corporation, along with its subsidiaries, is engaged in the regulated natural gas distribution and storage business. ATO serves nearly 3.3 million customers in more than 1,400 communities across eight states from the Blue Ridge Mountains in the East to the Rocky Mountains in the West. Atmos Energy operates more than 73,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines as well as 5,700 miles of interstate pipelines.Atmos Energy has an expected earnings growth rate of 7.5% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 0.3% over the last 60 days. ATO has a beta of 0.74 and a current dividend yield of 1.97%.CenterPoint Energy, Inc.CenterPoint Energy, Inc. is a domestic energy delivery company that provides electric transmission & distribution, natural gas distribution and competitive natural gas sales and services operations. CNP maintains the wires, poles and electric infrastructure serving more than 2.5 million metered customers in the greater Houston area and southwestern Indiana.CenterPoint Energy has an expected earnings growth rate of 8.6% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 0.6% over the last 60 days. CNP currently has a Zacks Rank #2. CenterPoint Energy has a beta of 0.57 and a current dividend yield of 2.24%.Consolidated Water Co. Ltd.Consolidated Water Co. Ltd., along with its subsidiaries, is involved in the development and operation of seawater desalination plants and water distribution systems in areas where naturally occurring supplies of potable water are scarce or nonexistent. CWCO also focuses on expanding operations in areas with a large proportion of tourist properties and a growing population.Consolidated Water Co. has an expected earnings growth rate of 0.9% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 25.6% over the last 60 days. CWCO presently has a Zacks Rank #2. Consolidated Water has a beta of 0.53 and a current dividend yield of 1.67%.Northwest Natural Holding Co.Northwest Natural Holding Company builds and maintains natural gas distribution systems, as well as invests in natural gas pipeline projects through its subsidiaries. NWN serves residential, commercial and industrial customers primarily in the United States, Canada and Service Territory.Northwest Natural Holding Company has an expected earnings growth rate of 25.3% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 1.4% over the last 60 days. NWN has a beta of 0.57 and a current dividend yield of 4.39%.Why Haven't You Looked at Zacks' Top Stocks?Since 2000, our top stock-picking strategies have blown away the S&P's +7.7% average gain per year. Amazingly, they soared with average gains of +48.4%, +50.2% and +56.7% per year.Today you can access their live picks without cost or obligation.See Stocks Free >>Zacks Investment Research800-767-3771 ext. 9339support@zacks.comhttps://www.zacks.comPast 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.Zacks Names #1 Semiconductor StockThis under-the-radar company specializes in semiconductor products that titans like NVIDIA don't build. It's uniquely positioned to take advantage of the next growth stage of this market. And it's just beginning to enter the spotlight, which is exactly where you want to be.With strong earnings growth and an expanding customer base, it's positioned to feed the rampant demand for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Internet of Things. Global semiconductor manufacturing is projected to explode from $452 billion in 2021 to $971 billion by 2028.See This Stock Now for Free >>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 CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (CNP): Free Stock Analysis Report Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO): Free Stock Analysis Report Northwest Natural Gas Company (NWN): Free Stock Analysis Report Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. (CWCO): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks