Best Utility Stocks this July 2026

Atmos Energy stands out as a leading natural gas utility in the U.S., prioritizing safe and reliable gas distribution. With a solid dividend yield of 2.18% and impressive returns of 14.87% over the past year and 77.39% over five years, it presents an attractive option for income-focused investors. Analysts maintain a B+ rating, with a median 12-month price target of $185.50, reflecting confidence in the company’s stability and growth potential.

Edison International stands out as a major electric utility in California, providing stable services with significant investment potential. With a dividend yield of 4.57% and impressive returns of 48.46% over the past year, it presents an attractive option for income-focused investors. Analysts maintain a favorable outlook, with a median price target of $77.50, reflecting the company's undervalued position in the market.

Constellation Energy is a high-performing U.S. energy company with a strong focus on clean energy generation and delivering impressive long-term returns, evidenced by an impressive 5-year return of 528.62%. Despite a recent 1-year decline of 17.54% and a modest dividend yield of 0.61%, analysts maintain a positive outlook, with a median 12-month price target of $361.00, supported by a B+ rating.

Unitil Corp. stands out as a regional utility providing reliable electric and gas services in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, known for its consistent performance. With a dividend yield of 3.62% and a 1-year return of 2.92%, it remains an attractive option for investors seeking dependable income from financially healthy companies. Analysts have a neutral consensus on the stock, with a median 12-month price target of $56.50, indicating potential for growth in the coming year.

Wall Street analysts predict UTL's stock price will rise over the next 12 months, with an average price target of $56.78, ranging from a low of $54.54 to a high of $59.85.

UTL has a neutral consensus from analysts, with a median price target of $56.00, suggesting a potential upside of 9.8% from its current trading price of $51.02.

Ultra Clean (UCTT) has a consensus rating of Strong Buy from analysts, with 75% recommending Strong Buy and 25% recommending Buy.

Portland General Electric stands out as a reliable Oregon-based electric utility, presenting an attractive opportunity for investors seeking value in dividend stocks. With a solid dividend yield of 4.12% and a strong one-year return of 30.67%, the company is poised for growth; its EPS is anticipated to increase by 10.5% this year, well above its historical growth rate of 1.9%. Analysts maintain a median price target of $55, with a range of $48 to $58, reflecting the stock's potential as a financially healthy investment.

Portland General Electric has a historical EPS growth rate of 1.9%, but its EPS is projected to grow by 10.5% this year, significantly outperforming the industry average of 6.7%.

No single individual or group owns 88% of the US stock market; it is collectively owned by millions of investors, including institutional and retail investors.

NextEra Energy stands out as a leading U.S. electric utility, boasting the largest renewable energy portfolio and a commitment to strong dividend growth, making it an attractive option for investors seeking reliable income. With a dividend yield of approximately 2.77%, the company has delivered impressive returns, including a 24.93% increase over the past year. Analysts maintain a positive outlook, with a median 12-month price target of $103.00, supported by strong Q1 results and consistent performance above its 200-day moving average.

NextEra Energy's stock has consistently traded above its 200-day moving average, and on April 23, 2026, shares rose 6.9% following strong Q1 results, with adjusted EPS increasing 10% year-over-year to $1.09.

NextEra Energy (NEE) has a consensus rating of Buy from 12 analysts, with 25% recommending a Strong Buy, 50% a Buy, and 25% suggesting Holding.

Eversource Energy stands out as a multi-service utility catering to over 4 million customers across Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. With a solid dividend yield of 4.52% and a one-year return of 15.97%, the company is positioned as a reliable option for investors seeking consistent payouts from financially healthy firms. Analysts maintain a median 12-month price target of $76.00, indicating confidence in Eversource's growth potential despite recent fluctuations, evidenced by a five-year return of -9.80%.

Eversource Energy (ES) is expected to report quarterly earnings of $1.59 per share, a 6% increase year-over-year, with revenues projected at $4.21 billion, up 2.3% from last year.

Xcel Energy stands out as an ESG-friendly utility, delivering electric and natural gas services across several states while prioritizing sustainability. With a dividend yield of approximately 2.93%, Xcel has a solid history of increasing its payouts annually since 2003, including a 4% rise planned for 2026. Analysts are optimistic about its future, with a median 12-month price target of $90.50 and consistently strong ratings from firms like Mizuho and Truist Securities.

Yes, Xcel Energy has consistently raised its dividend since 2003, with a recent increase of 4% in 2026 to $2.37 per share.

Xcel Energy has tightened its 2023 financial projections and forecasts strong growth in its 2024-2028 capital plan, estimating a total of approximately $34 billion.

Duke Energy stands out as a reliable electric utility, serving over 8 million customers in the East, including states like Indiana and Ohio. With a robust dividend yield of 3.52%, the company has consistently increased its dividend by an average of 2.6% annually over the last decade, showcasing its commitment to providing stable payouts. Analysts maintain a positive outlook, with a median 12-month price target of $136 and strong ratings from firms like Barclays and Mizuho, indicating a favorable investment opportunity for income-focused investors.

DUK's dividend has increased by an average of 2.6% annually over the past decade, demonstrating a strong track record of growth and stability without any significant reductions.

The all-time high closing price for Duke Energy (DUK) stock was $132.32 on March 16, 2026.