** Brokerage KeyBanc Capital Markets sees utilities sector
continuing rebound this year after overall underperformance in
2023
** "We think the sector is relatively inexpensive, offers an
attractive 4% dividend yield and growth, and should benefit from
abating inflation, lessening bill pressures and interest rate
stability," says brokerage
** Expects regulatory risk to moderate this year in most
states after unfavorable outcomes in several states, such as
Illinois, last year
** KeyBanc highlights utilities with high growth and
constructive regulations as its picks for the year, including
WEC Energy Group WEC.N , Xcel Energy XEL.O , DTE Energy
DTE.N , CenterPoint Energy CNP.N and CMS Energy CMS.N
Company New PT Old PT New Rating Old Rating
Consolidated - - Sector weight Underweight
Edison ED.N
Northwestern - - Sector weight Overweight
NWE.O
CMS Energy $65 $60 - -
CMS.N
CenterPoint $31 $29 - -
Energy CNP.N
DTE Energy $117 $106 - -
DTE.N
Duke Energy $107 $106 - -
DUK.N
WEC Energy $95 $94 - -
Group WEC.N
XCEL Energy $68 $62 - -
XEL.O
(Reporting by Kabir Dweit)
((Kabir.Dweit@thomsonreuters.com))