High-Dividend Utility Stocks

To avoid risky equity plays in the current down market, investors should consider utility stocks, which are classic defensives with their above-average dividend yield. Since April 29, 2011, the utilities sector on the S&P 500 index edged up 0.02% compared to the industrial, financial and basic material sectors, which shed 10.6%, 9.7% and 6.6%, respectively.

These stocks have market capitalization above $1 billion and generate dividend yield in the range of 2.6% to 5.0%. According to analysts' estimates, these eight stocks are likely to generate 5% to 14% upside: Aqua America(WTR), Northeast Utilities System (NU), American Water Works(AWK), Alliant Energy(LNT), UniSource Energy(UNS), CenterPoint Energy(CNP), Westar Energy(WR) and Hawaiian Electric Industries (HE).

Source: The Street

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