Utility Stocks as a Hedge Against Geopolitical Risks and AI Growth
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 05 2026
0mins
Source: CNBC
- Defensive Investment Strategy: Wells Fargo analysts highlight that utility stocks like American Water Works and Exelon can serve as strong defensive plays amid escalating market volatility due to the U.S.-Iran conflict, with expectations of continued relative outperformance in both down and up markets.
- Historical Performance Advantage: The utilities sector has historically outperformed the S&P 500 by approximately 780 basis points during global conflicts and recessions, indicating its stability and risk mitigation capabilities during uncertain times, a trend expected to persist amid the current conflict in Iran.
- AI Demand Driving Growth: With a surge in data center construction, utility companies like American Water Works are poised to benefit as they provide essential water resources for AI facility operations, with the stock rising about 8% over the past month and a current dividend yield of 2.4%.
- Exelon's Growth Potential: Exelon's business structure allows it to complete reliability upgrades in the coming years, with load growth expected to reach 3.3% from 2026 to 2029, while its stock has jumped 10% in the past month, currently yielding 3.5% in dividends.
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Analyst Views on EXC
Wall Street analysts forecast EXC stock price to rise
15 Analyst Rating
7 Buy
6 Hold
2 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 47.020
Low
39.00
Averages
49.46
High
57.00
Current: 47.020
Low
39.00
Averages
49.46
High
57.00
About EXC
Exelon Corporation is a utility services holding company engaged in the energy transmission and distribution businesses through its subsidiaries, Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd), PECO Energy Company (PECO), Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE), Potomac Electric Power Company (Pepco), Delmarva Power & Light Company (DPL) and Atlantic City Electric Company (ACE). Its segments include ComEd, PECO, BGE, Pepco, DPL and ACE. ComEd segment is engaged in purchasing and regulating the retail sale of electricity. PECO segment is engaged in purchasing and regulating the retail sale of electricity and natural gas. BGE segment is focused on transmission and distribution of electricity and distribution of natural gas to retail customers. Through its business services subsidiary, Exelon Business Services Company, LLC (BSC), it provides its subsidiaries with a variety of support services at cost, including legal, human resources, finance, information technology and supply management services.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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