5 Best Utility Stocks that Beat Earnings Estimates

In this article, we will list the 5 Best Utility Stocks that Beat Earnings Estimates. Please visit 10 Best Utility Stocks that Beat Earnings Estimates if you would like to see the extended list and the methodology behind it.

5. IDACORP, Inc. (NYSE:IDA)

On May 5, 2026, Barclays raised the firm’s price target on IDACORP, Inc. (NYSE:IDA) to $167 from $159 while maintaining an Overweight rating on the shares. The firm said Idacorp offers some of the strongest and most accelerating growth prospects within the utility group.

Mizuho also raised its price target on IDACORP, Inc. (NYSE:IDA) to $157 from $148 previously and maintained an Outperform rating on the shares.

On April 30, 2026, IDACORP, Inc. (NYSE:IDA) reported Q1 EPS of $1.21, ahead of the $1.10 consensus estimate. CEO Lisa Grow said first-quarter performance benefited from customer growth and rate adjustments, though those gains were partially offset by higher operating and maintenance expenses as well as fewer tax credits recognized under the company’s Idaho regulatory mechanism. Grow added that 2026 is expected to be a significant execution year for the company, highlighted by the planned addition of 250 MW of battery storage capacity and continued advancement of major transmission and generation projects. She also said the company remains focused on maintaining reliability and affordability for customers while supporting shareholder value creation.

IDACORP, Inc. (NYSE:IDA) maintained its 2026 EPS outlook of $6.25-$6.45, compared to consensus estimates of $6.38. The company also maintained its 2026 capital expenditure forecast of $1.3B-$1.5B.

IDACORP, Inc. (NYSE:IDA), through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, distribution, purchase, and sale of electric energy in the United States.