As AI-driven demand boosts energy and utility stocks, four dividend-paying companies offer attractive opportunities for growth and income investors. Duke Energy, Enbridge, Enterprise Product Partners, and EOG Resources are highlighted as solid income stocks with strong fundamentals and consistent dividend histories.

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller stated that the March interest rate decision is a coin flip, dependent on February's labor market report. Previously advocating for rate cuts due to weak labor markets, Waller's shift reflects stronger-than-expected January job growth of 130,000. The CME Fed Watch tool shows a 96.1% probability of rates holding steady in March, with potential cuts in June and December. Key economic data releases on March 6 and 11 will influence the decision.

Three major companies reported earnings this week with mixed results. Coca-Cola beat EPS expectations but missed on revenue, guiding for 4-5% organic revenue growth in 2026. Robinhood surpassed EPS estimates but fell short on quarterly revenue, though annual revenue grew 52% YOY, with strong potential from its new prediction markets initiative. Duke Energy beat on both top and bottom lines with a $16 billion increase to its five-year capital plan and extended 5-7% long-term EPS growth guidance through 2030.

Three major corporations released mixed earnings results: Coca-Cola beat EPS expectations but missed on revenue due to currency headwinds and impairment charges; Duke Energy exceeded both EPS and revenue forecasts driven by infrastructure investments; Fiserv topped EPS estimates despite a slight revenue miss, demonstrating resilience through strategic acquisitions and operational efficiency.

The article compares two utility-focused closed-end funds (CEFs) as ways to invest in AI's power demand through dividend-paying vehicles. Gabelli Utility Trust (GUT) offers a 10% yield but trades at an 87% premium to NAV, while Duff & Phelps Utility and Infrastructure Fund (DPG) yields 6.3% and trades at an 11.5% discount. The author recommends timing entries into GUT when its premium drops significantly, as historical data shows it can deliver strong returns despite high valuations. GUT maintains steady dividends while DPG has cut dividends twice in three years.

GE Vernova, the world's largest natural gas and wind turbine manufacturer, surged 99% in 2025 and gained another 13% in early 2026. The company secured $59 billion in orders, grew its backlog to $150 billion, and is capitalizing on massive AI data center power demands. With 2026 revenue expected to reach $44-45 billion and 2028 targets of $56 billion in revenue and $24 billion in cumulative free cash flow, the stock is positioned for continued growth.

The article compares Cameco and Duke Energy as nuclear energy investments for 2026. While Cameco offers stronger growth (124% return in 12 months, 24.18% revenue CAGR) as a uranium miner, Duke Energy is positioned as the superior dividend play with a 3.55% yield and 15-year dividend growth history. Both benefit from nuclear energy's renaissance driven by AI demand and favorable policy, but Duke is recommended for income-focused investors.

The article recommends two Vanguard ETFs for long-term investors: the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) with a 0.03% expense ratio and historical 10% annual returns, and the Vanguard Utilities Index Fund ETF (VPU) with a 0.09% expense ratio and 2.5% dividend yield. Both funds offer low fees and are suitable for investors seeking stability and passive market exposure over decades.

Dominion Energy is undergoing a strategic transformation, divesting gas distribution businesses and focusing on Virginia's regulated electric utility operations. The company benefits from substantial data center-driven electricity demand growth and is executing a multi-year offshore wind project. With an 8% projected rate base CAGR through 2029, the company offers a 5% dividend yield and potential 6-8% EPS growth, supported by Virginia's favorable regulatory framework that enables timely cost recovery.

Duke Energy declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.065 per share on common stock, payable March 16, 2026. The company also declared a dividend on Series A preferred stock of $359.375 per share. Duke Energy has maintained consecutive annual dividend payments for 100 years.

The U.S. Department of Energy awarded $400 million to the Tennessee Valley Authority for developing a small modular nuclear reactor, with BWX Technologies participating in the project at the Clinch River site.

The Cohen & Steers Infrastructure Fund (UTF) offers a 7.9% monthly dividend yield, focusing on utility and infrastructure stocks that support the growing AI ecosystem's power demands.