Water utilities are undervalued based on historical averages, while electric utilities are overvalued. iShares Global Utilities ETF provides global utilities exposure but remains U.S.-centric, with 62% of assets in U.S. companies. JXI is marginally cheaper than XLU on valuation ratios but lags in historical returns despite recent outperformance.
JXI: Three Reasons I Like This Utilities Fund For The Current Environment
This article provides a top-down analysis of the utilities sector, focusing on value and quality metrics. Water utilities are undervalued based on historical averages, while electricity/multi-utilities are moderately overvalued. The iShares Global Utilities ETF provides global diversification and value characteristics in the utilities sector with recent outperformance.
I rate iShares Global Utilities ETF a buy, as utilities offer both defensive stability and growth from decarbonization and rising global energy demand. JXI stands out for its global diversification and lower company-specific risk compared to U.S.-focused peers like XLU and FUTY. Despite a higher expense ratio, JXI trades at lower valuation multiples and has outperformed peers over the last three years.
For investors seeking momentum, iShares Global Utilities ETF JXI is probably on the radar. The fund just hit a 52-week high and is up 22.04% from its 52-week low price of $59.63/share.
JXI, the iShares Global Utilities ETF, underperforms peer ETFs and charges higher fees, making it less attractive for utility stock exposure. JXI's expense ratio is 0.41%, higher than competitors like FUTY and XLU, which offer better returns and liquidity. JXI's dividend yield is 2.88%, lower than its peers' 3%, further diminishing its appeal for income-focused investors.
This article series reports subsector metrics in utilities, aiding top-down analysis and stock picking. Water utilities are undervalued by 12% based on 11-year averages, while electricity/multi-utilities are overvalued by 15%. JXI ETF offers global utilities exposure, but fees and underperformance make it uncompelling compared to a domestic benchmark.
The utilities sector is moderately overvalued compared to 11-year averages, with gas utilities near baseline and other subsectors overvalued by 8%-12%. iShares Global Utilities ETF offers global utilities exposure and is more diversified than XLU, but with 66% U.S. assets and a significant concentration in top holdings. 10 utilities stocks cheaper than their peers in September.