PRINCETON, N.J., Feb. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clearway Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CWEN, CWEN.A) today announced that on February 17, 2026, its Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend on each of the Company’s Class A and Class C common stock of $0.4602 per share payable on March 16, 2026, to shareholders of record as of March 2, 2026. This quarterly dividend represents $1.8408 per share on an annualized basis, an increase of 1.6% over the fourth quarter 2025 dividend of $0.4528 per share, or $1.8112 p ...

Core Viewpoint - Clearway Energy (CWEN) is experiencing strong technical momentum and has reached a new 3-year high, indicating potential for further growth in the renewable energy sector [7][8]. Company Overview - Clearway Energy is valued at $7.93 billion and operates in renewable and conventional energy generation, including natural gas, solar, and wind projects [1]. - The company serves a diverse clientele, including commercial businesses, universities, hospitals, and government entities [1]. Technical Performance - CWEN shares have increased by over 50% in the past year and are currently trading at $39.10, with a 50-day moving average of $34.60 [7][8]. - The stock has achieved a 3-year high of $39.62 on February 11 [5]. - The stock has gained 22.81% over the past month and has a Relative Strength Index (RSI) of 72.45, indicating strong momentum [8]. Investment Indicators - Clearway Energy has a Weighted Alpha of +52.10 and a trailing price-earnings ratio of 16.7x [8]. - The company maintains a 100% "Buy" opinion from Barchart, supported by a Trend Seeker "Buy" signal [8]. - CWEN offers a dividend yield of 4.6%, making it an attractive option for income-focused investors [7][9].

Core Insights - Three stocks in the utilities sector are signaling potential warnings for momentum-focused investors as of February 9, 2026 [1] Group 1: Momentum Indicators - The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a key momentum indicator that compares a stock's performance on days with price increases to days with price decreases, helping traders gauge short-term performance [2] - A stock is generally considered overbought when its RSI exceeds 70, indicating potential caution for investors [2] Group 2: Company-Specific Information - Clearway Energy Inc (NYSE:CWEN), Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (NYSE:BIP), and NextEra Energy Inc (NYSE:NEE) are identified as major overbought stocks in the utilities sector [2] - NextEra Energy reported mixed quarterly results on January 27, with its stock increasing approximately 13% over the past month, reaching a 52-week high of $90.99 [3] - The RSI for NextEra Energy is recorded at 70.3, with its shares closing at $89.47 after a 0.3% gain on the last trading day [3]

Core Insights - Three stocks in the utilities sector are signaling potential warnings for momentum-focused investors as of February 9, 2026 [1] Group 1: Momentum Indicators - The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a key momentum indicator that compares a stock's performance on days with price increases to days with price decreases, helping traders gauge short-term performance [2] - A stock is generally considered overbought when its RSI exceeds 70, indicating potential caution for investors [2] Group 2: Company Performance - Clearway Energy Inc (NYSE:CWEN), Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (NYSE:BIP), and NextEra Energy Inc (NYSE:NEE) are identified as major overbought stocks in the utilities sector [2] - NextEra Energy reported mixed quarterly results on January 27, with its stock increasing approximately 13% over the past month, reaching a 52-week high of $90.99 [3] - The RSI for NextEra Energy is recorded at 70.3, with shares closing at $89.47 after a 0.3% gain [3]

Core Viewpoint - Clearway Energy (CWEN) has made significant changes that support its ambitious growth guidance, projecting a Cash Available For Distribution (CAFD) of $2.90-$3.10 by 2030, indicating a 7%-8% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2030 [2][4]. Group 1: Growth Potential - CWEN's growth rate of 7%-8% is unusual for a yield-co, which typically focuses on steady cash flows to pay dividends, limiting retained cash for further investments [3][4]. - The current high demand for energy and CWEN's expertise in developing large-scale energy assets position the company favorably to meet its growth targets [4][6]. - CWEN's parent company has a pipeline of over 11 GW, which will be dropped down into CWEN at strong CAFD yields, enhancing growth prospects [6][8]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The demand for incremental power development has surged, while the ability to build new power sources has been constrained by regulatory challenges [5][8]. - Power purchase agreement (PPA) pricing has nearly doubled, positively impacting CWEN's yield and organic growth potential [8][19]. Group 3: Project Developments - CWEN has several repowering projects that utilize existing infrastructure, leading to faster completion times and higher returns, with targeted CAFD yields of about 10.5% [14][17]. - The company has 863 MW of repowerings locked in with power purchase agreements, contributing to its growth strategy [17][19]. Group 4: PPA Pricing Trends - PPA prices have increased significantly since 2022 due to the elimination of most tax credits and rising power demand, which benefits CWEN's development yields [32][33]. - The upward trend in PPA pricing improves the organic growth outlook for CWEN, as contracts signed in recent years are likely to roll over at higher rates [35][36]. Group 5: Share Structure and Valuation - CWEN has a split share structure with CWEN and CWEN.A, where CWEN.A is trading at a discount while providing the same claims to dividends and cash flows [38][39]. - The current valuation suggests that a 16X CAFD multiple is reasonable, given the long-term growth potential and the company's ambitions to maintain CAFD/share growth of over 5% beyond 2030 [37][40].

Core Viewpoint - Clearway Energy (CWEN) has made significant changes that support its ambitious growth guidance, projecting a Cash Available For Distribution (CAFD) of $2.90-$3.10 by 2030, indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7%-8% through 2030 [2][4]. Company Guidance - CWEN's long-term guidance includes a target CAFD of $2.90-$3.10 by 2030, reflecting a growth rate of 7%-8% CAGR [2]. - The growth rate is considered unusual for a yield-co, which typically focuses on steady cash flows to pay dividends, limiting retained cash for further investments [3][4]. Market Environment - The demand for energy has surged, driven by the rise of AI and the need for increased power capacity, while regulatory frameworks have not kept pace with this demand [5][6]. - CWEN is well-positioned to capitalize on this demand due to its developer mindset and a parent company pipeline of over 11 GW, which will be dropped down into CWEN at strong CAFD yields [6]. Project Pipeline - CWEN has a robust pipeline of projects, with several repowering initiatives already in progress, targeting CAFD yields of about 10.5% [12][14]. - The company has 863 MW of repowering projects locked in with power purchase agreements (PPAs), which are expected to yield double-digit returns [17]. Pricing Trends - Power purchase agreement (PPA) pricing has nearly doubled, which positively impacts CWEN's yield and organic growth potential [8][19]. - Historical PPA prices have seen a significant decline, but recent trends indicate a recovery, with prices expected to stabilize around $70/MWh for solar and wind by 2025-2026 [31][32]. Organic Growth Potential - The upward trend in PPA prices enhances CWEN's organic growth prospects, allowing for better contract renewals and reducing the risk of revenue declines from expiring contracts [34][36]. - CWEN aims to maintain a growth rate of CAFD per share at 5% or more beyond 2030, supported by favorable market conditions [37]. Share Structure and Valuation - CWEN has a dual share structure, with CWEN.A trading at a discount compared to CWEN, presenting an arbitrage opportunity for investors [38][39]. - The current valuation suggests that a 16X CAFD multiple is reasonable, given the company's growth ambitions and market conditions [37].

Core Insights - Clearway Energy has announced a significant portfolio of contracts with Google, totaling 1.2 gigawatts, indicating a growing trend in hyperscaler renewable procurement, which is seen as an early but meaningful signal of increasing demand in the sector [1][5] Development Progress - Clearway has commercialized nearly all planned projects to support growth through 2027 and into 2028, backed by power purchase agreements (PPAs), mature interconnections, site control, and secured equipment [2] - The company is optimistic about its outlook for 2026 and is confident in meeting its 2026 guidance, with a clearer path to its 2027 and 2030 financial targets [3] Financial Objectives - Clearway aims to achieve approximately $3.10 cash available for distribution (CAFD) per share by 2030, planning to construct at least 2 gigawatts annually to sustain growth [5][7] - The Google-linked projects align with Clearway's framework of large projects and long-term contracts, enhancing confidence in reaching the upper end of its 2030 target [7] Strategic Approach - The company emphasizes an "all-of-the-above" strategy, incorporating renewables, batteries, and contracted gas, with a focus on predictable cash flows and disciplined capital allocation [4][12] - Clearway's projects are designed to ensure predictable, long-term contracted cash flows with low variability, utilizing a mix of renewable and gas resources [12][13] Market Trends - There is an expected increase in "front-of-the-meter" contracting for data center customers, with a shift towards ambitious projects that integrate solar, wind, batteries, and gas [6] - The company anticipates that contracting announcements will become larger and more routine as it scales towards building 2 gigawatts or more annually [16] Battery and Gas Integration - Clearway is particularly positive about battery storage, citing its reliability and predictability as a cash flow source, with structured long-term contracts [14] - Gas resources are intended to complement renewables and batteries, providing capacity confidence for utilities and data centers [13] Acquisition and Financing Strategy - Clearway has demonstrated CAFD yields above its 10.5% target in recent transactions and aims to maintain a disciplined capital allocation framework [10][11] - The company does not factor third-party acquisitions into its growth plans but sees potential for accretive acquisitions in the current market environment [16]

Group 1 - The discussion focuses on the clean energy landscape and specific trends related to Clearway [1][2] - There is a sense of optimism as the conversation shifts towards new directions and higher expectations for the future [2] - The analyst emphasizes the importance of understanding key trends for the year 2026 and invites insights from Craig Cornelius [2]

Summary of Clearway Energy Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Clearway Energy, Inc. - **Industry**: Clean Energy, specifically focusing on renewable energy projects and power purchase agreements (PPAs) with major corporations like Google. Key Points and Arguments 1. Strong Outlook for 2026 - Clearway Energy is optimistic about its performance in 2026, following a successful execution year in 2025. The company feels confident in meeting its guidance for 2026 and has already commercialized most of its planned projects through 2027 and into 2028 [3][4]. 2. Partnership with Google - The recent announcement of a 1.2 GW PPA with Google is seen as a significant milestone, indicating a shift in the clean energy landscape. This partnership is expected to lead to more contracts with other hyperscalers and renewable energy companies [7][9]. - The contracts with Google are long-term and diverse in geography, which enhances Clearway's growth prospects and aligns with Google's clean energy goals [9][10]. 3. Growth Projections - Clearway aims for a sustainable growth rate of 8%+ over time, supported by a robust pipeline of projects and strong relationships with key customers [5][18]. - The company has set a target of achieving $3.10 in cash available for distribution (CAFD) per share by 2030, with a focus on constructing 2 GW of projects annually [20][21]. 4. Capital Allocation and Financial Metrics - Clearway maintains a capital allocation framework aiming for a leverage ratio of 4-4.5x and a CAFD yield of 10.5% or better. The company is focused on delivering predictable cash flows and high returns to shareholders [29][49]. - The company has successfully exceeded the 10.5% CAFD yield in recent projects, which is expected to continue as they capitalize on new opportunities [49]. 5. Technology and Resource Mix - Clearway is committed to a diverse energy portfolio, including renewable resources, gas, and battery storage. The company believes that a mix of these technologies will provide the most reliable and cost-effective energy solutions [54][56]. - The company sees a significant role for gas resources in complementing renewable energy, especially in providing reliability and firming capabilities [54][55]. 6. Future of Renewable Energy Post-2030 - Clearway anticipates that the renewable energy landscape will continue to grow even after the expiration of tax credits in 2030. The company expects to see a mix of renewable, gas, and battery resources remain essential for meeting energy demands [62][66]. - The company is preparing for a future where renewable projects will need to stand on their own economically, without tax incentives [63][66]. 7. Storage Opportunities - Clearway is optimistic about the potential for battery storage, which has proven to be reliable and effective in enhancing grid performance. The company is focused on developing domestic supply chains for battery production [70][73]. 8. Capital Raising Strategy - Clearway plans to maintain a disciplined approach to capital raising, balancing equity issuance with its growth objectives. The company aims to continue raising capital in a manner consistent with premium utilities [29][80]. Additional Important Insights - The company is focused on building large-scale projects and expects to see larger contracting announcements as it grows. This shift reflects the increasing scale of the clean energy market and Clearway's capabilities [75][76]. - Clearway's strategy includes developing projects in phases, allowing for incremental capital allocation and reporting on progress [77][78]. This summary encapsulates the key insights and strategic directions discussed during the conference call, highlighting Clearway Energy's commitment to growth, innovation, and sustainable energy solutions.

Core Insights - The surge in electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence is creating a unique environment for alternative energy companies, requiring a diverse range of energy sources including traditional generation, renewables, nuclear, hydrogen, and battery storage [1][26] - Alternative energy stocks have begun to outperform the broader market, supported by the increasing electricity demand and the narrative surrounding AI [3][6] Alternative Energy Market Trends - The demand for electricity is rising rapidly due to the expansion of AI data centers and reshoring of manufacturing operations, leading to a power crunch [2][6] - Alternative energy stocks are experiencing significant momentum, with several companies outperforming the market [7][26] Notable Companies in Alternative Energy - **Bloom Energy**: - Established as a momentum leader with a market cap of $34.2 billion, shares surged 67% in 2026 and 467% over the past year [8][10] - The company develops solid-oxide fuel cell systems, providing grid-independent power solutions [9] - Q3 2025 earnings showed EPS of 15 cents and revenue of $519.05 million, exceeding expectations [10] - **T1 Energy**: - A small-cap company with a market cap of nearly $2 billion, focusing on domestic solar and battery supply chains [13] - Shares are up 27% year-to-date and over 300% in the past year, with Q3 2025 revenue of $210.52 million [14][15] - **Clearway Energy**: - A mid-cap company with a market cap of $7.3 billion, offering a dividend yield of 5.05% [16][17] - Shares are up nearly 8% year-to-date and 46% over the past year, providing a steady income component [17][18] - **Amprius Technologies**: - A small-cap company with a market cap of approximately $1.46 billion, focusing on advanced lithium-ion batteries [19] - The stock has gained over 160% in 2025 and 42% in 2026, with Q3 2025 revenue of $21.4 million [20][21] - **Babcock & Wilcox**: - A volatile company with a market cap of $1.05 billion, providing energy and environmental technologies [22] - Shares are up 49% year-to-date and 525% over the past year, despite mixed fundamentals [24][25] Conclusion - The alternative energy sector is emerging as a strong momentum theme, driven by AI-related electricity demand and structural power constraints, with a variety of investment opportunities available across different company profiles [26][27]