Core Viewpoint - Mon Power and Potomac Edison have selected a site in Maidsville, West Virginia, for a new 1,200-megawatt natural gas power plant, aimed at ensuring reliable and affordable electricity for local families and businesses [1] Group 1: New Power Plant Development - The new natural gas power plant will be located on a 35-acre site next to the Fort Martin Power Station and is expected to generate enough energy to power approximately 500,000 homes [1] - If approved by the Public Service Commission of West Virginia, site work could commence as early as 2027, with the plant projected to be operational by late 2031 [1] - This project is part of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) that outlines the companies' strategy for maintaining reliable power delivery over the next decade [1] Group 2: Solar Generation Initiatives - Mon Power and Potomac Edison are also seeking approval for 70 megawatts of new solar generation, which will be developed on former industrial and reclaimed mine lands [1] - Proposed solar projects include an 11.5-megawatt project in Davis, an 8.4-megawatt project in Weirton, and a 50-megawatt project in Valley Point [1] - These solar initiatives will complement the existing 30 megawatts of solar capacity already constructed since 2024, supporting U.S. manufacturing and job creation while addressing the region's growing electricity needs [1] Group 3: Company Overview - Mon Power serves approximately 395,000 customers across 34 counties in West Virginia, while Potomac Edison serves about 285,000 customers in Maryland and 155,000 in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia [1] - FirstEnergy Corp. operates one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the U.S., serving over six million customers across multiple states [1]

Market Overview - U.S. equities started February on a subdued note, with investors becoming more selective regarding AI exposure, leading to a decline in stocks as the market adjusted high expectations and penalized companies perceived as potential AI "losers" [1] - Retail investors are advised to adopt a disciplined approach by reassessing allocations, tightening risk controls, and ensuring alignment with long-term goals [1] Stock Selection Criteria - Traditional stock selection based on sales growth is emphasized as a more reliable metric compared to earnings-focused metrics [2] - Sales growth is viewed as a clear indicator of a company's underlying momentum, reflecting actual demand for products and services, and can signal future profit potential [3] - Revenue trends should be analyzed in context, comparing growth with peers and industry norms to distinguish between sustainable strength and temporary boosts [4] Screening Parameters for Winning Stocks - Stocks are shortlisted based on a 5-Year Historical Sales Growth (%) greater than the industry average and a cash flow exceeding $500 million [5] - Additional criteria include a Price/Sales (P/S) Ratio lower than the industry average, indicating better value for each dollar of revenue [6] - Estimate revisions for future sales that exceed industry standards are also considered, as they can lead to stock price increases [6] - Operating Margin over the last five years should be greater than 5%, indicating effective cost control and sales growth outpacing costs [7] - Return on Equity (ROE) should be above 5%, ensuring that sales growth translates into profits and that the company is not hoarding cash [8] - Stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) are preferred, as they are known to outperform in various market conditions [8] Recommended Stocks - Genuine Parts Company (GPC) is highlighted, with an expected sales growth rate of 3.7% for 2026 and a Zacks Rank of 2 [9][10] - Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (WPM) is noted for its expected sales growth rate of 35.4% for 2026, also holding a Zacks Rank of 2 [9][11] - FirstEnergy Corporation (FE) is projected to have a sales increase of 3.6% in 2026, currently carrying a Zacks Rank of 2 [9][12]

Core Insights - Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) has reached the midpoint of its $95 million New Jersey Reliability Improvement Project, resulting in fewer power outages for customers [1] - In 2025, nearly 16,500 customers in parts of Morris and Monmouth counties experienced over an 80% reduction in outages compared to the previous year due to local power line upgrades [1] - The project is part of FirstEnergy's broader Energize365 initiative, which aims to invest $28 billion from 2025 to 2029 to modernize the electric grid [1] Investment and Upgrades - JCP&L is enhancing reliability by increasing tree trimming, adjusting local line arrangements, adding smart equipment, moving power lines underground, and strengthening poles and wires [1] - The New Jersey Reliability Improvement Project includes upgrades to 18 circuits, with work already underway on seven circuits and additional projects starting soon [1] - Upcoming projects in Hunterdon, Southern Ocean, and Warren counties will improve reliability for nearly 10,000 customers by upgrading power lines and adding new protective equipment [1] Company Overview - JCP&L serves approximately 1.2 million customers across various counties in New Jersey [2] - FirstEnergy Corp. operates one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the U.S., serving over six million customers across multiple states [2] - The company is committed to integrity, safety, reliability, and operational excellence, with a significant focus on modernizing and strengthening the electric grid [2]

Core Viewpoint - FirstEnergy Corp. has declared a quarterly dividend of 46.5 cents per share, marking a 4.5% increase from the previous dividend, reflecting the company's successful strategy execution and long-term transformation efforts [1]. Dividend Announcement - The quarterly dividend of 46.5 cents per share is payable on June 1, 2026, to shareholders of record by May 7, 2026 [1]. - The expected annual dividend rate for 2026 is projected at $1.86 per share, compared to $1.78 per share in 2025, aligning with the company's targeted payout ratio of 60-70% of Core (non-GAAP) Earnings [1]. Company Overview - FirstEnergy operates one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the U.S., serving over 6 million customers across several states including Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York [1]. - The company's transmission subsidiaries manage approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines connecting the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions [1]. Leadership Statement - Brian X. Tierney, Chairman, President, and CEO of FirstEnergy, emphasized the company's momentum over the past three years and its commitment to delivering value to customers, communities, and investors [1].

Core Viewpoint - FirstEnergy emphasizes the importance of safe handling of helium-filled foil balloons to prevent power outages, particularly around Valentine's Day when balloon-related incidents typically increase [1]. Group 1: Balloon-Related Outages - February is a peak month for power outages caused by metallic balloons, with 96 outages reported in the previous year across FirstEnergy's service area [1]. - The distribution of balloon-related outages in 2025 included: JCP&L (24), Ohio Edison (16), Met-Ed (12), and others, highlighting New Jersey as the most affected state [1]. - There has been a 27% decrease in balloon-related outages from 132 in 2020 to 96 in 2025, attributed to safer balloon practices and community outreach [1]. Group 2: Safety Recommendations - FirstEnergy advises customers to stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately, as well as to avoid retrieving balloons caught in electrical equipment [1]. - Recommendations include puncturing and deflating metallic balloons after use, securing them with a heavy weight, and keeping them away from overhead electric lines [1]. - A video on the hazards of foil balloons and safe disposal tips is available on FirstEnergy's YouTube channel [1]. Group 3: Company Overview - FirstEnergy operates one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the U.S., serving over six million customers across several states [1]. - The company’s transmission subsidiaries manage approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines connecting the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions [1].

Core Viewpoint - FirstEnergy Corporation (FE) is expected to report its fourth-quarter 2025 results on February 17, with an earnings surprise of 9.21% in the previous quarter [1] Group 1: Q4 Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FE's earnings is 52 cents per share, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 22.39% [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is $3.24 billion, indicating a year-over-year improvement of 1.96% [2] Group 2: Factors Impacting Q4 Performance - FirstEnergy's ongoing infrastructure maintenance and upgrade projects under the Energize365 program, a $28 billion investment initiative, are expected to positively influence earnings by reducing outage frequency and duration [3] - The company is well-positioned to benefit from the increasing electricity demand from data centers in its service regions, which is likely to contribute to fourth-quarter earnings [4] - Demand from a diversified customer base and strong performance from organic assets, along with new electric rates implemented in Ohio and New Jersey in mid-2025, are anticipated to further support fourth-quarter earnings [5] Group 3: Earnings Prediction Model - The current model does not predict a definitive earnings beat for FirstEnergy, as the Earnings ESP stands at -0.26% and the company holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [6][7]

Core Viewpoint - Wall Street anticipates a year-over-year decline in FirstEnergy's earnings despite an increase in revenues, with the actual results being crucial for stock price movement [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - FirstEnergy is expected to report quarterly earnings of $0.52 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 22.4% [3]. - Revenue projections stand at $3.24 billion, which is a 2% increase from the previous year [3]. Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, indicating a stable outlook from analysts [4]. - The Most Accurate Estimate for FirstEnergy is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in an Earnings ESP of -0.26%, suggesting a bearish sentiment among analysts [11]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model indicates that a positive or negative reading can predict deviations from consensus estimates, but its predictive power is stronger for positive readings [8][9]. - FirstEnergy's current Zacks Rank is 2 (Buy), but the negative Earnings ESP complicates predictions of an earnings beat [11]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, FirstEnergy exceeded earnings expectations by delivering $0.83 per share against an expected $0.76, resulting in a surprise of +9.21% [12]. - Over the past four quarters, FirstEnergy has beaten consensus EPS estimates three times [13]. Industry Comparison - Eversource Energy, another player in the utility sector, is expected to report earnings of $1.11 per share, marking a year-over-year increase of 9.9% [17]. - Eversource's revenues are projected at $3.53 billion, up 18.9% from the previous year, with a positive Earnings ESP of +1.27% and a Zacks Rank of 2, indicating a higher likelihood of beating estimates [18][19].

Core Insights - FirstEnergy Corp. (FE) is a diversified energy company based in Akron, Ohio, with a market cap of $26.9 billion, involved in electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and natural gas operations [1] Performance Overview - FE shares have outperformed the broader market over the past year, gaining 16.6% compared to the S&P 500 Index's 15.6% increase [2] - Year-to-date (YTD) performance shows FE stock up 4.6%, while the S&P 500 has risen by 1.7% [2] - Compared to the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU), which gained 11.3% over the past year, FE's performance is notably stronger, with YTD returns surpassing XLU's 1.9% [3] Financial Results - On October 22, 2025, FE reported Q3 results with an adjusted EPS of $0.83, exceeding Wall Street's expectation of $0.76 [4] - The company's revenue for the quarter was $4.1 billion, surpassing forecasts of $3.9 billion [4] - For the full fiscal year ending December 2025, FE expects adjusted EPS in the range of $2.50 to $2.56 [4] Analyst Ratings and Expectations - Analysts project a 3.4% decline in FE's EPS to $2.54 on a diluted basis for the current fiscal year [5] - The consensus among 16 analysts covering FE stock is a "Moderate Buy," with ratings including seven "Strong Buy," one "Moderate Buy," and eight "Holds" [5] - Recent upgrades include Wolfe Research raising FE to an "Outperform" rating with a price target of $50, indicating a potential upside of 6.8% [6] - The mean price target of $50.23 suggests a 7.3% premium to current price levels, while the highest target of $55 indicates a potential upside of 17.5% [6]

Core Insights - The article discusses FirstEnergy's investment in upgrading the electric grid to enhance reliability and capacity for growing energy needs in Monmouth County [2][3]. Group 1: Project Overview - Construction for the upgrades began in mid-2025 and is expected to be completed in the spring [1]. - The project is part of a larger $30 million initiative under Energize365, aimed at modernizing the electric grid [3]. Group 2: Infrastructure Improvements - The upgrades include enhancing 10 miles of existing power lines with stronger, modern wire and replacing older wooden poles with more durable materials [7]. - A second set of lines will be added along the corridor to provide multiple pathways for power delivery, improving reliability during outages [7]. Group 3: Benefits of Upgrades - The upgrades are designed to reduce the number of outages and restore service faster when issues occur [8]. - The improvements will prepare the electric system for the increasing energy demands in the area, ensuring a more resilient infrastructure [2][8]. Group 4: Company Commitment - FirstEnergy is committed to integrity, safety, reliability, and operational excellence, serving customers across multiple states with a vast network of transmission lines [5].

Core Viewpoint - The trial centers around a $4.3 million payment made by FirstEnergy to lawyer Sam Randazzo, alleged to be part of a $60 million bribery scandal involving regulatory favors [1][2]. Group 1: Allegations and Legal Proceedings - Prosecutors claim that FirstEnergy executives Chuck Jones and Michael Dowling orchestrated the payment to Randazzo in exchange for regulatory favors, with both pleading not guilty to corruption charges [2]. - The trial is expected to last eight weeks, with prosecutors asserting that the defendants knowingly engaged in corrupt activities [3]. - The case is linked to a broader bribery scheme involving former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, who was convicted of racketeering in 2023 and is serving a 20-year prison sentence [6]. Group 2: Defense Arguments - The defense argues that the payment to Randazzo was a legitimate settlement of a consulting agreement and not a bribe, emphasizing the importance of details in the case [4][12]. - Jones' attorney presented communications suggesting that the payment was aboveboard and handled through normal corporate channels [12]. - The defense has identified 58 potential witnesses, including Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who appointed Randazzo, although neither he nor his former lieutenant governor has been accused of wrongdoing [8][9]. Group 3: Context and Background - Randazzo, who was appointed as the top utility regulator, is no longer available to testify as he died by suicide in 2024 after facing numerous charges [7]. - FirstEnergy admitted in 2021 to using dark money groups to fund the bribery plot, which included a $1 billion nuclear plant bailout [6].