Core Insights - The article discusses the author's journey in dividend growth investing and the establishment of a blog that documents this journey, aiming for financial independence [1]. Group 1 - The author has been investing since September 2017 and has a long-standing interest in dividend investing since 2009 [1]. - The blog "Kody's Dividends" was launched in July 2018 to share insights and experiences related to dividend growth investing [1]. - The author credits the blog for introducing them to the Seeking Alpha community as an analyst [1].

ATLANTA and NEW YORK, June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SouthStar Energy Services, one of the nation's leading natural gas marketing companies, today announced that it has become the first retail energy marketer in the U.S. and one of the first companies in the energy industry to pilot a new methane and greenhouse gas emissions tracking tool called MiQ's MethaneScout™.Developed by a global leader in methane emissions certification, MiQ, the platform can help SouthStar assess the emissions of its delivered natura ...

New chair to be elected at the next scheduled meeting of the Board of DirectorsATLANTA, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) today announced Chairman Claude Mongeau has resigned from the Board of Directors this week for personal reasons. The board will elect a new chair at its next scheduled meeting later this month. "We are deeply grateful for Claude's leadership over the past six years," said Norfolk Southern President and CEO Mark R. George. "He has put outsized time and ...

Core Insights - Southern Realty Trust Inc. ("SRT") has expanded its senior secured revolving credit facility by adding EverBank, N.A., increasing total committed capital to $100 million, with the potential to expand to $200 million [1][2][3] Company Overview - SRT was established in 2023 to originate commercial real estate (CRE) debt investments in the Southern U.S., targeting high-quality borrowers and sponsors with transitional business plans [4] - The company aims to create a diversified investment portfolio, focusing on first mortgages, B-notes, mezzanine loans, and debt-like preferred securities across various CRE asset classes [4] Industry Context - TCG Real Estate consists of affiliated CRE-focused debt funds, including SRT, which provide flexible financing for transitional CRE properties with near-term value creation potential [5] - The Southern U.S. markets are highlighted as benefiting from economic tailwinds and growth potential, making them attractive for CRE investments [5]

Core Insights - Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd (SXGC) has reported significant results from its diamond drilling program at the Sunday Creek gold-antimony project, highlighting the exceptional potential of the site with high-grade mineralization and new vein discoveries. Group 1: Drill Results - The drill hole SDDSC161 achieved the second highest interval ever drilled at Sunday Creek, with 3.4 m at 466.4 g/t AuEq, including a core of 2.4 m at 670.4 g/t AuEq, and a notable assay of 4,700 g/t Au over 0.2 m [3][10][11] - SDDSC156 discovered six new vein sets between the Christina and Golden Dyke prospects, indicating the repeatability of mineralized structures [4][11] - Depth extensions were confirmed in two holes, SDDSC155A and SDDSC157, with high-grade mineralization intercepted 40 m to 120 m below previously reported mineralization [4][11] - The project now totals 64 intersections exceeding 100 g/t AuEq and 72 intersections between 50-100 g/t AuEq, demonstrating robust grade distribution at depth [6][21] Group 2: Project Expansion and Strategy - The drilling program is designed to expand the project volume and confirm continuity in high-grade zones, with 24 additional holes currently being processed and analyzed [4][18] - The systematic drilling strategy targets both the dyke host structure and associated mineralized vein sets, enhancing geological understanding and expanding the mineralized footprint [19][22] - Since late 2020, a total of 173 drill holes have been completed, totaling 82,619 m, establishing Sunday Creek as a premier gold-antimony discovery [21][32] Group 3: Strategic Importance of Antimony - Antimony represents approximately 21% to 24% of the in situ recoverable value at Sunday Creek, with the project positioned to meet increasing demand due to China's export restrictions on antimony [28][30][33] - The dual-metal profile of gold and antimony enhances the strategic value of the Sunday Creek project, particularly in the context of defense and semiconductor applications [33][34] - SXGC's inclusion in the US Defense Industrial Base Consortium positions it as a potential key supplier of antimony in the Western world [33]

Core Insights - Fortuna Mining Corp. has reported strong exploration results from the Diamba Sud Gold Project in Senegal, particularly from the Southern Arc prospect, indicating significant potential for near-term resource growth [2][4][12]. Exploration Highlights - Recent drilling at the Southern Arc prospect yielded notable intercepts, including 8.6 g/t gold over an estimated true width of 13.6 meters in hole DSR906 and 9.3 g/t gold over 11.8 meters in hole DSDD404 [2][3]. - Infill drilling at Areas A, D, and Karakara returned highly encouraging results, with a standout intercept of 113.7 g/t gold over 6.4 meters in hole DSDD385 at Area D [2][9]. - The exploration program at Southern Arc included 38 reverse circulation and diamond core drill holes totaling 4,210 meters, successfully intersecting multiple zones of mineralization [3][4]. Geological Context - Mineralization at Southern Arc is hosted within hematite-altered tectonic breccia, occurring as stockworks or discrete veins, consistent with other prospects across the Diamba Sud Project [4][19]. - The geological complexity of the area is characterized by intercalated tectonic breccias, carbonate metasediments, and granitic and dioritic intrusive units, with mineralization associated with various vein arrays [17][19]. Resource Update Potential - The results from the recent drilling campaigns will be incorporated into the forthcoming resource update for the Diamba Sud Project, highlighting the potential for future resource expansion, particularly in Area A [12][13]. - Several drill holes intersected mineralization adjacent to the currently proposed open pit boundaries, indicating further resource growth potential [12][13]. Additional Prospects - Exploration drilling at the Moungoundi and Moungoundi North prospects was completed, with a total of 85 drill holes for 9,472 meters, significantly improving the understanding of this geologically complex area [15][17]. - The Western Splay deposit also underwent a drilling program with 24 drill holes totaling 2,531 meters, designed to test extensions and perform select infill [18][19].

Core Viewpoint - Southern Company is positioned as a leader in the U.S. utilities sector, focusing on a diverse energy portfolio and sustainability initiatives to enhance its market presence and growth potential [1][2][3]. Investment Highlights - **Affordability and Customer-Centric Model**: Southern emphasizes reliability and affordability, attracting large-load customers like data centers through a newly approved Georgia tariff framework that ensures long-term revenue stability [6]. - **Economic Development and Load Growth**: The company has a pipeline of over 50 GW in potential incremental load by the mid-2030s, with 10 GW already committed, supported by a 11% year-over-year growth in data center demand and industrial developments [7]. - **Digital Transformation and Grid Modernization**: Southern is investing in smart grid technologies and advanced digital infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency and service reliability, aligning with the rising demand for digital connectivity [8]. - **Regulatory Support**: The company benefits from supportive regulatory environments, with ongoing Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) processes and the ability to recover investments through rate cases, providing earnings stability [9]. - **Dividend Growth**: Southern has approved an 8-cent per share annual dividend increase, marking its 24th consecutive yearly hike, reflecting management's confidence in cash flow sustainability [10]. Market Challenges - **Regulatory and Political Uncertainty**: Upcoming rate cases and IRP approvals in July 2025 present regulatory risks, particularly during an election year, which could impact earnings [12]. - **Natural Gas Price Volatility**: As natural gas is a significant revenue source, price volatility could affect profit margins, despite contracts allowing cost pass-through to customers [13]. - **Tariff and Supply-Chain Pressures**: Tariffs on imported materials may raise capital costs by 1-3%, potentially delaying projects or compressing returns [14]. - **Execution Risks in Large Load Pipeline**: While the 50+ GW load pipeline is promising, only a portion is likely to materialize, with risks from permitting delays or customer pullbacks [15]. - **Stock Performance Concerns**: Southern's share price has increased 8.9% year to date, lagging behind the broader Electric Power sub-industry and its peers, which may reflect investor concerns [16][21]. Conclusion - Southern Company has a strong growth outlook driven by its focus on affordability, digital transformation, and supportive regulatory environments, but it faces risks from regulatory uncertainty, natural gas price volatility, and execution challenges in its growth pipeline [21][22].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Southern Company reported strong financial results for FY 2024, with significant investments in infrastructure and a commitment to delivering clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy [44][45] - The company approved an 8¢ per share increase in its annual common stock dividend, marking the 78th consecutive year of dividend payments equal to or greater than the previous year [53] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The regulated electric utilities invested nearly $4 billion in transmission and distribution infrastructure across Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi [46] - Southern Power expanded its operational footprint to 15 states with the commercial operation of its 30th solar site [46] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The economic development pipeline from large electricity load customers represents over 50 gigawatts of potential incremental load by the mid-2030s, driven by robust economic development in the Southeastern service territory [47] - Average annual sales growth is projected at approximately 8% from 2025 through 2029, an increase of 2% from prior long-term sales growth expectations [48] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Southern Company is focused on sustainability and innovation, exploring solutions such as carbon capture, advanced nuclear technologies, renewable natural gas, and energy storage [49] - The company aims to enhance its grid resilience and efficiency through investments in advanced technologies and distributed energy resources [75][76] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to meet future energy demands while maintaining affordability for customers [49][81] - The company is prepared for challenges posed by climate-related events and is committed to improving customer experience through energy efficiency programs [70][72] Other Important Information - Southern Company faced significant challenges during FY 2024, including responding to Hurricane Helene, which required rebuilding sections of the power grid [51] - The company emphasized its commitment to transparency and sound governance in response to shareholder proposals regarding fossil fuel investments and civil liberties [22][34] Q&A Session Summary Question: How are members of the board of directors selected for nomination? - Stockholders may nominate a person for election as a director if they own at least 3% of outstanding shares for three years [56] Question: Why do we give shares to executives and directors? - The compensation structure aligns executive interests with stockholders, and equity compensation has a minimal dilutive effect [58][59] Question: Will Southern Company include scope three emissions in its decarbonization goals? - Southern Company does not have direct control over scope three emissions but is working on reducing them through various initiatives [60][62] Question: How is Southern Company addressing data center demand for additional power generation? - The company projects 8% annual load growth and has commitments for over 10 gigawatts from data centers and industrial projects [64][66] Question: What is the company's approach to energy efficiency for older houses? - Southern Company emphasizes energy efficiency programs to help customers reduce their energy bills and improve system efficiency [70][72] Question: What is the outlook for distributed energy resources and grid enhancements? - The company is investing in advanced grid technologies and has a robust portfolio of customer programs to improve system efficiency [75][76] Question: What potential impacts might be from tariffs? - Southern Company does not expect a material impact from tariffs due to its strong vendor relationships and existing project contingencies [78]

Core Viewpoint - Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd has successfully closed the third and final tranche of its C$143M/A$162M private placement, raising significant funds for the development of its Sunday Creek Gold-Antimony Project in Australia [1][3]. Group 1: Financial Details - The third tranche involved the issuance of 5,431,638 common shares, with 5,005,000 converted to Chess Depositary Interests (CDIs) at a price of C$4.50 (A$5.10), generating gross proceeds of C$24,442,371 [2][5]. - The total gross proceeds from the entire placement amount to A$25,525,500 from the issuance of CDIs and C$1,919,871 from the issuance of common shares [5]. Group 2: Project Development - The net proceeds from the placement are earmarked for key milestones in the Sunday Creek Gold-Antimony Project, including C$53M for drilling to establish an Inferred Resource by Q1 2027, C$27M for decline development, C$4M for a Preliminary Economic Assessment, and C$59M for exploration and working capital [9][10]. - The Sunday Creek project is recognized as one of the significant gold and antimony discoveries in the Western world, with a mineralization structure extending over 12 km and confirmed continuity from surface to 1,100 m depth [8][10]. Group 3: Strategic Importance - The dual-metal profile of the Sunday Creek project, with antimony contributing 20% of the in-situ value, is strategically important, especially in light of China's export restrictions on antimony, which is critical for defense and semiconductor applications [9][10]. - Southern Cross Gold's inclusion in the US Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) and legislative changes related to AUKUS enhance its position as a potential key supplier of antimony in the Western market [9][10].

Core Viewpoint - Southern Company has announced the pricing of $1.45 billion in Convertible Senior Notes, reflecting an increase of $200 million from the previously announced offering size, with an expected closing date of May 23, 2025 [1][4]. Group 1: Offering Details - The Convertible Notes have a 3.25% interest rate, payable semiannually, and will mature on June 15, 2028 [2][3]. - The initial conversion rate is set at 8.8077 shares per $1,000 principal amount, equating to a conversion price of approximately $113.54 per share, representing a 25% premium over the last reported sale price [2][3]. - An option for initial purchasers to buy an additional $200 million in Convertible Notes is available within 13 days of issuance [1]. Group 2: Use of Proceeds - Southern Company estimates net proceeds of approximately $1.44 billion, or $1.63 billion if the additional option is fully exercised, which will primarily be used to repurchase existing Convertible Notes and for general corporate purposes [4]. - Approximately $1.25 billion of the net proceeds will be allocated to repurchase about $781.6 million of Series 2023A Convertible Notes and $328.1 million of Series 2024A Convertible Notes [4]. Group 3: Repurchase Transactions - The company has entered into privately negotiated transactions to repurchase portions of the Existing Convertible Notes, with terms dependent on various market factors [5]. - There is an expectation that holders of the Existing Convertible Notes may engage in derivative transactions or stock trades to hedge their exposure related to these repurchase transactions [6][7].