Core Insights - Georgia Power has appointed Audrey King as senior vice president of Corporate Responsibility and president and CEO of the Georgia Power Foundation, focusing on corporate responsibility, philanthropy, community engagement, and volunteerism in Georgia [1][4] - The Georgia Power Foundation is recognized as Georgia's third-largest corporate giving foundation, having supported over 400 organizations statewide in 2024 [1] - Cleve Fann has been named senior vice president of Region External Affairs, succeeding King, and will focus on aligning strategic planning and workforce initiatives with customer and employee needs [5][7] Leadership and Experience - Audrey King has over 30 years of experience with Georgia Power, having held various roles in Customer Service, Sales, Distribution, and External Affairs [2] - Cleve Fann has been with Georgia Power since 2000, leading strategic development and execution of capital programs, particularly in grid investment and distribution reliability [6][7] Community Engagement and Corporate Responsibility - The company emphasizes its commitment to improving the quality of life in Georgia through community engagement and corporate responsibility initiatives [4] - Georgia Power is focused on investing in energy infrastructure to meet the growing energy needs of its customers across the state [7] Company Overview - Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company, serving 2.8 million customers across Georgia [8] - The company maintains a diverse energy generation mix, including nuclear, coal, natural gas, and renewables, and is recognized for its customer satisfaction [8]

Core Viewpoint - Vatic Ventures Corp. has entered into a share purchase agreement to acquire 100% of a private company that holds rights to acquire significant uranium properties in Namibia, which are strategically located adjacent to major uranium mines, Rössing and Husab, indicating a strong potential for future uranium production and value appreciation in the context of increasing global demand for uranium [1][9]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition involves two uranium properties: EPL 8289 (ZOYA Property) covering 44.62 km² with the potential to acquire up to 80% interest, and EPL 8735 (GALORE Property) covering 87.65 km² with the potential to acquire up to 90% interest [1][2]. - Velvet Clean Energy Corp. is the private company involved in the acquisition, which has signed definitive agreements for both properties, with the ZOYA Property adjacent to the Husab mine and the GALORE Property located near the Rossing mine [2][3]. Group 2: Industry Context - Namibia is the world's 4th largest producer of uranium, contributing approximately 6% of global output, with the Erongo Region having produced over 350 million pounds of U3O8 over the past 48 years [3][4]. - The properties are situated in the "Alaskite Alley," a geological corridor known for high-grade uranium deposits, enhancing their potential for significant mineralization [3][4]. Group 3: Market Outlook - The CEO of Vatic highlighted a persistent gap between uranium supply and demand, which is expected to widen due to a decade of low prices and increasing governmental interest in nuclear power as a clean energy source, suggesting a bullish outlook for uranium prices [9]. - The strategic location of the acquired properties in a top mining jurisdiction with a strong production record positions Vatic favorably for future exploration and development [9]. Group 4: Financial Terms - The acquisition will involve issuing 7,500,000 common shares of Vatic at a deemed price of $0.06 per share to the shareholders of Velvet, subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval [10][11]. - The financial terms for acquiring interests in the ZOYA and GALORE properties include various cash payments and share issuances, with minimum expenditure obligations set at $3 million over four years for the ZOYA Property [14][15]. Group 5: Corporate Changes - Vatic plans to change its name to Ballistic Energy Metals Corp. and consolidate its shares on a 3-for-1 basis, reducing the number of outstanding shares from approximately 41.35 million to about 13.78 million post-consolidation [16][17]. - The consolidation is aimed at positioning the company for future corporate development opportunities and financing transactions [16].

Core Viewpoint - Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd is raising approximately C$120,000,000 through a private placement of securities to strengthen its financial position and execute its strategic business plan [1][11]. Group 1: Placement Details - The company has appointed Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc. and Aitken Mount Capital Partners Pty Ltd as joint lead managers to facilitate the capital raising [2]. - The placement will involve issuing 26,666,667 common shares at C$4.50 each and/or Chess Depositary Interests (CDIs) at A$5.10 each [2]. - The issue price for CDIs represents an approximate 8.9% discount to the last closing price, while the common shares represent a 4.1% discount [4][5]. Group 2: Use of Proceeds - The net proceeds from the placement are expected to be allocated as follows: - C$53 million for drilling to establish Inferred Resource by Q1 2027 - C$27 million for decline permitting and development to accelerate access to mineralization - C$4 million for Preliminary Economic Assessment - C$36 million for exploration target expansion and working capital [10][18]. Group 3: Strategic Importance - Southern Cross Gold controls the Sunday Creek Gold-Antimony Project, which is significant due to its dual-metal profile and strategic value in light of China's export restrictions on antimony [14][15]. - The project has shown exceptional drilling results and is positioned as a potential key supplier of antimony in the Western world [14][15]. - The company is well-positioned to advance this discovery with a large drill program planned through Q3 2025 [16].

Core Viewpoint - Southern Co. is expected to report quarterly earnings of $1.18 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 14.6%, with revenues projected at $6.94 billion, up 4.4% from the previous year [1] Earnings Projections - Analysts have revised the consensus EPS estimate 0.3% lower over the last 30 days, indicating a reevaluation of initial estimates [1][2] - Changes in earnings projections are crucial for predicting investor reactions and have a strong correlation with short-term stock price movements [2] Key Metrics Estimates - Operating Revenues for Southern Power are estimated at $559.55 million, indicating an 18.3% year-over-year increase [4] - Operating Revenues for Southern Company Natural Gas are projected at $1.52 billion, reflecting an 11.1% decrease from the prior year [4] - Georgia Power - Retail Revenues are expected to reach $2.34 billion, suggesting an 8.4% year-over-year increase [4] - Georgia Power - Wholesale Revenues are forecasted at $66.47 million, indicating a 14.6% year-over-year increase [5] - Other Revenues for Georgia Power are estimated at $193.21 million, reflecting a 4.4% increase from the previous year [5] - Mississippi Power - Other Revenues are projected at $11.98 million, indicating an 8.9% increase [6] - Southern Company Gas - Gas Distribution Operations are expected to generate $1.16 billion, reflecting a 20.5% decrease [6] - Natural Gas revenues are projected at $1.43 billion, indicating a 16.3% decrease [7] - Alabama Power is expected to reach $1.94 billion in revenues, reflecting an 8.6% increase [7] - Georgia Power is projected to generate $2.59 billion, indicating an 8.2% increase [8] - Mississippi Power is expected to reach $367.54 million, reflecting a 7.5% increase [8] - Alabama Power - Other Revenues are estimated at $106.48 million, indicating a 6.5% increase [9] Stock Performance - Southern Co. shares have shown a return of -0.8% over the past month, compared to a -4.3% change in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [9]

Core Insights - Nature's Miracle Holding Inc. has entered into an agreement to purchase five electric vehicles (EVs) from ZO Motors North America, with plans to modify them into Mobile Vertical Farming trucks for growing microgreens and herbs [1][2] - The Mobile Vertical Farm initiative is set to launch in the Los Angeles market in the second quarter of 2025, utilizing hydroponic technology and environmentally friendly EVs [2][3] - Each Mobile Vertical Farm truck can grow approximately 3,000 pounds of fresh produce annually, catering to the needs of up to 40 people for fresh salad [2] Company Overview - Nature's Miracle is a growing agriculture technology company focused on providing products and services in the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry in the U.S. [3] - The company's common stock trades on the OTCQB market under the symbol "NMHI" [3] Partnership Details - The partnership with ZO Motors aims to revolutionize the supply chain for fresh vegetables, emphasizing sustainability and local delivery [3][4] - ZO Motors specializes in zero-emission commercial vehicles and is committed to sustainable transportation solutions [4] Environmental Impact - The Mobile Vertical Farms are designed to save up to 90% of water compared to traditional farming methods, promoting environmentally friendly practices [2] - The initiative may also qualify for USDA subsidies and financing, enhancing its financial viability [1]

My recent bank coverage has mostly focused on names I think will hold up relatively well in a downturn. Today, I want to present another candidate for consideration, Southern Missouri Bancorp (NASDAQ: SMBC ). This isI like to take a long term, buy-and-hold approach to investing, with a bias toward stocks that can sustainably post high quality earnings. Mostly found in the dividend and income section. Blog about various US/Canadian stocks at 'The Compound Investor', and predominantly UK names on 'The UK Inco ...

Core Viewpoint - Despite market volatility in 2025, certain stable companies have provided solid returns, distinguishing themselves from high-growth tech stocks and offering safety and performance to investors [1] Group 1: Southern Company (SO) - Southern Company has shown impressive strength in 2025, with a year-to-date increase of approximately 11%, while the S&P 500 is down nearly 7% [2] - The company has a market capitalization of nearly $100 billion and is the second-largest holding in the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund, benefiting from strong inflows as investors seek stability [3] - Southern Company offers a dividend yield of 3.16% and is trading above its 200-day moving average, indicating a bullish trend [4] Group 2: Coca-Cola Company (KO) - Coca-Cola has seen a nearly 17% increase in shares year-to-date, outperforming the broader market and the consumer staples sector [6] - The company has attracted significant institutional support, with inflows totaling nearly $18 billion over the past 12 months, reflecting a demand for safety and yield [7] - Analysts maintain a consensus Buy rating for Coca-Cola, with an average price target of $75.06, indicating potential upside [8] Group 3: Verizon Communications (VZ) - Verizon has outperformed the S&P 500 with a 7% increase year-to-date and offers a substantial dividend yield of 6.3% [10] - The company reported strong Q1 2025 results, with an EPS of $1.19 and revenue of $33.5 billion, reaffirming its full-year guidance [11] - Verizon has a history of increasing dividends for 20 consecutive years and continues to generate strong free cash flow, making it attractive for long-term investors [12]

Core Insights - Venessa Harrison has been appointed to the board of Southern Company Gas, bringing her extensive experience in expanding critical infrastructure and shaping public policy [3] - Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.4 million natural gas utility customers across several states and has a diverse portfolio including regulated distribution and nonutility businesses [5] Group 1: Leadership and Experience - Harrison has overseen nearly $2 billion in annual network spending, which has significantly expanded AT&T's fiber and wireless networks in Georgia [1] - She led the development of the North Carolina Next Generation Network (NCNGN), which has become a model for broadband expansion in other states [2] - Harrison holds a business administration degree, magna cum laude, from the University of Phoenix [4] Group 2: Company Overview - Southern Company Gas is a subsidiary of Southern Company, a leading energy provider in the U.S. [5] - The company operates regulated distribution companies in Georgia, Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia, serving millions of customers [5] - Southern Company Gas also engages in nonutility businesses, including investments in interstate pipelines and natural gas storage facilities [5]

Core Insights - Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) reported first-quarter 2025 earnings of $2.69 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.72, but showing an 8% year-over-year increase due to lower costs [1] - Railway operating revenues were $2.99 billion, nearly in line with estimates, but decreased by 0.4% year over year [1] Financial Performance - Overall volumes increased by 1% year over year, while total revenue per unit dipped by 2% [2] - Income from railway operations rose over 100% year over year to $1.15 billion, and railway operating expenses declined by 34% to $1.85 billion, primarily due to a significant decrease in fuel expenses [2] Management Commentary - NSC's CEO, Mark George, highlighted the company's resilience in overcoming challenges from a disruptive winter storm season, resulting in improved operating ratios and earnings growth [3] Segmental Performance - Merchandise revenues remained flat year over year at $1.86 billion, below the estimate of $1.91 billion, with revenue per unit increasing by 2% [5] - Intermodal revenues rose by 2% year over year to $760 million, although below the projection of $778.2 million, with segmental volumes increasing by 3% but revenue per unit declining by 1% [5] - Coal revenues were $370 million, down 7% year over year, but exceeded the projection of $347.1 million, with coal volumes falling by 1% and revenue per unit declining by 5% [6] Liquidity and Share Buyback - At the end of the first quarter, NSC had cash and cash equivalents of $1.01 billion, down from $1.64 billion in the previous quarter, with long-term debt remaining flat at $16.6 billion [7] - The company repurchased and retired 1 million shares for $250 million during the first quarter [7] 2025 Guidance - For 2025, NSC anticipates revenue growth of 3% and a 150 basis points improvement in the operating ratio, with capital expenditure expected to be around $2.20 billion [8]

Core Insights - Norfolk Southern Corporation reported a first quarter 2025 revenue of $3.0 billion, with an adjusted net income growth of 8% despite weather-related disruptions [1][7] - The company reiterated its full-year guidance while acknowledging macro-economic uncertainties [1] Financial Performance - Railway operating revenues were $3.0 billion, a decrease of $11 million compared to Q1 2024; excluding fuel surcharge revenue, revenues were $2.8 billion, an increase of $47 million or 2% year-over-year [7] - Income from railway operations was $1.1 billion, an increase of $933 million compared to Q1 2024; adjusted for the Eastern Ohio incident, it was $961 million, up $57 million or 6% [7][10] - The operating ratio improved to 61.7% from 92.9% in Q1 2024; adjusted for the Eastern Ohio incident, the operating ratio was 67.9%, representing a 200 basis points improvement from 69.9% in Q1 2024 [7][11] - Diluted earnings per share were $3.31, up from $0.23 in Q1 2024; adjusted for the Eastern Ohio incident, diluted EPS was $2.69, an increase of $0.20 or 8% [7][12] Operational Highlights - The company demonstrated resilience in overcoming a disruptive winter storm season, leading to improved operating ratios and earnings growth [3] - Norfolk Southern's service performance has increased customer confidence, allowing the company to gain market share [3] Company Overview - Norfolk Southern operates a 22-state freight transportation network and has been in operation since 1827, contributing to the U.S. economy by moving goods and materials [5] - The company helps customers avoid approximately 15 million tons of carbon emissions annually by utilizing rail transport [5]