CEO.CA's Inside the Boardroom: Southern Energy CEO Discusses U.S. Gulf Coast Expansion Strategy Amid Booming LNG Exports August 13, 2025 8:30 AM EDT | Source: CEO.CA Technologies Ltd. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 13, 2025) - CEO.CA ("CEO.CA"), the leading investor social network in junior resource and venture stocks, shares exclusive updates with CEOs of junior mining explorers. Founded in 2012, CEO.CA, a wholly owned subsidiary of EarthLabs, Inc., is one of the most popular free financial web ...

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fortuna Mining Corp. (NYSE: FSM | TSX: FVI) is pleased to report additional exploration drilling results from the Southern Arc deposit at the Diamba Sud Gold Project located in Senegal, following the July 7, 2025 resource update (see Fortuna news release dated August 5, 2025). Paul Weedon, Senior Vice President of Exploration at Fortuna, commented, "Exploration drilling at the Southern Arc deposit has continued beyond the data cut-off date for i ...

Southern Co. is expected to post earnings of $1.48 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over- year change of +3.5%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed +8.6%. The consensus earnings estimate of $4.28 for the current fiscal year indicates a year-over-year change of +5.7%. This estimate has changed -0.2% over the last 30 days. For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $4.59 indicates a change of +7.3% from what Southern Co. is expected to report ...

Core Insights - Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd has announced a significant metallurgical development at its Sunday Creek Gold-Antimony Project, focusing on selective flotation processing that yields high-grade, low-arsenic antimony-gold concentrate [1][5][10] Metallurgical Development - Stage 2 test work has successfully demonstrated selective flotation processing, producing a high-grade, low-arsenic antimony-gold concentrate while achieving excellent recovery of native gold [2][3] - The selective flotation technology identified specialized collector chemistry that effectively separates antimony minerals from arsenic-bearing minerals, addressing a critical requirement while maintaining high gold recovery [3][5] - Overall gold recovery ranges from 92.3% to 95.6% across three product streams, indicating a robust processing capability [4][16] Product Streams - The project has established a three-product processing strategy: 1. Gravity gold concentrate, achieving direct recovery of native gold up to 51.4% of feed gold [23] 2. Antimony-gold concentrate, producing high-grade concentrates with antimony grades of 48.2% to 53.1% and gold grades reaching up to 93.2 g/t [8][16] 3. Sulphide concentrate, capturing remaining free gold and gold associated with pyrite-arsenopyrite [23] Economic Potential - The combination of excellent overall native gold recovery and the ability to produce premium antimony concentrates enhances the project's economic potential, particularly given the favorable market conditions for antimony due to recent export restrictions from China [5][33] - Antimony represents approximately 21% to 24% of the in-situ recoverable value of the Sunday Creek project, highlighting its significance alongside gold [32][37] Future Development - The company plans to scale up processing through locked-cycle testing, pilot plant evaluation, and process plant design targeting Q1 2027 [4][20] - Future testing will focus on optimizing recovery rates, understanding the impact of grind size, and developing geometallurgical models across deposit zones [20][38]

Core Insights - The Southern Company reported Q2 2025 earnings per share (EPS) of 91 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 87 cents, but down from $1.09 in the previous year due to increased expenses and milder weather [1][8] - Revenues reached $7 billion, a 7.9% increase from Q2 2024, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.6 billion [2][8] - The company guided EPS for the year between $4.20 and $4.30, with a projection of $1.50 for the September quarter, maintaining a long-term EPS growth rate of 5-7% [2] Revenue Breakdown - Wholesale power sales decreased by 1.8%, while retail electricity demand saw a slight increase [3] - Total electricity sales edged down 0.1% year-over-year, with total retail sales rising by 0.5% [3] - Industrial and commercial sales increased by 2.8% and 1.3%, respectively, while residential sales fell by 2.7% [3] Expense Summary - Operations and maintenance (O&M) costs rose by 21.4% year-over-year to $1.7 billion [4] - Total operating expenses for the quarter were $5.2 billion, a 15.1% increase from the previous year, exceeding estimates of $4.9 billion [4] Comparison with Other Utilities - PPL Corporation reported operating EPS of 32 cents, missing estimates, but total revenues of $2.03 billion exceeded expectations [6] - American Water Works Company posted operating EPS of $1.48, below estimates, with total operating expenses rising by 12.4% [9][10] - IDACORP, Inc. reported EPS of $1.76, in line with estimates, with a year-over-year improvement attributed to customer growth and rate changes [11][12]

Core Points - Adam Emrich has been appointed as Vice President of Customer Solutions and Sales at Southern Linc, effective August 2, 2025 [1][2] - Emrich will oversee various teams including Sales and Marketing, Customer Experience, and Customer Operations, managing all aspects of customer experience [2] - He brings expertise in business optimization, financial leadership, and customer engagement to the role [3] - Prior to joining Southern Linc, Emrich served as Customer Solutions Operations Director at Georgia Power, handling multiple operational responsibilities [4] - Emrich has a diverse background with roles in Power Delivery, External Affairs, Accounting, Finance, Sales, and Customer Solutions, and holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration [5] - He is also actively involved in community service, serving on the advisory board of the Atlanta Community Food Bank and coaching youth sports [6] Company Overview - Southern Linc is a wireless communications company wholly owned by Southern Company, which serves 9 million customers across the Southeast [7] - The company provides mission-critical LTE wireless services to Southern Company subsidiaries and public sector customers in Alabama, Georgia, and southeastern Mississippi [1][7] - Southern Linc's CriticalLinc™ 4G LTE Advanced network offers highly reliable and secure wireless voice and data services, supporting critical business processes [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for Q2 2025 was reported at $0.92, which is $0.07 above the estimate and $0.18 lower than Q2 2024 [9] - Year-to-date retail electricity sales were 1.3% higher than 2024, with a 3% increase in sales growth in Q2 compared to the previous year [10] - Adjusted EPS estimate for Q3 2025 is projected at $1.50 per share [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Increased earnings from state-regulated utilities contributed positively, alongside higher usage and customer growth, adding $0.06 year-over-year compared to 2024 [9] - Weather-normal residential sales increased by 2.8%, supported by the addition of over 15,000 new electric customers in the quarter [10] - Data center usage was notably up by 13% compared to 2024, with industrial sales to major customer segments like transportation and primary metals increasing by 6% year-over-year [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Economic development activities in the Southeast resulted in nearly $2 billion of capital investment and over 6,000 new jobs announced in the service territories [12] - The large load pipeline across Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi remains above 50 gigawatts of potential incremental load by the mid-2030s [13] - The Georgia Public Service Commission approved a stipulated agreement that extends Georgia Power's 2022 alternate rate plan, stabilizing base rates through 2028 [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on building for growth in the Southeast, leveraging its vertically integrated market and constructive regulatory processes [23] - The 2025 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) approval allows for continued investment in existing fleet upgrades and new generation resources to meet increasing demand [16] - The company is committed to maintaining customer affordability while capturing the benefits of projected economic growth [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the economic environment in the Southeast, with unemployment rates and population growth better than national averages [12] - The company is encouraged by the momentum with large load customers and is focused on sustainable growth patterns [29] - Management emphasized the importance of new nuclear energy as part of the solution to meet future demand [72] Other Important Information - The company announced a $76 billion five-year capital plan, increasing from $63 billion, with potential upside of approximately $5 billion still pending [20] - The transition of CFO Daniel Tucker, who is retiring after nearly three decades, was highlighted as a significant leadership change [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Capital plan update and rate base growth - Management confirmed that they will continue with annual updates and are encouraged by the marketplace momentum [28][29] Question: RFP update and procurement status - Management assured that they have made reservations and payments for turbines and are well-positioned for efficient execution [30] Question: FFO to debt improvement timeline - Management expects to reach approximately 17% FFO to debt near the end of the planning horizon, with proactive measures being taken [40] Question: Asset sales and rumors - Management stated that they are always evaluating opportunities but would not comment on specific rumors [44] Question: Load update and pipeline growth - Management indicated that the large load pipeline continues to grow, with advanced discussions ongoing [52] Question: Returns on Southern Power investments - Management noted that returns from Southern Power are generally higher than state-regulated returns, with stringent risk-return parameters in place [68] Question: New nuclear discussions - Management reiterated the need for new nuclear energy and ongoing discussions with various stakeholders [72] Question: Large load update filing - Management confirmed that an update filing is expected in mid-August, with anticipation of higher load forecasts [74][77]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.92 for Q2 2025, which is $0.07 above the estimate and $0.18 lower than 2024 [7] - Year-to-date retail electricity sales were 1.3% higher than 2024, with a 3% increase in retail electricity sales in Q2 compared to the previous year [8][9] - Adjusted EPS estimate for Q3 is $1.50 per share [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Increased earnings from state-regulated utilities contributed positively, with higher usage and customer growth adding $0.06 year-over-year compared to 2024 [7] - Weather-normal residential sales increased by 2.8%, supported by over 15,000 new electric customers in the quarter [8] - Data center usage was notably up 13% compared to 2024, while industrial sales to major customer segments like transportation and primary metals grew by 6% year-over-year [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Economic development activities in the Southeast resulted in nearly $2 billion of capital investment and over 6,000 new jobs announced [10] - The large load pipeline across Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi remains above 50 gigawatts of potential incremental load by the mid-2030s [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on disciplined growth, with a commitment to customer affordability and regulatory stability [12] - Georgia Power's 2025 integrated resource plan (IRP) was approved, allowing for continued investment in existing fleet and new generation resources [13][14] - The company plans to certify approximately 10 gigawatts of new generation resources, including a mix of third-party power purchase agreements and Georgia Power-owned resources [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the economic environment in the Southeast, with unemployment rates and population growth better than national averages [10] - The company is encouraged by the momentum in attracting large load customers and expects to reassess its long-term EPS growth rate as early as 2027 [19][20] - Management emphasized the importance of investing in people and leadership transitions to ensure sustained long-term success [21] Other Important Information - The company has increased its five-year base capital plan from $63 billion to $76 billion, with potential upside of approximately $5 billion still pending [16] - The CFO transition was highlighted, with management expressing gratitude for the retiring CFO's contributions [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Capital plan update and rate base growth - Management confirmed that they will provide a full financial plan update in the Q4 call and are encouraged by the marketplace momentum [26][27] Question: RFP update and procurement status - Management assured that they have good relationships with OEMs and EPCs, positioning themselves efficiently for upcoming projects [28] Question: FFO to debt improvement timeline - Management expects to reach approximately 17% FFO to debt near the end of the planning horizon, with proactive measures being taken [37][40] Question: Asset sales and rumors - Management stated they are always evaluating opportunities but would not comment on specific rumors [41] Question: Load update and pipeline growth - Management indicated that the large load pipeline continues to grow, with advanced discussions ongoing with major customers [49] Question: Southern Power returns compared to regulated business - Management noted that Southern Power's returns are generally higher than state-regulated returns, but they maintain stringent risk-return parameters [64] Question: New nuclear discussions - Management emphasized the need for new nuclear energy and ongoing discussions with various stakeholders [68] Question: Large load update filing - Management confirmed that an update filing is expected in August, which may reflect higher load than previously discussed [71] Question: Gas plants and timing confidence - Management clarified that the planned new units are based on existing capacity rolling off PPAs [78] Question: Trends on generation costs - Management acknowledged rising generation costs but indicated they are prepared to react accordingly [101]

Financial Performance - Q2 2025 adjusted EPS was $0.92, exceeding estimates by $0.07[12] - YTD 2025 adjusted EPS reached $2.15[16] - Southern Company projects a full-year adjusted EPS guidance between $4.20 and $4.30[20] - Weather-normal retail electric sales grew by 3% in Q2 2025 compared to the previous year[12] Capital Investment and Financing - The company has a $76 billion capital investment plan, a $13 billion increase from the prior base forecast[12, 32] - State-regulated utilities account for 95% of the 5-year capital plan, totaling $72 billion[38] - Incremental equity needs through 2029 are estimated at $5 billion to fund the increased capital investment plan[40] - Over $8.9 billion in committed credit facilities and available liquidity of $7.6 billion as of June 30, 2025[68] Generation Resources and Sales - Georgia Power filed for certification of 10 GW of new generation resources through all-source RFP processes[28, 31] - Data center usage increased by 13%[24] - Economic development announcements included 6,000 new jobs and ~$2 billion of capital investment in Q2[27]

Core Insights - Southern Co. reported $6.97 billion in revenue for the quarter ended June 2025, a year-over-year increase of 7.9%, with an EPS of $0.91 compared to $1.09 a year ago [1] - The revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.56 billion, resulting in a surprise of +6.24%, while the EPS surprise was +4.6% against a consensus estimate of $0.87 [1] Revenue Breakdown - Natural Gas revenues reached $979 million, surpassing the average estimate of $917.14 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of +17.8% [4] - Southern Company Natural Gas reported $979 million, exceeding the estimated $855.44 million, marking a +17.8% change from the previous year [4] - Southern Power generated $546 million, slightly below the average estimate of $552.52 million, with a year-over-year increase of +4.2% [4] - Georgia Power - Wholesale Revenues were $107 million, significantly above the average estimate of $70.97 million, representing a +69.8% year-over-year change [4] - Georgia Power - Other Revenues totaled $238 million, exceeding the estimated $225.21 million, with a +10.7% change from the previous year [4] - Mississippi Power - Retail Revenues reached $274 million, surpassing the average estimate of $243.08 million, reflecting a +13.2% year-over-year increase [4] - Mississippi Power - Other Revenues were $9 million, below the average estimate of $12.08 million, showing a year-over-year decrease of -10% [4] - Southern Company Gas - Gas Distribution Operations reported $885 million, exceeding the average estimate of $781.07 million, with a +18.2% year-over-year change [4] - Southern Company Gas - Gas Pipeline Investments generated $8 million, below the average estimate of $23.68 million, with no year-over-year change [4] - Southern Company Gas - Gas Marketing Services reported $83 million, exceeding the estimated $74.82 million, marking an +18.6% change from the previous year [4] - Retail Electric revenues were $4.76 billion, surpassing the average estimate of $4.3 billion, reflecting a +6.1% year-over-year increase [4] - Alabama Power generated $1.97 billion, exceeding the average estimate of $1.92 billion, with a +5.1% year-over-year change [4] Stock Performance - Southern Co. shares returned +4.1% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +2.7% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating potential performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]