Electricity Demand and Generation - Southern Company projects a significant increase in electricity sales demand, driven by data centers and large load customers, with approximately 13 GWs of certified resources expected to be constructed by Georgia Power, totaling $19.5 billion in costs by 2030[33]. - Southern Power's generation fleet reached 12,648 MWs of nameplate capacity in commercial operation as of December 31, 2025, including 5,268 MWs owned by subsidiaries[37]. - Southern Company has contracted with new data centers covering approximately 9 GWs of electric load, with contracts expected to ramp up over several years, starting service by 2028[33]. - The Southern Company system's construction program for 2026 is estimated at $15.9 billion, with $3.7 billion allocated for new generation and $3.2 billion for transmission[50]. - Projected demand for electricity significantly exceeds recent experience, driven by data centers and advanced manufacturing, necessitating substantial capital expenditures[222]. Natural Gas Operations - Southern Company Gas operates approximately 77,900 miles of natural gas pipelines and 14 storage facilities, serving around 4.4 million customers across four states[47]. - Southern Company Gas is developing a pipeline project to increase capacity by approximately 1.3 billion cubic feet per day, anticipated to be completed by 2029[48]. - Southern Company has contracted for 644 Bcf of natural gas supply for 2026, ensuring sufficient supply for its natural gas generating units[58]. - Southern Company Gas emphasizes natural gas as the fuel of choice through various promotional activities and partnerships[97]. - As of December 31, 2025, Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.416 million customers across four states, with a total of 77.9 miles of natural gas distribution pipelines[86]. Financial Performance and Investments - Southern Power's average investment coverage ratio was 97% through 2030 and 89% through 2035, with 63% of contracted MWs associated with AAA to A- rated counterparties[43]. - Southern Company is involved in various acquisitions and dispositions, with ongoing efforts to expand its market presence and operational efficiency[26]. - The profitability of traditional electric operating companies is largely dependent on their ability to recover costs through approved retail rates, which may be affected by rising costs and increased capital expenditures[142]. - Southern Company and Southern Company Gas rely on cash flows from subsidiaries to meet financial obligations, including interest payments and dividends[219]. - A downgrade in credit ratings for Southern Company or its subsidiaries could increase borrowing costs and limit access to capital[220]. Regulatory Environment and Compliance - The regulatory environment for traditional electric operating companies includes oversight by state public service commissions and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)[100]. - Southern Company and its subsidiaries face substantial regulatory risks, including compliance costs related to federal, state, and local regulations, which could significantly impact their operations[140]. - Southern Company anticipates ongoing capital expenditures for environmental compliance, with specific costs not including GHG emissions regulation[60]. - Changes in laws and regulations, including those related to greenhouse gas emissions, could significantly influence the operating environment and financial performance of Southern Company[147]. - Regulatory constraints may prevent timely cost recovery for new generation and infrastructure, exposing subsidiaries to financial risks[223]. Environmental and Safety Considerations - Southern Company aims for a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2007 levels by 2030 and a long-term goal of net zero by 2050, though achieving these goals is projected to be extremely challenging[157]. - Environmental compliance costs are significant, with future expenditures expected to remain high due to evolving regulations and potential litigation[148]. - The operation of nuclear facilities poses inherent risks, with Alabama Power and Georgia Power's nuclear units representing approximately 22% and 36% of their total KWHs generated, respectively, in 2025[160]. - Southern Company management emphasizes a culture of safety, with a focus on preventing serious injuries and fatalities across its operations[136]. - In 2025, the Southern Company system reported a serious injury rate of 0.03 and no fatal injuries[136]. Market Competition and Risks - The traditional electric operating companies expect to continue facing competition from alternative energy sources and distributed generation technologies[90]. - Southern Power competes for wholesale energy sales across various U.S. utility markets, influenced by factors such as reliability, availability, and pricing[91]. - The market share of Subsidiary Registrants could be eroded if new technologies become cost-competitive, impacting their business models[186]. - Economic downturns and changes in customer behavior, including energy conservation efforts, could negatively impact customer growth and energy consumption[206]. - The traditional electric operating companies are increasing renewable resources, but production from wind and solar is highly dependent on variable weather conditions[176]. Operational Challenges and Risks - The Southern Company system must attract and retain a skilled workforce, with challenges arising from an aging workforce and potential mismatches in skill sets[187]. - The company is facing substantial risks related to project completion, including labor costs, contractor performance, and regulatory delays, which could lead to increased costs and project overruns[192]. - Significant engineering and design costs are being incurred in advance of project approvals, and cancellation of projects could result in substantial penalties and unrecoverable costs[193]. - The Registrants face heightened risks of cyberattacks, with increasing sophistication and frequency of attacks targeting energy infrastructure, particularly during geopolitical tensions[168]. - Supply chain disruptions and inflation have led to higher prices for critical components and materials, negatively affecting operations and cost recovery[189].

Company Performance - Southern Silver Exploration Corp. has been ranked 28th in the 2026 TSX Venture 50, which recognizes the top performing companies on the TSX Venture Exchange [1][2] - The company experienced a market capitalization increase of 401% and a share price increase of 284% during 2025 [1][2] Project Development - Significant progress has been made at the Cerro Las Minitas project in Durango, Mexico, which is a silver, lead, and zinc project [2] - The company is advancing towards a production decision by expanding, de-risking, and demonstrating the economic potential of the Cerro Las Minitas project [2][3] Company Overview - Southern Silver Exploration Corp. focuses on the discovery of world-class mineral deposits, primarily through its 100% owned Cerro Las Minitas project [3] - The company also holds other properties, including the newly acquired Nazas gold-silver property and the Oro porphyry copper-gold project [3]

Core Viewpoint - Investors should closely monitor Southern Missouri Bancorp, Inc. (SMBC) due to significant movements in the options market, particularly the high implied volatility of the Mar 20, 2026 $30 Put option [1] Company Analysis - Southern Missouri Bancorp currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) within the Financial - Savings and Loan industry, which is positioned in the top 10% of the Zacks Industry Rank [3] - Over the past 30 days, one analyst has raised the earnings estimate for the current quarter, resulting in an increase of the Zacks Consensus Estimate from $1.53 per share to $1.55 [3] Options Market Insights - The high implied volatility suggests that options traders are anticipating a significant price movement for Southern Missouri Bancorp shares, potentially indicating an upcoming event that could lead to a major rally or sell-off [2][4] - Seasoned options traders often seek out options with high implied volatility to sell premium, aiming to benefit from the decay of the option's value if the underlying stock does not move as much as expected [4]

Group 1 - Utilities have increased by 8.3% in the first 31 trading days of the year, outperforming the S&P 500 by 8.5 percentage points [1] - The decline in Treasury yields has positively impacted the utilities sector [1]

Core Insights - Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd (SXGC) has reported significant drilling results from its Sunday Creek Gold-Antimony Project, highlighting the potential for substantial mineralization and exploration upside in the region [1][5][30]. Group 1: Drilling Results - Drillhole SDDSC208 returned a standout intersection of 1.8 m at 80.5 g/t AuEq (79.9 g/t Au, 0.2% Sb), including 0.5 m at 309.1 g/t AuEq (309.0 g/t Au, 0.03% Sb) [1][9][18]. - The project now has 79 composite intersections exceeding 100 g/t Au from 113 km of drilling, indicating a high-grade profile that positions it among the highest-grade gold drill discoveries globally [5][20][29]. - The Golden Dyke prospective area has doubled in size, with 16 vein sets identified across a 420 m mineralized interval, confirming a more connected mineralized system than previously interpreted [4][7][11]. Group 2: Exploration Potential - Only 650 m of the known 1,550 m strike has been intensively drill tested, suggesting substantial exploration upside remains [5][30]. - The ongoing drill program includes 200,000 m planned through Q1 2027, with nine drill rigs currently operational and results pending from 41 holes [14][32]. Group 3: Strategic Importance - The dual-metal profile of gold and antimony at Sunday Creek enhances its strategic value, particularly as antimony is critical for various high-tech applications and is in demand due to supply concerns [27][30]. - Antimony contributes approximately 21% to 24% of the in situ recoverable value of the project at an AuEq ratio of 2.39 [28][30]. Group 4: Technical and Geological Insights - The geological framework of the Sunday Creek project is characterized by a "Golden Ladder" structure, with mineralization extending from surface to depths of over 1,100 m [26][29]. - Preliminary metallurgical work indicates non-refractory mineralization suitable for conventional processing, with gold recoveries projected between 93% to 98% [31].

Core Insights - Georgia Power has filed for a decrease in customer rates through two filings with the Georgia Public Service Commission, aiming to lower costs for customers starting in June [1] - The filings include a request for fuel cost recovery and storm cost recovery, which together are expected to result in a 1% rate decrease for the average retail customer [1] Fuel Cost Recovery - The first filing seeks to recover costs associated with fuel, including coal and natural gas, necessary for power generation [1] - Georgia Power has managed to reduce its fuel rate significantly due to a diverse generation mix and strategic fuel planning, which includes hedging to protect against future fuel price volatility [1] Storm Cost Recovery - The second filing addresses costs related to restoring electric service after storms, with a current under-recovery of $912 million in storm reserves, including nearly $800 million from Hurricane Helene in 2024 [1] - The company aims to recover these storm costs over the next four years while maintaining a focus on efficient and timely responses to severe weather [1] Customer Impact - If approved, the expected fuel savings will offset storm costs, resulting in an average savings of approximately $1.32 per month for typical residential customers using 1,000 kWh [1] - Georgia Power has historically maintained rates 15% below the national average since 1990 and plans to freeze base rates through at least 2028, providing annual savings of about $102 for typical residential customers after the next base rate case [1]

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Westhaven Gold Corp. (TSX-V: WHN) (OTCQB: WTHVF) (“Westhaven” or the “Company”) is pleased to report the start of drilling at the Company's Shovelnose gold and silver Project in the Spences Bridge Gold Belt of southern British Columbia. Subject to the outcome of today’s special meeting of Westhaven shareholders to consider the proposed transaction with Dundee Corporation (TSX: DC.A) (“Dundee”), as previously described in the Company’s news relea ...

Core Viewpoint - PowerSecure collaborates with Kit Carson Electric Cooperative to develop a microgrid project aimed at enhancing grid resilience and community readiness against catastrophic events [1] Group 1: Project Overview - The project includes the construction of three new microgrids with battery energy storage systems (BESS) to improve resilience in Northern New Mexico [1] - The microgrid infrastructure will support critical loads during severe events, ensuring reliable local power needs [1] Group 2: Company Commitment - PowerSecure emphasizes its commitment to innovative solutions that enhance grid resilience and support communities during emergencies [1] - The project will add 7.5 MW of BESS (38.25 MWh) to KCEC's energy portfolio, enabling public safety power shutoffs while maintaining critical services [1] Group 3: Company Background - PowerSecure, a subsidiary of Southern Company, has developed over 2 gigawatts of microgrid capacity and implemented energy efficiency upgrades valued at over $900 million [1] - Kit Carson Electric Cooperative serves nearly 30,000 members and is committed to delivering clean, affordable power while advancing community resilience [1]

Core Viewpoint - Southern Company is expected to report fourth-quarter earnings of 56 cents per share on revenues of $6.9 billion, with a year-over-year profit increase of 12% and an 8.3% rise in revenues [1][3][8] Group 1: Previous Quarter Performance - In the last reported quarter, Southern Company achieved adjusted earnings per share of $1.60, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by $1.50, with sales of $7.8 billion surpassing the consensus by 3.8% [2] - The company has topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in three of the last four quarters, with an average earnings surprise of 3% [3] Group 2: Factors Influencing Performance - Weather conditions are a significant factor affecting earnings, with milder temperatures in Q3 impacting year-over-year results and potentially limiting heating-related usage in Q4 [4] - Increased financing and depreciation expenses may pressure fourth-quarter profitability, as management noted higher costs offsetting operating growth [5] - Despite challenges, Southern Company has solid earnings visibility due to firm load growth and executed contracts, with retail sales rising 1.8% and commercial sales increasing by 3.5% in Q3 [6] Group 3: Earnings Prediction Model - The Zacks model does not predict a definitive earnings beat for Southern Company in the fourth quarter, as the Earnings ESP is -4.76% and the company holds a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) [7][9]

Group 1 - Southern Energy Corp. has completed a non-brokered private placement offering of senior secured convertible debentures and new common shares, raising aggregate net proceeds of US$22.0 million after an 8.8235% original issue discount [1] - The offering involved three private investors: Treelawn Group Inc., TCC 1 Corp., and TCC Royalty Corp., who participated in the transaction [1] - The transaction also includes the sale of a newly-created gross overriding royalty (GORR) alongside the offering of debentures and shares [1]