Group 1: Morgan Stanley - Morgan Stanley's shares have outperformed the Zacks Financial - Investment Bank industry year-to-date, with a gain of +34.4% compared to +33.3% [4] - The company's focus on wealth and asset management, along with strategic alliances and acquisitions, is expected to enhance its top line, particularly with the acquisition of EquityZen to access private markets [4] - Total revenues and investment banking fees are projected to increase by 11.7% and 12.8% in 2025, respectively, although total expenses are expected to rise by 9.1% due to expansion efforts [5] Group 2: Union Pacific Corp. - Union Pacific's shares have underperformed the Zacks Transportation - Rail industry year-to-date, with a decline of -3.1% compared to +2.4% [7] - The company faces challenges from normalized e-commerce sales, high inflation, and geopolitical uncertainty, which are negatively impacting consumer sentiment and revenue [8] - To address revenue weakness, Union Pacific is implementing cost-cutting measures while continuing to pay dividends and engage in stock buybacks [9] Group 3: Southern Company - Southern Company's shares have gained +13.7% year-to-date, underperforming the Zacks Utility - Electric Power industry's gain of +22.6% [10] - The company benefits from a recession-proof model, a substantial load pipeline, and a $76 billion capital plan aimed at grid modernization, which supports growth [11] - However, Southern faces risks from high leverage, regulatory challenges, and competition from decentralized energy solutions, warranting a cautious stance from investors [12] Group 4: Aware, Inc. - Aware's shares have increased by +16.4% year-to-date, while the Zacks Internet - Software and Services industry has gained +34.4% [13] - The company operates in the biometric identity solutions market, with a SaaS-first strategy that has led to 69.3% of total sales coming from recurring revenue [13] - Despite strong liquidity and federal contracts enhancing visibility, Aware faces execution risks due to leadership transitions and slow commercial conversion [14]

Core Insights - Zacks Premium provides various tools for investors to enhance their stock market strategies and confidence [1] - The Zacks Style Scores are designed to help investors identify stocks with the highest potential to outperform the market in the short term [2] Zacks Style Scores Overview - The Style Scores consist of four categories: Value Score, Growth Score, Momentum Score, and VGM Score, each focusing on different investment strategies [3][4][5][6] - Value Score emphasizes identifying undervalued stocks using financial ratios [3] - Growth Score focuses on a company's future earnings potential and financial health [4] - Momentum Score identifies trends in stock prices and earnings estimates to optimize entry points [5] - VGM Score combines all three styles to provide a comprehensive assessment of stocks [6] Zacks Rank and Performance - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that uses earnings estimate revisions to assist in portfolio building [7] - Stocks rated 1 (Strong Buy) have historically achieved an average annual return of +23.93% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [8] Stock Selection Strategy - Investors are encouraged to select stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B for optimal success [10] - The direction of earnings estimate revisions is crucial; stocks with lower ranks but high Style Scores may still face downward price pressure [11] Company Spotlight: Southern Company - Southern Company, a major utility provider in the U.S., serves approximately nine million customers and has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) with a VGM Score of B [12] - The company is positioned as a potential growth investment, with a Growth Style Score of B and a forecasted year-over-year earnings growth of 5.7% for the current fiscal year [13] - Recent upward revisions in earnings estimates and a solid earnings surprise average of +3% further enhance its attractiveness to investors [13]

Core Insights - Southern Company reported Q3 2025 earnings per share (EPS) of $1.60, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.50 and up from $1.43 in the previous year, driven by investments in state-regulated utilities and customer growth [1][8] - The company achieved revenues of $7.8 billion, a 7.6% increase from Q3 2024, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $7.5 billion [2][8] - Southern Company maintained its long-term EPS growth rate projection of 5-7% and guided for an EPS of $4.30 for the full year and 54 cents for the December quarter [2] Revenue Breakdown - Wholesale power sales increased by 0.8%, contributing to a rise in retail electricity demand, with total electricity sales up 1.1% year-over-year [3] - Total retail sales improved by 1.1%, with industrial and commercial sales rising by 1.5% and 2.3%, respectively, while residential sales decreased by 0.3% [3] Expense Overview - Operations and maintenance (O&M) costs decreased by 1.1% year-over-year to $1.6 billion, but total operating expenses rose by 6.6% to $5.2 billion, exceeding estimates [4][8] Comparison with Other Utilities - Exelon Corporation reported an EPS of 86 cents, surpassing estimates by 13.2% and showing a year-over-year increase due to improved distribution and transmission rates [5] - American Water Works Company posted an EPS of $1.94, beating estimates by 2.1% and reflecting a 7.8% increase from the previous year, attributed to new rate implementations [7] - IDACORP, Inc. reported an EPS of $2.26, exceeding estimates by 1.3% and improving by 6.6% year-over-year, driven by customer growth and rate changes [10]

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Core Viewpoint - Southern Company has announced the pricing of its offering of 35 million 2025 Series A Equity Units, aiming to raise approximately $1.75 billion in total stated amount, with the offering expected to close on November 6, 2025 [1][4]. Summary by Sections Offering Details - Each 2025 Series A Equity Unit is priced at $50, aggregating to a total of $1.75 billion [1]. - The offering includes a contract to purchase Southern Company common stock in the future and beneficial ownership interests in two series of Remarketable Senior Notes [1]. - The total annual distributions on the equity units will be at a rate of 7.125%, which includes interest from the Remarketable Senior Notes and payments under the stock purchase contracts [2]. Financial Proceeds and Use - Southern Company estimates net proceeds from the offering to be approximately $1.719 billion, or $1.965 billion if the over-allotment option is fully exercised [4]. - Approximately $1.153 billion of the net proceeds will be used to repurchase existing convertible senior notes, including $674.4 million of Series 2023A Convertible Senior Notes and $342.0 million of Series 2024A Convertible Senior Notes [4]. - Remaining proceeds will be allocated to repay short-term debt, redeem outstanding notes, and for general corporate purposes [4]. Underwriting and Management - BofA Securities, J.P. Morgan, and Mizuho are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering [7]. - The offering is made under an effective shelf registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission [8]. Market Impact and Strategy - The company has engaged in privately negotiated transactions to repurchase existing convertible notes, which may influence the market price of Southern Company's common stock [5][6]. - The repurchase strategy may involve holders of the existing notes engaging in derivative transactions to hedge their exposure, potentially affecting stock prices [6].

Core Viewpoint - Southern Company plans to sell 35 million equity units in a public offering, aiming to raise approximately $1.75 billion, with an additional option for underwriters to purchase 5 million more units for $250 million to cover over-allotments [1][2]. Group 1: Offering Details - Each equity unit will be priced at $50 and will include a contract to purchase common stock and beneficial ownership interests in remarketable senior notes [1]. - The offering will be conducted under an effective shelf registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission [5]. Group 2: Use of Proceeds - A portion of the net proceeds will be used to repurchase Series 2023A and Series 2024A Convertible Senior Notes through individually negotiated transactions [2][3]. - Remaining proceeds will be allocated to repay short-term debt, redeem outstanding Convertible Notes, and for general corporate purposes, including investments in subsidiaries [2]. Group 3: Market Impact and Strategy - The company anticipates that the repurchase of Existing Convertible Notes may lead to market activities that could influence the stock price, as holders may engage in derivative transactions or stock purchases to hedge their positions [3]. - Southern Company expects to negotiate terms for the note repurchase based on market conditions at the time of the transactions [3]. Group 4: Company Overview - Southern Company serves approximately 9 million customers across the Southeast and operates various energy-related businesses, including electric and natural gas distribution [6].

Core Insights - Southern Co. reported a strong third-quarter performance with earnings of $1.7 billion, or $1.55 per share, compared to $1.5 billion, or $1.40 per share, in the same period last year [4] Group 1: Sales Growth and Customer Demand - The company anticipates electric sales to rise by 8% across its service territories, with double-digit growth expected in Georgia Power's footprint through 2029 [2] - In the third quarter, Southern Co. added 12,000 new residential customers, significantly above historical trends, and data center usage increased by 17% compared to the same period last year [5] - The commercial sector experienced a growth of 3.5% on a weather-normal basis compared to the third quarter of 2024, driven by increased sales to existing and new customers, including new data centers [6] Group 2: Infrastructure and Capacity Expansion - Southern Co. has a pipeline of over 50 GW of potential large load additions over the next decade, with specific plans for 10 GW of new resources needed in Georgia [3][4] - The company is proposing the construction of five gas combined cycle units and 11 battery energy storage facilities to meet the anticipated demand [3] - Recently, Southern Co. signed four contracts with large load customers in Georgia and Alabama, representing over 2 GW of demand [4]

Core Insights - Southern Co. reported revenue of $7.82 billion for the quarter ended September 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 7.6% and surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $7.54 billion by 3.78% [1] - The company's EPS for the quarter was $1.60, up from $1.43 in the same quarter last year, exceeding the consensus EPS estimate of $1.50 by 6.67% [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Southern Power's operating revenues were $0.61 billion, exceeding the average estimate of $598.56 million by analysts, marking a year-over-year increase of 2.17% [4] - Total retail sales reached $42.37 billion, slightly above the average estimate of $42.35 billion [4] - Southern Company Natural Gas reported operating revenues of $734 million, compared to the estimated $729.93 million, representing a 7.6% increase year-over-year [4] - Georgia Power's operating revenues were $3.77 billion, surpassing the average estimate of $3.33 billion, with an 8.6% year-over-year increase [4] - Alabama Power's operating revenues reached $2.32 billion, exceeding the average estimate of $2.14 billion, reflecting an 8.4% increase year-over-year [4] - Mississippi Power's retail revenues were $302 million, above the average estimate of $263.7 million, indicating a 9.4% year-over-year increase [4] - Retail Electric operating revenues were reported at $5.71 billion, significantly higher than the estimated $5.05 billion, marking a 6.4% increase year-over-year [4] Stock Performance - Southern Co. shares have returned -1.4% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's increase of 3.6% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q3 2025, the adjusted EPS was $1.60 per share, which is $0.10 above the estimate and $0.17 higher than Q3 2024 [8][9] - Year-to-date adjusted EPS was $3.76 compared to $3.56 for the same period in 2024, indicating a positive trend in earnings [9] - Revenue growth was driven by state-regulated utilities, customer growth, and increased usage, with year-to-date weather-normal retail electricity sales up 1.8% compared to the first three quarters of 2024 [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The commercial sector saw a 3.5% growth in weather-normal retail electricity sales compared to Q3 2024, driven by increased sales to data centers, which were up 17% [10][11] - Residential sales also grew by 2.7% year-over-year, with the addition of approximately 12,000 new electric customers in the quarter [11] - Industrial customer segments, including primary metals, paper, and transportation, were up 4% or higher year-over-year [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Economic development activity in the Southeast remains strong, with 22 companies announcing expansions or new operations, generating nearly 5,000 potential new jobs and expected capital investments of approximately $2.8 billion [11] - The company has contracts in place with large load customers representing 7 gigawatts through 2029, expected to ramp to 8 gigawatts in the 2030s [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on balancing growth and affordability, with a rate plan extension at Georgia Power freezing base rates until at least 2029 [6] - A disciplined approach to forecasting and pricing is emphasized to ensure that growth does not come at the expense of existing customers [6] - The company plans to continue utilizing equity or equity equivalents to support its path towards a 17% FFO to debt ratio within its planning horizon [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's future, highlighting strong operational and financial results through the first three quarters of the year [20] - The company is well-positioned to address its long-term equity needs and has made significant progress in sourcing equity in a disciplined manner [14] - Management noted that the Southeast economy remains strong and well-positioned for growth, with robust customer growth and increasing usage in commercial and industrial segments [12] Other Important Information - Southern Company was named to Newsweek's World's Most Trustworthy Companies 2025 list, ranking as the highest energy company in the U.S. [20] - The company plans to provide a complete update on its long-term plan during the fourth quarter 2025 earnings call, including capital investment outlook and sales forecast [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Load growth outlook in Georgia - Management noted that customers understand the long-term commitments being made under the new tariff structure, which has helped bring serious counterparties to the forefront [26][27] Question: Georgia regulatory environment and potential impacts - Management expressed confidence in working constructively with whoever is elected to the Georgia Public Service Commission and highlighted ongoing processes for load forecasts [28] Question: Rebasement timeline and metrics - Management indicated that various factors, including economic performance and large load contracts, will influence the timeline for rebasement decisions [33] Question: Southern Power's asset value and pricing environment - Management confirmed that a large portion of assets are under long-term contracts, with opportunities to renegotiate as contracts expire [40] Question: Nuclear development and federal support - Management expressed excitement about federal actions supporting nuclear development but stated that no announcements regarding new nuclear plants are imminent [55][72] Question: Contracted vs. committed definitions - Management clarified that contracted refers to signed agreements, while committed involves advanced negotiations nearing contract signing [75]

Financial Performance - Q3 2025 adjusted EPS was $1.60, exceeding estimates by $0.10, and the full year 2025 adjusted EPS projection is $4.30[13] - Q3 2025 as-reported EPS was $1.55, compared to $1.40 in Q3 2024[15] - Year-to-date 2025 as-reported EPS was $3.56, compared to $3.53 in the same period of 2024[15] - Year-to-date 2025 adjusted EPS was $3.76, compared to $3.56 in the same period of 2024[15] Sales and Load Growth - Weather-normal retail electricity sales grew by 2.6% in Q3 2025 compared to the prior year[13] - Total retail electricity sales increased by 2.6% year-to-date in 2025[27] - Large load pipeline remains above 50GW across the system[13] - Contracts for 8GW of large load support long-term sales growth outlook, with an increase of 2GW in Q3[13, 30] Equity and Financing - Additional equity of $1.8 billion was priced, solidifying $7 billion of the $9 billion equity need[13] - An additional $5 billion in capital expenditure opportunities would require incremental equity of approximately 40%[13] - The company issued $257 million through internal equity plans through Q3 2025[36] Capital Investments and Resource Planning - The company projects $76 billion in capital expenditures from 2025-2029, with 95% allocated to state-regulated utilities[40] - Georgia Power filed for certification of 10GW of new resources through all-source and supplemental processes[47, 51] - Up to $5 billion of additional regulated capital investment opportunities remain, including up to $4 billion tied to Georgia Power-owned resources and $1 billion in expansion opportunities at FERC-regulated businesses[57, 58] Debt and Liquidity - Over $8.9 billion in committed credit facilities and available liquidity of $10.6 billion as of September 30, 2025[72]