Here's Why Holding Southern Company Is Justified for Now
ZACKS· 2025-07-11 13:06
Core Insights - Southern Company (SO) is a significant player in the U.S. utility industry, involved in electricity production, delivery, and infrastructure, serving millions in Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee with a diverse energy portfolio [1][2] Financial Performance - Southern reported strong first-quarter 2025 earnings with adjusted EPS of $1.23, reflecting a 20% year-over-year increase, and net income of $1.4 billion, driven by higher utility revenues and disciplined cost management [5][9] - The company increased its annual dividend by $0.08 per share, marking its 24th consecutive annual hike and 78 years of uninterrupted payouts, indicating a commitment to shareholder returns [6][20] Growth Drivers - Southern's service territories are experiencing robust economic activity, with over 50 gigawatts (GW) of large-load projects in the pipeline, including significant contracts like Hyundai's Georgia plant, providing visibility into future revenue growth [7][8] - The company benefits from supportive regulatory environments, particularly in Georgia, where new tariff structures for data centers offer pricing certainty and reduce regulatory risk [8][10] Market Performance - Over the past six months, SO's share price has risen by 15.7%, outperforming the broader Utility-Electric Power sub-industry, which gained 13.5%, and the overall Utilities Sector, which returned 13.8% [11] Strategic Focus - Southern is committing significant resources to expand natural gas and renewable energy, along with innovations like microgrids, reflecting its dedication to a sustainable energy framework [2][3] - The company's diversified energy mix and substantial infrastructure position it well for leadership in the transition to cleaner energy sources [2][3] Challenges - Management estimates that tariffs could increase costs by 1-3%, with potential impacts from prolonged trade tensions or new tariffs affecting margins [14] - Execution risks exist within the 50 GW pipeline, as only 10 GW are currently committed, with the remainder subject to permitting and financing [15] - Environmental liabilities, including coal ash cleanup and litigation, pose ongoing financial challenges, with projected costs exceeding $100 million in 2025 [16] - Weather-dependent earnings may introduce volatility, as first-quarter results were positively impacted by colder weather, but broader demand showed signs of softness [17] Conclusion - Southern Company presents compelling investment reasons, including strong earnings growth, a consistent dividend increase, and robust economic development in its service areas, while facing notable headwinds such as tariff pressures and execution risks [20][21]
Constellation Energy Rises 51.7% in 3 Months: How to Play the Stock?
ZACKS· 2025-07-11 13:06
Core Viewpoint - Constellation Energy Corporation (CEG) has experienced a significant share price increase of 51.7% over the past three months, outperforming the Zacks Alternate Energy – Other industry's growth of 28.2%, primarily due to its strong nuclear operations [1][8]. Group 1: Company Performance - CEG's nuclear fleet provides a reliable, stable, and affordable source of electricity, contributing to environmental sustainability by producing zero-emission energy [1]. - The company expects capital expenditures of nearly $3 billion for 2025 and $3.5 billion for 2026, with approximately 35% allocated for the acquisition of nuclear fuel to increase inventory levels [4][8]. - CEG's nuclear fleet capacity factor was 94.1% in the first quarter, an improvement from 93.3% in the previous year [5]. Group 2: Market Position and Strategy - CEG is focusing on powering data centers directly from its nuclear energy generation facilities, which helps avoid costly long-distance power transmission [6][9]. - The company anticipates more than 13% adjusted operating earnings growth on base earnings through 2030, driven by factors such as production tax credits and improvements in outage durations [9]. Group 3: Financial Metrics - CEG's trailing 12-month return on equity stands at 21.93%, significantly higher than the industry average of 8.41%, indicating effective utilization of shareholders' funds [16]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings per share indicates a decrease of 1.05%, while the estimate for 2026 implies a slight increase of 0.7% over the past 60 days [11]. Group 4: Shareholder Value - CEG has authorized a share repurchase program of up to $3 billion, with approximately $841 million remaining as of March 31, 2025 [18]. - The company aims to increase its annual dividend by 10%, subject to board approval, and pays a quarterly dividend to its shareholders [19]. Group 5: Valuation - CEG is currently trading at a premium compared to its industry on a forward 12-month P/E basis, indicating a higher valuation relative to peers [20].
APA Slashes Q2 Natural Gas and NGL Output Amid Weak Gas Prices
ZACKS· 2025-07-11 13:06
Core Insights - APA Corporation has curtailed natural gas and NGL production in response to declining U.S. natural gas prices, reducing output by approximately 10 million cubic feet per day and 750 barrels per day respectively [1][9] - The company anticipates a significant drop in realized prices for natural gas and NGL in the second quarter, expecting $1 per thousand cubic feet and $19.80 per barrel, marking declines of about 50% and 29% from the previous quarter [2][9] - APA completed the sale of its New Mexico assets for $575 million, which resulted in a production decrease of around 1,800 barrels of oil equivalent per day, reflecting the company's strategy to streamline its portfolio [3][9] - The company's actions indicate a focus on capital discipline and asset optimization amid ongoing price volatility in the energy sector [4] Production and Pricing - U.S. natural gas prices faced pressure due to rising supply and subdued demand, leading to APA's production cuts [2] - The anticipated realized price for oil in the second quarter is $64.85 per barrel domestically, while international markets show stronger prices at $66.20 per barrel [2] Strategic Moves - The divestment of non-core assets is part of APA's strategy to concentrate capital in areas with higher returns [3] - The company's dual approach of cutting low-margin volumes and monetizing assets demonstrates its intent to remain resilient in changing market conditions [4]
Petrobras and Solstad Ink $84 Million Offshore Vessel Agreement
ZACKS· 2025-07-11 13:06
Key Takeaways Petrobras signed a $84M four-year contract with Solstad Offshore for the Normand Turquesa vessel. The AHTS vessel will support PBR's offshore operations from 2026 to 2030, with a nine-month interim extension. PBR aims to boost logistical strength and deepwater performance in Brazil's pre-salt exploration fields.Petrobras (PBR) , Brazil’s state-controlled energy giant, has signed a new $84 million agreement with Solstad Offshore, a leading offshore service provider in Norway, for the continue ...
Barrick Mining's $2 Billion Lumwana Super Pit Expansion on Track
ZACKS· 2025-07-11 13:06
Core Insights - Barrick Mining Corporation is advancing its $2 billion Super Pit Expansion Project at the Lumwana mine, aiming to transform it into a Tier One copper mine [1][2] - The expansion will double Lumwana's copper output to 240,000 tons annually, supported by a new processing plant with a capacity of 50 million tons per year [2][6] - Lumwana has significantly contributed to Zambia's economy, with over $4 billion generated since 2019, primarily through local procurement [3][6] - The mine is leading an environmental initiative through a REDD+ forest conservation program, covering 300,000 hectares, aimed at generating carbon credits and promoting sustainable practices [4][6] - Barrick's shares have increased by 13.7% over the past year, compared to a 33.7% rise in the industry [5] Economic Impact - Lumwana has contributed more than $4 billion to Zambia's economy through taxes, royalties, wages, and local procurement since 2019 [3] - 79% of total procurement, amounting to over $3.4 billion, has been spent with Zambian suppliers [3] - In Q1 of this year, $177 million, or 81% of procurement, was allocated to local contractors [3] Environmental Initiatives - The REDD+ program aims to conserve 300,000 hectares and generate future carbon credits while promoting sustainable livelihoods and biodiversity [4][6] - The initiative is developed in partnership with local chiefdoms and the Forestry Department [4] Industry Performance - Barrick Mining's shares have gained 13.7% over the past year, while the industry has seen a 33.7% increase [5]
Bitcoin tops $118,000 for the first time, and keeps on going
TechXplore· 2025-07-11 13:05
Core Insights - Bitcoin has reached an all-time high, surpassing $118,000, driven by increased investments in spot bitcoin ETFs and a favorable regulatory environment [3][4][5] - The U.S. Senate has passed legislation to regulate stablecoins, marking a significant step towards legitimizing the cryptocurrency industry [4][5] - The GENIUS Act aims to provide consumer protections and establish guidelines for stablecoins, which are typically pegged to the U.S. dollar [5] Group 1 - Bitcoin's price surge is attributed to a soft U.S. dollar and supportive policies from the Trump administration [3] - The cryptocurrency industry has become a major political spender, indicating its growing influence in Washington [4] - The upcoming consideration of the GENIUS Act by the House of Representatives reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen the U.S. position in the crypto market [5] Group 2 - The GENIUS Act stands for "Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins," highlighting its focus on innovation and regulation [5] - The legislation is seen as the first in a series of bills aimed at enhancing the legitimacy of the cryptocurrency sector [4] - The movement towards regulation is expected to reassure consumers and foster a more stable environment for cryptocurrency investments [4][5]
Tryg A/S (TGVSF) Q2 2025 Earnings Conference Call Transcript
Seeking Alpha· 2025-07-11 13:04
Tryg A/S (OTCPK:TGVSF) Q2 2025 Earnings Conference Call July 11, 2025 4:00 AM ET Company Participants Allan Kragh Thaysen - CFO & Member of Executive Board Gianandrea Roberti - Investor Relations Officer Johan Kirstein Brammer - Group CEO & Member of Executive Board Mikael Karrsten - Group Chief Technical Officer & Member of Executive Board Conference Call Participants Asbjørn Nicholas Mørk - Danske Bank A/S, Research Division Mathias Bjerrum Nielsen - Nordea Markets, Research Division Michele Ballatore - K ...
Capricor's Lead Duchenne Therapy Hits FDA Regulatory Roadblock
Benzinga· 2025-07-11 13:03
Core Viewpoint - Capricor Therapeutics Inc. received a Complete Response Letter (CRL) from the FDA regarding its Biologics License Application (BLA) for Deramiocel, indicating that the application cannot be approved in its current form due to insufficient evidence of effectiveness and the need for additional clinical data [1][2]. Group 1: FDA Response and Requirements - The FDA stated that the BLA does not meet the statutory requirement for substantial evidence of effectiveness and that additional clinical data is needed [2]. - The CRL referenced outstanding items in the Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) section, which Capricor claims to have addressed in prior communications, but the FDA did not review these materials due to the timing of the CRL issuance [3]. Group 2: Next Steps and Company Plans - The FDA confirmed that it will restart the review clock upon resubmission and offered Capricor the opportunity to request a Type A meeting to discuss the path forward [4]. - Capricor plans to submit data from the Phase 3 HOPE-3 clinical trial to provide additional evidence of effectiveness, with topline results expected in the third quarter of 2025 [5]. Group 3: Market Reaction - Following the news, CAPR stock is down 37.4% at $7.14 during the premarket session [6].
Samuel Adams and Boston Red Sox Toast to Ten More Years of Partnership
GlobeNewswire News Room· 2025-07-11 13:02
Core Insights - Samuel Adams has renewed its multiyear partnership with the Boston Red Sox, remaining the team's Official Beer for the next decade, which began in 2018 [1][3] - The partnership will also include other Boston Beer brands such as Angry Orchard, Truly, and Twisted Tea [1] - The collaboration emphasizes the deep roots of both brands in Boston and their commitment to enhancing the fan experience at Fenway Park [3] Company Overview - Samuel Adams is a leading independent American craft brewer, founded in 1984, known for its flagship Boston Lager and its role in the craft beer revolution [6][7] - The Boston Beer Company, which owns Samuel Adams, has expanded its portfolio to include hard cider, hard seltzer, and hard tea, with a focus on innovation and quality [8] - The company has a philanthropic program called Brewing the American Dream, aimed at supporting entrepreneurs and fellow brewers [6] Partnership Details - The Sam Deck in right field at Fenway Park remains a popular destination for fans, with over 275,000 pints of Sam Adams served [2] - The partnership will feature special events, including watch parties at the Downtown Boston Taproom and Boston Brewery, and the introduction of a new beer, Grand Slam Adams, for the Sox season [3][4] - Samuel Adams has a history of community involvement, including being the official beer of the Boston Marathon and supporting local charities [4]
Matson: Boring, Profitable, Ignored
Seeking Alpha· 2025-07-11 13:01
Matson ( MATX ) isn’t your typical shipping stock. It doesn’t chase scale like ZIM ( ZIM ) or spend heavily like Maersk ( OTCPK:AMKBY ). Instead, it focuses on high-value, niche routes — particularly Hawaii and China –Long Beach — and operates withI’m an independent equity trader and licensed financial advisor focused on uncovering high-upside opportunities in overlooked sectors — especially small-caps, energy, commodities, and special situations. My investment strategy is rooted in the CAN SLIM framework b ...