Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2025, the company reported adjusted earnings of $894 million, or $3.83 per share, compared to $878 million, or $3.81 per share for the same period last year, reflecting a slight increase in earnings despite challenges [26] - The company raised its long-term adjusted EPS growth target to 6%-8%+ through 2030, with expectations of exceeding 8% annually beginning in 2028 [5][43] - The financial results in 2025 were negatively impacted by weather and weak industrial demand, leading to a decrease in EPS by $0.43 due to higher operation and maintenance costs and depreciation [6][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company executed a capital investment plan of $2.8 billion in 2025 to modernize infrastructure and improve reliability, despite facing challenges from weather and demand [6][9] - New electric service agreements for four major data center projects were announced, representing 1.9 GW of steady-state peak demand, which is expected to increase total peak system demand by nearly 20% [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has grown its pipeline to over 15 GW, with significant legislative support in Missouri and Kansas for infrastructure investment [6][8] - The approval of new large load power service tariffs in both Kansas and Missouri is expected to drive affordability benefits for existing customers while supporting economic growth [7][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain competitive and affordable rates, with a focus on cost discipline and infrastructure investment to support economic development in Kansas and Missouri [20][23] - A rolling five-year investment plan totaling approximately $21.6 billion is set to drive 11.5% annualized rate base growth through 2030, with a significant portion allocated to new generation investments [22][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the updated financial outlook, which has been tested against various outcomes, and emphasized the importance of consistent financial performance for long-term value creation [6][43] - The company expects a return to normal residential load growth in 2026, with strong early indications for industrial demand compared to 2025 [27][83] Other Important Information - The company raised its dividend by 4% to an annualized $2.78, with expectations for the payout ratio to decline over time to a revised target of 50%-60% [9][37] - The LLPS tariffs established a framework for new large customers to pay a premium demand rate, which will generate significant benefits for existing customers [15][17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the equity issuances planned for 2030? - Management indicated no planned equity issuances for 2030 due to expected improvements in cash flow, but noted that additional capital opportunities may arise [49][51] Question: What is the potential for additional electric service agreements (ESAs)? - Management expects at least one more executed ESA in 2026, with potential for additional sizable opportunities beyond that [55][56] Question: How does incremental load growth affect CapEx and earnings? - Management stated that each ESA will depend on negotiations with customers, and historically, a 50/50 debt-equity funding approach is used for incremental capital [94]

Core Insights - Southern Company forecasts annual profit below analysts' estimates and raises its five-year spending plan to support increasing power demands from large-load customers [1] Financial Performance - For the quarter ended December 31, Southern Company reported an adjusted profit of 55 cents per share, which is below the analysts' expectation of 57 cents [1] - Operating expenses increased by 14.7% during the quarter, while revenue rose by 10% [1] Spending Plans - Southern Company plans to spend approximately $81 billion from 2026 through 2030, an increase from its previous five-year plan of $76 billion [1] - The utility has contracted 10 gigawatts of large load customers, including major companies like Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Compass Datacenters [1] Market Position - Southern Company serves 9 million customers and ranks as the second-largest utility in the U.S., operating in Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Virginia [1]

>>> GOOD WEDNESDAY MORNING. THE SEARCH FOR NANCY GUTHRIE REACHES ITS 18th DAY. >> WITH SMALL GLIMMERS OF HOPE FOR OFFICIALS AND THE FAMILY, IT IS FEBRUARY 18th.THIS IS "TODAY." >>> NEW CLUES. AUTHORITIES IN ARIZONA OFFERING SIGNS OF HOPE AMID THE RACE TO FIND SAVANNAH'S MOTHER. >> WE BELIEVE THAT WE MAY HAVE SOME DNA THERE, THAT MAY BE OUR SUSPECT.>> INVESTIGATORS NOW WORKING TO PULL MORE VIDEO FROM NANCY'S NEST CAMERA, WHILE ALSO FOCUSING ON THIS IMAGE, APPEARING TO SHOW THE SUSPECT WEARING A RING UNDER HI ...

Support for the show comes from L'Oreal Group, the global beauty leader defining the future of beauty through science and technology. L'Oreal Group, create the beauty that moves the world. Welcome to the Vergecast, the flagship podcast of using your TV show to promote your YouTube channel.I'm your friend David Pierce. You don't have to tell us here. Hey, buddy.>> I keep saying it. No one's watching the TV shows, David. >> No, it really is.It's like we talked for so long about like social media as like a mar ...

Market Performance - US equities closed higher, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average increasing by 0.26%, or 129 points, to 49,662 [1] - The S&P 500 rose by 0.56%, or 38 points, to 6,881, while the Nasdaq Composite advanced by 0.78%, or 175 points, to 22,753 [2] Technology Sector - The technology sector experienced a boost, primarily driven by a 1.63% increase in Nvidia shares, which reached $187.98 after the company expanded its partnership with Meta to supply millions of AI chips [3] European Market - In Europe, the Stoxx Europe 600 index surged by 1.20% to a record close of 628.69, with financial stocks rising by 0.86% [4] - France's CAC 40 increased by 0.80% to 8,429, Germany's DAX gained 1.12% to 25,278, and the UK's FTSE 100 climbed by 1.23% to a record 10,686 [5] Japanese Market - In Japan, the Nikkei 225 rose by 1% to 57,143 points, while the broader Topix advanced by 1.20% to 3,807 points [6]

Breaking news tonight. The deadliest avalanche in California's history. Eight people confirmed dead and one skier still missing.A group of 15 buried under a massive avalanche the size of a football field. Rescuers battling treacherous conditions. Finding six people alive.The community in mourning as questions grow over why the group with professional guides went out despite the major risk. Our team is there tonight. Raging wildfires across the plains, including fire, natives, buildings, even this bus engulf ...

ON THE RUNWAY. AIRPORT, A JETBLUE PLANE MAKING AN EMERGENCY LANDING AFTER REPORTS OF SMOKE IN THE COCKPIT. THE FAA SAYING PASSENGERS HAD TO EVACUATE USING SLIDES.THE AIRPORT IN A GROUND STOP. THE BREAKING DETAILS JUST COMING IN TONIGHT. NEW POSSIBLE LEADS IN THE NANCY GUTHRIE CASE, THE LIST OF NAMES AND PHOTOS INVESTIGATORS ARE NOW SHOWING LOCAL GUN SHOP OWNERS THE DNA GOING THROUGH GENETIC TESTING RIGHT NOW.COULD THAT LEAD TO A SUSPECT IN A MATTER OF DAYS, WE BREAK DOWN HOW THE TECH WORKS, PLUS WHAT INVEST ...

Group 1: Market Performance - European and US stock markets experienced a broad rally, with major indices closing higher. The Dow Jones increased by 0.26%, the Nasdaq rose by 0.78%, and the S&P 500 gained 0.56% [2][3] - The UK FTSE 100 index rose by 1.23%, reaching a record high of 10,715.77 points, while the French CAC40 index increased by 0.81%, also hitting a historical peak of 8,438.52 points [9] Group 2: Commodity Prices - Precious metals and oil prices saw significant increases, with gold futures surpassing $5,000 per ounce. COMEX gold futures rose by 1.94% to $5,001.2 per ounce, and London gold spot prices increased by 2.05% to $4,976.54 per ounce [13][14] - International oil prices also surged, with NYMEX crude oil futures and ICE Brent crude oil futures both rising over 4%, closing at $64.93 per barrel and $70.18 per barrel, respectively [14][15] Group 3: Federal Reserve Insights - The latest Federal Reserve meeting minutes revealed significant internal disagreements regarding future monetary policy. Some members suggested that if inflation decreases as expected, further rate cuts may be appropriate, while others warned that high inflation could necessitate rate hikes [11][12] - Participants in the meeting projected that inflation would gradually decline to the 2% target, but the pace and timing of this decline remain uncertain. There are concerns that progress towards the inflation target may be slower and more unstable than generally anticipated [12]

Meadow CEO Mark Zuckerberg arriving at a Los Angeles courthouse today to a barrage of cameras and grieving parents from around the country. >> I want accountability. >> Parents who say the social media empire Zuckerberg built is purposely addictive and dangerous for kids.>> The intention of the company was to prey on teens, exploit them so they can make greater profits. The tech giant and Facebook founder combative at times on the stand, dismissing the idea that his main goal was to maximize the time teens ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing internal divisions within the Federal Reserve regarding interest rate policies, highlighting the tension between controlling inflation and supporting the labor market [4][7]. Group 1: Federal Reserve Meeting Minutes - The Federal Reserve's January meeting minutes reveal significant disagreements among officials about the future direction of interest rates, with some advocating for potential rate cuts if inflation decreases as expected, while others express caution about further cuts [4][7]. - Nearly all Federal Reserve officials agreed to maintain the key interest rate in the range of 3.5% to 3.75%, following a 75 basis point cut last year, but two officials voted against this decision, favoring a 25 basis point cut [7]. - Officials anticipate inflation will trend towards 2%, but the pace and timing of this decline remain uncertain, with warnings that the progress may be slower and more uneven than expected [8]. Group 2: Market Reactions - U.S. stock indices closed higher, with the Dow Jones up 129.47 points (0.26%), the Nasdaq up 175.25 points (0.78%), and the S&P 500 up 38.09 points (0.56%) [2]. - The energy sector saw significant gains, with U.S. energy stocks rising over 7%, driven by geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding potential military action against Iran, which led to a spike in international oil prices [5][11]. Group 3: Technology Sector Developments - Major tech stocks mostly rose, with notable increases for companies like ASML (over 3%), Amazon (1.8%), and Nvidia (1.6%), amidst ongoing discussions about AI's impact on the market [12][13]. - Google announced its entry into AI music creation, introducing a feature that allows users to generate music tracks based on uploaded content, showcasing the growing integration of AI in consumer applications [14].