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]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q4 2025 was $572 million, with adjusted EBITDA of $99 million and non-GAAP EPS of $2.46, reflecting strong execution and demand for Grid Edge Intelligence [5][11] - Free cash flow reached $112 million in Q4, up from $70 million a year ago, indicating improved earnings growth and working capital management [12] - Full year 2025 revenue was $2.37 billion, down 3% year-over-year, attributed to the absence of catch-up revenue seen in 2024 [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Device Solutions revenue decreased by 7% year-over-year, primarily due to a decline in legacy electricity products [13] - Network Solutions revenue fell by 15% year-over-year, mainly due to project deployment timing [14] - Outcomes revenue increased by 22% year-over-year, driven by delivery services and recurring revenue growth [14] - The new Resiliency Solutions segment contributed $3 million in revenue since its inception in November 2025 [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fourth quarter bookings totaled $737 million, with a backlog of $4.5 billion, indicating strong demand for Grid Edge solutions [7] - Annual recurring revenue (ARR) reached approximately $368 million at the end of Q4, up 20% year-over-year [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing utility resiliency through strategic acquisitions, including Urbint and Locusview, which will expand its offerings in emergency preparedness and digital construction management [9][10] - Itron aims to support customers throughout the asset lifecycle, emphasizing the importance of data-driven solutions for grid transformation [24][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the operating environment for utilities is evolving, creating both opportunities and challenges, but remains confident in the company's strategic direction [23] - The company anticipates 2026 revenue to be between $2.35 billion and $2.45 billion, with non-GAAP EPS expected to range from $5.75 to $6.25 [19][20] Other Important Information - Total debt at the end of Q4 was $1.265 billion, with cash and equivalents at $1.02 billion, reflecting a decrease due to acquisitions and stock buybacks [18] - The company expects the two recent acquisitions to be accretive to revenue growth and gross margins but dilutive to EPS in 2026 [20][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on utility demand and behavior trends - Management reported strong fourth quarter bookings of $737 million and noted that the market is constructive, with no further delays in project timelines [28][29] Question: Clarification on ARR metric - The ARR of $368 million at the end of Q4 is an annualized run rate, with expectations for continued growth in 2026 [31][35] Question: Barriers to entry in resiliency solutions - Management highlighted the stickiness of their solutions due to extensive field service usage, which enhances customer value and retention [44][46] Question: Revenue and margin seasonality in new segment - Management does not anticipate significant seasonality in the Resiliency Solutions segment, expecting steady growth over time [48] Question: Utility ordering patterns and project trends - Management indicated that ordering patterns have normalized, with a healthy book and ship business, particularly in the electricity sector [52][54] Question: Insights on pipeline growth and market share - Management noted a 27% increase in pipeline growth and indicated that the company is gaining market share in core markets [29][64] Question: Expectations for future bookings and growth - Management expressed confidence in the trajectory of the business, with a focus on the growing Outcomes backlog and normalized project activity [81][82]

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]

Core Insights - The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) announced $3 million in grants aimed at restoring aquatic habitats for native freshwater species across five states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee, leveraging an additional $1.9 million in matching contributions for a total conservation impact of $4.9 million [1][2]. Funding and Partnerships - The grants were awarded through the Southeast Aquatics Fund, a public-private partnership involving funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Altria, and Southern Company [2]. - The Southeast Aquatics Fund has awarded a total of $21.2 million to 70 conservation projects since its inception in 2017, supporting watershed-based restoration and management to enhance aquatic systems [9]. Conservation Strategies - The grants will employ various conservation strategies to restore and enhance freshwater habitats, benefiting species such as the trispot darter and Alabama rainbow mussel, as well as popular game fish like brook trout [3]. - Projects will focus on improving water quality, increasing water quantity, and enhancing connectivity for fish, with specific initiatives aimed at reducing sedimentation to aid the recovery of villosa mussels [4][6]. Collaboration and Impact - The partnership between NFWF, the U.S. Forest Service, and state foresters aims to improve water quality in the Gulf through sustainable forest management practices [5]. - Technical assistance will be provided to landowners to enhance instream habitat conditions and soil health across over 240,000 acres, implementing practices such as rotational grazing and fence installation [7].

Core Viewpoint - Southern Co. is expected to report a year-over-year increase in earnings and revenues for the quarter ended December 2025, with earnings per share (EPS) estimated at $0.56, reflecting a 12% increase, and revenues projected at $6.86 billion, up 8.3% from the previous year [1][3][19]. Earnings Expectations - The upcoming earnings report is anticipated to be released on February 19, and the stock price may react positively if the actual results exceed expectations, while a miss could lead to a decline [2][19]. - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 0.16% higher over the last 30 days, indicating a slight positive adjustment by analysts [4][19]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Most Accurate Estimate for Southern Co. is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in an Earnings ESP of -4.76%, suggesting a bearish outlook from analysts [12][19]. - The company currently holds a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell), complicating predictions of an earnings beat [12][20]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Southern Co. had an earnings surprise of +6.67%, exceeding the expected EPS of $1.50 by reporting $1.60 [13]. - Over the past four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times [14]. Industry Context - Southern Co. operates within the Zacks Utility - Electric Power industry, and its expected results are indicative of broader trends in the sector [18].