Homeowners across the country say they are getting “crushed” by electric bills this winter, even though they haven't adjusted their thermostats. On Reddit, frustrated residents shared stories of bills jumping hundreds of dollars compared with last year. One homeowner wrote that after digging into the numbers, “the math for the next few years is pretty grim,” pointing to newly approved rate hikes for this year and beyond. Why Bills Are Spiking For many, the shock isn't just higher energy use during cold ...

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hillcrest Energy Technologies (CSE: HEAT) (OTCQB: HLRTF) (FRA: 7HI) (“Hillcrest” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that Hillcrest CEO, Don Currie, will present live at the Clean Energy & Renewables Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on March 5th, 2026. DATE: March 5th TIME: 11:00 – 11:30 AM ET REGISTER HERE This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company quest ...

Shoals Technologies Group (NasdaqGM:SHLS) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 24, 2026 08:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsBrandon Moss - CEODominic Bardos - CFOJulien Dumoulin-Smith - Managing DirectorMatt Tractenberg - VP, Finance and Investor RelationsConference Call ParticipantsBrian Lee - AnalystChris Dendrinos - Clean Energy AnalystColin Rusch - Managing Director and Senior Research AnalystDavid Arcaro - Executive Director and Senior Equity Research AnalystMark Strouse - AnalystPhilip Shen - Managing Director ...

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of a hybrid investment strategy that combines classic dividend growth stocks with Business Development Companies, REITs, and Closed End Funds to enhance investment income while achieving total returns comparable to traditional index funds [1]. Investment Strategy - The company advocates for a diversified approach to investing, focusing on high-quality dividend stocks that provide long-term growth potential and reliable income [1]. - By integrating various asset classes, the company aims to create a balanced portfolio that maximizes income and total return, aligning with the performance of the S&P index [1].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's cash and cash equivalents increased significantly to $577.5 million, a rise of approximately $374 million during the quarter, driven by net proceeds from a private placement [25][26] - Q1 loss from operations was $11.6 million, with a year-over-year increase in operating expenses of about $8 million [26] - The net loss totaled $6.5 million, up approximately $3 million from the prior year, with interest income of around $5 million contributing to a lower net loss compared to operational losses [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The KRONOS MMR project continues to advance towards licensing and construction, with site characterization and drilling completed at the University of Illinois [5][14] - A formal MOU was signed with the University of Illinois, detailing next steps for the KRONOS project [6][14] - The company signed a feasibility study agreement with BaRupOn to evaluate the deployment of KRONOS MMR systems for their AI data center, highlighting scalability potential [6][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The State of Illinois announced $6.8 million in incentive awards for advanced nuclear technology, indicating growing support for the sector [6] - The company is expanding its pipeline of potential customers across data centers, industrial, and military applications, reflecting increasing interest in KRONOS [7][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on vertical integration across the nuclear fuel supply chain to expedite reactor deployment and enhance long-term economics [4][5] - The strategic affiliate, LIS Technologies, is investing $1.38 billion to build a commercial enrichment facility, reinforcing the company's commitment to securing its nuclear fuel supply chain [8][23] - The company aims to submit a construction permit application to the NRC in the coming months, targeting initial construction at the University of Illinois by mid- to late 2027 [12][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management believes that the demand for reliable baseload energy will drive a global nuclear renaissance, supported by trends in AI data centers and energy sustainability [9][10] - The company views 2026 as a pivotal year with multiple potential catalysts for shareholder value creation, including regulatory licensing progress and commercial announcements [12][13] - Management emphasizes the importance of addressing supply chain challenges, particularly regarding nuclear-grade graphite and fuel supply, to ensure timely reactor deployment [60][62] Other Important Information - The company raised $400 million through a private placement, strengthening its balance sheet and operational runway [8] - NANO Nuclear was added to the Morgan Stanley National Security Index, enhancing visibility among institutional investors [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: What milestones should be expected from the strategic alliance with DS Dansuk? - The company is working on establishing a manufacturing facility in Korea and plans to advance the MOU into critical planning stages, with potential contracts for power agreements in the future [31][35] Question: Will there be a strong EPC partnership in North America? - The company is focusing on mass manufacturing and local construction coordination, with partnerships being explored with Ameresco and others for deployment [36][38] Question: Is the construction permit application on track for the first half of the year? - The application is on track, and the company plans to announce its submission, which is a significant differentiator in the market [39][40] Question: Can you elaborate on pathways to accelerate the 2030 timeline for the UIC project? - The company is considering government pressures to expedite licensing timelines and is focused on mass manufacturing capabilities to meet future demand [45][48] Question: What are the challenges in the supply chain that need to be addressed? - The company identifies nuclear-grade graphite and fuel supply as critical long lead items that require early engagement to mitigate risks [60][62] Question: What is the status of discussions regarding fuel supply and strategic opportunities? - The company is actively pursuing partnerships and acquisitions to secure fuel supply, with significant progress expected in the near future [70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 was $210.5 million, reflecting a 12% increase compared to the same period last year, driven by growth across all segments [19] - Consolidated gross profit increased by 21% to $13.1 million, with a gross margin of 6.2%, up from 5.8% in the prior year [19][20] - The company reported a net loss of $0.9 million, an improvement from a net loss of $5.5 million in the second quarter last year, with EPS at a loss of $0.03 compared to a loss of $0.20 [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The storage and thermal solutions segment generated revenue of $99.9 million, up from $95.5 million last year, but gross profit decreased to $4.8 million due to a $3.6 million charge [24][25] - The utility and power infrastructure segment saw revenue increase by 23% to $75.4 million, with gross profit rising by 112% to $7.2 million, reflecting improved project execution [26] - The process and industrial facility segment revenue was $35.3 million, an increase from $30.6 million last year, with gross profit improving to $1.2 million [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall opportunity pipeline expanded to $7.3 billion, a 10% increase from the previous quarter, driven by activity in the LNG and NGL markets, as well as mining and minerals [10][34] - Project awards during the second quarter were approximately $177 million, resulting in a book-to-bill ratio of 0.8, with expectations for awards to improve in the second half of the fiscal year [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capitalizing on a generational investment cycle in critical energy, power, and industrial infrastructure, positioning itself as a leading EPC contractor [11][14] - Matrix has strategically exited non-core businesses and invested in its core expertise in energy and industrial projects to drive sustainable growth [15] - The company aims to leverage its strong balance sheet and liquidity to support growth and potentially pursue share buybacks or acquisitions in the future [64] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted a surge in demand for energy and industrial infrastructure, driven by the need for reliable power generation and the growth of AI data centers [12][13] - The company anticipates achieving its full-year revenue guidance of $875 million to $925 million, with profitability expected in the second half of the fiscal year [19][28] - Management acknowledged challenges in the market related to permitting and trade policy, but remains optimistic about the long-term demand for their services [10][35] Other Important Information - The company has a current backlog of $1.1 billion and expects to convert this backlog into revenue efficiently [9][22] - Cash increased by $7 million in the quarter, ending at $224 million, with no outstanding debt, indicating a strong liquidity position [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is the $3.6 million issue bleeding into the current quarter? - Management confirmed that they do not expect any similar issues to affect the third quarter and have a plan to resolve the current issue [31][33] Question: What is driving the growth in the opportunity pipeline? - The growth is primarily attributed to increased activity in the LNG and NGL markets, as well as mining and minerals [34] Question: What is the status of the backlog and market conditions? - Management noted that the award cycle has been muted due to uncertainty in energy markets and permitting processes, but they are tracking opportunities closely [35][39] Question: Are new jobs being written at target margins? - Management indicated that bookings are falling within targeted margin ranges, with no significant pressure on margins compared to previous years [69] Question: What are the prospects in the midstream gas market? - Management expressed optimism about opportunities in the natural gas sector, despite challenges related to permitting [56] Question: What is the company's positioning in the mining and minerals market? - Management highlighted a resurgence in the mining sector, with several projects being bid, supported by government investment in rare earth minerals [60][62]

Group 1: Investment Moves - The company increased its stakes in three dividend stocks, specifically Brookfield Renewable Partners, Hormel Foods, and Clorox, during late 2025 and early 2026 [1] - The decision to invest in Brookfield Renewable was driven by its diversification into energy storage and nuclear power, alongside its core renewable energy business [2][3] - Hormel Foods and Clorox were initially sold to offset gains but were repurchased with increased positions due to their potential for growth and restructuring efforts [4][5] Group 2: Company Performance and Dividends - Brookfield Renewable Partners operates in key clean energy segments and has significant partnerships with major companies like Microsoft and Google, contributing to its appeal [3] - Hormel Foods has a historically high dividend yield of 4.7% and is expected to return to growth with new leadership and restructuring [6] - Clorox also has a strong dividend yield of 4.5% and is pursuing growth through the acquisition of Gojo, the owner of Purell [5][6] Group 3: Market Dynamics - The consumer staples sector has been underperforming due to changing consumer preferences and economic conditions, prompting strategic selling of certain stocks [4] - The long-term investment strategy focuses on high-yield dividend stocks, suggesting a preference for stability and reliable income [7]

Elon Musk on AI Data Centers“Once we get solar domestically at scale, and, uh, if we're launching Starship at scale, then, um, by far the cheapest way to do AI compute will be in space”https://t.co/fSXp8LPhE5 ...

Core Insights - Exco Technologies reported a higher year-over-year profit with modest revenue growth in its fiscal 2026 first quarter, driven by gains in the Automotive Solutions segment which offset weaker demand in die-cast tooling within the Casting and Extrusion segment [4][7]. Financial Performance - Cash provided by operating activities was CAD 10.2 million, slightly down from CAD 10.4 million in the prior-year quarter. Free cash flow increased to CAD 4.8 million from CAD 3.8 million, while cash used in investing activities declined to CAD 4.5 million from CAD 7.7 million [1]. - Consolidated net income was CAD 4.8 million, or CAD 0.13 per share, compared to CAD 4.2 million, or CAD 0.11 per share, in the prior-year quarter. Quarterly consolidated EBITDA was CAD 17.4 million, representing 12% of sales, versus CAD 16.7 million (also 12%) a year ago [2][7]. Segment Performance - The Automotive Solutions segment saw sales climb 10% to CAD 79.3 million, with pre-tax profit jumping 37% to CAD 6.5 million, driven by new product launches and improved operational efficiency [6][8]. - The Casting and Extrusion segment reported a 2% decline in sales to CAD 70.2 million, primarily due to softer die-cast tooling demand amid OEM delays and trade uncertainty, although extrusion sales remained resilient [5][12]. Strategic Focus - Management emphasized a diversification strategy and operational efficiency, with plans to moderate fiscal 2026 capital expenditures to CAD 28 million, down from CAD 36 million in fiscal 2025 [3][17]. - The company is focusing on pricing discipline to mitigate cost inflation and expects sales to benefit from recent and upcoming product launches [10]. Market Conditions - Global trade policy uncertainty, particularly regarding tariffs, remains a significant macro consideration. The company believes that its products comply with USMCA rules of origin, which should keep them exempt from tariffs in the long term [19]. - Demand for aluminum extrusion related to AI data centers is currently low but is expected to grow significantly, providing a future tailwind for the company [20].