Despite the volatility the broader market has experienced in recent months, the S&P 500 index (^GSPC -1.61%) is still at lofty levels. The dividend yield is a miserly 1.3% or so. You can do better than that with an index fund focused on the out-of-favor energy sector, but even there, the average yield is "only" around 3.5%. You can do much better with Chevron (CVX -1.25%), TotalEnergies (TTE -0.86%), and Enterprise Products Partners (EPD -1.21%), which offer yields of up to 6.6%.1. Chevron is a reliable div ...

Core Insights - Velan Inc. reported significant improvements in bookings, sales, gross profit, and cash flow generation for fiscal year 2025, achieving a sales growth of 14.1% from continuing operations [2][6][16] - The company declared a dividend of CA$0.33 per share, which includes a special dividend of CA$0.30, reflecting its commitment to return funds to shareholders [1][33] Financial Performance - Sales for fiscal 2025 reached $295.2 million, an increase of $36.5 million or 14.1% compared to the previous year [6][16] - Gross profit improved significantly to $84.9 million, representing 28.8% of sales, up from $54.6 million or 21.1% of sales in the prior year [6][17] - Adjusted net income was $6.6 million, or $0.31 per share, compared to an adjusted net loss of $15.7 million, or a loss of $0.73 per share in fiscal 2024 [22] - Adjusted EBITDA rose to $27.5 million from $2.1 million in the previous year, driven by higher sales and gross profit [20][22] Cash Flow and Financial Position - The company ended fiscal 2025 with a net cash position of $32.4 million and cash and cash equivalents of $34.9 million, which is expected to increase to approximately $55.0 million following significant transactions [2][30] - Operating cash flows from continuing operations were $26.5 million, compared to $12.5 million in the previous year [6][30] Significant Transactions - Velan completed the divestiture of its asbestos-related liabilities and the sale of its French subsidiaries, which are expected to enhance liquidity and de-risk the balance sheet [8][9][10] - The asbestos-related liabilities were permanently removed from the balance sheet, and the sale of the French businesses generated a total consideration of $208.2 million [9][10] Backlog and Bookings - The backlog as of February 28, 2025, was $274.9 million, down 3.1% from $283.6 million a year earlier, with 82.1% of the backlog expected to be deliverable within the next 12 months [11][31] - Bookings for fiscal 2025 reached $292.5 million, an increase of 1.3% compared to the previous year, reflecting higher North American bookings in the nuclear sector [14][15] Outlook - The company anticipates continued strong performance in fiscal 2026, supported by a solid backlog and ongoing demand in clean energy markets, particularly nuclear energy [2][31]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, the company delivered GAAP earnings per share of $3.44 and ongoing earnings per share of $3.50, marking the twentieth consecutive year of meeting or exceeding initial earnings guidance [19][20] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 earnings guidance range of $3.75 to $3.85 per share, with long-term earnings per share growth expectations of 6% to 8% and dividend growth of 4% to 6% [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company invested over $7.5 billion in 2024 to modernize electric and natural gas systems, alongside updating its five-year capital plan [20] - The resource plans include proposals for 15,000 to 29,000 megawatts of new efficient, clean generation, with a focus on wind, solar, and battery storage [36][37] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. electricity demand growth rate through 2030 has tripled, with expectations to sell 30% more electricity in 2030 than in 2024 [14] - The company has received requests for nearly 9,000 megawatts of new daily demand from data center companies, equivalent to powering over 8 million homes each year [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is strategically positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for electricity driven by new technologies and the transition to cleaner energy sources [4][13] - A $45 billion investment plan over the next five years aims to modernize, strengthen, and expand the grid to support economic growth and the clean energy transition [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the unprecedented growth opportunities in the energy sector, emphasizing the importance of evolving and pushing to new heights [27][30] - The company is focused on enhancing customer experience, affordability, reliability, and advancing clean energy policy goals [19][21] Other Important Information - The company has been recognized as one of Ethisphere's world's most ethical companies for six consecutive years and has received accolades for its commitment to diversity and inclusion [29] - In 2024, the corporate economic development team closed on 24 projects resulting in over $5 billion in capital investment and the creation of more than 3,000 jobs [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide an update on your recent resource plan? - The company plans to add between 15,000 and 29,000 megawatts of new generation resources, including 720 megawatts of firm dispatchable generation in the Upper Midwest [35][36] Question: What impact will data centers have on future load growth? - The company is experiencing significant interest from data centers, with nearly 9,000 megawatts of backlog and expects to serve about 25% of that demand [39][40] Question: What impact do recently announced tariffs have on your capital investment plans? - The company has been agile in managing its supply chain and expects tariffs to represent about 1% to 2% of its total capital bill over the next five years, which is considered manageable [42][45]

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ABB today announced the launch of its new Battery Energy Storage Systems-as-a-Service (BESS-as-a-Service) – a flexible, zero-CapEx solution designed to accelerate the shift to clean, resilient and affordable energy. BESS-as-a-Service is the first in a range of next generation service models being developed by ABB to remove the barriers to clean technology adoption and accelerate industries' transition to net zero. as-a-Service (BESS-as-a-Service) With de ...

Core Insights - JE Cleantech Holdings Ltd reported a revenue of S$19.3 million for the financial year ended December 31, 2024, with a net income of S$0.03 million and adjusted EBITDA of S$2.2 million, reflecting an increase from S$18.0 million in revenue in the previous year [1][2] Financial Performance - The revenue from the sale of cleaning systems and other equipment was S$12.0 million in 2024, up from S$11.0 million in 2023, indicating a growth in this segment [3] - The centralized dishware washing and cleaning services segment generated S$7.3 million in revenue, compared to S$7.0 million in the previous year, showing a year-on-year increase [4] - Gross profit for the Group was S$5.2 million with a gross margin of 26.9%, an improvement from S$4.4 million and 24.2% in the prior year [4] Sales and Orders - The Group secured recurring orders worth over S$7.8 million for precision cleaning systems from a key customer in Singapore during 2024 [3] - There was an increase in sales of S$1 million for precision cleaning systems and S$0.3 million for centralized dishwashing and ancillary services in Singapore [8]

Core Viewpoint - A class action lawsuit has been filed against NET Power Inc. and certain officers for alleged violations of federal securities laws during the Class Period from June 9, 2023, to March 7, 2025, seeking damages for misleading statements regarding the company's business and financial prospects [1][7]. Company Overview - NET Power Inc. is a clean energy technology company focused on its "Net Power Cycle" technology, which aims to generate reliable and affordable electricity from natural gas while capturing nearly all emissions [4]. - The company operates a Demonstration Plant in La Porte, Texas, to validate its technology and is developing its first utility-scale plant, referred to as "Project Permian," located in the Permian Basin of West Texas [4]. Project Permian Details - Initially, NET Power projected that Project Permian would be operational in 2026, with a cost estimate of approximately $950 million in 2023, which later increased to $1.1 billion in 2024 [5][6]. - The completion of Project Permian is critical for the company's commercial operations and financial outlook, making the accuracy of timelines and cost estimates vital for investors [6]. Allegations in the Lawsuit - The lawsuit claims that throughout the Class Period, NET Power's executives made materially false and misleading statements about the company's operations and prospects, including the likelihood of completing Project Permian on schedule and the accuracy of cost estimates [7]. - Specific allegations include that the project was unlikely to be completed on time and would incur significantly higher costs due to supply chain issues and other challenges [7]. Impact of Recent Announcements - On November 14, 2023, NET Power announced a delay in the initial power generation timeline for Project Permian to between the second half of 2027 and the first half of 2028, causing an 18.54% drop in stock price [8][9]. - On March 10, 2025, the company revised the total installed cost of Project Permian to between $1.7 billion and $2.0 billion, leading to a further 31.46% decline in stock price [10]. - Following the announcement of executive departures on April 15, 2025, the stock price fell by 5.75% [11].

Industry Overview - Nuclear energy is increasingly recognized as a vital solution for meeting the world's growing electricity demands and supporting the transition to cleaner power sources, providing a constant and reliable supply of clean energy [1][2] - The demand for clean electricity is driven by industrial expansion, urbanization, rising global temperatures, the development of AI-powered data centers, and the adoption of electric vehicles [4] Investment Potential - Nuclear energy-related stocks, such as Duke Energy Corporation, Dominion Energy, and Constellation Energy Corporation, are becoming attractive investment options due to their ability to deliver steady output compared to other clean energy sources [2][6] - The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that annual investment in nuclear energy will exceed $150 billion by 2030, up from $65 billion, with installed nuclear capacity potentially exceeding 1,000 gigawatts by 2050 [3] Company Insights Duke Energy - Duke Energy operates 11 nuclear units capable of producing nearly 10,700 megawatts of clean electricity, with nuclear power accounting for 27.5% of its total electricity output in 2024 [8] - The company plans to expand its nuclear capacity by nearly 250 megawatts by 2031 and has secured agreements to monetize over $500 million in nuclear production tax credits [9] - Duke Energy received approval to operate its Oconee Nuclear Station for another 20 years and is pursuing license renewals for all its reactors [10][11] Dominion Energy - Dominion Energy owns four nuclear power stations, generating nearly 40% of its total production, and is evaluating next-generation nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs) [12][13] - The company aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with nuclear power serving as a consistent, carbon-free solution [14] Constellation Energy - Constellation Energy is the largest nuclear power plant operator in the U.S., accounting for around 10% of the nation's total clean energy production [15] - The company has secured multiple uranium supply contracts extending through the 2030s to ensure long-term nuclear fuel security and is modernizing its nuclear plants to improve performance [16] - Constellation Energy is investing to expand its nuclear capacity and is evaluating the addition of up to one gigawatt of new carbon-free energy capacity over the next 10 years [17]

Core Viewpoint - Caterpillar Inc. and Komatsu Ltd. are leading manufacturers in the construction and mining equipment sector, with Caterpillar holding a significant market capitalization advantage over Komatsu [1][2][3]. Group 1: Company Performance - Caterpillar has experienced revenue declines for five consecutive quarters, with a notable 9.8% drop in Q1 2025, marking its sharpest decline in this period [4]. - The earnings for Caterpillar fell by 24.1% in the same quarter, indicating a more severe downturn compared to previous quarters [4]. - Komatsu reported a 6.2% increase in net sales for fiscal 2024, with operating income rising by 8.2% and net income increasing by 11.7% [14]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - Caterpillar's performance has been negatively impacted by declining volumes in its Resource and Construction Industries segments, attributed to reduced customer spending [5]. - Komatsu's sales growth was primarily driven by the depreciation of the Japanese yen and improved selling prices, which helped mitigate lower volumes [14]. - Both companies are closely monitored by investors to assess the health of the manufacturing and infrastructure sectors, especially during economic uncertainty [3]. Group 3: Future Outlook - Caterpillar anticipates flat revenues for 2025, with adjusted operating profit margins expected to remain within the target range, despite potential tariff impacts [9]. - Komatsu expects an 8.8% decline in net sales for fiscal 2025, with significant impacts from U.S. tariffs estimated at 140 billion yen ($976 million) annually [18][19]. - Both companies are focusing on technological innovations and expanding their product portfolios to enhance future growth prospects [20]. Group 4: Valuation and Investment Considerations - Caterpillar's stock has declined by 3.6% year-to-date, while Komatsu's stock has gained 8.4%, outperforming various industry benchmarks [26]. - Caterpillar is trading at a forward earnings multiple of 17.62, which is higher than its five-year median, while Komatsu is at 10.22, lower than its five-year median [28]. - The dividend yield for Caterpillar is 1.61%, compared to Komatsu's 2.83%, indicating a more attractive yield for Komatsu [31]. Group 5: Analyst Sentiment - Caterpillar's downward estimate revisions suggest negative analyst sentiment, while Komatsu's estimates have been trending upward [34][35]. - Both companies currently hold a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), making the decision between the two stocks challenging for investors [35].

Core Viewpoint - Tesla's stock presents a compelling investment opportunity through the strategy of selling Put Options, offering a potential yield of over 12% with a 40% margin of safety [1][2][10]. Group 1: Investment Strategy - Selling a long-dated Put option with a strike price of $200 allows investors to collect approximately $1,704 in premium per contract, equating to an 8.5% yield on the cash set aside [2][5]. - If Tesla's stock remains above $200 by June 18, 2026, the investor retains the premium, resulting in an effective income of 8.5% over 400 days [5]. - Should Tesla's stock fall below $200, the effective cost basis for acquiring shares would be $183, representing a 47% discount from the current price [5][13]. Group 2: Company Performance and Market Position - Tesla's revenue has more than tripled over the past four years, exceeding $95 billion in the last 12 months, despite competitive pressures from companies like BYD [6]. - The company remains profitable and cash flow positive, even amid margin compression, due to investments in production automation and expansion into the robotaxi market [6]. - Tesla's long-term optionalities, including Full Self-Driving (FSD), the Dojo supercomputer, and its energy business, could significantly enhance intrinsic value over time [7]. Group 3: Market Volatility and Risk Management - Tesla is characterized by high volatility, which contributes to the attractive yield from options trading; historical price bottoms have risen over time, indicating a potential for recovery [8][9]. - The stock's historical lows were $102 in 2022, $140 in 2024, and $215 in 2025, suggesting that a strike price of $200 or $165 provides a favorable margin of safety for investors [9]. - The investment strategy is supported by large institutions, indicating reliability for long-term investors who are comfortable with Tesla's market leadership in clean energy [3][12].

Robust April Results Reflect Execution Strength, Sustained Volume Growth and Scalable Business ModelMIAMI, May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NextNRG, Inc. (Nasdaq: NXXT), a pioneer in AI-driven energy innovation—transforming how energy is produced, managed and delivered through its advanced Utility Operating System, smart microgrid technology, wireless EV charging and on-demand mobile fuel delivery solutions— today announced preliminary unaudited financial results for April 2025. April 2025 Highlights: Reven ...