Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported first quarter 2025 earnings of $2.27 per share, indicating a solid start to the year [21] - The earnings guidance for 2025 is projected to be in the range of $5.17 to $5.27 per share, assuming normal weather conditions [22] - The Board of Directors raised the dividend by 6.9%, marking the 22nd consecutive year of dividend increases [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focused on a balanced power generation mix, with plans to add 4,300 megawatts of renewable generation over the next five years, requiring an investment of $9.1 billion [24] - Significant investments are planned in natural gas generation and liquefied natural gas storage to enhance reliability [24][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Economic development opportunities are expected to drive significant growth in electricity demand, with major investments from companies like Microsoft and Eli Lilly in the region [22][23] - The company anticipates a compound annual growth rate in earnings of 6.5% to 7% [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a $28 billion investment plan, the largest in its history, aimed at supporting safety, reliability, and growth [23] - The capital plan includes projects for renewable energy, natural gas generation, and strengthening the distribution network [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to execute the capital plan and highlighted the bright future and significant investment opportunities ahead [27] - The company is focused on maintaining reliability while integrating a mix of energy sources to meet growing capacity needs [30][34] Other Important Information - The proposals to amend the articles of incorporation and bylaws to eliminate supermajority voting did not pass, while the advisory vote on executive compensation was approved [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will there be less demand for renewable energy during the Trump years? - Management indicated that a mix of energy sources, including renewables, is necessary to meet growing electricity demand, and customers are benefiting from fuel savings due to renewables [29][31] Question: Why not invest in reliable power sources like nuclear instead of renewables? - Management emphasized the need for a mix of energy sources and noted that nuclear is a long-term option that requires significant time to develop [32][34] Question: Can you comment on the current regulatory environment in Illinois and the Chicago pipeline replacement program? - Management reported receiving clarity on the need to replace approximately 1,100 miles of old pipeline and is ramping up efforts to execute the replacement program efficiently [35][37]

Investment Strategy - The investment strategy focuses on constructing portfolios aimed at generating additional income through dividends, targeting a yield on cost of more than 12% over the next 10 years [1] - Emphasis is placed on identifying companies with significant competitive advantages and strong financials to provide attractive Dividend Yield and Dividend Growth [1] - The approach combines high Dividend Yield and Dividend Growth companies to reduce dependence on broader stock market fluctuations [1] Portfolio Diversification - A well-diversified portfolio across various sectors and industries is recommended to minimize portfolio volatility and mitigate risk [1] - Incorporating companies with a low Beta Factor is suggested to further reduce the overall risk level of the investment portfolio [1] - The suggested investment portfolios typically consist of a blend of ETFs and individual companies, emphasizing broad diversification and risk reduction [1] Total Return Focus - The selection process for high dividend yield and dividend growth companies is meticulously curated, prioritizing total return, which includes both capital gains and dividends [1] - This approach ensures that the portfolio is designed to maximize returns while considering the full spectrum of potential income sources [1] - Leveraging expertise in crafting investment portfolios aims to generate extra income through dividends while reducing risk through diversification [1]

Company Overview - First Financial Corp. (THFF) is based in Terre Haute and operates in the Finance sector [3] - The stock has experienced a price change of 6.95% since the beginning of the year [3] Dividend Information - First Financial Corp. currently pays a dividend of $0.51 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 4.13% [3] - The average dividend yield for the Banks - Midwest industry is 3.28%, while the S&P 500's yield is 1.63% [3] - The company's annualized dividend of $2.04 has increased by 51.1% compared to the previous year [4] - Over the past 5 years, First Financial Corp. has raised its dividend 4 times, averaging an annual increase of 15.55% [4] - The current payout ratio is 44%, indicating that the company pays out 44% of its trailing 12-month EPS as dividends [4] Earnings Growth - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in 2025 is $6.02 per share, reflecting an expected increase of 50.50% from the previous year [5] Investment Appeal - First Financial Corp. is considered an attractive dividend investment and a compelling opportunity, holding a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings per share (EPS) for Q1 2025 were $1.05, an increase of nearly 11% compared to $0.95 in Q1 2024, affirming the company's full-year EPS guidance of 8% growth [7][12] - Consolidated reported earnings were $1.50 per share, up $0.10 per share versus the same period in 2024, with revenues higher by $0.44 per share due to authorized rate increases and acquisitions [13][14] - Operating costs increased by $0.15 per share, primarily due to employee-related costs and acquisition-related expenses [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a constructive settlement in the general rate case in Missouri, with an annualized revenue increase of $63 million expected [15] - In Virginia, a settlement approved a $15 million annualized increase in water and wastewater revenues [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company continues to expect to grow its dividend at 7% to 9% per year, in line with its EPS growth target [11] - The total debt to capital ratio was 58%, within the target of less than 60%, with strong credit ratings affirmed by S&P and Moody's [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for long-term earnings and dividend growth of 7% to 9%, driven by a capital investment program targeting approximately $3.3 billion in 2025 [10][22] - The company is focused on infrastructure investments, particularly in PFAS remediation and lead service line replacement, while maintaining a strong regulatory and operational execution [22][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to execute financial and operational plans, with no expected material impact from recent tariff-related announcements [20] - The company highlighted the need for significant investments in U.S. water infrastructure, estimating a total of $625 billion over the next twenty years [29] Other Important Information - The Board approved an increase in the quarterly cash dividend from $0.765 to $0.825 per share, marking an 8.2% increase [11] - The company is well-positioned for growth through acquisitions, with approximately 37,000 customer connections under agreement [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on pulling forward 2026 equity issuance - Management stated there are no plans to pull forward equity issuance and will evaluate the market as needed [37] Question: Acquisition outlook under potential recession - Management expects a continuous flow of acquisition opportunities, potentially driven by recession or reduced federal funding [38] Question: Update on California rate case - Management did not disclose the percentage increase for the California rate case and confirmed a separate proceeding for cost of capital [43][44] Question: Update on California desalination project - Management confirmed that the last major permit approval was received, and they expect to break ground on the desalination project this year [49] Question: Legislative progress and opportunities - Management did not quantify the opportunities from legislative changes but noted they would help earned returns in each state [56]

Financial Performance & Guidance - The company anticipates adjusted EPS for fiscal year 2025 to be between $675 and $705, assuming a NYMEX price of $350 [58] - At a NYMEX price of $400, the adjusted EPS guidance for fiscal year 2025 is $705 to $735 [58] - The company projects a consolidated 3-year adjusted EPS CAGR greater than 10% from fiscal year 2024 to 2027 [36, 56] - Approximately $650 million was returned to shareholders in the last 3 years [44] Capital Allocation & Investments - Capital expenditure guidance for fiscal year 2025 is between $885 million and $960 million [63] - The company has an ongoing share repurchase program, with $200 million authorized in March 2024 [48] - As of March 31st, the company had purchased approximately $115 million worth of shares, totaling 19 million shares at an average price of approximately $59 per share [48] - The company has invested over $1 billion in safety since 2010 [16] Operational Highlights & Strategy - Seneca Resources' current net production is approximately 12 Bcf/day [21] - The Utility segment in New York has approximately 541000 customers [26] - The Utility segment in Pennsylvania has approximately 214000 customers [26] - The company has reduced methane emissions by 17% since 2020 [11]

Financial Performance & Guidance - The company reported Q1 2025 EPS of $1.05, driven by higher revenue on increased rate base and 2024 rate case outcomes[11] - The company is affirming its 2025 EPS guidance of $5.65-$5.75, representing 8% EPS growth at the midpoint over weather-normalized 2024 EPS of $5.27[14, 33] - The company successfully executed an $800 million long-term note offering in February with an annual interest rate of 5.250%, due in 2035[11, 56] - The company projects an annual 2025 cash dividend per share of $3.2475, with a total dividend payout ratio of 58%[19] Capital Investments & Rate Base - The company invested $518 million in infrastructure improvements and acquisitions in Q1 2025[11, 38] - The company estimates its rate base to be $22.4 billion as of March 31, 2025[38, 60] - The company plans to invest $36-$37 billion in its systems over the next ten years (2025-2034)[48] Regulatory & Legislative Updates - The company announced a dividend increase of 8.2% in April, aligning with its long-term target[11, 15] - The company has new rates effective in Illinois, Tennessee, Virginia, and California, and a constructive settlement filed in the Missouri rate case, reflecting an annualized revenue increase of $63 million compared to the revised request of $107 million[11, 26] - The company completed rate cases that will add $1 million in additional authorized revenue in Tennessee and $15 million in Virginia[27] Acquisitions & Growth - The company has approximately 37,400 customer connections under agreement across 18 acquisitions in 6 states, with a total value of $162 million[41] - The company closed 3 acquisitions in 3 states with approximately 2,150 customer connections[41, 69] - The company has an acquisition pipeline of more than 1.5 million connections[42, 48]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding market volatility and the difficulty in predicting market bottoms, suggesting that even technical traders cannot accurately determine these points [1]. Group 1 - The focus is on providing high-quality and reliable dividend growth investment ideas aimed at building growing income for investors [1]. - The service highlights investments that are leaders within their industry, which are intended to offer stability and long-term wealth creation [1]. - There is an additional emphasis on strategies for writing options to further enhance investors' income [1]. Group 2 - Membership offers access to a portfolio, watchlist, and live chat, providing members with early insights into publications and exclusive articles not available elsewhere [2].

Core Viewpoint - ExxonMobil has significantly increased shareholder value over the past five years, with potential for continued growth through strategic investments and operational efficiencies [2][5][6]. Financial Performance - ExxonMobil's stock has more than doubled from an initial investment of $10,000 to $24,200, and tripled to nearly $30,600 when dividends are reinvested [3]. - The company saved over $10 billion in costs, grew earnings by over $15 billion, and added over $20 billion in cash flow from operating activities between 2019 and 2024 [5]. Shareholder Returns - ExxonMobil returned nearly $140 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases during the same period [5]. - The company has increased its dividend for 42 consecutive years, currently yielding 3.6% [7]. Growth Strategy - ExxonMobil acquired Pioneer Natural Resources in a $60 billion all-stock deal in 2023 and aims to reduce its break-even price to enhance profitability [6]. - The company projects an additional $20 billion in earnings and nearly $30 billion in cash flow from operating activities by 2030 [6].

Company Overview - Zoetis is a leading animal healthcare company that was spun off from Pfizer Animal Health in 2012, with annual sales of $9.3 billion [3] - The company develops and sells medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, genetic tests, and devices for treating livestock and pets [3] Industry Growth - The animal health market is projected to grow from $48 billion in 2023 to between $75 billion and $85 billion by 2033 [5] - Demand for animal protein is increasing due to global population growth, and younger generations are spending more on companion animals compared to older generations [4] Financial Performance - Zoetis has roughly doubled its annual sales over the past decade [5] - The company has consistently raised its dividend since paying its first one in 2013, with a current yield of just over 1.3% and an average annual growth rate of 21.4% over the past five years [6][7] Valuation Insights - The stock has historically traded at a high valuation, averaging a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of over 41 for the past decade [9] - Currently, Zoetis is at its lowest valuation on record at 27 times earnings, but it still has a PEG ratio of 2.7, indicating it may not be a bargain [12] Investment Considerations - The company is seen as a potential buy due to its strong market position and growth prospects, but investors are advised to consider gradual purchases in case of further market declines [12] - Zoetis's leadership in the expanding animal health field provides a durable growth runway for investors [8]

Core Viewpoint - Focusing on stocks with a history of consistent dividend growth can provide better long-term investment value compared to just current yield [1] Group 1: Walmart - Walmart has shown modest gains of 3% this year, indicating its stability as a retail stock during market turmoil [3] - The company announced a 13% increase in its dividend, extending its growth streak to 52 consecutive years [4] - Despite a lower yield of 1% compared to the S&P 500 average of 1.5%, Walmart's potential for continued dividend increases and growth in advertising and online business makes it a compelling long-term investment [4][5] Group 2: Johnson & Johnson - Johnson & Johnson has a longer dividend growth streak of 63 years and has seen a 9% increase in stock value this year [6] - The recent 4.8% dividend increase results in a yield of 3.3%, making it an attractive option for dividend investors [7] - Revenue has grown from $78.7 billion in 2021 to $88.8 billion in the past year, although there are uncertainties regarding talc powder lawsuits that could impact future dividends [7][8] Group 3: Procter & Gamble - Procter & Gamble boasts the longest dividend growth streak at 69 years, with a recent 5% increase announced in April [9] - The company reported sales of $84 billion in its most recent fiscal year, up from $82 billion the previous year, demonstrating stability through its 65 core brands [10] - Procter & Gamble's global presence and operational flexibility help mitigate risks related to tariffs, making it a safe long-term dividend stock [10][11]