Core Insights - Japanese companies are expected to gain more benefits from climate resilience spending compared to global counterparts, as they face significant disruption risks from natural disasters like earthquakes and flooding [1] - CDP reports that for every $1 invested in mitigating physical climate risks, Japanese firms could see a return of $12, significantly higher than the global average of $6 [2] - A strong commitment to climate targets is observed among companies engaging with CDP, with less than 4% of them altering their goals despite challenges faced by some global firms [3] Group 1 - Japanese businesses are at the forefront of addressing climate risks and opportunities, with a proactive approach to environmental challenges [2] - The Japanese government has enhanced safety protections for workers in response to extreme summer heat, indicating a growing focus on climate resilience [1] - CDP's analysis includes data from approximately 24,800 global companies that disclosed their environmental impact last year [3] Group 2 - The return on investment for Japanese companies in climate resilience is notably high, suggesting a strong potential for financial gains through sustainable practices [2] - High-profile global companies have been revising their climate goals, contrasting with the commitment shown by Japanese firms [2][3] - The ongoing commitment to climate targets among CDP-engaged companies reflects a broader trend of sustainability in corporate strategies [3]

Companies in Japan are likely to win greater benefits than global peers from spending on climate resilience, according to CDP, an environmental disclosure nonprofit https://t.co/8H5kZ4YeAm ...

Core Insights - The National FFA Organization is the leading youth development organization in the U.S., focusing on agricultural education and preparing students for future careers [1][2] - The 98th National FFA Convention & Expo is set to take place from October 29 to November 1, 2025, in Indianapolis, with over 70,000 attendees expected [1] - John Deere Foundation is investing $3.9 million over three years to enhance FFA's reach and leadership development, reflecting a long-term partnership of 80 years [2] Industry Overview - FFA members will explore over 350 careers in agriculture, including agribusiness, environmental science, food systems, and ag technology [2] - The organization emphasizes sustainability, food security, and climate resilience, adapting to the evolving needs of the agricultural sector [2] - FFA provides a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on learning, and leadership development to equip members for success in various fields [2] Impact and Achievements - The convention will feature events such as the Student Showcase Stage, Career & Leadership Development Events, and an Expo Hall for career exploration [4] - A total of 5,161 American FFA Degrees were awarded to top-performing members, highlighting the achievements of the organization [4] - FFA is actively involved in community education on sustainability and food systems, launching ag-tech startups, and advocating for agricultural literacy [4]

Core Insights - PepsiCo, in collaboration with the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, announced a significant update to the Climate Resilience Platform (CRP), aimed at helping agricultural stakeholders address climate change impacts [2][3] - The updated CRP 2.0 enhances capabilities and accessibility, promoting regenerative agriculture practices and building a more resilient agricultural supply chain [6][8] Development of the Climate Resilience Platform - Originally developed in 2023, the CRP translates climate research into actionable insights for agricultural stakeholders, enabling them to anticipate yield risks and implement targeted interventions [4] - The platform has been recognized for its transformative potential in food and agriculture, distinguishing itself from proprietary tools that may impose high consultancy fees [4] Funding and Collaboration - The September 2025 release of CRP 2.0 was co-funded by the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), which contributed $1 million to enhance the platform's impact [6][8] - New organizations, including Olam Agri and Bonsucro, have joined the platform, contributing funding and data to support climate adaptation and agricultural innovation [10] Enhanced Features of CRP 2.0 - CRP 2.0 introduces quantification of climate risk exposure and opportunities in business terms, including investment requirements and projected yield improvements [9] - The platform has expanded to include two new crops and six new countries, enhancing its reach and fostering collaboration among organizations [9] Industry Impact and Future Goals - The collaboration aims to empower stakeholders across the food and agriculture system to make informed decisions and strengthen supply chains [7][11] - The initiative reflects ongoing efforts in climate resilience and regenerative agriculture, with a focus on creating long-term value for supply chains and securing livelihoods for farmers in vulnerable regions [11]

Europe's original climate-resilient city has a lesson for us all https://t.co/09Lconvi1K ...

Company Overview - Consolidated Edison (Con Edison) delivers electricity to approximately 3.7 million customers, gas to about 1.1 million customers, and steam to approximately 1,500 customers through CECONY[10] - Orange and Rockland Utilities (O&R) delivers electricity to approximately 0.3 million electric customers and gas to more than 0.1 million customers[10] - Con Edison Transmission (CET) develops and invests in electric transmission projects[10] Economic Impact and Policy Alignment - Con Edison supports 40,600 jobs in New York State, including 15,100 directly employed workers[29] - The utilities' contract spending reached $2.1 billion in New York State in 2024, with $540 million going to diverse and small businesses[29] - Con Edison contributed $4.8 billion in taxes and fees in New York State in 2024, with $3.3 billion going to New York City[29] Infrastructure and Electrification - CECONY's electric delivery system is nine times more reliable than the national average[18] - The company is proactively expanding infrastructure for Hunts Point electrification in 2029[45] - The company is preparing Parkchester Substation for new electric vehicle chargers in 2029[45] Climate Resilience and Investments - CECONY has proposed roughly $645 million in resiliency project investments from 2025 – 2029 to prevent and mitigate the impact of extreme weather[71] - O&R plans to invest roughly $184 million in resiliency project investments from 2025 – 2029 to prevent and mitigate extreme weather impacts[73] Electric Vehicle (EV) Programs - CECONY has installed more than 650 DCFC and more than 14,000 Level 2 plugs through the PowerReady program[102] - O&R launched its largest single electric vehicle charging project at The Gardens at Palisades condominium complex in Pomona, NY, installing 120 Level 2 chargers, equal to ~1.4 MW[109] Emissions Reduction and Sustainability - Con Edison has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 55% since 2005[126] - CECONY filed a $332 million petition with the NYSPSC for four steam decarbonization projects, expecting to reduce carbon emissions from steam generation activities by 33% by 2040[127] - The company is committed to electrifying 100% of its fleet of light-duty vehicles by 2035, with an interim goal of 80% by 2030[133] Customer Affordability and Energy Efficiency - Con Edison provided customers $1.5 billion in incentives between 2020 – 2024 and has an additional $423 million planned for 2025[138] - The New York State Public Service Commission approved aggregate budgets of approximately $2.14 billion for CECONY and $110 million for O&R for Energy Efficiency and Building Electrification for 2026 – 2030[138] - As of June 2025, approximately 459,000 CECONY and O&R customers, or 14% of the customer base, are enrolled in Energy Affordability Programs (EAPs)[165]

Core Insights - The discussion highlights the evolution of Walker and Dunlop under CEO Willy Walker, emphasizing the company's resilience and adaptability in the commercial real estate sector during challenging economic times [4][10][19]. Group 1: Company Background and Leadership - Walker and Dunlop was founded in 1937 by Willy Walker's grandfather, and despite initial reluctance, Willy Walker took the helm and transformed the company into a significant player in the mortgage banking industry [4][6][29]. - The company has maintained a strong presence in commercial real estate, particularly in multifamily housing, and has successfully navigated through various economic cycles [19][20][21]. Group 2: Market Conditions and Interest Rates - Current mortgage rates are lower than expected, with a 10-year treasury yield around 4%, which is considered relatively cheap money compared to historical rates [10][13]. - The impact of Federal Reserve rate cuts on long-term rates is expected to be limited, as the market is currently not in a recession [11][12]. - The commercial real estate sector, valued at $4 trillion, is significantly smaller than the single-family market, which stands at $13 trillion, indicating a potential for growth in multifamily investments [19]. Group 3: Challenges in Commercial Real Estate - Developers are facing difficulties in making projects financially viable due to high costs and previous overpayments for assets, particularly those acquired during the peak of the market [15][16]. - Despite concerns about defaults in commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS), the anticipated distress in the market has not materialized as expected [16][18]. Group 4: Housing Market Dynamics - The multifamily housing sector has shown resilience, with a consistent demand for rental properties, as people prioritize housing over other commercial spaces [20][21]. - The need for affordable housing is pressing, with a significant gap in supply for homes priced between $200,000 and $350,000, which could be addressed through manufactured and modular housing solutions [52][53]. Group 5: Future Outlook and Strategic Initiatives - The company is focused on leveraging research and data analytics to enhance its service offerings, particularly through its acquisition of Ivy Zelman, a prominent housing analyst [24][27]. - There is a push for changes in local zoning laws to facilitate increased density in urban areas, which is essential for addressing the ongoing housing crisis [46][49]. - The potential privatization of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is a critical topic, with implications for the housing finance landscape and the overall market [34][37].

Financial Performance - Con Edison reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.26 for 1Q 2025, the same as the GAAP EPS[10] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 adjusted EPS guidance range of $5.50 - $5.70[10] - The company declared a quarterly dividend of 85 cents a share on its common stock on April 17, 2025[44] - Net income for common stock for CET includes pre-tax investment income of $7.4 million from MVP and $9.0 million from New York Transco LLC for the three months ended March 31, 2025[103] Regulatory Updates and Capital Investments - Con Edison forecasts approximately $38 billion in capital investments from 2025 to 2029, targeting an 8.2% annual utility rate base growth[9] - CECONY submitted rate cases to the NYSPSC in January 2025, requesting new electric and gas rates effective January 1, 2026, and filed updates in April 2025, including a proposed 10% return on equity and a 48% equity ratio[17] - O&R's electric and gas rate plans were approved by the NYSPSC in March 2025, with a 9.75% return on equity and a 48% equity ratio[10, 36] - CECONY's updated climate change resilience plans propose investments of $645.4 million between 2025 and 2029, while O&R's plans propose $184.1 million for the same period[39] - The company identified $72 billion in investments from 2025-2034 in CECONY Integrated Long-Range Plan for Electric, Gas and Steam Services[26, 28] Customer Support and Affordability - Approximately 466,000 CECONY and O&R customers, or 14% of the customer base, receive public assistance[33] - CECONY and O&R's Energy Affordability Programs (EAP) aim to reduce energy burden to 6% of wallet for enrolled customers[35] - The CECONY EAP provided $311 million in discounts in 2024, a 17% increase over 2023[35]