Newport Beach, CA, Feb. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bimergen Energy Corporation (OTCQB: BESS) (“Bimergen”), a utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) asset owner, project developer, and independent power provider, today announced that its shares of common stock and warrants are expected to be approved for listing on the NYSE American LLC ("NYSE American") stock exchange. Bimergen expects that its common stock and warrants will begin trading on the NYSE American under the symbol “BESS” and “BESS ...

Core Viewpoint - Edison International (EIX) is expected to report its fourth-quarter 2025 results on February 18, with an earnings surprise of 8.3% in the previous quarter [1] Factors Impacting EIX's Q4 Performance - The company is heavily investing in grid hardening, wildfire mitigation, and renewable energy integration to support California's clean energy goals, which is likely to positively impact its fourth-quarter earnings [2] - Southern California Edison Company (SCE), a subsidiary of EIX, is expected to reflect a higher 2025 authorized base revenue requirement, contributing to incremental revenues due to a $902 million retroactive increase approved by the California Public Utilities Commission [3] - However, higher operating expenses may offset some of the positive impacts on earnings [4] EIX's Q4 Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for EIX's earnings is $1.47 per share, indicating a year-over-year increase of 40% [5] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is $4.38 billion, implying a 9.9% growth year over year [5] Earnings Prediction - The company's Earnings ESP is +8.65%, indicating a strong likelihood of an earnings beat, supported by a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [6][7] Other Stocks to Consider - Alliant Energy (LNT) is also expected to report an earnings beat in the same reporting cycle, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 7.15% [8][10] - Consolidated Edison (ED) and AES Corporation (AES) are similarly positioned to potentially report earnings beats, with respective long-term growth rates of 6.11% and 11.17% [10][11][12]

Core Viewpoint - Fluence Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLNC) specializes in energy storage solutions, crucial for integrating renewable energy into the power grid, with a market capitalization of approximately $2.54 billion [1] Price Targets and Analyst Ratings - Jefferies set a price target of $24 for FLNC, indicating a potential price increase of about 23.71% from its current price of $19.40 [2] - Canaccord Genuity Group raised their price target from $10.00 to $25.00, assigning a "buy" rating, while Barclays increased their price objective from $15 to $20, giving an "equal weight" rating [2][5] Stock Performance and Volatility - FLNC's stock price has shown volatility, opening at $20.40 after a previous close of $18.95, and last traded at $19.21, with a trading volume of nearly 1.93 million shares [3] - The stock fluctuated between a low of $18.29 and a high of $20.72 on a recent trading day, with a yearly high of $33.51 and a low of $3.46, indicating significant volatility [4] - Citigroup adjusted their target price from $7.50 to $20.00, maintaining a "neutral" rating, reflecting a cautious outlook despite recent price target increases by other analysts [4]

Core Insights - Fluence reported a significant increase in its pipeline, growing approximately $7 billion, or 30%, during the quarter, primarily driven by the U.S. market [1] - The company signed over $750 million in new orders globally for the quarter, with more than $500 million coming from the U.S., indicating strong market momentum [2] - Fluence ended the quarter with a record contracted backlog of $5.5 billion, attributed to increased U.S. contracting activity and rising demand forecasts [3] Financial Performance - Fiscal Q1 revenue was $475 million, representing 14% of the full-year guidance, with an adjusted gross margin of 5.6% and adjusted EBITDA of negative $52 million due to discrete project costs and seasonal dynamics [6][10] - Adjusted gross profit for the quarter was $27 million, with management indicating that margin pressures were not systemic or structural, as the rolling 12-month adjusted gross margin was 12.3% [11] - The company reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 guidance, projecting revenue between $3.2 billion and $3.6 billion, with an adjusted EBITDA of $40 million to $60 million [18][19] Liquidity and Supply Chain - Fluence finished the quarter with approximately $1.1 billion in total liquidity, including $477 million in cash and $617 million available through credit facilities, providing flexibility for growth investments [5][13] - The company reported that domestic cell/module production and enclosure manufacturing are on track, securing 100% of its 2026 domestic and international supply needs [5][16] - Fluence is working with AESC to ensure compliance with "prohibited foreign entity" regulations while expanding its domestic supplier base [15] Market Opportunities - Fluence is focusing on new segments such as data centers and long-duration energy storage, with discussions covering 36 GWh of data center projects and 34 GWh of long-duration storage projects [7][8] - The company has not yet converted newer data center opportunities into backlog but expects some conversion in the second half of the calendar year [8] - Approximately 25% of the discussed data center and long-duration figures are currently in the pipeline, with the remainder categorized as leads [9] Legal Matters - Fluence reached a settlement related to the Moss Landing incident for an "immaterial amount" and obtained a court dismissal of a $230 million disgorgement claim from Diablo Canyon [20] Company Overview - Fluence Energy is a leading global provider of energy storage products and services, specializing in advanced battery systems to support grid stability and renewable integration [21] - The company develops and delivers turnkey energy storage solutions designed to optimize the reliability and efficiency of power networks [22]

Core Insights - AES Corporation is a pioneer in battery energy storage systems (BESS), having developed the first utility-scale lithium-ion BESS and installed the first commercial application in Chile in 2009 [1][8] - The company is focused on enhancing grid reliability and resilience through innovative battery systems, especially as renewable energy adoption increases [1] Battery Energy Storage Benefits - Battery energy storage stabilizes both conventional and renewable generation, alleviating pressure on transmission networks and enhancing grid resilience [2] - It allows for a rapid response to disruptions and helps lower electricity costs by storing power during low-price periods and supplying it back when prices are higher [2] Key Projects - AES' L??wa??i Solar + Storage project in Hawaii combines solar generation with battery storage to provide reliable, low-carbon power and reduce fossil fuel reliance [3] - The Bellefield Solar + Storage project in California aims to deliver 1 GW of solar capacity and 1 GW of battery storage, supporting California's clean energy goals [3] - The Luna and LAB Energy Storage projects in Los Angeles County feature a combined capacity of approximately 227 MW and nearly 908 MWh, enhancing grid stability [4] Industry Trends - Companies like Duke Energy and The Southern Company are also investing in battery storage to improve grid stability and optimize renewable energy integration [5][6] - Duke Energy plans to expand its energy storage capacity to over 6,000 MW by 2035 and about 30,000 MW by 2050 [6] Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AES indicates an 8.44% year-over-year increase in EPS for 2026 [7] - Current estimates show a projected EPS of 2.36 for 2026, with a year-over-year growth estimate of 8.44% [9] Stock Valuation - AES is currently trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 5.92X, significantly lower than the industry average of 15.45X, indicating a potential investment opportunity [10] - Over the past six months, AES shares have increased by 11.3%, outperforming the industry growth of 8.1% [12]

Core Insights - Duke Energy (DUK) is focusing on energy storage technologies as a key component of its grid modernization strategy, aiming to optimize fuel savings and reduce emissions by storing power during low-demand periods and deploying it during peak times [1][4]. Energy Storage Strategy - Battery storage is essential for integrating renewable energy by storing excess energy during low-demand periods and supplying it during high-demand times, enhancing grid performance and operational efficiency [2][5]. - Duke Energy also operates pumped-storage hydro plants, which serve as large-scale energy reservoirs, providing substantial flexibility and efficiency in energy storage [3]. Capacity and Growth Plans - Duke Energy currently operates over 300 megawatts (MW) of grid-tied battery storage, with another 300 MW in development. The company plans to exceed 6,000 MW of energy storage capacity by 2035 and anticipates around 30,000 MW by 2050 [4][8]. Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a year-over-year increase in earnings per share (EPS) of 7.29% for 2025 and 6.07% for 2026 [7]. Stock Performance - Duke Energy is trading at a premium to the industry, with a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 18.55X compared to the industry average of 15.76X. The company's shares have increased by 3.4% over the past six months, while the industry has seen a growth of 14.2% [10][12].

Core Insights - APA Group and CS Energy have formalized a joint development agreement for a 400MW gas-fired power station, the Brigalow Peaking power project, in Queensland, expected to be operational by 2028 [1][2] - The project aims to provide firming capacity during peak electricity demand, supporting variable renewable energy sources [1] Project Development - The development is subject to external and government approvals, with APA leading the project delivery and obtaining an 80% ownership interest after meeting conditions [2] - CS Energy will retain a 20% ownership stake and will be responsible for operating and maintaining the facility [2] Financial Aspects - Final capital expenditure will depend on detailed engineering design, to be completed in the first half of 2026 [3] - APA plans to manage exposure to wholesale electricity price fluctuations through a proposed 25-year hedge offtake agreement with CS Energy, providing inflation-linked revenue [3][4] Infrastructure and Operations - The plant will be connected to APA's Roma Brisbane pipeline via a separate lateral transport and storage pipeline currently under development [5] - An agreement for project development, gas transportation, and storage for the new pipeline was completed in July 2025 [5] Strategic Importance - The project is seen as essential for increasing gas-powered generation capacity in Australia, supporting the integration of renewables into the energy system [6] - It is expected to create value for communities, energy consumers, and APA securityholders, highlighting the partnership with CS Energy and the Queensland government [7]

Summary of HVDC Technology and Market Insights Industry Overview - **Industry**: High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology for long-distance electricity transmission - **Key Players**: Siemens Energy, Hitachi Energy, CEPRI (China), GE Vernova, and others - **Market Structure**: Oligopoly with three dominant global players and one major Chinese firm manufacturing over 90% of converters [2][30][32] Core Insights 1. **Growing Demand for HVDC**: - Installed HVDC capacity is projected to increase from approximately 375 GW in 2024 to an additional 150 GW over the next decade, driven by the need for renewable energy integration [2][22] - Historically, demand was concentrated in China, but future demand is expected to be more diversified globally [2] 2. **Barriers to Entry**: - The HVDC equipment market has high barriers to entry due to complex manufacturing processes and the need for extensive testing and certification [30][35] - Existing players hold most patents, making it difficult for new entrants to compete effectively [36][38] 3. **Price Trends**: - HVDC tender prices have increased by 2.5 times over the past five years, with significant lead times for equipment, particularly in Europe where converter wait times can reach nearly 10 years [2][51][53] - VSC (Voltage Source Converter) technology commands an 18-25% price premium in Europe compared to traditional HVDC systems [29][51] 4. **Technological Advancements**: - Two main HVDC topologies are identified: HVDC Classic (LCC) for long-distance transmission and VSC for applications where space is limited [9][12] - VSC technology is gaining traction due to its suitability for integrating renewable energy sources and operating in weak grid conditions [12][25] 5. **Cost Structure**: - Approximately 50% of HVDC project costs are related to equipment, with valves and converter transformers being significant components [19][20] - Total project costs can range from $3 billion to $10 billion depending on the scope and location of the project [19] 6. **Global Capacity Distribution**: - China leads in installed HVDC capacity with 191 GW, followed by India (34 GW) and the US (20 GW) [22][24] - The majority of commissioned projects utilize LCC technology, while VSC projects are increasingly favored in new constructions [25][27] 7. **Optimization Strategies**: - Developers are reworking projects and collaborating with suppliers to manage costs amid rising prices [2][54] - Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are being explored as a means to optimize existing transmission capacity and defer the need for new infrastructure [57] Additional Considerations - **Regulatory Environment**: National security concerns are influencing the participation of non-European firms in the HVDC market, particularly in Europe where HVDC is classified as critical infrastructure [40][41] - **Future Outlook**: The shift towards renewable energy sources is expected to sustain demand for HVDC technology, with VSC projects likely to see increased activity in the coming years [25][29] This summary encapsulates the key points regarding the HVDC technology landscape, market dynamics, and future trends, providing a comprehensive overview for stakeholders and investors in the energy sector.

Core Insights - Nuvve Holding Corp. shares experienced a significant surge of 76.78% in after-hours trading, reaching a price of $0.29 [1] - The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with local entities in Socorro, New Mexico, to enhance community resilience and modernize electric infrastructure [2] Partnership Details - The MOU involves collaboration between the City of Socorro, Socorro Electric Cooperative, and Nuvve New Mexico to advance transportation electrification and improve local electric infrastructure [2] - Key signatories include Nuvve New Mexico CEO Ted Smith, Socorro Electric Cooperative CEO Manuel Gonzales, and Mayor Dr. Ravi Bhasker [2] Strategic Initiatives - The partnership targets six main areas: modernizing the grid with distributed batteries and microgrids, electrifying school buses, replacing municipal fleets, implementing demand charge mitigation strategies, expanding charging infrastructure, and integrating renewable energy [3] Market Implications - A joint working group will be established to coordinate projects and seek funding opportunities at state and federal levels [4] - The agreement highlights a trend of collaboration among state, municipal, and cooperative entities in New Mexico, utilizing technologies like vehicle-to-grid integration and Battery-as-a-Service models [4] Stock Performance - Nuvve Holding's stock has declined by 94.81% since the start of the year, with a market capitalization of $5.64 million [5] - The stock's annual trading range is between $0.15 and $5.02, and it closed at $0.16, down 15.67% in the regular session prior to the surge [5]

Core Insights - PPL Corporation, a utility company with a market cap of $27.6 billion, focuses on modernizing the electric grid, expanding renewable energy integration, and enhancing customer service through advanced technology [1] Financial Performance - Analysts expect PPL to report a profit of $0.46 per share for fiscal Q3 2025, representing a 9.5% increase from $0.42 per share in the same quarter last year [2] - For fiscal 2025, PPL is projected to report a profit of $1.81 per share, up 7.1% from $1.69 per share in fiscal 2024, with further growth expected to $1.96 per share in fiscal 2026 [3] Stock Performance - Over the past 52 weeks, PPL's shares have increased by 14%, underperforming the S&P 500 Index's 16.2% return but outperforming the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund's 11.4% increase [4] - Following mixed Q2 results, PPL's shares fell nearly 1% on July 31, with operating revenue rising 7.7% year-over-year to $2 billion, exceeding consensus estimates by 2.5%, while adjusted EPS of $0.32 decreased 15.8% from the previous year [5] Analyst Ratings - Wall Street analysts maintain a "Moderate Buy" rating for PPL, with nine out of 15 analysts recommending "Strong Buy," one suggesting "Moderate Buy," and five advising "Hold" [6] - The mean price target for PPL is set at $40.86, indicating a potential upside of 9.4% from current levels [6]