Utilities upgrading aging equipment to defend against stronger storms and support increased energy needs.LOUISVILLE, Ky., May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- If it feels like Kentucky has experienced Mother Nature's wrath more frequently over the last few years, that's not your imagination. Increasingly, scientists – including at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – are noting the extreme weather pattern of "Tornado Alley" is expanding eastward. In 2025 alone, Kentucky has experienced up to three ...

Core Viewpoint - Ameren Missouri has filed the Powering Missouri Growth Plan to meet the increasing energy demands of large businesses while ensuring fair rates for all customers [1][2]. Group 1: Goals of the Plan - The plan aims to attract new jobs and investments, support current customers' expansion, and enhance the community's appeal for business [2]. - It includes consumer protection measures in line with Missouri Senate Bill 4, which will take effect on August 28 [2]. Group 2: Economic Impact - If approved, the plan will ensure that new large customers contribute fairly to the costs of electric service while maintaining reasonable rates for existing customers [3]. - The initiative is expected to create significant job growth and stimulate millions in local investments [4][6]. Group 3: Energy Strategy - Ameren Missouri is revising its generation strategy to support an anticipated 2.0 gigawatts (GW) of new energy demand by 2032, focusing on a balanced mix of generation resources [5]. - The company emphasizes its commitment to providing reliable, affordable, and cleaner energy to attract new and expanding businesses [5]. Group 4: Company Overview - Ameren Missouri has over 100 years of experience in providing electric and gas services, serving approximately 1.3 million electric and 135,000 natural gas customers [6]. - The company operates in a service area covering about 60 counties and more than 500 communities, with some of the lowest electric rates in the nation [6].

Core Insights - FirstEnergy Corp. subsidiaries Mon Power and Potomac Edison are providing resources to help customers manage energy usage and costs, especially during high demand periods [1][3] Energy Management Programs - Budget Billing, also known as the Average Payment Plan (APP), allows customers to spread annual energy costs over 12 months, making it easier to manage bills during peak usage seasons [3] - Customers can access their eligibility for budget plans and calculate anticipated monthly amounts through their online accounts [3] Energy-Saving Tips - Customers are encouraged to implement various energy-saving strategies, such as weatherstripping doors and windows, maintaining HVAC systems, and using timers for outdoor lighting [5] - The Analyze Usage tool available in MyAccount provides personalized insights to help customers reduce energy consumption [5] Customer Base - Mon Power serves approximately 395,000 customers across 34 counties in West Virginia [6] - Potomac Edison serves around 285,000 customers in seven Maryland counties and 155,000 customers in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia [6] Company Overview - FirstEnergy operates one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the U.S., with a transmission network of about 24,000 miles connecting the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions [7]

Core Insights - Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp, is providing resources to help customers manage energy use and costs as demand increases during warmer months [1][2] Programs and Tools to Manage Electric Bills - Potomac Edison offers a Budget Billing plan, known as the Average Payment Plan (APP), which helps customers spread annual costs over 12 months, making it easier to manage bills during high usage periods [3] - Customers can access their online accounts to check eligibility for budget plans and calculate anticipated monthly amounts [3] Tips for Managing Energy Usage - The company provides various energy-saving tips and efficiency programs, such as the Quick Home Energy Checkup and appliance recycling, to help customers reduce energy consumption and costs [4] - Customers can utilize the Analyze Usage tool in their online account for personalized insights on energy savings [6] Bill Assistance Programs - Potomac Edison has several assistance programs for customers struggling to pay their electric bills, including payment arrangements and installment plans [6] - Customers can find information about these programs on the company's website [6] Customer Base and Service Area - Potomac Edison serves approximately 285,000 customers in seven Maryland counties and 155,000 customers in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia [7] Company Overview - FirstEnergy operates one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the U.S., with a focus on integrity, safety, reliability, and operational excellence [8] - The company's transmission subsidiaries manage around 24,000 miles of transmission lines connecting the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions [8]

AKRON, Ohio, May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) announced today that Tabrina L. Davis has been named Vice President, Communications, effective May 19.In this role, Davis will develop and execute FirstEnergy's internal and external communications strategies to support and promote the company's mission and business objectives. She will report to Brian X. Tierney, Board Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer, and will join the company's Executive Council. Davis will relocate to Akr ...

Market Overview - The stock market has experienced significant volatility over the past year, initially declining due to tariff concerns impacting inflation and economic growth, but has since rebounded as the U.S. reduced its tariff rates [1] Dividend Stocks Performance - Many stocks have recovered from tariff-related losses, but some remain below recent highs, leading to higher dividend yields, with several stocks offering yields above 3%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's yield of below 1.5% [2] Prologis (PLD) - Prologis is highlighted as a strong dividend stock, with a payout growth rate of 13% annually over the past five years, surpassing the S&P 500's 5% and the REIT sector's 6% [5] - The stock price has decreased over 15% from its 52-week high, resulting in a current yield of 3.6% [5] - Despite challenges such as policy uncertainty affecting leasing activity, Prologis reported a 10.9% increase in core funds from operations in the first quarter, supported by strong execution [7] - The long-term outlook remains positive due to limited new warehouse supply and high construction costs, which should sustain rent growth [7] PepsiCo (PEP) - PepsiCo's shares have fallen nearly 30% from their 52-week high, increasing its dividend yield to 4.3% [9] - The company recently raised its dividend by 5%, marking 53 consecutive years of dividend growth, placing it among the elite Dividend Kings [9] - PepsiCo is well-positioned for future growth, with expectations of 4% to 6% annual organic revenue growth driven by product innovation and productivity improvements [11] - The company maintains a strong balance sheet, allowing for strategic acquisitions, such as the recent $1.7 billion purchase of healthier soda maker Poppi [11] NextEra Energy (NEE) - NextEra Energy's shares have declined nearly 20% from their 52-week high, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.2% [12] - The company has a strong history of dividend growth, having increased its payout annually for the past three decades, with expectations to maintain a double-digit growth rate [12] - Future growth is anticipated due to rising power demand, with projections of a 55% increase in U.S. electricity demand by 2040 driven by factors such as data centers and electrification [13] - NextEra Energy's renewable energy business is expected to drive robust earnings growth at a mid- to high-single-digit annual rate [14] Investment Opportunities - Prologis, PepsiCo, and NextEra Energy are identified as attractive investment opportunities due to their current lower stock prices, which allow investors to lock in higher yields while also offering potential for stock price recovery and earnings growth [15]

Core Viewpoint - Ignitis Group has published its Strategic Plan for 2025–2028, focusing on creating a 100% green and secure energy ecosystem for future generations [1] Group's Green Capacities Portfolio - The Group aims to expand its Green Capacities Portfolio to 4–5 GW by 2030, enhancing energy security and contributing to surplus green energy production [2] - The target is to double installed Green Capacities to 2.6–3.0 GW by 2028, up from 1.4 GW in 2024, with a current total of 8.4 GW, including 3.1 GW of Secured Capacity [3] Electricity Supply and EV Charging Network - The Group plans to increase electricity supply from 6.7 TWh in 2024 to 9.0–11.0 TWh by 2028, while also developing a leading EV fast-charging network in the Baltics [4] Financial Investments and Targets - Planned investments for 2025–2028 range from EUR 3.0–4.0 billion, with 85–90% aligned with EU Taxonomy [6] - Approximately 59% of these investments (EUR 1.7–2.4 billion) will focus on developing Green Capacities, while 36% (EUR 1.2–1.3 billion) will be directed towards electricity distribution network expansion [7] Financial Performance Expectations - Investments are expected to generate EUR 600–680 million in Adjusted EBITDA by 2028, an increase from EUR 527.9 million in 2024, with a target of 70–75% sustainable Adjusted EBITDA share [8] - The average Adjusted ROCE is projected to be between 6.5–7.5% during 2025–2028 [8] Credit Rating and Dividend Policy - The Group aims to maintain a credit rating of 'BBB' or above, with a commitment to a minimum of 3% annual dividend growth, resulting in a projected dividend yield of 6.4%–7.0% for the 2025–2028 period [9] Sustainability Goals - The Group targets net zero emissions by 2040–2050, with a focus on reducing carbon intensity of Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions to 190 g CO2-eq/kWh by 2028, representing a 5% reduction from 2024 [10]

Core Points - Ameren Corporation announced the pricing of an underwritten offering of 5,550,416 shares of its common stock at $94.00 per share [1] - The offering is being managed by several financial institutions, including Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Barclays, and Wells Fargo [1] - The closing of the offering is expected to occur on or about May 14, 2025 [1] Offering Details - Ameren entered into forward sale agreements with multiple counterparties for the issuance of 5,550,416 shares [2] - Underwriters have a 30-day option to purchase an additional 832,562 shares under the same terms [2] - If the option is exercised, Ameren expects to enter into additional forward sale agreements for the extra shares [2] Settlement and Use of Proceeds - Settlement of the forward sale agreements will occur on or before January 15, 2027, with options for cash or net share settlement [3] - Proceeds from the settlement will be used for general corporate purposes, including repayment of short-term debt [3] Company Overview - Ameren Corporation serves 2.5 million electric customers and over 900,000 natural gas customers across a 64,000-square-mile area [5] - The company operates through its subsidiaries, Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois, providing various utility services [5]

Core Viewpoint - Ameren Corporation is offering $520 million of its common stock in an underwritten offering, with Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Barclays, and Wells Fargo acting as joint book-running managers [1][3]. Group 1: Offering Details - The offering consists of $520 million in shares, which are expected to be borrowed by forward counterparties from third parties and sold to underwriters [1][2]. - Ameren will issue shares to underwriters if the forward counterparties do not borrow and sell the required number of shares [2]. - The initial forward sale price per share will be equal to the price at which underwriters purchase the shares, with a potential additional $78 million option for underwriters to purchase more shares [3]. Group 2: Settlement and Use of Proceeds - Settlement of the forward sale agreements will occur on specified dates before January 15, 2027, with options for cash or net share settlement [4]. - Proceeds from the settlement will be used for general corporate purposes, including repayment of short-term debt [4]. Group 3: Company Overview - Ameren Corporation serves 2.5 million electric customers and over 900,000 natural gas customers across a 64,000-square-mile area through its subsidiaries [6].

Core Viewpoint - Vistra Corp. reported mixed first-quarter 2025 earnings, with earnings per share of 46 cents, aligning with estimates, but total revenues of $3.93 billion fell short of the $4.4 billion consensus estimate by 10.7% [1][7]. Financial Performance - Total revenues increased by 28.8% from $3.05 billion in the same quarter last year [7]. - The company reported earnings of 46 cents per share, compared to 23 cents per share in the year-ago quarter [8]. - Vistra has experienced mixed earnings expectations in recent quarters, with two misses, one beat, and one in-line result, leading to an average positive surprise of 58.13% [2]. Market Position and Stock Performance - Vistra's shares have outperformed the industry and the Zacks S&P 500 Composite over the past year [3]. - The stock is currently trading at a premium valuation, with a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 20.61X, compared to the industry average of 14.22X [17]. Growth Drivers - The company benefits from strong demand for clean electricity, particularly from large-scale data centers and the electrification of oil field operations in the Permian Basin [11]. - Vistra's integrated business model and high availability of generation assets (over 95% for nuclear) provide a competitive advantage [12][20]. - The company has hedged 100% of its expected production for 2025 and 90% for 2026, enhancing visibility of long-term earnings [10]. Strategic Initiatives - Vistra continues to repurchase shares, executing nearly $5.2 billion in buybacks since November 2021 [8]. - The company holds multiple sites with land and interconnection infrastructure for future clean energy projects, positioning it well for growth [14]. Profitability Metrics - Vistra's trailing 12-month return on equity (ROE) stands at 87.33%, significantly higher than the industry average of 10.34% [15].