Core Points - TXNM Energy has appointed Henry Monroy as the new Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Lisa Eden who retired after 21 years with the company [1][2] - Monroy has been with TXNM Energy since 2003 and has held various leadership roles, including Vice President of PNM Regulatory and Corporate Controller [2] - TXNM Energy is an energy holding company based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, serving over 800,000 homes and businesses in Texas and New Mexico through its regulated utilities [4]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses potential investment opportunities in cheap dividend-paying stocks that yield between 5.3% and 7.6%, despite the broader market recovery. It highlights five specific companies that remain undervalued and offers insights into their financial metrics and challenges [1][2]. Group 1: Company Summaries - **Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY)**: A $90 billion pharmaceutical company with a low PEG of 0.12 and a cash-flow multiple of 7. It has a dividend yield of over 5% but faces profitability concerns due to competition affecting core drugs, leading to a 44% revenue drop for Revlimid in Q1 [3][5][6]. - **HF Sinclair (DINO)**: Formed from a merger, it operates seven U.S. refineries and has a crude oil processing capacity of 678,000 barrels per day. The stock has a PEG of 0.2 and a P/CF of 7.3, reflecting a more than 30% drop over the past year, primarily due to industry-wide challenges [7][10]. - **AES Corp. (AES)**: A utility company serving 2.7 million customers with a diverse energy portfolio. It has a PEG of 0.8 and a forward P/CF of 5, but has seen its stock lose over half its value in 2023 due to aggressive transitions to renewables and project delays [13][14][15]. - **Polaris (PII)**: A manufacturer of recreational vehicles, its stock has dropped over 70% since July 2023, resulting in a high dividend yield. The company has faced declining demand and significant revenue and profit drops, with a PEG of negative 1.6 [17][18][20]. - **Atlas Energy Solutions (AESI)**: An energy equipment and services company that has been increasing its dividends since its IPO in March 2023. It has a PEG of 0.2 and a forward P/CF of 5.5, but faces challenges due to fluctuating oil prices affecting demand [21][22][23]. Group 2: Financial Metrics - **Valuation Metrics**: All highlighted companies have a PEG below 1, indicating they are undervalued. The article emphasizes the importance of PEG and P/CF ratios in assessing investment opportunities [8][10]. - **Dividend Coverage**: Companies like DINO and AES have strong dividend coverage ratios, with DINO expected to have a coverage of 180% due to anticipated earnings growth in 2026 [12][16]. - **Market Challenges**: Each company faces unique challenges, such as competition, industry weakness, and fluctuating demand, which have impacted their stock performance and profitability [4][5][10][18].

Core Viewpoint - Philippe Laffont of Coatue Management has invested significantly in Philip Morris International, indicating the company's potential as a growth stock within the defensive tobacco industry [1][3][17] Investment Details - Laffont purchased over $220 million worth of Philip Morris stock in Q1, marking it as his fourth-largest purchase and second-largest new addition [3] - This investment is notable given Laffont's typical focus on technology stocks, which include major companies like Meta Platforms and Amazon [2] Growth Drivers - Philip Morris is experiencing growth through its smokeless products, particularly Zyn and Iqos, which are appealing alternatives to traditional tobacco [5][8] - Zyn's U.S. shipment volumes surged 53% to 202 million cans in Q1, prompting an increase in full-year shipment guidance to between 800 million and 840 million cans [7] - Iqos has also seen a nearly 12% increase in heated tobacco units (HTUs) to 37.1 billion units, with strong sales growth in Japan and Europe [9] Market Position - Philip Morris has successfully bought back Iqos' U.S. rights and is preparing for a broader rollout in the U.S. market, which could enhance growth without cannibalizing existing customers [10] - The company has managed to produce modest cigarette volume growth internationally, contrasting with the steep decline seen in the U.S. market [12][13] Financial Metrics - Zyn and Iqos have better unit economics compared to traditional cigarettes, with Zyn offering six times better product contribution levels and Iqos providing 2 to 2.5 times [11] - The stock is currently trading at a forward P/E ratio of under 23 and a PEG ratio of under 0.35, suggesting it is undervalued [15] Conclusion - Given its defensive nature, growth potential, and attractive valuation, Philip Morris is viewed as a favorable investment opportunity [14][17]

Group 1 - PPL Corporation declared a quarterly common stock dividend of $0.2725 per share, payable on July 1, 2025, to shareholders of record as of June 10, 2025 [1] - PPL Corporation is a leading U.S. energy company providing electricity and natural gas to over 3.5 million customers [2] - The company focuses on building smarter, more resilient power grids and advancing sustainable energy solutions [2] Group 2 - PPL Corporation is headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania [2] - The company has high-performing, award-winning utilities that address energy challenges [2] - Additional information about PPL Corporation can be found on their website [2]

Industry Overview - Energy stocks are gaining strength as macro conditions improve and demand drivers increase, with recession fears easing and tariff negotiations progressing [1] - The global buildout of data centers is expected to significantly increase electricity demand, benefiting utilities, natural gas providers, and midstream energy firms [2] Crude Oil Market - Crude oil prices have shown technical strength, indicating a potential bottom, with recent price action suggesting a bullish reversal pattern [5][6] - A key resistance level has emerged near $64, and a breakout above this level could lead to a sustained move towards $70 [7] Company Highlights - **National Fuel Gas (NFG)**: - Vertically integrated natural gas company with a diverse business model, benefiting from multiple points along the energy value chain [8] - Currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) with upward earnings revisions indicating analyst confidence [9] - Shares trade at 11.7x forward earnings, below the 10-year median of 14x and the industry average of 16.8x, with projected earnings growth of 20.4% annually over the next three to five years, resulting in a PEG ratio of 0.58 [10] - **Epsilon Energy (EPSN)**: - Small-cap natural gas exploration and production company focused on the Appalachian Basin, emphasizing capital efficiency and shareholder returns [11] - Holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) with earnings estimates surging, including a 38% increase for the current quarter [14] - Technical analysis shows a bullish flag pattern, with a breakout above $7.30 likely to trigger further buying [15] - **Global Partners (GLP)**: - Diversified midstream energy company involved in the wholesale, distribution, and retail of petroleum products, with a strong cash flow and market exposure [16] - Offers a 6% dividend yield, supported by consistent cash generation and a 10% average annual dividend increase over the last five years [17] - Holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) with significant earnings estimate revisions, including a 42.9% increase for the current quarter [18] Investment Outlook - With improving macro conditions, rising energy demand, and technical support in crude oil prices, the outlook for energy stocks is strengthening [20] - National Fuel Gas, Epsilon Energy, and Global Partners present a compelling mix of value, growth, and yield, making them attractive options for investors [20]

Group 1 - MDU Resources Group, Inc. has elected Darrel T. Anderson as the new independent chair of the board, succeeding Dennis W. Johnson, effective immediately [1] - The transition reflects a disciplined approach to board leadership succession, ensuring continuity and strong governance [2] - Nicole Kivisto, president and CEO, acknowledged Dennis Johnson's leadership during the company's transformation to a regulated energy delivery business and expressed confidence in Anderson's leadership [3] Group 2 - Anderson's election as chair is part of a structured governance approach that emphasizes leadership development and succession planning [3] - He joined the board in 2023 and has previously served as vice chair and chair of the Compensation and Human Capital Committee, demonstrating a commitment to thoughtful succession planning [3] - Anderson has extensive industry experience, including his role as president and CEO of IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power Company, which will be beneficial for MDU Resources as it executes its strategic priorities [4] Group 3 - MDU Resources Group, Inc. is a member of the S&P SmallCap 600 index and provides electric and natural gas distribution services to over 1.2 million customers across the Pacific Northwest and Midwest [5] - The company's pipeline business operates a network of over 3,800 miles of natural gas pipelines and storage systems, ensuring reliable energy delivery [5] - MDU Resources has a legacy of over a century and remains focused on providing safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible energy services [5]

Core Points - TXNM Energy's subsidiaries, PNM and TNMP, received regulatory approvals for rate recovery filings on May 15, 2025 [1][4]. Group 1: PNM Rate Approval - PNM obtained approval from the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission for its 2025 Rate Request application, with customer rates phased in: 50% increase effective July 1, 2025, and the remaining increase effective April 1, 2026 [2]. - The approved revenue increase for PNM is $105.0 million, based on a 9.45% return on equity and a 51% equity capitalization structure on a $3.0 billion rate base [3]. Group 2: TNMP Rate Approval - TNMP received approval from the Public Utility Commission of Texas for its Distribution Cost Recovery Factor application [4]. - The approved annual rate increase for TNMP is $25.0 million, recovering $176.6 million of incremental distribution rate base at an authorized return on equity of 9.65% with a capital structure of 55% debt and 45% equity [5].

In a major move to strengthen its position in the global health and well-being sector, TELUS Corporation (TU) has partnered with GTCR, a prominent private equity firm with deep expertise in healthcare, to support TELUS Health’s acquisition of Workplace Options.This acquisition, valued at approximately C$500 million ($350 million) in cash, excluding about C$100 million ($70 million) in assumed debt, marks a pivotal step in TELUS Health’s journey to become a global leader in digital-first wellness solutions. ...

AKRON, Ohio, May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) announced today that Michael Auseré has been named Vice President, Financial Planning and Analysis, effective June 2.In this role, Auseré will have responsibility for FirstEnergy's long-range planning and budgeting processes and support overall achievement of the company's financial objectives and strategic initiatives. He will report to Jon Taylor, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and will be relocating to Akron, Ohio. ...

Core Viewpoint - TXNM Energy is undergoing a leadership transition with Pat Collawn moving to Executive Chair and Don Tarry appointed as the new President and CEO, effective July 1, 2025 [1][2]. Leadership Transition - Pat Collawn has been with TXNM Energy since June 2007, serving in various roles including President and CEO since March 2010, and will continue to lead as Executive Chair [2][5]. - Don Tarry, who has been with the company since 1996 and held multiple leadership positions, will take over as CEO and President [5][6]. Strategic Focus - Under Pat's leadership, TXNM Energy has focused on its regulated utilities and aims for 100% carbon-free generation by 2040, achieving 72% carbon-free generation capacity by 2024 [3][5]. - The company is committed to meeting the evolving needs of its customers and communities while pursuing cost-effective solutions [5][6]. Community Involvement - Both Pat Collawn and Don Tarry are actively involved in community initiatives, with Pat serving in various leadership roles and Don as Chair of the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance [4][6]. Company Overview - TXNM Energy, based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, provides energy to over 800,000 homes and businesses across Texas and New Mexico through its regulated utilities, TNMP and PNM [7].