Core Viewpoint - Evergy, Inc. is focusing on expanding its operations in the transmission market through planned investments and strategic acquisitions, while also aiming to enhance its renewable asset portfolio to improve overall performance [1][2]. Group 1: Investment Plans - In 2024, Evergy plans to invest $2.34 billion in infrastructure to modernize the grid, replace aging equipment, and advance sustainability [2]. - The company targets nearly $17.5 billion in capital investments for the period of 2025-2029, which includes approximately $6.17 billion for new renewable generation [2]. Group 2: Renewable Projects - Evergy is actively developing renewable projects with a total capacity of 800 MW, of which 500 MW is included in its 2-3% demand forecast [3]. - The company announced plans to construct two combined-cycle natural gas plants in Kansas, each with an initial generating capacity of nearly 705 MW, expected to begin operations in the summer of 2029 and 2030 respectively [3]. Group 3: Joint Ventures - Evergy has a joint venture with American Electric Power named Transource Energy, which focuses on developing competitive electric transmission projects across the U.S., positioning Evergy for sustainable long-term growth in the transmission market with a 13.5% interest in the venture [4]. Group 4: Challenges - The company faces potential delays in capital projects due to permit issues, equipment availability, or increased costs, which could adversely impact profitability [5]. - Seasonal electricity sales and changing weather conditions significantly affect overall performance, with mild seasons potentially reducing electricity demand [5]. Group 5: Stock Performance - Over the past three months, Evergy's shares have increased by 14.8%, outperforming the industry's growth of 7.4% [6].

Core Viewpoint - The S&P 500 index has recently entered correction territory, prompting a focus on dividend stocks as a stable investment option amid economic and geopolitical concerns [1][2]. Group 1: NextEra Energy - NextEra Energy's shares have declined nearly 20% from their 52-week high, yet the company is a leader in the utility and renewable energy sectors, increasing its dividend by double-digit percentages annually [4][6]. - The company has commissioned 8.7 gigawatts (GW) of new renewable storage capacity in 2024 and has a backlog of over 25 GW, targeting 6% to 8% growth in adjusted earnings per share (EPS) through 2027 [8]. - NextEra Energy aims to increase dividends yielding 3.2% by at least 10% through 2026, making it a strong candidate for long-term investment [8]. Group 2: Devon Energy - Devon Energy introduced a variable-dividend policy, allowing for additional dividends based on excess free cash flow (FCF), but has seen a decline in variable dividends recently [9][10]. - The company is focusing on debt reduction, targeting a $2.5 billion decrease in debt over two years, while expanding its share-repurchase program by 67% to $5 billion [10]. - Devon's fixed dividend has increased by 9% and has more than doubled since 2021, with shares down nearly 33% from their 52-week high, presenting a buying opportunity [11]. Group 3: Caterpillar - Caterpillar has reported weak financial numbers for 2024 due to macroeconomic headwinds, yet its free cash flow has doubled in the past five years, providing a solid base for future dividend increases [12][13]. - The company has increased its dividend per share for 31 consecutive years, demonstrating resilience and capital efficiency despite being a cyclical stock [15]. - Caterpillar's shares have fallen almost 13% in six months and 20% from their 52-week high, making it an attractive option for long-term investment [15].

Market Overview - The S&P 500 has entered correction territory with a drop of at least 10%, but it is currently down less than 8% from its all-time high, indicating a potential short-lived correction [1][2] Company Analysis Alphabet - Alphabet is part of the "Magnificent Seven" and is currently the cheapest among them, trading at less than 19 times its forward earnings estimates, compared to the S&P 500 average of over 26 times [3] - The company has strong financial results, with its advertising business growing 11% year-over-year to $72 billion and its cloud-computing business growing 30% to $12 billion [4] - Alphabet is well-positioned for future growth in sectors like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and self-driving cars, suggesting robust long-term prospects [5] - The stock is considered a valuable investment opportunity as it is down 20% from its high [6] Vistra - Vistra's stock has dropped 32% from its high earlier this year, but the demand for electricity is expected to grow 3% annually through 2029, driven by trends such as AI and electric vehicles [7][8] - The company is well-positioned as the second-largest competitive nuclear power company in the U.S., which is expected to become increasingly important [9] - Vistra anticipates adjusted EBITDA of $5.5 billion to $6.1 billion this year, trading at just 10 to 11 times this year's EBITDA, indicating it is undervalued [10] Dollar General - Dollar General's stock has decreased by 68% from its highs in late 2022, but net sales grew by 5% to a record high of $40.6 billion in 2024, showing the business remains healthy [11][12] - The stock trades at 16 times earnings, which is considered cheap relative to its current earnings, with management indicating potential earnings growth in 2025 and beyond [13] - The company may perform well in economic downturns as consumers often turn to discount retailers like Dollar General [14] Airbnb - Airbnb's stock is down 21% from its highs in 2025, despite record bookings and increased average daily rates, indicating strong business performance [15][16] - The company is generating record free cash flow and is trading at a low valuation from a free-cash-flow perspective [17] - Airbnb is launching new business ideas starting in 2025, which could provide additional upside potential for investors [18]

Core Viewpoint - The S&P 500 has entered correction territory, dropping 10.1% from its all-time high, presenting potential investment opportunities in quality stocks during this downturn [1][2]. Group 1: Market Overview - The S&P 500 index, consisting of 500 influential U.S. companies, has seen a decline of 10.1% since its peak on February 19 [1]. - Current market pressures are attributed to uncertainties surrounding President Trump's tariff policies and the historically high valuations of the stock market [2]. - Historically, corrections in the S&P 500 are viewed as ideal opportunities for long-term investors, with major indexes expected to rise over a 20-year horizon [3]. Group 2: Investment Opportunities NextEra Energy - NextEra Energy is highlighted as a strong investment choice, being the largest electric utility in the U.S. by market cap [5]. - The company benefits from consistent demand for electricity and operates in a monopolistic environment, ensuring stable cash flow [6][7]. - Approximately 50% of NextEra's 72 gigawatts of capacity comes from renewable energy, contributing to a 10% compound annual earnings growth rate over the past decade [8]. - The forward P/E ratio of NextEra Energy is 18, which is a 26% discount compared to its average over the last five years [9]. Johnson & Johnson - Johnson & Johnson is recommended as a defensive stock, having grown its adjusted operating earnings for 35 consecutive years prior to the pandemic [10]. - The company has shifted focus towards novel-drug development, maintaining high margins and strong pricing power [12]. - Johnson & Johnson's shares are available at less than 15 times forecast earnings for 2026, which is 8% below its five-year average [14]. AutoZone - AutoZone is positioned well as the average age of vehicles on U.S. roads has increased to 12.6 years, leading to higher demand for auto parts [16]. - The company is expanding its network with approximately 200 mega hubs to improve accessibility for customers [17]. - AutoZone has executed a significant share repurchase program, retiring approximately 16.75 million shares for $37.8 billion, reducing its outstanding share count by 89% [18]. Alphabet - Alphabet is identified as a cost-effective investment, with shares trading for less than 16 times forecast earnings for 2026, which is 30% below its trailing five-year multiple [24]. - The company derives 75% of its net sales from advertising, maintaining a dominant position in internet search with a 90% market share [22]. - Google Cloud is recognized as a key long-term growth driver, with the integration of AI solutions expected to enhance cash flow from this segment [23].

2024 Main Highlights - Eletrobras focused on structuring and centralizing the energy trading area to build a customer-centric company[15, 17] - Consistent reduction in Personnel, Material, Services and Others (PMSO) expenses in a structured and sustainable manner, with an 18% decrease in recurring expenses from R$8322 million in 2022 to R$6784 million in 2024[18] - Reduction of compulsory loan inventory by R$125 billion since 2Q22[22] - Active management of R$32 billion in post-privatization shareholdings, including divestments of R$148 billion and acquisitions of R$57 billion[27] - Approximately R$32 billion was raised in 2024 with an average term of 581 months and an average cost of CDI + 01%[29] - Total investment increased from R$5426 million in 2022 to R$7709 million in 2024[33] ESG Agenda and New Energy Market - Eletrobras is focused on decarbonization with a Net Zero 2030 target, including R&D investments of over R$125 million in a H2V pilot plant[43] - Intermittent renewables in the Brazilian energy matrix have increased from 09% in 2010 to 362% in 2024[46] Financial Performance - IFRS Gross Revenue increased by 3% from R$12211 million in 4Q23 to R$12593 million in 4Q24[67] - Proposed profit allocation includes a dividend of R$4000 million, which is 41% of Net Income after deducting Legal Reserve[55] - Total shareholder remuneration of R$4115 million in 2024, with a payout equivalent to 41% of 2024's Net Income[59]

OAKLAND, Calif., March 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- General Motors has joined Pacific Gas & Electric Company's (PG&E) residential Vehicle-to-Everything pilot program, providing eligible customers in Northern and Central California with incentivized pricing for qualifying GM Energy home energy products. Paving the Way to Turn Electric Vehicles into Home Energy Assets GM Energy is working with utilities like PG&E to leverage GM's bidirectional EV charging technology, which allows compatible GM EVs to supply ...

Group 1: Market Overview - The Nasdaq Composite started the week down 4%, marking its worst day since September 2022, and is currently 12.5% off its all-time highs [1] Group 2: Dividend Stocks Appeal - Dividend stocks provide reliable income, especially during market downturns, allowing investors to book returns without selling shares [2] - The focus on dividend stocks increases as investors seek passive income and capital preservation [18] Group 3: PepsiCo Analysis - PepsiCo has a high dividend yield of 3.6% and has raised its dividend for 53 consecutive years, supported by a diversified business model [4][6] - Despite a stagnant stock price over the past four years, PepsiCo maintains a low P/E ratio of 21.3, making it an attractive investment compared to Coca-Cola [7][5] Group 4: Chevron Analysis - Chevron has a 4.4% dividend yield and has increased its dividend for 38 consecutive years, demonstrating resilience during economic downturns [8] - The company generates significant free cash flow even at lower oil prices and has a strong balance sheet with minimal debt [9][10] - Chevron's ability to maintain dividends during downturns is supported by its solid financial position [11] Group 5: Southern Company Analysis - Southern Company operates in a regulated utility sector, providing predictable income and a clear path for dividend growth [12][13] - The stock has increased over 7.7% year-to-date, with a P/E ratio of 22.2 and a dividend yield of 3.2%, indicating it is not overpriced [14][15] - Factors such as population growth and the transition to cleaner energy sources support Southern Company's long-term growth [16] Group 6: Summary of Investment Opportunities - PepsiCo, Chevron, and Southern Company are highlighted as reliable dividend stocks with strong track records, high yields, and robust business models [17] - These companies are suitable for risk-averse investors focused on capital preservation rather than capital appreciation [18]

Core Viewpoint - AES Corporation is focused on increasing its renewable energy generation through solar, wind, and battery energy storage, while also expanding its presence in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) market [1] Group 1: Renewable Energy Expansion - AES has been expanding its renewable generation portfolio to capitalize on the growing clean energy market, completing the construction of 3 gigawatts (GW) of wind, solar, gas, and energy storage in 2024, with an expectation to add a total of 3.2 GW to its operating portfolio by the end of 2025 [2] - The company is rapidly retiring coal-fired units to promote clean energy adoption, having retired 481 megawatts (MW) of coal generation in Chile and the United States in 2024 [3] Group 2: LNG Market Presence - AES operates two LNG terminals in the Caribbean and has long-term contracts to sell re-gasified LNG to industrial users and third-party power plants, capturing demand from industrial and commercial customers [3] Group 3: Financial Performance Challenges - The company faces challenges due to a significant decline in wholesale electricity costs driven by increased renewable energy use, low-cost natural gas, and demand-side management, which may negatively impact AES's financial performance [4] - As of December 31, 2024, AES had a long-term debt of $25.43 billion and a current debt of $3.59 billion, with cash equivalents of $2.04 billion, indicating a substantial debt burden [5] Group 4: Stock Performance - In the past month, AES shares have risen by 10%, outperforming the industry's growth of 0.2% [6]

Core Insights - Fingrid's financial performance in 2024 showed significant growth in turnover and operating results, with a turnover of €1,269.3 million, up 6.4% from the previous year, and an operating result of €238.9 million, an increase of 28.4% [2][3] - The company is heavily investing in grid infrastructure, with capital expenditures reaching €520.9 million, a 61.7% increase from 2023, to support the growing demand for electricity transmission and renewable energy connections [3][4] - Fingrid's electricity consumption in Finland rose to 82.7 terawatt hours, reflecting a 3.4% increase, while the company transmitted 66.1 terawatt hours, representing 79.9% of the total consumption [5][9] Financial Performance - Turnover for 2024 was €1,269.3 million compared to €1,193.2 million in 2023, marking a 6.4% increase [2] - Operating result was €238.9 million, up from €186.1 million, a 28.4% increase [2] - Profit before taxes increased to €227.4 million from €186.0 million, a 22.3% rise [2] - Net cash flow from operations decreased by 11.0% to €190.9 million [2] Investment and Infrastructure - Fingrid's investment program is approximately €4 billion, focusing on enhancing transmission connections and accommodating higher electricity consumption [3] - Capital expenditure for 2024 was €520.9 million, a significant increase from €322.0 million in 2023 [2][3] - The company anticipates gross capital expenditure of roughly €1.7 billion from 2025 to 2028, with €626 million already committed [5] Electricity Consumption and Production - Total electricity consumption in Finland reached 82.7 terawatt hours in 2024, up from 80.0 terawatt hours in 2023 [5][9] - Fingrid connected 1,600 megawatts of renewable production capacity to the main grid [5][9] - The number of inquiries for connecting renewable electricity generation to the grid increased to over 400 gigawatts, indicating strong future demand [4] Regulatory and Legal Matters - Fingrid has appealed to the Market Court regarding the Energy Authority's decisions on balance service collateral requirements and profit regulation methods, which the company believes weaken its investment capacity [11][12] - The company is involved in ongoing legal proceedings related to the OL3 nuclear power plant's connection to the grid, asserting that it is not responsible for the associated protection scheme [13][21] Future Outlook - The company expects its financial results for 2025 to remain stable compared to 2024, despite anticipated increases in operational costs due to expanding electricity transmission needs [18] - Fingrid plans to raise grid service fees by an average of 8% starting January 2025 to cover growing costs and investments [9]

Utility relies on Oracle technology to become first Texas municipal utility to opt in to retail electric competitionNASHVILLE, Tenn., March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Oracle Customer Edge Summit -- With support from Oracle, Lubbock Power & Light (LP&L) is transforming the way it offers electricity services to its customers. After more than 108 years as the municipal electric provider for the City of Lubbock, the utility has transitioned its business model to retail electric competition backed by Oracle's utili ...