Core Viewpoint - The First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund (NYSEARCA: FXU) is an ETF that aims to provide investors with exposure to the utilities industry through an enhanced index strategy [1] Group 1: Fund Overview - The First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund is indexed to the StrataQuant Utilities Index, which is designed to enhance investment returns in the utilities sector [1] Group 2: Analyst Background - Michael Del Monte is a buy-side equity analyst with over 5 years of experience in the investment management industry, having previously worked in professional services across various sectors including Oil & Gas, Midstream, and Information Technology [2]

Group 1: BanColombia (CIB) - BanColombia is Colombia's largest bank by assets and has the largest market share in deposit products and loans [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BanColombia's current year earnings has increased by 1.9% over the last 60 days [1] - BanColombia has a dividend yield of 12.2%, significantly higher than the industry average of 3.3% [1] Group 2: Tsakos Energy Navigation Ltd (TEN) - Tsakos Energy Navigation is a leading provider of international seaborne crude oil and petroleum product transportation services [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Tsakos Energy Navigation's current year earnings has increased by 86.2% over the last 60 days [2] - Tsakos Energy Navigation has a dividend yield of 5.8%, compared to the industry average of 2.1% [2] Group 3: National Grid Transco (NGG) - National Grid Transco operates in the international energy delivery business, focusing on regulated electricity and gas industries [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for National Grid Transco's current year earnings has increased by 6.3% over the last 60 days [3] - National Grid Transco has a dividend yield of 5.7%, which is above the industry average of 3.3% [3]

Symbion Power is proposing a 140-megawatt power plant and transmission lines along the border of Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda if the two countries can implement a recent US-backed peace agreement https://t.co/9Kpf6Emxr0 ...

Core Insights - During market turbulence, investors often seek dividend-yielding stocks, which typically have high free cash flows and offer substantial dividends [1] Group 1: Analyst Ratings and Stock Performance - Edison International (EIX) has a dividend yield of 6.02%. Barclays analyst Nicholas Campanella maintained an Overweight rating and raised the price target from $64 to $65 on August 4, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 68%. Morgan Stanley analyst David Arcaro maintained an Underweight rating and reduced the price target from $52 to $51 on June 18, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 71%. Recent news indicated that Edison International posted disappointing second-quarter earnings [7] - Northwest Natural Holding Company (NWN) has a dividend yield of 4.89%. Stifel analyst Selman Akyol maintained a Buy rating and increased the price target from $45 to $49 on June 13, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 71%. Wells Fargo analyst Sarak Akers maintained an Equal-Weight rating and raised the price target from $45 to $47 on May 7, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 69%. Recent news showed mixed quarterly results for Northwest Natural [7] - NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc. (NWE) has a dividend yield of 4.77%. Ladenburg Thalmann analyst Paul Fremont downgraded the stock from Buy to Neutral and cut the price target from $57.5 to $56 on June 2, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 61%. Barclays analyst Eric Beaumont maintained an Overweight rating and raised the price target from $56 to $59 on April 22, 2025, with an accuracy rate of 69%. Recent news indicated that NorthWestern posted better-than-expected quarterly results [7]

Core Insights - Consolidated Edison reported Q2 2025 adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP) of $0.67, surpassing analyst expectations of $0.64, with net income (GAAP) rising to $246 million, reflecting a significant year-over-year increase [1][2][5] Financial Performance - Adjusted EPS (non-GAAP) increased by 13.6% year-over-year from $0.59 in Q2 2024 to $0.67 in Q2 2025 [2] - Adjusted net income reached $240 million, an 18.2% increase from $203 million in Q2 2024 [2] - GAAP EPS rose to $0.68, up 17.2% from $0.58 in Q2 2024 [2] - Net income (GAAP) grew by 21.8% from $202 million in Q2 2024 to $246 million in Q2 2025 [2] Company Overview - Consolidated Edison operates as a regulated energy company providing electricity, gas, and steam to millions in New York City, Westchester County, and northern New Jersey [3] - The company focuses on maintaining and upgrading utility infrastructure to ensure reliable service [3] Regulatory Environment - The company's financial performance is heavily influenced by regulations set by the New York State Public Service Commission (NYSPSC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) [4] - Recent regulatory decisions, including a May 2024 NYSPSC order, impacted financials positively by allowing certain cost capitalizations [7] Infrastructure and Clean Energy Initiatives - The company completed significant capital projects, including transmission upgrades in Brooklyn and Staten Island, aimed at enhancing reliability and supporting clean energy transitions [6][10] - Management secured approval for $440 million in investments for electrifying buildings and transportation, aligning with New York's clean energy goals [6][10] Future Outlook - Management reaffirmed full-year 2025 adjusted EPS guidance of $5.50–$5.70, indicating confidence in regulatory stability and planned capital investments [12] - The company continues to focus on clean energy investments and electrification projects as key components of its strategy [13]

Summary of Thematic Investing Research Industry Overview - The thematic investing landscape is evolving with a focus on various emerging themes such as AI, critical raw materials, and healthcare innovations. The report highlights the importance of understanding these themes for potential investment opportunities. Key Themes and Insights 1. Thematic Fund Performance - Global thematic assets under management (AUM) reached $659 billion, reflecting a 15% quarter-over-quarter increase in Q2 2025 [17] - Positive returns were observed across various sectors, including a 30% increase in Society & Culture funds and a 17% increase in Tech & Financials funds [17] 2. Powering AI - Microsoft reported a 27% year-over-year increase in electricity demand for FY2024, transitioning to liquid cooling systems [25] - Google also experienced a 27% increase in electricity use, indicating a broader trend among hyperscalers [30] - Evidence of strong AI inference demand growth was noted, with Microsoft and Google processing 100+ trillion and 480 trillion tokens monthly, respectively, marking significant increases [33] 3. Critical Raw Materials (CRM) - Demand for critical minerals is driven by geopolitical factors and the need for resource resilience, with a focus on domestic production strategies in Europe and the US [37] - The report outlines three strategies to strengthen CRM supply chains: substitution, domestic production support, and recycling initiatives [37] 4. AI in Healthcare - The integration of AI in healthcare is seen as a key growth area, with opportunities in drug development and medical devices [43] - Regulatory support and data integration challenges are identified as critical factors influencing the pace of AI adoption in healthcare [43] 5. PFAS Solutions - There is growing investor interest in PFAS mitigation solutions, with over 60 companies identified as providing relevant technologies [47] - The report emphasizes the global nature of PFAS regulation and the potential for multi-year growth in this sector [50] 6. Next-Gen Materials - The report discusses the potential of next-gen materials to drive innovation, particularly in response to regulatory pressures for sustainable alternatives [57] - A landscape of approximately 60 listed companies involved in the production of next-gen materials is provided [59] Additional Insights - Investor feedback indicates a strong preference for themes related to national security, resource efficiency, and defense technology, reflecting a shift in capital allocation towards resilience and self-sufficiency [11] - Thematic purity among public companies is limited, as many offer PFAS solutions as part of a broader portfolio, complicating investment decisions [47] Conclusion - The thematic investing landscape is characterized by significant growth and evolving investor interests across various sectors. Key themes such as AI, critical raw materials, and healthcare innovations present substantial opportunities for investors looking to capitalize on emerging trends.

Summary of Global Credit Strategy Conference Call Industry Overview - **Global Credit Market**: The conference call focused on the performance of various segments within the global credit market, including US Investment Grade (IG), US High Yield (HY), US Leveraged Loans, EU Investment Grade, EU High Yield, and Asia Credit. Key Points and Arguments US Investment Grade - **Spreads**: Widened by 5 basis points (bp) last week, leading to an excess return of -30 bp [2] - **Performance**: 7-10 year bonds underperformed, while basic industry, media, and telecom sectors lagged. Autos, banks, and real estate performed better [2] - **Net Inflows**: IG funds saw net inflows of $1.2 billion, totaling $30.6 billion year-to-date (YTD) [2] US High Yield - **Spreads**: Increased by 27 bp last week, resulting in an excess return of -78 bp [3] - **Sector Performance**: Consumer goods, basic industry, and media sectors delivered the weakest returns, while capital goods, utilities, and banks performed better [3] - **Net Outflows**: HY funds experienced net outflows of $167 million, with YTD inflows tracking at $11.3 billion [3] US Leveraged Loans - **Spreads**: Widened by 4 bp, with total returns dropping by 8 bp [4] - **Net Inflows**: Experienced net inflows of $255 million, with YTD flows at $6.4 billion [4] EU Investment Grade - **Spreads**: Widened by 1 bp, leading to an excess return of -5 bp [5] - **Performance**: 1-3 year bonds underperformed, with single A ratings also lagging. Tech, consumer goods, and leisure sectors had the weakest returns, while insurance, services, and real estate performed better [5] - **Net Inflows**: EU IG funds saw net inflows of $2.5 billion over the week, totaling $40.7 billion YTD [5] - **New Issues**: €4 billion of new issues lifted YTD volumes to €457 billion, a 13.9% increase year-over-year (YoY) [5] EU High Yield - **Spreads**: Widened by 6 bp last week, with CCC-rated bonds underperforming [6] - **Net Inflows**: EU HY funds saw net inflows of $314 million over the week, totaling $6.0 billion YTD [6] - **Issuance**: Reached €370 million last week, with YTD supply tracking at €96 billion, a 6.9% increase YoY [6] Asia Credit - **Spreads**: Both Asia and APAC credit spreads widened by 4 bp [6] - **Performance**: APAC IG outperformed APAC HY, with IG spreads widening by 5 bp while HY spreads remained flat [6] Additional Important Insights - **Market Sentiment**: The overall sentiment in the credit market appears cautious, with widening spreads indicating increased risk perception among investors [2][3][5][6] - **Sector Disparities**: There are notable disparities in performance across sectors, with traditional safe havens like banks and real estate showing resilience compared to more volatile sectors like consumer goods and media [2][3][5][6] - **Investment Flows**: The trends in net inflows and outflows across different credit segments suggest a shifting investor appetite, with a preference for higher quality credits in uncertain market conditions [3][4][5][6] This summary encapsulates the key takeaways from the conference call, highlighting the performance and trends within the global credit market across various segments.

Financial Performance - Q3 FY25 - Sales increased by $62.7 million, a 26.9% increase, reaching $296.3 million compared to $233.6 million in Q3'24[13] - Adjusted EBIT increased by $17.5 million, a 38.6% increase, reaching $62.7 million compared to $45.2 million in Q3'24[13] - Adjusted EPS increased by 25%, reaching $1.60 compared to $1.28 in Q3'24[12] - Record ending backlog of $1.17 billion, a 75% increase from September 30, 2024[14] Segment Performance - A&D - Entered Orders increased by $492.3 million, a 546.5% increase, reaching $582.4 million compared to $90.1 million in Q3'24[19] - Sales increased by $49.1 million, a 56.3% increase, reaching $136.3 million compared to $87.2 million in Q3'24[19] - Adjusted EBIT increased by $19.1 million, a 94.3% increase, reaching $39.3 million compared to $20.2 million in Q3'24[19] Segment Performance - USG - Entered Orders increased by $5.5 million, a 5.5% increase, reaching $105.5 million compared to $100.0 million in Q3'24[25] - Sales increased by $2.1 million, a 2.3% increase, reaching $92.4 million compared to $90.3 million in Q3'24[25] - Adjusted EBIT decreased by $0.4 million, a -2.0% decrease, reaching $21.8 million compared to $22.2 million in Q3'24[25] Segment Performance - Test - Sales increased by $11.6 million, a 20.7% increase, reaching $67.7 million compared to $56.1 million in Q3'24[30] - Adjusted EBIT increased by $1.4 million, a 15.4% increase, reaching $10.7 million compared to $9.3 million in Q3'24[30] - Entered Orders decreased by $3.6 million, a -5.7% decrease, reaching $61.2 million compared to $64.8 million in Q3'24[30] Financial Performance - YTD Q3 FY25 - Sales increased by $97.1 million, a 15.0% increase, reaching $742.7 million compared to $645.6 million in Q3 YTD '24[38] - Adjusted EBIT increased by $30.7 million, a 28.6% increase, reaching $138.0 million compared to $107.3 million in Q3 YTD '24[38] - Adjusted EPS increased by 24.1%, reaching $3.71 compared to $2.99 in Q3 YTD '24[38] FY25 Guidance - Full year revenue from Continuing Operations is expected to be $1.075 billion - $1.105 billion[52] - Full Year Adjusted EPS from Continuing Operations is now expected to be in the range of $5.75 - $5.90, a 21% - 24% growth over FY'24[52] - Q4 Adjusted EPS from Continuing Operations is expected to be in the range of $2.04 - $2.19, a 14% - 22% growth over Q4'24[51]

Financial Performance - Consolidated Edison reported a net income of $246 million or $0.68 per share for Q2 2025, an increase from $202 million or $0.58 per share in Q2 2024 [1] - For the first half of 2025, net income reached $1,038 million or $2.93 per share, compared to $922 million or $2.67 per share in the same period of 2024 [2] - Adjusted earnings for Q2 2025 were $240 million or $0.67 per share, up from $203 million or $0.59 per share in Q2 2024 [1] - Adjusted earnings for the first six months of 2025 were $1,032 million or $2.91 per share, compared to $945 million or $2.73 per share in the first half of 2024 [2] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focused on disciplined investments in infrastructure to enhance reliability and resilience against extreme weather [3] - Con Edison secured approval to invest $440 million in five key projects aimed at advancing building and transportation electrification, indicating strong regulatory support [3] - The company reaffirmed its adjusted earnings per share guidance for 2025 to be in the range of $5.50 to $5.70 [3] Project Developments - Major transmission projects in Brooklyn and Staten Island have been completed, contributing to long-term reliability for customers [3] - The company continues to execute complex energy projects that benefit both customers and shareholders [3] Regulatory Environment - The company benefits from regulatory support for its strategy and the state's clean energy goals, as evidenced by the approval of significant investments [3]

Core Viewpoint - Chesapeake Utilities Corporation reported strong financial results for the second quarter and first half of 2025, highlighting significant growth in net income and adjusted earnings per share driven by regulatory initiatives, infrastructure programs, and increased demand for natural gas services [2][4][6]. Financial Performance - Net income for Q2 2025 was $23.9 million ($1.02 per share), up from $18.2 million ($0.82 per share) in Q2 2024, marking a 31.2% increase in net income and a 24.4% increase in EPS [2][14]. - Adjusted net income for Q2 2025 was $24.3 million ($1.04 per share), compared to $19.3 million ($0.86 per share) in Q2 2024, reflecting a 20.9% increase in adjusted EPS [2][16]. - For the first half of 2025, net income was $74.8 million ($3.22 per share), up from $64.4 million ($2.89 per share) in the same period of 2024, representing an 11.4% increase in EPS [4][14]. Growth Drivers - Adjusted earnings growth was primarily driven by contributions from regulatory initiatives, infrastructure programs, and organic growth in natural gas distribution and pipeline expansion projects [3][6]. - The company experienced a 13% increase in adjusted gross margin, attributed to operational efficiency improvements and increased customer consumption [6][17]. Capital Expenditure and Guidance - Year-to-date capital deployment reached $213 million, prompting an increase in full-year 2025 capital expenditure guidance to a range of $375 million to $425 million [7][9]. - The company reaffirmed its 2025 EPS guidance range of $6.15 to $6.35 per share and its 2028 EPS guidance range of $7.75 to $8.00 per share [8][9]. Regulatory and Infrastructure Initiatives - The company successfully resolved all three active rate cases and received approval for updated rates for the Worcester Resiliency Upgrade project, expected to generate an additional $3.9 million in margin once operational [7][9]. - Significant progress was made in capital projects, including pipeline expansions and regulatory initiatives aimed at meeting rising natural gas demand [7][36]. Segment Performance - The regulated energy segment reported an adjusted gross margin of $117.7 million for Q2 2025, up from $103.3 million in Q2 2024, driven by rate changes, natural gas transmission service expansions, and contributions from regulated infrastructure programs [18][25]. - The unregulated energy segment saw an adjusted gross margin increase to $25.0 million in Q2 2025 from $23.4 million in Q2 2024, despite challenges in propane operations [21][28].