Core Insights - Hydro One Limited, Ontario's largest electric transmission and distribution utility, will release its fourth quarter financial results on February 13, 2026, before North American markets open [1] - A teleconference will be held on the same day at 8 a.m. ET to discuss the results and outlook, accessible via Hydro One's website [2] - Hydro One serves 1.5 million customers, has $36.7 billion in assets as of December 31, 2024, and reported annual revenues of $8.5 billion for 2024 [4] Financial Performance - In 2024, Hydro One invested $3.1 billion in its transmission and distribution networks [5] - The company supported the economy by purchasing $2.9 billion in goods and services [5] Company Overview - Hydro One employs 10,100 skilled workers dedicated to maintaining a reliable electricity system [5] - The company's common shares are listed on the TSX, and certain medium-term notes are listed on the NYSE [6]

Core Viewpoint - Vistra Energy has partnered with Meta to support nuclear power plans in Ohio and Pennsylvania, focusing on increasing energy production and extending the lifespan of nuclear facilities, with Meta securing two 20-year power purchase agreements for 2,609 MW of carbon-free generation from Vistra's nuclear fleet [1][4]. Company Overview - Vistra Energy, valued at a market cap of $56.4 billion, operates across the electricity value chain, including generation from natural gas, solar, nuclear, coal, and storage systems, as well as retail services [2][3]. - The company has been missing quarterly earnings estimates for the past two years, with significant fluctuations in its financial performance [8]. Financial Performance - For Q3 2025, Vistra reported operating revenues of $4.97 billion, down 21% year-over-year, and earnings per share declined to $1.75 from $5.25, missing estimates of $2.08 [9]. - Cash from operations fell to $2.64 billion from $3.21 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, but the company maintains a cash balance of $602 million, exceeding its short-term debt of $231 million [10]. Growth Potential - Despite current financial challenges, Vistra's long-term outlook is positive, driven by increasing electricity demand, particularly from data centers and electrification efforts [12]. - The company is expanding its capacity with solar and battery storage projects, new gas-fired plants, and partnerships with major tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft, expected to deliver in 2026 [14]. Market Position - Vistra's recent acquisition of Lotus Infrastructure adds 2.6 GW of natural gas capacity, enhancing its ability to meet immediate power requests while continuing to develop clean energy projects [14]. - Analysts have rated VST stock as a "Strong Buy," with a mean target price of $242.33, indicating a potential upside of about 39% from current levels [18].

Core Insights - ComEd is accepting grant applications for three of its Power for Good Grant Programs, with a total funding of $515,000 available for municipalities and nonprofit organizations [1] Funding Details - The funding aims to strengthen environmental sustainability efforts, advance public safety and clean transportation projects, and broaden access to arts programs [1] Grant Programs - The three Power for Good grant programs include Green Region, which is administered by Openlands, and Powering Safe [1]

Core Viewpoint - Vistra Corp. is identified as a strong investment opportunity for high returns in 2026, with recent ratings from Goldman Sachs and Bank of America Securities indicating a positive outlook for the stock [1][2]. Acquisition Details - Vistra Corp. has entered a definitive agreement to acquire Cogentrix Energy for approximately $4 billion, which will add around 5,500 MW of modern natural gas-fired power plants to its portfolio [2][3]. - The acquisition is expected to enhance Vistra's capacity in key U.S. electricity markets, including PJM, ISO New England, and ERCOT [2]. Financial Expectations - Bank of America Securities anticipates that the acquisition will generate approximately $550 million in EBITDA [3]. - The deal is structured with a combination of cash, stock, debt, and significant tax benefits, which are viewed as strategic advantages for Vistra [3].

Core Viewpoint - PG&E's parent company has reached a $100 million settlement with shareholders over allegations of misleading information regarding wildfire prevention and safety protocols prior to the 2017 and 2018 wildfires in Northern California [1][2]. Group 1: Settlement Details - The preliminary settlement was filed with the U.S. District Court in San Jose, California, and is subject to judicial approval [1]. - Shareholders, led by the Public Employees Retirement Association of New Mexico, claimed that PG&E concealed its inadequate wildfire safety practices, which contributed to the ignition and worsening of the 2017 North Bay fires and the 2018 Camp Fire [2]. Group 2: Impact of Wildfires - The North Bay fires, including the Tubbs Fire, resulted in 22 fatalities and the destruction of over 5,600 structures, accounting for approximately 5% of homes in Santa Rosa [3]. - The Camp Fire led to 85 deaths and the destruction of more than 18,800 structures, including the majority of the town of Paradise [3]. Group 3: Previous Legal and Financial Context - PG&E had previously reached a $13.5 billion settlement with wildfire victims in December 2019 and emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in June 2020 [4].

Core Insights - The growth of data centers and the oil and gas sector is expected to drive significant demand expansion for electricity, with data centers representing about 60% of Xcel's anticipated retail sales growth through 2030 [4][6] - Xcel has raised its five-year capital spending plan to $60 billion, which includes investments in renewable energy, gas generation, energy storage, and wildfire mitigation [5] - The U.S. economy is experiencing mixed signals, with a cooling labor market but strong investment in AI and data centers [3] Group 1: Demand and Growth - Electric demand in the U.S. has grown about 0.5% annually over the last 10 to 15 years, primarily due to population growth [2] - The oil and gas sector, particularly in the Texas panhandle and southeastern New Mexico, is also contributing to electric demand through electrification and decarbonization efforts [7] - Data center developers have announced new construction plans totaling about $600 billion in capital spending, which will create competition for resources needed for infrastructure development [16] Group 2: Infrastructure and Supply Chain - Supply chain issues are affecting the procurement of electrical equipment, with lead times for transformers increasing from one year to nearly three years [8] - Construction timelines for combustion turbine gas plants have extended from 18 months to 4-5 years [9] - The need for proactive planning and collaboration with regulators and stakeholders is emphasized to address supply chain delays [10] Group 3: Energy Sources and Costs - Nuclear energy is highlighted as a preferred energy source for data centers, providing about 50% of the U.S.'s carbon-free electricity [14] - The U.S. nuclear fleet is aging, and there is a call for revitalization as a national initiative [15] - Engineering, procurement, and construction costs have seen a price increase of 30% to 40% over the last couple of years due to competition for labor and materials [18]

Market Reactions - U.S. futures declined with the S&P 500 down 0.6%, Dow Jones Industrial Average down 0.5%, and Nasdaq composite index down 0.9% [2] - In Asia, markets advanced with Hong Kong's Hang Seng gaining 1.2% to 26,547.64, Shanghai Composite index up 1% to 4,163.11, and South Korea's Kospi adding 0.8% to 4,624.79 [2][3] - The U.S. dollar remained nearly unchanged against the Japanese yen at 158.02 yen [3] Federal Reserve and Political Context - Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell received subpoenas from the Department of Justice, escalating tensions with President Trump over a $2.5 billion renovation of Fed buildings [1] - Powell's term as chair ends in May, and Trump administration officials indicated a potential replacement could be named this month [4] - Trump denied knowledge of the investigation into Powell and dismissed suggestions that it was intended to pressure him on interest rates [4] Employment and Economic Indicators - U.S. job market showed mixed signals with fewer hires than expected in December, but an improved unemployment rate, indicating a "low-hire, low-fire" state [5] - Upcoming updates on U.S. inflation at the consumer level and wholesale prices are anticipated [5] Company Developments - Vistra, a power company, surged 10.5% after signing a 20-year electricity supply deal with Meta Platforms for three nuclear plants [6] - Big Tech companies are increasingly entering similar agreements to power their data centers, particularly for artificial intelligence initiatives [6]

Core Viewpoint - The partnership between Vistra and Meta Platforms highlights the integration of artificial intelligence and nuclear power, with Vistra's shares rising significantly following the announcement of long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) [1][2]. Group 1: Company Developments - Vistra has entered into 20-year PPAs to supply over 2,600 megawatts (MW) of zero-carbon energy from its nuclear plants to Meta, supporting the latter's AI expansion [2]. - The energy supply includes 2,176 MW from Vistra's Perry and Davis-Besse plants in Ohio, along with 433 MW from planned upgrades at these facilities and the Beaver Valley plant in Pennsylvania [3]. - Vistra plans to pursue license extensions for all three nuclear plants, potentially extending their operational life by another two decades, as they were previously scheduled for retirement before Vistra's acquisition in 2023 [3]. Group 2: Market Impact - Following the announcement, Vistra's stock price increased by over 10%, reaching $15.77, with a market capitalization of $51 billion [4][5]. - Meta's power purchases are set to begin in late 2026, with Vistra aiming to bring additional capacity online through 2034, indicating a long-term commitment to clean energy for AI operations [5].

Core Insights - FirstEnergy Foundation awarded a $25,000 grant to support the Fill a Glass with Hope® program, which aims to provide 200,000 servings of fresh milk to families in need in Pennsylvania [1][4] - The total investment by the FirstEnergy Foundation in the program has reached $250,000 since its inception in 2016, highlighting the Foundation's commitment to addressing food insecurity [1][4] Program Overview - Fill a Glass with Hope® is the first statewide charitable fresh milk program in the U.S., having provided over 41 million servings of milk to Pennsylvania food banks, equating to three glasses of milk for every resident in the state [2] - The program is a collaboration involving Feeding Pennsylvania, the American Dairy Association Northeast, and the Pennsylvania Dairymen's Association [2] Impact of Donations - Milk is a highly requested but rarely donated item at food banks due to its perishable nature; the program ensures the delivery of fresh milk to families, especially children [3] - Every dollar donated to the program translates to eight glasses of milk for local food banks, demonstrating the significant impact of financial contributions [3] Recent Contributions - The recent $25,000 donation will provide approximately 200,000 servings of milk to families in need, particularly in areas served by FirstEnergy [4] - In September 2025, the Foundation distributed $750,000 in grants to 37 food banks and pantries during Hunger Action Month, totaling $2.5 million to 104 hunger-relief organizations across six states [4] Foundation Overview - The FirstEnergy Foundation supports 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits that address critical community needs, distributing over $5.5 million in community support in 2025 [6] - The Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications, focusing instead on targeted community involvement [7]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of looking beyond U.S. large caps for investment opportunities, particularly in undervalued international stocks [1][3][9] - The Benzinga Value Ranking is introduced as a systematic, numbers-driven tool to identify the cheapest stocks globally based on multiple valuation metrics [2][5] Investment Strategy - Investors are encouraged to focus on the top decile of the Benzinga Value Ranking, specifically targeting non-U.S. stocks to access the cheapest part of the global market [7][9] - The current market environment is characterized by extreme valuation dispersion outside the U.S., with many profitable companies trading at low earnings multiples [4][6] Company Highlights - **POSCO Holdings (NYSE:PKX)**: A leading steel producer in South Korea, trading at discounted multiples despite controlling high-quality assets [11] - **Sasol Ltd. (NYSE:SSL)**: An integrated energy and chemicals company in South Africa, generating substantial cash flow but heavily discounted due to past operational issues [12] - **Korea Electric Power Corp. (NYSE:KEP)**: The backbone of South Korea's power system, facing extreme low valuation multiples due to government pricing controls [13] - **LuxExperience (NYSE:LUXE)**: A niche luxury travel company in the Netherlands, undervalued due to lack of investor attention rather than demand collapse [14] - **Gerdau (NYSE:GGB)**: Brazil's largest long steel producer, trading at low multiples despite consistent cash flow generation [15] - **Honda Motor (NYSE:HMC)**: A global manufacturing leader in Japan, undervalued due to lack of hype around its steady profits and cash flow [16] - **SK Telecom (NYSE:SKM)**: South Korea's largest wireless carrier, undervalued due to low growth expectations despite reliable cash generation [18] - **Jiayin Group (NASDAQ:JFIN)**: A Chinese fintech company facing regulatory uncertainty, leading to extreme valuation discounts [19] - **FinVolution Group (NYSE:FINV)**: Another Chinese fintech platform, similarly undervalued due to regulatory challenges and investor distrust [20] - **KT Corp. (NYSE:KT)**: A leading telecommunications provider in South Korea, generating stable cash flow but facing compressed valuation multiples [21]