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Iberdrola counters grid operator's claim that its solar plant contributed to blackout
Reuters· 2026-02-12 15:20
Core Viewpoint - Iberdrola's CEO refutes claims that mismanagement at its Nunez de Balboa solar plant contributed to a significant blackout in Spain on April 28, 2025, marking the first public acknowledgment of the plant's ownership by Iberdrola [1] Group 1: Company Response - The CEO of Iberdrola, Mario Ruiz-Tagle, stated that there was no poor management or operation at the Nunez de Balboa solar plant on the day of the blackout [1] - A spokesperson for Redeia, the owner of the grid operator REE, declined to comment on the situation [1] Group 2: Background Information - Beatriz Corredor, chair of Redeia, previously indicated that mismanagement at a large solar plant in Badajoz made the power system more vulnerable during the blackout, although she did not specify the plant's name or owner at that time [1]
Exelon(EXC) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Presentation
2026-02-12 15:00
February 12, 2026 Earnings Conference Call Fourth Quarter 2025 Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information This presentation contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Words such as "could," "may," "expects," "anticipates," "will," "targets," "goals," "projects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "predicts," "should," and variations on such words, and similar expressions that refle ...
Fortis(FTS) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-12 14:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, reported earnings per common share were CAD 3.40, an increase of CAD 0.16 compared to 2024, while adjusted EPS was CAD 3.53, up CAD 0.25 from the previous year [13][17] - The company achieved a one-year total shareholder return of nearly 24%, with average annual total shareholder returns of approximately 10% over the past 20 years [6][11] - The company maintained a strong liquidity position with CAD 2.7 billion of long-term debt issued in 2025 and nearly CAD 4 billion available on credit facilities at year-end [17][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Western Canadian utilities contributed a CAD 0.10 increase in EPS, driven by rate-based growth, including earnings from FortisBC's investment in the Eagle Mountain Pipeline Project [13][14] - U.S. electric and gas utilities delivered an eight-cent increase in EPS, with Central Hudson's growth attributed to rate-based growth and cost rebasing [14][15] - ITC's continued capital investments and related rate-based growth increased EPS by CAD 0.04, moderated by higher stock-based compensation and finance costs [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Arizona Corporation Commission approved an energy supply agreement for approximately 300 MW to support a planned data center, with a 10-year contract including a 75% minimum billing requirement [9][24] - The company is negotiating for an additional 300 MW of capacity for the data center and exploring further capacity at a second site in the range of 500-700 MW [10][24] - The company is also focused on energy efficiency programs to help customers lower their bills and provide assistance to low-income customers [6][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company rolled out a CAD 28.8 billion five-year capital plan, primarily focused on transmission and distribution assets, expecting a rate base increase of CAD 16 billion and average annual rate base growth of 7% [7][8] - The company aims to support 4%-6% annual dividend growth through 2030, continuing its commitment to increasing dividends for 52 consecutive years [11][21] - The company is actively pursuing incremental growth opportunities, including customer connections and MISO LRTP projects, while evaluating competitive bidding opportunities [8][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the regulatory environment, noting that the new chair of FERC is focused on improving the commission's operations and providing regulatory certainty [30][31] - The company is committed to addressing affordability concerns and ensuring that growth is achieved in a responsible manner for customers [25][62] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong focus on safety and reliability, with 2025 being one of the best years on record for these metrics [5][21] Other Important Information - The company was recognized for its governance practices, ranking number one in governance out of 206 companies in the S&P/TSX Composite Index [4] - The company has not utilized its CAD 500 million ATM program to date, which remains available for funding flexibility [17][18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Data center opportunity in Arizona - Management explained that the energy supply agreement is structured to ensure affordability and stability for customers, with the data center covering costs without requiring additional investments [24][25] Question: Updates from FERC - Management noted that while there has been chatter about potential updates, no specific information has been received, but there is optimism for movement on ongoing matters [29][30] Question: UNS Gas rate case - Management indicated that the upcoming ACC open meeting could provide clarity on the formulaic rate structure, but it is advisable to wait for the meeting for more information [69][70]
Retirees Are Piling Into SPHD After 23% Dividend Hike
247Wallst· 2026-02-12 13:46
Core Viewpoint - The Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (SPHD) has seen a significant increase in interest from retirees following a 23.3% hike in annual dividends, reflecting a shift towards defensive investment strategies amid market volatility [1]. Group 1: SPHD Performance and Dividend Increase - SPHD has gained 8.93% year to date, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 1.5% return [1]. - The fund's annual dividends increased to $2.0173 in 2025, marking a 23.3% rise from 2024 due to higher payouts and strategic rebalancing [1]. - Competing dividend ETFs, such as Schwab ETF (SCHD) and Vanguard ETF (VYM), have outperformed SPHD with returns of 17.5% and 20.05% respectively over the past year [1]. Group 2: Interest Rate Impact - The direction of interest rates poses a significant risk for SPHD, with current yields making its 4.69% yield more competitive against risk-free alternatives [1]. - The fund's heavy concentration in rate-sensitive sectors like REITs and utilities means profitability is directly affected by changes in borrowing costs [1]. - Monitoring Federal Reserve policy and Consumer Price Index releases is crucial to gauge future interest rate movements that could impact SPHD [1]. Group 3: Structural Challenges - SPHD's methodology excludes most technology stocks, leading to a lack of growth exposure and persistent performance drag during bull markets [1]. - The top holdings include mature companies like Pfizer, UPS, and Altria, which have limited growth prospects [1]. - The performance gap between SPHD and competing dividend ETFs is attributed to SPHD's strict low-volatility screen, which limits access to higher-growth dividend payers [1].
Exelon Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Results and Initiates 2026 Financial Outlook
Businesswire· 2026-02-12 11:50
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Exelon Corporation (Nasdaq: EXC) today reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2025. "As we close out our 25th anniversary year, I am pleased to report that Exelon delivered strong operational and financial performance in 2025,†said Exelon President and Chief Executive Officer Calvin Butler. "We remain committed to balancing the investments needed to meet tomorrow's energy demands while keeping our customers at the center of every decision. ...
The AES Corporation (AES) Positions for Long-Term Demand Growth in a Power-Hungry, AI-Driven World
Insider Monkey· 2026-02-12 09:42
Core Insights - Artificial intelligence (AI) is identified as the greatest investment opportunity of the current era, with a strong emphasis on the urgent need for energy to support its growth [1][2][3] - A specific company is highlighted as a key player in the AI energy sector, owning critical energy infrastructure assets that are essential for meeting the increasing energy demands of AI technologies [3][7] Investment Opportunity - Wall Street is investing heavily in AI, with hundreds of billions directed towards developing smarter technologies, but there is a looming question regarding the energy supply needed to sustain this growth [2] - The company in focus is positioned to benefit from the surge in demand for electricity driven by AI data centers, making it a potentially lucrative investment opportunity [3][8] Energy Infrastructure - The company owns significant nuclear energy infrastructure, which is crucial for America's future power strategy, and is capable of executing large-scale engineering projects across various energy sectors [7] - It plays a vital role in U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exportation, which is expected to grow under the current administration's energy policies [7] Financial Position - The company is noted for being debt-free and having a substantial cash reserve, amounting to nearly one-third of its market capitalization, which positions it favorably compared to other energy firms burdened by debt [8] - It also holds a significant equity stake in another AI-related company, providing investors with indirect exposure to multiple growth avenues without the associated premium costs [9] Market Perception - The company is described as being off-the-radar and undervalued, with some hedge fund managers beginning to promote it discreetly among select investors [9][10] - Its current trading valuation is noted to be less than seven times earnings, indicating a potentially attractive entry point for investors [10] Future Outlook - The ongoing AI revolution is expected to disrupt traditional industries, and companies that adapt to this change are likely to thrive [11][12] - The influx of talent into the AI sector is anticipated to drive continuous innovation and advancements, reinforcing the argument for investing in AI-related opportunities [12][13]
Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) Balances Turnaround Initiatives With Ongoing Industry Competition
Insider Monkey· 2026-02-12 09:42
Artificial intelligence is the greatest investment opportunity of our lifetime. The time to invest in groundbreaking AI is now, and this stock is a steal! AI is eating the world—and the machines behind it are ravenous. Each ChatGPT query, each model update, each robotic breakthrough consumes massive amounts of energy. In fact, AI is already pushing global power grids to the brink. Wall Street is pouring hundreds of billions into artificial intelligence—training smarter chatbots, automating industries, and b ...
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMY) Growth Portfolio Driving Earnings Growth
Insider Monkey· 2026-02-12 09:42
Core Insights - Artificial intelligence (AI) is identified as the greatest investment opportunity of the current era, with a strong emphasis on the urgent need for energy to support its growth [1][2][3] AI and Energy Demand - AI technologies, particularly large language models like ChatGPT, are extremely energy-intensive, with data centers consuming as much energy as small cities [2] - The increasing demand for AI is straining global power grids, leading to rising electricity prices and utilities struggling to expand capacity [2] Investment Opportunity - A specific company, largely overlooked by AI investors, is positioned to benefit from the anticipated surge in energy demand due to AI [3][6] - This company owns critical energy infrastructure assets and is involved in the U.S. LNG exportation sector, which is expected to grow under the current administration's energy policies [7][8] Financial Position - The company is noted for being debt-free and holding a significant cash reserve, amounting to nearly one-third of its market capitalization [8] - It also has a substantial equity stake in another AI-related company, providing investors with indirect exposure to multiple growth opportunities without high premiums [9] Market Perception - Wall Street is beginning to take notice of this company due to its unique position in the energy sector, which is essential for supporting AI advancements [8][10] - The company is trading at a low valuation of less than 7 times earnings, making it an attractive investment option compared to other firms in the energy and utility sectors [10] Future Outlook - The ongoing AI revolution is expected to disrupt traditional industries, with companies that adapt to AI technologies likely to thrive [11][12] - The influx of talent into the AI sector is anticipated to drive continuous innovation and advancements, reinforcing the importance of investing in AI [12][13] Strategic Context - The company is strategically aligned with trends such as the AI infrastructure supercycle, the onshoring boom due to tariffs, and a surge in U.S. LNG exports [14]
AbbVie Inc. (ABBV) Achieves Record Net Sales on Diversified Growth Platform
Insider Monkey· 2026-02-12 09:42
Core Insights - Artificial intelligence (AI) is identified as the greatest investment opportunity of the current era, with a strong emphasis on the urgency to invest now [1][13] - The energy demands of AI technologies are significant, with data centers consuming as much energy as small cities, leading to concerns about power grid capacity and rising electricity prices [2][3] Investment Opportunity - A specific company is highlighted as a critical player in the AI energy sector, owning essential energy infrastructure assets that are poised to benefit from the increasing energy demands of AI [3][7] - This company is not a chipmaker or cloud platform but is positioned as a "toll booth" operator in the AI energy boom, collecting fees from energy exports and benefiting from the onshoring trend driven by tariffs [5][6] Financial Position - The company is noted for being debt-free and holding a significant cash reserve, amounting to nearly one-third of its market capitalization, which provides a strong financial foundation [8] - It is trading at less than 7 times earnings, making it an attractive investment compared to other firms in the energy and utility sectors [10] Market Trends - The company is involved in the U.S. LNG exportation sector, which is expected to grow under the current administration's energy policies, and it has a unique footprint in nuclear energy, which is seen as the future of clean power [7][14] - The influx of talent into the AI sector is expected to drive rapid advancements and innovation, further solidifying AI's role as a disruptive force in various industries [12][11] Conclusion - The time to invest in AI and its supporting energy infrastructure is emphasized as now, with potential for significant returns within the next 12 to 24 months [15][19]
Russia to deliver crude oil and fuel to Cuba soon, Izvestia newspaper reports
Reuters· 2026-02-12 06:44
Core Viewpoint - Russia is preparing to send crude oil and fuel to Cuba as the island faces a severe fuel shortage due to U.S. actions aimed at cutting off its oil supply [1] Group 1: Supply Situation - The last oil supply from Russia to Cuba occurred in February 2025, involving a delivery of 100,000 metric tons [1] - Cuba has warned international airlines that jet fuel is no longer available, indicating a critical fuel situation on the island [1] Group 2: Geopolitical Context - The U.S. has moved to block oil exports from Venezuela, which has historically been a key supplier of jet fuel to Cuba [1] - Russia has expressed solidarity with Cuba and Venezuela, criticizing U.S. attempts to "suffocate" Cuba's economy and pledging to act against any military intervention [1] Group 3: Humanitarian Aid - The Russian embassy in Cuba stated that the upcoming supply of crude and oil products would be provided as humanitarian aid [1] - Russia has announced plans to suspend flights to Cuba after the departure of Russian tourists from the island [1]