Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of investing in companies that demonstrate consistent dividend growth alongside strong future fundamentals [1]. Group 1 - The author identifies as a dividend growth-oriented analyst and investor, highlighting a preference for companies that combine reliable dividend increases with robust forward-looking metrics [1]. - The author has been involved in dividend investing since 2009 and has documented their journey towards financial independence through a blog focused on dividend growth investing [2]. - The article serves as a platform for the author to share insights on dividend growth stocks and occasionally on growth stocks, aiming to contribute to the financial independence of readers [2].

Shares of NiSource ( NI ) have been a solid performer over the past year, adding about 17%. The company has benefited from optimism around power demand from the AI data center buildout. That said, shares have pulled back about 7% from their highs as risingOver fifteen years of experience making contrarian bets based on my macro view and stock-specific turnaround stories to garner outsized returns with a favorable risk/reward profile. If you want me to cover a specific stock or have a question for an article ...

Core Viewpoint - Evergy, Inc. has announced a repurchase agreement for approximately $244.1 million of its 4.50% Convertible Notes due 2027, with a total repurchase cost of about $302.5 million, including accrued interest [1]. Group 1: Repurchase Details - The repurchase agreements involve privately negotiated transactions with certain holders of the Notes [1]. - The final cash repurchase price will be adjusted based on the daily volume-weighted average price of Evergy's common stock starting January 7, 2026 [1]. - After the repurchases, approximately $1,155.9 million of the Notes will remain outstanding [2]. Group 2: Convertible Notes Information - The Notes were initially convertible at a rate of 16.1809 shares of Evergy common stock per $1,000 principal amount, equating to an initial conversion price of about $61.80 per share [3]. Group 3: Market Implications - Evergy anticipates that holders of the Notes may engage in derivative transactions or trade shares of Evergy's common stock to hedge their exposure related to the repurchase [4]. - Many holders may utilize a convertible arbitrage strategy, potentially leading to short positions in Evergy's common stock that they would close through market transactions [4]. Group 4: Company Overview - Evergy, Inc. serves 1.7 million customers in Kansas and Missouri, focusing on reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy [6]. - Approximately half of Evergy's power generation comes from carbon-free sources, emphasizing its commitment to environmental sustainability [6].

Group 1 - The article provides a market analysis focusing on three major energy companies: Xcel Energy Inc, Exelon Corporation, and Entergy Corporation [1] - It highlights the performance trends and financial metrics of these companies, indicating their positions within the energy sector [1] - The analysis includes insights into market conditions affecting these companies, such as regulatory changes and shifts in energy demand [1] Group 2 - Xcel Energy Inc is noted for its commitment to renewable energy sources and its strategic investments in clean technology [1] - Exelon Corporation's financial performance is discussed, emphasizing its role as a leader in nuclear energy generation [1] - Entergy Corporation's operational efficiency and its focus on improving customer service are highlighted as key factors in its market strategy [1]

This story was originally published on Utility Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Utility Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Data center load accounted for $6.5 billion, or 40%, of the $16.4 billion in costs from the PJM Interconnection’s December capacity auction, according to the grid operator’s independent market monitor. About $6.2 billion of those costs is related to data centers that haven’t been built but could come online by PJM’s 2027/28 delivery year that begins on ...

Core Viewpoint - Dominion Energy has proposed a 12.7% increase in residential customer bills in South Carolina to fund system upgrades and meet rising electricity demand [1][5]. Group 1: Rate Proposal and Regulatory Context - The South Carolina Public Service Commission is expected to decide on the proposed rate changes by July 2, with implementation in the first billing cycle of that month [2]. - Dominion is seeking a return on equity (ROE) of 10.5%, higher than the 9.94% allowed for 2024, which reflects the company's view of current financial markets and business risks [2][3]. - The average ROE for electric utilities in rate cases during the first nine months of 2025 was 9.66%, with an average of 9.74% for 2024 [2]. Group 2: Demand Growth and Financial Justification - Electric demand in South Carolina is projected to grow at an annual rate of 1.2%, leading to a 25% increase by 2044 [4]. - Dominion has requested a revenue increase of approximately $322 million to support $1.4 billion in investments in the electric grid [4]. - The company’s capital structure is proposed at 53.52% equity and 46.48% debt [4]. Group 3: Impact of External Factors - The proposed revenue increase also addresses the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in 2024, which necessitated the largest restoration and rebuild effort in the company's history [5]. - If approved, the average residential bill for a customer using 1,000 kWh monthly would rise by about $20 to $177, while commercial and industrial customers would see increases of approximately 5.9% and 14.9%, respectively [5]. - Dominion attributes rising costs to a growing customer base, tariffs, inflation, and increased regulatory obligations related to grid security and environmental compliance [6].

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Core Viewpoint - ComEd has introduced new Transmission Security Agreements (TSAs) aimed at protecting customers and ensuring equitable cost distribution for new large load projects connecting to the grid [1] Group 1: Transmission Security Agreements (TSAs) - The TSAs are designed to safeguard existing customers from the financial burden of serving new large load projects [1] - These agreements ensure that new projects contribute their fair share of costs, even if they do not fully materialize [1]

Group 1 - Vistra Corp's stock increased by 5.6% to $171.97 following the announcement of its plan to acquire Cogentrix Energy for approximately $4.7 billion [1] - The stock is experiencing its best single-day percentage increase in about a month, having tested a support level at $160, which aligns with its 320-day moving average [2] - Over the past nine months, Vistra's equity has appreciated by 68%, although it remains below its record high of $219.82 reached on September 22 [2] Group 2 - There has been a preference for call options, with a 50-day call/put volume ratio of 1.60, which is higher than 85% of readings from the past year [3] - Today's options activity shows a total of 6,679 calls and 7,478 puts, which is double the typical volume for this time [4] - The most popular option is the January 16, 2026, 155-strike put, with new positions being opened at the weekly 1/23 185-strike put [4]

Group 1: Hilton Hotels (HLT) - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) criticized Hilton Hotels for allegedly canceling reservations for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers at a Minneapolis hotel, claiming it was a coordinated campaign to refuse service to DHS law enforcement [3][4] - Following the incident, shares of Hilton (HLT) fell nearly 2.5% [4] - A spokesperson for Hilton stated that the hotel involved is independently owned and operated, and the actions taken were not reflective of Hilton's values, emphasizing that the company does not tolerate discrimination [5] Group 2: Hawaiian Electric Industries (HE) - Hawaiian Electric reached a $47.75 million settlement with shareholders who accused the company of misleading them about wildfire prevention and safety protocols prior to the 2023 Maui wildfires [6][7] - Shareholders alleged that Hawaiian Electric falsely claimed it was taking appropriate actions to mitigate wildfire risks associated with its utility poles; the company denied wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement [7] - The settlement is pending approval from a U.S. District Court in San Francisco [8] Group 3: Clarivate (CLVT) - Clarivate released its 2026 Drugs to Watch report, highlighting 11 therapies expected to provide significant clinical benefits and strong commercial potential [8] - The report focuses on therapies that may transform treatment for various diseases, including metabolic, cancer, immune, rare, and neurological conditions, with potential major impacts within five years [9]