Investment Rating - The report assigns an "Overweight" rating to Elia, indicating a positive outlook for the stock [6]. Core Insights - Elia's FY25 guidance includes a net profit range of €490-540 million, which aligns closely with the consensus estimate of €526 million [8][3]. - The company provided divisional guidance for the first time, which is expected to validate consensus expectations [8][3]. - The 2025 capital expenditure (capex) outlook has been slightly revised down in both Belgium and Germany, with Belgium's capex expected at €1.5 billion (previously €1.7 billion) and Germany's at €3.6 billion (previously €3.8 billion) [2]. Summary by Sections Financial Performance - Elia's net profit guidance for 50 Hertz is set at €380-420 million, compared to a consensus of €405 million [3]. - ETB's net profit is expected to be in the range of €255-285 million, against a consensus of €257 million [3]. - The non-regulated segment is projected to incur a loss of €35-45 million, with a positive contribution from Nemo Link Interconnector of approximately €25 million [3]. Capital Expenditure - The revised capex for Belgium is €1.5 billion and for Germany is €3.6 billion, reflecting project delays [2]. Market Position - Elia's current market capitalization is approximately €10.073 billion, with a price target set at €120.00 [6].

Core Viewpoint - Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. is conducting a secondary public offering of 9,000,000 shares of Centuri Holdings, Inc. at a price of $17.50 per share, with an additional option for underwriters to purchase 1,350,000 shares [1][2] Group 1: Offering Details - The offering is expected to close on May 22, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions [1] - Icahn Partners and Icahn Partners Master Fund LP will purchase $50 million in shares of Centuri's common stock in a concurrent private placement at the same price per share as the public offering [2] - The shares are being offered under an effective shelf registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission [4] Group 2: Underwriters and Management - J.P. Morgan, UBS Investment Bank, and Wells Fargo Securities are acting as joint lead book-running managers for the offering [3] - BofA Securities and Moelis & Company are serving as book-running managers, with additional co-managers including Baird, KeyBanc Capital Markets, and others [3] Group 3: Company Background - Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. operates through its subsidiary Southwest Gas Corporation, providing natural gas services to over 2 million customers in Arizona, Nevada, and California [6] - Centuri Holdings, Inc. partners with regulated utilities to build and maintain energy networks across the U.S. and Canada [7]

Core Viewpoint - Southern Company has announced the pricing of $1.45 billion in Convertible Senior Notes, reflecting an increase of $200 million from the previously announced offering size, with an expected closing date of May 23, 2025 [1][4]. Group 1: Offering Details - The Convertible Notes have a 3.25% interest rate, payable semiannually, and will mature on June 15, 2028 [2][3]. - The initial conversion rate is set at 8.8077 shares per $1,000 principal amount, equating to a conversion price of approximately $113.54 per share, representing a 25% premium over the last reported sale price [2][3]. - An option for initial purchasers to buy an additional $200 million in Convertible Notes is available within 13 days of issuance [1]. Group 2: Use of Proceeds - Southern Company estimates net proceeds of approximately $1.44 billion, or $1.63 billion if the additional option is fully exercised, which will primarily be used to repurchase existing Convertible Notes and for general corporate purposes [4]. - Approximately $1.25 billion of the net proceeds will be allocated to repurchase about $781.6 million of Series 2023A Convertible Notes and $328.1 million of Series 2024A Convertible Notes [4]. Group 3: Repurchase Transactions - The company has entered into privately negotiated transactions to repurchase portions of the Existing Convertible Notes, with terms dependent on various market factors [5]. - There is an expectation that holders of the Existing Convertible Notes may engage in derivative transactions or stock trades to hedge their exposure related to these repurchase transactions [6][7].

Core Viewpoint - Southern Company announced a private placement offering of $1.25 billion in convertible senior notes due June 15, 2028, with an option for initial purchasers to buy an additional $200 million [1][2]. Group 1: Offering Details - The convertible notes will be senior, unsecured obligations of Southern Company, with interest paid semiannually and maturity on June 15, 2028 [2]. - The final terms, including the initial conversion price and interest rate, will be determined at the time of pricing [2]. Group 2: Conversion Terms - Prior to March 15, 2028, the notes will be convertible only upon certain events and during specific periods; after that, they can be converted at any time until two trading days before maturity [3]. - Upon conversion, Southern Company will pay cash up to the principal amount and may pay the remainder in cash, shares, or a combination [3]. Group 3: Use of Proceeds - A portion of the net proceeds will be used to repurchase existing convertible senior notes due December 15, 2025, and June 15, 2027, through negotiated transactions [4]. - Remaining proceeds will be used to repay commercial paper borrowings and for general corporate purposes, including investments in subsidiaries [4]. Group 4: Repurchase Transactions - Southern Company plans to negotiate terms for repurchasing existing convertible notes with a limited number of holders, influenced by market conditions [5]. - The company may also repurchase outstanding existing convertible notes after the offering is completed [5]. Group 5: Market Impact - The repurchase of existing convertible notes may lead holders to engage in derivative transactions or stock trades to hedge their exposure, potentially affecting the market price of Southern Company's common stock [6]. Group 6: Company Overview - Southern Company is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast, with operations in electric and natural gas distribution, competitive generation, and telecommunications [9].

Core Points - TXNM Energy has appointed Henry Monroy as the new Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Lisa Eden who retired after 21 years with the company [1][2] - Monroy has been with TXNM Energy since 2003 and has held various leadership roles, including Vice President of PNM Regulatory and Corporate Controller [2] - TXNM Energy is an energy holding company based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, serving over 800,000 homes and businesses in Texas and New Mexico through its regulated utilities [4]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses potential investment opportunities in cheap dividend-paying stocks that yield between 5.3% and 7.6%, despite the broader market recovery. It highlights five specific companies that remain undervalued and offers insights into their financial metrics and challenges [1][2]. Group 1: Company Summaries - **Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY)**: A $90 billion pharmaceutical company with a low PEG of 0.12 and a cash-flow multiple of 7. It has a dividend yield of over 5% but faces profitability concerns due to competition affecting core drugs, leading to a 44% revenue drop for Revlimid in Q1 [3][5][6]. - **HF Sinclair (DINO)**: Formed from a merger, it operates seven U.S. refineries and has a crude oil processing capacity of 678,000 barrels per day. The stock has a PEG of 0.2 and a P/CF of 7.3, reflecting a more than 30% drop over the past year, primarily due to industry-wide challenges [7][10]. - **AES Corp. (AES)**: A utility company serving 2.7 million customers with a diverse energy portfolio. It has a PEG of 0.8 and a forward P/CF of 5, but has seen its stock lose over half its value in 2023 due to aggressive transitions to renewables and project delays [13][14][15]. - **Polaris (PII)**: A manufacturer of recreational vehicles, its stock has dropped over 70% since July 2023, resulting in a high dividend yield. The company has faced declining demand and significant revenue and profit drops, with a PEG of negative 1.6 [17][18][20]. - **Atlas Energy Solutions (AESI)**: An energy equipment and services company that has been increasing its dividends since its IPO in March 2023. It has a PEG of 0.2 and a forward P/CF of 5.5, but faces challenges due to fluctuating oil prices affecting demand [21][22][23]. Group 2: Financial Metrics - **Valuation Metrics**: All highlighted companies have a PEG below 1, indicating they are undervalued. The article emphasizes the importance of PEG and P/CF ratios in assessing investment opportunities [8][10]. - **Dividend Coverage**: Companies like DINO and AES have strong dividend coverage ratios, with DINO expected to have a coverage of 180% due to anticipated earnings growth in 2026 [12][16]. - **Market Challenges**: Each company faces unique challenges, such as competition, industry weakness, and fluctuating demand, which have impacted their stock performance and profitability [4][5][10][18].

Core Viewpoint - Philippe Laffont of Coatue Management has invested significantly in Philip Morris International, indicating the company's potential as a growth stock within the defensive tobacco industry [1][3][17] Investment Details - Laffont purchased over $220 million worth of Philip Morris stock in Q1, marking it as his fourth-largest purchase and second-largest new addition [3] - This investment is notable given Laffont's typical focus on technology stocks, which include major companies like Meta Platforms and Amazon [2] Growth Drivers - Philip Morris is experiencing growth through its smokeless products, particularly Zyn and Iqos, which are appealing alternatives to traditional tobacco [5][8] - Zyn's U.S. shipment volumes surged 53% to 202 million cans in Q1, prompting an increase in full-year shipment guidance to between 800 million and 840 million cans [7] - Iqos has also seen a nearly 12% increase in heated tobacco units (HTUs) to 37.1 billion units, with strong sales growth in Japan and Europe [9] Market Position - Philip Morris has successfully bought back Iqos' U.S. rights and is preparing for a broader rollout in the U.S. market, which could enhance growth without cannibalizing existing customers [10] - The company has managed to produce modest cigarette volume growth internationally, contrasting with the steep decline seen in the U.S. market [12][13] Financial Metrics - Zyn and Iqos have better unit economics compared to traditional cigarettes, with Zyn offering six times better product contribution levels and Iqos providing 2 to 2.5 times [11] - The stock is currently trading at a forward P/E ratio of under 23 and a PEG ratio of under 0.35, suggesting it is undervalued [15] Conclusion - Given its defensive nature, growth potential, and attractive valuation, Philip Morris is viewed as a favorable investment opportunity [14][17]

ALLENTOWN, Pa., May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) declared a quarterly common stock dividend on Friday, May 16, 2025, of $0.2725 per share, payable Jul. 1, 2025 to shareowners of record as of Jun.10, 2025.About PPLPPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL), headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania, is a leading U.S. energy company focused on providing electricity and natural gas safely, reliably and affordably to more than 3.5 million customers in the U.S. PPL's high-performing, award-winning utilit ...

Industry Overview - Energy stocks are gaining strength as macro conditions improve and demand drivers increase, with recession fears easing and tariff negotiations progressing [1] - The global buildout of data centers is expected to significantly increase electricity demand, benefiting utilities, natural gas providers, and midstream energy firms [2] Crude Oil Market - Crude oil prices have shown technical strength, indicating a potential bottom, with recent price action suggesting a bullish reversal pattern [5][6] - A key resistance level has emerged near $64, and a breakout above this level could lead to a sustained move towards $70 [7] Company Highlights - **National Fuel Gas (NFG)**: - Vertically integrated natural gas company with a diverse business model, benefiting from multiple points along the energy value chain [8] - Currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) with upward earnings revisions indicating analyst confidence [9] - Shares trade at 11.7x forward earnings, below the 10-year median of 14x and the industry average of 16.8x, with projected earnings growth of 20.4% annually over the next three to five years, resulting in a PEG ratio of 0.58 [10] - **Epsilon Energy (EPSN)**: - Small-cap natural gas exploration and production company focused on the Appalachian Basin, emphasizing capital efficiency and shareholder returns [11] - Holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) with earnings estimates surging, including a 38% increase for the current quarter [14] - Technical analysis shows a bullish flag pattern, with a breakout above $7.30 likely to trigger further buying [15] - **Global Partners (GLP)**: - Diversified midstream energy company involved in the wholesale, distribution, and retail of petroleum products, with a strong cash flow and market exposure [16] - Offers a 6% dividend yield, supported by consistent cash generation and a 10% average annual dividend increase over the last five years [17] - Holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) with significant earnings estimate revisions, including a 42.9% increase for the current quarter [18] Investment Outlook - With improving macro conditions, rising energy demand, and technical support in crude oil prices, the outlook for energy stocks is strengthening [20] - National Fuel Gas, Epsilon Energy, and Global Partners present a compelling mix of value, growth, and yield, making them attractive options for investors [20]

Group 1 - MDU Resources Group, Inc. has elected Darrel T. Anderson as the new independent chair of the board, succeeding Dennis W. Johnson, effective immediately [1] - The transition reflects a disciplined approach to board leadership succession, ensuring continuity and strong governance [2] - Nicole Kivisto, president and CEO, acknowledged Dennis Johnson's leadership during the company's transformation to a regulated energy delivery business and expressed confidence in Anderson's leadership [3] Group 2 - Anderson's election as chair is part of a structured governance approach that emphasizes leadership development and succession planning [3] - He joined the board in 2023 and has previously served as vice chair and chair of the Compensation and Human Capital Committee, demonstrating a commitment to thoughtful succession planning [3] - Anderson has extensive industry experience, including his role as president and CEO of IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power Company, which will be beneficial for MDU Resources as it executes its strategic priorities [4] Group 3 - MDU Resources Group, Inc. is a member of the S&P SmallCap 600 index and provides electric and natural gas distribution services to over 1.2 million customers across the Pacific Northwest and Midwest [5] - The company's pipeline business operates a network of over 3,800 miles of natural gas pipelines and storage systems, ensuring reliable energy delivery [5] - MDU Resources has a legacy of over a century and remains focused on providing safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible energy services [5]