Historic series of grid improvements and generator donations continue across the Greater Houston area to strengthen resiliency and reduce risk of outages during stormsJoint emergency response exercise and community safety and preparedness events being held with emergency officials and local partnersCenterPoint conducting outreach efforts across Greater Houston service area to help customers prepare for upcoming storm seasonHOUSTON, May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of the official launch of National Hurri ...

Core Insights - Zacks Premium offers various tools for investors to enhance their stock market engagement and confidence [1] - The Zacks Style Scores serve as complementary indicators to the Zacks Rank, aiding in stock selection with high potential for market outperformance [2] Zacks Style Scores Overview - The Style Scores categorize stocks based on value, growth, and momentum characteristics, assigning ratings from A to F, with A indicating the highest potential for outperformance [3] - The Value Score identifies attractive stocks using financial ratios like P/E and Price/Sales, appealing to value investors [3] - The Growth Score focuses on a company's financial health and future outlook, analyzing projected earnings and sales for sustainable growth [4] - The Momentum Score helps investors capitalize on price trends, utilizing metrics like one-week price changes and monthly earnings estimate changes [5] - The VGM Score combines the three Style Scores, providing a comprehensive rating based on value, growth, and momentum [6] Zacks Rank and Style Scores Interaction - The Zacks Rank, based on earnings estimate revisions, is a successful stock-rating model, with 1 (Strong Buy) stocks achieving an average annual return of +25.41% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [7][8] - To maximize returns, investors should focus on stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 that also have Style Scores of A or B [9] - Stocks with lower ranks (3 Hold, 4 Sell, 5 Strong Sell) should still have high Style Scores to ensure potential upside [10] Company Spotlight: DTE Energy - DTE Energy, based in Detroit, is a diversified energy company with major subsidiaries in electric and gas services [11] - Currently rated 3 (Hold) with a VGM Score of A, DTE is positioned as a potential growth investment [11] - The company forecasts a year-over-year earnings growth of 6% for the current fiscal year, with upward revisions in earnings estimates from analysts [12] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DTE's earnings has increased by $0.02 to $7.24 per share, with an average earnings surprise of 11.8% [12]

Group 1 - Exelon Corporation (NASDAQ: EXC) was previously identified as a buy due to its superior performance compared to other utilities across various metrics [1] - The analysis emphasizes the company's potential for value return to investors, highlighting its underappreciated status in the market [1] Group 2 - The author has extensive experience in investment analysis, focusing on deep-discount value plays and contrarian investment philosophy [1]

Back in November, I selected Exelon (NASDAQ: EXC ) as a top utility for 2025, rating the stock a Strong Buy at $37. It has been one of the best performers in the sector over the past six months, up ~25% Joseph Jones, professor at The University of Southern Mississippi, has over fifteen years of experience studying the market. He focuses on portfolio construction from a dividend growth investor's perspective. The insights expressed in his research are solely his own; they do not represent the views or financ ...

Market Overview - The S&P 500 Index has recovered all losses from the tariff-related market turmoil, achieving a nine-day winning streak for the first time since November 2004 [1] - The index was previously down nearly 20% from its all-time high during the April turmoil but has since rebounded and is currently about 7% away from its peak recorded in February [2] Investment Recommendations - Five S&P 500 stocks are recommended for investment, all having provided over 20% returns year to date: Netflix Inc. (NFLX), Philip Morris International Inc. (PM), Newmont Corp. (NEM), CenterPoint Energy Inc. (CNP), and Exelon Corp. (EXC) [3][4] Company Insights Netflix Inc. (NFLX) - NFLX exceeded earnings estimates while maintaining healthy engagement levels despite trade and tariff challenges, reaffirming its 2025 guidance [8] - The launch of its Ad Suite in the U.S. is expected to drive subscriber and average revenue per user (ARPU) growth, with strong visibility in its business leading to positive earnings estimate revisions [9] - NFLX's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 14% and 27.7%, respectively, with a 3.1% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 30 days [11] Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) - PM is experiencing strong pricing power and growth in its smoke-free product portfolio, aiming to become substantially smoke-free by 2030 [12] - The company anticipates a 2% increase in volume growth for the fifth consecutive year, with smoke-free products projected to grow by 12-14% [13] - PM's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 8.1% and 13.7%, respectively, with a 4.6% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 30 days [14] Newmont Corp. (NEM) - NEM is progressing with growth projects, including the Tanami expansion and the Ahafo North project, which is expected to commence commercial production in the second half of 2025 [15][16] - The company has an expected revenue growth rate of 0.1% and an earnings growth rate of 16.7% for the current year, with a significant 23.4% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 30 days [17] CenterPoint Energy Inc. (CNP) - CNP is set to benefit from rising electricity demand due to the electrification of transportation and investments in renewable energy [18] - The company is investing in infrastructure upgrades to support the growing electric vehicle market, including off-road electrification initiatives [20] - CNP's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 3.4% and 8%, respectively, with a slight 0.1% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 60 days [21] Exelon Corp. (EXC) - EXC is focusing on strengthening its transmission and distribution infrastructure, which will enhance service reliability and operational resilience [22] - The company is expected to see revenue and earnings growth rates of 4.3% and 6.8%, respectively, with a 0.4% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 30 days [23]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted EBITDA of $591 million for Q1 2025, down from $640 million in the same quarter last year, which was anticipated due to prior year revenues from the accelerated monetization of the Warrior Run PPA and the sale of AES Brazil [22][23] - Adjusted EPS for the quarter was $0.27 compared to $0.50 last year, also in line with expectations [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Renewables segment saw a 45% year-over-year increase in EBITDA, driven by contributions from new projects and the inclusion of renewables in Chile, previously part of the Energy Infrastructure segment [24][25] - The Utilities segment experienced higher adjusted PTC due to tax attributes from the Pike County Energy Storage Project, new rates in Indiana, demand growth, and favorable weather [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has a backlog of 11.7 gigawatts, with significant contributions expected from new projects, including a 1 gigawatt solar plus storage project contracted with Amazon [6][9] - The company is positioned to benefit from strong demand for renewables, particularly from data center customers, with agreements for 9.5 gigawatts signed [13][14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company reaffirmed its 2025 guidance and long-term growth rate targets, emphasizing resilience against economic uncertainties and tariff impacts [5][7] - The strategy includes a focus on long-term contracted generation and growth in U.S. regulated utilities, with a significant investment program planned for AES Indiana and AES Ohio [19][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of the business model, highlighting that two-thirds of EBITDA comes from long-term contracted generation, which is not tied to underlying demand conditions [17] - The company expects to achieve its financial metrics for the year, with clear visibility into future performance despite potential economic challenges [7][32] Other Important Information - The company completed the sale of a minority stake in its global insurance company for $450 million, achieving its asset sale proceeds target for the year [6][28] - The company has successfully hedged 100% of its benchmark interest rate exposure for all corporate financings through 2027 [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of the insurance transaction on EBITDA - Management expects the EBITDA impact from the insurance transaction to be in the range of $25 million to $30 million, which is considered very accretive [40] Question: Clarification on tariff exposure - Management clarified that the tariff exposure is minimal, with most equipment already secured domestically or imported prior to tariff imposition [47][49] Question: Renewable demand trends - Management noted continued strong demand from data center customers without any pull forward due to potential IRA changes [70] Question: Status on asset sale targets - The company is close to achieving its $3.5 billion asset sale target, with ongoing discussions for additional sales in its thermal portfolio and other assets [90][93] Question: Future of transferability in financing - Management indicated that even without transferability, the company can still monetize tax value through tax equity partnerships, maintaining a strong cash and credit profile [81][82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported first quarter 2025 earnings of $1.07 per share, an increase from adjusted earnings of $1.02 per share in the first quarter of 2024 [6][21] - The expected diluted earnings per share for 2025 is projected to be in the range of $4.85 to $5.05 [7][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Infrastructure investments continue to strengthen the energy grid and provide more energy resources, driving earnings growth across the company [21] - The economic outlook for service territories remains strong, with a 3% increase in total weather-normalized retail sales over the trailing twelve months ended in March [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Missouri Public Service Commission approved a $355 million annual revenue increase, marking the fifth consecutive settlement of electric revenue requirements in the state [24] - The company expects approximately 5.5% compound annual sales growth in Missouri from 2025 through 2029, primarily driven by increasing data center demand [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains committed to its strategic plan, focusing on delivering reliable, affordable energy while making prudent investments in energy infrastructure [5][6] - A robust pipeline of investment opportunities exceeding $63 billion is anticipated to strengthen the energy grid and support economic growth [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the 2025 guidance range and expects to deliver at the midpoint or higher [26] - The company is optimistic about the legislative environment in Missouri, which supports significant investments in utility infrastructure [10] Other Important Information - The company has successfully prevented over 114,000 customer outages through smart technology investments, equating to more than 30 million outage minutes avoided [11] - The company plans to file for approval of a proposed rate structure for large load customers in the second quarter [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on the 2.3 gigawatts referenced - Management clarified that the incremental change is from 1.8 to 2.3 gigawatts, with an additional 500 megawatts signed under construction agreements related to data centers [39] Question: Need for new generation due to load growth - Management expressed confidence that the current generation plans would be adequate to serve the 2.3 gigawatts of load growth anticipated [44] Question: Impact of potential changes to tax credits - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining tax credits for building generation resources affordably, emphasizing that these credits are crucial for customer rates [48] Question: Exposure to tariffs in the capital plan - Management estimated that about 2% of the overall capital plan could be exposed to tariffs, primarily related to battery projects, but noted that this is manageable [86][87] Question: Cost estimate for the Castle Bluff plant - Management confirmed that the cost estimate for the Castle Bluff 800 megawatt plant remains at $900 million [92] Question: EPS growth expectations - Management affirmed expectations for EPS growth to be at or above the midpoint of the 6% to 8% CAGR range for 2025 to 2029 [100]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $591 million, down from $640 million in the previous year, primarily due to prior year revenues from the accelerated monetization of the Warrior Run PPA and the sale of AES Brazil [23][24] - Adjusted EPS for the quarter was $0.27 compared to $0.50 last year, in line with expectations [24] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance of $2.65 billion to $2.85 billion and adjusted EPS guidance of $2.10 to $2.26 [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Renewables segment saw a 45% year-over-year increase in EBITDA, driven by contributions from new projects and the inclusion of renewables in Chile [25] - The Utilities segment's higher adjusted PTC was driven by tax attributes from the Pike County Energy Storage Project, new rates in Indiana, demand growth, and favorable weather [27] - Lower EBITDA in the Energy Infrastructure segment was attributed to prior year revenues from the Warrior Run plant and the transition of Chile Renewables to the Renewables segment [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has a backlog of 11.7 gigawatts, with significant demand from corporate customers, particularly data centers [4][13] - The U.S. supply chain strategy protects against tariffs and inflation, with nearly all CapEx for projects scheduled to come online between 2025 and 2027 secured [10][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on long-term contracted generation and growth in U.S. regulated utilities, with a robust growth program in place [6][18] - The strategy includes a significant investment program in AES Indiana and AES Ohio, with approximately $1.4 billion planned for 2025 [19] - The company aims to maintain control of its captive insurance business while utilizing asset sales to support growth capital for renewables and utilities [29][66] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of the business model against economic uncertainties, including tariffs and potential recessions [6][34] - The demand from core corporate customers remains strong, with no signs of slowdown in energy needs from hyperscalers [34][67] - The company is optimistic about the future, expecting significant growth driven by projects already online and cost reduction actions [33] Other Important Information - The company completed the sale of a minority stake in its global insurance company for $450 million, achieving its asset sale target for the year [5][29] - The company has hedged 100% of its benchmark interest rate exposure for all corporate financings through 2027 [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of the insurance transaction on EBITDA - The expected EBITDA impact from the insurance transaction is in the range of $25 million to $30 million, viewed as a low-cost equity financing [39][40] Question: Clarification on tariff exposure - The company has minimized tariff exposure through strategic partnerships and domestic supply, with only a small potential exposure related to batteries imported from Korea [46][48] Question: Renewable demand trends - There is continued strong demand from data center customers, with no pull forward observed due to potential IRA changes [67] Question: Status on asset sale targets - The company is close to achieving its $3.5 billion asset sale target, with ongoing discussions for additional sales [88][91] Question: Regulatory changes in Ohio - Recent legislation is seen as net positive for AES Ohio, providing a more constructive regulatory framework for rate filings [115][116]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported first quarter 2025 earnings of $1.07 per share, an increase from adjusted earnings of $1.02 per share in the first quarter of 2024 [6][20] - The expected diluted earnings per share for 2025 is projected to be in the range of $4.85 to $5.05 [7][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Infrastructure investments continue to strengthen the energy grid and provide more energy resources, driving earnings growth across the company [20] - The economic outlook for service territories remains strong, with a 3% increase in total weather-normalized retail sales over the trailing twelve months ended in March [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Missouri Public Service Commission approved a $355 million annual revenue increase, marking the fifth consecutive settlement of electric revenue requirements in the state [22] - The company expects approximately 5.5% compound annual sales growth in Missouri from 2025 through 2029, driven by increasing data center demand [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains committed to its strategic plan, focusing on reliable and affordable energy while investing in energy infrastructure [5][6] - The company is pursuing significant investments in dispatchable natural gas, renewable generation resources, and battery storage to ensure reliable service over the next decade [8][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to execute investment plans and strategies across all business segments, expecting strong long-term earnings and dividend growth [19][34] - The company is optimistic about the prospects for growth in Missouri, supported by recent legislative developments that favor utility infrastructure investment [9][11] Other Important Information - The company has a robust pipeline of investment opportunities exceeding $63 billion, aimed at enhancing the energy grid and supporting economic growth [18] - The company plans to issue approximately $600 million of common equity in 2025 to support its capital needs [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on the $350 million referenced - Management clarified that the incremental change is from 1.8 to 2.3 gigawatts, with an additional 500 megawatts under construction agreements related to data centers [39][40] Question: Need for new generation due to load growth - Management indicated that the 2.3 gigawatts of data center load growth provides greater confidence in sales growth estimates and aligns with their resource plan [43][44] Question: Impact of potential changes to tax credits - Management discussed the importance of maintaining tax credits and transferability for affordability and energy reliability, expressing optimism about legislative outcomes [49][50] Question: Exposure to tariffs in capital plans - Management estimated that about 2% of the overall capital plan could be exposed to tariffs, primarily related to battery projects, but noted that this is manageable [84][86] Question: Cost estimate for the Castle Bluff plant - Management confirmed the cost estimate for the Castle Bluff 800 megawatt plant is approximately $900 million [91] Question: EPS growth expectations - Management affirmed expectations for EPS growth to be at or above the midpoint of the 6% to 8% CAGR range for 2025 to 2029, driven by load growth and strategic investments [100][101]

Julie Janson, EVP and CEO, Duke Energy Carolinas, to retire after a distinguished 37-year career with the company Kodwo Ghartey-Tagoe, Alex Glenn and Louis Renjel to be appointed to new leadership positions, reflecting the depth of Duke Energy's leadership team Cameron McDonald to join the company's senior management committeeCHARLOTTE, N.C., May 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) today announced a series of leadership appointments to further advance the company's strategy and ensure it is bes ...