Core Insights - CenterPoint Energy has completed all key actions of the Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI) Phase Two ahead of the 2025 hurricane season, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing energy infrastructure reliability [1][2][3] Group 1: GHRI Phase Two Achievements - Over the last 10 months, the company installed more than 26,000 stronger, storm-resilient poles and undergrounded over 400 miles of power lines [1][6] - The addition of 5,150 automation devices and the clearing of more than 6,000 miles of higher-risk vegetation are significant steps taken to improve grid resiliency [1][6] - The installation of 100 weather monitoring stations enhances situational awareness and storm preparation in the Greater Houston area [1][6] Group 2: Impact on Reliability - These resiliency actions are expected to reduce outages for customers by more than 125 million minutes annually [1][2] - The proactive measures taken by the company strengthen its ability to deliver reliable service to the Houston and Gulf Coast regions [4] Group 3: Future Plans - CenterPoint Energy plans to announce an updated approach for GHRI for the remainder of 2025 and beyond in early June [4][5] - The company emphasizes that it will continue to work on further improvements throughout the summer and the rest of the year [4]

Group 1 - Fortis Inc. (FTS) is a Canadian electric and gas utility company with a Zacks Rank 1, and its current year earnings estimate increased by 4.2% over the last 60 days [1] - Fortis' shares have gained 9.5% over the last three months, while the S&P 500 declined by 1%, indicating strong performance [1] - The company has a Momentum Score of A, reflecting its strong momentum characteristics [1] Group 2 - MGIC Investment Corporation (MTG) is a mortgage insurance company with a Zacks Rank 1, and its current year earnings estimate increased by 1.8% over the last 60 days [2] - MGIC's shares have gained 8.9% over the last three months, compared to the S&P 500's decline of 1%, showcasing solid performance [2] - The company possesses a Momentum Score of B, indicating good momentum characteristics [2]

Core Viewpoint - CenterPoint Energy is actively preparing for the 2025 hurricane season through a comprehensive emergency response exercise aimed at enhancing local cooperation and improving emergency preparedness and response plans [1][2][3]. Group 1: Emergency Preparedness Activities - The emergency simulation involves state and local officials, emergency management offices, and third-party evaluators to assess CenterPoint's response to major hurricanes [1][3]. - More than 200 CenterPoint employees and response partners are participating in the all-day exercise at the Emergency Operations Center [3]. - The exercise is part of a series of trainings and system-wide improvements under the Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI) launched last year [3][4]. Group 2: Resiliency Improvements - Over the past 10 months, CenterPoint has implemented various resiliency actions to strengthen the energy system and mitigate the impact of outages during the hurricane season [4]. - The company is collaborating with industry-leading technology providers to leverage AI and emerging technologies for better weather impact predictions [7]. - CenterPoint is also donating and installing emergency generators at critical facilities and community centers to ensure essential services during emergencies [7]. Group 3: Company Overview - CenterPoint Energy, Inc. serves approximately 7 million metered customers across multiple states, with total assets of approximately $44 billion as of March 31, 2025 [5]. - The company has a workforce of around 8,300 employees and has been in operation for over 150 years [5].

Core Insights - American Water Works' subsidiary, California American Water, has successfully acquired the Mesa Del Sol water system, adding 15 new water connections to its existing customer base of approximately 40,000 connections in Monterey County [1][2] - The acquisition aims to improve water quality for Mesa Del Sol residents by connecting it to the Toro Park system, providing access to enhanced services such as online billing and conservation programs [2] - American Water Works prioritizes acquisitions as a strategy for growth, having completed 13 acquisitions in 2024, adding 69,500 customers, and expects to complete 18 more acquisitions that will add another 37,400 customers [3][4] Company Expansion and Investment - American Water Works plans to invest between $40 billion and $42 billion from 2025 to 2034 in infrastructure repairs, system resiliency, and regulated acquisitions [5] - The company is part of a broader trend where large water utility companies are acquiring smaller rivals to ensure high-quality services and necessary infrastructure upgrades [6][7] Industry Context - The American Society of Civil Engineers reports nearly 50,000 community water systems and 14,000 wastewater treatment systems in the U.S., highlighting the need for consolidation due to many small providers being financially weak [6] - Other companies in the industry, such as Middlesex Water Company and Essential Utilities, are also focusing on acquisitions to expand their customer bases and improve service quality [7][9] Financial Performance - American Water Works' stock has increased by 4.9% over the past six months, slightly trailing the industry's growth of 5.2% [12] - The company currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating a stable outlook in the market [14]

Group 1: Fortis Inc. (FTS) - Fortis Inc. is a Canadian electric and gas utility company with a Zacks Rank 1 [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Fortis' current year earnings has increased by 4.2% over the last 60 days [1] - Fortis has a dividend yield of 3.6%, which is higher than the industry average of 3.1% [1] Group 2: MGIC Investment Corporation (MTG) - MGIC Investment Corporation is a mortgage insurance company with a Zacks Rank 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MGIC's current year earnings has increased by 1.8% over the last 60 days [2] - MGIC has a dividend yield of nearly 2%, compared to the industry average of 1.7% [2]

May 21, 2025 05:26 AM GMT Regulated Utilities | North America AGA Conference Day 3: Key Takeaways On day 3 of AGA, we hosted meetings with the following utility management teams: CNP, AEE, NJR. We highlight takeaways in this note. We highlight takeaways from day 3 of the American Gas Association (AGA) Conference below. Ameren (AEE - EW): Conversations with data centers remain highly active. The company filed its data center tariff proposal in MO last week, aiming to ensure these new large loads are neutral ...

May 21, 2025 06:15 AM GMT Severn Trent | Europe FY25 Results Beat and Strong Indications for New Regulatory Period Reaction to earnings Unchanged Meaningful upside Modest revision higher Impact to our thesis Financial results versus consensus Direction of next 12-month consensus EPS Key Takeaways Implied FY26 guide operationally in line. We take the moving parts of Y/Y guidance to deduce a FY26 implied guide that is operationally in line with Bloomberg consensus median (Adjusted EBITDA ~£1.3bn). Below EBITD ...

Open to Government, Educational, Nonprofit Organizations; Deadline to Apply is July 18OAKLAND, Calif., May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The PG&E Corporation Foundation (PG&E Foundation) is accepting applications for its Better Together Nature Positive Innovation Grant program. The program will provide $500,000 in grants for initiatives dedicated to environmental stewardship.Five $100,000 regional grants — $500,000 in total — will be awarded. The grants are for projects focused on air quality, land and water ste ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, the company delivered GAAP earnings per share of $3.44 and ongoing earnings per share of $3.50, marking the twentieth consecutive year of meeting or exceeding initial earnings guidance [19][20] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 earnings guidance range of $3.75 to $3.85 per share, with long-term earnings per share growth expectations of 6% to 8% and dividend growth of 4% to 6% [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company invested over $7.5 billion in 2024 to modernize electric and natural gas systems, alongside updating its five-year capital plan [20] - The resource plans include proposals for 15,000 to 29,000 megawatts of new efficient, clean generation, with a focus on wind, solar, and battery storage [36][37] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. electricity demand growth rate through 2030 has tripled, with expectations to sell 30% more electricity in 2030 than in 2024 [14] - The company has received requests for nearly 9,000 megawatts of new daily demand from data center companies, equivalent to powering over 8 million homes each year [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is strategically positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for electricity driven by new technologies and the transition to cleaner energy sources [4][13] - A $45 billion investment plan over the next five years aims to modernize, strengthen, and expand the grid to support economic growth and the clean energy transition [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the unprecedented growth opportunities in the energy sector, emphasizing the importance of evolving and pushing to new heights [27][30] - The company is focused on enhancing customer experience, affordability, reliability, and advancing clean energy policy goals [19][21] Other Important Information - The company has been recognized as one of Ethisphere's world's most ethical companies for six consecutive years and has received accolades for its commitment to diversity and inclusion [29] - In 2024, the corporate economic development team closed on 24 projects resulting in over $5 billion in capital investment and the creation of more than 3,000 jobs [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide an update on your recent resource plan? - The company plans to add between 15,000 and 29,000 megawatts of new generation resources, including 720 megawatts of firm dispatchable generation in the Upper Midwest [35][36] Question: What impact will data centers have on future load growth? - The company is experiencing significant interest from data centers, with nearly 9,000 megawatts of backlog and expects to serve about 25% of that demand [39][40] Question: What impact do recently announced tariffs have on your capital investment plans? - The company has been agile in managing its supply chain and expects tariffs to represent about 1% to 2% of its total capital bill over the next five years, which is considered manageable [42][45]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Southern Company reported strong financial results for FY 2024, with significant investments in infrastructure and a commitment to delivering clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy [44][45] - The company approved an 8¢ per share increase in its annual common stock dividend, marking the 78th consecutive year of dividend payments equal to or greater than the previous year [53] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The regulated electric utilities invested nearly $4 billion in transmission and distribution infrastructure across Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi [46] - Southern Power expanded its operational footprint to 15 states with the commercial operation of its 30th solar site [46] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The economic development pipeline from large electricity load customers represents over 50 gigawatts of potential incremental load by the mid-2030s, driven by robust economic development in the Southeastern service territory [47] - Average annual sales growth is projected at approximately 8% from 2025 through 2029, an increase of 2% from prior long-term sales growth expectations [48] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Southern Company is focused on sustainability and innovation, exploring solutions such as carbon capture, advanced nuclear technologies, renewable natural gas, and energy storage [49] - The company aims to enhance its grid resilience and efficiency through investments in advanced technologies and distributed energy resources [75][76] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to meet future energy demands while maintaining affordability for customers [49][81] - The company is prepared for challenges posed by climate-related events and is committed to improving customer experience through energy efficiency programs [70][72] Other Important Information - Southern Company faced significant challenges during FY 2024, including responding to Hurricane Helene, which required rebuilding sections of the power grid [51] - The company emphasized its commitment to transparency and sound governance in response to shareholder proposals regarding fossil fuel investments and civil liberties [22][34] Q&A Session Summary Question: How are members of the board of directors selected for nomination? - Stockholders may nominate a person for election as a director if they own at least 3% of outstanding shares for three years [56] Question: Why do we give shares to executives and directors? - The compensation structure aligns executive interests with stockholders, and equity compensation has a minimal dilutive effect [58][59] Question: Will Southern Company include scope three emissions in its decarbonization goals? - Southern Company does not have direct control over scope three emissions but is working on reducing them through various initiatives [60][62] Question: How is Southern Company addressing data center demand for additional power generation? - The company projects 8% annual load growth and has commitments for over 10 gigawatts from data centers and industrial projects [64][66] Question: What is the company's approach to energy efficiency for older houses? - Southern Company emphasizes energy efficiency programs to help customers reduce their energy bills and improve system efficiency [70][72] Question: What is the outlook for distributed energy resources and grid enhancements? - The company is investing in advanced grid technologies and has a robust portfolio of customer programs to improve system efficiency [75][76] Question: What potential impacts might be from tariffs? - Southern Company does not expect a material impact from tariffs due to its strong vendor relationships and existing project contingencies [78]