Core Insights - Duke Energy Foundation is launching America250 grants to celebrate America's 250th anniversary, inviting qualified nonprofits to apply for funding between $5,000 and $20,000 [1][5] - The initiative aims to support community-led projects that reflect on the nation's history and contributions of all Americans, focusing on uplifting local communities [1][4] Funding Details - The application window for the America250 grants opens on January 12 and closes on February 20 [5] - The Foundation allocates over $30 million annually in philanthropic support to communities where Duke Energy operates [2] Project Focus Areas - Grants will support projects that empower veterans, enhance green spaces, and expand access to history and civics education [4] - Specific project categories include workforce development for veterans, local history projects, and community cleanups or park revitalizations [4] Eligibility Criteria - Eligible applicants are qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Duke Energy communities, while governmental entities are not eligible for funding [5] - Each organization can submit only one application [5]

Core Viewpoint - Duke Energy will release its fourth-quarter and year-end 2025 financial results on February 10, 2026, at 7 a.m. ET, followed by an earnings conference call at 10 a.m. ET to discuss the results and other updates [1][2]. Company Overview - Duke Energy is a Fortune 150 company based in Charlotte, N.C., serving 8.6 million electric customers across several states and owning 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity [4]. - The company also provides natural gas services to 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio, and Kentucky [4]. Business Strategy - Duke Energy is focused on an ambitious energy transition, prioritizing customer reliability and value while investing in electric grid upgrades and cleaner energy generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables, and energy storage [5].

Core Viewpoint - Utility stocks have historically been viewed as a necessary but unexciting investment choice, akin to eating vegetables [1] Group 1 - Utility stocks are often perceived as stable but lack the excitement of other investment options [1]

Core Insights - Chesapeake Utilities Corporation has promoted Michael Cassel to senior vice president of strategic development, effective January 2, 2026, to enhance business development and strategic planning efforts [1][2] Group 1: Leadership and Role - Michael Cassel will lead business development, external affairs, and strategic planning to identify emerging opportunities and support sustainable growth [1] - Cassel has been with Chesapeake Utilities since March 2008, advancing through various roles, including vice president of strategic development and vice president of governmental and regulatory affairs [2] Group 2: Company Overview - Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is a diversified energy delivery company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, providing sustainable energy solutions through natural gas transmission, electricity generation, propane distribution, and other services [3]

Group 1 - Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO) is recognized as one of the 14 Best Dividend Growth Stocks to Buy and Hold in 2026, indicating strong potential for dividend growth [1] - Morgan Stanley downgraded Atmos Energy from Overweight to Equal Weight and reduced its price target from $182 to $172, reflecting a cautious outlook for utility stocks in 2026 due to political and regulatory risks [2] - Atmos Energy has a forward dividend yield of approximately 2.3%, with a historical annualized growth rate of over 8% for its quarterly dividend over the past decade, supported by management's guidance for 6%-8% earnings growth [3][4] Group 2 - The company is based in Dallas and distributes natural gas to customers across the United States, maintaining a consistent long-term dividend growth record typical of utility companies [4] - While Atmos Energy is seen as a viable investment, there are suggestions that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential with less downside risk [5]

Core Insights - Eversource Energy is recognized as one of the 14 Best Dividend Growth Stocks to Buy and Hold in 2026 [1] - UBS has lowered its price target for Eversource Energy to $73 from $78 while maintaining a Neutral rating, citing constructive regulatory progress [2] - Eversource experienced strong gains in 2025, with shares rising over 18%, but faced a nearly 9% drop in November due to regulatory rejection of its water utility business sale [3] Regulatory Developments - Eversource's NStar Gas reached a rate settlement with the Massachusetts Attorney General, which, if approved, would help the company avoid a formal rate case and resolve pending regulatory issues [2] - The company had agreed to sell its water utility, Aquarion, for $2.4 billion, but regulators rejected the sale due to concerns over managerial suitability and public interest, despite meeting financial and technological requirements [4] - The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority is exploring a non-profit ownership model for water utilities, but has found it challenging to move away from the investor-owned structure [5] Financial Performance - Eversource's share price increased by more than 18% in 2025, but the momentum was hindered by a nearly 9% decline in November following regulatory decisions [3] - The proposed sale of Aquarion was initially seen as a strategic move to streamline operations and reduce debt, but regulatory hurdles have complicated these efforts [4]

Investment Themes for 2026 - The primary investment theme for 2026 is "follow the money," focusing on sectors where significant capital will be allocated, particularly in AI infrastructure, aerospace and defense, power solutions, and biotech [2][3]. AI Infrastructure - An estimated $3 to $4 trillion will be spent on AI infrastructure by the end of the decade, covering areas such as data center construction and power solutions [1]. - Comfort Systems (ticker: FIX) is highlighted as a key player in this sector, providing cooling solutions for data centers and warehouses [3]. Aerospace and Defense - Increased military spending globally is expected to benefit defense contractors, with L3Harris identified as a notable company providing missile defense capabilities [1][3]. Power Solutions - Utilities like Duke Energy (ticker: DUK) and NextEra Energy are positioned to benefit from the demand for natural gas and nuclear power solutions [3]. Biotech and Healthcare - The biotech sector is seen as a growth area, especially as large pharmaceutical companies face challenges with drug pricing and patent expirations. Indivior is mentioned as a small-cap biotech company with drugs in the FDA approval pipeline for treating substance abuse disorders [1][3]. Market Dynamics - The influence of the "Mag Seven" tech stocks on the S&P 500 is diminishing, which is viewed positively for market sustainability. Nvidia remains a key player in the AI ecosystem, expanding into autonomous vehicles and robotics [5]. - Concerns exist regarding Tesla's profitability as it transitions from a car company to a robotics company [7]. Volatility and Investment Strategy - Anticipation of increased volatility in 2026 due to various factors, including government funding issues and potential changes in Federal Reserve leadership [8]. - Investors are advised to maintain their risk tolerance and diversify their portfolios, considering defensive sectors like utilities and healthcare during volatile periods [9]. Fixed Income Opportunities - Municipal bonds are highlighted as attractive for high-tax bracket investors due to their tax-free income potential, with expectations for record new issuances in 2026 [10]. Geopolitical Considerations - The situation in Venezuela is noted for its limited short-term impact on the energy market, as the country currently produces less than 1% of global oil output [13]. Valuation Perspectives - Current market valuations are above historical averages, but this does not preclude further market growth. Investors are encouraged to focus on diversified portfolios and growth potential rather than chasing high-priced stocks [14][15].

Core Insights - Duke Energy Florida has launched the DeBary Hydrogen Production Storage System, the first end-to-end system in the U.S. capable of producing, storing, and combusting up to 100% green hydrogen, aimed at diversifying and strengthening its generation fleet while meeting energy demand [1]. Company Overview - Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, operates with 12,300 megawatts of energy capacity, serving 2 million customers across a 13,000-square-mile area in Florida [5]. - Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company, serves 8.4 million customers across multiple states and collectively owns 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity [6]. Energy Transition Strategy - The company is focused on an ambitious energy transition, investing in electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation methods, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables, and energy storage [7]. DeBary Hydrogen System Functionality - The DeBary system utilizes existing solar energy to power electrolyzer units that separate water into oxygen and hydrogen, with the hydrogen stored for later use [8]. - During peak energy demand, the stored green hydrogen is delivered to an upgraded combustion turbine that can operate on a blend of natural gas and hydrogen or 100% hydrogen, enhancing flexibility in energy generation [8]. - This system allows for on-demand energy supply, independent of time or weather, supporting the integration of renewable energy sources like solar [8]. Strategic Importance - The DeBary hydrogen project reflects Duke Energy Florida's commitment to strategic infrastructure investments that enhance reliability and meet increasing energy demand [8]. - Company executives emphasize that diverse generation leads to strong and reliable energy production, highlighting the project's potential impact on the industry and customer value [8].

Core Viewpoint - Dominion Energy will host its fourth-quarter 2025 earnings call on February 23, 2026, at 11 a.m. ET to discuss financial results and matters of interest to stakeholders [1]. Group 1: Earnings Call Details - The earnings call will be accessible via a live webcast on the investor information pages [1]. - For those preferring to join by telephone, domestic callers can dial 1-800-445-7795, while international callers should use 1-785-424-1699, with the conference ID being DOMINION [2]. - A replay of the webcast will be available by the end of the day on February 23, and a telephonic replay will start at about 2 p.m. ET on the same day [3]. Group 2: Company Overview - Dominion Energy, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, provides regulated electricity to 3.6 million homes and businesses across Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and regulated natural gas service to 500,000 customers in South Carolina [4]. - The company is a leading developer and operator of regulated offshore wind and solar power and is the largest producer of carbon-free electricity in New England [4]. - Dominion Energy's mission focuses on delivering reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy to its customers [4].

Group 1 - Berkshire Hathaway Inc. CEO Greg Abel will receive an annual cash salary of $25 million, significantly higher than Warren Buffett's long-standing salary of $100,000 [1] - Abel's salary represents a 19% increase from his previous salary of $21 million in 2024, with total compensation slightly higher due to additional benefits [3] - Buffett, who is 95 years old, announced that he would step down as CEO in January, while continuing to serve as chairman of the company [2] Group 2 - Abel is responsible for managing Berkshire Hathaway's substantial cash reserves, which amount to $382 billion [3] - Despite Abel's increased salary, it remains modest compared to the compensation packages of tech executives, such as Elon Musk's $1 trillion package approved by Tesla shareholders [5] - Abel has been with Berkshire Hathaway since 1999 and has held various leadership roles, including CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Energy and vice chairman overseeing non-insurance businesses [6]