Core Viewpoint - WEC Energy Group, Inc. is expected to report a decline in earnings per share (EPS) for Q4 fiscal 2025, while showing overall growth in EPS for the current year and the following year [2][3]. Financial Performance - WEC Energy is anticipated to generate earnings of $1.37 per share for Q4 fiscal 2025, a decrease of 4.2% from $1.43 per share in the same quarter last year [2]. - For the current fiscal year, analysts forecast an EPS of $5.24, reflecting a 7.4% increase from $4.88 in fiscal 2024 [3]. - EPS is expected to grow by 6.9% year over year to $5.60 in fiscal 2026 [3]. - The company reported Q3 revenue of $2.1 billion, exceeding Street estimates, and an EPS of $0.83, which also topped Wall Street expectations [5]. Stock Performance - WEC shares have increased by 12.4% over the past 52 weeks, underperforming the S&P 500 Index's 16.2% rise but outperforming the State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF's 10.8% return [4]. - Following the release of Q3 earnings results, WEC shares dipped more than 1% [5]. Analyst Ratings - The consensus view on WEC is moderately bullish, with a "Moderate Buy" rating overall. Among 18 analysts, seven suggest a "Strong Buy," 10 recommend a "Hold," and one analyst gives a "Strong Sell" [6]. - The mean price target for WEC is $121.72, indicating a potential upside of 15.5% from current price levels [6].

Market Performance - France's equity benchmark CAC 40 opened flat but drifted lower, down 49.25 points or 0.6% at 8,162.25 before noon [1] - Notable declines were seen in Legrand and Dassault Systemes, which fell 3.7% and 3.6% respectively, while Capgemini and Saint Gobain lost over 3% [1] Company Movements - BNP Paribas, Hermes International, Schneider Electric, Publicis Groupe, LVMH, Air Liquide, Accor, and Societe Generale experienced losses ranging from 1% to 1.6% [2] - In contrast, Orange and STMicroElectronics gained 2.6% and 2.5% respectively, with Michelin up 1.5% and Thales and Engie gaining 1.2% and 1.1% respectively [2] Economic Indicators - France's inflation eased to a seven-month low in December, attributed to a significant drop in energy prices [2] - The consumer price index (CPI) showed an annual increase of 0.8%, the slowest since May, following a 0.9% rise in November [3] - EU harmonized inflation also unexpectedly slowed to 0.7% in December from 0.8% in November, contrary to forecasts [3] PMI Data - The HCOB France Composite PMI for December was revised to 50.0, indicating stagnant output, with the manufacturing PMI at 50.7 and the Services PMI at 50.1 [4] - The HCOB Flash Eurozone Composite PMI for December was revised to 51.5, down from a flash estimate of 51.9 and November's 30-month high of 52.8 [5]

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Core Insights - The year 2025 saw client portfolios achieving double-digit gains for the third consecutive year, reflecting resilience in corporations and consumers despite economic challenges [2] - The Federal Reserve's rate cuts aimed at achieving a "soft landing" for the economy contributed to a favorable environment for both stocks and bonds [2] - Gold emerged as a standout performer, rising 70%, while cryptocurrencies struggled, with Bitcoin experiencing significant volatility [11][12] Equities Performance - Equities experienced volatility in 2025, with initial sell-offs due to tariff announcements, particularly affecting companies with exposure to China and Vietnam [3] - Strong corporate earnings in the latter half of the year led to a rebound in stock prices, although some stocks, like Oracle, faced corrections after initial surges [4] - The technology sector, while still dominant, is showing signs of waning momentum, with a shift in focus from AI producers to users [26][28] Fixed Income - Bond yields declined throughout 2025, with the 10-year Treasury falling from 4.57% to 4.11%, benefiting client portfolios [8] - The investment strategy includes a focus on high-grade bonds and tax-free municipal debt, which are viewed as attractive in the current market [9][23] Commodities - Commodities had a strong year, with gold significantly outperforming the stock market, while cryptocurrencies faced declines [11][40] - The demand for energy is increasing, driven by factors such as data centers and electric vehicles, with companies like GE Vernova and Constellation Energy positioned to benefit [33][37] Economic Outlook - The economy is projected to grow by 2% in 2026, with consumer spending expected to increase by 2% and private investment by 2.3%, largely driven by AI-related developments [17] - Concerns about a "K-shaped economy" highlight disparities in asset appreciation, with wealth concentration among asset holders [12][13] Investment Strategy - The investment strategy for 2026 is less aggressive, with a focus on underweighting stocks and overweighting fixed income due to premium valuations and peaking earnings growth [20] - The portfolio includes a mix of traditional and alternative investments, with gold remaining a core holding as a hedge against market volatility [40]

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Group 1 - Constellation Energy Group's subsidiary, Constellation Energy Generation, is seeking $2.75 billion in new financing through the issuance of senior notes, leading to a more than 3% drop in its stock price [1][2]. - The debt issuance consists of four tranches: $900 million maturing in 2028 at 3.9%, $800 million maturing in 2066 at just under 5.88%, $750 million maturing in 2031 at 4.4%, and $300 million as a floating-rate issue maturing in 2028 [3][4]. - Proceeds from the debt issuance will be used to retire the outstanding debt of Calpine, which has a net debt of over $11.8 billion as of the end of 2024 [5][6]. Group 2 - The issuance of debt to retire existing debt is a common practice among large energy companies, which often carry significant debt due to high capital spending requirements [6]. - Despite the concerns surrounding the debt issuance, there is an indication that the company is making efforts to improve its balance sheet post-acquisition of Calpine, which may be viewed positively by bullish investors [6].

Core Insights - Warren Buffett has stepped down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, marking a significant transition for the company as he hands over leadership to Greg Abel, who is 63 years old and has been trusted by Buffett [2] Group 1: Leadership Transition - Greg Abel, the new CEO, has a background in accounting and has been with Berkshire Hathaway since it acquired MidAmerican Energy in 2000, where he rose to the top position by 2008 [4] - Abel is known for his focus on reinvesting earnings rather than paying dividends, which has allowed him to pursue acquisitions, including NV Energy and AltaLink [4] - As CEO, Abel will oversee Berkshire's insurance operations and manage a substantial cash reserve of $380 billion, which Buffett accumulated as a net seller of stocks for 12 consecutive quarters [4] Group 2: Abel's Background - Abel was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and has a personal interest in hockey, being a volunteer youth hockey coach in Des Moines, Iowa [3] - His family has a notable history in hockey, with his uncle being a three-time Stanley Cup champion [3] - Despite his extensive experience within Berkshire, Abel is still relatively unknown in the public sphere compared to Buffett [2]

Group 1 - Ameren Corporation (NYSE:AEE) is recognized as one of the 8 most profitable utility stocks to buy currently [1] - UBS maintains a buy rating on Ameren Corporation while reducing its price target from $121 to $115 [2] - Morgan Stanley keeps an Equal Weight rating on Ameren Corporation and lowers its price target from $108 to $103, highlighting data centers as a key growth driver for utility performance in 2026 [2] Group 2 - Ameren Corporation revised its long-term EPS growth guidance to a compound annual rate of 6% to 8% from 2025 through 2029, with a 2025 EPS estimate between $4.90 and $5.10 per share [3] - The projected EPS for 2026 is between $5.25 and $5.45 [3] - Ameren operates as a regulated utility in Illinois and Missouri, with improved regulations in Missouri creating substantial investment opportunities, while management has effectively navigated regulatory challenges in Illinois [4] Group 3 - The stock of Ameren Corporation has increased by 12.21% year-to-date as of December 31, 2025 [4]

Core Viewpoint - Dominion Energy, Inc. emphasizes the critical importance of the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project for national security and energy reliability in Virginia, which has the fastest rising energy demand in the U.S. [2][3] Group 1: Project Importance - The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project is deemed essential for meeting the increasing energy demands of significant entities, including the largest warship manufacturer and numerous data centers [2][3] - The company argues that halting the project could jeopardize thousands of jobs, lead to energy inflation, and threaten grid reliability for military, AI, and civilian systems [3] Group 2: Project Development and Oversight - The project has been under development for over ten years and is located 27 to 44 miles offshore, with a close partnership with military operations [3] - Dominion Energy asserts that its cyber and physical security systems are monitored by state and federal officials, ensuring compliance and safety [3] Group 3: Investment Perspective - While Dominion Energy is recognized as a potential investment, there are suggestions that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential with less downside risk [4]

Group 1: Company Overview - Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE:DUK) is one of the largest utilities in the United States, operating regulated utilities in the Carolinas, Indiana, Florida, Ohio, and Kentucky [5] Group 2: Analyst Ratings and Price Objectives - UBS reduced its price objective for Duke Energy Corporation from $135 to $126 while maintaining a Neutral rating on December 17, 2025 [2] - Morgan Stanley maintained its Equal Weight rating and lowered its price objective for Duke Energy Corporation from $133 to $126, citing data center demand as a significant factor affecting utility performance [3] Group 3: Strategic Developments - Duke Energy Corporation applied for an early site permit from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission on December 30, 2025, for a location near the Belews Creek Steam Station in North Carolina, marking the end of two years of preparatory work [4]