Core Viewpoint - The AES Corporation is expected to report its third-quarter 2025 results on November 4, following a previous earnings surprise of 30.8% in the last quarter [1]. Factors Impacting AES' Q3 Performance - Strategic investments in infrastructure modernization and grid resilience are anticipated to enhance operational efficiency and reliability, contributing positively to the upcoming quarterly results [2]. - Increased electricity demand from data centers, particularly driven by artificial intelligence workloads, is expected to support AES' earnings [3]. - Warmer-than-normal temperatures during the third quarter likely boosted electricity demand for cooling, positively impacting the company's revenue [4]. Q3 Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is set at 74 cents per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 4.2% [5]. - The revenue estimate stands at $3.31 billion, indicating a 0.7% growth year over year [5]. Earnings Prediction - The company's Earnings ESP is +1.70%, suggesting a strong likelihood of an earnings beat this quarter [6]. - AES currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3, indicating a hold position [7]. Other Industry Players - Xcel Energy is also expected to report an earnings beat with an Earnings ESP of +0.38% and a Zacks Rank of 3 [8]. - Eversource Energy is projected to have an earnings beat with an Earnings ESP of +5.13% and a Zacks Rank of 3 [10]. - Alliant Energy is likely to report an earnings beat with an Earnings ESP of +0.43% and a Zacks Rank of 3 [11].

Core Insights - Google is collaborating with NextEra Energy to revive the Duane Arnold Energy Center nuclear power plant in Iowa, which was closed in 2020 [1][2] - The partnership aims to enhance Google's zero-carbon energy sources for its data centers, with Google agreeing to purchase a majority of the plant's power for 25 years [3][4] Company Developments - NextEra Energy has been seeking a partner for the past year to restart the Duane Arnold reactor, which was originally designed to generate 601 megawatts of electricity, with plans to add an additional 14 megawatts upon renovation [2][3] - The Duane Arnold Energy Center was shut down due to damage from a summer derecho, affecting its secondary containment system [2] Industry Trends - There is a growing trend of reviving nuclear power plants as tech companies and data center developers look for reliable energy sources amid increasing electricity demand [4] - Restarting existing reactors is viewed as a quicker alternative to building new nuclear facilities, which can take years to develop, while companies are also exploring solar and battery solutions for faster deployment [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.53, raising the bottom of its guidance by $0.10 due to strong financial results and sales growth [4][21] - Weather-adjusted sales increased approximately 4.5%, with industrial sales growing more than 7% primarily from new and expansion customers [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a first quartile net promoter score for utility residential service, maintaining this position [4] - The digital LIHEAP platform received a Silver Best Practices Award for excellence in serving vulnerable customers [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Entergy Mississippi announced a $300 million investment to improve grid reliability, expected to reduce outages by half within five years [8] - The data center pipeline has grown to 7-12 GW based on active customer conversations, indicating strong demand for energy infrastructure [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining low rates for customers while managing fuel volatility through hedging programs [5][6] - Entergy is actively pursuing new industrial customers, including hyperscale data centers, while ensuring they contribute fairly to energy infrastructure costs [7][9] - The capital plan for 2026-2029 is set at $41 billion, with $4.4 billion in equity planned, indicating a proactive approach to funding growth [23][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving long-term growth outlooks, supported by strong customer demand and regulatory mechanisms [4][19] - The company anticipates continued significant transmission investment driven by customer needs and growth in service territories [49][50] Other Important Information - The company has secured approximately 75% of critical equipment for owned projects, with a clear line of sight for the remaining 25% [11] - Entergy Texas was awarded $200 million in grant funding for resilience projects, enhancing storm readiness without additional costs to customers [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Updated CapEx plan and 4.5 GW of power island equipment - The $41 billion CapEx includes capital needed to support forecasted load, with the 4.5 GW supporting additional customers in the pipeline [31] Question: Long-term EPS growth outlook beyond 2030 - Management indicated good visibility through 2029, with potential for long-term growth opportunities as additional customers are secured [32] Question: Customer demand for renewable components - The company is exploring all types of resources, including gas and renewables, to meet customer needs [34] Question: Arkansas project ramp-up and local stakeholder views - The project is in early stages, with strong local support and expected to proceed as planned [46] Question: Impact of large customers on existing customers - Large new customers are expected to help existing customers by covering incremental costs during construction [106] Question: Potential for onsite power generation by data centers - While data centers could self-generate, they prefer to avoid capital investment in generation, allowing Entergy to build nearby generation facilities [103] Question: Arkansas rate case filing - The team is still working on the case, but benefits from large new customers are expected to be outlined in the filing [106] Question: Clarification on 8 GW for additional growth - The 8 GW represents growth opportunities above the forecast, with a total of 19.5 GW now identified [87] Question: Renewable commitments for hyperscalers - Additional renewables are expected to be associated with large hyperscale deployments, complementing gas commitments [88]

Core Viewpoint - FirstEnergy Inc. stock is currently trading at $46.17, showing a slight increase of 0.02% in the current session, with a 0.18% increase over the past month and a 10.10% increase over the past year, leading to mixed sentiments among investors regarding its valuation [1] Group 1: Stock Performance - The stock price of FirstEnergy Inc. is $46.17, reflecting a 0.02% increase in the current session [1] - Over the past month, the stock has increased by 0.18% [1] - In the past year, the stock has appreciated by 10.10% [1] Group 2: Price-to-Earnings Ratio Analysis - The P/E ratio is a critical metric for assessing the company's market performance, comparing the current share price to its earnings per share (EPS) [5] - FirstEnergy Inc. has a P/E ratio of 20.07, which is lower than the industry average P/E ratio of 23.26 in the Electric Utilities sector [6] - A lower P/E ratio may suggest that the stock is undervalued or that shareholders do not expect significant future growth [9]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.53, raising the bottom of its guidance by $0.10 due to strong financial results and sales growth [3][19] - Weather-adjusted sales increased approximately 4.5%, with industrial sales growing over 7% primarily from new and expansion customers [19][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a first quartile net promoter score for utility residential service, maintaining this position [3] - The digital LIHEAP platform received a Silver Best Practices Award for excellence in serving vulnerable customers [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Entergy Mississippi announced a $300 million investment to improve grid reliability, aiming to reduce outages by half within five years [6][7] - The data center pipeline has grown to 7 to 12 gigawatts based on active customer conversations [8][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining low rates for customers while managing fuel volatility through hedging programs [4] - Entergy is actively pursuing new industrial customers, including hyperscale data centers, while ensuring they contribute fairly to energy infrastructure investments [5][8] - The capital plan for 2026 through 2029 is set at $41 billion, with $4.4 billion in equity planned [21][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving long-term growth outlooks, supported by a strong customer pipeline and ongoing investments in reliability and resilience [18][24] - The company is well-positioned to respond to national security priorities through rapid energy deployment [17][18] Other Important Information - The company has secured approximately 75% of critical equipment for owned projects, with a clear line of sight for the remaining 25% [10] - Entergy Texas was awarded $200 million in grant funding for resilience projects, with no cost to customers [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on CapEx plan and 4.5 gigawatts of power equipment - The $41 billion CapEx includes capital needed to support forecasted load, with the 4.5 gigawatts supporting additional customers [28] Question: Long-term EPS growth outlook beyond 2030 - The company has good visibility through 2029 and sees long-term opportunities beyond that period [29] Question: Customer resource mix preferences - The company is exploring both gas and renewable resources to meet customer needs, with an all-of-the-above approach [30][31] Question: Timeframe for 4.5 gigawatts of power equipment - The six units are expected to support commercial operations in 2031 and 2032, with ongoing discussions for additional turbine supply [46][47] Question: Potential for onsite power generation by data centers - The company is building generation close to customer locations, and customers prefer to avoid capital investment in generation [81] Question: Arkansas rate case filing - The team is still working on the case, and benefits from large new customers will be outlined in the filing [84] Question: Breakdown of the 12-gigawatt pipeline - The pipeline includes opportunities at various stages but does not include signed ESAs until certainty is achieved [63] Question: Clarification on 8 gigawatts for additional growth - The company clarified that the 8 gigawatts is part of the overall forecast, with additional growth opportunities identified [72] Question: Renewable commitments for hyperscalers - The company expects additional renewables associated with large hyperscale deployments, with ongoing discussions for solar projects [73]

Core Insights - NiSource Inc. reported third-quarter 2025 operating earnings per share (EPS) of 19 cents, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 20 cents by 5% and down by a penny from the previous year [1] - The company’s total revenues reached $1.28 billion, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.17 billion by 8.6% and increasing 18.3% year-over-year [2][9] Financial Performance - Total operating expenses were $0.98 billion, up 13.7% from $0.86 billion in the prior-year quarter [3] - Operating income increased to $297.5 million, a rise of 36.3% from $218.3 million in the previous year [3] - Net interest expenses rose to $179.8 million, up 33.6% from $134.6 million in the prior-year quarter [3] Sales and Distribution - Total gas distribution in Sales and Transportation (excluding weather) was 100.2 Million British Thermal Units per day (MMDth), up 3.5% from 96.8 MMDth in the prior-year quarter [4] - Total electric sales (excluding weather) were recorded at 4,621.6 gigawatt-hours (GWh), an increase of 0.8% from 4,587.1 GWh in the prior-year quarter [4] Financial Position - Cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2025, were $95 million, down from $156.6 million as of December 31, 2024 [5] - Long-term debts as of September 30, 2025, were $14.47 billion, compared to $12.07 billion as of December 31, 2024 [5] - Net cash flows from operating activities in the first nine months of 2025 were $1.65 billion, up from $1.24 billion in the same period of 2024 [5] Liquidity and Guidance - NiSource's liquidity as of September 30, 2025, was nearly $3 billion, sufficient to meet near-term obligations [6] - The company reaffirmed 2025 non-GAAP earnings guidance of $1.85-$1.89 per share and expects 2026 non-GAAP earnings in the range of $2.02-$2.07 [7] - NiSource anticipates an earnings CAGR of 6-8% through 2030 [7] Capital Expenditure - The company plans a capital expenditure of $28 billion for the 2026-2030 period, which is nearly $8.6 billion higher than the previous five-year plan, primarily driven by $7 billion in strategic investments for data centers [8][9]

Core Insights - American Electric Power Company, Inc. (AEP) reported third-quarter 2025 operating earnings per share (EPS) of $1.80, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.81 by 0.6% and declining 2.7% from $1.85 in the same quarter last year [1][8] - Total revenues for AEP reached $6.01 billion, representing a 10.9% increase from $5.42 billion in the year-ago quarter and exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.65 billion by 6.5% [2][8] - AEP reaffirmed its 2025 operating earnings guidance, expecting earnings in the range of $5.75-$5.95 per share, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate at $5.90 per share, above the midpoint of the company's projected range [5][8] Revenue Performance - AEP's total revenues increased to $6.01 billion, up 10.9% from $5.42 billion in the previous year [2][8] Segmental Performance - Vertically Integrated Utility Operations: Operating earnings increased slightly to $573.5 million from $572.4 million year-over-year [3] - Transmission & Distribution Utilities: Operating earnings rose to $259.1 million from $245.2 million in the year-ago quarter [3] - AEP Transmission Holdco: This segment's operating earnings decreased to $199.9 million from $214.7 million in the previous year [3] - Generation and Marketing: Operating earnings fell to $48.4 million from $99.2 million year-over-year [4] - All Other: This segment reported an operating loss of $118 million, which was an improvement from a loss of $146.1 million in the year-ago quarter [4] Future Outlook - AEP has reaffirmed its 2025 operating earnings guidance, maintaining expectations of $5.75-$5.95 per share [5][8] Market Position - AEP currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [6]

Financial Performance & Guidance - The company reaffirmed the upper half of its 2025 adjusted EPS guidance at $1.85-$1.89 and initiated 2026 consolidated adjusted EPS guidance of $2.02-$2.07 [16] - The company is targeting an annual base plan adjusted EPS growth of 6%-8% from 2026-2030 and a consolidated adjusted EPS CAGR of 8%-9% from 2026-2033 [12] - The company anticipates Funds From Operations (FFO) to Debt to be 14%-16% annually through 2030 [12] Capital Investment & Rate Base - The company increased its enterprise capital plan to $28.0 billion for 2026-2030, representing an approximate 45% increase from the prior 5-year plan [16] - The company plans for base plan capital investments of $21.0 billion from 2026-2030 and approximately $7.0 billion in data center capital investment, supporting a 9%-11% consolidated Rate Base CAGR from 2026-2033 [16] - The company's year-end 2024 regulated electric and gas rate base was $21.3 billion [12] Data Center Strategy & GenCo - The company established a commercial partnership with a large investment-grade data center customer to power 3 GW of generation capacity in Northern Indiana [23] - The company's GenCo capital investment is projected to be approximately $7.0 billion [12] - The company is in strategic negotiations for an additional 1-3 GW of load [12] Third Quarter 2025 Results - The company's GAAP net income available to common shareholders for the third quarter of 2025 was $94.7 million, compared to $85.7 million in the third quarter of 2024 [40] - The company's adjusted net income available to common shareholders for the third quarter of 2025 was $91.8 million, compared to $89.9 million in the third quarter of 2024 [40]

Core Insights - American Electric Power (AEP) reported revenue of $6.01 billion for the quarter ended September 2025, reflecting an 11.3% increase year-over-year and exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.65 billion by 6.46% [1] - The company's EPS was $1.80, slightly down from $1.85 in the same quarter last year, resulting in an EPS surprise of -0.55% against the consensus estimate of $1.81 [1] Financial Performance - Total Energy Sales for Vertically Integrated Utilities reached 29,565 GWh, surpassing the average estimate of 28,865.97 GWh [4] - Total Energy Sales for Transmission & Distribution Utilities amounted to 28,636 GWh, exceeding the average estimate of 27,730.36 GWh [4] - Total Energy Sales for Wholesale Electric - Transmission & Distribution Utilities was 552 GWh, compared to the estimated 526.65 GWh [4] - Total Energy Sales for Retail Electric - Transmission & Distribution Utilities totaled 28,084 GWh, above the average estimate of 27,203.71 GWh [4] - Operating Earnings (non-GAAP) for Vertically Integrated Utilities were $573.5 million, below the average estimate of $606.24 million [4] - Operating Earnings (non-GAAP) for Transmission & Distribution Utilities were $259.1 million, exceeding the average estimate of $231.1 million [4] - Operating Earnings (non-GAAP) for AEP Transmission Holdco were $199.9 million, below the average estimate of $208.08 million [4] - Operating Earnings (non-GAAP) for Generation & Marketing were $48.4 million, compared to the average estimate of $56.13 million [4] - Operating Earnings (GAAP) for Vertically Integrated Utilities were $578.2 million, slightly above the average estimate of $562.55 million [4] Market Performance - AEP shares returned +2.3% over the past month, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite increased by +3.8% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Core Insights - Entergy Corporation (ETR) reported third-quarter 2025 earnings of $1.53 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.46 by 4.8% and improving 2% from the previous year's $1.50 [1][7] - The company achieved revenues of $3.81 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.51 billion by 8.6% and increasing 12.4% from $3.39 billion in the same quarter last year [2][7] Financial Performance - Operating expenses rose to $2.69 billion, a 19% increase from $2.26 billion in the prior-year quarter [4] - Operating income was reported at $1.12 billion, down 0.9% from $1.13 billion in the year-ago period [4] - Total interest expenses increased to $324.9 million, up 10% from $295.1 million reported in the comparable period of 2024 [4] Segment Results - Utility segment earnings were $1.79 per share, a decrease from $1.82 reported in the third quarter of 2024 [3] - The Parent & Other segment posted a loss of 26 cents per share, an improvement from a loss of 33 cents in the third quarter of 2024 [3] Cash Flow and Debt - As of September 30, 2025, Entergy had cash and cash equivalents of $1.52 billion, up from $0.86 billion as of December 31, 2024 [5] - Long-term debt totaled $27.06 billion, compared to $26.61 billion as of December 31, 2024 [5] - Cash generated from operating activities was $2.13 billion, compared to $1.56 billion in the year-ago period [5] Guidance - Entergy has narrowed its financial guidance for 2025, now expecting adjusted earnings in the range of $3.85 to $3.95 per share, compared to the previous guidance of $3.75-$3.95 [6][7] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ETR's earnings is currently pegged at $3.90 per share, aligning with the midpoint of its revised guidance [6] Market Position - ETR currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a favorable outlook in the market [8]