We came across a bullish thesis on Edison International on Research Corner’s Substack by Qian Yuantian. In this article, we will summarize the bulls’ thesis on EIX. Edison International's share was trading at $58.89 as of November 28th. EIX’s trailing and forward P/E were 7.72 and 9.67 respectively according to Yahoo Finance. Wells Fargo Starts Coverage on Eversource (ES) With Overweight Rating and $79 Price Target Edison International, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation and distribution ...

Core Insights - NextEra Energy is a leading electric power and energy infrastructure company, focusing on clean energy assets such as natural gas, wind, solar, and nuclear energy [1] Business Structure - NextEra Energy operates two distinct businesses: Florida Power & Light (FPL), the largest electric utility in the U.S., serving approximately 12 million customers in Florida, and NextEra Energy Resources, a major energy infrastructure development company [2][3] Financial Performance - The company has achieved an adjusted earnings per share growth rate of 8.9% annually over the past two decades, significantly outpacing the average utility growth rate of 3.3% [6] - Over the past decade, NextEra's growth rate has accelerated to 10%, compared to 3.1% for its peers [6] Growth Drivers - FPL benefits from Florida's rapid growth and abundant sunshine, allowing for significant investments in solar energy to meet rising power demand [7] - NextEra Energy Resources has capitalized on the increasing demand for clean energy, contributing to the company's overall growth [7] Future Outlook - The company anticipates continued growth, projecting adjusted earnings-per-share growth at the upper end of its 6% to 8% annual target range through 2027 [8] - NextEra expects to increase its dividend by approximately 10% annually through at least next year [8] Competitive Advantages - NextEra Energy's operations in Florida and its focus on clean energy infrastructure provide it with significant competitive advantages, enabling faster growth compared to average utility companies [9]

Core Insights - Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is acquiring the Oregon Clean Energy Center, an 870 MW natural gas plant, to enhance its energy generation capabilities and meet future customer demands [1][2][3][4]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition of the Oregon Clean Energy Center is part of I&M's Future Ready plan, aimed at providing reliable and cost-effective energy as demand increases [2]. - I&M has received necessary regulatory approvals from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to proceed with the acquisition, expected to be completed by March 2026 [3]. Group 2: Demand and Growth Strategy - I&M anticipates a significant increase in power demand, projecting growth from approximately 2,800 MW in 2024 to over 7,000 MW by 2030, necessitating a proactive approach to energy generation and infrastructure [5][7]. - The Oregon facility will contribute to a stable power supply for both existing and new customers, complementing I&M's diverse generation portfolio, which includes solar, wind, nuclear, coal, and hydroelectric resources [6]. Group 3: Company Overview - I&M serves over 600,000 customers and has a generation portfolio that includes 2,278 MW of nuclear, 450 MW of wind, and 1,497 MW of coal generation, with more than 85% of its energy delivered in 2024 being emission-free [7]. - American Electric Power (AEP), I&M's parent company, plans to invest $72 billion from 2026 to 2030 to enhance service and support growing energy needs across its service territories [8].

Core Insights - PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG) is highlighted as an interesting stock by Jim Cramer, particularly in the context of power supply and AI demand [2][3] - CEO Patty Poppe asserts that the issue is not a lack of power supply but rather a challenge in load balancing, indicating that PG&E has sufficient power to support additional data centers [2][3] Company Overview - PG&E Corporation is positioned as a key player in the energy sector, with a focus on addressing the power needs of AI and data centers [2][3] - The company has been mentioned in discussions regarding the broader implications of energy supply for technological advancements, particularly in AI [2][3] Market Context - The conversation around PG&E's capabilities comes amid a growing demand for power from AI technologies, suggesting potential growth opportunities for the company [2][3] - Comparisons are made to other energy sources, such as nuclear power, indicating a shift in energy strategies that could impact PG&E's operations and market position [3]

Core Insights - Duke Energy is focused on supporting the growth of AI companies by enhancing the speed of power delivery and building transmission lines more efficiently [3][4][5] - The company has secured a significant deal with Amazon, involving a $10 billion investment in Richmond County, North Carolina, which is expected to create 500 jobs [5][6] - Duke Energy is committed to ensuring that the costs associated with serving large clients like Amazon do not burden the broader customer base, implementing special contract terms to protect existing customers [8][9] Company Strategy - Duke Energy aims to facilitate the AI boom by improving infrastructure and power delivery speed, which is crucial for attracting tech companies [3][12] - The company is constructing 7.5 gigawatts of new gas-fired power plants in North Carolina, leveraging existing gas pipelines to ensure reliability and affordability for new customers [13] Economic Impact - The Amazon deal represents the largest investment in North Carolina's history, highlighting the state's attractiveness for business and potential for economic growth [5][6] - The influx of data centers and tech companies is expected to contribute to a reduction in fixed costs for all customers over time, as these companies will help share the financial burden [11]

Core Insights - Zacks Premium offers various tools for investors to enhance their stock market engagement and confidence [1] - The Zacks Style Scores provide a framework for evaluating stocks based on value, growth, and momentum [2] Zacks Style Scores Overview - The Style Scores utilize an alphabetic rating system from A to F, where A indicates the highest potential for stock outperformance [3] - The Style Scores are categorized into four types: Value Score, Growth Score, Momentum Score, and VGM Score [3][4][5][6] Value Score - The Value Score focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using financial ratios such as P/E, PEG, and Price/Sales [3] Growth Score - The Growth Score assesses stocks based on their future earnings, sales, and cash flow potential [4] Momentum Score - The Momentum Score evaluates stocks based on price trends and earnings estimate changes, helping investors capitalize on market movements [5] VGM Score - The VGM Score combines all three Style Scores to identify stocks with the best value, growth, and momentum characteristics [6] Zacks Rank Integration - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that leverages earnings estimate revisions to guide investors in stock selection [7] - Stocks rated 1 (Strong Buy) have historically outperformed the S&P 500 with an average annual return of +23.93% since 1988 [7] Stock Selection Strategy - Investors are encouraged to select stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B for optimal success [9] - The direction of earnings estimate revisions is crucial in stock selection, as downward trends can indicate potential price declines [10] Company Spotlight: Constellation Energy Corporation (CEG) - Constellation Energy Corporation, based in Baltimore, MD, provides electric power and natural gas services to 2 million customers [11] - CEG holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) and a VGM Score of B, indicating moderate potential [11] - The company is projected to achieve year-over-year earnings growth of 8.9% for the current fiscal year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate of $9.44 per share [12]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent volatility in the stock market and highlights four companies that have recently increased their dividends, providing potential investment opportunities for cautious investors seeking steady income amidst economic uncertainty [2][3]. Economic Context - Major stock indexes have reached all-time highs, but investor sentiment remains low due to a lack of economic data from the government shutdown, the impact of tariffs imposed by President Trump, and uncertainty regarding a potential interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve [2][4]. - The Federal Reserve recently cut interest rates by 0.25 percentage points, but this did not positively affect stock prices, as Chairman Jerome Powell expressed doubts about further cuts this year [4][5]. - The ongoing government shutdown has deprived investors of key economic data, contributing to fears of a recession as the labor market continues to shrink [6]. Company Highlights - **CDW Corporation**: Announced a dividend of $0.63 per share, with a dividend yield of 1.76%. Over the past five years, CDW has increased its dividend six times, with a payout ratio of 26% of earnings [9][8]. - **California Resources Corporation**: Declared a dividend of $0.41 per share, yielding 3.32%. The company has increased its dividend four times in the last five years, with a payout ratio of 34% of earnings [11][10]. - **Exxon Mobil Corporation**: Announced a dividend of $1.03 per share, yielding 3.47%. Exxon has increased its dividend five times over the past five years, with a payout ratio of 57% of earnings [13][12]. - **Entergy Corporation**: Declared a dividend of $0.64 per share, yielding 2.49%. Entergy has increased its dividend six times in the last five years, with a payout ratio of 59% of earnings [14][12].

Group 1: Earnings Performance - Consolidated Edison (Con Ed) reported quarterly earnings of $1.9 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.76 per share, and up from $1.68 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of +7.95% [1] - The company posted revenues of $4.53 billion for the quarter ended September 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 8.82%, compared to $4.09 billion in the same quarter last year [2] - Over the last four quarters, Con Ed has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times and topped consensus revenue estimates four times [2] Group 2: Stock Performance and Outlook - Con Ed shares have increased approximately 7.7% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P 500 has gained 15.6% [3] - The company's earnings outlook, including current consensus earnings expectations for upcoming quarters, will be crucial for investors [4] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the coming quarter is $0.92 on revenues of $3.74 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $5.62 on revenues of $16.29 billion [7] Group 3: Industry Context - The Utility - Electric Power industry, to which Con Ed belongs, is currently ranked in the top 23% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a favorable outlook [8] - Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which can impact Con Ed's stock performance [5][6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported third-quarter adjusted earnings of $2.03 per share, a slight increase from $2.02 per share a year ago, driven by a recovery of regulated investments and growth in weather-normalized demand [5][26] - Year-to-date adjusted earnings are $3.41 per share compared to $3.46 per share a year ago, leading to a narrowed 2025 adjusted EPS guidance range of $3.92-$4.02 per share from the original range of $3.92-$4.12 per share [5][28] - The lower midpoint of guidance is primarily due to weather headwinds impacting results by $0.13 per share [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Weather-normalized demand increased by 2% in the third quarter compared to the previous year, supported by increases in both residential and commercial usage [27] - The recovery of regulated investments contributed an additional $0.11 to EPS, while higher depreciation and interest expenses led to a $0.07 decrease in EPS [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The unemployment rates in Missouri, Kansas, and the Kansas City metro area remain below the national average of 4.3%, supporting robust customer demand in service areas [27] - The company has a strong economic development pipeline with opportunities exceeding 15 GW, indicating a robust backlog relative to its size [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a five-year capital investment plan that includes expected generation investments to meet growing demand and regulatory requirements [9][32] - The strategy emphasizes affordability and competitiveness, with a commitment to maintaining a lower rate trajectory compared to regional peers [21][23] - The company aims to attract large new customers through a proposed large load power service tariff that ensures they pay a fair share of system costs [23][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term outlook, bolstered by economic development opportunities and necessary investments [6][30] - The company anticipates significant load growth driven by large data center projects, with expectations of 4-5% annual load growth through 2029 [31][34] - Management highlighted the importance of collaboration with stakeholders to advance regulatory frameworks that support growth [20][19] Other Important Information - A 4% increase in the quarterly dividend to $2.78 per share was announced, aligning with the updated growth outlook [8] - The company is nearing completion of its 27th refueling outage at Wolf Creek, which generates around 1,200 MW of non-carbon emitting energy [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the priorities for the 2026 Missouri legislative session? - Management indicated that the focus will be on implementing elements of SB4-related rulemakings, with expectations for a lighter legislative calendar in 2026 [40][41] Question: How will the growth rate profile look in the upcoming capital plan? - Management refrained from providing specifics but indicated that the updated financial plan will outline the relationship between load growth and capital investments [42][43] Question: How much competition exists in attracting large loads within the service territory? - Management noted strong collaboration between Kansas and Missouri, with legislative truces in place to mitigate competition for economic development [50][51] Question: How much of the $17.5 billion capital expenditure is subject to typical rate case filings? - Management explained that all investments are subject to reviews, with mechanisms in place to mitigate regulatory lag [52][53] Question: What is the impact of the Lambda data center on sales growth? - Management clarified that the Lambda project is expected to contribute to load growth, with further quantification to be provided in future updates [62][64] Question: What is the status of the LLPS tariff discussions? - Management confirmed a unanimous settlement agreement in Kansas and a partial settlement in Missouri, with decisions expected soon [70][71] Question: How will the financing plan be impacted by new agreements? - Management indicated that cash flows from new customers could significantly improve operations, potentially reducing equity funding needs [84][85]

Market Overview - Wall Street experienced significant volatility, with major indexes reaching all-time highs, yet investor sentiment remains low due to economic uncertainties [1][3] - The ongoing government shutdown has resulted in a lack of key economic data, complicating investors' ability to gauge the economy's future [5] Federal Reserve Actions - The Federal Reserve recently cut interest rates by 0.25 percentage points for the second time this year, but this did not boost stock performance [3] - Chairman Jerome Powell expressed uncertainty regarding further rate cuts, indicating differing views among Fed officials on future monetary policy [4] Economic Concerns - The labor market is showing signs of contraction, raising fears of a potential recession [5] - Tariffs imposed by President Trump, particularly in relation to China, have contributed to market volatility and increased concerns among investors [6] Dividend-Paying Stocks - In light of market uncertainties, investors may consider dividend-paying stocks for steady income and capital protection [2] - Four companies recently announced dividend increases: - **CDW Corporation**: Dividend of $0.63 per share with a yield of 1.76%, increased dividends six times in five years, payout ratio at 26% [8][7] - **California Resources Corporation**: Dividend of $0.41 per share with a yield of 3.32%, increased dividends four times in five years, payout ratio at 34% [10][9] - **Exxon Mobil Corporation**: Dividend of $1.03 per share with a yield of 3.47%, increased dividends five times in five years, payout ratio at 57% [12][11] - **Entergy Corporation**: Dividend of $0.64 per share with a yield of 2.49%, increased dividends six times in five years, payout ratio at 59% [13]