HOUSTON, Jan. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quantum Capital Group (“Quantum”) today announced that it has entered into definitive agreements to sell approximately 90% of the modern natural gas generation assets owned by Cogentrix Energy (“Cogentrix” or the “Company”), a premier U.S. independent power producer, to Vistra Corp. (NYSE: VST) for a total consideration of approximately $4.7 billion. The Company will retain its ownership interest in Cedar Bayou 4, a 550 MW natural gas-fired plant in Baytown, Texas. ...

Highlights Acquisition of Cogentrix includes ~5,500 megawatts of modern natural gas generation assets at an attractive purchase price, net of expected tax benefits, of approximately $730/kW of capacity. 1Acquisition is expected to deliver mid-single digit Ongoing Operations AFCFbG per share accretion in 2027 and high single-digit accretion on average over 2027-2029. 2Reiterating previously communicated capital allocation plan, including long-term net leverage target of less than 3x, the expected return of ...

Core Insights - The Nuclear Production Tax Credit (PTC) provides a price floor for Constellation's nuclear fleet, ensuring revenue stability even when wholesale electricity prices fall, with a threshold set at approximately $44.75 per megawatt-hour for 2025 [1] - Constellation's revenue is significantly shielded from market volatility due to federal policies, making it an attractive investment compared to traditional commodity producers [2] - The company is evolving from a utility to a core infrastructure provider, capitalizing on the demand for reliable, clean power driven by the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) [3] Investment Strategy - Bank of America has recommended buying shares of Constellation Energy, indicating a shift in Wall Street's investment focus towards companies that provide essential electricity rather than traditional oil and gas [4] - Constellation's nuclear operations are positioned to meet the continuous power demands of AI data centers, with a capacity factor of 96.8%, making it a key player in the energy sector [5][6] - The restart of the Crane Clean Energy Center, backed by a $1 billion loan guarantee and a 20-year power purchase agreement with Microsoft, exemplifies Constellation's strategic execution and growth potential [7] Growth Potential - Constellation's strategy includes a front-of-the-meter approach, allowing it to connect power to the grid efficiently and avoid regulatory delays faced by competitors [8] - The company has identified an additional 900 megawatts of potential uprates across its nuclear sites, indicating a strong pipeline for future growth [8] - The acquisition of Calpine Corporation, adding 27 gigawatts of flexible natural gas generation, complements Constellation's nuclear fleet and enhances its ability to meet peak demand [9][10] Financial Health - Post-acquisition, Constellation is expected to maintain $14 billion in total liquidity while preserving its investment-grade credit rating, showcasing disciplined financial management [11] - The company's premium valuation, with a price-to-earnings ratio of around 41x, reflects a projected forward earnings growth rate of over 14%, supported by a targeted 10% annual dividend growth and an active share repurchase program [12] Market Position - Institutional investors are increasingly bullish on Constellation Energy, recognizing its role as a leading producer of clean, reliable power essential for the AI revolution [13]

Strategic Partnership with Apollo Funds - Capital Power and Apollo Funds are forming a US$3 billion investment partnership to acquire U S natural gas generation assets[1,6,7] - Apollo Funds may commit up to US$225 billion in equity and Capital Power up to US$750 million[8] - Capital Power will operate acquired assets and receive management and performance fees[8] - The partnership aims for a 50% cumulative increase in U S capacity or approximately 35 GW[7] Financial Targets and Guidance - The company targets a 13-15% annual Total Shareholder Return (TSR)[7] - The company targets an 8-10% annual AFFO per-share growth[7] - The company aims to maintain a 2-4% annual dividend growth target[7] - 2026 Adjusted EBITDA is projected to be between $1565 million and $1765 million[18] - 2026 AFFO is projected to be between $890 million and $1010 million[18] - 2026 Sustaining Capital is projected to be between $290 million and $330 million[18] Powering AI in Alberta - Capital Power has a binding MOU with a data center developer for a 250 MW Electricity Supply Agreement (ESA) in Alberta[7,9] - The ESA has a term of 10+ years and is expected to start in 2028[9]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - NRG delivered the strongest first quarter adjusted EBITDA in company history, surpassing last year's record by 30% [9] - Adjusted EPS for the first quarter was $2.68, an 84% increase compared to the first quarter of last year [12][28] - First quarter adjusted net income was $531 million and free cash flow before growth was $293 million [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Each segment executed exceptionally in the first quarter, producing strong financial results over the prior year [28] - The acquisition of LS Power portfolio is expected to add $1.6 billion of incremental adjusted EBITDA [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The acquisition includes 13 gigawatts of natural gas capacity and a six gigawatt commercial and industrial virtual power plant platform [14] - The transaction positions NRG to hold the third largest natural gas generation portfolio in the East and Texas [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The acquisition reshapes NRG's competitive position, improving customer service and expanding earnings potential [10] - NRG is committed to a balanced capital allocation approach, targeting $1 billion in annual share repurchases while maintaining a strong balance sheet [24][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the acquisition's ability to capture value as markets tighten and customer demand increases [22][47] - The long-term adjusted EPS growth rate is raised to greater than 14%, reflecting contributions from the acquisition and Rockland portfolio [39][46] Other Important Information - NRG completed $445 million in share repurchases through April, with $855 million remaining to be completed through the end of 2025 [14] - The acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on EBITDA assumptions and Sea Power contribution - Management chose to use previous pricing assumptions for simplicity, indicating that current market prices would yield significantly higher numbers [54] - Sea Power is expected to enhance large load and data center strategies, but no specific synergies were included in the initial EBITDA projections [57] Question: Strategic outlook on Eastern markets - Management noted that they have always liked the PJM market but were not positioned as a strong generation player until now, citing tightening capacity markets as a positive development [71] Question: Deleveraging path and credit metrics - After year one of closing, leverage is expected to be around 3.5 times, decreasing to three times over the following two years [80] Question: Home VPP opportunity tracking - The home VPP opportunity is tracking well, with expectations to exit the year with 150 megawatts of residential demand response capacity [98]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - NRG delivered the strongest first quarter adjusted EBITDA in company history, surpassing last year's record by 30% [9] - Adjusted EPS for the first quarter was $2.68, an 84% increase compared to the first quarter of last year [12][28] - First quarter adjusted net income was $531 million and free cash flow before growth was $293 million [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Each segment executed exceptionally in the first quarter, producing strong financial results over the prior year [28] - The acquisition of LS Power portfolio is expected to add $1.6 billion of incremental adjusted EBITDA [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The acquisition expands NRG's generation base and positions it to capture meaningful upside as power markets tighten [10][22] - NRG expects to generate enough output from its own plants to serve its residential retail load in Texas [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The acquisition of LS Power portfolio reshapes NRG's competitive position, doubling its generation capacity to 25 gigawatts [15] - NRG is committed to a balanced capital allocation approach, targeting $1 billion in annual share repurchases while maintaining a strong balance sheet [24][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the acquisition's ability to enhance NRG's earnings power and improve its risk profile [47] - The long-term adjusted EPS growth rate is raised to 14%, reflecting contributions from the acquisition and the Rockland portfolio [11][39] Other Important Information - NRG completed $445 million in share repurchases through April, leaving $855 million remaining to be completed through the end of 2025 [14] - The acquisition is highly strategic, being acquired at a significant discount to new build costs [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on EBITDA assumptions and Sea Power's contribution - Management chose to use previous pricing assumptions for simplicity, indicating that current market prices would yield significantly higher numbers [52][53] - Sea Power is expected to be a powerful tool, with synergies not included in the initial EBITDA projections [56] Question: Strategic outlook on retail and potential for further acquisitions - The acquisition provides optionality across customer bases, enabling customized long-term solutions [57] Question: Insights on Eastern markets and capacity prices - Management expressed confidence in the PJM market, noting it has the most asymmetric gearing to the upside [69] Question: Path to deleveraging and credit metrics - After year one post-closing, NRG expects to be around 3.5 times leverage, decreasing to three times over the following two years [78] Question: Home VPP opportunity tracking and margin potential - The home VPP opportunity is tracking well, with significant consumer uptake and additional recurring revenue from existing customers [97]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - NRG delivered the strongest first quarter adjusted EBITDA in company history, surpassing last year's record by 30% [8] - Adjusted EPS for the first quarter was $2.68, an 84% increase compared to the first quarter of last year [10][25] - Adjusted net income was $531 million and free cash flow before growth was $293 million, reflecting a significant increase from the previous year [25][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Each segment executed exceptionally in the first quarter, producing strong financial results over the prior year, driven by expanded margins and favorable weather [25][26] - The acquisition of the LS Power portfolio is expected to significantly expand earnings potential and enhance virtual power plant operations [8][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The acquisition adds approximately 11 gigawatts of natural gas-fired capacity in the East, with 75% in PJM, enhancing NRG's competitive position in key markets [16][20] - The company expects to generate enough output from its own plants to serve its residential retail load in Texas and produce more than twice the energy required for retail customers in PJM [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The acquisition reshapes NRG's competitive position, doubling its generation capacity and enhancing its ability to serve customers [8][14] - NRG is committed to a balanced capital allocation approach, targeting $1 billion in annual share repurchases while maintaining a strong balance sheet [22][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the acquisition's ability to capture value as markets tighten and customer demand for customized supply solutions increases [21][43] - The company anticipates a compound annual growth rate of 14% in adjusted EPS through 2029, reflecting contributions from the acquisition and existing growth plans [9][42] Other Important Information - The acquisition is valued at approximately $12 billion, with LS Power receiving $2.8 billion in equity, which will make them a significant shareholder in NRG [13][14] - NRG plans to reduce debt by $3.7 billion over the next 24 to 36 months post-acquisition [31][40] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on EBITDA assumptions and Sea Power's contribution - Management chose to use previous pricing assumptions for simplicity, indicating that current market prices would yield significantly higher numbers [50] - Sea Power is expected to be a powerful tool, with synergies not factored into the initial EBITDA projections [51][53] Question: Strategic growth opportunities in retail - The acquisition provides optionality across customer bases, enabling customized long-term solutions [54] Question: Insights on Eastern market positioning - Management expressed confidence in the PJM market, citing tightening capacity markets and the potential for significant upside [66][67] Question: Path to deleveraging post-acquisition - The company expects to be around 3.5 times leverage after year one, gradually reducing to three times over the following two years [75] Question: Home VPP opportunity tracking - The home VPP initiative is tracking well, with strong consumer reception and significant growth in demand response capacity expected [95]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported first quarter GAAP earnings of $0.56 per share, an increase from $0.42 per share in Q1 2024 [21] - Adjusted for special items, first quarter earnings from ongoing operations were $0.60 per share, an 11% increase from $0.54 per share a year ago [7][21] - The company remains confident in achieving its 2025 ongoing earnings forecast of $1.75 to $1.87 per share, with a midpoint of $1.81 per share [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Kentucky segment results increased by $0.05 per share compared to Q1 2024, driven by higher sales volumes due to mild weather [23] - Pennsylvania Regulated segment results increased by $0.03 per share, also due to higher sales volumes and increased transmission revenue from capital investments [23] - Rhode Island segment results decreased by $0.01 per share, primarily due to lower transmission revenues and higher operating costs [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Pennsylvania, nearly 11 gigawatts of data center projects are in advanced planning stages, up from nearly 9 gigawatts [14] - The potential capital investment related to these data centers ranges from $700 million to $850 million, with $400 million already in the plan [15] - In Kentucky, the company is managing nearly 6 gigawatts of active data center requests, with recent legislative changes expected to attract more data centers [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on its "Utility of the Future" strategy, which includes significant infrastructure improvements and capital investments [8] - Plans include over $4 billion in infrastructure improvements in 2025 to enhance grid reliability and resiliency [7] - The company aims for average annual rate base growth of 9.8% from 2025 to 2028, with a target of $20 billion in capital investment needs [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating macroeconomic uncertainties and trade tariffs, noting that 70% to 80% of capital projects are labor-based and most materials are sourced domestically [19] - The company is well-positioned to manage supply chain disruptions and is optimistic about achieving its long-term business plan [20] - Management highlighted ongoing economic development in Kentucky and the importance of new generation resources to support this growth [11] Other Important Information - The company filed a CPCN request with the Kentucky Public Service Commission for new generation needs and received regulatory approval for cost recovery related to the retirement of Mill Creek Unit 1 [9][10] - In Pennsylvania, the company secured approval to increase PPL Electric Utilities' DISC revenue cap to 7.5% [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Advantages of resource adequacy legislation versus IPPs - Management discussed the limitations of the current capacity market and the benefits of a regulated utility model for stability and predictability in power pricing [31] Question: Consideration of block equity or ATM sufficiency - Management confirmed that the ATM program is the primary tool for equity needs, but they will remain opportunistic in assessing all options [35][36] Question: Impact of tariffs on battery storage projects - Management is actively working with vendors to minimize potential tariff impacts on battery projects and sees a need for these projects due to increasing demand [42] Question: Concerns regarding coal executive order and generation planning - Management does not expect immediate impacts from the executive order on generation planning but will analyze demand and retirement schedules [50] Question: Status of data center announcements in Pennsylvania - Management indicated that they are making progress on projects but do not control the timing of data center announcements [58] Question: Flexibility in large load tariff structures - Management expressed that they are already achieving objectives with existing ESA agreements and would want to maintain flexibility if a model tariff is introduced [62]