Brianne Gardner's Top Picks: ATS Corp, NRG Energy & Netflix
Brianne Gardner, a senior wealth manager at Velocity Investment Partners, Raymond James, has revealed his top stock picks. The article highlights his selections: ATS Corp, NRG Energy, and Netflix, offering insights for investors.
Alliant Energy Q4 Earnings Surpass Estimates, Sales Increase Y/Y
Alliant Energy (LNT) reported fourth-quarter 2025 operating earnings of 60 cents per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate despite a year-over-year decline. The company also surpassed revenue expectations with $1.06 billion in sales and issued 2026 earnings guidance in the range of $3.36-$3.46 per share.
NRG Energy (NRG) Expands Portfolio With LS Power Asset Acquisition
NRG Energy, Inc. recently completed the acquisition of several generation assets and CPower from LS Power, adding approximately 13 GW of natural gas-powered capacity and a CPower virtual power plant system. Following the deal, NRG updated its 2026 financial outlook, forecasting adjusted net income of $1.685 billion-$2.115 billion and adjusted EPS of $7.90-$9.90. The company, a major integrated U.S. energy provider, reduced its targets for adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow but anticipates the acquisition will significantly contribute to its 2026 performance.
NRG Energy (NRG) Expands Portfolio With LS Power Asset Acquisition
NRG Energy, Inc. (NRG) completed the acquisition of several generation assets and CPower from LS Power on January 30. This deal adds 18 natural gas-powered generation facilities with 13 GW capacity and CPower's virtual power plant system to NRG's portfolio. Following the acquisition, NRG revised its 2026 financial outlook, including updated adjusted net income and adjusted EPS targets, while reducing earlier EBITDA and free cash flow projections.
NRG Energy (NRG) Expands Portfolio With LS Power Asset Acquisition
NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NRG) has completed the acquisition of several generation assets and CPower from LS Power, expanding its portfolio with 18 natural gas-powered facilities and CPower's virtual power plant system. This acquisition led to a revision of NRG's 2026 financial outlook, including updated adjusted net income and EPS guidance. The company, a major integrated U.S. energy provider, is also recognized as one of billionaire David Tepper’s top stock picks.
Governor Abbott Announces NRG Energy Expansion In Houston
Governor Greg Abbott announced that NRG Energy, Inc. will construct a new 455-megawatt natural gas power plant at its Greens Bayou facility in Harris County, an investment of $617 million. This project is designated under the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program and is expected to enhance Texas' energy infrastructure, meet growing energy demands, and create job opportunities. The plant, which secured a Texas Energy Fund loan in November 2025, is projected to begin generating power for the ERCOT region by 2028.
AES (AES) Earnings Expected to Grow: Should You Buy?
AES (AES) is expected to report a year-over-year increase in earnings and revenues for the quarter ended December 2025. With a positive Earnings ESP of +0.54% and a Zacks Rank #2, the company is likely to beat the consensus EPS estimate. Investors are advised to consider other factors alongside these predictions when making investment decisions.
NRG to bolster Texas grid by 2028
NRG Energy plans to invest $617 million to construct a new 455-megawatt natural gas facility at its Greens Bayou site in Harris County, Texas. This project, qualified under the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program, is expected to begin generating power for the ERCOT grid in 2028. The initiative aims to enhance grid stability, create jobs, and help make power more affordable in Texas.
NRG Energy to expand power plant complex in northeast Harris County
NRG Energy plans to expand its Greens Bayou facility in northeast Harris County by building a new natural gas plant. This project aims to power approximately 110,000 homes annually and address Texas's increasing electricity demand due to economic development and population growth. The 455-megawatt facility received a $370 million loan from the Texas Energy Fund and qualified for property tax cuts under the Texas Jobs Energy, Technology, and Innovation program.
MasTec to Release Q4 and Full Year Results on February 26, 2026
MasTec will release its fourth quarter and full-year financial results on February 26, 2026, after market close, followed by a webcast hosted by senior management on February 27, 2026, to discuss the results. The company is a prominent North American infrastructure engineering and construction firm, playing a significant role in communications, energy, and utilities. Analysts from Citi and Barclays have recently raised their price targets for MasTec, maintaining Buy and Overweight ratings respectively, ahead of Q4 reports for the engineering and construction sector.
NRG Energy's Strategic Bet on Texas Power Demand
NRG Energy plans to invest over $600 million in a new 455-megawatt natural gas power plant in Texas to meet surging electricity demand, particularly from data centers and AI. The company also announced a new $3.0 billion share repurchase program and recently increased its quarterly dividend. Investors are awaiting NRG Energy's Q4 2025 earnings report, expected on February 24th, with projected EPS of $1.19 and revenues of $6.68 billion.
Constellation Energy stock jumps near $300: what’s moving CEG today and what traders watch next
Constellation Energy (CEG) stock rose almost 3.9% to $299.60, hitting an intraday high of $305.78, fueled by speculation around direct partnerships between electricity-hungry data centers and power producers. New large-scale contracts, including a significant deal with CyrusOne, and the recent acquisition of Calpine, are further bolstering the stock. However, regulatory pushback, construction delays, and an upcoming SEC filing regarding share resale could introduce volatility.
NRG Energy to build $617M power plant in Harris County, Governor Abbott announces
Governor Greg Abbott announced that NRG Energy will build a new $617 million natural gas power generation plant in Harris County, Texas. This 455-megawatt facility, designated under the JETI program, is expected to begin generating power for the Texas grid in 2028. The project aims to enhance grid stability, create jobs, and meet the growing energy demands of the region.
Constellation Energy Corporation (CEG) Gets a Buy from Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo analyst Shahriar Pourreza maintained a Buy rating on Constellation Energy Corporation (CEG) with a price target of $460.00. This follows another Buy rating from Barclays and a Hold rating from TipRanks – xAI. Constellation Energy reported strong Q3 earnings with $7.18 billion in revenue and $930 million in net profit.
Constellation Energy Corporation (CEG) Gets a Buy from Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo analyst Shahriar Pourreza maintained a Buy rating on Constellation Energy Corporation (CEG) with a price target of $460.00. This follows Constellation Energy's last reported quarterly revenue of $7.18 billion and a net profit of $930 million. Other analysts have also weighed in, with Barclays issuing a Buy and TipRanks – xAI reiterating a Hold rating.
Wells Fargo Keeps Their Buy Rating on NRG Energy (NRG)
Wells Fargo analyst Shahriar Pourreza maintained a Buy rating on NRG Energy (NRG) with a price target of $206.00, following the company's strong quarterly revenue of $7.64 billion and a net profit of $152 million. This rating is supported by other Buy ratings from UBS, while xAI reiterated a Hold rating. Pourreza is a 5-star analyst with a 69.15% success rate, specializing in the Utilities sector.
Wells Fargo Keeps Their Buy Rating on NRG Energy (NRG)
Wells Fargo analyst Shahriar Pourreza has reiterated a Buy rating on NRG Energy (NRG) and set a price target of $206.00. This comes after NRG Energy reported strong quarterly revenues of $7.64 billion and a net profit of $152 million for the quarter ending September 30. Other analysts also issued ratings, with UBS giving a Buy and TipRanks – xAI reiterating a Hold.
Assetmark Inc. Buys 43,108 Shares of Edison International $EIX
Assetmark Inc. significantly increased its stake in Edison International (NYSE:EIX) by 51.4%, acquiring an additional 43,108 shares to bring its total holdings to 126,995 shares, valued at approximately $7.02 million. This comes as Edison International increased its quarterly dividend, reaching a 4.9% annualized yield. Despite a "Hold" consensus among analysts, the stock is trading up, with substantial institutional ownership.
Constellation Energy Corporation stock (CEG) jumps 4.5% — what investors watch next
Constellation Energy Corporation (CEG) stock gained 4.46% to $288.43 on Friday, contributing to a 10% rebound from early February lows. Investors are closely watching a PJM grid plan and potential new data-center power deals, especially after Constellation's Calpine unit secured a 380-megawatt supply agreement with CyrusOne. A recent SEC filing also revealed Capital International Investors adjusted its 5.5% stake in the company.
A Look At NRG Energy (NRG) Valuation After Recent Share Price Strength And Long Term Returns
This article analyzes NRG Energy's valuation, noting its recent share price strength, significant long-term returns, and its current trading price of $161.80. It highlights a common narrative suggesting NRG is undervalued with a fair value around $201.96, primarily due to increased demand from data centers and electrification. However, it also points out that NRG's current P/E ratio is higher than the industry average, posing a valuation tension despite growth prospects.
NRG Energy Inc. stock outperforms competitors on strong trading day
NRG Energy Inc. (NRG) stock rose by 6.52% to $172.35, outperforming the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average on a strong trading day. This marked the stock's seventh consecutive day of gains. The article highlights NRG Energy Inc.'s positive performance relative to broader market indices.
Assetmark Inc. Has $95.84 Million Position in NRG Energy, Inc. $NRG
Assetmark Inc. increased its stake in NRG Energy, Inc. by 22% to a value of approximately $95.84 million. The utilities provider also authorized a $3.0 billion share buyback and raised its quarterly dividend, signaling strong shareholder returns. Despite some insider selling, analysts maintain a "Moderate Buy" consensus rating with an average price target of $184.91 for NRG Energy.
NRG Energy Inc (NRG) Shares Up 4.9% on Feb 13
Shares of NRG Energy Inc (NRG) rose 4.90% on Feb 13, reaching an intraday high of $170.22 before closing at $169.73. This places the stock 5.99% below its 52-week high and 113.31% above its 52-week low. Wall Street analysts forecast an average target price of $189.69, implying an 11.76% upside, with an "Outperform" general recommendation.
LSV Asset Management Sells 1,098,044 Shares of NRG Energy, Inc. $NRG
LSV Asset Management significantly reduced its stake in NRG Energy, selling over 1 million shares in Q3, now holding 455,956 shares valued at $73.84 million. Despite insider selling, NRG Energy has authorized a $3.0 billion share buyback and increased its quarterly dividend, signaling management's confidence. Analyst consensus rates NRG as a "Moderate Buy" with an average price target of $184.91.
Rhumbline Advisers Has $63.56 Million Stock Holdings in NRG Energy, Inc. $NRG
Rhumbline Advisers reduced its stake in NRG Energy, Inc. by 3.8% in the third quarter, now owning 392,482 shares valued at $63.56 million. Other institutional investors also adjusted their positions, and insider transactions show significant sales by VP Brian Curci and CFO Bruce Chung. NRG Energy reported a recent dividend increase, a share buyback authorization of $3.00 billion, and has a consensus "Moderate Buy" rating from analysts with an average price target of $184.91.
Allianz Asset Management GmbH Reduces Stake in NRG Energy, Inc. $NRG
Allianz Asset Management GmbH significantly reduced its stake in NRG Energy, Inc. by 79.7% in the third quarter, selling 41,128 shares and bringing its total holdings to 10,450 shares valued at $1,692,000. This divestment occurred alongside other hedge funds either initiating new positions or adjusting their stakes in NRG Energy. The article also details recent insider stock sales, analyst ratings, and the company's dividend increase and share repurchase program.
NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NRG) Receives Consensus Rating of "Moderate Buy" from Analysts
Thirteen brokerages have issued a consensus "Moderate Buy" rating for NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NRG), with an average 1-year price target of $184.91. The company recently authorized a $3.0 billion share repurchase program and increased its quarterly dividend to $0.475. Insider activity shows sales totaling over $27 million in the last 90 days, while institutional investors hold approximately 97.7% of the stock.
ING Groep NV Has $11.90 Million Stock Position in NRG Energy, Inc. $NRG
ING Groep NV has significantly increased its stake in NRG Energy, Inc., now holding 73,506 shares valued at $11.90 million, reflecting a 34.8% increase in their position. Institutional investors collectively own 97.72% of NRG stock, with other major firms also boosting their holdings. NRG Energy has announced an increased quarterly dividend of $0.475 per share and authorized a $3.0 billion share buyback program.
Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. Has $4.03 Million Holdings in NRG Energy, Inc. $NRG
Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. significantly increased its stake in NRG Energy, Inc. during the third quarter, now holding 24,896 shares valued at $4.03 million. This comes as NRG Energy authorized a $3.0 billion share buyback and raised its quarterly dividend. Despite some insider selling totaling over $30 million, institutional investors and hedge funds maintain a strong presence in the company.
TVA reverses decision to shut down Cumberland, Kingston coal plants
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has reversed its decision to shut down the Cumberland and Kingston coal plants, opting to keep them operational. This reversal comes despite previous plans to replace them with methane gas plants due to increased energy demand and regulatory changes, according to TVA. However, environmental groups like the Southern Environmental Law Center argue the decision is politically motivated and that the coal plants are uneconomical and unreliable.
Evergy stock hits all-time high of 79.33 USD
Evergy Inc. (EVRG) stock has reached an all-time high of $79.33, driven by increased investor confidence and a 23.63% increase in stock value over the past year. Despite this milestone, InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock might be trading above its fair value, and Mizuho recently downgraded the stock from Outperform to Neutral due to valuation concerns, adjusting its price target from $86.00 to $76.00. The company offers a 3.53% dividend yield and has maintained dividend payments for 34 consecutive years.
NRG Energy Stock: Quiet Rally, Loud Signals – Is This Utility Player Turning Into A Growth Story?
NRG Energy, traditionally a utility player, is undergoing a transformation into a growth story by strategically focusing on retail power strength, cost reductions, and leveraging the burgeoning demand from data centers and AI. The company has demonstrated strong financial performance, outperforming the utilities sector, and is receiving increasingly optimistic price targets from Wall Street analysts. Its integration of Vivint Smart Home and positioning for future power demands are key to its evolving business model.
NRG Energy Stock: Quiet Rally, Loud Signals – Is This Utility Player Turning Into A Growth Story?
NRG Energy Inc. has shown surprising strength in the utilities sector, outperforming many peers through retail power and cost-cutting initiatives, alongside growing interest from AI and data center energy demand. The company's strategic pivot towards retail customers and smart home integration, combined with Wall Street's increasingly bullish outlook, suggests a potential re-evaluation by investors. NRG aims to transform from a traditional power producer into an integrated retail energy and services platform, leveraging customer relationships and capital discipline for future growth.
How Investors Are Reacting To NRG (NRG) Board Refresh, Equity Shelf Plan and RED Program Savings
NRG Energy, Inc. recently announced Sanjay Kapoor's appointment to its Board, a US$3.70 billion shelf registration for common shares, and reported nearly US$5 million in savings from its Responsive Economic Dispatch (RED) program in 2025. These developments are reviewed in the context of NRG's strategy, which includes natural gas generation, retail offerings, and managing a high debt load. The article suggests that while the board appointment and shelf registration offer financial flexibility, NRG's core investment narrative, driven by demand-side programs and smart home initiatives, along with the risk of fossil fuel exposure, remains largely unchanged.
First National Trust Co Takes $1.01 Million Position in Edison International $EIX
First National Trust Co has acquired a new stake of 18,342 shares in Edison International, valued at approximately $1.01 million. This move comes as other institutional investors have also adjusted their holdings in the utility provider. Edison International recently increased its quarterly dividend to $0.8775 per share, offering a 5.4% yield, while analysis shows a consensus "Hold" rating with a target price of $63.30 amid mixed analyst actions.
Envestnet Asset Management Inc. Boosts Stock Position in NRG Energy, Inc. $NRG
Envestnet Asset Management Inc. significantly increased its stake in NRG Energy, Inc. by 24.7% in the third quarter, holding 362,510 shares valued at approximately $58.7 million. This move coincides with NRG's board authorizing a $3.0 billion share buyback program and an increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.475 per share, signaling management's belief that the stock may be undervalued. Despite recent insider selling, analysts maintain a "Moderate Buy" rating for NRG, with an average price target of $184.91.
Reaves W H & Co. Inc. Has $47.85 Million Stock Holdings in NRG Energy, Inc. $NRG
Reaves W H & Co. Inc. significantly increased its stake in NRG Energy, Inc. during the third quarter, now holding 295,471 shares valued at $47.85 million. NRG has implemented shareholder-friendly initiatives, including raising its quarterly dividend to $0.475 and authorizing a $3.0 billion stock buyback program. Despite recent insider share sales totaling over $30 million, analysts maintain a "Moderate Buy" consensus rating with an average price target of $184.91 for NRG.
NRG Energy Reports 2025 Customer Savings Through Responsive Economic Dispatch Program
NRG Energy announced that its Responsive Economic Dispatch (RED) Program helped participating business customers save nearly $5 million in 2025. This program enables commercial and industrial customers to reduce or shift their energy usage during peak demand periods, earning financial rewards and supporting grid reliability. The savings more than doubled year-over-year, with the Dallas Independent School District alone earning over $843,000 since joining.
Edison International $EIX Holdings Lifted by Versor Investments LP
Versor Investments LP increased its stake in Edison International (NYSE:EIX) by 55.0% during the third quarter, making EIX its 19th largest holding. Other institutional investors also adjusted their positions in the utilities provider. Edison International recently announced an increased quarterly dividend and received updated price targets from analysts, resulting in a consensus "Hold" rating.
Edison International $EIX Shares Sold by Principal Financial Group Inc.
Principal Financial Group Inc. reduced its stake in Edison International (NYSE:EIX) by 4.9% in the third quarter, selling 21,707 shares but still retaining 419,086 shares valued at approximately $23.17 million. Despite this, other major institutions like Norges Bank, AQR Capital Management, and Vanguard Group significantly increased their holdings, leading to an 88.95% institutional ownership of the utility provider. Edison International also increased its quarterly dividend to $0.8775 per share, offering a 5.5% yield, and maintains a "Hold" consensus rating from analysts with an average price target of $63.30.
Renaissance Group LLC Grows Stock Holdings in NRG Energy, Inc. $NRG
Renaissance Group LLC significantly increased its stake in NRG Energy, Inc. by 3,550.5% in the third quarter of last year, now owning 212,202 shares valued at approximately $34.37 million. This move comes as NRG Energy's board approved a $3.0 billion share buyback program and raised its quarterly dividend to $0.475, indicating a strong focus on returning capital to shareholders. Despite some insider selling, institutional investors collectively own 97.72% of the utility provider's stock.
NRG Energy Inc. Is Quietly Mooning: Is This Power Stock Your Next Big Cop or a Total Flop?
NRG Energy Inc. is generating buzz for its strong cash flow, retail energy focus, and shareholder returns through dividends and buybacks, distinguishing itself from traditional utilities. The article explores whether this "smart money flex" stock is a valuable addition to an investor's portfolio or an overhyped play. It emphasizes the company's aggressive business reshaping and analyzes its potential benefits and risks compared to competitors like Vistra Corp.
NRG Energy Inc. Is Quietly Mooning: Is This Power Stock Your Next Big Cop or a Total Flop?
NRG Energy Inc. is gaining attention as a potentially strong investment in the power sector, despite not being a typical meme stock. The article analyzes NRG's business model, cash flow, dividends, and buybacks, evaluating whether it's a valuable addition to a portfolio or merely overhyped. It also compares NRG to competitors like Vistra Corp, concluding that for long-term, risk-aware investors seeking income and potential upside, NRG appears to be a solid choice.
Bessemer Group Inc. Purchases 601,079 Shares of NRG Energy, Inc. $NRG
Bessemer Group Inc. significantly increased its stake in NRG Energy, Inc. by 4,470.7%, acquiring an additional 601,079 shares to now hold 614,524 shares valued at $99.5 million. This follows strong financial performance from NRG, which reported Q3 EPS of $2.78 against an estimate of $1.93 and authorized a $3.00 billion share buyback program while increasing its quarterly dividend. Analysts maintain a "Moderate Buy" consensus rating for NRG with an average target price of $184.91, despite some insider share sales.
Edison International $EIX Shares Sold by BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S
BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S reduced its stake in Edison International (NYSE:EIX) by 22.8% in the third quarter, holding 165,585 shares valued at $9.154 million. Despite mixed analyst sentiment with an average "Hold" rating and a $63.30 price target, institutional ownership in Edison International remains high at 88.95%. The utilities provider also increased its quarterly dividend to $0.8775, offering a 5.5% annual yield, and reported a market capitalization of $24.5 billion with a P/E ratio of 8.32.
Borrello Pushes NRG Repowering During Hearing
State Sen. George Borrello is advocating for the repowering of the NRG power plant in Dunkirk, which has been mothballed since 2016, with natural gas or nuclear power. During a legislative budget hearing, Borrello pressed state energy policymakers on the issue, highlighting New York's energy policy and potential reliability concerns, including possible blackouts. State officials acknowledged the need for a balanced energy portfolio and the importance of addressing reliability, especially in New York City and Long Island.
Beacon Harbor Wealth Advisors Inc. Acquires New Shares in NextEra Energy, Inc. $NEE
Beacon Harbor Wealth Advisors Inc. has acquired a new position in NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE), purchasing 92,993 shares valued at approximately $7.02 million, making it their 20th largest holding. NextEra Energy is strategically focusing on AI/data center demand through partnerships, aiming for long-term contracted revenue for renewable projects. Despite insider selling by CEO Armando Pimentel Jr. and other executives, the company maintains strong analyst support and dividend appeal, though it faces political and regulatory risks as evidenced by a scrapped wind project in Wyoming.
Borrello pushes NRG repowering
State Senator George Borrello is advocating for the repowering of the mothballed NRG power plant in Dunkirk with natural gas, and potentially nuclear power in the future. He pressed state energy officials on this during a legislative budget hearing, highlighting the economic devastation from the plant's closure and New York's increasing reliance on power from other states. Borrello's push comes as the state's Draft Energy Plan suggests a balanced energy portfolio, and the ISO projects reliability violations in New York City and Long Island by summer 2026 if generation is not increased.
Vistra Corp (VST) stock sinks again — what to watch before Thursday trading
Vistra Corp (VST) shares dropped 6.8% on Wednesday, marking its fifth consecutive daily loss, closing at $142.52. This decline aligns with broader market skepticism towards the AI rally and selling pressure in other U.S. power generators. Investors are now focused on Vistra's upcoming Q4 and full-year 2025 earnings report on February 26, which will provide crucial updates on the company's outlook amidst fluctuating expectations for power demand from data centers and shifting U.S. nuclear policy.
How Is The Market Feeling About NRG Energy Inc?
NRG Energy Inc.'s short interest has decreased by 3.97% since its last report, now standing at 2.42% of its float, indicating a potentially more bullish market sentiment. It would take traders an average of 2.23 days to cover their short positions. Compared to its peers, NRG Energy Inc. has less short interest, with its peer group average at 4.09%.
