Latest news with #utilities
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Business
- Yahoo
How Infrasense is Using 3D Subsurface Scanning Technology to Map Utilities
From designating utilities and subsurface obstructions through quality level B (QL-B) mapping, to concrete scanning and test pit clearance surveys, Infrasense has been utilizing our advanced 3D ground penetrating radar scanning technologies for various subsurface mapping projects across Massachusetts and beyond. WOBURN, Mass., Aug. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Infrasense has been putting our advanced 3D ground penetrating radar (3DGPR) scanning vehicle to work this summer with subsurface mapping projects across Massachusetts and the surrounding New England area. We often utilize 3DGPR for projects where the target conditions and objectives of the survey require exceptional spatial precision, which is the case when mapping utilities. The 3DGPR system, like other GPR systems employed by Infrasense, can be mounted to a survey vehicle. This enables data collection to be carried out at driving speeds, so lane closures are not required, and traffic is uninterrupted. Collected 3DGPR data is combined with as-built records, surveyed locations of utility features, and EMI-based utility mark-outs to produce accurate and comprehensive maps. With each project also comes new discoveries and insights for our engineers and clients alike. Our combination of 3DGPR and electromagnetic induction (EMI) techniques has consistently delivered higher confidence results than with either method alone. One reason why clients may find 3DGPR methods particularly valuable is the clarity and continuity of the data. GPR can detect the interface between different materials, such as the buried utility lines (metal, plastic, other) and the surrounding subgrade material. The contrast at the interface of the different materials provides an identifiable feature in the data which, when it appears in successive adjacent cross sections, can be identified as a utility. Because 3DGPR collection and analysis techniques are so comprehensive, especially when used in combination with EMI, there are instances where discovery of additional significant subsurface elements occurs. This could mean anything from other utilities, or something more complex, such as when our analysis of 3D array GPR determined the location of former trolley lines during a review of the near surface depth slices. If you want to learn more about our 3DGPR technology and subsurface mapping services, please visit our website at or feel free to contact us at opps@ About Infrasense, 1987, Infrasense, Inc. has applied advanced technologies to address the most difficult challenges in subsurface scanning. Infrasense's engineers nondestructively extract critical information from a diverse range of structures. In addition to providing ongoing subsurface evaluation services to clients across the country, the firm has also conducted numerous research programs to advance the field of subsurface detection and nondestructive evaluation. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Infrasense, Inc. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
What Are Wall Street Analysts' Target Price for NiSource Stock?
NiSource Inc. (NI) is a leading regulated utility company headquartered in Merrillville, Indiana, with a market cap of approximately $20 billion. Operating within the Utilities sector and the Gas Utilities industry, NiSource provides natural gas and electric services to nearly 4 million customers across six U.S. states, including Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The company focuses on delivering reliable, safe, and sustainable energy through its local distribution companies, while also investing in modernizing infrastructure and advancing clean energy initiatives. NiSource has shown steady gains year-to-date (YTD), with its stock rising 15.3%, higher than the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX), which has delivered about 7.8% returns over the same period. Over the 52-week span, NiSource again outperformed, reflecting investor confidence in the company's regulated utility model and long-term growth strategy. It's 36.2% gains compare favorably with the $SPX's 21.9% returns. NI, in fact, hit its 52-week high of $43.51 recently, on Aug. 4. More News from Barchart Robinhood Stock Seemingly Can't Be Stopped in 2025. Is It Too Late to Buy HOOD Here? Dear Ford Stock Fans, Mark Your Calendar for August 11 Cathie Wood Is Buying Shares of This Little-Known Ethereum Treasury Company. Should You? Our exclusive Barchart Brief newsletter is your FREE midday guide to what's moving stocks, sectors, and investor sentiment - delivered right when you need the info most. Subscribe today! Also, compared to the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU), NI showed greater strength. XLU has gained 14.4% YTD, while over the past 52 weeks, the ETF's returns stand at 18.1%. NI's recent robust price action has been influenced by the company's strong second-quarter earnings, positive analyst sentiment, and strategic investments in AI and renewable energy. In its second quarter of 2025 earnings report released on Aug. 6, NiSource delivered solid financial results that exceeded Wall Street expectations, reinforcing its position as a stable and well-managed utility. The company's revenue reached $1.28 billion, compared with $1.08 billion a year earlier and above analysts' expectations. Also, the company's non-GAAP EPS of $0.22 was slightly higher than the prior-year quarter value, and topped the consensus estimate. What further led to investors' optimism is that the company narrowed its 2025 adjusted EPS guidance to the upper half of the $1.85 to $1.89 range, indicating confidence in achieving its financial targets. For the current fiscal year, ending in December 2025, analysts expect NI to report EPS growth of 7.4% year-over-year to $1.88, on a diluted basis. The company has a history of surpassing consensus EPS estimates in its quarterly earnings reports, topping consensus estimates in each of the last four quarters. Of the 14 analysts covering NI stock, the consensus rating is a 'Strong Buy.' That's based on 13 'Strong Buy' and one 'Hold' ratings. The current configuration is more bearish than two months ago when 14 analysts gave 'Strong Buy' recommendation for the stock. On Aug. 4, Barclays plc (BCS) raised its price target on NiSource to $44 from $42 while maintaining an 'Overweight' rating, citing upside potential from possible generation-related developments in Q3 2025 and anticipates progress in tariff outcomes that could enhance regulatory clarity. While the mean price target of $43.92 represents a premium of 3.7% to its current price, the Street-high price target of $48 suggests an upside potential of 13.3%. On the date of publication, Kritika Sarmah did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Could Buying Vanguard Utilities ETF Today Set You Up for Life?
Key Points Vanguard Utilities ETF owns a portfolio of what most would see as boring income stocks. The exchange-traded fund's dividend yield is an attractive 2.8% as I write this. Electricity demand is likely to grow materially in the next couple of decades, which could juice growth rates in this boring sector. 10 stocks we like better than Vanguard Utilities ETF › When investors think about utilities, they most likely think something along the lines of, "boring dividend stocks." That's a legitimate view of the sector, which is known for providing reliable dividends. In fact, the average utility is yielding around 2.8% today, which is more than twice the level of the S&P 500 index. Buying a utilities-focused exchange-traded fund (ETF) like Vanguard Utilities ETF (NYSEMKT: VPU) could set you up for a lifetime of reliable income. But there's more to understand about the utility sector today that could change the expectations around this ETF for the better. Here's what you need to know. What does Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) do? Vanguard Utilities ETF tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index. This index basically owns a diversified collection of utilities, with a stock count of 69. There are some nuances, but it really isn't too complex. All in, roughly 61% of the portfolio's assets consist of utilities focused on providing electricity. Another 24% or so is dedicated to multi-utilities, which usually sell some combination of electricity, natural gas, and water. Another 6% get classified as independent power producers, an area that is largely focused on electricity. So, all in, around 90% of assets are dedicated to investments that have some tie to electricity. The rest of the portfolio is largely spread across pure-play water and natural gas utilities. That said, other than the independent power producers, the vast majority of the businesses in the index, and thus the ETF, are regulated. Regulated utilities are granted monopolies in the areas they serve but need government approval for their rates and capital investment plans. The outcome is usually slow and steady growth. There's a change taking shape in electricity demand From a top-level view, if you are looking for a lifetime of reliable income, owning a diversified collection of utility stocks is probably a pretty good starting point. As such, this ETF would be a good fit for even risk-averse income investors. But there's a shift taking place in the electricity market. Between 2000 and 2020, U.S. electricity demand grew a grand total of 9%. Between 2020 and 2040, however, demand is projected to grow by a huge 55%! That's a step change on the growth front that will require material capital investments by utilities. And given that regulators have to ensure that utilities provide reliable power, it is likely to mean the boring utility sector starts to get a bit more exciting. Utility stocks aren't suddenly going to become rocketing technology stocks, but technology is the big driver of demand here. For example, electricity demand from artificial intelligence and data centers is projected to increase 300% over the next decade or so. Demand from electric vehicles is projected to increase 9,000% by 2050. And electricity is expected to go from 21% of end energy use to 32%. That hints that utilities will likely be a bit more growth focused in the future than they have been in the recent past. Don't pick winners, pick the sector Some utilities are going to be better positioned to benefit from these demand trends than others. But trying to pick individual stocks isn't something that every investor will want to do. For most, it will probably be better to recognize the big-picture trend and use an exchange-traded fund like Vanguard Utilities ETF. Not only will you end up with a lifetime of reliable income, but you'll also position yourself to benefit from the growth that comes along with rising electricity demand. Should you invest $1,000 in Vanguard Utilities ETF right now? Before you buy stock in Vanguard Utilities ETF, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Vanguard Utilities ETF wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $635,544!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,099,758!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 1,046% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 181% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of August 4, 2025 Reuben Gregg Brewer has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Could Buying Vanguard Utilities ETF Today Set You Up for Life? was originally published by The Motley Fool Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
What Are Wall Street Analysts' Target Price for Xcel Energy Stock?
Minneapolis, Minnesota-based Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL) engages in the generation, purchasing, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity. With a market cap of $43.4 billion, Xcel operates through Regulated Electric Utility and Regulated Natural Gas Utility segments. The utilities giant has outperformed the broader market over the past year. XEL stock has gained 8.5% on a YTD basis and 25.5% over the past 52 weeks, outpacing the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 7.8% gains in 2025 and 21.9% returns over the past year. More News from Barchart Cathie Wood Is Buying Shares of This Little-Known Ethereum Treasury Company. Should You? Robinhood Stock Seemingly Can't Be Stopped in 2025. Is It Too Late to Buy HOOD Here? Dear Ford Stock Fans, Mark Your Calendar for August 11 Tired of missing midday reversals? The FREE Barchart Brief newsletter keeps you in the know. Sign up now! Narrowing the focus, XEL has also outperformed the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund's (XLU) 18.1% surge over the past year, but lagged behind XLU's 14.4% gains in 2025. Xcel Energy's stock prices gained 1.5% in the trading session following the release of its solid Q2 results on Jul. 31. Driven by growth in both electric and natural gas revenues, the company's overall topline for the quarter increased 8.6% year-over-year to $3.3 billion. Further, the company expects to observe a surge in electric demand in the coming years and is making investments to meet the growing demand. Meanwhile, the company's EPS for the quarter grew 38.9% year-over-year to $0.75, surpassing the consensus estimates by 19.1%. For the full fiscal 2025, ending in December, analysts expect Xcel to deliver an EPS of $3.81, up 8.9% year-over-year. However, the company has a mixed earnings surprise history. While it has surpassed the Street's bottom-line estimates once over the past four quarters, it has missed the projections on three other occasions. The stock has a consensus 'Strong Buy' rating overall. Of the 14 analysts covering the stock, opinions include 10 'Strong Buys' and four 'Holds.' This configuration is slightly less optimistic than three months ago, when 12 analysts gave 'Strong Buy' recommendations. On Aug. 1, Mizuho analyst Anthony Crowdell reiterated an 'Outperform' rating on XEL and raised the price target from $74 to $78. Xcel's mean price target of $78.08 represents a modest 6.6% premium. Meanwhile, the street-high target of $83 suggests a 13.3% upside potential. On the date of publication, Aditya Sarawgi did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Sign in to access your portfolio
Reuters
16 hours ago
- Business
- Reuters
Singapore's Sembcorp posts stable interim earnings; hikes dividend
Aug 8 (Reuters) - Singapore's Sembcorp Industries ( opens new tab reported a mostly steady net profit on Friday, as a dip in earnings contribution from its gas and related services segment was offset by a jump in bottom-line performance at the renewables division. The utility company said its net profit for the six-month period ended June 30 was S$536 million ($418.00 million), 1% below the S$543 million recorded a year ago. It declared an interim dividend of 9 Singapore cents per share, higher than the six Singapore cents apiece declared last year. Earnings before exceptional items at the gas and related services business fell 3% due to lower generation spreads in Singapore and the absence of any contribution from the Phu My 3 power plant in Vietnam. These were, however, offset by contributions from Senoko Energy, a power station in Singapore, Sembcorp said. The renewables segment saw a 27% rise in earnings during the first half, reflecting a higher contribution from India operations on better wind resource and improved operational renewables capacity. However, the segment's performance was still impacted by more curtailment and lower tariffs from in certain provinces in China. Its integrated urban solutions arm delivered net profit before exceptional items of S$74 million, slightly higher than S$73 million reported last year. This was backed by higher land sales in Indonesia and higher earnings from the water business in China. The company expects to maintain a sustainable dividend payout in fiscal 2025. "We remain focused on strengthening and growing our businesses to drive Sembcorp's strategic plan towards 2028 and beyond, to deliver increasing value to our shareholders," said Group CEO Wong Kim Yin. ($1 = 1.2823 Singapore dollars)
