Duke Energy is proposing to add a natural gas unit at an existing complex near Amazon's new $10 billion data center in Richmond County. This proposal will be subject to a public hearing as Duke Energy seeks to increase rates to fund new generation construction to meet rising power demand. The article highlights the growing demand for energy from data centers and the ongoing discussions around their impact in North Carolina.

The Procter & Gamble Company (PG) stock offers stability and reliable returns due to its dominance in everyday essentials like Tide and Pampers. Its business model, focused on high-margin consumer goods, ensures steady cash flows and makes it an attractive investment for those seeking stability amidst economic uncertainty. P&G's global reach, continuous innovation, and strong competitive position further solidify its appeal to U.S. and global investors.

Brad Reese, grandson of Reese's founder H.B. Reese, criticized The Hershey Company for allegedly replacing milk chocolate with cheaper vegetable fats in certain seasonal products, calling Hershey's plan to restore classic recipes by 2027 a "PR stunt." Reese claims the change makes the candy inedible and that Hershey could revert to original ingredients much faster. However, other Reese family members have distanced themselves from Brad's claims, stating they do not share his views and that the core recipes for classic Reese's and Hershey's bars remain unchanged.

Shield AI is in contention for an $800 million U.S. Navy surveillance program, utilizing its V-BAT vertical-takeoff-and-landing uncrewed aircraft for airborne monitoring. The company, founded in 2015, recently secured significant funding rounds, including a $240 million strategic round that boosted its valuation to $5.3 billion, and an agreement to co-lead a $1.5 billion Series G funding round. These investments support the development of its Hivemind Enterprise product and broader national security initiatives.

Bank of Hope announced its acquisition of SMBC Manubank’s commercial banking unit in California for an undisclosed amount. This all-cash deal, expected to close in the second half of the year, will add $2.5 billion in loans and $2.7 billion in deposits, along with eight commercial banking branches. The acquisition is projected to significantly boost Bank of Hope's earnings per share by over 20% in 2027 and expand its presence in cross-border middle market banking, particularly targeting Korean and Japanese clients.

Walmart announced plans to remodel over 650 of its stores this year, including Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets, as part of a "significant investment" in its physical locations. The renovations will bring wider aisles, expanded services, updated digital touchpoints, and refreshed interiors and exteriors. Additionally, Walmart intends to open 20 new stores in 2026 and early 2027, with some locations already opened in California and Florida.

ImmunityBio Inc. is positioned as a key player in biotech with its immunotherapy platform designed to combat cancer and infectious diseases. The company's lead candidate, Anktiva, shows promise in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, with ongoing trials expanding its potential to other difficult-to-treat cancers. ImmunityBio's strategy involves combining engineered bacteria, cell therapies, and antibody constructs to stimulate broad immune responses, aiming for long-lasting protection against tumors and addressing large oncology markets.

Tyler Technologies (TYL) has successfully acquired For the Record (FTR), a move aimed at expanding its technology offerings and footprint in the legal and judicial sectors. This strategic acquisition enhances Tyler Technologies' ability to provide comprehensive solutions to public sector clients and reinforces its commitment to innovation and growth in the industry. The company encourages investors and stakeholders to stay informed about its ongoing strategic initiatives.

Jefferies analyst Brent Thill has maintained a 'Buy' rating for IBM but lowered the price target from $370 to $320. Despite the lowered target, the 'Buy' rating suggests continued confidence in IBM's ability to capitalize on growth. GuruFocus assesses IBM as 20.0% overvalued at its current price of $253.16 compared to its GF Value™ of $211.04, with a strong GF Score™ of 83/100.

Jefferies has maintained a 'Hold' rating on Centene (CNC) while increasing its price target from $37.00 to $39.00. Despite this, the stock is considered significantly undervalued by GuruFocus metrics, with a GF Value™ of $94.54 compared to its current price of $38.60, representing a 59.2% undervaluation. The company exhibits strong profitability and financial strength but shows lower growth and valuation ranks, and there has been no recent insider trading activity.