Latest news with #LNT
Tokyo Weekender
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tokyo Weekender
Japan's Living National Treasures: The Keepers of Traditional Culture
Japan is a country of National Treasures. From clay figurines dating back thousands of years to intricate lacquerware, mountain pagodas, castle keeps and the largest wooden building in the world, the 'treasures' of Japanese culture are aptly named because there is a wealth of them. There are even National Treasures you can talk to (which admittedly is true for all of them) and expect them to answer back (which admittedly is very rare). They are the Living National Treasures of Japan: masters of highly prized arts, crafts and performing arts who safeguard the country's traditional culture. Here's everything you need to know about them. List of Contents: Guardians, Not Celebrities Living National Treasures Must Live a Life of Creation It's a Very Exclusive Club The Future Related Posts Guardians, Not Celebrities Living National Treasures (Ningen Kokuho) are officially certified as 'Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Properties,' meaning their unique abilities. The LNT recognition by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology names a person but ultimately celebrates a skill that the honoree is preserving for future generations. That's why the LNT certifications also include categories for small and large groups of artisans. The history of the program dates back to the mid-20th century and stems from Nara's Horyu-ji temple, home to the world's oldest surviving wooden structures. After a fire seriously damaged priceless murals in the temple's main hall, the Japanese government realized that there were precious few people out there who could repair or replicate this seventh- and eighth-century art. This, plus the devastation caused by World War II, made Japan start to think that cultural heritage isn't just something you can touch. And so, in 1955, five years after the government passed the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties, it recognized the first cohort of people who are living repositories of invaluable knowledge about everything from noh or kabuki theater to imperial court music, ceramics, swordsmithing, bamboo craft and so much more. However, their expertise cannot be purely theoretical. Living National Treasures Must Live a Life of Creation Besides bragging rights about being a National Treasure (and all the free drinks that probably gets you), recipients of the LNT certification are also granted ¥2 million per year by the Japanese government. That's about $13,500 as of June 2025. Possible to live on but far outside luxury's ZIP code. That's fine, though, because these master artists also have day jobs. They're required to. Besides mentoring apprentices and documenting their processes, LNTs must also actively be performing or showcasing their art. The government stipend only aims to cover basic living expenses so that talented people can focus on their important work and keep making contributions to art and history, like by helping restore techniques that were once thought to be lost to time. For example, Hiromichi Osaka, a woodworker and a Living National Treasure, discovered how ancient Nara artisans created intricate patterns on rosewood boxes — it turns out it was tin inlays. It's a Very Exclusive Club The maximum number of Living National Treasures is capped at 116. The only way to get on the list when it's full is to first be amazing at a traditional Japanese craft or performing art and then wait for someone whom you probably deeply admire to, well, die. (As of July 2024, there were 108 Living National Treasures.) Also, you need to be able to teach what you know to the next generation. You're likely familiar with this old saying: 'Those who can, do; those who can't, teach.' But to be an LNT, you have to be able to do both. That's why the vetting process even takes into account a candidate's number of apprentices. National Treasures are to be shared with the whole world, after all. This is the core of a big criticism that some have aimed at the program. If Living National Treasures are so important to the soul of Japan, why is there a limit on their number? This has caused some masters to be overlooked in the past simply because there wasn't room in their LNT category, even if their particular talent had a unique quality to it. Perhaps as a result, not everyone considers being named a National Treasure a great honor. In 1959, Kitaoji Rosanjin, an artist who excelled at ceramics, calligraphy and lacquerware, was named a Living National Treasure but ultimately declined the title. The Future Some may argue that a hyperfocus on tradition and history can lead to a stifling of innovation, but the Living National Treasure program isn't averse to change. In 2026, they will be adding a new category: chefs and sake brewers. There are also talks of recognizing living regional treasures so that more talent can be preserved and transmitted. The Living National Treasure initiative has also inspired programs in China, Korea, the Philippines, Australia and Ireland, so while it may not be perfect, it does seem to be putting a lot of good out into the world. Hopefully, it'll continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Related Posts Mamoru Nakagawa: Metalworker, Artist, Alchemist Nageiredo Temple: Hike to Japan's Most Dangerous National Treasure in Tottori Prefecture 3 Days in Nara: In Search of Prince Shotoku — The Man, The Myth, The Legend
Wall Street Journal
11-07-2025
- Science
- Wall Street Journal
Trump's Unsung Economic Booster: Deregulation
What level of radiation may a U.S. nuclear power plant emit? 'As low as reasonably achievable,' the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has long declared. It bases this on the assumption that there is no safe level of exposure to radiation. This assumption—called 'linear no-threshold' or LNT—isn't rigorously supported by science. There is little consensus that radiation at extremely low levels is harmful.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Is Alliant Energy Stock Outperforming the Nasdaq?
With a market cap of $15.8 billion, Alliant Energy Corporation (LNT) is a utility holding company providing regulated electric and natural gas services primarily through its two main subsidiaries: Interstate Power and Light Company (IPL) and Wisconsin Power and Light Company (WPL). Alliant Energy utilizes a diversified fuel mix, including coal, natural gas, and renewables, and supplements its energy output with purchased power. Companies valued at more than $10 billion are generally considered 'large-cap' stocks, and MGM Resorts fits this criterion perfectly. Serving customers across Iowa, Wisconsin, and parts of Minnesota and Illinois, the company engages in electricity generation and distribution, natural gas distribution and transportation, and also offers steam, freight, and energy-related services. Meta's Mark Zuckerberg Says the Technology They're Developing Will 'See What You See and Hear What You Hear' The Next Trillion-Dollar Boom? 3 Stocks to Buy with 300 Million Humanoid Robots on the Horizon. 'Record-Shattering': Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Has Now Paid $101 Billion in Cumulative Federal Income Tax 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! Shares of the Madison, Wisconsin-based company have declined 7.8% from its 52-week high of $66.54. LNT stock has decreased 2.7% over the past three months, lagging behind the Nasdaq Composite's ($NASX) 10.4% surge over the same time frame. In the longer term, LNT stock is up 3.7% on a YTD basis, exceeding NASX's 1.7% gain. Moreover, shares of the electric and gas utility parent company have climbed 20.4% over the past 52 weeks, compared to NASX's nearly 11% return over the same time frame. Despite recent fluctuations, the stock has been trading mostly above its 50-day and 200-day moving averages since last year. Shares of Alliant Energy rose 1.1% following its Q1 2025 results on May 8. The company reported EPS of $0.83, surpassing estimates and rising 33.9% year-over-year, with revenue up 9.4% to $1.1 billion despite higher fuel and interest costs. The modest growth in electric and gas customer base and a slight increase in total utility gas sales also signaled stable demand. Additionally, LNT reaffirmed its 2025 EPS guidance of $3.15 - $3.25 and announced a $11.5 billion infrastructure investment plan through 2028. In comparison, Alliant Energy stock has outpaced its rival NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE). NEE stock has dropped marginally on a YTD basis and 3.9% over the past 52 weeks. Despite the stock's outperformance over the past year, analysts remain cautiously optimistic on LNT. The stock has a consensus rating of 'Moderate Buy' from 12 analysts in coverage, and as of writing, it is trading below the mean price target of $64.90. On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal 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 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
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Interstate Power and Light Company Prices Debt Offering
$600 million in senior debentures will be due in 2035 MADISON, Wis., May 13, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Interstate Power and Light Company ("IPL"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Alliant Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: LNT), announced the pricing of its public offering of $600 million aggregate principal amount of 5.600% senior debentures due 2035. The senior debentures will be due on June 29, 2035. IPL intends to use the net proceeds from this offering to retire its $50 million aggregate principal amount of 5.50% senior debentures maturing on July 15, 2025 and its $250 million aggregate principal amount of 3.40% senior debentures maturing on August 15, 2025, each at or prior to maturity, to reduce outstanding capital under its receivables purchase and sale program, to reduce outstanding commercial paper, and/or for general corporate purposes. The closing of the offering is expected to occur on May 19, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The offering was marketed through a group of underwriters consisting of BofA Securities, Inc., Mizuho Securities USA LLC, MUFG Securities Americas Inc. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC as joint book-running managers, and PNC Capital Markets LLC, Siebert Williams Shank & Co., LLC, TD Securities (USA) LLC and U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc. as co-managers. The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus which are part of a shelf registration statement IPL filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Copies may be obtained by calling BofA Securities, Inc. toll free at 1-800-294-1322, Mizuho Securities USA LLC toll free at 1-866-271-7403, MUFG Securities Americas Inc. toll free at 1-877-649-6848 or Wells Fargo Securities, LLC toll free at 1-800-645-3751. Electronic copies of these documents will be available from the Commission's website at This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor will there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About Alliant Energy Alliant Energy Corporation's Iowa utility subsidiary, Interstate Power and Light Company (IPL), utilizes the trade name of Alliant Energy (NASDAQ:LNT). The Iowa utility is based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements. These statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated, including risks related to the proposed offering, the anticipated use of proceeds from the sale of the senior debentures and other risks outlined in IPL's public filings with the Commission, including IPL's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. All information provided in this news release speaks as of the date hereof. Except as otherwise required by law, IPL undertakes no obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements. View source version on Contacts Media Hotline: (608) 458-4040 Investor Relations: Susan Gille: (608) 458-3956
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alliant Energy Corp (LNT) Q1 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Start with Increased EPS and ...
Earnings Per Share (EPS): $0.83 for Q1 2025, compared to $0.62 for Q1 2024. 2025 Earnings Guidance: Reaffirmed at $3.15 to $3.25 per share. Capital Expenditure Plan: Increased by approximately $600 million from November 2024 update, totaling $11.5 billion for 2025-2028. Revenue Drivers: Higher revenue requirements from capital investments at IPL and WPL. Temperature Impact: Warmer than normal temperatures decreased electric and gas margins by $0.03 per share in Q1 2025. Customer Growth: Increased use per meter across all retail customer classes at Wisconsin utility. Financing Plan: Cash from operations and tax credit monetization make up almost 50% of financing; new debt financing accounts for approximately 40%; new common equity issuances account for approximately 12%. Safe Harbor Activities: Nearly all planned safe harbor activities completed for future energy storage and renewable projects through 2028. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 9 Warning Signs with LNT. Release Date: May 09, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Alliant Energy Corp (NASDAQ:LNT) reported a strong start to 2025, achieving more than 25% of their earnings guidance midpoint in the first quarter. The company has executed energy supply agreements totaling 2.1 gigawatts of demand, representing a significant increase in peak demand. Alliant Energy Corp (NASDAQ:LNT) has updated its capital expenditure plan, reflecting a nearly 26% increase from 18 months ago, with a forecasted investment CAGR of nearly 11% from 2024 to 2028. The company is well-positioned with safe harbor activities for renewable and energy storage projects, ensuring tax credit qualification through 2028. Alliant Energy Corp (NASDAQ:LNT) reaffirmed its 2025 earnings guidance range of $3.15 to $3.25 per share, supported by strong financial performance and strategic initiatives. Warmer than normal temperatures in the first quarter of 2025 negatively impacted electric and gas margins by $0.03 per share. Higher depreciation and financing expenses partially offset the positive drivers of the company's financial performance. The company faces potential risks from legislative changes, such as the repeal or scaling back of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and tax credits. Alliant Energy Corp (NASDAQ:LNT) anticipates the need for $1.4 billion in new common equity issuances through 2028, which could impact shareholder value. The company is exposed to a 20% tariff on batteries sourced from China, although it remains the lowest cost option compared to domestically produced batteries. Q: Can you provide a timeline for converting mature opportunities to contracts and explain how you plan to serve these opportunities with existing and new generation? A: Lisa Barton, President and CEO, explained that they differentiate between signed Energy Supply Agreements (ESAs) and those in negotiation. They have high confidence in the latter due to ongoing discussions. They plan to use a mix of existing resources, short-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), and new developments to meet demand, leveraging near-term capacity length to accelerate load growth. Q: With the safe harboring activities, is there still a need to revisit the Iowa rate case if policy changes significantly? A: Robert Durian, CFO, stated that while there is a provision to revisit the rate case if major legislation changes, the focus is on avoiding this by advocating for beneficial legislative provisions, accelerating load growth, and leveraging safe harbor activities to meet stakeholder expectations without revisiting the rate case. Q: Do you still see a 5% to 7% long-term EPS CAGR, and how are you trending in that plan? A: Robert Durian confirmed the focus on consistent growth, aiming to strengthen and extend growth rates. The updated investment CAGR of 11% supports this, with expectations to be at the top end of the growth rate by 2027. Lisa Barton highlighted the Alliant Energy Advantage, emphasizing their role in community economic development and regulatory flexibility. Q: How would the potential loss of transferability affect your equity needs, and what financing strategies might you employ? A: Robert Durian noted that they are cautiously optimistic about legislative outcomes and are well-protected for the next few years due to safe harbor activities. If additional financing is needed, they would maintain a strong balance sheet, potentially using 40% to 50% equity for new financing needs. Q: How does the MISO capacity auction impact consumer bills and the regulatory landscape? A: Robert Durian explained that Alliant Energy is well-positioned, using excess capacity to benefit customer bills. Elevated capacity prices support their strategy to build new generation to meet customer demand, while others may face challenges due to shortfalls. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
