RAPID CITY, S.D., April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Black Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH) will announce its 2025 first-quarter earnings after the market closes Wednesday, May 7, 2025, and will host a live conference call and webcast at 11 a.m. EDT on Thursday, May 8, 2025, to discuss the company’s financial results. To participate by phone and ask a question during the live broadcast, participants can access the event directly at Black Hills Corp. Conference Q&A. Please allow at least five minutes to register. Upo ...

Core Viewpoint - The stock market is experiencing turbulence due to concerns about tariffs impacting the global economy, which could lead to a recession and further declines in stock prices [1] Group 1: Black Hills (BKH) - Black Hills is considered a foundational dividend stock, attractive due to the essential nature of utilities and the regulatory monopolies they hold [3] - The company has a strong track record with over 50 consecutive annual dividend increases, qualifying it as a Dividend King, and offers a dividend yield of 4.4%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's 1.2% [5] - Black Hills projects earnings growth of 4% to 6% annually, with dividend growth expected to align with earnings, supported by an investment-grade-rated balance sheet [6][7] Group 2: Enbridge (ENB) - Enbridge has a remarkable history of paying dividends for over 70 years, with a 30-year streak of increasing payouts, making it a model dividend stock [8] - The company generates 98% of its earnings from stable, contracted assets, allowing it to maintain predictable revenue and achieve its financial guidance consistently [9] - Enbridge plans to grow its cash flow per share by 3% annually through next year and about 5% per year after 2026, with a current dividend yield exceeding 7% [11] Group 3: Enterprise Products Partners (EPD) - Enterprise Products Partners is highlighted for its ability to provide a steady stream of passive income, having increased its dividend for 26 consecutive years despite market volatility [12][13] - The company has nearly $6 billion in major projects under construction, including pipeline expansions, which are expected to enhance cash flows and support dividend growth [14] - Enterprise Products has generated record net income and distributable cash flow in 2024, indicating strong financial health and the capacity to maintain and grow dividends [15][16]

Group 1: Dividend Kings Overview - Dividend Kings are companies that have increased their dividend payouts for at least five decades, indicating strong business plans and execution in various market conditions [1] - Companies highlighted as potential investments include Nucor, Black Hills, and Stanley Black & Decker, each serving different niches in an investment portfolio [2] Group 2: Nucor - Nucor's stock has declined over a third since early 2024, primarily due to weakening industry conditions in the cyclical steel market rather than internal issues [3][4] - The company is undergoing a $10 billion capital investment plan, positioning itself to emerge stronger when steel prices recover [5] - Nucor offers a 1.7% dividend yield, appealing to investors interested in industry leaders despite the current market challenges [6] Group 3: Black Hills - Black Hills boasts a 4.5% dividend yield, making it an attractive option for yield-seeking investors [7] - The company serves 1.35 million customers across several states, with customer growth nearly three times the U.S. population growth rate, supporting future earnings growth of 4% to 6% annually [9] - Black Hills is characterized by steady growth, making it a reliable utility investment with a market cap of $4 billion [8][9] Group 4: Stanley Black & Decker - Stanley Black & Decker is undergoing a turnaround after an acquisition spree that led to high leverage and a complex product portfolio [10] - Despite challenges, the company has maintained its dividend streak, although the growth rate has slowed [11] - Adjusted earnings have started to rise again in 2024, indicating a potential inflection point, though 2025 may present challenges due to global economic uncertainty [12] - The company is seen as a turnaround story, appealing to investors willing to take on risk for potential rewards [13] Group 5: Conclusion on Dividend Kings - Nucor, Black Hills, and Stanley Black & Decker represent diverse investment opportunities within the Dividend Kings category, catering to different investor preferences [14]

RAPID CITY, S.D., March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Black Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH) today announced that its electric utility subsidiary in Colorado received approval from the Colorado Public Utilities Commission for new rates. The approved new rates will provide recovery of approximately $370 million of system investments since the utility’s last general rate filing in 2016 and inflationary impacts on costs to serve customers. The approved new rates provide approximately $17.0 million of new annual revenues ...

Click here for a two-week free trial , so we can help you achieve better long-term total returns and your financial dreams.He is a founding author of the investing group The Dividend Kings which focuses on helping investors safeguard and grow their money in all market conditions through the highest-quality dividend investments. Dividend Sensei and the team of analysts (Brad Thomas, Justin Law, Nicholas Ward, Chuck Carnevale, and Sebastian Wolf) help members invest more intelligently in dividend stocks. Feat ...

RAPID CITY, S.D., Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Black Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH) today announced the company will meet with investors in March 2025 through participation in the following conferences: Morgan Stanley Energy and Power Conference on March 3;Jefferies Power, Utilities and Clean Energy Conference on March 4;Siebert Williams Shank West Coast Utilities Conference on March 20; andScotiabank Utilities and Renewables Conference on March 25. Supporting materials for these meetings will be available on ...

Customer Growth - As of December 31, 2024, the total electric retail customers increased to 225,088, up from 222,340 in 2023, representing a growth of 1.6%[30] - As of December 31, 2024, the total natural gas retail customers increased to 1,128,355, up from 1,116,393 in 2023, representing a growth of approximately 1.1%[48] Energy Supply and Demand - The system peak demand for Colorado Electric in summer 2024 was 394 MW, a decrease of 4.1% from 411 MW in summer 2023[30] - The power supply from coal decreased to 32.5% in 2024 from 35.0% in 2023, while natural gas increased to 29.4% from 26.4%[32] - Renewable energy purchases increased in 2024 due to new wind and solar power purchase agreements (PPAs) effective December 2023 and March 2024, respectively[33] - Seasonal variations significantly impact demand for natural gas, with higher demand typically observed during the winter months[50] Financial Performance - Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $2,127.7 million, a decrease of 8.7% from $2,331.3 million in 2023[308] - Operating income increased to $503.1 million in 2024, up 6.8% from $472.7 million in 2023[308] - Net income available for common stock was $273.1 million, representing an increase of 4.0% compared to $262.2 million in 2023[308] - Basic earnings per share remained stable at $3.91 for both 2024 and 2023[308] - Comprehensive income available for common stock was $278.5 million in 2024, compared to $263.0 million in 2023, an increase of 5.8%[311] - Net income for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $283.7 million, an increase of 2.5% from $276.0 million in 2023[321] Costs and Expenses - The total weighted average fuel and purchased power cost decreased to $24.66 per MWh in 2024 from $25.39 in 2023[34] - The average price paid for natural gas was $15.64 per MWh in 2024, down from $20.20 in 2023[34] - The weighted average cost of coal used for electricity generation was $13.87 per MWh in 2024, compared to $13.40 in 2023[34] - The company reported a decrease in fuel, purchased power, and cost of natural gas sold to $730.3 million in 2024 from $982.9 million in 2023, a decline of 25.6%[308] - Increased costs associated with healthcare plans and employee benefits may adversely affect financial operating results, including earnings and cash flow[121] Capital Structure and Debt - Long-term debt increased to $4,250.2 million in 2024, up from $3,801.2 million in 2023, indicating a rise of 11.8%[318] - Long-term debt issuance in 2024 was $450.0 million, compared to $800.0 million in 2023, indicating a decrease of 43.8%[321] - As of December 31, 2024, 96.9% of the company's debt is fixed rate, limiting exposure to variable interest rate fluctuations[279] - The senior unsecured debt rating is Baa2 (Stable outlook) by Moody's and BBB+ (Stable outlook) by S&P, with a potential downgrade impacting capital access and increasing interest expenses[117] Regulatory Environment - The company’s electric utilities face limited competition in retail generation and distribution, with potential impacts from legislative restructuring initiatives[42] - The regulatory environment allows the company to recover prudently incurred costs of natural gas through various cost recovery mechanisms, ensuring stable revenue streams[55] - The company is subject to oversight by multiple regulatory bodies, including state public utility commissions and the FERC, which influence its operational and financial decisions[56] - Regulated natural gas and electric utility services tariffs are subject to regulatory-approved tariffs, with service revenues varying based on quantities delivered, influenced by seasonal business and weather patterns[341] Workforce and Employee Relations - Total employees as of December 31, 2024, are 2,841, with 423 in Electric Utilities and 1,175 in Gas Utilities[80] - The turnover rate for the year ended December 31, 2024, is 11%, down from 12% in the previous year[79] - The percentage of women in executive leadership positions increased from 29% in 2023 to 32% in 2024[79] - The company has a collective bargaining agreement covering 716 employees across Electric and Gas Utilities, with no labor stoppages experienced in decades[81] Environmental and Safety Regulations - The company is subject to significant state and federal environmental regulations aimed at reducing GHG emissions and promoting clean energy technologies[74] - The EPA proposed new GHG emission limits for existing coal and natural gas power plants, with compliance costs expected to be recoverable through regulatory mechanisms[75] - The company reported a Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred incident rate of 1.0 per 200,000 hours worked for the year ended December 31, 2024[85] - 91.5% of injuries were reported within one day, indicating a strong focus on safety and compliance[85] Strategic Initiatives and Risks - The company has significant capital investment programs planned over the next five years, including a 99 MW natural gas-fired generation addition in South Dakota and a renewable generating facility acquisition as part of the Colorado Clean Energy Plan[88] - The company faces risks related to regulatory outcomes, which could adversely impact earnings, cash flow, and liquidity due to potential unfavorable rate decisions[89] - Supply chain challenges could negatively impact operations, with risks including unanticipated price increases and disruptions from geopolitical unrest[104] - Cybersecurity incidents pose a risk to operations, with potential disruptions leading to loss of service and significant repair costs[105] - Legislative changes regarding federal income tax policy could adversely affect the company's financial condition and cash flows[97] Financial Instruments and Market Risks - The company uses derivative financial instruments to hedge against commodity price risks, which could result in material financial losses if market conditions change unfavorably[125][126] - The company is exposed to various market risks, including commodity price risk and interest rate risk, which may impact financial performance[272][275] - The company has adopted hedging programs to mitigate natural gas price volatility, utilizing futures, options, and swaps[273][276] - Certain derivative contracts approved by regulatory authorities are either recovered or refunded through customer rates, with changes in fair value deferred as a regulatory asset or liability[368] Asset Management - Total assets increased to $10,022.6 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $9,620.4 million in 2023, reflecting a growth of 4.2%[315] - The company’s retained earnings rose to $1,249.1 million in 2024, compared to $1,158.2 million in 2023, an increase of 7.8%[324] - Goodwill balances remained unchanged since 2016, totaling $1,299.5 million as of December 31, 2024, with $257.3 million attributed to Electric Utilities and $1,042.2 million to Gas Utilities[358]

Black Hills Corporation (NYSE:BKH) Q4 2024 Results Conference Call February 6, 2025 11:00 AM ET Company Participants Salvador Diaz - Director, Investor Relations Linden Evans - President & Chief Executive Officer Kimberly Nooney - Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Marne Jones - Senior Vice President-Utilities Conference Call Participants Anthony Crowdell - Mizuho Andrew Weisel - Scotiabank Julien Dumoulin-Smith - Jefferies Chris Ellinghaus - Siebert Williams Operator Good day, and thank you fo ...

Financial Performance - Black Hills Corp. reported Q4 2024 earnings per share (EPS) of $3.91, reflecting a 4.3% growth from the midpoint of 2023 earnings guidance[5]. - The company achieved operating income of $163.3 million in Q4 2024, compared to $136.5 million in Q4 2023, and full-year operating income of $503.1 million, up from $472.7 million[1]. - Total revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, was $2,127.7 million, compared to $2,331.3 million for the same period in 2023, reflecting a decrease of approximately 8.7%[18][20]. - Net income available for common stock for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, was $273.1 million, compared to $262.2 million for the same period in 2023, representing an increase of approximately 4.0%[18][20]. - Total revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2024, was $385.2 million, a slight increase from $380.3 million in the same period of 2023[29]. Capital Investment and Forecast - Black Hills Corp. increased its five-year capital forecast by 10% to $4.7 billion, including $1.0 billion for 2025[5]. - The company invested approximately $800 million in electric and gas infrastructure during the year, including the first phase of the $350 million Ready Wyoming transmission expansion project[2]. - Black Hills Corp. initiated 2025 earnings guidance in the range of $4.00 to $4.20 per share, based on several operational assumptions[10]. Revenue and Sales Performance - Electric Utilities revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, was $876.1 million, up from $865.0 million in 2023, indicating a growth of approximately 1.3%[18][20]. - Gas Utilities revenue decreased from $1,484.2 million in 2023 to $1,269.4 million in 2024, a decline of approximately 14.5%[18][20]. - The total quantities sold for Electric Utilities in the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, were 7,235.2 GWh, compared to 7,196.2 GWh in 2023, reflecting an increase of approximately 0.5%[23]. - Total quantities sold and transported for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, were 1,269.4 million Dth, down from 1,484.2 million Dth in 2023, reflecting a decrease of approximately 14.4%[29]. - Retail revenue from residential customers was $215.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $215.1 million in 2023, showing a marginal increase[29]. - Arkansas Gas reported revenue of $81.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, up from $79.8 million in 2023, indicating a growth of 2.3%[31]. Operational Challenges and Outlook - The company anticipates challenges related to supply chain disruptions and inflation impacting operational costs[38]. - Future earnings guidance and long-term growth targets are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including regulatory approvals and market conditions[37]. Dividends and Shareholder Returns - Black Hills Corp. increased its quarterly dividend by 4%, marking 55 consecutive years of annual dividend increases[5]. - The company issued 3.3 million shares of new common stock for net proceeds of $182 million during 2024[9]. Utility Performance - Electric Utilities' operating income decreased by $15.8 million due to unplanned generation outages, lower off-system excess energy sales, and higher insurance expenses[22]. - Gas Utilities' operating income increased by $42.5 million driven by new rates, retail customer growth, and favorable mark-to-market on commodity contracts[22]. - Corporate and other operating loss decreased by $3.7 million due to lower unallocated operating expenses[22]. - The total availability of contracted generating facilities was 88.2% for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to 88.9% in 2023[27]. Customer Base and Service - The company serves approximately 1.35 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states[36]. - Wyoming Electric set a new all-time peak load of 318 megawatts in January 2025, surpassing the previous peak of 314 megawatts in January 2024[6]. Environmental Commitment - The company emphasizes its commitment to achieving greenhouse gas emissions intensity reduction goals[38]. Upcoming Events - Black Hills Corp. will host a conference call on February 6, 2025, to discuss its financial and operating performance[33].

Delivered 2024 EPS of $3.91, or 4.3% growth from the midpoint of 2023 earnings guidanceIncreasing five-year capital forecast by 10% to $4.7 billion for 2025 through 2029, including $1.0 billion for 2025Projecting total data center load exceeding one gigawatt from existing customersIncreased quarterly dividend by 4%, extending track record of annual dividend increases to 55 consecutive yearsInitiating 2025 earnings guidance range at $4.00 to $4.20 per share RAPID CITY, S.D., Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ...