Core Viewpoint - U.S. utilities present attractive investment opportunities for dividend-seeking investors, with NextEra Energy, Black Hills, and American Electric Power being notable examples of companies with distinct strengths in dividend growth, reliability, and growth potential respectively [1][13]. Group 1: NextEra Energy - NextEra Energy offers a dividend yield of approximately 3% and has achieved a 10% annualized dividend growth over the past decade, with expectations to maintain this growth rate for the next few years [2][4]. - The company's business is primarily supported by regulated utility assets in Florida, benefiting from population growth and a strong renewable energy operation [3][4]. - NextEra is a leader in the clean energy sector, being one of the largest solar and wind companies globally, positioning itself well for future growth as the world shifts towards lower carbon energy options [4]. Group 2: Black Hills - Black Hills boasts a remarkable 55-year streak of increasing dividends, qualifying it as a Dividend King, with a current yield of 4.6% [6][7]. - The company operates in markets that are growing at approximately three times the rate of the U.S. population, projecting earnings growth of 4% to 6% annually [8]. - While Black Hills may not offer rapid growth like NextEra, its high yield and steady dividend increases make it appealing for conservative investors focused on income generation [9]. Group 3: American Electric Power (AEP) - AEP has a dividend yield of around 3.6% and is in a growth phase with a five-year capital investment plan of approximately $54 billion, which could increase by another $10 billion [10][11]. - The company anticipates a 55% rise in electricity demand by the end of the decade, which could drive significant earnings growth [11][12]. - AEP's regulated spending is expected to provide more reliable growth compared to NextEra's unregulated clean energy initiatives, with projected earnings growth of 6% to 8% [12].

Group 1 - The article emphasizes the volatility of stocks, indicating that all investors will eventually experience market fluctuations [1] - It highlights that most investors have been in the market for over a month, suggesting a shared experience of volatility [1] Group 2 - The content does not provide specific insights or data related to companies or industries [2]

The utility sector has been a sleepy industry over the years. These companies generate very stable earnings backed by government-regulated rate structures. Because governments set rates, utilities don't grow that fast. However, these companies tend to generate lots of stable income, which gives them money to pay lucrative dividends. Black Hills (BKH -0.65%), Dominion (D 0.13%), and Duke Energy (DUK 0.21%) currently stand out to a few Fool.com contributors for their high-yielding payouts. Here's why they bel ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is reaffirming its 2025 earnings guidance range of $4 to $4.2, representing a 5% growth rate at the midpoint over 2024 EPS [9][10] - Year-over-year earnings drivers for Q1 2025 included $0.29 per share of new margins, with $0.26 from new rates and rider recovery, and $0.03 from customer growth and usage [13][14] - O&M expenses increased by $0.24 per share, primarily due to higher employee costs, outside services, and insurance costs [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has successfully implemented new rates through five rate reviews since early 2024, recovering over $1.3 billion of new system investments [6][8] - The data center demand is expected to reach approximately 500 megawatts by the end of 2029, with EPS contribution from data centers projected to double to over 10% of total EPS in 2028 [12][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing strong customer growth, with new all-time customer peak loads in Wyoming Electric reflecting nearly a 10% increase over the previous peak [7][8] - The company is well-positioned to maximize growth opportunities due to favorable land prices, business climates, and a quality workforce [8][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Key objectives for the year include achieving 5% year-over-year earnings growth, executing regulatory initiatives, and a $1 billion capital plan [5][6] - The company is focusing on safety and system integrity projects, modernization programs, and infrastructure expansion to support growing demands [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the 2025 guidance and long-term EPS growth target of 4% to 6%, driven by a robust balance sheet and capital forecasts [10][11] - The company is optimistic about the impact of new legislation in Wyoming that provides liability protections related to wildfire mitigation [8][29] Other Important Information - The company plans to invest $4.7 billion over a five-year period through 2029, prioritizing safety and system integrity [11][12] - The company has a strong liquidity position with nearly $700 million available under its revolving credit facility [17][18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the electric rate case and the request for rehearing? - Management confirmed an increase in new annual revenue of about half a million and is reviewing the decision for potential next steps [33][34][36] Question: What is the outlook for the franchise agreement in Pueblo? - Management noted that the franchise was retained through a vote and emphasized the importance of affordability and economic development in the area [37][39][40] Question: Can you elaborate on the timing of equity needs? - Management indicated that equity issuance is based on capital project timing and maintaining credit metrics, with expectations for lower annual equity needs in the future [42][45] Question: How are wildfire mitigation efforts progressing in Colorado and South Dakota? - Management anticipates similar outcomes in Colorado and South Dakota as seen in Wyoming, with ongoing legislative efforts [48][49] Question: Is there interest in capital light strategies in South Dakota? - Management confirmed ongoing interest from large customers in Colorado and South Dakota, with potential for customized tariffs based on customer needs [56][57]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is reaffirming its 2025 earnings guidance range of $4 to $4.2, representing a 5% growth rate at the midpoint over 2024 EPS [9][10] - Year-over-year earnings drivers for Q1 2025 included $0.29 per share of new margins, with $0.26 from new rates and rider recovery, and $0.03 from customer growth and usage [13][14] - O&M expenses increased by $0.24 per share, primarily due to higher employee costs, outside services, and insurance costs [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has successfully implemented new rates through five rate reviews since early 2024, recovering over $1.3 billion in new system investments [6][8] - The data center demand is projected to reach approximately 500 megawatts by the end of 2029, with expectations for EPS contribution from data centers to double to over 10% of total EPS by 2028 [12][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported strong customer growth, with two new all-time customer peak loads at Wyoming Electric, reflecting nearly a 10% increase over the previous peak in January 2024 [7][8] - The company is experiencing favorable business and regulatory climates, which are contributing to ongoing growth opportunities [8][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Key objectives for the year include achieving 5% year-over-year earnings growth, executing regulatory initiatives, and a $1 billion capital plan [5][6] - The company is strategically expanding its infrastructure to serve growing customer demands, particularly in data centers and blockchain operations [8][12] - The capital plan prioritizes safety, system integrity projects, and infrastructure expansion to support growing demands [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the 2025 guidance and long-term EPS growth targets of 4% to 6% [10][31] - The company is well-positioned to maximize growth opportunities while mitigating risks, such as through wildfire legislation in Wyoming [8][29] - Management noted that the future of the Inflation Reduction Act is uncertain, but the company's strategic exposure is minimal [10][11] Other Important Information - The company has a strong liquidity position with nearly $700 million available under its revolving credit facility [17][18] - The company has a history of 55 consecutive years of dividend payments, targeting a payout ratio of 55% to 65% [18][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the electric rate case and the request for rehearing? - Management confirmed an increase in new annual revenue of about half a million and is reviewing the decision for potential next steps [33][34][36] Question: What is the outlook for the franchise agreement in Pueblo? - Management expressed satisfaction with the recent vote to keep the franchise agreement and emphasized the importance of affordability and economic development in the area [37][39][40] Question: Can you discuss the timing of equity needs and the lower levels expected in the future? - Management clarified that equity issuance is based on timing of capital projects and maintaining credit metrics, with expectations for lower equity needs in 2026 and beyond [42][45] Question: What is the status of wildfire mitigation efforts in Colorado and South Dakota? - Management anticipates similar outcomes in Colorado and South Dakota as seen in Wyoming, with ongoing legislative efforts [48][49] Question: Is there interest in capital light strategies in South Dakota? - Management noted continued interest from large customers in Colorado and South Dakota, with potential for customized tariffs based on customer needs [56][57] Question: How are insurance costs being handled in Colorado? - Management indicated that insurance cost recovery will be rolled into rate reviews in Colorado, similar to the approach taken in Wyoming [62]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is reaffirming its 2025 earnings guidance range of $4 to $4.2, representing a 5% growth rate at the midpoint over 2024 EPS [7][9] - Year-over-year earnings drivers for Q1 2025 included $0.29 per share of new margins, with $0.26 from new rates and rider recovery, and $0.03 from customer growth and usage [12][13] - O&M expenses increased by $0.24 per share, primarily due to higher employee costs, outside services, and insurance costs [13][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has successfully implemented new rates through five rate reviews since early 2024, recovering over $1.3 billion in new system investments [5][6] - The data center demand is expected to contribute more than 10% of total EPS by 2028, with a forecast of approximately 500 megawatts of data center demand by the end of 2029 [11][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing strong customer growth, with record peaks in demand, including a nearly 10% increase over the previous all-time peak in January 2024 [5][6] - The company’s multistate footprint provides valuable regulatory, weather, and customer diversification, supporting EPS stability and growth [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Key objectives for the year include achieving 5% year-over-year earnings growth, executing regulatory initiatives, and a $1 billion capital plan [4] - The company is strategically expanding its infrastructure to serve growing customer demands, particularly in data centers and blockchain operations [6][11] - The capital plan includes investing $4.7 billion over five years, prioritizing safety, system integrity, and infrastructure expansion [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the 2025 guidance and long-term EPS growth target of 4% to 6%, driven by strong customer demand and a robust pipeline of growth opportunities [9][28] - The company is well-positioned to mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities due to favorable business and regulatory climates [6][9] Other Important Information - The company has a strong liquidity position with nearly $700 million available under its revolving credit facility [15] - The company has a history of 55 consecutive years of dividend payments, targeting a payout ratio of 55% to 65% [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the electric rate case and the request for rehearing? - Management confirmed an increase in new annual revenue of about half a million and is reviewing the decision for potential next steps [31][32] Question: What is the outlook for the franchise agreement in Pueblo? - The franchise agreement was voted to be kept in place, and management is focused on maintaining affordability and economic development in the area [34][36] Question: Can you elaborate on the equity raised this quarter? - The company raised approximately $46 million in equity, with plans to meet the $215 million to $235 million guidance for the year [38][40] Question: What is the status of wildfire mitigation efforts in Colorado and South Dakota? - Management anticipates similar outcomes in Colorado and South Dakota as seen in Wyoming, with ongoing legislative efforts [44][45] Question: Is there interest in capital light strategies in South Dakota? - There is significant interest from large customers in Colorado and South Dakota, and the tariff structure will be tailored to customer needs [52][53]

Table of Contents UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 Form 10-Q ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2025 OR ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from __________ to __________ Commission File Number 001-31303 Black Hills Corporation Incorporated in South Dakota IRS Identification Number 46-0458824 700 ...

Financial Performance & Outlook - Black Hills Corporation reaffirmed its 2025 EPS guidance range of $4.00 to $4.20[8] - The company is targeting a long-term EPS growth of 4% to 6% based off a 2023 base of $3.75 per share[8, 9] - Black Hills anticipates a capital investment of $1 billion in 2025 and $4.7 billion from 2025 to 2029[8] - The company targets a dividend payout ratio of 55% to 65%[8] Capital Investments & Growth Initiatives - Black Hills forecasts a capital investment of $4.7 billion from 2025 to 2029, with significant portions allocated to customer growth, system integrity, and modernization programs[10, 14] - The company expects to serve approximately 500 MW of data center demand by year-end 2029 through innovative tariffs with minimal capital investment[17] - Black Hills is making progress on the Ready Wyoming 260-mile electric transmission project, with the first phase completed and on track for completion by year-end 2025, the first phase cost about $40 million of the total $350 million project[50, 42] Regulatory & Operational Updates - New rates for Colorado Electric have been implemented, and gas rate reviews are actively being executed in Kansas and Nebraska[6, 58] - Wyoming HB192 was enacted, limiting wildfire-related liability[5, 62] - The company is adding 99 MW of dispatchable natural gas generation in 2026 (Lange II)[55]

Financial Performance - Operating income for Q1 2025 was $205.0 million, up from $193.3 million in Q1 2024, reflecting a growth of approximately 6.5%[2] - Net income available for common stock increased to $134.3 million in Q1 2025 from $127.9 million in Q1 2024, representing a growth of about 3.4%[2] - Earnings per share (EPS) remained stable at $1.87 for both Q1 2025 and Q1 2024[2] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 EPS guidance range of $4.00 to $4.20, indicating a projected annual growth rate of 5%[3][7] - Total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was $236.7 million, an increase of 6.8% from $222.2 million in the same period of 2024[21] Revenue Growth - New electric rates in Colorado are expected to generate $17.5 million in annual revenue, effective from May 2025[8] - The company is pursuing $35 million in new annual revenues in Nebraska to enhance service reliability[7] - Retail revenue from residential customers increased to $66.4 million in Q1 2025, up 6.2% from $62.5 million in Q1 2024[21] - Gas utilities reported total revenue of $572.4 million for Q1 2025, a 12.5% increase from $508.7 million in Q1 2024[26] - Retail revenue from residential gas customers rose to $344.1 million in Q1 2025, up 15.5% from $297.8 million in Q1 2024[26] Operational Highlights - Wyoming Electric experienced a nearly 10% increase in peak load, reaching an all-time high, driven by data center and blockchain growth[7] - The total quantities sold for electric utilities reached 1,889.4 GWh in Q1 2025, representing a 6.1% increase from 1,780.0 GWh in Q1 2024[21] - The total quantities sold and transported for gas utilities increased to 96.1 Dth million in Q1 2025, compared to 88.4 Dth million in Q1 2024[26] - The availability of coal generating facilities decreased to 86.3% in Q1 2025 from 95.6% in Q1 2024[24] - The company reported a 7% increase in heating degree days for Colorado Electric in Q1 2025 compared to the previous year[23] Capital Projects and Investments - The Ready Wyoming transmission expansion project, a 260-mile initiative, is on track for completion by year-end 2025, with a total investment of $350 million[11] - Black Hills plans to serve 500 megawatts of data center demand by the end of its five-year plan, contributing over 10% to earnings by 2028[5] Shareholder Returns - The board approved a quarterly dividend of $0.676 per share, marking 55 consecutive years of increases[11] Regulatory and Investor Engagement - The company emphasizes the importance of regulatory proceedings for cost recovery and the execution of its capital program[34] - The company plans to participate in the 2025 AGA Financial Forum from May 18 to May 20, 2025, to engage with investors and analysts[33]

Core Insights - Black Hills Corp. reported financial results for Q1 2025, showing operating income of $205 million, net income available for common stock of $134.3 million, and earnings per share (EPS) of $1.87, consistent with Q1 2024 [1][12][21] - The company reaffirmed its full-year earnings guidance, projecting a growth rate of 5% for 2025, with a long-term EPS growth target of 4% to 6% [2][4] Financial Performance - Revenue for Q1 2025 was $805.2 million, up from $726.4 million in Q1 2024, driven by new rates and increased demand [1][13] - Operating expenses increased to $600.2 million from $533.1 million, primarily due to higher fuel and purchased power costs [1][13] - Interest expense rose to $51.3 million from $44 million, reflecting higher interest rates [21] Regulatory and Growth Initiatives - The company implemented new electric rates in Colorado, resulting in an additional $17.5 million in annual revenue [7][8] - Black Hills is advancing regulatory reviews for gas rates in Nebraska and Kansas, seeking $35 million in new annual revenues in Nebraska [6][9] - The Ready Wyoming transmission expansion project, a 260-mile initiative, is on track for completion by year-end 2025, enhancing long-term cost stability and system resiliency [3][11] Operational Highlights - Wyoming Electric set new peak loads, reflecting a nearly 10% increase over 2024, driven by data center and blockchain growth [6][11] - The company is pursuing the addition of 350 megawatts of renewable generation resources in Colorado as part of its Clean Energy Plan [11][21] - Black Hills' gas utilities saw an operating income increase of $20.7 million, attributed to new rates and favorable winter weather [21][25] Future Outlook - The company expects to serve 500 megawatts of data center demand by the end of its five-year plan, with a projected earnings contribution of over 10% by 2028 [4][6] - Black Hills anticipates continued growth in its utility rate base and organic growth opportunities in its service territories [4][6] - The board approved a quarterly dividend of $0.676 per share, marking 55 consecutive years of increases [11][21]