Core Points - Fortis Inc. has successfully closed a private placement offering of $750 million in subordinated notes with a fixed interest rate of 5.100% due on December 4, 2055 [2] - The offering was facilitated by a syndicate of agents, including major financial institutions such as BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. and Scotia Capital Inc. [2] - Fortis is a leading player in the North American regulated electric and gas utility sector, reporting revenues of $12 billion and total assets of $73 billion as of June 30, 2025 [4] Company Overview - Fortis operates in five Canadian provinces, ten U.S. states, and the Caribbean, employing approximately 9,700 individuals [4] - The company's shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol FTS [4]

Economic Overview - U.S. consumer confidence dropped to 97.4 in August from 98.7 in July, indicating a decline of 1.3 points, with short-term expectations for income, business conditions, and employment also falling to 74.8 [4][5] - Concerns about the economy have been exacerbated by tariffs imposed by President Trump, which have raised inflation fears and impacted consumer confidence [5][6] - A weak labor market, characterized by slow job additions, has further fueled recession fears, despite low layoffs and unemployment rates [7] Investment Recommendations - Given the economic uncertainty, it is advisable to invest in low-beta defensive stocks from the utility and consumer staples sectors, which include Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO), Fortis, Inc. (FTS), Northwest Natural Holding Company (NWN), Ingredion Incorporated (INGR), and Carriage Services, Inc. (CSV) [2][10] - These stocks are characterized by a beta greater than 0 but less than 1, indicating lower volatility, and they also offer high dividend yields [3] Company Profiles - **Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO)**: Engaged in regulated natural gas distribution and storage, serving approximately 3.3 million customers across eight states. Expected earnings growth rate is 7.2% for the current year, with a beta of 0.75 and a dividend yield of 2.09% [8][9] - **Fortis, Inc. (FTS)**: Operates in the electric and gas utility sector, primarily in Canada and the Caribbean. Expected earnings growth rate is 4.6% for the current year, with a beta of 0.48 and a dividend yield of 3.57% [10][11] - **Northwest Natural Holding Company (NWN)**: Focuses on natural gas distribution systems and pipeline projects, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Expected earnings growth rate is 25.3% for the current year, with a beta of 0.59 and a dividend yield of 4.72% [12][13] - **Ingredion Incorporated (INGR)**: Provides ingredient solutions specializing in nature-based sweeteners and starches, serving various sectors. Expected earnings growth rate is 6.7% for the current year, with a beta of 0.77 and a dividend yield of 2.47% [14] - **Carriage Services, Inc. (CSV)**: A leading provider of death care services in the U.S., offering a range of funeral and burial services. Expected earnings growth rate is 23.4% for the current year, with a beta of 0.86 and a dividend yield of 1.03% [15][16]

Core Points - Fortis Inc. has announced a private placement offering of $750 million in 5.100% fixed-to-fixed rate subordinated notes due December 4, 2055 [1] - The offering is being conducted through a syndicate of agents and is expected to close on September 4, 2025 [1][2] - The net proceeds from the offering will be used to reduce borrowings under the corporation's revolving corporate credit facility and for general corporate purposes [2] - Fortis reported 2024 revenue of $12 billion and total assets of $73 billion as of June 30, 2025 [4] - The corporation serves utility customers across five Canadian provinces, ten U.S. states, and the Caribbean with a workforce of 9,700 employees [4]

One other Utilities stock that has outperformed the sector so far this year is Fortis (FTS) . The stock is up 22.1% year-to-date. For Fortis, the consensus EPS estimate for the current year has increased 1.5% over the past three months. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Looking more specifically, ENGIE - Sponsored ADR belongs to the Utility - Electric Power industry, which includes 59 individual stocks and currently sits at #81 in the Zacks Industry Rank. Stocks in this group have gained about ...

Interest Rate Decline is a Tailwind: To fund maintenance, upgrades, and expansion efforts, utility companies often turn to capital markets for financing. The Federal Reserve's series of rate hikes had raised the benchmark interest rate to the 5.25-5.50% range, creating headwinds for the industry. However, the Fed has since shifted its stance, cutting rates by 100 basis points and bringing the benchmark down to 4.25-4.50%. This policy reversal is a positive development for capital-intensive, domestically ori ...

On this front, we can look at the Zacks Style Scores, as these give investors a variety of ways to comb through stocks (beyond looking at the Zacks Rank of a security). The individual style scores for Value, Growth, Momentum and the combined VGM Score run from A through F. Investors should consider the style scores a valuable tool that can help you to pick the most appropriate Zacks Rank stocks based on their individual investment style. Fortis has a Value Score of C. The stock's Growth and Momentum Scores ...

Group 1 - ENGIE - Sponsored ADR (ENGIY) is currently outperforming its peers in the Utilities sector with a year-to-date return of 42.1%, compared to the sector average of 11.5% [4] - The Zacks Rank for ENGIE is 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook based on earnings estimates and revisions, with a 4.2% increase in the consensus estimate for full-year earnings over the past three months [3] - The Utility - Electric Power industry, which includes ENGIE, has an average year-to-date return of 12%, showing that ENGIE is performing better than the industry average [6] Group 2 - Fortis (FTS) is another Utilities stock that has outperformed the sector with a year-to-date return of 17.8% and also holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [4][5] - The Utilities sector is ranked 3 in the Zacks Sector Rank, which evaluates 16 different sector groups based on the average Zacks Rank of individual stocks [2] - Investors in the Utilities sector should monitor ENGIE and Fortis for their continued strong performance [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported second quarter earnings per share (EPS) of $0.76, a $0.09 increase compared to the same period last year [5][13] - Year-to-date EPS was $1.76, reflecting a $0.16 increase over the same period last year [13] - Net earnings for the quarter were $384 million [13] - Capital expenditures for the first half of the year were nearly $3 billion [5][7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Central Hudson contributed a $0.04 increase in EPS, driven by rate-based growth and a higher allowed return on equity (ROE) effective July 1, 2024 [14] - EPS at UNS Energy remained unchanged from the previous year, with increased transmission revenue offset by regulatory lag [14] - Western Canadian Utilities saw a $0.30 increase in EPS, primarily due to rate base growth [14] - EPS for Fortis Alberta was tempered by the expiration of a PVR efficiency mechanism and a lower allowed ROE of 8.97% effective January 1, 2025 [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Tucson Electric Power (TEP) filed a general rate application seeking new retail rates effective September 1, 2026, with a proposed rate base of $4.3 billion, an increase of approximately $750 million since the last rate case [20][21] - The company achieved a 34% reduction in Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2019 levels through 2024 [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on delivering safe and reliable energy while advancing its growth strategy, with a projected rate base increase of approximately $14 billion to $53 billion by 2029, supporting average annual growth of 6.5% [7][8] - The company plans to convert approximately 800 megawatts of coal-fired generation at the Springerville generating station to natural gas by 2030, aiming to be coal-free by 2032 [9][10] - The company remains committed to annual dividend growth guidance of 4% to 6% through 2029 [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in strong results for the first half of the year and progress on regulatory fronts, positioning the company well for the remainder of 2025 and beyond [23] - The company is preparing for its next integrated resource plan in Arizona, which will address changing load curves and resource needs [62] Other Important Information - Fitch assigned Fortis a first-time BBB+ credit rating, enhancing its credit profile and supporting cost-effective capital market funding options [19] - The company is pursuing various opportunities to support load growth and improve grid resilience [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding data center opportunity in Arizona - Management confirmed that the first 300 megawatts will utilize existing and planned capacity, with the second 300 megawatts expected to be in service by 2030 to 2031 [26][28] Question: Upside potential in Arizona and ITC - Management acknowledged significant upside potential in Arizona and ITC, with ongoing opportunities across the entire portfolio [29][30] Question: Springerville conversion costs - Management indicated that the costs of conversion are being evaluated in the context of the integrated resource plan, emphasizing affordability for customers [34][35] Question: Gas infrastructure outlook in BC - Management noted positive developments in LNG opportunities and ongoing regulatory processes for gas connections in BC [40][41] Question: Impact of recent legislation on Fortis - Management stated that while there are limited short-term impacts from recent legislation, longer-term implications on renewable energy and storage development will be assessed [50][54] Question: Need for interstate pipeline capacity into Arizona - Management confirmed discussions regarding gas supply for the Springerville repowering project, indicating a growing need for infrastructure in the long term [60][62]

Fortis (FTS) Q2 2025 Earnings Call August 01, 2025 08:30 AM ET Speaker0Thank you for standing by. My name is Chuck, and I'll be your conference operator. Welcome to the Fortis, Inc. Second Quarter twenty twenty five Earnings Conference Call and Webcast. As a reminder, all participants are in a listen only mode and the conference call is being recorded.After the presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. I would now like to turn the conference over to Ms. Stephanie Amaimo, Vice President, I ...

Financial Performance & Capital Plan - YTD June Capital Expenditures reached $2.9 billion, and the company is on track with its 2025 annual capital plan of $5.2 billion[17] - The 2025-2029 Capital Plan totals $26 billion, with 23% allocated to major capital projects[17] - The company forecasts a 5-Year Rate Base CAGR of 6.5%, growing from $39 billion in 2024 to $53 billion in 2029[17] - Q2 2025 EPS was $0.76, compared to $0.67 in Q2 2024, and YTD 2025 EPS was $1.76, compared to $1.60 YTD 2024[35] Strategic Initiatives & Growth Opportunities - TEP plans to convert 793 MW of coal-fired generation at the Springerville Generating Station to natural gas generation by 2030, supporting a coal-free generation mix by 2032[21] - An agreement was reached with a data center customer for ~300 MW of power demand ramping up in 2027, with potential for a total of 600 MW at the initial site and an additional 500-700 MW at a subsequent site[27] - MISO LRTP Tranche 2.1 represents a ~US$3.7-$4.2 billion investment opportunity for projects in Michigan, Minnesota, and Iowa[30] Dividend & Sustainability - The company provides annual dividend growth guidance of 4-6% through 2029[33] - Fortis has reduced scope 1 emissions by 34% to the end of 2024 relative to 2019 levels[89] - FortisBC will invest $690 million to help customers save 3.8 million gigajoules of gas and 115 GWh of electricity by the end of 2027[89]