Core Viewpoint - The NiSource Charitable Foundation, in collaboration with Columbia Gas and NIPSCO, hosted the second annual 'Introduce a Girl to STEAM Signature Event' to encourage school-aged girls to explore career pathways in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) [1] Group 1 - The event attracted over 300 school-aged girls, highlighting the Foundation's commitment to fostering interest in STEAM fields among young women [1] - This initiative aligns with the Foundation's mission to build strong and sustainable communities for NiSource employees and customers [1]

Group 1 - The article does not provide any relevant content regarding company or industry insights [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, the company reported adjusted earnings of $0.51 per share, an increase from $0.49 in the same period last year [14] - Full-year adjusted EPS for 2025 was $1.90, up from $1.75 in 2024, reflecting strong regulatory execution and cost management [14][15] - The FFO to debt ratio improved to 16.1%, exceeding the targeted range of 14%-16% [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The base utility investment plan includes $21 billion over the next five years, focusing on grid modernization and safety [15] - The Amazon project at GenCo represents a capital investment of $6-$7 billion through 2032, with most falling within the five-year planning window [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is actively engaged in approximately 24 data center projects, reflecting strong demand in Virginia, the data center capital of the world [10] - In Indiana, the Economic Development Team managed over 140 active projects, indicating robust economic development across the service territory [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deliver safe, reliable, and competitive energy while focusing on disciplined capital deployment and operational excellence [4] - A commitment to customer affordability is highlighted through regulatory and rate design tools that mitigate bill impacts [6] - The company is advancing its data center initiative, with key milestones achieved in zoning approvals and ongoing negotiations for new capacity [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strategic direction and highlighted the potential for significant upside in developing projects supporting data center growth [8][22] - The company anticipates continued growth in adjusted EPS, reaffirming guidance for 2026 at $2.02-$2.07 per share, representing an 8% year-over-year growth [18][22] Other Important Information - The company has maintained ISO 55001 and API 1173 certifications, emphasizing its commitment to safety management [8] - A 7.1% increase in dividends for 2026 was approved, reflecting alignment with earnings growth [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on strategic negotiations for GenCo - Management indicated that the organization is focused on executing data center opportunities, expecting faster execution compared to previous deals like Amazon [26][27] Question: Pennsylvania strategy and rate case considerations - Management confirmed no current plans for a rate case in Pennsylvania, following a recent successful rate case that increased revenue [29] Question: Timing for NIPSCO gas rate case filing - Management stated that no determination has been made regarding a rate case filing for NIPSCO at this time [32] Question: Scale of future GenCo opportunities - Management noted that they are in strategic negotiations for 1-3 GW, with various sizes and shapes of contracts being considered [33] Question: Impact of Senate Bill 103 on large load customer opportunities in Ohio - Management is working on optimizing regulatory strategies based on recent legislative changes, but no upside from economic development has been incorporated into current forecasts [35] Question: Update on Schahfer coal plant operations - Management confirmed that they will comply with federal orders regarding the Schahfer plant and are prepared to operate it reliably [39] Question: Coordination between electric and gas operations - Management highlighted ongoing efforts to improve coordination between gas and electric operations across the U.S. for better reliability [41] Question: Future reporting for GenCo - Management anticipates breaking out GenCo as its own segment in future financial reports, likely starting in 2026 [43]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the fourth quarter of 2025, the company reported adjusted earnings of $0.51 per share, compared to $0.49 for the same period last year, bringing the full-year adjusted EPS to $1.90, up from $1.75 in 2024 [15][19] - The company achieved a full-year FFO to debt ratio of 16.1%, an increase of 150 basis points, exceeding the targeted guidance range [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The base business continues to deliver strong results, with adjusted EPS surpassing guidance and a focus on disciplined capital deployment and operational excellence [6][15] - The capital plan includes $21 billion of base utility investment over the next five years, focusing on grid modernization and gas infrastructure replacement [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is actively engaged in supporting over 140 active projects across its service territory in Indiana, reflecting strong economic development [12] - In Virginia, the company has fielded more than 40 data center inquiries in 2025, with approximately 24 active data center projects [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deliver safe, reliable, and competitive energy while focusing on customer affordability and stakeholder value [5][7] - A significant agreement with Amazon is expected to return approximately $1 billion in value to Indiana customers over 15 years, demonstrating the company's commitment to affordability [8][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's strategic direction and highlighted the importance of regulatory support in achieving financial goals [21][23] - The company anticipates continued growth in adjusted EPS, with a guidance range of $2.02-$2.07 for 2026, representing approximately 8% year-over-year growth [19][20] Other Important Information - The company has maintained ISO 55001 and API 1173 certifications, underscoring its commitment to safety management [10] - The company is focused on keeping O&M costs flat over the planned horizon to support sustainable operations [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: What should investors look for regarding the strategic negotiator for GenCo? - Management indicated that the organization focused on executing data center opportunities is now better structured, which should lead to faster execution of future transactions [29][30] Question: Can you provide an update on Pennsylvania's strategy? - Management confirmed that there are currently no plans for a new rate case in Pennsylvania, following a recent successful rate case [32] Question: What is the timing for the NIPSCO gas rate case filing this year? - Management stated that no determination has been made regarding a rate case filing at this time [40] Question: Can you discuss the scale of opportunities for future contracts? - Management noted that they are in strategic negotiations for 1-3 GW of new capacity, which could involve multiple sizes and shapes of contracts [44] Question: What is the significance of Senate Bill 103 for large load customer opportunities in Ohio? - Management explained that they are currently optimizing their regulatory strategy based on the new law, but no upside from economic development has been incorporated into the current forecasts [48]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, the company reported adjusted earnings of $0.51 per share, an increase from $0.49 in the same period last year [14] - Full-year adjusted earnings were $1.90 per share compared to $1.75 in 2024, reflecting strong financial management and regulatory execution [14] - The company achieved a Funds From Operations (FFO) to Debt ratio of 16.1%, exceeding the targeted guidance range and up 150 basis points from the previous year [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The base business continues to perform well, with a full-year adjusted EPS of $1.90 and FFO to debt of 16.1%, both surpassing guidance [5][14] - The capital plan includes $21 billion of base utility investment over the next five years, focusing on grid modernization and safety [15] - The Amazon project at GenCo represents a significant capital investment of $6-$7 billion through 2032, aligning cash inflows with customer ramp rates [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is actively engaged in approximately 24 data center projects, reflecting strong demand in Virginia, which is noted as the data center capital of the world [10] - In Indiana, the Economic Development Team managed over 140 active projects, indicating robust economic development across the service territory [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deliver safe, reliable, and competitive energy while focusing on disciplined capital deployment and operational excellence [4] - A commitment to customer affordability is highlighted through regulatory and rate design tools that mitigate bill impacts [6] - The company is advancing its data center initiative, with key milestones achieved, including zoning approvals for the Amazon project [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strategic direction and highlighted the importance of regulatory support in achieving financial commitments [20] - The company anticipates continued growth in adjusted EPS, reaffirming guidance for 2026 at $2.02-$2.07 per share, representing approximately 8% year-over-year growth [18] - Management noted that significant upside remains in developing projects supporting data center growth and economic development [8] Other Important Information - The company has maintained ISO 55001 and API 1173 certifications, underscoring its commitment to safety management [8] - A 7.1% increase in dividends for 2026 was approved, reflecting the company's commitment to aligning dividend growth with earnings growth [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: What should investors look for regarding GenCo's progress? - Management indicated that a dedicated team is focused on executing data center opportunities, suggesting faster execution for future transactions compared to the Amazon deal [25][27] Question: How is the Pennsylvania strategy being considered? - Management stated that there are no current plans for a rate case in Pennsylvania, following a recent successful rate case that increased revenue [29] Question: What is the status of the NIPSCO gas rate case filing? - Management confirmed that no determination has been made to file for a rate case at this time, considering various factors [32] Question: What is the significance of Senate Bill 103 for large load customer opportunities in Ohio? - Management noted that they are working on optimizing regulatory strategies based on recent legislative changes, but no upside from economic development has been incorporated into the current forecasts [36] Question: What is the plan for the Schahfer coal plant? - Management confirmed that they will comply with federal orders to operate the Schahfer plant beyond its planned retirement, with flexibility in the capital plan to accommodate this [40]

Core Insights - NiSource Inc. reported fourth-quarter 2025 operating earnings per share (EPS) of 51 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 49 cents by 4.1%, and reflecting a 4.1% increase from the previous year [1] - The company reported total revenues of $6.61 billion for 2025, a year-over-year rise of 19.8% compared to $5.52 billion in 2024 [2] Financial Performance - Operating revenues for the fourth quarter were $1.89 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.3 billion by 45.5%, and increased 18.4% from $1.6 billion in the prior-year quarter [2] - Total operating expenses amounted to $1.39 billion, up 18.5% from $1.17 billion in the previous year [3] - Operating income totaled $504 million, reflecting an 18.1% increase from $426.6 million in the prior-year quarter [3] - Net interest expenses were $187.3 million, a 36.7% increase from $137 million in the prior-year quarter [3] Sales and Distribution - Total gas distribution in Sales and Transportation was recorded at 171.4 Million British Thermal Units per day, down 1.4% from 173.8 MMDth in the prior-year quarter [4] - Total electric sales were recorded at 3853.3 gigawatt-hours, up 0.2% from 3843.7 GWh in the prior-year quarter [4] Cash Flow and Liquidity - Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2025, were $110.1 million, down from $156.6 million as of December 31, 2024 [5] - Long-term debts as of December 31, 2025, were $15.46 billion, compared to $12.07 billion as of December 31, 2024 [5] - Net cash flows from operating activities in 2025 were $2.36 billion, an increase from $1.78 billion in 2024 [5] - Liquidity as of December 31, 2025, was nearly $4.7 billion, sufficient to meet near-term obligations [5] Future Guidance - NiSource reaffirmed its 2026 non-GAAP earnings guidance in the range of $2.02-$2.07, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 EPS at $2.04 [6] - The company expects earnings to witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8-9% through 2033 [6] - NiSource plans a capital expenditure of $28 billion for 2026-2030, focusing on utility system modernization and strategic data center infrastructure investments [8]

SUPPLEMENTAL SLIDES YEAR END 2025 RESULTS February 11, 2026 LEGAL DISCLAIMER Forward-Looking Statements This presentation contains "forward-looking statements," within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning our financial guidance, plans, strategies, objectives, expected performanc ...

Core Viewpoint - Jefferies expresses a positive outlook on five dividend-paying utility stocks while cautioning about potential regulatory and political challenges in the sector due to upcoming elections [1]. Group 1: Sector Overview - The utility sector has seen a significant increase, with a nearly 21% gain from its low in April 2025, driven by rising electricity demand from data centers [1]. - Despite the positive start to 2026, investor concerns have emerged due to unfavorable regulatory and political developments, particularly with 36 gubernatorial elections expected [1]. - Jefferies highlights that utility stocks are likely to perform better than high-flying technology stocks during potential market declines [1]. Group 2: Recommended Utility Stocks - **Ameren Corp. (NYSE: AEE)**: Offers a 2.69% dividend; operates in four segments including electric and natural gas distribution. Jefferies target price is $124 [1]. - **CenterPoint Energy Inc. (NYSE: CNP)**: Provides a 2.16% dividend; operates electric and natural gas distribution services. Jefferies target price is $44 [1]. - **Entergy Corp. (NYSE: ETR)**: Engaged in electric power production with a 2.48% dividend; operates in the Deep South. Jefferies target price is $114 [2]. - **NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI)**: Offers a 2.55% yield; operates natural gas distribution in several states. Jefferies target price is $49 [2]. - **One Gas Inc. (NYSE: OGS)**: Provides a 3.32% dividend; focuses on natural gas distribution across multiple states. Jefferies target price is $95 [2].

分组1 - NiSource reported quarterly earnings of $0.51 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.49 per share, and showing an increase from $0.49 per share a year ago, resulting in an earnings surprise of +4.08% [1] - The company achieved revenues of $1.89 billion for the quarter ended December 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 45.49%, compared to $1.59 billion in the same quarter last year [2] - NiSource has outperformed the S&P 500 with a share price increase of about 7.1% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P 500 gained 1.4% [3] 分组2 - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $1.01 on revenues of $2.17 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $2.04 on revenues of $6.46 billion [7] - The Utility - Electric Power industry, to which NiSource belongs, is currently ranked in the top 36% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a favorable outlook compared to the bottom 50% [8] - NiSource holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting that the stock is expected to perform in line with the market in the near future [6]

Core Insights - NiSource narrowly beat Wall Street expectations for fourth-quarter profit while reaffirming its 2026 earnings forecast and a robust capital spending roadmap to meet rising commercial power demand [1] Financial Performance - The company reported a fourth-quarter profit that exceeded Wall Street expectations, indicating strong financial performance [1] Future Outlook - NiSource reaffirmed its earnings forecast for 2026, suggesting confidence in future profitability and growth [1] - The company outlined a robust capital spending roadmap aimed at addressing increasing commercial power demand, indicating a proactive approach to future challenges [1]