Core Insights - The company aims to generate a 7%+ income yield by investing in a portfolio of energy stocks while minimizing the risk of principal loss [1] Group 1 - The service offers subscribers access to exclusive investment ideas earlier than they are released to the general public, with many ideas not being released at all [1] - Subscribers receive more in-depth research compared to what is available to the general public [1] - A two-week free trial is currently being offered for the service [1]

Customer Base and Service Areas - Spire Missouri serves approximately 1.2 million customers, while Spire Alabama serves over 0.4 million customers, making them the largest natural gas distributors in their respective states[27][28]. - The annual average number of customers for Spire Missouri and Spire Alabama in fiscal 2025 was 1,213,375 and 429,628, respectively[35]. Revenue Sources and Financial Performance - For fiscal year 2025, Spire's total operating revenues from the Gas Utility segment were primarily derived from residential customers (66%), followed by commercial and industrial customers (23%)[34]. - Spire Missouri and Spire Alabama's operating revenues for fiscal 2025 are approximately 92% and 81% from residential, commercial, and industrial customers, respectively[38]. - In fiscal 2025, transportation customers contributed about 2% of operating revenues for Spire Missouri and 16% for Spire Alabama[39]. - Operating revenues for the year ended September 30, 2025, totaled $2,476.4 million, a decrease of $116.6 million compared to $2,593.0 million in 2024[180]. - The decrease in Gas Utility operating revenues for fiscal 2025 was primarily due to a $285.5 million reduction in gas cost recoveries across all utilities[184]. - Operating revenues for the twelve months ended September 30, 2025, decreased by $193.3 million compared to the prior year, primarily due to lower gas cost recoveries of $239.8 million[195]. Natural Gas Sales and Transportation - The total volume of natural gas sold and transported by Spire in 2025 was 3,275.2 million CCF, an increase from 3,089.5 million CCF in 2024[35]. - Spire Missouri purchased 36.5 Bcf of natural gas through the Enable MRT system and 27.6 Bcf through the Southern Star system in fiscal 2025[43]. - Spire Alabama purchased approximately 55.3 Bcf of natural gas from SNG and 8.9 Bcf from Transco in fiscal 2025[48]. - The peak day send out for Spire Missouri East was 0.95 Bcf on January 21, 2025, while Spire Alabama's peak was 0.6 Bcf on the same day[44][49]. Regulatory Environment and Compliance - Utilities are regulated by state public service commissions, impacting their ability to charge rates, recover costs, and maintain profitability[71]. - The Infrastructure System Replacement Surcharge (ISRS) allows expedited recovery of infrastructure investments, but any disallowance of costs could affect revenue timing and cash flows[73]. - The Rate Stabilization and Equalization (RSE) mechanism requires annual rate reviews, with existing terms continuing beyond September 30, 2025, unless modified[74]. - Compliance with federal safety regulations may impose significant costs and liabilities, requiring ongoing assessments and potential capital expenditures[76]. - Environmental laws may necessitate significant expenditures and increase operating costs, with potential fines for non-compliance[80]. - Delays in cost recovery due to regulatory processes can adversely affect the Utilities' liquidity[81]. Competition and Market Risks - The principal competition for Spire comes from local electric companies and other fuel suppliers, with a growing trend towards renewable energy sources[37]. - Increased competition may hinder the Utilities' ability to retain or acquire customers, adversely affecting business and financial performance[94]. - Spire's natural gas storage business faces competition from pipelines and independent storage providers, which could reduce demand and drive rates down[96]. Financial Metrics and Adjustments - Adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share are used to evaluate financial performance, excluding impacts from fair value accounting and non-recurring items[167]. - The contribution margin for the year ended September 30, 2025, was $1,455.2 million, an increase of $93.7 million from $1,361.5 million in 2024, indicating a growth of 6.9%[180]. - Interest expense increased by $5.4 million due to costs associated with the bridge facility for the Piedmont Tennessee acquisition, although overall interest expense declined by $2.4 million year-over-year[181]. - The weighted-average short-term interest rates decreased from 5.7% in the prior year to 4.5% in the current year, contributing to lower interest expenses[181]. Acquisitions and Growth Strategies - The company is pursuing an acquisition of Piedmont Natural Gas for approximately $2.48 billion, subject to regulatory approvals, which carries integration and approval risks[127]. - The acquisition of Piedmont Natural Gas's Tennessee business is valued at $2.48 billion, aimed at expanding Spire's regulated utility footprint and increasing scale[171]. - The transaction is expected to close in Q1 2026, pending regulatory approvals, including from the Tennessee Public Utility Commission[173]. - Spire plans to finance the acquisition through a mix of debt, equity, and potential sales of natural gas storage facilities[172]. Employee and Operational Insights - Spire's workforce consisted of 3,497 employees as of September 30, 2025, with ongoing initiatives to improve safety and employee well-being[20][21]. - The company has a comprehensive enterprise risk management process to address significant risks, including cybersecurity threats[136]. - Spire's cybersecurity program is overseen by the Board of Directors, with regular updates on developments and risks[137]. Dividend and Stock Performance - Spire has maintained continuous common stock dividends since 1946, dependent on its subsidiaries' ability to generate sufficient net income and cash flows[108]. - Spire's common stock has continuously paid dividends since 1946, marking 22 consecutive years of increasing dividends as of 2025[153]. - As of September 30, 2025, Spire Missouri had $1,999.8 million available to pay dividends, free from restrictions[161]. - Spire's cumulative total return increased from $100.00 in 2020 to $190.57 by 2025, reflecting strong performance relative to the S&P 500 Utilities Index[155]. Economic and Environmental Factors - Warmer-than-normal weather and climate change could adversely affect the Utilities' heating energy sales, impacting financial results[98]. - The Utilities have mechanisms like Weather Normalization Adjustment riders to recover fixed costs during winter months, but these do not fully mitigate the impact of warmer weather[99]. - Economic downturns could lead to decreased energy consumption and increased bad debt expenses, adversely impacting revenues and cash flows[131]. Risks and Liabilities - The company faces risks from operational factors, including the availability of contracted gas supplies and pipeline capacity, which could adversely impact financial results[90]. - Spire's financial condition may be adversely affected by unexpected losses from litigation or business risks, despite having insurance and indemnification strategies[128]. - Changes in income tax policy could impact the Company's financial condition, particularly regarding the utilization of net operating losses (NOLs)[82]. - Rising interest rates could decrease the fair values of reporting units, leading to potential future impairments[124]. - The company has pension and postretirement benefit plans that are subject to investment and interest rate risks, potentially impacting financial condition and requiring accelerated funding[122].

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

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EPS for Fiscal 2025 was $4.44, up 7.5% from $4.13 in Fiscal 2024, reflecting growth across all segments driven by infrastructure investments [5][14] - Adjusted earnings for Fiscal 2025 totaled $275.5 million compared to $247.4 million in the prior year, with a fourth-quarter adjusted loss of $24 million due to seasonality [14][15] - The company invested $922 million in Fiscal 2025, with nearly 90% allocated to utilities to enhance system reliability and safety [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gas utilities earned $231 million, an increase of almost 5% from the previous year, driven by interest recovery in Missouri and new rates in Alabama [15] - Midstream earnings rose to $56 million, up nearly $23 million, due to additional capacity and asset optimization in Spire Storage [15] - Gas marketing earnings increased to $26 million, reflecting a well-positioned business despite higher storage and transportation fees [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - New rates in Missouri became effective in October, and Alabama is undergoing a rate stabilization process [7][19] - The company noted that natural gas remains the most affordable energy source compared to electricity, which is two to three times more expensive [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a long-term capital plan totaling $11.2 billion, with 70% dedicated to safety and reliability projects [16][12] - The pending acquisition of the Piedmont Natural Gas Tennessee business is expected to close in the first quarter of calendar 2026, enhancing operational capabilities across states with constructive regulatory frameworks [10][12] - The company aims for long-term adjusted EPS growth of 5%-7%, supported by expected rate-based growth in Missouri and Tennessee [9][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving Fiscal 2026 adjusted EPS guidance of $5.25-$5.45, driven by regulatory outcomes and infrastructure investments [23][17] - The company is committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet while pursuing strategic growth and operational excellence [23][24] - Management highlighted the importance of regulatory engagement and disciplined cost management to support ongoing investments [23] Other Important Information - The company approved a dividend increase of 5.1%, marking the 23rd consecutive year of dividend growth [9] - The company is evaluating the sale of its gas storage facilities as a potential source of funds [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Long-term growth rate and earned ROEs - Management indicated that earned returns in Missouri are improving, with a future test year rate case planned for next year [28][29] Question: FFO to debt target - Management expects to move towards the middle of the threshold bands for both Moody's and S&P, driven by recoveries in Missouri [33][34] Question: Financing mix and timing - Management confirmed confidence in a balanced mix of debt and equity, with minimal common equity issuance expected [39][40] Question: O&M assumptions and integration planning - Management aims to keep O&M expenses below inflation and will incorporate best practices during integration [41][42] Question: Future test year rate adjustment - Management acknowledged the need for collaboration among all parties to understand the new rate-making process [59][60] Question: Dividend payout ratios and growth - Management targets a payout ratio of 55%-65% and expects dividends to grow at the earnings growth rate [64] Question: Long-term capital needs and equity - Management anticipates minimal equity needs, around $0-$50 million annually, to support utility CapEx [66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EPS for Fiscal 2025 was $4.44, a 7.5% increase from $4.13 in Fiscal 2024, reflecting growth across all segments driven by infrastructure investments [5][12] - Adjusted earnings for Fiscal 2025 totaled $275.5 million, compared to $247.4 million in the prior year [12][13] - The company invested $922 million in Fiscal 2025, with nearly 90% allocated to utilities [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gas utilities earned $231 million, up nearly 5% from the previous year, driven by interest recovery in Missouri and new rates in Alabama [13] - Midstream earnings increased to $56 million, up almost $23 million from last year, due to additional capacity and asset optimization [14] - Gas marketing earnings rose to $26 million, an increase of $2.5 million, reflecting a well-positioned business despite higher storage and transportation fees [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - New rates in Missouri became effective in October, and Alabama is undergoing a rate stabilization process [6][18] - The company expects total rate base and capitalization to grow to $10.7 billion by Fiscal Year 2030 from an estimated $8.2 billion at the end of Fiscal 2026 [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational excellence, regulatory engagement, financial discipline, and strategic growth [22] - A pending acquisition of the Piedmont Natural Gas Tennessee business is expected to close in the first quarter of calendar 2026, enhancing operational capabilities [9][10] - The long-term adjusted EPS growth target is set at 5%-7%, supported by a robust capital plan totaling $11.2 billion over ten years [8][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving Fiscal 2026 adjusted EPS guidance of $5.25-$5.45, driven by regulatory outcomes and infrastructure investments [22][23] - The company is committed to maintaining affordability for customers while investing in critical infrastructure [6][15] - Management highlighted the importance of collaboration with stakeholders in Missouri to establish a future test year rate-setting model [7][26] Other Important Information - The Board of Directors approved a dividend increase of 5.1%, bringing the annualized rate to $3.30 per share, marking the 23rd consecutive year of dividend increases [8] - The company is targeting a minimal amount of common equity issuance as part of its financing strategy [10][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Long-term growth rate and ROEs - Management indicated expectations for continued improvement in earned ROEs, particularly in Missouri, with a future test year rate case planned [25][26] Question: Financing mix and timing - Management confirmed confidence in a balanced mix of debt and equity for financing, with ongoing evaluation of the storage business [31][32] Question: O&M assumptions and integration planning - Management aims to keep O&M expenses below inflation, leveraging best practices during integration activities [33][34] Question: Future test year rate adjustment implications - Management acknowledged potential improvements in earned ROE with the future test year but emphasized caution in making predictions [36] Question: Storage asset sale interest - Management noted strong interest in the storage assets but is still in the evaluation process [37][38] Question: Dividend payout ratios and growth - Management targets dividend growth in line with earnings growth, maintaining a payout ratio of 55%-65% [46] Question: Long-term capital needs and equity outlook - Management anticipates minimal equity needs, estimating $0-$50 million annually to support utility CapEx [47]

Core Insights - Spire Inc. reported a fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 loss of 47 cents per share, which was wider than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 46 cents, and compared to a loss of 54 cents in the same quarter last year [1] - The company achieved fiscal 2025 adjusted earnings of $4.44 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 7.5% from $4.13 in fiscal 2024 [1] Revenue Performance - Total revenues for the reported quarter were $334.1 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $308 million by 8.5%, and rose 13.7% from $293.8 million in the year-ago quarter [2] - For fiscal 2025, total revenues amounted to $2.48 billion, down 4.5% from $2.59 billion in fiscal 2024 [2] Expense and Operating Performance - Operating expenses totaled $334.6 million, an increase of 22.1% from $274 million in the prior-year period [3] - The operating loss was $0.5 million, contrasting with an operating income of $19.8 million in the prior-year quarter [3] - Net interest expenses rose 18.8% year over year to $58.8 million [3] Segment Performance - Gas Utility segment reported an adjusted earnings loss of $31.6 million, an improvement from a loss of $32 million in the year-ago period, attributed to higher Spire Missouri ISRS revenues [4] - Gas Marketing segment's adjusted earnings were $3.6 million, recovering from a loss of $0.3 million in the year-ago quarter due to better positioning to create value [4] - Midstream segment's adjusted earnings totaled $12.3 million, down 8.2% from the previous year due to lower pipeline earnings and increased operation and maintenance expenses [5] - Other segment reported an adjusted loss of $8.4 million, slightly improved from a loss of $8.7 million in the prior-year quarter [5] Financial Highlights - Cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2025, were $5.7 million, up from $4.5 million as of September 30, 2024 [6] - Long-term debt (less current portion) as of September 30, 2025, totaled $3.37 billion, down from $3.70 billion as of September 30, 2024 [6] - Net cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2025 was $578 million, compared to $912.4 million in the year-ago period [6] Guidance and Future Outlook - Spire expects fiscal 2026 adjusted earnings to be in the range of $5.25-$5.45 per share, above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.09 [8] - For fiscal 2027, adjusted earnings are expected to be in the range of $5.65-$5.85 per share [8] - The company raised its 10-year capital investment plan to $11.2 billion through fiscal 2035, aiming for long-term adjusted earnings per share growth of 5-7% [8] Zacks Rank - Spire currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [9]

Year-end fiscal 2025 update November 14, 2025 Forward-looking statements and use of non-GAAP measures This presentation contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Our forward-looking statements in this presentation speak only as of today, and we assume no duty to update them. Forward- looking statements are typically identified by words such as, but not limited to: "estimates," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "targets," "plans," "fore ...

Core Insights - Spire Inc. has approved a quarterly dividend increase of 5.1%, raising it from 78.5 cents to 82.5 cents, resulting in an annual dividend of $3.30 per share, payable on January 5, 2026 [1][10] Dividend History and Growth - Spire has raised its dividend five times in the last five years, with an annualized dividend growth rate of 4.67% over this period [2] - The company has consistently paid dividends since 1946 and has increased its annual dividend rate for the past 23 years [3] Financial Outlook and Investments - For fiscal 2025, Spire's capital spending is projected to be $875 million, an increase from the previous estimate of $840 million, with significant allocations to various regions [4] - Over the next decade, Spire plans to invest approximately $7.4 billion, supporting a 7-8% annual rate-base growth [4] Customer Base Expansion - Spire is experiencing growth in its natural gas customer base, both organically and through acquisitions, including an agreement to acquire Piedmont Natural Gas' Tennessee local distribution company, expected to add over 200,000 customers [5] Technological Advancements - The company is investing in smart meters, having installed over 350,000 advanced meters in fiscal 2024, benefiting a total of 850,000 customers [6] Industry Context - Domestic-focused, rate-regulated gas distribution utilities, like Spire, are stable performers, allowing for dividend hikes and share buybacks, with other utilities also raising their dividend rates in 2025 [7] - Current dividend yields for comparable companies are 1.96% for Atmos Energy, 2.69% for National Fuel Gas Company, and 4.34% for UGI Corporation, all higher than the S&P 500 composite's yield of 1.51% [8] Stock Performance - In the past year, Spire's shares have risen by 32.9%, outperforming its industry's growth of 10.3% [11]

Core Insights - Spire reported a quarterly loss of $0.47 per share, slightly worse than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.46, but an improvement from a loss of $0.54 per share a year ago, indicating a -2.17% earnings surprise [1] - The company achieved revenues of $334.1 million for the quarter ended September 2025, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 8.49% and showing a year-over-year increase from $293.8 million [2] - Spire's stock has increased by approximately 31.5% year-to-date, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 14.6% [3] Earnings Outlook - The future performance of Spire's stock will largely depend on management's commentary during the earnings call and the earnings outlook, which includes current consensus earnings expectations for upcoming quarters [4] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the next quarter is $1.52 on revenues of $711.61 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $5.09 on revenues of $2.52 billion [7] Industry Context - The Utility - Gas Distribution industry, to which Spire belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 35% of over 250 Zacks industries, which may impact stock performance [8] - Another company in the same industry, UGI, is expected to report a quarterly loss of $0.44 per share, reflecting a year-over-year change of -175%, with revenues projected at $1.72 billion, up 38.6% from the previous year [9][10]

Financial Performance - For fiscal 2025, Spire reported consolidated adjusted earnings per share of $4.44, a 7.5% increase from $4.13 in fiscal 2024[1] - Fiscal 2025 net income was $271.7 million ($4.37 per diluted share), compared to $250.9 million ($4.19 per share) in fiscal 2024[4] - Adjusted earnings for fiscal 2025 totaled $275.5 million, up from $247.4 million in fiscal 2024[4] - Fiscal 2026 adjusted EPS guidance is set at $5.25 to $5.45, while fiscal 2027 guidance is $5.65 to $5.85[4][14] Segment Performance - Gas Utility adjusted earnings increased to $231.4 million in fiscal 2025 from $220.8 million in fiscal 2024[6] - Midstream adjusted earnings rose to $56.3 million in fiscal 2025, up from $33.5 million in fiscal 2024, driven by additional storage capacity and higher contract rates[11] - Contribution margin increased by $37.5 million, primarily due to new rates at Spire Alabama and higher ISRS revenues at Spire Missouri[7] Dividend and Capital Investment - The company raised its common stock dividend by 5.1%, marking 23 consecutive years of dividend growth[16] - Spire's 10-year capital investment target has been increased to $11.2 billion, supporting long-term adjusted EPS growth of 5–7%[15] Quarterly Performance - The company reported a consolidated net loss of $39.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, compared to a net loss of $25.9 million in the same period last year[18] - Operating revenues for Q3 2025 increased to $334.1 million, up 13.7% from $293.8 million in Q3 2024[27] - Net loss for Q3 2025 was $39.8 million, compared to a net loss of $25.9 million in Q3 2024, reflecting a deterioration in performance[27] - Total operating expenses rose to $334.6 million in Q3 2025, a 22.1% increase from $274.0 million in Q3 2024[27] Cash Flow and Investments - The company reported a net cash provided by operating activities of $578.0 million for the year ended September 30, 2025, down from $912.4 million in the previous year[29] - Capital expenditures for the year ended September 30, 2025, were $922.4 million, compared to $861.3 million in 2024, indicating increased investment in infrastructure[29] Balance Sheet - Total assets increased to $11,575.3 million as of September 30, 2025, up from $10,860.7 million in 2024, reflecting growth in the company's asset base[28] - The company’s long-term debt decreased to $3,369.4 million from $3,704.4 million year-over-year, indicating improved debt management[28] Adjusted Loss and Earnings - Adjusted loss earnings for Q3 2025 were reported at $(24.1) million, translating to $(0.47) per diluted share, compared to an adjusted loss of $(27.6) million or $(0.54) per diluted share in Q3 2024[30] - The contribution margin for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $242.6 million, an increase from $224.5 million in the same period of 2024, reflecting a growth of approximately 8.1%[32] Year-End Results - Operating revenues for the year ended September 30, 2025, totaled $2,476.4 million, compared to $2,593.0 million for the year ended September 30, 2024, indicating a decrease of about 4.5%[32] - The total operating income for the year ended September 30, 2025, was $523.9 million, up from $488.3 million in 2024, representing an increase of approximately 7.3%[32] - Operation and maintenance expenses for the year ended September 30, 2025, were $542.1 million, compared to $507.4 million in 2024, reflecting an increase of about 6.8%[32] - Natural gas costs for the year ended September 30, 2025, were $905.5 million, a decrease from $1,103.3 million in 2024, showing a reduction of approximately 17.9%[32] - The contribution margin for the year ended September 30, 2025, was $1,455.2 million, compared to $1,361.5 million in 2024, indicating an increase of about 6.9%[32] - Depreciation and amortization expenses for the year ended September 30, 2025, were $298.2 million, up from $278.4 million in 2024, reflecting an increase of approximately 7.1%[32] - Taxes, other than income taxes, for the year ended September 30, 2025, totaled $206.7 million, compared to $215.6 million in 2024, indicating a decrease of about 4.5%[32] - The gross receipts tax expense for the year ended September 30, 2025, was $115.7 million, slightly up from $128.2 million in 2024, reflecting a decrease of about 9.8%[32]