Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2025, the company reported adjusted earnings of $894 million, or $3.83 per share, compared to $878 million, or $3.81 per share for the same period last year, reflecting a slight increase in earnings despite challenges [26] - The company raised its long-term adjusted EPS growth target to 6%-8%+ through 2030, with expectations of exceeding 8% annually beginning in 2028 [5][43] - The financial results in 2025 were negatively impacted by weather and weak industrial demand, leading to a decrease in EPS by $0.43 due to higher operation and maintenance costs and depreciation [6][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company executed a capital investment plan of $2.8 billion in 2025 to modernize infrastructure and improve reliability, despite facing challenges from weather and demand [6][9] - New electric service agreements for four major data center projects were announced, representing 1.9 GW of steady-state peak demand, which is expected to increase total peak system demand by nearly 20% [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has grown its pipeline to over 15 GW, with significant legislative support in Missouri and Kansas for infrastructure investment [6][8] - The approval of new large load power service tariffs in both Kansas and Missouri is expected to drive affordability benefits for existing customers while supporting economic growth [7][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain competitive and affordable rates, with a focus on cost discipline and infrastructure investment to support economic development in Kansas and Missouri [20][23] - A rolling five-year investment plan totaling approximately $21.6 billion is set to drive 11.5% annualized rate base growth through 2030, with a significant portion allocated to new generation investments [22][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the updated financial outlook, which has been tested against various outcomes, and emphasized the importance of consistent financial performance for long-term value creation [6][43] - The company expects a return to normal residential load growth in 2026, with strong early indications for industrial demand compared to 2025 [27][83] Other Important Information - The company raised its dividend by 4% to an annualized $2.78, with expectations for the payout ratio to decline over time to a revised target of 50%-60% [9][37] - The LLPS tariffs established a framework for new large customers to pay a premium demand rate, which will generate significant benefits for existing customers [15][17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the equity issuances planned for 2030? - Management indicated no planned equity issuances for 2030 due to expected improvements in cash flow, but noted that additional capital opportunities may arise [49][51] Question: What is the potential for additional electric service agreements (ESAs)? - Management expects at least one more executed ESA in 2026, with potential for additional sizable opportunities beyond that [55][56] Question: How does incremental load growth affect CapEx and earnings? - Management stated that each ESA will depend on negotiations with customers, and historically, a 50/50 debt-equity funding approach is used for incremental capital [94]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings of $5.03 per share for 2025, representing an 8.6% growth over the adjusted earnings of $4.63 per share in 2024 [4][29] - The company affirmed its 2026 earnings per share guidance range of $5.25 to $5.45, indicating an expected growth of approximately 8.1% compared to the midpoint of the original 2025 earnings guidance [18][38] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Weather-normalized sales at Ameren Missouri grew by 1% overall, with residential and commercial classes growing by 0.5% and 1.5% respectively [31] - The company invested over $4 billion in electric, natural gas, and transmission infrastructure, including the installation of nearly 26,000 electric distribution poles and 283 miles of upgraded transmission and distribution lines [6][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company signed 2.2 GW of large load electric service agreements in Missouri, which is expected to support significant economic development and job creation in the region [4][21] - The economic impact study indicates that the company's operations generate over $20 billion in annual economic activity in Missouri and Illinois [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on a three-pillar strategy: investing in rate-regulated infrastructure, advocating for constructive regulatory frameworks, and optimizing business operations [6] - The company plans to invest approximately $5.5 billion in electric, natural gas, and transmission infrastructure in 2026 to enhance the reliability and safety of the energy grid [14][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver strong returns and maintain disciplined cost management, with a focus on keeping rates low for customers [12][80] - The company anticipates that the execution of its strategy will continue to drive strong total shareholder returns, with a compound annual earnings growth expectation of 6%-8% from 2026 through 2030 [18][28] Other Important Information - The company has received constructive orders in both Missouri and Illinois regarding electric and natural gas rate reviews, which are expected to support future earnings growth [6][32] - The company has a robust investment pipeline exceeding $70 billion, aimed at strengthening the energy grid and supporting economic growth [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the 2.2 GW of executed ESAs and its implications? - Management indicated that the 2.2 GW of executed ESAs represents upside to the sales growth embedded in the 6%-8% guidance, providing greater confidence in achieving the upper end of that range [42][45] Question: How do you view the lag between rate base growth and earnings growth? - Management noted that the primary difference between the 10.6% rate base CAGR and the 6%-8% EPS growth is due to equity dilution from planned issuances, and that sales growth from hyperscalers could help reduce this lag [53][56] Question: Are there concerns about potential cancellations of ESAs? - Management expressed no concerns regarding the ESAs, emphasizing that significant milestones remain ahead for project development, and that the ESAs are designed to protect existing customers [59][61] Question: How does the updated plan impact customer bills, particularly in Missouri? - Management highlighted a focus on affordability and disciplined cost control, ensuring that new data centers pay their fair share of costs without burdening existing customers [78][79]

Group 1 - California Water Service Group's CEO, Martin Kropelnicki, has joined the CalCEO Council, an advisory group aimed at strengthening California's economy [1][2] - The CalCEO Council consists of 22 business leaders from top companies in California, focusing on solutions, best practices, and public policy proposals to address economic concerns and improve community affordability [2] - The company's mission is to enhance the quality of life for customers, communities, employees, and stockholders through responsible investments in water and wastewater infrastructure and sustainability initiatives [4] Group 2 - California Water Service Group is the largest regulated water utility in the western United States, serving over 2.1 million people across multiple states [3] - The company has been recognized as one of "America's Most Responsible Companies" and "World's Most Trustworthy Companies" by Newsweek, highlighting its commitment to integrity and community well-being [4]

Core Insights - Ponce Bank has appointed Marlene Cintron to its Board of Directors, recognizing her extensive experience in economic empowerment and public service [1][9] Group 1: Marlene Cintron's Background - Cintron has over three decades of experience in public policy, economic development, finance, and government relations, with a focus on underserved communities [2] - Her career includes significant roles such as Chief of Staff to Congressman Robert Garcia and Director of Latino Affairs for Mayor David Dinkins, where she influenced statewide policy for Latino communities [3] - In the private sector, she served as Assistant Vice President for Government Affairs at Citibank and as a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch, specializing in supporting women and nonprofit leaders [4] Group 2: Achievements in Economic Development - As President of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, Cintron led initiatives that reduced Bronx unemployment from 14% to under 6% [5] - She attracted over $9 billion in private investment, resulting in the creation of over 44,000 new housing units and significant commercial developments [6] - Cintron's leadership at the U.S. Small Business Administration resulted in a 20% increase in small business growth in her region [7] Group 3: Community Advocacy and Education - Cintron is recognized for her commitment to community advocacy, having been a member of the Young Lords and championing civil rights and social equity [8] - She holds a law degree from Georgetown University and a master's degree in education administration from Fordham University [8] Group 4: Ponce Bank Overview - Ponce Bank, founded in 1960, operates 13 branches in the New York Metro area with $3.2 billion in assets and over $500 million in capital [10] - The bank is one of the largest Latino-led Minority Depository Institutions and directs nearly 75% of its loans to low- and moderate-income neighborhoods [10]

Project Overview - The Obama Presidential Center is scheduled to open in early June [1] - The center is positioned as an economic development engine and a community space [1] - The center will feature art from renowned artists such as Martin Purier, Maya Lynn, and Mark Bradford [2] Community Impact - The center aims to provide access to culture and democracy for the local community, especially children [2][3] - The center intends to be welcoming and accessible, removing barriers for local residents [2] - The center is expected to attract people from all over the world [3]

Election Highlights - Several Democrats achieved historic firsts, including the first Muslim woman elected to statewide office in Virginia [1] - Detroit elected its first female mayor in its 324-year history with 75 mayors [3] Detroit's Resurgence and Economic Development - The new mayor aims to ensure Detroit's resurgence extends into neighborhoods, focusing on commercial corridors and retaining residents [3][8][9] - Plans include public-private partnerships to drive economic development beyond downtown Detroit [8][9] - A neighborhood redevelopment plan will focus on retaining residents, activating commercial corridors, and improving infrastructure [9] Crime Reduction and Federal Relations - Detroit is proactively working with local and federal partners to reduce crime, with reductions seen in every major crime category compared to the previous year [11][12] - The mayor-elect is open to federal resources that fund housing, jobs, and community violence prevention [13] - The mayor-elect aims to find common ground with the federal government to bring resources back to Detroit, while firmly opposing anything detrimental to the city's residents [16] Democratic Party Insights - The campaign's success was rooted in engaging with everyday Detroiters at the grassroots level, emphasizing the importance of connecting voting to residents' quality of life [20]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported third-quarter adjusted earnings of $2.03 per share, a slight increase from $2.02 per share a year ago, driven by a recovery of regulated investments and growth in weather-normalized demand [5][26] - Year-to-date adjusted earnings are $3.41 per share compared to $3.46 per share a year ago, leading to a narrowed 2025 adjusted EPS guidance range of $3.92-$4.02 per share from the original range of $3.92-$4.12 per share [5][28] - The lower midpoint of guidance is primarily due to weather headwinds impacting results by $0.13 per share [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Weather-normalized demand increased by 2% in the third quarter compared to the previous year, supported by increases in both residential and commercial usage [27] - The recovery of regulated investments contributed an additional $0.11 to EPS, while higher depreciation and interest expenses led to a $0.07 decrease in EPS [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The unemployment rates in Missouri, Kansas, and the Kansas City metro area remain below the national average of 4.3%, supporting robust customer demand in service areas [27] - The company has a strong economic development pipeline with opportunities exceeding 15 GW, indicating a robust backlog relative to its size [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a five-year capital investment plan that includes expected generation investments to meet growing demand and regulatory requirements [9][32] - The strategy emphasizes affordability and competitiveness, with a commitment to maintaining a lower rate trajectory compared to regional peers [21][23] - The company aims to attract large new customers through a proposed large load power service tariff that ensures they pay a fair share of system costs [23][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term outlook, bolstered by economic development opportunities and necessary investments [6][30] - The company anticipates significant load growth driven by large data center projects, with expectations of 4-5% annual load growth through 2029 [31][34] - Management highlighted the importance of collaboration with stakeholders to advance regulatory frameworks that support growth [20][19] Other Important Information - A 4% increase in the quarterly dividend to $2.78 per share was announced, aligning with the updated growth outlook [8] - The company is nearing completion of its 27th refueling outage at Wolf Creek, which generates around 1,200 MW of non-carbon emitting energy [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the priorities for the 2026 Missouri legislative session? - Management indicated that the focus will be on implementing elements of SB4-related rulemakings, with expectations for a lighter legislative calendar in 2026 [40][41] Question: How will the growth rate profile look in the upcoming capital plan? - Management refrained from providing specifics but indicated that the updated financial plan will outline the relationship between load growth and capital investments [42][43] Question: How much competition exists in attracting large loads within the service territory? - Management noted strong collaboration between Kansas and Missouri, with legislative truces in place to mitigate competition for economic development [50][51] Question: How much of the $17.5 billion capital expenditure is subject to typical rate case filings? - Management explained that all investments are subject to reviews, with mechanisms in place to mitigate regulatory lag [52][53] Question: What is the impact of the Lambda data center on sales growth? - Management clarified that the Lambda project is expected to contribute to load growth, with further quantification to be provided in future updates [62][64] Question: What is the status of the LLPS tariff discussions? - Management confirmed a unanimous settlement agreement in Kansas and a partial settlement in Missouri, with decisions expected soon [70][71] Question: How will the financing plan be impacted by new agreements? - Management indicated that cash flows from new customers could significantly improve operations, potentially reducing equity funding needs [84][85]

Market Overview - European stocks are expected to open higher, rebounding after touching a two-week low in the previous trading session, with the U.K.'s FTSE index projected to rise by 0.37%, Germany's DAX by 0.4%, France's CAC 40 by 1.72%, and Italy's FTSE MIB by 0.6% [1] Trade Relations - Positive sentiment in the market follows a period of decline due to concerns over a potential new trade dispute between the U.S. and China, with President Trump threatening new tariff increases in response to China's export controls on rare earth minerals [2] - Trump also criticized China for not purchasing soybeans, labeling it an "economically hostile act," and hinted at possible retaliatory measures, including a cooking oil embargo [3] Political Developments - France's political landscape is under scrutiny as Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced the suspension of a controversial pension reform until after the 2027 election, a significant move that has garnered support from the Socialist party [4] Global Economic Discussions - Investors are keenly observing the IMF and World Bank annual meetings in Washington, which will address critical global issues such as the economy, poverty eradication, and economic development [5]

Core Insights - Duke Energy has selected three properties in Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky for its 2025 Site Readiness Program, aimed at preparing high-potential business and industrial sites for economic development investments [1][4]. Group 1: Economic Impact - Since 2010, Duke Energy's Site Readiness Program has evaluated 42 sites in Ohio and Kentucky, resulting in 20 companies committing to grow on these sites, which collectively bring over $2 billion in capital investments and 5,400 new jobs to the region [2][6]. - In 2024 alone, Duke Energy facilitated the recruitment of $548 million in new capital investment and over 1,000 jobs across Ohio and Kentucky [4]. Group 2: Program Details - The Site Readiness Program helps communities enhance their competitiveness for economic development, leading to new jobs and a broader tax base [3]. - Duke Energy collaborates with the Site Selection Group, Bayer Becker, REDI Cincinnati, BE NKY Growth Partnership, and local governments to implement the program [3]. Group 3: Selected Properties - The three properties selected for the 2025 program include: 1. Frick Family Farms in Monroe, Ohio (Butler County) 2. Union Ren Farms in Middletown, Ohio (Warren County) 3. Commonwealth Commerce Center in Northern Kentucky (Pendleton County) [4]. Group 4: Recognition - Duke Energy has been recognized for 21 consecutive years by Site Selection magazine as one of the "Top Utilities in Economic Development" [4].

Core Points - The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco) has awarded $8 million in economic development grants under the AHEAD program to support 64 projects across Arizona, California, and Nevada, aiming to create or preserve approximately 14,000 jobs [1][2] - The 2025 AHEAD program grants represent a 10% increase in total funding compared to the previous year, with each grant reaching up to $150,000 [2] - Since its inception 21 years ago, the AHEAD program has distributed over $40 million in grants to support nonprofit initiatives that address community needs and job creation [2] Economic Development Focus - The 2025 AHEAD grants will address various community needs, including job training (31%), entrepreneurship and microenterprise (17%), capacity building (14%), social services (13%), housing initiatives (8%), and other economic development efforts [4] - The program encourages collaboration between FHLBank San Francisco and nonprofit organizations to enhance community development expertise [3] Specific Initiatives - City National Bank will provide a $150,000 grant to the LA Conservation Corps for a Wildland Firefighter Training Program, aimed at equipping young adults from low-income families with firefighting skills [5] - Golden Valley Bank will grant $150,000 to the Chico Housing Action Team for a Rapid Rehousing Program, which includes rental assistance and support services for vulnerable populations [7] - Avenir Financial Credit Union will deliver a $150,000 grant to Arizona Western College for a Rural Spark initiative, offering bilingual business workshops for youth entrepreneurs [10] Organizational Commitment - FHLBank San Francisco is committed to fostering economic vitality and affordable housing by contributing up to 15% of its annual net profits to mission-aligned initiatives [7][11] - The AHEAD program is part of a broader set of community grant programs, including the Affordable Housing Program and various downpayment assistance initiatives [7]