Investment Trends - Capital is flowing into Africa's luxury travel market from billionaires, tech moguls, and Middle Eastern investors [1] - Investors are interested in opportunities ranging from gorilla trekking to vineyard stays [1] Industry Focus - The African luxury travel market is attracting significant investment [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.30 on a GAAP basis and $0.29 on a non-GAAP basis for Q2 2025, compared to $0.36 in Q2 2024, indicating a decline in non-GAAP EPS year-over-year [23][6][41] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 non-GAAP EPS guidance range of $1.74 to $1.76, representing an 8% growth at the midpoint from the 2024 non-GAAP EPS of $1.62 [7][41] - The company is approximately 46% of the way to the midpoint of its full-year earnings guidance range for 2025 [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Houston Electric Service territory is experiencing strong load growth, with a forecasted peak load increase of 10 gigawatts by 2031, representing nearly a 50% increase in peak demand [8][10] - Year-over-year sales trends show an 8% increase in weather-normalized commercial and industrial sales for the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The load interconnection queue has grown by 6 gigawatts, or more than 12%, since the first quarter call, driven by diverse economic activities including data centers and advanced manufacturing [9][10] - The company anticipates that the sale of its Ohio gas business will allow for the reprioritization of nearly $1 billion in capital expenditures to support Texas jurisdictions [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a $500 million increase to its capital investment plan for 2025, bringing the total capital investment plan to $5.5 billion for the year, which will be funded without issuing additional common equity [6][15] - The strategic focus is shifting more towards Texas, with the expectation that Texas will constitute over 70% of the company's portfolio after the sale of the Ohio gas business [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth prospects, citing strong economic drivers in the Houston Electric Service territory and the need for significant investments in the electric transmission system [11][20] - The company expects to see a 5% improvement in operating cash flow beginning next year, which will help fund capital investments [39] Other Important Information - The company has identified approximately 200 projects to execute over the next ten years to support the anticipated load growth [16] - The proposed settlement in the Ohio gas rate case includes a revenue requirement increase of $59.6 million [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timeline and expectations for the Barrow cost recovery proceeding - Management is on track and had mediated sessions to seek a potential settlement framework, with hearings scheduled for next Thursday [50] Question: Details on the six gigawatts load growth - Approximately two-thirds of the increase relates to data center activity, with demand expected for interconnections in late 2026 to 2028 [52] Question: Duration of drag from mobile generation assets - The drag in earnings is expected to last until late 2026 or early 2027, after which these assets will become a tailwind for the company [55] Question: Capital investment plan and equity funding - Management indicated an upward bias towards capital expenditures through the remainder of the decade, with potential for funding without additional common equity [61][65] Question: Update on the Ohio gas LDC sale process - The company aims to announce progress towards the end of the calendar year, with a closing expected about a year later [91] Question: Impact of SB six on interconnection interest - There has been no change in the velocity of interconnection requests despite questions around cost allocation [74] Question: Houston revitalization project alignment with city efforts - The project involves burying the interstate system around downtown Houston, allowing for significant redevelopment opportunities [76] Question: Magnitude of future capital increases without equity - Management indicated flexibility in capital spending, with potential for increases beyond the $500 million announced [86]

Investment Platform - A new investment platform is launched [1] - The platform focuses on providing capital for Zambia's small and medium-sized businesses [1] - The platform is backed by an initial investment of $70 million [1]

Regulatory Impact on Energy Development - Regulation, including environmental and species acts, and NEPA, significantly increases the cost of energy development on federal lands, discouraging capital investment [1] - Morgan Stanley studies indicate private leases can be four times more expensive, costing $32,000 per acre, compared to $8,000 on federal lands, reflecting the cost of regulation [1] - The Biden administration's regulatory policies effectively drove capital away from developing federal resources [1] Potential Benefits of Deregulation - Cutting regulation could lower the break-even point for oil and gas companies, allowing them to profit at lower prices per barrel [2] - Deregulation could potentially cut at least 10% of the price of a barrel on federal land, which is currently attributed to regulatory overhead costs [2]

Financial Performance & Growth - Black Hills Corp achieved a solid financial position with a long-term EPS growth target of 4% to 6% off the 2023 base of $3.75 per share[9] - The company targets a 55%-65% dividend payout ratio and has increased its annual dividend for 55 consecutive years[9] - The company is delivering on 2025 earnings guidance, which represents ~5% year-over-year growth, achieving 4%-6% CAGR off 2023 base[11] Capital Investment & Infrastructure - Black Hills Corp has a five-year capital forecast of $4.7 billion for 2025-2029, a 10% increase from the prior five-year plan[11] - The company's capital investment plan includes $2.4 billion for electric utilities and $2.1 billion for gas utilities[93] - The company is undertaking the Ready Wyoming Electric Transmission Initiative, a 260-mile expansion project costing $350 million[33] Data Center & Customer Growth - Black Hills Corp announced 1 GW of data center demand from existing customers, with ~500 MW in the current plan requiring minimal capital[11] - The company expects data center EPS contribution to more than double to 10%+ by 2028[17] - The company's customer count growth is more than double the population growth, with a customer count CAGR of 1.1% from 2019-2024[20, 23] Regulatory & Sustainability - The company is actively executing three to four rate reviews per year, including a filed rate review for Kansas Gas requesting recovery of $17.2 million[11, 18] - Black Hills Corp is committed to reducing GHG emissions intensity 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2040 for electric utilities (2005 baseline)[110] - The company targets Net Zero GHG emissions by 2035 for the natural gas distribution system[110]

Core Viewpoint - Integra Resources Corp. has provided its 2025 guidance, outlining expectations for production, operating costs, capital expenditures, and development spending across its portfolio, particularly focusing on the Florida Canyon Mine and its development-stage projects, DeLamar and Nevada North [1][2][4]. Production and Cost Outlook - Gold production from the Florida Canyon Mine is projected to be between 70,000 and 75,000 ounces in 2025 [2][7]. - Total cash costs at Florida Canyon are expected to range from $1,800 to $1,900 per ounce sold [2][8]. - Mine-site all-in sustaining costs (AISC) are anticipated to be between $2,450 and $2,550 per ounce sold, reflecting a capital-intensive period [2][10]. - Sustaining capital expenditures are estimated at $48.0 million to $53.0 million, with a significant portion allocated to the third quarter of 2025 [2][9]. Capital Expenditures and Growth Initiatives - Growth capital expenditures at Florida Canyon are projected to be between $8.0 million and $10.0 million, focusing on expansion projects and studies [2][11]. - Approximately $1.5 million is allocated for a growth drilling program, which includes around 10,000 meters of reverse circulation drilling [2][11]. Development Projects - Total expected project development spending for the DeLamar and Nevada North projects in 2025 is estimated at $14.5 million to $15.5 million [2][12]. - At DeLamar, $12.0 million to $12.5 million is allocated for feasibility study completion and permitting advancement, with significant budget portions directed towards engineering studies and permitting activities [2][13]. - For Nevada North, approximately $2.5 million to $3.0 million is designated for metallurgical testing and geochemical sampling to support future development [2][14]. Strategic Goals - The acquisition of the Florida Canyon Mine aims to secure a reliable cash flow source to advance development projects and reduce reliance on annual equity financing [4]. - The company is focused on enhancing operational efficiency and extending the mine life of Florida Canyon through significant reinvestment and improvement initiatives [5][6].

Core Insights - The relationship between Amazon and UPS is changing, with UPS planning to reduce its business with Amazon due to low margins despite high volume [3][4][8] - Amazon is investing up to $4 billion to enhance its distribution capabilities in response to UPS's decision, indicating the significance of this change for Amazon [5][8] - UPS's stock has significantly declined since its peak in 2022, but the company is proactively moving away from low-value Amazon business to improve margins [7][9] Group 1: Amazon's Position - Amazon is a major player in online retail, but it faces challenges as UPS limits its delivery services [1][3] - The company is expanding its distribution capabilities and has partnered with FedEx to handle larger packages [5][6] - Despite being 15% below its all-time high, Amazon's stock remains highly valued with elevated price-to-sales and price-to-earnings ratios [6] Group 2: UPS's Strategy - UPS is stepping back from Amazon deliveries to focus on more profitable business segments, planning to cut its Amazon business by half over the next few years [3][4] - The decision is part of UPS's broader strategy to enhance business quality and improve margins [4][8] - UPS's stock is currently undervalued, with price-to-sales and price-to-earnings ratios below five-year averages, and a high dividend yield of around 6.7% [9][10] Group 3: Market Implications - The market views UPS's decision as a win for FedEx and a loss for UPS, but UPS may ultimately benefit from improved margins [5][6][8] - The breakup with Amazon could extend UPS's turnaround, presenting an opportunity for contrarian and value investors [10]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated earnings per share for Q1 2025 were $0.70, an increase from $0.62 in Q1 2024, attributed to favorable decisions from the CPUC regarding new water and electric rates [7][8] - Consolidated revenues for Q1 increased by $12.7 million compared to the same quarter last year [9] - Net cash provided by operating activities was $45.1 million for the quarter, slightly down from $45.8 million in the same quarter last year [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Water utility earnings increased to $0.52 per share from $0.48 per share, primarily due to new water rates [8] - Electric segment earnings rose to $0.07 per share from $0.05 per share, driven by new electric rates [9] - ASUS earnings remained stable at $0.13 per share, with increased management fee revenues offset by decreased construction activity [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues for the water segment increased by $11.7 million due to new 2025 water rates [10] - Electric segment revenues increased by $2.8 million, also due to new rates [10] - Revenues from ASUS decreased by $1.8 million, primarily due to lower construction activities impacted by unfavorable weather [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to invest $170 million to $210 million in infrastructure in 2025, with a focus on capital projects approved by the CPUC [7][15] - Golden State Water is transitioning to a modified rate adjustment mechanism, which may introduce future revenue volatility [19][20] - The company anticipates sustained growth in its rate base due to recent regulatory approvals [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the regulatory environment, noting successful rate case outcomes and ongoing investments [17][22] - There is uncertainty regarding future military base privatizations, with expectations of potential opportunities in 2025 [33][34] - The company remains committed to maintaining a strong dividend growth rate, exceeding its long-term goals [25] Other Important Information - The company raised $25.8 million through its at-the-market offering program in Q1 2025 [15] - Credit facility terms were extended, and borrowing capacity increased from $165 million to $195 million [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Equity raise expectations for 2025 - Management confirmed a target of raising approximately $60 million over the full year 2025, with reassessment based on credit facility capacity [28][29] Question: Update on military base privatization efforts - Management indicated no current fifty-year privatizations are available, but potential Army privatizations may arise later in the year [32][33] - The Navy is actively pursuing privatization opportunities, with ongoing efforts to secure contracts [34][35] Question: Nature of nontraditional contracts - Management noted that fifteen-year contracts may be easier for bases to manage compared to fifty-year contracts, with ongoing pursuits in this area [41][42]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, the company generated adjusted EBITDA of $16.6 million and adjusted net income of $4.6 million, compared to adjusted EBITDA of $7.7 million and an adjusted net loss of $3.1 million in the prior year, marking significant improvements in profitability [6][7] - Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) per ton for potash improved by 17% from the 2023 baseline and by 25% from the peak in Q4 2023, coming in at $313 per ton [7] - COGS per ton for Trio was $235, representing a 22% improvement compared to the previous year's first quarter [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Potash production in Q1 2025 was 93,000 tons, an increase of 6,000 tons year-over-year, with a 40% increase in tons sold despite a 20% decrease in average net realized pricing [13] - Trio achieved a quarterly sales record of 110,000 tons, with an average pricing increase to $345 per ton [9] - The Oilfield Solutions segment generated revenue of $4.4 million with a gross margin of approximately 38% [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Potash prices increased by $55 per ton and Trio prices by $40 per ton during Q1 2025 due to strong demand and tight supplies [10] - Global potash demand is returning to a trend line growth of approximately 2% per year, with a balanced market expected heading into the second half of 2025 [10][11] - U.S. agriculture exports for corn increased by about 25% year-to-date, supporting forecasts of low crop inventories [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on revitalizing core assets and improving unit economics, which has positively impacted production and profitability [7][10] - Future capital expenditures are projected between $36 million to $42 million, primarily for sustaining capital [17] - The company aims to maintain consistent and predictable performance while controlling costs and improving production volumes [32][33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the potash and agriculture markets, citing beneficial tariff treatments and a weakening dollar supporting U.S. agriculture exports [11][12] - The company remains well-positioned with a debt-free balance sheet and constructive potash fundamentals, expecting to continue positive momentum into the rest of 2025 [18] Other Important Information - The company expects potash production for 2025 to be close to 285,000 to 295,000 tons, with improvements anticipated from the new primary pond in Wendover [14] - The permitting process for a sample well is expected to be completed by Q2, with commissioning by July [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Potash pricing expectations for Q2 - Management explained that Q2 pricing is projected at $350 to $360 per ton, reflecting a differential due to higher fee contracts in Q4 of the previous year [20][21] Question: Production volume expectations for the rest of the year - Management indicated that production forecasts are based on recent projects and the Wendover facility, with a focus on maintaining production levels [23][25] Question: Cost outlook for Trio beyond this year - Management noted that while improvements in cost per ton are expected, there may be a slight uptick in costs due to general price increases and lower production in the second half of the year [26][28] Question: Assessment of company performance and focus areas - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining focus on core assets and consistent performance, aiming for predictable cash flows [30][32] Question: Cash flow generation and capital allocation - Management confirmed that Q2 is typically the best cash flow generation quarter, with discussions on capital allocation becoming more relevant as performance improves [38][41]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported first quarter 2025 operating earnings of $1.54 per share, totaling $823 million, which is a 20% increase compared to the same period in 2024 [9][24] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 operating earnings guidance range of $5.75 to $5.95 per share, with a long-term operating earnings growth rate of 6% to 8% [9][39] - GAAP earnings for the first quarter were $1.50 per share, down from $1.91 per share in 2024, primarily due to a charge related to the write-off of deferred costs [22][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Operating earnings for vertically integrated utilities were $0.66 per share, up $0.09 from the previous year, driven by favorable weather and rate changes [25] - The transmission and distribution utilities segment earned $0.36 per share, up $0.07 from last year, supported by rate changes and higher transmission revenue [25] - Generation and marketing produced $0.14 per share, up $0.02 from last year, with favorable retail and wholesale margins [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a 12.3% growth in commercial load in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year [10] - Total retail load growth is expected to accelerate from 3% in 2024 to nearly 9% in 2025, marking the largest growth rate since the late 1960s [28] - The company anticipates annual retail load growth of between 8% to 9% through 2027, equating to approximately 52 million incremental megawatt hours [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to investing $54 billion over the next five years to meet the needs of 5.6 million customers across 11 states [5][9] - The capital plan includes customer commitments for over 20 gigawatts of incremental load by 2030, driven by data center demand and economic development [11][12] - The company is focused on reducing regulatory lag and enhancing customer affordability through proactive regulatory filings and legislative support [19][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's growth potential, citing significant demand for power and a robust pipeline of projects [16][20] - The company is well-positioned to participate in the electric infrastructure super cycle, with a focus on meeting increasing electric demand [16] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong balance sheet to support capital spending needs and future growth opportunities [9][36] Other Important Information - The company has secured approximately 80% of its rate-related revenue for 2025, indicating strong regulatory support [16][17] - A significant equity issuance of $2.3 billion was completed to address anticipated equity needs through 2029 [22][36] - The company is actively engaged in legislative efforts to improve recovery and customer affordability [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: How are conversations going in West Virginia regarding securitization? - Management reported positive discussions and is optimistic about achieving a favorable outcome in the upcoming hearings [42][44] Question: Are there any pullbacks from hyperscalers like Microsoft? - Management noted that despite Microsoft's delay, there is still robust demand from other customers, with over 500 existing and potential customers looking to connect to the system [46][48] Question: How does the company reconcile current sales trends against the 2025 forecast? - Management indicated that while near-term earnings impacts may be muted, the rapid addition of commercial and industrial load creates additional growth opportunities [52][54] Question: What is the impact of Ohio's new legislation on the company's regulatory strategy? - Management expressed that the new legislation supports capital investment growth and promotes timely recovery of investments, which is advantageous for the company [56][58] Question: How will the company finance the potential $10 billion upside in capital spending? - Management stated that they have already prefunded much of their equity needs and have various levers to pull, including potential asset sales and hybrid financing options [104][106]