Investor Update September 2025 2026 2035 2025 Investor Update CenterPoint Energy | 1 Introduction Cautionary Statement and Other Disclosures This presentation and the oral statements made in connection herewith contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this presentation and the oral statements made in connection herewith are fo ...

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 [25][4][7] - The non-GAAP EPS results for Q2 2025 reflect a 19% decrease year-over-year, primarily due to the timing of capital recovery mechanisms [25][26] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 non-GAAP EPS guidance range of $1.74 to $1.76, indicating an 8% growth at the midpoint from the 2024 non-GAAP EPS of $1.62 [9][42] 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 [10][11] - 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 [11] 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 [10][11] - The company anticipates a significant increase in capital expenditures, with a total capital investment plan now at $53 billion through 2030, reflecting a $5.5 billion increase this year [21][35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to focus more on Texas jurisdictions, with the proposed sale of its Ohio gas business aimed at reallocating nearly $1 billion of capital expenditures to support Texas operations [13][14] - The company is committed to enhancing its electric transmission system to accommodate forecasted load growth and has identified approximately 200 projects to execute over the next ten years [18][21] 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 a favorable regulatory environment [10][12] - The company expects to improve its operating cash flow, which will help fund capital investments without the need for additional common equity [41][42] Other Important Information - The company has made significant progress in regulatory filings, including a proposed settlement in its Ohio gas rate case and a distribution system resiliency investment plan totaling $3.2 billion over the next three years [30][29] - The company is exploring efficient financing options to support its growth, including the proposed sale of its Ohio gas LDC and forward sales of common equity [37][39] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timeline and expectations for the Barrow cost recovery proceeding - Management is on track with mediated sessions and hearings scheduled for next Thursday, aiming for a potential settlement framework [51][52] 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 [53][54] Question: Duration of the drag from mobile generation assets - The drag is expected to last until late 2026 or early 2027, after which these assets will become a tailwind for the company [56] Question: Capital investment plan and equity funding - The company anticipates an upward bias in capital expenditures without the need for additional common equity, with a focus on long-term growth [62][66] Question: Update on the gas LDC sale process - The company aims to announce progress on the sale by the end of the year, with a closing expected about a year later [92][93] Question: Opportunities in data centers in Indiana - The company continues to have productive discussions regarding new data center demand in Indiana, leveraging its excess capacity [94][95]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.22, a 6% increase from Q1 2024 [8] - Adjusted gross margin for Q1 2025 was approximately $182 million, up 11% from Q1 2024 [25] - Adjusted net income increased by 9% to approximately $51 million for the quarter [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Regulated segment adjusted gross margin was approximately $128 million, an 8% increase from the previous year [28] - Unregulated energy segment adjusted gross margin rose 18% to approximately $54 million [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Delmarva customer growth was up nearly 4%, while Florida saw a 3% increase compared to the same period last year [10] - Increased demand for natural gas was noted across service areas, driven by population growth and new residential communities [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The growth strategy focuses on three pillars: prudent capital deployment, proactive regulatory management, and continuous business transformation [11] - The company plans to invest between $325 million and $375 million in capital growth for 2025, with $113 million already invested in Q1 [9][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in meeting the full-year 2025 adjusted EPS guidance of $6.15 to $6.35, despite the delay in the WRU project [33][76] - The company remains optimistic about its capital program and the demand for gas, indicating no significant impacts from the broader economic environment [76] Other Important Information - The company received a $20 million increase in capital investment for the WRU project, raising the total expected cost to approximately $100 million [16] - The Board approved an $8 increase in the annualized dividend, reflecting a 7% growth [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Any updates on natural gas infrastructure for the space industry in Florida? - Management reported no substantive updates but mentioned ongoing interest and potential for liquefied natural gas to support space launch facilities [38][39] Question: Is there any expansion planned for Marlin? - Management indicated ongoing capital investment in Marlin but no large-scale expansion announcements at this time [40][41] Question: Thoughts on tariffs and their impact on the business? - Management noted minimal issues related to tariffs so far but acknowledged potential cost increases for specific projects like WRU due to market uncertainties [47][48] Question: How will the delay in WRU affect margins? - Management stated they can manage the $3 million margin drop from WRU and have operational capabilities to provide peaking services temporarily [51][52] Question: Concerns about foreign tourism or housing starts affecting business? - Management has not seen significant impacts on tourism but noted a strong backlog of contracted housing starts [55][56] Question: Will the company revert to a normal seasonality pattern in 2027? - Management believes that seasonality will return to a more typical pattern in 2027, influenced by regulatory activity and capital projects [57] Question: What are the thresholds for potential credit rating downgrades? - Management indicated that a downgrade could be considered around a 4.8 FFO to debt ratio, with upgrades around 3.8 [65][66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted earnings per share for Q1 2025 was $2.22, a 6% increase from Q1 2024 [7] - Adjusted gross margin for Q1 2025 was approximately $182 million, up 11% from Q1 2024 [22] - Adjusted net income for Q1 2025 was approximately $51 million, a 9% increase from the previous year [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Regulated segment adjusted gross margin was approximately $128 million, an 8% increase from the previous year [25] - Unregulated energy segment adjusted gross margin increased by 18% to approximately $54 million in Q1 2025 [26] - The Marlin Gas Services business contributed $3.6 million of additional gross margin in Q1 2025 [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Delmarva customer growth was up nearly 4% and Florida customer growth increased by 3% compared to the same period last year [8] - Increased demand for natural gas was noted across service areas, driven by population growth and new residential communities [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on three pillars for growth: capital deployment for customer demand, proactive regulatory management, and continuous business transformation [9] - A five-year capital investment plan of $1.5 billion to $1.8 billion has been initiated, with $356 million invested in 2024 and $113 million in Q1 2025 [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about achieving the full year 2025 adjusted EPS guidance of $6.15 to $6.35 despite the delay in the WRU project [30] - The company is monitoring macroeconomic impacts but has not seen significant adverse effects on its operations [72] Other Important Information - The company received a $20 million increase in capital investment for the WRU project, raising total expected costs to approximately $100 million [14] - An $8 increase in the annualized dividend was approved, reflecting a 7% growth [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Any updates on natural gas infrastructure for the space industry in Florida? - Management reported no substantive updates but mentioned ongoing interest and a $6.5 million grant for infrastructure expansion in Virginia [37][38] Question: Thoughts on tariffs and their impact on the business? - Management indicated minimal issues related to tariffs but acknowledged some cost increases for specific projects due to market uncertainty [43][45] Question: How will the company manage the margin loss from the WRU project delay? - Management expressed confidence in managing the margin loss through operational capabilities and ongoing projects [48][50] Question: Concerns regarding foreign tourism or housing starts affecting business? - Management noted no significant impacts on tourism and a strong backlog of contracted housing starts, although multifamily markets in Florida face challenges [52][53] Question: Will the company revert to a normal seasonality pattern in 2027? - Management believes that seasonality will return to a more typical pattern, influenced by regulatory activity and capital projects [54]