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]