Financial Performance - Q2 2025 operating earnings per share (EPS) reached $1.43, compared to $1.25 in Q2 2024, representing a 14% increase[22] - Year-to-date (YTD) 2025 operating EPS was $2.98, up from $2.52 in YTD 2024, reflecting an 18% growth[24] - The company is guiding towards the upper half of the 2025 operating earnings guidance range of $5.75-$5.95 per share[20] - Moody's FFO to Debt as of June 30, 2025, was 13.2%[46, 114] Capital Investments and Growth - AEP expects to announce a new 5-year capital plan of approximately $70 billion to meet growing energy needs[18, 20] - The company is executing a $54 billion capital plan and expects approximately 8% rate base growth through the 5-year forecast[11, 18, 51] - Approximately $34 billion, or 63%, of the $54 billion capital forecast is allocated to wires (transmission and distribution)[75, 77] - Approximately $14 billion, or 26%, of the $54 billion capital forecast is allocated to regulated new generation, including renewables[75, 79] Load Growth and Demand - AEP anticipates 24 GW of incremental load growth through 2029, supported by signed customer financial commitments[17, 25, 43, 44] - The company has approximately 190 GW of interconnect requests in various stages of development[17, 25, 44] - Peak demand in Q2 2025 reached 37.6 GW, generating $2.9 billion in revenue, compared to 33.5 GW and $2.7 billion in Q2 2024[42] Financial Strength and Strategy - The company closed a $2.82 billion minority interest transmission transaction, contributing to S&P's outlook upgrade to stable[25, 29, 51] - AEP reaffirms its long-term growth rate of 6%-8% and a FFO/Debt targeted range of 14%-15%[18, 25] - The company's balance sheet strength is reinforced by S&P's favorable outlook revision to stable[49]

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]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.76 for the first quarter of 2025, a 22% increase compared to the first quarter of 2024, driven by top line growth across electric and gas utilities [5][14] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 earnings guidance range of $6.17 to $6.42 and a long-term EPS growth rate of 5% to 7% through 2029 [6][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Electric Utilities and Infrastructure segment saw an increase of $0.33 compared to last year, driven by higher sales volumes, improved weather, and new rates [14] - Gas Utilities and Infrastructure results were up $0.08 compared to last year, primarily due to new rates at Piedmont, North Carolina [14] - The Other segment experienced a decrease of $0.08, mainly due to higher interest expenses [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Weather-normalized volumes increased by 1.8% compared to last year, aligning with the full-year projection of 1.5% to 2% [15] - Residential volumes rose over 3% in the quarter, reflecting customer growth and higher usage [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on meeting growing energy demands through new generation and enhancing existing generation, including extending the operating license for the Oconee nuclear station for an additional twenty years [6][7] - A strategic partnership with GE Vernova was announced to secure up to 19 natural gas turbines, aimed at timely delivery of critical infrastructure [10] - The company plans to file a merger application for its DC and DEP utilities later this year, which is expected to create significant customer savings and operational flexibility [11][52] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's outlook, citing strong fundamentals and visibility to growth for years to come [12][13] - The company anticipates load growth to accelerate beginning in 2027 as economic development projects come online [16] - Management noted a cautious stance among industrial customers due to economic and policy uncertainties, but no immediate changes to production schedules were observed [61] Other Important Information - The company invested over $3 billion in capital during the quarter and is on track for $15 billion for the full year [20] - The impact of tariffs on the capital plan is estimated to be about 1% to 3% over five years, with confidence in minimizing this impact [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Incremental CapEx opportunities - Management indicated that updates on capital expenditures will be provided in February, with a stable and growing investment pipeline [28][30] Question: Specificity around credit metrics - Management plans to provide more defined targeted ranges for credit metrics in the next cycle in February [33] Question: Cadence of adding signed deals - Management confirmed that the one gigawatt signed is part of a robust pipeline and is being actively worked through the process [40] Question: Financial implications of the merger - The merger is expected to generate over a billion dollars in savings for customers, focusing on operational efficiencies and reduced regulatory proceedings [51][52] Question: Size of one gigawatt signing - The one gigawatt signing involves two customers [55] Question: Outlook on tax credits and renewables - Management emphasized the importance of nuclear tax credits and their role in reducing customer bills, while advocating for their transferability [60] Question: Impact of economic uncertainty on industrial customers - Management noted a cautious stance among industrial customers but no immediate changes to their production schedules [61]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.76 for the first quarter of 2025, a 22% increase compared to the first quarter of 2024, driven by top line growth across electric and gas utilities [5][14] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 earnings guidance range of $6.17 to $6.42 and a long-term EPS growth rate of 5% to 7% through 2029 [6][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Electric Utilities and Infrastructure segment saw an increase of $0.33 compared to last year, driven by higher sales volumes, improved weather, and new rates [14] - Gas Utilities and Infrastructure results were up $0.08 compared to last year, primarily due to new rates at Piedmont, North Carolina [14] - The Other segment experienced a decrease of $0.08, mainly due to higher interest expenses [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Weather-normalized volumes increased by 1.8% compared to last year, aligning with the full-year projection of 1.5% to 2% [15] - Residential volumes rose over 3% in the quarter, reflecting customer growth and higher usage [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on meeting growing energy demands through new generation and enhancing existing generation, including extending the operating license for the Oconee nuclear station for an additional twenty years [6][7] - A strategic partnership with GE Vernova was announced to secure up to 19 natural gas turbines, aimed at timely delivery of critical infrastructure [10] - The company plans to file a merger application for its DC and DEP utilities, expected to create significant customer savings and operational efficiencies [11][50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's outlook, citing strong fundamentals and visibility to growth for years to come [12][13] - The company anticipates load growth to accelerate beginning in 2027 as economic development projects come online [16] - Management noted a cautious stance among industrial customers due to economic and policy uncertainties, but no immediate changes in production schedules were observed [59] Other Important Information - The company invested over $3 billion in capital during the quarter and is on track for $15 billion for the full year [20] - The impact of tariffs on the capital plan is estimated to be about 1% to 3% over five years, with confidence in minimizing this impact [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Incremental CapEx opportunities and guidance - Management indicated that updates on capital expenditures will be provided during the annual cycle in February, with a focus on a stable and growing pipeline of investment opportunities [26][28] Question: Specificity around credit metrics - Management acknowledged ongoing discussions about improving credit profiles and indicated that more defined target ranges would be provided in the next cycle in February [31][33] Question: Cadence of load growth and data center deals - Management confirmed that the pipeline remains robust, with a recent signing of one gigawatt of data center projects, which was anticipated in their plans [38][40] Question: Financial implications of the merger - Management highlighted that the merger of DC and DEP utilities could generate over a billion dollars in savings for customers, focusing on operational efficiencies and reduced regulatory proceedings [48][50] Question: Outlook on tax credits and renewables - Management emphasized the importance of nuclear tax credits in reducing customer bills and expressed support for ongoing advocacy in Washington regarding energy credits [57][58] Question: Impact of economic uncertainty on industrial customers - Management reported no immediate changes in production schedules from industrial customers but noted a cautious stance due to tariff policy uncertainties [59][60]

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]

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 last year [8][22] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 operating earnings guidance range of $5.75 to $5.95 per share and a long-term operating earnings growth rate of 6% to 8% [8][38] - 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 previously deferred costs [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Operating earnings for vertically integrated utilities were $0.66 per share, up $0.09 from a year earlier, driven by favorable weather and rate changes [22] - The transmission and distribution utilities segment earned $0.36 per share, up $0.07 from last year, benefiting from rate changes and higher transmission revenue [22] - Generation and marketing produced $0.14 per share, up $0.02 from last year, with favorable retail and wholesale margins [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - AEP's total retail load growth has been favorable, with commercial load growing 12.3% compared to the first quarter of last year [9] - The company expects to see annual retail load growth of between 8% to 9% through 2027, representing a significant increase in demand [27] - The company has over 500 existing and potential customers requesting to connect nearly 80 gigawatts of load to its transmission system [30] 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][8] - AEP is focusing on infrastructure investments to support increasing electric demand, including plans for new generation and transmission projects [10][12] - The company is actively managing regulatory strategies to ensure fair cost allocation and protect existing customers while attracting large loads [11][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's growth potential, citing significant economic development activities across its footprint [38] - The company is optimistic about achieving its 2025 commitments and maintaining a strong balance sheet to support capital spending needs [8][38] - Management highlighted the importance of regulatory developments and customer engagement in driving future growth [14][18] Other Important Information - The company has received commission approvals for large load tariffs in several states, indicating strong regulatory support for its growth initiatives [11] - AEP's first quarter earned ROE for rate-related businesses was 9.3%, up from 9.05% at year-end [15] - The company is focused on reducing regulatory lag and has made timely filings to support its financial and operational strategies [17] 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 [41][43] Question: Are there any pullbacks from hyperscalers like Microsoft? - Management noted that despite Microsoft's delay, there is still robust demand from other customers, and the overall system demand remains strong [45][46] Question: How do you 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 [51][53] Question: What are the implications of shifting from ESPs to MYPs in Ohio? - Management highlighted that the new legislation supports capital investment growth and promotes timely recovery of investments, which is beneficial for the company [55][56] Question: What is the plan for financing the potential $10 billion upside? - Management stated that they have already secured equity needs through previous transactions and have various levers to pull for future financing [100][102]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated earnings for Q1 2025 were reported at $0.31 per diluted share, an increase from $0.09 per share in Q1 2024 [14] - The electric company achieved net income of $71 million or $0.35 per diluted share, compared to $25 million or $0.12 per share in the same period of 2024 [14] - The holding company reported a loss of $8 million or $0.04 per diluted share, compared to a loss of $7 million or $0.03 per share in Q1 2024 [14] - The company affirmed its 2025 earnings per share guidance of $2.27 within a range of $2.21 to $2.33 per share [14][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Customer growth was at 1% year-over-year, with demand growing by 8%, primarily driven by residential and commercial sectors [6][15] - Residential load growth was reported at 3%, while commercial load growth was at 28% [15] - Industrial and oilfield classes experienced some softness due to planned and unplanned outages [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that its rates are among the lowest in the nation, with the lowest rates in both Oklahoma and Arkansas [8] - The company is experiencing strong demand growth in Oklahoma and Arkansas, supported by economic development efforts [6][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on delivering safe, reliable, and affordable electric service while investing in grid reliability and resilience [5][10] - Future investments will include regulatory filings for rate reviews and generation capacity to meet planning margin requirements [10][19] - The company is pursuing a diversified supply base to limit exposure to tariff impacts and ensure project continuity [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's strong financial position and operational excellence, despite macroeconomic uncertainties [12][21] - The company is optimistic about future load growth driven by economic development and customer expansion [6][17] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining low rates for customers to support economic development [8][21] Other Important Information - The company has secured key components like transformers and wire through 2026, ensuring minimal disruptions to planned projects [11] - The company is actively pursuing legislative and regulatory improvements to enhance credit and support future investments [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are there any disruptive or inflationary impacts on the current CapEx plan? - Management feels confident about the current CapEx plan and expects little to no disruption in the coming years [27] Question: What is the outlook for industrial load growth? - Management indicated that the lower growth in the industrial segment is due to transitory events like outages and maintenance, with no external impacts expected [29] Question: Are there any discussions around regulatory improvements in Oklahoma? - Management confirmed ongoing discussions about pursuing formula rate improvements, but noted that significant changes are not expected this year [32] Question: How would the generation rider impact financing plans? - The generation rider would provide cash flow during construction phases, enhancing financing capabilities for incremental CapEx [40][42] Question: Is there any impact from the Supreme Court decision on serving large load customers? - Management confirmed that the Supreme Court ruling does not affect the ability to serve large load customers [46] Question: How is the demand narrative for data centers evolving? - Management reported ongoing discussions with several data center companies, indicating strong demand remains [52] Question: What is the company's strategy regarding Moody's credit rating? - Management emphasized that while they are targeting a 17% FFO to debt ratio, they believe ongoing improvements and regulatory actions could positively influence their credit rating [56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated earnings for the first quarter were reported at $0.31 per diluted share, an increase from $0.09 per share in the same period of 2024 [17] - The electric company achieved net income of $71 million or $0.35 per diluted share, compared to $25 million or $0.12 per share in the same period of 2024 [17] - The holding company reported a loss of $8 million or $0.04 per diluted share, compared to a loss of $7 million or $0.03 per share in the same period of 2024 [17] - The company affirmed its 2025 earnings per share guidance of $2.27 within a range of $2.21 to $2.33 per share [17][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Customer growth was at 1% year-over-year, with residential and commercial sectors leading the demand growth of 8% [7][18] - Residential load growth was strong at 3%, while commercial load growth was even higher at 28% [19] - Industrial and oilfield classes experienced some softness due to planned and unplanned outages [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an average reliability of 99.975% despite facing extreme weather conditions [9] - The rates for the company are among the lowest in the nation, with the lowest rates in both Oklahoma and Arkansas [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on delivering safe, reliable, and affordable electric service to over 900,000 customers [6] - Future growth is anticipated from diverse industries, including defense, tribal development, and hospitality, particularly with Oklahoma City hosting events for the 2028 Olympics [8] - The company plans to request a rate review midyear in Oklahoma and a general rate review in Arkansas towards the end of the year [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's strong financial position and operational excellence, which supports future growth [14] - The company is proactive in managing supply chain risks and has secured key components through 2026 [13] - Management acknowledged the uncertainty in the macroeconomic environment but remains committed to delivering on stakeholder expectations [13] Other Important Information - The company completed a planned external financing of $350 million, contributing to low refinancing risk [21] - The balance sheet is considered one of the strongest in the industry, with a forecasted FFO to debt ratio of approximately 17% [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are there any disruptive or inflationary impacts on the current CapEx plan? - Management feels confident about the current CapEx plan and expects little to no disruption in the coming years [30] Question: What is the outlook for industrial load growth? - Management indicated that the lower growth in the industrial segment is due to transitory events like outages, with no external factors impacting that class [32] Question: Are there discussions around utility regulatory improvements in Oklahoma? - Management confirmed ongoing discussions about pursuing formula rates but indicated that significant changes are not expected this year [36] Question: How would the generation rider and PISA recovery impact the current plan? - Management stated that the generation rider would provide cash flow during the construction phase, enhancing credit and facilitating financing [44] Question: Is there any impact from the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruling on service extensions? - Management confirmed that the ruling does not affect the ability to serve large load customers [52] Question: How is the tone in customer exchanges regarding data center electricity demand? - Management reported ongoing discussions with several data center companies, indicating strong demand [59] Question: What is the company's strategy regarding Moody's negative outlook? - Management expressed confidence in maintaining a strong balance sheet and believes that upcoming regulatory events could positively influence Moody's assessment [62]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Vistra Corp. reported a full-year adjusted EBITDA of $5.656 billion, exceeding the top end of the original guidance range, even before considering a $545 million benefit from the nuclear production tax credit recognized in Q4 [10][38] - The adjusted free cash flow before growth for 2024 was approximately $2.888 billion, implying a conversion ratio of about 57% from adjusted EBITDA [39] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance range of $5.5 billion to $6.1 billion and adjusted free cash flow before growth range of $3 billion to $3.6 billion [40] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The retail business achieved performance levels not seen in the past two decades, driven by strong customer account growth and disciplined margin management [9][18] - The generation team maintained a commercial availability of approximately 95% for gas and coal fleets, while the nuclear fleet achieved a capacity factor of 92% [16][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Actual load growth in PJM and ERCOT markets exceeded historical rates, with PJM reaching a winter peak load of 145 gigawatts and ERCOT approximately 80 gigawatts [26][27] - Load growth is expected to continue, with PJM and ERCOT revising long-term forecasts upwards, indicating a strong demand signal [27][29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a diversified portfolio of generation assets, including nuclear and gas, combined with a strong retail business to navigate volatile power markets [11][20] - Vistra Corp. is developing contracted solar and battery projects and plans to convert its Toledo Creek coal plant to gas fuel by 2027 [15][21] - The company aims to return at least $1.3 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases in 2025 and 2026 [45] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to capitalize on load growth and the evolving energy dynamics in primary markets [46] - The company is actively engaging with policymakers to address regulatory uncertainties and enhance grid reliability [34][36] Other Important Information - The company completed a unique acquisition, adding three nuclear sites and one million retail customers, and renewed a twenty-year license for the Comanche Peak nuclear power plant [9][10] - The Moss Landing site in California experienced a fire at one of its battery storage facilities, but no injuries were reported, and operations at other facilities resumed [23][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timeline for potential deals - Management indicated that the timing of announcements for data center deals depends on regulatory clarity and ongoing discussions with major hyperscalers [52][58] Question: Focus on Comanche Peak opportunity - Comanche Peak is currently viewed as the most attractive opportunity due to its land availability and construction timelines [62] Question: Commercial outlook and pricing levels - Management noted that while power prices have increased, they do not fully reflect the expected load growth, leading to cautious contracting strategies [65][66] Question: Additionality and load management - The company is exploring how to manage load growth from data centers while ensuring reliability for residential customers [74][75] Question: Update on gas plant colocation - Interest in gas sites is growing, with ongoing discussions about both existing and new gas plants for data centers [96][99] Question: Regulatory clarity and deal announcements - Management clarified that they are not waiting for full regulatory clarity before announcing deals, but ongoing legal proceedings raise questions about risk-sharing in contracts [138]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2024, Evergy reported adjusted earnings of $878 million or $3.81 per share, compared to $816 million or $3.54 per share for the same period last year, reflecting a year-over-year increase in adjusted EPS driven by strong cost management and load growth [49][50][66] - The adjusted EPS growth was impacted by a 5% decrease in cooling degree days and a 4% decrease in heating degree days, leading to a $0.13 decline in EPS versus 2023 [50] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 adjusted EPS guidance range of $3.92 to $4.12 per share, with a midpoint of $4.02, representing a 5% increase over the 2024 guidance midpoint [15][66] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail sales trends showed a weather-normalized increase of 1.1% in 2024, driven by strong growth in both residential and commercial usage [52][53] - The company anticipates a 2.4% growth in load demand for 2025, with significant contributions expected from new large customers such as Meta and Panasonic [53][55] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The economic development pipeline in Kansas and Missouri has grown from approximately 6 gigawatts to over 11 gigawatts, reflecting robust demand from large customers [18][19] - The projected peak summer demand for 2025 is approximately 10.6 gigawatts, indicating a strong backlog of growth opportunities [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Evergy's strategic objectives focus on affordability, reliability, and sustainability, with a five-year capital investment plan totaling $17.5 billion aimed at modernizing infrastructure and supporting economic growth [9][28][45] - The company is actively pursuing regulatory and legislative initiatives to support infrastructure investment and mitigate regulatory lag, particularly in Kansas and Missouri [11][33][42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate challenges posed by weather and operational costs, reaffirming a long-term growth target of 4% to 6% through 2029 [15][66] - The management highlighted the importance of a competitive regulatory framework and successful execution of capital plans to support economic development in the region [11][12][45] Other Important Information - The company raised its dividend by 4% to an annualized $2.67, consistent with its target payout ratio [15] - Evergy's capital investment plan is expected to result in 8.5% annualized rate base growth through 2029, an increase from the prior forecast of approximately 8% [28][67] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timeline for finalizing agreements related to 1.6 gigawatts - Management indicated that discussions are advancing well and expects announcements later this year, with agreements finalized over the course of the year [72][76][78] Question: Next steps for capital structure in Kansas - Management characterized the proceeding as procedural and expressed a desire to seek a constructive settlement, similar to previous cases [79][82] Question: Timeline for developing associated generation - Management confirmed that they have a good plan to serve customers from both transmission and generation perspectives, with updates expected in the upcoming IRP filings [89][91][100] Question: Protections for existing customers in large load tariff - Management is seeking a well-balanced tariff that covers incremental costs while providing protections for existing customers, including minimum bills and contract periods [107][111] Question: Timeline for SB4 in Missouri - Management expressed confidence in the bill's passage, highlighting its transformative potential for the regulatory framework in Missouri [120][124] Question: Matching load with generation projects - Management provided clarity on the load forecast, indicating that they expect to have the necessary transmission and generation capacity to serve the anticipated load growth [126][130]