Core Insights - MDU Resources Group, Inc. reported third quarter financial results for 2025, highlighting strong performance in the pipeline segment and regulatory activities in utility segments, despite increased operational costs [1][2][4] Financial Performance - Net income for Q3 2025 was $18.4 million, down from $64.6 million in Q3 2024, with earnings per share (EPS) at $0.09 compared to $0.32 in the previous year [2][19] - Income from continuing operations increased to $18.4 million from $15.6 million year-over-year, with diluted EPS from continuing operations at $0.09, up from $0.08 [2][19] - For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, net income was $114.1 million, down from $225.9 million in 2024, with EPS decreasing from $1.11 to $0.56 [2][19] Segment Performance Electric Utility Segment - The electric utility segment reported a net income of $21.5 million in Q3 2025, down $2.8 million from the previous year, primarily due to higher operation and maintenance expenses [4][26] - Retail sales volumes declined by 1.6%, attributed to cooler summer temperatures, although industrial retail sales volumes increased [4][26] Natural Gas Distribution Segment - The natural gas distribution segment experienced a seasonal loss of $18.2 million in Q3 2025, compared to a loss of $17.5 million in Q3 2024, driven by higher operational costs [5][30] - Operating revenues increased by 8.0% year-over-year to $144.3 million, with total operating expenses rising by 7.4% [27] Pipeline Segment - The pipeline segment reported net income of $16.8 million in Q3 2025, up from $15.1 million in Q3 2024, driven by revenue from growth projects and increased customer demand [10][32] - Operating revenues for the pipeline segment increased by 11.5% year-over-year to $57.4 million [31] Regulatory Updates - MDU Resources is actively involved in regulatory proceedings across multiple states, including rate case filings in Montana and Wyoming, seeking annual increases of $14.1 million and $7.5 million, respectively [9][30] - The North Dakota Public Service Commission approved the acquisition of a 49% interest in Badger Wind Farm, which is expected to enhance the company's renewable energy portfolio [4][9] Guidance and Future Outlook - The company narrowed its earnings guidance for 2025 to a range of $0.90 to $0.95 per share, reflecting a slight adjustment based on performance through Q3 [3][11] - MDU Resources anticipates continued customer growth at a rate of 1% to 2% annually, with ongoing capital investment and rate recovery plans [17][30]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported GAAP diluted EPS of $0.35, down from $0.52 in the prior period, while non-GAAP diluted EPS was $0.40 compared to $0.53 in the previous year [6][10][17] - Year-to-date results showed net income and EPS in line with 2024, indicating a flat performance against the prior period [12] - The company is initiating its 2025 earnings guidance range of $3.53 to $3.65, with a long-term earnings growth target of 4% to 6% [6][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Quarterly earnings were primarily driven by rate recovery, contributing 24¢ of margin improvement, offset by unfavorable weather and increased operating costs [13][14] - Electric transmission showed an improvement of $0.07, while gas transportation improved by $0.02 [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company completed the acquisition of Energy West and Cutbank Gas facilities, adding 33,000 customers and 43 employees [7] - The company is actively pursuing large load customers, particularly in data centers, with significant interest in both Montana and South Dakota [30][31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to invest in data centers and large load opportunities, with a focus on achieving a total return of 9% to 11% through strategic capital investments [8] - Legislative outcomes, such as the Montana wildfire bill and transmission bill, are expected to provide better regulatory certainty and support for utility investments [22][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate regulatory challenges and achieve growth targets, emphasizing the importance of the Montana rate review outcome [20][70] - The company anticipates continued interest in data centers and plans to file tariffs to support these customers [30][31] Other Important Information - A dividend of 66¢ per share was declared, payable on September 30, 2025 [7] - The company expects to conclude the year above its downside cash flow threshold despite a dip in cash flows for the quarter [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on data center ESAs - Management indicated that they are wrapping up transmission service issues and expect at least one ESA to be signed by the next call in October [42][44] Question: Addressing load requirements for expanding data center interest - The company is working with data centers on potential self-generation and build-transfer capabilities to meet load requirements [44][45] Question: Timing for megawatt ramp-up on the system - Management stated that the ramp-up will primarily occur in 2027, with some smaller contributions in 2026 [62] Question: Handling costs after acquiring facilities - The company plans to make a filing to address recovery of costs associated with the acquisition and maintain options for both Montana and FERC regulated approaches [64][66]