Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, the company reported adjusted net income of $283.9 million, an increase of 8.7% from $261.2 million in 2024, exceeding guidance by nearly $9 million [29][30] - Adjusted earnings per diluted share from continuing operations rose nearly 19% to $3.65 in 2025 from $3.07 in 2024, driven by utility optimization and lower financing costs [27][28] - The adjusted return on equity for the year was 8.3%, supported by effective cost management and regulatory outcomes [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The utility's substantial net income growth was primarily driven by positive regulatory outcomes and strong economic activity in the service area [12] - Operating margin improved by nearly $120 million, reflecting combined rate relief and customer growth [30] - O&M expenses increased by $16.8 million, with a focus on managing costs while delivering natural gas service [31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates significant earnings per share growth of 12%-14% from 2025 to 2030, driven by improvements in the regulatory environment [9][45] - The expected revenue increase in the Arizona rate case is over $100 million, with a proposed rate base of $3.9 billion [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has transitioned to a fully regulated natural gas business, allowing for a stronger focus on core operations and strategic priorities [5][11] - The 2026 strategy emphasizes operational excellence, financial discipline, and regulatory progress, with a capital plan of approximately $1.25 billion for 2026 [10][36] - The company is initiating a five-year capital guidance of approximately $6.3 billion, with 73% directed towards Southwest Gas and 27% towards Great Basin [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future growth opportunities, particularly with the anticipated improvements in regulatory frameworks in Arizona and Nevada [9][15] - The company expects to maintain a disciplined strategy focused on investing in capital plans while sustaining responsible annual dividend growth [10][41] - Management highlighted the importance of reducing regulatory lag and aligning capital recovery with investments to improve long-term earnings visibility [15][63] Other Important Information - The board approved a 4% increase in the annual dividend, bringing it to an annualized $2.58 per share for 2026 [10][41] - The company achieved an S&P credit rating upgrade to BBB+ with stable outlooks following the completion of the Centuri disposition [11][12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on equity needs and timing - Management indicated that they do not anticipate equity needs in 2026 and plan to utilize holding company leverage capacity to offset capital needs [55][56] Question: Details on the Great Basin project and customer interest - Management confirmed strong demand for the Great Basin project, with nearly 800 MCF subscribed, and indicated potential for future open seasons to accommodate additional interest [60][62] Question: Earnings contribution post-Great Basin in-service - Management expects significant margin contributions from the Great Basin project, estimated at $215 million-$245 million annually once operational [72] Question: Rate case outcomes and historical success - Management acknowledged the importance of historical success in rate case outcomes and the potential for formula rate adjustments to enhance earnings contributions [74][75] Question: Progress in Nevada workshops and ROE considerations - Management reported positive progress in Nevada workshops and indicated that recent regulatory decisions could provide a constructive framework for future rate cases [78][80]