New Jersey Resources (NYSE:NJR) Q4 2025 Earnings Call November 20, 2025 10:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsRoberto Bel - SVP and CFOAdam Prior - Director of Investor RelationsSteve Westhoven - President and CEOConference Call ParticipantsJamieson Ward - AnalystEli Josen - AnalystTravis Miller - AnalystGabe Maureen - AnalystOperatorLadies and gentlemen, thank you for standing by. My name is Abby, and I'll be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the New Jersey Resourc ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fiscal 2025 was marked by strong earnings growth, with the company exceeding initial earnings guidance for the fifth consecutive year [5][14] - The company achieved a net financial earnings per share (NFEPS) of $3.03-$3.18 for fiscal 2026, consistent with a long-term growth rate of 7%-9% [5][18] - Total capital expenditures (CapEx) for fiscal 2025 were $850 million, with a five-year outlook of $4.8 billion-$5.2 billion, representing a 40% increase compared to the previous five years [16][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - New Jersey Natural Gas is expected to achieve high single-digit rate-based growth through 2030, supported by responsible investments in safety and reliability [6][8] - Storage and Transportation (S&T) is projected to more than double net financial earnings by 2027, driven by favorable recontracting of both Adelphia and Leaf River [6][9] - Clean Energy Ventures (CEV) anticipates expanding capacity by over 50% in the next two years, with a robust pipeline of Safe Harbor projects [7][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a significant increase in contract rates at Leaf River, with average contract rates rising from approximately $0.09 to nearly $0.20 per decatherm [25] - The market demand for energy infrastructure is expected to grow, with the company positioned to capitalize on this trend through its capital investments [41] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to invest approximately $5 billion over the next five years, with about 60% allocated to New Jersey Natural Gas [5][6] - A disciplined capital investment strategy is in place to ensure sustainable growth, with minimal dilution to shareholders [7][8] - The company aims to maintain a healthy balance sheet with strong cash flows and ample liquidity, requiring no block equity issuance to execute its capital plan [6][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term growth prospects, emphasizing the importance of energy efficiency programs and affordability for customers [20][38] - The company is prepared to work with the new administration in New Jersey to address electricity prices and affordability issues [20] Other Important Information - The company celebrated 30 consecutive years of dividend increases, reflecting confidence in its long-term strategy [13] - The company achieved record investments in its Save Green program, which helps customers reduce energy usage and costs [13][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the contract renegotiations and the timing for FIDing larger expansions at Leaf River? - Management indicated that there is a bias towards longer-term contracts, with significant upgrades in contract rates driving earnings growth [25][26] Question: What is the current status of construction for Clean Energy Ventures projects? - Management confirmed that many projects are shovel-ready and positioned to meet the state's capacity needs, with a strong project pipeline [28][29] Question: How should investors model the earnings cadence for the upcoming years? - Management suggested that the capital plan provides the most accurate picture of achievable growth, with potential for accelerated deployment of safe harbor projects [31] Question: What are the affordability efforts in New Jersey? - Management highlighted natural gas as the most affordable heating option and emphasized ongoing energy efficiency programs to help customers reduce costs [38] Question: Are there any headwinds to the growth outlook? - Management expressed confidence in the overall growth strategy, noting that the company is well-positioned to execute its capital program [40][41]