Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported second quarter adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 1.05, which aligns with the guidance for 2025 [5][28] - Adjusted EPS for the quarter was positively impacted by net investments for customers, higher retail sales volume, and increased other income, despite higher operational and maintenance costs [29][30] - Weather-adjusted retail sales growth for the quarter was strong at 4.5%, with industrial sales contributing close to 12% growth [29][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has updated its four-year capital plan to $40 billion, which includes significant investments in customer-driven generation, including approximately 3 gigawatts of solar and 1.4 gigawatts of battery storage [8][9] - The industrial sales growth rate is expected to be approximately 13% over the next four years, driven by new growth in Arkansas [8][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has secured significant new growth opportunities in Arkansas, which will benefit existing customers and communities [8][10] - The customer pipeline remains robust, particularly in the data center segment, which is expected to contribute significantly to future growth [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be the premier utility provider and create sustainable value for stakeholders, focusing on customer service and economic development [5][6] - The strategy includes a focus on storm resilience and grid hardening, with a planned $8 billion investment in transmission over the next four years [14][15] - The company is also exploring new nuclear opportunities while managing construction risks through potential partnerships with larger entities [54][122] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving 2025 guidance and highlighted the importance of capital deployment to support growth [35][36] - The company is optimistic about the economic impact of its projects on communities and the potential for job creation [11][24] - Management noted improvements in storm recovery processes and regulatory support, which are expected to enhance financial stability and customer confidence [100][104] Other Important Information - The company completed the sale of its gas local distribution company to focus on its core electric business [17] - The company has been recognized as a top community-minded company, reflecting its commitment to social responsibility [24][25] - The board of directors has welcomed a new member with extensive investment experience, which is expected to enhance governance [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about the new Arkansas customer and sales growth - Management indicated that specific details about the customer cannot be disclosed at this time, but regulatory filings will provide more information soon [42] Question: Clarification on gas generation capacity - The seven gigawatts of gas generation capacity mentioned is related to projects not yet publicly announced, indicating potential for future customer growth [45] Question: Update on Meta's Hyperion data center expansion - Management confirmed that no regulatory approval process has started for the expansion, and further details would need to come from Meta [50] Question: Discussion on nuclear projects and risk management - Management is exploring various options to manage construction risks associated with new nuclear projects, including potential partnerships with larger entities [54][122] Question: Updates on storm recovery processes - Management highlighted new mechanisms in Louisiana for quicker storm cost recovery, which are expected to benefit customers and improve credit metrics [100][104] Question: Concerns regarding the ability to complete gas projects on time - Management expressed confidence in their relationships with EPCs and the use of standardized designs to facilitate timely project completion [106][109]