Core Viewpoint - WEC Energy Group reported a strong year in customer satisfaction, financial performance, and execution of its capital plan, emphasizing its commitment to providing affordable, reliable, and clean energy to millions of customers across the Midwest [1]. Company Highlights - The company serves 4.7 million customers across Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota [4]. - WEC Energy Group has approximately 33,000 stockholders, 7,000 employees, and over $48 billion in assets [6]. - The company operates principal utilities including We Energies, Wisconsin Public Service, Peoples Gas, North Shore Gas, Michigan Gas Utilities, Minnesota Energy Resources, and Upper Michigan Energy Resources [5]. Financial Performance - A record $1.06 billion was returned to stockholders through dividends [7]. - The dividend level was increased by 6.9% to an annual rate of $3.57 per share, marking the 22nd consecutive year of higher dividends [7]. - The company was selected for inclusion in the High Yield Dividend Aristocrats Index by Standard and Poor's [7]. Capital Plan and Projects - The largest five-year capital plan in company history was developed, focusing on energy reliability and economic growth [7]. - Two large-scale solar projects, the Paris Solar Energy Center and Darien Solar Energy Center, were added, contributing renewable energy to the Wisconsin power grid [7]. - The company retired coal-fueled capacity at the Oak Creek Power Plant, which had been in service since the 1950s [7]. Customer Satisfaction - WEC Energy Group ranked number one in the nation for customer satisfaction in an independent survey of large commercial and industrial energy users [7]. - Wisconsin Public Service was recognized as one of the top-performing midsize utilities in PA Consulting's 2024 ReliabilityOne® Awards [7]. Stockholder Actions - Stockholders elected directors to terms expiring at the 2026 annual meeting [3]. - Proposed amendments to eliminate supermajority voting requirements and an advisory proposal for a simple majority vote did not receive the required stockholder approval [3][4].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported income from continuing operations of $82.5 million or $0.40 per share for Q1 2025, a 10.4% increase compared to the same period last year [4] - First quarter earnings were $82 million or $0.40 per diluted share, compared to $100.9 million or $0.49 per diluted share in Q1 2024 [12] - The natural gas utility segment reported earnings of $44.7 million, an 11.5% increase from $40.1 million in Q1 2024 [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The electric utility segment reported earnings of $15 million, down from $17.9 million in the same period last year, despite a 25% increase in retail electric volumes [12][39] - The pipeline segment achieved record first quarter earnings of $17.2 million, up from $15.1 million in Q1 2024, driven by growth projects and increased demand for services [9][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The utility experienced a 1.4% combined retail customer growth compared to a year ago, aligning with the projected annual growth rate of 1% to 2% [5] - The company signed electric service agreements for 580 megawatts of data center load, with 180 megawatts currently online and an additional 100 megawatts expected to come online later this year [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a core strategy emphasizing customer and community engagement, operational excellence, and employee-driven initiatives, with a capital investment plan of $3.1 billion over the next five years [11] - The company anticipates a long-term EPS growth rate of 6% to 8% while targeting a 60% to 70% annual dividend payout ratio [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term potential of the Bakken region, highlighting the increasing gas-to-oil ratio and the need for takeaway capacity [22][24] - The company remains committed to wildfire prevention and has seen legislative support in three of its operating states, which will help limit liability and enhance mitigation efforts [6][58] Other Important Information - The company plans to reestablish an ATM program to meet future equity needs as part of its capital investment strategy [16] - The company is affirming its earnings per share guidance in the range of $0.88 to $0.98 for the full year [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are the tariffs from large customers not accretive for new resources? - Management indicated that the current capital-light strategy for data centers is beneficial, as it allows for shared costs with large customers, which in turn benefits retail customers [18][19] Question: How might disruptions in the Bakken affect North Dakota? - Management believes in the long-term viability of the Bakken, noting that while oil prices fluctuate, the increasing gas production will provide benefits for the pipeline business and utility customers [22][24] Question: How does the company view housing starts in relation to economic sensitivity? - Management noted that customer growth has remained stable within the 1% to 2% range, even during economic fluctuations, with Idaho being a particularly strong growth area [28][30] Question: What are the next steps for the Bakken East project? - Management stated that conversations with customers are ongoing, and they are encouraged by the feedback received, but further steps will depend on route design and customer needs [48][49] Question: How will recent wildfire legislation impact mitigation plans? - Management indicated that the legislation will help formalize existing mitigation plans and limit liability, while prevention remains the top priority [58][59] Question: What is the anticipated size of the ATM program? - Management has not yet determined the size of the ATM program but plans to size it appropriately to meet future needs [60] Question: What is the starting point for the long-term growth rate? - Management clarified that the long-term growth rate guidance is based on the adjusted 2024 number or the 2025 range provided earlier this year [63]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported income from continuing operations of $82.5 million or $0.40 per share for Q1 2025, a 10.4% increase compared to the same period last year [4][13] - First quarter earnings were $82 million compared to $100.9 million for Q1 2024, indicating a decrease in overall earnings [13] - The natural gas utility segment reported earnings of $44.7 million, an 11.5% increase year over year [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The electric utility segment reported earnings of $15 million, down from $17.9 million in Q1 2024, despite a 25% increase in retail electric volumes [13][14] - The pipeline segment achieved record first quarter earnings of $17.2 million, up from $15.1 million in the previous year, driven by growth projects and increased demand [9][15] - The natural gas distribution segment's rate relief contributed significantly to its quarterly results, with new rates effective in Washington and Montana [7][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The utility experienced a 1.4% combined retail customer growth compared to a year ago, aligning with the projected annual growth rate of 1% to 2% [5] - The company signed a purchase agreement to acquire a 49% interest in the Badger Wind Farm, contingent on regulatory approvals [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a core strategy emphasizing customer and community engagement, operational excellence, and employee-driven initiatives [12] - A capital investment of $3.1 billion is anticipated over the next five years, with a target of 7% to 8% compound annual utility rate base growth [12] - The company is committed to maintaining a 60% to 70% annual dividend payout ratio while targeting long-term EPS growth of 6% to 8% [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term growth prospects of the Bakken region, despite potential short-term disruptions due to oil prices [24][25] - The company remains proactive in wildfire prevention and has seen legislative support that limits liability, enhancing operational certainty [6][60] Other Important Information - The company plans to reestablish an ATM program to meet future equity needs as part of its capital investment strategy [16] - The anticipated filing of a general rate case in Idaho is expected in the second quarter of 2025 [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are the tariffs from large customers not accretive for new resources? - Management indicated that the capital-light strategy for data centers is beneficial, as it allows for shared costs with large customers, providing benefits to the retail customer base [18][19] Question: Thoughts on potential disruptions to the Bakken region? - Management believes in the long-term viability of the Bakken play, citing increasing gas production and industrial demand as positive indicators [24][25] Question: Impact of housing starts on service areas? - Management noted that customer growth has remained stable within the 1% to 2% range, with Boise being a particularly strong growth area [30][32] Question: Clarification on accounting restatements? - Management explained that the restated numbers primarily reflect the separation of discontinued operations and some ongoing costs related to previous separations [33][34] Question: Confidence in the Bakken East project development? - Management expressed optimism based on ongoing customer conversations and feedback, while noting that the project is not currently in the five-year capital forecast [48][49] Question: Role of recent tariffs in the Bakken East project's attractiveness? - Management stated that while tariffs could impact costs, they do not foresee them derailing the project [55][57] Question: Impact of wildfire legislation on mitigation plans? - Management highlighted that existing proactive measures will be formalized through new legislation, which will help limit liability [58][60] Question: Size of the anticipated ATM program? - Management has not yet determined the size of the ATM program but indicated it would be sized to meet future needs starting in 2026 [61][62] Question: Clarification on long-term growth rate starting point? - Management clarified that the long-term growth rate is based on adjusted 2024 numbers or the 2025 range provided earlier [63][64]

Pipeline segment reports record first quarter earnings, up 13.9% Natural gas distribution earnings up 11.5% 2025 guidance affirmed; earnings per share in the range of $0.88 to $0.98 Strong start to the year supports company's transition to a pure-play regulated energy delivery businessBISMARCK, N.D., May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MDU Resources Group, Inc. (NYSE: MDU) today announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2025, reporting solid performance across its regulated energy delivery segments ...

Financial Performance - Sempra reported first-quarter 2025 GAAP earnings of $906 million or $1.39 per diluted share, an increase from $801 million or $1.26 per diluted share in the same period of 2024 [1][3] - Adjusted earnings for the first quarter of 2025 were $942 million or $1.44 per diluted share, compared to $854 million or $1.34 per diluted share in 2024 [1][3] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focused on delivering strong financial performance while progressing on strategic initiatives aimed at providing safer and more reliable energy to nearly 40 million consumers [2][4] - Sempra's Texas subsidiary, Oncor, is executing a $36.1 billion five-year capital plan to meet the growing electricity demand in Texas, which saw a new all-time winter peak demand of 80.5 gigawatts in February 2025 [4][5] Infrastructure Development - Oncor had approximately 1,100 active transmission point of interconnection requests at the end of Q1 2025, representing a 35% increase compared to the end of Q1 2024 [5] - The company is advancing critical transmission and distribution infrastructure projects to support population growth and reliability in Texas [5][6] Regulatory and Market Developments - In March 2025, San Diego Gas & Electric and Southern California Gas filed applications to update their costs of capital for 2026 to 2028, with a decision expected by the end of the year [8][9] - The California Public Utilities Commission approved the expansion of SDGE's energy storage facility, adding 100 megawatts of capacity [9] Earnings Guidance - Sempra updated its full-year 2025 GAAP EPS guidance range to $4.25 – $4.65 and affirmed its adjusted EPS guidance range of $4.30 to $4.70 [12][31] - The company expects to achieve a long-term EPS compound annual growth rate of 7% to 9% for the period from 2025 to 2029 [12] Value Creation Initiatives - Sempra reiterated its five value creation initiatives aimed at simplifying its business model and improving financial performance [14][15] - The company plans to sell Ecogas México and a minority stake in Sempra Infrastructure Partners, which are expected to be accretive to earnings [15][16]

NEW YORK, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., a nationally recognized shareholder rights law firm, is investigating potential claims against NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE) on behalf of long-term stockholders following a class action complaint that was filed against NextEra with a Class Period from December 2, 2021, and February 1, 2023. Our investigation concerns whether the board of directors of NextEra have breached their fiduciary duties to the company. According to the Compla ...

Net income and earnings per share ("EPS")* were $50.9 million and $2.21, respectively, for the first quarter of 2025 compared to $46.2 million and $2.07, respectively, for the first quarter of 2024 Adjusted net income and Adjusted EPS**, which exclude transaction and transition-related expenses attributable to the acquisition and integration of Florida City Gas ("FCG"), were $51.1 million and $2.22, respectively, for the first quarter of 2025 compared to $46.8 million and $2.10, respectively for the first ...

Core Viewpoint - Chesapeake Utilities Corporation has announced an increase in its quarterly cash dividend, reflecting a commitment to shareholder value and strategic growth [1][2]. Dividend Increase - The Board of Directors voted to raise the quarterly cash dividend from $0.64 to $0.685 per share, resulting in an annualized dividend increase from $2.56 to $2.74 per share, which is a 7 percent increase [1]. - The new dividend will be payable on July 7, 2025, to shareholders of record as of June 16, 2025 [1]. Strategic Focus - The decision to increase the dividend is part of the company's balanced approach to capital investment and sustained earnings growth, which supports ongoing dividend growth [2]. - The company emphasizes three strategic pillars: prudent capital deployment, proactive regulatory management, and continuous business transformation, which are expected to drive earnings growth and enhance shareholder value [2]. Dividend History - Chesapeake Utilities has a long-standing history of paying dividends without interruption for 64 years and has consistently increased its annualized dividend every year since 2004 [3]. Company Overview - Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is a diversified energy delivery company listed on the NYSE (CPK), providing sustainable energy solutions through various services including natural gas transmission and distribution, electricity generation, and propane gas distribution [4].

Financial Performance - Avista Corp. reported a total net income of $79 million for Q1 2025, an increase from $71 million in Q1 2024, representing a growth of approximately 11.3% [1] - Earnings per diluted share rose to $0.98 in Q1 2025 from $0.91 in Q1 2024, marking an increase of about 7.7% [1] - The electric utility margin increased by $28 million, contributing $0.36 to earnings per share, while the natural gas utility margin added $7 million, contributing $0.09 [2] Segment Performance - Avista Utilities generated a net income of $78 million in Q1 2025, up from $67 million in Q1 2024 [1] - AEL&P maintained a consistent net income of $4 million for both Q1 2025 and Q1 2024 [1] - Other non-reportable segments incurred a loss of $3 million in Q1 2025, compared to no loss in Q1 2024 [1] Legislative and Regulatory Developments - Significant progress was made in wildfire risk mitigation with new bills passed in Washington and Idaho, allowing for the approval of wildfire mitigation plans and the securitization of related costs [1] - The settlement of the Oregon general rate case is viewed as positive, with upcoming discussions for Idaho general rate cases expected to occur later in May 2025 [1] Capital Expenditures - Avista Utilities reported capital expenditures of $100 million in Q1 2025, with expectations of total capital expenditures of approximately $525 million for the year [4][5] - AEL&P's capital expenditures were $3 million in Q1 2025, with an expected total of $15 million for the year [4][5] Liquidity and Financing - As of March 31, 2025, Avista Corp. had $221 million in available liquidity under its committed line of credit and $40 million under its letter of credit facility [3] - The company plans to issue $120 million in long-term debt and up to $80 million in common stock in 2025, including $16 million already issued in Q1 [3] Earnings Guidance - Avista Corp. confirmed its 2025 consolidated earnings guidance, projecting earnings per diluted share in the range of $2.52 to $2.72 [8] - Avista Utilities is expected to contribute between $2.43 and $2.61 per diluted share, while AEL&P is projected to contribute between $0.09 and $0.11 [10]

ROANOKE, Va., May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RGC Resources, Inc. (Nasdaq: RGCO) announced consolidated Company earnings of $7,676,208, or $0.74 per share, for the second quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to $6,443,390, or $0.63 per share, for the second quarter ended March 31, 2024. The primary drivers of the increased earnings were higher base rates that went into effect July 1, 2024 and increased volumes, offset by lower earnings from unconsolidated affiliate and higher interest expense. Cooler win ...