Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings of $5.27 per share for 2025, an increase of $0.39 per share compared to 2024 adjusted earnings [3][15] - Weather positively impacted utility earnings by approximately $0.35 relative to last year, with a favorable impact of $0.10 in 2025 compared to a $0.25 unfavorable impact in 2024 [15][16] - The company expects long-term earnings per share growth of 7%-8% annually from 2026 to 2030, with acceleration to the upper half of the range starting in 2028 [9][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted earnings from utility operations increased by $0.63 in 2025 compared to 2024, driven by rate-based growth and weather impacts [15] - Earnings from the American Transmission Company increased by $0.02 due to continued capital investment [17] - The energy infrastructure segment saw a $0.10 increase in earnings from higher production tax credits associated with solar generation projects [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail electric deliveries in Wisconsin increased by 1.1% year-over-year, with projections for 2026 indicating a growth of 1.6% from 2025 levels [16] - The company is projecting a total of 3.9 gigawatts of electric demand growth in its five-year plan, driven by expansions from Microsoft and Vantage Data Centers [8][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing a $37.5 billion capital plan over the next five years to meet growing energy needs [9][10] - Investments include $7.4 billion in natural gas generation and LNG storage, and $12.6 billion in renewable energy projects [10] - The company aims to maintain a reliable generation mix while expanding its renewable energy capacity [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to execute the capital plan and continue growth, citing strong economic growth in the region [4][22] - The company is addressing regulatory matters, including a proposed settlement in Illinois that would resolve several pending cases [12][20] - Management highlighted the importance of transparency and community engagement in attracting new customers, particularly in the data center sector [43] Other Important Information - The board increased the dividend by 6.7% to an annualized $3.81 per share, marking the 23rd consecutive year of dividend increases [20] - The company plans to issue between $900 million and $1.1 billion of common equity in 2026 [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the 500 megawatts related to Microsoft and the additional capital expenditures? - Management indicated that Microsoft is expanding its data center operations, which is expected to add 500 MW of customer demand and $1 billion to the capital plan [24][25] Question: Are there other hyperscaler customers showing interest? - Management confirmed ongoing discussions with other potential customers and emphasized the importance of transparency in addressing community concerns [41][43] Question: What is the status of the very large customer tariff and general rate case? - Management stated that the tariff is undergoing a thorough vetting process and that the general rate case filing is on track for April [55][56] Question: How will the Microsoft ramp impact customer rates? - Management noted that as data center activity increases, it could lead to a reduction in the burden on other customers, but quantifying this impact will take time [74][90] Question: What are the plans for replacing the Point Beach PPA? - Management indicated that they are evaluating options for replacement generation and are confident in their ability to meet future energy needs [80][81]

Core Insights - Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL) reported fourth-quarter 2025 operating earnings of 96 cents per share, slightly missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 97 cents, but showing an 18.5% increase from the previous year [1] - Total revenues for XEL were $3.56 billion, falling short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.72 billion by 4.4%, yet representing a 14.1% increase from $3.12 billion in the year-ago quarter [2] Financial Performance - The electric segment generated revenues of $2.8 billion, up 16.6% from $2.41 billion in the prior year [3] - Natural gas segment revenues increased by 6% to $737 million from $695 million year-over-year [3] - Total operating expenses rose by 7.5% year-over-year to $2.98 billion, driven by higher costs of natural gas sold, operating and maintenance expenses, and taxes [4] - Operating income surged by 67.1% year-over-year to $580 million [4] - Interest charges and financing costs increased by 26.3% from $319 million to $403 million [4] Customer Metrics - In 2025, Xcel Energy experienced a 0.7% growth in electric customer volume and a 0.8% increase in natural gas customer volume [5] - Natural gas sales volume decreased by 1.2%, while electric sales volume increased by 2.2% [5] - Xcel Energy's residential bills for electric and natural gas are 28% and 12% lower than the national average, respectively [5] Future Guidance - Xcel Energy reaffirmed its 2026 earnings per share guidance in the range of $4.04-$4.16, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate at $4.12 [6] - The company anticipates a 3% increase in retail electric sales and a 1% increase in natural gas sales volumes for 2026 [6] Long-term Strategy - Xcel Energy aims for long-term annual earnings per share growth of 6-8% and dividend growth of 4-6% [8] - The company plans to invest $60 billion from 2026 to 2030 to enhance its infrastructure, including adding 7,500 megawatts of renewable generation, 3,000 megawatts of natural gas generation, and 1,900 megawatts of energy storage [8]

Core Viewpoint - IDACORP, Inc. is set to report its fourth quarter results on February 19, prior to the opening of stock markets [1] Group 1: Earnings Report - The fourth quarter 2025 earnings will be discussed in a conference call scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Mountain Time (4:30 p.m. Eastern Time) on the same day [1] - Interested parties can access the conference call via a live Webcast or by calling 855-761-5600 for listen-only mode [1] - The passcode for the call is 9290150 [1]

Core Viewpoint - Entergy is set to report its fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results on February 12, 2026, before the market opens [1] Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - The financial results will be discussed in a live webcast at 10 a.m. Central Time on the same day [2] - The webcast can be accessed via Entergy's investor relations website or by phone [2] - Presentation materials will be available on Entergy's website prior to the market opening on the day of the call [3] Group 2: Company Overview - Entergy operates in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, providing electricity to 3 million customers [4] - The company is focused on growth, reliability, and resilience of its energy system while maintaining affordable energy rates [4] - Entergy is investing in cleaner energy generation, including modern natural gas, nuclear, and renewable energy sources [4] - The company contributes over $100 million annually in economic benefits to the communities it serves through various initiatives [4] - Entergy is a Fortune 500 company with approximately 12,000 employees [4]

Core Viewpoint - The trial centers around a $4.3 million payment made by FirstEnergy to lawyer Sam Randazzo, alleged to be part of a $60 million bribery scandal involving regulatory favors [1][2]. Group 1: Allegations and Legal Proceedings - Prosecutors claim that FirstEnergy executives Chuck Jones and Michael Dowling orchestrated the payment to Randazzo in exchange for regulatory favors, with both pleading not guilty to corruption charges [2]. - The trial is expected to last eight weeks, with prosecutors asserting that the defendants knowingly engaged in corrupt activities [3]. - The case is linked to a broader bribery scheme involving former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, who was convicted of racketeering in 2023 and is serving a 20-year prison sentence [6]. Group 2: Defense Arguments - The defense argues that the payment to Randazzo was a legitimate settlement of a consulting agreement and not a bribe, emphasizing the importance of details in the case [4][12]. - Jones' attorney presented communications suggesting that the payment was aboveboard and handled through normal corporate channels [12]. - The defense has identified 58 potential witnesses, including Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who appointed Randazzo, although neither he nor his former lieutenant governor has been accused of wrongdoing [8][9]. Group 3: Context and Background - Randazzo, who was appointed as the top utility regulator, is no longer available to testify as he died by suicide in 2024 after facing numerous charges [7]. - FirstEnergy admitted in 2021 to using dark money groups to fund the bribery plot, which included a $1 billion nuclear plant bailout [6].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For 2025, the company exceeded its adjusted earnings per share guidance, delivering $3.61 per share, which is an increase of over 8% from 2024's actual result [10] - The company raised its annual guidance for 2026 by $0.03, now expecting earnings per share between $3.83 and $3.90, representing 6%-8% growth from 2025 actual results [11][22] - The company has a target dividend payout ratio of approximately 55% over time, continuing its practice of growing dividends for over 20 years [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The utility segment is expected to provide $4.28-$4.33 of adjusted earnings per share, driven by normal weather and constructive regulatory outcomes [23] - Northstar is anticipated to contribute $0.25-$0.30 to earnings per share, benefiting from favorable capacity contracts and renewable projects [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported that its residential natural gas rate is 28% below the national average, reflecting its commitment to affordability [10] - The company has seen a 3% load growth in Michigan, with expectations of 2%-3% growth over the five-year plan [56] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has received approval for a 20-year renewable energy plan, providing approximately $14 billion of customer investment opportunity over the next decade [5][8] - The company is focused on maintaining affordability while making significant investments in infrastructure, with a five-year $24 billion utility customer investment plan [12][15] - The company is actively pursuing data center opportunities, with a large load tariff designed to protect existing customers while attracting new business [4][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving a constructive outcome in the pending electric and gas rate cases, expecting a return on equity (ROE) of 9.9% or better [9][53] - The management highlighted the importance of a constructive regulatory environment in Michigan, which supports long-term investments and customer benefits [7][8] Other Important Information - The company has invested over $1 billion in gas infrastructure to ensure reliable service during cold weather [6] - The company has achieved significant savings for customers through its energy efficiency programs, amounting to approximately $1.2 billion [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on data center opportunities - Management reported progress in discussions with data centers and highlighted the importance of the large load tariff in attracting these customers [35][36] Question: Clarification on the growth plan and its components - Management explained that the data center investments are not included in the current plan, but they expect a low double-digit compound annual growth rate (CAGR) when considering additional opportunities [38][41] Question: Concerns about authorized returns and regulatory feedback - Management expressed confidence in achieving a ROE of 9.9% or better, dismissing concerns about the recent Proposal for Decision as an outlier [50][53] Question: Impact of Integrated Resource Plan on capacity needs - Management clarified that the Integrated Resource Plan will address capacity gaps and that additional load growth will require significant investment [54][56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For 2025, the company exceeded its adjusted earnings per share guidance, delivering $3.61 per share, which is an increase of over 8% from 2024's actual result [10] - The company raised its annual guidance for 2026 by $0.03, now expecting earnings per share between $3.83 and $3.90, representing 6%-8% growth from 2025 actual results [11][22] - The company has a target dividend payout ratio of approximately 55% over time, continuing a trend of dividend growth for over 20 years [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The utility segment is expected to provide $4.28-$4.33 of adjusted earnings per share, driven by normal weather and constructive regulatory outcomes [23] - Northstar is projected to contribute $0.25-$0.30 to earnings per share, benefiting from favorable capacity contracts and renewable projects [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported that its residential natural gas rate is 28% below the national average, reflecting a balance between system investment and customer affordability [10] - The company aims to keep residential bills below the national average and Midwest average, with recent electric bill increases among the lowest in the country [17][18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has received approval for a 20-year renewable energy plan, providing approximately $14 billion of customer investment opportunities over the next decade [5][8] - A five-year $24 billion utility customer investment plan has been outlined, with increased investments in electric generation and gas delivery systems [12][15] - The company is focusing on customer affordability while making significant infrastructure investments, leveraging operational efficiencies to save customers money [17][66] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving a constructive outcome in the pending electric and gas rate cases, expecting a return on equity (ROE) of 9.9% or better [9][53] - The management highlighted a strong regulatory environment in Michigan, which supports long-term investments and customer benefits [8][9] - The company is optimistic about the growth potential from data centers and manufacturing customers, with ongoing discussions and agreements in place [19][20] Other Important Information - The company has invested over $1 billion in gas infrastructure improvements to ensure reliability and safety for customers [6] - The company has a strong focus on energy efficiency, with programs expected to save customers approximately $1.2 billion [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on data center opportunities - Management reported progress in discussions with data centers, with a growing pipeline and positive indicators for the Large Load Tariff [36][75] Question: Clarification on the financial plan and growth expectations - Management explained that the data center investments are not included in the current financial plan, but they expect a low double-digit CAGR when considering additional opportunities [42][45] Question: Concerns about authorized returns and regulatory feedback - Management expressed confidence in achieving a constructive outcome in the rate case, emphasizing the strong justification for capital investments and operational needs [50][53] Question: Capacity needs and Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) - Management clarified that the IRP will address capacity gaps and that additional load from data centers would lead to increased rate base growth [56][58]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Xcel Energy reported ongoing earnings of $3.80 per share for 2025, an increase from $3.50 per share in 2024, marking the 21st consecutive year of meeting or exceeding ongoing earnings guidance [6][22] - GAAP earnings for 2025 were $3.42 per share, impacted by a $300 million charge related to the Marshall Wildfire settlement [4] - Full-year weather-adjusted electric sales increased by 2.2%, with expectations for a 3% increase in 2026 [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company invested nearly $12 billion in 2025, the largest one-year total, focusing on modernizing and expanding the grid [9] - O&M expenses increased by $190 million in 2025, primarily due to wildfire mitigation costs and higher maintenance costs [23] - The conversion of the Harrington coal plant to natural gas and the completion of wind repowering projects contributed to operational milestones [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Xcel Energy's residential electric bills in Colorado are the lowest in the country, with bills growing significantly less than inflation and other common expenses since 2020 [8] - The company has been recognized for customer satisfaction, ranking in the top quartile for the Midwest region according to J.D. Power [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Xcel Energy plans to invest over $60 billion over the next five years to modernize the grid and expand renewable energy generation [5] - The company aims to contract 6 GW of total data center capacity by the end of 2027, doubling its previous target [17][28] - Strategic alliances with NextEra Energy and GE Vernova are expected to enhance the company's capabilities in developing renewable energy and data center projects [18][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering 6%-8% long-term earnings growth and reaffirmed 2026 EPS guidance of $4.04-$4.16 [27][28] - The company is focused on addressing affordability issues for customers while pursuing growth opportunities in renewable energy and data centers [56][59] Other Important Information - Xcel Energy has made significant progress in settling wildfire claims, with 222 of 287 claims resolved and a low-end estimated liability of $430 million [26] - The company initiated 15 economic development projects in 2025, projected to create over $7 billion in capital investment and nearly 1,400 jobs [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Upcoming filings in Colorado and large tariff filing - Management indicated plans to file a large load tariff in Colorado early in Q2, aiming to bring forward large loads within that framework [32] Question: $10 billion CapEx pipeline and data center growth - The $10 billion CapEx pipeline does not fully account for significant data center growth, indicating potential upside [34][36] Question: Sales growth from data centers - Management expects significant sales growth opportunities from the increased data center capacity, particularly in the later part of the decade [41][42] Question: Smokehouse Creek claims and settlements - Progress has been made in settling claims, with over 320 claims settled and a focus on resolving remaining claims [44] Question: Partnership with NextEra and time-to-market advantages - The partnership aims to enhance speed and execution certainty in developing data center projects [50][53] Question: Impact of elections on rate cases - Management noted that affordability will be a critical issue in upcoming elections, particularly in Colorado and Minnesota [54][56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Xcel Energy reported ongoing earnings of $3.80 per share for 2025, an increase from $3.50 per share in 2024, marking the 21st consecutive year of meeting or exceeding ongoing earnings guidance [22][27] - GAAP earnings for 2025 were $3.42 per share, impacted by a $300 million charge related to the Marshall Wildfire settlement [4] - Full-year weather-adjusted electric sales increased by 2.2%, with expectations for a 3% increase in 2026 [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company invested nearly $12 billion in 2025, the largest one-year total, focusing on modernizing and expanding the grid [9] - Significant projects included the conversion of the Harrington coal plant to natural gas and the completion of the Rocky Mountain solar project [10] - O&M expenses increased by $190 million in 2025, primarily due to wildfire mitigation costs and higher maintenance costs [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Xcel Energy's residential electric customers in Colorado have the lowest share of wallet among all 50 states, with average electric bills growing significantly less than inflation since 2020 [7][8] - The company ranked fourth lowest in O&M expenses per megawatt hour among peer utility companies [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Xcel Energy plans to invest over $60 billion over the next five years to modernize and expand its infrastructure, focusing on sustainability and reliability [5] - The company aims to contract 6 GW of total data center capacity by the end of 2027, with a goal of 3 GW by the end of 2026 [17][28] - Strategic alliances with NextEra Energy and GE Vernova are expected to enhance the company's capabilities in developing renewable energy and data center projects [18][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering 6%-8% long-term earnings growth and reaffirmed the 2026 EPS guidance of $4.04-$4.16 [26][28] - The company highlighted its commitment to affordability and customer service, with significant investments in community support and economic development projects [20][21] Other Important Information - Xcel Energy's energy assistance programs reached nearly 200,000 customers in 2025, providing $200 million in funding [9] - The company has made significant progress in settling wildfire claims, with 222 of 287 claims resolved [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Upcoming filings in Colorado for the JTS and large tariff filing - Management indicated that the large load tariff in Colorado is expected to be filed early in Q2, with plans to bring forward large loads within that framework [32] Question: Impact of the $10 billion CapEx pipeline - The $10 billion CapEx pipeline does not fully account for significant data center growth, indicating potential upside [34][36] Question: Sales growth expectations with new data centers - Management expects significant sales growth opportunities from the increased data center capacity, particularly in the later part of the five-year forecast [41][42] Question: Update on Smokehouse Creek claims - Progress has been made with over 320 claims settled, and management is optimistic about resolving the remaining claims [44][46] Question: Partnership with NextEra Energy - The partnership aims to enhance speed and execution in developing data center projects, leveraging both companies' strengths [50][52] Question: Impact of elections on rate cases - Management noted that affordability will be a critical issue in upcoming elections, particularly in Colorado and Minnesota [54][56]

Wall Street expects a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when PG&E (PCG) reports results for the quarter ended December 2025. While this widely-known consensus outlook is important in gauging the company's earnings picture, a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates.The earnings report, which is expected to be released on February 12, might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than expectations. ...