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]

Core Viewpoint - Wall Street anticipates a year-over-year increase in earnings for PG&E, with a focus on how actual results compare to estimates, which could significantly impact the stock price [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - PG&E is expected to report quarterly earnings of $0.36 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 16.1% [3]. - Revenues are projected to reach $7.21 billion, marking an 8.8% increase from the same quarter last year [3]. Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 4.32% higher in the last 30 days, indicating a reassessment by analysts [4]. - A negative Earnings ESP of -0.46% suggests that analysts have recently become bearish on PG&E's earnings prospects [12]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model indicates that a positive or negative reading can predict deviations from consensus estimates, with positive readings being more reliable [9][10]. - PG&E's current Zacks Rank is 3, which complicates predictions of an earnings beat [12]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, PG&E exceeded expectations by delivering earnings of $0.50 per share against an expected $0.44, resulting in a surprise of 13.64% [13]. - Over the past four quarters, PG&E has only beaten consensus EPS estimates once [14]. Conclusion - While PG&E does not appear to be a strong candidate for an earnings beat, investors should consider other factors before making decisions regarding the stock [17].

2025 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Review Feb. 5, 2026 Forward-looking Statements COMPANY INFORMATION Black Hills Corporation P.O. Box 1400 Rapid City, SD 57709-1400 NYSE Ticker: BKH www.blackhillscorp.com Company Contacts Kimberly Nooney Senior Vice President and CFO 605-721-2370 kim.nooney@blackhillscorp.com Sal Diaz Director of Investor Relations 605-399-5079 sal.diaz@blackhillscorp.com This presentation includes "forward-looking statements" as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission. We make th ...

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 [5][20] - The company recorded a charge of $300 million or $0.38 per share in 2025 due to a settlement related to the Marshall Wildfire, resulting in GAAP earnings of $3.42 per share [3] - Full-year weather-adjusted electric sales increased by 2.2%, with expectations for a 3% increase in 2026 [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, Xcel Energy invested nearly $12 billion, the largest one-year total, to modernize and expand its infrastructure [7] - The company completed significant projects, including the conversion of the Harrington coal plant to natural gas and the commissioning of the Rocky Mountain solar project [8] - O&M expenses increased by $190 million in 2025, primarily due to wildfire mitigation costs and higher maintenance costs [22] 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 in other states ranking in the top 11 for affordability [5][6] - The company has been recognized for its customer satisfaction, ranking in the top quartile for the Midwest region according to J.D. Power [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Xcel Energy plans to invest over $60 billion over the next five years to modernize and expand the grid, focusing on renewable generation and advanced infrastructure [4] - The company aims to contract 6 GW of total data center capacity by the end of 2027, doubling its previous target [15][27] - A strategic alliance with GE Vernova has been established to enhance the company's portfolio in wind and natural gas generation [16] 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 range of $4.04-$4.16 [25][27] - The company highlighted its commitment to affordability and sustainability, noting that residential electric bills have grown less than inflation since 2020 [6][20] - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by extreme weather and emphasized the importance of infrastructure investments for reliability [10][11] Other Important Information - Xcel Energy's energy assistance programs reached nearly 200,000 customers in 2025, providing $200 million in funding, the highest one-year total [7] - The company has made significant progress in settling wildfire claims, with 222 of 287 claims resolved [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on upcoming filings in Colorado and large tariff filing - Management indicated that the large load tariff in Colorado is expected to be filed early in Q2, and it will be tied to a package of generation to serve large loads [31] Question: Impact of the $10 billion CapEx pipeline on data center-driven needs - Management confirmed that the $10 billion CapEx pipeline does not fully account for significant data center growth opportunities in Colorado [34] Question: Sales growth expectations with new data centers - Management expects significant sales growth opportunities from data centers, particularly in the later part of the five-year forecast and into the 2030s [40] Question: Update on Smokehouse Creek claims - Management reported progress in settling claims, with over 320 claims settled and only about 100 outstanding [42] Question: Details on the partnership with NextEra - Management highlighted the partnership's focus on speed and execution, aiming to enhance data center project delivery [50] Question: Regulatory process for ESAs in the Upper Midwest - Management explained that regulatory filings will align with large load tariff filings to facilitate data center contracting [96]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights that electric utility stocks, particularly Dominion Energy, are well-positioned to benefit from the growing demand for electricity driven by the expansion of AI infrastructure and data centers [1][2]. Group 1: Investment Opportunities - Dominion Energy is identified as one of the top electric utility stocks to consider, especially if the AI infrastructure boom continues at its current rapid pace [2]. - The company operates in Virginia, which hosts over 35% of all known hyperscale data centers globally, providing a significant market advantage [2]. - The region of Northern Virginia, known as "Data Center Alley," supports more than 3,500 technology companies, further solidifying Dominion Energy's strategic position [3]. Group 2: Competitive Advantage - Dominion Energy's experience in collaborating with tech companies allows it to effectively meet the unique power supply needs of AI data centers [5]. - The company's CEO noted that hyperscaler customers demand rapid service, and Dominion Energy has successfully met these demands, indicating a strong operational capability [5]. - There is a continued demand for additional data center capacity within Dominion Energy's service area, suggesting ongoing growth potential [6].

Core Insights - CMS Energy Corporation (CMS) reported fourth-quarter 2025 earnings per share (EPS) of 95 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 94 cents by 1.3% and reflecting a 9.2% increase from 87 cents in the prior-year quarter [1][7] - For the full year 2025, CMS reported adjusted earnings of $3.61 per share, up from $3.34 in 2024, driven by strong performance at NorthStar Clean Energy [1][7] CMS' Revenues - Operating revenues for the fourth quarter totaled $2.23 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.11 billion by 5.9% and increasing 12.3% from $1.99 billion in the prior-year quarter [2] - Total revenues for 2025 reached $8.54 billion, higher than $7.52 billion in 2024 [2] Operational Performance of CMS - Operating expenses amounted to $1.8 billion, reflecting a 14.4% increase from the year-ago quarter [3] - Operating income was reported at $435 million, slightly up from $425 million in the prior-year quarter [3] - Interest charges totaled $201 million, an increase of 11.7% from the previous year [3] Financial Condition of CMS - As of December 31, 2025, CMS had cash and cash equivalents of $509 million, compared to $103 million as of December 31, 2024 [4] - Total debt and financial leases (excluding securitization debt) were $18.31 billion as of December 31, 2025, up from $15.87 billion a year earlier [4] - Net cash flow from operating activities was $2.24 billion in 2025, down from $2.37 billion in 2024 [4] CMS' 2026 Guidance - The company raised its 2026 adjusted earnings guidance to a range of $3.83-$3.90 per share, up from the previous range of $3.80-$3.87 per share [5] - The current Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 earnings is $3.85, which is lower than the midpoint of the company's newly guided range [5] - CMS reaffirmed its long-term adjusted EPS growth target of 6-8% [5]