Key Takeaways MDU Resources raised its quarterly dividend to 14 cents per share, payable Oct. 1, 2025.The increase boosts the annualized dividend to 56 cents, with a yield of 3.16%.MDU has delivered uninterrupted dividends for 87 years, underscoring its reliability.MDU Resources (MDU) announced that its board of directors has approved a 7.7% increase in its quarterly dividend rate. The new dividend rate will be 14 cents per share (compared with the previous quarter’s 13 cents), payable on Oct. 1, 2025, to s ...

Core Viewpoint - August 11 is recognized as National Safe Digging Day, emphasizing the importance of calling 811 before any excavation to prevent damage to underground utility lines [1][10]. Group 1: Importance of Calling 811 - The initiative encourages contractors, homeowners, and business owners to call 811 at least three business days prior to any digging project [3][5]. - Local utilities will mark underground lines with stakes, flags, or paint to prevent accidental damage [3][5]. Group 2: Damage Statistics - Duke Energy reported over 5,000 damages to underground electric and natural gas lines from January to June 2025 across its service territories [11]. - Specifically, there were about 290 damages to underground natural gas facilities and 89 damages to the underground electric network in Ohio and Kentucky [11]. - In 2024, Duke Energy recorded more than 8,870 damages to natural gas and electric lines [11]. Group 3: Company Overview - Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky serves 920,000 customers in a 3,000-square-mile area for electric service and 560,000 customers for natural gas in Ohio and Kentucky [7]. - Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company, serves 8.6 million customers across multiple states and has a total energy capacity of 55,100 megawatts [8].

Core Insights - Avista Corp. reported a net income of $14 million for Q2 2025, a decrease from $23 million in Q2 2024, and year-to-date net income of $93 million, slightly down from $94 million in the same period last year [1][2][3] - Earnings per diluted share for Q2 2025 were $0.17, down from $0.29 in Q2 2024, while year-to-date earnings per diluted share were $1.15, compared to $1.20 in 2024 [1][2][3] - The company expressed disappointment over lower valuations in its investment portfolio, particularly in clean technology, due to shifting public policy and sentiment [1] Financial Performance - Avista Utilities contributed $23 million to net income in Q2 2025, down from $24 million in Q2 2024, and $101 million year-to-date, up from $91 million [1][2] - AEL&P's net income remained stable at $1 million for both Q2 2025 and Q2 2024, but year-to-date income decreased from $5 million in 2024 to $4 million in 2025 [1][2] - The other non-reportable segment incurred a loss of $10 million in Q2 2025, compared to a loss of $2 million in Q2 2024, and a loss of $12 million year-to-date, up from $2 million in 2024 [1][2] Revenue and Margins - Electric utility margin increased by $14 million in Q2 2025, attributed to general rate cases, customer growth, and non-decoupled load growth [4] - Natural gas utility margin rose by $5 million in Q2 2025, also due to general rate cases and customer growth [4] - Other operating expenses increased by $11 million in Q2 2025, driven by higher employee salaries, benefits, and thermal generation costs [5] Capital Expenditures and Investments - Avista Utilities' capital expenditures for the first half of 2025 were $236 million, with expectations of approximately $525 million for the full year [11][12] - AEL&P's capital expenditures were $10 million in the first half of 2025, with a projected total of $21 million for the year [12] - The company plans to invest $5 million in non-regulated investment opportunities and economic development projects in 2025 [13] Guidance and Outlook - Avista Corp. confirmed its 2025 consolidated earnings guidance in the range of $2.52 to $2.72 per diluted share, expecting to be at the low end due to losses in other businesses [14] - Avista Utilities is projected to contribute earnings between $2.43 and $2.61 per diluted share, supported by strong performance and regulatory outcomes [15] - AEL&P is expected to contribute earnings in the range of $0.09 to $0.11 per diluted share in 2025 [16]

Core Insights - ONE Gas, Inc. reported strong operational performance in the second quarter of 2025, leading to increased financial guidance for the year [2][15] - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.67 per share, reflecting a commitment to returning value to shareholders [6][15] Financial Performance - For Q2 2025, ONE Gas reported operating income of $71.9 million, up from $69.3 million in Q2 2024, driven by regulatory mechanisms that mitigated the impact of weather [3][38] - Net income for Q2 2025 was $32.0 million, or $0.53 per diluted share, compared to $27.2 million, or $0.48 per diluted share, in Q2 2024 [6][38] - Year-to-date net income for 2025 reached $151.5 million, or $2.51 per diluted share, compared to $126.6 million, or $2.23 per diluted share, in the same period last year [6][38] Capital Expenditures - Capital expenditures and asset removal costs for Q2 2025 were $190.1 million, slightly lower than $194.6 million in the same period last year [5][38] - Year-to-date capital expenditures totaled $367.8 million, compared to $374.0 million in the first half of 2024 [9][38] Regulatory Activities - Texas Gas Service filed a rate case in June 2025, requesting a $41.1 million revenue increase, with new rates expected to take effect in Q1 2026 [10] - Oklahoma Natural Gas reached a settlement for a $41.1 million base rate revenue increase, effective from June 2025 [12][14] Financial Guidance - The company raised its 2025 financial guidance, expecting net income in the range of $261 million to $267 million, up from the previous range of $254 million to $261 million [15] - Earnings per diluted share guidance was increased to approximately $4.32 to $4.42, from a prior range of $4.20 to $4.32 [15] Customer Metrics - ONE Gas serves over 2.3 million customers across Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, with a slight increase in customer numbers compared to the previous year [19][38] - The average number of residential customers was 2,124 thousand in Q2 2025, compared to 2,106 thousand in Q2 2024 [38]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported GAAP earnings per share of $0.38, a 35% increase compared to the same quarter last year [4] - Net income for the gas business was $17,500,000, contributing to strong overall performance [5] - Revenues increased by 18.5% year-over-year, rising from $434,400,000 to $514,900,000 [24][25] - Earnings per share increased by 35.7% year-over-year, driven by favorable rate case outcomes and increased gas volume [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The water business is expected to see annual rate base growth of 6% through 2029, not including acquisitions [15] - The gas business experienced strong revenue growth due to higher gas usage and favorable rate outcomes [24] - The water business contributed $2,100,000 to revenue growth, although lower water volumes offset some gains [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company serves over a million customers with a rate base exceeding $7,000,000,000 across eight states [15] - In Texas, the company has grown by nearly 25,000 connections over the last ten years, with another 90,000 under contract or negotiation [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is reaffirming its capital investment plans with a target of approximately $1,400,000,000 in infrastructure investment for 2025 [5] - The focus remains on growing the water and wastewater business through acquisitions, with recent purchases totaling approximately $58,000,000 [32] - The company aims to maintain a strong balance sheet and deliver consistent dividend growth while keeping the payout ratio between 60-65% [34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future growth opportunities, particularly in Pennsylvania due to low energy costs attracting hyperscalers [7][70] - The company is committed to addressing PFAS regulations and sees potential for acquisition growth as municipalities begin to comply with new standards [20][74] - Management expects GAAP earnings per share to exceed the guidance range of $2.07 to $2.11, driven by strong performance and non-recurring benefits [5][46] Other Important Information - The Board of Directors approved a 5.25% increase in the dividend, continuing a 30-year tradition of dividend growth [10] - The company has been recognized for its community engagement efforts, being named one of Greater Philadelphia's most community-minded businesses [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on quarterly earnings guidance - Management confirmed that GAAP earnings are expected to be above the guidance range due to strong revenue and some positive tax items [41][46] Question: Trends in cash flow and PFAS settlements - Management indicated a target for funds from operations (FFO) to be above 12% and expects to receive approximately $45,000,000 in PFAS proceeds this year [48][49] Question: Insights on Pennsylvania's regulatory environment - Management noted a positive engagement with the new consumer advocate and expressed hope for constructive relationships with all advocates [54][55] Question: Fair market value and acquisition strategy - Management stated they might consider paying above the reasonable review ratio if significant rate base growth is anticipated [58] Question: Tax rate modeling for future years - Management advised to expect a low single-digit benefit for 2025 and a low single-digit expense for 2026 [61]

Core Points - Black Hills Corp.'s natural gas utility subsidiary in Kansas received approval for new rates from the Kansas Corporation Commission, allowing recovery of approximately $118 million in system investments since the last rate filing in 2021 [1][2] - The approved settlement will generate approximately $10.8 million in new annual revenues and migrate about $4.4 million in annual rider revenue to base rates, resulting in a total annual base rate revenue increase of $15.2 million, effective August 1, 2025 [2][3] - The settlement allows the continued use of the Gas System Reliability Surcharge (GSRS) for safety-focused pipeline replacements and includes a new insurance tracker with deferred accounting treatment [3] Company Overview - Black Hills Corp. is a growth-oriented utility company based in Rapid City, South Dakota, serving 1.35 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported GAAP earnings per share of $1.3, a 6% increase compared to the same quarter last year [6] - Revenues increased by 28% from $612.1 million to $783.6 million year-over-year [24] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 earnings per share guidance range of $2.07 to $2.11, compared to last year's non-GAAP earnings of $1.97 per share [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Both the Water and Gas businesses performed well, contributing to the overall strong results [6] - The Gas segment reported an increase in volumes due to normal weather conditions compared to significantly warmer weather in the previous year [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has begun to raise equity through its ATM program, issuing approximately $210 million so far this year [8] - The company is in discussions with data center developers representing up to five gigawatts of needed power generation in the Pittsburgh region [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to invest between $1.4 billion and $1.5 billion in infrastructure improvements in 2025, with $270.5 million already invested by March 31 [7] - The company is focusing on water and wastewater utility acquisitions, having acquired over $518 million in rate base since 2015 [32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in meeting the full-year earnings per share guidance, citing strong first-quarter performance but cautioning about potential headwinds in the remaining quarters [52] - The company is committed to addressing PFAS compliance and expects to spend approximately $450 million to achieve compliance by 2028 [10][56] Other Important Information - The company has been recognized for its operational achievements, including a 99.8% water quality compliance rate [9] - New rates went into effect for Aqua Pennsylvania, expected to increase total annual revenues by $73 million [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding equity issuance and share price - Management indicated that the focus is on raising the $315 million in equity needed for 2025 rather than considering 2026 equity needs at this time [43] Question: Texas rate case expectations - Management stated that they plan to file the Texas rate case by the end of the month and will provide details on revenue requests and equity layers at that time [45] Question: EPS guidance and performance - Management acknowledged strong first-quarter performance but emphasized the need to wait for clarity as the year progresses before adjusting guidance [52] Question: Impact of EPA announcement on PFAS - Management confirmed that they are proceeding with their PFAS mitigation plans and remain on track with their budget [56] Question: Data centers and gas supply - Management discussed various approaches to support data center development, including behind-the-meter generation and increased distribution volume [65] Question: Beaver Falls settlement status - Management expressed optimism about the Beaver Falls case being on the agenda in June and highlighted the importance of resolving such cases for water supply [90]

RAPID CITY, S.D., May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Black Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH) today announced that its Nebraska natural gas utility has filed a rate review application with the Nebraska Public Service Commission requesting $34.9 million in new annual revenue to recover the necessary capital infrastructure and operational costs required to deliver safe, reliable natural gas service for over 304,000 Nebraska customers. Since its last general rate filing in 2020, the company will have invested over $453 mil ...