Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For FY '25, the company achieved an EBITDAF of $786 million, down from the originally guided $820 million, reflecting a 10% reduction in hydro production [4][11][12] - The NPAT was impacted by fair value adjustments on non-hedged accounted derivatives, while dividends increased by 3%, marking the seventeenth consecutive year of dividend growth [12][13][17] - The company provided FY '26 guidance of EBITDAF at $1 billion and a dividend of 25 cents per share, indicating a positive outlook [5][39] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The trading margin decreased by 75 basis points due to reduced generation, partially offset by improved sales [11] - The telecommunications segment added over 30,000 connections, contributing positively to margin and reducing customer churn [14] - The company maintained a flat operating expenditure compared to the prior year, with a focus on reducing costs to $370 million in the future [16][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced near-record low hydrology early in FY '25, leading to high electricity spot prices, but managed to stabilize the situation with strong market responses [20][21] - The hydrology in Lake Taupo showed significant fluctuations, with the company managing to improve its net position later in the year [23][24] - Strong inflows in Q4 provided a tailwind heading into FY '26, with hydro generation reaching a record of 566 gigawatt hours in July [23][24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a refreshed strategy that emphasizes productivity and execution of its build program, targeting significant growth opportunities in wind and geothermal energy [2][3][6] - The strategy includes a commitment to invest in generation development, with plans to deliver 3.5 terawatt hours of new generation by 2030 [6][31] - The company aims to reduce operating costs per connection by 30% by FY '28, having already achieved 11% of that target [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges faced in FY '25 due to hydrology but expressed confidence in the company's ability to manage volatility and deliver strong shareholder returns [41][42] - The company is optimistic about future growth driven by electrification and demand growth, which will create a robust pipeline for generation development [42][43] - Management emphasized the importance of building a resilient energy system and supporting vulnerable customers through targeted programs [28][29] Other Important Information - The company has a disciplined approach to balance sheet management, with a debt to EBITDA ratio of 2.5, maintaining a strong credit rating [35][36] - The company plans to invest approximately $600 million in growth capital expenditures focused on major projects and network upgrades [39] - The company is actively engaging with government initiatives and industry collaborations to address energy challenges and enhance market mechanisms [49][50] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on geothermal opportunity of five terawatt hours - Management confirmed that updates will be provided as progress is made, emphasizing the priority of this initiative [45][46] Question: Concerns regarding government interventions - Management noted limited information from the government but expressed confidence in collaborative industry efforts to address energy challenges [48][49] Question: Details on the 50 megawatts signed with Genesis - Management clarified that the 50 megawatts is part of a strategic firming option, adding value to the portfolio [51][52] Question: Guidance on yield and portfolio impacts - Management indicated that yield impacts are being monitored, with expectations aligned with CPI [61] Question: Cost details on Taupo Gates upgrade - Management stated that the project is still in the solution phase, with specific costs not yet determined [63][64] Question: Clarification on OpEx targets - Management confirmed that the guidance includes premiums for HFOs and is reflected in the energy margin [66][67]