Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings of 1.34 per share for Q1 2025, a decrease from 1.47 per share in the same quarter last year, reflecting a decline of approximately 8.8% in earnings per share [21][9] - The results were driven by growth in the Gas Utility and Midstream segments, offset by lower earnings in the marketing segment [22][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gas utility earnings increased, particularly at Spire Alabama and Spire Gulf, while Spire Missouri experienced lower earnings [22] - The marketing segment's performance was lower due to reduced market volatility and higher transportation storage fees [24] - The Midstream segment saw strong earnings growth driven by new contracts and higher rates on contract renewals [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The first quarter experienced warmer than normal weather, with Missouri being 18% warmer than normal and Alabama 25% warmer than normal, impacting residential customer usage [25][25] - Despite the warm weather, the company managed to mitigate some temperature-sensitive margins in Alabama [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company reaffirmed its long-term EPS growth target of 5% to 7% and a fiscal 2025 earnings guidance range of 4.60 per share [27][13] - The ten-year capital expenditure plan remains at 19 million from the infrastructure system replacement surcharge [10][11] - The average customer bill in Missouri is expected to increase by approximately 15% or 14 per month if the rate case is approved [19][80] Q&A Session Summary Question: Weather impact for the quarter - Management acknowledged the warm start to winter and noted that there is still a lot of winter left, indicating potential for recovery in Q2 [36][37] Question: Marketing segment guidance - Management expressed confidence that the marketing segment can meet its guidance despite the first quarter results, citing a constructive backdrop for the second quarter [38][40] Question: Rate case strategy - Management indicated that the rate case is progressing as expected and highlighted the potential for discrete adjustments in the case [48][50] Question: Customer bill increase details - Management confirmed that the average customer bill increase is expected to be 14 to $15 per month, but noted that this would return average bills to levels prior to recent gas cost reductions [79][81] Question: Inflationary pressures on O&M - Management acknowledged ongoing cost pressures but maintained confidence in keeping O&M expenses flat for the year [82][83]
Spire(SR) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript