OGE Energy (OGE)2025-02-19 17:03Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated net income for 2024 was 2.19 per diluted share, compared to 2.07 per share in 2023, reflecting a year-over-year increase [23] - The electric company achieved net income of 2.33 per share, up from 2.12 per share in 2023, driven by capital investment recovery [25] - The holding company reported a loss of 0.14 per diluted share in 2024, compared to a loss of 0.05 in 2023, primarily due to higher interest expenses [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The electric company saw a weather-normalized load growth of 7.6%, the largest annual growth in nearly 25 years, with commercial load leading at 21.4% [27] - Residential load grew by 2.4% in 2024, reinforcing overall system growth [28] - The company expects continued load growth into 2025, with a forecast of 8.5% weather-normalized growth by year-end [33] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Oklahoma City and Fort Smith's unemployment rates were below the national average, with Oklahoma City at 2.8%, contributing to a 1.2% increase in customer growth [14] - The company experienced exceptional load growth across various industries, including multi-unit housing, defense, and manufacturing [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on reliability, growth, and affordability, with a commitment to maintaining low rates while investing in grid improvements [11] - A five-year capital plan has been rolled forward to 2029, increasing by $250 million, indicating a strong commitment to infrastructure investment [35] - The company plans to file for recovery of generation needs and a general rate review in Oklahoma by midyear, and a similar filing in Arkansas by year-end [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the financial plan, projecting a 2025 earnings guidance midpoint that is 7% higher than the previous year [32] - The company anticipates continued strong load growth and operational execution, with a long-term annual EPS growth rate of 5% to 7% [37] - Management highlighted the importance of a constructive regulatory environment in supporting growth and achieving results [12] Other Important Information - The company has nearly 450 megawatts under construction at Horseshoe Lake and an additional 100 megawatts for Tinker Air Force Base, expected to come online in 2025 [9] - The company is leveraging automation and AI to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Data center opportunities and megawatt needs - Management indicated potential opportunities in the 250 to 500 megawatt range across several discussions, but specifics on the Stillwater opportunity could not be disclosed [45][46] Question: Dividend growth in relation to EPS growth - Management reiterated a consistent approach to dividend growth, aiming for a payout ratio of 65% to 70% [49] Question: 2025 expectations and load growth sensitivity - Management was hesitant to provide specific EPS sensitivity to load growth but indicated that load growth would help mitigate regulatory lag [58][59] Question: Capital requirements for new generation solutions - Management expressed confidence in their ability to deliver generation solutions for new customers, with ongoing visibility into available resources [72] Question: Updates on RFP and potential new data center contracts - Management plans to file results of the generation RFP by mid-year and will communicate any new data center contracts as they arise [78][79] Question: Long-term load growth expectations - Management confirmed expectations for long-term load growth to remain at least 2% [120]