WEC Energy(WEC) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported first quarter 2025 earnings of $2.27 per share, reflecting a$0.30 increase compared to the first quarter of 2024 [4][16] - The earnings guidance for 2025 is reaffirmed at $5.17 to$5.27 per share, assuming normal weather conditions for the remainder of the year [5][22] - The long-term compound annual growth rate (CAGR) target remains at 6.5% to 7% [5][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Utility operations earnings increased by $0.28 compared to the first quarter of 2024, driven by weather impacts and rate-based growth [16][17] - Earnings from the Energy Infrastructure segment increased by$0.05, largely due to higher production tax credits [20] - Earnings from the Corporate and Other segment decreased by $0.03, primarily due to higher interest expenses [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wisconsin's unemployment rate stands at 3.2$28 billion capital investment plan aimed at economic growth and reliability [8][10] - A new Very Large Customer (VLC) tariff proposal has been filed to accommodate economic growth and attract data center investments [12][13] - The company is actively working on transitioning its generation assets to gas and renewables to meet future capacity needs [29][68] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the economic development along the I-94 corridor and ongoing projects, including significant expansions by companies like Microsoft and Eli Lilly [6][7][92] - The management is cautiously optimistic about the future, noting that while there is caution among customers regarding tariffs, significant projects are still progressing [91][92] - The company is monitoring federal developments related to the Inflation Reduction Act and is actively seeking to safe harbor projects in its capital plan [10][51] Other Important Information - The company has no active rate cases currently and is preparing for future rate case filings [12][15] - The company plans to raise a total of $700 to$800 million in common equity in 2025 through various programs [21][43] - The company is managing tariff impacts on its capital plan, estimating a 2% to 3% overall exposure [8][80] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on recent MISO capacity auction results and CapEx for data centers - Management indicated a tight auction and is working to ensure enough capacity to meet demand, with plans for additional gas generation [27][28] Question: Pipeline safety modernization program in Illinois and CapEx opportunities - Management expects to ramp up the program in 2026 and 2027, with spending projected to exceed $500 million annually [35][37] Question: Update on Microsoft and data center developments - Management confirmed ongoing strong demand and development from Microsoft, with no concerns about the project's progress [39][41] Question: Impact of tariffs on capital plan - Management noted that tariffs could impact costs, particularly for solar and battery projects, and will notify regulators of any significant increases [78][81] Question: Future of gas in Illinois and potential impacts from workshops - Management remains optimistic about the gas needs and the approved pipe replacement program, with no expected negative changes [96] Question: Commentary on large load customers outside data centers - Management reported cautious optimism among large customers, with ongoing expansions in various sectors despite tariff concerns [91][92]