American Electric Power(AEP) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - American Electric Power (AEP) reported the strongest second quarter operating earnings in its 100-year history, with operating earnings of $1.43 per share or $766 million, representing a 14% increase year-over-year from $1.25 per share in 2024 [9][27][28] - The company is guiding to the upper half of its 2025 operating earnings range of $5.75 to $5.95 per share, reflecting strong year-to-date results and confidence in future execution [10][40] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Operating earnings for vertically integrated utilities increased to $0.56 per share, up $0.10 from the previous year, driven by rate changes and increased load from data centers [29] - The transmission and distribution utility segment earned $0.42 per share, up $0.01 from last year, supported by rate changes and retail sales gains [29] - Generation and Marketing produced $0.17 per share, up $0.05 from last year, with favorable energy margins offset by lower distributed generation margins due to the sale of the On-site Partners business [31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - AEP is experiencing transformative load growth across its 11-state footprint, with an increase in firm customer commitments to 24 gigawatts of incremental load by the end of the decade, up from 21 gigawatts previously reported [12][34] - The company has a significant interconnection queue of approximately 190 gigawatts of additional load seeking to connect to its system, indicating strong demand for its services [12][35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - AEP is executing a $54 billion capital plan and expects to announce a new five-year capital plan of approximately $70 billion, with allocations of 50% to transmission, 40% to generation, and 10% to distribution [11][37] - The company is focused on aligning its business with regulatory goals and has secured large load tariffs in multiple states to support economic development and infrastructure needs [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to execute its growth strategy, emphasizing a culture of accountability and performance [10][26] - The company is committed to maintaining safety, service, reliability, and constructive regulatory outcomes, with significant progress made in legislative efforts and regulatory approvals [18][21] Other Important Information - AEP Texas was granted an ERCOT Permian Basin 765 kV transmission project, and several system resiliency plans received approval, reflecting collaborative efforts with regulators [19][20] - The company is exploring innovative energy solutions, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and Bloom fuel cells, to meet growing power demands [17][58] Q&A Session Summary Question: CapEx increase and financing needs - Management indicated that they have proactively financed the existing capital plan and do not foresee immediate equity needs, providing flexibility for future financing strategies [45][46][49] Question: ROE trajectory and impact of regulatory changes - Management expects an increase in ROE due to the implementation of the Unified Tracker Mechanism in Texas, which could raise ROEs by 50 to 100 basis points [52] Question: Plans for small modular reactors (SMRs) - The focus is currently on early site permit work in Virginia and Indiana, with strong regulatory support for investments [58][59] Question: Update on West Virginia case - The West Virginia case is awaiting an order expected in late August or early September, with positive engagement from stakeholders [64] Question: Future CapEx opportunities - Management sees continued opportunities for investment driven by significant load growth and economic activity across its service territory [71][72]