Black Hills (US:BKH)2025-07-31 16:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings per share (EPS) of $0.38 for Q2 2025, up from $0.33 in Q2 2024, reflecting a year-over-year growth of approximately 15% [14] - Year-to-date EPS increased to $2.24 from $2.19 compared to the same period last year, driven by successful execution of regulatory strategies [16] - The company reaffirmed its full-year earnings guidance range of $4 to $4.2 per share, indicating a 5% growth rate at the midpoint over 2024 EPS [10][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - New margins contributed $0.22 per share, including $0.17 from new rates and rider recovery, which offset higher operating expenses and financing costs [15] - The company experienced a positive weather impact of $0.03 per share compared to Q2 2024, although weather drove $0.04 per share of unfavorability during Q2 2025 [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wyoming Electric recorded four distinct all-time peak loads during the first half of the year, with the latest peak of 379 megawatts in June representing a 21% increase over the peak recorded in 2024 [7] - The company noted strong customer growth driven by demand from data centers and blockchain customers, contributing solid earnings [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on delivering financial commitments, executing regulatory and growth initiatives, and providing excellent operational performance [5] - A $1 billion capital plan is in place to support key projects that address the growing needs of customers [5] - The company is on track to achieve its long-term EPS growth target of 4% to 6% starting in 2026, supported by a $4.7 billion capital plan [10][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the upper half of the long-term EPS growth target, driven by new rates, regulatory efforts, and customer growth [20] - The company is actively engaging with potential data center customers, indicating a robust pipeline of demand that will further drive revenue growth [13] Other Important Information - The company has established an emergency public safety power shutoff program to mitigate wildfire risk across its electric utilities [8][30] - The company maintains a strong balance sheet with a focus on sustaining credit quality and liquidity, with over $600 million available under its revolving credit facility [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Industrial growth for the quarter was 19%. What is the outlook for digital growth? - Management indicated that while significant growth is expected from data centers and blockchain, it may not be strictly linear due to varying ramp rates [35][38] Question: Was the new announcement for Wyoming part of the existing pipeline? - Management confirmed that the new announcement is incremental to the existing pipeline and will be included in future load forecasts once agreements are executed [39][40] Question: What is driving the expectation for upper half growth in the 4% to 6% range? - Management highlighted several drivers, including capital projects, regulatory efforts, and customer growth, particularly from data centers [55] Question: Can you provide details on unplanned outages and their impact? - Management confirmed that all generation is currently online and operational, and the financial impact of unplanned outages is considered immaterial [58][60]