Fortis(FTS) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported second quarter earnings per share (EPS) of $0.76, a $0.09 increase compared to the same period last year [4][11] - Year-to-date EPS through June was $1.76, reflecting a $0.16 increase over the same period last year [11] - Net earnings for the quarter were $384 million [11] - The company raised over $1 billion in debt to repay borrowings and fund its capital program [15] - Fitch assigned a first-time BBB+ credit rating to the company, supporting cost-effective capital market funding options [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Central Hudson contributed a $0.04 increase in EPS, driven by rate-based growth and a higher allowed return on equity (ROE) effective July 1, 2024 [12] - EPS contribution from UNS Energy remained unchanged from the previous year, with increased transmission revenue offset by regulatory lag [12] - Western Canadian Utilities saw a $0.30 increase in EPS, largely due to rate base growth [12] - The Corporate and Other segment experienced a decrease in EPS due to timing of income tax recoveries and higher finance costs [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Tucson Electric Power (TEP) filed a general rate application seeking new retail rates effective September 1, 2026, with a proposed rate base of $4.3 billion, an increase of approximately $750 million since the last rate case [17][18] - The application aims to phase out certain adjuster mechanisms and request an annual formula rate adjustment [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on delivering reliable and affordable service to customers while providing compelling long-term returns to shareholders [21] - A significant capital expenditure of nearly $3 billion was made in the first half of the year, with plans for continued investment in grid upgrades and new energy resources [4][18] - The company aims to convert approximately 800 megawatts of coal-fired generation to natural gas by 2030, with a target to be coal-free by 2032 [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in strong results for the first half of the year and progress on regulatory fronts, positioning the company well for the remainder of 2025 and beyond [21] - The company is reassessing its 2030 and 2035 interim greenhouse gas targets and will share results once complete [8] - Management highlighted ongoing negotiations for additional capacity to support data center demands in Arizona [9] Other Important Information - The company achieved a 34% reduction in Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2019 levels [5] - The first phase of the Roadrunner reserve battery storage project was placed in service, facilitating the integration of renewable energy onto the electric grid [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding the data center opportunity in Arizona, how quickly could generation be developed to support these assets? - Management indicated that the first 300 megawatts would utilize existing and planned capacity, with the goal to have it operational by 2027. The second phase would go through an RFP process, aiming for service by 2030 to 2031 [25][27] Question: Is it fair to assume that the greatest upside potential is in Arizona and ITC? - Management confirmed that significant opportunities exist in Arizona and ITC, while also exploring additional prospects across the entire portfolio [28] Question: Can you comment on the Springerville position and its impact on the five-year plan? - Management acknowledged that the conversion of Springerville may take longer to achieve interim GHG targets but emphasized the affordability benefits for customers [32][34] Question: What are the latest thoughts on gas infrastructure in BC? - Management noted a positive outlook for LNG opportunities and ongoing regulatory processes for LNG storage tanks, with a review of CleanBC policies expected later this year [39] Question: Is UNS involved in discussions regarding new interstate pipeline capacity into Arizona? - Management confirmed ongoing discussions related to gas supply for the Springerville repowering project, emphasizing the need for additional infrastructure in the long term [61][64]