New Jersey Resources(NJR) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, the company reported an EPS of $0.06 per share compared to a net financial loss of $0.09 per share in the previous year, marking a significant turnaround [20] - Year-to-date NFE reached $313.4 million or $3.13 per share, an increase of nearly 55% year-over-year, driven by higher utility margins and improved performance across various segments [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - New Jersey Natural Gas remains the strongest contributor to NFEPS, benefiting from a recent rate case settlement and customer growth [8] - Clean Energy Ventures (CED) is expected to contribute over 20% of NFEPS this year, supported by high-performing operating assets and the monetization of the residential solar portfolio [8] - The Save Green program saw a capital projection increase of over 30%, with expected investments rising to $90 million to $95 million, driven by growing adoption of efficient HVAC systems [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company serves approximately 588,000 customers, with over 90% being residential, primarily in economically vibrant counties experiencing solid population growth [9] - The storage and transportation segment is positioned to serve growing energy demand, with favorable market conditions for storage [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company raised the lower end of its fiscal 2025 NFEPS guidance range to $3.20 to $3.30 per share, reflecting strong operating performance and greater visibility into full-year results [6][7] - The capital plan for fiscal 2025 and 2026 ranges from $1.3 billion to $1.6 billion, aligning with a long-term NFEPS growth target of 7% to 9% [21] - The company emphasizes a disciplined capital deployment strategy focused on utility infrastructure, clean energy investments, and optimizing storage and transportation capabilities [21][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate changing environments and allocate capital effectively to meet evolving customer needs [25][26] - The company is optimistic about the resolution of the Adelphia Gateway rate case and expects to file an offer of settlement with FERC soon [17][32] Other Important Information - The company maintains a strong balance sheet with $825 million of credit capacity across its facilities, supporting its capital plan and working capital needs [24] - The Save Green program is highlighted as a key strategic advantage, providing benefits to customers while supporting decarbonization goals [11][61] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of Adelphia rate case settlement in 2026 - Management indicated that details are still under negotiation and will be shared once finalized [31][32] Question: CEV's 131 megawatt target relative to initial expectations - Management clarified that the target reflects projects nearing construction and expressed confidence in achieving capital targets despite market dynamics [33][34] Question: Timeline for Leaf River expansion decision - Management expects to narrow down the expansion details in the coming months, with a focus on customer needs and regulatory approvals [40][52] Question: Strength of Storage and Transportation segment - Management attributed strong performance to a robust natural gas market and increased demand for infrastructure [41] Question: Higher CapEx in Save Green program - Management noted strong demand for energy-efficient systems and effective program execution as key drivers for increased CapEx [60] Question: Future dividend considerations - Management stated that dividend increases will align with historical growth rates and past performance [54] Question: Interest in gas infrastructure growth projects - Management confirmed ongoing investments in reliability and infrastructure to support customer growth [64]