Spire(US:SR)2025-08-05 16:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings of $1.01 per share, a significant increase from a loss of $0.14 per share a year ago, reflecting growth across all business segments [7][8] - Adjusted earnings for the third quarter totaled $4.1 million, an increase of over $8 million compared to the previous year [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Gas Utilities segment had an adjusted loss of $10 million in the third quarter, which was $1 million better than the prior year, driven by higher contribution margin at Spire Missouri [18] - Earnings in the Gas Marketing segment increased by over $4 million, indicating strong performance [19] - The Midstream segment saw strong earnings growth due to additional capacity and asset optimization at Spire Storage, despite higher operating costs [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Year-to-date capital expenditures totaled $700 million, with a nearly 20% increase in utility CapEx year-over-year, focusing on upgrading distribution infrastructure [20] - The capital investment target for fiscal 2025 has increased to $875 million, reflecting a $10 million increase in Midstream and a $25 million increase in Spire Missouri [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to a long-term EPS growth target of 5% to 7%, supported by a ten-year $7.4 billion capital investment plan [11][22] - The recent acquisition of the Piedmont Natural Gas business in Tennessee is seen as a strategic move to enhance scale and diversify the regulated utility portfolio [12][13] - The company aims to maintain a strong balance sheet while supporting long-term adjusted EPS growth and dividend growth [14][27] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving financial and operational goals, emphasizing the importance of delivering safe and reliable natural gas service [26][28] - The company is focused on achieving constructive regulatory outcomes and strengthening recovery mechanisms to support continued investment [27] Other Important Information - A unanimous stipulation and agreement has been filed for an annual revenue increase of $210 million in Missouri, pending approval [10][15] - The company anticipates adjusted earnings at the Utility segment to be significantly higher in 2026 due to new rates and improved regulatory frameworks [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is the FFO to debt target of 15% to 16% still applicable? - Management confirmed that these targets remain relevant, although achieving them may be slower during the acquisition transition [34] Question: How much of the midstream results is attributable to storage expansion? - Approximately 90% of the increase in midstream results year-over-year is attributed to storage [39] Question: Will the strong marketing results continue into Q4? - Management indicated that Q4 is typically quieter, but they feel confident about the operations and targets for the marketing business [41] Question: Does the long-term 5% to 7% growth rate include impacts from the Missouri rate case? - The growth rate is primarily based on capital deployment, with potential catch-up from previous recovery delays in Missouri [57] Question: How does the company plan to manage O&M expenses going forward? - The target is to keep O&M expenses at or below the rate of inflation, with current year-to-date O&M running less than 1% higher than the prior year [61]