NiSource(US:NI)2025-10-29 16:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a third quarter adjusted EPS of $0.19, bringing the year-to-date total to $1.38, reaffirming the upper half of the 2025 adjusted EPS guidance of $1.85 to $1.89 [6][22] - The 2026 consolidated EPS guidance is announced to be $2.02 to $2.07, reflecting strong financial commitments and growth potential [6][26] - The adjusted EPS trajectory shows an increase from $1.37 in 2021 to a projected $1.88 in 2025, representing an 8.2% CAGR over five years [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has secured approval for the GenCo model in Indiana and full ownership of the Templeton Wind asset, reinforcing its regulatory foundation [5][8] - The GenCo investments are projected to enhance the value proposition for customers and shareholders, with an investment inventory of approximately $7 billion [19][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is advancing its regulatory agenda in Ohio and Indiana, with a Pennsylvania rate case expected to conclude by year-end [8][9] - Columbia Gas of Virginia's partnership with Eli Lilly for a $5 billion manufacturing facility is highlighted as a proactive economic development initiative [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for a 6% to 8% annual adjusted EPS growth rate through 2030 and an 8% to 9% CAGR for consolidated business through 2033 [5][27] - Investments in AI-driven operational efficiencies are emphasized to enhance customer affordability and service quality [7][10] - The GenCo strategy is designed to protect existing customers while serving new large load customers with speed and flexibility [10][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expresses confidence in the pipeline of projects and the ability to execute on new customer agreements, highlighting a robust growth strategy [33] - The focus remains on customer affordability and operational excellence, with a commitment to minimizing the financial impact of investments on customers [11][28] Other Important Information - The company has introduced a refreshed five-year capital expenditure plan of $28 billion, which includes $7 billion for data center investments [23][24] - The partnership with Blackstone Infrastructure Partners is expected to contribute $1.5 billion in equity, reinforcing the capital structure [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you speak to the quality of the customer behind the agreement? - The customer is described as a very large investment-grade data center customer, with a new business model being unlocked for future negotiations [35][36] Question: What is the return profile or capital structure assumptions within the GenCo? - The targeted return for GenCo is expected to exceed NIPSCO's regulated rate of return, with a flexible capital structure to support customer needs [64][65] Question: Can you elaborate on the $0.25 versus the $0.45 range? - The range reflects contributions from multiple customers, with the current customer fitting within that range, and additional customers could push towards the higher end [43][44] Question: What protections are in place for the contracts? - The contracts include thoughtful risk management provisions, cost-sharing arrangements, and a fixed-rate structure to mitigate risks [60][61] Question: How does the timing of capital investment align with earnings realization? - Most capital expenditures occur between 2025 and 2030, with earnings ramping up as customers begin to utilize the infrastructure [66][67]