IDACORP(US:IDA)2025-10-30 21:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - IDACORP's diluted earnings per share increased to $2.26 in Q3 2025 from $2.12 in Q3 2024, with year-to-date EPS rising to $5.13 from $4.82 [3][4] - Net income for Q3 2025 rose by $10.8 million compared to Q3 2024, primarily driven by higher retail revenues and customer growth [14][18] - Operating cash flows through September 2025 were $464 million, up $6 million from the previous year [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Customer base grew by 2.3% year-over-year, with residential customers increasing by 2.5% [5][6] - Retail revenues per megawatt hour increased operating income by $17.6 million, while customer growth added $7.8 million to operating income [14][15] - O&M expenses rose by $4.2 million due to inflationary pressures and wildfire mitigation efforts [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a modest decrease in irrigation usage per customer, attributed to higher precipitation and lower temperatures compared to the previous year [15][44] - Despite lower cooling degree days, sales growth remained strong, indicating robust customer growth and operational performance [41][42] Company Strategy and Development Direction - IDACORP is focusing on maintaining customer affordability while supporting growth, with residential rates increasing less than the national average since 2014 [7][8] - The company is advancing key projects, including the Boardman to Hemingway transmission line and the Bennett Mountain gas-fired plant expansion, to meet future load growth [9][10] - A recent settlement in the Idaho general rate case aims to increase annual revenues by $110 million, supporting the company's financial health [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in operational performance, raising full-year EPS guidance to a range of $5.80 to $5.90 [4][22] - The company anticipates continued customer growth, particularly in manufacturing and technology sectors, driven by significant investments in the region [5][6] - Management acknowledged potential economic softening but noted no significant trends of concern regarding customer growth [40] Other Important Information - The company filed its 2026 Idaho Wildfire Mitigation Plan, outlining methods to mitigate wildfire risk [11][12] - The Idaho Commission approved a request for additional pre-collection of Hells Canyon AFUDC, increasing cash collection by about $30 million annually [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: What was in the capital plan for Jackalope, and what are the potential solutions? - Management noted that the Jackalope Wind Project was a significant capital piece, with 600 megawatts of capacity, and they are exploring gas options as replacements [25][26] Question: Can you provide insights on customer growth trends? - Management indicated that while customer growth is steady, there may be slight softening due to economic factors, but no major concerns were noted [40][42] Question: How do you plan to address the loss of the Jackalope Wind Project? - Management stated that they will update the capital forecast in February and are considering incremental resources to replace the lost capacity [77][78] Question: What are the priorities for the next general rate case? - Management is assessing the timing and need for the next rate case, considering various elements including potential tracking mechanisms [68][69] Question: How do you see the ROE outlook with new large load customers? - Management expects that revenues from large load customers will eventually increase ROE above the minimum level of 9.12% [70][71]