Sempra(US:SRE)2025-11-05 18:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported third quarter 2025 adjusted EPS of $1.11, an increase from $0.89 in the prior period [5][17] - Full year 2025 adjusted EPS guidance remains at $4.30-$4.70, with 2026 EPS guidance set at $4.80-$5.30 [6][21] - Third quarter 2025 GAAP earnings were $77 million, or $0.12 per share, compared to $638 million, or $1 per share in the same period last year [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sempra California saw a $76 million increase in earnings primarily from higher income tax benefits, offset by higher net interest expense [18] - Sempra Texas reported $45 million of higher equity earnings due to increased invested capital and Oncor's system resiliency plan [19] - Sempra Infrastructure experienced a $26 million increase from higher asset optimization, despite lower transportation results [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Oncor's active load connections increased over 10% from the prior quarter, with a premise count increase of 16,000 [15] - The Texas 765 transmission expansion is projected to require $32 billion-$35 billion for full buildout, with Oncor expected to surpass 50% of this investment [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on lower risk and higher value transmission and distribution investments, particularly in Texas [4] - A significant transaction involved selling a 45% stake in Sempra Infrastructure Partners for $10 billion, aimed at improving business growth and capital efficiency [7][8] - The company is prioritizing capital allocation to Texas, anticipating substantial increases in its capital plan [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing growth of utilities, particularly in Texas, and the importance of maintaining a strong balance sheet [30] - The company is optimistic about achieving strong year-over-year growth and is tracking several regulatory decisions that will impact financial results [18][62] Other Important Information - The enactment of California SB 254 is viewed as a significant de-risking event for California Electric Utilities [10] - The company is actively engaged in settlement discussions regarding Oncor's base rate review, with a hearing scheduled for November 17 [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Balance sheet capacity for increased CapEx at Oncor - Management indicated that proceeds from the Sempra Infrastructure transaction are expected to eliminate the need for common equity in the 2025-2029 financing plan [26][27] Question: Update on Texas transmission expansion - Management confirmed ongoing settlement discussions and expressed confidence in the strength of their case regarding Oncor's base rate review [34][35] Question: Status of the SIP transaction and tax implications - Management confirmed that a 20% tax leakage estimate remains valid, with ongoing evaluations of the transaction's tax efficiency [42] Question: Load growth potential in Texas - Oncor is confident in doubling its load by 2030, driven by the state's desire to accelerate the transmission plan [53][54] Question: Confidence in achieving ROEs with increased capital spending - Management noted that Oncor's authorized ROE of 9.7% has been under-earning due to regulatory lag, but improvements are expected with the resolution of ongoing matters [95]