Sempra(SRE) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial 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 LC&I queue 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's portion expected to exceed 50% [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 a substantial increase in Oncor's capital plan by over 30% [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing growth in Texas and the importance of maintaining a strong balance sheet to support future growth [30] - The company is optimistic about achieving strong year-over-year growth and is tracking several regulatory decisions that will impact financial results [18][21] Other Important Information - The company is actively engaged in regulatory matters in California, including the GRC and cost of capital proceedings [11] - The Port Arthur LNG Phase I project is on schedule, with Train One expected to reach COD in 2027 [12] 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: Status of the SIP transaction and tax implications - The company is still assuming around a 20% tax leakage from the SIP transaction, with ongoing evaluations [42] Question: Load growth potential in Texas - Oncor is confident in doubling its load by 2030, driven by the state's desire to support the oil and gas industry [52][53] Question: ROE expectations with increased capital spending - Management expects a material improvement in ROE as regulatory lag issues are resolved and a new test year is established [96] Question: Equipment and supply chain readiness for capital plans - The company has made significant investments in its supply chain and logistics to ensure readiness for its growth plans [70][71] Question: Strategic options for California utilities - Management emphasized that California remains an important part of the company, complementing growth in Texas while minimizing customer bill impacts [84][86]