Southwest Gas (US:SWX)2025-11-05 17:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The trailing 12-month return on equity (ROE) improved to 8.3% [4] - Earnings per share (EPS) related to continuing operations improved by $13.4 million, or $0.19 per diluted share compared to the previous year's third quarter, with consolidated EPS for the quarter at $3.74 per diluted share [25] - Full-year net income is now expected toward the top end of the $265 million-$275 million range [6][34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Utility operating margin increased by $26.8 million, primarily driven by $22.3 million of combined rate relief across all jurisdictions and $1.6 million from customer growth [26] - Operating and maintenance (O&M) expenses increased by $4.1 million compared to the prior year quarter, mainly due to variable labor and benefit costs, including a $4 million increase in incentive compensation [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a significant increase in cash balance to nearly $780 million, with over $1.5 billion of liquidity across the business [9] - The company successfully completed the full deconsolidation and separation of Centuri, generating nearly $1.4 billion of net sale proceeds [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on its natural gas-regulated business, aiming to address increasing energy needs in its growing service territories [4] - The anticipated rate case roadmap includes new rates in California in 2026 and requests for alternative forms of rate-making in Arizona and Nevada [6] - The company is optimistic about improved rate-making opportunities and is committed to delivering exceptional customer service while achieving strong financial performance [35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding future regulatory environments in all jurisdictions and highlighted the potential for incremental growth driven by regional energy demand [5][6] - The company is confident in its trajectory as a leading pure-play natural gas business, focusing on robust organic rate-based growth [35] Other Important Information - S&P upgraded the company's issuer and senior unsecured long-term debt credit ratings to BBB+ with stable outlooks [9] - The CFO will be leaving the company on December 1, and an internal and external search process for a successor has been initiated [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you walk through the specific timelines for the Great Basin project? - Management indicated that they are finalizing precedent agreements and expect to complete this process within the next week, with updates to be provided in the fourth quarter call [39][40] Question: What are the expectations for the formula rate in Arizona? - The company expects to file a rate case in March 2026, with new rates potentially effective by October 2026, and anticipates that alternative rate-making adjustments could begin as early as 2028 [19][21] Question: What is the cash position and timeline for using cash for construction? - The company plans to keep cash in short-term investments until construction starts, with ongoing assessments of the Great Basin project [64][65] Question: Will the company provide EPS guidance in the fourth quarter call? - The company expects to provide longer-term EPS guidance that incorporates potential opportunities along the line [66]