Fortis(FTS) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, reported earnings per common share were CAD 3.40, an increase of CAD 0.16 compared to 2024, while adjusted EPS was CAD 3.53, up CAD 0.25 from the previous year [13][17] - The company achieved a one-year total shareholder return of nearly 24%, with average annual total shareholder returns of approximately 10% over the past 20 years [6][11] - The company maintained a strong liquidity position with CAD 2.7 billion of long-term debt issued in 2025 and nearly CAD 4 billion available on credit facilities at year-end [17][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Western Canadian utilities contributed a CAD 0.10 increase in EPS, driven by rate-based growth, including earnings from FortisBC's investment in the Eagle Mountain Pipeline Project [13][14] - U.S. electric and gas utilities delivered an eight-cent increase in EPS, with Central Hudson's growth attributed to rate-based growth and cost rebasing [14][15] - ITC's continued capital investments and related rate-based growth increased EPS by CAD 0.04, moderated by higher stock-based compensation and finance costs [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Arizona Corporation Commission approved an energy supply agreement for approximately 300 MW to support a planned data center, with a 10-year contract including a 75% minimum billing requirement [9][24] - The company is negotiating for an additional 300 MW of capacity for the data center and exploring further capacity at a second site in the range of 500-700 MW [10][24] - The company is also focused on energy efficiency programs to help customers lower their bills and provide assistance to low-income customers [6][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company rolled out a CAD 28.8 billion five-year capital plan, primarily focused on transmission and distribution assets, expecting a rate base increase of CAD 16 billion and average annual rate base growth of 7% [7][8] - The company aims to support 4%-6% annual dividend growth through 2030, continuing its commitment to increasing dividends for 52 consecutive years [11][21] - The company is actively pursuing incremental growth opportunities, including customer connections and MISO LRTP projects, while evaluating competitive bidding opportunities [8][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the regulatory environment, noting that the new chair of FERC is focused on improving the commission's operations and providing regulatory certainty [30][31] - The company is committed to addressing affordability concerns and ensuring that growth is achieved in a responsible manner for customers [25][62] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong focus on safety and reliability, with 2025 being one of the best years on record for these metrics [5][21] Other Important Information - The company was recognized for its governance practices, ranking number one in governance out of 206 companies in the S&P/TSX Composite Index [4] - The company has not utilized its CAD 500 million ATM program to date, which remains available for funding flexibility [17][18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Data center opportunity in Arizona - Management explained that the energy supply agreement is structured to ensure affordability and stability for customers, with the data center covering costs without requiring additional investments [24][25] Question: Updates from FERC - Management noted that while there has been chatter about potential updates, no specific information has been received, but there is optimism for movement on ongoing matters [29][30] Question: UNS Gas rate case - Management indicated that the upcoming ACC open meeting could provide clarity on the formulaic rate structure, but it is advisable to wait for the meeting for more information [69][70]