Pinnacle West(US:PNW)2026-02-25 17:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company earned $0.13 per share, compared to a loss of $0.06 in Q4 2024, reflecting strong operational execution and cost management [12] - For the full year 2025, earnings were $5.05 per share, down from $5.24 in 2024, primarily due to weather impacts, with a $0.71 drag from weather normalization [13][15] - Weather-normalized sales growth for Q4 was 6.8%, contributing to a full-year growth of 5%, including 2% residential growth and 7.5% commercial and industrial growth [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a new system peak of 8,648 megawatts in August 2025, exceeding the previous year's peak by over 400 megawatts [6] - Customer satisfaction metrics improved, with the company ranking in the top quartile nationally for residential customer satisfaction and in the second quartile for business customers [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted strong growth among commercial and industrial customers, particularly in chip manufacturing and data centers, with long-term sales growth projected at 5%-7% through 2030 [8][9] - The U.S. Department of Commerce and Taiwan announced agreements expected to spur at least $250 billion in additional semiconductor investment in the U.S., benefiting the company's market position [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to focus on processing its rate case, executing grid expansion plans, and maintaining affordable rates for customers in 2026 [5][11] - Investments in infrastructure are aimed at supporting Arizona's economic growth and maintaining grid reliability, with a capital program focused on reliability and resiliency [10][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to meet rising demand and create long-term value, emphasizing a commitment to safety and operational excellence [5][11] - The company is focused on cost efficiencies, with a goal of reducing O&M per megawatt hour, achieving a 3.3% decrease in 2025 [16] Other Important Information - The company is actively engaged in discussions regarding its integrated resource plan (IRP), which will reflect known and committed customer demand over a 15-year period [20][50] - The company is exploring financing options for transmission build-out, including potential customer financing and federal grants [84] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on capacity growth and IRP planning - The company plans to file an updated 15-year integrated resource plan mid-year, detailing load forecasts and resource plans [20] Question: Credit metric update and holdco debt - Holdco debt was at 17% at year-end 2025, within the target range, with plans to maintain modest levels in 2026 [24] Question: Future sales growth and assumptions - The sales growth forecast of 5%-7% is based on existing demand and projects with high confidence, with potential upside from uncommitted load [30] Question: Implications from the UNS case and formula rate decision - The UNS case was seen as generally constructive, with differences noted between UNS and APS, particularly regarding growth and regulatory lag [44] Question: Breakdown of committed versus uncommitted load - The majority of committed load is from high load factor customers, including TSMC, with ongoing negotiations for uncommitted load [53] Question: FFO to debt basis and forecast period - The company aims to maintain an FFO to debt ratio of 14%-16%, focusing on improving credit metrics through regulatory dialogue [90] Question: Transparency and earnings trajectory with formula rate - The company aims for more consistent and linear earnings trajectories post-formula rate implementation, improving visibility for investors [92]