Southwest Gas (US:SWX)2026-02-25 18:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, the company achieved an adjusted net income of $283.9 million, an increase of 8.7% from $261.2 million in 2024, exceeding guidance by nearly $9 million [26][27] - Adjusted earnings per diluted share from continuing operations rose nearly 19% from $3.07 in 2024 to $3.65 in 2025 [25] - The adjusted return on equity for the year was 8.3%, supported by utility optimization efforts and effective cost management [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The utility's substantial net income growth was primarily driven by positive regulatory outcomes and strong economic activity in the service area [11] - Rate relief and continued customer growth contributed approximately $0.30 per share to EPS, while increased depreciation and amortization, along with higher interest expenses, partially offset these gains [25][27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates significant earnings per share growth of 12%-14% from 2025 to 2030, driven by improvements in the regulatory environment and the Great Basin project [8][41] - The expected revenue increase in the Arizona rate case is over $100 million, with a proposed rate base of $3.9 billion [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has transitioned to a fully regulated natural gas business following the successful disposition of Centuri, allowing for a stronger balance sheet and focus on core operations [4] - The strategic priorities for 2026 include improving returns, advancing customer-focused investments, and strengthening regulatory frameworks [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future growth opportunities, particularly with the anticipated improvements in regulatory frameworks in Arizona and Nevada [8][41] - The company plans to maintain a disciplined strategy focused on investing in capital plans while sustaining responsible annual dividend growth [9][39] Other Important Information - The board approved a 4% increase in the annual dividend, bringing it to an annualized $2.58 per share for 2026 [39] - The company has a cash balance of nearly $600 million, expected to fund current year dividend payments and be redeployed into utility business investments [11][33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on equity timing and engagement with rating agencies - Management indicated that they do not anticipate equity needs in 2026 and plan to utilize holding company leverage capacity to minimize equity requirements [50][53] Question: Inquiry about the Great Basin project capacity and customer interest - Management confirmed strong demand for the Great Basin project, with nearly 800 MCF subscribed, and indicated potential for future open seasons to capture additional interest [56][58] Question: Clarification on earnings uplift cadence and regulatory lag reduction - Management highlighted that upcoming rate cases in Arizona and Nevada are expected to be catalysts for reducing regulatory lag and improving earnings visibility [60][62] Question: Earnings contribution from Great Basin post-in-service - Management projected that the Great Basin project would contribute an incremental margin of approximately $215 million-$245 million once in service [70] Question: Progress in Nevada workshops and ROE considerations - Management reported positive progress in Nevada workshops and indicated that recent regulatory decisions could provide a constructive framework for future rate cases [76][79]