Fortis Inc (FTS) Q1 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong EPS Growth and Strategic Investments ...

In This Article:

  • Earnings Per Share (EPS): $1, a $0.07 increase over the same quarter last year.

  • Net Earnings: $499 million for the quarter.

  • Capital Investment: $1.4 billion invested in utility systems during the quarter.

  • Rate Base Growth: Expected to increase by approximately $14 billion to $53 billion by 2029, supporting an average annual growth of 6.5%.

  • US Electric and Gas Utilities EPS Contribution: $0.02 increase.

  • Central Hudson EPS Contribution: $0.05 increase due to rate-based growth and conclusion of the 2024 general rate application.

  • UNS Energy EPS Impact: $0.03 decrease due to lower margins on wholesale sales and higher costs.

  • ITC EPS Contribution: $0.01 increase reflecting rate-based growth.

  • Western Canadian Utilities EPS Contribution: $0.01 increase driven by rate-based growth.

  • Foreign Exchange Impact on EPS: $0.03 increase due to a higher average US to Canadian dollar exchange rate.

  • Debt Issuance: Over $1 billion issued in the first quarter to repay borrowings and fund the capital program.

  • Credit Ratings: Moody's confirmed Baa3, DBRS confirmed A (low), and S&P reaffirmed Fortis Alberta's A- with a stable outlook.

Release Date: May 07, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Fortis Inc (NYSE:FTS) reported a strong start to 2025 with earnings per share of $1, a $0.07 increase over the same quarter last year.

  • The company successfully executed its capital plan, investing $1.4 billion in utility systems during the quarter.

  • Fortis Inc (NYSE:FTS) received a constructive regulatory outcome in British Columbia on FortisBC's multi-year rate framework.

  • The company's five-year capital plan remains on track, with a focus on transmission investments and infrastructure strengthening.

  • Fortis Inc (NYSE:FTS) has a long track record of increasing dividends for 51 consecutive years, with a commitment to annual dividend growth guidance of 4% to 6% through 2029.

Negative Points

  • UNS Energy experienced a $0.03 decrease in EPS due to lower margins on wholesale sales and higher costs not yet reflected in customer rates.

  • Higher stock-based compensation and finance costs partially offset rate-based growth at ITC.

  • The expiration of a PBR efficiency carryover mechanism at Fortis Alberta tempered growth quarter-over-quarter.

  • Potential higher costs from government tariffs could impact customer affordability, although regulatory mechanisms are expected to mitigate shareholder impacts.

  • The legislative session in Iowa is ongoing, with uncertainty around the passage of ROFR legislation as part of the Governor's energy bill.