Q4 2025 NiSource Inc Earnings Call

February 11, 2026

Speaker #1: Hello, and thank you for standing by. My name is Tiffany, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the Q4 2025 NISOURCE Earnings Conference Call.

Operator: Hello, and thank you for standing by. My name is Tiffany, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the Q4 2025 NiSource Earnings Conference Call. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speaker's remarks, there will be a question-and-answer session. If you would like to ask a question during that time, simply press star, then the number 1 on your telephone keypad. I would now like to turn the call over to Durgesh Chopra, Vice President of Investor Relations. Durgesh, please go ahead.

Speaker #1: All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speakers remarks, there will be a question-and-answer session. If you would like to ask a question, during that time, simply press star; then the number 1 on your telephone keypad.

Speaker #1: I would now like to turn the call over to Durgesh Chopra, Vice President of Investor Relations. Durgesh, please go

Speaker #1: ahead. Thank

Durgesh Chopra: Thank you, Tiffany. Good morning and welcome to NiSource's Q4 2025 investor call. Joining me today are President and Chief Executive Officer Lloyd Yates, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Shawn Anderson, Executive Vice President of Technology, Customer, and Chief Commercial Officer Michael Luhrs, and Executive Vice President and Group President of NiSource Utilities, Melody Birmingham. Today we'll review NiSource's financial performance for the fourth quarter and share updates on operations, strategy, and growth drivers. Then we'll open the call for your questions. Slides for today's call are available in the Investor Relations section of our website. Some statements made during this presentation will be forward-looking. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the statements. Information concerning such risks and uncertainties is included in the Risk Factors and MDA sections of our periodic SEC filings.

Speaker #2: you, Tiffany. Good morning and welcome to NISOURCE's fourth quarter 2025 investor call. Joining me today are President and Chief Executive Officer Lloyd Yates, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Shawn Anderson, Executive Vice President of Technology, Customer, and Chief Commercial Officer Michael Luhrs, and Executive Vice President and Group President of NISOURCE Utilities, Melody Birmingham.

Speaker #2: Today, we'll review NiSource's financial performance for the fourth quarter and share updates on operations, strategy, and growth drivers. Then, we'll open the call for your questions.

Speaker #2: Slides for today's call are available in the Investor Relations section of our website. Some may be forward-looking. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the statements.

Speaker #2: Information concerning such risks and uncertainties is included in the risk factors and MD&A sections of our periodic SEC filings. Additionally, some statements made on this call relate to non-GAAP financial measures.

Durgesh Chopra: Additionally, some statements made on this call relate to non-GAAP financial measures. Please refer to the supplemental slides, segment information, and full financial schedules for information on the most directly comparable GAAP measure and a reconciliation of these measures. With that, I'll turn the call over to Lloyd.

Speaker #2: Please refer to the supplemental slides segment information and full financial schedules for information on the most directly comparable GAAP measure and a reconciliation of these measures.

Speaker #2: With that, I'll turn the call over to Lloyd.

Speaker #3: Thank you, Durgesh. And good morning, everyone. We appreciate you joining us today. I'll begin on slide 3. At NISOURCE, we exist to deliver safe, reliable, and competitive energy that drives value to our customers.

Lloyd Yates: Thank you, Durgesh, and good morning, everyone. We appreciate you joining us today. I'll begin on slide 3. At NiSource, we exist to deliver safe, reliable, and competitive energy that drives value to our customers. Creating that value depends on disciplined capital deployment, operational excellence, and constructive regulatory frameworks that enable timely recovery of investments. These core principles generate competitive returns, strengthen our balance sheet, and form the foundation of our business strategy. Before we cover our standard business updates, I'd like to highlight the successful year for NiSource. In 2025, we effectively executed an agreement with Amazon and, as detailed in our special contract filing with the IURC, we are anticipating $1 billion to flow back to NIPSCO customers, equating to an estimated $7 to $9 per customer per month upon Amazon's full ramp.

Speaker #3: Creating that value depends on disciplined capital deployment, operational excellence, and constructive regulatory frameworks that enable timely recovery of investments. These core principles generate competitive returns, strengthen our balance sheet, and form the foundation of our business strategy.

Speaker #3: Before we cover our standard business updates, I'd like to highlight the successful year for NiSource. In 2025, we effectively executed an agreement with Amazon, and as detailed in our special contract filing with the IURC, we are anticipating $1 billion to flow back to NIPSCO customers.

Speaker #3: Equating to an estimated $7 to $9 per customer per month upon Amazon's full ramp. Our base business continues to deliver for our shareholders achieving a full-year adjusted EPS of $1.90 per share and FFO to debt of $16.1%.

Lloyd Yates: Our base business continues to deliver for our shareholders, achieving a full-year adjusted EPS of $1.90 per share and an FFO to debt of 16.1%, both results surpassing our guidance range. Today, NiSource's value proposition is driven by our regulated utility operations across six highly constructed jurisdictions, providing diversification in both asset type and regulatory environment. As we continue to invest in modernizing our electric and gas infrastructure, we remain focused on supporting economic growth, advancing innovative solutions like our GenCo model, and maintaining a strong commitment to customer affordability and stakeholder value. On slide 4, we highlight our key priorities. Delivering value for our customers has always been and continues to be one of our highest priorities. We have proactively deployed proven regulatory and rate design tools to mitigate bill impact and protect customers from external cost pressures.

Speaker #3: Both results surpassing our guidance range. Today, NiSource's value proposition is driven by our regulated utility operations across six highly constructed jurisdictions, providing diversification in both asset type and regulatory environment.

Speaker #3: As we continue to invest in modernizing our electric and gas infrastructure, we remain focused on supporting economic growth, advancing innovative solutions like our GENCO model, and maintaining a strong commitment to a customer affordability and stakeholder value.

Speaker #3: On slide 4, we highlight our key priorities: delivering value for our customers has always been, and continues to be, one of our highest priorities.

Speaker #3: We have proactively deployed proven regulatory and rate-designed tools to mitigate bill impact and protect customers from external cost pressures. In Pennsylvania, customers benefit from the weather normalization mechanism, which prevents bill spikes during colder months.

Lloyd Yates: In Pennsylvania, customers benefit from the weather normalization mechanism, which prevents bill spikes during colder months and from a higher fixed charge that helps stabilize the impact of changing usage. These protections were negotiated during our last rate case and have already prevented heightened bill increases since implementation in January. Similarly, in Ohio, our fixed variable rate design smooths the bill impacts associated with necessary investments to maintain system safety and reliability, and can cut total bill increases in half relative to higher volumetric rate design structures. Our landmark agreement with Amazon further demonstrates our commitment to affordability. This agreement will return approximately $1 billion in value to our Indiana customers, translating into meaningful bill reductions over a 15-year period. Customers also benefit from NiSource's scale and discipline planning.

Speaker #3: And from a higher fixed charge that helps stabilize the impact of changing usage. These protections were negotiated during our last rate case and have already prevented heightened bill increases since implementation in January.

Speaker #3: Similarly, in Ohio, our fixed variable rate design smooths the bill impact associated with necessary investments to maintain system safety and reliability and can cut total bill increases in half relative to higher volumetric rate design structures.

Speaker #3: Our landmark agreement with Amazon further demonstrates our commitment to affordability. This agreement will return approximately $1 billion in value to our Indiana customers, translating into meaningful bill reductions over a 15-year period.

Speaker #3: Customers also benefit from NISOURCE's scale and discipline planning. During the recent severe winter storm, we leveraged low-cost gas from our storage assets. Which served roughly 75% of our total loads at below-market prices which helped limit customer bill impacts.

Lloyd Yates: During the recent severe winter storm, we leveraged low-cost gas from our storage assets, which served roughly 75% of our total loads at below-market prices, which helped limit customer bill impacts. In addition, our flat O&M objective across the platform constrains cost growth and reduces the pass-through of investment-related expenses to customer bills. Together, these proactive measures enable us to invest approximately $28 billion over the next five years to modernize and maintain our infrastructure, while continuing to prioritize safety and reliability, and targeting average annual bill increases of less than 5%. We have advanced our gas system support by securing a final order in Pennsylvania and adding supportive legislation in Ohio, which will improve rate-making and reduce regulatory lag. In Indiana, our contract with Amazon is pending before the IURC, with a decision expected in the first half of this year.

Speaker #3: In addition, our flat O&M objective across the platform constrains cost growth and reduces the pass-through of investment-related expenses to customer bills. Together, these proactive measures enable us to invest approximately $28 billion over the next five years to modernize and maintain our infrastructure.

Speaker #3: While continues to prioritize safety and reliability, and targeting average annual bill increases of less than 5%. We have advanced our gas system support by securing a final order in Pennsylvania and adding supportive legislation in Ohio which will improve rate-making and reduce regulatory lag.

Speaker #3: In Indiana, our contract with Amazon is pending before the IURC with a decision expected in the first half of this year. Today, we reported fourth-quarter adjusted EPS of $51.

Lloyd Yates: Today, we reported Q4 adjusted EPS of $0.51, bringing our year-to-date total to $1.90, and we are reaffirming 2026 consolidated adjusted EPS guidance of $0.02 to $2.07. Despite these strong financial commitments, we believe significant upside remains across the outlook of our plan from developing projects supporting data center growth, or expansion of manufacturing, and robust economic development across our territories. Now, let's turn to slide 5. At NiSource, safety is our top priority and the foundation of operational excellence. In 2025, we maintain ISO 55001 and API 1173 certifications, underscoring our commitment to a strong safety management system. Our investments in system resilience and emergency preparedness proved invaluable this winter. During one of the most significant storms in the last decade, while many communities across the country experienced widespread outages, our customers remained safe and warm with limited service disruption across our footprint.

Speaker #3: Bringing our year-to-date total to $1.90 and we are reaffirming 2026 consolidated adjusted EPS guidance of 2002 cents to $2.07. Despite these strong financial commitments, we believe significant upside remains across the outlook of our plan from developing projects supporting data center growth, or ensuring a manufacturing, and robust economic development across our territories.

Speaker #3: Now, let's turn to slide 5. At NiSource, safety is our top priority and the foundation of operational excellence. In 2025, we maintain ISO 55001 and API 1173 certifications.

Speaker #3: Underscoring our commitment to a strong safety management system. Our investments in system resilience and emergency preparedness prove invaluable this winter. During one of the most significant storms in the last decade, while many communities across the country experienced widespread outages, our customers remained safe and warm with limited services disruption across our footprint.

Speaker #3: Over the past year, we accelerated critical safety initiatives, including installing over 545,000 smart meters and surveying more than 41,000 miles of pipelines with advanced mobile leak detection technology.

Lloyd Yates: Over the past year, we accelerated critical safety initiatives, including installing over 545,000 smart meters and surveying more than 41,000 mi of pipelines with advanced mobile leak detection technology, both exceeding targets and enhancing system reliability. Operational performance was further strengthened by leveraging AI, analytics, and our work management intelligence system, which improved productivity and is being expanded into supply chain and reliability functions. Project Apollo continues to drive cost savings and process improvements, enhancing service quality, and we remain focused on customer affordability, targeting annual bill increases below 5% across our territories over the planned horizon. Regarding our regulatory agenda on Slide 6, we secured important outcomes in Q4, including approval of our Pennsylvania rate case in December and continued progress across our tracker platforms. We expect to benefit from improved regulatory support in Ohio following recently enacted utility legislation.

Speaker #3: We're succeeding targets and enhancing system reliability. Operational performance was further strengthened by leveraging AI, analytics, and our work management intelligence system which improved productivity and is being expanded into supply chain and reliability functions.

Speaker #3: Project Apollo continues to drive cost savings and process improvements enhancing service quality and we remain focused on customer affordability targeting across our territories over the planned horizon.

Speaker #3: Regarding our regulatory agenda on slide 6, we secured important outcomes in the fourth quarter, including approval of our Pennsylvania rate case in December and continued progress across our tracker platforms.

Speaker #3: We expect to benefit from improved regulatory support in Ohio following recently enacted utility legislation. Together, these developments reduce regulatory lag, align cost recovery with investment timing, and reinforce our constructive jurisdictional framework.

Lloyd Yates: Together, these developments reduce regulatory lag, align cost recovery with investment timing, and reinforce our constructive jurisdictional framework. In Indiana, we continue active engagement with the IURC as we advance filings tied to generation transition, fuel recovery, and our economic development initiatives. In 2025, the Indiana Economic Development Team managed one of the strongest pipelines in recent years, supporting over 140 active projects across the service territory. In Virginia, which remains the data center capital of the world, our team has fielded more than 40 data center inquiries in 2025. We are currently engaged in approximately 24 active data center projects, advancing gas infrastructure opportunities to support customer needs. As we look forward to our regulatory agenda in 2026, we currently do not have any pending rate cases, but as typical for our business, some level of regulatory activity will likely occur.

Speaker #3: In Indiana, we continue active engagement with the IURC as we advance filings tied to generation transition, fuel recovery, and our economic development initiatives. In 2025, the Indiana Economic Development Team managed one of the strongest pipelines in recent years, supporting over 140 active projects across the service territory.

Speaker #3: In Virginia, which remains a data center capital of the world, our team has fielded more than 40 data center inquiries in 2025. We are currently engaged in approximately two dozen active data center projects, advancing gas infrastructure opportunities to support customer needs.

Speaker #3: As we look forward to our regulatory agenda in 2026, we currently do not have any pending rate cases. But, as is typical for our business, some level of regulatory activity will likely occur.

Speaker #3: We are committed to working collaboratively with stakeholders to make investments that maintain safe, reliable service for our communities. We also continue to engage actively with policymakers at both the federal and state levels.

Lloyd Yates: We are committed to working collaboratively with stakeholders to make investments that maintain safe, reliable service for our communities. We also continue to engage actively with policymakers at both the federal and state level. In December, NIPSCO received a federal order directing continued operation of our Schaefer coal plant beyond its planned retirement. We will comply with this and any future orders we might receive. Our capital strategy remains adaptable to meet regulatory requirements and to maintain financial stability. We file a proposed new schedule for cost recovery with FERC in line with the DOE mandated coal plant extensions. Our commitment to providing safe and dependable energy remains steadfast. We are monitoring developments related to EPA reliability regulations, MISO accreditation changes, and state-level customer initiatives. Our diversified footprint in integrated electric and gas operations positions us well to adapt to evolving policy.

Speaker #3: In December, NiSource received a federal order directing continued operation of our Shafer coal plant beyond its planned retirement. We will comply with this and any future orders we might receive.

Speaker #3: Our capital strategy remains adaptable to meet regulatory requirements and to maintain financial We filed a proposed new schedule for stability. cost recovery with FERC in line with the DOE-mandated coal plant extensions.

Speaker #3: Our commitment to providing safe and dependable energy remains steadfast. We are monitoring developments related to EPA reliability regulations, MISO accreditation changes, and state-level customer initiatives.

Speaker #3: Our diversified footprint and integrated electric and gas operations position us well to adapt to evolving policy. We have a well-defined plan for executing our data center initiatives, marked by key milestones as noted on slide 7.

Lloyd Yates: We have a well-defined plan for executing our data center initiative, marked by key milestones, as noted on slide 7. Right now, we're advancing the Amazon project, and we are on track. On 2 February, our zoning application for 5 parcels was approved by the Jasper County Commissioners, a key step for our data center strategy. This approval reflects our commitment to transparency and stakeholder collaboration, as well as Indiana's support for economic growth. Our next major milestone includes IURC approval of the special contract and commencing civil site work. We'll update you as we reach and progress towards key milestones over the next several quarters. We're focused on disciplined construction execution, leveraging our proven track record of delivering large-scale generation projects on time and on budget. And with that, I'll turn the call over to Shawn.

Speaker #3: Right now, we're advancing the Amazon project and we are on track. On February 2nd, our zoning application for five parcels was approved by the Jasper County commissioners.

Speaker #3: A key step for our data center strategy. This approval reflects our commitment to transparency and stakeholder collaboration. As well as Indiana's support for economic growth.

Speaker #3: Our next major milestone includes IURC approval of the special contract and commencing civil site work. We'll update you as we reach and progress towards key milestones over the next several quarters.

Speaker #3: We're focused on discipline construction execution, leveraging our proven track record of delivering large-scale generation projects on time and on budget. And with that, I'll turn the call over to Shawn.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Lloyd. And good morning, everyone. I'll begin on slides 8 and 9 with our financial results for the fourth quarter and full year.

Shawn Anderson: Thank you, Lloyd, and good morning, everyone. I'll begin on slides 8 and 9 with our financial results for the fourth quarter and full year. 2025 continued NiSource's track record of disciplined capital allocation and cost management to deliver on our financial commitments. The outperformance across 2025 was driven by strong financial management of capital, better than expected financing costs, outperformance from retail sales, and sound cost management and constructive regulatory execution across all of our states. For the fourth quarter of 2025, we reported adjusted earnings of $0.51 per share compared to $0.49 for the same period last year. For the full year 2025, adjusted earnings were $1.90 per share compared to $1.75 in 2024. Results reflect regulatory execution in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, partially offset by increased operating and interest expenses.

Speaker #2: 2025 continued NISOURCE's track record of disciplined capital allocation and cost management to deliver on our financial commitments. The outperformance across 2025 was driven by strong financial management of capital, better than expected financing costs, outperformance from retail sales, and sound cost management and constructive regulatory execution across all of our states.

Speaker #2: For the fourth quarter of 2025, we reported adjusted earnings of $51 per share, compared to $49 for the same period last year. For the full year 2025, adjusted earnings were $1.90 per share, compared to $1.75 in 2024.

Speaker #2: Results reflect regulatory execution in Indiana and Pennsylvania and Ohio partially offset by increased operating and interest expenses. Significant weather effects also impacted the fourth quarter, contributing about 70 basis points in FFO to debt for the full year.

Shawn Anderson: Significant weather effects also impacted the fourth quarter, contributing about 70 basis points in FFO to debt for the full year. The impact was mainly due to the timing of weather events, and a portion is expected to be passed back to customers in 2026 through regulatory mechanisms. Our capital plan on slide 10 includes $21 billion of base utility investment over the next five years, focused on grid modernization, gas infrastructure replacement, safety, and reliability. The Amazon project at GenCo represents $6 to $7 billion of capital investment through 2032, with the majority falling within the five-year planning window. The contract is designed to align cash inflows with customer ramp rate and incorporates protections that support both credit quality and financial flexibility. In addition to these guided capex plans, we maintain approximately $2 billion of upside capital investments, which supports our base business utility operations.

Speaker #2: The impact was mainly due to the timing of weather events and a portion is expected to be passed back to customers in 2026 through regulatory mechanisms.

Speaker #2: Our capital plan on slide 10 includes $21 billion of base utility investment over the next five years focused on grid modernization, gas infrastructure replacement, safety and reliability.

Speaker #2: The Amazon project at GENCO represents 6 to 7 billion dollars of capital investment through 2032, with the majority falling within the five-year planning window.

Speaker #2: The contract is designed to align cash inflows with customer ramp rate and incorporates protections that support both credit quality and financial flexibility. In addition to these guided CapEx plans, we maintain approximately $2 billion of upside capital investments, which supports our base business utility operations.

Speaker #2: Key investments include electric generation investments to comply with MISO's reliability standard and planning projects related to system hardening. Beyond the base and upside plans, our teams continue to advance the incremental investment opportunities, shared on slide 11, including MISO's long-range transmission planning process and the development of tranche two projects, FIMSA compliance, and advanced metering infrastructure.

Shawn Anderson: Key investments include electric generation investments to comply with MISO's reliability standard and planning projects related to system hardening. Beyond the base and upside plans, our teams continue to advance the incremental investment opportunities shared on slide 11, including MISO's long-range transmission planning process and the development of tranche two projects, FIMSA compliance, and advanced metering infrastructure. We are evaluating these opportunities and will incorporate these projects into our base capital expenditure plan once we've completed the scope and estimation work necessary to launch those projects. Our data center pipeline is shown on slide 12 and remains robust, reflecting our ability to actively develop and serve a growing roster of new customers. We continue to engage in strategic negotiations for 1 to 3 gigawatts of new capacity, underscoring the strength and scale of demand in our markets.

Speaker #2: We are evaluating these opportunities and will incorporate these projects into our base capital expenditure plan once we've completed the scope and estimation work necessary to launch those projects.

Speaker #2: Our data center pipeline is shown on slide 12 and remains robust, reflecting our ability to actively develop and serve a growing roster of new customers.

Speaker #2: We continue to engage in strategic negotiations for 1 to 3 gigawatts of new capacity, underscoring the strength and scale of demand in our markets.

Speaker #2: In addition to these advanced negotiations, we've identified up to three gigawatts of further developing opportunities. Positioning NISOURCE as a key energy partner for data center expansion and broader economic development objectives across our service territories.

Shawn Anderson: In addition to these advanced negotiations, we've identified up to 3GW of further developing opportunities, positioning NiSource as a key energy partner for data center expansion and broader economic development objectives across our service territories. On slide 13, you'll notice that since 2021, we've nearly doubled the generation capacity of the NIPSCO system and built a robust pipeline of projects to meet rising customer demand and support the energy transition. These additions enhance grid reliability and diversification while demonstrating NiSource's proven ability to execute large-scale construction projects. They also position us to serve an expanding customer base, support data center growth, and deliver on our long-term objectives. Slide 14 captures a summary of our financial commitments. We are reaffirming NiSource's consolidated adjusted EPS guidance range for 2026 of $2.02 to $2.07 per share, which represents approximately 8% year-over-year growth compared to 2025.

Speaker #2: On slide 13, you'll notice that since 2021, we've nearly doubled the generation capacity of the NIPSCO system and built a robust pipeline of projects to meet rising customer demand and support the energy transition.

Speaker #2: These additions enhance grid reliability and diversification while demonstrating NISOURCE's proven ability to execute large-scale construction projects. They also position us to serve and expanding customer base support data center growth and deliver on our long-term objectives.

Speaker #2: Slide 14 captures a summary of our financial commitments. We are reaffirming NiSource's consolidated adjusted EPS guidance range for 2026 of $2.02 to $2.07 per share, which represents approximately 8% year-over-year growth compared to 2025.

Speaker #2: This is fueled by the base business guidance of 201 to 205, which is expected to grow 6 to 8 percent off of the $1.90 adjusted EPS achieved in 2025.

Shawn Anderson: This is fueled by the base business guidance of $2.01 to $2.05, which is expected to grow 6% to 8% off of the $1.90 adjusted EPS achieved in 2025. In addition, in 2026, we expect GenCo to contribute $0.01 to $0.02 as it begins to ramp up its earnings contribution to NiSource. This drives a compound annual growth rate of 8% to 9% through 2033, supported by a 9% to 11% consolidated rate-based CAGR through 2033. We are committed to keeping O&M costs flat over the planned horizon to support sustainable operations and reduce future risks. In 2025, we proactively funded incremental initiatives focused on cybersecurity improvements, expanded leak repair activity, and better leak detection, initiatives that lower system risk and protect our infrastructure. Our plan assumes modest customer growth of less than 1% across all customer classes and conservative financing assumptions through 2030.

Speaker #2: In addition, in 2026, we expect GENCO to contribute 1 to 2 cents as it begins to ramp up its earnings contribution to NiSource. This drives a compound annual growth rate of 8 to 9 percent through 2033, supported by a 9 to 11 percent consolidated rate-based CAGR through 2033.

Speaker #2: We are committed to keeping O&M costs flat over the planned horizon to support sustainable operations and reduce future risks. In 2025, we proactively funded incremental initiatives focused on cybersecurity improvements, expanded leak repair activity, and better leak detection initiatives that lower system risk and protect our infrastructure.

Speaker #2: Our plan assumes modest customer growth of less than 1% across all customer classes and conservative financing assumptions through 2030. Our regulatory execution in 2025 has increased visibility into 2026 results, with the regulated revenue increases necessary to achieve our guidance range.

Shawn Anderson: Our regulatory execution in 2025 has increased visibility into 2026 results with the regulated revenue increases necessary to achieve our guidance range, either already reflected in rates or pending approval. Our forecasts incorporate continued use of long-established capital trackers in nearly all our jurisdictions and are based on what we believe are realistic regulatory outcomes. I am pleased to announce another successful year of dividend growth for our shareholders. In January, the board approved a 7.1% increase in the dividend for 2026 compared to 2025, reflecting our commitment to aligning dividend growth with earnings growth and maintaining our target payout ratio of 55% to 65% as outlined in our strategic plan. The strength of our balance sheet is highlighted on slide 15. We remain committed to maintaining FFO to Debt between 14% and 16% throughout the planned horizon.

Speaker #2: Either already reflected in rates or pending approval. Our forecasts incorporate continued use of long-established capital trackers and nearly all our jurisdictions and are based on what we believe are realistic regulatory outcomes.

Speaker #2: And I am pleased to announce another successful year of dividend growth for our shareholders. In January, the board approved a 7.1% increase in the dividend for 2026 compared to 2025, reflecting our commitment to aligning dividend growth with earnings growth and maintaining our target payout ratio of 55% to 65% as outlined in our strategic plan.

Speaker #2: The strength of our balance sheet is highlighted on slide 15. We remain committed to maintaining FFO to debt between '14 and '16 percent throughout the planned horizon.

Speaker #2: In 2025, we achieved 16.1%, an increase of 150 basis points exceeding our targeted guidance range. This was aided by strong internally generated cash flows from capital execution increased equity issuances via the at-the-market program, junior subordinated note issuances and higher than typical cash flow receipts from the above-normal weather conditions we experienced in 2025.

Shawn Anderson: In 2025, we achieved 16.1%, an increase of 150 basis points, exceeding our targeted guidance range. This was aided by strong internally generated cash flows from capital execution, increased equity issuances via the at-the-market program, junior subordinated note issuances, and higher than typical cash flow receipts from the above-normal weather conditions we experienced in 2025. This positions us well as we look to execute on our financial plan through 2033. We expect to fund our capital needs through a combination of operating cash flow, long-term debt, and $300 to $500 million per year of maintenance ATM equity at the parent. At the GenCo level, we retain the flexibility to leverage minority equity and project-level debt to minimize financing friction and maximize long-term shareholder value. Turning to slide 16, GenCo remains poised to deliver incremental value beginning in 2026 with guidance of 1 to 2 cents per share.

Speaker #2: This positions us well as we look to execute on our financial plan through 2033. We expect to fund our capital needs through a combination of operating cash flow long-term debt and $300 to $500 million per year of maintenance ATM equity at the parent.

Speaker #2: At the GENCO level, we retain the flexibility to leverage minority equity and project-level debt to minimize financing friction and maximize long-term shareholder value. Turning to slide 16, GENCO remains poised to deliver incremental value beginning in 2026 with guidance of 1 to 2 cents per share.

Speaker #2: We are confident in our strategic direction and look forward to sharing additional updates as we progress through the year and as we monitor the IURC's decision on the special contract filing.

Shawn Anderson: We are confident in our strategic direction and look forward to sharing additional updates as we progress through the year and as we monitor the IURC's decision on the special contract filing. The year also extended outperformance as shown on slide 17. By consistently following our business plan and rigorous capital allocation principles, we have shown ongoing growth and solid financial outcomes which compound over time. NiSource has met or exceeded the upper end of its guidance range each of the last five years. Each time this target is achieved, we adjust our future adjusted EPS guidance upwards to reflect these accomplishments. This approach has set us apart by creating real value for our shareholders. The effect of our outperformance in annual rebasing compounds, amplifying our achievements, and sets the stage for even greater financial momentum in the years ahead.

Speaker #2: The year also extended outperformance as shown on slide 17. By consistently following our business plan and rigorous capital allocation principles, we have shown ongoing growth and solid financial outcomes which compound over time.

Speaker #2: NISOURCE has met or exceeded the upper end of its guidance range each of the last five years. Each time this target is achieved, we adjust our future adjusted EPS guidance upwards to reflect these accomplishments.

Speaker #2: This approach has set us apart by creating real value for our shareholders. The effect of our outperformance in annual rebasing compounds amplifying our achievements and sets the stage for even greater financial momentum in the years ahead.

Speaker #2: For example, 2026's implied midpoint is now 8.8% higher than originally forecasted in 2022. That exceeds the upper range of one full fiscal year of earnings power since our strategic business review in 2022.

Shawn Anderson: For example, 2026's implied midpoint is now 8.8% higher than originally forecasted in 2022. That exceeds the upper range of one full fiscal year of earnings power since our strategic business review in 2022. Our track record of exceeding expectations has set a new benchmark for NiSource's performance, delivering 8.5% adjusted EPS since 2021 compared to the industry median growth of 6.4%. This growth in earnings power for NiSource, coupled with a greater than 7% increase in dividend to our shareholders for 2026, will enable us to achieve double-digit annual total shareholder return, which endures and grows over the business plan horizon. 2025's 9% year-over-year adjusted EPS growth rate continues a trend of over 8% growth already achieved annually in our business since 2022. We expect this to continue as we look further out to our long-term guidance rate.

Speaker #2: Our track record of exceeding expectations has set a new benchmark for NISOURCE's performance delivering 8.5% adjusted EPS since 2021 compared to the industry median growth of 6.4%.

Speaker #2: This growth in earnings power for NISOURCE, coupled with a greater than 7% increase in dividend to our shareholders for 2026, will enable us to achieve double-digit annual total shareholder return which endures and grows over the business plan horizon.

Speaker #2: 2025's 9% year-over-year adjusted EPS growth rate continues a trend of over 8% growth already achieved annually in our business since 2022. And we expect this to continue as we look further out to our long-term guidance rate.

Speaker #2: We contest a consolidation of data capable of adjusted EPS through '23. This consistency of structure and growth further reflects the need to strengthen our long-term profile over discipline and major new growth opportunities on agreement.

Shawn Anderson: We continue the consolidation of ATM, Q4 adjusted EPS through Q3. This consistency of structure and growth further reflects our need to strengthen our long-term profile, deliver discipline, and a major new growth opportunity upon agreement. Our team is executing discipline through 2026 in our strategy, financial commitment, our ability to sustain value to customers, and shareholders. Our positioning is to offer a diverse regulated utility with the ability to invest in gas infrastructure and the long transition story, which will fully integrate this. The elements of our story, opportunities in economic development, onshoring, data center development, fully differentiate our position from many alternatives today. That concludes our prepared remarks. The operator will now run the line for questions. At this time, I would like to ask each participant to send in your number on the telephone keypad. To withdraw, simply press the one again. We will pause momentarily to compile a roster. Your first question comes from the line of Nick Campanella. Hey, good morning. Thanks. Good morning.

Speaker #2: Our team is actively disciplined through 2026 in our strategy, financial commitment, our ability to sustainable value customers and shareholders, opposition NISOURCE to offer is diverse regulated utility with the actual invest in blank gas infrastructure and the long transition story will fully integrate this.

Speaker #2: These elements have been story opportunity to economic development onshoring center development, fully differentiate opposition to many alternative day. That operator over the line for questions.

Operator: At this time, I would like to ask each participant to send in your number on the telephone keypad. To withdraw, simply press the one again. We will pause momentarily to compile a roster. Your first question comes from the line of Nick Campanella.

Speaker #2: At this sort of like to ask a person number. Telephone keypad to withdraw in simply the one again. We will comment to compile roster.

Speaker #2: Your first comes from the line. Campanella.

[Analyst]: Hey, good morning. Thanks. Good morning.

Speaker #3: Hey, good morning.

Speaker #3: Thanks. Good Probe a

Speaker #4: morning.

Shawn Anderson: I'd like to probe a little. I know that we are affirming that the strategic negotiator for GenCo and talk about what investors should be looking for to know you're making kind of further progress as it relates to that figure. And maybe just kind of confirm where you stand in the supply chain, if you do think you can kind of deliver another gas solution this year or if it would be more renewables and batteries. Just any forward-looking thoughts there. Thanks. Oh, thanks. So I'll start and I'll ask Michael Luhrs the way in here. If you think about the GenCo order that we received last September, NiSource is in a position to offer what we said is a unique solution to potential large load customers.

[Analyst]: I'd like to probe a little. I know that we are affirming that the strategic negotiator for GenCo and talk about what investors should be looking for to know you're making kind of further progress as it relates to that figure. And maybe just kind of confirm where you stand in the supply chain, if you do think you can kind of deliver another gas solution this year or if it would be more renewables and batteries. Just any forward-looking thoughts there. Thanks.

Speaker #3: little. I know that we affirming the strategic negotiator for GENCO and talk about what investors should be looking for to know you're making kind of further progress as it relates to that figure.

Speaker #3: And maybe just kind of confirm where you stand in the supply chain, if you do think you can kind of deliver another gas solution this year, or if it would be more renewables and batteries, just any forward-looking thoughts there.

Speaker #3: Thanks.

Lloyd Yates: Oh, thanks. So I'll start and I'll ask Michael Luhrs the way in here. If you think about the GenCo order that we received last September, NiSource is in a position to offer what we said is a unique solution to potential large load customers.

Speaker #4: Oh, thanks. So

Speaker #4: I'll start, and I'll ask Michael Luhrs to weigh in here. Now, if you think about the GENCO order that we received last September, NiSource is in a position to offer what we said is a unique solution to potential large load customers.

Speaker #4: When you combine the order with our excess transmission capacity and our supportive policy in Indiana, we feel like we're in a really strong position to grow our data center load business.

Shawn Anderson: When you combine the order with our excess transmission capacity and our supportive policy in Indiana, we feel like we're in a really strong position to grow our data center load business. We've also created an organization under Michael Luhrs led by Dan Douglas. You probably don't know, but the sole purpose of the organization now is to execute on this opportunity. So with that being said, I mean, those guys wake up every day to execute on the data center opportunity. So I don't think future transactions will take as long as Amazon. When we did the Amazon deal, we had a bunch of people working part-time to accomplish that. Because I think what we're having now is better focus and better processes, which should lead to faster execution.

Lloyd Yates: When you combine the order with our excess transmission capacity and our supportive policy in Indiana, we feel like we're in a really strong position to grow our data center load business. We've also created an organization under Michael Luhrs led by Dan Douglas. You probably don't know, but the sole purpose of the organization now is to execute on this opportunity. So with that being said, I mean, those guys wake up every day to execute on the data center opportunity. So I don't think future transactions will take as long as Amazon. When we did the Amazon deal, we had a bunch of people working part-time to accomplish that. Because I think what we're having now is better focus and better processes, which should lead to faster execution.

Speaker #4: We've also created, we'll say, an organ, but we've created an organization under Michael Luhrs led by Dan Douglas. You probably don't know, but the sole purpose of the organization now is to execute on this opportunity so with that being said, I mean, Mike, those guys wake up every day to execute on the data center opportunity.

Speaker #4: So I don't think future transactions will take as long as Amazon. When we did the Amazon deal, we had a bunch of people working part-time to accomplish that.

Speaker #4: But I think where we're at now is better focus and better processes, which should lead to faster execution. And I'll turn it over to Michael to talk about the discussions with the counterparties, and then the...

Shawn Anderson: And I'll turn it over to Michael to talk about the discussions with the counterparties and then the queue and backlog. Sure. Thank you, Lloyd. The discussion with the counterparties are progressing well. We have multiple counterparties that are in that pipeline that we continue to develop. We feel very positive relative to those negotiations. And I do believe that the GenCo solution that we've designed and put forward has been advantageous to those discussions. Relative to the supply chain and the pipeline, as we've discussed before and as we continue to do, we are facilitating that pipeline through investment in long lead-time equipment, turbine reservations, breakers, transformers, etc., to help make sure that we can meet counterparty demand in a very timely way. Speed to market is one of our core tenets, and we're investing in that speed to market. Okay. Thanks. And appreciate that.

Lloyd Yates: And I'll turn it over to Michael to talk about the discussions with the counterparties and then the queue and backlog.

Speaker #4: Q and backlog. Sure.

Michael Luhrs: Sure. Thank you, Lloyd. The discussion with the counterparties are progressing well. We have multiple counterparties that are in that pipeline that we continue to develop. We feel very positive relative to those negotiations. And I do believe that the GenCo solution that we've designed and put forward has been advantageous to those discussions. Relative to the supply chain and the pipeline, as we've discussed before and as we continue to do, we are facilitating that pipeline through investment in long lead-time equipment, turbine reservations, breakers, transformers, etc., to help make sure that we can meet counterparty demand in a very timely way. Speed to market is one of our core tenets, and we're investing in that speed to market.

Speaker #5: Thank you, Lloyd. The discussions with the counterparties are progressing well. We have multiple counterparties that are in that pipeline that we continue to develop.

Speaker #5: We feel very positive relative to those negotiations. And I do believe that the GENCO solution that we've designed and put forward has been advantageous to those discussions.

Speaker #5: Relative to the supply chain and the pipeline, as we've discussed before and as we continue to do, we are facilitating that pipeline through investment in long lead time equipment, turbine reservations, breakers, transformers, etc.

Speaker #5: to help make sure that we very timely way, speed to market is one of our core tenets, and we're investing in that speed to market.

[Analyst]: Okay. Thanks. And appreciate that.

Speaker #3: Okay. Thanks. And appreciate that. Maybe just the commentary in the prepared around no pending rate cases outstanding. Can you just give us an idea of how you're thinking through your Pennsylvania strategy and what the considerations there are?

Shawn Anderson: Maybe just the commentary in the prepared around no pending rate case is outstanding. Can you just give us an idea of how you're thinking through your Pennsylvania strategy and what the considerations there are? So right now, we're not planning a rate case in Pennsylvania. I know there's been a lot of commentary about Pennsylvania. We just had a rate case. We finished a rate case last December. In that rate case, we increased revenue $55 million, got a 10% ROE. We had great conversations with the commissioners. One was to continue to invest and replace plastic pipe, first-generation plastic pipe in Pennsylvania, and continue along with that investment. At the same time, they wouldn't come in for rate cases so frequently. So we're in the midst of trying to solve that conundrum with some kind of regulatory solution that we're working through right now.

[Analyst]: Maybe just the commentary in the prepared around no pending rate case is outstanding. Can you just give us an idea of how you're thinking through your Pennsylvania strategy and what the considerations there are?

Lloyd Yates: So right now, we're not planning a rate case in Pennsylvania. I know there's been a lot of commentary about Pennsylvania. We just had a rate case. We finished a rate case last December. In that rate case, we increased revenue $55 million, got a 10% ROE. We had great conversations with the commissioners. One was to continue to invest and replace plastic pipe, first-generation plastic pipe in Pennsylvania, and continue along with that investment. At the same time, they wouldn't come in for rate cases so frequently. So we're in the midst of trying to solve that conundrum with some kind of regulatory solution that we're working through right now.

Speaker #4: So right now, we're not planning a rate case in Pennsylvania. I know there's been a lot of commentary about Pennsylvania. We just had a rate case.

Speaker #4: We finished a rate case last December, and in that rate case we increased revenue $55 million, got a 10% ROE. We had great conversations.

Speaker #4: With the commissioners, one was to continue to invest and replace plastic pipe—first generation plastic pipe—in Pennsylvania, continue along with that investment. At the same time, there was, don't come in for rate cases.

Speaker #4: So frequently, so we're in the midst of trying to solve that conundrum with some kind of regulatory solution that we're working through right now, but we don't have anything new to tell you about that.

Shawn Anderson: But we don't have anything new to tell you about that. Okay. Thank you. Your next question comes from the line of Julien Dumoulin-Smith with Jefferies. Please go ahead. Good morning, team. This is Spark on for Julian. And appreciate the caller. Yeah, thank you. On the supply chain. And maybe just a quick follow-up on timing. Should we think about announcement of the next GenCo deal as contingent on receiving the first IURC approval for the special contract filing, or could the second project be announced ahead of that milestone? So as we mentioned earlier, let me say, we're executing on our strategy. We have a specific team working on that strategy. We have more focus and better processes, but we don't have a date. I think that we're dealing with a portfolio of customers. These are complicated transactions.

Lloyd Yates: But we don't have anything new to tell you about that.

[Analyst]: Okay. Thank you.

Speaker #3: Okay. Thank

Speaker #3: you. Your next question comes

Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Julien Dumoulin-Smith with Jefferies. Please go ahead.

Speaker #6: from the line of Julian Smith with Jefferies. Please go

Speaker #6: ahead. Good morning, team.

Spark Lee: Good morning, team. This is Spark on for Julian. And appreciate the caller. Yeah, thank you. On the supply chain. And maybe just a quick follow-up on timing. Should we think about announcement of the next GenCo deal as contingent on receiving the first IURC approval for the special contract filing, or could the second project be announced ahead of that milestone?

Speaker #7: This is Spark on for

Speaker #7: Julian, and I appreciate the caller. Yeah, thank you. Good morning. On the supply chain—and maybe just a quick follow-up on timing—should we think about announcement of the next GENCO deal as contingent on receiving the first IURC approval for the special contract filing, or could the second project be announced ahead of that milestone?

Lloyd Yates: So as we mentioned earlier, let me say, we're executing on our strategy. We have a specific team working on that strategy. We have more focus and better processes, but we don't have a date. I think that we're dealing with a portfolio of customers. These are complicated transactions.

Speaker #4: So as we mentioned earlier, let me say we're executing on our strategy. We have a specific team working on that strategy. We have more focus and better processes.

Speaker #4: But we don't have a date. I think that we're dealing with a—I know that we're dealing with a portfolio of customers. These are complicated transactions.

Speaker #4: They take a lot of time. And with that portfolio of customers, we don't have specific time to lay out to you right now. When we know something, we'll communicate it appropriately.

Shawn Anderson: They take a lot of time. With that portfolio of customers, we don't have specific time to lay out to you right now. When we know something, we'll communicate it appropriately. Michael, you want to add anything to that? The only thing I would add to that is another opportunity is not dependent upon the IURC approval of the first opportunity with Amazon. That is not a condition precedent in what we're doing with additional development of the pipeline. Okay. Appreciate the color, and thank you. Maybe if I can quickly pivot to regulatory front, and appreciate the color on Pennsylvania rate case filing. Maybe just how should we think about the timing for the NIPSCO gas rate case filing this year? Are you on track, or do you plan to file for that rate case this year? Just based on historical cadence.

Lloyd Yates: They take a lot of time. With that portfolio of customers, we don't have specific time to lay out to you right now. When we know something, we'll communicate it appropriately. Michael, you want to add anything to that?

Speaker #4: Mike, were you going to add anything to that?

Michael Luhrs: The only thing I would add to that is another opportunity is not dependent upon the IURC approval of the first opportunity with Amazon. That is not a condition precedent in what we're doing with additional development of the pipeline.

Speaker #5: The only thing I would add to that is the another opportunity is not dependent upon the IURC approval of the first opportunity with Amazon.

Speaker #5: That is not a condition precedence in what we're doing with additional development of the pipeline.

Spark Lee: Okay. Appreciate the color, and thank you. Maybe if I can quickly pivot to regulatory front, and appreciate the color on Pennsylvania rate case filing. Maybe just how should we think about the timing for the NIPSCO gas rate case filing this year? Are you on track, or do you plan to file for that rate case this year? Just based on historical cadence.

Speaker #7: Okay. Appreciate the caller and thank you. And maybe if I can quickly pivot to regulatory front and appreciate the caller on Pennsylvania rate case filing.

Speaker #7: Maybe just, how should we think about the timing for the NIPSCO gas rate case filing this year? Are you on track, or do you plan to file for that rate case this year?

Speaker #7: Just based on historical cadence.

Speaker #4: Melody, why don't you handle

Shawn Anderson: Melody Birmingham, you can handle that. Yeah. At this time, we have not made the determination to file for a rate case. We're taking everything into consideration. But at this time, no. Okay. Thank you. Your next question comes from the line of Bill Appicelli with UBS Securities. Please go ahead. Hi. Good morning. Just following up on the same theme here. As far as those conversations are going, can you speak to maybe the scale of the opportunities? I mean, obviously, the initial announcement was quite large. I mean, should the expectation be smaller contract sizes moving forward, or any thoughts there of how you guys are framing out the size and scale of the incremental opportunity? So we haven't disclosed the size and scale.

Lloyd Yates: Melody Birmingham, you can handle that.

Speaker #4: that? Yeah.

Melody Birmingham: Yeah. At this time, we have not made the determination to file for a rate case. We're taking everything into consideration. But at this time, no.

Speaker #3: At this time, we have not made the determination to file for a rate case. We're taking everything into consideration, but at this time,

Speaker #3: no. Okay.

Spark Lee: Okay. Thank you.

Speaker #7: Thank

Speaker #7: you. Your next

Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Bill Appicelli with UBS Securities. Please go ahead.

Speaker #6: question comes from the line of Bill Appicelli with UBS Securities. Please go

Speaker #6: ahead. Hi.

Bill Appicelli: Hi. Good morning. Just following up on the same theme here. As far as those conversations are going, can you speak to maybe the scale of the opportunities? I mean, obviously, the initial announcement was quite large. I mean, should the expectation be smaller contract sizes moving forward, or any thoughts there of how you guys are framing out the size and scale of the incremental opportunity? So we haven't disclosed the size and scale.

Speaker #8: Good morning. Just following up on the same theme here. As far as those conversations are going, can you speak to maybe the scale of the opportunities?

Speaker #8: I mean, obviously, the initial announcement was quite large. I mean, should the expectation be smaller contract sizes moving forward, or any thoughts there of how you guys are framing out the size and scale of the incremental

Speaker #8: opportunity? So we

Speaker #4: We haven't disclosed the size and scale. What we've said is we're in strategic negotiations with one to three gigawatts, and that entails a portfolio of customers.

Shawn Anderson: What we've said is we're in strategic negotiations with 1 to 3 gigawatts, and that entails a portfolio of customers and could be multiple sizes and shapes. Michael, anything to add to that? The only thing I would add to it is, if you remember our criteria around making sure for stakeholders that we're maintaining the balance sheet, the speed to market, providing a benefit to customers, we really look at those criteria for the determination of what deals we pull through. If customers meet those opportunities of those deals and we can effectively serve them and execute on those, then we will continue to do that. So it's more about the capabilities and the contractual agreements than it is about the specific size of the counterparties. Okay.

Lloyd Yates: What we've said is we're in strategic negotiations with 1 to 3 gigawatts, and that entails a portfolio of customers and could be multiple sizes and shapes. Michael, anything to add to that?

Speaker #4: And it could be multiple sizes and shapes.

Speaker #4: Michael, anything added? The only thing I—

Michael Luhrs: The only thing I would add to it is, if you remember our criteria around making sure for stakeholders that we're maintaining the balance sheet, the speed to market, providing a benefit to customers, we really look at those criteria for the determination of what deals we pull through. If customers meet those opportunities of those deals and we can effectively serve them and execute on those, then we will continue to do that. So it's more about the capabilities and the contractual agreements than it is about the specific size of the counterparties.

Speaker #5: would add to it is if you remember our criteria around making sure for stakeholders that we're maintaining the balance sheet, the speed to market, providing a benefit to customers.

Speaker #5: We really look at those criteria. For the determination of what deals we pull through. If customers meet those opportunities, those deals, and we can effectively serve them and execute on those, then we will continue to do that.

Speaker #5: So it's more about the capabilities and the contractual agreements than it is about the specific size of the counterparties.

Bill Appicelli: Okay.

Speaker #8: Okay. And has the pace of those conversations picked up at all just in the last few months as we've seen some slowdowns in other regions?

Shawn Anderson: And has the pace of those conversations picked up at all just in the last few months as we've seen some slowdowns in other regions? I'm just curious on that front. I'd say the pace of the conversations, discussions have picked up. Our organization speed has picked up. We have a lot of confidence in our ability to execute on the strategy. Okay. Great. And then just one other topic here. Can you maybe explain a little bit around the significance of Senate Bill 103 and what that could mean for large load customer opportunities in Ohio? Or I guess, are any of those contemplated within the base capital or the $2 billion of upside base capex? Shawn? Yeah. Thanks, Bill. Appreciate the question. We've not incorporated any upside from economic development or the procurement of large load customers into the Columbia Gas, Ohio forecast yet.

Bill Appicelli: And has the pace of those conversations picked up at all just in the last few months as we've seen some slowdowns in other regions? I'm just curious on that front.

Speaker #8: I'm just curious on that front.

Lloyd Yates: I'd say the pace of the conversations, discussions have picked up. Our organization speed has picked up. We have a lot of confidence in our ability to execute on the strategy.

Speaker #4: I'd say the pace of the conversations and discussions has picked up. Our organization speed has picked up. We have a lot of confidence in our ability to execute on the

Speaker #4: strategy. Okay.

Bill Appicelli: Okay. Great. And then just one other topic here. Can you maybe explain a little bit around the significance of Senate Bill 103 and what that could mean for large load customer opportunities in Ohio? Or I guess, are any of those contemplated within the base capital or the $2 billion of upside base capex?

Speaker #8: Great. And then just one other topic here. Can you maybe explain a little bit around the significance of Senate Bill 103 and what that could mean for large load customer opportunities in Ohio?

Speaker #8: Or I guess, are any of those contemplated within the base capital or the 2 billion of upside base

Speaker #8: capex? Yeah. Thanks, Bill. Go on. Appreciate the question. We've not incorporated any upside from economic development or the procurement of large load customers into the Columbia Gas, Ohio forecast yet.

Lloyd Yates: Shawn?

Shawn Anderson: Yeah. Thanks, Bill. Appreciate the question. We've not incorporated any upside from economic development or the procurement of large load customers into the Columbia Gas, Ohio forecast yet.

Speaker #8: We're currently working on optimization based on the outcome that we received in December and the new law signed to help us optimize both the regulatory strategy as well as minimizing the regulatory lag potential, get tighter and more certain capital recovery timelines, and then certainly how we can action alongside Michael's team the upside that could come from economic development and data center opportunities in Ohio, but none of that's reflected in the COH plan at this point.

Shawn Anderson: We're currently working on optimization based on the outcome that we received in December and the new law signed to help us optimize both the regulatory strategy as well as minimizing the regulatory lag potential, get tighter and more certain capital recovery timelines, and then certainly how we can action alongside Michael's team, the upside that could come from economic development and data center opportunities in Ohio. But none of that's reflected in the COH plan at this point. Okay. Is that something you could fold in later this year? Yep. Absolutely. Throughout the year, even at that point, we wouldn't need to wait till a typical full-plan refresh for us to provide guidance, whether it's on individual projects or the upside capex as we've shown in the past. We'll flow those potential upsides into our plan all along the way. All right. Great. Thank you very much.

Bill Appicelli: Okay. Is that something you could fold in later this year?

Speaker #8: Okay. Is that something you could fold in later this year?

Shawn Anderson: Yep. Absolutely. Throughout the year, even at that point, we wouldn't need to wait till a typical full-plan refresh for us to provide guidance, whether it's on individual projects or the upside capex as we've shown in the past. We'll flow those potential upsides into our plan all along the way.

Speaker #4: Yep, absolutely. Throughout the year, even at that point, we wouldn't need to wait until a typical full plan refresh for us to provide guidance, whether it's on individual projects or the upside CapEx, as we've shown in the past.

Speaker #4: We'll flow those potential upsides into our plan all along the

Speaker #4: way. All right.

Bill Appicelli: All right. Great. Thank you very much.

Speaker #8: Great. Thank you very much.

Speaker #6: Your next question comes from the line of Eli Hossen with JP Morgan. Please go ahead.

Shawn Anderson: Your next question comes from the line of Eli Haasen with JPMorgan. Please go ahead. Hey, everyone. Just wanted to start on some of the recent developments across Indiana as it pertains to the base business. Can you remind us where we are on House Bill 1002 and frame potential impact of that legislation, and maybe just speak more broadly to some of the IURC appointment changes and their overall view of your business and the affordability backdrop? Thanks. So let me start with we're supportive of House Bill 1002. Today, it's in, I think, Senate Appropriations in the state of Indiana. The session ends 15 March, so I'm not sure whether it'll get out of appropriations in time for the approval process. But overall, I think it'll be good for us.

Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Eli Haasen with JPMorgan. Please go ahead.

Speaker #6: ahead. Hey,

[Analyst] (JPMorgan): Hey, everyone. Just wanted to start on some of the recent developments across Indiana as it pertains to the base business. Can you remind us where we are on House Bill 1002 and frame potential impact of that legislation, and maybe just speak more broadly to some of the IURC appointment changes and their overall view of your business and the affordability backdrop? Thanks.

Speaker #9: everyone. Just wanted to start on some of the recent developments across Indiana as it pertains to the base business. Can you remind us where we are on House Bill 1002 and frame potential impact of that legislation and maybe just speak more broadly to some of the IURC appointment changes and their overall view of your business and the affordability backdrop?

Speaker #9: Thanks.

Lloyd Yates: So let me start with we're supportive of House Bill 1002. Today, it's in, I think, Senate Appropriations in the state of Indiana. The session ends 15 March, so I'm not sure whether it'll get out of appropriations in time for the approval process. But overall, I think it'll be good for us.

Speaker #8: So let me start with

Speaker #8: we're supportive of House Bill 1002. Today, it's in, I think, Senate appropriations in the state of Indiana. The session ends March 15th, so I'm not sure whether it'll get out of the it'll get out of appropriations in time for the approval process.

Speaker #8: But overall, I think it would be good for us. I mean, the bill has had four big components: multi-year rate plans, and some performance-based components.

Shawn Anderson: I mean, the bill has kind of four big components: multi-year rate plans and some performance-based components. It has a mandatory budget building with an opt-out. Then it has a low-income plan, funding for a low-income plan, which we already have in the state of Indiana. So we think the bill is ultimately good. We support the bill. I think we've had good input into the bill, and we like where it is. I think with respect to the commissioners, the three new IURC appointments, I think they'll be balanced. We're very familiar with all three of the new commissioners. And again, think Indiana will continue to be a very constructive regulatory jurisdiction. Awesome. And then geez, but can you remind us if the high end of the GenCo range reflects the full upper bound of Amazon's ramp, or is that a more conservative scenario?

Lloyd Yates: I mean, the bill has kind of four big components: multi-year rate plans and some performance-based components. It has a mandatory budget building with an opt-out. Then it has a low-income plan, funding for a low-income plan, which we already have in the state of Indiana. So we think the bill is ultimately good. We support the bill. I think we've had good input into the bill, and we like where it is. I think with respect to the commissioners, the three new IURC appointments, I think they'll be balanced. We're very familiar with all three of the new commissioners. And again, think Indiana will continue to be a very constructive regulatory jurisdiction.

Speaker #8: It has a mandatory budget building with an opt-out. Then it has a low-income plan, funding for low-income plan, which we already have in the state of Indiana.

Speaker #8: So we think the bill will ultimately be good. We support the bill. I think we've had good input into the bill. And we like where it is.

Speaker #8: I think with respect to the commissioners, the three new IURC appointments, I think there'll be balanced we're very familiar with all three of the new commissioners.

Speaker #8: And again, I think Indiana will continue to be a very constructive regulatory environment.

Speaker #8: jurisdiction. Awesome.

[Analyst] (JPMorgan): Awesome. And then geez, but can you remind us if the high end of the GenCo range reflects the full upper bound of Amazon's ramp, or is that a more conservative scenario?

Speaker #9: And then, jeez, but can you remind us if the high end of the GenCo range reflects the full upper bound of Amazon's ramp, or is that a more conservative scenario?

Speaker #9: I'm just trying to understand sort of the total possibility there on the GenCo contributions.

Shawn Anderson: I'm just trying to understand sort of the total possibility there on the GenCo contributions. Yeah. So this is Shawn. There's a range of scenarios which have the potential to impact the positioning of where we're at within the range. The most notable are related to financing costs and construction timelines. Faster-than-anticipated construction leads to lower financing costs, thus positioning us likely higher in the range. Slower construction timelines could lead to more financing costs and thus a lower position within the guided range. In addition, we've got some opportunity to optimize that financing cost overall. We're evaluating those scenarios, and we could see some outperformance of where we are within our point estimate, which would ultimately strengthen the earnings contribution to NiSource. So we have a range of scenarios reflected in the guidance that we've provided for all years.

[Analyst] (JPMorgan): I'm just trying to understand sort of the total possibility there on the GenCo contributions.

Shawn Anderson: Yeah. So this is Shawn. There's a range of scenarios which have the potential to impact the positioning of where we're at within the range. The most notable are related to financing costs and construction timelines. Faster-than-anticipated construction leads to lower financing costs, thus positioning us likely higher in the range. Slower construction timelines could lead to more financing costs and thus a lower position within the guided range. In addition, we've got some opportunity to optimize that financing cost overall. We're evaluating those scenarios, and we could see some outperformance of where we are within our point estimate, which would ultimately strengthen the earnings contribution to NiSource. So we have a range of scenarios reflected in the guidance that we've provided for all years.

Speaker #8: Yeah. So this is Shawn. There's a range of scenarios which have the potential to impact the positioning of where we're at within the range.

Speaker #8: The most notable are related to financing costs and construction timelines. Faster financing costs. Thus, positioning us likely higher in the range. Slower construction timelines could lead to more financing costs and thus a lower position within the guided range.

Speaker #8: In addition, we've got some opportunity to optimize that financing cost overall. We're evaluating those scenarios, and we could see some outperformance of where we are within our point estimate, which would ultimately strengthen the earnings contribution to NiSource.

Speaker #8: So, we have a range of scenarios reflected in the guidance that we've provided for all years. Certainly, incremental customers or changes to the current timelines could represent upsides.

Shawn Anderson: Certainly, incremental customers or changes to the current timelines could represent upsides and strengthen where we're at. But those are further out as we look at the 2033 guidance range. Got it. Appreciate the caller. Your next question comes from the line of Travis Miller with Morningstar. Please go ahead. Good morning, everyone. Thank you. Good morning. Quick one on Schahfer. I'll save you from all the data center questions here. So two unrelated ones. Schahfer, economics, runtime, plans to retire. Besides what you said in the opening comments, what's a more detailed plan for Schahfer, do you think, right now? So as you know, we received a 202 Order on Schahfer. I think it was 23 December. We were going to retire that plant 31 December. We filed with FERC and going down a path for cost recovery.

Speaker #8: And strengthen where we're at. But those are for the route as we look at the 2033 guidance

Speaker #8: range. Got it.

[Analyst] (JPMorgan): Got it. Appreciate the caller.

Speaker #9: Appreciate the color.

Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Travis Miller with Morningstar. Please go ahead.

Speaker #6: Your next question comes from the line of Travis Miller with Morningstar. Please go ahead.

Travis Miller: Good morning, everyone. Thank you.

Speaker #10: Good morning, everyone. Thank

Speaker #10: you. Good Quick one on

Lloyd Yates: Good morning.

Speaker #11: morning.

Travis Miller: Quick one on Schahfer. I'll save you from all the data center questions here. So two unrelated ones. Schahfer, economics, runtime, plans to retire. Besides what you said in the opening comments, what's a more detailed plan for Schahfer, do you think, right now?

Speaker #10: Shafer. I'll save you from all the data center questions here. So two unrelated ones. Shafer, economics runtime plans to retire. What's beside what you said in the opening comments?

Speaker #10: What's a more detailed plan for Shafer, do you think, right

Speaker #10: now? So as you know,

Lloyd Yates: So as you know, we received a 202 Order on Schahfer. I think it was 23 December. We were going to retire that plant 31 December. We filed with FERC and going down a path for cost recovery.

Speaker #4: We received a 202 order on Shafer. I think it was December 23rd. We were going to retire that plant December 31st. We filed with FERC and are going down a path for cost recovery.

Speaker #4: Right now, in terms of our capital plan, we have enough flexibility in our capital plan where running Shafer as an alternative is not going to have a big impact on our capital plan.

Shawn Anderson: Right now, in terms of our capital plan, we have enough flexibility in our capital plan where running Schahfer as an alternative is not going to have a big impact on our capital plan. I think runtime will be determined by NiSource in terms of demand and availability. But we are putting ourselves in a position to be able to operate Schahfer, operate it reliably and effectively. I think longer term, there are some environmental constraints that'll prevent it from operating at a really long term. But those are subject to change with some of the EPA regulations that are being changed right now. So we expect to receive maybe another order every 90 days. And until the federal government changes the way that process works, we're going to operate Schahfer and comply with all the orders that we receive. Okay. Makes sense. And then higher-level question.

Lloyd Yates: Right now, in terms of our capital plan, we have enough flexibility in our capital plan where running Schahfer as an alternative is not going to have a big impact on our capital plan. I think runtime will be determined by NiSource in terms of demand and availability. But we are putting ourselves in a position to be able to operate Schahfer, operate it reliably and effectively. I think longer term, there are some environmental constraints that'll prevent it from operating at a really long term. But those are subject to change with some of the EPA regulations that are being changed right now. So we expect to receive maybe another order every 90 days. And until the federal government changes the way that process works, we're going to operate Schahfer and comply with all the orders that we receive.

Speaker #4: I think runtime will be determined by MISO. In terms of demand and availability. But it will weave or put ourselves in a position to be able to operate Shafer, operate it reliably and effectively, I think longer term, there are some environmental constraints that will prevent it from operating at a really long term.

Speaker #4: But those are subject to change with some of the EPA regulations that are being changed right now. So, we expect to receive maybe another order every 90 days until the federal government changes the way that process works.

Speaker #4: We're going to operate Shafer and comply with all the orders that we receive.

Travis Miller: Okay. Makes sense. And then higher-level question.

Speaker #10: Okay. Makes sense. And then higher-level question. What are you seeing across your jurisdictions in terms of electric and gas coordination? So either timing or supply coordination.

Shawn Anderson: What are you seeing across your jurisdictions in terms of electric and gas coordination? So either timing or supply coordination, that's an issue that's been coming up here recently. What's the status, do you think, in your jurisdiction as you obviously add more gas generation and have that gas supply side? I'll talk about this not as NiSource, but as the former chair of the AGA. We've been intimately involved. William Ohlicka, who's our senior vice president of operations, has led the GEER task force, which is really the point on this spear from the AGA perspective and on the electric side of the business of figuring out how to more effectively coordinate gas and electric across the entire United States. So I'd say this is a US thing from this is a United States thing, not just our region issue. It's an important issue. I think it's getting better.

Travis Miller: What are you seeing across your jurisdictions in terms of electric and gas coordination? So either timing or supply coordination, that's an issue that's been coming up here recently. What's the status, do you think, in your jurisdiction as you obviously add more gas generation and have that gas supply side?

Speaker #10: I know it's an issue that's been coming up here recently. What's the status, do you think, in your jurisdiction as you obviously add more gas generation and have that gas supply side?

Lloyd Yates: I'll talk about this not as NiSource, but as the former chair of the AGA. We've been intimately involved. William Ohlicka, who's our senior vice president of operations, has led the GEER task force, which is really the point on this spear from the AGA perspective and on the electric side of the business of figuring out how to more effectively coordinate gas and electric across the entire United States. So I'd say this is a US thing from this is a United States thing, not just our region issue. It's an important issue. I think it's getting better.

Speaker #8: I'll talk about former chair of the this not as NISOURCE but as the AGA. We've been intimately involved. We are MOHICA, who's our senior vice president of operations has led the gear task force, which is really the point on the sphere from the AGA perspective and with on the electric side of the business of figuring out how to more effectively coordinate gas and electric across the entire United States.

Speaker #8: So I'd say this is a US thing from this is a United States thing, not just our region issue is an important issue. I think it's getting better.

Speaker #8: I think the processes are being developed to be much more effective and have much tighter coordination than we have in the past, which I think will really be important for reliability and resilience.

Shawn Anderson: I think the processes are being developed to be much more effective and have much tighter coordination than we have in the past, which I think will really be important for reliability and resilience. Okay. Great. That's all I had. Thanks so much. Your next question comes from the line of Paul Fremont with Leidenberg. Please go ahead. Thank you very much. Congratulations on a great year. I guess my question has to do with what should we expect with respect to reporting for the GenCo? Right now, you've got Columbia Operations, NIPSCO, corporate, and other. Should we be looking for a fourth segment for the GenCo, or how do you plan on showing that in terms of the financials? Shawn? Yeah. Hey, good morning, Paul. We do anticipate, as GenCo becomes more material to NiSource's operations, to break CO out as its own segment.

Lloyd Yates: I think the processes are being developed to be much more effective and have much tighter coordination than we have in the past, which I think will really be important for reliability and resilience.

Travis Miller: Okay. Great. That's all I had. Thanks so much.

Speaker #10: Okay. Great. That's all I had. Thanks so

Speaker #10: much. Your next

Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Paul Fremont with Leidenberg. Please go ahead.

Speaker #6: The question comes from the line of Paul Fremont with Ladenburg. Please go ahead.

Paul Fremont: Thank you very much. Congratulations on a great year. I guess my question has to do with what should we expect with respect to reporting for the GenCo? Right now, you've got Columbia Operations, NIPSCO, corporate, and other. Should we be looking for a fourth segment for the GenCo, or how do you plan on showing that in terms of the financials?

Speaker #5: Thank you very much. Congratulations on a great year. I guess my question has to do with what should we expect with respect to reporting for the GenCo?

Speaker #5: Right now, you've got Columbia operations, NIPSCO, corporate and other. Should we be looking for a fourth segment for the GenCo or how do you plan on showing that in terms of the financials?

Shawn Anderson: Yeah. Hey, good morning, Paul. We do anticipate, as GenCo becomes more material to NiSource's operations, to break CO out as its own segment.

Lloyd Yates: Shawn?

Speaker #4: Shawn?

Speaker #11: Yeah. Hey, good morning, Paul. We do anticipate as GenCo becomes more material to NISOURCE's operations to break. Go out as its own segment. Obviously, we haven't done that yet for 2025 reporting.

Shawn Anderson: Obviously, we haven't done that yet for 2025 reporting. But as we step into 2026's results, we would anticipate growing to provide incremental disclosure around that. So I mean, should we begin to see something like in the first quarter? Will it be more towards the end of the year or several years out when the EPS contribution goes higher? I'd expect it in 2026 fiscal results. So I would start to build that out in your models. We haven't disclosed the exact timing of when we'll do that. We're underway to make sure we can get that disclosure out there. Okay. And then last sort of question will be, when you do break it out, will it be a full income statement or just partial? We'll be sure to get that information out to you, Paul.

Shawn Anderson: Obviously, we haven't done that yet for 2025 reporting. But as we step into 2026's results, we would anticipate growing to provide incremental disclosure around that.

Speaker #11: But as we step into 2026 as a result, we would anticipate growing to provide incremental disclosure around

Speaker #11: that. So I mean, should we

Paul Fremont: So I mean, should we begin to see something like in the first quarter? Will it be more towards the end of the year or several years out when the EPS contribution goes higher?

Speaker #8: Do you begin to see something like that in the first quarter? Will it be more towards the end of the year? Or is it several years out when the EPS contribution goes higher?

Shawn Anderson: I'd expect it in 2026 fiscal results. So I would start to build that out in your models. We haven't disclosed the exact timing of when we'll do that. We're underway to make sure we can get that disclosure out there.

Speaker #4: I'd expect it in 2026, fiscal results. So I would start to build that out in your models. We haven't disclosed the exact timing of when we'll do that.

Speaker #4: We're underway to make sure we can get that disclosure out there.

Paul Fremont: Okay. And then last sort of question will be, when you do break it out, will it be a full income statement or just partial?

Speaker #8: Okay. And then last sort of question. Will it be when you do break it out, will it be a full income statement? Or just

Speaker #8: partial? We'll be sure to get that information

Shawn Anderson: We'll be sure to get that information out to you, Paul.

Speaker #4: Out to you, Paul. We haven't exactly disclosed those plans yet. But we'll get that updated for you and help you if you need any side conversations on what to start to build out.

Shawn Anderson: We haven't exactly disclosed those plans yet, but we'll get that updated for you and help you if you need any side conversations on what to start to build out. Great. Thank you very much. That concludes our question-and-answer session. I will now turn the call back over to Chief Executive Officer Lloyd Yates for closing remarks. First of all, thank you for your questions and your interest in NiSource. I do want to take this opportunity because I know they're listening to thank all of the NiSource employees and contractors for Winter Storm Fern. Our performance was exceptional. We had very few customers interrupted. Our customers stayed safe and warm, and we recognize the hard work that went into that. So thank you to the team. Have a great day. Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes today's call. Thank you all for joining. You may now disconnect.

Shawn Anderson: We haven't exactly disclosed those plans yet, but we'll get that updated for you and help you if you need any side conversations on what to start to build out.

Paul Fremont: Great. Thank you very much.

Speaker #8: Great. Thank you very much.

Operator: That concludes our question-and-answer session. I will now turn the call back over to Chief Executive Officer Lloyd Yates for closing remarks.

Speaker #6: That concludes our question and answer session. I will now turn the call back over to Chief Executive Officer Lloyd Yates for closing remarks.

Lloyd Yates: First of all, thank you for your questions and your interest in NiSource. I do want to take this opportunity because I know they're listening to thank all of the NiSource employees and contractors for Winter Storm Fern. Our performance was exceptional. We had very few customers interrupted. Our customers stayed safe and warm, and we recognize the hard work that went into that. So thank you to the team. Have a great day.

Speaker #4: First of all, thank you for your questions and your interest in NISOURCE. I do want to take this opportunity because I know they're listening to thank all of the NISOURCE employees and contractors for Winter Storm Fern.

Speaker #4: Our performance was exceptional. We had very few customers interrupted our customer stayed safe and warm. And we recognized the hard work that went into that.

Speaker #4: So, thank you to the team. Have a great day.

Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes today's call. Thank you all for joining. You may now disconnect.

Q4 2025 NiSource Inc Earnings Call

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