XPLR Infrastructure Q4 2025 XPLR Infrastructure Earnings Call | AllMind AI Earnings | AllMind AI
Q4 2025 XPLR Infrastructure Earnings Call
Speaker #1: Good day and welcome to the Explorer Infrastructure 4th Quarter and Full Year 2025 Earnings Conference Call. All participants will be in a listen-only mode.
Operator: Good day and welcome to the XPLR Infrastructure Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Earnings Conference Call. All participants will be in a listen-only mode. Should you need assistance, please signal a conference specialist by pressing the star key followed by zero. After today's presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. To ask a question, you may press star then one on your touch-tone phone. To withdraw your question, please press star then two. Please note this event is being recorded. I would now like to turn the conference over to C. G. John, Director of Investor Relations. Please go ahead.
Operator: Good day and welcome to the XPLR Infrastructure Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Earnings Conference Call. All participants will be in a listen-only mode. Should you need assistance, please signal a conference specialist by pressing the star key followed by zero. After today's presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. To ask a question, you may press star then one on your touch-tone phone. To withdraw your question, please press star then two. Please note this event is being recorded. I would now like to turn the conference over to C. G. John, Director of Investor Relations. Please go ahead.
Speaker #1: signal a conference specialist by pressing the Should you need assistance, please star key followed by 0. After today's presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions.
Speaker #1: press star then 1 on your touchstone To ask a question, you may phone. To withdraw your question, please press star then 2. Please note this event is being recorded.
Speaker #1: over to Khanji John, Director of Investor I would now like to turn the conference Relations. Please go ahead.
C. G. John: Thank you, Danielle. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining our Q4 and Full Year 2025 Financial Results Conference Call for XPLR Infrastructure. With me this morning are Alan Liu, President and Chief Executive Officer of XPLR Infrastructure, and Jessica Jeffrey, Chief Financial Officer of XPLR Infrastructure. Alan will start with opening remarks, and then Jessica will provide an overview of our results and near-term priorities. Our executive team will then be available to answer your questions. On this call, we'll be making forward-looking statements based on current expectations and assumptions, which are subject to risks and uncertainties.
C. G. John: Thank you, Danielle. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining our Q4 and Full Year 2025 Financial Results Conference Call for XPLR Infrastructure. With me this morning are Alan Liu, President and Chief Executive Officer of XPLR Infrastructure, and Jessica Jeffrey, Chief Financial Officer of XPLR Infrastructure. Alan will start with opening remarks, and then Jessica will provide an overview of our results and near-term priorities. Our executive team will then be available to answer your questions. On this call, we'll be making forward-looking statements based on current expectations and assumptions, which are subject to risks and uncertainties.
Speaker #2: Danielle. Good morning, everyone, and thank you Thank you, for joining our 4th Quarter and Full Year 2025 Financial Results Conference Call for Explorer Infrastructure.
Speaker #2: are Alan Lu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Explorer With me this morning Infrastructure, and Jessica Jeffrey, Chief Financial Officer of Explorer Infrastructure. Alan will start with opening remarks and then Jessica will provide an overview of our results and near-term priorities.
Speaker #2: Our executive team will then be available to answer your questions. On this call, we'll be making forward-looking statements based on current expectations and assumptions, which are subject to risks and uncertainties.
Speaker #2: Actual results could differ materially from our forward-looking statements if any of our key assumptions are incorrect or because of other factors discussed in today's earnings news release, and the comments made during this conference call, and the risk factors section of the accompanying presentation, or in our latest reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, each of which can be found on our website, www.xplorerinfrastructure.com.
C. G. John: Actual results could differ materially from our forward-looking statements if any of our key assumptions are incorrect or because of other factors discussed in today's earnings news release, in the comments made during this conference call, in the risk factors section of the accompanying presentation, or in our latest reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, each of which can be found on our website, www.xplrinfrastructure.com. We do not undertake any duty to update any forward-looking statements. Today's presentation also includes references to non-GAAP financial measures. You should refer to the information contained in the slides accompanying today's presentation for definitional information and reconciliations of historical non-GAAP measures to the closest GAAP financial measure. With that, I'll turn the call over to Alan.
C. G. John: Actual results could differ materially from our forward-looking statements if any of our key assumptions are incorrect or because of other factors discussed in today's earnings news release, in the comments made during this conference call, in the risk factors section of the accompanying presentation, or in our latest reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, each of which can be found on our website, www.xplrinfrastructure.com. We do not undertake any duty to update any forward-looking statements. Today's presentation also includes references to non-GAAP financial measures. You should refer to the information contained in the slides accompanying today's presentation for definitional information and reconciliations of historical non-GAAP measures to the closest GAAP financial measure. With that, I'll turn the call over to Alan.
Speaker #2: We do not undertake any duty to update any forward-looking references to non-GAAP financial measures. You should refer to the information contained in the slides accompanying today's presentation for definitional information and reconciliations of historical non-GAAP measures to the closest GAAP financial measure.
Speaker #2: With that, I'll turn the call over to
Speaker #2: Alan.
Speaker #3: Thank you,
Alan Liu: Thank you, Con Ge. Good morning, everyone. 2025 was a pivotal year for XPLR as we transitioned to a capital allocation business model. Our strategy in the near term is focused on simplifying XPLR's capital structure and executing on selected investments enabled by our existing portfolio of energy infrastructure assets. We believe executing on this strategy will enhance XPLR's financial and strategic flexibility, position XPLR to benefit over time from demand growth in the U.S. power markets, and ultimately maximize the long-term value of our assets for unit holders. To that end, a year ago, we presented a plan that called for executing on selected asset sales, addressing near-term debt maturities, buying out certain Convertible Equity Portfolio Financings, or CEPF, and investing in selected wind repowering projects with attractive returns. Today, I'm pleased to report the team has delivered on every major action item we laid out a year ago.
Alan Liu: Thank you, Con Ge. Good morning, everyone. 2025 was a pivotal year for XPLR as we transitioned to a capital allocation business model. Our strategy in the near term is focused on simplifying XPLR's capital structure and executing on selected investments enabled by our existing portfolio of energy infrastructure assets. We believe executing on this strategy will enhance XPLR's financial and strategic flexibility, position XPLR to benefit over time from demand growth in the U.S. power markets, and ultimately maximize the long-term value of our assets for unit holders. To that end, a year ago, we presented a plan that called for executing on selected asset sales, addressing near-term debt maturities, buying out certain Convertible Equity Portfolio Financings, or CEPF, and investing in selected wind repowering projects with attractive returns. Today, I'm pleased to report the team has delivered on every major action item we laid out a year ago.
Speaker #3: Khanji. Good morning, everyone. 2025 was a pivotal year for Explorer as we transitioned to a capital allocation business model. Our strategy in the near term is focused on simplifying Explorer's capital structure, and executing on selected investments enabled by our existing portfolio of energy infrastructure assets.
Speaker #3: We believe executing on this strategy will enhance Explorer's financial and strategic flexibility, and position Explorer to benefit over time from demand growth in the U.S.
Speaker #3: power markets, and ultimately maximize the long-term value of our assets for unit holders. To that end, a year ago, we were presented a plan that called for executing on selected asset sales, addressing near-term debt maturities, buying out certain convertible equity portfolio financings, or SEPIs, and investing in selected wind repowering projects with attractive returns.
Speaker #3: Today, I'm pleased to report the team has delivered on every major action item we laid out a year ago. First, on operational and financial performance, Explorer delivered full-year adjusted EBITDA of $1.88 billion and free cash flow before growth of $746 million.
Alan Liu: First, on operational and financial performance, XPLR delivered full-year Adjusted EBITDA of $1.88 billion and Free Cash Flow before growth of $746 million. We believe these results reflect the strong underlying cash flow-generating capabilities of our assets. We also achieved capital structure simplification objectives by addressing two CEPF, which resulted in a reduction of more than $1.1 billion in third-party non-controlling equity interests. We completed the sale of our investments in the Meade pipeline and certain distributed generation assets, generating approximately $160 million of net proceeds that were used to support a $250 million reduction in corporate debt issuance previously contemplated for 2026. We achieved planned financing objectives by raising approximately $1.6 billion of project financing commitments to recapitalize certain assets and fund our wind repowering program. We also addressed near-term corporate debt maturities, including pre-funding 2026 maturities with an early notes issuance in November.
Alan Liu: First, on operational and financial performance, XPLR delivered full-year Adjusted EBITDA of $1.88 billion and Free Cash Flow before growth of $746 million. We believe these results reflect the strong underlying cash flow-generating capabilities of our assets. We also achieved capital structure simplification objectives by addressing two CEPF, which resulted in a reduction of more than $1.1 billion in third-party non-controlling equity interests. We completed the sale of our investments in the Meade pipeline and certain distributed generation assets, generating approximately $160 million of net proceeds that were used to support a $250 million reduction in corporate debt issuance previously contemplated for 2026. We achieved planned financing objectives by raising approximately $1.6 billion of project financing commitments to recapitalize certain assets and fund our wind repowering program. We also addressed near-term corporate debt maturities, including pre-funding 2026 maturities with an early notes issuance in November.
Speaker #3: We believe these results reflect the strong underlying cash flow-generating capabilities of our assets. We also achieved capital structure simplification objectives by addressing two SEPIs, which resulted in a reduction of more than $1.1 billion in third-party non-controlling equity interests.
Speaker #3: We completed the sale of our investments in the MEAD pipeline and certain distributed generation assets generating approximately $160 million of net proceeds that were used to support a $250 million reduction in corporate debt issuance previously contemplated for 2026.
Speaker #3: We achieved planned financing objectives by raising approximately $1.6 billion of project financing commitments to recapitalize certain assets and fund our wind repowering program. We also addressed near-term corporate debt maturities, including pre-funding 2026 maturities with an early notice issuance in November.
Speaker #3: As a result, we have now completed the financing plan we laid out for 2025 and 2026, and extended the duration of our debt maturity profile.
Alan Liu: As a result, we have now completed the financing plan we laid out for 2025 and 2026 and extended the duration of our debt maturity profile. We also made strong progress on our capital investment program. As of today, we have completed nearly 1.3 gigawatts of our previously announced repowering plan, with projects achieving commercial operations on time and on budget. All in all, we are pleased with the team's execution thus far. Looking forward, we believe long-term fundamentals continue to improve for existing energy infrastructure assets, particularly those that provide efficient, clean energy. XPLR's large and diversified portfolio of power generation assets produced substantial cash flows under long-term contracts with a strong set of credit-worthy customers.
Alan Liu: As a result, we have now completed the financing plan we laid out for 2025 and 2026 and extended the duration of our debt maturity profile. We also made strong progress on our capital investment program. As of today, we have completed nearly 1.3 gigawatts of our previously announced repowering plan, with projects achieving commercial operations on time and on budget. All in all, we are pleased with the team's execution thus far. Looking forward, we believe long-term fundamentals continue to improve for existing energy infrastructure assets, particularly those that provide efficient, clean energy. XPLR's large and diversified portfolio of power generation assets produced substantial cash flows under long-term contracts with a strong set of credit-worthy customers.
Speaker #3: We also made strong progress on our capital investment program. As of today, we have completed nearly $1.3 gigawatts of our previously announced repowering plan, with projects achieving commercial operations on time and on budget.
Speaker #3: All in all, we are pleased with the team's execution thus far. Looking forward, we believe long-term fundamentals continue to improve for existing energy infrastructure assets, particularly those that provide efficient, clean energy.
Speaker #3: produces substantial cash flows under portfolio of power generation assets Explorer's large, diversified long-term contracts with a strong set of credit-worthy customers. Our thesis remains the same: in the near term, retaining the cash flows generated by our portfolio should allow Explorer to continue to advance its capital simplification strategy, while also maintaining balance sheet strength, and prudently managing liabilities.
Alan Liu: Our thesis remains the same: in the near term, retaining the cash flows generated by our portfolio should allow XPLR to continue to advance its capital simplification strategy while also maintaining balance sheet strength and prudently managing liabilities. In using retained cash flows to fund selected CEPF buyouts, we plan to continue to reduce third-party investor ownership in assets that are highly valuable and that we believe could provide XPLR with future upside. Our cash flows are also supporting selected investments enabled by our existing assets, such as repowering projects that we expect will provide strong risk-adjusted return on capital and enhance the long-term value of our fleet. We believe XPLR's relationship with NextStar Energy provides meaningful competitive advantages when it comes to executing on these investments. Through long-term service agreements with NextStar Energy, XPLR benefits from scale and operations, engineering and construction expertise, and supply chain access.
Alan Liu: Our thesis remains the same: in the near term, retaining the cash flows generated by our portfolio should allow XPLR to continue to advance its capital simplification strategy while also maintaining balance sheet strength and prudently managing liabilities. In using retained cash flows to fund selected CEPF buyouts, we plan to continue to reduce third-party investor ownership in assets that are highly valuable and that we believe could provide XPLR with future upside. Our cash flows are also supporting selected investments enabled by our existing assets, such as repowering projects that we expect will provide strong risk-adjusted return on capital and enhance the long-term value of our fleet. We believe XPLR's relationship with NextStar Energy provides meaningful competitive advantages when it comes to executing on these investments. Through long-term service agreements with NextStar Energy, XPLR benefits from scale and operations, engineering and construction expertise, and supply chain access.
Speaker #3: cash flows to fund selected SEPI In using retained buyouts, we plan to continue to reduce third-party investor ownership in assets that are highly valuable and that we believe could provide Explorer with future upside.
Speaker #3: Our cash flows are also supporting selected investments enabled by our existing assets, such as repowering projects that we expect will provide strong risk-adjusted return on capital and enhance the long-term value of our fleet.
Speaker #3: We believe Explorer's relationship with Nexera Energy provides meaningful competitive advantages, when it comes to executing on these investments. The long-term service agreements with Nexera Energy, Explorer benefits from scale and operations, engineering and construction expertise, and supply chain access, these are advantages that are difficult for standalone platforms to replicate.
Alan Liu: These are advantages that are difficult for standalone platforms to replicate. We believe our strategy, commitment to capital discipline, and strong execution will continue to enhance XPLR's financial and strategic flexibility and position it well to realize its upside potential over time. One example of how XPLR is unlocking embedded value in its portfolio is through the interconnection sale and battery storage co-investment agreement with NextEra Energy Resources that we are announcing today. Through this agreement, XPLR Infrastructure is monetizing surplus interconnection capacity and rights at certain of its existing project sites through sales to NextEra Energy Resources. XPLR will also have the ability to co-invest alongside NextEra Energy Resources in four of the new battery storage projects co-located with existing XPLR sites.
Alan Liu: These are advantages that are difficult for standalone platforms to replicate. We believe our strategy, commitment to capital discipline, and strong execution will continue to enhance XPLR's financial and strategic flexibility and position it well to realize its upside potential over time. One example of how XPLR is unlocking embedded value in its portfolio is through the interconnection sale and battery storage co-investment agreement with NextEra Energy Resources that we are announcing today. Through this agreement, XPLR Infrastructure is monetizing surplus interconnection capacity and rights at certain of its existing project sites through sales to NextEra Energy Resources. XPLR will also have the ability to co-invest alongside NextEra Energy Resources in four of the new battery storage projects co-located with existing XPLR sites.
Speaker #3: We believe our strategy, commitment to capital discipline, and strong execution will continue to enhance Explorer’s financial and strategic flexibility, and position it well to realize its upside potential over time.
Speaker #3: One example of how Explorer is unlocking embedded value in its portfolio is through the interconnection sale and battery storage co-investment agreement with Nexera Energy Resources that we are announcing today.
Speaker #3: Through this agreement, Explorer infrastructure is monetizing surplus interconnection capacity and rights at certain of its existing project sites through sales to Nexera Energy Resources.
Speaker #3: Explorer will also have the ability to co-invest alongside Nexera Energy Resources in four of the new battery storage projects co-located with existing Explorer sites.
Speaker #3: The storage projects, which total $400 megawatts of capacity, have long-dated capacity agreements with investment-grade off-takers and are expected to reach commercial operations by the end of 2027.
Alan Liu: The storage projects, which total 400 megawatts of capacity, have long-dated capacity agreements with investment-grade off-takers and are expected to reach commercial operations by the end of 2027. For XPLR, we believe this agreement creates a clear and capital-efficient way to add up to approximately 200 net megawatts of storage capacity to our portfolio while generating strong project-level equity returns. By using proceeds from the planned sales of interconnection assets and rights to fund its net equity investment in these projects, XPLR can generate new cash flow streams with zero expected net corporate capital commitment. Let me talk through in detail how the agreement is structured. Each of the four projects co-located on existing XPLR sites is expected to be owned in a joint venture between XPLR and NextEra Energy Resources. XPLR has the right to invest up to a 49% ownership stake in each project.
Alan Liu: The storage projects, which total 400 megawatts of capacity, have long-dated capacity agreements with investment-grade off-takers and are expected to reach commercial operations by the end of 2027. For XPLR, we believe this agreement creates a clear and capital-efficient way to add up to approximately 200 net megawatts of storage capacity to our portfolio while generating strong project-level equity returns. By using proceeds from the planned sales of interconnection assets and rights to fund its net equity investment in these projects, XPLR can generate new cash flow streams with zero expected net corporate capital commitment. Let me talk through in detail how the agreement is structured. Each of the four projects co-located on existing XPLR sites is expected to be owned in a joint venture between XPLR and NextEra Energy Resources. XPLR has the right to invest up to a 49% ownership stake in each project.
Speaker #3: For Explorer, we believe this agreement creates a clear and capital-efficient way to add up to approximately 200 net megawatts of storage capacity to our portfolio, while generating strong project-level equity returns.
Speaker #3: By using proceeds from the planned sales of interconnection assets and rights to fund its net equity investment in these projects, Explorer can generate new cash flow streams with zero expected net corporate capital commitment.
Speaker #3: Let me talk through in detail how the agreement is structured. Each of the four projects co-located on existing Explorer sites is expected to be owned in a joint venture between Explorer and Nexera Energy Resources.
Speaker #3: Explorer has the right to invest up to a 49% ownership stake in each project. If Explorer elects to exercise its co-investment rights across all four projects, it's expected net equity contribution is approximately $80 million, after receipt of asset-level financing proceeds.
Alan Liu: If XPLR elects to exercise its co-investment rights across all 4 projects, its expected net equity contribution is approximately $80 million after receipt of asset-level financing proceeds. To partially fund this investment, XPLR has agreed to sell certain interconnection assets and rights to the 4 co-located battery storage projects for approximately $31 million. XPLR will also sell additional interconnection assets and rights to a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources to enable a 150-megawatt storage project co-located with XPLR's Palo Duro wind site for approximately $14 million. To fund the balance of its expected net equity contributions, XPLR intends to sell to NextEra Energy Resources interconnection assets and rights to enable up to 500 megawatts of potential future battery storage projects on different XPLR sites. XPLR will not have co-investment rights on these additional projects or the storage project co-located at the Palo Duro site.
Alan Liu: If XPLR elects to exercise its co-investment rights across all 4 projects, its expected net equity contribution is approximately $80 million after receipt of asset-level financing proceeds. To partially fund this investment, XPLR has agreed to sell certain interconnection assets and rights to the 4 co-located battery storage projects for approximately $31 million. XPLR will also sell additional interconnection assets and rights to a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources to enable a 150-megawatt storage project co-located with XPLR's Palo Duro wind site for approximately $14 million. To fund the balance of its expected net equity contributions, XPLR intends to sell to NextEra Energy Resources interconnection assets and rights to enable up to 500 megawatts of potential future battery storage projects on different XPLR sites. XPLR will not have co-investment rights on these additional projects or the storage project co-located at the Palo Duro site.
Speaker #3: To partially fund this investment, Explorer has agreed to sell certain interconnection assets and rights to the four co-located battery storage projects for approximately $31 million.
Speaker #3: Explorer will also sell additional interconnection assets and rights to a subsidiary of Nexera Energy Resources to enable a $150 megawatt storage project co-located with Explorer's paludural wind site.
Speaker #3: For approximately $14 million. To fund the balance of its expected net equity contributions, Explorer intends to sell to Nexera Energy Resources interconnection assets and rights to enable up to $500 megawatts of potential future battery storage projects on different Explorer sites: Explorer will not have co-investment rights on these additional projects or the storage project co-located at the paludural site.
Speaker #3: As part of the agreement, Nexera Energy Resources will provide development, engineering, construction, services, as well as equipment to the four joint venture projects, and will fund the balance of total project costs not invested by Explorer.
Alan Liu: As part of the agreement, NextEra Energy Resources will provide development, engineering, construction services, as well as equipment to the four joint venture projects and will fund the balance of total project costs not invested by XPLR. This co-investment structure, which is subject to customary conditions, is expected to provide XPLR with the flexibility to bring high-quality projects to fruition on an accelerated timeline with significantly reduced execution risk and is an efficient pathway to monetize non-cash flow-generating surplus interconnection capacity embedded within existing assets. Repowering is another way that XPLR enhances the value of its portfolio. Given our execution progress in 2025, today we are updating our previously announced 1.6 gigawatt repowering plan to approximately 2.1 gigawatts through 2030.
Alan Liu: As part of the agreement, NextEra Energy Resources will provide development, engineering, construction services, as well as equipment to the four joint venture projects and will fund the balance of total project costs not invested by XPLR. This co-investment structure, which is subject to customary conditions, is expected to provide XPLR with the flexibility to bring high-quality projects to fruition on an accelerated timeline with significantly reduced execution risk and is an efficient pathway to monetize non-cash flow-generating surplus interconnection capacity embedded within existing assets. Repowering is another way that XPLR enhances the value of its portfolio. Given our execution progress in 2025, today we are updating our previously announced 1.6 gigawatt repowering plan to approximately 2.1 gigawatts through 2030.
Speaker #3: This co-investment structure which is subject to customary conditions is expected to provide Explorer with the flexibility to bring high-quality projects to fruition on an accelerated timeline with significantly reduced execution risk and is an efficient pathway to monetize non-cash flow-generating surplus interconnection capacity embedded within existing assets.
Speaker #3: Repowering is another way that Explorer enhances the value of its portfolio. Given our execution progress in 2025, today we are updating our previously announced $1.6 gigawatt repowering plan to approximately $2.1 gigawatts through 2030.
Speaker #3: The $500 million of repowering added to our current program are expected to deliver strong equity returns and take advantage of a window of opportunity to execute projects that enhance the value and longevity of our fleet.
Alan Liu: The 500MW of repowerings added to our current program are expected to deliver strong equity returns and take advantage of a window of opportunity to execute projects that enhance the value and longevity of our fleet. We anticipate that the new wind repowerings will be funded through a combination of retained cash flows and additional project-level financings. While the total repowering opportunity set in XPLR's portfolio is larger than the announced additions, we plan to continue to cadence our investments in a manner that maintains our near-term balance sheet priorities while achieving attractive returns. Over time, another way that XPLR's portfolio could realize upside is through recontracting at higher prices as our existing power purchase agreements expire.
Alan Liu: The 500MW of repowerings added to our current program are expected to deliver strong equity returns and take advantage of a window of opportunity to execute projects that enhance the value and longevity of our fleet. We anticipate that the new wind repowerings will be funded through a combination of retained cash flows and additional project-level financings. While the total repowering opportunity set in XPLR's portfolio is larger than the announced additions, we plan to continue to cadence our investments in a manner that maintains our near-term balance sheet priorities while achieving attractive returns. Over time, another way that XPLR's portfolio could realize upside is through recontracting at higher prices as our existing power purchase agreements expire.
Speaker #3: We anticipate that the new wind repowerings will be funded through a combination of retained cash flows and additional project-level financing. While the total repowering opportunity set in Explorer's portfolio is larger than the announced additions, we plan to continue to cadence our investments in a manner that maintains our near-term balance sheet priorities while achieving attractive returns.
Speaker #3: Over time, another way that Explorer's portfolio could realize upside is through recontracting and higher prices as our existing power purchase agreements expire. Today, approximately 80% of the megawatt-hours that we sell are contracted at prices that are below where the market prices are currently and where power prices are forecasted to be in the future when contracts mature.
Alan Liu: Today, approximately 80% of the megawatt-hours that we sell are contracted at prices that are below where the market prices are currently and where power prices are forecasted to be in the future when contracts mature. Using third-party forecasted power prices to illustrate potential for further upside, the existing portfolio is estimated to be able to deliver more than $200 million of incremental revenue by 2040, recognizing that actual outcomes will depend on market conditions at the time of recontracting and our execution. In summary, XPLR is a scaled, contracted clean energy infrastructure platform with durable cash flows and a long operating runway. XPLR's assets are located across a diverse set of U.S. power markets that are experiencing increasing demand and tight supply. As those dynamics continue to play out, we believe our portfolio has significant embedded value and investment opportunities that can be harvested over time.
Alan Liu: Today, approximately 80% of the megawatt-hours that we sell are contracted at prices that are below where the market prices are currently and where power prices are forecasted to be in the future when contracts mature. Using third-party forecasted power prices to illustrate potential for further upside, the existing portfolio is estimated to be able to deliver more than $200 million of incremental revenue by 2040, recognizing that actual outcomes will depend on market conditions at the time of recontracting and our execution. In summary, XPLR is a scaled, contracted clean energy infrastructure platform with durable cash flows and a long operating runway. XPLR's assets are located across a diverse set of U.S. power markets that are experiencing increasing demand and tight supply. As those dynamics continue to play out, we believe our portfolio has significant embedded value and investment opportunities that can be harvested over time.
Speaker #3: Using third-party forecasted power prices to illustrate potential for further upside, the existing portfolio is estimated to be able to deliver more than $200 million of incremental revenue by 2040, recognizing that actual outcomes will depend on market conditions at the time of contracting and our execution.
Speaker #3: In summary, Explorer is a scaled, contracted clean energy infrastructure platform with durable cash flows and a long operating runway. Explorer's assets are located across a diverse set of US power markets that are experiencing increasing demand and tight supply.
Speaker #3: As those dynamics continue to play out, we believe our portfolio has significant embedded value and investment opportunities that can be harvested over time. We are taking actions to ensure Explorer's position to capture those opportunities as they may arise.
Alan Liu: We are taking actions to ensure XPLR is positioned to capture those opportunities as they may arise. With that, let me turn it over to Jessica, who will review the 2025 results in more detail and discuss near-term priorities for the business.
Alan Liu: We are taking actions to ensure XPLR is positioned to capture those opportunities as they may arise. With that, let me turn it over to Jessica, who will review the 2025 results in more detail and discuss near-term priorities for the business.
Speaker #3: With that, let me turn it over to Jessica, who will review the 2025 results in more detail and discuss near-term priorities for the business.
Speaker #2: Thank you, Alan, and good morning, everyone. Let's begin with Explorer Infrastructure's detailed results. For the full year 2025, Explorer's portfolio generated approximately $1.88 billion in adjusted EBITDA and $746 million in free cash flow before growth.
Jessica Geoffroy: Thank you, Alan, and good morning, everyone. Let's begin with XPLR Infrastructure's detailed results. For the full year 2025, XPLR's portfolio generated approximately $1.88 billion in adjusted EBITDA and $746 million in free cash flow before growth. The full year adjusted EBITDA results were primarily impacted by the absence of an approximately $40 million one-time settlement payment that benefited Q4 2024 and asset dispositions. As a reminder, XPLR sold its investments in the Meade pipeline and certain distributed generation assets in Q3 2025. These impacts were partially offset by improved pricing, including contract escalators and more favorable market conditions at certain projects, as well as lower net operating costs.
Jessica Geoffroy: Thank you, Alan, and good morning, everyone. Let's begin with XPLR Infrastructure's detailed results. For the full year 2025, XPLR's portfolio generated approximately $1.88 billion in adjusted EBITDA and $746 million in free cash flow before growth. The full year adjusted EBITDA results were primarily impacted by the absence of an approximately $40 million one-time settlement payment that benefited Q4 2024 and asset dispositions. As a reminder, XPLR sold its investments in the Meade pipeline and certain distributed generation assets in Q3 2025. These impacts were partially offset by improved pricing, including contract escalators and more favorable market conditions at certain projects, as well as lower net operating costs.
Speaker #2: The full year adjusted EBITDA results were primarily impacted by the absence of an approximately $40 million one-time settlement payment that benefited the fourth quarter of 2024 and asset dispositions.
Speaker #2: As a reminder, Explorer sold its investments in the mead pipeline and certain distributed generation assets in the third quarter of 2025. These impacts were partially offset by improved pricing, including contract escalators and more favorable market conditions at certain projects, as well as lower net operating costs.
Speaker #2: Our 2025 free cash flow before growth results further reflect the impact of higher interest expense on corporate debt, which was issued during the year as part of our refinancing and capital structure simplification efforts, and the timing of tax credit monetization.
Jessica Geoffroy: Our 2025 free cash flow before growth results further reflect the impact of higher interest expense on corporate debt, which was issued during the year as part of our refinancing and capital structure simplification efforts, and the timing of tax credit monetization. Taken together, the 2025 results reflect a portfolio that continues to generate strong cash flows from long-duration contracted assets. This performance provides a solid foundation as we continue to execute our capital allocation priorities and manage the business with a focus on cash flow and balance sheet discipline. For 2026, we continue to expect adjusted EBITDA of $1.75 to 1.95 billion and free cash flow before growth of $600 to 700 million. As always, our expectations assume our usual caveats, including normal weather and operating conditions. Turning to our capital structure simplification efforts, we successfully addressed more than $1.1 billion in CEPF in 2025.
Jessica Geoffroy: Our 2025 free cash flow before growth results further reflect the impact of higher interest expense on corporate debt, which was issued during the year as part of our refinancing and capital structure simplification efforts, and the timing of tax credit monetization. Taken together, the 2025 results reflect a portfolio that continues to generate strong cash flows from long-duration contracted assets. This performance provides a solid foundation as we continue to execute our capital allocation priorities and manage the business with a focus on cash flow and balance sheet discipline. For 2026, we continue to expect adjusted EBITDA of $1.75 to 1.95 billion and free cash flow before growth of $600 to 700 million. As always, our expectations assume our usual caveats, including normal weather and operating conditions. Turning to our capital structure simplification efforts, we successfully addressed more than $1.1 billion in CEPF in 2025.
Speaker #2: Taken together, the 2025 results reflect a portfolio that continues to generate strong cash flows from long-duration, contracted assets. This performance provides a solid foundation as we continue to execute our capital allocation priorities and manage the business with a focus on cash flow and balance sheet discipline.
Speaker #2: For 2026, we continue to expect adjusted EBITDA of $1.75 to $1.95 billion and free cash flow before growth of $600 to $700 million. As always, our expectations assume our usual caveats, including normal weather and operating conditions.
Speaker #2: Turning to our capital structure simplification efforts, we successfully addressed more than $1.1 billion in CEPFs in 2025. Specifically, we bought out the remaining third-party non-controlling equity interest in our CEPF-1 asset portfolio, and we used the proceeds from the sale of our investment in the mead pipeline to address CEPF-2.
Jessica Geoffroy: Specifically, we bought out the remaining third-party non-controlling equity interest in our CEPIS 1 asset portfolio, and we used the proceeds from the sale of our investment in the Meade pipeline to address CEPIS 2. Before I talk through our plans for the remaining three CEPIS, I believe it is helpful to take a step back and explain how we think about these structures more broadly. CEPIS structures were designed to provide XPLR with flexibility over time. That flexibility includes the option to buy out the CEPIS investor's equity interest in the assets under economic terms that were set at the time the CEPIS were formed. Our decisions on whether or not to exercise the call options are investment decisions that we continuously evaluate relative to all other capital allocation opportunities and balance sheet priorities.
Jessica Geoffroy: Specifically, we bought out the remaining third-party non-controlling equity interest in our CEPIS 1 asset portfolio, and we used the proceeds from the sale of our investment in the Meade pipeline to address CEPIS 2. Before I talk through our plans for the remaining three CEPIS, I believe it is helpful to take a step back and explain how we think about these structures more broadly. CEPIS structures were designed to provide XPLR with flexibility over time. That flexibility includes the option to buy out the CEPIS investor's equity interest in the assets under economic terms that were set at the time the CEPIS were formed. Our decisions on whether or not to exercise the call options are investment decisions that we continuously evaluate relative to all other capital allocation opportunities and balance sheet priorities.
Speaker #2: Before I talk through our plans for the remaining three CEPFs, I believe it is helpful to take a step back and explain how we think about these structures more broadly.
Speaker #2: CEPF structures were designed to provide Explorer with flexibility over time. That flexibility includes the option to buy out the CEPF investors' equity interest in the assets under economic terms that were set at the time the CEPFs were formed.
Speaker #2: Our decisions on whether or not to exercise the call options are investment decisions that we continuously evaluate relative to all other capital allocation opportunities and balance sheet priorities.
Speaker #2: To the extent Explorer chooses not to exercise the call option, it can pursue a sale of the underlying assets with the consent of the CEPF investor or, alternatively, let substantially all of the cash flows from the underlying assets transfer to the CEPF investor.
Jessica Geoffroy: To the extent XPLR chooses not to exercise the call option, it can pursue a sale of the underlying assets with the consent of the CEPF investor or, alternatively, let substantially all of the cash flows from the underlying assets transfer to the CEPF investor. For CEPF 3, we continue to evaluate our options, including a potential sale of the underlying assets. However, we do not have to make a definitive decision until Q4 2027. At this time, given the expected equity returns on the buyouts and the potential upsides we see in the associated assets, we view the future buyouts on CEPF 4 and 5 as an attractive use of retained cash flows. We expect to exercise our call option on the first partial buyout for CEPF 5 later this year.
Jessica Geoffroy: To the extent XPLR chooses not to exercise the call option, it can pursue a sale of the underlying assets with the consent of the CEPF investor or, alternatively, let substantially all of the cash flows from the underlying assets transfer to the CEPF investor. For CEPF 3, we continue to evaluate our options, including a potential sale of the underlying assets. However, we do not have to make a definitive decision until Q4 2027. At this time, given the expected equity returns on the buyouts and the potential upsides we see in the associated assets, we view the future buyouts on CEPF 4 and 5 as an attractive use of retained cash flows. We expect to exercise our call option on the first partial buyout for CEPF 5 later this year.
Speaker #2: For CEPF-3, we continue to evaluate our options, including a potential sale of the underlying assets. However, we do not have to make a definitive decision until the fourth quarter of 2027.
Speaker #2: At this time, given the expected equity returns on the buyouts and the potential upsides we see in the associated assets, we view the future buyouts on CEPF-4 and 5 as an attractive use of retained cash flows.
Speaker #2: We expect to exercise our call option on the first partial buyout for CEPF-5 later this year. The first opportunity for Explorer to exercise a call option for increased equity in CEPF-4 is not until the end of 2028.
Jessica Geoffroy: The first opportunity for XPLR to exercise a call option for increased equity in CEPF 4 is not until the end of 2028. We will continuously evaluate all of the CEPF over time in the context of our capital allocation priorities and will remain open to all potential options to maximize value for unit holders. Putting it all together, XPLR's current plan would result in a more than $2 billion reduction in third-party non-controlling equity interest in our assets by 2030. Importantly, the plan is expected to deliver this outcome without putting undue pressure on the balance sheet or relying on the issuance of new equity. As we look ahead to the next couple of years, our focus is on executing against the updated capital investment plan we have outlined today.
Jessica Geoffroy: The first opportunity for XPLR to exercise a call option for increased equity in CEPF 4 is not until the end of 2028. We will continuously evaluate all of the CEPF over time in the context of our capital allocation priorities and will remain open to all potential options to maximize value for unit holders. Putting it all together, XPLR's current plan would result in a more than $2 billion reduction in third-party non-controlling equity interest in our assets by 2030. Importantly, the plan is expected to deliver this outcome without putting undue pressure on the balance sheet or relying on the issuance of new equity. As we look ahead to the next couple of years, our focus is on executing against the updated capital investment plan we have outlined today.
Speaker #2: We will continuously evaluate all of the CEPFs over time in the context of our capital allocation priorities, and will remain open to all potential options to maximize value for unitholders.
Speaker #2: Putting it all together, Explorer's current plan would result in a more than $2 billion reduction in third-party non-controlling equity interests in our assets by 2030.
Speaker #2: Importantly, the plan is expected to deliver this outcome without putting undue pressure on the balance sheet or relying on the issuance of new equity.
Speaker #2: As we look ahead to the next couple of years, our focus is on executing against the updated capital investment plan we have outlined today.
Speaker #2: We plan to increase our equity ownership in CEPF-5 with partial buyout investments of approximately $150 million in 2026 and $470 million in 2027. We expect to complete approximately $350 megawatts of incremental repowerings and add approximately $200 net megawatts of battery storage capacity to our portfolio through our new agreement with NextEra Energy Resources.
Jessica Geoffroy: We plan to increase our equity ownership in CEPF with partial buyout investments of approximately $150 million in 2026 and $470 million in 2027. We expect to complete approximately 350 megawatts of incremental repowerings and add approximately 200 net megawatts of battery storage capacity to our portfolio through our new agreement with NextEra Energy Resources. We are also focused on addressing upcoming maturities in a disciplined manner and continuing to optimize the portfolio where opportunities allow us to unlock embedded value. Our capital plan through the end of the decade is expected to be largely funded by retained cash flows from the existing portfolio. Where appropriate, we expect to supplement that with project-level financing and selective use of corporate debt, all within our overall framework to enhance financial flexibility and maintain appropriate leverage.
Jessica Geoffroy: We plan to increase our equity ownership in CEPF with partial buyout investments of approximately $150 million in 2026 and $470 million in 2027. We expect to complete approximately 350 megawatts of incremental repowerings and add approximately 200 net megawatts of battery storage capacity to our portfolio through our new agreement with NextEra Energy Resources. We are also focused on addressing upcoming maturities in a disciplined manner and continuing to optimize the portfolio where opportunities allow us to unlock embedded value. Our capital plan through the end of the decade is expected to be largely funded by retained cash flows from the existing portfolio. Where appropriate, we expect to supplement that with project-level financing and selective use of corporate debt, all within our overall framework to enhance financial flexibility and maintain appropriate leverage.
Speaker #2: We are also focused on addressing upcoming maturities in a disciplined manner and continuing to optimize the portfolio where opportunities allow us to unlock embedded value.
Speaker #2: Our capital plan through the end of the decade is expected to be largely funded by retained cash flows from the existing portfolio. Where appropriate, we expect to supplement that with project-level financing and selective use of corporate debt, all within our overall framework to enhance financial flexibility and maintain appropriate leverage.
Speaker #2: Our current capital plan is also supported by a strong and flexible liquidity position, including our fully undrawn revolving credit facility. We recently reduced the size of our corporate revolver from its previous level of $2.5 billion to its current level of $1.25 billion to further demonstrate discipline and align with our funding needs.
Jessica Geoffroy: Our current capital plan is also supported by a strong and flexible liquidity position, including our fully undrawn revolving credit facility. We recently reduced the size of our corporate revolver from its previous level of $2.5 billion to its current level of $1.25 billion to further demonstrate discipline and align with our funding needs. Specifically, XPLR only has $750 million or less in corporate debt maturities over any 12-month period through year-end 2030. We believe that the combination of liquidity, robust cash flow generation, and a disciplined capital plan allows XPLR to appropriately allocate retained cash flows in a value-maximizing manner as we execute over time. That discipline underpins our strategy and focus on long-term value creation as we take actions today that we believe strengthen XPLR's platform for the future. That concludes our prepared remarks, and we will now open the line for questions.
Jessica Geoffroy: Our current capital plan is also supported by a strong and flexible liquidity position, including our fully undrawn revolving credit facility. We recently reduced the size of our corporate revolver from its previous level of $2.5 billion to its current level of $1.25 billion to further demonstrate discipline and align with our funding needs. Specifically, XPLR only has $750 million or less in corporate debt maturities over any 12-month period through year-end 2030. We believe that the combination of liquidity, robust cash flow generation, and a disciplined capital plan allows XPLR to appropriately allocate retained cash flows in a value-maximizing manner as we execute over time. That discipline underpins our strategy and focus on long-term value creation as we take actions today that we believe strengthen XPLR's platform for the future. That concludes our prepared remarks, and we will now open the line for questions.
Speaker #2: Specifically, Explorer only has $750 million or less in corporate debt maturities over any 12-month period through year-end 2030. We believe that the combination of liquidity, robust cash flow generation, and a disciplined capital plan allows Explorer to appropriately allocate retained cash flows in a value-maximizing manner as we execute over time.
Speaker #2: That discipline underpins our strategy and focus on long-term value creation, as we take actions today that we believe strengthen Explorer's platform for the future.
Speaker #2: That concludes our prepared remarks, and we will now open the line for
Speaker #2: questions. We will
Jessica Geoffroy: We will now begin the question and answer session. To ask a question, you may press star, then one on your touch-tone phone. If you are using a speakerphone, please pick up your handset before pressing the keys. If at any time your question has been addressed and you would like to withdraw your question, please press star, then two. The first question comes from Nelson Ng from RBC Capital Markets. Please go ahead.
Operator: We will now begin the question and answer session. To ask a question, you may press star, then one on your touch-tone phone. If you are using a speakerphone, please pick up your handset before pressing the keys. If at any time your question has been addressed and you would like to withdraw your question, please press star, then two. The first question comes from Nelson Ng from RBC Capital Markets. Please go ahead.
Speaker #1: now begin the question-and-answer session. To ask a question, you may press star, then 1 on your touchstone phone. If you are using a speakerphone, please pick up your hands up before pressing the keys.
Speaker #1: If at any time your question has been addressed and you would like to withdraw your question, please press star, then 2. The first question comes from Nelson Ng from RBC Capital Markets.
Speaker #1: Please go
Speaker #1: ahead.
Speaker #3: Great. Thanks, and
Nelson Ng: Great. Thanks, and good morning, everyone. The first question I have just relates to capital allocation. I know slide 12 has some details for the 2025 to 2030 period, but just let me know if I'm thinking about this correctly for the 2026 to 2030 period. So if free cash flow without growth is about $600 to $700 million per year going forward, and if it's flat for the next five years, that's like $3 to $3.5 billion of cash, of which I think roughly $2.2 billion would be used for CEPF 4 and 5. So does that mean there's about $1 billion of capital available for investments and debt reduction? And I think what I'm trying to get to is, can you just talk about whether there's room for unit buybacks or restarting distributions over the next five years?
Nelson Ng: Great. Thanks, and good morning, everyone. The first question I have just relates to capital allocation. I know slide 12 has some details for the 2025 to 2030 period, but just let me know if I'm thinking about this correctly for the 2026 to 2030 period. So if free cash flow without growth is about $600 to $700 million per year going forward, and if it's flat for the next five years, that's like $3 to $3.5 billion of cash, of which I think roughly $2.2 billion would be used for CEPF 4 and 5. So does that mean there's about $1 billion of capital available for investments and debt reduction? And I think what I'm trying to get to is, can you just talk about whether there's room for unit buybacks or restarting distributions over the next five years?
Speaker #3: good morning, everyone. The first question I have just relates to capital allocation. I know slide 12 has some details for the 2025-30 period, but just let me know if I'm thinking about this correctly for the 2026-2030 period.
Speaker #3: So if free cash flow without growth is about 6 to 700 million per year going forward, and if it's flat for the next five years, that's like 3 to 3 and a half billion of cash, of which I think roughly 2.2 billion would be used for CEPF-4 and 5.
Speaker #3: about $1 billion So does that mean there's of capital available for investments and debt reduction? And I think what I'm trying to get to is, can you just talk about whether there's room for unit buybacks or restarting distributions over the next five years?
Speaker #3: And then the last part of that question is, I think for about $7.8 billion 2030, you have of total debt tax equity and CEPF at the end of 2030.
Nelson Ng: And then the last part of that question is, I think for 2030, you have about $7.8 billion of total debt, tax, equity, and CEFPs at the end of 2030. I was just wondering what your assumptions are for the use of excess cash.
Nelson Ng: And then the last part of that question is, I think for 2030, you have about $7.8 billion of total debt, tax, equity, and CEFPs at the end of 2030. I was just wondering what your assumptions are for the use of excess cash.
Speaker #3: your assumptions are for the use of excess I was just wondering what cash.
Speaker #4: Hey, Nelson. This is Alan. I think what we've highlighted today is that in the operating environment that we're in, right, with what we feel is increasing fundamentals for power generation assets, it makes sense for us to continue to invest in this portfolio to position it well such that we're able to realize upside in the portfolio and to enhance the value of the portfolio.
Alan Liu: Hey, Nelson. This is Alan. I think what we've highlighted today is that in the operating environment that we're in, right, with what we feel is increasing fundamentals for power generation assets, it makes sense for us to continue to invest in this portfolio, to position it well such that we're able to realize upside in the portfolio, and to enhance the value of the portfolio. So I think what you need to also account for in your math there is that we have spent, and have just announced today, additional investments into the portfolio, and that's the capital CapEx piece that's outlined in that slide that you're referencing, right? So retained cash flows fully cover the CEPIS buyouts and the equity investments into our portfolio.
Alan Liu: Hey, Nelson. This is Alan. I think what we've highlighted today is that in the operating environment that we're in, right, with what we feel is increasing fundamentals for power generation assets, it makes sense for us to continue to invest in this portfolio, to position it well such that we're able to realize upside in the portfolio, and to enhance the value of the portfolio. So I think what you need to also account for in your math there is that we have spent, and have just announced today, additional investments into the portfolio, and that's the capital CapEx piece that's outlined in that slide that you're referencing, right? So retained cash flows fully cover the CEPIS buyouts and the equity investments into our portfolio.
Speaker #4: think what you need to also account So I for in your math there is that we have spent and have just announced today additional investments into the portfolio.
Speaker #4: And that's the capital CAPEX piece that's outlined in that slide that you're referencing, right? So retained cash flows fully cover the CEPF buyouts and the is going to partially fund the equity investments into our portfolio.
Speaker #4: You have some incremental cash flow, of which investments that we've announced. And then there's selected use of project debt to be able to finance the balance of it.
Alan Liu: You have some incremental cash flow, of which is going to partially fund the investments that we've announced, and then there's selected use of project debt to be able to finance the balance of it. Does that make sense?
Alan Liu: You have some incremental cash flow, of which is going to partially fund the investments that we've announced, and then there's selected use of project debt to be able to finance the balance of it. Does that make sense?
Speaker #4: Does that make
Speaker #4: sense?
Speaker #3: Yeah, that makes
Nelson Ng: Yeah, that makes sense. And then just one quick follow-up. For CEF P3, in your previous plan, I think you gave people the impression that you would look to sell the underlying assets, and I think now it's, I think, you're evaluating your options given that you don't have to make a decision until late next year. But can you just talk about what has changed since then, or what has changed in the last few months?
Nelson Ng: Yeah, that makes sense. And then just one quick follow-up. For CEF P3, in your previous plan, I think you gave people the impression that you would look to sell the underlying assets, and I think now it's, I think, you're evaluating your options given that you don't have to make a decision until late next year. But can you just talk about what has changed since then, or what has changed in the last few months?
Speaker #3: follow-up. For sense. And then just one quick CEPF-3, in your previous plan, I think you gave people the impression that you would look to sell the underlying assets and I think now it's I think you're evaluating your options given that you don't have to make a decision until late next year.
Speaker #3: But can you just talk about what has changed since?
Alan Liu: So no change in the plan, Nelson. Right. That's why I just want to be clear about that. However, we continue to think about how do we help investors and analysts understand these CEPF. And I think the right way to think about it is there are partnerships in which our partners have given us a series of call options that can be exercised over a period of time. Now, as we sit here today, this call option doesn't have to be exercised until 2027. And so therefore, we're just making sure people understand that there's no need to exercise the call option early, and there's no need to monetize that call option early. To the extent that we don't choose to exercise it, as Jessica said, we have a number of options. Number one is you could potentially sell the underlying assets.
Nelson Ng: So no change in the plan, Nelson. Right. That's why I just want to be clear about that. However, we continue to think about how do we help investors and analysts understand these CEPF. And I think the right way to think about it is there are partnerships in which our partners have given us a series of call options that can be exercised over a period of time. Now, as we sit here today, this call option doesn't have to be exercised until 2027. And so therefore, we're just making sure people understand that there's no need to exercise the call option early, and there's no need to monetize that call option early. To the extent that we don't choose to exercise it, as Jessica said, we have a number of options. Number one is you could potentially sell the underlying assets.
Speaker #4: plan, Nelson, right? That's why I just want no change. No change in the So
Speaker #4: to be clear about that. However, we continue to think about how do we help then or what has changed in the last few months?
Speaker #4: Investors and analysts understand these CEPFs, and I think the right way to think about it is they're partnerships in which our partners have given us a series of call options that can be exercised over a period of time.
Speaker #4: Now, as we sit here today, this call option doesn't have to be exercised until 2027. And so therefore, we're just making sure people understand that we're not there's no need to exercise the call option early.
Speaker #4: And there's no need to monetize that call option early. To the extent that we don't choose to exercise it, as Jessica said, we have a number of options.
Speaker #4: Number one is you could potentially sell the underlying assets. So this is similar to what we did with MEAD. We sold the assets. We raised enough proceeds to be able to address the CEPF.
Alan Liu: So this is similar to what we did with Meade. We sold the assets. We raised enough proceeds to be able to address the CEPF, as well as we took out excess proceeds from the sale. Now, if we don't go down that pathway, we also have the ability to allow the majority or substantially all the cash flows to flip to the CEPF investor. So those continue to be our options, but we're just highlighting that it's a call option, that there's still time and maturity on it, and we don't have to make a decision on that today.
Nelson Ng: So this is similar to what we did with Meade. We sold the assets. We raised enough proceeds to be able to address the CEPF, as well as we took out excess proceeds from the sale. Now, if we don't go down that pathway, we also have the ability to allow the majority or substantially all the cash flows to flip to the CEPF investor. So those continue to be our options, but we're just highlighting that it's a call option, that there's still time and maturity on it, and we don't have to make a decision on that today.
Speaker #4: As well as we took out excess proceeds from the sale. Now, if we don't go down that pathway, we also have the ability to allow the majority or substantially all the cash flows to flip to the CEPF investor.
Speaker #4: So those continue to be our options. But we're just highlighting that it's a call option—that there's still time and maturity on it, and we don't have to make a decision on that today.
Speaker #3: Got it. Thanks for clarifying. I'll leave it there and get back in the
Nelson Ng: Got it. Thanks for clarifying. I'll leave it there and get back in the queue.
Nelson Ng: Got it. Thanks for clarifying. I'll leave it there and get back in the queue.
Speaker #1: The next question comes from Julian Dumilin Smith from Jefferies. Please go ahead.
Jessica Geoffroy: The next question comes from Julien Dumoulin-Smith from Jefferies. Please go ahead.
Jessica Geoffroy: The next question comes from Julien Dumoulin-Smith from Jefferies. Please go ahead.
Speaker #5: Hey, good morning. This is Hannah Velasquez on for Julian. Thanks for the update. Congrats on the quarter. I just wanted to get a sense of timing on when these battery dropdowns might come to fruition and be reflected in your results.
Hannah Velásquez: Hey, good morning. This is Hannah Velasquez on for Julien. Thanks for the update. Congrats on the quarter. I just wanted to get a sense of timing on when these battery dropdowns might come to fruition and be reflected in your results. Don't think they're included in the 2026 bridge to Free Cash Flow before growth.
Hannah Velásquez: Hey, good morning. This is Hannah Velasquez on for Julien. Thanks for the update. Congrats on the quarter. I just wanted to get a sense of timing on when these battery dropdowns might come to fruition and be reflected in your results. Don't think they're included in the 2026 bridge to Free Cash Flow before growth.
Speaker #5: Don't think they're included in the 2026 bridge to free cash flow before
Speaker #5: growth. That's
Alan Liu: That's correct. These are expected to reach commercial operations by the end of 2027, so they would be adding to 2028 and beyond cash flows.
Alan Liu: That's correct. These are expected to reach commercial operations by the end of 2027, so they would be adding to 2028 and beyond cash flows.
Speaker #3: Correct. These are expected to reach commercial operations by the end of 2027, so they would be adding to 2028 and beyond.
Speaker #3: cash flows. Okay.
Hannah Velásquez: Okay. Got it. Thank you. And then also as a follow-up, interesting to see the continued relationship or, I suppose, the return to dropdowns with NextStar. How can we think about future opportunities there? Is there anything beyond batteries that you might consider?
Hannah Velásquez: Okay. Got it. Thank you. And then also as a follow-up, interesting to see the continued relationship or, I suppose, the return to dropdowns with NextStar. How can we think about future opportunities there? Is there anything beyond batteries that you might consider?
Speaker #5: Got it. Thank you. And then also as a follow-up, interesting to see the continued relationship or, I suppose, the return to dropdowns with Nextera.
Speaker #5: How can we think about future opportunities there? Is there anything beyond batteries that you might consider?
Speaker #3: So I would say, first of all, we've made no commitments beyond the transaction that we announced today. I think this is also different. I wouldn't think of this as a dropdown, right?
Alan Liu: So I would say, first of all, we've made no commitments beyond the transaction that we announced today. I think this is also different. I wouldn't think of this as a dropdown, right? These are effectively collocated projects, projects that are collocated with existing XPLR sites. Each partner is contributing a piece to this, right? Obviously, we own interconnection assets, so we are monetizing a portion of those physical interconnection assets to be able to enable the collocated storage. And NextStar Energy Resources is then coming in and providing all of the development, the construction, the equipment to take basically these rights and interconnection assets and to form it into a fully developed project. So it truly is a partnership that's come to fruition here. We really like this co-investment opportunity. But either way, basically, we're saying, "Hey, we're able to monetize it in multiple different ways," right?
Alan Liu: So I would say, first of all, we've made no commitments beyond the transaction that we announced today. I think this is also different. I wouldn't think of this as a dropdown, right? These are effectively collocated projects, projects that are collocated with existing XPLR sites. Each partner is contributing a piece to this, right? Obviously, we own interconnection assets, so we are monetizing a portion of those physical interconnection assets to be able to enable the collocated storage. And NextStar Energy Resources is then coming in and providing all of the development, the construction, the equipment to take basically these rights and interconnection assets and to form it into a fully developed project. So it truly is a partnership that's come to fruition here. We really like this co-investment opportunity. But either way, basically, we're saying, "Hey, we're able to monetize it in multiple different ways," right?
Speaker #3: These are effectively co-located projects, projects that are co-located with existing Explorer sites. Each partner is contributing a piece to this, right? Obviously, we own interconnection assets.
Speaker #3: So we are monetizing a portion of those physical interconnection assets. To be able to enable the co-invest or the co-located storage. And Nextera Energy Resources is then coming in and providing all of the development, the construction, the equipment to take basically these rights and interconnection assets and to form it into a fully developed project.
Speaker #3: So it truly is a partnership that's come to fruition here. We really like this co-investment opportunity. But either way, it basically we're saying, hey, we're able to monetize it in multiple different ways, right?
Speaker #3: We can either monetize our excess plus interconnection capacity as a sale for cash or a potential to roll it into a stream of contracted cash
Alan Liu: We can either monetize our excess surplus interconnection capacity as a sale for cash or a potential to roll it into a stream of contracted cash flows at our choosing. Hopefully, that clarifies the understanding of this.
Alan Liu: We can either monetize our excess surplus interconnection capacity as a sale for cash or a potential to roll it into a stream of contracted cash flows at our choosing. Hopefully, that clarifies the understanding of this.
Speaker #3: choosing. Hopefully, that clarifies. Understanding of this. flows at our
Speaker #5: Yeah. And just as a follow-up there, is there any intention to maybe in the longer term or beyond 2030 return to dropdowns?
Hannah Velásquez: Yeah. Just as a follow-up there, is there any intention to maybe in the longer term or beyond 2030 return to dropdowns?
Hannah Velásquez: Yeah. Just as a follow-up there, is there any intention to maybe in the longer term or beyond 2030 return to dropdowns?
Speaker #3: We are only focused on the kind of capital plan that we've laid out at hand at this point, right? So we haven't committed to anything beyond the deal that we're announcing today.
Speaker #3: We are only focused on kind of the capital plan that we've laid out at hand at this point, right? So we haven't committed to anything beyond the deal that we're announcing
Alan Liu: We are only focused on kind of the capital plan that we've laid out at hand at this point, right? So we haven't committed to anything beyond the deal that we're announcing today.
Alan Liu: We are only focused on kind of the capital plan that we've laid out at hand at this point, right? So we haven't committed to anything beyond the deal that we're announcing today.
Speaker #5: Okay. Thank you.
Hannah Velásquez: Okay. Thank you.
Hannah Velásquez: Okay. Thank you.
Speaker #1: The next question comes from Christine Cho from Barclays. Please go ahead.
Jessica Geoffroy: The next question comes from Christine Cho from Barclays. Please go ahead.
Operator: The next question comes from Christine Cho from Barclays. Please go ahead.
Speaker #6: Good morning. Great to have these earnings calls again. On slide six, you list out these projects with the battery storage agreements. I'm just curious, some of these you have the option to invest in.
Christine Cho: Good morning. Great to have these earnings calls again. On slide 6, you list out these projects that you the battery storage agreements. I'm just curious, some of these you have the option to invest in, some of these you don't. So just curious how you and NEAR determine which ones you are eligible to invest in.
Christine Cho: Good morning. Great to have these earnings calls again. On slide 6, you list out these projects that you the battery storage agreements. I'm just curious, some of these you have the option to invest in, some of these you don't. So just curious how you and NEAR determine which ones you are eligible to invest in.
Speaker #6: Some of these you don't. So, just curious—how do you and NEAR determine which ones you are eligible to invest in?
Speaker #6: in?
Speaker #3: So I think the right way to
Alan Liu: So I think the right way to think about it is we started with a, "How do we create incremental cash flows for XPLR?" But in the midst of everything else that we've outlined as capital priorities, not create incremental funding requirements, right, for XPLR. And so really, it's to self-equitize, if you will. And so as we thought through that, it was, "Hey, we're going to agree to identify additional projects that we can sell in order to fund our co-investment into the four projects." And that was how the deal was structured.
Alan Liu: So I think the right way to think about it is we started with a, "How do we create incremental cash flows for XPLR?" But in the midst of everything else that we've outlined as capital priorities, not create incremental funding requirements, right, for XPLR. And so really, it's to self-equitize, if you will. And so as we thought through that, it was, "Hey, we're going to agree to identify additional projects that we can sell in order to fund our co-investment into the four projects." And that was how the deal was structured.
Speaker #3: Think about it—if we started with a 'how do we create incremental cash flows for Explorer,' but in the midst of everything else, we've created incremental funding outlined as capital priorities, not requirements, right, for Explorer.
Speaker #3: And so really, it's the self-advertise, if you will. And so as we thought through that, it was, hey, we're going to agree to identify additional projects that we can sell in order to fund our co-investment into the four projects.
Speaker #3: And that was how the deal was
Speaker #3: And that was how the deal was structured. Okay.
Christine Cho: Okay. And so then you quantify $45 million from the sale of surplus interconnection, and then I guess this to-be-identified line item would bridge the additional $35 million that you would need for the $80 million for co-investment. How should we think about what the opportunity set for potential sales of surplus interconnections and rights is for your entire portfolio outside these assets?
Christine Cho: Okay. And so then you quantify $45 million from the sale of surplus interconnection, and then I guess this to-be-identified line item would bridge the additional $35 million that you would need for the $80 million for co-investment. How should we think about what the opportunity set for potential sales of surplus interconnections and rights is for your entire portfolio outside these assets?
Speaker #6: And so then you quantify 45 million from the sale of surplus interconnection and then I guess this to be identified line item would bridge the additional 35 million that you would need for the 80 million for co-investment.
Speaker #6: How should we think about what the opportunity set for potential sales of surplus interconnections and rights is for your entire portfolio? Outside these
Speaker #6: assets? Yeah.
Alan Liu: Yeah. I think many of our assets have surplus interconnection capacity, as we've alluded to and then talked about before. But I think every project is different, right? Every location is different. So it really comes down to the project-specific economics and the opportunities of that project. So obviously, we're announcing this, and these are projects that we find very attractive today. And the option to be able to co-invest in these storage projects, we like it a lot. So I wouldn't read further into that other than we do have other interconnection assets, and we'll continue to think about how we optimize those for XPLR.
Alan Liu: Yeah. I think many of our assets have surplus interconnection capacity, as we've alluded to and then talked about before. But I think every project is different, right? Every location is different. So it really comes down to the project-specific economics and the opportunities of that project. So obviously, we're announcing this, and these are projects that we find very attractive today. And the option to be able to co-invest in these storage projects, we like it a lot. So I wouldn't read further into that other than we do have other interconnection assets, and we'll continue to think about how we optimize those for XPLR.
Speaker #3: I think many of our assets have surplus interconnection capacity. As we've alluded to and then talked about before, but I think it's every project is different.
Speaker #3: Right? Every location is different. So it really comes down to the project-specific economics and the opportunities of that project. So obviously, we're announcing this and these are projects that we find very attractive today.
Speaker #3: And the option to be able to co-invest in these storage projects we like it a lot. So I wouldn't read as further into that other than we do have other interconnection assets and we'll continue to think about how we optimize those for
Speaker #3: Explorer. As a reminder,
Jessica Geoffroy: As a reminder, if you have a question, please press star one. The next question comes from Mark Jarvi from CIBC Capital Markets. Please go ahead.
Operator: As a reminder, if you have a question, please press star one. The next question comes from Mark Jarvi from CIBC Capital Markets. Please go ahead.
Speaker #1: if you have a question, please press star one. The next question comes from Mark Jarvey from CIBC Capital Markets. Please go ahead.
Speaker #7: Thanks, good morning, everyone. Some interesting updates today. Just on that last point about other assets where you could monetize interconnection rights, is it fair to assume that the assets underlying the CPF 3 to 5 wouldn't be sort of eligible at this point?
Mark Jarvi: Thanks. Good morning, everyone. Some interesting updates today. Just on that last point about other assets where you could monetize interconnection rights, is it fair to assume that the assets underlying the CEPFs 3 to 5 wouldn't be sort of eligible at this point or likely to be? Yeah.
Mark Jarvi: Thanks. Good morning, everyone. Some interesting updates today. Just on that last point about other assets where you could monetize interconnection rights, is it fair to assume that the assets underlying the CEPFs 3 to 5 wouldn't be sort of eligible at this point or likely to be? Yeah.
Speaker #7: Or likely to be? Yeah.
Speaker #3: Yeah. So again, I think think about I would point you back to ASEPIF is we have an equity partner in that business, right? So to the extent we're moving forward with any in that front, then the equity partner has a say in how those assets are monetized.
Alan Liu: Yeah. So again, I think about. I would point you back to a CEPF, as we have an equity partner in that business, right? So to the extent we're moving forward with any in that front, then the equity partner has a say in how those assets are monetized. And ultimately, the economics would be shared, right?
Alan Liu: Yeah. So again, I think about. I would point you back to a CEPF, as we have an equity partner in that business, right? So to the extent we're moving forward with any in that front, then the equity partner has a say in how those assets are monetized. And ultimately, the economics would be shared, right?
Speaker #3: And ultimately, the economics would be shared.
Speaker #7: Understood. And then a key comment a little bit on returns between the battery joint venture investments versus the repowerings and just how the next phase of repowerings are comparing versus the ones you've already acted on in 2025.
Mark Jarvi: Understood. And then can you comment a little bit on returns between the battery joint venture investments versus the repowerings and just how the next phase of repowerings are comparing versus the ones you've already acted on in 2025?
Mark Jarvi: Understood. And then can you comment a little bit on returns between the battery joint venture investments versus the repowerings and just how the next phase of repowerings are comparing versus the ones you've already acted on in 2025?
Speaker #3: So we've said in the past that we're targeting minimum double-digit returns for repowerings and simply those are in our minds very low-risk projects that our site that we control, right?
Alan Liu: So we've said in the past that we're targeting minimum double-digit returns for repowerings, and, simply, those are, in our minds, very low-risk projects that are a site that we control, right? These are very attractive projects, particularly if you think about it as we've taken assets that weren't producing any cash flows and converting them into either cash proceeds or streams of cash flows. So they're highly attractive projects.
Alan Liu: So we've said in the past that we're targeting minimum double-digit returns for repowerings, and, simply, those are, in our minds, very low-risk projects that are a site that we control, right? These are very attractive projects, particularly if you think about it as we've taken assets that weren't producing any cash flows and converting them into either cash proceeds or streams of cash flows. So they're highly attractive projects.
Speaker #3: These are very attractive projects, particularly if you think about it as we've taken assets that weren't producing any cash flows and converting them into either cash proceeds or streams of cash flows.
Speaker #3: So they're highly attractive
Speaker #3: projects. And just in terms of
Mark Jarvi: Just in terms of the battery investment opportunity, would they be modestly lower-returning projects versus the repowerings, but still double-digit?
Mark Jarvi: Just in terms of the battery investment opportunity, would they be modestly lower-returning projects versus the repowerings, but still double-digit?
Speaker #7: the battery investment opportunity, would they be modestly lower returning projects versus the repowerings? But
Speaker #7: still double-digit? Yeah.
Alan Liu: Yeah. I was referring to the storage projects, right? If you think about the repowers as double-digit minimum, these are very attractive, and particularly if you think about it as taking non-cash flow assets that are embedded in a portfolio and creating cash flow streams out of them.
Alan Liu: Yeah. I was referring to the storage projects, right? If you think about the repowers as double-digit minimum, these are very attractive, and particularly if you think about it as taking non-cash flow assets that are embedded in a portfolio and creating cash flow streams out of them.
Speaker #3: I was referring to the storage projects, right? If you have the repowers as double-digit minimum, these are very attractive—particularly if you think about it as taking non-cash-flow assets that are embedded in a portfolio and creating cash-flow streams out of them.
Speaker #7: And not that it's a big number, but can you just clarify, is the 80 million dollars of equity financing around the monetization of the interconnection assets, is that essentially done now?
Mark Jarvi: And not that it's a big number, but can you just clarify, is the $80 million of equity financing around the monetization of the interconnection assets, is that essentially done now? And sort of, I guess, if it doesn't, is there a fallback plan in terms of that funding gap?
Mark Jarvi: And not that it's a big number, but can you just clarify, is the $80 million of equity financing around the monetization of the interconnection assets, is that essentially done now? And sort of, I guess, if it doesn't, is there a fallback plan in terms of that funding gap?
Speaker #7: And sort of I guess if it doesn't, is there a fallback plan in terms of that funding gap?
Speaker #3: Yeah, I think the way to think about it is, with this transaction, you have a pathway to at least half of the proceeds—the net equity investment, right?
Alan Liu: Yeah. I think the way to think about it is with this transaction, you have a pathway to at least half of the proceeds, the net equity investment, right? Again, we have an option to go invest, and really, the option is finalization of our evaluation of the development plan. And then the other half of it is we have an agreement with NextEra Energy Resources to identify and seek other asset sales to be able to fund the balance of it.
Alan Liu: Yeah. I think the way to think about it is with this transaction, you have a pathway to at least half of the proceeds, the net equity investment, right? Again, we have an option to go invest, and really, the option is finalization of our evaluation of the development plan. And then the other half of it is we have an agreement with NextEra Energy Resources to identify and seek other asset sales to be able to fund the balance of it.
Speaker #3: Again, we have an option to go invest and really the option is finalization of our evaluation of the development plan. And then the other half of it is we have an agreement with Next Energy Resources to identify and seek other asset sales to be able to fund the balance of it.
Speaker #7: And when would you meet or plan to reach an investment decision on?
Mark Jarvi: When would you meet or plan to reach an investment decision on?
Mark Jarvi: When would you meet or plan to reach an investment decision on?
Speaker #3: We have another agreement of 45 days to finalize our evaluation of the development plan and make
Alan Liu: We have, under the agreement, 45 days to finalize our evaluation of the development plan and make an election.
Alan Liu: We have, under the agreement, 45 days to finalize our evaluation of the development plan and make an election.
Speaker #3: an election.
Speaker #7: That's great. All right. Thanks for
Mark Jarvi: That's great. All right. Thanks for the time.
Mark Jarvi: That's great. All right. Thanks for the time.
Speaker #7: the time.
Jessica Geoffroy: This concludes our question-and-answer session, and the conference is now concluded. Thank you for attending today's presentation. You may now disconnect.
Operator: This concludes our question-and-answer session, and the conference is now concluded. Thank you for attending today's presentation. You may now disconnect.
