FirstEnergy Earnings Call: Guidance Narrowed Amid Strategic Investments
During FirstEnergy Corp's (NYSE: FE) recent Q3 2024 Earnings Conference Call, the company reported a slight decline in GAAP earnings per share compared to the same quarter last year and narrowed its full-year operating earnings guidance. CEO Brian Tierney announced a 24% increase in the company's capital investment plan for 2024, emphasizing that this increase will focus on enhancing grid reliability and customer experience. Despite challenges such as rising storm-related expenses and the impact of the sale of 30% of FirstEnergy Transmission, the company continues to pursue its commitment to long-term growth and operational excellence.
Key Points
Q3 GAAP earnings per share were $0.73, down from $0.74 in Q3 2023.
Operating earnings per share were $0.85, compared to $0.88 in the previous year.
Full-year operating earnings guidance has been narrowed to between $2.61 and $2.81 per share.
The capital investment plan for 2024 has been raised to $4.6 billion, focusing on reliability improvements.
Regulatory updates include a $225 million settlement in Pennsylvania and the withdrawal of the fifth electric security plan in Ohio.
FirstEnergy entered into a joint development agreement with a potential $3.8 billion investment for regional transmission projects.
Fitch upgraded FirstEnergy's issuer and unsecured credit ratings, reflecting an improved financial position.
Company Outlook
The long-term growth rate has been reaffirmed to be between 6% and 8%.
A $26 billion five-year capital expenditure plan by 2028.
Increased investments targeting reliability and customer experience in 2024.
Regulatory outcomes, including the Pennsylvania rate case, are expected to support financial strength.
Negative Highlights
Higher storm-related expenses impacted earnings, with deferred costs of $30 million.
The 30% stake sale in FirstEnergy Transmission affected earnings.
Expected increases in residential bills due to high prices from the PJM capacity auction.
Positive Highlights
Earnings from distribution operations increased due to customer demand and rate base growth.
Integrated segment earnings rose by 32% year-on-year.
Upgrades from Fitch and a positive outlook from S&P.
Significant growth in large load demands indicates strong demand for services.
Shortcomings
Earnings per share slightly decreased compared to Q3 2023.
A total of $550 million in storm restoration expenses year-to-date has impacted financial performance.
Funds generated from operations are expected to be below target debt ratio, around 13%.
Q&A Highlights
Management emphasized reliance on timely storm cost recovery from regulators.
Discussion on the complexities of power plant construction and competitive and regulatory solutions.
The withdrawal of ESP V in Ohio is expected to provide greater certainty for earnings visibility and reduce regulatory risk.
The PJM Management Board will provide updates on transmission opportunities by February.
Progress continues on the $26 billion CapEx plan, with clearer visibility expected early next year.
FirstEnergy Corp continues to focus on reliability and customer service as it navigates the complexities of the energy market amidst strategic changes and regulatory developments. The company's increasing investment plans and regulatory collaborations underscore its commitment to long-term growth and operational excellence for its stakeholders.
InvestingPro Insights
FirstEnergy Corp's recent earnings call and strategic initiatives are further illuminated by significant financial metrics and forecasts from InvestingPro. The company's market capitalization stands at $24.68 billion, reflecting its substantial presence in the utility sector.
One of the key InvestingPro Tips for potential investors in FirstEnergy is the company's "uninterrupted dividend payments for 27 years." This impressive history aligns with the long-term growth and shareholder value commitment discussed during the earnings call. Currently, FirstEnergy offers a dividend yield of 4.03%, which may be appealing for income-focused investors.
Another important InvestingPro Tip notes that FirstEnergy is "trading at a low P/E ratio relative to near-term earnings growth." This is supported by a PEG ratio of 0.39, indicating that the stock may be undervalued relative to growth expectations. This is particularly intriguing in light of FirstEnergy's reaffirmed long-term growth rate of 6% to 8% and increased capital investment plan for 2024.
As of Q3 2024, the company's revenue for the last twelve months stands at $13.26 billion, marking a 4.3% revenue growth from the same period last year. This growth, along with FirstEnergy's $3.899 billion in EBITDA, underlines the company's financial stability and its capacity to fund its ambitious $26 billion five-year capital expenditure plan.
It is noteworthy that InvestingPro offers more tips and forecasts than those mentioned here, providing a comprehensive analysis for investors interested in FirstEnergy Corp.