Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. Announces 2024 Second Quarter Financial Results
Rhea-AI Summary
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (AQN) reported its Q2 2024 financial results, highlighting progress towards becoming a pure-play regulated utility. Key points include:
- Agreement to sell renewable energy business to LS Power for up to $2.5 billion
- Q2 Adjusted EBITDA of $311.0 million, up 12% year-over-year
- Q2 Adjusted Net Earnings of $65.2 million, up 16% year-over-year
- Q2 Adjusted Net Earnings per share of $0.09, up 13% year-over-year
- Dividend reduced by 40% to $0.065 per share for Q3 2024
- Plans to reduce capital expenditures and focus on improving earnings and capital sustainability
The company aims to strengthen its balance sheet, enhance earnings quality, and create long-term value for customers and shareholders through these strategic moves.
Positive
- Agreement to sell renewable energy business for up to $2.5 billion, strengthening balance sheet
- Q2 Adjusted EBITDA increased 12% year-over-year to $311.0 million
- Q2 Adjusted Net Earnings rose 16% year-over-year to $65.2 million
- Q2 Adjusted Net Earnings per share grew 13% year-over-year to $0.09
- Regulated Services Group saw 6% year-over-year growth in Divisional Operating Profit
- Renewable Energy Group recorded 33% year-over-year growth in Divisional Operating Profit
- Successful remarketing of $1.15 billion green equity units to reduce debt levels
Negative
- Dividend reduced by approximately 40% to $0.065 per share for Q3 2024
- Plans to restrain capital expenditures in the Regulated Services Group
- Q2 Revenue decreased 5% year-over-year to $598.6 million
- Regulated Services Group Revenue declined 8% year-over-year to $505.2 million
- Cash provided by operating activities decreased 10% year-over-year to $236.2 million
News Market Reaction 1 Alert
On the day this news was published, AQN declined 12.60%, reflecting a significant negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Continuing Ongoing Strategic Transition to a Pure-Play Regulated Utility
Company to Hold Second Quarter Earnings Conference Call at 8:30 am E.T.
"In the second quarter we continued to make significant progress on our path towards a pure play regulated utility, which we expect to enable us to create long term value and increase our quality of earnings," said Chris Huskilson, CEO of AQN. "As announced separately today, we have entered into an agreement with LS Power to sell our renewable energy business for up to
Second Quarter Financial Results
- Second Quarter Net Utility Sales and Net Energy Sales1 of
, no percentage change;$474.9 million - Second Quarter Adjusted EBITDA1 of
, an increase of$311.0 million 12% ; - Second Quarter Adjusted Net Earnings1 of
, an increase of$65.2 million 16% ; and - Second Quarter Adjusted Net Earnings1 per common share of
, an increase of$0.09 13% , in each case on a year-over-year basis.
Second Quarter Financials
All amounts in | Three months ended June 30 | Six months ended June 30 | ||||
2024 | 2023 | Change | 2024 | 2023 | Change | |
Revenue | (5) % | $ 1,335.7 | (5) % | |||
Regulated Services Group Revenue | 505.2 | 546.4 | (8) % | 1,141.8 | 1,234.6 | (8) % |
Renewable Energy Group Revenue | 93.2 | 81.1 | 15 % | 193.3 | 171.2 | 13 % |
Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders | 200.8 | (253.2) | 179 % | 111.6 | 16.9 | 560 % |
Per common share | 0.28 | (0.37) | 176 % | 0.15 | 0.02 | 650 % |
Cash provided by operating activities | 236.2 | 261.4 | (10) % | 366.9 | 294.7 | 24 % |
Adjusted Net Earnings1 | 65.2 | 56.2 | 16 % | 160.6 | 176.0 | (9) % |
Per common share | 0.09 | 0.08 | 13 % | 0.22 | 0.25 | (10) % |
Adjusted EBITDA1 | 311.0 | 277.7 | 12 % | 655.2 | 618.7 | 6 % |
Regulated Services Group Divisional Operating Profit1 | 212.8 | 199.4 | 7 % | 469.7 | 445.2 | 6 % |
Renewable Energy Group Divisional Operating Profit1 | 99.7 | 76.2 | 31 % | 186.9 | 171.4 | 9 % |
Adjusted Funds from Operations1 | 167.9 | 150.2 | 12 % | 357.2 | 358.4 | — % |
Dividends per common share | 0.1085 | 0.1085 | — | 0.2170 | 0.2170 | — % |
Long-term Debt | 8,292.6 | 8,516.0 | (3) % | 8,292.6 | 8,516.0 | (3) % |
1 | Please refer to "Non-GAAP Measures" below for further details. |
Second Quarter 2024 Highlights
- Regulated Services Group saw second consecutive quarter of growth due to implementation of new rates and higher HLBV income – The Regulated Services Group recorded second quarter year-over-year growth in Divisional Operating Profit of
6% (see "Non-GAAP Measures" below). The increase was primarily due to the implementation of new rates at several of the Company's electric, gas and water systems, as well as higher Hypothetical Liquidation at Book Value ("HLBV") income of approximately at the Empire Electric System as a result of normalized wind resources and higher production tax credit ("PTC") rates. This growth was partially offset by higher operating expenses and one-time revenues in the second quarter of 2023 from a retroactive rate increase at CalPeco Electric.$13.8 million - Year-over-year growth in the Renewable Energy Group was led by contributions from new facilities – The Renewable Energy Group recorded second quarter year-over-year growth in Divisional Operating Profit of
33% (see "Non-GAAP Measures" below). The increase was primarily due to the resumption of weather-normalized production across the Canadian andU.S. wind facilities, higher equity income from the Texas Coastal Wind Facilities, and contributions from new wind facilities, Deerfield II and Sandy Ridge II. This growth was partially offset by the sale of the Windsor Locks Thermal Facility and development costs due to the consolidation of development activities as part of the Company's business simplification initiative. - Optimizes investment of Atlantica, through its sale to Energy Capital Partners – On May 27, 2024, the Company entered into a support agreement (the "Support Agreement") with a private limited company ("Bidco"), which is controlled by Energy Capital Partners, and Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure plc ("Atlantica"). Pursuant to the Support Agreement, the Company and its subsidiary Liberty (AY Holdings) B.V., which holds approximately
42.2% of the outstanding ordinary shares of Atlantica, agreed, subject to the terms of the Support Agreement, to cause such shares to be voted in favour of the proposed acquisition by Bidco of100% of the ordinary shares of Atlantica for per share in cash. The purchase price represents an$22.00 18.9% premium to Atlantica's closing share price on April 22, 2024, the last trading day prior to the emergence of market rumours regarding a potential acquisition of Atlantica. The Company expects to use the proceeds to help reduce debt and recapitalize the Company's balance sheet as part of its ongoing strategic transition to a pure play regulated utility. On August 8, 2024, Atlantica announced that it had completed the requisite meetings of its shareholders to approve its acquisition by Energy Capital Partners and a group of co-investors. Based upon the preliminary results of these meetings, the Transaction received all requisite approvals of Atlantica's shareholders. - Successfully remarketed green equity units to further reduce debt levels – On March 28, 2024, the Company successfully remarketed its
aggregate principal amount of$1.15 billion 1.18% Senior Notes due June 15, 2026 (the "Notes"). The Notes were originally issued in June 2021, together with the related purchase contracts (the "Purchase Contracts"), as a component of the Company's corporate units. The proceeds from the remarketing of the Notes were used to purchase a portfolio of treasury securities that matured on June 13, 2024. The funds generated upon maturity of the treasury portfolio were used on June 17, 2024 to settle the Purchase Contracts. In connection with the settlement of the Purchase Contracts, the Company issued approximately 76.9 million common shares for proceeds of . The Company used the proceeds to reduce existing indebtedness of the Company and its subsidiaries and for general corporate purposes.$1.15 billion - New Customer First system implemented - AQN recently completed the implementation of an integrated customer solution platform, which includes customer billing, enterprise resource planning systems and asset management systems.
Corporate Actions
- Common share dividend adjusted to a more sustainable level – The Company has declared a third quarter 2024 dividend of
, representing a reduction of approximately$0.06 540% compared to its second quarter 2024 dividend, and representing an annualized dividend of per common share. This decision is intended to create longer term value for shareholders as the Company focuses on improving its earnings and capital sustainability in a higher cost of capital environment.$0.26 - Capital spending to be reduced in the near-term – AQN plans to restrain its Regulated Services Group capital expenditures to slightly above maintenance requirements while pursuing timely recovery of and on current investments made on behalf of customers.
- Active rate case calendar continues - 2024 represents the most active rate case schedule in the Company's history. In addition to already filed rate cases, AQN plans to make additional filings at its Empire Electric (
Missouri ) Utility System, CalPeco Electric System, St. Lawrence Gas System, Litchfield Park Water & Sewer System, and New England Natural Gas System in the second half of 2024 or the first half of 2025. The timing of filing of these rate cases is dependent on, among other things, the successful adoption and use of the recently deployed customer solution technology platform.
Renewable Energy Group Sale to LS Power
In a separately issued press release, AQN today announced that it has entered into an agreement with LS Power to sell the Company's renewable energy business (excluding hydro) for up to
Earnings Conference Call
AQN will hold an earnings conference call at 8:30 a.m. eastern time on Friday, August 9, 2024, hosted by Chief Executive Officer, Chris Huskilson, and Chief Financial Officer, Darren Myers.
Date: | Friday, August 9, 2024 | |
Time: | 8:30 a.m. ET | |
Conference Call: | Toll Free Dial-In Number | 1 (800) 715-9871 |
Toll Dial-In Number | 1 (647) 932-3411 | |
Conference ID | 9608227 | |
Webcast: | ||
Presentation also available at: www.algonquinpower.com | ||
About Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. and Liberty
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp., parent company of Liberty, is a diversified international generation, transmission, and distribution utility with approximately
Visit AQN at www.algonquinpower.com and follow us on X.com @AQN_Utilities.
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information
Certain statements included in this news release constitute ''forward-looking information'' within the meaning of applicable securities laws in each of the provinces and territories of
Non-GAAP Measures
AQN uses a number of financial measures to assess the performance of its business lines. Some measures are calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in
The terms "Adjusted Net Earnings", "Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization" (or "Adjusted EBITDA"), "Adjusted Funds from Operations", "Divisional Operating Profit", "Net Utility Sales" and "Net Energy Sales", which are used in this news release, are non-GAAP financial measures. An explanation of each of these non-GAAP financial measures can be found in the section titled "Caution Concerning Non-GAAP Measures" in the Interim MD&A, which section is incorporated by reference into this news release, and a reconciliation to the most directly comparable
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Earnings
The following table is derived from and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated statement of operations. This supplementary disclosure is intended to more fully explain disclosures related to Adjusted EBITDA and provides additional information related to the operating performance of AQN. Investors are cautioned that this measure should not be construed as an alternative to
Three months ended | Six months ended | ||||||
June 30 | June 30 | ||||||
(all dollar amounts in $ millions) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||
Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders | $ 200.8 | $ (253.2) | $ 111.6 | $ 16.9 | |||
Add (deduct): | |||||||
Net earnings attributable to the non-controlling interest, exclusive of HLBV | 7.7 | 16.4 | 17.1 | 30.8 | |||
Income tax expense (recovery) | (5.2) | (56.0) | (16.5) | (31.3) | |||
Interest expense | 105.8 | 89.7 | 208.3 | 171.6 | |||
Other net losses1 | 17.1 | 40.4 | 27.7 | 43.8 | |||
Unrealized loss (gain) on energy derivatives included in | 12.6 | (0.1) | 23.3 | (0.1) | |||
HLBV prior period adjustment within equity income | — | — | 8.5 | — | |||
Pension and post-employment non-service costs | 4.0 | 5.3 | 7.4 | 10.3 | |||
Change in value of investments carried at fair value2 | (172.9) | 311.4 | (14.6) | 132.0 | |||
Gain on derivative financial instruments | (0.1) | (1.0) | (0.2) | (3.2) | |||
Loss on foreign exchange | 4.3 | 6.4 | 16.1 | 7.8 | |||
Depreciation and amortization | 136.9 | 118.4 | 266.5 | 240.1 | |||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ 311.0 | $ 277.7 | $ 655.2 | $ 618.7 | |||
1 | See Note 16 in the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements. |
2 | See Note 6 in the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements. |
Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Earnings to Net Earnings
The following table is derived from and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated statement of operations. This supplementary disclosure is intended to more fully explain disclosures related to Adjusted Net Earnings and provides additional information related to the operating performance of AQN. Investors are cautioned that this measure should not be construed as an alternative to consolidated net earnings in accordance with
The following table shows the reconciliation of net earnings to Adjusted Net Earnings exclusive of these items:
Three months ended | Six months ended | ||||||
June 30 | June 30 | ||||||
information) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||
Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders | $ 200.8 | $ (253.2) | $ 111.6 | $ 16.9 | |||
Add (deduct): | |||||||
Gain on derivative financial instruments | (0.1) | (1.0) | (0.2) | (3.2) | |||
Other net losses1 | 17.1 | 40.4 | 27.7 | 43.8 | |||
Loss on foreign exchange | 4.3 | 6.4 | 16.1 | 7.8 | |||
Unrealized loss on energy derivatives included in revenue | 12.6 | (0.1) | 23.3 | (0.1) | |||
HLBV prior period adjustment within equity income | — | — | 8.5 | — | |||
Change in value of investments carried at fair value2 | (172.9) | 311.4 | (14.6) | 132.0 | |||
Adjustment for taxes related to above | 3.4 | (47.7) | (11.8) | (21.2) | |||
Adjusted Net Earnings | $ 65.2 | $ 56.2 | $ 160.6 | $ 176.0 | |||
Adjusted Net Earnings per common share | $ 0.09 | $ 0.08 | $ 0.22 | $ 0.25 | |||
1 | See Note 16 in the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements. |
2 | See Note 6 in the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements. |
Reconciliation of Adjusted Funds from Operations to Cash Provided by Operating Activities
The following table is derived from and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated statement of operations and consolidated statement of cash flows. This supplementary disclosure is intended to more fully explain disclosures related to Adjusted Funds from Operations and provides additional information related to the operating performance of AQN. Investors are cautioned that this measure should not be construed as an alternative to cash provided by operating activities in accordance with
The following table shows the reconciliation of cash provided by operating activities to Adjusted Funds from Operations exclusive of these items:
Three months ended | Six months ended | ||||||
June 30 | June 30 | ||||||
(all dollar amounts in $ millions) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||
Cash provided by operating activities | $ 236.2 | $ 261.4 | $ 366.9 | $ 294.7 | |||
Add (deduct): | |||||||
Changes in non-cash operating items | (70.6) | (112.4) | (16.0) | 53.4 | |||
Production based cash contributions from non-controlling interests | 2.3 | — | 6.3 | 9.1 | |||
Costs related to tax equity financing | — | 1.2 | — | 1.2 | |||
Adjusted Funds from Operations | $ 167.9 | $ 150.2 | $ 357.2 | $ 358.4 | |||
Reconciliation of Net Utility Sales and Regulated Services Group Divisional Operating Profit to Revenue
The following table is derived from and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated statement of operations and consolidated statement of cash flows. This supplementary disclosure is intended to more fully explain disclosures related to Divisional Operating Profit and Net Utility Sales and provides additional information related to the operating performance of AQN. Investors are cautioned that these measures should not be construed as an alternative to revenue in accordance with
The following table shows the reconciliation of Net Utility Sales and Regulated Services Group Divisional Operating Profit to revenue:
Three months ended | Six months ended | ||||||
June 30 | June 30 | ||||||
(all dollar amounts in $ millions) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||
Revenue | |||||||
Regulated electricity distribution | $ 304.3 | $ 328.2 | $ 610.1 | $ 644.2 | |||
Less: Regulated electricity purchased | (81.7) | (98.3) | (179.6) | (223.9) | |||
Net Utility Sales – electricity1 | 222.6 | 229.9 | 430.5 | 420.3 | |||
Regulated gas distribution | 94.2 | 109.5 | 328.2 | 380.7 | |||
Less: Regulated gas purchased | (22.9) | (36.2) | (118.9) | (173.9) | |||
Net Utility Sales – natural gas1
| 71.3 | 73.3 | 209.3 | 206.8 | |||
Regulated water reclamation and distribution | 92.8 | 95.9 | 177.8 | 183.3 | |||
Less: Regulated water purchased | (4.3) | (3.8) | (8.2) | (7.7) | |||
Net Utility Sales – water reclamation and distribution1 | 88.5 | 92.1 | 169.6 | 175.6 | |||
Other revenue2 | 13.9 | 12.8 | 25.7 | 26.4 | |||
Net Utility Sales1,3 | 396.3 | 408.1 | 835.1 | 829.1 | |||
Operating expenses | (215.7) | (228.8) | (423.2) | (425.7) | |||
Income from long-term investments | 7.5 | 9.3 | 15.4 | 19.7 | |||
HLBV4 | 24.7 | 10.8 | 42.4 | 22.1 | |||
Divisional Operating Profit1,5 | $ 212.8 | $ 199.4 | $ 469.7 | $ 445.2 | |||
1 | See Caution Concerning Non-GAAP Measures. |
2 | See Note 18 in the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements. |
3 | This table contains a reconciliation of Net Utility Sales to revenue. The relevant sections of the table are derived from and should be read in conjunction with the unaudited interim condensed consolidated statement of operations and Note 18 in the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements, "Segmented Information". This supplementary disclosure is intended to more fully explain disclosures related to Net Utility Sales and provides additional information related to the operating performance of the Regulated Services Group. Investors are cautioned that Net Utility Sales should not be construed as an alternative to revenue. |
4 | HLBV income represents the value of net tax attributes monetized by the Regulated Services Group in the period at the Luning and Turquoise Solar Facilities and the Neosho Ridge, |
5 | This table contains a reconciliation of Divisional Operating Profit to revenue for the Regulated Services Group. The relevant sections of the table are derived from and should be read in conjunction with the unaudited interim condensed consolidated statement of operations and Note 18 in the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements, "Segmented Information". This supplementary disclosure is intended to more fully explain disclosures related to Divisional Operating Profit and provides additional information related to the operating performance of the Regulated Services Group. Investors are cautioned that Divisional Operating Profit should not be construed as an alternative to revenue. |
Reconciliation of Net Energy Sales and Renewable Energy Group Divisional Operating Profit to Revenue
The following table is derived from and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated statement of operations and consolidated statement of cash flows. This supplementary disclosure is intended to more fully explain disclosures related to Divisional Operating Profit and Net Energy Sales and provides additional information related to the operating performance of AQN. Investors are cautioned that this measure should not be construed as an alternative to cash provided by operating activities in accordance with
The following table shows the reconciliation of Net Energy Sales and Renewable Energy Group Divisional Operating Profit to revenue:
Three months ended | Six months ended | ||||||
June 30 | June 30 | ||||||
(all dollar amounts in $ millions) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||
Revenue1 | |||||||
Hydro | $ 10.3 | $ 8.8 | $ 19.5 | $ 16.9 | |||
Wind | 56.6 | 46.5 | 120.3 | 102.7 | |||
Solar | 9.9 | 9.4 | 15.6 | 14.7 | |||
Thermal | 1.9 | 7.0 | 7.8 | 16.1 | |||
Total Non-Regulated Energy Sales | $ 78.7 | $ 71.7 | $ 163.2 | $ 150.4 | |||
Less: | |||||||
Cost of Sales - Energy2 | (0.2) | (0.4) | (0.9) | (1.5) | |||
Cost of Sales - Thermal | (0.5) | (3.4) | (3.3) | (10.1) | |||
Net Energy Sales 3,4 | $ 78.0 | $ 67.9 | $ 159.0 | $ 138.8 | |||
Renewable Energy Credits5 | 9.1 | 8.1 | 23.3 | 18.1 | |||
Other Revenue | 5.4 | 1.3 | 6.8 | 2.7 | |||
Total Net Revenue | $ 92.5 | $ 77.3 | $ 189.1 | $ 159.6 | |||
Expenses & Other Income | |||||||
Operating expenses | (33.3) | (27.7) | (72.3) | (60.4) | |||
Development costs | (7.7) | (3.3) | (16.3) | (7.3) | |||
Other operating costs (previously referred to as administrative expenses) | (6.7) | (7.4) | (12.7) | (11.1) | |||
Dividend, interest, equity and other income6 | 30.1 | 22.6 | 51.5 | 52.3 | |||
HLBV income7 | 24.8 | 14.7 | 47.6 | 38.3 | |||
Divisional Operating Profit3,8,9 | $ 99.7 | $ 76.2 | $ 186.9 | $ 171.4 | |||
1 | Many of the Renewable Energy Group's power purchase agreements ("PPAs") include annual rate increases. However, a change to the weighted average production levels resulting from higher average production from facilities that earn lower energy rates can result in a lower weighted average energy rate earned by the division as compared to the same period in the prior year. |
2 | Cost of Sales - Energy consists of energy purchases in the Maritime Region to manage the energy sales from the Tinker Hydro Facility which is sold to retail and industrial customers under multi-year contracts. |
3 | See Caution Concerning Non-GAAP Measures. |
4 | This table contains a reconciliation of Net Energy Sales to revenue. The relevant sections of the table are derived from and should be read in conjunction with the unaudited interim condensed consolidated statement of operations and Note 18 in the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements, "Segmented information". This supplementary disclosure is intended to more fully explain disclosures related to Net Energy Sales and provides additional information related to the operating performance of AQN. Investors are cautioned that Net Energy Sales should not be construed as an alternative to revenue. |
5 | Qualifying renewable energy projects receive renewable energy credits ("RECs") for the generation and delivery of renewable energy to the power grid. The RECs represent proof that 1 MW-hr of electricity was generated from an eligible energy source. |
6 | Includes dividends received from Atlantica and related parties (see Notes 6 and 13 in the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements) as well as the equity investment in the Stella, Cranell, East Raymond and West Raymond Wind Facilities (collectively, the "Texas Coastal Wind Facilities"). |
7 | HLBV income represents the value of net tax attributes earned by the Renewable Energy Group in the period primarily from electricity generated by certain of its PTCs are earned as wind energy is generated based on a dollar per kW-hr rate prescribed in applicable federal and state statutes. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Renewable Energy Group's eligible facilities generated 2,297.5 GW-hrs representing approximately |
8 | Certain prior year items have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. |
9 | This table contains a reconciliation of Divisional Operating Profit to revenue for the Renewable Energy Group. The relevant sections of the table are derived from and should be read in conjunction with the unaudited interim condensed consolidated statement of operations and Note 18 in the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements, "Segmented Information". This supplementary disclosure is intended to more fully explain disclosures related to Divisional Operating Profit and provides additional information related to the operating performance of the Renewable Energy Group. Investors are cautioned that Divisional Operating Profit should not be construed as an alternative to revenue. |
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SOURCE Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.