RGC Resources, Inc. Reports 2024 Earnings

Rhea-AI Summary

RGC Resources reported consolidated earnings of $11.76 million ($1.16 per share) for fiscal year 2024, up from $11.30 million ($1.14 per share) in 2023. The increase was driven by higher earnings from the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) investment, which began service in June 2024. Despite lower natural gas costs reducing customer bills and revenues, the company secured a settlement for a $4.08 million annual revenue increase. However, Q4 2024 net income decreased to $140,822 ($0.01 per share) from $1.01 million ($0.10 per share) in Q4 2023, due to lower MVP earnings and higher interest expenses.

Positive

• Annual earnings increased to $11.76 million from $11.30 million YoY
• Mountain Valley Pipeline successfully placed in service in June 2024
• Secured settlement for $4.08 million annual revenue increase pending approval

Negative

• Q4 2024 net income declined 86% to $140,822 from $1.01 million YoY
• Higher interest expenses impacting profitability
• Lower revenues due to reduced natural gas costs

Insights

Financial Analyst

The fiscal year 2024 results show mixed performance with $11.76 million in earnings ($1.16 per share), representing a modest 1.8% increase from 2023. Key developments include:

• MVP pipeline completion in June 2024 boosted AFUDC earnings
• Pending rate case settlement for $4.08 million annual revenue increase awaits regulatory approval
• Q4 earnings declined significantly to $0.01 per share from $0.10, impacted by reduced MVP earnings and higher interest costs

While infrastructure investments and the MVP completion are positive long-term developments, near-term headwinds from higher interest expenses and lower gas costs affecting revenues present challenges. The rate case settlement, if approved, should help offset some cost pressures but may take time to materialize in earnings.

ROANOKE, Va., Nov. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RGC Resources, Inc. (Nasdaq: RGCO) announced consolidated Company earnings of $11,760,896, or $1.16 per share, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, compared to $11,299,282, or $1.14 per share, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. The increase reflected higher levels of earnings from the Company’s investment in the Mountain Valley Pipeline (“MVP”) due to more AFUDC in fiscal 2024 prior to the pipeline being placed in service in June 2024. The lower cost of natural gas in 2024 reduced bills to customers and revenues for the Company, despite inflationary costs leading to higher tariffs. Interest expense also increased primarily due to higher interest rates.

Roanoke Gas continued investing in utility infrastructure to enhance system reliability and enable growth in customers and earnings. CEO Paul Nester stated, “Gas flowing through the MVP in 2024 is a major milestone we worked hard to achieve, and one we and the region will long appreciate. We are pleased to have recently reached a settlement on our pending rate proceeding with the State Corporation Commission staff that provides for an incremental increase in annual revenues of $4.08 million, subject to approval by the Commission.”

Net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 was $140,822, or $0.01 per share, compared to $1,014,175, or $0.10 per share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. A lower level of earnings from our investment in MVP along with higher interest expense resulted in lower net income compared to the same quarter a year ago.

RGC Resources, Inc. provides energy and related products and services to customers in Virginia through its operating subsidiaries Roanoke Gas Company and RGC Midstream, LLC.

The statements in this release that are not historical facts constitute “forward-looking statements” made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties. In order to comply with the terms of the safe harbor, the Company notes that a variety of factors could cause the Company’s actual results and experience to differ materially from any expectations expressed in the Company’s forward-looking statements, regarding customer growth, infrastructure investment and margins. These risks and uncertainties include gas prices and supply, geopolitical considerations, expectations regarding the rate making, MVP operation and Southgate construction, along with risks included under Item 1-A in the Company’s fiscal 2023 Form10-K. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current expectations only as of the date they are made. The Company assumes no duty to update these statements should expectations change or actual results differ from current expectations except as required by applicable laws and regulations.

Past performance is not necessarily a predictor of future results.

Summary financial statements for the fourth quarter and twelve months are as follows:

RGC Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended								Twelve Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
			2024				2023				2024				2023
Operating revenues		$	13,104,302			$	12,467,528			$	84,641,232			$	97,439,765
Operating expenses			12,861,881				11,723,420				67,559,472				79,761,285
Operating income			242,421				744,108				17,081,760				17,678,480
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate			872,048				1,561,409				3,851,871				2,084,990
Other income, net			887,837				443,373				1,028,761				646,528
Interest expense			1,734,906				1,430,213				6,504,885				5,618,805
Income before income taxes			267,400				1,318,677				15,457,507				14,791,193
Income tax expense			126,578				304,502				3,696,611				3,491,911
Net income		$	140,822			$	1,014,175			$	11,760,896			$	11,299,282
Net earnings per share of common stock:
Basic		$	0.01			$	0.10			$	1.16			$	1.14
Diluted		$	0.01			$	0.10			$	1.16			$	1.14
Cash dividends per common share		$	0.2000			$	0.1975			$	0.8000			$	0.7900
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic			10,223,785				10,009,491				10,152,909				9,922,701
Diluted			10,228,365				10,011,039				10,156,480				9,927,157
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
						September 30,
Assets							2024				2023
Current assets						$	25,072,301			$	26,795,262
Utility property, net							262,041,454				247,583,551
Other non-current assets							33,777,404				29,350,527
Total Assets						$	320,891,159			$	303,729,340
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities						$	28,698,430			$	32,918,787
Long-term debt, net							136,672,908				125,844,728
Deferred credits and other non-current liabilities							47,383,046				44,233,200
Total Liabilities							212,754,384				202,996,715
Stockholders' Equity							108,136,775				100,732,625
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity						$	320,891,159			$	303,729,340

Contact:	Timothy J. Mulvaney
	VP, Treasurer and CFO
Telephone:	(540) 777-3997

FAQ

What was RGC Resources (RGCO) earnings per share for fiscal year 2024?

RGC Resources reported earnings of $1.16 per share for fiscal year 2024.

When did the Mountain Valley Pipeline begin service for RGCO?

The Mountain Valley Pipeline was placed in service in June 2024.

What is the value of RGCO's pending revenue increase settlement?

RGCO reached a settlement for an incremental increase in annual revenues of $4.08 million, subject to regulatory approval.

How did RGCO's Q4 2024 earnings compare to Q4 2023?

Q4 2024 net income was $140,822 ($0.01 per share), down from $1,014,175 ($0.10 per share) in Q4 2023.