Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp (AQN) Q3 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Navigating Growth ...

In This Article:

  • Revenue Growth (Continuing Operations): 1% year-over-year increase.

  • Adjusted EBITDA Growth (Continuing Operations): 4% year-over-year increase.

  • Adjusted Net Earnings (Continuing Operations): 5% year-over-year decrease.

  • Adjusted Net Earnings Per Share (Continuing Operations): 20% year-over-year decrease.

  • Debt (Including Continued and Discontinued Operations): $8.7 billion as of Q3.

  • Net Proceeds from Renewables Sale: Expected $1.7 billion to $1.8 billion after obligations.

  • Rate Base Increase Request (Empire Electric Missouri): $534 million with a $92.1 million revenue requirement increase.

  • Rate Base Increase Request (CalPeco California): $154 million with a $39.8 million revenue requirement increase.

  • Year-to-Date Adjusted Net Earnings (Continuing Operations): $187 million.

  • Year-to-Date Adjusted Earnings Per Share (Continuing Operations): $0.25.

Release Date: November 07, 2024

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp (NYSE:AQN) is progressing towards becoming a pure-play regulated utility, simplifying its business structure.

  • The company has announced the sale of its renewables business for up to $2.5 billion, which is expected to close by early 2025, providing significant capital.

  • AQN has successfully implemented a new SAP-based IT platform to enhance customer service and back-office processes.

  • The company has filed several rate cases, including Empire Electric in Missouri and CalPeco in California, which could increase the rate base by over $700 million.

  • AQN's third-quarter financial performance showed year-over-year growth in revenue and adjusted EBITDA, driven by new rates across its regulated businesses.

Negative Points

  • The transition to a pure-play regulated utility has introduced short-term regulatory lag, impacting the timing of rate cases and financial results.

  • Higher operating expenses, depreciation, and interest expenses have offset revenue growth, leading to a decrease in adjusted net earnings and earnings per share.

  • The issuance of 76.9 million common shares has diluted earnings per share, impacting shareholder value.

  • The company faces challenges in recovering and earning a return on capital already invested but not yet captured in authorized rates.

  • There is uncertainty regarding the sale of the hydro fleet, which contributes significantly to the business, and the decision will depend on creating shareholder value.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you provide more details on the rate case submissions, specifically the $700 million target recovery and the remaining $300 million? A: We are not providing a detailed breakdown of the remaining $300 million. We will continue to file rate cases, with Litchfield being the next focus. The target is a moving number as we continue to invest, and we expect this process to extend into 2027. - Darren Myers, CFO