Alliant Energy Corp (LNT) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Financial Performance and ...

In This Article:

  • Ongoing Earnings Per Share (EPS): $3.04 in 2024, compared to $2.82 in 2023.

  • Dividend Increase: 2024 marked the 21st consecutive year of dividend increases.

  • Solar Energy Investments: Commissioned 1.5 gigawatts, adding to a 1.8-gigawatt wind generation fleet.

  • O&M Expenses: Approximately $30 million less in 2024 compared to 2023, excluding non-GAAP adjustments.

  • Impact of Mild Temperatures: Decreased earnings by approximately $0.15 per share in 2024.

  • Revenue Per Kilowatt Hour: Average retail electric rates increased by approximately 2% for IPL and 1% for WPL.

  • Natural Gas Rates: Average retail natural gas rates declined by approximately 10% compared to 2023.

  • Cash Flows from Operations: Increased by approximately $300 million or 35% compared to 2023.

  • 2025 Earnings Guidance: Affirmed at $3.15 to $3.25 per share.

Release Date: February 21, 2025

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

Positive Points

  • Alliant Energy Corp (NASDAQ:LNT) reported a strong financial performance for 2024, with ongoing earnings of $3.04 per share, up from $2.82 per share in 2023.

  • The company successfully commissioned 1.5 gigawatts of solar energy investments, adding to its 1.8-gigawatt wind generation fleet, reinforcing its leadership in regulated owned renewables.

  • Alliant Energy Corp (NASDAQ:LNT) increased its dividend for the 21st consecutive year, aligning with its long-term EPS growth target of 5% to 7%.

  • The company secured commitments for up to 1.9 gigawatts of data center load at its Big Cedar site in Cedar Rapids, demonstrating significant progress in economic development efforts.

  • Alliant Energy Corp (NASDAQ:LNT) improved cash flows from operations by approximately 35% in 2024, primarily due to successful monetization of tax credits and improved recoveries of infrastructure investments.

Negative Points

  • The company faced negative impacts from milder temperatures, which decreased earnings by approximately $0.15 per share in 2024.

  • Higher depreciation and financing expenses partially offset the positive earnings drivers from capital investments.

  • Alliant Energy Corp (NASDAQ:LNT) completed restructuring activities in the fourth quarter of 2024, resulting in a 5% reduction in its workforce.

  • The company experienced lower sales to its lower-margin IPL industrial customers due to less demand from customers who operate their own generation.

  • Despite implementing base rate increases in 2024, the average retail electric rates increased only modestly, which may impact revenue growth.