Canadian Utilities Ltd (CDUAF) Q3 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Earnings Growth Amid ...

In This Article:

  • Adjusted Earnings: $102 million in Q3 2024, up from $87 million in Q3 2023.

  • Adjusted Earnings Per Share: $0.38.

  • ATCO Energy Systems Adjusted Earnings: $94 million, a 9.3% increase from Q3 2023.

  • ATCO EnPower Adjusted Earnings: $14 million, up $5 million from Q3 2023.

  • Energy Storage Adjusted Earnings: $13 million, an increase of $6 million year-over-year.

  • ATCO Australia Adjusted Earnings: $15 million, a decrease of $3 million from Q3 2023.

  • Cash Flow from Operations: $490 million, up 9% from the prior year.

  • Capital Investment: $366 million in Q3, with a year-to-date total of $931 million.

  • Adjusted EBITDA for ATCO EnPower: $39 million, up 18% from $33 million in Q3 2023.

  • Electricity Generation Adjusted Earnings: $1 million, down $1 million from Q3 2023.

Release Date: November 14, 2024

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

Positive Points

  • Canadian Utilities Ltd (CDUAF) reported strong quarterly earnings with adjusted earnings of $102 million, up from $87 million in the same period last year.

  • ATCO Energy Systems saw a 9.3% increase in adjusted earnings, reflecting rate base growth and a higher allowed ROE.

  • ATCO EnPower's adjusted earnings increased by $5 million year-over-year, driven by strong demand for natural gas and liquid storage.

  • The company successfully sold its 100% investment in ATCO Energy for $85 million, aligning with its strategic focus.

  • Cash flow from operations increased by 9% to $490 million, supporting operations and capital programs without the need for additional equity financing.

Negative Points

  • ATCO Australia's adjusted earnings decreased by $3 million due to inflation indexing impacts on the rate base.

  • The allowable ROE for ATCO Energy Systems will decrease from 9.28% in 2024 to 8.97% in 2025, potentially impacting future earnings.

  • Electricity generation earnings were lower due to reduced merchant pricing in Alberta, despite increased generation capacity.

  • The pace of renewables construction is impacted by uncertainty in Alberta's restructured energy market.

  • The company faces challenges in deploying capital for energy transition projects due to regulatory and policy uncertainties.

Q & A Highlights

Q: With the increasing global power demand, is Canadian Utilities considering revisiting natural gas-fired assets in Alberta or other regions? A: Robert Myles, Chief Operating Officer of ATCO EnPower, confirmed that they are indeed considering all forms of generation, including gas-fired generation, alongside their ongoing pursuits in solar, wind, and hydro.