Orsted AS (DNNGY) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Record EBITDA Amid Strategic Adjustments

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Fri, Feb 7, 2025, 12:09 AM 4 min read

EBITDA (2024): DKK24.8 billion, in line with guidance of DKK24 billion to DKK26 billion.
Total EBITDA (including partnerships and cancellation fees): DKK32 billion, one of the highest in company history.
Impairments (2024): DKK15.6 billion, mainly related to US offshore wind portfolio.
Return on Capital Employed (ROCE): 10.1% adjusted for impairment losses and cancellation fees.
Divestment Proceeds (2024): DKK22 billion, in line with expectations.
Gross Investments (2025 Guidance): DKK50 billion to DKK54 billion.
EBITDA (2025 Guidance): DKK25 billion to DKK28 billion.
Investment Program Reduction (towards 2030): Approximately 20% to 25% reduction, expecting DKK210 billion to DKK230 billion.
Installed Renewable Capacity: 18.2 gigawatts, with 9.2 gigawatts under construction.
Expected EBITDA Growth (by 2026): CAGR of 12%, reaching DKK29 billion to DKK33 billion.
Credit Metric (2024): Ended the year at 13%, with a trajectory towards 30% FFO to net debt.

Warning! GuruFocus has detected 5 Warning Signs with DNNGY.

Release Date: February 06, 2025

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

Positive Points

Orsted AS (DNNGY) achieved an EBITDA of DKK24.8 billion for 2024, aligning with their guidance and marking one of the highest EBITDA levels in the company's history.
The company successfully settled a large number of contracts related to Ocean Wind 1 and FlagshipONE, resulting in a net reversal of cancellation fees amounting to DKK7.3 billion.
Orsted AS (DNNGY) commissioned around 2.4 gigawatts of renewable capacity in 2024, significantly contributing to their operational fleet.
The company took the final investment decision on the Baltica 2 project in Poland, securing major components and vessel contracts, which derisks the project.
Orsted AS (DNNGY) continues to focus on safety, achieving a reduction in their total recordable injury rate for the second consecutive year.

Negative Points

Orsted AS (DNNGY) announced a reduction in their projected investments towards 2030 by approximately 25%, reflecting a more disciplined approach to capital allocation.
The company recorded total impairments of DKK15.6 billion for 2024, primarily due to adverse developments within their US offshore wind portfolio.
Challenges in the US offshore wind projects have put pressure on Orsted AS (DNNGY)'s capital structure, impacting their credit metrics.
The company has seen increased costs and schedule delays in their US construction projects, affecting their return on capital employed.
Orsted AS (DNNGY) has stepped away from their previous 2030 gigawatt ambition, indicating a more focused and reduced growth strategy.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Do you think the current plan is robust enough, considering the discontinuation of the 2030 target and potential risks like loss of bonus adders in the US? A: Rasmus Errboe, Interim CFO, stated that the plan is fully self-funded and robust, despite increased pressure from recent US project challenges. The focus is on delivering the 8.4 gigawatts construction program over the next three years. Although the 2030 CapEx projections have been adjusted downward, the company still plans to nearly double its offshore capacity by 2027, maintaining its leadership in offshore wind.

Q: Is the DKK210 million to DKK230 million investment range a buffer for potential risks like the removal of bonus adders? A: Rasmus Errboe clarified that the DKK40 million to DKK60 million of uncommitted capital is where the range lies, not as a buffer. The investment decisions are based on current treasury guidance, and the company finds it unlikely that retrospective changes will affect their energy communities' 10% bonus.

Q: Can you explain the DKK30 billion increase in CapEx inflation and its impact on credit metrics? A: Rasmus Errboe explained that about half of the DKK30 billion increase is due to US project CapEx increases, with the remainder related to uncommitted projects. Trond Westlie, CFO, added that the cost increases are mainly due to changes in cost allocation rather than actual cash outflows.

Q: With the reduction in CapEx, is there a risk that medium-term profits might plateau, and how does this affect future growth plans? A: Rasmus Errboe emphasized that 80% of their revenue is contracted, providing stability. The company plans to rightsizing its organization post-2027 to align with the reduced construction pace, ensuring profitability. Future growth will be driven by disciplined capital allocation to the most financially attractive opportunities.

Q: How does Orsted plan to use the DKK40 billion to DKK60 billion of uncommitted capital, and could it lead to a shift in strategy? A: Rasmus Errboe stated that the focus will remain on offshore wind, where Orsted has distinct competitive advantages. While they remain committed to other areas like onshore wind and solar, the majority of capital will continue to be deployed in offshore wind projects.

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

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

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