Daily BriefsUtilities Sector

Daily Brief Utilities: Southern Co/The, Wec Energy Group, Ugi Corp, Portland General Electric Company, Vistra , Pinnacle West Capital, Xcel Energy Inc, Public Service Enterprise Group Inc, Sempra Energy, Southwest Gas and more

In today’s briefing:

  • Southern Company: Is The Growth in Southern Power’s Asset Portfolio Sustainable?
  • WEC Energy Group: Will The Data Center Expansion Plans Help Meet Emerging Demand Patterns!
  • UGI Corporation: Expansion & Modernization Of Natural Gas Infrastructure Is A Critical Growth Catalyst!
  • Portland General Electric: Its Recent Renewable Energy Expansion Is A Significant Growth Driver! – Major Drivers
  • Vistra Inc.: Regulatory Clarity & Legislative Developments As A Pivotal Influence On Its Growth Trajectory!
  • Pinnacle West Capital Corporation: Stakeholder Collaboration & Strategic Partnerships to Leverage Emerging Opportunities In Utility Sector!
  • Xcel Energy: Can Its Wildfire Mitigation & Regulatory Engagement Safeguard Infrastructure & Communities?
  • PEG US – PSEG: A Closer Look At Its Nuclear Operations & Key Strategic Developments!
  • Sempra Energy: Growth In Texas Signaling A Robust Progression Trajectory!
  • Southwest Gas Holdings: Centuri Separation & Strategic Focus To Change The Game!


Southern Company: Is The Growth in Southern Power’s Asset Portfolio Sustainable?

By Baptista Research

  • Southern Company reported strong performance for the fourth quarter of 2024, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) reaching $4.05, marking an 11% growth from the previous year and positioning itself at the top of the 2024 guidance range.
  • This success is attributed to steady investments in state-regulated utilities and the successful management of weather-related impacts.
  • Positives from the earnings report include the addition of 57,000 new residential electric customers and 26,000 new customers in natural gas distribution businesses, reflecting robust growth, particularly in the Southeast.

WEC Energy Group: Will The Data Center Expansion Plans Help Meet Emerging Demand Patterns!

By Baptista Research

  • WEC Energy Group reported its financial results for the year 2024, showing an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $4.88, a $0.25 increase from the previous year.
  • Despite facing headwinds due to the warmest winter on record, which negatively impacted EPS by $0.25, the company managed to offset these challenges through various initiatives including efficient O&M management and strategic tax and financing activities.
  • Baptista Research looks to evaluate the different factors that could influence the company’s price in the near future and attempts to carry out an independent valuation of the company using a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) methodology.

UGI Corporation: Expansion & Modernization Of Natural Gas Infrastructure Is A Critical Growth Catalyst!

By Baptista Research

  • UGI Corporation reported its first-quarter fiscal 2025 results, demonstrating a notable 14% year-over-year increase in adjusted diluted earnings per share, reaching $1.37.
  • This improvement is rooted in the company’s diversified business portfolio, effective tax management, and solid operational performance across its segments, particularly within its natural gas and global LPG operations.
  • Baptista Research looks to evaluate the different factors that could influence the company’s price in the near future and attempts to carry out an independent valuation of the company using a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) methodology.

Portland General Electric: Its Recent Renewable Energy Expansion Is A Significant Growth Driver! – Major Drivers

By Baptista Research

  • Portland General Electric Company (PGE) has demonstrated solid financial performance and strategic progress throughout 2024.
  • The company reported a year-over-year increase in GAAP net income from $228 million ($2.33 per share) in 2023 to $313 million ($3.01 per share) in 2024, and non-GAAP net income rose from $233 million ($2.38 per share) to $327 million ($3.14 per share).
  • This reflects robust operational reliability, strong safety measures, and considerable investments in clean energy and infrastructure enhancements.

Vistra Inc.: Regulatory Clarity & Legislative Developments As A Pivotal Influence On Its Growth Trajectory!

By Baptista Research

  • Vistra Corp’s financial results for the fourth quarter of 2024 reflect a year of considerable transformation characterized by operational advancements and strategic acquisitions.
  • The company successfully acquired three nuclear sites along with one million retail customers and expanded its workforce by nearly 2,000 employees.
  • This addition was central to the company’s increased adjusted EBITDA of $5.656 billion, exceeding their original guidance ranges, due in part to an unexpected $545 million benefit from a nuclear production tax credit recognized in the fourth quarter.

Pinnacle West Capital Corporation: Stakeholder Collaboration & Strategic Partnerships to Leverage Emerging Opportunities In Utility Sector!

By Baptista Research

  • Pinnacle West Capital Corporation’s latest earnings indicated that the company demonstrated resilience and strategic progress in several areas, although some challenges remain.
  • On the regulatory front, Pinnacle West achieved a constructive outcome in its most recent rate case, an essential factor for operational stability in the utility sector.
  • The approval of a policy statement on formula rates by the Arizona Corporation Commission is a noteworthy development, aiming to reduce regulatory lag and support the company’s growth in Arizona.

Xcel Energy: Can Its Wildfire Mitigation & Regulatory Engagement Safeguard Infrastructure & Communities?

By Baptista Research

  • Xcel Energy reported a solid financial and operational performance for the 2024 fiscal year, despite facing significant challenges.
  • The company posted ongoing earnings of $3.50 per share, marking the 20th consecutive year of meeting its guidance range.
  • This reliability is attributed to Xcel Energy’s strategic investments across its eight-state service area, focusing on infrastructure and clean energy transitions.

PEG US – PSEG: A Closer Look At Its Nuclear Operations & Key Strategic Developments!

By Baptista Research

  • Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) presented its 2024 financial results, showcasing strong performance and strategic planning.
  • The company reported robust earnings, with net income reaching $0.57 per share for the fourth quarter and $3.54 per share for the full year.
  • Non-GAAP operating earnings were $0.84 per share for the quarter and $3.68 per share for the full year, aligning with the top of the 2024 guidance range and marking the 20th consecutive year that PSEG has met or exceeded its non-GAAP operating earnings guidance.

Sempra Energy: Growth In Texas Signaling A Robust Progression Trajectory!

By Baptista Research

  • Sempra Energy’s recent earnings highlighted a mixture of achievements and strategic shifts that shape its investment thesis.
  • The company reported 2024 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $4.65, which is slightly below the prior guidance midpoint.
  • Despite missing its EPS midpoint, Sempra continues to delineate expansive growth prospects with an adjusted 2025 EPS guidance between $4.30 and $4.70, and a 2026 forecast of $4.80 to $5.30, suggesting an approximate 12% increase from its updated 2025 midpoint.

Southwest Gas Holdings: Centuri Separation & Strategic Focus To Change The Game!

By Baptista Research

  • Southwest Gas Holdings, through its earnings for the fourth quarter and full-year 2024, has laid out its financial performance and forward-looking strategic priorities with a focus on solidifying its position as a leading regulated natural gas utility.
  • The company has successfully executed several strategic initiatives over the past year, positively impacting its operational results and positioning it for future growth.
  • A key positive noted in the call was the record annual operating margin achieved by Southwest Gas Holdings, marking its second consecutive year with a return on equity above 8%.

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