MGE Energy Reports Third-Quarter Earnings

Rhea-AI Summary

MGE Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: MGEE) reported its Q3 2021 earnings showing a rise in net income to $34.9 million, or $0.97 per share, up from $31.8 million, or $0.88 for Q3 2020. This growth was attributed to increased investments in the rate base and recovery in economic activity within their service area. Revenue for Q3 was $145.9 million, a significant increase from $135.2 million year-over-year. However, depreciation and maintenance costs are projected to rise.

Positive

• Net income increased to $34.9 million from $31.8 million YoY.
• Earnings per share rose to $0.97 compared to $0.88 YoY.
• Operating revenues rose to $145.9 million, up from $135.2 million YoY.
• 2.2% increase in electric retail kilowatt-hour sales YoY.
• Economic recovery in service territory contributed positively.

Negative

• Electric residential consumption declined by 3.9%.
• Depreciation and operations and maintenance costs are expected to increase.

MADISON, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- MGE Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: MGEE), today reported financial results for the third quarter of 2021.

MGE Energy's GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) earnings for the third quarter of 2021 were $34.9 million, or $0.97 per share, compared to $31.8 million, or $0.88 per share, for the same period in the prior year.

Our third-quarter results were driven by an increase in investments included in rate base and economic recovery in our service territory.

MGE is investing in new, cost-effective, carbon-free renewable generation, which is helping to fuel the company's asset growth. An increase in electric investments included in rate base continues to contribute to the increase in electric earnings for 2021. The Two Creeks solar project was completed in November 2020 contributing to increased electric earnings in the third quarter of 2021.

For the quarter, electric retail kilowatt-hour sales increased 2.2 percent compared to the third quarter of 2020. Electricity use by commercial customers was 4.5 percent higher during the third quarter of 2021. Electric residential consumption declined by 3.9 percent.

Depreciation and operations and maintenance costs are expected to increase during the remainder of 2021 after significant capital projects are completed. The new customer information system went live in September 2021. This multiyear capital investment to upgrade internal legacy systems is part of the Enterprise Forward initiative to transform MGE into a digitally integrated utility. Additionally, Badger Hollow I is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2021.

MGE Energy, Inc. (In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)
			2021				2020
	Three Months Ended September 30,
	Operating Revenues		$	145,873			$	135,211
	Operating Income		$	37,598			$	38,325
	Net Income		$	34,917			$	31,794
	Earnings Per Share - basic		$	0.97			$	0.88
	Earnings Per Share - diluted		$	0.97			$	0.88
	Weighted average shares outstanding - basic			36,163				36,163
	Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted			36,170				36,163
	Nine Months Ended September 30,		2021				2020
	Operating Revenues		$	444,518			$	402,124
	Operating Income		$	100,045			$	91,284
	Net Income		$	92,701			$	76,622
	Earnings Per Share - basic		$	2.56			$	2.16
	Earnings Per Share - diluted		$	2.56			$	2.16
	Weighted average shares outstanding - basic			36,163				35,427
	Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted			36,176				35,427

About MGE Energy

MGE Energy is a public utility holding company. Its principal subsidiary, Madison Gas and Electric, generates and distributes electricity to 157,000 customers in Dane County, Wis., and purchases and distributes natural gas to 166,000 customers in seven south-central and western Wisconsin counties. MGE's roots in the Madison area date back more than 150 years.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Such statements include the risks and uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as expenses expected for the remainder of 2021. Such forward-looking statements are based on MGE Energy's current expectations, estimates and assumptions regarding future events, which are inherently uncertain. We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are made as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any such forward-looking statements to reflect any change in expectations or in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements may be based. For a further description of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to our business in general, please refer to the "Risk Factors" sections in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211104005904/en/

Steve B. Schultz

Corporate Communications Manager

608-252-7219 | sbschultz@mge.com

Ken Frassetto

Investor Relations

608-252-4723 | kfrassetto@mge.com

Source: MGE Energy, Inc.

FAQ

What are MGE Energy's Q3 2021 earnings results?

MGE Energy reported Q3 2021 earnings of $34.9 million, or $0.97 per share, compared to $31.8 million, or $0.88 per share in Q3 2020.

How did MGE Energy's revenues change in Q3 2021?

MGE Energy's operating revenues for Q3 2021 were $145.9 million, up from $135.2 million in Q3 2020.

What factors contributed to MGE Energy's revenue increase in Q3 2021?

The revenue increase was attributed to an expansion in investments included in the rate base and economic recovery in the service territory.

What was the impact of electric sales on MGE Energy's Q3 2021 performance?

Electric retail kilowatt-hour sales increased by 2.2% compared to the same quarter the previous year.

What challenges does MGE Energy expect in the remainder of 2021?

MGE Energy anticipates an increase in depreciation and operations and maintenance costs following significant capital projects.