Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2023 Financial Results
Highest Quarterly Utility Net Income on Record; Highest First Quarter Revenues at Centuri
Reaffirming 2023 Guidance
"We delivered strong financial results at both the utility and Centuri during the quarter, with constructive new rates in place for
Southwest Gas Holdings Financial Highlights
- Utility earnings up
Q1 2023 over Q1 2022 and Centuri results up approximately$23 million over same period.$12 million - Consolidated net earnings of
per diluted share (and adjusted consolidated net earnings of$0.67 per diluted share) for the first quarter of 2023, compared to consolidated net earnings of$1.69 per diluted share (and adjusted consolidated earnings of$1.58 per diluted share) for the first quarter of 2022.$1.74 - Adjustments to first quarter 2023 earnings included
of collective nonrecurring after-tax items, largely driven by incremental loss on sale of MountainWest ($70 million after-tax), other costs associated with the sale, residual MountainWest stand-up/integration costs leading up to the sale date, as well as costs incurred to facilitate a spin-off of Centuri.$66.5 million - Completed sale of MountainWest and proceeds used to pay off
of total debt.$1.1 billion - Advanced Centuri spin with Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") private letter ruling ("PLR") and Arizona Corporation Commission ("ACC") filings.
- Completed
equity raise on March 10, 2023 and$247 million term loan issuance on April 17, 2023.$550 million
SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC. | |||||||
SUMMARY UNAUDITED OPERATING RESULTS | |||||||
(In thousands, except per share items) | |||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, | Twelve Months Ended | ||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||
Results of Consolidated Operations | |||||||
Contribution to net income - natural gas distribution | $ 134,696 | $ 111,795 | $ 177,281 | $ 180,215 | |||
Contribution to net income (loss)- utility infrastructure services | (11,872) | (23,486) | 13,679 | 17,793 | |||
Contribution to net income (loss) - pipeline and storage (MountainWest) | (16,288) | 16,930 | (316,951) | 16,930 | |||
Contribution to net income (loss) - corporate and administrative | (60,625) | (9,061) | (127,566) | (35,274) | |||
Net income (loss) | $ 45,911 | $ 96,178 | $ (253,557) | $ 179,664 | |||
Non-GAAP adjustments - consolidated | 70,012 | 9,995 | 459,907 | 46,208 | |||
Adjusted net income | $ 115,923 | $ 106,173 | $ 206,350 | $ 225,872 | |||
Diluted earnings (loss) per share* | $ 0.67 | $ 1.58 | $ (3.76) | $ 2.99 | |||
Diluted adjusted earnings per share | $ 1.69 | $ 1.74 | $ 3.06 | $ 3.76 | |||
Weighted average diluted shares | 68,419 | 60,854 | 67,413 | 60,044 |
*In periods in which losses occur, diluted and basic loss per share are the same, and the same shares are used for Adjusted results. |
Business Segment Highlights
Natural Gas Distribution
The natural gas distribution segment recorded net income of
Key operational highlights include:
- Record twelve-month operating margin of
;$1.2 billion - Net income increase driven by new base rates effective February 1, 2023 in
Arizona , as well as the impact of a full first quarter of rates inNevada which went into effect April 1, 2022; Arizona general rate case finalized with annual revenue increase of (the largest revenue increase in company history);$54.3 million - 42,000 new utility customers added during the last 12 months;
- Submitted regulatory filing requesting authority to modify purchased gas cost recovery mechanism in
Arizona to facilitate either a faster recovery of the gas acquisition costs or receive improved cost of carry on the regulatory account balance; - Preparing third quarter 2023 Nevada rate case filing; and
- Issued
Senior Notes with proceeds used to repay amounts outstanding under credit facility and for general corporate purposes.$300 million
Key drivers of the first quarter performance in 2023 as compared to first quarter performance in 2022 include:
- Increased operating margin by
compared to the first quarter of 2022, including two months of$34 million Arizona rate relief and three months ofNevada rate relief; - Operations and maintenance expense increased
between quarters, including approximately$11.6 million in fuel-related costs ($4 million of which is customer-provided fuel for pipeline operations and offset in revenues),$3 million in combined leak survey and line locating costs,$1.7 million primarily related to outside services/contractor costs in various areas of the business, as well as increases in insurance related claims ($2.6 million );$1 million - Other income increased
reflecting higher interest income related primarily to an increase in deferred purchased gas cost balances, and lower non-service components of pension costs; and$17 million - Company-owned Life Insurance ("COLI") policy cash surrender value results (included in Other income) increased
compared to the first quarter of 2022.$4.4 million
Reaffirm Natural Gas Distribution Segment Guidance and Outlook:
- 2023 net income guidance of
-$205 (assumes$215 million -$3 of COLI earnings);$5 million - 2023 capital expenditures in support of customer growth, system improvements, and pipe replacement programs of
-$665 ;$685 million - 3 - Year capital expenditures of approximately
; and$2.0 billion - 3 - Year utility rate base compound annual growth rate of
5% -7% .
Centuri / Utility Infrastructure Services
The utility infrastructure services segment had a net loss of
Key operational highlights include:
- Record revenues of
, an increase of$653 million 25% compared to the first quarter of 2022; year over year increase in first quarter results;$11.6 million - Signed
in new offshore wind business to support a project in$172 million New York , bringing Centuri to over in total wind projects under contract;$525 million - Signed
gas pipeline construction contract in$125 million Indiana – of revenue recognized in first quarter; and$30 million storm restoration services revenue – represents approximately two times the 2022 revenue generated in the first quarter for storm restoration services.$31 million
Key drivers of Centuri's first quarter performance in 2023 as compared to first quarter performance in 2022 include:
increase in electric revenues and$51.7 million increase in offshore wind revenues;$43.3 million revenue increase in higher-profit storm restoration services;$16.5 million - Improved mix of work, operating efficiencies, and weather;
- Growth from new and existing electric customers and new gas bid contract; and
- Increased interest expense (
) due to higher interest rates on variable-rate borrowings.$11.2 million
Reaffirm Centuri / Utility Infrastructure Services Segment Guidance and Outlook:
- 2023 revenues of
to$2.8 billion ;$3.0 billion - 2023 adjusted EBITDA margin of
9.5% -11.0% ; and - 2023 - 2026 adjusted EBITDA CAGR
9% -11% (adjusted EBITDA excludes costs of strategic review, one-time acquisition costs and non-cash stock-based compensation expense).
Strategic Alternatives Review Process Update
Southwest Gas is actively executing on its plans to simplify the Company's business portfolio in the first quarter of 2023 and position Southwest Gas as a pure-play utility. On February 14, 2023, Southwest Gas completed the sale of MountainWest to
Additionally, the Company is actively pursuing a spin-off of its wholly owned subsidiary, Centuri, to form a new, independent and publicly traded utility infrastructure services company. Southwest Gas submitted its IRS PLR request during the first quarter of 2023 and a notice of intent was filed with the ACC in April. An SEC Form 10 submission is expected late in the second quarter or early in the third quarter of 2023. The Company anticipates completion of its planned spin of Centuri during the fourth quarter of 2023 or first quarter of 2024. The spin is expected to be completed as planned and be tax-free to Southwest Gas and its stockholders for
Conference Call and Webcast
Southwest Gas will host a conference call on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. ET to discuss its first quarter 2023 results. The associated press releases and presentation slides are available at https://investors.swgasholdings.com.
The call will be webcast live on the Company's website at www.swgasholdings.com. The telephone dial-in numbers in the
Southwest Gas Holdings currently has two business segments:
Southwest Gas Corporation is a dynamic energy company committed to exceeding the expectations of over 2 million customers throughout
Centuri Group, Inc. is a strategic infrastructure services company that partners with regulated utilities to build and maintain the energy network that powers millions of homes and businesses across
Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the
Non-GAAP Measures. This earnings release contains financial measures that have not been calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
Management also uses the non-GAAP measure operating margin related to its natural gas distribution operations. Southwest recognizes operating revenues from the distribution and transportation of natural gas (and related services) to customers. Gas cost is a tracked cost, which is passed through to customers without markup under purchased gas adjustment ("PGA") mechanisms, impacting revenues and net cost of gas sold on a dollar-for-dollar basis, thereby having no impact on Southwest's profitability. Therefore, management routinely uses operating margin, defined by management as regulated operations revenues less the net cost of gas sold, in its analysis of Southwest's financial performance. Operating margin also forms a basis for Southwest's various regulatory decoupling mechanisms. Management believes supplying information regarding operating margin provides investors and other interested parties with useful and relevant information to analyze Southwest's financial performance in a rate-regulated environment. (The Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. Consolidated Earnings Digest included herein provides reconciliations for these non-GAAP measures.)
We do not provide a reconciliation of forward-looking Non-GAAP Measures to the corresponding forward-looking GAAP measure due to our inability to project special charges and certain expenses.
SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC. CONSOLIDATED EARNINGS DIGEST | ||||
(In thousands, except per share amounts) | ||||
QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, | 2023 | 2022 | ||
Consolidated Operating Revenues | $ 1,603,304 | $ 1,267,409 | ||
Net income applicable to Southwest Gas Holdings | $ 45,911 | $ 96,178 | ||
Weighted Average Common Shares | 68,265 | 60,737 | ||
Basic Earnings Per Share | $ 0.67 | $ 1.58 | ||
Diluted Earnings Per Share | $ 0.67 | $ 1.58 | ||
Reconciliation of Gross margin to Operating Margin (non-GAAP measure) | ||||
Utility Gross Margin | $ 259,364 | $ 233,882 | ||
Plus: | ||||
Operations and maintenance (excluding Admin & General) expense | 79,696 | 73,422 | ||
Depreciation and amortization expense | 74,650 | 72,114 | ||
Operating Margin | $ 413,710 | $ 379,418 | ||
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, | 2023 | 2022 | ||
Consolidated Operating Revenues | $ 5,295,904 | $ 4,061,953 | ||
Net Income (loss) applicable to Southwest Gas Holdings | $ (253,557) | $ 179,664 | ||
Weighted Average Common Shares | 67,413 | 59,919 | ||
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share | $ (3.76) | $ 3.00 | ||
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share | $ (3.76) | $ 2.99 | ||
Reconciliation of Gross margin to Operating Margin (non-GAAP measure) | ||||
Utility Gross Margin | $ 597,222 | $ 571,051 | ||
Plus: | ||||
Operations and maintenance (excluding Admin & General) expense | 317,344 | 276,525 | ||
Depreciation and amortization expense | 265,579 | 256,814 | ||
Operating Margin | $ 1,180,145 | $ 1,104,390 |
Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures of Adjusted net income (loss) and Adjusted diluted earnings per share and their comparable GAAP measures of Net income (loss) and Diluted earnings (loss) per share. Note that the comparable GAAP measures are also included in Note 7 - Segment Information in the Company's March 31, 2023 Form 10-Q.
Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts | ||||||||
Three Months Ended | Twelve Months Ended | |||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||
Reconciliation of Net income (loss) to non-GAAP measure of Adjusted net | ||||||||
Net income applicable to Natural Gas Distribution (GAAP) | $ 134,696 | $ 111,795 | $ 177,281 | $ 180,215 | ||||
Plus: | ||||||||
Legal reserve | — | — | — | 5,000 | ||||
Income tax effect of adjustment above (1) | — | — | — | (1,200) | ||||
Adjusted net income applicable to Natural Gas Distribution | $ 134,696 | $ 111,795 | $ 177,281 | $ 184,015 | ||||
Net income (loss) applicable to Utility Infrastructure Services (GAAP) | $ (11,872) | $ (23,486) | $ 13,679 | $ 17,793 | ||||
Plus: | ||||||||
Riggs Distler transaction costs | — | — | — | 14,000 | ||||
Income tax effect of adjustment above (1) | — | — | — | (2,337) | ||||
Strategic review, including Centuri spin | 91 | — | 1,944 | — | ||||
Income tax effect of adjustment above (1) | (23) | — | (477) | — | ||||
Adjusted net income (loss) applicable to Utility Infrastructure Services | $ (11,804) | $ (23,486) | $ 15,146 | $ 29,456 | ||||
Net income (loss) applicable to Pipeline and Storage (GAAP) (2) | $ (16,288) | $ 16,930 | $ (316,951) | $ 16,930 | ||||
Plus: | ||||||||
Goodwill impairment and loss on sale | 21,215 | — | 470,821 | — | ||||
Income tax effect of adjustment above (1) | 6,196 | — | (99,311) | — | ||||
Nonrecurring stand-up costs associated with integrating MountainWest | 2,565 | 8,658 | 20,103 | 8,658 | ||||
Income tax effect of adjustment above (1) | (616) | (2,078) | (4,826) | (2,078) | ||||
Adjusted net income applicable to Pipeline and Storage | $ 13,072 | $ 23,510 | $ 69,836 | $ 23,510 | ||||
Three Months Ended | Twelve Months Ended | |||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||
Net loss - Corporate and administrative (GAAP) | $ (60,625) | $ (9,061) | $ (127,566) | $ (35,274) | ||||
Plus: | ||||||||
Goodwill impairment and loss on sale and sale-related expenses (3) | 51,473 | — | 57,292 | — | ||||
Income tax effect of adjustment above (1) | (12,354) | — | (13,751) | — | ||||
MountainWest stand-up, integration, and transaction-related costs | 291 | 700 | 291 | 23,501 | ||||
Income tax effect of adjustment above (1) | (70) | (168) | (70) | (5,640) | ||||
Proxy contest, Stockholder litigation, Settlement agreement, and | — | 3,794 | 34,563 | 8,295 | ||||
Centuri spin cost | 1,637 | — | 1,637 | — | ||||
Income tax effect of adjustment above (1) | (393) | (911) | (8,309) | (1,991) | ||||
Adjusted net loss applicable to Corporate and administrative | $ (20,041) | $ (5,646) | $ (55,913) | $ (11,109) | ||||
Net income (loss) applicable to Southwest Gas Holdings (GAAP) | $ 45,911 | $ 96,178 | $ (253,557) | $ 179,664 | ||||
Plus: | ||||||||
Legal reserve | — | — | — | 5,000 | ||||
Riggs Distler transaction costs | — | — | — | 14,000 | ||||
Goodwill impairment and loss on sale and sale-related expenses (3) | 72,688 | — | 528,113 | — | ||||
Nonrecurring stand-up cost associated with integrating MountainWest | 2,856 | 9,358 | 20,394 | 32,159 | ||||
Proxy contest, Stockholder litigation, Settlement agreement, Strategic | 1,728 | 3,794 | 38,144 | 8,295 | ||||
Income tax effect of adjustment above (1) | (7,260) | (3,157) | (126,744) | (13,246) | ||||
Adjusted net income applicable to Southwest Gas Holdings | $ 115,923 | $ 106,173 | $ 206,350 | $ 225,872 | ||||
Weighted average shares - diluted | 68,419 | 60,854 | 67,413 | 60,044 | ||||
Earnings (loss) per share: | ||||||||
Diluted earnings (loss) per share | $ 0.67 | $ 1.58 | $ (3.76) | $ 2.99 | ||||
Adjusted consolidated earnings per diluted share | $ 1.69 | $ 1.74 | $ 3.06 | $ 3.76 | ||||
(1) Calculated using the Company's blended statutory tax rate of | ||||||||
(2) The information for 2023 reflects activity from January 1, 2023 to February 13, 2023 (the last full day of ownership). | ||||||||
(3) Amount includes approximately |
SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC. | |||||||
SUMMARY UNAUDITED OPERATING RESULTS | |||||||
(In thousands, except per share amounts) | |||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, | Twelve Months Ended | ||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||
Results of Consolidated Operations | |||||||
Contribution to net income - natural gas distribution | $ 177,281 | $ 180,215 | |||||
Contribution to net income (loss) - utility infrastructure services | (11,872) | (23,486) | 13,679 | 17,793 | |||
Contribution to net income (loss) - pipeline and storage | (16,288) | 16,930 | (316,951) | 16,930 | |||
Corporate and administrative | (60,625) | (9,061) | (127,566) | (35,274) | |||
Net income (loss) | $ 45,911 | $ 96,178 | $ (253,557) | $ 179,664 | |||
Basic earnings (loss) per share | $ 0.67 | $ 1.58 | $ (3.76) | $ 3.00 | |||
Diluted earnings (loss) per share | $ 0.67 | $ 1.58 | $ (3.76) | $ 2.99 | |||
Weighted average common shares | 68,265 | 60,737 | 67,413 | 59,919 | |||
Weighted average diluted shares | 68,419 | 60,854 | 67,413 | 60,044 | |||
Results of Natural Gas Distribution | |||||||
Regulated operations revenues | $ 2,173,409 | $ 1,676,397 | |||||
Net cost of gas sold | 501,169 | 297,121 | 993,264 | 572,007 | |||
Operating margin | 413,710 | 379,418 | 1,180,145 | 1,104,390 | |||
Operations and maintenance expense | 131,188 | 119,636 | 503,480 | 452,051 | |||
Depreciation and amortization | 74,650 | 72,114 | 265,579 | 256,814 | |||
Taxes other than income taxes | 22,740 | 21,652 | 84,285 | 81,308 | |||
Operating income | 185,132 | 166,016 | 326,801 | 314,217 | |||
Other income (deductions) | 18,443 | 1,315 | 10,244 | (3,794) | |||
Net interest deductions | 38,622 | 26,610 | 127,892 | 102,004 | |||
Income before income taxes | 164,953 | 140,721 | 209,153 | 208,419 | |||
Income tax expense | 30,257 | 28,926 | 31,872 | 28,204 | |||
Contribution to net income - natural gas distribution | $ 177,281 | $ 180,215 | |||||
Three Months Ended March 31, | Twelve Months Ended | ||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||
Results of Utility Infrastructure Services | |||||||
Utility infrastructure services revenues | $ 2,889,743 | $ 2,318,563 | |||||
Operating expenses: | |||||||
Utility infrastructure services expenses | 603,680 | 503,232 | 2,629,766 | 2,123,085 | |||
Depreciation and amortization | 37,870 | 37,612 | 155,611 | 130,511 | |||
Operating income (loss) | 11,743 | (16,967) | 104,366 | 64,967 | |||
Other income (deductions) | (680) | (486) | (1,081) | 683 | |||
Net interest deductions | 22,376 | 11,131 | 72,616 | 30,508 | |||
Income (loss) before income taxes | (11,313) | (28,584) | 30,669 | 35,142 | |||
Income tax expense (benefit) | (1,180) | (6,170) | 10,717 | 11,406 | |||
Net income (loss) | (10,133) | (22,414) | 19,952 | 23,736 | |||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 1,739 | 1,072 | 6,273 | 5,943 | |||
Contribution to consolidated results attributable to Centuri | $ 13,679 | $ 17,793 |
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||
2023 | 2022 | |||
Results of Pipeline and Storage (1) | ||||
Regulated operations revenues | $ 35,132 | $ 66,993 | ||
Operating expenses: | ||||
Net cost of gas sold | 6,368 | 1,797 | ||
Operations and maintenance expense | 11,378 | 24,312 | ||
Depreciation and amortization | — | 12,920 | ||
Taxes other than income taxes | 1,490 | 3,164 | ||
Goodwill impairment and loss on sale | 21,215 | — | ||
Operating income (loss) | (5,319) | 24,800 | ||
Other income | 486 | 543 | ||
Net interest deductions | 2,200 | 4,382 | ||
Income (loss) before income taxes | (7,033) | 20,961 | ||
Income tax expense | 9,255 | 4,031 | ||
Contribution to consolidated results attributable to MountainWest | $ (16,288) | $ 16,930 |
(1) The information for 2023 reflects activity from January 1, 2023 to February 13, 2023 (the last full day of ownership). |
FINANCIAL STATISTICS | |||
Market value to book value per share at quarter end | 135 % | ||
Twelve months to date return on equity | -- total company | (7.6) % | |
-- gas segment | 6.8 % | ||
Common stock dividend yield at quarter end | 4.0 % | ||
Customer to employee ratio at quarter end (gas segment) | 942 to 1 |
GAS DISTRIBUTION SEGMENT | ||||||
Authorized Rate Base | Authorized Rate of | Authorized Return on | ||||
Rate Jurisdiction | ||||||
$ 2,607,568 | 6.73 % | 9.30 % | ||||
1,535,593 | 6.30 | 9.40 | ||||
174,965 | 6.56 | 9.40 | ||||
285,691 | 7.11 | 10.00 | ||||
92,983 | 7.44 | 10.00 | ||||
56,818 | 7.44 | 10.00 | ||||
Great Basin Gas Transmission Company (1) | 135,460 | 8.30 | 11.80 |
(1) Estimated amounts based on 2019/2020 rate case settlement. |
SYSTEM THROUGHPUT BY CUSTOMER CLASS | ||||||||
Three Months Ended | Twelve Months Ended | |||||||
(In dekatherms) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||
Residential | 45,977,985 | 38,867,195 | 88,502,685 | 76,788,035 | ||||
Small commercial | 14,346,416 | 12,922,387 | 34,922,818 | 32,128,179 | ||||
Large commercial | 3,241,188 | 2,694,948 | 10,550,711 | 9,548,100 | ||||
Industrial / Other | 1,833,582 | 1,177,808 | 5,660,492 | 5,040,661 | ||||
Transportation | 22,984,289 | 23,060,721 | 92,442,303 | 95,847,164 | ||||
Total system throughput | 88,383,460 | 78,723,059 | 232,079,009 | 219,352,139 |
HEATING DEGREE DAY COMPARISON | ||||||||
Actual | 1,263 | 1,011 | 2,086 | 1,614 | ||||
Ten-year average | 976 | 969 | 1,651 | 1,629 |
Heating degree days for prior periods have been recalculated using the current period customer mix. |
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SOURCE Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.