Unitil Reports Year-End Earnings

Rhea-AI Summary

Unitil Corporation (UTL) reports a Net Income of $45.2 million for 2023, with $2.82 EPS, showing an increase from 2022. The company's Electric and Gas GAAP Gross Margins also grew, driven by higher rates and customer growth. The CEO highlights operational excellence and plans for 2024, emphasizing safety, reliability, and financial discipline.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Unitil Corporation's reported increase in Net Income and Earnings Per Share (EPS) for the fiscal year 2023 indicates a robust financial performance, likely driven by strategic pricing, customer base expansion and operational efficiency. The rise in Electric and Gas GAAP Gross Margins, with electric increasing by $4.7 million and gas by $6.5 million, suggests successful implementation of higher rates and an uptick in customer growth. These factors are crucial in evaluating the company's profitability and potential for reinvestment and growth.

However, the reported Operation and Maintenance (O&M) expenses and Depreciation and Amortization expense increases are noteworthy, indicating ongoing investments in infrastructure and potential upward pressure on future rates. The increased Interest Expense, albeit offset by higher interest income, could signal leveraged operations that might affect future financial flexibility. The increment in the annualized dividend rate to $1.70 per share reflects a commitment to shareholder returns, which could be attractive to income-focused investors, yet it's essential to monitor whether this is sustainable in the long term without compromising capital expenditures.

Market Research Analyst

The energy sector is characterized by high capital expenditure and regulatory influences and Unitil's performance must be contextualized within these parameters. The company's reported customer growth aligns with broader industry trends, where utility companies benefit from demographic growth and economic development. Moreover, the reference to 'best-in-class service' is indicative of a competitive differentiator in a sector where service reliability and customer satisfaction can significantly influence customer retention and regulatory outcomes.

The mention of 'safety, reliability, affordability and financial discipline' as focal points for 2024 resonates with current market demands for sustainable and responsible energy provision. Investors and stakeholders are increasingly valuing companies that balance profitability with social and environmental considerations. The emphasis on operational excellence and sustainable value creation could be indicative of Unitil's strategic positioning to align with these evolving market expectations.

Energy Sector Analyst

Unitil's financial results reflect the inherent seasonality of the energy sector, with higher earnings typically reported in quarters with colder weather due to increased heating demand. This pattern is consistent with industry norms and highlights the importance of weather patterns on utility companies' financial performance. The adverse effects of warmer winter weather on Gas GAAP Gross Margin, despite being offset by other factors, underscore the vulnerability of the sector to climatic variations.

The increase in local property taxes and payroll taxes, as a result of higher utility plant in service, suggests an expanding operational footprint, which could imply a strategic expansion but also necessitates careful management of the resultant higher fixed costs. The company's ability to manage these expenses will be critical in maintaining profitability amidst fluctuating energy demands and regulatory changes. The increased dividend payout could be viewed as a signal of confidence in the company's earnings stability and long-term prospects, yet it's important to assess the sustainability of such dividend policies against the backdrop of the capital-intensive nature of the energy sector.

HAMPTON, N.H., Feb. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Unitil Corporation (NYSE: UTL) (unitil.com) today announced Net Income of $45.2 million, or $2.82 in Earnings Per Share (EPS), for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of $3.8 million in Net Income, or $0.23 in EPS, compared to 2022. The Company’s 2023 Electric and Gas GAAP Gross Margins were $78.1 million and $114.1 million, respectively.

“We delivered strong financial and operating results in 2023 by executing on our strategies, and focusing on operational excellence and best-in-class service,” said Thomas P. Meissner, Jr., Unitil’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “As we head into 2024, we remain focused on the issues that matter most — safety, reliability, affordability and financial discipline. We believe that by doing so, we will continue to create long-term sustainable value for all stakeholders.”

Electric GAAP Gross Margin was $78.1 million in 2023, an increase of $4.7 million compared to 2022. The increase was driven by higher rates and customer growth of $5.3 million, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization expense of $0.6 million.

Electric Adjusted Gross Margin (a non-GAAP financial measure¹) was $104.1 million in 2023, an increase of $5.3 million compared with 2022. The increase was driven by higher rates and customer growth.

Gas GAAP Gross Margin was $114.1 million in 2023, an increase of $6.5 million compared to 2022. The increase was driven by higher rates and customer growth of $14.1 million, partially offset by the unfavorable effects of warmer winter weather in 2023 of $1.1 million, higher depreciation and amortization of $4.1 million, and the recognition, in the second quarter of 2022, of $2.4 million in higher rates resulting from the Company’s base rate case in New Hampshire.

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1 _{The accompanying Supplemental Information more fully describes the non-GAAP financial measures used in this press release and includes a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the financial measures that the Company’s management believes are the most comparable GAAP financial measures. The Supplemental Information also includes a discussion of the changes in the most comparable GAAP financial measures for the periods presented.}
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Gas Adjusted Gross Margin (a non-GAAP financial measure¹) was 154.5 million in 2023, an increase of $10.6 million compared to 2022. The increase was driven by higher rates and customer growth of $14.1 million, partially offset by the unfavorable effects of warmer winter weather in 2023 of $1.1 million and the recognition, in the second quarter of 2022, of $2.4 million in higher rates resulting from the Company’s base rate case in New Hampshire.

Operation and Maintenance (O&M) expenses increased $1.9 million, or 2.6%, in 2023 compared to 2022, reflecting higher utility operating costs of $1.2 million, higher professional fees of $0.4 million and higher labor costs of $0.3 million.

Depreciation and Amortization expense increased $4.8 million in 2023 compared to 2022, reflecting additional depreciation associated with higher levels of utility plant in service and higher amortization of rate case and other deferred costs.

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes increased $2.6 million in 2023 compared to 2022, reflecting higher local property taxes on higher utility plant in service and higher payroll and other taxes.

Interest Expense, Net increased $3.2 million in 2023 compared to 2022 primarily reflecting higher interest on short-term borrowings, partially offset by higher interest income on regulatory assets and other.

Other Expense (Income), Net decreased $2.4 million in 2023 compared to 2022, reflecting lower retirement benefit costs.

Federal and State Income Taxes increased $2.0 million in 2023 compared to 2022, reflecting higher pre-tax earnings in 2023 and higher flow back, in 2022, of excess Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes per regulatory orders in New Hampshire.

In 2023, Unitil’s annual common dividend was $1.62 per share, representing an unbroken record of quarterly dividend payments since trading began in Unitil’s common stock. At its January 2024 meeting, the Unitil Corporation Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend on the Company’s common stock of $0.425 per share, an increase of $0.02 per share on a quarterly basis, resulting in an increase in the effective annualized dividend rate to $1.70 per share from $1.62 per share.

The Company’s earnings are seasonal and are typically higher in the first and fourth quarters when customers use natural gas for heating purposes.

The Company will hold a quarterly conference call to discuss fourth quarter and full year 2023 results on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. This call is being webcast. This call, financial and other statistical information contained in the Company’s presentation on this call, and information required by Regulation G regarding non-GAAP financial measures can be accessed in the Investor Relations section of Unitil’s website, unitil.com.

About Unitil Corporation

Unitil Corporation provides energy for life by safely and reliably delivering electricity and natural gas in New England. We are committed to the communities we serve and to developing people, business practices, and technologies that lead to the delivery of dependable, more efficient energy. Unitil Corporation is a public utility holding company with operations in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Together, Unitil’s operating utilities serve approximately 108,500 electric customers and 88,400 natural gas customers. For more information about our people, technologies, and community involvement please visit unitil.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include declarations regarding Unitil’s beliefs and current expectations. These forward-looking statements are subject to the inherent risks and uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Some, but not all, of the risks and uncertainties include the following: Unitil’s regulatory environment (including regulations relating to climate change, greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental matters); fluctuations in the supply of, the demand for, and the prices of, energy commodities and transmission and transportation capacity and Unitil’s ability to recover energy commodity costs in its rates; customers’ preferred energy sources; severe storms and Unitil’s ability to recover storm costs in its rates; general economic conditions; variations in weather; long-term global climate change; unforeseen or changing circumstances, which could adversely affect the reduction of company-wide direct greenhouse gas emissions; Unitil’s ability to retain its existing customers and attract new customers; increased competition; and other risks detailed in Unitil's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Unitil undertakes no obligation, and does not intend, to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law.

For more information please contact:
Todd Diggins – Investor Relations Phone: 603-773-6504		Alec O’Meara – External Affairs Phone: 603-773-6404
Email: diggins@unitil.com		Email: omeara@unitil.com

Supplemental Information; Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company analyzes operating results using Electric and Gas Adjusted Gross Margins, which are non-GAAP financial measures. Electric Adjusted Gross Margin is calculated as Total Electric Operating Revenue less Cost of Electric Sales. Gas Adjusted Gross Margin is calculated as Total Gas Operating Revenues less Cost of Gas Sales. The Company’s management believes Electric and Gas Adjusted Gross Margins provide useful information to investors regarding profitability. Also, the Company’s management believes Electric and Gas Adjusted Gross Margins are important measures to analyze revenue from the Company’s ongoing operations because the approved cost of electric and gas sales are tracked, reconciled and passed through directly to customers in electric and gas tariff rates, resulting in an equal and offsetting amount reflected in Total Electric and Gas Operating Revenue.

In the following tables the Company has reconciled Electric and Gas Adjusted Gross Margin to GAAP Gross Margin, which we believe to be the most comparable GAAP financial measure. GAAP Gross Margin is calculated as Revenue less Cost of Sales, and Depreciation and Amortization. The Company calculates Electric and Gas Adjusted Gross Margin as Revenue less Cost of Sales. The Company believes excluding Depreciation and Amortization, which are period costs and not related to volumetric sales, is a meaningful measure to inform investors of the Company’s profitability from electric and gas sales in the period.

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2023 ($ millions)
	Electric			Gas			Other			Total
Total Operating Revenue	$	306.5		$	250.6		$	---		$	557.1
Less: Cost of Sales		(202.4	)		(96.1	)		---			(298.5	)
Less: Depreciation and Amortization		(26.0	)		(40.4	)		(1.0	)		(67.4	)
GAAP Gross Margin		78.1			114.1			(1.0	)		191.2
Depreciation and Amortization		26.0			40.4			1.0			67.4
Adjusted Gross Margin	$	104.1		$	154.5		$	---		$	258.6

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2022 ($ millions)
	Electric			Gas			Other			Total
Total Operating Revenue	$	297.9		$	265.3		$	---		$	563.2
Less: Cost of Sales		(199.1	)		(121.4	)		---			(320.5	)
Less: Depreciation and Amortization		(25.4	)		(36.3	)		(0.9	)		(62.6	)
GAAP Gross Margin		73.4			107.6			(0.9	)		180.1
Depreciation and Amortization		25.4			36.3			0.9			62.6
Adjusted Gross Margin	$	98.8		$	143.9		$	---		$	242.7

Selected financial data for 2023 and 2022 is presented in the following table:

Unitil Corporation - Condensed Consolidated Financial Data
(Millions, except Per Share data) (Unaudited)
		Twelve Months Ended December 31,
		2023			2022				Change
Electric kWh Sales:
Residential			649.3				680.5				(4.6	%)
Commercial/Industrial			914.2				933.9				(2.1	%)
Total Electric kWh Sales			1,563.5				1,614.4				(3.2	%)
Gas Therm Sales:
Residential			42.9				44.6				(3.8	%)
Commercial/Industrial			178.6				180.2				(0.9	%)
Total Gas Therm Sales			221.5				224.8				(1.5	%)
Electric Revenues		$	306.5			$	297.9			$	8.6
Cost of Electric Sales			202.4				199.1				3.3
Electric Adjusted Gross Margin (a non-GAAP financial measure1):			104.1				98.8				5.3
Gas Revenues			250.6				265.3				(14.7	)
Cost of Gas Sales			96.1				121.4				(25.3	)
Gas Adjusted Gross Margin (a non-GAAP financial measure1):			154.5				143.9				10.6
Total Adjusted Gross Margin: (a non-GAAP financial measure1):			258.6				242.7				15.9
Operation & Maintenance Expenses			75.6				73.7				1.9
Depreciation & Amortization			67.4				62.6				4.8
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes			28.5				25.9				2.6
Other Expense (Income), Net			---				2.4				(2.4	)
Interest Expense, Net			28.7				25.5				3.2
Income Before Income Taxes			58.4				52.6				5.8
Provision for Income Taxes			13.2				11.2				2.0
Net Income		$	45.2			$	41.4			$	3.8
Earnings Per Share		$	2.82			$	2.59			$	0.23

FAQ

What is Unitil Corporation's (UTL) Net Income for 2023?

Unitil Corporation reported a Net Income of $45.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.

What was the Electric GAAP Gross Margin for Unitil Corporation (UTL) in 2023?

The Electric GAAP Gross Margin for Unitil Corporation was $78.1 million in 2023, showing an increase from the previous year.

What was the Gas GAAP Gross Margin for Unitil Corporation (UTL) in 2023?

The Gas GAAP Gross Margin for Unitil Corporation was $114.1 million in 2023, reflecting growth compared to 2022.

What was the increase in Unitil Corporation's (UTL) Electric Adjusted Gross Margin in 2023?

The Electric Adjusted Gross Margin for Unitil Corporation was $104.1 million in 2023, showing an increase from the previous year.

What was the increase in Unitil Corporation's (UTL) Gas Adjusted Gross Margin in 2023?

The Gas Adjusted Gross Margin for Unitil Corporation was $154.5 million in 2023, reflecting growth compared to 2022.