NiSource Q3 2023 Earnings Call Transcript

Quartr
Provided by Quartr
November 1, 2023

There are 12 speakers on the call.

Operator

Morning, and welcome to the NiSource Third Quarter 2023 Investor Call. Joining me today are President and Chief Executive Officer, Lloyd Yates Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Sean Anderson Executive Vice President of Strategy and Risk and Chief Commercial Officer, Michael Lures Executive Vice President and Group President, NiSource Utilities, Melody Birmingham and Vice President of Investor Relations and Treasurer, Randy Hulan. The purpose of this presentation is to review NiSource's financial performance for the Q3 of 2023 as well as provide an update on our operations and growth drivers. Following our prepared remarks, we'll open the call to your questions. Slides for today's call are available in the Investor Relations section of our website.

Operator

We would like to remind you that some of the statements made during this presentation will be forward looking. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results differ materially from those expressed in the statements. Information concerning such risks and uncertainties is included in the Risk Factors and MD and A sections of our periodic SEC filings. Additionally, some of the statements made on this call relate to non GAAP measures. Please refer to the supplemental slides, segment information and full financial schedules for information on the most directly comparable GAAP measure and a reconciliation of these measures.

Operator

I'd now like to turn the call over to Lloyd.

Speaker 1

Thanks, Chris. Good morning and thank you for joining us. I'll start with an overview of our value proposition on Slide 3. At year end 2022, We had $16,600,000,000 of rate base deployed for our customers and today are outlining a refreshed base plan to invest another nearly $16,000,000,000 of capital over the next 5 years. We plan to execute on our resilient financial commitments supported by a superior regulatory and stakeholder foundation and balance sheet flexibility.

Speaker 1

Assuming a constant PE ratio, our plan can deliver a total shareholder return of 10% to 12%. Slide 4 shows our 4 key priorities. First, today we are reiterating our expectation of achieving the upper half of our $1.54 to $1.60 EPS range this year. We are introducing 2024 EPS guidance of $1.68 to $1.72 over 8% growth midpoint to midpoint versus our current 2023 range. We are extending our 6% to 8% long term EPS growth guidance to the 2023 to 'twenty eight period.

Speaker 1

This is supported by 5 year base capital plan of $16,000,000,000 and an 8% to 10% annual 2023 28, Rate Based Growth. We are confident our commitments are resilient to periods of rapidly changing business conditions such as those seen by the utility industry over the last 12 months. We continue building a track record of execution and growth and our commitment to investors, employees and customers is central to everything we do. 2nd, our superior regulatory and stakeholder foundation differentiates us from peers. In early August, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission approved Nitsco's electric rate case settlement.

Speaker 1

This case represented the culmination of years of investment and stakeholder engagement beginning with our 2018 Integrated Resource Plan. In October, the Public Utility Law Judge of Maryland's recommendation to approve Columbia Gas of Maryland's rate case settlement became a final order. Last week, we filed a new gas general rate case in Indiana seeking recovery of $1,100,000,000 estimated cumulative investments to be completed through the end of 2024. 3rd, our balance sheet flexibility allows us to both optimize announced in June with Blackstone Infrastructure Partners is an example of the diverse funding sources embedded in our plan, raised at an attractive relative value while preserving the scale of our business. 4th, Our company is experiencing a record investment cycle driven by safety, reliability, regulatory mandates, Decarbonization and Modernization.

Speaker 1

Investment is constrained primarily by normal operational strength and our desire to manage the impact on customer bills. The surplus of investment opportunity puts us in a favorable position to prioritize the deployment of capital in the investments in jurisdictions generating the highest risk adjusted returns. Slide 5 details our annual capital expenditures across our 6 state service territory. In the 5 year period through 2028, we plan to invest $16,000,000,000 Every single one of these dollars is a real investment in our communities. For example, at Columbia Gas of Virginia, We replaced over 8,000 feet of main and over 10,000 feet of service line infrastructure as part of a $4,000,000 investment and the town of Culpeper.

Speaker 1

As part of this project, Columbia Gas updated several multimeter sets and 130 individual customer connections, improving the quality and reliability of service to our customers within Culpeper County. Slide 6 shows key rate case and select capital rider activity since 2021. Our leading regulatory execution continues with no less than 10 cases filed in 7 jurisdictions across 6 states during this period. Our state regulatory teams are in a constant cycle of communication and engagement with key interveners, regulators and customer groups. In addition to general rate cases, regular capital tracker filings allow timely recovery on and of our investments.

Speaker 1

A dialogue with our Pennsylvania stakeholders starting late last year is an example of this. An approved long term improvement plan in the state is a prerequisite to recovering investment through a DISH tracker. Columbia Gas Pennsylvania sought the authority to replace infrastructure based on risk rather than a prior focus on bare steel and with a granted approval this spring. This change enables inclusion of an additional 1st generation assets such as 1st generation plastic pipe for expedited replacement, enhancing the safety and reliability of our system. All of this activity is built on a foundation of robust economic activity for our states.

Speaker 1

Customer count across our territories has been growing on average by 0.5% to 1% annually for years, including 2023 to date. Favorable demographic trends have driven inbound migration, thanks to a stable and growing manufacturing base, robust utility and non utility infrastructure and low tax rates in the states we serve. In Southwestern Pennsylvania, one of the largest titanium melting companies in the world has advanced plans for a planned expansion in our service territory. Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania engaged the business and the Department of Community and Economic Development to enable the extension of a gas infrastructure and support job creation and economic development in the region. Moreover, this extension will present greater access to low cost natural gas throughout the surrounding community while enhancing energy diversification and Energy Resilience.

Speaker 1

Slide 7 shows how our operational excellence model is incorporated into decision making in all areas of the company. Project Apollo is on track, generating efficiencies by doing things safer, better, more efficiently and with less cost. This will keep NonTrak O and M flat through the duration of our 5 year plan. NiSource has continued to invest in technology that will drive risk reduction across gas and electric assets and increased customer value by ensuring reliable service. Advanced mobile leak inspection is one example.

Speaker 1

Our historical practice of addressing leaks 1 by 1 is transforming into a process of clustering large volume leaks into small replacement projects. This project brings visibility to large volume leaks and prioritization repair, reduces methane emissions and improves efficiency. We are focused on affordability for our customers every day And all of this is expected to contribute to keeping total customer bills in line with inflation over the 5 year financial plans. These achievements would not be possible without our dedicated employees and their commitment to our customers, communities and all NiSource stakeholders. With that, I'll turn the call over to Michael.

Speaker 2

Thank you, Lloyd. I'll begin on Slide 8. VSCO's generation transition continues to advance as we optimize the new portfolio to benefit customers and retire all coal fired generation by the end of 2028. Our first four renewable projects and the associated electric transmission are in service and represent approximately $1,000,000,000 of investment in economic, sustainable, 0 fuel cost new generation for NIPSCO's Northern Indiana customers. Also our Indiana Crossroads 2 wind PPA is advancing and is expected in service late this year.

Speaker 2

Construction on Calvary Solar and Storage and Dunsbridge 2 solar and storage continues and both projects have expected in service dates in 2024. The Fairbanks solar project is expected to be in service in 2025 and is in the early stages of construction. The Gibson project is also expected to be in service in 2025 and construction is anticipated to begin in early 2024. Our plans have included these 4 owned renewable projects under tax equity structures. However, Based on our evaluation of the Inflation Reduction Act and the benefits to customers with tax credit monetization, we have filed a modification with the IURC for approval of full ownership of Calvary Solar and Storage and Dunsbridge II Solar and Storage.

Speaker 2

Full ownership of these projects provides a lower cost Customers in tax equity, supporting affordability and enhances our base plan. We continue to assume tax equity structures in our plan for the other two projects, Fairbanks and Gibson. However, we are actively evaluating the potential benefits to customers of inflation Reduction Act provisions related to these projects. NIPSCO has several generation related filings under review at the IURC. A CPCN for conversion of the some project into a BTA a build transfer agreement modification for Calgary and Dunsbridge II filed in August, which includes the aforementioned customer beneficial proposal of switching to NIPSCO's full ownership of the projects instead of tax equity financing and a CPCN for our planned gas peaker project.

Speaker 2

In addition, Niska has recently received orders approving several PA Projects, Applesea Solar, Templeton Wind and Carpenter Wind. For the gas peaker, In September, we filed a CPCN for an approximately 400 Megawatt Brownfield gas peaker project on our Shafer site in Indiana. The project utilizes a combination of technologies including aero derivatives for quick start capability and is a key enabler of our generation transition, System Performance and the full retirement of coal fired generation by 2028. Our in service renewable projects are performing in line with expectations and are reducing fuel costs for our customers. Since our first project went commercial in late 2020, We have been passing back both excess generation and renewable energy credits revenues to customers from this and subsequent projects.

Speaker 2

In the Q3 alone, this amount totaled $5,300,000 for a year to date total of $19,900,000 As we look forward, Slide 9 shows additional CapEx opportunities not included in our base financial plan through 2028. These include potential items such as continued employment of the IRA to benefit customers and reduce tax equity financing, long term incremental generation investment opportunities, Finza Gas Infrastructure Spending and multiple additional opportunities. The 2020 Federal PICE Act will require incremental investment in our system for various leak reduction, safety and other operational requirements. These requirements would build on the investments we have been making on our advanced leak detection and repair program. We will continue to be active in this area to support the best outcome for customers in terms of safety, emissions and infrastructure investment.

Speaker 2

The pipeline of opportunities listed on this page and the approximately $2,000,000,000 $2024,000,000 to 2028 upside CapEx opportunities continues to be evaluated to determine the most beneficial actions to deliver safe, reliable and cost effective energy for our communities. As we look beyond 2028, we think a regulated gas and electric integrated utilities such as NiSource has the potential to access even more investment. This is particularly true as we think about the landscape of further decarbonization. As nascent technology develops into practical applications, NiSource will look to work these investments into our capital expenditure plans in a customer beneficial manner. These Potential and current investments across our electric and gas business support our clean energy transition, further our Scope 1 emissions reduction goals and enhance customer value in a balanced way.

Speaker 2

In early October, we announced the launch of a multi phase hydrogen blending project. It is one of the first in the United States to use a blending skid in a controlled setting to mix hydrogen and natural gas at precise levels. Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania partnered with Ian Engineering to construct a skid at our training facility allowing for the controlled blending of hydrogen into our isolated and controlled natural gas system to blend levels ranging from 2% to 20% hydrogen. Throughout the blending project, NiSource will continue to evaluate the viability of hydrogen natural gas blends for other applications such as factories and power plants. As we consider the benefits and potential uses of hydrogen in the future, this project is one step that helps NiSource determine the most beneficial and viable opportunities.

Speaker 2

Finally, last month, we issued our 1st sustainability report. For years, we have published an integrated annual report incorporating both financial and sustainability metrics. This year marks our 1st standalone report of key sustainability topics. The report details the incorporation of ES and G policies throughout the organization and how these actions support and align with our mission, vision and values. I'm proud of the company wide efforts captured in this report that demonstrate how we strengthen and support our communities through our business activities.

Speaker 2

And I encourage everyone with an interest in sustainability to review the report. I'll now turn things over to Sean.

Speaker 3

Thanks, Michael, and good morning, everyone. Slide 10 reviews our financial results from the Q3. Non GAAP net operating earnings were $84,000,000 or $0.19 per share compared to $45,000,000 or $0.10 per share in the Q3 of 2022. Year to date results continue to track in line with our plan. Visibility from constructive regulatory outcomes and execution on O and M initiatives support our continued guidance for the upper half of the $1.54 to $1.60 EPS guidance provided last quarter.

Speaker 3

Turning to Slide 11, you'll find segment details and key drivers of our results. Gas distribution operating earnings were $53,000,000 in the 3rd quarter, an increase of $21,000,000 versus the same quarter last year. New rates and capital investment programs drove $42,000,000 of incremental revenue, including general rate case contributions in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Virginia and Maryland capital trackers in Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia provided additional return of capital investment for the segment as well. Offsetting these revenue increases were spending activities in non tracked gas O and M for the quarter of $8,000,000 and depreciation from infrastructure programs, which increased $14,000,000 on a year over year basis. Electric operating earnings were $184,000,000 in the 3rd quarter, an increase of $69,000,000 versus the same quarter last year.

Speaker 3

New rates as well as improved weather normalized commercial and residential customer usage Increased revenue by $7,300,000 Non tracked electric O and M decreased $4,000,000 And depreciation increased $6,000,000 Lastly, corporate and other contributed $5,000,000 due primarily to lower overall costs across several activities. Now I'd like to briefly touch on our debt and credit profile on Slide 12. Our debt level as of September 30 was $13,300,000,000 $11,000,000,000 of which was long term debt with a weighted average maturity of 12 years and a weighted average interest rate of 3.9%. At the end of the Q3, we maintained net available liquidity of $1,000,000,000 consisting of cash and available capacity under our credit facility and our accounts receivable securitization programs. All three credit agencies have affirmed NiSource ratings and outlooks for the year.

Speaker 3

We remain committed to our current investment grade credit ratings and remain on track to achieve our stated 14% to 16% FFO to debt range for this year upon closing of the minority interest sale transaction by the end of 2023. Slide 13 details our refreshed long term financial commitments. We are extending our 6 to 8 long term EPS growth guidance for the 2023 to 2028 period. This is supported by a 5 year base capital plan of $16,000,000,000 which fuels 8% to 10% annual 2023 to 2028 rate base growth. The enhanced base capital expenditure plan builds on our 5 year plan.

Speaker 3

By switching from tax equity to full ownership of our next two renewables projects, which are in the range of $0.24. It also assumes additional capital for PHMSA related gas infrastructure requirements and electric transmission investments in 20272028. These investments support incremental $1,000,000,000 of CapEx we have now moved into our base capital forecast over the next 5 year horizon. Additionally, we are highlighting $2,000,000,000 of upside CapEx not included in the base plan. As Michael indicated, This includes investments to switch from tax equity to full ownership for our last two renewables projects in 2025, long term incremental generation investment opportunities electric and gas distribution enhancement opportunities and Finzi driven investments.

Speaker 3

We'll be sharing more about these upside capital expenditure opportunities as we engage with stakeholders And develop better line of sight to make these investments for our customers and we'll continue to update and guide our annual capital expenditures plans to reflect the full scope of activities NiSource is engaging upon to deliver safe and reliable service for our customers. Next, I'd like to focus on our financing plan and make 4 key points on Slide 14. 1st, We intend to remarket our equity units later this month for proceeds of $863,000,000 2nd, this continues to be the only equity required in our base plan in 2023 2024 and is consistent with our prior financing plan for these years. 3rd, we expect to issue $200,000,000 to $300,000,000 of annual maintenance equity in the 2025 to 20 28 periods using an ATM to maintain our capital structure and our current base case capital expenditures plan. Due to the strengthening of our balance sheet in 2023, we believe further enhancements to the capital plan and access to our upside CapEx can be funded constructively by growth in cash from operations and requires minimal incremental equity from this base financing plan.

Speaker 3

4th, All of these financing costs have been included in our guidance ranges and continue to be reflected fully in the growth rate of our business, which we have projected today. This plan supports both an annual 6% to 8% NOEPS growth rate and 14% to 16% FFO to debt annually for 2023 and the entire 2024 to 2028 period reflected in this plan refresh. As we sit here today, we've been able to increase our capital plan by $1,000,000,000 compared to the plan a year ago, while requiring limited incremental equity. This is due in part to higher expected deferred taxes Driven by larger solar CapEx and the full ownership of select assets, generating more accelerated depreciation as well as modest amounts of tax transferability proceeds and some timing associated with monetization of credits. One final note on this slide.

Speaker 3

While the financing plan shared on Slide 14 is projected to support the $16,000,000,000 base capital plan, We expect minimal changes when we access capital investment opportunities within the upside plan. This is due in part to the strengthening of the balance sheet projected to be executed in 2023. These activities as well as improvements in cash from operations as a result of selecting those investments, continue to support our commitment for all years of our plan to remain within the 14% to 16% FFO to debt, which we are positioned to deliver upon once we close the minority sale transaction at NIPSCO this year. I also want to be clear that the NiSource team has been and will continue to be thoughtful about the risks of elevated leverage. 1 year ago, we recognized the value of financing flexibility and diversity of capital and announced our Capital markets remain volatile and expensive versus historical levels for both utility equity and debt.

Speaker 3

Our base plan continues to carefully take these risks into consideration and builds in balance sheet flexibility, Cushion and Realistic Financing Assumptions accordingly. We've also updated our plan to reflect the current interest rate environment, which extends a higher short term interest rate longer into our planned horizon than before and reflects the current outlook of the credit curve for our projected long term debt issuances. I'll conclude on slide 15. Today, we introduced a refreshed long term financial plan that builds and enhances upon the prior 5 year plan introduced this time last year. Since our Investor Day in 2022 And in just 1 year, we have outperformed our 2022 N O EPS guidance range By exceeding our $1.44 to $1.46 with actual NOEPS of 1.47 We've enhanced our 2023 Etoneno EPS guidance range from $1.50 to 1 0.57 up to the upper half of $1.54 to 1 $0.60 We've received approval for an agreement to raise $2,150,000,000 of diversified capital while preserving the scale of our business for our customers' benefit.

Speaker 3

We've enhanced our projected capital expenditures outlook by $1,000,000,000 and we've identified $2,000,000,000 more of capital expenditures we believe are important to delivering safe and reliable energy for our communities. We continue building a track record of execution and growth, and our commitment to investors, employees and customers is central to everything we do. We'd now like to open up the line for your questions.

Speaker 1

Gates.

Speaker 4

Our first question comes from the line of Shahriar Pourreza with Guggenheim Partners. Please go ahead.

Speaker 5

Good morning. It's Jameson Ward on for Shar. Thanks for taking my questions.

Speaker 1

Hey, James. Good morning.

Speaker 5

Hey. Just building on your prepared remarks, as we think of the 4 remaining renewable projects at NIPS Go. The potential to replace tax equity with increased ownership. You obviously mentioned having filed for the 2 and then the 2 that you hadn't yet. As we think particularly about the amount which is not already part of the base capital plan, could you remind us How we should think about how much capital at a high level that could represent?

Speaker 1

Michael Lourdes will handle that question.

Speaker 6

Mike? Yes. So thank you. So when we

Speaker 2

think about the remaining two projects, as you mentioned, The first two associated with Calvary and Dunsbridge have been included and we've evaluated that and filed for that from the tax transferability. We continue to evaluate the second 2. And if those are customer beneficial, then we'll look at how to move forward with those. But effectively, you would be looking in a neighborhood of about $100,000,000 of incremental capital associated with those projects, if they were to be included under full ownership with tax transferability.

Speaker 5

Got it. Perfect. Thank you. And second question, there have been some concerns and rumblings out there among Some who have been seeing some supply chain issues to do with renewables. Specifically, have you guys been seeing any issues in terms of getting panels from the 2 developers that you're working with.

Speaker 2

So at this point in time, honestly, we feel very strong and confident in our dates and in service dates with our projects. And we think that's evidenced by how we've brought the recent projects into schedule. I think there are a lot of benefits to us in how we Exercised the generation transition earlier and planned for that. And at this point, we do not see significant supply disruption. We do pay attention to that.

Speaker 2

We are always wary of it. There continues to be the need for long lead time equipment with certain items, but we've addressed those.

Speaker 5

Perfect. That's all I have. Thank you very much and looking forward to seeing you guys at EEI in a couple of weeks.

Speaker 1

Thank you. Thank you.

Speaker 4

Our next question comes from the line of Durgesh Chopra with Evercore ISI. Please go ahead.

Speaker 7

Hey, good morning team. Thanks for giving me time. Hey, just Good morning. Michael, just staying on the topic of those, the tax equity versus rate base, Maybe can you just give us a little bit of color because I think this is an important point for the industry as a whole. What I mean you went ahead with the 2 projects, 2 projects you were kind of Evaluating is there any difference project by project as we think about tax equity versus rate based ownership?

Speaker 7

Is the tax equity Mark, get more tighter now, just anything that you can share there, because I think that's going to be really important as we move forward with IRA and as companies choose rate basing versus tax equity.

Speaker 2

So what I would say is fundamentally when you look at the benefits of the IRA and what we determine with the first two projects is that it produced Significant additional benefits for customer costs, both in the near term and in the long term over the project. So we felt very comfortable and we know that they provide a lot of benefit to customers and that's why we filed for full ownership with them. There are always differences associated with projects relative to what the capacity factors of them are depending on the region. There's always differences associated with them. Some of our projects include storage versus not.

Speaker 2

That changes the different tax credits with those projects. What I would say is that we continue to evaluate those projects, the remaining 2 under the tax transferability provisions And we know that provide that customer benefit opportunity then we'll look at how

Speaker 6

to move forward with those. But we're going to go through it in

Speaker 2

a very methodical and And fashion to make sure that we know it provides the best benefit to all stakeholders.

Speaker 7

That's helpful color. I appreciate it. And then maybe just I think this will be in Sean's view of the house, but on the remarketing Sean, like what are you assuming In your 24 EPS guidance, I know it's small, but are you assuming remarketing that's part 1? And then the language includes 200 In your slide deck includes $200,000,000 to $300,000,000 equity with or without the remarketing. So the question is, if you're not going to remarket, how you're placing that equity content?

Speaker 3

Yes. Thanks, Durgesh. Appreciate the question. So first and foremost, all of our guidance range for all years of the plan reflect the full cost of financing, which is inclusive of All of the equity that we've shared, I think on Slide 14 and all of our financing plan has always contemplated a full remarketing in the placement of the 8 $3,000,000 effectively raising those proceeds here in 2023. That continues to be our assumption As we move forward, that positions our balance sheet such that we are in the 14% to 16% range for all years of the plan.

Speaker 3

But more specifically, the minority sale process concluding and closing by the end of 2023 positions us in that range. The second half of your question is related to what if the units are not remarketing. And we have a lot of flexibility then in that scenario, Both in the timing of raising the equity as well as spending our capital expenditures plan. Therefore, we've got flexibility within the 14% to 16% range Should that not actually execute.

Speaker 7

Got it. Thank you, Sean. I appreciate the time.

Speaker 1

Thank you.

Speaker 4

Our next question comes from the line of Richard Sunderland with JPMorgan. Please go ahead.

Speaker 8

Hi, good morning. Can you hear me?

Speaker 1

We can hear you fine. Good morning. Great.

Speaker 8

Thank you. To close out the Fairbanks and Gibson discussion, just what's the rough timeline for a final decision on those projects in

Speaker 2

terms of the ownership structure?

Speaker 1

So the IURC doesn't have a definitive timeline to make that decision. We believe and hope that we'll get a decision from them sometime early next year.

Speaker 2

With Calvary and Dunwoody. Calvary and Dunwoody. For Fairbanks and Gibson, upon that decision associated with Calgary and Dunsbridge, we would expect to be done with the analysis on Fairbanks and Gibson roughly In that timeframe and then take the next steps forward associated with it.

Speaker 8

Got it. Understood. One, I guess, additional points on The outlook update here in sort of the gas price assumptions, I know this is a point of emphasis last year In terms of that customer bill impact and keeping rates at a moderate level, how much of the year over year gas Price, how did you roll into this plan? Is there still cushion relative to assumptions a year ago that help on the kind of Upside CapEx front ex this generation discussion.

Speaker 1

Let me when we built the plan and rolled out Investor Day in 2020 We used a market curve on natural gas. We did not assume that gas would be $2 to $3 per 1,000,000 BTU. We are still assuming that same market curve in the plan that we have. So I don't characterize that as cushion. We manage that.

Speaker 1

We don't build a so we didn't build a plan of piling in excess capital because we're assuming gas prices want to stay at $2 to $3 Our plan is build on gas prices, whatever the market curve is. And I think it's $4 to $5 in that. It's stating $4 situation. $4 curve.

Speaker 8

Got it. And so just to put a bow on kind of the incremental capital and how to think about layering that in, Is this an ongoing effort where over the next few quarters we could see some of that come into the plan? Or is this more about annual refreshes and kind of the bucket that could be additive versus base CapEx as it stands today?

Speaker 1

I would say both as we look at incremental capital opportunities. Now when they come to fruition, when we do the analysis and we Stand them in terms of customer benefit, shareholder benefit, ability to execute accretion This is a plan for shareholders, then we'll layer those plans and whether that's on a quarter by quarter basis, we'll take advantage on a quarterly opportunity and then we'll also refresh our Capital plans annually to reflect those incremental opportunities.

Speaker 8

Got it. Very helpful. Sorry, one final quick one for me. The Mitzco transaction with Blackstone, can you just give some of the qualitative synergies there, if there's any upside potential that might come into Indiana Territory as a result?

Speaker 1

Don, you want to take that one?

Speaker 3

Yes, absolutely. We found the partnership with Blackstone even before we closed here as very robust. They're very thoughtful, considerate Executors around capital as well as understanding infrastructure and just a global landscape. They brought ideas to the table that we've already partnered with Mike Cooper, our President in Indiana and the Indiana team more broadly to try and evaluate how we can benefit the state of Indiana from this partnership. And that's mostly in the vein of economic development, onshoring, increasing manufacturing, Potential for data centers, increasing NIPSCO's load, but more specifically, bringing jobs and broader tax base to the State of Indiana.

Speaker 3

And Blackstone's brought a lot of ideas to the table on that already and we're looking forward to continuing to action those and bringing some of those into fruition.

Speaker 8

Wonderful. Thanks for the time today.

Speaker 1

Thank you. Thank you.

Speaker 4

Our next question comes from the line of Paul Fremont with Ladenburg. Please go ahead.

Speaker 9

Thank you and congratulations on the additional capital spend. You mentioned $400,000,000 for Fairbanks and Gibson. How much CapEx is associated with Calvary and Dunsbridge.

Speaker 5

Michael? So when you look at

Speaker 2

the incremental $1,000,000,000 that Sean mentioned, Approximately $500,000,000 is associated with Calvary and Dunsbridge for the tax transferability and that's simply going to the full ownership of those projects.

Speaker 9

Great. So for the 2024 through 2017 period, it looks like your capital spend went up by about $1,150,000,000 So I guess what makes up the additional spend?

Speaker 2

Yes. So when you look at the elements between that, I mean, some of that, if you're looking specifically at the generation projects, I mean, some of that honestly is just rounding associated with it. And then we did have some general modifications with the projects. But then when you Look at the other capital opportunities on top of that. Sean, I'll let you

Speaker 3

Yes, sure. Incremental MISO transmission projects Our portion of this becoming part of the plan in the middle of the year middle of the decade really, earlier than what we previously had shared and modeled. Those were part of the ROFR change in legislation that we saw come through in May of 2023 And part of tranche 1 that MISO had handed down for execution. We also see incremental gas modernization and PHMSA work And a little bit more work necessary for us to ensure electric resiliency. Most of that is towards the back half of this decade.

Speaker 9

Great. And then it looks like there's some delay in on the gas side in terms of your spending. It was like less spending, I think, in 25, but a lot of that looks like it's moved Out to 27.

Speaker 3

We're just moving capital projects associated with the regulatory timelines that our Jurisdictions are supporting for their programmatic investment, but I don't think that's a significant shift nor an indication of change in investment thesis.

Speaker 1

Yes. And to add that I think that is also a shift in our developing a workforce and aligning our contractors and employees to make sure we can Keep that work effectively and efficiently.

Speaker 9

And then last question for me. When I think about Any spend that's incremental to now what's in your base CapEx, can you give us a sense of the percent Of that incremental investment that would be supported by equity?

Speaker 3

We've not disclosed the specific percentage associated with that, We reiterate that we believe it would be a modest change to the Slide 14 that we laid out today. And the main reason for that really is Qsha of the Nordy interest sale process in 2023 and really all financing in 2023, which has strengthened our balance sheet Such that incremental capital expenditures can flow through more accretively than when we had otherwise not had a strengthened balance sheet. All of the incremental capital expenditures are 100% regulated investments. That means they will grow cash from operations. So on the left hand side of that slide, You'll see cash from operations flow in that will help to support some of the financing costs otherwise.

Speaker 3

And then also a portion of these investments We'll hopefully continue to benefit from the provisions established in the IRA as we develop more solar assets and provide additional favorable tax treatment for NiSource and its customers.

Speaker 9

And for 24%, where within sort of the 14% to 16% FFO to debt would you land Without incremental sort of CapEx?

Speaker 3

Well, two quick points on that. First off, we don't see any material incremental CapEx in 2024 from the upside plan at this time, which also means that our 2024 financing plan is materially unchanged In all scenarios, which again assumes no equity issued in 2024 after closing the NIPSCO minority sale transaction as well as the equity units for marketing Transaction, both here in Q4 of 2023. Further from that, we've not indicated a point estimate. However, I'd say that all years of our plan are within the 14% to 16% FFO to debt range inclusive of 2023 at the conclusion of those transactions.

Speaker 9

Okay, great. That's it. Thank you very much.

Speaker 3

Thank you. Appreciate your questions.

Speaker 4

Our next question comes from the line of Travis Miller with Morningstar. Please go ahead.

Speaker 6

Thank you. Good morning.

Speaker 1

Good morning. Hey, good morning, Travis.

Speaker 6

You just answered several of my questions on the CapEx, but I'll put one more out there that Adding that 2028 at the same level as 2027, does that still support The 8% to 10% when we get out to that year over year 2027, 2028 or do you need some of that $2,000,000,000 To get to that 8% to 10% rate base.

Speaker 1

At this point it does.

Speaker 3

The base plan still supports 8% to 10% annual rate base growth. And certainly, we'll continue to evaluate potential for more investment if it's out there. Okay.

Speaker 6

So there's enough growth in that 2.9% to 3.2%

Speaker 3

to support that? Correct. Okay.

Speaker 6

As part of that financing plan, you have that 10% to 12% total shareholder return. What are your thoughts within that in terms of dividend growth? I know you You haven't put it explicitly like you have before, but still at 6% to 7% growth number?

Speaker 3

We'll continue to stay within the 60% to 70% payout ratio and that's how I would mark the dividend within the 10% to 12% as well as We've assumed a flat PE in our plan just in terms of financing assumptions. We've basically marked our PE In the financing side of things here in October and kept it flat for the duration of the plan.

Speaker 6

Okay. Okay. And then one more. In terms of the financing, we've seen a couple across the industry, a couple of sales, gas sales, utility sales comps here since You guys last were out in the market. What are your thoughts on the valuations there?

Speaker 6

It appears they might be more attractive than issuing Straight market equity, is that something you'll consider as part of the financing plan?

Speaker 1

So right now, when we look at our financing plan, we look at our investment window down the road, we don't think we

Speaker 7

need to exercise any sales with LDCs.

Speaker 1

We think we can stay Besides any sales with LDCs, we think we can stay within our 14% to 16% FFO to debt. Think we can grow the business 6% to 8% a year and pay the dividend at 6% to 7% payout ratio. So we don't see a need To sell LDCs. We like the scale of the LDCs. We like our jurisdictions.

Speaker 1

We think they're really constructive and we think we have a great organic growth plan. I'd just add to

Speaker 3

that real briefly that we still believe in this inflationary environment that stakeholders benefit from the scale of the NiSource assets as constructed today. When you look at robust capital programs as well as potential for inflationary environments, we're able to hold O and M flat and take advantage of a lot of investment opportunity Translating that across the scale of our business and by getting smaller it does have an impact to customer affordability that we watch and are considerate of.

Speaker 6

Okay. Got it. And then one real quick one, is there storage opportunities at the other solar sites If you could add.

Speaker 2

So we are actually going through a refresh of the IRP in 2024 and we are evaluating we know that the IRP indicates That storage would be beneficial to the system and are looking at that within the future plan. And yes, we will evaluate whether or not storage at the other solar sites would be beneficial to that as well. Okay, great. Thanks so much. Appreciate the answer.

Speaker 4

Our next question comes from the line of Aditha Gandhi with Wolfe Research. Please go ahead.

Speaker 10

Hi. Good morning, Lloyd, Sean, Michael. Can you hear me?

Speaker 1

Good morning. Good morning. Loud and clear.

Speaker 10

Good morning. Sean, just a question for you on the ATM. You mentioned that you're now expecting higher deferred taxes. Can you just remind us what assumptions you're making around your cash taxpayer status in the plan, please?

Speaker 3

Yes, good question. Relative to the prior plan, we've seen a flip in our taxpayer status from the beginning of 2025 to outside of our current plan horizon. This is driven by a host of assumptions associated with the IRA, but predominantly linked to higher ownership of solar assets. So while there's a number of assumptions that link to this, the net impact is less cash utilization for tax payments than previously projected, which enables more capital assets Across our plan without incremental equity financing.

Speaker 10

Got it. Got it. Thank you for clarifying that. And my second question is sort of more high level. So when you all came out with your 2022 Analyst Day Plan last year, Gas prices were much higher.

Speaker 10

Those have moved lower. Rates have moved higher since, but not terribly higher. And you've now added $1,000,000,000 of more CapEx to your plan. There's been good regulatory outcomes and Execution on the O and M side as well. Just how do you feel about where you're tracking within your 6% to 8% long term?

Speaker 2

Well, there's no change

Speaker 3

to the 6% to 8% long term. We still believe strongly that an annual 6% to 8% NOEPS Growth range is feasible with this plan, most notably due to the programmatic nature of the investments themselves, how they flow through the regulatory mechanism And then the line of sight we have through trackers and otherwise to be able to recover those accordingly. This plan refresh does incorporate updated guidance around short and long term interest Great. So it does flow in what we're seeing in the current marketplace. And as I mentioned in my prepared remarks, sustaining that longer at the planned horizon than previously.

Speaker 3

All of that's refreshed here as we sit here today. Commodity prices as well are effectively flat.

Speaker 1

And I think with those commodity think with those commodity prices and that 6% to 8% EPS growth plan, we think we also can effectively manage customer affordability In that realm, to a point where we can grow for the very long term as opposed to upping the capital and increasing customer rates. We believe that there's a regulatory sensitivity here that we need to manage around customer affordability and we're very focused on that.

Speaker 10

Got it. Thank you. That's all I had. Thanks for taking my questions.

Speaker 1

Thank you.

Speaker 4

Our next question comes from the Bank of America. Please go ahead.

Speaker 11

Hey, good morning team. It's Julian Will Smith. Not sure what happened there with our dial in, but good morning guys. Thank you very much. Appreciate it.

Speaker 11

Look, we wanted to follow-up on a couple of items here. First, just, look, let's just talk about timing Of these various incremental factors here, you talk about these upsides. Can we lay out a little bit of the cadence through 2024 and when we could see some of those? I heard you say earlier, IURC on these 2 incremental projects for conversion to tax credit transferability, that's in the first half of the year. Then as we layer in later in the year, you've got a few other pieces, I imagine, as best I understood your comments.

Speaker 11

And then could we get some updates on an IRP towards the end of the year? I just want to make sure I understand like how these individual data points filter out to getting visibility in that 2,000,000,000 And then if I can, just a further detail on the FFO translation. To the extent which you do get that 400,000,000 Uplift here in spend through the pivot away from tax equity. How do you think about the corresponding FFO to debt impact just On tax credit transferability given the ability to monetize in FFO. Just to clarify that out a little bit, John.

Speaker 11

Thank you guys very much.

Speaker 1

So let's take those one at a time. Michael, why don't you start with the IRP and some of the generation opportunities?

Speaker 2

Yes. So with the generation opportunities in the IRP and even when we talk about the potential upside associated with the plan, As I mentioned before, we're working through those in a very methodical and disciplined fashion. Lloyd already mentioned with Calvary and Dunsbridge that we expect to see Something from the IURC in the 1st part of the year. By that point in time, we would expect to have our analysis associated with Fairbanks and Gibson to be complete and ensuring that it's beneficial to customers. So that's in that rough time frame, we wouldn't be I'd like to see an update on that analysis.

Speaker 2

We are working through the IRP refresh in 2024. That IRP refresh wouldn't be towards the latter half of the year Associated with it, that will include looking at what we need associated with the pipeline for what's already been mentioned around potential batteries, Additional storage at other solar facilities, additional generation that may be needed relative to the plan what we're seeing in either economic development or low growth in the areas, but that would be more towards the latter part of the year.

Speaker 1

Okay. Sean, you want to talk about the FFO to debt impact?

Speaker 3

Yes. I think it's all incorporated, Julien, in the 14% to 16% annual guidance range We've provided around FFO to debt. So the net result of that is associated with higher deferred taxes, Lower cash taxes paid and some slight timing around the monetization of these credits. Although we expect the credits to be passed back to customers in full, therefore, That might be a timing issue more so than it is any one long sustaining benefit to the FFO to debt metric itself. One other change that occurs Through the concept of full ownership and the concept of tax equity, we're able to retain the full tax attributes of A portion of those projects, particularly these two projects that we're moving forward with discussions with the IURC upon, such that we retain all those tax attributes, Our prior modeling as you would have expected would have had all those tax attributes delivered to a tax equity partner.

Speaker 3

So net net that provides us Additional tax attributes that are beneficial to the plan.

Speaker 11

Got it. Yes, absolutely. Thank you. I appreciate it. Well, look and then, FEMSA, just what's the time line there just to go back to the kind of the cadence of things real quickly?

Speaker 11

I mean, I know that you guys do these big financial updates, You'll call it once a year around this time. I just is that going to be you talk about still having some of this resolved, some of it's still ongoing. That's a next year this time kind of update as well, just to clarify that last piece?

Speaker 1

Yes, I believe by the time we understand the full Impact of the new Finsa rule will roll that into next year's financial plan. It is a big rule with a lot In terms of but I think the focus is making the gas distribution system safer, significant reductions in methane leakage And replacing some of the 1st generation piping. So I think we'll understand that better later this year, early next year.

Speaker 4

There are no further questions at this time. I would now like to turn the call over to the NiSource team for closing remarks.

Speaker 1

So let's do two things here. 1, let me close and turn it over to Sean. Now I just wanted we have a really strong team. We have an organization now excited about a plan that we believe is executable and significantly derisked. We have a long tail of investment with an organization focused on operational excellence, customer affordability and effective regulatory Regulatory

Speaker 3

and legislative relationships along with great financial discipline. So we're excited about where we're going And I appreciate your questions, Sean. Thanks, Lloyd. Appreciate that. Before concluding our call, I just wanted to share some retirement News that we will release this afternoon.

Speaker 3

It's a distinct honor for me to announce the intention of Randy Hulen, our Head of Investor Relations and Treasury to retire from Ni at year end. As many of you know, Randy has been an integral part of NiSource for nearly 3 decades. His leadership has been invaluable to this company. It's transformed us from the companies we've been to the premium utility that we are today. And it's without question that he's left his positive mark on NiSource And we're so fortunate to have had him at the helm in finance over the period of time we have.

Speaker 3

On a personal level, Randy has contributed tirelessly To the success of the NiSource franchise over his many years of service and it's without question that NiSource is a stronger company as a result of his leadership in so many capacities. I am grateful for all that Randy's done to help shape our organization, particularly in the eyes of our investors. While we will miss Randy's ongoing leadership at NiSource, We are excited to announce that Chapo Napaouais will be joining NiSource as VP of Treasury and Corporate Finance and Chris Turnure will be elevated to Head of Investor Relations. Both Chapo and Chris bring a significant amount of industry expertise and experience we'll be solid leaders at NiSource going forward. With that, thank you all for joining us today and have a safe rest of the day.

Speaker 4

I would like to thank our speakers for today's presentation and thank you all for joining us. This now concludes today's call and you may now disconnect.

Powered by Quartr
Earnings Conference Call
NiSource Q3 2023
00:00 / 00:00