MGE Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:MGEE) is a diversified utility holding company that provides electric and natural gas services to customers in southern Wisconsin. MGE Energy has a strong track record of delivering consistent financial performance and is making strategic investments to transition its energy mix towards renewable sources.
Financials
In the fiscal year 2023, MGE Energy reported annual net income of $117,699,000, annual revenue of $690,431,000, annual operating cash flow of $237,561,000, and annual free cash flow of $15,490,000. These figures demonstrate MGE Energy's financial stability and ability to generate robust cash flows to fund its growth initiatives.
During the first quarter of 2024, MGE Energy's net income increased to $33,814,000, compared to $31,078,000 in the same period of the prior year. This 8.8% year-over-year increase was driven by higher electric utility earnings, which were partially offset by lower gas utility earnings due to warmer weather. MGE Energy's electric utility segment reported net income of $15,763,000, up from $13,314,000 in the first quarter of 2023, while the gas utility segment contributed $10,614,000, down from $10,759,000 in the prior-year period.
MGE Energy's revenue in the first quarter of 2024 was $191,336,000, a decrease of 12.0% compared to $217,253,000 in the same quarter of 2023. This decline was primarily attributable to lower gas revenues, which fell by 24.8% to $75,169,000, due to a decrease in gas retail sales and lower natural gas commodity costs passed through to customers. Electric revenues also decreased slightly by 1.0% to $116,125,000, mainly due to lower sales to the market and a decrease in customer volume, partially offset by higher rates.
MGE Energy's operating expenses decreased by 15.0% to $150,591,000 in the first quarter of 2024, compared to $177,219,000 in the same period of the prior year. This reduction was driven by lower fuel and purchased power costs, as well as a decrease in the cost of gas sold, which offset higher operations and maintenance expenses.
MGE Energy's cash flow generation remains strong, with operating cash flow of $65,815,000 in the first quarter of 2024, up from $56,003,000 in the same period of 2023. MGE Energy's free cash flow, defined as operating cash flow less capital expenditures, was $19,389,000 in the first quarter of 2024, compared to $8,447,000 in the prior-year period. This improvement in free cash flow was primarily due to lower capital expenditures and higher operating cash flow.
MGE Energy's balance sheet remains healthy, with a current ratio of 1.59 and a quick ratio of 1.09 as of March 31, 2024. MGE Energy's long-term debt-to-capitalization ratio stood at 38.1% at the end of the first quarter, providing MGE Energy with ample financial flexibility to fund its growth initiatives.
Business Overview
One of the key drivers of MGE Energy's growth is its focus on renewable energy investments. MGE Energy has announced several large-scale solar projects, including the Paris Solar-Battery Park (20 MW solar, 11 MW battery), the Darien Solar Energy Center (25 MW solar), and the Koshkonong Solar Energy Center (30 MW solar), all of which are expected to be operational by 2024 or 2026. These investments are part of MGE Energy's goal to achieve an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 (from 2005 levels) and transition away from coal-fired generation.
In addition to its renewable energy initiatives, MGE Energy is also investing in grid modernization and natural gas infrastructure to enhance the reliability and efficiency of its energy delivery systems. MGE Energy's recent rate case approvals in 2024 and 2025 will support these investments and provide a stable regulatory environment for MGE Energy's operations.
MGE Energy's transmission investment segment, which includes its equity stake in American Transmission Company (ATC) and ATC Holdco, also contributes to MGE Energy's financial performance. During the first quarter of 2024, the transmission investment segment generated $2,746,000 in equity earnings, up from $2,611,000 in the same period of the prior year.
MGE Energy's nonregulated energy operations, conducted through its subsidiaries MGE Power Elm Road and MGE Power West Campus, also contributed $5,823,000 in net income during the first quarter of 2024, compared to $5,570,000 in the same period of 2023.
Outlook
Looking ahead, MGE Energy remains focused on executing its strategic plan to transition its energy mix towards renewable sources while maintaining reliable and affordable service for its customers. MGE Energy's recent rate case approvals, along with its ongoing investments in renewable energy and grid modernization, position it well to continue delivering sustainable growth and value for its shareholders.
Conclusion
MGE Energy is a well-managed utility company with a strong financial foundation and a clear strategy for transitioning to a more sustainable energy future. MGE Energy's investments in renewable energy, grid modernization, and natural gas infrastructure, coupled with its stable regulatory environment and consistent financial performance, make it an attractive investment opportunity for investors seeking exposure to the utility sector.