Idacorp Inc (IDA) Reports Modest Annual Earnings Growth Amid Operational Challenges
Net Income: Q4 net income decreased to $31.3 million, full-year net income marginally increased to $261.2 million.
Earnings Per Share (EPS): Q4 EPS fell to $0.61, full-year EPS slightly rose to $5.14.
Customer Growth: Contributed positively, with approximately 15,000 new customers in 2023.
Operational Efficiency: Operations and maintenance expenses remained flat year-over-year.
Challenges: Mild weather led to reduced usage, higher depreciation, and financing costs impacted earnings.
2024 Earnings Guidance: Idacorp Inc (NYSE:IDA) projects EPS of $5.25 to $5.45, with significant investments in battery storage and clean energy.
On February 15, 2024, Idacorp Inc (NYSE:IDA) released its 8-K filing, detailing the financial outcomes for the fourth quarter and the full year of 2023. The company, a prominent electric utility engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electric energy, faced a mix of operational successes and challenges over the year.
Financial Performance Overview
Idacorp Inc (NYSE:IDA) reported a decrease in net income for the fourth quarter of 2023 to $31.3 million, or $0.61 per diluted share, compared to $42.1 million, or $0.83 per diluted share, in the same period of 2022. Despite this quarterly dip, the full-year net income saw a slight increase to $261.2 million, or $5.14 per diluted share, up from $259.0 million, or $5.11 per diluted share, in the previous year.
President and CEO Lisa Grow highlighted the company's sustained customer growth and operational efficiency, with operations and maintenance expenses remaining flat compared to the previous year. However, she also noted the impact of mild weather on usage, as well as increased depreciation and financing costs due to capital expenditures aimed at serving a growing customer base with reliable and clean energy.
Operational Highlights and Challenges
Idacorp Inc (NYSE:IDA) experienced customer growth, with approximately 15,000 new customers contributing to a 2.4 percent increase. This growth, however, was offset by reduced usage per retail customer, particularly in the residential sector, due to milder weather conditions. The company also faced higher depreciation expenses and other operating and maintenance costs, which were partially mitigated by Idaho Power's fixed cost adjustment revenues and customer growth.
Idacorp Inc (NYSE:IDA) is looking ahead to further investments in its generation, transmission, and distribution resources, with the possibility of filing another general rate case or a limited issue rate proceeding in Idaho as early as June of this year.
Looking Forward to 2024
For 2024, Idacorp Inc (NYSE:IDA) has initiated earnings guidance in the range of $5.25 to $5.45 per diluted share. This guidance includes the use of additional tax credits under the Idaho earnings support regulatory mechanism, with approximately $25 million related to expected amortization of incremental tax credits from Idaho Power's investment in battery storage projects.
The company's financial and operational strategies are detailed in its Annual Report on Form 10-K, which provides further insights into its performance and future plans. Idacorp Inc (NYSE:IDA) remains committed to its goal of providing 100% clean energy by 2045, leveraging its hydropower projects and focusing on affordable electricity for its customers.
Investors and analysts can access more information through the company's webcast and conference call, and are encouraged to review the detailed financial results and forward-looking statements provided in the company's filings and communications.
For a more comprehensive understanding of Idacorp Inc (NYSE:IDA)'s financial health and strategic direction, readers are invited to visit GuruFocus.com for in-depth analysis and up-to-date information on the company's performance and market position.
Explore the complete 8-K earnings release (here) from Idacorp Inc for further details.
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
