WEC Energy Group Q4 2023 Earnings Call Transcript

Quartr
Provided by Quartr
February 1, 2024

There are 13 speakers on the call.

Operator

Good afternoon, and welcome to WEC Energy Group's Conference Call for 4th Quarter and Year End 2023 Results. This call is being recorded for rebroadcast and all participants are in a listen only mode at this time. After the presentation, the conference will be open to analysts for question and answers. In conjunction with this call, a package of detailed financial information is posted at wecenergygroup.com. Begins, please note that all statements in the presentation other than historical facts are forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that are subject to change at any time.

Operator

Such statements are based on management's expectations at the time they are made. In addition to the assumptions and other factors referred to in connection with the statements, Factors described in WEC Energy Group's latest Form 10 ks and subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated. During the discussions, referenced earnings per share will be based on diluted earnings per share unless otherwise noted. This call also will include non GAAP financial information. The company has provided reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures in the materials posted on its website for this conference call.

Operator

And now it is my pleasure to introduce Gail Klappa, Executive Chairman of WEC Energy Group.

Speaker 1

Well, good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for joining Today, as we review our results for calendar year 2023. First, I'd like to introduce the members of our management team who are here with me today. We have Scott Lauber, our President and Chief Executive Sha Liu, our Chief Financial Officer and Beth Straka, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and Investor Relations. Now as you saw from our news release this morning, we reported full year 2023 adjusted earnings of $4.63 a share.

Speaker 1

This excludes a one time non cash charge of $0.41 a share. You may recall that the Illinois Commerce Commission in November, This allowed the construction costs for the modern service centers and facilities that we built in Illinois to improve employee safety and productivity. We firmly believe that the investments were necessary and prudent. And at the appropriate time, we will appeal the decision in court. Despite the setback in Illinois, I'm pleased to report that we delivered another year of solid results on virtually every meaningful measure, From customer satisfaction to financial performance to steady execution of our capital plan, Sean will provide you with more detail on our financial metrics 2023 in just a few moments.

Speaker 1

Turning to other regulatory matters, the Wisconsin Commission approved our limited reopener filings in December. New rates are now in effect for all of our Wisconsin utilities. And in Illinois, a limited rehearing has been scheduled for a portion of our safety modernization program. As a reminder, the Illinois Commerce Commission ordered a pause in that program for at least 1 year. We've been systematically replacing old leaking cast iron pipes under the streets of Chicago.

Speaker 1

This long running project is approximately 38% complete today. We had planned to invest approximately $265,000,000 in these safety upgrades during 2024. Given the commission's order, we will not be carrying out the program as envisioned. We honestly do not believe that stopping the work is in the best interest our Chicago customers, but we will have another opportunity to make our case in the coming months through this limited rehearing. In addition, the Illinois Commission will open a new docket this month to examine the future of gas across the state of Illinois.

Speaker 1

This review is expected to take at least 1 year to complete. Switching gears now, let's look at the investment needs of our broader enterprise. We continue to refine our ESG progress plan, our roadmap, if you will, for the period 2024 through 2028. As you'd expect, we're lowering our planned capital investment in Illinois. But the bigger picture is strong and growing.

Speaker 1

And today, we're increasing our 5 year plan by $300,000,000 What was a $23,400,000,000 plan, the largest in our company's history is now a 5 year plan totaling $23,700,000,000 The increase is focused on 2 categories, electric distribution to support the strong economic growth we're seeing in Wisconsin and WEC Energy's projects that are in our due diligence pipeline. That's our WEC infrastructure projects. In fact, we're in the final stage now A vetting another major project for our infrastructure portfolio, a 300 Megawatt solar investment for approximately $460,000,000 Closing and commercial operation could take place in the Q2 of this year. We'll keep you informed. Overall, the building blocks of our updated capital plan clearly support our long term growth rate.

Speaker 1

Growth from our 5 year plan on a compound average annual basis remains in the 6.5% to 7% range. As always, we're starting with the midpoint of our 2023 guidance. However, we expect earnings for 2024 to come in at or below the current consensus estimate. The reason is simple. As we redeploy capital, at least temporarily away from Illinois, the majority of the quality projects we're investing in will not be in service for the full year 2024.

Speaker 1

So for this year, for 2024, we project earnings to be in the range of $4.80 to $4.90 to share and Shao will provide you with more detail in just a moment or 2. One final but important point about our capital plan. As a percentage of the total enterprise, our regulated electric business will be larger 5 years from now than it is today. Economic development, reliability and decarbonization are driving that growth. We plan to continue our investment in the infrastructure segment as well.

Speaker 1

But 5 years from now, we expect the infrastructure segment will be only 6% of our asset base. And now turning to the regional economy. The unemployment rate in Wisconsin stands at 3.3%. That continues a long running trend below the national average. And as we've discussed, we're seeing some really exciting developments here in the state.

Speaker 1

You've heard about Microsoft's plans in the Wisconsin Innovation Park south of Milwaukee. That investment continues to build. Microsoft has now purchased a total of 1345 Acres of property And construction is already underway on a major data center complex. Of course, Microsoft didn't alone. In what we call the I-ninety four corridor, Companies like Haribo and Uline are expanding their footprints as well.

Speaker 1

For example, Uline just announced plans for a 3rd office building in Pleasant Prairie. Uline expects to complete construction by 2025, creating additional space for more than 700 workers. Uline, in case you're not familiar with the name, is the leading distributor of shipping, industrial and packaging materials to businesses throughout North America. And just last week, WestRock, a Fortune 200 company that produces sustainable paper and packaging materials, announced plans to build a 587,000 square foot manufacturing facility on the former site of our Pleasant Prairie power plant. These developments highlight the strength and the potential of the Wisconsin economy and underscore the need for the investments we're outlining in our 5 year ESG progress plan.

Speaker 1

And with that, I'll turn

Speaker 2

the call over to Scott for more specifics on our regulatory calendar, our capital plan and our operational highlights. Scott, all yours. Thank you, Gail. I'd like to start with some more updates on the regulatory front. First, let's review where we stand after the Wisconsin Public Service Commission's Written orders this past December.

Speaker 2

The reopener filings address recovery of capital investments for certain projects going into service in 2023 and also this year. These are renewable facilities, rice generation and LNG reliability investments. The return on equity and the equity layer were not up for consideration as part of this proceeding. In the coming months, we plan to file new rate reviews in Wisconsin test years 20252026. You heard from Gail on the latest developments in Illinois.

Speaker 2

The commission has granted us a limited rehearing focused on our request to restore $134,000,000 of safety modernization program in 2024. This mostly relates to emergency work, work that is in progress and work driven by public entities like the City of Chicago. We expect the commission to issue an order by June 1. Now turning to our updated capital plan. We have identified $300,000,000 of additional capital investment compared to the initial version of our 5 year plan.

Speaker 2

I'll walk you through the changes, which are summarized for your reference in the slides we provided for today's call. Most notably, we have included several new investments in our energy infrastructure portfolio. We're continuing to take advantage of production tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, while providing solid returns through long term offtake agreements. We expect these projects to add approximately $800,000,000 to our plant and we're already on our way. Just last month, we closed on an incremental 10% ownership of the Samson solar farm now in operation in Northern Texas.

Speaker 2

We now own 90% of the farm for a total investment of $280,000,000 And as Gail mentioned, we have another major project, solar project in their sites. We also plan to increase investment in Wisconsin by $300,000,000 to better support economic development and reliability in the state. Offsetting these incremental investments, you will see $800,000,000 decrease in our planned spending on the Illinois gas delivery system over the 5 year period. This is driven by the regulatory order we received in November. Meanwhile, we're making good progress on a number of regulated projects in support of affordable, reliable and clean energy.

Speaker 2

We continue to work toward our ambitious goal for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. At the end of 2023, We achieved a 54% reduction in carbon emissions from electric generation compared to 2,005. That puts us well on our way toward 80% reduction in target by the end of 2,030 as we build our portfolio of low and no carbon generation and the progress continues. The final panels of the Badger Hollow Solar Park are now in service, Completing the largest solar project in Wisconsin history. As you'll recall, our Wisconsin utilities own a total of 200 megawatts of solar capacity At Badger Hollow, the facility's first phase went online in December 2021 and the second phase wrapped up at the end of 2023.

Speaker 2

In addition, our Bluff Creek LNG storage facility is now in service. Liquefied natural gas provides a solution to meet peak customer demand for heating as well as gas supply needed for power generation. This storage will be necessary during extreme weather events like we experienced in mid January. I'm also pleased to announce that we have been using renewable natural gas our distribution system. This replaces a portion of the traditional natural gas we deliver to customers while contributing to our methane reduction goal.

Speaker 2

Our latest pilot project with EPRI and CNBLUE Energy is also underway. And as you'll recall, this is testing a long duration battery made with environmentally friendly materials. We look forward to sharing the results across the industry later this year. It's a strong start to the year. Our capital plan is robust and highly executable and we continue to focus on the fundamentals of the business.

Speaker 2

With that, I'll turn things back to Gale.

Speaker 1

Scott, thank you very much. Now as you may have seen, our Board at this January meeting raised the quarterly dividend to $0.835 a share. That's an increase of $0.055 a share or 7%. This will mark the 21st consecutive year that our shareholders will be rewarded with higher dividends. The increase is consistent with our policy of paying out 65% to 70% of our earnings in dividends and underscores our confidence in delivering a bright sustainable future.

Speaker 1

One other quick note on our track record of dividend growth. We learned last week that WEC Energy is being added to S and P's High Dividend Aristocrat Index. This index is made up exclusively of companies that have raised their dividends for at least 20 consecutive years. Next up, Shao will provide you with more detail on our financial results, our financing plan and our 2024 guidance. Sean?

Speaker 3

Thanks, Gail. Turning now to earnings. Excluding the $0.41 per non cash impairment charge in Illinois, our 2023 adjusted earnings per share were $4.63 Our earnings packet includes a year over year comparison of results on Page 16. I'll walk through the significant drivers. Starting with our utility operations.

Speaker 3

Weather had an estimated $0.24 negative impact year over year. In fact, January, February December of 2023 were the warmest on record over the past 133 years. Higher depreciation and amortization expense and interest expense added another $0.33 of negative variance. These unfavorable variances were more than offset during the year. Rate based growth contributed $0.75 of positive variance year over year.

Speaker 3

This includes the base rate increase for our Wisconsin and Minnesota utilities as well as the rate increase for Peoples Gas That was effective December 1, 2023. Additionally, fuel expense improved our earnings by $0.14 Lower day to day O and M resulted in a $0.10 improvement and taxes and other items benefited earnings by 0 point 0 $4 Remember, we originally guided our 2023 total company day to day O and M to be 3% to 5% higher than 2022. Throughout the year, we were able to manage to a much tighter range. Our actual 2023 total company day to day O and M was only 0.6% higher than 2022. Turning now to sales.

Speaker 3

You'll see the details on Page 12 of the earnings package. On a weather normal basis, retail electric deliveries in Wisconsin, excluding the iron ore mine were down 1% in 2023. The decrease was driven by our large commercial and industrial sales, which were down 3.3%. Meanwhile, residential and small commercial and industrial sales increased 2 tenths of 1%, which were ahead of our forecast. Our sales projections for 20 24 can be found on Pages and 13 of the earnings package.

Speaker 3

Overall, we're projecting relatively flat electric sales year over year and 0.8% of 1% growth in gas sales year over year. Regarding our investment in American Transmission Company, Earnings decreased $0.03 compared to 2022. Recall that last year, we recorded a $0.05 pickup from a resolution of MISO ROE appeals. This was partially offset by a $0.02 improvement in earnings related to additional capital investment. Earnings at our Energy Infrastructure segment improved $0.04 in 2023 compared to 2022.

Speaker 3

This was mainly driven by an increase in production tax credits. Finally, you'll see that earnings at our corporate and other segment decreased $0.29 primarily driven by an increase and interest expense. Overall, we improved our performance by $0.18 per share on an adjusted basis in 2023. Now Gail and Scott have laid out our refreshed 5 year capital plan. In light of the $300,000,000 increase to our capital plan, we have revised our funding plan accordingly.

Speaker 3

Consistent with our previous message, We're funding this increase with an even split between debt and equity. As you can see on Page 21 of the earnings package, We now expect to issue between $1,950,000,000 $2,350,000,000 of common equity over the next 5 years. As you can see on the chart, over the next 5 years, we expect cash from operations to fund about 64% of our cash needs. About 28% of the funding is expected to come from debt and the remaining 8% from issuance of common equity. We have turned on new equity to satisfy the dividend reinvestment and employee benefit plans And we also expect to use at the market programs.

Speaker 3

Our common equity issuance is still projected be in the range of $100,000,000 to $200,000,000 for 2024. Post 2024, our equity issuances will be tied to our capital plan ratably at approximately $500,000,000 a year. Finally, let's look at our earnings guidance. As Gail stated, for the full year 2024, We're providing guidance of $4.80 to $4.90 per share. In developing this guidance range, We took into consideration the expected loss of earnings from lower rate base in Illinois and timing of several projects under development.

Speaker 3

Now let me briefly discuss our day to day non fuel O and M expectations. We expect our 2024 O and M to be 6% to 7% higher. Approximately 5% of the increase is driven by assets that were included in recent rate cases, projects in the infrastructure segment and extraordinary storm costs in January. The remaining O and M increase of 1% to 2% is largely driven by inflation offset by operating efficiencies. Looking at the bigger picture, our O and M projection for 2024 is well below our actual O and M expenditures 8 years ago in 2016.

Speaker 3

In terms of Q1 2024 earnings guidance, we project to earn in the range of $1.96 per share to $2 per share. This forecast takes into account January weather and assumes normal weather for the rest of the quarter. Recall that we earned $1.61 per share in the Q1 last year. There are a couple of main drivers for the quarter. One, weather was unfavorable by $0.10 in Q1 last year.

Speaker 3

Of course, we're assuming normal weather for the remainder of the quarter this year. 2, with the rate design changes at Peoples Gas under the latest commission order, we now Base revenues will be concentrated in the 1st and fourth quarter heating months when natural gas usage is the highest. Correspondingly, we expect lower contributions from Peoples Gas in Q2 and Q3. We'll provide you with more details as the year progresses. As a reminder, however, in Illinois, we have a decoupling mechanism in place that mitigates that weather impact.

Speaker 3

With that, I'll turn it back to Gail.

Speaker 1

Shao, thank you very much. Operator, we're ready now for the question and answer portion of the call.

Operator

Thanks, Gail. And now we will take your questions. The question and answer session will be conducted electronically. And it looks like your first question comes from the line of Shar Pourreza with Guggenheim Partners. Shar, please go ahead.

Speaker 4

Good morning guys. Good morning, guys. Good morning,

Operator

Shahriar. How are you doing, Shahriar?

Speaker 5

Not too bad. Just a quick one on so the 4.80 to 4.90 guidance for 2024, I mean that's obviously about 5.4% growth year over year. And you obviously have a very tight EPS growth range and the dividend this year is clearly from the CapEx timing. As we kind of bridge into 25, let's just say, can you kind of grow at that top end or above the EPS growth range to keep you within the 6.5% to 7% target? Or should we assume kind of bottom end in the near term and a step up at the back half given the pace at which you may not be able to deploy capital?

Speaker 1

Well, great question, Charla. Let me say this, we have a lot of levers and a lot of great opportunities. And so it's probably too early to say exactly where in the 2025 range we might land, but We're pretty optimistic about the levers and the opportunities that we have. In 2024, of course, as we redeploy, as I mentioned in the script, As we redeploy in away from Illinois and into quality projects, timing is really the driver here. But let me just say this, if we were able to make the top end of our 2024 guidance 490, We would have recovered virtually the entire hit from the Illinois rate order.

Speaker 1

So That might help put things in perspective for 2024 and then we will work on 2025 and beyond. But again, we mean, just with what we're seeing here on the ground, we have tremendous opportunity for appropriate investments that will drive growth.

Speaker 5

Okay, got it. Perfect. And then just on the $800,000,000 reduction in Illinois, was that all related to S and P, what was the amount that was above that? And then just that concurrent shift into sort of the infrastructure segment, I guess, can you just talk about the profile of that spend and whether sort of there's any earnings accretive opportunities from this shuffle, especially since you do target Returns on an adjusted basis anyway for the infrastructure segment that is higher than the regulated side?

Speaker 1

Yes, we do. We target returns on the infrastructure segment slightly higher than the regulated piece of the business. But to answer your first question, Virtually all of the $800,000,000 reduction that you're seeing as we allocate capital in our various business segments, Virtually all of that $800,000,000 reduction in Illinois is an assumption because we just don't know what SMP spending is going to look like going forward. So that's virtually all related to the cessation of work.

Speaker 5

Okay, got it. Okay, perfect. And then just lastly for me, And obviously the SMP program, obviously there's a new docket out there and there's an investigation. But There was sort of this independent engineering study that was recently conducted by the commission, that already sort of proved out that the S needed to be carried out. How does that kind of play into this new docket?

Speaker 5

Thanks guys.

Speaker 1

Yes, Shar, great memory. Shar is exactly correct. A number of years ago, 2017, 2018 timeframe, the Illinois Commission ordered us to bring in a highly recognized outside engineering firm, an independent engineering firm To assess the condition of particularly the cast iron and ductile iron pipes under Chicago. Remember, we Started out on this program, there were 2,000 miles of iron pipes that we believe needed to be replaced. It's called the Kiefner study, Kiefner.

Speaker 1

It's on file with the commission itself if anyone wants to take a look at it. But long story short, that Keefner study, which was delivered to the commission in January of 2020, concluded something pretty stark. The conclusion was that more than 80% of the remaining iron pipes under Chicago have a remaining useful life of less than 15 years. That material was reintroduced in our rate case This past fall, it was dismissed by the interveners as old data. And I guess my only comment on that is The pipes aren't getting any younger and the corrosion keeps on coming.

Speaker 1

So we think there's really a solid basis from the standpoint of safety and from the continuing call from the Federal Pipeline Safety Administration to accelerate the replacement of these pipes. But you got a great memory that study is on record and Very supportive of the need to continue for safety reasons the work we've had underway.

Speaker 5

Got it. Perfect. Thank you, guys. I'll see you in

Speaker 6

a couple of weeks, Gail. Bye.

Speaker 1

Sounds good. Look forward to it, Shar. Thank you.

Operator

Thanks, Shar. And our next question comes from the line of Neil Galton with Wells Fargo Securities. Neil, please go ahead.

Speaker 7

Hi, Neil. Thanks for taking my question.

Speaker 8

Yes. So a quick question on the sort of following up on the initial Questions on the S and P program. If that were to come back into play, that 800,000,000

Operator

How should we think about the

Speaker 8

capital allocation at that point? Would we reverse some of what we're seeing today or not necessarily would it be additive at that point?

Speaker 1

That's a great question, Neil. And I'm going to ask Scott to give you his view on this as well. I would say, first of all, It wouldn't be surprising, at least to me, if some of the capital that is currently on pause in Illinois would come back simply because of the need to continue safety. So looking at it a little more broadly, Neal, our view is The sweet spot of growth is still 6.5% to 7% a year. So I think we have to see, Scott, where we stand in terms of additional infrastructure investments that we have in the pipeline.

Speaker 1

But as Scott said, we have several $100,000,000 of those projects now that

Speaker 2

are in final due diligence stages. Scott? Absolutely. And then when you think about the SMP program, unfortunately, about 1,000 workers stopped doing work at the end of the year here. So depending on how long it takes, it may take a while to ramp it up efficiently too.

Speaker 2

So you would we would really evaluate that as we get through these hearings or re hearings.

Speaker 1

Yes, actually Scott's making a great point. I mean, you can't just turn it on, on a dime. So if indeed just thinking out loud with you, Neil, If indeed the commission investigation of the program or their review of the need for the program lasts a year, which the order yesterday suggested a year, but also said if it could be expedited with all the proper information, they would welcome that. But I wouldn't think that it could be turned on back to its full level even if authorized to do so this year.

Speaker 8

Got it. Makes sense. And one quick follow-up. Couldn't help but notice. I guess, we had thought the CapEx Coming out, the $800,000,000 would be replaced 1 for 1 instead is I think you've added $300,000,000 to the program.

Speaker 8

And just curious as So what drove that? Obviously, it entailed a little more equity to do that.

Speaker 1

Yes, Neal, As we continue to get more detailed and granular information about the need to support the economic growth, in particular, in the I-ninety four corridor that we talked about, Clearly, there's going to need to be some additional distribution investment. No question about that. And then there's also some additional renewable need. So those were the 2 things, all regulated, all Wisconsin, But really driven by the continued expansion and location, and I just mentioned in the script, as you may recall, Another major investment by a company based in Atlanta called WestRock with a 587,000 Corrugated box production plant. So the economic growth is just amazing.

Speaker 1

I would encourage anybody, In fact, we're going to invite all of you to come see what we're seeing on the ground here in the not too distant future. The economic growth, the expansions that we're seeing in that I-ninety four corridor are just literally amazing.

Speaker 8

Perfect. Thank you.

Speaker 1

Appreciate it, Neil. Take care.

Operator

Thanks, Neil. And our next question comes from the line of Jeremy Tonet with JPMorgan. Jeremy, please go ahead.

Speaker 1

Rock and roll, Jeremy. Hi.

Speaker 5

Hi.

Speaker 9

Just wanted to kind of come back to Illinois overall here and given lower than expected rate case outcomes from ICC than you expected. What's your current view, I guess, in Illinois as a regulatory jurisdiction How have conversations with stakeholders been trending regarding the longer term outlook for Illinois and Gas Illinois?

Speaker 1

Well, I think clearly we're going to see a lot more evidence as we move through 2024 because there are really 2 dockets now of of very significant importance that are in their absolute beginning stage. The first occurred yesterday when the Illinois Commission authorized the start of their review of our safety modernization program. And then they're also beginning This look at which will take we think at least a year, this look at the future of gas in the state of Illinois. Actually, we're looking forward to both of these dockets because there will be broad based evidence From all kinds of parties, interveners across the board, who all have an opinion on this. I would just simply say That we're encouraged by the fact that there's going to be open productive discussion in both of these dockets.

Speaker 1

And when you step back and think about it, Particularly with the fact that we talked about earlier where from a safety standpoint, these cast iron pipes, 80% of them have a remaining life of less than 15 years. I think at the end of the day, Illinoisans are pretty practical. At the end of the day, I think we're going to get to a very reasonable point. This policy is just too important to the future, not only from an energy supply standpoint, but from an economic standpoint for the State of Illinois. Scott, do you want to add anything to that?

Speaker 2

No, I agree. It just It'll be good to get the facts on the table and everyone be able to talk about the issues and work through it. So we have a lot of good information and willing to provide it.

Speaker 9

Got it. That's helpful there. And then just want to pivot towards Wisconsin here with the PST, we've seen kind of Some rapid turnover, if you will. And just wondering, I guess, updated thoughts on commission outlook and relationships going forward given changes we

Speaker 1

Well, I think probably the most significant change obviously is Chairman Vollick deciding that she would like to retire from the position. And Summer Strand, who was appointed last year by the Governor, Becoming the new Chair, I would just simply repeat what we've said before about the qualifications that Summer Strand has In her background in energy policy, her background in construction and engineering, very, very well suited to like this. So we're looking forward to working even more closely with Summer. And then the other most recent appointment is a person who's been at the commission and has headed up divisions and staffs at the commission for I believe more than a decade. So a good bit of experience to join SummerStrand.

Speaker 1

And Scott, I think we feel like we're

Speaker 2

both of these appointments are very balanced. Yes, very balanced and having that experience in the commission and be able to fill one of the spots very quickly is good to see.

Speaker 9

Got it. Thank you for that. And maybe just the last one, if I could. Just thoughts about the Energy Infrastructure segment in general versus the regulated utilities. There was a pivot kind of a way before and then back towards it.

Speaker 9

And so just wondering how you think about, I guess, Investments in the 2 different sides and are you targeting higher returns on the infrastructure business In excess of your authorized ROEs, we're just wondering kind of how you see the gives it takes there given the shifts in CapEx in recent years?

Speaker 1

Well, let me start and we'll let Scott give you his view on this as well. Let me start by saying that when we Originally laid out our new 5 year capital plan, which would have been in early November, but it was before obviously the rate order decision in Illinois. Essentially, that plan to achieve a 6.5% to 7% EPS growth, That plan crowded out, if you will, a number of infrastructure projects that we had in the due diligence pipeline. So really it was not all that difficult to begin to look at what alternatives do we have here for high quality projects. I would say there are kind of 2 things related to your question.

Speaker 1

I mean, the first is that We are still seeing a significant number of high quality projects that we're looking at, number 1. Number 2, We target in the neighborhood of an 8% unlevered IRR. That's kind of basically the way we look at this. That should result in a return slightly higher than the regulated business. But I would just add and Scott can add on to this, For a number of the projects, and we probably don't talk enough about this, we're building flexibility for our regulated business, particularly Scott for the projects

Speaker 2

that are in the MISO footprint. That's exactly right, Gail. So when these PPAs Lying down at the end, 10, 15 years, we'll have the ability then perhaps to either repower them, Find another off taker or especially in the MISO footprint move them into the regulated utility here as we continue to decarbonize. So I think there's a lot of opportunities here. And when we look at these projects, we also look at getting all the cash back within 10 years and for sure in the time of the PPA.

Speaker 2

So we're really looking at it as good cash flow, but also here in the regulated long term.

Speaker 1

Does that respond to your question?

Speaker 9

Yes, that's helpful. I'll leave it there. Thank you very much.

Operator

Thank you. Thanks, Jeremy. And our next question comes from the line of Durgesh Chopra with Evercore ISI. Durgesh, please go ahead.

Speaker 1

Hey, Durgesh. How are you doing today?

Operator

Hey, good afternoon, Gail. I'll take you up

Speaker 6

on that invite. I'm ready to come and bring a bunch of guys And gals with me, so let me know when. Excellent.

Speaker 1

Very good. So

Speaker 6

just a clarification on 2024 EPS guidance, does that include 300 Megawatt Project that you might be executing on or rather buying in the I think you said in the first half, the solar project?

Speaker 1

Yes, it does. Yes. And we're in final due diligence right now on that project. However, the project itself is not yet commercial. It's close, but it's not yet commercial.

Speaker 6

Got it. So in that $480,000,000 to $490,000,000 range, we should be modeling like half a year plus contribution from that project?

Speaker 1

That's fair. Absolutely, that's fair.

Speaker 6

Okay. And then maybe just, Shah, just can you update us on the timing of equity? I think you're targeting a small amount this year and then sort of pro rata going forward. So I think the numbers were $100,000,000 $200,000,000 this year and $450,000,000 a year starting in 2025. How should we think about that with a slightly higher equity number now?

Speaker 3

Nothing is new, Durgesh. The $100,000,000 to $200,000,000 we're on the way getting there. We turned down the dividend reinvestment employee benefit plans as of January 1 this year, and we have seen shares coming in so far. And Traditionally, those programs give us between $100,000,000 to $200,000,000 If not, we'll turn on the AGM program later in the year. And then going forward, it would be a combination of benefit programs and the ATM program.

Speaker 6

Just to be clear though, the total equity issuance amount doesn't it should still be in that $100,000,000 to $200,000,000 I guess what I was really asking is the incremental equity. I know it's small. That's going to be just kind of 2025 and beyond?

Speaker 3

Correct. Yes, exactly.

Speaker 6

Thank you so much. I appreciate the time.

Speaker 1

All right. Look forward to seeing you, Durgesh.

Speaker 6

Likewise, Gail. Thank you.

Operator

Thanks, Rakesh. And our next question comes from the line of Michael Sullivan with Wolfe Research. Michael, please go ahead.

Speaker 1

Greetings, Michael.

Speaker 10

Hey, Gil. Yes, I wanted to just parse out the 'twenty four guide a little bit more. How much year over year uplift are you getting from the Energy Infrastructure segment? And can you just confirm The solar project is going to be taking PTC or ITC?

Speaker 1

We'll let Shah give you the breakdown. But the solar project that we're in final due diligence on would be PTCs, not ITCs, PTCs. So we're not to your point, we're not playing accounting games. We're not trying to take some giant one time leap forward here. It would be the standard approach we've used on all of our other infrastructure projects.

Speaker 1

Sean?

Speaker 3

Yes, I would look at it holistically. So 2023 To 24, we talked about the reduction from Illinois, that's $0.10 to $0.12 and we have some interest headwinds in the year And a little bit of O and M and offsetting that you would see Wisconsin, ATC and WEC to offset those headwinds. So overall that's the increase from the 463 to midpoint 485.

Speaker 10

Okay. And then just Sticking with 24%, the O and M increase, how much of that was kind of Known, I guess, through most of last year and how much of it popped up more recently? Like, I don't know if you could piece out this January storm and then the These projects, it sounds like there's a little bit of reg lag on. What was kind of like known versus more recent development of the O and M uptick?

Speaker 1

Well, we'll let Shaul give you a little more detail to answer. But long story short, the lion's share of the O and M increase is already recovered in rates. I mean, they were driven by asset additions, I mean, driven by mostly by asset additions that have come into service And we're recovered in the last rate cases. Sean?

Speaker 3

Yes. And that's it. So about 1%, I called out percent of those we are already new. 1% of that was related to storm. The rest would be the O and M related to assets in the rate cases as well as additional WEC infrastructure projects.

Speaker 7

Okay. Do

Speaker 10

you have a I'm sorry, go ahead. Go.

Speaker 1

No, I was just going to say, if you just think about it broadly, As we add assets, you add O and M to basically operate those assets. And we added a considerable I mean, We added a considerable number of renewable assets, infrastructure projects, etcetera. But if you look at core O and M, I mean core O and M is very, very under control.

Speaker 10

Okay. Just can you put the storm One time and like an earnings per share basis?

Speaker 1

Scott, I think we're talking the January storm $8,000,000 a share, it's about $0.02

Speaker 10

$0.02 Okay. And then thanks for all that. And then Kind of just shifting to this upcoming Wisconsin rate case, any like high level sense of the size of the rate increase we should be anticipating there?

Speaker 2

Scott, go ahead. So we're currently pulling all those numbers together. As you can tell, we've been working on filling in the hole from the Illinois capital, but we're currently working on those numbers. We've got these asset additions that we're putting in this year. And of course, there'll be some inflation as we look at the O and M.

Speaker 2

So we don't have a final number yet, But we should know by the end of the Q1 here when we file something. But it's everything seems reasonable as we're pulling stuff together.

Speaker 10

Okay. Like within the range of where the last case was in terms of like opening ask Ballpark, is that fair?

Speaker 2

Yes, I doubt it'd be higher than that. It'll be in that ballpark or a little less, I would think. We're still pulling those together though and we got a lot of stuff in and look at like the production tax credits we're getting on the solar that just went into service and factoring that all in.

Speaker 6

Okay.

Speaker 1

And you'll see the filing in the second quarter.

Operator

All right. Thanks, Michael. And our next question comes from the line of Andrew Weisel with Scotiabank. Andrew, please go ahead.

Speaker 1

Hello, Andrew.

Speaker 7

Hey, good afternoon, everybody. Excuse me. 2 quick follow ups The commissioners in Wisconsin, so obviously some new faces there. First question just to confirm that turnover won't have any impact on the Timing or outcome of the rate case, right? Well, I shouldn't say outcome.

Speaker 7

It won't impact the timing, right?

Speaker 1

No, the timing has been set by commission policy. I would expect no change.

Speaker 7

Okay, great. The other question I had relates to former Commissioner Tyler Huebner, he was ousted, if you will, by the Republican led Senate. And a lot of the media reports make it sound like a lot of the pushback from that Senate was around his support for renewables and solar in particular. So my question is, do you worry that the Faith's commitment to renewables might potentially be changing politically and if so, would that impact your spending strategy at all?

Speaker 1

Short answer is no. And in fact, I don't know what you were reading, but I really don't think His support for renewables or solar was really a deciding factor in the Senate vote at all. I would just Ask you to go back and perhaps read some of the other actually, there are very specific comments that were made by Members of the Senate Energy Committee, news releases that were put out after the fact explaining the action, but it wasn't At least in our view, it was not at all related to the fact that he felt a certain amount of renewables were needed, not at all.

Speaker 7

Okay, great. That's reassuring. Then just a very quick follow-up on equity. I understand the slightly higher equity related to the higher CapEx, what about the write down following the Illinois REIT case and disallowances? Are you not expecting that to lead to additional equity?

Speaker 7

Or are you awaiting results

Speaker 3

Equity will send down to Illinois. That's already in the 5 year plan. It's included in the new equity numbers I gave you.

Speaker 1

So we've already baked it into the 5 year plan.

Speaker 7

Very good. Thank you.

Speaker 2

Thank you.

Operator

All right. Our next question comes from the line of Paul Fremont with Ladenburg. Paul, please go ahead.

Speaker 1

Hi, Paul. How are you doing today?

Speaker 11

Doing great. Thank you for asking. I guess my first question is, when you look at sort of the 'twenty eight outlook For the company, the 5% decrease in the national natural gas distribution segment, what does that assume In terms of outcomes in Illinois?

Speaker 1

It assumes the status quo Because we just don't know exactly the outcome

Speaker 2

of the safety modernization Review. Scott? Right. So it assumes that we will still be doing emergency work and work for the city And some of those real reliability needs, but we're assuming the status until they get through the System, the safety modernization program, we review that neighborhood program, we don't have any of that in there.

Speaker 1

So Scott's right, it assumes some spending because we have to do emergency work related to I mean, if you can't fix a pipe and you have to replace it, we have to do that emergency work. And we really do need to cooperate with the City of Chicago when they're replacing their water mains, for example. So but beyond that, it does not assume any return to the full roughly $280,000,000 a year. It does not assume that.

Speaker 11

And presumably, I mean, if the outcome were favorable in Illinois, would that potentially change upward?

Speaker 1

It certainly could. We'll just have to see the outcome. And we probably won't know more on that though until what do you think Scott?

Speaker 2

Late at the end of next year, the same time this year. It's going to take a while to get through, which is they want to be thorough. So that's good. And

Speaker 1

because it's not only a specific look at the safety modernization program, but with a separate docket on the future of gas, There will be broad policy decisions within a year, we believe.

Speaker 11

Great. And then, can you discuss What comprises the added infrastructure investment? Is that all essentially renewable investment?

Speaker 1

Yes, largely solar, but yes, all renewable.

Speaker 8

Great.

Speaker 11

And any update on the tender or and where are you in the tender? Because The early period I think expired. When does the tender expire?

Speaker 1

Sean has all the details for you. And yes, the early tender has run its course.

Speaker 3

Yes. The early tender has expired. We expect to tender a little over $120,000,000 out of the $500,000,000 So all that is coming together.

Speaker 11

And you're still waiting for the regular tender to expire, right?

Speaker 3

Correct. But Given the expiration of the early tender, we don't expect much pickup after the early expiration date. Okay.

Speaker 11

And then I guess last question, when Would we see sort of the annual breakouts of the change in your spendings, in other words, The 5 year numbers?

Speaker 3

We have that in the 10 ks. So we'll issue the 10 ks in February. And then we have a February investor deck, which will give you the details for the next 3 years.

Speaker 11

Great. That's it for me and thank you so much.

Speaker 1

Well, I'm surprised you don't have more questions. Thank you for your time.

Operator

Thanks, Paul. And our next question comes from the line of Julien Dumoulin Smith with Bank of America. Julien, The floor is yours.

Speaker 4

Hey, excellent. Good afternoon, Gail. Equity and I will miss you here Eventually, pleasure.

Speaker 1

Indeed. Rock and roll. Indeed. You're hanging Are you still hanging in Houston right now?

Speaker 7

You bet you. You bet you. Having a good old time. Thank you, though.

Speaker 4

Hey, look, let's bring it

Speaker 12

back to your neck of

Speaker 4

the woods. Super quick, there's been a lot of conversation on all sides on legislation Illinois and a lot of different parties coming to the table, obviously, it doesn't seem entirely ripe or obvious where that's going. But how do you see that kind of meshing up against these various dockets, whether the future gas or frankly your own rehearing, just kind of getting a cohesive set of policies, maybe aligning with the governor around or Have you I mean, how do you see that possibly coming together? Like, what venue even, if you will?

Speaker 1

Well, I think I'm not sure if there's a clear answer to that, but I can give you my opinion and let you know my opinion on this because there's not a clear answer, it could be wrong. But my sense is that every major step that we're going to see going forward is going to be under the umbrella of implementing what we call CJA, the Clean Energy Jobs Act. And I think that you see that path very clearly discussed with by Chairman Scott As he talks about his decisions and the Commission's decisions being tied to implementation of that Clean Energy Jobs Act. So that's I think the framework or the umbrella under which a lot of all of these dockets are going to proceed, if you will. I mean, I think the Chairman sees his job as his mandate from the governor of basically putting into action that piece of legislation.

Speaker 1

And one of the most important steps now is going to be at the commission and with that docket that they've now just authorized Looking at the future of gas in the state of Illinois. And again, that's going to be very open, very productive, I think. All the stakeholders are going to have their say. And I would just say to you at the end of the day, Midwesterners, Illinoisans are pretty practical people. So I think we're going to end up with a practical result.

Speaker 1

That would be my projection at the end of all of those discussions. Scott, anything to add? No, nothing additional, Gale. I agree with you.

Speaker 2

We'll probably go through that process.

Speaker 7

Excellent. And just a follow-up.

Speaker 4

Absolutely. I know it's a little opaque for the time being, but appreciate it. Look, actually related, if we can, just talking about QIP, I mean, obviously, There's an element of trying to get recovery here of spending. Is there any portion of spending That can be funneled through that or related riders here. I mean, how do you think about lag in the Context of spending in Illinois, I mean, obviously, you're pulling back on spending here, but I just want to try to make sure we kind of calibrate accordingly to how about the business and the ability to earn at or near your authorized, if you will?

Speaker 1

Well, I think it's a great question. I think the short answer is really to be found in the docket that now is being authorized and will come to a conclusion by June We expect early June at the latest. So there were under that safety modernization program, you call it QIP, which piece of legislation that authorized a rider to recover these investments, a bill rider. There were several buckets of activity that were included in that legislation and recovered through that rider. One of the buckets we feel just has to continue.

Speaker 1

Scott mentioned earlier, it's the emergency work and it's the work that for example, we do in conjunction with the City of Chicago. They are actively replacing aging water mains and it doesn't make a lot of sense to rip up the streets twice. So we work together And we work together very well to accomplish what we need to accomplish as they were doing their work. That bucket also got paused in the commission's order as well as the big piece of the plan, which is the neighborhood work Going neighborhood by neighborhood based on risk to upgrade the safety and put in new modern state of the art piping. So the piece that we're saying to them that, look, we really need to continue and get appropriate recovery for $134,000,000 It's that bucket of work relating to emergency things that we have to do and to work, for example, like with the City of Chicago.

Speaker 1

So that piece is what we're asking for recovery on. And we should get an answer, Scott, I believe by early June. We expect that in June.

Speaker 2

And then the remaining as you look at the neighborhood programs and we think it'll take about a year to go through the docket. That then would have to be looked at it in a forward looking test yard imagine as we put rates together. So it'd be really 2 steps here.

Speaker 1

Indeed. So that's the story. And I'm just going to say watch this space. Be a lot of activity over the course of the next 12 months.

Speaker 4

Absolutely. Excellent. All right. Well, look, I'll leave it there. Thank you guys very much for the details and best luck and I'm sure I'll

Operator

And our final question today comes From the line of Paul Patterson with Glenrock Associates. Paul, please go ahead.

Speaker 1

Hey, Paul. Good afternoon, guys.

Speaker 12

How are you doing? We're good. So following up on Julian's question on rate lag, As you've I'm sure aware that you were one of a number of decisions that happened late in 2023 that We're not what the utilities kind of expected. And as you know Gale, you've been doing this a long time. We may be entering into an environment where there just is less appetite for the CapEx spending And more of a desire for bang for the buck kind of approach or Regulatory lag, as Julian was bringing up.

Speaker 12

I guess, sort of a bigger picture question, A, I mean, at least where I'm looking at that, that's what I see. If you did this again, let me know. And then secondly, how do you think because you've been doing this a long time and you've seen this kind of environment in the past, I'm sure. What how you might approach a situation in which there's just A hesitancy to continue with mechanisms like the SMP or at least augmenting them or changing them in such a way that it might be a bit more of a challenge. I just wanted to just sort of big picture if you could sort of address that?

Speaker 1

Yes, I'd be happy to. And as you asked the question, there are 2 specific things that really come to my mind. The first is That I mean, we're obviously only going to make investments that follow public policy And public policy on the safety modernization program on the future of gas in Illinois are going to be decided in the next 12 months. Having said that, there is I believe there is a certain amount of investment that's simply going to have to take place for the safety of Chicagoans. What amount that is?

Speaker 1

I don't know, in terms of what decision might be made. But I can't imagine The Safety Modernization Program, maybe it's changed, maybe it's not, but I can't imagine that investment going to 0. Just from a pure practical standpoint, I don't think that's feasible in terms of protecting the City of Chicago or preparing the city of Chicago for an energy future that could include renewable natural gas, hydrogen or any other type of fuel. So that's kind of piece 1. Piece 2, just remember that under normal circumstances, Illinois has a future test period.

Speaker 1

Their rate cases have a 1 year future test period, which does help to mitigate any kind of issue related to regulatory lag on a normal ongoing basis. And then I guess the other thing that I would add is, look at just the adjustments we've made since November 16 in our capital plan. I mean, I mentioned earlier, 3 megatrends are driving the kind of investment opportunity that we have in front of us, which is And those 3 megatrends are basically reliability, the incredible economic growth that we're seeing in terms of expansion and attraction here of businesses and industrial customers and then the third, and these are all important, decarbonization. So I don't see regardless of the outcome in Illinois, any type of really diminished opportunity, Scott, in terms of The broad avenues that we have for productive investment that support those trends. No.

Speaker 1

And when you're looking at it, When you

Speaker 2

think about the decarbonization, it's more than that because a lot of these power plants that we're retiring, it's either invest 100 of 1,000,000 of dollars there or in a carbon free resource and doesn't cost anything for the fuel. So there's also cost savings there in the long term with the production tax credit. So we do have a lot of opportunities here.

Speaker 1

Okay. Paul, does that respond?

Speaker 12

Appreciate it.

Speaker 1

You're more than welcome. All right. Well, I think we wore you guys out today. So that concludes our conference call for this afternoon. Thank you so much for your questions and for participating as always.

Speaker 1

And if you have any additional thoughts or questions, Beth Straka is happy to pick up the phone. She can be reached at 414 2,214,639. Thanks everybody. So long.

Operator

Thanks, Gail. Ladies and gentlemen, that concludes today's call.

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Key Takeaways

  • WEC reported full‐year 2023 adjusted earnings of $4.63 a share, excluding a $0.41 non‐cash charge related to Illinois service center cost disallowance, and noted strong performance across customer satisfaction, financial metrics and capital execution.
  • The Illinois Commerce Commission paused the safety modernization program (38% complete) for at least a year, disallowing $265 million of investment, which WEC will appeal and seek rehearing to restore $134 million of essential emergency and joint‐work spending.
  • Management raised its 5-year capital plan by $300 million to a record $23.7 billion, allocating additional funding to electric distribution growth in Wisconsin and WEC Infrastructure solar projects, including a 300 MW, $460 million solar plant targeted for second-quarter 2024 service.
  • For 2024, WEC sees EPS of $4.80 to $4.90—at or below consensus—due to project timing and temporary Illinois rate base impacts, expects non-fuel O and M up 6–7% and first-quarter EPS of $1.96–$2.00 under normal weather assumptions.
  • The board approved a 7% dividend increase to $0.835 per share, marking 21 consecutive years of raises, and WEC was added to the S&P High Dividend Aristocrat Index.
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Earnings Conference Call
WEC Energy Group Q4 2023
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