8-K: Sempra Announces Solid First-Quarter 2025 Results, Updates Full-Year EPS Guidance
Summary
- Sempra reported first-quarter 2025 GAAP earnings of $906 million, or $1.39 per diluted share, compared to $801 million, or $1.26 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2024.
- Adjusted first-quarter 2025 earnings were $942 million, or $1.44 per diluted share, compared to $854 million, or $1.34 per diluted share, in 2024.
- Oncor is executing a $36.1 billion five-year capital plan.
- Oncor had approximately 1,100 active transmission point of interconnection requests in queue, a 35% increase compared to the end of first-quarter 2024.
- ERCOT updated its estimated cost for the Permian Basin Reliability Plan (PBRP) to approximately $15 billion.
- ERCOT estimated that the cost of either plan to serve the load projection of 150 gigawatts by 2030 would be approximately $20 billion.
- Sempra California is focused on connecting people to safe, reliable and cleaner energy, serving roughly 25 million consumers.
- SDGE and SoCalGas filed applications to update their respective costs of capital with the CPUC for the period of 2026 to 2028.
- Sempra Infrastructure is advancing five significant construction projects, including LNG projects in the U.S. Gulf coast and northern Mexico.
- Energa Costa Azul LNG Phase 1 continues to target start-up of commercial operations in spring of 2026, and construction at Port Arthur LNG Phase 1 remains on time and on budget.
- Sempra is updating its full-year 2025 GAAP EPS guidance range to $4.25 $4.65 and affirming its full-year 2025 adjusted EPS guidance range of $4.30 to $4.70.
- The company is also affirming its full-year 2026 EPS guidance range of $4.80 to $5.30 and has guided to the high-end or above its projected long-term EPS compound annual growth rate of 7% to 9% for 2025 through 2029.
- Sempra Infrastructure is targeting the sales of Ecogas Mxico, S. de R.L. de C.V., and a minority stake in Sempra Infrastructure Partners (SI Partners).
Sentiment
Score: 8
Explanation: The document presents a positive outlook with increased earnings, strategic growth initiatives, and reaffirmed guidance. The planned asset sales are expected to be accretive, further boosting investor confidence.
Positives
- Sempra reported increased GAAP and adjusted earnings for the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2024.
- Oncor is progressing with its significant capital plan and experiencing growth in interconnection requests.
- Sempra California is advancing strategic programs to modernize energy networks.
- Sempra Infrastructure is making progress on key construction projects.
- The company has reaffirmed its full-year 2025 and 2026 EPS guidance and long-term growth targets.
- The planned sales of Ecogas Mxico and a minority stake in Sempra Infrastructure Partners are expected to be accretive to earnings and enhance credit.
Negatives
- The report mentions potential impacts from foreign currency and inflation on monetary positions in Mexico.
- The report mentions net unrealized losses on commodity derivatives and interest rate swaps related to the Port Arthur LNG Phase 1 project.
Risks
- California wildfires and potential liabilities remain a risk.
- Regulatory decisions and actions by various bodies could impact the company's operations and financial performance.
- The success of business development efforts and construction projects is subject to various risks, including regulatory approvals and third-party performance.
- Changes in trade and foreign policy, as well as laws and regulations, could affect the company's business.
- Cybersecurity threats pose a risk to the company's systems and infrastructure.
- Volatility in inflation, interest rates, and commodity prices could impact affordability for customers and the company's ability to pass through costs.
- Climate policies and regulations could lead to stranded assets and uncertainty related to emerging technologies.
- Weather events, natural disasters, and other disruptions could impact operations and subject the company to liabilities.
- Oncor's ability to pay dividends could be affected by regulatory and governance requirements.
- The sales transactions are subject to reaching agreement on acceptable pricing and other terms, securing required regulatory and other approvals, finalizing definitive contracts, and other factors and considerations.
Future Outlook
Sempra is focused on delivering safer and more reliable energy, advancing strategic programs, and progressing with key construction projects. The company expects to complete the sales transactions of Ecogas Mxico and a minority stake in Sempra Infrastructure Partners over the next 12-18 months, which are expected to be accretive to earnings and enhance credit. Sempra has guided to the high-end or above its projected long-term EPS compound annual growth rate of 7% to 9% for 2025 through 2029.
Management Comments
- We are pleased to report a solid quarter for Sempra, which is the direct result of continued focus on delivering strong financial performance while making steady progress on our strategic initiatives, said Jeffrey W. Martin, chairman and CEO of Sempra.
- We remain committed to our disciplined growth strategy, which centers on delivering safer and more reliable energy to the nearly 40 million consumers we serve, said Jeffrey W. Martin, chairman and CEO of Sempra.
- These value creation initiatives aim to increase long-term value for shareholders, employees, customers and other stakeholders, said Martin.
- In the first quarter, we made steady progress against our plan of execution, said Martin.
- As we extend this work across 2025, we expect to advance the companys ability to deliver improved earnings growth and drive enhanced benefits for consumers and communities across our service territories, said Martin.
Industry Context
Sempra's focus on LNG projects aligns with the strong global demand for cleaner and more secure energy. The growth in electricity demand in Texas, as highlighted by ERCOT's new winter peak demand, underscores the importance of Oncor's infrastructure investments. The CPUC's approval of RNG procurement contracts reflects California's commitment to methane emissions reduction goals.
Comparison to Industry Standards
- Sempra's growth strategy mirrors that of NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE), which also focuses on regulated utilities and renewable energy projects.
- The $36.1 billion five-year capital plan of Oncor is comparable to the infrastructure investments being made by companies like American Electric Power (AEP) to modernize their grids.
- Sempra's LNG projects are in line with the global trend of increasing LNG exports, similar to projects undertaken by Cheniere Energy, Inc. (LNG).
- The company's focus on renewable energy and emissions reduction aligns with the sustainability goals of companies like Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL).
Stakeholder Impact
- Shareholders will benefit from increased earnings and potential value creation initiatives.
- Customers will benefit from safer, more reliable, and cleaner energy.
- Employees will benefit from the company's focus on safety and operational excellence.
- Communities will benefit from the company's investments in infrastructure and sustainable business practices.
Next Steps
- Oncor continues to prepare for a comprehensive base rate proceeding utilizing a test year of calendar year 2024, with filing currently targeted for the second quarter of 2025.
- A final decision from the CPUC is expected by the end of the year regarding SDGE and SoCalGas' applications to update their respective costs of capital with the CPUC for the period of 2026 to 2028.
- More details on the progress of the sales of Ecogas Mxico and a minority stake in Sempra Infrastructure Partners will be shared in the second quarter earnings call.
- The sales transactions are expected to be completed over the next 12-18 months.
Key Dates
- 2024-10: The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) approved the local projects and import paths of the Permian Basin Reliability Plan (PBRP).
- 2025-01: ERCOT filed a regional transmission expansion plan with the PUCT.
- 2025-03: San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDGE) and Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) filed their applications to update their respective costs of capital with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for the period of 2026 to 2028.
- 2025-03: The CPUC approved the expansion of SDGEs Westside Canal Battery Energy Storage facility.
- 2025-03: The CPUC approved SoCalGas first renewable natural gas (RNG) procurement contract under Senate Bill 1440.
- 2025-04: The PUCT decided that the import paths of the Permian Basin Reliability Plan (PBRP) would be built using 765-kV.
- 2025-05-08: Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)
- 2026: Energa Costa Azul LNG Phase 1 continues to target the start-up of commercial operations in spring of 2026.
- 2026-2028: SDGE and SoCalGas filed applications to update their respective costs of capital with the CPUC for the period of 2026 to 2028.
- 2030: ERCOT filed a regional transmission expansion plan with the PUCT, which included two options to serve the load projection of 150 gigawatts by 2030.
Keywords
Filings with Classifications
Regulatory Update
- The new Unified Tracker Mechanism (UTM) is expected to improve Oncor's earnings, cash flows, and credit metrics.
- The UTM is projected to improve Oncor's earned annual returns on equity by approximately 50 to 100 basis points.
- The mechanism allows for more timely recovery of capital investments, reducing regulatory lag compared to previous methods.
Debt Offering Announcement
- Southern California Gas Company is raising $1.1 billion through the issuance of first mortgage bonds.
- The funds are intended for general corporate purposes.
Quarterly Report
- Sempra's Q1 2025 earnings attributable to common shares increased to $906 million, or $1.39 per share, compared to $801 million, or $1.27 per share, in the prior year.
Quarterly Report
- Sempra established an ATM program providing for the offer and sale of shares of Sempra common stock having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $3.0 billion.
- Sempra entered into forward sale agreements under the ATM program with Bank of America, N.A. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Earnings Release
- Sempra's first-quarter 2025 GAAP earnings increased to $906 million ($1.39 per diluted share) from $801 million ($1.26 per diluted share) in the first quarter of 2024.
- Adjusted first-quarter 2025 earnings rose to $942 million ($1.44 per diluted share) from $854 million ($1.34 per diluted share) in 2024.
Proxy Statement
- Sempra's three-year total shareholder return far outpaced the return of the S&P 500 Utilities Index and more than tripled the returns of the S&P 500 and S&P 500 Utilities Indices since the beginning of this century (from December 31, 1999 through December 31, 2024).
Debt Offering
- San Diego Gas & Electric Company is raising $850 million through the issuance of 5.400% First Mortgage Bonds, Series CCCC, due 2035.
- The net proceeds are estimated to be approximately $842.1 million after deducting the underwriting discount but before deducting the Companys estimated offering expenses.
Annual Report
- Earnings attributable to common shares decreased from $3.030 billion in 2023 to $2.817 billion in 2024.
- Total revenue decreased from $16.720 billion in 2023 to $13.185 billion in 2024.
Annual Report
- Sempra established an ATM program providing for the offer and sale of shares of Sempra common stock having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $3.0 billion.
- Sempra entered into a forward sale agreement under the ATM program for the sale of 2,909,274 shares of Sempra common stock.
Annual Report
- The ECA LNG Phase 1 project is expected to commence commercial operations in the spring of 2026, which is later than previously anticipated.
- The first and second trains of the PA LNG Phase 1 project are expected to commence commercial operations in 2027 and 2028, respectively, which is later than previously anticipated.
Earnings Release
- Full-year 2024 GAAP earnings decreased compared to 2023.
- The revision of the full-year 2025 EPS guidance range to $4.30 to $4.70 may be viewed negatively.
Debt Offering
- Sempra closed a public offering of $400 million of 6.625% Fixed-to-Fixed Reset Rate Junior Subordinated Notes due 2055 and $600 million of 6.550% Fixed-to-Fixed Reset Rate Junior Subordinated Notes due 2055.
- The total proceeds to Sempra from the sale of the notes were approximately $990 million, after deducting underwriting discounts but before deducting offering expenses estimated at $1.7 million.
Quarterly Report
- Sempra established an ATM program to offer and sell shares of common stock with an aggregate gross sales price of up to $3.0 billion.
- The company intends to use the net proceeds for working capital and other general corporate purposes, including to partly finance anticipated increases to its long-term capital plan and to repay outstanding commercial paper and potentially other indebtedness.
Quarterly Report
- Sempra's third quarter earnings were worse than the same period last year due to lower revenues and higher interest expenses.
- Sempra California's earnings were worse than the same period last year due to lower income tax benefits and higher net interest expenses.
- Sempra Texas Utilities' earnings were worse than the same period last year due to lower equity earnings from Oncor Holdings.
Quarterly Report
- The company has put in place a $3 billion at-the-market (ATM) equity offering program to support general corporate purposes including its future financing needs.
Quarterly Report
- Third-quarter 2024 GAAP and adjusted earnings were lower compared to the same period in 2023.
- The company has lowered its full-year 2024 GAAP EPS guidance range.
Debt Offering Announcement
- Sempra has raised $1.25 billion through the issuance of junior subordinated notes.
- The net proceeds to the company are approximately $1.238 billion after deducting underwriting discounts.
Debt Issuance Announcement
- Southern California Gas Company is raising $600 million through the issuance of First Mortgage Bonds.
- The net proceeds are estimated to be approximately $593.2 million after deducting the underwriting discount.
Quarterly Report
- Sempra completed an offering of 19,242,010 shares of its common stock in November 2023.
- Sempra has forward sale agreements for 17,142,858 shares of its common stock, which may be settled no later than December 31, 2024.
Quarterly Report
- Sempra's year-to-date earnings were worse than the same period last year, primarily due to lower income tax benefits and unrealized losses on commodity derivatives.
Quarterly Report
- The Energa Costa Azul LNG Phase 1 project has experienced labor and productivity challenges, which has delayed the expected mechanical completion and first LNG to 2025, with commercial operations targeted for spring 2026.
Quarterly Report
- Sempra's adjusted earnings for the second quarter of 2024 were lower than the same period in 2023.
- Sempra's adjusted earnings for the first six months of 2024 were also lower than the same period in 2023.
Debt Offering Announcement
- Sempra raised $500 million through the issuance of junior subordinated notes.
- The proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes.
Quarterly Report
- Sempra completed an offering of 17,142,858 shares of common stock in November 2023.
- The company expects to settle forward sale agreements related to the offering by December 31, 2024, which may result in additional cash proceeds.
- Sempra may elect cash settlement or net share settlement for all or a portion of its obligations under the forward sale agreements.
Quarterly Report
- Sempra's earnings were worse than expected due to lower natural gas prices and unrealized losses on commodity derivatives.
- Sempra California's earnings were worse than expected due to lower CPUC base operating margin and higher interest expenses.
- Sempra Infrastructure's earnings were worse than expected due to unrealized losses on commodity derivatives and lower transportation revenues.
Quarterly Report
- Sempra's GAAP earnings decreased from $969 million in Q1 2023 to $801 million in Q1 2024.
- Adjusted earnings also decreased from $922 million in Q1 2023 to $854 million in Q1 2024.
Proxy Statement Supplement
- Sempra achieved record revenue of $16.7B in 2023.
- GAAP EPS has grown at a 22.9% CAGR and adjusted EPS has grown at a 10.3% CAGR from 2018-2023.
- Sempra increased its five-year capital plan by 20% to $48 billion.
Proxy Statement
- Sempra's business strategy helped the company deliver a series of record financial results in 2023.
- The company's total shareholder return has outpaced the return of the S&P 500 Utilities Index during the past one, three and five years.
- Sempra California reduced methane emissions by approximately 70% from 2015 levels through 2022.
- 2023 annual bonuses were achieved at 176% of target based on performance on ABP Earnings, Safety Measures, and Sustainability Measures.
- The overall payout for the 2021-2023 LTIP awards based on relative TSR and EPS growth was 163% of target.
Debt Issuance Announcement
- San Diego Gas & Electric is raising $600 million through the issuance of first mortgage bonds.
- The net proceeds are estimated to be approximately $588.7 million after deducting the underwriting discount but before deducting the company's estimated offering expenses.
Debt Issuance Announcement
- Southern California Gas Company raised $500 million through the issuance of First Mortgage Bonds.
- The proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes.
Debt Offering Announcement
- Sempra has raised $600 million through the issuance of 6.875% Fixed-to-Fixed Reset Rate Junior Subordinated Notes due 2054.
- The net proceeds to the company were approximately $594 million after deducting underwriting discounts but before other expenses.
Debt Offering Announcement
- Southern California Gas Company is raising $500 million through the issuance of First Mortgage Bonds.
- The net proceeds are estimated to be approximately $492.4 million after deducting underwriting discounts.
Annual Results
- Sempra's full-year 2023 GAAP earnings of $3.03 billion were significantly better than the $2.09 billion reported in 2022.
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