FirstEnergy Reveals Strong Financial Performance for 2024

FirstEnergy Delivers Robust Financial Results for 2024

FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) has announced impressive financial outcomes for the year 2024. The company reported annual earnings reflecting GAAP earnings of $1.70 per share and Operating (non-GAAP) earnings of $2.63 per share, remaining within the guidance range. This signals a strong performance and a solid foundation for future endeavors.

In line with its commitment to enhancing grid reliability and resilience, FirstEnergy plans a customer-centric capital investment of $4.5 billion in 2024. This represents a notable 20% increase compared to its 2023 investments. The company also extends its Energize365 capital program through 2029, aiming for total investments amounting to $28 billion over the next five years. This expansion is poised to contribute to approximately 9% growth in the rate base.

Core Earnings Guidance and Growth Plans

Looking ahead, FirstEnergy has introduced its 2025 Core (non-GAAP) earnings guidance, targeting a growth rate of 6-8% annually throughout the five-year planning period. This proactive approach will leverage ongoing market opportunities and the company’s improved operational framework.

Brian X. Tierney, the Board Chair, President, and CEO of FirstEnergy, expressed confidence in the company’s direction, stating that substantial structural changes have positioned FirstEnergy as a leading electric utility. These changes include redesigning the operational model to better support local initiatives, while also solidifying a robust leadership team dedicated to enhancing service quality for its extensive customer base.

Fourth Quarter Highlights

The fourth quarter of 2024 marked a significant milestone, showcasing GAAP earnings from continuing operations of $261 million, translating to $0.45 per share. This is compared to $175 million, or $0.30 per share, in the previous year. The fourth-quarter earnings display benefits from rate base growth driven by recent distribution and transmission formula rate programs, bolstered by increased revenues from base rate cases.

Despite these gains, challenges persisted with lower distribution revenues and increased effective tax rates impacting results. However, total distribution deliveries remained stable compared to the prior year's fourth quarter, even with weather-related fluctuations.

Full-Year Performance Overview

For the entire year, 2024 earnings demonstrated continued growth driven by strategic investments and enhanced customer demand. This performance is attributed to factors such as favorable weather conditions that boosted delivery metrics, as well as robust operational benchmarks achieved during the year.

The exceptional performance in the Integrated segment was attributed to advances made during the year, with effective rate adjustments playing a pivotal role in driving profitability. Comparatively, the Stand-Alone Transmission segment also showcased solid growth of 12%, contributing positively to FirstEnergy's overall financial health.

Non-GAAP Measures and Financial Insights

FirstEnergy regularly utilizes several non-GAAP measures, such as Core earnings and Operating earnings, to provide stakeholders with a clearer picture of its operational efficacy. Management considers these metrics essential for performance evaluation and strategic decision-making, enabling comparisons against industry peers and historical performance.

As a commitment to transparency, the company intends to clarify its reporting standards by separating earnings contributions from its legacy investment in Signal Peak, ensuring a focus on regulated operations. This adjustment is set to enhance understanding of ongoing growth potential and risk profiles within the market landscape.

Furthermore, management is dedicated to maintaining high investment-grade credit ratings, involving a thorough examination of financing strategies to meet its ambitious growth metrics without compromising fiscal stability.

Commitment to Community and Sustainability

FirstEnergy remains devoted to serving over six million customers by prioritizing operational excellence and safety. The company's electric distribution network represents one of the largest investor-owned systems in the nation, ensuring energy reliability across multiple states. With a focus on sustainability, FirstEnergy embraces the dual goals of improving service quality and reducing environmental impact through innovative practices in energy management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did FirstEnergy report for its 2024 earnings?

FirstEnergy reported GAAP earnings of $1.70 per share and Operating (non-GAAP) earnings of $2.63 per share for 2024.

What is the 2025 earning guidance announced by FirstEnergy?

The company introduced a targeted compound annual growth rate of 6-8% for its Core earnings through 2025.

How did FirstEnergy perform in the fourth quarter of 2024?

In the fourth quarter of 2024, FirstEnergy achieved GAAP earnings of $261 million, or $0.45 per share.

What investments is FirstEnergy planning for 2024?

FirstEnergy plans to invest $4.5 billion in 2024 to enhance grid reliability and resilience.

How does FirstEnergy utilize non-GAAP financial measures?

FirstEnergy employs non-GAAP measures like Core earnings to provide a clearer understanding of its operational performance, excluding special items to offer a more accurate picture.

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