AltaGas continues to focus on Midstream and U.S. Utilities segments as near-term priorities to drive performance, fund organic growth and de-lever company
CALGARY, Feb. 28, 2019 /CNW/ –
Highlights
(all financial figures are unaudited and in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted)
Delivers $1.0 billion in 2018 Normalized EBITDA1
- Normalized EBITDA of $394 million for the fourth quarter of 2018 and $1.0 billion for the full-year, achieving a 27 percent year-over-year growth rate for the year.
- Fourth quarter 2018 normalized FFO1 of $255 million and $657 million for full-year 2018.
- Approximately $1.0 billion in growth capital projects anticipated to come into service in 2019 including the Ridley Island Propane Export Terminal (RIPET), Townsend 2B Facility, Nig Creek Gas Plant, Mountain Valley Pipeline and the Marquette Connector Pipeline.
- Advanced AltaGas’ cornerstone asset in Midstream – RIPET – the first propane export terminal off the west coast of Canada, commencing operations in early spring.
- Leveraged and extended AltaGas’ footprint in northeast British Columbia, resulting in the Midstream business increasing core gas processing volumes by 25%.
- Agreements with Black Swan and Kelt enhanced Midstream’s NGL capture area, triggering an expansion of the North Pine facility, and supporting the supply of propane at RIPET.
- Recovered US$125 million through accelerated replacement programs in Washington, DC, Maryland, Michigan and Virginia.
Reaffirms 2019 Outlook
- AltaGas reiterates its 2019 business outlook and expects normalized EBITDA in the range of $1.2 – $1.3 billion and normalized FFO of $850 – $950 million.
- Capital investment of $1.3 billion in 2019 primarily in Midstream and U.S. Utility projects.
- Closed the sale of remaining 55 percent interest in Northwest Hydro for net proceeds of approximately $1.37 billion. AltaGas has completed $3.8 billion in asset sales since mid-2018.
- Announced plans for an additional $1.5 – $2.0 billion in asset sales in 2019. The proceeds of the asset sales will be used to further reduce debt, as well as continue to sharpen AltaGas’ focus on Midstream and U.S. Utilities.
- Maintained investment grade credit ratings.
AltaGas Ltd. (AltaGas) (TSX:ALA) today reported its fourth quarter and full-year results and provided an update on its recently announced balanced funding plan and growth opportunities in its Midstream and Utility segments.
AltaGas achieved normalized EBITDA of $394 million for the fourth quarter of 2018 and $1.0 billion for the full-year 2018, in line with guidance, representing 27 percent year-over-year growth for the year ended December 31, 2018. Normalized Funds from Operations (FFO) of $255 million for the fourth quarter of 2018 and $657 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 represented an increase of approximately 7 percent for full-year 2018, slightly lower than guidance of approximately 10 percent growth, due to lower hydrology at the Northwest Hydro Facilities and the delay of cash distribution receipts from equity investments to early 2019. AltaGas’ net loss applicable to common shares for the period was $502 million ($2.25 per share), mainly due to provisions for assets. Normalized net income1 for 2018 was $195 millionor $0.88 per share.
1. |
Non-GAAP measure; see discussion in the advisories of this news release and reconciliation to US GAAP financial measures shown in AltaGas’ Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) as at and for the period ended December 31, 2018, which is available on www.sedar.com. |
“We will look back on 2018 as a transformational year, which saw AltaGas reposition itself through the WGL acquisition as a low-risk, high-growth Utility and Midstream company,” said Randy Crawford, President and Chief Executive Officer of AltaGas. “In order to leverage the full growth potential of these assets, we must continue to strengthen our balance sheet and ultimately, reset our financial position.
“With our RIPET project coming online, as scheduled in early spring, as the first propane export terminal in Western Canada, we are poised to execute on our strategy to leverage this unique capability to attract new producer commitments that will increase utilization of our existing assets and provide new organic investment opportunities. At the same time, I see ample opportunity in our Utilities to renew and extend our distribution pipelines and drive higher returns through operational efficiencies, superior customer service and accelerated rate recovery mechanisms.”
2019 Guidance and Balanced Funding Plan
AltaGas reiterates its outlook for 2019, with anticipated normalized EBITDA in the range of $1.2 – $1.3 billion and normalized FFO of $850 – $950 million. Year-over-year growth is expected to be driven by new capital projects coming into service (including RIPET, Townsend 2B Facility, Nig Creek Gas Plant and Mountain Valley Pipeline), a full-year of earnings from WGL and the Central Penn Pipeline, and the results of business optimization. The 2019 investment plan includes prudent capital allocation of approximately $1.3 billion to projects with strong risk-adjusted returns, near-term contributions to normalized FFO per share and normalized Earnings per Share (EPS), and secure commercial underpinnings.
AltaGas’ previously announced balanced funding plan is designed to de-lever the balance sheet, fund the $1.3 billioncapital program for 2019 and optimize per share cash flow and earnings growth. A combination of asset sales, a reset of the dividend payout, and a focused approach to strategic capital allocation will strengthen AltaGas’ financial position and fund the capital program.
In addition to the $3.8 billion of asset sales AltaGas completed or announced in 2018, including the sale of its entire indirect equity interest in the Northwest Hydro Facilities and the initial public offering (IPO) of AltaGas Canada Inc. (ACI), the Corporation plans to monetize an additional $1.5 – $2.0 billion in non-core assets in 2019. Proceeds from these additional asset sales will be used to further reduce debt and focus the company’s asset base where the opportunities are the greatest – Midstream and Utilities.
Midstream and Utilities Growth
Improving AltaGas’ financial strength and flexibility through 2019 will position AltaGas to execute on the significant suite of attractive growth opportunities in its Midstream and Utilities segments.
Within its Midstream segment, AltaGas sees opportunities to optimize and grow its footprint, enhance its service offering and connect producers to new markets, including Asia. For example, AltaGas’ integrated strategy in Western Canada provides producers with services across the energy value chain, including access to export markets overseas. The cornerstone of this strategy is RIPET, located near Prince Rupert, British Columbia, which is expected to be the first propane export facility off the west coast of Canada. RIPET leverages AltaGas’ existing gathering, processing and fractionation assets, while also providing higher netbacks and market optionality to customers. The facility is scheduled to commence its operational phase in the first quarter of 2019, and the first cargo is expected to depart Canada’s west coast in the second quarter of 2019. Also coming into service in 2019 are the Townsend 2B Facility and Nig Creek Gas Plant. These projects will attract additional natural gas liquids to AltaGas’ integrated system, increase utilization of AltaGas’ existing liquids pipelines, drive the need for an expansion of the North Pine Fractionator, and provide additional propane supply to RIPET. Both projects are expected to be online in the fourth quarter of 2019.
In the Marcellus Basin in the northeastern U.S., AltaGas’ 10 percent interest in the 2.0 Bcf/d Mountain Valley Pipeline is targeted to be placed into service in the fourth quarter of 2019. The pipeline is estimated to span approximately 480 kilometres (300 miles) and provide access to the growing southeastern U.S. demand markets. AltaGas’ capital commitment for the 10 percent ownership interest in the pipeline is capped at US$350 million.
AltaGas’ Utilities segment is expected to grow significantly, reflecting exposure to higher growth markets with capital expenditures to support customer additions, general system betterment, and accelerated replacement programs. The Marquette Connector Pipeline, anticipated to be in service in the fourth quarter of 2019, is an example of a project that is putting new capital to work to provide system redundancy and increase deliverability, reliability and diversity of supply, while also connecting new customers.
AltaGas’ near-term focus is to achieve its allowed return on new investments, and focus on three foundational principles to enhance returns across its Utilities:
- Drive operational excellence
- Improve the customer experience
- Achieve more timely recovery of invested capital
Financial Results
Normalized EBITDA (1) |
Three Months Ended |
Year Ended |
||||||
($ millions) |
2018 |
2017 |
2018 |
2017 |
||||
Utilities |
$ |
232 |
$ |
90 |
$ |
426 |
$ |
298 |
Midstream |
93 |
61 |
277 |
221 |
||||
Power |
76 |
72 |
320 |
303 |
||||
Sub-total: Operating Segments |
401 |
223 |
1,023 |
822 |
||||
Corporate |
(7) |
(10) |
(14) |
(25) |
||||
$ |
394 |
$ |
213 |
$ |
1,009 |
$ |
797 |
(1) |
Non‑GAAP financial measure; See discussion in Non‑GAAP Financial Measures section at the end of this news release |
In the fourth quarter of 2018, normalized EBITDA was $394 million, and normalized FFO was $255 million. AltaGas’ net income applicable to common shares for the period was $174 million ($0.64 per share), mainly due to increased EBITDA. Normalized net income for the fourth quarter of 2018 was $120 million or $0.44 per share.
The Utilities segment achieved normalized EBITDA of $232 million in the fourth quarter of 2018, an increase of more than 155 percent compared to the same period in 2017. The increase was mainly due to the impact of the WGL acquisition of $159 million, higher rates, growth in customer base, high customer usage, and colder weather in Michigan. The increase was partially offset by the impact of the sale of the Canadian Utilities to ACI in the fourth quarter of 2018, the 2018 impact related to the federal tax reductions at the U.S. Utilities, and warmer weather in Alaska.
In the fourth quarter of 2018, AltaGas’ Midstream segment recorded normalized EBITDA of $93 million, an increase of 52 percent over the same period last year. The increase was driven by contributions from WGL Midstream assets of $31 million, the acquisition of 50 percent ownership in the Aitken Creek North Gas Plant in the fourth quarter of 2018, and higher revenues at Harmattan due to increased NGL activities. The increase was partially offset by the impact of reduced ownership at Younger, lower frac spreads, and lower NGL marketing margins.
In the fourth quarter of 2018, AltaGas’ Power segment achieved normalized EBITDA of $76 million, up $4 million from the fourth quarter of 2017, primarily as a result of the addition of WGL’s power assets of $33 million. The increase was partially offset by lower generation at the Northwest Hydro Facilities due to lower river flow, the impact of the sale of the San Joaquin facilities that closed in November 2018, the impact of the sale of the Bear Mountain Wind Facility in October 2018, the expiry of the Ripon PPA on May 31, 2018, and lower contributions from Craven due to an extended planned outage and new contract terms.
The Power and Utility segments were also positively impacted by a stronger U.S. dollar in the fourth quarter of 2018.
Monthly Common Share Dividend and Quarterly Preferred Share Dividends
- The Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.08 per common share. The dividend will be paid on April 15, 2019, to common shareholders of record on March 25, 2019. The ex‑dividend date is March 22, 2019. This dividend is an eligible dividend for Canadian income tax purposes;
- The Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.21125 per share for the period commencing December 31, 2018and ending March 30, 2019, on AltaGas’ outstanding Series A Preferred Shares. The dividend will be paid on March 29, 2019 to shareholders of record on March 15, 2019. The ex‑dividend date is March 14, 2019;
- The Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.26938 per share for the period commencing December 31, 2018and ending March 30, 2019, on AltaGas’ outstanding Series B Preferred Shares. The dividend will be paid on March 29, 2019 to shareholders of record on March 15, 2019. The ex‑dividend date is March 14, 2019;
- The Board of Directors approved a dividend of US$0.330625 per share for the period commencing December 31, 2018 and ending March 30, 2019, on AltaGas’ outstanding Series C Preferred Shares. The dividend will be paid on March 29, 2019 to shareholders of record on March 15, 2019. The ex‑dividend date is March 14, 2019;
- The Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.337063 per share for the period commencing December 31, 2018, and ending March 30, 2019, on AltaGas’ outstanding Series E Preferred Shares. The dividend will be paid on March 29, 2019 to shareholders of record on March 15, 2019. The ex‑dividend date is March 14, 2019;
- The Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.296875 per share for the period commencing December 31, 2018, and ending March 30, 2019, on AltaGas’ outstanding Series G Preferred Shares. The dividend will be paid on March 29, 2019 to shareholders of record on March 15, 2019. The ex-dividend date is March 14, 2019;
- The Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.328125 per share for the period commencing December 31, 2018, and ending March 30, 2019, on AltaGas’ outstanding Series I Preferred Shares. The dividend will be paid on March 29, 2019 to shareholders of record on March 15, 2019. The ex‑dividend date is March 14, 2019; and
- The Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.3125 per share for the period commencing December 31, 2018, and ending March 30, 2019, on AltaGas’ outstanding Series K Preferred Shares. The dividend will be paid on March 29, 2019 to shareholders of record on March 15, 2019. The ex-dividend date is March 14, 2019.
Consolidated Financial Review
Three Months Ended |
Year Ended |
|||
($ millions) |
2018 |
2017 |
2018 |
2017 |
Revenue |
1,727 |
745 |
4,257 |
2,556 |
Normalized EBITDA(1) |
394 |
213 |
1,009 |
797 |
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares |
174 |
(11) |
(502) |
30 |
Normalized net income(1) |
120 |
63 |
195 |
204 |
Total assets |
23,488 |
10,032 |
23,488 |
10,032 |
Total long-term liabilities |
11,746 |
4,578 |
11,746 |
4,578 |
Net additions to property, plant and equipment |
16 |
114 |
573 |
388 |
Dividends declared(2) |
121 |
94 |
463 |
362 |
Normalized funds from operations(1) |
255 |
179 |
657 |
615 |
Three Months Ended |
Year Ended |
|||
($ per share, except shares outstanding) |
2018 |
2017 |
2018 |
2017 |
Net income (loss) per common share – basic |
0.64 |
(0.06) |
(2.25) |
0.18 |
Net income (loss) per common share – diluted |
0.64 |
(0.06) |
(2.25) |
0.18 |
Normalized net income – basic(1) |
0.44 |
0.36 |
0.88 |
1.19 |
Dividends declared(2) |
0.45 |
0.54 |
2.09 |
2.12 |
Normalized funds from operations(1) |
0.94 |
1.03 |
2.95 |
3.60 |
Shares outstanding – basic (millions) |
||||
During the period(3) |
272 |
174 |
223 |
171 |
End of period |
275 |
175 |
275 |
175 |
(1) |
Non‑GAAP financial measure; see discussion in Non‑GAAP Financial Measures at the end of this news release. |
(2) |
Dividends declared per common share per month: $0.175 beginning on August 25, 2016, $0.1825 beginning on November 27, 2017, and $0.08 beginning on December 27, 2018. |
(3) |
Weighted average. |
Conference Call and Webcast Details
AltaGas will hold a conference call today at 9:00 a.m. MT (11:00 a.m. ET) to discuss 2018 fourth quarter and full-year results, provide an update on the balanced funding plan, and share progress on construction activities and other corporate developments.
Members of the investment community and other interested parties may dial 1-647-427-7450 or toll free at 1-888-231-8191. Please note that the conference call will also be webcast. To listen, please go to http://www.altagas.ca/invest/events-and-presentations. The webcast will be archived for one year.
Shortly after the conclusion of the call, a replay will be available commencing at 2:00 p.m. MT (4:00 p.m. ET) on February 28, 2019 by dialing 403-451-9481 or toll free 1-855-859-2056. The passcode is 2068746. The replay will expire at 9:59 p.m. MT (11:59 p.m. ET) on March 7, 2019.
AltaGas’ audited Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes for the year ended December 31, 2018, as well as the related Management’s Discussion and Analysis, are now available online at: www.altagas.ca. All documents will be filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and will be posted under AltaGas’ SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.
About AltaGas
AltaGas is an energy infrastructure company with a focus on midstream, regulated utilities and power. AltaGas creates value by growing and optimizing its energy infrastructure, including a focus on clean energy sources. For more information visit: www.altagas.ca.