TXNM Energy Inc. (TXNM) – 8-K Filing Report – February 21, 2025
Executive Summary
This 8-K filing from TXNM Energy Inc. (TXNM) announces the company’s 2024 earnings results, provides 2025 earnings guidance, and updates its long-term growth outlook. The company reported GAAP earnings of $2.67 per diluted share and ongoing earnings of $2.74 per diluted share for 2024, achieving its guidance expectations. 2025 ongoing earnings guidance is set at $2.74 – $2.84 per diluted share. The long-term earnings per share growth target has been increased to 7% to 9%. A significant increase in the 5-year capital investment plan to $7.8 billion, driven by Texas transmission projects, is a key factor in the improved outlook. Overall, the filing presents a positive outlook for TXNM, driven by growth in Texas and rate adjustments in New Mexico.
Company Overview
TXNM Energy (NYSE: TXNM) is an energy holding company based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, delivering energy to over 800,000 customers in Texas and New Mexico through its regulated utilities, TNMP and PNM. TNMP operates in Texas, while PNM operates in New Mexico.
Detailed Analysis
Management’s Narrative (MD&A)
Management’s tone is optimistic, emphasizing growth opportunities and strategic investments. The CEO highlights the expansion of grid infrastructure in Texas and the phased-in rate review in New Mexico. The narrative focuses on reliability, resilience, and direct customer benefits. The forward-looking statements regarding earnings growth and capital investment are prominent.
Financial Statement Analysis
Key Highlights from the Press Release:
- GAAP Earnings Per Share (EPS): 2024: $2.67, 2023: $1.02
- Ongoing Earnings Per Share (EPS): 2024: $2.74, 2023: $2.82
- 2025 Ongoing Earnings Guidance: $2.74 – $2.84 per diluted share
- 5-Year Capital Investment Plan: Increased to $7.8 billion (2025-2029)
- Regulated Rate Base Growth: Targeted 12% growth under the plan compared to 2025 levels
Segment Performance:
Segment |
GAAP Diluted EPS 2024 |
GAAP Diluted EPS 2023 |
Ongoing Diluted EPS 2024 |
Ongoing Diluted EPS 2023 |
PNM |
$2.12 |
$0.41 |
$2.16 |
$2.22 |
TNMP |
$1.14 |
$1.10 |
$1.15 |
$1.11 |
Corporate and Other |
($0.59) |
($0.49) |
($0.57) |
($0.51) |
Consolidated TXNM Energy |
$2.67 |
$1.02 |
$2.74 |
$2.82 |
Analysis: TNMP shows consistent growth, while PNM’s GAAP EPS significantly improved due to regulatory disallowances in 2023. Corporate and Other continues to be a drag on overall earnings.
Reconciliation of GAAP to Ongoing Earnings:
The company uses “ongoing earnings” as a non-GAAP measure, excluding items like unrealized gains/losses on investment securities, regulatory disallowances, pension expenses related to disposed businesses, and merger-related costs. This provides a clearer picture of core operational performance.
Red Flags and Uncommon Metrics
- Non-GAAP Measures: The heavy reliance on “ongoing earnings” requires careful scrutiny. While management argues it provides a better view of core operations, investors should understand the excluded items and their potential impact.
- Regulatory Disallowances: The significant impact of regulatory disallowances on PNM’s earnings highlights the regulatory risk inherent in the utility sector.
- Increased Capital Investment: The 26% increase in the 5-year capital investment plan is substantial. While it’s presented as a growth driver, it also increases financial risk and requires successful execution.
Risk and Opportunity Assessment
Opportunities:
- Texas Growth: The strong growth in the Texas service territory (TNMP) is a significant driver of future earnings.
- Rate Adjustments: The phased-in rate increase in New Mexico (PNM) will contribute to revenue growth.
- Infrastructure Investment: The increased capital investment plan positions the company to benefit from grid modernization and increased demand.
Risks:
- Regulatory Risk: The utility sector is heavily regulated, and adverse regulatory decisions can significantly impact earnings.
- Execution Risk: The ambitious capital investment plan requires effective project management and cost control.
- Interest Rate Risk: Higher interest rates on variable rate debt could negatively impact earnings, as noted in the Corporate and Other segment.
- Economic Conditions: Milder summer temperatures impacted earnings, highlighting sensitivity to weather patterns and economic activity.
Conclusion and Actionable Insights
TXNM Energy presents a generally positive outlook, driven by growth in Texas and strategic investments. The increased long-term earnings growth target and substantial capital investment plan signal confidence in the company’s future. However, investors should carefully consider the regulatory and execution risks, as well as the reliance on non-GAAP measures.
Overall Assessment: Hold. The company’s growth prospects are promising, but the risks warrant a cautious approach.
Recommendations:
- Monitor Regulatory Developments: Closely track regulatory decisions in both Texas and New Mexico.
- Assess Capital Investment Execution: Evaluate the company’s progress in executing its capital investment plan and managing costs.
- Analyze Non-GAAP Reconciliations: Understand the impact of excluded items on “ongoing earnings” and compare them to GAAP results.
- Evaluate Debt Levels: Monitor the company’s debt levels and interest rate exposure.