Vistra Reports Full-Year 2023 Results, Announces Expected Closing of Energy Harbor Transaction On March 1, 2024

Earnings Release Highlights

• GAAP full-year 2023 Net Income of $1,492 million and Cash Flow from Operations of $5,453 million.
• Net Income from Ongoing Operations¹ of $1,498 million, Ongoing Operations Adjusted EBITDA¹ of $4,140 million, $440 million higher than the midpoint of the original guidance range announced in Nov. 2022, and Ongoing Operations Adjusted FCFbG¹ of $2,491 million, exceeding the midpoint of the original guidance by $441 million.
• Announced Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") approval of the pending Energy Harbor Corp. ("Energy Harbor") acquisition, with closing expected to occur on March 1, 2024.
• Repurchased approximately 98% of the outstanding beneficial interests in the rights to receive payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement ("TRA"), increasing expected free cash flow over the next several years and simplifying the company's capital structure.
• Board authorized an additional $1.5 billion of share repurchases, which is expected to be utilized by year-end 2025.

IRVING, Texas, Feb. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) today reported its full-year 2023 financial results and other highlights.

"I want to thank our Vistra team of nearly 5,000 men and women for a very strong year of operational and financial performance. Their focus on safety, operational excellence, and customer experience enabled the production and delivery of safe, reliable, and affordable power to our retail and commercial customers across the country despite several significant weather events throughout the year," said Jim Burke, President and CEO of Vistra. "Our integrated model performed very well and enabled us to stay focused on the four key strategic priorities underpinning our Vistra strategy."

Burke continued, "We are excited to have recently received the final regulatory approval needed to close the acquisition of Energy Harbor. We believe this will be a transformational acquisition for our company, meaningfully scaling our zero-carbon business that provides reliable, dispatchable power. We are confident that the addition of Energy Harbor will allow Vistra to leverage its core strengths of safely and reliably operating power generation facilities, serving our retail customers, and managing commercial risk. We expect the transaction to close on March 1^st and look forward to welcoming our new colleagues to the Vistra team."

 

 

For the year ended Dec. 31, 2023, Vistra reported Net Income of $1,492 million, Net Income from Ongoing Operations¹ of $1,498 million, and Ongoing Operations Adjusted EBITDA¹ of $4,140 million. Net Income for the full year 2023 was an improvement of $2,702 million from the full year 2022 Net Loss, driven primarily by the reversal of unrealized hedging losses in 2022. Ongoing Operations Adjusted EBITDA for the full-year 2023 was $1,021 million higher than the full-year 2022, driven primarily by strong counts and margin performance in retail and the availability and performance of our generation units, especially in the summer months in ERCOT, combined with our comprehensive hedging program and our ability to optimize our flexible assets.

 

 

The $3,900 million midpoint of Vistra's Standalone 2024 Ongoing Operations Adjusted EBITDA Guidance range is meaningfully higher than the range of midpoint opportunities the company had estimated in its earnings presentations in 2022 and the first half of 2023.

As of Feb. 23, 2024, Vistra has hedged approximately 99% of its expected generation volumes for the balance of 2024 and approximately 87% for 2025. Vistra's comprehensive hedging program, as well as forward price curves as of Feb. 23, 2024, support the company's 2024 standalone guidance ranges and its previously announced Ongoing Operations Adjusted EBITDA midpoint opportunity for 2025. Vistra is anticipating the 2025 midpoint opportunity to be in the range of $3,800 million to $4,000 million for Ongoing Operations Adjusted EBITDA (exclusive of any future EBITDA contribution from Energy Harbor).⁴

Share Repurchase Program

As of Feb. 23, 2024:

• Vistra executed ~$3.7 billion in share repurchases since November 2021.
• Vistra's Board of Directors authorized an additional $1.5 billion of share repurchases.
• Vistra had ~348 million shares outstanding, representing a ~28% reduction of the amount of the shares outstanding on Nov. 2, 2021.

Vistra expects to spend $2.25 billion on share repurchases in 2024 and 2025.

Repurchase of TRA Rights

As of Feb. 23, 2024, Vistra repurchased approximately 98% of the outstanding beneficial interests in the rights (the "TRA Rights") to receive payments under the TRA, in exchange for approximately $475 million of newly issued 8.875% Series C Fixed-Rate Reset Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock and approximately $150 million of cash. In addition to simplifying Vistra's capital structure, these repurchases are expected to be cash flow accretive over the foreseeable planning horizon.

Clean Energy Investments

Vistra is focused on reliability, affordability and sustainability of electricity in the markets in which we operate. Vistra continues to grow its fleet of zero-carbon resources, advancing these interests through cost-effective, strategic investments in solar and battery storage developments and through the upcoming acquisition of Energy Harbor.

On Nov. 6, 2023, Vistra published its 2023 Climate Report in accordance with the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework. The TCFD framework provides a set of recommended climate-related disclosures and guidelines that companies may use to better inform investors, customers, and other stakeholders. Vistra cares about its stakeholders and is proud to share with them how the company is well-prepared to manage climate-related risks as well as capitalize on potential opportunities.

In February 2024, FERC approved Vistra's acquisition of Energy Harbor, which will add more than 4,000 MW of nuclear generation to its portfolio along with approximately 1 million additional retail customers. Together with Vistra's existing 2,400 MW Comanche Peak nuclear power plant, this acquisition will bring Vistra's nuclear capacity to more than 6,400 MW at the transaction's closing, which is expected to occur on March 1, 2024. Further, in 2022, Comanche Peak applied to extend its operating licenses through 2050 and 2053 for the two-unit facility, an additional 20 years beyond the original licenses. This process is advancing as expected.

The Inflation Reduction Act is anticipated to provide the opportunity to realize material benefits to Vistra with respect to its renewables and energy storage projects, as well as provide strong price support via the nuclear production tax credit for its nuclear facilities, including those being acquired through the Energy Harbor transaction.

Vistra expects to start construction this spring on its three larger Illinois solar and energy storage projects, part of the Coal to Solar and Energy Storage Initiative. Vistra intends to remain strategic and disciplined with respect to the timing of investments in renewables and energy storage projects.

Liquidity

As of Dec. 31, 2023, Vistra had total available liquidity of approximately $5,799 million, including cash and cash equivalents of $3,485 million, $1,213 million of availability under its corporate revolving credit facility, and $1,101 million of availability under its commodity-linked revolving credit facility.⁵ Available capacity under the commodity-linked revolving credit facility reflects the borrowing base as of Dec. 31, 2023. Available liquidity excludes approximately $750 million and $125 million of undrawn available borrowing capacity as of Dec. 31, 2023, under Vistra's accounts receivable and repurchase facility financing arrangements, respectively, and $474 million of commitments under the commodity-linked revolving credit facility that were not available to be drawn as of Dec. 31, 2023.

Earnings Webcast

Vistra will host a webcast today, Feb. 28, 2024, beginning at 10 a.m. ET (9 a.m. CT) to discuss these results and related matters. The live webcast and the accompanying slides that will be discussed on the call can be accessed via Vistra's website at www.vistracorp.com under "Investor Relations" and then "Events & Presentations." Participants can also listen by phone by registering here prior to the start time of the call to receive a conference call dial-in number. A replay of the webcast will be available on Vistra's website for one year following the live event.

About Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Items Affecting Comparability

"Adjusted EBITDA" (EBITDA as adjusted for unrealized gains or losses from hedging activities, tax receivable agreement impacts, reorganization items, and certain other items described from time to time in Vistra's earnings releases), "Adjusted Free Cash Flow before Growth" (or "Adjusted FCFbG") (cash from operating activities excluding changes in margin deposits and working capital and adjusted for capital expenditures (including capital expenditures for growth investments), other net investment activities, and other items described from time to time in Vistra's earnings releases), "Ongoing Operations Adjusted EBITDA" (adjusted EBITDA less adjusted EBITDA from Asset Closure segment), "Net Income (Loss) from Ongoing Operations" (net income less net income from Asset Closure segment), and "Ongoing Operations Adjusted Free Cash Flow before Growth" or "Ongoing Operations Adjusted FCFbG" (adjusted free cash flow before growth less cash flow from operating activities from Asset Closure segment before growth) are "non-GAAP financial measures." A non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of financial performance that excludes or includes amounts so as to be different than the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP in Vistra's consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the most directly comparable GAAP measures. Vistra's non-GAAP financial measures may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies.

Vistra uses Adjusted EBITDA as a measure of performance and believes that analysis of its business by external users is enhanced by visibility to both Net Income prepared in accordance with GAAP and Adjusted EBITDA. Vistra uses Adjusted Free Cash Flow before Growth as a measure of liquidity and believes that analysis of its ability to service its cash obligations is supported by disclosure of both cash provided by (used in) operating activities prepared in accordance with GAAP as well as Adjusted Free Cash Flow before Growth. Vistra uses Ongoing Operations Adjusted EBITDA as a measure of performance and Ongoing Operations Adjusted Free Cash Flow before Growth as a measure of liquidity, and Vistra's management and board of directors have found it informative to view the Asset Closure segment as separate and distinct from Vistra's ongoing operations. Vistra uses Net Income (Loss) from Ongoing Operations as a non-GAAP measure that is most comparable to the GAAP measure Net Income in order to illustrate the company's Net Income excluding the effects of the Asset Closure segment, as well as a measure to compare to Ongoing Operations Adjusted EBITDA. The schedules attached to this earnings release reconcile the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

1 Ongoing Operations excludes the Asset Closure segment. Net Income (Loss) from Ongoing Operations, Ongoing Operations Adjusted EBITDA, and Ongoing Operations Adjusted Free Cash Flow before Growth are non-GAAP financial measures. Any reference to "Ongoing Operations Adjusted FCFbG" is a reference to Ongoing Operations Adjusted Free Cash Flow before Growth. See the "Non-GAAP Reconciliation" tables for further detail. Total segment information may not tie due to rounding.

2 Upon movement of the Edwards Power Plant to the Asset Closure segment effective Jan. 1, 2023, prior year results were retrospectively adjusted for comparative purposes.

3 2024 guidance ranges are for Vistra standalone, without any estimated impacts of Energy Harbor performance.

4 Reflects the potential midpoint opportunity range of Ongoing Operations Adjusted EBITDA for 2025 based on market curves as of Nov. 2, 2023; does not include the incremental Adj. EBITDA contribution expected from the Energy Harbor acquisition; this range of estimated opportunities is not intended to be guidance.

5 The Company expects to use cash on hand and borrowings under its Accounts Receivable and other liquidity facilities to fund the approximately $3.1 billion cash necessary to close the Energy Harbor acquisition.

About Vistra

Vistra (NYSE:VST) is a leading, Fortune 500 integrated retail electricity and power generation company based in Irving, Texas, providing essential resources for customers, commerce, and communities. With operations in 20 states and the District of Columbia, Vistra combines an innovative, customer-centric approach to retail with safe, reliable, and efficient power generation. Learn more at https://www.vistracorp.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The information presented herein includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the industry and markets in which Vistra Corp. ("Vistra") operates and beliefs of and assumptions made by Vistra's management, involve risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict and are not guarantees of future performance, that could significantly affect the financial results of Vistra. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that are presented herein, or in response to questions or otherwise, that address activities, events or developments that may occur in the future, including such matters as activities related to our financial or operational projections, financial condition and cash flows, projected synergy, value lever and net debt targets, capital allocation, capital expenditures, liquidity, projected Adjusted EBITDA to free cash flow conversion rate, dividend policy, business strategy, competitive strengths, goals, future acquisitions or dispositions, development or operation of power generation assets, market and industry developments and the growth of our businesses and operations (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases, or the negative variations of those words or other comparable words of a future or forward-looking nature, including, but not limited to: "intends," "plans," "will likely," "unlikely," "believe," "confident", "expect," "seek," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "will," "shall," "should," "could," "may," "might," "predict," "project," "forecast," "target," "potential," "goal," "objective," "guidance" and "outlook"), are forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Although Vistra believes that in making any such forward-looking statement, Vistra's expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, any such forward-looking statement involves uncertainties and risks that could cause results to differ materially from those projected in or implied by any such forward-looking statement, including, but not limited to: (i) adverse changes in general economic or market conditions (including changes in interest rates) or changes in political conditions or federal or state laws and regulations; (ii) the ability of Vistra to execute upon its contemplated strategic, capital allocation, performance, and cost-saving initiatives, including the acquisition of Energy Harbor, and to successfully integrate acquired businesses; (iii) actions by credit ratings agencies; (iv) the severity, magnitude and duration of extreme weather events, contingencies and uncertainties relating thereto, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control, and the resulting effects on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows; and (v) those additional risks and factors discussed in reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Vistra from time to time, including the uncertainties and risks discussed in the sections entitled "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Statements" in Vistra's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only at the date on which it is made, and except as may be required by law, Vistra will not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all of them; nor can Vistra assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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SOURCE Vistra Corp