Grid Modernization And Clean Energy Investments Will Strengthen Future Stability

Key Takeaways

• Regulatory approvals for multiyear rate plans are expected to secure steady revenue growth and enhance future financial stability.
  
• Investments in grid modernization and clean energy initiatives aim to boost operational efficiency and drive new revenue opportunities.
  
• Rising interest expenses and regulatory uncertainties could offset Exelon's earnings growth despite higher distribution, storm impact, and transmission issues.

Catalysts

A utility services holding company, engages in the energy distribution and transmission businesses in the United States and Canada.

• Exelon's progress on regulatory approvals for multiyear rate plans across various jurisdictions is expected to secure predictable and increased revenue streams, positively impacting future revenue growth.
  
• The company's investments in grid modernization, such as the Delmarva Power transmission upgrade, are anticipated to improve operational efficiency and reliability, leading to potential improvements in net margins.
  
• Exelon is actively working on initiatives to support clean energy goals and accommodate increased demand from data centers, which could drive revenue growth through new connections and increased electricity usage.
  
• The capital plan of $9.7 billion in electric transmission investments provides an opportunity for incremental earnings growth as these investments are integrated into the rate base.
  
• Exelon is focusing on maintaining a strong balance sheet and financial metrics, which supports its ability to secure favorable financing, potentially enhancing earnings per share over time.

Exelon Future Earnings and Revenue Growth

Assumptions

• Analysts are assuming Exelon's revenue will grow by 1.9% annually over the next 3 years.
• Analysts assume that profit margins will increase from 10.6% today to 12.3% in 3 years time.
• Analysts expect earnings to reach $3.0 billion (and earnings per share of $2.92) by about December 2027, up from $2.4 billion today.
• In order for the above numbers to justify the analysts price target, the company would need to trade at a PE ratio of 17.4x on those 2027 earnings, up from 15.1x today. This future PE is lower than the current PE for the US Electric Utilities industry at 20.7x.
• Analysts expect the number of shares outstanding to grow by 0.55% per year for the next 3 years.
• To value all of this in today's terms, we will use a discount rate of 5.92%, as per the Simply Wall St company report.

Exelon Future Earnings Per Share Growth

Risks

• Exelon's financial performance could be affected by rising interest expenses, which might offset gains from higher distribution and transmission rates, ultimately impacting net margins.
  
• Pending regulatory orders in various jurisdictions introduce uncertainty, as unfavorable rulings could hinder planned revenue increases and affect earnings projections.
  
• The increasing severity of storm activity, such as the record-breaking storms in Illinois, presents a risk to operational performance and could increase costs related to storm damage repairs, affecting net earnings.
  
• Exelon's reliance on favorable regulatory outcomes and rate case approvals to achieve its projected earnings growth exposes it to regulatory risks that could impact future revenue streams and earnings.
  
• Cost implications and uncertainty surrounding colocation and transmission issues in PJM could affect Exelon's ability to plan efficiently and impact future capital allocation, potentially affecting earnings growth.

Valuation

• The analysts have a consensus price target of $42.78 for Exelon based on their expectations of its future earnings growth, profit margins and other risk factors.
• In order for you to agree with the analyst's consensus, you'd need to believe that by 2027, revenues will be $24.3 billion, earnings will come to $3.0 billion, and it would be trading on a PE ratio of 17.4x, assuming you use a discount rate of 5.9%.
• Given the current share price of $36.52, the analyst's price target of $42.78 is 14.6% higher.
• We always encourage you to reach your own conclusions though. So sense check these analyst numbers against your own assumptions and expectations based on your understanding of the business and what you believe is probable.