SJI Reports First Quarter 2021 Results Investor Day To Provide Long-Term Growth Outlook

FOLSOM, NJ (May 5, 2021) - SJI (NYSE: SJI) today reported operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021. Highlights include:

Q1 2021 GAAP earnings of $1.26 per diluted share compared to $1.09 per diluted share in 2020
Q1 2021 Economic Earnings* of $1.26 per diluted share compared to $1.15 per diluted share in 2020
First quarter results reflect increased profitability from Utility and Non-Utility operations partially offset by impact of financing activities
Successful execution of key regulatory initiatives -- positive resolution of SJG/ETG Energy Efficiency proposals and approval of ETG conservation incentive program (CIP)
Decarbonization goals announced in April targeting 70% reduction in emissions by 2030 and 100% by 2040, with at least 25% of capital spending annually in support of sustainability investments
Virtual Investor Day on May 6 to provide strategic plan for long-term growth and guidance metrics

"Thanks to the continuing dedication of our talented team through the pandemic, we were able to deliver positive first quarter results and are off to a solid start to begin 2021," said Mike Renna, SJI President and Chief Executive Officer. "We remain committed to delivering safe, reliable, affordable clean energy to our more than 700,000 customers and achieving our sustainability goals through critical energy infrastructure investments. We look forward to sharing our vision for SJI as a leading 21st century clean energy infrastructure company during our Investor Day on May 6," added Renna.

First Quarter 2021 Results

For the three-month period ended March 31, 2021, SJI reported consolidated GAAP earnings of $128.8 million compared to $101.1 million in the prior year period.

SJI uses the non-GAAP measure of economic earnings when discussing results. We believe this presentation provides clarity into the continuing earnings of our business. A full explanation and reconciliation of economic earnings is provided under “Explanation and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” later in this report and in our 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2020. `

For the three-month period ended March 31, 2021, economic earnings were $128.9 million compared to $106.8 million in the prior year period.

UTILITY

Utility entities include South Jersey Gas (SJG) and Elizabethtown Gas (ETG). First quarter 2021 GAAP earnings were $121.6 million compared with $107.7 million in 2020. First quarter 2021 economic earnings were $121.6 million compared with $108.9 million in 2020.

South Jersey Gas

Performance. First quarter 2021 GAAP earnings were $83.6 million compared with $70.5 million in 2020. First quarter 2021 economic earnings were $83.6 million compared with $71.7 million in 2020. First quarter 2020 economic earnings reflected a one-time tax adjustment. Utility margin increased $16.7 million, reflecting rate relief effective October 1, 2020, customer growth and the roll-in of investments from infrastructure replacement programs. We define utility margin, a non-GAAP measure, as natural gas revenues plus depreciation and amortization expenses, less natural gas costs, regulatory rider expenses and related volumetric and revenue-based energy taxes. Total expenses increased $4.8 million, primarily reflecting higher interest and depreciation expenses.

Customer Growth. SJG added approximately 7,000 new customers over the last 12 months and now serves approximately 407,000 customers. SJG’s 1.8% customer growth rate compares favorably to the peer average and remains driven by gas conversions from alternate fuels such as oil and propane.

Infrastructure Modernization. Through infrastructure replacement programs, SJG enhances the safety and reliability of our system while earning our authorized utility return on approved investments in a timely manner.

SJG's Accelerated Infrastructure Replacement Program (AIRP) authorizes investment of $302.5 million from 2016-2021 for important infrastructure replacement upgrades. Our most recent annual investment of approximately $60 million from July 2019 to June 2020 was rolled into rates on October 1, 2020.
SJG's Storm Hardening and Reliability Program (SHARP) authorizes investment of $100 million from 2018-2021 for four projects to enhance the safety, redundancy and resiliency of the distribution system along our coastal communities. Our most recent annual investment of approximately $30 million from July 2019 to June 2020 was rolled into rates on October 1, 2020.

Energy Efficiency. In April, the NJBPU authorized an expansion of SJG's energy efficiency programs for three years, beginning in July 2021, with proposed investments totaling $133 million. Since 2009, SJG has invested more than $120 million in energy efficiency programs. This program represents a commitment to the State’s climate priorities, advancing New Jersey’s clean energy goals in a manner that will benefit customers, the environment and the State’s green economy. The program is expected to result in $177 million in customer bill savings, over 500,000 tons in avoided CO2 emissions, and the creation of more than 2,500 jobs over three years. In tandem with approval of an energy efficiency program, the NJBPU approved a conservation incentive program (CIP) for ETG that eliminates the link between usage and margin, putting ETG in a stronger position to help customers manage their energy bills.

Regulatory Initiatives. SJG has filings pending before the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) in support of infrastructure modernization and redundancy, described in greater detail below.

Infrastructure Modernization. In November 2020, SJG filed a request with the NJBPU for approval of an Infrastructure Investment Program (IIP) that would accelerate planned capital expenditures to enhance the delivery of safe, reliable, affordable natural gas, create jobs, and support the State’s environmental goals. Under the proposed five-year program, beginning in June 2021, SJG will invest approximately $742.5 million to replace 825 miles of aging steel mains and install excess flow valves on new service lines. These enhancements ensure the continued safety and reliability of SJG's system. A resolution of the filing is expected this summer.
Redundancy. SJG has submitted an engineering and route proposal to the NJBPU for approval to construct needed system upgrades in support of a planned 2.0+ Bcf liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility. Discussions with the NJBPU surrounding this important project continue to progress, with resolution expected before year end. We also continue to explore system alternatives that will allow for a secondary supply of gas needed to create reliability and resiliency for approximately 140,000 customers in Atlantic and Cape May counties.

Elizabethtown Gas

Performance. First quarter 2021 GAAP/economic earnings were $38.0 million compared with $36.8 million in 2020. Utility margin, as previously defined, increased $4.3 million primarily due to customer growth and colder weather. Total expenses increased $3.1 million, primarily reflecting higher operating and depreciation expenses.

Customer Growth. ETG added approximately 4,000 new customers over the last 12 months and now serves approximately 303,000 customers. ETG’s 1.4% customer growth rate has increased from its historic 0.9% rate, driven by increases in new construction and gas conversions from alternate fuels such as oil and propane.

Infrastructure Modernization. ETG's Infrastructure Investment Plan (IIP) authorizes investment of $300 million from 2019-2024 for important infrastructure upgrades including the replacement of up to 250 miles of cast iron and bare steel mains. Our investment of approximately $60 million from July 2019 to June 2020 was rolled into rates on October 1, 2020.

Energy Efficiency. In April, the NJBPU authorized expansion of ETG's energy efficiency programs for three years, beginning in July 2021, with proposed investments totaling $83 million. This program represents a commitment to the State’s climate priorities and advancing New Jersey’s clean energy goals in a manner that will benefit customers and the environment. The program is expected to result in more than $150 million in customer bill savings, over 400,000 tons in avoided CO2 emissions, and the creation of more than 1,800 jobs over three years.

NON-UTILITY

First quarter 2021 GAAP earnings were $16.2 million compared with $5.8 million in 2020. First quarter 2021 economic earnings were $16.1 million compared with $6.4 million in 2020.

Beginning this period, Non-Utility entities have been renamed to reflect SJI's assets and investments focused on Energy Management and Energy Production, along with Midstream.

Energy Management

Performance. Energy Management includes Wholesale Services (Fuel Management/Marketing) and Retail Services (Account Services/Energy Consulting). First quarter 2021 GAAP earnings were $13.7 million compared with $5.7 million in 2020. First quarter 2021 economic earnings were $13.9 million compared with $5.9 million in 2020.

Wholesale Services first quarter 2021 GAAP earnings were $13.1 million compared with $5.6 million in 2020. First quarter 2021 economic earnings were $13.3 million compared with $5.4 million in 2020, primarily reflecting improved asset optimization opportunities, as well as new fuel management contracts that became operational over the last 12 months.
Retail Services first quarter 2021 GAAP earnings were $0.6 million compared with $0.1 million in 2020. First quarter 2021 economic earnings were $0.6 million compared with $0.5 million in 2020, reflecting meter reading and appliance service contract fees, as well as contributions from Energy Consulting activities.

Energy Production

Performance. Energy Production primarily includes renewable (fuel cell/solar) and decarbonization (REV/RNG development) investments. First quarter 2021 GAAP earnings were $1.6 million compared with $(1.0) million in 2020. First quarter 2021 economic earnings were $1.1 million compared with $(0.7) million in 2020.

Renewables first quarter 2021 GAAP earnings were $1.1 million compared with $(1.0) million in 2020. First quarter 2021 economic earnings were $0.6 million compared with $(0.7) million in 2020, primarily reflecting income associated with fuel cell and solar investments over the last twelve months.
In December 2020, SJI acquired a minority interest in REV LNG, LLC (REV), along with the rights to develop anaerobic digesters at a portfolio of dairy farms to produce renewable natural gas. Decarbonization first quarter 2021 GAAP and economic earnings were $0.5 million, reflecting SJI's minority interest in REV.

Midstream

Performance. Midstream includes SJI's 20% equity interest in the PennEast Pipeline. First quarter 2021 economic earnings were $1.0 million compared with $1.2 million in 2020, reflecting Allowance for Funds Used During Construction related to the project. At this time, PennEast anticipates placing the Phase One facilities in service in 2022 and anticipates placing the Phase Two facilities in service in 2024, though the anticipated timeline may shift depending on a number of factors.

OTHER

Performance. Other entity includes interest on debt, including debt associated with past acquisitions. First quarter 2021 GAAP earnings were $(9.1) million compared with $(12.4) million in 2020. First quarter 2021 economic earnings were $(8.8) million compared with $(8.5) million in 2020, reflecting an increase in outstanding debt partially offset by debt repayments and refinancing.

Capital Expenditures and Cash Flow

For the three months ended March 31, 2021:

Net cash provided by operating activities was $198.5 million compared with $165.9 million in the prior year period, primarily reflecting rate relief at SJG, improved wholesale marketing results and customer growth.
Net cash used in investing activities was $112.3 million compared with $10.1 million in the prior year period, primarily reflecting $105.4 million in capital expenditures for utility infrastructure modernization and clean energy investments, and the sale of non-core assets in Q1 2020 for $104.2 million in total proceeds.
Net cash used in financing activities was $96.1 million compared with $152.2 million in the prior year period, primarily reflecting $427.6 million in debt repayments partially offset by $291.0 million in net long-term debt issuance and $40.3 million in net common equity issuance.

Balance Sheet

Equity-to-total capitalization was 34.0% at March 31, 2021 compared with 32.2% at December 31, 2020, reflecting equity financing and repayment of debt. Assuming conversion of mandatory convertible equity units and equity credit from rating agencies for long-duration debt, SJI's adjusted equity-to-total capitalization, a non-GAAP measure, was 41.6% at March 31, 2021 compared with 39.7% at December 31, 2020.
In March, S&P affirmed SJI, SJG and ETG credit ratings of BBB, with a raised outlook to stable from negative, following equity financing transactions. In February, Moody's affirmed SJG's A3 rating, with a raised outlook to stable from negative, citing among many factors SJG's positive rate case resolution in 2020 and steady improvement in financial metrics.
As of March 31, 2021, SJI had total credit facilities of $910 million, with $727 million of available borrowing capacity.

Dividends

On May 5th, SJI’s board of directors declared its regular dividend of $0.3025 per share for the second quarter of 2021. The dividend is payable July 2, 2021 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 10, 2021. This is SJI's 70th consecutive year of paying dividends, reflecting the company's commitment to a consistent, sustainable dividend.

Virtual Investor Day Information

SJI will host a virtual Investor Day on May 6 at 10:00 a.m. ET. SJI's senior leadership team will discuss the Company's strategic value proposition and long-term financial growth targets, as well as first quarter 2021 earnings results. The video webcast of the virtual Investor Day, including a copy of the presentation, and a question and answer session, will be broadcast over the internet and can be accessed at https://www.sjindustries.com/investors/webcasts-presentations/2021#events. For those unable to listen to the webcast, an archived version will be available at the same location. To listen to the call or to ask questions during the meeting, please dial 1-877-270-2148 (Toll Free) or 1-412-902-6510 (International) approximately 5-10 minutes prior to the start time.

About SJI

SJI (NYSE: SJI), an energy services holding company based in Folsom, NJ, delivers energy services to its customers through three primary subsidiaries. SJI Utilities, SJI’s regulated natural gas utility business, delivers safe, reliable, affordable natural gas to approximately 700,000 South Jersey Gas and Elizabethtown Gas customers in New Jersey. SJI’s non-utility businesses within South Jersey Energy Solutions promote efficiency, clean technology and renewable energy by providing customized wholesale commodity marketing and fuel management services; and developing, owning and operating on-site energy production facilities. SJI Midstream houses the company’s interest in the PennEast Pipeline Project. Visit sjindustries.com for more information about SJI and its subsidiaries.

Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors

This news release, including information incorporated by reference, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding guidance, industry prospects or future results of operations or financial position, expected sources of incremental margin, strategy, financing needs, future capital expenditures and the outcome or effect of ongoing litigation, are forward-looking. This Quarterly Report uses words such as "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "estimate," "forecast," "goal," "intend," "objective," "plan," "project," "seek," "strategy," "target," "will" and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of management at the time that these statements were prepared and are inherently uncertain. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions on an international, national, state and local level; weather conditions in SJI’s marketing areas; changes in commodity costs; changes in the availability of natural gas; “non-routine” or “extraordinary” disruptions in SJI’s distribution system; regulatory, legislative and court decisions; competition; the availability and cost of capital; costs and effects of legal proceedings and environmental liabilities; the failure of customers, suppliers or business partners to fulfill their contractual obligations; changes in business strategies; and public health crises and epidemics or pandemics, such as a novel coronavirus (COVID-19). These risks and uncertainties, as well as other risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, are described in greater detail under the heading “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Quarterly Report, SJI’s and SJG's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and in any other SEC filings made by SJI or SJG during 2020 and 2021 and prior to the filing of this earnings release. Also refer to the additional risk factor described below:

Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Management uses the non-GAAP financial measures of Economic Earnings and Economic Earnings per share when evaluating its results of operations. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as an alternative to GAAP measures, such as net income, operating income, earnings per share from continuing operations or any other GAAP measure of financial performance.

We define Economic Earnings as: Income from Continuing Operations, (i) less the change in unrealized gains and plus the change in unrealized losses on non-utility derivative transactions; (ii) less income and plus losses attributable to noncontrolling interest; and (iii) less the impact of transactions, contractual arrangements or other events where management believes period to period comparisons of SJI's operations could be difficult or potentially confusing. With respect to part (iii) of the definition of Economic Earnings, items excluded from Economic Earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, are described in (A)-(D) in the table below.

Economic Earnings is a significant financial measure used by our management to indicate the amount and timing of income from continuing operations that we expect to earn after taking into account the impact of derivative instruments on the related transactions, as well as the impact of contractual arrangements and other events that management believes make period to period comparisons of SJI's operations difficult or potentially confusing. Management uses Economic Earnings to manage its business and to determine such items as incentive/compensation arrangements and allocation of resources. Specifically regarding derivatives, we believe that this financial measure indicates to investors the profitability of the entire derivative-related transaction and not just the portion that is subject to mark-to-market valuation under GAAP. We believe that considering only the change in market value on the derivative side of the transaction can produce a false sense as to the ultimate profitability of the total transaction as no change in value is reflected for the non-derivative portion of the transaction.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The following table presents a reconciliation of our income from continuing operations and earnings per share from continuing operations to Economic Earnings and Economic Earnings per share (in thousands, except per share data):