ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland and Labrador - Fortis Inc . (TSX/NYSE: TSX:FTS), a $21.8 billion market cap leader in the regulated electric and gas utility industry in North America, announced the renewal of its at-the-market equity program (ATM Program). The program permits the company to issue up to C$500 million in common shares from its treasury at market prices through the Toronto Stock Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange, or other marketplaces where the shares are traded. According to InvestingPro data, the stock is trading near its 52-week high of $46.06, with notably low price volatility.
The ATM Program is intended to provide Fortis (NYSE:FTS) with enhanced financial flexibility to support its capital program. The corporation retains full discretion over the volume and timing of any share distributions under the program, which will remain in effect until January 10, 2027, unless terminated earlier. This financial flexibility is particularly important given the company's current debt-to-equity ratio of 1.53x, as reported by InvestingPro.
The common shares, if sold, will be offered at the prevailing market price during the distribution period, which means that purchase prices may vary among investors. Fortis has stated that the net proceeds from the ATM Program will be used for general corporate purposes.
The renewal follows the termination of the corporation's previous at-the-market equity program initiated on September 19, 2023. Fortis entered into an equity distribution agreement with several financial institutions in Canada and the U.S. to facilitate the ATM Program.
This initiative is part of Fortis' ongoing efforts to maintain a strong financial position. In the previous year, Fortis reported revenues of $12 billion and owned assets totaling $70 billion as of September 30, 2024. The company employs 9,600 people and serves customers across five Canadian provinces, ten U.S. states, and three Caribbean countries. InvestingPro analysis shows the company maintains a "GOOD" overall financial health score and has an impressive 37-year track record of consecutive dividend increases, with a current dividend yield of 3.9%. Discover more insights about Fortis and 1,400+ other stocks through InvestingPro's comprehensive research reports.
The terms of the ATM Program are detailed in the prospectus supplements filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These documents, along with the equity distribution agreement, are publicly available on the SEDAR+ and EDGAR platforms.
This announcement is based on a press release statement and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the common shares. It is also not an endorsement of Fortis' market position or a prediction of future performance. The information provided is for general news purposes and should not be considered investment advice.
In other recent news, Fortis Inc. reported a robust Q3 2024 with an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.85 and a year-to-date adjusted EPS of $2.45. The company announced an increased capital plan, with significant investments in projects such as the Eagle Mountain pipeline. Fortis revealed a new 5-year capital plan of $26 billion, aiming for a 6.5% average annual rate base growth through 2029, and anticipates a $14 billion rate base increase to $53 billion by 2029.
The company declared a fourth-quarter dividend increase of approximately 4%, with guidance for annual dividend growth of 4% to 6% through 2029. Fortis successfully raised $2.6 billion in debt to support capital programs and anticipates further load growth in Arizona. Regulatory updates included a FERC order impacting ITC (NS:ITC)'s ROE and proceedings in New York regarding Central Hudson’s rates.
Fortis expressed optimism about rate stability improvements and potential customer rate reductions through increased demand, especially from large energy users in Arizona. However, the company noted an EPS decrease due to the disposition of Aitken Creek and higher finance costs. Despite this, Fortis remains focused on executing its new 5-year capital plan and exploring growth opportunities, maintaining a strong balance sheet and managing regulatory landscapes and market dynamics across different regions.
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