Sustainable energy giant GE Vernova (NYSE:GEV) reported fourth-quarter earnings on Wednesday, Jan. 22, that fell short of analysts’ consensus estimates. Earnings per share (EPS) came in at $1.73, compared to an estimate of $2.30. Revenue of $10.6 billion was just shy of the estimated $10.7 billion.
While these figures missed expectations, they did grow year over year. Also, overall organic revenue grew by 9%, and strategic initiatives are setting the stage for future growth.
MetricQ4 2024Analysts’ EstimateQ4 2023Change (YOY)EPS$1.73$2.30$0.72140%Revenue$10.56 billion$10.7 billion$10 billion5.1%Net income$484 millionN/A$205 million137%Adjusted EBITDA$1.08 billionN/A$584 million85%Free cash flow$572 millionN/A$1.65 billion(66%)
Source: GE Verona. Note: Analyst consensus estimates for the quarter provided by FactSet. YOY = Year over year. EBITDA = Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.
GE Vernova is a global industrial company focused on building sustainable energy solutions. It operates through three main segments: Power, Wind, and Electrification. The Power segment develops technology for gas, nuclear, and steam power plants. The Wind segment works on manufacturing and selling wind turbine components, while the Electrification segment offers grid solutions and energy storage systems.
This diverse portfolio aims to support the global energy transition. Recently, GE Vernova has prioritized technological innovation, focusing on advancing its Wind and Electrification segments. Key to its success is enhancing profitability and maintaining a competitive edge through continual product development and adherence to environmental regulations.
During the fourth quarter, GE Vernova saw robust performances from its Power and Electrification segments. Power orders soared by 28% organically for the full year, translating into revenue of $18.1 billion, a 7% rise. In Electrification, orders grew by 19% with revenue increasing by 18%, supported by strong grid equipment demand. Both segments achieved significant margin expansions, with Electrification seeing a 530 basis point increase in its EBITDA margin.
Despite these strengths, the Wind segment continued to face obstacles. Orders decreased by 38% due to weaker Onshore Wind equipment demand, but revenue remained fairly stable with just a 1% drop. Offshore Wind remained particularly challenging, with substantial segment losses, albeit improved by $0.4 billion compared to the prior year.
Financially, the company showed a 137% increase in net income year over year to $484 million. Adjusted EBITDA also rose by 85% to $1.1 billion for the quarter. However, free cash flow declined to $572 million from $1.65 billion a year ago, primarily due to lower customer down payments.
Strategic initiatives included $0.3 billion in R&D and capital investments to further energy technology innovations. A share buyback and dividend declaration were also undertaken, indicating management’s confidence in future growth prospects despite the current challenges. There were no substantial one-time events altering regular financial trends during the quarter.
GE Vernova’s management reaffirmed its guidance, showing confidence in sustaining growth, underpinned by strategic investments in technology and market position enhancements. The guidance for 2025 projects revenues between $36 billion and $37 billion, with expectations to maintain high-single-digit adjusted EBITDA margins, reflecting optimism in ongoing operational improvements.
Investors should watch the Wind segment’s progress, particularly in Offshore Wind, and any developments in cash flow management. Continued commitment to technological advancements and adherence to market trends in renewable energy remain central to GE Vernova’s growth strategy, as it positions itself for market leadership in the evolving energy landscape.
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