IRVING, Texas, Feb. 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Vistra (NYSE: VST) today reported its full-year 2021 results:

Financial and Operating Highlights

• Reported 2021 Net Loss of $(1,264) million and Net Loss from Ongoing Operations¹ of $(1,242) million. 2021 Ongoing Operations Adjusted EBITDA¹ was $1,941 million. Excluding $53 million related to the high IRR early settlement of retail bill credits, 2021 Ongoing Operations Adjusted EBITDA¹ was $1,994 million, slightly favorable to the midpoint of guidance.
• Delivered 2021 Cash Flows from Operations (Operating Cash Flow) of $(206) million and 2021 Ongoing Operations Adjusted Free Cash Flow before Growth (FCFbG)¹ of $179 million. Excluding $53 million related to the high IRR early settlement of retail bill credits, 2021 Ongoing Operations Adjusted FCFbG¹ was $232 million, exceeding the midpoint of guidance.
• Reaffirmed 2022 Ongoing Operations Adjusted EBITDA¹ and Ongoing Operations Adjusted FCFbG¹ guidance ranges of $2,810 to $3,310 million and $2,070 to $2,570 million, respectively, which reflects an expected Adjusted EBITDA to Adjusted FCFbG conversion of ~76%, including the cash effect of ERCOT securitization of $544 million expected to be received in 2022.
• Issued $1 billion in Green Perpetual Preferred Stock to fund green eligible projects – the first U.S. corporate issuer to issue green preferred stock – and issued $1 billion of Series A Perpetual Preferred Stock with the proceeds directed to repurchase common stock.
• Achieved $546 million of self-help initiatives identified after Winter Storm Uri, partially offsetting losses incurred from the storm. The combination of self-help and securitization proceeds offset over $1 billion of the Uri loss.
• Improved risk profile for future weather-driven volatility events through a series of actions to further harden generation for cold temperatures, improve security of fuel, and enhance risk management, including investing ~$50 million in the ERCOT fleet in 2021 with an additional $30 million investment expected in 2022.
• Realized $500 million in EBITDA value levers from the Operations Performance Improvement ("OPI") initiative in 2021—a $275 million increase from the 2018 projection established with the Dynegy merger—resulting in a higher target 2021 annual run-rate of $525 million. In 2021, Vistra achieved ~$850 million of identified Dynegy, Crius Energy (Crius), and Ambit Energy (Ambit) transaction synergies and OPI EBITDA value lever targets.

"There is no doubt that 2021 was a challenging year for Vistra. Coming off five consecutive years of outperformance, including our best year in 2020, we were faced with an unprecedented weather event in early 2021, exposing unexpected risks in the integrated Texas natural gas and electric system," said Curt Morgan, CEO of Vistra. "While we experienced a significant financial loss from this event, we went to work immediately to stabilize and de-risk the company and restore our financial strength. The results announced today, in line with our guidance midpoint, are an achievement of the many team members in our company who focused on recovering from this extraordinary event. I am extremely proud of the resilience of this organization as we are back stronger than before – with an improved risk profile and a focus on key strategic initiatives: repurchasing a substantial amount of shares – already 7% of our outstanding common stock through February 2022, initiating our new $300 million per year dividend program in Q1 2022 – a ~13% year-over-year increase, maintaining a strong balance sheet, and growing our Vistra Zero portfolio with cost-effective capital. We have a bright future ahead as we transition our company and create value for all of our stakeholders."

Capital Allocation Highlights

• Commenced execution of previously announced long-term capital allocation plan, which reflects returning at least $7.5 billion to common stockholders through 2026 through share repurchases¹ and dividends, maintaining a strong balance sheet through the reduction of corporate level debt, and growing our Vistra Zero generation portfolio with cost-effective capital.
• Executed ~$764 million of the authorized $2 billion share repurchase program as of Feb. 22, 2022, resulting in net shares outstanding of ~448.8 million as of the same date, a 7% reduction in shares outstanding since our last reported share count as of Nov. 2, 2021.
• Reduced debt by ~$625 million in the fourth quarter of 2021, on target to reduce debt by $1.5 billion by the end of 2022.
• Paid a fourth quarter 2021 dividend of $0.15 per share on Dec. 30, 2021, to shareholders of record as of Dec. 16, 2021, bringing the total dividends paid in 2021 to $0.60 per share.
• Announced first quarter 2022 dividend of $0.17 per share to be paid on March 31, 2022, to shareholders of record as of March 22, 2022, reflecting an aggregate payment of ~$75 million for the quarter and consistent with the announced $300 million per year dividend commitment beginning in 2022. This represents an ~13% increase in the company's quarterly common stock dividend from its first quarter 2021 dividend.

Vistra Zero

• Accelerated the growth of our Vistra Zero portfolio, announcing plans for 7,300 MW¹ of zero-carbon generation by 2026, including nearly 900 MW of planned projects announced in just the past five months:
• California: 350 MW/1,400 MWh Phase III expansion of our Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility
• Illinois: 450 MW of utility-scale solar and energy storage projects to be located at nine retired or to-be-retired Vistra coal plant sites across central and southern Illinois, supported by the passage of Illinois' landmark Energy Transition Act, which incorporated Vistra's legislative priority known as the Illinois Coal to Solar & Energy Storage Initiative
• Texas: acquired the 110 MW Angus solar development project located in Bosque County
• Positioned three projects in Texas for commercial operations ahead of summer, all of which were introduced as part of Vistra's 2020 September investor event:
• 50 MW Brightside Solar Facility
• 108 MW Emerald Grove Solar Facility
• 260 MW DeCordova Energy Storage Facility

ESG Highlights

• Published Green Finance Framework allowing the issuance of green financial instruments to fund new or existing projects that support renewable energy and energy efficiency with alignment to the company's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy.
• Supported Texas residents during Winter Storm Uri with $5 million donation to assist communities and individuals to meet their most pressing needs, including support for food banks and food pantries, critical needs, bill-payment assistance, and more.
• Received various recognition for sustainable business activities, including:
• Named one of America's Most JUST Companies, by JUST Capital and its media partner CNBC, for a commitment to serving workers, customers, communities, the environment, and shareholders.
• Honored with 2021 Texan by Nature 20 designation by the conservation non-profit Texan by Nature for a demonstrative commitment to conservation and sustainability.
• Received the 2021 Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Award from the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation & Enforcement, a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Interior, for work done to reclaim and restore previously mined land at Monticello-Winfield Mine. The award recognizes companies that achieve the most exemplary coal mine reclamation in the nation.
• Advanced diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) through:
• Joining Disability:IN, the leading nonprofit resource for business disability inclusion worldwide, reinforcing commitment to equality and inclusion at Vistra.
• Continuing year two of a five-year, $10 million commitment, to support organizations that grow minority-owned small businesses, enhance economic development, and provide educational opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.
• Strengthening internal hiring and recruiting practices through numerous initiatives including training for hiring managers and partnerships with minority serving institutions.
• Published annual sustainability report providing transparency on ESG initiatives and showcasing our commitment to all of our stakeholders.

For the three months ended Dec. 31, 2021, Vistra reported Net Income of $731 million, Net Income from Ongoing Operations¹ of $733 million, and Ongoing Operations Adjusted EBITDA¹ of $1,165 million. Vistra's fourth quarter 2021 Net Income of $731 million was $757 million higher than fourth quarter 2020 Net Loss of $(26) million, driven primarily by the $544 million allocation of ERCOT securitization as well as lower unrealized net losses resulting from hedging transactions. Vistra's fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA from Ongoing Operations was $363 million higher than fourth quarter 2020 results, primarily driven by the allocation of ERCOT securitization.

Vistra reported fourth quarter 2021 Adjusted EBITDA from the Retail segment of $937 million, $526 million higher than fourth quarter 2020 results, driven by the allocation of ERCOT securitization. Fourth quarter 2021 Adjusted EBITDA from the generation segments², on an aggregate basis, totaled $228 million, $163 million lower than fourth quarter 2020 results driven by lower realized margin in ERCOT and Sunset fleet operations.

For the full year of 2021, Vistra reported Net Loss of $(1,264) million, Net Loss from Ongoing Operations¹ of $(1,242) million, and Ongoing Operations Adjusted EBITDA¹ of $1,941 million (which includes the impact from the retail bill credit settlement). Vistra's Net Loss for the full year of 2021 was $1,888 million lower than full year 2020 Net Income, driven primarily by the impacts of Winter Storm Uri. Ongoing Operations Adjusted EBITDA for the full year of 2021 was $1,825 million lower than the full year of 2020, driven primarily by the impacts of Winter Storm Uri.

Guidance

Vistra is reaffirming its 2022 Ongoing Operations Adjusted EBITDA and Ongoing Operations Adjusted FCFbG guidance ranges of $2,810 to $3,310 million and $2,070 to $2,570 million, respectively.

Share Repurchase Program

As of Feb. 22, 2022, Vistra has completed approximately $764 million in share repurchases under the $2 billion share repurchase program previously authorized by its board of directors. Vistra has purchased approximately 35 million shares since Nov. 2, 2021, resulting in net shares outstanding of approximately 448.8 million as of Feb. 22, 2022, reflecting an ~7% reduction in shares since the program was announced. Approximately $1,236 million remains available for execution under the program as of the same date.

Liquidity

As of Dec. 31, 2021, Vistra had total available liquidity of ~$2,579 million, including cash and cash equivalents of $1,325 million, and $1,254 million of availability under its revolving credit facility.

Earnings Webcast

Vistra will host a webcast today, Feb. 25, 2022, beginning at 8 a.m. ET (7 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 the Vistra 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 from Ongoing Operations" (net income less net income from Asset Closure segment), "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 have found it informative to view the Asset Closure segment as separate and distinct from Vistra's ongoing operations. Vistra uses Net Income 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.

About Vistra
Vistra (NYSE: VST) is a leading, Fortune 275 integrated retail electricity and power generation company based in Irving, Texas, providing essential resources for customers, commerce, and communities. Vistra combines an innovative, customer-centric approach to retail with safe, reliable, diverse, and efficient power generation. The company brings its products and services to market in 20 states and the District of Columbia, including six of the seven competitive wholesale markets in the U.S. and markets in Canada and Japan, as well. Serving nearly 4.3 million residential, commercial, and industrial retail customers with electricity and natural gas, Vistra is one of the largest competitive residential electricity providers in the country and offers over 50 renewable energy plans. The company is also the largest competitive power generator in the U.S., with a capacity of approximately 39,000 megawatts powered by a diverse portfolio, including natural gas, nuclear, solar, and battery energy storage facilities. In addition, Vistra is a large purchaser of wind power. The company owns and operates a 400-MW/1,600-MWh battery energy storage system in Moss Landing, California, the largest of its kind in the world. Vistra is guided by four core principles: we do business the right way, we work as a team, we compete to win, and we care about our stakeholders, including our customers, our communities where we work and live, our employees, and our investors. Learn more about our environmental, social, and governance efforts and read the company's sustainability report at https://www.vistracorp.com/sustainability/.

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, the potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our results of operations, 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 and to successfully integrate acquired businesses; (iii) actions by credit ratings agencies; (iv) the severity, magnitude and duration of pandemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and the resulting effects on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows; (v) the severity, magnitude and duration of extreme weather events (including Winter Storm Uri), 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 (vi) 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, 2021 and any subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

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.