NW Natural Holdings Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Results

Initiates 2022 earnings guidance and increases long-term EPS growth rate target

Northwest Natural Holding Company, (NYSE: NWN) (NW Natural Holdings), reported financial results and highlights including:

• Reported net income of $2.56 per share for 2021, an increase of $8.4 million or 11%, compared to net income of $2.30 per share from continuing operations for 2020
• Added more than 11,400 natural gas meters over the last 12 months equating to a 1.5% growth rate
• Invested $294 million in our gas and water utility systems to support growth and greater reliability and resiliency
• Scored second in the West for customer satisfaction among large utilities in the 2021 J.D. Power Gas Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study, making this the 18^th consecutive year customers have ranked NW Natural among the top two utilities
• Received Washington rate case order approving a two-year adjustment that combined has an estimated pre-tax earnings benefit of up to $8 million for the gas utility
• Filed an Oregon general rate case requesting a revenue requirement increase to support growth and system investments for the gas utility
• Signed an agreement that will nearly double the size of the water utility business through the Far West Water & Wastewater acquisition and purchased an ownership stake in the largest investor-owned water utility in Oregon
• Launched a competitive renewable energy business line and hired the president of this business to pursue growth
• Increased our dividend for the 66^th consecutive year to an annual indicated dividend rate of $1.93 per share
• Initiated 2022 earnings guidance in the range of $2.45 to $2.65 per share and increased the long-term earnings per share growth rate target to 4% to 6%

"In 2021, we grew our gas and water utilities, continued to build on our fundamental strengths, and entered a new stage of growth as we launched a competitive renewable natural gas business," said David H. Anderson, president and CEO of NW Natural Holdings. "At the same time, we made significant progress to procure renewable natural gas on behalf of our gas utility customers as we work to decarbonize the energy delivered through our system and move to a low-carbon, renewable energy future."

For 2021, NW Natural Holdings reported net income of $78.7 million (or $2.56 per share), an increase of $8.4 million or 11%, compared to $70.3 million (or $2.30 per share) from net income from continuing operations for 2020. Results reflected customer growth and new rates in Oregon and Washington for our natural gas utility, partially offset by higher operations and maintenance expenses, depreciation, and general tax expenses. In addition, net income from our other activities increased primarily due to higher asset management revenues related to a February 2021 cold weather event.

KEY INITIATIVES AND EVENTS

Filed an Oregon General Rate Case for NW Natural

On Dec. 17, 2021, NW Natural filed a request for a general rate increase with the Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC). The filing includes a requested $73.5 million annual revenue requirement increase and an increase in average rate base of $294 million compared to the last rate case related to long-planned investments related to safety, reliability, and information technology upgrades. NW Natural's filing will be reviewed by the OPUC and other stakeholders. The process is anticipated to take up to 10 months with new rates expected to take effect Nov. 1, 2022.

New Rates in Washington

On Oct. 21, 2021, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission issued an order concluding NW Natural's general rate case filed in December 2020. The order provides for an annual revenue requirement increase over two years, consisting of a $5.0 million increase in the first year beginning Nov. 1, 2021 and up to an incremental $3.0 million increase in the second year beginning Nov. 1, 2022.

Utility Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)

NW Natural continues to pursue RNG supply on behalf of our customers under the landmark Oregon Senate Bill 98, which supports renewable energy procurement and investment by natural gas utilities. NW Natural has options to invest up to a total estimated $38 million in four separate RNG development projects using biogas derived from Tyson Foods’ processing plants. Operations commenced on our first RNG facility with BioCarbN and Tyson Foods in January 2022. Construction of our second RNG facility began in late 2021 with completion and commissioning expected in early 2023.

In November 2021, NW Natural and a subsidiary of Archaea Energy entered into a long-term agreement to purchase the environmental attributes related to up to ten million therms generated annually from Archaea's portfolio of RNG production facilities for a fixed fee for a period of 21 years. The agreement commenced in 2022, with the full annual quantity beginning in 2025.

To date, NW Natural has signed agreements with options to purchase or develop RNG on behalf of its utility customers totaling about 3% of NW Natural’s annual sales volume in Oregon.

NW Natural Renewables Launches Competitive RNG Strategy and Hires President

NW Natural Renewables is a non-regulated subsidiary of NW Natural Holdings committed to leading the energy transition by providing cost-effective solutions to decarbonize the utility, commercial, industrial and transportation sectors.

In January 2022, NW Natural Renewables named Michael Kotyk, an industry leader, as president of the new business line, equipping the business to be ready and resourced to pursue renewable natural gas opportunities.

NW Natural Renewables' first project is with EDL, a leading global producer of sustainable distributed energy. Renewables has contracted to provide $50 million toward the development of two production facilities that are designed to convert landfill waste gases to RNG and connect that production to existing regional pipeline networks. Construction began in January 2022 with substantial completion and commissioning of the first facility anticipated in early 2023 and the second facility in spring 2023. In addition, the agreements with EDL provide for a 20-year supply of RNG that NW Natural Renewables intends to market primarily under long-term contracts.

Water Utilities and Acquisitions

In December 2021, NW Natural Water signed agreements to purchase the water and wastewater utilities of Far West Water & Sewer (Far West) located in Yuma, Arizona. These utilities serve approximately 25,000 connections, and upon closing the transaction will nearly double the number of NW Natural Water's connections. The pending acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2022, subject to customary closing conditions, including certain regulatory approvals. This acquisition is projected to be accretive to earnings per share after the first full year of operations. NWN Water continued to make progress with acquisition agreements for two water and wastewater utilities in Texas, which serve a total of 800 customer connections, which are expected to close in 2022.

In addition, in December 2021, NW Natural Water purchased a 37.3% ownership stake in Avion Water Company, Inc. (Avion) - the largest investor-owned water utility in Oregon. Avion operates in Bend, Oregon and the surrounding communities. In 2021, NW Natural Water closed five transactions total, including Avion, that represent approximately 6,500 connections. As of Dec. 31, 2021, NW Natural Water served approximately 80,000 people through about 33,000 connections. Once pending acquisitions close, NWN Water expects to serve approximately 145,000 customers through approximately 60,000 water and wastewater connections in the Pacific Northwest, Texas and Arizona.

ANNUAL RESULTS

The following financial comparisons are between the annual results for 2021 and 2020 with individual year-over-year drivers below presented on an after-tax basis using a statutory tax rate of 26.5%, unless otherwise noted.

NW Natural Holdings' annual results by business segment are summarized in the table below:

Natural Gas Distribution Segment

Natural Gas Distribution (NGD) segment net income increased $5.4 million (or $0.16 per share) reflecting new customer rates from the Oregon rate case that went into effect Nov. 1, 2020, new rates in Washington that went into effect Nov. 1, 2021, and customer growth, partially offset by higher operating expenses.

Margin increased $30.7 million reflecting new rates, which contributed $26.7 million, and customer growth of 1.5% over the last 12 months, which contributed $4.2 million. Partially offsetting this was a detriment of $2.7 million primarily from the gas cost incentive sharing mechanism as a result of purchasing higher priced gas during a February 2021 cold weather event than what was forecasted for the year.

Operations and maintenance expense increased $14.2 million as a result of higher expenses mainly from additional employee compensation and benefit costs, higher lease expense associated with our new headquarters and operations center, and contractor, professional service fees and license costs related to information technology system upgrades.

Depreciation expense and general taxes increased $9.0 million as we continue to invest in our natural gas utility system and facilities.

Other

Other net income increased $3.0 million (or $0.10 per share) reflecting higher asset management revenues from a February 2021 cold weather event, partially offset by higher strategic and business development expenses at NW Natural Holdings.

Discontinued Operations

On Dec. 4, 2020, NW Natural Gas Storage, LLC closed the sale of the Gill Ranch storage facility. The completion of the sale resulted in an after-tax gain of $5.9 million, which is reflected in income from discontinued operations.

FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS

The following financial comparisons are between the fourth quarter of 2021 and 2020 with individual year-over-year drivers presented on an after-tax basis using a statutory tax rate of 26.5%, unless otherwise noted.

NW Natural Holdings' fourth quarter results by business segment are summarized in the table below:

Natural Gas Distribution Segment

Natural gas distribution segment net income decreased $4.3 million (or $0.15 per share) primarily reflecting higher operations and maintenance and depreciation expenses, partially offset by new rates in Oregon beginning Nov. 1, 2020 and new rates in Washington beginning Nov. 1, 2021.

Margin increased $4.5 million primarily due to new rates, which contributed $3.2 million, and customer growth of 1.5% over the last 12 months, which contributed $1.5 million.

Operations and maintenance expense increased $5.7 million primarily as a result of higher payroll and benefit costs, higher contractor and professional service expenses, and information technology upgrade expenses.

Depreciation and general tax expenses increased $1.6 million as we continue to invest in our natural gas utility system and facilities.

Other

Other net income decreased $0.9 million (or $0.03 per share) primarily driven by higher business development costs at the holding company.

Discontinued Operations

On Dec. 4, 2020, NW Natural Gas Storage, LLC closed the sale of the Gill Ranch storage facility. The completion of the sale resulted in an after-tax gain of $5.9 million, which is reflected in income from discontinued operations.

BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOWS

For 2021, the Company generated $160.4 million in operating cash flow and invested $293.9 million in natural gas capital expenditures to support growth, safety, and technology and facility upgrades and water utility capital expenditures to support growth and safety. In addition, we invested $14.5 million in an equity method investment to acquire a minority position in a water utility. Net cash provided by financing activities was $131.4 million for 2021 primarily due to issuing long-term and short-term debt, partially offset by repayments, and equity through our at-the-market (ATM) program.

2022 GUIDANCE AND LONG-TERM TARGETS

NW Natural Holdings is initiating 2022 earnings guidance in the range of $2.45 to $2.65 per share. This guidance assumes continued customer growth, average weather conditions, and no significant changes in prevailing regulatory policies, mechanisms, or outcomes, or significant local, state or federal laws, legislation or regulations.

NW Natural Holdings increased its long-term earnings per share growth rate target to 4% to 6% compounded annually from 2022 through 2027, an increase from its previous range of 3% to 5%.

NW Natural capital expenditures for 2022 are expected to be in the range of $310 million to $350 million and for the five-year period from 2022 to 2026 is expected to range from $1.3 billion to $1.5 billion. Approximately 75% of the planned amount is for core gas utility investments with the remainder related to projects. These projects include system reinforcements to support growth and reliability and technology upgrades related to an enterprise resource planning system, cybersecurity, and a customer information system. NW Natural Water is expected to invest approximately $15 million in 2022 related to maintenance capital expenditures for water and wastewater utilities owned as of Dec. 31, 2021, and for the five-year period is expected to invest approximately $60 million to $70 million.

The timing and amount of the core capital expenditures and projects for 2022 and the next five years could change based on regulation, growth, and cost estimates. Additional investments in our infrastructure during and after 2022 that are not incorporated in the estimates provided above will depend largely on additional regulations, growth, and expansion opportunities. Required funds for the investments are expected to be internally generated and/or financed with long-term debt or equity, as appropriate.

66 YEARS OF INCREASING DIVIDENDS

On Nov. 15, 2021, NW Natural Holdings paid its 66^th consecutive annual dividend increase. In January 2022, the board of directors of NW Natural Holdings declared a quarterly dividend of 48.25 cents per share on the Company’s common stock. The dividend was paid on Feb. 15, 2022 to shareholders of record on Jan. 31, 2022. The Company’s current indicated annual dividend rate is $1.93 per share. Future dividends are subject to board of director discretion and approval.

CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST

As previously announced, NW Natural Holdings will host a conference call and webcast today to discuss its fourth quarter and annual 2021 financial and operating results.

The call will also be webcast in a listen-only format for the media and general public and can be accessed at ir.nwnaturalholdings.com. A replay of the conference call will be available on our website and by dialing 1-866-813-9403 (U.S.), 1-226-828-7578 (Canada), and +44-204-525-0658 (international). The replay access code is 753731.

ABOUT NW NATURAL HOLDINGS

Northwest Natural Holding Company, (NYSE: NWN) (NW Natural Holdings), is headquartered in Portland, Oregon and has been doing business for over 160 years in the Pacific Northwest. It owns NW Natural Gas Company (NW Natural), NW Natural Water Company (NW Natural Water), and other business interests and activities.

NW Natural is a local distribution company that currently provides natural gas service to approximately 2.5 million people in more than 140 communities through more than 785,000 meters in Oregon and Southwest Washington with one of the most modern pipeline systems in the nation. NW Natural consistently leads the industry with high J.D. Power & Associates customer satisfaction scores. NW Natural owns and operates 21 Bcf of underground gas storage capacity in Oregon.

NW Natural Water currently provides water distribution and wastewater services to communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. NW Natural Water serves approximately 80,000 people through approximately 33,000 connections in the Pacific Northwest and Texas. Learn more about our water business at nwnaturalwater.com.

Additional information is available at nwnaturalholdings.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release, and other presentations made by NW Holdings from time to time, may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "anticipates," "assumes," "intends," "plans," "seeks," "believes," "estimates," "expects" and similar references to future periods. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the following: plans, objectives, assumptions, estimates, expectations, timing, goals, strategies, commitments, future events, investments, timing and amount of capital expenditures, targeted capital structure, risks, risk profile, stability, acquisitions and timing, completion and integration thereof, the likelihood and success associated with any transaction, utility system and infrastructure investments, system modernization, reliability and resiliency, global, national and local economies, customer and business growth, customer satisfaction ratings, weather, performance and service during weather events, customer rates or rate recovery and the timing and magnitude of potential rate changes and the potential outcome of rate cases, environmental remediation cost recoveries, environmental initiatives, decarbonization and the role of natural gas and the gas delivery system, including decarbonization goals and timelines, energy efficiency measures, use of renewable sources, renewable natural gas purchases, projects, investments and other renewable initiatives and timing, magnitude and completion thereof, renewable hydrogen projects or investments and timing, magnitude and completion thereof, procurement of renewable natural gas or hydrogen for customers, technology and policy innovations, strategic goals and visions, the water and wastewater acquisition and investment strategy and financial effects of water and wastewater acquisitions, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, operating plans of third parties, financial results, including estimated income, availability and sources of liquidity, expenses, positions, revenues, returns, cost of capital, timing, and earnings, earnings guidance and estimated future growth rates, dividends, commodity costs and sourcing asset management activities, performance, timing, outcome, or effects of regulatory proceedings or mechanisms or approvals, regulatory prudence reviews, anticipated regulatory actions or filings, accounting treatment of future events, effects of legislation or changes in laws or regulations, effects, extent, severity and duration of COVID-19 and resulting economic disruption, the impact of mitigating factors and other efforts to mitigate risks posed by its spread, ability of our workforce, customers or suppliers to operate or conduct business, COVID-19 financial impact, expenses, cost savings measures and cost recovery including through regulatory deferrals and the timing and magnitude thereof, impact on capital projects, governmental actions and timing thereof, including actions to reopen the economy, and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts.

Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions regarding its business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. You are therefore cautioned against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. They are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future operational, economic or financial performance. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are discussed by reference to the factors described in Part I, Item 1A "Risk Factors", and Part II, Item 7 and Item 7A "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk" in the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in Part I, Items 2 and 3 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk", and Part II, Item 1A, "Risk Factors", in the quarterly reports filed thereafter.

All forward-looking statements made in this report and all subsequent forward-looking statements, whether written or oral and whether made by or on behalf of NW Holdings or NW Natural, are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and NW Holdings and NW Natural undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible to predict all such factors, nor can it 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 statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220225005109/en/