10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2012

CENTERPOINT ENERGY INC Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2012

Filed August 2, 2012For Securities:CNP

Summary

CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (CNP) reported mixed financial results for the second quarter and first half of 2012 compared to the same periods in 2011. While net income saw a slight increase on a consolidated basis, driven by gains on indexed debt securities and other income, operating income showed a slight decline. This was primarily due to a significant decrease in revenues, particularly in the Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services and Natural Gas Distribution segments, influenced by warmer weather and lower commodity prices. However, the Electric Transmission & Distribution segment showed resilience with increased operating income, bolstered by customer growth and higher equity returns. The company also made strategic acquisitions in its midstream operations and completed significant debt financing transactions. Cash flow from operations decreased due to lower tax refunds and higher pension contributions, while cash used in investing activities increased due to acquisitions. Financing activities saw a substantial increase in cash provided, driven by new long-term debt issuance. The company anticipates sufficient cash on hand to meet its obligations for the remainder of 2012, with ongoing capital expenditures focused on infrastructure development in its core utility businesses.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$1.52B
Operating Expenses$1.22B
Operating Income$302.00M
Net Income$126.00M
EPS (Basic)$0.29
EPS (Diluted)$0.29
Shares Outstanding (Basic)427.35M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)429.63M

Key Highlights

  • 1Consolidated net income increased slightly to $126 million for Q2 2012 and $273 million for the first half of 2012, compared to $119 million and $267 million respectively in the prior year.
  • 2Revenues decreased significantly across multiple segments, with total consolidated revenues falling to $1.525 billion in Q2 2012 and $3.609 billion in H1 2012, down from $1.837 billion and $4.424 billion in the prior year periods.
  • 3Operating income saw a slight decline to $302 million for Q2 2012 and $640 million for H1 2012, from $303 million and $667 million in the prior year.
  • 4The Electric Transmission & Distribution segment showed robust performance, with operating income increasing to $191 million in Q2 2012 and $298 million in H1 2012.
  • 5Cash flow from operating activities decreased by $210 million for the first half of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, primarily due to lower tax refunds.
  • 6The company completed strategic midstream acquisitions, including the acquisition of the Amoruso gathering system and the full ownership of Waskom Gas Processing Company, which resulted in a significant pre-tax gain.
  • 7CenterPoint Energy engaged in significant debt financing activities, including issuing $1.695 billion in transition bonds and calling for redemption of $800 million in general mortgage bonds, funded by new long-term debt issuance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary drivers for the decrease in consolidated revenues were significantly lower revenues in the Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services and Natural Gas Distribution segments. This was attributed to warmer weather impacting demand, lower commodity prices, and the expiration of a favorable backhaul contract in the Interstate Pipelines segment.

The company made strategic midstream acquisitions, notably the Amoruso gathering system and the full acquisition of Waskom Gas Processing Company. The Waskom acquisition, completed in stages, resulted in a substantial pre-tax gain of approximately $130 million due to the remeasurement of the previously held interest to fair value. These acquisitions strengthen the Field Services segment.

The company anticipates that its cash on hand and anticipated cash flows from operations will be sufficient to meet its financial needs for the remainder of 2012. Future capital expenditures are primarily focused on infrastructure for its electric and natural gas operations. The company also has access to significant revolving credit facilities.

The company is involved in various legal, environmental, and regulatory matters, including gas market manipulation cases, natural gas measurement lawsuits, and manufactured gas plant site remediation. While these matters are actively managed, the company states that it does not expect the ultimate outcome of most of these proceedings to have a material adverse impact on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.