10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2020

CENTERPOINT ENERGY INC Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2020

Filed November 5, 2020For Securities:CNP

Summary

CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (CNP) reported mixed financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. While utility revenues remained relatively stable, the company experienced a significant net loss of $973 million compared to a net income of $634 million in the prior year's comparable period. This decline was largely driven by a substantial $1.541 billion impairment charge on its investment in Enable Midstream Partners, LP and a $185 million goodwill impairment charge related to its Indiana Electric Integrated reporting unit. The company has also divested its Infrastructure Services and Energy Services businesses during the period. Despite the significant net loss, the company's liquidity remains adequate, supported by access to credit facilities and cash flows from operations. Management is focused on operational efficiencies and cost controls to navigate the challenging economic environment, including the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, which have affected commercial and industrial customer demand and contributed to increased bad debt expense. The company has also undertaken strategic actions, including dividend reductions and capital expenditure adjustments, to preserve financial flexibility.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$1.62B
Cost of Revenue$63.00M
Gross Profit$1.56B
Operating Expenses$1.32B
Operating Income$302.00M
Net Income$121.00M
EPS (Basic)$0.13
EPS (Diluted)$0.13
Shares Outstanding (Basic)544.81M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)548.19M

Key Highlights

  • 1Significant net loss of $973 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to a net income of $634 million in the prior year, primarily due to impairments.
  • 2Recorded a substantial $1.541 billion impairment charge on its investment in Enable Midstream Partners, LP.
  • 3Incurred a $185 million goodwill impairment charge for the Indiana Electric Integrated reporting unit.
  • 4Completed divestitures of Infrastructure Services and Energy Services businesses.
  • 5Despite the net loss, the company maintained access to liquidity through its credit facilities and operational cash flows.
  • 6Recognized $16 million and $14 million in regulatory assets for incremental uncollectible receivables related to COVID-19 in NGD service territories and Indiana Electric, respectively.
  • 7Houston Electric's net income decreased by $28 million for the quarter and $35 million for the nine months, attributed to rate changes, COVID-19 impacts, and depreciation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver for the significant net loss of $973 million was a substantial $1.541 billion impairment charge on CenterPoint Energy's investment in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, coupled with a $185 million goodwill impairment charge related to its Indiana Electric Integrated reporting unit. These impairments were influenced by macroeconomic conditions, including the impact of COVID-19 on commodity prices and Enable's business.

CenterPoint Energy's liquidity remains adequate, supported by access to its revolving credit facilities and cash flows generated from its utility operations. The company has also implemented cost-saving measures, including dividend reductions and adjustments to capital spending, to preserve financial flexibility.

COVID-19 has impacted the company through reduced demand from commercial and industrial customers, leading to an increase in bad debt expense. Regulatory commissions in several jurisdictions have allowed for the deferral of bad debt expenses as regulatory assets. The company has also experienced operational adjustments and implemented enhanced safety protocols for its workforce.

Yes, CenterPoint Energy completed the divestitures of its Infrastructure Services business on April 9, 2020, and its Energy Services business on June 1, 2020. These divestitures are reflected as discontinued operations in the financial statements.