8-KMaterial AgreementsRegulation FDExhibits & Filings

CENTERPOINT ENERGY INC 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Feb 20, 2024)

Filed February 20, 2024For Securities:CNP

Summary

CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (CNP) announced through its subsidiary, CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp., the entry into an Asset Purchase Agreement to sell its Louisiana and Mississippi regulated natural gas local distribution company businesses (the "Business") for $1.2 billion. The buyers are entities under Delta Utilities. This divestiture represents a strategic shift for CNP, allowing it to focus on its core operations and potentially improve its financial flexibility. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals from Louisiana and Mississippi Public Service Commissions and antitrust clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. The sale is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2025. The $1.2 billion purchase price is subject to customary adjustments for working capital, regulatory assets/liabilities, and capital expenditures at closing. Investors should note that the agreement includes standard representations, warranties, and covenants, and CenterPoint Energy has agreed to operate the business in the ordinary course until closing. While the filing provides details on the agreement, it also includes the standard cautionary note that representations and warranties are for the benefit of the parties and may not reflect the actual state of facts.

Key Highlights

  • 1CenterPoint Energy (CNP) is selling its Louisiana and Mississippi regulated natural gas LDC businesses for $1.2 billion.
  • 2The sale is being conducted through a subsidiary, CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp., to entities under Delta Utilities.
  • 3The transaction is expected to close by the end of Q1 2025, subject to regulatory and antitrust approvals.
  • 4Key closing conditions include approvals from Louisiana and Mississippi Public Service Commissions and HSR clearance.
  • 5The $1.2 billion purchase price is subject to customary closing adjustments.
  • 6The divestiture signifies a strategic move to focus on core operations and enhance financial flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

CenterPoint Energy is selling its Louisiana and Mississippi regulated natural gas local distribution company businesses for a purchase price of $1.2 billion, subject to customary closing adjustments.

The transaction is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2025, contingent upon the satisfaction of all customary closing conditions.

Key conditions for closing include expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, approval from the Louisiana Public Service Commission, approval from the Mississippi Public Service Commission, and no material adverse effect on the business. Customary conditions regarding the accuracy of representations and warranties and each party's obligations are also required.

Yes, the divestiture of these businesses is a strategic move by CenterPoint Energy to focus on its core operations and potentially improve its financial flexibility.