Summary
Eversource Energy (ES) reported strong financial results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017. The company experienced growth in earnings per share, driven by its electric transmission segment's increased rate base and favorable regulatory outcomes in its electric distribution segment, including rate increases approved for CL&P and NSTAR Electric. Significant strategic moves during the year included the acquisition of Aquarion Water Company, expanding Eversource's utility service offerings. The company also continued its focus on capital expenditures for transmission and distribution infrastructure modernization and expansion. While facing challenges such as mild weather impacting sales volumes in the electric distribution segment, Eversource demonstrated resilience through its decoupled revenue mechanisms and prudent cost management. The company projects continued earnings growth for 2018, supported by its robust capital investment plan and strategic diversification.
Financial Highlights
49 data points| Revenue | $7.75B |
| Operating Expenses | $5.86B |
| Operating Income | $1.89B |
| Interest Expense | $421.75M |
| Net Income | $995.51M |
| EPS (Basic) | $3.11 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $3.11 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 317.41M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 318.03M |
Key Highlights
- 1Eversource Energy's net income attributable to common shareholders increased to $988.0 million in 2017, up from $942.3 million in 2016, with diluted earnings per share rising to $3.11 from $2.96.
- 2The electric transmission segment was a key driver of growth, with earnings increasing to $391.9 million in 2017, up from $370.8 million in 2016, due to higher transmission rate base from ongoing infrastructure investments.
- 3Eversource completed the acquisition of Aquarion Water Company in December 2017 for $1.675 billion, adding water utility services to its portfolio.
- 4Positive regulatory outcomes were achieved, including approved annual distribution rate increases for CL&P and NSTAR Electric, with NSTAR Electric's rate case decision resulting in a $44.1 million pre-tax benefit in 2017.
- 5Capital expenditures for 2018-2021 are projected at $10.8 billion, focusing on electric and natural gas distribution ($5.7 billion) and electric transmission ($4.1 billion).
- 6PSNH completed the sale of its thermal generation facilities in January 2018, with net proceeds of $134.1 million.
- 7The company's credit rating was upgraded by S&P to A+ with a stable outlook, reflecting its strong financial performance and strategic positioning.