10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2010

EVERSOURCE ENERGY Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2010

Filed August 6, 2010For Securities:ES

Summary

Eversource Energy (ES), operating as Northeast Utilities, reported mixed financial results for the second quarter and first half of 2010. Net income attributable to controlling interests decreased to $71.9 million ($0.41 per share) for Q2 2010 and $158.2 million ($0.90 per share) for the first half of 2010, compared to the same periods in 2009. This decline was primarily due to the absence of benefits from favorable tax settlements in the prior year and the impact of the 2010 Healthcare Act. Despite these headwinds, the company saw improved results in its transmission segment due to infrastructure investments and positive developments in rate cases for its distribution segment subsidiaries (CL&P and PSNH), which are expected to support future earnings. The company raised its full-year 2010 earnings guidance to between $1.95 and $2.05 per share, reflecting improved rate case outcomes, warmer weather boosting sales, and better-than-expected uncollectible expense trends. Capital expenditures for 2010 are projected at approximately $1.1 billion, focusing on transmission infrastructure development and distribution system upgrades. Liquidity remains strong with significant borrowing availability, and credit rating outlooks from major agencies are stable.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$1.11B
Operating Expenses$933.08M
Operating Income$178.30M
Interest Expense$67.20M
Net Income$71.90M
EPS (Basic)$0.41
Shares Outstanding (Basic)176.57M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)176.74M

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income decreased year-over-year for both Q2 2010 ($71.9M vs $82.9M) and the first half of 2010 ($158.2M vs $180.5M), impacted by the absence of prior year tax benefits and the 2010 Healthcare Act.
  • 2The company revised its full-year 2010 EPS guidance upward to a range of $1.95-$2.05, reflecting positive rate case resolutions and improved sales outlook.
  • 3Transmission segment earnings showed an increase due to higher investments in infrastructure, while distribution segment earnings were impacted by rate case outcomes and operational costs.
  • 4Capital expenditures for the first half of 2010 were $442.4 million, with full-year projections remaining around $1.1 billion, primarily directed towards transmission and distribution improvements.
  • 5Liquidity remains solid, with significant borrowing capacity available, and credit ratings from major agencies are stable.
  • 6CL&P and PSNH achieved constructive resolutions in their respective distribution rate cases, leading to approved rate increases and supportive regulatory ROEs.
  • 7Retail electric sales increased year-over-year due to warmer weather, while natural gas sales saw a slight decrease, influenced by milder temperatures.

Frequently Asked Questions

The decrease in net income was primarily driven by the absence of significant benefits realized in the prior year from the resolution of routine tax issues, as well as the impact of the 2010 Healthcare Act, which resulted in a charge of $3 million after-tax in the first quarter of 2010.

The constructive resolutions of the distribution rate cases for CL&P and PSNH were key factors in the company raising its full-year 2010 EPS guidance. These resolutions are expected to allow for improved earnings over the coming quarters by supporting authorized returns on equity and enabling recovery of investments and costs.

The company's capital expenditures are focused on transmission infrastructure development and distribution system upgrades, with approximately $1.1 billion projected for 2010. The transmission segment saw increased earnings due to higher investments in infrastructure projects aimed at meeting regional reliability needs.

Eversource Energy maintains strong liquidity with significant borrowing capacity available under its credit facilities. Credit rating outlooks from Moody's, S&P, and Fitch remain stable for the company and its subsidiaries, reflecting a solid financial position.