10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2015

EVERSOURCE ENERGY Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2015

Filed November 6, 2015For Securities:ES

Summary

Eversource Energy reported solid financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, with net income attributable to common shareholders of $696.7 million, or $2.19 per diluted share, an increase from $597.9 million, or $1.89 per diluted share, in the same period of 2014. This growth was driven by improved performance across its regulated utility segments, particularly electric distribution, benefiting from rate increases and favorable regulatory settlements. The company's liquidity remained stable, with cash flows from operations supporting significant investments in property, plant, and equipment, totaling $1.2 billion for the nine-month period. Eversource also continued to return value to shareholders through dividends. Key strategic initiatives, such as the Northern Pass transmission project and the PSNH generation asset divestiture, are progressing, with the company actively managing regulatory processes and potential cost adjustments. Investors should note the ongoing FERC ROE complaint proceedings, which could impact future earnings, though the company has established reserves for these matters.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$1.93B
Operating Expenses$1.46B
Operating Income$469.20M
Interest Expense$92.53M
Net Income$237.80M
EPS (Basic)$0.74
EPS (Diluted)$0.74
Shares Outstanding (Basic)317.45M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)318.41M

Key Highlights

  • 1Eversource Energy reported a year-over-year increase in net income attributable to common shareholders for both the third quarter ($235.9 million vs. $234.6 million) and the first nine months ($696.7 million vs. $597.9 million) of 2015.
  • 2Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) also saw an increase, rising to $2.19 for the nine-month period from $1.89 in the prior year, reflecting improved operational performance.
  • 3The electric distribution segment was a key driver of growth, with earnings increasing due to rate increases in Connecticut (CL&P) and favorable settlements, such as the one with the Massachusetts Attorney General for NSTAR Electric.
  • 4Investments in property, plant, and equipment remained substantial, totaling $1.2 billion for the first nine months of 2015, underscoring the company's commitment to infrastructure improvement and expansion.
  • 5The company's transmission segment earnings showed a mixed performance, decreasing slightly in the third quarter but increasing year-over-year for the nine-month period, largely due to the resolution of FERC ROE complaint proceedings.
  • 6Liquidity was maintained, with $35.8 million in cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period. Operating cash flows of $1.3 billion supported investments and dividend payments.
  • 7Significant regulatory developments are ongoing, including the Northern Pass transmission project's environmental impact statement and the PSNH generation asset divestiture, both of which are progressing through their respective approval processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eversource Energy reported net income attributable to common shareholders of $696.7 million, or $2.19 per diluted share, for the first nine months of 2015. This represents an increase from $597.9 million, or $1.89 per diluted share, in the same period of 2014, driven by strong performance in its regulated utility segments, particularly electric distribution.

The electric distribution segment was the primary contributor to earnings growth. This was driven by factors such as a base distribution rate increase for CL&P effective December 1, 2014, favorable regulatory settlements for NSTAR Electric, and improved sales volumes at NSTAR Electric and PSNH.

Eversource maintained stable liquidity, generating $1.3 billion in cash flows from operating activities during the first nine months of 2015. These funds supported capital expenditures of $1.2 billion and dividend payments to shareholders. The company also had access to a $1.45 billion revolving credit facility.

Yes, several key developments are underway. The Northern Pass transmission project advanced with the issuance of a draft Environmental Impact Statement, though project cost estimates were revised upward. Additionally, Eversource is progressing with the divestiture of PSNH's generation assets, subject to regulatory approval. The company is also actively involved in ongoing FERC ROE complaint proceedings, for which it has recorded reserves.