10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2016

EVERSOURCE ENERGY Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2016

Filed August 5, 2016For Securities:ES

Summary

Eversource Energy's (ES) Q2 2016 report indicates a slight decrease in net income attributable to common shareholders compared to the previous year, with earnings of $203.6 million ($0.64/share) for the quarter and $447.8 million ($1.41/share) for the first half, versus $207.5 million ($0.65/share) and $460.8 million ($1.45/share) respectively in 2015. The electric transmission segment saw earnings growth, driven by infrastructure investments and a higher rate base, while the electric distribution segment experienced a decline due to higher operating and maintenance expenses, and depreciation. The natural gas distribution segment showed modest earnings growth in the quarter but a year-over-year decline in the first half, primarily due to warmer weather impacting sales volumes. Cash flows from operating activities improved significantly in the first half of 2016, reaching $978.4 million compared to $865.3 million in the prior year, supporting increased capital expenditures of $869.2 million. The company also saw positive developments in its credit ratings from Moody's, S&P, and Fitch, with outlooks shifting to positive or stable. Key regulatory and legislative developments include ongoing FERC ROE complaint proceedings with potential impacts on future earnings, and a significant bill passed in Massachusetts requiring solicitation for offshore wind and hydropower contracts.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$1.77B
Operating Expenses$1.34B
Operating Income$423.40M
Interest Expense$100.49M
Net Income$205.50M
EPS (Basic)$0.64
EPS (Diluted)$0.64
Shares Outstanding (Basic)317.79M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)318.48M

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income attributable to common shareholders for Q2 2016 was $203.6 million ($0.64/share), a slight decrease from $207.5 million ($0.65/share) in Q2 2015.
  • 2First half 2016 net income attributable to common shareholders was $447.8 million ($1.41/share), down from $460.8 million ($1.45/share) in the first half of 2015.
  • 3Electric transmission segment earnings increased due to higher investments and rate base, while electric distribution segment earnings decreased due to higher operating expenses and depreciation.
  • 4Cash flow from operating activities increased to $978.4 million in the first half of 2016 from $865.3 million in the same period of 2015.
  • 5Capital expenditures rose to $869.2 million in the first half of 2016, up from $740.4 million in the first half of 2015.
  • 6Credit ratings and outlooks from Moody's, S&P, and Fitch were generally upgraded or maintained with stable/positive outlooks.
  • 7The company is involved in ongoing FERC ROE complaint proceedings that could impact future earnings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eversource Energy reported a slight decrease in net income attributable to common shareholders for Q2 2016, with earnings of $203.6 million, or $0.64 per share, compared to $207.5 million, or $0.65 per share, in Q2 2015.

The electric transmission segment saw earnings growth due to higher investments and a larger rate base. Conversely, the electric distribution segment experienced a decline in earnings, primarily driven by increased operating and maintenance expenses and higher depreciation charges. The natural gas distribution segment's earnings were impacted by warmer weather affecting sales volumes.

Cash flow from operating activities improved significantly in the first half of 2016, reaching $978.4 million, up from $865.3 million in the first half of 2015. This increase in operating cash flow supported higher capital expenditures, which rose to $869.2 million in the first half of 2016 from $740.4 million in the same period of 2015.

Yes, Eversource Energy is engaged in ongoing FERC ROE complaint proceedings that could potentially impact future earnings. Additionally, the company is responding to a civil action filed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers concerning an electric distribution cable beneath Boston Harbor, the outcome of which is currently unpredictable.