ES Eversource Energy

Announces Exploration of Sale of Water Distribution Business

Eversource Energy (NYSE: ES) today reported a full-year 2023 loss of $(442.2) million, or $(1.26) per share, compared with full-year 2022 earnings of $1,404.9 million, or $4.05 per share. Eversource also reported a fourth quarter 2023 loss of $(1,288.5) million, or $(3.68) per share, compared with fourth quarter 2022 earnings of $320.2 million, or $0.92 per share.

Results for the full year and the fourth quarter of 2023 include after-tax impairment charges of $1,953 million, or $5.58 per share, and $1,622 million, or $4.63 per share, respectively, related to Eversource Energy’s offshore wind investment. In addition, results for both years include other after-tax non-recurring costs and charges that totaled $6.9 million for the full year of 2023 compared with $15 million for the full year of 2022.

2023 Non-GAAP EPS of $4.34 – Focus on Core Electric and Natural Gas Distribution and Transmission Businesses

Excluding the charges noted above, Eversource Energy reported non-GAAP earnings of $1,517.7 million1, or $4.34 per share1, for the full-year 2023 and $333.5 million1, or $0.95 per share1, in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with $1,419.9 million1, or $4.09 per share1, for the full-year 2022 and $322.3 million1, or $0.92 per share1, in the fourth quarter of 2022. Eversource’s core distribution and transmission businesses are well positioned to deliver solid operational and financial results as we move forward in supporting the region’s transition to a cleaner energy environment.

Full Exit of Offshore Wind Business

With the announcement today of the sale of South Fork Wind and Revolution Wind to Global Infrastructure Partners, the agreement reached with Ørsted for the sale of Sunrise Wind and the completed sale of the uncommitted lease area last year, we now have the pathway to a full exit of Eversource’s offshore wind business. Eversource will continue to hold its existing tax equity investment in South Fork Wind.

Potential Sale of Water Distribution Business

Eversource’s water distribution business segment comprises a set of valuable, well-performing and well managed assets. Although the business has been earnings accretive to Eversource, a potential sale of the water business is an opportunity to reduce equity needs and improve regulatory diversity. With its $1.3 billion rate base as of December 31, 2023, the water business is likely of substantial value to another owner as part of a larger strategic water business or infrastructure platform. As a result, Eversource plans to launch a process evaluating market interest in a transaction for this business segment, with the objective of delivering greater value to all stakeholders. Eversource cannot provide assurances regarding the ultimate outcome or the timing around this process.

“Aquarion has been a meaningful investment to Eversource, and I appreciate the hard work and dedication of the Aquarion team and its leadership. The company is well recognized and respected for its operational excellence in the water distribution business,” said Joe Nolan, Eversource Energy Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “The Aquarion team truly shares the Eversource values of customer commitment and stewardship of the environment.”

Eversource Energy is focused on building the necessary transmission and distribution infrastructure for the clean energy future that its customers and states desire. We continue to work constructively with stakeholders to improve the regulatory environment in Connecticut to provide customers with a high level of safe, reliable and cost-effective investments.

Also today, Eversource Energy projected 2024 non-GAAP earnings of between $4.50 per share and $4.67 per share. The Company also projected that its compound annual earnings per share growth rate from its regulated businesses would be within the range of 5 to 7 percent through 2028, using the adjusted $4.34 per share1 earned in 2023 as the base year. Eversource anticipates its equity issuances of up to $1.3 billion over the next several years, in combination with the potential sale of its water distribution business segment.

“Although we experienced great challenges over the past year, our core utility operations completed an excellent year owing to the dedication of our 10,000 employees in providing safe and reliable service to our 4.4 million customers,” said Nolan. “Our focus remains on improving our already strong service metrics, making the required investments to modernize the region’s energy delivery system and enabling our clean energy future while enhancing our balance sheet condition.”

Electric Transmission

Eversource Energy’s transmission segment earned $643.4 million in 2023, compared with earnings of $596.6 million in 2022. Transmission earnings were $167 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with earnings of $140.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. Transmission segment results improved due to a higher level of investment in Eversource’s electric transmission system.

Electric Distribution

Eversource Energy’s electric distribution segment earned $608 million in 2023, compared with earnings of $592.8 million in 2022. Electric distribution earned $103.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with earnings of $97.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. Improved full-year and fourth-quarter results were due primarily to higher revenues from investments in our distribution system and a base distribution rate increase for Eversource’s Massachusetts electric business, partially offset by higher operations and maintenance (O&M), interest expense, property taxes and depreciation. Fourth-quarter results also included the benefit of a seasonal rate design impact in Massachusetts that has no impact on annual results.

Natural Gas Distribution

Eversource Energy’s natural gas distribution segment earned $224.8 million in 2023, compared with earnings of $234.2 million in 2022. It earned $76.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with earnings of $87.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. Lower full-year results were due primarily to higher depreciation, interest expense, and a higher effective tax rate, partially offset by higher revenues. Lower fourth-quarter results were due primarily to higher O&M and depreciation expense, partially offset by higher revenues.

Water Distribution

Eversource Energy’s water distribution segment earned $33.1 million in 2023, compared with earnings of $36.8 million in 2022. The water distribution segment earned $5.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with earnings of $7.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. Lower full-year and fourth-quarter results were due primarily to higher depreciation, O&M and interest expense.

Eversource Parent and Other Companies

Eversource Energy parent and other companies earned $8.4 million1 in 2023, compared with a loss of $(40.5) million1 in 2022. It lost $(19.4) million1 in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with a loss of $(12.9) million1 in the fourth quarter of 2022. Improved full-year results primarily reflect a lower effective tax rate and a benefit from the disposition of Eversource’s interest in a clean energy fund and a resultant contribution in the first quarter of 2023 to the Eversource Energy Foundation, partially offset by higher interest expense. Lower fourth-quarter results were due primarily to higher interest expense, partially offset by a lower effective tax rate.

The following table reconciles 2023 and 2022 fourth quarter and full-year GAAP earnings per share:

 

 

 Fourth Quarter

 Full Year

2022 

Reported EPS

$0.92

$4.05

 

Higher electric transmission segment earnings in 2023,

net of dilution

0.07

0.12

 

At the electric distribution segment, higher revenues in 2023, partially offset by higher O&M, interest expense, property taxes, and depreciation, net of dilution

0.02

 

0.03

 

At the natural gas distribution segment in 2023, higher depreciation, interest expense, and a higher effective tax rate, partially offset by higher revenues, net of dilution

 

 (0.03)

(0.03)

 

At the water distribution segment, higher depreciation, O&M and interest expense

(0.01)

(0.02)

 

At Parent and Other companies in 2023, a lower effective tax rate, partially offset by higher interest expense

(0.02)

0.15

 

Impairment charges of Offshore Wind Investment

(4.63)

(5.58)

 

Lower other non-recurring charges

-

0.02

2023 

Reported EPS

$(3.68)

$(1.26)

   

Three months ended:

 

(in millions, except EPS)

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Increase/ (Decrease)

2023 EPS1

Electric Transmission

$167.0

$140.7

$26.3

$0.47

Electric Distribution

103.7

97.9

5.8

0.30

Natural Gas Distribution

76.5

87.1

(10.6)

0.22

Water Distribution

5.7

7.4

(1.7)

0.01

Eversource Parent and Other Companies1

(19.4)

(12.9)

(6.5)

(0.05)

Impairment of Offshore Wind Investment

(1,622.0)

-

(1,622.0)

(4.63)

Reported (Loss)/Earnings

$(1,288.5)

$320.2

$(1,608.7)

$(3.68)

   

Full year ended:

 

(in millions, except EPS)

December 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Increase/ (Decrease)

2023 EPS1

Electric Transmission

$643.4

$596.6

$46.8

$1.84

Electric Distribution

608.0

592.8

15.2

1.74

Natural Gas Distribution

224.8

234.2

(9.4)

0.64

Water Distribution

33.1

36.8

(3.7)

0.09

Eversource Parent and Other Companies1

8.4

(40.5)

48.9

0.03

Transaction and other charges

(6.9)

(15.0)

8.1

(0.02)

Impairments of Offshore Wind Investment

(1,953.0)

-

(1,953.0)

(5.58)

Reported (Loss)/Earnings

$(442.2)

$1,404.9

$(1,847.1)

$(1.26)

 

Eversource Energy has approximately 350 million common shares outstanding and operates New England’s largest energy delivery system. It serves approximately 4.4 million electric, natural gas and water customers in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Note: Eversource Energy will webcast a conference call with senior management on February 14, 2024, beginning at 9 a.m. Eastern Time. The webcast and associated slides can be accessed through Eversource Energy’s website at www.eversource.com.

1 All per-share amounts in this news release are reported on a diluted basis. The only common equity securities that are publicly traded are common shares of Eversource Energy. The earnings discussion includes financial measures that are not recognized under generally accepted accounting principles (non-GAAP) referencing earnings and EPS excluding the impairment charges for the offshore wind investments and certain transaction, transition and other charges. EPS by business is also a non-GAAP financial measure and is calculated by dividing the net income attributable to common shareholders of each business by the weighted average diluted Eversource Energy common shares outstanding for the period. The earnings and EPS of each business do not represent a direct legal interest in the assets and liabilities of such business, but rather represent a direct interest in Eversource Energy’s assets and liabilities as a whole. Eversource Energy uses these non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate and provide details of earnings results by business and to more fully compare and explain results without including these items. This information is among the primary indicators management uses as a basis for evaluating performance and planning and forecasting of future periods. Management believes the impacts of the impairment charges for the offshore wind investments and transaction, transition and other charges are not indicative of Eversource Energy’s ongoing costs and performance. Management views these charges as not directly related to the ongoing operations of the business and therefore not an indicator of baseline operating performance. Due to the nature and significance of the effect of these items on net income attributable to common shareholders and EPS, management believes that the non-GAAP presentation is a more meaningful representation of Eversource Energy’s financial performance and provides additional and useful information to readers in analyzing historical and future performance of the business. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as alternatives to Eversource Energy’s reported net income attributable to common shareholders or EPS determined in accordance with GAAP as indicators of Eversource Energy’s operating performance. This document includes statements concerning Eversource Energy’s expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, strategies, assumptions of future events, future financial performance or growth and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Generally, readers can identify these forward-looking statements through the use of words or phrases such as “estimate,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “believe,” “forecast,” “should,” “could” and other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations, estimates, assumptions or projections of management and are not guarantees of future performance. These expectations, estimates, assumptions or projections may vary materially from actual results. Accordingly, any such statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to, and are accompanied by, the following important factors that may cause our actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those contained in our forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: cyberattacks or breaches, including those resulting in the compromise of the confidentiality of our proprietary information and the personal information of our customers; our ability to complete the offshore wind investments sales process on the timelines, terms and pricing we expect; if we and the counterparties are unable to satisfy all closing conditions and consummate the purchase and sale transactions with respect to our offshore wind assets; if Sunrise Wind does not win in the OREC contract solicitation process; if we are unable to qualify for investment tax credits related to these projects; if we experience variability in the projected construction costs of the offshore wind projects, if there is a deterioration of market conditions in the offshore wind industry; and if the projects do not commence operation as scheduled or within budget or are not completed, disruptions in the capital markets or other events that make our access to necessary capital more difficult or costly; changes in economic conditions, including impact on interest rates, tax policies, and customer demand and payment ability; ability or inability to commence and complete our major strategic development projects and opportunities; acts of war or terrorism, physical attacks or grid disturbances that may damage and disrupt our electric transmission and electric, natural gas, and water distribution systems; actions or inaction of local, state and federal regulatory, public policy and taxing bodies; substandard performance of third-party suppliers and service providers; fluctuations in weather patterns, including extreme weather due to climate change; changes in business conditions, which could include disruptive technology or development of alternative energy sources related to our current or future business model; contamination of, or disruption in, our water supplies; changes in levels or timing of capital expenditures; changes in laws, regulations or regulatory policy, including compliance with environmental laws and regulations; changes in accounting standards and financial reporting regulations; actions of rating agencies; and other presently unknown or unforeseen factors.

Other risk factors are detailed in Eversource Energy’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). They are updated as necessary and available on Eversource Energy’s website at www.eversource.com and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. All such factors are difficult to predict and contain uncertainties that may materially affect Eversource Energy’s actual results, many of which are beyond our control. You should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, as each speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and, except as required by federal securities laws, Eversource Energy undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

EVERSOURCE ENERGY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF (LOSS)/INCOME Unaudited)

   

 

For the Three Months Ended December 31,

(Thousands of Dollars, Except Share Information)

 

2023

 

 

 

2022

 

 

 

 

Operating Revenues

$

2,694,238

 

 

$

3,029,740

 

 

 

 

Operating Expenses:

 

 

 

Purchased Power, Purchased Natural Gas and Transmission

 

935,329

 

 

 

1,295,796

Operations and Maintenance

 

513,141

 

 

 

486,431

Depreciation

 

343,363

 

 

 

308,535

Amortization

 

(51,657

)

 

 

30,248

Energy Efficiency Programs

 

160,145

 

 

 

159,342

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes

 

235,370

 

 

 

227,150

Total Operating Expenses

 

2,135,691

 

 

 

2,507,502

Operating Income

 

558,547

 

 

 

522,238

Interest Expense

 

231,300

 

 

 

186,765

Impairments of Offshore Wind Investments

 

1,766,000

 

 

 

—

Other Income, Net

 

85,090

 

 

 

90,834

(Loss)/Income Before Income Tax Expense

 

(1,353,663

)

 

 

426,307

Income Tax (Benefit)/Expense

 

(67,058

)

 

 

104,269

Net (Loss)/Income

 

(1,286,605

)

 

 

322,038

Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests

 

1,880

 

 

 

1,880

Net (Loss)/Income Attributable to Common Shareholders

$

(1,288,485

)

 

$

320,158

 

 

 

 

Basic and Diluted (Loss)/Earnings Per Common Share

$

(3.68

)

 

$

0.92

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:

 

 

 

Basic

 

349,938,891

 

 

 

348,786,307

Diluted

 

350,167,959

 

 

 

349,267,768

The data contained in this report is preliminary and is unaudited. This report is being submitted for the sole purpose of providing information to shareholders about Eversource Energy and Subsidiaries and is not a representation, prospectus, or intended for use in connection with any purchase or sale of securities.

 

EVERSOURCE ENERGY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF (LOSS)/INCOME (Unaudited)

   

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

(Thousands of Dollars, Except Share Information)

 

2023

 

 

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Revenues

$

11,910,705

 

 

$

12,289,336

 

$

9,863,085

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchased Power, Purchased Natural Gas and Transmission

 

5,168,241

 

 

 

5,014,074

 

 

3,372,344

Operations and Maintenance

 

1,895,703

 

 

 

1,865,328

 

 

1,739,685

Depreciation

 

1,305,840

 

 

 

1,194,246

 

 

1,103,008

Amortization

 

(490,117

)

 

 

448,892

 

 

231,965

Energy Efficiency Programs

 

691,344

 

 

 

658,051

 

 

592,775

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes

 

940,359

 

 

 

910,591

 

 

829,987

Total Operating Expenses

 

9,511,370

 

 

 

10,091,182

 

 

7,869,764

Operating Income

 

2,399,335

 

 

 

2,198,154

 

 

1,993,321

Interest Expense

 

855,441

 

 

 

678,274

 

 

582,334

Impairments of Offshore Wind Investments

 

2,167,000

 

 

 

—

 

 

—

Other Income, Net

 

348,069

 

 

 

346,088

 

 

161,282

(Loss)/Income Before Income Tax Expense

 

(275,037

)

 

 

1,865,968

 

 

1,572,269

Income Tax Expense

 

159,684

 

 

 

453,574

 

 

344,223

Net (Loss)/Income

 

(434,721

)

 

 

1,412,394

 

 

1,228,046

Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests

 

7,519

 

 

 

7,519

 

 

7,519

Net (Loss)/Income Attributable to Common Shareholders

$

(442,240

)

 

$

1,404,875

 

$

1,220,527

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic (Loss)/Earnings Per Common Share

$

(1.27

)

 

$

4.05

 

$

3.55

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted (Loss)/Earnings Per Common Share

$

(1.26

)

 

$

4.05

 

$

3.54

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

349,580,638

 

 

 

346,783,444

 

 

343,972,926

Diluted

 

349,840,481

 

 

 

347,246,768

 

 

344,631,056

The data contained in this report is preliminary and is unaudited. This report is being submitted for the sole purpose of providing information to shareholders about Eversource Energy and Subsidiaries and is not a representation, prospectus, or intended for use in connection with any purchase or sale of securities.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240212627310/en/

Robert S. Becker (860) 665-3249