Eversource Energy to Benefit From Strategic Infrastructure Investments

Core Insights - Eversource Energy (ES) is focusing on strategic investments to enhance its transmission and distribution networks, which is expected to improve operational efficiency and service reliability, thereby attracting more customers [1] - The company's long-term earnings growth rate is projected at 5.92% over the next three to five years [1] Investment Plans - Eversource has outlined a long-term capital investment plan of $24.2 billion for the 2025-2029 period, with nearly $16.2 billion allocated for electric and natural gas distribution networks and $6.8 billion for the electric transmission segment [2] - Additional capital investment potential of $1.5-$2.0 billion is expected over the same timeframe [2] - The company plans to invest nearly $2 billion in replacing aging infrastructure, $1.5 billion in its cable undergrounding program, $1 billion in substation development, and $0.5 billion in clean energy initiatives through 2028 [3] Regulatory Support - Eversource's customer-focused investments in electric transmission and distribution are backed by constructive regulatory mechanisms, ensuring timely cost recovery for most of its businesses [4] - Consistent performance and investments are likely to support long-term earnings per share growth of 5-7% from the 2024 base [4] Challenges - In January 2025, Eversource announced a definitive agreement to sell Aquarion Water Company for $2.4 billion, but the sale was halted by Connecticut's Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) due to concerns over potential rate hikes and insufficient regulatory oversight [5] - This situation has led Eversource to pursue alternative financing and explore a new rate case for Aquarion Water [5] Performance Metrics - Over the past year, ES shares have increased by 15.3%, although this growth lags behind the industry's 18.9% [7] - The company maintains a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), while competitors such as The AES Corporation, NextEra Energy, and PG&E Corporation hold a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [10]