Eversource(US:ES)2026-02-13 15:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported full-year non-GAAP earnings per share of $4.76, a slight increase from $4.57 in 2024, while GAAP earnings for 2025 were $4.56 per share compared to $2.27 per share in 2024 [21][19] - The company paid dividends of $3.01 per share, representing a 5.2% increase [5] - The FFO to debt ratio improved by over 400 basis points at Moody's [9][35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Electric transmission earned $2.09 per share in 2025, up from $2.03 per share in 2024, driven by investments in service reliability and demand growth [22] - Electric distribution earnings increased to $1.80 per share in 2025 from $1.77 per share in 2024, primarily due to base distribution rate increases [22] - Natural gas distribution segment earnings rose to $0.97 per share in 2025 from $0.81 per share in 2024, attributed to base distribution rate increases and infrastructure investments [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company successfully deployed over $4 billion in capital investments in 2025, focusing on grid modernization and customer energy efficiency programs [6] - The advanced metering infrastructure program reached over 100,000 smart meter installations in Massachusetts, part of a larger initiative to upgrade 1.5 million meters statewide [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue delivering top-tier operational performance while advancing infrastructure investments, including a new five-year capital investment plan of $26.5 billion, which is an increase of $2.3 billion from the previous plan [12][25] - The focus remains on enhancing customer experience, safety, and reliability while addressing aging infrastructure and supporting the clean energy transition [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving earnings growth towards the upper half of the 5%-7% long-term EPS range by 2028, despite challenges in 2026 [18][39] - The company is navigating a changing regulatory landscape and addressing affordability concerns while maintaining a strong balance sheet [17][39] Other Important Information - The company received regulatory approvals for rate adjustments and cost recovery mechanisms that align with infrastructure investment needs [8][29] - The company is actively pursuing the sale of Aquarion Water Company and has submitted a notice of intent to file a rate case for Aquarion [14][32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of Aquarion sale on funding needs - Management indicated that if the Aquarion sale is approved, it could reduce the need for alternative financing solutions, potentially enhancing growth rates [46][60] Question: Status of Revolution Wind project liabilities - Management clarified that the obligation is to Global Infrastructure Partners, not Ørsted, and that the critical trigger for liability ends at the commercial operation date [61][66] Question: Sources and uses of cash regarding minority interest sales - Management discussed exploring various alternatives for financing, including minority interest sales, but emphasized that details are still being evaluated [73][75] Question: Timeline for the completion of the Aquarion sale - Management confirmed that the decision from PURA regarding the Aquarion sale is expected in March, which will clarify the company's next steps [32][102] Question: Drivers for earnings growth in 2027 - Management highlighted several key drivers for 2027, including the Aquarion transaction, storm cost recovery, and regulatory adjustments [89]