Today Emera (TSX: EMA) reported 2020 fourth quarter and annual financial results and announced forward looking decarbonization goals and a vision to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.
Highlights
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Growth in annual adjusted EPS of 3%; growth of 15% when normalized for the impact of asset sales. Annual adjusted earnings for 2020 include a recovery of a $36 million outstanding litigation award.
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Growth in annual earnings from ongoing regulated operations, less corporate costs, of 13%.
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Deployed $2.7 billion of capital investment in 2020 to drive rate base growth and advance Emera’s strategy.
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Long-standing strategy of safely providing cleaner, affordable and reliability energy to our customers has achieved a reduction in CO2 emissions of 39% since 2005.
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Continuing our progress by establishing clear decarbonization goals and a vision to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
"I am pleased with the financial results we delivered in 2020 which reflect the strength and resiliency of our team, portfolio and strategy," said Scott Balfour, President and CEO of Emera Inc. "Carbon reduction is central to our strategy and has been a key driver of growth and innovation at Emera for over 15 years. We’re continuing our progress by setting clear, achievable goals and a vision to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050."
Q4 2020 Financial Results
Q4 2020 reported net income was $273 million, or $1.09 per common share, compared with net income of $193 million, or $0.79 per common share, in Q4 2019.
Q4 2020 adjusted net income was $188 million, or $0.75 per common share, compared with $145 million, or $0.60 per common share, in Q4 2019.
Growth in quarterly net income was largely due to the recovery of a $36 million outstanding litigation award, continued growth at Tampa Electric and lower corporate interest costs. The timing of preferred share dividend declarations also decreased earnings by $11 million in Q4 2020 as compared to Q4 2019.
The Canadian dollar exchange rate had no material impact in the quarter as compared to 2019.
Annual 2020 Financial Results
2020 reported net income was $938 million, or $3.78 per common share, compared with net income of $663 million, or $2.76 per common share, in 2019.
2020 adjusted net income was $665 million, or $2.68 per common share, compared with $621 million, or $2.59 per common share, in the 2019 period. When normalized for the operating earnings impact of previously announced and closed asset sales, 2020 and 2019 adjusted net income were $660 million and $554 million or $2.66 and $2.31 per common share, respectively.
Reported earnings for the year ended December 31, 2020 included $309 million of earnings related to the gain on sale of the Emera Maine business, net of tax and transaction costs. In addition, $26 million of after-tax impairment charges were recognized on certain assets in 2020. Reported earnings for the year ended December 31, 2019 included an impairment charge of $34 million due to the 2019 impact of Hurricane Dorian on GBPC.
Growth in annual net income was largely due to the recovery of a $36 million outstanding litigation award, continued growth at Tampa Electric and lower corporate interest costs, partially offset by a Nova Scotia tax rate change resulting in deferred income tax revaluation adjustment and lower earnings contributions from Nova Scotia Power and the Caribbean utilities.
The weakening of the CAD exchange rates increased earnings by $19 million and adjusted earnings by $5 million in 2020 compared to 2019.
Outlook
Emera’s $7.4 billion capital investment plan over the 2021-to-2023 period and the potential for additional capital opportunities of $1.2 billion over the same period, is expected to generate rate base growth of 7.5 per cent to 8.5 per cent through to 2023. The capital investment plan continues to include significant investments across the portfolio in renewable and cleaner generation, infrastructure modernization and customer-focused technologies.
Emera’s capital investment plan is being funded primarily through internally generated cash flows and debt raised at the operating company level. Equity requirements in support of our capital investment plan is expected to be funded through the dividend reinvestment plan, the issuance of preferred equity and the issuance of common equity through our at-the-market program. Maintaining investment-grade credit ratings is a priority of management.
Emera has provided annual dividend growth guidance of four to five per cent through to 2022.