Fortis Reports Second Quarter Earnings of $107 Million

ST. JOHN'S, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR--(Marketwired - Jul 29, 2016) - Fortis Inc. ("Fortis" or the "Corporation") (FTS.TO), a leader in the North American electric and gas utility industry, released its second quarter results today. The Corporation's net earnings attributable to common equity shareholders for the second quarter were $107 million, or $0.38 per common share, compared to $244 million, or $0.88 per common share, for the second quarter of 2015. On a year-to-date basis, earnings were $269 million, or $0.95 per common share, compared to $442 million, or $1.59 per common share, for 2015. The most significant difference in quarterly and year-to-date earnings compared to 2015 related to the gains on sale of assets recognized in the second quarter of 2015.

On an adjusted basis, net earnings attributable to common equity shareholders for the second quarter were $131 million, or $0.46 per common share, an increase of $8 million, or $0.02 per common share, over the second quarter of 2015. On a year-to-date basis, adjusted earnings were $321 million, or $1.13 per common share, an increase of $19 million, or $0.04 per common share, over 2015. A reconciliation of adjusted net earnings and adjusted earnings per common share is provided in the Corporation's Interim Management Discussion and Analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016.

Strong second quarter earnings and cash flow; capital expenditure plan on track

  • Factors that resulted in growth in adjusted earnings for the second quarter included:

    • strong performance at most of the Corporation's regulated utilities;

    • contribution of $4 million from the Aitken Creek gas storage facility in British Columbia ("Aitken Creek"), which was acquired in early April 2016;

    • the strength of the US dollar relative to the Canadian dollar. Approximately 45% of Fortis' assets are denominated in US dollars. On an annual basis, earnings per common share are affected by approximately $0.01 for each $0.01 change in the US dollar relative to the Canadian dollar; and

    • the timing of quarterly earnings at FortisBC Electric compared to the second quarter of 2015.

  • Earnings growth was tempered by lower earnings at FortisAlberta, due to higher operating expenses and lower average energy consumption, and the sale of commercial real estate and hotel assets in 2015.

  • Cash flow from operating activities was $931 million for the first half of 2016, comparable with the first half of 2015.

  • Capital expenditures for the first half of 2016 were $859 million and the Corporation's consolidated capital expenditure forecast of $1.9 billion for 2016 is on track. Caribbean Utilities completed its 39.7 megawatt generation expansion project in the second quarter of 2016, on schedule and below budget, for a total cost of US$79 million.