On Feb. 28, Centerpoint Energy (NYSE:CNP) released fourth-quarter earnings for the period ended Dec. 31.

  • Total revenue declined by 23.3%, primarily because of a 25% drop-off in sales in the natural gas distribution segment and a 33% decrease in the competitive natural gas sales and services segment.
  • Capital expenditures increased 55.9% for the full year, boosted by increases in the interstate pipeline segment.
  • For 2007, Centerpoint expects diluted EPS around $1.02 to $1.12.

(Figures in millions, except per-share data)

Income Statement Highlights

Q4 2006

Q4 2005

Change

Sales

$2,464

$3,212

(23.3%)

Net Profit

$67

$81

(17.3%)

EPS

$0.20

$0.25

(20.0%)

Diluted Shares

334.6

320.4

4.5%



Get back to basics with a look at the income statement.

Margin Checkup

Q4 2006

Q4 2005

Change*

Operating Margin

9.5%

7.9%

1.7

Net Margin

2.7%

2.5%

0.2

*Expressed in percentage points.

Margins are the earnings engine. See how they work.

Balance Sheet Highlights

Assets

Q4 2006

Q4 2005

Change

Cash + ST Invest.

$127

$74

71.6%



Liabilities

Q4 2006

Q4 2005

Change

Long-Term Debt

$7,802

$8,568

(8.9%)



Learn the ways of the balance sheet.

Cash Flow Highlights

FY 2006

FY 2005

Change

Cash From Ops.

$991

$101

881.2%

Capital Expenditures

$1,121

$719

55.9%

Free Cash Flow

($130)

($618)

N/A



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