A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Edison International (NYSE:EIX) . Shares have lost about 4.9% in that time frame.
Will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is EIX due for a breakout? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at its most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts.
Edison International's Q1 Earnings Miss, Revenues Beat
Edison International reported first-quarter 2018 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 80 cents from continuing operations, which missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 90 cents by 11.1%.
Excluding one-time items, the company reported GAAP earnings of 67 cents per share, reflecting a decline of 39.6% from the year-ago quarter’s earnings of $1.11 per share.
Total Revenues
Edison International's first-quarter 2018 revenues were $2,564 million, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2,459 million by 4.3%. The figure was up 4.1% from the year-ago quarter’s tally of $2,463 million.
Operational Highlights
In the reported quarter, total operating expenses increased 12.1% to $2,234 million, primarily on account of a massive increase in impairment and other charges. Also higher purchasing power and fuel expenses (18.1%), operation and maintenance expenses (11.8%) as well as property and other taxes (7%) led to increased operating expenses.
Operating income was $330 million in the reported quarter, down 30% from the year-ago quarter’s figure of $471 million.
Interest expenses were $170 million in the quarter, higher than $152 million in the prior-year quarter.
Segment Results
Southern California Edison’s (SCE) first-quarter core earnings were 88 cents per share compared with $1.07 a year ago. The bottom line fell due to the cost of capital decision on the GRC revenue July 2017, higher operation & maintenance expenses and higher net financing costs.
Parent and other segments reported core loss of 8 cents per share, compared to the year-ago quarter’s earnings of 4 cents.
Financial Update
As of Mar 31, 2018, cash and cash equivalents were $105 million, reflecting a significant decline from $1,091 million of Dec 31, 2017. Long-term debt was $13.4 billion, higher than $11.6 billion of Dec 31, 2017.
Net cash from operating activities as of Mar 31, 2018 was $859 million, compared with $884 million in the prior-year quarter. Total capital expenditure amounted to $1,137 million as of Mar 31, 2018, down $944 million from the prior-year quarter.
Guidance
After the final decision from California Public Utilities Commission on Southern California Edison 2018 GRC, the company will issue the 2018 earnings guidance.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?
It turns out, fresh estimates flatlined during the past month. There has been one revision higher for the current quarter compared to one lower.
VGM Scores
At this time, EIX has an average Growth Score of C, however its Momentum is doing a bit better with a B. The stock was also allocated a grade of B on the value side, putting it in the second quintile for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of C. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
Based on our scores, the stock is more suitable for value and momentum investors than growth investors.
Outlook
EIX has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). We expect a below average return from the stock in the next few months.
Edison International (EIX): Free Stock Analysis Report
Original post