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The **low cash balance in Q2 2024** was primarily due to a combination of factors. **Interest payments** totaling **$404 million** in the first half of 2024 significantly reduced the cash reserve, while increased **capital expenditures**—evidenced by a rise in related accounts payable to **$517 million** compared to the previous period—further drained cash. Additionally, the company had accrued **$126 million** in **dividends** by the end of 2023, which were paid out in early 2024. Finally, various **working capital changes**, such as decreases in accounts receivable and fluctuations in taxes receivable, also contributed to the reduction in cash and cash equivalents.  **[0001130310-24-000093_cnp-20240630.htm:11]** **[0001130310-24-000093_cnp-20240630.htm:61]** 

Why was cash and cash equivalents so low in Q2 2024?

The sharp increase in Total Assets in Q3 2024 was driven by several factors. **Current assets held for sale** increased by **$1,346 million** (primarily due to the reclassification of the Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas LDC businesses), **Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net** rose from **$29,853 million** to **$31,438 million**, **Regulatory Assets** increased from **$2,513 million** to **$3,007 million**, and there was a modest rise in **Cash and Cash Equivalents** from **$90 million** to **$112 million**.  **[0001130310-24-000115_cnp-20240930.htm:41]** **[0001130310-24-000115_cnp-20240930.htm:12]** 

What drove the sharp increase in Total Assets in Q3 2024?

The documents indicate that the **high total long-term debt in Q3 2024** was primarily driven by a combination of factors. These included **raising $399 million from long-term debt issuances**, incurring **significant capital expenditures of $1,027 million**, and borrowing to cover **storm-related costs and accelerated investments in system resiliency**. Additionally, changes in the outstanding debt—such as refinancing and maturities—also played a role in the increase.  **[0001130310-24-000115_cnp-20240930.htm:18]** **[0001130310-24-000115_cnp-20240930.htm:42]** **[CNP_3404197_6]** **[CNP_3404197_8]** 

Why did Total long-term debt reach such high levels in Q3 2024?

The dramatic drop in the **current portion of other long-term debt** in **Q3 2024** appears to be due to the repayment or refinancing of a significant portion of the company's short-term obligations. This reduction indicates that CenterPoint Energy (CNP) either paid off or restructured a notable amount of its maturing long-term debt, thereby decreasing the liabilities classified as current. However, the documents do not provide further explicit details on the specific transactions or refinancing activities that induced this change.  **[0001130310-24-000115_cnp-20240930.htm:12]** 

What led to the dramatic drop in the current portion of other long-term debt in Q3 2024?

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Total Revenue [USD, Millions]

Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) [USD, Millions]

SG&A [USD, Millions]

R&D [USD, Millions]

D&A [USD, Millions]

Interest Expense [USD, Millions]

Operating Income (EBIT) [USD, Millions]

Net Income [USD, Millions]

EPS - Basic [USD]

EPS - Diluted [USD]

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Adjustments for Non-Cash Items (USD, Millions)

Stock-Based Compensation (USD, Millions)

Changes in Working Capital (USD, Millions)

Capital Expenditures (USD, Millions)

Proceeds from Debt (USD, Millions)

Repayments of Debt (USD, Millions)

Share Repurchases (USD, Millions)

Dividend Payments (USD, Millions)

Net Change in Cash (USD, Millions)

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CENTERPOINT ENERGY (CNP)

Financials