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Hydro One Limited (TSE:H)
TSX:H

Hydro One (H) AI Stock Analysis

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TSE:H

Hydro One

(TSX:H)

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Neutral 67 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:67Neutral
Price Target:
C$61.00
▲(4.85% Upside)
Action:DowngradedDate:02/18/26
The score is driven primarily by mixed financial quality: strong profitability and operating cash generation are offset by negative recent free cash flow and gradually rising leverage. Technicals are supportive with an established uptrend, but momentum indicators are stretched. Valuation is a headwind given the higher P/E and only moderate yield, while the latest earnings call was a net positive due to reaffirmed growth guidance and solid execution despite interest-rate and regulatory pressures.
Positive Factors
Regulated business model
Hydro One's core regulated transmission and distribution franchises produce predictable, rate‑regulated cash flows under OEB frameworks. That structural revenue model supports multi-year planning, steady margins and reliable recovery of prudently incurred costs, enabling durable earnings visibility.
Rate‑base growth via capex
Sustained multi‑billion capital deployment with increasing in‑service additions expands Hydro One's regulated rate base. As projects are energized and enter rate base, they generate allowed returns, providing structural earnings growth and long‑term cash flow uplift beyond near‑term construction periods.
Productivity and customer alignment
Material productivity savings and explicit sharing with customers show operational discipline and regulatory alignment. Sustained efficiency gains help preserve regulated margins, reduce unit costs, and strengthen regulatory credibility, supporting rate outcomes and long‑run profitability.
Negative Factors
Rising leverage
Leverage has increased materially as Hydro One funds a large capex program with debt. Higher debt/equity reduces financial flexibility, raises interest expense sensitivity and limits capacity to absorb shocks or pursue opportunistic investments without raising rates, issuing equity, or increasing refinancing risk.
Negative free cash flow
Persistent negative free cash flow driven by elevated capex constrains internal funding for the growth program and dividend support. Ongoing FCF deficits increase reliance on external financing, elevating refinancing and interest‑rate risk if market conditions worsen over the medium term.
Regulatory & procurement uncertainty
Shifts in procurement policy and regulatory adjustments create structural execution and revenue risk. Competitive tendering and earnings‑sharing or cost recovery changes can delay or reduce allowed returns on new projects, affecting long‑term project win rates, timing of earnings recognition and margin stability.

Hydro One (H) vs. iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC)

Hydro One Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionHydro One Limited, through its subsidiaries, operates as an electricity transmission and distribution company in Ontario. It operates through three segments: Transmission Business, Distribution Business, and Other. The company owns and operates approximately 30,000 circuit kilometers of high-voltage transmission lines and 125,000 circuit kilometers of primary low-voltage distribution network. It serves approximately 1.5 million residential, small business, commercial, and industrial customers. The company also provides telecommunications support services for its transmission and distribution businesses; and information and communications technology services and solutions. Hydro One Limited was incorporated in 2015 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.
How the Company Makes MoneyHydro One generates revenue primarily through the transmission and distribution of electricity. The company earns money by charging customers for the electricity they use, based on regulated rates set by the Ontario Energy Board. Key revenue streams include transmission charges from utilities and large industrial clients, as well as distribution charges from residential and small business customers. Hydro One also benefits from cost recovery mechanisms that allow it to recover investments in infrastructure and operational costs. Additionally, the company engages in partnerships with renewable energy developers and other stakeholders, which can provide supplemental revenue opportunities through collaborative projects and grid enhancements.

Hydro One Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 13, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 01, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call conveyed predominantly positive operational and financial momentum: strong EPS and net income growth, sizable productivity savings ($254M) with $166M passed to customers, successful capital deployment ($3.4B capex; $2.9B placed in service) and notable project designations and First Nations partnership progress. Offsetting items include near‑term revenue declines (net of purchased power) driven by regulatory adjustments and earnings sharing, higher interest and tax expenses, and the fact that much incremental capex is not yet in service (limiting immediate earnings impact). Regulatory and competitive uncertainty and weather‑related operational risks remain notable but manageable based on current commentary.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Earnings Per Share and Net Income Growth
Q4 basic EPS of $0.39 vs $0.33 prior year; full-year EPS $2.23 vs $1.93 in 2024. Net income increased 16.5% in the quarter and 15.8% for the full year, driven by volume growth, OEB‑approved 2025 rates and lower OM&A.
Material Productivity Savings and Customer Rate Relief
Achieved approximately $254 million in productivity savings across capital and operating expenditures. Shared approximately $166 million with customers through reductions in future rates.
Significant Capital Deployment and Assets Placed in Service
Invested ~$3.4 billion in capital for the year (up 9.9% YoY). Placed ~$2.9 billion of assets in service (up 17.8% YoY); Q4 in‑service additions $1.3 billion (up 19.1% YoY). Q4 capex $939 million (up 17.5% YoY).
Major Transmission Project Awards and Development Pipeline
Designated to develop multiple large transmission projects including Bowmanville–GTA (500 kV), Thorold–Welland (230 kV, ~$311M, in service by 2029), Greenstone (230 km, in service 2032) and Barrie–Sudbury (500 kV, in service 2032), expanding backlog from 10 to 14 projects.
First Nations 50-50 Equity Partnership Progress
Chatham–Lakeshore completion with all 5 partner First Nations securing financing and becoming equity partners; model replicable across backlog and supported by diverse capital providers.
Strong Safety and Customer Satisfaction Metrics
Worked 20 consecutive months without a high-energy serious injury/fatality; recordable injury rate 0.68 per 200,000 hours (below world-class benchmark of 1). Customer satisfaction: residential & small business 88%, commercial & industrial 82%, transmission customers 79%.
Sustainable Financing and Balance Sheet Strength
Issued $1.6 billion of medium‑term notes in the quarter and ~$2.7 billion in 2025 under sustainable financing framework. FFO to net debt ratio 14.2% (Dec 31), remaining above credit‑review thresholds.
Workforce & Governance Wins
Collective agreement ratified with the Society of United Professionals (effective Oct 1, 2025–Mar 31, 2028). Recognized as one of Canada's Best Employers for 2026 by Forbes/Statista.
Forward EPS Guidance and Dividend
Expect EPS to grow 6%–8% annually for the rate period (base normalized 2022 EPS $1.61). Board declared dividend of $0.3331 per share payable March 11, 2026.
Negative Updates
Revenue Decline Net of Purchased Power in Q4
Revenue, net of purchased power, decreased 5.2% year‑over‑year in Q4. Transmission revenues fell 2.8% and Distribution revenues fell 10.1%, primarily due to regulatory adjustments including higher earnings sharing and lower mutual storm assistance recoveries.
Higher Interest Expense from Increased Long-Term Debt
Interest expense rose 10.8% year‑over‑year driven by increased long‑term debt to fund the capital program; issued ~$2.7 billion in medium‑term notes in 2025 which increases financing cost exposure despite favorable coupons.
Higher Income Tax and Effective Tax Rate
Quarterly income tax expense increased to $30 million from $17 million a year ago; effective tax rate rose to 11.4% in Q4 (from 7.8%) and 14.0% for the year (from 13.4%), increasing net expense.
Near-Term Earnings Impact from Incremental Capex
Significant incremental capital spending (many projects still under development) means much of the 2026–2027 capex will not be in service immediately and therefore offers limited near‑term earnings contribution while increasing interest costs.
Operational Challenges from Extreme Weather
Back‑to‑back December storms affected >250,000 customers, testing operational readiness. While response and restoration were successful, weather volatility underscores operational and cost risks.
Regulatory and Competitive Uncertainties
IESO's new competitive procurement for transmission could introduce uncertainty for future large‑scale projects; potential consolidation outcomes from the province's expert panel on local distribution may create longer‑term sector changes.
Company Guidance
Hydro One reiterated that EPS is expected to grow 6–8% annually for the current rate period using normalized 2022 EPS of $1.61 as the base, and said it will stick to its previously published guidance despite elevated capital deployment; management expects an effective tax rate of about 13–16% for the remainder of the JRAP '23 period. The outlook is supported by 2025 results (FY EPS $2.23 vs $1.93 in 2024; Q4 EPS $0.39 vs $0.33; net income +16.5% Q/Q and +15.8% FY/FY), balance‑sheet metrics (FFO/net debt 14.2%), and continued investment and financing activity (2025 capex ≈ $3.4B; Q4 capex $939M +17.5% YoY; assets placed in service ≈ $2.9B for the year and $1.3B in Q4 +19.1% YoY). Management noted financing completed under its sustainable framework (≈ $2.7B medium‑term notes in 2025, including $1.2B at 3.9% due 2033 and $400M at 4.8% due 2056), a Q4 interest‑expense increase of ~10.8% YoY but only limited expected EPS drag from incremental interest, a declared dividend of $0.3331 per share (record March 11, 2026), and ongoing productivity delivery (~$254M savings in 2025, with ~$166M returned to customers).

Hydro One Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Income statement strength (Score 78) reflects accelerating revenue growth and stable utility-level margins, but balance-sheet leverage is a constraint (Score 62; debt-to-equity ~1.52 in 2025). Cash flow is the key weakness (Score 46) with negative free cash flow in 2024–2025, reducing financial flexibility despite positive operating cash flow.
Income Statement
78
Positive
Revenue has trended higher over the period, accelerating into 2025 (annual revenue growth of ~195%). Profitability is solid and fairly stable for a regulated utility, with net margins in the mid-teens recently (2025 ~14.8% vs. 2024 ~13.6%) and healthy EBITDA margins around ~36–37%. A notable weakness is the sharp drop in net margin versus 2020 (~24.5%), indicating earnings normalization and less favorable comparability versus that peak year.
Balance Sheet
62
Positive
The company operates with meaningful leverage, with debt-to-equity rising to ~1.52 in 2025 (up from ~1.35–1.47 in prior years) and total debt increasing over time. Equity has grown, but not enough to offset the upward move in leverage. Return on equity (where provided) is steady but moderate for a utility (~9–10% in 2022–2024), supporting balance-sheet durability, though the leverage profile remains a key constraint.
Cash Flow
46
Neutral
Operating cash flow is consistently positive and growing (about $2.15B in 2021 to ~$2.70B in 2025), but free cash flow has been pressured: positive in 2022–2023 and negative in 2024–2025 (about -$274M to -$275M). Free cash flow relative to net income turned negative in the last two years, signaling heavier capital spending and/or working-capital needs. Cash flow coverage is mixed (roughly ~0.62–0.89 across years), which reduces flexibility if negative free cash flow persists.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue9.04B8.48B7.84B7.78B7.22B
Gross Profit2.24B1.97B1.84B1.83B1.61B
EBITDA3.35B3.06B2.85B2.81B2.52B
Net Income1.34B1.16B1.08B1.05B965.00M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets39.67B36.68B32.85B31.46B30.38B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments549.00M716.00M79.00M530.00M540.00M
Total Debt19.19B17.73B15.74B15.19B14.72B
Total Liabilities26.93B24.51B21.09B20.07B19.41B
Stockholders Equity12.65B12.09B11.68B11.31B10.89B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-275.00M-274.00M67.00M174.00M78.00M
Operating Cash Flow2.69B2.53B2.41B2.26B2.15B
Investing Cash Flow-3.50B-3.13B-2.69B-2.07B-2.06B
Financing Cash Flow636.00M1.23B-172.00M-197.00M-303.00M

Hydro One Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price58.18
Price Trends
50DMA
54.88
Positive
100DMA
53.71
Positive
200DMA
51.31
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
1.12
Negative
RSI
68.38
Neutral
STOCH
70.20
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For TSE:H, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 58.18 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 56.68, above the 50-day MA of 54.88, and above the 200-day MA of 51.31, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 1.12 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 68.38 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 70.20 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for TSE:H.

Hydro One Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (66)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
67
Neutral
C$34.99B24.4710.58%2.43%5.98%14.79%
66
Neutral
$17.65B18.105.60%3.62%6.62%11.55%
65
Neutral
C$21.35B18.588.83%4.33%14.10%65.76%
64
Neutral
C$39.95B19.977.58%3.50%5.21%4.27%
58
Neutral
$28.42B-400.32-0.84%5.56%14.78%-9.37%
58
Neutral
C$13.04B97.608.84%4.33%-0.94%25.64%
54
Neutral
$7.30B26.512.04%4.32%-4.72%96.98%
* Utilities Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
TSE:H
Hydro One
57.94
12.62
27.84%
TSE:BEP.UN
Brookfield Renewable Partners
41.43
11.73
39.48%
TSE:CU
Canadian Utilities A
48.26
15.08
45.46%
TSE:AQN
Algonquin Power & Utilities
9.44
2.85
43.31%
TSE:FTS
Fortis
78.73
18.40
30.49%
TSE:EMA
Emera
71.05
15.38
27.63%

Hydro One Corporate Events

Business Operations and Strategy
Ontario Taps Hydro One for Major Sudbury–Barrie Transmission Expansion
Positive
Feb 9, 2026

Ontario has selected Hydro One Networks Inc. to develop and construct a new 500-kilovolt transmission line spanning about 300 kilometres between Sudbury’s Hanmer Transformer Station and the Essa station near Barrie, with an expected in-service date of 2032. The designation also directs Hydro One to complete development work for a future second 500-kV line to support new generation in northern Ontario and bolster long-term grid reliability.

The project will be developed under Hydro One’s First Nation Equity Partnership Model, giving proximate First Nations the opportunity to acquire a 50 per cent equity stake in the transmission line component. Provincial ministers and First Nations leaders framed the initiative as critical to meeting surging electricity demand, supporting up to 40 new mines, advancing Indigenous economic self-reliance, and strengthening Ontario’s north-south energy corridor using largely made-in-Canada materials.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:H) stock is a Hold with a C$50.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hydro One stock, see the TSE:H Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
Ontario Taps Hydro One and First Nations to Build Greenstone Transmission Line for Northern Growth
Positive
Jan 28, 2026

Ontario has designated Hydro One to develop and construct the Greenstone Transmission Line, a new 230-kilovolt corridor in the province’s far north that will connect the existing East-West Tie near Nipigon Bay to Longlac Transformer Station and extend toward Aroland First Nation, with in-service targeted for 2032. The project, developed under Hydro One’s 50-50 equity partnership model with proximate First Nations, is intended to boost capacity and reliability for northern communities, enable Indigenous equity ownership in major infrastructure, and underpin economic growth linked to mining and critical minerals in the Ring of Fire region, positioning the line as a backbone asset for both local development and Ontario’s broader resource strategy.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:H) stock is a Hold with a C$57.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hydro One stock, see the TSE:H Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
Hydro One Reaches Tentative Labour Deal With Professional Staff Union
Positive
Jan 13, 2026

Hydro One Networks Inc. has reached a tentative collective agreement with the Society of United Professionals, covering engineering, supervisory and other professional employees across its Ontario operations. The deal, which is subject to ratification by Society members, would be effective retroactively from October 1, 2025 if approved, reducing near-term labour uncertainty for the utility and helping support operational stability across its transmission and distribution network.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:H) stock is a Hold with a C$56.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hydro One stock, see the TSE:H Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
Hydro One to Develop Key Transmission Line with First Nations Partnership
Positive
Nov 24, 2025

Hydro One has been selected by the Ontario government to develop a new priority transmission line between Bowmanville and the Greater Toronto Area, in partnership with First Nations, allowing them a 50% equity stake. This initiative, part of a broader plan to meet growing energy demands, is expected to bolster Ontario’s economy, create jobs, and ensure a reliable electricity supply, particularly benefiting sectors like greenhouses, manufacturing, and energy.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:H) stock is a Hold with a C$54.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hydro One stock, see the TSE:H Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
Hydro One Inc. Prices $1.6 Billion in Sustainable Medium Term Notes
Positive
Nov 19, 2025

Hydro One Inc., a subsidiary of Hydro One Limited, has announced the pricing of a $1.6 billion offering of Medium Term Notes under its Sustainable Financing Framework. The proceeds will be used to finance or refinance eligible green projects, reflecting Hydro One’s commitment to sustainability. The offering, expected to close on November 21, 2025, highlights Hydro One’s strategic focus on sustainable investments and its positioning as a leader in green financing within the energy sector.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:H) stock is a Hold with a C$54.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hydro One stock, see the TSE:H Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 18, 2026