Emera Energy President Judy Steele to Retire on June 30
Emera announced that Judy Steele, President and COO of Emera Energy, will retire effective June 30, after 26 years with Emera. Karen Hutt will become CEO of Emera Energy upon Judy's retirement, in addition to her current role as Executive Vice-President, Corporate Development at Emera Inc. Karen has held a number of senior leadership roles across Emera, including Executive Vice-President, Commercial at Emera Energy and President and CEO of Nova Scotia Power. Drew Turner has been named Chief Operating Officer of Emera Energy, leading the Emera Energy team, and reporting to Karen. Drew has been with Emera Energy for 18 years in a broad series of Commercial roles, most recently Vice-President, Commercial Operations where he was responsible for Natural Gas Logistics and Commercial Power Operations functions.
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- Q1 Performance: Emera reported a non-GAAP EPS of C$1.37 for Q1, indicating stable profitability and boosting investor confidence in the company's future growth prospects.
- Earnings Guidance: The company is on track to achieve adjusted EPS growth exceeding the annualized guidance range of 5-7% for 2026, suggesting strong earnings potential in the coming years, which may attract more investor interest.
- Risk Assessment: Despite decent returns, analysts have noted that risks for 2026 have increased, which could impact investor decisions, necessitating close monitoring of market dynamics.
- Historical Data Reference: Emera's historical earnings data provides crucial insights for investors, aiding in the evaluation of the company's future performance and its competitive position in the utility sector.
- Executive Retirement: Emera Energy's President and COO Judy Steele will retire on June 30 after 26 years, marking a significant leadership change that could impact the company's strategic direction and employee morale.
- New CEO Appointment: Karen Hutt will take over as CEO while continuing her role as Executive VP for corporate development, bringing extensive experience from her previous position as Executive VP of commercial, which is expected to drive future growth and innovation.
- New COO Announcement: Drew Turner has been appointed COO after 18 years in various commercial roles, and his appointment may introduce new operational strategies that enhance the company's market competitiveness.
- Leadership Restructuring Impact: This executive transition could affect Emera Energy's business strategy and market positioning, especially against the backdrop of rising risks for 2026, necessitating the new leadership team to quickly adapt and formulate responsive measures.
- Preferred Share Dividend Rates: Emera announced a 6.345% annual dividend rate for Series J Shares, equating to $0.3966 per share quarterly, reflecting the company's commitment to stable returns over the next five years, thereby boosting investor confidence.
- Floating Dividend Structure: The Series K Shares will have a dividend rate of 5.598% for the three-month period from May to August 2026, demonstrating the company's ability to adapt to market changes and potentially attracting more investors.
- Conversion Rights Details: Holders of Series J Shares can convert their shares into Series K Shares on May 15, 2026, on a one-for-one basis, ensuring investors have options amid market fluctuations while retaining their Series J Shares if they choose not to convert.
- Future Outlook: Emera plans to offer conversion opportunities again in 2031 and every five years thereafter, indicating a commitment to long-term investor interests and enhancing its appeal in the capital markets.
- Redemption Announcement: Emera has announced that it will not exercise its right to redeem the 8 million Series J preferred shares on May 15, 2026, indicating a focus on maintaining capital structure stability and future financing flexibility.
- Conversion Rights Details: Holders of Series J preferred shares can opt to convert their shares into Series K shares on a one-for-one basis on May 15, 2026, provided that at least 1 million Series K shares remain outstanding, ensuring investor choice and potential returns.
- Dividend Rate Determination: The dividend rates for both Series J and Series K shares will be determined on April 15, 2026, and communicated to shareholders on that day, enhancing transparency for investors regarding future income expectations and aiding in investment decision-making.
- Conversion Period Arrangement: Investors holding Series J shares must communicate with their brokers between April 15 and April 30, 2026, to exercise their conversion rights, emphasizing the importance of timely action as those who miss the deadline will retain their shares and receive fixed dividends.
- Earnings Release Schedule: Emera has announced that it will release its Q1 2026 earnings on May 8, 2026, before market open, demonstrating the company's commitment to transparency and aiming to bolster investor confidence.
- Teleconference Details: On the same day, Emera will host a teleconference at 9:30 a.m. Atlantic Time, which is expected to attract broad participation from analysts and investors, further enhancing communication with the market.
- Participation Method: North American participants can dial 1-800-717-1738, while international participants can call 1-289-514-5100, ensuring convenience for global investors and reflecting the company's focus on investor relations.
- Forward-Looking Information Disclosure: The news release includes forward-looking information, emphasizing Emera's expectations for future performance and associated risks, indicating the company's efforts in managing transparency and risk control.
- Notes Offering Size: Emera US Finance, LLC successfully issued $750 million in senior notes, comprising $450 million of 4.500% notes due 2029 and $300 million of 5.200% notes due 2033, demonstrating the company's strong financing capability in the capital markets.
- Guarantee Structure: The notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Emera and its wholly-owned subsidiary Emera US Holdings Inc., which enhances investor confidence in the notes and reduces financing costs.
- Use of Proceeds: Emera intends to use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, including repaying existing debt, which will help improve the company's financial condition and enhance the flexibility of its capital structure.
- Market Participants: Notable financial institutions such as Morgan Stanley and J.P. Morgan acted as joint book-running managers for the notes offering, reflecting strong market trust and support for Emera, thereby enhancing the company's market reputation.







