10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2015

CONSOLIDATED EDISON INC Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2015

Filed November 5, 2015For Securities:ED

Summary

Consolidated Edison, Inc. (Con Edison) reported its third-quarter and year-to-date results for the period ending September 30, 2015. The company's core utility operations through Consolidated Edison Company of New York (CECONY) and Orange and Rockland Utilities (O&R) showed stable performance, supported by their respective rate plans which help recover operating costs and investments. However, overall net income for common stock saw a slight decrease compared to the prior year, influenced by various factors across its segments. The competitive energy businesses demonstrated revenue growth driven by increased retail electric revenues and expansion in solar generation projects. Despite this, the company is actively marketing its retail electric supply business for sale, indicating a strategic shift. Con Edison is also navigating evolving regulatory landscapes, particularly the Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) initiative in New York, which aims to modernize the energy system and presents both opportunities and challenges for future earnings and operational strategies. The company continues to invest in infrastructure and renewable energy projects, supported by a solid common equity ratio and adequate liquidity.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$3.44B
Operating Expenses$2.61B
Operating Income$830.00M
Interest Expense$157.00M
Net Income$428.00M
EPS (Basic)$1.46
EPS (Diluted)$1.45
Shares Outstanding (Basic)292.90M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)294.20M

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income for common stock for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, was $1,017 million, a slight increase from $1,010 million in the prior year, while earnings per share remained stable at $3.47 versus $3.45.
  • 2CECONY, the primary utility segment, saw its operating income increase by $57 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, primarily driven by its electric and steam operations, offset by a decrease in gas operations.
  • 3Orange and Rockland Utilities (O&R) experienced a decrease in operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, down by $17 million, mainly due to its gas operations.
  • 4The competitive energy businesses reported an increase in operating revenues by $153 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, driven by higher electric retail revenues and expansion in solar projects, although operating income decreased by $17 million.
  • 5Con Edison is actively marketing its retail electric supply business for sale, as noted with $173 million in assets classified as held for sale within its competitive energy businesses.
  • 6The company is adapting to New York's Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) initiative, which will impact future utility business models, ratemaking, and the integration of distributed energy resources.
  • 7Capital expenditures are increasing, particularly for competitive energy businesses focused on renewable energy projects, with estimates for 2015 and 2016 significantly raised.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, Con Edison reported net income for common stock of $1,017 million, a slight increase from $1,010 million in the same period of 2014. Earnings per share were $3.47, up from $3.45 in the prior year, indicating stable profitability.

CECONY's utility operations showed an increase in operating income for the first nine months of 2015, driven by electric and steam services. O&R's operating income saw a decrease, primarily due to its gas segment. The competitive energy businesses experienced revenue growth from retail electricity and solar projects, but their operating income declined. Con Edison is also in the process of selling its retail electric supply business within this segment.

A significant development is New York's Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) initiative, which is reshaping utility business models, ratemaking, and the integration of distributed energy resources. The company is also developing plans for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and responding to environmental regulations like the EPA's Clean Power Plan.

Con Edison is increasing its capital expenditure estimates, especially for its competitive energy businesses, due to significant investments planned for renewable energy project development. The company is raising its projections for both 2015 and 2016 to accommodate this expansion.