10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2009

EDISON INTERNATIONAL Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2009

Filed November 6, 2009For Securities:EIX

Summary

Edison International's third quarter 2009 filing shows a mixed financial performance, with its electric utility segment (Southern California Edison - SCE) demonstrating increased earnings driven by regulatory rate adjustments and a significant one-time benefit from a global tax settlement. Conversely, the competitive power generation segment (Edison Mission Group - EME) experienced a substantial decline in earnings, primarily due to lower energy prices and trading income. The company's overall net income attributable to common shareholders saw a decrease compared to the prior year, mainly impacted by the weak performance of the EME segment. Liquidity remains a focus, with SCE maintaining significant available borrowing capacity. However, EME continues to face challenges in accessing capital markets due to its below-investment-grade credit ratings, though it is managing its operations through existing cash flows and selective growth strategies. The company highlights ongoing capital expenditures for infrastructure improvements at SCE and a focus on renewable projects for EME, alongside significant ongoing environmental and regulatory matters that could impact future financial performance.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$3.66B
Operating Expenses$2.90B
Operating Income$768.00M
Interest Expense$187.00M
Net Income$403.00M
EPS (Basic)$1.23
EPS (Diluted)$1.22
Shares Outstanding (Basic)326.00M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)329.00M

Key Highlights

  • 1SCE's earnings from continuing operations increased significantly due to a $300 million after-tax benefit from the Global Settlement and a $46 million non-cash accounting benefit related to the transfer of the Mountainview power plant.
  • 2EME's earnings from continuing operations saw a substantial year-over-year decline, impacted by lower energy prices and trading income, resulting in a net loss from continuing operations for the nine-month period.
  • 3Consolidated net income attributable to Edison International common shareholders decreased to $403 million from $439 million in the prior year's quarter, and to $637 million from $999 million year-to-date.
  • 4SCE's liquidity remained strong, with approximately $3.5 billion in available liquidity, including cash and short-term investments and $2.8 billion available under credit facilities.
  • 5EME's credit ratings remain below investment grade, posing challenges for accessing capital markets, although the company is managing its business through existing cash flows and selective growth strategies.
  • 6The company has significant ongoing capital expenditure plans, with SCE projecting $16.8 billion to $19.8 billion for 2009-2013, primarily for infrastructure improvements, and EME focusing on renewable energy projects.
  • 7Edison International finalized a Global Settlement with the IRS, resolving federal tax disputes and resulting in a significant after-tax earnings charge of $274 million recognized through the second quarter of 2009, but with expected positive cash impacts over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

The decrease in overall net income was primarily driven by a significant decline in earnings from Edison Mission Group (EME), the competitive power generation segment, which was impacted by lower energy prices and trading income, offsetting the improved performance in the electric utility segment (SCE).

The Global Settlement with the IRS resulted in an after-tax earnings charge of $274 million recognized through the second quarter of 2009. While it negatively impacted earnings in the short term, the company anticipates positive cash impacts over time from the settlement and the termination of Edison Capital's cross-border leases.

SCE maintained strong liquidity at the end of the third quarter of 2009, with approximately $3.5 billion in available liquidity and $2.8 billion available under its credit facilities. The company's credit ratings were affirmed by major agencies, and its capital structure remained healthy, well above regulatory thresholds.

EME is facing challenges due to low energy prices and its below-investment-grade credit ratings, which limit its access to capital markets. The company is focusing on completing existing renewable projects, managing its operations through cash flow, and negotiating with turbine suppliers to align delivery and payment schedules. It also incurred a significant loss related to the termination of cross-border leases.