10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2011

EDISON INTERNATIONAL Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2011

Filed May 2, 2011For Securities:EIX

Summary

Edison International reported a net income of $200 million for the first quarter of 2011, a decrease from $236 million in the same period of 2010. This decline was primarily driven by lower performance in the competitive power generation segment (EMG), which experienced unplanned outages at the Homer City plant, lower energy prices, and reduced trading revenues. Southern California Edison (SCE), the utility segment, showed improved 'core earnings' due to rate base growth, although overall net income was impacted by non-core items and higher operating expenses. The company highlighted ongoing capital investments, particularly in SCE's transmission and distribution system and smart meter installations. EMG faces continued profitability challenges in 2011 and beyond due to expiring hedge contracts, higher fuel costs, and declining capacity prices, leading to potential net losses unless market conditions improve or costs are reduced. Significant legal and environmental proceedings, particularly those concerning emissions regulations for coal-fired plants, remain a key area of focus and potential financial impact.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$2.23B
Operating Expenses$2.33B
Operating Income$433.00M
Interest Expense$196.00M
Net Income$214.00M
EPS (Basic)$0.61
EPS (Diluted)$0.61
Shares Outstanding (Basic)326.00M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)328.00M

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income attributable to common shareholders decreased by $36 million to $200 million in Q1 2011 compared to Q1 2010.
  • 2Southern California Edison (SCE) reported core earnings of $222 million, an increase driven by rate base growth and higher revenue from rate increases and capital projects.
  • 3Edison Mission Group (EMG) experienced a significant decline in core earnings, falling to a loss of $18 million from a profit of $71 million in the prior year, mainly due to operational issues at Homer City and lower energy prices.
  • 4Capital expenditures for SCE were $765 million in Q1 2011, focused on infrastructure upgrades and smart meters, with projected full-year 2011 spending between $3.9 billion and $4.4 billion.
  • 5EMG faces potential net losses in 2011 and subsequent years due to expiring hedge contracts, higher fuel costs, and declining capacity prices.
  • 6The company is actively managing environmental compliance costs and is engaged in significant legal proceedings related to emissions standards for its coal-fired power plants.
  • 7Edison International's liquidity remains adequate, with available credit facilities and ongoing capital raises, though EMG's financial position is under pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary reason for the decrease in net income was the underperformance of Edison Mission Group (EMG), the competitive power generation segment. This was largely due to unplanned outages at the Homer City plant, lower energy prices, and reduced trading revenues, which significantly impacted overall profitability.

SCE's utility segment showed improved 'core earnings' driven by rate base growth and revenue increases from regulatory rate adjustments and capital projects like the Tehachapi transmission project. While overall net income was affected by non-core items and higher expenses, SCE's core operations demonstrated resilience.

EMG faces significant profitability challenges in the near to medium term. These include the expiration of existing hedge contracts, leading to lower realized energy prices, higher fuel and transportation costs, and a projected decline in capacity prices starting in mid-2012. These factors, combined with operational issues, could lead to net losses.

Edison International is involved in significant legal and regulatory proceedings, particularly concerning environmental regulations for its coal-fired power plants. Lawsuits related to New Source Review (NSR) under the Clean Air Act for Midwest Generation and Homer City plants pose potential risks of penalties, remedial actions, and material adverse impacts on financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, the company is monitoring developments in greenhouse gas and hazardous air pollutant regulations.