10-KPeriod: FY2004

EXELON CORP Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2004

Filed February 23, 2005For Securities:EXC

Summary

Exelon Corporation's (EXC) 2004 10-K filing highlights significant improvements in net income, driven by strong performance in its Generation segment, which rebounded from a net loss in 2003 to substantial net income in 2004 due to improved wholesale prices and the absence of significant 2003 impairment charges. The Energy Delivery segment showed a slight decrease in net income, impacted by unfavorable weather and debt retirement charges, though this was partially offset by customer growth and reduced corporate expenses. Financially, Exelon demonstrated a strong balance sheet, supported by internally generated cash flows. The company also announced a significant proposed merger with PSEG, a major step towards expanding its operational footprint and achieving strategic goals. Key financing activities included substantial debt retirements and improved credit facility arrangements. Investors will be closely watching the progress of the PSEG merger and the regulatory approvals required for its completion, as well as the company's ongoing efforts to manage costs and adapt to evolving industry restructurings.

Key Highlights

  • 1Exelon's net income significantly improved to $1,864 million in 2004 from $905 million in 2003, with diluted EPS rising to $2.78 from $1.38.
  • 2The Generation segment reported a net income of $673 million in 2004, a substantial turnaround from a net loss of $151 million in 2003, driven by improved wholesale prices and the absence of large impairment charges.
  • 3Exelon announced a significant proposed merger with PSEG on December 20, 2004, which is expected to close within 12-15 months, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.
  • 4ComEd undertook an accelerated liability management plan, retiring $1.2 billion of its outstanding debt, which included $1.0 billion retired prior to maturity.
  • 5The company's Energy Delivery segment's operating revenues remained relatively stable year-over-year, but net income saw a slight decrease due to debt retirement charges.
  • 6Exelon continued its divestiture strategy for its Enterprises segment, selling or winding down substantially all components.
  • 7The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.40 per share on its common stock, reflecting a policy targeting a 50% to 60% payout ratio of ongoing earnings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Exelon's net income significantly improved in 2004 compared to 2003, primarily driven by the strong performance of its Generation segment. This segment rebounded from a net loss in the previous year to a substantial net income in 2004, attributed to better wholesale electricity prices and the absence of significant impairment charges that impacted 2003 results.

Exelon announced a proposed merger with PSEG on December 20, 2004. The transaction is subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals and is anticipated to close within 12 to 15 months of the announcement date.

ComEd executed an accelerated liability management plan, successfully retiring $1.2 billion of its outstanding long-term debt. This included $1.0 billion retired before its maturity date, which is expected to generate annual interest savings of approximately $70 million starting in 2005.

Exelon's Board of Directors has approved a policy targeting a dividend payout ratio of 50% to 60% of ongoing earnings. The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.40 per share, reflecting an annual dividend of $1.60 per share.