10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2001

EXELON CORP Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2001

Filed November 14, 2001For Securities:EXC

Summary

Exelon Corporation reported significant growth in net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2001, a substantial increase driven by the merger with Unicom in October 2000 and subsequent corporate restructuring. Operating revenues and income from Energy Delivery were strong, bolstered by favorable weather and increased customer selections of PECO as their supplier. The Generation segment also saw improved performance due to higher wholesale market prices and strong nuclear plant output. However, the company faced increased interest expenses due to higher debt levels and a slightly higher effective income tax rate. Despite the overall positive financial performance, investors should note the impact of the merger and restructuring on the financial statements, which involved significant purchase accounting adjustments and operational realignments. The company's liquidity remains sound, supported by operating cash flows and credit facilities. While the company has managed its market risks through hedging strategies, potential risks remain related to energy commodity prices and interest rate fluctuations, as well as ongoing litigation.

Key Highlights

  • 1Exelon Corporation reported a significant increase in net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2001, driven by the merger with Unicom and corporate restructuring.
  • 2Energy Delivery segment revenues and EBIT saw substantial growth, attributed to higher retail electric revenues and increased customer selection of PECO as their supplier.
  • 3The Generation segment benefited from higher wholesale market prices and increased nuclear plant output, leading to improved EBIT.
  • 4Interest expenses increased substantially due to higher debt levels resulting from the merger and other borrowings.
  • 5The company's effective income tax rate slightly increased, impacted by non-deductible goodwill amortization from the merger.
  • 6Liquidity remains adequate, with strong operating cash flows and established credit facilities supporting financial operations.
  • 7Exelon continues to manage market risks through derivative instruments and hedging strategies, while acknowledging potential volatility in commodity prices and interest rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of Exelon's net income increase was the merger with Unicom in October 2000 and the subsequent corporate restructuring, which significantly impacted financial results through purchase accounting and operational realignments.

The corporate restructuring, which separated generation and competitive businesses from regulated energy delivery, resulted in the transfer of assets and liabilities between subsidiaries. This led to significant changes in the balance sheets of ComEd and PECO, with assets, liabilities, and equity being reclassified, and had a notable impact on operating expenses and revenues across segments.

Exelon's liquidity remains sound. Cash flows provided by operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2001, were robust at $2,987 million, and the company has access to credit facilities to support its short-term needs.

Exelon is involved in several ongoing legal proceedings, including matters related to Midwest Generation, FERC municipal customer refunds, environmental liabilities, and a FERC order concerning PECO and the Power Team. While these are being contested, the company believes adequate reserves have been established for some matters, and the ultimate outcome of others is not expected to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition.