10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2004

EXELON CORP Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2004

Filed April 28, 2004For Securities:EXC

Summary

Exelon Corporation reported a 10% increase in diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2004 compared to the prior year, driven by strong net income at its Generation segment and favorable tax effects, despite a decrease in net income from Energy Delivery. The Generation segment benefited from a significant reversal of a prior year impairment charge related to Sithe and improved revenues, though partially offset by increased operating and maintenance expenses due to the AmerGen acquisition. The Energy Delivery segment faced headwinds from lower revenues and increased depreciation, partially mitigated by reduced operating expenses. Strategic initiatives are underway, including the planned divestiture of Boston Generating assets and ongoing divestitures within the Enterprises segment, which are expected to streamline operations. Exelon also announced a 10% increase in its quarterly dividend and a 2-for-1 stock split, signaling confidence in its financial performance. Operationally, ComEd is set to fully integrate into PJM Interconnection, aiming for benefits in competitive wholesale markets despite incremental administrative fees.

Key Highlights

  • 1Diluted earnings per share increased by 10% year-over-year, primarily due to improved Generation segment performance and tax benefits.
  • 2The Generation segment saw a significant swing from a loss to a profit, largely due to the reversal of a 2003 impairment charge on Sithe and increased revenues, partially offset by higher operating and maintenance costs from the AmerGen acquisition.
  • 3Energy Delivery's net income decreased due to lower revenues and higher depreciation, although operating and maintenance expenses were reduced.
  • 4Exelon is progressing with its divestiture strategy, highlighted by the agreement to sell Boston Generating and continued sales within the Enterprises segment.
  • 5A 10% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.55 per share and a 2-for-1 stock split were announced, reflecting a positive outlook.
  • 6ComEd is on track for full integration into PJM Interconnection by May 1, 2004, which is expected to enhance access to competitive wholesale markets.
  • 7The adoption of FIN No. 46-R led to the consolidation of Sithe, with a $32 million after-tax gain recorded in the current quarter compared to $112 million from SFAS No. 143 adoption in the prior year.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of Exelon's earnings growth was the significant improvement in the Generation segment's net income, largely due to the reversal of a $200 million impairment charge related to its investment in Sithe from the prior year, coupled with increased revenues. Favorable tax effects from investments in synthetic fuel producing facilities also contributed positively.

Exelon is actively divesting assets to streamline its portfolio. Key divestitures include the planned sale of Boston Generating, which owns several generating facilities, and ongoing sales within the Enterprises segment, such as the sale of business units of Exelon Services and an investment in PECO TelCove. These actions align with Exelon's strategy to focus on core assets and maximize earnings.

ComEd's full integration into PJM Interconnection, expected by May 1, 2004, is anticipated to provide benefits through access to more transparent, liquid, and competitive wholesale electricity markets. While this will involve incremental administrative fees of approximately $30 million annually, Exelon believes these costs will be more than offset by the advantages of broader market participation.

Effective March 31, 2004, Exelon and Generation consolidated Sithe within their financial statements due to the adoption of FIN No. 46-R. This consolidation resulted in an after-tax gain of $32 million recorded in the first quarter of 2004. While Sithe's assets and liabilities are now included, management does not anticipate a significant impact on future net income, though future reassessments could materially affect the financial statements.