10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2008

EXELON CORP Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2008

Filed October 27, 2008For Securities:EXC

Summary

Exelon Corporation (EXC) reported mixed results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2008. While operating revenues saw an increase, net income declined year-over-year for both periods, primarily impacted by unfavorable weather conditions, increased uncollectible accounts, regulatory disallowances, higher operating and maintenance costs, and changes in nuclear decommissioning liabilities. Generation, ComEd, and PECO all experienced varying degrees of these pressures, with PECO's net income showing a significant decline. Despite the net income dip, the company highlighted improved average realized margins at Exelon Generation due to higher market prices and increased nuclear output, as well as higher transmission and distribution revenue at ComEd driven by rate cases. Exelon also noted that its liquidity remains sufficient despite capital market disruptions and is actively managing counterparty credit risk. The company is also pursuing strategic growth opportunities, including a proposed business combination with NRG Energy.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income decreased by $80 million to $700 million for the third quarter of 2008 compared to $780 million in the prior year, with diluted EPS falling to $1.06 from $1.15.
  • 2For the first nine months of 2008, net income declined by $143 million to $2.03 billion, with diluted EPS dropping to $3.06 from $3.20.
  • 3Exelon Generation reported increased operating revenues driven by higher realized margins and increased nuclear output, contributing positively to the overall results.
  • 4ComEd's operating income declined due to higher operating and maintenance expenses, including disallowances from a recent rate case order and increased uncollectible accounts.
  • 5PECO's net income significantly decreased due to lower revenues net of purchased power and fuel, higher operating and maintenance expenses, and increased amortization.
  • 6The company noted that liquidity remains sufficient despite capital market disruptions, with active management of counterparty credit risk.
  • 7Exelon announced a proposal for a business combination with NRG Energy, Inc. on October 19, 2008, subject to various approvals.

Frequently Asked Questions

The decrease in net income was primarily due to unfavorable weather conditions, increased allowance for uncollectible accounts, regulatory disallowances in ComEd's rate case, higher operating and maintenance expenses, and negative impacts from nuclear decommissioning trust funds, partially offset by higher realized margins and nuclear output at Exelon Generation.

Exelon stated that its liquidity remains sufficient despite market disruptions. The company has diversified its credit facilities and has not experienced significant issues accessing capital. However, it acknowledges potential increases in borrowing costs and is actively monitoring counterparty creditworthiness and market conditions.

Key regulatory developments include the ICC's final order in ComEd's 2007 delivery service rate case approving a $274 million revenue increase, FERC's approval of ComEd's transmission rate case settlement, and PECO's agreement with the PAPUC for a $77 million increase in its natural gas delivery service revenue. Additionally, new legislation in Pennsylvania regarding energy conservation and demand reduction was enacted.

Exelon is pursuing growth opportunities, including a proposed business combination with NRG Energy. The company is also focused on managing its businesses responsibly, controlling operating and capital costs, and adapting to regulatory and environmental developments, including potential greenhouse gas regulations.