Summary
Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL) announced on September 27, 2004, its decision to sell its broadband communications services business, Seren Innovations, Inc. This strategic shift aims to focus on the company's core utility operations. The sale, expected in Q1 2005, will result in Seren being accounted for as discontinued operations. As a consequence of this divestiture, Xcel Energy anticipates recording a significant after-tax impairment charge ranging from $100 million to $125 million in the third quarter of 2004, based on preliminary valuation estimates. This move directly impacts the company's 2004 earnings per share (EPS) guidance, lowering the projected range for continuing operations to $1.15-$1.25 and the total company EPS to $0.85-$1.00, primarily due to the impairment charge and projected operating losses from Seren.
Key Highlights
- 1Xcel Energy is divesting its broadband communications subsidiary, Seren Innovations, Inc., to focus on core utility operations.
- 2The sale of Seren Innovations is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2005.
- 3Seren Innovations will be accounted for as discontinued operations following the decision to sell.
- 4An after-tax impairment charge of $100 million to $125 million is expected to be recorded in Q3 2004, reflecting preliminary valuation estimates.
- 5The company updated its 2004 diluted EPS guidance, lowering the range for continuing operations to $1.15 - $1.25.
- 6Total Xcel Energy 2004 diluted EPS guidance is revised to a range of $0.85 - $1.00, inclusive of discontinued operations impact.
- 7The updated guidance also accounts for projected operating losses from Seren and the impact of less favorable weather conditions in the first eight months of 2004.