Business Context and Reporting Period
This Form 10-Q covers the quarterly period ended March 31, 2006, for Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (PSEG) and its principal subsidiaries: Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), PSEG Power LLC (Power), and PSEG Energy Holdings L.L.C. (Energy Holdings). PSEG operates as a holding company with four reportable segments: PSE&G (regulated utility), Power (wholesale generation and trading), and Energy Holdings (international projects and leveraged leases). A significant ongoing event is the pending merger with Exelon Corporation, approved by shareholders in July 2005, with regulatory approvals still pending from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Department of Justice, and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU).
Key Financial Metrics
| Metric (in millions, except per share) | Q1 2006 | Q1 2005 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Revenues | $3,521 | $3,244 |
| Net Income | $203 | $285 |
| Income from Continuing Operations | $199 | $280 |
| Diluted EPS (Net Income) | $0.81 | $1.18 |
| Operating Cash Flow | $915 | $657 |
| Total Assets | $28,856 | $29,815 (Dec 31, 2005) |
| Total Long-Term Debt | $11,113 | $11,279 (Dec 31, 2005) |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | $218 | $288 (Dec 31, 2005) |
Material Changes vs. Prior Period
- Revenue Growth: Operating revenues increased by $277 million (9%) to $3,521 million, driven primarily by higher commodity prices and volumes in the Power segment and increased gas commodity revenues at PSE&G.
- Profit Decline: Net income decreased by $82 million (29%) to $203 million. Income from Continuing Operations dropped $81 million (29%).
- Segment Performance:
- PSE&G: Net income fell to $78 million from $118 million due to reduced gas sales volumes from milder weather and the full amortization of an excess depreciation reserve.
- Power: Net income remained relatively flat at $112 million (vs. $115 million in 2005), as higher generation revenues were offset by increased natural gas costs and unrealized losses on asset-backed transactions.
- Energy Holdings: Net income declined significantly to $32 million from $79 million, largely due to the absence of income from the withdrawal of the Eagle Point partnership interest in 2005.
- Cash Flow: Operating cash flow improved significantly to $915 million from $657 million, primarily due to decreased margin requirements and reduced fuel inventory at Power.
Guidance, Outlook, and Risks
- 2006 Guidance: PSEG projects Income from Continuing Operations to range from $3.45 to $3.75 per share for the full year 2006. This excludes merger-related costs and potential mark-to-market accounting impacts.
- PSE&G: Revised guidance to $270 million - $290 million (down from $315M-$335M) due to regulatory delays on rate cases.
- Power: Revised guidance to $500 million - $550 million (up from $475M-$525M) reflecting improved nuclear operations and strong energy markets.
- Energy Holdings: Revised guidance to $165 million - $185 million (up from $155M-$175M) due to improved operations at Texas Independent Energy (TIE).
- Merger Status: The merger with Exelon is expected to close in the third quarter of 2006, subject to regulatory approvals. Failure to close could adversely impact credit ratings and financial condition.
- Regulatory Risks: PSE&G faces delays in the BPU regarding the elimination of a $64 million annual depreciation rate credit and a pending gas base rate case. The BPU has also initiated a review of the Basic Generation Service (BGS) auction process.
- Environmental & Legal: Significant contingencies include the Passaic River remediation (estimated costs could be material), MGP site remediation ($402 million accrued), and potential costs related to mercury emission reductions and nuclear fuel disposal.
- Market Risk: Power faces exposure to commodity price volatility. As of March 31, 2006, Power had net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges of $759 million, with $194 million expected to be reclassified to earnings in the next 12 months.
Investor Verification Checklist
- Merger Closing: Verify the status of regulatory approvals from the NRC, DOJ, and NJ BPU, as the merger agreement allows termination if not consummated by June 20, 2006.
- PSE&G Rate Relief: Monitor the BPU's decision on the elimination of the $64 million depreciation rate credit and the outcome of the gas base rate case, both of which are critical to PSE&G's earnings guidance.
- Power's Hedging Strategy: Assess the impact of mark-to-market accounting on Power's earnings volatility, specifically the $194 million of unrealized losses expected to hit earnings in the next year.
- Environmental Liabilities: Review updates on the Passaic River study and MGP remediation costs, as these could result in material, unanticipated expenses.
- Energy Holdings Asset Sales: Track the closing of the sale of Elcho and Skawina in Poland, expected to yield over $300 million in net proceeds.