- GAAP Net Income and Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings of $0.43 per share for the fourth quarter of 2022
- Introducing 2023 Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings guidance range of $2.30-$2.42 per share, reflecting continued growth in the utilities
- Declaring quarterly dividend of $0.36 per share for the first quarter of 2023, representing 6.7% growth over 2022 fourth quarter dividend of $0.3375 per share
- Projecting to invest $31.3 billion of capital expenditures over the next four years to meet customer needs, resulting in expected rate base growth of 7.9% and a fully regulated operating EPS* compounded annual growth of 6-8% from 2022 to 2026 off the midpoint of 2022 guidance
- ComEd, PECO, and PHI ended the year with their best-on-record performances in SAIFI, and all gas utilities sustained top decile performance in gas odor response for the fourth straight quarter
- Delmarva Power filed an electric distribution rate case with the Delaware Public Service Commission (DEPSC) in December, seeking an increase in base rates to support significant infrastructure investments to maintain safety, reliability, and service for customers
- A settlement was approved in December by the Maryland Public Service Commission (MDPSC) in Delmarva Power Maryland’s first electric distribution Multi-Year Plan case
- ComEd filed a Multi-Year Integrated Grid Plan and a Multi-Year Rate Plan with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) in January, seeking an increase in base rates over the period of 2024 to 2027 to support the decarbonization goals under the state’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and to ensure the transition to cleaner energy is reliable and equitable for all 9 million people served
According to the company’s website press release on February 13, 2023, Exelon Corporation (Nasdaq: EXC) reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2022.
“In 2022, Exelon showcased our ability as a pure transmission and distribution company to deliver on our financial and operational commitments. Because of the partnership with our customers and communities, Exelon is ready to lead the energy transition to a cleaner and brighter future,” said Calvin Butler, Exelon president and CEO. “Our teams are focused on the things that matter to our customers: safety, reliability, sustainability and affordability, while ensuring our actions are grounded in taking an equitable and inclusive approach to the communities we serve. It’s a strong foundation for 2023 and beyond.”
“We delivered strong financial results in our first year as a new company,” said Jeanne Jones, executive vice president and CFO. “For the full year 2022, we earned $2.08 per share on a GAAP basis and $2.27 on a non-GAAP basis, results that are in the upper half of our guidance range. Over the next four years, Exelon will invest $31 billion to support our jurisdictions’ energy transitions, growing the rate base by 7.9%, and results in our expectations for 6% to 8% annualized growth in operating earnings per share through 2026, off the midpoint of our 2022 guidance. We expect adjusted (non-GAAP) earnings for 2023 of $2.30 - $2.42 per share, in line with the direction provided in our third-quarter earnings call.”
Fourth Quarter 2022
Exelon's GAAP Net Income from Continuing Operations for the fourth quarter of 2022 increased to $0.43 per share from $0.31 GAAP Net Income from Continuing Operations per share in the fourth quarter of 2021. Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings for the fourth quarter of 2022 increased to $0.43 per share from $0.39 per share in the fourth quarterof 2021. For the reconciliations of GAAP Net Income from Continuing Operations to Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings, refer to the tables beginning on page 5.
Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings in the fourth quarter of 2022 primarily reflect:
- Higher utility earnings primarily due to higher electric distribution earnings at ComEd from higher allowed electric distribution ROE due to an increase in treasury rates and higher rate base, and rate increases at PECO, BGE, and PHI. This was partially offset by higher interest expense at PECO, and higher depreciation expense and credit loss expense at PECO and PHI.
- Lower earnings at Exelon Corporate primarily due to higher interest expense.
Full Year 2022
Exelon's GAAP Net Income from Continuing Operations for 2022 increased to $2.08 per share from $1.65 GAAP Net Income from Continuing Operations per share in 2021. Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings for 2022 increased to $2.27 per share from $1.83 per share in 2021.
Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings for the full year 2022 primarily reflect:
- Higher utility earnings primarily due to higher electric distribution and transmission earnings at ComEd from higher allowed electric distribution ROE due to an increase in treasury rates and higher rate base, rate increases at PECO, BGE, and PHI, and decreased storm costs at PECO and BGE. This was partially offset by higher depreciation expense, credit loss expense, and interest expense at PECO, BGE, and PHI, and higher storm costs at PHI.
- Higher earnings at Exelon Corporate due to certain BSC costs that were historically allocated to Constellation Energy Generation, LLC (Generation) but are presented as part of continuing operations in Exelon’s results in the fourth quarter of 2021 as these costs do not qualify as expenses of the discontinued operations per the accounting rules, partially offset by higher interest expense.
Operating Company Results
ComEd
ComEd's fourth quarter of 2022 GAAP Net Income increased to $211 million from $133 million in the fourth quarter of 2021. ComEd's Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings for the fourth quarter of 2022 increased to $211 million from $138 million in the fourth quarter of 2021, primarily due to increases in electric distribution formula rate earnings (reflecting higher allowed electric distribution ROE due to an increase in treasury rates and the impacts of higher rate base). Due to revenue decoupling, ComEd's distribution earnings are not affected by actual weather or customer usage patterns.
PECO
PECO’s fourth quarter of 2022 GAAP Net Income decreased to $102 million from $122 million in the fourth quarter of 2021. PECO's Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings for the fourth quarter of 2022 decreased to $102 million from $125 million in the fourth quarter of 2021, primarily due to increases in depreciation expense, credit loss expense, and interest expense, partially offset by distribution rate increases.
BGE
BGE’s fourth quarter of 2022 GAAP Net Income decreased to $113 million from $117 million in the fourth quarter of 2021. BGE's Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings for the fourth quarter of 2022 decreased to $114 million from $121 million in the fourth quarter of 2021, primarily due to an increase in various expenses, offset by favorable impacts of the multi-year plans. Due to revenue decoupling, BGE's distribution earnings are not affected by actual weather or customer usage patterns.
PHI
PHI’s fourth quarter of 2022 GAAP Net Income increased to $90 million from $26 million in the fourth quarter of 2021. PHI’s Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings for the fourth quarter of 2022 increased to $90 million from $64 millionin the fourth quarter of 2021, primarily due to distribution rate increases, lower contracting costs, and timing of excess deferred tax amortization, partially offset by increases in depreciation expense and credit loss expense. Due to revenue decoupling, PHI's distribution earnings related to Pepco Maryland, DPL Maryland, Pepco District of Columbia, and ACE are not affected by actual weather or customer usage patterns.
Initiates Annual Guidance for 2023
Exelon introduced a guidance range for 2023 Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings of $2.30-$2.42 per share. The outlook for 2023 Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings for Exelon and its subsidiaries excludes costs related to the separation.
Exelon's four business units include ComEd, which consists of electricity transmission and distribution operations in northern Illinois; PECO, which consists of electricity transmission and distribution operations and retail natural gas distribution operations in southeastern Pennsylvania; BGE, which consists of electricity transmission and distribution operations and retail natural gas distribution operations in central Maryland; and PHI, which consists of electricity transmission and distribution operations in the District of Columbia and portions of Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey and retail natural gas distribution operations in northern Delaware.
Recent Developments and Fourth Quarter Highlights
Dividend: On February 14, 2023, Exelon’s Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.36 per share on Exelon’s common stock for the first quarter of 2023. The dividend is payable on Friday, March 10, 2023, to shareholders of record of Exelon as of 5 p.m. Eastern time on Monday, February 27, 2023.
ComEd Electric Base Rate Case: On January 17, 2023, ComEd filed an application for a four-year cumulative multi-year rate plan for January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2027 with the ICC to increase its electric distribution rates by $877 million effective January 1, 2024, $175 million effective January 1, 2025, $217 million effective January 1, 2026, and $203 million effective January 1, 2027, based on forecasted revenue requirements. The revenue requirement will provide for a weighted average debt and equity return on distribution rate base of 7.43% in 2024, 7.50% in 2025, 7.62% in 2026, and 7.70% in 2027, inclusive of an allowed ROE of 10.50% in 2024, 10.55% in 2025, 10.60% in 2026, and 10.65% in 2027. The requested revenue requirements are based on capital structures that reflect between 50.58% and 51.19% common equity. ComEd’s MRP also includes a proposed rate phase-in to defer approximately $307 million of the $877 million year-over-year increase for 2024 revenue from 2024 to 2026. ComEd currently expects a decision in the fourth quarter of 2023, but cannot predict if the ICC will approve the application as filed.
ComEd Distribution Formula Rate: On November 17, 2022, the ICC approved ComEd's electric distribution formula rate of $199 million, which will take effect on January 1, 2023. ComEd’s 2023 approved revenue requirement above reflects an increase of $144 million for the initial year revenue requirement for 2023 and an increase of $55 million related to the annual reconciliation for 2021. The revenue requirement for 2023 provides for a weighted average debt and equity return on distribution rate base of 5.94% inclusive of an allowed ROE of 7.85%, reflecting the monthly average yields for 30-year treasury bonds plus 580 basis points. The reconciliation revenue requirement for 2021 provides for a weighted average debt and equity return on distribution rate base of 5.91%, inclusive of an allowed ROE of 7.78%, reflecting the monthly yields on 30-year treasury bonds plus 580 basis points less a performance metrics penalty of 7 basis points.
DPL Maryland Electric Base Rate Case: On December 14, 2022, the MDPSC approved DPL’s three-year multi-year plan for January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2025. The order approved an incremental increase in DPL’s electric distribution rates of $17 million, $6 million, and $6 million for 2023, 2024, and, 2025, respectively, reflecting an ROE of 9.60%.
DPL Delaware Electric Base Rate Case: On December 15, 2022, DPL Delaware filed an application with the DEPSC to increase its annual electric distribution rates by $60 million, reflecting an ROE of 10.50%. DPL currently expects a decision in the second quarter of 2024 but cannot predict if the DEPSC will approve the application as filed.
Financing Activities:
- On October 4, 2022, ComEd entered into a 364-day term loan agreement for $150 million with a variable rate equal to SOFR plus 0.75% and an expiration date of October 3, 2023. The proceeds from this loan were used to repay outstanding commercial paper obligations.
- On October 7, 2022, Exelon Corporate entered into an 18-month term loan agreement for $500 million with a variable rate equal to SOFR plus 0.85% and an expiration date of April 7, 2024. In conjunction with this loan, Exelon repaid the remaining $575 million in borrowings on the $1.15 billion term loan entered into on January 24, 2022.
- On January 3, 2023, ComEd entered into a purchase agreement of First Mortgage Bonds of $400 million and $575 million at 4.90% and 5.30% due on February 1, 2033 and February 1, 2053, respectively. The closing date of the issuance occurred on January 10, 2023.
Webcast Information
Exelon will discuss fourth quarter 2022 earnings in a conference call scheduled for at 9 a.m. Central Time (10 a.m. Eastern Time). The webcast and associated materials can be accessed at www.exeloncorp.com/investor-relations.
About Exelon
Exelon (Nasdaq: EXC) is a Fortune 200 company and the nation’s largest energy delivery company, serving more than 10 million customers through six fully regulated transmission and distribution utilities — Atlantic City Electric (ACE), Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), Delmarva Power & Light (DPL), PECO Energy Company (PECO), and Potomac Electric Power Company (Pepco). More than 18,000 Exelon employees dedicate their time and expertise to powering a cleaner and brighter future for our customers and communities through reliable, affordable and efficient energy delivery, workforce development, equity, economic development and volunteerism. Follow Exelon on Twitter @Exelon.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to net income as determined under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP), Exelon evaluates its operating performance using the measure of Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings because management believes it represents earnings directly related to the ongoing operations of the business. Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings exclude certain costs, expenses, gains and losses, and other specified items. This measure is intended to enhance an investor’s overall understanding of period over period operating results and provide an indication of Exelon’s baseline operating performance excluding items that are considered by management to be not directly related to the ongoing operations of the business. In addition, this measure is among the primary indicators management uses as a basis for evaluating performance, allocating resources, setting incentive compensation targets, and planning and forecasting of future periods. Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings is not a presentation defined under GAAP and may not be comparable to other companies’ presentation. Exelon has provided the non-GAAP financial measure as supplemental information and in addition to the financial measures that are calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings should not be deemed more useful than, a substitute for, or an alternative to the most comparable GAAP Net Income measures provided in this earnings release and attachments. This press release and earnings release attachments provide reconciliations of Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, are posted on Exelon’s website: www.exeloncorp.com, and have been furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 8-K on Feb. 14, 2023.
Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Words such as “could,” “may,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “will,” “targets,” “goals,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “should,” and variations on such words, and similar expressions that reflect our current views with respect to future events and operational, economic, and financial performance, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.
The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements made by Exelon Corporation, Commonwealth Edison Company, PECO Energy Company, Baltimore Gas and Electric Company, Pepco Holdings LLC, Potomac Electric Power Company, Delmarva Power & Light Company, and Atlantic City Electric Company (Registrants) include those factors discussed herein, as well as the items discussed in (1) the Registrants' 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 25, 2022 in Part I, ITEM 1A. Risk Factors; (2) the Registrants' Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 30, 2022 to recast Exelon's consolidated financial statements and certain other financial information originally included in the 2021 Form 10-K in (a) Part II, ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and (b) Part II, ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data: Note 17, Commitments and Contingencies; (3) the Registrants' Third Quarter 2022 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (filed on Nov. 3, 2022) in (a) Part II, ITEM 1A. Risk Factors, (b) Part I, ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and (c) Part I, ITEM 1. Financial Statements: Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies; and (4) other factors discussed in filings with the SEC by the Registrants.
Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, which apply only as of the date of this press release. None of the Registrants undertakes any obligation to publicly release any revision to its forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.
