Portland General Electric Reports Third Quarter 2009 Financial Results and Initiates 2010 Earnings Guidance

October 29, 2009 5:00 AM EDT

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Portland General Electric Company (NYSE: POR) today reported net income of $32 million, or $0.43 per diluted share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, compared to zero for the third quarter of 2008.

The net income increase reflects the refund to customers related to the Trojan proceedings, which was recorded on September 30, 2008 and which reduced net income by $20 million in the third quarter of 2008. Higher net income in the third quarter of 2009 compared to the third quarter of 2008 was also driven by the 2009 general rate case, an increase in the fair value of non-qualified benefit plan assets, and lower administrative costs. Operating results continue to reflect the sustained effects of the recession, with a 2% decrease in total retail energy deliveries. Also, during the third quarter of 2009, PGE experienced an increase in purchased power and fuel expense primarily driven by extended outages at Unit 4 of Colstrip and the Boardman coal-fired generating plants.

"Effective management of our business is all the more critical during a period of economic challenges. We've put special emphasis on identifying and implementing cost efficiencies, including temporary reductions in operating expense, while still making progress on key capital projects," said Jim Piro, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We plan to submit a general rate case for 2011 that is consistent with our continued focus on operational excellence and long-term investments that create value for our customers and our shareholders."

Net income increased $20 million, or 30%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 relative to the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Net income was $87 million, or $1.21 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $67 million, or $1.08 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Net income for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 was comparable, excluding the refund recorded in the third quarter of 2008 related to the Trojan proceedings, which reduced net income by $20 million in 2008.

Third Quarter Highlights

    --  Completed Biglow Canyon Phase II on schedule and within budget,
        resulting in 65 wind turbines supplying power to our service territory.
        Wind generation increased 88% in the third quarter of 2009 compared to
        the third quarter of 2008, representing 4% of the Company's total system
        load in the third quarter of 2009 compared to 2% in the third quarter of
        2008. Biglow Canyon II will be fully in customer prices effective
        January 1, 2010 utilizing the Renewable Adjustment Clause regulatory
        mechanism.
    --  PGE issued its draft Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) for public comment.
        The IRP details PGE's proposed strategic power and transmission plans
        through 2020. The draft IRP proposes to meet 2015 projected loads with
        emphasis on energy efficiency, new natural gas-fired and renewable
        resource generation, and new transmission capacity. It also includes a
        recommendation to proceed with additional emissions controls at Boardman
        to allow the Company to comply with regulatory requirements for
        continued operation of the plant.
    --  Secured an additional $150 million in financing, expecting to issue
        5.43% Series First Mortgage Bonds in early November 2009.
    --  Residential energy sales increased 5% as compared to the third quarter
        of 2008, but were more than offset by an 11% decrease in total
        industrial energy deliveries, which includes energy deliveries to direct
        access customers. Total retail energy deliveries decreased approximately
        2% as compared to the third quarter of 2008.
    --  In the third quarter of 2009, PGE recorded a $5 million gain on the fair
        value of non-qualified benefit plan assets, compared to a $4 million
        loss recorded in the third quarter of 2008.
    --  Administrative and other expense decreased by $5 million, or 10%, as
        compared to the third quarter of 2008.

2009 and 2010 Earnings Guidance

PGE reaffirms 2009 earnings guidance with diluted net income per share ranging from $1.35 to $1.45 for 2009.

The Company initiates 2010 earnings guidance with diluted net income per share ranging from $1.50 to $1.65 for 2010. The 2010 expectation is based on the following:

    --  Load growth of 0% to 2% in 2010 over weather adjusted 2009, reflecting
        the expected continued uncertainty in the industrial sector and impact
        from a slow economic recovery;
    --  Escalating operating and maintenance costs due to higher healthcare
        costs, salary escalations, higher compliance costs and other
        administrative costs; and
    --  Temporary reductions in operating costs to partially offset escalating
        expenses and economic pressure on load growth.

Liquidity

PGE has revolving credit facilities providing an aggregate borrowing capacity of $525 million. As of September 30, 2009, the aggregate borrowing capacity available under the credit facilities was $335 million.

PGE posts or receives collateral (in the form of cash or letters of credit) pursuant to its power and natural gas purchase contracts. As of September 30, 2009, PGE had posted collateral of $256 million. Provided market prices do not change from September 30, 2009, the Company expects approximately 35% of the margin deposits to roll-off in the fourth quarter of 2009, and approximately 47% to roll-off in 2010.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures in 2009 are estimated to be $732 million, primarily related to Biglow Canyon Phases II ($230 million) and III ($175 million), the smart meter project ($60 million) and continuing expenditures for production, transmission and distribution ($235 million). The Company estimates capital expenditures to be $545 million in 2010, the majority of which relate to Biglow Canyon Phase III ($200 million), the smart meter project ($60 million) and continuing expenditures for production, transmission and distribution ($245 million). PGE plans on issuing approximately $250 million in debt in 2010 to finance its capital expenditures.

Third Quarter 2009 Earnings Call and Web cast -- October 29, 2009

PGE will host a conference call with financial analysts and investors on Thursday, October 29, 2009, at 11 a.m. EDT. The conference call will be web cast live on the PGE website at www.PortlandGeneral.com. A replay of the call will be available beginning at 1 p.m. EDT on Thursday, October 29, 2009 through Thursday, November 5, 2009.

Jim Piro, President and CEO; Maria Pope, Senior Vice President, CFO, and Treasurer; and Bill Valach, Director, Investor Relations, will participate in the call. Management will respond to questions following formal comments.

The attached condensed consolidated statements of income, balance sheets, and cash flows, as well as the supplemental operating statistics, are an integral part of this earnings release.

About Portland General Electric Company

Portland General Electric Company is a vertically integrated electric utility that serves approximately 818,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in the Portland/Salem metropolitan area of Oregon. The Company's headquarters are located at 121 SW Salmon Street, Portland, Oregon 97204. Visit our website at www.PortlandGeneral.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Statements in this news release that related to future plans, objectives, expectations, performance, events and the like may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding earnings guidance and future load growth and operating and maintenance costs; statements regarding future capital expenditures; statements regarding future financings and PGE's access to capital and cost of capital; statements regarding PGE's future liquidity; statements regarding the cost, completion and benefits of capital projects, such as Biglow Canyon Phase III and the smart meter project; statements regarding the outcome of any regulatory proceeding; statements regarding the roll-off of collateral posted pursuant to power and natural gas purchase contracts; statements regarding the filing of a general rate case in 2010; as well as other statements containing words such as "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "promises," "expects," "should," "conditioned upon," and similar expressions. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the reductions in demand for electricity and the sale of excess energy during periods of low wholesale market prices; final regulatory review and approval of the deferral of excess power costs related to Boardman's forced outage from November 2005 to February 2006; regulatory approval and rate treatment of the smart meter and Biglow Canyon Wind Farm projects; operational risks relating to the Company's generation facilities, including hydro conditions, wind conditions, disruption of fuel supply, and unscheduled plant outages, which may result in unanticipated operating, maintenance and repair costs, as well as replacement power costs; the costs of compliance with environmental laws and regulations, including those that govern emissions from thermal power plants; changes in weather, hydroelectric and energy markets conditions, which could affect the availability and cost of purchased power and fuel; changes in capital market conditions, which could affect the availability and cost of capital and result in delay or cancellation of capital projects; unforeseen problems or delays in completing capital projects, resulting in the failure to complete such projects on schedule or within budget; the outcome of various legal and regulatory proceedings; and general economic and financial market conditions. As a result, actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements included in this news release are based on information available to the Company on the date hereof and such statements speak only as of the date hereof. The Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statement. Prospective investors should also review the risks and uncertainties listed in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company's reports on Forms 8-K and 10-Q filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the risks described therein from time to time.

POR-F

Source: Portland General Electric Company


PORTLAND GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

                                  Three Months Ended      Nine Months Ended

                                  September 30,           September 30,

                                  2009        2008        2009        2008

Revenues                          $ 445       $ 400       $ 1,319     $ 1,296

Operating expenses:

 Purchased power and fuel           225         217         664         652

 Production and distribution        42          40          127         125

 Administrative and other           43          48          134         142

 Depreciation and amortization      53          54          160         154

 Taxes other than income taxes      20          20          64          63

  Total operating expenses          383         379         1,149       1,136

  Income from operations            62          21          170         160

Other income (expense):

 Allowance for equity funds used    5           3           13          7
 during construction

 Miscellaneous income (expense),    5           (4     )    6           (6     )
 net

  Other income (expense), net       10          (1     )    19          1

Interest expense                    25          21          76          67

  Income (loss) before income       47          (1     )    113         94
  tax expense (benefit)

Income tax expense (benefit)        16          (1     )    32          27

  Net income                        31          -           81          67

Less: net loss attributable to      (1     )    -           (6     )    -
noncontrolling interests

   Net income attributable to
   Portland General Electric      $ 32        $ -         $ 87        $ 67
   Company

Weighted-average shares
outstanding (in thousands):

 Basic                              75,182      62,554      71,980      62,539

 Diluted                            75,223      62,607      72,057      62,589

Earnings per share - basic and    $ 0.43      $ -         $ 1.21      $ 1.08
diluted

Dividends declared per common     $ 0.255     $ 0.245     $ 0.755     $ 0.725
share




PORTLAND GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in millions)

(Unaudited)

                                                     September 30,  December 31,

                                                     2009           2008

ASSETS

Current assets:

 Cash and cash equivalents                           $ 46           $ 10

 Accounts receivable, net                              137            168

 Unbilled revenues                                     66             96

 Assets from price risk management activities -        22             31
 current

 Inventories                                           72             71

 Margin deposits                                       86             189

 Current deferred income taxes                         92             17

 Regulatory assets - current                           200            194

 Other current assets                                  44             44

    Total current assets                               765            820

Electric utility plant, net                            3,800          3,301

Non-qualified benefit plan trust                       48             46

Nuclear decommissioning trust                          49             46

Regulatory assets - noncurrent                         534            631

Other noncurrent assets                                56             45

    Total assets                                     $ 5,252        $ 4,889

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:

 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities            $ 206          $ 217

 Liabilities from price risk management activities     187            225
 - current

 Regulatory liabilities - current                      57             43

 Short-term debt                                       -              203

 Current portion of long-term debt                     186            142

 Other current liabilities                             111            59

    Total current liabilities                          747            889

Long-term debt, net of current portion                 1,408          1,164

Liabilities from price risk management activities -    133            201
noncurrent

Regulatory liabilities - noncurrent                    658            640

Noncurrent deferred income taxes                       408            304

Unfunded status of pension and postretirement plans    177            174

Non-qualified benefit plan liabilities                 94             91

Other noncurrent liabilities                           72             72

    Total liabilities                                  3,697          3,535

    Total shareholders' equity                         1,555          1,354

    Total liabilities and shareholders' equity       $ 5,252        $ 4,889




PORTLAND GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In millions)

(Unaudited)

                                                              Nine Months Ended

                                                              September 30,

                                                              2009      2008

Cash flows from operating activities:

 Net income                                                   $ 81      $ 67

 Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by
 operating activities:

  Depreciation and amortization                                 160       154

  Increase (decrease) in net liabilities (assets) from price    (94  )    139
  risk management activities

  Regulatory deferral - price risk management activities        94        (139 )

  Deferred income taxes                                         23        9

  Allowance for equity funds used during construction           (13  )    (7   )

  Power cost deferrals                                          (13  )    2

  Unrealized (gains) losses on qualified benefit plan trust     (7   )    9
  assets

  Trojan refund liability                                       3         33

  Other non-cash income and expenses, net                       10        21

  Changes in working capital:

   (Increase) decrease in margin deposits                       103       (120 )

   Decrease in receivables                                      61        66

   Decrease in payables                                         (51  )    (10  )

   Other working capital items, net                             15        7

  Other, net                                                    5         (9   )

    Net cash provided by operating activities                   377       222

Cash flows from investing activities:

 Capital expenditures                                           (544 )    (281 )

 Sales of nuclear decommissioning trust securities              30        23

 Purchases of nuclear decommissioning trust securities          (31  )    (20  )

 Insurance proceeds received                                    -         3

 Other, net                                                     (1   )    (2   )

    Net cash used in investing activities                       (546 )    (277 )

Cash flows from financing activities:

 Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance        170       -
 costs

 Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt                       430       50

 Debt issuance costs                                            (4   )    -

 Payments on long-term debt                                     (142 )    (56  )

 Borrowings on revolving credit facilities                      82        11

 Payments on revolving credit facilities                        (213 )    -

 Borrowings (payments) on short-term debt, net                  (72  )    27

 Dividends paid                                                 (53  )    (45  )

 Noncontrolling interests' cash contributions                   7         -

    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities         205       (13  )

Change in cash and cash equivalents                             36        (68  )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period                  10        73

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period                      $ 46      $ 5




PORTLAND GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

SUPPLEMENTAL OPERATING STATISTICS

(Unaudited)

                                      Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended

                                      September 30,       September 30,

                                      2009     2008       2009       2008

Revenues(dollars in millions):

Retail sales:

 Residential                          $ 173    $ 155      $ 574      $ 559

 Commercial                             165      156        463        450

 Industrial                             44       42         125        119

  Total retail sales                    382      353        1,162      1,128

Direct access customers                 1        (3    )    -          (7      )

Other retail revenues                   19       (22   )    52         (13     )

  Total retail revenues                 402      328        1,214      1,108

Wholesale revenues                      36       61         85         153

Other operating revenues                7        11         20         35

  Total revenues                      $ 445    $ 400      $ 1,319    $ 1,296

Energy sold and delivered(MWh in thousands):

Retail energy sales:

 Residential                            1,719    1,643      5,716      5,765

 Commercial                             1,916    1,909      5,367      5,439

 Industrial                             610      649        1,772      1,857

  Total retail energy sales             4,245    4,201      12,855     13,061

Delivery to direct access customers:

 Commercial                             112      152        299        456

 Industrial                             393      484        1,120      1,369

  Total retail energy deliveries        4,750    4,837      14,274     14,886

Wholesale sales                         877      942        2,274      2,429

  Total energy sold and delivered       5,627    5,779      16,548     17,315

Number of retail customers at end of period:

 Residential                                                714,869    711,963

 Commercial                                                 103,016    101,783

 Industrial                                                 257        220

 Direct access                                              253        426

  Total retail customers                                    818,395    814,392




             Heating Degree-days  Cooling Degree-days

             2009   2008          2009  2008

1st Quarter  2,022  1,981         -     -

Average      1,831  1,840         -     -

2nd Quarter  578    860           90    98

Average      683    664           71    67

3rd Quarter  63     80            537   376

Average      80     82            394   385

Note: "Average" represents the 15-year rolling average provided by the
National Weather Service (Portland Airport).




    Source: Portland General Electric Company


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