Southern Company reports fourth-quarter and full-year 2019 earnings
ATLANTA, Feb. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern Company today reported fourth-quarter 2019 earnings of $440 million, or 42 cents per share, compared with $278 million, or 27 cents per share, in the fourth quarter of 2018. Southern Company also reported full-year 2019 earnings of $4.74 billion, or $4.53 per share, compared with earnings of $2.23 billion, or $2.18 per share, in 2018.
Excluding the items described in the "Net Income – Excluding Items" table below, Southern Company earned $283 million, or 27 cents per share, during the fourth quarter of 2019, compared with $256 million, or 25 cents per share, during the fourth quarter of 2018. For the full year 2019, excluding these items, Southern Company earned $3.25 billion, or $3.11 per share, compared with earnings of $3.13 billion, or $3.07 per share, in 2018.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures | Three Months Ended December | Year-to-Date December | |||
Net Income - Excluding Items (in millions) | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |
Net Income - As Reported | $440 | $278 | $4,739 | $2,226 | |
Less: | |||||
Acquisition, Disposition, and Integration Impacts | 39 | (58) | 2,516 | 35 | |
Tax Impact | 48 | 11 | (1,081) | (294) | |
Estimated Loss on Plants Under Construction | (11) | 6 | (27) | (1,102) | |
Tax Impact | (4) | 94 | - | 376 | |
Wholesale Gas Services | 136 | (41) | 215 | 42 | |
Tax Impact | (34) | 14 | (52) | (4) | |
Asset Impairment | (16) | - | (108) | - | |
Tax Impact | (1) | - | 26 | - | |
Litigation Settlement | - | - | - | 24 | |
Tax Impact | - | - | - | (6) | |
Earnings Guidance Comparability Item: | |||||
Adoption of Tax Reform | - | (4) | - | 27 | |
Net Income – Excluding Items | $283 | $256 | $3,250 | $3,128 | |
Average Shares Outstanding – (in millions) | 1,052 | 1,034 | 1,046 | 1,020 | |
Basic Earnings Per Share – Excluding Items | $0.27 | $0.25 | $3.11 | $3.07 | |
NOTE: For more information regarding these non-GAAP adjustments, see the footnotes accompanying the Financial Highlights page of the earnings package.
Earnings drivers for the full year 2019 were positively influenced by higher earnings at our state-regulated utilities, more than offsetting the impact of divested entities on earnings. The increases reflect the continued impacts of tax reform, including related changes in capital structure, as well as continued investment at our state-regulated utilities, along with customer growth, offset by declines in customer usage.
"By all accounts, 2019 was an outstanding year for Southern Company, as we performed well across a broad range of metrics," said Chairman, President and CEO Thomas A. Fanning. "Operational performance at our state-regulated utilities was superb, with record generation and transmission reliability. Nicor Gas reliably delivered natural gas to customers in Illinois during unprecedented cold temperatures. We continued to decarbonize our generation fleet and we saw constructive outcomes in several key regulatory proceedings."
"At Georgia Power's Plant Vogtle, we accomplished all major 2019 milestones associated with the construction of new nuclear units 3 and 4," added Fanning. "We have refined our aggressive site work plan for the project, which will serve as a tool to drive improved productivity to achieve the regulatory-approved in-service dates of November 2021 for Unit 3 and November 2022 for Unit 4."
Fourth quarter 2019 operating revenues were $4.91 billion, compared with $5.34 billion for the fourth quarter of 2018, a decrease of 7.9 percent. Operating revenues for the full year 2019 were $21.42 billion, compared with $23.50 billion in 2018, a decrease of 8.8 percent. These decreases reflect the dispositions of Gulf Power and other assets.
Southern Company's fourth quarter earnings slides with supplemental financial information are available at http://investor.southerncompany.com.
Southern Company's financial analyst call will begin at 1 p.m. Eastern Time today, during which Fanning and Chief Financial Officer Andrew W. Evans will discuss earnings and provide a general business update, including earnings guidance for 2020. Investors, media and the public may listen to a live webcast of the call and view associated slides at http://investor.southerncompany.com/webcasts. A replay of the webcast will be available on the site for 12 months.
About Southern CompanySouthern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy company serving 9 million customers through its subsidiaries. The company provides clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy through electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company serving wholesale customers across America, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and affordable prices below the national average. For more than a century, we have been building the future of energy and developing the full portfolio of energy resources, including carbon-free nuclear, advanced carbon capture technologies, natural gas, renewables, energy efficiency and storage technology. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation and a low-carbon future, Southern Company and its subsidiaries develop the customized energy solutions our customers and communities require to drive growth and prosperity. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and govern our business to the benefit of our world. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have been recognized nationally by the U.S. Department of Defense, G.I. Jobs magazine, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, Forbes and the Women's Choice Award. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:Certain information contained in this release is forward-looking information based on current expectations and plans that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information includes, among other things, statements concerning expected schedule for completion of Plant Vogtle units 3 and 4. Southern Company cautions that there are certain factors that can cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information that has been provided. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is not a guarantee of future performance and is subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Southern Company; accordingly, there can be no assurance that such suggested results will be realized. The following factors, in addition to those discussed in Southern Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and subsequent securities filings, could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations as suggested by such forward-looking information: the ability to control costs and avoid cost and schedule overruns during the development, construction, and operation of facilities or other projects, including Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4, which includes components based on new technology that only within the last few years began initial operation in the global nuclear industry at this scale, and including changes in labor costs, availability and productivity; challenges with management of contractors or vendors; subcontractor performance; adverse weather conditions; shortages, delays, increased costs, or inconsistent quality of equipment, materials, and labor; contractor or supplier delay; delays due to judicial or regulatory action; nonperformance under construction, operating, or other agreements; operational readiness, including specialized operator training and required site safety programs; engineering or design problems; design and other licensing-based compliance matters, including, for nuclear units, the timely submittal by Southern Nuclear of the Inspections, Tests, Analyses, and Acceptance Criteria documentation for each unit and the related reviews and approvals by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission ("NRC") necessary to support NRC authorization to load fuel; challenges with start-up activities, including major equipment failure, system integration or regional transmission upgrades; and/or operational performance; the ability to overcome or mitigate the current challenges at Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 that could impact the cost and schedule for the project; legal proceedings and regulatory approvals and actions related to construction projects, such as Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 and pipeline projects, including Public Service Commission approvals and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and NRC actions; under certain specified circumstances, a decision by holders of more than 10% of the ownership interests of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 not to proceed with construction and the ability of other Vogtle owners to tender a portion of their ownership interests to Georgia Power following certain construction cost increases; in the event Georgia Power becomes obligated to provide funding to Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia ("MEAG") with respect to the portion of MEAG's ownership interest in Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 involving Jacksonville Electric Authority, any inability of Georgia Power to receive repayment of such funding; the ability to construct facilities in accordance with the requirements of permits and licenses (including satisfaction of NRC requirements), to satisfy any environmental performance standards and the requirements of tax credits and other incentives, and to integrate facilities into the Southern Company system upon completion of construction; the inherent risks involved in operating and constructing nuclear generating facilities; the ability of counterparties of Southern Company and its subsidiaries to make payments as and when due and to perform as required; the direct or indirect effect on the Southern Company system's business resulting from cyber intrusion or physical attack and the threat of physical attacks; catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and other storms, droughts, pandemic health events or other similar occurrences; and the direct or indirect effects on the Southern Company system's business resulting from incidents affecting the U.S. electric grid, natural gas pipeline infrastructure, or operation of generating or storage resources. Southern Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward‐looking information.
Southern Company | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial Highlights | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions of Dollars Except Earnings Per Share) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months EndedDecember | Year-to-DateDecember | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Income–As Reported (See Notes) | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Traditional Electric Operating Companies | $ | 210 | $ | 407 | $ | 2,929 | $ | 2,117 | |||||||||||||||||
Southern Power | 23 | (48) | 339 | 187 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Southern Company Gas | 238 | 78 | 585 | 372 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 471 | 437 | 3,853 | 2,676 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Parent Company and Other | (31) | (159) | 886 | (450) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net Income–As Reported | $ | 440 | $ | 278 | $ | 4,739 | $ | 2,226 | |||||||||||||||||
Basic Earnings Per Share1 | $ | 0.42 | $ | 0.27 | $ | 4.53 | $ | 2.18 | |||||||||||||||||
Average Shares Outstanding (in millions) | 1,052 | 1,034 | 1,046 | 1,020 | |||||||||||||||||||||
End of Period Shares Outstanding (in millions) | 1,053 | 1,034 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-GAAP Financial Measures | Three Months EndedDecember | Year-to-DateDecember | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Income–Excluding Items (See Notes) | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net Income–As Reported | $ | 440 | $ | 278 | $ | 4,739 | $ | 2,226 | |||||||||||||||||
Less: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition, Disposition, and Integration Impacts2 | 39 | (58) | 2,516 | 35 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Tax Impact | 48 | 11 | (1,081) | (294) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Estimated Loss on Plants Under Construction3 | (11) | 6 | (27) | (1,102) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Tax Impact | (4) | 94 | — | 376 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wholesale Gas Services4 | 136 | (41) | 215 | 42 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Tax Impact | (34) | 14 | (52) | (4) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Asset Impairment5 | (16) | — | (108) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
Tax Impact | (1) | — | 26 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
Litigation Settlement6 | — | — | — | 24 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Tax Impact | — | — | — | (6) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings Guidance Comparability Item: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adoption of Tax Reform6 | — | (4) | — | 27 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net Income–Excluding Items | $ | 283 | $ | 256 | $ | 3,250 | $ | 3,128 | |||||||||||||||||
Basic Earnings Per Share–Excluding Items | $ | 0.27 | $ | 0.25 | $ | 3.11 | $ | 3.07 | |||||||||||||||||
Southern Company | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial Highlights | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Notes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) | Dilutive impacts are immaterial ($0.03 or less per share) in all periods. Diluted earnings per share was $0.42 and $4.50 for the three and twelve months ended December 31 2019, respectively, and $0.27 and $2.17 for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2018, respectively. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(2) | Earnings for the three months ended December 31, 2019 include: (i) a $70 million pre-tax ($102 million after- tax) increase for the gain on the sale of Gulf Power; (ii) a $24 million pre-tax ($17 million after-tax) impairment charge in contemplation of the pending sale of Pivotal LNG and Atlantic Coast Pipeline; and (iii) a net $7 million pre-tax reduction to earnings (net $2 million after-tax increase to earnings) of other acquisition, disposition, and integration impacts. Earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 include: (i) a $2.6 billion pre-tax ($1.4 billion after-tax) gain on the sale of Gulf Power; (ii) a $23 million pre-tax ($88 million after-tax) gain on the sale of Plant Nacogdoches; and (iii) $18 million pre tax ($11 million after tax) of other acquisition, disposition, and integration impacts, partially offset by: (i) a $58 million pre-tax ($52 million after-tax) net loss, including impairment charges, associated with the sales of PowerSecure's utility infrastructure services and lighting businesses and (ii) a $24 million pre-tax ($17 million after-tax) impairment charge in contemplation of the pending sale of Pivotal LNG and Atlantic Coast Pipeline. Earnings for the three months ended December 31, 2018 include: (i) a net combined $27 million pre-tax loss (net combined $15 million after-tax loss) to reflect the final adjustments for the sales of Elizabethtown Gas, Elkton Gas, Florida City Gas, and Pivotal Home Solutions and (ii) other acquisition, disposition, and integration costs of $31 million pre tax ($32 million after tax). Earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 include: (i) a net combined $249 million pre-tax gain ($93 million after-tax loss) on the sales of Elizabethtown Gas, Elkton Gas, Florida City Gas, and Pivotal Home Solutions, including a related impairmentcharge; (ii) a $119 million pre-tax ($89 million after-tax) impairment charge associated with the sales of Plants Stanton and Oleander; and (iii) $95 million pre tax ($77 million after tax) of other acquisition, disposition, and integration costs. Further impacts are expected to be recorded in 2020 in connection with the sale of Plant Mankato and the pending sale of Pivotal LNG and Atlantic Coast Pipeline. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(3) | Earnings for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 include charges, associated legal expenses, and tax impacts related to Mississippi Power's integrated coal gasification combined cycle facility project in Kemper County, Mississippi. Additionally, the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2018 include a $95 million credit to earnings primarily resulting from the reduction of a related state income tax valuation allowance. Mississippi Power expects to substantially complete mine reclamation activities in 2020 and dismantlement of the abandoned gasifier-related assets and site restoration activities by 2024. The additional pre-tax period costs associated with these activities, including related costs for compliance and safety, asset retirement obligation accretion, and property taxes, are estimated to total $17 million in 2020, $15 to $16 million annually in 2021through 2023, and $5 million in 2024. Earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 also include a $1.1 billion charge ($0.8 billion after tax) for an estimated probable loss on Georgia Power's construction of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4. Further charges for Georgia Power's Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 may occur; however, the amount and timing of any such charges are uncertain. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(4) | Earnings for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 include Wholesale Gas Services business results. Presenting earnings and earnings per share excluding Wholesale Gas Services provides an additional measure of operating performance that excludes the volatility resulting from mark-to-market and lower of weighted average cost or current market price accounting adjustments. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(5) | Earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 include a pre-tax impairment charge of $91 million ($69 million after tax) associated with a natural gas storage facility and earnings for the three months ended December 31, 2019 include an adjustment of $(1) million pre tax ($4 million after tax) of this impairment charge. Additionally, earnings for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019 include a pre-tax impairment charge of $17 million ($13 million after tax) related to a leveraged lease. Additional impairment charges associated with other natural gas storage facilities or this leveraged lease investment may occur; however, the amount and timing of any such charges are uncertain. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(6) | Earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 include the settlement proceeds of Mississippi Power's claim for lost revenue resulting from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill and earnings for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2018 include additional net tax benefits as a result of implementing federal tax reform legislation. Additional proceeds or adjustments are not expected. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Southern Company | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Significant Factors Impacting EPS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months EndedDecember | Year-to-DateDecember | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | Change | 2019 | 2018 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||
Earnings Per Share– | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
As Reported1 (See Notes) | $ | 0.42 | $ | 0.27 | $ | 0.15 | $ | 4.53 | $ | 2.18 | $ | 2.35 | ||||||||||||
Significant Factors: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Traditional Electric Operating Companies | $ | (0.19) | $ | 0.80 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Southern Power | 0.07 | 0.15 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Southern Company Gas | 0.15 | 0.21 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Parent Company and Other | 0.13 | 1.30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Increase in Shares | (0.01) | (0.11) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total–As Reported | $ | 0.15 | $ | 2.35 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months EndedDecember | Year-to-DateDecember | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-GAAP Financial Measures | 2019 | 2018 | Change | 2019 | 2018 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||
Earnings Per Share– | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Excluding Items (See Notes) | $ | 0.27 | $ | 0.25 | $ | 0.02 | $ | 3.11 | $ | 3.07 | $ | 0.04 | ||||||||||||
Total–As Reported | $ | 0.15 | $ | 2.35 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Less: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition, Disposition, and Integration Impacts2 | 0.13 | 1.63 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Estimated Loss on Plants Under Construction3 | (0.11) | 0.68 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Wholesale Gas Services4 | 0.13 | 0.13 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Asset Impairment5 | (0.02) | (0.08) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Litigation Settlement6 | — | (0.02) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Adoption of Tax Reform6 | — | (0.03) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total–Excluding Items | $ | 0.02 | $ | 0.04 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Southern Company | |||||||||
Significant Factors Impacting EPS | |||||||||
Notes | |||||||||
(1) | Dilutive impacts are immaterial ($0.03 or less per share) in all periods. Diluted earnings per share was $0.42 and $4.50 for the three and twelve months ended December 31 2019, respectively, and $0.27 and $2.17 for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2018, respectively. | ||||||||
(2) | Earnings for the three months ended December 31, 2019 include: (i) a $70 million pre-tax ($102 million after- tax) increase for the gain on the sale of Gulf Power; (ii) a $24 million pre-tax ($17 million after-tax) impairment charge in contemplation of the pending sale of Pivotal LNG and Atlantic Coast Pipeline; and (iii) a net $7 million pre-tax reduction to earnings (net $2 million after-tax increase to earnings) of other acquisition, disposition, and integration impacts. Earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 include: (i) a $2.6 billion pre-tax ($1.4 billion after-tax) gain on the sale of Gulf Power; (ii) a $23 million pre-tax ($88 million after-tax) gain on the sale of Plant Nacogdoches; and (iii) $18 million pre tax ($11 million after tax) of other acquisition, disposition, and integration impacts, partially offset by: (i) a $58 million pre-tax ($52 million after-tax) net loss, including impairment charges, associated with the sales of PowerSecure's utility infrastructure services and lighting businesses and (ii) a $24 million pre-tax ($17 million after-tax) impairment charge in contemplation of the pending sale of Pivotal LNG and Atlantic Coast Pipeline. Earnings for the three months ended December 31, 2018 include: (i) a net combined $27 million pre-tax loss (net combined $15 million after-tax loss) to reflect the final adjustments for the sales of Elizabethtown Gas, Elkton Gas, Florida City Gas, and Pivotal Home Solutions and (ii) other acquisition, disposition, and integration costs of $31 million pre tax ($32 million after tax). Earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 include: (i) a net combined $249 million pre-tax gain ($93 million after-tax loss) on the sales of Elizabethtown Gas, Elkton Gas, Florida City Gas, and Pivotal Home Solutions, including a related impairment charge; (ii) a $119 million pre-tax ($89 million after-tax) impairment charge associated with the sales of Plants Stanton and Oleander; and (iii) $95 million pre tax ($77 million after tax) of other acquisition, disposition, and integration costs. Further impacts are expected to be recorded in 2020 in connection with the sale of Plant Mankato and the pending sale of Pivotal LNG and Atlantic Coast Pipeline. | ||||||||
(3) | Earnings for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 include charges, associated legal expenses, and tax impacts related to Mississippi Power's integrated coal gasification combined cycle facility project in Kemper County, Mississippi. Additionally, the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2018 include a $95 million credit to earnings primarily resulting from the reduction of a related state income tax valuation allowance. Mississippi Power expects to substantially complete mine reclamation activities in 2020 and dismantlement of the abandoned gasifier-related assets and site restoration activities by 2024. The additional pre-tax period costs associated with these activities, including related costs for compliance and safety, asset retirement obligation accretion, and property taxes, are estimated to total $17 million in 2020, $15 to $16 million annually in 2021 through 2023, and $5 million in 2024. Earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 also include a $1.1 billion charge ($0.8 billion after tax) for an estimated probable loss on Georgia Power's construction of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4. Further charges for Georgia Power's Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 may occur; however, the amount and timing of any such charges are uncertain. | ||||||||
(4) | Earnings for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 include Wholesale Gas Services business results. Presenting earnings and earnings per share excluding Wholesale Gas Services provides an additional measure of operating performance that excludes the volatility resulting from mark-to-market and lower of weighted average cost or current market price accounting adjustments. | ||||||||
(5) | Earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 include a pre-tax impairment charge of $91 million ($69 million after tax) associated with a natural gas storage facility and earnings for the three months ended December 31, 2019 include an adjustment of $(1) million pre tax ($4 million after tax) of this impairment charge. Additionally, earnings for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019 include a pre-tax impairment charge of $17 million ($13 million after tax) related to a leveraged lease. Additional impairment charges associated with other natural gas storage facilities or this leveraged lease investment may occur; however, the amount and timing of any such charges are uncertain. | ||||||||
(6) | Earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 include the settlement proceeds of Mississippi Power's claim for lost revenue resulting from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill and earnings for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2018 include additional net tax benefits as a result of implementing federal tax reform legislation. Additional proceeds or adjustments are not expected. | ||||||||
Southern Company | ||||
EPS Earnings Analysis | ||||
Description | Three Months Ended December2019 vs. 2018 | Year-to-Date December2019 vs. 2018 | ||
Retail Sales | $(0.02) | $(0.12) | ||
Retail Revenue Impacts | 0.11 | 0.44 | ||
Weather | (0.03) | 0.02 | ||
Wholesale and Other Operating Revenues | 0.01 | 0.07 | ||
Non-Fuel O&M | (0.11) | (0.14) | ||
Interest Expense, Depreciation and Amortization, Other | — | (0.03) | ||
Income Taxes | 0.04 | 0.14 | ||
Gulf Power Earnings | (0.01) | (0.16) | ||
Total Traditional Electric Operating Companies | $(0.01) | $0.22 | ||
Southern Power | (0.02) | (0.12) | ||
Southern Company Gas | 0.03 | 0.04 | ||
Parent and Other | 0.02 | (0.02) | ||
Increase in Shares | — | (0.08) | ||
Total Change in EPS (Excluding Items) | $0.02 | $0.04 | ||
Acquisition, Disposition, and Integration Impacts1 | 0.13 | 1.63 | ||
Estimated Loss on Plants Under Construction2 | (0.11) | 0.68 | ||
Wholesale Gas Services3 | 0.13 | 0.13 | ||
Asset Impairment4 | (0.02) | (0.08) | ||
Litigation Settlement5 | — | (0.02) | ||
Adoption of Tax Reform5 | — | (0.03) | ||
Total Change in EPS (As Reported) | $0.15 | $2.35 | ||
Southern Company | ||||||||
EPS Earnings Analysis | ||||||||
Three and Twelve Months Ended December 2019 vs. December 2018 | ||||||||
Notes | ||||||||
(1) | Earnings for the three months ended December 31, 2019 include: (i) a $70 million pre-tax ($102 million after- tax) increase for the gain on the sale of Gulf Power; (ii) a $24 million pre-tax ($17 million after-tax) impairment charge in contemplation of the pending sale of Pivotal LNG and Atlantic Coast Pipeline; and (iii) a net $7 million pre-tax reduction to earnings (net $2 million after-tax increase to earnings) of other acquisition, disposition, and integration impacts. Earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 include: (i) a $2.6 billion pre-tax ($1.4 billion after-tax) gain on the sale of Gulf Power; (ii) a $23 million pre-tax ($88 million after-tax) gain on the sale of Plant Nacogdoches; and (iii) $18 million pre tax ($11 million after tax) of other acquisition, disposition, and integration impacts, partially offset by: (i) a $58 million pre-tax ($52 million after-tax) net loss, including impairment charges, associated with the sales of PowerSecure's utility infrastructure services and lighting businesses and (ii) a $24 million pre-tax ($17 million after-tax) impairment charge in contemplation of the pending sale of Pivotal LNG and Atlantic Coast Pipeline. Earnings for the three months ended December 31, 2018 include: (i) a net combined $27 million pre-tax loss (net combined $15 million after-tax loss) to reflect the final adjustments for the sales of Elizabethtown Gas, Elkton Gas, Florida City Gas, and Pivotal Home Solutions and (ii) other acquisition, disposition, and integration costs of $31 million pre tax ($32 million after tax). Earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 include: (i) a net combined $249 million pre-tax gain ($93 million after-tax loss) on the sales of Elizabethtown Gas, Elkton Gas, Florida City Gas, and Pivotal Home Solutions, including a related impairment charge; (ii) a $119 million pre-tax ($89 million after-tax) impairment charge associated with the sales of Plants Stanton and Oleander; and (iii) $95 million pre tax ($77 million after tax) of other acquisition, disposition, and integration costs. Further impacts are expected to be recorded in 2020 in connection with the sale of Plant Mankato and the pending sale of Pivotal LNG and Atlantic Coast Pipeline. | |||||||
(2) | Earnings for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 include charges, associated legal expenses, and tax impacts related to Mississippi Power's integrated coal gasification combined cycle facility project in Kemper County, Mississippi. Additionally, the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2018 include a $95 million credit to earnings primarily resulting from the reduction of a related state income tax valuation allowance. Mississippi Power expects to substantially complete mine reclamation activities in 2020 and dismantlement of the abandoned gasifier-related assets and site restoration activities by 2024. The additional pre-tax period costs associated with these activities, including related costs for compliance and safety, asset retirement obligation accretion, and property taxes, are estimated to total $17 million in 2020, $15 to $16 million annually in 2021 through 2023, and $5 million in 2024. Earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 also include a $1.1 billion charge ($0.8 billion after tax) for an estimated probable loss on Georgia Power's construction of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4. Further charges for Georgia Power's Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 may occur; however, the amount and timing of any such charges are uncertain. | |||||||
(3) | Earnings for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 include Wholesale Gas Services business results. Presenting earnings and earnings per share excluding Wholesale Gas Services provides an additional measure of operating performance that excludes the volatility resulting from mark-to-market and lower of weighted average cost or current market price accounting adjustments. | |||||||
(4) | Earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 include a pre-tax impairment charge of $91 million ($69 million after tax) associated with a natural gas storage facility and earnings for the three months ended December 31, 2019 include an adjustment of $(1) million pre tax ($4 million after tax) of this impairment charge. Additionally, earnings for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019 include a pre-tax impairment charge of $17 million ($13 million after tax) related to a leveraged lease. Additional impairment charges associated with other natural gas storage facilities or this leveraged lease investment may occur; however, the amount and timing of any such charges are uncertain. | |||||||
(5) | Earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 include the settlement proceeds of Mississippi Power's claim for lost revenue resulting from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill and earnings for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2018 include additional net tax benefits as a result of implementing federal tax reform legislation. Additional proceeds or adjustments are not expected. | |||||||
Southern Company | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Earnings | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
As Reported | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions of Dollars) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months EndedDecember | Year-to-DateDecember | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | Change | 2019 | 2018 | Change | |||||||||||||||||||
Income Account- | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Retail Electric Revenues- | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fuel | $ | 784 | $ | 1,012 | $ | (228) | $ | 3,591 | $ | 4,283 | $ | (692) | ||||||||||||
Non-Fuel | 2,164 | 2,297 | (133) | 10,493 | 10,939 | (446) | ||||||||||||||||||
Wholesale Electric Revenues | 485 | 579 | (94) | 2,152 | 2,516 | (364) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other Electric Revenues | 144 | 169 | (25) | 636 | 664 | (28) | ||||||||||||||||||
Natural Gas Revenues | 1,131 | 1,048 | 83 | 3,792 | 3,854 | (62) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other Revenues | 206 | 232 | (26) | 755 | 1,239 | (484) | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Revenues | 4,914 | 5,337 | (423) | 21,419 | 23,495 | (2,076) | ||||||||||||||||||
Fuel and Purchased Power | 977 | 1,334 | (357) | 4,438 | 5,608 | (1,170) | ||||||||||||||||||
Cost of Natural Gas | 363 | 486 | (123) | 1,319 | 1,539 | (220) | ||||||||||||||||||
Cost of Other Sales | 119 | 118 | 1 | 435 | 806 | (371) | ||||||||||||||||||
Non-Fuel O & M | 1,712 | 1,672 | 40 | 5,600 | 5,889 | (289) | ||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and Amortization | 771 | 793 | (22) | 3,038 | 3,131 | (93) | ||||||||||||||||||
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes | 299 | 325 | (26) | 1,230 | 1,315 | (85) | ||||||||||||||||||
Estimated Loss on Plants Under Construction | 14 | (8) | 22 | 24 | 1,097 | (1,073) | ||||||||||||||||||
Impairment Charges | 26 | 13 | 13 | 168 | 210 | (42) | ||||||||||||||||||
(Gain) Loss on Dispositions, net | (57) | 26 | (83) | (2,569) | (291) | (2,278) | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Operating Expenses | 4,224 | 4,759 | (535) | 13,683 | 19,304 | (5,621) | ||||||||||||||||||
Operating Income | 690 | 578 | 112 | 7,736 | 4,191 | 3,545 | ||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction | 32 | 39 | (7) | 128 | 138 | (10) | ||||||||||||||||||
Earnings from Equity Method Investments | 42 | 40 | 2 | 162 | 148 | 14 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest Expense, Net of Amounts Capitalized | 442 | 456 | (14) | 1,736 | 1,842 | (106) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other Income (Expense), net | 13 | (81) | 94 | 252 | 114 | 138 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income Taxes (Benefit) | (74) | (149) | 75 | 1,798 | 449 | 1,349 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net Income | 409 | 269 | 140 | 4,744 | 2,300 | 2,444 | ||||||||||||||||||
Less: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Preferred Stock of Subsidiaries | 5 | 4 | 1 | 15 | 16 | (1) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests | (36) | (13) | (23) | (10) | 58 | (68) | ||||||||||||||||||
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TOSOUTHERN COMPANY | $ | 440 | $ | 278 | $ | 162 | $ | 4,739 | $ | 2,226 | $ | 2,513 | ||||||||||||
Notes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
- Certain prior year data may have been reclassified to conform with current year presentation. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Southern Company | |||||||||||||||||||||
Kilowatt-Hour Sales | |||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions of KWHs) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended December | |||||||||||||||||||||
As Reported | Adjusted1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | Change | Weather Adjusted Change | 2018 | Change | Weather Adjusted Change | |||||||||||||||
Kilowatt-Hour Sales- | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total Sales | 46,185 | 49,539 | (6.8) | % | 46,943 | (1.6) | % | ||||||||||||||
Total Retail Sales- | 34,254 | 37,973 | (9.8) | % | (8.2) | % | 35,529 | (3.6) | % | (2.1) | % | ||||||||||
Residential | 10,738 | 12,475 | (13.9) | % | (9.7) | % | 11,281 | (4.8) | % | (0.6) | % | ||||||||||
Commercial | 11,324 | 12,346 | (8.3) | % | (7.7) | % | 11,510 | (1.6) | % | (1.1) | % | ||||||||||
Industrial | 12,022 | 12,949 | (7.2) | % | (7.2) | % | 12,542 | (4.1) | % | (4.1) | % | ||||||||||
Other | 170 | 203 | (16.3) | % | (16.1) | % | 196 | (13.4) | % | (13.1) | % | ||||||||||
Total Wholesale Sales | 11,931 | 11,566 | 3.2 | % | N/A | 11,414 | 4.5 | % | N/A | ||||||||||||
Year-to-Date December | |||||||||||||||||||||
As Reported | Adjusted1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | Change | Weather Adjusted Change | 2018 | Change | Weather Adjusted Change | |||||||||||||||
Kilowatt-Hour Sales- | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total Sales | 196,488 | 212,144 | (7.4) | % | 200,353 | (1.9) | % | ||||||||||||||
Total Retail Sales- | 148,461 | 162,182 | (8.5) | % | (8.4) | % | 151,049 | (1.7) | % | (1.8) | % | ||||||||||
Residential | 48,528 | 54,590 | (11.1) | % | (10.7) | % | 49,070 | (1.1) | % | (0.8) | % | ||||||||||
Commercial | 49,101 | 53,451 | (8.1) | % | (8.6) | % | 49,623 | (1.1) | % | (1.6) | % | ||||||||||
Industrial | 50,106 | 53,341 | (6.1) | % | (6.1) | % | 51,584 | (2.9) | % | (2.9) | % | ||||||||||
Other | 726 | 800 | (9.1) | % | (9.0) | % | 772 | (5.8) | % | (5.7) | % | ||||||||||
Total Wholesale Sales | 48,027 | 49,962 | (3.9) | % | N/A | 49,304 | (2.6) | % | N/A | ||||||||||||
Notes | |||||||||||||||||||||
(1) Kilowatt-hour sales comparisons to the prior year were significantly impacted by the disposition of Gulf Power Company on January 1, 2019. These 2018 kilowatt-hour sales and changes exclude Gulf Power Company. | |||||||||||||||||||||
Southern Company | ||||||||||||||
Customers | ||||||||||||||
(In Thousands of Customers) | ||||||||||||||
Period Ended December | ||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | Change | ||||||||||||
Regulated Utility Customers- | ||||||||||||||
Total Utility Customers- | 8,543 | 8,933 | (4.4)% | |||||||||||
Total Traditional Electric1 | 4,266 | 4,685 | (8.9)% | |||||||||||
Southern Company Gas | 4,277 | 4,248 | 0.7% | |||||||||||
Notes | ||||||||||||||
(1) Includes approximately 463,000 customers at December 31, 2018 related to Gulf Power Company, which was sold on January 1, 2019. | ||||||||||||||
Southern Company | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial Overview | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
As Reported | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions of Dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months EndedDecember | Year-to-DateDecember | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | % Change | 2019 | 2018 | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||
Southern Company1 – | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Revenues | $ | 4,914 | $ | 5,337 | (7.9) | % | $ | 21,419 | $ | 23,495 | (8.8) | % | |||||||||||||
Earnings Before Income Taxes | 335 | 120 | 179.2 | % | 6,542 | 2,749 | 138.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Net Income Available to Common | 440 | 278 | 58.3 | % | 4,739 | 2,226 | 112.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Alabama Power – | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Revenues | $ | 1,363 | $ | 1,316 | 3.6 | % | $ | 6,125 | $ | 6,032 | 1.5 | % | |||||||||||||
Earnings Before Income Taxes | 67 | 96 | (30.2) | % | 1,355 | 1,236 | 9.6 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Net Income Available to Common | 88 | 73 | 20.5 | % | 1,070 | 930 | 15.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Georgia Power – | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Revenues | $ | 1,703 | $ | 1,818 | (6.3) | % | $ | 8,408 | $ | 8,420 | (0.1) | % | |||||||||||||
Earnings Before Income Taxes | 128 | 175 | (26.9) | % | 2,192 | 1,007 | 117.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Net Income Available to Common | 122 | 173 | (29.5) | % | 1,720 | 793 | 116.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Mississippi Power – | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Revenues | $ | 294 | $ | 308 | (4.5) | % | $ | 1,264 | $ | 1,265 | (0.1) | % | |||||||||||||
Earnings Before Income Taxes | 3 | 24 | (87.5) | % | 169 | 134 | 26.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Net Income Available to Common | — | 149 | (100.0) | % | 139 | 235 | (40.9) | % | |||||||||||||||||
Southern Power1 – | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Revenues | $ | 411 | $ | 506 | (18.8) | % | $ | 1,938 | $ | 2,205 | (12.1) | % | |||||||||||||
Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes | (28) | (14) | 100.0 | % | 273 | 82 | 232.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common | 23 | (48) | (147.9) | % | 339 | 187 | 81.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Southern Company Gas1 – | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Revenues | $ | 1,131 | $ | 1,048 | 7.9 | % | $ | 3,792 | $ | 3,909 | (3.0) | % | |||||||||||||
Earnings Before Income Taxes | 307 | 67 | 358.2 | % | 715 | 836 | (14.5) | % | |||||||||||||||||
Net Income Available to Common | 238 | 78 | 205.1 | % | 585 | 372 | 57.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Notes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
- See Financial Highlights pages for discussion of certain significant items occurring during the periods presented. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) | Financial comparisons to the prior year were significantly impacted by (i) Southern Company Gas' disposition of: (a) Pivotal Home Solutions on June 4, 2018, (b) Elizabethtown Gas and Elkton Gas on July 1, 2018, and (c) Florida City Gas on July 29, 2018; (ii) the disposition of Southern Power Company's ownership interest in (a) Plants Oleander and Stanton on December 4, 2018 and (b) Plant Nacogdoches on June 13, 2019; (iii) Southern Power Company's sale of (a) a 33% equity interest in a limited partnership indirectly owning substantially all of its solar facilities on May 22, 2018 and (b) a noncontrolling interest in its subsidiary owning eight operating wind facilities on December 11, 2018; and (iv) Southern Company's disposition of Gulf Power Company on January 1, 2019. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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SOURCE Southern Company