Southern Company reports third-quarter 2020 earnings
ATLANTA, Oct. 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern Company today reported third-quarter 2020 earnings of $1.25 billion, or $1.18 per share, compared with $1.32 billion, or $1.26 per share, in the third quarter of 2019. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, Southern Company reported earnings of $2.73 billion, or $2.58 per share, compared with earnings of $4.30 billion, or $4.12 per share, for the same period in 2019.
Excluding the items described in the "Net Income - Excluding Items" table below, Southern Company earned $1.29 billion, or $1.22 per share, during the third quarter of 2020, compared with $1.40 billion, or $1.34 per share, during the third quarter of 2019. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, excluding these items, Southern Company earned $2.94 billion, or $2.78 per share, compared with $2.97 billion, or $2.84 per share, for the same period in 2019.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures Three Months Ended September Year-to-Date September Net Income - Excluding Items (in millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Net Income - As Reported $1,251 $1,316 $2,732 $4,298 Less: Acquisition and Disposition Impacts (5) 38 2,477 Tax Impact (7) (16) (1,130) Estimated Loss on Plants Under Construction 3 (3) (151) (16) Tax Impact (1) 1 39 4 Wholesale Gas Services (62) (14) (61) 79 Tax Impact 17 5 16 (18) Asset Impairment (92) (154) (92) Tax Impact 27 80 27 Net Income - Excluding Items $1,294 $1,404 $2,941 $2,967 Average Shares Outstanding - (in millions) 1,058 1,048 1,058 1,043 Basic Earnings Per Share - Excluding Items $1.22 $1.34 $2.78 $2.84
NOTE: For more information regarding these non-GAAP adjustments, see the footnotes accompanying the Financial Highlights page of the earnings package.
Earnings drivers year-over-year for the third quarter 2020 were negatively impacted by a decline in sales related to the COVID-19 pandemic and milder weather, largely offset by diligent cost control and constructive state regulatory actions completed in 2019 at the company's utilities.
"During the third quarter and much of this year, unprecedented circumstances, including the COVID-19 pandemic and an exceptionally active storm season, have confronted our customers and communities. Employees throughout the Southern Company system have responded by continuing to deliver industry-leading reliability and service to those customers we are privileged to serve," said Chairman, President and CEO Thomas A. Fanning. "Our priorities moving forward include maintaining best-in-class service levels and cost discipline at our utilities while continuing to work diligently to bring Vogtle Units 3 and 4 online by the November 2021 and November 2022 regulatory-approved in-service dates."
Third-quarter 2020 operating revenues were $5.6 billion, compared with $6.0 billion for the third quarter of 2019, a decrease of 6.3 percent. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, operating revenues were $15.3 billion, compared with $16.5 billion for the corresponding period in 2019, a decrease of 7.6 percent. These decreases were primarily due to lower fuel costs and a sales decline resulting from milder weather and COVID-19.
Southern Company's third-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. 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 Company
Southern 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, Fortune's "World's Most Admired Companies" list, Forbes and the Women's Choice Award. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.
Southern Company Financial Highlights (In Millions of Dollars Except Earnings Per Share) Three Months Ended Year-to-Date September September --- Net Income-As Reported (See Notes) 2020 2019 2020 2019 --- Traditional Electric Operating Companies $ 1,284 $ 1,373 $ 2,571 $ 2,719 Southern Power 74 86 212 316 Southern Company Gas 14 (29) 360 347 Total 1,372 1,430 3,143 3,382 Parent Company and Other (121) (114) (411) 916 Net Income-As Reported $ 1,251 $ 1,316 $ 2,732 $ 4,298 Basic Earnings Per Share(1) $ 1.18 $ 1.26 $ 2.58 $ 4.12 Average Shares Outstanding (in millions) 1,058 1,048 1,058 1,043 End of Period Shares Outstanding (in millions) 1,056 1,049 Non-GAAP Financial Measures Three Months Ended Year-to-Date September September --- Net Income-Excluding Items (See Notes) 2020 2019 2020 2019 --- Net Income-As Reported $ 1,251 $ 1,316 $ 2,732 $ 4,298 Less: Acquisition and Disposition Impacts(2) - (5) 38 2,477 Tax Impact - (7) (16) (1,130) Estimated Loss on Plants Under Construction(3) 3 (3) (151) (16) Tax Impact (1) 1 39 4 Wholesale Gas Services4 (62) (14) (61) 79 Tax Impact 17 5 16 (18) Asset Impairment5 - (92) (154) (92) Tax Impact - 27 80 27 Net Income-Excluding Items $ 1,294 $ 1,404 $ 2,941 $ 2,967 Basic Earnings Per Share-Excluding Items $ 1.22 $ 1.34 $ 2.78 $ 2.84 -See Notes on the following page.
Southern Company Financial Highlights Notes --- (1) For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, dilution does not change basic earnings per share by more than $0.03 and is not material. Diluted earnings per share was $1.18 and $2.57 in the third quarter and year-to-date 2020, respectively, and $1.25 and $4.09 in the third quarter and year-to-date 2019, respectively. (2) Earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 primarily include a $39 million pre-tax ($23 million after-tax) gain on the sale of Southern Power Company's Plant Mankato. Earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2019 include an $18 million pre- tax and after-tax impairment charge in contemplation of the sale of PowerSecure, Inc.'s lighting business, partially offset by $13 million pre tax ($6 million after tax) of other acquisition and disposition impacts. Earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 include a $2.5 billion pre- tax ($1.3 billion after-tax) gain on the sale of Gulf Power Company, a $23 million pre-tax ($88 million after-tax) gain on the sale of Southern Power Company's Plant Nacogdoches, and $17 million pre tax ($7 million after tax) of other acquisition and disposition impacts, partially offset by pre- tax and after-tax impairment charges totaling $50 million related to the sale and contemplated sale of PowerSecure, Inc.'s utility infrastructure services and lighting businesses, respectively. (3) Earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 include charges (net of salvage proceeds), associated legal expenses (net of insurance recoveries), and tax impacts related to Mississippi Power Company's integrated coal gasification combined cycle facility project in Kemper County, Mississippi. Earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 also include a $149 million pre- tax ($111 million after-tax) charge for an estimated probable loss on Georgia Power Company's construction of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4, which significantly impacted earnings and earnings per share. Mississippi Power Company expects to substantially complete mine reclamation activities in 2020 and dismantlement of the abandoned gasifier-related assets and site restoration activities in 2025. 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 $3 million for the remainder of 2020 and $10 million to $15 million annually for 2021 through 2025. Further charges for Georgia Power Company's construction of 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 nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 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 nine months ended September 30, 2020 include a pre- tax impairment charge of $154 million ($74 million after tax) related to a leveraged lease. Earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 include a pre-tax impairment charge of $92 million ($65 million after tax) associated with Southern Company Gas' natural gas storage facility in Louisiana. Further charges associated with this facility are not expected. Southern Company Gas has two other natural gas storage facilities which could be impacted by ongoing U.S. natural gas storage market changes that may imply impacts to future rates and/ or asset values, and, if sustained, could trigger impairment.
Southern Company Significant Factors Impacting EPS Three Months Ended Year-to-Date September September --- 2020 2019 Change 2020 2019 Change --- Earnings Per Share- As Reported1 (See Notes) $ 1.18 $ 1.26 $ (0.08) $ 2.58 $ 4.12 $ (1.54) Significant Factors: Traditional Electric Operating Companies $ (0.09) $ (0.14) Southern Power (0.01) (0.10) Southern Company Gas 0.04 0.01 Parent Company and Other (0.01) (1.28) Increase in Shares (0.01) (0.03) Total-As Reported $ (0.08) $ (1.54) Three Months Ended Year-to-Date September September --- Non-GAAP Financial Measures 2020 2019 Change 2020 2019 Change --- Earnings Per Share- Excluding Items (See Notes) $ 1.22 $ 1.34 $ (0.12) $ 2.78 $ 2.84 $ (0.06) Total-As Reported $ (0.08) $ (1.54) Less: Acquisition and Disposition Impacts(2) 0.01 (1.27) Estimated Loss on Plants Under Construction(3) (0.10) Wholesale Gas Services4 (0.03) (0.10) Asset Impairment5 0.06 (0.01) Total-Excluding Items $ (0.12) $ (0.06) - See Notes on the following page.
Southern Company Significant Factors Impacting EPS Notes --- (1) For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, dilution does not change basic earnings per share by more than $0.03 and is not material. Diluted earnings per share was $1.18 and $2.57 in the third quarter and year-to-date 2020, respectively, and $1.25 and $4.09 in the third quarter and year-to-date 2019, respectively. (2) Earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 primarily include a $39 million pre-tax ($23 million after-tax) gain on the sale of Southern Power Company's Plant Mankato. Earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2019 include an $18 million pre- tax and after-tax impairment charge in contemplation of the sale of PowerSecure, Inc.'s lighting business, partially offset by $13 million pre tax ($6 million after tax) of other acquisition and disposition impacts. Earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 include a $2.5 billion pre- tax ($1.3 billion after-tax) gain on the sale of Gulf Power Company, a $23 million pre-tax ($88 million after-tax) gain on the sale of Southern Power Company's Plant Nacogdoches, and $17 million pre tax ($7 million after tax) of other acquisition and disposition impacts, partially offset by pre- tax and after-tax impairment charges totaling $50 million related to the sale and contemplated sale of PowerSecure, Inc.'s utility infrastructure services and lighting businesses, respectively. (3) Earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 include charges (net of salvage proceeds), associated legal expenses (net of insurance recoveries), and tax impacts related to Mississippi Power Company's integrated coal gasification combined cycle facility project in Kemper County, Mississippi. Earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 also include a $149 million pre- tax ($111 million after-tax) charge for an estimated probable loss on Georgia Power Company's construction of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4, which significantly impacted earnings and earnings per share. Mississippi Power Company expects to substantially complete mine reclamation activities in 2020 and dismantlement of the abandoned gasifier-related assets and site restoration activities in 2025. 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 $3 million for the remainder of 2020 and $10 million to $15 million annually for 2021 through 2025. Further charges for Georgia Power Company's construction of 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 nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 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 nine months ended September 30, 2020 include a pre- tax impairment charge of $154 million ($74 million after tax) related to a leveraged lease. Earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 include a pre-tax impairment charge of $92 million ($65 million after tax) associated with Southern Company Gas' natural gas storage facility in Louisiana. Further charges associated with this facility are not expected. Southern Company Gas has two other natural gas storage facilities which could be impacted by ongoing U.S. natural gas storage market changes that may imply impacts to future rates and/ or asset values, and, if sustained, could trigger impairment.
Southern Company EPS Earnings Analysis Description Three Months Ended Year-to-Date September September 2020 vs. 2019 2020 vs. 2019 --- --- Retail Sales $(0.04) $(0.12) Retail Revenue Impacts 0.04 0.24 Weather (0.10) (0.21) Non-Fuel O&M - 0.06 Depreciation and Amortization, Interest Expense, Other (0.04) (0.16) Income Taxes 0.05 0.15 Total Traditional Electric Operating Companies $(0.09) $(0.04) --- Southern Power (0.01) (0.02) Southern Company Gas 0.01 0.05 Parent and Other (0.02) (0.01) Increase in Shares (0.01) (0.04) Total Change in EPS (Excluding Items) $(0.12) $(0.06) --- Acquisition and Disposition Impacts(1) 0.01 (1.27) Estimated Loss on Plants Under Construction(2) - (0.10) Wholesale Gas Services(3) (0.03) (0.10) Asset Impairment4 0.06 (0.01) Total Change in EPS (As Reported) $(0.08) $(1.54) --- - See Notes on the following page.
Southern Company EPS Earnings Analysis Notes --- (1) Earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 primarily include a $39 million pre-tax ($23 million after-tax) gain on the sale of Southern Power Company's Plant Mankato. Earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2019 include an $18 million pre- tax and after-tax impairment charge in contemplation of the sale of PowerSecure, Inc.'s lighting business, partially offset by $13 million pre tax ($6 million after tax) of other acquisition and disposition impacts. Earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 include a $2.5 billion pre- tax ($1.3 billion after-tax) gain on the sale of Gulf Power Company, a $23 million pre-tax ($88 million after-tax) gain on the sale of Southern Power Company's Plant Nacogdoches, and $17 million pre tax ($7 million after tax) of other acquisition and disposition impacts, partially offset by pre- tax and after-tax impairment charges totaling $50 million related to the sale and contemplated sale of PowerSecure, Inc.'s utility infrastructure services and lighting businesses, respectively. (2) Earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 include charges (net of salvage proceeds), associated legal expenses (net of insurance recoveries), and tax impacts related to Mississippi Power Company's integrated coal gasification combined cycle facility project in Kemper County, Mississippi. Earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 also include a $149 million pre- tax ($111 million after-tax) charge for an estimated probable loss on Georgia Power Company's construction of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4, which significantly impacted earnings and earnings per share. Mississippi Power Company expects to substantially complete mine reclamation activities in 2020 and dismantlement of the abandoned gasifier-related assets and site restoration activities in 2025. 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 $3 million for the remainder of 2020 and $10 million to $15 million annually for 2021 through 2025. Further charges for Georgia Power Company's construction of 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 nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 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 nine months ended September 30, 2020 include a pre- tax impairment charge of $154 million ($74 million after tax) related to a leveraged lease. Earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 include a pre-tax impairment charge of $92 million ($65 million after tax) associated with Southern Company Gas' natural gas storage facility in Louisiana. Further charges associated with this facility are not expected. Southern Company Gas has two other natural gas storage facilities which could be impacted by ongoing U.S. natural gas storage market changes that may imply impacts to future rates and/ or asset values, and, if sustained, could trigger impairment.
Southern Company Consolidated Earnings As Reported (In Millions of Dollars) Three Months Ended September Year-to-Date September --- 2020 2019 Change 2020 2019 Change --- Income Account- Retail Electric Revenues- Fuel $ 949 $ 1,083 $ (134) $ 2,301 $ 2,807 $ (506) Non-Fuel 3,294 3,429 (135) 8,202 8,329 (127) Wholesale Electric Revenues 584 625 (41) 1,473 1,667 (194) Other Electric Revenues 164 163 1 484 492 (8) Natural Gas Revenues 477 498 (21) 2,362 2,661 (299) Other Revenues 152 197 (45) 436 549 (113) Total Revenues 5,620 5,995 (375) 15,258 16,505 (1,247) Fuel and Purchased Power 1,163 1,326 (163) 2,801 3,461 (660) Cost of Natural Gas 71 79 (8) 654 956 (302) Cost of Other Sales 72 114 (42) 201 316 (115) Non-Fuel O&M 1,286 1,296 (10) 3,785 3,898 (113) Depreciation and Amortization 889 760 129 2,619 2,267 352 Taxes Other Than Income Taxes 304 303 1 932 931 1 Estimated Loss on Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 - 149 149 Impairment Charges - 110 (110) 142 (142) (Gain) Loss on Dispositions, net - (6) 6 (39) (2,512) 2,473 Total Operating Expenses 3,785 3,982 (197) 11,102 9,459 1,643 Operating Income 1,835 2,013 (178) 4,156 7,046 (2,890) Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction 38 33 5 106 96 10 Earnings from Equity Method Investments 33 39 (6) 105 120 (15) Interest Expense, Net of Amounts Capitalized 443 434 9 1,343 1,294 49 Impairment of Leveraged Lease - 154 154 Other Income (Expense), net 113 61 52 319 239 80 Income Taxes 293 367 (74) 443 1,872 (1,429) Net Income 1,283 1,345 (62) 2,746 4,335 (1,589) Less: Dividends on Preferred Stock of Subsidiaries 4 4 11 11 Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests 28 25 3 3 26 (23) NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SOUTHERN COMPANY $ 1,251 $ 1,316 $ (65) $ 2,732 $ 4,298 $ (1,566)
Notes --- -Certain prior year data may have been reclassified to conform with current year presentation.
Southern Company Kilowatt-Hour Sales and Customers (In Millions of KWHs) Three Months Ended September Year-to-Date September --- 2020 2019 Change Weather 2020 2019 Change Weather Adjusted Adjusted Change Change --- Kilowatt-Hour Sales- Total Sales 53,099 56,703 (6.4) 140,910 150,303 (6.2) % % Total Retail Sales- 40,218 43,090 (6.7) (3.0) 106,724 114,207 (6.6) (3.4) % % % % Residential 14,740 15,368 (4.1) 3.5 36,485 37,790 (3.5) % % % % 3.7 Commercial 13,140 14,404 (8.8) (5.1) 34,611 37,776 (8.4) (5.9) % % % % Industrial 12,177 13,133 (7.3) (7.3) 35,129 38,084 (7.8) (7.8) % % % % Other 161 185 (12.6) (12.3) 499 557 (10.5) (10.3) % % % % Total Wholesale Sales 12,881 13,613 (5.4) N/A 34,186 36,096 (5.3) % % N/A (In Thousands of Customers) Period Ended September 2020 2019 Change Regulated Utility Customers- Total Utility Customers- 8,580 8,462 1.4% Total Traditional Electric 4,322 4,254 1.6% Southern Company Gas 4,258 4,208 1.2%
Southern Company Financial Overview As Reported (In Millions of Dollars) Three Months Ended September Year-to-Date September --- 2020 2019 % Change 2020 2019 % Change --- Southern Company1, 2 - Operating Revenues $ 5,620 $ 5,995 (6.3) $ 15,258 $ 16,505 (7.6) % % Earnings Before Income Taxes 1,576 1,712 (7.9) % % 3,189 6,207 (48.6) Net Income Available to Common 1,251 1,316 (4.9) % % 2,732 4,298 (36.4) Alabama Power - Operating Revenues $ 1,729 $ 1,841 (6.1) $ 4,445 $ 4,762 (6.7) % % Earnings Before Income Taxes 578 617 (6.3) % % 1,340 1,288 4.0 Net Income Available to Common 444 469 (5.3) % % 1,022 982 4.1 Georgia Power - Operating Revenues $ 2,617 $ 2,755 (5.0) $ 6,371 $ 6,706 (5.0) % % Earnings Before Income Taxes 945 1,094 (13.6) 1,609 2,064 (22.0) % % Net Income Available to Common 773 839 (7.9) % % 1,411 1,598 (11.7) Mississippi Power - Operating Revenues $ 336 $ 370 (9.2) $ 895 $ 970 (7.7) % % Earnings Before Income Taxes 79 80 (1.3) 158 166 (4.8) % % Net Income Available to Common 67 65 3.1 138 139 (0.7) % % Southern Power(2) - Operating Revenues $ 523 $ 574 (8.9) % % $ 1,337 $ 1,527 (12.4) Earnings Before Income Taxes 116 130 (10.8) 242 301 (19.6) % % Net Income Available to Common 74 86 (14.0) 212 316 (32.9) % % Southern Company Gas - Operating Revenues $ 477 $ 498 (4.2) % % $ 2,362 $ 2,661 (11.2) Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes 17 (51) N/M 458 408 12.3 % Net Income (Loss) Available to Common 14 (29) N/M 360 347 3.7 %
N/M - Not meaningful Notes --- -See Financial Highlights pages for discussion of certain significant items occurring during the periods presented. (1) Year-to-date earnings comparisons to the prior year were significantly impacted by the preliminary gain associated with the sale of Gulf Power Company on January 1, 2019. (2) Earnings and revenue comparisons to the prior year were significantly impacted by Southern Power Company's dispositions of Plant Nacogdoches on June 13, 2019 and Plant Mankato on January 17, 2020.
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