Exelon Announces Third Quarter 2016 Results

CHICAGO--()--Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC) announced third quarter 2016 consolidated earnings as follows:

     
 

Third Quarter

   

2016

 

2015

GAAP Results:

 

Net Income ($ millions)

$490

$629

Diluted Earnings per Share

 

$0.53

 

$0.69

Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Results:

Net Income ($ millions)

$841

$757

Diluted Earnings per Share

 

$0.91

 

$0.83

 

“During the third quarter, Exelon delivered on its commitment to provide value to our stakeholders through our strong operating performance at the legacy Exelon utilities, improved operational performance at PHI, the stellar performance of our generation assets during the summer heat, and the ability of our Constellation business to perform in low- and high-volatility market conditions,” said Christopher M. Crane, Exelon president and CEO. “Exelon produced earnings of $0.91 per share, exceeding our guidance range. For the full year, we are raising our guidance from $2.55 to $2.75 per share.”

Third Quarter Operating Results

Exelon’s GAAP Net Income decreased to $0.53 per share in the third quarter of 2016 from $0.69 per share in the third quarter of 2015. Exelon’s adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings increased to $0.91 per share in the third quarter of 2016 from $0.83 per share in the third quarter of 2015.

Third quarter 2016 results include $0.14 per share of PHI Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings, the impact of which was partially offset by incremental debt and equity costs incurred in connection with the merger. Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings in the third quarter of 2016 also reflect the following favorable factors:

  • Higher utility earnings due to favorable impacts of regulatory rate increases; and
  • Favorable utility weather.

These factors were partially offset by:

  • Decreased capacity prices at Generation;
  • Increased income taxes given a decrease in domestic production activities production at Generation; and
  • Higher nuclear decommissioning amortization at Generation.

Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings for the third quarter of 2016 do not include the following items (after tax) that were included in reported GAAP Net Income:

         

 

  (in millions)   (per diluted share)

Exelon GAAP Net Income

 

$490

 

$0.53

Mark-to-Market Impact of Economic Hedging

Activities

(54) (0.06)
Unrealized Gains Related to NDT Fund Investments (70) (0.07)
Amortization of Commodity Contract Intangibles 13 0.01
Merger and Integration Costs 13 0.01
Merger Commitments 5 0.01
Long-Lived Asset Impairments 11 0.01
Plant Retirements and Divestitures 204 0.22
Cost Management Program 7 0.01
Like-Kind Exchange Tax Position 199 0.21
CENG Non-Controlling Interest   23   0.03

Exelon Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings

 

$841

 

$0.91

 

Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings for the third quarter of 2015 do not include the following items (after tax) that were included in reported GAAP Net Income:

         
    (in millions)   (per diluted share)

Exelon GAAP Net Income

 

$629

 

$0.69

Mark-to-Market Impact of Economic Hedging

Activities

85 0.09
Unrealized Losses Related to NDT Fund Investments 133 0.15
Amortization of Commodity Contract Intangibles 2
Merger and Integration Costs 12 0.02
Asset Retirement Obligation (6) (0.01)
Tax Settlements (52) (0.06)
CENG Non-Controlling Interest   (46)   (0.05)

Exelon Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings

 

$757

 

$0.83

 

Third Quarter and Recent Highlights

  • ACE New Jersey Electric Distribution Rate Case: On August 24, 2016, the NJBPU approved ACEs filed settlement for its pending electric distribution rate case, which includes an increase of $45 million (before New Jersey sales and use tax) to its electric distribution base rates, based on an approved ROE of 9.75 percent. The new rates were effective immediately after approval.
  • Proposed Acquisition of FitzPatrick Nuclear Station: Following the approval of the Clean Energy Standard by the New York Public Service Commission, Generation entered into a series of agreements with Entergy Nuclear FitzPatrick LLC on August 8, 2016, to acquire the James A. Fitzpatrick nuclear generating station for a cash purchase price of $110 million. Under the terms of the agreements, Generation will reimburse Entergy for approximately $200 million to $250 million of incremental costs to refuel the plant and operate and maintain the plant after the refueling outage, scheduled to end in February 2017, through the closing date. Generation will be entitled to all revenues from FitzPatrick’s electricity and capacity sales for the period commencing upon completion of the refueling outage through the closing date. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2017, and is dependent upon regulatory approval by FERC, NRC and the NYPSC.
  • ConEdison Solutions Acquisition: On September 1, 2016, Generation acquired the competitive retail electric and natural gas businesses of ConEdison Solutions, a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc., for an all cash purchase price of $257 million including net working capital of $204 million.
  • Like-Kind Exchange Tax Court Decision: Exelon took a position on its 1999 income tax return to defer approximately $1.2 billion of tax gain on the sale of ComEd’s fossil generating assets. On September 19, 2016, the United States Tax Court rejected Exelon’s position regarding this sale and asserted that the entire gain was taxable in 1999. The IRS has also asserted a penalty of approximately $90 million for a substantial understatement of tax. As a result, Exelon recorded a charge to earnings for the penalty and after-tax interest due on the asserted penalty of approximately $200 million, of which approximately $150 million was recorded at ComEd. In early 2017, Exelon expects to appeal this decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Exelon has agreed to hold ComEd harmless from any unfavorable impacts of the after-tax interest or penalty amounts on ComEd’s equity, and will not seek recovery from ComEd customers for any interest or penalty associated with the like-kind exchange tax position. Exelon is required to pay the tax, penalty and interest for the tax years before the Court at the time Exelon files its appeal. As a result, Exelon deposited $1.25 billion with the IRS in October of 2016. The remaining amount will be paid in early 2017 at the time Exelon files its appeal.
  • Nuclear Operations: Generation’s nuclear fleet, including its owned output from the Salem Generating Station and 100 percent of the CENG units, produced 44,709 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in the third quarter of 2016, compared with 45,180 GWh in the third quarter of 2015. Excluding Salem, the Exelon-operated nuclear plants at ownership achieved a 96.3 percent capacity factor for the third quarter of 2016, compared with 95.5 percent for the third quarter of 2015. The number of planned refueling outage days in the third quarter of 2016 totaled 17, compared with 27 in the third quarter of 2015. There were zero non-refueling outage days in the third quarter of 2016, compared with 11 days in the third quarter of 2015.
  • Fossil and Renewables Operations: The Dispatch Match rate for Generation’s gas and hydro fleet was 97.9 percent in the third quarter of 2016, compared with 99.0 percent in the third quarter of 2015, primarily reflecting gas unit outages in Texas and Maryland. Energy Capture for the wind and solar fleet was 95.2 percent in the third quarter of 2016, compared with 94.8 percent in the third quarter of 2015.
  • Hedging Update: Exelon’s hedging program involves the hedging of commodity risk for Exelon’s expected generation, typically on a ratable basis over a three-year period. The proportion of expected generation hedged as of September 30, 2016, is 98.0 percent to 101.0 percent for 2016, 85.0 percent to 88.0 percent for 2017, and 54.0 percent to 57.0 percent for 2018. Expected generation is the volume of energy that best represents our financial exposure through owned or contracted capacity. The primary objective of Exelon’s hedging program is to manage market risks and protect the value of its generation and its investment-grade balance sheet, while preserving its ability to participate in improving long-term market fundamentals.
  • Financing Activities:
    • On August 18, 2016, BGE issued and sold $850 million in aggregate principal amount of Notes consisting of $350 million of 2.400 percent Notes due in 2026 and $500 million of 3.500 percent Notes due in 2046. The proceeds of the Notes were used to redeem outstanding preference shares issued by BGE and for general corporate purposes.
    • On September 18, 2016, BGE redeemed the remaining 500,000 shares of its outstanding 6.970 percent Cumulative Preference Stock, 1993 Series and the remaining 400,000 shares of its outstanding 6.70 percent Cumulative Preference Stock, 1993 Series for $90 million, plus accrued and unpaid dividends.
    • On September 21, 2016, PECO issued $300 million in aggregate principal amount of its First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, 1.700 percent Series due in 2021. The net proceeds from the sale of the bonds were used to refinance maturing mortgage bonds.
    • On September 30, 2016, Generation issued $150 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.390 percent Notes due in 2036. The proceeds of the Notes will be used for general corporate purposes.

Operating Company Results

ComEd consists of electricity transmission and distribution operations in Northern Illinois.

ComEd’s third quarter 2016 GAAP Net Income was $37 million compared with $149 million in the third quarter of 2015. Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings for the third quarter of 2016 and 2015 do not include certain items (after tax) that were included in reported GAAP Net Income as reconciled in the table below:

         
($ millions)  

3Q16

 

3Q15

ComEd GAAP Net Income

 

$37

 

$149

Merger and Integration Costs 2
Like-Kind Exchange Tax Position   149  

ComEd Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings

 

$186

 

$151

 

ComEd’s Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings in the third quarter of 2016 increased by $35 million from the same quarter in 2015, primarily due to favorable weather and higher electric distribution and transmission formula rate earnings.

For the third quarter of 2016, cooling degree days were up 32.5 percent relative to the same period in 2015 and were 37.0 percent above normal. Total retail deliveries increased by 7.0 percent in the third quarter of 2016 compared with the same period in 2015.

Weather-normalized retail electric deliveries remained relatively consistent in the third quarter of 2016 compared with the same period in 2015.

PECO consists of electricity transmission and distribution operations and retail natural gas distribution operations in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

PECO’s third quarter 2016 GAAP Net Income was $122 million compared with $90 million in the third quarter of 2015. Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings for the third quarter of 2016 and 2015 do not include merger and integration costs that were included in reported GAAP Net Income as reconciled in the table below:

         
($ millions)  

3Q16

 

3Q15

PECO GAAP Net Income

 

$122

 

$90

Merger and Integration Costs   1   1

PECO Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings

 

$123

 

$91

 

PECO’s Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings in the third quarter of 2016 increased by $32 million from the same quarter in 2015, primarily due to favorable weather and increased electric distribution revenue pursuant to a rate increase effective January 1, 2016.

For the third quarter of 2016, cooling degree days were up 8.6 percent relative to the same period in 2015 and were 38.6 percent above normal. Total retail electric deliveries were up 5.1 percent compared with the third quarter of 2015. Natural gas deliveries (including both retail and transportation segments) in the third quarter of 2016 were down 2.6 percent compared with the same period in 2015.

Weather-normalized retail electric deliveries remained relatively consistent while gas deliveries decreased 3.0 percent in the third quarter of 2016 compared with the same period in 2015. The decreased gas volumes were driven primarily by lower use per customer.

BGE consists of electricity transmission and distribution operations and retail natural gas distribution operations in Central Maryland.

BGE’s third quarter 2016 GAAP Net Income was $54 million compared with $51 million in the third quarter of 2015. Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings for the third quarter of 2016 and 2015 do not include merger and integration costs that were included in reported GAAP Net Income as reconciled in the table below:

         
($ millions)   3Q16   3Q15

BGE GAAP Net Income

 

$54

 

$51

Merger and Integration Costs   1   1

BGE Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings

 

$55

 

$52

 

BGE’s Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings in the third quarter of 2016 increased $3 million from the same quarter in 2015, primarily due to increased distribution revenue pursuant to increased rates effective in June 2016 and increased transmission revenue due to increased capital investments and operating and maintenance expense recoveries, partially offset by the increased amortization due to the initiation of cost recovery of the AMI programs and increased underground conduit rental fees assessed by the City of Baltimore. Due to revenue decoupling, BGE is not affected by actual weather with the exception of major storms.

PHI 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.

PHI’s third quarter 2016 GAAP Net Income was $166 million. Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings do not include certain items (after-tax) that were included in reported GAAP Net Income as reconciled in the table below:

     
($ millions)   3Q16

PHI GAAP Net Income

 

$166

Merger and Integration Costs 4
Merger Commitments(1)   (40)

PHI Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings

 

$130

(1) Reflects impacts of after-tax adjustments to amounts and allocations of PHI merger commitment costs in application of the “most favored nation” provision. For the Exelon consolidated entity, total adjustments under this provision have increased total estimated merger commitment costs from $508 million at June 30, 2016 to $513 million at September 30, 2016 (with no change in a net present value basis).

Generation consists of owned and contracted electric generating facilities and wholesale and retail customer supply of electric and natural gas products and services, including renewable energy products, risk management services and natural gas exploration and production activities.

Generation’s third quarter 2016 GAAP Net Income was $236 million compared with GAAP Net Income of $377 million in the third quarter of 2015. Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings for the third quarter of 2016 and 2015 do not include various items (after tax) that were included in reported GAAP Net Income as reconciled in the table below:

         
($ millions)  

3Q16

 

3Q15

Generation GAAP Net Income

 

$236

 

$377

Mark-to-Market Impact of Economic Hedging Activities

(54) 85
Unrealized (Gains) Losses Related to NDT Fund Investments (70) 133
Amortization of Commodity Contract Intangibles 13 2
Merger and Integration Costs 7 6
Long-Lived Asset Impairments 10
Plant Retirements and Divestitures 204
Cost Management Program 7
Asset Retirement Obligation (6)
Tax Settlements (52)
CENG Non-Controlling Interest   23   (46)

Generation Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings

 

$376

 

$499

 

Generation’s Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings in the third quarter of 2016 decreased by $123 million compared with the same quarter in 2015, primarily reflecting increased income taxes given a decrease in the domestic production activities deduction, decreased capacity prices and increased nuclear decommissioning amortization expense.

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. The Company 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 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 October 26, 2016.

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. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements made by Exelon Corporation, Exelon Generation Company, LLC, Commonwealth Edison Company, PECO Energy Company, Baltimore Gas and Electric Company, Pepco Holdings LLC (PHI), 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) Exelon’s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K in (a) ITEM 1A. Risk Factors, (b) ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and (c) ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data: Note 23; (2) PHI’s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K in (a) ITEM 1A. Risk Factors, (b) ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and (c) ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data: Note 16; (3) Exelon’s Third Quarter 2016 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (To be filed on October 26, 2016) in (a) Part II, Other Information, ITEM 1A. Risk Factors; (b) Part 1, Financial Information, ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and (c) Part I, Financial Information, ITEM 1. Financial Statements: Note 18 and (4) other factors discussed in filings with the SEC by the Registrants. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, 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.

Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC) is a Fortune 100 energy company with the largest number of utility customers in the U.S. Exelon does business in 48 states, the District of Columbia and Canada and had 2015 revenue of $34.5 billion. Exelon’s six utilities deliver electricity and natural gas to approximately 10 million customers in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania through its Atlantic City Electric, BGE, ComEd, Delmarva Power, PECO and Pepco subsidiaries. Exelon is one of the largest competitive U.S. power generators, with more than 32,700 megawatts of nuclear, gas, wind, solar and hydroelectric generating capacity comprising one of the nation’s cleanest and lowest-cost power generation fleets. The company’s Constellation business unit provides energy products and services to approximately 2.5 million residential, public sector and business customers, including more than two-thirds of the Fortune 100. Follow Exelon on Twitter @Exelon.

 
 

EXELON CORPORATION

Reconciliation of GAAP Consolidated Statements of Operations to Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings

 

(unaudited)

(in millions, except per share data)

 
 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2016

  Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
GAAP (a)   Adjustments    

Adjusted
Non-GAAP

GAAP (a)   Adjustments    

Adjusted
Non-GAAP

Operating revenues

$ 9,002 $ (166 ) (b),(d) $ 8,836 $ 7,401 $ 11 (b),(d) $ 7,412
Operating expenses
Purchased power and fuel 3,754 (127 ) (b),(d),(h) 3,627 3,291 (132 ) (b),(d) 3,159
Operating and maintenance 2,338 (23 ) (e),(f),(g),(h),(i) 2,315 1,996 (13 ) (e),(k) 1,983
Depreciation and amortization 1,195 (338 ) (e),(h) 857 606 606

Taxes other than income

449     449   310     310  

Total operating expenses

7,736 (488 ) 7,248 6,203 (145 ) 6,058
Gain on sales of assets 1     1   2     2  
Operating income 1,267   322   1,589   1,200   156   1,356  
Other income and (deductions)
Interest expense, net (516 ) 153 (j) (363 ) (253 ) (12 ) (l) (265 )
Other, net 120   (39 ) (c),(j) 81   (244 ) 279   (c) 35  
Total other income and (deductions) (396 ) 114   (282 ) (497 ) 267   (230 )
Income before income taxes 871 436 1,307 703 423 1,126
Income taxes 340 108 (b),(c),(d),(e),(f),(g),(h),(i),(j) 448 115 249 (b),(c),(d),(e),(k),(l) 364
Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates (5 )   (5 ) (1 )   (1 )
Net income 526 328 854 587 174 761
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests and preference stock dividends 36   (23 ) (m) 13   (42 ) 46   (m) 4  
Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 490   $ 351   $ 841   $ 629   $ 128   $ 757  
Effective tax rate 39.0 % 34.3 % 16.4 % 32.3 %
Earnings per average common share
Basic $ 0.53 $ 0.38 $ 0.91 $ 0.69 $ 0.14 $ 0.83
Diluted $ 0.53   $ 0.38   $ 0.91   $ 0.69   $ 0.14   $ 0.83  
Average common shares outstanding
Basic 925 925 913 913
Diluted 927 927 915 915
Effect of adjustments on earnings per average diluted common share recorded in accordance with GAAP:
Mark-to-market impact of economic hedging activities (b) $ (0.06 ) $ 0.09
Unrealized (gains) losses related to NDT fund investments (c) (0.07 ) 0.15

Amortization of commodity contract intangibles (d)

0.01
Merger and integration costs (e) 0.01 0.02
Merger commitments (f) 0.01
Long-lived asset impairments (g) 0.01
Plant retirements and divestitures (h) 0.22
Cost management program (i) 0.01
Like-kind exchange tax position (j) 0.21
Asset retirement obligation (k) (0.01 )
Tax settlements (l) (0.06 )
CENG non-controlling interest (m) 0.03   (0.05 )
Total adjustments $ 0.38   $ 0.14  
 

For the three months ended September 30, 2016, includes financial results for PHI. Therefore, the results of operations from 2016 and 2015 are not comparable for Exelon. The explanations below identify any other significant or unusual items affecting the results of operations.

(a)   Results reported in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP).
(b) Adjustment to exclude the mark-to-market impact of Exelon’s economic hedging activities, net of intercompany eliminations.
(c) Adjustment to exclude the unrealized gains and losses on NDT fund investments to the extent not offset by contractual accounting as described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
(d) Adjustment to exclude the non-cash amortization of intangible assets, net, related to commodity contracts recorded at fair value related to the Integrys acquisition in 2015 and the Integrys and ConEdison Solutions acquisitions in 2016.
(e) Adjustment to exclude certain costs associated with mergers and acquisitions, including, if and when applicable, professional fees, employee-related expenses, integration activities, and upfront credit facilities fees.
(f) Adjustments to costs incurred as part of the settlement orders approving the PHI acquisition.
(g) Adjustment to exclude 2016 charge to earnings primarily related to the impairment of upstream assets at Generation.
(h) Adjustment to exclude accelerated depreciation and amortization associated with Generation's decision to early retire the Clinton and Quad Cities nuclear facilities.
(i) Adjustment to exclude the 2016 severance expense and reorganization costs related to a cost management program.
(j) Adjustment to exclude the recognition of a penalty and associated interest expense, as a result of a tax court decision on Exelon's like-kind exchange tax position.
(k) Adjustment to exclude a non-cash benefit pursuant to the annual update of the Generation nuclear decommissioning obligation related to the non-regulatory units.
(l) Adjustment to exclude favorable settlements of certain income tax positions on Constellation's pre-acquisition tax returns.
(m) Adjustments to exclude the elimination from Generation’s results of the non-controlling interest related to CENG exclusion items, primarily related to the impact of unrealized gains and losses on NDT fund investments and mark-to-market activity.
 
 

EXELON CORPORATION

Reconciliation of GAAP Consolidated Statements of Operations to Adjusted (non-GAAP) Operating Earnings

(unaudited)

(in millions, except per share data)

 
  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016   Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015

GAAP (a)

  Adjustments    

Adjusted
Non-GAAP

GAAP (a)   Adjustments    

Adjusted
Non-GAAP

Operating revenues $ 23,486 $ 368 (b),(d),(e) $ 23,854 $ 22,746 $ (190 ) (b),(d) $ 22,556
Operating expenses
Purchased power and fuel 9,462 211 (b),(d),(i) 9,673 10,210 88 (b),(d) 10,298
Operating and maintenance 7,677 (956 ) (e),(f),(g),(i),(j) 6,721 6,119 (66 ) (e),(g),(l),(m) 6,053
Depreciation and amortization 2,821 (452 ) (e),(i) 2,369 1,818 1,818
Taxes other than income 1,168   (1 ) (j) 1,167   908     908  
Total operating expenses 21,128 (1,198 ) 19,930 19,055 22 19,077
Gain on sales of assets 41     41   10     10  
Operating income 2,399   1,566   3,965   3,701   (212 ) 3,489  
Other income and (deductions)
Interest expense, net (1,179 ) 153 (k) (1,026 ) (755 ) (27 ) (h),(n) (782 )
Other, net 377   (193 ) (c),(i),(k) 184   (179 ) 357   (c) 178  
Total other income and (deductions) (802 ) (40 ) (842 ) (934 ) 330   (604 )
Income before income taxes 1,597 1,526 3,123 2,767 118 2,885
Income taxes 625 419 (b),(c),(d),(e),(f),(g),(i),(j),(k) 1,044 805 145 (b),(c),(d),(e),(g),(h),(l),(m),(n) 950
Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates (16 )   (16 ) (3 )   (3 )
Net income 956 1,107 2,063 1,959 (27 ) 1,932
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests and preference stock dividends 26   (41 ) (o) (15 )   52   (o) 52  
Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 930   $ 1,148   $ 2,078   $ 1,959   $ (79 ) $ 1,880  
Effective tax rate 39.1 % 33.4 % 29.1 % 32.9 %
Earnings per average common share
Basic $ 1.01 $ 1.24 $ 2.25 $ 2.23 $ (0.09 ) $ 2.14
Diluted $ 1.00   $ 1.24   $ 2.24   $ 2.22   $ (0.09 ) $ 2.13  
Average common shares outstanding
Basic 924 924 879 879
Diluted 926 926 883 883
Effect of adjustments on earnings per average diluted common share recorded in accordance with GAAP:
Mark-to-market impact of economic hedging activities (b) $ 0.07 $ (0.18 )
Unrealized (gains) losses related to NDT fund investments (c) (0.13 ) 0.19
Amortization of commodity contract intangibles (d) 0.01 (0.01 )
Merger and integration costs (e) 0.10 0.06
Merger commitments (f) 0.43
Long-lived asset impairments (g) 0.11 0.02
Mark-to-market impact of PHI merger related interest swap (h) (0.03 )
Plant retirements and divestitures (i) 0.37
Cost management program (j) 0.03
Like-kind exchange tax position (k) 0.21
Midwest Generation bankruptcy recoveries (l) (0.01 )
Asset retirement obligation (m) (0.01 )
Tax settlements (n) (0.06 )
CENG non-controlling interest (o) 0.04   (0.06 )
Total adjustments $ 1.24   $ (0.09 )
 

As a result of the PHI acquisition completion on March 23, 2016, the table includes financial results for PHI beginning on March 24, 2016 to September 30, 2016. Therefore, the results of operations from 2016 and 2015 are not comparable for Exelon. The explanations below identify any other significant or unusual items affecting the results of operations.

(a)   Results reported in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP).
(b) Adjustment to exclude the mark-to-market impact of Exelon’s economic hedging activities, net of intercompany eliminations.
(c) Adjustment to exclude the unrealized gains and losses on NDT fund investments to the extent not offset by contractual accounting as described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
(d) Adjustment to exclude the non-cash amortization of intangible assets, net, related to commodity contracts recorded at fair value related to the Integrys acquisition in 2015 and the Integrys and ConEdison Solutions acquisitions in 2016.
(e) Adjustment to exclude certain costs associated with mergers and acquisitions, including, if and when applicable, professional fees, employee-related expenses, integration activities, and upfront credit facilities fees, partially offset in 2016 at ComEd, BGE and PHI by the anticipated recovery of previously incurred PHI acquisition costs.
(f) Adjustment to exclude costs incurred as part of the settlement orders approving the PHI acquisition.
(g) Adjustment to exclude a 2015 charge to earnings primarily related to the impairment of investment in long-term leases at Corporate and 2016 charges to earnings primarily related to the impairment of upstream assets and certain wind projects at Generation.
(h) Adjustment to exclude the mark-to-market impact of Exelon's Corporate's forward-starting interest rate swaps related to financing for the PHI acquisition, which were terminated on June 8, 2015.
(i) Adjustment to exclude the impacts associated with Generation's decision to early retire the Clinton and Quad Cities nuclear facilities, partially offset by a gain associated with Generation's 2016 sale of the New Boston generating site.
(j) Adjustment to exclude the 2016 severance expense and reorganization costs related to a cost management program.
(k) Adjustment to exclude the recognition of a penalty and associated interest expense, as a result of a tax court decision on Exelon's like-kind exchange tax position.
(l) Adjustment to exclude a 2015 benefit for the favorable settlement of a long-term railcar lease agreement pursuant to the Midwest Generation bankruptcy.
(m) Adjustment to exclude a non-cash benefit pursuant to the annual update of the Generation nuclear decommissioning obligation related to the non-regulatory units.
(n) Adjustment to exclude favorable settlements of certain income tax positions on Constellation's pre-acquisition tax returns.
(o) Adjustments to exclude the elimination from Generation’s results of the non-controlling interest related to CENG exclusion items, primarily related to the impact of unrealized gains and losses on NDT fund investments and mark-to-market activity.

Contacts

Exelon Corporation
Dan Eggers, 312-394-2345
Investor Relations
or
Paul Adams, 410-470-4167
Corporate Communications

Contacts

Exelon Corporation
Dan Eggers, 312-394-2345
Investor Relations
or
Paul Adams, 410-470-4167
Corporate Communications