Exhibit 99.1 ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA |
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PPL Corporation (a) | | | 2006 | | | | 2005 | | | | 2004 | | | | 2003 | | | | 2002 | |
Income Items - millions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating revenues (b) | | $ | 6,345 | | | $ | 5,726 | | | $ | 5,369 | | | $ | 5,155 | | | $ | 5,070 | |
Operating income (b) | | | 1,523 | | | | 1,289 | | | | 1,355 | | | | 1,310 | | | | 1,203 | |
Income from continuing operations (b) | | | 843 | | | | 702 | | | | 686 | | | | 714 | | | | 334 | |
Net income | | | 865 | | | | 678 | | | | 698 | | | | 734 | | | | 208 | |
Balance Sheet Items - millions (c) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Property, plant and equipment - net | | | 12,069 | | | | 10,916 | | | | 11,149 | | | | 10,593 | | | | 9,733 | |
Recoverable transition costs | | | 884 | | | | 1,165 | | | | 1,431 | | | | 1,687 | | | | 1,946 | |
Total assets | | | 19,747 | | | | 17,926 | | | | 17,733 | | | | 17,123 | | | | 15,552 | |
Long-term debt | | | 7,746 | | | | 7,081 | | | | 7,658 | | | | 7,859 | | | | 6,267 | |
Long-term debt with affiliate trusts (d) | | | 89 | | | | 89 | | | | 89 | | | | 681 | | | | | |
Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary trusts holding solely company debentures (d) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 661 | |
Preferred securities of a subsidiary | | | 301 | | | | 51 | | | | 51 | | | | 51 | | | | 82 | |
Common equity | | | 5,122 | | | | 4,418 | | | | 4,239 | | | | 3,259 | | | | 2,224 | |
Short-term debt | | | 42 | | | | 214 | | | | 42 | | | | 56 | | | | 943 | |
Total capital provided by investors | | | 13,300 | | | | 11,853 | | | | 12,079 | | | | 11,906 | | | | 10,177 | |
Capital lease obligations | | | 10 | | | | 11 | | | | 11 | | | | 12 | | | | | |
Financial Ratios | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Return on average common equity - % | | | 17.81 | | | | 15.65 | | | | 18.14 | | | | 26.55 | | | | 10.27 | |
Embedded cost rates (c) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Long-term debt - % | | | 6.37 | | | | 6.60 | | | | 6.67 | | | | 6.56 | | | | 7.04 | |
Preferred securities - % (d) | | | 6.18 | | | | 5.14 | | | | 5.14 | | | | 5.14 | | | | 5.81 | |
Times interest earned before income taxes | | | 3.38 | | | | 2.71 | | | | 2.81 | | | | 2.99 | | | | 2.24 | |
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges - total enterprise basis (e) | | | 2.9 | | | | 2.4 | | | | 2.6 | | | | 2.6 | | | | 1.8 | |
Common Stock Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Number of shares outstanding - thousands | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year-end | | | 385,039 | | | | 380,145 | | | | 378,143 | | | | 354,723 | | | | 331,472 | |
Average | | | 380,754 | | | | 379,132 | | | | 368,456 | | | | 345,589 | | | | 304,984 | |
Number of shareowners of record (c) | | | 77,762 | | | | 79,198 | | | | 81,175 | | | | 83,783 | | | | 85,002 | |
Income from continuing operations - Basic EPS (b) | | $ | 2.21 | | | $ | 1.85 | | | $ | 1.86 | | | $ | 2.07 | | | $ | 1.10 | |
Income from continuing operations - Diluted EPS (b) | | $ | 2.18 | | | $ | 1.83 | | | $ | 1.85 | | | $ | 2.06 | | | $ | 1.09 | |
Net income - Basic EPS | | $ | 2.27 | | | $ | 1.79 | | | $ | 1.89 | | | $ | 2.13 | | | $ | 0.68 | |
Net income - Diluted EPS | | $ | 2.24 | | | $ | 1.77 | | | $ | 1.89 | | | $ | 2.12 | | | $ | 0.68 | |
Dividends declared per share | | $ | 1.10 | | | $ | 0.96 | | | $ | 0.82 | | | $ | 0.77 | | | $ | 0.72 | |
Book value per share (c) | | $ | 13.30 | | | $ | 11.62 | | | $ | 11.21 | | | $ | 9.19 | | | $ | 6.71 | |
Market price per share (c) | | $ | 35.84 | | | $ | 29.40 | | | $ | 26.64 | | | $ | 21.88 | | | $ | 17.34 | |
Dividend payout rate - % (f) | | | 49 | | | | 54 | | | | 44 | | | | 36 | | | | 106 | |
Dividend yield - % (g) | | | 3.07 | | | | 3.27 | | | | 3.08 | | | | 3.52 | | | | 4.15 | |
Price earnings ratio (f) (g) | | | 16.00 | | | | 16.61 | | | | 14.10 | | | | 10.32 | | | | 25.50 | |
Sales Data - millions of kWh | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Domestic - Electric energy supplied - retail | | | 38,810 | | | | 39,413 | | | | 37,673 | | | | 36,774 | | | | 36,746 | |
Domestic - Electric energy supplied - wholesale | | | 32,832 | | | | 33,768 | | | | 37,394 | | | | 37,841 | | | | 36,849 | |
Domestic - Electric energy delivered | | | 36,683 | | | | 37,358 | | | | 35,906 | | | | 36,083 | | | | 35,712 | |
International - Electric energy delivered (h) | | | 33,352 | | | | 33,146 | | | | 32,846 | | | | 31,952 | | | | 33,313 | |
(a) | | The earnings each year were affected by items management considers unusual, which affected net income. See "Earnings" in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for a description of unusual items in 2006, 2005 and 2004. |
(b) | | Data for certain years are reclassified to conform to the current presentation, which includes the classification of the Latin American businesses as discontinued operations. See Note 10 for additional information. |
(c) | | As of each respective year-end. |
(d) | | On July 1, 2003, PPL adopted the provisions of SFAS 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity." The company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred securities are mandatorily redeemable financial instruments, as they require the issuer to redeem the securities for cash on a specified date. Thus, they should be classified as liabilities, as a component of long-term debt, instead of "mezzanine" equity on the Balance Sheet. However, as of December 31, 2003, and subsequent periods, no amounts were included in "Long-term Debt" for these securities because PPL Capital Funding Trust I and SIUK Capital Trust I were deconsolidated effective December 31, 2003, in connection with the adoption of FIN 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51," for certain entities. Instead, the subordinated debt securities that support the company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of the trusts are reflected in "Long-term Debt with Affiliate Trusts" as of December 31, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003, to the extent they were outstanding. See Notes 8 and 22 to the Financial Statements for additional information. |
(e) | | Computed using earnings and fixed charges of PPL and its subsidiaries. Fixed charges consist of interest on short-and long-term debt, other interest charges, the estimated interest component of other rentals and preferred dividends. |
(f) | | Based on diluted EPS. |
(g) | | Based on year-end market prices. |
(h) | | All years include the deliveries associated with the Latin American businesses that have been classified as discontinued operations. Deliveries for 2002 include the electricity deliveries of WPD for the full year and of CEMAR prior to deconsolidation. |
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
PPL is an energy and utility holding company with headquarters in Allentown, PA. Please refer to Exhibit 99(a) in Item 15 for a listing of the current corporate organization and to "Item 1. Business - Background," for descriptions of PPL's reportable segments, which are Supply, International Delivery and Pennsylvania Delivery. Through its subsidiaries, PPL is primarily engaged in the generation and marketing of electricity in two key markets - the northeastern and western U.S. - and in the delivery of electricity in Pennsylvania, the U.K. and Latin America. In March 2007, PPL announced its intention to sell its regulated electricity delivery businesses in Latin America. (See Note 10 to the Financial Statements for additional information.) PPL's overall strategy is to achieve disciplined growth in energy supply margins while limiting volatility in both cash flows and earnings and to achieve stable, long-term growth in regulated delivery businesses through efficient operations and strong customer and regulatory relations. More specifically, PPL's strategy for its electricity generation and marketing business is to match energy supply with load, or customer demand, under contracts of varying lengths with creditworthy counterparties to capture profits while effectively managing exposure to movements in energy and fuel prices and counterparty credit risk. PPL's strategy for its electricity delivery businesses is to own and operate these businesses at the most efficient cost while maintaining high levels of customer service and reliability.
PPL faces several risks in its generation business. The principal risks are electricity and capacity wholesale price risk, fuel price risk, power plant performance, evolving regulatory frameworks and counterparty credit risk. PPL attempts to manage these risks through various means. For instance, PPL operates a portfolio of generation assets that is diversified as to geography, fuel source, cost structure and operating characteristics. PPL currently expects to expand its generation capacity over the next several years through power uprates at certain of its power plants, the potential construction of new plants and the potential acquisition of existing plants or businesses. PPL is and will continue to remain focused on the operating efficiency and availability of its existing and any newly constructed or acquired power plants. In addition, PPL has executed and continues to pursue contracts of varying lengths for energy sales and fuel supply, and other means to mitigate the risks associated with adverse changes in the difference, or margin, between the cost to produce electricity and the price at which PPL sells it. Whether PPL decides to, or is able to, continue to enter into long-term or intermediate-term power sales and fuel purchase agreements or renew its existing agreements and the market conditions at that time will affect its future profitability. Currently, PPL's commitments for energy sales are substantially satisfied through its own generation assets - i.e., PPL primarily markets and trades around its physical portfolio of generating assets through integrated generation, marketing and trading functions. However, PPL's future marketing efforts may rely less on PPL's generation assets and more on supply contracted from others. PPL has in place risk management programs that, among other things, are designed to monitor and manage its exposure to volatility of earnings and cash flows related to changes in energy and fuel prices, interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, counterparty credit quality and the operational performance of its generating units.
The principal challenge that PPL faces in its electricity delivery businesses is to maintain high standards of customer service and reliability in a cost-effective manner. PPL's electricity delivery businesses are rate-regulated. Accordingly, these businesses are subject to regulatory risk in terms of the costs that they may recover and the investment returns that they may collect in customer rates. PPL Electric's PLR obligation and the associated recovery from customers of its energy supply costs after 2009, when PPL Electric's full requirements energy supply agreements with PPL EnergyPlus expire, will be determined by the PUC pursuant to rules that have not yet been promulgated. To address this risk, PPL Electric has filed a plan with the PUC detailing how it proposes to acquire its electricity supply for non-shopping customers after 2009. In February 2007, a PUC Administrative Law Judge issued a recommended decision approving PPL Electric's plan with minor modifications. PPL Electric cannot predict when the PUC will act on the recommended decision or what action it will take. Also, in February 2007, the PUC issued proposed PLR regulations and a policy statement regarding interpretation and implementation of those regulations. The PUC is requesting public comment on both the regulations and policy statement. At current forward market prices, PPL Electric currently estimates that customer rates could increase by about 20% in 2010.
PPL faces additional financial risks in conducting international operations, such as fluctuations in currency exchange rates. PPL attempts to manage these financial risks through its risk management programs.
A key challenge for PPL's business as a whole is to maintain a strong credit profile. Investors, analysts and rating agencies that follow companies in the energy industry continue to be focused on the credit quality and liquidity position of these companies. PPL continually focuses on maintaining an appropriate capital structure and liquidity position, thereby managing its target credit profile.
See "Item 1A. Risk Factors" for more information concerning the material risks that PPL faces in its businesses.
The purpose of "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" is to provide information concerning PPL's past and expected future performance in implementing the strategies and managing the risks and challenges mentioned above. Specifically:
· | "Results of Operations" provides an overview of PPL's operating results in 2006, 2005 and 2004, including a review of earnings, with details of results by reportable segment. It also provides a brief outlook for 2007. |
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· | "Financial Condition - Liquidity and Capital Resources" provides an analysis of PPL's liquidity position and credit profile, including its sources of cash (including bank credit facilities and sources of operating cash flow) and uses of cash (including contractual commitments and capital expenditure requirements) and the key risks and uncertainties that impact PPL's past and future liquidity position and financial condition. This subsection also includes a listing and discussion of PPL's current credit ratings. |
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· | "Financial Condition - Risk Management - Energy Marketing & Trading and Other" provides an explanation of PPL's risk management programs relating to market risk and credit risk. |
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· | "Application of Critical Accounting Policies" provides an overview of the accounting policies that are particularly important to the results of operations and financial condition of PPL and that require its management to make significant estimates, assumptions and other judgments. |
The information provided in this Item 7 should be read in conjunction with PPL's Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes.
Terms and abbreviations are explained in the glossary. Dollars are in millions, except per share data, unless otherwise noted.
Results of Operations
Earnings
Net income and the related EPS were:
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Net income | | $ | 865 | | | $ | 678 | | | $ | 698 | |
EPS - basic | | $ | 2.27 | | | $ | 1.79 | | | $ | 1.89 | |
EPS - diluted | | $ | 2.24 | | | $ | 1.77 | | | $ | 1.89 | |
The changes in net income from year to year were, in part, attributable to several significant items that management considers unusual. Details of these unusual items are provided within the review of each segment's earnings.
The year-to-year changes in significant earnings components, including domestic gross energy margins by region and significant income statement line items, are explained in the "Statement of Income Analysis."
PPL's earnings beyond 2006 are subject to various risks and uncertainties. See "Forward-Looking Information," "Item 1A. Risk Factors," the rest of this Item 7 and Note 15 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of the risks, uncertainties and factors that may impact PPL's future earnings.
Segment Results
Net income by segment was:
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Supply | | $ | 416 | | | $ | 311 | | | $ | 421 | |
International Delivery | | | 268 | | | | 215 | | | | 197 | |
Pennsylvania Delivery | | | 181 | | | | 152 | | | | 80 | |
Total | | $ | 865 | | | $ | 678 | | | $ | 698 | |
Supply Segment
The Supply segment primarily consists of the domestic energy marketing, domestic generation and domestic development operations of PPL Energy Supply.
The Supply segment results in 2006, 2005 and 2004 reflect the reclassification of the Griffith plant revenues and expenses from certain income statement line items to "Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations." The Supply segment results in 2005 and 2004 also reflect the reclassification of the Sundance plant revenues and expenses from certain income statement line items to "Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations." See Note 10 to the Financial Statements for further discussion.
Supply segment net income was:
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
Energy revenues | | | | | | | | | | | | |
External | | $ | 1,659 | | | $ | 1,224 | | | $ | 1,319 | |
Intersegment | | | 1,708 | | | | 1,590 | | | | 1,500 | |
Energy-related businesses | | | 580 | | | | 550 | | | | 464 | |
Total operating revenues | | | 3,947 | | | | 3,364 | | | | 3,283 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fuel and energy purchases | | | | | | | | | | | | |
External | | | 1,560 | | | | 1,165 | | | | 1,109 | |
Intersegment | | | 160 | | | | 152 | | | | 156 | |
Other operation and maintenance | | | 707 | | | | 734 | | | | 631 | |
Depreciation | | | 159 | | | | 144 | | | | 144 | |
Taxes, other than income | | | 35 | | | | 36 | | | | 41 | |
Energy-related businesses | | | 621 | | | | 620 | | | | 523 | |
Total operating expenses | | | 3,242 | | | | 2,851 | | | | 2,604 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other Income - net | | | 3 | | | | (2 | ) | | | (7 | ) |
Interest Expense | | | 122 | | | | 116 | | | | 114 | |
Income Taxes | | | 147 | | | | 21 | | | | 125 | |
Minority Interest | | | 3 | | | | 2 | | | | 2 | |
Loss from Discontinued Operations | | | 20 | | | | 53 | | | | 10 | |
Cumulative Effect of a Change in Accounting Principle | | | | | | | (8 | ) | | | | |
Total | | $ | 416 | | | $ | 311 | | | $ | 421 | |
The after-tax changes in net income were due to the following factors, including discontinued operations.
| | 2006 vs. 2005 | | 2005 vs. 2004 |
| | | | | | |
Eastern U.S. non-trading margins | | $ | 94 | | | $ | (45 | ) |
Western U.S. non-trading margins | | | 7 | | | | (5 | ) |
Net energy trading margins | | | 1 | | | | 8 | |
Energy-related businesses | | | 5 | | | | 6 | |
Operation and maintenance expenses | | | (28 | ) | | | (26 | ) |
Earnings from synfuel projects | | | (32 | ) | | | 25 | |
Depreciation | | | (7 | ) | | | 3 | |
Realized earnings on nuclear decommissioning trust (Note 17) | | | 4 | | | | 7 | |
Interest expense | | | 3 | | | | (2 | ) |
Interest income on 2004 IRS tax settlement | | | | | | | (9 | ) |
Income tax reserve adjustments (Note 5) | | | | | | | 21 | |
Other | | | (4 | ) | | | (8 | ) |
Unusual items | | | 62 | | | | (85 | ) |
| | $ | 105 | | | $ | (110 | ) |
· | See "Domestic Gross Energy Margins" for an explanation of non-trading margins by geographic region and for an explanation of net energy trading margins. |
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· | Higher operation and maintenance expenses in 2006 compared with 2005 were primarily due to increased outage and non-outage expenses at the Susquehanna nuclear facility and certain of PPL's coal plants and the timing of other planned outages. Higher operation and maintenance expenses in 2005 compared with 2004 were primarily due to higher levels of planned maintenance and plant outages in 2005. |
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· | The decline in earnings contributions from synfuel projects in 2006 compared with 2005 resulted primarily from the anticipated phase-out of synthetic fuel tax credits starting in 2006 and lower production levels due to high crude oil prices. See Note 15 to the Financial Statements for more information on the temporary shutdown of the Somerset facility. The improved earnings contribution from synfuel projects in 2005 compared with 2004 resulted primarily from higher synthetic fuel tax credits due to higher output at the Tyrone facility, which went into commercial operation in August 2004. Also contributing to the 2005 synthetic fuel earnings increase were unrealized gains on options purchased to hedge the risk associated with synthetic fuel tax credits for 2006 and 2007. |
The following after-tax items, which management considers unusual, also had a significant impact on the Supply segment earnings. See the indicated Notes to Financial Statements for additional information.
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sale of interest in the Griffith plant (Note 10) | | $ | (16 | ) | | | | | | | | |
Reduction in Enron reserve (Note 1) | | | 11 | | | | | | | | | |
Impairment of synfuel-related assets (Note 15) | | | (6 | ) | | | | | | | | |
Off-site remediation of ash basin leak (Note 15) | | | 6 | | | $ | (27 | ) | | | | |
Susquehanna workforce reduction (Note 13) | | | (3 | ) | | | | | | | | |
PJM billing dispute (Note 15) | | | (18 | ) | | | | | | | | |
Impairment of nuclear decommissioning trust investments (Note 21) | | | (3 | ) | | | | | | | | |
Sale of the Sundance plant (Note 10) | | | | | | | (47 | ) | | | | |
Acceleration of stock-based compensation expense for periods prior to 2005 (Note 1) | | | | | | | (3 | ) | | | | |
Settlement of NorthWestern litigation (a) | | | | | | | (6 | ) | | | | |
Impairment of investment in technology supplier (Note 9) | | | | | | | | | | $ | (6 | ) |
Recording of conditional AROs (Note 21) | | | | | | | (8 | ) | | | | |
Total | | $ | (29 | ) | | $ | (91 | ) | | $ | (6 | ) |
(a) | | In the first quarter of 2005, PPL recognized a charge for a loss contingency related to litigation with NorthWestern. In September 2005, PPL and NorthWestern reached a final agreement to settle this litigation. |
2007 Outlook
PPL projects significantly higher earnings in its supply business segment in 2007 compared with 2006. Based on current forward energy prices and hedges already in place, PPL is projecting higher energy margins, driven primarily by the replacement of expiring fixed-price supply obligations with higher-margin wholesale energy contracts, and an increase in generation prices under the PUC-approved PLR contracts between PPL Electric and PPL EnergyPlus for customers who choose not to shop for an energy supplier.
While PPL expects improved baseload power plant performance in 2007, this performance will be somewhat offset by the retirement in September of two coal units at the Martins Creek power plant in Pennsylvania and by more planned outages, including the Susquehanna Unit 1 outage to address the remaining control rod friction issues. PPL believes these planned outages will improve the overall long-term reliability of PPL's generation fleet. PPL also expects a modest increase in fuel-related expenses and increased operation and maintenance expenses.
International Delivery Segment
The International Delivery segment includes operations of the international energy businesses of PPL Global that are primarily focused on the distribution of electricity. Substantially all of PPL Global's international businesses are located in the U.K., Chile, El Salvador and Bolivia. The International Delivery segment results in 2006, 2005 and 2004 reflect the reclassification of the Latin American regulated electricity delivery revenues and expenses from certain income statement line items to "Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations." See "Anticipated Sale of Latin American Businesses" in Note 10 to the Financial Statements for further discussion.
International Delivery segment net income was:
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Utility revenues | | $ | 756 | | | $ | 717 | | | $ | 683 | |
Energy-related businesses | | | 37 | | | | 36 | | | | 34 | |
Total operating revenues | | | 793 | | | | 753 | | | | 717 | |
Other operation and maintenance | | | 186 | | | | 161 | | | | 127 | |
Depreciation | | | 142 | | | | 133 | | | | 123 | |
Taxes, other than income | | | 57 | | | | 57 | | | | 55 | |
Energy-related businesses | | | 17 | | | | 15 | | | | 16 | |
Total operating expenses | | | 402 | | | | 366 | | | | 321 | |
Other Income - net | | | 27 | | | | 5 | | | | 24 | |
Interest Expense | | | 173 | | | | 175 | | | | 181 | |
Income Taxes | | | 19 | | | | 39 | | | | 64 | |
Income from Discontinued Operations | | | 42 | | | | 37 | | | | 22 | |
Total | | $ | 268 | | | $ | 215 | | | $ | 197 | |
The after-tax changes in net income were due to the following factors, including discontinued operations.
| | 2006 vs. 2005 | | 2005 vs. 2004 |
U.K. | | | | | | | | |
Delivery margins | | $ | 32 | | | $ | 23 | |
Operation and maintenance expenses | | | (15 | ) | | | (30 | ) |
Depreciation | | | (9 | ) | | | (6 | ) |
Income taxes | | | 34 | | | | | |
Impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates | | | (5 | ) | | | 2 | |
Impairment of investment in U.K. real estate (Note 9) | | | (6 | ) | | | | |
Gain on transfer of equity investment (Note 9) | | | 5 | | | | | |
Hyder liquidation distributions (Note 9) | | | 27 | | | | | |
Other | | | 5 | | | | 5 | |
Latin America | | | | | | | | |
Delivery margins | | | 10 | | | | 6 | |
Operation and maintenance expenses | | | (1 | ) | | | (4 | ) |
Income taxes | | | 11 | | | | (1 | ) |
Impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates | | | 2 | | | | 2 | |
Other | | | (1 | ) | | | (2 | ) |
U.S. income taxes | | | (38 | ) | | | 36 | |
Other | | | 1 | | | | 1 | |
Unusual items | | | 1 | | | | (14 | ) |
| | $ | 53 | | | $ | 18 | |
· | The U.K.'s earnings in both periods were positively impacted by higher margins. Favorable margins in 2006 compared with 2005 were primarily due to price increases and changes in customer mix. For 2005 compared with 2004, higher margins were partially due to a favorable customer mix and an incentive revenue award from the regulator for outstanding customer service. |
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· | Higher U.K. operation and maintenance expenses in both periods were due primarily to increased pension costs. |
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· | Higher depreciation in both periods was, in part, due to a reduction in meter lives during 2005. |
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· | Lower U.K. income taxes in 2006 compared with 2005 were primarily due to the transfer of a future tax liability from WPD and certain surplus tax losses from Hyder to a former Hyder affiliate. See Note 5 to the Financial Statements for additional information. |
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· | Changes in foreign exchange rates decreased WPD's portion of revenue and expense line items by 2% in 2006 compared with 2005, and increased them by about 1% in 2005 compared with 2004. |
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· | U.S. income taxes increased in 2006 compared with 2005 due to a 2005 tax true-up, 2006 WPD dividend planning and lower utilization of foreign tax credits. U.S. income taxes decreased in 2005 compared with 2004 partly due to greater utilization of foreign tax credits. |
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· | Latin America earnings were positively impacted in 2006 compared with 2005 by higher margins, primarily due to a 7% increase in sales volumes at Emel and accounting adjustments related to Chilean deferred taxes and depreciation related to prior periods. See Note 2 to the Financial Statements for additional information on the accounting adjustments. |
The following after-tax items, which management considers unusual, also had a significant impact on the International Delivery segment earnings. See the indicated Notes to the Financial Statements for additional information.
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Reduction in Enron reserve | | $ | 1 | | | | | | | | | |
Sale of CGE (Note 9) | | | | | | | | | | $ | (7 | ) |
Sale of CEMAR (Note 9) | | | | | | | | | | | 23 | |
Sale of Latin American telecommunications company (Note 10) | | | | | | | | | | | (2 | ) |
Total | | $ | 1 | | | | | | | $ | 14 | |
2007 Outlook
PPL projects the earnings from its international delivery business segment to decline in 2007 compared with 2006. Higher delivery margins, due to higher unit sales in Latin America and higher unit prices in the U.K., are expected to be offset by increased operating expenses in the majority of these delivery businesses and a significantly higher effective tax rate in the U.K. due to the favorable resolution of several tax-related items in 2006. In addition, PPL does not expect gains from the sale or liquidation of U.K. non-electricity delivery businesses to continue at the same level in 2007 as occurred in 2006.
Pennsylvania Delivery Segment
The Pennsylvania Delivery segment includes the regulated electric and gas delivery operations of PPL Electric and PPL Gas Utilities.
Pennsylvania Delivery segment net income was:
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
Operating revenues | | | | | | | | | | | | |
External | | $ | 3,313 | | | $ | 3,199 | | | $ | 2,869 | |
Intersegment | | | 160 | | | | 152 | | | | 156 | |
Total operating revenues | | | 3,473 | | | | 3,351 | | | | 3,025 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fuel and energy purchases | | | | | | | | | | | | |
External | | | 322 | | | | 376 | | | | 312 | |
Intersegment | | | 1,708 | | | | 1,590 | | | | 1,500 | |
Other operation and maintenance | | | 418 | | | | 423 | | | | 408 | |
Amortization of recoverable transition costs | | | 282 | | | | 268 | | | | 257 | |
Depreciation | | | 126 | | | | 119 | | | | 114 | |
Taxes, other than income | | | 189 | | | | 185 | | | | 152 | |
Energy-related businesses | | | 1 | | | | 1 | | | | 2 | |
Total operating expenses | | | 3,046 | | | | 2,962 | | | | 2,745 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other Income - net | | | 32 | | | | 21 | | | | 15 | |
Interest Expense | | | 157 | | | | 189 | | | | 196 | |
Income Taxes | | | 107 | | | | 67 | | | | 17 | |
Dividends on Preferred Securities | | | 14 | | | | 2 | | | | 2 | |
Total | | $ | 181 | | | $ | 152 | | | $ | 80 | |
The after-tax changes in net income were due to the following factors.
| | 2006 vs. 2005 | | 2005 vs. 2004 |
| | | | | | |
Delivery revenues (net of CTC/ITC amortization, interest expense on transition bonds and ancillary charges) | | $ | (6 | ) | | $ | 123 | |
Operation and maintenance expenses | | | (13 | ) | | | (9 | ) |
Interest expense | | | (5 | ) | | | 5 | |
Taxes, other than income (excluding gross receipts tax) | | | 1 | | | | (8 | ) |
Depreciation | | | (4 | ) | | | (3 | ) |
Change in tax reserves associated with stranded costs securitization (Note 5) | | | | | | | (15 | ) |
Interest income on 2004 IRS tax settlement | | | | | | | (5 | ) |
Interest income on loans to affiliates | | | 4 | | | | 6 | |
Income tax return adjustments | | | (7 | ) | | | 5 | |
Income tax reserve adjustments | | | (2 | ) | | | 5 | |
Other | | | (3 | ) | | | (3 | ) |
Unusual items | | | 64 | | | | (29 | ) |
| | $ | 29 | | | $ | 72 | |
· | Delivery revenues decreased in 2006 compared with 2005 primarily due to milder weather in 2006. |
| |
· | In December 2004, the PUC approved an increase in PPL Electric's distribution rates of $137 million (based on a return on equity of 10.7%), and approved PPL Electric's proposed mechanism for collecting an additional $57 million in transmission-related charges, for a total annual increase of $194 million, effective January 1, 2005. Additionally, delivery revenues increased in 2005 compared with 2004 due to a 4.3% increase in electricity delivery sales volumes. |
| |
· | Operation and maintenance expense increased in 2006 compared with 2005, primarily due to higher tree trimming costs, a union contract ratification bonus and storm restoration costs. Operation and maintenance expense increased in 2005 compared with 2004, primarily due to increased system reliability work and tree trimming costs. Operation and maintenance expenses were also impacted in 2005 due to the January 2005 ice storm costs and subsequent deferral as discussed below. |
| |
| In January 2005, severe ice storms hit PPL Electric's service territory. The total cost of restoring service to 238,000 customers, excluding capitalized costs and regular payroll expenses, was $16 million. In August 2005, the PUC issued an order granting PPL Electric's petition for authority to defer and amortize for regulatory accounting and reporting purposes a portion of the ice storm costs, subject to certain conditions. As a result of the PUC Order and in accordance with SFAS 71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation," in the third quarter of 2005, PPL Electric deferred $12 million of its previously expensed storm costs. The deferral was based on its assessment of the timing and likelihood of recovering the deferred costs in PPL Electric's next distribution base rate case. |
The following after-tax items, which management considers unusual, also had a significant impact on the Pennsylvania Delivery segment earnings. See the indicated Notes to the Financial Statements for additional information.
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Reversal of cost recovery - Hurricane Isabel (Note 1) | | $ | (7 | ) | | | | | | | | |
Realization of benefits related to Black Lung Trust assets (Note 13) | | | 21 | | | | | | | | | |
PJM billing dispute (Note 15) | | | 21 | | | $ | (27 | ) | | | | |
Acceleration of stock-based compensation expense for periods prior to 2005 (Note 1) | | | | | | | (2 | ) | | | | |
Total | | $ | 35 | | | $ | (29 | ) | | | | |
2007 Outlook
PPL expects the Pennsylvania Delivery segment to have flat earnings in 2007 compared with 2006, with modest load growth being offset by increased operation and maintenance expenses.
In late March 2007, PPL Electric expects to file a request with the PUC seeking an increase in its distribution rates beginning in January 2008.
Statement of Income Analysis --
Domestic Gross Energy Margins
The following table provides pre-tax changes in the income statement line items that comprise domestic gross energy margins.
| | 2006 vs. 2005 | | 2005 vs. 2004 |
| | | | | | |
Utility | | $ | 153 | | | $ | 365 | |
Unregulated retail electric and gas | | | (10 | ) | | | (13 | ) |
Wholesale energy marketing | | | 441 | | | | (93 | ) |
Net energy trading margins | | | 3 | | | | 11 | |
Other revenue adjustments (a) | | | (34 | ) | | | (245 | ) |
Total revenues | | | 553 | | | | 25 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Fuel | | | (5 | ) | | | 159 | |
Energy purchases | | | 346 | | | | (39 | ) |
Other cost adjustments (a) | | | 26 | | | | (22 | ) |
Total cost of sales | | | 367 | | | | 98 | �� |
Domestic gross energy margins | | $ | 186 | | | $ | (73 | ) |
(a) | | Adjusted to exclude the impact of any revenues and costs not associated with domestic gross energy margins, consistent with the way management reviews domestic gross energy margins internally. These exclusions include revenues and energy costs related to the international operations of PPL Global, the domestic delivery operations of PPL Electric and PPL Gas Utilities and an accrual for the loss contingency related to the PJM billing dispute in 2005 and 2006 (see Note 15 to the Financial Statements for additional information). Also adjusted to include the margins of the Griffith and Sundance plants prior to their sales in June 2006 and May 2005, which are included in "Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations," and gains or losses on sales of emission allowances, which are included in "Other operation and maintenance" expenses on the Statements of Income. |
Changes in Domestic Gross Energy Margins By Region
Domestic gross energy margins are generated through PPL's non-trading and trading activities. PPL manages its non-trading energy business on a geographic basis that is aligned with its generation assets. Additionally, beginning in 2006, PPL further segregates non-trading activities into two categories: hedge activity and economic activity. Economic activity represents the net unrealized effect of derivative transactions that are entered into as economic hedges, but do not qualify for hedge accounting, or hedge accounting was not elected, under SFAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," as amended and interpreted.
| | 2006 vs. 2005 | | 2005 vs. 2004 |
| | | | | | | | |
Non-trading | | | | | | | | |
Eastern U.S. | | $ | 161 | | | $ | (77 | ) |
Western U.S. | | | 12 | | | | (9 | ) |
Net energy trading | | | 13 | | | | 13 | |
Domestic gross energy margins | | $ | 186 | | | $ | (73 | ) |
Eastern U.S.
Eastern U.S. non-trading margins were higher in 2006 compared with 2005, primarily due to higher PLR sales prices and higher wholesale prices. PLR sales prices were 8.4% higher in 2006, in accordance with the schedule established by the PUC Final Order. Partially offsetting these higher margins was lower nuclear generation of 3%, as well as higher coal and nuclear fuel prices, which were up 12% and 10%.
In 2005, PPL began participating in the Midwest ISO (MISO), an independent transmission system operator that serves the electric transmission needs of much of the Midwest. PPL records its business activities within MISO consistent with its accounting for activities in other RTOs.
Eastern U.S. non-trading margins were lower in 2005 compared with 2004, primarily due to higher fuel costs. Average coal prices increased by 12% over 2004, while average gas and oil prices increased by 24%. Despite record high generation in 2005, the increased use of higher-cost oil and gas units to cover retail volumes, which were up 5% over 2004, and generation output lost during coal and nuclear plant outages contributed to lower margins. Due to market price increases and changes in fuel mix, average fuel prices increased 22% over 2004. Partially offsetting the effects of higher fuel costs was a 2% increase in PLR sales prices, in accordance with the schedule established by the PUC Final Order.
The amount of Eastern non-trading margins from unrealized mark-to-market transactions that did not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, or for which hedge accounting was not elected, and from hedge ineffectiveness was a loss of $8 million in 2006, compared with a loss of $4 million in 2005, and an immaterial loss in 2004.
Western U.S.
Northwestern U.S. non-trading margins were higher in 2006 compared with 2005, primarily due to higher wholesale prices. Also contributing to the increase was a 6% increase in hydroelectric generation. Partially offsetting these improvements were higher coal prices, which were up 14%.
Southwestern U.S. non-trading margins were lower in 2006 compared with 2005, as well as in 2005 compared with 2004, primarily due to the sale of PPL's 50% interest in the Griffith plant in June 2006 and the sale of PPL's Sundance plant in May 2005.
The amount of Western non-trading margins from unrealized mark-to-market transactions that did not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, or for which hedge accounting was not elected, and from hedge ineffectiveness was immaterial in 2006, 2005 and 2004.
Net Energy Trading
PPL enters into certain energy contracts that meet the criteria of trading derivatives as defined by EITF Issue 02-3, "Issues Involved in Accounting for Derivative Contracts Held for Trading Purposes and Contracts Involved in Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities." These physical and financial contracts cover trading activity associated with electricity, gas and oil.
Net energy trading margins increased by $13 million in 2006 compared to 2005 primarily due to contracts reclassified as trading activity from hedge (non-trading) transactions related to the Griffith plant after the announced plan to sell PPL's interest in the plant. See Note 10 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
Net energy trading margins increased by $13 million in 2005 compared with 2004, primarily due to the inclusion of FTRs. As of July 1, 2005, FTRs were deemed to meet the definition of a derivative and were accounted for as such prospectively. Therefore, the forward and realized value for FTRs entered into for speculative purposes is accounted for as part of "Net energy trading margins" on the Statement of Income. From July 1 through December 31, 2005, gains on speculative FTRs totaled $10 million.
The amount of energy trading margins from unrealized mark-to-market transactions was a $9 million gain in 2006, a $5 million loss in 2005, and a $13 million gain in 2004.
The realized physical volumes for electricity and gas associated with energy trading were:
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
GWh | | | 7,724 | | | | 5,800 | | | | 5,700 | |
Bcf | | | 21.5 | | | | 13.4 | | | | 11.7 | |
Utility Revenues
The increases in utility revenues were attributable to:
| | 2006 vs. 2005 | | 2005 vs. 2004 |
Domestic: | | | | | | | | |
Retail electric revenue (PPL Electric) | | | | | | | | |
PLR electric generation supply | | $ | 127 | | | $ | 122 | |
Electric delivery | | | (38 | ) | | | 201 | |
Wholesale electric revenue (PPL Electric) | | | (2 | ) | | | (2 | ) |
Gas revenue (PPL Gas Utilities) | | | 26 | | | | 9 | |
Other | | | 1 | | | | 1 | |
| | | | | | | | |
International: | | | | | | | | |
U.K. retail electric revenue | | | 45 | | | | 26 | |
Foreign currency exchange rates | | | (6 | ) | | | 8 | |
| | $ | 153 | | | $ | 365 | |
The increases in utility revenues for 2006 compared with 2005, excluding foreign currency exchange rate impacts, were primarily due to:
· | higher retail electric revenue from increased PLR revenues resulting from an 8.4% rate increase, offset by a decrease in domestic electric delivery revenues resulting from a decrease in sales volumes due in part to milder weather in 2006; |
· | higher gas revenues primarily due to the increase in natural gas prices, which are passed through to customers; and |
· | an increase in the U.K. due to higher average prices and changes in customer mix. |
The increases in utility revenues for 2005 compared with 2004, excluding foreign currency exchange rate impacts, were primarily due to:
· | higher domestic electric delivery revenues resulting from higher transmission and distribution customer rates effective January 1, 2005, and a 4.3% increase in sales volume; |
· | higher PLR revenues due to a 2% rate increase and a 6% increase in sales volume, in part due to the return of customers previously served by alternate suppliers; and |
· | an increase in the U.K. primarily due to favorable customer mix and an incentive revenue award for outstanding customer service. |
Energy-related Businesses
Energy-related businesses contributed $29 million more to operating income in 2006 compared with 2005. The increase was primarily attributable to:
· | $18 million of lower pre-tax losses from synfuel projects. This reflects $29 million of lower operating losses due to lower production levels, partially offset by an impairment charge of $10 million on the synfuel-related assets; |
· | an $8 million increase from PPL Telcom due to an increase in transport-related sales, as well as reduced spending on a product line (before depreciation, interest expense and income taxes); and |
· | a $3 million increase from WPD's telecommunications business. |
Energy-related businesses contributed $8 million less to operating income in 2005 compared with 2004. The decrease was attributable to:
· | additional pre-tax losses in 2005 of $16 million on synfuel projects. This reflects $26 million of additional operating losses due to higher production levels, offset by a $10 million net unrealized gain on options purchased to hedge a portion of the risk associated with the phase-out of the synthetic fuel tax credits for 2006 and 2007; partially offset by |
· | a $6 million increase from PPL Telcom due to an increase in transport-related sales, as well as reduced spending on a product line (before depreciation, interest expense and income taxes); and |
· | an aggregate increase of $3 million primarily attributable to WPD's non-electricity delivery businesses. |
See Note 15 to the Financial Statements for an overall assessment of synthetic fuel tax credits and a further discussion of the impairment of these facilities and the temporary shutdown of one of these facilities.
Other Operation and Maintenance
For the year ended 2006, PPL's other operation and maintenance expense was reduced by a $36 million pre-tax one-time credit in connection with the realization of benefits related to the ability to use excess Black Lung Trust assets to make future benefit payments for retired miners' medical benefits. See Note 13 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
Excluding this one-time credit, the increases in other operation and maintenance expenses were due to:
| | 2006 vs. 2005 | | 2005 vs. 2004 |
| | | | | | |
Martins Creek ash basin remediation (Note 15) | | $ | (37 | ) | | $ | 48 | |
Costs associated with severe ice storms in January 2005 (Note 1) | | | (16 | ) | | | 16 | |
Subsequent deferral of a portion of costs associated with January 2005 ice storms (Note 1) | | | 12 | | | | (12 | ) |
Accelerated amortization of stock-based compensation (Note 1) | | | (18 | ) | | | 18 | |
NorthWestern litigation payment | | | (9 | ) | | | 9 | |
Outage costs at Eastern U.S. fossil/hydro stations | | | 13 | | | | 14 | |
Outage costs at Susquehanna nuclear station | | | 24 | | | | 6 | |
Outage costs at Western U.S. fossil/hydro stations | | | 3 | | | | 4 | |
U.K. metering expense | | | 4 | | | | 5 | |
Changes in U.K. reserve related to contractor dispute | | | 4 | | | | (8 | ) |
Reduction in Enron reserve (Note 1) | | | (19 | ) | | | | |
Increase in domestic distribution system reliability work, including tree trimming | | | 19 | | | | 10 | |
Increase in pension and postretirement benefit costs (Note 13) | | | 34 | | | | 44 | |
Reversal of cost recovery - Hurricane Isabel (Note 1) | | | 11 | | | | | |
Union contract ratification bonus | | | 7 | | | | | |
Stock-based compensation expense | | | 10 | | | | 2 | |
Increase in PUC-reportable storm costs | | | 9 | | | | | |
PJM system control and dispatch services | | | (12 | ) | | | (4 | ) |
Change in retired miners' medical benefits | | | (7 | ) | | | 5 | |
Change in foreign currency exchange rates | | | | | | | 1 | |
Other | | | (3 | ) | | | (6 | ) |
| | $ | 29 | | | $ | 152 | |
Depreciation
Increases in depreciation expense were due to:
| | 2006 vs. 2005 | | 2005 vs. 2004 |
| | | | | | |
Additions to PP&E | | $ | 27 | | | $ | 13 | |
Purchase of equipment previously leased (Note 11) | | | 4 | | | | | |
Reduction of useful lives of certain distribution assets (Note 1) | | | 3 | | | | 7 | |
Lower Mt. Bethel generation facility, which began commercial operation in May 2004 | | | | | | | 6 | |
Extension of useful lives of certain generation assets (Note 1) | | | (2 | ) | | | (12 | ) |
Changes in foreign currency exchange rates | | | (1 | ) | | | 1 | |
| | $ | 31 | | | $ | 15 | |
Taxes, Other Than Income
A $6 million increase in domestic gross receipts tax expense, offset by a $2 million decrease in domestic capital stock tax expense and a $2 million decrease in domestic real estate tax expense, are the primary reasons for the $3 million increase in taxes, other than income, in 2006 compared with 2005.
In 2004, PPL Electric reversed a $14 million accrued liability for 1998 and 1999 PURTA taxes that had been accrued based on potential exposure in the proceedings regarding the Susquehanna nuclear station tax assessment. The rights of third-party intervenors to further appeal expired in 2004. The reversal and a $19 million increase in domestic gross receipts tax expense, offset by an $8 million decrease in domestic capital stock expense in 2005, are the primary reasons for the $30 million increase in taxes, other than income in 2005, compared with 2004.
Other Income - net
See Note 17 to the Financial Statements for details of other income and deductions.
Financing Costs
The decreases in financing costs, which includes "Interest Expense" and "Dividends on Preferred Securities of a Subsidiary," were due to:
| | 2006 vs. 2005 | | 2005 vs. 2004 |
| | | | | | |
Hedging activities | | $ | 24 | | | $ | 26 | |
Dividends on 6.25% Series Preference Stock (Note 7) | | | 12 | | | | | |
Expense related to the University Park generation facility (a) | | | | | | | (13 | ) |
Change in capitalized interest | | | (15 | ) | | | 12 | |
Interest accrued for PJM billing dispute (Note 15) | | | (12 | ) | | | 8 | |
Write-off in 2005 of financing costs associated with PPL Energy Supply's 2.625% Convertible Senior Notes due to the market trigger price being met | | | (6 | ) | | | 6 | |
Change in amortization expense | | | (6 | ) | | | 9 | |
Decrease in long-term debt interest expense | | | (7 | ) | | | (60 | ) |
Change in short-term debt interest expense | | | (4 | ) | | | 2 | |
Change in foreign currency exchange rates | | | (2 | ) | | | 1 | |
Other | | | | | | | (2 | ) |
| | $ | (16 | ) | | $ | (11 | ) |
(a) | | In June 2004, a subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply purchased the University Park generation facility from the lessor that was consolidated by PPL Energy Supply under FIN 46 (revised December 2003), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51." In connection with the purchase, the related financing was repaid and the deferred financing costs were written off. See Note 22 to the Financial Statements for additional information. |
Income Taxes
The changes in income taxes were due to:
| | 2006 vs. 2005 | | 2005 vs. 2004 |
| | | | | | |
Higher (lower) pre-tax book income | | $ | 96 | | | $ | (23 | ) |
Nonconventional fuel tax credits | | | 49 | | | | (33 | ) |
Tax on foreign earnings | | | 1 | | | | (11 | ) |
Transfer of WPD tax items in the first quarter 2006 (Note 5) | | | (20 | ) | | | | |
Tax return adjustments | | | 18 | | | | (14 | ) |
Tax reserve adjustments | | | 1 | | | | 1 | |
Other | | | 1 | | | | 1 | |
| | $ | 146 | | | $ | (79 | ) |
See Note 5 to the Financial Statements for details on effective income tax rates.
Discontinued Operations
In March 2007, PPL announced its intention to sell its regulated electricity delivery businesses in Latin America. In accordance with SFAS 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," the operating results of these businesses, $42 million in 2006, $37 million in 2005 and $24 million in 2004, are classified as discontinued operations on the Statements of Income. See "Anticipated Sale of Latin American Businesses" in Note 10 to the Financial Statements for further discussion.
In 2006, PPL recorded a $23 million loss, which is net of a tax benefit of $16 million, in connection with the sale of its ownership interest in the Griffith plant. The "Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations" also includes the acceleration of net unrealized gains on derivatives associated with the Griffith plant of $7 million after tax. See "Sale of Interest in Griffith Plant" in Note 10 to the Financial Statements for information on this sale, along with information regarding operating results recorded prior to the sale.
In 2005, PPL recorded a $47 million loss, which is net of a tax benefit of $26 million, in connection with the sale of its Sundance power plant. See Note 10 to the Financial Statements for information on this sale, along with information regarding operating losses recorded prior to the sale of the Sundance plant and for operating losses recorded in 2004 related to the sale of PPL Global's investment in a Latin American telecommunications company.
Cumulative Effect of a Change in Accounting Principle
PPL adopted FIN 47, "Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations, an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143," in 2005. FIN 47 clarifies that an entity is required to recognize a liability for the fair value of a conditional ARO when incurred if the fair value of the ARO can be reasonably estimated. FIN 47 also clarifies when an entity would have sufficient information to reasonably estimate the fair value of an ARO. Application of the interpretation resulted in a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle that decreased net income by $8 million in 2005. See Note 21 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
Financial Condition
Liquidity and Capital Resources
PPL is focused on maintaining an appropriate liquidity position and strengthening its balance sheet, thereby continuing to improve its credit profile. PPL believes that its cash on hand, short-term investments, operating cash flows, access to debt and equity capital markets and borrowing capacity, taken as a whole, provide sufficient resources to fund its ongoing operating requirements, future security maturities and estimated future capital expenditures. PPL currently expects cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments at the end of 2007 to be approximately $600 million and expects to increase its credit facilities from $3.4 billion to greater than $4.0 billion in 2007. However, PPL's cash flows from operations and its access to cost-effective bank and capital markets are subject to risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to:
· | changes in market prices for electricity; |
· | changes in commodity prices that may increase the cost of producing power or decrease the amount PPL receives from selling power; |
· | operational, price and credit risks associated with selling and marketing products in the wholesale power markets; |
· | significant switching by customers to or from alternative suppliers that would impact the level of sales under the PLR contracts; |
· | ineffectiveness of the trading, marketing and risk management policy and programs used to mitigate PPL's risk exposure to adverse electricity and fuel prices, interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and counterparty credit; |
· | unusual or extreme weather that may damage PPL's transmission and distribution facilities or affect energy sales to customers; |
· | reliance on transmission and distribution facilities that PPL does not own or control to deliver its electricity and natural gas; |
· | unavailability of generating units (due to unscheduled or longer-than-anticipated generation outages, weather and natural disasters) and the resulting loss of revenues and additional costs of replacement electricity; |
· | the ability to recover and the timeliness and adequacy of recovery of costs associated with regulated utility businesses; |
· | costs of compliance with existing and new environmental laws and with new security and safety requirements for nuclear facilities; |
· | any adverse outcome of legal proceedings and investigations with respect to PPL's current and past business activities; and |
· | a downgrade in PPL's or its subsidiaries' credit ratings that could negatively affect their ability to access capital and increase the cost of maintaining credit facilities and any new debt. |
At December 31, PPL had the following:
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 794 | | | $ | 555 | | | $ | 616 | |
Short-term investments | | | 359 | | | | 63 | | | | 66 | |
| | | 1,153 | | | | 618 | | | | 682 | |
Short-term debt | | | 42 | | | | 214 | | | | 42 | |
The changes in PPL's cash and cash equivalents position resulted from:
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
| | | | | | | | | |
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities | | $ | 1,758 | | | $ | 1,388 | | | $ | 1,497 | |
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities | | | (1,617 | ) | | | (779 | ) | | | (778 | ) |
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities | | | 95 | | | | (676 | ) | | | (578 | ) |
Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents | | | 3 | | | | 6 | | | | 9 | |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents | | $ | 239 | | | $ | (61 | ) | | $ | 150 | |
Operating Activities
Net cash from operating activities increased by 27%, or $370 million, in 2006 compared with 2005, primarily as a result of higher domestic retail electric revenues resulting from an 8.4% increase in PLR sales prices and increased international delivery revenues, predominantly related to price increases and changes in customer mix. The increase from 2005 to 2006 was also due, to a lesser extent, to reduced expenditures for oil in 2006 as a result of building up inventory in 2005. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in domestic delivery revenues resulting from a decrease in sales volumes, due in part to milder weather in 2006, increased expenditures for coal and increased U.S. income tax payments, primarily due to lower utilization of foreign tax credits in 2006.
Net cash from operating activities decreased by 7%, or $109 million, in 2005 compared with 2004, primarily as a result of increased income tax payments and fuel expenditures, partially offset by favorable margin impacts attributable to the 7.1% increase in distribution rates and transmission cost recoveries effective January 1, 2005. Income tax payments increased primarily due to favorable impacts of tax credits and refunds realized in 2004. Fuel expenditures increased $115 million due to increased prices and inventory build-up in anticipation of price increases in 2006.
PPL expects to continue to maintain stable cash provided by operating activities as a result of its long-term and intermediate-term power sales commitments from wholesale and retail customers and long-term fuel purchase contracts. PPL estimates that, on average, approximately 89% of its expected annual generation output for the period 2007 through 2009 is committed under long-term and intermediate-term power sales contracts. PPL has started and will continue to layer in sales contracts in the wholesale markets for the capacity and energy currently committed under the PLR supply contracts with PPL Electric, which expire at the end of 2009. Based on the way in which the wholesale markets have developed to this point, new contracts may be of a shorter duration than the PLR supply contracts, which at inception had terms of approximately nine years.
PPL's contracts for the sale and purchase of electricity and fuel often require cash collateral or other credit enhancement, or reductions or terminations of a portion of the entire contract through cash settlement, in the event of a downgrade of PPL's or its subsidiaries' credit ratings or adverse changes in market prices. For example, in addition to limiting its trading ability, if PPL's or its subsidiaries' ratings were lowered to below "investment grade" and energy prices increased by 10%, PPL estimates that, based on its December 31, 2006 positions, it would have had to post additional collateral of approximately $387 million, compared with $611 million at December 31, 2005. PPL has in place risk management programs that are designed to monitor and manage its exposure to volatility of cash flows related to changes in energy prices, interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, counterparty credit quality and the operational performance of its generating units.
Investing Activities
The primary use of cash in investing activities is capital expenditures. See "Forecasted Uses of Cash" for detail regarding capital expenditures in 2006 and projected expenditures for the years 2007 through 2011.
Net cash used in investing activities increased 108%, or $838 million, in 2006 compared with 2005. There were a few items that contributed to this increase. Capital expenditures increased $583 million, primarily as a result of the construction of pollution control equipment at coal-fired plants in Pennsylvania, as discussed in Note 15 to the Financial Statements, and $107 million related to the purchase of leased equipment. See Note 11 to the Financial Statements for further discussion of the purchase of leased equipment in connection with the termination of the related master lease agreements. Additionally, there was an increase of $298 million in net purchases of short-term investments, and PPL received $80 million less in proceeds from the sale of power plants in 2006 compared with 2005. The impact of the above items was partially offset by a decrease of $75 million in net purchases of emission allowances and a decrease of $22 million in the additional amount of cash that became restricted.
Although net cash used in investing activities remained stable in 2005 compared with 2004, there were significant changes in certain components. PPL received $190 million in proceeds from the sale of the Sundance power plant in 2005, compared with $123 million of proceeds from the sale of PPL's minority interest in CGE in 2004. Additionally, there was an increase of $58 million in net proceeds from the sales of short-term investments, an increase of $77 million in capital expenditures and an increase of $63 million in net purchases of emission allowances, in anticipation of future generation.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $95 million in 2006, compared with net cash used in financing activities of $676 million in 2005 and $578 million in 2004. The change from 2005 to 2006 primarily reflects increased issuance of long-term debt, as well as the issuance of preference stock. In 2006, cash provided by financing activities primarily consisted of net debt issuances of $277 million, net proceeds of $245 million from the issuance of preference stock and $21 million of common stock sale proceeds, partially offset by common and preferred distributions paid of $419 million. See Note 7 to the Financial Statements for details regarding the preference stock issued by PPL Electric.
The increase in cash used in financing activities from 2004 to 2005 primarily reflects the continued retirement of long-term debt and increased dividends to shareowners. In 2005, cash used in financing activities primarily consisted of net debt retirements of $340 million and common and preferred distributions paid of $349 million, partially offset by common stock sale proceeds of $37 million. In 2004, cash used in financing activities primarily consisted of net debt retirements of $863 million and common and preferred distributions paid of $299 million, partially offset by common stock sale proceeds of $596 million, of which $575 million related to the settlement of the common stock purchase contracts that were a component of the PEPS Units and the PEPS Units, Series B.
See "Forecasted Sources of Cash" for a discussion of PPL's plans to issue debt and equity securities, as well as a discussion of credit facility capacity available to PPL. Also see "Forecasted Uses of Cash" for a discussion of PPL's plans to pay dividends on its common and preferred securities and repurchase common stock in the future, as well as maturities of PPL's long-term debt.
PPL's debt financing activity in 2006 was:
| | Issuances | | Retirements |
| | | | | | |
PPL Energy Supply Senior Unsecured Notes | | $ | 997 | | | | | |
PPL Energy Supply Convertible Senior Notes (a) | | | | | | $ | (298 | ) |
PPL Capital Funding Subordinated Notes | | | | | | | (148 | ) |
PPL Capital Funding Senior Floating Rate Notes | | | | | | | (99 | ) |
PPL Transition Bond Company Transition Bonds | | | | | | | (288 | ) |
PPL Electric First Mortgage Bonds | | | | | | | (146 | ) |
WPD Senior Unsecured Notes (b) (c) | | | 887 | | | | (450 | ) |
Emel UF Denominated Bonds | | | 101 | | | | (103 | ) |
Elfec Bolivian Bonds | | | | | | | (3 | ) |
PPL Energy Supply Commercial Paper (net change) | | | | | | | (100 | ) |
WPD short-term debt (net change) | | | | | | | (73 | ) |
Total | | $ | 1,985 | | | $ | (1,708 | ) |
Net increase | | $ | 277 | | | | | |
(a) | | Convertible Senior Notes in an aggregate principal amount of $298 million were presented for conversion in 2006. The total conversion premium related to these conversions was $121 million, which was settled with 3,448,109 shares of PPL common stock, along with an insignificant amount of cash in lieu of fractional shares. After such conversions, $102 million of Convertible Senior Notes remain outstanding and are eligible for conversion in the first quarter of 2007. See Notes 4 and 8 to the Financial Statements for discussion of the terms of the Convertible Senior Notes and further discussion of the conversions. |
(b) | | Issuance includes $446 million of index-linked notes. |
(c) | | Retirement includes $118 million to settle related cross-currency swaps. |
Long-term debt issued during 2006 had stated interest rates ranging from 1.541% to 7.0% and maturities from 2011 through 2056. See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for more detailed information regarding PPL's financing activities.
Forecasted Sources of Cash
PPL expects to continue to have significant sources of cash available in the near term, including various credit facilities, commercial paper programs, an asset-backed commercial paper program and operating leases. PPL also expects to continue to have access to debt and equity capital markets, as necessary, for its long-term financing needs.
Credit Facilities
At December 31, 2006, PPL's total committed borrowing capacity under credit facilities and the use of this borrowing capacity were:
| | Committed Capacity | | | Borrowed | | | Letters of Credit Issued (d) | | | Available Capacity | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
PPL Electric Credit Facility (a) | | $ | 200 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 200 | |
PPL Energy Supply Credit Facilities (b) | | | 2,400 | | | | | | | $ | 320 | | | | 2,080 | |
WPD (South West) Credit Facilities (c) | | | 792 | | | | | | | | 3 | | | | 789 | |
Total | | $ | 3,392 | | | | | | | $ | 323 | | | $ | 3,069 | |
(a) | | Borrowings under PPL Electric's credit facility bear interest at LIBOR-based rates plus a spread, depending upon the company's public debt rating. PPL Electric also has the capability to cause the lenders to issue up to $200 million of letters of credit under this facility, which issuances reduce available borrowing capacity. The credit facility contains a financial covenant requiring debt to total capitalization to not exceed 70%. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, PPL Electric's consolidated debt to total capitalization percentages, as calculated in accordance with its credit facility, were 48% and 55%. The credit facility also contains standard representations and warranties that must be made for PPL Electric to borrow under it. |
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(b) | | PPL Energy Supply has the ability to borrow $2.2 billion under its credit facilities. Such borrowings bear interest at LIBOR-based rates plus a spread, depending upon the company's public debt rating. PPL Energy Supply also has the capability to cause the lenders to issue up to $2.4 billion of letters of credit under these facilities, which issuances reduce available borrowing capacity. These credit facilities contain a financial covenant requiring debt to total capitalization to not exceed 65%. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, PPL Energy Supply's consolidated debt to total capitalization percentage, as calculated in accordance with its credit facilities, was 35%. The credit facilities also contain standard representations and warranties that must be made for PPL Energy Supply to borrow under them. |
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(c) | | Borrowings under WPD (South West)'s credit facilities bear interest at LIBOR-based rates plus a spread, depending upon the company's public debt rating. WPD (South West) also has the capability to cause the lenders to issue up to £3 million (approximately $5 million at December 31, 2006) of letters of credit under one of its facilities, which can only be used for letters of credit. These credit facilities contain financial covenants that require WPD (South West) to maintain an interest coverage ratio of not less than 3.0 times consolidated earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization and a regulatory asset base (RAB) at £150 million greater than total gross debt, in each case as calculated in accordance with the credit facilities. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, WPD (South West)'s interest coverage ratios, as calculated in accordance with its credit lines, were 5.3 and 6.0. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, WPD (South West)'s RAB, as calculated in accordance with the credit facilities, exceeded its total gross debt by £247 million and £407 million. |
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(d) | | The Borrower under each of these facilities has a reimbursement obligation to the extent any letters of credit are drawn upon. The letters of credit issued as of December 31, 2006, expire as follows: $318 million in 2007 and $5 million in 2008. |
In addition to the financial covenants noted in the table above, these credit agreements contain various other covenants. Failure to meet the covenants beyond applicable grace periods could result in acceleration of due dates of borrowings and/or termination of the agreements. PPL monitors the covenants on a regular basis. At December 31, 2006, PPL was in material compliance with these covenants. At this time, PPL believes that these covenants and other borrowing conditions will not limit access to these funding sources.
During 2007, PPL intends to maintain the existing $3.4 billion of credit facility capacity, which may require the renewal and extension or replacement of certain facilities. In addition, PPL expects to increase its credit facility capacity by up to $1.0 billion in 2007 to support potential collateral requirements under contracts that it expects to enter into in connection with expanding its wholesale marketing and trading business. See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for further discussion of PPL's credit facilities, including the termination and replacement of a £150 million credit facility of WPD (South West) with a new £150 million credit facility at WPDH Limited in January 2007.
Commercial Paper
PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric maintain commercial paper programs for up to $500 million for PPL Energy Supply and for up to $200 million for PPL Electric to provide them each with an additional financing source to fund their short-term liquidity needs, if and when necessary. Commercial paper issuances are supported by certain credit agreements of each company. PPL Energy Supply had no commercial paper outstanding at December 31, 2006, and $100 million of commercial paper outstanding at December 31, 2005. PPL Electric had no commercial paper outstanding at December 31, 2006 and 2005. During 2007, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric may issue commercial paper from time to time to facilitate short-term cash flow needs.
Asset-Backed Commercial Paper Program
PPL Electric participates in an asset-backed commercial paper program through which PPL Electric obtains financing by selling and contributing its eligible accounts receivable and unbilled revenue to a special purpose, wholly-owned subsidiary on an ongoing basis. The subsidiary pledges these assets to secure loans of up to an aggregate of $150 million from a commercial paper conduit sponsored by a financial institution. PPL Electric uses the proceeds from the program for general corporate purposes and to cash collateralize letters of credit. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the loan balance outstanding was $42 million, all of which was used to cash collateralize letters of credit. See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for further discussion of the asset-backed commercial paper program.
Operating Leases
PPL and its subsidiaries also have available funding sources that are provided through operating leases. PPL's subsidiaries lease office space, land, buildings and certain equipment. These leasing structures provide PPL with additional operating and financing flexibility. The operating leases contain covenants that are typical for these agreements, such as maintaining insurance, maintaining corporate existence and timely payment of rent and other fees.
PPL, through its subsidiary PPL Montana, leases a 50% interest in Colstrip Units 1 and 2 and a 30% interest in Unit 3, under four 36-year, non-cancelable operating leases. These operating leases are not recorded on PPL's Balance Sheets, which is in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. The leases place certain restrictions on PPL Montana's ability to incur additional debt, sell assets and declare dividends. At this time, PPL believes that these restrictions will not limit access to these funding sources or cause acceleration or termination of the leases. See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of other dividend restrictions related to PPL subsidiaries.
See Note 11 to the Financial Statements for further discussion of the operating leases.
Long-Term Debt and Equity Securities
Subject to market conditions in 2007, PPL and its subsidiaries currently plan to issue up to $1.1 billion in long-term debt securities. PPL expects to use the proceeds primarily to fund capital expenditures, to fund maturities of existing debt and for general corporate purposes. PPL currently does not plan to issue significant amounts of common stock in 2007.
Forecasted Uses of Cash
In addition to expenditures required for normal operating activities, such as purchased power, payroll, fuel and taxes, PPL currently expects to incur future cash outflows for capital expenditures, various contractual obligations, payment of dividends on its common and preferred securities and possibly the repurchase of a portion of its common stock, beginning in 2009.
Capital Expenditures
The table below shows PPL's actual spending for the year 2006 and current capital expenditure projections for the years 2007 through 2011.
| | Actual | | Projected | |
| | | | | |
| | 2006 | | 2007 | | 2008 | | 2009 | | 2010 | | 2011 | |
Construction expenditures (a) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Generating facilities | | $ | 275 | | $ | 329 | | $ | 231 | | $ | 294 | | $ | 314 | | $ | 313 | |
Transmission and distribution facilities | | | 625 | | | 608 | | | 582 | | | 616 | | | 629 | | | 686 | |
Environmental | | | 320 | | | 612 | | | 408 | | | 129 | | | 37 | | | 77 | |
Other | | | 100 | | | 91 | | | 64 | | | 61 | | | 60 | | | 66 | |
Total Construction Expenditures | | | 1,320 | | | 1,640 | | | 1,285 | | | 1,100 | | | 1,040 | | | 1,142 | |
Nuclear fuel | | | 74 | | | 92 | | | 112 | | | 113 | | | 128 | | | 130 | |
Total Capital Expenditures | | $ | 1,394 | | $ | 1,732 | | $ | 1,397 | | $ | 1,213 | | $ | 1,168 | | $ | 1,272 | |
(a) | | Construction expenditures include capitalized interest and AFUDC, which are expected to be approximately $243 million for the 2007-2011 period. |
PPL's capital expenditure projections for the years 2007-2011 total approximately $6.8 billion. Capital expenditure plans are revised periodically to reflect changes in operational, market and regulatory conditions. This table includes projected costs related to the planned 349 MW incremental capacity increases. See Note 15 to the Financial Statements for additional information regarding the installation cost of sulfur dioxide scrubbers and other pollution control equipment, which comprise most of the "Environmental" expenditures noted above.
PPL plans to fund all of its capital expenditures in 2007 with cash on hand, cash from operations and the issuance of debt securities.
Contractual Obligations
PPL has assumed various financial obligations and commitments in the ordinary course of conducting its business. At December 31, 2006, the estimated contractual cash obligations of PPL were:
Contractual Cash Obligations | | Total | | Less Than 1 Year | | 1-3 Years | | 4-5 Years | | After 5 Years |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Long-term Debt (a) | | $ | 7,854 | | | $ | 1,107 | | | $ | 1,315 | | | $ | 551 | | | $ | 4,881 | |
Capital Lease Obligations | | | 16 | | | | 1 | | | | 2 | | | | 2 | | | | 11 | |
Operating Leases | | | 608 | | | | 49 | | | | 101 | | | | 104 | | | | 354 | |
Purchase Obligations (b) | | | 5,602 | | | | 1,396 | | | | 1,763 | | | | 689 | | | | 1,754 | |
Other Long-term Liabilities Reflected on the Balance Sheet under GAAP (c) | | | 13 | | | | | | | | 13 | | | | | | | | | |
Total Contractual Cash Obligations | | $ | 14,093 | | | $ | 2,553 | | | $ | 3,194 | | | $ | 1,346 | | | $ | 7,000 | |
(a) | | Reflects principal maturities only. See Note 4 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of conversion triggers related to PPL Energy Supply's 2.625% Convertible Senior Notes. Also, see Statements of Long-term Debt for a discussion of the remarketing feature related to PPL Energy Supply's 5.70% REset Put Securities. |
(b) | | The payments reflected herein are subject to change, as certain purchase obligations included are estimates based on projected obligated quantities and/or projected pricing under the contracts. Purchase orders made in the ordinary course of business are excluded from the amounts presented. The payments also include obligations related to nuclear fuel and the installation of the scrubbers, which are also reflected in the Capital Expenditures table presented above. |
(c) | | The amounts reflected represent WPD’s contractual deficit pension funding requirements arising from an actuarial valuation performed in March 2004 and do not include pension funding requirements for future service or a contingent funding requirement of $59 million payable by March 31, 2008, if certain conditions are not met by March 31, 2007. The U.K. electricity regulator currently allows a recovery of a substantial portion of the contributions relating to the plan deficit; however, WPD cannot be certain that this will continue beyond the current review period, which extends to March 31, 2010. Based on the current funded status of PPL's U.S. qualified pension plans, no contributions are required. See Note 13 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of expected contributions. |
Dividends
In December 2004, PPL's Board of Directors adopted a dividend policy that provides for growing the common stock dividend in the future at a rate exceeding the projected rate of growth in earnings per share from ongoing operations until the dividend payout ratio reaches the 50 percent level. Earnings from ongoing operations exclude items that management considers unusual. PPL announced in February 2006 and again in February 2007 its expectation that the growth rate of its dividends over the next few years will continue to exceed the growth rate in the company's earnings per share and, therefore, result in a dividend payout ratio above 50 percent after 2006. Any future dividends are subject to the Board of Directors' quarterly dividend declarations, based on the company's financial position and other relevant considerations at the time.
PPL Electric expects to continue to pay quarterly dividends on its outstanding preferred securities, if and as declared by its Board of Directors.
Common Stock Repurchase
Given the continued improvement in its credit profile, PPL expects to be in a position to repurchase a portion of its common stock beginning in 2009.
Credit Ratings
Moody's, S&P and Fitch periodically review the credit ratings on the debt and preferred securities of PPL and its subsidiaries. Based on their respective independent reviews, the rating agencies may make certain ratings revisions or ratings affirmations.
A credit rating reflects an assessment by the rating agency of the creditworthiness associated with an issuer and particular securities that it issues. The credit ratings of PPL and its subsidiaries are based on information provided by PPL and other sources. The ratings of Moody's, S&P and Fitch are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any securities of PPL or its subsidiaries. Such ratings may be subject to revisions or withdrawal by the agencies at any time and should be evaluated independently of each other and any other rating that may be assigned to the securities. A downgrade in PPL's or its subsidiaries' credit ratings could result in higher borrowing costs and reduced access to capital markets.
The following table summarizes the credit ratings of PPL and its key subsidiaries at December 31, 2006.
| | Moody's | | S&P | | Fitch (b) |
PPL | | | | | | |
| Issuer Rating | | Baa2 | | BBB | | BBB |
| Outlook | | STABLE | | STABLE | | STABLE |
| | | | | | | |
PPL Energy Supply | | | | | | |
| Issuer Rating | | | | BBB | | BBB |
| Senior Unsecured Notes | | Baa2 | | BBB | | BBB+ |
| Commercial Paper | | P-2 | | A-2 | | F2 |
| Outlook | | STABLE | | STABLE | | STABLE |
| | | | | | | |
PPL Capital Funding | | | | | | |
| Issuer Rating | | | | | | BBB |
| Senior Unsecured Debt | | Baa2 | | BBB- | | BBB |
| Medium-Term Notes | | Baa2 | | BBB- | | BBB |
| Outlook | | STABLE | | STABLE | | STABLE |
| | | | | | | |
PPL Electric | | | | | | |
| Senior Unsecured/Issuer Rating | | Baa1 | | A- | | BBB |
| First Mortgage Bonds | | A3 | | A- | | A- |
| Pollution Control Bonds (a) | | Aaa | | AAA | | |
| Senior Secured Bonds | | A3 | | A- | | A- |
| Commercial Paper | | P-2 | | A-2 | | F2 |
| Preferred Stock | | Baa3 | | BBB | | BBB+ |
| Preference Stock | | Baa3 | | BBB | | BBB |
| Outlook | | STABLE | | STABLE | | STABLE |
| | | | | | | |
PPL Transition Bond Company | | | | | | |
| Transition Bonds | | Aaa | | AAA | | AAA |
| | | | | | | |
PPL Montana | | | | | | |
| Pass-Through Certificates | | Baa3 | | BBB- | | BBB |
| Outlook | | STABLE | | STABLE | | |
| | | | | | | |
WPDH Limited | | | | | | |
| Issuer Rating | | Baa3 | | BBB- | | BBB- |
| Senior Unsecured Debt | | Baa3 | | BBB- | | BBB |
| Short-term Debt | | | | A-3 | | |
| Outlook | | STABLE | | STABLE | | STABLE |
| | | | | | | |
WPD LLP | | | | | | |
| Issuer Rating | | | | BBB- | | BBB |
| Short-term Debt | | | | A-3 | | |
| Preferred Stock (c) | | Baa3 | | BB | | BBB |
| Outlook | | STABLE | | STABLE | | STABLE |
| | | | | | | |
WPD (South Wales) | | | | | | |
| Issuer Rating | | | | BBB+ | | BBB+ |
| Senior Unsecured Debt | | Baa1 | | BBB+ | | A- |
| Short-term Debt | | | | A-2 | | F2 |
| Outlook | | STABLE | | STABLE | | STABLE |
| | | | | | | |
WPD (South West) | | | | | | |
| Issuer Rating | | Baa1 | | BBB+ | | BBB+ |
| Senior Unsecured Debt | | Baa1 | | BBB+ | | A- |
| Short-term Debt | | P-2 | | A-2 | | F2 |
| Outlook | | STABLE | | STABLE | | STABLE |
(a) | | Insured as to payment of principal and interest. |
(b) | | All Issuer Ratings for Fitch are "Issuer Default Ratings." |
(c) | | Securities were redeemed in February 2007. |
The rating agencies took the following actions related to PPL and its key subsidiaries in 2006:
Moody's
In March 2006, Moody's took the following actions related to the credit ratings of PPL and its subsidiaries:
· | PPL - assigned a Baa2 issuer rating; |
· | PPL Capital Funding - upgraded the ratings of its senior unsecured debt and Medium Term Notes to Baa2 from Baa3 and subordinated debt to Baa3 from Ba1; and |
· | PPL Electric - upgraded the issuer rating to Baa1 from Baa2 and upgraded the ratings of its First Mortgage Bonds and Senior Secured Bonds to A3 from Baa1 and upgraded the rating of its preferred stock to Baa3 from Ba1. |
In March 2006, Moody's also reviewed the credit ratings of PPL Energy Supply and concluded that its ratings remain unchanged.
S&P
In connection with PPL Electric's issuance of preference stock in April 2006, S&P affirmed all of PPL Electric's credit ratings.
In November 2006, S&P completed its annual review of its credit ratings for PPL and its domestic rated subsidiaries. At that time, S&P affirmed its credit ratings and stable outlook for PPL, PPL Energy Supply, PPL Capital Funding, PPL Electric and PPL Montana.
Fitch
In February 2006, Fitch's Europe, Middle East and Africa group implemented Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) based on its new IDR methodology. This implementation led to Fitch's assignment of the following IDRs and Fitch's upgrading of its ratings on the following securities of WPD and its affiliates.
· | WPDH Limited IDR of BBB- and senior unsecured rating to BBB from BBB-; |
· | WPD LLP IDR of BBB, senior unsecured rating to BBB+ from BBB and preferred stock rating to BBB from BBB-; and |
· | WPD (South Wales) and WPD (South West) IDR of BBB+ and senior unsecured debt rating to A- from BBB+. |
In August 2006, Fitch affirmed its credit ratings and stable outlook for PPL, PPL Energy Supply, PPL Capital Funding and PPL Electric.
In November 2006, Fitch affirmed its credit ratings and stable outlook for WPDH Limited, WPD LLP, WPD (South Wales) and WPD (South West).
Ratings Triggers
PPL Energy Supply's 2.625% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 are convertible upon the occurrence of certain events, including if the long-term credit ratings assigned to the notes by Moody's and S&P are lower than BB and Ba2, or either Moody's or S&P no longer rates the notes. The terms of the notes require cash settlement of the principal amount upon conversion of the notes. See Note 4 to the Financial Statements for more information concerning the Convertible Senior Notes.
WPD (South West)'s 1.541% Index-linked Notes due 2053 and 2056 and WPD (South Wales)'s 4.80436% Notes due 2037 may be put by the holders back to the issuer for redemption if the long-term credit ratings assigned to the notes by Moody's, S&P or Fitch are withdrawn by any of the rating agencies or reduced to a non-investment grade rating of Ba1or BB+ in connection with a restructuring event. A restructuring event includes the loss of, or a material adverse change to, the distribution license under which WPD (South West) and WPD (South Wales) operate. These notes totaled $885 million at December 31, 2006.
PPL and its subsidiaries do not have additional material liquidity exposures caused by a ratings downgrade below "investment grade" that would accelerate the due dates of borrowings. However, if PPL's and PPL Energy Supply's debt ratings had been below investment grade at December 31, 2006, PPL and PPL Energy Supply would have had to post an additional $128 million of collateral to counterparties.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
PPL provides guarantees for certain consolidated affiliate financing arrangements that enable certain transactions. Some of the guarantees contain financial and other covenants that, if not met, would limit or restrict the consolidated affiliates' access to funds under these financing arrangements, require early maturity of such arrangements or limit the consolidated affiliates' ability to enter into certain transactions. At this time, PPL believes that these covenants will not limit access to the relevant funding sources.
PPL has entered into certain guarantee agreements that are within the scope of FIN 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, an Interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57, and 107 and Rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34." See Note 15 to the Financial Statements for a discussion on guarantees.
Risk Management - Energy Marketing & Trading and Other
Market Risk
Background
Market risk is the potential loss PPL may incur as a result of price changes associated with a particular financial or commodity instrument. PPL is exposed to market risk from:
· | commodity price risk for energy and energy-related products associated with the sale of electricity from its generating assets and other electricity marketing activities, the purchase of fuel for the generating assets and energy trading activities, and the purchase of certain metals necessary for the scrubbers PPL is installing at some of its coal-fired generating stations; |
· | interest rate risk associated with variable-rate debt and the fair value of fixed-rate debt used to finance operations, as well as the fair value of debt securities invested in by PPL's nuclear decommissioning trust funds; |
· | foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with investments in affiliates in Latin America and Europe, as well as purchases of equipment in currencies other than U.S. dollars; and |
· | equity securities price risk associated with the fair value of equity securities invested in by PPL's nuclear decommissioning trust funds. |
PPL has a risk management policy approved by its Board of Directors to manage market risk and counterparty credit risk. (Credit risk is discussed below.) The RMC, comprised of senior management and chaired by the Vice President-Risk Management, oversees the risk management function. Key risk control activities designed to ensure compliance with the risk policy and detailed programs include, but are not limited to, credit review and approval, validation of transactions and market prices, verification of risk and transaction limits, sensitivity analyses, daily portfolio reporting, including open positions, mark-to-market valuations and other risk measurement metrics.
The forward-looking information presented below provides estimates of what may occur in the future, assuming certain adverse market conditions, due to reliance on model assumptions. Actual future results may differ materially from those presented. These disclosures are not precise indicators of expected future losses, but only indicators of reasonably possible losses.
Contract Valuation
PPL utilizes forward contracts, futures contracts, options, swaps and structured deals such as tolling agreements as part of its risk management strategy to minimize unanticipated fluctuations in earnings caused by commodity price, interest rate and foreign currency volatility. When available, quoted market prices are used to determine the fair value of a commodity or financial instrument. This may include exchange prices, quotes obtained from brokers, or an independent valuation by an external source, such as a bank. However, market prices for energy or energy-related contracts may not be readily determinable because of market illiquidity. If no active trading market exists, contract valuations may include the use of internally developed models, which are then reviewed by an independent, internal group. Although PPL believes that its valuation methods are reasonable, changes in the underlying assumptions could result in significantly different values and realization in future periods.
To record energy derivatives at their fair value, PPL discounts the forward values, as appropriate, using the U.S. Utility BBB+ Curve. Additionally, PPL adjusts derivative carrying values to recognize differences in counterparty credit quality and potential market illiquidity for net open positions, as follows:
· | The credit adjustment takes into account the probability of default, as calculated by an independent service, for each counterparty that has a net out-of-the money position with PPL. |
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· | The liquidity adjustment takes into account the fact that PPL might have to accept the "ask" price if it wants to close an open sales position or might have to accept the "bid" price if it wants to close an open purchase position. |
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· | The modeling adjustment takes into account market value for certain contracts when there is no external market to value the contract or when PPL is unable to find independent confirmation of the true market value of the contract. |
Accounting and Reporting
To account for and report on contracts entered into to manage market risk, PPL follows the provisions of SFAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," as amended and interpreted (together, "SFAS 133"); EITF 02-3, "Issues Involved in Accounting for Derivative Contracts Held for Trading Purposes and Contracts Involved in Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities;" and EITF 03-11, "Reporting Realized Gains and Losses on Derivative Instruments That Are Subject to FASB Statement No. 133 and Not 'Held for Trading Purposes' as Defined in Issue No. 02-3." In accordance with SFAS 133, all derivative instruments are recorded at fair value on the balance sheet as an asset or liability (unless they meet SFAS 133's criteria for exclusion), and changes in the derivatives' fair value are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.
In accordance with EITF 02-3, PPL reflects its net realized and unrealized gains and losses associated with all derivatives that are held for trading purposes in the "Net energy trading margins" line on the Statements of Income.
In accordance with EITF 03-11, non-trading bilateral sales of electricity at major market delivery points are netted with purchases that offset the sales at those same delivery points. A major market delivery point is any delivery point with liquid pricing available.
These contracts are recorded as "Price risk management assets" and "Price risk management liabilities" on the Balance Sheets. Short-term derivative contracts are included in "Current Assets" and "Current Liabilities." Long-term derivative contracts are included in "Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Assets" and "Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities."
Accounting Designation
Energy contracts that do not qualify as derivatives receive accrual accounting treatment. For commodity contracts that meet the definition of a derivative, the circumstances and intent existing at the time that energy transactions are entered into determine their accounting designation. In addition to commodity transactions, PPL enters into financial interest rate and foreign currency swap contracts to hedge interest expense and foreign currency risk associated with both existing and anticipated debt issuances. PPL also enters into foreign currency swap contracts to hedge the fair value of firm commitments denominated in foreign currency and net investments in foreign operations. As with commodity transactions, the circumstances and intent existing at the time of the transaction determine a contract's accounting designation. These designations are verified by an independent internal group on a daily basis. See Note 18 to the Financial Statements for a summary of the guidelines used for the designation of derivative energy contracts.
Commodity Price Risk (Non-trading)
Commodity price risk is one of PPL's most significant risks due to the level of investment that PPL maintains in its generation assets. Several factors influence price levels and volatilities. These factors include, but are not limited to, seasonal changes in demand, weather conditions, available generating assets within regions, transportation availability and reliability within and between regions, market liquidity, and the nature and extent of current and potential federal and state regulations.
To hedge the impact of market price fluctuations on PPL's energy-related assets, liabilities and other contractual arrangements, PPL EnergyPlus sells and purchases physical energy at the wholesale level under FERC market-based tariffs throughout the U.S. and enters into financial exchange-traded and over-the-counter contracts. PPL segregates its non-trading activities as either hedge or economic. Transactions that are accounted for as hedge activity qualify for hedge accounting treatment under SFAS 133. The majority of PPL's energy transactions qualify for accrual or hedge accounting. The non-trading economic category includes transactions that address a specific risk, but are not eligible for hedge accounting or hedge accounting is not elected. Included in the non-trading economic category are certain load-following energy obligations and related supply contracts, FTRs, crude oil swaps to hedge rail transportation charges and hedges of synthetic fuel tax credits. Although they do not receive hedge accounting treatment, these contracts are considered non-trading.
Within PPL's non-trading portfolio, the decision to enter into energy contracts is influenced by the expected value of PPL's generation. In determining the number of MWhs that are available to be sold forward, PPL reduces the maximum potential output that a plant may produce by three factors - planned maintenance, unplanned outages and economic conditions. The potential output of a plant is first reduced by the amount of unavailable generation due to planned maintenance on a particular unit. Another reduction, representing the unplanned outage rate, is the amount of MWhs that historically is not produced by a plant due to such factors as equipment breakage. Finally, the potential output of certain plants (such as peaking units) is reduced because their higher cost of production will not allow them to economically run during all hours.
PPL's non-trading portfolio also includes full requirements energy contracts that qualify for accrual accounting. The net obligation to serve these contracts changes minute by minute. Anticipated usage patterns and energy peaks are affected by expected load changes, regional economic drivers and seasonality. PPL analyzes historical on-peak and off-peak usage patterns, expected load changes, regional economic drivers, and weather patterns, among other factors, to determine a monthly level of a block of electricity that best fits the usage patterns in order to minimize earnings volatility. To satisfy its full requirements obligations, PPL may enter into contracts to purchase unbundled products of electricity, capacity, renewable energy credits (RECs) and other ancillary products. Alternatively, PPL may reserve a block amount of generation for full requirements contracts that is expected to be the best match with their anticipated usage patterns and energy peaks.
Besides energy commodities, PPL implemented a program in 2006 to hedge its exposures to changes in market prices of certain metals necessary for the scrubbers PPL is installing at the Brunner Island and Montour generating plants. These contracts qualify for hedge accounting treatment.
PPL's non-trading commodity derivative contracts mature at various times through 2012. The fair value of the non-trading economic contracts that do not qualify for accrual or hedge accounting treatment as of December 31, 2006, including net premiums on options, was $19 million. The following chart sets forth PPL's net fair market value of all non-trading commodity derivative contracts as of December 31.
| | Gains (Losses) |
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
| | | | | | |
Fair value of contracts outstanding at the beginning of the period | | $ | (284 | ) | | $ | (11 | ) |
Contracts realized or otherwise settled during the period | | | 38 | | | | (21 | ) |
Fair value of new contracts at inception | | | (44 | ) | | | 27 | |
Other changes in fair values | | | 179 | | | | (279 | ) |
Fair value of contracts outstanding at the end of the period | | $ | (111 | ) | | $ | (284 | ) |
The following chart segregates estimated fair values of PPL's non-trading commodity derivative contracts at December 31, 2006, based on whether the fair values are determined by quoted market prices or other more subjective means.
| | Fair Value of Contracts at Period-End Gains (Losses) |
| | Maturity Less Than 1 Year | | Maturity 1-3 Years | | Maturity 4-5 Years | | Maturity in Excess of 5 Years | | Total Fair Value |
Source of Fair Value | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Prices actively quoted | | $ | (7 | ) | | $ | 6 | | | $ | 4 | | | | | | | $ | 3 | |
Prices provided by other external sources | | | (33 | ) | | | (177 | ) | | | 9 | | | $ | 1 | | | | (200 | ) |
Prices based on models and other valuation methods | | | 50 | | | | 36 | | | | | | | | | | | | 86 | |
Fair value of contracts outstanding at the end of the period | | $ | 10 | | | $ | (135 | ) | | $ | 13 | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | (111 | ) |
The "Prices actively quoted" category includes the fair value of exchange-traded natural gas futures contracts quoted on the NYMEX, which has quoted prices through 2012.
The "Prices provided by other external sources" category includes PPL's forward positions and options in natural gas and electricity and natural gas basis swaps at points for which over-the-counter (OTC) broker quotes are available.
The "Prices based on models and other valuation methods" category includes the value of transactions for which an internally developed price curve was constructed as a result of the long-dated nature of the transaction or the illiquidity of the market point, or the value of options not quoted by an exchange or OTC broker. This category includes the fair value of transactions completed in auction markets, where contract prices represent the market value for load-following bundled energy prices delivered at illiquid delivery points. The transaction prices associated with the contracts did not equal the wholesale bilateral market prices at inception (Day 1). However, EITF 02-3 does not generally permit Day 1 gains and losses to be recognized unless the fair value is derived principally from observable market inputs. Therefore, PPL recorded a reserve for the modeled Day 1 gain, which is netted against the above fair values.
Because of PPL's efforts to hedge the value of the energy from its generation assets, PPL sells electricity, capacity and related services and buys fuel on a forward basis, resulting in open contractual positions. If PPL is unable to deliver firm capacity and energy or to accept the delivery of fuel under its agreements, under certain circumstances it could be required to pay damages. These damages would be based on the difference between the market price and the contract price of the commodity. Depending on price volatility in the wholesale energy markets, such damages could be significant. Extreme weather conditions, unplanned power plant outages, transmission disruptions, non-performance by counterparties (or their own counterparties) with which it has energy contracts and other factors could affect PPL's ability to meet its obligations, or cause significant increases in the market price of replacement energy. Although PPL attempts to mitigate these risks, there can be no assurance that it will be able to fully meet its firm obligations, that it will not be required to pay damages for failure to perform, or that it will not experience counterparty non-performance in the future.
As of December 31, 2006, PPL estimated that a 10% adverse movement in market prices across all geographic areas and time periods would have decreased the value of the commodity contracts in its non-trading portfolio by approximately $303 million, compared with a decrease of $275 million at December 31, 2005. For purposes of this calculation, an increase in the market price for electricity is considered an adverse movement because PPL's electricity portfolio is generally in a net sales position, and the decrease in the market price for fuel is considered an adverse movement because PPL's commodity fuels portfolio is generally in a net purchase position. PPL enters into those commodity contracts to reduce the market risk inherent in the generation of electricity.
In accordance with its marketing strategy, PPL does not completely hedge its generation output or fuel requirements. PPL estimates that for its entire portfolio, including all generation, emissions and physical and financial energy positions, a 10% adverse change in power prices across all geographic zones and time periods would decrease expected 2007 gross margins by $13 million. Similarly, a 10% adverse movement in all fossil fuel prices would decrease expected 2007 gross margins by $57 million.
The data in the above tables includes the activity for PPL's synthetic fuel tax credit hedges. Additional information regarding these hedges can be found in the "Synthetic Fuel Tax Credit Risk" section below.
Commodity Price Risk (Trading)
PPL also executes energy contracts to take advantage of market opportunities. As a result, PPL may at times create a net open position in its portfolio that could result in significant losses if prices do not move in the manner or direction anticipated. The margins from these trading activities are shown in the Statements of Income as "Net energy trading margins."
PPL's trading contracts mature at various times through 2010. The following chart sets forth PPL's net fair market value of trading contracts as of December 31.
| | Gains (Losses) |
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
| | | | | | |
Fair value of contracts outstanding at the beginning of the period | | $ | 5 | | | $ | 10 | |
Contracts realized or otherwise settled during the period | | | (10 | ) | | | (30 | ) |
Fair value of new contracts at inception | | | (2 | ) | | | 3 | |
Other changes in fair values | | | 48 | | | | 22 | |
Fair value of contracts outstanding at the end of the period | | $ | 41 | | | $ | 5 | |
PPL will reverse a gain of approximately $11 million of the $41 million unrealized trading gains over the first three months of 2007 as the transactions are realized.
The following chart segregates estimated fair values of PPL's trading portfolio at December 31, 2006, based on whether the fair values are determined by quoted market prices or other more subjective means.
| | Fair Value of Contracts at Period-End Gains (Losses) |
| | Maturity Less Than 1 Year | | Maturity 1-3 Years | | Maturity 4-5 Years | | Maturity in Excess of 5 Years | | Total Fair Value |
Source of Fair Value | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Prices actively quoted | | $ | (9 | ) | | $ | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (8 | ) |
Prices provided by other external sources | | | 20 | | | | 2 | | | | | | | | | | | | 22 | |
Prices based on models and other valuation methods | | | 11 | | | | 15 | | | $ | 1 | | | | | | | | 27 | |
Fair value of contracts outstanding at the end of the period | | $ | 22 | | | $ | 18 | | | $ | 1 | | | | | | | $ | 41 | |
See "Commodity Price Risk (Non-trading)" for information on the various sources of fair value.
As of December 31, 2006, PPL estimated that a 10% adverse movement in market prices across all geographic areas and time periods would have decreased the value of the commodity contracts in its trading portfolio by $37 million, compared with a decrease of $23 million at December 31, 2005.
Interest Rate Risk
PPL and its subsidiaries have issued debt to finance their operations which exposes them to interest rate risk. PPL utilizes various financial derivative products to adjust the mix of fixed and floating interest rates in its debt portfolio, adjust the duration of its debt portfolio and lock in treasury rates (and interest rate spreads over treasuries) in anticipation of future financing, when appropriate. Risk limits under the risk management program are designed to balance risk exposure to volatility in interest expense and changes in the fair value of PPL's debt portfolio due to changes in the absolute level of interest rates.
At December 31, 2006, PPL's potential annual exposure to increased interest expense, based on a 10% increase in interest rates, was $10 million, compared with $7 million at December 31, 2005.
PPL is also exposed to changes in the fair value of its domestic and international debt portfolios. At December 31, 2006, PPL estimated that its potential exposure to a change in the fair value of its debt portfolio, through a 10% adverse movement in interest rates, was $336 million, compared with $200 million at December 31, 2005.
PPL utilizes various risk management instruments to reduce its exposure to the expected future cash flow variability of its debt instruments. These risks include exposure to adverse interest rate movements for outstanding variable rate debt and for future anticipated financing. While PPL is exposed to changes in the fair value of these instruments, any changes in the fair value of these instruments are recorded in equity and then reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the item being hedged affects earnings. At December 31, 2006, the market value of these instruments, representing the amount PPL would pay upon their termination, was $6 million. At December 31, 2006, PPL estimated that its potential exposure to a change in the fair value of these instruments, through a 10% adverse movement in the hedged exposure, was $19 million, compared with $7 million at December 31, 2005.
PPL also utilizes various risk management instruments to adjust the mix of fixed and floating interest rates in its debt portfolio. While PPL is exposed to changes in the fair value of these instruments, any change in market value is recorded with an equal and offsetting change in the value of the debt being hedged. At December 31, 2006, PPL estimated that its potential additional exposure to a change in the fair value of these instruments, through a 10% adverse movement in interest rates, was $18 million, compared with $12 million at December 31, 2005.
WPDH Limited holds a net position in cross-currency swaps totaling $784 million to hedge the interest payments and principal of its U.S. dollar-denominated bonds with maturity dates ranging from February 2007 to December 2028. The estimated value of this position at December 31, 2006, being the amount PPL would pay to terminate it, including accrued interest, was $205 million. At December 31, 2006, PPL estimated that its potential additional exposure to a change in the market value of these instruments was $115 million for a 10% adverse movement in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. At December 31, 2005, the potential additional exposure for the cross-currency swaps outstanding at that time was $143 million for a 10% adverse movement in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.
Foreign Currency Risk
PPL is exposed to foreign currency risk, primarily through investments in affiliates in the U.K. and Latin America. In addition, PPL may make purchases of equipment in currencies other than U.S. dollars.
PPL has adopted a foreign currency risk management program designed to hedge certain foreign currency exposures, including firm commitments, recognized assets or liabilities and net investments. In addition, PPL enters into financial instruments to protect against foreign currency translation risk of expected earnings.
To protect 2007 expected income in Chilean pesos, PPL entered into average rate forwards for 12.4 billion Chilean pesos. The settlement date of these forwards is November 2007. At December 31, 2006, the market value of these positions, representing the amount PPL would receive upon their termination, was not significant. PPL estimated that its potential additional exposure to a change in the market value of these instruments, through a 10% adverse movement in foreign currency exchange rates, was $2 million at December 31, 2006.
PPL has entered into forward contracts to purchase 10.2 million Euros in order to protect against fluctuations in the Euro exchange rate, in connection with the purchase of equipment. The settlement dates of these contracts are January 2007 and January 2008. At December 31, 2006, the market value of these positions, representing the amount PPL would receive upon their termination, was not significant. PPL estimated that its potential additional exposure to a change in the market value of these instruments, through a 10% adverse movement in foreign currency exchange rates, was $1 million at December 31, 2006.
On the Statements of Income, gains and losses associated with hedges of interest payments denominated in foreign currencies are reflected in "Interest Expense." Gains and losses associated with the purchase of equipment are reflected in "Depreciation." Gains and losses associated with net investment hedges remain in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" on the Balance Sheets until the investment is sold or substantially liquidated.
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Funds - Securities Price Risk
In connection with certain NRC requirements, PPL Susquehanna maintains trust funds to fund certain costs of decommissioning the Susquehanna nuclear station. As of December 31, 2006, these funds were invested primarily in domestic equity securities and fixed-rate, fixed-income securities and are reflected at fair value on PPL's Balance Sheet. The mix of securities is designed to provide returns to be used to fund Susquehanna's decommissioning and to compensate for inflationary increases in decommissioning costs. However, the equity securities included in the trusts are exposed to price fluctuation in equity markets, and the values of fixed-rate, fixed-income securities are exposed to changes in interest rates. PPL actively monitors the investment performance and periodically reviews asset allocation in accordance with its nuclear decommissioning trust policy statement. At December 31, 2006, a hypothetical 10% increase in interest rates and a 10% decrease in equity prices would have resulted in an estimated $38 million reduction in the fair value of the trust assets, compared with a $33 million reduction at December 31, 2005. See Note 21 to the Financial Statements for more information regarding the nuclear decommissioning trust funds.
Synthetic Fuel Tax Credit Risk
At this time, PPL expects that the current level and the volatility of crude oil prices may reduce the amount of synthetic fuel tax credits that PPL receives through its synthetic fuel production. The tax credits are reduced if the annual average wellhead price of domestic crude oil falls within a phase-out range. The tax credits are eliminated if this reference price exceeds the phase-out range. See "Regulatory Issues - IRS Synthetic Fuels Tax Credits" in Note 15 to the Financial Statements for more information regarding the phase-out of the tax credits and shutdown of synfuel projects.
PPL implemented a risk management strategy to hedge a portion of the variability of cash flows associated with its 2006 and 2007 synthetic fuel tax credits by hedging the risk that the 2006 and 2007 annual average wellhead price for domestic crude oil will be within the phase-out range.
At the end of 2006, PPL settled net purchased options which mitigated some of the reductions in 2006 synthetic fuel tax credits since the annual average wellhead price for 2006 is expected to fall within the applicable phase-out range. Additionally, PPL has net purchased options for 2007 that are expected to mitigate PPL's tax credit phase-out risk due to an increase of the average wellhead price in 2007. These positions did not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. The fair value of these positions at December 31, 2006 and 2005, was a gain of $8 million and $10 million. These amounts are reflected in "Energy-related businesses" revenues on the Statements of Income.
As of December 31, 2006, PPL estimated that a 10% adverse movement in market prices of crude oil would have an immaterial impact on the value of the synthetic fuel hedges. For purposes of this calculation, a decrease in the market price for crude oil is considered an adverse movement.
Credit Risk
Credit risk relates to the risk of loss that PPL would incur as a result of non-performance by counterparties of their contractual obligations. PPL maintains credit policies and procedures with respect to counterparties (including requirements that counterparties maintain certain credit ratings criteria) and requires other assurances in the form of credit support or collateral in certain circumstances in order to limit counterparty credit risk. However, PPL has concentrations of suppliers and customers among electric utilities, natural gas distribution companies and other energy marketing and trading companies. These concentrations of counterparties may impact PPL's overall exposure to credit risk, either positively or negatively, in that counterparties may be similarly affected by changes in economic, regulatory or other conditions. As discussed above in "Contract Valuation," PPL records certain non-performance reserves to reflect the probability that a counterparty with contracts that are out of the money (from the counterparty's standpoint) will default in its performance. In this case, PPL would have to sell into a lower-priced market or purchase from a higher-priced market. These reserves are reflected in the fair value of assets recorded in "Price risk management assets" on the Balance Sheets. PPL also records reserves to reflect the probability that a counterparty will not make payments for deliveries PPL has made but not yet billed. These reserves are reflected in "Unbilled revenues" on the Balance Sheets. PPL also has established a reserve with respect to certain sales to the California ISO for which PPL has not yet been paid, which is reflected in "Accounts receivable" on the Balance Sheets. See Note 15 to the Financial Statements.
Related Party Transactions
PPL is not aware of any material ownership interests or operating responsibility by senior management of PPL, PPL Energy Supply or PPL Electric in outside partnerships, including leasing transactions with variable interest entities, or other entities doing business with PPL.
For additional information on related party transactions, see Note 16 to the Financial Statements.
Acquisitions, Development and Divestitures
From time to time, PPL and its subsidiaries are involved in negotiations with third parties regarding acquisitions and dispositions of businesses and assets, joint ventures and development projects, which may or may not result in definitive agreements. Any such transactions may impact future financial results. See Notes 9 and 10 to the Financial Statements for information regarding recent acquisition, development and divestiture activities.
At December 31, 2006, PPL Global had investments in foreign facilities, including consolidated investments in WPD, Emel, EC and others. See Note 3 to the Financial Statements for information on unconsolidated investments accounted for under the equity method.
In connection with the ongoing review of its non-core international minority ownership investments, PPL Global sold certain minority interests in 2006, 2005 and 2004. See Note 9 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
PPL is currently planning incremental capacity increases of 349 MW at several existing domestic generating facilities. Offsetting this increase is an expected 30 MW reduction in generation capability at each of the Brunner Island and Montour plants, due to the estimated increases in station service usage during the scrubber operation. See Note 15 to the Financial Statements for additional information, as well as information regarding the planned shut down of two 150 MW generating units at PPL Martins Creek in September 2007.
PPL is continuously reexamining development projects based on market conditions and other factors to determine whether to proceed with these projects, sell them, cancel them, expand them, execute tolling agreements or pursue other opportunities.
Environmental Matters
See Note 15 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of environmental matters.
Competition
See "Item 1. Business - Competition" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors" for a discussion of competitive factors affecting PPL.
New Accounting Standards
See Note 23 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of new accounting standards recently adopted or pending adoption.
Application of Critical Accounting Policies
PPL's financial condition and results of operations are impacted by the methods, assumptions and estimates used in the application of critical accounting policies. The following accounting policies are particularly important to the financial condition or results of operations of PPL, and require estimates or other judgments of matters inherently uncertain. Changes in the estimates or other judgments included within these accounting policies could result in a significant change to the information presented in the Financial Statements. (These accounting policies are also discussed in Note 1 to the Financial Statements.) PPL's senior management has reviewed these critical accounting policies, and the estimates and assumptions regarding them, with its Audit Committee. In addition, PPL's senior management has reviewed the following disclosures regarding the application of these critical accounting policies with the Audit Committee.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, "Fair Value Measurements." Among other things, SFAS 157 provides a definition of fair value as well as a framework for measuring fair value. PPL must adopt SFAS 157 no later than January 1, 2008. The adoption of SFAS 157 is expected to impact the fair value component of PPL's critical accounting policies related to "Price Risk Management," "Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits," "Asset Impairment," "Leasing" and "Asset Retirement Obligations." See Note 23 to the Financial Statements for additional information regarding SFAS 157.
1) Price Risk Management
See "Risk Management - Energy Marketing & Trading and Other" in Financial Condition.
2) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
PPL and certain of its subsidiaries sponsor various pension and other postretirement benefit plans applicable to the majority of the employees of PPL and its subsidiaries. PPL follows the guidance of SFAS 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions," and SFAS 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions," when accounting for these benefits. In addition, PPL adopted the recognition and measurement date provisions of SFAS 158, "Employers' Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans," effective December 31, 2006. See Note 13 to the Financial Statements for additional information about the plans and for additional information regarding the accounting for pension and other postretirement benefits. Under these accounting standards, assumptions are made regarding the valuation of benefit obligations and the performance of plan assets. Delayed recognition in earnings of differences between actual results and expected or estimated results is a guiding principle of these standards. This delayed recognition of actual results allows for a smoothed recognition of costs over the working lives of the employees who benefit under the plans. The primary assumptions are:
· | Discount Rate - The discount rate is used in calculating the present value of benefits, which are based on projections of benefit payments to be made in the future. The objective in selecting the discount rate is to measure the single amount that, if invested at the measurement date in a portfolio of high-quality debt instruments, would provide the necessary future cash flows to pay the accumulated benefits when due. |
| |
· | Expected Return on Plan Assets - Management projects the future return on plan assets considering prior performance, but primarily based upon the plans' mix of assets and expectations for the long-term returns on those asset classes. These projected returns reduce the net benefit costs PPL records currently. |
| |
· | Rate of Compensation Increase - Management projects employees' annual pay increases, which are used to project employees' pension benefits at retirement. |
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· | Health Care Cost Trend Rate - Management projects the expected increases in the cost of health care. |
In selecting a discount rate for its domestic pension and other postretirement plans, PPL starts with an analysis of the expected benefit payment stream for its plans. This information is first matched against a spot-rate yield curve. A portfolio of over 500 Moody's Aa-graded non-callable (or callable with make-whole provisions) bonds, with a total amount outstanding in excess of $370 billion, serves as the base from which those with the lowest and highest yields are eliminated to develop the ultimate yield curve. The results of this analysis are considered in conjunction with other economic data and consideration of movements in the Moody's Aa bond index to determine the discount rate assumption. At December 31, 2006, PPL increased the discount rate for its domestic pension plans from 5.70% to 5.94% as a result of this assessment and increased the discount rate for its other postretirement benefit plans from 5.70% to 5.88%.
A similar process is used to select the discount rate for the WPD pension plans, which uses an iBoxx British pounds sterling denominated corporate bond index as its base. At December 31, 2006, PPL increased the discount rate for its international pension plans from 4.75% to 5.17% as a result of this assessment.
In selecting an expected return on plan assets, PPL considers tax implications, past performance and economic forecasts for the types of investments held by the plans. At December 31, 2006, PPL's expected return on plan assets remained at 8.50% for its domestic pension plans and decreased to 7.75% from 8.00% for its other postretirement benefit plans. For its international plans, PPL's expected return on plan assets remained at 8.09% at December 31, 2006.
In selecting a rate of compensation increase, PPL considers past experience in light of movements in inflation rates. At December 31, 2006, PPL's rate of compensation increase remained at 4.75% for its domestic plans. For its international plans, PPL's rate of compensation increase was changed to 4.0% from 3.75% at December 31, 2006.
In selecting health care cost trend rates, PPL considers past performance and forecasts of health care costs. At December 31, 2006, PPL's health care cost trend rates were 9.0% for 2007, gradually declining to 5.5% for 2012.
A variance in the assumptions listed above could have a significant impact on accrued pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities, reported annual net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit cost and other comprehensive income (OCI). The following chart reflects the sensitivities in the 2006 financial statements associated with a change in certain assumptions based on PPL's primary pension and other postretirement benefit plans. While the chart below reflects either an increase or decrease in each assumption, the inverse of this change would impact the accrued pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities, reported annual net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit cost and OCI by a similar amount in the opposite direction. Each sensitivity below reflects an evaluation of the change based solely on a change in that assumption and does not include income tax effects.
| | Increase (Decrease) |
Actuarial Assumption | | Change in Assumption | | Impact on Liabilities | | Impact on Cost | | Impact on OCI |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Discount Rate | | | | (0.25)% | | | $ | 201 | | | $ | 15 | | | $ | 186 | |
Expected Return on Plan Assets | | | | (0.25)% | | | | N/A | | | | 11 | | | | (12 | ) |
Rate of Compensation Increase | | | | 0.25% | | | | 27 | | | | 5 | | | | 22 | |
Health Care Cost Trend Rate (a) | | | | 1.0% | | | | 20 | | | | 2 | | | | 18 | |
(a) | | Only impacts other postretirement benefits. |
The total net pension and other postretirement benefit obligations recognized by PPL, including the impact of adoption of SFAS 158, were $604 million as of December 31, 2006.
In 2006, PPL recognized net periodic pension and other postretirement costs charged to operating expenses of $85 million. This amount represents a $34 million increase from 2005. This increase in expense was partially attributable to PPL's international plans and increased recognition of prior losses. Increased expense for PPL's domestic pension plans was attributable to updated demographic assumptions, primarily due to updating the mortality table used to measure the obligations and costs.
PPL performs impairment analyses for long-lived assets, including intangibles, that are subject to depreciation or amortization in accordance with SFAS 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." PPL tests for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a long-lived asset's carrying value may not be recoverable. Examples of such events or changes in circumstances are:
· | a significant decrease in the market price of an asset; |
· | a significant adverse change in the manner in which an asset is being used or in its physical condition; |
· | a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate; |
· | an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or construction of an asset; |
· | a current-period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of losses or a forecast that demonstrates continuing losses; or |
· | a current expectation that, more likely than not, an asset will be sold or otherwise disposed of before the end of its previously estimated useful life. |
For a long-lived asset, an impairment exists when the carrying value exceeds the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If the asset is impaired, an impairment loss is recorded to adjust the asset's carrying value to its estimated fair value.
In determining asset impairments, management must make significant judgments to estimate future cash flows, the useful lives of long-lived assets, the fair value of the assets and management's intent to use the assets. Changes in assumptions and estimates included within the impairment reviews could result in significantly different results than those identified and recorded in the financial statements. For determining fair value, the FASB has indicated that quoted market prices in active markets are the best evidence of fair value. However, when market prices are unavailable, other valuation techniques may be used. PPL has generally used discounted cash flow to estimate fair value. Discounted cash flow is calculated by estimating future cash flow streams and applying appropriate discount rates to determine the present value of the cash flow streams.
PPL has determined that, when alternative courses of action to recover the carrying value of a long-lived asset are being considered, it uses estimated cash flows from the most likely approach to assess impairment whenever one scenario is clearly the most likely outcome. If no scenario is clearly most likely, then a probability-weighted approach is used taking into consideration estimated cash flows from the alternative scenarios. For assets tested for impairment as of the balance sheet date, the estimates of future cash flows used in that test consider the likelihood of possible outcomes that existed at the balance sheet date, including the assessment of the likelihood of the future sale of the assets. That assessment made as of the balance sheet date is not revised based on events that occur after the balance sheet date.
During 2006, PPL and its subsidiaries evaluated certain gas-fired generation assets for impairment, as events and circumstances indicated that the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable. PPL did not record an impairment of these gas-fired generation assets in 2006. For these impairment analyses, the most significant assumption was the estimate of future cash flows. PPL estimates future cash flows using information from its corporate business plan adjusted for any recent sale or purchase commitments. Key factors that impact cash flows include projected prices for electricity and gas as well as firm sale and purchase commitments. A 10% decrease in estimated future cash flows for the gas-fired generation assets would not have resulted in an impairment charge.
In 2006, PPL recorded impairments of certain long-lived assets. See Note 15 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of the impairment of PPL Energy Supply's synfuel projects and Note 9 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of an impairment recorded by PPL Global.
PPL performs impairment analyses for goodwill in accordance with SFAS 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." PPL performs an annual impairment test for goodwill, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.
SFAS 142 requires goodwill to be tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. PPL has determined its reporting units to be one level below its operating segments.
Goodwill is tested for impairment using a two-step approach. The first step of the goodwill impairment test compares the estimated fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, the second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any.
The second step requires a calculation of the implied fair value of goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill in a business combination. That is, the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the estimated fair value of the reporting unit was the price paid to acquire the reporting unit. The excess of the estimated fair value of a reporting unit over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill. The implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill is then compared with the carrying value of that goodwill. If the carrying value exceeds the implied fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The loss recognized cannot exceed the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill.
In 2006, PPL was required to complete the second step of the assessment for its U.K. reporting unit. This assessment did not result in an impairment charge, as the implied fair value of the goodwill exceeded the reporting unit's carrying value of the goodwill. PPL's most significant assumptions surrounding the goodwill impairment tests relate to the estimates of reporting unit fair values. PPL estimated fair values primarily based upon discounted cash flows. For the U.K. reporting unit, an increase of the discount rate by 25 basis points would not have resulted in an impairment of goodwill; however, a 10% reduction in the forecasted cash flows would have resulted in a $68 million impairment of goodwill.
In 2006, no other second-step assessments were required for goodwill in other reporting units. A decrease in the forecasted cash flows of 10% or an increase of the discount rates by 25 basis points also would not have resulted in an impairment of goodwill in other reporting units.
PPL also performs a review of the residual value of leased assets in accordance with SFAS 13, "Accounting for Leases." PPL tests the residual value of these assets annually or more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a leased asset's residual value may have declined. The residual value is defined by SFAS 13 as the estimated fair value of the leased property at the end of the lease term. If the review produces a lower estimate of residual value than was originally recorded, PPL is required to determine whether the decline is other than temporary. If it is other than temporary, the residual value will be revised using the new estimate. This reduction in the residual value will be recognized as a loss in the period in which the estimate was changed. If the review provides a higher estimate of residual value than was originally recorded, no adjustment will be made.
In testing the residual value of leased assets, management must make significant assumptions to estimate: future cash flows; the useful lives of the leased assets; the fair value of the assets; and management's intent to use the assets. Changes in assumptions used in the tests could result in significantly different outcomes than those identified and recorded in the financial statements. PPL used discounted cash flow to determine the estimated fair value of the leased assets at the end of the lease term.
In 2006, PPL and its subsidiaries evaluated the residual value of certain leased assets. This analysis did not indicate any necessary changes to the residual value. PPL's estimate was based on using projections of electric and fuel prices and any firm sale and purchase agreements. An increase of the discount rate by 25 basis points or a 10% reduction in the forecasted cash flows would have resulted in a reduction of the residual value of these leased assets of $1 million and $6 million, if it was determined that the reduction was other than temporary.
PPL applies the provisions of SFAS 13, "Accounting for Leases," to all leasing transactions. In addition, PPL applies the provisions of numerous other accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB and the EITF that provide specific guidance and additional requirements related to accounting for various leasing arrangements. In general, there are two types of leases from a lessee's perspective: operating leases (leases accounted for off-balance sheet); and capital leases (leases capitalized on the balance sheet).
In accounting for leases, management makes various assumptions, including the discount rate, the fair market value of the leased assets and the estimated useful life, in determining whether a lease should be classified as operating or capital. Changes in these assumptions could result in the difference between whether a lease is determined to be an operating lease or a capital lease, thus significantly impacting the amounts to be recognized in the financial statements.
In addition to uncertainty inherent in management's assumptions, leasing transactions and the related accounting rules become increasingly complex when they involve: real estate and/or related integral equipment; sale/leaseback accounting (leasing transactions where the lessee previously owned the leased assets); synthetic leases (leases that qualify for operating lease treatment for book accounting purposes and financing treatment for tax accounting purposes); and lessee involvement in the construction of leased assets.
At December 31, 2006, PPL continued to participate in a significant sale/leaseback transaction. In July 2000, PPL Montana sold its interest in the Colstrip generating plant to owner lessors who are leasing the assets back to PPL Montana under four 36-year leases. This transaction is accounted for as an operating lease in accordance with current accounting pronouncements related to sale/leaseback arrangements. If for any reason this transaction did not meet the requirements for off-balance sheet operating lease treatment as a sale/leaseback, PPL would have recorded approximately $250 million of additional assets and approximately $305 million of additional liabilities on its balance sheet at December 31, 2006, and would have recorded additional expenses currently estimated at $7 million, after-tax, in 2006.
See Note 11 to the Financial Statements for additional information related to operating leases.
PPL periodically accrues losses for the estimated impacts of various conditions, situations or circumstances involving uncertain outcomes. PPL's accounting for such events is prescribed by SFAS 5, "Accounting for Contingencies," and other related accounting guidance. SFAS 5 defines a contingency as "an existing condition, situation, or set of circumstances involving uncertainty as to possible gain or loss to an enterprise that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur."
For loss contingencies, the loss must be accrued if (1) information is available that indicates it is "probable" that the loss has been incurred, given the likelihood of the uncertain future events and (2) the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The FASB defines "probable" as cases in which "the future event or events are likely to occur." SFAS 5 does not permit the accrual of contingencies that might result in gains. PPL continuously assesses potential loss contingencies for environmental remediation, litigation claims, income taxes, regulatory penalties and other events.
PPL also has accrued estimated losses on long-term purchase commitments when significant events have occurred. For example, estimated losses were accrued when long-term purchase commitments were assumed under asset acquisition agreements and when PPL Electric's generation business was deregulated. Under regulatory accounting, PPL Electric recorded the above-market cost of energy purchases from NUGs as part of its purchased power costs on an as-incurred basis, since these costs were recovered in regulated rates. When the generation business was deregulated, the estimated loss associated with these long-term purchase commitments to make above-market NUG purchases was recorded because PPL Electric was committed to purchase electricity at above market prices but it could no longer recover these costs in regulated rates. PPL considers these losses to be similar to an asset impairment or inventory write-downs.
The accounting aspects of estimated loss accruals include: (1) the initial identification and recording of the loss; (2) the determination of triggering events for reducing a recorded loss accrual; and (3) the ongoing assessment as to whether a recorded loss accrual is sufficient. All three of these aspects of accounting for loss accruals require significant judgment by PPL's management.
Initial Identification and Recording of the Loss Accrual
PPL uses its internal expertise and outside experts (such as lawyers, tax specialists and engineers), as necessary, to help estimate the probability that a loss has been incurred and the amount (or range) of the loss.
Two significant loss accruals were initially recorded in 2005. One was the loss accrual related to the PJM billing dispute. Another involved the accrual of remediation expenses in connection with the ash basin leak at the Martins Creek generating station. Significant judgment was required by PPL's management to perform the initial assessment of these contingencies.
· | In 2004, Exelon Corporation, on behalf of its subsidiary, PECO Energy, Inc. (PECO), filed a complaint against PJM and PPL Electric with the FERC, alleging that PJM had overcharged PECO from April 1998 through May 2003 as a result of an error by PJM. The complaint requested the FERC, among other things, to direct PPL Electric to refund to PJM $39 million, plus interest of $8 million, and for PJM to refund these same amounts to PECO. In April 2005, the FERC issued an Order Establishing Hearing and Settlement Judge Proceedings (the Order). In the Order, the FERC determined that PECO was entitled to reimbursement for the transmission congestion charges that PECO asserted PJM erroneously billed. The FERC ordered settlement discussions, before a judge, to determine the amount of the overcharge to PECO and the parties responsible for reimbursement to PECO. |
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| Based on an evaluation of the FERC Order, PPL's management concluded that it was probable that a loss had been incurred in connection with the PJM billing dispute. PPL Electric recorded a loss accrual of $47 million, the amount of PECO's claim, in the first quarter of 2005. |
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· | In August 2005, there was a leak of water containing fly ash from a disposal basin at the Martins Creek plant. This resulted in ash being deposited onto adjacent roadways and fields, and into a nearby creek and the Delaware River. PPL immediately began to work with the Pennsylvania DEP and appropriate agencies and consultants to assess the extent of environmental damage caused by the discharge and to remediate the damage. At that time, PPL had, and still has, no reason to believe that the Martins Creek fly ash leak has caused any danger to human health or any adverse biological impact on the river aquatic life. However, at that time, PPL expected that it would be subject to an enforcement action by the Pennsylvania DEP and that claims may be brought against it by several state agencies and private litigants. |
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| PPL's management assessed the contingency in the third quarter of 2005. The ultimate cost of the remediation effort was difficult to estimate due to a number of uncertainties, such as the scope of the project, the impact of weather conditions on the ash recovery effort, and the ultimate outcome of enforcement actions and private litigation. PPL's management concluded, at the time, that $33 million was the best estimate of the cost of the remediation effort. PPL recorded this loss accrual in the third quarter of 2005. |
See Note 15 to the Financial Statements for additional information on both of these contingencies and see "Ongoing Assessment of Recorded Loss Accruals" for a discussion of the year-end assessments of these contingencies.
PPL has identified certain other events that could give rise to a loss, but that do not meet the conditions for accrual under SFAS 5. SFAS 5 requires disclosure, but not a recording, of potential losses when it is "reasonably possible" that a loss has been incurred. The FASB defines "reasonably possible" as cases in which "the chance of the future event or events occurring is more than remote but less than likely." See Note 15 to the Financial Statements for disclosure of other potential loss contingencies that have not met the criteria for accrual under SFAS 5.
Reducing Recorded Loss Accruals
When an estimated loss is accrued, PPL identifies, where applicable, the triggering events for subsequently reducing the loss accrual. The triggering events generally occur when the contingency has been resolved and the actual loss is incurred, or when the risk of loss has diminished or been eliminated. The following are some of the triggering events that provide for the reduction of certain recorded loss accruals:
· | Certain loss accruals are systematically reduced based on the expiration of contract terms. An example of this is the loss accrual for above-market NUG purchase commitments, which is described below. This loss accrual is being reduced over the lives of the NUG purchase contracts. |
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· | Allowances for excess or obsolete inventory are reduced as the inventory items are pulled from the warehouse shelves and sold as scrap or otherwise disposed. |
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· | Allowances for uncollectible accounts are reduced when accounts are written off after prescribed collection procedures have been exhausted, a better estimate of the allowance is determined or when underlying amounts are ultimately collected. |
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· | Environmental and other litigation contingencies are reduced when the contingency is resolved and PPL makes actual payments, a better estimate of the loss is determined or the loss is no longer considered probable. |
The largest loss accrual on PPL's balance sheet, and the loss accrual that changed most significantly in 2006, was for an impairment of above-market NUG purchase commitments. This loss accrual reflects the estimated difference between the above-market contract terms, under the purchase commitments, and the expected fair value of the electricity to be purchased at the date these contracts were impaired. This loss accrual was originally recorded at $879 million in 1998, when PPL Electric's generation business was deregulated.
When the loss accrual related to NUG purchases was recorded in 1998, PPL Electric established the triggering events for when the loss accrual would be reduced. A schedule was established to reduce the liability based on projected purchases over the lives of the NUG contracts. This loss accrual was transferred to PPL EnergyPlus in the July 1, 2000, corporate realignment. PPL EnergyPlus continues to reduce the above-market NUG liability based on the aforementioned schedule. As PPL EnergyPlus reduces the liability for the above-market NUG purchases, it offsets the actual cost of NUG purchases, thereby bringing the net power purchase expense more in line with expected market prices. The above-market loss accrual was $136 million at December 31, 2006. This loss accrual will be significantly reduced by 2009, when all but one of the NUG contracts expires. The then-remaining NUG contract will expire in 2014.
Ongoing Assessment of Recorded Loss Accruals
PPL reviews its loss accruals on a regular basis to assure that the recorded potential loss exposures are sufficient. This involves ongoing communication and analyses with internal and external legal counsel, engineers, tax specialists, operation management and other parties.
As part of the year-end preparation of its financial statements, PPL's management re-assessed the loss accruals recorded in 2005, for the two contingencies described above under "Initial Identification and Recording of the Loss Accrual." See Note 15 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
· | In March 2006, the FERC rejected the proposed settlement agreement that was filed with the FERC in September 2005. Subsequently, in March 2006, PPL Electric and Exelon filed with the FERC a new proposed settlement agreement. In November 2006, the FERC entered an order accepting the March 2006 proposed settlement agreement, upon the condition that PPL Electric agree to certain modifications. In December 2006, PPL Electric and Exelon filed with the FERC a modified offer of settlement (Compliance Filing). Under the Compliance Filing, which must be approved by the FERC, PPL Electric would make a single payment through its monthly PJM bill of $38 million, plus interest through the date of payment, and PJM would include a single credit for this amount in PECO's monthly PJM bill. Through December 31, 2006, the estimated interest on this payment would be $4 million, for a total payment of $42 million. As a result, at December 31, 2006, the loss accrual was reduced to $42 million. PPL's management will continue to assess the loss accrual for this contingency in future periods. |
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· | In 2005, PPL also re-assessed the contingency for the Martins Creek ash basin remediation. Based on the ongoing remediation efforts and communications with the Pennsylvania DEP and other appropriate agencies, at December 31, 2005, PPL's management concluded that $48 million was the best estimate of the cost of the remediation effort. In 2006, PPL reduced the estimate of costs to $37 million, primarily due to an insurance claim settlement. This amount represents management's best estimate of the probable loss associated with the Martins Creek ash basin leak. At December 31, 2006, the remaining contingency for this remediation was $9 million. PPL cannot predict the final cost of the remediation, the outcome of the action initiated by the Pennsylvania DEP, the outcome of the natural resource damage assessment, the outcome of the lawsuit brought by the citizens and businesses and the exact nature of any other regulatory or other legal actions that may be initiated against PPL as a result of the disposal basin leak. PPL also cannot predict with certainty the extent of the fines or damages that may be sought in connection with any such actions or the ultimate financial impact on PPL. PPL's management will continue to assess the loss accrual for this contingency in future periods. |
Income Tax Uncertainties
Significant management judgment is required in developing PPL's contingencies, or reserves, for income taxes and valuation allowances for deferred tax assets. The ongoing assessment of tax contingencies is intended to result in management's best estimate of the ultimate settled tax position for each tax year. Annual tax provisions include amounts considered sufficient to pay assessments that may result from examination of prior year tax returns by taxing authorities. However, the amount ultimately paid upon resolution of any issues raised by such authorities may differ from the amount accrued. In evaluating the exposure associated with various filing positions, PPL accounts for changes in probable exposures based on management's best estimate of the amount of benefit that should be recognized in the financial statements. An allowance is maintained for the tax contingencies, the balance of which management believes to be adequate. The ongoing assessment of valuation allowances is based on an assessment of whether deferred tax assets will ultimately be realized. Management considers a number of factors in assessing the ultimate realization of deferred tax assets, including forecasts of taxable income in future periods.
In June 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109." PPL adopted FIN 48 effective January 1, 2007. The adoption of FIN 48 alters the methodology PPL currently uses to account for income tax uncertainties. Effective with the adoption of FIN 48, uncertain tax positions are no longer considered to be contingencies assessed in accordance with SFAS 5. See Note 23 to the Financial Statements for a more detailed discussion of FIN 48 and for information regarding the expected impact of adoption.
6) | Asset Retirement Obligations |
SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," requires legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets to be recognized as a liability in the financial statements. The initial obligation should be measured at the estimated fair value. An equivalent amount should be recorded as an increase in the value of the capitalized asset and allocated to expense over the useful life of the asset. Until the obligation is settled, the liability should be increased, through the recognition of accretion expense in the income statement, for changes in the obligation due to the passage of time.
FIN 47, "Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143," clarifies the term conditional ARO as used in SFAS 143. FIN 47 specifies that a conditional ARO must be recognized when incurred if the fair value of the ARO can be reasonably estimated.
In determining AROs, management must make significant judgments and estimates to calculate fair value. Fair value is developed through consideration of estimated retirement costs in current period dollars, inflated to the anticipated retirement date and then discounted back to the date the ARO was incurred. Changes in assumptions and estimates included within the calculations of the fair value of AROs could result in significantly different results than those identified and recorded in the financial statements. Changes in ARO costs and settlement dates, which affect the carrying value of various AROs and the related assets, are reviewed periodically to ensure that any material changes are incorporated into the latest estimate of the obligations.
At December 31, 2006, PPL had AROs totaling $336 million recorded on the Balance Sheet. Of this amount, $276 million or 82% relates to PPL's nuclear decommissioning ARO. PPL's most significant assumptions surrounding AROs are the forecasted retirement costs, the discount rates and the inflation rates. A variance in the forecasted retirement costs, the discount rates or the inflation rates could have a significant impact on the ARO liabilities.
The following chart reflects the sensitivities related to the nuclear decommissioning ARO liability at PPL as of December 31, 2006, associated with a change in these assumptions at the time of initial recognition. There is no significant change to the annual depreciation expense of the ARO asset or the annual accretion expense of the ARO liability as a result of changing the assumptions. Each sensitivity below reflects an evaluation of the change based solely on a change in that assumption.
| | Change in Assumption | | Impact on ARO Liability |
| | | | |
Retirement Cost | | 10%/(10)% | | $25/$(25) |
Discount Rate | | 0.25%/(0.25)% | | $(26)/$29 |
Inflation Rate | | 0.25%/(0.25)% | | $32/$(29) |
Other Information
PPL's Audit Committee has approved the independent auditor to provide audit and audit-related services and other services permitted by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and SEC rules. The audit and audit-related services include services in connection with statutory and regulatory filings, reviews of offering documents and registration statements, and internal control reviews. ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
PPL Energy Supply is an energy company with headquarters in Allentown, PA. Please refer to Exhibit 99(a) in Item 15 for a listing of its principal subsidiaries and to "Item 1. Business - Background," for descriptions of PPL Energy Supply's domestic and international businesses. Through its subsidiaries, PPL Energy Supply's reportable segments are Supply and International Delivery. PPL Energy Supply is primarily engaged in the generation and marketing of electricity in two key markets - the northeastern and western U.S. - and in the delivery of electricity in the U.K. and Latin America. In March 2007, PPL announced its intention to sell its regulated electricity delivery businesses in Latin America. (See Note 10 to the Financial Statements for additional information.) PPL Energy Supply's overall strategy is to achieve disciplined growth in energy supply margins while limiting volatility in both cash flows and earnings and to achieve stable, long-term growth in regulated international delivery businesses through efficient operations and strong customer and regulatory relations. More specifically, PPL Energy Supply's strategy for its electricity generation and marketing business is to match energy supply with load, or customer demand, under contracts of varying lengths with creditworthy counterparties to capture profits while effectively managing exposure to movements in energy and fuel prices and counterparty credit risk. PPL Energy Supply's strategy for its international electricity delivery businesses is to own and operate these businesses at the most efficient cost while maintaining high levels of customer service and reliability.
PPL Energy Supply faces several risks in its generation business. The principal risks are electricity and capacity wholesale price risk, fuel supply and price risk, power plant performance, evolving regulatory frameworks and counterparty credit risk. PPL Energy Supply attempts to manage these risks through various means. For instance, PPL Energy Supply operates a portfolio of generation assets that is diversified as to geography, fuel source, cost structure and operating characteristics. PPL Energy Supply currently expects to expand its generation capacity over the next several years through power uprates at certain of its existing power plants, the potential construction of new plants and the potential acquisition of existing plants or businesses. PPL Energy Supply is and will continue to remain focused on the operating efficiency and availability of its existing and any newly constructed or acquired power plants. In addition, PPL Energy Supply has executed and continues to pursue contracts of varying lengths for energy sales and fuel supply, and other means to mitigate the risks associated with adverse changes in the difference, or margin, between the cost to produce electricity and the price at which PPL Energy Supply sells it. Whether PPL Energy Supply decides to, or is able to, continue to enter into long-term or intermediate-term power sales and fuel purchase agreements or renew its existing agreements and the market conditions at that time will affect its future profitability. Currently, PPL Energy Supply's commitments for energy sales are substantially satisfied through its own generation assets - i.e., PPL Energy Supply primarily markets and trades around its physical portfolio of generating assets through integrated generation, marketing and trading functions. However, PPL Energy Supply's future marketing efforts may rely less on PPL Energy Supply's generation assets and more on supply contracted from others. PPL Energy Supply has in place risk management programs that, among other things, are designed to monitor and manage its exposure to volatility of earnings and cash flows related to changes in energy and fuel prices, interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, counterparty credit quality and the operational performance of its generating units.
PPL Energy Supply's international electricity delivery businesses are rate-regulated. Accordingly, these businesses are subject to regulatory risk in terms of the costs that they may recover and the investment returns that they may collect in customer rates. The principal challenge that PPL Energy Supply faces in its international electricity delivery businesses is to maintain high standards of customer service and reliability in a cost-effective manner. PPL Energy Supply faces additional financial risks in conducting international operations, such as fluctuations in currency exchange rates. PPL Energy Supply attempts to manage these financial risks through its risk management programs.
A key challenge for PPL Energy Supply's business as a whole is to maintain a strong credit profile. Investors, analysts and rating agencies that follow companies in the energy industry continue to be focused on the credit quality and liquidity position of these companies. PPL Energy Supply continually focuses on maintaining an appropriate capital structure and liquidity position, thereby appropriately managing its target credit profile.
See "Item 1A. Risk Factors" for more information concerning the material risks that PPL Energy Supply faces in its businesses.
The purpose of "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" is to provide information concerning PPL Energy Supply's past and expected future performance in implementing the strategies and managing the risks and challenges mentioned above. Specifically:
· | "Results of Operations" provides an overview of PPL Energy Supply's operating results in 2006, 2005 and 2004, including a review of earnings, with details of results by reportable segment. It also provides a brief outlook for 2007. |
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· | "Financial Condition - Liquidity and Capital Resources" provides an analysis of PPL Energy Supply's liquidity position and credit profile, including its sources of cash (including bank credit facilities and sources of operating cash flow) and uses of cash (including contractual commitments and capital expenditure requirements) and the key risks and uncertainties that impact PPL Energy Supply's past and future liquidity position and financial condition. This subsection also includes a listing and discussion of PPL Energy Supply's current credit ratings. |
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· | "Financial Condition - Risk Management - Energy Marketing & Trading and Other" provides an explanation of PPL Energy Supply's risk management programs relating to market risk and credit risk. |
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· | "Application of Critical Accounting Policies" provides an overview of the accounting policies that are particularly important to the results of operations and financial condition of PPL Energy Supply and that require its management to make significant estimates, assumptions and other judgments. |
The information provided in this Item 7 should be read in conjunction with PPL Energy Supply's Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes.
Terms and abbreviations are explained in the glossary. Dollars are in millions unless otherwise noted.
Results of Operations
Earnings
Net income was:
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 698 | | | $ | 542 | | | $ | 651 | |
The changes in net income from year to year were, in part, attributable to several significant items that management considers unusual. Details of these unusual items are provided within the review of each segment's earnings.
The year-to-year changes in significant earnings components, including domestic gross energy margins by region and significant income statement line items, are explained in the "Statement of Income Analysis."
PPL Energy Supply's earnings beyond 2006 are subject to various risks and uncertainties. See "Forward-Looking Information," "Item 1A. Risk Factors," the rest of this Item 7 and Note 15 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of the risks, uncertainties and factors that may impact PPL Energy Supply's future earnings.
Segment Results
Net income by segment was:
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Supply | | $ | 430 | | | $ | 327 | | | $ | 454 | |
International Delivery | | | 268 | | | | 215 | | | | 197 | |
Total | | $ | 698 | | | $ | 542 | | | $ | 651 | |
Supply Segment
The Supply segment primarily consists of the domestic energy marketing, domestic generation and domestic development operations of PPL Energy Supply.
The Supply segment results in 2006, 2005 and 2004 reflect the reclassification of the Griffith plant revenues and expenses from certain income statement line items to "Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations." The Supply segment results in 2005 and 2004 also reflect the reclassification of the Sundance plant revenues and expenses from certain income statement line items to "Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations." See Note 10 to the Financial Statements for further discussion.
Supply segment net income was:
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Energy revenues | | $ | 3,366 | | | $ | 2,814 | | | $ | 2,819 | |
Energy-related businesses | | | 559 | | | | 521 | | | | 445 | |
Total operating revenues | | | 3,925 | | | | 3,335 | | | | 3,264 | |
Fuel and energy purchases | | | 1,718 | | | | 1,315 | | | | 1,262 | |
Other operation and maintenance | | | 755 | | | | 774 | | | | 669 | |
Depreciation | | | 148 | | | | 135 | | | | 138 | |
Taxes, other than income | | | 34 | | | | 36 | | | | 39 | |
Energy-related businesses | | | 605 | | | | 589 | | | | 498 | |
Total operating expenses | | | 3,260 | | | | 2,849 | | | | 2,606 | |
Other Income - net | | | 43 | | | | 27 | | | | 18 | |
Interest Expense | | | 87 | | | | 81 | | | | 64 | |
Income Taxes | | | 168 | | | | 42 | | | | 146 | |
Minority Interest | | | 3 | | | | 2 | | | | 2 | |
Loss from Discontinued Operations | | | 20 | | | | 53 | | | | 10 | |
Cumulative Effect of a Change in Accounting Principle | | | | | | | (8 | ) | | | | |
Total | | $ | 430 | | | $ | 327 | | | $ | 454 | |
The after-tax changes in net income were due to the following factors, including discontinued operations.
| | 2006 vs. 2005 | | 2005 vs. 2004 |
| | | | | | |
Eastern U.S. non-trading margins | | $ | 94 | | | $ | (45 | ) |
Western U.S. non-trading margins | | | 7 | | | | (5 | ) |
Net energy trading margins | | | 1 | | | | 8 | |
Depreciation | | | (7 | ) | | | 4 | |
Operation and maintenance expenses | | | (29 | ) | | | (26 | ) |
Interest income on 2004 IRS tax settlement | | | | | | | (9 | ) |
Realized earnings on nuclear decommissioning trust (Note 17) | | | 4 | | | | 7 | |
Interest expense | | | (2 | ) | | | (5 | ) |
Earnings from synfuel projects | | | (32 | ) | | | 25 | |
Income tax reserve and intercompany state tax allocation adjustments (Note 5) | | | | | | | 15 | |
Other | | | 5 | | | | (5 | ) |
Unusual items | | | 62 | | | | (91 | ) |
| | $ | 103 | | | $ | (127 | ) |
· | See "Domestic Gross Energy Margins" for an explanation of non-trading margins by geographic region and for an explanation of net energy trading margins. |
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· | Higher operation and maintenance expenses in 2006 compared with 2005 were primarily due to increased outage and non-outage expenses at the Susquehanna nuclear facility and certain of PPL Energy Supply's coal plants and the timing of other planned outages. Higher operation and maintenance expenses in 2005 compared with 2004 were primarily due to higher levels of planned maintenance and plant outages in 2005. |
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· | The decline in earnings contributions from synfuel projects in 2006 compared with 2005 resulted primarily from the anticipated phase-out of synthetic fuel tax credits starting in 2006 and lower production levels due to high crude oil prices. See Note 15 to the Financial Statements for more information on the temporary shutdown of the Somerset facility. The improved earnings contribution from synfuel projects in 2005 compared with 2004 resulted primarily from higher synthetic fuel tax credits due to higher output at the Tyrone facility, which went into commercial operation in August 2004. Also contributing to the 2005 synthetic fuel earnings increase were unrealized gains on options purchased to hedge the risk associated with synthetic fuel tax credits for 2006 and 2007. |
The following after-tax items, which management considers unusual, also had a significant impact on the Supply segment earnings. See the indicated Notes to the Financial Statements for additional information.
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sale of interest in the Griffith plant (Note 10) | | $ | (16 | ) | | | | | | | | |
Reduction in Enron reserve (Note 1) | | | 11 | | | | | | | | | |
Impairment of synfuel-related assets (Note 15) | | | (6 | ) | | | | | | | | |
Off-site remediation of ash basin leak (Note 15) | | | 6 | | | $ | (27 | ) | | | | |
Susquehanna workforce reduction (Note 13) | | | (3 | ) | | | | | | | | |
PJM billing dispute (Note 15) | | | (18 | ) | | | | | | | | |
Impairment of nuclear decommissioning trust investments (Note 21) | | | (3 | ) | | | | | | | | |
Sale of the Sundance plant (Note 10) | | | | | | | (47 | ) | | | | |
Acceleration of stock-based compensation expense for periods prior to 2005 (Note 1) | | | | | | | (3 | ) | | | | |
Settlement of NorthWestern litigation (a) | | | | | | | (6 | ) | | | | |
Recording of conditional AROs (Note 21) | | | | | | | (8 | ) | | | | |
Total | | $ | (29 | ) | | $ | (91 | ) | | | | |
(a) | | In the first quarter of 2005, PPL Energy Supply recognized a charge for a loss contingency related to litigation with NorthWestern. In September 2005, PPL Energy Supply and NorthWestern reached a final agreement to settle this litigation. |
2007 Outlook
PPL Energy Supply projects significantly higher earnings in its supply business segment in 2007 compared with 2006. Based on current forward energy prices and hedges already in place, PPL Energy Supply is projecting higher energy margins, driven primarily by the replacement of expiring fixed-price supply obligations with higher-margin wholesale energy contracts, and an increase in generation prices under the PUC-approved PLR contracts between PPL Electric and PPL EnergyPlus for customers who choose not to shop for an energy supplier.
While PPL Energy Supply expects improved baseload power plant performance in 2007, this performance will be somewhat offset by the retirement in September of two coal units at the Martins Creek power plant in Pennsylvania and by more planned outages, including the Susquehanna Unit 1 outage to address the remaining control rod friction issues. PPL Energy Supply believes these planned outages will improve the overall long-term reliability of PPL Energy Supply's generation fleet. PPL Energy Supply also expects a modest increase in fuel-related expenses and increased operation and maintenance expenses.
International Delivery Segment
The International Delivery segment includes operations of the international energy businesses of PPL Global that are primarily focused on the distribution of electricity. Substantially all of PPL Global's international businesses are located in the U.K., Chile, El Salvador and Bolivia. The International Delivery segment results in 2006, 2005 and 2004 reflect the reclassification of the Latin American regulated electricity delivery revenues and expenses from certain income statement line items to "Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations." See "Anticipated Sale of Latin American Businesses" in Note 10 to the Financial Statements for further discussion.
International Delivery segment net income was:
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Utility revenues | | $ | 756 | | | $ | 717 | | | $ | 683 | |
Energy-related businesses | | | 37 | | | | 36 | | | | 34 | |
Total operating revenues | | | 793 | | | | 753 | | | | 717 | |
Other operation and maintenance | | | 186 | | | | 161 | | | | 127 | |
Depreciation | | | 142 | | | | 133 | | | | 123 | |
Taxes, other than income | | | 57 | | | | 57 | | | | 55 | |
Energy-related businesses | | | 17 | | | | 15 | | | | 16 | |
Total operating expenses | | | 402 | | | | 366 | | | | 321 | |
Other Income - net | | | 27 | | | | 5 | | | | 24 | |
Interest Expense | | | 173 | | | | 175 | | | | 181 | |
Income Taxes | | | 19 | | | | 39 | | | | 64 | |
Income from Discontinued Operations | | | 42 | | | | 37 | | | | 22 | |
Total | | $ | 268 | | | $ | 215 | | | $ | 197 | |
The after-tax changes in net income were due to the following factors, including discontinued operations.
| | 2006 vs. 2005 | | 2005 vs. 2004 |
U.K. | | | | | | | | |
Delivery margins | | $ | 32 | | | $ | 23 | |
Operation and maintenance expenses | | | (15 | ) | | | (30 | ) |
Depreciation | | | (9 | ) | | | (6 | ) |
Income taxes | | | 34 | | | | | |
Impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates | | | (5 | ) | | | 2 | |
Impairment of investment in U.K. real estate (Note 9) | | | (6 | ) | | | | |
Gain on transfer of equity investment (Note 9) | | | 5 | | | | | |
Hyder liquidation distributions (Note 9) | | | 27 | | | | | |
Other | | | 5 | | | | 5 | |
Latin America | | | | | | | | |
Delivery margins | | | 10 | | | | 6 | |
Operation and maintenance expenses | | | (1 | ) | | | (4 | ) |
Income taxes | | | 11 | | | | (1 | ) |
Impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates | | | 2 | | | | 2 | |
Other | | | (1 | ) | | | (2 | ) |
U.S. income taxes | | | (38 | ) | | | 36 | |
Other | | | 1 | | | | 1 | |
Unusual items | | | 1 | | | | (14 | ) |
| | $ | 53 | | | $ | 18 | |
· | The U.K.'s earnings in both periods were positively impacted by higher margins. Favorable margins in 2006 compared with 2005 were primarily due to price increases and changes in customer mix. For 2005 compared with 2004, higher margins were partially due to a favorable customer mix and an incentive revenue award from the regulator for outstanding customer service. |
| |
· | Higher U.K. operation and maintenance expenses in both periods were due primarily to increased pension costs. |
| |
· | Higher depreciation in both periods was, in part, due to a reduction in meter lives during 2005. |
| |
· | Lower U.K. income taxes in 2006 compared with 2005 were primarily due to the transfer of a future tax liability from WPD and certain surplus tax losses from Hyder to a former Hyder affiliate. See Note 5 to the Financial Statements for additional information. |
| |
· | Changes in foreign exchange rates decreased WPD's portion of revenue and expense line items by 2% in 2006 compared with 2005, and increased them by about 1% in 2005 compared with 2004. |
| |
· | U.S. income taxes increased in 2006 compared with 2005 due to a 2005 tax true-up, 2006 WPD dividend planning, and lower utilization of foreign tax credits. U.S. income taxes decreased in 2005 compared with 2004, partly due to greater utilization of foreign tax credits. |
| |
· | Latin America earnings were positively impacted in 2006 compared with 2005 by higher margins, primarily due to a 7% increase in sales volumes at Emel and accounting adjustments related to Chilean deferred taxes and depreciation related to prior periods. See Note 2 to the Financial Statements for additional information on the accounting adjustments. |
The following after-tax items, which management considers unusual, also had a significant impact on the International Delivery segment earnings. See the indicated Notes to the Financial Statements for additional information.
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Reduction in Enron reserve | | $ | 1 | | | | | | | | | |
Sale of CGE (Note 9) | | | | | | | | | | $ | (7 | ) |
Sale of CEMAR (Note 9) | | | | | | | | | | | 23 | |
Sale of Latin American telecommunications company (Note 10) | | | | | | | | | | | (2 | ) |
Total | | $ | 1 | | | | | | | $ | 14 | |
2007 Outlook
PPL Energy Supply projects the earnings from its international delivery business segment to decline in 2007 compared with 2006. Higher delivery margins, due to higher unit sales in Latin America and higher unit prices in the U.K., are expected to be offset by increased operating expenses in the majority of these delivery businesses and a significantly higher effective tax rate in the U.K. due to the favorable resolution of several tax-related items in 2006. In addition, PPL Energy Supply does not expect gains from the sale or liquidation of U.K. non-electricity delivery businesses to continue at the same level in 2007 as occurred in 2006.
Statement of Income Analysis --
Domestic Gross Energy Margins
The following table provides pre-tax changes in the income statement line items that comprise domestic gross energy margins.
| | 2006 vs. 2005 | | 2005 vs. 2004 |
| | | | | | |
Wholesale energy marketing | | $ | 441 | | | $ | (93 | ) |
Wholesale energy marketing to affiliate | | | 118 | | | | 90 | |
Unregulated retail electric and gas | | | (10 | ) | | | (13 | ) |
Net energy trading margins | | | 3 | | | | 11 | |
Other revenue adjustments (a) | | | 1 | | | | 30 | |
Total revenues | | | 553 | | | | 25 | |
Fuel | | | (33 | ) | | | 147 | |
Energy purchases | | | 427 | | | | (88 | ) |
Energy purchases from affiliate | | | 9 | | | | (6 | ) |
Other cost adjustments (a) | | | (36 | ) | | | 45 | |
Total cost of sales | | | 367 | | | | 98 | |
Domestic gross energy margins | | $ | 186 | | | $ | (73 | ) |
(a) | | Adjusted to exclude the impact of any revenues and costs not associated with domestic gross energy margins, consistent with the way management reviews domestic gross energy margins internally. These exclusions include revenues and energy costs related to the international operations of PPL Global and an accrual for the loss contingency related to the PJM billing dispute in 2005 and 2006 (see Note 15 to the Financial Statements for additional information). Also adjusted to include the margins of the Griffith and Sundance plants prior to their sales in June 2006 and May 2005, which are included in "Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations," and gains or losses on sales of emission allowances, which are included in "Other operation and maintenance" expenses on the Statements of Income. |
Changes in Domestic Gross Energy Margins By Region
Domestic gross energy margins are generated through PPL Energy Supply's non-trading and trading activities. PPL Energy Supply manages its non-trading energy business on a geographic basis that is aligned with its generation assets. Additionally, beginning in 2006, PPL Energy Supply further segregates non-trading activities into two categories: hedge activity and economic activity. Economic activity represents the net unrealized effect of derivative transactions that are entered into as economic hedges, but do not qualify for hedge accounting, or hedge accounting was not elected, under SFAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," as amended and interpreted.
| | 2006 vs. 2005 | | 2005 vs. 2004 |
Non-trading | | | | | | | | |
Eastern U.S. | | $ | 161 | | | $ | (77 | ) |
Western U.S. | | | 12 | | | | (9 | ) |
Net energy trading | | | 13 | | | | 13 | |
Domestic gross energy margins | | $ | 186 | | | $ | (73 | ) |
Eastern U.S.
Eastern U.S. non-trading margins were higher in 2006 compared with 2005, primarily due to higher PLR sales prices and higher wholesale prices. PLR sales prices were 8.4% higher in 2006, in accordance with the schedule established by the PUC Final Order. Partially offsetting these higher margins was lower nuclear generation of 3%, as well as higher coal and nuclear fuel prices, which were up 12% and 10%.
In 2005, PPL Energy Supply began participating in the Midwest ISO (MISO), an independent transmission system operator that serves the electric transmission needs of much of the Midwest. PPL Energy Supply records its business activities within MISO consistent with its accounting for activities in other RTOs.
Eastern U.S. non-trading margins were lower in 2005 compared with 2004, primarily due to higher fuel costs. Average coal prices increased by 12% over 2004, while average gas and oil prices increased by 24%. Despite record high generation in 2005, the increased use of higher-cost oil and gas units to cover retail volumes, which were up 5% over 2004, and generation output lost during coal and nuclear plant outages contributed to lower margins. Due to market price increases and changes in fuel mix, average fuel prices increased 22% over 2004. Partially offsetting the effects of higher fuel costs was a 2% increase in PLR sales prices, in accordance with the schedule established by the PUC Final Order.
The amount of Eastern non-trading margins from unrealized mark-to-market transactions that did not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, or for which hedge accounting was not elected, and from hedge ineffectiveness was a loss of $8 million in 2006, compared with a loss of $4 million in 2005, and an immaterial loss in 2004.
Western U.S.
Northwestern U.S. non-trading margins were higher in 2006 compared with 2005, primarily due to higher wholesale prices. Also contributing to the increase was a 6% increase in hydroelectric generation. Partially offsetting these improvements were higher coal prices, which were up 14%.
Southwestern U.S. non-trading margins were lower in 2006 compared with 2005, as well as in 2005 compared with 2004, primarily due to the sale of PPL Energy Supply's 50% interest in the Griffith plant in June 2006 and the sale of PPL Energy Supply's Sundance plant in May 2005.
The amount of Western non-trading margins from unrealized mark-to-market transactions that did not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, or for which hedge accounting was not elected, and from hedge ineffectiveness was immaterial in 2006, 2005 and 2004.
Net Energy Trading
PPL Energy Supply enters into certain energy contracts that meet the criteria of trading derivatives as defined by EITF Issue 02-3, "Issues Involved in Accounting for Derivative Contracts Held for Trading Purposes and Contracts Involved in Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities." These physical and financial contracts cover trading activity associated with electricity, gas and oil.
Net energy trading margins increased by $13 million in 2006 compared to 2005 primarily due to contracts reclassified as trading activity for hedge (non-trading) transactions related to the Griffith plant after the announced plan to sell PPL Energy Supply's interest in the plant. See Note 10 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
Net energy trading margins increased by $13 million in 2005 compared with 2004, primarily due to the inclusion of FTRs. As of July 1, 2005, FTRs were deemed to meet the definition of a derivative and were accounted for as such prospectively. Therefore, the forward and realized value for FTRs entered into for speculative purposes is accounted for as part of "Net energy trading margins" on the Statement of Income. From July 1 through December 31, 2005, gains on speculative FTRs totaled $10 million.
The amount of energy trading margins from unrealized mark-to-market transactions was a $9 million gain in 2006, a $5 million loss in 2005, and a $13 million gain in 2004.
The physical volumes for electricity and gas associated with energy trading were:
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
GWh | | | 7,724 | | | | 5,800 | | | | 5,700 | |
Bcf | | | 21.5 | | | | 13.4 | | | | 11.7 | |
Utility Revenues
The increases in utility revenues were attributable to:
| | 2006 vs. 2005 | | 2005 vs. 2004 |
| | | | | | | | |
U.K. retail electric revenue | | $ | 45 | | | $ | 26 | |
Foreign currency exchange rates | | | (6 | ) | | | 8 | |
| | $ | 39 | | | $ | 34 | |
The increase in U.K. utility revenues for 2006 compared with 2005, excluding foreign currency exchange rate impacts, was primarily due to higher average prices and changes in customer mix.
The increase in U.K. utility revenues for 2005 compared with 2004, excluding foreign currency exchange rates impacts, was primarily due to favorable customer mix and an incentive revenue award for outstanding customer service.
Energy-related Businesses
Energy-related businesses contributed $21 million more to operating income in 2006 compared with 2005. The increase was primarily attributable to:
· | $18 million of lower pre-tax losses from synfuel projects. This reflects $29 million of lower operating losses due to lower production levels, partially offset by an impairment charge of $10 million on the synfuel-related assets; |
· | a $3 million increase from PPL Telcom due to an increase in transport-related sales, as well as reduced spending on a product line (before depreciation, interest expense, and income taxes); and |
· | a $3 million increase from WPD's telecommunications business. |
Energy-related businesses contributed $12 million less to operating income in 2005 compared with 2004. The decrease was attributable to:
· | additional pre-tax losses in 2005 of $16 million on synfuel projects. This reflects $26 million of additional operating losses due to higher production levels, offset by a $10 million net unrealized gain on options purchased to hedge a portion of the risk associated with the phase-out of the synthetic fuel tax credits for 2006 and 2007; partially offset by |
· | an aggregate increase of $3 million primarily attributable to WPD's non-electricity delivery businesses. |
See Note 15 to the Financial Statements for an overall assessment of synthetic fuel tax credits and a further discussion of the impairment of these facilities and the temporary shutdown of one of these facilities.
Other Operation and Maintenance
The increases in other operation and maintenance expenses were due to:
| | 2006 vs. 2005 | | 2005 vs. 2004 |
| | | | | | |
Martins Creek ash basin remediation (Note 15) | | $ | (37 | ) | | $ | 48 | |
Increase in pension and postretirement costs (Note 13) | | | 22 | | | | 43 | |
Accelerated amortization of stock-based compensation (Note 1) | | | (13 | ) | | | 13 | |
Increase (decrease) in allocation of corporate service costs (Note 16) | | | 18 | | | | (1 | ) |
NorthWestern litigation payment | | | (9 | ) | | | 9 | |
Outage costs at Eastern U.S. fossil/hydro stations | | | 13 | | | | 14 | |
Outage costs at Susquehanna nuclear station | | | 24 | | | | 6 | |
Outage costs at Western U.S. fossil/hydro stations | | | 3 | | | | 4 | |
U.K. metering expense | | | 4 | | | | 5 | |
Changes in U.K. reserve related to contractor dispute | | | 4 | | | | (8 | ) |
Reduction in Enron reserve (Note 1) | | | (19 | ) | | | | |
Union contract ratification bonus | | | 2 | | | | | |
Trademark license fees from a PPL subsidiary (Note 16) | | | 5 | | | | (3 | ) |
Increase in employee benefits due to transfer of field services employees from PPL Electric | | | | | | | 7 | |
Stock-based compensation expense | | | 9 | | | | (1 | ) |
PJM system control and dispatch services | | | (7 | ) | | | (2 | ) |
Change in foreign currency exchange rates | | | | | | | 1 | |
Other | | | (13 | ) | | | 4 | |
| | $ | 6 | | | $ | 139 | |
Depreciation
Increases in depreciation expense were due to:
| | 2006 vs. 2005 | | 2005 vs. 2004 |
| | | | | | | | |
Additions to PP&E | | $ | 16 | | | $ | 5 | |
Contribution of assets from parent (Note 8) | | | 5 | | | | | |
Reduction of useful lives of certain distribution assets (Note 1) | | | 3 | | | | 7 | |
Purchase of equipment previously leased (Note 11) | | | 1 | | | | | |
Lower Mt. Bethel generation facility, which began commercial operation in May 2004 | | | | | | | 6 | |
Extension of useful lives of certain generation assets (Note 1) | | | (2 | ) | | | (12 | ) |
Changes in foreign currency exchange rates | | | (1 | ) | | | 1 | |
| | $ | 22 | | | $ | 7 | |
Taxes, Other Than Income
Taxes, other than income, decreased by $1 million in 2005 compared with 2004. The decrease was primarily due to a $4 million decrease in domestic capital stock tax expense, partially offset by a $2 million increase in local real estate taxes.
Other Income - net
See Note 17 to the Financial Statements for details of other income and deductions.
Interest Expense
The increases in interest expense, which includes "Interest Expense with Affiliates" were due to:
| | 2006 vs. 2005 | | 2005 vs. 2004 |
| | | | | | |
Change in long-term debt interest expense | | $ | 37 | | | $ | (5 | ) |
Interest accrued for PJM billing dispute (Note 15) | | | 3 | | | | | |
Expense related to the University Park generation facility (a) | | | | | | | (13 | ) |
Change in capitalized interest | | | (15 | ) | | | 12 | |
Change in interest expense with affiliate | | | (9 | ) | | | 1 | |
Write-off in 2005 of financing costs associated with PPL Energy Supply's 2.625% Convertible Senior Notes due to the market trigger price being met | | | (6 | ) | | | 6 | |
Change in short-term debt interest expense | | | (4 | ) | | | 3 | |
Change in foreign currency exchange rates | | | (2 | ) | | | 1 | |
Change in amortization expense | | | (1 | ) | | | 6 | |
Other | | | 1 | | | | | |
| | $ | 4 | | | $ | 11 | |
(a) | | In June 2004, a subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply purchased the University Park generation facility from the lessor that was consolidated by PPL Energy Supply under FIN 46 (revised December 2003), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51." In connection with the purchase, the related financing was repaid and the deferred financing costs were written off. See Note 22 to the Financial Statements for additional information. |
Income Taxes
The changes in income taxes were due to:
| | 2006 vs. 2005 | | 2005 vs. 2004 |
| | | | | | |
Higher (lower) pre-tax book income | | $ | 70 | | | $ | (64 | ) |
Nonconventional fuel tax credits | | | 49 | | | | (33 | ) |
Tax on foreign earnings | | | 1 | | | | (11 | ) |
Transfer of WPD tax items in the first quarter 2006 (Note 5) | | | (20 | ) | | | | |
Tax return adjustments | | | 1 | | | | (8 | ) |
Tax reserve adjustments | | | 5 | | | | (16 | ) |
Other | | | | | | | 3 | |
| | $ | 106 | | | $ | (129 | ) |
See Note 5 to the Financial Statements for details on effective income tax rates.
Discontinued Operations
In March 2007, PPL announced its intention to sell its regulated electricity delivery businesses in Latin America. In accordance with SFAS 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," the operating results of these businesses, $42 million in 2006, $37 million in 2005 and $24 million in 2004, are classified as discontinued operations on the Statements of Income. See "Anticipated Sale of Latin American Businesses" in Note 10 to the Financial Statements for further discussion.
In 2006, PPL Energy Supply recorded a $23 million loss, which is net of a tax benefit of $16 million, in connection with the sale of its ownership interest in the Griffith plant. The "Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations" also includes the acceleration of net unrealized gains on derivatives associated with the Griffith plant of $7 million after tax. See "Sale of Interest in Griffith Plant" in Note 10 to the Financial Statements for information on this sale, along with information regarding operating results recorded prior to the sale.
In 2005, PPL Energy Supply recorded a $47 million loss, which is net of a tax benefit of $26 million, in connection with the sale of its Sundance power plant. See Note 10 to the Financial Statements for information on this sale, along with information regarding operating losses recorded prior to the sale of the Sundance plant and for operating losses recorded in 2004 related to the sale of PPL Global's investment in a Latin American telecommunications company.
Cumulative Effect of a Change in Accounting Principle
PPL Energy Supply adopted FIN 47, "Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations, an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143," in 2005. FIN 47 clarifies that an entity is required to recognize a liability for the fair value of a conditional ARO when incurred if the fair value of the ARO can be reasonably estimated. FIN 47 also clarifies when an entity would have sufficient information to reasonably estimate the fair value of an ARO. Application of the interpretation resulted in a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle that decreased net income by $8 million in 2005. See Note 21 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
Financial Condition
Liquidity and Capital Resources
PPL Energy Supply is focused on maintaining an appropriate liquidity position and strengthening its balance sheet, thereby continuing to improve its credit profile. PPL Energy Supply believes that its cash on hand, short-term investments, operating cash flows, access to debt and equity capital markets and borrowing capacity, taken as a whole, provide sufficient resources to fund its ongoing operating requirements, future security maturities and estimated future capital expenditures. PPL Energy Supply currently expects cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments at the end of 2007 to be approximately $500 million and expects to increase its credit facilities from $3.2 billion to greater than $4.0 billion in 2007. However, PPL Energy Supply's cash flows from operations and its access to cost-effective bank and capital markets are subject to risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to:
· | changes in market prices for electricity; |
· | changes in commodity prices that may increase the cost of producing power or decrease the amount PPL Energy Supply receives from selling power; |
· | operational, price and credit risks associated with selling and marketing products in the wholesale power markets; |
· | significant switching by PPL Electric's customers to or from alternative suppliers that would impact the level of sales under the PLR contracts; |
· | ineffectiveness of the trading, marketing and risk management policy and programs used to mitigate PPL Energy Supply's risk exposure to adverse electricity and fuel prices, interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and counterparty credit; |
· | unusual or extreme weather that may damage PPL Energy Supply's international transmission and distribution facilities or affect energy sales to customers; |
· | reliance on transmission and distribution facilities that PPL Energy Supply does not own or control to deliver its electricity and natural gas; |
· | unavailability of generating units (due to unscheduled or longer-than-anticipated generation outages, weather and natural disasters) and the resulting loss of revenues and additional costs of replacement electricity; |
· | ability to recover and the timeliness and adequacy of recovery of costs associated with international electricity delivery businesses; |
· | costs of compliance with existing and new environmental laws and with new security and safety requirements for nuclear facilities; |
· | any adverse outcome of legal proceedings and investigations with respect to PPL Energy Supply's current and past business activities; and |
· | a downgrade in PPL Energy Supply's or its rated subsidiaries' credit ratings that could negatively affect their ability to access capital and increase the cost of maintaining credit facilities and any new debt. |
At December 31, PPL Energy Supply had the following:
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 524 | | | $ | 227 | | | $ | 357 | |
Short-term investments | | | 328 | | | | 33 | | | | 51 | |
| | | 852 | | | | 260 | | | | 408 | |
Short-term debt | | | | | | | 180 | | | | | |
The changes in PPL Energy Supply's cash and cash equivalents position resulted from:
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
| | | | | | | | | |
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities | | $ | 1,240 | | | $ | 838 | | | $ | 616 | |
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities | | | (1,261 | ) | | | (537 | ) | | | (525 | ) |
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities | | | 315 | | | | (437 | ) | | | 35 | |
Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents | | | 3 | | | | 6 | | | | 9 | |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents | | $ | 297 | | | $ | (130 | ) | | $ | 135 | |
Operating Activities
Net cash from operating activities increased by 48%, or $402 million, in 2006 compared with 2005, primarily as a result of an 8.4% increase in sales prices under the PLR contracts and increased international delivery revenues, predominantly related to price increases and changes in customer mix. The increase from 2005 to 2006 was also due, to a lesser extent, to reduced expenditures for oil in 2006 as a result of building up inventory in 2005. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in revenues under the PLR contracts resulting from a decrease in sales volumes, due in part to milder weather in 2006, increased expenditures for coal and increased U.S. income tax payments, primarily due to lower utilization of foreign tax credits in 2006.
Net cash from operating activities increased by 36%, or $222 million, in 2005 compared with 2004, primarily as a result of the posting of $300 million in cash collateral to PPL Electric in 2004 related to the PLR energy supply agreements and a decrease in income tax payments, partially offset by an increase of $95 million in fuel expenditures due to increased prices and inventory build-up in anticipation of price increases in 2006.
PPL Energy Supply expects to continue to maintain stable cash provided by operating activities as a result of its long-term and intermediate-term power sales commitments from wholesale and retail customers and long-term purchase contracts. PPL Energy Supply estimates that, on average, approximately 89% of its expected annual generation output for the period 2007 through 2009 is committed under long-term and intermediate-term power sales contracts. PPL Energy Supply has started and will continue to layer in sales contracts in the wholesale markets for the capacity and energy currently committed under the PLR supply contracts with PPL Electric, which expire at the end of 2009. Based on the way in which the wholesale markets have developed to this point, new contracts may be of a shorter duration than the PLR supply contracts, which at inception had terms of approximately nine years.
PPL Energy Supply's contracts for the sale and purchase of electricity and fuel often require cash collateral or other credit enhancement, or reductions or terminations of a portion of the entire contract through cash settlement, in the event of a downgrade of PPL Energy Supply's or its subsidiary's credit ratings or adverse changes in market prices. For example, in addition to limiting its trading ability, if PPL Energy Supply's or its subsidiary's ratings were lowered to below "investment grade" and energy prices increased by 10%, PPL Energy Supply estimates that, based on its December 31, 2006 positions, it would have had to post additional collateral of approximately $387 million, compared with $611 million at December 31, 2005. PPL Energy Supply has in place risk management programs that are designed to monitor and manage its exposure to volatility of cash flows related to changes in energy prices, interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, counterparty credit quality and the operational performance of its generating units.
Investing Activities
The primary use of cash in investing activities is capital expenditures. See "Forecasted Uses of Cash" for detail regarding capital expenditures in 2006 and projected expenditures for the years 2007 through 2011.
Net cash used in investing activities increased 135%, or $724 million, in 2006 compared with 2005. There were a few items that contributed to this increase. Capital expenditures increased $440 million, primarily as a result of the construction of pollution control equipment at coal-fired plants in Pennsylvania, as discussed in Note 15 to the Financial Statements, and $29 million related to the purchase of leased equipment. See Note 11 to the Financial Statements for further discussion of the purchase of leased equipment in connection with the termination of the related master lease agreements. Additionally, there was an increase of $312 million in net purchases of short-term investments, and PPL Energy Supply received $80 million less in proceeds from the sale of power plants in 2006 compared with 2005. The impact of the above items was partially offset by a decrease of $75 million in net purchases of emission allowances.
Although net cash used in investing activities remained stable in 2005 compared with 2004, there were significant changes in the components. PPL Energy Supply received $190 million in proceeds from the sale of the Sundance power plant in 2005, compared to $123 million of proceeds from the sale of PPL Energy Supply's minority interest in CGE in 2004. Additionally, there was an increase of $63 million in net proceeds from sales of short-term investments, an increase of $72 million in capital expenditures and an increase of $63 million in net purchases of emission allowances, in anticipation of future generation.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $315 million in 2006, compared with net cash used in financing activities of $437 million in 2005 and net cash provided by financing activities of $35 million in 2004. The change from 2005 to 2006 primarily reflects increased issuance of long-term debt. In 2006, cash provided by financing activities primarily consisted of net debt issuances of $950 million and $115 million of contributions from Member, partially offset by $712 million in distributions to Member.
Net cash used in financing activities increased by $472 million in 2005 compared with 2004, primarily as a result of the repayment in 2005 of a $495 million note that was issued to an affiliate in 2004 and a decrease of $308 million of contributions from Member, partially offset by an increase of $692 million in net proceeds from non-affiliate debt and a decrease of $132 million in distributions to Member.
See "Forecasted Sources of Cash" for a discussion of PPL Energy Supply's plans to issue debt securities, as well as a discussion of credit facility capacity available to PPL Energy Supply. Also see "Forecasted Uses of Cash" for information regarding maturities of PPL Energy Supply's long-term debt.
PPL Energy Supply's debt financing activity in 2006 was:
| | Issuances | | Retirements |
| | | | | | |
PPL Energy Supply Senior Unsecured Notes | | $ | 997 | | | | | |
PPL Energy Supply Convertible Senior Notes (a) | | | | | | $ | (298 | ) |
PPL Energy Supply Note Payable to Affiliate | | | | | | | (8 | ) |
WPD Senior Unsecured Notes (b)(c) | | | 887 | | | | (450 | ) |
Emel UF denominated Bonds | | | 101 | | | | (103 | ) |
Elfec Bolivian Bonds | | | | | | | (3 | ) |
PPL Energy Supply Commercial Paper (net change) | | | | | | | (100 | ) |
WPD short-term debt (net change) | | | | | | | (73 | ) |
Total | | $ | 1,985 | | | $ | (1,035 | ) |
Net increase | | $ | 950 | | | | | |
(a) | | Convertible Senior Notes in an aggregate principal amount of $298 million were presented for conversion in 2006. The total conversion premium related to these conversions was $121 million, which was settled with 3,448,109 shares of PPL common stock, along with an insignificant amount of cash in lieu of fractional shares. After such conversions, approximately $102 million of Convertible Senior Notes remain outstanding and are eligible for conversion in the first quarter of 2007. See Notes 4 and 8 to the Financial Statements for discussion of the terms of the Convertible Senior Notes and further discussion of the conversions. |
(b) | | Issuance includes $446 million of index-linked notes. |
(c) | | Retirement includes $118 million to settle related cross-currency swaps. |
Long-term debt issued during 2006 had stated interest rates ranging from 1.541% to 7.0% and maturities from 2011 through 2056. See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for more detailed information regarding PPL Energy Supply's financing activities.
Forecasted Sources of Cash
PPL Energy Supply expects to continue to have significant sources of cash available in the near term, including various credit facilities, a commercial paper program, operating leases and contributions from Member. PPL Energy Supply also expects to continue to have access to debt capital markets, as necessary, for its long-term financing needs.
Credit Facilities
At December 31, 2006, PPL Energy Supply's total committed borrowing capacity under credit facilities and the use of this borrowing capacity were:
| | Committed Capacity | | Borrowed | | Letters of Credit Issued (c) | | Available Capacity |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
PPL Energy Supply Credit Facilities (a) | | $ | 2,400 | | | | | | | $ | 320 | | | $ | 2,080 | |
WPD (South West) Credit Facilities (b) | | | 792 | | | | | | | | 3 | | | | 789 | |
Total | | $ | 3,192 | | | | | | | $ | 323 | | | $ | 2,869 | |
(a) | | PPL Energy Supply has the ability to borrow $2.2 billion under its credit facilities. Such borrowings bear interest at LIBOR-based rates plus a spread, depending upon the company's public debt rating. PPL Energy Supply also has the capability to cause the lenders to issue up to $2.4 billion of letters of credit under these facilities, which issuances reduce available borrowing capacity. These credit facilities contain a financial covenant requiring debt to total capitalization to not exceed 65%. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, PPL Energy Supply's consolidated debt to total capitalization percentage, as calculated in accordance with its credit facilities, was 35%. The credit facilities also contain standard representations and warranties that must be made for PPL Energy Supply to borrow under them. |
| | |
(b) | | Borrowings under WPD (South West)'s credit facilities bear interest at LIBOR-based rates plus a spread, depending upon the company's public debt rating. WPD (South West) also has the capability to cause the lenders to issue up to £3 million (approximately $5 million at December 31, 2006) of letters of credit under one of its facilities, which can only be used for letters of credit. These credit facilities contain financial covenants that require WPD (South West) to maintain an interest coverage ratio of not less than 3.0 times consolidated earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization and a regulatory asset base (RAB) at £150 million greater than total gross debt, in each case as calculated in accordance with the credit facilities. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, WPD (South West)'s interest coverage ratios, as calculated in accordance with its credit lines, were 5.3 and 6.0. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, WPD (South West)'s RAB, as calculated in accordance with the credit facilities, exceeded its total gross debt by £247 million and £407 million. |
| | |
(c) | | PPL Energy Supply and WPD (South West) have a reimbursement obligation to the extent any letters of credit are drawn upon. The letters of credit issued as of December 31, 2006, expire as follows: $318 million in 2007 and $5 million in 2008. |
In addition to the financial covenants noted in the table above, these credit agreements contain various other covenants. Failure to meet the covenants beyond applicable grace periods could result in acceleration of due dates of borrowings and/or termination of the agreements. PPL Energy Supply monitors the covenants on a regular basis. At December 31, 2006, PPL Energy Supply was in material compliance with these covenants. At this time, PPL Energy Supply believes that these covenants and other borrowing conditions will not limit access to these funding sources.
During 2007, PPL Energy Supply intends to maintain the existing $3.2 billion of credit facility capacity, which may require the renewal and extension or replacement of certain facilities. In addition, PPL Energy Supply expects to increase its credit facility capacity by up to $1.0 billion in 2007 to support potential collateral requirements under contracts that it expects to enter into in connection with expanding its wholesale marketing and trading business. See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for further discussion of PPL Energy Supply's credit facilities, including the termination and replacement of a £150 million credit facility of WPD (South West) with a new £150 million credit facility at WPDH Limited in January 2007.
Commercial Paper
PPL Energy Supply maintains a commercial paper program for up to $500 million to provide it with an additional financing source to fund its short-term liquidity needs, if and when necessary. Commercial paper issuances are supported by certain credit agreements of PPL Energy Supply. PPL Energy Supply had no commercial paper outstanding at December 31, 2006, and $100 million of commercial paper outstanding at December 31, 2005. During 2007, PPL Energy Supply may issue commercial paper from time to time to facilitate short-term cash flow needs.
Operating Leases
PPL Energy Supply and its subsidiaries also have available funding sources that are provided through operating leases. PPL Energy Supply's subsidiaries lease office space, land, buildings and certain equipment. These leasing structures provide PPL Energy Supply with additional operating and financing flexibility. The operating leases contain covenants that are typical for these agreements, such as maintaining insurance, maintaining corporate existence and timely payment of rent and other fees.
PPL Energy Supply, through its subsidiary PPL Montana, leases a 50% interest in Colstrip Units 1 and 2 and a 30% interest in Unit 3, under four 36-year, non-cancelable operating leases. These operating leases are not recorded on PPL Energy Supply's Balance Sheet, which is in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. The leases place certain restrictions on PPL Montana's ability to incur additional debt, sell assets and declare dividends. At this time, PPL Energy Supply believes that these restrictions will not limit access to these funding sources or cause acceleration or termination of the leases. See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of other dividend restrictions related to PPL Global subsidiaries.
See Note 11 to the Financial Statements for further discussion of the operating leases.
Long-Term Debt Securities and Contributions from Member
Subject to market conditions in 2007, PPL Energy Supply currently plans to issue up to $250 million in long-term debt securities. PPL Energy Supply expects to use the proceeds primarily to fund capital expenditures, to fund maturities of existing debt and for general corporate purposes.
From time to time, as determined by its Board of Directors, PPL Energy Supply's Member, PPL Energy Funding, makes capital contributions to PPL Energy Supply. PPL Energy Supply uses these contributions for general corporate purposes, including funding maturities of existing debt.
Forecasted Uses of Cash
In addition to expenditures required for normal operating activities, such as purchased power, payroll, fuel and taxes, PPL Energy Supply currently expects to incur future cash outflows for capital expenditures, various contractual obligations and distributions to Member.
Capital Expenditures
The table below shows PPL Energy Supply's actual spending for the year 2006 and current capital expenditure projections for the years 2007 through 2011.
| | Actual | | Projected | |
| | 2006 | | 2007 | | 2008 | | 2009 | | 2010 | | 2011 | |
Construction expenditures (a) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Generating facilities | | $ | 275 | | $ | 329 | | $ | 231 | | $ | 294 | | $ | 314 | | $ | 313 | |
Transmission and distribution facilities | | | 339 | | | 317 | | | 329 | | | 337 | | | 342 | | | 351 | |
Environmental | | | 320 | | | 612 | | | 408 | | | 129 | | | 37 | | | 77 | |
Other | | | 25 | | | 41 | | | 26 | | | 27 | | | 26 | | | 26 | |
Total Construction Expenditures | | | 959 | | | 1,299 | | | 994 | | | 787 | | | 719 | | | 767 | |
Nuclear fuel | | | 74 | | | 92 | | | 112 | | | 113 | | | 128 | | | 130 | |
Total Capital Expenditures | | $ | 1,033 | | $ | 1,391 | | $ | 1,106 | | $ | 900 | | $ | 847 | | $ | 897 | |
(a) | | Construction expenditures include capitalized interest, which is expected to be approximately $229 million for the 2007-2011 period. |
PPL Energy Supply's capital expenditure projections for the years 2007-2011 total approximately $5.1 billion. Capital expenditure plans are revised periodically to reflect changes in operational, market and asset regulatory conditions. This table includes projected costs related to the planned 349 MW incremental capacity increases. See Note 15 to the Financial Statements for additional information regarding the installation cost of sulfur dioxide scrubbers and other pollution control equipment, which comprise most of the "Environmental" expenditures noted above.
PPL Energy Supply plans to fund all of its capital expenditures in 2007 with cash on hand, cash from operations, contributions from Member and the issuance of debt securities.
Contractual Obligations
PPL Energy Supply has assumed various financial obligations and commitments in the ordinary course of conducting its business. At December 31, 2006, the estimated contractual cash obligations of PPL Energy Supply were:
Contractual Cash Obligations | | Total | | Less Than 1 Year | | 1-3 Years | | 4-5 Years | | After 5 Years |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Long-term Debt (a) | | $ | 5,381 | | | $ | 270 | | | $ | 233 | | | $ | 551 | | | $ | 4,327 | |
Capital Lease Obligations | | | 16 | | | | 1 | | | | 2 | | | | 2 | | | | 11 | |
Operating Leases | | | 608 | | | | 49 | | | | 101 | | | | 104 | | | | 354 | |
Purchase Obligations (b) | | | 5,433 | | | | 1,322 | | | | 1,693 | | | | 674 | | | | 1,744 | |
Other Long-term Liabilities Reflected on the Balance Sheet under GAAP (c) | | | 13 | | | | | | | | 13 | | | | | | | | | |
Total Contractual Cash Obligations | | $ | 11,451 | | | $ | 1,642 | | | $ | 2,042 | | | $ | 1,331 | | | $ | 6,436 | |
(a) | | Reflects principal maturities only. See Note 4 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of conversion triggers related to PPL Energy Supply's 2.625% Convertible Senior Notes. Also, see Statements of Long-term Debt for a discussion of the remarketing feature related to PPL Energy Supply's 5.70% REset Put Securities. |
(b) | | The payments reflected herein are subject to change, as certain purchase obligations included are estimates based on projected obligated quantities and/or projected pricing under the contracts. Purchase orders made in the ordinary course of business are excluded from the amounts presented. The payments also include obligations related to nuclear fuel and the installation of the scrubbers, which are also reflected in the Capital Expenditures table presented above. |
(c) | | The amounts reflected represent WPD’s contractual deficit pension funding requirements arising from an actuarial valuation performed in March 2004 and do not include pension funding requirements for future service or a contingent funding requirement of $59 million payable by March 31, 2008, if certain conditions are not met by March 31, 2007. The U.K. electricity regulator currently allows a recovery of a substantial portion of the contributions relating to the plan deficit; however, WPD cannot be certain that this will continue beyond the current review period, which extends to March 31, 2010. Based on the current funded status of PPL Energy Supply's U.S. qualified pension plans, no contributions are required. See Note 13 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of expected contributions. |
Distributions to Member
From time to time, as determined by its Board of Managers, PPL Energy Supply makes return of capital distributions to its Member, which uses the distributions for general corporate purposes, including meeting its cash flow needs.
Credit Ratings
Moody's, S&P and Fitch periodically review the credit ratings on the debt and preferred securities of PPL Energy Supply and its subsidiaries. Based on their respective independent reviews, the rating agencies may make certain ratings revisions or ratings affirmations.
A credit rating reflects an assessment by the rating agency of the creditworthiness associated with an issuer and particular securities that it issues. The credit ratings of PPL Energy Supply and its subsidiaries are based on information provided by PPL Energy Supply and other sources. The ratings of Moody's, S&P and Fitch are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any securities of PPL Energy Supply or its subsidiaries. Such ratings may be subject to revisions or withdrawal by the agencies at any time and should be evaluated independently of each other and any other rating that may be assigned to the securities. A downgrade in PPL Energy Supply's or its subsidiaries' credit ratings could result in higher borrowing costs and reduced access to capital markets.
The following table summarizes the credit ratings of PPL Energy Supply and its key subsidiaries at December 31, 2006.
| | Moody's | | S&P | | Fitch (a) |
PPL Energy Supply | | | | | | |
| Issuer Rating | | | | BBB | | BBB |
| Senior Unsecured Notes | | Baa2 | | BBB | | BBB+ |
| Commercial Paper | | P-2 | | A-2 | | F2 |
| Outlook | | STABLE | | STABLE | | STABLE |
| | | | | | | |
PPL Montana | | | | | | |
| Pass-Through Certificates | | Baa3 | | BBB- | | BBB |
| Outlook | | STABLE | | STABLE | | |
| | | | | | | |
WPDH Limited | | | | | | |
| Issuer Rating | | Baa3 | | BBB- | | BBB- |
| Senior Unsecured Debt | | Baa3 | | BBB- | | BBB |
| Short-term Debt | | | | A-3 | | |
| Outlook | | STABLE | | STABLE | | STABLE |
| | | | | | | |
WPD LLP | | | | | | |
| Issuer Rating | | | | BBB- | | BBB |
| Short-term Debt | | | | A-3 | | |
| Preferred Stock (b) | | Baa3 | | BB | | BBB |
| Outlook | | STABLE | | STABLE | | STABLE |
| | | | | | | |
WPD (South Wales) | | | | | | |
| Issuer Rating | | | | BBB+ | | BBB+ |
| Senior Unsecured Debt | | Baa1 | | BBB+ | | A- |
| Short-term Debt | | | | A-2 | | F2 |
| Outlook | | STABLE | | STABLE | | STABLE |
| | | | | | | |
WPD (South West) | | | | | | |
| Issuer Rating | | Baa1 | | BBB+ | | BBB+ |
| Senior Unsecured Debt | | Baa1 | | BBB+ | | A- |
| Short-term Debt | | P-2 | | A-2 | | F2 |
| Outlook | | STABLE | | STABLE | | STABLE |
(a) | | All Issuer Ratings for Fitch are "Issuer Default Ratings." |
(b) | | Securities were redeemed in February 2007. |
The rating agencies took the following actions related to PPL Energy Supply and its key subsidiaries in 2006.
Moody's
In March 2006, Moody's reviewed the credit ratings of PPL Energy Supply and concluded that its ratings remain unchanged.
S&P
In November 2006, S&P completed its annual review of its credit ratings for PPL Energy Supply and PPL Montana. At that time, S&P affirmed its credit ratings and stable outlook for PPL Energy Supply and PPL Montana.
Fitch
In February 2006, Fitch's Europe, Middle East and Africa group implemented Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) based on its new IDR methodology. This implementation led to Fitch's assignment of the following IDRs and Fitch's upgrading of its ratings on the following securities of WPD and its affiliates.
· | WPDH Limited IDR of BBB- and senior unsecured rating to BBB from BBB-; |
· | WPD LLP IDR of BBB, senior unsecured rating to BBB+ from BBB and preferred stock rating to BBB from BBB-; and |
· | WPD (South Wales) and WPD (South West) IDR of BBB+ and senior unsecured debt rating to A- from BBB+. |
In August 2006, Fitch affirmed its credit ratings and stable outlook for PPL Energy Supply.
In November 2006, Fitch affirmed its credit ratings and stable outlook for WPDH Limited, WPD LLP, WPD (South Wales) and WPD (South West).
Ratings Triggers
PPL Energy Supply's 2.625% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 are convertible upon the occurrence of certain events, including if the long-term credit ratings assigned to the notes by Moody's and S&P are lower than BB and Ba2, or either Moody's or S&P no longer rates the notes. The terms of the notes require cash settlement of the principal amount upon conversion of the notes. See Note 4 to the Financial Statements for more information concerning the Convertible Senior Notes.
WPD (South West)'s 1.541% Index-linked Notes due 2053 and 2056 and WPD (South Wales)'s 4.80436% Notes due 2037 may be put by the holders back to the issuer for redemption if the long-term credit ratings assigned to the notes by Moody's, S&P or Fitch are withdrawn by any of the rating agencies or reduced to a non-investment grade rating of Ba1or BB+ in connection with a restructuring event. A restructuring event includes the loss of, or a material adverse change to, the distribution license under which WPD (South West) and WPD (South Wales) operate. These notes totaled $885 million at December 31, 2006.
PPL Energy Supply and its subsidiaries do not have additional material liquidity exposures caused by a ratings downgrade below "investment grade" that would accelerate the due dates of borrowings. However, if PPL Energy Supply's debt ratings had been below investment grade at December 31, 2006, PPL Energy Supply and its subsidiaries would have had to post an additional $128 million of collateral to counterparties.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
PPL Energy Supply provides guarantees for certain consolidated affiliate financing arrangements that enable certain transactions. Some of the guarantees contain financial and other covenants that, if not met, would limit or restrict the consolidated affiliates' access to funds under these financing arrangements, require early maturity of such arrangements or limit the consolidated affiliates' ability to enter into certain transactions. At this time, PPL Energy Supply believes that these covenants will not limit access to the relevant funding sources.
PPL Energy Supply has entered into certain guarantee agreements that are within the scope of FIN 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, an Interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57, and 107 and Rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34." See Note 15 to the Financial Statements for a discussion on guarantees.
Risk Management - Energy Marketing & Trading and Other
Market Risk
Background
Market risk is the potential loss PPL Energy Supply may incur as a result of price changes associated with a particular financial or commodity instrument. PPL Energy Supply is exposed to market risk from:
· | commodity price risk for energy and energy-related products associated with the sale of electricity from its generating assets and other electricity marketing activities, the purchase of fuel for the generating assets and energy trading activities, and the purchase of certain metals necessary for the scrubbers PPL is installing at some of its coal-fired generating stations; |
· | interest rate risk associated with variable-rate debt and the fair value of fixed-rate debt used to finance operations, as well as the fair value of debt securities invested in by PPL Energy Supply's nuclear decommissioning trust funds; |
· | foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with investments in affiliates in Latin America and Europe, as well as purchases of equipment in currencies other than U.S. dollars; and |
· | equity securities price risk associated with the fair value of equity securities invested in by PPL Energy Supply's nuclear decommissioning trust funds. |
PPL Energy Supply has a risk management policy approved by PPL's Board of Directors to manage market risk and counterparty credit risk. (Credit risk is discussed below.) The RMC, comprised of senior management and chaired by the Vice President-Risk Management, oversees the risk management function. Key risk control activities designed to ensure compliance with the risk policy and detailed programs include, but are not limited to, credit review and approval, validation of transactions and market prices, verification of risk and transaction limits, sensitivity analyses, daily portfolio reporting, including open positions, mark-to-market valuations and other risk measurement metrics.
The forward-looking information presented below provides estimates of what may occur in the future, assuming certain adverse market conditions, due to reliance on model assumptions. Actual future results may differ materially from those presented. These disclosures are not precise indicators of expected future losses, but only indicators of reasonably possible losses.
Contract Valuation
PPL Energy Supply utilizes forward contracts, futures contracts, options, swaps and structured deals such as tolling agreements as part of its risk management strategy to minimize unanticipated fluctuations in earnings caused by commodity price, interest rate and foreign currency volatility. When available, quoted market prices are used to determine the fair value of a commodity or financial instrument. This may include exchange prices, quotes obtained from brokers, or an independent valuation by an external source, such as a bank. However, market prices for energy or energy-related contracts may not be readily determinable because of market illiquidity. If no active trading market exists, contract valuations may include the use of internally developed models, which are then reviewed by an independent, internal group. Although PPL Energy Supply believes that its valuation methods are reasonable, changes in the underlying assumptions could result in significantly different values and realization in future periods.
To record energy derivatives at their fair value, PPL Energy Supply discounts the forward values, as appropriate, using the U.S. Utility BBB+ Curve. Additionally, PPL Energy Supply adjusts derivative carrying values to recognize differences in counterparty credit quality and potential market illiquidity for net open positions, as follows:
· | The credit adjustment takes into account the probability of default, as calculated by an independent service, for each counterparty that has a net out-of-the money position with PPL Energy Supply. |
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· | The liquidity adjustment takes into account the fact that PPL Energy Supply might have to accept the "ask" price if it wants to close an open sales position or might have to accept the "bid" price if it wants to close an open purchase position. |
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· | The modeling adjustment takes into account market value for certain contracts when there is no external market to value the contract or when PPL Energy Supply is unable to find independent confirmation of the true market value of the contract. |
Accounting and Reporting
To account for and report on contracts entered into to manage market risk, PPL Energy Supply follows the provisions of SFAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," as amended and interpreted (together, "SFAS 133"); EITF 02-3, "Issues Involved in Accounting for Derivative Contracts Held for Trading Purposes and Contracts Involved in Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities;" and EITF 03-11, "Reporting Realized Gains and Losses on Derivative Instruments That Are Subject to FASB Statement No. 133 and Not 'Held for Trading Purposes' as Defined in Issue No. 02-3." In accordance with SFAS 133, all derivative instruments are recorded at fair value on the balance sheet as an asset or liability (unless they meet SFAS 133's criteria for exclusion), and changes in the derivatives' fair value are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.
In accordance with EITF 02-3, PPL Energy Supply reflects its net realized and unrealized gains and losses associated with all derivatives that are held for trading purposes in the "Net energy trading margins" line on the Statements of Income.
In accordance with EITF 03-11, non-trading bilateral sales of electricity at major market delivery points are netted with purchases that offset the sales at those same delivery points. A major market delivery point is any delivery point with liquid pricing available.
These contracts are recorded as "Price risk management assets" and "Price risk management liabilities" on the Balance Sheets. Short-term derivative contracts are included in "Current Assets" and "Current Liabilities." Long-term derivative contracts are included in "Other Noncurrent Assets" and "Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities."
Accounting Designation
Energy contracts that do not qualify as derivatives receive accrual accounting treatment. For commodity contracts that meet the definition of a derivative, the circumstances and intent existing at the time that energy transactions are entered into determine their accounting designation. In addition to commodity transactions, PPL Energy Supply enters into financial interest rate and foreign currency swap contracts to hedge interest expense and foreign currency risk associated with both existing and anticipated debt issuances. PPL Energy Supply also enters into foreign currency swap contracts to hedge the fair value of firm commitments denominated in foreign currency and net investments in foreign operations. As with commodity transactions, the circumstances and intent existing at the time of the transaction determine a contract's accounting designation. These designations are verified by an independent internal group on a daily basis. See Note 18 to the Financial Statements for a summary of the guidelines used for the designation of derivative energy contracts.
Commodity Price Risk (Non-trading)
Commodity price risk is one of PPL Energy Supply's most significant risks due to the level of investment that PPL Energy Supply maintains in its generation assets, coupled with the volatility of prices for energy and energy-related products. Several factors influence price levels and volatilities. These factors include, but are not limited to, seasonal changes in demand, weather conditions, available generating assets within regions, transportation availability and reliability within and between regions, market liquidity, and the nature and extent of current and potential federal and state regulations.
To hedge the impact of market price fluctuations on PPL Energy Supply's energy-related assets, liabilities and other contractual arrangements, PPL EnergyPlus sells and purchases physical energy at the wholesale level under FERC market-based tariffs throughout the U.S. and enters into financial exchange-traded and over-the-counter contracts. PPL Energy Supply segregates its non-trading activities as either hedge or economic. Transactions that are accounted for as hedge activity qualify for hedge accounting treatment under SFAS 133. The majority of PPL Energy Supply's energy transactions qualify for accrual or hedge accounting. The non-trading economic category includes transactions that address a specific risk, but are not eligible for hedge accounting or hedge accounting is not elected. Included in the non-trading economic category are certain load-following energy obligations and related supply contracts, FTRs, crude oil swaps to hedge rail transportation charges and hedges of synthetic fuel tax credits. Although they do not receive hedge accounting treatment, these contracts are considered non-trading.
Within PPL Energy Supply's non-trading portfolio, the decision to enter into energy contracts is influenced by the expected value of PPL Energy Supply's generation. In determining the number of MWhs that are available to be sold forward, PPL Energy Supply reduces the maximum potential output that a plant may produce by three factors - planned maintenance, unplanned outages and economic conditions. The potential output of a plant is first reduced by the amount of unavailable generation due to planned maintenance on a particular unit. Another reduction, representing the unplanned outage rate, is the amount of MWhs that historically is not produced by a plant due to such factors as equipment breakage. Finally, the potential output of certain plants (such as peaking units) is reduced because their higher cost of production will not allow them to economically run during all hours.
PPL Energy Supply's non-trading portfolio also includes full requirements energy contracts that qualify for accrual accounting. The net obligation to serve these contracts changes minute by minute. Anticipated usage patterns and energy peaks are affected by expected load changes, regional economic drivers and seasonality. PPL Energy Supply analyzes historical on-peak and off-peak usage patterns, expected load changes, regional economic drivers, and weather patterns, among other factors, to determine a monthly level of a block of electricity that best fits the usage patterns in order to minimize earnings volatility. To satisfy its full requirements obligations, PPL Energy Supply may enter into contracts to purchase unbundled products of electricity, capacity, renewable energy credits (RECs) and other ancillary products. Alternatively, PPL Energy Supply may reserve a block amount of generation for full requirements contracts that is expected to be the best match with their anticipated usage patterns and energy peaks.
Besides energy commodities, PPL Energy Supply implemented a program in 2006 to hedge its exposures to changes in market prices of certain metals necessary for the scrubbers PPL Energy Supply is installing at the Brunner Island and Montour generating plants. These contracts qualify for hedge accounting treatment.
PPL Energy Supply's non-trading commodity derivative contracts mature at various times through 2012. The fair value of the non-trading economic contracts that do not qualify for accrual or hedge accounting treatment as of December 31, 2006, including net premiums on options, was $19 million. The following chart sets forth PPL Energy Supply's net fair market value of all non-trading commodity derivative contracts as of December 31.
| | Gains (Losses) |
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
| | | | | | |
Fair value of contracts outstanding at the beginning of the period | | $ | (278 | ) | | $ | (9 | ) |
Contracts realized or otherwise settled during the period | | | 22 | | | | (26 | ) |
Fair value of new contracts at inception | | | (44 | ) | | | 27 | |
Other changes in fair values | | | 189 | | | | (270 | ) |
Fair value of contracts outstanding at the end of the period | | $ | (111 | ) | | $ | (278 | ) |
The following chart segregates estimated fair values of PPL Energy Supply's non-trading commodity derivative contracts at December 31, 2006, based on whether the fair values are determined by quoted market prices or other more subjective means.
| | Fair Value of Contracts at Period-End Gains (Losses) |
| | Maturity Less Than 1 Year | | Maturity 1-3 Years | | Maturity 4-5 Years | | Maturity in Excess of 5 Years | | Total Fair Value |
Source of Fair Value | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Prices actively quoted | | $ | (7 | ) | | $ | 6 | | | $ | 4 | | | | | | | $ | 3 | |
Prices provided by other external sources | | | (33 | ) | | | (177 | ) | | | 9 | | | $ | 1 | | | | (200 | ) |
Prices based on models and other valuation methods | | | 50 | | | | 36 | | | | | | | | | | | | 86 | |
Fair value of contracts outstanding at the end of the period | | $ | 10 | | | $ | (135 | ) | | $ | 13 | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | (111 | ) |
The "Prices actively quoted" category includes the fair value of exchange-traded natural gas futures contracts quoted on the NYMEX, which has quoted prices through 2012.
The "Prices provided by other external sources" category includes PPL Energy Supply's forward positions and options in natural gas and electricity and natural gas basis swaps at points for which over-the-counter (OTC) broker quotes are available.
The "Prices based on models and other valuation methods" category includes the value of transactions for which an internally developed price curve was constructed as a result of the long-dated nature of the transaction or the illiquidity of the market point, or the value of options not quoted by an exchange or OTC broker. This category includes the fair value of transactions completed in auction markets, where contract prices represent the market value for load-following bundled energy prices delivered at illiquid delivery points. The transaction prices associated with the contracts did not equal the wholesale bilateral market prices at inception (Day 1). However, EITF 02-3 does not generally permit Day 1 gains and losses to be recognized unless the fair value is derived principally from observable market inputs. Therefore, PPL Energy Supply recorded a reserve for the modeled Day 1 gain, which is netted against the above fair values.
Because of PPL Energy Supply's efforts to hedge the value of the energy from its generation assets, PPL Energy Supply sells electricity, capacity and related services and buys fuel on a forward basis, resulting in open contractual positions. If PPL Energy Supply were unable to deliver firm capacity and energy or to accept the delivery of fuel under its agreements, under certain circumstances it could be required to pay damages. These damages would be based on the difference between the market price and the contract price of the commodity. Depending on price volatility in the wholesale energy markets, such damages could be significant. Extreme weather conditions, unplanned power plant outages, transmission disruptions, non-performance by counterparties (or their own counterparties) with which it has energy contracts and other factors could affect PPL Energy Supply's ability to meet its obligations, or cause significant increases in the market price of replacement energy. Although PPL Energy Supply attempts to mitigate these risks, there can be no assurance that it will be able to fully meet its firm obligations, that it will not be required to pay damages for failure to perform, or that it will not experience counterparty non-performance in the future.
As of December 31, 2006, PPL Energy Supply estimated that a 10% adverse movement in market prices across all geographic areas and time periods would have decreased the value of the commodity contracts in its non-trading portfolio by approximately $303 million, compared with a decrease of $275 million at December 31, 2005. For purposes of this calculation, an increase in the market price for electricity is considered an adverse movement because PPL Energy Supply's electricity portfolio is generally in a net sales position, and the decrease in the market price for fuel is considered an adverse movement because PPL Energy Supply's commodity fuels portfolio is generally in a net purchase position. PPL Energy Supply enters into those commodity contracts to reduce the market risk inherent in the generation of electricity.
In accordance with its marketing strategy, PPL Energy Supply does not completely hedge its generation output or fuel requirements. PPL Energy Supply estimates that for its entire portfolio, including all generation, emissions and physical and financial energy positions, a 10% adverse change in power prices across all geographic zones and time periods would decrease expected 2007 gross margins by $13 million. Similarly, a 10% adverse movement in all fossil fuel prices would decrease expected 2007 gross margins by $57 million.
The data in the above tables includes the activity for PPL Energy Supply's synthetic fuel tax credit hedges. Additional information regarding these hedges can be found in the "Synthetic Fuel Tax Credit Risk" section below.
Commodity Price Risk (Trading)
PPL Energy Supply also executes energy contracts to take advantage of market opportunities. As a result, PPL Energy Supply may at times create a net open position in its portfolio that could result in significant losses if prices do not move in the manner or direction anticipated. The margins from these trading activities are shown in the Statements of Income as "Net energy trading margins."
PPL Energy Supply's trading contracts mature at various times through 2010. The following chart sets forth PPL Energy Supply's net fair market value of trading contracts as of December 31.
| | Gains (Losses) |
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
| | | | | | |
Fair value of contracts outstanding at the beginning of the period | | $ | 5 | | | $ | 9 | |
Contracts realized or otherwise settled during the period | | | (10 | ) | | | (29 | ) |
Fair value of new contracts at inception | | | (2 | ) | | | 3 | |
Other changes in fair values | | | 48 | | | | 22 | |
Fair value of contracts outstanding at the end of the period | | $ | 41 | | | $ | 5 | |
PPL Energy Supply will reverse a gain of approximately $11 million of the $41 million unrealized trading gains over the first three months of 2007 as the transactions are realized.
The following chart segregates estimated fair values of PPL Energy Supply's trading portfolio at December 31, 2006, based on whether the fair values are determined by quoted market prices or other more subjective means.
| | Fair Value of Contracts at Period-End Gains (Losses) |
| | Maturity Less Than 1 Year | | Maturity 1-3 Years | | Maturity 4-5 Years | | Maturity in Excess of 5 Years | | Total Fair Value |
Source of Fair Value | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Prices actively quoted | | $ | (9 | ) | | $ | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (8 | ) |
Prices provided by other external sources | | | 20 | | | | 2 | | | | | | | | | | | | 22 | |
Prices based on models and other valuation methods | | | 11 | | | | 15 | | | $ | 1 | | | | | | | | 27 | |
Fair value of contracts outstanding at the end of the period | | $ | 22 | | | $ | 18 | | | $ | 1 | | | | | | | $ | 41 | |
See "Commodity Price Risk (Non-trading)" for information on the various sources of fair value.
As of December 31, 2006, PPL Energy Supply estimated that a 10% adverse movement in market prices across all geographic areas and time periods would have decreased the value of the commodity contracts in its trading portfolio by $37 million, compared with a decrease of $23 million at December 31, 2005.
Interest Rate Risk
PPL Energy Supply and its subsidiaries have issued debt to finance their operations which exposes them to interest rate risk. Both PPL and PPL Energy Supply manage interest rate risk for PPL Energy Supply by using various financial derivative products to adjust the mix of fixed and floating interest rates in PPL Energy Supply's debt portfolio, adjust the duration of its debt portfolio and lock in treasury rates (and interest rate spreads over treasuries) in anticipation of future financing, when appropriate. Risk limits under the risk management program are designed to balance risk exposure to volatility in interest expense and changes in the fair value of PPL Energy Supply's debt portfolio due to changes in the absolute level of interest rates.
At December 31, 2006, PPL Energy Supply's potential annual exposure to increased interest expense, based on a 10% increase in interest rates, was $4 million, compared with $2 million at December 31, 2005.
PPL Energy Supply is also exposed to changes in the fair value of its domestic and international debt portfolios. At December 31, 2006, PPL Energy Supply estimated that its potential exposure to a change in the fair value of its debt portfolio, through a 10% adverse movement in interest rates, was $296 million, compared with $151 million at December 31, 2005.
PPL and PPL Energy Supply utilize various risk management instruments to reduce PPL Energy Supply's exposure to the expected future cash flow variability of its debt instruments. These risks include exposure to adverse interest rate movements for outstanding variable rate debt and for future anticipated financing. While PPL Energy Supply is exposed to changes in the fair value of these instruments, any changes in the fair value of these instruments are recorded in equity and then reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the item being hedged affects earnings. At December 31, 2006, PPL Energy Supply had none of these instruments outstanding. At December 31, 2005, PPL Energy Supply estimated that its potential exposure to a change in the fair value of these instruments, through a 10% adverse movement in the hedged exposure, was $2 million.
PPL and PPL Energy Supply also utilize various risk management instruments to adjust the mix of fixed and floating interest rates in PPL Energy Supply's debt portfolio. While PPL Energy Supply is exposed to changes in the fair value of these instruments, any change in market value is recorded with an equal and offsetting change in the value of the debt being hedged. At December 31, 2006, PPL Energy Supply estimated that its potential exposure to a change in the fair value of these instruments, through a 10% adverse movement in interest rates, was $1 million, compared with $2 million at December 31, 2005.
WPDH Limited holds a net position in cross-currency swaps totaling $784 million to hedge the interest payments and principal of its U.S. dollar-denominated bonds with maturity dates ranging from February 2007 to December 2028. The estimated value of this position at December 31, 2006, being the amount PPL Energy Supply would pay to terminate it, including accrued interest, was $205 million. At December 31, 2006, PPL Energy Supply estimated that its potential additional exposure to a change in the market value of these instruments was $115 million for a 10% adverse movement in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. At December 31, 2005, the potential additional exposure for the cross-currency swaps outstanding at that time was $143 million for a 10% adverse movement in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.
Foreign Currency Risk
PPL Energy Supply is exposed to foreign currency risk, primarily through investments in affiliates in the U.K. and Latin America. In addition, PPL Energy Supply may make purchases of equipment in currencies other than U.S. dollars.
PPL and PPL Energy Supply have adopted a foreign currency risk management program designed to hedge certain foreign currency exposures, including firm commitments, recognized assets or liabilities and net investments. In addition, PPL and PPL Energy Supply enter into financial instruments to protect against foreign currency translation risk of expected earnings.
To protect 2007 expected income in Chilean pesos, PPL Energy Supply entered into average rate forwards for 12.4 billion Chilean pesos. The settlement date of these forwards is November 2007. At December 31, 2006, the market value of these positions, representing the amount PPL Energy Supply would receive upon their termination, was not significant. PPL Energy Supply estimated that its potential additional exposure to a change in the market value of these instruments, through a 10% adverse movement in foreign currency exchange rates, was $2 million at December 31, 2006.
PPL Energy Supply has entered into forward contracts to purchase 10.2 million Euros in order to protect against fluctuations in the Euro exchange rate, in connection with the purchase of equipment. The settlement dates of these contracts are January 2007 and January 2008. At December 31, 2006, the market value of these positions, representing the amount PPL Energy Supply would receive upon their termination, was not significant. PPL Energy Supply estimated that its potential additional exposure to a change in the market value of these instruments, through a 10% adverse movement in foreign currency exchange rates, was $1 million at December 31, 2006.
On the Statements of Income, gains and losses associated with hedges of interest payments denominated in foreign currencies are reflected in "Interest Expense." Gains and losses associated with the purchase of equipment are reflected in "Depreciation." Gains and losses associated with net investment hedges remain in accumulated other comprehensive loss, a component of "Member's Equity" on the Balance Sheets, until the investment is sold or substantially liquidated.
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Funds - Securities Price Risk
In connection with certain NRC requirements, PPL Susquehanna maintains trust funds to fund certain costs of decommissioning the Susquehanna nuclear station. As of December 31, 2006, these funds were invested primarily in domestic equity securities and fixed-rate, fixed-income securities and are reflected at fair value on PPL Energy Supply's Balance Sheet. The mix of securities is designed to provide returns to be used to fund Susquehanna's decommissioning and to compensate for inflationary increases in decommissioning costs. However, the equity securities included in the trusts are exposed to price fluctuation in equity markets, and the values of fixed-rate, fixed-income securities are exposed to changes in interest rates. PPL actively monitors the investment performance and periodically reviews asset allocation in accordance with its nuclear decommissioning trust policy statement. At December 31, 2006, a hypothetical 10% increase in interest rates and a 10% decrease in equity prices would have resulted in an estimated $38 million reduction in the fair value of the trust assets, compared with a $33 million reduction at December 31, 2005. See Note 21 to the Financial Statements for more information regarding the nuclear decommissioning trust funds.
Synthetic Fuel Tax Credit Risk
At this time, PPL Energy Supply expects that the current level and the volatility of crude oil prices may reduce the amount of synthetic fuel tax credits that PPL Energy Supply receives through its synthetic fuel production. The tax credits are reduced if the annual average wellhead price of domestic crude oil falls within a phase-out range. The tax credits are eliminated if this reference price exceeds the phase-out range. See "Regulatory Issues - IRS Synthetic Fuels Tax Credits" in Note 15 to the Financial Statements for more information regarding the phase-out of the tax credits and shutdown of synfuel projects.
PPL Energy Supply implemented a risk management strategy to hedge a portion of the variability of cash flows associated with its 2006 and 2007 synthetic fuel tax credits by hedging the risk that the 2006 and 2007 annual average wellhead price for domestic crude oil will be within the phase-out range.
At the end of 2006, PPL Energy Supply settled net purchased options which mitigated some of the reductions in 2006 synthetic fuel tax credits since the annual average wellhead price for 2006 is expected to fall within the applicable phase-out range. Additionally, PPL Energy Supply has net purchased options for 2007 that are expected to mitigate PPL Energy Supply's tax credit phase-out risk due to an increase of the average wellhead price in 2007. These positions did not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. The fair value of these positions at December 31, 2006 and 2005, was a gain of $8 million and $10 million. These amounts are reflected in "Energy-related businesses" revenues on the Statements of Income.
As of December 31, 2006, PPL Energy Supply estimated that a 10% adverse movement in market prices of crude oil would have an immaterial impact on the value of the synthetic fuel hedges. For purposes of this calculation, a decrease in the market price for crude oil is considered an adverse movement.
Credit Risk
Credit risk relates to the risk of loss that PPL Energy Supply would incur as a result of non-performance by counterparties of their contractual obligations. PPL Energy Supply maintains credit policies and procedures with respect to counterparties (including requirements that counterparties maintain certain credit ratings criteria) and requires other assurances in the form of credit support or collateral in certain circumstances in order to limit counterparty credit risk. However, PPL Energy Supply has concentrations of suppliers and customers among electric utilities, natural gas distribution companies and other energy marketing and trading companies. These concentrations of counterparties may impact PPL Energy Supply's overall exposure to credit risk, either positively or negatively, in that counterparties may be similarly affected by changes in economic, regulatory or other conditions. As discussed above in "Contract Valuation," PPL Energy Supply records certain non-performance reserves to reflect the probability that a counterparty with contracts that are out of the money (from the counterparty's standpoint) will default in its performance. In this case, PPL Energy Supply would have to sell into a lower-priced market or purchase from a higher-priced market. These reserves are reflected in the fair value of assets recorded in "Price risk management assets" on the Balance Sheets. PPL Energy Supply also records reserves to reflect the probability that a counterparty will not make payments for deliveries PPL Energy Supply has made but not yet billed. These reserves are reflected in "Unbilled revenues" on the Balance Sheets. PPL Energy Supply also has established a reserve with respect to certain sales to the California ISO for which PPL Energy Supply has not yet been paid, which is reflected in "Accounts receivable" on the Balance Sheets. See Note 15 to the Financial Statements.
Related Party Transactions
PPL Energy Supply is not aware of any material ownership interests or operating responsibility by senior management of PPL Energy Supply in outside partnerships, including leasing transactions with variable interest entities, or other entities doing business with PPL Energy Supply.
For additional information on related party transactions, see Note 16 to the Financial Statements.
Acquisitions, Development and Divestitures
From time to time, PPL Energy Supply and its subsidiaries are involved in negotiations with third parties regarding acquisitions and dispositions of businesses and assets, joint ventures and development projects which may or may not result in definitive agreements. Any such transactions may impact future financial results. See Notes 9 and 10 to the Financial Statements for information regarding recent acquisition, development and divestiture activities.
At December 31, 2006, PPL Global had investments in foreign facilities, including consolidated investments in WPD, Emel, EC and others. See Note 3 to the Financial Statements for information on unconsolidated investments accounted for under the equity method.
In connection with the ongoing review of its non-core international minority ownership investments, PPL Global sold certain minority interests in 2006, 2005 and 2004. See Note 9 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
PPL Energy Supply is currently planning incremental capacity increases of 349 MW at several existing domestic generating facilities. Offsetting this increase is an expected 30 MW reduction in generation capability at each of the Brunner Island and Montour plants, due to the estimated increases in station service usage during the scrubber operation. See Note 15 to the Financial Statements for additional information, as well as information regarding the planned shut down of two 150 MW generating units at PPL Martins Creek in September 2007.
PPL Energy Supply is continuously reexamining development projects based on market conditions and other factors to determine whether to proceed with these projects, sell them, cancel them, expand them, execute tolling agreements or pursue other opportunities.
Environmental Matters
See Note 15 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of environmental matters.
Competition
See "Item 1. Business - Competition" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors" for a discussion of competitive factors affecting PPL Energy Supply.
New Accounting Standards
See Note 23 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of new accounting standards recently adopted or pending adoption.
Application of Critical Accounting Policies
PPL Energy Supply's financial condition and results of operations are impacted by the methods, assumptions and estimates used in the application of critical accounting policies. The following accounting policies are particularly important to the financial condition or results of operations of PPL Energy Supply, and require estimates or other judgments of matters inherently uncertain. Changes in the estimates or other judgments included within these accounting policies could result in a significant change to the information presented in the Financial Statements. (These accounting policies are also discussed in Note 1 to the Financial Statements.) PPL's senior management has reviewed these critical accounting policies, and the estimates and assumptions regarding them, with its Audit Committee. In addition, PPL's senior management has reviewed the following disclosures regarding the application of these critical accounting policies with the Audit Committee.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, "Fair Value Measurements." Among other things, SFAS 157 provides a definition of fair value as well as a framework for measuring fair value. PPL Energy Supply must adopt SFAS 157 no later than January 1, 2008. The adoption of SFAS 157 is expected to impact the fair value component of PPL Energy Supply's critical accounting policies related to "Price Risk Management," "Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits," "Asset Impairment," "Leasing" and "Asset Retirement Obligations." See Note 23 to the Financial Statements for additional information regarding SFAS 157.
1) Price Risk Management
See "Risk Management - Energy Marketing & Trading and Other" in Financial Condition.
2) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
As described in Note 13 to the Financial Statements, PPL Energy Supply subsidiaries sponsor various pension and other postretirement plans and participate in, and are allocated a significant portion of the liability and net periodic pension and other postretirement costs of plans sponsored by PPL Services based on participation in those plans. PPL and PPL Energy Supply follow the guidance of SFAS 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions," and SFAS 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions," when accounting for these pension and other postretirement benefits. In addition, PPL Energy Supply adopted the recognition and measurement date provisions of SFAS 158, "Employers' Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans," effective December 31, 2006. See Note 13 to the Financial Statements for further details. Under these accounting standards, assumptions are made regarding the valuation of benefit obligations and the performance of plan assets. Delayed recognition in earnings of differences between actual results and expected or estimated results is a guiding principle of these standards. This delayed recognition of actual results allows for a smoothed recognition of costs over the working lives of the employees who benefit under the plans. The primary assumptions are:
· | Discount Rate - The discount rate is used in calculating the present value of benefits, which are based on projections of benefit payments to be made in the future. The objective in selecting the discount rate is to measure the single amount that, if invested at the measurement date in a portfolio of high-quality debt instruments, would provide the necessary future cash flows to pay the accumulated benefits when due. |
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· | Expected Return on Plan Assets - Management projects the future return on plan assets considering prior performance, but primarily based upon the plans' mix of assets and expectations for the long-term returns on those asset classes. These projected returns reduce the net benefit costs PPL Energy Supply records currently. |
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· | Rate of Compensation Increase - Management projects employees' annual pay increases, which are used to project employees' pension benefits at retirement. |
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· | Health Care Cost Trend Rate - Management projects the expected increases in the cost of health care. |
In selecting a discount rate for its domestic pension and other postretirement plans, PPL Energy Supply starts with an analysis of the expected benefit payment stream for its plans. This information is first matched against a spot-rate yield curve. A portfolio of over 500 Moody's Aa-graded non-callable (or callable with make-whole provisions) bonds, with a total amount outstanding in excess of $370 billion, serves as the base from which those with the lowest and highest yields are eliminated to develop the ultimate yield curve. The results of this analysis are considered in conjunction with other economic data and consideration of movements in the Moody's Aa bond index to determine the discount rate assumption. At December 31, 2006, PPL Energy Supply increased the discount rate for its domestic pension plans from 5.70% to 5.94% as a result of this assessment and increased the discount rate for its other postretirement benefit plans from 5.55% to 5.79%.
A similar process is used to select the discount rate for the WPD pension plans, which uses an iBoxx British pounds sterling denominated corporate bond index as its base. At December 31, 2006, PPL Energy Supply increased the discount rate for its international pension plans from 4.75% to 5.17% as a result of this assessment.
In selecting an expected return on plan assets, PPL Energy Supply considers tax implications, past performance and economic forecasts for the types of investments held by the plans. At December 31, 2006, PPL Energy Supply's expected return on plan assets was increased from 8.22% to 8.27% for its domestic pension plans. For its international plans, PPL Energy Supply's expected return on plan assets remained at 8.09% at December 31, 2006.
In selecting a rate of compensation increase, PPL Energy Supply considers past experience in light of movements in inflation rates. At December 31, 2006, PPL Energy Supply's rate of compensation increase remained at 4.75% for its domestic plans. For the international plans, the rate of compensation increase was changed to 4.0% from 3.75% at December 31, 2006.
In selecting health care cost trend rates, PPL Energy Supply considers past performance and forecasts of health care costs. At December 31, 2006, the health care cost trend rates were 9.0% for 2007, gradually declining to 5.5% for 2012.
A variance in the assumptions listed above could have a significant impact on accrued pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities, reported annual net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit cost and other comprehensive income (OCI). The following chart reflects the sensitivities in the 2006 financial statements associated with a change in certain assumptions based on PPL's and PPL Energy Supply's primary pension and other postretirement plans. While the chart below reflects either an increase or decrease in each assumption, the inverse of this change would impact the accrued pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities, reported annual net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit cost and OCI by a similar amount in the opposite direction. Each sensitivity below reflects an evaluation of the change based solely on a change in that assumption and does not include income tax effects.
| | Increase (Decrease) |
Actuarial Assumption | | Change in Assumption | | Impact on Liabilities | | Impact on Cost | | Impact on OCI |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Discount Rate | | | (0.25)% | | | $ | 153 | | | $ | 14 | | | $ | 138 | |
Expected Return on Plan Assets | | | (0.25)% | | | | N/A | | | | 8 | | | | (9 | ) |
Rate of Compensation Increase | | | 0.25% | | | | 17 | | | | 3 | | | | 13 | |
Health Care Cost Trend Rate (a) | | | 1.0% | | | | 8 | | | | 1 | | | | 7 | |
(a) | | Only impacts other postretirement benefits. |
The total net pension and other postretirement benefit obligations recognized by PPL Energy Supply, including the impact of adoption of SFAS 158, as of December 31, 2006, were $380 million, including pension other postretirement benefit liabilities allocated from plans sponsored by PPL Services.
In 2006, PPL Energy Supply was allocated and recognized net periodic pension and other postretirement costs charged to operating expenses of $47 million. This amount represents a $22 million increase compared with the amounts recognized during 2005. This increase in expense was partially attributable to PPL's international plans, and increased recognition of prior losses. Increased expense for PPL's domestic pension plans was attributable to updated demographic assumptions, primarily due to updating the mortality table used to measure the obligations and costs.
Refer to Note 13 to the Financial Statements for additional information regarding pension and other postretirement benefits.
3) Asset Impairment
PPL Energy Supply performs impairment analyses for long-lived assets, including intangibles that are subject to depreciation or amortization in accordance with SFAS 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." PPL Energy Supply tests for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a long-lived asset's carrying value may not be recoverable. Examples of such events or changes in circumstances are:
· | a significant decrease in the market price of an asset; |
· | a significant adverse change in the manner in which an asset is being used or in its physical condition; |
· | a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate; |
· | an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or construction of an asset; |
· | a current-period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of losses or a forecast that demonstrates continuing losses; or |
· | a current expectation that, more likely than not, an asset will be sold or otherwise disposed of before the end of its previously estimated useful life. |
For a long-lived asset, an impairment exists when the carrying value exceeds the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If the asset is impaired, an impairment loss is recorded to adjust the asset's carrying value to its estimated fair value.
In determining asset impairments, management must make significant judgments to estimate future cash flows, the useful lives of long-lived assets, the fair value of the assets and management's intent to use the assets. Changes in assumptions and estimates included within the impairment reviews could result in significantly different results than those identified and recorded in the financial statements. For determining fair value, the FASB has indicated that quoted market prices in active markets are the best evidence of fair value. However, when market prices are unavailable, other valuation techniques may be used. PPL Energy Supply has generally used discounted cash flows to estimate fair value. Discounted cash flow is calculated by estimating future cash flow streams and applying appropriate discount rates to determine the present value of the cash flow streams.
PPL Energy Supply has determined that, when alternative courses of action to recover the carrying value of a long-lived asset are being considered, it uses estimated cash flows from the most likely approach to assess impairment whenever one scenario is clearly the most likely outcome. If no scenario is clearly most likely, then a probability-weighted approach is used taking into consideration estimated cash flows from the alternative scenarios. For assets tested for impairment as of the balance sheet date, the estimates of future cash flows used in that test consider the likelihood of possible outcomes that existed at the balance sheet date, including the assessment of the likelihood of the future sale of the assets. That assessment made as of the balance sheet date is not revised based on events that occur after the balance sheet date.
During 2006, PPL Energy Supply and its subsidiaries evaluated certain gas-fired generation assets for impairment, as events and circumstances indicated that the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable. PPL Energy Supply did not record an impairment of these gas-fired generation assets in 2006. For these impairment analyses, the most significant assumption was the estimate of future cash flows. PPL Energy Supply estimates future cash flows using information from its corporate business plan adjusted for any recent sale or purchase commitments. Key factors that impact cash flows include projected prices for electricity and gas as well as firm sale and purchase commitments. A 10% decrease in estimated future cash flows for the gas-fired generation assets would not have resulted in an impairment charge.
In 2006, PPL Energy Supply recorded impairments of certain long-lived assets. See Note 15 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of the impairment of PPL Energy Supply's synfuel projects and Note 9 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of an impairment recorded by PPL Global.
PPL Energy Supply performs impairment analyses for goodwill in accordance with SFAS 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." PPL Energy Supply performs an annual impairment test for goodwill, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.
SFAS 142 requires goodwill to be tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. PPL Energy Supply has determined its reporting units to be one level below its operating segments.
Goodwill is tested for impairment using a two-step approach. The first step of the goodwill impairment test compares the estimated fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, the second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any.
The second step requires a calculation of the implied fair value of goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill in a business combination. That is, the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the estimated fair value of the reporting unit was the price paid to acquire the reporting unit. The excess of the estimated fair value of a reporting unit over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill. The implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill is then compared with the carrying value of that goodwill. If the carrying value exceeds the implied fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The loss recognized cannot exceed the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill.
In 2006, PPL Energy Supply was required to complete the second step of the assessment for its U.K. reporting unit. This assessment did not result in an impairment charge, as the implied fair value of the goodwill exceeded the reporting unit's carrying value of the goodwill. PPL Energy Supply's most significant assumptions surrounding the goodwill impairment tests relate to the estimates of reporting unit fair values. PPL Energy Supply estimated fair values primarily based upon discounted cash flows. For the U.K. reporting unit, an increase of the discount rate by 25 basis points would not have resulted in an impairment of goodwill; however, a 10% reduction in the forecasted cash flows would have resulted in a $68 million impairment of goodwill.
In 2006, no other second-step assessments were required for goodwill in other reporting units. A decrease in the forecasted cash flows of 10% or an increase of the discount rates by 25 basis points also would not have resulted in an impairment of goodwill in other reporting units.
PPL Energy Supply also performs a review of the residual value of leased assets in accordance with SFAS 13, "Accounting for Leases." PPL Energy Supply tests the residual value of these assets annually or more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a leased asset's residual value may have declined. The residual value is defined by SFAS 13 as the estimated fair value of the leased property at the end of the lease term. If the review produces a lower estimate of residual value than was originally recorded, PPL Energy Supply is required to determine whether the decline is other than temporary. If it is other than temporary, the residual value will be revised using the new estimate. This reduction in the residual value will be recognized as a loss in the period in which the estimate was changed. If the review provides a higher estimate of residual value than was originally recorded, no adjustment will be made.
In testing the residual value of leased assets, management must make significant assumptions to estimate: future cash flows; the useful lives of the leased assets; the fair value of the assets; and management's intent to use the assets. Changes in assumptions used in the tests could result in significantly different outcomes than those identified and recorded in the financial statements. PPL Energy Supply used discounted cash flow to determine the estimated fair value of the leased assets at the end of the lease term.
In 2006, PPL Energy Supply and its subsidiaries evaluated the residual value of certain leased assets. This analysis did not indicate any necessary changes to the residual value. PPL Energy Supply's estimate was based on using projections of electric and fuel prices and any firm sale and purchase agreements. An increase of the discount rate by 25 basis points or a 10% reduction in the forecasted cash flows would have resulted in a reduction of the residual value of these leased assets of $1 million and $6 million, if it was determined that the reduction was other than temporary.
4) Leasing
PPL Energy Supply applies the provisions of SFAS 13, "Accounting for Leases," to all leasing transactions. In addition, PPL Energy Supply applies the provisions of numerous other accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB and the EITF that provide specific guidance and additional requirements related to accounting for various leasing arrangements. In general, there are two types of leases from a lessee's perspective: operating leases (leases accounted for off-balance sheet); and capital leases (leases capitalized on the balance sheet).
In accounting for leases, management makes various assumptions, including the discount rate, the fair market value of the leased assets and the estimated useful life, in determining whether a lease should be classified as operating or capital. Changes in these assumptions could result in the difference between whether a lease is determined to be an operating lease or a capital lease, thus significantly impacting the amounts to be recognized in the financial statements.
In addition to uncertainty inherent in management's assumptions, leasing transactions and the related accounting rules become increasingly complex when they involve: real estate and/or related integral equipment; sale/leaseback accounting (leasing transactions where the lessee previously owned the leased assets); synthetic leases (leases that qualify for operating lease treatment for book accounting purposes and financing treatment for tax accounting purposes); and lessee involvement in the construction of leased assets.
At December 31, 2006, PPL Energy Supply continued to participate in a significant sale/leaseback transaction. In July 2000, PPL Montana sold its interest in the Colstrip generating plant to owner lessors who are leasing the assets back to PPL Montana under four 36-year leases. This transaction is accounted for as an operating lease in accordance with current accounting pronouncements related to sale/leaseback arrangements. If for any reason this transaction did not meet the requirements for off-balance sheet operating lease treatment as a sale/leaseback, PPL Energy Supply would have recorded approximately $250 million of additional assets and approximately $305 million of additional liabilities on its balance sheet at December 31, 2006, and would have recorded additional expenses currently estimated at $7 million, after-tax, in 2006.
See Note 11 to the Financial Statements for additional information related to operating leases.
5) Loss Accruals
PPL Energy Supply periodically accrues losses for the estimated impacts of various conditions, situations or circumstances involving uncertain outcomes. PPL Energy Supply's accounting for such events is prescribed by SFAS 5, "Accounting for Contingencies," and other related accounting guidance. SFAS 5 defines a contingency as "an existing condition, situation, or set of circumstances involving uncertainty as to possible gain or loss to an enterprise that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur."
For loss contingencies, the loss must be accrued if (1) information is available that indicates it is "probable" that the loss has been incurred, given the likelihood of the uncertain future events and (2) the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The FASB defines "probable" as cases in which "the future event or events are likely to occur." SFAS 5 does not permit the accrual of contingencies that might result in gains. PPL Energy Supply continuously assesses potential loss contingencies for environmental remediation, litigation claims, income taxes, regulatory penalties and other events.
PPL Energy Supply also has accrued estimated losses on long-term purchase commitments when significant events have occurred. For example, estimated losses were accrued when long-term purchase commitments were assumed under asset acquisition agreements and when PPL Electric's generation business was deregulated. Under regulatory accounting, PPL Electric recorded the above-market cost of energy purchases from NUGs as part of its purchased power costs on an as-incurred basis, since these costs were recovered in regulated rates. When the generation business was deregulated, the estimated loss associated with these long-term purchase commitments to make above-market NUG purchases was recorded because PPL Electric was committed to purchase electricity at above market prices but it could no longer recover these costs in regulated rates. As described below, this loss accrual was transferred to PPL EnergyPlus in the July 1, 2000, corporate realignment. PPL Energy Supply's considers these losses to be similar to an asset impairment or inventory write-downs.
The accounting aspects of estimated loss accruals include: (1) the initial identification and recording of the loss; (2) the determination of triggering events for reducing a recorded loss accrual; and (3) the ongoing assessment as to whether a recorded loss accrual is sufficient. All three of these aspects of accounting for loss accruals require significant judgment by PPL Energy Supply's management.
Initial Identification and Recording of the Loss Accrual
PPL Energy Supply uses its internal expertise and outside experts (such as lawyers, tax specialists and engineers), as necessary, to help estimate the probability that a loss has been incurred and the amount (or range) of the loss.
Significant loss accruals were initially recorded in 2005 and 2006. One involved the accrual of remediation expenses in connection with the ash basin leak at the Martins Creek generating station. Another was the loss accrual related to the PJM billing dispute. Significant judgment was required by PPL's and PPL Energy Supply's management to perform the initial assessment of these contingencies.
· | In August 2005, there was a leak of water containing fly ash from a disposal basin at the Martins Creek plant. This resulted in ash being deposited onto adjacent roadways and fields, and into a nearby creek and the Delaware River. PPL Energy Supply immediately began to work with the Pennsylvania DEP and appropriate agencies and consultants to assess the extent of environmental damage caused by the discharge and to remediate the damage. At that time, PPL Energy Supply had, and still has, no reason to believe that the Martins Creek fly ash leak has caused any danger to human health or any adverse biological impact on the river aquatic life. However, at that time, PPL Energy Supply expected that it would be subject to an enforcement action by the Pennsylvania DEP and that claims may be brought against it by several state agencies and private litigants. PPL Energy Supply's management assessed the contingency in the third quarter of 2005. The ultimate cost of the remediation effort was difficult to estimate due to a number of uncertainties, such as the scope of the project, the impact of weather conditions on the ash recovery effort, and the ultimate outcome of enforcement actions and private litigation. PPL Energy Supply's management concluded, at the time, that $33 million was the best estimate of the cost of the remediation effort. PPL Energy Supply recorded this loss accrual in the third quarter of 2005. See "Ongoing Assessment of Recorded Loss Accruals" for a discussion of the year-end assessments of this contingency. |
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· | In 2004, Exelon Corporation, on behalf of its subsidiary, PECO Energy, Inc. (PECO), filed a complaint against PJM and PPL Electric with the FERC, alleging that PJM had overcharged PECO from April 1998 through May 2003 as a result of an error by PJM. The complaint requested the FERC, among other things, to direct PPL Electric to refund to PJM $39 million, plus interest of $8 million, and for PJM to refund these same amounts to PECO. In April 2005, the FERC issued an Order Establishing Hearing and Settlement Judge Proceedings (the Order). In the Order, the FERC determined that PECO was entitled to reimbursement for the transmission congestion charges that PECO asserted PJM erroneously billed. The FERC ordered settlement discussions, before a judge, to determine the amount of the overcharge to PECO and the parties responsible for reimbursement to PECO. Based on an evaluation of the FERC Order, PPL's management concluded that it was probable that a loss had been incurred in connection with the PJM billing dispute. PPL Electric recorded a loss accrual of $47 million, the amount of PECO's claim, in the first quarter of 2005. In March 2006, the FERC rejected the proposed settlement agreement that was filed with the FERC in September 2005. Subsequently, in March 2006, PPL Electric and Exelon filed with the FERC a new proposed settlement agreement. In November 2006, the FERC entered an order accepting the March 2006 proposed settlement agreement, upon the condition that PPL Electric agree to certain modifications. In December 2006, PPL Electric and Exelon filed with the FERC a modified offer of settlement (Compliance Filing.) Under the Compliance Filing, which must be approved by the FERC, PPL Electric would make a single payment through its monthly PJM bill of $38 million, plus interest through the date of payment, and PJM would include a single credit for this amount in PECO's monthly PJM bill. Through December 31, 2006, the estimated interest on this payment would be $4 million, for a total payment of $42 million. As a result, PPL Electric reduced the recorded loss accrual to $42 million at December 31, 2006. Based on the terms of the Compliance Filing and the effective date and provisions of power supply agreements between PPL Electric and PPL EnergyPlus, PPL has determined that PPL EnergyPlus is responsible for the claims subsequent to July 1, 2000 (totaling $30 million), and that PPL Electric is responsible for claims prior to that date (totaling $12 million). Therefore, PPL EnergyPlus recorded a loss accrual of $30 million at December 31, 2006, for its share of the claims and a corresponding payable to PPL Electric. PPL EnergyPlus recorded $27 million of "Energy purchases" and $3 million of "Interest Expense" on the Statement of Income. PPL Energy Supply's management will continue to assess the loss accrual for this contingency in future periods. |
See Note 15 to the Financial Statements for additional information on both of these contingencies.
PPL Energy Supply has identified certain other events that could give rise to a loss, but that do not meet the conditions for accrual under SFAS 5. SFAS 5 requires disclosure, but not a recording, of potential losses when it is "reasonably possible" that a loss has been incurred. The FASB defines "reasonably possible" as cases in which "the chance of the future event or events occurring is more than remote but less than likely." See Note 15 to the Financial Statements for disclosure of other potential loss contingencies that have not met the criteria for accrual under SFAS 5.
Reducing Recorded Loss Accruals
When an estimated loss is accrued, PPL Energy Supply identifies, where applicable, the triggering events for subsequently reducing the loss accrual. The triggering events generally occur when the contingency has been resolved and the actual loss is incurred, or when the risk of loss has diminished or been eliminated. The following are some of the triggering events that provide for the reduction of certain recorded loss accruals:
· | Certain loss accruals are systematically reduced based on the expiration of contract terms. An example of this is the loss accrual for above-market NUG purchase commitments, which is described below. This loss accrual is being reduced over the lives of the NUG purchase contracts. |
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· | Allowances for excess or obsolete inventory are reduced as the inventory items are pulled from the warehouse shelves and sold as scrap or otherwise disposed. |
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· | Allowances for uncollectible accounts are reduced when accounts are written off after prescribed collection procedures have been exhausted, a better estimate of the allowance is determined or when underlying amounts are ultimately collected. |
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· | Environmental and other litigation contingencies are reduced when the contingency is resolved and PPL Energy Supply makes actual payments, a better estimate of the loss is determined or the loss is no longer considered probable. |
The largest loss accrual on PPL Energy Supply's balance sheet, and the loss accrual that changed most significantly in 2006, was for an impairment of above-market NUG purchase commitments. This loss accrual reflects the estimated difference between the above-market contract terms, under the purchase commitments, and the expected fair value of the electricity to be purchased at the date these contracts were impaired. This loss accrual was originally recorded at $879 million in 1998, when PPL Electric's generation business was deregulated.
When the loss accrual related to NUG purchases was recorded in 1998, PPL Electric established the triggering events for when the loss accrual would be reduced. A schedule was established to reduce the liability based on projected purchases over the lives of the NUG contracts. This loss accrual was transferred to PPL EnergyPlus in the July 1, 2000 corporate realignment. PPL EnergyPlus continues to reduce the above-market NUG liability based on the aforementioned schedule. As PPL EnergyPlus reduces the liability for the above-market NUG purchases, it offsets the actual cost of NUG purchases, thereby bringing the net power purchase expense more in line with expected market prices. The above-market loss accrual was $136 million at December 31, 2006. This loss accrual will be significantly reduced by 2009, when all but one of the NUG contracts expires. The then-remaining NUG contract will expire in 2014.
Ongoing Assessment of Recorded Loss Accruals
PPL Energy Supply reviews its loss accruals on a regular basis to assure that the recorded potential loss exposures are sufficient. This involves ongoing communication and analyses with internal and external legal counsel, engineers, tax specialists, operation management and other parties.
As part of the year-end preparation of its 2005 financial statements, PPL Energy Supply's management re-assessed the loss accrual related to the ash basin leak at Martins Creek, described above under "Initial Identification and Recording of the Loss Accrual." Based on the ongoing remediation efforts and communications with the Pennsylvania DEP and other appropriate agencies, PPL Energy Supply's management concluded that $48 million was the best estimate of the cost of the remediation effort.
In 2006, PPL Energy Supply reduced the estimate of costs to $37 million, primarily due to an insurance claim settlement. This amount represents management's best estimate of the probable loss associated with the Martins Creek ash basin leak. At December 31, 2006, the remaining contingency for this remediation was $9 million. PPL Energy Supply cannot predict the final cost of the remediation, the outcome of the action initiated by the Pennsylvania DEP, the outcome of the natural resource damage assessment, the outcome of the lawsuit brought by the citizens and businesses and the exact nature of any other regulatory or other legal actions that may be initiated against PPL Energy Supply as a result of the disposal basin leak. PPL Energy Supply also cannot predict with certainty the extent of the fines or damages that may be sought in connection with any such actions or the ultimate financial impact on PPL Energy Supply. PPL Energy Supply's management will continue to assess the loss accrual for this contingency in future periods.
Income Tax Uncertainties
Significant management judgment is required in developing PPL Energy Supply's contingencies, or reserves, for income taxes and valuation allowances for deferred tax assets. The ongoing assessment of tax contingencies is intended to result in management's best estimate of the ultimate settled tax position for each tax year. Annual tax provisions include amounts considered sufficient to pay assessments that may result from examination of prior year tax returns by taxing authorities. However, the amount ultimately paid upon resolution of any issues raised by such authorities may differ from the amount accrued. In evaluating the exposure associated with various filing positions, PPL Energy Supply accounts for changes in probable exposures based on management's best estimate of the amount of benefit that should be recognized in the financial statements. An allowance is maintained for the tax contingencies, the balance of which management believes to be adequate. The ongoing assessment of valuation allowances is based on an assessment of whether deferred tax assets will ultimately be realized. Management considers a number of factors in assessing the ultimate realization of deferred tax assets, including forecasts of taxable income in future periods.
In June 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109." PPL Energy Supply adopted FIN 48 effective January 1, 2007. The adoption of FIN 48 alters the methodology PPL Energy Supply currently uses to account for income tax uncertainties. Effective with the adoption of FIN 48, uncertain tax positions are no longer considered to be contingencies assessed in accordance with SFAS 5. See Note 23 to the Financial Statements for a more detailed discussion of FIN 48 and for information regarding the expected impact of adoption.
6) Asset Retirement Obligations
SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," requires legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets to be recognized as a liability in the financial statements. The initial obligation should be measured at the estimated fair value. An equivalent amount should be recorded as an increase in the value of the capitalized asset and allocated to expense over the useful life of the asset. Until the obligation is settled, the liability should be increased, through the recognition of accretion expense in the income statement, for changes in the obligation due to the passage of time.
FIN 47, "Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143," clarifies the term conditional ARO as used in SFAS 143. FIN 47 specifies that a conditional ARO must be recognized when incurred if the fair value of the ARO can be reasonably estimated.
In determining AROs, management must make significant judgments and estimates to calculate fair value. Fair value is developed through consideration of estimated retirement costs in current period dollars, inflated to the anticipated retirement date and then discounted back to the date the ARO was incurred. Changes in assumptions and estimates included within the calculations of the fair value of AROs could result in significantly different results than those identified and recorded in the financial statements. Changes in ARO costs and settlement dates, which affect the carrying value of various AROs and the related assets, are reviewed periodically to ensure that any material changes are incorporated into the latest estimate of the obligations.
At December 31, 2006, PPL Energy Supply had AROs totaling $336 million recorded on the Balance Sheet. Of this amount, $276 million or 82% relates to PPL Energy Supply's nuclear decommissioning ARO. PPL Energy Supply's most significant assumptions surrounding AROs are the forecasted retirement costs, the discount rates and the inflation rates. A variance in the forecasted retirement costs, the discount rates or the inflation rates could have a significant impact on the ARO liabilities.
The following chart reflects the sensitivities related to the nuclear decommissioning ARO liability at PPL Energy Supply as of December 31, 2006, associated with a change in these assumptions at the time of initial recognition. There is no significant change to the annual depreciation expense of the ARO asset or the annual accretion expense of the ARO liability as a result of changing the assumptions. Each sensitivity below reflects an evaluation of the change based solely on a change in that assumption.
| | Change in Assumption | | Impact on ARO Liability |
| | | | |
Retirement Cost | | 10%/(10)% | | $25/$(25) |
Discount Rate | | 0.25%/(0.25)% | | $(26)/$29 |
Inflation Rate | | 0.25%/(0.25)% | | $32/$(29) |
Other Information
PPL's Audit Committee has approved the independent auditor to provide audit and audit-related services and other services permitted by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and SEC rules. The audit and audit-related services include services in connection with statutory and regulatory filings, reviews of offering documents and registration statements, and internal control reviews. See "Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services" for more information.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareowners of PPL Corporation
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and statement of long-term debt of PPL Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareowners’ common equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for the year then ended. Our audit also included the financial statement schedule for the year ended December 31, 2006 listed in the accompanying index. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of PPL Corporation and subsidiaries at December 31, 2006, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2006, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule for the year ended December 31, 2006, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
As discussed in Note 23 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted FASB Statement No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, effective December 31, 2006.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of PPL Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 26, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 26, 2007, except for Note 10,
as to which the date is June 20, 2007
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareowners of PPL Corporation
We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, that PPL Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). PPL Corporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, management’s assessment that PPL Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the COSO criteria. Also, in our opinion, PPL Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet and statement of long-term debt as of December 31, 2006 and the related consolidated statements of income, shareowners' common equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for the year then ended of PPL Corporation and our report dated February 26, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 26, 2007
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareowners of PPL Corporation:
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of PPL Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) at December 31, 2005, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2005 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule "Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves" for the two years ended December 31, 2005, listed in the accompanying index presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit of financial statements includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
As discussed in Note 21 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted FIN No. 47, Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations, in 2005.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 24, 2006, except for Note 10, "Sale of Interest in Griffith Plant" section, which is as of December 13, 2006 and
Note 10, "Anticipated Sale of Latin American Businesses" section, which is as of June 20, 2007
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Managers and Sole Member of PPL Energy Supply, LLC
We have audited the consolidated balance sheet and statement of long-term debt of PPL Energy Supply, LLC and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, member's equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for the year then ended. Our audit also included the financial statement schedule for the year ended December 31, 2006 listed in the accompanying index. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of PPL Energy Supply, LLC and subsidiaries at December 31, 2006, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2006, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule for the year ended December 31, 2006, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
As discussed in Note 23 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted FASB Statement No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, effective December 31, 2006.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 26, 2007, except for Note 10,
as to which the date is June 20, 2007
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Managers and Sole Member of PPL Energy Supply, LLC:
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of PPL Energy Supply, LLC and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) at December 31, 2005, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2005 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule, "Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves" for the two years ended December 31, 2005, listed in the accompanying index presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
As discussed in Note 21 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted FIN No. 47, Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations, in 2005.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 24, 2006, except for Note 10, "Sale of Interest in Griffith Plant" section, which is as of December 13, 2006 and
Note 10, "Anticipated Sale of Latin American Businesses" section, which is as of June 20, 2007
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
| PPL Corporation | | |
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| PPL Energy Supply, LLC | | |
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| 72 | |
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FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES | | |
| | 133 | |
| | 134 | |
| | 135 | |
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, |
PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries |
(Millions of Dollars, except per share data) |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
Operating Revenues | | | | | | | | | |
Utility | | $ | 4,069 | | | $ | 3,916 | | | $ | 3,551 | |
Unregulated retail electric | | | 91 | | | | 101 | | | | 114 | |
Wholesale energy marketing | | | 1,532 | | | | 1,091 | | | | 1,184 | |
Net energy trading margins | | | 35 | | | | 32 | | | | 21 | |
Energy-related businesses | | | 618 | | | | 586 | | | | 499 | |
Total | | | 6,345 | | | | 5,726 | | | | 5,369 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating Expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operation | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fuel | | | 909 | | | | 914 | | | | 755 | |
Energy purchases | | | 973 | | | | 627 | | | | 666 | |
Other operation and maintenance | | | 1,311 | | | | 1,318 | | | | 1,166 | |
Amortization of recoverable transition costs | | | 282 | | | | 268 | | | | 257 | |
Depreciation (Note 1) | | | 427 | | | | 396 | | | | 381 | |
Taxes, other than income (Note 5) | | | 281 | | | | 278 | | | | 248 | |
Energy-related businesses | | | 639 | | | | 636 | | | | 541 | |
Total | | | 4,822 | | | | 4,437 | | | | 4,014 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating Income | | | 1,523 | | | | 1,289 | | | | 1,355 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other Income - net (Note 17) | | | 62 | | | | 24 | | | | 32 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest Expense | | | 452 | | | | 480 | | | | 491 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes, Minority Interest and Dividends on Preferred Securities of a Subsidiary | | | 1,133 | | | | 833 | | | | 896 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income Taxes (Note 5) | | | 273 | | | | 127 | | | | 206 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Minority Interest | | | 3 | | | | 2 | | | | 2 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends on Preferred Securities of a Subsidiary (Notes 7 and 8) | | | 14 | | | | 2 | | | | 2 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from Continuing Operations | | | 843 | | | | 702 | | | | 686 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations (net of income taxes) (Note 10) | | | 22 | | | | (16 | ) | | | 12 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income Before Cumulative Effect of a Change in Accounting Principle | | | 865 | | | | 686 | | | | 698 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cumulative Effect of a Change in Accounting Principle (net of income taxes) (Note 21) | | | | | | | (8 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Income | | $ | 865 | | | $ | 678 | | | $ | 698 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock (Note 4) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from Continuing Operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | $ | 2.21 | | | $ | 1.85 | | | $ | 1.86 | |
Diluted | | $ | 2.18 | | | $ | 1.83 | | | $ | 1.85 | |
Net Income: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | $ | 2.27 | | | $ | 1.79 | | | $ | 1.89 | |
Diluted | | $ | 2.24 | | | $ | 1.77 | | | $ | 1.89 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends Declared Per Share of Common Stock | | $ | 1.10 | | | $ | 0.96 | | | $ | 0.82 | |
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements. |
|
PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries |
(Millions of Dollars) |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
Cash Flows from Operating Activities | | | | | | | | | |
Net income | | $ | 865 | | | $ | 678 | | | $ | 698 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle | | | | | | | 8 | | | | | |
Pre-tax loss from the sale of the Sundance plant | | | | | | | 72 | | | | | |
Pre-tax loss from the sale of interest in Griffith plant | | | 39 | | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation | | | 446 | | | | 423 | | | | 412 | |
Stock compensation expense | | | 24 | | | | 32 | | | | 12 | |
Amortizations - recoverable transition costs and other | | | 309 | | | | 298 | | | | 279 | |
Pension expense (income) - net | | | 54 | | | | 26 | | | | (24 | ) |
Pension funding | | | (169 | ) | | | (67 | ) | | | (10 | ) |
Realization of benefits related to Black Lung Trust assets | | | (36 | ) | | | | | | | | |
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits | | | (25 | ) | | | (66 | ) | | | 155 | |
Accrual for remediation of ash basin leak | | | (11 | ) | | | 32 | | | | | |
Other | | | 70 | | | | 60 | | | | 26 | |
Change in current assets and current liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts receivable | | | (31 | ) | | | (93 | ) | | | 109 | |
Accounts payable | | | 116 | | | | 141 | | | | (49 | ) |
Fuel, materials and supplies | | | (31 | ) | | | (38 | ) | | | (52 | ) |
Other | | | 107 | | | | (101 | ) | | | 3 | |
Other operating activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other assets | | | 17 | | | | 18 | | | | (4 | ) |
Other liabilities | | | 14 | | | | (35 | ) | | | (58 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash provided by operating activities | | | 1,758 | | | | 1,388 | | | | 1,497 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash Flows from Investing Activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment | | | (1,394 | ) | | | (811 | ) | | | (734 | ) |
Proceeds from the sale of the Sundance plant | | | | | | | 190 | | | | | |
Proceeds from the sale of interest in Griffith plant | | | 110 | | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from the sale of minority interest in CGE | | | | | | | | | | | 123 | |
Purchases of emission allowances | | | (76 | ) | | | (169 | ) | | | (109 | ) |
Proceeds from the sale of emission allowances | | | 46 | | | | 64 | | | | 67 | |
Purchases of nuclear decommissioning trust investments | | | (227 | ) | | | (239 | ) | | | (134 | ) |
Proceeds from the sale of nuclear decommissioning trust investments | | | 211 | | | | 223 | | | | 113 | |
Purchases of short-term investments | | | (696 | ) | | | (116 | ) | | | (130 | ) |
Proceeds from the sale of short-term investments | | | 400 | | | | 118 | | | | 74 | |
Net increase in restricted cash | | | (12 | ) | | | (34 | ) | | | (48 | ) |
Other investing activities | | | 21 | | | | (5 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | (1,617 | ) | | | (779 | ) | | | (778 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash Flows from Financing Activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Issuance of long-term debt | | | 1,985 | | | | 737 | | | | 322 | |
Retirement of long-term debt | | | (1,535 | ) | | | (1,261 | ) | | | (1,171 | ) |
Issuance of preference stock, net of issuance costs | | | 245 | | | | | | | | | |
Issuance of common stock | | | 21 | | | | 37 | | | | 596 | |
Payment of common stock dividends | | | (409 | ) | | | (347 | ) | | | (297 | ) |
Net (decrease) increase in short-term debt | | | (173 | ) | | | 184 | | | | (14 | ) |
Other financing activities | | | (39 | ) | | | (26 | ) | | | (14 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | | | 95 | | | | (676 | ) | | | (578 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents | | | 3 | | | | 6 | | | | 9 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents | | | 239 | | | | (61 | ) | | | 150 | |
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period | | | 555 | | | | 616 | | | | 466 | |
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period | | $ | 794 | | | $ | 555 | | | $ | 616 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash paid during the period for: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest | | $ | 449 | | | $ | 466 | | | $ | 488 | |
Income taxes - net | | $ | 270 | | | $ | 149 | | | $ | 14 | |
|
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements. |
|
PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries |
(Millions of Dollars) |
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
Assets | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Current Assets | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 794 | | | $ | 555 | |
Short-term investments | | | 359 | | | | 63 | |
Restricted cash (Note 19) | | | 102 | | | | 93 | |
Accounts receivable (less reserve: 2006, $50; 2005, $87) | | | 591 | | | | 544 | |
Unbilled revenues | | | 469 | | | | 479 | |
Fuel, materials and supplies (Note 1) | | | 378 | | | | 346 | |
Prepayments | | | 79 | | | | 53 | |
Deferred income taxes (Note 5) | | | 162 | | | | 192 | |
Price risk management assets (Note 18) | | | 551 | | | | 488 | |
Other acquired intangibles (Note 20) | | | 124 | | | | 46 | |
Other | | | 21 | | | | 47 | |
Total Current Assets | | | 3,630 | | | | 2,906 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Investments | | | | | | | | |
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates - at equity (Note 3) | | | 47 | | | | 56 | |
Nuclear plant decommissioning trust funds (Note 21) | | | 510 | | | | 444 | |
Other | | | 7 | | | | 8 | |
Total Investments | | | 564 | | | | 508 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Property, Plant and Equipment (Note 1) | | | | | | | | |
Electric plant in service | | | | | | | | |
Transmission and distribution | | | 8,836 | | | | 7,984 | |
Generation | | | 8,744 | | | | 8,761 | |
General | | | 779 | | | | 646 | |
| | | 18,359 | | | | 17,391 | |
Construction work in progress | | | 682 | | | | 259 | |
Nuclear fuel | | | 354 | | | | 327 | |
Electric plant | | | 19,395 | | | | 17,977 | |
Gas and oil plant | | | 373 | | | | 349 | |
Other property | | | 311 | | | | 289 | |
| | | 20,079 | | | | 18,615 | |
Less: accumulated depreciation | | | 8,010 | | | | 7,699 | |
Total Property, Plant and Equipment | | | 12,069 | | | | 10,916 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Assets (Note 1) | | | | | | | | |
Recoverable transition costs | | | 884 | | | | 1,165 | |
Goodwill (Note 20) | | | 1,154 | | | | 1,070 | |
Other acquired intangibles (Note 20) | | | 367 | | | | 416 | |
Price risk management assets (Note 18) | | | 144 | | | | 84 | |
Other | | | 935 | | | | 861 | |
Total Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Assets | | | 3,484 | | | | 3,596 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Assets | | $ | 19,747 | | | $ | 17,926 | |
|
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements. |
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AT DECEMBER 31, |
PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries |
(Millions of Dollars) |
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
Liabilities and Equity | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Current Liabilities | | | | | | | | |
Short-term debt (Note 8) | | $ | 42 | | | $ | 214 | |
Long-term debt | | | 1,018 | | | | 1,126 | |
Long-term debt with affiliate trust (Notes 8, 16 and 22) | | | 89 | | | | | |
Accounts payable | | | 667 | | | | 542 | |
Above market NUG contracts (Note 15) | | | 65 | | | | 70 | |
Taxes | | | 194 | | | | 168 | |
Interest | | | 109 | | | | 112 | |
Dividends | | | 111 | | | | 96 | |
Price risk management liabilities (Note 18) | | | 550 | | | | 533 | |
Other | | | 503 | | | | 493 | |
Total Current Liabilities | | | 3,348 | | | | 3,354 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Long-term Debt | | | 6,728 | | | | 5,955 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Long-term Debt with Affiliate Trust (Notes 8, 16 and 22) | | | | | | | 89 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities | | | | | | | | |
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits (Note 5) | | | 2,331 | | | | 2,197 | |
Price risk management liabilities (Note 18) | | | 459 | | | | 541 | |
Accrued pension obligations (Note 13) | | | 364 | | | | 374 | |
Asset retirement obligations (Note 21) | | | 336 | | | | 298 | |
Above market NUG contracts (Note 15) | | | 71 | | | | 136 | |
Other | | | 627 | | | | 457 | |
Total Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities | | | 4,188 | | | | 4,003 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Note 15) | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Minority Interest | | | 60 | | | | 56 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Preferred Securities of a Subsidiary (Note 7) | | | 301 | | | | 51 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Shareowners' Common Equity | | | | | | | | |
Common stock - $0.01 par value (a) | | | 4 | | | | 4 | |
Capital in excess of par value (b) | | | 2,810 | | | | 3,602 | |
Treasury stock (a) (b) | | | | | | | (838 | ) |
Earnings reinvested | | | 2,626 | | | | 2,182 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 1) | | | (318 | ) | | | (532 | ) |
Total Shareowners' Common Equity | | | 5,122 | | | | 4,418 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Liabilities and Equity | | $ | 19,747 | | | $ | 17,926 | |
(a) | | 780 million shares authorized; 385 million shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2006, and 380 million shares issued and outstanding, excluding 62 million shares held as treasury stock, at December 31, 2005. |
(b) | | See Note 1 for additional information on the retirement of all treasury stock in 2006. |
|
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements. |
|
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, |
PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries |
(Millions of Dollars, except per share amounts) |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
| | | | | | | | | |
Common stock at beginning of year | | $ | 4 | | | $ | 2 | | | $ | 2 | |
Common stock split | | | | | | | 2 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common stock at end of year | | | 4 | | | | 4 | | | | 2 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Capital in excess of par value at beginning of year | | | 3,602 | | | | 3,528 | | | | 2,913 | |
Common stock split | | | | | | | (2 | ) | | | | |
Retirement of treasury stock | | | (839 | ) | | | | | | | | |
Common stock issued | | | 26 | | | | 42 | | | | 596 | |
Stock-based compensation | | | 22 | | | | 32 | | | | 12 | |
Other | | | (1 | ) | | | 2 | | | | 7 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Capital in excess of par value at end of year | | | 2,810 | | | | 3,602 | | | | 3,528 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Treasury stock at beginning of year | | | (838 | ) | | | (838 | ) | | | (837 | ) |
Treasury stock purchased | | | (1 | ) | | | | | | | (1 | ) |
Retirement of treasury stock | | | 839 | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Treasury stock at end of year | | | | | | | (838 | ) | | | (838 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Earnings reinvested at beginning of year | | | 2,182 | | | | 1,870 | | | | 1,478 | |
Net income | | | 865 | | | | 678 | | | | 698 | |
Dividends and dividend equivalents declared on common stock and restricted stock units | | | (421 | ) | | | (366 | ) | | | (306 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Earnings reinvested at end of year | | | 2,626 | | | | 2,182 | | | | 1,870 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at beginning of year (c) | | | (532 | ) | | | (323 | ) | | | (297 | ) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) (b) | | | 414 | | | | (209 | ) | | | (26 | ) |
Adjustment to initially apply SFAS 158, net of tax benefit of $103 (Note 13) | | | (200 | ) | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of year | | | (318 | ) | | | (532 | ) | | | (323 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Shareowners' Common Equity | | $ | 5,122 | | | $ | 4,418 | | | $ | 4,239 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common stock shares outstanding at beginning of year (a) | | | 380,145 | | | | 378,143 | | | | 354,723 | |
Common stock shares issued through the ICP, ICPKE, PEPS Units conversion, 2.625% Convertible Senior Notes and directors retirement plan, net of forfeitures | | | 4,955 | | | | 2,024 | | | | 23,473 | |
Treasury stock shares purchased | | | (61 | ) | | | (22 | ) | | | (53 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common stock shares outstanding at end of year | | | 385,039 | | | | 380,145 | | | | 378,143 | |
(a) | | Shares in thousands. Each share entitles the holder to one vote on any question presented to any shareowners' meeting. |
(b) | | Statement of Comprehensive Income (Note 1): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Net income | | $ | 865 | | | $ | 678 | | | $ | 698 | |
| | Other comprehensive income (loss): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Foreign currency translation adjustments | | | 155 | | | | (53 | ) | | | 110 | |
| | Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax expense of $33, $5, $18 | | | 10 | | | | 8 | | | | 20 | |
| | Additional minimum pension liability adjustments, net of tax expense (benefit) of $26, $8, $(24) | | | 54 | | | | 19 | | | | (52 | ) |
| | Net unrealized gains (losses) on qualifying derivatives, net of tax expense (benefit) of $124, $(115), $(60) | | | 195 | | | | (183 | ) | | | (104 | ) |
| | Total other comprehensive income (loss) | | | 414 | | | | (209 | ) | | | (26 | ) |
| | Comprehensive Income | | $ | 1,279 | | | $ | 469 | | | $ | 672 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
(c) | | See Note 1 for disclosure of balances for each component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss. |
|
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements. |
|
PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries |
(Millions of Dollars) |
| | Outstanding | | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | Maturity (a) |
| | | | | | | | | |
U.S. | | | | | | | | | | | |
6.84% - 8.375% Medium-term Notes | | $ | 283 | | | | $ | 283 | | | 2007 |
Senior Floating Rate Notes (b) | | | | | | | | 99 | | | 2006 |
7.29% Subordinated Notes | | | | | | | | 148 | | | 2006 |
4.33% - 7.0% Senior Unsecured Notes | | | 2,301 | | (k)(l) | | | 1,301 | | | 2009-2046 |
2.625% Convertible Senior Notes (c) | | | 102 | | | | | 400 | | | 2023 |
8.05% - 8.30% Senior Secured Notes (d) | | | 437 | | | | | 437 | | | 2013 |
8.70% Unsecured Promissory Notes | | | 10 | | | | | 10 | | | 2022 |
6.55% - 7.7% First Mortgage Bonds (e) | | | 10 | | | | | 156 | | | 2006-2014 |
4.30% - 6-1/4% Senior Secured Bonds (e) | | | 1,041 | | | | | 1,041 | | | 2007-2020 |
3.125% - 4.75% Senior Secured Bonds (Pollution Control Series) (f) | | | 314 | | | | | 314 | | | 2008-2029 |
7.05% - 7.15% Series 1999-1 Transition Bonds | | | 605 | | | | | 892 | | | 2006-2008 |
Floating Rate Pollution Control Revenue Bonds (g) | | | 9 | | | | | 9 | | | 2027 |
| | | 5,112 | | | | | 5,090 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
U.K. | | | | | | | | | | | |
4.80436% - 9.25% Senior Unsecured Notes (h) | | | 1,987 | | (m)(n) | | | 1,784 | | | 2006-2037 |
1.541% Index-linked Senior Unsecured Notes (h)(i) | | | 443 | | (o) | | | | | | 2053-2056 |
| | | 2,430 | | | | | 1,784 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Latin America | | | | | | | | | | | |
3.75% - 9.0 % Inflation-linked Debt | | | 205 | | (m)(p) | | | 204 | | | 2006-2027 |
4.00% - 8.57% Other | | | 18 | | | | | 22 | | | 2006-2011 |
| | | 223 | | | | | 226 | | | |
| | | 7,765 | | | | | 7,100 | | | |
Fair value adjustments from hedging activities | | | (9 | ) | | | | (15 | ) | | |
Unamortized premium | | | 12 | | | | | 13 | | | |
Unamortized discount | | | (22 | ) | | | | (17 | ) | | |
| | | 7,746 | | | | | 7,081 | | | |
Less amount due within one year | | | (1,018 | ) | | | | (1,126 | ) | | |
Total Long-term Debt | | $ | 6,728 | | | | $ | 5,955 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Long-term Debt with Affiliate Trust: | | | | | | | | | | | |
8.23% Subordinated Debentures (j) | | $ | 89 | | | | $ | 89 | | | 2027 |
Less amount due within one year | | | (89 | ) | | | | | | | |
Total Long-term Debt with Affiliate Trust | | $ | | | | | $ | 89 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
See Note 8 for information on debt issuances, debt retirements and other changes in long-term debt. |
(a) | | Aggregate maturities of long-term debt, including long-term debt with affiliate trust, are (millions of dollars): 2007, $1,107; 2008, $624; 2009, $691; 2010, $12; 2011, $539; and $4,881 thereafter. There are no debt securities outstanding that have sinking fund requirements. |
(b) | | Rate at December 31, 2005, was 5.42%. |
(c) | | The Convertible Senior Notes may be redeemed beginning on May 20, 2008. Additionally, the holders have the right to require PPL Energy Supply to purchase the notes at par value on every fifth anniversary of the issuance, with such first date being May 15, 2008. See Notes 4 and 8 for a discussion of conversion terms. |
(d) | | Represents lease financing consolidated through a variable interest entity. See Note 22 for additional information. |
(e) | | The First Mortgage Bonds were issued under, and are secured by, the lien of the 1945 First Mortgage Bond Indenture. The lien of the 1945 First Mortgage Bond Indenture covers substantially all electric distribution plant and certain transmission plant owned by PPL Electric. The Senior Secured Bonds were issued under the 2001 Senior Secured Bond Indenture. The Senior Secured Bonds are secured by (i) an equal principal amount of First Mortgage Bonds issued under the 1945 First Mortgage Bond Indenture and (ii) the lien of the 2001 Senior Secured Bond Indenture, which covers substantially all electric distribution plant and certain transmission plant owned by PPL Electric and which is junior to the lien of the 1945 First Mortgage Bond Indenture. |
(f) | | PPL Electric issued a series of its Senior Secured Bonds to secure its obligations to make payments with respect to each series of Pollution Control Bonds that were issued by the Lehigh County Industrial Development Authority (LCIDA) on behalf of PPL Electric. These Senior Secured Bonds were issued in the same principal amount and bear the same interest rate as such Pollution Control Bonds. These Senior Secured Bonds were issued under the 2001 Senior Secured Bond Indenture and are secured as noted in (e) above. $224 million of these Senior Secured Bonds may be redeemed at par beginning in 2015. |
(g) | | Rate was 3.97% at December 31, 2006, and 3.58% at December 31, 2005. |
(h) | | Although financial information of foreign subsidiaries is recorded on a one-month lag, WPD's December 2006 bond issuances and bond retirement are reflected in the 2006 Financial Statements due to the materiality of these transactions. See Note 8 for further discussion. |
(i) | | The principal amount of these notes is adjusted on a semi-annual basis based on changes in a specified index, as detailed in the terms of the related indentures. |
(j) | | Represents debt with a wholly-owned trust that was deconsolidated effective December 31, 2003. See Note 22 for further discussion. See Note 8 for a discussion of the redemption of these debentures in February 2007. |
(k) | | Includes $300 million of 5.70% REset Put Securities due 2035 (REPSSM). The REPS bear interest at a rate of 5.70% per annum to, but excluding, October 15, 2015 (Remarketing Date). The REPS are required to be put by existing holders on the Remarketing Date either for (a) purchase and remarketing by a designated remarketing dealer, or (b) repurchase by PPL Energy Supply. If the remarketing dealer elects to purchase the REPS for remarketing, it will purchase the REPS at 100% of the principal amount, and the REPS will bear interest on and after the Remarketing Date at a new fixed rate per annum determined in the remarketing. PPL Energy Supply has the right to terminate the remarketing process. If the remarketing is terminated at the option of PPL Energy Supply, or under certain other circumstances, including the occurrence of an event of default by PPL Energy Supply under the related indenture or a failed remarketing for certain specified reasons, PPL Energy Supply will be required to pay the remarketing dealer a settlement amount as calculated in accordance with the related remarketing agreement. |
(l) | | Includes $250 million of notes that may be redeemed at par beginning in July 2011. |
(m) | | Increase is due to or partially due to an increase in foreign currency exchange rates. |
(n) | | Includes $443 million of notes that may be redeemed, in total but not in part, on December 21, 2026, at the greater of the principal value or a value determined by reference to the gross redemption yield on a nominated U.K. government bond. Additionally, the $443 million of such notes may be put by the holders back to the issuer for redemption if the long-term credit ratings assigned to the notes by Moody's, S&P or Fitch are withdrawn by any of the rating agencies or reduced to a non-investment grade rating of Ba1 or BB+ in connection with a restructuring event. A restructuring event includes the loss of, or a material adverse change to, the distribution license under which the issuer operates. |
(o) | | These notes may be redeemed, in total by series, on December 1, 2026, at the greater of the adjusted principal value and a make-whole value determined by reference to the gross real yield on a nominated U.K. government bond. Additionally, these notes may be put by the holders back to the issuer for redemption if the long-term credit ratings assigned to the notes by Moody's, S&P or Fitch are withdrawn by any of the rating agencies or reduced to a non-investment grade rating of Ba1 or BB+ in connection with a restructuring event. A restructuring event includes the loss of, or a material adverse change to, the distribution license under which the issuer operates. |
(p) | | Includes $87 million of debt that may be redeemed at par beginning in 2008, $35 million of debt that may be redeemed at par beginning in 2009 and $70 million of debt that may be redeemed at a specified calculated value beginning in 2014. |
|
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements. |
(THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY.)
|
PPL Energy Supply, LLC and Subsidiaries |
(Millions of Dollars) |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
Operating Revenues | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Wholesale energy marketing | | $ | 1,532 | | | $ | 1,091 | | | $ | 1,184 | |
Wholesale energy marketing to affiliate (Note 16) | | | 1,708 | | | | 1,590 | | | | 1,500 | |
Utility | | | 756 | | | | 717 | | | | 683 | |
Unregulated retail electric | | | 91 | | | | 101 | | | | 114 | |
Net energy trading margins | | | 35 | | | | 32 | | | | 21 | |
Energy-related businesses | | | 596 | | | | 557 | | | | 479 | |
Total | | | 4,718 | | | | 4,088 | | | | 3,981 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating Expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operation | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fuel | | | 763 | | | | 796 | | | | 649 | |
Energy purchases | | | 798 | | | | 371 | | | | 459 | |
Energy purchases from affiliate (Note 16) | | | 157 | | | | 148 | | | | 154 | |
Other operation and maintenance | | | 941 | | | | 935 | | | | 796 | |
Depreciation (Note 1) | | | 290 | | | | 268 | | | | 261 | |
Taxes, other than income (Note 5) | | | 91 | | | | 93 | | | | 94 | |
Energy-related businesses | | | 622 | | | | 604 | | | | 514 | |
Total | | | 3,662 | | | | 3,215 | | | | 2,927 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating Income | | | 1,056 | | | | 873 | | | | 1,054 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other Income - net (Note 17) | | | 70 | | | | 32 | | | | 42 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest Expense | | | 248 | | | | 235 | | | | 225 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest Expense with Affiliates (Note 16) | | | 12 | | | | 21 | | | | 20 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Minority Interest | | | 866 | | | | 649 | | | | 851 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income Taxes (Note 5) | | | 187 | | | | 81 | | | | 210 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Minority Interest | | | 3 | | | | 2 | | | | 2 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from Continuing Operations | | | 676 | | | | 566 | | | | 639 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations (net of income taxes) (Note 10) | | | 22 | | | | (16 | ) | | | 12 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income Before Cumulative Effect of a Change in Accounting Principle | | | 698 | | | | 550 | | | | 651 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cumulative Effect of a Change in Accounting Principle (net of income taxes) (Note 21) | | | | | | | (8 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Income | | $ | 698 | | | $ | 542 | | | $ | 651 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements. |
|
PPL Energy Supply, LLC and Subsidiaries |
(Millions of Dollars) |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
Cash Flows from Operating Activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income | | $ | 698 | | | $ | 542 | | | $ | 651 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle | | | | | | | 8 | | | | | |
Pre-tax loss from the sale of the Sundance plant | | | | | | | 72 | | | | | |
Pre-tax loss from the sale of interest in Griffith plant | | | 39 | | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation | | | 309 | | | | 295 | | | | 292 | |
Stock compensation expense | | | 17 | | | | 21 | | | | 9 | |
Pension expense (income) - net | | | 33 | | | | 15 | | | | (30 | ) |
Pension funding | | | (133 | ) | | | (56 | ) | | | (7 | ) |
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits | | | 70 | | | | 30 | | | | 155 | |
Accrual for PJM billing dispute | | | 30 | | | | | | | | | |
Accrual for remediation of ash basin leak | | | (11 | ) | | | 32 | | | | | |
Other | | | 49 | | | | 27 | | | | 5 | |
Change in current assets and current liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts receivable | | | (67 | ) | | | (54 | ) | | | 14 | |
Accounts payable | | | 103 | | | | 88 | | | | (54 | ) |
Collateral on PLR energy supply (Note 16) | | | | | | | | | | | (302 | ) |
Fuels, materials and supplies | | | (34 | ) | | | (40 | ) | | | (57 | ) |
Other | | | 138 | | | | (106 | ) | | | (22 | ) |
Other operating activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other assets | | | (1 | ) | | | 13 | | | | (5 | ) |
Other liabilities | | | | | | | (49 | ) | | | (33 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash provided by operating activities | | | 1,240 | | | | 838 | | | | 616 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash Flows from Investing Activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment | | | (1,033 | ) | | | (593 | ) | | | (521 | ) |
Proceeds from the sale of the Sundance plant | | | | | | | 190 | | | | | |
Proceeds from the sale of interest in Griffith plant | | | 110 | | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from the sale of minority interest in CGE | | | | | | | | | | | 123 | |
Purchases of emission allowances | | | (76 | ) | | | (169 | ) | | | (109 | ) |
Proceeds from the sale of emission allowances | | | 46 | | | | 64 | | | | 67 | |
Purchases of nuclear decommissioning trust investments | | | (227 | ) | | | (239 | ) | | | (134 | ) |
Proceeds from the sale of nuclear decommissioning trust investments | | | 211 | | | | 223 | | | | 113 | |
Purchases of short-term investments | | | (535 | ) | | | (73 | ) | | | (60 | ) |
Proceeds from the sale of short-term investments | | | 240 | | | | 90 | | | | 14 | |
Net increase in restricted cash | | | (14 | ) | | | (17 | ) | | | (15 | ) |
Other investing activities | | | 17 | | | | (13 | ) | | | (3 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | (1,261 | ) | | | (537 | ) | | | (525 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash Flows from Financing Activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Issuance of long-term debt | | | 1,985 | | | | 313 | | | | 322 | |
Retirement of long-term debt | | | (854 | ) | | | (210 | ) | | | (671 | ) |
Contributions from Member | | | 115 | | | | 50 | | | | 358 | |
Distributions to Member | | | (712 | ) | | | (278 | ) | | | (410 | ) |
Net (decrease) increase in short-term debt | | | (173 | ) | | | 184 | | | | (56 | ) |
Net (decrease) increase in note payable to affiliate | | | (8 | ) | | | (487 | ) | | | 495 | |
Other financing activities | | | (38 | ) | | | (9 | ) | | | (3 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | | | 315 | | | | (437 | ) | | | 35 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents | | | 3 | | | | 6 | | | | 9 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents | | | 297 | | | | (130 | ) | | | 135 | |
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period | | | 227 | | | | 357 | | | | 222 | |
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period | | $ | 524 | | | $ | 227 | | | $ | 357 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash paid during the period for: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest | | $ | 268 | | | $ | 234 | | | $ | 209 | |
Income taxes - net | | $ | 40 | | | $ | 30 | | | $ | 34 | |
|
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements. |
|
PPL Energy Supply, LLC and Subsidiaries |
(Millions of Dollars) |
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
Assets | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Current Assets | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 524 | | | $ | 227 | |
Short-term investments | | | 328 | | | | 33 | |
Restricted cash (Note 19) | | | 51 | | | | 39 | |
Accounts receivable (less reserve: 2006, $29; 2005, $65) | | | 354 | | | | 291 | |
Unbilled revenues | | | 301 | | | | 300 | |
Accounts receivable from affiliates | | | 136 | | | | 149 | |
Collateral on PLR energy supply to affiliate (Note 16) | | | 300 | | | | 300 | |
Fuel, materials and supplies (Note 1) | | | 330 | | | | 295 | |
Prepayments | | | 66 | | | | 39 | |
Deferred income taxes (Note 5) | | | 117 | | | | 166 | |
Price risk management assets (Note 18) | | | 551 | | | | 487 | |
Other acquired intangibles (Note 20) | | | 124 | | | | 46 | |
Other | | | 10 | | | | 8 | |
Total Current Assets | | | 3,192 | | | | 2,380 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Investments | | | | | | | | |
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates - at equity (Note 3) | | | 47 | | | | 56 | |
Nuclear plant decommissioning trust funds (Note 21) | | | 510 | | | | 444 | |
Other | | | 4 | | | | 3 | |
Total Investments | | | 561 | | | | 503 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Property, Plant and Equipment (Note 1) | | | | | | | | |
Electric plant in service | | | | | | | | |
Transmission and distribution | | | 4,673 | | | | 3,950 | |
Generation | | | 8,744 | | | | 8,761 | |
General | | | 318 | | | | 272 | |
| | | 13,735 | | | | 12,983 | |
Construction work in progress | | | 578 | | | | 210 | |
Nuclear fuel | | | 354 | | | | 327 | |
Electric plant | | | 14,667 | | | | 13,520 | |
Gas and oil plant | | | 64 | | | | 64 | |
Other property | | | 309 | | | | 198 | |
| | | 15,040 | | | | 13,782 | |
Less: accumulated depreciation | | | 6,115 | | | | 5,871 | |
Total Property, Plant and Equipment | | | 8,925 | | | | 7,911 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Other Noncurrent Assets | | | | | | | | |
Goodwill (Note 20) | | | 1,099 | | | | 1,015 | |
Other acquired intangibles (Note 20) | | | 245 | | | | 287 | |
Price risk management assets (Note 18) | | | 135 | | | | 80 | |
Other | | | 498 | | | | 488 | |
Total Other Noncurrent Assets | | | 1,977 | | | | 1,870 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Assets | | $ | 14,655 | | | $ | 12,664 | |
| | | | | | | | |
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements. |
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AT DECEMBER 31, |
PPL Energy Supply, LLC and Subsidiaries |
(Millions of Dollars) |
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
Liabilities and Equity | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Current Liabilities | | | | | | | | |
Short-term debt (Note 8) | | | | | | $ | 172 | |
Note payable to affiliate (Note 16) | | | | | | | 8 | |
Long-term debt | | $ | 181 | | | | 445 | |
Long-term debt with affiliate trust (Notes 8, 16 and 22) | | | 89 | | | | | |
Accounts payable | | | 571 | | | | 445 | |
Accounts payable to affiliates | | | 36 | | | | 27 | |
Above market NUG contracts (Note 15) | | | 65 | | | | 70 | |
Taxes | | | 151 | | | | 72 | |
Interest | | | 82 | | | | 79 | |
Deferred revenue on PLR energy supply to affiliate (Note 16) | | | 12 | | | | 12 | |
Price risk management liabilities (Note 18) | | | 541 | | | | 519 | |
Other | | | 325 | | | | 328 | |
Total Current Liabilities | | | 2,053 | | | | 2,177 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Long-term Debt | | | 5,106 | | | | 3,506 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Long-term Debt with Affiliate Trust (Notes 8, 16 and 22) | | | | | | | 89 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities | | | | | | | | |
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits (Note 5) | | | 1,363 | | | | 1,157 | |
Price risk management liabilities (Note 18) | | | 437 | | | | 523 | |
Accrued pension obligations (Note 13) | | | 279 | | | | 232 | |
Asset retirement obligations (Note 21) | | | 336 | | | | 298 | |
Above market NUG contracts (Note 15) | | | 71 | | | | 136 | |
Deferred revenue on PLR energy supply to affiliate (Note 16) | | | 23 | | | | 35 | |
Other | | | 393 | | | | 306 | |
Total Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities | | | 2,902 | | | | 2,687 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Note 15) | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Minority Interest | | | 60 | | | | 56 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Member's Equity | | | 4,534 | | | | 4,149 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Liabilities and Equity | | $ | 14,655 | | | $ | 12,664 | |
| | | | | | | | |
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements. |
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, |
PPL Energy Supply, LLC and Subsidiaries |
(Millions of Dollars) |
|
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Member's Equity at beginning of year | | $ | 4,149 | | | $ | 4,050 | | | $ | 3,478 | |
Comprehensive income (Note 1): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income | | | 698 | | | | 542 | | | | 651 | |
Other comprehensive income (loss) (a) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Foreign currency translation adjustments | | | 155 | | | | (53 | ) | | | 110 | |
Net unrealized gains (losses) on qualifying derivatives, net of tax expense (benefit) of $117, $(121), $(61) | | | 185 | | | | (192 | ) | | | (105 | ) |
Additional minimum pension liability adjustments, net of tax expense (benefit) of $22, $9, $(23) | | | 49 | | | | 21 | | | | (51 | ) |
Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax expense of $33, $6, $16 | | | 11 | | | | 8 | | | | 17 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total comprehensive income | | | 1,098 | | | | 326 | | | | 622 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjustment to initially apply SFAS 158, net of tax benefit of $89 (a) (Note 13) | | | (181 | ) | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Contributions from Member | | | 180 | | | | 50 | | | | 358 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Distributions to Member | | | (712 | ) | | | (278 | ) | | | (410 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other | | | | | | | 1 | | | | 2 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Member's Equity at end of year | | $ | 4,534 | | | $ | 4,149 | | | $ | 4,050 | |
(a) | | See Note 1 for disclosure of balances for each component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss. |
|
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements. |
|
PPL Energy Supply, LLC and Subsidiaries |
(Millions of Dollars) |
| | Outstanding | | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | Maturity (a) |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. | | | | | | | | | | | |
5.40% - 7.0% Senior Unsecured Notes | | $ | 2,100 | | (g)(h) | | $ | 1,100 | | | 2011-2046 |
2.625% Convertible Senior Notes (b) | | | 102 | | | | | 400 | | | 2023 |
8.05% - 8.30% Senior Secured Notes (c) | | | 437 | | | | | 437 | | | 2013 |
| | | 2,639 | | | | | 1,937 | | | |
U.K. | | | | | | | | | | | |
4.80436% - 9.25% Senior Unsecured Notes (d) | | | 1,987 | | (i)(j) | | | 1,784 | | | 2006-2037 |
1.541% Index-linked Senior Unsecured Notes (d)(e) | | | 443 | | (k) | | | | | | 2053-2056 |
| | | 2,430 | | | | | 1,784 | | | |
Latin America | | | | | | | | | | | |
3.75% - 9.0% Inflation-linked Debt | | | 205 | | (i)(l) | | | 204 | | | 2006-2027 |
4.00% - 8.57% Other | | | 18 | | | | | 22 | | | 2006-2011 |
| | | 223 | | | | | 226 | | | |
| | | 5,292 | | | | | 3,947 | | | |
Fair value adjustments from hedging activities | | | (2 | ) | | | | (3 | ) | | |
Unamortized premium | | | 12 | | | | | 13 | | | |
Unamortized discount | | | (15 | ) | | | | (6 | ) | | |
| | | 5,287 | | | | | 3,951 | | | |
Less amount due within one year | | | (181 | ) | | | | (445 | ) | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Long-term Debt | | $ | 5,106 | | | | $ | 3,506 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Long-term Debt with Affiliate Trust: | | | | | | | | | | | |
8.23% Subordinated Debentures (f) | | $ | 89 | | | | $ | 89 | | | 2027 |
Less amount due within one year | | | (89 | ) | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Long-term Debt with Affiliate Trust | | $ | | | | | $ | 89 | | | |
|
See Note 8 for information on debt issuances, debt retirements and other changes in long-term debt. |
(a) | | Aggregate maturities of long-term debt, including long-term debt with affiliate trust, are (millions of dollars): 2007, $270; 2008, $229; 2009, $4; 2010, $12; 2011, $539; and $4,327 thereafter. There are no debt securities outstanding that have sinking fund requirements. |
(b) | | The Convertible Senior Notes may be redeemed beginning on May 20, 2008. Additionally, the holders have the right to require PPL Energy Supply to purchase the notes at par value on every fifth anniversary of the issuance, with such first date being May 15, 2008. See Notes 4 and 8 for a discussion of conversion terms. |
(c) | | Represents lease financing consolidated through a variable interest entity. See Note 22 for additional information. |
(d) | | Although financial information of foreign subsidiaries is recorded on a one-month lag, WPD's December 2006 bond issuances and bond retirement are reflected in the 2006 Financial Statements due to the materiality of these transactions. See Note 8 for further discussion. |
(e) | | The principal amount of these notes is adjusted on a semi-annual basis based on changes in a specified index, as detailed in the terms of the related indentures. |
(f) | | Represents debt with a wholly-owned trust that was deconsolidated effective December 31, 2003. See Note 22 for further discussion. See Note 8 for a discussion of the redemption of these debentures in February 2007. |
(g) | | Includes $300 million of 5.70% REset Put Securities due 2035 (REPSSM). The REPS bear interest at a rate of 5.70% per annum to, but excluding, October 15, 2015 (Remarketing Date). The REPS are required to be put by existing holders on the Remarketing Date either for (a) purchase and remarketing by a designated remarketing dealer, or (b) repurchase by PPL Energy Supply. If the remarketing dealer elects to purchase the REPS for remarketing, it will purchase the REPS at 100% of the principal amount, and the REPS will bear interest on and after the Remarketing Date at a new fixed rate per annum determined in the remarketing. PPL Energy Supply has the right to terminate the remarketing process. If the remarketing is terminated at the option of PPL Energy Supply, or under certain other circumstances, including the occurrence of an event of default by PPL Energy Supply under the related indenture or a failed remarketing for certain specified reasons, PPL Energy Supply will be required to pay the remarketing dealer a settlement amount as calculated in accordance with the related remarketing agreement. |
(h) | | Includes $250 million of notes that may be redeemed at par beginning in July 2011. |
(i) | | Increase is due to or partially due to an increase in foreign currency exchange rates. |
(j) | | Includes $443 million of notes that may be redeemed, in total but not in part, on December 21, 2026, at the greater of the principal value or a value determined by reference to the gross redemption yield on a nominated U.K. government bond. Additionally, the $443 million of such notes may be put by the holders back to the issuer for redemption if the long-term credit ratings assigned to the notes by Moody's, S&P or Fitch are withdrawn by any of the rating agencies or reduced to a non-investment grade rating of Ba1 or BB+ in connection with a restructuring event. A restructuring event includes the loss of, or a material adverse change to, the distribution license under which the issuer operates. |
(k) | | These notes may be redeemed, in total by series, on December 1, 2026, at the greater of the adjusted principal value and a make-whole value determined by reference to the gross real yield on a nominated U.K. government bond. Additionally, these notes may be put by the holders back to the issuer for redemption if the long-term credit ratings assigned to the notes by Moody's, S&P or Fitch are withdrawn by any of the rating agencies or reduced to a non-investment grade rating of Ba1 or BB+ in connection with a restructuring event. A restructuring event includes the loss of, or a material adverse change to, the distribution license under which the issuer operates. |
(l) | | Includes $87 million of debt that may be redeemed at par beginning in 2008, $35 million of debt that may be redeemed at par beginning in 2009 and $70 million of debt that may be redeemed at a specified calculated value beginning in 2014. |
|
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements. |
Terms and abbreviations appearing in Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are explained in the glossary. Dollars are in millions, except per share data, unless otherwise noted.
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
General
Business and Consolidation
(PPL)
PPL is an energy and utility holding company that, through its subsidiaries, is primarily engaged in the generation and marketing of electricity in the northeastern and western U.S. and in the delivery of electricity in Pennsylvania, the U.K. and Latin America. Based in Allentown, PA, PPL's principal direct subsidiaries are PPL Energy Funding, PPL Electric, PPL Gas Utilities, PPL Services and PPL Capital Funding.
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
PPL Energy Funding is the parent of PPL Energy Supply, which serves as the holding company for PPL's principal unregulated subsidiaries. PPL Energy Supply is the parent of PPL Generation, PPL EnergyPlus and PPL Global.
PPL Generation owns and operates a portfolio of domestic power generating assets. These power plants are located in Pennsylvania, Montana, Illinois, Connecticut, New York and Maine and use well-diversified fuel sources including coal, uranium, natural gas, oil and water. PPL EnergyPlus markets or brokers electricity produced by PPL Generation, along with purchased power, natural gas and oil, in competitive wholesale and deregulated retail markets, primarily in the northeastern and western portions of the U.S. PPL Global owns and operates international energy businesses that are primarily focused on the distribution of electricity.
(PPL)
PPL Electric is a rate-regulated subsidiary of PPL. PPL Electric's principal businesses are the transmission and distribution of electricity to serve retail customers in its franchised territory in eastern and central Pennsylvania, and the supply of electricity to retail customers in that territory as a PLR.
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
The consolidated financial statements of PPL and PPL Energy Supply include each company's own accounts as well as the accounts of all entities in which the company has a controlling financial interest. (See Note 22 for additional information regarding the consolidation and deconsolidation of variable interest entities.) Investments in entities in which the company has the ability to exercise significant influence but does not have a controlling financial interest are accounted for under the equity method. See Note 3 for further discussion. All other investments are carried at cost or fair value. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Any minority interests are reflected in the consolidated financial statements.
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
It is the policy of PPL and PPL Energy Supply to consolidate foreign subsidiaries on a one-month lag and record earnings from foreign equity method investments on a three-month lag, based on the availability of financial data on a U.S. GAAP basis. Material intervening events, such as debt issuances and retirements, acquisitions or divestitures, that occur in the lag period are recognized in the current Financial Statements, while significant but not material events are only disclosed.
In June 2004, PPL Energy Supply subsidiaries purchased the Sundance and University Park generation assets from the lessor. Prior to the purchase of the assets, PPL's and PPL Energy Supply's consolidated financial statements included the accounts of this lessor in accordance with FIN 46(R). See Note 22 for further discussion. In May 2005, a subsidiary of PPL Generation completed the sale of its Sundance generation assets to Arizona Public Service Company. See Note 10 for further discussion.
The consolidated financial statements of PPL and PPL Energy Supply include their share of undivided interests in jointly-owned facilities, as well as their share of the related operating costs of those facilities. See Note 14 for additional information.
Regulation
(PPL)
PPL Electric and PPL Gas Utilities account for regulated operations in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation," which requires rate-regulated entities to reflect the effects of regulatory decisions in their financial statements.
The following regulatory assets were included in the "Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Assets" section of the Balance Sheets at December 31.
| | PPL |
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
| | | | | | | | |
Recoverable transition costs (a) | | $ | 884 | | | $ | 1,165 | |
Taxes recoverable through future rates | | | 265 | | | | 250 | |
Recoverable costs of defined benefit plans | | | 75 | | | | | |
Costs associated with severe ice storms - January 2005 | | | 12 | | | | 12 | |
Storm restoration costs - Hurricane Isabel | | | | | | | 10 | |
Other | | | 6 | | | | 7 | |
| | $ | 1,242 | | | $ | 1,444 | |
(a) | | Earn a current return. |
The recoverable transition costs are the result of the PUC Final Order, which allowed PPL Electric to begin amortizing its competitive transition (or stranded) costs, $2.97 billion, over an 11-year transition period effective January 1, 1999. In August 1999, competitive transition costs of $2.4 billion were converted to intangible transition costs when they were securitized by the issuance of transition bonds. The intangible transition costs are being amortized over the life of the transition bonds, through December 2008, in accordance with an amortization schedule filed with the PUC. The assets of PPL Transition Bond Company, including the intangible transition property, are not available to creditors of PPL or PPL Electric. The transition bonds are obligations of PPL Transition Bond Company and are non-recourse to PPL and PPL Electric. The remaining competitive transition costs are also being amortized based on an amortization schedule previously filed with the PUC, adjusted for those competitive transition costs that were converted to intangible transition costs. As a result of the conversion of a significant portion of the competitive transition costs into intangible transition costs, amortization of substantially all of the remaining competitive transition costs will occur in 2009.
Taxes recoverable through future rates represent the portion of future income taxes that will be recovered through future rates based upon established regulatory practices. Accordingly, this regulatory asset is recognized when the offsetting deferred tax liability is recognized. In accordance with SFAS 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," this regulatory asset and the deferred tax liability are not offset for general-purpose financial reporting; rather, each is displayed separately. Because this regulatory asset does not represent cash tax expenditures already incurred by PPL, this regulatory asset is not earning a current return. This regulatory asset is expected to be recovered over the period that the underlying book-tax timing differences reverse and the actual cash taxes are incurred.
On December 31, 2006, PPL established regulatory assets for recoverable costs of defined benefit plans as a result of the adoption of SFAS 158, "Employers' Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans - an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R)." These regulatory assets do not represent cash expenditures already incurred; consequently, these assets are not earning a current return. These regulatory assets represent the costs that would have otherwise been recorded in other comprehensive income in accordance with SFAS 158, as follows:
| | PPL | |
| | | | |
Transition obligation | | $ | 16 | |
Prior service cost | | | 89 | |
Net actuarial gain | | | (30 | ) |
Recoverable costs of defined benefit plans | | $ | 75 | |
Of these costs, $16 million are expected to be amortized into net periodic benefit cost in 2007. All costs will be amortized over the lives of the defined benefit plans. See Note 13 for the disclosures related to the adoption of SFAS 158.
In January 2005, severe ice storms hit PPL Electric's service territory. The total cost of restoring service, excluding capitalized cost and regular payroll expenses, was $16 million. In August 2005, the PUC issued an order granting PPL Electric's petition for authority to defer and amortize for regulatory accounting and reporting purposes a portion of these storm costs subject to certain conditions. As a result of the PUC Order and in accordance with SFAS 71, PPL Electric deferred $12 million of its previously expensed storm costs. The ratemaking treatment of these costs will be addressed in PPL Electric's next distribution base rate case, which is expected to be filed in late March 2007. PPL and PPL Electric believe that recovery of the remaining portion of these costs is probable.
In August 2006, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania overturned the PUC's decision of December 2004 that previously allowed PPL Electric to recover, over a 10-year period, restoration costs incurred in connection with Hurricane Isabel in September 2003. As a result of the PUC's 2004 decision and in accordance with SFAS 71, PPL Electric had established a regulatory asset for the restoration costs. Effective January 1, 2005, PPL Electric began billing these costs to customers and amortizing the regulatory asset. The Commonwealth Court denied recovery of these costs because they were incurred when PPL Electric was subject to capped rates for transmission and distribution services, through December 31, 2004. As a result of the Court's decision, PPL Electric recorded a charge of $11 million, or $7 million after tax ($0.02 per share for PPL), in "Other operation and maintenance" on the Statements of Income, reversed the remaining unamortized regulatory asset of $9 million and recorded a regulatory liability of $2 million for restoration costs previously billed to customers from January 2005 through December 2006.
The remainder of the regulatory assets included in "Other" will be recovered through 2013.
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
Elfec accounts for regulated operations in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 71. Regulatory assets as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 were insignificant.
Accounting Records (PPL)
The system of accounts for PPL Electric and PPL Gas Utilities are maintained in accordance with the Uniform System of Accounts prescribed by the FERC and adopted by the PUC.
Use of Estimates (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Loss Accruals (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
Loss accruals are recorded in accordance with SFAS 5, "Accounting for Contingencies," and other related accounting guidance. Potential losses are accrued when (1) information is available that indicates it is "probable" that a loss has been incurred, given the likelihood of the uncertain future events and (2) the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. FASB defines "probable" as cases in which "the future event or events are likely to occur." SFAS 5 does not generally permit the accrual of contingencies that might result in gains. PPL continuously assesses potential loss contingencies for environmental remediation, litigation claims, income taxes, regulatory penalties and other events. PPL discounts its loss accruals for environmental remediation when appropriate.
PPL also has accrued estimated losses on long-term purchase commitments when significant events have occurred. For example, estimated losses were accrued when long-term purchase commitments were assumed under asset acquisition agreements and when PPL Electric's generation business was deregulated.
Changes in Classification (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
The classification of certain amounts in the 2006, 2005 and 2004 financial statements have been changed to conform to the current presentation. The changes in classification did not affect net income or total equity. On the Statements of Income, components of operating income and losses of the Griffith plant were reclassified from certain line items to "Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations." See Note 10 for further discussion.
In March 2007, PPL announced its intention to sell its Latin American regulated electric delivery businesses. In accordance with SFAS 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," the operating results of these businesses are classified as "Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations" on the Statements of Income. See Note 10 for further discussion. The Balance Sheets and Statements of Cash Flows were not impacted.
Comprehensive Income (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income, defined as changes in equity from transactions not related to shareowners. Comprehensive income is shown on PPL's Statements of Shareowners' Common Equity and Comprehensive Income and PPL Energy Supply's Statements of Member's Equity and Comprehensive Income.
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, which is presented on the Balance Sheets of PPL and included in Member's Equity on the PPL Energy Supply Balance Sheets, consisted of these after-tax amounts at December 31.
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
PPL | | | | | | | | |
Foreign currency translation adjustments | | $ | 170 | | | $ | 15 | |
Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities | | | 58 | | | | 48 | |
Additional minimum pension liability | | | | | | | (349 | ) |
Defined benefit plans | | | (495 | ) | | | | |
Net unrealized losses on qualifying derivatives | | | (51 | ) | | | (246 | ) |
| | $ | (318 | ) | | $ | (532 | ) |
PPL Energy Supply | | | | | | | | |
Foreign currency translation adjustments | | $ | 170 | | | $ | 15 | |
Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities | | | 59 | | | | 48 | |
Additional minimum pension liability | | | | | | | (339 | ) |
Defined benefit plans | | | (471 | ) | | | | |
Net unrealized losses on qualifying derivatives | | | (52 | ) | | | (237 | ) |
| | $ | (294 | ) | | $ | (513 | ) |
Price Risk Management (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
PPL and PPL Energy Supply enter into energy and energy-related contracts to hedge the variability of expected cash flows associated with their generating units and marketing activities, as well as for trading purposes. PPL and PPL Energy Supply enter into interest rate derivative contracts to hedge their exposure to changes in the fair value of their debt instruments and to hedge their exposure to variability in expected cash flows associated with existing debt instruments or forecasted issuances of debt. PPL and PPL Energy Supply also enter into foreign currency derivative contracts to hedge foreign currency exposures related to firm commitments, recognized assets or liabilities, forecasted transactions, net investments and foreign earnings translation.
Contracts that meet the definition of a derivative are accounted for under SFAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," as amended and interpreted. Certain energy contracts have been excluded from the requirements of SFAS 133 because they meet the definition of a "normal purchase or normal sale." These contracts are reflected in the financial statements using the accrual method of accounting.
All derivative contracts that are subject to the requirements of SFAS 133 and its amendments are reflected on the balance sheet at their fair value. These contracts are recorded as "Price risk management assets" and "Price risk management liabilities" on the Balance Sheets. Short-term derivative contracts are included in "Current Assets" and "Current Liabilities." PPL records long-term derivative contracts in "Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Assets" and "Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities" and PPL Energy Supply records long-term derivative contracts in "Other Noncurrent Assets" and "Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities." On the date the derivative contract is executed, PPL may designate the derivative as a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment ("fair value" hedge), a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability ("cash flow" hedge), a foreign currency fair value or cash flow hedge ("foreign currency" hedge) or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation ("net investment" hedge). Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded in either other comprehensive income or in current-period earnings in accordance with SFAS 133.
When recognized on the Statements of Income, realized gains and losses from energy contracts accounted for as fair value or cash flow hedges, are reflected in "Wholesale energy marketing," "Fuel," or "Energy purchases," consistent with the hedged item. Unrealized gains and losses from changes in market prices of energy contracts accounted for as fair value hedges are reflected in "Energy purchases" on the Statements of Income, as are changes in the underlying position. Additionally, PPL enters into certain energy or energy-related contracts to hedge future cash flows or fair values, but these contracts are not eligible for hedge accounting treatment under SFAS 133, or hedge accounting treatment is not elected. Unrealized and realized gains and losses on these transactions are reflected in "Wholesale energy marketing" or "Energy purchases," consistent with the hedged item. Unrealized and realized gains and losses on options to hedge synthetic fuel tax credits are reflected in "Energy-related businesses" revenues.
Gains and losses from interest rate and foreign currency derivative contracts that hedge interest payments, when recognized on the Statements of Income, are accounted for in "Interest Expense." Gains and losses from foreign currency derivative contracts that economically hedge foreign earnings translation are recognized in "Other Income - net." Gains and losses from foreign currency derivative contracts that hedge foreign currency payments for equipment, when recognized on the Statements of Income, are accounted for in "Depreciation."
PPL Energy Supply accounts for non-trading bilateral sales and purchases in accordance with EITF 03-11, "Reporting Realized Gains and Losses on Derivative Instruments That Are Subject to FASB Statement No. 133 and Not 'Held for Trading Purposes' as Defined in Issue No. 02-3," to net non-trading bilateral sales of electricity at major market delivery points with purchases that offset the sales at those same delivery points. A major market delivery point is any delivery point with liquid pricing available.
See Note 18 for additional information on SFAS 133, its amendments and related accounting guidance.
Revenue
Utility Revenue
(PPL)
The Statements of Income "Utility" line item contains revenues from domestic and U.K. rate-regulated delivery operations.
(PPL Energy Supply)
The Statements of Income "Utility" line item contains revenues from the U.K. rate-regulated delivery operations.
Revenue Recognition (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
Operating revenues, except for "Energy-related businesses," are recorded based on energy deliveries through the end of the calendar month. Unbilled retail revenues result because customers' meters are read and bills are rendered throughout the month, rather than all being read at the end of the month. Unbilled revenues for a month are calculated by multiplying an estimate of unbilled kWh by the estimated average cents per kWh. Unbilled wholesale energy revenues are recorded at month-end to reflect estimated amounts until actual dollars and MWhs are confirmed and invoiced. At that time, unbilled revenue is reversed and actual revenue is recorded.
PPL records energy marketing activity in the period when the energy is delivered. The wholesale sales and purchases that meet the criteria in EITF 03-11 are reported net on the Statements of Income within "Wholesale energy marketing." Additionally, the bilateral sales and purchases that are designated as trading activities are also reported net, in accordance with EITF 02-3, "Issues Involved in Accounting for Derivative Contracts Held for Trading Purposes and Contracts Involved in Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities," and are reported on the Statements of Income within "Net energy trading margins." Spot market activity that balances PPL's physical trading positions is included on the Statements of Income in "Net energy trading margins."
Certain PPL subsidiaries participate in RTOs, primarily in PJM, but also in the surrounding regions of New York (NYISO), New England (ISO-NE) and the Midwest (MISO). In PJM, PPL EnergyPlus is a marketer, a load-serving entity to its customers who have selected it as a supplier and a seller for PPL's generation subsidiaries. PPL Electric is a transmission owner and PLR in PJM. In ISO-NE, PPL EnergyPlus is a marketer, a load-serving entity, and a seller for PPL's New England generating assets. In the NYISO and MISO regions, PPL EnergyPlus acts as a marketer. PPL Electric does not participate in ISO-NE, NYISO or MISO. A function of interchange accounting is to match participants' MWh entitlements (generation plus scheduled bilateral purchases) against their MWh obligations (load plus scheduled bilateral sales) during every hour of every day. If the net result during any given hour is an entitlement, the participant is credited with a spot-market sale to the ISO at the respective market price for that hour; if the net result is an obligation, the participant is charged with a spot-market purchase from the ISO at the respective market price for that hour. ISO purchases and sales are not allocated to individual customers. PPL records the hourly net sales and purchases in its financial statements as sales to and purchases from the respective ISOs.
"Energy-related businesses" revenue includes revenues from the mechanical contracting and engineering subsidiaries, WPD's telecommunications and property subsidiaries and PPL Global's proportionate share of affiliate earnings under the equity or cost method of accounting, as described in the "Business and Consolidation" section of Note 1. The mechanical contracting and engineering subsidiaries record profits from construction contracts on the percentage-of-completion method of accounting. Income from time and material contracts is recognized currently as the work is performed.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
Trade receivables are reported in the Balance Sheets at the gross outstanding amount adjusted for an allowance for doubtful accounts.
Accounts receivable collectibility is evaluated using a combination of factors, including past due status based on contractual terms. Reserve balances are analyzed to assess the reasonableness of the balances in comparison to the actual accounts receivable balances and write-offs. Adjustments are made to reserve balances based on the results of analysis, the aging of receivables, and historical and industry trends.
Additional specific reserves for uncollectible accounts receivable, such as bankruptcies, are recorded on a case-by-case basis after having been researched and reviewed by management. Unusual items, trends in write-offs, the age of the receivable, counterparty creditworthiness and economic conditions are considered as a basis for determining the adequacy of the reserve for uncollectible account balances.
Trade receivables are charged-off in the period in which the receivable is deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of trade receivables previously charged-off are recorded when it is known they will be received.
At December 31, 2005, PPL's and PPL Energy Supply's significant specific reserves related to receivables from Enron Corporation (Enron), which filed for bankruptcy in 2001, and from the California ISO, which has withheld payment pending the outcome of regulatory proceedings arising from the California electricity supply situation that began in 2000. At December 31, 2005, the Enron and California ISO reserves accounted for 60% of PPL's total allowance for doubtful accounts and 80% of PPL Energy Supply's total allowance for doubtful accounts.
The reserves related to Enron were for claims against Enron North America and Enron Power Marketing (Enron Subsidiaries), and against Enron, which had guaranteed the Enron Subsidiaries' performance (Enron Corporation Guarantees).
In March 2006, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court approved agreements between Enron and PPL Energy Supply that settled the litigation between PPL Energy Supply and Enron regarding the validity and enforceability of the Enron Corporation Guarantees. As a result of the Bankruptcy Court's approval of the settlement of the Enron Corporation Guarantees litigation and an assessment of current market price quotes for the purchase of Enron claims, PPL Energy Supply reduced the associated allowance for doubtful accounts by $15 million or $9 million after tax ($0.03 per share for PPL).
In July 2006, PPL Energy Supply executed an agreement to assign its Enron claims to an independent third party for $17 million and further reduced the associated allowance for doubtful accounts in the second quarter of 2006 by $4 million, or $2 million after tax ($0.01 per share for PPL). PPL Energy Supply received the payment in July 2006. See "Guarantees and Other Assurances" in Note 15 for information regarding the indemnifications PPL Energy Supply provided as a result of the assignment.
At December 31, 2006, the California ISO reserves accounted for 34% of PPL's total allowance for doubtful accounts and 59% of PPL Energy Supply's total allowance for doubtful accounts.
Cash and Investments (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
Cash Equivalents
All highly liquid debt instruments purchased with original maturities of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents.
Short-term Investments
Highly liquid investments with original maturities greater than three months are considered to be short-term investments. Short-term investments consist of auction rate and similar securities that provide for periodic reset of interest rates, and certificates of deposit. Even though PPL considers these investments as part of its liquid portfolio, it does not include these investments in cash and cash equivalents due to their stated maturities. These investments are included in "Short-term investments" on the Balance Sheets of PPL and PPL Energy Supply.
Restricted Cash
Bank deposits that are restricted by agreement or that have been designated for a specific purpose are classified as restricted cash. The change in restricted cash is reported as an investing activity in the Statements of Cash Flows. On the Balance Sheets, the current portion of restricted cash is shown as "Restricted cash" within current assets, while the noncurrent portion is included in "Other" within other noncurrent assets. See Note 19 for the components of restricted cash.
Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities
Investments in debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity, and measured at amortized cost, when there is an intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Debt securities and marketable equity securities that are acquired and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near-term are classified as trading. All other investments in debt and marketable equity securities are classified as available-for-sale. Both trading and available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value. Any unrealized gains and losses for trading securities are included in earnings. Unrealized gains and losses for available-for-sale securities are reported, net of tax, in other comprehensive income or are recognized currently in earnings when a decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary. The specific identification method is used to calculate realized gains and losses on debt and marketable equity securities. See Note 21 for additional information on available-for-sale securities held in the nuclear decommissioning trust.
Long-Lived and Intangible Assets
Property, Plant and Equipment (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
PP&E is recorded at original cost, unless impaired. If impaired, the asset is written down to fair value at that time, which becomes the asset's new cost basis. Original cost includes material, labor, contractor costs, construction overheads and financing costs, where applicable. The cost of repairs and minor replacements are charged to expense as incurred. PPL records costs associated with planned major maintenance projects in the period in which the costs are incurred. No costs are accrued in advance of the period in which the work is performed.
AFUDC is capitalized as part of the construction costs for regulated projects. Interest is capitalized as part of construction costs for non-regulated projects.
Included in PP&E on the balance sheet are capitalized costs of software projects that were developed or obtained for internal use. These capitalized costs are amortized ratably over the expected lives of the projects when they become operational, generally not to exceed 5 years. Capitalized software costs and accumulated amortization were:
| | December 31, 2006 | | | December 31, 2005 | |
| | Carrying Amount | | | Accumulated Amortization | | | Carrying Amount | | | Accumulated Amortization | |
PPL | | $ | 106 | | | $ | 76 | | | $ | 92 | | | $ | 57 | |
PPL Energy Supply | | | 64 | | | | 48 | | | | 54 | | | | 38 | |
The following capitalized software costs were amortized during:
| | PPL | | PPL Energy Supply | |
| | | | | |
2006 | | $ | 14 | | $ | 6 | |
2005 | | | 13 | | | 6 | |
2004 | | | 11 | | | 5 | |
Depreciation (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
Depreciation is computed over the estimated useful lives of property using various methods including the straight-line, composite and group methods. When a component of PP&E is retired that was depreciated under the composite or group method, the original cost is charged to accumulated depreciation. When all or a significant portion of an operating unit that was depreciated under the composite or group method is retired or sold, the property and the related accumulated depreciation account is reduced and any gain or loss is included in income, unless otherwise required by regulators.
PPL and its subsidiaries periodically review the useful lives of their fixed assets. In light of significant planned environmental capital expenditures, PPL Generation conducted studies of the useful lives of Montour Units 1 and 2 and Brunner Island Unit 3 during the first quarter of 2005. Based on these studies, the useful lives of these units were extended from 2025 to 2035, effective January 1, 2005. In the second quarter of 2005, PPL Generation conducted additional studies of the useful lives of certain Eastern fossil-fuel and hydroelectric generation plants. The most significant change related to the useful lives of Brunner Island Units 1 and 2 and Martins Creek Units 3 and 4, which were extended from 2025 to 2035, effective July 1, 2005. The effect of these changes in useful lives for 2005 was to increase net income, as a result of lower depreciation, by $7 million (or $0.02 per share for PPL).
In 2005, as a result of the final regulatory outcome published by Ofgem of the most recent price control review and an assessment of the economic life of meters, WPD reduced the remaining depreciable lives of its existing meter stock to approximately nine years. The lives of new meters were reduced from 40 years to 19 years. The effect for 2005 was to decrease net income, as a result of higher depreciation, by $5 million (or $0.01 per share for PPL).
Following are the weighted-average rates of depreciation at December 31.
| | 2006 |
| | PPL | | | PPL Energy Supply |
| | | | | | | |
| Generation | | | 2.05% | | | | 2.05% |
| Transmission and distribution | | | 2.84% | | | | 3.39% |
| General | | | 4.13% | | | | 3.71% |
| | 2005 |
| | PPL | | | PPL Energy Supply |
| | | | | | | |
| Generation | | | 2.01% | | | | 2.02% |
| Transmission and distribution | | | 3.03% | | | | 3.89% |
| General | | | 3.78% | | | | 4.12% |
The annual provisions for depreciation have been computed principally in accordance with the following ranges, in years, of assets lives.
| | PPL | | | PPL Energy Supply |
| | | | | | | |
| Generation | | | 40-50 | | | | 40-50 |
| Transmission and distribution | | | 15-60 | | | | 15-50 |
| General | | | 5-60 | | | | 5-60 |
Goodwill and Other Acquired Intangible Assets(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price paid over the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition of a business. In accordance with SFAS 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," PPL and its subsidiaries do not amortize goodwill.
Other acquired intangible assets that have finite useful lives are valued at cost and amortized over their useful lives based upon the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible assets are consumed or otherwise used up.
PPL and its subsidiaries account for emission allowances as intangible assets. As such, emission allowances are amortized and expensed when consumed. In addition, vintage year swaps are accounted for at fair value in accordance with SFAS 153, "Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets - an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29."
Asset Impairment (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
PPL and its subsidiaries review long-lived assets, including intangibles, that are subject to depreciation or amortization for impairment when events or circumstances indicate carrying amounts may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable from undiscounted future cash flows. The impairment charge is measured by the difference between the carrying amount of the asset and its fair value. See Note 9 for a discussion of asset impairment charges recorded.
Intangible assets with indefinite lives are reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently when events or circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired. An impairment charge is recognized if the carrying amount of the assets exceeds its fair value. The difference represents the amount of impairment.
Goodwill is reviewed for impairment, at the reporting unit level, annually or more frequently when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be greater than the implied fair value. PPL's reporting units are one level below its operating segments. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the implied fair value of goodwill must be calculated. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value, the difference
represents the amount of impairment.
PPL also reviews the residual value of leased assets. Residual value is the estimated fair value of the leased property at the end of the lease term. If the residual value is determined to be less than the residual value that was originally recorded for the property, PPL must determine whether the decrease is other than temporary. If so, the residual value would be revised using the new estimate and a loss would be recorded currently. If the residual value is found to be greater than the original, no adjustment is needed.
Asset Retirement Obligations (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
PPL and its subsidiaries account for the retirement of its long-lived assets according to SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," which addresses the accounting for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and FIN 47, "Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143," which clarifies certain aspects of SFAS 143. SFAS 143 requires legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets to be recognized as liabilities in the financial statements. The initial obligation is measured at the estimated fair value. An equivalent amount is recorded as an increase in the value of the capitalized asset and allocated to expense over the useful life of the asset. Until the obligation is settled, the liability is increased, through the recognition of accretion expense in the income statement, for changes in the obligation due to the passage of time.
See Note 21 for a discussion of accounting for AROs.
Compensation and Benefits
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
PPL and certain of its subsidiaries sponsor various pension and other postretirement and postemployment benefit plans. PPL follows the guidance of SFAS 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions," and SFAS 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions," when accounting for these benefits. In addition, PPL adopted the recognition and measurement date provisions of SFAS 158, "Employers' Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans," effective December 31, 2006.
PPL uses a market-related value of plan assets in accounting for its pension plans. The market-related value of plan assets is calculated by rolling forward the prior year market-related value with contributions, disbursements and expected return on investments. One-fifth of the difference between the actual value and the expected value is added (or subtracted if negative) to the expected value to determine the new market-related value.
PPL uses an accelerated amortization method for the recognition of gains and losses for its pension plans. Under the accelerated method, gains and losses in excess of 10% but less than 30% of the greater of the plan's projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated average future service period of plan participants. Gains and losses in excess of 30% of the plan's projected benefit obligation are amortized on a straight-line basis over a period equal to one-half of the average future service period of the plan participants.
See Note 13 for the impact of the adoption of SFAS 158 and a discussion of pension and other postretirement benefits.
Stock-Based Compensation
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
PPL grants stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units to employees and restricted stock units and stock units to directors under several stock-based compensation plans. In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 123 (revised 2004), "Share-Based Payment," which is known as SFAS 123(R) and replaces SFAS 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," as amended by SFAS 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure." PPL and its subsidiaries adopted SFAS 123(R) effective January 1, 2006. See Note 23 for a discussion of SFAS 123(R). Effective January 1, 2003, PPL and its subsidiaries adopted the fair value method of accounting for stock-based compensation, as prescribed by SFAS 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," using the prospective method of transition permitted by SFAS 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure, an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 123." The prospective method of transition requires PPL and its subsidiaries to use the fair value method under SFAS 123 to account for all stock-based compensation awards granted, modified or settled on or after January 1, 2003. Thus, all awards granted prior to January 1, 2003, were accounted for under the intrinsic value method of APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," to the extent such awards are not modified or settled.
Use of the fair value method prescribed by both SFAS 123 and SFAS 123(R) require PPL and its subsidiaries to recognize compensation expense for stock options issued. Fair value for the stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes options pricing model. Stock options with graded vesting (i.e., that vest in installments) are valued as a single award.
PPL and its subsidiaries were not required to recognize compensation expense for stock options issued and accounted for under the intrinsic value method of APB Opinion No. 25, since PPL grants stock options with an exercise price that is not less than the fair market value of PPL's common stock on the date of grant. As currently structured, awards of restricted stock, restricted stock units and directors' stock units result in the same amount of compensation expense under the fair value method of SFAS 123 or SFAS 123(R) as they would under the intrinsic value method of APB Opinion No. 25 since the value of the awards are based on the fair value of PPL's common stock on the date of grant. See Note 12 for a discussion of stock-based compensation. Stock-based compensation is included in "Other operation and maintenance" expense on the Statements of Income.
The table below illustrates the pro forma effect on net income and EPS as if the fair value method had been used to account for all outstanding stock-based compensation awards in 2004. For 2005, the difference between the pro forma and reported amounts would have been insignificant. In 2006, PPL accounted for all stock-based compensation awards under the fair value method.
(PPL)
| | 2004 |
Net Income | | | | |
Net Income - as reported | | $ | 698 | |
Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of tax | | | 8 | |
Deduct: Total stock-based compensation expense determined under the fair value method for all awards, net of tax | | | 10 | |
Pro forma Net Income | | $ | 696 | |
| | | | |
EPS | | | | |
Basic - as reported | | $ | 1.89 | |
Basic - pro forma | | $ | 1.89 | |
Diluted - as reported | | $ | 1.89 | |
Diluted - pro forma | | $ | 1.88 | |
(PPL Energy Supply)
| | 2004 |
Net Income | | | | |
Net Income - as reported | | $ | 651 | |
Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of tax | | | 5 | |
Deduct: Total stock-based compensation expense determined under the fair value method for all awards, net of tax | | | 7 | |
Pro forma Net Income | | $ | 649 | |
PPL Energy Supply's stock-based compensation expense includes an allocation of PPL Services' expense.
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
SFAS 123(R) provided additional guidance on the requirement to accelerate expense recognition for employees who are at or near retirement age and who are under a plan that allows for accelerated vesting upon an employee's retirement. Such guidance is relevant to prior accounting for stock-based compensation under other accounting guidance. PPL's stock-based compensation plans allow for accelerated vesting upon an employee's retirement. Thus, for employees who are retirement eligible when stock-based awards are granted, PPL recognizes the expense immediately. For employees who are not retirement eligible when stock-based awards are granted, PPL amortizes the awards on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the vesting period or the period up to the employee's attainment of retirement age. Retirement eligible has been defined by PPL as the early retirement age of 55. The adjustments below related to retirement-eligible employees were recorded based on the aforementioned clarification of existing guidance and are not related to the adoption of SFAS 123(R).
(PPL)
In 2005, PPL recorded a charge of $10 million after tax, or $0.03 per share, to accelerate stock-based compensation expense for retirement-eligible employees, of which $5 million of the after-tax total, or $0.01 per share, was related to periods prior to 2005. The prior period amounts were not material to previously issued financial statements.
(PPL Energy Supply)
In 2005, PPL Energy Supply recorded a charge of $7 million after tax to accelerate stock-based compensation expense for retirement-eligible employees, of which $3 million of the after-tax total was related to periods prior to 2005. The prior period amounts were not material to previously issued financial statements.
Other
Income Taxes
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
The income tax provision for PPL and its subsidiaries is calculated in accordance with SFAS 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." PPL and its domestic subsidiaries file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return.
Significant management judgment is required in developing PPL and its subsidiaries' provision for income taxes, including the determination of deferred tax assets and liabilities, valuation allowances required against deferred tax assets and estimating the phase-out range for synthetic fuel tax credits that is not published by the IRS until April of the following year. PPL and its subsidiaries record valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts that are more likely than not to be realized. PPL and its subsidiaries consider future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for valuation allowances. If PPL and its subsidiaries determine that they are able to realize deferred tax assets in the future in excess of recorded net deferred tax assets, adjustments to the valuation allowances increase income by reducing tax expense in the period that such determination is made. Likewise, if PPL and its subsidiaries determine that they are not able to realize all or part of net deferred tax assets in the future, adjustments to the valuation allowances would decrease income by increasing tax expense in the period that such determination is made.
Annual tax provisions include amounts to pay assessments that may result from examination by taxing authorities of prior year tax returns. The amounts ultimately paid upon resolution of issues raised by such authorities may differ materially from the amounts accrued and may materially impact PPL and its subsidiaries' financial statements in the future. In evaluating the exposure associated with various tax filing positions, PPL and its subsidiaries accrue charges for probable exposures based on management's best estimate of the amount of benefit that should be recognized in the financial statements in accordance with SFAS 5, "Accounting for Contingencies."
The provision for PPL Energy Supply is calculated in accordance with an intercompany tax sharing policy which provides that taxable income be calculated as if PPL Energy Supply and any domestic subsidiaries each filed a separate consolidated return. PPL Energy Supply's intercompany tax liability was $17 million and $40 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005.
PPL Energy Supply deferred investment tax credits when the credits were utilized and are amortizing the deferred amounts over the average lives of the related assets.
See Note 5 for additional discussion regarding income taxes.
(PPL)
The provision for PPL Electric's deferred income taxes for regulated assets is based upon the ratemaking principles reflected in rates established by the PUC and the FERC. The difference in the provision for deferred income taxes for regulated assets and the amount that otherwise would be recorded under U.S. GAAP is deferred and included in taxes recoverable through future rates in "Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Assets - Other" on the Balance Sheet.
Taxes, Other Than Income (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
PPL and its subsidiaries present sales taxes in "Accounts Payable" and value added taxes in "Taxes" on their Balance Sheets. These taxes are not reflected on the Statements of Income. See Note 5 for details on taxes included in "Taxes, other than income" on the Statements of Income.
Leases
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
PPL and its subsidiaries apply the provisions of SFAS 13, "Accounting for Leases," as amended and interpreted, to all transactions that qualify for lease accounting. See Note 11 for a discussion of accounting for leases under which PPL and PPL Energy Supply are lessees.
PPL EnergyPlus is the lessor, for accounting purposes, of a 79.9 MW oil-powered station in Shoreham, New York. The Long Island Power Authority has contracted to purchase all of the plant's capacity and ancillary services as part of a 15-year power purchase agreement with PPL EnergyPlus, which ends in 2017. The capacity payments in the power purchase agreement result in the plant being classified as a direct-financing lease. Additionally, a subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply is the lessor, for accounting purposes, of a sales-type lease related to an 8 MW on-site electrical generation plant.
As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, PPL and PPL Energy Supply had receivable balances of $240 million and $256 million (included in "Current Assets - Other" and "Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Assets - Other" for PPL and "Current Assets - Other" and "Other Noncurrent Assets - Other" for PPL Energy Supply) and unearned revenue balances of $128 million and $143 million (included in "Current Liabilities - Other" and "Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities - Other"). The receivable balances include $65 million of an unguaranteed residual value. Rental income received during 2006, 2005 and 2004 was $14 million, $15 million and $14 million. Total future minimum lease payments expected to be received on both leases are estimated at $16 million for each of the years from 2007 through 2011.
Fuel, Materials and Supplies
(PPL)
PPL and its subsidiaries value inventory at the lower of cost or market. Inventory is removed and charged to the Statements of Income using the average-cost method, except for natural gas, which is removed and charged to the Statements of Income using the last-in, first-out method (LIFO). The carrying value of the LIFO inventory was $13 million and $16 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the excess of replacement cost over carrying value was $16 million and $15 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005.
(PPL Energy Supply)
Fuel, materials and supplies are valued at the lower of cost or market using the average-cost method.
Guarantees (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
In accordance with the provisions of FIN 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, an Interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57, and 107 and Rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34," the fair values of guarantees related to arrangements entered into prior to January 1, 2003, as well as guarantees excluded from the initial recognition and measurement provisions of FIN 45, are not recorded in the financial statements. See Note 15 for further discussion of recorded and unrecorded guarantees.
Treasury Stock (PPL)
Treasury shares are reflected on the balance sheet as an offset to shareowners' equity under the cost method of accounting. Treasury shares are not considered outstanding in calculating EPS.
At December 31, 2005, PPL held 62,113,489 shares of treasury stock. PPL held no treasury stock at December 31, 2006. In the second quarter of 2006, PPL retired all treasury shares, which totaled 62,174,729 shares, and restored them to authorized but unissued shares of common stock. "Capital in excess of par value" was reduced by $839 million as a result of the retirement. Total "Shareowners' Common Equity" was not impacted. PPL plans to restore all shares of common stock acquired in the future to authorized but unissued shares of common stock upon acquisition.
Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
Assets and liabilities of international operations, where the local currency is the functional currency, are translated at the exchange rates on the date of consolidation and related revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the year. Adjustments resulting from translation are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. The local currency is the functional currency for all of PPL's international operating companies except for those located in Bolivia, where the U.S. dollar is the functional currency.
Gains or losses relating to foreign currency transactions are recognized currently in income. The net transaction losses were insignificant in 2006, 2005 and 2004.
New Accounting Standards (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
See Note 23 for a discussion of new accounting standards recently adopted or pending adoption.
2. Segment and Related Information
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
PPL's reportable segments are Supply, International Delivery and Pennsylvania Delivery. The Supply segment primarily consists of the domestic energy marketing, domestic generation and domestic development operations of PPL Energy Supply. The International Delivery segment includes operations of the international energy businesses of PPL Global that are primarily focused on the distribution of electricity. The majority of PPL Global's international businesses are located in the U.K., Chile, El Salvador and Bolivia. See discussion in Note 10 of PPL's anticipated sale of its Latin American regulated electricity delivery businesses. With the exception of net income, the operating results from these businesses have been excluded from the income statement data tables below. The Pennsylvania Delivery segment includes the regulated electric and gas delivery operations of PPL Electric and PPL Gas Utilities.
PPL Energy Supply's reportable segments are Supply and International Delivery. The International Delivery segment at the PPL Energy Supply level is consistent with the International Delivery segment at the PPL level. The Supply segment information reported at the PPL Energy Supply level will not agree with the Supply segment information reported at the PPL level because additional Supply segment functions exist at PPL that are outside of PPL Energy Supply. Furthermore, certain income items, including PLR revenue and certain interest income, exist at the PPL Energy Supply level, but are eliminated in consolidation at the PPL level. Finally, certain expense items are fully allocated to the segments at the PPL level only.
Segments include direct charges, as well as an allocation of indirect corporate costs, for services provided by PPL Services. These service costs include functions such as financial, legal, human resources and information services.
Financial data for the segments are:
| | PPL | | PPL Energy Supply |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 | | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
Income Statement Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenues from external customers | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Supply | | $ | 2,239 | | | $ | 1,774 | | | $ | 1,783 | | | $ | 3,925 | | | $ | 3,335 | | | $ | 3,264 | |
International Delivery | | | 793 | | | | 753 | | | | 717 | | | | 793 | | | | 753 | | | | 717 | |
Pennsylvania Delivery | | | 3,313 | | | | 3,199 | | | | 2,869 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 6,345 | | | | 5,726 | | | | 5,369 | | | | 4,718 | | | | 4,088 | | | | 3,981 | |
Intersegment revenues (a) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Supply | | | 1,708 | | | | 1,590 | | | | 1,500 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Pennsylvania Delivery | | | 160 | | | | 152 | | | | 156 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Supply | | | 159 | | | | 144 | | | | 144 | | | | 148 | | | | 135 | | | | 138 | |
International Delivery | | | 142 | | | | 133 | | | | 123 | | | | 142 | | | | 133 | | | | 123 | |
Pennsylvania Delivery | | | 126 | | | | 119 | | | | 114 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 427 | | | | 396 | | | | 381 | | | | 290 | | | | 268 | | | | 261 | |
Amortization - recoverable transition costs and other | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Supply | | | 31 | | | | 33 | | | | 14 | | | | 17 | | | | 18 | | | | (1 | ) |
International Delivery | | | (14 | ) | | | (13 | ) | | | (2 | ) | | | (14 | ) | | | (13 | ) | | | (2 | ) |
Pennsylvania Delivery | | | 292 | | | | 278 | | | | 267 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 309 | | | | 298 | | | | 279 | | | | 3 | | | | 5 | | | | (3 | ) |
Interest income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Supply | | | (4 | ) | | | (6 | ) | | | 15 | | | | 35 | | | | 21 | | | | 23 | |
International Delivery | | | 5 | | | | 2 | | | | 3 | | | | 5 | | | | 2 | | | | 3 | |
Pennsylvania Delivery | | | 32 | | | | 21 | | | | 16 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 33 | | | | 17 | | | | 34 | | | | 40 | | | | 23 | | | | 26 | |
Interest expense | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Supply | | | 122 | | | | 116 | | | | 114 | | | | 87 | | | | 81 | | | | 64 | |
International Delivery | | | 173 | | | | 175 | | | | 181 | | | | 173 | | | | 175 | | | | 181 | |
Pennsylvania Delivery | | | 157 | | | | 189 | | | | 196 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 452 | | | | 480 | | | | 491 | | | | 260 | | | | 256 | | | | 245 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income tax expense | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Supply | | | 147 | | | | 21 | | | | 125 | | | | 168 | | | | 42 | | | | 146 | |
International Delivery | | | 19 | | | | 39 | | | | 64 | | | | 19 | | | | 39 | | | | 64 | |
Pennsylvania Delivery | | | 107 | | | | 67 | | | | 17 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 273 | | | | 127 | | | | 206 | | | | 187 | | | | 81 | | | | 210 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Supply | | | (6 | ) | | | (93 | ) | | | 17 | | | | 102 | | | | 13 | | | | 104 | |
International Delivery | | | (14 | ) | | | 18 | | | | 50 | | | | (14 | ) | | | 18 | | | | 50 | |
Pennsylvania Delivery | | | 12 | | | | 10 | | | | 87 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | (8 | ) | | | (65 | ) | | | 154 | | | | 88 | | | | 31 | | | | 154 | |
Net Income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Supply (b) (c) | | | 416 | | | | 311 | | | | 421 | | | | 430 | | | | 327 | | | | 454 | |
International Delivery (b) | | | 268 | | | | 215 | | | | 197 | | | | 268 | | | | 215 | | | | 197 | |
Pennsylvania Delivery | | | 181 | | | | 152 | | | | 80 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 865 | | | $ | 678 | | | $ | 698 | | | $ | 698 | | | $ | 542 | | | $ | 651 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash Flow Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Supply | | $ | 738 | | | $ | 332 | | | $ | 259 | | | $ | 693 | | | $ | 304 | | | $ | 242 | |
International Delivery | | | 340 | | | | 289 | | | | 279 | | | | 340 | | | | 289 | | | | 279 | |
Pennsylvania Delivery | | | 316 | | | | 190 | | | | 196 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 1,394 | | | $ | 811 | | | $ | 734 | | | $ | 1,033 | | | $ | 593 | | | $ | 521 | |
| | PPL | | PPL Energy Supply |
| | As of December 31, | | As of December 31, |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2006 | | 2005 |
Balance Sheet Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment in unconsolidated affiliates - at equity | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Supply | | $ | 44 | | | $ | 41 | | | $ | 44 | | | $ | 41 | |
International Delivery | | | 3 | | | | 15 | | | | 3 | | | | 15 | |
| | | 47 | | | | 56 | | | | 47 | | | | 56 | |
Total assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Supply | | | 8,039 | | | | 7,118 | | | | 8,447 | | | | 7,575 | |
International Delivery | | | 6,208 | | | | 5,089 | | | | 6,208 | | | | 5,089 | |
Pennsylvania Delivery | | | 5,500 | | | | 5,719 | | | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 19,747 | | | $ | 17,926 | | | $ | 14,655 | | | $ | 12,664 | |
| | PPL | | PPL Energy Supply |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 | | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
Geographic Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenues from external customers | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. | | $ | 5,552 | | | $ | 4,973 | | | $ | 4,652 | | | $ | 3,925 | | | $ | 3,335 | | | $ | 3,264 | |
U.K. | | | 793 | | | | 753 | | | | 717 | | | | 793 | | | | 753 | | | | 717 | |
| | $ | 6,345 | | | $ | 5,726 | | | $ | 5,369 | | | $ | 4,718 | | | $ | 4,088 | | | $ | 3,981 | |
| | PPL | | PPL Energy Supply |
| | As of December 31, | | As of December 31, |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2006 | | 2005 |
Property, Plant and Equipment | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. | | $ | 7,845 | | | $ | 7,292 | | | $ | 4,701 | | | $ | 4,287 | |
Foreign: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.K. | | | 3,755 | | | | 3,162 | | | | 3,755 | | | | 3,162 | |
Latin America | | | 469 | | | | 462 | | | | 469 | | | | 462 | |
| | | 4,224 | | | | 3,624 | | | | 4,224 | | | | 3,624 | |
| | $ | 12,069 | | | $ | 10,916 | | | $ | 8,925 | | | $ | 7,911 | |
(a) | | See "PLR Contracts" and "NUG Purchases" in Note 16 for the basis of accounting between reportable segments. |
(b) | | All years include the results of discontinued operations. See Note 10 for additional information. |
(c) | | 2005 includes the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. See Note 21 for additional information. |
The net income of the International Delivery segment for the year ended December 31, 2006, reflects accounting adjustments related to prior periods. During the third quarter of 2006, management determined that it had incorrectly applied the impacts of Chilean inflation in calculating depreciation and deferred income taxes on certain Chilean assets from 1997 through 2006. As a result, net income was increased by $5 million for the depreciation adjustment in the third quarter of 2006, of which $4 million related to periods prior to 2006 and less than $1 million related to the first and second quarters of 2006. Net income was also increased by $9 million for the deferred income tax adjustment in the third quarter of 2006, of which $8 million related to periods prior to 2006 and less than $1 million related to the first and second quarters of 2006. These adjustments are not considered by management to be material to the financial statements of prior periods and are not material to the financial statements for 2006.
3. Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates - at Equity
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates accounted for under the equity method at December 31 (equity ownership percentages as of December 31, 2006) was:
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
| | | | | | | | |
Aguaytia Energy, LLC | | | | | | $ | 10 | |
Bangor-Pacific Hydro Associates - 50.0% | | $ | 19 | | | | 17 | |
Safe Harbor Water Power Corporation - 33.3% | | | 15 | | | | 15 | |
Other | | | 13 | | | | 14 | |
| | $ | 47 | | | $ | 56 | |
In 2006, PPL Global completed the sale of its minority interest in Aguaytia Energy, LLC. See Note 9 for additional information.
In 2006, a PPL Energy Supply subsidiary sold its 50% interest in a partnership that owned the Griffith plant. See Note 10 for additional information. The partnership arrangement was essentially a cost-sharing arrangement, in that each of the partners had rights to one-half of the plant capacity and energy, and an obligation to cover one-half of the operating costs of the plant. Accordingly, the equity investment is not reflected in the table above and is classified as "Electric plant in service - Generation" on the Balance Sheet at December 31, 2005.
4. Earnings Per Share
(PPL)
In August 2005, PPL completed a 2-for-1 split of its common stock. The distribution date was August 24, 2005. The share and per-share amounts included in these financial statements have been adjusted for all periods presented to reflect the stock split.
Basic EPS is calculated using the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is calculated using the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding that are increased for additional shares that would be outstanding if potentially dilutive securities were converted to common stock. Potentially dilutive securities consist of:
· | stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units granted under the incentive compensation plans; |
· | stock units representing common stock granted under the directors compensation programs; |
· | common stock purchase contracts that were a component of the PEPS Units and PEPS Units, Series B; and |
· | convertible senior notes. |
The basic and diluted EPS calculations, and the reconciliation of the shares (in thousands) used in the calculations, are:
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
Income (Numerator) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from continuing operations | | $ | 843 | | | $ | 702 | | | $ | 686 | |
Income (Loss) from discontinued operations (net of income taxes) | | | 22 | | | | (16 | ) | | | 12 | |
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle (net of income taxes) | | | | | | | (8 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Income | | $ | 865 | | | $ | 678 | | | $ | 698 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares (Denominator) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares for Basic EPS | | | 380,754 | | | | 379,132 | | | | 368,456 | |
Add incremental shares | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Convertible Senior Notes | | | 3,221 | | | | 2,263 | | | | 134 | |
Restricted stock, stock options and other share-based awards | | | 2,794 | | | | 2,342 | | | | 1,396 | |
Shares for Diluted EPS | | | 386,769 | | | | 383,737 | | | | 369,986 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic EPS | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from continuing operations | | $ | 2.21 | | | $ | 1.85 | | | $ | 1.86 | |
Income (Loss) from discontinued operations (net of income taxes) | | | 0.06 | | | | (0.04 | ) | | | 0.03 | |
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle (net of income taxes) | | | | | | | (0.02 | ) | | | | |
Net Income | | $ | 2.27 | | | $ | 1.79 | | | $ | 1.89 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Diluted EPS | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from continuing operations | | $ | 2.18 | | | $ | 1.83 | | | $ | 1.85 | |
Income (Loss) from discontinued operations (net of income taxes) | | | 0.06 | | | | (0.04 | ) | | | 0.04 | |
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle (net of income taxes) | | | | | | | (0.02 | ) | | | | |
Net Income | | $ | 2.24 | | | $ | 1.77 | | | $ | 1.89 | |
In May 2001, PPL and PPL Capital Funding Trust I issued 23 million PEPS Units that contained a purchase contract component for PPL's common stock. In January 2004, PPL completed an exchange offer resulting in the exchange of approximately four million PEPS Units for PEPS Units, Series B. The primary difference in the units related to the debt component. The purchase contract components of both units were identical. The purchase contracts were only dilutive if the average price of PPL's common stock exceeded a threshold appreciation price, which was adjusted for cash distributions on PPL common stock. The threshold appreciation price for the PEPS Units was initially set at $32.52 and was adjusted to $31.69 as of April 1, 2004, based on dividends paid on PPL's common stock since issuance. The threshold appreciation price for the purchase contract component of the PEPS Units, Series B was adjusted in the same manner as that of the PEPS Units and was $31.69 as a result of the adjustment as of April 1, 2004. The purchase contracts of both the PEPS Units and PEPS Units, Series B were settled in May 2004. Since the average price did not exceed the threshold appreciation price, the purchase contracts were excluded from the diluted EPS calculations for 2004.
In May 2003, PPL Energy Supply issued $400 million of 2.625% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023. The notes are guaranteed by PPL and, as originally issued, could be converted into shares of PPL common stock if:
· | during any fiscal quarter starting after June 30, 2003, the market price of PPL's common stock exceeds $29.83 per share over a certain period during the preceding fiscal quarter; |
· | PPL calls the debt for redemption; |
· | the holder exercises its right to put the debt on any five-year anniversary of the offering; |
· | the long-term credit rating assigned to the notes by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and Standard & Poor's Ratings Services falls below Ba2 and BB or the notes are not rated; or |
· | certain specified corporate transactions occur, e.g., change in control and certain distributions to the holders of PPL common stock. |
The conversion rate is 40.2212 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes (or $24.8625 per share). It will be adjusted if certain specified distributions, whether in the form of cash, stock, other equity interests, evidence of indebtedness or assets, are made to holders of PPL common stock. Additionally, the conversion rate can be increased by PPL if its Board of Directors has made a determination that to do so would be in the best interests of either PPL or holders of PPL common stock.
Depending upon which of the conversion events identified above occurs, the Convertible Senior Notes, as originally issued, could have been settled in cash or shares. However, the notes were modified in November 2004 to require cash settlement of the principal amount, permit settlement of any conversion premium in cash or stock, and eliminate a provision that required settlement in stock in the event of default. These modifications were made in response to the FASB's ratification of EITF Issue 04-8, "The Effect of Contingently Convertible Instruments on Diluted Earnings per Share," as well as other anticipated rules relating to EPS. EITF Issue 04-8 requires contingently convertible instruments to be included in diluted EPS.
The Convertible Senior Notes have a dilutive impact when the average market price of PPL common stock equals or exceeds $24.87.
See Note 8 for discussion of attainment of the market price trigger related to the Convertible Senior Notes and the related conversions during 2006.
As of December 31, 2006, only $102 million of Convertible Senior Notes remains outstanding. The maximum number of shares of PPL common stock that could potentially be issued to settle the conversion premium, based upon the current conversion rate, is 4,117,042 shares. Based on PPL's common stock price at December 31, 2006, the conversion premium equated to 1,261,015 shares of PPL common stock, or $45 million.
During 2006, PPL issued 1,546,447 shares of common stock related to the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units under its stock-based compensation plans. See Note 12 for a discussion of PPL's stock-based compensation plans.
The following number of stock options to purchase PPL common shares were excluded in the periods' computations of diluted EPS because the effect would have been antidilutive.
(Thousands of Shares) | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 |
| | | | | | | | |
Antidilutive stock options | | | 334 | | | | 402 | | | | 2,266 |
5. Income and Other Taxes
For 2006, 2005 and 2004, the statutory U.S. corporate federal income tax rate was 35%. The statutory corporate net income tax rate for Pennsylvania was 9.99%.
(PPL)
"Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes, Minority Interest and Dividends on Preferred Securities of a Subsidiary" included the following components for the years ended December 31:
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Domestic income | | $ | 888 | | | $ | 616 | | | $ | 657 |
Foreign income | | | 245 | | | | 217 | | | | 239 |
| | $ | 1,133 | | | $ | 833 | | | $ | 896 |
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for accounting purposes and their basis for income tax purposes and the tax effects of net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.
Net deferred tax assets have been recognized based on management's estimates of future taxable income for U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions in which PPL's operations have historically been profitable.
Significant components of PPL's deferred income tax assets and liabilities from continuing operations were:
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
Deferred Tax Assets | | | | | | | | |
Deferred investment tax credits | | $ | 30 | | | $ | 36 | |
NUG contracts and buybacks | | | 73 | | | | 102 | |
Unrealized loss on qualifying derivatives | | | 29 | | | | 139 | |
Accrued pension costs | | | 140 | | | | 80 | |
Federal tax credit carryforwards | | | 47 | | | | 112 | |
Foreign loss carryforwards | | | 175 | | | | 140 | |
Foreign - pensions | | | 74 | | | | 53 | |
Foreign - other | | | 20 | | | | 36 | |
Contributions in aid of construction | | | 85 | | | | 78 | |
Other | | | 245 | | | | 195 | |
Valuation allowances | | | (189 | ) | | | (148 | ) |
| | | 729 | | | | 823 | |
Deferred Tax Liabilities | | | | | | | | |
Plant - net | | | 1,428 | | | | 1,316 | |
Recoverable transition costs | | | 333 | | | | 434 | |
Taxes recoverable through future rates | | | 113 | | | | 106 | |
Reacquired debt costs | | | 15 | | | | 16 | |
Foreign - plant | | | 765 | | | | 692 | |
Foreign - other | | | 86 | | | | 98 | |
Other domestic | | | 71 | | | | 78 | |
| | | 2,811 | | | | 2,740 | |
Net deferred tax liability | | $ | 2,082 | | | $ | 1,917 | |
PPL had federal alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards with an indefinite carryforward period of $27 million and $111 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005. PPL had federal foreign tax credit carryforwards that expire in 2015 of $20 million and $1 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005. PPL also had state net operating loss carryforwards that expire between 2006 and 2027 of $216 million and $97 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005. Valuation allowances have been established for the amount that, more likely than not, will not be realized.
PPL Global had foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $37 million and $50 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005. PPL Global also had foreign capital loss carryforwards of $563 million and $439 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005. All of these losses have an unlimited carryforward period. Valuation allowances have been established for the amount that, more likely than not, will not be realized. Of the total valuation allowances related to foreign capital loss carryforwards, $83 million is allocable to goodwill.
PPL Global does not pay or record U.S. income taxes on the undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries where management has determined that the earnings are permanently reinvested. The cumulative undistributed earnings are included in "Earnings reinvested" on the Balance Sheets. The amounts considered permanently reinvested at December 31, 2006 and 2005, are $910 million and $650 million. If the earnings are remitted as dividends, PPL Global may be subject to additional U.S. taxes, net of allowable foreign tax credits. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of additional taxes that might be payable on these foreign earnings.
Details of the components of income tax expense, a reconciliation of federal income taxes derived from statutory tax rates applied to "Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes, Minority Interest and Dividends on Preferred Securities of a Subsidiary," for accounting purposes, and details of taxes, other than income were:
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
Income Tax Expense | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current-Federal | | $ | 230 | | | $ | 142 | | | $ | 64 | |
Current-State | | | 19 | | | | | | | | (30 | ) |
Current-Foreign | | | 32 | | | | 50 | | | | 18 | |
| | | 281 | | | | 192 | | | | 52 | |
Deferred-Federal | | | (6 | ) | | | (84 | ) | | | 103 | |
Deferred-State | | | 6 | | | | 17 | | | | 17 | |
Deferred-Foreign | | | 6 | | | | 17 | | | | 49 | |
| | | 6 | | | | (50 | ) | | | 169 | |
Investment tax credit, net-Federal | | | (14 | ) | | | (15 | ) | | | (15 | ) |
Total income tax expense from continuing operations (a) | | $ | 273 | | | $ | 127 | | | $ | 206 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total income tax expense-Federal | | $ | 210 | | | $ | 43 | | | $ | 152 | |
Total income tax expense-State | | | 25 | | | | 17 | | | | (13 | ) |
Total income tax expense-Foreign | | | 38 | | | | 67 | | | | 67 | |
Total income tax expense from continuing operations (a) | | $ | 273 | | | $ | 127 | | | $ | 206 | |
(a) | Excludes $6 million of deferred federal, state and foreign tax benefit in 2005 related to the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, recorded net of tax. Excludes current and deferred federal, state and foreign tax benefits of $10 million in 2006, $34 million in 2005 and $11 million in 2004 related to loss from discontinued operations, recorded net of tax. Excludes realized tax benefits related to stock-based compensation, recorded as an increase to capital in excess of par value of $13 million in 2006, $7 million in 2005 and $3 million in 2004. Also excludes federal, state and foreign tax (benefits) recorded to other comprehensive income (loss) of $80 million in 2006, $(102) million in 2005 and $(66) million in 2004. |
| | | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Indicated federal income tax on Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes, Minority Interest and Dividends on Preferred Securities of a Subsidiary at statutory tax rate - 35% | | $ | 397 | | | $ | 292 | | | $ | 313 | |
Increase (decrease) due to: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
State income taxes (b) (c) (d) | | | 32 | | | | 22 | | | | 13 | |
Amortization of investment tax credit | | | (10 | ) | | | (10 | ) | | | (10 | ) |
Difference related to income recognition of foreign affiliates (net of foreign income taxes) | | | (37 | ) | | | (37 | ) | | | (26 | ) |
Transfer of WPD tax items (a) | | | (20 | ) | | | | | | | | |
Stranded cost securitization (b) (c) (d) | | | (7 | ) | | | (7 | ) | | | (22 | ) |
Federal income tax credits | | | (58 | ) | | | (107 | ) | | | (74 | ) |
Federal income tax return adjustments (b) (c) | | | 1 | | | | (15 | ) | | | | |
Change in tax reserves (b) (c) (d) | | | (16 | ) | | | (5 | ) | | | 9 | |
Other | | | (9 | ) | | | (6 | ) | | | 3 | |
| | | (124 | ) | | | (165 | ) | | | (107 | ) |
Total income tax expense from continuing operations | | $ | 273 | | | $ | 127 | | | $ | 206 | |
Effective income tax rate | | | 24.1% | | | | 15.2% | | | | 23.0% | |
(a) | | In January 2006, WPD, Hyder's liquidator and a former Hyder affiliate signed an agreement to transfer to the affiliate a future tax liability from WPD and certain surplus tax losses from Hyder. The U.K. taxing authority subsequently confirmed this agreement. This transfer resulted in a net reduction of income tax expense of $20 million in 2006, and a decrease to goodwill of $12 million from the resolution of a pre-acquisition tax contingency pursuant to EITF Issue 93-7, "Uncertainties Related to Income Taxes in a Purchase Business Combination." |
| | |
(b) | | During 2006, PPL recorded $6 million in state and federal tax expense from filing the 2005 income tax returns. The $6 million tax expense included in the Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense consisted of a $1 million federal expense reflected in "Federal income tax return adjustments" and a $5 million state expense reflected in "State income taxes." During 2006, PPL recorded a $14 million benefit related to federal and state income tax reserve changes. The $14 million benefit included in the Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense consisted of a $7 million benefit reflected in "Stranded costs securitization" and a $16 million federal benefit reflected in "Change in tax reserves," offset by a $9 million state expense reflected in "State income taxes." |
| | |
(c) | | During 2005, PPL recorded a $12 million benefit from the reduction of state and federal income taxes from filing the 2004 income tax returns. The $12 million benefit included in the Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense consisted of a $15 million federal benefit reflected in "Federal income tax return adjustments" offset by a $3 million state expense reflected in "State income taxes." During 2005, PPL recorded a $14 million benefit related to federal and state income tax reserve changes. The $14 million benefit included in the Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense consisted of a $7 million benefit reflected in "Stranded costs securitization," a $2 million state benefit reflected in "State income taxes" and a $5 million federal benefit reflected in "Change in tax reserves." |
| | |
(d) | | During 2004, PPL recorded $2 million in state tax expense from filing the 2003 income tax returns. The $2 million tax expense included in the Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense is reflected in "State income taxes." During 2004, PPL recorded a $15 million benefit related to federal and state income tax reserve changes. The $15 million benefit included in the Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense consisted of a $22 million benefit reflected in "Stranded costs securitization" and a $2 million state benefit reflected in "State income taxes," offset by a $9 million federal expense reflected in "Change in tax reserves." |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
Taxes, other than income | | | | | | | | | | | | |
State gross receipts | | $ | 181 | | | $ | 175 | | | $ | 156 | |
State utility realty | | | 5 | | | | 6 | | | | (10 | ) |
State capital stock | | | 12 | | | | 14 | | | | 22 | |
Property - foreign | | | 57 | | | | 57 | | | | 55 | |
Domestic property and other | | | 26 | | | | 26 | | | | 25 | |
| | $ | 281 | | | $ | 278 | | | $ | 248 | |
(PPL Energy Supply)
"Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Minority Interest" included the following components for the years ended December 31:
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
| | | | | | | | |
Domestic income | | $ | 621 | | | $ | 432 | | | $ | 612 |
Foreign income | | | 245 | | | | 217 | | | | 239 |
| | $ | 866 | | | $ | 649 | | | $ | 851 |
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for accounting purposes and their basis for income tax purposes and the tax effects of net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.
Net deferred tax assets have been recognized based on management's estimates of future taxable income for U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions in which PPL's operations have historically been profitable.
Significant components of PPL Energy Supply's deferred income tax assets and liabilities from continuing operations were as follows:
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
Deferred Tax Assets | | | | | | | | |
Deferred investment tax credits | | $ | 23 | | | $ | 28 | |
NUG contracts and buybacks | | | 73 | | | | 102 | |
Unrealized loss on qualifying derivatives | | | 31 | | | | 133 | |
Accrued pension costs | | | 52 | | | | 23 | |
Federal tax credit carryforwards | | | 47 | | | | 112 | |
Foreign loss carryforwards | | | 175 | | | | 140 | |
Foreign - pensions | | | 74 | | | | 53 | |
Foreign - other | | | 20 | | | | 36 | |
Other domestic | | | 136 | | | | 92 | |
Valuation allowances | | | (178 | ) | | | (144 | ) |
| | | 453 | | | | 575 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Deferred Tax Liabilities | | | | | | | | |
Plant - net | | | 739 | | | | 654 | |
Foreign investments | | | 3 | | | | 5 | |
Foreign - plant | | | 765 | | | | 692 | |
Foreign - other | | | 86 | | | | 98 | |
Other domestic | | | 36 | | | | 48 | |
| | | 1,629 | | | | 1,497 | |
Net deferred tax liability | | $ | 1,176 | | | $ | 922 | |
PPL Energy Supply had federal alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards with an indefinite carryforward period of $27 million and $111 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005. PPL Energy Supply had federal foreign tax credit carryforwards that expire in 2015 of $20 million and $1 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005. PPL Energy Supply also had state net operating loss carryforwards that expire between 2006 and 2027 of $9 million and $6 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005. Valuation allowances have been established for the amount that, more likely than not, will not be realized.
PPL Global had foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $37 million and $50 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005. PPL Global also had foreign capital loss carryforwards of $563 million and $439 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005. All of these losses have an unlimited carryforward period. Valuation allowances have been established for the amount that more likely than not, will not be realized. Of the total valuation allowances related to foreign capital loss carryforwards, $83 million is allocable to goodwill.
PPL Global does not pay or record U.S. income taxes on the undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries where management has determined that the earnings are permanently reinvested. The cumulative undistributed earnings are included in "Member's Equity" on the Balance Sheets. The amounts considered permanently reinvested at December 31, 2006 and 2005, are $910 million and $650 million. If the earnings are remitted as dividends, PPL Global may be subject to additional U.S. taxes, net of allowable foreign tax credits. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of additional taxes that might be payable on these foreign earnings.
Details of the components of income tax expense, a reconciliation of federal income taxes derived from statutory tax rates applied to "Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Minority Interest" for accounting purposes, and details of taxes, other than income were:
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
Income Tax Expense | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current-Federal | | $ | 40 | | | $ | (28 | ) | | $ | 27 | |
Current-State | | | 27 | | | | 28 | | | | 11 | |
Current-Foreign | | | 32 | | | | 50 | | | | 18 | |
| | | 99 | | | | 50 | | | | 56 | |
Deferred-Federal | | | 86 | | | | 5 | | | | 102 | |
Deferred-State | | | 8 | | | | 21 | | | | 15 | |
Deferred-Foreign | | | 6 | | | | 17 | | | | 49 | |
| | | 100 | | | | 43 | | | | 166 | |
Investment tax credit, net-Federal | | | (12 | ) | | | (12 | ) | | | (12 | ) |
Total income tax expense from continuing operations (a) | | $ | 187 | | | $ | 81 | | | $ | 210 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total income tax expense-Federal | | $ | 114 | | | $ | (35 | ) | | $ | 117 | |
Total income tax expense-State | | | 35 | | | | 49 | | | | 26 | |
Total income tax expense-Foreign | | | 38 | | | | 67 | | | | 67 | |
Total income tax expense from continuing operations (a) | | $ | 187 | | | $ | 81 | | | $ | 210 | |
(a) | | Excludes $6 million of deferred federal, state and foreign tax benefit in 2005 related to the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, recorded net of tax. Excludes current and deferred federal, state and foreign tax benefits of $10 million in 2006, $34 million in 2005 and $11 million in 2004 related to loss from discontinued operations, recorded net of tax. Also excludes federal, state and foreign tax (benefits) recorded to other comprehensive income of $83 million in 2006, $(106) million in 2005 and $(68) million in 2004. |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Indicated federal income tax on Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Minority Interest at statutory tax rate - 35% | | $ | 303 | | | $ | 227 | | | $ | 298 | |
Increase (decrease) due to: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
State income taxes (b) (c) (d) | | | 28 | | | | 41 | | | | 21 | |
Amortization of investment tax credit | | | (8 | ) | | | (8 | ) | | | (8 | ) |
Difference related to income recognition of foreign affiliates (net of foreign income taxes) | | | (37 | ) | | | (37 | ) | | | (26 | ) |
Transfer of WPD tax items (a) | | | (20 | ) | | | | | | | | |
Federal income tax credits | | | (58 | ) | | | (107 | ) | | | (74 | ) |
Federal income tax return adjustments (c) (d) | | | | | | | (21 | ) | | | (6 | ) |
Change in tax reserves (b) (c) (d) | | | (13 | ) | | | (10 | ) | | | 6 | |
Other | | | (8 | ) | | | (4 | ) | | | (1 | ) |
| | | (116 | ) | | | (146 | ) | | | (88 | ) |
Total income tax expense from continuing operations | | $ | 187 | | | $ | 81 | | | $ | 210 | |
Effective income tax rate | | | 21.6% | | | | 12.5% | | | | 24.7% | |
(a) | | In January 2006, WPD, Hyder's liquidator and a former Hyder affiliate signed an agreement to transfer to the affiliate a future tax liability from WPD and certain surplus tax losses from Hyder. The U.K. taxing authority subsequently confirmed this agreement. This transfer resulted in a net reduction of income tax expense of $20 million in 2006, and a decrease to goodwill of $12 million from the resolution of a pre-acquisition tax contingency pursuant to EITF Issue 93-7, "Uncertainties Related to Income Taxes in a Purchase Business Combination." |
| | |
(b) | | During 2006, PPL Energy Supply recorded $5 million in state income tax expense from filing the 2005 income tax returns. The $5 million state tax expense included in the Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense is reflected in "State income taxes." During 2006, PPL Energy Supply recorded a $5 million benefit related to federal and state income tax reserve changes. The $5 million benefit included in the Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense consisted of a $13 million benefit reflected in "Change in tax reserves," offset by an $8 million state expense reflected in "State income taxes." |
| | |
(c) | | During 2005, PPL Energy Supply recorded $4 million in state and federal income tax expense from filing the 2004 income tax returns. The $4 million tax expense included in the Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense consisted of a $25 million state expense reflected in "State income taxes," offset by a $21 million federal benefit reflected in "Federal income tax return adjustments." During 2005, PPL Energy Supply recorded a $10 million benefit related to federal income tax reserve changes. The $10 million benefit is included in "Change in tax reserves" in the Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense. |
| | |
(d) | | During 2004, PPL Energy Supply recorded $12 million in state and federal income tax expense from filing the 2003 income tax returns. The $12 million tax expense included in the Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense consisted of an $18 million state expense reflected in "State income taxes," offset by a $6 million federal benefit reflected in "Federal income tax return adjustments." During 2004, PPL Energy Supply recorded a $6 million expense related to federal income tax reserve changes. The $6 million expense is included in "Change in Tax Reserves" in the Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense. |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
Taxes, other than income | | | | | | | | | | | | |
State gross receipts | | $ | 1 | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | 2 | |
State capital stock | | | 8 | | | | 9 | | | | 13 | |
Property - foreign | | | 57 | | | | 57 | | | | 55 | |
Domestic property and other | | | 25 | | | | 26 | | | | 24 | |
| | $ | 91 | | | $ | 93 | | | $ | 94 | |
6. Financial Instruments
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, investments in the nuclear decommissioning trust funds, other investments and short-term debt approximated fair value due to the liquid nature of the instruments, variable interest rates associated with the financial instruments or the carrying value of the instruments being based on established market prices. Price risk management assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value using exchange-traded market quotes, prices obtained through third-party brokers or internally developed price curves. Financial instruments where the carrying amount on the Balance Sheets and the estimated fair value (based on quoted market prices for the securities where available and estimates based on current rates where quoted market prices are not available) are different, are set forth below:
| | December 31, 2006 | | | December 31, 2005 | |
| | Carrying Amount | | | Fair Value | | | Carrying Amount | | | Fair Value | |
PPL | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Long-term debt | | $ | 7,746 | | | $ | 7,869 | | | $ | 7,081 | | | $ | 7,585 | |
Long-term debt with affiliate trust | | | 89 | | | | 86 | | | | 89 | | | | 84 | |
PPL Energy Supply | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Long-term debt | | $ | 5,287 | | | $ | 5,355 | | | $ | 3,951 | | | $ | 4,340 | |
Long-term debt with affiliate trust | | | 89 | | | | 86 | | | | 89 | | | | 84 | |
7. Preferred Securities
(PPL)
PPL is authorized to issue up to 10 million shares of preferred stock. No PPL preferred stock had been issued or was outstanding at December 31, 2006 and 2005.
Details of PPL Electric's preferred securities, without sinking fund requirements, as of December 31 were:
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
| | | | | | | | |
4-1/2% Preferred Stock | | $ | 25 | | | $ | 25 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Series Preferred Stock | | | | | | | | |
3.35% | | | 2 | | | | 2 | |
4.40% | | | 12 | | | | 12 | |
4.60% | | | 3 | | | | 3 | |
6.75% | | | 9 | | | | 9 | |
Total Series Preferred Stock | | | 26 | | | | 26 | |
| | | | | | | | |
6.25% Series Preference Stock | | | 250 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Preferred Securities | | $ | 301 | | | $ | 51 | |
| | 2006 |
| | Issued and Outstanding Shares | | Shares Authorized | | Optional Redemption Price Per Share |
| | | | | | | |
4-1/2% Preferred Stock (a) | | 247,524 | | 629,936 | | $ | 110.00 |
| | | | | | | |
Series Preferred Stock (a) | | | | | | | |
3.35% | | 20,605 | | | | | 103.50 |
4.40% | | 117,676 | | | | | 102.00 |
4.60% | | 28,614 | | | | | 103.00 |
6.75% | | 90,770 | | | | | 102.36 |
| | | | | | | |
Total Series Preferred Stock | | 257,665 | | 10,000,000 | | | |
| | | | | | | |
6.25% Series Preference Stock (c) | | 2,500,000 | | 10,000,000 | | | (b) |
| | | | | | | |
Total Preferred Securities | | 3,005,189 | | | | | |
(a) | | During 2006 and 2005, there were no increases or decreases to the preferred stock outstanding at December 31, 2005 and 2004. |
(b) | | Redeemable on or after April 6, 2011. |
(c) | | 2.5 million shares of preference stock were issued in 2006. |
Preferred Stock
The involuntary liquidation price of the preferred stock is $100 per share. The optional voluntary liquidation price is the optional redemption price per share in effect, except for the 4-1/2% Preferred Stock and the 6.75% Series Preferred Stock for which such price is $100 per share (plus, in each case, any unpaid dividends in arrears).
Holders of the outstanding preferred stock are entitled to one vote per share on matters on which PPL Electric's shareowners are entitled to vote. Preferred Stock ranks senior to PPL Electric's common stock and 6.25% Series Preference Stock.
Preference Stock
In April 2006, PPL Electric sold 10 million depositary shares, each representing a quarter interest in a share of PPL Electric's 6.25% Series Preference Stock (Preference Shares), totaling $250 million. In connection with the sale of the depositary shares, PPL Electric issued 2.5 million Preference Shares, with a liquidation preference of $100 per share, to the bank acting as a depositary. PPL Electric used the net proceeds of $245 million from the offering to repurchase $200 million of its common stock held by PPL, and for other general corporate purposes. PPL used the $200 million received from PPL Electric to fund capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes.
Holders of the depositary shares are entitled to all proportional rights and preferences of the Preference Shares, including dividend, voting, redemption and liquidation rights, exercised through the depositary. The Preference Shares rank senior to PPL Electric's common stock and junior to its preferred stock, and they have no voting rights, except as provided by law.
Dividends on the Preference Shares will be paid when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors at a fixed annual rate of 6.25%, or $1.5625 per depositary share per year, and are not cumulative. PPL Electric may not pay dividends on, or redeem, purchase or make a liquidation payment with respect to any of its common stock, except in certain circumstances, unless full dividends on the Preference Shares have been paid for the then-current dividend period.
The Preference Shares do not have a stated maturity, and are not subject to sinking fund requirements. However, PPL Electric may, at its option, redeem the Preference Shares in whole or in part from time to time for $100 per share (equivalent to $25 per depositary share), plus any declared and unpaid dividends, on or after April 6, 2011.
In May 2006, PPL Electric filed Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation that, among other things, increased the authorized amount of preference stock from 5 million to 10 million shares, without nominal or par value.
8. Credit Arrangements and Financing Activities
Credit Arrangements
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
PPL Energy Supply maintains credit facilities in order to enhance liquidity and provide credit support, and as a backstop to its commercial paper program.
In March 2006, PPL Energy Supply extended the expiration date of its 364-day reimbursement agreement to March 2007. Under the agreement, PPL Energy Supply can cause the bank to issue up to $200 million of letters of credit but cannot make cash borrowings under this agreement. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, there was $47 million and $199 million of letters of credit outstanding under this agreement.
In June 2006, PPL Energy Supply entered into a $1.9 billion Amended and Restated Five-Year Credit Agreement, which expires in June 2011. This credit agreement amended, restated and combined into one credit facility the following three five-year credit facilities of PPL Energy Supply: the $800 million facility expiring in June 2010, the $600 million facility expiring in June 2010 and the $500 million facility expiring in December 2010. PPL Energy Supply has the ability to cause the lenders under this facility to issue letters of credit. At December 31, 2006, PPL Energy Supply had an aggregate of $51 million of letters of credit and no cash borrowings outstanding under this facility. There was an aggregate of $172 million of letters of credit and no cash borrowings outstanding under the facilities that were in existence as of December 31, 2005.
PPL Energy Supply also maintains a $300 million five-year letter of credit and revolving credit facility expiring in March 2011. There were no cash borrowings and $222 million of letters of credit outstanding under this facility, at December 31, 2006, and no cash borrowings and $286 million of letters of credit outstanding at December 31, 2005. PPL Energy Supply's obligations under this facility are supported by a $300 million letter of credit issued on PPL Energy Supply's behalf under a separate $300 million five-year letter of credit and reimbursement agreement also expiring in March 2011.
PPL Energy Supply maintains a commercial paper program for up to $500 million to provide it with an additional financing source to fund its short-term liquidity needs, if and when necessary. Commercial paper issuances are supported by PPL Energy Supply's $1.9 billion five-year credit facility. PPL Energy Supply had no commercial paper outstanding at December 31, 2006, and $100 million of commercial paper, with a weighted-average interest rate of 4.51%, outstanding at December 31, 2005.
WPD (South West) maintained three committed credit facilities: a £100 million 364-day facility, a £150 million three-year facility and a £150 million five-year facility (approximately $787 million in total at December 31, 2006). In November 2006, WPD (South West) replaced its £100 million 364-day credit facility that expired in October 2006, with a credit facility of the same size that expires in November 2007. The five-year facility expires in October 2009. In January 2007, the £150 million three-year facility, which was to expire in October 2008, was terminated and replaced by a new £150 million five-year facility at WPDH Limited that expires in January 2012, with the option to extend the expiration date by a maximum of two years. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, WPD (South West) also had uncommitted credit facilities of £65 million (approximately $128 million at December 31, 2006). At December 31, 2006 and 2005, there were no cash borrowings and £41 million (approximately $71 million at then current exchange rates), with a weighted-average interest rate of 4.98%, outstanding under the WPD (South West) credit facilities.
(PPL)
PPL Electric maintains credit facilities in order to enhance liquidity and provide credit support, and as a backstop to its commercial paper program.
In June 2006, PPL Electric amended and restated the credit agreement for its $200 million five-year credit facility and extended the expiration date to June 2011. PPL Electric has the ability to cause the lenders under this facility to issue letters of credit. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, PPL Electric had no cash borrowings or letters of credit outstanding under this credit facility. PPL Electric's $100 million three-year credit facility expired in June 2006 and was not renewed.
PPL Electric maintains a commercial paper program for up to $200 million to provide it with an additional financing source to fund its short-term liquidity needs, if and when necessary. Commercial paper issuances are supported by PPL Electric's $200 million five-year credit facility. PPL Electric had no commercial paper outstanding at December 31, 2006 and 2005.
PPL Electric participates in an asset-backed commercial paper program through which PPL Electric obtains financing by selling and contributing its eligible accounts receivable and unbilled revenue to a special purpose, wholly-owned subsidiary on an ongoing basis. The subsidiary has pledged these assets to secure loans from a commercial paper conduit sponsored by a financial institution. PPL Electric uses the proceeds from the credit agreement for general corporate purposes and to cash collateralize letters of credit. The subsidiary's borrowing limit under this credit agreement is $150 million, and interest under the credit agreement varies based on the commercial paper conduit's actual cost to issue commercial paper that supports the debt. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, $136 million and $131 million of accounts receivable and $145 million and $142 million of unbilled revenue were pledged by the subsidiary under the credit agreement. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, there was $42 million of short-term debt outstanding under the credit agreement at an interest rate of 5.35% for 2006 and 4.3% for 2005, all of which was being used to cash collateralize letters of credit issued on PPL Electric's behalf. At December 31, 2006, based on the accounts receivable and unbilled revenue pledged, an additional $108 million was available for borrowing. The funds used to cash collateralize the letters of credit are reported in "Restricted Cash" on the Balance Sheets. PPL Electric's sale to its subsidiary of the accounts receivable and unbilled revenue is an absolute sale of the assets, and PPL Electric does not retain an interest in these assets. However, for financial reporting purposes, the subsidiary's financial results are consolidated in PPL Electric's financial statements. PPL Electric performs certain record-keeping and cash collection functions with respect to the assets in return for a servicing fee from the subsidiary. In July 2006, PPL Electric and the subsidiary extended the expiration date of the credit agreement to July 2007. PPL Electric currently expects that it and the subsidiary will continue to renew the credit agreement on an annual basis.
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
In 2001, PPL Electric completed a strategic initiative to confirm its legal separation from PPL and PPL's other affiliated companies. This initiative was designed to enable PPL Electric to substantially reduce its exposure to volatility in energy prices and supply risks through 2009 and to reduce its business and financial risk profile by, among other things, limiting its business activities to the transmission and distribution of electricity and businesses related to or arising out of the electric transmission and distribution businesses. In connection with this initiative, PPL Electric:
· | obtained long-term electric supply contracts to meet its PLR obligations (with its affiliate PPL EnergyPlus) through 2009, as further described in Note 16 under "PLR Contracts"; |
· | agreed to limit its businesses to electric transmission and distribution and related activities; |
· | adopted amendments to its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws containing corporate governance and operating provisions designed to clarify and reinforce its legal and corporate separateness from PPL and its other affiliated companies; |
· | appointed an independent director to its Board of Directors and required the unanimous approval of the Board of Directors, including the consent of the independent director, to amendments to these corporate governance and operating provisions or to the commencement of any insolvency proceedings, including any filing of a voluntary petition in bankruptcy or other similar actions; and |
· | appointed an independent compliance administrator to review, on a semi-annual basis, its compliance with the corporate governance and operating requirements contained in its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. |
The enhancements to PPL Electric's legal separation from its affiliates are intended to minimize the risk that a court would order PPL Electric's assets and liabilities to be substantively consolidated with those of PPL or another affiliate of PPL in the event that PPL or another PPL affiliate were to become a debtor in a bankruptcy case. Based on these various measures, PPL Electric was able to issue and maintain a higher level of debt and use it to replace higher cost equity, thereby maintaining a lower total cost of capital. Nevertheless, if PPL or another PPL affiliate were to become a debtor in a bankruptcy case, there can be no assurance that a court would not order PPL Electric's assets and liabilities to be consolidated with those of PPL or such other PPL affiliate.
The subsidiaries of PPL are separate legal entities. PPL's subsidiaries are not liable for the debts of PPL. Accordingly, creditors of PPL may not satisfy their debts from the assets of the subsidiaries absent a specific contractual undertaking by a subsidiary to pay PPL's creditors or as required by applicable law or regulation. Similarly, absent a specific contractual undertaking or as required by applicable law or regulation, PPL is not liable for the debts of its subsidiaries. Accordingly, creditors of PPL's subsidiaries may not satisfy their debts from the assets of PPL absent a specific contractual undertaking by PPL to pay the creditors of its subsidiaries or as required by applicable law or regulation.
Similarly, the subsidiaries of PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric are separate legal entities. These subsidiaries are not liable for the debts of PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric. Accordingly, creditors of PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric may not satisfy their debts from the assets of their subsidiaries absent a specific contractual undertaking by a subsidiary to pay the creditors or as required by applicable law or regulation. In addition, absent a specific contractual undertaking or as required by applicable law or regulation, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric are not liable for the debts of their subsidiaries. Accordingly, creditors of these subsidiaries may not satisfy their debts from the assets of PPL Energy Supply or PPL Electric absent a specific contractual undertaking by that parent to pay the creditors of its subsidiaries or as required by applicable law or regulation.
Financing Activities
(PPL)
In May 2006, PPL Capital Funding retired all $99 million of its Senior Floating Rate Notes and all $148 million of its 7.29% Subordinated Notes upon maturity.
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
In December 2005, Elfec made a scheduled $3 million principal payment on its $23 million of Bolivian bonds, which was funded primarily with short-term debt. This transaction was recorded in January 2006 due to the one-month lag in foreign subsidiary reporting.
PPL Energy Supply issued $300 million of 6.20% Senior Notes due 2016 (6.20% Notes) in May 2006 and issued an additional $150 million of the 6.20% Notes in July 2006. The 6.20% Notes may be redeemed any time prior to maturity at PPL Energy Supply's option at make-whole redemption prices. In July 2006, PPL Energy Supply also issued $250 million of 7% Senior Notes due 2046 (7% Notes). The 7% Notes are not subject to redemption prior to July 15, 2011. On or after July 15, 2011, PPL Energy Supply may, at its option, redeem the 7% Notes, in whole or in part, at par. Proceeds from the sale of both the 6.20% Notes and 7% Notes were used for capital expenditures, including expenditures relating to PPL Energy Supply's installation of pollution control equipment at two of its coal-fired power plants in Pennsylvania, and for general corporate purposes.
In December 2006, PPL Energy Supply issued $300 million of 6% Senior Notes due 2036 (6% Notes). The 6% Notes may be redeemed any time prior to maturity at PPL Energy Supply's option at make-whole redemption prices. The proceeds of $297 million, net of discount, from the sale of the 6% Notes were used to replenish cash and repay short-term indebtedness that PPL Energy Supply used or incurred to fund conversions in 2006 of its 2.625% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023, as discussed below.
The terms of PPL Energy Supply's 2.625% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 include a market price trigger that permits holders to convert the notes during any fiscal quarter if the closing sale price of PPL's common stock exceeds $29.83 for at least 20 trading days in the 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the preceding fiscal quarter. This market price trigger was met in each quarter of 2006. Therefore, holders of the Convertible Senior Notes were entitled to convert their notes at any time during the second, third and fourth quarters of 2006 and are also entitled to convert their notes any time during the first quarter of 2007. As discussed in Note 4, when holders elect to convert the Convertible Senior Notes, PPL Energy Supply is required to settle the principal amount in cash and any conversion premium in cash or PPL common stock.
During 2006, Convertible Senior Notes in an aggregate principal amount of $298 million were presented for conversion. The total conversion premium related to these conversions was $121 million, which was settled with 3,448,109 shares of PPL common stock, along with an insignificant amount of cash in lieu of fractional shares. After such conversions, $102 million of Convertible Senior Notes remain outstanding and are eligible for conversion in the first quarter of 2007.
In July 2006, Emel issued 3 million UF denominated bonds (approximately $104 million at December 31, 2006) in two series. The first series consists of 1 million UF denominated bonds that mature in 2011, are callable at par on or after June 1, 2009, and bear interest at 3.75%. The second series consists of 2 million UF denominated bonds with serial maturities from 2021 through 2027, which are callable on or after June 1, 2014, at a specified calculated value on the call date and bear interest at 4.50%. The proceeds were used to pay Emel's 3 million UF denominated bond maturity in August 2006.
In December 2006, WPD (South West) issued £225 million of index-linked notes (approximately $443 million at December 31, 2006) in two tranches: £120 million of 1.541% Index-linked Notes due 2056 and £105 million of 1.541% Index-linked Notes due 2053. Both series of notes may be redeemed by WPD (South West), in total by series but not in part, in December 2026. The proceeds were used to fund the maturity of WPD LLP's $332 million of 6.80% Notes in December 2006 and payment of $118 million to settle related cross-currency swaps. The $118 million payment is included on the Statement of Cash Flows as a component of "Retirement of long-term debt."
In December 2006, WPD (South Wales) issued £225 million of 4.80436% Notes due 2037 (approximately $443 million at December 31, 2006). The notes may be redeemed by WPD (South Wales), in total but not in part, in December 2026. The proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, including refinancing debt obligations of companies within the WPDH Limited group.
Although financial information of foreign subsidiaries is recorded on a one-month lag, the December 2006 bond issuances, bond retirement and related settlement of cross-currency swaps by the WPD entities noted above are reflected in the 2006 Financial Statements due to the materiality of these transactions.
In December 2006, Elfec issued $11 million of 6.05% UFV (inflation-adjusted bolivianos) denominated bonds with serial maturities from 2012 through 2014. Of these bonds, $5 million were issued in exchange for existing bonds with maturities in 2007 and 2008. Proceeds of $6 million were used in January 2007 to refinance bonds with maturities in 2007. These transactions will be reflected in PPL's January 2007 financials due to the one-month lag in foreign subsidiary reporting.
In February 2007, WPD LLP redeemed all of the 8.23% Subordinated Debentures due 2027 that were held by SIUK Capital Trust I. Upon redemption, WPD LLP paid a premium of 4.115%, or approximately $3 million, on the principal amount of $85 million of subordinated debentures. In connection with this redemption, SIUK Capital Trust I was required to use all of the proceeds received from the repayment of the subordinated debentures to redeem all of its common and preferred securities. See Note 22 for a discussion of the trust. The redemption of the subordinated debentures and the trust's common and preferred securities resulted in a loss of $2 million, after tax, that will be recorded by WPD LLP in 2007.
(PPL Energy Supply)
During 2006, PPL Energy Supply distributed $712 million to its parent company, PPL Energy Funding, and received cash capital contributions of $115 million.
On July 1, 2006, in connection with an internal reorganization, PPL Energy Supply received non-cash contributions from its parent, consisting of a note receivable and ownership interests in certain subsidiaries (including PPL Telcom). The contributions were recorded at the parent's historical carrying amounts, collectively totaling $65 million. The businesses of these subsidiaries became a component of PPL Energy Supply's Supply segment. The impact on PPL Energy Supply's financial statements and to its Supply segment was not significant.
(PPL)
In March 2006, PPL Electric retired all $146 million of its 6.55% Series First Mortgage Bonds upon maturity.
During 2006, PPL Transition Bond Company made principal payments on transition bonds of $288 million.
See Note 7 for a discussion of PPL Electric's issuance of preference stock in 2006.
Dividends and Dividend Restrictions
(PPL)
In February 2006, PPL announced an increase to its quarterly common stock dividend, effective April 1, 2006, to 27.5 cents per share (equivalent to $1.10 per annum). In February 2007, PPL announced an increase to its quarterly common stock dividend, payable April 1, 2007, to 30.5 cents per share (equivalent to $1.22 per annum). Future dividends, declared at the discretion of PPL's Board of Directors, will be dependent upon future earnings, cash flows, financial requirements and other factors.
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
The PPL Montana Colstrip lease places certain restrictions on PPL Montana's ability to declare dividends. At this time, PPL believes that these covenants will not limit PPL's or PPL Energy Supply's ability to operate as desired and will not affect their ability to meet any of their cash obligations. Certain of PPL Global's international subsidiaries also have financing arrangements that limit their ability to pay dividends. However, PPL does not, at this time, expect that any of such limitations would significantly impact PPL's or PPL Energy Supply's ability to meet their cash obligations.
(PPL)
PPL Electric's 2001 Senior Secured Bond Indenture restricts dividend payments in the event that PPL Electric fails to meet interest coverage ratios or fails to comply with certain requirements included in its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws to maintain its separateness from PPL and PPL's other subsidiaries. PPL Electric does not, at this time, expect that any of such limitations would significantly impact its ability to declare dividends.
9. Acquisitions, Development and Divestitures
From time to time, PPL and its subsidiaries are involved in negotiations with third parties regarding acquisitions and dispositions of businesses and assets, joint ventures and development projects. Any such transactions may impact future financial results.
Domestic
Sales (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
In 2004, a subsidiary of PPL Generation sold two spare gas combustion turbine generators and related equipment for $18 million. These turbine generators and related equipment were originally intended for a project in New York that PPL later canceled. The net loss from this sale was insignificant.
Also in 2004, PPL Maine entered into an agreement with a coalition of government agencies and private groups to sell three of its nine hydroelectric dams in Maine. Under the agreement, a non-profit organization designated by the coalition would have a five-year option to purchase the dams for $25 million, and PPL Maine would receive rights to increase energy output at its other hydroelectric dams in Maine. The coalition has announced plans to remove or bypass the dams subject to the agreement in order to restore runs of Atlantic salmon and other migratory fish to the Penobscot River. The agreement requires several approvals by the FERC. Certain of these regulatory approvals have been obtained, but PPL cannot predict whether or when all of them will be obtained.
License Renewals (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
In September 2006, PPL Susquehanna applied to the NRC for 20-year license renewals for Units 1 and 2 of the nuclear power plant. The license renewals for each of the Susquehanna units would extend their expiration dates from 2022 to 2042 for Unit 1 and from 2024 to 2044 for Unit 2. PPL cannot predict whether or when NRC approval will be obtained.
In December 2006, PPL Montana applied to the FERC to renew its license to generate electricity at the Mystic Lake Project. The current license expires in 2009. Power companies that use dams to produce energy must renew their FERC licenses every 30 to 50 years. PPL cannot predict whether or when the FERC approval will be obtained.
Development (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
In October 2006, PPL Susquehanna filed a request with the NRC to increase the amount of electricity the plant can generate. The total expected capacity increase is 205 MW, of which PPL Susquehanna's share would be 185 MW. PPL Susquehanna's share of the expected capital cost of this project is $263 million. PPL cannot predict whether or when NRC approval will be obtained.
PPL also plans to expand the capacity of its Holtwood hydroelectric plant by 125 MW, at an expected capital cost of $243 million. This planned expansion is subject to various regulatory approvals and other conditions, and PPL cannot predict whether or when these approvals will be obtained or the other conditions will be met.
Other
(PPL)
In June 2004, a PPL subsidiary evaluated its investment in a technology supplier for impairment. As a result of the evaluation, the subsidiary recorded a pre-tax impairment charge of $10 million ($6 million after tax), which is included in "Other Income - net" on the Statement of Income.
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
See Note 15 for a discussion of the impairment of PPL Energy Supply's synthetic fuel production facilities recorded in 2006.
International (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
Sales
In 2002, PPL made a decision to exit its CEMAR investment after a series of impairment losses were recorded. At that time, PPL Global's remaining portion of its CEMAR investment was written-off. In 2004, PPL Global, which is included in the International Segment, sold its interest in CEMAR to two companies controlled by a private equity fund managed by GP Investimentos, a Brazilian private equity firm. The sale resulted in a credit of $23 million as a result of the reversal of the negative carrying value and the associated cumulative translation adjustment, which is included in "Other Income - net" on the Statement of Income.
In 2004, PPL Global completed the sale of its minority interest in shares of CGE for $123 million. The sale resulted in a pre-tax charge of $15 million ($7 million after tax), which is included in "Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations" on the Statement of Income and as a component of "Operating expenses" in the table in Note 10 under "Anticipated Sale of Latin American Businesses." This charge was due to the write-off of the associated cumulative translation adjustment, primarily as a result of the devaluation of the Chilean peso since the original acquisition in 2000.
In 2005, WPD effectively sold an equity investment by transferring all risks and rewards of ownership of the two subsidiaries that held the investment, receiving $9 million. The gain was deferred until WPD's continuing involvement in the subsidiaries ceased. In July 2006, WPD ceased involvement with one subsidiary. As a result, PPL Global recognized a pre-tax gain of $5 million, which is included in "Other Income - net" on the Statement of Income. In December 2006, WPD ceased involvement in the other subsidiary. PPL Global will recognize a pre-tax gain of $5 million in the first quarter of 2007 due to the one-month lag in foreign subsidiary reporting.
In 2006, PPL Global completed the sale of its minority interest in Aguaytia Energy, LLC, a combined generating and natural gas facility in Peru. PPL Global received $15 million from the sale, and recorded a pre-tax gain of $3 million, which is included in "Other Income - net" on the Statement of Income.
Other
In 2006, WPD received legal notification citing one of its real estate investments as an environmentally protected area, thus restricting planned development. An impairment assessment was performed based on a third-party appraisal. As a result, PPL Global recorded an impairment charge of $8 million ($6 million after tax), which is included in "Other Income - net" on the Statement of Income.
In 2000, WPD acquired Hyder. Subsequently, WPD sold the majority of Hyder's non-electricity delivery businesses and placed the remaining companies in liquidation. In March 2006, WPD received $24 million in proceeds as an initial distribution related to the planned ongoing liquidation of the remaining non-electricity delivery businesses. In August 2006, WPD received an additional distribution of $4 million, of which $3 million was credited to income. These distributions are included in "Other Income - net" on the Statement of Income. In December 2006, WPD received a further distribution of $4 million. This distribution will be included in the first quarter 2007 financial results due to the one-month lag in foreign subsidiary reporting. As of December 31, 2006, the Hyder non-electricity delivery businesses are substantially liquidated. WPD continues to operate the Hyder electricity delivery business.
10. Discontinued Operations
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
Anticipated Sale of Latin American Businesses
In March 2007, PPL completed a review of strategic options for its Latin American businesses and announced its intention to sell its regulated electricity delivery businesses in Chile, El Salvador and Bolivia, which are included in the International Delivery segment. In April 2007, PPL agreed to sell the Bolivian businesses, subject to certain conditions including completion of a definitive agreement, to a group organized by their local management and employees of the companies. This transaction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2007. As a result of the decision to sell, PPL recorded a $22 million after tax write-down in the carrying value of the Bolivian businesses to their estimated fair value in the first quarter of 2007. In May 2007, PPL completed the sale of its El Salvadoran business for $180 million through a stock purchase agreement. PPL expects to record an after tax gain of between $88 million and $93 million on the sale in the second quarter of 2007. The Chilean business is expected to be sold through an auction process, which is also anticipated to be completed in 2007. Proceeds of the sales are expected to be used to invest in growth opportunities in PPL's core electricity supply and delivery businesses and/or for the repurchase of securities, including PPL common stock. In accordance with SFAS 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," the results of operations for the years 2004 through 2006, are classified as discontinued operations on the Statements of Income.
Following are the components of "Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations" on the Statements of Income related to PPL's Latin American regulated electricity delivery businesses.
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating revenues | | $ | 554 | | | $ | 453 | | | $ | 385 | |
Operating expenses | | | 478 | | | | 393 | | | | 345 | |
Operating income | | | 76 | | | | 60 | | | | 40 | |
Other income - net | | | 6 | | | | 5 | | | | 7 | |
Interest expense (a) | | | 30 | | | | 28 | | | | 22 | |
Income before income taxes and minority interest | | | 52 | | | | 37 | | | | 25 | |
Income tax expense (benefit) | | | 2 | | | | (5 | ) | | | (5 | ) |
Minority interest | | | 8 | | | | 5 | | | | 6 | |
Income from Discontinued Operations (net of income taxes) | | $ | 42 | | | $ | 37 | | | $ | 24 | |
(a) | | 2006, 2005 and 2004 include $10 million, $10 million and $8 million of interest expense allocated pursuant to EITF 87-24, "Allocation of Interest to Discontinued Operations," based on the discontinued operation's share of the net assets of PPL Energy Supply. |
Sale of Interest in Griffith Plant
In June 2006, a subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply, which is included in the Supply segment, sold its 50% ownership interest in the 600 MW Griffith power plant located in Kingman, Arizona, for $110 million in cash, adjusted for the $5 million settlement of the steam turbine indemnifications. Proceeds of the sale were used to fund a portion of PPL's capital expenditure requirements. The book value of PPL's interest in the plant was $150 million on the sale date.
Following are the components of "Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations" on the Statements of Income related to the sale of PPL's interest in the Griffith plant.
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating revenues | | $ | 5 | | | $ | 40 | | | $ | 41 | |
Operating expenses | | | 10 | | | | 43 | | | | 36 | |
Income (loss) from operations before income taxes | | | (5 | ) | | | (3 | ) | | | 5 | |
Income tax expense (benefit) | | | (1 | ) | | | (1 | ) | | | 2 | |
Income (loss) from operations after income taxes | | | (4 | ) | | | (2 | ) | | | 3 | |
Loss on sale of interest (net of tax benefit of $16 million) | | | (23 | ) | | | | | | | | |
Acceleration of net unrealized gains on derivatives associated with the plant (net of tax expense of $4 million) | | | 7 | | | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) from Discontinued Operations (net of income taxes) | | $ | (20 | ) | | $ | (2 | ) | | $ | 3 | |
See "Guarantees and Other Assurances" in Note 15 for more information on PPL Energy Supply's indemnifications related to the sale.
Sale of Sundance Plant
In May 2005, a subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply, which is included in the Supply segment, completed the sale of its 450 MW Sundance power plant located in Pinal County, Arizona, to Arizona Public Service Company for $190 million in cash. The book value of the plant was $260 million on the sale date.
Following are the components of "Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations" on the Statements of Income related to the sale of the Sundance plant. There were no derivative contracts hedging the Sundance plant at the time of the sale.
| | 2005 | | 2004 |
| | | | | | | | |
Operating revenues | | $ | 4 | | | $ | 19 | |
Operating expenses | | | 10 | | | | 30 | |
Loss from operations before income taxes | | | (6 | ) | | | (11 | ) |
Interest expense | | | | | | | 10 | |
Income tax benefit | | | 2 | | | | 8 | |
Loss from operations after income taxes | | | (4 | ) | | | (13 | ) |
Loss on sale (net of tax benefit of $26 million) | | | (47 | ) | | | | |
Loss from discontinued operations (net of income taxes) | | $ | (51 | ) | | $ | (13 | ) |
See "Guarantees and Other Assurances" in Note 15 for more information on PPL Energy Supply's indemnifications related to the sale.
Sale of Latin American Telecommunications Company
In 2004, PPL Global sold its investment in a Latin American telecommunications company to local management for a nominal amount. The 2004 operating loss of $2 million of the company, as well as the write-down of its net assets, which was an insignificant amount, are included in "Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations" on the Statement of Income.
11. Leases
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
Colstrip Generating Plant
At December 31, 2006, PPL continued to participate in a significant sale/leaseback transaction. In July 2000, PPL Montana sold its interest in the Colstrip generating plants to owner lessors who are leasing a 50% interest in Colstrip Units 1 and 2 and a 30% interest in Unit 3 back to PPL Montana under four 36-year non-cancelable leases. This transaction is accounted for as an operating lease in accordance with current accounting pronouncements related to sale/leaseback arrangements. These leases provide two renewal options based on the economic useful life of the generation assets. PPL Montana currently amortizes material leasehold improvements over no more than the remaining life of the original leases. PPL Montana is required to pay all expenses associated with the operations of the generation units. The leases place certain restrictions on PPL Montana's ability to incur additional debt, sell assets and declare dividends and require PPL Montana to maintain certain financial ratios related to cash flow and net worth. There are no residual value guarantees in these leases. However, upon an event of default or an event of loss, PPL Montana could be required to pay a termination value of amounts sufficient to allow the lessor to repay amounts owing on the lessor notes and make the lessor whole for its equity investment and anticipated return on investment. The events of default include payment defaults, breaches of representations or covenants, acceleration of other indebtedness of PPL Montana, change in control of PPL Montana and certain bankruptcy events. The termination value was estimated to be $661 million at December 31, 2006.
Other Leases
In September 2006, PPL's subsidiaries terminated the master lease agreements under which they leased equipment, such as vehicles, computers, and office equipment. In addition, PPL and its subsidiaries purchased the equipment from the lessors at a negotiated price. Prior to the buyout, PPL subsidiaries had been directly charged or allocated a portion of the rental expense related to the assets they utilized. In connection with the buyout, ownership of the purchased equipment was reviewed and attributed to the subsidiaries based on usage of the equipment. As a result, "Property, Plant and Equipment" increased on the Balance Sheet by $107 million for PPL and $29 million for PPL Energy Supply.
The following rent expense for all operating leases, including the Colstrip generating plant; equipment under the master lease agreements prior to September 2006; office space; land; buildings; and other equipment, was primarily included in "Other operation and maintenance" on the Statements of Income.
| | PPL | | PPL Energy Supply | |
| | | | | |
2006 | | $ | 56 | | $ | 37 | |
2005 | | | 68 | | | 44 | |
2004 | | | 65 | | | 44 | |
Total future minimum rental payments for all operating leases are estimated to be:
2007 | | $ | 49 | |
2008 | | | 50 | |
2009 | | | 51 | |
2010 | | | 53 | |
2011 | | | 51 | |
Thereafter | | | 354 | |
| | $ | 608 | |
In connection with the acquisition of certain fiber optic network assets in 2003, a subsidiary of PPL Telcom assumed a capital lease obligation through 2020 for the right to use portions of this fiber optic network. The balances outstanding at December 31, 2006 and 2005, were $10 million and $11 million. Total future minimum rental payments for this capital lease are estimated at $1 million for each of the years from 2007 through 2011, and $11 million thereafter.
12. Stock-Based Compensation
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
Effective January 1, 2006, PPL and its subsidiaries adopted SFAS 123 (revised 2004), "Share-Based Payment," which is known as SFAS 123(R), using the modified prospective application transition method. The adoption of SFAS 123(R) did not have a significant impact on PPL and its subsidiaries, since PPL and its subsidiaries adopted the fair value method of accounting for stock-based compensation, as described by SFAS 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," effective January 1, 2003. See Note 23 for further discussion of SFAS 123(R).
Under the PPL Incentive Compensation Plan (ICP) and the Incentive Compensation Plan for Key Employees (ICPKE) (together, the Plans), restricted shares of PPL common stock, restricted stock units and stock options may be granted to officers and other key employees of PPL and PPL Energy Supply and other affiliated companies. Awards under the Plans are made by the Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee (CCGC) of the PPL Board of Directors, in the case of the ICP, and by the PPL Corporate Leadership Council (CLC), in the case of the ICPKE. The ICP limits the total number of awards that may be granted under it after April 23, 1999, to 15,769,430 awards, or 5% of the total shares of PPL common stock that were outstanding at April 23, 1999. The ICPKE limits the total number of awards that may be granted under it after April 25, 2003, to 16,573,608 awards, or 5% of the total shares of PPL common stock that were outstanding at January 1, 2003, reduced by outstanding awards for which PPL common stock was not yet issued as of April 25, 2003. In addition, each Plan limits the number of shares available for awards in any calendar year to 2% of the outstanding common stock of PPL on the first day of such calendar year. The maximum number of options that can be awarded under each Plan to any single eligible employee in any calendar year is three million shares. Any portion of these options that has not been granted may be carried over and used in any subsequent year. If any award lapses, is forfeited or the rights of the participant terminate, the shares of PPL common stock underlying such an award are again available for grant. Shares delivered under the Plans may be in the form of authorized and unissued PPL common stock, common stock held in treasury by PPL or PPL common stock purchased on the open market (including private purchases) in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
Restricted shares of PPL common stock are outstanding shares with full voting and dividend rights. Restricted stock awards are granted as a retention award for key executives and have vesting periods as determined by the CCGC in the case of the ICP, and the CLC in the case of the ICPKE, that range from seven to 25 years. In addition, the shares are subject to forfeiture or accelerated payout under Plan provisions for termination, retirement, disability and death of employees. Restricted shares vest fully if control of PPL changes, as defined by the plans.
The Plans allow for the grant of restricted stock units. Restricted stock units are awards based on the fair market value of PPL common stock. Actual PPL common shares will be issued upon completion of a vesting period, generally three years, as determined by the CCGC in the case of the ICP, and the CLC in the case of the ICPKE. Recipients of restricted stock units may also be granted the right to receive dividend equivalents through the end of the restriction period or until the award is forfeited. Restricted stock units are subject to forfeiture or accelerated payout under the Plan provisions for termination, retirement, disability and death of employees. Restricted stock units vest fully if control of PPL changes, as defined by the Plans.
Compensation costs related to stock-based compensation awards for PPL in 2006, 2005 and 2004 were $24 million, $32 million and $12 million (with related income tax benefits of $10 million, $13 million and $5 million).
Compensation costs related to stock-based compensation awards for PPL Energy Supply in 2006, 2005 and 2004 were $17 million, $21 million and $9 million (with related income tax benefits of $7 million, $9 million and $4 million).
Compensation costs for 2005 included an adjustment to record accelerated recognition of expense for employees at or near retirement age. See Note 1 for additional information.
The income tax benefit realized from stock-based arrangements for the year ended December 31, 2006, was $11 million, with $8 million attributed to stock option exercises.
Restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity for the year ended December 31, 2006 was:
| | Restricted Shares | | Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value |
PPL | | | | | | | | |
Nonvested at January 1, 2006 | | | 1,557,123 | | | $ | 21.23 | |
Granted | | | 811,100 | | | | 30.95 | |
Vested | | | (413,886 | ) | | | 19.43 | |
Forfeited | | | (98,572 | ) | | | 20.28 | |
Nonvested at December 31, 2006 | | | 1,855,765 | | | | 25.97 | |
| | | | | | | | |
PPL Energy Supply | | | | | | | | |
Nonvested at January 1, 2006 | | | 671,901 | | | $ | 19.67 | |
Granted | | | 322,650 | | | | 31.16 | |
Vested | | | (151,076 | ) | | | 18.37 | |
Forfeited | | | (45,990 | ) | | | 25.38 | |
Transferred | | | 39,110 | | | | 27.84 | |
Nonvested at December 31, 2006 | | | 836,595 | | | | 24.22 | |
The weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units granted during the year ended December 31, 2005, was $27.08 for PPL and $27.27 for PPL Energy Supply.
The weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units granted during the year ended December 31, 2004, was $23.03 for PPL and $23.14 for PPL Energy Supply.
As of December 31, 2006, unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested awards was:
| | Unrecognized Compensation Cost | | Weighted-Average Period for Recognition |
| | | | | | | | |
PPL | | $ | 12 | | | | 2.5 years | |
PPL Energy Supply | | | 6 | | | | 2.4 years | |
The total fair value of shares vesting was:
| | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 | |
| | | | | | | |
PPL | | $ | 13 | | $ | 10 | | $ | 5 | |
PPL Energy Supply | | | 5 | | | 4 | | | 2 | |
Stock Options
Under the Plans, stock options may also be granted with an option exercise price per share not less than the fair market value of PPL's common stock on the date of grant. The options are exercisable beginning one year after the date of grant, assuming the individual is still employed by PPL or a subsidiary, in installments as determined by the CCGC in the case of the ICP, and the CLC in the case of the ICPKE. Options outstanding at December 31, 2006, become exercisable over a three-year period from the date of grant in equal installments. The CCGC and CLC have discretion to accelerate the exercisability of the options, except that the exercisability of an option issued under the ICP may not be accelerated unless the individual remains employed by PPL or a subsidiary for one year from the date of grant. All options expire no later than ten years from the grant date. The options become exercisable immediately if control of PPL changes, as defined by the Plans.
Stock option activity under the plans for the year ended December 31, 2006, was:
| | Number of Options | | Weighted-Average Exercise Price | | Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term | | Aggregate Total Intrinsic Value |
PPL | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding at January 1, 2006 | | | 5,586,072 | | | $ | 21.81 | | | | | | | | | |
| Granted | | | 1,335,420 | | | | 30.14 | | | | | | | | | |
| Exercised | | | (1,473,122 | ) | | | 18.48 | | | | | | | | | |
| Forfeited | | | (64,540 | ) | | | 30.14 | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding at December 31, 2006 | | | 5,383,830 | | | | 24.68 | | | | 7.0 years | | | $ | 60 | |
Options exercisable at December 31, 2006 | | | 3,166,515 | | | | 22.42 | | | | 6.2 years | | | | 43 | |
Weighted-average fair value of options granted | | $ | 4.86 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
PPL Energy Supply | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding at January 1, 2006 | | | 1,225,502 | | | $ | 21.72 | | | | | | | | | |
| Granted | | | 494,660 | | | | 30.14 | | | | | | | | | |
| Exercised | | | (249,860 | ) | | | 18.74 | | | | | | | | | |
| Transferred | | | 194,360 | | | | 23.93 | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding at December 31, 2006 | | | 1,664,662 | | | | 24.93 | | | | 7.4 years | | | $ | 19 | |
Options exercisable at December 31, 2006 | | | 748,460 | | | | 20.92 | | | | 6.0 years | | | | 11 | |
Weighted-average fair value of options granted | | $ | 4.86 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was:
| | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 | |
| | | | | | | |
PPL | | $ | 15 | | $ | 18 | | $ | 10 | |
PPL Energy Supply | | | 3 | | | 4 | | | 2 | |
As of December 31, 2006, unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options was:
| | Unrecognized Compensation Cost | | Weighted-Average Period for Recognition |
| | | | | | | | |
PPL | | $ | 2 | | | | 2.0 years | |
PPL Energy Supply | | | 2 | | | | 2.0 years | |
PPL received cash from stock option exercises for the year ended December 31, 2006, of $21 million.
The estimated fair value of each option granted was calculated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The weighted-average assumptions used in the model were:
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 | |
| | | | | | | |
Risk-free interest rate | | 4.06% | | 4.09% | | 3.79% | |
Expected option life | | 6.25 yrs. | | 7.00 yrs. | | 7.47 yrs. | |
Expected stock volatility | | 19.86% | | 18.09% | | 32.79% | |
Dividend yield | | 3.76% | | 3.88% | | 3.51% | |
Based on the above assumptions, the weighted-average grant date fair values of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 were $4.86, $3.99 and $6.16.
PPL uses historical volatility and exercise behavior to value its stock options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Volatility over the expected term of the options is evaluated with consideration given to prior periods that may need to be excluded based on events not likely to recur that had impacted PPL's volatility in those prior periods. Management's expectations for future volatility, considering potential changes to PPL's business model and other economic conditions, are also reviewed in addition to the historical data to determine the final volatility assumption.
Directors Stock Units (PPL)
Under the Directors Deferred Compensation Plan, a mandatory amount of the cash retainers of the members of the Board of Directors who are not employees of PPL is deferred into stock units. Such deferred stock units represent shares of PPL's common stock to which the board members are entitled after they cease serving as a member of the Board of Directors. Board members also are entitled to defer any or all of their fees and cash retainers that are not part of the mandatory deferral into stock units. The stock unit accounts of each board member are increased based on dividends paid or other distributions on PPL's common stock. There were 305,088 such stock units outstanding at December 31, 2006.
Stock Appreciation Rights (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
WPD uses stock appreciation rights to compensate senior management employees. Stock appreciation rights are granted with a reference price to PPL's common stock at the date of grant. These awards vest over a three-year period and have a 10-year term, during which time employees are entitled to receive a cash payment of any appreciation in the price of PPL's common stock over the grant date fair value. At December 31, 2006, there were 338,502 stock appreciation rights outstanding.
13. Retirement and Postemployment Benefits
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
PPL and certain of its subsidiaries sponsor various pension and other postretirement benefit plans. PPL follows the guidance of SFAS 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions" and SFAS 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions" when accounting for these benefits. In addition, PPL adopted the recognition and measurement date provisions of SFAS 158, "Employers' Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans," effective December 31, 2006.
SFAS 158 requires a registrant that sponsors a defined benefit plan(s) to: (i) record an asset or liability to recognize the funded status of the plan(s) in its consolidated balance sheet using a measurement date that corresponds with its fiscal year end, and for a registrant's consolidated subsidiary, the date that is used to consolidate the subsidiary, (ii) recognize in other comprehensive income, net of tax, gains and losses and prior service costs and credits, that arise during the period but are not currently recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost, (iii) amortize gains and losses, prior service costs and credits, and transition assets or obligations recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income to net periodic benefit cost, and (iv) provide additional disclosures of, among other things, items deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income. In accordance with SFAS 158, accounting and related disclosures for 2004 and 2005 were not affected by the adoption of the new standard. The incremental impact of adopting of SFAS 158, resulted in the following increases (decreases) to the Balance Sheet at December 31, 2006.
| | | Before Application of SFAS 158 | | Adjustments | | After Application of SFAS 158 | |
| | | | | | | | |
PPL | | | | | | | | | | |
Current Assets | | | | | | | | | | |
| Deferred income taxes | | $ | 155 | | $ | 7 | | $ | 162 | |
| Other | | | 59 | | | (38 | ) | | 21 | |
| Total Current Assets | | | 3,661 | | | (31 | ) | | 3,630 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Assets | | | | | | | | | | |
| Other (a) | | | 870 | | | 65 | | | 935 | |
| Total Regulatory and Other Noncurrent Assets | | | 3,419 | | | 65 | | | 3,484 | |
| Total Assets | | | 19,713 | | | 34 | | | 19,747 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Current Liabilities | | | | | | | | | | |
| Other | | | 497 | | | 6 | | | 503 | |
| Total Current Liabilities | | | 3,342 | | | 6 | | | 3,348 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities | | | | | | | | | | |
| Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits | | | 2,428 | | | (97 | ) | | 2,331 | |
| Accrued pension obligations | | | 270 | | | 94 | | | 364 | |
| Other | | | 396 | | | 231 | | | 627 | |
| Total Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities | | | 3,960 | | | 228 | | | 4,188 | |
Shareowners' Common Equity | | | | | | | | | | |
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | | | (118 | ) | | (200 | ) | | (318 | ) |
| Total Shareowners' Common Equity | | | 5,322 | | | (200 | ) | | 5,122 | |
| Total Liabilities and Equity | | | 19,713 | | | 34 | | | 19,747 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
PPL Energy Supply | | | | | | | | | | |
Current Assets | | | | | | | | | | |
| Deferred income taxes | | | 113 | | | 4 | | | 117 | |
| Other | | | 43 | | | (33 | ) | | 10 | |
| Total Current Assets | | | 3,221 | | | (29 | ) | | 3,192 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Other Noncurrent Assets | | | | | | | | | | |
| Other | | | 508 | | | (10 | ) | | 498 | |
| Total Other Noncurrent Assets | | | 1,987 | | | (10 | ) | | 1,977 | |
| Total Assets | | | 14,694 | | | (39 | ) | | 14,655 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Current Liabilities | | | | | | | | | | |
| Other | | | 323 | | | 2 | | | 325 | |
| Total Current Liabilities | | | 2,051 | | | 2 | | | 2,053 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities | | | | | | | | | | |
| Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits | | | 1,448 | | | (85 | ) | | 1,363 | |
| Accrued pension obligations | | | 149 | | | 130 | | | 279 | |
| Other | | | 298 | | | 95 | | | 393 | |
| Total Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities | | | 2,762 | | | 140 | | | 2,902 | |
| Member's Equity | | | 4,715 | | | (181 | ) | | 4,534 | |
| Total Liabilities and Equity | | | 14,694 | | | (39 | ) | | 14,655 | |
(a) | | See Note 1 for details of the regulatory assets recorded for recoverable costs of defined benefit plans in connection with the adoption of SFAS 158. |
The majority of PPL's domestic employees are eligible for pension benefits under non-contributory defined benefit pension plans with benefits based on length of service and final average pay, as defined by the plans. Employees of PPL Montana are eligible for pension benefits under a cash balance pension plan and employees of certain of PPL's mechanical contracting companies are eligible for benefits under multi-employer plans sponsored by various unions. The employees of PPL's U.K. subsidiary, WPD, are eligible for benefits from one pension scheme with benefits based on length of service and final average pay. Retirees of PPL's Latin American subsidiaries may be eligible for coverage under government-sponsored and administered programs.
PPL and certain of its subsidiaries also provide supplemental retirement benefits to directors, executives and other key management employees through unfunded nonqualified retirement plans.
The majority of employees of PPL's domestic subsidiaries will become eligible for certain health care and life insurance benefits upon retirement through contributory plans. Postretirement benefits under the PPL Retiree Health Plan and PPL Gas Retiree Health Plan are paid from funded VEBA trusts sponsored by the respective companies. Postretirement benefits under the PPL Montana Retiree Health Plan are paid from company assets.
The following disclosures distinguish between domestic and international pension plans.
Net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs (credits) were:
| | Pension Benefits | | |
| | Domestic | | International | | Other Postretirement Benefits |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 | | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 | | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
PPL | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Service cost | | $ | 62 | | | $ | 56 | | | $ | 49 | | | $ | 22 | | | $ | 17 | | | $ | 15 | | | $ | 7 | | | $ | 7 | | | $ | 6 | |
Interest cost | | | 124 | | | | 114 | | | | 112 | | | | 140 | | | | 150 | | | | 139 | | | | 28 | | | | 26 | | | | 29 | |
Expected return on plan assets | | | (164 | ) | | | (158 | ) | | | (151 | ) | | | (197 | ) | | | (202 | ) | | | (205 | ) | | | (20 | ) | | | (19 | ) | | | (17 | ) |
Amortization of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Transition (asset) obligation | | | (4 | ) | | | (4 | ) | | | (5 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 9 | | | | 8 | | | | 9 | |
Prior service cost | | | 15 | | | | 15 | | | | 15 | | | | 5 | | | | 5 | | | | 5 | | | | 5 | | | | 4 | | | | 4 | |
Actuarial loss (gain) | | | 3 | | | | 2 | | | | (6 | ) | | | 49 | | | | 29 | | | | 6 | | | | 8 | | | | 4 | | | | 6 | |
Net periodic pension and postretirement costs (credits) prior to special termination benefits | | | 36 | | | | 25 | | | | 14 | | | | 19 | | | | (1 | ) | | | (40 | ) | | | 37 | | | | 30 | | | | 37 | |
Settlement charge | | | 4 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Special termination benefits (a) (b) | | | 3 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 5 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs (credits) | | $ | 43 | | | $ | 25 | | | $ | 14 | | | $ | 19 | | | $ | 4 | | | $ | (40 | ) | | $ | 37 | | | $ | 30 | | | $ | 37 | |
PPL Energy Supply | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Service cost | | $ | 4 | | | $ | 4 | | | $ | 3 | | | $ | 22 | | | $ | 17 | | | $ | 15 | | | $ | 1 | | | | | | | | | |
Interest cost | | | 5 | | | | 4 | | | | 4 | | | | 140 | | | | 150 | | | | 139 | | | | 1 | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | 1 | |
Expected return on plan assets | | | (7 | ) | | | (6 | ) | | | (5 | ) | | | (197 | ) | | | (202 | ) | | | (205 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amortization of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Prior service cost | | | | | | | | | | | 1 | | | | 5 | | | | 5 | | | | 5 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actuarial loss (gain) | | | 1 | | | | 1 | | | | | | | | 49 | | | | 29 | | | | 6 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net periodic pension and postretirement costs (credits) prior to special termination benefits | | | 3 | | | | 3 | | | | 3 | | | | 19 | | | | (1 | ) | | | (40 | ) | | | 2 | | | | 1 | | | | 1 | |
Special termination benefits (a) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 5 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs (credits) | | $ | 3 | | | $ | 3 | | | $ | 3 | | | $ | 19 | | | $ | 4 | | | $ | (40 | ) | | $ | 2 | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | 1 | |
(a) | | The $5 million cost of special termination benefits for 2005 was related to the WPD approved staff reduction plan as a result of the merger of its two control rooms, metering reorganization and other staff efficiencies. Additional pension costs were recognized due to early retirement and pension enhancement provisions granted to the employees. |
(b) | | The $3 million cost of special termination benefits for 2006 was related to the PPL Susquehanna approved staff reduction plan. In addition, severance of $2 million was also recorded for a total pre-tax charge of $5 million ($3 million after tax), or $0.01 per share for PPL. |
Net periodic pension and other postretirement benefits costs charged (credited) to operating expense, excluding amounts charged to construction and other non-expense accounts were:
| | Pension Benefits | | |
| | Domestic | | International | | Other Postretirement Benefits |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 | | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 | | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
PPL | | $ | 37 | | | $ | 21 | | | $ | 12 | | | $ | 17 | | | $ | 4 | | | $ | (36 | ) | | $ | 31 | | | $ | 26 | | | $ | 31 | |
PPL Energy Supply (a) | | | 16 | | | | 10 | | | | 6 | | | | 17 | | | | 4 | | | | (36 | ) | | | 14 | | | | 11 | | | | 12 | |
(a) | | In addition to the specific plans sponsored by PPL Energy Supply, PPL Generation subsidiaries and PPL EnergyPlus were also allocated $26 million of the costs of pension and other postretirement plans sponsored by PPL Services, included in the total cost above, based on their participation in those plans. |
The following assumptions were used in the valuation of the benefit obligations at December 31 and determination of net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31.
| | Pension Benefits | | |
| | Domestic | | International | | Other Postretirement Benefits | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 | | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | |
PPL and PPL Energy Supply | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Discount rate | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
- obligations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
PPL | | | 5.94% | | | | 5.70% | | | | 5.75% | | | | 5.17% | | | | 4.75% | | | | 5.50% | | | | 5.88% | | | | 5.70% | | | | 5.75% | |
PPL Energy Supply | | | 5.94% | | | | 5.70% | | | | 5.75% | | | | 5.17% | | | | 4.75% | | | | 5.50% | | | | 5.79% | | | | 5.55% | | | | 5.75% | |
- cost | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
PPL | | | 5.70% | | | | 5.75% | | | | 6.25% | | | | 4.75% | | | | 5.50% | | | | 5.50% | | | | 5.70% | | | | 5.75% | | | | 6.25% | |
PPL Energy Supply | | | 5.70% | | | | 5.75% | | | | 6.25% | | | | 4.75% | | | | 5.50% | | | | 5.50% | | | | 5.55% | | | | 5.75% | | | | 6.25% | |
Rate of compensation increase | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
- obligations | | | 4.75% | | | | 4.75% | | | | 4.00% | | | | 4.00% | | | | 3.75% | | | | 3.75% | | | | 4.75% | | | | 4.75% | | | | 4.00% | |
- cost | | | 4.75% | | | | 4.00% | | | | 4.00% | | | | 3.75% | | | | 3.75% | | | | 3.75% | | | | 4.75% | | | | 4.00% | | | | 4.00% | |
Expected return on plan assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
- obligations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
PPL (a) | | | 8.50% | | | | 8.50% | | | | 8.75% | | | | 8.09% | | | | 8.09% | | | | 8.30% | | | | 7.75% | | | | 8.00% | | | | 7.90% | |
PPL Energy Supply (a) | | | 8.27% | | | | 8.22% | | | | 8.36% | | | | 8.09% | | | | 8.09% | | | | 8.30% | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | |
- cost | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
PPL (a) | | | 8.50% | | | | 8.75% | | | | 8.75% | | | | 8.09% | | | | 8.30% | | | | 8.30% | | | | 8.00% | | | | 7.90% | | | | 7.80% | |
PPL Energy Supply (a) | | | 8.22% | | | | 8.36% | | | | 8.75% | | | | 8.09% | | | | 8.30% | | | | 8.30% | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | |
(a) | | The expected return on plan assets for PPL's and PPL Energy Supply's Domestic Pension Plans includes a 25 basis point reduction for management fees. |
| | Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates at December 31, |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
PPL and PPL Energy Supply | | | | | | |
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year | | | | | | |
- obligations | | 9.0% | | 10.0% | | 10.0% |
- cost | | 10.0% | | 10.0% | | 11.0% |
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) | | | | | | |
- obligations | | 5.5% | | 5.5% | | 5.0% |
- cost | | 5.5% | | 5.0% | | 5.0% |
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate | | | | | | |
- obligations | | 2012 | | 2011 | | 2010 |
- cost | | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2010 |
A one percentage point change in the assumed health care costs trend rate assumption would have had the following effects in 2006.
| | One Percentage Point |
| | Increase | | Decrease |
PPL | | | | | | |
Effect on service cost and interest cost components | | $ | 1 | | | $ | (1 | ) |
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation | | | 21 | | | | (18 | ) |
PPL Energy Supply | | | | | | | | |
Effect on service cost and interest cost components | | | | | | | | |
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation | | | 1 | | | | (1 | ) |
(PPL)
The funded status of the PPL plans was as follows.
| | Pension Benefits | | |
| | Domestic | | International | | Other Postretirement Benefits |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2006 | | 2005 |
Change in Benefit Obligation | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Benefit Obligation, January 1 | | $ | 2,147 | | | $ | 1,969 | | | $ | 2,891 | | | $ | 2,931 | | | $ | 518 | | | $ | 485 | |
Service cost | | | 62 | | | | 56 | | | | 22 | | | | 17 | | | | 8 | | | | 7 | |
Interest cost | | | 124 | | | | 114 | | | | 140 | | | | 150 | | | | 28 | | | | 26 | |
Participant contributions | | | | | | | | | | | 7 | | | | 6 | | | | 7 | | | | 7 | |
Plan amendments | | | 46 | | | | 1 | | | | | | | | 5 | | | | 38 | | | | 16 | |
Actuarial (gain) loss | | | (87 | ) | | | 87 | | | | 50 | | | | 233 | | | | (32 | ) | | | 11 | |
Special termination benefits | | | 3 | | | | | | | | | | | | 5 | | | | | | | | | |
Actual expenses paid | | | (1 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net benefits paid | | | (83 | ) | | | (80 | ) | | | (169 | ) | | | (165 | ) | | | (39 | ) | | | (34 | ) |
Settlements | | | (12 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Federal subsidy | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2 | | | | | |
Currency conversion | | | | | | | | | | | 398 | | | | (291 | ) | | | | | | | | |
Benefit Obligation, December 31 | | | 2,199 | | | | 2,147 | | | | 3,339 | | | | 2,891 | | | | 530 | | | | 518 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Change in Plan Assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Plan assets at fair value, January 1 | | | 1,905 | | | | 1,767 | | | | 2,540 | | | | 2,483 | | | | 258 | | | | 249 | |
Actual return on plan assets | | | 211 | | | | 191 | | | | 251 | | | | 427 | | | | 25 | | | | 11 | |
Employer contributions | | | 61 | | | | 27 | | | | 102 | | | | 41 | | | | 37 | | | | 25 | |
Participant contributions | | | | | | | | | | | 7 | | | | 6 | | | | 8 | | | | 7 | |
Actual expenses paid | | | (1 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net benefits paid | | | (83 | ) | | | (80 | ) | | | (169 | ) | | | (165 | ) | | | (39 | ) | | | (34 | ) |
Settlements | | | (12 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Currency conversion | | | | | | | | | | | 363 | | | | (252 | ) | | | | | | | | |
Plan assets at fair value, December 31 | | | 2,081 | | | | 1,905 | | | | 3,094 | | | | 2,540 | | | | 289 | | | | 258 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Funded Status | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Funded Status at end of year | | | (118 | ) | | | (242 | ) | | | (245 | ) | | | (351 | ) | | | (241 | ) | | | (260 | ) |
Unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss | | | | | | | (49 | ) | | | | | | | 721 | | | | | | | | 156 | |
Unrecognized prior service cost | | | | | | | 139 | | | | | | | | 36 | | | | | | | | 35 | |
Unrecognized transition assets | | | | | | | (18 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 61 | |
Currency conversion | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (72 | ) | | | | | | | | |
Net amount recognized at end of year | | $ | (118 | ) | | $ | (170 | ) | | $ | (245 | ) | | $ | 334 | | | $ | (241 | ) | | $ | (8 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amounts recognized in the Balance Sheets consist of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Noncurrent asset | | $ | 7 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current liability | | | (6 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (1 | ) | | | | |
Noncurrent liability | | | (119 | ) | | | | | | $ | (245 | ) | | | | | | | (240 | ) | | | | |
Prepaid benefit cost | | | | | | $ | 12 | | | | | | | $ | 334 | | | | | | | $ | 4 | |
Accrued benefit liability | | | | | | | (182 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (12 | ) |
Additional minimum liability | | | | | | | (40 | ) | | | | | | | (545 | ) | | | | | | | | |
Intangible asset | | | | | | | 9 | | | | | | | | 33 | | | | | | | | | |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (pre-tax) | | | | | | | 31 | | | | | | | | 472 | | | | | | | | | |
Cumulative translation adjustment | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 40 | | | | | | | | | |
Net amount recognized at end of year | | $ | (118 | ) | | $ | (170 | ) | | $ | (245 | ) | | $ | 334 | | | $ | (241 | ) | | $ | (8 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss (pre-tax) consist of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Transition (asset) obligation | | $ | (8 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 31 | | | | | |
Prior service cost | | | 106 | | | | | | | $ | 28 | | | | | | | | 34 | | | | | |
Net actuarial (gain) loss | | | (112 | ) | | | | | | | 602 | | | | | | | | 72 | | | | | |
Foreign currency translation adjustments | | | | | | | | | | | (27 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss (pre-tax) | | $ | (14 | ) | | | | | | $ | 603 | | | | | | | $ | 137 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost in 2007 are as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Transition (asset) obligation | | $ | (3 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 5 | | | | | |
Prior service cost | | | 12 | | | | | | | $ | 5 | | | | | | | | 5 | | | | | |
Net actuarial loss | | | 2 | | | | | | | | 54 | | | | | | | | 4 | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 11 | | | | | | | $ | 59 | | | | | | | $ | 14 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total accumulated benefit obligation for defined benefit pension plans | | $ | 1,947 | | | $ | 1,883 | | | $ | 3,177 | | | $ | 2,751 | | | | | | | | | |
Information for pension plans with projected and accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets follows.
| | Plans With Projected Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets | | Plans With Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets |
| | Domestic | | International | | Domestic | | International |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2006 | | 2005 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Projected benefit obligation | | $ | 2,118 | | | $ | 2,147 | | | $ | 3,339 | | | $ | 2,891 | | | $ | 112 | | | $ | 199 | | | $ | 3,339 | | | $ | 2,891 | |
Accumulated benefit obligation | | | 1,866 | | | | 1,883 | | | | 3,177 | | | | 2,751 | | | | 95 | | | | 178 | | | | 3,177 | | | | 2,751 | |
Fair value of assets | | | 1,993 | | | | 1,905 | | | | 3,094 | | | | 2,540 | | | | 46 | | | | 111 | | | | 3,094 | | | | 2,540 | |
Other postretirement benefit plans with accumulated postretirement benefit obligations in excess of plan assets had accumulated postretirement benefit obligations and fair value of assets of $531 million and $289 million at December 31, 2006, and $518 million and $258 million at December 31, 2005.
(PPL Energy Supply)
The funded status of the PPL Energy Supply plans was as follows.
| | Pension Benefits | | |
| | Domestic | | International | | Other Postretirement Benefits |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2006 | | 2005 |
Change in Benefit Obligation | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Benefit Obligation, January 1 | | $ | 83 | | | $ | 74 | | | $ | 2,891 | | | $ | 2,931 | | | $ | 14 | | | $ | 12 | |
Service cost | | | 4 | | | | 4 | | | | 22 | | | | 17 | | | | 1 | | | | | |
Interest cost | | | 5 | | | | 4 | | | | 140 | | | | 150 | | | | 1 | | | | 1 | |
Participant contributions | | | | | | | | | | | 7 | | | | 6 | | | | | | | | | |
Plan amendments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 5 | | | | | | | | | |
Actuarial (gain) loss | | | (3 | ) | | | 2 | | | | 50 | | | | 233 | | | | 1 | | | | 1 | |
Special termination benefits | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 5 | | | | | | | | | |
Net benefits paid | | | (2 | ) | | | (1 | ) | | | (169 | ) | | | (165 | ) | | | (1 | ) | | | | |
Currency conversion | | | | | | | | | | | 398 | | | | (291 | ) | | | | | | | | |
Benefit Obligation, December 31 | | | 87 | | | | 83 | | | | 3,339 | | | | 2,891 | | | | 16 | | | | 14 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Change in Plan Assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Plan assets at fair value, January 1 | | | 75 | | | | 61 | | | | 2,540 | | | | 2,483 | | | | | | | | | |
Actual return on plan assets | | | 9 | | | | 7 | | | | 251 | | | | 427 | | | | | | | | | |
Employer contributions | | | 11 | | | | 8 | | | | 102 | | | | 41 | | | | | | | | | |
Participant contributions | | | | | | | | | | | 7 | | | | 6 | | | | | | | | | |
Net benefits paid | | | (2 | ) | | | (1 | ) | | | (169 | ) | | | (165 | ) | | | | | | | | |
Currency conversion | | | | | | | | | | | 363 | | | | (252 | ) | | | | | | �� | | |
Plan assets at fair value, December 31 | | | 93 | | | | 75 | | | | 3,094 | | | | 2,540 | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Funded Status | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Funded Status at end of year | | | 6 | | | | (8 | ) | | | (245 | ) | | | (351 | ) | | | (16 | ) | | | (14 | ) |
Unrecognized actuarial loss | | | | | | | 14 | | | | | | | | 721 | | | | | | | | 4 | |
Unrecognized prior service cost | | | | | | | 3 | | | | | | | | 36 | | | | | | | | 1 | |
Currency conversion | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (72 | ) | | | | | | | | |
Net amount recognized at end of year | | $ | 6 | | | $ | 9 | | | $ | (245 | ) | | $ | 334 | | | $ | (16 | ) | | $ | (9 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amounts recognized in the Balance Sheets consist of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Noncurrent asset | | $ | 7 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current liability | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (1 | ) | | | | |
Noncurrent liability | | | (1 | ) | | | | | | $ | (245 | ) | | | | | | | (15 | ) | | | | |
Prepaid benefit cost | | | | | | $ | 9 | | | | | | | $ | 334 | | | | | | | | | |
Accrued benefit liability | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (9 | ) |
Additional minimum liability | | | | | | | (17 | ) | | | | | | | (545 | ) | | | | | | | | |
Intangible asset | | | | | | | 3 | | | | | | | | 33 | | | | | | | | | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income (pre-tax) | | | | | | | 14 | | | | | | | | 472 | | | | | | | | | |
Cumulative translation adjustment | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 40 | | | | | | | | | |
Net amount recognized at end of year | | $ | 6 | | | $ | 9 | | | $ | (245 | ) | | $ | 334 | | | $ | (16 | ) | | $ | (9 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss (pre-tax) consist of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Prior service cost | | $ | 3 | | | | | | | $ | 28 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net actuarial loss | | | 9 | | | | | | | | 602 | | | | | | | $ | 5 | | | | | |
Foreign currency translation adjustments | | | | | | | | | | | (27 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (pre-tax) | | $ | 12 | | | | | | | $ | 603 | | | | | | | $ | 5 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost in 2007 are as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Prior service cost | | | | | | | | | | $ | 5 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net actuarial loss | | | | | | | | | | | 54 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | | | | | | | | $ | 59 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total accumulated benefit obligation for defined benefit pension plans | | $ | 87 | | | $ | 83 | | | $ | 3,177 | | | $ | 2,751 | | | | | | | | | |
Information for pension plans with projected and accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets follows.
| | Domestic | | International |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2006 | | 2005 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Projected benefit obligation | | $ | 87 | | | $ | 83 | | | $ | 3,339 | | | $ | 2,891 | |
Accumulated benefit obligation | | | 87 | | | | 83 | | | | 3,177 | | | | 2,751 | |
Fair value of assets | | | 93 | | | | 75 | | | | 3,094 | | | | 2,540 | |
Other postretirement benefit plans with accumulated postretirement benefit obligations in excess of plan assets had accumulated postretirement benefit obligations and fair value of assets of $16 million and none at December 31, 2006, and $14 million and none at December 31, 2005.
In addition to the plans sponsored by PPL Energy Supply, PPL Generation subsidiaries and PPL EnergyPlus are allocated a portion of the liabilities and costs of the pension and other postretirement benefit plans sponsored by PPL Services based on their participation in those plans. PPL Energy Supply's allocated share of these pension liabilities was $35 million and $60 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005. PPL Energy Supply's allocated share of other postretirement benefits was a liability of $90 million at December 31, 2006 and a prepaid asset of $1 million at December 31, 2005.
PPL Energy Supply's subsidiaries engaged in the mechanical contracting business make contributions to various multi-employer pension and health and welfare plans, depending on an employee's status. Contributions of $48 million, $37 million and $28 million were made in 2006, 2005 and 2004. The change in contributions from year to year was primarily the result of the changes in the workforce at the mechanical contracting companies. The contribution rates have also increased from year to year.
(PPL)
At December 31, 2006, PPL Electric had a regulatory asset of $3 million relating to the initial adoption of SFAS 106, which is being amortized and recovered in rates, with a remaining life of six years.
PPL Electric also maintains a liability for the cost of health care of retired miners of former subsidiaries that had been engaged in coal mining, as required by the Coal Industry Retiree Health Benefit Act of 1992. PPL Electric accounts for this liability under EITF 92-13, "Accounting for Estimated Payments in Connection with the Coal Industry Retiree Health Benefit Act of 1992." PPL Electric's net liability was $35 million at December 31, 2005. In the third quarter of 2006, PPL Electric was able to fully offset the net liability, calculated at that time, of $36 million, with excess Black Lung Trust assets as a result of the passage of the Pension Protection Act of 2006. At December 31, 2006, the net liability continues to be fully offset with excess Black Lung Trust assets. See "Pension Protection Act of 2006" within this note for further discussion.
Plan Assets - Domestic Pension Plans (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
The asset allocation for the PPL Retirement Plan Master Trust and the target allocation, by asset category, are detailed below.
Asset Category | | Percentage of plan assets at December 31, | | | Target asset allocation | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Equity securities | | | 74% | | | | 74% | | | | 70% | |
Debt securities | | | 21% | | | | 21% | | | | 25% | |
Real estate and other | | | 5% | | | | 5% | | | | 5% | |
Total | | | 100% | | | | 100% | | | | 100% | |
The domestic pension plan assets are managed by outside investment managers and are rebalanced as necessary to maintain the target asset allocation ranges. PPL's investment strategy with respect to the domestic pension assets is to achieve a satisfactory risk-adjusted return on assets that, in combination with PPL's funding policy and tolerance for return volatility, will ensure that sufficient dollars are available to provide benefit payments.
The expected long-term rate of return for PPL's domestic pension plans considers the plans' historical experience, but is primarily based on the plans' mix of assets and expectations for long-term returns of those asset classes.
Plan Assets - Domestic Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (PPL)
The asset allocation for the PPL other postretirement benefit plans by asset category is detailed below.
Asset Category | | Percentage of plan assets at December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Equity securities | | | 56% | | | | 62% | |
Debt securities | | | 44% | | | | 38% | |
Total | | | 100% | | | | 100% | |
PPL's investment strategy with respect to its other postretirement benefit obligations is to fund the VEBA trusts with voluntary contributions and to invest in a tax efficient manner utilizing a prudent mix of assets. Based on the current VEBA and postretirement plan structure, a targeted asset allocation range of 50% to 60% equity and 40% to 50% debt is maintained.
The expected long-term rate of return for PPL's other postretirement benefit plans is based on the VEBA trusts' mix of assets and expectations for long-term returns of those asset classes considering that a portion of those assets are taxable.
Plan Assets - International Pension Plans (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
WPD operates three defined benefit plans, the WPD Group segment of the Electricity Supply Pension Scheme (ESPS), the Western Power Utilities Pension Scheme and the Infralec 1992 Scheme. The assets of all three schemes are held separately from those of WPD in trustee-administered funds.
PPL's international pension plan asset allocation and target allocation is detailed below.
Asset Category | | Percentage of plan assets at December 31, | | | Target asset allocation | |
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Equity securities | | | 74% | | | | 76% | | | | 75% | |
Debt securities | | | 22% | | | | 21% | | | | 23% | |
Real estate and other | | | 4% | | | | 3% | | | | 2% | |
Total | | | 100% | | | | 100% | | | | 100% | |
In consultation with its investment advisor and with WPD, the group trustees of the WPD Group of the ESPS have drawn up a Statement of Investment Principles to comply with the requirements of U.K. legislation.
The group trustees' primary investment objective is to maximize investment returns within the constraint of avoiding excessive volatility in the funding position.
The expected rate of return for PPL and its subsidiaries' international pension plans considers that a portfolio largely invested in equities would be expected to achieve an average rate of return in excess of a portfolio largely invested in long-term bonds. The historical experience has been an excess return of 2% to 4% per annum on average over the return on long-term bonds.
Expected Cash Flows - Domestic Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
(PPL)
There are no contributions required for PPL's primary domestic pension plan or any of PPL's other domestic subsidiary pension plans. However, PPL's domestic subsidiaries expect to contribute approximately $27 million to their pension plans in 2007 to ensure future compliance with minimum funding requirements.
PPL sponsors various non-qualified supplemental pension plans for which no assets are segregated from corporate assets. PPL expects to make approximately $6 million of benefit payments under these plans in 2007.
PPL is not required to make contributions to its other postretirement benefit plans but has historically funded these plans in amounts equal to the postretirement benefit costs recognized. Continuation of this past practice would cause PPL to contribute $38 million to its other postretirement benefit plans in 2007.
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid and the following federal subsidy payments are expected to be received by the separate plan trusts.
| | | | | Other Postretirement | |
| | Pension | | | Benefit Payment | | | Expected Federal Subsidy | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
2007 | | $ | 91 | | | $ | 41 | | | $ | 1 | |
2008 | | | 95 | | | | 42 | | | | 1 | |
2009 | | | 101 | | | | 47 | | | | 1 | |
2010 | | | 109 | | | | 52 | | | | 1 | |
2011 | | | 118 | | | | 57 | | | | 1 | |
2012 - 2016 | | | 742 | | | | 355 | | | | 4 | |
(PPL Energy Supply)
There are no contributions expected or required for the PPL Montana pension plan.
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid by the separate plan trusts.
| | Pension | | | Other Postretirement | |
| | | | | | |
2007 | | $ | 2 | | | $ | 1 | |
2008 | | | 2 | | | | 1 | |
2009 | | | 3 | | | | 1 | |
2010 | | | 4 | | | | 2 | |
2011 | | | 4 | | | | 2 | |
2012 - 2016 | | | 31 | | | | 12 | |
Expected Cash Flows - International Pension Plans (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
The pension plans of WPD are subject to formal actuarial valuations every three years, which are used to determine funding requirements. Future contributions were evaluated in accordance with the latest valuation performed as of March 31, 2004, in respect of WPD's principal pension scheme, the ESPS, to determine contribution requirements for 2005 and forward. WPD expects to make contributions of approximately $1 million in 2007.
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid by the separate plan trusts.
| | Pension | |
| | | |
2007 | | $ | 184 | |
2008 | | | 189 | |
2009 | | | 194 | |
2010 | | | 199 | |
2011 | | | 204 | |
2012 - 2015 | | | 1,110 | |
Savings Plans (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
Substantially all employees of PPL's domestic subsidiaries are eligible to participate in deferred savings plans (401(k)s). Contributions to the plans charged to operating expense approximated the following.
| | | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| PPL | | $ | 14 | | $ | 13 | | $ | 13 | |
| PPL Energy Supply | | | 8 | | | 7 | | | 7 | |
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
PPL sponsors a non-leveraged ESOP in which substantially all domestic employees, excluding those of PPL Montana, PPL Gas Utilities and the mechanical contractors, are enrolled on the first day of the month following eligible employee status. Dividends paid on ESOP shares are treated as ordinary dividends by PPL. Under existing income tax laws, PPL is permitted to deduct the amount of those dividends for income tax purposes and to contribute the resulting tax savings (dividend-based contribution) to the ESOP.
The dividend-based contribution is used to buy shares of PPL's common stock and is expressly conditioned upon the deductibility of the contribution for federal income tax purposes. Contributions to the ESOP are allocated to eligible participants' accounts as of the end of each year, based 75% on shares held in existing participants' accounts and 25% on the eligible participants' compensation.
Amounts charged as compensation expense for ESOP contributions were $7 million, $6 million and $5 million for 2006, 2005 and 2004. These amounts were offset by the dividend-based contribution tax savings and had no impact on PPL's earnings.
ESOP shares outstanding at December 31, 2006, were 8,342,459 or 2% of total common shares outstanding, and are included in all EPS calculations.
Postemployment Benefits
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
Certain PPL subsidiaries provide health and life insurance benefits to disabled employees and income benefits to eligible spouses of deceased employees. PPL follows the guidance of SFAS 112, "Employers' Accounting for Postemployment Benefits," when accounting for these benefits. Postemployment benefits charged to operating expenses were not significant for 2006. Postemployment benefits charged to operating expense for 2005 were $8 million for PPL and $4 million for PPL Energy Supply, primarily due to an updated valuation for Long-Term Disability benefits completed in 2005. Postemployment benefits were not significant in 2004.
Certain of PPL Global subsidiaries, including Emel, DelSur, Elfec and Integra, provide limited non-pension benefits to all current employees. All active employees are entitled to benefits in the event of termination or retirement in accordance with government-sponsored programs. These plans generally obligate a company to pay one month's salary per year of service to employees in the event of involuntary termination. Under certain plans, employees with five or more years of service are entitled to this payment in the event of voluntary or involuntary termination.
The liabilities for these plans are accounted for under the guidance of EITF 88-1, "Determination of Vested Benefit Obligation for a Defined Benefit Pension Plan," using what is commonly referred to as the "shut down" method, where a company records the undiscounted obligation as if it were payable at each balance sheet date. The combined liabilities for these plans at December 31, 2006 and 2005, were $11 million and $10 million, and are recorded in "Deferred Credits and Noncurrent Liabilities - Other" on the Balance Sheets.
Pension Protection Act of 2006
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
On August 17, 2006, the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (the Act) was signed by President Bush. The Act's changes, which will become effective in 2008, cover current pension plan legislation and funding rules for defined benefit pension plans. Based on the current funded status of PPL's defined benefit pension plans, the Act is not expected to have a significant impact on the future funding of these plans or have a significant financial impact on PPL or PPL Energy Supply in regard to these plans.
(PPL)
The Act does contain a provision that provides for excess assets held exclusively in Black Lung Trust funds to be used to pay for health benefits other than black lung disease for retired coal miners. Prior to recognition of this provision of the Act, PPL Electric had a net liability of $36 million for the medical costs of retirees of a PPL subsidiary represented by the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA). This subsidiary had a Black Lung Trust that was significantly overfunded. As a result of the Act and the ability to use the excess Black Lung Trust assets to make future benefit payments for the UMWA retiree medical costs, PPL Electric was able to fully offset the UMWA retiree medical liability on its Balance Sheet and record a one-time credit to PPL's "Other operation and maintenance" expense of $21 million (net of tax expense of $15 million).
14. Jointly-Owned Facilities
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
At December 31, 2006 and 2005, subsidiaries of PPL and PPL Energy Supply owned interests in the facilities listed below. The Balance Sheets of PPL and PPL Energy Supply include the amounts noted in the following table.
| | Ownership Interest | | Electric Plant in Service | | Other Property | | Accumulated Depreciation | | Construction Work in Progress |
December 31, 2006 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
PPL Generation | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Generating Stations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Susquehanna | | 90.00% | | $ | 4,332 | | | | | $ | 3,449 | | $ | 99 |
Conemaugh | | 16.25% | | | 198 | | | | | | 87 | | | 1 |
Keystone | | 12.34% | | | 100 | | | | | | 54 | | | 7 |
Wyman Unit 4 | | 8.33% | | | 15 | | | | | | 6 | | | |
Merrill Creek Reservoir | | 8.37% | | | | | $ | 22 | | | 14 | | | |
December 31, 2005 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
PPL Generation | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Generating Stations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Susquehanna | | 90.00% | | | 4,308 | | | | | | 3,447 | | | 57 |
Griffith (a) | | 50.00% | | | 151 | | | | | | | | | |
Conemaugh | | 16.25% | | | 199 | | | | | | 83 | | | 3 |
Keystone | | 12.34% | | | 100 | | | | | | 54 | | | 3 |
Wyman Unit 4 | | 8.33% | | | 15 | | | | | | 5 | | | |
Merrill Creek Reservoir | | 8.37% | | | | | | 22 | | | 14 | | | |
(a) | | A PPL subsidiary had a 50% interest in a partnership that owned the Griffith gas-fired generating station. The partnership arrangement was essentially a cost-sharing arrangement, in that each of the partners had rights to one-half of the plant capacity and energy, and an obligation to cover one-half of the operating costs of the station. Accordingly, the equity investment was classified as "Electric Plant in Service - Generation" on the Balance Sheet. During 2006, PPL sold its 50% ownership interest in the Griffith plant. See Note 10 for further discussion. |
Each PPL Generation subsidiary provided its own funding for its share of the facility. Each receives a portion of the total output of the generating stations equal to its percentage ownership. The share of fuel and other operating costs associated with the stations is included in the corresponding operating expenses on the Statements of Income.
In addition to the interests mentioned above, PPL Montana is the operator of the jointly-owned, coal-fired generating units comprising the Colstrip steam generation facility. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, PPL Montana had a 50% leasehold interest in Colstrip Units 1 and 2 and a 30% leasehold interest in Colstrip Unit 3 under operating leases. See Note 11 for additional information.
PPL Montana's share of direct expenses associated with the operation and maintenance of these facilities is included in the corresponding operating expenses on the Statements of Income. Each joint-owner in these facilities provides its own financing. As operator of all Colstrip Units, PPL Montana invoices each joint-owner for its respective portion of the direct expenses. The amount due from joint-owners was $7 million at both December 31, 2006 and 2005.
At December 31, 2006, NorthWestern owned a 30% leasehold interest in Colstrip Unit 4. PPL Montana and NorthWestern have a sharing agreement to govern each party's responsibilities regarding the operation of Colstrip Units 3 and 4, and each party is responsible for 15% of the respective operating and construction costs, regardless of whether a particular cost is specified to Colstrip Unit 3 or 4. However, each party is responsible for its own fuel-related costs.
15. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
Energy Purchases, Energy Sales and Other Commitments (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
Energy Purchase Commitments
PPL and PPL Energy Supply enter into long-term purchase contracts to supply the fuel requirements for generation facilities. These include contracts to purchase coal, emission allowances, natural gas, oil and nuclear fuel. These contracts extend for terms through 2019. PPL and PPL Energy Supply also enter into long-term contracts for the storage and transportation of natural gas. These contracts extend through 2014 and 2032. Additionally, PPL and PPL Energy Supply have entered into long-term contracts to purchase power that extend for terms through 2010, excluding the windfarm and Longview Power, LLC agreements discussed below.
PPL and PPL Energy Supply entered into long-term power purchase agreements with two wind project developers to purchase the full output of their facilities when they begin commercial operation. These contracts extend for terms through 2026.
As part of the purchase of generation assets from Montana Power, PPL Montana assumed a power purchase agreement, which was still in effect at December 31, 2006. In accordance with purchase accounting guidelines, PPL Montana recorded a liability of $58 million as the estimated fair value of the agreement at the acquisition date. The liability is being reduced over the term of the agreement, through 2010, as an adjustment to "Energy purchases" on the Statements of Income. The unamortized balance of the liability related to the agreement at December 31, 2006, was $42 million, of which $34 million is included in "Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities - Other" and $8 million is included in "Current Liabilities - Other" on the Balance Sheets.
In 1998, PPL Electric recorded a loss accrual for above-market contracts with NUGs of $879 million, due to the deregulation of its generation business. Effective January 1999, PPL Electric began reducing this liability as an offset to "Energy purchases" on the Statements of Income. This reduction is based on the estimated timing of the purchases from the NUGs and projected market prices for this generation. The final NUG contract expires in 2014. In connection with the corporate realignment in 2000, the remaining balance of this liability was transferred to PPL EnergyPlus. At December 31, 2006, the remaining liability associated with the above-market NUG contracts was $136 million.
In 2006, PPL entered into a long-term coal purchase agreement with CONSOL Energy Inc. The contract will provide more than one-third of PPL's and PPL Energy Supply's projected coal needs for the Pennsylvania power plants from 2008 through 2018.
In January 2007, PPL EnergyPlus entered into a fixed price contract with Longview Power, LLC, to financially purchase 300 MW of energy and capacity from a new coal-fired generating facility to be built in West Virginia. The power purchase agreement begins in January 2012 and expires in December 2016, with an option to extend at a fixed price through December 2017.
Energy Sales Commitments
PPL Energy Supply enters into long-term power sales contracts in connection with its load-serving activities or associated with certain of its power plants. These power sales contracts extend for terms through 2017. All long-term contracts were executed at pricing that approximated market rates, including profit margin, at the time of execution.
In July 2002, PPL Montana began to sell to NorthWestern an aggregate of 450 MW of energy. Under two five-year agreements with terms through June 30, 2007, PPL Montana is supplying 300 MW of around-the-clock electricity and 150 MW of unit-contingent on-peak electricity. PPL Montana also makes short-term energy sales to NorthWestern. In July 2006, PPL Montana entered into a new seven-year power purchase and sale agreement with NorthWestern pursuant to which PPL Montana will provide the following wholesale electricity supply to NorthWestern:
Period | | On-Peak Supply | | | Off-Peak Supply | |
| | | | | | | | |
7/1/2007 - 6/30/2010 | | | 325 MW | | | | 175 MW | |
7/1/2010 - 6/30/2012 | | | 275 MW | | | | 150 MW | |
7/1/2012 - 6/30/2014 | | | 200 MW | | | | 125 MW | |
In 2002, PPL began commercial operations of its Edgewood natural gas-fired generating station and its Shoreham oil-fired generating station. Each of these New York plants has a capacity of 79.9 MW. Initially, the Long Island Power Authority contracted to purchase all of Edgewood's capacity and ancillary services as part of a three-year power purchase agreement with PPL EnergyPlus beginning at commercial operation, and all of Shoreham's capacity and ancillary services as part of a 15-year power purchase agreement with PPL EnergyPlus beginning at commercial operation. In 2005, PPL EnergyPlus extended the Edgewood power purchase agreement for an additional term that runs through October 2008. The Shoreham power purchase agreement remains in effect until 2017.
In January 2004, PPL EnergyPlus began supplying 12.5% of Connecticut Light & Power Company's (CL&P) Transitional Standard Offer load under a three-year fixed-price contract. During peak hours, PPL EnergyPlus' obligation to supply the Transitional Standard Offer load may reach 625 MW. In January 2006, PPL EnergyPlus began to supply an additional 6.25% of CL&P's Transitional Standard Offer load under a one-year fixed-price contract. During peak hours, PPL EnergyPlus' obligation to supply the Transitional Standard Offer load may reach 313 MW. In September 2006, PPL EnergyPlus entered into an agreement to supply an additional 10% of CL&P's Transitional Standard Offer load under a two-year fixed-price contract, commencing January 1, 2007. During peak hours, PPL EnergyPlus' obligation to supply the Transitional Standard Offer load may reach 450 MW.
As a result of New Jersey's Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities authorized and made available to power suppliers, on a competitive basis, the opportunity to provide Basic Generation Service (BGS) to all non-shopping New Jersey customers. In February 2003, PPL EnergyPlus was awarded 34-month fixed-price BGS contracts for a fixed percentage of customer load (an aggregate of 1,000 MW) for Atlantic City Electric Company (ACE), Jersey Central Power & Light Company (JCPL) and Public Service Electric & Gas Company (PSEG). These contracts commenced in August 2003. In the first quarter of 2005, PPL EnergyPlus was awarded a portion of the Commercial Industrial Energy Pricing tranche, which amounts to 85 MW after expected shopping. These 12-month contracts ended in June 2006. In February 2006, PPL EnergyPlus was awarded 36-month fixed-price BGS contracts for fixed percentages of customer load (an aggregate of 600 MW) for ACE, JCPL and PSEG. These contracts commenced in June 2006. Additionally, in February 2007, PPL EnergyPlus was a successful bidder for fixed-priced BGS contracts for a percentage of customer load in New Jersey for those retail customers who have not shopped for competitive electricity.
In December 2005 and January 2006, PPL EnergyPlus entered into agreements with Delmarva Power and Light Company to provide a portion of its full requirements service from May 2006 through May 2008. Additionally, in November 2006, PPL EnergyPlus entered into an agreement with Delmarva Power and Light Company to provide a portion of its full requirements service from June 2007 through May 2010.
As a result of the Electric Service Customer Choice and Rate Relief Law of 1997, the Illinois General Assembly provided the opportunity for power suppliers to compete for the full requirements electric supply of all non-shopping Illinois customers. In September 2006, PPL EnergyPlus entered into three agreements with Commonwealth Edison Company to provide a portion of its full requirements service. These agreements commence in January 2007 and expire after 17, 29 and 41 months. During peak hours, PPL EnergyPlus' obligation to supply the load may reach 700 MW.
In September 2006, PPL EnergyPlus entered into agreements with Metropolitan Edison Company and Pennsylvania Electric Company to provide a portion of their full requirements service from December 2006 through December 2008. During peak hours, PPL EnergyPlus' obligation to supply the load may have reached 250 MW; however, these agreements were subsequently cancelled by mutual agreement in February 2007.
In December 2006, PPL EnergyPlus entered into an agreement with Western Massachusetts Electric Company to provide a portion of their full requirements service. This agreement commences in January 2007 and expires in December 2007. During peak hours, PPL EnergyPlus' obligation to supply the load may reach 160 MW.
Additionally, in December 2006, PPL EnergyPlus entered into an agreement with The United Illuminating Company to provide a portion of their full requirements service. This agreement commences in January 2008 and expires in December 2008. During peak hours, PPL EnergyPlus' obligation to supply the load may reach 300 MW.
PPL Montana Hydroelectric License Commitments
PPL Montana has 11 hydroelectric facilities and one storage reservoir licensed by the FERC pursuant to the Federal Power Act under long-term licenses. Pursuant to Section 8(e) of the Federal Power Act, the FERC approved the transfer from Montana Power to PPL Montana of all pertinent licenses and any amendments in connection with the Montana Asset Purchase Agreement.
The Kerr Dam Project license was jointly issued by the FERC to Montana Power and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation in 1985, and required Montana Power to hold and operate the project for 30 years. The license required Montana Power, and subsequently PPL Montana as a result of the purchase of the Kerr Dam from Montana Power, to continue to implement a plan to mitigate the impact of the Kerr Dam on fish, wildlife and the habitat. Under this arrangement, PPL Montana has a remaining commitment to spend $18 million between 2007 and 2015, at which point the tribes have the option through 2025 to purchase, hold and operate the project.
PPL Montana entered into two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with state, federal and private entities related to the issuance in 2000 of the FERC renewal license for the nine dams for the Missouri-Madison project. The MOUs require PPL Montana to implement plans to mitigate the impact of its projects on fish, wildlife and the habitat, and to increase recreational opportunities. The MOUs were created to maximize collaboration between the parties and enhance the possibility for matching funds from relevant federal agencies. Under this arrangement, PPL Montana has a remaining commitment to spend $34 million between 2007 and 2040.
Legal Matters (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
PPL and its subsidiaries are involved in legal proceedings, claims and litigation in the ordinary course of business. PPL and its subsidiaries cannot predict the outcome of such matters, or whether such matters may result in material liabilities.
Montana Power Shareholders' Litigation
In August 2001, a purported class-action lawsuit was filed by a group of shareholders of Montana Power against Montana Power, the directors of Montana Power, certain advisors and consultants of Montana Power, and PPL Montana. The plaintiffs allege, among other things, that Montana Power was required to, and did not, obtain shareholder approval of the sale of Montana Power's generation assets to PPL Montana in 1999, and thus that sale "was null and void ab initio." Among the remedies that the plaintiffs are seeking is the establishment of a "resulting and/or constructive trust" on both the generation assets and all profits earned by PPL Montana from the generation assets, plus interest on the amounts subject to the trust. This lawsuit has been pending in the U.S. District Court of Montana, Butte Division, and the judge has placed this proceeding on hold pending the outcome of certain motions currently before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, the resolution of which may impact this proceeding. PPL and PPL Energy Supply cannot predict the outcome of this matter.
Montana Hydroelectric Litigation
In November 2004, PPL Montana, Avista Corporation and PacifiCorp commenced an action for declaratory judgment in Montana First Judicial District Court seeking a determination that no lease payments or other compensation for their hydropower facilities' use and occupancy of streambeds in Montana can be collected by the State of Montana. This request for declaratory judgment from the Montana state court was brought following the dismissal of the State of Montana's federal lawsuit seeking such payments or compensation in the U.S. District Court of Montana, Missoula Division, due to lack of diversity jurisdiction. The State's federal lawsuit was founded on allegations that the bed of Montana's navigable rivers became state-owned property upon Montana's admission to statehood, and that the use of them for placement of dam structures, affiliated structures and reservoirs should, under an existing regulatory scheme, trigger lease payments for use of land underneath. In July 2006, the Montana state court approved a stipulation by the State of Montana that it is not seeking any lease payments or other compensation from PPL Montana for the period prior to PPL Montana's acquisition of the hydropower facilities in December 1999. The trial for this state court proceeding has been scheduled to commence in October 2007. PPL and PPL Energy Supply cannot predict the outcome of this matter.
Regulatory Issues (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
California ISO and Western Markets
Through its subsidiaries, PPL made $18 million of sales to the California ISO during the period from October 2000 through June 2001, of which $17 million has not been paid to PPL subsidiaries. Given the myriad of electricity supply problems presently faced by the California electric utilities and the California ISO, PPL cannot predict whether or when it will receive payment. At December 31, 2006, PPL has fully reserved for underrecoveries of payments for these sales.
Regulatory proceedings arising out of the California electricity supply situation have been filed at the FERC. The FERC has determined that all sellers of energy into markets operated by the California ISO and the California Power Exchange, including PPL Montana, should be subject to refund liability for the period beginning October 2, 2000 through June 20, 2001, but the FERC has not yet ruled on the exact amounts that the sellers, including PPL Montana, would be required to refund. In decisions in September 2004 and August 2006, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit held that the FERC had the additional legal authority to order refunds for periods prior to October 2, 2000, and ordered the FERC to determine whether or not it would be appropriate to grant such additional refunds. As part of its August 2006 decision, the Court stayed the time to petition for rehearing of the decision and its mandate to the FERC in order to allow the parties time to conduct settlement discussions.
In June 2003, the FERC took several actions as a result of a number of related investigations. The FERC terminated proceedings to consider whether to order refunds for spot market bilateral sales made in the Pacific Northwest, including sales made by PPL Montana, during the period December 2000 through June 2001. The FERC also commenced additional investigations relating to "gaming" and bidding practices during 2000 and 2001, but, to their knowledge, neither PPL EnergyPlus nor PPL Montana is a subject of these investigations.
Litigation arising out of the California electricity supply situation has been filed in California courts against sellers of energy to the California ISO. The plaintiffs and intervenors in these legal proceedings allege, among other things, abuse of market power, manipulation of market prices, unfair trade practices and violations of state antitrust laws, and seek other relief, including treble damages and attorneys' fees. While PPL's subsidiaries have not been named by the plaintiffs in these legal proceedings, one defendant in a consolidated court proceeding named PPL Montana in its cross-complaint; this defendant denied any unlawful conduct but asserted that, if it is found liable, the other generators and power marketers, including PPL Montana, caused, contributed to and/or participated in the plaintiffs' alleged losses. In July 2006, the Court dismissed this case as the result of a settlement under which PPL Montana was not required to make any payments or provide any compensation.
In February 2004, the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) initiated a limited investigation of the Montana retail electricity market for the years 2000 and 2001, focusing on how that market was affected by transactions involving the possible manipulation of the electricity grid in the western U.S. The investigation includes all public utilities and licensed electricity suppliers in Montana, including PPL Montana, as well as other entities that may possess relevant information. In June 2004, the Montana Attorney General served PPL Montana and more than 20 other companies with subpoenas requesting documents, and PPL Montana has provided responsive documents to the Montana Attorney General.
While PPL and its subsidiaries believe that they have not engaged in any improper trading or marketing practices affecting the California and western markets, PPL cannot predict the outcome of the above-described investigations, lawsuits and proceedings or whether any PPL subsidiaries will be the target of any additional governmental investigations or named in other lawsuits or refund proceedings.
PJM Capacity Litigation
In December 2002, PPL was served with a complaint against PPL, PPL EnergyPlus and PPL Electric filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania by a group of 14 Pennsylvania boroughs that apparently alleged, among other things, violations of the federal antitrust laws in connection with the pricing of installed capacity in the PJM daily market during the first quarter of 2001 and certain breach of contract claims. These boroughs were wholesale customers of PPL Electric. In April 2006, the Court dismissed all of the federal antitrust claims and all of the breach of contract claims except for one breach of contract claim by one of the boroughs.
Each of the U.S. Department of Justice - Antitrust Division, the FERC and the Pennsylvania Attorney General conducted investigations regarding PPL's PJM capacity market transactions in early 2001 and did not find any reason to take action against PPL.
New England Investigation
In January 2004, PPL became aware of an investigation by the Connecticut Attorney General and the FERC's Office of Market Oversight and Investigation (OMOI) regarding allegations that natural gas-fired generators located in New England illegally sold natural gas instead of generating electricity during the week of January 12, 2004. PPL has responded to a data request of OMOI that indicated that PPL was not under suspicion of a regulatory violation, but that OMOI was conducting an initial investigation. PPL also has responded to data requests of ISO New England and data requests served by subpoena from the Connecticut Attorney General. Both OMOI and ISO New England have issued preliminary reports finding no regulatory or other violations concerning these matters. While PPL does not believe that it committed any regulatory or other violations concerning the subject matter of these investigations, PPL cannot predict the outcome of these investigations.
PJM Billing
In December 2004, Exelon Corporation, on behalf of its subsidiary, PECO Energy, Inc. (PECO), filed a complaint against PJM and PPL Electric with the FERC alleging that PJM had overcharged PECO from April 1998 through May 2003 as a result of an error by PJM in the State Estimator Model used in connection with billing all PJM customers for certain transmission, spot market energy and ancillary services charges. Specifically, the complaint alleged that PJM mistakenly identified PPL Electric's Elroy substation transformer as belonging to PECO and that, as a consequence, during times of congestion, PECO's bills for transmission congestion from PJM erroneously reflected energy that PPL Electric took from the Elroy substation and used to serve PPL Electric's load. The complaint requested the FERC, among other things, to direct PPL Electric to refund to PJM $39 million, plus interest of $8 million, and for PJM to refund these same amounts to PECO.
In April 2005, the FERC determined that PECO was entitled to reimbursement for the transmission congestion charges that PECO asserts PJM erroneously billed to it at the Elroy substation. The FERC set for additional proceedings before a judge the determination of the amount of the overcharge to PECO and which PJM market participants were undercharged and therefore are responsible for reimbursement to PECO.
PPL Electric recognized an after-tax charge of $27 million (or $0.07 per share for PPL) in the first quarter of 2005 for a loss contingency related to this matter. The pre-tax accrual was $47 million, with $39 million included in "Energy purchases" on the Statement of Income, and $8 million in "Interest Expense."
In September 2005, PPL Electric and Exelon Corporation filed a proposed settlement agreement regarding this matter with the FERC. In March 2006, the FERC rejected the settlement agreement indicating that the agreement involves material issues of fact that it cannot decide without further information, and ordered the matter to be set for hearing.
Subsequently, in March 2006, PPL Electric and Exelon filed with the FERC a new proposed settlement agreement under which PPL Electric would have paid approximately $41 million over a five-year period to PJM through a new transmission charge. Pursuant to this proposed agreement, PJM would have forwarded the amounts collected under this new charge to PECO.
In November 2006, the FERC entered an order accepting the parties' March 2006 proposed settlement agreement, upon the condition that PPL Electric agree to certain modifications. The FERC's acceptance was conditioned upon reimbursement to PECO through a single credit to PECO's monthly PJM bill and a corresponding charge on PPL Electric's monthly PJM bill, rather than through a PJM Tariff transmission charge applicable only to PPL Electric. The FERC ordered PPL Electric to advise the FERC within 30 days as to whether it would accept or reject the proposed modifications.
In December 2006, PPL Electric and Exelon filed with the FERC, pursuant to the November 2006 order, a modified offer of settlement ("Compliance Filing"). Under the Compliance Filing, which must be approved by the FERC, PPL Electric would make a single payment through its monthly PJM bill of $38 million, plus interest through the date of payment, and PJM would include a single credit for this amount in PECO's monthly PJM bill. Through December 31, 2006, the estimated interest on this payment would be $4 million, for a total PPL Electric payment of $42 million.
Based on the terms of the Compliance Filing and the effective date and provisions of power supply agreements between PPL Electric and PPL EnergyPlus, PPL has determined that PPL Electric is responsible for the claims prior to July 1, 2000 (totaling $12 million), and that PPL EnergyPlus is responsible for the claims subsequent to that date (totaling $30 million).
Based on the Compliance Filing, PPL and PPL Electric reduced the recorded loss accrual by $5 million (or $0.01 per share for PPL) at December 31, 2006. PPL Electric also recorded a receivable from PPL EnergyPlus of $30 million at December 31, 2006, for the portion of the claims allocated to PPL EnergyPlus. As a result of the reduction of the loss accrual and the allocation to PPL EnergyPlus, PPL Electric recorded credits to expense of $35 million on the Statement of Income, including $28 million of "Energy purchases" and $7 million of "Interest Expense."
PPL Energy Supply recorded a loss accrual of $30 million at December 31, 2006, for its share of the claims, and recorded a corresponding payable to PPL Electric. PPL EnergyPlus recorded $27 million of "Energy purchases" and $3 million of "Interest Expense" on the Statement of Income.
PPL and PPL Energy Supply cannot be certain if or when the FERC will approve the Compliance Filing. Management will continue to assess the loss accrual for this contingency in future periods.
FERC Market-Based Rate Authority
In December 1998, the FERC issued an order authorizing PPL EnergyPlus to make wholesale sales of electric power and related products at market-based rates. In that order, the FERC directed PPL EnergyPlus to file an updated market analysis within three years of the date of the order, and every three years thereafter. The most recent market-based rate filings with the FERC were made in November 2004 by PPL EnergyPlus, PPL Electric, PPL Montana and most of PPL Generation's subsidiaries. These filings consisted of a Western market-based rate filing for PPL Montana and an Eastern market-based rate filing for most of the other PPL subsidiaries in the PJM region.
In September 2005, the FERC issued an order conditionally approving the Eastern market-based rate filing, subject to PPL subsidiaries making a compliance filing providing further support that they cannot erect other non-transmission barriers to entry into the generation market. The PPL subsidiaries made this compliance filing in October 2005, which the FERC accepted.
In May 2006, the FERC issued an order rejecting the claims of the various parties in the proceeding regarding PPL's Western market-based rate filing and granting PPL Montana market-based rate authority in NorthWestern's control area. There are two outstanding requests for rehearing of the FERC's order, and the FERC has issued a routine order allowing more time to consider these rehearing requests. While PPL Montana continues to believe that it does not have market power in NorthWestern's control area and that it has no obligations to make additional sales of power to NorthWestern regardless of the outcome of this proceeding, it cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings.
Currently, if a seller is granted market-based rate authority by the FERC, it may enter into power contracts during the time period for which such authority has been granted. If the FERC determines that the market is not workably competitive or the seller possesses market power or is not charging just and reasonable rates, the FERC institutes prospective action. Any contracts entered into pursuant to the FERC's market-based rate authority remain in effect and are generally subject to a high standard of review before the FERC can order any changes. Recent court decisions by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit have raised issues that may make it more difficult for the FERC to continue its program of promoting wholesale electricity competition through market-based rate authority. These court decisions permit retroactive refunds and a lower standard of review by the FERC for changing power contracts, and could have the effect of requiring the FERC to review in advance most, if not all, power contracts. The FERC has not yet taken action in response to these recent court decisions, and the decisions have been or are expected to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. At this time, PPL cannot predict the impact of these court decisions on the FERC's future market-based rate authority program or on PPL's business.
Wallingford Cost-Based Rates
In January 2003, PPL negotiated an agreement with ISO New England that would declare that four of the five units at PPL's Wallingford, Connecticut facility are "reliability must run" (RMR) units and put those units under cost-based rates. This RMR agreement and the cost-based rates are subject to approval by the FERC. In May 2003, the FERC denied PPL's request for approval of the RMR agreement and cost-based rates, but in August 2005, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit reversed the FERC's denial and remanded the case to the FERC for further consideration. In April 2006, the FERC conditionally approved the RMR agreement and the cost-based rates for the four Wallingford units, effective February 1, 2003, subject to refund, hearing and settlement procedures. The FERC ordered a hearing to determine whether the Wallingford units needed the RMR agreement, the proposed cost-based rates under the RMR agreement and the amounts to be recovered for past periods under the RMR agreement. Any rates collected under the RMR agreement prior to the completion of the hearing and/or settlement proceedings are subject to refund pending the outcome of the proceedings. The hearing has been held in abeyance pending the outcome of the settlement proceedings among the interested parties.
In September 2006, PPL and certain of the parties filed a written settlement with the FERC. The settlement is unopposed. If approved by the FERC, the settlement would resolve all issues in the pending proceeding, including payments to PPL for the past period and going forward. Under the terms of the settlement, PPL would receive a total of $44 million in settlement of amounts due under the RMR agreement for the period February 1, 2003 through May 31, 2006. This amount (plus interest) would be paid to PPL in approximately equal monthly installments over a two-year period. In addition, PPL would enter into a revised RMR Agreement effective as of June 1, 2006, under which it would be entitled to receive $2 million per month for its recovery of fixed costs while the agreement remains in effect. PPL has deferred $11 million of payments related to the pending RMR settlement as of December 31, 2006. In October 2006, the administrative law judge assigned to this matter certified the settlement to the FERC for its consideration as an uncontested settlement.
PPL and PPL Energy Supply currently expect that the four Wallingford RMR units will begin to participate in ISO New England's locational forward reserve market in June 2007, at which time the revised RMR Agreement would terminate in accordance with the settlement provided certain conditions are met. The ISO New England locational forward reserve market provides revenues to peaking generation that can quickly come on line from reserve status to meet reliability requirements.
PPL and PPL Energy Supply cannot predict whether or when the FERC will approve this settlement agreement or the ultimate outcome of this matter.
Montana Public Service Commissioner's Litigation
In May 2006, one of the commissioners of the Montana PSC commenced an action in Montana First Judicial District Court against PPL Montana and the Montana PSC seeking to cause the Montana PSC to reverse its 1999 order consenting to EWG status for PPL Montana's power plants. In 1999, the FERC had granted the plants EWG status and the authority to sell electricity produced at market-based rates, and the Montana PSC consented to this status for PPL Montana's plants under a provision of federal law. In September 2006, the Court granted PPL Montana's and the Montana PSC's motions to dismiss this action. The plaintiff has appealed the dismissal of the lawsuit to the Montana Supreme Court. PPL and PPL Energy Supply continue to believe that this lawsuit is groundless and beyond the statute of limitations period, but cannot predict the outcome of this matter.
IRS Synthetic Fuels Tax Credits
PPL, through its subsidiaries, has interests in two synthetic fuel production facilities: the Somerset facility located in Pennsylvania and the Tyrone facility located in Kentucky. PPL receives tax credits pursuant to Section 29/45K of the Internal Revenue Code based on the sale of synthetic fuel from these facilities. Section 29/45K tax credits are currently scheduled to expire at the end of 2007.
To qualify for the Section 29/45K tax credits, the synthetic fuel must meet three primary conditions: (i) there must be a significant chemical change in the coal feedstock, (ii) the product must be sold to an unaffiliated entity, and (iii) the production facility must have been placed in service before July 1, 1998.
In addition, Section 29/45K provides for the synthetic fuel tax credit to begin to phase out when the relevant annual reference price for crude oil, which is the domestic first purchase price (DFPP), falls within a designated range and to be eliminated when the DFPP exceeds the range. The phase-out range is adjusted annually for inflation. Currently, the DFPP is published by the IRS annually in April for the prior year and is calculated based on the annual average wellhead price per barrel for all unregulated domestic crude oil.
PPL cannot predict with any certainty the final DFPP reference price for crude oil for 2006 or 2007 or the phase-out range for either year. Accounting for inflation, PPL currently estimates the phase-out range for 2006 to begin at about $54 per barrel (DFPP) and the tax credits to be totally eliminated at about $68 per barrel (DFPP). Accounting for inflation, PPL currently estimates the phase-out range for 2007 to begin at about $56 per barrel (DFPP) and the tax credits to be totally eliminated at about $70 per barrel (DFPP). PPL expects a phase-out of approximately 35% of the gross tax credits produced in 2006, based on its estimate of the DFPP reference price and the phase-out range applicable for 2006. If the price of crude oil increases above current price levels in 2007, PPL's synthetic fuel tax credits for 2007 could be significantly reduced or eliminated.
Since PPL began the synthetic fuel operations, the synthetic fuel produced at the Somerset and Tyrone facilities has resulted in an aggregate recognition of an estimated $291 million and $94 million of tax credits as of December 31, 2006, including estimated amounts for 2006. As of December 31, 2006, PPL is estimating the 2006 phase-out to be 35%, resulting in the recognition of $23 million of tax credits for Somerset and $32 million of tax credits for Tyrone for the year ending December 31, 2006. An estimated $12 million of the gross tax credits for Somerset and $18 million for Tyrone are not expected to be recognized for the year ending December 31, 2006, due to the phase-out range and estimated DFPP reference price.
In 2005, PPL entered into economic hedge transactions that serve to mitigate some of the earnings and cash flow impact of increases in DFPP crude oil prices for 2006 and 2007. In 2006, PPL entered into additional economic hedge transactions for this purpose. The mark-to-market value of these hedges is reflected in "Energy-related businesses" revenues on the Statements of Income. PPL has entered into additional economic hedge transactions for 2007 that are expected to mitigate PPL's tax credit phase-out risk due to an increase of the DFPP reference price in 2007. Such hedge transactions are not intended to mitigate any ongoing operational or production risks associated with the Tyrone and Somerset facilities.
Based on forecasted oil prices and other considerations, in early April 2006, PPL temporarily suspended operations at its Somerset facility. In August 2006, operations resumed at the Somerset facility. The Tyrone facility operated throughout 2006.
PPL performed impairment reviews of both its synthetic fuel production facilities during the second quarter of 2006. The reviews were prompted by the Somerset suspension, the uncertainty surrounding the future operations of each of the facilities and continued observed and forecasted high crude oil prices. PPL determined that the net book value of the facilities exceeded the projected undiscounted cash flows. Therefore, in the second quarter of 2006, PPL recorded charges totaling $10 million ($6 million after tax, or $0.01 per share for PPL) to fully impair its synfuel-related assets based on an internal model and other analysis. The impairment charges are reflected in "Energy-related businesses" expense on PPL's and PPL Energy Supply's Statements of Income. The assets of the facilities are a component of the Supply segment.
PPL also purchases synthetic fuel from unaffiliated third parties, at prices below the market price of coal, for use at its coal-fired power plants. In 2005 and 2006, PPL's purchases from these third parties resulted in fuel cost savings of $24 million and $18 million. PPL estimates that, unless these third parties discontinue their synthetic fuel operations and sales to PPL due to the impact of projected DFPP oil prices, its purchases from these parties will result in fuel cost savings in 2007 of $24 million assuming full production throughout the year.
In October 2003, it was reported that the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, of the Committee on Governmental Affairs, had begun an investigation of the synthetic fuel industry and its producers. That investigation is ongoing. PPL cannot predict when the investigation will be completed or the potential results of the investigation.
Energy Policy Act of 2005
In August 2005, President Bush signed into law the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (the 2005 Energy Act). The 2005 Energy Act is comprehensive legislation that will substantially affect the regulation of energy companies. The Act amends federal energy laws and provides the FERC with new oversight responsibilities. Among the important changes that have been or will be implemented as a result of this legislation are:
· | The Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 has been repealed. PUHCA significantly restricted mergers and acquisitions in the electric utility sector. |
· | The FERC has appointed the North American Electric Reliability Council as the electric reliability organization to establish and enforce mandatory reliability standards ("Reliability Standards") regarding the bulk power system, and the FERC will oversee this process and independently enforce the Reliability Standards, as further described below. |
· | The FERC will establish incentives for transmission companies, such as performance-based rates, recovery of the costs to comply with reliability rules and accelerated depreciation for investments in transmission infrastructure. |
· | The Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 1988, which provides the framework for nuclear liability protection, was extended to 2025. |
· | Federal support will be available for certain clean coal power initiatives, nuclear power projects and renewable energy technologies. |
The implementation of the 2005 Energy Act requires proceedings at the state level and the development of regulations, some of which have not been finalized, by the FERC, the DOE and other federal agencies. PPL cannot predict when all of these proceedings and regulations will be finalized.
Upon implementation, the Reliability Standards will have the force and effect of law, and will apply to all users of the bulk power electricity system, including electric utility companies, generators and marketers. The FERC has indicated that it intends to vigorously enforce the Reliability Standards using, among other means, civil penalty authority. At this time, PPL cannot predict the impact that compliance with the Reliability Standards will have on PPL, including its capital and operating expenditures, but such compliance costs could be significant.
PPL also cannot predict with certainty the impact of the other provisions of the 2005 Energy Act and any related regulations on PPL and its subsidiaries.
Environmental Matters – Domestic
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
Due to the environmental issues discussed below or other environmental matters, PPL subsidiaries may be required to modify, replace or cease operating certain facilities to comply with statutes, regulations and actions by regulatory bodies or courts. In this regard, PPL subsidiaries also may incur capital expenditures or operating expenses in amounts which are not now determinable, but could be significant.
Air
The Clean Air Act deals, in part, with acid rain, attainment of federal ambient ozone standards, particulate matter standards and toxic air emissions and visibility in the U.S. Amendments to the Clean Air Act requiring additional emission reductions are likely to continue to be brought up for consideration in the U.S. Congress. The Clean Air Act allows states to develop more stringent regulations and in some instances, as further discussed below, Pennsylvania and Montana have chosen to do so.
Citing its authority under the Clean Air Act, the EPA has developed new standards for ambient levels of ozone and fine particulates in the U.S. These standards have been upheld following court challenges. To facilitate attainment of these standards, the EPA has promulgated the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) for 28 midwestern and eastern states, including Pennsylvania, to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions by about 50% by 2010 and to extend the current seasonal program for reduction in emissions of nitrogen oxides to a year-round program starting in 2009. The CAIR requires further reductions, starting in 2015, in sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides of 30% and 20%, respectively, from 2010 levels. The CAIR allows these reductions to be achieved through cap-and-trade programs. Pennsylvania has not challenged the CAIR, but the rule has been challenged by several states and environmental groups as not being sufficiently strict, and by industry petitioners as being too strict. In addition, several Canadian environmental groups have petitioned the EPA under the Clean Air Act to revise the CAIR to require deeper reductions in sulfur dioxide and mercury emissions, and the Ozone Transport Commission (consisting of Pennsylvania and 11 other states and the District of Columbia) has passed a resolution calling for reductions in sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides that are more stringent than those under CAIR. The Pennsylvania DEP, which represents Pennsylvania on the Ozone Transport Commission, has indicated its support for developing regulations for reductions in sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides that are more stringent than those under CAIR.
In order to continue meeting existing sulfur dioxide reduction requirements of the Clean Air Act, including CAIR, PPL is installing sulfur dioxide scrubbers at its Montour Units 1 and 2 and Brunner Island Unit 3, and a scrubber at Brunner Island Units 1 and 2. The scrubbers for both Montour units and Unit 3 at Brunner Island are expected to be in-service during 2008 and the scrubber for Units 1 and 2 at Brunner Island is expected to be in-service during 2009. Based on expected levels of generation and projected emission allowance prices, PPL has determined that it is more economic to install these scrubbers than to purchase significant additional emission allowances to make up the emission allowance shortfalls that would otherwise occur. In order to meet the year-round reductions in nitrogen oxides under CAIR, PPL's current plan is to operate the SCRs at Montour Units 1 and 2 year-round, optimize emission reductions from the existing combustion controls and purchase any needed emission allowances. PPL's current installation plan for the scrubbers and other pollution control equipment (primarily aimed at sulfur dioxide, particulate, nitrogen oxides and mercury emissions reduction) through 2011 reflects a total cost of approximately $1.5 billion. PPL expects a 30 MW reduction in generation capability at each of the Brunner Island and Montour plants, due to the estimated increases in station service usage during the scrubber operation.
Also citing its authority under the Clean Air Act, the EPA has finalized Clean Air Mercury Regulations (CAMR) that affect coal-fired plants. These regulations establish a cap-and-trade program to take effect in two phases, with a first phase to begin in January 2010, and a second phase with more stringent caps to begin in January 2018. Under CAMR, each state is allocated a mercury emissions cap and is required to develop state implementing regulations that can follow the federal requirements or be more restrictive. Several states, including Pennsylvania, have challenged CAMR in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit as not being sufficiently strict. PPL cannot predict the outcome and impact of that challenge.
Pennsylvania is proceeding with adoption of its own, more stringent mercury rules. Pennsylvania's rules will require that mercury controls be installed on each coal-fired generating unit; that the EPA's CAMR caps be met at each unit without the benefit of an emissions trading program; and that the second phase of CAMR be accelerated to begin in 2015.
PPL expects that it can achieve the 2010 requirements under Pennsylvania's more stringent mercury rules with only the addition of chemical injection systems. This expectation is based on the co-benefits of mercury removal from the scrubbers expected to be in place at its Pennsylvania plants as of 2010, and the SCRs already in place at Montour. PPL currently estimates that the capital cost of such chemical injection systems at its Pennsylvania plants will be approximately $20 million.
Because an emissions trading program is not allowed under Pennsylvania's mercury rules, adsorption/absorption technology with fabric filters may be required at most of PPL's Pennsylvania coal-fired generating units to meet Pennsylvania's second-phase caps beginning in 2015. Based on current analysis and industry estimates, PPL estimates that if this technology were required at every one of its Pennsylvania units the aggregate capital cost of compliance would be approximately $530 million.
Montana also has finalized its own more stringent rules that would require every coal-fired generating plant in the state to achieve by 2010 reduction levels more stringent than CAMR's 2018 cap. Because enhanced chemical injection technologies may not be sufficiently developed to meet this level of reductions by 2010, there is a risk that adsorption/absorption technology with fabric filters at both Colstrip and Corette would be required. Based on current analysis and industry estimates, PPL estimates that its capital cost to achieve compliance at its Montana units would be approximately $140 million.
PPL expects both Pennsylvania's and Montana's mercury rules to be challenged in court. If those rules are overturned and PPL is instead required to comply with CAMR, PPL expects that it could achieve the 2010 requirements under CAMR in both Pennsylvania and Montana with only the addition of chemical injection systems and allowance purchases. In addition to the capital cost for the chemical injection systems in Pennsylvania noted above, PPL estimates that its share of the capital cost for such systems in Montana would be approximately $5 million. With respect to the 2018 requirements under CAMR, PPL currently expects that it would be able to comply in Pennsylvania by installing adsorption/absorption technology with fabric filters on half of its generating capacity at a capital cost of approximately $265 million. In Montana, PPL currently expects that it could achieve the 2018 CAMR requirements with enhanced chemical injection at modest cost.
In addition to the above rules, the Clean Air Visibility Rule was issued by the EPA on June 15, 2005, to address regional haze or regionally-impaired visibility caused by multiple sources over a wide area. The rule defines Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) requirements for electric generating units, including presumptive limits for sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides controls for large units. In 2007, PPL must submit to the Pennsylvania DEP and to the Montana DEQ its analyses of the visibility impacts of plants covered by the BART rule in each state. In Pennsylvania, this would include Martins Creek Units 3 and 4, Brunner Island Units 2 and 3 and Montour Units 1 and 2. In Montana, this would include Colstrip Units 1 and 2 and Corette.
The EPA has stated that the BART rule will not require states to make reductions in sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxides beyond those required by CAIR, although states can establish more stringent rules. At this time, PPL cannot predict whether the Pennsylvania DEP will require additional reductions beyond the requirements established through CAIR. If the Pennsylvania DEP establishes regulations to require additional reductions, the additional costs to comply with such regulations, which are not now determinable, could be significant. In states like Montana that are not within the CAIR region, the need for and cost of additional controls as a result of this new rule are not now determinable, but could be significant.
In 1999, the EPA initiated enforcement actions against several utilities, asserting that older, coal-fired power plants operated by those utilities have, over the years, been modified in ways that subject them to more stringent "New Source" requirements under the Clean Air Act. The EPA subsequently issued notices of violation and commenced enforcement activities against other utilities. However, in the past several years, the EPA has shifted its position on New Source Review. In 2003, the EPA issued changes to its regulations that clarified what projects are exempt from "New Source" requirements as routine maintenance and repair. However, these regulations were stayed and subsequently struck down by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. PPL is therefore continuing to operate under the "New Source" regulations as they existed prior to the EPA's 2003 clarifications.
In October 2005, the EPA proposed changing its rules on how to determine whether a project results in an emissions increase and is therefore subject to review under the "New Source" regulations. The EPA's proposed tests are consistent with the position of energy companies and industry groups and, if adopted, would substantially reduce the uncertainties under the current regulations. PPL cannot predict whether these proposed new tests will be adopted. In addition to proposing these new tests, the EPA also announced in October 2005 that it will not bring new enforcement actions with respect to projects that would satisfy the proposed new tests or the EPA's 2003 clarifications referenced above. Accordingly, PPL believes that it is unlikely that the EPA will follow up on the information requests that had been issued to PPL Montana's Corette and Colstrip plants by EPA Region VIII in 2000 and 2003, respectively, and to PPL Generation's Martins Creek plant by EPA Region III in 2002. However, states and environmental groups also have been bringing enforcement actions alleging violations of "New Source" requirements by coal-fired plants, and PPL is unable to predict whether such state or citizens enforcement actions will be brought with respect to any of its affiliates' plants.
The New Jersey DEP and some New Jersey residents raised environmental concerns with respect to the Martins Creek plant, particularly with respect to sulfur dioxide emissions and the opacity of the plant's plume. These issues were raised in the context of an appeal by the New Jersey DEP of the Air Quality Plan Approval issued by the Pennsylvania DEP to PPL's Lower Mt. Bethel generating plant. In October 2003, PPL finalized an agreement with the New Jersey DEP and the Pennsylvania DEP pursuant to which PPL will reduce sulfur dioxide emissions from its Martins Creek power plant. Under the agreement, PPL Martins Creek will shut down the plant's two 150 MW coal-fired generating units in September 2007 and may repower them any time after shutting them down so long as it follows all applicable state and federal requirements, including installing the best available pollution control technology. As a result of the agreement, the New Jersey DEP withdrew its challenge to the Air Quality Plan Approval for the Lower Mt. Bethel facility. The agreement will not result in material costs to PPL. The agreement does not address the issues raised by the New Jersey DEP regarding the visible opacity of emissions from the oil-fired units at the Martins Creek plant. Similar issues also are being raised by the Pennsylvania DEP. PPL is currently negotiating the matter with the Pennsylvania DEP. If it is determined that actions must be taken to address the visible opacity of these emissions, such actions could result in costs that are not now determinable, but could be significant.
In December 2003, PPL Montana, as operator of the Colstrip facility, received an Administrative Compliance Order (ACO) from the EPA pursuant to the Clean Air Act. The ACO alleges that Units 3 and 4 of the facility have been in violation of the Clean Air Act permit at Colstrip since 1980. The permit required Colstrip to submit for review and approval by the EPA an analysis and proposal for reducing emissions of nitrogen oxides to address visibility concerns upon the occurrence of certain triggering events. The EPA asserted that regulations it promulgated in 1980 triggered this requirement. PPL believes that the ACO is unfounded. PPL has been engaged in settlement negotiations on these matters with the EPA and the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. In late 2006, PPL and the other Colstrip owners as well as the Northern Cheyenne Tribe executed a settlement agreement that is now awaiting signature by the EPA. Following execution by all parties, the agreement is expected to be entered by the court and the EPA's action would then be discontinued. The agreement calls for installation of low nitrogen oxides emissions equipment on Colstrip Units 3 and 4, payment of a non-material penalty and financing of an energy efficient project. PPL Montana's cost of this settlement is anticipated to be approximately $4 million.
In addition to the requirements related to emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and mercury noted above, there is a growing concern nationally and internationally about carbon dioxide emissions. In June 2005, the U.S. Senate adopted a resolution declaring that mandatory reductions in carbon dioxide are needed. Various legislative proposals are being considered in Congress, and several states already have passed legislation capping carbon dioxide emissions. The Bush administration is promoting a voluntary carbon dioxide reduction program, called the Climate VISION program. In support of this program, the electric power industry has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emission intensity levels (measured as tons of carbon dioxide equivalent against electric power production in MWh) by 3% to 5% by the 2010 to 2012 period. Separate from the national initiatives, in December 2005, seven northeastern states signed an MOU establishing a cap and trade program commencing in January 2009 for stabilization of carbon dioxide emissions, at base levels established in 2005, from electric power plants larger than 25 MW in capacity. The MOU also provides for a 10% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from the base levels by the end of 2018. In August 2006, a Model Rule was developed by these seven states that will form the basis for participants to adopt individual state laws and regulations for program implementation. Increased pressure for carbon dioxide emissions reduction also is coming from investor organizations and the international community.
Pennsylvania and Montana have not, at this time, established any formal programs to address carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. However, the governor of each state has declared support for state action on these issues. PPL has conducted an inventory of its carbon dioxide emissions and is continuing to evaluate various options for reducing, avoiding, off-setting or sequestering its carbon dioxide emissions. If Pennsylvania or Montana develops legislation or regulations imposing mandatory reductions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases on generation facilities, the cost to PPL of such reductions could be significant.
Water/Waste
In August 2005, there was a release of approximately 100 million gallons of water containing fly ash from a disposal basin at the Martins Creek plant used in connection with the operation of the two 150 MW coal-fired generating units at the plant. This resulted in ash being deposited onto adjacent roadways and fields, and into a nearby creek and the Delaware River. The leak was stopped, and PPL has determined that the problem was caused by a failure in the disposal basin's discharge structure. PPL has conducted extensive clean-up and is continuing to work with the Pennsylvania DEP and other appropriate agencies and consultants to assess whether the leak caused any environmental damage. PPL shut down the two units in September 2005 and placed the units back in service in December 2005 after completing the repairs and upgrades to the basin and obtaining the Pennsylvania DEP's approval.
The Pennsylvania DEP filed a complaint in Commonwealth Court against PPL Martins Creek and PPL Generation, alleging violations of various state laws and regulations and seeking penalties and injunctive relief. The Delaware Riverside Conservancy and several citizens have been granted the right, without objection from PPL, to intervene in the Pennsylvania DEP's action. PPL and the Pennsylvania DEP have reached a tentative settlement for the alleged violations. The proposed settlement requires PPL to pay $1.5 million in penalties and reimbursement of the DEP's costs, and requires PPL to undertake further studies of possible natural resource damages which PPL has been doing in conjunction with a group of natural resource trustees, along with the Delaware River Basin Commission. PPL expects the trustees and the Delaware River Basin Commission to seek to recover their costs and/or any damages they determine were caused by the leak. PPL has proposed a study plan under which the assessment will be completed and reported to the agencies by mid-2007. However, the agencies may require additional studies.
In March 2006, several citizens (including some that have intervened in the Pennsylvania DEP's lawsuit) and two businesses filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Warren County, alleging that the fly ash leak caused damage to property along a 40-mile stretch of the Delaware River and asserting that the named plaintiffs are representative of a class of citizens and businesses along the 40-mile stretch of the Delaware River. PPL has exercised its right to move this lawsuit to federal court in New Jersey.
PPL Energy Supply recognized a $33 million pre-tax charge in the third quarter of 2005 and an additional $15 million pre-tax charge in the fourth quarter of 2005 (or a total of $31 million after tax, or $0.08 per share for PPL) in connection with the then-expected on-site and off-site costs relating to the Martins Creek leak remediation. Based on its ongoing assessment of the expected remediation costs, in 2006, PPL Energy Supply reduced the estimate in connection with the current expected costs of the leak by $11 million, of which $10 million related to off-site costs and the remainder to on-site costs. At December 31, 2006, management's best estimate of the probable loss associated with the Martins Creek ash basin leak was $37 million, of which $31 million relates to off-site costs, and the balance to on-site costs. At December 31, 2006, the remaining contingency for this remediation was $9 million. PPL and PPL Energy Supply cannot be certain of the outcome of the action initiated by the Pennsylvania DEP, the outcome of the natural resource damage assessment, the outcome of the lawsuit brought by the citizens and businesses and the exact nature of any other regulatory or other legal actions that may be initiated against PPL, PPL Energy Supply or their subsidiaries as a result of the disposal basin leak.
Seepages have been detected at active and retired wastewater basins at various PPL plants, including the Montour, Brunner Island and Martins Creek generating facilities. PPL has completed an assessment of some of the seepages at the Montour and Brunner Island facilities and is working with the Pennsylvania DEP to implement abatement measures for those seepages. PPL is continuing to conduct assessments of other seepages at the Montour and Brunner Island facilities as well as seepages at the Martins Creek facility to determine the appropriate abatement actions. PPL plans to comprehensively address issues related to wastewater basins at all of its Pennsylvania plants, as part of the process to renew the residual waste permits for these basins that expire within the next two years. PPL has a remaining contingency of $1 million to assess and/or abate seepage from certain facilities and has $5 million budgeted in the 2007 capital budget to upgrade and/or replace certain waste water facilities in response to the seepage and other facility changes. The potential cost to address other seepages or to replace existing wastewater basins at PPL's Pennsylvania plants is not now determinable, but could be significant.
PPL has reached a settlement with the Pennsylvania DEP concerning the thermal discharge from its Brunner Island plant into the Susquehanna River. The settlement commits PPL to install mechanical draft cooling towers at the plant. PPL expects construction of the cooling towers to begin by the end of 2007 and for the towers to be in service in the spring of 2010. The expected capital cost of the installation of the towers is $125 million.
The settlement with the Pennsylvania DEP regarding the Brunner Island discharge has been incorporated into a new National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit for the plant. PPL has filed an appeal to the permit on issues other than the settlement. PPL and the DEP have reached a tentative settlement of this appeal. The costs of the settlement are not material.
In May 2003, approximately 50 plaintiffs brought an action now pending at the Montana Sixteenth Judicial District Court, Rosebud County, against PPL Montana and the other owners of the Colstrip plant alleging property damage from seepage from the freshwater and wastewater ponds at Colstrip. PPL Montana has undertaken certain groundwater investigation and remediation measures at the Colstrip plant to address groundwater contamination alleged by the plaintiffs as well as other groundwater contamination at the plant. These measures include proceeding with extending city water to certain residents who live near the plant, some of whom are plaintiffs in the litigation. Beyond the original estimated reserve of $1 million recorded by PPL Montana in 2004 (of which only an insignificant amount remains at December 31, 2006) for a proposed settlement of the property damage claims raised in the litigation, for extending city water and for a portion of the remedial investigation costs, PPL Montana may incur further costs based on its additional groundwater investigations and any related remedial measures, which costs are not now determinable, but could be significant.
The EPA has significantly tightened the water quality standard for arsenic. The revised standard became effective in January 2006 and at this time applies only to drinking water. The revised standard may result in action by individual states that could require several PPL subsidiaries to either further treat wastewater or take abatement action at their power plants, or both. The cost of complying with any such requirements is not now determinable, but could be significant.
The EPA finalized requirements in 2004 for new or modified cooling water intake structures. These requirements affect where generating facilities are built, establish intake design standards, and could lead to requirements for cooling towers at new and modified power plants. Another rule that was finalized in 2004 addresses existing structures. Six northeastern states challenged the new rules for existing structures as being inadequate. In January 2007, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit remanded to the EPA all of the main requirements of the rule for further analysis and rulemaking. Depending on what changes the EPA makes to the rule in accordance with this decision, and/or what actions the states may take on their own, the impacts of the actions could result in stricter standards for existing structures that could impose significant costs on PPL subsidiaries.
Superfund and Other Remediation
(PPL)
PPL Electric is a potentially responsible party at several sites listed by the EPA under the federal Superfund program, including the Columbia Gas Plant Site. Clean-up actions have been or are being undertaken at all of these sites, the costs of which have not been significant. However, should the EPA require significantly different or additional measures in the future, the costs of such measures are not determinable but could be significant.
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
In 1995, PPL Electric and PPL Generation and, in 1996, PPL Gas Utilities entered into consent orders with the Pennsylvania DEP to address a number of sites that were not being addressed under another regulatory program such as Superfund, but for which PPL Electric, PPL Generation or PPL Gas Utilities may be liable for remediation. These agreements have now been combined into a single agreement for the companies. The Consent Order and Agreement (COA) includes potential PCB contamination at certain PPL Electric substations and pole sites; potential contamination at a number of coal gas manufacturing facilities formerly owned or operated by PPL Electric; oil or other contamination that may exist at some of PPL Electric's former generating facilities; and potential contamination at abandoned power plant sites owned by PPL Generation. This also includes former coal gas manufacturing facilities and potential mercury contamination from gas meters and regulators at PPL Gas Utilities' sites.
As of December 31, 2006, PPL Electric and PPL Gas Utilities have 118 sites to address under the new combined COA, and currently no PPL Generation sites are included on the COA site list. Additional sites formerly owned or operated by PPL Electric, PPL Generation or PPL Gas Utilities are added to the COA on a case-by-case basis.
At December 31, 2006, PPL Electric and PPL Gas Utilities had accrued $2 million and $5 million, respectively, representing the estimated amounts each will have to spend for site remediation, including those sites covered by the COA noted above. Depending on the outcome of investigations at sites where investigations have not begun or have not been completed, the costs of remediation and other liabilities could be substantial. PPL and its subsidiaries also could incur other non-remediation costs at sites included in the consent orders or other contaminated sites, the costs of which are not now determinable, but could be significant.
There continues to be an issue with natural gas observed in several drinking water wells in and around Tioga County, Pennsylvania, that the Pennsylvania DEP has been working to address. The Pennsylvania DEP has raised concerns that potential leakage of natural gas from the Tioga gas storage field partially owned by PPL Gas Utilities could be contributing to this issue. PPL Gas Utilities continues to work with the Pennsylvania DEP and to discuss the matter with the co-owner and operator of the field. The costs to resolve this issue are not now determinable, but could be significant.
The EPA is evaluating the risks associated with naphthalene, a chemical by-product of coal gas manufacturing operations. As a result of the EPA's evaluation, individual states may establish stricter standards for water quality and soil clean-up. This could require several PPL subsidiaries to take more extensive assessment and remedial actions at former coal gas manufacturing facilities. The costs to PPL of complying with any such requirements are not now determinable, but could be significant.
Under the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law, subsidiaries of PPL Generation are obligated to remediate acid mine drainage at former mine sites and may be required to take additional measures to prevent potential acid mine drainage at previously capped refuse piles. One PPL Generation subsidiary is pumping mine water at two mine sites, and treating water at one of these sites. Another PPL Generation subsidiary has installed a passive wetlands treatment system at a third site. At December 31, 2006, PPL Energy Supply had accrued a discounted liability of $29 million to cover the costs of pumping and treating groundwater at the two mine sites for 50 years and for operating and maintaining passive wetlands treatment at the third site. PPL Energy Supply discounted this liability at a rate of 5.82%. Expected undiscounted payments are estimated at $1 million for each of the years from 2007 through 2011, and the expected payments for the work after 2011 are $116 million.
In 1999, the Montana Supreme Court held in favor of several citizens' groups that the right to a clean and healthful environment is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Montana Constitution. Currently pending before the Court are three cases relating to the manner in which this fundamental right may be exercised and the proper measurement of damages for environmental impacts to property. These cases were consolidated for purposes of arguments before the Court. The Court's ruling on this consolidated litigation could result in significantly more lawsuits under Montana's environmental laws. The effect on PPL Montana of any such increase in legal actions is not currently determinable, but could be significant.
Future cleanup or remediation work at sites currently under review, or at sites not currently identified, may result in material additional operating costs for PPL subsidiaries that cannot be estimated at this time.
Electric and Magnetic Fields
Concerns have been expressed by some members of the public regarding potential health effects of power frequency EMFs, which are emitted by all devices carrying electricity, including electric transmission and distribution lines and substation equipment. Government officials in the U.S. and the U.K. have reviewed this issue. The U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences concluded in 2002 that, for most health outcomes, there is no evidence of EMFs causing adverse effects. The agency further noted that there is some epidemiological evidence of an association with childhood leukemia, but that this evidence is difficult to interpret without supporting laboratory evidence. The U.K. National Radiological Protection Board (now part of the U.K. Health Protection Agency) concluded in 2004 that, while the research on EMFs does not provide a basis to find that EMFs cause any illness, there is a basis to consider precautionary measures beyond existing exposure guidelines. PPL and its subsidiaries believe the current efforts to determine whether EMFs cause adverse health effects should continue and are taking steps to reduce EMFs, where practical, in the design of new transmission and distribution facilities. PPL and its subsidiaries are unable to predict what effect, if any, the EMF issue might have on their operations and facilities either in the U.S. or abroad, and the associated cost, or what, if any, liabilities they might incur related to the EMF issue.
Environmental Matters - International (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
U.K.
WPD's distribution businesses are subject to regulatory and statutory requirements with respect to environmental matters. PPL believes that WPD has taken and continues to take measures to comply with the applicable laws and governmental regulations for the protection of the environment. There are no material legal or administrative proceedings pending against WPD with respect to environmental matters. See "Environmental Matters - Domestic - Electric and Magnetic Fields" for a discussion of EMFs.
Latin America
Certain of PPL's affiliates have electric distribution operations in Latin America. PPL believes that these affiliates have taken and continue to take measures to comply with the applicable laws and governmental regulations for the protection of the environment. There are no material legal or administrative proceedings pending against PPL's affiliates in Latin America with respect to environmental matters.
Other
Nuclear Insurance (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
PPL Susquehanna is a member of certain insurance programs that provide coverage for property damage to members' nuclear generating stations. Facilities at the Susquehanna station are insured against property damage losses up to $2.75 billion under these programs. PPL Susquehanna is also a member of an insurance program that provides insurance coverage for the cost of replacement power during prolonged outages of nuclear units caused by certain specified conditions. Under the property and replacement power insurance programs, PPL Susquehanna could be assessed retroactive premiums in the event of the insurers' adverse loss experience. At December 31, 2006, this maximum assessment was about $38 million.
In the event of a nuclear incident at the Susquehanna station, PPL Susquehanna's public liability for claims resulting from such incident would be limited to about $10.8 billion under provisions of The Price-Anderson Act Amendments under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. PPL Susquehanna is protected against this liability by a combination of commercial insurance and an industry assessment program. In the event of a nuclear incident at any of the reactors covered by The Price-Anderson Act Amendments under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, PPL Susquehanna could be assessed up to $201 million per incident, payable at $30 million per year.
Guarantees and Other Assurances
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
In the normal course of business, PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric enter into agreements that provide financial performance assurance to third parties on behalf of certain subsidiaries. Such agreements include, for example, guarantees, stand-by letters of credit issued by financial institutions and surety bonds issued by insurance companies. These agreements are entered into primarily to support or enhance the creditworthiness attributed to a subsidiary on a stand-alone basis or to facilitate the commercial activities in which these subsidiaries enter.
(PPL)
PPL fully and unconditionally guarantees all of the debt securities of PPL Capital Funding.
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric provide certain guarantees that are required to be disclosed in accordance with FIN 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, an Interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57, and 107 and Rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34." The table below details guarantees provided as of December 31, 2006.
| | Recorded Liability at | | Exposure at | | |
| | December 31, | | December 31, | | Expiration | | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2006 (a) | | Date | | Description |
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PPL Energy Supply (b) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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WPD LLP guarantee of obligations under SIUK Capital Trust I preferred securities | | | | | | | | $ | 82 | | 2027 | | WPD LLP guarantees all of the obligations of SIUK Capital Trust I, an unconsolidated wholly owned financing subsidiary of WPD LLP, under its trust preferred securities. The exposure at December 31, 2006, reflects principal payments only. See Note 8 for discussion on the redemption of these securities in February 2007. |
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Letters of credit issued on behalf of affiliates | | | | | | | | | 8 | | 2007 | | Standby letter of credit arrangements under PPL Energy Supply's $300 million five-year credit facility for the purposes of protecting various third parties against nonperformance by PPL and PPL Gas Utilities. This is not a guarantee of PPL on a consolidated basis. |
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Support agreements to guarantee partnerships' obligations for the sale of coal | | | | | | | | | 9 | | 2007 | | PPL Generation has entered into certain partnership arrangements for the sale of coal to third parties. PPL Generation also has executed support agreements for the benefit of these third-party purchasers pursuant to which it guarantees the partnerships' obligations in an amount up to its pro rata ownership interest in the partnerships. |
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Retroactive premiums under nuclear insurance programs | | | | | | | | | 38 | | | | PPL Susquehanna is contingently obligated to pay this amount related to potential retroactive premiums that could be assessed under its nuclear insurance programs. See "Nuclear Insurance" for additional information. |
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Nuclear claims under The Price-Anderson Act Amendments under The Energy Policy Act of 2005 | | | | | | | | | 201 | | | | This is the maximum amount PPL Susquehanna could be assessed for each incident at any of the nuclear reactors covered by this Act. See "Nuclear Insurance" for additional information. |
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Contingent purchase price payments to former owners of synfuel projects | | | | | | | | | 19 | | 2007 | | Certain agreements relating to the purchase of ownership interests in synfuel projects contain provisions that require certain PPL Energy Supply subsidiaries to make contingent purchase price payments to the former owners. These payments are non-recourse to PPL, PPL Energy Supply and their other subsidiaries and are based primarily upon production levels of the synfuel projects. See "IRS Synthetic Fuels Tax Credits" within this note for further discussion. The maximum potential amount of future payments is not explicitly stated in the related agreements. |
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Indemnifications for entities in liquidation and sales of assets | | $ | 1 | | $ | 1 | | | 309 | | 2008 to 2012 | | PPL Energy Supply's maximum exposure with respect to certain indemnifications and the expiration of the indemnifications cannot be estimated because, in the case of certain of the indemnification provisions, the maximum potential liability is not capped by the transaction documents and the expiration date is based on the applicable statute of limitations. The exposure noted is only for those cases in which the agreements provide for a specific limit on the amount of the indemnification. In connection with the liquidation of wholly owned subsidiaries that have been deconsolidated upon turning the entities over to the liquidators, certain affiliates of PPL Global have agreed to indemnify the liquidators, directors and/or the entities themselves for any liabilities or expenses arising during the liquidation process, including liabilities and expenses of the entities placed into liquidation. In some cases, the indemnifications are limited to a maximum amount that is based on distributions made from the subsidiary to its parent either prior or subsequent to being placed into liquidation. In other cases, the maximum amount of the indemnifications is not explicitly stated in the agreements. The indemnifications generally expire two to seven years subsequent to the date of dissolution of the entities. The exposure noted only includes those cases in which the agreements provide for a specific limit on the amount of the indemnification, and the expiration date was based on an estimate of the dissolution date of the entities. Certain of the indemnifications provided to the purchaser of the Sundance plant are triggered only if the purchaser's losses reach $1 million in the aggregate, are capped at 50% of the purchase price (or $95 million), and survive for a period of only 24 months after the May 13, 2005, transaction closing. The indemnification provision for unknown environmental and tort liabilities related to periods prior to the ownership by PPL Sundance Energy, LLC of the real property on which the Sundance plant is located are capped at $4 million in the aggregate and survive for a maximum period of five years after the transaction closing. Certain of the indemnifications provided to the purchaser of the interest of PPL Southwest Generation Holdings, LLC in the Griffith plant are triggered only if the purchaser's losses reach $750,000 in the aggregate, are capped at 35% of the purchase price (or $41 million), and survive for a period of only 18 months after the June 30, 2006, transaction closing. In the case of most such indemnification obligations, the purchaser's existing 50% ownership of the Griffith plant prior to closing is taken into account for purposes of determining and calculating the purchaser's losses, and such indemnification obligations are therefore limited to 50% of any such purchaser losses. PPL Energy Supply had also guaranteed the obligation of PPL Southwest Generation Holdings, LLC to (i) indemnify the purchaser of its interest in the Griffith plant for one-half of the total cost of repairing a damaged steam turbine at the plant, and (ii) pay the purchaser a variable amount until completion of repair of the turbine. In December 2006, PPL Southwest Generation Holdings, LLC and the purchaser entered into a settlement and release agreement relating to the steam turbine repair indemnification and payment obligations. As a result of this agreement, PPL Energy Supply has no further indemnification obligations relating to these matters. |
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Assignment of Enron claims | | | | | | | | | 11 | | | | In July 2006, two subsidiaries of PPL Energy Supply assigned their Enron claims to an independent third party (claims purchaser). In connection with the assignment, the subsidiaries agreed to repay a pro rata share of the purchase price paid by the claims purchaser, plus interest, in the event that any of the assigned claims are disallowed under certain circumstances. The bankruptcy court overseeing the Enron bankruptcy approved the assigned claims prior to their assignment to the claims purchaser. The subsidiaries' repayment obligations will remain in effect until the claims purchaser has received all distributions with respect to the assigned claims. See Note 1 for additional information regarding the assignment of the claims. |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
WPD guarantee of pension and other obligations of unconsolidated entities | | | 4 | | | 4 | | | 41 | | 2017 | | As a result of the privatization of the utility industry in the U.K., certain electric associations' roles and responsibilities were discontinued or modified. As a result, certain obligations, primarily pension-related, associated with these organizations have been guaranteed by the participating members. Costs are allocated to the members based on predetermined percentages as outlined in specific agreements. However, if a member becomes insolvent, costs can be reallocated to and are guaranteed by the remaining members. At December 31, 2006, WPD has recorded an estimated discounted liability based on its current allocated percentage of the total expected costs. Neither the expiration date nor the maximum amount of potential payments for certain obligations is explicitly stated in the related agreements. Therefore, they have been estimated based on the types of obligations. |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tax indemnification related to unconsolidated WPD affiliates | | | | | | | | | 10 | | 2012 | | Two WPD unconsolidated affiliates were refinanced during 2005. Under the terms of the refinancing, WPD has indemnified the lender against certain tax and other liabilities. At this time, WPD believes that the likelihood of such liabilities arising is remote. |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
PPL Electric (b) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Guarantee of a portion of an unconsolidated entity's debt | | | | | | | | | 7 | | 2008 | | The exposure at December 31, 2006, reflects principal payments only. |
(a) | | Represents the estimated maximum potential amount of future payments that could be required to be made under the guarantee. |
(b) | | Other than the letters of credit, all guarantees of PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric also apply to PPL on a consolidated basis. |
In September 2006, PPL's subsidiaries terminated master lease agreements under which they leased equipment. Therefore, the related residual value guarantees that had been previously disclosed for PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric no longer exist. See Note 11 for additional information.
PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric and their subsidiaries provide other miscellaneous guarantees through contracts entered into in the normal course of business. These guarantees are primarily in the form of various indemnifications or warranties related to services or equipment and vary in duration. The obligated amounts of these guarantees often are not explicitly stated, and the overall maximum amount of the obligation under such guarantees cannot be reasonably estimated. Historically, PPL and PPL Energy Supply and their subsidiaries have not made any significant payments with respect to these types of guarantees. As of December 31, 2006, the aggregate fair value of these indemnifications related to arrangements entered into subsequent to December 31, 2002, was insignificant. Among these guarantees are:
· | The companies' or their subsidiaries' leasing arrangements, including those discussed above, contain certain indemnifications in favor of the lessors (e.g., tax and environmental matters). |
| |
· | In connection with their issuances of securities, the companies and their subsidiaries engage underwriters, purchasers and purchasing agents to whom they provide indemnification for damages incurred by such parties arising from the companies' material misstatements or omissions in the related offering documents. In addition, in connection with these securities offerings and other financing transactions, the companies also engage trustees or custodial, escrow or other agents to act for the benefit of the investors or to provide other agency services. The companies and their subsidiaries typically provide indemnification to these agents for any liabilities or expenses incurred by them in performing their obligations. |
| |
· | In connection with certain of their credit arrangements, the companies provide the creditors or credit arrangers with indemnification that is standard for each particular type of transaction. For instance, under the credit agreement for the asset-backed commercial paper program, PPL Electric and its special purpose subsidiary have agreed to indemnify the commercial paper conduit, the sponsoring financial institution and the liquidity banks for damages incurred by such parties arising from, among other things, a breach by PPL Electric or the subsidiary of their various representations, warranties and covenants in the credit agreement, PPL Electric's activities as servicer with respect to the pledged accounts receivable and any dispute by PPL Electric's customers with respect to payment of the accounts receivable. |
| |
· | PPL EnergyPlus is party to numerous energy trading or purchase and sale agreements pursuant to which the parties indemnify each other for any damages arising from events that occur while the indemnifying party has title to the electricity or natural gas. For example, in the case of the party that is delivering the product, such party would be responsible for damages arising from events occurring prior to delivery. Similarly, interconnection agreements indemnify the interconnection owner for other interconnection participants failure to pay, allocating the loss to the other participants. |
| |
· | In connection with their sales of various businesses, WPD and its affiliates have provided the purchasers with indemnifications that are standard for such transactions, including indemnifications for certain pre-existing liabilities and environmental and tax matters. In addition, in connection with certain of these sales, WPD and its affiliates have agreed to continue their obligations under existing third-party guarantees, either for a set period of time following the transactions or upon the condition that the purchasers make reasonable efforts to terminate the guarantees. Finally, WPD and its affiliates remain secondarily responsible for lease payments under certain leases that they have assigned to third parties. |
PPL, on behalf of itself and certain of its subsidiaries, maintains insurance that covers liability assumed under contract for bodily injury and property damage. The coverage requires a $4 million deductible per occurrence and provides maximum aggregate coverage of $175 million. This insurance may be applicable to certain obligations under the contractual arrangements discussed above.
16. Related Party Transactions
Affiliate Trust (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
At both December 31, 2006 and 2005, PPL's and PPL Energy Supply's Balance Sheets reflect $89 million of "Long-term Debt with Affiliate Trust." This debt represents obligations of WPD LLP under 8.23% subordinated debentures maturing in February 2027 that are held by SIUK Capital Trust I, a variable interest entity whose common securities are owned by WPD LLP but which is not consolidated by WPD LLP. Interest expense on this obligation was $11 million, $12 million and $11 million in 2006, 2005 and 2004. This interest is reflected in "Interest Expense" for PPL and "Interest Expense with Affiliates" for PPL Energy Supply on the Statements of Income. See Note 8 for a discussion of the redemption of the subordinated debentures and the trust's common and preferred securities in February 2007 and Note 22 for additional information on the trust.
(PPL Energy Supply)
PLR Contracts
PPL Electric has power sales agreements with PPL EnergyPlus, effective July 2000 and January 2002, to supply all of PPL Electric's PLR load through December 31, 2009. Under these contracts, PPL EnergyPlus provides electricity at the predetermined capped prices that PPL Electric is authorized to charge its PLR customers. These purchases totaled $1.7 billion in 2006, $1.6 billion in 2005 and $1.5 billion in 2004. These purchases include nuclear decommissioning recovery and amortization of an up-front contract payment and are included in the Statements of Income as "Wholesale energy marketing to affiliate" by PPL Energy Supply.
Under one of the PLR contracts, PPL Electric is required to make performance assurance deposits with PPL EnergyPlus when the market price of electricity is less than the contract price by more than its contract collateral threshold. Conversely, PPL EnergyPlus is required to make performance assurance deposits with PPL Electric when the market price of electricity is greater than the contract price by more than its contract collateral threshold. PPL Electric estimated that at December 31, 2006, the market price of electricity would exceed the contract price by approximately $2.2 billion. Accordingly, at December 31, 2006, PPL Energy Supply was required to provide PPL Electric with performance assurance of $300 million, the maximum amount required under the contract. PPL Energy Supply's deposit with PPL Electric was $300 million at both December 31, 2006 and 2005. This deposit is shown on the Balance Sheets as "Collateral on PLR energy supply to affiliate," a current asset of PPL Energy Supply. PPL Electric pays interest equal to the one-month LIBOR plus 0.5% on this deposit, which is included in "Interest Expense with Affiliate" on the Statements of Income. PPL Energy Supply records this as affiliated interest income, which is included in "Other Income - net" on the Statements of Income.
In 2001, PPL Electric made a $90 million up-front payment to PPL EnergyPlus in connection with the PLR contracts. The up-front payment is being amortized by both parties over the term of the PLR contracts. The unamortized balance of this payment and other payments under the contract was $35 million at December 31, 2006, and $47 million at December 31, 2005. These current and noncurrent balances are reported on the Balance Sheets as "Deferred revenue on PLR energy supply to affiliate" by PPL Energy Supply.
NUG Purchases
PPL Electric has a reciprocal contract with PPL EnergyPlus to sell electricity purchased under contracts with NUGs. PPL Electric purchases electricity from the NUGs at contractual rates and then sells the electricity at the same price to PPL EnergyPlus. These purchases totaled $157 million in 2006, $148 million in 2005 and $154 million in 2004. These amounts are included in the Statements of Income as "Energy purchases from affiliate" by PPL Energy Supply.
Allocations of Corporate Service Costs
PPL Services provides corporate functions such as financial, legal, human resources and information services. PPL Services bills the respective PPL subsidiaries for the cost of such services when they can be specifically identified. The cost of these services that is not directly charged to PPL subsidiaries is allocated to certain of the subsidiaries based on an average of the subsidiaries' relative invested capital, operation and maintenance expenses, and number of employees. PPL Services directly charged or allocated the following amounts, which PPL management believes are reasonable, to PPL Energy Supply, including amounts applied to accounts that are further distributed between capital and expense.
| | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
PPL Energy Supply | | $ | 217 | | | $ | 197 | | | $ | 172 | |
Intercompany Borrowings
PPL Energy Supply had no notes receivable from affiliates at December 31, 2006 and 2005. Interest earned on cash collateral and loans to affiliates, included in "Other Income - net" on the Statements of Income, was $21 million, $15 million and $6 million for 2006, 2005 and 2004.
In May 2006, PPL Energy Supply terminated a note payable to an affiliate which allowed borrowings up to $650 million until May 2010. At December 31, 2005, there was no balance outstanding. Interest was payable monthly in arrears at LIBOR plus 1%. There was an insignificant amount of interest expense on this note in 2006. Such interest expense totaled $9 million and $8 million in 2005 and 2004. Interest expense is reflected in "Interest Expense with Affiliates" on the Statements of Income.
In December 2005, PPL Energy Supply issued a $30 million demand note payable to an affiliate. In June 2006, this demand note payable was terminated. At December 31, 2005, there was a balance of $8 million, which is shown on the Balance Sheets as "Note Payable to Affiliate," a current liability. Interest was payable monthly at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.5%. Interest on this note was insignificant for both 2006 and 2005.
Trademark Royalties
A PPL subsidiary owns PPL trademarks and bills certain affiliates for their use. PPL Energy Supply was allocated $36 million of this license fee in 2006, $31 million in 2005 and $34 million in 2004. These allocations are primarily included in "Other operation and maintenance" on the Statements of Income.
Transmission
PPL Energy Supply owns no domestic transmission or distribution facilities, other than facilities to interconnect its generation with the electric transmission system. Therefore, PPL EnergyPlus and other PPL Generation subsidiaries must pay PJM, the operator of the transmission system, to deliver the energy these subsidiaries supply to retail and wholesale customers in PPL Electric's franchised territory in eastern and central Pennsylvania. PJM in turn pays PPL Electric for the use of its transmission system. PPL eliminates the impact of these revenues and expenses on its consolidated Statements of Income.
Other
See Note 1 for a discussion regarding the intercompany tax sharing policy. See Notes 1 and 8 for discussions regarding capital transactions. See Note 13 for discussions regarding intercompany allocations of pension and other postretirement benefits.
17. Other Income - Net
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
The breakdown of "Other Income - net" was:
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
PPL | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other Income | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest income | | $ | 33 | | | $ | 17 | | | $ | 11 | |
Hyder liquidation distributions (Note 9) | | | 27 | | | | | | | | | |
Realized earnings on nuclear decommissioning trust | | | 6 | | | | 5 | | | | (7 | ) |
Gain on transfer of international equity investment (Note 9) | | | 5 | | | | | | | | | |
Gain on sale of investment in an unconsolidated affiliate (Note 9) | | | 3 | | | | | | | | | |
Equity earnings | | | 4 | | | | 3 | | | | 3 | |
Sale of CEMAR (Note 9) | | | | | | | | | | | 23 | |
Interest income - IRS settlement | | | | | | | | | | | 23 | |
Miscellaneous - Domestic | | | 8 | | | | 7 | | | | 7 | |
Miscellaneous - International | | | | | | | 5 | | | | 3 | |
Total | | | 86 | | | | 37 | | | | 63 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other Deductions | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Impairment of investment in U.K. real estate (Note 9) | | | 8 | | | | | | | | | |
Impairment of investment in technology supplier (Note 9) | | | | | | | | | | | 10 | |
Charitable contributions | | | 4 | | | | 4 | | | | 2 | |
Realized loss on available-for-sale investment | | | | | | | | | | | 6 | |
Non-operating taxes, other than income | | | 2 | | | | 1 | | | | 2 | |
Miscellaneous - Domestic | | | 6 | | | | 6 | | | | 6 | |
Miscellaneous - International | | | 4 | | | | 2 | | | | 5 | |
Other Income - net | | $ | 62 | | | $ | 24 | | | $ | 32 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
PPL Energy Supply | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other Income | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest income | | $ | 18 | | | $ | 8 | | | $ | 5 | |
Hyder liquidation distributions (Note 9) | | | 27 | | | | | | | | | |
Affiliated interest income (Note 16) | | | 21 | | | | 15 | | | | 6 | |
Realized earnings on nuclear decommissioning trust | | | 6 | | | | 5 | | | | (7 | ) |
Equity earnings | | | 4 | | | | 4 | | | | 4 | |
Gain on transfer of international equity investment (Note 9) | | | 5 | | | | | | | | | |
Gain on sale of investment in an unconsolidated affiliate (Note 9) | | | 3 | | | | | | | | | |
Sale of CEMAR (Note 9) | | | | | | | | | | | 23 | |
Interest income - IRS settlement | | | | | | | | | | | 15 | |
Miscellaneous - Domestic | | | 5 | | | | 1 | | | | 3 | |
Miscellaneous - International | | | | | | | 5 | | | | 3 | |
Total | | | 89 | | | | 38 | | | | 52 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other Deductions | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Impairment of investment in U.K. real estate (Note 9) | | | 8 | | | | | | | | | |
Non-operating taxes, other than income | | | 1 | | | | 1 | | | | 2 | |
Miscellaneous - Domestic | | | 6 | | | | 3 | | | | 3 | |
Miscellaneous - International | | | 4 | | | | 2 | | | | 5 | |
Other Income - net | | $ | 70 | | | $ | 32 | | | $ | 42 | |
18. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
Management of Market Risk Exposures
Market risk is the potential loss PPL and PPL Energy Supply may incur as a result of price changes associated with a particular financial or commodity instrument. PPL and PPL Energy Supply are exposed to market risk from:
· | commodity price risk for energy and energy-related products associated with the sale of electricity from its generating assets and other electricity marketing activities, the purchase of fuel for the generating assets and energy trading activities, and the purchase of certain metals necessary for the scrubbers PPL is installing at some of its coal-fired generating stations; |
· | interest rate risk associated with variable-rate debt and the fair value of fixed-rate debt used to finance operations, as well as the fair value of debt securities invested in by PPL Energy Supply's nuclear decommissioning trust funds; |
· | foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with investments in affiliates in Latin America and Europe, as well as purchases of equipment in currencies other than U.S. dollars; and |
· | equity securities price risk associated with the fair value of equity securities invested in by PPL Energy Supply's nuclear decommissioning trust funds. |
PPL has a risk management policy approved by the Board of Directors to manage market risk and counterparty credit risk. The RMC, comprised of senior management and chaired by the Vice President-Risk Management, oversees the risk management function. Key risk control activities designed to ensure compliance with the risk policy and detailed programs include, but are not limited to, credit review and approval, validation of transactions and market prices, verification of risk and transaction limits, sensitivity analyses, and daily portfolio reporting, including open positions, mark-to-market valuations, and other risk measurement metrics.
PPL and PPL Energy Supply utilize forward contracts, futures contracts, options, swaps and structured deals such as tolling agreements as part of its risk management strategy to minimize unanticipated fluctuations in earnings caused by commodity price, interest rate and foreign currency volatility. All derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet at their fair value, unless they meet SFAS 133 criteria for exclusion (see discussion in "Accounting Designations" below).
Fair Value Hedges
PPL and PPL Energy Supply enter into financial or physical contracts to hedge a portion of the fair value of firm commitments of forward electricity sales and emission allowance positions. These contracts range in maturity through 2007. Additionally, PPL and PPL Energy Supply enter into financial contracts to hedge fluctuations in the market value of existing debt issuances. These contracts range in maturity through 2046. PPL and PPL Energy Supply also enter into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge the exchange rates associated with firm commitments denominated in foreign currencies. These forward contracts range in maturity through 2008.
PPL and PPL Energy Supply did not recognize significant gains or losses resulting from hedges of firm commitments that no longer qualified as fair value hedges for 2006, 2005 or 2004. PPL and PPL Energy Supply also did not recognize any gains or losses resulting from the ineffective portion of fair value hedges for these years.
Cash Flow Hedges
PPL and PPL Energy Supply enter into financial and physical contracts, including forwards, futures and swaps and options, to hedge the price risk associated with electric, gas, oil and other commodities. These contracts range in maturity through 2012. Additionally, PPL and PPL Energy Supply enter into financial interest rate swap contracts to hedge interest expense associated with both existing and anticipated debt issuances. These interest rate swap contracts range in maturity through 2017 for PPL and PPL Energy Supply. PPL and PPL Energy Supply also enter into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge the cash flows associated with foreign currency-denominated debt, the exchange rates associated with firm commitments denominated in foreign currencies and the net investment of foreign operations. These forward contracts range in maturity through 2028.
Net investment hedge activity is reported in the foreign currency translation adjustments component of other comprehensive income (loss). PPL recorded net investment hedge losses, after tax, of $6 million as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and $7 million as of December 31, 2004.
Cash flow hedges may be discontinued if it is probable that the original forecasted transaction will not occur by the end of the originally specified time period. Due to the sale of PPL's 50% interest in the Griffith plant in the second quarter of 2006 and the conversion of a portion of PPL Energy Supply's 2.625% Convertible Senior Notes, PPL and PPL Energy Supply reclassified net gains of $5 million, after tax, from accumulated other comprehensive loss. There were no such events in 2005, and there was an insignificant impact from such an event in 2004.
At the end of 2006, 2005 and 2004, hedging ineffectiveness associated with energy derivatives was, after tax, a gain of $8 million, a loss of $3 million and insignificant.
Ineffectiveness associated with interest rate and foreign currency derivatives was not significant for 2006, 2005 and 2004.
As of December 31, 2006, the deferred net loss, after tax, on derivative instruments in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" expected to be reclassified into earnings during the next twelve months is a loss of $8 million for PPL and a loss of $4 million for PPL Energy Supply. Amounts are reclassified as the energy contracts go to delivery and as interest payments are made.
This table shows the accumulated net unrealized losses on qualifying derivatives (excluding net investment hedges), after tax, which are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
PPL | | | | | | | | |
| Beginning of year | | $ | (246 | ) | | $ | (63 | ) |
| Net change associated with current period hedging activities and other | | | 43 | | | | (160 | ) |
| Net change from reclassification into earnings | | | 152 | | | | (23 | ) |
| End of year | | $ | (51 | ) | | $ | (246 | ) |
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
PPL Energy Supply | | | | | | | | |
| Beginning of year | | $ | (237 | ) | | $ | (45 | ) |
| Net change associated with current period hedging activities and other | | | 38 | | | | (162 | ) |
| Net change from reclassification into earnings | | | 147 | | | | (30 | ) |
| End of year | | $ | (52 | ) | | $ | (237 | ) |
Normal Purchase / Normal Sale Exception
PPL and PPL Energy Supply's non-trading portfolio includes contracts for full requirements energy, emission allowances, gas and capacity. These contracts range in maturity through 2026 and are exempt from SFAS 133. The value of these contracts at December 31 was:
| | Gains (Losses) |
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
| | | | | | | | |
PPL | | $ | 162 | | | $ | (159 | ) |
PPL Energy Supply | | | 170 | | | | (166 | ) |
Other Hedging Activity
PPL and PPL Energy Supply have entered into energy derivative transactions that hedge a specific risk, but do not qualify for hedge accounting under SFAS 133. The unrealized gains and losses on these transactions are considered non-trading activities and are reflected on the Statements of Income in "Wholesale energy marketing" or "Energy-related businesses" revenues, or "Fuel" or "Energy purchases" expenses.
Accounting Designations
For energy contracts that meet the definition of a derivative, the circumstances and intent existing at the time that energy transactions are entered into determine their accounting designation, which is subsequently verified by an independent internal group on a daily basis. The following summarizes the electricity guidelines that have been provided to the marketers who are responsible for contract designation for derivative energy contracts in accordance with SFAS 133.
· | Any wholesale and retail contracts to sell electricity and the related capacity that do not meet the definition of a derivative receive accrual accounting. |
| |
· | Physical electricity-only transactions can receive cash flow hedge treatment if all of the qualifications under SFAS 133 are met. |
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· | Physical capacity-only transactions to sell excess capacity from PPL's generation are considered "normal." The forward value of these transactions is not recorded in the financial statements and has no earnings impact until delivery. |
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· | Any physical energy sale or purchase deemed to be a "market call" is considered speculative, with unrealized gains or losses recorded immediately through earnings. |
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· | Financial transactions, which can be settled in cash, cannot be considered "normal" because they do not require physical delivery. These transactions can receive cash flow hedge treatment if they lock in the price PPL will receive or pay for energy expected to be sold or purchased in the spot market. |
| |
· | FTRs, although economically effective as electricity basis hedges, do not currently qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Unrealized and realized gains and losses from FTRs that were entered into to offset probable transmission congestion expenses are recorded in "Energy purchases" on the Statements of Income. However, PPL records a reserve on the unrealized value of FTRs to take into account the illiquidity of the external market to value the contracts. |
| |
· | Physical and financial transactions for gas and oil to meet fuel and retail requirements can receive cash flow hedge treatment if they lock-in the price PPL will pay and meet the definition of a derivative. |
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· | Certain option contracts that do not meet the requirements of DIG Issue C15, "Scope Exceptions: Normal Purchases and Normal Sales Exception for Option-Type Contracts and Forward Contracts in Electricity," may receive hedge accounting treatment. Those that are not eligible are marked to market through earnings. |
Any unrealized gains or losses on transactions receiving cash flow hedge treatment to the extent they are highly effective are recorded in other comprehensive income. These unrealized gains and losses become realized when the contracts settle and are recognized in income when the hedged transactions occur.
In addition to energy-related transactions, PPL enters into financial interest rate and foreign currency swap contracts to hedge interest rate and foreign currency risk associated with both existing and anticipated debt issuances. PPL and PPL Energy Supply also enter into foreign currency swap contracts to hedge the fair value of firm commitments denominated in foreign currency and net investments in foreign operations. As with energy transactions, the circumstances and intent existing at the time of the transaction determine a contract's accounting designation, which is subsequently verified by an independent internal group on a daily basis. The following is a summary of certain guidelines that have been provided to PPL's Finance Department, which is responsible for contract designation.
· | Transactions to lock in an interest rate prior to a debt issuance can be designated as cash flow hedges. Any unrealized gains or losses on transactions receiving cash flow hedge treatment are recorded in other comprehensive income and are amortized as a component of interest expense over the life of the debt. |
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· | Transactions entered into to hedge fluctuations in the value of existing debt can be designated as fair value hedges. To the extent that the change in the fair value of the derivative offsets the change in the fair value of the existing debt, there is no earnings impact, as both changes are reflected in interest expense. Realized gains and losses over the life of the hedge are reflected in interest expense. |
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· | Transactions entered into to hedge the value of a net investment of foreign operations can be designated as net investment hedges. To the extent that the derivatives are highly effective at hedging the value of the net investment, gains and losses are recorded in other comprehensive income/loss and will not be recorded in earnings until the investment is disposed of. |
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· | Derivative transactions that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment are marked to market through earnings. |
Credit Concentration
PPL and PPL Energy Supply enter into contracts with many entities for the purchase and sale of energy. Many of these contracts are considered a normal part of doing business and, as such, the mark-to-market value of these contracts is not reflected in the financial statements. However, the fair value of these contracts is considered when committing to new business from a credit perspective.
PPL and PPL Energy Supply have credit exposures to energy trading partners. The majority of these exposures is the fair value of multi-year contracts for energy sales and purchases. Therefore, if these counterparties fail to perform their obligations under such contracts, PPL and PPL Energy Supply would not experience an immediate financial loss but would experience lower revenues or higher costs in future years to the extent that replacement sales or purchases could not be made at the same prices as those under the defaulted contracts.
PPL and PPL Energy Supply generally have the right to request collateral from their counterparties in the event that the counterparties' credit ratings fall below investment grade. It is also the policy of PPL and PPL Energy Supply to enter into netting agreements with all of their counterparties to limit credit exposure.
At December 31, 2006, both PPL and PPL Energy Supply had credit exposures of $528 million to energy trading partners, excluding the effects of netting arrangements. Ten counterparties accounted for 72% of this exposure. No other individual counterparty accounted for more than 3% of the exposure. All ten of these counterparties had an investment grade credit rating from S&P. This credit exposure has been reduced to $48 million as a result of netting arrangements.
19. Restricted Cash
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
The following table details the components of restricted cash by reporting entity and by type.
| | December 31, 2006 |
| | PPL | | PPL Energy Supply |
Current: | | | | | | | | |
Collateral for letters of credit (a) | | $ | 42 | | | | | |
Deposits for trading purposes with NYMEX broker | | | 42 | | | $ | 42 | |
Counterparty collateral | | | 6 | | | | 6 | |
Client deposits | | | 9 | | | | | |
Miscellaneous | | | 3 | | | | 3 | |
Restricted cash - current | | | 102 | | | | 51 | |
Noncurrent: | | | | | | | | |
Required deposits of WPD (b) | | | 20 | | | | 20 | |
PPL Transition Bond Company Indenture reserves (c) | | | 33 | | | | | |
Restricted cash - noncurrent | | | 53 | | | | 20 | |
Total restricted cash | | $ | 155 | | | $ | 71 | |
| | December 31, 2005 |
| | PPL | | PPL Energy Supply |
Current: | | | | | | | | |
Collateral for letters of credit (a) | | $ | 42 | | | | | |
Deposits for trading purposes with NYMEX broker | | | 29 | | | $ | 29 | |
Counterparty collateral | | | 9 | | | | 9 | |
Client deposits | | | 12 | | | | | |
Miscellaneous | | | 1 | | | | 1 | |
Restricted cash - current | | | 93 | | | | 39 | |
Noncurrent: | | | | | | | | |
Required deposits of WPD (b) | | | 16 | | | | 16 | |
PPL Transition Bond Company Indenture reserves (c) | | | 32 | | | | | |
Restricted cash - noncurrent | | | 48 | | | | 16 | |
Total restricted cash | | $ | 141 | | | $ | 55 | |
(a) | | A deposit with a financial institution of funds from the asset-backed commercial paper program to fully collateralize $42 million of letters of credit. See Note 8 for further discussion on the asset-backed commercial paper program. |
(b) | | Includes insurance reserves of $19 million and $15 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005. |
(c) | | Credit enhancement for PPL Transition Bond Company's $2.4 billion Series 1999-1 Bonds to protect against losses or delays in scheduled payments. |
20. Goodwill and Other Acquired Intangible Assets
Goodwill (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
Goodwill by segment at December 31 was:
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
| | | | | | | | | |
Supply | | $ | 94 | | | $ | 94 | | | $ | 94 | |
International Delivery | | | 1,005 | | | | 921 | | | | 978 | |
PPL Energy Supply | | | 1,099 | | | | 1,015 | | | | 1,072 | |
Pennsylvania Delivery | | | 55 | | | | 55 | | | | 55 | |
PPL | | $ | 1,154 | | | $ | 1,070 | | | $ | 1,127 | |
In 2006, the increase of $84 million in the International Delivery segment was attributable to an increase of $100 million due to the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, offset by $16 million of adjustments pursuant to EITF Issue 93-7, "Uncertainties Related to Income Taxes in a Purchase Business Combination." See Note 5 for a discussion of a $12 million adjustment to decrease goodwill related to the transfer of WPD tax items. The adjustments also include a $9 million net increase based upon actions taken by Inland Revenue, a U.K. government agency, and an $8 million decrease associated with monetary indexation of assets at WPD.
In 2005, the decrease of $57 million in the International Delivery segment was attributable to a decrease of $60 million due to the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, offset by $3 million of adjustments pursuant to EITF Issue 93-7.
Other Acquired Intangible Assets
(PPL)
The gross carrying amount and the accumulated amortization of acquired intangible assets were:
| | December 31, 2006 | | December 31, 2005 |
| | Gross Carrying Amount | | Accumulated Amortization | | Gross Carrying Amount | | Accumulated Amortization |
Subject to amortization: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Land and transmission rights | | $ | 270 | | | $ | 109 | | | $ | 262 | | | $ | 104 | |
Emission allowances (a) | | | 191 | | | | | | | | 176 | | | | | |
Licenses and other | | | 104 | | | | 46 | | | | 83 | | | | 27 | |
Not subject to amortization due to indefinite life: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Land and transmission rights | | | 17 | | | | | | | | 17 | | | | | |
Easements | | | 64 | | | | | | | | 55 | | | | | |
| | $ | 646 | | | $ | 155 | | | $ | 593 | | | $ | 131 | |
(a) | | Removed from the Balance Sheets and amortized when consumed. |
Current intangible assets and long-term intangible assets are included in "Other acquired intangibles" in their respective areas on the Balance Sheets.
Amortization expense was $9 million for 2006 and 2005, and $6 million for 2004. Amortization expense is estimated at $9 million per year for 2007 through 2011.
(PPL Energy Supply)
The gross carrying amount and the accumulated amortization of acquired intangible assets were:
| December 31, 2006 | | | December 31, 2005 | |
| Gross Carrying Amount | | | Accumulated Amortization | | | Gross Carrying Amount | | | Accumulated Amortization | |
Land and transmission rights | $ | 79 | | | $ | 22 | | | $ | 65 | | | $ | 19 | |
Emission allowances (a) | | 191 | | | | | | | | 176 | | | | | |
Easements (b) | | 64 | | | | | | | | 55 | | | | | |
Licenses and other | | 103 | | | | 46 | | | | 83 | | | | 27 | |
| $ | 437 | | | $ | 68 | | | $ | 379 | | | $ | 46 | |
(a) | | Removed from the Balance Sheets and amortized when consumed. |
(b) | | Not subject to amortization due to indefinite life. |
Current intangible assets and long-term intangible assets are presented as "Other acquired intangibles" in their respective areas on the Balance Sheets.
Amortization expense was $4 million for 2006 and 2005, and $3 million for 2004. Amortization expense is estimated at $4 million per year for 2007 through 2011.
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
The annual provisions for amortization have been computed principally in accordance with the following weighted-average assets lives (in years):
| | | Weighted-Average Life | |
| | | | |
Land and transmission rights | | | 64 | |
Emission allowances | | | 2 | |
Licenses and other | | | 30 | |
21. Asset Retirement Obligations and Nuclear Decommissioning (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
Asset Retirement Obligations
Based on the requirements of SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," PPL and PPL Energy Supply identified various legal obligations to retire long-lived assets, the largest of which relates to the decommissioning of the Susquehanna plant. PPL and PPL Energy Supply identified and recorded other AROs related to significant interim retirements at the Susquehanna plant, and various environmental requirements for coal piles, ash basins and other waste basin retirements at Susquehanna and other facilities.
PPL and PPL Energy Supply adopted FIN 47, "Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations, an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143," effective December 31, 2005. FIN 47 clarifies that an entity is required to recognize a liability for the fair value of a conditional ARO when incurred if the fair value of the ARO can be reasonably estimated. FIN 47 also clarifies when an entity would have sufficient information to reasonably estimate the fair value of an ARO. The adoption of FIN 47 resulted in an increase in net PP&E of $4 million, recognition of AROs of $17 million, recognition of deferred tax assets of $5 million and a cumulative effect of adoption that decreased net income by $8 million (net of tax benefit of $6 million), or $0.02 per share for PPL.
PPL and PPL Energy Supply identified several conditional AROs. The most significant of these related to the removal and disposal of asbestos-containing material at various generation plants. The fair value of the portion of these obligations that could be reasonably estimated was recorded at December 31, 2005, and resulted in AROs of $14 million and a cumulative effect of adoption that decreased net income by $8 million.
PPL Global identified and recorded conditional AROs that related to treated wood poles and fluid-filled cables, which had an insignificant impact on the financial statements.
In addition to the AROs that were recorded for asbestos-containing material, PPL and PPL Energy Supply identified other asbestos-related obligations, but were unable to reasonably estimate their fair values. These retirement obligations could not be reasonably estimated due to indeterminable settlement dates. The generation plants, where significant amounts of asbestos-containing material are located, have been well maintained and large capital and environmental investments are being made at these plants. During the previous five years, the useful lives of the plants had been reviewed and in most cases significantly extended. See Note 1 for further discussion related to the extension of the useful lives of these assets. Due to these circumstances, PPL management was unable to reasonably estimate a settlement date or range of settlement dates for the remediation of all of the asbestos-containing material at the generation plants. If economic events or other circumstances change that enable PPL and PPL Energy Supply to reasonably estimate the fair value of these retirement obligations, they will be recorded at that time.
PPL and PPL Energy Supply also identified legal retirement obligations that could not be reasonably estimated at that time. These items included requirements associated with the retirement of a reservoir and certain transmission assets. These retirement obligations could not be reasonably estimated due to indeterminable settlement dates.
The changes in the carrying amounts of AROs were:
| | 2006 | | 2005 |
| | | | | | |
ARO at beginning of year | | $ | 298 | | | $ | 257 | |
Accretion expense | | | 24 | | | | 21 | |
Adoption of FIN 47 | | | | | | | 17 | |
Change in estimated cash flow or settlement date | | | 18 | | | | 3 | |
Obligations settled | | | (4 | ) | | | | |
ARO at end of year | | $ | 336 | | | $ | 298 | |
Changes in ARO costs and settlement dates, which affect the carrying value of various AROs, are reviewed periodically to ensure that any material changes are incorporated into the latest estimate of the obligations. PPL and PPL Energy Supply changed estimated settlement dates on several AROs, the most significant being the ash basins at the Brunner Island and Montour plants. In addition, revised estimates of asbestos-containing material that is expected to be remediated in future years were obtained. The effect of these changes was to increase the ARO liability and related plant balances by $18 million. The 2006 income statement impact of these changes was insignificant.
The pro forma income statement effects, including the effects on income from continuing operations, net income, and basic and diluted EPS, from the application of FIN 47 calculated as if it had been adopted prior to January 1, 2004, also would have been insignificant for 2004 and 2005.
Nuclear Decommissioning
The expected cost to decommission the Susquehanna plant is based on a 2002 site-specific study that estimated the cost to dismantle and decommission each unit immediately following final shutdown. PPL Susquehanna's 90% share of the total estimated cost of decommissioning the Susquehanna plant was approximately $936 million measured in 2002 dollars. This estimate includes decommissioning the radiological portions of the station and the cost of removal of non-radiological structures and materials.
Beginning in January 1999, in accordance with the PUC Final Order, approximately $130 million of decommissioning costs are being recovered from PPL Electric's customers through the CTC over the 11-year life of the CTC rather than the remaining life of Susquehanna. The recovery includes a return on unamortized decommissioning costs. Under the power supply agreements between PPL Electric and PPL EnergyPlus, these revenues are passed on to PPL EnergyPlus. Similarly, these revenues are passed on to PPL Susquehanna under a power supply agreement between PPL EnergyPlus and PPL Susquehanna.
Accrued nuclear decommissioning expenses, as determined under the provisions of SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," are $276 million and $255 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, and are included in "Asset retirement obligations" on the Balance Sheets. Accretion expense, as determined under the provisions of SFAS 143, was $21 million in 2006, $19 million in 2005 and $18 million in 2004, and is included in "Other operation and maintenance" on the Statements of Income.
Amounts collected from PPL Electric's customers for decommissioning, less applicable taxes, are deposited in external trust funds for investment and can only be used for future decommissioning costs. To the extent that the actual costs for decommissioning exceed the amounts in the nuclear decommissioning trust funds, PPL Susquehanna would be obligated to fund 90% of the shortfall.
In accordance with SFAS 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” securities held by the nuclear decommissioning trust funds are classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are carried on the balance sheet at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are reported, net of tax, in other comprehensive income or are recognized currently in earnings when a decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary.
Prior to 2006, PPL and PPL Energy Supply assessed a security’s impairment by, among other things, considering the cause of the security’s decline in value, the length of time and the magnitude of the security’s decline in value, and its expected period of recovery. As a result of this assessment, a security experiencing a decline in value was usually deemed temporarily impaired because the decline in value was generally not considered significant.
In November 2005, the FASB issued FSP FAS 115-1 and FAS 124-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments” (FSP 115-1), which was effective for PPL and PPL Energy Supply beginning January 1, 2006. Among other things, FSP 115-1 indicated that existing guidance, particularly SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 5M, “Other Than Temporary Impairment of Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” (SAB Topic 5M), should be used to determine if a decline in a security’s value is other than temporary. Recent clarification related to applying the guidance in SAB Topic 5M has established the ability to hold an investment until it recovers its value as a required element in determining if an individual security is other than temporarily impaired. Based on this clarification and as a result of NRC requirements that nuclear decommissioning trusts be managed by independent investment managers, with discretion to buy and sell securities in the trusts, PPL Susquehanna has concluded that during 2006 it was unable to demonstrate the ability to hold an impaired security until it recovers its value. Accordingly, for 2006 unrealized losses represented other than temporary impairments, which required a current period charge to earnings. Unrealized gains continued to be recorded to other comprehensive income.
In the fourth quarter of 2006, PPL and PPL Energy Supply recorded a charge of $6 million ($3 million after tax, or $0.01 per share for PPL) to reflect the cumulative impact for 2006 of the other-than-temporary impairment of affected securities. The impairment charge is reflected in "Other Income-net" on PPL's and PPL Energy Supply's Statements of Income. The adjustment was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2006, as the adjustment was not material to the financial statements for the first three quarters of 2006, or as recorded in the fourth quarter of 2006. The adoption of this change in accounting in periods prior to 2006 would also not have been material to previously issued financial statements.
The following tables show the gross unrealized gains and losses recorded in OCI and the related fair values for the securities held in the nuclear decommissioning trust funds.
| | December 31, 2006 |
| | | Gross Unrealized Gains | | | | Fair Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | | | | | $ | 7 | |
Equity securities | | $ | 122 | | | | 339 | |
Debt securities | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury | | | 2 | | | | 78 | |
Fannie Mae and Municipality | | | 1 | | | | 64 | |
Other | | | | | | | 22 | |
Total debt securities | | | 3 | | | | 164 | |
Total | | $ | 125 | | | $ | 510 | |
| | December 31, 2005 |
| | Gross Unrealized Gains | | Gross Unrealized Losses | | Fair Value |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | | | | | | | | | $ | 10 | |
Equity securities | | $ | 85 | | | $ | (2 | ) | | | 295 | |
Debt securities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury | | | 1 | | | | (1 | ) | | | 63 | |
Fannie Mae and Municipality | | | | | | | (1 | ) | | | 56 | |
Other | | | | | | | | | | | 20 | |
Total debt securities | | | 1 | | | | (2 | ) | | | 139 | |
Total | | $ | 86 | | | $ | (4 | ) | | $ | 444 | |
At December 31, 2005, PPL Susquehanna's nuclear decommissioning trust funds contained investments with an aggregate unrealized loss position of $4 million, of which $2 million was attributable to investments with an aggregate fair value of $69 million that had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months, and $2 million was attributable to investments with an aggregate fair value of $40 million that had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 months or longer. The equity securities' unrealized loss position consists of 132 investments with an aggregate fair value of $20 million and an average unrealized loss of 7%. The largest unrealized loss for any individual investment was $387 thousand, which represents a decrease in value of 15%. The minor decline in the value of government securities was primarily due to the impact of interest rates, as such securities are essentially free of credit risk. At December 31, 2005, PPL Susquehanna believed it was reasonable to expect these securities to recover from this temporary decline in value.
Of the $164 million of government obligations and other debt securities held at December 31, 2006, $6 million mature within one year, $64 million mature after one year through five years, $44 million mature after five years through ten years and $50 million mature after ten years.
The following table shows proceeds from and realized gains and (losses) on sales of securities held in the trust.
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from sales | | $ | 211 | | | $ | 223 | | | $ | 113 | |
Gross realized gains | | | 10 | | | | 10 | | | | 3 | |
Gross realized losses | | | (6 | ) | | | (12 | ) | | | (17 | ) |
The proceeds from the sales of securities are reinvested in the trust. These funds, along with deposits of amounts collected from customers, are used to pay income taxes and fees related to managing the trust. Due to the restricted nature of these investments, they are not included in cash and cash equivalents.
Unrealized gains (net of unrealized losses for 2005 and 2004) associated with the period decreased accumulated other comprehensive loss by:
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Pre-tax | | $ | 49 | | | $ | 12 | | | $ | 24 | |
After-tax | | | 13 | | | | 7 | | | | 15 | |
Net gains (losses) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss and realized in "Other Income - net" on the Statements of Income were:
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2004 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Pre-tax | | $ | 6 | | | $ | (2 | ) | | $ | (14 | ) |
After-tax | | | 3 | | | | (1 | ) | | | (8 | ) |
In September 2006, PPL Susquehanna applied to the NRC for 20-year license renewals for each of the Susquehanna units to extend their expiration dates from 2022 to 2042 for Unit 1 and from 2024 to 2044 for Unit 2.
22. Variable Interest Entities
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51." FIN 46 clarified that variable interest entities, as defined therein, that do not disperse risks among the parties involved should be consolidated by the entity that is determined to be the primary beneficiary. In December 2003, the FASB revised FIN 46 by issuing Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51," which is known as FIN 46(R) and replaces FIN 46. FIN 46(R) does not change the general consolidation concepts of FIN 46. Among other things, FIN 46(R) clarifies certain provisions of FIN 46 and provides additional scope exceptions for certain types of businesses.
As permitted by FIN 46(R), PPL and its subsidiaries adopted FIN 46 effective December 31, 2003, for entities created before February 1, 2003, that are considered to be SPEs. This adoption resulted in the consolidation of the lessors under the operating leases for the Sundance, University Park and Lower Mt. Bethel generation facilities, as well as the deconsolidation of two wholly owned trusts. See below for further discussion. Also, as permitted by FIN 46(R), PPL and its subsidiaries deferred the application of FIN 46 for other entities and adopted FIN 46(R) for all entities on March 31, 2004. The adoption of FIN 46(R) did not have a material impact on the results of PPL and its subsidiaries.
Additional Entities Consolidated
In May 2001, a subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply entered into a lease arrangement, as lessee, for the development, construction and operation of commercial power generation facilities. The lessor was created for the sole purpose of owning the facilities and incurring the related financing costs. The $660 million operating lease arrangement covered the 450 MW gas-fired Sundance project located in Pinal County, Arizona and the 540 MW gas-fired University Park project near University Park, Illinois. These facilities were substantially complete in July 2002, at which time the initial lease term commenced. In June 2004, PPL Energy Supply subsidiaries purchased the Sundance and University Park generation assets from the lessor. In May 2005, a subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply completed the sale of its Sundance generation assets to Arizona Public Service Company. See Note 10 for further discussion of the sale.
In December 2001, another subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply entered into a $455 million operating lease arrangement, as lessee, for the development, construction and operation of a 582 MW gas-fired combined-cycle generation facility located in Lower Mt. Bethel Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania. The lessor was created for the sole purpose of owning the facilities and incurring the related financing costs. The initial lease term commenced on the date of commercial operation, which occurred in May 2004, and ends in December 2013. The lease financing, which is included in "Long-term Debt," is secured by, among other things, the generation facility. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the facility had a carrying value of $448 million and $459 million, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $27 million and $25 million, and was included in "Property, Plant and Equipment" and "Other acquired intangibles" on the Balance Sheets.
Entities Deconsolidated
(PPL)
In May 2001, PPL and PPL Capital Funding Trust I, a wholly owned financing subsidiary of PPL, issued $575 million of 7.75% PEPS Units. Each PEPS Unit consisted of (i) a contract to purchase shares of PPL common stock on or prior to May 2004 and (ii) a trust preferred security of PPL Capital Funding Trust I with a maturity date of May 2006. The trust's sole source of funds for distributions were from payments of interest on 7.29% subordinated notes of PPL Capital Funding, due May 18, 2006, that were issued to the trust. PPL guaranteed the payment of principal and interest on the subordinated notes issued to the trust by PPL Capital Funding. PPL also fully and unconditionally guaranteed all of the trust's obligations under the trust preferred securities. All of the preferred securities of PPL Capital Funding Trust I were cancelled in 2004, and the trust was terminated in June 2004.
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
SIUK Capital Trust I issued $82 million of 8.23% preferred securities maturing in February 2027 and invested the proceeds in 8.23% subordinated debentures maturing in February 2027 issued by SIUK Limited. Thus, the preferred securities are supported by a corresponding amount of subordinated debentures. SIUK Limited owned all of the common securities of SIUK Capital Trust I and guaranteed all of SIUK Capital Trust I's obligations under the preferred securities. In January 2003, SIUK Limited transferred its assets and liabilities, including the common securities of SIUK Capital Trust I and the obligations under the subordinated debentures, to WPD LLP. Therefore, WPD LLP currently guarantees all of SIUK Capital Trust I's obligations under the preferred securities. SIUK Capital Trust I may, at the discretion of WPD LLP, be required to redeem the preferred securities, in whole or in part, at 104.115% of par beginning February 2007 and thereafter at an annually declining premium over par through January 2017, after which time they are redeemable at par. See Note 16 for a discussion regarding the presentation of the related party transactions and Note 8 for a discussion regarding the redemption of the subordinated debentures as well as the common and preferred securities of SIUK Capital Trust I in February 2007.
23. New Accounting Standards
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)
FIN 48
In July 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109." FIN 48 requires an entity to evaluate its tax positions following a two-step process. The first step requires an entity to determine whether, based on the technical merits supporting a particular tax position, it is more likely than not (greater than a 50 percent chance) that the tax position will be sustained. This determination assumes that the relevant taxing authority will examine the tax position and is aware of all the relevant facts surrounding the tax position. The second step requires an entity to recognize in the financial statements the benefit of a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition criterion. The measurement of the benefit equals the largest amount of benefit that has a likelihood of realization, upon ultimate settlement, that exceeds 50 percent. If the more-likely-than-not threshold is unmet, it is inappropriate to recognize the tax benefits associated with the tax position. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition of previously recognized tax benefits, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.
PPL and its subsidiaries will adopt FIN 48 effective January 1, 2007. The adoption will result in the recognition of a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings for that fiscal year. There is an exception for uncertain tax positions related to pre-acquisition tax contingencies, in which case the impact of adoption, first, adjusts goodwill in accordance with EITF Issue 93-7, "Uncertainties Related to Income Taxes in a Purchase Business Combination."
The primary impact of the adoption of FIN 48 is expected to be a reclassification between current liabilities and noncurrent liabilities. PPL and its subsidiaries currently estimate that current liabilities will decrease and noncurrent liabilities will increase within the following ranges:
| | PPL | | PPL Energy Supply |
| | | | | | | | |
Current to Noncurrent Liability Reclassification | | $ | 140-165 | | | $ | 115-140 | |
The cumulative effect adjustment as well as the remaining impact of the adoption is not expected to be material.
In addition to the Balance Sheet impacts, PPL and its subsidiaries expect that the adoption of FIN 48 will result in greater volatility in their effective tax rates. PPL and its subsidiaries do not expect that the adoption of FIN 48 will result in an inability to comply with financial covenants under their debt agreements.
FSP No. FIN 46(R)-6
In April 2006, the FASB issued FSP No. FIN 46(R)-6, "Determining the Variability to Be Considered in Applying FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)." FSP No. FIN 46(R)-6 provides that the variability to be considered in applying FIN 46 (revised December 2003), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB 51," (FIN 46(R)) should be based on the design of the entity involved. PPL and its subsidiaries adopted FSP No. FIN 46(R)-6 effective July 1, 2006. PPL and its subsidiaries did not elect to apply retrospective application to any period prior to the date of adoption. The initial adoption of FSP No. FIN 46(R)-6 did not have an impact on PPL and its subsidiaries. However, the impact in periods subsequent to adoption could be material.
SAB 108
In September 2006, the SEC staff issued SAB No. 108, "Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements." SAB 108 addresses the observed diversity in the quantification of financial statement misstatements and the potential, under current practice, for the build-up of improper amounts on the balance sheet.
The two most commonly used methods cited by the SEC for quantifying the effect of financial statement misstatements are the "roll-over" and "iron-curtain" methods. The roll-over method quantifies a misstatement based on the amount of the error originating in the current year income statement. This method ignores the effects of correcting the portion of the current year balance sheet misstatement that originated in prior years. Conversely, the iron-curtain method quantifies a misstatement based on the effects of correcting the misstatement existing in the balance sheet at the end of the current year, regardless of the misstatement's year(s) of origin.
In SAB 108, the SEC requires a dual approach combining the roll-over method and the iron-curtain method. The dual approach requires quantification of financial statement errors based on the effects of the error on each of the company's financial statements and the related financial statement disclosures.
SAB 108 permits registrants to initially apply its provisions either by (i) restating prior financial statements as if the dual approach had always been used or (ii) recording the cumulative effect of initially applying the dual approach as adjustments to the carrying values of assets and liabilities as of January 1, 2006, with an offsetting adjustment recorded to the opening balance of retained earnings. Use of the cumulative effect transition method requires detailed disclosure of the nature and amount of each individual error being corrected through the cumulative adjustment and how and when it arose.
PPL and its subsidiaries adopted SAB 108 effective December 31, 2006. PPL and its subsidiaries previously utilized the dual approach when quantifying the impact of identified errors. Therefore, the adoption of SAB 108 did not have a material impact on PPL and its subsidiaries.
SFAS 123(R)
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 123 (revised 2004), "Share-Based Payment," which is known as SFAS 123(R) and replaces SFAS 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," as amended by SFAS 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure." Among other things, SFAS 123(R) eliminates the alternative to use the intrinsic value method of accounting for stock-based compensation. SFAS 123(R) requires public entities to recognize compensation expense for awards of equity instruments to employees based on the grant-date fair value of the awards. PPL and its subsidiaries adopted SFAS 123(R) effective January 1, 2006. PPL and its subsidiaries applied the modified prospective application transition method of adoption. Under this application, entities must recognize compensation expense based on the grant-date fair value for new awards granted or modified after the effective date and for unvested awards outstanding on the effective date. The adoption of SFAS 123(R) did not have a material impact on PPL and its subsidiaries, since PPL and its subsidiaries adopted the fair value method of accounting for stock-based compensation, as described by SFAS 123, effective January 1, 2003. See Note 12 for the disclosures required by SFAS 123(R).
SFAS 155
In February 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 155, "Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 133 and 140." Among other things, SFAS 155 addresses certain accounting issues surrounding securitized financial assets and hybrid financial instruments with embedded derivatives that require bifurcation. PPL and its subsidiaries adopted SFAS 155 effective January 1, 2007. The initial adoption did not have an impact on PPL or its subsidiaries.
SFAS 157
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, "Fair Value Measurements." SFAS 157 provides a definition of fair value as well as a framework for measuring fair value. In addition, SFAS 157 expands the fair value measurement disclosure requirements of other accounting pronouncements to require, among other things, disclosure of the methods and assumptions used to measure fair value as well as the earnings impact of certain fair value measurement techniques. SFAS 157 does not expand the use of fair value in existing accounting pronouncements. PPL and its subsidiaries will adopt the provisions of SFAS 157 prospectively, except for financial instruments that were previously measured at fair value in accordance with footnote 3 of EITF Issue No. 02-3, "Issues Involved in Accounting for Derivative Contracts Held for Trading Purposes and Contracts Involved in Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities," which require retrospective application. PPL and its subsidiaries must adopt SFAS 157 no later than January 1, 2008. PPL and its subsidiaries are in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS 157. The potential impact of adoption is not yet determinable, but it could be material.
SFAS 158
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 158, "Employers' Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)." PPL and its subsidiaries adopted the recognition and measurement date provisions of SFAS 158 effective December 31, 2006. See Note 13 for the disclosures required by SFAS 158.
SFAS 159
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159, "The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115." SFAS 159 provides entities with an option to measure, upon adoption of this pronouncement and at specified election dates, certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value, including available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities, as well as other eligible items. The fair value option (i) may be applied on an instrument by instrument basis, with a few exceptions, (ii) is irrevocable (unless a new election date occurs), and (iii) is applied to an entire instrument not to only specified risks, cash flows, or portions of that instrument. An entity shall report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting date.
SFAS 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between similar assets and liabilities measured using different attributes. Upon adoption of SFAS 159, an entity may elect the fair value option for eligible items that exist at that date, and shall report the effect of the first remeasurement to fair value as a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings.
PPL and its subsidiaries must adopt SFAS 159 no later than January 1, 2008. Early adoption is permitted as of January 1, 2007, for PPL and its subsidiaries provided that PPL and its subsidiaries (i) have not issued interim financial statements for 2007 and choose to early adopt SFAS 159 on or before April 30, 2007, and (ii) also elect to apply the provisions of Statement 157.
PPL and its subsidiaries are in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS 159. The potential impact of adoption is not yet determinable, but it could be material.
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(Millions of Dollars) |
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| | | | | Additions | | | | | | | |
| | Balance at Beginning of Period | | | Charged to Income | | | Charged to Other Accounts | | | Deductions | | | Balance at End of Period | |
Reserves deducted from assets on the Balance Sheet | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
PPL Corporation | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Uncollectible accounts including unbilled revenues (a) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2006 | | $ | 90 | | | $ | 33 | | | | | | | $ | 71 | | | $ | 52 | |
2005 | | | 89 | | | | 28 | | | $ | 2 | | | | 29 | | | | 90 | |
2004 | | | 96 | | | | 25 | | | | 1 | | | | 33 | | | | 89 | |
Obsolete inventory - Materials and supplies | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2006 | | | 2 | | | | 3 | | | | | | | | 3 | | | | 2 | |
2005 | | | 2 | | | | 2 | | | | | | | | 2 | | | | 2 | |
2004 | | | 3 | | | | 2 | | | | | | | | 3 | | | | 2 | |
Mark-to-market valuation reserves | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2006 | | | 11 | | | | 9 | | | | | | | | 2 | | | | 18 | |
2005 | | | 2 | | | | 9 | | | | | | | | | | | | 11 | |
2004 | | | 4 | | | | | | | | | | | | 2 | | | | 2 | |
Deferred tax valuation allowance | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2006 | | | 148 | | | | | | | | 44 | | | | 3 | | | | 189 | |
2005 | | | 164 | | | | | | | | 2 | | | | 18 | | | | 148 | |
2004 | | | 293 | | | | | | | | 24 | | | | 153 | (b) | | | 164 | |
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PPL Energy Supply, LLC | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Uncollectible accounts including unbilled revenues (a) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2006 | | $ | 67 | | | $ | 5 | | | | | | | $ | 41 | | | $ | 31 | |
2005 | | | 70 | | | | 2 | | | | | | | | 5 | | | | 67 | |
2004 | | | 71 | | | | 1 | | | $ | 1 | | | | 3 | | | | 70 | |
Obsolete inventory - Materials and supplies | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2006 | | | 2 | | | | 2 | | | | | | | | 2 | | | | 2 | |
2005 | | | 2 | | | | 2 | | | | | | | | 2 | | | | 2 | |
2004 | | | 3 | | | | 2 | | | | | | | | 3 | | | | 2 | |
Mark-to-market valuation reserves | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2006 | | | 11 | | | | 9 | | | | | | | | 2 | | | | 18 | |
2005 | | | 2 | | | | 9 | | | | | | | | | | | | 11 | |
2004 | | | 4 | | | | | | | | | | | | 2 | | | | 2 | |
Deferred tax valuation allowance | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2006 | | | 144 | | | | | | | | 37 | | | | 3 | | | | 178 | |
2005 | | | 160 | | | | | | | | 2 | | | | 18 | | | | 144 | |
2004 | | | 288 | | | | | | | | 24 | | | | 152 | (b) | | | 160 | |
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(a) | | Includes reserves for customer accounts receivable, receivables from Enron and the California ISO and other. |
(b) | | Includes write-off of WPD $152 million acquired tax asset and associated 100% valuation allowance as it was determined that there was no likelihood of recovering the asset. |
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PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries |
(Millions of Dollars, except per share data) |
| | | For the Quarters Ended (a) |
| | | |
| | | March 31 | | June 30 | | Sept. 30 | | Dec. 31 |
| 2006 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating revenues (b) | | $ | 1,781 | | | $ | 1,642 | | | $ | 1,752 | | | $ | 1,724 | |
| Reclassification of Latin American discontinued operations (c) | | | (131 | ) | | | (138 | ) | | | (140 | ) | | | (145 | ) |
| Operating revenues | | | 1,650 | | | | 1,504 | | | | 1,612 | | | | 1,579 | |
Operating income (b) | | | 489 | | | | 377 | | | | 380 | | | | 353 | |
| Reclassification of Latin American discontinued operations (c) | | | (16 | ) | | | (18 | ) | | | (24 | ) | | | (18 | ) |
| Operating income | | | 473 | | | | 359 | | | | 356 | | | | 335 | |
Income from continuing operations (b) | | | 281 | | | | 200 | | | | 226 | | | | 178 | |
| Reclassification of Latin American discontinued operations (c) | | | (10 | ) | | | (10 | ) | | | (14 | ) | | | (8 | ) |
| Income from continuing operations | | | 271 | | | | 190 | | | | 212 | | | | 170 | |
Loss from discontinued operations (b) | | | (1 | ) | | | (19 | ) | | | | | | | | |
| Reclassification of Latin American discontinued operations (c) | | | 10 | | | | 10 | | | | 14 | | | | 8 | |
| Income (loss) from discontinued operations | | | 9 | | | | (9 | ) | | | 14 | | | | 8 | |
Net income | | | 280 | | | | 181 | | | | 226 | | | | 178 | |
Basic earnings per common share: (d) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Income from continuing operations | | | 0.71 | | | | 0.50 | | | | 0.56 | | | | 0.45 | |
| Net income | | | 0.74 | | | | 0.48 | | | | 0.59 | | | | 0.47 | |
Diluted earnings per common share: (d) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Income from continuing operations | | | 0.70 | | | | 0.49 | | | | 0.55 | | | | 0.44 | |
| Net income | | | 0.73 | | | | 0.47 | | | | 0.58 | | | | 0.46 | |
Dividends declared per common share (e) | | | 0.275 | | | | 0.275 | | | | 0.275 | | | | 0.275 | |
Price per common share: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| High | | $ | 32.16 | | | $ | 32.31 | | | $ | 35.23 | | | $ | 37.34 | |
| Low | | | 29.21 | | | | 27.83 | | | | 32.20 | | | | 32.39 | |
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| 2005 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating revenues (b) | | $ | 1,598 | | | $ | 1,467 | | | $ | 1,620 | | | $ | 1,494 | |
| Reclassification of Latin America discontinued operations (c) | | | (107 | ) | | | (111 | ) | | | (114 | ) | | | (121 | ) |
| Operating revenues | | | 1,491 | | | | 1,356 | | | | 1,506 | | | | 1,373 | |
Operating income (b) | | | 336 | | | | 334 | | | | 383 | | | | 296 | |
| Reclassification of Latin America discontinued operations (c) | | | (15 | ) | | | (14 | ) | | | (13 | ) | | | (18 | ) |
| Operating income | | | 321 | | | | 320 | | | | 370 | | | | 278 | |
Income from continuing operations (b) | | | 171 | | | | 178 | | | | 195 | | | | 195 | |
| Reclassification of Latin America discontinued operations (c) | | | (7 | ) | | | (5 | ) | | | (3 | ) | | | (22 | ) |
| Income from continuing operations | | | 164 | | | | 173 | | | | 192 | | | | 173 | |
Loss from discontinued operations (b) | | | (3 | ) | | | (50 | ) | | | 2 | | | | (2 | ) |
| Reclassification of Latin America discontinued operations (c) | | | 7 | | | | 5 | | | | 3 | | | | 22 | |
| Income (loss) from discontinued operations | | | 4 | | | | (45 | ) | | | 5 | | | | 20 | |
Net income | | | 168 | | | | 128 | | | | 197 | | | | 185 | |
Basic earnings per common share: (d) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Income from continuing operations | | | 0.43 | | | | 0.46 | | | | 0.50 | | | | 0.46 | |
| Net income | | | 0.45 | | | | 0.34 | | | | 0.52 | | | | 0.49 | |
Diluted earnings per common share: (d) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Income from continuing operations | | | 0.43 | | | | 0.45 | | | | 0.50 | | | | 0.45 | |
| Net income | | | 0.44 | | | | 0.33 | | | | 0.51 | | | | 0.48 | |
Dividends declared per common share (e) | | | 0.23 | | | | 0.23 | | | | 0.25 | | | | 0.25 | |
Price per common share: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| High | | $ | 27.95 | | | $ | 29.99 | | | $ | 33.51 | | | $ | 33.68 | |
| Low | | | 25.52 | | | | 26.13 | | | | 29.75 | | | | 28.25 | |
(a) | | Quarterly results can vary depending on, among other things, weather and the forward pricing of power. In addition, earnings in 2006 and 2005 were affected by unusual items. Accordingly, comparisons among quarters of a year may not be indicative of overall trends and changes in operations. |
(b) | | As previously reported in the 2006 Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2007. |
(c) | | In March 2007, PPL announced its intention to sell its regulated electricity delivery businesses in Latin America. See Note 10 to the Financial Statements for further information. |
(d) | | The sum of the quarterly amounts may not equal annual earnings per share due to changes in the number of common shares outstanding during the year or rounding. |
(e) | | PPL has paid quarterly cash dividends on its common stock in every year since 1946. In February 2007, PPL announced an increase to its quarterly common stock dividend, payable April 1, 2007, to 30.5 cents per share (equivalent to $1.22 per annum). Future dividends, declared at the discretion of the Board of Directors, will be dependent upon future earnings, cash flows, financial requirements and other factors. |
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PPL Energy Supply, LLC and Subsidiaries |
(Millions of Dollars) |
| | | For the Quarters Ended (a) |
| | | |
| | | March 31 | | June 30 | | Sept. 30 | | Dec. 31 |
| 2006 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating revenues (b) | | $ | 1,310 | | | $ | 1,267 | | | $ | 1,372 | | | $ | 1,323 | |
| Reclassification of Latin American discontinued operations (c) | | | (131 | ) | | | (138 | ) | | | (140 | ) | | | (145 | ) |
| Operating revenues | | | 1,179 | | | | 1,129 | | | | 1,232 | | | | 1,178 | |
Operating income (b) | | | 356 | | | | 285 | | | | 266 | | | | 225 | |
| Reclassification of Latin American discontinued operations (c) | | | (16 | ) | | | (18 | ) | | | (24 | ) | | | (18 | ) |
| Operating income | | | 340 | | | | 267 | | | | 242 | | | | 207 | |
Income from continuing operations (b) | | | 231 | | | | 177 | | | | 182 | | | | 128 | |
| Reclassification of Latin American discontinued operations (c) | | | (10 | ) | | | (10 | ) | | | (14 | ) | | | (8 | ) |
| Income from continuing operations | | | 221 | | | | 167 | | | | 168 | | | | 120 | |
Loss from discontinued operations (b) | | | (1 | ) | | | (19 | ) | | | | | | | | |
| Reclassification of Latin American discontinued operations (c) | | | 10 | | | | 10 | | | | 14 | | | | 8 | |
| Income (loss) from discontinued operations | | | 9 | | | | (9 | ) | | | 14 | | | | 8 | |
Net income | | | 230 | | | | 158 | | | | 182 | | | | 128 | |
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| 2005 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating revenues (b) | | $ | 1,149 | | | $ | 1,093 | | | $ | 1,223 | | | $ | 1,076 | |
| Reclassification of Latin American discontinued operations (b) | | | (107 | ) | | | (111 | ) | | | (114 | ) | | | (121 | ) |
| Operating revenues | | | 1,042 | | | | 982 | | | | 1,109 | | | | 955 | |
Operating income (b) | | | 252 | | | | 232 | | | | 254 | | | | 195 | |
| Reclassification of Latin American discontinued operations (c) | | | (15 | ) | | | (14 | ) | | | (13 | ) | | | (18 | ) |
| Operating income | | | 237 | | | | 218 | | | | 241 | | | | 177 | |
Income from continuing operations (b) | | | 158 | | | | 154 | | | | 157 | | | | 134 | |
| Reclassification of Latin American discontinued operations (c) | | | (7 | ) | | | (5 | ) | | | (3 | ) | | | (22 | ) |
| Income from continuing operations | | | 151 | | | | 149 | | | | 154 | | | | 112 | |
Loss from discontinued operations (b) | | | (3 | ) | | | (50 | ) | | | 2 | | | | (2 | ) |
| Reclassification of Latin American discontinued operations (c) | | | 7 | | | | 5 | | | | 3 | | | | 22 | |
| Income (loss) from discontinued operations | | | 4 | | | | (45 | ) | | | 5 | | | | 20 | |
Net income | | | 155 | | | | 104 | | | | 159 | | | | 124 | |
(a) | | Quarterly results can vary depending on, among other things, weather and the forward pricing of power. In addition, earnings in 2006 and 2005 were affected by unusual items. Accordingly, comparisons among quarters of a year may not be indicative of overall trends and changes in operations. |
(b) | | As previously reported in the 2006 Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2007. |
(c) | | In March 2007, PPL announced its intention to sell its regulated electricity businesses in Latin America. See Note 10 to the Financial Statements for further information. |
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PPL Corporation and PPL Energy Supply, LLC |
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(a) | | Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. |
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| | The registrants' principal executive officers and principal financial officers, based on their evaluation of the registrants' disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) have concluded that, as of December 31, 2006, the registrants' disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that material information relating to the registrants and their consolidated subsidiaries is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC's rules and forms, particularly during the period for which this annual report has been prepared. The aforementioned principal officers have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are also effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive and principal financial officers, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. |
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(b) | | Change in internal controls over financial reporting. |
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| | The registrants' principal executive officers and principal financial officers have concluded that there were no changes in the registrants' internal control over financial reporting during the registrants' fourth fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants' internal control over financial reporting. |
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Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting |
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PPL Corporation |
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| | PPL's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). PPL's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance to PPL's management and Board of Directors regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in "Internal Control - Integrated Framework" issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in "Internal Control - Integrated Framework," our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2006. Our management's assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report contained on page 87. |
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PPL Energy Supply, LLC |
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| | Omitted since PPL Energy Supply are not subject to the Sarbanes-Oxley 404 requirements for the year ended December 31, 2006. |
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PPL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS (Millions of Dollars) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2006 (c) | | 2005 (c) | | 2004 (c) | | 2003 (c) | | 2002 (c) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed charges, as defined: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest on long-term debt | | $ | 482 | | | $ | 465 | | | $ | 491 | | | $ | 417 | | | $ | 486 | |
Interest on short-term debt and other interest | | | 13 | | | | 29 | | | | 20 | | | | 25 | | | | 70 | |
Amortization of debt discount, expense and premium - net | | | 11 | | | | 23 | | | | 8 | | | | 41 | | | | 25 | |
Estimated interest component of operating rentals | | | 29 | | | | 32 | | | | 34 | | | | 45 | | | | 38 | |
Preferred security distributions of subsidiaries on a pre-tax basis | | | 24 | | | | 5 | | | | 5 | | | | 45 | | | | 79 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total fixed charges | | $ | 559 | | | $ | 554 | | | $ | 558 | | | $ | 573 | | | $ | 698 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Earnings, as defined: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (a) | | $ | 846 | | | $ | 704 | | | $ | 689 | | | $ | 786 | | | | 407 | |
Preferred security dividend requirements | | | 14 | | | | 2 | | | | 2 | | | | 29 | | | | 66 | |
Less undistributed income (loss) of equity method investments | | | 3 | | | | 2 | | | | (1 | ) | | | (5 | ) | | | (9 | ) |
| | | 857 | | | | 704 | | | | 692 | | | | 820 | | | | 482 | |
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Add: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income taxes | | | 273 | | | | 127 | | | | 206 | | | | 168 | | | | 219 | |
Total fixed charges as above (excluding capitalized interest and preferred security distributions of subsidiaries on a pre-tax basis and interest expense related to discontinued operations) | | | 480 | | | | 512 | | | | 525 | | | | 500 | | | | 579 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total earnings | | $ | 1,610 | | | $ | 1,343 | | | $ | 1,423 | | | $ | 1,488 | | | $ | 1,280 | |
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Ratio of earnings to fixed charges | | | 2.9 | | | | 2.4 | | | | 2.6 | | | | 2.6 | | | | 1.8 | |
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Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends (b) | | | 2.9 | | | | 2.4 | | | | 2.6 | | | | 2.6 | | | | 1.8 | |
(a) | | Net income excludes minority interest, income (loss) from discontinued operations and the cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles. |
(b) | | PPL, the parent holding company, does not have any preferred stock outstanding; therefore, the ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends is the same as the ratio of earnings to fixed charges. |
(c) | | Certain line items have been revised due to the planned sale of Latin American businesses and the related reclassification of prior period operating results to "Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations." |
Exhibit 12(b) |
PPL ENERGY SUPPLY, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES (Millions of Dollars) |
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| | 2006 (b) | | 2005 (b) | | 2004 (b) | | 2003 (b) | | 2002 (b) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed charges, as defined: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest on long-term debt | | $ | 296 | | | $ | 259 | | | $ | 255 | | | $ | 149 | | | $ | 169 | |
Interest on short-term debt and other interest | | | 16 | | | | 26 | | | | 23 | | | | 25 | | | | 52 | |
Amortization of debt discount, expense and premium - net | | | (1 | ) | | | 7 | | | | (6 | ) | | | 31 | | | | 9 | |
Estimated interest component of operating rentals | | | 15 | | | | 15 | | | | 17 | | | | 31 | | | | 21 | |
Preferred security distributions of subsidiaries on a pre-tax basis | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 8 | | | | 12 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total fixed charges | | $ | 326 | | | $ | 307 | | | $ | 289 | | | $ | 244 | | | $ | 263 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Earnings, as defined: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (a) | | $ | 678 | | | $ | 567 | | | $ | 641 | | | $ | 779 | | | $ | 177 | |
Preferred security dividend requirement | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 5 | | | | 9 | |
Less undistributed income (loss) of equity method investments | | | 4 | | | | 2 | | | | | | | | | | | | (8 | ) |
| | | 674 | | | | 565 | | | | 641 | | | | 784 | | | | 194 | |
Add: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income taxes | | | 187 | | | | 81 | | | | 210 | | | | 183 | | | | 274 | |
Total fixed charges as above (excluding capitalized interest and preferred security distributions of subsidiaries on a pre-tax basis and interest expense related to discontinued operations) | | | 276 | | | | 272 | | | | 262 | | | | 209 | | | | 212 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total earnings | | $ | 1,137 | | | $ | 918 | | | $ | 1,113 | | | $ | 1,176 | | | $ | 680 | |
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Ratio of earnings to fixed charges | | | 3.5 | | | | 3.0 | | | | 3.9 | | | | 4.8 | | | | 2.6 | |
(a) | | Net income excludes minority interest, income (loss) from discontinued operations and the cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles. |
(b) | | Certain line items have been revised due to the planned sale of Latin American businesses and the related reclassification of prior period operating results to "Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations." |