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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
Form 10-K
(X) ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 1997
OR
( )TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Transition Period from to
Registrant, State or other Jurisdiction
Commission of Incorporation or Organization, I.R.S. Employer
File Number Address and Telephone Number Identification No.
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333-09033 Southern Investments UK plc None
Park Avenue
Aztec West
Almondsbury
Bristol
BS12 4SE, UK
(01144) 1454 201101
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None.
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No ___
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. ( X )
Aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates: $0
A description of the registrant's common stock follows:
Description of Shares Outstanding
Registrant Common Stock at May 31, 1997
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Southern Investments UK plc Par Value(pound)1 Per Share 500,400,587
Table of Contents
PART I
PAGE
Item 1 Business
General............................................................................ I-1
Overview of the Electric Utility Industry in Great Britain......................... I-2
SWEB's Main Businesses............................................................. I-3
SWEB's Other Business Activities................................................... I-7
Risk Management.................................................................... I-7
UK Environmental Regulation........................................................ I-8
Employees.......................................................................... I-8
Item 2 Properties............................................................................ I-9
Item 3 Legal Proceedings..................................................................... I-9
Item 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders................................... I-9
PART II
Item 5 Common Equity Market.................................................................. II-1
Item 6 Selected Financial Data............................................................... II-1
Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition
Introduction....................................................................... II-2
Results of Operations.............................................................. II-3
Financial Condition................................................................ II-7
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data........................................... II-9
Item 9 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure................................................ II-33
PART III
Item 10 Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.................................... III-1
Item 11 Executive Compensation................................................................ III-2
Item 12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management........................ III-3
Item 13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions........................................ III-4
PART IV
Item 14 Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports
on Form 8-K......................................................................... IV-1
i
SELECTED DEFINITIONS
When used in this report, the following terms will have the meanings
indicated.
"Accentacross" means Accentacross Limited, a Director of the Company.
"Calendar Year" means a year ended December 31.
"CFDs" means contracts for differences.
"Company" means Southern Investments UK plc.
"Distribution Price Control Formula" means a formula of P+RPI-Xd where
P reflects the previous maximum average price per unit of electricity
distributed, RPI reflects the percentage change in the Retail Price Index
between the previous year and the current year and the Xd factor is established
by the Regulator following review.
"Electricity Act" means the Electricity Act 1989.
"EMFs" means electromagnetic fields.
"Fiscal Year" means a year ended March 31.
"Fossil Fuel Levy" means a levy system instituted to reimburse the
generators and the RECs for the extra costs involved in generating electricity
from non-fossil fuel plants as compared to generating electricity from fossil
fuel plants.
"Franchise Area" means SWEB's service area as determined by its PES
license.
"Franchise Supply Customers" means customers with demand of not more
than 100kW.
"Holdings" means Southern Investments UK Holdings Limited, the direct
parent company of the Company.
"Mighteager" means Mighteager Limited, a Director of the Company.
"MMC" means the UK Monopolies and Mergers Commission.
"NFFOs" means obligations of RECs to obtain a specified amount of
generating capacity from non-fossil fuel sources.
"NGC" means the National Grid Company plc, which is wholly-owned by
NGG.
"NGG" means the National Grid Group plc.
"Non-Franchise Supply Customers" means customers with demand greater
than 100kW.
"Own-generation limits" means the limit imposed by the PES license on
the extent of generation capacity in which a REC may hold an interest.
ii
"OFFER" means the Office of Electricity Regulation, the body appointed
by the Government of the UK to regulate the electricity industry in Great
Britain.
"Outage" means a disruption to the supply of electricity.
"PES" means public electricity supplier.
"PMDC" means Power Markets Development Company, an indirect shareholder
in Holdings and a subsidiary of PP&L Resources.
"PMDC Directors" means Accentacross and Mighteager.
"Pool" means the wholesale trading market for electricity in England
and Wales.
"Pooling and Settlement Agreement" means the agreement which governs
the constitution and operation of the Pool and the calculation of payments to
and from generators and suppliers.
"PP&L Resources" means PP&L Resources, Inc., a public stock
corporation, and parent of PMDC and the registered utility Pennsylvania Power
and Light.
"Predecessor Company" means South Western Electricity plc and its
subsidiaries prior to its acquisition by the Company.
"Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996" means unaudited pro forma information for
the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996.
"PSB" means NGG's pumped storage electricity generation business.
"REC" means one of the 12 regional electricity companies in England and
Wales licensed to distribute, supply, and, to a limited extent, generate
electricity.
"Regulator" means The Director General of Electricity Supply in Great
Britain.
"SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"SFAS" means US Statement of Financial Accounting Standards.
"Southern" means The Southern Company, the ultimate parent company of
the Southern Company system and the indirect owner of 75% of Holdings.
"Southern Company system" means Southern and its subsidiaries.
"Southern Energy" means Southern Energy Inc., an affiliate of the
Company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern.
"Successor Company" means Southern Investments UK plc and its
subsidiaries.
"Supply Price Control Formula" means P+RPI-Xs+Y, where P reflects the
maximum average price unit of electricity supplied, RPI reflects the percentage
change in the Retail Price Index between the previous year and the current year,
the Xs factor is established by the Regulator following review and the Y term is
a pass through of certain costs.
"SWEB" means South Western Electricity plc, a subsidiary of the Company.
"UK" means the United Kingdom.
"UK GAAP" means accounting principles generally accepted in the UK.
"US" means the United States of America.
"US GAAP" means accounting principles generally accepted in the US.
iii
PART I
Item 1. BUSINESS
General
The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings, of which 75% is
owned indirectly by Southern and 25% is owned indirectly by PP&L Resources. The
Company was incorporated as a public limited company under the laws of England
and Wales in June 1995 as a vehicle for the acquisition of SWEB, one of the 12
RECs in England and Wales licensed to distribute, supply and, to a limited
extent, generate electricity. In September 1995, the Company gained effective
control of SWEB. The Company subsequently acquired the remaining outstanding
shares of SWEB and replaced SWEB's board of directors and certain senior
managers with officers and employees of companies from within the Southern
Company system. The Company's sole investment and only significant asset is the
entire share capital of SWEB, which is headquartered in Bristol, England. At
March 31, 1997 the Company had consolidated assets of (pound)1.721 billion
($2.831 billion).
SWEB's two main business lines are the distribution of electricity and
supply of electricity to approximately 1.3 million customers in its Franchise
Area in southwest England. The distribution business and the supply business are
distinct business segments and produced operating income of (pound)108 million
($178 million) and (pound)12 million ($20 million), respectively, in fiscal year
1997, representing substantially all of the Company's consolidated operating
income in that fiscal year.
SWEB's Franchise Area covers approximately 5,560 square miles extending
from Bristol and Bath in the northeast, 188 miles southwest along the peninsula
to Land's End and 28 miles beyond to the Isles of Scilly, and has a resident
population of approximately 2.8 million. The south west of England, of which the
Franchise Area forms the greater part, has benefitted from economic growth (as
measured by Gross Domestic Product) which exceeded the UK average from 1991
through 1996 and has also benefitted from an average unemployment rate during
calendar year 1996 of approximately 6.3% which was below the UK average of 7.5%
according to a 1997 study by Cambridge Econometrics. The largest cities and
towns in SWEB's Franchise Area are Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth and Taunton.
Business activity is generally concentrated in the population centers around
Bristol, Bath and Plymouth. The Bristol and Bath area is served by the M4 and M5
motorways, a strong rail network including a link between Bristol and London,
and a commercial port at Avonmouth.
The Company and SWEB have undertaken to make SWEB a more focused and
competitive company concentrating on the main electricity businesses of
distribution and supply. Several businesses not related to distribution and
supply have been sold, and the remaining ancillary businesses have been
redirected to focus on support for the main electricity businesses.
The key goals which the Company and SWEB are pursuing include cost
savings and improved customer service. The objective of cost savings is to
increase profitability. Cost savings have been realized through programs of
staff reduction and working with the unions on a program of job redesign leading
to changes in work practices. The objective of improved customer service is to
prepare for the increasingly competitive aspects of the supply business by
building customer loyalty through responsiveness to customers' needs, and to
meet and exceed the performance criteria established by the Regulator.
Improvements in customer service are also being pursued in part through
improvements in system performance, as measured primarily by reductions in
customer minutes lost and overall number of outages.
I-1
Change of Government in the UK
A possible significant change that could impact profitability relates to
the election of a new Labour government on May 1, 1997. The Labour Party's
election manifesto includes the commitment to introduce "a one-off windfall levy
on the excess profits of the privatised utilities". The total amount of
government revenue to be raised by the tax and the allocation of the tax between
utilities is scheduled to be announced as part of the government's budget in
early July, 1997. There can be no assurance that the introduction of a windfall
tax or other taxes or policies of the new government will not adversely affect
the Company.
Overview of the Electric Utility Industry in Great Britain
In 1990, the electric utility industry in Great Britain was privatized,
and SWEB was created along with the other 11 RECs. In connection with the
privatization, distribution assets in England and Wales, previously owned
indirectly by Her Majesty's Government, were allocated among the RECs, licensing
requirements were established for the RECs and price controls were implemented
in the areas of distribution and supply. In England and Wales, generation assets
(other than nuclear facilities) were allocated to two generating companies, and
the high voltage transmission assets were allocated to The National Grid Company
plc ("NGC", which is wholly owned by NGG).
The high voltage transmission system in England and Wales, which is
generally referred to as the "national grid," carries the generated
electricity in bulk from the power stations to the regional and local
distribution systems. This transmission system is owned and operated
by NGC.
Distributors transfer electricity over their networks, generally at lower
voltage than the national grid, from supply points on the national grid to final
consumers. The distribution systems in England and Wales are owned by the 12
RECs. Virtually all customers in England and Wales are connected to the
distribution system of the RECs and have no choice as to the distribution system
from which they receive their electricity. Distribution prices charged by the
RECs are regulated by the Distribution Price Control Formula.
Suppliers sell electricity to end users. Each REC is required to have a
PES license which authorizes it to supply electricity to any customers within
its Franchise Area. Electricity customers fall into two categories, Franchise
Supply Customers and Non-Franchise Supply Customers. Prices for supply of
electricity to Franchise Supply Customers are regulated by the Supply Price
Control Formula. Such price control is currently scheduled to expire on March
31, 1998, after which some form of price restraint is likely to apply for
smaller customers at least for a transitional period. The franchise supply
market is expected to be opened progressively over a six month period commencing
April 1, 1998 to any competitors who have obtained the necessary license, which
is generally referred to as a "second tier license." Non-Franchise Supply
Customers may already be supplied by anyone who has obtained a second tier
license. Such second tier suppliers, including SWEB, compete for business
nationally and at prices determined by competitive bids or negotiation.
At the time of privatization, the "Pool" was established for bulk trading
of electricity in England and Wales between generators and suppliers. The Pool
reflects two principal characteristics of the physical generation and supply of
electricity from a particular generator to a particular supplier. First, it is
not possible to trace electricity from a particular generator to a particular
supplier. Second, it is not practicable to store electricity in significant
quantities, creating the need for a constant matching of supply and demand.
Subject to certain exceptions, all electricity generated in England and Wales
must be sold and purchased through the Pool. All licensed generators and
suppliers must become signatories to a pooling and settlement agreement, which
governs the constitution and operation of the Pool and the calculation of
payments due to and from generators and suppliers (the "Pooling and Settlement
Agreement"). Prices for electricity are set by the Pool daily for each half hour
of the following day based on the bids of the generators and a complex set of
calculations matching supply and demand and taking account of system stability,
security and other costs.
I-2
SWEB's Main Businesses
Distribution Business
SWEB's distribution business is the ownership, management and operation
of the electricity distribution network within SWEB's Franchise Area. The
primary activity of the distribution business is the receipt of electricity from
the national grid transmission system and its distribution to end users of
electricity that are connected to SWEB's power lines. Virtually all electricity
supplied (whether by SWEB's independent supply business or by other suppliers)
to consumers in SWEB's Franchise Area is transported through its distribution
network, thus providing SWEB with distribution volume that is stable from year
to year. As a holder of a PES license, SWEB is subject to a price cap regulatory
framework that provides economic incentives to increase the number of units of
electricity distributed and to operate in a more cost-efficient manner.
SWEB's distribution business has grown in both its customer base and in
the number of units distributed, primarily reflecting economic growth in
the south west of England. At March 31, 1997 SWEB had experienced a
5-year compound annual growth rate of 0.8% in customers and 1.5% in
units distributed, respectively.
Strategy
Since being acquired by the Company, SWEB has reviewed and refined its
distribution strategy and has established key goals of cost savings and improved
customer service.
Staff reductions play a key role in cost savings. SWEB has implemented a
plan of voluntary and other staff reductions to reduce the number of employees
by 667 (mainly in the distribution business and representing 20% of staff at the
time of the acquisition of SWEB by the Company), of which 603 net reductions
occurred prior to March 31, 1997. Part of these reductions were made possible
due to new work practices which SWEB has developed with the cooperation of
SWEB's unions. Team restructuring in the engineering department and the
establishment of multi-skilled independent field teams have been achieved. In
addition, management restructuring has produced a flatter organizational
structure by reducing management levels from seven to three.
Improvements in customer service in the distribution business are part of
SWEB's strategy and are expected to enable SWEB to meet or exceed the
performance criteria established by the Regulator who is responsible for setting
the performance standards of the RECs. SWEB believes that achieving these goals
is important both for improving customer satisfaction and for maintaining good
relations with the Regulator. Improvements in customer service are being
pursued, in part, through improvements in system performance, measured primarily
in terms of customer minutes lost and overall number of outages. To that end,
several initiatives are being pursued including:
eliminating the backlog of tree-trimming near distribution lines;
implementing a program of network improvements that will create more dual
routing;
reordering the priorities of SWEB's capital expenditure program to focus
on improving system reliability; and
introducing a single-number telephone call center supported by new
computerized information systems which allow employees at the call center
(including advisory engineers) to initiate engineering work orders to
satisfy customer needs for repairs or maintenance of the distribution
network (implemented during 1996).
I-3
Customers
Most of SWEB's distribution customers are Franchise Supply Customers. This
customer group consists predominantly of residential and small commercial
consumers which provides SWEB a stable customer base. SWEB's fastest growing
category of distribution customers, in terms of units distributed and revenues,
is large commercial and small industrial customers. Commercial activity of
SWEB's customers is mostly service based and includes financial services,
electronics and technology-related businesses. SWEB also distributes electricity
to industrial concerns in its Franchise Area. The principal activities of SWEB's
largest distribution customers include china clay extraction, ship repair,
fertilizer production, aerospace, defense engineering, cement and paper
manufacturing and water supply. SWEB's 20 largest distribution customers in its
Franchise Area accounted for 10.5% of total electricity distributed by SWEB in
fiscal year 1997 in terms of units distributed, with no single customer
exceeding 2.3% of total electricity distributed. The following table sets out
details of SWEB's distribution customers, units distributed and distribution
revenues.
Distribution Business
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution Customers Electricity Units Distributed Revenues(5)
5 year Volume % of 5 year
Number(1) % of Total CAGR(2) Twh(3) Total CAGR(4) % of Total
not more than 100kW............ 1,313,690 99.78 0.83% 8.4 62 0.65% 80
above 100kW to 1MW............. 2,625 0.20 4.52 2.2 16 4.07 11
above 1MW...................... 240 0.02 4.78 2.9 22 2.38 9
--------- ----- ---- ---- --- ---- --
Total 1,316,555 100.0 0.84 13.5 100 1.54 100
========= ===== ==== ==== === ==== ===
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(1) At March 31, 1997.
(2) Represents the compound annual growth rate ("CAGR") for the period from April 1, 1992 through March 31, 1997.
(3) In terawatt hours for fiscal year 1997.
(4) Represents the CAGR for the period from April 1, 1992 through March 31, 1997.
(5) For fiscal year 1997.
Distribution Facilities
Electricity is transported across the national grid transmission system
at 400kv or 275kv to eight grid supply points within SWEB's distribution
network, where it is transformed to 132kv and enters SWEB's distribution system.
Electricity is also transported to two national grid supply points located in
neighboring RECs' franchise areas, which are connected to SWEB's distribution
system by overhead lines and underground cables. Substantially all electricity
which enters SWEB's system is received at these ten grid supply points.
At March 31, 1997, SWEB's electricity distribution network (excluding
service connections to consumers) included overhead lines and underground cables
at the operating voltage levels indicated in the table below:
Overhead lines Underground cables
Operating voltage: (Circuit miles) (Circuit miles)
--------------- ---------------
132kv............................................................. 907 37
33kv.............................................................. 1,747 610
11kv.............................................................. 10,730 3,911
6.6kv............................................................. 15 77
480 or 415/240v................................................... 4,746 6,985
------ ------
Total........................................................ 18,145 11,620
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I-4
In addition to the circuits referred to above, SWEB's distribution
facilities also include approximately:
Aggregate Capacity
(mega Volt-
Number Amperes)
------- -----------------
Transformers:
132kv/lower voltages 91 5,348
33kv/11kv or 6.6kv 551 7,510
11kv or 6.6kv/lower voltages (including 36,291 pole mounted transformers) 47,797 6,536
Substations:
132kv/33kv 40
33kv/11kv or 6.6kv 309
11kv or 6.6kv/415v or 240v 11,790
Substantially all substations are owned in freehold, and most of the
balance are held on leases which will not expire within 10 years.
Electricity is received by customers at various voltages depending upon
their requirements. At March 31, 1997, SWEB's distribution system was connected
to over 1.3 million customers.
Operation and control of SWEB's distribution system is continuously
monitored and coordinated from a control center located in Exeter. A telecontrol
system has been implemented to provide remote information gathering and to
provide remote operation of 132kv and selected 33kv and 11kv switchgear.
Supply Business
SWEB's supply business is selling electricity to end users, purchasing
such electricity, primarily from the Pool, and arranging for its distribution to
those end users. SWEB's supply business is comprised predominantly of supplying
Franchise Supply Customers. In fiscal year 1997, these customers accounted for
approximately 67% of all units of electricity supplied by SWEB. SWEB's exclusive
right to supply these customers is scheduled to continue, subject to price
regulation, until March 31, 1998, at which time competition to supply Franchise
Supply Customers is scheduled to commence in phases over a six month period.
Supply prices for these customers are currently regulated, and SWEB's costs of
purchasing and delivering electricity and hedging the purchase price are
collected from them on an actual cost basis.
The market to supply Non-Franchise Supply Customers is fully competitive,
principally with other RECs and the major generators. Non-Franchise Supply
Customers are typically supplied through individual contracts with a duration of
from one to two years with competitively bid or negotiated prices.
Strategy
Since its acquisition by the Company, SWEB has completed a review of the
supply market, established new goals for its supply business and adopted new
strategies for achieving those goals. The key goals established are the
retention of its current Franchise Supply Customers as supply customers after
March 31, 1998 and the increase of SWEB's share of electricity supplied to
Non-Franchise Supply Customers both inside and outside SWEB's Franchise Area.
SWEB's strategy for retaining its Franchise Supply Customers is to build
customer loyalty and to offer competitive prices. SWEB seeks to build customer
loyalty by providing superior, responsive service in dealing with billing and
other matters and providing other service enhancements. SWEB is revamping its
marketing, sales and customer service operations under the direction of the
I-5
Executive Directors of SWEB who transferred from other companies within the
Southern Company system, and are experienced in competitive electricity
marketing.
Initiatives in relation to the Franchise Supply Customers include:
a single-number, local rate, telephone service call center (which has
been in place since April 1996);
improvements and enhancements to the billing and customer service system
which will enable employees at the call center to act on or resolve
customer billing and account inquiries on line during their calls (which
has already begun and should be operational in 1998); and
a restructuring of meter reading operations which should enable almost all
meters to be read quarterly, thereby reducing estimated readings (which has
already begun and is expected to be completed in 1997). In Great Britain,
most meters are located within structures and meter readers are required to
obtain access from occupants in order to read meters. As a result, actual
readings are often obtained only on an annual or biennial basis.
SWEB's strategy for expanding its market share of electricity sold to
Non-Franchise Supply Customers both inside and outside its Franchise Area is to
offer competitive pricing and, with respect to its Non-Franchise Supply
Customers inside its Franchise Area, to build customer loyalty through the
measures described above. Additional initiatives to support growth in market
share in the Non-Franchise Supply Customer market include:
the expanded use of account managers for Non-Franchise Supply Customers;
increasing the number of proposals and bids made to customers and
potential customers;
development of an integrated contract customer sales, electronic
registration and marketing system with full customer life-cycle management
and tracking facilities (which was brought into service during February
1997); and
further enhancement of a competitive price setting system used to
determine appropriate contract supply prices (which was completed in March
1997).
Franchise Supply Market
Under the terms of its PES license, SWEB currently holds the right to
supply approximately 1.3 million Franchise Supply Customers within its Franchise
Area. See "Business-General." During fiscal year 1997, sales to Franchise Supply
Customers represented 67% of total units supplied by SWEB and produced 76% of
SWEB's total supply revenues.
The exclusive right to supply Franchise Supply Customers is scheduled to
be phased out over a six month period commencing April 1, 1998, after which all
supply customers will have the ability to choose their electricity supplier.
SWEB intends to maintain its market share of these customers by providing
superior customer service and competitive pricing. In fiscal year 1997, SWEB met
or exceeded the Regulator's standards of performance targets for all of the
services measured by the Regulator.
I-6
Non-Franchise Supply Market
In addition to competing for Non-Franchise Supply Customers in its
Franchise Area, SWEB holds a second tier license to compete with the RECs and
other suppliers to provide electricity to Non-Franchise Supply Customers outside
its Franchise Area. At the end of fiscal year 1997, SWEB had approximately 2,700
Non-Franchise Supply Customers, consisting primarily of large commercial and
industrial accounts. Revenue from these customers during fiscal year 1997
accounted for 24% of total supply revenues. SWEB has achieved a significant
increase in the number of Non-Franchise Supply Customers since the Company
acquired SWEB.
SWEB's Other Business Activities
SWEB also has ancillary business activities that support its main
electricity distribution and supply businesses, including electricity generation
and gas supply. SWEB owns generating assets with 24 MW of capacity used to back
up the distribution network as well as minority investments in windfarms and a
7.7% interest in Teesside Power Limited, owner of a 1,875 MW combined cycle
plant. SWEB has a 75% joint venture interest in a supplier of gas and derives
small amounts of revenue from the lease of fibers within the fiber optic cables
carried on its distribution network. SWEB also markets and develops property no
longer used in the main electricity businesses.
Risk Management
Because SWEB's distribution business does not involve the purchase and
sale of electricity, SWEB's risk management efforts are focused on the supply
business which is exposed to Pool price volatility.
Regulations governing the franchise supply market permit the pass-through
to customers of prudent costs which include the cost of arrangements such as
contracts for differences ("CFDs") to hedge against Pool price volatility. CFDs
are contracts predominantly between generators and suppliers which fix the price
of electricity for a contracted quantity of electricity over a specific time
period. Differences between the actual price set by the Pool and the agreed
prices give rise to difference payments between the parties to the particular
CFD. At the present time, SWEB's forecast franchise supply market demand for
fiscal year 1998 is substantially hedged through various types of agreements
including CFDs.
The most common contracts for supply to Non-Franchise Supply Customers
are for a twelve-month term and contain fixed rates. SWEB is exposed to two
principal risks associated with such contracts: load shape risk (the risk
associated with a shift in the customer's usage pattern, including absolute
amounts demanded and timing of amounts demanded) and purchasing price risk (the
cost of purchased electricity relative to the price received from the supply
customer). SWEB employs risk management methods to maximize its return
consistent with an acceptable level of risk. Generally load shape risk decreases
as SWEB's portfolio of supply customers in the non-franchise supply market
increases. SWEB hedges purchasing price risk by employing a variety of risk
management tools, including management of its supply contract portfolio, hedging
contracts and other means which mitigate risk of future Pool price volatility.
SWEB's ability to manage its purchasing price risk depends, in part, on
the future availability of properly priced risk management mechanisms such as
CFDs. No assurance can be given that an adequate, transparent market for such
products will in fact be available.
SWEB is also investigating whether owning its own source of generation or
contracting for such source or sources would be an appropriate method for
partially managing purchase price risk, but no assurance can be given that such
methods would be available to, or economically appropriate for, SWEB.
I-7
The Company and SWEB utilize certain financial derivative contracts for
the sole purpose of hedging business exposure in connection with fluctuations in
interest rates and currency rates. Interest rate swaps are used to assure the
stability of future interest charges, by effectively converting a portion of
outstanding variable-rate debt into fixed rates. In addition, the US dollar
liabilities associated with certain of the Company's and SWEB's debt are
converted into pounds sterling by entering into foreign currency hedging
contracts.
UK Environmental Regulation
SWEB's businesses are subject to numerous regulatory requirements with
respect to the protection of the environment. The Electricity Act obligates the
President of the Board of Trade and Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to
take into account the effect of electricity generation, transmission and supply
activities upon the physical environment in approving applications for the
construction of generating facilities and the location of overhead power lines.
The Electricity Act requires SWEB to have regard to the desirability of
preserving natural beauty and the conservation of natural and man-made features
of particular interest, when it formulates proposals for development in
connection with certain of its activities. The Company mitigates the effects its
proposals have on natural and man-made features and is required to carry out an
environmental assessment when it intends to lay cables, construct overhead lines
or carry out any other development in connection with its licensed activities.
SWEB also has produced an Environmental Policy Statement which sets out the
manner in which it intends to comply with its obligations under the Electricity
Act.
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 addresses waste management issues
and imposes certain obligations and duties on companies which handle and dispose
of waste. Some of SWEB's distribution activities produce waste, but SWEB
believes that it is in compliance with the applicable standards in such regard.
Possible adverse health effects of EMFs from various sources, including
transmission and distribution lines, have been the subject of a number of
studies and increasing public discussion. The scientific research is currently
inconclusive as to whether EMFs may cause adverse health effects. The only UK
standards for exposure to power frequency EMFs are those promulgated by the
National Radiological Protection Board and relate to the levels above which
non-reversible physiological effects may be observed. SWEB fully complies with
these standards. However, there is the possibility that the introduction and
passage of legislation and change of regulatory standards would require measures
to mitigate EMFs, with resulting increases in capital and operating costs. In
addition, the potential exists for public liability with respect to lawsuits
brought by plaintiffs claiming damages for adverse health effects caused by
EMFs.
SWEB believes that it 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 SWEB or the Company with respect to any environmental matter.
Employees
At March 31, 1997, SWEB had 2,737 employees (2,647 full time equivalent)
and the Company had no employees. Of SWEB's employees, 96% are represented by
labor unions. All SWEB employees who are not party to a personal employment
contract are subject to one of two collective bargaining agreements. One is
called The Electricity Business Agreement, which covered 2,581 employees at
March 31, 1997 (2,492 full time equivalent); it may be amended by agreement
between SWEB and the unions and is terminable with 12 months notice by either
side. The other is called the SWEB Data Collection Services Agreement, which
covered 56 employees at March 31, 1997 (55 full time equivalent); it may be
amended by agreement between SWEB and the unions and is terminable by written
notice (with no period specified) by either side. SWEB believes that its
relations with its employees are favorable. Legal proceedings concerning the
I-8
Electricity Supply Pension Scheme involving a company other than SWEB were
taken. These proceedings may affect SWEB in the future. See "Item 3 - Legal
Proceedings".
Item 2. PROPERTIES
The Company through a subsidiary of SWEB owns the freehold of its
principal executive offices in Bristol. SWEB has both network and non-network
land and buildings.
Network Land and Buildings
At March 31, 1997 SWEB had freehold and leasehold interests in
approximately 12,000 network properties, comprising principally substation
sites. The recorded cost of total network land and buildings at March 31, 1997
was (pound)67 million.
Non-Network Land and Buildings
At March 31, 1997 SWEB had freehold and leasehold interests in
non-network properties comprising chiefly offices, former retail outlets,
depots, warehouses and workshops. The recorded cost of total non-network land
and buildings at March 31, 1997 was (pound)36 million.
The number of properties in each category is:
Freehold or
Long Leasehold Leasehold
-------------- ---------
Depots.................................. 35 1
Offices................................. 8 -
Surplus property(1)..................... 83 19
- - ---------
(1) Largely unused retail sites. The number of freeholds is approximated.
For a discussion of other properties and other assets of SWEB, see Item
1-"Business-SWEB's Main Businesses-Distribution Facilities."
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company and SWEB are routinely party to legal proceedings arising in
the ordinary course of business which are not material, either individually or
in the aggregate. The Company is not a party to any material legal proceedings
nor is it currently aware of any threatened material legal proceedings, except
as described below.
The Pensions Ombudsman (a UK statutorily appointed independent
arbitrator) has issued a determination in favor of complaints made by members of
the Electricity Supply Pension Scheme ("ESPS") relating to another employer's
use of ESPS surplus to offset the employer's costs of providing early pensions
on redundancies and certain other items. Under that determination the Pensions
Ombudsman directed the employer to pay into ESPS the amount of that use of the
surplus plus interest. The determination was challenged in the High Court by the
employer, and the High Court upheld the employer's appeal in a judgment
delivered on June 10, 1997. The High Court also granted the complainants leave
to appeal to a higher court. No date has yet been set for any hearing in the
higher court. If the complainants' appeal is successful either at the higher
court or on a subsequent appeal to the House of Lords, it will have an adverse
effect on SWEB. No payments are required until such challenge has been heard. It
is not practical to make an estimate of the exposure at the present time.
Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None
I-9
PART II
Item 5. COMMON EQUITY MARKET
There is no established public trading market for the Company's common
stock, all of which is owned indirectly by Southern and PP&L Resources.
Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(In Millions)
Period from|
inception | Period from
(June 23, | April 1,
Fiscal Fiscal 1995) to | 1995 to Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal
Year Year March 31, | September Year Year Year
1997 (3) 1997 (3) 1996 (3) | 17, 1995 1995 1994 1993
Successor Successor Successor | Predecessor Predecessor Predecessor Predecessor
--------- --------- --------- | ---------- ----------- ----------- -----------
(pound) $ (pound) | (pound) (pound) (pound) (pound)
|
Operating Revenues 848 1,395 481 | 299 776 808 892 (1)
Net Income 55 90 59 | 24 94 88 78 (1)
Total Assets 1,721 2,831 1,686 | 795 820 831 708
Long-term Debt 301 495 - | 95 95 92 87
Preferred Securities (2) 50 82 - | - - - -
Common Dividend Declared 37 60 191 | 75 30 29 24
- - -------------
(1) Operating revenues and net income for Fiscal Year 1993 have been
determined under UK GAAP.
(2) Company Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Securities of Southern
Investments UK Capital Trust I Holding Company Junior Subordinated
Debentures. See Note 10 in the "Notes to the Financial Statements".
(3) Successor periods are not comparable to predecessor periods due to
acquisition related adjustments (including the revaluation of assets and
liabilities) and to increases in debt as a result of the acquisition.
II-1
Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto. The consolidated
financial statements discussed in this Section are presented in accordance with
US GAAP. Solely for the convenience of the reader, pounds sterling amounts have
been translated into US dollars at the Noon Buying Rate on March 31, 1997 of
$1.6448 = (pound)1.00; see Note 1 in the "Notes to the Financial Statements".
INTRODUCTION
Background
The Company was incorporated as a public limited company under the laws
of England and Wales in June 1995, as a vehicle for the acquisition of SWEB. In
September 1995, the Company gained effective control of SWEB. The Company
subsequently replaced SWEB's board of directors and certain senior managers with
officers and employees of companies from within the Southern Company system.
Total consideration for the acquisition was (pound)1.065 billion ($1.752
billion) excluding a special dividend of (pound)52 million ($85 million) paid by
SWEB to its former shareholders (other than those whose shares the Company had
purchased in the open market). Such dividend, when considered in aggregate with
the final dividend of (pound)23 million ($38 million) paid in October 1995 in
respect of fiscal year 1995, yields the (pound)75 million ($123 million) payment
of pre-acquisition dividends disclosed in the financial statements located
elsewhere in this document.
Accounting for the Acquisition
The recorded assets and liabilities of SWEB immediately prior to the time
the Company gained effective control of SWEB were (pound)855 million ($1,406
million) and (pound)515 million ($847 million), respectively. As a result of the
purchase method of accounting, the amount of SWEB's assets recorded on the books
of the Company was increased by (pound)927 million ($1,525 million) to their
fair value of (pound)1.782 billion ($2.931 billion), and the amount of SWEB's
liabilities recorded on the books of the Company was increased by (pound)385
million ($633 million) to their fair value of (pound)900 million ($1.480
billion). The increase in liabilities included the establishment of reserves
totalling (pound)44 million ($72 million) related principally to staff
reductions and the disposition of ancillary businesses. The resulting difference
between the purchase price of (pound)1.065 billion ($1.752 billion) and the
difference between the fair value of the assets acquired and the fair value of
the liabilities assumed as well as the reserves established resulted in goodwill
of (pound)183 million ($301 million).
The unaudited pro forma information presented for fiscal year 1996 ("Pro
Forma Fiscal Year 1996") consists of the historical results of operations of the
Predecessor Company prior to the acquisition and the results of operations of
the Successor Company subsequent to the acquisition, both of which have been
adjusted for the effects of the acquisition as though it had taken place on
April 1, 1995. The effects of the acquisition that are reflected in Pro Forma
Fiscal Year 1996 include: (i) depreciation expense based on property, plant and
equipment valued according to the purchase method of accounting as if the
acquisition had occurred on April 1, 1995, (ii) amortization of goodwill valued
according to the purchase method of accounting as if the acquisition had
occurred on April 1, 1995, (iii) fair valuation of existing liabilities and the
related interest expense as if the acquisition had occurred on April 1, 1995,
(iv) debt issued to finance the acquisition and the related interest expense as
if the acquisition had occurred on April 1, 1995 and (v) recognition of pension
fund surplus and the reduction of pension expense in the accounts of the
Company.
The information for Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996 has been prepared for
illustrative purposes only and, because of its nature, cannot give a complete
picture of the Company's results of operations for that year had the
transactions been consummated on the date assumed and does not project the
II-2
Company's financial position or results of operations for any future date or
period. Unaudited amounts have been prepared based upon the audited consolidated
financial statements of the Company, which have been prepared in accordance with
US GAAP.
Significant Events
During fiscal year 1996, the sale by SWEB of its shares in NGG and
related actions produced a nonrecurring pre-tax gain of (pound)14 million over
the fair value established at the time of the Company's acquisition of effective
control of SWEB and resulted in net pre-tax cash flow of (pound)241 million.
This followed a listing for the NGG shares on the London Stock Exchange. The
listing was conditional upon the prior demerger of NGG's pumped storage
electricity generation business ("PSB") in order for NGG to sell that business.
PSB was sold in December 1995. SWEB had received (pound)36 million of its share
of the total proceeds from that sale by the end of fiscal year 1996 and a
further (pound)7 million by the end of fiscal year 1997. The fair value of this
asset at acquisition was assessed at (pound)39 million. In fiscal year 1996 SWEB
paid to the Company and the Company paid to Holdings a dividend of (pound)191
million which was made possible because of the proceeds from the sale of SWEB's
interest in NGG. See Note 11 in the "Notes to the Financial Statements".
SWEB has progressively withdrawn from its involvement in non-core
businesses. Neither the contribution to SWEB's or the Company's operating income
from the disposed businesses nor the effect of the dispositions on SWEB's or the
Company's net income was material after taking into account the reserves
established in connection with the acquisition. SWEB sold its appliance
retailing business in June 1995; its appliance servicing business in February
1996; its creditor and warranty insurance business and electrical installation
and contracting business in March 1996; and its interest in a cable television
and telecommunications company in July 1996.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
SWEB was acquired on September 18, 1995. Since that time the new
management has undertaken certain restructuring and the level and cost of
financing has changed significantly. The results for fiscal year 1996 have been
presented on a pro forma basis to provide a comparison with fiscal year 1997.
Fiscal Year 1997 Compared with Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996 Compared with Fiscal
Year 1995
Earnings
Operating income decreased by (pound)4 million (3%) from (pound)129
million in the Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996 to (pound)125 million in the fiscal
year 1997. This decrease was due to a (pound)4 million decrease in operating
income from the distribution business, a (pound)3 million decrease in operating
income from the supply business, partly offset by a (pound)3 million increase in
operating income from the ancillary businesses. Operating income decreased by
(pound)10 million (7%) from (pound)139 million in fiscal year 1995 to (pound)129
million in Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996. This decrease was due to a (pound)24
million increase in cost of sales, partially offset by a (pound)4 million
increase in operating revenues and a (pound)10 million decrease in operating
expenses.
Net income increased by (pound)6 million (12%) from (pound)49 million in
the Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996 to (pound)55 million in the fiscal year 1997.
This increase was primarily attributable to reduced after-tax interest expense
of (pound)9 million resulting from the repayment during the second half of
fiscal year 1996 of debt issued to finance the acquisition and increased gains
on the sale of investments, offset by decreased operating income as described
above. Net income decreased by (pound)45 million (48%) from (pound)94 million in
fiscal year 1995 to (pound)49 million in Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996. In addition
to the factors discussed in the previous paragraph which reduced operating
income, the decrease in net income was primarily due to increased after-tax
interest expense of (pound)37 million principally due to debt issued for
acquisition.
II-3
Revenues
Operating revenues increased by (pound)68 million (9%) from (pound)780
million in Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996 to (pound)848 million in the fiscal year
1997 and increased by (pound)4 million (1%) from (pound)776 million in fiscal
year 1995 as follows:
Operating Revenues Operating Revenues
Increase (Decrease) from the Increase (Decrease) from Fiscal
Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996 Year 1995 to Pro Forma Fiscal
to the Fiscal Year 1997 Year 1996
------------------------- --------------------------------
((pound) millions, except %) ((pound) millions, except %)
Electricity distribution (21) (22)
Electricity supply 62 1
Other 9 (3)
Intra-business(1) 18 28
--- ---
Total operating revenues 68 4
=== ===
Percentage change 9% 1%
- - -------------
(1) Intra-business revenues relate to the elimination of intra-business revenues
in consolidation, principally distribution sales to the supply business.
Two factors determine the amount of revenues produced by the main
electricity distribution business: the unit price of the electricity distributed
(which is controlled by the Distribution Price Control Formula) and the number
of electricity units distributed. Following the Regulator's distribution price
review in 1994, the Regulator reduced SWEB's allowable expected distribution
revenues, effective beginning fiscal year 1996, by 14%, before an allowed
increase for inflation. Subsequently, the Regulator announced a further
distribution price reduction which has had and will continue to have the effect
of reducing SWEB's allowable expected distribution revenues, effective beginning
fiscal year 1997, by a further 11%, before an allowed increase for inflation. In
the fiscal year 1997, application of the Distribution Price Control Formula
resulted in a reduction in SWEB's distribution revenues as compared to the Pro
Forma Fiscal Year 1996. The number of units distributed depends on the demands
of SWEB's customers for electricity. That demand varies based in part upon
weather conditions and economic activity. Revenues from the distribution
business decreased by (pound)21 million (8%) from (pound)252 million for the Pro
Forma Fiscal Year 1996 to (pound)231 million for the fiscal year 1997 and also
decreased by (pound)22 million (8%) from fiscal year 1995 as a result of the
following factors:
Operating Revenues from Operating Revenues from
Electricity Distribution Electricity Distribution
Increase (Decrease) from the Pro Increase (Decrease) from Fiscal
Forma Fiscal Year 1996 Year 1995 to Pro Forma
to the Fiscal Year 1997 Fiscal Year 1996
------------------------------ ----------------------------------
((pound) millions, except %) ((pound) millions, except %)
Application of Distribution Price Control Formula. (19) (20)
Sales growth 1 9
Other revenue attributable to distribution business (3) (11)
-- ----
Total distribution revenues (21) (22)
=== ====
Percentage change (8%) (8%)
Two factors determine the amount of revenues produced by the supply
business: the unit price of the electricity supplied (which, in the case of the
Franchise Supply Customers, is controlled by the Supply Price Control Formula)
II-4
and the number of electricity units supplied. Until April 1998, SWEB is expected
to have the exclusive right to supply all Franchise Supply Customers in its
Franchise Area.
Franchise Supply Customers are generally residential/domestic and small
commercial customers. The volume of unit sales of electricity for Franchise
Supply Customers is influenced largely by the number of customers in the
Franchise Area, weather conditions and prevailing economic conditions. Unit
sales to Non-Franchise Supply Customers are determined primarily by the success
of the supply business in entering into contracts to supply customers with
electricity.
Revenues from the supply business increased by (pound)62 million (9%)
from (pound)726 million for the Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996 to (pound)788 million
for the fiscal year 1997. In the fiscal year 1997, the number of electricity
units supplied increased by 23% but total revenues produced by the supply
business increased by only 9%, because a majority of the increase in total units
supplied was to Non-Franchise Supply Customers, who are the larger energy users
charged at generally lower average unit prices than those charged to Franchise
Supply Customers. Within the franchise market, the number of electricity units
increased by 1%, offset by a reduction in allowable income as set by the Supply
Price Control Formula. Revenues from the supply business increased by (pound)1
million from (pound)725 million in fiscal year 1995 to (pound)726 million in Pro
Forma Fiscal Year 1996. This increase reflects an increase of (pound)11 million
in revenues from the franchise supply market which offset a (pound)10 million
reduction in revenues from the non-franchise supply market which was primarily
due to lower unit sales. The (pound)11 million increase was the result of an
overall increase in unit sales to supply customers and application of the Supply
Price Control Formula which resulted in an upward inflation adjustment that
exceeded the downward regulatory factor adjustment.
Intra-business eliminations for fiscal year 1997 decreased by (pound)18
million (7%) from Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996 which decreased by (pound)28
million (10%) from fiscal year 1995 primarily as the result of the decrease in
revenues from the distribution business described above.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales increased by (pound)90 million (18%) from (pound)504
million in the Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996 to (pound)594 million in the fiscal
year 1997. This increase was principally the result of an increase in the supply
business cost of sales of (pound)68 million reflecting an increase in purchases
of electricity to supply the increase in unit sales as discussed above. Cost of
sales increased by (pound)24 million (5%) from (pound)480 million in fiscal year
1995 to (pound)504 million in Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996. This increase is
principally the result of an increase in the supply business energy purchase
costs of (pound)20 million.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses decreased by (pound)18 million (12%) from (pound)147
million in the Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996 to (pound)129 million in the fiscal
year 1997. This decrease was primarily due to a (pound)4 million decrease in
maintenance costs and a (pound)15 million decrease in selling, general and
administrative costs, which were partially offset by a (pound)1 million increase
in depreciation and amortization resulting from the application of the purchase
method of accounting.
The decrease in selling, general and administrative costs included a
decrease in certain classes of computer software development costs which were
expensed during the first half of Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996 but which were
capitalized subsequently, having satisfied the criteria for capitalization under
the Company's accounting policy (see Note 1 to the "Notes to the Financial
Statements"). The decrease in selling, general and administrative costs also
included a decrease in labor costs resulting from a reduction in personnel.
II-5
Operating expenses decreased by (pound)10 million (6%) from (pound)157
million in fiscal year 1995 to (pound)147 million in Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996.
This decrease was principally due to a reduction in severance costs of (pound)6
million as a result of providing for severance costs under the purchase method
of accounting at the acquisition date and a net decrease in certain classes of
computer software development costs which were expensed during fiscal year 1995
but were capitalized in Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996, partially offset by an
increase in net pension costs and an increase in depreciation and amortization
expense.
Interest Expense
Interest expense decreased by (pound)14 million from (pound)66 million in
the Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996 to (pound)52 million in the fiscal year 1997,
principally as a result of the financing costs associated with the amount of
debt issued for the acquisition. Interest expense for Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996
reflects interest expense recorded in connection with the acquisition as if the
acquisition had occurred on April 1, 1995, and had been 100% financed with
short-term borrowings at an interest rate of 6% per year. However, in the fiscal
year 1997, the Company benefitted from the retirement of (pound)96 million of
debt and the conversion of (pound)500 million of debt to equity during the
second half of fiscal year 1996. The weighted average balance of debt
outstanding during the fiscal year 1997 was (pound)623 million at a weighted
average interest rate of 8.3% compared to (pound)876 million at 7.5% during the
Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996.
Interest expense increased by (pound)55 million from (pound)11 million in
fiscal year 1995 to (pound)66 million in Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996 principally
as a result of the financing costs associated with the increased amounts of debt
issued for acquisition. Interest expense for Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996 reflects
interest expense recorded in connection with the acquisition as if the
acquisition had occurred on April 1, 1995 and had initially been 100% financed
with short term borrowings at an interest rate of 6% per year. In the second
half of Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996, the Company converted (pound)500 million of
debt to equity. The weighted average balance of debt outstanding during the Pro
Forma Fiscal Year 1996 was (pound)876 million at a weighted average interest
rate of 7.5% compared to (pound)93 million at 11.9% during fiscal year 1995.
Gain on Sale of Investments
Gains on the sale of investments increased by (pound)6 million from no
gain in the Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996 to (pound)6 million in the fiscal year
1997. This increase was principally attributable to additional proceeds of
(pound)4 million relating to the demerger of the PSB associated with the sale of
NGG. See "Significant Events".
Income Taxes
Income taxes increased by (pound)6 million from (pound)26 million in the
Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996 to (pound)32 million in the fiscal year 1997. Income
taxes decreased by (pound)24 million from (pound)50 million in fiscal year 1995
to (pound)26 million in Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996. The increase and decrease,
respectively, were primarily attributable to an increase/decrease in pre-tax
income.
Future Earnings Potential
The results of operations discussed above are not necessarily indicative
of future earnings potential. The level of future earnings depends on numerous
factors including the success of the implementation of reorganization plans,
future regulatory price reviews and the level of energy sales growth in the
electricity supply business.
The largest portion (approximately 86%) of SWEB's operating income is
derived from its distribution business essentially the operation and maintenance
of the electricity network in its Franchise Area in south west England. SWEB is
the only distributor of electricity in this area, and management believes that
economic, environmental and regulatory factors are likely to prevent competitors
from entering this business in SWEB's Franchise Area.
II-6
The supply market is subject to change as it is currently partially open
to competition and competition is scheduled to be extended to the remaining
customers (largely domestic and small commercial) after March 31, 1998.
Two possible major impacts on future earnings are a court ruling related
to a pension matter and the windfall tax expected to be introduced by the Labour
government. See Notes 2 and 4, respectively, in the "Notes to the Financial
Statements" herein for discussion of these matters. Additionally, other
contingencies, including the possibility of changes in the valuation of the
Teesside contract, and other matters that may affect future earnings potential
are discussed in Notes 3 and 4.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Overview
Substantial changes in the Company's financial condition during the
fiscal year 1997 were the addition by SWEB of approximately (pound)69 million in
property, plant, and equipment, largely in respect of the distribution network;
the issuance of $500 million of bonds; the issuance of $82 million of
mandatorily redeemable preferred securities; and the introduction of a
commercial paper program. The funds required for the plant additions were
derived primarily from operations. It is expected that SWEB's capital
requirements in the foreseeable future for investment in property will be
generated from operating activities. The funds from the issuance of debt were
used to retire short-term debt.
Demand for electricity in Great Britain, in general, and in SWEB's
Franchise Area, in particular, is seasonal, with demand being higher in the
winter months and lower in the summer months. SWEB balances the effect of this
and other cyclical influences on its working capital needs with drawings under
its available credit facilities.
The Company's sole investment and only significant asset is the entire
share capital of SWEB. The Company is therefore dependent upon dividends from
SWEB for its cash flow. SWEB can make distribution of dividends to the Company
under English law to the extent that it has distributable reserves, subject to
the retention of sufficient financial resources to conduct its supply and
distribution businesses as required by its regulatory license. The Company
believes that currently sufficient distributable reserves will exist at SWEB to
allow for any and all cash flow generated at SWEB through operations to be
distributed to the Company through dividends to the Company. In the UK, the
Accounting Standards Board currently has a discussion paper reviewing the
treatment of deferred income tax accounting to be required in the future; SWEB's
distributable reserves could be significantly reduced by this matter.
Financing Activities
In November 1996, the Company issued $500 million Senior Notes in the US,
the proceeds of which were used to reduce short-term bank loans in the UK. Some
$168 million of the Senior Notes are due for redemption in 2001 and $332 million
in 2006; the Senior Notes are at rates of 6.375% and 6.8%, respectively. The
Company entered into currency swap transactions that effectively convert the US
dollar obligations of the Senior Notes into pounds sterling obligations, with a
nominal value of (pound)300 million.
SWEB has established a commercial paper program in the US, first utilized
in February 1997 to reduce short-term bank loans. The maximum available under
the program, which is fully supported by a swingline facility provided by a
syndicate of banks, is $520 million. The amount not utilized at March 31, 1997
was $117 million. SWEB enters into foreign currency contracts to hedge the
currency risk associated with the interest and principal of each issue under
this program.
II-7
The Company and SWEB have entered into agreements that effectively swap
into fixed rates, (pound)150 million of SWEB's variable-rate debt, for periods
of between 7 and 15 years.
In January 1997, Southern Investments UK Capital Trust I (the "Trust"), a
statutory business trust formed under the laws of the State of Delaware and
established for the sole purpose of issuing its own securities and investing the
proceeds thereof in the 8.23% subordinated debentures issued by the Company and
scheduled to mature on February 1, 2027, sold $82 million of its 8.23% preferred
securities. The Company guarantees the Trust's obligations under the preferred
securities. The proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the preferred
securities were used in part to repay short-term bank loans. The Company has
also entered into foreign currency swap contracts to hedge the currency risk
associated with the interest and principal on the preferred securities, by
swapping the US dollar liabilities back to pounds sterling for the period to
February 2007. The nominal value of the swapped liabilities is (pound)50
million.
Sources of Capital
To meet short-term cash needs and contingencies, the Company and SWEB
together had at March 31, 1997 approximately (pound)3 million of cash and cash
equivalents, $520 million of unused committed lines of credit (as standby for
the commercial paper program) and (pound)120 million of other unused committed
lines of credit with banks. Subsequent to March 31, 1997, SWEB has increased the
amount of committed lines of credit with banks. At March 31, 1997 the Company
and SWEB together had short-term debt of (pound)284 million largely payable to
investors in the commercial paper program in the US.
II-8
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Southern Investments UK plc and Subsidiaries (Successor Company) and South
Western Electricity plc and Subsidiaries (Predecessor Company)
Index to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Page
Management's Report........................................................................... II-10
Report of Independent Public Accountants*..................................................... II-11
Report of Independent Auditors *.............................................................. II-12
Consolidated Statements of Income............................................................. II-13
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholder's Equity..................................... II-14
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows......................................................... II-15
Consolidated Balance Sheets................................................................... II-16
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements................................................ II-18
*Change of Auditors.
Following acquisition, there was a change in the auditors of SWEB. See Item 9.
II-9
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (SUCCESSOR COMPANY)
MANAGEMENT'S REPORT
1997 Annual Report
The management of the Company has prepared -- and is responsible for --
the financial statements and related information included in this report. These
statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles appropriate in the circumstances and necessarily include amounts that
are the best estimates and judgments of management. Financial information
throughout this annual report is consistent with the financial statements.
The Company maintains a system of internal accounting controls to provide
reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded and that books and records
reflect only authorized transactions of the Company. Limitations exist in any
system of internal controls, however, based on a recognition that the cost of
the system should not exceed its benefits. The Company believes its system of
internal accounting controls maintains an appropriate cost/benefit relationship.
The Company's system of internal accounting controls is evaluated on an
ongoing basis by the Company's internal audit staff. The Company's independent
public accountants also consider certain elements of the internal control system
in order to determine their auditing procedures for the purpose of expressing an
opinion on the financial statements.
Management believes that its policies and procedures provide reasonable
assurance that the Company's operations are conducted according to a high
standard of business ethics.
In management's opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows
of the Company in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in
the United States.
/s/ Richard J. Pershing /s/ Carson B. Harreld
Richard J. Pershing Carson B. Harreld
Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial and Accounting Officer
June 24, 1997
II-10
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors of Southern Investments UK plc:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of SOUTHERN
INVESTMENTS UK plc and SUBSIDIARIES (the "Company" being a company incorporated
in England and Wales) as of March 31, 1997 and 1996, the related consolidated
statements of income, changes in stockholder`s equity and cash flows for the
year ended March 31, 1997 and from inception (June 23, 1995) to March 31, 1996.
In addition we have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of income,
changes in stockholder's equity, and cash flows of SOUTH WESTERN ELECTRICITY plc
and SUBSIDIARIES for the period from April 1, 1995 to September 17, 1995. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. 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 audits provide 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
Southern Investments UK plc as of March 31, 1997 and 1996 and the consolidated
results of its operations, changes in stockholder's equity and cash flows for
the year ended March 31, 1997 and for the period from inception (June 23, 1995)
to March 31, 1996, and the consolidated results of the operations, changes in
stockholder's equity, and cash flows of South Western Electricity plc for the
period from April 1, 1995 to September 17, 1995, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles in the United States.
/s/ Arthur Andersen
ARTHUR ANDERSEN
Bristol, England
June 24, 1997
II-11
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Board of Directors of South Western Electricity plc:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of income,
changes in stockholder's equity and cash flows of SOUTH WESTERN ELECTRICITY plc
AND SUBSIDIARIES (Predecessor Company) for the year ended March 31, 1995. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with United Kingdom auditing
standards which do not differ in any significant respect from those generally
accepted in the 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 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 results of operations and
consolidated cash flows of South Western Electricity plc and subsidiaries for
the year ended March 31, 1995 in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States.
/s/ Ernst & Young
ERNST & YOUNG
Chartered Accountants
Bristol, England
August 27, 1996
II-12
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (SUCCESSOR COMPANY)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1997, AND FOR THE PERIOD FROM INCEPTION
(JUNE 23, 1995) TO MARCH 31, 1996
SOUTH WESTERN ELECTRICITY plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (PREDECESSOR COMPANY)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED APRIL 1, 1995 TO SEPTEMBER 17, 1995 AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31, 1995
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
(In Millions)
1997 1997 1995
Inception | April 1,
(June 23, | 1995
1995) to | to September
March 31, | 17, 1995
1996 (1) | (1)
Successor Successor Successor | Predecessor Predecessor
--------- --------- --------- | ----------- -----------
(pound) $ (pound) | (pound) (pound)
|
OPERATING REVENUES 848 1,395 481 | 299 776
COST OF SALES 594 977 318 | 186 480
------- ------- ------- | ------- -------
GROSS MARGIN 254 418 163 | 113 296
------- ------- ------- | ------- -------
OPERATING EXPENSES: |
Maintenance 35 57 21 | 18 45
Depreciation and amortization 43 71 22 | 15 31
Selling, general and administrative 51 84 34 | 40 81
------- ------- ------- | ------- -------
Total operating expenses 129 212 77 | 73 157
------- ------- ------- | ------- -------
Operating income 125 206 86 | 40 139
------- ------- ------- | ------- -------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): |
Interest income 2 3 7 | 2 7
Interest expense (52) (86) (28) | (5) (11)
Gain on sale of investments 6 10 14 | - -
Investment income 6 10 - | - 16
Other, net - - 2 | 1 -
------- ------- ------- | ------- -------
Total other income(expense) (38) (63) (5) | (2) 12
------- ------- ------- | ------- -------
|
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 87 143 81 | 38 151
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 32 53 28 | 13 50
------- ------- ------- | ------- -------
|
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 55 90 53 | 25 101
|
INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net of income |
tax effect of (pound)0 - - - | (1) 1
LOSS ON DISPOSAL OF DISCONTINUED |
OPERATIONS, net of income tax effect of |
(pound) 4 - - - | - (8)
EXTRAORDINARY GAIN ON EARLY |
EXTINGUISHMENT OF DEBT, net of income tax |
effect of (pound)3 - - 6 | - -
------- ------- ------- | ------- -------
NET INCOME (pound) 55 $ 90 (pound)59 | (pound) 24 (pound) 94
========== ======= ========= | ========== ==========
- - -------------
(1) See Note 14 for Details of Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
II-13
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (SUCCESSOR COMPANY)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1997, AND FOR THE PERIOD FROM INCEPTION
(JUNE 23, 1995) TO MARCH 31, 1996
SOUTH WESTERN ELECTRICITY plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (PREDECESSOR COMPANY)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED APRIL 1, 1995 TO SEPTEMBER 17, 1995 AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31, 1995
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(In Millions)
Number of Ordinary Share Retained Total
Ordinary Share Shares of Premium Earnings/ Stockholders'
Shares Capital 50p Each Account (Deficit) Equity
(pound) (pound) (pound) (pound) (pound) (pound)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PREDECESSOR COMPANY
Balance, March 31, 1994 123 62 - - 351 413
Repurchase of own shares (12) (6) - 6 (103) (103)
Issue of share capital - - - - - -
Dividends (25p per share) - - - - (30) (30)
Net income - - - - 94 94
---- --- --- --- ----- -----
Balance, March 31, 1995 111 56 - 6 312 374
Issue of share capital 1 - 2 - - 2
Dividends:
20p per share for 111 million shares - - - - (23) (23)
65p per share for 81 million shares - - - - (52) (52)
Net income - - - - 24 24
----- ----- --- ----- ----- -----
Balance, September 17, 1995 112 56 2 6 261 325
===== ===== === ===== ===== =====
SUCCESSOR COMPANY
Balance, June 23, 1995 - - - - - -
Net income - - - - 59 59
Proceeds from sale of National Grid
Holdings reflected as dividends
(Note 12) - - - - (191) (191)
Conversion of advances to equity
(Note 12) 315 315 - - - 315
Equity contribution (Note 12) 185 185 - - - 185
---- ---- --- --- ----- -----
Balance, March 31, 1996 500 500 - - (132) 368
Net income - - - - 55 55
Dividends declared on common stock - - - - (37) (37)
---- ---- --- --- ----- ----
Balance, March 31, 1997 500 500 - - (114) 386
==== ==== === === ===== =====
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
II-14
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (SUCCESSOR COMPANY) FOR THE YEAR
ENDED MARCH 31, 1997, AND FOR THE PERIOD FROM INCEPTION (JUNE 23, 1995)
TO MARCH 31, 1996
SOUTH WESTERN ELECTRICITY plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (PREDECESSOR COMPANY)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED APRIL 1, 1995 TO SEPTEMBER 17, 1995 AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31, 1995
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In Millions)
1997 1997 Inception | April 1, 1995
(June 23, | 1995 to
1995) to | September
March 31, | 17, 1995
1996 |
Successor Successor Successor | Predecessor Predecessor
--------- ---------- --------- | ----------- -----------
(pound) $ (pound) | (pound) (pound)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |
Net income 55 90 59 | 24 94
----- ----- ----- | ----- ------
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash |
provided by operating activities: |
Depreciation and amortization 43 71 22 | 15 31
Gain on sale of investments (6) (10) (14) | - -
Gain on early extinguishment of debt - - (9) | - -
Changes in assets and liabilities: |
Receivables, net (22) (36) 6 | 32 (5)
Accounts payable (29) (48) (39) | (7) 1
Accrued income taxes 50 82 5 | (3) (5)
Other, net (32) (52) (5) | 8 (16)
----- ----- ------ | ----- ------
Total adjustments 4 7 (34) | 45 6
----- ----- ------ | ----- ------
Net cash provided by operating activities 59 97 25 | 69 100
----- ----- ----- | ----- ------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: |
Consideration for purchase of SWEB paid to former |
shareholders - - (1,023) | - -
Capital expenditures (70) (115) (37) | (22) (68)
Loans to related parties (2) (3) - | (3) -
Proceeds from property, plant and equipment sales 7 11 - | 5 1
Purchases of investments - - - | (28) (66)
Proceeds from sales of investments 17 28 270 | 26 66
----- ----- ----- | ----- ------
Net cash used in investing activities (48) (79) (790) | (22) (67)
----- ----- ------ | ------ ------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
Proceeds from advances from parent - - 315 | - -
Capital contribution received - - 185 | - -
Proceeds from issuance of notes - - 650 | - -
Proceeds from issuance of bonds 300 494 597 | - -
Repayment of notes and bonds - - (696) | - -
Change in short term borrowings (366) (602) - | (23) 24
Common shares purchased - - - | - (103)
Issue of share capital - - - | 2 -
Issue of mandatorily redeemable preferred securities 50 82 - | - -
Payment of preacquisition dividends - - (75) | - -
Payment of dividends (12) (20) (191) | - (30)
------ ---- ----- | ----- ------
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (28) (46) 785 | (21) (109)
------ ---- ----- | ------ ------
|
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (17) (28) 20 | 26 (76)
|
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 20 33 - | 27 103
----- ----- ----- | ----- ------
|
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD (pound) 3 $ 5 (pound) 20 | (pound)53 (pound) 27
============ ===== ============ | ======== ==========
|
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION: |
Cash paid for interest (pound) 48 $ 79 (pound) 21 | (pound) 5 (pound) 11
============ ===== ========== | ======== ==========
Cash (received from) paid for income tax (pound) (14) $ (23) (pound) 26 | (pound) 6 (pound) 33
============= ===== ============ | ======== ==========
Conversion of debt to equity (pound) - $ - (pound) 315 | (pound) - (pound) -
============ ===== ============ | ========= ==========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
II-15
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (SUCCESSOR COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
MARCH 31, 1997 AND 1996
(In Millions)
ASSETS 1997 1997 1996
-------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- --------- ---------
(pound) $ (pound)
PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT 1,312 2,158 1,227
Less accumulated depreciation 59 97 20
----- ------ -----
Property, plant, and equipment, net 1,253 2,061 1,207
----- ------ -----
OTHER ASSETS
Investments 19 31 22
Prepaid pension cost 105 173 95
Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of (pound)7 ($12) at
March 31, 1997 and(pound)2 at March 31, 1996 176 289 173
------ ----- -----
Total other assets 300 493 290
------ ----- -----
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents 3 5 20
Investments 18 30 26
Receivables :
Customer accounts, less provision for uncollectables of (pound)12
($20) at March 31, 1997 and(pound)17 at March 31, 1996 120 197 95
Other 12 20 20
------ ------ -----
Receivables, net 132 217 115
Materials and supplies 3 5 3
Prepaid expenses 12 20 25
------ ------ -----
Total current assets 168 277 189
------ ------ -----
Total assets (pound)1,721 $2,831 (pound)1,686
============ ====== ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these balance sheets.
II-16
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (SUCCESSOR COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
MARCH 31, 1997 AND 1996
(In Millions)
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 1997 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- (pound) $ (pound)
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock, (pound)1 par value, 500,400,587 shares authorized, issued and
outstanding 500 822 500
Retained earnings (deficit) (114) (187) (132)
------ ------ -----
Total stockholder's equity 386 635 368
------ ------ -----
COMPANY OBLIGATED MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE PREFERRED SECURITIES OF SOUTHERN
INVESTMENTS UK CAPITAL TRUST I HOLDING COMPANY JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
(Note 10)
50 82 -
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Long-term debt 301 495 -
Deferred income taxes 377 620 352
Provision for loss contracts (Note 4) 69 114 62
Other 59 97 66
------ ------ -----
Total non-current liabilities 806 1,326 480
------ ------ -----
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Commercial paper 250 411 -
Short-term borrowings 34 56 650
Accounts payable 46 76 45
Accrued income taxes 31 51 19
Unearned revenue 5 8 10
Common dividend declared 25 41 -
Accrued interest 9 15 -
Other 79 130 114
------ ------ -----
Total current liabilities 479 788 838
------ ------ -----
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT MATTERS
(NOTES 2, 3 and 4)
Total stockholder's equity and liabilities (pound)1,721 $2,831 (pound)1,686
============ ====== ===========
II-17
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these balance sheets.
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (SUCCESSOR COMPANY)
AND SOUTH WESTERN ELECTRICITY plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (PREDECESSOR COMPANY)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 1997
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
General
Southern Investments UK plc (the "Company") is a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Southern Investments UK Holdings Limited ("Holdings") which is 75% owned
indirectly by The Southern Company ("Southern") and 25% owned indirectly by PP&L
Resources, Inc. The Company was incorporated as a public limited company under
the laws of England and Wales on June 23, 1995 as a vehicle for the acquisition
of South Western Electricity plc (together with its subsidiaries, "SWEB"). On
September 18, 1995, the Company gained effective control of SWEB, having
acquired approximately 84% of its shares (the "Acquisition"). Accordingly, the
Company has designated September 18, 1995 as the effective date of the
Acquisition (the "Acquisition Date"). Given that SWEB represents substantially
all of the current operations of the Company, SWEB is considered the Predecessor
Company (the "Predecessor Company"). All references in the financial statements
to the Successor Company represent the Company and its subsidiaries and to the
Predecessor Company represent South Western Electricity plc and its
subsidiaries. See Note 7 for a further discussion of the Acquisition. The pro
forma accounts for 1996 are based on the adjusted results for these two entities
for the 12 months to March 31, 1996, as set out in Note 14.
SWEB is one of the twelve regional electricity companies ("RECs") in
England and Wales licensed to distribute, supply, and, to a limited extent,
generate electricity. The RECs were created as a result of the privatization of
the electricity industry in 1990 after the state owned low voltage distribution
networks were allocated to the then existing twelve regional boards. SWEB's main
business, the distribution and supply of electricity to customers in the south
west of England, is regulated under the terms of SWEB's Public Electricity
Supply license by the Office of Electricity Regulation ("OFFER").
Basis of Presentation
The financial statements of the Company are presented in pounds sterling
((pound)) and in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States. The accompanying financial statements have not been prepared in
accordance with the policies of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation" ("SFAS No. 71").
This pronouncement, under which most US electric utilities report financial
statements, applies to entities which are subject to cost-based rate regulation.
By contrast, SWEB is not subject to rate regulation, but, rather is subject to
price cap regulation (Note 3) and therefore the provisions of SFAS No. 71 do not
apply. Financial statements presented in accordance with SFAS No. 71 contain
deferred items which have not yet been included in rates charged to customers in
compliance with the respective regulatory authorities, but which would have been
included in the income statement of enterprises in general under US GAAP. The
accompanying financial statements of the Company do not contain such deferrals.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and its wholly owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and have been prepared from
records maintained by SWEB in the United Kingdom. All significant intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in
companies in which the Company's ownership interests range from 20% to 50% and
the Company exercises significant influence over operating and financial
policies are accounted for using the equity method. Other investments are
accounted for using the cost method (Note 11).
II-18
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (SUCCESSOR COMPANY)
AND SOUTH WESTERN ELECTRICITY plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (PREDECESSOR COMPANY)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Solely for the convenience of the reader, pounds sterling amounts have
been translated into US dollars at the exchange rate of $1.6448 = (pound)1.00,
the noon buying rate in New York City for cable transfers in pounds sterling as
certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on March
31, 1997. The following table sets out this rate for previous periods:
Fiscal Year Period end Average (1) High Low
----------- ---------- ----------- ---- ---
($ per (pound)1.00)
1992..................................... 1.51 1.77 2.00 1.51
1993..................................... 1.48 1.50 1.59 1.42
1994..................................... 1.57 1.53 1.64 1.46
1995..................................... 1.55 1.58 1.64 1.53
1996..................................... 1.53 1.53 1.56 1.50
1997..................................... 1.64 1.59 1.71 1.49
- - -------------
(1) The average of the Noon Buying Rates in effect on the last business day
of each month during the relevant period.
Use of Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting
period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition
SWEB records revenue net of value added tax ("VAT") and accrues revenues
for services provided but unbilled at the end of each reporting period. SWEB
purchases power primarily from a market for the bulk trading of electricity (the
"Pool").
The Company has a diversified base of customers. No single customer or
industry comprises 10% or more of revenues.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all short-term investments with an original
maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment are recorded at fair market value as
adjusted at the acquisition date in accordance with Accounting Principles Board
Opinion No. 16, "Accounting for Business Combinations" ("APB No. 16"). Items
capitalized subsequent to the Acquisition are recorded at original cost, which
includes materials, labor, appropriate administrative and general costs, and the
II-19
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (SUCCESSOR COMPANY)
AND SOUTH WESTERN ELECTRICITY plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (PREDECESSOR COMPANY)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
estimated cost of funds used during construction. The cost of maintenance,
repairs, and replacement of minor items of property is charged to maintenance
expense.
Depreciation of the recorded cost of depreciable property, plant, and
equipment is provided by using primarily composite straight-line rates, which
approximate 3.1% per year (2.5% per year for depreciable utility plant in
service). Upon the retirement or sale of assets, the costs of such assets and
the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the balance sheet and the
gain or loss, if any, is included in income.
II-20
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (SUCCESSOR COMPANY)
AND SOUTH WESTERN ELECTRICITY plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (PREDECESSOR COMPANY)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Information Technology Consultancy and Development Costs
Significant information technology ("IT") consultancy and development
costs are capitalized when they become technologically feasible and are
amortized over their estimated useful economic life from the date of first use.
Other IT consultancy and development costs are charged to income in the period
in which they are incurred. This policy was adopted effective October 1, 1995 as
the Company embarked on a significant program of investment and will be
incurring significant development costs which are fundamental to the future
performance of the business and which will benefit the business for a number of
years. The Directors are of the opinion that in relation to the planned
development costs to be incurred in the future, the policy followed by the
Predecessor Company of writing off such costs to the Statement of Income does
not give a fair reflection of the period over which the benefits will accrue.
Prior to this change in accounting policy the Company expensed all IT
consultancy and development costs as incurred. The effect of adopting this
policy has resulted in the capitalization of (pound)5 million of costs in the
year ended March 31, 1996 and (pound)11 million of costs in the year ended March
31, 1997.
Goodwill
The Company amortizes costs in excess of fair value of net assets of the
business acquired using the straight-line method over a period of 40 years.
Recoverability (performed on the basis of undiscounted operating cash flow
analysis) is reviewed annually or sooner if events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying amount may exceed fair value, in accordance with the
provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 121,
"Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to
Be Disposed Of". Goodwill shown in the accompanying consolidated financial
statements relates to the acquisition of SWEB.
Investments
The Company accounts for its current investments in accordance with SFAS
No. 115, "Accounting for Investments for Certain Debt and Equity Securities."
These investments represent investments in debt securities, which management
classifies as available-for-sale securities in accordance with SFAS No. 115. The
Company's long-term investments consist of investments accounted for using the
cost method (See Note 11).
Income Taxes
SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," requires the asset and
liability approach for financial accounting and reporting for deferred income
taxes. The Company uses the liability method of accounting for deferred income
taxes and provides deferred income taxes for all significant income tax
temporary differences.
Financial Instruments
The Company uses financial instruments primarily to mitigate the risk of
exposure to volatility in electricity prices and fluctuations in interest and
foreign currency rates. Such instruments are accounted for as hedges, and
accordingly, gains and losses are deferred and recognized over the same period
as the item hedged (Note 8).
The Company's carrying amount of financial instruments at both March 31,
1997 and March 31, 1996 was zero (Note 8).
II-21
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (SUCCESSOR COMPANY)
AND SOUTH WESTERN ELECTRICITY plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (PREDECESSOR COMPANY)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
2. RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Pension Plans
SWEB has two pension plans, a defined benefit plan and a defined
contribution plan.
Defined Contribution Plan
The defined contribution plan was established in fiscal year 1994. The
assets of the defined contribution plan are held and administered by an
independent trustee. Contributions to the plan by SWEB on behalf of its
employees were (pound)0.1 million ($0.2 million) for fiscal year 1997.
Contributions in prior periods were not material.
Defined Benefit Plan
SWEB participates in the Electricity Supply Pension Scheme, which
provides pension and other related defined benefits, based on final pensionable
pay, to substantially all employees throughout the Electricity Supply Industry
in the United Kingdom. Contributions to the plan by SWEB on behalf of its
employees were (pound)0.6 million ($1.0 million) for fiscal year 1997,
(pound)4.8 million for the period from inception (June 23, 1995) through March
31, 1996, (pound)3.7 million for the period from April 1, 1995 to September 17,
1995 and (pound)9.8 million for fiscal year 1995.
In accordance with SFAS No. 87, as of the date of the Acquisition, the
assignment of the purchase price to individual assets acquired and liabilities
assumed includes the plan assets in excess of the projected benefit obligation.
SWEB uses the "entry age normal method with a frozen initial liability"
actuarial method for funding purposes. Amounts funded to the pension trust(s)
are primarily invested in equity and fixed-income securities. SFAS No. 87
requires use of the "projected unit credit" actuarial method for financial
reporting purposes.
II-22
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (SUCCESSOR COMPANY)
AND SOUTH WESTERN ELECTRICITY plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (PREDECESSOR COMPANY)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The following table shows the actuarial results and assumptions for pension
benefits as computed under SFAS No. 87 (in millions):
March 31, March 31, March 31,
1997 1997 1996
------ -------- --------
Successor Company pound) $ (pound)
Actuarial present value of benefit obligation
Vested benefits ............................. (493) (811) (488)
Nonvested benefits............................ - - -
---- ----- ----
Accumulated benefit obligations ................ (493) (811) (488)
Effect of future benefit obligations............ (37) (61) (37)
---- ----- ----
Projected benefit obligations..................... (530) (872) (525)
Less:
Fair value of plan assets.................. 641 1,055 642
Prior service costs ..................... 3 5 -
Unrecognized net gain .................. (9) (15) (22)
---- ----- ----
Prepaid asset recognized in the consolidated
balance sheets................................ 105 173 95
==== ===== ====
The weighted average rates assumed in the actuarial calculations were as
follows:
1997 1996 | 1995
---- ---- | ----
Successor Successor | Predecessor
Discount rate........................................... 8.50% 8.75% | 8.75%
|
Annual salary rate increase............................. 5.75% 6.00% | 6.00%
|
Long term rate of return on plan assets................. 9.50% 9.50% | 9.50%
II-23
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (SUCCESSOR COMPANY)
AND SOUTH WESTERN ELECTRICITY plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (PREDECESSOR COMPANY)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The components of the plan's net pension income are shown below (in millions):
Period from | Period from
inception | April 1,
(June 23, | 1995 to
1995) to | September Fiscal
Fiscal Year March 31, | 17, 1995 Year
1997 1996 | 1995
Successor Successor | Predecessor Predecessor
--------- ------------ | ------------ -----------
|
|
|
(pound) $ (pound) | (pound) (pound)
Benefits earned during the period................... 9 15 2 | 3 5
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation....... 44 72 22 | 20 37
Actual return on plan assets........................ (66) (109) (50) | (69) -
Net amortization and deferral....................... 9 15 22 | 42 (56)
-- --- -- | --- ----
Net pension income.................................. (4) (7) (4) | (4) (14)
=== === === | === ====
Pensions Contingency
The Pensions Ombudsman (a UK statutorily appointed independent
arbitrator) has issued a determination in favor of complaints made by members of
the Electricity Supply Pension Scheme ("ESPS") relating to another employer's
use of ESPS surplus to offset the employer's costs of providing early pensions
on redundancies and certain other items. Under that determination the Pensions
Ombudsman directed the employer to pay into ESPS the amount of
that use of the surplus plus interest. The determination was challenged in the
High Court by the employer, and the High Court upheld the employer's appeal in a
judgment delivered on June 10, 1997. The High Court also granted the
complainants leave to appeal to a higher court. No date has yet been set for any
hearing in the higher court. If the complainants' appeal is successful either at
the higher court or on a subsequent appeal to the House of Lords, it will have
an adverse effect on SWEB. No payments are required until such challenge has
been heard. It is not practical to make an estimate of the exposure at the
present time.
3. REGULATORY MATTERS
OFFER controls the revenues generated by SWEB in its distribution and
supply businesses by applying a price control formula, P + RPI -X (where X is
currently 3% for distribution and 2% for supply), where P is the price level at
the beginning of each new regulatory period, RPI is the change in the Retail
Price Index and X is an adjustment factor determined by OFFER.
In the distribution business, the Distribution Price Control Formula
("DPCR") is usually set for a five-year period, subject to more frequent
adjustments as determined necessary by the Director General of Electricity
Supply (the "Regulator"). At each review, the Regulator can require a one-time
price reduction. An initial review by the Regulator of allowable income in the
distribution business led to a reduction of the price level by 14% for SWEB
starting April 1, 1995, followed by efficiency factors of X = 2% for each year
until March 2000. On July 6, 1995, the Regulator announced the result of a
further distribution price review which was precipitated by certain market
events in the UK electric utility industry. For SWEB, such announcement meant a
further real reduction of 11% in allowable distribution income for the twelve
months from April 1, 1996, followed by an efficiency factor of X = 3% for each
year until March 31, 2000, before an allowed increase for inflation.
In the supply business, which is progressively being opened to
competition, price regulation still applies to the market for customers with a
demand of not more than 100kW. The calculation of the maximum supply charge is
based on a Supply Price Control Formula, similar to the DPCR and is set for a
four-year period. In 1993, OFFER announced the supply franchise market (i.e.
with demand of not more than 100kW) income entitlement for the four-year period
ending March 1998. A relatively small efficiency factor of X = 2% was applied to
SWEB and is being offset by an allowance for both unit and customer growth. The
non-franchise markets (above 1MW) were opened to full competition during
II-24
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (SUCCESSOR COMPANY)
AND SOUTH WESTERN ELECTRICITY plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (PREDECESSOR COMPANY)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
privatization in 1990; the non-franchise markets above 100kW were opened to full
competition starting in April 1994. OFFER is currently undertaking a further
Supply Price Control Formula review, effective from April 1, 1998; the result of
their review is not expected to be announced before October, 1997.
4. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT MATTERS
Power Purchase Agreements
SWEB has entered into a contract relating to the purchase of 200
megawatts of capacity from a 7.69% owned related party, Teesside Power Limited
("Teesside"), for a period of 15 years beginning April 1, 1993. The contract
sets escalating electricity purchase prices at predetermined levels. The Company
has recognized an accrual at the acquisition date for the excess of these
Teesside power purchase costs in each year over an estimate of the equivalent
pool costs in that respective year. These costs have been discounted at an
appropriate rate to their present value of (pound)69 million ($114 million) at
March 31, 1997 and (pound)62 million at March 31, 1996. Over the past two years,
the pool prices have been less than anticipated when the accrual was recognized.
The Company is continuing to review the trend of pool prices and an adjustment
to the provision may be required in the future.
The Company has additional contracts with unaffiliated parties relating
to the purchase of electricity, which expire by March 31, 1998, and contracts
relating to the purchase of gas which expire by September 30, 1998, the terms of
which are immaterial with respect to quantity and price, both annually and in
the aggregate.
Operating Leases
SWEB has commitments under operating leases with various terms and
expiration dates. Expenses associated with these commitments totalled (pound)4
million ($7 million) for the 1997 fiscal year, (pound)3 million for the period
from inception (June 23, 1995) to March 31, 1996, (pound)3 million for the
period from April 1, 1995 to September 17, 1995 and (pound)6 million for fiscal
year 1995. Estimated minimum rental commitments for noncancelable operating
leases were as follows at March 31, 1997 (in millions):
Fiscal year
(pound) ($)
1998....................................... 3 5
1999....................................... 2 3
2000....................................... 1 2
2001....................................... 1 2
2002....................................... 1 2
Thereafter................................. 7 11
-- --
Total minimum payment....................... 15 25
== ==
Labor Subject to Collective Bargaining Agreements
Substantially all of SWEB's employees are subject to one of two
collective bargaining agreements. Such agreements are ongoing in nature, and
SWEB's employee participation level is consistent with that of the electric
utility industry in Great Britain.
Change of Government in the UK
On May 1, 1997 a new Labour government in the UK was elected. The Labour
Party's election manifesto includes the commitment to introduce "a one-off
windfall levy on the excess profits of privatised utilities". The total amount
of government revenue to be raised by the tax and the allocation of the tax
between utilities is scheduled to be announced as part of the government's
budget in early July, 1997. There can be no assurance that the introduction of a
windfall tax or other taxes or policies of the new government will not adversely
affect the Company.
II-25
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (SUCCESSOR COMPANY)
AND SOUTH WESTERN ELECTRICITY plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (PREDECESSOR COMPANY)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
5. SEGMENT REPORTING
The Company is primarily engaged in two electric industry segments:
distribution, which involves the transmission of electricity across its network
and its transfer and delivery to its customers, and supply, which involves bulk
purchase of electricity from the Pool and arranging for its sale and transfer to
its customers. Intersegment sales primarily represent sales from distribution to
supply for the use of the distribution network. Information about the Company's
operations in these individual segments is detailed below (in millions):
Fiscal Year
1997 (Successor) Distribution Supply Other Eliminations Consolidated
- - ---------------- -------------- ---------- ----------- ------------- --------------
(pound) $ (pound) $ (pound) $ (pound) $ (pound) $
Operating revenues 231 380 788 1,296 63 104 (234) (385) 848 1,395
Operating income 108 178 12 20 6 10 (1) (2) 125 206
Total assets employed at period-end 1,481 2,436 133 219 107 176 - - 1,721 2,831
Capital expenditures 64 106 3 5 3 5 (1) (2) 69 114
Inception (June 23, 1995) to
March 31, 1996 (Successor) Distribution Supply Other Eliminations Consolidated
- - ----------------------------- -------------- ---------- ----------- ------------- -------------
(pound) (pound) (pound) (pound) (pound)
Operating revenues 147 450 33 (149) 481
Operating income 72 13 1 - 86
Total assets employed at period-end 1,422 102 162 - 1,686
Capital expenditures 32 1 4 - 37
April 1, 1995 to September 17, 1995
(Predecessor) Distribution Supply Other Eliminations Consolidated
- - ------------------------------------ -------------- ---------- ----------- ------------- ------------
(pound) (pound) (pound) (pound) (pound)
Operating revenues 105 276 23 (105) 299
Operating income 42 2 (4) - 40
Total assets employed at period-end 537 54 289 (45) 835
Capital expenditures 19 - 2 - 21
Fiscal Year
1995 (Predecessor) Distribution Supply Other Eliminations Consolidated
- - ---------------- -------------- ---------- ----------- ------------- --------------
(pound) (pound) (pound) (pound) (pound)
Operating revenues 274 725 57 (280) 776
Operating income 112 18 10 (1) 139
Total assets employed at period-end 531 93 294 (49) 869
Capital expenditures 54 - 13 - 67
Included in "Other" above are insignificant operating subsidiaries of
SWEB, as well as corporate activities and assets not allocated to specific
segments (i.e. dividends, taxes, investments, and financing). With the exception
of total assets employed, the values above exclude discontinued operations. The
eliminations above primarily relate to internal sales from the distribution
business to the supply business for the use of the network. Such sales are
priced at rates applicable to SWEB and other suppliers operating in the SWEB
Franchise Area.
II-26
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (SUCCESSOR COMPANY)
AND SOUTH WESTERN ELECTRICITY plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (PREDECESSOR COMPANY)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
6. INCOME TAXES
Details of the income tax provisions are as follows (in millions):
Period from | Period from
inception (June | April 1, 1995 to
Fiscal Year 23, 1995) | September 17, Fiscal Year
1997 March 31, 1996 | 1995 1995
Successor Successor | Predecessor Predecessor
---------- ------------- | --------------- ------------
(pound) $ (pound) | (pound) (pound)
Provision for income taxes: |
Currently payable 21 35 12 | 10 33
Deferred 11 18 19 | 3 13
-- -- -- | -- --
Total provisions 32 53 31 | 13 46
== == == | == ==
The tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of
assets and liabilities in the financial statements and their respective tax
bases, which give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities, are as follows
(in millions):
March 31, March 31,
1997 1996
--------- -----------
(pound) $ (pound)
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant, and equipment basis differences.................... 363 597 341
Pensions............................................................ 35 58 32
--- --- ---
Total....................................................... 398 655 373
Deferred tax assets:
Acquisition related accruals............................... 21 35 21
--- --- ---
Net deferred tax liabilities in consolidated balance sheet............ 377 620 352
=== === ===
Reconciliations of the UK statutory rate to the effective income tax rate
are as follows:
Period from |
inception (June | Period from
Fiscal 23, 1995) to | April 1, 1995 to
Year March 31, 1996 | September 17, Fiscal Year
1997 1996 | 1995 1995
Successor Successor | Predecessor Predecessor
--------- --------------- | ------------- ------------
|
UK statutory rate 33% 33% | 33% 33%
Nondeductible amortization of goodwill. 2 1 | - -
Other permanent differences 1 - | 2 -
--- --- | --- ---
Effective income tax rate 36% 34% | 35% 33%
=== === | === ===
II-27
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (SUCCESSOR COMPANY)
AND SOUTH WESTERN ELECTRICITY plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (PREDECESSOR COMPANY)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
7. ACQUISITION
The acquisition of SWEB in the amount of (pound)1.065 ($1.752) billion
was accomplished through the purchase of shares via both cash and non-cash
consideration (see accompanying consolidated statement of cash flows) between
July and November 1995. The Company purchased 30% of SWEB through open market
purchases during July and August 1995. On August 31, 1995, the Company's offer
to purchase all shares of SWEB was endorsed by its Directors. By September 18,
1995, the Company had gained effective control of approximately 84% of its
shares, and, therefore, effective control of SWEB. It subsequently acquired the
remaining shares.
The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting
in accordance with APB No. 16. The purchase price of SWEB has been allocated to
the underlying assets and liabilities based on estimated fair values at the
acquisition date. The acquisition cost exceeded the fair market value of net
assets acquired, including (pound)28 million ($46 million) of acquisition
related costs, by (pound)183 million ($301 million) and is considered goodwill.
The operating results of SWEB have been included in the Company's financial
statements from the effective date of the acquisition. These values include
revisions to the fair value estimates following review in September 1996.
Provisional goodwill was stated at (pound)175 million at March 31, 1996.
The following unaudited pro forma information has been prepared assuming
that the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the respective periods.
This pro forma information includes adjustments for depreciation expense
resulting from the fair valuation of the assets upon acquisition, amortization
of goodwill resulting from the excess of the fair values of the assets minus
liabilities over the purchase price, incremental interest expense resulting from
the fair valuation of debt obligations upon acquisition, interest expense that
would have been incurred to finance the acquisition as if they were incurred at
the beginning of the period, and the exclusion of the Company's gain on sale of
its investment in NGG and its acquisition bid defense costs. The pro forma
information is presented for informational purposes only and may not be
indicative of the results of operations as they would have been had the
acquisition occurred at the beginning of the respective periods, nor is the
information necessarily indicative of the results of operations which may occur
in the future.
Pro Forma
Fiscal Year Ended March 31
--------------------------
1996 1995
------- ------
(pound) $ (pound) $
Operating Revenues (in millions) 780 1,283 776 1,276
Net income (in millions) 49 81 47 77
8. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
SWEB utilizes contracts for differences ("CFDs") to mitigate its exposure
to volatility in the prices of electricity purchased through the Pool. Such
contracts allow the Company to effectively convert the majority of its
anticipated Pool purchases from market prices to fixed prices. CFDs are in place
to hedge a portion of electricity purchases on approximately 33,000 GWh through
the year 2008. Accordingly, the gains and losses on such contracts are deferred
and recognized as electricity is purchased. It is not possible to estimate the
fair value of these contracts at present as the contract prices are based on
future events, the effects of which currently are not estimable. Current CFD's
have been entered into with UK Power Generators.
II-28
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (SUCCESSOR COMPANY)
AND SOUTH WESTERN ELECTRICITY plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (PREDECESSOR COMPANY)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Interest rate swaps are used by the Company to hedge its exposure to
fluctuations in interest rates by allowing the Company to effectively convert
its outstanding variable-rate debt into fixed rates. At March 31, 1997, sterling
interest rate swaps expiring between 2001 and 2012 with notional amounts
totalling (pound)500 million ($822 million), resulted in an unrealized loss of
(pound)2 million ($3 million).
Foreign currency swaps contracts are used by the Company to hedge
exposure to US dollar liabilities in respect of outstanding debt. At March 31,
1997, currency hedging swaps expiring between 2001 and 2007 with notional
amounts totalling (pound)350/$582 million, resulted in an unrealized loss of
(pound)11 million ($18 million).
The cash flows relating to interest rate and foreign currency swaps are
included within the cost of the related debt on the cash flow statement.
The fair value of the swaps is estimated using pricing models which
provide the present value of the difference between the contracted swap rates
and market interest rates over the remaining life of the swaps and represent the
amounts payable to terminate the swaps at March 31, 1997. Should the Company
terminate the swaps, the gain or loss on termination would be deferred and
amortized to interest expense over the period of the related debt.
The Company is exposed to losses in the event of nonperformance by
counterparties to its CFDs, interest rate swaps and currency hedging contracts.
To manage this credit risk, the Company selects counterparties based on their
credit ratings, limits its exposure to any one counterparty under defined
guidelines, and monitors the market position of the programs and its relative
market position with each counterparty
9. CAPITAL BUDGET
The Company's capital expenditure for fiscal year 1997 was (pound)69
million ($114 million); for fiscal years 1998 and 1999 capital expenditures are
estimated to be (pound)67 million ($110 million) and (pound)69 million ($114
million) respectively. The capital budget is subject to periodic review and
revision, and actual capital cost incurred may vary from the above statement
because of numerous factors. The factors include: changes in business
conditions; revised load growth projections; change in regulatory requirements;
and increasing costs of labor, equipment, and materials.
10. FINANCING
In November 1996, the Company issued $500 million Senior Notes in the US,
the proceeds of which were used to reduce short-term bank loans in the UK. Some
$168 million of the Senior Notes are due for redemption in 2001 and $332 million
in 2006; the Senior Notes are at rates of 6.375% and 6.8% respectively. The
Company entered into currency swap transactions that effectively convert the US
dollar obligations of the Senior Notes into pounds sterling obligations, with a
nominal value of (pound)300 million.
SWEB has established a commercial paper program in the US, first utilized
in February 1997 to reduce short-term bank loans. The maximum available under
the program, which is fully supported by a swingline facility provided by a
syndicate of banks, is $520 million. The amount not utilized at March 31, 1997
was $117 million. SWEB enters into foreign currency contracts to hedge the
currency risk associated with the interest and principal of each issue under
this program.
II-29
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (SUCCESSOR COMPANY)
AND SOUTH WESTERN ELECTRICITY plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (PREDECESSOR COMPANY)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The Company and SWEB have entered into agreements that effectively swap
into fixed rates, (pound)150 million of SWEB's variable-rate debt, for periods
of between 7 and 15 years.
In January 1997, Southern Investments UK Capital Trust I (the "Trust"), a
statutory business trust formed under the laws of the State of Delaware and
established for the sole purpose of issuing its own securities and investing the
proceeds thereof in the 8.23% subordinated debentures issued by the Company and
scheduled to mature on February 1, 2027, sold $82 million of its 8.23% preferred
securities. The Company guarantees the Trust's obligations under the preferred
securities. The proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the preferred
securities were used in part to repay short-term bank loans. The Company has
also entered into foreign currency swap contracts to hedge the currency risk
associated with the interest and principal on the preferred securities, by
swapping the US dollar liabilities back to pounds sterling for the period to
February 2007. The nominal value of the swapped liabilities is (pound)50
million. The Company owns all of the common securities of the Trust, all of the
assets of which are the aforementioned subordinated debentures of the Company in
the aggregate principal amount of $84.5 million. The Company considers that the
mechanisms and obligations relating to the preferred securities, taken together,
constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by the Company of the Trust's
payment obligations with respect to the preferred securities.
During the period from inception (June 23, 1995) to March 31, 1996, the
Company recorded an extraordinary gain of (pound)6 million ($10
million), net of taxes, on the early extinguishment of UK government
debt; this debt had been allocated to SWEB at privatization. At the
acquisition date, a fair value had been allocated to this debt. The
Company subsequently had opportunity to make an offer to redeem the
debt below its fair value as a result of changes in circumstances not
anticipated by SWEB.
11. SALE OF INVESTMENTS
The Company's long-term investments accounted for under the cost method
consist of its 7.69% ownership of Teesside (Note 4), the fair value of which is
not readily determinable. The Company's short-term investments are classified as
available-for-sale under SFAS No. 115, the fair value of which approximated cost
at March 31, 1997.
During fiscal year 1996, SWEB sold its share of The National Grid Holding
plc ("NGH") into the market, following the listing of the NGH shares on the
London Stock Exchange on December 11, 1995. At the Acquisition Date, the
eventual listing of shares in NGH was not certain as it required numerous
actions by the 12 RECs, NGH and the UK government followed by the consent of the
shareholders given at meetings of each of the 12 RECs on the terms of a listing.
Regardless of the outcome of the above uncertainties, the Company intended to
retain its investment even if such listing did ultimately occur. Accordingly,
management determined that it had all the facts necessary to complete a
calculation of the fair value of its long term investment in NGH, and it
utilized a discounted cash flow methodology to determine the asset's fair value
shortly after the Acquisition Date in accordance with APB No. 16. The Company's
valuation of (pound)199 million ($327 million) was within the range of
independent appraisals of NGH performed during the same period.
Subsequent to the Acquisition Date, certain facts and circumstances
changed which increased the value of the Company's investment in NGH. First, the
listing of shares was structured in a manner found acceptable by the
shareholders of each of the RECs, thereby transforming the Company's illiquid
investment into a liquid investment. Additionally, while the Company viewed its
investment in NGH as long-term in nature at the Acquisition Date, the
acquisition of SWEB and the acquisition of several RECs subsequent to the
Acquisition Date caused the UK government to be concerned that the listing of
NGH would not result in NGH being broadly held by the public and that the NGH
would be controlled by the holding companies that had acquired, or announced
plans to acquire, RECs. As such, at the insistence of the UK government, each
REC, including SWEB, agreed to dispose of its investment in NGH within one year
of the listing and that such shares could not be retained by a REC's parent
holding company, such as the Company.
II-30
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (SUCCESSOR COMPANY)
AND SOUTH WESTERN ELECTRICITY plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (PREDECESSOR COMPANY)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
SWEB disposed of its shares over a period of approximately two months
through a series of market transactions. The net proceeds of such sales were
(pound)201 million ($331 million) resulting in a pretax gain of (pound)14
million ($23 million). Further proceeds of (pound)12 million were received from
the sale of shares transferred to SWEB's former shareholders and brought the
total proceeds received to (pound)213 million. This gain is nonrecurring in
nature as it is the result of changes in circumstances after the fair valuation
of the investment in NGH resulting from the application of APB No. 16 which
valuation was finalized shortly after the Acquisition Date.
The offering of NGH was conditional on the prior demerger of NGH's Pumped
Storage Business ("PSB") which was completed in November 1995. The fair value of
SWEB's holdings at acquisition in PSB was assessed at (pound)39 million ($64
million). PSB was subsequently sold. At March 31, 1997, proceeds of (pound)43
million ($71 million) had been received; a gain of (pound)4 million ($7 million)
has been recognized in fiscal year 1997.
12. COMMON STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
As discussed in Note 7, the Company obtained effective control of SWEB on
September 18, 1995. During October 1995, (pound)315 million ($518 million) of
advances from the parent of the Company were converted to share capital, an
equity contribution of (pound)185 million ($304 million) was received from the
parent of the Company, and a combination of short-term and long-term debt
financing was obtained to facilitate the payment of the former shareholders.
These transactions are reflected in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Dividends in the amount of (pound)191 million ($314 million) were
declared and paid by the Company during the period ending March 31, 1996 as
proceeds from the sale of the Company's shares in NGH (Note 11) provided cash in
addition to that provided from operations during the period.
The Company's sole investment and only significant asset is the entire
share capital of SWEB. The Company is therefore dependent upon dividends from
SWEB for its cash flow. SWEB can make distribution of dividends to the Company
under English law to the extent that it has distributable reserves, subject to
the retention of sufficient financial resources to conduct its supply and
distribution businesses as required by its regulatory license. The Company
believes that currently sufficient distributable reserves will exist at SWEB to
allow for any and all cash flow generated at SWEB through operations to be
distributed to the Company through dividends to the Company. In the UK, the
Accounting Standards Board currently has a discussion paper reviewing this
treatment of deferred income tax accounting to be required in the future; SWEB's
distributable reserves could be significantly reduced by this matter.
13. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On May 1, 1997 a new Labour government in the UK was elected and on June
10, 1997 a UK Court ruling on a pensions matter was announced. See Notes 4 and 2
respectively.
II-31
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (SUCCESSOR COMPANY)
AND SOUTH WESTERN ELECTRICITY plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (PREDECESSOR COMPANY)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
14. UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME FOR THE 12
MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996
The following unaudited pro forma statement of income from continuing
operations is based upon the audited consolidated statement of income for the
period from inception (June 23, 1995) to March 31, 1996 of the Successor Company
and the audited consolidated statement of income of the Predecessor Company for
the period from April 1, 1995 to September 17, 1995, adjusted to reflect the
items described in notes (1) to (5) below as if the purchase business
combination had occurred at the beginning of the period.
(In Millions)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
Successor Period | Predecessor Period Pro forma for
Inception (June 23, 1995) | April 1, 1995 to the Year Ended
to March 31, 1996 | September 17, 1995 March 31, 1996
(audited) | (audited)
US GAAP | US GAAP Adjustments US GAAP
---------------------------|--------------- -------------------------------- ---------------
|
(pound) | (pound) 1 2 3 4 5 (pound)
|
OPERATING REVENUES 481 | 299 - - - - - 780
COST OF SALES 318 | 186 - - - - - 504
--- | ---- -- -- -- --- --- ---
GROSS MARGIN 163 | 113 - - - - - 276
--- | ---- -- -- -- --- --- ---
OPERATING EXPENSES: |
Maintenance 21 | 18 - - - - - 39
Depreciation and amortization 22 | 15 3 2 - - - 42
Selling, general, and administrative 34 | 40 - - - - (8) 66
---- | ---- -- -- -- --- --- ---
Total operating expenses 77 | 73 3 2 - - (8) 147
---- | ---- -- -- -- --- --- ---
Operating income 86 | 40 (3) (2) - - 8 129
---- | ---- -- -- -- --- --- ---
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): |
Interest income 7 | 2 - - - - - 9
Interest expense (28) | (5) - - (1) (32) - (66)
Gain on sale of investments 14 | - - - - - (14) -
Other, net 2 | 1 - - - - - 3
---- | ---- -- -- -- --- -- ---
Total other income (expense) (5) | (2) - - (1) (32) (14) (54)
---- | ---- -- -- -- --- --- ---
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 81 | 38 (3) (2) (1) (32) (6) 75
|
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 28 | 13 (1) (1) - (11) (2) 26
---- | ---- -- -- -- --- --- ---
INCOME FROM CONTINUING |
OPERATIONS 53 | 25 (2) (1) (1) (21) (4) 49
---- | ---- -- --- --- --- --- ---
(1) Depreciation expense which would have been recorded based on the valuation
of property, plant, and equipment recorded in connection with the purchase
business combination, as if such combination had occurred on April 1,
1995. It has been provided using composite straight line rates which
approximate 3.1% on an asset value of (pound)1,190 million for 170 days,
less depreciation already charged to the Predecessor Company's
consolidated statement of income.
(2) Amortization of goodwill recorded in connection with the purchase business
combination as if the combination had occurred on April 1, 1995.
(3) Reflect the fair value of long-term debt obligations and associated
interest expense recorded in connection with the purchase business
combination as if the combination had occurred on April 1, 1995. The
charge relates to notional interest ((pound)2 million) on a discounted
provision for onerous purchase contracts (`Teesside'), partly offset by a
reduction in interest to market rates on the HM Government debt put in
place at privatization ((pound)1 million).
II-32
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (SUCCESSOR COMPANY)
AND SOUTH WESTERN ELECTRICITY plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (PREDECESSOR COMPANY)
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(4) Reflect the interest expense recorded in connection with the purchase
business combination as if the combination had occurred on April 1, 1995
and had been 100% financed with short-term borrowings at an interest rate
of 6% per year. The impact of a 1/8% change in the assumed interest rate
would change income from continuing operations by (pound)0.4 million.
(5) Remove gain on sale of investment in NGG and costs incurred by the
Predecessor Company relating to bid defense associated with the
Acquisition. An extraordinary gain of (pound)6 million ($10 million) on
early extinguishment of debt during the successor period above, normally
shown after income from continuing operations, has also been removed.
Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
At the request of the board of directors of SWEB, Ernst & Young,
Chartered Accountants, tendered their resignation, which was accepted effective
September 18, 1995, as independent auditors of SWEB, the reports of which did
not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion for fiscal years 1995 or
1994. Nor were such reports modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or
accounting principles. During fiscal years 1995 and 1994, and during the interim
period of fiscal year 1996 preceding September 18, 1995, there were no
unresolved disagreements with Ernst & Young on any matter of accounting
principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or
procedure which would have warranted reference to the subject matter of such
disagreement(s) in connection with its reports.
On September 18, 1995, the board of directors of the Company approved the
engagement of Arthur Andersen, Independent Public Accountants, as independent
auditors of SWEB. Arthur Andersen has been the independent auditor of the
Company since its inception (June 23, 1995), and is the independent auditor of
Southern, the ultimate parent of SWEB.
II-33
PART III
Item 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
directors and executive officers of the Company as of March 31, 1997:
Name Age Position
---- --- ------------------------------------------------
Richard J. Pershing.............................. 50 Director, Chief Executive Officer
C. B. (Mike) Harreld............................. 52 Director, Chief Financial and Accounting Officer
Thomas G. Boren.................................. 47 Director
Alan W. Harrelson................................ 48 Director
Gale E. Klappa................................... 46 Director
C. Philip Saunders............................... 44 Director
Charles W. Whitney............................... 50 Director
Accentacross Limited............................. Director
Mighteager Limited............................... Director
Richard J. Pershing has been a Director of the Company since June 1995
and Chief Executive Officer since July 1996. From February 1994 to the present,
Mr. Pershing has served as Senior Vice President and International Executive
Officer of Southern Energy, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern.
From June 1992 to February 1994, he served as Vice President of International
Business Development at Southern Energy. From January 1991 to June 1992, he
served as Vice President of Human Resources at Georgia Power Company ("Georgia
Power"), also a subsidiary of Southern.
C.B. (Mike) Harreld has been a Director of the Company since September
1995 and Chief Financial and Accounting Officer of the Company since July 1996.
He has also been the Finance Director of SWEB since September 1995. From
February 1986 to August 1995, he served as Vice President, Comptroller and Chief
Accounting Officer of Georgia Power.
Thomas G. Boren has been a Director of the Company since July 1995 and
President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Energy since February 1992.
From May 1989 to February 1992, Mr. Boren served as Senior Vice President of
Administration at Georgia Power.
Alan W. Harrelson has been a Director of the Company since September
1995. From January 1994 to September 1995, Mr. Harrelson served as General
Manager, Northern Region Power Delivery of Georgia Power. From June 1991 to
December 1993, he served as Network Underground Manager, Power Delivery of
Georgia Power.
Gale E. Klappa has been a Director of the Company since September 1995.
From February 1992 to September 1995 he served as Senior Vice President of
Marketing for Georgia Power.
C. Philip Saunders has been a Director of the Company since September
1995. From February 1994 to September 1995, he served as Western Region and
Power Marketing Director for US business development at Southern Energy. From
May 1992 to February 1994, Mr. Saunders was Assistant to the Senior Vice
President of Marketing at Georgia Power.
Charles W. Whitney has been a Director of the Company since July 1995.
From November 1995 to the present, Mr. Whitney has served as Vice President of
SEI Holdings, Inc., also a subsidiary of Southern. From June 1994 to November
III-1
1995, he served as Vice President of Southern Energy. From January 1991 to June
1994, he served as Vice President of Georgia Power.
Accentacross Limited ("Accentacross") has been a Director of the
Company since July 1996. Robert D. Fagan represents Accentacross at meetings
of the Directors of the Company. Mr. Fagan has represented Accentacross at
meetings of the Directors of the Company since July 1996. From November 1994
to the present, Mr. Fagan has served as President of PMDC. From April 1989 to
November 1994, he served as Vice President and General Manager of Mission
Energy Company ("Mission Energy"). Mr. Fagan is also currently a Director
of PMDC.
Mighteager Limited ("Mighteager") has been a Director of the Company
since July 1996. Roger L. Petersen represents Mighteager at meetings of the
Directors of the Company. Mr. Petersen has represented Mighteager at
meetings of the Directors of the Company since July 1996. From January 1995 to
the present, Mr. Petersen has served as Vice President of PMDC. From October
1986 to December 1994, Mr. Petersen served as Vice President of Mission Energy.
Accentacross and Mighteager were elected by PMDC UK as members of the
board of directors of the Company pursuant to a Shareholders' Agreement dated
July 1, 1996 (the "Shareholders' Agreement") among Southern Electric
International-Europe Inc. ("SEI-Europe"), PMDC UK and Holdings. The
Shareholders' Agreement provides that each shareholder of Holdings owning 10
percent or more of the shares of Holdings has the right to elect one director
for every 10 percent held. This right applies not only to the board of directors
of Holdings but also extends to the board of directors of the Company as a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings. Thus, PMDC UK, as holder of 25 percent of
the shares of Holdings, has the right to elect two directors to the board of the
Company. Accentacross and Mighteager are represented on the board of directors
of the Company by Messrs. Fagan and Petersen, respectively.
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Accentacross and Mighteager (the "PMDC Directors") do not receive
compensation for their services as Directors of the Company. The other officers
and directors listed in Item 10 above (such officers and directors, with the
exception of the PMDC Directors, each a "Southern Company system Officer or
Director," as applicable) have received, and will continue to receive,
compensation in respect of services performed by such persons in their
capacities as Southern Company system Officers or Directors of the Company from
Southern Energy, their primary employer and an affiliate of the Company. The
Company is charged by Southern Energy for the time spent by those Southern
Company system Officers and Directors who do not devote their full time to the
affairs of the Company and for a portion of the overhead costs associated with
each such Southern Company system Officer and Director. The salaries of all
Southern Company system Officers and Directors are paid by Southern Energy, and
Southern Energy is reimbursed by the Company, in accordance with a services
agreement between the Company and Southern Energy. Southern Company system
Officers and Directors receive no cash or non-cash compensation as a result of
these arrangements beyond that which they would otherwise receive from Southern
Energy for the services performed by them for Southern Energy.
III-2
Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Security ownership of certain beneficial owners. The authorized share capital of
the Company consists of 500,400,587 ordinary shares of (pound)1 each, all of
which have been issued fully paid and are held by Holdings. The following table
sets forth, as of March 31, 1997, certain information regarding beneficial
ownership of Holdings' common stock held by each person known by the Company to
own beneficially more than 10% of Holdings' outstanding common stock.
Amount and
Name and Address Nature of Percent
of Beneficial Beneficial of
Title of Class Owner Ownership Class
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Ordinary The Southern Company 150,000 (1) 100%
270 Peachtree Street, N.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
B Ordinary PP&L Resources, Inc 50,000 (2) 100%
11350 Random Hills Road
Suite 800
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
(1) Such shares are owned by SEI-Europe, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of
Southern.
(2) Such shares are owned by PMDC UK, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of
PP&L Resources, Inc.
The A Ordinary shares and the B Ordinary shares have the same voting rights, and
the only material difference between the A Ordinary shares and the B Ordinary
shares is that the holders of the B Ordinary shares are entitled to a smaller
proportion of dividends paid in respect of earnings during calendar year ending
December 31, 1996 than the holders of the A Ordinary shares.
Security ownership of management. The following table shows the number of shares
of Southern common stock owned by the directors, nominees and executive officers
as of March 31, 1997. It is based on information furnished by the directors,
nominees and executive officers. The shares owned by all directors, nominees and
executive officers as a group constitute less than one percent of the total
number of shares outstanding on March 31, 1997.
Name of Directors,
Nominees and Number of Shares
Executive Officers Title of Class Beneficially Owned 1,2
- - ---------------------- -------------- ---------------------
Carson B. Harreld Southern Common 3,925
Alan W. Harrelson Southern Common 14,641
Gale E. Klappa Southern Common 32,207
C. Philip Saunders Southern Common 8,392
Charles W. Whitney Southern Common 7,608
Thomas G. Boren. Southern Common 28,629
Richard J. Pershing Southern Common 20,536
The directors, nominees, and
executive officers as a group
(9 persons) Southern Common 115,938
1 As used in this table, "beneficial ownership" means the sole or shared power
to vote, or to direct the voting of, a security and/or investment power with
respect to a security (i.e., the power to dispose of, or to direct the
disposition of, a security).
2 The shares shown include shares of Southern common stock of which certain
directors and executive officers have the right to acquire beneficial
ownership within 60 days pursuant to the Executive Stock Plan, as follows:
Mr. Klappa, 15,012 shares; Mr. Boren, 16,987 shares; and Mr. Harreld, 1,510
shares.
III-3
The two corporate directors, Accentacross Limited and Mighteager Limited, do not
own any equity securities of the Company or any of its parents or subsidiaries.
Changes in control. The Company knows of no arrangements which may at a
subsequent date result in any change in control.
Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Transactions with management and others.
None.
Certain business relationships.
See Item 11 herein.
Indebtedness of management.
None.
Transactions with promoters.
None.
III-4
Item 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) The following documents are filed as a part of this report on this Form
10-K:
(1) Financial Statements:
The financial statements and the related reports of independent
public accountants and auditors filed as a part of this annual
report are listed under Item 8 herein.
(2) Financial Statement Schedules:
Reports of Independent Public Accountants and Independent
Auditors as to Schedules for SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc and
Subsidiaries (Successor Company) and SOUTH WESTERN ELECTRICITY
plc and Subsidiaries (Predecessor Company) are included herein
on pages S-1 through S-3.
Financial Statement Schedules for the Company are included
herein on page S-4.
(3) Exhibits:
Exhibits are listed in the Exhibit Index on page E-1 and E-2.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
The registrant has not filed any reports on Form 8-K during the last
quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997.
IV-1
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the Registrant, Southern Investments UK plc, a public limited
company incorporated and existing under the laws of England and Wales, has duly
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, on the 27th day of June,
1997.
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc
By: Richard J.Pershing
Director and Chief Executive Officer
By:/s/ WAYNE BOSTON
Wayne Boston
Attorney-in-Fact
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following directors and officers of Southern
Investments UK plc in the capacities and on the date indicated:
Signature Title Date
RICHARD J. PERSHING Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer
CARSON B. HARRELD Chief Financial and
Accounting Officer
THOMAS G. BOREN |
|
ALAN W. HARRELSON |
|
GALE E. KLAPPA |
|
C. PHILIP SAUNDERS |
|
CHARLES W. WHITNEY | Directors
|
ACCENTACROSS LIMITED |
|
By: Robert D. Fagan |
Director |
|
MIGHTEAGER LIMITED |
|
By: Roger L. Petersen |
Director |
/s/ WAYNE BOSTON June 27, 1997
Wayne Boston
Attorney-in-Fact
IV-2
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS AS TO SCHEDULE
To the Board of Directors of Southern Investments UK plc:
We have audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the
financial statements of SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (Successor
Company) included in this report and have issued our report thereon dated June
24, 1997. Our audit was made for the purposes of forming an opinion on the basic
financial statements taken as a whole. The schedule listed in Item 14 (a) (2) is
the responsibility of the Company's management and is presented for purposes of
complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is not part of
the basic financial statements. The schedule has been subjected to the auditing
procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial statements and, in our
opinion, fairly states in all material respects the financial data required to
be set forth therein in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a
whole.
/s/ Arthur Andersen
ARTHUR ANDERSEN
Bristol, England
June 24, 1997
S-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS ON SCHEDULE
To the Board of Directors of South Western Electricity plc:
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of SOUTH WESTERN
ELECTRICITY plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (Predecessor Company) for the year ended March
31, 1995, and have issued our report thereon dated August 27, 1996. Our audit
also included the financial statement schedule listed in Item 14 (a) (2). This
schedule is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility
is to express an opinion based on our audit.
In our opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to above, when
considered in relation to the financial statements taken as a whole, presents
fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
/s/ Ernst & Young
ERNST & YOUNG
Chartered Accountants
Bristol, England
August 27, 1996
S-2
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS AS TO SCHEDULE
To the Board of Directors of South Western Electricity plc:
We have audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the
financial statements of SOUTH WESTERN ELECTRICITY plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Predecessor Company) included in this report and have issued our report thereon
dated August 27, 1996. Our audit was made for the purposes of forming an opinion
on the basic financial statements taken as a whole. The schedule listed in Item
14 (a) (2) is the responsibility of the Company's management and is presented
for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules
and is not part of the basic financial statements. The schedule has been
subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial
statements and, in our opinion, fairly states in all material respects the
financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic
financial statements taken as a whole.
/s/ Arthur Andersen
ARTHUR ANDERSEN
Bristol, England
June 24, 1997
S-3
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 1997, AND 1995 AND FOR THE PERIODS FROM INCEPTION
(JUNE 23, 1995) TO MARCH 31, 1996 AND FROM APRIL 1, 1995 TO SEPTEMBER 17, 1995
(In Millions)
Additions
-----------------------------
Charged
Balance at to Costs Charged Balance at
Beginning and to Other End of
of Period Expenses Accounts Deductions Period
(pound) (pound) (pound) (pound) (pound)
---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Provision for Uncollectable Accounts
Predecessor Company
Year-Ended March 31, 1995................... 13 7 (8) 12
== = == ==
Period from April 1, 1995 to September 17,
1995..................................... 12 2 (3) 11
== = == ==
Successor Company
Period from Inception (June 23, 1995) to
March 31, 1996 .......................... 15 (1) 3 (1) 17
== = == ==
Year-Ended March 31, 1997................... 17 (1) (2) (3) 12
== == == ==
- - -------------
(1) In the period from inception (June 23, 1995) to March 31, 1996, the value
shown includes an additional (pound)4 million of provision created
resulting from application of purchase accounting at the acquisition. In
the year ended March 31, 1997, (pound)2 million of this provision was
reversed as part of the review of the purchasing accounting adjustments.
S-4
The following exhibits indicated by an asterisk preceding the exhibit
number are filed herewith. The balance of the exhibits have heretofore been
filed with the SEC, respectively, as the exhibits and in the file numbers
indicated and are incorporated herein by reference.
3.1 -- Memorandum of Association of the Company. (Designated in Registration
No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 3.1.)
3.2 -- Articles of Association of the Company. (Designated in Registration No.
333-09033 as Exhibit 3.2.)
4.1 -- Trust Indenture dated as of November 21, 1996, between the Company and
Bankers Trust Company, as trustee.
4.2 -- First Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 21, 1996 between the
Company and Bankers Trust Company, as trustee.
4.3 -- Deposit Agreement dated as of November 21, 1996 between the Company and
Bankers Trust Company, as book-entry depositary.
4.4 -- Subordinated Debenture Indenture dated as of January 29, 1997,
among the Company, Bankers Trust Company, as trustee, and Bankers
Trust Luxembourg S.A., as paying agent and transfer agent. (Designated
in Registration No. 333-26939 as Exhibit 4.1.)
4.5 -- Certificate of Trust of Southern Investments UK Capital Trust I
(Designated in Registration No. 333-26939 as Exhibit 4.3.)
4.6 -- Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust dated as of January 29,
1997 of Southern Investments UK Capital Trust I. (Designated in
Registration No. 333-26939 as Exhibit 4.4.)
4.7 -- Form of Exchange Guarantee of the Company relating to the
Exchange Capital Securities. (Designated in Registration No.
333-28939 as Exhibit 4.6.)
4.8 -- Capital Securities Guarantee dated as of January 29, 1997 of the
Company relating to the Original Capital Securities. (Designated in
Registration No. 333-26939 as Exhibit 4.8.)
4.9 -- Common Securities Guarantee dated as of January 29, 1997 of the
Company relating to the Common Securities. (Designated in Registration
No. 333-26939 as Exhibit 4.9.)
4.10 -- Deposit Agreement dated as of January 29, 1997 between the Company
and Bankers Trust Company, as book-entry depositary. (Designated in
Registration No. 333-26939 as Exhibit 4.10.)
E-1
10.1 -- SWEB Public Electricity Supply License dated January 31, 1996.
(Designated in Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 10.1.)
10.2 -- Modifications of License Conditions dated March 31, 1994, March 30,
1994, June 30, 1993, June 15, 1992, and April 22, 1992. (Designated in
Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 10.2.)
10.3 -- Pooling and Settlement Agreement as amended and restated at
December 2, 1994 between SWEB, Energy Settlements and Information
Services (as Settlement System Administrator), Energy Pool Funds
Administration Limited (as Pool Funds Administrator), NGC (as Grid
Operator and Ancillary Services Provider) and Other Parties.
(Designated in Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 10.3.)
10.4 -- Master Connection and Use of System Agreement dated as of March 30,
1990 among NGC and its users (including SWEB). (Designated in
Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 10.4.)
10.5 -- Form of Supplemental Agreement between NGC and SWEB. (Designated in
Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 10.5.)
10.6 -- Master Agreement dated as of October 25, 1995 among The National
Grid Holding plc, NGC, SWEB and the other RECs. (Designated in
Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 10.6.)
10.7 -- Memorandum of Understanding between The National Grid Group plc,
SWEB and each of the RECs, dated November 17, 1995. (Designated in
Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 10.7.)
10.8 -- Form of SWEB Use of Distribution System Agreement. (Designated in
Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 10.8.)
10.9 -- Form of Agreement for the Connection of an Exit Point. (Designated
in Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 10.9.)
10.10-- Services Agreement dated as of January 1, 1996 between Southern
Electric International, Inc. (now Southern Energy, Inc.) and the
Company. (Designated in Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 10.10.)
10.11-- Services Agreement dated as of January 1, 1996 between Southern
Electric International, Inc. (now Southern Energy, Inc.) and SWEB.
(Designated in Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 10.11.)
10.12 -- Services Agreement dated as of January 1, 1996 between SWEB and
Holdings. (Designated in Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 10.12.)
10.13-- Services Agreement dated as of January 1, 1996 between the Company
and SWEB. (Designated in Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 10.13.)
21.1 -- Subsidiaries of Registrant. (Designated in Registration No. 333-26939
as Exhibit 21.1.)
24.1 -- Power of Attorney and Resolution.
27.1 -- Financial Data Schedule.
E-2