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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 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, 1998
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.
----------- --------------------------------------- ------------------
333-09033 Southern Investments UK plc None
(Registered in England & Wales)
800 Park Avenue
Aztec West
Almondsbury
Bristol
BS32 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, 1998
- ---------- ------------- ------------------
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-2
SWEB's Other Business Activities..................................................................... I-6
Risk Management...................................................................................... I-6
UK Environmental Regulation.......................................................................... I-7
Employee Relations................................................................................... I-8
Item 2 Properties.............................................................................................. I-8
Item 3 Legal Proceedings....................................................................................... I-8
Item 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders..................................................... I-9
PART II
Item 5 Market for Registrants' Common Equity................................................................... 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 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.............................................. II-9
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data............................................................. II-10
Item 9 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure.................................................................. II-30
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
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
The Company's 1998 Annual Report Form 10-K contains forward-looking
statements in addition to historical information. The Company cautions that
there are various important factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements; accordingly,
there can be no assurance that such indicated results will be realized. These
factors include legislative and regulatory issues (such as the results of the
current review of regulation, see Item 1 "Business - Supply Business", and the
results of the supply and distribution price reviews scheduled to take effect
April 1, 2000); the extent and timing of the entry of additional competition in
the supply market; potential business strategies, including acquisitions or
dispositions of assets or internal restructuring that may be pursued by the
Company or SWEB; changes in or application of environmental and other laws and
regulations to which the Company and SWEB are subject; political, legal and
economic conditions and developments in which the Company and SWEB operate;
financial market conditions and the results of financing efforts; changes in
commodity prices and interest rates; weather and other natural phenomena; the
performance of projects undertaken by the Company or SWEB and the success of
efforts to invest in and develop new opportunities; and other factors discussed
in the reports, filed from time to time by the Company with the SEC.
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.
"Authorized Area" means a REC's designated service area as determined
by its PES license.
"Calendar Year" means a year ended December 31.
"CFDs" means contracts for differences.
"Company" means Southern Investments UK plc.
"Distribution Price Control Formula" ("DPCF") is determined by the PES
license. It 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.
"Holdings" means SWEB Holdings Limited (formerly Southern Investments
UK Holdings Limited), the direct parent company of the Company.
"Mighteager" means Mighteager Limited, a Director of the Company.
"NFFOs" means obligations of RECs to obtain a specified amount of
generating capacity from non-fossil fuel sources.
"NGG" means the National Grid Group plc.
"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.
"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 licensed by the Regulator.
"PMDC" means PMDC UK, a direct shareholder in Holdings and an indirect
wholly owned subsidiary of PP&L Resources.
"PMDC Directors" means Accentacross and Mighteager.
ii
"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 ultimate 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.
"Price Cap" means a maximum price per unit of electricity supplied for
various tariffs as established by the Regulator.
"Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996" means unaudited pro forma information for
the fiscal year 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.
"Regulated Supply Customers" means customers whose electricity prices
are subject to regulation. The group comprises mainly domestic and small
commercial customers.
"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 Standard.
"Southern" means The Southern Company, the ultimate parent company of
the Southern Company system.
"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" ("SPCF") is determined by the PES
license. It relates to Franchise Supply Customers and applied until March 31,
1998. It 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.
"Unregulated Supply Customers" are defined until March 31, 1998, as
customers with a demand greater than 100kW and, from April 1, 1998, as customers
who are non-domestic and have an annual consumption in excess of 12,000kWh.
"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
Solely for the convenience of the reader, certain pounds sterling amounts
have been translated into US dollars at the Noon Buying Rate on March 31, 1998
of $1.6765 = (pound)1.00; see Note 1 in the "Notes to the Financial Statements".
General
The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings. Throughout the
period under review, 75% of Holdings was owned indirectly by Southern and 25%
was owned indirectly by PP&L Resources. On June 18, 1998, Southern sold a
further share of its ownership in Holdings to PP&L Resources; see Note 13 in the
"Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements". 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, and
subsequently 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, 1998 the
Company had consolidated assets of (pound)1.728 billion ($2.897 billion).
SWEB's two main business lines are the distribution of electricity and
supply of electricity to approximately 1.3 million customers in its Authorized
Area in southwest England. The distribution business and the supply business are
distinct business segments and produced operating income of (pound)106 million
($178 million) and (pound)22 million ($37 million), respectively, in fiscal year
1998, representing substantially all of the Company's consolidated operating
income in that fiscal year.
SWEB's Authorized 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 southwest of England, of which the
Authorized Area forms the greater part, has benefitted from economic growth (as
measured by Gross Domestic Product) which on average has exceeded the UK rate
over the long term and on average was broadly similar to it from 1992 through
1997. The area has also benefitted from an average unemployment rate during
calendar year 1997 of approximately 4.4% which was below the UK average of 5.6%
according to a 1998 study by Cambridge Econometrics. The largest cities and
towns in SWEB's Authorized 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.
Change of Government in the UK
The first budget of the newly elected Labour government had a significant
impact on the profitability of the Company in the fiscal year 1998. The Labour
Party's election manifesto included the commitment to introduce "a one-off
windfall levy on the excess profits of the privatized utilities", and on July 2,
1997 the government presented its first budget which included such a levy. Based
upon the legislation, SWEB estimated its liability to be approximately (pound)90
million ($151 million). The levy is payable in two equal installments. The first
installment was paid on December 1, 1997 and the second will be paid on or
before December 1, 1998. The legislation also reduced the UK corporation tax
rate from 33% to 31% with effect from April 1, 1997. Such a decrease resulted in
an accounting credit reducing SWEB's provision for deferred income taxes by
approximately (pound)22 million ($37 million). Both items were included in the
second quarter's earnings.
On March 17, 1998 the government announced its second budget proposing a
further reduction in the UK corporation tax rate to 30%. This will become
effective from April 6, 1999, but only after receiving Royal assent which is
I-1
expected to be in August 1998. From that date, SWEB should be able to further
reduce its provision for deferred income taxes by approximately (pound)11
million ($18 million).
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 England and Wales. 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 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 NGG.
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 Authorized Area. Electricity customers fall into two categories, Regulated
Supply Customers (largely domestic and small commercial) and Unregulated Supply
Customers. Prices for supply of electricity to Regulated Supply Customers were
regulated by the Supply Price Control Formula until March 31, 1998. The
exclusive right to supply Regulated Supply Customers was scheduled to be phased
out over a six-month period commencing April 1, 1998, after which all supply
customers would have the ability to choose their electricity supplier. An
announcement by the Regulator on October 16, 1997 stated that the phasing out of
the exclusive right to supply Regulated Supply Customers should be phased in
from September 1998. Each REC has an authorized start date for competition to
commence in its Authorized Area, and SWEB's is towards the end of calendar year
1998. Once a REC's Authorized Area is open to competition, then it can compete
in the Authorized Area of other RECs where competition has commenced, and vice
versa. From April 1, 1998, prices which a REC may charge to Regulated Supply
Customers within its Authorized Area are subject to a Price Cap determined by
the Regulator. Unregulated Supply Customers (as defined prior to April 1, 1998)
may already be supplied by any company which has obtained the required license.
Such 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. 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.
SWEB's Main Businesses
Distribution Business
SWEB's distribution business is the ownership, management and operation
of the electricity distribution network within SWEB's Authorized 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 Authorized Area is transported through its distribution
I-2
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 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
southwest of England. At March 31, 1998 SWEB had experienced a 5-year compound
annual growth rate of 0.9% in customers and 1.9% in units distributed.
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. Since acquisition, SWEB
has implemented a plan of voluntary and other staff reductions, mainly in the
distribution business. By March 31, 1998 staff numbers had been reduced by 743
(22%). 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 group 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, number of outages and the time necessary to
restore customers after an outage. To that end, several initiatives are being
pursued including:
* refurbishment of 11kv aluminum overhead lines;
* eliminating a backlog of tree-trimming near distribution lines;
* introduction of rubber glove working techniques, allowing work to take
place on the network without disrupting supplies to customers;
* implementing a program of network improvements that creates more dual
routing;
* reordering the priorities of SWEB's capital expenditure program to focus
on improving system reliability;
* implementation of a computerized telecontrol system, allowing the move to
one centralized Control Room, providing a speedier, more accurate and
reliable service to customers;
* continuous process improvement and training at our call center supported
by new computerized information systems; and,
* monthly measurement of customer satisfaction through individual telephone
surveys.
Customers
Most of SWEB's distribution customers are Regulated 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 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 Authorized Area. The principal activities of SWEB's
I-3
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
Authorized Area accounted for 11% of total electricity distributed by SWEB in
fiscal year 1998 in terms of units distributed, with no single customer
exceeding 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(4)
------------------------------- ----------------------------- -----------
% of 5 year Volume % of 5 year % of
Number(1) Total CAGR(2) Twh(3) Total CAGR(2) Total
-------- ----- ------- ------ ----- ------- -----
not more than 100kW........... 1,329,069 99.78 0.93% 8.4 61 0.91% 79
above 100kW to 1MW............ 2,715 0.20 4.58 2.4 17 4.83 12
above 1MW..................... 250 0.02 4.56 3.0 22 2.53 9
--------- ------ ---- ---- --- ---- ---
Total 1,332,034 100.00 0.94 13.8 100 1.88 100
========= ====== ==== ==== === ==== ===
- ---------------
(1) At March 31, 1998.
(2) Represents the compound annual growth rate ("CAGR") for the period from April 1, 1993 through March 31, 1998.
(3) In terawatt hours for fiscal year 1998.
(4) For fiscal year 1998.
Distribution Facilities
Electricity is transported across the national grid transmission system
at 400kv or 275kv to ten grid supply points connected to SWEB's distribution
network, where it is transformed to 132kv and enters SWEB's distribution system.
Two of these grid supply points are situated in neighboring RECs' Authorized
Areas. Substantially all electricity which enters SWEB's system is received at
these ten grid supply points.
At March 31, 1998, 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............................................................... 11,825 3,945
6.6kv.............................................................. 15 77
480 or 415/240v.................................................... 5,537 7,027
------ ------
Total......................................................... 20,031 11,696
====== ======
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 5,340
33kv/11kv or 6.6kv 573 7,342
11kv or 6.6kv/lower voltages (including 36,535 pole mounted transformers) 48,147 6,605
Substations:
132kv/33kv 46
33kv/11kv or 6.6kv 312
11kv or 6.6kv/415v or 240v 12,047
I-4
Substantially all substations are owned in freehold, and most of the
balance are held on leases which will not expire within 10 years.
Operation and control of SWEB's distribution system is continuously
monitored and coordinated from a control center located in Exeter. Electricity
is received by customers at various voltages depending upon their requirements.
At March 31, 1998, SWEB's distribution system was connected to over 1.3 million
customers.
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
Regulated Supply Customers (largely domestic and small commercial). In fiscal
year 1998, these customers accounted for approximately 73% of all units of
electricity supplied by SWEB. Prices for these customers were regulated, and
SWEB's costs of purchasing, hedging, and delivering electricity were collected
from them on an actual cost basis.
The exclusive right to supply Regulated Supply Customers (as defined
prior to April 1, 1998) was scheduled to be phased out over a six-month period
commencing April 1, 1998, after which all supply customers would have the
ability to choose their electricity supplier. An announcement by the Regulator
on October 16, 1997 stated that the phasing out of the exclusive right to supply
Regulated Supply Customers should be phased in from September 1998. Each REC has
an authorized start date for competition to commence in its Authorized Area, and
SWEB's is towards the end of calendar year 1998. Once a REC's Authorized Area is
open to competition, then it can compete in the Authorized Area of other RECs
where competition has commenced, and vice versa. SWEB intends to maintain a
significant share of these customers by providing superior service and
competitive pricing. The Regulator has also proposed a penalty on all RECs,
including SWEB, related to the delay in opening the remainder of the supply
market to competition beyond the April 1, 1998 deadline; any penalty imposed on
SWEB is not expected to have a material impact on earnings. The supply tariffs
for Regulated Supply Customers in fiscal years 1999 and 2000 represent maximum
price restraints ("Price Cap") intended to protect such customers.
The market to supply Unregulated Supply Customers (as defined prior to
April 1, 1998) is fully competitive, principally with other RECs and the major
generators. Unregulated 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 Regulated Supply Customers as supply customers after
the opening of the market, and a profitable increase in SWEB's share of
electricity supplied to Unregulated Supply Customers both inside and outside
SWEB's Authorized Area.
SWEB's strategy for retaining its Regulated 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.
Initiatives in relation to the Regulated 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 fully operational in 1998); and
* increasing meter reads to reduce estimated readings. In the UK, most
meters are located within structures and meter readers are required to
obtain access from occupants in order to read meters.
I-5
SWEB's strategy for sales to Regulated Supply Customers outside its
Authorized Area is to respond to any request received for a quotation, and to
actively pursue high margin/low acquisition cost customers. SWEB's strategy for
Unregulated Supply Customers both inside and outside its Authorized Area is to
offer competitive pricing and, with respect to its Unregulated Supply Customers
inside its Authorized Area, to build customer loyalty through the measures
described above. Additional initiatives to support growth in market share in
both the Supply Customer markets include:
* the expanded use of account managers;
* increasing the number of proposals and bids made to customers, potential
customers, brokers and agents;
* development of an integrated system for contract customer sales,
electronic registration and marketing 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;
Regulated Supply Market
Under the terms of its PES license, SWEB currently holds the right to
supply approximately 1.3 million Regulated Supply Customers within its
Authorized Area. See "Business-General". During fiscal year 1998, sales to
Regulated Supply Customers (as defined prior to April 1, 1998) represented 73%
of total units supplied by SWEB and produced 81% of SWEB's total supply
revenues.
As discussed above, the exclusive right to supply Regulated Supply
Customers is scheduled to be phased out and SWEB intends to maintain a
significant share of these customers by providing superior customer service and
competitive pricing. In fiscal year 1998, SWEB met or exceeded the Regulator's
standards of performance targets for all of the services measured by the
Regulator. SWEB has moved from worst to best in a national ranking of RECs in
respect of customer complaints received.
Unregulated Supply Market
In addition to competing for Unregulated Supply Customers in its
Authorized Area, SWEB holds the required license to compete with RECs and other
suppliers to provide electricity to Unregulated Supply Customers outside its
Authorized Area. At the end of fiscal year 1998, SWEB had approximately 1,770
Unregulated Supply Customers, consisting primarily of large commercial and
industrial accounts. Revenue from Unregulated Supply Customers during fiscal
year 1998 accounted for 19% of total supply revenues.
SWEB's Other Business Activities
SWEB also has ancillary business activities that support its main
electricity distribution and supply businesses, including electricity
generation. SWEB owns generating assets with 16 MW of capacity used to back up
the distribution network as well as minority investments in windfarms, a
landfill gas generation project, and a 7.69% interest in Teesside Power Limited,
owner of a 1,875 MW combined cycle plant. SWEB derives small amounts of revenue
from the lease of fibers within the fiber optic cables carried on its
distribution network, and also markets and develops property no longer used in
the main electricity businesses.
Risk Management
SWEB's distribution business does not involve the purchase and sale of
electricity, and therefore SWEB's risk management efforts are focused on the
supply business which is exposed to Pool price volatility. SWEB uses 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 total demand for fiscal year 1999 is substantially hedged through
various types of agreements including CFDs.
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The most common contracts for supply to Unregulated 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. SWEB manages load shape risk by
setting individual customer sales prices based on their expected load shape and
including an additional premium to cover the risk of load shape variation.
Variable volume CFDs are also used when available at a competitive price. 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. SWEB intends to purchase cover at competitive prices and constantly
evaluates market conditions. No assurance can be given that an adequate,
transparent market for such products will in fact be available and thus that
contracts will be available at competitive prices.
SWEB constantly evaluates whether owning its own source of generation or
contracting for such source or sources is the most appropriate method for
managing purchase price risk, but no assurance can be given that such methods
would be available to, or economically appropriate for, SWEB.
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. SWEB 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 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.
I-7
Employee Relations
At March 31, 1998, SWEB had 2,597 employees (2,523 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 2,381 employees at
March 31, 1998 (2,307 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 104 employees at March 31, 1998 (103 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
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
SWEB has both network and non-network land and buildings.
Network Land and Buildings
At March 31, 1998 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, 1998
was (pound)72 million ($121 million).
Non-Network Land and Buildings
At March 31, 1998 SWEB had freehold and leasehold interests in
non-network properties comprising chiefly offices, former retail outlets,
depots, warehouses and workshops and including the freehold of its principal
executive offices in Bristol. The recorded cost of total non-network land and
buildings at March 31, 1998 was (pound)37 million ($62 million).
The number of properties in each category is:
Freehold or
Long Leasehold Leasehold
-------------- ---------
Depots................................................... 18 1
Offices.................................................. 8 -
Surplus property(1)...................................... 54 13
- ---------
(1) Largely unused retail sites (shops). The number of freeholds and leaseholds
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) had 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
I-8
Appeal Court. If the complainants' appeal is successful, either at the Appeal
Court or on a subsequent appeal to the House of Lords, it will have an adverse
effect on SWEB. Unless the High Court decision is reversed, this case should not
impact SWEB significantly; however 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. MARKET FOR REGISTRANTS' COMMON EQUITY
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 (1)| Period from
(June 23, | April 1,
Fiscal Fiscal 1995) to | 1995 to Fiscal Fiscal
Year Year March 31, | September Year Year
1998 (2) 1997 (2) 1996 (2) | 17, 1995 1995 1994
Successor Successor Successor | Predecessor Predecessor Predecessor
--------- --------- --------- | ----------- ----------- -----------
Operating Revenues.............(pound) 760 $ 1,274 (pound) 848 (pound) 481 |(pound) 299 (pound) 776 (pound) 808
Net (Loss) Income (3).......... (15) (25) 55 59 | 24 86 88
Total Assets................... 1,728 2,897 1,721 1,690 | 795 820 831
Long-term Debt................. 301 505 301 - | 95 95 92
Preferred Securities (4)....... 50 84 50 - | - - -
Common Dividend Declared....... 34 57 37 191 | 75 30 29
- -------------
(1) The Company was incorporated on June 23, 1995, as a vehicle for the acquisition of SWEB. Effective control was gained
on September 18, 1995 and designated as the acquisition date; the operating results of SWEB have been included in the
Company's financial statements from that date.
(2) 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, as discussed in Item 7
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Operations and Financial Condition - Introduction - Accounting for the
Acquisition".
(3) The Net Loss in fiscal year 1998 is stated after a one-off windfall levy charge of (pound)90 million ($151 million), and an
accounting credit reducing the Company's provision for deferred income taxes by (pound)22 million ($37 million).
(4) 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".
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, certain pounds sterling
amounts have been translated into US dollars at the Noon Buying Rate on March
31, 1998 of $1.6765 = (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 and 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 ($1.785 billion)
excluding a special dividend of (pound)52 million ($87 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 ($39 million) paid in October 1995 in respect of
fiscal year 1995, yields the (pound)75 million ($126 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 ($1.433
billion) and (pound)528 million ($885 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 ($1.554 billion) to their
fair value of (pound)1.782 billion ($2.987 billion), and the amount of SWEB's
liabilities recorded on the books of the Company was increased by (pound)372
million ($624 million) to their fair value of (pound)900 million ($1.509
billion). The increase in liabilities included the establishment of reserves
totalling (pound)44 million ($74 million) related principally to staff
reductions and the disposition of ancillary businesses. The resulting difference
between the purchase price of (pound)1.065 billion ($1.785 billion) and the fair
value of the assets and liabilities acquired, including the reserves
established, resulted in goodwill of (pound)183 million ($307 million).
The information presented for the 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
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.
II-2
Significant Events
The first budget of the newly elected Labour government included a "one-off
windfall levy on the excess profits of the privatized utilities". SWEB estimated
its liability to be approximately (pound)90 million adversely impacting earnings
for the fiscal year 1998. The budget also reduced the UK corporation tax rate
from 33% to 31%. This decrease resulted in an accounting credit reducing SWEB's
provision for deferred income taxes by approximately (pound)22 million in the
fiscal year 1998.
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 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") which 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. SWEB has also restructured its gas
retailing business, which includes a teaming arrangement with another
organization effective from October 1, 1997.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
SWEB was acquired in September 1995 and has undergone certain
restructuring, and the level and cost of financing has changed significantly.
Where relevant, the results for fiscal year 1996 have been presented on a pro
forma basis to provide a comparison with fiscal years 1998 and 1997.
Fiscal Year 1998 Compared with Fiscal Year 1997 Compared with Pro Forma Fiscal
Year 1996
Earnings
Earnings in fiscal year 1998 were adversely affected by a (pound)90
million windfall levy assessed against SWEB and an accounting credit reducing
the Company's provision for deferred income taxes by (pound)22 million, as
discussed in "Significant Events" above. The remainder of this discussion is on
items other than the windfall levy and deferred income taxes.
Operating income increased by (pound)7 million (6%) to (pound)132 million
in the fiscal year 1998 from (pound)125 million in the fiscal year 1997. This
increase is due to a (pound)10 million increase in operating income from the
supply business, partly offset by a (pound)2 million decrease in the
distribution business and a (pound)1 million decrease from other businesses.
Operating income decreased by (pound)4 million (3%) to (pound)125 million
in the fiscal year 1997 from (pound)129 million in the Pro Forma Fiscal Year
1996. 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.
Net income decreased by (pound)2 million (4%) to (pound)53 million in the
fiscal year 1998, before the windfall levy and effect of the tax rate change on
deferred income taxes, from (pound)55 million in the fiscal year 1997. This
decrease was principally due to increased interest expense and customary income
tax charges more than offsetting an increase in operating income discussed
above.
II-3
Net income increased by (pound)6 million (12%) to (pound)55 million in
the fiscal year 1997 from (pound)49 million in the Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996.
This increase was primarily attributable to reduced after-tax interest expense
of (pound)9 million resulting from the repayment during the second half of Pro
Forma 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.
Revenues
Operating revenues decreased by (pound)88 million (10%) to (pound)760
million in the fiscal year 1998 from (pound)848 million in fiscal year 1997
which had increased by (pound)68 million (9%) from (pound)780 million in Pro
Forma Fiscal Year 1996 as follows:
Operating Revenues Operating Revenues
Increase (Decrease) from the Increase (Decrease) from the
Fiscal Year 1997 Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996
to the Fiscal Year 1998 to the Fiscal Year 1997
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
((pound)millions, except %) ((pound)millions, except %)
Electricity distribution (3) (21)
Electricity supply (82) 62
Other (13) 9
Intra-business(1) 10 18
--- --
Total operating revenues (88) 68
=== ==
Percentage change (10%) 9%
- -------------
(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 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. In July 1995, the Regulator announced the result of distribution
price review which was precipitated by certain market events in the UK electric
utility industry. For SWEB, such announcement meant a 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 thereafter. The number of units
distributed depends on the demand 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)3 million (1%) to
(pound)228 million for the fiscal year 1998 from (pound)231 million for the
fiscal year 1997 which had decreased by (pound)21 million (8%) from Pro Forma
Fiscal Year 1996 as a result of the following factors:
Operating Revenues from Operating Revenues from
Electricity Distribution Electricity Distribution
Increase (Decrease) from the Increase (Decrease) from the
Fiscal Year 1997 Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996
to the Fiscal Year 1998 to the Fiscal Year 1997
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
((pound)millions, except %) ((pound)millions, except %)
Application of Distribution Price Control Formula (2) (19)
Sales growth 1 1
Other revenue attributable to distribution business (2) (3)
-- ---
Total distribution revenues (3) (21)
== ===
Percentage change (1%) (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
Regulated Supply Customers until March 31, 1998, is controlled by the Supply
Price Control Formula) and the number of electricity units supplied. From April
1, 1998 the unit price of electricity supplied to Regulated Supply Customers is
subject to Price Cap regulation and, until late 1998, SWEB is expected to have
the exclusive right to supply all Regulated Supply Customers in its Authorized
Area.
Regulated Supply Customers are generally residential/domestic and small
commercial customers. The volume of unit sales of electricity for Regulated
Supply Customers is influenced largely by the number of customers in the
Authorized Area, weather conditions and prevailing economic conditions. Unit
sales to Unregulated Supply Customers are determined primarily by the success of
the supply business in entering into contracts to supply customers with
electricity.
II-4
Revenues from the supply business decreased by (pound)82 million (10%) to
(pound)706 million for the fiscal year 1998 from (pound)788 million for the
fiscal year 1997. The number of electricity units supplied in the fiscal year
1998 also decreased by 10%, which mainly arose from a reduction in units
supplied to Unregulated Supply Customers. In addition to units supplied
reducing, revenues were also reduced due to a reduction in the fossil fuel levy
for the fiscal year 1998, which is passed through to customers. Revenues from
Regulated Supply Customers reduced by 5% mainly due to the reduction in the
fossil fuel levy, together with a reduction in allowable income as set by the
Supply Price Control Formula.
Revenues from the supply business increased by (pound)62 million (9%) to
(pound)788 million for the fiscal year 1997 from (pound)726 million for the Pro
Forma Fiscal Year 1996. 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 Unregulated Supply Customers, who are the larger energy users charged at
generally lower average unit prices than those charged to Regulated Supply
Customers. Within the regulated 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 ancillary business decreased by (pound)13 million (21%) to
(pound)50 million in the fiscal year 1998 from (pound)63 million for the fiscal
year 1997. The decrease was principally due to the lower activity in the gas
retailing business due to a restructuring of that business, including a teaming
arrangement with another organization effective from October 1, 1997.
Intra-business eliminations for fiscal year 1998 decreased by (pound)10
million (4%) from fiscal year 1997 which decreased by (pound)18 million (7%)
from Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996. Decreases in both years were primarily as the
result of the decrease in revenues from the distribution business described
above.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales decreased by (pound)103 million (17%) to (pound)491 million
in the fiscal year 1998 from (pound)594 million in the fiscal year 1997. The
decrease principally arose from the reduction in energy purchases due to the
decrease in units supplied, together with a decrease in the fossil fuel levy as
mentioned above, and lower volumes in the gas retailing business.
Cost of sales increased by (pound)90 million (18%) to (pound)594 million
in the fiscal year 1997 from (pound)504 million in the Pro Forma Fiscal Year
1996. 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.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses increased by (pound)8 million (6%) to (pound)137
million in the fiscal year 1998 from (pound)129 million in the fiscal year 1997.
The increase was principally due to a (pound)6 million increase in selling,
general and administrative costs, together with a (pound)3 million increase in
depreciation and amortization, partly offset by a (pound)1 million decrease in
maintenance costs. The increase in selling, general and administrative costs is
primarily due to the activities and restructuring of the gas retailing business.
Operating expenses decreased by (pound)18 million (12%) to (pound)129
million in the fiscal year 1997 from (pound)147 million in the Pro Forma Fiscal
Year 1996. 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 in 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
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased by (pound)5 million to (pound)57 million in
the fiscal year 1998 from (pound)52 million in the fiscal year 1997. In the
latter part of the fiscal year 1997, the Company effectively replaced (pound)325
million of short term bank financed debt with higher margin long term debt.
This, together with an approximate 1% increase in bank borrowing rates during
the fiscal year 1998, and increases in debt as mentioned below, has contributed
to the increase in interest expense.
The weighted average balance of debt outstanding during the fiscal year
1998 was (pound)654 million at a weighted average interest rate of 7.9% compared
to (pound)621 million at 7.5% during the fiscal year 1997. The change in level
of debt is primarily due to payment of the windfall levy in December 1997.
Interest expense decreased by (pound)14 million to (pound)52 million in
the fiscal year 1997 from (pound)66 million in the Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996,
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)621 million at a weighted
average interest rate of 7.5% compared to (pound)876 million at 7.0% during the
Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996.
Gain on Sale of Investments
In the fiscal year 1998 there was no gain on the sale of investments. The
gain on the sale of investments was (pound)6 million in the fiscal year 1997.
There was no gain in the Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996. The gain in the fiscal year
1997 related principally to additional proceeds of (pound)4 million relating to
the demerger of the PSB associated with the sale of NGG and the sale by SWEB of
its interest in a cable television and telecommunications company. See
"Significant Events" above.
Investment Income
Investment income increased by(pound)3 million (50%) to(pound)9 million
in the fiscal year 1998 from(pound)6 million in the fiscal year 1997, mainly
due to additional dividends from an investment in generating plant.
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 and customer
growth/retention in the electricity business.
The largest portion (approximately 80%) of SWEB's operating income is
derived from its distribution business - essentially the operation and
maintenance of the electricity network in its Authorized Area in the southwest
of 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 Authorized
Area. Distribution revenues are subject to price-cap regulation. Current
regulation is expected to continue until March 31, 2000. A regulatory review has
commenced which will determine the regulation to apply thereafter.
In March 1998 the government published a discussion paper ("Green Paper")
on the regulation of the water, electricity, gas and telecommunications
utilities within the UK entitled "A Fair Deal for Consumers: Modernizing the
Framework for Utility Regulation". The government's stated objective for the
review is to set a long term stable framework for utilities which is seen to be
fair by all the interested groups involved. The guiding principles are that
regulation must be transparent, consistent and predictable. The closing date for
responses was May 31, 1998.
In May 1998 OFFER issued a consultation paper concerning the separation
of businesses in the context of the reviews of the PES's price controls post
2000. It is OFFER's view that full separation of supply and distribution would
be desirable. However, they recognize that it is likely that interim
arrangements will be necessary.
II-6
As these papers are only consultative at this time, it is not possible
for the Company to precisely determine the impact until after these issues have
been finalized by the government, and firm proposals are made by OFFER.
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 as discussed in Item 1 "Business - SWEB's Main Businesses - Supply
Business".
A possible further impact on future earnings is a court ruling related to
a pension matter. See Note 2 in the "Notes to the Financial Statements" herein
for discussion of this matter. 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.
SWEB is heavily dependent upon complex computer systems for all phases of
its operations. The year 2000 issue, common to most corporations, concerns the
inability of certain software and databases to properly recognize date-sensitive
information related to the year 2000 and thereafter. This problem could result
in a material disruption to the Company's operations, if not corrected. SWEB has
assessed and developed a detailed strategy to prevent or at least minimize
problems related to the year 2000 issue. During 1997, resources were committed
and implementation began to modify affected information systems. The total costs
related to the project are not expected to materially impact earnings.
Implementation is currently on schedule. Although the degree of success of this
project can not be determined at this time, management believes there will be no
significant effect on the Company's operations.
New Accounting Standard
The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") has issued Statement
No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income", which will be effective for the
fiscal year 1999. This statement establishes standards for reporting and display
of comprehensive income and its components in a full set of general purpose
financial statements. The objective of the statement is to report a measure of
all changes in equity of an enterprise that result from transactions and other
economic events of the period other than transactions with owners (comprehensive
income). Comprehensive income is the total of net income and all other non-owner
changes in equity. The Company will adopt this statement for fiscal year 1999.
Currently, the adoption of this statement will not have a material effect on the
Company's financial results.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Overview
The major change in the Company's financial condition during the fiscal
year 1998 was the addition by SWEB of approximately (pound)81 million in
property, plant, and equipment, largely in respect of the distribution network.
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.
Demand for electricity in Great Britain, in general, and in SWEB's
Authorized 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 continue to exist
at SWEB to allow for reasonable and necessary dividends from SWEB, through
operations, to be distributed to the Company. In the UK, the Accounting
Standards Board is currently reviewing the treatment of deferred income tax
accounting. If full provision for deferred tax were required, SWEB's
distributable reserves could be eliminated.
II-7
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company and SWEB have non-trading operations that are exposed to
certain market risks including changes in interest rates, cross currency
exchange rates and the volatility of prices of electricity purchased in the
Pool. To mitigate changes in cashflow attributed to these exposures the Company
has entered into various derivative financial instruments, the sole purpose of
which is to hedge exposure in these areas.
Interest rate swaps are used to hedge specific debt issuances and
therefore qualify for hedge accounting. Where debt is issued in US dollars,
currency swaps effectively convert the exposure to sterling. The interest rate
differential is reflected as an adjustment to interest expense over the life of
the instruments. Derivative exposures for interest rate and cross currency swaps
are measured using mark-to-market valuations.
If the Company sustained a 100 basis point change in interest rates for
all variable rate debt, the change would affect annualized interest expense by
approximately (pound)1 million i.e. 1% on (pound)78 million variable rate debt
as at March 31, 1998. Based on the Company's overall interest rate exposure as
at March 31, 1998, including derivative and other interest rate sensitive
instruments, a 100 basis point change in interest rates would not materially
affect the consolidated financial statements.
In addition, SWEB utilizes CFD's to mitigate its exposure to volatility
in the prices of electricity purchased through the Pool. The gains and losses on
such contracts are deferred and recognized as electricity is purchased.
The Company does not have an exposure to changes in exchange rates
between (pound) sterling and the US dollar as it uses both long term and short
term cross-currency agreements to fully hedge any debt issued in US dollars.
Therefore a 10% sustained decline of the US dollar would not affect these swaps
in respect of the consolidated financial statements.
Financing Activities
During the fiscal year 1998 the Company and SWEB entered into
(pound)100 million of fixed rate sterling interest swaps, (pound)25 million ($42
million) in December 1997 and (pound)75 million ($125 million) in January 1998.
At March 31, 1998, the Company and SWEB have sterling interest rate
swaps expiring between 2001 and 2012, with notional amounts totalling (pound)600
million ($1,006 million), and have cross currency swaps expiring between 2001
and 2007, with notional amounts totalling (pound)350 million ($587 million).
Sources of Capital
The Company has a US commercial paper program under which the maximum
available is $520 million. This program is supported by a swingline and
revolving credit facility provided by a syndicate of banks. The amount available
under the program, which is supported by the swingline and revolving credit
facility, at March 31, 1998 was $164 million. SWEB enters into foreign currency
contracts to hedge the currency risk associated with the interest and principal
of each utilization under this program.
SWEB actively manages its short-term debt, which includes a number of
bank lines of credit in addition to the commercial paper program. At March 31,
1998 the Company and SWEB together had short-term debt of (pound)363 million
($608 million) outstanding ($134 million from commercial paper, $222 million
from swingline and revolving credit facility, and $252 million in other
short-term loans). The increase in short-term debt is largely due to the payment
of the first installment of the windfall levy.
To meet short-term cash needs and contingencies, the Company and SWEB
together had at March 31, 1998 approximately (pound)5 million of cash and
(pound)180 million of unutilized committed lines of credit with banks. Also
available was $164 million of the swingline and revolving credit facility
mentioned above. The Company currently has sufficient liquidity to meet the
second installment of the windfall levy, and the pension matter, discussed in
Item 1 - "Business", and Note 2 in the "Notes to the Financial Statements"
herein.
II-8
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
The Company's 1998 Annual Report Form 10-K contains forward-looking
statements in addition to historical information. The Company cautions that
there are various important factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements; accordingly,
there can be no assurance that such indicated results will be realized. These
factors include legislative and regulatory issues (such as the results of the
current review of regulation, see Item 1 "Business - Supply Business", and the
results of the supply and distribution price reviews scheduled to take effect
April 1, 2000); the extent and timing of the entry of additional competition in
the supply market; potential business strategies, including acquisitions or
dispositions of assets or internal restructuring that may be pursued by the
Company or SWEB; changes in or application of environmental and other laws and
regulations to which the Company and SWEB are subject; political, legal and
economic conditions and developments in which the Company and SWEB operate;
financial market conditions and the results of financing efforts; changes in
commodity prices and interest rates; weather and other natural phenomena; the
performance of projects undertaken by the Company or SWEB and the success of
efforts to invest in and develop new opportunities; and other factors discussed
in the reports, filed from time to time by the Company with the SEC.
Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Reference is made to information in the Company's "Management's
Discussion and Analysis - Derivative Financial Instruments" above, and to Notes
1 and 8 in the "Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements" under the
heading "Financial Instruments" contained herein.
II-9
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-11
Report of Independent Public Accountants........................................... II-12
Consolidated Statements of Income.................................................. II-13
Consolidated Statements 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
II-10
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (SUCCESSOR COMPANY)
MANAGEMENT'S REPORT
1998 Annual Report
The management of the Company has prepared -- and is responsible for --
the consolidated 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 based on 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 consolidated financial statements present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position, results of operations,
and cash flows of the Company and its subsidiaries 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 19, 1998
II-11
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 (the "Company" being a company incorporated in England and
Wales) and SUBSIDIARIES as of March 31, 1998 and 1997, the related consolidated
statements of income, changes in stockholder`s equity and cash flows for the
years ended March 31, 1998 and 1997 and for the period 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 and subsidiaries as of March 31, 1998 and 1997 and
the consolidated results of its operations, changes in stockholder's equity and
cash flows for the years ended March 31, 1998 and 1997 and for the period from
inception (June 23, 1995) to March 31, 1996, and the consolidated results of the
operations, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows of South Western
Electricity plc and subsidiaries 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 19, 1998
II-12
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (SUCCESSOR COMPANY)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 AND 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 FROM APRIL 1, 1995 TO SEPTEMBER 17, 1995
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
(In Millions)
1998 1997 Inception | April 1,
(June 23, | 1995 to
1995) to | September
March 31, | 17, 1995
1996 (1) | (1)
Successor Successor Successor | Predecessor
--------- --------- --------- | -----------
|
OPERATING REVENUES (pound) 760 $ 1,274 (pound) 848 (pound) 481 |(pound) 299
COST OF SALES 491 823 594 318 | 186
----------- ------- ----------- ----------- |-----------
GROSS MARGIN 269 451 254 163 | 113
----------- ------- ----------- ----------- |-----------
|
OPERATING EXPENSES: |
Maintenance 34 57 35 21 | 18
Depreciation and amortization 46 77 43 22 | 15
Selling, general and administrative 57 96 51 34 | 40
----------- ------- ----------- ----------- |-----------
Total operating expenses 137 230 129 77 | 73
----------- ------- ----------- ----------- |-----------
Operating income 132 221 125 86 | 40
----------- ------- ----------- ----------- |-----------
|
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): |
Interest income 2 4 2 7 | 2
Interest expense (57) (96) (52) (28) | (5)
Gain on sale of investments - - 6 14 | -
Investment income 9 15 6 - | -
Other, net - - - 2 | 1
----------- ------- ----------- ----------- |-----------
Total other income (expense) (46) (77) (38) (5) | (2)
----------- ------- ----------- ----------- |-----------
|
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 86 144 87 81 | 38
|
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES: |
Customary (33) (55) (32) (28) | (13)
Effect of change in tax rates (Note 6) 22 37 - - | -
Windfall levy (Note 6) (90) (151) - - | -
----------- ------- ----------- ----------- |-----------
(LOSS) INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS |
(15) (25) 55 53 | 25
Extraordinary gain on early extinguishment |
of debt, net of income tax effect of (pound)3, for |
the Successor Company, and income from |
discontinued operations - - - 6 | (1)
----------- ------- ----------- ----------- |-----------
NET (LOSS) INCOME (pound) (15) $ (25) (pound) 55 (pound) 59 |(pound) 24
=========== ======= =========== =========== |===========
- -------------
(1) See Note 14 for Details of Pro Forma Fiscal Year 1996.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
II-13
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (SUCCESSOR COMPANY)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 AND 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 FROM APRIL 1, 1995 TO SEPTEMBER 17, 1995
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PREDECESSOR COMPANY
Balance, March 31, 1995 111 (pound) 56 (pound) - (pound) 6 (pound) 304 (pound) 366
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 6 253 317
===== =========== ===== ===== ===== =====
SUCCESSOR COMPANY
Balance, June 23, 1995 - - - - - -
Net income - - - - 59 59
Proceeds from sale of NGG 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
----- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net loss (1) - - - - (15) (15)
Dividends declared on common stock - - - - (34) (34)
----- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance, March 31, 1998 500 (pound) 500 (pound) - (pound) - (pound)(163) (pound) 337
===== =========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
- -------------
(1) The Net Loss is stated after a one-off windfall levy charge of (pound)90 million, and an accounting credit reducing the
Company's provision for deferred income taxes by (pound)22 million
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
II-14
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (SUCCESSOR COMPANY)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 AND 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 FROM APRIL 1, 1995 TO SEPTEMBER 17, 1995
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In Millions)
1998 1997 Inception | April 1,
(June 23, | 1995 to
1995) to | September
March 31, | 17, 1995
1996 |
Successor Successor Successor | Predecessor
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: --------- --------- --------- | -----------
Net (loss) income (pound) (15) $ (25) (pound)55 (pound) 59 | (pound) 24
------------ ------ --------- ----------- | -------------
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash |
provided from operating activities: |
Depreciation and amortization 54 91 43 22 | 15
Changes in assets and liabilities: |
Receivables, net 33 55 (17) (20) | 33
Accounts payable (10) (17) 3 9 | (9)
Income taxes, accrued/deferred 36 60 23 19 | 4
Other, net (38) (63) (48) (64) | 2
----------- ----- --------- ----------- | ------------
Total adjustments 75 126 4 (34) | 45
----------- ----- --------- ----------- | ------------
Net cash provided from operating activities 60 101 59 25 | 69
----------- ----- --------- ----------- | ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: |
Consideration for purchase of SWEB paid to former |
shareholders - - - (1,023) | -
Capital expenditures (81) (136) (70) (37) | (22)
Proceeds from sales of investments 1 2 17 270 | 26
Other 2 3 5 - | (26)
----------- ----- --------- ----------- | ------------
Net cash used for investing activities (78) (131) (48) (790) | (22)
----------- ----- --------- ----------- | ------------
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 - - 300 597 | -
Repayment of notes and bonds - - - (696) | -
Change in short term borrowings 79 132 (366) - | (23)
Issue of share capital - - - - | 2
Issue of mandatorily redeemable preferred securities - - 50 - | -
Payment of preacquisition dividends - - - (75) | -
Payment of dividends (59) (99) (12) (191) | -
------------ ------ --------- ----------- | ------------
Net cash provided from (used for) financing 20 33 (28) 785 | (21)
------------ ------ --------- ----------- | ------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS |
2 3 (17) 20 | 26
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD |
3 5 20 - | 27
------------ ----- -------- ---------- | ------------
|
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD (pound) 5 $ 8 (pound) 3 (pound) 20 | (pound 53
============ ===== ======== ========== | ===========
|
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION: |
Cash paid during the year for: |
Interest (pound) 51 $ 86 (pound) 48 (pound)21 | (pound) 5
============ ====== ========= ========== | ============
Income taxes: |
Customary 20 34 11 26 | 6
Windfall levy (Note 6) 45 75 - - | -
----- ------ --------- ---------- | ------------
Total cash paid for income taxes (pound) 65 $ 109 (pound) 11 (pound)26 | (pound) 6
============ ====== ========= ========== | ============
Conversion of debt to equity (pound) - $ - (pound) - (pound)315 | (pound) -
============ ====== ========== ========== | ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
II-15
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (SUCCESSOR COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
MARCH 31, 1998 AND 1997
(In Millions)
ASSETS 1998 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ ----------------
PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT (pound) 1,389 $ 2,329 (pound) 1,312
Less accumulated depreciation 109 183 59
------------- -------- -------------
Property, plant, and equipment, net 1,280 2,146 1,253
------------- -------- -------------
OTHER ASSETS
Investments 17 29 19
Prepaid pension cost 116 194 105
Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of (pound)11 ($18) at
March 31, 1998 and(pound)7 at March 31, 1997 172 288 176
------------- -------- -------------
Total other assets 305 511 300
------------- -------- -------------
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents 5 8 3
Investments 17 29 18
Receivables:
Customer accounts, less provision for uncollectables of (pound)9
($15) at March 31, 1998 and(pound)12 at March 31, 1997 85 143 120
Other 14 23 12
------------- -------- -------------
Receivables, net 99 166 132
Materials and supplies 4 7 3
Prepaid expenses 18 30 12
------------- -------- -------------
Total current assets 143 240 168
------------- -------- -------------
Total assets (pound) 1,728 $ 2,897 (pound)1,721
============= ======== ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance sheets.
II-16
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES (SUCCESSOR COMPANY)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
MARCH 31, 1998 AND 1997
(In Millions)
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 1998 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ --------------
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock, (pound)1 par value, 500,400,587 shares authorized,
issued and outstanding (pound) 500 $ 838 (pound) 500
Retained earnings (deficit) (163) (273) (114)
-------------- ------- -------------
Total stockholder's equity 337 565 386
-------------- ------- -------------
COMPANY OBLIGATED MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE PREFERRED SECURITIES OF
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK CAPITAL TRUST I HOLDING COMPANY JUNIOR
SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES (Note 10) 50 84 50
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Long-term debt 301 505 301
Deferred income taxes 361 605 377
Provision for loss contracts (Note 4) 72 121 69
Other 46 77 59
-------------- ------- -------------
Total non-current liabilities 780 1,308 806
-------------- ------- -------------
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Commercial paper 80 134 250
Short-term borrowings 283 474 34
Accounts payable 50 84 60
Accrued income taxes 82 137 31
Unearned revenue 4 7 5
Common dividend declared - - 25
Accrued interest 8 13 9
Other 54 91 65
-------------- ------- -------------
Total current liabilities 561 940 479
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT MATTERS
(NOTES 2, 3 and 4)
-------------- ------- -------------
Total stockholder's equity and liabilities (pound) 1,728 $ 2,897 (pound) 1,721
============== ======= =============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance sheets.
II-17
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, 1998
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
General
Southern Investments UK plc (the "Company") is a wholly-owned subsidiary
of SWEB Holdings Limited ("Holdings"). Throughout the period under review, 75%
of Holdings was owned indirectly by Southern and 25% was owned indirectly by
PP&L Resources. On June 18, 1998, Southern sold a further share of its ownership
in Holdings to PP&L Resources as set out in Note 13. 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.
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).
Solely for the convenience of the reader, certain pounds sterling amounts
included in the financial statements have been translated into US dollars at the
exchange rate of $1.6765 = (pound)1.00, the noon buying rate in New York City
for cable transfers in pounds sterling as certified for customs purposes by the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York on March 31, 1998. The following table sets out
this rate for previous periods:
Fiscal Year Period end Average (1) High Low
----------- ---------- ----------- ---- ---
($ per (pound)1.00)
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
1998.............................. 1.68 1.65 1.69 1.61
(1) The average of the Noon Buying Rates in effect on the last business day of each month during the relevant period.
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)
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
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
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 3.2% 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.
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)14 million of costs in the
fiscal year 1998 and (pound)11 million of costs in the fiscal year 1997.
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)
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 (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
Non-trading derivative financial instruments are used to hedge exposures
to volatility in electricity prices and fluctuations in interest rates and
foreign currency exchange rates. Gains and losses on qualifying hedges are
deferred and recognized either in income or as an adjustment to the carrying
amount when the hedged transaction occurs.
Reclassifications
Certain prior years' data presented in the consolidated financial
statements has been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.
2. RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Pension Plans
SWEB has two pension plans, a defined contribution plan and a defined
benefit 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)0.2 million ($0.3 million) for the fiscal year 1998, and
(pound)0.1 million for the 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 UK. Contributions to the plan by SWEB on behalf of its employees were
(pound)0.3 million ($0.5 million) for the fiscal year 1998, (pound)0.6 million
for the fiscal year 1997, (pound)4.8 million for the period from inception (June
23, 1995) through March 31, 1996, and (pound)3.7 million for the period from
April 1, 1995 to September 17, 1995.
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)
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 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.
The following table shows the actuarial results and assumptions for pension benefits as computed under SFAS No. 87 (in
millions):
March 31, 1998 March 31, 1997
-------------- --------------
Actuarial present value of benefit obligation
Vested benefits .............................................. (pound) (504) $ (845) (pound) (493)
Nonvested benefits............................................ - - -
------------- ------- -------------
Accumulated benefit obligations................................... (504) (845) (493)
Effect of future salary increases................................. (38) (64) (37)
------------- ------- -------------
Projected benefit obligations..................................... (542) (909) (530)
Less:
Fair value of plan assets.................................. 701 1,175 641
Prior service cost......................................... 3 5 3
Unrecognized net gain...................................... (46) (77) (9)
------------- ------- -------------
Prepaid asset recognized in the consolidated balance sheet........ (pound) 116 $ 194 (pound) 105
============= ======= =============
The weighted average rates assumed in the actuarial calculations were as follows:
1998 1997
---- ----
Discount rate..................................................... 7.50% 8.50%
Annual salary rate increase....................................... 4.75% 5.75%
Long term rate of return on plan assets........................... 9.50% 9.50%
The components of the plan's net pension income are shown below (in millions):
Period from |
inception | Period from
(June 23, | April 1,
1995) to | 1995 to
Fiscal Year Fiscal Year March 31, | September
1998 1997 1996 | 17, 1995
Successor Successor Successor | Predeccessor
--------------------- -------------------- ---------- | -------------
Benefits earned during the period................ (pound) 7 $ 12 (pound) 9 (pound) 2 | (pound) 3
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation.... 43 72 44 22 | 20
Actual return on plan assets..................... (95) (159) (66) (50) | (69)
Net amortization and deferral.................... 37 62 9 22 | 42
-- -- --- -- | --
Gross pension benefit............................ (8) (13) (4) (4) | (4)
Employee contributions........................... (3) (5) (4) (2) | (2)
--- --- --- --- | ---
Net pension benefit (11) (18) (8) (6) | (6)
=== === === === | ===
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)
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
Appeal court. If the complainants' appeal is successful, either at the Appeal
court or on a subsequent appeal to the House of Lords, it will have an adverse
effect on SWEB. Unless the High Court decision is reversed, this case should not
impact SWEB significantly; however it is not practical to make an estimate of
the exposure at the present time.
3. REGULATORY MATTERS
Distribution
OFFER controls the revenues generated by SWEB in its distribution
business by applying a price control formula, P + RPI -X, 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. X is
currently 3%.
The DPCF is usually set for a five-year period, subject to more frequent
adjustments as determined necessary by the Regulator. At each review, the
Regulator can require a one-time price adjustment. 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 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, before an allowed increase for inflation. The
Regulator is currently undertaking the next DPCF review expected to become
effective from April 1, 2000.
Supply
Within the supply business, customers fall into the two categories of
Unregulated and Regulated Supply Customers.
Until March 31, 1998, Unregulated Supply Customers were defined as
customers who had an electricity demand of more than 100kW. From April 1, 1998,
Unregulated Supply Customers are defined as customers who are non-domestic and
who have an annual consumption in excess of 12,000kWh. Unregulated Supply
Customers may contract for their electricity from any holder of a PES license.
However, those customers who were Regulated Supply Customers until the change in
definition must continue to take supply from their host REC until competition
commences in that REC's Authorized Area (see below).
Regulated Customers are those customers who are not Unregulated Supply
Customers and largely comprise domestic and small business customers. Prices
charged to Regulated Supply Customers by a REC within its Authorized Area are
controlled by regulation. Until March 31, 1998, the calculation of the maximum
supply charge was based on a SPCF, similar to the DPCF, plus an ability to pass
through certain costs, principally the costs of energy purchases, transmission
and distribution use of system charges. For the four-year period ending March
31, 1998, an efficiency factor of X = 2% (before an allowed increase for
inflation) was applied to SWEB, offset by an allowance for both unit and
customer growth. From April 1, 1998 supply business charges to Regulated Supply
Customers is subject to a Price Cap instead of being based on the SPCF; the
concept of pass through costs no longer applies.
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)
Following the announcement by the Regulator on October 16, 1997, in
respect of its latest supply price review for Regulated Supply Customers
effective from April 1, 1998, SWEB has implemented a tariff reduction of 2.8%
effective from that date. A further 3% reduction (before an allowed increase for
inflation) will be implemented for fiscal year 2000. This average tariff
reduction primarily reflects the expected reduction in power purchase costs
after March 31, 1998 when expensive CFDs, (Note 8), agreed by the government at
the time of privatization of the electricity industry, will end, and the fossil
fuel levy will be further reduced.
The exclusive right to supply Regulated Supply Customers (as defined
prior to April 1, 1998) was scheduled to be phased out over a six-month period
commencing April 1, 1998, after which all supply customers would have the
ability to choose their electricity supplier. An announcement by the Regulator
on October 16, 1997 stated that the exclusive right to supply Regulated Supply
Customers should be phased out from September 1998. Each REC has an authorized
start date for competition to commence in its Authorized Area, and SWEB's is
towards the end of calendar year 1998. Once a REC's Authorized Area is open to
competition, then it can compete in the Authorized Area of other RECs where
competition has commenced, and vice versa.
The Regulator has also proposed a penalty on all RECs, including SWEB,
related to the delay in opening competition to Regulated Supply Customers beyond
the April 1, 1998 deadline; any penalty imposed on SWEB is not expected to have
a material impact on earnings. The supply tariffs in fiscal years 1999 and 2000
represent maximum price restraints intended to protect each REC's Regulated
Supply Customers, which it supplies within its Authorized Area.
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)72 million ($121 million) at
March 31, 1998 and (pound)69 million at March 31, 1997. 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.
Operating Leases
SWEB has commitments under operating leases with various terms and
expiration dates. Expenses associated with these commitments totalled (pound)5
million ($8 million) for the fiscal year 1998, (pound)4 million for the fiscal
year 1997, (pound)3 million for the period from inception (June 23, 1995) to
March 31, 1996, and (pound)3 million for the period from April 1, 1995 to
September 17, 1995.
Estimated minimum rental commitments for noncancelable operating leases
were as follows at March 31, 1998 (in millions):
Fiscal year
1999................................. (pound) 5 $ 8
2000................................. 4 6
2001................................. 1 2
2002................................. 1 2
2003................................. 1 2
Thereafter........................... 7 12
---------- ----
Total minimum payment.................. (pound) 19 $ 32
========== ====
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)
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 the UK.
5. SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION
Effective March 31, 1998, the Company adopted FASB Statement No. 131,
"Disclosure About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information". 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. Information about the Company's operations in these individual
segments, which also reflect its products and services, is detailed below. All
revenues are in respect of sales to customers in the UK.
Business Segments
- ----------------- (in millions)
Fiscal Year Distribution Supply Other Eliminations Consolidated
- ---------- ------------ ------------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
1998 (Successor)
- ----------------
Operating revenues (pound) 228 $ 382 (pound)706 $ 1,184 (pound)50 $ 84 (pound)(224) $ (376)(pound)760 $ 1,274
Depreciation and Amortization 39 65 - - 7 12 - - 46 77
Operating income 106 177 22 37 4 7 - - 132 221
Total assets employed at period-end 1,540 2,582 110 184 78 131 - - 1,728 2,897
Capital expenditures 78 131 1 2 3 5 (1) (2) 81 136
1997 (Successor)
- ----------------
Operating revenues (pound) 231 (pound) 788 (pound) 63 (pound) (234) (pound) 848
Depreciation and Amortization 37 - 6 - 43
Operating income 108 12 6 (1) 125
Total assets employed at period-end 1,481 133 107 - 1,721
Capital expenditures 64 3 3 (1) 69
Inception (June 23, 1995) to
- ---------------------------
March 31,1996 (Successor)
- ---------------------------
Operating revenues (pound) 147 (pound) 450 (pound) 31 (pound) (147) (pound) 481
Depreciation and Amortization 19 - 3 - 22
Operating income 72 13 1 - 86
Total assets employed at period-end 1,426 102 162 - 1,690
Capital expenditures 32 1 4 - 37
April 1, 1995 to September 17, 1995
- ------------------------------------
(Predecessor)
- -------------
Operating revenues (pound) 105 (pound) 276 (pound) 23 (pound) (105) (pound) 299
Depreciation and Amortization 12 - 3 - 15
Operating income 42 2 (4) - 40
Total assets employed at period-end 537 54 289 (45) 835
Capital expenditures 19 - 2 - 21
Included in "Other" above are insignificant operating subsidiaries of SWEB, as well as corporate activities and assets not
allocated to specific segments. Interest expense and taxes are wholly allocated to "Other" and are disclosed in the Consolidated
Income Statements. 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's Authorized Area.
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)
6. INCOME TAXES
Details of the income tax provisions are as follows (in millions):
Period from | Period from
inception (June | April 1, 1995
Fiscal Year Fiscal Year 23, 1995) to | to September
1998 1997 March 31, 1996 | 17, 1995
Successor Successor Successor | Predecessor
----------- ---------- -------------- | ------------
Total provision for income taxes: |
Customary |
Currently payable (pound) 27 $ 45 (pound) 21 (pound) 12 | (pound) 10
Deferred 6 10 11 19 | 3
------ ---- ---------- ---------- | ----------
33 55 32 31 | 13
Effect of change in tax rates (22) (37) - - | -
Windfall levy 90 151 - - | -
----------- ---- --------- --------- | ----------
Total income taxes charged to operations (pound) 101 $169 (pound) 32 (pound) 31 | (pound) 13
=========== ==== ========== ========== | ==========
On July 2, 1997 the newly elected Labour government presented its first
budget which included a "one-off windfall levy on the excess profits of the
privatized utilities". Based upon the legislation, SWEB estimated its liability
to be approximately (pound)90 million. The levy is payable in two equal
installments. The first installment was paid on December 1, 1997 and the second
will be paid on or before December 1, 1998. The legislation also reduced the UK
corporation tax rate from 33% to 31% with effect from April 1, 1997. Such a
decrease resulted in an accounting credit reducing the Company's provision for
deferred income taxes by approximately (pound)22 million.
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,
1998 1997
--------- ----------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant, and equipment basis differences..................... (pound)361 $ 605 (pound) 363
Pensions............................................................. 38 64 35
----- ---- ----
Total........................................................ 399 669 398
Deferred tax assets:
Accruals, including acquisition related items............... 38 64 21
---------- ----- -----------
Net deferred tax liabilities in consolidated balance sheet............. (pound)361 $ 605 (pound) 377
========== ===== ===========
The effect of a change in tax rates and windfall levy, both as discussed
above, would reduce the effective rate by 26% and increase the effective rate by
105%, respectively. Excluding these two items, the reconciliation of the UK
statutory rate to the effective customary income tax rate is as follows:
Period from | Period from
inception (June| April 1, 1995 to
Fiscal Year Fiscal Year 23, 1995) to | September 17,
1998 1997 March 31, 1996 | 1995
Successor Successor Successor | Predeccessor
----------- ----------- -------------- | --------------
|
UK statutory rate 31% 33% 33% | 33%
Nondeductible amortization of goodwill 2 2 1 | -
Other permanent differences 5 1 - | 2
---- --- ---- | ----
Effective customary income tax rate 38% 36% 34% | 35%
==== ==== ==== | ====
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)
7. ACQUISITION
The acquisition of SWEB in the amount of (pound)1.065 ($1.785) 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, and 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 ($47 million) of
acquisition related costs, by (pound)183 million ($307 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.
The following unaudited pro forma information has been prepared assuming
that the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the respective periods.
The pro forma adjustments made are detailed in Note 14. 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
------------
(millions)
Operating Revenues (pound) 780 $ 1,308
Net Income 49 82
8. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
SWEB utilizes 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. SWEB's goal is to obtain competitively priced contracts
to cover the majority of its purchase requirements. The gains and losses on such
contracts are deferred and recognized as electricity is purchased. Management
believes that the fair value of these contracts at present is not materially
different than the fair value determined at acquisition. SWEB also has
commitments to purchase capacity under its long term contracts. See Note 4 where
these contracts are discussed in greater detail.
The Company and SWEB utilize interest rate swaps to minimize borrowing
costs and mitigate their exposure to fluctuations in interest rates by allowing
them to convert their outstanding variable rate debt into fixed rate debt. These
swaps are designated as hedges of underlying debt obligations and, as such, the
interest rate differential is reflected as an adjustment to interest expense
over the life of the swaps. At March 31, 1998, sterling interest rate swaps
expiring between 2001 and 2012 with notional amounts totalling (pound)600
million ($1,006 million), resulted in an unrealized loss of (pound)39 million
($65 million).
Foreign currency swaps are used by the Company and SWEB to hedge exposure
to currency fluctuations for US dollar denominated debt. Gains and losses on
these hedges are deferred and recognized as an adjustment to the carrying amount
when the hedged transaction occurs. At March 31, 1998, currency swaps expiring
between 2001 and 2007 with notional amounts totalling (pound)350 million ($587
million), resulted in an unrealized profit of (pound)4 million ($6 million).
The Company is exposed to losses in the event of nonperformance by
counterparties to its financial instrument contracts. To mitigate 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. The Company does not expect any of the counterparties to fail to
meet their obligations.
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)
9. CAPITAL BUDGET
The Company's capital expenditure for the fiscal year 1998 was (pound)81
million ($136 million); for the fiscal years 1999 and 2000 capital expenditures
are estimated to be (pound)71 million and (pound)67 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
The Company has $500 million Senior Notes in the US, of which 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.
The Company has a US commercial paper program under which the maximum
available is $520 million. This program is supported by a swingline and
revolving credit facility provided by a syndicate of banks. The amount available
under the program, which is supported by the swingline and revolving credit
facility, at March 31, 1998 was $164 million. SWEB enters into foreign currency
contracts to hedge the currency risk associated with the interest and principal
of each utilization under this program.
During the fiscal year 1998 the Company and SWEB entered into a further
(pound)100 million of fixed rate sterling interest swaps. At March 31, 1998, the
Company and SWEB have sterling interest rate swaps expiring between 2001 and
2012 with notional amounts totalling (pound)600 million ($1,006 million), and
cross currency swaps expiring between 2001 and 2007 with notional amounts
totalling (pound)350 million ($587 million).
Southern Investments UK Capital Trust I (the "Trust"), issued $82 million
of its 8.23% preferred securities and invested the proceeds thereof in 8.23%
subordinated debentures issued by the Company, which are scheduled to mature on
February 1, 2027. The Company guarantees the Trust's obligations under the
preferred securities. 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.
11. 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, 1998.
During fiscal year 1996, SWEB sold its share of NGG into the market,
following the listing of the NGG shares on the London Stock Exchange in December
1995. At the Acquisition Date, the eventual listing of shares in NGG was not
certain as it required numerous actions by the 12 RECs, NGG 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. Management determined that it had
all the facts necessary to complete a calculation of the fair value of its long
term investment in NGG, 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.
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)
The Company's valuation of (pound)199 million was within the range of
independent appraisals of NGG performed during the same period. Subsequently,
certain facts and circumstances changed which increased the value of the
Company's investment in NGG. SWEB disposed of its shares for (pound)213 million,
resulting in a pretax gain of (pound)14 million. This gain is nonrecurring in
nature as it is the result of changes in circumstances after the fair valuation
of the investment in NGG resulting from the application of APB No.
16 which valuation was finalized shortly after the Acquisition Date.
The offering of NGG was conditional on the prior demerger of PSB which
was completed in November 1995. The fair value of SWEB's holdings at acquisition
in PSB was assessed at (pound)39 million. PSB was subsequently sold. At March
31, 1997, proceeds of (pound)43 million had been received; a gain of (pound)4
million had been recognized in fiscal year 1997.
12. COMMON STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
As discussed in Note 7, the Company obtained effective control of SWEB in
September 1995. During October 1995, (pound)315 million of advances from the
parent of the Company were converted to share capital, an equity contribution of
(pound)185 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 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 NGG (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 is currently reviewing the treatment of deferred
income tax accounting. If full provision for deferred tax were required, SWEB's
distributable reserves could be eliminated.
13. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On June 18, 1998, Southern sold an additional 26 percent interest in
Holdings to PP&L Resources for $170 million.
PP&L Resources initially purchased a 25 percent stake in Holdings in July
1996. This further sale will increase PP&L Resources' economic interest in
Holdings to 51 percent.
Under the terms of the agreement, Southern will retain operational and
management control of SWEB and the Holdings group. Southern will continue to
hold a majority of the voting shares in Holdings and will retain a majority of
the Board of Directors. In addition, all members of SWEB's senior management
team will remain in place.
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)
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
Inception (June 23, | Period April 1, Pro forma for
1995) to March 31, | 1995 to the Year
1996 | September 17, Ended March
(audited) | 1995 31, 1996
US GAAP | (audited)
| US GAAP Adjustments US GAAP
---------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
` | 1 2 3 4 5
|
OPERATING REVENUES (pound) 481 | (pound) 299 - - - - - (pound) 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 (pound) 53 | (pound) 25 (2) (1) (1) (21) (4) (pound) 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).
(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.
II-29
Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
II-30
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, 1998:
Name Age Position
---- --- -------------------------------------------------
Richard J. Pershing.............................. 51 Director, Chief Executive Officer
C. B. (Mike) Harreld............................. 53 Director, Chief Financial and Accounting Officer
Thomas G. Boren.................................. 48 Director
Gale E. Klappa................................... 47 Director
Barney S. Rush................................... 45 Director
C. Philip Saunders............................... 45 Director
Robert A. Symons................................. 45 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.
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.
Gale E. Klappa has been a Director of the Company since September 1995.
He has also been Chief Executive Officer of SWEB since that date. From February
1992 to September 1995, he served as Senior Vice President of Marketing for
Georgia Power.
Barney S. Rush has been a Director of the Company since October 1997, and
President of Southern Energy Developments -Europe Ltd. since that date. He has
also been Vice President of Southern Energy since May 1996. From April 1990 to
May 1996, he served as Executive Vice President of Oxbow Power Corporation.
C. Philip Saunders has been a Director of the Company since September
1995. He has also been Supply Director of SWEB since that date. From February
1994 to September 1995, he served as Western Region Director 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.
Robert A. Symons has been a Director of the Company since October 1997.
He has also been Operations Director of SWEB since that date. From December 1994
to September 1997, Mr. Symons served as Network Services Manager in Plymouth for
SWEB. From October 1994 to November 1994, he was in Network Services, West and
from April 1992 to September 1994, Mr. Symons served as Meter Test Manager for
SWEB.
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 PP&L Global. From April 1989 to November
1994, he served as Vice President and General Manager of Mission Energy Company
("Mission Energy").
III-1
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 PP&L Global. From
October 1986 to December 1994, Mr. Petersen served as Vice President of
Mission Energy.
Accentacross and Mighteager were elected by PMDC 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 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, as holder of 25 percent of the shares of
Holdings during the period under review, had 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.
On June 18, 1998, Southern sold a further share of its ownership in Holdings to
PP&L Resources; see Note 13 in the "Notes to the Consolidated Financial
Statements".
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Accentacross and Mighteager (the "PMDC Directors") do not receive
compensation for their services as Directors of the Company. Mr. Symons has
received, and will continue to receive, compensation in respect of services
performed as a SWEB Officer, SWEB being his primary employer and a subsidiary of
the Company. He receives no cash or non-cash compensation as a result of these
arrangements beyond that which he would otherwise receive from SWEB for the
services performed by him for SWEB. 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 salaries, including a portion of
the overhead costs associated with each, for Messrs. Klappa, Harreld and
Saunders 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, 1998, 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. On June
18, 1998, Southern sold a further share of its ownership in Holdings to PP&L
Resources; see Note 13 in the "Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements".
Name and Address Amount and Nature Percent
of Beneficial of Beneficial of
Title of Class Owner Ownership Class
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Ordinary The Southern Company 18,650,001 (1) 100%
270 Peachtree Street, N.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
B Ordinary PP&L Resources, Inc. 6,216,667 (2) 100%
2 North Ninth Street
Allentown, Pennsylvania 18101
(1) Such shares are owned by Southern Electric International-Europe Inc., an
indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern.
(2) Such shares are owned by PMDC UK, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of
PP&L Resources.
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, 1998. 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, 1998.
Name of Directors,
Nominees and
Number of Shares
Executive Officers Title of Class Beneficially Owned 1,2
- ----------------- -------------- ----------------------
Richard J. Pershing Southern Common 27,268
Carson B. Harreld Southern Common 10,302
Thomas G. Boren Southern Common 45,464
Gale E. Klappa Southern Common 42,659
Barney S. Rush Southern Common 352
C. Philip Saunders Southern Common 8,555
The directors, nominees, and
executive officers as a group (9 persons) Southern Common 134,600
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, or any combination thereof.
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.
Pershing 4,440 shares; Mr. Harreld 6,429 shares; Mr. Boren 32,395 shares; Mr. Klappa 24,266 shares; and Mr.
Saunders 2,201 shares.
Mr. Symons and 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.
III-3
Changes in control. On June 18, 1998, Southern sold a further share of its
ownership in Holdings to PP&L Resources; see Note 13 in the "Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements".
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
PART IV
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 filed as a part of this annual report are
listed under Item 8 herein.
(2) Financial Statement Schedules:
Reports of Independent Public Accountants 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-2.
Financial Statement Schedules for the Company are included
herein on page S-3.
(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, 1998.
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 19th day of June,
1998.
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc
/s/ Richard J. Pershing
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 |
|
GALE E. KLAPPA |
|
BARNEY S. RUSH |
|
C. PHILIP SAUNDERS |
|
ROBERT A. SYMONS |
| Directors
ACCENTACROSS LIMITED |
|
By: Robert D. Fagan |
Director |
|
MIGHTEAGER LIMITED |
|
By: Roger L. Petersen |
Director |
/s/ Wayne Boston June 19, 1998
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
19, 1998. 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 19, 1998
S-1
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 June 19, 1998. 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 19, 1998
S-2
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 AND 1997, 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
-----------------------------
Balance at Charged Charged to Balance at
Beginning (Credited) Other End of
of Period to Income Accounts Deductions Period
(pound) (pound) (pound) (pound) (pound)
---------- --------- -------- ---------- ----------
Provision for Uncollectable Accounts
Predecessor Company
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
== === = === ==
Year-Ended March 31, 1998................ 12 (2) - (1) 9
== === = === ==
- -------------
(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-3
EXHIBIT INDEX
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 Form S-1 Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 3.1.)
3.2 -- Articles of Association of the Company. (Designated in Form S-1 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.
(Designated in Form S-1 Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 4.1).
4.2 -- First Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 21, 1996 between the Company and Bankers Trust Company, as
trustee. (Designated in Registration No. 333-26939 as Exhibit 4.2).
4.3 -- Deposit Agreement dated as of November 21, 1996 between the Company and Bankers Trust Company, as book-entry
depositary. (Designated in Registration No. 333-26939 as Exhibit 4.3).
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. 333-26939 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 Form S-1 Registration No.
333-09033 as Exhibit 10.1.)
*10.2 -- Modifications of License Conditions dated March 31, 1998, January 23, 1998, December 30, 1997, and March 7, 1997.
*10.3 -- Pooling and Settlement Agreement (as amended and restated at July 28, 1997) together with modifications dated
September 19, 1997 and May 14, 1998 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.
10.4 -- Master Connection and Use of System Agreement dated as of March 30, 1990 among NGC and its users (including
SWEB). (Designated in Form S-1 Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 10.4.)
10.5 -- Form of Supplemental Agreement between NGC and SWEB. (Designated in Form S-1 Registration No. 333-09033 as
Exhibit 10.5.)
*10.6 -- Variations dated April 1, 1998, March 31, 1998 and March 31, 1998 to the Master Connection and Use of System
Agreement dated as of March 30, 1990 among NGC and its users (including SWEB) and to the Form of Supplemental
Agreement between NGC and SWEB.
10.7 -- Master Agreement dated as of October 25, 1995 among The National Grid Holding plc, NGC, SWEB and the other RECs.
(Designated in Form S-1 Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 10.6.)
10.8 -- Memorandum of Understanding between The National Grid Group plc, SWEB and each of the RECs, dated November 17,
1995. (Designated in Form S-1 Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 10.7.)
*10.9 -- Form of SWEB Use of Distribution System Agreement.
10.10 -- Form of Agreement for the Connection of an Exit Point, generally applicable to commercial customers. (Designated
in Form S-1 Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 10.9.)
*10.11 -- Form of Agreement for the Connection of an Exit Point, generally applicable to residential customers.
10.12 -- Services Agreement dated as of January 1, 1996 between Southern Electric International, Inc. (now Southern
Energy, Inc.) and the Company. (Designated in Form S-1 Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 10.10.)
10.13 -- Services Agreement dated as of January 1, 1996 between Southern Electric International, Inc. (now Southern
Energy, Inc.) and SWEB. (Designated in Form S-1 Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 10.11.)
10.14 -- Services Agreement dated as of January 1, 1996 between SWEB and Holdings. (Designated in Form S-1
Form S-1 Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 10.12.)
10.15 -- Services Agreement dated as of January 1, 1996 between the Company and SWEB. (Designated in Form S-1
Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 10.13.)
*21.1 -- Subsidiaries of Registrant.
*24.1 -- Power of Attorney and Resolution.
*27.1 -- Financial Data Schedule.
E-2