CEG Constellation Energy Grp. Common Stock

- Solid earnings growth driven by strong Merchant performance BALTIMORE, April 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Constellation Energy (NYSE:CEG) today reported adjusted earnings of $1.03 per share, 42 cents per share higher than the 61 cents of adjusted earnings per share (EPS) earned in the same period last year. The results exceeded the top of management's guidance range of 80 cents to $1.00 per share. Adjusted earnings exclude the impact of special items, discontinued operations, certain economic, non- qualifying hedges and synfuel earnings. On a GAAP basis, the company earned $1.07 per share in the first quarter of 2007, compared to 63 cents per share earned in the same period last year. "Constellation Energy delivered another strong performance in the first quarter of 2007," said Mayo A. Shattuck III, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Constellation Energy. "The first quarter of 2007 was marked by solid earnings growth in the Merchant businesses. Our Mid-Atlantic Fleet is returning to profitability as below-market hedges roll off. Constellation NewEnergy performed well as we continue to leverage its national platform. Our wholesale competitive supply business executed in line with its plan and delivered solid results, which, as expected, were down from an exceptionally strong portfolio management and trading performance in the first quarter of last year. "We completed our first quarter nuclear refueling outages, executing the refueling and reactor vessel head replacement at Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2 in less than 36 days and a refueling outage at Nine Mile Point Nuclear Plant Unit 1 in 30 days, a new record for the unit," said Shattuck. "Another highlight of the quarter was Constellation Energy Commodities Group's announcement of an agreement to acquire select contracts from Progress Ventures, which represents an opportunity for us to grow the wholesale competitive supply business in the Southeast, where we have had good initial success to date and where we see additional opportunities. "We also moved in the quarter on a number of strategic initiatives related to the growth of our wholesale and retail natural gas platforms," said Shattuck. "We announced that Constellation Energy Commodities Group acquired working interests in gas and oil producing properties in Oklahoma. Constellation NewEnergy announced an agreement to acquire Cornerstone Energy, which has a similar commercial and industrial business model and a complementary geographic footprint to Constellation NewEnergy's gas business. Overall, we are planning to invest approximately $310 million in these acquisitions, which will strengthen and diversify our growing natural gas platform." Constellation Energy provided second quarter 2007 guidance of 55 cents to 75 cents per share and affirmed earnings guidance of $4.30 to $4.65 per share in 2007 and $5.25 to $5.75 per share for 2008. Looking at 2009, the company expects earnings growth of 10 percent over 2008. "Our long-term outlook continues to strengthen, and the earnings growth drivers are highly visible," said Shattuck. "Constellation Energy is well- positioned to take advantage of opportunities presented by the market. Our solid foundation is built on a well-managed, high-quality asset base. Our market-leading position in power and our strong position in gas and coal markets give us an information edge and scale advantage over competitors. Our disciplined investment approach and industry-leading risk management capabilities help us to make good investments and optimize their value. Our strong balance sheet provides us the financial foundation to act quickly to capture opportunities." The following table summarizes adjusted earnings per share and earnings per share reported in accordance with GAAP for the company's business segments and provides a reconciliation to total company reported earnings: Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 2006 Reported Reported GAAP Adjusted GAAP Adjusted DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE EPS* EPS EPS* EPS Baltimore Gas and Electric $0.36 $0.36 $0.38 $0.38 Merchant 0.67 0.62(1) 0.17 0.22(2) Other Nonregulated 0.05 0.05 0.01 0.01 Diluted Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations 1.08 1.03 0.56 0.61 (Loss)/Income from Discontinued Operations Assuming Dilution (0.01) -- 0.07 -- Diluted Earnings Per Share $1.07 $1.03 $0.63 $0.61 * Unaudited. Prior period amounts reclassified to conform with the current period's presentation. GAAP EPS was adjusted by the following amounts to calculate Adjusted EPS (1) Subtraction of earnings from our synthetic fuel processing facilities of $0.10 per share and addition of mark-to-market losses on certain non-qualifying hedges of $0.05 per share. (2) Addition of mark-to-market losses on certain non-qualifying hedges of $0.06 per share and addition for merger-related and workforce reduction costs of $0.01 per share. Subtraction of earnings from our synthetic fuel processing facilities of $0.02 per share. Baltimore Gas and Electric Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) reported earnings of 36 cents per share in the first quarter of 2007. Compared to the first quarter of 2006, BGE's first quarter 2007 EPS was down 2 cents, driven by the loss of nuclear decommissioning income and higher costs, partially offset by more favorable weather in the first quarter of 2007. Merchant On an adjusted basis, the Merchant segment earned 62 cents per share during the first quarter of 2007, at the top of management's guidance range of 42 cents to 62 cents per share and up 40 cents per share from the first quarter last year. The Merchant segment's solid year-over-year performance in the first quarter was in line with expectations. The Mid-Atlantic Fleet returned to profitability as below-market hedges were replaced with hedges established in later, higher-priced energy environments. Constellation NewEnergy experienced lower costs to serve load and higher as-priced margins in the electric business versus the first quarter last year. Net interest expense was down due to higher cash balances following the sale of gas-fired generation plants in late 2006. These positive comparisons were partially offset by lower wholesale competitive supply new business following an exceptionally strong portfolio management and trading performance in the first quarter of 2006, lower competitive supply backlog in the quarter, in line with expectations, and the loss of competitive transition charge collections in Maryland. Other Nonregulated Constellation Energy's Other Nonregulated businesses reported earnings of 5 cents per share for the first quarter of 2007, in line with management's guidance range of 4 cents to 6 cents per share and up 4 cents per share, compared to earnings per share of one cent for the first quarter of 2006. Financial Statements The March 31, 2007 financial statements and supplemental information are attached. Adjusted Earnings Constellation Energy presents adjusted earnings per share (adjusted EPS) in addition to its reported earnings per share in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (reported GAAP EPS). Adjusted EPS is a non-GAAP financial measure that differs from reported GAAP EPS because it excludes the cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles, discontinued operations, special items (which we define as significant items that are not related to our ongoing, underlying business or which distort comparability of results) included in operations, the impact of certain economic, non- qualifying hedges and synfuel earnings. The mark-to-market impact of these hedges is significant to reported results, but economically neutral to the company in that offsetting gains or losses on underlying accrual positions will be recognized in the future. Synfuel earnings are excluded due to the potential for oil-price volatility to result in a difficult-to-forecast phase- out of tax credits. We present adjusted EPS because we believe that it is appropriate for investors to consider results excluding these items in addition to our results in accordance with GAAP. We believe such a measure provides a picture of our results that is more comparable among periods since it excludes the impact of items such as workforce reduction costs or gains and losses on the sale of assets, which may recur occasionally, but tend to be irregular as to timing, thereby distorting comparisons between periods. However, investors should note that this non-GAAP measure involves judgment by management (in particular, judgment as to what is classified as a special item or an economic, non- qualifying hedge to be excluded from adjusted earnings). This non-GAAP measure is also used to evaluate management's performance and for compensation purposes. Constellation Energy also provides its earnings guidance in terms of adjusted EPS. Constellation Energy is unable to reconcile its guidance to GAAP earnings per share because we do not predict the future impact of special items, economic, non-qualifying hedges and synfuel results due to the difficulty of doing so. The impact of special items, economic, non-qualifying hedges and synfuel results could be material to our operating results computed in accordance with GAAP. We note that such information is not in accordance with GAAP and should not be viewed as a substitute to GAAP information. SEC Filings The company plans to file its Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2007, on or about May 9, 2007. Forward-Looking Statements We make statements in this news release that are considered forward- looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are not guarantees of our future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause our actual performance or achievements to be materially different from those we project. For a full discussion of these risks, uncertainties and factors, we encourage you to read our documents on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those set forth in our periodic reports under the forward-looking statements and risk factors sections. Except as required by law, we do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Conference Call April 25, 2007 Constellation Energy will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. (EDT) on April 25, 2007, to review its first quarter results. To participate, analysts, investors, media and the public in the U.S. may dial (888) 455-2894 shortly before 8:30 a.m. The international phone number is (773) 681-5899. The conference password is ENERGY. A replay will be available approximately one hour after the end of the call by dialing (866) 448-5657 or (203) 369-1191 (international). A live audio webcast of the conference call, presentation slides and the earnings press release will be available on the Investor Relations page of Constellation Energy's Web site (http://www.constellation.com/). The call will also be recorded and archived on the site. Constellation Energy (http://www.constellation.com/), a FORTUNE 200 company with 2006 revenues of $19.3 billion, is the nation's largest competitive supplier of electricity to large commercial and industrial customers and the nation's largest wholesale power seller. Constellation Energy also manages fuels and energy services on behalf of energy intensive industries and utilities. It owns a diversified fleet of 78 generating units located throughout the United States, totaling approximately 8,700 megawatts of generating capacity. The company delivers electricity and natural gas through the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE), its regulated utility in Central Maryland. Addendum - Amounts Excluded from Adjusted EPS Loss from Discontinued Operations - after-tax loss of $(1.6) million, or $(0.01) per share In December 2006, we completed the sale of six gas-fired plants, including the High Desert facility. During the first quarter of 2007, we recorded a $(1.6) million after-tax charge related to the High Desert facility, which is reflected in "Loss from discontinued operations." Non-qualifying Hedges - after-tax loss of $(9.2) million, or $(0.05) per share During the first quarter of 2007, we recognized a $(9.2) million after-tax loss related to certain non-qualifying hedges of gas transportation rights and gas storage contracts, which are economic hedges that do not meet the criteria or are not designated for cash-flow hedge accounting under FAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended, and thus are required to be marked-to-market. This mark-to-market loss is essentially a timing difference that is expected to be offset as we realize the related accrual contracts in cash in future periods. Synfuel Earnings - after-tax income of $18.5 million, or $0.10 per share Due to the potential for oil price volatility to result in a difficult-to- forecast phase-out of tax credits at our facilities that produce synfuel, we have removed the $18.5 million of income generated during the first quarter of 2007 from our results as follows: March 31, Three Months Ended 2007 (In millions) After-tax loss from operations $(17.6) Tax credits before phase-out 39.7 Current period tax credit phase-out (11.5) True-up of 2006 tax credits and phase-out for final 2006 IRS inflation adjustment factor 7.9 Net income from synfuel facilities $18.5 Constellation Energy Group and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 2006 (In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts) Revenues Nonregulated revenues $4,138.2 $3,936.9 Regulated electric revenues 514.8 504.0 Regulated gas revenues 402.5 418.3 Total revenues 5,055.5 4,859.2 Expenses Fuel and purchased energy expenses 3,961.1 3,923.1 Operating expenses 568.7 507.7 Workforce reduction costs -- 2.2 Merger-related costs -- 1.9 Depreciation, depletion, and amortization 132.4 130.2 Accretion of asset retirement obligations 17.7 16.5 Taxes other than income taxes 73.2 73.6 Total expenses 4,753.1 4,655.2 Income from Operations 302.4 204.0 Other Income 42.4 14.8 Fixed Charges Interest expense 80.3 77.0 Interest capitalized and allowance for borrowed funds used during construction (3.8) (2.7) BGE preference stock dividends 3.3 3.3 Total fixed charges 79.8 77.6 Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes 265.0 141.2 Income Tax Expense 67.7 39.6 Income from Continuing Operations 197.3 101.6 (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes of $0.8 and $7.1, respectively (1.6) 12.3 Net Income $195.7 $113.9 Earnings Applicable to Common Stock $195.7 $113.9 Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding - Basic 180.6 178.6 Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding - Diluted 182.8 180.4 Earnings Per Common Share from Continuing Operations -Basic $1.09 $0.57 (Loss) income from discontinued operations - Basic (0.01) 0.07 Earnings Per Common Share - Basic $1.08 $0.64 Earnings Per Common Share from Continuing Operations - Diluted $1.08 $0.56 (Loss) income from discontinued operations - Diluted (0.01) 0.07 Earnings Per Common Share - Diluted $1.07 $0.63 Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period's presentation. Constellation Energy Group and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) March 31, December 31, 2007 2006 ASSETS (In Millions) Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $1,936.6 $2,289.1 Accounts receivable (net of allowance for uncollectibles of $51.7 and $48.9, respectively) 3,187.4 3,248.3 Fuel stocks 369.7 599.5 Materials and supplies 204.4 200.2 Mark-to-market energy assets 1,189.3 1,294.8 Risk management assets 233.6 261.7 Unamortized energy contract assets 34.1 35.2 Deferred income taxes 172.0 674.3 Other 485.4 497.0 Total current assets 7,812.5 9,100.1 Investments And Other Assets Nuclear decommissioning trust funds 1,257.7 1,240.1 Investments in qualifying facilities and power projects 297.3 308.6 Regulatory assets (net) 560.3 389.0 Goodwill 157.6 157.6 Mark-to-market energy assets 702.3 623.4 Risk management assets 323.8 325.7 Unamortized energy contract assets 118.2 123.6 Other 291.3 311.4 Total investments and other assets 3,708.5 3,479.4 Property, Plant And Equipment Nonregulated property, plant and equipment 7,945.7 7,587.6 Regulated property, plant and equipment 5,816.9 5,752.9 Nuclear fuel (net of amortization) 337.6 339.9 Accumulated depreciation (4,545.1) (4,458.3) Net property, plant and equipment 9,555.1 9,222.1 Total Assets $21,076.1 $21,801.6 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current Liabilities Current portion of long-term debt $878.8 $878.8 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 2,089.5 2,137.2 Customer deposits and collateral 365.3 347.2 Mark-to-market energy liabilities 1,082.9 1,071.7 Risk management liabilities 484.4 1,340.0 Unamortized energy contract liabilities 336.2 378.3 Accrued expenses and other 703.8 969.5 Total current liabilities 5,940.9 7,122.7 Deferred Credits And Other Liabilities Deferred income taxes 1,377.4 1,435.8 Asset retirement obligations 992.5 974.8 Mark-to-market energy liabilities 466.9 392.4 Risk management liabilities 667.8 707.3 Unamortized energy contract liabilities 866.1 958.0 Defined benefit obligations 813.6 928.3 Deferred investment tax credits 55.5 57.2 Other 127.2 109.0 Total deferred credits and other liabilities 5,367.0 5,562.8 Long-Term Debt Long-term debt of nonregulated businesses 3,403.9 3,390.3 Long-term debt of BGE 1,337.6 1,459.0 6.20% deferrable interest subordinated debentures due October 15, 2043 to BGE wholly owned BGE Capital Trust II relating to trust preferred securities 257.7 257.7 Unamortized discount and premium (5.6) (5.9) Current portion of long-term debt (878.8) (878.8) Total long-term debt 4,114.8 4,222.3 Minority Interests 90.1 94.5 BGE Preference Stock Not Subject To Mandatory Redemption 190.0 190.0 Common Shareholders' Equity Common stock 2,707.0 2,738.6 Retained earnings 3,574.0 3,474.3 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (907.7) (1,603.6) Total common shareholders' equity 5,373.3 4,609.3 Total Liabilities And Equity $21,076.1 $21,801.6 Constellation Energy Group and Subsidiaries Merchant Operating Statistics (Unaudited) Three Months Ended March 31, Hydro & Nuclear Coal Oil Gas Other Total Generation by Fuel Type (%) 2007 56.9 38.0 0.6 2.4 2.1 100.0 2006* 49.3 33.6 -- 15.1 2.0 100.0 Thousands of MWH 2007 7,116 4,757 72 300 269 12,514 2006* 6,972 4,755 6 2,132 274 14,139 * Includes generation output from our gas-fired plants until their sale in December 2006 Utility Operating Statistics (Unaudited) Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 2006 ELECTRIC Revenues (In Millions) Residential $298.9 $249.2 Commercial Excluding Delivery Service Only 134.9 200.2 Delivery Service Only 49.9 20.2 Industrial Excluding Delivery Service Only 6.8 15.2 Delivery Service Only 6.6 5.7 System Sales 497.1 490.5 Other 17.7 13.5 Total $514.8 $504.0 Distribution Volumes (In Thousands) - MWH Residential 3,806 3,461 Commercial Excluding Delivery Service Only 1,054 2,082 Delivery Service Only 2,792 1,621 Industrial Excluding Delivery Service Only 65 163 Delivery Service Only 749 708 Total 8,466 8,035 GAS Revenues (In Millions) Residential Excluding Delivery Service Only $260.1 $243.1 Delivery Service Only 7.5 8.1 Commercial Excluding Delivery Service Only 73.2 79.0 Delivery Service Only 15.4 11.2 Industrial Excluding Delivery Service Only 4.0 4.4 Delivery Service Only 4.0 4.6 System Sales 364.2 350.4 Off-System Sales 40.6 66.4 Other 2.5 3.4 Total $407.3 $420.2 Distribution Volumes (In Thousands) - DTH Residential Excluding Delivery Service Only 19,645 15,991 Delivery Service Only 2,190 1,999 Commercial Excluding Delivery Service Only 6,110 5,605 Delivery Service Only 10,649 8,659 Industrial Excluding Delivery Service Only 343 317 Delivery Service Only 4,164 5,736 System Sales 43,101 38,307 Off-System Sales 4,518 5,967 Total 47,619 44,274 Utility operating statistics do not reflect the elimination of intercompany transactions. Heating Degree Days (Calendar-Month Basis) Heating Degree Days -Actual 2,428 2,126 -Normal 2,448 2,450 Constellation Energy Group and Subsidiaries Supplemental Financial Statistics (Unaudited) Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 2006 Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 3.99 2.64 Effective Tax Rate 25.3% 27.4% Equity Investment In Nonregulated Businesses -- End of Period $3,681.4 $2,720.1 Equity Investment In Regulated Business -- End of Period $1,691.9 $1,603.9 Prior-period statistics have been adjusted for discontinued operations. Common Stock Data Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 2006 Common Stock Dividends - Per Share --Declared $0.4350 $0.3775 --Paid $0.3775 $0.3350 Market Value Per Share --High $88.20 $60.55 --Low $68.78 $54.01 --Close $86.95 $54.71 Shares Outstanding--End of Period (In Millions) 180.2 178.8 Book Value per Share--End of Period $29.82 $24.18 DATASOURCE: Constellation Energy CONTACT: Media, Robert L. Gould, or Debra Beck, +1-410-470-7433, or Investors, Kevin Hadlock, +1-410-783-3647, or Tonya Cultice, +1-410-783-3383 Web site: http://www.constellation.com/ Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/084087.html

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