-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, Ab6+Xg9HdOwWQwJqi7dyg30ir010u1vNYOtg9GaxafMkn5eg/jWxXEDKu0XTUsho CQvQAmjX0jsTK1LD2Q9OwA== 0001021408-02-007157.txt : 20020515 0001021408-02-007157.hdr.sgml : 20020515 20020515131310 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001021408-02-007157 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20020331 FILED AS OF DATE: 20020515 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ATLANTIC CITY ELECTRIC CO CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000008192 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: ELECTRIC SERVICES [4911] IRS NUMBER: 210398280 STATE OF INCORPORATION: NJ FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-03559 FILM NUMBER: 02650172 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 800 KING STREET STREET 2: PO BOX 231 CITY: WILMINGTON STATE: DE ZIP: 19899 BUSINESS PHONE: 6096454100 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 800 KING STREET STREET 2: PO BOX 231 CITY: WILMINGTON STATE: DE ZIP: 19899 10-Q 1 d10q.htm ATLANTIC CITY ELECTRIC CO. FORM 10-Q Prepared by R.R. Donnelley Financial -- Atlantic City Electric Co. Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 

 
FORM 10-Q
 
x
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
    
 
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2002
 
OR
 
¨
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
    
 
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Commission file number 1-3559
 

 
ATLANTIC CITY ELECTRIC COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
New Jersey
    
21-0398280
(State of incorporation)
    
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
800 King Street, P.O. Box 231, Wilmington, Delaware
  
19899
(Address of principal executive offices)
  
(Zip Code)
 
302-429-3018
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
 

 
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 the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
 
All 18,320,937 issued and outstanding shares of Atlantic City Electric Company common stock, $3 per share par value, are owned by Conectiv.
 


Table of Contents
 
ATLANTIC CITY ELECTRIC COMPANY
 
Table of Contents
 
    
Page

Part I.    Financial Information:
    
Item 1.  Financial Statements
    
  
1
  
2-3
  
4
  
5-8
  
9-13
  
13
Part II.    Other Information
    
Item 1.   Legal Proceedings
  
14
  
14
  
15


Table of Contents
PART 1.    FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.    Financial Statements
 
ATLANTIC CITY ELECTRIC COMPANY
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
    
Three Months Ended
March 31,

 
    
2002

    
2001

 
Operating Revenues
  
$
220,979
 
  
$
225,771
 
    


  


                   
Operating Expenses
                 
Electric fuel and purchased energy and capacity
  
 
135,104
 
  
 
110,410
 
Operation and maintenance
  
 
57,470
 
  
 
56,629
 
Depreciation and amortization
  
 
16,958
 
  
 
21,836
 
Taxes other than income taxes
  
 
5,727
 
  
 
9,261
 
Deferred electric service costs
  
 
(16,198
)
  
 
(4,767
)
    


  


    
 
199,061
 
  
 
193,369
 
    


  


Operating Income
  
 
21,918
 
  
 
32,402
 
    


  


Other Income
  
 
2,670
 
  
 
3,662
 
    


  


Interest Expense
                 
Interest charges
  
 
13,995
 
  
 
17,805
 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction and capitalized interest
  
 
(252
)
  
 
(125
)
                   
    


  


    
 
13,743
 
  
 
17,680
 
    


  


                   
Preferred Dividend Requirements On Preferred Securities Of Subsidiary Trusts
  
 
1,905
 
  
 
1,905
 
    


  


Income Before Income Taxes
  
 
8,940
 
  
 
16,479
 
Income Taxes
  
 
3,883
 
  
 
7,203
 
    


  


Net Income
  
 
5,057
 
  
 
9,276
 
Dividends On Preferred Stock
  
 
309
 
  
 
533
 
    


  


Earnings Applicable To Common Stock
  
$
4,748
 
  
$
8,743
 
    


  


 
 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

1


Table of Contents
 
ATLANTIC CITY ELECTRIC COMPANY
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
    
March 31,
2002

  
December 31,
2001

ASSETS
             
Current Assets
             
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
10,564
  
$
14,261
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $8,401 and $7,804, respectively
  
 
142,136
  
 
159,679
Inventories, at average cost
             
Fuel (coal and oil)
  
 
19,274
  
 
20,331
Materials and supplies
  
 
11,098
  
 
10,738
Prepaid income taxes
  
 
35,384
  
 
41,044
Other prepayments
  
 
884
  
 
1,756
Deferred income taxes
  
 
179
  
 
181
    

  

    
 
219,519
  
 
247,990
    

  

Investments
  
 
3,729
  
 
3,666
    

  

Property, Plant and Equipment
             
Electric generation
  
 
136,152
  
 
136,152
Electric transmission and distribution
  
 
1,295,097
  
 
1,276,896
Other electric facilities
  
 
110,011
  
 
116,215
Other property, plant, and equipment
  
 
5,772
  
 
5,772
    

  

    
 
1,547,032
  
 
1,535,035
Less: Accumulated depreciation
  
 
580,832
  
 
569,495
    

  

Net plant in service
  
 
966,200
  
 
965,540
Construction work-in-progress
  
 
81,923
  
 
74,780
    

  

    
 
1,048,123
  
 
1,040,320
    

  

Deferred Charges and Other Assets
             
Regulatory assets
             
Recoverable stranded costs
  
 
927,728
  
 
930,036
Deferred electric service costs
  
 
123,998
  
 
106,259
Other non-current regulatory assets
  
 
81,364
  
 
82,944
Unamortized debt expense
  
 
13,526
  
 
12,966
Other
  
 
7,485
  
 
8,149
    

  

    
 
1,154,101
  
 
1,140,354
    

  

Total Assets
  
$
2,425,472
  
$
2,432,330
    

  

 
 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

2


Table of Contents
 
ATLANTIC CITY ELECTRIC COMPANY
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
    
March 31, 2002

  
December 31, 2001

CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
             
Current Liabilities
             
Short-term debt
  
$
32,689
  
$
44,951
Long-term debt due within one year
  
 
261,450
  
 
221,450
Variable rate demand bonds
  
 
22,600
  
 
22,600
Accounts payable
  
 
54,653
  
 
58,001
Interest accrued
  
 
11,042
  
 
17,224
Dividends payable
  
 
11,560
  
 
6,302
Other
  
 
46,421
  
 
40,461
    

  

    
 
440,415
  
 
410,989
    

  

Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities
             
Deferred income taxes, net
  
 
476,578
  
 
470,420
Deferred investment tax credits
  
 
27,975
  
 
28,482
Regulatory liability for New Jersey income tax benefit
  
 
49,262
  
 
49,262
Above-market purchased energy contracts and other electric restructuring liabilities
  
 
16,559
  
 
16,615
Pension benefit obligation
  
 
38,189
  
 
35,529
Other postretirement benefit obligation
  
 
36,309
  
 
36,429
Other
  
 
14,636
  
 
13,311
    

  

    
 
659,508
  
 
650,048
    

  

Capitalization
             
Common stock, $3 par value; 18,320,937 shares outstanding 25,000,000 shares authorized
  
 
54,963
  
 
54,963
Additional paid-in capital
  
 
410,194
  
 
410,194
Retained earnings
  
 
150,383
  
 
156,152
    

  

Total common stockholder's equity
  
 
615,540
  
 
621,309
Preferred stock not subject to mandatory redemption
  
 
6,231
  
 
6,231
Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption
  
 
12,450
  
 
12,450
Company obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary trusts holding solely company debentures
  
 
95,000
  
 
95,000
Long-term debt
  
 
596,328
  
 
636,303
    

  

    
 
1,325,549
  
 
1,371,293
    

  

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 6)
             
    

  

Total Capitalization and Liabilities
  
$
2,425,472
  
$
2,432,330
    

  

 
 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

3


Table of Contents
ATLANTIC CITY ELECTRIC COMPANY
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
    
Three Months Ended
March 31,

 
    
2002

    
2001

 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
                 
Net income
  
$
5,057
 
  
$
9,276
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                 
Depreciation and amortization
  
 
16,958
 
  
 
25,640
 
Investment tax credit adjustments, net
  
 
(507
)
  
 
(628
)
Deferred income taxes, net
  
 
6,563
 
  
 
(24
)
Deferred electric service costs
  
 
(16,198
)
  
 
(4,767
)
Net change in:
                 
Accounts receivable
  
 
17,543
 
  
 
494
 
Inventories
  
 
697
 
  
 
(8,136
)
Prepaid New Jersey sales & excise taxes
  
 
5,210
 
  
 
10,716
 
Accounts payable
  
 
(3,348
)
  
 
7,952
 
Taxes accrued
  
 
5,660
 
  
 
8,059
 
Other current assets and liabilities (1)
  
 
(8,283
)
  
 
(8,037
)
Other, net
  
 
7,424
 
  
 
(1,669
)
    


  


Net cash provided by operating activities
  
 
36,776
 
  
 
38,876
 
    


  


Cash Flows From Investing Activities
                 
Capital expenditures
  
 
(21,188
)
  
 
(12,592
)
Deposits to nuclear decommissioning trust funds
  
 
—  
 
  
 
(825
)
Other, net
  
 
(703
)
  
 
(1,376
)
    


  


Net cash used by investing activities
  
 
(21,891
)
  
 
(14,793
)
    


  


Cash Flows From Financing Activities
                 
Common dividends paid
  
 
(5,259
)
  
 
(16,827
)
Preferred dividends paid
  
 
(309
)
  
 
(533
)
Principal portion of capital lease payments
  
 
—  
 
  
 
(3,240
)
Net change in short-term debt
  
 
(12,262
)
  
 
—  
 
Other, net
  
 
(752
)
  
 
—  
 
    


  


Net cash used by financing activities
  
 
(18,582
)
  
 
(20,600
)
    


  


Net change in cash and cash equivalents
  
 
(3,697
)
  
 
3,483
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
  
 
14,261
 
  
 
8,117
 
    


  


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  
$
10,564
 
  
$
11,600
 
    


  



 
(1)
 
Other than debt and deferred income taxes classified as current.
 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

4


Table of Contents
 
ATLANTIC CITY ELECTRIC COMPANY
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
Note 1.    Financial Statement Presentation
 
The consolidated condensed interim financial statements contained herein include the accounts of Atlantic City Electric Company (ACE) and its wholly owned subsidiaries and reflect all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary in the opinion of management for a fair presentation of interim results. In accordance with regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), disclosures that would substantially duplicate the disclosures in ACE’s 2001 Annual Report on Form 10-K have been omitted. Accordingly, ACE’s consolidated condensed interim financial statements contained herein should be read in conjunction with ACE’s 2001 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
As discussed in Notes 1 and 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of Part II of ACE’s 2001 Annual Report on Form 10-K, under-recoveries of costs related to Basic Generation Service for the first quarter of 2001 have been reclassified within the Consolidated Statements of Income from electric operating revenues to operating expenses, as a separate line item captioned “Deferred electric service costs.”
 
On April 30, 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 145, “Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections.” SFAS No. 145 rescinds SFAS No. 4, “Reporting Gains and Losses from Extinguishment of Debt (an amendment of APB Opinion No. 30).” SFAS No. 4 had required that material gains and losses on extinguishment of debt be classified as an extraordinary item. Under SFAS No. 145, SFAS No. 4 is rescinded effective for fiscal years beginning after May 15, 2002. Due to the rescission of SFAS No. 4, it is less likely that a gain or loss on extinguishment of debt would be classified as an extraordinary item in ACE’s Consolidated Statement of Income. Among other things, SFAS No. 145 also amends SFAS No. 13, “Accounting for Leases,” to require that certain lease modifications that have economic effects similar to sale-leaseback transactions be accounted for in the same manner as sale-leaseback transactions.
 
Note 2.    Supplemental Cash Flow Information
 
    
Three Months Ended March 31,

    
2002

    
2001

    
(Dollars in thousands)
Cash paid (received) for:
               
Interest, net of amounts capitalized
  
$
19,085
 
  
$
22,636
Income taxes, net of refunds
  
$
(7,614
)
  
 
—  

5


Table of Contents

ATLANTIC CITY ELECTRIC COMPANY
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 
Note 3.    Income Taxes
 
The amounts computed by multiplying “Income before income taxes” by the federal statutory rate is reconciled in the table below to income tax expense on continuing operations.
 
    
Three Months Ended March 31,

 
    
2002

    
2001

 
    
Amount

    
Rate

    
Amount

    
Rate

 
    
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Statutory federal income tax expense
  
$
3,129
 
  
35
%
  
$
5,768
 
  
35
%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
  
 
812
 
  
9
 
  
 
1,294
 
  
8
 
Plant basis differences
  
 
500
 
  
6
 
  
 
704
 
  
5
 
Amortization of investment tax credits
  
 
(507
)
  
(6
)
  
 
(628
)
  
(4
)
Other, net
  
 
(51
)
  
(1
)
  
 
65
 
  
—  
 
    


  

  


  

Income tax expense
  
$
3,883
 
  
43
%
  
$
7,203
 
  
44
%
    


  

  


  

 
Note 4.    Regulatory Matters
 
As previously reported in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of Part II of ACE’s 2001 Annual Report on Form 10-K, under an Agreement and Plan of Merger, Potomac Electric Power Company (Pepco) will acquire Conectiv, and Conectiv and Pepco will become wholly-owned subsidiaries of Pepco Holdings Inc. (the Conectiv/Pepco Merger).
 
On April 15, 2002, ACE, Pepco, the Staff of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), the New Jersey Division of the Ratepayer Advocate, and certain other parties entered into a settlement agreement concerning the Conectiv/Pepco Merger. Among other things, the settlement agreement provides for ACE to forgo recovery through customer rates of $30.5 million of “deferred electric service costs,” ACE to contribute $1.0 million to a fund supporting southern New Jersey schools, and certain customer service guarantees. The settlement agreement is subject to NJBPU approval and contingent upon the closing of the Conectiv/Pepco Merger. Management currently expects the Conectiv/Pepco Merger to close during the second or third quarter of 2002, pending receipt of regulatory approvals from the NJBPU and the SEC.
 
Note 5.    Agreements for the Sale of Electric Generating Plants
 
As disclosed in Note 9 to ACE’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of Part II of ACE’s 2001 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the agreements between ACE and NRG Energy, Inc. (NRG) for the sale of ACE’s fossil fuel-fired electric generating plants (740 megawatts (MW) of capacity), including the Deepwater Station and B.L. England Station, and ACE’s interests in Conemaugh and Keystone Stations, were subject to termination by either party after February 28, 2002. NRG delivered notice to Conectiv on April 1, 2002 terminating these agreements. Management has considered various alternatives for these electric generating assets and decided to conduct another auction of these assets. Management cannot predict the results of the auction or any related impacts upon recoverable stranded costs.
 
As discussed in Note 6 to ACE’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of Part II of ACE’s 2001 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the BGS auction awarded about 1,900 MW, or 80% of ACE’s Basic Generation Service (BGS) load to four suppliers for the period from August 1, 2002 to July 31, 2003. If ACE retains the plants discussed above during the period from August 1, 2002 to July 31, 2003, then ACE expects to sell, in the wholesale market, the portion of its electricity supply which exceeds the load requirement of the BGS customers.

6


Table of Contents

ATLANTIC CITY ELECTRIC COMPANY
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 
Note 6.    Contingencies
 
Environmental Matters
 
Hazardous Substances
 
ACE is subject to regulation with respect to the environmental effects of its operations, including air and water quality control, solid and hazardous waste disposal, and limitation on land use by various federal, regional, state, and local authorities. Costs may be incurred to clean up facilities found to be contaminated due to past disposal practices. Federal and state statutes authorize governmental agencies to compel responsible parties to clean up certain abandoned or uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. ACE is a potentially responsible party at a state superfund site and has agreed, along with other responsible parties, to remediate the site pursuant to an Administrative Consent Order with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). ACE is also a defendant in an action to recover costs at a federal superfund site in Gloucester County, New Jersey. ACE’s liability for clean-up costs is affected by the activities of these governmental agencies and private land-owners, the nature of past disposal practices, the activities of others (including whether they are able to contribute to clean-up costs), and the scientific and other complexities involved in resolving clean-up related issues (including whether ACE or a corporate predecessor is responsible for conditions on a particular parcel). ACE’s current liabilities included $3.2 million as of March 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001 for remediation activities at these sites. ACE does not expect such future costs to have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.
 
Air Quality Regulations
 
On July 11, 2001, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) denied ACE’s request to renew a permit variance, effective through July 30, 2001, that authorized Unit 1 at the B.L. England station to burn coal containing greater than 1% sulfur. ACE has appealed the denial. The NJDEP has issued a stay of the denial to authorize ACE to operate Unit 1 with the current fuel until June 30, 2002 and an addendum to the permit/certificate to operate authorizing a trial burn of coal with a sulfur content less than 2.6%. Management is not able to predict the outcome of ACE’s appeal.
 
On January 31, 2002, Conectiv notified the NJDEP that it was unable to procure all of the 2001 Discrete Emission Reductions (DER) credits required by January 30, 2002 under New Jersey’s NOX (oxides of nitrogen) Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) rules. To satisfy 2001 NOX RACT requirements, ACE and Conectiv Atlantic Generation, LLC (CAG) had planned to purchase DER credits for certain electric generating units from Public Service Electric & Gas Company (PSEG) but the credits were removed from the market under a PSEG January 2002 consent decree. On May 4, 2002, ACE, CAG, and the NJDEP entered into an Administrative Consent Order (ACO) to address the ACE and CAG 2001 DER credit shortfall and NJDEP’s allegations that ACE had failed to comply with DER credit use restrictions from 1996 to 2001. The ACO eliminates requirements for ACE and CAG to purchase DER credits for certain ACE and CAG electric generating units through May 1, 2005 and provides, among other things, for installation of new controls on CAG’s electric generating units ($3 million estimated cost), a $1.0 million penalty, a $1.0 million contribution to promote, develop and enhance an urban airshed reforestation project, and operating hour limits at ACE’s Deepwater Unit No. 4.
 
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) requested data from a number of electric utilities regarding older coal-fired units in order to determine compliance with the regulations for the Prevention of Significant Deterioration of Air Quality (PSD). A number of settlements of litigation brought as a result of such inquiries alleging violations of so-called new source standards have been announced. ACE has responded to a number of requests from the USEPA and the NJDEP for data on

7


Table of Contents

ATLANTIC CITY ELECTRIC COMPANY
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 
coal-fired operations at the Deepwater and B.L. England electric generating stations. On April 16, 2002, the USEPA requested to meet with Conectiv to review the new source provisions of the Clean Air Act. Management cannot predict the impact, if any, of these inquiries on Deepwater or B.L. England operations.
 
Other Matters
 
On October 24, 2000, the City of Vineland, New Jersey, filed an action in a New Jersey Superior Court to acquire ACE electric distribution facilities located within the City limits by eminent domain. On March 13, 2002, ACE and the City signed an agreement which provides for ACE to receive $23.9 million for the electric distribution facilities within the City limits. The carrying value of the electric distribution facilities was approximately $9.0 million, as of March 31, 2002. After a transition period of 18 to 24 months primarily to reconfigure facilities, the transaction is expected to close and the City is expected to begin providing electric service to the City’s residents previously served by ACE.
 
Note 7.    Business Segments
 
During the first quarter of 2002, Conectiv redefined its business segments. Conectiv’s Power Delivery business segment, which had previously included the operating results for delivering electricity to ACE’s customers now also includes the operating results for supplying electricity to ACE’s customers and the operating results of the Deepwater electric generating plant, which produces power sold in transactions not subject to price regulation. As a result, all material aspects of ACE’s operations are conducted in Conectiv’s Power Delivery business segment.
 
Note 8.    Subsequent Events, Financings
 
On April 1, 2002, ACE redeemed at maturity $20 million of unsecured 6.46%, Medium Term Notes.
 
On May 1, 2002, ACE redeemed 124,500 shares of its $7.80 annual dividend rate preferred stock, under mandatory and optional redemption provisions, at the $100 per share stated value or $12.45 million in total.

8


Table of Contents
 
Item 2.     Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations
 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (Litigation Reform Act) provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements to encourage such disclosures without the threat of litigation, provided those statements are identified as forward-looking and are accompanied by meaningful, cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those projected in the statement. Forward-looking statements have been made in this report. Such statements are based on management’s beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management. When used herein, the words “intend,” “will,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “believe,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In addition to any assumptions and other factors referred to specifically in connection with such forward-looking statements, factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: the effects of deregulation of electricity generation, including securitization of stranded costs, and the unbundling of delivery services; the ability to purchase power on acceptable terms; volatility in market demand and prices for energy, capacity, and fuel; changes in weather and economic conditions affecting energy usage; operating performance of power plants; competition; asset sales; energy sales retention and growth; federal and state regulatory actions and legislation affecting the energy industry; future litigation results; costs of construction; operating restrictions; effects of environmental regulations on operations and construction; and interest rate fluctuations and credit market concerns. ACE undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The foregoing list of factors pursuant to the Litigation Reform Act should not be construed as exhaustive or as any admission regarding the adequacy of disclosures made prior to the effective date of the Litigation Reform Act.
 
Earnings Results Summary
 
Earnings applicable to common stock were $4.7 million for the first quarter of 2002, compared to $8.7 million for the first quarter of 2001. The $4.0 million earnings decrease was mainly due to lower volumes of regulated electricity deliveries, reflecting the effect of warmer winter weather on electricity usage by customers with electric heating systems. The earnings decrease also reflects lower electricity production and sales by ACE’s deregulated Deepwater electric generating plant, due to the warmer winter weather. Lower interest expense mitigated the earnings decrease.
 
Regulatory Matters
 
On April 15, 2002, ACE, Pepco, the Staff of the NJBPU, the New Jersey Division of the Ratepayer Advocate, and certain other parties entered into a settlement agreement concerning the Conectiv/Pepco Merger. Among other things, the settlement agreement provides for ACE to forgo recovery through customer rates of $30.5 million of “deferred electric service costs,” ACE to contribute $1.0 million to a fund supporting southern New Jersey schools, and certain customer service guarantees. The settlement agreement is subject to NJBPU approval and contingent upon the closing of the Conectiv/Pepco Merger. Management currently expects the Conectiv/Pepco Merger to close during the second or third quarter of 2002, pending receipt of regulatory approvals from the NJBPU and the SEC.

9


Table of Contents
 
Agreements for the Sale of Electric Generating Plants
 
As disclosed in Note 9 to ACE’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of Part II of ACE’s 2001 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the agreements between ACE and NRG for the sale of ACE’s fossil fuel-fired electric generating plants, including the Deepwater Station and B.L. England Station (740 MW of capacity), and ACE’s interests in Conemaugh and Keystone Stations, were subject to termination by either party after February 28, 2002. NRG delivered notice to Conectiv on April 1, 2002 terminating these agreements. Management has considered various alternatives for these electric generating assets, and decided to conduct another auction of these assets. Management cannot predict the results of the auction or any related impacts upon recoverable stranded costs.
 
As discussed in Note 6 to ACE’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of Part II of ACE’s 2001 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the BGS auction awarded about 1,900 MW, or 80% of ACE’s BGS load to four suppliers for the period from August 1, 2002 to July 31, 2003. If ACE retains the plants discussed above during the period from August 1, 2002 to July 31, 2003, then ACE expects to sell, in the wholesale market, the portion of its electricity supply which exceeds the load requirement of the BGS customers.
 
Operating Revenues
 
    
Three Months Ended March 31,

    
2002

  
2001

    
(Dollars in millions)
Electric revenues
  
$
219.8
  
$
224.0
Other revenues
  
 
1.2
  
 
1.8
    

  

Total operating revenues
  
$
221.0
  
$
225.8
    

  

 
Electric revenues in the table above are earned primarily from activities subject to rate regulation, including delivering electricity and supplying electricity (Basic Generation Service) to customers located in ACE’s service territory. Electric revenues decreased by $4.2 million to $219.8 million for the first quarter of 2002, from $224.0 million for the first quarter of 2001. The $4.2 million decrease was attributed to (i) a $6.1 million retail revenue decrease from lower retail sales due to warmer winter weather, (ii) a $13.4 million increase in retail revenues due to customers returning to ACE from alternative suppliers, and (iii) an $11.5 million decrease in interchange sale revenues, mainly due to warmer winter weather. The additional revenue from customers returning to ACE from alternative suppliers did not affect earnings due to the rate-making treatment of revenues and costs related to Basic Generation Service.
 
The gross margin earned from electric revenues is equal to electric revenues decreased by “electric fuel and purchased energy and capacity” expenses and increased by “deferred electric service costs.” The gross margin earned from electric revenues decreased $17.4 million to $100.9 million for the first quarter of 2002, from $118.3 million for the first quarter of 2001.

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Table of Contents
 
Operating Expenses
 
Electric Fuel and Purchased Energy and Capacity
 
“Electric fuel and purchased energy and capacity” increased $24.7 million for the first quarter of 2002 mainly due to a higher average cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity supplied to customers, partly offset by a decrease attributed to lower kWh volume, reflecting lower customer demand for electricity. The average cost per kWh supplied increased primarily due to less output from ACE’s B.L. England plant, which caused more electricity to be purchased.
 
Operation and Maintenance Expenses
 
Operation and maintenance expenses increased $0.8 million for the first quarter of 2002 mainly due to higher pension and other postretirement benefit expenses, costs related to the agreements to sell the electric generating plants to NRG, and various other increases, which were largely offset by a decrease due to the sale of ACE’s interests in nuclear electric generating plants in October 2001.
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased $4.9 million in the first quarter of 2002 mainly due to the sale of ACE’s interests in nuclear electric generating plants in October 2001.
 
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes
 
Taxes other than income taxes decreased $3.5 million in the first quarter of 2002 mainly due to expiration of the amortization of a regulatory asset related to New Jersey state excise taxes.
 
Deferred Electric Service Costs
 
For the first quarter of 2002, there was an $11.4 million increase in the amount of electric service costs deferred mainly due to an increase in ACE’s cost of providing Basic Generation Service. The balance for ACE’s deferred electric service costs was $124.0 million as of March 31, 2002. ACE’s recovery of the deferred costs is subject to review by the NJBPU, which will determine the amount of cost recovery in accordance with New Jersey’s Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act.
 
Other Income
 
Other income decreased $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2002 primarily due to a decrease in interest income due to a lower average investment balance in Conectiv’s money pool, partly offset by interest income accrued in the first quarter of 2002 on deferred electric service costs under the terms of the NJBPU’s Final Decision and Order issued in 2001 concerning restructuring ACE’s utility business.
 
Interest Expense
 
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized, decreased $3.9 million for the first quarter of 2002 mainly due to lower interest rates on ACE’s $171.4 million term loan and $22.6 million of variable rate demand bonds, the redemption of $97.2 million of long-term debt during 2001, and interest expense during the first quarter of 2001 attributed to a regulatory liability for deferred energy supply costs.
 
Income Taxes
 
Income taxes decreased $3.3 million for the first quarter of 2002 mainly due to lower income before income taxes.

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Table of Contents
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Due to $36.8 million of cash provided by operating activities, $21.9 million of cash used by investing activities, and $18.6 million of cash used by financing activities, cash and cash equivalents decreased by $3.7 million during first quarter of 2002.
 
Net cash provided by operating activities decreased by $2.1 million to $36.8 million for the first quarter of 2002, from $38.9 million for the first quarter of 2001. The decrease reflects the increase in purchased power, which was nearly offset by net cash provided by working capital fluctuations and $7.6 million of current year income tax refunds.
 
ACE’s capital expenditures during the first quarter of 2002 of $21.2 million were primarily for the electric transmission and distribution systems of ACE, including upgrades related to system reliability and economic development.
 
Cash flows from financing activities for the first quarter of 2002 consisted of $5.3 million of dividends on common stock paid to Conectiv, $0.3 million of dividends paid to preferred stockholders, a $12.3 million decrease in short-term debt, and $0.8 million of cash used for other financing activities.
 
ACE’s capital structure, expressed as a percentage of total capitalization, is shown below as of March 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001.
 
      
March 31,
2002

    
December 31,
2001

Common stockholder’s equity
    
37.5%
    
37.4%
Preferred stock
    
1.1%
    
1.1%
Preferred trust securities
    
5.8%
    
5.8%
Long-term debt and variable rate demand bonds
    
37.7%
    
39.7%
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt
    
17.9%
    
16.0%
 
ACE had $261.5 million of long-term debt which was due within one year as of March 31, 2002 and expects such debt will primarily be refunded with proceeds from securitization of stranded costs. See page II-5 of ACE’s 2001 Annual Report on Form 10-K for information concerning securitization. On April 1, 2002, ACE redeemed at maturity $20 million of unsecured 6.46%, Medium Term Notes.
 
On May 1, 2002, ACE redeemed 124,500 shares of its $7.80 annual dividend rate preferred stock, under mandatory and optional redemption provisions, at the $100 per share stated value or $12.45 million in total.
 
ACE’s ratio of earnings to fixed charges and ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred stock dividends under the SEC Methods are shown below. See Exhibit 12-A, Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges, and Exhibit 12-B, Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends, for additional information.
 
    
3 Months Ended March 31, 2002

  
Year Ended December 31,

       
2001

  
2000

  
1999

  
1998

  
1997

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (SEC Method)
  
1.54
  
2.67
  
2.03
  
2.57
  
1.66
  
2.84
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends (SEC Method)
  
1.49
  
2.58
  
1.95
  
2.44
  
1.55
  
2.58

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Table of Contents
 
On May 8, 2002, Moody’s Investor Service (Moody’s) issued a press release confirming the securities ratings of ACE. The ratings confirmation makes the assumption that the Conectiv/Pepco Merger will occur as planned.
 
On May 14, 2002, Standard & Poor’s (S&P) issued a press release lowering the corporate credit ratings of ACE and announcing ratings actions for ACE’s securities, some of which include downgrades. S&P stated that the ratings are based upon the receipt of the remaining regulatory approvals for the Conectiv/Pepco Merger. S&P also stated that the ratings actions reflect the consolidated credit measures of Pepco and Conectiv and also reflects the expected issuance of additional debt at Pepco Holdings, Inc. to finance the Conectiv/Pepco Merger.
 
The credit ratings assigned to securities of ACE are shown in the table below:
 
Type of Security

  
Moody’s

  
S&P

Corporate credit rating
  
A3
  
BBB+
Senior secured debt
  
A2
  
BBB+
Senior unsecured debt
  
A3
  
BBB
Short-term debt
  
P-1
  
A-2
Preferred stock
  
Baa2
  
BBB-
Preferred trust securities
  
Baa1
  
BBB-
 
The previous ratings for securities of ACE can be found in Item 7 of Part II of ACE’s 2001 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Securities ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. Ratings are subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the respective rating agencies. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating. Changes in credit ratings could affect ACE’s cost of capital and access to capital markets.
 
Item 3.     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
As previously disclosed under “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” on page II-14 to ACE’s 2001 Annual Report on Form 10-K, ACE is subject to certain market risks. There were no material changes in ACE’s level of market risks as of March 31, 2002 compared to December 31, 2001.

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Table of Contents
 
PART II.     OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.     Legal Proceedings
 
Information reported under the heading “Environmental Matters,” “Air Quality Regulations” in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1 in Part I herein, is incorporated by reference.
 
Information reported under the heading “Other Matters” in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1 in Part I herein, concerning an agreement for ACE to sell electric distribution facilities to the City of Vineland is incorporated by reference.
 
Item 6.     Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
 
(a) Exhibits
 
Exhibit 12-A, Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (filed herewith)
 
Exhibit 12-B, Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends (filed herewith)
 
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
 
On April 2, 2002, ACE filed a Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 1, 2002 reporting on Item 5, Other Events.

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Table of Contents
 
SIGNATURE
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
   
ATLANTIC CITY ELECTRIC COMPANY
   
(Registrant)
 
   
/s/    JOHN C.VAN RODEN

   
John C. van Roden,
Chief Financial Officer
Date: May 15, 2002

15
EX-12.A 3 dex12a.htm RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES Prepared by R.R. Donnelley Financial -- Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
Exhibit 12-A
ATLANTIC CITY ELECTRIC COMPANY
 
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
      
3 Months Ended March 31,
  
Year Ended December 31,

      
2002

  
2001

  
2000

  
1999

  
1998

  
1997

Income before extraordinary item
    
$
5,057
  
$
75,476
  
$
54,434
  
$
63,930
  
$
30,276
  
$
85,747
      

  

  

  

  

  

Income taxes
    
 
3,883
  
 
46,698
  
 
36,746
  
 
49,326
  
 
18,178
  
 
50,442
      

  

  

  

  

  

Fixed charges:
                                           
Interest on long-term debt including amortization of discount, premium and expense
    
 
13,995
  
 
62,166
  
 
76,178
  
 
60,562
  
 
63,940
  
 
64,501
Other interest
    
 
641
  
 
3,314
  
 
4,518
  
 
3,837
  
 
3,435
  
 
3,574
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiary trusts
    
 
1,905
  
 
7,619
  
 
7,619
  
 
7,634
  
 
6,052
  
 
5,775
      

  

  

  

  

  

Total fixed charges
    
 
16,541
  
 
73,099
  
 
88,315
  
 
72,033
  
 
73,427
  
 
73,850
      

  

  

  

  

  

Earnings before extraordinary item, income taxes and fixed charges
    
$
25,481
  
$
195,273
  
$
179,495
  
$
185,289
  
$
121,881
  
$
210,039
      

  

  

  

  

  

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
    
 
1.54
  
 
2.67
  
 
2.03
  
 
2.57
  
 
1.66
  
 
2.84
 
For purposes of computing the ratio, earnings are income before extraordinary item plus income taxes and fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest on long- and short-term debt, amortization of debt discount, premium, and expense, dividends on preferred securities of subsidiary trusts, and the estimated interest component of rentals.

EX-12.B 4 dex12b.htm RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES & PREFERRED DIV Prepared by R.R. Donnelley Financial -- Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges & Preferred Div
Exhibit 12-B
ATLANTIC CITY ELECTRIC COMPANY
 
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED DIVIDENDS
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
      
3 Months Ended March 31,
  
Year Ended December 31,

      
2002

  
2001

  
2000

  
1999

  
1998

  
1997

Income before extraordinary item
    
$
5,057
  
$
75,476
  
$
54,434
  
$
63,930
  
$
30,276
  
$
85,747
      

  

  

  

  

  

Income taxes
    
 
3,883
  
 
46,698
  
 
36,746
  
 
49,326
  
 
18,178
  
 
50,442
      

  

  

  

  

  

Fixed charges:
                                           
Interest on long-term debt including amortization of discount, premium and expense
    
 
13,995
  
 
62,166
  
 
76,178
  
 
60,562
  
 
63,940
  
 
64,501
Other interest
    
 
641
  
 
3,314
  
 
4,518
  
 
3,837
  
 
3,435
  
 
3,574
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiary trusts
    
 
1,905
  
 
7,619
  
 
7,619
  
 
7,634
  
 
6,052
  
 
5,775
      

  

  

  

  

  

Total fixed charges
    
 
16,541
  
 
73,099
  
 
88,315
  
 
72,033
  
 
73,427
  
 
73,850
      

  

  

  

  

  

Earnings before extraordinary item, income taxes and fixed charges
    
$
25,481
  
$
195,273
  
$
179,495
  
$
185,289
  
$
121,881
  
$
210,039
      

  

  

  

  

  

Fixed charges
    
$
16,541
  
$
73,099
  
$
88,315
  
$
72,033
  
$
73,427
  
$
73,850
Preferred dividend requirements
    
 
546
  
 
2,724
  
 
3,571
  
 
3,777
  
 
5,289
  
 
7,506
      

  

  

  

  

  

      
$
17,087
  
$
75,823
  
$
91,886
  
$
75,810
  
$
78,716
  
$
81,356
      

  

  

  

  

  

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred dividends
    
 
1.49
  
 
2.58
  
 
1.95
  
 
2.44
  
 
1.55
  
 
2.58
 
For purposes of computing the ratio, earnings are income before extraordinary item plus income taxes and fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest on long- and short-term debt, amortization of debt discount, premium, and expense, dividends on preferred securities of subsidiary trusts, and the estimated interest component of rentals. Preferred dividend requirements represent annualized preferred dividend requirements multiplied by the ratio that pre-tax income bears to net income.

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