Edison International (2.4%) (NYSE:EIX) (EIX – $71.89 – NYSE) is one of the nation’s larger regulated electric distribution utilities through Southern California Edison (SCE), serving fourteen million residents (five million customers) in central, coastal, and southern California. Following divestiture of non-regulated businesses and settlement of most outstanding issues related to the closing of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) units, we consider EIX to be a relatively low risk high quality utility operating in a constructive regulatory environment. In late 2015, SCE’s 2015-2017 General Rate Case (GRC) was finally decided with higher revenues retroactive to January 1, 2015. EIX targets 7% annual rate base growth based on a 10.45% allowed ROE, a $12 billion 2015-2017 capital program and progressive regulatory principles. The capital program is directed toward replacing, upgrading and modernizing the distribution and transmission system to incorporate renewables, storage, electric vehicle charging stations and various smart grid applications. EIX currently pays an annual dividend of $1.92 per share representing a SCE earnings payout ratio of roughly 47% (using $4.09 per share, midpoint of the 2016 SCE earning guidance range), near the low end of the targeted SCE payout ratio of 45%-55%.
From Mario Gabelli (Trades, Portfolio)'s Gabelli Utilities Fund first quarter 2016 commentary.
