HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 5, 2009-- Dynegy Inc. (NYSE: DYN):

• Adjusted EBITDA of $388 million up 44 percent period-over-period primarily due to:
  • The sale and assignment of a multi-year power sales contract;
  • Higher capacity and tolling revenues; and
  • Higher realized energy prices in the Midwest
• Net loss attributable to Dynegy Inc. of $212 million reflects after-tax charges of $238 million primarily related to asset impairments and $78 million of after-tax mark-to-market losses; compares to net income of $605 million for the third quarter 2008, which included $542 million of after-tax mark-to-market gains
• Production volumes down slightly period-over-period
• Company raises and tightens 2009 guidance estimates and provides details behind 2010 guidance estimates

Dynegy Inc. (NYSE: DYN) today announced that Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter 2009 was $388 million, compared to $269 million for the third quarter 2008. The period-over-period increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily related to the sale and assignment of a multi-year power sales contract, higher capacity and tolling revenues and higher realized energy prices in the Midwest. The company also reported a net loss attributable to Dynegy Inc. of $212 million or ($0.25) per diluted share for the third quarter 2009, compared to net income of $605 million or $0.72 per diluted share for the third quarter 2008. The net loss in the third quarter 2009 was primarily driven by asset impairment charges and mark-to-market losses. GAAP results include mark-to-market losses of $128 million ($78 million after tax) for the third quarter 2009, compared to mark-to-market gains of $889 million ($542 million after tax) for the third quarter 2008.

“While Dynegy’s third quarter financial results continued to be impacted by the overall weakness in U.S. energy prices, we again demonstrated the benefits of having a diverse, well-operated fleet of power generation assets,” said Bruce A. Williamson, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dynegy Inc. “Increased production volumes from our Midwest and Northeast combined-cycle facilities helped to partially offset reduced run-times from coal-fired generation. This fleet diversity contributed to third quarter production volumes that were down only slightly period-over-period. Our operational performance also included strong reliability levels, with in-market availability of 92 percent for our baseload coal fleet.

“Dynegy’s capital structure currently includes available liquidity of $2.1 billion, with cash-on-hand of $699 million,” Williamson added. “Following the anticipated completion of the sale of assets to LS Power in the fourth quarter, we will have improved financial strength to address near-term debt maturities and other obligations as we manage through the current depressed commodity markets and position the company to deliver long-term value to investors.”

A comparison of the company’s third quarter results period-over-period is set forth in the table below (in millions of dollars, except per share amounts). The non-GAAP financial measures of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations and Adjusted Free Cash Flow are used by management to evaluate Dynegy's business on an ongoing basis. Definitions, purposes and uses of such non-GAAP measures are included in Item 2.02 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 5, 2009, which is available on the company’s website free of charge at www.dynegy.com. Reconciliations of these measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures are included in the accompanying schedules to this news release.

Power Generation

Dynegy’s diversified power generation business includes three business segments: the Midwest, with approximately 8,400 megawatts of generation capacity; the West, with approximately 5,500 megawatts of generation capacity; and the Northeast, with approximately 3,800 megawatts of generation capacity.

Adjusted EBITDA from the power generation segments was $431 million for the third quarter 2009, compared to $307 million for the third quarter 2008.

Management does not allocate interest expense and income taxes on a segment level and therefore uses operating income as the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Operating income from the power generation segments was $40 million for the third quarter 2009, compared to $1.1 billion for the third quarter 2008.

Operating income from continuing and discontinued operations during the third quarter 2009 reflected $382 million in impairment charges ($234 million after tax) that were recorded based on the accounting classification of the eight power generation facilities anticipated to be sold to LS Power as held for sale. Operating income from continuing and discontinued operations during the third quarter 2009 also reflected mark-to-market losses of $128 million. This compares to mark-to-market gains of $889 million for the third quarter 2008, when forward market power prices decreased during the period.

The following factors influenced the quarter’s results as compared to the third quarter 2008. Please read the accompanying schedules to this news release for additional information.

• Midwest – Adjusted EBITDA benefited from the sale and assignment of a multi-year power sales contract and higher realized energy prices that were contracted prior to the market downturn. Midwest production volumes decreased 7 percent period-over-period. This was primarily due to a 12 percent reduction in coal facility volumes that was largely related to decreased demand attributed to mild summer weather and increased off-peak wind generation. This decline was partially offset by a 15 percent increase in volumes related to the company’s natural gas facilities. Specifically, the company’s natural gas combined-cycle facilities experienced increased run-times due to coal-to-gas switching in PJM.
• West – Adjusted EBITDA benefited from increased tolling and capacity revenues. Production volumes decreased 5 percent due to weak spark spreads attributed to lower demand and mild weather.
• Northeast – Adjusted EBITDA benefited from a 20 percent increase in production volumes attributed to natural gas combined-cycle facilities, which benefited from coal-to-gas switching in the region and reduced transmission congestion. This was partially offset by reduced run-times for coal- and oil-fired units due to compressed spark spreads.

Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations for generation was $690 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, while maintenance and environmental capital expenditures were $103 million and $241 million, respectively. Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations for generation was $764 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, while maintenance and environmental capital expenditures were $83 million and $171 million, respectively. Adjusted Free Cash Flow from the power generation business was $346 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to $510 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

On a GAAP basis, Cash Flow from Operations for generation was $683 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to $757 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Net cash used in investing activities was $341 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to net cash used in investing activities of $108 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Net cash provided by financing activities was $47 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $133 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

Other

Other primarily consists of general and administrative expenses, partially offset by interest income. In Other, the company reported a $43 million Adjusted loss before interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization ($47 million operating loss) during the third quarter 2009, compared to an Adjusted loss of $38 million ($51 million operating loss) during the third quarter 2008. The higher Adjusted loss during the third quarter 2009 was primarily related to a decrease in interest income due to lower interest rates.

Consolidated Interest Expense and Taxes

The company’s interest expense totaled $115 million for the third quarter 2009, compared to $105 million for the third quarter 2008. The increase was primarily attributable to $14 million of expenses related to the change in value and settlement of interest rate swaps associated with the Plum Point credit agreement, partially offset by lower LIBOR rates on the company’s variable-rate debt.

The third quarter 2009 income tax benefit from continuing operations was $34 million, compared to an income tax expense from continuing operations of $392 million for the third quarter 2008.

Liquidity

As of September 30, 2009, Dynegy’s liquidity was $1.9 billion. This consisted of $703 million in cash on hand and $1.2 billion in unused availability under the company’s credit facility.

The company’s previously disclosed transaction with LS Power is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter 2009, with an anticipated increase in available cash and liquidity of more than $1 billion.

Cash Flow

Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations totaled an inflow of $336 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. There was a cash inflow of $690 million from the power generation business, offset by outflows of $354 million in Other resulting primarily from interest payments and general and administrative expenses, net of interest income.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, Dynegy’s Adjusted Free Cash Flow was an outflow of $13 million. Capital expenditures included maintenance and environmental capital expenditures of $108 million and $241 million, respectively, the latter of which reflects the company’s continuing investment in environmental upgrades.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, Dynegy’s Adjusted Free Cash Flow was an inflow of $156 million. This consisted of Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations of $421 million, offset by maintenance and environmental capital expenditures of $94 million and $171 million, respectively.

On a GAAP basis, Cash Flow from Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, and September 30, 2008, was $304 million and $397 million, respectively. Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, was $341 million, compared to net cash used in investing activities of $108 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, was $47 million, compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $133 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

2009 Guidance Estimates

Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations and Adjusted Free Cash Flow ranges for 2009 have been raised and tightened from the previous ranges presented on August 10, 2009.

The new estimates are:

• A range of Adjusted EBITDA of $730 million to $760 million;
• A range of Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations of $75 million to $105 million; and
• A range of Adjusted Free Cash Flow of $(425) million to $(395) million.

Adjusted EBITDA improved due to the sale and assignment of a power sales contract, partially offset by the purchase of additional options that provide downside protection in future periods. Additionally, ranges were tightened across all of the company’s operating segments. The decline in Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations and Adjusted Free Cash Flow resulted from increased cash collateral postings related to 2010 and 2011 contracted positions. This additional cash outflow is currently the most efficient means of collateralizing the company’s hedging program due to the favorable economics of posting cash in lieu of letters of credit for exchange-traded positions. However, the company could decide to exchange letters of credit for cash, resulting in a significant cash inflow.

The guidance estimates for the most directly comparable measures on a GAAP basis include:

• A range of Net Loss of $(1.2) billion to $(1.1) billion;
• A range of Cash Flow from Operations of $45 million to $75 million;
• Net Cash provided by Investing Activities of $260 million; and
• Net Cash used in Financing Activities of $(555) million.

These estimates reflect quoted forward commodity price curves as of October 6, 2009. These estimates also reflect assumptions regarding, among other things, sales volumes, fuel costs and other operational activities.

2010 Guidance Estimates

On August 10, 2009, the company provided an Adjusted EBITDA range of $425 million to $550 million for 2010. In today’s news release, the company is reaffirming that range and providing additional 2010 guidance estimate ranges relating to Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations and Adjusted Free Cash Flow. These ranges reflect business changes, including the sale of eight power generation facilities and a power generation project under construction, that are expected to result from the pending transaction with LS Power. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter 2009 assuming all necessary closing conditions are satisfied.

The estimates are:

• A range of Adjusted EBITDA of $425 million to $550 million;
• A range of Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations of $(15) million to $110 million; and
• A range of Adjusted Free Cash Flow of $(360) million to $(235) million. This primarily reflects the significant investment in environmental capital expense to reduce emissions.

The guidance estimates for the most directly comparable measures on a GAAP basis include:

• A range of Net Loss of $(250) million to $(175) million;
• A range of Cash Flow from Operations of $(15) million to $110 million;
• Net Cash used in Investing Activities of $(345) million; and
• Net Cash used in Financing Activities of $(65) million.

These estimates reflect quoted forward commodity price curves as of October 6, 2009. These estimates also reflect assumptions regarding, among other things, a liability management program, sales volumes, fuel costs and other operational activities.

Investor Conference Call/Web Cast

Dynegy will discuss its third quarter 2009 financial results during an investor conference call and web cast today, November 5, 2009, at 9 a.m. ET/8 a.m. CT. Participants may access the web cast and the related presentation materials in the “Investor Relations” section of www.dynegy.com.

About Dynegy Inc.

Through its subsidiaries, Dynegy Inc. produces and sells electric energy, capacity and ancillary services in key U.S. markets. The power generation portfolio consists of approximately 17,700 megawatts of baseload, intermediate and peaking power plants fueled by a mix of natural gas, coal and fuel oil. DYNC

Certain statements included in this news release are intended as “forward-looking statements.” These statements include assumptions, expectations, predictions, intentions or beliefs about future events, particularly the statements concerning: anticipated earnings or cash flows; the closing of the LS Power transaction and the timing, terms or success thereof; Dynegy’s commercial strategy; and Dynegy’s estimated financial results for 2009 and 2010. Historically, Dynegy’s performance has deviated, in some cases materially, from its cash flow and earnings estimates and Dynegy cautions that actual future results may vary materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements. While Dynegy would expect to update these estimates on a quarterly basis, it does not intend to update these estimates during any quarter because definitive information regarding its quarterly financial results is not available until after the books for the quarter have been closed. Accordingly, Dynegy expects to provide updates only after it has closed the books and reported the results for a particular quarter, or otherwise as may be required by applicable law.

Dynegy cautions that actual future results may vary materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements. Specifically, Dynegy cautions that: the LS Power transaction may not close on the timing and terms expected, if at all; market fundamentals and trends may not be to Dynegy’s benefit or as Dynegy anticipates; Dynegy’s capital resources and available liquidity may be negatively impacted by market forces beyond its control, reducing capital available for discretionary or other purposes; Dynegy’s asset base may not perform at the level anticipated; changes in commodity prices for fuel and power may negatively impact Dynegy and impact its ability to continue to satisfy its credit agreement financial covenants; and uncertainties exist regarding environmental regulations, litigation and other legal, legislative or regulatory developments and their potential impacts on Dynegy’s businesses. More information about the risks and uncertainties relating to these forward-looking statements is found in Dynegy’s SEC filings, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K, as supplemented, for the year ended December 31, 2008, its Quarterly Reports on Forms 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2009, and June 30, 2009, and its Current Reports, all of which are available free of charge on Dynegy’s website at www.dynegy.com. Dynegy expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release, except as otherwise required by applicable law.