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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
þ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2008
OR
o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO .
Commission file number 1-13265
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | 76-0511406 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |
1111 Louisiana Houston, Texas 77002 (Address and zip code of principal executive offices) | (713) 207-1111 (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) |
CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction H(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format.
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 þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o | Accelerated filer o | Non-accelerated filer þ | Smaller reporting company o | |||
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
As of March 31, 2008, all 1,000 shares of CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. common stock were held by Utility Holding, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2008
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2008
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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
From time to time we make statements concerning our expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance and underlying assumptions and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these statements. You can generally identify our forward-looking statements by the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “projection,” “should,” “will,” or other similar words.
We have based our forward-looking statements on our management’s beliefs and assumptions based on information available to our management at the time the statements are made. We caution you that assumptions, beliefs, expectations, intentions and projections about future events may and often do vary materially from actual results. Therefore, we cannot assure you that actual results will not differ materially from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements.
The following are some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements:
• | state and federal legislative and regulatory actions or developments, including deregulation, re-regulation, environmental regulations, including regulations related to global climate change, and changes in or application of laws or regulations applicable to the various aspects of our business; | ||
• | timely and appropriate rate actions and increases, allowing recovery of costs and a reasonable return on investment; | ||
• | cost overruns on major capital projects that cannot be recouped in prices; | ||
• | industrial, commercial and residential growth in our service territory and changes in market demand and demographic patterns; | ||
• | the timing and extent of changes in commodity prices, particularly natural gas; | ||
• | the timing and extent of changes in the supply of natural gas; | ||
• | the timing and extent of changes in natural gas basis differentials; | ||
• | weather variations and other natural phenomena; | ||
• | changes in interest rates or rates of inflation; | ||
• | commercial bank and financial market conditions, our access to capital, the cost of such capital, and the results of our financing and refinancing efforts, including availability of funds in the debt capital markets; | ||
• | actions by rating agencies; | ||
• | effectiveness of our risk management activities; | ||
• | inability of various counterparties to meet their obligations to us; | ||
• | non-payment for our services due to financial distress of our customers, including Reliant Energy, Inc. (RRI); | ||
• | the ability of RRI and its subsidiaries to satisfy their other obligations to us, including indemnity obligations, or in connection with the contractual arrangements pursuant to which we are their guarantor; | ||
• | the outcome of litigation brought by or against us; | ||
• | our ability to control costs; |
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• | the investment performance of CenterPoint Energy’s employee benefit plans; | ||
• | our potential business strategies, including acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses, which we cannot assure will be completed or will have the anticipated benefits to us; | ||
• | acquisition and merger activities involving our parent or our competitors; and | ||
• | other factors we discuss in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference, and other reports we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. |
You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement.
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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(AN INDIRECT WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME
(Millions of Dollars)
(Unaudited)
(AN INDIRECT WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME
(Millions of Dollars)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
2007 | 2008 | |||||||
Revenues | $ | 2,697 | $ | 2,952 | ||||
Expenses: | ||||||||
Natural gas | 2,150 | 2,393 | ||||||
Operation and maintenance | 198 | 205 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 51 | 54 | ||||||
Taxes other than income taxes | 48 | 58 | ||||||
Total | 2,447 | 2,710 | ||||||
Operating Income | 250 | 242 | ||||||
Other Income (Expense): | ||||||||
Interest and other finance charges | (39 | ) | (48 | ) | ||||
Other, net | 3 | 11 | ||||||
Total | (36 | ) | (37 | ) | ||||
Income Before Income Taxes | 214 | 205 | ||||||
Income tax expense | (83 | ) | (79 | ) | ||||
Net Income | $ | 131 | $ | 126 | ||||
See Notes to the Company’s Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
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CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(AN INDIRECT WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Millions of Dollars)
(Unaudited)
(AN INDIRECT WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Millions of Dollars)
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
December 31, | March 31, | |||||||
2007 | 2008 | |||||||
Current Assets: | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 1 | $ | 19 | ||||
Accounts and notes receivable, net | 732 | 923 | ||||||
Accrued unbilled revenue | 456 | 368 | ||||||
Accounts and notes receivable — affiliated companies | 82 | 64 | ||||||
Materials and supplies | 35 | 37 | ||||||
Natural gas inventory | 395 | 65 | ||||||
Non-trading derivative assets | 38 | 59 | ||||||
Deferred tax asset | 40 | 20 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 235 | 117 | ||||||
Total current assets | 2,014 | 1,672 | ||||||
Property, Plant and Equipment: | ||||||||
Property, plant and equipment | 5,837 | 5,920 | ||||||
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization | (806 | ) | (850 | ) | ||||
Property, plant and equipment, net | 5,031 | 5,070 | ||||||
Other Assets: | ||||||||
Goodwill | 1,696 | 1,696 | ||||||
Non-trading derivative assets | 11 | 22 | ||||||
Notes receivable from unconsolidated affiliates | 148 | 150 | ||||||
Other | 234 | 333 | ||||||
Total other assets | 2,089 | 2,201 | ||||||
Total Assets | $ | 9,134 | $ | 8,943 | ||||
See Notes to the Company’s Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
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CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(AN INDIRECT WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS — (Continued)
(Millions of Dollars)
(Unaudited)
(AN INDIRECT WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS — (Continued)
(Millions of Dollars)
(Unaudited)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
December 31, | March 31, | |||||||
2007 | 2008 | |||||||
Current Liabilities: | ||||||||
Short-term borrowings | $ | 232 | $ | 200 | ||||
Current portion of long-term debt | 307 | 7 | ||||||
Accounts payable | 661 | 700 | ||||||
Accounts and notes payable — affiliated companies | 144 | 196 | ||||||
Taxes accrued | 118 | 119 | ||||||
Interest accrued | 59 | 62 | ||||||
Customer deposits | 59 | 58 | ||||||
Non-trading derivative liabilities | 60 | 17 | ||||||
Other | 186 | 194 | ||||||
Total current liabilities | 1,826 | 1,553 | ||||||
Other Liabilities: | ||||||||
Accumulated deferred income taxes, net | 778 | 790 | ||||||
Non-trading derivative liabilities | 14 | 4 | ||||||
Benefit obligations | 116 | 115 | ||||||
Regulatory liabilities | 474 | 484 | ||||||
Other | 167 | 138 | ||||||
Total other liabilities | 1,549 | 1,531 | ||||||
Long-term Debt | 2,645 | 2,623 | ||||||
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 10) | ||||||||
Stockholder’s Equity: | ||||||||
Common stock | — | — | ||||||
Paid-in capital | 2,406 | 2,406 | ||||||
Retained earnings | 692 | 818 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 16 | 12 | ||||||
Total stockholder’s equity | 3,114 | 3,236 | ||||||
Total Liabilities and Stockholder’s Equity | $ | 9,134 | $ | 8,943 | ||||
See Notes to the Company’s Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
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CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(AN INDIRECT WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
(Millions of Dollars)
(Unaudited)
(AN INDIRECT WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
(Millions of Dollars)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
2007 | 2008 | |||||||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities: | ||||||||
Net income | $ | 131 | $ | 126 | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 51 | 54 | ||||||
Amortization of deferred financing costs | 2 | 2 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes | 9 | 28 | ||||||
Changes in other assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net | 9 | (103 | ) | |||||
Accounts receivable/payable, affiliates | 16 | 51 | ||||||
Inventory | 213 | 328 | ||||||
Accounts payable | (192 | ) | 46 | |||||
Fuel cost over recovery | 23 | 29 | ||||||
Interest and taxes accrued | 13 | 4 | ||||||
Non-trading derivatives, net | 14 | 27 | ||||||
Margin deposits, net | 52 | 29 | ||||||
Other current assets | 34 | 57 | ||||||
Other current liabilities | (61 | ) | (64 | ) | ||||
Other assets | (3 | ) | (5 | ) | ||||
Other liabilities | (28 | ) | (55 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 283 | 554 | ||||||
Cash Flows from Investing Activities: | ||||||||
Capital expenditures | (272 | ) | (94 | ) | ||||
Increase in notes receivable from affiliates, net | (83 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates | — | (105 | ) | |||||
Other, net | (15 | ) | — | |||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (370 | ) | (201 | ) | ||||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities: | ||||||||
Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings | 150 | (32 | ) | |||||
Long-term revolving credit facility, net | — | (50 | ) | |||||
Proceeds from commercial paper, net | — | 35 | ||||||
Proceeds from long-term debt | 150 | — | ||||||
Payments of long-term debt | (7 | ) | (307 | ) | ||||
Increase (decrease) in notes payable with affiliates | (186 | ) | 19 | |||||
Debt issuance costs | (1 | ) | — | |||||
Other, net | 1 | — | ||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 107 | (335 | ) | |||||
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents | 20 | 18 | ||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of the Period | 5 | 1 | ||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of the Period | $ | 25 | $ | 19 | ||||
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: | ||||||||
Cash Payments: | ||||||||
Interest, net of capitalized interest | $ | 41 | $ | 46 | ||||
Income taxes | 38 | 36 |
See Notes to the Company’s Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
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CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1) Background and Basis of Presentation
General.Included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Form 10-Q) of CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. are the condensed consolidated interim financial statements and notes (Interim Condensed Financial Statements) of CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. and its subsidiaries (collectively, CERC Corp. or the Company). The Interim Condensed Financial Statements are unaudited, omit certain financial statement disclosures and should be read with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of CERC Corp. for the year ended December 31, 2007 (CERC Corp. Form 10-K).
Background.The Company owns and operates natural gas distribution systems in six states. Subsidiaries of the Company own interstate natural gas pipelines and gas gathering systems and provide various ancillary services. A wholly owned subsidiary of the Company offers variable and fixed-price physical natural gas supplies primarily to commercial and industrial customers and electric and gas utilities.
The Company is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (CenterPoint Energy), a public utility holding company.
Basis of Presentation.The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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 revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The Company’s Interim Condensed Financial Statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the respective periods. Amounts reported in the Company’s Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income are not necessarily indicative of amounts expected for a full-year period due to the effects of, among other things, (a) seasonal fluctuations in demand for energy and energy services, (b) changes in energy commodity prices, (c) timing of maintenance and other expenditures and (d) acquisitions and dispositions of businesses, assets and other interests.
(2) New Accounting Pronouncements
In April 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Staff Position No. FIN 39-1, “Amendment of FASB Interpretation No. 39,” (FIN 39-1) which permits companies that enter into master netting arrangements to offset cash collateral receivables or payables with net derivative positions under certain circumstances. The Company adopted FIN 39-1 effective January 1, 2008 and began netting the cash collateral receivables and payables and also its derivative assets and liabilities with the same counterparty subject to master netting agreements.
In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (SFAS No. 159). SFAS No. 159 permits the Company to choose, at specified election dates, to measure eligible items at fair value (the “fair value option”). The Company would report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting period. This accounting standard is effective as of the beginning of the first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007 but is not required to be applied. The Company currently has no plans to apply SFAS No. 159.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (Revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (SFAS No. 141R).SFAS No. 141R will significantly change the accounting for business combinations. Under SFAS No. 141R, an acquiring entity will be required to recognize all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a transaction at the acquisition date fair value with limited exceptions. SFAS No. 141R also includes a substantial number of new disclosure requirements and applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. As the provisions
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of SFAS No. 141R are applied prospectively, the impact to the Company cannot be determined until applicable transactions occur.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — An Amendment of ARB No. 51” (SFAS No. 160). SFAS No. 160 establishes new accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. This accounting standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Company will adopt SFAS No. 160 as of January 1, 2009. The Company expects that the adoption of SFAS No. 160 will not have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS No. 157), which requires additional disclosures about the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value. FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-2 delays the effective date for SFAS No. 157 for nonfinancial assets and liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis, to fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after November 15, 2008. As defined in SFAS No. 157, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Where available, fair value is based on observable market prices or parameters or derived from such prices or parameters. Where observable prices or inputs are not available, valuation models are applied. These valuation techniques involve some level of management estimation and judgment, the degree of which is dependent on the price transparency for the instruments or market and the instruments’ complexity for disclosure purposes. Beginning in January 2008, assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their value. Hierarchical levels, as defined in SFAS No. 157 and directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair valuations of these assets and liabilities, are as follows:
Level 1: Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date. The types of assets carried at Level 1 fair value generally are financial derivatives, investments and equity securities listed in active markets.
Level 2: Inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability. Fair value assets and liabilities that are generally included in this category are derivatives with fair values based on inputs from actively quoted markets.
Level 3: Inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset. Generally, assets and liabilities carried at fair value and included in this category are financial derivatives.
The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities (including derivatives that are presented net) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2008, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value.
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Quoted Prices in | Significant Other | Significant | ||||||||||||||||||
Active Markets | Observable | Unobservable | Balance | |||||||||||||||||
for Identical Assets | Inputs | Inputs | Netting | as of | ||||||||||||||||
(Level 1) | (Level 2) | (Level 3) | Adjustments (1) | March 31, 2008 | ||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate equities | $ | 2 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 2 | ||||||||||
Investments | 15 | — | — | (1 | ) | 14 | ||||||||||||||
Derivative assets | 1 | 103 | 4 | (27 | ) | 81 | ||||||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 18 | $ | 103 | $ | 4 | $ | (28 | ) | $ | 97 | |||||||||
Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative liabilities | $ | 3 | $ | 44 | $ | 2 | $ | (28 | ) | $ | 21 | |||||||||
Total liabilities | $ | 3 | $ | 44 | $ | 2 | $ | (28 | ) | $ | 21 | |||||||||
(1) | Amounts represent the impact of legally enforceable master netting agreements that allow the Company to settle positive and negative positions and also cash collateral held or placed with the same counterparties. |
The following table presents additional information about assets or liabilities, including derivatives that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis for which the Company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value, for the three months ended March 31, 2008:
Fair Value | ||||
Measurements | ||||
Using Significant | ||||
Unobservable | ||||
Inputs | ||||
(Level 3) | ||||
Derivatives, net | ||||
(in millions) | ||||
Beginning balance as of January 1, 2008 | $ | (3 | ) | |
Total gains or losses (realized and unrealized): | ||||
Included in earnings | 6 | |||
Included in other comprehensive loss | — | |||
Net transfers into level 3 | — | |||
Purchases, sales, other settlements, net | (1 | ) | ||
Ending balance as of March 31, 2008 | $ | 2 | ||
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at the reporting date | $ | 1 | ||
(3) Employee Benefit Plans
The Company’s employees participate in CenterPoint Energy’s postretirement benefit plan. The Company’s net periodic cost relating to postretirement benefits includes $2 million of interest cost for each of the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008. The Company expects to contribute approximately $14 million to its postretirement benefits plan in 2008, of which $3 million had been contributed as of March 31, 2008.
(4) Regulatory Matters
Texas.In March 2008, the Company’s natural gas distribution business (Gas Operations) filed a request to change its rates with the Railroad Commission of Texas (Railroad Commission) and the 47 cities in its Texas Coast service territory, an area consisting of approximately 230,000 customers in cities and communities on the outskirts of Houston. The request seeks to establish uniform rates, charges and terms and conditions of service for the cities and environs of the Texas Coast service territory. The effect of the requested rate changes will be to increase the Texas Coast service territory’s revenues by approximately $7 million per year.
Minnesota.In November 2006, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) denied a request filed by Gas Operations for a waiver of MPUC rules in order to allow Gas Operations to recover approximately $21 million
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in unrecovered purchased gas costs related to periods prior to July 1, 2004. Those unrecovered gas costs were identified as a result of revisions to previously approved calculations of unrecovered purchased gas costs. Following that denial, Gas Operations recorded a $21 million adjustment to reduce pre-tax earnings in the fourth quarter of 2006 and reduced the regulatory asset related to these costs by an equal amount. In March 2007, following the MPUC’s denial of reconsideration of its ruling, Gas Operations petitioned the Minnesota Court of Appeals for review of the MPUC’s decision. On May 6, 2008 that court rendered its decision. The court concluded that the MPUC was arbitrary and capricious in denying Gas Operations’ request for a waiver of the MPUC rules and remanded the case to the MPUC for reconsideration under the same principles that the MPUC had applied in previously granted variance requests. No prediction can be made as to the ultimate outcome of this matter.
(5) Derivative Instruments
The Company is exposed to various market risks. These risks arise from transactions entered into in the normal course of business. The Company utilizes derivative instruments such as physical forward contracts, swaps and options to mitigate the impact of changes in commodity prices and weather on its operating results and cash flows.
Non-Trading Activities
Cash Flow Hedges.The Company has entered into certain derivative instruments that qualify as cash flow hedges under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (SFAS No. 133). The objective of these derivative instruments is to hedge the price risk associated with natural gas purchases and sales to reduce cash flow variability related to meeting the Company’s wholesale and retail customer obligations. During each of the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008, hedge ineffectiveness resulted in a loss of less than $1 million from derivatives that qualify for and are designated as cash flow hedges. No component of the derivative instruments’ gain or loss was excluded from the assessment of effectiveness. If it becomes probable that an anticipated transaction being hedged will not occur, the Company realizes in net income the deferred gains and losses previously recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss. When an anticipated transaction being hedged affects earnings, the accumulated deferred gain or loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss is reclassified and included in the Statements of Consolidated Income under the “Expenses” caption “Natural gas.” Cash flows resulting from these transactions in non-trading energy derivatives are included in the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows in the same category as the item being hedged. As of March 31, 2008, the Company expects $2 million ($1 million after-tax) in accumulated other comprehensive income to be reclassified as a decrease in Natural gas expense during the next twelve months.
The length of time the Company is hedging its exposure to the variability in future cash flows using derivative instruments that have been designated and have qualified as cash flow hedging instruments is less than one year. The Company’s policy is not to exceed ten years in hedging its exposure.
Other Derivative Instruments.The Company enters into certain derivative instruments to manage physical commodity price risks that do not qualify or are not designated as cash flow or fair value hedges under SFAS No. 133. The Company utilizes these financial instruments to manage physical commodity price risks and does not engage in proprietary or speculative commodity trading. During the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008, the Company recognized unrealized net losses of $8 million and $22 million, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2007, the unrealized net losses are included in the Statements of Consolidated Income under the “Expenses” caption “Natural Gas.” During the three months ended March 31, 2008, unrealized net losses of $20 million are included in the Statements of Consolidated Income under the “Revenues” caption and unrealized net losses of $2 million are included in the Statements of Consolidated Income under the “Expenses” caption “Natural Gas.”
Weather Derivatives.The Company has weather normalization or other rate mechanisms that mitigate the impact of weather in certain of its Gas Operations jurisdictions. The remaining Gas Operations jurisdictions, Minnesota, Mississippi and Texas, do not have such mechanisms. As a result, fluctuations from normal weather may have a significant positive or negative effect on the results of these operations.
In 2007, the Company entered into heating-degree day swaps to mitigate the effect of fluctuations from normal weather on its financial position and cash flows for the 2007/2008 winter heating season. The swaps are based on ten-year normal weather and provide for a maximum payment by either party of $18 million. During the three
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months ended March 31, 2008, the Company recognized an $11 million loss ($7 million after-tax) related to these swaps. This was offset in part by increased revenues due to colder than normal weather.
(6) Goodwill
Goodwill by reportable business segment as of both December 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008 is as follows (in millions):
Natural Gas Distribution | $ | 746 | ||
Interstate Pipelines | 579 | |||
Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services | 335 | |||
Field Services | 25 | |||
Other Operations | 11 | |||
Total | $ | 1,696 | ||
(7) Comprehensive Income
The following table summarizes the components of total comprehensive income (net of tax):
For the Three Months Ended | ||||||||
March 31, | ||||||||
2007 | 2008 | |||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||
Net income | $ | 131 | $ | 126 | ||||
Other comprehensive income (loss): | ||||||||
SFAS No. 158 adjustment (net of tax) | 1 | — | ||||||
Reclassification of deferred gain from cash flow hedges realized in net income (net of tax of $17 and $2) | (27 | ) | (4 | ) | ||||
Other comprehensive loss | (26 | ) | (4 | ) | ||||
Comprehensive income | $ | 105 | $ | 122 | ||||
The following table summarizes the components of accumulated other comprehensive income:
December 31, | March 31, | |||||||
2007 | 2008 | |||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||
SFAS No. 158 adjustment | $ | 11 | $ | 11 | ||||
Net deferred gain from cash flow hedges | 5 | 1 | ||||||
Total accumulated other comprehensive income | $ | 16 | $ | 12 | ||||
(8) Related Party Transactions
The Company participates in a “money pool” through which it can borrow or invest on a short-term basis. Funding needs are aggregated and external borrowing or investing is based on the net cash position. The net funding requirements of the money pool are expected to be met with borrowings by CenterPoint Energy under its revolving credit facility or the sale by CenterPoint Energy of its commercial paper. As of December 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008, the Company had borrowings from the money pool of $67 million and $87 million, respectively.
For each of the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008, the Company had net interest expense related to affiliate borrowings of approximately $1 million.
CenterPoint Energy provides some corporate services to the Company. The costs of services have been charged directly to the Company using methods that management believes are reasonable. These methods include negotiated usage rates, dedicated asset assignment and proportionate corporate formulas based on operating expenses, assets, gross margin, employees and a composite of assets, gross margin and employees. These charges are not necessarily indicative of what would have been incurred had the Company not been an affiliate. Amounts charged to the
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Company for these services were $40 million and $35 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively, and are included primarily in operation and maintenance expenses.
(9) Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt
(a) Short-term Borrowings
In October 2007, the Company amended its receivables facility and extended the termination date to October 28, 2008. The facility size will range from $150 million to $375 million during the period from September 30, 2007 to the October 28, 2008 termination date. The variable size of the facility was designed to track the seasonal pattern of receivables in the Company’s natural gas businesses. At March 31, 2008, the facility size was $375 million. As of December 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008, $232 million and $200 million, respectively, was advanced for the purchase of receivables under the Company’s receivables facility.
(b) Long-term Debt
Revolving Credit Facility.As of March 31, 2008, the Company had $100 million of borrowings and $35 million of commercial paper outstanding under its $950 million credit facility. The Company was in compliance with all debt covenants as of March 31, 2008.
(10) Commitments and Contingencies
(a) Natural Gas Supply Commitments
Natural gas supply commitments include natural gas contracts related to the Company’s Natural Gas Distribution and Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services business segments, which have various quantity requirements and durations, that are not classified as non-trading derivative assets and liabilities in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008 as these contracts meet the SFAS No. 133 exception to be classified as “normal purchases contracts” or do not meet the definition of a derivative. Natural gas supply commitments also include natural gas transportation contracts which do not meet the definition of a derivative. As of March 31, 2008, minimum payment obligations for natural gas supply commitments are approximately $532 million for the remaining nine months in 2008, $316 million in 2009, $296 million in 2010, $279 million in 2011, $272 million in 2012 and $1.2 billion after 2012.
(b) Legal, Environmental and Other Regulatory Matters
Legal Matters
Natural Gas Measurement Lawsuits.CERC Corp. and certain of its subsidiaries are defendants in a lawsuit filed in 1997 under the Federal False Claims Act alleging mismeasurement of natural gas produced from federal and Indian lands. The suit seeks undisclosed damages, along with statutory penalties, interest, costs and fees. The complaint is part of a larger series of complaints filed against 77 natural gas pipelines and their subsidiaries and affiliates. An earlier single action making substantially similar allegations against the pipelines was dismissed by the federal district court for the District of Columbia on grounds of improper joinder and lack of jurisdiction. As a result, the various individual complaints were filed in numerous courts throughout the country. This case has been consolidated, together with the other similar False Claims Act cases, in the federal district court in Cheyenne, Wyoming. In October 2006, the judge considering this matter granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss the suit on the ground that the court lacked subject matter jurisdiction over the claims asserted. The plaintiff has sought review of that dismissal from the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, where the matter remains pending.
In addition, CERC Corp. and certain of its subsidiaries are defendants in two mismeasurement lawsuits brought against approximately 245 pipeline companies and their affiliates pending in state court in Stevens County, Kansas. In one case (originally filed in May 1999 and amended four times), the plaintiffs purport to represent a class of royalty owners who allege that the defendants have engaged in systematic mismeasurement of the volume of natural gas for more than 25 years. The plaintiffs amended their petition in this suit in July 2003 in response to an order from the judge denying certification of the plaintiffs’ alleged class. In the amendment the plaintiffs dismissed their claims against certain defendants (including two CERC Corp. subsidiaries), limited the scope of the class of plaintiffs they purport to represent and eliminated previously asserted claims based on mismeasurement of the
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British thermal unit (Btu) content of the gas. The same plaintiffs then filed a second lawsuit, again as representatives of a putative class of royalty owners, in which they assert their claims that the defendants have engaged in systematic mismeasurement of the Btu content of natural gas for more than 25 years. In both lawsuits, the plaintiffs seek compensatory damages, along with statutory penalties, treble damages, interest, costs and fees. The Company believes that there has been no systematic mismeasurement of gas and that the lawsuits are without merit. The Company does not expect the ultimate outcome of the lawsuits to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Gas Cost Recovery Litigation.In October 2002, a lawsuit was filed on behalf of certain ratepayers of the Company in state district court in Wharton County, Texas against the Company, CenterPoint Energy, Entex Gas Marketing Company (EGMC), and certain non-affiliated companies alleging fraud, violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, violations of the Texas Utilities Code, civil conspiracy and violations of the Texas Free Enterprise and Antitrust Act with respect to rates charged to certain consumers of natural gas in the State of Texas. The plaintiffs initially sought certification of a class of Texas ratepayers, but subsequently dropped their request for class certification. The plaintiffs later added as defendants CenterPoint Energy Marketing Inc., CenterPoint Energy Pipeline Services, Inc. (CEPS), and certain other subsidiaries of the Company, and other non-affiliated companies. In February 2005, the case was removed to federal district court in Houston, Texas, and in March 2005, the plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed the case and agreed not to refile the claims asserted unless the Miller County case described below is not certified as a class action or is later decertified.
In October 2004, a lawsuit was filed by certain ratepayers of the Company in Texas and Arkansas in circuit court in Miller County, Arkansas against the Company, CenterPoint Energy, EGMC, CenterPoint Energy Gas Transmission Company (CEGT), CenterPoint Energy Field Services (CEFS), CEPS, Mississippi River Transmission Corp. (MRT) and other non-affiliated companies alleging fraud, unjust enrichment and civil conspiracy with respect to rates charged to certain consumers of natural gas in Arkansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas. Subsequently, the plaintiffs dropped CEGT and MRT as defendants. Although the plaintiffs in the Miller County case sought class certification, no class was certified. In June 2007, the Arkansas Supreme Court determined that the Arkansas claims were within the sole and exclusive jurisdiction of the Arkansas Public Service Commission (APSC). In response to that ruling, in August 2007 the Miller County court stayed but refused to dismiss the Arkansas claims. In February 2008, the Arkansas Supreme Court directed the Miller County court to dismiss the entire case for lack of jurisdiction. The Miller County court subsequently dismissed the case in accordance with the Arkansas Supreme Court’s mandate and all appellate deadlines have expired.
In June 2007, the Company, CenterPoint Energy, EGMC and other defendants in the Miller County case filed a petition in a district court in Travis County, Texas seeking a determination that the Railroad Commission has original exclusive jurisdiction over the Texas claims asserted in the Miller County case. In October 2007, CEFS and CEPS were joined as plaintiffs to the Travis County case.
In August 2007, the Arkansas plaintiff in the Miller County litigation initiated a complaint at the APSC seeking a decision concerning the extent of the APSC’s jurisdiction over the Miller County case and an investigation into the merits of the allegations asserted in his complaint with respect to the Company. That complaint remains pending at the APSC.
In February 2003, a lawsuit was filed in state court in Caddo Parish, Louisiana against the Company with respect to rates charged to a purported class of certain consumers of natural gas and gas service in the State of Louisiana. In February 2004, another suit was filed in state court in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana against the Company seeking to recover alleged overcharges for gas or gas services allegedly provided by the Company to a purported class of certain consumers of natural gas and gas service without advance approval by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). At the time of the filing of each of the Caddo and Calcasieu Parish cases, the plaintiffs in those cases filed petitions with the LPSC relating to the same alleged rate overcharges. The Caddo and Calcasieu Parish lawsuits have been stayed pending the resolution of the petitions filed with the LPSC. In August 2007, the LPSC issued an order approving a Stipulated Settlement in the review initiated by the plaintiffs in the Calcasieu Parish litigation. In the LPSC proceeding, the Company’s gas purchases were reviewed back to 1971. The review concluded that the Company’s gas costs were “reasonable and prudent,” but the Company agreed to credit to jurisdictional customers approximately $920,000, including interest, related to certain off-system sales. A regulatory liability was established and the Company began refunding that amount to jurisdictional customers in September 2007. A similar review by the LPSC related to the Caddo Parish litigation was resolved without additional payment by the Company.
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The range of relief sought by the plaintiffs in these cases includes injunctive and declaratory relief, restitution for the alleged overcharges, exemplary damages or trebling of actual damages, civil penalties and attorney’s fees. The Company, CenterPoint Energy and their affiliates deny that they have overcharged any of their customers for natural gas and believe that the amounts recovered for purchased gas have been shown in the reviews described above to be in accordance with what is permitted by state and municipal regulatory authorities. The Company does not expect the outcome of these matters to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Storage Facility Litigation.In February 2007, an Oklahoma district court in Coal County, Oklahoma, granted a summary judgment against CEGT in a case, Deka Exploration, Inc. v. CenterPoint Energy, filed by holders of oil and gas leaseholds and some mineral interest owners in lands underlying CEGT’s Chiles Dome Storage Facility. The dispute concerns “native gas” that may have been in the Wapanucka formation underlying the Chiles Dome facility when that facility was constructed in 1979 by an entity of the Company that was the predecessor in interest of CEGT. The court ruled that the plaintiffs own native gas underlying those lands, since neither CEGT nor its predecessors had condemned those ownership interests. The court rejected CEGT’s contention that the claim should be barred by the statute of limitations, since the suit was filed over 25 years after the facility was constructed. The court also rejected CEGT’s contention that the suit is an impermissible attack on the determinations the FERC and Oklahoma Corporation Commission made regarding the absence of native gas in the lands when the facility was constructed. The summary judgment ruling was only on the issue of liability, though the court did rule that CEGT has the burden of proving that any gas in the Wapanucka formation is gas that has been injected and is not native gas. Further hearings and orders of the court are required to specify the appropriate relief for the plaintiffs. CEGT plans to appeal through the Oklahoma court system any judgment that imposes liability on CEGT in this matter. The Company does not expect the outcome of this matter to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Environmental Matters
Manufactured Gas Plant Sites.The Company and its predecessors operated manufactured gas plants (MGP) in the past. In Minnesota, the Company has completed remediation on two sites, other than ongoing monitoring and water treatment. There are five remaining sites in the Company’s Minnesota service territory. The Company believes that it has no liability with respect to two of these sites.
At March 31, 2008, the Company had accrued $14 million for remediation of these Minnesota sites and the estimated range of possible remediation costs for these sites was $4 million to $35 million based on remediation continuing for 30 to 50 years. The cost estimates are based on studies of a site or industry average costs for remediation of sites of similar size. The actual remediation costs will be dependent upon the number of sites to be remediated, the participation of other potentially responsible parties (PRP), if any, and the remediation methods used. The Company has utilized an environmental expense tracker mechanism in its rates in Minnesota to recover estimated costs in excess of insurance recovery. As of March 31, 2008, the Company had collected $13 million from insurance companies and rate payers to be used for future environmental remediation.
In addition to the Minnesota sites, the United States Environmental Protection Agency and other regulators have investigated MGP sites that were owned or operated by the Company or may have been owned by one of its former affiliates. The Company has been named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed in the United States District Court, District of Maine, under which contribution is sought by private parties for the cost to remediate former MGP sites based on the previous ownership of such sites by former affiliates of the Company or its divisions. The Company has also been identified as a PRP by the State of Maine for a site that is the subject of the lawsuit. In June 2006, the federal district court in Maine ruled that the current owner of the site is responsible for site remediation but that an additional evidentiary hearing is required to determine if other potentially responsible parties, including the Company, would have to contribute to that remediation. The Company is investigating details regarding the site and the range of environmental expenditures for potential remediation. However, the Company believes it is not liable as a former owner or operator of the site under the Comprehensive Environmental, Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, and applicable state statutes, and is vigorously contesting the suit and its designation as a PRP.
Mercury Contamination.The Company’s pipeline and distribution operations have in the past employed elemental mercury in measuring and regulating equipment. It is possible that small amounts of mercury may have
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been spilled in the course of normal maintenance and replacement operations and that these spills may have contaminated the immediate area with elemental mercury. The Company has found this type of contamination at some sites in the past, and the Company has conducted remediation at these sites. It is possible that other contaminated sites may exist and that remediation costs may be incurred for these sites. Although the total amount of these costs is not known at this time, based on the Company’s experience and that of others in the natural gas industry to date and on the current regulations regarding remediation of these sites, the Company believes that the costs of any remediation of these sites will not be material to the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Asbestos.Some facilities formerly owned by the Company’s predecessors have contained asbestos insulation and other asbestos-containing materials. The Company or its predecessor companies have been named, along with numerous others, as a defendant in lawsuits filed by certain individuals who claim injury due to exposure to asbestos during work at such formerly owned facilities. The Company anticipates that additional claims like those received may be asserted in the future. Although their ultimate outcome cannot be predicted at this time, the Company intends to continue vigorously contesting claims that it does not consider to have merit and does not expect, based on its experience to date, these matters, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Other Environmental.From time to time the Company has received notices from regulatory authorities or others regarding its status as a PRP in connection with sites found to require remediation due to the presence of environmental contaminants. In addition, the Company has been named from time to time as a defendant in litigation related to such sites. Although the ultimate outcome of such matters cannot be predicted at this time, the Company does not expect, based on its experience to date, these matters, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Other Proceedings
The Company is involved in other legal, environmental, tax and regulatory proceedings before various courts, regulatory commissions and governmental agencies regarding matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Some of these proceedings involve substantial amounts. The Company regularly analyzes current information and, as necessary, provides accruals for probable liabilities on the eventual disposition of these matters. The Company does not expect the disposition of these matters to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Guaranties
Prior to CenterPoint Energy’s distribution of its ownership in Reliant Energy, Inc. (RRI) to its shareholders, the Company had guaranteed certain contractual obligations of what became RRI’s trading subsidiary. Under the terms of the separation agreement between the companies, RRI agreed to extinguish all such guaranty obligations prior to separation, but at the time of separation in September 2002, RRI had been unable to extinguish all obligations. To secure the Company against obligations under the remaining guaranties, RRI agreed to provide cash or letters of credit for the Company’s benefit, and undertook to use commercially reasonable efforts to extinguish the remaining guaranties. In December 2007, the Company, CenterPoint Energy and RRI amended that agreement and the Company released the letters of credit it held as security. Under the revised agreement RRI agreed to provide cash or new letters of credit to secure the Company against exposure under the remaining guaranties as calculated under the new agreement if and to the extent changes in market conditions exposed the Company to a risk of loss on those guaranties.
The Company’s potential exposure under the guaranties relates to payment of demand charges related to transportation contracts. RRI continues to meet its obligations under the contracts, and, on the basis of current market conditions, the Company and CenterPoint Energy believe that additional security is not needed at this time. However, if RRI should fail to perform its obligations under the contracts or if RRI should fail to provide adequate security in the event market conditions change adversely, the Company would retain exposure to the counterparty under the guaranty.
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(11) Income Taxes
The following table summarizes the Company’s liability (receivable) for uncertain tax positions in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. (FIN) 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109,” (in millions):
December 31, | March 31, | |||||||
2007 | 2008 | |||||||
Receivable for uncertain tax positions | $ | (11 | ) | $ | (12 | ) | ||
Portion of receivable for uncertain tax positions that, if recognized, would reduce the effective income tax rate | 1 | 1 | ||||||
Interest accrued on uncertain tax positions | (3 | ) | (4 | ) |
(12) Reportable Business Segments
Because the Company is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, the Company’s determination of reportable business segments considers the strategic operating units under which CenterPoint Energy manages sales, allocates resources and assesses performance of various products and services to wholesale or retail customers in differing regulatory environments. The accounting policies of the business segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies except that some executive benefit costs have not been allocated to business segments. The Company uses operating income as the measure of profit or loss for its business segments.
The Company’s reportable business segments include the following: Natural Gas Distribution, Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services, Interstate Pipelines, Field Services and Other Operations. Natural Gas Distribution consists of intrastate natural gas sales to, and natural gas transportation and distribution for, residential, commercial, industrial and institutional customers. Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services represents the Company’s non-rate regulated gas sales and services operations, which consist of three operational functions: wholesale, retail and intrastate pipelines. The Interstate Pipelines business segment includes the interstate natural gas pipeline operations. The Field Services business segment includes the natural gas gathering operations. Our Other Operations business segment includes unallocated corporate costs and inter-segment eliminations.
Long-lived assets include net property, plant and equipment, net goodwill and other intangibles and equity investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries. Inter-segment sales are eliminated in consolidation.
Financial data for business segments and products and services are as follows (in millions):
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 | ||||||||||||||||
Revenues from | Net | Total Assets | ||||||||||||||
External | Intersegment | Operating | as of December 31, | |||||||||||||
Customers | Revenues | Income (Loss) | 2007 | |||||||||||||
Natural Gas Distribution | $ | 1,564 | $ | 3 | $ | 129 | $ | 4,332 | ||||||||
Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services | 1,047 | 17 | 56 | 1,221 | ||||||||||||
Interstate Pipelines | 59 | 31 | 44 | 3,007 | ||||||||||||
Field Services | 28 | 11 | 22 | 669 | ||||||||||||
Other Operations | (1 | ) | — | (1 | ) | 670 | ||||||||||
Eliminations | — | (62 | ) | — | (765 | ) | ||||||||||
Consolidated | $ | 2,697 | $ | — | $ | 250 | $ | 9,134 | ||||||||
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For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 | ||||||||||||||||
Revenues from | Net | Total Assets | ||||||||||||||
External | Intersegment | Operating | as of March 31, | |||||||||||||
Customers | Revenues | Income (Loss) | 2008 | |||||||||||||
Natural Gas Distribution | $ | 1,697 | $ | 3 | $ | 121 | $ | 4,171 | ||||||||
Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services | 1,109 | 11 | 6 | 1,316 | ||||||||||||
Interstate Pipelines | 91 | 42 | 71 | 3,087 | ||||||||||||
Field Services | 54 | 4 | 45 | 724 | ||||||||||||
Other Operations | 1 | — | (1 | ) | 763 | |||||||||||
Eliminations | — | (60 | ) | — | (1,118 | ) | ||||||||||
Consolidated | $ | 2,952 | $ | — | $ | 242 | $ | 8,943 | ||||||||
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Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following narrative analysis should be read in combination with our Interim Condensed Financial Statements contained in Item 1 of this report and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 (2007 Form 10-K).
We meet the conditions specified in General Instruction H(1)(a) and (b) to Form 10-Q and are therefore permitted to use the reduced disclosure format for wholly owned subsidiaries of reporting companies. Accordingly, we have omitted from this report the information called for by Item 2 (Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations) and Item 3 (Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk) of Part I and the following Part II items of Form 10-Q: Item 2 (Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds), Item 3 (Defaults Upon Senior Securities) and Item 4 (Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders). The following discussion explains material changes in our revenue and expense items between the three months ended March 31, 2007 and the three months ended March 31, 2008. Reference is made to “Management’s Narrative Analysis of the Results of Operations” in Item 7 of our 2007 Form 10-K.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recent Events
Interstate Pipelines
In May 2007, CenterPoint Energy Gas Transmission (CEGT), a wholly owned subsidiary, received Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approval for the third phase of its Carthage to Perryville pipeline project, a 172-mile, 42-inch diameter pipeline and related compression facilities for the transportation of gas from Carthage, Texas to CEGT’s Perryville hub in northeast Louisiana, to expand capacity of the pipeline to 1.5 Bcf per day by adding additional compression and operating at higher pressures. In July 2007, CEGT received approval from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration (PHMSA) to increase the maximum allowable operating pressure. The PHMSA’s approval contained certain conditions and requirements. In March 2008, CEGT met these conditions and gave notice to PHMSA that it would be increasing the pressure in 30 days. In April 2008, CEGT raised the maximum allowable pressure and concurrently placed the phase three expansion in-service. CEGT has executed contracts for approximately 150 MMcf per day of the 250 MMcf per day phase three expansion.
In September 2007, CEGT initiated an investigation into allegations received from two former employees of the manufacturer of pipe installed in CEGT’s Carthage to Perryville pipeline segment. That pipeline segment was placed in commercial service in May 2007 after satisfactory completion of hydrostatic testing designed to ensure that the pipe and its welds would be structurally sound when placed in service and operated at design pressure. According to the complainants, records relating to radiographic inspections of certain welds made at the fabrication facility had been altered resulting in the possibility that pipe with alleged substandard welds had been installed in the pipeline. In conducting its investigation, among other things, CEGT and its counsel interviewed the complainants and other individuals, including CEGT and contractor personnel, and reviewed documentation related to the manufacture and construction of the pipeline, including radiographic records related to the allegedly deficient welds. CEGT kept appropriate governmental officials informed throughout its investigation and consulted appropriate technical consultants and pre-existing regulatory guidance. Pursuant to a course of action proposed by CEGT,CEGT excavated and inspected certain welds, and in each case, CEGT found those welds to be structurally sound. CEGT and its counsel have now formally concluded their investigation, finding no credible support for the allegation that pipe with substandard welds may have been installed in the pipeline. CEGT has informed the relevant government agencies of these conclusions, and has informed those agencies that CEGT does not intend to take any additional action or to alter or modify the pipeline’s operations.
Effective April 1, 2008, Mississippi River Transmission Corp. signed a 5-year extension of its firm transportation and storage contracts with Laclede Gas Company (Laclede). In 2007, approximately 10% of Interstate Pipelines operating revenues was attributable to services provided to Laclede.
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CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Our results of operations are affected by seasonal fluctuations in the demand for natural gas and price movements of energy commodities. Our results of operations are also affected by, among other things, the actions of various federal, state and local governmental authorities having jurisdiction over rates we charge, competition in our various business operations, debt service costs and income tax expense. For more information regarding factors that may affect the future results of operations of our business, please read “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of our 2007 Form 10-K.
The following table sets forth our consolidated results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008, followed by a discussion of the results of operations by business segment based on operating income.
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
2007 | 2008 | |||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||
Revenues | $ | 2,697 | $ | 2,952 | ||||
Expenses: | ||||||||
Natural gas | 2,150 | 2,393 | ||||||
Operation and maintenance | 198 | 205 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 51 | 54 | ||||||
Taxes other than income taxes | 48 | 58 | ||||||
Total Expenses | 2,447 | 2,710 | ||||||
Operating Income | 250 | 242 | ||||||
Interest and Other Finance Charges | (39 | ) | (48 | ) | ||||
Other Income, net | 3 | 11 | ||||||
Income Before Income Taxes | 214 | 205 | ||||||
Income Tax Expense | (83 | ) | (79 | ) | ||||
Net Income | $ | 131 | $ | 126 | ||||
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS BY BUSINESS SEGMENT
The following table presents operating income (in millions) for each of our business segments for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008.
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
2007 | 2008 | |||||||
Natural Gas Distribution | $ | 129 | $ | 121 | ||||
Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services | 56 | 6 | ||||||
Interstate Pipelines | 44 | 71 | ||||||
Field Services | 22 | 45 | ||||||
Other Operations | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||
Total Consolidated Operating Income | $ | 250 | $ | 242 | ||||
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Natural Gas Distribution
For information regarding factors that may affect the future results of operations of our Natural Gas Distribution business segment, please read “Risk Factors — Risk Factors Affecting Our Businesses,” “ — Risk Factors Associated with Our Consolidated Financial Condition” and “— Other Risks” in Item 1A of Part I of our 2007 Form 10-K.
The following table provides summary data of our Natural Gas Distribution business segment for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008 (in millions, except throughput and customer data):
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
2007 | 2008 | |||||||
Revenues | $ | 1,567 | $ | 1,700 | ||||
Expenses: | ||||||||
Natural gas | 1,212 | 1,333 | ||||||
Operation and maintenance | 147 | 156 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 38 | 39 | ||||||
Taxes other than income taxes | 41 | 51 | ||||||
Total expenses | 1,438 | 1,579 | ||||||
Operating Income | $ | 129 | $ | 121 | ||||
Throughput (in Bcf): | ||||||||
Residential | 86 | 84 | ||||||
Commercial and industrial | 81 | 83 | ||||||
Total Throughput | 167 | 167 | ||||||
Average number of customers: | ||||||||
Residential | 2,946,203 | 2,975,591 | ||||||
Commercial and industrial | 245,576 | 250,988 | ||||||
Total | 3,191,779 | 3,226,579 | ||||||
Three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to three months ended March 31, 2007
Our Natural Gas Distribution business segment reported operating income of $121 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to operating income of $129 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007. Operating margin (revenues less cost of gas) increased $12 million primarily due to increases in gross receipts taxes ($9 million) and recovery of energy-efficiency costs ($3 million), both of which are offset by the related expenses. Other margin increases primarily from new rates ($5 million) and customer growth ($3 million), with the addition of nearly 36,000 customers, were entirely offset by the cost of a winter weather hedge and customer conservation ($11 million). Operation and maintenance expenses increased primarily due to the energy efficiency costs above and higher bad debt expense ($2 million) related to higher revenues.
Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services
For information regarding factors that may affect the future results of operations of our Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services business segment, please read “Risk Factors — Risk Factors Affecting Our Businesses,” “ — Risk Factors Associated with Our Consolidated Financial Condition” and “— Other Risks” in Item 1A of Part I of our 2007 Form 10-K.
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The following table provides summary data of our Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services business segment for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008 (in millions, except throughput and customer data):
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
2007 | 2008 | |||||||
Revenues | $ | 1,064 | $ | 1,120 | ||||
Expenses: | ||||||||
Natural gas | 998 | 1,105 | ||||||
Operation and maintenance | 9 | 8 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization | — | 1 | ||||||
Taxes other than income taxes | 1 | — | ||||||
Total expenses | 1,008 | 1,114 | ||||||
Operating Income | $ | 56 | $ | 6 | ||||
Throughput (in Bcf): | ||||||||
Wholesale — third parties | 94 | 70 | ||||||
Wholesale — affiliates | 3 | 2 | ||||||
Retail and Pipeline | 58 | 66 | ||||||
Total Throughput | 155 | 138 | ||||||
Average number of customers: | ||||||||
Wholesale | 223 | 154 | ||||||
Retail and Pipeline | 6,764 | 8,338 | ||||||
Total | 6,987 | 8,492 | ||||||
Three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to three months ended March 31, 2007
Our Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services business segment reported operating income of $6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $56 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007. The decrease in operating income of $50 million was primarily due to higher operating margins (revenues less natural gas costs) in 2007 related to sales of gas from inventory that was written down to the lower of cost or market in prior periods of $28 million in the first quarter of 2007 compared to $4 million in the first quarter of 2008 for a net decrease of $24 million. Our Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services business segment purchases and stores natural gas to meet certain future sales requirements and enters into derivative contracts to hedge the economic value of the future sales. The unfavorable mark-to-market accounting for non-trading financial derivatives for the first quarter of 2008 of $22 million versus $8 million for the same period in 2007 accounted for a further net $14 million decrease. The additional decrease in operating income of $12 million in this quarter compared to the same quarter last year was primarily due to a reduction in margin as basis and summer/winter spreads narrowed.
Interstate Pipelines
For information regarding factors that may affect the future results of operations of our Interstate Pipelines business segment, please read “Risk Factors — Risk Factors Affecting Our Businesses,” “ — Risk Factors Associated with Our Consolidated Financial Condition” and “— Other Risks” in Item 1A of Part I of our 2007 Form 10-K.
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The following table provides summary data of our Interstate Pipelines business segment for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008 (in millions, except throughput data):
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
2007 | 2008 | |||||||
Revenues | $ | 90 | $ | 133 | ||||
Expenses: | ||||||||
Natural gas | 4 | 15 | ||||||
Operation and maintenance | 27 | 30 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 10 | 12 | ||||||
Taxes other than income taxes | 5 | 5 | ||||||
Total expenses | 46 | 62 | ||||||
Operating Income | $ | 44 | $ | 71 | ||||
Throughput (in Bcf ): | ||||||||
Transportation | 294 | 424 |
Three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to three months ended March 31, 2007
The Interstate Pipeline business segment reported operating income of $71 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $44 million for the same period of 2007. The increase in operating income of $27 million was primarily driven by the new Carthage to Perryville pipeline ($19 million), other transportation and ancillary services ($8 million), and lower other tax expense and refunds ($2 million). These favorable variances in operating income were partially offset by a 2007 gain on sale of excess gas associated with storage enhancement projects ($2 million).
Field Services
For information regarding factors that may affect the future results of operations of our Field Services business segment, please read “Risk Factors — Risk Factors Affecting Our Businesses,” “ — Risk Factors Associated with Our Consolidated Financial Condition” and “— Other Risks” in Item 1A of Part I of our 2007 Form 10-K.
The following table provides summary data of our Field Services business segment for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008 (in millions, except throughput data):
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
2007 | 2008 | |||||||
Revenues | $ | 39 | $ | 58 | ||||
Expenses: | ||||||||
Natural gas | (3 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||
Operation and maintenance | 16 | 11 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 3 | 3 | ||||||
Taxes other than income taxes | 1 | 1 | ||||||
Total expenses | 17 | 13 | ||||||
Operating Income | $ | 22 | $ | 45 | ||||
Throughput (in Bcf ): | ||||||||
Gathering | 93 | 98 |
Three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to three months ended March 31, 2007
The Field Services business segment reported operating income of $45 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $22 million for the same period of 2007. The increase in operating income of $23 million was primarily driven by a one-time gain ($11 million) related to a settlement and contract buyout of one of our customers and a one-time gain ($6 million) related to the sale of assets, both recognized in the first quarter of 2008. In addition to these one-time items, increased revenues from gas gathering and ancillary services and higher
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commodity prices were partially offset by increased operating expenses associated with new assets and general cost increases.
In addition, this business segment recorded equity income of $2 million and $4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively, from its 50 percent interest in a jointly-owned gas processing plant. These amounts are included in Other — net under the Other Income (Expense) caption.
CERTAIN FACTORS AFFECTING FUTURE EARNINGS
For information on other developments, factors and trends that may have an impact on our future earnings, please read “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I and “Management’s Narrative Analysis of Results of Operations — Certain Factors Affecting Future Earnings” in Item 7 of Part II of our 2007 Form 10-K and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information.”
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our liquidity and capital requirements are affected primarily by our results of operations, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, and working capital needs. Our principal cash requirements for the remaining nine months of 2008 are approximately $505 million of capital expenditures and investment in or advances to the Southeast Supply Header (SESH) pipeline project of approximately $185 million.
We expect that borrowings under our credit facility, anticipated cash flows from operations and borrowings from affiliates will be sufficient to meet our cash needs in 2008. Cash needs or discretionary financing or refinancing may also result in the issuance of debt securities in the capital markets.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements.Other than operating leases and the guaranties described below, we have no off-balance sheet arrangements.
Prior to CenterPoint Energy’s distribution of its ownership in Reliant Energy, Inc. (RRI) to its shareholders, we had guaranteed certain contractual obligations of what became RRI’s trading subsidiary. Under the terms of the separation agreement between the companies, RRI agreed to extinguish all such guaranty obligations prior to separation, but at the time of separation in September 2002, RRI had been unable to extinguish all obligations. To secure us against obligations under the remaining guaranties, RRI agreed to provide cash or letters of credit for our benefit, and undertook to use commercially reasonable efforts to extinguish the remaining guaranties. In December 2007, we, CenterPoint Energy and RRI amended that agreement and we released the letters of credit we held as security. Under the revised agreement RRI agreed to provide cash or new letters of credit to secure us against exposure under the remaining guaranties as calculated under the new agreement if and to the extent changes in market conditions exposed us to a risk of loss on those guaranties.
Our potential exposure under the guaranties relates to payment of demand charges related to transportation contracts. RRI continues to meet its obligations under the contracts, and, on the basis of current market conditions, we and CenterPoint Energy believe that additional security is not needed at this time. However, if RRI should fail to perform its obligations under the contracts or if RRI should fail to provide adequate security in the event market conditions change adversely, we would retain exposure to the counterparty under the guaranty.
Credit and Receivables Facilities.As of March 31, 2008, we had the following facilities (in millions):
Amount Utilized at | ||||||||||||||||||||
Date Executed | Company | Type of Facility | Size of Facility | March 31, 2008 | Termination Date | |||||||||||||||
June 29, 2007 | CERC Corp. | Revolver | $ | 950 | $ | 135 | (1) | June 29, 2012 | ||||||||||||
October 30, 2007 | CERC | Receivables | 375 | 200 | October 28, 2008 |
(1) | Includes $100 million of borrowings under our credit facility and $35 million of outstanding commercial paper supported by our credit facility. |
Our $950 million credit facility’s first drawn cost is London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 45 basis points based on our current credit ratings. The facility contains a debt to total capitalization covenant. Under our credit facility, an additional utilization fee of 5 basis points applies to borrowings any time more than 50% of the
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\
facility is utilized. The spread to LIBOR and the utilization fee fluctuate based on our credit rating. Borrowings under this facility are subject to customary terms and conditions. However, there is no requirement that we make representations prior to borrowings as to the absence of material adverse changes or litigation that could be expected to have a material adverse effect. Borrowings under each of the credit facilities are subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of events of default that we consider customary. We are currently in compliance with the various business and financial covenants contained in the respective receivables and credit facilities.
Our $950 million credit facility backstops a $950 million commercial paper program under which we began issuing commercial paper in February 2008. As of March 31, 2008, there was $35 million of commercial paper outstanding. Our commercial paper is rated “P-3” by Moody’s Investor Services, Inc. (Moody’s), “A-2” by Standard and Poor’s Rating Services (S&P), a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, and “F2” by Fitch, Inc. (Fitch). As a result of the credit ratings on our commercial paper program, we do not expect to be able to rely on the sale of commercial paper to fund all of our short-term borrowing requirements. We cannot assure you that these ratings, or the credit ratings set forth below in “— Impact on Liquidity of a Downgrade in Credit Ratings,” will remain in effect for any given period of time or that one or more of these ratings will not be lowered or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency. We note that these credit ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold our securities and may be revised or withdrawn at any time by the rating agency. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating. Any future reduction or withdrawal of one or more of our credit ratings could have a material adverse impact on our ability to obtain short- and long-term financing, the cost of such financings and the execution of our commercial strategies.
Securities Registered with the SEC.As of March 31, 2008, we had a shelf registration statement covering $400 million principal amount of senior debt securities.
Temporary Investments.As of March 31, 2008, we had external temporary investments of approximately $4 million.
Money Pool.We participate in a money pool through which we and certain of our affiliates can borrow or invest on a short-term basis. Funding needs are aggregated and external borrowing or investing is based on the net cash position. The net funding requirements of the money pool are expected to be met with borrowings by CenterPoint Energy under its revolving credit facility or the sale by CenterPoint Energy of its commercial paper. At March 31, 2008, we had $87 million of borrowings from the money pool. The money pool may not provide sufficient funds to meet our cash needs.
Impact on Liquidity of a Downgrade in Credit Ratings.As of April 15, 2008, Moody’s, S&P and Fitch had assigned the following credit ratings to our senior unsecured debt:
Moody’s | S&P | Fitch | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rating | Outlook(1) | Rating | Outlook(2) | Rating | Outlook(3) | |||||||||||||||||
Baa3 | Stable | BBB | Stable | BBB | Stable |
(1) | A “stable” outlook from Moody’s indicates that Moody’s does not expect to put the rating on review for an upgrade or downgrade within 18 months from when the outlook was assigned or last affirmed. | |
(2) | An S&P rating outlook assesses the potential direction of a long-term credit rating over the intermediate to longer term. | |
(3) | A “stable” outlook from Fitch encompasses a one-to-two year horizon as to the likely ratings direction. |
A decline in credit ratings could increase borrowing costs under our $950 million revolving credit facility. A decline in credit ratings would also increase the interest rate on long-term debt to be issued in the capital markets and could negatively impact our ability to complete capital market transactions. Additionally, a decline in credit ratings could increase cash collateral requirements and reduce earnings of our Natural Gas Distribution and Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services business segments.
CenterPoint Energy Services, Inc. (CES), a wholly owned subsidiary operating in our Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services business segment, provides comprehensive natural gas sales and services primarily to
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commercial and industrial customers and electric and gas utilities throughout the central and eastern United States. In order to economically hedge its exposure to natural gas prices, CES uses derivatives with provisions standard for the industry, including those pertaining to credit thresholds. Typically, the credit threshold negotiated with each counterparty defines the amount of unsecured credit that such counterparty will extend to CES. To the extent that the credit exposure that a counterparty has to CES at a particular time does not exceed that credit threshold, CES is not obligated to provide collateral. Mark-to-market exposure in excess of the credit threshold is routinely collateralized by CES. As of March 31, 2008, the amount posted as collateral amounted to approximately $20 million. Should the credit ratings of CERC Corp. (as the credit support provider for CES) fall below certain levels, CES would be required to provide additional collateral on two business days’ notice up to the amount of its previously unsecured credit limit. We estimate that as of March 31, 2008, unsecured credit limits extended to CES by counterparties aggregate $180 million; however, utilized credit capacity is significantly lower. In addition, CERC Corp. and its subsidiaries purchase natural gas under supply agreements that contain an aggregate credit threshold of $100 million based on our S&P Senior Unsecured Long-Term Debt rating of BBB. Upgrades and downgrades from this BBB rating will increase and decrease the aggregate credit threshold accordingly.
In connection with the development of SESH’s 270-mile pipeline project, we have committed that we will advance funds to the joint venture or cause funds to be advanced for our 50% share of the cost to construct the pipeline. We also agreed to provide a letter of credit in an amount up to $400 million for our share of funds that have not been advanced in the event S&P reduces our bond rating below investment grade before we have advanced the required construction funds. However, we are relieved of these commitments (i) to the extent of 50% of any borrowing agreements that the joint venture has obtained and maintains for funding the construction of the pipeline and (ii) to the extent we or our subsidiary participating in the joint venture obtains committed borrowing agreements pursuant to which funds may be borrowed and used for the construction of the pipeline. A similar commitment has been provided by the other party to the joint venture. As of March 31, 2008, our subsidiaries have advanced approximately $305 million to SESH, of which $159 million was in the form of an equity contribution and $146 million was in the form of a loan. Current indications are that total capital costs for the pipeline have increased by 15 to 20% over the previous estimate of approximately $1 billion.
Cross Defaults.Under CenterPoint Energy’s revolving credit facility, a payment default on, or a non-payment default that permits acceleration of, any indebtedness exceeding $50 million by us will cause a default. Pursuant to the indenture governing CenterPoint Energy’s senior notes, a payment default by us, in respect of, or an acceleration of, borrowed money and certain other specified types of obligations, in the aggregate principal amount of $50 million will cause a default. As of March 31, 2008, CenterPoint Energy had six series of senior notes outstanding aggregating $1.3 billion in principal amount under this indenture. A default by CenterPoint Energy would not trigger a default under our debt instruments or bank credit facility.
Other Factors that Could Affect Cash Requirements.In addition to the above factors, our liquidity and capital resources could be affected by:
• | cash collateral requirements that could exist in connection with certain contracts, including gas purchases, gas price and weather hedging and gas storage activities of our Natural Gas Distribution and Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services business segments, particularly given gas price levels and volatility; | ||
• | acceleration of payment dates on certain gas supply contracts under certain circumstances, as a result of increased gas prices and concentration of natural gas suppliers; | ||
• | increased costs related to the acquisition of natural gas; | ||
• | increases in interest expense in connection with debt refinancings and borrowings under credit facilities; | ||
• | various regulatory actions; | ||
• | the ability of RRI and its subsidiaries to satisfy their obligations to us or in connection with the contractual obligations to a third party pursuant to which we are a guarantor; | ||
• | slower customer payments and increased write-offs of receivables due to higher gas prices or changing economic conditions; |
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• | the outcome of litigation brought by and against us; | ||
• | restoration costs and revenue losses resulting from natural disasters such as hurricanes; and | ||
• | various other risks identified in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of our 2007 Form 10-K. |
Certain Contractual Limits on Our Ability to Issue Securities and Borrow Money.Our bank facility and our receivables facility limit our debt as a percentage of our total capitalization to 65 percent.
Relationship with CenterPoint Energy.We are an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy. As a result of this relationship, the financial condition and liquidity of our parent company could affect our access to capital, our credit standing and our financial condition.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See Note 2 to our Interim Condensed Financial Statements for a discussion of new accounting pronouncements that affect us.
Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
In accordance with Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2008 to provide assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.
There has been no change in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
For a discussion of material legal and regulatory proceedings affecting us, please read Notes 4 and 10 to our Interim Condensed Financial Statements, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. See also “Business — Regulation” and “— Environmental Matters” in Item 1 and “Legal Proceedings” in Item 3 of our 2007 Form 10-K.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in our 2007 Form 10-K.
Item 5. Other Information
Our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008 was 5.19 and 4.84, respectively. We do not believe that the ratios for these three-month periods are necessarily indicators of the ratios for the twelve-month periods due to the seasonal nature of our business. The ratios were calculated pursuant to applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Item 6. Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed herewith:
Exhibits not incorporated by reference to a prior filing are designated by a cross (+); all exhibits not so designated are incorporated by reference to a prior filing as indicated.
Report or | SEC File or | |||||||||||
Exhibit | Registration | Registration | Exhibit | |||||||||
Number | Description | Statement | Number | Reference | ||||||||
3.1.1 | — | Certificate of Incorporation of RERC Corp. | Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 | 1-13265 | 3(a)(1) | |||||||
3.1.2 | — | Certificate of Merger merging former NorAm Energy Corp. with and into HI Merger, Inc. dated August 6, 1997 | Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 | 1-13265 | 3(a)(2) | |||||||
3.1.3 | — | Certificate of Amendment changing the name to Reliant Energy Resources Corp. | Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 | 1-13265 | 3(a)(3) | |||||||
3.1.4 | — | Certificate of Amendment changing the name to CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. | Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 | 1-13265 | 3(a)(4) | |||||||
3.2 | — | Bylaws of RERC Corp. | Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 | 1-13265 | 3(b) | |||||||
4.1 | — | $950,000,000 Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2007, among CERC Corp., as Borrower, and the banks named therein | CERC Corp.’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 | 1-13265 | 4.1 | |||||||
+12 | — | Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges | ||||||||||
+31.1 | — | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of David M. McClanahan | ||||||||||
+31.2 | — | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Gary L. Whitlock | ||||||||||
+32.1 | — | Section 1350 Certification of David M. McClanahan | ||||||||||
+32.2 | — | Section 1350 Certification of Gary L. Whitlock | ||||||||||
+99.1 | — | Items incorporated by reference from the CERC Corp. Form 10-K. Item 1A “—Risk Factors.” |
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SIGNATURES
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.
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. | ||||
By: | /s/ Walter L. Fitzgerald | |||
Walter L. Fitzgerald | ||||
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer | ||||
Date: May 8, 2008
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Index to Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed herewith:
Exhibits not incorporated by reference to a prior filing are designated by a cross (+); all exhibits not so designated are incorporated by reference to a prior filing as indicated.
Report or | SEC File or | |||||||||||||||||||
Exhibit | Registration | Registration | Exhibit | |||||||||||||||||
Number | Description | Statement | Number | Reference | ||||||||||||||||
3.1.1 | — | Certificate of Incorporation of RERC Corp. | Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 | 1-13265 | 3(a)(1) | |||||||||||||||
3.1.2 | — | Certificate of Merger merging former NorAm Energy Corp. with and into HI Merger, Inc. dated August 6, 1997 | Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 | 1-13265 | 3(a)(2) | |||||||||||||||
3.1.3 | — | Certificate of Amendment changing the name to Reliant Energy Resources Corp. | Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 | 1-13265 | 3(a)(3) | |||||||||||||||
3.1.4 | — | Certificate of Amendment changing the name to CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. | Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 | 1-13265 | 3(a)(4) | |||||||||||||||
3.2 | — | Bylaws of RERC Corp. | Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 | 1-13265 | 3(b) | |||||||||||||||
4.1 | — | $950,000,000 Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2007, among CERC Corp., as Borrower, and the banks named therein | CERC Corp.’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 | 1-13265 | 4.1 | |||||||||||||||
+12 | — | Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges | ||||||||||||||||||
+31.1 | — | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of David M. McClanahan | ||||||||||||||||||
+31.2 | — | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Gary L. Whitlock | ||||||||||||||||||
+32.1 | — | Section 1350 Certification of David M. McClanahan | ||||||||||||||||||
+32.2 | — | Section 1350 Certification of Gary L. Whitlock | ||||||||||||||||||
+99.1 | — | Items incorporated by reference from the CERC Corp. Form 10-K. Item 1A “—Risk Factors.” |