United States
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2001
Commission File Number 1-3880
National Fuel Gas Company
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
New Jersey | 13-1086010 |
---|---|
(State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer |
incorporation or organization) | Identification No.) |
10 Lafayette Square | 14203 |
Buffalo, New York | (Zip Code) |
(Address of principal executive offices)
(716) 857-7000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES X NO
Indicate the number shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
Common Stock, $1 Par Value, outstanding at April 30, 2001: 39,568,883 shares.
NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY (Company or Registrant)
DIRECT SUBSIDIARIES: | National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation (Distribution Corporation) |
National Fuel Gas Supply Corporation (Supply Corporation) | |
Seneca Resources Corporation (Seneca) | |
Highland Forest Resources, Inc. (Highland) | |
Leidy Hub, Inc. (Leidy Hub) | |
Data-Track Account Services, Inc. (Data-Track) | |
National Fuel Resources, Inc. (NFR) | |
Highland Forest Resources, Inc. (Highland) | |
Horizon Energy Development, Inc. (Horizon) | |
Upstate Energy Inc. (Upstate) | |
NFR Power, Inc. (NFR Power) | |
Niagara Independence Marketing Company (NIM) | |
Seneca Independence Pipeline Company (SIP) |
INDEX
Part I. Financial Information Page ----------------------------- ---- Item 1. Financial Statements a. Consolidated Statements of Income and Earnings Reinvested in the Business - Three and Six Months Ended March 31, 2001 and 2000 4 - 5 b. Consolidated Balance Sheets - March 31, 2001 and September 30, 2000 6 - 7 c. Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - Six Months Ended March 31, 2001 and 2000 8 d. Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - Three and Six Months Ended March 31, 2001 and 2000 9 e. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 10 - 14 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 15 - 36 Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 36 Part II. Other Information -------------------------- Item 1. Legal Proceedings 36 Item 2. Changes in Securities 36 Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities o Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 37 Item 5. Other Information 37 Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 38 Signature 39o The Company has nothing to report under this item.
This Form 10-Q contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements should be read with the cautionary statements and important factors included in this Form 10-Q at Item 2 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" (MD&A), under the heading "Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements." Forward-looking statements are all statements other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, those statements that are designated with a "*" following the statement, as well as those statements that are identified by the use of the words "anticipates," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "predicts," "projects," and similar expressions.
Item 1. Financial Statements
National Fuel Gas Company
Consolidated Statements of Income and Earnings
Reinvested in the Business
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, (Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Common Share Amounts) 2001 2000 ----------------- ----------------- INCOME Operating Revenues $879,869 $517,810 - -------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- Operating Expenses Purchased Gas 544,525 218,939 Fuel Used in Heat and Electric Generation 21,161 18,887 Operation 83,337 84,357 Maintenance 5,318 6,236 Property, Franchise and Other Taxes 27,473 23,610 Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization 41,965 33,886 Income Taxes 52,518 40,778 - -------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- 776,297 426,693 - -------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- Operating Income 103,572 91,117 Other Income 1,498 4,151 - -------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- Income Before Interest Charges and Minority Interest in Foreign Subsidiaries 105,070 95,268 - -------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- Interest Charges Interest on Long-Term Debt 21,073 16,225 Other Interest 7,421 6,627 - -------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- 28,494 22,852 - -------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- Minority Interest in Foreign Subsidiaries (1,301) (1,365) - -------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- Net Income Available for Common Stock 75,275 71,051 EARNINGS REINVESTED IN THE BUSINESS Balance at January 1 559,940 499,301 - -------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- 635,215 570,352 Dividends on Common Stock (2001 - $0.48; 2000 - $0.465) 18,955 18,154 - -------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- Balance at March 31 $616,260 $552,198 ======================================================== ================= ================= Earnings Per Common Share: Basic $1.91 $1.82 ======================================================== ================= ================= Diluted $1.87 $1.81 ======================================================== ================= ================= Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding: Used in Basic Calculation 39,489,133 39,076,668 ======================================================== ================= ================= Used in Diluted Calculation 40,151,332 39,347,942 ======================================================== ================= =================
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
National Fuel Gas Company
Consolidated Statements of Income and Earnings
Reinvested in the Business
(Unaudited)
Six Months Ended March 31, (Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Common Share Amounts) 2001 2000 ----------------- ----------------- INCOME Operating Revenues $1,439,373 $894,798 - ------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- Operating Expenses Purchased Gas 817,605 347,029 Fuel Used in Heat and Electric Generation 37,225 36,667 Operation 179,661 161,881 Maintenance 10,285 11,391 Property, Franchise and Other Taxes 48,925 46,401 Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization 81,101 67,602 Income Taxes 85,877 62,516 - ------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- 1,260,679 733,487 - ------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- Operating Income 178,694 161,311 Other Income 9,662 5,365 - ------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- Income Before Interest Charges and Minority Interest in Foreign Subsidiaries 188,356 166,676 - ------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- Interest Charges Interest on Long-Term Debt 40,131 32,895 Other Interest 17,750 15,186 - ------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- 57,881 48,081 - ------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- Minority Interest in Foreign Subsidiaries (2,216) (2,676) - ------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- Net Income Available for Common Stock 128,259 115,919 EARNINGS REINVESTED IN THE BUSINESS Balance at October 1 525,847 472,517 - ------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- 654,106 588,436 Dividends on Common Stock (2001 - $0.96; 2000 - $0.93) 37,846 36,238 - ------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- Balance at March 31 $616,260 $552,198 ======================================================= ================= ================= Earnings Per Common Share: Basic $3.25 $2.97 ======================================================= ================= ================= Diluted $3.19 $2.94 ======================================================= ================= ================= Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding: Used in Basic Calculation 39,430,321 38,999,490 ======================================================= ================= ================= Used in Diluted Calculation 40,157,794 39,372,508 ======================================================= ================= =================
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
National Fuel Gas Company
Consolidated Balance Sheets
March 31, 2001 September 30, (Unaudited) 2000 -------------------- ------------------- (Thousands of Dollars) ASSETS Property, Plant and Equipment $3,948,293 $3,829,637 Less - Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization 1,219,441 1,146,246 - ----------------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------------- 2,728,852 2,683,391 - ----------------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------------- Current Assets Cash and Temporary Cash Investments 26,142 32,125 Receivables - Net 353,365 121,639 Unbilled Utility Revenue 68,707 27,105 Gas Stored Underground 13,085 55,795 Materials and Supplies - at average cost 28,920 25,145 Unrecovered Purchased Gas Costs 35,113 29,681 Prepayments 24,428 32,293 - ----------------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------------- 549,760 323,783 - ----------------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------------- Other Assets Recoverable Future Taxes 84,199 84,199 Unamortized Debt Expense 21,193 19,841 Other Regulatory Assets 8,688 17,518 Deferred Charges 9,364 12,985 Other 98,362 95,171 - ----------------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------------- 221,806 229,714 - ----------------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------------- $3,500,418 $3,236,888 =============================================== ==================== ===================
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
National Fuel Gas Company
Consolidated Balance Sheets
March 31, 2001 September 30, (Unaudited) 2000 -------------------- ------------------- (Thousands of Dollars) CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES Capitalization: Comprehensive Shareholders' Equity Common Stock, $1 Par Value Authorized - 200,000,000 Shares; Issued and Outstanding - 39,527,657 Shares and 39,329,803 Shares, Respectively $ 39,528 $ 39,330 Paid in Capital 460,930 452,217 Earnings Reinvested in the Business 616,260 525,847 - ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------------- Total Common Shareholder Equity Before Items of Other Comprehensive Loss 1,116,718 1,017,394 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (92,057) (29,957) - ---------------------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------- Total Comprehensive Shareholders' Equity 1,024,661 987,437 Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Portion 1,149,934 953,622 - ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------------- Total Capitalization 2,174,595 1,941,059 - ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------------- Minority Interest in Foreign Subsidiaries 25,610 23,031 - ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------------- Current and Accrued Liabilities Notes Payable to Banks and Commercial Paper 398,322 619,502 Current Portion of Long-Term Debt 10,037 11,262 Accounts Payable 117,860 88,853 Amounts Payable to Customers 13,694 9,583 Other Accruals and Current Liabilities 235,456 70,348 - ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------------- 775,369 799,548 - ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------------- Deferred Credits Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes 306,424 326,994 Taxes Refundable to Customers 14,410 14,410 Unamortized Investment Tax Credit 9,598 9,951 Other Deferred Credits 108,579 107,165 Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments 85,833 14,730 - ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------------- 524,844 473,250 - ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------------- Commitments and Contingencies - - - ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------------- $3,500,418 $3,236,888 ==================================================== ==================== ===================
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
National Fuel Gas Company
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
Six Months Ended March 31, ----------------------------------------- (Thousands of Dollars) 2001 2000 ------------------- --------------------- OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Income Available for Common Stock $128,259 $115,919 Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities: Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization 81,101 67,602 Deferred Income Taxes 13,174 10,110 Minority Interest in Foreign Subsidiaries 2,216 2,676 Other 1,425 (1,447) Change in: Receivables and Unbilled Utility Revenue (273,403) (116,952) Gas Stored Underground and Materials and Supplies 38,979 29,235 Unrecovered Purchased Gas Costs (5,432) 4,576 Prepayments 7,861 12,497 Accounts Payable 29,489 (14,712) Amounts Payable to Customers 4,111 2,562 Other Accruals and Current Liabilities 165,174 85,340 Other Assets 2,421 (1,161) Other Liabilities (11,813) (11,275) - ----------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- --------------------- Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 183,562 184,970 - ----------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- --------------------- INVESTING ACTIVITIES Capital Expenditures (134,962) (109,893) Investment in Partnerships (580) (4,050) Other 8,905 6,791 - ----------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- --------------------- Net Cash Used in Investing Activities (126,637) (107,152) - ----------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- --------------------- FINANCING ACTIVITIES Change in Notes Payable to Banks and Commercial Paper (221,598) (120,095) Net Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt 197,294 149,334 Reduction of Long-Term Debt (5,931) (62,362) Dividends Paid on Common Stock (37,734) (36,099) Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock 5,634 8,540 - ----------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- --------------------- Net Cash Used in Financing Activities (62,335) (60,682) - ----------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- --------------------- Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash (573) (3,711) - ----------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- --------------------- Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Temporary Cash Investments (5,983) 13,425 Cash and Temporary Cash Investments at October 1 32,125 29,222 - ----------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- --------------------- Cash and Temporary Cash Investments at March 31 $26,142 $42,647 =========================================================== =================== =====================
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
National Fuel Gas Company
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, ----------------------------------------- (Thousands of Dollars) 2001 2000 ------------------- --------------------- Net Income Available for Common Stock $75,275 $71,051 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- --------------------- Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Tax: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment (17,599) (7,063) Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities Available for Sale Arising During the Period (1,637) 672 Unrealized Gain on Derivative Financial Instruments Arising During the Period 5,012 - Reclassification Adjustment for Realized Losses on Derivative Financial Instruments in Net Income 33,662 - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- --------------------- Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Tax 19,438 (6,391) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- --------------------- Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Related to Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities Available for Sale Arising During the Period (573) 347 Income Tax Expense Related to Unrealized Gain on Derivative Financial Instruments Arising During the Period 1,729 - Reclassification Adjustment for Income Tax Benefit on Realized Losses on Derivative Financial Instruments in Net Income 12,812 - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- --------------------- Income Taxes - Net 13,968 347 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- --------------------- Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax 5,470 (6,738) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- --------------------- Comprehensive Income $80,745 $64,313 ============================================================================ =================== ===================== Six Months Ended March 31, ----------------------------------------- (Thousands of Dollars) 2001 2000 ------------------- --------------------- Net Income Available for Common Stock $128,259 $115,919 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- --------------------- Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Tax: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment (8,993) (16,564) Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities Available for Sale (72) 1,420 Unrealized Loss on Derivative Financial Instruments (37,027) - Reclassification Adjustment for Realized Losses on Derivative Financial Instruments in Net Income 64,375 - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- --------------------- Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Tax 18,283 (15,144) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- --------------------- Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Related to Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities Available for Sale Arising During the Period (25) 497 Income Tax Benefit Related to Unrealized Loss on Derivative Financial Instruments Arising During the Period (13,913) - Reclassification Adjustment for Income Tax Benefit on Realized Losses on Derivative Financial Instruments in Net Income 24,554 - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- --------------------- Income Taxes - Net 10,616 497 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- --------------------- Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Cumulative Effect, Net of Tax 7,667 (15,641) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- --------------------- Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting, Net of Tax (69,767) - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- --------------------- Other Comprehensive Loss, After Cumulative Effect, Net of Tax (62,100) (15,641) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- --------------------- Comprehensive Income $66,159 $100,278 ============================================================================ =================== =====================
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
National Fuel Gas Company
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation. The Company consolidates its majority owned entities. The equity method is used to account for minority owned entities. All significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated.
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 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.
Quarterly Earnings. The Company, in its opinion, has included all adjustments that are necessary for a fair statement of the results of operations for the reported periods. The consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, included herein, should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes for the years ended September 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998 that are included in the Company’s combined Annual Report to Shareholders/Form 10-K for 2000. The 2001 consolidated financial statements will be examined by the Company’s independent accountants after the end of the fiscal year.
The earnings for the six months ended March 31, 2001 should not be taken as a prediction of earnings for the entire fiscal year ending September 30, 2001. Most of the Utility segment’s business is seasonal in nature and is influenced by weather conditions. Because of the seasonal nature of the Utility segment’s heating business, earnings during the winter months normally represent a substantial part of the Utility segment’s earnings for the entire fiscal year. The impact of abnormal weather on earnings during the heating season is partially reduced by the operation of a weather normalization clause (WNC) included in Distribution Corporation’s New York tariff. The WNC is effective for October through May billings. Distribution Corporation’s tariff for its Pennsylvania jurisdiction does not have a WNC. While the Pipeline and Storage segment’s business is influenced by weather conditions, Supply Corporation’s straight fixed-variable rate design, which allows for recovery of substantially all fixed costs in the demand or reservation charge, reduces the earnings impact of weather fluctuations.
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. For purposes of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, the Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of generally three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Reclassification. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with current year presentation.
Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting. Effective October 1, 2000, the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (SFAS 133) as amended by SFAS 137, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – Deferral of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 133” and by SFAS 138, “Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities, an amendment of Statement 133.” The cumulative effect of this change decreased other comprehensive income by $69.8 million after tax for the six months ended March 31, 2001. The cumulative effect of this change did not have a material impact on net income. The derivative financial instruments that comprise the cumulative effect recorded in other comprehensive income have been designated and qualify as cash flow hedges. These instruments hedge the Company’s exposure to variability in expected future cash flows and relate
Item 1. Financial Statements (Cont.)primarily to the Company’s use of derivative financial instruments to manage a portion of the market risk associated with the fluctuations in the price of natural gas and crude oil. The liability for all of the Company’s derivative financial instruments was $85.8 million at March 31, 2001, and is reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments. The Consolidated Balance Sheet does not reflect the anticipated physical transactions related to the Company’s cash flow hedges.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). The components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) are as follows (in thousands):
At March 31, 2001 At September 30, 2000 ----------------- --------------------- Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment $(40,928) $(31,935) Net Unrealized Loss on Derivative Financial Instruments (53,060) - Net Unrealized Gain on Securities Available for Sale 1,931 1,978 -------- -------- Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss $(92,057) $(29,957) ======== ========
Earnings Per Common Share. Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing income available for common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. The only potentially dilutive securities the Company has outstanding are stock options. The diluted weighted average shares outstanding shown on the Consolidated Statement of Income reflects the potential dilution as a result of these stock options as determined using the Treasury Stock Method.
Note 2 - Income Taxes
The components of federal and state income taxes included in the Consolidated Statement of Income are as follows (in thousands):
Six Months Ended March 31, ---------------------------------------- 2001 2000 ------------------- -------------------- Operating Expenses: Current Income Taxes Federal $53,492 $46,675 State 15,252 4,922 Foreign 3,959 809 Deferred Income Taxes Federal 7,792 6,882 State 432 505 Foreign 4,950 2,723 - -------------------------------------------- ------------------- -------------------- 85,877 62,516 Other Income: Deferred Investment Tax Credit (348) (525) Minority Interest in Foreign Subsidiaries (1,111) (687) - -------------------------------------------- ------------------- -------------------- Total Income Taxes $84,418 $61,304 ============================================ =================== ====================
The U.S. and foreign components of income before income taxes are as follows (in thousands):
Six Months Ended March 31, 2001 2000 - ----------------------------------- ------------------- -------------------- U.S. $194,312 $162,667 Foreign 18,366 14,556 - ----------------------------------- ------------------- -------------------- $212,678 $177,223 =================================== =================== ====================
Total income taxes as reported differ from the amounts that were computed by applying the federal income tax rate to income before income taxes. The following is a reconciliation of this difference (in thousands):
Six Months Ended March 31, ---------------------------------------- 2001 2000 ------------------- -------------------- Income tax expense, computed at statutory rate of 35% $74,437 $62,028 Increase (reduction) in taxes resulting from: State income taxes 10,194 3,527 Depreciation 753 955 Foreign tax in excess of (less than) statutory rate 1,370 (2,250) Miscellaneous (2,336) (2,956) - ------------------------------------------------- ------------------- -------------------- Total Income Taxes $84,418 $61,304 ================================================= =================== ====================
Significant components of the Company's deferred tax liabilities (assets) were as follows (in thousands):
At March 31, 2001 At September 30, 2000 --------------------------------- ---------------------------- Deferred Tax Liabilities: Property, Plant and Equipment $390,475 $375,660 Deferred Gas Costs 8,418 10,454 Other 11,335 13,322 - -------------------------------------------- --------------------------------- ---------------------------- Total Deferred Tax Liabilities 410,228 399,436 - -------------------------------------------- --------------------------------- ---------------------------- Deferred Tax Assets: Tax Impact in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (31,842) 1,065 Other (71,962) (73,507) - -------------------------------------------- --------------------------------- ---------------------------- Total Deferred Tax Assets (103,804) (72,442) - -------------------------------------------- --------------------------------- ---------------------------- Total Net Deferred Income Taxes $306,424 $326,994 ============================================ ================================= ============================
Note 3 - Capitalization
Common Stock.During the six months ended March 31, 2001, the Company issued 197,854 shares of common stock under the Company’s stock and benefit plans.
On December 7, 2000, 731,000 stock options and 275,000 stock appreciation rights were granted at an exercise price of $55.595 per share.
Note 4 - Commitments and Contingencies
Environmental Matters.The Company is subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. The Company has established procedures for the ongoing evaluation of its operations to identify potential environmental exposures and comply with regulatory policies and procedures. It is the Company’s policy to accrue estimated environmental clean-up costs (investigation and remediation) when such amounts can reasonably be estimated and it is probable that the Company will be required to incur such costs. At March 31, 2001, the Company has estimated its remaining clean-up costs related to former manufactured gas plant sites and third party waste disposal sites will be in the range of $5.0 million to $6.2 million. The minimum liability of $5.0 million has been recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2001. Other than discussed in Note H of the 2000 Form 10-K (referred to below), the Company is currently not aware of any material additional exposure to environmental liabilities. However, adverse changes in environmental regulations or other factors could impact the Company.
For further discussion refer to Note H - Commitments and Contingencies under the heading “Environmental Matters” in Item 8 of the Company’s 2000 Form 10-K.
Other. The Company is involved in litigation arising in the normal course of business. The Company is involved in regulatory matters arising in the normal course of business that involve rate base, cost of service and purchased gas cost issues. While the resolution of such litigation or regulatory matters could have a material effect on earnings and cash flows in the year of resolution, none of this litigation, and none of these regulatory matters, are expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company at this time.
Note 5 – Business Segment Information. The Company has six reportable segments: Utility, Pipeline and Storage, Exploration and Production, International, Energy Marketing, and Timber. The breakdown of the Company’s reportable segments is based upon a combination of factors including differences in products and services, regulatory environment and geographic factors.
The data presented in the tables below reflect the reportable segments and reconciliations to consolidated amounts. There have been no changes in the basis of segmentation nor in the basis of measuring segment profit or loss from those used in the 2000 Form 10-K. There have been no material changes in the amount of assets for any operating segment from the amounts disclosed in the 2000 Form 10-K.
Quarter Ended March 31, 2001 (Thousands) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Exploration Total Corporate Pipeline and Energy Reportable and Total Utility and Production International Marketing Timber Segments All Other Intersegment Consolidated Storage Eliminations - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue from External Customers $569,885 $21,735 $98,451 $38,582 $129,374 $14,635 $872,662 $7,207 $ - $879,869 Intersegment Revenues 8,114 22,907 - - - - 31,021 9,044 (40,065) - Segment Profit: Net Income 39,442 14,765 16,567 2,781 525 2,725 76,805 (2,474) 944 75,275 Six Months Ended March 31, 2001 (Thousands) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Exploration Total Corporate and Pipeline and Energy Reportable Intersegment Total Utility and Production International Marketing Timber Segments All Other Eliminations Consolidated Storage - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue from External Customers $918,015 42,167 199,706 69,807 177,560 25,572 1,432,827 6,546 - 1,439,373 Intersegment Revenues 14,151 45,139 - - - - 59,290 11,003 (70,293) - Segment Profit: 57,729 21,360 39,568 5,021 1,869 5,121 130,668 (3,205) 796 128,259 Net Income Quarter Ended March 31, 2000 (Thousands) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Exploration Total Corporate and Pipeline and Energy Reportable Intersegment Total Utility and Production International Marketing Timber Segments All Other Eliminations Consolidated Storage - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue from External Customers $337,834 $20,968 $50,350 $39,609 $53,733 $11,531 $514,025 $3,785 $ - $517,810 Intersegment Revenues 8,540 22,228 - - - - 30,768 - (30,768) - Segment Profit: Net Income 41,525 10,156 7,879 4,317 1,465 4,090 69,432 672 947 71,051 Six Months Ended March 31, 2000 (Thousands) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Exploration Total Corporate and Pipeline and Energy Reportable Intersegment Total Utility and Production International Marketing Timber Segments All Other Eliminations Consolidated Storage - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue from External Customers $566,744 $42,039 $100,143 $77,682 $82,908 $20,271 $889,787 $5,011 $ - $894,798 Intersegment Revenues 12,846 44,322 225 - - - 57,393 - (57,393) - Segment Profit: Net Income 63,278 19,438 15,884 9,000 1,448 5,020 114,068 527 1,324 115,919
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Earnings. The Company’s earnings were $75.3 million, or $1.91 per common share ($1.87 per common share on a diluted basis), for the quarter ended March 31, 2001. This compares with earnings of $71.1 million, or $1.82 per common share ($1.81 per common share on a diluted basis), for the quarter ended March 31, 2000. The increase in earnings of approximately $4.2 million is the result of higher earnings in the Exploration and Production and Pipeline and Storage segments. These higher earnings were offset in part by lower earnings in the Utility, International, Energy Marketing and Timber segments. Increased earnings were also offset by a net loss in the All Other category compared with net income in the prior year’s quarter. The loss is the result of a natural gas inventory write-down by Upstate Energy Inc. (Upstate), the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary which is engaged in stored gas trading.
The Company's earnings were $128.3 million, or $3.25 per common share ($3.19 per common share on a diluted basis), for the six months ended March 31, 2001. This compares with earnings of $115.9 million, or $2.97 per common share ($2.94 per common share on a diluted basis), for the six months ended March 31, 2000. The increase in earnings of $12.4 million is the result of higher earnings in the Exploration and Production, Pipeline and Storage, Energy Marketing and Timber segments. These increases were offset in part by lower earnings in the Utility and International segments and a net loss in the All Other category. The All Other category had net income in the six months ended March 31, 2000. The 2001 net loss in the All Other category was discussed above.
Additional discussion of earnings in each of the business segments can be found in the business segment information that follows.
Earnings by Segment
- ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 31, March 31, - ---------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- (Thousands) 2001 2000 2001 2000 - ---------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Utility $39,442 $41,525 $57,729 $63,278 Pipeline and Storage 14,765 10,156 21,360 19,438 Exploration and Production 16,567 7,879 39,568 15,884 International 2,781 4,317 5,021 9,000 Energy Marketing 525 1,465 1,869 1,448 Timber 2,725 4,090 5,121 5,020 - ---------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Total Reportable Segments 76,805 69,432 130,668 114,068 All Other (2,474) 672 (3,205) 527 Corporate 944 947 796 1,324 - ---------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Total Consolidated $75,275 $71,051 $128,259 $115,919 - ---------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- -----------------
Utility
Utility Operating Revenues
- ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 31, March 31, - ---------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- (Thousands) 2001 2000 2001 2000 - ---------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Retail Sales Revenues: Residential $415,283 $238,176 $667,841 $407,820 Commercial 78,995 41,402 122,814 68,562 Industrial 9,273 4,984 20,677 9,475 - ---------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- 503,551 284,562 811,332 485,857 - ---------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Off-System Sales 39,384 20,822 61,371 29,188 Transportation 33,227 41,503 57,738 65,306 Other 1,837 (513) 1,725 (761) - ---------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- $577,999 $346,374 $932,166 $579,590 - ---------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- -----------------
Utility Throughput
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 31, March 31, - ------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- (MMcf) 2001 2000 2001 2000 - ------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Retail Sales: Residential 33,847 30,994 57,848 51,460 Commercial 6,849 5,841 11,300 9,518 Industrial 986 1,093 2,659 2,079 - ------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- 41,682 37,928 71,807 63,057 - ------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Off-System Sales 4,302 5,860 7,483 8,620 Transportation 23,850 26,850 41,365 43,659 - ------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- 69,834 70,638 120,655 115,336 - ------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- -----------------
2001 Compared with 2000
Operating revenues for the Utility segment increased $231.6 million and $352.6 million, respectively, for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2001 as compared with the same periods a year ago. These increases resulted from higher retail, off-system and other revenues offset in part by lower transportation revenues.
Retail sales revenues increased $219.0 million and $325.5 million, respectively, for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2001 as compared with the same periods a year ago. The increase in retail sales revenues resulted primarily from the recovery of higher gas costs stemming from an increase in retail gas sales volumes, as shown above (3.8 billion cubic feet (Bcf) and 8.8 Bcf, respectively, for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2001 as compared with the same periods a year ago), and an increase in the average cost of purchased gas. Gas costs are recovered dollar for dollar in revenues with gas costs increasing $229.7 million and $353.6 million, respectively, for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2001 as compared with the same periods a year ago. The average cost of purchased gas was $9.48 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) and $4.11 per Mcf, respectively, for the quarters ended March 31, 2001 and March 31, 2000. The average cost of purchased gas was $8.51 per Mcf and $4.25 per Mcf, respectively, for the six months ended March 31, 2001 and March 31, 2000. Weather that was colder than the prior year, as shown below, was the major factor for the increase in retail gas sales volumes.
Off-system sales revenues increased $18.6 million and $32.2 million, respectively, for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2001 as compared with the same periods a year ago. Off-system sales revenues increased due to increased gas prices, which more than offset a decrease in off-system sales volumes. However, due to profit sharing with retail customers, the margins resulting from off-system sales are minimal.
Other revenues increased $2.3 million and $2.5 million, respectively, for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2001, as compared with the same periods a year ago. These increases are largely attributable to estimated refund provisions of $1.1 million and $2.2 million, respectively, for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2000 that did not recur in the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2001. The estimated refund provisions related to a 50% sharing with customers of earnings over a predetermined amount in accordance with the New York rate settlement of 1998.
Transportation revenues decreased $8.3 million and $7.6 million, respectively, for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2001 as compared with the same periods a year ago. The decrease in transportation revenues is a result of lower transportation volumes primarily due to residential transportation customers switching back to residential sales customers and fuel switching by certain industrial customers.
Revenues also decreased as a result of a $10.0 million rate decrease for the Utility’s New York customers that went into effect October 1, 2000 in connection with the three year rate settlement reached with the New York State Public Service Commission. This rate decrease was provided in the form of a bill credit included in rates during the November 1 through March 31 heating season.
The Utility segment’s second quarter 2001 earnings were $39.4 million, a decrease of $2.1 million when compared with second quarter 2000 earnings. A primary factor for the decrease was the $10.0 million rate decrease for the Utility’s New York customers, as discussed above. Also contributing to the decrease was a $3.6 million (after tax) expense recorded during the second quarter of 2001 in connection with an early retirement offer accepted by 119 employees in New York. Partially offsetting the decrease in earnings, the Utility segment reduced expenses by $3.3 million (after tax) during the second quarter of 2001 in connection with a reduction in the Company’s stock appreciation right (SAR) liability. This SAR liability, which is spread across all segments, decreased as the market price of the Company’s stock decreased from $62.94 at December 31, 2000 to $53.58 at March 31, 2001. Also, the quarter ended March 31, 2000 included a $1.1 million refund provision ($0.7 million after tax) related to a 50% sharing with customers of earnings over a predetermined amount in accordance with the New York rate settlement of 1998. Weather in the Pennsylvania jurisdiction was approximately 11.6% colder than last year’s quarter, thus having a positive impact on earnings for the quarter ended March 31, 2001. The impact of weather variations in the New York jurisdiction is mitigated by that jurisdiction’s weather normalization clause (WNC). The WNC in New York, which covers the eight month period from October through May, has had a stabilizing effect on earnings for the New York rate jurisdiction. In addition, in periods of colder than normal weather, the WNC benefits Distribution Corporation’s New York customers. For the quarters ended March 31, 2001 and 2000, as the weather was warmer than normal in both periods, the WNC preserved earnings of $0.8 million (after tax) and $4.0 million (after tax), respectively.
The Utility’s segment’s earnings for the six months ended March 31, 2001 were $57.7 million, a decrease of $5.6 million when compared with the earnings of $63.3 million for the six months ended March 31, 2000. As previously discussed, the $10.0 million rate decrease in the Utility segment’s New York jurisdiction was a major factor in the earnings decrease. The early retirement offer in New York, as discussed above, and the resulting expense recorded during the second quarter of 2001 also added to the decrease in earnings from those earned during the six months ended March 31, 2000. Also contributing to the earnings decline, in the quarter ended December 31, 2000 the Utility segment recorded a $0.6 million (after tax) expense for an early retirement offer accepted by certain employees in Pennsylvania. Partially offsetting the decrease in earnings, the six months ended March 31, 2000 included a $2.2 million refund provision ($1.4 million after tax) related to a 50% sharing with customers of earnings over a predetermined amount in accordance with the New York rate settlement of 1998. Weather, which in the Pennsylvania jurisdiction was approximately 17.3% colder than the six months ended March 31, 2000, also increased earnings in 2001. In the New York jurisdiction, the impact of weather variations was mitigated by the WNC. For the six months ended March 31, 2001, the WNC resulted in a benefit to customers of $0.2 million after tax since it was colder than normal. For the six months ended March 31, 2000, the WNC preserved earnings of $6.7 million after tax, since it was warmer than normal.
Degree Days
- ---------------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------------------- Percent (Warmer) Three Months Ended Colder Than -------------------------------- March 31 Normal 2001 2000 Normal Prior Year - ---------------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------------- ----------------- -------------- Buffalo 3,386 3,236 3,058 (4.4) 5.8 Erie 3,176 3,112 2,789 (2.0) 11.6 - ---------------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------------- ----------------- -------------- Six Months Ended March 31 - ---------------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------------- ----------------- -------------- Buffalo 5,700 5,724 5,154 0.4 11.1 Erie 5,206 5,444 4,643 4.6 17.3 - ---------------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------------- ----------------- --------------
Pipeline and Storage
Pipeline and Storage Operating Revenues
- ------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 31, March 31, - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- (Thousands) 2001 2000 2001 2000 - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Firm Transportation $24,175 $24,417 $46,917 $47,178 Interruptible Transportation 832 152 1,641 212 - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- 25,007 24,569 48,558 47,390 - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Firm Storage Service 15,512 16,128 30,580 32,112 Interruptible Storage Service 49 50 216 172 - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- 15,561 16,178 30,796 32,284 - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Other 4,074 2,449 7,952 6,687 - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- $44,642 $43,196 $87,306 $86,361 - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- -----------------
Pipeline and Storage Throughput
- ------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 31, March 31, - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- (MMcf) 2001 2000 2001 2000 - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Firm Transportation 105,655 102,109 195,197 184,739 Interruptible Transportation 2,667 2,206 8,617 2,448 - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- 108,322 104,315 203,814 187,187 - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- -----------------
2001 Compared with 2000
Operating revenues for the Pipeline and Storage segment increased $1.4 million and $0.9 million, respectively, for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2001 as compared with the same periods a year ago. For the quarter ended March 31, 2001, the increase can be attributed primarily to a $1.7 million increase in revenues from unbundled pipeline sales and open access transportation. For the six months ended March 31, 2001, the increase can be attributed primarily to a $1.1 million increase in cashout revenues (a cash resolution of a gas imbalance whereby a customer pays Supply Corporation for gas it receives in excess of amounts delivered into Supply Corporation’s system by the customer’s shipper). Cashout revenues are offset by purchased gas expense. While transportation volumes increased significantly during both the quarter and six month periods, volume fluctuations generally do not have a significant impact on revenues as a result of Supply Corporation’s straight fixed-variable rate design. However, higher interruptible transportation volumes did contribute to an increase in interruptible transportation revenues during both the quarter and six month periods, as shown above.
The Pipeline and Storage segment’s second quarter 2001 earnings were $14.8 million, an increase of $4.6 million when compared with earnings from the second quarter of 2000. Major factors in this increase were higher revenues from unbundled pipeline sales and open access transportation ($1.1 million after tax) and a $4.6 million (after tax) reduction in second quarter 2001 expenses associated with SARs, as previously discussed. Partially offsetting these increases was a $0.5 million (after tax) expense recorded during the second quarter of 2001 in connection with the previously mentioned early retirement offer in New York.
The Pipeline and Storage segment’s earnings for the six months ended March 31, 2001 were $21.4 million, an increase of $1.9 million when compared with earnings for the six months ended March 31, 2000. This increase can be attributed primarily to the buy-out by a customer of a long-term transportation contract ($2.6 million after tax) during the first quarter of 2001. The resulting gain was recorded in other income.
Exploration and Production
Exploration and Production Operating Revenues
- ------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 31, March 31, - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- (Thousands) 2001 2000 2001 2000 - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Gas (after Hedging) $48,232 $28,580 $80,557 $55,211 Oil (after Hedging) 40,777 19,860 83,251 37,435 Gas Processing Plant 11,876 4,279 22,394 8,371 Other (2,434) (2,369) 13,504 (649) - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- $98,451 $50,350 $199,706 $100,368 - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- -----------------
Production Volumes
- ---------------------------- ---------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------ Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 31, March 31, - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- 2001 2000 2001 2000 - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Gas Production (MMcf) Gulf Coast 6,987 8,142 13,416 16,087 West Coast 1,052 1,126 2,097 2,243 Appalachia 1,064 1,045 2,106 2,152 Canada 108 - 230 - - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- 9,211 10,313 17,849 20,482 - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Oil Production (thousands of barrels) Gulf Coast 468 331 824 653 West Coast 714 707 1,459 1,392 Appalachia 1 1 3 5 Canada 777 - 1,518 - - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- 1,960 1,039 3,804 2,050 - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- -----------------
Average Prices
- ------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 31, March 31, - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- 2001 2000 2001 2000 - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Average Gas Price/Mcf Gulf Coast $7.18 $2.59 $6.57 $2.58 West Coast $15.04 $2.61 $12.21 $2.75 Appalachia $5.99 $2.89 $5.09 $2.89 Canada $5.18 - $4.95 - Weighted Average $7.92 $2.62 $7.04 $2.63 Weighted Average After Hedging $5.24 $2.77 $4.51 $2.70 Average Oil Price/bbl Gulf Coast $27.86 $28.67 $29.56 $26.05 West Coast $23.79 $23.88 $25.40 $21.96 Appalachia $29.90 $25.10 $30.53 $22.58 Canada $23.38 - $25.64 - Weighted Average $24.60 $25.41 $26.40 $23.26 Weighted Average After Hedging $20.81 $19.12 $21.88 $18.26 - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- -----------------
2001 Compared with 2000
Operating revenues for the Exploration and Production segment increased $48.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2001 as compared with the same period a year ago. Oil production revenue after hedging increased $20.9 million due to an 89% increase in oil production, largely attributable to the Exploration and Production segment’s Canadian properties acquired in June 2000. Gas production revenue after hedging increased $19.7 million due primarily to an increase in the weighted average price of gas after hedging. Overall gas production decreased, primarily in the Gulf Coast region as there have been delays in placing new platforms on production and delays in work-over activity. However, three new offshore wells and a new offshore platform were placed on production by April 12, 2001, and these, combined with three offshore platforms placed on production in January 2001, should increase
production from the Gulf Coast Region.* In addition, on Vermilion 253, where Seneca has a 50% working interest and High Island 194, where Seneca has a 55% working interest, work has been started by the operators, and improved production from these blocks is expected by June 2001.* Revenue from this segment’s gas processing plant was up $7.6 million due to higher gas prices. Refer to the tables above for production and pricing information. Refer to the Outlook for 2001 and 2002 section below for the Exploration and Production segment’s production estimates for 2001 and 2002.
Operating revenues for the Exploration and Production segment increased $99.3 million for the six months ended March 31, 2001 as compared with the same period a year ago. Oil production revenue after hedging increased $45.8 million due to an 86% increase in oil production. As stated above, the majority of the production increase came from this segment's Canadian properties. Gas production revenue after hedging, increased $25.3 million. As stated above, significant price increases more than compensated for an overall decrease in gas production. Revenue from this segment's gas processing plant was up $14.0 million due to higher prices. In addition, this segment recognized an increase of $13.1 million in revenues resulting from mark-to-market and other revenue adjustments related to derivative financial instruments. Refer to further discussion of derivative financial instruments in the "Market Risk Sensitive Instruments" section that follows. Refer to the tables above for production and price information.
The Exploration and Production segment's second quarter 2001 earnings were $16.6 million, an increase of $8.7 million when compared with second quarter 2000 earnings. As discussed above, an 89% increase in oil production, largely attributable to the Canadian properties acquired in June 2000, and a significant increase in gas pricing in the second quarter of 2001 contributed to this earnings increase.
The Exploration and Production segment's earnings for the six months ended March 31, 2001 were $39.6 million, an increase of $23.7 million when compared with the earnings for the six months ended March 31, 2000. As discussed above, an 86% increase in oil production, largely attributable to the Canadian properties acquired in June 2000, and significant increases in oil and gas prices this year compared to last contributed to this increase.
International
International Operating Revenues
- ----------------------- ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 31, March 31, - ----------------------- ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- (Thousands) 2001 2000 2001 2000 - ----------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Heating $30,596 $29,331 $52,304 $56,690 Electricity 7,537 9,082 16,412 18,325 Other 449 1,196 1,091 2,667 - ----------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- $38,582 $39,609 $69,807 $77,682 - ----------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- -----------------
International Heating and Electric Volumes
- ------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 31, March 31, - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- 2001 2000 2001 2000 - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Heating Sales (Gigajoules) (1) 4,280,832 4,296,704 7,613,783 8,264,472 Electricity Sales (megawatt hours) 291,906 322,042 621,930 639,697 - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- -----------------(1)Gigajoules=one billion joules. A joule is a unit of energy
2001 Compared with 2000
Operating revenues for the International segment decreased $1.0 million and $7.9 million, respectively, for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2001 as compared to the same periods a year ago. For the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2001, electric revenues decreased as a result of the scheduled shutdown of a generating turbine that had reached the end of its useful life and a decline in electric rates. Heat revenues were up for the quarter ended March 31, 2001 largely due to rate increases. However, for the six months ended March 31, 2001, heat revenues are down due to warmer weather. The overall decrease in operating revenues for the International segment also reflects a decrease in value of the Czech Koruna compared to the U.S. dollar.
The International segment's second quarter 2001 earnings were $2.8 million, a decrease of $1.5 million when compared with the earnings for the second quarter of 2000. The decrease can be attributed chiefly to a decline in margins as a result of the aforementioned scheduled shutdown of a generating turbine and decline in electric rates. Also, the exchange rate impact discussed above had a negative impact on earnings. Decreases in operation and maintenance (O&M) expenses partially offset these decreases to earnings.
The International segment's earnings for the six months ended March 31, 2001 were $5.0 million, a decrease of $4.0 million when compared with the earnings for the six months ended March 31, 2000. Lower heat and electric margins are the primary reason for this decrease. Also, the exchange rate impact discussed above had a negative impact on earnings. Lower O&M expenses partially offset this decrease.
Energy Marketing
Energy Marketing Operating Revenues
- ------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 31, March 31, - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- (Thousands) 2001 2000 2001 2000 - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Natural Gas (after Hedging) $128,948 $52,934 $175,729 $81,562 Electricity 565 395 1,013 754 Other (139) 404 818 592 - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- $129,374 $53,733 $177,560 $82,908 - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- -----------------
Energy Marketing Volumes
- ------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 31, March 31, - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- 2001 2000 2001 2000 - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Natural Gas - (MMcf) 14,800 13,101 23,031 22,263 - ------------------------------------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- -----------------
2001 Compared with 2000
Operating revenues for the Energy Marketing segment increased $75.6 million and $94.7 million, respectively, for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2001, as compared with the same periods a year ago. These increases primarily reflect higher gas sales revenue due to the increased price of natural gas.
Earnings in the Energy Marketing segment decreased $0.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2001 as compared with the same period a year ago. This decrease primarily reflects lower margins on gas sales and higher interest expense.
Earnings in the Energy Marketing segment increased $0.4 million for the six months ended March 31, 2001 as compared with the same period a year ago. This increase is a result of higher margins on gas sales and a mark-to-market gain on certain derivative financial instruments offset, in part, by higher interest expense.
Timber
Timber Operating Revenues
- ------------------------------- ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 31, March 31, - ------------------------------- ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- (Thousands) 2001 2000 2001 2000 - ------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Log Sales $9,723 $7,874 $16,135 $13,354 Green Lumber Sales 1,663 1,233 2,993 2,129 Kiln Dry Lumber Sales 3,078 2,274 6,083 4,464 Other 171 150 361 324 ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- $14,635 $11,531 $25,572 $20,271 - ------------------------------- ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- - ------------------------------- ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 31, March 31, - ------------------------------- ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Board Feet (Thousands) 2001 2000 2001 2000 - ------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Log Sales 3,087 2,574 5,148 5,108 Green Lumber Sales 2,817 2,160 5,083 4,154 Kiln Dry Lumber Sales 2,185 1,690 4,253 3,297 ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- 8,089 6,424 14,484 12,559 - ------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- -----------------
2001 Compared with 2000
Operating revenues for the Timber segment increased $3.1 million and $5.3 million, respectively, for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2001, as compared with the same periods a year ago. These increases reflect higher revenues from log sales, green lumber sales and kiln dry lumber sales, as shown in the table above. The increase in log sales revenues is the result of increased sales of higher quality logs at higher average prices. Green lumber sales revenues are up due to an increase in board feet sold at slightly higher prices. The increase in kiln dry lumber sales is due to the operation of two more kilns brought on-line in August 2000.
Earnings in the Timber segment decreased $1.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2001, as compared with the same period a year ago. This decrease largely reflects a pretax gain of $2.3 million ($1.5 million after tax) on the sale of land and standing timber recorded in the quarter ended March 31, 2000, which did not recur in the quarter ended March 31, 2001. Higher revenues from timber sales were largely offset by higher O&M and depletion expenses.
Earnings in the Timber segment increased $0.1 million for the six months ended March 31, 2001 as compared with the same period a year ago. Higher revenues from timber sales contributed to the increase, offset partially by higher O&M and depletion expenses. As stated above, the
Timber segment recognized a gain in the second quarter of 2000 on the sale of land and standing timber. During the first quarter of 2001, the Timber segment recorded a $2.1 million pretax ($1.3 million after tax) gain on the sale of certain timber properties.
Other Income and Interest Charges
Although variances in Other Income items and Interest Charges are discussed in the earnings discussion by segment above, following is a recap on a consolidated basis:
Other Income
Other income decreased $2.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2001 compared with the quarter ended March 31, 2000. As discussed above, the quarter ended March 31, 2000 included a $2.3 million gain on the sale of land and standing timber in the Timber segment.
Other income increased $4.3 million for the six months ended March 31, 2001 compared with the six months ended March 31, 2000. This increase was principally due to a buyout of a long-term transportation contract by a customer in the Pipeline and Storage segment during the quarter ended December 31, 2000.
Interest Charges
Interest on long-term debt increased $4.8 million and $7.2 million, respectively, for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2001 as compared with the same periods a year ago. These increases can be attributed to higher average amounts of long-term debt outstanding and slightly higher weighted average interest rates.
Other interest charges increased $0.8 million and $2.6 million, respectively, for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2001 as compared with the same periods a year ago. These increases resulted mainly from an increase in the average amount of short-term debt outstanding. For the quarter ended March 31, 2001, lower weighted average interest rates partially offset the impact of an increase in the average amount of short-term debt outstanding. For the six months ended March 31, 2001, there was an increase in weighted average interest rates.
Outlook for 2001 and 2002*
This “Outlook for 2001 and 2002” section contains forward-looking statements, all of which are based on current expectations. There is no assurance that the Company’s projections will in fact be achieved, and these projections do not reflect any acquisitions or divestitures which may occur during the remainder of 2001 or during 2002, including, but not limited to, the Company’s recently-announced intention to issue a tender offer for Player Petroleum Corporation, an Alberta, Canada based exploration and production company. Reference should be made to the various important factors listed under the heading “Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements” that could cause actual future results to differ materially.
The Company continues to expect that earnings for 2001 will fall within the range of $168 million to $172 million, or $4.25 to $4.35 per diluted common share.* The Company further expects that earnings for the third quarter of 2001 will be within the range of $0.68 to $0.76 per diluted common share.* The Company’s earnings estimate for 2001 assumes, among other things, an expense for SARs based on the stock returning to a market price of $63.00 per share at fiscal year end. The expectation of higher earnings in the Exploration and Production segment continues to be the main driver of the expected increase in earnings for 2001 as compared with actual earnings for 2000.* Production estimates for 2001 are in the range of 90 to 95 Bcf of natural gas equivalent (Bcfe) (with oil representing 54% of that production).*
For 2002, the Company expects its base case earnings for 2002 to be in the range of $4.45 to $4.55 per diluted common share, and the Company’s production estimate for its Exploration and Production segment is approximately 93.5 Bcfe.* While modest gains are expected in the Exploration and Production segment in 2002, the Company anticipates that the bulk of the increase in expected earnings in 2002, as compared to 2001, will come from the International and Other Business units.* Also for 2002, the Company expects the contributions from its regulated busines units, Distribution Corporation and Supply Corporation, to remain about the same as the anticipated earnings for 2001.*
Commencing with 2002, the Company anticipates a diminished emphasis in the Gulf of Mexico and expects to focus more of its production efforts on its on-shore resources in the Appalachian basin in the Northeast, in California and in Canada.* In addition, the average commodity price the Company expects to realize under its Exploration and Production segment’s 2002 oil and gas hedging program (as of March 31, 2001) represent an increase of approximately 15% over its hedged prices for 2001.* Additional information on the Exploration and Production segment’s hedging program is provided in the “Market Risk Sensitive Instruments” section in Item 7 of the Company’s 2000 Form 10-K.
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
The Company’s primary sources of cash during the six-month period ended March 31, 2001 consisted of cash provided by operating activities and long-term debt. These sources were supplemented by issuances of common stock under the Company’s stock and benefit plans.
Operating Cash Flow.
Internally generated cash from operating activities consists of net income available for common stock, adjusted for non-cash expenses, non-cash income and changes in operating assets and liabilities. Non-cash items include depreciation, depletion and amortization, deferred income taxes and minority interest in foreign subsidiaries.
Cash provided by operating activities in the Utility and the Pipeline and Storage segments may vary from period to period because of the impact of rate cases. In the Utility segment, supplier refunds, over- or under-recovered purchased gas costs and weather also significantly impact cash flow. The impact of weather on cash flow is tempered in the Utility segment’s New York rate jurisdiction by its WNC and in the Pipeline and Storage segment by Supply Corporation’s straight fixed-variable rate design.
Because of the seasonal nature of the heating business in the Utility, Energy Marketing and International segments, revenues in these segments are relatively high during the heating season, primarily the first and second quarters of the year, and receivables historically increase during these periods from what was receivable at September 30.
The storage gas inventory normally declines during the first and second quarters of the year and is replenished during the third and fourth quarters. For storage gas inventory accounted for under the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, the current cost of replacing gas withdrawn from storage is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income and a reserve for gas replacement is recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and is included under the caption “Other Accruals and Current Liabilities.” Such reserve is reduced as the inventory is replenished.
Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $183.6 million for the six months ended March 31, 2001, a decrease of $1.4 million compared with $185.0 million provided by operating activities for the six months ended March 31, 2000. Higher working capital requirements in the Utility and Energy Marketing segments and in the All Other category (Upstate Energy Inc., specifically) due to rising gas prices more than offset higher cash receipts from the sale of oil and gas in the Exploration and Production segment. Oil and gas prices were up in the Exploration and Production segment, and oil production increased significantly due to this segment’s Canadian properties acquired in June 2000.
Investing Cash Flow.
Expenditures for Long-Lived AssetsExpenditures for long-lived assets include additions to property, plant and equipment (capital expenditures) and investments in corporations (stock acquisitions) or partnerships, net of any cash acquired.
The Company’s expenditures for long-lived assets totaled $135.5 million during the six months ended March 31, 2001. The table below presents these expenditures:
- -------------------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ------------------------ Six Months Ended March 31, 2001 (in millions of dollars) - -------------------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ------------------------ Investments in Total Capital Corporations Expenditures for Expenditures And Partnerships Long-Lived Assets - -------------------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ------------------------ Utility 18.9 $ - 18.9 Pipeline and Storage 13.2 0.2 13.4 Exploration and Production 90.2 - 90.2 International 9.8 - 9.8 Timber 2.8 - 2.8 Energy Marketing - - - All Other - 0.4 0.4 - -------------------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ------------------------ 134.9 $0.6 135.5 - -------------------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- ------------------------Utility
The majority of the Utility capital expenditures were made for replacement of mains and main extensions, as well as for the replacement of service lines.
Pipeline and StorageThe Pipeline and Storage capital expenditures made during the six months ended March 31, 2001 included $8.1 million for the construction of a transmission line from Lamont, Pennsylvania to Royston, Pennsylvania. The remaining capital expenditures were made for additions, improvements and replacements to this segment’s transmission and gas storage systems. The Company also continues to explore various opportunities to participate in transporting gas to the Northeast, either through Supply’s system or in partnership with others. The only significant capital expenditure for this purpose has been SIP’s investment in Independence Pipeline Company, a Delaware general partnership (Indpendence). The budgeted capital expenditures for 2001 included $5.0 million for an increase in horsepower at the Ellisburg, Pennsylvania compressor station. This project has been delayed until 2002.
During the six months ended March 31, 2001, SIP made or committed to make an additional $680,000 investment in Independence. SIP’s total investment through March 31, 2001 was $13.9 million, with an additional $450,000 committed in March but invested in April, 2001.
The investment represents a one-third partnership interest in Independence. The investment has been financed with short-term borrowings. Independence intends to build a 400 mile natural gas pipeline (the Independence Pipeline) from Defiance, Ohio to Leidy, Pennsylvania at an estimated cost of about $700 million.* If the Independence Pipeline project is not constructed, SIP’s share of the developmental costs (including SIP’s investment in Independence) is estimated not to exceed $15.5 million.*
On July 12, 2000, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (the Certificate) authorizing, among other things, the construction and operation of the Independence Pipeline, subject to satisfaction of various conditions spelled out in the Certificate and in previous FERC orders. Among those conditions is the requirement that the pipeline shall be in service by July 12, 2003. Another condition is that, before construction may commence, Independence must file at FERC executed, firm transportation agreements with “no out” clauses for at least 68.2% of its capacity. (Independence already filed, on June 26 and July
6, 2000, precedent agreements for firm transportation amounting to about 38% of the capacity of the Independence Pipeline, thereby satisfying a FERC requirement previously imposed as a precondition to FERC’s issuance of the Certificate.) The Independence Pipeline partners are working on obtaining the required additional customer commitments, and have extended the planned in-service date to allow additional time to obtain those commitments. Assuming customer contracts satisfactory to the partners are in place by the time it is necessary to commit to key purchases such as pipe, compression and right-of-way, the Independence Pipeline’s planned in service date is July 12, 2003.*
The Certificate also includes an environmental condition that Independence file an “implementation plan” within 60 days after Independence accepted the Certificate. The implementation plan must include detailed information on how Independence will implement the mitigation measures contained in the Certificate, including the dates for the completion of all required surveys and reports (for example, for endangered species), and establishing construction restoration schedules. To create a full implementation plan, Independence needs to conduct extensive surveys on the ground. These surveys are only approximately 50% complete in Ohio and 75% complete in Pennsylvania due to lack of landowner permission to enter some of the land along the planned pipeline route.
In October and November 2000, Independence timely filed a preliminary implementation plan which included a request for an extension of time to provide certain technical information, in order to allow the remaining field surveys to be commenced in spring 2001. Independence’s proposed timing would have been consistent with both (i) Independence’s then-planned in service date of November 1, 2002, and (ii) the Certificate’s deadline of July 12, 2003 to commence service.
On November 20, 2000, a FERC official issued a letter requiring Independence to file a full implementation plan, including the necessary technical information, by May 1, 2001, and warning that if Independence cannot comply with these terms, its Certificate authority could be in jeopardy. This letter also requires Independence to file monthly status reports on environmental permitting and land acquisition activities.
On April 30 and May 3, 2001, Independence delivered letters to FERC (i) enclosing a revised schedule showing Independence’s new planned in service date of July 12, 2003, and (ii) requesting until February 1, 2002 to file the completed implementation plan. A February 2002 implementation plan would be consistent with beginning construction in late summer 2002 to be in service in July 2003. The FERC staff have not responded to Independence’s April 30 and May 3 letters.
Because Independence did not file timely a full implementation plan which meets the requirements set out in the November 20 letter, it is possible, but not likely, that Independence’s application could be dismissed.* Dismissal of the application would jeopardize the project.* Independence continues to work on the activities which it believes are necessary to keep the Certificate in effect.
Exploration and ProductionThe Exploration and Production segment capital expenditures for the six months ended March 31, 2001 included approximately $42.9 million for Seneca’s offshore program in the Gulf of Mexico, including offshore drilling expenditures, offshore construction, lease acquisition costs and geological and geophysical expenditures. The remaining $47.3 million of capital expenditures included onshore drilling, construction and recompletion costs for wells located in Louisiana, Texas, California and Canada as well as onshore geological and geophysical costs, including the purchase of certain three-dimensional seismic data and fixed asset purchases. Of the $47.3 million disclosed above, $27.5 million was spent on the Exploration and Production segment’s Canadian properties.
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Cont.) InternationalThe majority of the International segment capital expenditures were concentrated on the construction of a boiler at a district heating and power generation plant in the Czech Republic.
TimberThe majority of the Timber segment capital expenditures were made for purchases of land and timber for Seneca’s timber operations, as well as equipment for Highland’s sawmill and kiln operations. As discussed under the Timber segment’s results of operations, in November 2000 this segment sold timber properties with a book value of $5.2 million for $7.3 million.
All OtherExpenditures for Long-Lived Assets for all other subsidiaries consisted of NFR Power’s purchase of a 50% partnership interest in Model City Energy, LLC (Model City). Upon completion, Model City will generate electricity by using methane gas obtained from a landfill in Lewiston, New York, which is owned by an outside party.
The Company continuously evaluates capital expenditures and investments in corporations and partnerships. The amounts are subject to modification for opportunities such as the acquisition of attractive oil and gas properties, timber or storage facilities and the expansion of transmission line capacities. While the majority of capital expenditures in the Utility segment are necessitated by the continued need for replacement and upgrading of mains and service lines, the magnitude of future capital expenditures or other investments in the Company’s other business segments depends, to a large degree, upon market conditions.*
Financing Cash Flow.
In November 2000, the Company issued $200.0 million of 7.50% medium-term notes due in November 2010. After deducting underwriting discounts and commissions, the net proceeds to the Company amounted to $197.3 million. The proceeds of this debt issuance were used to reduce short-term debt.
Consolidated short-term debt decreased $221.2 million during the first six months of 2001. The Company continues to consider short-term debt an important source of cash for temporarily financing capital expenditures and investments in corporations and/or partnerships, gas-in-storage inventory, unrecovered purchased gas costs, exploration and development expenditures and other working capital needs. Fluctuations in these items can have a significant impact on the amount and timing of short-term debt.
In March 1998, the Company obtained authorization from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, to issue long-term debt securities and equity securities in amounts not exceeding $2.0 billion at any one time outstanding during the order’s authorization period, which extends to December 31, 2002. In August 1999, the Company registered $625.0 million of debt and equity securities under the Securities Act of 1933. After the November 2000 medium-term note issuance discussed above, the Company currently has $275.0 million of debt and equity securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933.
The Company’s present liquidity position is believed to be adequate to satisfy known demands.* Under the Company’s existing indenture covenants, at March 31, 2001, the Company would have been permitted to issue up to a maximum of $344.0 million in additional long-term unsecured indebtedness at projected market interest rates. Excluding the unrealized loss for derivative financial instruments reflected in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Company would have been permitted to issue up to a maximum of $424.0 million in additional long-term unsecured indebtedness at projected market interest rates. In addition, at March 31, 2001, the Company had regulatory authorizations and unused short-term credit lines that would have permitted it to borrow an additional $351.7 million of short-term debt.
The amounts and timing of the issuance and sale of debt and/or equity securities will depend on market conditions, regulatory authorizations, and the requirements of the Company.
The Company is involved in litigation arising in the normal course of business. The Company is involved in regulatory matters arising in the normal course of business that involve rate base, cost of service and purchased gas cost issues, among other things. While the resolution of such litigation or regulatory matters could have a material effect on earnings and cash flows in the year of resolution, none of this litigation, and none of these regulatory matters are currently expected to change materially the Company’s present liquidity position, nor have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company.*
Market Risk Sensitive Instruments
For a complete discussion of market risk sensitive instruments, refer to “Market Risk Sensitive Instruments” in Item 7 of the Company’s 2000 Form 10-K. There have been no subsequent material changes to the Company’s exposure to market risk sensitive instruments.
RATE MATTERS
Utility Operation
New York Jurisdiction
On October 11, 2000, the State of New York Public Service Commission (NYPSC) approved a settlement agreement (Agreement) between Distribution Corporation, Staff of the Department of Public Service, the New York State Consumer Protection Board and Multiple Intervenors (an advocate for large commercial and industrial customers) that establishes rates for a three-year period beginning October 1, 2000. The Agreement provides that customers will receive a bill credit of $17.6 million in the first year, of which $7.6 million relates to customers’ share of earnings accumulated under previous settlements. The credit will be reduced to $5.0 million in the second year, and in the third and subsequent years the credit will remain at $5.0 million unless the Company can demonstrate that it is no longer justified. Also, earnings beyond a target level of 11.5% return on equity will be shared equally between shareholders and ratepayers. The Agreement provides further that the Company and interested parties will resume discussions to address the NYPSC’s competition initiatives, including changes to “customer choice” transportation services, among other things. Those discussions commenced in November 2000 and ultimately produced an interim “Joint Proposal,” or settlement agreement, addressing several discrete issues of interest to the parties and the Commission. On April 10, 2001, the Joint Proposal was filed with the Commission, and on May 1 various parties submitted comments and supporting statements. If approved, the Joint Proposal would modify Distribution Corporation’s operations relating to transportation services and transactions with marketers and producers of indigenous natural gas.* Under the Joint Proposal, the
parties also agreed to continue negotiations to implement additional features of the NYPSC’s restructuring initiative (described below). Those discussions, dubbed “Phase III negotiations,” are under way. The Joint Proposal makes no changes in Distribution Corporation’s revenue requirement or other such matters addressed in the above-described settlement agreement.
On November 3, 1998, the NYPSC issued itsPolicy Statement Concerning the Future of the Natural Gas Industry in New York State and Order Terminating Capacity Assignment (Policy Statement). The Policy Statement sets forth the NYPSC’s “vision” on “how best to ensure a competitive market for natural gas in New York.” The Policy Statement has been regarded as the Commission’s template for restructuring of the gas industry. The Commission’s vision includes the following goals:
- Effective competition in the gas supply market for retail customers;
- Downward pressure on customer gas prices;
- Increased customer choice of gas suppliers and service options;
- A provider of last resort (not necessarily the utility);
- Continuation of reliable service and maintenance of operations procedures that treat all participants fairly;
- Sufficient and accurate information for customers to use in making informed decisions;
- The availability of information that permits adequate oversight of the market to ensure fair competition; and
- Coordination of Federal and State policies affecting gas supply and distribution in New York State.
The Policy Statement provides that the most effective way to establish a competitive market in gas supply is “for local distribution companies to cease selling gas.” The NYPSC indicated in its order that it hopes to accomplish that objective over a three-to-seven year transition period from the date the Policy Statement was issued, taking into account “statutory requirements” and the individual needs of each local distribution company (LDC).* The Policy Statement directs Staff to schedule “discussions” with each LDC on an “individualized plan that would effectuate our vision.” In preparation for negotiations, LDCs will be required to address issues such as a strategy to hold new capacity contracts to a minimum, a long-term rate plan with a goal of reducing or freezing rates, and a plan for further unbundling. In addition, Staff was instructed to hold collaborative sessions with multiple parties to discuss generic issues including reliability and market power regulation. Distribution Corporation has participated in the collaborative sessions. These collaborative sessions have not yet produced a consensus document on all issues before the NYPSC. Distribution Corporation will continue to participate in all future collaborative sessions.*
On March 22, 2000, the NYPSC issued an order directing electric and gas utilities to file tariff amendments “to accommodate the wishes of retail access customers who prefer to receive combined, single bills from either their utility company or their [marketer]” (Billing Order). The tariff amendments will provide for marketer single-bill or utility single-bill services, thereby allowing a customer to choose a billing preference through the customer’s choice of suppliers – utility or marketer. Distribution Corporation has permitted marketer single billing since 1996.
On November 1, 2000, Distribution Corporation filed tariff amendments in compliance with the Billing Order (and a subsequent order on rehearing of the Billing Order). Consistent with the provisions of the Billing Order, Distribution Corporation’s filing proposes to maintain its long-standing marketer single-bill model and add a permanent version of a utility-provided competitive single-bill service that has been
available since May 2000. In addition, the filing proposes a credit (one of a variety of “backout credits” referred to below), available to marketers that issue single retail bills, equal to the long-run marginal cost of billing services avoided by Distribution Corporation. Based on the methodology set forth in the Billing Order, Distribution Corporation calculated a backout credit of $0.66 per bill avoided. The charge for Distribution Corporation’s competitive billing service was set at $0.71 (with a backout credit). Distribution Corporation’s filing proposed an effective date of February 1, 2001 and is subject to review and approval by the NYPSC. On January 24, 2001 the NYPSC issued an order postponing the effective date through May 31, 2001.
At the NYPSC public session of April 25, 2001, Staff for the NYPSC recommended that the utilities’ compliance filings be rejected with orders to submit revised billing tariffs and back-out credits using Staff’s modified calculations. Staff also recommended that the revised back-out credits become effective on June 1, 2001. Other non-material changes were proposed by Staff. To date, the Commission has not issued an order addressing Staff’s recommendation, and, at this time, Distribution Corporation is unable to ascertain the outcome of this proceeding.*
On March 30, 2000, a collaborative was convened to address the NYPSC’s Order Instituting Proceeding in the so-called “Provider of Last Resort” (POLR) case. The collaborative was charged with the task of helping the NYPSC to “refine our concept of the mature competitive retail energy markets (especially the future role of the regulated utilities) and to identify and remove obstacles to its achievement.” The parties in this case are addressing, among other things, issues arising from utilities exiting the merchant function. The proceeding is also focusing on utilities’ responsibility to provide low-income assistance programs. The parties held frequent meetings on a periodic basis in an attempt to develop consensus on various end-state models for consideration by the NYPSC. Although a consensus model was not developed, a proposal was designed using the gas Policy Statement (described above) as a guide. Collaboration having essentially failed to produce a consensus model, the parties are pursuing a more traditional litigation route and are filing legal briefs on all issues to be addressed by the NYPSC. Distribution Corporation has filed briefs stating generally that the NYPSC’s end-state vision, which takes the LDC out of the merchant role, is unattainable under current laws, among other things. While Distribution Corporation’s briefs acknowledge the potential benefits of LDCs exiting competitive functions, Distribution Corporation’s position has been governed by the NYPSC’s inability to fully address the legal obstacles that prevent a transition to the Policy Statement’s end-state. At this time, Distribution Corporation is unable to ascertain the outcome of the POLR proceeding.*
In connection with the POLR proceeding the NYPSC issued anOrder Directing Expedited Consideration of Rate Unbundling on March 29, 2001 (Unbundling Order). The Unbundling Order directs the state’s electric and gas utilities, including Distribution Corporation, to submit cost studies for “bottom-up” unbundling, which as described by the NYPSC, “begins with the total costs of the utility’s business and then assigns those costs to the various functions, some of which are expected to become competitively available.” This is in contrast to methods used for establishing “back-out” credits, although the result is essentially the same: competitive functions are identified and priced in order to subsidize market entry for marketers. Distribution Corporation has no objection to the NYPSC’s authority to order unbundling cost studies, but to the extent any legally-mandated utility functions are identified as “competitive,” there is a possibility that stranded costs may be incurred. While at this juncture the NYPSC has not indicated that stranded cost recovery would be denied, in whole or in part, the issue remains open for consideration in individual utility proceedings. At this time, Distribution Corporation is unable to ascertain the outcome of this proceeding.*
On April 25, 2001, the NYPSC approved an initial set of electronic data interchange (EDI) datasets for electronic exchange of retail access data in New York (EDI Order).
As described by the NYPSC, EDI is the computer-to-computer exchange of routine business information in a standard form. The NYPSC believes that EDI is necessary to develop uniform data exchange protocol for the state’s customer choice initiatives. The EDI Order adopts enrollment and historical usage datasets prepared by an EDI working group involving utilities, marketers and other interests. Initial EDI implementation is targeted for calendar year-end 2001. Phase testing of EDI is expected to begin during the second quarter of calendar 2001. The Commission also adopted uniform business practices (UBP) governing billing and payment processing based upon the recommendations of a national group of stakeholders. It is expected that EDI datasets governing billing will be built during calendar 2001 and implemented during calendar 2002.
The NYPSC continues to address, through various proceedings and “collaboratives,” upstream pipeline capacity issues arising from the restructuring. Currently Distribution Corporation remains authorized to release upstream intermediate capacity to marketers serving former sales customers. Costs relating to retained upstream transmission capacity are recovered through a transition cost surcharge. At this time, Distribution Corporation does not foresee any material changes to upstream capacity requirements in the near term.*
On May 15, 2000, the New York State tax law was amended to phase out the long-running tax on utility gross revenues beginning January 1, 2001. Offsetting the scheduled reductions, however, is the imposition of a net income based tax on the same utilities. In a report issued on October 13, 2000, the New York Department of Public Service (Department) recommended, among other things, that utilities be kept whole for any tax increases resulting from implementation of the changes. Toward that end, the report proposed that the mechanism in rates currently used for recovery of the gross revenue tax would be utilized to collect the new income tax. To the extent a utility’s income tax liability exceeded the amount collectible through the existing gross revenue tax recovery mechanism, deferral accounting would be authorized. On December 18, 2000, Distribution Corporation and other parties submitted comments addressing Staff’s recommendations. Distribution Corporation’s comments expressed concern that the Department’s methodology for calculating amounts subject to deferral was flawed. On December 21, 2000, the NYPSC issued an abbreviated order adopting the Department’s recommendation. Distribution Corporation filed tariff amendments revising its tax recovery mechanism consistent with the order. A comprehensive order, describing the basis for the NYPSC’s decision, is forthcoming. The abbreviated order specified that the time for filing rehearing petitions “will be deemed to run from the date of issuance of the subsequent order.” To protect its appeal rights, Distribution Corporation and another New York LDC filed a joint appeal of the NYPSC’s abbreviated order in the proceeding. The appeal, filed with the Supreme Court, Albany County, challenges various provisions of the NYPSC’s abbreviated order. The principal argument on the appeal is that it arbitrarily limits a utility’s ability to defer, for later collection from customers, annual under-collection of the taxes recently enacted by the legislature. At this time, Distribution Corporation is unable to ascertain the outcome of this proceeding.*
Pennsylvania Jurisdiction
Distribution Corporation currently does not have a rate case on file with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PaPUC). Management will continue to monitor its financial position in the Pennsylvania jurisdiction to determine the necessity of filing a rate case in the future.
A natural gas restructuring bill was signed into law on June 22, 1999. Entitled the Natural Gas Choice and Competition Act (Act), the new law requires all Pennsylvania LDCs to file tariffs designed to provide retail customers with direct access to competitive gas markets. Distribution Corporation submitted its compliance filing on October 1, 1999 for an effective date on or about July 1, 2000. The filing largely mirrored Distribution Corporation’s System Wide Energy Select program previously in effect, which substantially complied with the Act’s requirements. After negotiations with PaPUC Staff and
intervenors, a settlement was reached with all parties except for the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA). The settlement parties generally agreed that Distribution Corporation’s proposal needed only modest changes to meet the requirements of the Act. Hearings were held and briefs filed on OCA’s open issues. In a Recommended Decision issued on March 31, 2000, the Administrative Law Judge rejected the OCA’s arguments and recommended approval of the settlement agreement. On June 29, 2000, the PaPUC entered an Opinion and Order adopting the settlement, with immaterial changes. Distribution Corporation’s restructured rates and services became effective on July 1, 2000.
Base rate adjustments in both the New York and Pennsylvania jurisdictions do not reflect the recovery of purchased gas costs. Such costs are recovered through operation of the purchased gas adjustment clauses of the appropriate regulatory authorities.
Pipeline and Storage
Supply Corporation currently does not have a rate case on file with the FERC. Management will continue to monitor Supply Corporation’s financial position to determine the necessity of filing a rate case in the future.
Other Matters
Environmental Matters
The Company is subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. The Company has established procedures for the ongoing evaluation of its operations to identify potential environmental exposures and comply with regulatory policies and procedures. It is the Company’s policy to accrue estimated environmental clean-up costs (investigation and remediation) when such amounts can reasonably be estimated and it is probable that the Company will be required to incur such costs. At March 31, 2001, the Company has estimated its remaining clean-up costs related to former manufactured gas plant sites and third party waste disposal sites will be in the range of $5.0 million to $6.2 million. The minimum liability of $5.0 million has been recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2001. Other than discussed in Note H of the 2000 Form 10-K (referred to below), the Company is currently not aware of any material additional exposure to environmental liabilities. However, adverse changes in environmental regulations or other factors could impact the Company.*
For further discussion refer to Note H - Commitments and Contingencies under the heading “Environmental Matters” in Item 8 of the Company’s 2000 Form 10-K.
Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements. The Company is including the following cautionary statement in this Form 10-Q to make applicable and take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the Company. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements which are other than statements of historical facts. From time to time, the Company may publish or otherwise make available forward-looking statements of this nature. All such subsequent forward-looking statements, whether written or oral and whether made by or on behalf of the Company, are also expressly qualified by these cautionary statements. Certain statements contained herein, including without limitation those which are designated with a “*", are forward-looking statements and accordingly involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are based on various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions. The
Company’s expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and are believed by the Company to have a reasonable basis, including, without limitation, management’s examination of historical operating trends, data contained in the Company’s records and other data available from third parties, but there can be no assurance that management’s expectations, beliefs or projections will result or be achieved or accomplished. In addition to other factors and matters discussed elsewhere herein, the following are important factors that, in the view of the Company, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements:
- Changes in economic conditions, demographic patters and weather conditions;
- Changes in the availability and/or price of natural gas and oil;
- Inability to obtain new customers or retain existing ones;
- Significant changes in competitive factors affecting the Company;
- Governmental/regulatory actions, initiatives and proceedings, including those affecting acquisitions, financings, allowed rates of return, industry and rate structure, franchise renewal, and environmental/safety requirements;
- Unanticipated impacts of restructuring initiatives in the natural gas and electric industries;
- Significant changes from expectations in actual capital expenditures and operating expenses and unanticipated project delays or changes in project costs;
- The nature and projected profitability of pending and potential projects and other investments;
- Occurrences affecting the Company's ability to obtain funds from operations, debt or equity to finance needed capital expenditures and other investments;
- Uncertainty of oil and gas reserve estimates;
- Ability to successfully identify and finance oil and gas property acquisitions and ability to operate and integrate existing and any subsequently acquired business or properties;
- Ability to successfully identify, drill for and produce economically viable natural gas and oil reserves;
- Significant changes from expectations in the Company's actual production levels for natural gas or oil;
- Changes in the availability and/or price of derivative financial instruments;
- Changes in the price of natural gas or oil and the related effect given the accounting treatment or valuation of related derivative financial instruments;
- Inability of the various counterparties to meet their obligations with respect to the Company's financial instruments;
- Regarding foreign operations - changes in foreign trade and monetary policies, laws and regulations related to foreign operations, political and governmental changes, inflation and exchange rates, taxes and operating conditions;
- Significant changes in tax rates or policies or in rates of inflation or interest;
- Significant changes in the Company's relationship with its employees or contractors and the potential adverse effects if labor disputes, grievances or shortages were to occur; or
- Changes in accounting principles and/or the application of such principles to the Company.
The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market RiskRefer to the “Market Risk Sensitive Instruments” section in Item 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Part II. Other InformationItem 1. Legal Proceedings
For a discussion of various environmental matters, refer to Part I, Item 1 at Note 4 and to Part I, Item 2 - MD&A of this report under the heading “Other Matters.”
Item 2. Changes in SecuritiesOn January 2, 2001, the Company issued 840 unregistered shares of Company common stock to the non-employee directors of the Company. The shares were issued as partial consideration for the directors’ service during the quarter ended March 31, 2001, pursuant to the Company’s Retainer Policy for Non-Employee Directors. These transactions were exempt from registration by Section (4)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as transactions not involving a public offering.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of National Fuel Gas Company was held on February 15, 2001. At that meeting, the shareholders elected directors and appointed independent accountants.
The total votes were as follows:Against Broker For or Withheld Abstain Non-Votes ------------ ----------- ------- --------- (i) Election of directors to serve for a three- year term: - Philip C. Ackerman 32,770,191 403,668 - - - James V. Glynn 32,749,718 424,141 - - - Bernard S. Lee 32,755,815 418,044 - - (ii) Election of director to serve for a two- year term: - John F. Riordan 32,751,435 422,424 - - Directors whose term of office continued after the meeting: Term expiring in 2002: Robert T. Brady, William J. Hill and Bernard J. Kennedy. Term expiring in 2003: Eugene T. Mann and George L. Mazanec. (iii) Appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent accountants 32,915,346 126,887 131,626 -Item 5. Other Information
On March 14, 2001, Bruce H. Hale was elected President of NFR Power, Inc. Mr. Hale also remains Senior Vice President of Supply Corporation and Vice President of Horizon.
In addition, in the third quarter of 2001, Gerald T. Wehrlin and Donna L. DeCarolis were elected President and Vice President, respectively, of NFR. In connection with their appointments at NFR, Mr. Wehrlin resigned his position as Senior Vice President of Distribution Corporation and Ms. DeCarolis resigned her position as Assistant Vice President of Distribution Corporation. Mr. Wehrlin remains Controller of the Company, Vice President of Horizon, and Secretary/Treasurer of Leidy Hub.
(a) Exhibits Exhibit Number Description of Exhibit (12) Statements regarding Computation of Ratios: Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges for the Twelve Months Ended March 31, 2001 and the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, 1996 through 2000. (99) National Fuel Gas Company Consolidated Statement of Income for the Twelve Months Ended March 31, 2001 and 2000. (b) Reports on Form 8-K On February 6, 2001, the Company filed a Form 8-K regarding press releases issued by the Company and its subsidiary, Seneca Resources Corporation, concerning earnings for the first quarter ended December 31, 2000. The report included partial financial statements and other financial information.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY ------------------------- (Registrant) /s/Joseph P. Pawlowski ----------------------------------- Joseph P. Pawlowski Treasurer and Principal Accounting OfficerDate: May 15, 2001