SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [_]
Check the appropriate box:
[_] Confidential, for Use of the
[_]Preliminary Proxy Statement Commission Only (as Permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[_]Definitive Proxy Statement
[_]Definitive Additional Materials
[X]Soliciting Material Pursuant to (S)240.14a-11(c) or (S)240.14a-12
Columbia Energy Group
-----------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
-----------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
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[X]No fee required.
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[_] $500 per each party to the controversy pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 14a-
6(i)(3).
[_] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
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pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
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[_] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[_] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
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or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
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Notes:
On April 26, 2000, NiSource made the following analyst presentation.
TEXT OF ANALYST PRESENTATION
April 26, 2000
<PAGE>
[NISOURCE LOGO]
[COLUMBIA ENERGY LOGO]
CREATING VALUE IN THE ENERGY CORRIDOR
April 26, 2000
These materials contain forward-looking statements as defined in Section 21E of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements about future business
operations and financial performance. These statements involve risks and
uncertainties inherent in business forecasts, and actual results could differ
materially from those indicated in these statements. A number of these risks and
uncertainties are discussed in NiSource/Columbia Form 10-Q Quarterly Report
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
<PAGE>
CAPITALIZING ON THE ENERGY CORRIDOR. . .
================================================================================
[Graph - Corridor Highlights]
o 40% of US energy consumption
o 30% of US population
o 127,000 MW of new gas fired generation
o 24 Bcf/d of new interstate gas pipeline capacity
[Graph - Regional map of the United States depicting states which
NiSource and Columbia serve in corridor, extending from New England
through Illinois into Texas]
<PAGE>
THE PREMIER COMPETITOR. . .
================================================================================
[Graph - Map depicting certain operations of various
NiSource and Columbia entities in the Energy Corridor]
<PAGE>
BUILDING FOR TOMORROW. . .
================================================================================
o Broad platform to maximize opportunities
-- 4.1 million customers
-- Gas distribution in 9 states
-- Pipeline operations in 16 states
o Skills to procure, deliver and risk manage the commodity around the
assets
[CHART]
-------- ------------ ----------
Commodity
Upstream Distribution Downstream
-------- ------------ ----------
o 19,000 Miles of Pipeline o Regulated Utilities o Energy Related Products
o 700 Bcf of Gas Storage o Customer Growth o Cogeneration
o Marketing Services o Distributed Generation
o Gas Optionality o Commodity Conversion
o Electric Optionality
<PAGE>
CREATING VALUE. . .
==========================================================================
. . .With Lower Risk and Higher Returns
o Regulated Businesses
-- Positive regulatory relationships
-- Aggressive cost efficiencies
-- Pursue incentive opportunities
o Related Diversification
-- Leverage existing asset base into knowledge based businesses with
high returns
-- Integrating existing businesses into growth markets
o Creating New Business Opportunities in Growth Markets
-- Asset Optionality
-- Distributed Generation
o Maintain strong financial profile: Solid investment grade ratings
<PAGE>
THE RIGHT ASSETS MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE. . .
==========================================================================
15% CAGR
[Graph - Chart depicting projections of Net Income from 2001-2005
for Distributed Generation, Electric Optionality,
Gas Optionality and Base Business]
<PAGE>
A GREAT TRANSACTION. . .
================================================================================
o Current estimates are for over subscription of equity offering to a
maximum of 30% - reducing initial leverage
o Asset sales
-- Minimize equity needs or reduce leverage
-- Identified over $1 BN of asset sales: Expect at least $923 MM in
after tax proceeds
-- Likely that over $500 MM in asset sales will be completed by year-
end 2000
-- Sale program to be completed by June 30, 2001
o Dividend Policy
-- Committed to maintaining current profile
-- Dividend growth will continue to track net income growth
<PAGE>
THE TRANSACTION STRUCTURE. . .
================================================================================
[Graph - Chart depicting transaction structure
target debt ratings, debt and preferred stock]
<PAGE>
REALIZABLE SYNERGIES. . .
================================================================================
[CHART]
(Dollars in Millions)
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
DISTRIBUTION
Revenue $1.5 $7.7 $11.5 $15.8 $18.1
Cost 15.3 19.1 22.6 27.8 29.5
TRANSMISSION
Cost 8.7 13.9 15.3 17.3 17.8
CORPORATE 72.1 100.6 106.5 112.7 119.6
TOTAL SYNERGIES $97.6 $141.3 $155.9 $173.6 $185.0
-------------------------------------
Expect to realize incremental savings
-------------------------------------
<PAGE>
6-9% OF COMBINED NON-FUEL O&M. . .
================================================================================
[ Graph - Bar Chart depicting pretax cost synergies and
revenue enhancements from 2001 to 2004]
2001 2002 2003 2004
---- ---- ---- ----
Cost savings % of Pro Forma 5.8% 8.1% 8.6% 9.4%
Combined Non-Fuel O&M
Cost savings % of Columbia 9.6% 13.2% 14.2% 15.6%
Non-Fuel O&M
<PAGE>
MINIMIZING RISK. . .
================================================================================
o Stock Election
-- Focused on retail shareholders (20% of Columbia shareholder
base)
-- Provides tax free exchange
-- Significant dividend accretion
-- Institutional interest exceeds initial expectations
o Minimal Regulatory Risk
-- Columbia management incentivized to proactively spearhead
the transition process
-- Dominion/CNG completed in 8-1/2 months
-- Low rates, strong regulatory settlements, existing customer
choice and open access programs minimize state regulatory
pressures
o Pro Forma Credit Profile - similar to Dominion/CNG
-- Intend to proactively manage interest rate exposure
-- Lower business risk profile
-- Approximately 90% of EBIT from regulated businesses
<PAGE>
[NISOURCE LOGO]
[COLUMBIA ENERGY GROUP LOGO]
Oliver G. Richard III
Chairman, President and CEO
Columbia Energy Group
<PAGE>
Today's Focus
================================================================================
o Approvals required to close
o Running the company in the interim
<PAGE>
APPROVAL TIMETABLE - Tracks NI/Bay State and D/CNG timetable
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==============================================================================================================================
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year 2000 March April May June July Aug. Sept. 4th Qtr.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Shareholder Proxy Special
Approval Filed Mtg
4/21 NI 6/1
CG 6/2
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
State Filings PA Filed VA Filed KY Filing All
Proceedings 3/30 4/3 Approve
ME Filed
4/10
NH Filed
4/12
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FERC Filed 4/10 Approve
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hart-Scott Filing Approve
Rodino
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEC 1935 Act Approve
Filed 4/14
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Approval Progress - On track for year-end close
==============================================================================================================================
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year 2000 March April May June July Aug. Sept. 4th Qtr.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Shareholder Proxy Special
Approval Filed Mtg
4/21 NI 6/1
CG 6/2
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
State Filings PA Filed VA Filed KY Filing All
Proceedings 3/30 4/3 Approve
ME Filed
4/10
NH Filed
4/12
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FERC Filed 4/10 Approve
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hart-Scott Filing Approve
Rodino
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEC 1935 Act Approve
Filed 4/14
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Maintaining Our Focus -
First Quarter 2000 Results
================================================================================
Period-to-period Improvement from
Recurring Continuing Operations
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Income $31.4 million UP 12.5%
Net Income $9.9 million UP 7.08%
Earnings Per Share $0.16 UP 9.60%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Includes impact of weather that was 8% warmer than prior year
Excludes one-time gain from 1999 producer settlement
<PAGE>
Columbia's Management Delivers Superior Value
================================================================================
[CHART SHOWING MOVEMENTS OF (A) COLUMBIA'S COMMON STOCK MARKET
PRICES, (B) S&P 500 INDEX, AND (C) S&P NATURAL GAS INDEX OVER
THE PERIOD FROM MARCH 1995 TO MARCH 2000]
<PAGE>
A Commitment To Continuing Value
================================================================================
[Graph depicting year-end closing price for 1995-2000]
5-yr. price appreciation = 148%
Year-end
closing price
12/95............. 29.25
12/96............. 42.42
12/97............. 52.38
12/98............. 57.75
12/99............. 63.25
12/00............. 72.60
<PAGE>
[NISOURCE LOGO]
[COLUMBIA ENERGY GROUP LOGO]
Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation
Columbia Gulf Transmission Company
<PAGE>
Operating Income
Track Record Strong
================================================================================
One-time
Normalized items Total
---------- ----- -----
($ Millions)
1996..................... $243
1997..................... $281
1998..................... $307 $19 $326
1999..................... $314 $36 $350
<PAGE>
Cost Reduction Targets Achievable
================================================================================
o Voluntary Incentive Retirement Program
-- Almost 500 out of 2,300 (TCO) elected
o 42% reduction in management staff
o $30 million of cost savings by 2001
o Additional $3-10 million of savings from new work practices
<PAGE>
ROIC Moves to Top Quartile
================================================================================
Normalized
1996............... 13.9%
1997............... 17.4%
1998............... 17.2%
1999............... 17.5%
<PAGE>
Platform for Growth
================================================================================
[MARKET EXPANSION LOGO]
[VOLUNTEER PIPELINE LOGO]
[MILLENNIUM PIPELINE LOGO]
[COLUMBIA GULF MAINLINE '99 LOGO]
[SUNSTAR PIPELINE LOGO]
<PAGE>
MILLENNIUM PIPELINE LOGO
================================================================================
o Project sponsors:
Columbia (47.5%)
TCPL (21%)
Westcoast (21%) and
MCN (10.5%)
[MAP OF MILLENNIUM PIPELINE]
o 700 Mmcf/d, low-cost
expandability
o 422 miles from Lake Erie
o $650 million investment
<PAGE>
Millennium Advantages
================================================================================
o Problematic Independence certificate
o Vector moves Millennium pricing point to Dawn creating pricing
advantage
o Only 7 percent of Millennium right-of-way is green field
o 300 Mmcf/d interconnect with 1200 MW Bowline facility
<PAGE>
Realistic Combined Cycle Power
Generation Growth of 1.2 Bcf/d
================================================================================
[MAP SHOWING MILLENNIUM PIPELINE, TIOGA STORAGE, BOWLINE,
COLUMBIA STORAGE FIELDS, AND NUMBER, CAPACITY AND VOLUME OF
DEVELOPERS]
<PAGE>
Power Market Growth for
Columbia Gulf, Volunteer
================================================================================
[MAP SHOWING EGAN STORAGE, COLUMBIA GULF, PROPOSED VOLUNTEER
PIPELINE ROUTE AND MIDWESTERN GAS]
<PAGE>
Supply Driven Growth in Gulf
================================================================================
SunStar
o Deepwater/Liquids
play
[MAP SHOWING TARGET SUPPLY AREA IN
GULF OF MEXICO AND COLUMBIA GULF o Partnership with
PIPELINE] major producer
o Phased project --
up to 600 Mdth/d
o Timeframe: late
2001/early 2002
<PAGE>
Growth in OH Valley/Storage Play
Creates Synergies with NiSource
================================================================================
[MAP SHOWING NISOURCE GAS DISTRIBUTION SERVICE TERRITORY,
PEAKING PLANTS, CROSSROADS, COLUMBIA GAS TRANSMISSION,
COLUMBIA STORAGE FIELDS AND TIOGA STORAGE]
<PAGE>
Transmission Segment Outlook
================================================================================
o Strategically located assets
o Aggressive cost efficiencies
o Strong demand for products/services
o Creating new business opportunities in growth markets
<PAGE>
Platform for NEW Growth
================================================================================
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
COLUMBIA TRANSCOM
<PAGE>
Leveraging Existing Asset Base Into
Knowledge-Based Business With High Returns
================================================================================
o Columbia's pipeline footprint connects key population and business centers
--Access to 23 million people
--29% of nation's telecom traffic
o Customer interest high
o 1,830-mile Mid-Atlantic network
[MAP SHOWING COLUMBIA'S PIPELINE NETWORK]
<PAGE>
Status of DC to NYC Build
================================================================================
o 70+% of fibers under contract
o Only 1 of 4 conduits used
o In-service scheduled for June 30, 2000
o Unregulated operating income of $8 million by 2001
o Up-front payments from customers return capital by 6/2001
<PAGE>
Transcom Summary
================================================================================
o Leveraging strategically located ROW
o Business fits NiSource strategy to leverage existing asset base into
knowledge-based businesses with high returns
o Unregulated earnings platform
o Capex returned quickly
o Significant growth potential
<PAGE>
[NISOURCE LOGO]
[COLUMBIA ENERGY GROUP LOGO]
Columbia Energy Group
Gas Distribution Companies
<PAGE>
Columbia Distribution
================================================================================
o 32,000 miles of pipeline
o 2.1 million customers
o 525 Bcf of deliveries
[MAP SHOWING COLUMBIA DISTRIBUTION COVERAGE]
<PAGE>
Summary Results
================================================================================
Mid 90s 1999 2000E
------- ---- -----
O&M Expense $ 445 $ 410 $ 370*
Capital Expendituress $ 152 $ 145 $ 136
Employees 5,000 3,900 3,200
Gas supply revenue $ 0 $ 71 $ 71
Cash Flow $ (25) $ 60 $ 75
ROIC 12.5% 17.5% 17.5%
Note: Dollar amounts in millions. *Excludes one-time charges
<PAGE>
Distribution Objectives
================================================================================
Financial Operational
--------- -----------
o 6 - 8 % Operating Income growth o CHOICE/revenue growth
o Top Quartile returns o 95% customer satisfaction
o Significant cash flow generation o Positive external relationships
<PAGE>
Operating Income
================================================================================
[GRAPH SHOWING OPERATING INCOME IN 1997, 1998 AND 1999, AND
PROJECTED ANNUAL GROWTH IN 2000 AND 2001]
<PAGE>
Gas Management Revenues
================================================================================
[GRAPH SHOWING GAS MANAGEMENT REVENUES IN 1995, 1996, 1997,
1998, 1999 AND PROJECTED GROWTH IN 2000-2004]
<PAGE>
Key Initiatives
================================================================================
o Centralization of support activities
o Leveraged procurement
o Commitment to Excellence:
-- Strategic use of technology
-- Virtual workforce structure
-- Consolidation of field operations
<PAGE>
Impact of Initiatives
================================================================================
December 1999 December 2000
------------- -------------
Employee Count.................... 3,900 3,200
O&M Expense....................... $ 410M $ 370M
<PAGE>
Raising the Bar...
================================================================================
[GRAPH SHOWING CAPITAL PER CUSTOMER IN 1999, 2000, 2001 AND 2002]
<PAGE>
Raising the Bar...
================================================================================
[GRAPH SHOWING O&M PER CUSTOMER IN 1999, 2000, 2001 AND 2002]
<PAGE>
Raising the Bar...
================================================================================
[GRAPH SHOWING ROIC IN 1999, 2000, 2001 AND 2002]
<PAGE>
OPTIONALITY - NISOURCE
================================================================================
o OPTIONALITY DEFINED
-- Value Derived From Ownership/Control of an Asset by Having the
Right to Employ That Asset in Advantageous Market Environments.
o WHAT IS THE VALUE TO NISOURCE?
-- Asset Ownership/Control
* Legacy Obligations
-- Market Approach
* Enterprise Opportunities
<PAGE>
OPTIONALITY - NISOURCE
================================================================================
o ASSESS
-- Capability of Asset
-- Type of Asset
-- Adaptability
o VALUE
-- Market/Demand
-- Cost Basis
-- Timing
o DECISIONS
-- Trade, Market, Buy, Sell, Hold
<PAGE>
OPTIONALITY - NISOURCE
Locational Edges
================================================================================
o Move Natural Gas From Chicago Market to the East
o 700 Bcf of Midwest Market Storage
o Monetize the Volatility of Regional Electric Markets
<PAGE>
OPTIONALITY - NISOURCE
Locational Edges
================================================================================
[GRAPH - Depicting northeastern quarter of the United States
including different markets served]
<PAGE>
OPTIONALITY - NISOURCE
================================================================================
[GRAPH depicting different options uses
available to market area storage]
<PAGE>
OPTIONALITY
================================================================================
[BAR GRAPH of Primary Energy Inc. MW generation
and income after taxes for years 1996 to 2003]
<PAGE>
NATURAL GAS - FUELING THE FUTURE
================================================================================
[PHOTOGRAPH - of Natural Gas Microturbine on roof of Walgreens store]
Natural Gas Microturbine Combined
Heat and Power
[PHOTOGRAPH - of man in laboratory working
with a fuel cell]
Fuel Cell
<PAGE>
CREATING VALUE. . .
================================================================================
. . . With Lower Risks and Higher Returns
o Regulated Businesses
-- Positive regulatory relationships
-- Aggressive cost efficiencies
-- Pursue incentive opportunities
o Related Diversification
-- Leverage existing asset base into knowledge based businesses with
high returns
-- Integrating existing businesses into growth markets
o Creating New Business Opportunities in Growth Markets
-- Asset Optionality
-- Distributed Generation
o Maintain strong financial profile: Solid investment grade ratings
<PAGE>
THE PREMIER COMPETITOR. . .
================================================================================
[Graph - Map depicting certain operations of various
NiSource and Columbia entities in the Energy Corridor]
<PAGE>
[NISOURCE LOGO]
[COLUMBIA ENERGY LOGO]
CREATING VALUE IN THE ENERGY CORRIDOR
April 26, 2000
These materials contain forward-looking statements as defined in
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including
statements about future business operations and financial performance.
These statements involve risks and uncertainties inherent in business
forecasts, and actual results could differ materially from those
indicated in these statements. A number of these risks and
uncertainties are discussed in NiSource/Columbia Form 10-Q Quarterly
Report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
<PAGE>
These materials contain forward-looking statements as defined in
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including
statements about future business operations and financial performance.
These statements involve risks and uncertainties inherent in business
forecasts, and actual results could differ materially from those
indicated in these statements. A number of these risks and
uncertainties are discussed in NiSource's and Columbia
Energy Group's respective Form 10-Q Quarterly Reports filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.
<PAGE>
SEC INFORMATION
NiSource and the new holding company formed in connection with the
Columbia merger have filed a registration statement, which contains a joint
proxy statement/prospectus of NiSource and Columbia and other documents, with
the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors and security holders are urged
to read the joint proxy statement/prospectus and any other relevant documents
filed with the SEC because they contain important information. Investors and
security holders may receive the joint proxy statement/prospectus and other
documents free of charge at the SEC's web site, www.sec.gov, from NiSource at
its web site, www.nisource.com, or from Columbia at its web site,
www.columbiaenergygroup.com.
Information concerning the identity of the participants in the
solicitation of proxies by the NiSource Inc. and Columbia Energy Group boards of
directors and their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or
otherwise, may be obtained from the Secretary of NiSource Inc., or the Secretary
of Columbia Energy Group, as the case may be, at the web addresses listed above.
