PEOPLES ENERGY CORP
10-Q, 2000-05-12
NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION
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FORM 10-Q

     

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

(Mark One)

 
     

[ X ]

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

     

For the Quarterly Period Ended MARCH 31, 2000

     

OR

     

[ ]

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Exact Name of Registrant as

 
 

Specified in Charter, State of

 
 

Incorporation, Address of

 

Commission

Principal Executive

IRS Employer

File Number

Office and Telephone Number

Identification Number

1-5540

PEOPLES ENERGY CORPORATION

36-2642766

 

(an Illinois Corporation)

 
 

130 East Randolph Drive, 24th Floor

 
 

Chicago, Illinois 60601-6207

 
 

Telephone (312) 240-4000

 
     

2-26983

THE PEOPLES GAS LIGHT AND COKE COMPANY

36-1613900

 

(an Illinois Corporation)

 
 

130 East Randolph Drive, 24th Floor

 
 

Chicago, Illinois 60601-6207

 
 

Telephone (312) 240-4000

 
     

2-35965

NORTH SHORE GAS COMPANY

36-1558720

 

(an Illinois Corporation)

 
 

130 East Randolph Drive, 24th Floor

 
 

Chicago, Illinois 60601-6207

 
 

Telephone (312) 240-4000

 
     

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants (1) have filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [x] No [ ]

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date (April 30, 2000):

   

Peoples Energy Corporation

Common Stock, No par value, 35,291,750 shares outstanding

   

The Peoples Gas Light and Coke Company

Common Stock, No par value, 24,817,566 shares outstanding (all of which are owned beneficially and of record by Peoples Energy Corporation)

   

North Shore Gas Company

Common Stock, No par value, 3,625,887 shares outstanding (all of which are owned beneficially and of record by Peoples Energy Corporation)

   

This combined Form 10-Q is separately filed by Peoples Energy Corporation, The Peoples Gas Light and Coke Company, and North Shore Gas Company. Information contained herein relating to any individual company is filed by such company on its own behalf. Each company makes no representation as to information relating to the other companies.

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.                        
Peoples Energy Corporation
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
                         
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended   12 Months Ended
    March 31,   March 31,   March 31,
    2000   1999   2000   1999   2000   1999
    (Thousands, except per-share amounts)
                         
Operating Revenues   $ 525,248   $ 494,077   $ 937,146   $ 804,319   $ 1,327,209   $ 1,129,508
                         
Operating Expenses:                        
Cost of energy sold   278,580   253,856   506,620   395,021   684,888   514,149
Operation and maintenance   69,137   63,222   135,930   129,414   257,553   251,291
Depreciation, depletion and amortization   23,695   20,571   46,580   41,155   88,956   80,809
Taxes, other than income taxes   51,644   52,211   92,088   87,147   135,452   126,469
Total Operating Expenses   423,056   389,860   781,218   652,737   1,166,849   972,718
                         
Operating Income   102,192   104,217   155,928   151,582   160,360   156,790
                         
                         
Equity Investment Income   1,972   72   6,050   148   14,776   381
                         
Total Operating Income                        
and Equity Investment Income   104,164   104,289   161,978   151,730   175,136   157,171
                         
Other Income and (Deductions)   968   13,661   1,543   14,275   7,108   17,086
                         
Interest Expense   13,744   9,997   25,078   20,134   44,455   38,784
                         
Earnings Before Income Taxes   91,388   107,953   138,443   145,871   137,789   135,473
                         
Income Taxes   33,960   41,871   51,444   56,418   47,607   49,257
                         
Net Income   $ 57,428   $ 66,082   $ 86,999   $ 89,453   $ 90,182   $ 86,216
                         
Average Shares of                        
Common Stock Outstanding   35,510   35,481   35,512   35,467   35,500   35,402
                         
Basic Earnings Per Share                        
Common Stock   $ 1.62   $ 1.86   $ 2.45   $ 2.52   $ 2.54   $ 2.44
                         
Diluted Earnings Per Share                        
of Common Stock   $ 1.62   $ 1.86   $ 2.45   $ 2.52   $ 2.54   $ 2.43
                         
Dividends Declared Per Share   $ 0.50   $ 0.49   $ 0.99   $ 0.97   $ 1.98   $ 1.93
                         
The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.    

 

Peoples Energy Corporation
               
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
               
      March 31,       March 31,
      2000   September 30,   1999
      (Unaudited)   1999   (Unaudited)
      (Thousands of Dollars)
PROPERTIES AND OTHER ASSETS              
               
CAPITAL INVESTMENTS:              
Property, plant and equipment, at original cost     $ 2,425,443   $ 2,330,919   $ 2,272,817
Less - Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization     848,515   811,083   796,232
Net property, plant and equipment     1,576,928   1,519,836   1,476,585
Other investments     156,202   130,629   92,006
Total Capital Investments - Net     1,733,130   1,650,465   1,568,591
               
CURRENT ASSETS:              
Cash and cash equivalents     27,208   11,609   57,829
Trust fund     178,663   -   788
Special deposits     25,200   98   1,349
Temporary cash investments     901   8,756   1,013
Receivables -              
Customers, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts              
of $28,475, $22,546, and $23,734, respectively     181,251   71,154   137,584
Other     56,416   29,033   19,574
Accrued unbilled revenues     73,566   34,326   80,493
Materials and supplies     15,362   16,282   17,629
Gas in storage     30,146   81,510   22,936
Gas costs recoverable through rate adjustments     879   11,167   1,792
Regulatory assets of subsidiaries     3,740   5,683   5,999
Prepayments     109,981   95,903   83,095
Total Current Assets     703,313   365,521   430,081
               
OTHER ASSETS:              
Non-current regulatory assets of subsidiaries     60,668   59,927   58,316
Deferred charges     33,954   24,223   22,298
Total Other Assets     94,622   84,150   80,614
               
Total Properties and Other Assets     $ 2,531,065   $ 2,100,136   $ 2,079,286
               
The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.    

 

Peoples Energy Corporation
               
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
               
      March 31,       March 31,
      2000   September 30,   1999
      (Unaudited)   1999   (Unaudited)
      (Thousands of Dollars)
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES              
               
CAPITALIZATION:              
Common Stockholders' Equity:              
Common stock, without par value -              
Authorized 60,000,000 shares              
Outstanding 35,423,150, 35,489,242, and              
35,481,303 shares, respectively     $ 297,717   $ 296,712   $ 296,653
Retained earnings     524,300   472,483   504,078
Treasury Stock     (3,246)   -   -
Accumulated other comprehensive income     (465)   (465)   (1,389)
Total Common Stockholders' Equity     818,306   768,730   799,342
               
Long-term debt of subsidiaries, exclusive of sinking              
fund payments and maturities due within one year (See Note 5)     319,734   521,734   521,734
Total Capitalization     1,138,040   1,290,464   1,321,076
               
CURRENT LIABILITIES:              
Short-term debt and current maturities              
due within one year (See Note 5)     630,665   129,000   59,855
Accounts payable     167,981   161,423   141,419
Dividends payable on common stock     17,800   17,389   17,386
Customer gas service and credit deposits     25,490   46,628   37,959
Accrued taxes     72,100   37,573   76,065
Gas sales revenue refundable through rate adjustments     8,781   692   4,547
Temporary LIFO Liquidation Credit     38,625   -   25,784
Accrued interest     10,322   10,210   10,453
Total Current Liabilities     971,764   402,915   373,468
               
DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES:              
Deferred income taxes     303,930   299,524   280,337
Investment tax credits being amortized over              
the average lives of related property     30,346   30,850   31,657
Other     86,985   76,383   72,748
Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities     421,261   406,757   384,742
               
Total Capitalization and Liabilities     $ 2,531,065   $ 2,100,136   $ 2,079,286
               
The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.    

 

Peoples Energy Corporation
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
             
        Six Months Ended
        March 31,
        2000   1999
        (Thousands of Dollars)
Operating Activities:            
Net Income       $ 86,999   $ 89,453
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash:            
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization            
Per statement of income       46,580   41,155
Charged to other accounts       2,562   2,442
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits - net       9,814   7,105
Change in deferred credits and other liabilities       4,690   (13,464)
Change in other assets       (13,149)   16,766
Distribution greater than (less than) income from            
equity affiliates       (5,699)   (115)
Change in current assets and liabilities:            
Receivables - net       (137,480)   (75,405)
Accrued unbilled revenues       (39,240)   (57,016)
Materials and supplies       920   617
Gas in storage       51,363   67,854
Gas costs recoverable       10,288   2,670
Regulatory assets       1,944   1,859
Prepayments       (14,078)   (11,980)
Accounts payable       6,559   18,037
Customer gas service and credit deposits       (21,138)   (10,983)
Accrued taxes       34,527   51,080
Gas sales revenue refundable       8,089   (6,481)
Accrued interest       111   (368)
Temporary LIFO Liquidation       38,625   25,784
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities       72,287   149,010
             
Investing Activities:            
Capital spending       (122,505)   (118,602)
Special deposit       (25,102)   94
Other temporary cash investments       7,855   3,380
Other assets       (926)   (510)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities       (140,678)   (115,638)
             
Financing Activities:            
Net borrowings (repayments) of short-term debt       299,665   50,955
Issuance of long-term debt of subsidiaries       -   30,035
Trust fund       (178,663)   (788)
Retirement of long-term debt of subsidiaries       -   (35,305)
Dividends paid on common stock       (34,771)   (34,024)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock       1,005   2,962
Treasury stock purchases       (3,246)   -
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities       83,990   13,835
             
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents       15,599   47,207
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period       11,609   10,622
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period       $ 27,208   $ 57,829
             
The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.    

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.                        
The Peoples Gas Light and Coke Company
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
                         
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended   12 Months Ended
    March 31,   March 31,   March 31,
    2000   1999   2000   1999   2000   1999
    (Thousands, except per-share amounts)
                         
Operating Revenues   $ 369,383   $ 362,260   $ 655,911   $ 597,550   $ 909,876   $ 849,702
                         
Operating Expenses:                        
Gas costs   173,306   158,143   306,441   249,459   380,182   325,682
Operation and maintenance   49,125   53,125   99,854   108,592   197,164   209,674
Depreciation and amortization   18,130   17,056   36,501   34,207   71,738   68,458
Taxes, other than income taxes   45,952   46,898   82,119   78,242   120,780   113,324
Total Operating Expenses   286,513   275,222   524,915   470,500   769,864   717,138
                         
Operating Income   82,870   87,038   130,996   127,050   140,012   132,564
                         
Other Income and (Deductions)   560   13,517   1,263   13,964   6,184   15,568
                         
Interest Expense   9,263   8,273   17,795   16,979   33,435   33,067
                         
Earnings Before Income Taxes   74,167   92,282   114,464   124,035   112,761   115,065
                         
Income Taxes   28,532   35,747   43,583   47,907   39,791   41,383
                         
Net Income Applicable                        
to Common Stock   $ 45,635   $ 56,535   $ 70,881   $ 76,128   $ 72,970   $ 73,682
                         
                         
The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.      

 

The Peoples Gas Light and Coke Company
               
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
               
      March 31,       March 31,
      2000   September 30,   1999
      (Unaudited)   1999   (Unaudited)
      (Thousands of Dollars)
PROPERTIES AND OTHER ASSETS              
               
CAPITAL INVESTMENTS:              
Property, plant and equipment, at original cost     $ 2,007,258   $ 1,968,749   $ 1,938,815
Less - Accumulated depreciation and amortization     717,847   689,670   680,745
Net property, plant and equipment     1,289,411   1,279,079   1,258,070
Other investments     10,339   9,414   8,820
Total Capital Investments - Net     1,299,750   1,288,493   1,266,890
               
CURRENT ASSETS:              
Cash and cash equivalents     3,185   3,716   31,509
Trust fund     178,663   -   -
Temporary cash investments     500   500   500
Receivables -              
Customers, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts              
of $26,517, $21,167, and $22,733, respectively     144,376   49,464   105,627
Other     20,516   23,381   18,615
Accrued unbilled revenues     47,519   22,303   55,408
Materials and supplies, at average cost     10,117   10,843   11,987
Gas in storage, at last-in, first-out cost     22,587   64,640   14,787
Gas costs recoverable through rate adjustments     577   8,781   1,790
Regulatory assets     3,338   5,106   5,434
Prepayments     109,278   95,448   82,270
Total Current Assets     540,656   284,182   327,927
               
OTHER ASSETS:              
Non-current regulatory assets     39,886   38,970   39,172
Deferred charges     27,392   19,408   16,772
Total Other Assets     67,278   58,378   55,944
               
Total Properties and Other Assets     $ 1,907,684   $ 1,631,053   $ 1,650,761
               
The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.      

 

The Peoples Gas Light and Coke Company
               
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
               
      March 31,       March 31,
      2000   September 30,   1999
      (Unaudited)   1999   (Unaudited)
      (Thousands of Dollars)
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES              
               
CAPITALIZATION:              
Common Stockholder's Equity:              
Common stock, without par value -              
Authorized 40,000,000 shares              
Outstanding 24,817,566 shares     $ 165,307   $ 165,307   $ 165,307
Retained earnings     469,918   431,300   464,452
Accumulated other comprehensive income     1,792   1,793   (1,389)
Total Common Stockholder's Equity     637,017   598,400   628,370
               
Long-term debt, exclusive of sinking fund              
payments and maturities due within one year (See Note 5)     250,000   452,000   452,000
Total Capitalization     887,017   1,050,400   1,080,370
               
CURRENT LIABILITIES:              
Short-term debt and current maturities              
due within one year (See Note 5)     410,975   15,990   700
Accounts payable     114,364   110,008   90,095
Dividends payable on common stock     -   19,854   14,394
Customer gas service and credit deposits     21,548   41,310   34,082
Accrued taxes     64,844   33,613   70,984
Gas sales revenue refundable through rate adjustments     6,984   692   1,621
Temporary LIFO Liquidation Credit     29,708   -   20,442
Accrued interest     8,471   8,473   8,311
Total Current Liabilities     656,894   229,940   240,629
               
DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES:              
               
Deferred income taxes     290,657   279,289   259,271
Investment tax credits being amortized over              
the average lives of related property     27,109   27,571   28,294
Other     46,007   43,853   42,197
Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities     363,773   350,713   329,762
               
Total Capitalization and Liabilities     $ 1,907,684   $ 1,631,053   $ 1,650,761
               
The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.      

 

The Peoples Gas Light and Coke Company
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
               
          Six Months Ended
          March 31,
          2000   1999
          (Thousands of Dollars)
Operating Activities:              
Net Income         $ 70,881   $ 76,128
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash:              
Depreciation and amortization              
Per statement of income         36,501   34,207
Charged to other accounts         2,136   2,013
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits - net         9,554   9,571
Change in deferred credits and other liabilities         3,505   (13,415)
Change in other assets         (11,707)   12,852
Change in current assets and liabilities:              
Receivables - net         (92,047)   (39,911)
Accrued unbilled revenues         (25,216)   (38,045)
Materials and supplies         726   345
Gas in storage         42,053   60,980
Gas costs recoverable         8,204   2,057
Regulatory assets         1,768   1,217
Prepayments         (13,830)   (11,864)
Accounts payable         4,356   (10,427)
Customer gas service and credit deposits         (19,762)   (9,155)
Accrued taxes         31,231   45,276
Gas sales revenue refundable         6,292   (8,243)
Temporary LIFO liquidation         29,708   20,442
Accrued interest         (2)   (477)
               
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities         84,351   133,551
               
Investing Activities:              
Capital spending         (46,162)   (57,720)
Other assets         (926)   925
               
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities         (47,088)   (56,795)
               
Financing Activities:              
Net borrowings (repayments) of short-term debt         192,985   (8,200)
Trust fund         (178,662)   -
Dividends paid on common stock         (52,117)   (29,781)
Retirement of long-term debt         -   (10,400)
               
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities         (37,794)   (48,381)
               
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents         (531)   28,375
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period         3,716   3,134
               
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period         $ 3,185   $ 31,509
               
The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.    

 

Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements                          
                           
North Shore Gas Company
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
                           
                           
      Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended   12 Months Ended
      March 31,   March 31,   March 31,
      2000   1999   2000   1999   2000   1999
      (Thousands, except per-share amounts)
                           
Operating Revenues     $ 61,224   $ 60,565   $ 108,485   $ 97,813   $ 146,393   $ 136,205
                           
Operating Expenses:                          
Gas costs     34,431   31,948   60,692   49,779   74,609   64,530
Operation and maintenance     7,124   6,532   13,789   13,113   27,251   25,629
Depreciation     2,230   2,100   4,399   4,199   8,660   8,234
Taxes - other than income taxes     5,044   5,127   8,913   8,471   13,029   12,416
Total Operating Expenses     48,829   45,707   87,793   75,562   123,549   110,809
                           
Operating Income     12,395   14,858   20,692   22,251   22,844   25,396
                           
Other Income and (Deductions)     48   199   89   269   583   607
                           
Interest Expense     1,304   1,388   2,608   2,711   5,174   5,132
                           
Earnings Before Income Taxes     11,139   13,669   18,173   19,809   18,253   20,871
                           
Income Taxes     4,352   5,347   7,075   7,705   6,767   8,029
                           
Net Income Applicable                          
to Common Stock     $ 6,787   $ 8,322   $ 11,098   $ 12,104   $ 11,486   $ 12,842
                           
The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.        

 

North Shore Gas Company
               
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
               
               
      March 31,       March 31,
      2000   September 30,   1999
      (Unaudited)   1999   (Unaudited)
      (Thousands of Dollars)
PROPERTIES AND OTHER ASSETS              
               
CAPITAL INVESTMENTS:              
Property, plant and equipment, at original cost     $ 322,087   $ 317,368   $ 310,486
Less - Accumulated depreciation     119,193   115,143   111,639
Net property, plant and equipment     202,894   202,225   198,847
Other investments     22   22   22
Total Capital Investments - Net     202,916   202,247   198,869
               
CURRENT ASSETS:              
Cash and cash equivalents     11,131   343   12,953
Trust fund     -   -   788
Temporary cash investments     -   7,855   -
Receivables -              
Customers, net of allowance for uncollectible              
accounts of $1,093, $790, and $790, respectively     16,740   3,602   12,031
Other     1,342   5,030   1,800
Accrued unbilled revenues     7,880   3,744   9,053
Materials and supplies, at average cost     2,154   2,348   2,551
Gas in storage, at last-in, first-out cost     2,928   8,792   2,983
Gas costs recoverable through rate adjustments     302   2,386   2
Regulatory assets     402   577   565
Prepayments     369   271   450
Total Current Assets     43,248   34,948   43,176
               
OTHER ASSETS:              
Non-current regulatory assets     20,901   20,956   19,144
Deferred charges     3,897   4,057   3,179
Total Other Assets     24,798   25,013   22,323
               
Total Properties and Other Assets     $ 270,962   $ 262,208   $ 264,368
               
The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.      

 

North Shore Gas Company
               
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
               
      March 31,       March
      2000   September 30,   1999
      (Unaudited)   1999   (Unaudited)
      (Thousands of Dollars)
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES              
               
CAPITALIZATION:              
Common Stockholder's Equity:              
Common stock, without par value -              
Authorized 5,000,000 shares              
Outstanding 3,625,887 shares     $ 24,757   $ 24,757   $ 24,757
Retained earnings     77,584   72,142   76,468
Total Common Stockholder's Equity     102,341   96,899   101,225
               
Long-term debt, exclusive of sinking fund              
payments and maturities due within one year (See Note 5)     69,734   69,734   69,734
Total Capitalization     172,075   166,633   170,959
               
CURRENT LIABILITIES:              
Accounts payable     16,554   26,448   14,409
Dividends payable on common stock     -   2,139   2,502
Customer gas service and credit deposits     3,942   5,318   3,877
Accrued taxes     9,658   4,039   7,992
Gas sales revenue refundable through rate adjustments     1,797   -   2,926
Temporary LIFO liquidation     8,917   -   5,342
Accrued interest     1,749   1,737   2,143
Total Current Liabilities     42,617   39,681   39,191
               
DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES:              
               
Deferred income taxes     21,633   21,052   21,372
Investment tax credits being amortized over              
the average lives of related property     3,237   3,279   3,364
Other     31,400   31,563   29,482
Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities     56,270   55,894   54,218
               
Total Capitalization and Liabilities     $ 270,962   $ 262,208   $ 264,368
               
The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.        

 

North Shore Gas Company
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
               
          Six Months Ended
          March 31,
          2000   1999
          (Thousands of Dollars)
Operating Activities:              
Net Income         $ 11,098   $ 12,104
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash:              
Depreciation              
Per statement of income         4,399   4,199
Charged to other accounts         425   429
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits - net         361   (2,422)
Change in deferred credits and other liabilities         15   348
Change in other assets         215   5,302
Change in current assets and liabilities:              
Receivables - net         (9,450)   (9,192)
Accrued unbilled revenues         (4,136)   (6,424)
Materials and supplies         194   179
Gas in storage         5,864   6,934
Gas costs recoverable         2,084   612
Regulatory assets         175   643
Accounts payable         (9,894)   (8,543)
Customer gas service and credit deposits         (1,376)   (1,828)
Accrued taxes         5,619   6,686
Gas sales revenue refundable         1,797   1,763
Accrued interest         12   109
Temporary LIFO liquidation         8,917   5,342
Prepayments         (98)   (133)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities         16,221   16,108
               
Investing Activities:              
Capital spending         (5,493)   (6,579)
Other temporary cash investments         7,855   -
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities         2,362   (6,579)
               
Financing Activities:              
Issuance of long-term debt         -   30,035
Dividends paid on common stock         (7,795)   (5,584)
Retirement of long-term debt         -   (24,905)
Trust fund         -   (788)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities         (7,795)   (1,242)
               
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents         10,788   8,287
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period         343   4,666
               
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period         $ 11,131   $ 12,953
               
The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.    

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is a combined report of Peoples Energy Corporation (the Company), The Peoples Gas Light and Coke Company (Peoples Gas) and North Shore Gas Company (North Shore Gas). The accompanying consolidated financial statements and Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Peoples Gas, North Shore Gas, Peoples District Energy Corporation, Peoples Energy Services Corporation, Peoples Energy Resou

Certain footnote disclosures and other information, normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, have been condensed or omitted from these interim financial statements, pursuant to SEC rules and regulations. Therefore, the statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in the Company's, Peoples Gas' and North Shore Gas' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal ye 1999. Certain items previously reported for the prior periods have been reclassified to conform with the presentation in the current period.

The business of the Company's utility subsidiaries is influenced by seasonal weather conditions because a large element of the utilities' customer load consists of gas used for space heating. Weather-related deliveries can, therefore, have a significant positive or negative impact on net income. Accordingly, the results of operations for the interim periods presented are not indicative of the results to be expected for all or any part of the balance of the current fiscal year.

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

2A. Regulated Operations

Peoples Gas' and North Shore Gas' utility operations are subject to regulation by the Illinois Commerce Commission (Commission). Regulated operations are accounted for in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation." This standard controls the application of generally accepted accounting principles for companies whose rates are determined by an independent regulator such as the Commission. Regu

2B. Statement of Cash Flows

For purposes of the balance sheet and the statement of cash flows, the Company considers all short-term liquid investments with maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Income taxes and interest paid (excluding capitalized interest of $774,000 and $610,000 for each of the Company and Peoples Gas with respect to the three months ended March 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively) were as follows:

For the three months

 

The Company

Peoples Gas

North Shore Gas

ended March 31, (in thousands)

 

2000

 

1999

2000

 

1999

2000

 

1999

                     

Income taxes paid

 

$22,872

 

$21,753

$16,733

 

$16,454

$2,921

 

$4,858

                     

Interest paid

 

22,285

 

20,065

15,988

 

16,863

2,360

 

2,458

2C. Recovery of Gas Costs

Under the tariffs of Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas, all reasonably incurred gas costs are recoverable from customers. The difference for any month between costs recoverable through the Gas Charge and revenues billed to customers under the Gas Charge is refunded to or recovered from customers. Consistent with these tariff provisions, such difference for any month is recorded either as a current liability or as a current asset (with a contra entry to Gas Costs).

For each gas distribution utility, the Commission conducts annual proceedings regarding the reconciliation of revenues from the Gas Charge and related costs incurred for gas. In such proceedings, costs recovered by a utility through the Gas Charge are subject to challenge. Such proceedings, regarding Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas for fiscal year 1999, are currently pending before the Commission.

2D. Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Properties

For oil and gas activities, the Company follows the full-cost method of accounting as prescribed by the SEC. Under the full-cost method, all costs directly associated with acquisition, exploration and development activities are capitalized, with the principal limitation that such amounts not exceed the present value of estimated future net revenues to be derived from the production of proved oil and gas reserves (the full-cost ceiling). If net capitalized costs exceed the full-cost ceiling at

2E. Accounting Standards

In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." This statement establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative financial instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. It requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet and measure those instruments ng for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use of the derivative and resulting designation.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives will be recognized in the current period earnings, unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. If an entity qualifies for hedge accounting, the derivative's gains and losses will offset the related results of the hedged item in the current period's income statement. SFAS No. 133 requires that formal documentation be maintained and that the effectiveness of the hedge be assessed quarterly. The statement must be adopted no later than the Company's

In October 1999, the Company adopted the Statement of Position (SOP) 98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use." This statement provides guidance on accounting for the costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use. The application of this standard will not have a material effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.

2F. Hedging Activities

The Company has a formal risk management policy that establishes monitoring and control procedures for the execution, recording and reporting of derivative financial instruments. The intent of the policy is to utilize risk management trading solely to minimize risk, and not for any speculative purpose. The Company may use interest rate swaps, forward rate transactions, commodity futures contracts, options and swaps to hedge the impact of interest rate, price and volume fluctuations related to

The Company is accounting for all current derivative transactions through hedge accounting. Realized gains or losses from derivative instruments (through maturity or termination of the hedge) are deferred until the underlying hedged item is sold or matures. If the Company determines that any portion of the underlying hedged item will not be purchased or sold, the unmatched portion of the instrument is marked to market and any gain or loss is recognized on the Consolidated Statement of Income.

2G. Accounting for Gas Supply Contracts

Effective October 1, 1999, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas entered into gas purchase and agency agreements with Enron North America Corp. (Enron). Under the terms of the agreements, Enron agrees to sell and deliver gas to Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas covering baseload requirements plus incremental quantities as needed. In conjunction with these agreements Enron purchases from Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas specified quantities of the gas that Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas are obligated

3: BUSINESS SEGMENTS

The Company is presenting below information about its operating segments for the three-, six- and 12-month periods ending March 31, 2000 and 1999, according to SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information." The Company has six business segments: Gas Distribution, Power Generation, Midstream Services, Retail Energy Services, Oil and Gas Production, and Other. Operating income also includes the effect of corporate activities and consolidating adju

The Company has delineated its business segments based on regulation as a public utility and based further on type of products or services and activity related to those products or services (such as production versus marketing of natural gas). These segments are consistent with how the Company's Strategic Planning Committee develops overall strategy for the Company. The financial performance of each segment is evaluated based on its operating income and equity investment income before interest expense, other income and deductions, and income taxes. See Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. No single customer represents more than 5% of consolidated revenues. In addition, all of the reportable segments' revenues are derived from sources within the U.S. and all reportable segments' long-lived assets are located in the U.S.

The Gas Distribution segment is the Company's core business. Its two regulated utilities purchase, distribute, sell and transport natural gas to approximately 1 million retail customers through a 6,000-mile distribution system serving the City of Chicago and 54 communities in northeastern Illinois. The Company also owns a storage facility in central Illinois and a pipeline which connects the facility and five major pipeline suppliers to Chicago.

The Power Generation segment is engaged in the development, construction, operation, and ownership of gas-fired electric generation facilities for sales to electric utilities and marketers. The Company and Dominion Resources Inc. are equal investors in Elwood Energy, which owns and operates a 600-megawatt peaking facility near Chicago, Illinois.

The Midstream Services segment performs wholesale activities that provide value to gas distribution utilities, marketers and pipelines. The Company, through Peoples Gas, operates a natural gas hub. It also owns and operates a natural gas liquids peaking facility and is active in other asset-based wholesale activities.

The Retail Energy Services segment markets gas and electricity and provides energy management and other services to retail customers. Peoples Gas' home services activity is also part of this segment.

The Oil and Gas Production segment is active in the development and production of oil and gas reserves in selected basins in the United States. The Company targets on-shore prospects with proved producing oil and gas reserves and the potential for enhancement through drilling programs.

The Company is involved in other activities such as district heating and cooling and the development of fueling stations for natural gas vehicles. These and other activities do not fall under the above segments and are reported in the Other segment.

 

  The Company
        Retail     Corporate  
(Thousands) Gas Power Midstream Energy Oil and Gas   and  
Three Months Ended 03-31-00 Distribution Generation Services Services Production Other Adjustments Total
Operating Revenues $ 434,611 $ - $ 38,576 $ 46,578 $ 6,274 $ 11 $ (802) $ 525,248
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization 20,360 - 66 408 2,818 16 27 23,695
Operating Income (Loss) 98,890 (1,061) 5,845 (58) 1,494 (419) (2,499) 102,192
Equity Investment Income - 1,633 - - 217 122 - 1,972
Operating Income and Equity Investment Income 98,890 572 5,845 (58) 1,711 (297) (2,499) 104,164
Segment Assets 1,492,305 - 8,051 8,601 77,483 - 2,874 1,589,314
Investments in Equity Investees - 87,336 - - 26,125 4,242 - 117,703
Capital Spending $ 30,770 $ (171) $ - $ 255 $ 18,355 $ 68 $ 22 $ 49,299
                 
        Retail     Corporate  
  Gas Power Midstream Energy Oil and Gas   and  
Three Months Ended 03-31-99 Distribution Generation Services Services Production Other Adjustments Total
Operating Revenues $ 420,233 $ - $ 31,125 $ 42,210 $ 1,633 $ 6 $ (1,130) $ 494,077
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization 19,155 - 76 330 1,010 - - 20,571
Operating Income (Loss) 99,717 (142) 4,216 978 38 (82) (508) 104,217
Equity Investment Income - (46) - - 18 100 - 72
Operating Income and Equity Investment Income 99,717 (188) 4,216 978 56 18 (508) 104,289
Segment Assets 1,456,918 - 8,489 7,470 16,495 - 79 1,489,451
Investments in Equity Investees - 60,796 - - 3,073 6,005 - 69,874
Capital Spending $ 26,228 $ 33,336 $ - $ 2,799 $ 4,133 $ - $ - $ 66,496
                 
        Retail     Corporate  
  Gas Power Midstream Energy Oil and Gas   and  
Six Months Ended 03-31-00 Distribution Generation Services Services Production Other Adjustments Total
Operating Revenues $ 769,270 $ - $ 78,370 $ 81,298 $ 10,675 $ 19 $ (2,486) $ 937,146
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization 40,900 - 133 809 4,637 33 68 46,580
Operating Income (Loss) 156,306 (1,661) 8,081 (1,641) 2,394 (631) (6,920) 155,928
Equity Investment Income - 5,545 - - 295 210 - 6,050
Operating Income and Equity Investment Income 156,306 3,884 8,081 (1,641) 2,689 (421) (6,920) 161,978
Segment Assets 1,492,305 - 8,051 8,601 77,483 - 2,874 1,589,314
Investments in Equity Investees - 87,336 - - 26,125 4,242 - 117,703
Capital Spending $ 51,654 $ (171) $ - $ 1,233 $ 69,656 $ 68 $ 65 $ 122,505
                 
        Retail     Corporate  
  Gas Power Midstream Energy Oil and Gas   and  
Six Months Ended 03-31-99 Distribution Generation Services Services Production Other Adjustments Total
Operating Revenues $ 690,699 $ - $ 47,738 $ 64,791 $ 3,318 $ 11 $ (2,238) $ 804,319
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization 38,406 - 151 543 2,053 - 2 41,155
Operating Income (Loss) 145,333 (386) 7,533 682 (73) (208) (1,299) 151,582
Equity Investment Income - (46) - - 54 140 - 148
Operating Income and Equity Investment Income 145,333 (432) 7,533 682 (19) (68) (1,299) 151,730
Segment Assets 1,456,918 - 8,489 7,470 16,495 - 79 1,489,451
Investments in Equity Investees - 60,796 - - 3,073 6,005 - 69,874
Capital Spending $ 63,373 $ 45,334 $ 30 $ 3,056 $ 6,748 $ - $ 61 $ 118,602
                 
        Retail     Corporate  
  Gas Power Midstream Energy Oil and Gas   and  
12 Months Ended 03-31-00 Distribution Generation Services Services Production Other Adjustments Total
Operating Revenues $ 1,058,696 $ - $ 137,548 $ 117,765 $ 16,596 $ 34 $ (3,430) $ 1,327,209
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization 80,397 - 193 1,634 6,623 33 76 88,956
Operating Income (Loss) 165,824 (2,905) 9,540 (5,913) 4,618 (945) (9,859) 160,360
Equity Investment Income - 14,105 - - 299 372 - 14,776
Operating Income and Equity Investment Income 165,824 11,200 9,540 (5,913) 4,917 (573) (9,859) 175,136
Segment Assets 1,492,305 - 8,051 8,601 77,483 - 2,874 1,589,314
Investments in Equity Investees - 87,336 - - 26,125 4,242 - 117,703
Capital Spending $ 118,111 $ 27,681 $ 12 $ 2,766 $ 90,683 $ 648 $ (2,285) $ 237,616
                 
        Retail     Corporate  
  Gas Power Midstream Energy Oil and Gas   and  
12 Months Ended 03-31-99 Distribution Generation Services Services Production Other Adjustments Total
Operating Revenues $ 980,824 $ - $ 69,018 $ 77,483 $ 5,367 $ 12 $ (3,196) $ 1,129,508
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization 76,692 - 255 708 3,152 - 2 80,809
Operating Income (Loss) 153,575 (386) 9,947 (2,033) (354) (424) (3,535) 156,790
Equity Investment Income - (46) - - 54 373 - 381
Operating Income and Equity Investment Income 153,575 (432) 9,947 (2,033) (300) (51) (3,535) 157,171
Segment Assets 1,456,918 - 8,489 7,470 16,495 - 79 1,489,451
Investments in Equity Investees - 60,796 - - 3,073 6,005 - 69,874
Capital Spending $ 130,222 $ 60,841 $ 1,825 $ 6,297 $ 22,717 $ (32) $ 48 $ 221,918

 

The following table reconciles total segment assets and investments in equity investees to the Company's consolidated total assets at March 31, 2000 and 1999 as follows:

    March 31,
    2000   1999
    (Thousands)
         
Segment Assets   $ 1,589,314   $ 1,489,451
Investments in Equity Investees   119,453   69,874
Other Investments not included in        
above Categories   24,363   9,266
Total Capital Investments - Net   1,733,130   1,568,591
         
Current Assets   703,313   430,081
Other Assets   94,622   80,614
Total Assets   $ 2,531,065   $ 2,079,286

 

The following table reconciles total segment operating income and equity investment income to the Company's consolidated net income for the three-, six- and 12 months ended March 31, 2000 and 1999 as follows:

    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended   12 Months Ended
    March 31,   March 31,   March 31,
    2000   1999   2000   1999   2000   1999
    (Thousands)
                 
Operating income and equity investment income   $ 104,164   $ 104,289   $ 161,978   $ 151,730   $175,136   $ 157,171
Interest expense 13,744   9,997   25,078   20,134   44,455   38,784
Other income and (deductions) 968   13,661   1,543   14,275   7,108   17,086
Income taxes 33,960   41,871   51,444   56,418   47,607   49,257
Net Income $ 57,428   $ 66,082   $ 86,999   $ 89,453   $ 90,182   $ 86,216

 

          Peoples Gas     North Shore Gas
                      Retail            
(Thousands)         Gas     Midstream     Energy           Gas
Three Months Ended 03-31-00         Distribution     Services     Services     Total     Distribution
Operating Revenues         $ 365,977     $ 3,062     $ 344     $ 369,383     $ 61,224
Depreciation and Amortization         18,130     -     -     18,130     2,230
Operating Income (Loss)         79,906     3,027     (63)     82,870     12,395
Segment Assets         1,289,411     -     -     1,289,411     202,894
Capital Spending         $ 27,845     $ -     $ -     $ 27,845     $ 2,925
                                   
                      Retail            
          Gas     Midstream     Energy           Gas
Three Months Ended 03-31-99         Distribution     Services     Services     Total     Distribution
Operating Revenues         $ 359,668     $ 2,358     $ 234     $ 362,260     $ 60,565
Depreciation and Amortization         17,056     -     -     17,056     2,100
Operating Income (Loss)         84,859     2,358     (179)     87,038     14,858
Segment Assets         1,258,070     -     -     1,258,070     198,847
Capital Spending         $ 23,783     $ -     $ -     $ 23,783     $ 2,445
                                   
                      Retail            
          Gas     Midstream     Energy           Gas
Six Months Ended 03-31-00         Distribution     Services     Services     Total     Distribution
Operating Revenues         $ 650,405     $ 4,439     $ 1,067     $ 655,911     $ 108,485
Depreciation and Amortization         36,501     -     -     36,501     4,399
Operating Income (Loss)         126,626     4,404     (34)     130,996     20,692
Segment Assets         1,289,411     -     -     1,289,411     202,894
Capital Spending         $ 46,162     $ -     $ -     $ 46,162     $ 5,493
                                   
                      Retail            
          Gas     Midstream     Energy           Gas
Six Months Ended 03-31-99         Distribution     Services     Services     Total     Distribution
Operating Revenues         $ 592,886     $ 4,120     $ 544     $ 597,550     $ 97,813
Depreciation and Amortization         34,207     -     -     34,207     4,199
Operating Income (Loss)         123,083     4,120     (153)     127,050     22,251
Segment Assets         1,258,070     -     -     1,258,070     198,847
Capital Spending         $ 57,720     $ -     $ -     $ 57,720     $ 6,579
                                   
                      Retail            
          Gas     Midstream     Energy           Gas
12 Months Ended 03-31-00         Distribution     Services     Services     Total     Distribution
Operating Revenues         $ 901,923     $ 6,301     $ 1,652     $ 909,876     $ 146,393
Depreciation and Amortization         71,738     -     -     71,738     8,660
Operating Income (Loss)         133,992     6,266     (246)     140,012     22,844
Segment Assets         1,289,411     -     -     1,289,411     202,894
Capital Spending         $ 104,582     $ -     $ -     $ 104,582     $ 13,529
                                   
                      Retail            
          Gas     Midstream     Energy           Gas
12 Months Ended 03-31-99         Distribution     Services     Services     Total     Distribution
Operating Revenues         $ 844,619     $ 4,539     $ 544     $ 849,702     $ 136,205
Depreciation and Amortization         68,458     -     -     68,458     8,234
Operating Income (Loss)         128,178     4,539     (153)     132,564     25,396
Segment Assets         1,258,070     -     -     1,258,070     198,847
Capital Spending         $ 119,200     $ -     $ -     $ 119,200     $ 11,023

 

The following table reconciles total segment assets to Peoples Gas' consolidated total assets at March 31, 2000 and 1999 as follows:

    March 31,
    2000   1999
    (Thousands)
         
Segment Assets   $ 1,289,411   $ 1,258,070
Other Investments   10,339   8,820
Total Capital Investments - Net   1,299,750   1,266,890
         
Current Assets   540,656   327,927
Other Assets   67,278   55,944
Total Assets   $ 1,907,684   $ 1,650,761

 

The following table reconciles total segment operating income to Peoples Gas' consolidated net income for the three-, six- and 12 months ended March 31, 2000 and 1999 as follows:

    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended   12 Months Ended
    March 31,   March 31,   March 31,
    2000   1999   2000   1999   2000   1999
    (Thousands)
                         
Operating income   $ 82,870   $ 87,038   $130,996   $127,050   $140,012   $132,564
Interest expense 9,263   8,273   17,795   16,979   33,435   33,067
Other income and (deductions) 560   13,517   1,263   13,964   6,184   15,568
Income taxes 28,532   35,747   43,583   47,907   39,791   41,383
Net Income $ 45,635   $ 56,535   $ 70,881   $ 76,128   $ 72,970   $ 73,682

 

The following table reconciles total segment assets to North Shore Gas' consolidated total assets at March 31, 2000 and 1999 as follows:

    March 31,
    2000   1999
    (Thousands)
         
Segment Assets   $ 202,894   $ 198,847
Other Investments   22   22
Total Capital Investments - Net   202,916   198,869
         
Current Assets   43,248   43,176
Other Assets   24,798   22,323
Total Assets   $ 270,962   $ 264,368

 

The following table reconciles total segment operating income to North Shore Gas' consolidated net income for the three-, six- and 12 months ended March 31, 2000 and 1999 as follows:

    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended   12 Months Ended
    March 31,   March 31,   March 31,
    2000   1999   2000   1999   2000   1999
    (Thousands)
                         
Operating income   $ 12,395   $ 14,858   $ 20,692   $ 22,251   $ 22,844   $ 25,396
Interest expense 1,304   1,388   2,608   2,711   5,175   5,132
Other income and (deductions) 48   199   89   269   583   607
Income taxes 4,352   5,347   7,075   7,705   6,766   8,029
Net Income $ 6,787   $ 8,322   $ 11,098   $ 12,104   $ 11,486   $ 12,842

4. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

4A. Former Manufactured Gas Plant Operations

The Company's utility subsidiaries, their predecessors, and certain former affiliates operated facilities in the past at multiple sites for the purpose of manufacturing gas and storing manufactured gas (Manufactured Gas Sites). In connection with manufacturing and storing gas, various by-products and waste materials were produced, some of which might have been disposed of rather than sold. Under certain laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, the subsidiaries might

In 1990, North Shore Gas entered into an Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the IEPA to implement and conduct a remedial investigation/feasibility study (RI/FS) of a Manufactured Gas Site located in Waukegan, Illinois, where manufactured gas and coking operations were formerly conducted (Waukegan Site). The RI/FS was comprised of an investigation to determine the nature and extent of contamination at the Waukegan Site and a fe

Under the terms of the AOC, North Shore Gas is responsible for the cost of the RI/FS. North Shore Gas believes, however, that it will recover a significant portion of the costs of the RI/FS from other entities. GMC has shared equally with North Shore Gas in funding of the RI/FS cost, without prejudice to GMC's or North Shore Gas' right to seek a lesser cost responsibility at a later date.

On May 14, 1999, the EPA notified GMC, OMC, Elgin Joliet and Eastern Railway Company, and North Shore Gas that they were potentially liable with respect to the Waukegan Site and that the EPA intended to begin discussions regarding the design and implementation of the remedial action selected for the Waukegan Site.

On September 30, 1999, the EPA issued the Record of Decision (ROD) selecting the remedial action for the Waukegan Site. The remedy consists of on-site treatment of ground water, off-site treatment and disposal of soil containing polynuclear aeromatic hydrocarbons or creosote, and on-site solidification/stabilization of arsenic contaminated soils. The EPA has estimated the present worth of the remedy to be $26.5 million (representing the present worth of estimated capital costs and of estimate

North Shore Gas and the other parties notified by the EPA have entered into discussions regarding implementation of the remedy and the allocation of costs associated with the investigation and remediation of the Waukegan Site.

The current owner of a site in Chicago, formerly called Pitney Court Station, filed suit against Peoples Gas in federal district court under CERCLA. The suit seeks recovery of the past and future costs of investigating and remediating the site. Peoples Gas is contesting this suit.

The utility subsidiaries are accruing and deferring the costs they incur in connection with all of the Manufactured Gas Sites, including related legal expenses, pending recovery through rates or from insurance carriers or other entities. At March 31, 2000, the total of the costs deferred (stated in current year dollars) for Peoples Gas was $24.2 million; for North Shore Gas the total was $19.6 million; and for the Company on a consolidated basis the total deferred was $43.8 million. This amou

Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas have filed suit against a number of insurance carriers for the recovery of environmental costs relating to the utilities' former manufactured gas operations. The suit asks the court to declare, among other things, that the insurers are liable under policies in effect between 1937 and 1986 for costs incurred or to be incurred by the utilities in connection with five of their Manufactured Gas Sites in Chicago and Waukegan. The utilities are also asking the court

Management believes that the costs incurred by Peoples Gas and by North Shore Gas for environmental activities relating to former manufactured gas operations are recoverable from insurance carriers or other entities or through rates for utility service. Accordingly, management believes that the costs incurred by the subsidiaries in connection with former manufactured gas operations will not have a material adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations of the utilities. Peo

4B. Former Mineral Processing Site in Denver, Colorado

In 1994, North Shore Gas received a demand from the S.W. Shattuck Chemical Company, Inc. (Shattuck), a responsible party under CERCLA, for reimbursement, indemnification, and contribution for response costs incurred at a former mineral processing site in Denver, Colorado. Shattuck is a wholly owned subsidiary of Salomon, Inc. (Salomon). The demand alleges that North Shore Gas is a successor to the liability of a former entity that was allegedly responsible during the period 1934-1941 for the

North Shore Gas filed a declaratory judgment action against Salomon in the District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The suit asked the court to declare that North Shore Gas is not liable for response costs at the Denver site. Salomon filed a counterclaim for costs incurred by Salomon and Shattuck with respect to the site. In 1997, the District Court granted North Shore Gas' motion for summary judgment, declaring that North Shore Gas is not liable for any response costs in connec ite.

In August 1998, the U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit, reversed the District Court's decision and remanded the case for determination of what liability, if any, the former entity has and therefore North Shore Gas has for activities at the site.

In November 1999, the EPA announced that it was reopening the ROD for the Denver site. The EPA's announcement followed a six-month scientific/technical review by the agency of the remedy's effectiveness. In December 1999, the EPA issued its Proposed Plan for amending the ROD for public comment. The preferred alternative in the Proposed Plan is removal of the wastes to a licensed off-site facility. The EPA estimates the present worth of the preferred alternative to be $21.5 million (represen timated capital costs and estimated operation and maintenance costs). The EPA stated that it would make a final decision on additional measures to be taken at the site by Spring of 2000.

North Shore Gas does not believe that it has liability for the response costs, but cannot determine the matter with certainty. At this time, North Shore Gas cannot reasonably estimate what range of loss, if any, may occur. In the event that North Shore Gas incurred liability, it would pursue reimbursement from insurance carriers, other responsible parties, if any, and through its rates for utility service.

5. LONG-TERM DEBT AND SHORT-TERM DEBT

5A. Issuance of Bonds

On December 18, 1998, the Illinois Development Finance Authority issued $30,035,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.00% Gas Supply Revenue Bonds, Series 1998, which are secured by an equal amount of North Shore Gas' 30-year first mortgage bonds, Series M. The net proceeds were deposited with a trustee and used for the redemption of long-term debt, the payment of issuance costs and for the payment of certain construction expenditures.

On March 1, 2000, the City of Chicago issued $175 million aggregate principal amount of adjustable rate Gas Supply Refunding Revenue Bonds - Series 2000A, Series 2000B, Series 2000C and Series 2000D (collectively the "Weekly City of Chicago Bonds") - which were collateralized by an equal amount of Peoples Gas' adjustable rate 30-year First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds - Series GG, Series HH, Series II and Series JJ, respectively. The proceeds were deposited with a trustee and have been used to

5B. Interest Rate Adjustments

The rate of interest on the $27 million principal amount of the City of Chicago 1993 Series B Bonds, which are secured by an equal principal amount of Peoples Gas' adjustable-rate First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, Series EE, is subject to adjustment annually on December 1. Owners of the Series B Bonds have the right to tender such bonds at par during a limited period prior to that date. Peoples Gas is obligated to purchase any such bonds tendered if they cannot be remarketed, therefore, the

The rate of interest on the $175 million aggregate principal amount of the Weekly City of Chicago Bonds, Series 2000A, Series 2000B, Series 2000C and Series 2000D, which are secured by equal aggregate principal amounts of Peoples Gas' adjustable-rate First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds - Series GG, Series HH, Series II and Series JJ - are subject to adjustment each week. Owners of the Weekly City of Chicago Bonds have the right to tender such bonds at par at each weekly interest reset date. P

5C. Bonds Redeemed

On October 1, 1998, Peoples Gas redeemed, from general corporate funds, $10.4 million aggregate principal amount of the City of Joliet 1984 Series C Bonds, which were secured by Peoples Gas' adjustable-rate First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, Series W. On January 19, 1999, North Shore Gas redeemed, from a portion of the bond issuance proceeds deposited with the trustee, $24,905,000 aggregate principal amount of the Illinois Development Finance Authority Gas Supply Revenue Bonds, Series 1992, w

On April 3, 2000, Peoples Gas redeemed $100 million aggregate principal amount of the City of Chicago 1985 Series B Bonds and City of Chicago 1985 Series C Bonds, which were secured by Peoples Gas' First Mortgage Bonds, Series Y and Series Z, respectively. Funding for redemption was provided by the proceeds from the issuance of $100 million aggregate principal amount of the City of Chicago bonds, Series 2000A and Series 2000B, which are secured by Peoples Gas' adjustable rate First and Refundi

On May 1, 2000, Peoples Gas redeemed $75 million aggregate principal amount of the City of Chicago 1990 Series A Bonds, which had been secured by Peoples Gas' First Mortgage Bonds, Series BB. Funding for redemption was provided by the proceeds from the issuance of $75 million aggregate principal amount of the City of Chicago bonds, Series 2000C and Series 2000D, which are secured by Peoples Gas' adjustable rate First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, Series II and Series JJ, respectively.

The aggregate principal of $175,000 have been reclassified to short-term debt on the balance sheet.

5D. Commercial Paper

As of March 31, 2000, the Company's consolidated commercial paper outstanding is $253.7 million, including $34.0 million for Peoples Gas.

6. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Shares used to compute diluted earnings per share for the Company are as follows:

   

Average Common Stock Shares (in thousands)

   

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

12 Months Ended

March 31,

 

2000

 

1999

 

2000

 

1999

 

2000

 

1999

As reported shares

 

35,510

 

35,481

 

35,512

 

35,467

 

35,500

 

35,402

Effects of options

 

1

 

9

 

5

 

12

 

7

 

14

Diluted shares

 

35,511

 

35,490

 

35,517

 

35,479

 

35,507

 

35,416

Options for which the average stock price is lower than the grant price are considered antidilutive and, therefore, are not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

7. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income," requires the reporting of comprehensive income in addition to net income. Comprehensive income is the total of net income and all other nonowner changes in equity (other comprehensive income). Comprehensive income includes net income plus the effect of the additional pension liability not yet recognized as net periodic pension cost. The Company and Peoples Gas have reported accumulated other comprehensive income in their respective Co

Comprehensive income for the Company for the three-, six- and 12 months ended March 31, 2000 and 1999 is as follows:

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

12 Months Ended

March 31,

March 31,

March 31,

(Thousands of dollars)

2000

1999

2000

1999

2000

1999

Net income

$57,428

$66,082

$86,999

$89,453

$90,182

$86,216

Other comprehensive income

Minimum pension liability

-

-

1,533

1,604

Income tax (expense)/benefit

-

-

(609)

(636)

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

-

-

924

968

Comprehensive income

$57,428

$66,082

$86,999

$89,453

$91,106

$87,184

 

Comprehensive income for Peoples Gas for the three-, six- and 12 months ended March 31, 2000 and 1999 is as follows:

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

12 Months Ended

March 31,

March 31,

March 31,

(Thousands of dollars)

2000

1999

2000

1999

2000

1999

Net income

$45,635

$56,535

$70,881

$76,128

$72,970

$73,682

Other comprehensive income

Minimum pension liability

-

-

1533

1,604

Income tax (expense)/benefit

-

-

(609)

(636)

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

-

-

924

968

Comprehensive income

$45,635

$56,535

$70,881

$76,128

$73,894

$74,650

 

8. ELIMINATION OF DECOMMISSIONING RESERVE

In January 1999, Peoples Gas eliminated a $13.0 million decommissioning reserve associated with the 1995 retirement of its synthetic natural gas plant. This elimination resulted in the recognition of $13.0 million in other income. Management determined that it did not expect the plant's decommissioning costs to exceed amounts incurred to date.

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The Company is reporting operating income and equity investment income for each of its six business segments: Gas Distribution, Power Generation, Midstream Services, Retail Energy Services, Oil and Gas Production and Other. (See Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.) Peoples Gas' main activity is in the Gas Distribution segment, but it is also involved in activities reported in the Midstream Services and Retail Energy Services segments. North Shore Gas is active in the Ga

Net Income

Net income for the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2000, decreased $8.7 million to $57.4 million, due to weather that was 10 percent warmer than the year-ago period and the prior period elimination of a decommissioning liability associated with Peoples Gas' retirement of its synthetic natural gas plant. The adverse weather effects were offset by weather insurance under a policy purchased last summer. Results for the quarter were also positively impacted by lower operating costs i

Net income for the Company for the six months ended March 31, 2000, decreased $2.5 million to $87.0 million, due principally to the aforementioned weather effect and the elimination of the decommissioning liability in the prior period. Positive impacts were the increased earnings growth in the power generation and oil and gas production segments, offset by costs of the corporate branding campaign.

Net income for the Company increased $4.0 million to $90.2 million, for the 12-months ended, primarily due to increases in the earnings of diversified business segments. Partially offsetting these positive effects was the elimination in the prior period of the decommissioning liability.

Net income for Peoples Gas decreased $10.9 million, to $45.6 million, for the three months ended, primarily due to weather that was over 10% warmer than during the prior period and the elimination in the prior period of the decommissioning reserve. Also contributing to the decrease in the current period were increases in depreciation expense and interest expense. Partially offsetting these negative impacts were reductions in operation and maintenance expenses and a decrease in other taxes.

Net income for Peoples Gas for the six months ended March 31, 2000 decreased by $5.2 million, to $70.9 million, primarily due to the elimination in the prior period of the decommissioning liability, weather that was 2% warmer than during the prior period, increased depreciation expense and increased interest expense. Reductions in operation and maintenance expenses and in other taxes partially offset the impact of the negative factors.

Net income for Peoples Gas decreased $712,000, to $73.0 million, for the 12 months ended, primarily due to the elimination in the prior period of the decommissioning liability and an increase in depreciation expense. Partially offsetting these negative impacts were reductions in operation and maintenance expenses, weather that was slightly colder than during the prior period, an increase in interest income and a decrease in other taxes.

Net income for North Shore decreased $1.5 million, to $6.8 million, for the three months ended, primarily due to weather that was 10% warmer than during the prior period and to increases in operation and maintenance expenses.

Net income for North Shore for the six months ended March 31, 2000 decreased by $1.0 million, to $11.1 million, primarily due to increases in operation and maintenance expenses, weather that was 2% warmer than during the prior period, and an increase in depreciation expense.

Net income for North Shore decreased $1.4 million, to $11.5 million, for the 12 months ended, primarily due to increases in operation and maintenance expenses and to an increase in depreciation expense.

A summary of variations affecting income between years is presented below, with explanations of significant differences by segment following:

    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended   12 Months Ended
    March 31, 2000   March 31, 2000   March 31, 2000
(Thousands of Dollars)   Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent
Operating Income and Equity Investment Income                        
Gas Distribution $ (827)   (0.8)   $ 10,973   7.6   $ 12,249   8.0
Power Generation   760   404.3   4,316   999.1   11,632   2,692.6
Midstream Services   1,629   38.6   548   7.3   (407)   (4.1)
Retail Energy Services (1,036)   (105.9)   (2,323)   (340.6)   (3,880)   (190.9)
Oil and Gas Production 1,655   2,955.4   2,708   14,252.6   5,217   1,739.0
Other   (315)   (1,750.0)   (353)   (519.1)   (522)   (1,023.5)
Corporate and Adjustments (1,991)   (391.9)   (5,621)   (432.7)   (6,324)   (178.9)
Total Operating Income and Equity Investment Income   (125)   (0.1)   10,248   6.8   17,965   11.4
Other income and (deductions) (12,693)   (92.9)   (12,732)   (89.2)   (9,978)   (58.4)
Interest expense   3,747   37.5   4,944   24.6   5,671   14.6
Income taxes   (7,911)   (18.9)   (4,974)   (8.8)   (1,650)   (3.3)
Net income applicable to common stock (8,654)   (13.1)   (2,454)   (2.7)   3,966   4.6

Gas Distribution Segment

The Company's core business is the distribution of natural gas. Its two regulated utilities purchase, distribute, sell and transport natural gas to approximately 1 million retail customers through a 6,000 mile distribution system serving the City of Chicago and 54 communities in northeastern Illinois. The Company also owns a storage facility in central Illinois and a pipeline which connects the facility and five major pipeline suppliers to Chicago.

Gross revenues of Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas are affected by changes in the unit cost of the utilities' gas purchases and do not include the cost of gas supplies for customers who purchase gas directly from producers and marketers rather than from the utilities. The unit cost of gas does not have a direct significant effect on operating income because the utilities' tariffs provide for dollar-for-dollar recovery of gas costs.

Weather variations affect the volumes of gas delivered for heating purposes and, therefore, can have a significant positive or negative impact on net income, cash position and coverage ratios of the Company. In order to mitigate the effect of substantially warmer weather, the Company purchased a five-year weather insurance policy. The weather insurance program, beginning in fiscal year 2000, allows the Company to protect earnings when weather is more than 8% warmer than normal. The Company w

Operating revenues for the Company increased for the three- and six-months ended March 31, 2000, due to higher unit costs of gas and the inclusion of accrued benefits from the weather insurance policy, partially offset by weather that was warmer than in the comparable periods in the prior year. Operating income for the three-month period decreased by $827,000, to $98.9 million, due to warmer weather and higher depreciation expense, partially offset by the accrual of weather insurance benefits tenance expenses. Operating income for the six-month period increased $11.0 million, to $156.3 million, due to the accrual of weather insurance benefits and lower operation and maintenance expenses, partially offset by warmer weather and higher depreciation expense.

Operating revenues for the Company increased for the 12-month period due primarily to higher unit costs of gas, the accrual of weather insurance benefits, and the impact of slightly colder weather during the current period. Operating income for the twelve-month period increased by $12.2 million, to $165.8 million, due to lower operation and maintenance expenses, the accrual of weather insurance benefits, and slightly colder weather, partially offset by higher depreciation expense and lower de

Operating revenues for Peoples Gas increased for the three-month period ended March 31, 2000, due to higher unit costs of gas, partially offset by the impact of warmer weather in the current period. Operating income for the three-month period decreased by $5.0 million, to $79.9 million, due to warmer weather and higher depreciation expense, partially offset by lower operation and maintenance expenses.

Operating revenues for Peoples Gas for the six-month period increased over the prior period due to higher unit costs of gas in the current period, partially offset by the effects of warmer weather. For the 12-month period, operating revenues increased due to higher unit costs of gas and the impact of slightly colder weather. Operating income for the six-month period increased by $3.5 million, to $126.6 million, due to lower operation and maintenance expenses, partially offset by the impact of

Operating revenues for North Shore Gas for the three- and six-month periods ended March 31, 2000 increased over the comparable prior periods due to higher unit costs of gas partially offset by the impact of warmer weather. Operating income for the three- and six-month periods declined $2.5 million, to $12.4 million, and $1.6 million, to $20.7 million, respectively, due to the impact of the warmer weather, increased operation and maintenance expenses, and higher depreciation expense.

Operating revenues for North Shore for the 12-months ended March 31, 2000 increased over the prior period due to higher unit costs of gas. Operating income for the period declined by $2.6 million, to $22.8 million, due to higher operation and maintenance expenses and higher depreciation expense.

The Company's objectives for this segment center on continuous improvement, technological advancements and customer service. Initiatives for fiscal 2000 include the enhancement of the Company's C-first customer information system which was implemented in February, 2000, the near completion of the SureReadsm automatic meter reading system, gas supply portfolio optimization through agreements with Enron North America Corp., and continued pursuit of cost reductions and efficiency gains

Power Generation Segment

The Company is engaged in the development, construction, operation and ownership of gas-fired electric generation facilities for sales to electric utilities and marketers. The Company and Dominion Resources Inc. are equal investors in Elwood Energy LLC, which owns and operates a 600-megawatt peaking facility near Chicago, Illinois.

Operating income and equity investment income amounted to $572,000, $3.9 million, and $11.2 million, for the three-, six- and 12-month periods ended March 31, 2000, mostly as a result of the Company's investment in the Elwood Power facility that came on line in July 1999. Income from this partnership was partially offset by development expenses for other pending power projects.

The Company's objective is to own and operate more than 1,000 megawatts of peaking capacity. It is pursuing regional opportunities in and near the City of Chicago as well as considering the expansion of the Elwood facility, which has received regulatory approvals for a total of 3,100 megawatts of generating capacity. The Company expects equity investment income for fiscal 2000 to increase substantially from 1999 due to the full year impact of Elwood. Annual revenues from the two contracts fo

Midstream Services Segment

The Company performs wholesale activities that provide value to gas distribution utilities, marketers and pipelines. The Company operates a natural gas hub, owns and operates a natural gas liquids (NGL) peaking facility and is active in other asset-based wholesale activities.

Operating income for the Company increased $1.6 million to $5.8 million and $548,000 to $8.1 million, compared to the year-ago quarter and fiscal year to date, respectively, due mainly to the construction and sale of a gas supply line to the owner of a new power plant near Chicago. Also contributing were higher revenues from hub services, partially offset by lower margins from wholesale activities and increased operating costs associated with new project development.

Operating income for the for 12-month period decreased $407,000 to $9.5 million, due primarily to lower margins from wholesale marketing activities, partially offset by higher revenues from hub services.

The Company's objective is to become the primary player in the Midwest market center. The Company and Enron North America Corp. are equal partners in Midwest Energy Hub which will expand the Peoples Gas hub by offering additional hub services and peaking services, developing new products and pursuing strategic asset acquisitions. The Company is an equal partner with Coastal Corporation in Whitecap Energy System, which is developing a pipeline to deliver natural gas to new and existing power p

Retail Energy Services Segment

The Company markets gas and electricity and provides energy management and other services to retail customers.

For the quarter, fiscal year to date and 12-months ended March 31, 2000, operating results for this segment reflects losses of $58,000, $1.6 million and $5.9 million, respectively. All periods were negatively impacted by warmer than normal weather, reduced unit margins on gas sales and nonrecurring revenue adjustments.

Operating income for the three- and six-months ended, for Peoples Gas increased $116,000 and $119,000, respectively, due to increased maintenance services and lower costs associated with Peoples Home Services, a business unit providing home furnace and air conditioning maintenance services.

The Company's objective is to capture a major share of the regional market for energy sales. It will develop proprietary products as it participates in the Illinois electric and gas unbundling process and will continue to build the necessary infrastructure as it grows through acquisitions and direct marketing efforts. Peoples Energy Services is certified by the Illinois Commerce Commission (Commission) as an Alternative Retail Electric Supplier (ARES) in Illinois to provide electric products

Oil and Gas Production Segment

The Company is active in the development and production of oil and gas reserves in selected basins in the United States. The Company targets on-shore prospects with proved producing oil and gas reserves and the potential for enhancement through drilling programs.

For the three-, six- and 12-months ended, operating income and equity investment income for the Company increased to $1.7 million, $2.7 million and $4.9 million respectively, due primarily to increased investments in reserves and improved results from reserves acquired in earlier periods.

The Company's objective is to become a top-fifty owner of U.S. gas reserves with holdings of between 350 to 400 billion cubic feet. Toward this goal the Company owned 91.5 Bcfe in proved reserves at 12/31/99. Existing oil and gas properties will be developed through drilling and production enhancements. The Company will continue to hedge production in order to mitigate price risk and will pursue reserve acquisitions that are consistent with its basin strategy. The Company intends to develop

Other Segment

The Company is involved in other activities such as district heating and cooling and the development of fueling stations for natural gas vehicles. These and other activities do not fall under the above segments. The variations for the three reportable periods are primarily attributable to fluctuating costs associated with business development activities.

Corporate and Adjustments

This category encompasses corporate activities that support the six segments, as well as consolidating adjustments. The variations for the three reportable periods include costs associated with the corporate branding campaign.

Other Income and Deductions

Other income and deductions for the Company decreased $12.7 million to $968,000, $12.7 million to $1.5 million and $10.0 million to $7.1 million, respectively, for the three-, six-, and 12-months ended due mainly to the elimination of the decommissioning reserve associated with the 1995 retirement of Peoples Gas' synthetic natural gas plant as well as prior period interest on a state income tax refund.

Other income and deductions for Peoples Gas for the three-, six- and 12-months ended decreased $13.0 million, to $560,000, $12.7 million, to $1.3 million, and $9.4 million, to $6.2 million, due primarily to the prior year's elimination of the decommissioning reserve.

Other income and deductions for North Shore Gas decreased $151,000 and $180,000 for the three-, and six-months, primarily due to a decrease in interest income on bond proceeds held by the trustee.

Interest Expense

For the three-, six- and 12-month periods, interest expense for the Company increased $3.7 million to $13.7 million, $4.9 million, to $25.1 million and $5.7 million to $44.5 million, respectively, due primarily to an increase in interest on commercial paper and on variable rate bonds, offset by a decrease in interest on budget accounts for all three periods. Also contributing to the increase in the six and 12-month periods was an increase in carrying charges on an environmental insurance recov

Interest expense for Peoples Gas for the three months ended increased $990,000 to $9.3 million, due mainly to an increase in interest on commercial paper and on variable rate bonds. Partially offsetting this was a decrease in interest on budget accounts.

Interest expense for the six- and 12-months ended increased $816,000 and $368,000, respectively, for Peoples Gas due to an increase in interest on commercial paper and on bonds, as well as an increase in carrying charges on an environmental insurance recovery. Partially offsetting these effects were a decrease in interest on budget accounts for both periods. Also affecting the 12-months ended period was an increase in the allowance for borrowed funds used during construction.

Interest expense for North Shore Gas decreased $84,000 and $103,000, for the three- and six-months ended, respectively, due to a decline in interest on long-term debt and reduced interest expense on budget accounts.

Interest expense for North Shore Gas for the 12-month period increased $43,000, due primarily to increased carrying charges on an environmental insurance recovery, offset in part by lower interest on long-term debt.

Income Taxes

For the three-, six- and 12-months ended, income taxes for the Company decreased $7.9 million to $34.0 million, $5.0 million to $51.4 million and $1.6 million to $47.6 million, due mainly to lower pre-tax income. Also contributing to this decrease were the investment tax credits associated with a reserve acquisition in the first quarter and a state tax refund received in June, 1999.

For the three-, six- and 12-months ended, income taxes decreased for Peoples Gas $7.2 million to $28.5 million, $4.3 million to $43.6 million and $1.5 million to $39.8 million, due primarily to lower pre-tax income. The 12-month period was also impacted by a state tax refund.

Income taxes for North Shore Gas decreased $995,000 to $4.4 million, $630,000 to $7.1 million and $1.3 million to $6.8 million, for the three-, six- and 12-month periods primarily due to lower pre-tax income. The 12-month period was also impacted by a state tax refund.

Fiscal 2000 Outlook

The Company expects its earnings per share for fiscal 2000 to fall between $2.65 and $2.75, based on the inclusion of actual weather through March 31, 2000 and the assumption of normal weather thereafter. The financial target for the gas distribution segment is to achieve a 13% return on common equity. The financial target for the diversified business segments is to achieve between 12% and 16% of total earnings, based on an estimated EBIT range between $25 and $35 million.

Other Matters

Accounting Standards. In June 1998, as amended on May 19, 1999, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." See Note 2E of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

In October 1999, the Company adopted the SOP 98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use." See Note 2E of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

OPERATING STATISTICS

The following table represents gross margin components and delivery statistics for the Company:

        Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended   12 Months Ended
        March 31,   March 31,   March 31,
        2000   1999   2000   1999   2000   1999
Revenues (thousands):                            
Gas Distribution Sales                            
Residential                            
Heating       $ 309,214   $ 305,449   $ 552,898   $ 495,242   $ 741,921   $ 685,466
Non-heating       14,099   12,374   26,222   23,403   45,651   43,048
Commercial       50,064   43,140   84,150   68,437   111,243   95,002
Industrial       10,016   8,444   16,815   12,947   22,650   17,342
        383,393   369,407   680,085   600,029   921,465   840,858
                             
Gas Distribution Transportation                            
Residential       12,554   15,652   22,775   26,828   34,911   38,403
Commercial       16,691   19,648   29,644   33,538   45,487   49,521
Industrial       8,132   8,931   15,023   15,992   25,846   26,891
Contract Pooling       3,161   3,346   4,575   7,093   7,225   10,496
                             
        40,538   47,577   72,017   83,451   113,469   125,311
                             
Other Gas Distribution Revenues       2,552   2,770   5,502   6,232   11,152   12,711
                             
Diversified Segment Revenues       98,765   74,323   179,542   114,607   281,123   150,628
                             
                             
Total Operating Revenues       525,248   494,077   937,146   804,319   1,327,209   1,129,508
Less - Cost of Energy Sold       278,580   253,856   506,620   395,021   684,888   514,149
                             
Gross Margin       $ 246,668   $ 240,221   $ 430,526   $ 409,298   $ 642,321   $ 615,359
                             
Gas Distribution Deliveries (MDth):                            
Gas Sales                            
Residential                            
Heating       52,392   58,381   88,773   90,745   112,670   114,454
Non-heating       1,298   1,117   2,203   1,983   3,419   3,202
Commercial       8,976   8,601   14,300   13,251   18,460   17,262
Industrial       2,034   1,913   3,257   2,878   4,459   3,711
        64,700   70,012   108,533   108,857   139,008   138,629
                             
Transportation (a)                            
Residential       9,897   12,030   17,334   19,617   23,707   25,933
Commercial       16,603   17,926   28,097   29,591   40,225   41,929
Industrial       11,382   12,455   20,882   22,277   36,552   39,617
        37,882   42,411   66,313   71,485   100,484   107,479
                             
                             
Total Utility Deliveries       102,582   112,423   174,846   180,342   239,492   246,108
                             

 

The following table represents gross margin components and delivery statistics for Peoples Gas:

        Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended   12 Months Ended
        March 31,   March 31,   March 31,
        2000   1999   2000   1999   2000   1999
Net Operating Revenues (thousands):                            
Gas Sales                            
Residential                            
Heating       $ 261,982   $ 258,317   $ 468,427   $ 419,544   $ 629,210   $ 581,311
Non-heating       13,754   12,055   25,574   22,807   44,560   42,001
Commercial       42,108   35,719   70,807   56,799   93,818   79,201
Industrial       8,116   6,646   13,831   10,200   18,996   13,784
        325,960   312,737   578,639   509,350   786,584   716,297
                             
Transportation                            
Residential       12,108   15,172   21,950   25,979   33,590   37,067
Commercial       14,796   17,569   26,151   29,918   40,141   44,057
Industrial       7,166   7,951   13,097   14,063   22,464   23,335
Contract Pooling       2,863   3,178   4,162   6,761   6,580   10,094
                             
        36,933   43,870   65,360   76,721   102,775   114,553
                             
Diversified Segments       3,406   2,592   5,506   4,664   7,953   5,083
                             
Other       3,084   3,061   6,406   6,815   12,564   13,769
                             
Total Operating Revenues       369,383   362,260   655,911   597,550   909,876   849,702
Less - Gas Costs       173,306   158,143   306,441   249,459   380,182   325,682
                             
Gross Margin       $ 196,077   $ 204,117   $ 349,470   $ 348,091   $ 529,694   $ 524,020
                             
Deliveries (MDth):                            
Gas Sales                            
Residential                            
Heating       43,870   48,760   74,266   75,850   93,982   95,482
Non-heating       1,251   1,069   2,121   1,898   3,288   3,069
Commercial       7,437   6,983   11,852   10,792   15,343   14,129
Industrial       1,637   1,483   2,663   2,235   3,736   2,909
        54,195   58,295   90,902   90,775   116,349   115,589
                             
Transportation                            
Residential       9,594   11,699   16,812   19,076   22,981   25,196
Commercial       14,566   15,635   24,390   25,765   34,898   36,523
Industrial       9,795   10,702   17,722   18,877   30,970   33,589
        33,955   38,036   58,924   63,718   88,849   95,308
                             
                             
Total Gas Sales and Transportation       88,150   96,331   149,826   154,493   205,198   210,897
                             

 

The following table represents gross margin components for North Shore Gas:

        Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended   12 Months Ended
        March 31,   March 31,   March 31,
        2000   1999   2000   1999   2000   1999
Net Operating Revenues (thousands):                            
Gas Sales                            
Residential                            
Heating       $ 47,232   $ 47,132   $ 84,471   $ 75,697   $ 112,711   $ 104,155
Non-heating       345   319   648   596   1,091   1,047
Commercial       7,956   7,421   13,344   11,638   17,425   15,801
Industrial       1,900   1,798   2,984   2,747   3,655   3,558
        57,433   56,670   101,447   90,678   134,882   124,561
                             
Transportation                            
Residential       446   480   825   849   1,321   1,336
Commercial       1,894   2,079   3,493   3,620   5,346   5,464
Industrial       966   980   1,926   1,929   3,382   3,556
Contract Pooling       299   168   413   332   645   402
                             
        3,605   3,707   6,657   6,730   10,694   10,758
                             
Other       186   188   381   405   817   886
                             
Total Operating Revenues       61,224   60,565   108,485   97,813   146,393   136,205
Less - Gas Costs       34,431   31,948   60,692   49,779   74,609   64,530
                             
Gross Margin       $ 26,793   $ 28,617   $ 47,793   $ 48,034   $ 71,784   $ 71,675
                             
Deliveries (MDth):                            
Gas Sales                            
Residential                            
Heating       8,522   9,621   14,507   14,895   18,688   18,972
Non-heating       47   48   82   85   131   133
Commercial       1,539   1,618   2,448   2,459   3,117   3,133
Industrial       397   430   594   643   723   802
        10,505   11,717   17,631   18,082   22,659   23,040
                             
Transportation                            
Residential       303   331   522   541   726   737
Commercial       2,037   2,291   3,707   3,826   5,327   5,406
Industrial       1,587   1,753   3,160   3,400   5,582   6,028
        3,927   4,375   7,389   7,767   11,635   12,171
                             
                             
Total Gas Sales and Transportation       14,432   16,092   25,020   25,849   34,294   35,211
                             

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Bonds Issued. On December 18, 1998, the Illinois Development Finance Authority issued $30,035,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.00% Gas Supply Revenue Bonds, Series 1998, which were collateralized by an equal amount of North Shore Gas' 30-year First Mortgage Bonds, Series M. The net proceeds were deposited with a trustee to be used for the redemption of long-term debt, the payment of issuance costs, and for the payment of certain construction expenditures.

On March 1, 2000, the City of Chicago issued $175 million aggregate principal of Adjustable Rate Gas Supply Refunding Revenue Bonds - Series 2000A, Series 2000B, Series 2000C and Series 2000D - which were collateralized by an equal amount of Peoples Gas' Adjustable Rate 30 year First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds - Series GG, Series HH, Series II and Series JJ, respectfully. The proceeds were deposited with a trustee and will be used to redeem $175 million aggregate principal amount of previous

Bonds Redeemed. On October 1, 1998, Peoples Gas redeemed, from general corporate funds, $10.4 million aggregate principal amount of the City of Joliet 1984 Series C Bonds, which were secured by Peoples Gas' Adjustable-Rate First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds, Series W. On January 19, 1999, North Shore Gas redeemed, from a portion of the proceeds deposited with the trustee, $24,905,000 aggregate principal amount of the Illinois Development Finance Authority Gas Supply Revenue Bonds, Series 1

Environmental Matters. Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas are conducting environmental investigations and work at certain sites that were the location of former manufactured gas operations. (See Note 4A of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)

In 1994, North Shore Gas received a demand from a responsible party under CERCLA for reimbursement, indemnification and contribution for response costs incurred at a former mineral processing site in Denver, Colorado. North Shore Gas filed a declaratory judgment action in the District Court for the Northern District of Illinois asking the court to declare that North Shore Gas is not liable for response costs relating to the site. The defendant filed a counterclaim for costs incurred by the de

Credit Lines. The Company has lines of credit totaling $250 million. Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas have lines of credit totaling $119.0 million of which North Shore Gas may borrow up to $30.0 million.

Interest Coverage. The fixed charges coverage ratios for Peoples Gas for the 12 months ended March 31, 2000, and for fiscal 1999 and 1998 were 4.22, 4.59 and 4.15, respectively. The corresponding coverage ratios for North Shore Gas for the same periods were 4.53, 4.77, and 5.07, respectively.

Dividends. On February 2, 2000, the Directors of the Company voted to increase the regular quarterly dividend on the Company's common stock to 50 cents per share from the 49 cents per share previously in effect. The annualized dividend rate now amounts to $2.00 per share.

Guaranty Agreement. On December 31, 1999, Manhattan Power, LLC, a subsidiary of the Company, entered into an Acquisition Agreement with Westdeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale (WestLB), which provides the company an option to purchase a gas-powered electric generating turbine. In conjunction with this agreement, the Company entered into a Guaranty Agreement with WestLB, whereby the Company guarantees all obligations resulting from the Acquisition Agreement. The maximum dollar amount of this

On February 24, 2000, Calumet Power, LLC, a subsidiary of the Company, entered into an Acquisition Agreement with WestLB, which provides the Company an option to purchase gas-powered electric generating turbines. In conjunction with this agreement, the Company entered into a Guaranty Agreement with WestLB, whereby the Company guarantees all obligations resulting from the Acquisition Agreement. The maximum dollar amount of this guarantee is $49.3 million.

Market Risk Management

Commodity Price Risk. The Company uses market risk sensitive financial instruments, including futures, forward contracts, and derivatives such as swaps and options, to manage its exposure to certain commodity price risks in its subsidiaries' operations. These risks occur because of the changing prices of natural gas, power, crude oil, ethane, and propane. The Company's policy for risk management activities stipulates that such financial instruments are only to be used for hedging purposes.

Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas are not currently exposed to market risk caused by changes in commodity prices. This is due to current Illinois rate regulation, which allows for all reasonably incurred costs of natural gas to be recovered from the utilities' customers through the operation of the utilities' Gas Charges.

Investments by the Company's diversified business segments are subject to a thorough analysis of related market risk and an acceptable plan for each investment is formulated to manage this risk. After a risk management program for the investment is approved, both the operating unit's and the Company's senior management are kept apprised of any remaining market risk through daily mark-to-market reports.

The Company has working interests in natural gas and crude oil producing properties. Using swaps and options, approximately 86% of the production for the next twelve months is hedged, thereby removing market risk on that portion of the output. Price movements in natural gas and crude oil swaps and futures are highly correlated to any price changes in the underlying physical commodities. Therefore, a loss in the market value of the hedged commodity would be substantially offset by an equal ga

The Company sells fixed price and variable priced products as part of its retail energy services. These contracts call for physical delivery and can not be settled financially. Risk is reduced through the use of fixed price supplier contracts and storage assets. As of March 31, 2000 and 1999, exposure from these activities was not material.

The Elwood facility is a gas-fired electric generating peaking facility. Elwood has agreed to sell all of the facility's generation capacity and energy produced at fixed demand and commodity charges under multi-year contracts. Therefore, Elwood has no price risk on its power sales. However, it does bear fuel price risk when natural gas prices exceed its targeted weighted average cost of gas (WACOG). The partnership has implemented a comprehensive risk management program that is intended to

The Company is also exposed to credit risk when a hedging transaction counterparty or supplier defaults on a contract to pay for or deliver product at agreed-upon terms and conditions. To mitigate this risk, the Company has established procedures to determine and monitor the creditworthiness of counterparties. Transactions are executed only with counterparties having strong credit ratings. Controls are also in place to limit dollar exposure and transaction term based upon creditworthiness.

Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk generally is related to the Company's and its gas distribution subsidiaries' outstanding debt. A sensitivity analysis methodology is being utilized to determine potential loss of future earnings, fair values, or cash flows from market risk sensitive instruments over a selected time period due to hypothetical changes in interest rates.

The Company and Peoples Gas manage their interest rate risk exposure by maintaining a mix of fixed and variable rate debt. Based on the current mix of $202.0 million in long-term variable rate bonds and $253.7 million in other short-term borrowings, assuming interest rates are 10% higher than the rates reported at the end of March 31, 2000, the Company's annualized interest expense would increase by approximately $2.3 million before considering the effect of income taxes.

Peoples Gas manages its interest rate risk exposure by maintaining a mix of fixed and variable rate debt. Based on the current mix of $202.0 million in long-term variable rate bonds and $34.0 million in other short-term borrowings, assuming interest rates are 10% higher than the rates reported at the end of March 31, 2000, Peoples Gas' annualized interest expense would increase by approximately $975,000 before considering the effect of income taxes.

FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

The MD&A contains statements that may be considered forward-looking, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, such as business plans, expectations for future development and earnings growth, and other information not of a strictly historical nature. Actual results could differ materially from such expectations, because of many uncertainties, including, but not limited to:

  • General U.S. and Illinois economic conditions;
  • Business and competitive conditions resulting from deregulation and consolidation of the energy industry;
  • The timing and extent of changes in energy commodity prices and interest rates;
  • Adverse results in material environmental litigation;
  • Regulatory developments in Illinois and other states where the Company does business;
  • The uncertainty of oil and gas reserve estimates; and
  • The Company's success in identifying diversified energy projects on financially acceptable terms and successfully developing and operating such projects.

Some of these uncertainties that may affect future results are discussed in more detail under the captions "Competition and Deregulation," "Sales and Rates," "State Legislation and Regulation," "Federal Legislation and Regulation," "Environmental Matters," and "Current Gas Supply" in "Item 1 - Business" of the Annual Report on Form 10-K. All forward-looking statements included in this MD&A are based upon information pres

 

ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market risk are reported under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition - Market Risk Management," and Note 2F of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

See Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion pertaining to environmental matters.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Peoples Energy Corporation:

 

a.

Peoples Energy held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders on February 25, 2000.

 

b.

The following matters were voted upon at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. There were no broker non-votes with respect to any matters voted upon.

   

1.

The election of nominees for directors who will serve for a one-year term or until their respective successors shall be duly elected. The nominees, all of whom were elected, were as follows: James R. Boris, William J. Brodsky, Pastora San Juan Cafferty, Homer J. Livingston, Jr., Lester H. McKeever, William G. Mitchell, Thomas M. Patrick, Richard E. Terry; Richard P. Toft, and Arthur R. Velasquez. The Inspectors of Election certified the following vote tabulations:

 

FOR

WITHHELD

James R. Boris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

28,498,419

445,172

William J. Brodsky . . . . . . . . . . .

28,515,992

427,599

Pastora San Juan Cafferty . . . . . .

28,494,566

449,025

Homer J. Livingston, Jr. . . . . . . . .

28,505,463

438,129

Lester H. McKeever . . . . . . . . . . .

28,462,701

480,891

William G. Mitchell . . . . . . . . . . .

28,473,803

469,788

Thomas M. Patrick . . . . . . . . . . . .

28,529,069

414,523

Richard E. Terry . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

28,504,257

439,334

Richard P. Toft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

28,507,228

436,363

Arthur R. Velasquez . . .. . . . . . . .

28,511,276

432,315

   

2.

A proposal to ratify the recommendation of the Audit Committee and the appointment by the Board of Directors of Arthur Andersen LLP as the independent public accountants for Peoples Energy and its subsidiaries for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2000. The Inspectors of Election certified the following vote tabulations:

FOR

AGAINST

ABSTAIN

28,436,311

284,014

223,266

 

The Peoples Gas Light and Coke Company:

 

a.

On March 30, 2000, the following persons were elected Directors of Peoples Gas and comprise the entire Board of Directors of Peoples Gas: Donald M. Field, James Hinchliff, James M. Luebbers, Thomas M. Patrick, and Richard E. Terry .

 

b.

The following matter was voted upon at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. There were no broker non-votes with respect to any matters voted upon.

   

1.

The election of nominees for directors who will serve for a one-year term or until their respective successors shall be duly elected. The nominees, all of whom were elected, were as follows: Donald M. Field, James Hinchliff, James M. Luebbers, Thomas M. Patrick, and Richard E. Terry. The Secretary of Peoples Gas certified the following vote tabulations:

 

FOR

WITHHELD

Donald M. Field . . . . . . . . . . .

24,817,566

0

James Hinchliff . . . . . . . . . . . .

24,817,566

0

James M. Luebbers . . . . . . . . .

24,817,566

0

Thomas M. Patrick . . . . . . . . .

24,817,566

0

Richard E. Terry . . . . . . . . . . .

24,817,566

0

North Shore Gas Company:

 

a.

On March 30, 2000, the following persons were elected Directors of North Shore Gas and comprise the entire Board of Directors of North Shore Gas: Donald M. Field, James Hinchliff, James M. Luebbers, Thomas M. Patrick, and Richard E. Terry.

 

b.

The following matter was voted upon at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. There were no broker non-votes with respect to any matters voted upon.

   

1.

The election of nominees for directors who will serve for a one-year term or until their respective successors shall be duly elected. The nominees, all of whom were elected, were as follows: Donald M. Field, James Hinchliff, James M. Luebbers, Thomas M. Patrick, and Richard E. Terry. The Secretary of North Shore Gas certified the following vote tabulations:

 

FOR

WITHHELD

Donald M. Field . . . . . . . . . . .

3,625,887

0

James Hinchliff . . . . . . . . . . . .

3,625,887

0

James M. Luebbers . . . . . . . . .

3,625,887

0

Thomas M. Patrick . . . . . . . . .

3,625,887

0

Richard E. Terry . . . . . . . . . . .

3,625,887

0

 

Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

           
 

Peoples Energy Corporation:

           
   

a. Exhibits

           
     

Exhibit

   
     

Number

 

Description of Document

           
     

10(a)

 

Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan, dated December 1, 1999

           
     

10(b)

 

Amendment to Transportation Agreement between Trunkline Gas Company and Peoples Gas dated March 31, 2000.

           
     

10(c)

 

Rate Schedule FS Flexible Storage Service Agreement By and Between Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company and Peoples Gas dated April 1, 2000.

           
     

10(d)

 

Transportation Rate Schedule EFT Agreement By and Between Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company and Peoples Gas, dated April 1, 2000.

           
     

10(e)

 

Transportation Rate Schedule EFT Agreement By and Between Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company and Peoples Gas dated April 1, 2000.

           
     

27

 

Financial Data Schedule

           
   

b. Reports on Form 8-K filed during the quarter ended March 31, 2000

           
     

Date of Report - February 28, 2000

     

Item 5 - Other Event

     

Stock Repurchase

 

 

The Peoples Gas Light and Coke Company:

           
   

a. Exhibits

           
     

Exhibit

   
     

Number

 

Description of Document

           
     

10(b)

 

Amendment to Transportation Agreement between Trunkline Gas Company and Peoples Gas dated March 31, 2000.

           
     

10(c)

 

Rate Schedule FS Flexible Storage Service Agreement By and Between Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company and Peoples Gas dated April 1, 2000.

           
     

10(d)

 

Transportation Rate Schedule EFT Agreement By and Between Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company and Peoples Gas, dated April 1, 2000.

           
     

10(e)

 

Transportation Rate Schedule EFT Agreement By and Between Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company and Peoples Gas dated April 1, 2000.

           
     

27

 

Financial Data Schedule

           
   

b. Reports on Form 8-K filed during the quarter ended March 31, 2000

           
     

None.

       
           
 

North Shore Gas Company:

           
   

a. Exhibits

           
     

Exhibit

   
     

Number

 

Description of Document

           
     

27

 

Financial Data Schedule

           
   

b. Reports on Form 8-K filed during the quarter ended March 31, 2000

           
     

None.

 

 

SIGNATURE

     

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

     
   

Peoples Energy Corporation

   

(Registrant)

     

May 12, 2000

 

By: /s/ J. M. LUEBBERS

(Date)

 

J. M. Luebbers

   

Chief Financial Officer and Controller

     
   

(Same as above)

   

Principal Accounting Officer

     
     
     

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

     
   

The Peoples Gas Light and Coke Company

   

(Registrant)

     

May 12, 2000

 

By: /s/ J. M. LUEBBERS

(Date)

 

J. M. Luebbers

   

Chief Financial Officer and Controller

     
   

(Same as above)

   

Principal Accounting Officer

     
     
     

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

     
   

North Shore Gas Company

   

(Registrant)

     

May 12, 2000

 

By: /s/ J. M. LUEBBERS

(Date)

 

J. M. Luebbers

   

Chief Financial Officer and Controller

     
   

(Same as above)

   

Principal Accounting Officer

     



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