e10vq
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
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þ |
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007
OR
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o |
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number 1-14365
El Paso Corporation
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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Delaware
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76-0568816 |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
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(I.R.S. Employer |
Incorporation or Organization)
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Identification No.) |
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El Paso Building
1001 Louisiana Street
Houston, Texas
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
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77002
(Zip Code) |
Telephone Number: (713) 420-2600
Internet Website: www.elpaso.com
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed
by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated
filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated
filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer þ Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of
the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuers classes of common stock, as
of the latest practicable date.
Common stock, par value $3 per share. Shares outstanding on November 2, 2007: 700,486,166
EL PASO CORPORATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Below is a list of terms that are common to our industry and used throughout this document:
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/d
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= per day
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Mcfe |
= thousand cubic feet of natural gas
equivalents |
Bbl
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= barrels
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MMBtu |
= million British thermal units |
BBtu
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= billion British thermal units
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MMcf |
= million cubic feet |
Bcf
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= billion cubic feet
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MMcfe |
= million cubic feet of natural gas equivalents |
LNG
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= liquefied natural gas
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NGL |
= natural gas liquids |
MBbls
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= thousand barrels
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TBtu |
= trillion British thermal units |
Mcf
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= thousand cubic feet |
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When we refer to natural gas and oil in equivalents, we are doing so to compare quantities
of oil with quantities of natural gas or to express these different commodities in a common unit.
In calculating equivalents, we use a generally recognized standard in which one Bbl of oil is equal
to six Mcf of natural gas. Also, when we refer to cubic feet measurements, all measurements are at
a pressure of 14.73 pounds per square inch.
When we refer to us, we, our, ours, the company or El Paso, we are describing
El Paso Corporation and/or our subsidiaries.
2
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
EL PASO CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In millions, except per common share amounts)
(Unaudited)
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Quarters Ended |
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Nine Months Ended |
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September 30, |
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September 30, |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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Operating revenues |
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$ |
1,166 |
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$ |
942 |
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$ |
3,386 |
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$ |
3,368 |
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Operating expenses |
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Cost of products and services |
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55 |
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69 |
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170 |
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201 |
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Operation and maintenance |
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348 |
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334 |
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978 |
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957 |
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Depreciation, depletion and amortization |
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293 |
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260 |
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850 |
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766 |
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Taxes, other than income taxes |
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53 |
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61 |
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185 |
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180 |
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749 |
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724 |
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2,183 |
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2,104 |
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Operating income |
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417 |
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218 |
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1,203 |
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1,264 |
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Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates |
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(6 |
) |
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55 |
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75 |
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121 |
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Loss on debt extinguishment |
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(17 |
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(287 |
) |
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(26 |
) |
Other income, net |
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72 |
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51 |
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178 |
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142 |
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Interest and debt expense |
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(228 |
) |
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(294 |
) |
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(742 |
) |
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(941 |
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Income before income taxes from continuing operations |
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255 |
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13 |
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427 |
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560 |
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Income taxes |
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100 |
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(98 |
) |
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151 |
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14 |
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Income from continuing operations |
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155 |
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111 |
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276 |
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546 |
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Discontinued operations, net of income taxes |
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24 |
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674 |
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95 |
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Net income |
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155 |
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135 |
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950 |
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641 |
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Preferred stock dividends |
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9 |
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9 |
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28 |
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28 |
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Net income available to common stockholders |
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$ |
146 |
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$ |
126 |
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$ |
922 |
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$ |
613 |
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Basic earnings per common share |
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Income from continuing operations |
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$ |
0.21 |
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$ |
0.15 |
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$ |
0.36 |
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$ |
0.77 |
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Discontinued operations, net of income taxes |
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0.03 |
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0.97 |
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0.14 |
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Net income per common share |
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$ |
0.21 |
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$ |
0.18 |
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$ |
1.33 |
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$ |
0.91 |
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Diluted earnings per common share |
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Income from continuing operations |
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$ |
0.20 |
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$ |
0.15 |
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$ |
0.35 |
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$ |
0.74 |
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Discontinued operations, net of income taxes |
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0.03 |
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0.96 |
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0.13 |
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Net income per common share |
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$ |
0.20 |
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$ |
0.18 |
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$ |
1.31 |
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$ |
0.87 |
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Dividends declared per common share |
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$ |
0.04 |
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$ |
0.04 |
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$ |
0.12 |
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$ |
0.12 |
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See accompanying notes.
3
EL PASO CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except share amounts)
(Unaudited)
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September 30, |
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December 31, |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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ASSETS |
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Current assets |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
389 |
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$ |
537 |
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Accounts and notes receivable |
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Customers, net of allowance of $18 in 2007 and $28 in 2006 |
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445 |
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516 |
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Affiliates |
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195 |
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192 |
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Other |
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210 |
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495 |
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Assets from price risk management activities |
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166 |
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436 |
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Assets held for sale and from discontinued operations |
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4,161 |
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Deferred income taxes |
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358 |
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478 |
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Other |
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266 |
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|
352 |
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Total current assets |
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2,029 |
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7,167 |
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Property, plant and equipment, at cost |
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Pipelines |
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16,407 |
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15,672 |
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Natural gas and oil properties, at full cost |
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18,673 |
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16,572 |
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Other |
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537 |
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566 |
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35,617 |
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32,810 |
|
Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization |
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16,698 |
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16,132 |
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Total property, plant and equipment, net |
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18,919 |
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16,678 |
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Other assets |
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Investments in unconsolidated affiliates |
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1,638 |
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|
1,707 |
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Assets from price risk management activities |
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|
238 |
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|
414 |
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Other |
|
|
1,257 |
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|
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1,295 |
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3,133 |
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3,416 |
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Total assets |
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$ |
24,081 |
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$ |
27,261 |
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See accompanying notes.
4
EL PASO CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except for share amounts)
(Unaudited)
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September 30, |
|
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December 31, |
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2007 |
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2006 |
|
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
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Current liabilities |
|
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Accounts payable |
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Trade |
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$ |
381 |
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$ |
478 |
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Affiliates |
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|
1 |
|
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|
3 |
|
Other |
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|
498 |
|
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|
569 |
|
Current maturities of long-term financing obligations |
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|
567 |
|
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|
1,360 |
|
Liabilities from price risk management activities |
|
|
276 |
|
|
|
278 |
|
Liabilities related to discontinued operations |
|
|
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|
|
|
1,817 |
|
Accrued interest |
|
|
250 |
|
|
|
269 |
|
Other |
|
|
804 |
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|
1,377 |
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|
|
|
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Total current liabilities |
|
|
2,777 |
|
|
|
6,151 |
|
|
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Long-term financing obligations, less current maturities |
|
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12,445 |
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13,329 |
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|
|
|
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Other |
|
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|
|
|
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Liabilities from price risk management activities |
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|
884 |
|
|
|
924 |
|
Deferred income taxes |
|
|
1,204 |
|
|
|
950 |
|
Other |
|
|
1,743 |
|
|
|
1,690 |
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
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|
3,831 |
|
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|
3,564 |
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Commitments and contingencies (Note 7) |
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Securities of subsidiaries |
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22 |
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|
31 |
|
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Stockholders equity |
|
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Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; authorized 50,000,000 shares;
issued 750,000 shares of 4.99% convertible perpetual stock; stated at
liquidation value |
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|
750 |
|
|
|
750 |
|
Common stock, par value $3 per share; authorized 1,500,000,000 shares; issued
709,015,253 shares in 2007 and 705,833,206 shares in 2006 |
|
|
2,127 |
|
|
|
2,118 |
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
|
4,724 |
|
|
|
4,804 |
|
Accumulated deficit |
|
|
(1,994 |
) |
|
|
(2,940 |
) |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
|
|
(413 |
) |
|
|
(343 |
) |
Treasury stock (at cost); 8,475,883 shares in 2007 and 8,715,288 shares in 2006 |
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|
(188 |
) |
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|
(203 |
) |
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|
|
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|
|
|
Total stockholders equity |
|
|
5,006 |
|
|
|
4,186 |
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Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
|
$ |
24,081 |
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|
$ |
27,261 |
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|
|
|
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|
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|
See accompanying notes.
5
EL PASO CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
(Unaudited)
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|
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|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Cash flows from operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
950 |
|
|
$ |
641 |
|
Less income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes |
|
|
674 |
|
|
|
95 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations |
|
|
276 |
|
|
|
546 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation, depletion and amortization |
|
|
850 |
|
|
|
766 |
|
Deferred income taxes |
|
|
127 |
|
|
|
(15 |
) |
Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates, adjusted for cash distributions |
|
|
81 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
Loss on debt extinguishment |
|
|
287 |
|
|
|
26 |
|
Other |
|
|
(52 |
) |
|
|
53 |
|
Asset and liability changes |
|
|
(76 |
) |
|
|
340 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash provided by continuing activities |
|
|
1,493 |
|
|
|
1,732 |
|
Cash provided by (used in) discontinued activities |
|
|
(31 |
) |
|
|
280 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
|
1,462 |
|
|
|
2,012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures |
|
|
(1,796 |
) |
|
|
(1,510 |
) |
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired |
|
|
(1,182 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net proceeds from the sale of assets and investments |
|
|
82 |
|
|
|
501 |
|
Net change in restricted cash |
|
|
33 |
|
|
|
101 |
|
Other |
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash used in continuing activities |
|
|
(2,846 |
) |
|
|
(884 |
) |
Cash provided by discontinued activities |
|
|
3,660 |
|
|
|
229 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used) in investing activities |
|
|
814 |
|
|
|
(655 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt |
|
|
5,253 |
|
|
|
125 |
|
Payments to retire long-term debt and other financing obligations |
|
|
(7,286 |
) |
|
|
(2,990 |
) |
Dividends paid |
|
|
(112 |
) |
|
|
(108 |
) |
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
500 |
|
Contributions from discontinued operations |
|
|
3,346 |
|
|
|
277 |
|
Other |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
(25 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash provided by (used in) continuing activities |
|
|
1,205 |
|
|
|
(2,221 |
) |
Cash used in discontinued activities |
|
|
(3,629 |
) |
|
|
(509 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in financing activities |
|
|
(2,424 |
) |
|
|
(2,730 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
(148 |
) |
|
|
(1,373 |
) |
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning of period |
|
|
537 |
|
|
|
2,132 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
End of period |
|
$ |
389 |
|
|
$ |
759 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes.
6
EL PASO CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In millions)
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months |
|
|
|
Quarters Ended |
|
|
Ended |
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Net income |
|
$ |
155 |
|
|
$ |
135 |
|
|
$ |
950 |
|
|
$ |
641 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency translation adjustments (net of income taxes of less than
$1 in 2006) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
Net reclassification adjustments (net of income taxes of $3 and $10 in
2007) associated with pension and other postretirement obligations |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flow hedging activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized mark-to-market gains arising during period (net of income
taxes of $22 and $3 in 2007 and $51 and $174 in 2006) |
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
92 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
311 |
|
Reclassification adjustments for changes in initial value to the
settlement date (net of income taxes of $22 and $46 in 2007 and $3 and
$18 in 2006) |
|
|
(38 |
) |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
(78 |
) |
|
|
29 |
|
Investments available for sale: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during period (net of income taxes $2
in 2007 and $1 and $4 in 2006) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
Realized gains arising during period (net of income taxes of $8 in 2007) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
97 |
|
|
|
(66 |
) |
|
|
352 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income |
|
$ |
161 |
|
|
$ |
232 |
|
|
$ |
884 |
|
|
$ |
993 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes.
7
EL PASO CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
We prepared this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q under the rules and regulations of the United
States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Because this is an interim period filing presented
using a condensed format, it does not include all of the disclosures required by U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles. You should read this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q along with our
2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which contains a summary of our significant accounting policies
and other disclosures. The financial statements as of September 30, 2007, and for the quarters and
nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, are unaudited. We derived the condensed consolidated
balance sheet as of December 31, 2006, from the audited balance sheet filed in our 2006 Annual
Report on Form 10-K. In our opinion, we have made all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring
nature, to fairly present our interim period results. Due to the seasonal nature of our businesses,
information for interim periods may not be indicative of our operating results for the entire year.
Our results for all periods reflect ANR Pipeline Company (ANR), our Michigan storage assets and our
50 percent interest in Great Lakes Gas Transmission (Great Lakes) as discontinued operations.
Additionally, our financial statements for prior periods include reclassifications that were made
to conform to the current period presentation. Those reclassifications did not impact our reported
net income or stockholders equity.
Significant Accounting Policies
The information below provides an update to the significant accounting policies and accounting
pronouncements issued but not yet adopted discussed in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. On January 1, 2007, we adopted Financial
Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation (FIN) No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income
Taxes and its related interpretation. FIN No. 48 clarifies Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (SFAS) No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, and requires us to evaluate our tax
positions for all jurisdictions and for all years where a statute of limitations has not expired.
FIN No. 48 requires companies to meet a more-likely-than-not threshold (i.e., a greater than
50 percent likelihood that a tax position would be sustained under examination) prior to recording
a benefit for their tax positions. Additionally, for tax positions meeting this
more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount of benefit is limited to the largest benefit that has
a greater than 50 percent probability of being realized upon effective settlement. For information
on the impact on our financial statements of the adoption of this interpretation, see Note 3.
Accounting for Offsetting Contractual Amounts. In April 2007, the FASB issued FASB Staff
Position (FSP) No. FIN 39-1. The FSP amends FIN No. 39, Offsetting of Amounts Related to Certain
Contracts, and allows companies to offset amounts recorded for their derivative contracts with cash
collateral posted or held if the contracts are executed with the same counterparty and under the
same master netting arrangement. This pronouncement is effective for fiscal years beginning after
November 15, 2007, although early application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the manner
in which we will apply this pronouncement.
2. Acquisitions and Divestitures
Acquisitions
On September 28, 2007, we acquired Peoples Energy Production Company (Peoples) for $879
million in cash using cash on hand and borrowings under our revolving credit facilities. Peoples
is an exploration and production company with natural gas and oil properties located primarily in
the ArkLaTex, Texas Gulf Coast and Mississippi areas and in the San Juan and Arkoma Basins. We
accounted for this acquisition under the purchase method of accounting and preliminarily allocated
the purchase price to natural gas and oil properties on our balance sheet. This allocation is
subject to change. We did not record any goodwill associated with this transaction.
8
In January 2007, we acquired producing properties and undeveloped acreage in Zapata County,
Texas for $254 million. Also, in the third quarter of 2007, we increased our ownership interest in
Four Star, our unconsolidated affiliate, from 43 percent to 49 percent.
Divestitures
Under SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, we
classify assets to be disposed of as held for sale or, if appropriate, discontinued operations when
they have received appropriate approvals to be disposed of by our management or Board of Directors
and when they meet other criteria. Cash flows from our discontinued businesses are reflected as
discontinued operating, investing, and financing activities in our statement of cash flows. To the
extent these discontinued operations do not maintain separate cash balances, we reflect the net
cash flows generated from these businesses as a contribution to our continuing operations in cash
flows from continuing financing activities. As of December 31, 2006, we had total assets of
$4.1 billion and total liabilities of $1.8 billion related to our discontinued operations, the
composition of which is disclosed in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We also had $28 million
of assets held for sale as of December 31, 2006. As of September 30, 2007, all of our assets and
liabilities related to our discontinued operations and our assets held for sale had been sold.
Discontinued Operations. In February 2007, we sold ANR, our Michigan storage assets and our
50 percent interest in Great Lakes to TransCanada Corporation and TC Pipeline, LP for net cash
proceeds of approximately $3.7 billion and recorded a gain on the sale of $648 million, net of
taxes of $354 million. Included in the net assets of these discontinued operations as of the date
of the sale were net deferred tax liabilities assumed by TransCanada. During 2006, we completed the
sale of all of our discontinued international power operations for net proceeds of approximately
$368 million including our interest in Macae, a wholly owned power plant facility in Brazil, and
certain power assets in Asia and Central America.
Below is summarized income statement information regarding our discontinued operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ANR and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Related |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operations |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
(In millions) |
|
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
$ |
101 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
101 |
|
Costs and expenses |
|
|
(43 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(43 |
) |
Other expense(1) |
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(7 |
) |
Interest and debt expense |
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(10 |
) |
Income taxes |
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations |
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26 |
|
Gain on sale, net of income taxes of $354 million |
|
|
648 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
648 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income from discontinued operations |
|
$ |
674 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
674 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended September 30, 2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
$ |
120 |
|
|
$ |
28 |
|
|
$ |
148 |
|
Costs and expenses |
|
|
(82 |
) |
|
|
(33 |
) |
|
|
(115 |
) |
Other income |
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
Interest and debt expense |
|
|
(16 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(17 |
) |
Income taxes |
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
(8 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income from discontinued operations |
|
$ |
24 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
24 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
$ |
439 |
|
|
$ |
131 |
|
|
$ |
570 |
|
Costs and expenses |
|
|
(251 |
) |
|
|
(144 |
) |
|
|
(395 |
) |
Other income |
|
|
45 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
49 |
|
Interest and debt expense |
|
|
(49 |
) |
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
|
(63 |
) |
Income taxes |
|
|
(67 |
) |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
(66 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations |
|
$ |
117 |
|
|
$ |
(22 |
) |
|
$ |
95 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes a loss of approximately $19 million associated with the extinguishment
of certain debt obligations. |
9
Continuing operations asset sales. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we
received approximately $82 million of proceeds from the sales of assets and investments, primarily
related to the sale of a pipeline lateral and our investment in the New York Mercantile Exchange
(NYMEX). During the nine months ended September 30, 2006 we received approximately $501 million of
proceeds, primarily related to the sale of our interests in power plants in Brazil, Asia and
Central America and certain natural gas and oil properties in south Texas.
3. Income Taxes
Income taxes included in our income from continuing operations for the periods ended September
30 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarters Ended |
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
September 30, |
|
September 30, |
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In millions, except rates) |
|
|
|
|
Income taxes |
|
$ |
100 |
|
|
$ |
(98 |
) |
|
$ |
151 |
|
|
$ |
14 |
|
Effective tax rate |
|
|
39 |
% |
|
|
(754 |
)% |
|
|
35 |
% |
|
|
3 |
% |
We compute interim period income taxes by applying an anticipated annual effective tax rate to
our year-to-date income or loss, except for significant unusual or infrequently occurring items.
Significant tax items, which may include the conclusion of income tax audits, are recorded in the
period that the item occurs. Our 2007 overall year-to-date effective tax rate on continuing
operations was consistent with the statutory rate. Increases to our effective tax rate due to
impairments on foreign investments for which there were no corresponding income tax benefits, along
with state income taxes (net of federal income tax effects) and the reversal of deferred tax assets
on certain foreign investments were offset by tax benefits associated with recent tax law changes
and dividend exclusions on earnings from unconsolidated affiliates where we anticipate receiving
dividends. Our 2007 quarterly effective tax rate was higher than the statutory rate due primarily
to impairments on foreign investments for which there were no corresponding income tax benefits.
During 2006, our overall effective tax rate on continuing operations was lower than the
statutory rate of 35 percent primarily due to conclusion of IRS audits of The Coastal Corporations
1998-2000 tax years and El Pasos 2001 and 2002 tax years which resulted in the reduction of tax
contingencies and the reinstatement of certain tax credits. Also, impacting the rate were net tax
benefits recognized on certain foreign investments. The total net tax benefit associated with the
items above was $105 million and $163 million for the quarter and nine months ended September 30,
2006.
We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various state and foreign
jurisdictions. With a few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or
non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 1999. Additionally, the
Internal Revenue Service has completed an examination of El Pasos U.S. income tax returns for 2003
and 2004, with a tentative settlement at the appellate level for all issues. While the settlement
of these matters is expected to change our unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months, we
do not anticipate the impact to be material to our results of operations, financial condition or
liquidity. For our remaining open tax years, our unrecognized tax benefits (liabilities for
uncertain tax matters) could increase or decrease our income tax expense and effective income tax
rates as these matters are finalized.
Upon the adoption of FIN No. 48, we recorded additional liabilities for unrecognized tax
benefits of $2 million, including interest and penalties, which we accounted for as an increase of
$4 million to the January 1, 2007 accumulated deficit and an increase of $2 million to additional
paid-in capital. The additional amounts recorded increased our overall unrecognized tax benefits
(including interest and penalties) to $178 million as of January 1, 2007. During the third
quarter, we increased our gross liability by $25 million related to various tax positions. As a
result, our overall unrecognized tax benefits are $207 million as of September 30, 2007. Of these
amounts, approximately $109 million as of January 1, 2007 and $136 million as of September 30, 2007
(net of federal tax benefits) would favorably affect our income tax expense and our effective
income tax rate if recognized in future periods. While the amount of our unrecognized tax benefits
could change in the next twelve months, we do not expect this change to have a significant impact
on our results of operations or financial position.
We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense
on our income statement. Total interest and penalties recognized in our income statement was not
material for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2007
and 2006. As of January 1, 2007, we had approximately $39 million of liabilities for interest
and penalties related to our unrecognized tax benefits, which have not materially changed as of
September 30, 2007.
10
4. Earnings Per Share
We calculated basic and diluted earnings per common share as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
Diluted |
|
|
Basic |
|
|
Diluted |
|
|
|
(In millions, except per share amounts) |
|
Quarter Ended September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations |
|
$ |
155 |
|
|
$ |
155 |
|
|
$ |
111 |
|
|
$ |
111 |
|
Convertible preferred stock dividends |
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations available to common stockholders |
|
|
146 |
|
|
|
155 |
|
|
|
102 |
|
|
|
102 |
|
Discontinued operations, net of income taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income available to common stockholders |
|
$ |
146 |
|
|
$ |
155 |
|
|
$ |
126 |
|
|
$ |
126 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding |
|
|
696 |
|
|
|
696 |
|
|
|
693 |
|
|
|
693 |
|
Effect of dilutive securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options and restricted stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
Convertible preferred stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding and dilutive securities |
|
|
696 |
|
|
|
759 |
|
|
|
693 |
|
|
|
697 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per common share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations |
|
$ |
0.21 |
|
|
$ |
0.20 |
|
|
$ |
0.15 |
|
|
$ |
0.15 |
|
Discontinued operations, net of income taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
0.21 |
|
|
$ |
0.20 |
|
|
$ |
0.18 |
|
|
$ |
0.18 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
Diluted |
|
|
Basic |
|
|
Diluted |
|
|
|
(In millions, except per share amounts) |
|
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations |
|
$ |
276 |
|
|
$ |
276 |
|
|
$ |
546 |
|
|
$ |
546 |
|
Convertible preferred stock dividends |
|
|
(28 |
) |
|
|
(28 |
) |
|
|
(28 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations available to common stockholders |
|
|
248 |
|
|
|
248 |
|
|
|
518 |
|
|
|
546 |
|
Discontinued operations, net of income taxes |
|
|
674 |
|
|
|
674 |
|
|
|
95 |
|
|
|
95 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income available to common stockholders |
|
$ |
922 |
|
|
$ |
922 |
|
|
$ |
613 |
|
|
$ |
641 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding |
|
|
695 |
|
|
|
695 |
|
|
|
673 |
|
|
|
673 |
|
Effect of dilutive securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options and restricted stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
Convertible preferred stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
57 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding and dilutive securities |
|
|
695 |
|
|
|
699 |
|
|
|
673 |
|
|
|
734 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per common share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations |
|
$ |
0.36 |
|
|
$ |
0.35 |
|
|
$ |
0.77 |
|
|
$ |
0.74 |
|
Discontinued operations, net of income taxes |
|
|
0.97 |
|
|
|
0.96 |
|
|
|
0.14 |
|
|
|
0.13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
1.33 |
|
|
$ |
1.31 |
|
|
$ |
0.91 |
|
|
$ |
0.87 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We exclude potentially dilutive securities (such as employee stock options, restricted stock,
convertible preferred stock, and trust preferred securities) from the determination of diluted
earnings per share when their impact on income from continuing operations per common share is
antidilutive. These antidilutive securities included certain employee stock options and our trust
preferred securities in all periods presented, and our convertible preferred stock for the nine
months ended September 30, 2007 and quarter ended September 30, 2006. Additionally, our zero coupon
convertible debentures (redeemed in April 2006), were antidilutive in both periods in 2006. For a
further discussion of our potentially dilutive securities, see our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
5. Price Risk Management Activities
The following table summarizes the carrying value of the derivatives used in our price risk
management activities. In the table below, derivatives designated as accounting hedges consist of
instruments used to hedge our natural gas and oil production. Other commodity-based derivative
contracts relate to derivative contracts not designated as accounting hedges, such as options,
swaps, other natural gas and power purchase and supply contracts, and derivatives related to our
legacy energy trading activities. Interest rate and foreign currency derivatives consist of swaps
that are primarily designated as hedges of our interest rate and foreign currency risk on long-term
debt.
11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(In millions) |
|
Net assets (liabilities): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivatives designated as accounting hedges |
|
$ |
23 |
|
|
$ |
61 |
|
Other commodity-based derivative contracts(1) |
|
|
(861 |
) |
|
|
(456 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total commodity-based derivatives |
|
|
(838 |
) |
|
|
(395 |
) |
Interest rate and foreign currency derivatives |
|
|
82 |
|
|
|
43 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net liabilities from price risk management activities |
|
$ |
(756 |
) |
|
$ |
(352 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
During 2007, we settled derivative assets of approximately $381 million by
applying the related cash margin we held against amounts due to us under those contracts. This
non-cash transaction is not reflected in our statement of cash flows. |
6. Long-Term Financing Obligations and Other Credit Facilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(In millions) |
|
Current maturities of long-term financing obligations |
|
$ |
567 |
|
|
$ |
1,360 |
|
Long-term financing obligations |
|
|
12,445 |
|
|
|
13,329 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
13,012 |
|
|
$ |
14,689 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in Long-Term Financing Obligations. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007,
we had the following changes in our long-term financing obligations (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Book Value |
|
|
Received / |
|
Company |
|
Interest Rate |
|
|
Increase (Decrease) |
|
|
(Paid) |
|
Issuances |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
El Paso Exploration and Production Company (EPEP) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revolving credit facility |
|
variable |
|
|
$ |
955 |
|
|
$ |
952 |
|
El Paso |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revolving credit facility |
|
variable |
|
|
|
2,200 |
|
|
|
2,200 |
|
Notes due 2014 |
|
|
6.875 |
% |
|
|
374 |
|
|
|
371 |
|
Notes due 2017 |
|
|
7.00 |
% |
|
|
893 |
|
|
|
886 |
|
El Paso Natural Gas (EPNG) notes due 2017 |
|
|
5.95 |
% |
|
|
354 |
|
|
|
350 |
|
Southern Natural Gas (SNG) notes due 2017 |
|
|
5.90 |
% |
|
|
500 |
|
|
|
494 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increases through September 30, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
5,276 |
|
|
$ |
5,253 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Repayments, repurchases and other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
El Paso |
|
|
6.375%-10.75 |
% |
|
$ |
(2,880 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,054 |
) |
El Paso-Euro |
|
|
7.125 |
% |
|
|
(157 |
) |
|
|
(165 |
) |
EPEP |
|
|
7.75 |
% |
|
|
(1,199 |
) |
|
|
(1,267 |
) |
SNG |
|
|
6.70 |
% |
|
|
(52 |
) |
|
|
(52 |
) |
SNG |
|
|
8.875 |
% |
|
|
(398 |
) |
|
|
(418 |
) |
EPNG |
|
|
7.625 |
% |
|
|
(299 |
) |
|
|
(314 |
) |
Other |
|
various |
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
(16 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,953 |
) |
|
|
(5,286 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revolving Credit Facilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EPEP |
|
variable |
|
|
|
(200 |
) |
|
|
(200 |
) |
El Paso |
|
variable |
|
|
|
(1,800 |
) |
|
|
(1,800 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Decreases through September 30, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(6,953 |
) |
|
$ |
(7,286 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
During the first nine months of 2007, we recorded $287 million of pre-tax losses on the
extinguishment of certain debt obligations repurchased and debt refinanced above. During the
quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2006, we recorded $17 million and $26 million of
pre-tax losses on the extinguishment of certain debt obligations repurchased and debt refinanced.
12
Other. Approximately $10 billion of our debt obligations provide us the ability to call the
debt prior to its stated maturity date. If redeemed prior to their stated maturities, we will be
required to pay a make-whole or fixed premium in addition to repaying the principal and accrued
interest.
Prior to their redemption in 2006, we recorded accretion expense on our zero coupon
debentures. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, we redeemed $615 million of our zero
coupon debentures, of which $110 million represented an increase in the principal balance of
long-term debt due to the accretion of interest on the debentures we redeemed. We account for these
redemptions as financing activities in our statement of cash flows.
Credit Facilities/Letters of Credit
Credit Facilities. As of September 30, 2007, we had available capacity under various credit
agreements of approximately $0.7 billion. Below is a discussion of changes to our existing credit
facilities and our new facilities entered into in 2007. For a further discussion of our credit
facilities, see our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
$1.75 billion credit agreement. As of September 30, 2007, we had approximately $0.6 billion
available under our $1.75 billion credit agreement. As a result of upgrades to our credit
ratings in March 2007, we can borrow funds utilizing the revolver under this credit agreement
at rates of LIBOR plus 1.25% or issue letters of credit at a rate of 1.40%. The commitment fee
on any unused capacity under the revolver is 0.25%.
EPEP $1.0 billion revolving credit agreement. In September 2007, we amended and restated
EPEPs revolving credit facility, increasing the capacity by $0.5 billion to $1.0 billion.
The other material terms and conditions of this facility remain the same. As of September 30,
2007, we had available capacity under this facility of $0.1 billion. Based on current
borrowing levels, we pay interest at LIBOR plus 1.50% on borrowings, and a commitment fee of
0.35% on any unused capacity.
Unsecured Credit Facility. In June 2007, we entered into a $150 million unsecured facility
that provides for both borrowings and issuing letters of credit. As of September 30, 2007, we
increased the size of this facility to $300 million and in October 2007 added an additional
$200 million of capacity to this facility, bringing total capacity to $500 million. The
facility matures in various tranches during 2009. Based on this facility size, we are
required to pay a fixed facility fee at a weighted average rate of 1.64% per annum (1.44% as
of September 30, 2007) on the full facility amount. Borrowings carry an interest rate of
LIBOR in addition to the facility fee. Substantially all of the capacity was used to issue
letters of credit under the facility.
Contingent Letter of Credit Facility. In January 2007, we entered into a $250 million
unsecured contingent letter of credit facility that matures in March 2008. Letters of credit
are available under the facility if the average NYMEX gas price strip for the remaining
calendar months through March 2008 is equal to or exceeds $11.75 per MMBtu, which has not
occurred. The facility fee, if triggered, is 1.66% per annum.
Letters of Credit. We enter into letters of credit in the ordinary course of our operating
activities as well as periodically in conjunction with the sales of assets or businesses. As of
September 30, 2007, we had outstanding letters of credit of approximately $1.4 billion of which
approximately $0.9 billion secures our recorded obligations related to price risk management
activities.
7. Commitments and Contingencies
Legal Proceedings
ERISA Class Action Suit. In December 2002, a purported class action lawsuit entitled William
H. Lewis, III v. El Paso Corporation, et al. was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern
District of Texas alleging that our communication with participants in our Retirement Savings Plan
included various misrepresentations and omissions that caused members of the class to hold and
maintain investments in El Paso stock in violation of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
(ERISA). Various motions have been filed, and we are awaiting the courts ruling. We have insurance
coverage for this lawsuit, subject to certain deductibles and co-pay obligations. We have
established accruals for this matter which we believe are adequate.
13
Cash Balance Plan Lawsuit. In December 2004, a purported class action lawsuit entitled
Tomlinson, et al. v. El Paso Corporation and El Paso Corporation Pension Plan was filed in
U.S. District Court for Denver, Colorado. The lawsuit alleges various violations of ERISA and the
Age Discrimination in Employment Act as a result of our change from a final average earnings
formula pension plan to a cash balance pension plan. Certain of the claims that our cash balance
plan violated ERISA were recently dismissed by the trial court. Our costs and legal exposure
related to this lawsuit are not currently determinable.
Retiree Medical Benefits Matters. We serve as the plan administrator for a medical benefits
plan that covers a closed group of retirees of the Case Corporation who retired on or before
July 1, 1994. Case was formerly a subsidiary of Tenneco, Inc. that was spun off in 1994. Tenneco
retained an obligation to provide certain medical benefits at the time of the spin-off and we
assumed this obligation as a result of our merger with Tenneco. Pursuant to an agreement with the
applicable union for Case employees, our liability for these benefits was subject to a cap, such
that costs in excess of the cap were to be assumed by plan participants. In 2002, we and Case were
sued by individual retirees in a federal court in Detroit, Michigan in an action entitled Yolton et
al. v. El Paso Tennessee Pipeline Co. and Case Corporation. The suit alleges, among other things,
that El Paso and Case violated ERISA and that they should be required to pay all amounts above the
cap. Case further filed claims against El Paso asserting that El Paso was obligated to indemnify
Case for the amounts it would be required to pay. In separate rulings in 2004, the court ruled
that, pending a trial on the merits, Case must pay the amounts incurred above the cap and that
El Paso must reimburse Case for those payments. In January 2006, these rulings were upheld on
appeal by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit. In October 2007, pending a trial on the
merits, the court expanded the number of retirees that were covered by its prior preliminary
rulings. We will proceed with a trial on the merits with regard to the issues of whether the cap
is enforceable and to what degree benefits have actually vested. Until this is resolved, El Paso
will indemnify Case for payments Case makes above the cap, which are currently about $2 million per
month. We continue to defend the action and have filed for approval by the trial court various
amendments to the medical benefit plans which would allow us to deliver the benefits to plan
participants in a more cost effective manner. Although it is uncertain what plan amendments will
ultimately be approved, the approval of plan amendments could reduce our overall costs and, as a
result, could reduce our recorded obligation. We have established an accrual for this matter which
we believe is adequate.
Natural Gas Commodities Litigation. Beginning in August 2003, several lawsuits were filed
against El Paso Marketing L.P. (EPM) alleging that El Paso, EPM and other energy companies
conspired to manipulate the price of natural gas by providing false price information to industry
trade publications that published gas indices. The first cases were consolidated in federal court
in New York for all pre-trial purposes and are styled In re: Gas Commodity Litigation. In September
2005, the court certified the class to include all persons who purchased or sold NYMEX natural gas
futures between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2002. A settlement was finalized and has been
paid. The second set of cases, involving similar allegations on behalf of commercial and
residential customers, was transferred to a multi-district litigation proceeding (MDL) in the
U.S. District Court for Nevada and styled In re: Western States Wholesale Natural Gas Antitrust
Litigation. These cases were dismissed. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, however,
reversed the dismissal and ordered that these cases be remanded to the trial court. Defendants
have filed a motion for reconsideration of that ruling. The third set of cases also involve similar
allegations on behalf of certain purchasers of natural gas. These include Farmland Industries v.
Oneok Inc. (filed in state court in Wyandotte County, Kansas in July 2005) and Missouri Public
Service Commission v. El Paso Corporation, et al. (filed in the circuit court of Jackson County,
Missouri at Kansas City in October 2006), and the purported class action lawsuits styled: Leggett,
et al. v. Duke Energy Corporation, et al. (filed in Chancery Court of Tennessee in January 2005);
Ever-Bloom Inc. v. AEP Energy Services Inc., et al. (filed in federal court for the Eastern
District of California in September 2005); Learjet, Inc. v. Oneok Inc., (filed in state court in
Wyandotte County, Kansas in September 2005); Breckenridge, et al. v. Oneok Inc., et al. (filed in
state court in Denver County, Colorado in May 2006); Arandell, et al. v. Xcel Energy, et al. (filed
in the circuit court of Dane County, Wisconsin in December 2006); and Heartland, et al. v. Oneok
Inc., et al. (filed in the circuit court of Buchanan County, Missouri in March 2007). The Leggett
case was dismissed by the Tennessee state court and has been appealed. The remaining cases have all
been transferred to the MDL proceeding. Defendants motions to dismiss in Farmland, Learjet and
Breckenridge have been denied. Our costs and legal exposure related to these lawsuits and claims
are not currently determinable.
Gas Measurement Cases. A number of our subsidiaries were named defendants in actions that
generally allege mismeasurement of natural gas volumes and/or heating content resulting in the
underpayment of royalties. The first set of cases was filed in 1997 by an individual under the
False Claims Act, which have been consolidated for pretrial purposes (In re: Natural Gas Royalties
Qui Tam Litigation, U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming). These complaints allege an
industry-wide conspiracy to underreport the heating value as well as the volumes of the natural gas
produced from federal and Native American lands. In October 2006, the U.S. District Judge issued an
order dismissing all claims against all defendants. An appeal has been filed.
14
Similar allegations were filed in a set of actions initiated in 1999 in Will Price, et al. v.
Gas Pipelines and Their Predecessors, et al., in the District Court of Stevens County, Kansas. The
plaintiffs currently seek certification of a class of royalty owners in wells on non-federal and
non-Native American lands in Kansas, Wyoming and Colorado. Motions for class certification have
been briefed and argued in the proceedings and the parties are awaiting the courts ruling. The
plaintiff seeks an unspecified amount of monetary damages in the form of additional royalty
payments (along with interest, expenses and punitive damages) and injunctive relief with regard to
future gas measurement practices. Our costs and legal exposure related to these lawsuits and claim
are not currently determinable.
MTBE. Certain of our subsidiaries used the gasoline additive methyl tertiary-butyl ether
(MTBE) in some of their gasoline. Certain subsidiaries have also produced, bought, sold and
distributed MTBE. A number of lawsuits have been filed throughout the U.S. regarding the potential
impact of MTBE on water supplies. Some of our subsidiaries are among the defendants in
approximately 80 such lawsuits. Although these suits had been consolidated for pre-trial purposes
in multi-district litigation in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, a
recent appellate court decision directed two of the cases to be remanded back to state court. A
limited number of cases have since been remanded to separate state court proceedings. It is
possible many of the other cases will also be remanded. The plaintiffs, certain state attorneys
general, various water districts and a limited number of individual water customers, generally seek
remediation of their groundwater, prevention of future contamination, damages (including natural
resource damages), punitive damages, attorneys fees and court costs. Among other allegations,
plaintiffs assert that gasoline containing MTBE is a defective product and that defendant refiners
are liable in proportion to their market share. While the damages claimed in these actions are
substantial, there remains significant legal uncertainty regarding the validity of causes of action
asserted and availability of the relief sought by plaintiffs. Although there have been preliminary
settlement discussions with the plaintiffs in the past, such discussions have been unsuccessful to
date. We have tendered the matter to our insurers and, although the primary layer has agreed to
reimburse us for reasonable defense costs, they have reserved their rights to deny coverage for any
losses incurred by way of settlement or judgment associated with these proceedings. As a result,
our costs and legal exposure related to these lawsuits are not currently determinable.
Government Investigations and Inquiries
Reserve Revisions. In March 2004, we received a subpoena from the SEC requesting documents
relating to our December 31, 2003 natural gas and oil reserve revisions. We originally
self-reported this matter to the SEC and have been cooperating fully with the investigation, which
has included producing a large volume of documents and making our employees available for
interviews or testimony upon request. On July 13, 2007, we received a notice indicating the SEC
staff has made a preliminary decision to recommend to the SEC that it institute an enforcement
action against us and two of our subsidiaries related to the reserve revisions. We understand that
the staff of the SEC may have also issued similar notices to several of our former employees
related to the reserves revisions. We were given the opportunity to respond to the staff before it
makes its formal recommendation on whether any action should be brought by the SEC, and on
September 25, 2007 we submitted our response.
Other Government Investigations. We continue to provide information and cooperate with the
inquiry or investigation of the U.S. Attorney and the SEC in response to requests for information
regarding price reporting of transactional data to the energy trade press.
In addition to the above proceedings, we and our subsidiaries and affiliates are named
defendants in numerous lawsuits and governmental proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of
our business. There are also other regulatory rules and orders in various stages of adoption,
review and/or implementation. For each of these matters, we evaluate the merits of the case, our
exposure to the matter, possible legal or settlement strategies and the likelihood of an
unfavorable outcome. If we determine that an unfavorable outcome is probable and can be estimated,
we establish the necessary accruals. While the outcome of these matters, including those discussed
above, cannot be predicted with certainty, and there are still uncertainties related to the costs
we may incur, based upon our
evaluation and experience to date, we believe we have established appropriate reserves for
these matters. It is possible, however, that new information or future developments could require
us to reassess our potential exposure related to these matters and adjust our accruals accordingly,
and these adjustments could be material. As of September 30, 2007, we had approximately
$458 million accrued, net of related insurance receivables, for our outstanding legal and
governmental proceedings.
15
Rates and Regulatory Matters
EPNG Rate Case. In August 2007, EPNG received approval of the settlement of its rate case
from the FERC. The settlement provides benefits for both EPNG and its customers for a three year
period ending December 31, 2008. Under the terms of the settlement, EPNG is required to file a new
rate case to be effective January 1, 2009. EPNG has received approval from the FERC to begin
billing the settlement rates on October 1, 2007 and it will refund amounts, with interest, within
120 days of that date. Our financial statements reflect EPNGs proposed rates and we have reserved
a sufficient amount to meet the refund obligations under this settlement.
Notice of Inquiry on Pipeline Fuel Retention Policies. In September 2007, the FERC issued a
Notice of Inquiry regarding its policy about the in-kind recovery of fuel and lost and unaccounted
for gas by natural gas pipeline companies. Under current policy, pipelines have options for
recovering these costs. For some pipelines, the tariff states a fixed percentage as a
non-negotiable fee-in-kind retained from the volumes tendered for shipment by each shipper. This
percentage is changed only through filing a rate case. There is also a tracker approach, where the
pipelines tariff provides for prospective adjustments to the fuel retention rates from
time-to-time, but does not include a mechanism to allow the pipeline to reconcile past over or
under-recoveries of fuel. Finally, some pipelines tariffs provide for a tracker with a true-up
approach, where provisions in a pipelines tariff allow for periodic adjustments to the fuel
retention rates, and also provide for a true-up of past over and under-recoveries of fuel and lost
and unaccounted for gas. In this proceeding, the FERC is seeking comments on whether it should
change its current policy and prescribe a uniform method for all pipelines to use in recovering
these costs. Our pipeline subsidiaries currently utilize a variety of these methodologies and plan
to file comments with the FERC. At this time, we do not know what impact this proceeding may
ultimately have on any of our pipelines.
Other Contingencies
Iraq Imports. In December 2005, the Ministry of Oil for the State Oil Marketing Organization
of Iraq (SOMO) sent an invoice to one of our subsidiaries for shipments of crude oil that SOMO
alleged were purchased by Coastal in 1990 just before the 1990 invasion of Kuwait by Iraq. The
invoice requests $144 million for such shipments, along with an allegation of an undefined amount
of interest. Prior to our merger with Coastal in 2001, Coastal had accrued approximately $77
million for potential claims that SOMO might make for additional payments for these shipments.
Following the completion of our review of the invoice and our defenses, including the expiration of
the related statute of limitation periods, we determined that no amounts are owed to SOMO, and as a
result, we reversed those accrued amounts to other income in our income statement during the third
quarter of 2007.
Navajo Nation. Approximately 900 looped pipeline miles of the north mainline of our EPNG
pipeline system are located on lands held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the
Navajo Nation. Our rights-of-way on lands crossing the Navajo Nation are the subject of a pending
renewal application filed in 2005 with the Department of the Interiors Bureau of Indian Affairs.
An interim agreement with the Navajo Nation expired at the end of December 2006. Negotiations on
the terms of the long-term agreement are continuing. In addition, we continue to preserve other
legal, regulatory and legislative alternatives, which includes continuing to pursue our application
with the Department of the Interior for renewal of our rights-of-way on Navajo Nation lands. It is
uncertain whether our negotiation, or other alternatives, will be successful, or if successful,
what the ultimate cost will be of obtaining the rights-of-way and whether we will be able to
recover these costs in our rates.
Cheyenne Plains (CP) Compression Station Fire. In September 2007, the CP Compressor Station,
located near the border between Colorado and Wyoming, experienced a fire which has required CP to
temporarily shut down certain of its facilities and reduce service to its customers. We currently
expect that full service will be restored in mid-November, and we will be required to provide
partial demand charge credits to our shippers during the period in which service levels are
reduced. We have business interruption and property insurance and do not anticipate a material
impact on our financial results as a result of the shut-down of these facilities.
Environmental Matters
We are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations governing environmental
quality and pollution control. These laws and regulations require us to remove or remedy the effect
on the environment of the disposal or release of specified substances at current and former
operating sites. As of September 30, 2007, we have accrued approximately $275 million, which has
not been reduced by $29 million for amounts to be paid directly under government sponsored
programs. Our accrual includes approximately $266 million for expected remediation costs and
associated onsite, offsite and groundwater technical studies and approximately
$9 million for related environmental legal costs.
16
Our estimates of potential liability range from approximately $275 million to approximately
$486 million. Our accrual represents a combination of two estimation methodologies. First, where
the most likely outcome can be reasonably estimated, that cost has been accrued ($19 million).
Second, where the most likely outcome cannot be estimated, a range of costs is established
($256 million to $467 million) and if no one amount in that range is more likely than any other,
the lower end of the expected range has been accrued. Our environmental remediation projects are in
various stages of completion. Our recorded liabilities reflect our current estimates of amounts we
will expend to remediate these sites. However, depending on the stage of completion or assessment,
the ultimate extent of contamination or remediation required may not be known. As additional
assessments occur or remediation efforts continue, we may incur additional liabilities. By type of
site, our reserves are based on the following estimates of reasonably possible outcomes:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, 2007 |
|
Sites |
|
Expected |
|
|
High |
|
|
|
(In millions) |
|
Operating |
|
$ |
24 |
|
|
$ |
29 |
|
Non-operating |
|
|
223 |
|
|
|
406 |
|
Superfund |
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
275 |
|
|
$ |
486 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Below is a reconciliation of our accrued liability from January 1, 2007 to September 30, 2007
(in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of January 1, 2007 |
|
$ |
314 |
|
Additions/adjustments for remediation activities |
|
|
19 |
|
Payments for remediation activities |
|
|
(58 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Balance as of September 30, 2007 |
|
$ |
275 |
|
|
|
|
|
For the remainder of 2007, we estimate that our total remediation expenditures will be
approximately $22 million, most of which will be expended under government directed clean-up
programs. In addition, we expect to make capital expenditures for environmental matters of
approximately $23 million in the aggregate for the remainder of 2007 through 2011. These
expenditures primarily relate to compliance with clean air regulations.
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) Matters. We
have received notice that we could be designated, or have been asked for information to determine
whether we could be designated, as a Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) with respect to 45 active
sites under the CERCLA or state equivalents. We have sought to resolve our liability as a PRP at
these sites through indemnification by third-parties and settlements, which provide for payment of
our allocable share of remediation costs. As of September 30, 2007, we have estimated our share of
the remediation costs at these sites to be between $28 million and $51 million. Because the
clean-up costs are estimates and are subject to revision as more information becomes available
about the extent of remediation required, and in some cases we have asserted a defense to any
liability, our estimates could change. Moreover, liability under the federal CERCLA statute is
joint and several, meaning that we could be required to pay in excess of our pro rata share of
remediation costs. Our understanding of the financial strength of other PRPs has been considered,
where appropriate, in estimating our liabilities. Accruals for these issues are included in the
previously indicated estimates for Superfund sites.
It is possible that new information or future developments could require us to reassess our
potential exposure related to environmental matters. We may incur significant costs and liabilities
in order to comply with existing environmental laws and regulations. It is also possible that other
developments, such as increasingly strict environmental laws, regulations and orders of regulatory
agencies, as well as claims for damages to property and the environment or injuries to employees
and other persons resulting from our current or past operations, could result in substantial costs
and liabilities in the future. As this information becomes
available, or other relevant developments occur, we will adjust our accrual amounts
accordingly. While there are still uncertainties related to the ultimate costs we may incur, based
upon our evaluation and experience to date, we believe our reserves are adequate.
Guarantees and Indemnifications
We are involved in various joint ventures and other ownership arrangements that sometimes
require additional financial support through the issuance of financial and performance guarantees.
We also periodically provide indemnification arrangements related to assets or businesses we have
sold. These arrangements include, but are not limited to, indemnifications for income taxes, the
resolution of existing disputes, environmental matters, and necessary expenditures to ensure the
safety and integrity of the assets sold.
17
Our potential exposure under guarantee and indemnification agreements can range from a
specified amount to an unlimited dollar amount, depending on the nature of the claim and the
particular transaction. For those arrangements with a specified dollar amount, we have a maximum
stated value of approximately $785 million, for which we are indemnified by third parties for
$15 million. These amounts exclude guarantees for which we have issued related letters of credit
discussed in Note 6. Included in the above maximum stated value is approximately $440 million
related to indemnification arrangements associated with the sale of ANR and related operations and
approximately $119 million related to tax matters, related interest and other indemnifications and
guarantees arising out of the sale of our Macae power facility. As of September 30, 2007, we have
recorded obligations of $38 million related to our guarantees and indemnification arrangements, of
which $9 million is related to ANR and related assets and Macae. We are unable to estimate a
maximum exposure for our guarantee and indemnification agreements that do not provide for limits on
the amount of future payments under the agreement due to the uncertainty of these exposures.
In addition to the exposures described above, a trial court has ruled, which was upheld on
appeal, that we are required to indemnify a third party for benefits being paid to a closed group
of retirees of one of our former subsidiaries. We have a liability of approximately $371 million
associated with our estimated exposure under this matter as of September 30, 2007. For a further
discussion of this matter, see Retiree Medical Benefits Matters above.
8. Retirement Benefits
The components of net benefit cost for our pension and postretirement benefit plans for the
periods ended September 30 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarters Ended September 30, |
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
Pension |
|
|
Postretirement |
|
|
Pension |
|
|
Postretirement |
|
|
|
Benefits |
|
|
Benefits |
|
|
Benefits |
|
|
Benefits |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(In millions) |
|
Service cost |
|
$ |
4 |
|
|
$ |
4 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
13 |
|
|
$ |
12 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Interest cost |
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
90 |
|
|
|
87 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
21 |
|
Expected return on plan assets |
|
|
(45 |
) |
|
|
(44 |
) |
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
(136 |
) |
|
|
(132 |
) |
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
|
(12 |
) |
Amortization of net actuarial loss |
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of prior service cost(1) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Special termination benefits(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net benefit cost (income) |
|
$ |
(1 |
) |
|
$ |
3 |
|
|
$ |
3 |
|
|
$ |
3 |
|
|
$ |
3 |
|
|
$ |
9 |
|
|
$ |
7 |
|
|
$ |
9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
As permitted, the amortization of any prior service cost is determined using a
straight-line amortization of the cost over the average remaining service period of employees
expected to receive benefits under the plan. |
|
(2) |
|
Relates to providing enhanced benefits to former ANR employees, which is
included in discontinued operations in our income statement. |
In December 2006, we adopted the recognition provisions of SFAS No. 158, Employers Accounting
for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans an amendment of FASB Statements
No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R) and began reflecting assets and liabilities related to our pension and
other postretirement benefit plans based on their funded or unfunded status and reclassified all
actuarial deferrals as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. In March 2007, the
FERC issued guidance requiring regulated pipeline companies to recognize a regulatory asset or
liability for the funded status asset or liability that would otherwise be
recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income under SFAS No. 158, if it is probable that
amounts calculated on the same basis as SFAS No. 106, Employers Accounting for Postretirement
Benefits Other Than Pensions would be included in rates in future periods. Upon adoption of this
FERC guidance, we reclassified approximately $4 million from the beginning balance of accumulated
other comprehensive income to other non-current assets and liabilities on our balance sheet.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, we made $15 million and $54 million
of cash contributions to our supplemental benefits plan and other postretirement benefit plans. We
also made $2 million of cash contributions to our pension plans for the nine months ended
September 30, 2007. For the remainder of 2007, we expect to contribute an additional $6 million to
our other postretirement benefit plans, $1 million to our pension plans and less than $1 million to
our supplemental benefits plan.
18
9. Stockholders Equity
In May 2006, we issued 35.7 million shares of common stock for net proceeds of approximately
$500 million. The table below shows the amount of dividends paid and declared in 2007.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock |
|
Convertible Preferred Stock |
|
|
($0.04/Share per Qtr) |
|
(4.99%/Year) |
|
|
($ in millions) |
Amount paid through September 30, 2007
|
|
$ |
84 |
|
|
$ |
28 |
|
Amount paid in October 2007
|
|
$ |
27 |
|
|
$ |
9 |
|
Declared subsequent to September 30, 2007: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date of declaration
|
|
October 25, 2007
|
|
October 25, 2007
|
Payable to shareholders on record
|
|
December 7, 2007
|
|
December 15, 2007
|
Date payable
|
|
January 7, 2008
|
|
January 7, 2008
|
Dividends on our common stock and preferred stock are treated as a reduction of additional
paid-in-capital since we currently have an accumulated deficit. For the remainder of 2007, we
expect dividends paid on our common and preferred stock will be taxable to our stockholders because
we anticipate they will be paid out of current or accumulated earnings and profits for tax
purposes.
The terms of our 750,000 outstanding shares of 4.99% convertible preferred stock prohibit the
payment of dividends on our common stock unless we have paid or set aside for payment all
accumulated and unpaid dividends on such preferred stock for all preceding dividend periods. In
addition, although our credit facilities do not contain any direct restriction on the payment of
dividends, dividends are included as a fixed charge in the calculation of our fixed charge coverage
ratio under our credit facilities. If our fixed charge ratio were to exceed the permitted maximum
level, our ability to pay additional dividends would be restricted.
10. Business Segment Information
As of September 30, 2007, our business consists of Pipelines, Exploration and Production,
Marketing and Power segments. We have reclassified certain operations as discontinued operations
for all periods presented (see Notes 1 and 2). Our segments are strategic business units that
provide a variety of energy products and services. They are managed separately as each segment
requires different technology and marketing strategies. Our corporate operations include our
general and administrative functions, as well as other miscellaneous businesses, contracts and
assets, all of which are immaterial. A further discussion of each segment follows:
Pipelines. Provides natural gas transmission, storage, and related services, primarily in the
United States. As of September 30, 2007, we conducted our activities primarily through seven wholly
owned and four partially owned transmission systems along with two underground natural gas storage
entities and an LNG terminalling facility.
Exploration and Production. Engages in the exploration for and the acquisition, development
and production of natural gas, oil and NGL, primarily in the United States, Brazil and Egypt.
Marketing. Markets the majority of our natural gas and oil production, manages the associated
commodity price risks and manages our remaining historical trading portfolio.
Power. Manages the risks associated with our remaining international power assets, primarily
in Brazil, Asia and Central America. We continue to pursue the sale of certain of these assets.
19
Our management uses earnings before interest expense and income taxes (EBIT) to assess the
operating results and effectiveness of our business segments which consist of both consolidated
businesses as well as investments in unconsolidated affiliates. We believe EBIT is useful to our
investors because it allows them to more effectively evaluate our operating performance using the
same performance measure analyzed internally by our management. We define EBIT as net income or
loss adjusted for (i) items that do not impact our income or loss from continuing operations, such
as extraordinary items, discontinued operations and the impact of accounting changes, (ii) income
taxes and (iii) interest and debt expense. We exclude interest and debt expense so that investors
may evaluate our operating results without regard to our financing methods or capital structure.
EBIT may not be comparable to measures used by other companies. Additionally, EBIT should be
considered in conjunction with net income and other performance measures such as operating income
or operating cash flow. Below is a reconciliation of our EBIT to our income from continuing
operations for the periods ended September 30:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarters Ended |
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(In millions) |
|
Segment EBIT |
|
$ |
432 |
|
|
$ |
324 |
|
|
$ |
1,432 |
|
|
$ |
1,552 |
|
Corporate and other EBIT |
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
(17 |
) |
|
|
(263 |
) |
|
|
(51 |
) |
Interest and debt expense |
|
|
(228 |
) |
|
|
(294 |
) |
|
|
(742 |
) |
|
|
(941 |
) |
Income taxes |
|
|
(100 |
) |
|
|
98 |
|
|
|
(151 |
) |
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations |
|
$ |
155 |
|
|
$ |
111 |
|
|
$ |
276 |
|
|
$ |
546 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following table reflects our segment results for each of the periods ended September 30:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exploration and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate |
|
|
|
|
Pipelines |
|
Production |
|
Marketing |
|
Power |
|
and Other(1) |
|
Total |
|
|
(In millions) |
Quarter Ended September 30,
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue from external customers |
|
$ |
572 |
|
|
$ |
290 |
(4) |
|
$ |
284 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
20 |
|
|
$ |
1,166 |
|
Intersegment revenue |
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
285 |
(4) |
|
|
(293 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Operation and maintenance |
|
|
199 |
|
|
|
106 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
34 |
|
|
|
348 |
|
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization |
|
|
94 |
|
|
|
194 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
293 |
|
Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates |
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(36 |
)(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6 |
) |
EBIT |
|
|
275 |
|
|
|
232 |
|
|
|
(8 |
) |
|
|
(67 |
)(2) |
|
|
51 |
(3) |
|
|
483 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue from external customers |
|
$ |
567 |
|
|
$ |
186 |
(4) |
|
$ |
162 |
|
|
$ |
1 |
|
|
$ |
26 |
|
|
$ |
942 |
|
Intersegment revenue |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
270 |
(4) |
|
|
(267 |
) |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
(20 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Operation and maintenance |
|
|
198 |
|
|
|
109 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
334 |
|
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization |
|
|
92 |
|
|
|
163 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
260 |
|
Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates |
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
55 |
|
EBIT |
|
|
253 |
|
|
|
141 |
|
|
|
(108 |
) |
|
|
38 |
|
|
|
(17 |
) |
|
|
307 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes eliminations of intercompany transactions. Our intersegment revenues,
along with our intersegment operating expenses, were incurred in the normal course of business
between our operating segments. During the quarter ended September 30, 2007, we recorded an
intersegment revenue elimination of $6 million, and for the quarter ended September 30, 2006,
we recorded an intersegment revenue elimination of $19 million and an operation and
maintenance expense elimination of $13 million, which is included in the Corporate and other
column to remove intersegnment transactions. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes a loss associated with our equity investment in and note receivable
from the Porto Velho project, which is further discussed in Note 11. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes a $77 million gain associated with the reversal of a liability related
to The Coastal Corporations legacy crude oil marketing and trading business which is further
discussed in Note 7. |
|
(4) |
|
Revenues from external customers include gains and losses related to our
hedging of price risk associated with our natural gas and oil production. Intersegment
revenues represent sales to our Marketing segment, which is responsible for marketing the
majority of our production. |
20
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exploration and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate |
|
|
|
|
Pipelines |
|
Production |
|
Marketing |
|
Power |
|
and Other(1) |
|
Total |
|
|
(In millions) |
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue from external customers |
|
$ |
1,803 |
|
|
$ |
778 |
(4) |
|
$ |
744 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
61 |
|
|
$ |
3,386 |
|
Intersegment revenue |
|
|
41 |
|
|
|
877 |
(4) |
|
|
(904 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Operation and maintenance |
|
|
541 |
|
|
|
326 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
88 |
|
|
|
978 |
|
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization |
|
|
279 |
|
|
|
553 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
850 |
|
Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates |
|
|
83 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12 |
)(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
75 |
|
EBIT |
|
|
957 |
|
|
|
646 |
|
|
|
(138 |
) |
|
|
(33 |
)(2) |
|
|
(263 |
)(3) |
|
|
1,169 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue from external customers |
|
$ |
1,759 |
|
|
$ |
501 |
(4) |
|
$ |
1,015 |
|
|
$ |
4 |
|
|
$ |
89 |
|
|
$ |
3,368 |
|
Intersegment revenue |
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
883 |
(4) |
|
|
(897 |
) |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
(34 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Operation and maintenance |
|
|
540 |
|
|
|
295 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
|
60 |
|
|
|
957 |
|
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization |
|
|
278 |
|
|
|
465 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
766 |
|
Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates |
|
|
69 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
121 |
|
EBIT |
|
|
885 |
|
|
|
503 |
|
|
|
113 |
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
(51 |
) |
|
|
1,501 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes eliminations of intercompany transactions. Our intersegment revenues,
along with our intersegment operating expenses, were incurred in the normal course of business
between our operating segments. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we recorded
an intersegment revenue elimination of $15 million, and for the nine months ended September
30, 2006, we recorded an intersegment revenue elimination of $32 million and an operation and
maintenance expense elimination of $13 million, which is included in the Corporate column to
remove intersegment transactions. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes a loss associated with our equity investment in and note receivable
from the Porto Velho project, which is further discussed in Note 11. |
|
(3) |
|
Debt and treasury management activities, which are part of Corporate and
Other, includes debt extinguishment costs of $287 million, $86 million of which related to
refinancing EPEPs $1.2 billion notes. This amount also includes a $77 million gain
associated with the reversal of a liability related to The Coastal Corporations legacy crude
oil marketing and trading business, which is further discussed in Note 7. |
|
(4) |
|
Revenues from external customers include gains and losses related to our
hedging of price risk associated with our natural gas and oil production. Intersegment
revenues represent sales to our Marketing segment, which is responsible for marketing the
majority of our production. |
Total assets by segment are presented below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(In millions) |
|
Pipelines |
|
$ |
13,599 |
|
|
$ |
13,105 |
|
Exploration and Production |
|
|
7,814 |
|
|
|
6,262 |
|
Marketing |
|
|
499 |
|
|
|
1,143 |
|
Power |
|
|
563 |
|
|
|
618 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total segment assets |
|
|
22,475 |
|
|
|
21,128 |
|
Corporate and Other |
|
|
1,606 |
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
Discontinued operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,133 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
$ |
24,081 |
|
|
$ |
27,261 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21
11. Investments in, Earnings from and Transactions with Unconsolidated Affiliates
We hold investments in unconsolidated affiliates which are accounted for using the equity
method of accounting. The earnings from unconsolidated affiliates reflected in our income statement
include (i) our share of net earnings directly attributable to these unconsolidated affiliates, and
(ii) any impairments and other adjustments recorded by us. The information below related to our
unconsolidated affiliates includes (i) our net investment and earnings (losses) we recorded from
these investments, (ii) summarized financial information of our proportionate share of these
investments, and (iii) revenues and charges with our unconsolidated affiliates.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings (Losses) from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unconsolidated Affiliates |
|
Net investment and earnings (losses) |
|
Investment |
|
|
Quarters Ended |
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(In millions) |
|
|
(In millions) |
|
Domestic: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Four Star(1) |
|
$ |
708 |
|
|
$ |
723 |
|
|
$ |
2 |
|
|
$ |
2 |
|
|
$ |
4 |
|
|
$ |
10 |
|
Citrus |
|
|
560 |
|
|
|
597 |
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
65 |
|
|
|
48 |
|
Other |
|
|
38 |
|
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
Foreign: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bolivia to Brazil Pipeline |
|
|
110 |
|
|
|
105 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
Manaus/Rio Negro |
|
|
81 |
|
|
|
96 |
|
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
Porto Velho(2) |
|
|
(60 |
) |
|
|
(34 |
) |
|
|
(31 |
) |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
(24 |
) |
|
|
1 |
|
Asian and Central American Investments(2) |
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(3 |
) |
Other(2) |
|
|
175 |
|
|
|
157 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
1,638 |
|
|
$ |
1,707 |
|
|
$ |
(6 |
) |
|
$ |
55 |
|
|
$ |
75 |
|
|
$ |
121 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
During the third quarter of 2007, we increased our ownership interest in Four
Star from 43 percent to 49 percent. Amortization of our purchase cost in excess of the
underlying net assets of Four Star was $10 million and $13 million for the quarters ended
September 30, 2007 and 2006 and $37 million and $40 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 2007 and 2006. For a further discussion, see our 2006 Annual Report on
Form 10-K. |
|
(2) |
|
As of September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, we had outstanding advances
and receivables of $349 million and $380 million related to our foreign investments of which
$335 million and $350 million related to our investment in Porto Velho. Earnings above do not
reflect income (loss) recognized on these outstanding advances and receivables of
approximately $(24) million and $11 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2007 and 2006
and less than $1 million and $34 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and
2006. For further information, see the Porto Velho discussion below. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarters Ended |
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
September 30, |
|
September 30, |
Summarized Financial Information |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In millions) |
|
|
|
|
Operating results data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
$ |
222 |
|
|
$ |
276 |
|
|
$ |
638 |
|
|
$ |
896 |
|
Operating expenses |
|
|
132 |
|
|
|
138 |
|
|
|
375 |
|
|
|
619 |
|
Income from continuing operations |
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
92 |
|
|
|
164 |
|
|
|
121 |
|
Net income(1) |
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
92 |
|
|
|
164 |
|
|
|
121 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes net income of less than $1 million and $2 million for the quarters
ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, and $9 million and $11 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 2007 and 2006, related to our proportionate share of affiliates in which we hold
a greater than 50 percent interest. |
We received distributions and dividends of $35 million and $61 million for the quarters ended
September 30, 2007 and 2006 and $173 million and $137 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 2007 and 2006. Included in these amounts are returns of capital of less than $1
million and $17 million for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and less than
$1 million for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2006.
22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended |
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
September 30, |
|
September 30, |
Revenues and charges with unconsolidated affiliates |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(In millions) |
Operating revenue |
|
$ |
1 |
|
|
$ |
1 |
|
|
$ |
4 |
|
|
$ |
61 |
|
Operating expense |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
Other income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
Interest income |
|
|
(24 |
)(1) |
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Included is an impairment of our Porto Velho note receivable as further
described below. |
Matters that Could Impact Our Investments
Porto Velho. We have an equity investment in and a note receivable from the Porto Velho
project in Brazil. The power generated by the Porto Velho project is committed to a state-owned
utility under power purchase agreements, the largest of which extends through 2023. In July 2007,
we received an offer from our partner to purchase our investment in the project for less than its
overall carrying value, but a decision to sell our investment has not been made at this time. The
power markets in Brazil continue to evolve and mature, and during the third quarter of 2007, the
Brazilian national power grid operator communicated to Porto Velhos management that its power
plant (and the region that the plant serves) will be interconnected to an integrated power grid in
Brazil as soon as late 2008. When the interconnection is completed, the state-owned utility will
have access to sources of power at rates that may be less than the price under Porto Velhos
existing power purchase agreements. Furthermore, there are plans to construct new hydroelectric
plants in northern Brazil that could reportedly be completed as early as 2012 which, once connected
to the grid, could further reduce regional power prices and the amount of power Porto Velho will be
able to sell under its power purchase agreements. Based on our assessment of the impact these
ongoing developments may have on northern Brazils electricity markets and Porto Velhos power
purchase agreements, we recorded incremental losses on our investment during the third quarter of
2007 of approximately $32 million. We also recorded a $25 million impairment of our note
receivable from the project, and have discontinued accruing interest on the note. After these
adjustments, our total investment in the Porto Velho project was approximately $275 million as of
September 30, 2007, comprised primarily of the note receivable from the project. During the fourth
quarter of 2007, we will be required to convert approximately $80 million of the amounts due under
this note into an equity investment in the project. In addition, we may be required to convert up
to an additional $80 million of the note, depending on the level of equity that our partner
contributes to the project, which would increase our percentage ownership in Porto Velho. Further
adverse developments in the Brazilian power markets or at the project could impact our ability to
recover our remaining investment in the future.
In addition, in December 2006 the Brazilian tax authorities assessed a $30 million fine
against the Porto Velho power project for allegedly not filing the proper tax forms related to the
delivery of fuel to the power facility under its power purchase agreements. We believe the claim by
the tax authorities is without merit.
Manaus/Rio Negro. As of September 30, 2007, our total investment and guarantees related to
the Manaus and Rio Negro projects were approximately $83 million. During the third quarter of
2007, we impaired our investments in these projects by approximately $7 million as a result of
mechanical failures at the plants. We have an agreement to transfer our ownership in these
facilities to the power purchaser in January 2008, and a dispute has arisen with the purchaser
about whether certain maintenance should be performed at the plants prior to the transfer.
Although the outcome of the dispute is unknown at this time, an unfavorable outcome could
negatively impact our ability to recover our remaining investment in these projects.
Asian and Central American power investments. As of September 30, 2007, our total investment
(including advances to the projects) and guarantees related to these projects was approximately
$77 million. We are in the process of selling these assets. Any changes in the political and
economic conditions could negatively impact the amount of net proceeds we expect to receive upon
their sale, which may result in additional impairments.
Investment in Bolivia. We own an 8 percent interest in the Bolivia to Brazil pipeline. As of
September 30, 2007, our total investment and guarantees related to this pipeline project was
approximately $122 million, of which the Bolivian portion was $3 million. In 2006, the Bolivian
government announced a decree significantly increasing its interest in and control over Bolivias
oil and gas assets. We continue to monitor and evaluate, together with our partners, the potential
commercial impact that these political
23
events in Bolivia could have on our investment. As new information becomes available or future
material developments arise, we may be required to record an impairment of our investment.
Investment in Argentina. We own an approximate 22 percent interest in the Argentina to Chile
pipeline. As of September 30, 2007, our total investment in this pipeline project was approximately
$25 million. In July 2006, the Ministry of Economy and Production in Argentina issued a decree that
significantly increases the export taxes on natural gas. We continue to evaluate, together with our
partners, the potential commercial impact that this and other decrees could have on the Argentina
to Chile pipeline. As new information becomes available or future material developments arise, we
may be required to record an impairment of our investment.
24
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The information contained in Item 2 updates, and you should read it in conjunction with,
information disclosed in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and the financial statements and
notes presented in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Overview
Financial Update. During the first nine months of 2007, our pipeline operations continued to
provide a strong base of earnings and cash flow and make progress on expansion projects. In 2007,
we completed several expansions including Phase I of our Cypress project, our Louisiana Deepwater
Link project, Triple-T Extension project and our Northeast Connexion New England project. We
continue to make progress towards completing FERC approved expansions including the Essex
Middlesex, WIC Kanda lateral and related compression, Medicine Bow, Elba Island LNG and Elba
Express Pipeline expansion projects. In our exploration and production business, we acquired
Peoples Energy Production Company in September 2007 and continued to execute on our capital
programs. Average daily production was within our expected production range for the third quarter
of 2007 and has increased eight percent comparing the nine months ended September 30, 2007 to the
same period in 2006, excluding our equity investment in Four Star. Our year to date 2007 financial
results were also marked by several significant events including (i) the completion of the sale of
ANR and related assets in which we recorded a gain of approximately $0.6 billion and (ii) the
repurchase or refinancing of approximately $5 billion of debt on which we recorded approximately
$0.3 billion of losses on the extinguishment of certain of these obligations.
We have strengthened our credit metrics in 2007 through various financing activities including
debt repurchases and refinancings. The refinancings provide us a lower cost of capital and
investment grade covenants on that debt. Our credit ratings were upgraded by both Moodys and
Standard & Poors, while maintaining a positive outlook, and Fitch Ratings initiated coverage on
El Paso in the first quarter of 2007. For further information on our debt obligations and changes
to our credit ratings, see our Liquidity and Capital Resources discussion.
What to Expect Going Forward. In our pipeline operations, we will continue to focus on
expansion projects in our primary growth areas and anticipate that our pipeline operations will
continue to provide strong operating results for the remainder of the year based on the current
levels of contracted capacity, continued success in re-contracting, expansion plans in our market
and supply areas and rate and regulatory actions.
We are currently pursuing the formation of a master limited partnership (MLP) to enhance the
value and financial flexibility of our pipeline assets and provide a lower-cost source of capital
for new projects. We have filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange
Commission that has not yet become effective relating to a proposed initial public offering of
common units of our MLP, El Paso Pipeline Partners, L.P. If this offering is completed, we would
contribute to the MLP 100% of Wyoming Interstate Company, Ltd. (our wholly owned interstate
pipeline transportation business located primarily in Wyoming and Colorado) and 10 percent equity
interests in Colorado Interstate Gas Company and Southern Natural Gas Company (excluding Citrus,
Southern LNG, Inc. and Elba Express Company, LLC). At or prior to closing of the offering, CIG and
SNG will distribute certain entities and assets to us. We will serve as the general partner of the
MLP and continue to operate these assets. For further information regarding this offering of
common units, see Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors.
In our exploration and production business, we will continue to create value through a
disciplined and balanced capital investment program, through active management of the cost of
production services, portfolio management and a focus on delivering reserves and volumes at
reasonable finding and operating costs. We will continue to evaluate opportunities to acquire
properties, as shown by our acquisition of Peoples, that are tightly focused around our core
competencies and areas of competitive advantage. Additionally, we are beginning a process to
upgrade our portfolio by selling selected non-core properties that no longer meet our strategic
objectives. While we do not anticipate exiting any region, our divestitures could total
approximately 10 percent of our December 31, 2006 proved reserve base and will be weighted towards
the Gulf of Mexico and south Texas areas. Our future financial results in this business will be
primarily dependent on continued successful execution of our capital programs. These results may
also be impacted by changes in commodity prices to the extent our anticipated natural gas and oil
production is unhedged. We have currently hedged a substantial portion of our remaining anticipated
2007 and 2008 natural gas production and continue to evaluate opportunities to effectively manage
our commodity price risk going forward.
25
Segment Results
Below are our results of operations, as measured by earnings before interest expense and
income taxes (EBIT) by segment. Our business segments consist of our Pipelines, Exploration and
Production, Marketing and Power segments. These segments are managed separately, provide a variety
of energy products and services, and require different technology and marketing strategies. Our
corporate activities include our general and administrative functions, as well as other
miscellaneous businesses, contracts and assets, all of which are immaterial.
Our management uses EBIT to assess the operating results and effectiveness of our business
segments, which consist of both consolidated businesses as well as investments in unconsolidated
affiliates. We believe EBIT is useful to our investors because it allows them to more effectively
evaluate our operating performance using the same performance measure analyzed internally by our
management. We define EBIT as net income or loss adjusted for (i) items that do not impact our
income or loss from continuing operations, such as extraordinary items, discontinued operations and
the impact of accounting changes, (ii) income taxes and (iii) interest and debt expense. We exclude
interest and debt expense so that investors may evaluate our operating results without regard to
our financing methods or capital structure. EBIT may not be comparable to measures used by other
companies. Additionally, EBIT should be considered in conjunction with net income and other
performance measures such as operating income or operating cash flow. Below is a reconciliation of
our EBIT (by segment) to our consolidated net income for the periods ended September 30:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarters Ended |
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(In millions) |
|
Segment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pipelines |
|
$ |
275 |
|
|
$ |
253 |
|
|
$ |
957 |
|
|
$ |
885 |
|
Exploration and Production |
|
|
232 |
|
|
|
141 |
|
|
|
646 |
|
|
|
503 |
|
Marketing |
|
|
(8 |
) |
|
|
(108 |
) |
|
|
(138 |
) |
|
|
113 |
|
Power |
|
|
(67 |
) |
|
|
38 |
|
|
|
(33 |
) |
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment EBIT |
|
|
432 |
|
|
|
324 |
|
|
|
1,432 |
|
|
|
1,552 |
|
Corporate and other |
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
(17 |
) |
|
|
(263 |
) |
|
|
(51 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated EBIT |
|
|
483 |
|
|
|
307 |
|
|
|
1,169 |
|
|
|
1,501 |
|
Interest and debt expense |
|
|
(228 |
) |
|
|
(294 |
) |
|
|
(742 |
) |
|
|
(941 |
) |
Income taxes |
|
|
(100 |
) |
|
|
98 |
|
|
|
(151 |
) |
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations |
|
|
155 |
|
|
|
111 |
|
|
|
276 |
|
|
|
546 |
|
Discontinued operations, net of income taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
674 |
|
|
|
95 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
155 |
|
|
$ |
135 |
|
|
$ |
950 |
|
|
$ |
641 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26
Pipelines Segment
Operating Results. Below is a discussion of the operating results for our Pipelines segment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarters Ended |
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(In millions, except volume amounts) |
|
Operating revenues |
|
$ |
586 |
|
|
$ |
582 |
|
|
$ |
1,844 |
|
|
$ |
1,805 |
|
Operating expenses |
|
|
(352 |
) |
|
|
(361 |
) |
|
|
(1,010 |
) |
|
|
(1,012 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income |
|
|
234 |
|
|
|
221 |
|
|
|
834 |
|
|
|
793 |
|
Other income |
|
|
41 |
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
123 |
|
|
|
92 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBIT |
|
$ |
275 |
|
|
$ |
253 |
|
|
$ |
957 |
|
|
$ |
885 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Throughput volumes (BBtu/d)(1) |
|
|
18,512 |
|
|
|
17,770 |
|
|
|
17,909 |
|
|
|
17,021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Throughput volumes include volumes associated with our proportionate share of
unconsolidated affiliates. |
The table below outlines the variances in our operating results for the quarter and nine
months ended September 30, 2007 as compared to the same periods in 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended September 30, 2007 |
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 |
|
|
|
Variance |
|
|
Variance |
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
|
Expense |
|
|
Other |
|
|
EBIT |
|
|
Revenue |
|
|
Expense |
|
|
Other |
|
|
EBIT |
|
|
|
Impact |
|
|
Impact |
|
|
Impact |
|
|
Impact |
|
|
Impact |
|
|
Impact |
|
|
Impact |
|
|
Impact |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Favorable/(Unfavorable) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In millions) |
|
Expansions |
|
$ |
14 |
|
|
$ |
(3 |
) |
|
$ |
1 |
|
|
$ |
12 |
|
|
$ |
33 |
|
|
$ |
(6 |
) |
|
$ |
5 |
|
|
$ |
32 |
|
Reservation and usage revenues |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13 |
|
Bankruptcy settlements |
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(18 |
) |
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6 |
) |
Operational gas and revaluations |
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(10 |
) |
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14 |
|
Losses on development projects |
|
|
|
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12 |
|
Equity earnings from Citrus |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
Other(1) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(11 |
) |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total impact on EBIT |
|
$ |
4 |
|
|
$ |
9 |
|
|
$ |
9 |
|
|
$ |
22 |
|
|
$ |
39 |
|
|
$ |
2 |
|
|
$ |
31 |
|
|
$ |
72 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Consists of individually insignificant items on several of our pipeline
systems. |
Expansions. During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2007, our reservation
revenues and throughput volumes were higher than the same periods in 2006 primarily due to the Elba
Island LNG, Piceance Basin and Cheyenne Plains Yuma Lateral expansion projects completed during
2006. In May 2007, we placed Phase I of the Cypress pipeline into service which is anticipated to
generate annual EBIT of approximately $32 million. In July 2007, we completed the Louisiana
Deepwater Link project which is anticipated to increase gas supply attached to our TGP system, over
time, by up to one Bcf/d. In September 2007, we completed the Triple-T Extension project which is
also anticipated to increase gas supply related to our TGP system. Revenues for the Louisiana
Deepwater Link project and Triple-T Extension project will be based on throughput levels as natural
gas reserves are developed. In November 2007, we placed the Northeast Connexion New England
expansion project into service.
We continue to make progress on growth projects and have several expansion projects approved
by the FERC in various stages of construction including our Essex Middlesex, WIC Kanda lateral and
related compression, and Medicine Bow expansion projects. We anticipate that these projects will be
placed in service in 2008. In September 2007, we received FERC approval for the expansion of the
Elba Island LNG receiving terminal and the construction of the Elba Express Pipeline. The Elba
Island LNG expansion is anticipated to increase the peak sendout capacity of the terminal from 1.2
Bcf/d to 2.1 Bcf/d. The Elba Express Pipeline will consist of approximately 190 miles of pipeline
with a total capacity of 1.2 Bcf/d, which will transport natural gas from the Elba Island LNG
terminal to markets in the southeastern and eastern United States.
Reservation and Usage Revenues. During 2007, our EBIT was favorably impacted by an increase
in overall reservation and usage revenues. Throughput on our pipeline systems, primarily in the
Rocky Mountains and southern regions, increased due to new supply, colder weather and
transportation services to power plants. During 2007, we also benefited from additional firm
capacity sold in the south central region on our TGP system and increased rates on our CIG system
that went into effect in October 2006 as a result of its most recent rate case. Partially
offsetting these favorable impacts were an increased provision for rate refund on our EPNG system
and expiration of certain firm transportation contracts on our Mojave and SNG systems.
27
Bankruptcy Settlements. In the second quarter of 2007, we received $10 million to settle our
bankruptcy claim against USGen New England, Inc. During the third quarter of 2006 and the second
quarter of 2007, we recorded income of approximately $18 million and $2 million, respectively net
of amounts owed to certain customers, as a result of the Enron bankruptcy settlement.
Operational Gas and Revaluations. Our net gas imbalances and other gas owed to customers are
revalued each period. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, our EBIT decreased from the
same period in 2006 due to these revaluations. During 2007, higher natural gas prices unfavorably
impacted our results. Additionally, natural gas prices decreased during 2006 favorably impacting
our results during that period. We anticipate that the overall activity in this area will continue
to vary based on factors such as volatility in natural gas prices, the efficiency of our pipeline
operations, regulatory actions and other factors.
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. During 2007, we incurred lower operation and maintenance
expenses to repair damage caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita as compared to 2006. For a further
discussion of the impact of these hurricanes on our capital expenditures, see Liquidity and Capital
Resources.
Losses on Development Projects. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we expensed
costs of approximately $5 million associated with a storage project that we are no longer
developing. During the third quarter of 2006, we discontinued our Continental Connector pipeline
project and our Seafarer project and recorded a loss on these projects of approximately $16 million
due to changing market conditions.
Equity Earnings from Citrus. During the first nine months of 2007, equity earnings on our
Citrus investment increased primarily due to (i) a favorable settlement of approximately $8 million
for litigation brought against Spectra LNG Sales (formerly Duke Energy LNG Sales, Inc.) for the
wrongful termination of a gas supply contract; (ii) Citrus sale of a receivable for approximately
$3 million related to the bankruptcy of Enron North America and (iii) favorable operating results
of approximately $4 million from Florida Gas Transmission Company, a pipeline owned 100 percent by
Citrus, due to higher system usage.
Regulatory Matters/Rate Cases. Our pipeline systems periodically file for changes in their
rates, which are subject to the approval of the FERC. Changes in rates and other tariff provisions
resulting from these regulatory proceedings have the potential to impact our profitability.
|
|
|
EPNG In August 2007, EPNG received approval of the settlement of its rate case
from the FERC. The settlement provides benefits for both EPNG and its customers for a
three year period ending December 31, 2008. Under the terms of the settlement, EPNG is
required to file a new rate case to be effective January 1, 2009. EPNG has received
approval from the FERC to begin billing the settlement rates on October 1, 2007 and it
will refund amounts, with interest, within 120 days of that date. Our financial
statements reflect EPNGs proposed rates and we have reserved a sufficient amount to meet
the refund obligations under this settlement. For a further discussion, see Item 1,
Financial Statements, Note 7. |
|
|
|
|
Mojave Pipeline (MPC) In February 2007, as required by its prior rate case
settlement, MPC filed with the FERC a general rate case proposing a 33 percent decrease
in its base tariff rates resulting from a variety of factors, including a decline in rate
base and various changes in rate design since the last rate case. No new services were
proposed. We anticipate a decrease in revenues of approximately $13 million annually due
to these rate changes. The new base rates were effective March 1, 2007 and are subject to
further adjustment upon the outcome of the rate case proceeding. In October 2007, MPC
filed an offer of settlement to resolve all issues in the rate case. The offer has either
been supported or unopposed by all participants, and the Presiding Judge over the
preceding has certified the settlement offer to the FERC for its review. |
|
|
|
|
CIG/WIC In August 2007, CIG filed a tariff change with the FERC to modify its
fuel recovery mechanism to recover all cost impacts, or flow through to shippers any
revenue impacts, of all fuel imbalance revaluations and related gas balance items. CIG
currently experiences variability in cash flow and earnings under its fuel recovery
mechanism, but its earnings variability related to price fluctuations will be
substantially reduced if the FERC approves the fuel tracker. This tariff filing was
protested by certain shippers and the FERC has suspended the effective date to March 1,
2008 subject to the outcome of a technical conference on the proposed tariff change that
is scheduled for November 2007. In addition, WIC filed a tariff change with the FERC in
September 2007 to establish a fuel and related gas balance recovery mechanism, which if
approved, will recover all cost impacts, or flow through to shippers any revenue impacts
of all such items. This tariff filing was protested by certain shippers and the FERC has
suspended the effective date to April 1, 2008, subject to the outcome of a technical
conference on the proposed tariff change, which has not been scheduled. |
28
Exploration and Production Segment
Overview and Strategy
Our Exploration and Production segment conducts our natural gas and oil exploration and
production activities. The profitability and performance in this segment are driven by the ability
to locate and develop economic natural gas and oil reserves and extract those reserves at the
lowest possible production and administrative costs. Accordingly, we manage this business with the
goal of creating value through disciplined capital allocation, cost control and portfolio
management.
Our domestic natural gas and oil reserve portfolio blends slower decline rate, typically
longer lived assets in our Onshore region, with steeper decline rate and shorter lived assets in
our Texas Gulf Coast and Gulf of Mexico Shelf/south Louisiana regions. We believe the combination
of our assets in these regions provides significant near-term cash flows while providing consistent
opportunities for competitive investment returns. In addition, our international activities in
Brazil and Egypt provide opportunity for additional future reserve additions and longer term cash
flows. We will continue to evaluate acquisition and growth opportunities that are tightly focused
around our core competencies and areas of competitive advantage. Additionally, we have begun the
process of upgrading our portfolio by selling selected non-core properties that no longer meet our
strategic objectives. While we do not anticipate exiting any region, our divestitures could total
approximately 10 percent of our December 31, 2006 proved reserve base and will be weighted towards
the Gulf of Mexico and south Texas areas. For a further discussion of our business and strategy,
see our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
In September 2007, we acquired Peoples for total cash consideration of $879 million. Peoples
natural gas and oil properties are located primarily in the ArkLaTex, Texas Gulf Coast and
Mississippi areas and the San Juan and Arkoma Basins.
Operating Results for the Periods Ended September 30, 2007
Average Daily Production. Our average daily production for the nine months ended
September 30, 2007, was 774 MMcfe/d (excluding 67 MMcfe/d from our equity investment in Four Star).
Average daily production was within our expected production range for the third quarter of 2007
and, excluding our equity investment in Four Star, increased eight percent for the nine months
ended September 30, 2007 compared with the same period in 2006. Below is an analysis of our
production by region for the periods ended September 30:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(MMcfe/d) |
|
United States |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Onshore |
|
|
364 |
|
|
|
342 |
|
Texas Gulf Coast |
|
|
199 |
|
|
|
189 |
|
Gulf of Mexico Shelf /south Louisiana |
|
|
196 |
|
|
|
162 |
|
International |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Brazil |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Consolidated |
|
|
774 |
|
|
|
719 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Four Star(1) |
|
|
67 |
|
|
|
67 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Amounts represent our proportionate share of the production of Four Star. |
We have increased production volumes across all of our domestic operating regions. In our
Onshore region, our 2007 production continued to increase through capital projects where we
maintained or increased production in most of our major operating areas, with the majority of
growth coming from the Rockies and ArkLaTex areas. In the Texas Gulf Coast region, the acquisition
of properties in Zapata County during the first quarter of 2007 and success of our subsequent
drilling program more than offset natural production declines and the sale of certain non-strategic
south Texas properties in 2006. In the Gulf of Mexico Shelf/south Louisiana region, we began
producing from development wells in the western gulf and south Louisiana and several exploratory
discoveries occurring prior to 2007. We also recovered volumes shut-in by hurricane damage, which
when coupled with these new production sources, helped to offset natural production declines. In
Brazil, production volumes decreased due to natural production declines and a contractual reduction
of our ownership interest in the Pescada-Arabaiana fields in early 2006.
29
Drilling
The following is a discussion of our drilling results for the nine months ended September 30, 2007:
Onshore. We realized a 100 percent success rate on 469 gross wells drilled.
Texas Gulf Coast. We experienced a 90 percent success rate on 61 gross wells drilled.
Gulf of Mexico Shelf /south Louisiana. We drilled four successful wells and six unsuccessful
wells.
Brazil. We completed drilling two successful exploratory wells south of the Pinauna Field in
the BM-CAL-4 concession in the Camamu Basin that extend the southern limits of the Pinauna
project. We are currently evaluating test results and assessing development options. We currently
own 100 percent of the BM-CAL-4 concession and are in the process of marketing up to a 50 percent
non-operating interest in this concession. In addition, we completed drilling and testing an
exploratory well with Petrobras in the ES-5 Block in the Espirito Basin. This well confirmed the
extension of an earlier discovery by Petrobras on a block to the south and we have begun drilling
an appraisal well on the ES-5 Block to further delineate this structure.
Egypt. In April 2007, we received formal government approval and signed the concession
agreement for the South Mariut Block. We paid $3 million for the concession and agreed to a
$22 million firm working commitment over three years. The block is approximately 1.2 million acres
and is located onshore in the western part of the Nile Delta.
Cash Operating Costs. We monitor the cash operating costs required to produce our natural gas
and oil volumes. These costs are generally reported on a per Mcfe basis and include total operating
expenses less depreciation, depletion and amortization expense and cost of products and services on
our income statement. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, cash operating costs per
unit increased to $1.89/Mcfe as compared to $1.85/Mcfe for the same period in 2006, primarily as a
result of higher workover activity levels, industry inflation in services, labor and material
costs, lower severance tax credits, higher marketing and other costs and higher corporate overhead
allocations.
Capital Expenditures. Our total natural gas and oil capital expenditures on an accrual basis
were approximately $2 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, including $879 million
for our Peoples acquisition in September 2007, $254 million to acquire producing properties and
undeveloped acreage in Zapata County, Texas in January 2007 and $27 million to increase our
ownership interest in Four Star from 43 percent to 49 percent. The Peoples acquisition complements
our operations in the ArkLaTex and Texas Gulf Coast areas while the acquisition in Zapata County
complements our existing Texas Gulf Coast operations and provides a re-entry into the Lobo area.
Outlook
For the full year 2007, we anticipate the following on a worldwide basis:
|
|
|
Average daily production volumes of approximately 785 MMcfe/d to 800 MMcfe/d, which
excludes approximately 65 MMcfe/d to 70 MMcfe/d from our equity investment in Four Star; |
|
|
|
|
Total capital expenditures, excluding acquisitions, between $1.4 billion and
$1.5 billion. While more than 80 percent of the 2007 capital program is allocated to our
domestic program, we have invested approximately $179 million internationally through
September 2007, primarily in our Brazil exploration and development program; |
|
|
|
|
Average cash operating costs which include production costs, general and
administrative expenses and taxes (other than production and income) of approximately
$1.85/Mcfe to $1.95/Mcfe; and |
|
|
|
|
An overall depreciation, depletion, and amortization rate between $2.60/Mcfe and
$2.75/Mcfe. |
30
Price Risk Management Activities
As part of our strategy, we enter into derivative contracts on our natural gas and oil
production to stabilize cash flows, to reduce the risk and financial impact of downward commodity
price movements on commodity sales and to protect the economic assumptions associated with our
capital investment programs. Because this strategy only partially reduces our exposure to downward
movements in commodity prices, our reported results of operations, financial position and cash
flows can be impacted significantly by movements in commodity prices from period to period.
Adjustments to our hedging strategy and the decision to enter into new positions or to alter
existing positions are made based on the goals of the overall company.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we entered into floor and ceiling option
contracts, 77 TBtu of basis swaps and 28 TBtu of fixed price swaps, all related to anticipated 2008
natural gas production. The following table reflects the contracted volumes and the minimum,
maximum and average prices we will receive under our derivative contracts when combined with the
sale of the underlying hedged production as of September 30, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed Price |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basis |
|
|
Swaps(1) |
|
Floors(1) |
|
Ceilings(1) |
|
Swaps(1)(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
Texas Gulf Coast |
|
Onshore-Raton |
|
|
Volumes |
|
Price |
|
Volumes |
|
Price |
|
Volumes |
|
Price |
|
Volumes |
|
Avg. Price |
|
Volumes |
|
Avg. Price |
Natural Gas |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
22 |
|
|
$ |
7.66 |
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
$ |
8.00 |
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
$ |
16.89 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
$ |
(0.66 |
) |
|
|
7 |
|
|
$ |
(1.09 |
) |
2008 |
|
|
33 |
|
|
$ |
7.65 |
|
|
|
104 |
|
|
$ |
8.00 |
|
|
|
104 |
|
|
$ |
10.82 |
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
$ |
(0.33 |
) |
|
|
26 |
|
|
$ |
(1.13 |
) |
2009 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
$ |
3.56 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010-2012 |
|
|
11 |
|
|
$ |
3.81 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oil |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
48 |
|
|
$ |
35.15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Volumes presented are TBtu for natural gas and MBbl for oil. Prices presented
are per MMBtu of natural gas and per Bbl of oil. |
|
(2) |
|
Our basis swaps effectively limit our exposure to differences between the NYMEX
gas price and the price at the location where we sell our gas. The average prices listed above
are the amounts we will pay per MMBtu relative to the NYMEX price to lock-in these
locational price differences. |
In October 2007, we entered into additional derivative contracts, which include (i) swaps at a
fixed price of $8.00 per MMBtu on approximately 8 TBtu of anticipated 2007 natural gas production,
(ii) option contracts on approximately 4 TBtu of anticipated 2008 natural gas production at a floor
price of $8.00 per MMBtu and a ceiling price of $10.00 per MMBtu and (iii) basis swaps on 15 TBtu
of anticipated 2009 natural gas production in the Onshore-Raton area.
Most of our floor and ceiling option contracts are designated as accounting hedges. Gains and
losses associated with these natural gas contracts are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive
income and will be recognized in earnings upon the sale of the related production at market prices,
resulting in a realized price that is approximately equal to the hedged price. Our oil fixed price
swaps and approximately 9 TBtu, 11 TBtu and 90 TBtu of our natural gas fixed price swaps, option
contracts and basis swaps are not designated as accounting hedges. Accordingly, changes in the fair
value of these derivatives are not deferred, but are recognized in earnings each period.
Additionally, the table above does not include (i) net realized gains on derivative contracts
previously accounted for as hedges on which we will record an additional $15 million as natural gas
and oil revenues for the remainder of 2007, which are also currently deferred in accumulated other
comprehensive income or (ii) contracts entered into by our Marketing segment as further described
in that segment. For the consolidated impact of the entirety of El Pasos production-related price
risk management activities on our liquidity, see the discussion of factors that could impact our
liquidity in Liquidity and Capital Resources.
31
Financial Results and Analysis
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarters Ended |
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(In millions) |
|
Operating Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural gas |
|
$ |
431 |
|
|
$ |
357 |
|
|
$ |
1,298 |
|
|
$ |
1,049 |
|
Oil, condensate and NGL |
|
|
129 |
|
|
|
119 |
|
|
|
328 |
|
|
|
327 |
|
Other |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
(20 |
) |
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues |
|
|
575 |
|
|
|
456 |
|
|
|
1,655 |
|
|
|
1,384 |
|
Operating Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation, depletion and amortization |
|
|
(194 |
) |
|
|
(163 |
) |
|
|
(553 |
) |
|
|
(465 |
) |
Production costs |
|
|
(79 |
) |
|
|
(92 |
) |
|
|
(249 |
) |
|
|
(235 |
) |
Cost of products and services |
|
|
(25 |
) |
|
|
(23 |
) |
|
|
(68 |
) |
|
|
(67 |
) |
General and administrative expenses |
|
|
(46 |
) |
|
|
(38 |
) |
|
|
(141 |
) |
|
|
(121 |
) |
Other |
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
(347 |
) |
|
|
(318 |
) |
|
|
(1,021 |
) |
|
|
(894 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income |
|
|
228 |
|
|
|
138 |
|
|
|
634 |
|
|
|
490 |
|
Other income(1) |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBIT |
|
$ |
232 |
|
|
$ |
141 |
|
|
$ |
646 |
|
|
$ |
503 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes equity earnings from our investment in Four Star. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarters Ended September 30, |
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percent |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percent |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
Variance |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
Variance |
|
Consolidated volumes, prices and costs per unit: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural gas |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Volumes (MMcf) |
|
|
60,705 |
|
|
|
56,736 |
|
|
|
7 |
% |
|
|
177,222 |
|
|
|
162,403 |
|
|
|
9 |
% |
Average realized prices including hedges ($/Mcf) |
|
$ |
7.12 |
|
|
$ |
6.30 |
|
|
|
13 |
% |
|
$ |
7.33 |
|
|
$ |
6.46 |
|
|
|
13 |
% |
Average realized prices excluding hedges ($/Mcf) |
|
$ |
5.92 |
|
|
$ |
6.31 |
|
|
|
(6 |
)% |
|
$ |
6.52 |
|
|
$ |
6.79 |
|
|
|
(4 |
)% |
Average transportation costs ($/Mcf) |
|
$ |
0.29 |
|
|
$ |
0.23 |
|
|
|
26 |
% |
|
$ |
0.28 |
|
|
$ |
0.23 |
|
|
|
22 |
% |
Oil, condensate and NGL |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Volumes (MBbls) |
|
|
1,948 |
|
|
|
1,959 |
|
|
|
(1 |
)% |
|
|
5,684 |
|
|
|
5,662 |
|
|
|
|
% |
Average realized prices including hedges ($/Bbl) |
|
$ |
66.26 |
|
|
$ |
60.81 |
|
|
|
9 |
% |
|
$ |
57.71 |
|
|
$ |
57.81 |
|
|
|
|
% |
Average realized prices excluding hedges ($/Bbl) |
|
$ |
66.82 |
|
|
$ |
60.81 |
|
|
|
10 |
% |
|
$ |
58.36 |
|
|
$ |
58.22 |
|
|
|
|
% |
Average transportation costs ($/Bbl) |
|
$ |
0.84 |
|
|
$ |
0.71 |
|
|
|
18 |
% |
|
$ |
0.76 |
|
|
$ |
0.91 |
|
|
|
(16 |
)% |
Total equivalent volumes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MMcfe |
|
|
72,392 |
|
|
|
68,490 |
|
|
|
6 |
% |
|
|
211,327 |
|
|
|
196,376 |
|
|
|
8 |
% |
MMcfe/d |
|
|
787 |
|
|
|
744 |
|
|
|
6 |
% |
|
|
774 |
|
|
|
719 |
|
|
|
8 |
% |
Production costs and other cash operating costs ($/Mcfe) |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| | |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
Average lease operating cost |
|
$ |
0.83 |
|
|
$ |
1.03 |
|
|
|
(19 |
)% |
|
$ |
0.87 |
|
|
$ |
0.89 |
|
|
|
(2 |
)% |
Average production taxes(1) |
|
|
0.26 |
|
|
|
0.32 |
|
|
|
(19 |
)% |
|
|
0.31 |
|
|
|
0.31 |
|
|
|
|
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total production cost |
|
|
1.09 |
|
|
|
1.35 |
|
|
|
(19 |
)% |
|
|
1.18 |
|
|
|
1.20 |
|
|
|
(2 |
)% |
Average general and administrative cost |
|
|
0.64 |
|
|
|
0.57 |
|
|
|
12 |
% |
|
|
0.67 |
|
|
|
0.62 |
|
|
|
8 |
% |
Average taxes, other than production and income |
|
|
0.04 |
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
|
|
33 |
% |
|
|
0.04 |
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
|
|
33 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cash operating costs |
|
$ |
1.77 |
|
|
$ |
1.95 |
|
|
|
(9 |
)% |
|
$ |
1.89 |
|
|
$ |
1.85 |
|
|
|
2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unit of production depletion cost ($/Mcfe) |
|
$ |
2.56 |
|
|
$ |
2.27 |
|
|
|
13 |
% |
|
$ |
2.50 |
|
|
$ |
2.24 |
|
|
|
12 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unconsolidated affiliate volumes (Four Star) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural gas (MMcf) |
|
|
4,107 |
|
|
|
4,379 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,854 |
|
|
|
13,342 |
|
|
|
|
|
Oil, condensate and NGL (MBbls) |
|
|
254 |
|
|
|
278 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
756 |
|
|
|
847 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total equivalent volumes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MMcfe |
|
|
5,634 |
|
|
|
6,049 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,389 |
|
|
|
18,424 |
|
|
|
|
|
MMcfe/d |
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
66 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
67 |
|
|
|
67 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Production taxes include ad valorem and severance taxes. |
32
The table below outlines the variances in our operating results for the quarter and nine
months ended September 30, 2007 as compared to the same periods in 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended September 30, 2007 |
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 |
|
|
|
Variance |
|
|
Variance |
|
|
|
Operating |
|
|
Operating |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating |
|
|
Operating |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
|
Expense |
|
|
Other |
|
|
EBIT |
|
|
Revenue |
|
|
Expense |
|
|
Other |
|
|
EBIT |
|
|
|
Favorable/(Unfavorable) |
|
|
|
(In millions) |
|
Natural Gas Revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lower realized prices in 2007 |
|
$ |
(23 |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
(23 |
) |
|
$ |
(48 |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
(48 |
) |
Impact of hedges |
|
|
72 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
72 |
|
|
|
196 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
196 |
|
Higher volumes in 2007 |
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
101 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
101 |
|
Oil, Condensate and NGL Revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Higher realized prices in 2007 |
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Impact of hedges |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
Higher (lower )volumes in 2007 |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Other Revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in fair value of
derivatives not designated as
accounting hedges |
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
45 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45 |
|
Other |
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
(24 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(24 |
) |
Depreciation, Depletion and
Amortization Expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Higher depletion rate in 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(22 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(22 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(55 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(55 |
) |
Higher production volumes in 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(33 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(33 |
) |
Production Costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lower (higher) lease operating
costs in 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(11 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(11 |
) |
Lower (higher) production taxes
in 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
General and Administrative Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(20 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(20 |
) |
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings from investment in Four
Star |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
(6 |
) |
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5 |
) |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Variances |
|
$ |
119 |
|
|
$ |
(29 |
) |
|
$ |
1 |
|
|
$ |
91 |
|
|
$ |
271 |
|
|
$ |
(127 |
) |
|
$ |
(1 |
) |
|
$ |
143 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating revenues. During 2007, revenues increased compared with 2006 primarily due to
higher realized natural gas prices, including the effects of our hedging program. Realized gains on
hedging transactions were $71 million and $140 million during the quarter and nine months ended
September 30, 2007, as compared to losses of less than $1 million and $55 million for the quarter
and nine months ended September 30, 2006. During both periods in 2007, we also benefited from an
increase in production volumes over 2006.
Other revenue. During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2007, we recognized
mark-to-market gains of $7 million and $4 million as compared to losses of $43 million and $41
million for the same periods in 2006 related to the change in fair value of derivatives not
designated as hedges including a portion of our oil and natural gas fixed-price swaps, option
contracts and basis swaps.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense. During 2007, our depletion rate increased
as compared to the same periods in 2006 as a result of downward revisions in previous estimates of
reserves due to lower commodity prices and higher finding and development costs. Finding and
development costs in 2006 were higher due to mechanical problems experienced in executing our
drilling program and service cost inflation.
Production costs. Our lease operating costs increased during the nine months ended September
30, 2007 as compared to the same period in 2006 due to higher workover activity levels,
industry-wide cost inflation for services, labor and material costs and lower severance tax
credits. Our lease operating costs decreased during the quarter ended September 30, 2007 as
compared to the same period in 2006 primarily due to lower workover activity levels.
33
General and administrative expenses. Our general and administrative expenses increased during
the 2007 periods as compared to 2006 primarily due to higher labor costs, higher marketing and
other costs previously in our Marketing segment, and higher corporate overhead allocations.
Marketing Segment
Overview. Our Marketing segment markets the majority of our Exploration and Production
segments natural gas and oil production and manages the companys overall commodity price risks,
primarily through the use of natural gas and oil derivative contracts. This segment also manages
our remaining legacy natural gas supply, transportation, power and other natural gas contracts
entered into prior to our decision to exit the energy trading business. To the extent it is
economical to do so, we may liquidate certain of these remaining legacy contracts before their
expiration, which could affect our operating results in future periods. For a further discussion of
our contracts in this segment including our expected earnings volatility by contract type, see our
2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Operating Results. Our 2007 year-to-date results were primarily driven by mark-to-market
losses on our legacy natural gas and power positions and on option contracts that were entered into
to manage the price risk of the companys natural gas and oil production. These positions were
negatively impacted by changes in commodity prices and decreases in interest rates used in
determining their fair value. Our 2007 year-to-date losses were partially offset by $51 million of
income recognized upon the sale of our investment in the NYMEX and the settlement of outstanding
California power price disputes. Below is further information about our overall operating results
during the periods ended September 30:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarters Ended |
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(In millions) |
|
Gross Margin by Significant Contract Type: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production-Related Natural Gas and Oil Derivative Contracts: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in fair value of derivative contracts |
|
$ |
15 |
|
|
$ |
67 |
|
|
$ |
(63 |
) |
|
$ |
256 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contracts Related to Legacy Trading Operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural gas transportation-related natural gas contracts: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Demand charges |
|
|
(27 |
) |
|
|
(28 |
) |
|
|
(82 |
) |
|
|
(97 |
) |
Settlements |
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
54 |
|
|
|
52 |
|
Changes in fair value of other natural gas derivative contracts (1) |
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
(186 |
) |
|
|
(26 |
) |
|
|
(157 |
) |
Changes in fair value of power contracts(2) |
|
|
(11 |
) |
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
(43 |
) |
|
|
64 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total gross margin(3) |
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
(105 |
) |
|
|
(160 |
) |
|
|
118 |
|
Operating expenses |
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
(8 |
) |
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
(23 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income (loss) |
|
|
(13 |
) |
|
|
(113 |
) |
|
|
(169 |
) |
|
|
95 |
|
Other income, net(4) |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBIT |
|
$ |
(8 |
) |
|
$ |
(108 |
) |
|
$ |
(138 |
) |
|
$ |
113 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
During the third quarter of 2006, we recognized a loss of $133 million on our MCV
natural gas supply agreements upon our Power segments sale of its interest in that
facility. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes $2 million and $23 million of revenue during the quarter and nine
months ended September 30, 2007, related to the settlement of outstanding California power
price disputes. |
|
(3) |
|
Gross margin consists of revenues from commodity marketing activities less
costs of commodities sold, including changes in the fair value of derivative contracts. |
|
(4) |
|
We recognized a $23 million gain on the sale of our investment in the NYMEX
during the first quarter of 2007 and recognized $5 million of interest income during the third
quarter of 2007 related to the settlement of outstanding California power price disputes.
Amounts in 2006 primarily represent interest on cash margin deposits. |
Production-related Natural Gas and Oil Derivative Contracts
Option
contracts. Our production-related natural gas and oil derivative contracts are designed
to provide protection to El Paso against changes in natural gas and oil prices. These are in
addition to those contracts entered into by our Exploration and Production segment which are
further discussed in that segment. For the consolidated impact of all of El Pasos
production-related price risk management activities, refer to our Liquidity and Capital Resources
discussion. Our production-related derivatives consist of various option contracts which are
marked-to-market in our results each period based on changes in commodity prices.
34
Listed below are the volumes and average prices associated with our production-related
derivative contracts as of September 30, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Floors(1) |
|
Ceilings(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
Volumes |
|
Price |
|
Volumes |
|
Price |
Natural Gas |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007(2) |
|
|
22 |
|
|
$ |
7.50 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
2008 (2) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
17 |
|
|
$ |
6.00 |
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
$ |
8.75 |
|
Oil |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
239 |
|
|
$ |
55.00 |
|
|
|
239 |
|
|
$ |
58.75 |
|
2008 |
|
|
930 |
|
|
$ |
55.00 |
|
|
|
930 |
|
|
$ |
57.03 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Volumes presented are TBtu for natural gas and MBbl for oil. Prices presented are per
MMBtu of natural gas and per Bbl of oil. |
|
(2) |
|
In the third quarter of 2007, we paid approximately $3 million to terminate our 2008
contracts. In October 2007, we also terminated 6 TBtu of our 2007 floors in connection with
additional positions entered into by our Exploration and Production segment. |
We experience volatility in our financial results based on changes in the fair value of our
option contracts which generally move in the opposite direction from changes in commodity prices.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, increases in commodity prices reduced the fair
value of our option contracts resulting in a loss on these contracts. For the quarters ended
September 30, 2007 and 2006 and the nine months ended September 30, 2006, decreases in commodity
prices increased the fair value of our option contracts resulting in a gain on these contracts.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, we received cash of approximately
$42 million and $22 million on contracts that settled during the period.
Contracts Related to Legacy Trading Operations
Natural gas transportation-related contracts. As of September 30, 2007, our transportation
contracts provide us with approximately 0.8 Bcf/d of pipeline capacity. Effective November 1,
2007, our Alliance capacity will transfer to a third party and our annual demand charges will
average $46 million from 2008 to 2011. The recovery of demand charges and profitability of our
transportation contracts is dependent upon our ability to use or remarket the contracted pipeline
capacity, which is impacted by a number of factors as described in our 2006 Annual Report on
Form 10-K. These transportation contracts are accounted for on an accrual basis and impact our
gross margin as delivery or service under the contracts occurs. The following table is a summary of
our demand charges (in millions) and our percentage of recovery of these charges for the periods
ended September 30:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarters Ended |
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
September 30, |
|
September 30, |
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
Alliance: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Demand charges |
|
$ |
17 |
|
|
$ |
16 |
|
|
$ |
50 |
|
|
$ |
48 |
|
Recovery |
|
|
47 |
% |
|
|
72 |
% |
|
|
47 |
% |
|
|
53 |
% |
Other: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Demand charges |
|
$ |
10 |
|
|
$ |
12 |
|
|
$ |
32 |
|
|
$ |
49 |
|
Recovery |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
25 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
54 |
% |
Other natural gas derivative contracts. In addition to our transportation-related natural gas
contracts, we have other contracts with third parties that require us to purchase or deliver
natural gas primarily at market prices. In 2006 we divested or entered into transactions to divest
of a substantial portion of these natural gas contracts, which substantially reduced our future
cash and earnings exposure to price movements on these contracts. During the first quarter of 2007,
we assigned a weather call derivative which had required us to supply gas in the northeast region
if temperatures fell to specific levels resulting in a charge of $13 million. During 2006, we
recognized a $49 million gain associated with the assignment of certain natural gas derivative
contracts to supply natural gas in the southeastern U.S. Also in 2006, our Power segment sold its
interest in the MCV power plant. We continue to supply gas to MCV under natural gas supply
contracts and in the third quarter of 2006 recorded a cumulative mark to market loss of
approximately $133 million which had not been previously recognized due to our affiliated ownership
interest.
35
Power Contracts. We currently have four power contracts that require us to swap locational
differences in power prices between several power plants in the Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland
(PJM) eastern region with the PJM west hub and provide installed capacity in the PJM power pool
through 2016. We recognized gains in 2006 primarily related to locational price differences in
these regions as we had eliminated the commodity price risk associated with these contracts by the
end of 2006. In 2007, the PJM Independent System Operator (ISO) conducted auctions in April, July
and October to set prices for providing installed capacity to customers in the PJM power pool from
June 2007 to May 2010. The fair value of our power contracts is impacted by changes in installed
capacity prices, which are based in part on the result of these auctions. The fair value of our
power contracts was also impacted by a dispute with a downstream purchaser with regard to the
region within PJM that capacity must be made available. During the quarter ended September 30,
2007, we recorded a loss of approximately $7 million and for the nine months ended September 30,
2007 we recorded a loss of approximately $48 million primarily as a result of changing installed capacity
prices. The results of future auctions, including one scheduled in January 2008, and other
potential developments with our contracts and the PJM marketplace may possibly impact the fair
value of our power contracts and result in future volatility in our operating results.
Power Segment
Our Power segment consists of assets in Brazil, Asia and Central America. We continue to
pursue the sales of certain of our remaining power investments. As of September 30, 2007, our
remaining investment, guarantees and letters of credit related to power projects in this segment
totaled approximately $582 million which consisted of approximately $540 million in equity
investments and notes receivable and approximately $42 million in financial guarantees and letters
of credit, as follows (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
Area |
|
Amount |
|
Brazil |
|
|
|
|
Porto Velho |
|
$ |
275 |
|
Manaus & Rio Negro |
|
|
83 |
|
Pipeline projects |
|
|
147 |
|
Asia & Central America |
|
|
77 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total investment, guarantees and letters of credit |
|
$ |
582 |
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Results. Our Power segment generated EBIT losses of $67 million and $33 million for
the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2007. Our 2007 third quarter results were
negatively impacted by losses of $57 million on our interests in Porto Velho and $7 million on our
interest in the Manaus and Rio Negro project based on adverse developments at these projects. For
a discussion of these developments and other matters that could impact our Brazilian investments,
see Item 1, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 11.
In 2006, we generated EBIT of $38 million and $51 million for the quarter and nine month
periods. Our third quarter 2006 operating results included a gain on the sale of our MCV project
of $13 million and a gain on the sale of a cost basis investment of $12 million.
During each of the periods in 2006 and 2007, we did not recognize earnings from certain of our
Asian and Central American investments based on our inability to realize earnings through the
expected selling price of these assets. We continue to pursue the sale of our remaining investments
in Asia and Central America and until these sales are completed, any changes in regional political
and economic conditions could negatively impact the anticipated proceeds we may receive, which
could result in impairments of our investments.
36
Corporate and Other Expenses, Net
Our corporate activities include our general and administrative functions as well as a number
of miscellaneous businesses, which do not qualify as operating segments and are not material to our
current period results. The following is a summary of significant items impacting EBIT in our
corporate operations for the periods ended September 30:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended |
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(In millions) |
|
Loss on extinguishment of debt |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
(17 |
) |
|
$ |
(287 |
) |
|
$ |
(26 |
) |
Foreign currency fluctuations on Euro-denominated debt |
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
(12 |
) |
Change in litigation, insurance and other liabilities |
|
|
56 |
|
|
|
(18 |
) |
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
(60 |
) |
Other |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total EBIT |
|
$ |
51 |
|
|
$ |
(17 |
) |
|
$ |
(263 |
) |
|
$ |
(51 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Extinguishment of Debt. During 2007, we have repurchased or refinanced debt of approximately
$5 billion. We recorded charges of $287 million in our income statement for the loss on
extinguishment of these obligations, which included $86 million related to repurchasing EPEPs
$1.2 billion notes. For further information on our debt, see Item 1, Financial Statements, Note 6.
Litigation, Insurance, and Other Liabilities. During the third quarter of 2007, we recorded a
gain of approximately $77 million on the reversal of a liability related to The Coastal
Corporations legacy crude oil marketing and trading business. For a further discussion of this
matter, see Item 1, Financial Statements, Note 7. We have a number of other pending litigation
matters, environmental matters and other reserves related to our historical business operations
that also affect our corporate results. Adverse rulings or unfavorable outcomes or settlements
against us related to these matters have impacted and may further impact our future results. For
further information on these matters, see Item 1, Financial Statements, Note 7.
Interest and Debt Expense
Interest and debt expense for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2007 decreased
compared to the same periods in 2006 due primarily to the retirement (net of issuances) of
approximately $2.6 billion of debt during 2006 and $1.7 billion in the first nine months of 2007.
Income Taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarters Ended |
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
September 30, |
|
September 30, |
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(In millions, except for rates) |
Income taxes |
|
$ |
100 |
|
|
$ |
(98 |
) |
|
$ |
151 |
|
|
$ |
14 |
|
Effective tax rate |
|
|
39 |
% |
|
|
(754 |
)% |
|
|
35 |
% |
|
|
3 |
% |
For a discussion of our effective tax rates and other matters impacting our income taxes, see
Item 1, Financial Statements, Note 3.
Discontinued Operations
Income from our discontinued operations was $674 million and $95 million for the nine months
ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 and $24 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2006. In
February 2007, we sold ANR and related operations and recognized a gain of $648 million, net of
taxes of $354 million.
Commitments and Contingencies
For a further discussion of our commitments and contingencies, see Item I, Financial
Statements, Note 7 which is incorporated herein by reference.
37
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources and Uses of Cash. Our primary sources of cash are cash flow from operations and
amounts available to us under revolving credit facilities. On occasion and as conditions warrant,
we may also generate funds through capital market activities and proceeds from asset sales. Our
primary uses of cash are funding the capital expenditure programs of our pipeline and exploration
and production operations, meeting operating needs, and repaying debt when due or repurchasing
certain debt obligations when conditions warrant.
Overview of Cash Flow Activities. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, our
cash flows from continuing operations are summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(In billions) |
|
Cash Flow from Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuing operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations |
|
$ |
0.3 |
|
|
$ |
0.5 |
|
Loss on debt extinguishment |
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other income adjustments |
|
|
1.0 |
|
|
|
0.9 |
|
Change in other assets and liabilities |
|
|
(0.1 |
) |
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cash flow from operations |
|
$ |
1.5 |
|
|
$ |
1.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Cash Inflows |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuing investing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net proceeds from the sale of assets and investments |
|
$ |
0.1 |
|
|
$ |
0.5 |
|
Net change in restricted cash and other |
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
0.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuing financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt |
|
|
5.2 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
Contribution from discontinued operations |
|
|
3.4 |
|
|
|
0.3 |
|
Net proceeds from the issuance of common stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.6 |
|
|
|
0.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other cash inflows |
|
$ |
8.8 |
|
|
$ |
1.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Outflows |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuing investing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures |
|
$ |
1.8 |
|
|
$ |
1.5 |
|
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired |
|
|
1.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuing financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments to retire long-term debt and other financing obligations |
|
|
7.3 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
Dividends and other |
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.4 |
|
|
|
3.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cash outflows |
|
$ |
10.4 |
|
|
$ |
4.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net change in cash |
|
$ |
(0.1 |
) |
|
$ |
(1.4 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
During 2007, we generated positive operating cash flow of approximately $1.5 billion,
primarily as a result of cash provided by our pipeline and exploration and production operations.
We utilized this operating cash flow and cash from our discontinued operations to fund maintenance
and growth projects in our pipeline and exploration and production operations and to reduce our
debt obligations (see Item 1, Financial Statements, Note 6). The contribution of cash generated
from our discontinued operations reflected above consists of the following for the nine months
ended September 30, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In billions) |
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from sale of ANR and related assets |
|
$ |
3.7 |
|
Payments to retire ANR debt obligations |
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Contribution from discontinued operations |
|
$ |
3.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
38
Our cash capital expenditures (including acquisitions) for the nine months ended September 30,
2007, and our expected capital expenditures for the remainder of 2007 to grow and maintain our
businesses are as follows (in billions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2007
|
|
|
2007 Remaining |
|
|
Total |
|
Maintenance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pipelines |
|
$ |
0.3 |
|
|
$ |
0.1 |
|
|
$ |
0.4 |
|
Exploration and Production |
|
|
1.1 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
1.2 |
|
Growth |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pipelines |
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
0.7 |
|
Exploration and Production |
|
|
1.2 |
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
1.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
3.0 |
|
|
$ |
0.7 |
|
|
$ |
3.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The substantial repayment of debt obligations during 2007 has been a milestone in improving
our credit profile and credit ratings. In March 2007, Moodys Investor Services upgraded our
pipeline subsidiaries senior unsecured debt rating to an investment grade rating of Baa3 and
upgraded El Pasos senior unsecured debt rating to Ba3 while maintaining a positive outlook.
Additionally, in March 2007, (i) Standard and Poors upgraded our pipeline subsidiaries senior
unsecured debt rating to BB and upgraded El Pasos senior unsecured debt rating to BB- maintaining
a positive outlook and (ii) Fitch Ratings initiated coverage on El Paso assigning a rating of BB+
on our senior unsecured debt and an investment grade rating of BBB- to our pipeline subsidiaries
senior unsecured debt. In addition, the refinancing of approximately $2.0 billion of the debt of
our subsidiaries EPEP, SNG and EPNG provides us with a lower cost of borrowing and less restrictive
covenants on this debt.
Liquidity/Cash Flow Outlook. For the remainder of 2007, we expect to continue to generate
positive operating cash flows. We anticipate using these amounts together with amounts borrowed
under credit facilities and proceeds from remaining asset sales for working capital requirements,
expected capital expenditures and to repay debt as it matures (approximately $0.6 billion of debt
matures through September 30, 2008). Based on financings completed in 2007 and our debt maturity
profile, we do not anticipate having to access the debt capital markets until 2008.
Factors That Could Impact Our Future Liquidity. Based on the simplification of our capital
structure and our businesses, we have reduced the amount of liquidity needed in the normal course
of business. However, our liquidity needs could increase or decrease based on certain factors
described below. For a complete discussion of risk factors that could impact our liquidity, see our
2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Price Risk Management Activities and Cash Margining Requirements. Our Exploration and
Production and Marketing segments have derivative contracts that provide price protection on a
portion of our anticipated natural gas and oil production. During the nine months ended September
30, 2007, we entered into floor and ceiling option contracts (net of terminations) on approximately
86 TBtu, basis swaps on 77 TBtu and fixed price swaps on 28 TBtu, all related to anticipated 2008
natural gas production. The following table shows the contracted volumes and the minimum, maximum
and average cash prices that we will receive under our derivative contracts when combined with the
sale of the underlying production as of September 30, 2007. These cash prices may differ from the
income impacts of our derivative contracts, depending on whether the contracts are designated as
hedges for accounting purposes or not. The individual segment discussions provide additional
information on the income impacts of our derivative contracts.
39
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|
|
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|
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|
|
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|
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|
Fixed Price |
|
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|
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|
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|
|
|
|
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|
Basis |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Swaps(1) |
|
Floors(1) |
|
Ceilings(1) |
|
Swaps(1)(2) |
|
|
|
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|
|
Average |
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|
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
Texas Gulf Coast |
|
Onshore-Raton |
|
|
Volumes |
|
Price |
|
Volumes |
|
Price |
|
Volumes |
|
Price |
|
Volumes |
|
Avg. Price |
|
Volumes |
|
Avg. Price |
Natural Gas |
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
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2007 |
|
|
22 |
|
|
$ |
7.66 |
|
|
|
36 |
|
|
$ |
7.69 |
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
$ |
16.89 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
$ |
(0.66 |
) |
|
|
7 |
|
|
$ |
(1.09 |
) |
2008 |
|
|
33 |
|
|
$ |
7.65 |
|
|
|
104 |
|
|
$ |
8.00 |
|
|
|
104 |
|
|
$ |
10.82 |
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
$ |
(0.33 |
) |
|
|
26 |
|
|
$ |
(1.13 |
) |
2009 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
$ |
3.56 |
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
$ |
6.00 |
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
$ |
8.75 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010-2012 |
|
|
11 |
|
|
$ |
3.81 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oil |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
48 |
|
|
$ |
35.15 |
|
|
|
239 |
|
|
$ |
55.00 |
|
|
|
239 |
|
|
$ |
58.75 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
930 |
|
|
$ |
55.00 |
|
|
|
930 |
|
|
$ |
57.03 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Volumes presented are TBtu for natural gas and MBbl for oil. Prices presented
are per MMBtu of natural gas and per Bbl of oil. |
|
(2) |
|
Our basis swaps effectively limit our exposure to differences between the NYMEX
gas price and the price at the location where we sell our gas. The average prices listed above
are the amounts we will pay per MMBtu relative to the NYMEX price to lock-in these
locational price differences. |
In October 2007, on our anticipated natural gas production, we terminated 6 TBtu of our $7.50
floors for 2007 and entered into (i) 8TBtu of $8.00 fixed price swaps for 2007; (ii) 4 TBtu of
$8.00 floors and $10.00 ceilings for 2008; and (iii) 15 TBtu of basis swaps for the onshore Raton
region for 2009.
We currently post letters of credit for the required margin on certain of our derivative
contracts. Historically, we were required to post cash margin deposits for these amounts. During
the first nine months of 2007, approximately $83 million of posted cash margin deposits were
returned to us resulting from settlement of the related contracts and changes in commodity prices.
For the remainder of 2007, based on current prices, we expect approximately $0.1 billion of the
total of $1.0 billion in collateral outstanding at September 30, 2007 to be returned to us,
primarily in the form of letters of credit.
Depending on changes in commodity prices, we could be required to post additional margin or
may recover margin earlier than anticipated. Based on our derivative positions at September 30,
2007, a $0.10/MMBtu increase in the price of natural gas would result in an increase in our margin
requirements of approximately $14 million which consists of $1 million for transactions that settle
in the remainder of 2007, $4 million for transactions that settle in 2008, $3 million for
transactions that settle in 2009 and $6 million for transactions that settle in 2010 and
thereafter. We have a $250 million unsecured contingent letter of credit facility available to us
if the average NYMEX gas price strip for the remaining calendar months through March 2008 reaches
$11.75 per MMBtu, which is further described in Item I, Financial Statements, Note 6.
Hurricanes. We continue to repair damages to our pipeline and other facilities caused by
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. For the remainder of 2007 and 2008, we expect repair costs of
approximately $95 million (a substantial portion of which is capital related) and insurance
reimbursements of approximately $140 million for cumulative recoverable costs from our insurers.
While our capital expenditures and liquidity may vary from period to period, we do not believe our
remaining hurricane related expenditures will materially impact our overall liquidity or financial
results.
40
Commodity-Based Derivative Contracts
We use derivative financial instruments in our Exploration and Production and Marketing
segments to manage the price risk of commodities. In the tables below, derivatives designated as
accounting hedges primarily consist of collars and swaps used to hedge natural gas production.
Other commodity-based derivative contracts relate to derivative contracts not designated as
accounting hedges, such as options, swaps and other natural gas and power purchase and supply
contracts. The following table details the fair value of our commodity-based derivative contracts
by year of maturity and valuation methodology as of September 30, 2007:
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maturity |
|
|
Maturity |
|
|
Maturity |
|
|
Maturity |
|
|
Maturity |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
Less Than |
|
|
1 to 3 |
|
|
4 to 5 |
|
|
6 to 10 |
|
|
Beyond |
|
|
Fair |
|
|
|
1 Year |
|
|
Years |
|
|
Years |
|
|
Years |
|
|
10 Years |
|
|
Value |
|
|
|
(In millions) |
|
Derivatives designated as accounting hedges |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
$ |
93 |
|
|
$ |
13 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
106 |
|
Liabilities |
|
|
(19 |
) |
|
|
(38 |
) |
|
|
(26 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(83 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total derivatives designated as accounting hedges |
|
|
74 |
|
|
|
(25 |
) |
|
|
(26 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other commodity-based derivatives |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange-traded positions(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12 |
) |
Non-exchange traded positions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
|
72 |
|
|
|
56 |
|
|
|
54 |
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
216 |
|
Liabilities |
|
|
(257 |
) |
|
|
(365 |
) |
|
|
(262 |
) |
|
|
(177 |
) |
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
(1,065 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other commodity-based derivatives |
|
|
(185 |
) |
|
|
(321 |
) |
|
|
(208 |
) |
|
|
(149 |
) |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
(861 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total commodity-based derivatives |
|
$ |
(111 |
) |
|
$ |
(346 |
) |
|
$ |
(234 |
) |
|
$ |
(149 |
) |
|
$ |
2 |
|
|
$ |
(838 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
These positions are traded on active exchanges such as the New York Mercantile
Exchange, the International Petroleum Exchange and the London Clearinghouse. |
The following is a reconciliation of our commodity-based derivatives for the nine months ended
September 30, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivatives |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
Designated as |
|
|
Commodity- |
|
|
Commodity- |
|
|
|
Accounting |
|
|
Based |
|
|
Based |
|
|
|
Hedges |
|
|
Derivatives |
|
|
Derivatives |
|
|
|
(In millions) |
|
Fair value of contracts outstanding at January 1, 2007 |
|
$ |
61 |
|
|
$ |
(456 |
) |
|
$ |
(395 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of contract settlements during the period(1) |
|
|
(84 |
) |
|
|
(281 |
) |
|
|
(365 |
) |
Change in fair value of contracts |
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
(148 |
) |
|
|
(123 |
) |
Assignment of contracts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
Option premiums paid(2) |
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net change in contracts outstanding during the period |
|
|
(38 |
) |
|
|
(405 |
) |
|
|
(443 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of contracts outstanding at September 30, 2007 |
|
$ |
23 |
|
|
$ |
(861 |
) |
|
$ |
(838 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
During 2007, we settled derivative assets of approximately $381 million by
applying the related cash margin we held against amounts due to us under those
contracts. |
|
(2) |
|
Amounts are net of premiums received. |
41
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
This information updates, and you should read it in conjunction with the information disclosed
in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, in addition to the information presented in Items 1 and 2 of
this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
There are no material changes in our quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market
risks from those reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, except as presented below:
Commodity Price Risk
Production-Related Derivatives. We attempt to mitigate commodity price risk and stabilize
cash flows associated with our forecasted sales of natural gas and oil production through the use
of derivative natural gas and oil swaps, basis swaps and option contracts. These derivative
contracts are entered into by both our Exploration and Production and Marketing segments. The table
below presents the hypothetical sensitivity to changes in fair values arising from immediate
selected potential changes in the quoted market prices of the derivative commodity instruments used
to mitigate these market risks. We have designated certain of these derivatives as accounting
hedges. Contracts that are designated as accounting hedges will impact our earnings when the
related hedged production sales occur, and, as a result, any gain or loss on these hedging
derivatives would be offset by a gain or loss on the sale of the underlying hedged commodity, which
is not included in the table. Contracts that are not designated as accounting hedges impact our
earnings as the fair value of these derivatives changes. Our production-related derivatives do not
mitigate all of the commodity price risks of our forecasted sales of natural gas and oil production
and, as a result, we are subject to commodity price risks on our remaining forecasted natural gas
and oil production.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10 Percent Increase |
|
10 Percent Decrease |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
Fair Value |
|
(Decrease) |
|
Fair Value |
|
Increase |
Impact of changes
in commodity prices
on
production-related
derivative assets
(liabilities) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, 2007 |
|
$ |
11 |
|
|
$ |
(111 |
) |
|
$ |
(122 |
) |
|
$ |
138 |
|
|
$ |
127 |
|
December 31, 2006 |
|
$ |
124 |
|
|
$ |
(9 |
) |
|
$ |
(133 |
) |
|
$ |
264 |
|
|
$ |
140 |
|
Other Commodity-Based Derivatives. In our Marketing segment, we have other derivative
contracts that are not used to mitigate the commodity price risk associated with our natural gas
and oil production. Many of these contracts, which include forwards, swaps, options and futures,
are long-term historical contracts that we either intend to assign to third parties or manage until
their expiration. We measure risks from these contracts on a daily basis using a Value-at-Risk
simulation. This simulation allows us to determine the maximum expected one-day unfavorable impact
on the fair values of those contracts of adverse market movements over a defined period of time
within a specified confidence level and allows us to monitor our risk in comparison to established
thresholds. To measure Value-at-Risk, we use what is known as the historical simulation technique.
This technique simulates potential outcomes in the value of our portfolio based on market-based
price changes. Our exposure to changes in fundamental prices over the long-term can vary from the
exposure using the one-day assumption in our Value-at-Risk simulations. We supplement our
Value-at-Risk simulations with additional fundamental and market-based price analyses, including
scenario analysis and stress testing to determine our portfolios sensitivity to underlying risks.
These analyses and our Value-at-Risk simulations do not include commodity exposures related to our
production-related derivatives (described above), our Marketing segments natural gas
transportation related contracts that are accounted for under the accrual basis of accounting, or
our Exploration and Production segments sales of natural gas and oil production.
Our maximum expected one-day unfavorable impact on the fair values of our other
commodity-based derivatives as measured by Value-at-Risk based on a confidence level of 95 percent
and a one-day holding period was $1 million and $6 million as of September 30, 2007 and December
31, 2006. We may experience changes in our Value-at-Risk in the future if commodity prices are
volatile.
42
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of September 30, 2007, we carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the
participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and our Chief
Financial Officer (CFO), as to the effectiveness, design and operation of our disclosure controls
and procedures, as defined by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. This evaluation
considered the various processes carried out under the direction of our disclosure committee in an
effort to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the SEC reports we file or submit
under the Exchange Act is accurate, complete and timely. Our management, including our CEO and CFO,
does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal controls will prevent
and/or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and
operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control
system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are
resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs.
Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide
absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have
been detected. Based on the results of our evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our
disclosure controls and procedures are effective at a reasonable level of assurance at September
30, 2007.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially
affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial
reporting during the third quarter of 2007.
43
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
See Part I, Item 1, Financial Statements, Note 7, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Additional information about our legal proceedings can be found in Part I, Item 3 of our 2006
Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.
Fort Morgan Storage Field. CIG owns and operates an underground natural gas storage field in
the vicinity of Fort Morgan, Colorado. In October 2006, the production casing in one of the fields
injection and withdrawal wells resulted in the emergence of natural gas from the storage reservoir
at the ground surface. CIG has received a proposed Administrative Order by Consent (AOC) from the
Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission that contains an initial penalty demand of $638,000.
The parties are currently in negotiations regarding the resolution of the AOC and the determination
of the fine to be imposed, if any.
Rawlins Plant Notice of Probable Violation. CIG owns and operates the Rawlins Gas Plant and
Compressor Station which produces butane, propane, and natural gas liquids. Recently, CIG
discovered that emissions from the loading process were emitted into the atmosphere and
self-reported the discovery to the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (the Department)
which issued a Notice of Violation. CIG and the Department have reached a tentative settlement of
this matter of $119,000, pending the negotiation of definitive settlement documents.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS FOR PURPOSES OF THE SAFE HARBOR PROVISIONS
OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
We have made statements in this document that constitute forward-looking statements, as that
term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements
include information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations. The words
believe, expect, estimate, anticipate and similar expressions will generally identify
forward-looking statements. These statements may relate to information or assumptions about:
|
|
|
earnings per share; |
|
|
|
|
capital and other expenditures; |
|
|
|
|
dividends; |
|
|
|
|
financing plans; |
|
|
|
|
capital structure; |
|
|
|
|
liquidity and cash flow; |
|
|
|
|
pending legal proceedings, claims and governmental proceedings, including
environmental matters; |
|
|
|
|
future economic and operating performance; |
|
|
|
|
operating income; |
|
|
|
|
managements plans; and |
|
|
|
|
goals and objectives for future operations. |
44
Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. While we believe the
assumptions or bases underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable and are made in good
faith, we caution that assumed facts or bases almost always vary from actual results, and these
variances can be material, depending upon the circumstances. We cannot assure you that the
statements of expectation or belief contained in our forward-looking statements will result or be
achieved or accomplished. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially
from estimates or projections contained in our forward-looking statements are described in our 2006
Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no material changes in our risk factors since that
report.
With regard to any discussion of a potential pipeline master limited partnership, a
registration statement relating to such securities has been filed with the SEC but has not yet
become effective. The common units of the MLP may not be sold, nor may offers to buy be accepted,
prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. The information in this quarterly
report on Form 10-Q does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor
shall there be any sale of the common units of the MLP in any state or jurisdiction in which such
offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the
securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None.
Item 5. Other Information
None.
Item 6. Exhibits
The Exhibit Index is incorporated herein by reference and lists the exhibits required to be
filed by this report by Item 601(b)(10)(iii) of Regulation S-K.
45
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, El Paso Corporation has
duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EL PASO CORPORATION |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: November 6, 2007
|
|
/s/ D. Mark Leland
D. Mark Leland
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: November 6, 2007
|
|
/s/ John R. Sult
John R. Sult
Senior Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
|
|
|
46
EL PASO CORPORATION
EXHIBIT INDEX
Each exhibit identified below is filed as a part of this Report.
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
|
Number |
|
Description |
12
|
|
Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends. |
|
|
|
31.A
|
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
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31.B
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Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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32.A
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Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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32.B
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Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
47