10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2003

DOMINION ENERGY, INC Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2003

Filed May 9, 2003For Securities:D

Summary

Dominion Energy, Inc. reported a significant increase in net income for the first quarter of 2003, reaching $508 million, or $1.65 per diluted share, compared to $322 million, or $1.20 per diluted share, in the same period of 2002. This robust performance was driven by higher revenues across all operating segments, particularly within Dominion Energy and Dominion Exploration & Production, benefiting from colder weather, customer growth, and favorable commodity prices. The company also adopted two new accounting standards, SFAS No. 143 (Asset Retirement Obligations) and EITF 02-03 (Accounting for Derivative Contracts), which impacted financial reporting. The adoption of SFAS No. 143 resulted in a significant after-tax gain, increasing reported net income. Meanwhile, EITF 02-03 affected the presentation and timing of revenue and expense recognition for energy trading activities. Despite increased share dilution, the company demonstrated strong operational performance and positive financial results.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income increased by 58% to $508 million in Q1 2003 from $322 million in Q1 2002.
  • 2Diluted EPS rose to $1.65 in Q1 2003 from $1.20 in Q1 2002.
  • 3Operating revenue increased significantly to $3.58 billion from $2.63 billion year-over-year.
  • 4Dominion Energy segment showed a substantial increase in net income contribution to $275 million, driven by regulated and non-regulated electric and gas sales.
  • 5The company adopted SFAS No. 143 (Asset Retirement Obligations), resulting in a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle that increased net income.
  • 6EITF 02-03 adoption impacted the accounting for energy trading contracts, leading to a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle (loss) of $67 million.
  • 7Long-term debt issuance of $2.2 billion and repayment of $1 billion occurred in Q1 2003.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth was driven by a combination of factors including colder weather and customer growth, which boosted regulated electric and gas sales. Favorable commodity prices also positively impacted non-regulated electric and gas sales, as well as gas and oil production revenue. Increased trading margins within the Dominion Energy Clearinghouse also contributed to higher revenues.

Dominion adopted two significant accounting standards. SFAS No. 143 (Asset Retirement Obligations) resulted in a favorable cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, increasing net income by $186 million. The adoption of EITF 02-03 had a more mixed impact, affecting the timing and presentation of energy trading revenues and expenses, and resulted in a $67 million after-tax loss as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle.

In the first quarter of 2003, Dominion issued $2.2 billion in long-term debt and repaid $1 billion of existing debt. The company also has significant capacity available under its shelf registrations, indicating ongoing access to capital markets to fund its operations and capital expenditures. Management believes its operations provide a stable source of cash flow, and they expect to renew maturing credit facilities.

Dominion faces several risks, including weather sensitivity, complex government regulations, environmental compliance costs, competition in the electric generation business, risks associated with nuclear facilities, potential losses from derivative instruments, and market risks in energy clearinghouse operations. The success of its telecommunications strategy and exploration/production business also depends on market conditions and commodity prices. Access to financial markets and changing rating agency requirements are also noted as potential challenges.