10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2006

DOMINION ENERGY, INC Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2006

Filed May 4, 2006For Securities:D

Summary

Dominion Energy, Inc. (D) reported a solid first quarter for 2006, with net income increasing 24% year-over-year to $534 million, or $1.53 per diluted share. This growth was primarily driven by a stronger performance from its exploration and production (E&P) segment, benefiting from higher oil production, increased realized prices for gas and oil, and favorable derivative impacts following the 2005 hurricanes. The company also saw revenue growth across several segments, including non-regulated gas sales and E&P, although this was partially offset by decreases in non-regulated electric sales and other revenue. Significant strategic moves include the agreement to sell two regulated gas distribution subsidiaries, The Peoples Natural Gas Company and Hope Gas, Inc., for approximately $970 million, expected to close by early 2007. This divestiture, coupled with a significant tax benefit from the reversal of valuation allowances related to the sale, contributed to a lower effective tax rate. The company also strengthened its credit facilities and refinanced long-term debt, demonstrating ongoing efforts to manage its financial structure effectively.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income for the first quarter of 2006 increased 24% to $534 million, or $1.53 per diluted share, compared to $429 million, or $1.25 per diluted share, in the prior year.
  • 2Agreement to sell two regulated gas distribution subsidiaries, The Peoples Natural Gas Company and Hope Gas, Inc., for approximately $970 million, with an expected closing by the first quarter of 2007.
  • 3The company's exploration and production (E&P) segment saw significant growth, driven by higher oil production and increased realized prices for gas and oil.
  • 4Operating revenue increased 5% to $5.0 billion, reflecting strong performance in non-regulated gas sales and E&P segments.
  • 5Dominion reported a substantial tax benefit of $222 million in the current quarter due to the reversal of valuation allowances on certain tax loss carryforwards, related to the pending sale of its gas distribution subsidiaries.
  • 6The company enhanced its liquidity by entering into a $3.0 billion five-year credit facility in February 2006.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dominion Energy reported a net income of $534 million for the first quarter of 2006, a 24% increase compared to $429 million in the same period of 2005. Diluted earnings per share rose to $1.53 from $1.25.

A major strategic move is the agreement to sell its regulated gas distribution subsidiaries, The Peoples Natural Gas Company and Hope Gas, Inc., for approximately $970 million, with an anticipated closing by the first quarter of 2007. The company also completed the acquisition of Pablo Energy LLC for $92 million in February 2006.

The Exploration & Production (E&P) segment showed strong growth due to higher oil production and prices. Dominion Delivery's net income decreased primarily due to weather impacts and regulatory factors. Dominion Energy saw a slight increase driven by producer services, while Dominion Generation experienced a decrease attributed to fuel costs exceeding rate recovery and outage expenses.

The pending sale is associated with a significant tax benefit of $222 million due to the reversal of valuation allowances on tax loss carryforwards, which lowered the effective tax rate. However, the company also recorded a $159 million charge for the write-off of certain regulatory assets related to this sale.