8-KMaterial AgreementsExhibits & Filings

DOMINION ENERGY, INC 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Mar 3, 2006)

Filed March 3, 2006For Securities:D

Summary

This 8-K filing from Dominion Resources, Inc. (D) reports on significant financing and compensation-related activities. The company has significantly restructured and expanded its credit facilities to ensure robust liquidity. A new $3.0 billion Five-Year Credit Agreement replaces a previous facility, providing substantial borrowing capacity for Dominion and its key subsidiaries, Virginia Electric and Power Company and Consolidated Natural Gas Company. Additionally, Consolidated Natural Gas Company secured a $1.70 billion Amended and Restated Five-Year Credit Agreement and a $1.05 billion 364-Day Credit Agreement, further diversifying and extending its debt maturity profile. These actions suggest a strategic move to manage and enhance the company's financial flexibility. Beyond financing, Dominion has formalized its 2006 Annual Incentive Plan, outlining performance-based awards for officers tied to consolidated operating earnings and business unit performance. The plan includes specific target percentages of base salary for named executive officers, with payouts contingent on achieving financial and operational goals, including capital expenditures and cost savings initiatives. The company also announced adjustments to director compensation, increasing annual retainers and committee chair fees, effective for the 2006 Annual Meeting. These announcements provide insight into Dominion's executive compensation philosophy and corporate governance practices.

Key Highlights

  • 1Dominion Resources, Inc. and subsidiaries entered into a new $3.0 billion Five-Year Credit Agreement, increasing overall credit capacity.
  • 2The new credit facility replaces a previous $2.5 billion agreement, with no outstanding balances under the old agreement.
  • 3Consolidated Natural Gas Company (CNG) secured a $1.70 billion Amended and Restated Five-Year Credit Agreement.
  • 4CNG also entered into a $1.05 billion 364-Day Credit Agreement, enhancing short-term liquidity.
  • 5The company terminated a $1.9 billion credit agreement following the closing of the new facilities.
  • 6Dominion approved the 2006 Annual Incentive Plan, linking executive bonuses to operating earnings and other performance metrics.
  • 7Director compensation was increased, including annual retainers and committee chair fees, effective from the 2006 Annual Meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

The new credit agreements are intended to provide Dominion Resources and its subsidiaries with significant financial flexibility and liquidity. The $3.0 billion facility, along with the agreements for CNG, strengthens the company's borrowing capacity and diversifies its debt maturity profile, ensuring access to funds for operational needs and strategic initiatives.

The 2006 Annual Incentive Plan ties executive bonuses to the achievement of specific performance goals, primarily consolidated operating earnings and business unit operating earnings. For named executive officers, payouts are based on consolidated operating earnings, with the compensation committee retaining discretion. Other officers and employees have awards distributed based on a mix of consolidated and business unit earnings, operational goals, and cost savings, with a portion linked to capital expenditures.

Director compensation has been increased. The annual cash retainer, stock retainer, and deferred grant for all directors will each be $40,000. Additionally, the retainers for the Audit and Compensation & Nominating Committee chairs have been increased to $15,000, effective with the 2006 Annual Meeting.

The $1.9 billion credit agreement was terminated because its purpose was superseded by the closing of the new, larger credit facilities, specifically the $3.0 billion Five-Year Credit Agreement for Dominion and its subsidiaries and the $1.05 billion 364-Day Credit Agreement for CNG. This consolidation streamlines Dominion's credit arrangements.