What were the most significant strategic moves made by ONEOK in 2002?

ONEOK made significant strategic moves in 2002, including the acquisition of Southern Union Company's Texas assets, which expanded its natural gas distribution network, and the sale of a substantial portion of its natural gas and oil producing properties. These actions reflect a strategy to streamline operations and focus on integrated natural gas business from wellhead to burner tip.

How did the company strengthen its financial position in early 2003?

In early 2003, ONEOK raised capital through public offerings of common stock and equity units, generating significant proceeds. These funds were used for strategic initiatives, including the repurchase of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock from Westar and paying off commercial paper, thereby strengthening its financial flexibility.

What impact did the accounting changes for energy trading contracts have?

ONEOK adopted new accounting provisions (EITF 02-3 and the rescission of EITF 98-10) for its energy trading contracts. These changes affect how trading gains and losses are recognized and how inventories are valued. The adoption of the rescission of EITF 98-10 is estimated to result in a non-cash cumulative effect loss of approximately $141.0 million, which will be reflected in the March 31, 2003 financial statements.

How is ONEOK managing its exposure to commodity price volatility?

ONEOK utilizes derivative instruments such as futures contracts, swaps, and options to manage market risk associated with commodity price fluctuations for its natural gas, NGL, and crude oil operations. For its regulated utility operations like KGS, derivative instruments are used to hedge anticipated gas purchases to protect customers from price volatility. The company also engages in hedging for its natural gas and oil production.

OKE 10-K FY2002 Annual Report — Revenue, Net Income, EPS

Summary

ONEOK Inc.'s 2002 10-K report details a year of significant strategic repositioning, marked by substantial acquisitions and divestitures aimed at optimizing its diversified energy portfolio. Key developments include the acquisition of Southern Union Company's Texas assets, enhancing its distribution business, and the sale of approximately 70% of its natural gas and oil producing properties. These actions underscore a focus on integrating natural gas operations from wellhead to burner tip and maximizing shareholder value. The company's financial performance reflects these strategic moves, with notable changes across its reporting segments. The company also executed significant financing activities, including public offerings of common stock and equity units, to bolster its financial position and fund strategic initiatives. Investors can look to the company's ongoing efforts in operational efficiency, asset optimization, and strategic growth as key drivers for future performance.

Key Highlights

1Acquisition of Southern Union Company's Texas assets for approximately $420 million, significantly expanding the company's natural gas distribution business and customer base.
2Sale of approximately 70% of natural gas and oil producing properties for approximately $300 million, as part of a strategy to focus on core assets.
3Successful completion of public offerings for common stock and equity units, raising substantial capital to support strategic objectives.
4Sale of midstream natural gas assets for approximately $92 million, aligning with the strategy to divest non-core assets.
5Adoption of new accounting provisions (EITF 02-3 and rescission of EITF 98-10), impacting the accounting for energy trading contracts and resulting in an estimated cumulative effect loss of $141.0 million.
6Changes in executive leadership, including the appointment of new Presidents for key divisions.
7The company reported a dividend increase to $0.17 per share, effective January 2003, signaling confidence in its financial outlook.

ONEOK INC /NEW/ Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2002

Summary

Key Highlights

Frequently Asked Questions