10-Q/APeriod: Q2 FY2002

ONEOK INC /NEW/ Quarterly Report (Amendment) for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2002

Filed November 14, 2002For Securities:OKE

Summary

ONEOK Inc. (OKE) filed an amended Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, primarily to correct mathematical errors in its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows related to the treatment of bank overdrafts. The restatement adjusted operating cash flows and financing activities. Financially, the company reported a net income of $35.4 million for the quarter, an increase from $23.6 million in the prior year's comparable quarter. This improvement was driven by higher net revenues, which benefited from increased margins in the marketing and trading segment, a recovery from Enron-related charges, and a favorable OCC settlement. However, operating revenues and cost of gas decreased due to lower natural gas prices. Significant events during the period included the resolution of outstanding issues with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC), which led to a reduction in a previously recorded charge. The company also continued to manage its energy trading activities, which are now accounted for using mark-to-market principles. A notable item for investors is Westar Energy's notice of intent to sell its substantial holdings in ONEOK, presenting a potential significant repurchase opportunity for the company, contingent on financing and regulatory approvals. The company also reported progress in its ongoing litigation related to the terminated Southwest Gas Corporation acquisition.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, was $35.4 million, a notable increase from $23.6 million in the same period of 2001, driven by improved net revenues.
  • 2Operating revenues and cost of gas decreased year-over-year due to lower natural gas prices, but net revenues increased due to higher margins in the marketing and trading segment and favorable settlements.
  • 3The company filed an amended 10-Q to restate its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, correcting errors related to the accounting treatment of bank overdrafts, which impacted operating and financing cash flow figures.
  • 4Westar Energy, a significant shareholder, issued a notice of intent to sell its entire stake in ONEOK, presenting the company with a potential $971 million repurchase option, subject to financing and regulatory approvals.
  • 5ONEOK resolved outstanding issues with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) related to gas procurement practices, leading to a $14.2 million adjustment in the second quarter of 2002.
  • 6The company continues to operate under new accounting standards, including the discontinuation of goodwill amortization under SFAS 142 and the application of mark-to-market accounting for energy trading contracts.
  • 7The balance sheet shows a decrease in total assets to $5.71 billion from $5.88 billion at year-end 2001, and a reduction in total liabilities to $4.36 billion from $4.61 billion, strengthening the equity position.

Frequently Asked Questions

ONEOK filed an amended Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, primarily to correct mathematical errors in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows concerning the treatment of bank overdrafts. This restatement also involved adding a new note (Note L) to the financial statements to explain the changes and modifying the discussion of operating cash flows.

Westar Energy, a major shareholder, has notified ONEOK of its intent to sell all its shares, including common and Series A convertible preferred stock. This triggers an option for ONEOK to repurchase these shares for approximately $971 million. This presents a significant potential capital allocation decision for ONEOK, contingent on securing financing and obtaining regulatory approvals.

Lower natural gas prices led to a decrease in ONEOK's operating revenues and cost of gas for the reported periods compared to the prior year. However, the company managed to increase its net revenues and net income by improving margins in its marketing and trading segment, benefiting from a favorable OCC settlement, and recovering some charges related to the Enron bankruptcy. This indicates resilience in its diversified operations despite commodity price pressures.

ONEOK has made progress in resolving some significant matters. They reached a settlement with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) regarding gas cost procurement practices, which positively impacted earnings. The company is still involved in litigation related to the terminated Southwest Gas Corporation acquisition, with a trial scheduled. Other environmental and legal matters are ongoing, but management believes they will not have a material adverse effect on the company's financial position.