10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2008

ONEOK INC /NEW/ Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2008

Filed May 2, 2008For Securities:OKE

Summary

ONEOK Inc. reported mixed financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2008. While net income saw a slight decrease to $143.8 million from $152.9 million in the prior year, diluted earnings per share remained stable at $1.36. The company experienced significant revenue growth, with operating revenues (excluding energy trading) increasing by 29.3% to $4.92 billion, driven primarily by its ONEOK Partners segment and higher commodity prices. Key operational highlights include continued expansion within the ONEOK Partners segment, with substantial capital expenditures on new pipeline projects like the Woodford Shale Natural Gas Liquids Pipeline Extension and the Overland Pass Pipeline. The company also increased its ownership stake in ONEOK Partners during the quarter. Despite a challenging environment for its Energy Services segment, which saw a decrease in net margin due to lower storage and marketing margins, ONEOK Inc. demonstrated resilience and a commitment to returning value to shareholders through dividend increases and strategic investments in its infrastructure.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues increased to $4.90 billion from $3.81 billion in Q1 2007, an increase of 28.8%, primarily driven by higher commodity prices and increased activity in the ONEOK Partners segment.
  • 2Net income for the quarter was $143.8 million, a decrease from $152.9 million in Q1 2007. However, diluted EPS remained steady at $1.36.
  • 3ONEOK Partners segment experienced strong revenue growth, with sales to unaffiliated customers increasing significantly, supported by higher commodity prices and the acquisition of the NGL pipeline system in October 2007.
  • 4Capital expenditures surged to $339.5 million (excluding acquisitions) in Q1 2008, up from $102.1 million in Q1 2007, primarily due to extensive investments in ONEOK Partners' capital projects, including pipeline expansions.
  • 5The company increased its ownership in ONEOK Partners to 47.8% through a private placement purchase of common units, demonstrating a strategic focus on this key segment.
  • 6The Energy Services segment's net margin decreased significantly by $46.5 million, mainly due to lower storage and marketing margins and unfavorable weather/market conditions impacting optimization opportunities.
  • 7ONEOK declared a quarterly dividend of $0.38 per share, an increase of approximately 12% from the prior year's comparable dividend, signaling confidence in future performance and commitment to shareholders.

Frequently Asked Questions

ONEOK Inc. reported a slight decrease in net income to $143.8 million for Q1 2008 compared to $152.9 million in Q1 2007. However, total revenues showed substantial growth, rising to $4.90 billion from $3.81 billion, driven by higher commodity prices and increased activity in the ONEOK Partners segment. Diluted Earnings Per Share remained stable at $1.36.

The significant increase in revenue is primarily attributed to higher realized commodity prices for natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs), and wider regional NGL product price spreads, particularly within the ONEOK Partners segment. The acquisition of an NGL pipeline system in October 2007 also contributed to increased revenues.

ONEOK is heavily investing in its ONEOK Partners segment, with capital expenditures more than tripling year-over-year to $339.5 million. These investments are focused on expanding natural gas and NGL infrastructure, including major pipeline projects like the Woodford Shale NGL Pipeline Extension and the Overland Pass Pipeline, aimed at increasing capacity and market reach.

The Energy Services segment experienced a notable decline in net margin. This was primarily due to lower storage and marketing margins, unfavorable market conditions that reduced optimization opportunities, and less favorable price environments compared to the previous year. The segment also saw changes in the unrealized fair value of derivative instruments.