10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2001

SEMPRA Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2001

Filed November 14, 2001For Securities:SRESREA

Summary

Sempra Energy (SRE) reported net income of $96 million for the third quarter of 2001, a decrease from $110 million in the same period of the prior year. Diluted earnings per share for the quarter were $0.46, down from $0.55 in the third quarter of 2000. For the nine months ended September 30, 2001, net income increased to $410 million from $334 million in the prior year, with diluted EPS rising to $2.00 from $1.59. The company's financial performance was impacted by various factors, including ongoing effects of California's electric industry restructuring. While California utility revenues saw a decline in the third quarter, other operating revenues increased significantly. The company is navigating regulatory changes and is working through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the state, which aims to resolve issues stemming from the energy crisis. The MOU includes provisions for capital investments, potential sale of SDG&E's transmission system, and adjustments to base rates and balancing accounts. Management expects that if the remaining elements of the MOU are approved as contemplated, there will be no charge to SDG&E's earnings.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income for the third quarter of 2001 was $96 million, down from $110 million in the prior year's third quarter, with diluted EPS falling to $0.46 from $0.55.
  • 2For the nine months ended September 30, 2001, net income rose to $410 million from $334 million in the same period last year, with diluted EPS increasing to $2.00 from $1.59.
  • 3California utility revenues declined in the third quarter, with natural gas revenues down to $605 million from $799 million and electric revenues down to $399 million from $645 million.
  • 4Other operating revenues saw a substantial increase, reaching $623 million in the third quarter of 2001, up from $362 million in the prior year.
  • 5The company is actively engaged in resolving issues related to California's electric industry restructuring through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the state.
  • 6A key element of the MOU includes Sempra Energy committing to significant capital investments in its California utilities between 2001 and 2006.
  • 7The balance sheet shows total assets of $15.177 billion at September 30, 2001, a slight decrease from $15.612 billion at December 31, 2000, with total shareholders' equity increasing to $2.755 billion from $2.494 billion.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver for the decrease in net income for the third quarter of 2001 was a decline in California utility revenues, particularly for natural gas and electric services, alongside lower earnings at Sempra Energy Trading due to reduced operating profits in Europe and Asia during the quarter. These were partially offset by increased earnings from other operating revenues and the absence of a significant charge recorded in the third quarter of 2000 related to a potential regulatory disallowance.

Sempra Energy is actively managing the impacts of California's electric industry restructuring through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the state. This MOU aims to resolve key issues, including settlements on reasonableness reviews, electricity purchase contracts, and the sale of SDG&E's transmission system. The company is also working with the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) for power procurement for SDG&E's customers and has seen regulatory approval for certain aspects of the MOU, such as rate-ceiling balancing account reductions and delays in base rate revisions.

Effective January 1, 2001, Sempra Energy adopted SFAS 133, which requires all derivatives to be recognized as assets or liabilities at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings unless they qualify as an effective hedge. For the utility operations (SDG&E and SoCalGas), derivative gains and losses are largely recoverable or payable through future rates, establishing regulatory assets and liabilities. For Sempra Energy Trading (SET), which marks its derivatives to market, the adoption of SFAS 133 had no impact on its earnings as it already followed similar accounting principles.

Capital expenditures for property, plant, and equipment by the California utilities are estimated at $600 million for the full year 2001, financed primarily by internally generated funds. Other Sempra Energy businesses have estimated capital expenditures of $700 million for 2001. The company also has a shelf registration for up to an additional $2.0 billion of debt and equity securities and SoCalGas has a shelf registration for up to $350 million of debt securities. Sempra Energy Resources is planning significant power generation development projects, with a syndicated $400 million credit facility obtained in August 2001. Additionally, a joint venture is planned for an LNG receiving terminal in Mexico with an estimated $400 million in capital expenditures.