Summary
Sempra Energy reported solid financial results for the nine months and third quarter ended September 30, 2004. Net income for the nine months increased to $549 million ($2.36 per diluted share) from $415 million ($1.98 per diluted share) in the prior year, driven by improved performance across several segments, particularly Sempra Energy Trading (SET) and Sempra Energy Resources (SER). The California utilities, SoCalGas and SDG&E, also showed improved net income for the nine-month period, with SoCalGas benefiting from litigation and sublease loss reversals and SDG&E seeing a decrease due to prior year's favorable settlements. The company's balance sheet reflects growth in trading assets and liabilities, indicative of increased trading activity. While total assets grew, a notable shift occurred in current assets with a decrease in cash and short-term investments, balanced by an increase in trading assets and inventories. Liabilities also saw changes, with an increase in long-term debt and trading liabilities, while current liabilities decreased overall. The company maintains a strong liquidity position with significant available credit lines. Key operational highlights include the successful disposal of Atlantic Electric & Gas (AEG) and ongoing progress in expanding energy infrastructure, including LNG terminals and natural gas storage facilities. Regulatory matters remain a significant focus, with ongoing proceedings before the CPUC and FERC concerning rates, cost allocations, and market conduct. Despite these complexities, Sempra Energy's diversified business model and strategic investments position it for continued performance.
Key Highlights
- 1Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, increased to $549 million ($2.36/diluted share) from $415 million ($1.98/diluted share) in 2003.
- 2Third-quarter net income rose to $231 million ($0.98/diluted share) from $211 million ($1.00/diluted share) in the prior year.
- 3Operating revenues for the nine months increased to $6.52 billion from $5.82 billion in the prior year.
- 4The company successfully disposed of its interest in Atlantic Electric & Gas (AEG) in April 2004.
- 5Significant investments were made in expanding LNG receiving terminals and natural gas storage facilities.
- 6Sempra Energy Trading (SET) and Sempra Energy Resources (SER) showed substantial increases in net income.
- 7The company maintained a strong liquidity position with $267 million in cash and $3.3 billion in available credit lines as of September 30, 2004.