10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2005

SEMPRA Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2005

Filed May 4, 2005For Securities:SRESREA

Summary

Sempra Energy reported a net income of $223 million for the first quarter of 2005, a 13% increase compared to the same period in 2004. This growth was primarily driven by the California Utilities (SoCalGas and SDG&E), which saw net income rise by 23% and 18% respectively, partly due to the resolution of income tax issues and favorable regulatory decisions. While overall operating revenues increased by 14% to $2.69 billion, driven by higher natural gas and electricity costs passed through to customers, operating income saw a slight decrease of 6% to $279 million due to higher 'Other cost of sales' related to Sempra Global's commodity trading activities. Sempra Global's performance was mixed, with Sempra Commodities experiencing a 49% drop in net income to $29 million, largely due to margin fluctuations and accounting differences in its trading operations. Sempra Generation, however, showed a 31% increase in net income to $46 million, boosted by strong sales from its Texas facilities. The company ended the quarter with a stronger cash position, with cash and cash equivalents increasing to $609 million. Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to fund capital expenditures and meet liquidity needs.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income increased by 13% to $223 million compared to Q1 2004.
  • 2California Utilities (SoCalGas and SDG&E) showed strong net income growth of 23% and 18% respectively.
  • 3Total operating revenues rose by 14% to $2.69 billion, reflecting higher energy costs passed through to customers.
  • 4Sempra Commodities experienced a significant decline in net income (49%) to $29 million due to trading volatility and accounting factors.
  • 5Sempra Generation reported a 31% increase in net income to $46 million, driven by improved sales.
  • 6Operating income decreased by 6% to $279 million, impacted by higher costs in Sempra Global's commodity operations.
  • 7The company's cash position improved, with cash and cash equivalents increasing to $609 million.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver for the net income increase was the strong performance of the California Utilities, Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E). Their net income grew significantly due to favorable regulatory decisions and the resolution of prior years' income tax issues.

Sempra Commodities' net income decreased by 49% to $29 million. This was attributed to earnings variability caused by accounting differences in marking to market of derivative instruments versus the underlying assets (like storage and transportation), as well as changes in margins across different product lines.

Management believes that its cash flows from operations, combined with available credit lines and potential security issuances, will be sufficient to fund capital expenditures, meet liquidity requirements, pay shareholder dividends, and pursue acquisitions. The company is focused on maintaining strong, investment-quality credit ratings.

Yes, several significant matters are ongoing. These include CPUC proceedings related to rate setting and performance-based regulation for the California utilities, ongoing litigation stemming from the 2000-2001 California energy crisis, and investigations by regulatory bodies like the FERC and CPUC into market practices. The company has accrued $249 million for legal proceedings, primarily related to the energy crisis.