10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2006

SEMPRA Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2006

Filed August 3, 2006For Securities:SRESREA

Summary

Sempra Energy's (SRE) second-quarter 2006 filing shows a significant increase in net income, driven by strong performance across its business segments, particularly Sempra Commodities, and the impact of several asset sales classified as discontinued operations. For the six months ended June 30, 2006, net income more than doubled compared to the prior year, reaching $628 million. This growth was bolstered by substantial gains from the sale of power plants and other businesses within Sempra Generation, which contributed significantly to the "discontinued operations" segment. The California Utilities, SoCalGas and SDG&E, demonstrated stable performance, with SDG&E showing improved earnings due to generation activities and regulatory approvals. Overall, the company is executing on its strategy to divest non-core assets while investing in growth areas like LNG and pipelines. The financial results indicate a robust quarter, though investors should remain aware of ongoing litigation and regulatory matters that could impact future performance.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income surged to $373 million ($1.43 per diluted share) for the three months ended June 30, 2006, a significant increase from $121 million ($0.48 per diluted share) in the same period of 2005.
  • 2For the six months ended June 30, 2006, net income reached $628 million ($2.42 per diluted share), up from $344 million ($1.40 per diluted share) in the prior year's comparable period.
  • 3The significant increase in net income was substantially boosted by $209 million from discontinued operations for the six months ended June 30, 2006, primarily from gains on asset sales within Sempra Generation.
  • 4Sempra Commodities reported strong performance with a significant increase in net income to $185 million for the six months, driven by improved margins and trading activity.
  • 5The California Utilities, SoCalGas and SDG&E, showed steady results, with SDG&E's net income increasing due to electric generation activities and regulatory recovery for SONGS.
  • 6Capital expenditures for the six months were $893 million, a significant increase from $574 million in the prior year, reflecting investments in plant improvements and new infrastructure.
  • 7The company reported $721 million in unrestricted cash and $6.3 billion in available unused, committed lines of credit as of June 30, 2006, indicating strong liquidity.

Frequently Asked Questions

The substantial increase in net income was primarily driven by significant gains from the sale of assets, particularly within Sempra Generation, which are reported as discontinued operations. Additionally, strong performance from Sempra Commodities and improved earnings at SDG&E contributed to the overall growth.

Sempra Energy maintained strong liquidity with $721 million in unrestricted cash and $6.3 billion in available credit lines as of June 30, 2006. The company expects cash flows from operations, asset sales, and security issuances to be sufficient to fund capital expenditures, dividends, and other commitments.

Key risks include ongoing litigation, particularly related to the California energy crisis, and various regulatory matters impacting the California Utilities. Market volatility for Sempra Commodities and the capital-intensive nature of Sempra LNG and Sempra Pipelines & Storage during their development phases also present challenges.

The company is actively investing in and developing LNG receiving terminals (e.g., Energía Costa Azul, Cameron LNG, Port Arthur LNG) and natural gas pipelines (e.g., Rockies Express). While these projects require substantial funding during construction, they are expected to provide significant and stable earnings upon completion.