8-KOther Events

SEMPRA 8-K Report (Aug 14, 2002)

Filed August 14, 2002For Securities:SRESREA

Summary

This Form 8-K filing by Sempra Energy (SRE) on August 13, 2002, primarily serves to submit certifications from its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer regarding the accuracy and fair presentation of the company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2002. This action is in response to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which mandates these certifications for public companies following accounting scandals that were prevalent at the time. For investors, this filing's significance lies in the assurance provided by the CEO and CFO concerning the integrity of their reported financial information. While it does not introduce new financial data, it signals the company's adherence to new, stricter corporate governance and financial reporting standards enacted shortly after the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. This is important for maintaining investor confidence in the reliability of Sempra's financial disclosures.

Key Highlights

  • 1Sempra Energy filed its Form 8-K on August 13, 2002, to accompany its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002.
  • 2The filing includes sworn statements from the CEO and CFO as required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  • 3These certifications attest to the full compliance of the Form 10-Q with Exchange Act requirements.
  • 4The certifications also affirm that the information in the Form 10-Q fairly presents Sempra Energy's financial condition and results of operations.
  • 5These statements are being furnished in connection with the Form 10-Q and are not incorporated by reference into other filings.
  • 6The filing reflects Sempra Energy's response to enhanced financial reporting and certification mandates following the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose of this 8-K filing is to provide sworn certifications from Sempra Energy's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. These certifications confirm the accuracy and fair presentation of the company's financial statements included in its recently filed Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2002.

No, this filing does not present new financial results. It serves as a procedural submission to accompany the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, and provides the required CEO and CFO certifications regarding the accuracy of that previously filed report.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) is a federal law enacted in response to major corporate and accounting scandals. Section 906 of SOX specifically requires CEOs and CFOs of public companies to certify the accuracy of their financial reports filed with the SEC. This filing reflects Sempra Energy's compliance with these new, more stringent corporate governance and financial reporting standards.

The certifications are legally binding statements made under oath by the CEO and CFO. However, the filing explicitly states that these statements are furnished solely to accompany the Quarterly Report pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1350 and are not being filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This means they are not subject to the same civil liabilities under Section 18 as a formal filing, but making false certifications can still carry criminal penalties.