Peoples Energy Reports Preliminary Fiscal 2006 First Quarter Results; Results Reflect $91.7 Million Pre-Tax Charge Related to Se

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Peoples Energy Corp	NYSE:PGL	NYSE	Ordinary Share

Peoples Energy (NYSE:PGL)
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Peoples Energy (NYSE:PGL) today reported a preliminary first quarter 2006 loss of $0.51 per diluted share, compared to earnings of $0.59 per diluted share for the comparable period last year. The operating loss for the quarter was $24.4 million compared to $46.4 million of operating income in fiscal 2005. The quarter included a $91.7 million pre-tax charge ($1.44 per share after tax) related to a settlement of the Company's gas charge proceedings for 2000 through 2004 that have been pending before the Illinois Commerce Commission, as well as related civil litigation. Last year's first quarter included an $11.2 million charge related to the Company's 2004 organizational restructuring. Results are summarized below in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and on an ongoing (non-GAAP) basis before the impact of charges related to the settlement and restructuring(a). -0- *T Three Months Ended December 31, ($ millions, except per share amounts) -------------------------------------------- Restructuring Ongoing and Settlement As Reported (non-GAAP) Charges (GAAP) ------------- --------------- -------------- 2005 2004 2005 2004 2005 2004 ------ ------ ------- ------- ------- ------ Operating Income (Loss) Gas Distribution $50.7 $49.7 ($91.7) ($41.0) $49.7 Oil and Gas Production 11.4 8.6 11.4 8.6 Energy Marketing 9.8 2.4 9.8 2.4 Energy Assets (0.2) - (0.2) - Corporate and Other (4.4) (3.1) ($11.2) (4.4) (14.3) ------ ------ ------- ------- ------- ------ $67.3 $57.6 ($91.7) ($11.2) ($24.4) $46.4 Net Income (Loss) $35.8 $29.2 ($55.3) ($6.8) ($19.5) $22.5 Net Income (Loss) per diluted share $0.93 $0.77 ($1.44) ($0.18) ($0.51) $0.59 Notes: Numbers may not sum due to rounding Reflects new segment reporting effective in fiscal 2006 (a) Management believes that ongoing results are useful for year over year comparisons since charges of the magnitude associated with the settlement and 2004 organizational restructuring are infrequent and affect the comparability of operating results. Ongoing results are used internally to measure performance and in reports for management and the board of directors. *T "Absent the impact of the settlement charge, ongoing operating results for the quarter were encouraging," said Thomas M. Patrick, Chairman, President, and CEO of Peoples Energy. "In particular, our energy marketing segment had a very strong quarter, and oil and gas production volumes are on track with expectations. In addition, the settlement of our long-standing gas charge proceedings, if approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission, will remove a major uncertainty that has been facing the company for several years." Notable items for the quarter include the following: -- As previously announced, the Company reached a settlement with certain intervenors in its gas charge proceedings for 2000 through 2004 that have been pending before the Illinois Commerce Commission ("Commission"), as well as related civil litigation. Additional information regarding the settlement, which is subject to Commission approval, can be found in the Company's press release dated January 17, 2006. As a result of the settlement, the Company recorded a $91.7 million pre-tax charge ($1.44 per share after tax) in the first quarter. The charge reflects $100 million in expected refunds to customers over the next two years and $5 million related to the first year funding of conservation program costs and is net of approximately $13 million in previously recorded liabilities related to the cases. -- Gas Distribution deliveries increased 6% from the year-ago period, reflecting 10% colder weather and slightly lower weather-normalized demand. The positive impact of higher gas deliveries on operating income was mostly offset by higher Gas Distribution operating expenses, most notably higher bad debt expense primarily attributable to record high natural gas prices and their corresponding impact on revenues. -- Energy Marketing operating income increased $7.4 million compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to higher wholesale marketing margins partially offset by a $2.4 million net increase in unrealized fair value accounting losses. -- Oil and Gas Production volumes, while down from a year ago, modestly exceeded expectations for the quarter despite some lingering adverse impacts from last September's hurricanes. -- The Company realized a pre-tax gain of $9.6 million from the sale of oil and gas assets by its 30%-owned equity investment, EnerVest. The Company also recorded a $1.8 million pre-tax impairment charge related to the pending sale of its Valencia power development site in New Mexico. -- Effective in fiscal 2006, the Company's primary business segments were reorganized and will be reported as follows: Gas Distribution (including Peoples Gas hub operations, formerly included as part of Midstream Services), Oil and Gas Production, Energy Assets (primarily power generation), and Energy Marketing (both retail and wholesale activity, formerly included as Retail Energy Services and part of Midstream Services, respectively). Gas Distribution. Operating loss for the first quarter was $41.0 million, compared to $49.7 million of income last year. Results reflect the $91.7 million pre-tax settlement charge noted earlier. Absent this impact, ongoing operating income totaled $50.7, up $1.0 million compared to the year ago period, due primarily to colder weather offset by higher operating expenses. Weather for the quarter, which approximated normal, was 10% or 216 degree days colder than the same period last year. Deliveries increased 6% to 71 Bcf, with estimated weather-normalized demand down 2% from a year ago. The increase in operating expenses was due primarily to higher bad debt expense ($4.7 million) and higher pension expense ($2.0 million). Bad debt expense was negatively impacted by record high natural gas prices and their corresponding impact on revenues, which were approximately $200 million higher than last year. Higher pension expense primarily reflects a lower discount rate used to value the pension liability as of the Company's June 30, 2005 valuation date, as previously disclosed. Results for the quarter benefited from lower depreciation expense ($1.9 million) due to the implementation of new depreciation rates in the third quarter of fiscal 2005. Oil and Gas Production. Operating income increased to $11.4 million from $8.6 million a year ago due to a $9.6 million gain associated with the sale of assets at the Company's EnerVest partnership, offset by lower production volumes and increased operating costs. Average daily production was 9% below the year-ago period, primarily reflecting the normal decline rate of existing production and the increased number of wells drilled which are lower rate, longer life opportunities. While lower than a year ago, production modestly exceeded plan. During the first quarter, the Company drilled 12 wells with a success rate of 100%. Despite a significant increase in NYMEX gas prices, the net realized gas price increased only slightly due to a high percentage of hedged production and the impact of much wider than normal basis differentials, including a $2.0 million unrealized mark-to-market accounting loss related to hedge ineffectiveness. Approximately 86% of the Company's first quarter production had been previously hedged. As of December 31, 2005, approximately 70-80% of estimated remaining fiscal 2006 natural gas production was hedged. The following table summarizes first quarter operating statistics for the Oil and Gas Production segment: -0- *T Three Months Ended December 31, -------------------------------------- % 2005 2004 Change ------------ ------------ ------------ Average daily production: Gas (MMCFD) 58.0 62.5 (7.2%) Oil (MBD) 1.0 1.4 (28.6%) Gas equivalent (MMCFED) 64.0 70.7 (9.5%) Average sales price: Gas ($/MCF) $4.56 $4.42 3.2% Oil ($/BBL) $29.78 $30.03 (.8%) Gas equivalent ($/MMCFE) $4.59 $4.49 2.2% Percentage hedged: Gas 86% 96% (10.4%) Oil 81% 83% (2.4%) *T Energy Marketing. Operating income totaled $9.8 million, an increase of $7.4 million from a year ago. Retail marketing results were essentially flat. Wholesale marketing results increased approximately $10.1 million, reflecting the margin benefit from high gas price volatility on transportation and storage activity as well as entry into new markets in the Northeast. Results for the segment also included an unrealized $2.2 million fair value accounting loss associated with certain wholesale and retail marketing activities. Most of these losses are expected to reverse over the course of the year as the underlying transactions are settled. The earnings volatility resulting from mark-to-market accounting can be significant from period to period, even when the underlying economic position is unchanged. Energy Assets. An operating loss of $0.2 million was incurred in the first quarter, compared to break-even in the year-ago period. Results included a $1.8 million asset impairment provision related to the pending sale of the Company's Valencia power generation development site in the second quarter. Most of the capacity revenues related to electric power generation are recognized in the June to September period, typically resulting in seasonal operating losses for this segment during the first two quarters. Corporate and Other. Absent the $11.2 million restructuring charge recognized in the year-ago period, ongoing Corporate and Other expenses increased $1.3 million compared to last year. The increase was primarily due to higher labor related costs. Financial. Interest expense increased $0.7 million compared to a year ago due primarily to higher interest rates, offset by lower short-term borrowings. The effective tax rate on ongoing income was about 35% compared to 36.5% last year. At December 31, 2005, total debt was 57% of total debt plus equity, up from 55% a year ago. The increase is primarily attributable to the impact of the settlement charge on equity balances and higher unrealized losses reflected in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. Management does not believe the gas reconciliation settlement will materially impact the Company's liquidity or its ability to fund its strategic initiatives and capital expenditures. Outlook. "Peoples Energy posted solid first quarter results," said Patrick. "Extremely warm January weather and continued high gas prices will put pressure on full year utility income. Our pending rate relief filings will propose reforms that would address these issues and should position the gas distribution segment for improved profitability and returns in the future. We also are continuing to actively pursue growth opportunities in our diversified businesses. At this point, we are maintaining our ongoing fiscal 2006 earnings estimate of $2.25 to $2.45 per share (or $0.80 to $1.00 per share on a GAAP basis). Absent a return to more normal second quarter weather, our outlook would likely shift to the low end of this range." Key assumptions underlying the earnings forecast include actual weather through January, no further deterioration in utility bad debt expense, and a mid-year oil and gas acquisition. Earnings Conference Call. Peoples Energy will hold a conference call to discuss financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2006 on Friday, January 27, 2006, at 9:30 a.m. Central (10:30 a.m. Eastern). To listen to the webcast live or in replay visit the "Investors" section of the Peoples Energy website at www.PeoplesEnergy.com and select the Live Webcast icon on the Corporate Overview page. A replay of the call can also be accessed by dialing 1-800-642-1687, reference number 3594682. The telephone replay will be available approximately two hours after completion of the call through January 31, 2006. The webcast replay will be available through January 2007. Peoples Energy, a member of the S&P 500, is a diversified energy company consisting of five primary business segments: Gas Distribution, Oil and Gas Production, Energy Assets, Energy Marketing and Corporate and Other. The Gas Distribution business serves about 1 million utility customers in Chicago and northeastern Illinois. Visit the Peoples Energy website at PeoplesEnergy.com. Forward-Looking Information. This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Generally, the words "may", "could", "project", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "plan", "forecast", "will be", and similar words identify forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from such expectations because of many uncertainties, including, but not limited to: adverse decisions in proceedings before the Illinois Commerce Commission concerning the prudence review of the utility subsidiaries' gas purchases; failure by the Illinois Commerce Commission to approve the gas charge proceedings settlement agreement between the Company and certain intervenors concerning such proceedings; the future health of the United States and Illinois economies; the timing and extent of changes in interest rates and energy commodity prices, including but not limited to the effect of gas prices on cost of gas supplies, accounts receivable and the provision for uncollectible accounts, interest expense and earnings from the oil and gas production segment; adverse resolution of material litigation; effectiveness of the Company's risk management policies and the creditworthiness of customers and counterparties; regulatory developments in the United States, Illinois and other states where the Company does business; changes in the nature of the Company's competition resulting from industry consolidation, legislative change, regulatory change and other factors, as well as action taken by particular competitors; operational factors affecting the Company's gas distribution, energy assets and oil and gas production segments; Aquila Inc.'s financial ability to perform under its power sales agreements with Elwood Energy LLC; drilling and production risks and the inherent uncertainty of oil and gas reserve estimates; weather related energy demand; the application of, or changes in, accounting rules or interpretations; and terrorist activities. Also, projections to future periods of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Some of the uncertainties that may affect future results are discussed in more detail in Peoples Energy's most recent Form 10-K/A filed with the SEC under Item 1 - Business, Item 1A - Risk Factors and Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis, as such information may be updated by subsequent filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are based upon information presently available, and Peoples Energy assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. -0- *T (Financial Tables Follow) Peoples Energy Corporation Preliminary Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Three Months Ended December 31, ------------------------- (In Thousands, Except Per-Share Amounts) 2005 2004 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenues $1,052,386 $737,411 Operating Expenses: Cost of energy sold 796,427 508,892 Gas charge settlement 91,668 - Operation and maintenance, excluding restructuring and environmental costs 87,979 79,343 Restructuring costs - 11,207 Environmental costs 11,296 8,982 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 29,014 30,344 Taxes, other than income taxes 68,734 53,046 Impairments and losses on property sales 2,182 72 ------------ ------------ Total Operating Expenses 1,087,300 691,886 Equity investment income 10,483 888 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating Income (Loss) (24,431) 46,413 Other income and expense - net 1,313 913 Interest expense 13,223 12,510 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (36,341) 34,816 Income tax expense (benefit) (16,860) 12,340 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Income (Loss) $(19,481) $22,476 ====================================================================== Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding Basic 38,245 37,816 Diluted 38,378 37,993 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock Basic $(0.51) $0.59 Diluted $(0.51) $0.59 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Peoples Energy Corporation Preliminary Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (In Thousands) At December 31, 2005 2004 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Assets Capital Investments: Property, plant and equipment $3,245,695 $3,150,362 Less - Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization 1,291,208 1,247,190 ------------ ------------ Net property, plant and equipment 1,954,487 1,903,172 Investments in equity investees 114,144 124,633 Other investments 24,269 24,288 ------------ ------------ Total Capital Investments - Net 2,092,900 2,052,093 Customer Accounts Receivable - net of reserves 668,331 480,371 Other Current Assets 463,369 320,174 ------------ ------------ Total Current Assets 1,131,700 800,545 Other Assets 530,043 467,654 ------------ ------------ Total Assets $3,754,643 $3,320,292 ====================================================================== Capitalization and Liabilities Common Stockholders' Equity: Common stock $412,935 $396,352 Treasury stock (6,677) (6,677) Retained earnings 505,821 553,015 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (109,974) (58,897) ------------ ------------ Total Common Stockholders' Equity 802,105 883,793 Long-Term Debt 895,210 897,207 ------------ ------------ Total Capitalization 1,697,315 1,781,000 Current Liabilities Commercial paper 177,269 172,049 Accounts Payable 421,901 210,943 Other Current Liabilities 488,961 332,438 ------------ ------------ Total Current Liabilities 1,088,131 715,430 Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities 969,197 823,862 ------------ ------------ Total Capitalization and Liabilities $3,754,643 $3,320,292 ====================================================================== Peoples Energy Corporation Preliminary Business Segments (Unaudited) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Gas Oil and Gas Energy (In Thousands) Distribution Production Marketing ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Three Months Ended December 31, 2005 Revenues $728,989 $27,058 $294,870 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 15,125 13,053 442 Equity investment income - 9,585 - Operating income (loss) (1) (40,954) 11,394 9,764 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Three Months Ended December 31, 2004 Revenues $520,058 $29,200 $187,547 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 16,992 12,586 430 Equity investment income (loss) - 1,086 - Operating income (loss) (2) 49,674 8,591 2,364 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2005 Revenues $1,688,674 $100,602 $805,515 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 61,894 45,764 1,797 Equity investment income (loss) - 2,403 - Operating income (loss) (3) 137,335 16,853 13,471 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Corporate Energy and (In Thousands) Assets Other Adjustments Total ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Three Months Ended December 31, 2005 Revenues $2,607 $- $(1,138) $1,052,386 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 110 284 - 29,014 Equity investment income 831 67 - 10,483 Operating income (loss) (1) (219) (4,416) - (24,431) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Three Months Ended December 31, 2004 Revenues $2,517 $- $(1,911) $737,411 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 122 214 - 30,344 Equity investment income (loss) (460) 262 - 888 Operating income (loss) (2) 7 (14,223) - 46,413 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2005 Revenues $9,482 $- $(4,688) $2,599,585 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 485 980 - 110,920 Equity investment income (loss) 20,944 7,885 - 31,232 Operating income (loss) (3) 20,488 (20,001) - 168,146 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Gas Distribution results include the effects of the $91.7 million gas charge settlement. (2) Corporate and Other results include the effects of $11.2 million in charges for the first quarter of fiscal 2005 related to the company's 2004 organizational restructuring. (3) Corporate and Other results include the effects of $13.1 million in charges for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005 related to the Company's 2004 organizational restructuring. Effective in fiscal 2006, the Company's primary business segments were reorganized and reported as follows: Gas Distribution (including Peoples Gas hub operations) formerly included as part of Midstream Services). Oil and Gas Production, Energy Assets (primarily Power Generation), and Energy Marketing (both retail and wholesale activity, formerly included as Retail Energy Services and part of Midstream Services, respectively.) All periods have been reclassified to conform with the current presentation. *T

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PGL Peoples Energy Corp