______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
FORM 10-Q
[x] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2002
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from __________ to __________
Commission |
Registrant; State of Incorporation; |
IRS Employer |
1-11337 |
WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION |
39-1775292 |
1-3016 |
WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION |
39-0715160 |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.
WPS Resources Corporation |
Yes [x] No [ ] |
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation |
Yes [x] No [ ] |
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuers' classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION |
Common stock, $1 par value, |
WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION |
Common stock, $4 par value, |
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION CONTENTS |
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Page |
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3 |
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PART I. |
FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
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Item 1. |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
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WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION |
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Consolidated Statements of Income |
4 |
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Consolidated Balance Sheets |
5 |
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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows |
6 |
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Consolidated Statement of Common Shareholders' Equity |
7 |
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WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION |
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Consolidated Statements of Income and |
8 |
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Consolidated Balance Sheets |
9 |
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Consolidated Statements of Capitalization |
10 |
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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows |
11 |
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Consolidated Statements of Retained Earnings |
12 |
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CONDENSED NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF |
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WPS Resources Corporation and |
13 - 17 |
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Item 2. |
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for |
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18 - 27 |
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28 - 31 |
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Item 3. |
31 |
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PART II. |
OTHER INFORMATION |
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Item 1. |
32 |
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Item 5. |
32 - 33 |
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Item 6. |
33 |
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34 - 35 |
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36 |
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Except for historical data and statements of current fact, the information contained or incorporated by reference in this document constitutes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Any references to plans, goals, beliefs or expectations in respect to future events and conditions or to estimates are forward-looking statements. Although we believe that statements of our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and subject to risks and should be viewed with caution. Actual results or experience could differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of many factors. Forward-looking statements included or incorporated in this document include, but are not limited to statements regarding:
We cannot predict the course of future events or anticipate the interaction of multiple factors beyond our control and their effect on revenues, project timing, and costs. Some risk factors that could cause results different from any forward-looking statement include:
We make no commitment to disclose any revisions to the forward-looking statements as a result of facts, events or circumstances after the date of this report.
Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
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Item 1. Financial Statements |
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WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION |
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Three Months Ended |
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March 31 |
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(Millions, except share amounts) |
2002 |
2001 |
Nonregulated revenue |
$392.6 |
$670.4 |
Utility revenue |
278.7 |
327.1 |
Total revenues |
671.3 |
997.5 |
Nonregulated cost of fuel, gas, and purchased power |
368.8 |
663.1 |
Utility cost of fuel, gas, and purchased power |
116.0 |
184.7 |
Operating and maintenance expense |
105.2 |
84.7 |
Depreciation and decommissioning expense |
26.1 |
19.2 |
Taxes other than income |
10.1 |
9.0 |
Operating income |
45.1 |
36.8 |
Miscellaneous income |
5.7 |
3.9 |
Interest expense |
(14.0) |
(14.3) |
Distributions - preferred securities of subsidiary trust |
(0.9) |
(0.9) |
Other income (expense) |
(9.2) |
(11.3) |
Income before taxes |
35.9 |
25.5 |
Provision for income taxes |
7.0 |
1.1 |
Net income before preferred dividends |
28.9 |
24.4 |
Preferred stock dividends of subsidiary |
0.8 |
0.8 |
Income available for common shareholders |
$ 28.1 |
$ 23.6 |
Average shares of common stock |
31.4 |
26.5 |
Earnings per common share |
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Basic |
$0.89 |
$0.89 |
Diluted |
$0.89 |
$0.89 |
Dividends per common share |
$0.525 |
$0.515 |
The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these statements. |
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WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION |
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March 31 |
December 31 |
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(Millions) |
2002 |
2001 |
Assets |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
$ 76.0 |
$ 43.9 |
Restricted funds |
21.3 |
21.3 |
Accounts receivable - net of reserves of $5.7 and $5.0, respectively |
260.8 |
248.0 |
Accrued unbilled revenues |
46.0 |
56.5 |
Inventories |
78.2 |
102.5 |
Current portion of assets from risk management activities |
272.8 |
336.0 |
Other current assets |
56.6 |
61.5 |
Current assets |
811.7 |
869.7 |
Property, plant, and equipment - net of reserves of $1,789.0 and $1,762.4, respectively |
1,479.4 |
1,463.6 |
Regulatory assets |
77.9 |
91.0 |
Long-term assets from risk management activities |
109.3 |
151.4 |
Other |
304.2 |
294.3 |
Total assets |
$2,782.5 |
$2,870.0 |
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity |
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Short-term debt |
$ 31.3 |
$ 46.2 |
Current portion of long-term debt |
5.5 |
6.6 |
Accounts payable |
314.3 |
334.6 |
Current portion of liabilities from risk management activities |
275.1 |
294.2 |
Other current liabilities |
65.8 |
69.4 |
Current liabilities |
692.0 |
751.0 |
Long-term debt |
777.0 |
777.8 |
Deferred income taxes |
72.7 |
69.5 |
Deferred investment tax credits |
20.6 |
21.0 |
Regulatory liabilities |
71.3 |
78.4 |
Environmental remediation liabilities |
44.7 |
45.0 |
Benefit obligations |
53.8 |
53.6 |
Long-term liabilities from risk management activities |
103.4 |
145.7 |
Other |
108.2 |
111.0 |
Long-term liabilities |
1,251.7 |
1,302.0 |
Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable trust preferred |
50.0 |
50.0 |
Preferred stock of subsidiary with no mandatory redemption |
51.1 |
51.1 |
Common stock equity |
737.7 |
715.9 |
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity |
$2,782.5 |
$2,870.0 |
The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these statements. |
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WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION |
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Three Months Ended |
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March 31 |
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(Millions) |
2002 |
2001 |
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Operating Activities |
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Net income before preferred dividends |
$ 28.9 |
$ 24.4 |
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Adjustments to reconcile net income cash provided by operating activities |
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Depreciation and decommissioning |
26.1 |
19.2 |
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Gain on nuclear decommissioning trust |
(1.1) |
(0.8) |
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Deferred income taxes and investment tax credit |
2.3 |
(2.1) |
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Unrealized gains and losses on nonregulated energy contracts |
9.0 |
2.5 |
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Other |
11.3 |
12.8 |
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Changes in working capital |
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Receivables |
(2.3) |
2.0 |
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Inventories |
41.4 |
33.2 |
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Other current assets |
4.4 |
13.3 |
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Accounts payable |
(15.5) |
(22.7) |
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Other current liabilities |
4.7 |
(20.6) |
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Net cash provided by operating activities |
109.2 |
61.2 |
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Investing Activities |
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Capital expenditures |
(48.1) |
(48.2) |
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Dividends received from equity method investment |
1.7 |
- |
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Sale of assets |
0.2 |
0.1 |
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Decommissioning funding |
(0.7) |
(0.7) |
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Other |
(5.8) |
(1.2) |
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Net cash used for investing activities |
(52.7) |
(50.0) |
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Financing Activities |
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Short-term debt - net |
(14.9) |
3.3 |
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Issuance of long-term debt |
- |
2.4 |
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Repayment of long-term debt and capital lease |
(1.7) |
(1.8) |
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Payment of dividends |
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Preferred stock |
(0.8) |
(0.8) |
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Common stock |
(16.5) |
(13.6) |
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Issuance common stock |
9.6 |
4.8 |
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Purchase of common stock |
(0.7) |
(0.5) |
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Other |
0.6 |
- |
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Net cash used for financing activities |
(24.4) |
(6.2) |
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Increase in cash and cash equivalents |
32.1 |
5.0 |
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Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
43.9 |
12.8 |
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Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ 76.0 |
$ 17.8 |
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The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these statements. |
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WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION |
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(Millions) |
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Total |
Employee |
Common |
Capital in Excess of ParValue |
Retained |
Treasury |
Accumulated |
Balance at December 31, 1998 |
- |
$519.8 |
($8.0) |
$26.6 |
$166.0 |
$335.2 |
$0.0 |
$0.0 |
Net income before preferred dividends |
$62.7 |
62.7 |
- |
- |
- |
62.7 |
- |
- |
Dividends on preferred |
(3.1) |
(3.1) |
- |
- |
- |
(3.1) |
- |
- |
Income available for common shareholders |
59.6 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Other comprehensive income |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Comprehensive income |
$59.6 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Issuance of common stock |
- |
9.0 |
- |
0.3 |
8.7 |
- |
- |
- |
Dividends on common stock |
- |
(53.1) |
- |
- |
- |
(53.1) |
- |
- |
Other |
- |
4.6 |
3.6 |
- |
1.0 |
- |
- |
- |
Balance at December 31, 1999 |
- |
$539.9 |
($4.4) |
$26.9 |
$175.7 |
$341.7 |
$0.0 |
$0.0 |
Net income before preferred dividends |
$70.1 |
70.1 |
- |
- |
- |
70.1 |
- |
- |
Dividends on preferred |
(3.1) |
(3.1) |
- |
- |
- |
(3.1) |
- |
- |
Income available for common shareholders |
67.0 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Other comprehensive income |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Comprehensive income |
$67.0 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Issuance of common stock |
- |
0.4 |
- |
- |
0.4 |
- |
- |
- |
Dividends on common stock |
- |
(53.9) |
- |
- |
- |
(53.9) |
- |
- |
Other |
- |
(5.3) |
1.2 |
- |
1.6 |
- |
(8.1) |
- |
Balance at December 31, 2000 |
- |
$548.1 |
($3.2) |
$26.9 |
$177.7 |
$354.8 |
($8.1) |
$0.0 |
Net income before preferred dividends |
$80.7 |
80.7 |
- |
- |
- |
80.7 |
- |
- |
Dividends on preferred |
(3.1) |
(3.1) |
- |
- |
- |
(3.1) |
- |
- |
Income available for common shareholders |
77.6 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Other comprehensive income - cash flow hedge |
(2.7) |
(2.7) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(2.7) |
Comprehensive income |
$74.9 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Issuance of common stock |
- |
152.3 |
- |
4.6 |
147.7 |
- |
- |
- |
Dividends on common stock |
- |
(58.8) |
- |
- |
- |
(58.8) |
- |
- |
Other |
- |
(0.6) |
(1.0) |
- |
- |
- |
0.4 |
- |
Balance at December 31, 2001 |
- |
$715.9 |
($4.2) |
$31.5 |
$325.4 |
$373.6 |
($7.7) |
($2.7) |
Net income before preferred dividends |
$28.9 |
28.9 |
- |
- |
- |
28.9 |
- |
- |
Dividends on preferred |
(0.8) |
(0.8) |
- |
- |
- |
(0.8) |
- |
- |
Income available for common shareholders |
28.1 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Other comprehensive income - cash flow hedge |
0.4 |
0.4 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
0.4 |
Comprehensive income |
$28.5 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Issuance of common stock |
- |
9.6 |
- |
0.2 |
6.5 |
- |
2.9 |
- |
Dividends on common stock |
- |
(16.5) |
- |
- |
- |
(16.5) |
- |
- |
Purchase of common stock |
- |
(0.7) |
(0.7) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Other |
- |
0.9 |
0.1 |
- |
0.6 |
0.1 |
0.1 |
- |
Balance at March 31, 2002 |
- |
$737.7 |
($4.8) |
$31.7 |
$332.5 |
$385.3 |
($4.7) |
($2.3) |
The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these statements. |
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WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION |
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME |
Three Months Ended |
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AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME |
March 31 |
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(Millions) |
2002 |
2001 |
Operating revenues |
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Electric |
$161.6 |
$152.3 |
Gas |
107.8 |
162.5 |
Total operating revenues |
269.4 |
314.8 |
Operating expenses |
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Electric production fuels |
27.9 |
33.5 |
Purchased power |
18.9 |
19.7 |
Gas purchased for resale |
68.3 |
131.6 |
Other operating expenses |
60.4 |
48.3 |
Maintenance |
18.6 |
14.3 |
Depreciation and decommissioning |
22.9 |
15.7 |
Federal income taxes |
11.9 |
11.6 |
Investment tax credit restored |
(0.4) |
(0.4) |
State income taxes |
3.0 |
2.8 |
Gross receipts tax and other |
8.5 |
8.0 |
Total operating expense |
240.0 |
285.1 |
Operating income |
29.4 |
29.7 |
Other income and (deductions) |
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Allowance for equity funds used during construction |
0.5 |
0.4 |
Other, net |
5.7 |
3.8 |
Income taxes |
(0.4) |
(0.9) |
Total other income |
5.8 |
3.3 |
Income before interest expense |
35.2 |
33.0 |
Interest expense |
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Interest on long-term debt |
6.9 |
5.5 |
Other interest |
1.9 |
2.7 |
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction |
(0.2) |
(0.5) |
Total interest expense |
8.6 |
7.7 |
Minority interest |
(0.5) |
- |
Net income |
26.1 |
25.3 |
Preferred stock dividend requirements |
0.8 |
0.8 |
Earnings on common stock |
25.3 |
24.5 |
Other comprehensive income |
- |
- |
Comprehensive income |
$ 25.3 |
$ 24.5 |
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The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these statements. |
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WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION |
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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS |
March 31 |
December 31 |
(Millions) |
2002 |
2001 |
ASSETS |
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Utility plant |
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Electric |
$1,768.9 |
$1,748.5 |
Gas |
402.9 |
392.6 |
Property under capital lease |
74.1 |
74.1 |
Total |
2,245.9 |
2,215.2 |
Less - Accumulated depreciation and decommissioning |
1,440.2 |
1,419.0 |
Total |
805.7 |
796.2 |
Nuclear decommissioning trusts |
312.2 |
311.3 |
Construction in progress |
67.8 |
53.9 |
Nuclear fuel, less accumulated amortization |
22.8 |
24.9 |
Net utility plant |
1,208.5 |
1,186.3 |
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Current assets |
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Cash and equivalents |
38.0 |
9.9 |
Customer and other receivables, net of reserves of $3.5 for both periods |
87.5 |
85.7 |
Accrued utility revenues |
31.3 |
40.9 |
Fossil fuel, at average cost |
13.1 |
15.1 |
Gas in storage, at average cost |
0.9 |
33.6 |
Materials and supplies, at average cost |
25.2 |
23.7 |
Assets from risk management |
1.4 |
5.0 |
Prepayments and other |
19.0 |
24.3 |
Total current assets |
216.4 |
238.2 |
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Regulatory assets |
75.9 |
89.0 |
Pension assets |
84.7 |
84.3 |
Goodwill |
35.5 |
35.4 |
Investments and other assets |
98.8 |
97.7 |
Total |
$1,719.8 |
$1,730.9 |
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CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES |
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Capitalization |
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Common stock equity |
$ 705.5 |
$ 710.6 |
Preferred stock with no mandatory redemption |
51.2 |
51.2 |
Capital lease obligation |
71.9 |
72.1 |
Long-term debt to parent |
13.1 |
13.1 |
Long-term debt |
380.2 |
380.4 |
Total capitalization |
1,221.9 |
1,227.4 |
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Current liabilities |
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Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligation |
0.9 |
0.9 |
Note payable |
10.0 |
10.0 |
Accounts payable |
82.4 |
73.0 |
Accrued interest and taxes |
9.5 |
20.0 |
Other |
21.4 |
15.6 |
Total current liabilities |
124.2 |
119.5 |
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Long-term liabilities and deferred credits |
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Accumulated deferred income taxes |
116.1 |
116.6 |
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits |
19.2 |
19.6 |
Regulatory liabilities |
63.6 |
70.7 |
Environmental remediation liability |
43.2 |
43.4 |
Postretirement liabilities |
53.8 |
53.6 |
Other long-term liabilities |
77.8 |
80.1 |
Total long-term liabilities and deferred credits |
373.7 |
384.0 |
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|
Commitments and contingencies |
- |
- |
Total |
$1,719.8 |
$1,730.9 |
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The accompany condensed notes are an integral part of these statements. |
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WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION |
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION |
March 31 |
December 31 |
(Millions, except share amounts) |
2002 |
2001 |
Common stock equity |
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Common stock |
$ 95.6 |
$ 95.6 |
Premium on capital stock |
350.3 |
364.6 |
Retained earnings |
259.6 |
250.4 |
Total common stock equity |
705.5 |
710.6 |
Preferred stock |
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Cumulative, $100 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized |
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with no mandatory redemption - |
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Series Shares Outstanding |
|
|
5.00% 132,000 |
13.2 |
13.2 |
5.04% 30,000 |
3.0 |
3.0 |
5.08% 50,000 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
6.76% 150,000 |
15.0 |
15.0 |
6.88% 150,000 |
15.0 |
15.0 |
Total preferred stock |
51.2 |
51.2 |
Capital lease obligation |
72.8 |
73.0 |
Current portion |
(0.9) |
(0.9) |
Net capital lease obligation |
71.9 |
72.1 |
Long-term debt to parent |
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Series Year Due |
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8.76% 2015 |
5.4 |
5.4 |
7.35% 2016 |
7.7 |
7.7 |
Total long-term debt to parent |
13.1 |
13.1 |
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Long-term debt |
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First mortgage bonds |
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Series Year Due |
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7.30% 2002 |
50.0 |
50.0 |
6.80% 2003 |
50.0 |
50.0 |
6.125% 2005 |
9.1 |
9.1 |
6.90% 2013 |
22.0 |
22.0 |
7.125% 2023 |
50.0 |
50.0 |
Senior notes |
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Series Year Due |
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6.08% 2028 |
50.0 |
50.0 |
6.125% 2011 |
150.0 |
150.0 |
Total |
381.1 |
381.1 |
Unamortized discount and premium on bonds, net |
(0.9) |
(0.7) |
Total long-term debt |
380.2 |
380.4 |
Total capitalization |
$1,221.9 |
$1,227.4 |
The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these statements. |
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WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION |
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS |
Three Months Ended |
|
March 31 |
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(Millions) |
2002 |
2001 |
Cash flows from operating activities: |
||
Net income |
$ 26.1 |
$ 25.3 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from |
||
operating activities - |
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Depreciation and decommissioning |
22.9 |
15.7 |
Gain on nuclear decommissioning trust |
(1.1) |
(0.8) |
Amortization of nuclear fuel and other |
9.5 |
3.2 |
Deferred income taxes |
(0.7) |
(0.2) |
Investment tax credit restored |
(0.4) |
(1.3) |
Allowance for equity funds used during construction |
(0.5) |
(0.4) |
Equity income, net of minority interest |
(2.1) |
(2.6) |
Pension income |
(0.4) |
(4.1) |
Postretirement funding |
1.4 |
6.3 |
Other, net |
2.0 |
6.1 |
Changes in - |
||
Customer and other receivables |
(1.8) |
(6.4) |
Accrued utility revenues |
9.6 |
17.0 |
Fossil fuel inventory |
2.0 |
(1.2) |
Gas in storage |
32.7 |
18.6 |
Miscellaneous assets |
3.8 |
3.5 |
Accounts payable |
9.4 |
(14.0) |
Miscellaneous current and accrued liabilities |
(1.5) |
(8.6) |
Accrued taxes and interest |
(10.5) |
(4.7) |
Net cash provided by operating activities |
100.4 |
51.4 |
Cash flows from investing activities: |
||
Construction of utility plant and nuclear fuel expenditures |
(40.5) |
(34.4) |
Decommissioning funding |
(0.7) |
(0.7) |
Dividends received from equity method investment |
1.7 |
- |
Other |
(1.2) |
(0.8) |
Net cash used for investing activities |
(40.7) |
(35.9) |
Cash flows from financing activities: |
||
Payments of long-term debt and capital lease |
(0.2) |
(0.1) |
Short-term debt - net |
- |
(2.0) |
Equity contributions from parent |
- |
15.0 |
Preferred stock dividends |
(0.8) |
(0.8) |
Dividends to parent |
(16.1) |
(15.0) |
Equity withdrawal by parent |
(15.0) |
(10.0) |
Other |
0.5 |
- |
Net cash used for financing activities |
(31.6) |
(12.9) |
Net increase in cash and equivalents |
28.1 |
2.6 |
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period |
9.9 |
4.4 |
Cash and equivalents at end of period |
$ 38.0 |
$ 7.0 |
The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these statements. |
||
WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION |
||
|
||
|
|
|
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS |
Three Months Ended |
|
March 31 |
||
(Millions) |
2002 |
2001 |
Balance at beginning of period |
$250.4 |
$229.3 |
Add - Net income |
26.1 |
25.3 |
276.5 |
254.6 |
|
Deduct - |
||
Cash dividends declared on preferred stock |
0.8 |
0.8 |
Dividend to parent |
16.1 |
15.0 |
16.9 |
15.8 |
|
Balance at end of period |
$259.6 |
$238.8 |
|
|
|
|
||
The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these statements. |
||
|
WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION
CONDENSED NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2002
NOTE 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
We have prepared the consolidated financial statements of WPS Resources Corporation and Wisconsin Public Service Corporation under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. These financial statements have not been audited. Management believes that these financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments, which are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial results for each period shown. Certain items from a prior period have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation. We have condensed or omitted certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. We believe that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These financial statements should be read along with the financial statements and notes included with our latest annual Form 10-K report.
Because of the seasonal nature of utility operations, the results reported for the quarter may not be representative of annual results.
NOTE 2. CASH AND EQUIVALENTS
We consider short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
(Millions) |
Three Months Ended March 31 |
|
WPS Resources |
2002 |
2001 |
Cash paid for interest |
$11.0 |
$11.1 |
Cash paid for income taxes |
$12.4 |
$ 4.7 |
Wisconsin Public Service |
||
Cash paid for interest |
$ 9.1 |
$ 7.8 |
Cash paid for income taxes |
$ 6.7 |
$ 5.8 |
There were no noncash investing and financing activities during the first three months of 2002.
The following noncash investing and financing activities occurred in the first three months of 2001:
An investment in American Transmission Company, LLC was made with the exchange of $70.8 million of transmission assets net of accumulated depreciation for an approximate 12% equity interest in American Transmission Company.
NOTE 3. RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
On January 1, 2001, WPS Resources adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," as amended. Statement No. 133 establishes accounting and financial reporting standards for derivative instruments, such as forward contracts, futures, and options, and related hedging activities. Statement No. 133 requires, in part, that we recognize all derivative instruments on the balance sheet as assets or liabilities at their fair value. Subsequent changes in fair value of the derivatives are to be recorded currently in earnings unless certain hedge accounting criteria are met or if the derivatives are subject to the provisions of Statement No. 71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation."
WPS Resources has concluded that the majority of its contracts do not meet the definition of a derivative as defined by Statement No. 133. Therefore, at March 31, 2002, most of its contracts are not subject to the accounting requirements of this statement, as amended.
Wisconsin Public Service has entered into a limited number of commodity contracts to service its customers that meet the definition of a derivative under Statement No. 133. Most of these contracts are natural gas purchase agreements. Management believes any gains or losses resulting from the eventual settlement of these natural gas purchase agreements will be collected from or refunded to customers. Therefore, the derivative amounts to be recorded as a result of these natural gas contracts are offset with a corresponding regulatory asset or liability pursuant to Statement No. 71. As of March 31, 2002, we have recorded an asset from risk management activities and a regulatory liability of $1.4 million related to these Wisconsin Public Service contracts.
WPS Resources' nonregulated segments have also entered into a limited number of contracts that meet the definition of a derivative under Statement No. 133. One of these contracts is an interest rate swap that is used to fix the entire interest rate for the full term of an 18-year variable rate loan. In accordance with Statement No. 133, management has designated this contract as a cash flow hedge. At March 31, 2002, we have recorded a Liability from Risk Management Activities of $3.7 million related to this swap. Because the swap was determined to be 100% effective, we offset this liability with a charge to Other Comprehensive Income, net of deferred taxes. We did not exclude any component of the derivative instrument's loss from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
Both Wisconsin Public Service and WPS Resources' nonregulated segments hold a limited number of other derivative instruments. The cumulative effect on the balance sheet and income statement for these contracts at March 31, 2002 was not significant.
WPS Energy Services, Inc. uses derivative financial and commodity instruments to reduce market risk associated with changing prices of natural gas and electricity sold at firm prices to its customers. WPS Energy Services also utilizes these instruments to manage market risk associated with trading activities. WPS Energy Services marks its energy contracts and related financial instruments, including intercompany contracts, to fair value in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 98-10, "Accounting for Contracts Involved in Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities." As such, the impact of Statement No. 133 on WPS Energy Services at March 31, 2002 was not significant. The majority of WPS Resources' assets and liabilities from risk management activities are the result of WPS Energy Services' mark-to-market activities under Issue 98-10.
WPS Energy Services measures the fair value of contracts, including NYMEX exchange and over-the-counter contracts, natural gas options, natural gas and electric power physical fixed price contracts, basis contracts, and related financial instruments on a mark-to-market basis using risk management systems. The primary input for natural gas pricing is the settled forward price curve of the NYMEX exchange, which includes spreads, contracts, and options. Basis pricing is derived from published indices and documented broker quotes. WPS Energy Services also bases electric prices on published indices and documented broker quotes.
NOTE 4. LONG-TERM DEBT
(Millions) |
March 31 |
December 31 |
|||
Capital lease obligation - Wisconsin Public Service |
$ 72.8 |
$ 73.0 |
|||
Less: Current portion |
(0.9) |
(0.9) |
|||
Long-term capital lease obligation |
71.9 |
72.1 |
|||
First mortgage bonds - Wisconsin Public Service |
|||||
Series |
Year Due |
||||
7.30% |
2002 |
50.0 |
50.0 |
||
6.80% |
2003 |
50.0 |
50.0 |
||
6.125% |
2005 |
9.1 |
9.1 |
||
6.90% |
2013 |
22.0 |
22.0 |
||
7.125% |
2023 |
50.0 |
50.0 |
||
Senior notes - Wisconsin Public Service |
|||||
Series |
Year Due |
||||
6.08% |
2028 |
50.0 |
50.0 |
||
6.125% |
2011 |
150.0 |
150.0 |
||
First mortgage bonds - Upper Peninsula Power |
|||||
Series |
Year Due |
||||
7.94% |
2003 |
15.0 |
15.0 |
||
10.0% |
2008 |
2.1 |
2.1 |
||
9.32% |
2021 |
18.0 |
18.0 |
||
Unsecured senior notes - WPS Resources |
|||||
Series |
Year Due |
||||
7.00% |
2009 |
150.0 |
150.0 |
||
Term loans - nonrecourse, secured by nonregulated assets |
94.3 |
95.8 |
|||
Tax exempt bonds |
27.0 |
27.0 |
|||
Notes payable to bank, secured by nonregulated plant |
20.3 |
20.3 |
|||
Senior secured note |
3.3 |
3.3 |
|||
Total |
711.1 |
712.6 |
|||
Unamortized discount and premium on bonds and debt |
(1.4) |
(1.2) |
|||
Total long-term debt |
709.7 |
711.4 |
|||
Less current portion |
(4.6) |
(5.7) |
|||
Net long-term debt |
705.1 |
705.7 |
|||
Total long-term debt and capital lease obligation |
$777.0 |
$777.8 |
NOTE 5. INCOME TAXES
WPS Resources' income tax expense and effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2002, is a tax expense of $7.0 million (19.5%) compared to a tax expense of $1.1 million (4.2%) for the same period in 2001. The primary reasons for the change are the effect of lower Section 29 tax credits and higher income before taxes.
NOTE 6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
We have reviewed the status of our commitments and contingencies and believe there are no material changes from that disclosed in our Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2001, except related to the sale of a portion of WPS Power Development's interest in its synthetic fuel operation as discussed below. See WPS Resources' Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Note 14--Commitments and Contingencies in our 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2001 for specific details.
In November 2001, WPS Power Development, Inc., through its subsidiary, ECO Coal Pelletization #12, entered into a transaction with a subsidiary of a public company resulting in ECO #12 selling its synthetic fuel producing machinery to a newly-formed entity in exchange for cash and a one-third ownership interest in the newly-formed entity. This transaction was subject to certain contingencies and related rescission rights and put options granted to the buyer. One of those rescission rights was the receipt of a Private Letter Ruling. In April 2002, the Internal Revenue Service issued a favorable Private Letter Ruling to the buyer that eliminated this rescission right. With the receipt of the Private Letter Ruling, WPS Power Development will record $16.7 million of the deferred pre-tax gain associated with this sale in the second quarter of 2002. We expect that the remainder of the deferred gain will be recognized in 2002 and 2003, as the remaining contingencies expire.
Concurrent with the sale of a portion of this project, WPS Power Development bought out the interest of its previous partner in the ECO #12 project. The actual payments to this former partner are contingent upon the same provisions referred to above. As a result, $21.3 million is held in escrow that will be released proportionately as the respective rescission rights and put options expire. Due to certain contingencies expiring and the favorable Private Letter Ruling, $11.3 million of the escrowed amount will be released to the former partner during the second quarter of 2002.
NOTE 7. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Common stock shares, $1 par value |
March 31 |
December 31 |
Total shares issued, 100,000,000 shares authorized |
31,654,910 |
31,496,296 |
Treasury stock |
187,989 |
307,052 |
Average cost of treasury shares |
$25.22 |
$25.17 |
Shares in deferred compensation trust |
151,960 |
135,995 |
Average cost of deferred compensation trust shares |
$31.65 |
$30.67 |
Earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available for common shareholders for the period by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available for common shareholders for the period by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period adjusted for the exercise and/or conversion of all potentially dilutive securities. Such dilutive items include in-the-money stock options. The calculation of diluted earnings per share for the periods shown excludes some stock option plan shares that had an anti-dilutive effect. The following table reconciles the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
Reconciliation of Earnings Per Share |
March 31 |
March 31 |
Net income available to common shareholders |
$28.1 |
$23.6 |
Basic weighted average shares |
31.4 |
26.5 |
Incremental issuable shares |
0.2 |
0.1 |
Diluted weighted average shares |
31.6 |
26.6 |
Basic earnings per common share |
$0.89 |
$0.89 |
Diluted earnings per common share |
$0.89 |
$0.89 |
NOTE 8. SEGMENTS OF BUSINESS
We manage our reportable segments separately due to their different operating and regulatory environments. Our utility business segments are the regulated electric utility operations of Wisconsin Public Service and Upper Peninsula Power Company and the regulated gas utility operations of Wisconsin Public Service. Our other reportable segments include WPS Energy Services and WPS Power Development. WPS Energy Services is a diversified energy supply and services company. WPS Power Development is an electric generation asset development and operating company. The Holding Company and Other segment includes the operations of WPS Resources and WPS Resources Capital Corporation as holding companies and the nonutility activities at Wisconsin Public Service and Upper Peninsula Power.
The table below presents summary information pertaining to our operations segmented by lines of business.
|
Nonutility and |
|||||||
Segments of |
Electric |
Gas |
Total |
WPS |
WPS |
Holding |
Reconciling |
WPS |
Quarter Ended |
||||||||
Operating revenues |
$177.2 |
$107.8 |
$285.0 |
$368.5 |
$26.6 |
$0.3 |
$(9.1) |
$671.3 |
Net income (loss) |
14.4 |
11.3 |
25.7 |
4.6 |
(0.4) |
(1.8) |
- |
28.1 |
Quarter Ended |
||||||||
Operating revenues |
$169.6 |
$162.5 |
$332.1 |
$634.2 |
$41.7 |
$0.3 |
$(10.8) |
$997.5 |
Net income (loss) |
14.6 |
8.8 |
23.4 |
0.2 |
1.7 |
(1.7) |
- |
23.6 |
NOTE 9. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board finalized Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations." This statement applies to all entities with legal obligations associated with the retirement of a tangible long-lived asset that result from the acquisition, construction, or development and/or normal operation of a long-lived asset. An asset retirement obligation should be recognized when it meets the definition of a liability and be measured at fair value. We continue to analyze the impact this statement will have on WPS Resources and its subsidiaries. The requirements of this statement will be effective for WPS Resources on January 1, 2003.
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION
WPS Resources Corporation is a holding company. Our wholly-owned subsidiaries include two regulated utilities, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation and Upper Peninsula Power Company. Another wholly-owned subsidiary, WPS Resources Capital Corporation, is a holding company for our nonregulated businesses including WPS Energy Services, Inc. and WPS Power Development, Inc.
First Quarter 2002 Compared with First Quarter 2001
WPS Resources Overview
WPS Resources' first quarter 2002 and first quarter 2001 results of operations are shown in the following chart:
First Quarter |
|||
WPS Resources' Results |
|
|
|
Consolidated operating revenues |
$671.3 |
$997.5 |
(33%) |
Income available for common shareholders |
28.1 |
23.6 |
19% |
Basic and diluted earnings per share |
$0.89 |
$0.89 |
- |
WPS Resources' consolidated operating revenues decreased $326.2 million. Revenues for the gas utility segment and for WPS Energy Services were lower in the first quarter of 2002 compared with the first quarter of 2001 largely due to higher natural gas prices which were experienced in the first quarter of 2001. The cost per therm of utility gas purchases is down 52% when compared with the first quarter of last year. Lower revenues at WPS Power Development resulted from decreased revenues from steam sales due to lower natural gas prices and from the sale of a portion of its synthetic fuel operation in the fourth quarter of 2001. As the result of the sale of a portion of WPS Power Development's interest in this venture, the accounting was changed from consolidation accounting to equity accounting.
Income increased $4.5 million primarily due to improved profitability at WPS Energy Services and increased income from our gas utility segment. Increased gas utility income was largely the result of the merger of Wisconsin Fuel and Light Company into Wisconsin Public Service in the second quarter of 2001. Electric and gas utility margins at Wisconsin Public Service were impacted positively by a Public Service Commission of Wisconsin interim rate order that was effective January 1, 2002 authorizing a 10.3% increase in Wisconsin retail electric rates and a 4.7% increase in Wisconsin retail natural gas rates. Partially offsetting increased margins were higher operating and depreciation expenses for all segments.
An increase in the weighted average number of outstanding shares of WPS Resources' common stock of 4.9 million resulted in earnings per share for the first quarter of 2002 being the same as earnings per share in the same period of 2001 even though income increased significantly in 2002.
Overview of Utility Operations
Utility operations include the electric utility operations at Wisconsin Public Service and Upper Peninsula Power and the gas utility operations at Wisconsin Public Service. Net income from electric utility operations was $14.4 million in the first quarter of 2002 compared with $14.6 million in the first quarter of 2001. Net income from gas utility operations was $11.3 million in the first quarter of 2002 compared with $8.8 million in the same period of 2001.
Electric Utility Operations
The consolidated electric utility margin represents electric revenue less fuel and purchased power costs exclusive of intercompany transactions. Our consolidated electric utility margin increased $16.3 million, or 15%. The electric utility margin increased due to the electric rate increase at Wisconsin Public Service and higher overall electric utility sales volumes. Also contributing to the increased electric utility margin were decreased purchased power expenses and lower power generation costs.
WPS
Resources' Consolidated Electric Utility Results (Millions) |
First Quarter |
|
2002 |
2001 |
|
Revenues |
$172.1 |
$164.6 |
Fuel and purchased power costs |
47.2 |
56.0 |
Margins |
$124.9 |
$108.6 |
Sales in kilowatt-hours |
3,240,666 |
3,183,935 |
Our consolidated electric utility revenues increased $7.5 million in the first quarter of 2002 as the result of the electric rate increase and a 3% increase in overall sales volumes at Wisconsin Public Service. Sales volumes were up for lower margin, wholesale customers while sales to higher margin customers decreased. Sales volumes were affected by the weather which was 9% milder in the first quarter of 2002 than in the same period in 2001, and 7% warmer than normal.
Decreased purchased power expenses and lower fuel costs for power generation were partially a result of Wisconsin Public Service acquiring an additional ownership interest in the Kewaunee Nuclear Power Plant in the third quarter of 2001. Nuclear power generation is generally less expensive than coal or combustion turbine generation.
Our consolidated fuel expense for generation plants decreased $5.7 million, or 17%. Of this amount, $5.0 million was the result of decreased fuel costs at Wisconsin Public Service's combustion turbine generation plants combined with lower generation from these plants. Fuel costs at the combustion turbine generation plants decreased 49% as the result of lower natural gas prices in the first quarter of 2002 than in the first quarter of 2001. Generation requirements for the combustion turbine plants decreased 52% while generation at the Kewaunee plant increased 50% largely as the result of Wisconsin Public Service's increased ownership interest in that plant.
Our consolidated purchased power expense decreased $3.1 million, or 14%, as a result of a decrease in volumes purchased at both Upper Peninsula Power and Wisconsin Public Service in the first quarter of 2002. Purchased volumes decreased due to more internal generation at Upper Peninsula Power's hydro facilities and Wisconsin Public Service's Kewaunee plant.
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin allows Wisconsin Public Service to adjust prospectively the amount billed to Wisconsin retail customers for fuel and purchased power if costs fall outside a specified range. Wisconsin Public Service is required to file an application to adjust rates either higher or lower when costs are plus or minus 2% from forecasted costs on an annualized basis. Forecasted annual 2002 fuel costs at March 31, 2002 are expected to be within this 2% window.
Gas Utility Operations
The consolidated gas utility margin represents gas revenues less purchases exclusive of intercompany transactions. Effective April 1, 2001, the gas utility margin at Wisconsin Public Service includes the merged Wisconsin Fuel and Light operations.
Wisconsin
Public Service's Gas Utility Results (Millions) |
First Quarter |
|
2002 |
2001 |
|
Revenues |
$107.8 |
$162.5 |
Purchase costs |
68.3 |
131.6 |
Margins |
$ 39.5 |
$ 30.9 |
Throughput in therms |
293,429 |
246,926 |
An increase in overall natural gas throughput volumes of 19% and the Wisconsin retail gas rate increase resulted in a higher gas utility margin of $8.6 million, or 28%, in the first quarter of 2002. Increased overall gas throughput volumes were the result of Wisconsin Public Service's acquisition of Wisconsin Fuel and Light in April of 2001. Gas throughput volumes were negatively affected by weather that was 9% milder in the first quarter of 2002 than in the same period in 2001, and 7% warmer than normal.
Wisconsin Public Service's gas revenues decreased $54.7 million, or 34%, largely as the result of a 52% decrease in the average unit cost of natural gas.
Wisconsin Public Service's gas purchase costs decreased $63.3 million, or 48%, due to a lower average cost of natural gas. Under current regulatory practice, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin and the Michigan Public Service Commission allow Wisconsin Public Service to pass changes in the cost of gas on to customers through a purchased gas adjustment clause.
Other Utility Expenses/Income
Utility operation and maintenance expenses increased $17.4 million due to higher transmission expenses associated with American Transmission Company, LLC, increased expenses at the Kewaunee plant as a result of Wisconsin Public Service acquiring additional ownership interest in the plant, higher maintenance expenses, and increased demand-side management (energy conservation) activities.
Utility depreciation and decommissioning expense increased $6.7 million largely due to additional plant assets at Wisconsin Public Service including the new steam generators at the Kewaunee plant and an increased ownership interest in other Kewaunee plant assets.
Utility miscellaneous income increased $2.4 million primarily as the result of higher earnings on Wisconsin Public Service's nuclear decommissioning trust assets. Due to regulatory practice, an increase in earnings on the trust assets is largely offset by increased depreciation expense.
Overview of Nonregulated Operations
Nonregulated operations consist of the natural gas, electric, and other sales at WPS Energy Services, a diversified energy supply and services company and the operations of WPS Power Development, an electric generation asset development company.
WPS Energy Services' net income increased to $4.6 million in the first quarter of 2002 compared with $0.2 million in the same period of 2001. WPS Power Development experienced a loss of $0.4 million in the first quarter of 2002 compared with net income of $1.7 million in the first quarter of 2001.
Overview of WPS Energy Services
WPS Energy Services' principal business involves nonregulated gas sales. In addition, nonregulated electric sales have become an important factor in the growth of WPS Energy Services. Revenues at WPS Energy Services were $368.5 million in the first quarter of 2002 compared with $634.2 million in the first quarter of 2001. Revenues decreased at WPS Energy Services largely as the result of the lower cost for natural gas in the first quarter of 2002 compared with the cost in the same period in 2001.
WPS Energy Services' Margins
WPS
Energy Services' Gas Results (Millions) |
First Quarter |
|
2002 |
2001 |
|
Nonregulated gas revenues |
$308.3 |
$614.7 |
Nonregulated gas cost of sales |
298.9 |
611.7 |
Margins |
$ 9.4 |
$ 3.0 |
The nonregulated gas margin at WPS Energy Services increased $6.4 million due to increased retail sales volumes and better management of its retail gas procurement and volume risk processes. Gas revenues decreased as the result of higher natural gas prices in the first quarter of 2001.
WPS
Energy Services' Electric Results (Millions) |
First Quarter |
|
2002 |
2001 |
|
Nonregulated electric sales |
$59.4 |
$18.5 |
Nonregulated electric cost of sales |
56.4 |
17.2 |
Margins |
$ 3.0 |
$ 1.3 |
Nonregulated electric sales at WPS Energy Services increased $40.9 million, and the nonregulated electric margin increased $1.7 million. Additional sales volumes in newly-entered electric markets contributed to these increases.
WPS Energy Services' Other Expenses
Operating expenses at WPS Energy Services increased $1.8 million in the first quarter of 2002 compared with the first quarter of 2001 due to costs associated with business expansion and higher write-offs of uncollectible accounts.
WPS Energy Services' Price Risk Management Activities
WPS Energy Services marks to market its energy trading contracts. At March 31, 2002, WPS Energy Services had "Assets from Risk Management Activities" of $380.7 million, which represents receivables based on the fair value of energy contracts, and had "Liabilities from Risk Management Activities" of $374.2 million, which represents payables based on the fair value of energy contracts. Net changes in the fair market value of energy contracts are reported in nonregulated energy cost of sales.
Overview of WPS Power Development
Revenues at WPS Power Development decreased $15.1 million, or 36%, due primarily to the sale of two-thirds of its interest in its synthetic fuel operations in the fourth quarter of 2001. As a result of this sale, WPS Power Development no longer consolidates the results of its synthetic fuel operations. The remaining interest in this operation is now accounted for under the equity method. The decrease in revenue is also due to decreased revenue from steam sales. The pricing of steam is based on natural gas prices which decreased from the first quarter of 2001 to the first quarter of 2002.
WPS Power Development had a net loss of $0.4 million in the first quarter of 2002 compared with net income of $1.7 million in the first quarter of 2001. The primary reasons for this decrease in income were accelerated maintenance at WPS Power Development's Sunbury generation plant and lower tax credits of $2.1 million earned from its synthetic fuel operations as a result of the sale of a portion of WPS Power Development's interest in this venture.
WPS Power Development's Margin
WPS
Power Development's Production Results (Millions) |
First Quarter |
|
2002 |
2001 |
|
Nonregulated other revenues |
$26.6 |
$41.7 |
Nonregulated other cost of sales |
17.3 |
35.9 |
Margins |
$ 9.3 |
$ 5.8 |
WPS Power Development experienced an increase of $3.5 million in its margin in the first quarter of 2002. The margin increased $1.4 million at the Sunbury generation plant largely due to lower prices for spot market power purchases, which allowed it to meet its firm contracts at a lower cost. The other factor is the change in accounting, discussed earlier, for the investment in its synthetic fuel operation, which increased margins by $1.6 million.
WPS Power Development's Other Expenses
Operating expenses at WPS Power Development increased $1.3 million in the first quarter of 2002 compared with the first quarter of 2001, primarily due to costs associated with accelerated maintenance at the Sunbury generation plant and higher payroll and benefit expenses.
WPS Power Development's Other Income
Other income at WPS Power Development decreased $1.7 million. The primary reason for this decrease was the change in accounting for its synthetic fuel operation. As a result of the sale of a portion of WPS Power Development's interest in this venture, the accounting was changed from consolidation accounting to equity accounting.
A pretax gain of $1.2 million related to the 2001 sale of a portion of WPS Power Development's ownership interest in its synthetic fuel operation was recognized in the first quarter of 2002 when certain contingencies related to the sale expired. About $38 million of the gain from this sale had been deferred at the time of the sale in November 2001.
Overview of Holding Company and Other Operations
Holding Company and Other operations include the operations of WPS Resources and WPS Resources Capital as holding companies and the nonutility activities at Wisconsin Public Service and Upper Peninsula Power. Holding Company and Other operations experienced a loss of $1.8 million in the first quarter of 2002 compared with a loss of $1.7 million in the first quarter of 2001. Losses have been experienced due to interest expense from financing to provide funds for subsidiary operations.
Weighted Average Shares
The weighted average number of outstanding shares of WPS Resources' common stock increased 4.9 million primarily due to issuing 2.3 million additional shares in the fourth quarter of 2001 and issuing 1.8 million shares as the result of the merger of Wisconsin Fuel and Light into Wisconsin Public Service in the second quarter of 2001. Additional shares were also issued under the Stock Investment Plan.
FINANCIAL CONDITION - WPS RESOURCES
Investments and Financing
Internally generated funds exceeded cash requirements by $7.1 million in the first three months of 2002. Short-term borrowings through commercial paper decreased by $14.9 million. Our pretax interest coverage, including nonrecourse debt, was 2.51 times for the three months ended March 31, 2002.
In October 1999, WPS Resources filed a shelf registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which allowed the issuance of $400.0 million in the aggregate of public long-term debt and common stock. Long-term debt of $150.0 million and common stock of $79.0 million have been issued under the shelf registration.
Effective January 2001, we began issuing new shares of common stock for our Stock Investment Plan and for certain stock-based employee benefit plans. Equity increased by $6.0 million in the first three months of 2002 as a result of these plans. WPS Resources also repurchased $0.7 million of existing common stock for stock-based compensation plans in the first three months of 2002.
Wisconsin Public Service makes large investments in capital assets. Net construction expenditures, including nuclear fuel, are expected to be approximately $604 million in the aggregate for the 2002 through 2004 period. Larger projects include $66 million for automated meter reading, $39 million for a combustion turbine, $30 million for corporate software and systems, and $68 million for the start of construction of generation facilities that will continue to be constructed through 2007.
Other capital requirements for Wisconsin Public Service for the three-year period include contributions of $7.8 million to the Kewaunee plant's decommissioning trust fund.
Wisconsin Public Service recently announced its intent to purchase the De Pere Energy Center from Calpine Corporation. As a result of this transaction, Wisconsin Public Service will terminate its existing agreement to purchase power from the De Pere Energy Center. Wisconsin Public Service accounts for the purchase power agreement as a capital lease and upon closing of the transaction will retire the capital lease. Expenditures relating to the purchase of the De Pere Energy Center and the termination of the purchase power agreement are expected to be approximately $120 million. Wisconsin Public Service also agreed to enter into a long-term power supply agreement for energy from Calpine's proposed Sherry Energy Center to be located in north central Wisconsin.
Upper Peninsula Power is expected to incur construction expenditures of about $39 million in the aggregate for the period 2002 through 2004, primarily for electric distribution improvements and repairs at hydro facilities.
Identified capital expenditures for WPS Power Development for 2002 through 2004 include the acquisition of CH Resources, Inc. for approximately $62 million in 2002, $13 million for handling NOx emissions at the Sunbury facility, and $5 million for generation facilities at the Combined Locks Energy Center. Other capital expenditures for WPS Power Development for 2002 through 2004 could be significant depending on its success in pursuing development and acquisition opportunities. When appropriate, WPS Power Development will seek non-recourse financing for significant portions of these acquisitions.
WPS Resources expects to make capital contributions of up to $92 million to fund construction of our portion of the Wausau to Duluth transmission line, which will be transferred to American Transmission Company in exchange for an increase in our equity ownership in American Transmission Company.
We anticipate the following additional debt and equity financing may be completed in 2002:
Entity |
Timeframe |
Form of Financing |
Amount |
Wisconsin Public Service |
Third/fourth quarter |
Fading-lien bonds |
$125 to $175 million |
WPS Resources |
Third/fourth quarter |
Unsecured debt |
$125 million |
The specific forms of financing, amounts, and timing will depend on the availability of projects, market conditions, and other factors.
Regulatory
On April 12, 2001, Wisconsin Public Service filed an application with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin for additional rate relief in 2002. Wisconsin Public Service requested an $86.8 million, or 16.1%, increase in retail electric rates and a $13.5 million, or 4.5%, increase in retail natural gas rates for 2002. Wisconsin Public Service requested a 12.6% return on equity, with equity constituting 55% of the capital structure.
Wisconsin Public Service received an interim rate order on December 19, 2001 and implemented interim rates on January 1, 2002. The order authorized a $55.5 million, or 10.3%, retail electric rate increase and a $11.2 million, or 4.7% retail natural gas rate increase. Interim rates are based on a 12.1% return on equity, with equity constituting 55% of the capital structure, are subject to refund to the extent interim revenues exceed revenue authorized in the final rate order, and will be in effect until superseded by the final rate order establishing new rates. Wisconsin Public Service anticipates that it will not be required to refund revenues collected under the interim rates. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin concluded on the issues related to the 2002 rate request on May 7, 2002. Wisconsin Public Service anticipates receiving a final order documenting these decisions, including authorized rates and return on equity, later in the second quarter of 2002.
On March 28, 2002, Wisconsin Public Service filed an application with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to modify its Wisconsin retail electric and natural gas rates for 2003 and 2004. In order to ensure reliable energy into the future and to recover increased costs, Wisconsin Public Service requested retail electric rate increases of 8.3% in 2003 and 4.9% in 2004 and retail natural gas rate increases of 2.7% in 2003 and 1.4% in 2004. Wisconsin Public Service requested a 12.6% return on equity, with equity constituting 55% of the capital structure. It is anticipated that the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin will issue a 2003 rate order in the fourth quarter of 2002 with new rates effective January 1, 2003.
Upper Peninsula Power intends to submit an application for rate increases to the Michigan Public Service Commission in the second quarter of 2002 and anticipates new rates will be effective in 2003.
Synthetic Fuel Operations
In April 2002, the Internal Revenue Service issued a favorable Private Letter Ruling relating to the synthetic fuel operations of WPS Power Development. WPS Power Development sold a portion of its ownership interest in its synthetic fuel operations in the fourth quarter of 2001 and currently owns a one-third ownership interest in this venture. About $38 million of the gain from this sale was deferred at the time of the sale as a result of certain contingencies and related rights of rescission and put options granted to the buyer. A pretax gain of $1.2 million was recorded in the first quarter of this year when certain contingencies related to the sale expired. As a result of the buyer receiving a Private Letter Ruling, which eliminates one of the rescission rights, WPS Power Development will recognize a pretax gain of $16.7 million associated with this sale in the second quarter of 2002. We expect that the rest of the deferred gain, approximately $20 million, will be recognized during 2002 and 2003 as the remaining contingencies expire.
Liquidity
WPS Resources normally uses internally generated funds and commercial paper borrowing to satisfy most of its capital requirements. We may periodically issue long-term debt and common stock to reduce short-term debt, maintain desired capitalization ratios, and fund future growth. We seek non-recourse financing for funding some nonregulated acquisitions. WPS Resources' commercial paper borrowing program provides for working capital requirements of the nonregulated businesses and Upper Peninsula Power. The specific forms of financing, amounts, and timing depend on the availability of projects, market conditions, and other factors.
The current credit ratings for WPS Resources and Wisconsin Public Service are listed in the table below.
Credit Ratings |
Standard & Poor's |
Moody's |
WPS Resources Corporation |
|
|
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation |
|
|
We believe these ratings are among the best in the energy industry and have allowed us to access commercial paper and long-term debt markets on favorable terms.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
No material changes were made to WPS Resources' contractual obligations in the first quarter of 2002. The following table summarizes the commercial commitments of WPS Resources, including its subsidiaries.
Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period |
|||||
Other
Commercial Commitments As of March 31, 2002 (Millions) |
Total |
Less |
1 to 3 years |
4 to 5 years |
Over 5 years |
Lines of credit |
$108.3 |
$ 60.0 |
$45.6 |
$2.7 |
$ - |
Standby letters of credit |
47.5 |
40.9 |
- |
6.5 |
0.1 |
Surety bonds |
9.6 |
0.7 |
0.1 |
8.8 |
|
Guaranties |
4.5 |
4.5 |
- |
- |
- |
Total commercial commitments |
$169.9 |
$106.1 |
$45.7 |
$9.2 |
$8.9 |
WPS Resources provides limited financial support and energy supply services to a third party, Quest Energy, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company. Quest is a retail electricity marketing entity, doing business as a registered Alternative Electric Supplier in the state of Michigan. Financial support is in the form of an interest-bearing note with an initial maturity date of May 2005, secured by the assets of Quest. On March 31, 2002, the carrying value of the note was $1.5 million. The note contains certain restrictions on Quest's ability to enter into additional debt instruments. WPS Resources also provides corporate guaranties on behalf of Quest that are not included in the consolidated financial statements. Guaranties have been made to Quest's transmission providers in the amount of $4.5 million and are reflected in the above table. These guaranties assure Quest's ability to pay for the transmission services it purchases from these entities.
The WPS Resources Board of Directors has authorized management to issue corporate guaranties in the aggregate amount of up to $500 million to support the business operations of WPS Energy Services, which are not reflected in the table above. WPS Resources primarily issues the guaranties to counter-parties in the wholesale electric and natural gas marketplace to meet the counter-parties' requirements and permit WPS Energy Services to operate within these markets. The authorized amount of the guaranties is in excess of the amount of obligations actually backed by the WPS Resources guaranties. The amount supported is dependent on the amount of outstanding business WPS Energy Services has with the counter-parties holding the guaranties at any point in time. WPS Resources reflects WPS Energy Services' obligations supported by these parental guaranties on its consolidated balance sheet either as accounts payable or liabilities from risk management activities.
The WPS Resources Board of Directors has authorized corporate guaranties as needed to support certain specific business operations of WPS Power Development. WPS Resources has issued approximately $130 million in guaranties, which are not reflected in the table above. WPS Resources issues the guaranties for indemnification obligations related to business purchase agreements, borrowings, and counter-parties in the wholesale electric marketplace to meet their credit requirements and permit WPS Power Development to operate within these markets. The authorized amount of the guaranties is in excess of the amount of obligations actually backed by WPS Resources' guaranties. The amount supported is dependent on the amount of the outstanding obligation that WPS Power Development has with the parties holding the guaranties at any point in time. The guaranties are required to support WPS Power Development in its normal operations of energy production and the sale of electricity. WPS Resources reflects WPS Power Development's obligations supported by these parental guaranties on its consolidated balance sheets or in the footnotes to its financial statements.
Trading Activities
WPS Energy Services measures the fair value of contracts, including NYMEX exchange and over-the-counter contracts, natural gas options, natural gas and electric power physical fixed price contracts, basis contracts, and related financial instruments on a mark-to-market basis using risk management systems. The primary input for natural gas pricing is the settled forward price curve of the NYMEX exchange which includes spreads, contracts, and options. Basis pricing is derived from published indices and documented broker quotes. WPS Energy Services also bases electric prices on published indices and documented broker quotes. The following table provides an assessment of the factors impacting the change in the net value of WPS Energy Services' assets and liabilities from risk management during the quarter ended March 31, 2002.
WPS Energy Services, Inc. |
Natural |
Electric |
Total |
Fair value of contracts at January 1, 2002 |
$13.8 |
$6.3 |
$20.1 |
Less contracts realized or settled during period |
11.3 |
0.4 |
11.7 |
Plus fair value of new contracts entered into during period and other changes in fair value |
(3.9) |
2.0 |
(1.9) |
Fair value of contracts outstanding at March 31, 2002 |
$(1.4) |
$7.9 |
$ 6.5 |
The fair value of contracts at January 1, 2002 and March 31, 2002, reflect the values reported on the balance sheet for net mark-to-market assets and liabilities as of those dates. Contracts realized or settled include the value of contracts in existence at January 1, 2002 that were no longer in the net mark-to-market assets as of March 31, 2002. Mark-to-market gains and losses related to contracts that were entered into subsequent to January 1, 2002, and are still included in WPS Energy Services portfolio at March 31, 2002, are included in the fair value of new contracts entered into during the period. These amounts represent the mark-to-market gain or loss at the inception of these contracts. There were, in many cases, offsetting positions entered into and settled during the period resulting in gains or losses being realized during the current period. The realized gains or losses from these offsetting positions are not reflected in the table above. Although WPS Energy Services strives to maintain a balanced book of back-to-back transactions, due to systems limitations, any ineffectiveness in hedging activity for the first quarter of 2002 has been included under "fair value of new contracts entered into during period and other changes in fair value" in the table above.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION
Wisconsin Public Service is a regulated electric and gas utility. Electric operations accounted for approximately 60% of revenues for the first three months of 2002, while gas operations accounted for 40% of revenues for the first three months of 2002.
First Quarter 2002 Compared with First Quarter 2001
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation Overview
Wisconsin Public Service's first quarter 2002 and first quarter 2001 results of operations are shown in the following chart:
First Quarter |
|||
Wisconsin Public Service's Results |
2002 |
2001 |
Change |
Operating revenues |
$269.4 |
$314.8 |
(14%) |
Earnings on common stock |
25.3 |
24.5 |
3% |
Wisconsin Public Service's operating revenues decreased $45.4 million largely due to higher natural gas prices which were experienced in the first quarter of 2001. The cost per therm of utility gas purchases is down 52% when compared with the first quarter of last year.
Income increased $0.8 million primarily due to increased gas utility margins as a result of the merger of Wisconsin Fuel and Light Company into Wisconsin Public Service in the second quarter of 2001. In addition, electric and gas utility margins at Wisconsin Public Service were impacted positively by a Public Service Commission of Wisconsin interim rate order that was effective January 1, 2002 authorizing a 10.3% increase in Wisconsin retail electric rates and a 4.7% increase in Wisconsin retail natural gas rates. Partially offsetting increased margins were higher operating and depreciation expenses.
Electric Utility Operations
Wisconsin Public Service's electric utility margin increased $15.7 million, or 16%. The electric utility margin increased due to the electric rate increase at Wisconsin Public Service and higher overall electric utility sales volumes. Also contributing to the increased electric utility margin were decreased purchased power expenses and lower power generation costs.
Wisconsin
Public Service's Electric Utility Results (Millions) |
First Quarter |
|
2002 | 2001 | |
Revenues |
$161.6 |
$152.3 |
Fuel and purchased power costs |
46.8 |
53.2 |
Margins |
$114.8 |
$ 99.1 |
Sales in kilowatt-hours |
3,218,683 |
3,139,351 |
Electric utility revenues increased $9.3 million in the first quarter of 2002 as the result of the electric rate increase and a 3% increase in overall sales volumes. Sales volumes were up for lower margin, wholesale customers while sales to higher margin customers decreased. Sales volumes were affected by the weather which was 9% milder in the first quarter of 2002 than in the same period in 2001, and 7% warmer than normal.
Decreased purchased power expenses and lower fuel costs for power generation were partially a result of Wisconsin Public Service acquiring an additional ownership interest in the Kewaunee Nuclear Power Plant in the third quarter of 2001. Nuclear power generation is generally less expensive than coal or combustion turbine generation.
Fuel expense for Wisconsin Public Service's generation plants decreased $5.6 million, or 17%. Of this amount, $5.0 million was the result of decreased fuel costs at Wisconsin Public Service's combustion turbine generation plants combined with lower generation from these plants. Fuel costs at the combustion turbine generation plants decreased 49% as the result of lower natural gas prices in the first quarter of 2002 than in the first quarter of 2001. Generation requirements for the combustion turbine plants decreased 52% while generation at the Kewaunee plant increased 50% largely as the result of Wisconsin Public Service's increased ownership interest in that plant.
Wisconsin Public Service's purchased power expense decreased $0.8 million, or 4%, largely as a result of a decrease in volumes purchased in the first quarter of 2002. Purchased volumes decreased due to more internal generation at the Kewaunee plant.
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin allows Wisconsin Public Service to adjust prospectively the amount billed to Wisconsin retail customers for fuel and purchased power if costs fall outside a specified range. Wisconsin Public Service is required to file an application to adjust rates either higher or lower when costs are plus or minus 2% from forecasted costs on an annualized basis. Forecasted annual 2002 fuel costs at March 31, 2002 are expected to be within this 2% window.
Gas Utility Operations
Effective April 1, 2001, the gas utility margin at Wisconsin Public Service includes the merged Wisconsin Fuel and Light operations.
Wisconsin
Public Service's Gas Utility Results (Millions) |
First Quarter |
|
2002 | 2001 | |
Revenues |
$107.8 |
$162.5 |
Purchase costs |
68.3 |
131.6 |
Margins |
$39.5 |
$ 30.9 |
Throughput in therms |
293,429 |
246,926 |
An increase in overall natural gas throughput volumes of 19% and the Wisconsin retail gas rate increase resulted in a higher gas utility margin of $8.6 million, or 28%, in the first quarter of 2002. Increased overall gas throughput volumes were the result of Wisconsin Public Service's acquisition of Wisconsin Fuel and Light in April of 2001. Gas throughput volumes were negatively affected by weather that was 9% milder in the first quarter of 2002 than in the same period in 2001, and 7% warmer than normal.
Wisconsin Public Service's gas revenues decreased $54.7 million, or 34%, largely as the result of a 52% decrease in the average unit cost of natural gas.
Wisconsin Public Service's gas purchase costs decreased $63.3 million, or 48%, due to a lower average cost of natural gas. Under current regulatory practice, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin and the Michigan Public Service Commission allow Wisconsin Public Service to pass changes in the cost of gas on to customers through a purchased gas adjustment clause.
Other Expenses/Income
Wisconsin Public Service's operation and maintenance expenses increased $16.4 million due to higher transmission expenses associated with American Transmission Company, LLC, increased expenses at the Kewaunee plant as a result of Wisconsin Public Service acquiring additional ownership interest in the plant, higher maintenance expenses, and increased demand-side management (energy conservation) activities.
Depreciation and decommissioning expense increased $7.2 million largely due to additional plant assets including the new steam generators at the Kewaunee plant and an increased ownership interest in other Kewaunee assets.
Other income increased $1.9 million primarily as the result of higher earnings on the nuclear decommissioning trust assets. Due to regulatory practice, an increase in earnings on the trust assets is largely offset by increased depreciation expense.
FINANCIAL CONDITION - WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION
Investments and Financing
Payments for return of capital of $15.0 million by Wisconsin Public Service to WPS Resources were made during the first three months of 2002. WPS Resources did not make equity contributions to Wisconsin Public Service in the first quarter. The return of capital allowed Wisconsin Public Service's average equity capitalization and its capitalization ratio for ratemaking to remain near its target of 55% as established by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in its most recent rate order.
Cash requirements exceeded internally generated funds by $0.3 million in the first three months of 2002. Wisconsin Public Service incurred no short-term borrowing through commercial paper in the first quarter of 2002. Pretax interest coverage was 4.60 times for the three months ended March 31, 2002.
The current credit ratings for Wisconsin Public Service are listed in the table below.
Credit Ratings |
Standard & Poor's |
Moody's |
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation Preferred stock Commercial paper |
|
|
Wisconsin Public Service normally uses internally-generated funds and short-term borrowing to satisfy most of its capital requirements. The company may periodically issue additional long-term debt to reduce short-term debt, maintain desired capitalization ratios, and fund future growth.
Wisconsin Public Service makes large investments in capital assets. Net construction expenditures, including nuclear fuel, are expected to be approximately $604 million in the aggregate for the 2002 through 2004 period. Larger projects include $66 million for automated meter reading, $39 million for a combustion turbine, $30 million for corporate software and systems, and $68 million for the start of construction of generation facilities that will continue to be constructed through 2007.
Other capital requirements for Wisconsin Public Service for the three-year period include contributions of $7.8 million to the Kewaunee plant's decommissioning trust fund.
Wisconsin Public Service recently announced its intent to purchase the De Pere Energy Center from Calpine Corporation. As a result of this transaction, Wisconsin Public Service will terminate its existing agreement to purchase power from the De Pere Energy Center. Wisconsin Public Service accounts for the purchase power agreement as a capital lease and upon closing of the transaction will retire the capital lease. Expenditures relating to the purchase of the De Pere Energy Center and the termination of the purchase power agreement are expected to be approximately $120 million. Wisconsin Public Service also agreed to enter into a long-term power supply agreement for energy from Calpine's proposed Sherry Energy Center to be located in north central Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Public Service anticipates issuing $125 million to $175 million of fading-lien bonds in the third or fourth quarter of 2002.
Regulatory
On April 12, 2001, Wisconsin Public Service filed an application with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin for additional rate relief in 2002. Wisconsin Public Service requested an $86.8 million, or 16.1%, increase in retail electric rates and a $13.5 million, or 4.5%, increase in retail natural gas rates for 2002. Wisconsin Public Service requested a 12.6% return on equity, with equity constituting 55% of the capital structure.
Wisconsin Public Service received an interim rate order on December 19, 2001 and implemented interim rates on January 1, 2002. The order authorized a $55.5 million, or 10.3%, retail electric rate increase and a $11.2 million, or 4.7% retail natural gas rate increase. Interim rates are based on a 12.1% return on equity, with equity constituting 55% of the capital structure, are subject to refund to the extent interim revenues exceed revenue authorized in the final rate order, and will be in effect until superseded by the final rate order establishing new rates. Wisconsin Public Service anticipates that it will not be required to refund revenues collected under the interim rates. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin concluded on the issues related to the 2002 rate request on May 7, 2002. Wisconsin Public Service anticipates receiving a final order documenting these decisions, including authorized rates and return on equity, later in the second quarter of 2002.
On March 28, 2002, Wisconsin Public Service filed an application with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to modify its Wisconsin retail electric and natural gas rates for 2003 and 2004. In order to ensure reliable energy into the future and to recover increased costs, Wisconsin Public Service requested retail electric rate increases of 8.3% in 2003 and 4.9% in 2004; and retail natural gas rate increases of 2.7% in 2003 and 1.4% in 2004. Wisconsin Public Service requested a 12.6% return on equity, with equity constituting 55% of the capital structure. It is anticipated that the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin will issue a 2003 rate order in the fourth quarter of 2002 with new rates effective January 1, 2003.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market Risks
WPS Resources has potential market risk exposure related to interest rate risk, equity return and principal preservation risk, and commodity price risk. There currently is no material exposure due to foreign currency risk. Our exposure to interest rate risk relates primarily to long-term debt and short-term commercial paper borrowing. Exposure to equity return and principal preservation risk results from various debt and equity security investments in our employee benefit and nuclear decommissioning trust funds. Exposure to commodity price risk exists with respect to the price of coal, uranium, electricity, natural gas, and fuel oil. WPS Resources has risk management policies in place to monitor and assist in controlling these market risks and uses derivative instruments to manage some of these exposures. WPS Resources' market risks have not changed materially from the market risks reported in the 2001 Form 10-K.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Kewaunee Nuclear Power Plant
On February 5, 1997, Wisconsin Public Service entered into a "time is of the essence" contract with Finmeccanica S.p.A., Azienda Ansaldo Divisione Nucleare ("Finmeccanica") that required Finmeccanica to deliver two replacement steam generators, as well as other components, materials and documentation to Kewaunee Nuclear Power Plant by April 1, 2000. The contract provided for liquidated and other damages to be paid to Wisconsin Public Service in the event Finmeccanica failed to meet the delivery schedule in the contract. Finmeccanica did not deliver the replacement steam generators to the plant until December 13, 2000, and did not deliver the final data required under the contract until February 28, 2001, thus triggering the liquidated damages provision in the contract.
Notwithstanding its failure to timely perform, Finmeccanica has sought to impose back charges against Wisconsin Public Service for alleged cost overruns in an amount exceeding $10 million. Finmeccanica alleges that any delay in delivery of the replacement steam generators and related components, materials and documentation is excused because it was caused by the actions of Wisconsin Public Service.
After failing to reach a negotiated resolution of its dispute with Finmeccanica, on March 1, 2001 Wisconsin Public Service filed suit against Finmeccanica in the federal court in the Eastern District of Wisconsin. In its complaint, Wisconsin Public Service alleges that Finmeccanica's failure to timely deliver is not excused and that the delay caused substantial damages to Wisconsin Public Service.
In response to Wisconsin Public Service's complaint, on July 2, 2001 Finmeccanica moved to dismiss the complaint on the ground that the parties' contract required arbitration of any disputes between Wisconsin Public Service and Finmeccanica. On March 28, 2002, the Court issued an order denying Finmeccanica's motion. Thereafter, on April 15, 2002, Finmeccanica filed its answer and counterclaim denying Wisconsin Public Service's allegations and asserting a claim against Wisconsin Public Service for damages in an unspecified amount.
Acquisition of Generation Facilities
On April 16, 2002, Wisconsin Public Service announced that it signed a letter of intent with Calpine Corporation to purchase its 180-megawatt De Pere Energy Center. Wisconsin Public Service currently holds a long-term power purchase contract for energy produced at the facility. As part of this transaction, the purchase power contract would be terminated. Expenditures relating to the purchase of the De Pere Energy Center and termination of the purchase power contract are expected to be approximately $120 million. Wisconsin Public Service also agreed in the letter of intent to enter into a long-term power supply agreement with Calpine for capacity and energy from Calpine's proposed Sherry Energy Center to be located in north central Wisconsin. The supply contract would be for 150 megawatts in 2005, increasing to 235 megawatts annually in 2006 through 2015. The total expected cost of the capacity purchased is expected to be approximately $250 million with Wisconsin Public Service supplying the fuel for the energy it receives from the facility. The completion of the definitive agreements for these transactions is expected in the second quarter of 2002. The transaction is subject to Public Service Commission of Wisconsin approval which is anticipated to be received in the third or fourth quarter of 2002.
Combined Locks Energy Center
WPS Power Development completed the conversion of its 50-megawatt single cycle natural gas-fired combustion turbine to a combined cycle facility in 2002. The facility will begin supplying steam energy to Appleton Coated LLC in May 2002.
Synthetic Fuel Operations
In November 2001, WPS Power Development Inc.'s subsidiary, ECO Coal Pelletization #12, entered into a transaction with a subsidiary of a public company resulting in ECO #12 selling its synthetic fuel producing machinery to a newly-formed entity in exchange for cash and a one-third ownership interest in the newly-formed entity. This transaction was subject to certain contingencies and related rescission rights and put options granted to the buyer. One of the rescission rights was the receipt of a Private Letter Ruling. In April 2002, the Internal Revenue Service issued a favorable Private Letter Ruling to the buyer that eliminated this rescission right. With the receipt of the Private Letter Ruling, WPS Power Development will record $16.7 million of the deferred pre-tax gain associated with this sale in the second quarter of 2002. We expect that the remainder of the deferred gain will be recognized in 2002 and 2003, as the remaining contingencies expire.
WPS-ESI Gas Storage, LLC
WPS-ESI Gas Storage owns a Michigan natural gas storage field. This three billion cubic foot high-deliverability gas storage facility became commercially operational in the first quarter of 2002. WPS Energy Services owns 81.5% of WPS-ESI Gas Storage.
Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K |
||||
(a) |
Exhibits |
|||
The following documents are attached as exhibits: |
||||
3A-1 |
Articles of Amendment to Restated Articles of Incorporation of WPS Resources Corporation |
|||
3A-2 |
Restated Articles of Incorporation of WPS Resources Corporation as amended through May 9, 2002 |
|||
12 |
WPS Resources Corporation Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends |
|||
(b) |
Reports on Form 8-K |
|||
None |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
|
|
WPS Resources Corporation |
|
Date: May 13, 2002 |
/s/ Diane L. Ford Diane L. Ford Vice President-Controller and Chief Accounting Officer (Duly Authorized Officer and |
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
|
|
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation |
|
Date: May 13, 2002 |
/s/ Diane L. Ford Diane L. Ford Vice President-Controller and Chief Accounting Officer (Duly Authorized Officer and |
WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION AND
|
|
Exhibit No. |
Description |
3A-1 |
Articles of Amendment to Restated Articles of Incorporation of WPS Resources Corporation |
3A-2 |
Restated Articles of Incorporation of WPS Resources Corporation as amended through May 9, 2002 |
12 |
WPS Resources Corporation Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends |