-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: keymaster@town.hall.org Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFkwCgYEVQgBAQICAgADSwAwSAJBALeWW4xDV4i7+b6+UyPn5RtObb1cJ7VkACDq pKb9/DClgTKIm08lCfoilvi9Wl4SODbR1+1waHhiGmeZO8OdgLUCAwEAAQ== MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, b7YlOTTofiziLCDYYv9NsG1kyZSyTLWsiY78+DZ43ONijt9AXnQkVn/KHB+QCLnu /32wHkT/RChGADc7hN/CEg== 0000070145-95-000036.txt : 19950517 0000070145-95-000036.hdr.sgml : 19950516 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000070145-95-000036 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 4 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 19950331 FILED AS OF DATE: 19950512 SROS: NYSE FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: NATIONAL FUEL GAS CO CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000070145 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION [4924] IRS NUMBER: 131086010 STATE OF INCORPORATION: NJ FISCAL YEAR END: 0930 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-03880 FILM NUMBER: 95537858 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 30 ROCKEFELLER PLZ CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10112 BUSINESS PHONE: 2125417533 10-Q 1 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark One) [ X ] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 1995 OR [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the Transition Period From to Commission File Number 1-3880 NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) New Jersey 13-1086010 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 10 Lafayette Square Buffalo, New York 14203 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) (716) 857-6980 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) 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. YES X NO Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. Common stock, $1 par value, outstanding at April 30, 1995: 37,421,463 shares. Company or Group of Companies for which Report is Filed: NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY (Company or Registrant) SUBSIDIARIES: National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation (Distribution Corporation) National Fuel Gas Supply Corporation (Supply Corporation) Seneca Resources Corporation (Seneca) Utility Constructors, Inc. (UCI) Highland Land & Minerals, Inc. (Highland) Leidy Hub, Inc. (Leidy Hub) Data-Track Account Services, Inc. (Data-Track) National Fuel Resources, Inc. (NFR) INDEX Part I. Financial Information Page Item 1. Financial Statements a. Consolidated Statements of Income and Earnings Reinvested in the Business - Three Months and Six Months Ended March 31, 1995 and 1994 3 - 4 b. Consolidated Balance Sheets - March 31, 1995 and September 30, 1994 5 - 6 c. Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - Six Months Ended March 31, 1995 and 1994 7 d. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 8 - 13 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 14 - 24 Part II. Other Information Item 1. Legal Proceedings 25 - 26 Item 2. Changes in Securities * Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities * Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 26 Item 5. Other Information 26 Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 27 Signature 28 * The Company has nothing to report under this item. Part I. - Financial Information Item 1. - Financial Statements National Fuel Gas Company Consolidated Statements of Income and Earnings Reinvested in the Business (Unaudited) Three Months Ended March 31, 1995 1994 (Thousands of Dollars) INCOME Operating Revenues $376,680 $473,722 Operating Expenses Purchased Gas 165,789 251,998 Operation Expense 74,379 71,572 Maintenance 6,215 9,646 Property, Franchise and Other Taxes 31,777 37,206 Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization 17,537 18,744 Income Taxes - Net 25,786 29,870 321,483 419,036 Operating Income 55,197 54,686 Other Income 631 776 Income Before Interest Charges 55,828 55,462 Interest Charges Interest on Long-Term Debt 10,396 8,865 Other Interest 3,385 2,758 13,781 11,623 Net Income Available for Common Stock 42,047 43,839 EARNINGS REINVESTED IN THE BUSINESS Balance at January 1 375,013 353,342 417,060 397,181 Dividends on Common Stock (1995 - $.395; 1994 - $.385) 14,724 14,230 Balance at March 31 $402,336 $382,951 Earnings Per Common Share $1.12 $1.18 Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding 37,409,275 37,049,775 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Item 1. - Financial Statements (Cont.) National Fuel Gas Company Consolidated Statements of Income and Earnings Reinvested in the Business (Unaudited) Six Months Ended March 31, 1995 1994 (Thousands of Dollars) INCOME Operating Revenues $648,228 $783,854 Operating Expenses Purchased Gas 269,196 396,156 Operation Expense 141,222 135,120 Maintenance 12,107 15,062 Property, Franchise and Other Taxes 54,843 62,489 Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization 35,866 36,629 Income Taxes - Net 41,219 44,967 554,453 690,423 Operating Income 93,775 93,431 Other Income 1,476 1,815 Income Before Interest Charges 95,251 95,246 Interest Charges Interest on Long-Term Debt 20,769 17,748 Other Interest 6,573 5,859 27,342 23,607 Income Before Cumulative Effect 67,909 71,639 Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting for Income Taxes - 3,826 Net Income Available for Common Stock 67,909 75,465 EARNINGS REINVESTED IN THE BUSINESS Balance at October 1 363,854 335,907 431,763 411,372 Dividends on Common Stock (1995 - $.79 ; 1994 - $.77) 29,427 28,421 Balance at March 31 $402,336 $382,951 Earnings Per Common Share Income Before Cumulative Effect $1.82 $1.95 Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting for Income Taxes - .10 Net Income Available for Common Stock $1.82 $2.05 Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding 37,367,200 36,899,747 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Item 1. Financial Statements (Cont.) National Fuel Gas Company Consolidated Balance Sheets March 31, 1995 September 30, (Unaudited) 1994 (Thousands of Dollars) ASSETS Property, Plant and Equipment $2,252,292 $2,166,256 Less - Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization 651,766 623,517 1,600,526 1,542,739 Current Assets Cash and Temporary Cash Investments 13,582 29,016 Receivables - Net 159,199 95,993 Unbilled Utility Revenue 37,720 17,311 Gas Stored Underground 5,935 34,711 Materials and Supplies - at average cost 24,839 23,796 Prepayments 26,057 20,111 267,332 220,938 Other Assets Recoverable Future Taxes 99,020 99,742 Unamortized Debt Expense 27,234 28,396 Other Regulatory Assets 37,447 47,737 Deferred Charges 14,287 15,796 Other 32,065 26,309 210,053 217,980 $2,077,911 $1,981,657 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Item 1. Financial Statements (Cont.) National Fuel Gas Company Consolidated Balance Sheets March 31, 1995 September 30, (Unaudited) 1994 (Thousands of Dollars) CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES Capitalization: Common Stock Equity Common Stock, $1 Par Value Authorized - 100,000,000 Shares; Issued and Outstanding - 37,421,463 Shares and 37,278,409 Shares, Respectively $ 37,421 $ 37,278 Paid in Capital 382,797 379,156 Earnings Reinvested in the Business 402,336 363,854 Total Common Stock Equity 822,554 780,288 Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Portion 404,000 462,500 Total Capitalization 1,226,554 1,242,788 Current and Accrued Liabilities Notes Payable to Banks and Commercial Paper 90,700 112,500 Current Portion of Long-Term Debt 154,500 96,000 Accounts Payable 50,025 66,667 Amounts Payable to Customers 48,240 38,714 Other Accruals and Current Liabilities 129,524 61,368 472,989 375,249 Deferred Credits Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes 284,823 273,560 Taxes Refundable to Customers 31,688 31,688 Unamortized Investment Tax Credit 13,714 14,057 Other Deferred Credits 48,143 44,315 378,368 363,620 Commitments and Contingencies - - $2,077,911 $1,981,657 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Item 1. - Financial Statements (Cont.) National Fuel Gas Company Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) Six Months Ended March 31, 1995 1994 (Thousands of Dollars) OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Income Available for Common Stock $ 67,909 $ 75,465 Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities: Effect of Noncash Adjustments: Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting for Income Taxes - (3,826) Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization 35,866 36,629 Deferred Income Taxes 3,399 2,031 Other 2,723 3,082 Change in: Receivables and Unbilled Utility Revenue (83,615) (150,882) Gas Stored Underground and Materials and Supplies 27,733 16,685 Unrecovered Purchased Gas Costs - 17,778 Prepayments (5,946) (6,334) Accounts Payable (16,642) 27,227 Amounts Payable to Customers 9,526 (24,741) Other Accruals and Current Liabilities 75,966 103,903 Other Assets and Liabilities - Net 10,565 3,561 Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 127,484 100,578 INVESTING ACTIVITIES Capital Expenditures (96,485) (57,197) Other 2,432 3,002 Net Cash Used in Investing Activities (94,053) (54,195) FINANCING ACTIVITIES Change in Notes Payable to Banks and Commercial Paper (21,800) (17,200) Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock 2,308 5,228 Dividends Paid on Common Stock (29,373) (28,293) Net Cash Used in Financing Activities (48,865) (40,265) Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Temporary Cash Investments (15,434) 6,118 Cash and Temporary Cash Investments at October 1 29,016 13,595 Cash and Temporary Cash Investments at March 31 $ 13,582 $ 19,713 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Item 1. Financial Statements (Cont.) National Fuel Gas Company Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Quarterly Earnings. The Company, in its opinion, has included all adjustments that are necessary for a fair statement of the results of operations for the periods. The fiscal 1995 consolidated financial statements will be examined by the Company's independent accountants after the end of the fiscal year. The consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, included herein, should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes for the years ended September 30, 1994, 1993 and 1992, that are included in the Company's 1994 Annual Report to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Form 10-K. The earnings for the six months ended March 31, 1995 should not be taken as a prediction for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1995, as most of the Company's business is seasonal in nature and is influenced by weather conditions. Because of the seasonal nature of the Company's heating business, earnings during the winter months normally represent a substantial part of earnings for the entire fiscal year. The impact of abnormal weather on earnings during the heating season is partially reduced by the operation of a weather normalization clause included in Distribution Corporation's New York tariff. The weather normalization clause is effective for October through May billings. In addition, Supply Corporation's straight fixed-variable rate design, which allows for recovery of substantially all fixed costs in the demand or reservation charge, reduces the earnings impact of weather. Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. For purposes of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, the Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of generally three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash interest payments during the six months ended March 31, 1995 and 1994, amounted to $26,198,000 and $24,453,000, respectively. Net income taxes paid during the six months ended March 31, 1995 and 1994 amounted to $20,806,000 and $15,616,000, respectively. Financial Instruments. Seneca has entered into certain price swap agreements that effectively hedge a portion of the market risk associated with fluctuations in the price of natural gas and crude oil. These agreements are not held for trading purposes. The price swap agreements call for Seneca to receive monthly payments from (or make payments to) other parties based upon the difference between a fixed and a variable price as specified by the agreement. The variable price is either a crude oil price quoted on the New York Mercantile Exchange or a quoted natural gas price in "Inside FERC". Item 1. Financial Statements (Cont.) The following summarizes Seneca's activity under swap agreements for the quarter and six month period ended March 31, 1995: Quarter Ended Six Months Ended March 31, 1995 March 31, 1995 Natural Gas Swap Agreements: Notional Amount - Equivalent Billion Cubic Feet (Bcf) 3.0 4.7 Fixed Prices per Thousand Cubic Feet (Mcf) $1.66 - $2.06 $1.66 - $2.27 Variable Prices per Mcf $1.36 - $1.56 $1.29 - $1.64 Gain or (Loss) $1,600,000 $3,100,000 Crude Oil Swap Agreements: Notional Amount - Equivalent Barrels (bbl) 180,000 331,000 Fixed Prices per bbl $16.68 - $18.50 $16.68 - $18.50 Variable Prices per bbl $17.99 - $18.55 $17.16 - $18.55 Gain or (Loss) $(200,000) $(300,000) Seneca had the following swap agreements outstanding at March 31, 1995: Natural Gas Swap Agreements: Notional Amount Fiscal Year (Equivalent Bcf) Fixed Price per Mcf 1995 8.2 $1.66 - $2.06 1996 3.7 $1.66 - $2.06 1996 3.4 (1) 1997 1.1 (1) 16.4 Crude Oil Swap Agreements: Notional Amount Fiscal Year (Equivalent bbl) Fixed Price per bbl 1995 260,000 $16.68 - $18.72 1997 182,000 $18.33 442,000 (1) Price to be set according to market prices at a future date. Gains or losses from these price swap agreements are reflected in operating revenues on the Consolidated Statement of Income at the time of settlement with the other parties, which is when the underlying hedged commodity transaction occurs. Seneca is at risk in the event of nonperformance by counterparties on natural gas and crude oil price swap agreements, but Seneca does not anticipate nonperformance by any of these counterparties. The Company has SEC authority to enter into interest rate swaps associated with short-term borrowings up to a notional amount of $200,000,000. The Company has requested authorization from the SEC for additional authority to Item 1. Financial Statements (Cont.) enter into interest rate swaps and certain other derivative instruments associated with long-term borrowings up to a notional amount of $350,000,000 outstanding at any time. Currently, no such agreements are outstanding. New Accounting Pronouncement. In March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of" (SFAS 121). This statement establishes accounting standards for the impairment of long-lived assets, certain identifiable intangibles, and goodwill related to those assets to be held and used and for long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles to be disposed of. Essentially, SFAS 121 requires review of these assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. SFAS 121 also requires that a rate-regulated enterprise recognize an impairment for the amount of costs excluded when a regulator excludes all or part of a cost from an enterprise's rate base or when regulatory assets are no longer probable of recovery. The Company has until the first quarter of the fiscal year ending September 30, 1997 to adopt this statement. Early application is encouraged. Impairment losses resulting from the application of SFAS 121 are to be reported as a component of income from continuing operations in the period in which the recognition criteria are first applied and met. Initial application of SFAS 121 to assets that are being held for disposal at the date of adoption are to be reported as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. At this time, the adoption of SFAS 121 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's results of operations or financial condition. NOTE 2 - Regulatory Matters FERC Order 636 Transition Costs. As a result of the industrywide restructuring under the FERC's Order 636, Distribution Corporation is incurring transition costs billed by Supply Corporation and other upstream pipeline companies. At March 31, 1995, Distribution Corporation's estimate of its exposure to outstanding transition cost claims is in the range of $4,600,000 to $76,500,000. The majority of these costs relate to gas supply realignment (GSR) costs and stranded costs and is exclusive of any potential stranded costs related to production plant or gathering facilities which pipeline companies, including Supply Corporation, may file for at a future date. At March 31, 1995, the Company has recorded the minimum liability and corresponding regulatory asset of $4,600,000. Distribution Corporation has authorization from the State of New York Public Service Commission (PSC) to recover up to $11,000,000 annually of transition costs from sales customers in New York through the monthly Gas Adjustment Clause (GAC). Distribution Corporation will defer, for recovery in future periods, any amounts that may exceed the $11,000,000 annual amount. The recovery of transition costs from transportation customers in New York was addressed in the December 20, 1994 PSC order issued in a generic restructuring case (the Generic Case). In the Generic Case, the PSC authorized Item 1. Financial Statements (Cont.) gas utilities to file revised tariffs, subject to PSC approval, providing that transportation customers be assigned a per-unit charge that is equal to 50% of the per-unit charge being collected from sales customers for GSR and stranded costs. At March 31, 1995, Distribution Corporation had deferred transition costs related to transportation customers in its New York jurisdiction amounting to $2,531,000. Of this amount, Distribution Corporation has calculated, based upon the PSC order in the Generic Case, that approximately $827,000 is allocable to, and recoverable from, sales customers and the remaining approximate $1,704,000 is allocable to, and recoverable from transportation customers. In February 1995, Distribution Corporation filed draft tariff sheets regarding the $1,704,000 and is awaiting PSC approval of such tariff sheets before recovery from transportation customers can begin. Distribution Corporation began collecting the $827,000 from its sales customers through the monthly GAC beginning April 1, 1995. In its Pennsylvania jurisdiction, Distribution Corporation is recovering GSR and stranded transition costs from its customers through a separate surcharge, which includes a volumetric true-up mechanism. Distribution Corporation is recovering under-recovered purchased gas transition costs from its Pennsylvania sales customers through its gas cost recovery rates. Distribution Corporation will continue to actively challenge relevant FERC filings made by the upstream pipeline companies to ensure the eligibility and prudency of all transition cost claims. This industrywide issue will potentially involve years of rate proceedings before the FERC, state commissions and the courts. Management believes that any transition costs resulting from the implementation of Order 636 which have been determined to be both eligible and prudently incurred should be fully recoverable from the respective customers of Supply Corporation and Distribution Corporation. Gathering Rates. Supply Corporation has approximately $19,000,000 of production and gathering facilities used, in part, to gather natural gas of local producers, including the Company's production in the Appalachian Region. Currently, Supply Corporation has a partially unbundled gathering rate in place under an interim settlement with customers and local producers. In its restructuring orders, the FERC has directed Supply Corporation to fully unbundle its gathering rate effective July 1, 1995. Supply Corporation submitted an offer of settlement (the Settlement) which if approved would have provided for a ten-year transition to fully unbundled rates beginning July 1, 1995. Generally favorable comments on the Settlement were filed. Opposition came largely from offsystem customers claiming that they should not have any cost responsibility for the production and gathering plant because it is not necessary to provide service to them. On April 12, 1995, the FERC issued an Order on Settlement and Establishing Procedures. This order neither modified nor rejected the Settlement, but stated several factors which the FERC felt should be considered in a settlement resolving the gathering issue. The preeminent factor appears to be the FERC's preference that gathering rates be unbundled much sooner than ten years. Five years is mentioned as an acceptable target. The order further provides for additional settlement discussions facilitated by the Chief Administrative Law Judge. The first settlement discussions were held on April 17, 1995 and the next meeting is scheduled for May 12, 1995. The Company believes that its investment in production and gathering facilities will be fully recovered. Item 1. Financial Statements (Cont.) NOTE 3 - Income Taxes On October 1, 1993, the Company adopted SFAS 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" (SFAS 109). The cumulative effect of this change increased net income for the six months ended March 31, 1994 by $3,826,000 as a result of the reduction in deferred income taxes associated with the Company's nonregulated operations. At March 31, 1995, the deferred tax liabilities (assets) were comprised of the following (in thousands): Accumulated Deferred Deferred Income Taxes Income Taxes Current* Deferred Tax Liabilities: Excess of tax over book depreciation $177,282 $ - Exploration and intangible well drilling costs 84,243 - Other 67,814 - Total Deferred Tax Liabilities 329,339 - Deferred Tax Assets: Deferred investment tax credits (8,388) - Overheads capitalized for tax purposes (9,849) - Provisions for rate contingencies and refunds - (686) Unrecovered purchased gas costs - (12,394) Other (26,279) - Total Deferred Tax Assets (44,516) (13,080) Total Net Deferred Income Taxes $284,823 $(13,080) * Included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in "Other Accruals and Current Liabilities." The components of federal and state income taxes included in the Consolidated Statement of Income are as follows (in thousands): Six Months Ended March 31, 1995 1994 Operating Expenses: Current Income Taxes - Federal $33,257 $37,756 State 4,563 5,180 Deferred Income Taxes 3,399 2,031 41,219 44,967 Other Income Deferred Investment Tax Credit (343) (343) Cumulative effect prior to October 1, 1993 of applying SFAS No. 109 - (3,826) Total Income Taxes $40,876 $40,798 Item 1. Financial Statements (Concl.) Total income taxes as reported differ from the amounts that were computed by applying the federal income tax rate to income before income taxes. The following is a reconciliation of this difference (in thousands): Six Months Ended March 31, 1995 1994 Net income available for common stock $67,909 $75,465 Total income taxes 40,876 40,798 Income before income taxes 108,785 116,263 Income tax expense, computed at statutory rate of 35% 38,075 40,692 Increase (reduction) in taxes resulting from: Current state income taxes 2,966 3,366 Depreciation 1,185 1,128 Production tax credits (495) (751) Miscellaneous (855) 189 Adoption of SFAS 109 - (3,826) Total Income Taxes $40,876 $40,798 NOTE 4 - Capitalization Common Stock. During the six months ended March 31, 1995, the Company issued 45,531 shares of common stock under the Company's Customer Stock Purchase Plan and 88,000 shares to participants in the Company's section 401(k) plans. During the second quarter of fiscal 1995, the Company's Customer Stock Purchase Plan and section 401(k) plans began purchasing open market shares. In December 1994, 8,000 shares of restricted stock were awarded under the 1993 Award and Option Plan. Restrictions on these shares will lapse respecting approximately one-fourth of such shares on each January 2, for the years 2002 through 2005. Long-Term Debt. On May 1, 1995, the Company refunded, with short-term borrowings, $75,000,000 of medium-term notes which matured on that date. This amount is included in "Current Portion of Long-Term Debt" on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 1995. NOTE 5 - Commitments and Contingencies In addition to the litigation discussed in Part II, Item 1 of this report, the Company is involved in litigation arising in the normal course of business. In addition to the regulatory matters discussed in Note 2, the Company is involved in other regulatory matters arising in the normal course of business that involve rate base, cost of service and purchased gas cost issues. While the resolution of such litigation or other regulatory matters could have a material effect on earnings and cash flows, none of this litigation, and none of these other regulatory matters, is expected to have a material effect on the financial condition of the Company at this time. Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Earnings. Earnings were $42.0 million, or $1.12 per common share, during the quarter ended March 31, 1995. This compares with earnings or $43.8 million, or $1.18 per common share, during the quarter ended March 31, 1994. Earnings were $67.9 million, or $1.82 per common share, during the six months ended March 31, 1995. This compares with earnings of $75.5 million, or $2.05 per common share during the six months ended March 31, 1994. The six months ended March 31, 1994 included earnings of $3.8 million or $.10 per common share, related to the cumulative effect of a required change in accounting for income taxes adopted October 1, 1993, in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Boards's (FASB) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" (SFAS 109). Earnings before the cumulative effect of the change in accounting for income taxes amounted to $71.6 million, or $1.95 per common share. The decrease in earnings for the quarter and six month period, before the cumulative effect of the change in accounting for income taxes, is attributable to lower earnings of the Company's Exploration and Production, Pipeline and Storage and Utility segments. The decrease in earnings for the Exploration and Production segment resulted primarily from lower natural gas prices and the delay of some drilling, workovers, recompletions and commencement of production pending higher gas prices. The Pipeline and Storage segment experienced a decline in earnings for the quarter and six month period as a result of higher interest expense on borrowings. The earnings of the Pipeline and Storage segment for the six months ended March 31, 1995 also declined because the first quarter of fiscal 1994 benefited from the nonrecurring receipt of refunds of prior costs related to joint storage sites. Earnings in the Utility Operation were negatively impacted by warmer weather and lower normalized usage per residential and commercial account than was established in the rate-making process. Decreased earnings in the Company's three major business segments were partly offset by increased earnings in the Company's Other Nonregulated segment as the Company's pipeline construction and gas marketing subsidiaries benefited from improved margins while the Company's timber operations had higher log sales. A more detailed discussion of current period results can be found in the business segment information that follows. Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Cont.) OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES (in thousands) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 31, March 31, 1995 1994 % Change 1995 1994 % Change Regulated Utility Operation $59,200 $61,289 (3.4) $ 92,548 $ 94,921 (2.5) Pipeline and Storage 16,580 16,553 .2 32,082 33,281 (3.6) Nonregulated Exploration and Production 3,357 6,380 (47.4) 7,106 9,964 (28.7) Other 2,376 1,203 97.5 4,480 1,838 143.7 5,733 7,583 (24.4) 11,586 11,802 (1.8) Corporate (530) (869) 39.0 (1,222) (1,606) 23.9 $80,983 $84,556 (4.2) $134,994 $138,398 (2.5) OPERATING REVENUES (in thousands) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 31, March 31, 1995 1994 % Change 1995 1994 % Change Regulated Utility Operation Retail Revenues: Residential $237,240 $297,836 (20.3) $403,818 $494,496 (18.3) Commercial 60,727 85,117 (28.7) 100,429 135,478 (25.9) Industrial 7,075 15,611 (54.7) 12,542 24,005 (47.8) 305,042 398,564 (23.5) 516,789 653,979 (21.0) Off-System Sales 8,063 1,757 358.9 10,291 1,757 485.7 Transportation 14,230 13,026 9.2 23,109 21,238 8.8 Other 1,234 1,121 10.1 2,505 2,192 14.3 328,569 414,468 (20.7) 552,694 679,166 (18.6) Pipeline and Storage Storage Service 15,622 15,100 3.5 30,512 29,653 2.9 Transportation 23,042 23,295 (1.1) 45,319 45,977 (1.4) Other 896 1,064 (15.8) 1,796 1,945 (7.7) 39,560 39,459 0.3 77,627 77,575 0.1 Nonregulated Exploration and Production 12,995 18,656 (30.3) 27,269 32,988 (17.3) Other 18,525 23,174 (20.1) 35,613 37,960 (6.2) 31,520 41,830 (24.6) 62,882 70,948 (11.4) Less-Intersegment Revenues 22,969 22,035 4.2 44,975 43,835 2.6 $376,680 $473,722 (20.5) $648,228 $783,854 (17.3) Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Cont.) Utility Operation. Operating income before income taxes for the Utility Operation for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 1995, decreased $2.1 million and $2.4 million, respectively, as compared with the same periods a year ago. This resulted primarily from warmer weather, which contributed to reductions in throughput of 9.7 billion cubic feet (Bcf) and 15.9 Bcf, respectively, for the quarter and six month period. Additionally, pretax operating income for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 1995 was negatively impacted by lower normalized usage per residential and commercial account than that established in the rate-making process. The decrease in the Utility Operation's operating revenues for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 1995, compared with the same periods of the prior year, reflects decreased gas costs mainly because of lower throughput as well as a decline in the average cost of purchased gas. The impact of warmer weather was greatest in the Pennsylvania jurisdiction since Pennsylvania does not have a weather normalization clause (WNC). However, margins lost due to weather in the Pennsylvania jurisdiction were partly mitigated by Distribution Corporation's ability to retain a portion of the margins on off-system sales. The impact of warmer weather experienced by the New York jurisdiction was tempered by its WNC, which preserved pretax operating income of $4.2 million and $8.5 million, respectively, for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 1995. For the quarter and six months ended March 31, 1994, the WNC resulted in a benefit to customers of $5.3 million and $6.5 million, respectively, as weather was colder than normal. Degree Days Three Months Ended March 31: Percent Colder (Warmer) Than Normal 1995 1994 Normal Last Year Buffalo 3,337 3,121 3,622 (6.5)% (13.8)% Erie 3,195 2,999 3,554 (6.1)% (15.6)% Six Months Ended March 31: Buffalo 5,597 5,057 5,949 (9.6)% (15.0)% Erie 5,151 4,714 5,737 (8.5)% (17.8)% Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Cont.) SYSTEM THROUGHPUT (millions of cubic feet-MMcf) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 31, March 31, 1995 1994 % Change 1995 1994 % Change Utility Operation Retail Sales: Residential 36,644 42,627 (14.0) 59,477 69,624 (14.6) Commercial 10,320 13,318 (22.5) 16,532 21,040 (21.4) Industrial 1,704 3,129 (45.5) 3,058 4,845 (36.9) 48,668 59,074 (17.6) 79,067 95,509 (17.2) Transportation 17,444 16,719 4.3 29,487 28,977 1.8 66,112 75,793 (12.8) 108,554 124,486 (12.8) Pipeline and Storage Transportation 105,973 110,214 (3.8) 177,828 189,985 (6.4) Other 186 209 (11.0) 323 270 19.6 Less-Intersegment Throughput: Transportation 62,999 71,425 (11.8) 105,718 121,546 (13.0) Total System Throughput 109,272 114,791 (4.8) 180,987 193,195 (6.3) Pipeline and Storage. Operating income before income taxes for the Pipeline and Storage segment for the quarter ended March 31, 1995 did not change significantly from the same period a year ago. Throughput declined 4.2 Bcf for the quarter. However, as expected, this decline did not have a significant impact on pretax operating income and earnings as a result of Supply Corporation's straight fixed-variable (SFV) rate design. For the six months ended March 31, 1995, operating income before income taxes decreased $1.2 million compared with the same period a year ago. This resulted primarily because last year's first quarter benefited from the nonrecurring receipt of refunds of prior costs related to joint storage sites. Exploration and Production. Operating income before income taxes from the Company's Exploration and Production operations for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 1995, decreased $3.0 million and $2.9 million, respectively, compared with the same periods a year ago mainly because of decreased natural gas and oil production combined with a lower weighted average price received for gas. System natural gas production decreased 1.2 Bcf and 0.6 Bcf, respectively, for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 1995. Oil and condensate production were down 81,000 barrels (bbl) and 91,000 bbl for the quarter and six month period, respectively. The production decrease reflects the Company's decision to delay some drilling, workovers, recompletions and commencement of production pending higher gas prices. The weighted average price received for natural gas decreased $.75 per Mcf to $1.64 per Mcf and decreased $.66 per Mcf to $1.68 per Mcf for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 1995, respectively. The Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Cont.) weighted average price received for oil increased $3.47 per bbl to $16.19 per bbl and increased $2.73 per bbl to $15.91 per bbl for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 1995, respectively. The impact of the fluctuation in oil and gas prices was stabilized by Seneca's hedging program, which contributed a net $1.4 million and $2.8 million to operating revenues for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 1995, respectively. Refer to further discussion of Seneca's hedging activities in Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. In April 1995, Seneca announced an oil discovery at Vermillion Block 252 offshore of Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico. This discovery, in which Seneca has a minimum 65% working interest, is expected to come on production in March 1996. Commencement of production at Seneca's gas discovery at West Cameron 552 continues to be dependent on the price of gas. PRODUCTION VOLUMES Exploration and Production Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 31, March 31, 1995 1994 % Change 1995 1994 % Change Gas Production - (MMcf) Gulf Coast 3,369 4,439 (24.1) 7,117 7,516 (5.3) West Coast 175 174 0.6 341 381 (10.5) Appalachia 1,451 1,537 (5.6) 2,971 3,123 (4.9) 4,995 6,150 (18.8) 10,429 11,020 (5.4) Oil Production - (Thousands of Barrels) Gulf Coast 66 153 (56.9) 155 252 (38.5) West Coast 97 92 5.4 199 194 2.6 Appalachia 3 2 50.0 7 6 16.7 166 247 (32.8) 361 452 (20.1) Other Nonregulated. Operating income before income taxes associated with this segment for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 1995, increased $1.2 million and $2.6 million, respectively, compared with the same periods a year ago. The increases in both periods reflect improved performance by the Company's gas marketing operations, its pipeline construction subsidiary and its timber operations. NFR, the Company's gas marketing subsidiary, improved its performance primarily as a result of improved margins. UCI, the Company's pipeline construction subsidiary incurred a smaller loss in this year's quarter, and for the six month period, earned a small profit compared to a loss in the same period a year ago. Timber operations reflect increased log sales. Because of a slowdown in pipeline construction and despite the recent improvement in the earnings of UCI, the Company has decided to sell UCI's pipeline construction equipment at an auction later in May 1995. UCI will retain well maintenance and highway construction equipment. Management does not expect the discontinuance of pipeline construction operations to have a material impact on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company. Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Cont.) Income Taxes. Income taxes decreased $4.1 million and $3.7 million, respectively, for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 1995, mainly because of a decrease in pretax income. The decrease for the quarter can also be attributed to lower state income taxes in the Utility Operation's Pennsylvania jurisdiction. This relates to a change in the methodology in the recording of Pennsylvania state income tax on unbilled revenues, which was implemented in March 1994, causing state income taxes for the quarter ended March 31, 1994 to be inflated. Interest Charges. Total interest charges increased $2.1 million and $3.7 million, respectively, for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 1995. Interest on long-term debt increased $1.5 million and $3.0 million, respectively, for the quarter and six month period, mainly because of a higher average amount of long-term debt compared to the same periods a year ago. Other interest increased $.6 million and $.7 million for the quarter and six month period, respectively, as a result of increases in short-term borrowing rates. CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY The Company's primary sources of cash during the six month period consisted of cash provided by operating activities and short-term bank loans and commercial paper. These sources were supplemented by issuances of common stock under the Company's Customer Stock Purchase Plan and section 401(k) Plans. However, during the second quarter of fiscal 1995, the Company's Customer Stock Purchase Plan and section 401(k) plans began purchasing open market shares. Operating Cash Flow Internally generated cash from operating activities consists of net income available for common stock, adjusted for noncash expenses, noncash income and changes in operating assets and liabilities. Noncash items include depreciation, depletion and amortization, deferred income taxes and allowance for funds used during construction. For the six months ended March 31, 1994, a noncash income item also included the cumulative effect of a required change in accounting for income taxes in accordance with SFAS 109. Cash provided by operating activities in the Utility Operation and the Pipeline and Storage segments may vary substantially from period to period because of supplier refunds, the impact of rate cases and for the Utility Operation, fluctuations in weather and over- or under-recovered purchased gas costs. The impact of weather on cash flow is tempered in the Utility Operation's New York rate jurisdiction by its WNC. The Pipeline and Storage segment's cash flow is not significantly impacted by weather because of Supply Corporation's SFV rate design. Because of the seasonal nature of the Company's heating business, revenues are relatively high during the six months ended March 31 and receivables and Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Cont.) unbilled utility revenue historically increase from September to March because of winter weather. The storage gas inventory normally declines during the first and second quarters of the fiscal year and is replenished during the third and fourth quarters. Under the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of accounting, the current cost of replacing gas withdrawn from storage is recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Income and a reserve for gas replacement is recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and is included under the caption "Other Accruals and Current Liabilities". Such reserve is reduced as the inventory is replenished. Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $127.5 million for the six months ended March 31, 1995, an increase of $26.9 million compared with $100.6 million provided by operating activities for the six months ended March 31, 1994. The Pipeline and Storage segment had higher cash flow from operations as compared to the prior year, due in part to Supply Corporation's initial funding, in March 1994, of its post-retirement benefit costs. The other non-regulated operations also had higher cash flow from operations due to higher earnings and lower receivable balances. The Utility Operation had a slight increase in operating cash flow due to a variety of factors, including over-recovery of gas costs and lower receivable balances. The Exploration and Production segment experienced a decline in its cash flow from operations due to lower production and earnings. Investing Cash Flow Capital Expenditures The Company's capital expenditures totaled $96.5 million during the six months ended March 31, 1995. Total expenditures for the six month period represent 53% of the total current capital expenditure budget for fiscal 1995 of $183.8 million. The following table presents capital expenditures for the six months ended March 31, 1995, by business segment: (in thousands) Percentage Utility Operation $31,431 32.6 % Pipeline and Storage 29,093 30.2 Exploration and Production 29,416 30.5 Other Nonregulated 6,545 6.7 $96,485 100.0% The bulk of the Utility Operation's capital expenditures were made for replacement of mains and main extensions, as well as for the replacement of service lines and, to a minor extent, the installation of new services. Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Cont.) Pipeline and Storage capital expenditures include $4.9 million in connection with its link with the Empire State Pipeline at Grand Island, New York and $3.7 million related to compressor engine emission controls necessary to comply with the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. In addition, capital expenditures were made for additions, improvements, and replacements to this segment's transmission and storage systems. In a January 23, 1995 letter to the FERC, Supply Corporation informed the FERC that it no longer intends to construct its Laurel Fields project in phases, but rather intends to seek authorization to construct the project as a whole. An "open season" is being held through May 16, 1995, in part, to identify prospective customers for this project. The timing of this project is still not finalized. The majority of the Exploration and Production segment's capital expenditures were made for the exploration and development of oil and gas properties offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. In April 1995, Seneca recommenced activity in its onshore Gulf Cost program which it had delayed earlier in the year due to low gas prices. Other Nonregulated capital expenditures consisted primarily of timberland purchases. The Company's capital expenditure program is under continuous review. The amounts are subject to modification for opportunities in the natural gas industry such as the acquisition of attractive oil and gas properties or storage facilities and the expansion of transmission line capacities. While the majority of capital expenditures in the Utility Operation are necessitated by the continued need for replacement and upgrading of mains and service lines, the magnitude of future capital expenditures in the Company's other business segments depends, to a large degree, upon market conditions. Expenditures in the Pipeline and Storage segment are also dependent on adequate rate relief. Other Cash received on the sale of the Company's investment in property, plant and equipment is reflected as a cash flow from investing activities. Approximately $2.1 million of cash was received in the first quarter of fiscal 1995, related to the sale of certain gas reserves in the Gulf of Mexico. Proceeds of this sale were credited to the full cost pool. Financing Cash Flows Consolidated short-term debt decreased by $21.8 million during the first six months of fiscal 1995. The Company considers short-term bank loans and commercial paper important sources of cash for temporarily financing construction expenditures, gas in storage inventory, unrecovered purchased gas costs and other working capital needs. The Company currently has an effective shelf registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and has authority under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended, to issue and sell up to $220 million Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Cont.) of debentures and/or medium term notes. Depending on market conditions and the requirements of the Company, the Company may issue and sell as much as approximately $100 million of the debentures and/or medium-term notes within the remainder of fiscal 1995. The proceeds of such sales would be used to refund maturing long-term debt, to replace outstanding short-term borrowings, to finance a portion of the Company's capital expenditures and/or for other general corporate purposes. On May 1, 1995, the Company refunded, with short-term borrowings, $75 million of medium-term notes which matured on that date. This amount is included in "Current Portion of Long-Term Debt" on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 1995. The Company, through Seneca, is engaged in certain price swap agreements as a means of managing a portion of the market risk associated with fluctuations in the market price of natural gas and crude oil. In addition, the Company has SEC authority to enter into certain interest rate swap agreements. For further discussion, see disclosure under "Financial Instruments" in Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies." In addition to the litigation discussed in Part II, Item 1, of this report, the Company is involved in litigation arising in the normal course of business. In addition to the regulatory matters discussed in Note 2, the Company is involved in other regulatory matters arising in the normal course of business that involve rate base, cost of service and purchased gas cost issues, among other things. While the resolution of such litigation or other regulatory matters could have a material effect on earnings and cash flows, none of this other litigation and none of these other regulatory matters are expected to change materially the Company's present liquidity position. The Company's present liquidity position is believed to be adequate to satisfy known demands. Under the Company's covenants of its indenture covering long-term debt, upon refunding $75 million of medium-term notes on May 1, 1995, the Company would have been permitted to issue up to a maximum of $600 million in additional long-term unsecured indebtedness, subject to maturity and long-term interest rates. In addition, at March 31, 1995, the Company had regulatory authorizations and unused short-term credit lines that would have permitted it to borrow an additional $309.3 million of short-term debt. RATE MATTERS Utility Operation New York Jurisdiction In October 1994, Distribution Corporation filed in its New York jurisdiction a request for an annual rate increase of $56.5 million, or 8.9%, with a requested return on equity of 12.85%. In March 1995, the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) staff filed its case stating that the annual rate increase should be $13.0 million, with a return on equity of 11.1%. Proceedings in this rate case are ongoing and management cannot predict their Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Cont.) outcome. New rates are expected to become effective in August or September 1995. In August 1993, Distribution Corporation filed in its New York jurisdiction a request for an annual rate increase of $55.4 million, or 8.5%, with a return on equity of 12.16%. Included in the requested rate increase was an initial amount of $24.9 million for the recovery of transition costs arising from the FERC's Order 636, which represented 3.8% of the total 8.5% requested increase. On July 19, 1994, the PSC issued an order authorizing a base rate increase of $11.1 million, or 1.7%, with a return on equity of 10.7%. In addition, the PSC authorized recovery of transition costs arising from the FERC's Order 636 of up to $11 million annually from sales customers through the monthly Gas Adjustment Clause (GAC). Distribution Corporation will defer, for recovery in future periods, any amounts that may exceed the $11 million annual amount. New rates became effective July 24, 1994. The recovery of transition costs from transportation customers in New York was addressed in the December 20, 1994 PSC Order issued in a generic restructuring case (the Generic Case). In the Generic Case, the PSC authorized gas utilities to file revised tariffs, subject to PSC approval, providing that transportation customers be assigned a per-unit charge that is equal to 50% of the per-unit charge being collected from sales customers for gas supply realignment (GSR) costs and stranded costs. At March 31, 1995, Distribution Corporation had deferred transition costs related to transportation customers in its New York jurisdiction amounting to approximately $2.5 million. Of this amount, Distribution Corporation has calculated, based upon the PSC Order in the Generic Case, that approximately $0.8 million is allocable to, and recoverable from, sales customers and the remaining approximate $1.7 million is allocable to, and recoverable from, transportation customers. In February 1995, Distribution Corporation filed draft tariff sheets regarding the $1.7 million and is awaiting PSC approval of such tariff sheets before recovery from transportation customers can begin. Distribution began recovering the $0.8 million from its sales customers through the monthly GAC beginning April 1, 1995. In addition to addressing transition cost recovery related to transportation customers, the December 20, 1994 PSC Order in the Generic Case addresses key issues such as unbundling, rate design and the extent of state regulation. Implementation will likely be achieved by each utility on a case-by-case basis. In addition, the PSC has convened a generic proceeding to develop, among other things, an appropriate performance-based gas cost incentive mechanism and address concepts of affordability in utility service. Pennsylvania Jurisdiction On March 15, 1995, Distribution Corporation filed in its Pennsylvania jurisdiction a request for an annual rate increase of $22 million, or 9.1%, with a return on equity of 13.25%. Proceedings in this rate case are ongoing and management cannot predict their outcome. New rates are expected to become effective in December 1995. Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Concl.) On March 8, 1994, Distribution Corporation filed in its Pennsylvania jurisdiction a request for an annual rate increase of $16 million, or 6.8%, with a return on equity of 12.25%. A proposal for a WNC was included in this filing. On December 6, 1994, an order was issued by the PaPUC authorizing an annual rate increase of $4.8 million, or 2.0 %, with a return on equity of 11.0% and without a WNC. The new rates became effective as of December 7, 1994. General rate increases do not reflect the recovery of purchased gas costs. Such costs are recovered through operation of the purchased gas adjustment clauses of the regulatory authorities having jurisdiction. Pipeline and Storage. For a discussion of Supply Corporation's gathering rates, refer to Note 2 - Regulatory Matters. On October 31, 1994, Supply Corporation filed for an annual rate increase of $21 million, with a requested return on equity of 12.6%. Settlement discussions to resolve the various issues are ongoing and all parties have presented their positions. Currently, it appears all issues can be resolved through settlement. In the event some issues are not settled, a hearing to resolve them is scheduled for January 9, 1996. On April 27, 1995, Supply Corporation made a filing with the FERC which was intended to resolve a dispute over the proper allocation of transportation costs to the former Penn-York Energy Corporation (Penn-York) services (Penn-York was merged into Supply Corporation effective July 1, 1994). The FERC rejected that filing as inadequately supported, and directed Supply Corporation to refile with additional supporting data no later than May 15, 1995. Under ordinary circumstances Supply Corporation would have been able to put new rates into effect on May 1, 1995, subject to refund. Until the cost allocation dispute is resolved, however, no new rates can become effective. OTHER MATTERS New Accounting Pronouncement. In March 1995, the FASB issued SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of" (SFAS 121). This statement establishes accounting standards for the impairment of long-lived assets, certain identifiable intangibles, and goodwill related to those assets to be held and used and for long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles to be disposed of. For a further discussion of what this new accounting standard entails and its impact on the Company, see Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. Part II. Other Information Item 1. Legal Proceedings Paragon/TGX Litigation A. New York Litigation Since November 30, 1984, Distribution Corporation has been involved in litigation against Paragon Resources, Inc. (Paragon) and TGX Corp. (collectively Paragon/TGX), in the United States District Court for the Western District of New York (the District Court). Distribution Corporation sought a declaratory judgment concerning the contract effect of a December 20, 1983 PSC order (the Disapproval Order) which, among other things, disapproved a 1974 gas purchase agreement between Distribution Corporation's predecessor in interest, Iroquois Gas Corporation, and Paragon (the "Paragon Contract"). Paragon/TGX counterclaimed for (i) a declaration that the Disapproval Order did not affect the Paragon Contract in any way, whatsoever, (ii) approximately $4,400,000 in respect of take-or-pay claims, and (iii) unquantified amounts in respect of other alleged breaches of the Paragon Contract. Commencing with its payment for production received in September, 1984, and continuing through December, 1993, when Paragon/TGX purported to assign the Paragon Contract, Distribution Corporation paid Paragon/TGX for Paragon Contract gas at prices below those developed by the Paragon Contract's price formula, as the same have been impacted, from time to time, by the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978. On December 3, 1991 the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (the Second Circuit) issued an opinion regarding a partial summary judgment granted by the District Court. The Second Circuit essentially held that the Disapproval Order had "voided the Contract's price term," but that Paragon/TGX had elected an option available to it under the Paragon Contract to continue that contract, in the aftermath of the Disapproval Order, at "a price consistent with" that order. The Second Circuit also remanded the case to the District Court for further proceedings. In a letter dated December 13, 1991, TGX demanded that Distribution Corporation pay it $21,874,042 (including interest), alleged to represent the difference between the amount received by Paragon/TGX in respect of Paragon Contract gas delivered during the period September, 1984 through October, 1991, and the amount allegedly due TGX in respect of such gas during such period. Distribution Corporation rejected TGX's demand. Various motions have been heard before the District Court. A United States Magistrate Judge is now handling other preliminary matters before discovery resumes and the case is ultimately set for trial. B. Louisiana Litigation On February 22, 1990, TGX, the purported assignee of the Paragon Contract, filed a voluntary petition pursuant to Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Louisiana (the Bankruptcy Court). Thereafter TGX commenced a "turnover" proceeding against Distribution Corporation, premised upon TGX's December 13, 1991 payment demand described above under "New York Litigation." Pursuant to a partial settlement agreement between TGX and Distribution Corporation, approved Item 1. Legal Proceedings - (Concl.) by the Bankruptcy Court in August, 1992, the "turnover" proceeding was discussed and Distribution Corporation paid TGX $2,940,000 in consideration, among other things, of TGX releasing Distribution Corporation from certain claims and undertaking to credit said amount against the amount, if any, which is ultimately adjudged due TGX and/or Paragon in the New York Litigation. TGX is still free to pursue its breach of contract counterclaims in the New York Litigation. C. State Commission Proceedings In an order issued in Case 93-G-0352, et al., on May 5, 1995, the PSC granted Distribution Corporation authority to recover via its rates the New York allocable share ($2,006,000) of the partial settlement payment described above under "Louisiana Litigation". Distribution Corporation has already recovered the Pennsylvania allocable share ($934,000) of the partial settlement payment. The May 5, 1995 PSC order did not address the New York Public Service Law secion 110(4) issues described in the PSC's Order Instituting Proceeding because the PSC determined there was "no properly reviewable contract" that had been filed with it. The Parties' time to file Petitions for Rehearing of the Order expires on June 4, 1995. Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of National Fuel Gas Company was held on February 15, 1995. At that meeting, the shareholders elected directors, appointed independent accountants, and approved the Annual At Risk Compensation Incentive Plan. The total votes were as follows: Against For or Withheld Abstain (i) Election of directors to serve for a three-year term: - Philip C. Ackerman 29,109,063 413,760 - - John M. Brown 29,048,865 473,958 - - Luiz F. Kahl 29,077,567 445,256 - - Bernard S. Lee 29,118,958 403,865 - (ii) Appointment of Price Waterhouse as independent accountants 28,986,754 272,692 263,377 (iii) Approval of the Annual At Risk Compensation Incentive Plan 25,035,493 3,283,597 938,063 Item 5. Other Information On March 15, 1995, at a regular meeting of the Board of Directors, Mr. Robert T. Brady was elected a director to serve until the 1996 Annual Meeting when he is expected to stand for reelection. Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K (a) Exhibits Exhibit Number Description of Exhibit (12) Statements regarding Computation of Ratios: Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges for the Twelve Months Ended March 31, 1995 and the fiscal years ended September 30, 1990 through 1994. (27) Financial Data Schedule (99) National Fuel Gas Company Consolidated Statement of Income for the Twelve Months Ended March 31, 1995 and 1994. (b) Reports on Form 8-K (i) Report on Form 8-K was filed on March 22, 1995. Date of Report - March 3, 1995 Item 5. Other Events. Announcements made by National Fuel executives at a seminar for Security Analysts on March 3, 1995. SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the under-signed thereunto duly authorized. NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY (Registrant) /s/Joseph P. Pawlowski Joseph P. Pawlowski Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer Date: May 12, 1995 EX-12 2
EXHIBIT 12 NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY COMPUTATION OF ACTUAL RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES (UNAUDITED) (Thousands of Dollars) Twelve Months Ended Year Ended September 30 03/31/95 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 EARNINGS: Income Before Interest Charges(2) $127,851 $127,885 $125,742 $118,222 $110,240 $109,781 Allowance for Borrowed Funds Used in Construction 192 209 174 1,088 2,278 1,273 Federal Income Tax 32,828 36,630 21,148 17,680 (3,929) 17,435 State Income Tax 5,693 6,309 2,979 3,426 342 2,419 Deferred Income Taxes - Net(3) 5,528 4,857 16,923 14,130 26,880 7,657 Investment Tax Credit - Net (686) (685) (698) (711) (746) (798) Rentals(1) 5,526 5,730 5,621 5,857 4,915 4,915 $176,932 $180,935 $171,889 $159,692 $139,980 $142,682 FIXED CHARGES: Interest and Amortization of Premium and Discount on Funded Debt $ 39,719 $ 36,699 $ 38,507 $ 39,949 $ 41,916 $ 37,236 Interest on Commercial Paper and Short-Term Notes Payable 5,755 5,599 7,465 12,093 11,933 12,521 Other Interest(2) 3,864 3,361 4,727 6,958 9,679 9,298 Rentals(1) 5,526 5,730 5,621 5,857 4,915 4,915 $ 54,864 $ 51,389 $ 56,320 $ 64,857 $ 68,443 $ 63,970 Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 3.22 3.52 3.05 2.46 2.05 2.23 Note: (1) Rentals shown above represent the portion of all rentals (other than delay rentals) deemed representative of the interest factor. (2) The twelve months ended 3/31/95, fiscal 1994 and fiscal 1993 reflect the reclassification of $1,699, $1,674 and $1,374, respectively, representing the loss on reacquired debt amortized during each period, from Other Interest Charges to Operation Expense. (3) Deferred Income Taxes - Net for the twelve months ended 3/31/95 and the fiscal year ended 9/30/94 excludes the cumulative effect of changes in accounting.
EX-99 3 EXHIBIT 99 NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) Twelve Months Ended March 31, 1995 1994 (Thousands of Dollars) INCOME Operating Revenues $1,005,701 $1,118,226 Operating Expenses Purchased Gas 370,726 482,416 Operation Expense 266,520 267,770 Maintenance 28,029 27,045 Property, Franchise and Other Taxes 96,145 101,218 Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization 74,001 71,465 Income Taxes - Net 44,045 48,245 879,466 998,159 Operating Income 126,235 120,067 Other Income 3,316 3,963 Income Before Interest Charges 129,551 124,030 Interest Charges Interest on Long-Term Debt 39,719 36,668 Other Interest 11,127 11,608 50,846 48,276 Income Before Cumulative Effect 78,705 75,754 Cumulative Effect of Changes in Accounting (589) 3,826 Net Income Available for Common Stock $ 78,116 $ 79,580 Earnings Per Common Share Income Before Cumulative Effect $2.11 $2.08 Cumulative Effect of Changes in Accounting (.02) .11 Net Income Available for Common Stock $2.09 $2.19 Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding 37,279,331 36,410,456 EX-27 4 WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.
UT THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY'S CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 1,000 06-MOS SEP-30-1995 OCT-01-1994 MAR-31-1995 PER-BOOK 1,600,526 0 267,332 14,287 195,766 2,077,911 37,421 382,797 402,336 822,554 0 0 404,000 70,700 0 20,000 154,500 0 0 0 606,157 2,077,911 648,228 41,219 513,234 554,453 93,775 1,476 95,251 27,342 67,909 0 67,909 29,427 0 127,484 1.82 1.82
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