EX-99 2 l28754aexv99.htm EX-99 EX-99
 

Exhibit 99
Release Date:     Immediate November 8, 2007
NATIONAL FUEL REPORTS 2007 EARNINGS
Williamsville, New York: National Fuel Gas Company (“National Fuel” or the “Company”) (NYSE:NFG) today announced record consolidated earnings for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, of $157.7 million or $1.84 per share and $337.5 million or $3.96 per share, respectively.
HIGHLIGHTS
  National Fuel continues to provide superior total returns for our shareholders. During the past year, three years and five years, National Fuel’s total returns of 32%, 83% and 185%, far exceeded total returns of the S&P 500 of 16%, 45% and 105%, respectively.
 
  Quarterly operating results, before items impacting comparability, increased 20% to $0.40 per share, an increase of $0.07 per share from the prior year’s fourth quarter. Higher average commodity prices realized in the Exploration and Production segment were the main reason for the increase.
 
  Fiscal year operating results, before items impacting comparability, increased 10% to $2.26 per share, an increase of $0.21 per share from the prior fiscal year. Again, higher average realized commodity prices in the Exploration and Production segment were the main contributor to this earnings growth. The expiration of old hedges and the addition of new hedges at much higher prices predict a positive impact on earnings in the future.
 
  Adding to the operating results, the Company successfully sold its Canadian exploration operations for $232.0 million and realized a pre-tax gain of $159.9 million ($120.3 million after-tax). Prudent planning on the timing and structure of this sale enabled us to maximize value received and to minimize the associated effective tax rate on the sale to less than 25 percent.
 
  Seneca Resources Corporation (“Seneca”) drilled or participated in the drilling of 233 wells in Appalachia during fiscal 2007, representing a 53% increase from fiscal 2006. This drilling activity allows Seneca to reaffirm its estimated ultimate recoveries (“EURs”), production profiles, and costs to drill that are consistent with previous disclosures.
- more -

 


 

Page 2.
  Netherland, Sewell & Associates (Netherland Sewell) completed a review of Seneca’s Appalachian acreage, and the Company disclosed total 3P (proved, probable and possible) reserves in Appalachia in a press release issued October 11, 20071. The results of Netherland Sewell’s study included 10.4 Bcfe of proved undeveloped reserves, helping to increase the total proved reserves in Appalachia by 33% to 110 Bcfe, including proved developed reserves associated with our increased drilling activity.
 
  The Company is increasing its GAAP earnings guidance for fiscal 2008 to a range of $2.50 to $2.70 per diluted share. Previous guidance had been in a range of $2.45 to $2.65.
 
  A conference call is scheduled for Friday, November 9, 2007 at 11:00 am Eastern Time.
MANAGEMENT COMMENTS
     Philip C. Ackerman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of National Fuel Gas Company stated: “We had both a very good fourth quarter and a very good year. Underlying operations’ earnings were up 20% on the quarter and 10% on the year and were capped off by a $120 million after-tax gain on the sale of our Canadian operations.
     As we have shared with the investment community for many years, National Fuel’s corporate objective is to grow shareholder value through timely investment in the energy industry. I do not believe that long-term shareholder value can be built by constantly selling assets; nevertheless, the sale of our Canadian operations is our fourth significant sale since I became chairman in 2002, and the total after tax profits on those sales have been over $212 million. National Fuel and its Board of Directors will continue to do what is in the best interest of growing shareholder value.
     The financial community has recognized the sound and disciplined leadership demonstrated by the management and board of National Fuel, as is apparent based on our superior total shareholder returns. Over the past five years, three years, and fiscal year, shareholders have enjoyed overall total returns of 185%, 83%, and 32%, respectively, which far exceed returns of the S&P 500 of 105%, 45%, and 16% over comparable time periods. These outstanding returns are due in part to our record of paying a dividend for 105 consecutive years with 37 consecutive years of increases.
     In short, we had a very successful 2007 fiscal year, and expect to continue that success in fiscal 2008 with earnings growth expected in the range of 10% to 19%. We will continue our longstanding dividend record and strive to continue our record of delivering outstanding returns to our shareholders in 2008 and beyond.”
 
1   The Company’s October 11, 2007, press release is not incorporated by reference into this press release or any document filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
- more -

 


 

Page 3.
     David F. Smith, President and Chief Operating Officer of National Fuel Gas Company added: “The sale of our Canadian assets represents a considerable step in our plan to streamline and refocus our Exploration and Production operations. As part of this plan, our initiative to prudently grow our Appalachian program has been evident, as illustrated by our 53% increase in drilling activity in Appalachia during the last year. The completion of our reserve and prospective resource study by Netherland Sewell confirms our long-held belief that we have the potential to develop this important asset in a manner that is both strategic and logical. Current well economics based on today’s commodity prices and drilling rig rates have allowed us to ramp up our drilling program. We anticipate drilling 280 wells and 350 wells in the Appalachian shallow Devonian formation in fiscal years 2008 and 2009, as well as continuing to explore the Marcellus Shale through our partnering arrangement with EOG Resources. Construction is underway on the Empire Connector and we are looking to have the pipeline in service at this time next year. We are also pleased that our Conservation Incentive Program has been authorized for early implementation in our New York utility jurisdiction, offering our customers the opportunity to save on their heating bills this winter.”
- more -

 


 

Page 4.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS
     National Fuel had consolidated earnings for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, of $157.7 million, an increase of $155.7 million, or $1.82 per share, from the prior year’s fourth quarter (note: all references to earnings per share are to diluted earnings per share, all amounts are stated in U.S. dollars and all amounts used in the earnings and operating results discussions are after tax unless otherwise noted).
     Consolidated earnings for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, of $337.5 million, or $3.96 per share, increased $199.4 million, or $2.35 per share, from the prior year.
                                 
    Three Months     Year Ended  
    Ended September 30,     Ended September 30,  
    2007     2006     2007     2006  
(in thousands except per share amounts)
                               
 
                               
Reported GAAP earnings
  $ 157,690     $ 1,968     $ 337,455     $ 138,091  
Items impacting comparability1:
                               
Gain on disposal of Canadian operations
    (120,301 )             (120,301 )        
(Income) loss from discontinued operations
    (3,094 )     26,617       (15,479 )     46,523  
Reversal of reserve for preliminary project costs
                    (4,787 )        
Resolution of purchased gas contingency
                    (2,344 )        
Discontinuation of hedge accounting
                    (1,888 )        
Out-of-period symmetrical sharing adjustment
                            (2,551 )
Income tax adjustments
                            (6,122 )
 
                               
 
                       
Operating results
  $ 34,295     $ 28,585     $ 192,656     $ 175,941  
 
                       
 
                               
Reported GAAP earnings per share
  $ 1.84     $ 0.02     $ 3.96     $ 1.61  
Items impacting comparability1:
                               
Gain on disposal of Canadian operations
    (1.41 )             (1.41 )        
(Income) loss from discontinued operations
    (0.03 )     0.31       (0.18 )     0.54  
Reversal of reserve for preliminary project costs
                    (0.06 )        
Resolution of purchased gas contingency
                    (0.03 )        
Discontinuation of hedge accounting
                    (0.02 )        
Out-of-period symmetrical sharing adjustment
                            (0.03 )
Income tax adjustments
                            (0.07 )
 
                               
 
                       
Earnings excluding these items
  $ 0.40     $ 0.33     $ 2.26     $ 2.05  
 
                       
 
1   See discussion of these individual items below.
     As outlined in the table above, certain items included in GAAP earnings impacted the comparability of the Company’s operating results when comparing the 2007 fourth quarter and fiscal year to the comparable periods in fiscal 2006. Excluding these items, operating results for the current fourth quarter of $34.3 million or $0.40 per share increased $5.7 million or $0.07 per share. Excluding these items, operating results for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, of $192.7 million, or $2.26 per share, increased $16.7 million, or $0.21 per share. Items impacting comparability will be discussed in more detail within the discussion of segment earnings below.
- more -

 


 

Page 5.
DISCUSSION OF RESULTS BY SEGMENT
     (The following discussion of earnings for each segment is summarized in a tabular form at pages 13 through 16 of this report. It may be helpful to refer to those tables while reviewing this discussion.)
Utility Segment
     The Utility segment operations are carried out by National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation (“Distribution”), which sells or transports natural gas to customers located in western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania. The Utility segment’s loss of approximately $3.4 million, or $0.04 per share for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, increased $2.0 million, or $0.02 per share, compared to the prior year’s fourth quarter. Substantially all of the Utility segment’s loss for the quarter was due to a lower non-cash accrual of interest income on a pension-related regulatory asset in Distribution’s New York Division. Under Distribution’s most recent New York rate agreement, the interest income Distribution can accrue is reduced as the funded status of the defined-benefit pension plan improves.
     Ron Tanski, President of Distribution and Principal Financial Officer of the Company commented: “It’s counter intuitive to think that a decrease in income can be a good thing, but this decrease in interest income is driven by the strong performance of our pension plan assets over the past year.”
     In the New York Division, the loss increased $1.6 million due in part to the lower interest income accrual on the pension-related regulatory asset discussed above. Slightly lower usage per customer during the quarter and certain routine regulatory adjustments also contributed to the increased loss for the quarter. Partially offsetting these items were lower operating expenses and a lower effective tax rate.
     In the Pennsylvania division, the loss increased $0.4 million compared to the prior year’s fourth quarter, mainly due to lower usage per customer and a higher effective tax rate. An increase in base rates in Pennsylvania partially offset the decrease. On January 1, 2007, Distribution implemented the Settlement Agreement approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, which, among other things, provided for a $14.3 million (before tax) annual base rate increase.
     The Utility segment’s earnings of $50.9 million, or $0.60 per share, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, increased $1.1 million, or $0.02 per share, compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006.
     Earnings in Distribution’s New York Division for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, of $33.8 million decreased $6.3 million compared to the prior year. The comparability of the fiscal year results is impacted by a $2.6 million out-of-period adjustment recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 to correct Distribution’s calculation of the symmetrical sharing component of the New York Division’s gas adjustment rate. Excluding this item, operating results in the New York Division decreased $3.7 million. This decrease is mainly due to lower interest income accrued on a pension related regulatory asset as described above. Higher bad debt expense, property taxes, interest expense and certain routine regulatory adjustments also contributed to the decline. A 2.2 percent increase in residential customer usage per account and a lower effective tax rate partially offset the decrease.
- more -

 


 

Page 6.
     For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, earnings in Distribution’s Pennsylvania Division of $17.1 million increased $7.3 million compared to the prior year. Earnings increased primarily due to an increase in base rates. The impact of weather that was 5.6 percent colder than the prior year and a lower effective tax rate also contributed to the increase. Partially offsetting the increase was higher interest expense.
Pipeline and Storage Segment
     The Pipeline and Storage segment operations are carried out by National Fuel Gas Supply Corporation (“Supply Corporation”) and Empire State Pipeline (“Empire”). These companies provide natural gas transportation and storage services to affiliated and non-affiliated companies through an integrated system of pipelines and underground natural gas storage fields in western New York and western Pennsylvania.
     The Pipeline and Storage segment’s earnings of $13.3 million, or $0.16 per share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, increased $3.1 million, or $0.04 per share, when compared with the same period in the prior fiscal year. The increase is primarily due to higher efficiency gas revenue. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, Supply Corporation recorded a lower of cost or market adjustment of $4.7 million to the value of efficiency gas held in inventory at the end of the quarter to reduce the value of the efficiency gas inventory to reflect current market prices at September 30, 2006. A similar adjustment was not required in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007. In addition, higher transportation and storage revenues and lower depreciation expense contributed to the growth in earnings. Partially offsetting these items was an increase in operating expenses and interest expense and a higher effective tax rate for the quarter.
     Earnings of $56.4 million, or $0.66 per share, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, increased $0.8 million, or $0.01 per share, when compared with the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006. The comparability of the results for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, is impacted by the $4.8 million reversal of the reserve for preliminary project costs on the Empire Connector project. Empire recorded a reserve against any project development costs until such time that it was probable that the project was likely to be built and placed in service. In June 2007, Empire and KeySpan Gas East Corporation signed a firm transportation service agreement, which essentially committed Empire to construct the Empire Connector Pipeline (construction began in September). The comparability of the results for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007 is also impacted by a $1.9 million gain associated with Empire’s prepayment in the first quarter of 2007 of its project financing debt that was in place when the Company acquired Empire in 2003. Upon the payment of that debt, the corresponding interest rate collar no longer qualified for hedge accounting, and gains and losses could no longer be deferred.
     Excluding these items, operating results decreased $6.0 million, or $0.07 per share, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, mainly due to lower efficiency gas revenues, higher interest expense and a higher effective tax rate for the fiscal year. The decline in efficiency gas revenues is due to lower natural gas prices and lower retained volumes. The lower retained volumes of efficiency gas was the result of a FERC-approved settlement of a complaint filed by various parties against Supply Corporation under Sections 5(a) and 13 of the Natural Gas Act
- more -

 


 

Page 7.
(the “FERC settlement”) that reduced the percentages of transported gas which Supply Corporation retains for fuel, company use, surface operating and lost and unaccounted for, generally effective as of December 1, 2006. The FERC settlement also required Supply Corporation to recognize a higher level of expense for post-retirement benefits, which resulted in higher operating expenses for the fiscal year. Partially offsetting these items, the FERC settlement lowered Supply Corporation’s depreciation rates, which resulted in lower depreciation expense for the fiscal year.
Exploration and Production Segment
     The Exploration and Production segment operations are carried out by Seneca Resources Corporation (“Seneca”). Seneca explores for, develops and purchases natural gas and oil reserves in California, the Appalachian region, and in the Gulf Coast regions of Texas, Louisiana and Alabama.
     The Exploration and Production segment’s earnings in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 of $145.7 million or $1.70 per share increased $152.9 million or $1.78 per share when compared with the prior year’s fourth quarter loss. On August 31, 2007, Seneca completed the sale of its Canadian subsidiary. As a result of this transaction, the Company is presenting the Canadian operations as discontinued operations. Earnings in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 include earnings from discontinued operations of $123.4 million, which included $3.1 million of income during the months of July and August plus a $120.3 million gain on the sale of the Canadian operations. Earnings in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 include a loss from discontinued operations of $26.6 million. The results of discontinued operations are discussed later in this document and are excluded from the remaining discussion of the Exploration and Production segment’s quarterly results below.
     Excluding discontinued operations, operating results in the Exploration and Production segment increased $2.9 million, or $0.03 per share, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007. The increase was mainly due to higher crude oil and natural gas prices realized after hedging. For the quarter ended September 30, 2007, the weighted average oil price received by Seneca (after hedging) was $61.35 per barrel (“Bbl”), an increase of $16.51 per Bbl, or 36.8 percent from the prior year’s quarter. The weighted average natural gas price received by Seneca (after hedging) for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, was $7.13 per thousand cubic feet (“Mcf”), an increase of $0.57 per Mcf, or 8.7 percent, from the prior year’s quarter. Other items impacting operating results for the quarter were higher operating expenses and a higher effective tax rate. The increase in depletion expense, which, on a per unit basis, increased $0.35 per thousand cubic feet equivalent (“Mcfe”) to $2.19 per Mcfe was mainly due to a reduction in proved reserves and an increase in costs to be depleted as a result of capital spending and higher anticipated future development costs. The increase in lease operating expenses (“LOE”) is due primarily to escalating service costs and an increase in the number of producing properties compared to the prior year’s quarter.
     The Exploration and Production segment’s earnings of $210.7 million, or $2.47 per share, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, increased $189.7 million, or $2.23 per share, when compared with the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006. As discussed above, as a result of Seneca’s sale of its Canadian subsidiary, the Company is presenting the Canadian operations as discontinued operations. Earnings for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, include
- more -

 


 

Page 8.
earnings from discontinued operations of $135.8 million, which consists of $15.5 million of income from discontinued operations, and a $120.3 million gain on the sale of the Canadian operations. Earnings for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006, include a loss from discontinued operations of $46.5 million. The results of discontinued operations are discussed later in this document and are excluded from the remaining discussion of the Exploration and Production segment’s fiscal year results below.
     The comparability of the Exploration and Production segment’s earnings for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2007, and 2006, is also impacted by a $6.1 million benefit to earnings in 2006 related to income taxes. The Company reversed a valuation allowance associated with the capital loss carryforward that resulted from the 2003 sale of certain Seneca oil properties and also recognized a tax benefit related to the favorable resolution of certain open tax issues.
     Excluding discontinued operations and the tax adjustments discussed above, operating results for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, in the Exploration and Production segment increased $13.5 million, or $0.17 per share. The increase was primarily due to higher crude oil and natural gas prices realized after hedging. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, the weighted average oil price received by Seneca (after hedging) was $51.68 per Bbl, an increase of $11.42 per Bbl, or 28.4 percent from the prior year. The weighted average natural gas price received by Seneca (after hedging) for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, was $7.25 per Mcf, an increase of $0.23 per Mcf, or 3.3 percent, from the prior year. The increase in commodity prices combined with a 1.7 Bcfe increase in natural gas production more than offset a 0.6 Bcfe decrease in crude oil production. Other items impacting operating results for the fiscal year were higher operating expenses and a higher effective tax rate. The increase in depletion expense is mainly due to a reduction in proved reserves, an increase in costs to be depleted as a result of capital spending and higher anticipated future development costs. The increase in LOE was mostly in the Gulf of Mexico and Appalachia. In the Gulf of Mexico the increase in LOE was due to the hurricane related shut-ins experienced in fiscal year 2006 and new producing fields coming on line in fiscal 2007. In Appalachia, the increase was due to the completion of more than two hundred wells in fiscal 2007 and an overall increase in servicing costs.
Energy Marketing
     The Energy Marketing segment’s operations are carried out by National Fuel Resources, Inc. (“NFR”). NFR markets natural gas to industrial, commercial, public authority and residential customers in western and central New York and northwestern Pennsylvania, offering competitively priced energy and energy management services to its customers.
     The Energy Marketing segment’s net loss for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 of $0.8 million, or $0.01 per share, increased $0.7 million compared to the prior year’s fourth quarter loss of $0.1 million, and was due to changes in the effective tax rate and slightly lower margins driven by higher pipeline reservation charges related to storage capacity. Earnings for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, of $7.7 million, or $0.09 per share, increased $1.9 million, or $0.02 per share, compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006. The comparability of the fiscal year results is impacted by a $2.3 million reversal of an accrual for purchased gas expense for which a contingency was resolved during the second quarter of fiscal 2007. Excluding this item, operating results for the Energy Marketing segment for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, were flat compared to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006.
- more -

 


 

Page 9.
Timber Segment
     The Timber segment operations are carried out by Highland Forest Resources, Inc. (“Highland”) and Seneca’s Northeast Division. This segment markets high-quality hardwoods from its New York and Pennsylvania land holdings, and owns two sawmill/dry kiln operations in northwestern Pennsylvania.
     The Timber segment’s earnings for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, of $0.7 million or $0.01 per share, is an increase of $0.2 million from the prior year’s fourth quarter earnings. The increase is due to higher margins as a result of the strategically timed sale of approximately 3.1 million board feet of timber rights during the quarter.
     Earnings for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, of $3.7 million decreased $2.0 million from the prior year’s earnings. The decrease is due to lower margins on logs, green lumber and kiln-dried lumber. The decreased margins are mainly due to lower sales volumes. The unfavorable weather conditions early in the year made harvesting difficult resulting in lower harvest volumes for the fiscal year. This, combined with lower unit prices realized on the non-core species, resulted in lower revenues for veneer logs, kiln-dried cherry lumber and soft and hard maple green lumber. Although prices realized on certain species declined, the price realized on our core product, black cherry veneer logs, increased nearly 3 percent from the prior year. The price realized on black cherry veneer has increased consistently every year for the past several years, and that trend is expected to continue. Lower depletion expense due to lower harvested volumes partially offset the decrease in revenues.
Corporate and All Other
     Other direct, wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company include: Horizon Energy Development, Inc., a corporation formerly engaged in the development of international power projects; Horizon LFG, Inc., a corporation engaged through subsidiaries in the purchase, processing, transportation and sale of landfill gas; and Horizon Power, Inc., a corporation that develops and owns independent electric generation facilities which are fueled with natural gas or landfill gas.
     Earnings in the Corporate and All Other category for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, were $2.2 million, an increase of $2.2 million when compared to the prior year’s fourth quarter loss. The increase is the result of higher intercompany interest income, lower interest expense and a lower effective tax rate.
     Earnings in the Corporate and All Other category for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, were $8.1 million, an increase of $8.0 million when compared to the prior year’s earnings. The increase is mainly due to higher margins in Horizon LFG, Inc., higher income from unconsolidated subsidiaries in Horizon Power, Inc., higher intercompany interest income, lower interest expense and a lower effective tax rate.
Discontinued Operations
     Earnings from discontinued operations for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, of $123.4 million is an increase of $150.0 million from a loss of $26.6 million for the quarter ended
- more -

 


 

Page 10.
September 30, 2006. The increase is primarily the result of Seneca’s sale of its Canadian subsidiary and the recording of a gain of approximately $120.3 million. In addition Seneca recorded an impairment of its Canadian oil and gas producing properties in the quarter ended September 30, 2006, that did not recur in the quarter ended September 30, 2007.
     Earnings from discontinued operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, of $135.8 million was an increase of $182.3 million from a loss of $46.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006. The increase is primarily the result of Seneca’s sale of its Canadian subsidiary and the recording of a gain of approximately $120.3 million. In addition Seneca recorded an impairment of its Canadian oil and gas producing properties in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006, that did not recur in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007.
EARNINGS GUIDANCE
     The Company is increasing its GAAP earnings guidance for fiscal 2008 to a range of $2.50 to $2.70 per diluted share. Previous guidance had been in a range of $2.45 to $2.65 per diluted share. The increase is driven by the layering in of additional hedges in the Exploration and Production segment at prices higher than those assumed in the Company’s base forecast.
EARNINGS TELECONFERENCE
     The Company will host a conference call on Friday, November 9, 2007 at 11 a.m. (Eastern Time) to discuss this announcement. There are two ways to access this call. For those with Internet access, visit National Fuel’s Web site at nationalfuelgas.com and click on the “For Investors” link at the top of the homepage. For those without Internet access, access is also provided by dialing (toll-free) 1-800-599-9829, and using the passcode “56831965.” For those unable to listen to the live conference call, a replay will be available approximately one hour after the conclusion of the call at the same Web site link and by phone at (toll free) 888-286-8010 using passcode “19287282.” Both the webcast and telephonic replay will be available until the close of business on Friday, November 16, 2007.
     National Fuel is an integrated energy company with $3.9 billion in assets comprised of the following five operating segments: Utility, Pipeline and Storage, Exploration and Production, Energy Marketing, and Timber. Additional information about National Fuel is available on its Internet Web site: http://www.nationalfuelgas.com or through its investor information service at 1-800-334-2188.
         
Analyst Contact:
  James C. Welch   (716) 857-6987
Media Contact:
  Julie Coppola Cox   (716) 857-7079
National Fuel Gas Company (the “Company”) and its directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from stockholders in connection with the Company’s 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”). The Company plans to file a proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in connection with this solicitation of proxies for the Annual Meeting (the “2008 Proxy Statement”). Information regarding the names of the Company’s directors and executive officers and their respective interests in the Company by security holdings or
- more -

 


 

Page 11.
otherwise is set forth in the Company’s proxy statement relating to the 2007 annual meeting of stockholders, which may be obtained free of charge at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and the Company’s website at http://www.nationalfuelgas.com. Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants will be included in the 2008 Proxy Statement and other relevant documents to be filed with the SEC in connection with the Annual Meeting.
Promptly after filing its definitive 2008 Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting with the SEC, the Company will mail the definitive 2008 Proxy Statement and a proxy card to each stockholder entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. WE URGE INVESTORS TO READ THE 2008 PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO) AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT THE COMPANY WILL FILE WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Stockholders will be able to obtain, free of charge, copies of the 2008 Proxy Statement and any other documents filed by the Company with the SEC in connection with the Annual Meeting at the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov), at the Company’s website (http://www.nationalfuelgas.com) or by contacting Secretary, National Fuel Gas Company, 6363 Main Street, Williamsville, New York 14221, (716) 857-7000.
 
Certain statements contained herein, including those regarding future earnings, developments and operational results, and those which use words such as “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” and similar expressions, are “forward-looking statements” as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. The Company’s expectations, beliefs and projections contained herein are expressed in good faith and are believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that such expectations, beliefs or projections will result or be achieved or accomplished. In addition to other factors, the following are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements: changes in laws and regulations to which the Company is subject, including changes in tax, environmental, safety and employment laws and regulations; changes in economic conditions, including economic disruptions caused by terrorist activities, acts of war or major accidents; changes in demographic patterns and weather conditions, including the occurrence of severe weather, such as hurricanes; changes in the availability and/or price of natural gas or oil and the effect of such changes on the accounting treatment of derivative financial instruments or the valuation of the Company’s natural gas and oil reserves; impairments under the Securities and Exchange Commission’s full cost ceiling test for natural gas and oil reserves; changes in the availability and/or price of derivative financial instruments; changes in the price differentials between various types of oil; inability to obtain new customers or retain existing ones; significant changes in competitive factors affecting the Company; governmental/regulatory actions, initiatives and proceedings, including those involving acquisitions, financings, rate cases (which address, among other things, allowed rates of return, rate design and retained gas), affiliate relationships, industry structure, franchise renewal, and environmental/safety requirements; unanticipated impacts of restructuring initiatives in the natural gas and electric industries; significant changes from expectations in actual capital expenditures and operating expenses and unanticipated project delays or changes in project costs or plans, including changes in the plans of the sponsors of the proposed Millennium Pipeline with respect to that project; the nature and projected profitability of pending and potential projects and other investments, and the ability to obtain necessary governmental approvals and permits; occurrences affecting the Company’s ability to obtain funds from operations or from issuances of short-term notes or debt or equity securities to finance needed capital expenditures and other investments, including any downgrades in the Company’s credit ratings; uncertainty of oil and gas reserve estimates; ability to successfully identify and finance acquisitions or other investments and ability to operate and integrate existing and any subsequently acquired business or properties; ability to successfully identify, drill for and produce economically viable natural gas and oil reserves; significant changes from expectations in the Company’s actual production levels for natural gas or oil; regarding foreign operations, changes in trade and monetary policies, inflation and exchange rates, taxes, operating conditions, laws and regulations related to foreign operations, and political and governmental changes; significant changes in tax rates or policies or in rates of inflation or interest; significant changes in the Company’s relationship
- more -

 


 

Page 12.
with its employees or contractors and the potential adverse effects if labor disputes, grievances or shortages were to occur; changes in accounting principles or the application of such principles to the Company; the cost and effects of legal and administrative claims against the Company; changes in actuarial assumptions and the return on assets with respect to the Company’s retirement plan and post-retirement benefit plans; increasing health care costs and the resulting effect on health insurance premiums and on the obligation to provide post-retirement benefits; or increasing costs of insurance, changes in coverage and the ability to obtain insurance. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
- more -

 


 

Page 13
NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY
RECONCILIATION OF CURRENT AND PRIOR YEAR GAAP EARNINGS
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2007
                                                         
            Pipeline &   Exploration &   Energy           Corporate /    
(Thousands of Dollars)   Utility   Storage   Production *   Marketing   Timber   All Other   Consolidated
     
Fourth quarter 2006 GAAP earnings
  $ (1,419 )   $ 10,248     $ (7,181 )   $ (110 )   $ 469     $ (39 )   $ 1,968  
Items impacting comparability:
                                                       
Loss from discontinued operations
                    26,617                               26,617  
     
Fourth quarter 2006 operating results
    (1,419 )     10,248       19,436       (110 )     469       (39 )     28,585  
 
                                                       
Drivers of operating results
                                                       
Base rate increase in Pennsylvania
    648                                               648  
Usage
    (1,592 )                                             (1,592 )
Routine regulatory adjustments
    (627 )                                             (627 )
 
                                                       
Higher transportation and storage revenues
            510                                       510  
Higher efficiency gas revenues
            4,259                                       4,259  
Lower (higher) operating expenses
    2,309       (423 )                                     1,886  
Lower (higher) depreciation / depletion
            710       (2,278 )                             (1,568 )
 
                                                       
Higher crude oil prices
                    8,843                               8,843  
Higher natural gas prices
                    1,840                               1,840  
Higher natural gas production
                    660                               660  
Lower crude oil production
                    (853 )                             (853 )
Higher lease operating expenses
                    (1,762 )                             (1,762 )
Higher general & administrative expenses
                    (1,182 )             (245 )             (1,427 )
 
                                                       
Higher (lower) margins
                            (328 )     582               254  
 
                                                       
Higher (lower) interest income **
    (4,785 )                                     392       (4,393 )
(Higher) lower interest expense **
            (803 )                             958       155  
 
                                                       
Effective tax rate impact — positive (negative)
    1,671       (1,064 )     (2,876 )     (353 )             680       (1,942 )
 
                                                       
All other / rounding
    359       (126 )     488       23       (131 )     206       819  
     
 
                                                       
Fourth quarter 2007 operating results
    (3,436 )     13,311       22,316       (768 )     675       2,197       34,295  
Items impacting comparability:
                                                       
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations ***
              120,301                               120,301  
Earnings from discontinued operations
                    3,094                               3,094  
     
Fourth quarter 2007 GAAP earnings
  $ (3,436 )   $ 13,311     $ 145,711     $ (768 )   $ 675     $ 2,197     $ 157,690  
     
 
*   Includes discontinued operations
 
**   Includes intercompany income and expenses
 
***   Includes positive effective tax rate impact of $16,384.

 


 

Page 14
NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY
RECONCILIATION OF CURRENT AND PRIOR YEAR GAAP EARNINGS PER SHARE
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2007
                                                         
            Pipeline &   Exploration &   Energy           Corporate /    
    Utility   Storage   Production *   Marketing   Timber   All Other   Consolidated
     
Fourth quarter 2006 GAAP earnings
  $ (0.02 )   $ 0.12     $ (0.08 )   $     $ 0.01     $ (0.01 )   $ 0.02  
Items impacting comparability:
                                                       
Loss from discontinued operations
                    0.31                               0.31  
     
Fourth quarter 2006 operating results
    (0.02 )     0.12       0.23             0.01       (0.01 )     0.33  
 
                                                       
Drivers of operating results
                                                       
Base rate increase in Pennsylvania
    0.01                                               0.01  
Usage
    (0.02 )                                             (0.02 )
Routine regulatory adjustments
    (0.01 )                                             (0.01 )
 
                                                       
Higher transportation and storage revenues
            0.01                                       0.01  
Higher efficiency gas revenues
            0.05                                       0.05  
Lower (higher) operating expenses
    0.03       (0.01 )                                     0.02  
Lower (higher) depreciation / depletion
            0.01       (0.03 )                             (0.02 )
 
                                                       
Higher crude oil prices
                    0.10                               0.10  
Higher natural gas prices
                    0.02                               0.02  
Higher natural gas production
                    0.01                               0.01  
Lower crude oil production
                    (0.01 )                             (0.01 )
Higher lease operating expenses
                    (0.02 )                             (0.02 )
Higher general & administrative expenses
                    (0.01 )                           (0.01 )
 
                                                       
Higher (lower) margins
                                  0.01               0.01  
 
                                                       
Higher (lower) interest income **
    (0.06 )                                           (0.06 )
(Higher) lower interest expense **
            (0.01 )                             0.01        
 
                                                       
Effective tax rate impact — positive (negative)
    0.02       (0.01 )     (0.03 )                   0.01       (0.01 )
 
                                                       
All other / rounding
    0.01                   (0.01 )     (0.01 )     0.01        
     
 
                                                       
Fourth quarter 2007 operating results
    (0.04 )     0.16       0.26       (0.01 )     0.01       0.02       0.40  
Items impacting comparability:
                                                       
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations
                    1.41                               1.41  
Earnings from discontinued operations
                    0.03                               0.03  
     
Fourth quarter 2007 GAAP earnings
  $ (0.04 )   $ 0.16     $ 1.70     $ (0.01 )   $ 0.01     $ 0.02     $ 1.84  
     
 
*   Includes discontinued operations
 
**   Includes intercompany income and expenses

 


 

Page 15
NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY
RECONCILIATION OF CURRENT AND PRIOR YEAR GAAP EARNINGS
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2007
                                                         
            Pipeline &   Exploration &   Energy           Corporate /    
(Thousands of Dollars)   Utility   Storage   Production *   Marketing   Timber   All Other   Consolidated
     
Fiscal 2006 GAAP earnings
  $ 49,815     $ 55,633     $ 20,971     $ 5,798     $ 5,704     $ 170     $ 138,091  
Items impacting comparability:
                                                       
Loss from discontinued operations
                    46,523                               46,523  
Out-of-period adjustment to symmetrical sharing
    (2,551 )                                             (2,551 )
Income tax adjustments
                    (6,122 )                             (6,122 )
     
Fiscal 2006 operating results
    47,264       55,633       61,372       5,798       5,704       170       175,941  
 
                                                       
Drivers of operating results
                                                       
Base rate increase in Pennsylvania
    5,507                                               5,507  
Usage
    1,576                                               1,576  
Colder weather
    2,536                                               2,536  
Routine regulatory adjustments
    (1,484 )                                             (1,484 )
 
                                                       
Lower efficiency gas revenues
            (2,739 )                                     (2,739 )
Higher operating expenses
    (765 )     (1,466 )                                     (2,231 )
Higher property taxes
    (767 )                                             (767 )
Lower (higher) depreciation / depletion
            2,529       (7,184 )             1,160               (3,495 )
 
                                                       
Higher crude oil prices
                    24,065                               24,065  
Higher natural gas prices
                    2,984                               2,984  
Higher natural gas production
                    7,946                               7,946  
Lower crude oil production
                    (2,406 )                             (2,406 )
Higher lease operating expenses
                    (4,586 )                             (4,586 )
Higher general & administrative expenses
                    (575 )             (334 )             (909 )
 
                                                       
Higher (lower) margins
                            (64 )     (2,499 )     1,028       (1,535 )
Income from unconsolidated subsidiaries
                                            907       907  
 
                                                       
Higher (lower) interest income **
    (4,692 )                                     4,060       (632 )
(Higher) lower interest expense **
    (1,310 )     (3,179 )                             660       (3,829 )
 
                                                       
Effective tax rate impact — positive (negative)
    3,010       (930 )     (6,285 )     (498 )             1,962       (2,741 )
 
                                                       
All other / rounding
    11       (137 )     (442 )     83       (303 )     (664 )     (1,452 )
     
 
                                                       
Fiscal 2007 operating results
    50,886       49,711       74,889       5,319       3,728       8,123       192,656  
Items impacting comparability:
                                                       
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations ***
              120,301                               120,301  
Earnings from discontinued operations
                    15,479                               15,479  
Reversal of reserve for preliminary project costs
            4,787                                       4,787  
Resolution of a purchased gas contingency
                            2,344                       2,344  
Discontinuance of hedge accounting
            1,888                                       1,888  
     
Fiscal 2007 GAAP earnings
  $ 50,886     $ 56,386     $ 210,669     $ 7,663     $ 3,728     $ 8,123     $ 337,455  
     
 
*   Includes discontinued operations
 
**   Includes intercompany income and expenses
 
***   Includes positive effective tax rate impact of $16,384.

 


 

Page 16
NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY
RECONCILIATION OF CURRENT AND PRIOR YEAR GAAP EARNINGS PER SHARE
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2007
                                                         
            Pipeline &   Exploration &   Energy           Corporate /    
    Utility   Storage   Production *   Marketing   Timber   All Other   Consolidated
     
Fiscal 2006 GAAP earnings
  $ 0.58     $ 0.65     $ 0.24     $ 0.07     $ 0.07     $ 0.00     $ 1.61  
Items impacting comparability:
                                                       
Loss from discontinued operations
                    0.54                               0.54  
Out-of-period adjustment to symmetrical sharing
    (0.03 )                                             (0.03 )
Income tax adjustments
                    (0.07 )                             (0.07 )
     
Fiscal 2006 operating results
    0.55       0.65       0.71       0.07       0.07       0.00       2.05  
 
                                                       
Drivers of operating results
                                                       
Base rate increase in Pennsylvania
    0.06                                               0.06  
Usage
    0.02                                               0.02  
Colder weather
    0.03                                               0.03  
Routine regulatory adjustments
    (0.02 )                                             (0.02 )
 
                                                       
Lower efficiency gas revenues
            (0.03 )                                     (0.03 )
Higher operating expenses
    (0.01 )     (0.02 )                                     (0.03 )
Higher property taxes
    (0.01 )                                             (0.01 )
Lower (higher) depreciation / depletion
            0.03       (0.08 )             0.01               (0.04 )
 
                                                       
Higher crude oil prices
                    0.28                               0.28  
Higher natural gas prices
                    0.03                               0.03  
Higher natural gas production
                    0.09                               0.09  
Lower crude oil production
                    (0.03 )                             (0.03 )
Higher lease operating expenses
                    (0.05 )                             (0.05 )
Higher general & administrative expenses
                                                   
 
                                                       
Higher (lower) margins
                                  (0.03 )     0.01       (0.02 )
Income from unconsolidated subsidiaries
                                            0.01       0.01  
 
                                                       
Higher (lower) interest income **
    (0.06 )                                     0.05       (0.01 )
(Higher) lower interest expense **
    (0.02 )     (0.04 )                             0.01       (0.05 )
 
                                                       
Effective tax rate impact — positive (negative)
    0.04       (0.01 )     (0.07 )     (0.01 )             0.02       (0.03 )
 
                                                       
All other / rounding
    0.02                         (0.01 )           0.01  
     
 
                                                       
Fiscal 2007 operating results
    0.60       0.58       0.88       0.06       0.04       0.10       2.26  
Items impacting comparability:
                                                       
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations
                    1.41                               1.41  
Earnings from discontinued operations
                    0.18                               0.18  
Reversal of reserve for preliminary project costs
            0.06                                       0.06  
Resolution of a purchased gas contingency
                            0.03                       0.03  
Discontinuance of hedge accounting
            0.02                                       0.02  
     
Fiscal 2007 GAAP earnings
  $ 0.60     $ 0.66     $ 2.47     $ 0.09     $ 0.04     $ 0.10     $ 3.96  
     
 
*   Includes discontinued operations
 
**   Includes intercompany income and expenses

 


 

Page 17
NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Twelve Months Ended  
(Thousands of Dollars, except per share amounts)   September 30,     September 30,  
    (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS   2007     2006     2007     2006  
Operating Revenues
  $ 302,030     $ 280,506     $ 2,039,566     $ 2,239,675  
 
                       
 
                               
Operating Expenses:
                               
Purchased Gas
    79,164       79,609       1,018,081       1,267,562  
Operation and Maintenance
    90,905       88,803       396,408       395,289  
Property, Franchise and Other Taxes
    16,098       15,625       70,660       69,202  
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
    42,359       39,604       157,919       151,999  
 
                       
 
    228,526       223,641       1,643,068       1,884,052  
 
                               
Operating Income
    73,504       56,865       396,498       355,623  
 
                               
Other Income (Expense):
                               
Income from Unconsolidated Subsidiaries
    1,880       1,384       4,979       3,583  
Other Income
    908       1,291       4,936       2,825  
Interest Income
    (1,548 )     5,695       1,550       9,409  
Interest Expense on Long-Term Debt
    (16,289 )     (18,127 )     (68,446 )     (72,629 )
Other Interest Expense
    (1,151 )     (1,686 )     (6,029 )     (5,952 )
 
                       
 
                               
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes
    57,304       45,422       333,488       292,859  
 
                               
Income Tax Expense
    23,009       16,837       131,813       108,245  
 
                       
 
                               
Income from Continuing Operations
    34,295       28,585       201,675       184,614  
 
                               
Discontinued Operations:
                               
Income (Loss) from Operations, Net of Tax
    3,094       (26,617 )     15,479       (46,523 )
Gain on Disposal, Net of Tax
    120,301             120,301        
 
                       
 
                               
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
    123,395       (26,617 )     135,780       (46,523 )
 
                       
 
                               
Net Income Available for Common Stock
  $ 157,690     $ 1,968     $ 337,455     $ 138,091  
 
                       
 
                               
Earnings Per Common Share:
                               
Basic:
                               
Income from Continuing Operations
  $ 0.41     $ 0.34     $ 2.43     $ 2.20  
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations
    1.48       (0.32 )     1.63       (0.56 )
 
                       
Net Income Available for Common Stock
  $ 1.89     $ 0.02     $ 4.06     $ 1.64  
 
                       
 
                               
Diluted:
                               
Income from Continuing Operations
  $ 0.40     $ 0.33     $ 2.37     $ 2.15  
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations
    1.44       (0.31 )     1.59       (0.54 )
 
                       
Net Income Available for Common Stock
  $ 1.84     $ 0.02     $ 3.96     $ 1.61  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted Average Common Shares:
                               
Used in Basic Calculation
    83,506,748       83,432,553       83,141,640       84,030,118  
 
                       
Used in Diluted Calculation
    85,577,898       85,523,042       85,301,361       86,028,466  
 
                       

 


 

Page 18
NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
                 
    September 30,   September 30,
(Thousands of Dollars)   2007   2006
 
ASSETS
               
Property, Plant and Equipment
  $ 4,461,586     $ 4,703,040  
Less — Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
    1,583,181       1,825,314  
     
Net Property, Plant and Equipment
    2,878,405       2,877,726  
     
 
               
Current Assets:
               
Cash and Temporary Cash Investments
    124,806       69,611  
Cash Held in Escrow
    61,964        
Hedging Collateral Deposits
    4,066       19,676  
Receivables — Net
    172,380       173,671  
Unbilled Utility Revenue
    20,682       25,538  
Gas Stored Underground
    66,195       59,461  
Materials and Supplies — at average cost
    35,669       36,693  
Unrecovered Purchased Gas Costs
    14,769       12,970  
Other Current Assets
    45,057       63,723  
Deferred Income Taxes
    13,093       23,402  
     
Total Current Assets
    558,681       484,745  
     
 
               
Other Assets:
               
Recoverable Future Taxes
    83,954       79,511  
Unamortized Debt Expense
    12,070       15,492  
Other Regulatory Assets
    137,577       76,917  
Deferred Charges
    5,545       3,558  
Other Investments
    85,902       88,414  
Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries
    18,256       11,590  
Goodwill
    5,476       5,476  
Intangible Assets
    28,836       31,498  
Prepaid Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Costs
    61,006       64,125  
Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments
    9,188       11,305  
Deferred Income Taxes
          9,003  
Other
    8,059       4,388  
     
Total Other Assets
    455,869       401,277  
     
Total Assets
  $ 3,892,955     $ 3,763,748  
     
 
               
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
               
Capitalization:
               
Comprehensive Shareholders’ Equity
               
Common Stock, $1 Par Value Authorized - 200,000,000 Shares; Issued and Outstanding - 83,461,308 Shares and 83,402,670 Shares, Respectively
  $ 83,461     $ 83,403  
Paid in Capital
    569,085       543,730  
Earnings Reinvested in the Business
    983,776       786,013  
     
Total Common Shareholders’ Equity Before Items of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
    1,636,322       1,413,146  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
    (6,203 )     30,416  
     
Total Comprehensive Shareholders’ Equity
    1,630,119       1,443,562  
Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Portion
    799,000       1,095,675  
     
Total Capitalization
    2,429,119       2,539,237  
     
 
               
Current and Accrued Liabilities:
               
Notes Payable to Banks and Commercial Paper
           
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt
    200,024       22,925  
Accounts Payable
    109,757       133,034  
Amounts Payable to Customers
    10,409       23,935  
Dividends Payable
    25,873       25,008  
Interest Payable on Long-Term Debt
    18,158       18,420  
Customer Advances
    22,863       29,417  
Other Accruals and Current Liabilities
    36,062       27,040  
Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments
    16,200       39,983  
     
Total Current and Accrued Liabilities
    439,346       319,762  
     
 
               
Deferred Credits:
               
Deferred Income Taxes
    579,899       544,502  
Taxes Refundable to Customers
    14,026       10,426  
Unamortized Investment Tax Credit
    5,392       6,094  
Cost of Removal Regulatory Liability
    91,226       85,076  
Other Regulatory Liabilities
    76,659       75,456  
Post-Retirement Liabilities
    70,555       32,918  
Asset Retirement Obligations
    75,939       77,392  
Other Deferred Credits
    110,794       72,885  
     
Total Deferred Credits
    1,024,490       904,749  
     
Commitments and Contingencies
           
     
Total Capitalization and Liabilities
  $ 3,892,955     $ 3,763,748  
     

 


 

Page 19
NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
                 
    Twelve Months Ended
    September 30,
(Thousands of Dollars)   2007   2006
 
Operating Activities:
               
Net Income Available for Common Stock
  $ 337,455     $ 138,091  
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
               
Gain on Sale of Discontinued Operations
    (159,873 )      
Impairment of Oil and Gas Producing Properties
          104,739  
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
    170,803       179,615  
Deferred Income Taxes
    52,847       (5,230 )
Income from Unconsolidated Subsidiaries, Net of Cash Distributions
    (3,366 )     1,067  
Excess Tax Benefits Associated with Stock-Based Compensation Awards
    (13,689 )     (6,515 )
Other
    16,399       4,829  
Change in:
               
Hedging Collateral Deposits
    15,610       58,108  
Receivables and Unbilled Utility Revenue
    5,669       (12,343 )
Gas Stored Underground and Materials and Supplies
    (5,714 )     1,679  
Unrecovered Purchased Gas Costs
    (1,799 )     1,847  
Prepayments and Other Current Assets
    18,800       (39,572 )
Accounts Payable
    (26,002 )     (23,144 )
Amounts Payable to Customers
    (13,526 )     22,777  
Customer Advances
    (6,554 )     4,946  
Other Accruals and Current Liabilities
    8,950       (17,754 )
Other Assets
    4,109       (22,700 )
Other Liabilities
    (5,922 )     80,960  
 
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
  $ 394,197     $ 471,400  
 
 
               
Investing Activities:
               
Capital Expenditures
  ($ 276,728 )   ($ 294,159 )
Investment in Partnership
    (3,300 )      
Net Proceeds from Sale of Foreign Subsidiary
    232,092        
Cash Held in Escrow
    (58,248 )      
Net Proceeds from Sale of Oil and Gas Producing Properties
    5,137       13  
Other
    (725 )     (3,230 )
 
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
  ($ 101,772 )   ($ 297,376 )
 
 
               
Financing Activities:
               
Excess Tax Benefits Associated with Stock-Based Compensation Awards
  $ 13,689     $ 6,515  
Shares Repurchased under Repurchase Plan
    (48,070 )     (85,168 )
Reduction of Long-Term Debt
    (119,576 )     (9,805 )
Dividends Paid on Common Stock
    (100,632 )     (98,266 )
Proceeds From Issuance of Common Stock
    17,498       23,339  
 
Net Cash Used In Financing Activities
  ($ 237,091 )   ($ 163,385 )
 
Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash
    (139 )     1,365  
 
Net Increase in Cash and Temporary Cash Investments
    55,195       12,004  
Cash and Temporary Cash Investments at Beginning of Period
    69,611       57,607  
 
Cash and Temporary Cash Investments at September 30
  $ 124,806     $ 69,611  
 

 


 

Page 20
NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS AND STATISTICS
(UNAUDITED)
                                                 
    Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
(Thousands of Dollars, except per share amounts)   September 30,   September 30,
UTILITY SEGMENT   2007   2006   Variance   2007   2006   Variance
         
Revenues from External Customers
  $ 105,594     $ 111,320     $ (5,726 )   $ 1,106,453     $ 1,265,695     $ (159,242 )
Intersegment Revenues
    1,715       2,751       (1,036 )     14,271       15,068       (797 )
         
Total Operating Revenues
    107,309       114,071       (6,762 )     1,120,724       1,280,763       (160,039 )
         
 
                                               
Operating Expenses:
                                               
Purchased Gas
    47,682       52,440       (4,758 )     718,376       883,263       (164,887 )
Operation and Maintenance
    37,519       41,233       (3,714 )     202,965       204,330       (1,365 )
Property, Franchise and Other Taxes
    10,037       10,151       (114 )     47,023       47,029       (6 )
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
    10,389       10,113       276       40,541       40,172       369  
         
 
    105,627       113,937       (8,310 )     1,008,905       1,174,794       (165,889 )
         
 
                                               
Operating Income
    1,682       134       1,548       111,819       105,969       5,850  
 
                                               
Other Income (Expense):
                                               
Interest Income
    (2,907 )     4,347       (7,254 )     (2,345 )     4,889       (7,234 )
Other Income
    318       221       97       1,244       830       414  
Other Interest Expense
    (6,847 )     (6,782 )     (65 )     (28,190 )     (26,174 )     (2,016 )
         
 
                                               
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
    (7,754 )     (2,080 )     (5,674 )     82,528       85,514       (2,986 )
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
    (4,318 )     (661 )     (3,657 )     31,642       35,699       (4,057 )
         
Net Income (Loss)
  $ (3,436 )   $ (1,419 )   $ (2,017 )   $ 50,886     $ 49,815     $ 1,071  
         
 
                                               
Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Diluted)
  $ (0.04 )   $ (0.02 )   $ (0.02 )   $ 0.60     $ 0.58     $ 0.02  
         
                                                 
    Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
    September 30,   September 30,
PIPELINE AND STORAGE SEGMENT   2007   2006   Variance   2007   2006   Variance
         
Revenues from External Customers
  $ 35,521     $ 28,086     $ 7,435     $ 130,410     $ 132,921     $ (2,511 )
Intersegment Revenues
    19,972       20,126       (154 )     81,556       81,431       125  
         
Total Operating Revenues
    55,493       48,212       7,281       211,966       214,352       (2,386 )
         
 
                                               
Operating Expenses:
                                               
Purchased Gas
    7       (48 )     55       (5 )     (65 )     60  
Operation and Maintenance
    19,111       18,462       649       61,230       66,340       (5,110 )
Property, Franchise and Other Taxes
    4,317       4,109       208       17,112       16,088       1,024  
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
    8,135       9,227       (1,092 )     32,985       36,876       (3,891 )
         
 
    31,570       31,750       (180 )     111,322       119,239       (7,917 )
         
 
                                               
Operating Income
    23,923       16,462       7,461       100,644       95,113       5,531  
 
                                               
Other Income (Expense):
                                               
Interest Income
    134       137       (3 )     357       454       (97 )
Other Income
    330       197       133       748       582       166  
Interest Expense on Long-Term Debt
    (16 )     (241 )     225       1,792       (1,078 )     2,870  
Other Interest Expense
    (3,274 )     (1,813 )     (1,461 )     (11,415 )     (5,542 )     (5,873 )
         
 
                                               
Income Before Income Taxes
    21,097       14,742       6,355       92,126       89,529       2,597  
Income Tax Expense
    7,786       4,494       3,292       35,740       33,896       1,844  
         
Net Income
  $ 13,311     $ 10,248     $ 3,063     $ 56,386     $ 55,633     $ 753  
         
 
                                               
Net Income Per Share (Diluted)
  $ 0.16     $ 0.12     $ 0.04     $ 0.66     $ 0.65     $ 0.01  
         

 


 

Page 21
NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS AND STATISTICS
(UNAUDITED)
                                                 
    Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
(Thousands of Dollars, except per share amounts)   September 30,   September 30,
EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION SEGMENT   2007   2006   Variance   2007   2006   Variance
         
Operating Revenues
  $ 90,329     $ 75,511     $ 14,818     $ 324,037     $ 274,896     $ 49,141  
         
 
                                               
Operating Expenses:
                                               
Purchased Gas
                            98       (98 )
Operation and Maintenance:
                                               
General and Administrative Expense
    6,243       4,425       1,818       19,946       19,061       885  
Lease Operating Expense
    11,585       9,199       2,386       43,916       37,056       6,860  
All Other Operation and Maintenance Expense
    1,468       1,992       (524 )     8,378       7,775       603  
Property, Franchise and Other Taxes (Lease Operating Expense)
    1,220       895       325       4,493       4,298       195  
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
    21,844       18,339       3,505       78,174       67,122       11,052  
         
 
    42,360       34,850       7,510       154,907       135,410       19,497  
         
 
                                               
Operating Income
    47,969       40,661       7,308       169,130       139,486       29,644  
 
                                               
Other Income (Expense):
                                               
Interest Income
    3,134       2,290       844       9,905       7,816       2,089  
Other Income
    18             18       18             18  
Interest Expense on Long-Term Debt
                      (1,188 )           (1,188 )
Other Interest Expense
    (12,149 )     (12,835 )     686       (50,555 )     (50,457 )     (98 )
         
 
                                               
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes
    38,972       30,116       8,856       127,310       96,845       30,465  
Income Tax Expense
    16,656       10,680       5,976       52,421       29,351       23,070  
         
Income from Continuing Operations
    22,316       19,436       2,880       74,889       67,494       7,395  
 
                                               
Discontinued Operations:
                                               
Income (Loss) from Operations, Net of Tax
    3,094       (26,617 )     29,711       15,479       (46,523 )     62,002  
Gain on Disposal, Net of Tax
    120,301             120,301       120,301             120,301  
         
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
    123,395       (26,617 )     150,012       135,780       (46,523 )     182,303  
         
 
                                               
Net Income (Loss)
  $ 145,711     $ (7,181 )   $ 152,892     $ 210,669     $ 20,971     $ 189,698  
         
 
                                               
Income from Continuing Operations Per Share (Diluted)
  $ 0.26     $ 0.23     $ 0.03     $ 0.88     $ 0.78     $ 0.10  
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Share (Diluted)
    1.44       (0.31 )     1.75       1.59       (0.54 )     2.13  
         
Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Diluted)
  $ 1.70     $ (0.08 )   $ 1.78     $ 2.47     $ 0.24     $ 2.23  
         
                                                 
    Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
    September 30,   September 30,
ENERGY MARKETING SEGMENT   2007   2006   Variance   2007   2006   Variance
         
Operating Revenues
  $ 53,576     $ 50,702     $ 2,874     $ 413,612     $ 497,069     $ (83,457 )
         
 
                                               
Operating Expenses:
                                               
Purchased Gas
    53,275       49,939       3,336       396,322       483,250       (86,928 )
Operation and Maintenance
    1,287       1,185       102       4,998       5,079       (81 )
Property, Franchise and Other Taxes
    27       10       17       73       (222 )     295  
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
    10       7       3       33       53       (20 )
         
 
    54,599       51,141       3,458       401,426       488,160       (86,734 )
         
 
                                               
Operating Income (Loss)
    (1,023 )     (439 )     (584 )     12,186       8,909       3,277  
 
                                               
Other Income (Expense):
                                               
Interest Income
    183       144       39       682       445       237  
Other Income
    122       57       65       712       419       293  
Other Interest Expense
    (9 )     (20 )     11       (263 )     (227 )     (36 )
         
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
    (727 )     (258 )     (469 )     13,317       9,546       3,771  
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
    41       (148 )     189       5,654       3,748       1,906  
         
Net Income (Loss)
  $ (768 )   $ (110 )   $ (658 )   $ 7,663     $ 5,798     $ 1,865  
         
 
Net Income Per Share (Diluted)
  $ (0.01 )   $     $ (0.01 )   $ 0.09     $ 0.07     $ 0.02  
         

 


 

Page 22
NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS AND STATISTICS
(UNAUDITED)
                                                 
  Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
(Thousands of Dollars, except per share amounts)   September 30,   September 30,
TIMBER SEGMENT   2007   2006   Variance   2007   2006   Variance
         
Revenues from External Customers
  $ 15,819     $ 13,647     $ 2,172     $ 58,897     $ 65,024     $ (6,127 )
Intersegment Revenues
          1       (1 )           5       (5 )
         
Total Operating Revenues
    15,819       13,648       2,171       58,897       65,029       (6,132 )
         
 
                                               
Operating Expenses:
                                               
Operation and Maintenance
    12,029       10,383       1,646       44,059       45,712       (1,653 )
Property, Franchise and Other Taxes
    406       370       36       1,589       1,611       (22 )
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
    1,616       1,582       34       4,709       6,495       (1,786 )
         
 
    14,051       12,335       1,716       50,357       53,818       (3,461 )
         
 
                                               
Operating Income
    1,768       1,313       455       8,540       11,211       (2,671 )
 
                                               
Other Income (Expense):
                                               
Interest Income
    327       229       98       1,249       747       502  
Other Income
          66       (66 )     22       118       (96 )
Other Interest Expense
    (863 )     (796 )     (67 )     (3,265 )     (3,095 )     (170 )
         
 
                                               
Income Before Income Taxes
    1,232       812       420       6,546       8,981       (2,435 )
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
    557       343       214       2,818       3,277       (459 )
         
Net Income
  $ 675     $ 469     $ 206     $ 3,728     $ 5,704     $ (1,976 )
         
 
Net Income Per Share (Diluted)
  $ 0.01     $ 0.01     $     $ 0.04     $ 0.07     $ (0.03 )
         
                                                 
    Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
    September 30,   September 30,
ALL OTHER   2007   2006   Variance   2007   2006   Variance
         
Revenues from External Customers
  $ 997     $ 1,053     $ (56 )   $ 5,385     $ 3,304     $ 2,081  
Intersegment Revenues
    2,186       1,506       680       8,726       9,444       (718 )
         
Total Operating Revenues
    3,183       2,559       624       14,111       12,748       1,363  
         
 
                                               
Operating Expenses:
                                               
Purchased Gas
    1,969       1,541       428       7,529       7,908       (379 )
Operation and Maintenance
    1,091       1,132       (41 )     3,854       3,731       123  
Property, Franchise and Other Taxes
    22       21       1       92       95       (3 )
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
    196       196             785       789       (4 )
         
 
    3,278       2,890       388       12,260       12,523       (263 )
         
Operating Income (Loss)
    (95 )     (331 )     236       1,851       225       1,626  
 
                                               
Other Income (Expense):
                                               
Income from Unconsolidated Subsidiaries
    1,880       1,384       496       4,979       3,583       1,396  
Interest Income
    4       3       1       16       22       (6 )
Other Income
    15       11       4       52       53       (1 )
Other Interest Expense
    (688 )     (681 )     (7 )     (2,687 )     (2,555 )     (132 )
         
 
                                               
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
    1,116       386       730       4,211       1,328       2,883  
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
    463       430       33       1,647       969       678  
         
Net Income (Loss)
  $ 653     $ (44 )   $ 697     $ 2,564     $ 359     $ 2,205  
         
 
                                               
Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Diluted)
  $ 0.01     $ (0.01 )   $ 0.02     $ 0.03     $     $ 0.03  
         


 

Page 23
NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS AND STATISTICS
(UNAUDITED)
                                                 
       
  Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
(Thousands of Dollars, except per share amounts)   September 30,   September 30,
CORPORATE   2007   2006   Variance   2007   2006   Variance
         
Revenues from External Customers
  $ 194     $ 187     $ 7     $ 772     $ 766     $ 6  
Intersegment Revenues
    1,202       737       465       3,819       2,949       870  
         
Total Operating Revenues
    1,396       924       472       4,591       3,715       876  
         
 
                                               
Operating Expenses:
                                               
Operation and Maintenance
    1,878       1,650       228       11,293       8,210       3,083  
Property, Franchise and Other Taxes
    69       69             278       303       (25 )
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
    169       140       29       692       492       200  
         
 
    2,116       1,859       257       12,263       9,005       3,258  
         
 
                                               
Operating Loss
    (720 )     (935 )     215       (7,672 )     (5,290 )     (2,382 )
 
                                               
Other Income (Expense):
                                               
Interest Income
    21,518       20,916       602       87,296       81,044       6,252  
Other Income
    105       739       (634 )     2,140       823       1,317  
Interest Expense on Long-Term Debt
    (16,273 )     (17,886 )     1,613       (69,050 )     (71,551 )     2,501  
Other Interest Expense
    (1,262 )     (1,130 )     (132 )     (5,264 )     (3,910 )     (1,354 )
         
 
                                               
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
    3,368       1,704       1,664       7,450       1,116       6,334  
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
    1,824       1,699       125       1,891       1,305       586  
         
Net Income (Loss)
  $ 1,544     $ 5     $ 1,539     $ 5,559     $ (189 )   $ 5,748  
         
 
                                               
Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Diluted)
  $ 0.01     $     $ 0.01     $ 0.07     $     $ 0.07  
         
                                                 
    Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
    September 30,   September 30,
INTERSEGMENT ELIMINATIONS   2007   2006   Variance   2007   2006   Variance
         
Intersegment Revenues
  $ (25,075 )   $ (25,121 )   $ 46     $ (108,372 )   $ (108,897 )   $ 525  
         
 
Operating Expenses:
                                               
Purchased Gas
    (23,769 )     (24,263 )     494       (104,141 )     (106,892 )     2,751  
Operation and Maintenance
    (1,306 )     (858 )     (448 )     (4,231 )     (2,005 )     (2,226 )
         
 
    (25,075 )     (25,121 )     46       (108,372 )     (108,897 )     525  
         
 
                                               
Operating Income
                                   
 
                                               
Other Income (Expense):
                                               
Interest Income
    (23,941 )     (22,371 )     (1,570 )     (95,610 )     (86,008 )     (9,602 )
Other Interest Expense
    23,941       22,371       1,570       95,610       86,008       9,602  
         
 
                                               
Net Income
  $     $     $     $     $     $  
         
 
                                               
Net Income Per Share (Diluted)
  $     $     $     $     $     $  
         


 

Page 24
NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued)
(Thousands of Dollars)
                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Twelve Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
                    Increase                     Increase  
    2007     2006     (Decrease)     2007     2006     (Decrease)  
Capital Expenditures:
                                               
Utility
  $ 14,240     $ 15,042     $ (802 )   $ 54,185     $ 54,414     $ (229 )
Pipeline and Storage
    16,818       10,662       6,156       43,226       26,023       17,203  
Exploration and Production
    33,899       40,868       (6,969 )     146,687       166,535       (19,848 )
Energy Marketing
    18       10       8       76       16       60  
Timber
    1,394       1,193       201       3,657       2,323       1,334  
 
                                   
Total Reportable Segments
    66,369       67,775       (1,406 )     247,831       249,311       (1,480 )
All Other
          7       (7 )     87       85       2  
Corporate
    219       607       (388 )     (319 )     2,995       (3,314 )
 
                                   
Total Expenditures from Continuing Operations
    66,588       68,389       (1,801 )     247,599       252,391       (4,792 )
Discontinued Operations
    3,631       7,112       (3,481 )     29,129       41,768       (12,639 )
 
                                   
Total Capital Expenditures
  $ 70,219     $ 75,501     $ (5,282 )   $ 276,728     $ 294,159     $ (17,431 )
 
                                   
DEGREE DAYS
                                         
                            Percent Colder
                            (Warmer) Than:
    Normal   2007   2006   Normal   Last Year
Three Months Ended September 30
                                       
 
                                       
Buffalo, NY
    178       76       152       (57.3 )     (50.0 )
Erie, PA
    135       77       123       (43.0 )     (37.4 )
 
                                       
Twelve Months Ended September 30
                                       
 
                                       
Buffalo, NY
    6,692       6,271       5,968       (6.3 )     5.1  
Erie, PA
    6,243       6,007       5,688       (3.8 )     5.6  


 

Page 25
NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION INFORMATION
                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Twelve Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
                    Increase                     Increase  
    2007     2006     (Decrease)     2007     2006     (Decrease)  
Gas Production/Prices:
                                               
Production (MMcf)
                                               
Gulf Coast
    2,422       2,582       (160 )     10,356       9,110       1,246  
West Coast
    1,046       947       99       3,929       3,880       49  
Appalachia
    1,557       1,342       215       5,555       5,108       447  
 
                                   
Total Production from Continuing Operations
    5,025       4,871       154       19,840       18,098       1,742  
Canada - Discontinued Operations
    1,210       1,842       (632 )     6,426       7,673       (1,247 )
 
                                   
Total Production
    6,235       6,713       (478 )     26,266       25,771       495  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Average Prices (Per Mcf)
                                               
Gulf Coast
  $ 6.05     $ 6.62     $ (0.57 )   $ 6.58     $ 8.01     $ (1.43 )
West Coast
    5.93       6.40       (0.47 )     6.54       7.93       (1.39 )
Appalachia
    6.89       7.38       (0.49 )     7.48       9.53       (2.05 )
Weighted Average for Continuing Operations
    6.28       6.79       (0.51 )     6.82       8.42       (1.60 )
Weighted Average after Hedging for Continuing Operations
    7.13       6.56       0.57       7.25       7.02       0.23  
Canada - Discontinued Operations
    4.98       5.22       (0.24 )     6.09       7.14       (1.05 )
 
                                               
Oil Production/Prices:
                                               
Production (Thousands of Barrels)
                                               
Gulf Coast
    177       206       (29 )     717       685       32  
West Coast
    614       620       (6 )     2,403       2,582       (179 )
Appalachia
    33       27       6       124       69       55  
 
                                   
Total Production from Continuing Operations
    824       853       (29 )     3,244       3,336       (92 )
Canada - Discontinued Operations
    31       51       (20 )     206       272       (66 )
 
                                   
Total Production
    855       904       (49 )     3,450       3,608       (158 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Average Prices (Per Barrel)
                                               
Gulf Coast
  $ 74.26     $ 68.92     $ 5.34     $ 63.04     $ 64.10     $ (1.06 )
West Coast
    68.22       61.23       6.99       56.86       56.80       0.06  
Appalachia
    70.18       70.37       (0.19 )     62.26       65.28       (3.02 )
Weighted Average for Continuing Operations
    69.59       63.38       6.21       58.43       58.47       (0.04 )
Weighted Average after Hedging for Continuing Operations
    61.35       44.84       16.51       51.68       40.26       11.42  
Canada - Discontinued Operations
    60.72       60.69       0.03       50.06       51.40       (1.34 )
 
                                               
Total Production (Mmcfe)
    11,365       12,137       (772 )     46,966       47,419       (453 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Selected Operating Performance Statistics:
                                               
General & Administrative Expense per Mcfe (1)
  $ 0.63     $ 0.44     $ 0.19     $ 0.51     $ 0.50     $ 0.01  
Lease Operating Expense per Mcfe (1)
  $ 1.28     $ 1.01     $ 0.27     $ 1.23     $ 1.09     $ 0.14  
Depreciation, Depletion & Amortization per Mcfe (1)
  $ 2.19     $ 1.84     $ 0.35     $ 1.99     $ 1.76     $ 0.23  
 
(1)   Refer to page 21 for the General and Administrative Expense, Lease Operating Expense and Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization Expense for the Exploration and Production segment. Amounts exclude discontinued operations of Canada.


 

Page 26
NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION INFORMATION
Hedging Summary for Fiscal 2008
         
SWAPS   Volume   Average Hedge Price
Oil
  1.4 MMBBL   $58.78 / BBL
Gas
  10.8 BCF   $8.47 / MCF
             
        Average   Average
No-cost Collars   Volume   Floor Price   Ceiling Price
Gas
  1.4 BCF   $8.83 / MCF   $16.45 / MCF
Hedging Summary for Fiscal 2009
         
SWAPS   Volume   Average Hedge Price
Oil
  0.4 MMBBL   $62.00 / BBL
Gas
  4.0 BCF   $8.83 / MCF
Gross Wells in Process of Drilling
Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2007
                                 
                            Total
    Gulf   West   East   Company
Wells in Process — Beginning of Period
                               
Exploratory
    4.00       1.00       10.00       15.00  
Developmental
    1.00       2.00       44.00       47.00  
Wells Commenced
                               
Exploratory
    5.00       0.00       20.00       25.00  
Developmental
    2.00       63.00       213.00       278.00  
Wells Completed
                               
Exploratory
    4.00       1.00       9.00       14.00  
Developmental
    2.00       59.00       186.00       247.00  
Wells Plugged & Abandoned
                               
Exploratory
    3.00       0.00       0.00       3.00  
Developmental
    1.00       2.00       2.00       5.00  
Wells in Process — End of Period
                               
Exploratory
    2.00       0.00       21.00       23.00  
Developmental
    0.00       4.00       69.00       73.00  
Net Wells in Process of Drilling
Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2007
                                 
                            Total
    Gulf   West   East   Company
Wells in Process — Beginning of Period
                               
Exploratory
    2.02       0.50       10.00       12.52  
Developmental
    0.67       2.00       44.00       46.67  
Wells Commenced
                               
Exploratory
    2.01       0.00       18.10       20.11  
Developmental
    1.00       62.99       210.00       273.99  
Wells Completed
                               
Exploratory
    1.31       0.50       8.10       9.91  
Developmental
    1.00       58.99       184.00       243.99  
Wells Plugged & Abandoned
                               
Exploratory
    1.42       0.00       0.00       1.42  
Developmental
    0.67       2.00       2.00       4.67  
Wells in Process — End of Period
                               
Exploratory
    1.30       0.00       20.00       21.30  
Developmental
    0.00       4.00       68.00       72.00  


 

Page 27
NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION INFORMATION
Reserve Quantity Information
                                                 
    Gas MMcf
    U.S.            
    Gulf Coast   West Coast   Appalachian   Total           Total
    Region   Region   Region   U.S.   Canada   Company
     
Proved Developed and Undeveloped Reserves:
                                               
September 30, 2006
    41,802       75,866       81,373       199,041       33,534       232,575  
Extensions and Discoveries
    3,577             29,676       33,253       1,333       34,586  
Revisions of Previous Estimates
    (9,851 )     1,238       1,618       (6,995 )     11,634       4,639  
Production
    (10,356 )     (3,929 )     (5,555 )     (19,840 )     (6,426 )     (26,266 )
Sales of Minerals in Place
    (36 )           (34 )     (70 )     (40,075 )     (40,145 )
     
September 30, 2007
    25,136       73,175       107,078       205,389             205,389  
 
                                               
Proved Developed Reserves:
                                               
 
                                               
September 30, 2006
    32,345       64,196       81,373       177,914       33,534       211,448  
September 30, 2007
    25,136       66,017       96,674       187,827             187,827  
                                                 
    Oil Mbbl
    U.S.            
    Gulf Coast   West Coast   Appalachian   Total           Total
    Region   Region   Region   U.S.   Canada   Company
     
Proved Developed and Undeveloped Reserves:
                                               
September 30, 2006
    1,244       54,869       273       56,386       1,632       58,018  
Extensions and Discoveries
    63             281       344       108       452  
Revisions of Previous Estimates
    851       (6,822 )     84       (5,887 )     (76 )     (5,963 )
Production
    (717 )     (2,403 )     (124 )     (3,244 )     (206 )     (3,450 )
Sales of Minerals in Place
    (6 )           (7 )     (13 )     (1,458 )     (1,471 )
     
September 30, 2007
    1,435       45,644       507       47,586             47,586  
 
                                               
Proved Developed Reserves:
                                               
 
                                               
September 30, 2006
    1,217       42,522       273       44,012       1,632       45,644  
September 30, 2007
    1,435       36,509       483       38,427             38,427  

 


 

Page 28
NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Utility Throughput — (millions of cubic feet — MMcf)
                                                 
    Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
    September 30,   September 30,
                    Increase                   Increase
    2007   2006   (Decrease)   2007   2006   (Decrease)
Retail Sales:
                                               
Residential Sales
    3,507       4,372       (865 )     60,236       59,443       793  
Commercial Sales
    580       741       (161 )     10,713       10,681       32  
Industrial Sales
    100       85       15       727       985       (258 )
 
                                               
 
    4,187       5,198       (1,011 )     71,676       71,109       567  
Off-System Sales
    888             888       1,355             1,355  
Transportation
    8,684       9,701       (1,017 )     62,240       57,950       4,290  
 
                                               
 
    13,759       14,899       (1,140 )     135,271       129,059       6,212  
 
                                               
Pipeline & Storage Throughput — (MMcf)
                                                 
    Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
    September 30,   September 30,
                    Increase                   Increase
    2007   2006   (Decrease)   2007   2006   (Decrease)
Firm Transportation — Affiliated
    10,680       10,608       72       111,243       103,223       8,020  
Firm Transportation — Non-Affiliated
    66,920       64,501       2,419       239,870       260,156       (20,286 )
Interruptible Transportation
    1,378       3,835       (2,457 )     4,975       11,609       (6,634 )
 
                                               
 
    78,978       78,944       34       356,088       374,988       (18,900 )
 
                                               
Energy Marketing Volumes
                                                 
    Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
    September 30,   September 30,
                    Increase                   Increase
    2007   2006   (Decrease)   2007   2006   (Decrease)
Natural Gas (MMcf)
    6,712       6,774       (62 )     50,775       45,270       5,505  
 
                                               
Timber Board Feet (Thousands)
                                                 
    Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
    September 30,   September 30,
                    Increase                   Increase
    2007   2006   (Decrease)   2007   2006   (Decrease)
Log Sales
    2,202       1,986       216       8,660       9,527       (867 )
Green Lumber Sales
    2,738       2,372       366       9,358       10,454       (1,096 )
Kiln-dried Lumber Sales
    3,826       3,624       202       14,778       16,862       (2,084 )
 
                                               
 
    8,766       7,982       784       32,796       36,843       (4,047 )
 
                                               

 


 

Page 29
NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
FISCAL 2008 EARNINGS GUIDANCE AND SENSITIVITIES
                                                         
                            Earnings per share sensitivity to changes
Fiscal 2008 (Diluted earnings per share guidance*)   from NYMEX prices used in guidance* ^
                            $1 change per MMBtu gas   $5 change per Bbl oil
    Range   Increase   Decrease   Increase   Decrease
Consolidated Earnings
  $ 2.50           $ 2.70       + $0.07       - $0.07       + $0.05       - $0.05  
                 
NYMEX Settlement Prices at July 24, 2007
    Natural Gas   Oil
    ($ per MMBtu)   ($ per Bbl)
Oct-07
  $ 6.128     $ 73.39  
Nov-07
  $ 7.078     $ 73.25  
Dec-07
  $ 8.028     $ 73.10  
Jan-08
  $ 8.468     $ 72.95  
Feb-08
  $ 8.488     $ 72.82  
Mar-08
  $ 8.338     $ 72.70  
Apr-08
  $ 7.713     $ 72.59  
May-08
  $ 7.678     $ 72.48  
Jun-08
  $ 7.768     $ 72.39  
Jul-08
  $ 7.866     $ 72.29  
Aug-08
  $ 7.939     $ 72.19  
Sep-08
  $ 7.994     $ 72.09  
 
               
Average
  $ 7.791     $ 72.69  
 
*   Please refer to forward looking statement footnote at pages 11-12 of this document.
 
^   This sensitivity table is current as of November 2, 2007 and only considers revenue from the Exploration and Production segment’s crude oil and natural gas sales. The sensitivities will become obsolete with the passage of time, changes in Seneca’s production forecast, changes in basis differential, as additional hedging contracts are entered into, and with the settling of NYMEX hedge contracts at their maturity.

 


 

Page 30
NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 
    2007     2006  
Quarter Ended September 30 (unaudited)
               
 
               
Operating Revenues
  $ 302,030,000     $ 280,506,000  
 
           
 
               
Income from Continuing Operations
  $ 34,295,000     $ 28,585,000  
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
    123,395,000       (26,617,000 )
 
           
Net Income Available for Common Stock
  $ 157,690,000     $ 1,968,000  
 
           
 
               
Earnings Per Common Share:
               
Basic:
               
Income from Continuing Operations
  $ 0.41     $ 0.34  
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations
    1.48       (0.32 )
 
           
Net Income Available for Common Stock
  $ 1.89     $ 0.02  
 
           
 
               
Diluted:
               
Income from Continuing Operations
  $ 0.40     $ 0.33  
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations
    1.44       (0.31 )
 
           
Net Income Available for Common Stock
  $ 1.84     $ 0.02  
 
           
 
               
Weighted Average Common Shares:
               
Used in Basic Calculation
    83,506,748       83,432,553  
 
           
Used in Diluted Calculation
    85,577,898       85,523,042  
 
           
 
               
Twelve Months Ended September 30 (unaudited)
               
 
               
Operating Revenues
  $ 2,039,566,000     $ 2,239,675,000  
 
           
 
               
Income from Continuing Operations
  $ 201,675,000     $ 184,614,000  
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
    135,780,000       (46,523,000 )
 
           
Net Income Available for Common Stock
  $ 337,455,000     $ 138,091,000  
 
           
 
               
Earnings Per Common Share:
               
Basic:
               
Income from Continuing Operations
  $ 2.43     $ 2.20  
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations
    1.63       (0.56 )
 
           
Net Income Available for Common Stock
  $ 4.06     $ 1.64  
 
           
 
               
Diluted:
               
Income from Continuing Operations
  $ 2.37     $ 2.15  
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations
    1.59       (0.54 )
 
           
Net Income Available for Common Stock
  $ 3.96     $ 1.61  
 
           
 
               
Weighted Average Common Shares:
               
Used in Basic Calculation
    83,141,640       84,030,118  
 
           
Used in Diluted Calculation
    85,301,361       86,028,466