e10vq
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2007
OR
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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For the transition period from to
Commission File Number 1-2700
El Paso Natural Gas Company
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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Delaware
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74-0608280 |
(State or Other Jurisdiction
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(I.R.S. Employer |
of Incorporation or Organization)
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Identification No.) |
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El Paso Building |
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1001 Louisiana Street |
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Houston, Texas
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77002 |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
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(Zip Code) |
Telephone Number: (713) 420-2600
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed
by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated
filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
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Large accelerated filer o
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Accelerated filer o
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Non-accelerated filer
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of
the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuers classes of common stock, as
of the latest practicable date.
Common stock, par value $1 per share. Shares outstanding on August 7, 2007: 1,000
EL PASO NATURAL GAS COMPANY MEETS THE CONDITIONS OF GENERAL INSTRUCTION H(1)(a) AND (b) TO
FORM 10-Q AND IS THEREFORE FILING THIS REPORT WITH A REDUCED DISCLOSURE FORMAT AS PERMITTED BY SUCH
INSTRUCTION.
EL PASO NATURAL GAS COMPANY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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We have not included a response to this item in this document since no
response is required pursuant to the reduced disclosure format permitted by
General Instruction H to Form 10-Q. |
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Below is a list of terms that are common to our industry and used throughout this document: |
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/d = per day |
BBtu = billion British thermal units |
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When we refer to cubic feet measurements, all measurements are at a pressure
of 14.73 pounds per square inch. |
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When we refer to us, we, our, ours or EPNG, we are describing El
Paso Natural Gas Company and/or our subsidiaries. |
i
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
EL PASO NATURAL GAS COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In millions)
(Unaudited)
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Quarter Ended |
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Six Months Ended |
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June 30, |
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June 30, |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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Operating revenues |
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$ |
136 |
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$ |
142 |
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$ |
281 |
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$ |
295 |
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Operating expenses |
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Operation and maintenance |
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53 |
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48 |
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98 |
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97 |
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Depreciation and amortization |
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20 |
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24 |
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42 |
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48 |
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Taxes, other than income taxes |
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7 |
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8 |
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15 |
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16 |
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80 |
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80 |
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155 |
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161 |
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Operating income |
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56 |
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62 |
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126 |
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134 |
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Other income, net |
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2 |
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2 |
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3 |
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3 |
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Interest and debt expense |
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(24 |
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(24 |
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(49 |
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(47 |
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Affiliated interest income, net |
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16 |
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14 |
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32 |
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25 |
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Income before income taxes |
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50 |
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54 |
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112 |
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115 |
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Income taxes |
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19 |
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21 |
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42 |
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44 |
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Net income |
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$ |
31 |
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$ |
33 |
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$ |
70 |
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$ |
71 |
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See accompanying notes.
1
EL PASO NATURAL GAS COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except share amounts)
(Unaudited)
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June 30, |
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December 31, |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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ASSETS |
Current assets |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
1 |
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$ |
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Accounts and notes receivable |
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Customer, net of allowance of $4 in 2007 and $5 in 2006 |
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82 |
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81 |
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Affiliates |
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75 |
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5 |
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Other |
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2 |
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Materials and supplies |
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40 |
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40 |
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Deferred income taxes |
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49 |
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42 |
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Other |
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4 |
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6 |
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Total current assets |
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253 |
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174 |
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Property, plant and equipment, at cost |
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3,638 |
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3,557 |
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Less accumulated depreciation and amortization |
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1,277 |
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1,251 |
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Total property, plant and equipment, net |
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2,361 |
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2,306 |
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Other assets |
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Notes receivable from affiliate |
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1,117 |
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1,070 |
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Other |
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102 |
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81 |
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1,219 |
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1,151 |
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Total assets |
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$ |
3,833 |
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$ |
3,631 |
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LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
Current liabilities |
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Accounts payable |
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Trade |
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$ |
71 |
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$ |
59 |
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Affiliates |
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14 |
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17 |
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Other |
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21 |
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9 |
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Accrued liabilities |
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120 |
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84 |
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Taxes payable |
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96 |
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87 |
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Accrued interest |
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25 |
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27 |
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Other |
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17 |
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21 |
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Total current liabilities |
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364 |
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304 |
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Long-term debt |
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1,166 |
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1,111 |
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Other liabilities |
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Deferred income taxes |
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412 |
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405 |
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Other |
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91 |
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85 |
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503 |
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490 |
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Commitments and contingencies |
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Stockholders equity |
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Common stock, par value $1 per share; 1,000 shares
authorized, issued and outstanding |
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Additional paid-in capital |
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1,268 |
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1,268 |
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Retained earnings |
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532 |
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462 |
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Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
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(4 |
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Total stockholders equity |
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1,800 |
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1,726 |
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Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
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$ |
3,833 |
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$ |
3,631 |
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See accompanying notes.
2
EL PASO NATURAL GAS COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
(Unaudited)
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Six Months Ended |
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June 30, |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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Cash flows from operating activities |
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Net income |
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$ |
70 |
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$ |
71 |
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Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities |
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Depreciation and amortization |
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42 |
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48 |
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Deferred income taxes |
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38 |
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14 |
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Other |
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6 |
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1 |
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Asset and liability changes |
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(18 |
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30 |
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Net cash provided by operating activities |
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138 |
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164 |
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Cash flows from investing activities |
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Additions to property, plant and equipment |
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(58 |
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(83 |
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Net change in notes receivable from affiliate |
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(116 |
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(92 |
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Net change in restricted cash |
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11 |
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Other |
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1 |
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Net cash used in investing activities |
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(173 |
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(164 |
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Cash flows from financing activities |
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Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt |
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350 |
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Payment to retire long-term debt |
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(314 |
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Net cash used in financing activities |
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36 |
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Net change in cash and cash equivalents |
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1 |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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Beginning of period |
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End of period |
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$ |
1 |
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$ |
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See accompanying notes.
3
EL PASO NATURAL GAS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
We are an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of El Paso Corporation (El Paso). We prepared this
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q under the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC). Because this is an interim period filing presented using a condensed
format, it does not include all of the disclosures required by U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles. You should read this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q along with our 2006 Annual Report on
Form 10-K, which includes a summary of our significant accounting policies and other disclosures.
The financial statements as of June 30, 2007, and for the
quarters and six months ended June
30, 2007 and 2006, are unaudited. We derived the balance sheet as of December 31, 2006, from the
audited balance sheet filed in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In our opinion, we have made
all adjustments which are of a normal, recurring nature to fairly present our interim period
results. Due to the seasonal nature of our business, information for interim periods may not be
indicative of our operating results for the entire year.
Significant Accounting Policies
The information below provides an update of our significant accounting policies and accounting
pronouncements issued but not yet adopted discussed in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. On January 1, 2007, we adopted the Financial
Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation (FIN) No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income
Taxes. FIN No. 48 clarifies Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109, Accounting
for Income Taxes, and requires us to evaluate our tax positions for all jurisdictions and for all
years where a statute of limitations has not expired. FIN No. 48 requires companies to meet a
more-likely-than-not threshold (i.e. a greater than 50 percent likelihood that a tax position would
be sustained under examination) prior to recording a benefit for their tax positions. Additionally,
for tax positions meeting this more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount of benefit is limited to
the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent probability of being realized upon ultimate
settlement. To the extent these criteria have not been met, we record unrecognized tax benefits
(liabilities for uncertain tax matters), which include any anticipated interest and penalties. All
interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits are included as a component of income tax
expense in our income statement. The adoption of FIN No. 48 did not have a material impact on our
financial statements.
2. Income Taxes
El Paso files consolidated U.S. federal and certain state tax returns which include our
taxable income. In certain states, we file and pay taxes directly to the state taxing authorities.
With few exceptions, we and El Paso are no longer subject to U.S. federal or state and local income
tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 1999. Certain issues raised on examination by
tax authorities on El Pasos 2003 and 2004 federal tax years are currently being appealed. For our
open tax years, we have no unrecognized tax benefits (liabilities for uncertain tax matters).
3. Debt and Credit Facilities
Debt. In April 2007, we issued $355 million of 5.95% senior notes due in April 2017. A portion
of the net proceeds were used to repurchase approximately $301 million of our $355 million, 7.625%
notes due in August 2010.
Credit Facilities. We are an eligible borrower under El Pasos $1.75 billion credit agreement
and are only liable for amounts we directly borrow. As of June 30, 2007, we have no borrowings
under the agreement and approximately $0.9 billion of borrowing capacity is available to all
eligible borrowers under the agreement. For a further discussion of this credit agreement, see our
2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
4
4. Commitments and Contingencies
Legal Proceedings
Sierra Pacific Resources and Nevada Power Company v. El Paso et al. In April 2003, Sierra
Pacific Resources and Nevada Power Company filed a suit in the U.S. District Court for the District
of Nevada against us, our affiliates and unrelated third parties, alleging that the defendants
conspired to manipulate prices and supplies of natural gas in the California-Arizona border market
from 1996 to 2001. In January 2004, the court twice dismissed the lawsuit. The plaintiffs have
appealed that dismissal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The appeal has been
fully briefed and argued. Our costs and legal exposure related to this lawsuit are not currently
determinable.
Carlsbad. In August 2000, a main transmission line owned and operated by us ruptured at the
crossing of the Pecos River near Carlsbad, New Mexico. Twelve individuals at the site were fatally
injured. In June 2001, the U.S. Department of Transportations (DOT) Office of Pipeline Safety
issued a Notice of Probable Violation and Proposed Civil Penalty to us. The Notice alleged
violations of DOT regulations, proposed fines totaling $2.5 million and proposed corrective
actions. In April 2003, the National Transportation Safety Board issued its final report on the
rupture, finding that the rupture was probably caused by internal corrosion that was not detected
by our corrosion control program. In December 2003, this matter was referred by the DOT to the
Department of Justice (DOJ). We have resolved this matter with the DOT and the DOJ, paying a fine
of $15.5 million in July 2007 and entering into a consent decree that covers our implementation of
certain capital, maintenance, and other programs, the majority of which were already included in
our normal pipeline integrity and maintenance plans.
In addition, a lawsuit entitled Baldonado et al. v. EPNG was filed in June 2003, in state
court in Eddy County, New Mexico, on behalf of 26 firemen and emergency medical service personnel
who responded to the fire and who allegedly have suffered psychological trauma. This case was
dismissed by the trial court, but was appealed to the New Mexico Court of Appeals. In June 2006,
the New Mexico Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal of the plaintiffs claims for negligent
infliction of emotional distress but reversed the dismissal of the claims for intentional
infliction of emotional distress. In April 2007, the New Mexico Supreme Court upheld the appellate
courts dismissal of the claims for negligent infliction of emotional distress, but is still
reviewing the claims for intentional infliction of emotional distress. Our costs and legal exposure
related to the Baldonado lawsuit are currently not determinable; however, we believe these matters
will be fully covered by insurance.
Gas Measurement Cases. We and a number of our affiliates were named defendants in actions
that generally allege mismeasurement of natural gas volumes and/or heating content resulting in the
underpayment of royalties. The first set of cases was filed in 1997 by an individual under the
False Claims Act, which has been consolidated for pretrial purposes (In re: Natural Gas Royalties
Qui Tam Litigation, U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming). These complaints allege an
industry-wide conspiracy to underreport the heating value as well as the volumes of the natural gas
produced from federal and Native American lands. In October 2006, a U.S District Judge issued an
order dismissing all claims against all defendants. An appeal has been filed.
Similar allegations were filed in a second set of actions initiated in 1999 in Will Price, et
al. v. Gas Pipelines and Their Predecessors, et al., in the District Court of Stevens County,
Kansas. The plaintiffs currently seek certification of a class of royalty owners in wells on
non-federal and non-Native American lands in Kansas, Wyoming and Colorado. Motions for class
certification have been briefed and argued in the proceedings and the parties are awaiting the
courts ruling. The plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of monetary damages in the form of
additional royalty payments (along with interest, expenses and punitive damages) and injunctive
relief with regard to future gas measurement practices. Our costs and legal exposure related to
this lawsuit and claim are not currently determinable.
5
Bank of America. We are a named defendant, along with Burlington Resources, Inc.
(Burlington), now a subsidiary of ConocoPhillips, in a class action lawsuit styled Bank of America,
et al. v. El Paso Natural Gas and Burlington Resources Oil and Gas Company, L.P., filed in October
2003 in the District Court of Kiowa County, Oklahoma asserting royalty underpayment claims related
to specified shallow wells in Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico. Plaintiffs assert that royalties were
underpaid starting in the 1980s when the purchase price of gas was lowered below the Natural Gas
Policy Act maximum lawful prices. Plaintiffs assert that royalties were further underpaid by
Burlington as a result of post-production cost deductions taken starting in the late 1990s. This
action was transferred to Washita County District Court in 2004. A tentative settlement reached in
November 2005 was disapproved by the court in June 2007. A class certification hearing has been
scheduled for January 2008. A companion case styled Bank of America v. El Paso Natural Gas
involving similar claims made as to certain wells in Oklahoma was settled in 2006.
In addition to the above matters, we and our subsidiaries and affiliates are also named
defendants in numerous lawsuits and governmental proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of
our business. For each of our outstanding legal matters, we evaluate the merits of the case, our
exposure to the matter, possible legal or settlement strategies and the likelihood of an
unfavorable outcome. If we determine that an unfavorable outcome is probable and can be estimated,
we establish the necessary accruals. While the outcome of these matters, including those discussed
above, cannot be predicted with certainty, and there are still uncertainties related to the costs
we may incur, based upon our evaluation and experience to date, we believe we have established
appropriate reserves for these matters. However, it is possible that new information or future
developments could require us to reassess our potential exposure related to these matters and
adjust our accruals accordingly, and these adjustments could be material. At June 30, 2007, we had
accrued approximately $16 million for our outstanding legal matters.
Environmental Matters
We are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations governing environmental
quality and pollution control. These laws and regulations require us to remove or remedy the effect
on the environment of the disposal or release of specified substances at current and former
operating sites. At June 30, 2007, we had accrued approximately $25 million for expected
remediation costs and associated onsite, offsite and groundwater technical studies and for related
environmental legal costs; however, we estimate that our exposure could be as high as $46 million.
Our accrual includes $22 million for environmental contingencies related to properties we
previously owned.
Our accrual represents a combination of two estimation methodologies. First, where the most
likely outcome can be reasonably estimated, that cost has been accrued. Second, where the most
likely outcome cannot be estimated, a range of costs is established and if no one amount in that
range is more likely than any other, the lower end of the expected range has been accrued. Our
environmental remediation projects are in various stages of completion. The liabilities we have
recorded reflect our current estimates of amounts we will expend to remediate these sites. However,
depending on the stage of completion or assessment, the ultimate extent of contamination or
remediation required may not be known. As additional assessments occur or remediation efforts
continue, we may incur additional liabilities.
Below is a reconciliation of our accrued liability from January 1, 2007 to June 30, 2007 (in
millions):
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Balance at January 1, 2007 |
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$ |
24 |
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Additions/adjustments for remediation activities |
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3 |
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Payments for remediation activities |
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(2 |
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Balance at June 30, 2007 |
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$ |
25 |
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For the remainder of 2007, we estimate that our total remediation expenditures will be
approximately $3 million, which will be expended under government directed clean-up plans.
6
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) Matters. We
have received notice that we could be designated, or have been asked for information to determine
whether we could be designated, as a Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) with respect to three
active sites under the CERCLA or state equivalents. We have sought to resolve our liability as a
PRP at these sites through indemnification by third parties and settlements which provide for
payment of our allocable share of remediation costs. As of June 30, 2007, we have estimated our
share of the remediation costs at these sites to be between $12 million and $17 million. Because
the clean-up costs are estimates and are subject to revision as more information becomes available
about the extent of remediation required, and in some cases we have asserted a defense to any
liability, our estimates could change. Moreover, liability under the federal CERCLA statute is
joint and several, meaning that we could be required to pay in excess of our pro rata share of
remediation costs. Our understanding of the financial strength of other PRPs has been considered,
where appropriate, in estimating our liabilities. Accruals for these matters are included in the
environmental reserve discussed above.
State of Arizona Chromium Review. In April 2004, the State of Arizonas Department of
Environmental Quality requested information from us regarding the historical use of chromium in our
operations. By June 2004, we had responded fully to the request. We are currently working with the
State of Arizona on this matter and in 2005, we commenced a study of our facilities in Arizona to
determine if there were any issues concerning the usage of chromium. We also studied our facilities
on tribal lands in Arizona and New Mexico and our facility at the El Paso Station in El Paso,
Texas. Of the 12 Arizona sites that were studied, nine were found not to have chromium
contamination above regulatory thresholds and no further action at these sites is anticipated. Of
the three remaining sites, one was already enrolled in Arizonas Voluntary Remediation Program
(VRP) and the second site has been entered in the VRP. We are further investigating the chromium
levels at the third site. Additional work will be conducted at these three sites as directed by the
State of Arizona.
It is possible that new information or future developments could require us to reassess our
potential exposure related to environmental matters. We may incur significant costs and liabilities
in order to comply with existing environmental laws and regulations. It is also possible that other
developments, such as increasingly strict environmental laws and regulations and claims for damages
to property, employees, other persons and the environment resulting from our current or past
operations, could result in substantial costs and liabilities in the future. As this information
becomes available, or other relevant developments occur, we will adjust our accrual amounts
accordingly. While there are still uncertainties related to the ultimate costs we may incur, based
upon our evaluation and experience to date, we believe our reserves are adequate.
Rates and Regulatory Matters
EPNG Rate Case. In June 2005, we filed a rate case with the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC) proposing an increase in revenues of 10.6 percent or $56 million annually over
the then current tariff rates, new services and revisions to certain terms and conditions of
existing services on our EPNG system. On January 1, 2006, the rates became effective, subject to
refund. In March 2006, the FERC issued an order that generally approved our proposed new services,
which were implemented on June 1, 2006. In December 2006, we filed a settlement with the FERC that
provided benefits for both us and our customers for a three-year
period ending December 31,
2008. Only one party in the rate case contested the settlement. An administrative law judge has
certified the settlement to the FERC finding that the settlement could be approved for all parties,
or in the alternative, that the contesting party could be severed from the settlement. We have
reserved sufficient amounts to meet EPNGs refund obligations under the settlement. Such refunds
will be payable within 120 days after approval by the FERC.
Mojave Pipeline Company (Mojave) Rate Case. In February 2007, as required by its prior rate
case settlement, Mojave filed with the FERC a general rate case proposing a 33 percent decrease in
its base tariff rates resulting from a variety of factors, including a decline in rate base and
various changes in rate design since its last rate case. No new services were proposed. The new
base rates were effective March 1, 2007 and are subject to further adjustment upon the outcome of
the rate case proceeding. Mojave is actively engaged in settlement negotiations with its customers,
the outcome of which cannot be predicted at this time.
7
While the outcome of our outstanding rates and regulatory matters cannot be predicted with
certainty, based on current information, we do not expect the ultimate resolution of these matters
to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, operating results or cash flows.
However, it is possible that new information or future developments could require us to reassess
our potential exposure related to these matters, which could have a material effect on our results
of operations, our financial position and our cash flows.
Other
Matters
Navajo Nation. Approximately 900 looped pipeline miles of the north mainline of our EPNG
pipeline system are located on lands held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the
Navajo Nation. Our rights-of-way on lands crossing the Navajo Nation are the subject of a pending
renewal application filed in 2005 with the Department of the Interiors Bureau of Indian Affairs.
An interim agreement with the Navajo Nation expired at the end of December 2006. Negotiations on
the terms of the long-term agreement are continuing. In addition, we continue to preserve other
legal, regulatory and legislative alternatives, which includes continuing to pursue our application
with the Department of the Interior for renewal of our rights-of-way on Navajo Nation lands. It is
uncertain whether our negotiation, or other alternatives, will be successful, or if successful,
what the ultimate cost will be of obtaining the rights-of-way and whether we will be able to
recover these costs in our rates.
Tuba City Uranium Milling Facility. For a period of approximately ten years beginning in the
mid to late 1950s, Rare Metals Corporation, an historical affiliate of us, conducted uranium
mining and milling operations in the vicinity of Tuba City, Arizona, under contract with the United
States Government as part of the Cold War nuclear weapons program. The site of the Tuba City
uranium mill, which is on land within the Navajo Indian Reservation, reverted to the Navajo Nation
after the mill closed in 1966 and the mill site was cleaned up by the U.S. Department of Energy
(DOE) under the federal Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978. In May 2007, we filed
suit against the DOE and other federal agencies requesting a judicial determination that the DOE
was fully and legally responsible for any remediation of any waste associated with historical
uranium production activity at two sites in the vicinity of the mill facilities near Tuba City,
Arizona. We are also cooperating with the Navajo Nation in joint legislative efforts to achieve
appropriations for the DOE to assess and remediate the sites. Pending the potential remedial
response by the United States government, we are undertaking certain interim site control measures
in coordination with the Navajo Nation.
While
the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, based on current
information, we do not expect the ultimate resolution of these matters to have a material adverse
effect on our financial position, operating results or cash flows. It is possible that new
information or future developments could require us to reassess our potential exposure related to
these matters. The impact of these changes may have a material effect on our results of operations,
our financial position, and our cash flows in the periods these events occur.
Guarantees
We are or have been involved in various joint ventures and other ownership arrangements that
sometimes require additional financial support that result in the issuance of financial and
performance guarantees. As of June 30, 2007, we had approximately $11 million of financial and
performance guarantees not otherwise recorded in our financial statements.
5. Retirement Benefits
In December 2006, we adopted the recognition provisions of SFAS No. 158, Employers Accounting
for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans an amendment of FASB Statements No.
87, 88, 106, and 132(R), and began reflecting assets and liabilities related to our postretirement
benefit plans based on their funded or unfunded status and reclassified all actuarial deferrals as
a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. In March 2007, the FERC issued guidance
requiring regulated pipeline companies to recognize a regulatory asset or liability for the funded
status asset or liability that would otherwise be recorded in accumulated other comprehensive
income under SFAS No. 158, if it is probable that amounts calculated on the same basis as SFAS No.
106, Employers Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions, would be included in
our rates in future periods. Upon adoption of this FERC guidance, we reclassified approximately $4
million from the beginning balance of accumulated other comprehensive loss to other non-current
assets on our balance sheet.
6. Transactions with Affiliates
Cash Management Program. We participate in El Pasos cash management program which matches
short-term cash surpluses and needs of participating affiliates, thus minimizing total borrowings
from outside sources. We have historically provided cash to El Paso in exchange for an affiliated
note receivable that is due upon demand. At June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, we have a note
receivable from El Paso of approximately $1.2 billion and $1.1 billion. We have classified $69
million of this receivable as current on our balance sheet at June 30, 2007, based on the
anticipated settlement of this amount within twelve months. The interest rate on this note at June
30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 was 6.1% and 5.3%.
Taxes. El Paso files consolidated U.S. federal and certain state tax returns which include
our taxable income. In certain states, we file and pay taxes directly to the state taxing
authorities. At June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, we have income taxes payable of $82 million
and $81 million. The majority of these balances, as well as our deferred income taxes, will become
payable to El Paso.
8
During the first quarter of 2007, we amended our tax sharing agreement and intercompany tax
billing policy with El Paso to clarify the billing of taxes and tax related items to El Pasos
subsidiaries. El Paso billed us $40 million for certain tax attributes previously reflected as
deferred income taxes in our financial statements. As of June 30, 2007, these amounts had been
settled through intercompany accounts.
Other Affiliate Balances. At June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, we have contractual
deposits with our affiliates of $7 million, included in other current liabilities on our balance
sheets.
Affiliate Revenues and Expenses. The following table shows revenues and charges from our
affiliates for the periods ended June 30:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended |
|
Six Months Ended |
|
|
June 30, |
|
June 30, |
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(In millions) |
Revenues from affiliates |
|
$ |
4 |
|
|
$ |
4 |
|
|
$ |
9 |
|
|
$ |
8 |
|
Operation and maintenance expenses from affiliates |
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
Reimbursements of operating expenses charged to affiliates |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
9
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The information required by this Item is presented in a reduced disclosure format pursuant to
General Instruction H to Form 10-Q. In addition, this Item updates, and should be read in
conjunction with the information disclosed in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and our
consolidated financial statements and the accompanying footnotes presented in Item 1 of this
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Results of Operations
Our management uses earnings before interest expense and income taxes (EBIT) as a key measure
to assess the operating results and effectiveness of our business. We believe EBIT is useful to our
investors because it allows them to more effectively evaluate our operating performance using the
same performance measure analyzed internally by our management. We define EBIT as net income
adjusted for (i) items that do not impact our income from continuing operations, (ii) income taxes,
(iii) interest and debt expense and (iv) affiliated interest income. We exclude interest and debt
expense from this measure so that our investors may evaluate our operating results independently
from our financing methods. EBIT may not be comparable to measurements used by other companies.
Additionally, EBIT should be considered in conjunction with net income and other performance
measures such as operating income or operating cash flows. Below is a reconciliation of our EBIT to
net income, our throughput volumes, and a discussion of our results for the six months ended June
30:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(In millions, |
|
|
|
except volumes) |
|
Operating revenues |
|
$ |
281 |
|
|
$ |
295 |
|
Operating expenses |
|
|
(155 |
) |
|
|
(161 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income |
|
|
126 |
|
|
|
134 |
|
Other income, net |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBIT |
|
|
129 |
|
|
|
137 |
|
Interest and debt expense |
|
|
(49 |
) |
|
|
(47 |
) |
Affiliated interest income, net |
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
Income taxes |
|
|
(42 |
) |
|
|
(44 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
70 |
|
|
$ |
71 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Throughput volumes (BBtu/d)(1) |
|
|
4,157 |
|
|
|
4,093 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Throughput volumes exclude throughput transported by the Mojave system on behalf of the EPNG system. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBIT |
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
|
Expense |
|
|
Impact |
|
|
|
Favorable/(Unfavorable) |
|
|
|
(In millions) |
|
Transportation revenues |
|
$ |
(14 |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
(14 |
) |
Operational gas and revaluations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
Depreciation and amortization expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
Other (1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total impact on EBIT |
|
$ |
(14 |
) |
|
$ |
6 |
|
|
$ |
(8 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Consists of individually insignificant items. |
10
Transportation Revenues. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, our transportation
revenues were lower compared to the same period in 2006, primarily as a result of a higher
provision recorded in 2007 for EPNGs rate refund and lower reservation revenues for the Mojave
system due to a decrease in tariff rates and the expiration of certain firm contracts, both
effective March 1, 2007. EPNG and Mojave are currently in rate proceedings as further discussed
below and in Item 1, Financial Statements, Note 4.
|
|
|
EPNG In December 2006, we filed a settlement of our rate case and are awaiting the
FERCs approval. The settlement provides benefits for both us and our customers for a
three year period ending December 31, 2008. Under the terms of the settlement, EPNG
is required to file a new rate case to be effective January 1, 2009. Our financial
statements reflect the proposed rates and we have reserved sufficient amounts to meet
our refund obligations under this settlement. |
|
|
|
|
Mojave In February 2007, as required by its prior rate case settlement, Mojave
filed with the FERC a general rate case proposing a 33 percent decrease in its base
tariff rates resulting from a variety of factors, including a decline in rate base and
various changes in rate design since its last rate case. No new services were proposed.
We anticipate a decrease in revenues of approximately $13 million annually due to these
rate changes. The new base rates were effective March 1, 2007 and are subject to further
adjustment upon the outcome of the rate case proceeding. Mojave is actively engaged in
settlement negotiations with its customers, the outcome of which cannot be predicted at
this time. |
Operational Gas and Revaluations. During the six months ended June 30, 2006, our EBIT was
negatively impacted by lower prices used to revalue net gas imbalance receivables from customers on
our Mojave system.
Depreciation and Amortization Expense. During the six months ended June 30, 2007, our
depreciation and amortization expense was lower as a result of changes to depreciation and
amortization rates that were proposed in both our EPNG and Mojave rate cases.
Affiliated Interest Income, Net
Affiliated interest income, net for the six months ended June 30, 2007, was $7 million higher
than the same period in 2006 due to higher average short-term interest rates and higher average
advances to El Paso under its cash management program. The average short-term interest rate for the
six months increased from 5.5% in 2006 to 5.9% for the same period in 2007. In addition, the
average advances due from El Paso of $902 million for the six months of 2006 increased to $1.1
billion for the same period in 2007.
Income Taxes
Our effective tax rates of 38 percent were higher than the statutory rate of 35 percent in
both periods due to the effect of state income taxes.
Liquidity and Capital Expenditures
Liquidity Overview. Our liquidity needs are provided by cash flows from operating activities.
In addition, we participate in El Pasos cash management program and depending on whether we have
short-term cash surpluses or requirements, we either provide cash to El Paso or El Paso provides
cash to us in exchange for an affiliated note receivable or payable that is due upon demand. We
have historically provided cash advances to El Paso, which we reflect in investing activities in
our statement of cash flows. At June 30, 2007, we have a note receivable from El Paso of
approximately $1.2 billion of which approximately $69 million is classified as current based on the
anticipated settlement of this amount within twelve months. See Item 1, Financial Statements, Note
6, for a further discussion of El Pasos cash management program.
In addition to the cash management program, we are eligible to borrow amounts available under
El Pasos $1.75 billion credit agreement. We are only liable for amounts we directly borrow. As of
June 30, 2007, we have no borrowings under the agreement and approximately $0.9 billion of
borrowing capacity is available to all eligible borrowers under the agreement. For a further
discussion of this credit agreement, see our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
We believe that cash flows from operating activities combined with amounts available to us
under El Pasos cash management program and its $1.75 billion credit agreement, if necessary, will
be adequate to meet our short-term
11
capital requirements for our existing operating needs and planned expansion opportunities.
Additionally, El Paso is currently pursuing the formation of a master limited partnership in 2007
to enhance the value and financial flexibility of its pipeline assets and to provide a lower cost
source of capital for new projects.
Debt. In April 2007, we issued $355 million of 5.95% senior notes due in April 2017. A portion
of the net proceeds were used to repurchase approximately $301 million of our $355 million, 7.625%
notes due in August 2010. The remaining proceeds were used for general corporate purposes.
In March 2007, Moodys Investor Services upgraded our senior unsecured debt rating to an
investment grade rating of Baa3 and upgraded El Pasos senior unsecured debt rating to Ba3 while
maintaining a positive outlook. Additionally, in March 2007, (i) Standard and Poors upgraded our
senior unsecured debt ratings to BB and upgraded El Pasos senior unsecured debt rating to BB-
maintaining a positive outlook and (ii) Fitch Ratings initiated coverage on us and assigned an
investment grade rating of BBB- on our senior unsecured debt and a rating of BB+ on El Pasos
senior unsecured debt.
Capital Expenditures. Our capital expenditures for the six months ended June 30, 2007, and the
amount we expect to spend for the remainder of 2007 to expand and maintain our businesses are
listed below. We expect to fund these capital expenditures through a combination of internally
generated funds and repayments by El Paso of amounts we advanced under its cash management
program.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2007 |
|
|
Remaining |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
(In millions) |
|
Maintenance |
|
$ |
54 |
|
|
$ |
63 |
|
|
$ |
117 |
|
Expansion |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
58 |
|
|
$ |
82 |
|
|
$ |
140 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments and Contingencies
See Item 1, Financial Statements, Note 4, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Omitted from this report pursuant to the reduced disclosure format permitted by General
Instruction H to Form 10-Q.
12
Item 4T. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of June 30, 2007, we carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the
participation of our management, including our President and Chief Financial Officer, as to the
effectiveness, design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined by the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. This evaluation considered the various processes
carried out under the direction of our disclosure committee in an effort to ensure that information
required to be disclosed in the SEC reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accurate,
complete and timely. Our management, including our President and Chief Financial Officer, does not
expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal controls will prevent and/or
detect all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can
provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.
Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints,
and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent
limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that
all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within our company have been detected. Based on
the results of our evaluation, our President and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our
disclosure controls and procedures are effective at June 30, 2007.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially
affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial
reporting during the second quarter of 2007.
13
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
See Part I, Item 1, Financial Statements, Note 4, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS FOR PURPOSES OF THE SAFE HARBOR PROVISIONS OF
THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and beliefs
that we believe to be reasonable; however, assumed facts almost always vary from the actual
results, and the differences between assumed facts and actual results can be material, depending
upon the circumstances. Where we or our management express an expectation or belief as to future
results, that expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and based on assumptions believed to
have a reasonable basis. We cannot assure you, however, that the stated expectation or belief will
occur or be achieved or accomplished. The words believe, expect, estimate, anticipate and
similar expressions will generally identify forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking
statements, whether written or oral, are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements and any
other cautionary statements that may accompany those statements. In addition, we disclaim any
obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the
date of this report.
Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from estimates or
projections contained in forward-looking statements are described in our 2006 Annual Report on Form
10-K under Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors. There have been no material changes in these risk factors
since that report.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Omitted from this report pursuant to the reduced disclosure format permitted by General
Instruction H to Form 10-Q.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Omitted from this report pursuant to the reduced disclosure format permitted by General
Instruction H to Form 10-Q.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Omitted from this report pursuant to the reduced disclosure format permitted by General
Instruction H to Form 10-Q.
Item 5. Other Information
None.
Item 6. Exhibits
The Exhibit Index is hereby incorporated herein by reference and sets forth a list of those
exhibits filed herewith, and includes and identifies contracts or arrangements required to be filed
as exhibits to this Form 10-Q by Item 601(b)(10)(iii) of Regulation S-K.
14
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, El Paso Natural Gas
Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly
authorized.
|
|
|
|
|
EL PASO NATURAL GAS COMPANY |
|
|
|
Date: August 7, 2007
|
|
/s/ JAMES J. CLEARY |
|
|
|
|
|
James J. Cleary |
|
|
President |
|
|
(Principal Executive Officer) |
|
|
|
Date: August 7, 2007
|
|
/s/ JOHN R. SULT |
|
|
|
|
|
John R. Sult |
|
|
Senior Vice President, |
|
|
Chief Financial Officer and Controller |
|
|
(Principal Accounting and Financial Officer) |
15
EL PASO NATURAL GAS COMPANY
EXHIBIT INDEX
Each exhibit identified below is filed as a part of this report. Exhibits filed with this
report are designated by *. All exhibits not so designated are incorporated herein by reference
to a prior filing as indicated.
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
|
Number |
|
Description |
|
|
|
4.A
|
|
Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 4, 2007 between El Paso Natural Gas Company and
Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, to indenture dated as of November 13, 1996 (Exhibit 4.A to
our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 9, 2007). |
|
|
|
4.B
|
|
Form of 5.95% Senior Note due 2017 (included as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.A of our Current Report on
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 9, 2007). |
|
|
|
4.C
|
|
First Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 4, 2007 between El Paso Natural Gas Company and
Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, to indenture dated as of July 23, 2003 (Exhibit 4.C to our
Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 9, 2007). |
|
|
|
10.A
|
|
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 4, 2007, among El Paso Natural Gas Company and
Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., ABN AMRO Incorporated, Goldman,
Sachs & Co, Greenwich Capital Markets, Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., and SG Americas
Securities, LLC (Exhibit 10.A to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 9,
2007). |
|
|
|
*31.A
|
|
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002. |
|
|
|
*31.B
|
|
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
|
|
*32.A
|
|
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002. |
|
|
|
*32.B
|
|
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
16