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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
-----------------------------
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED
MARCH 31, 2004
COMMISSION FILE NO. 1-2921
-----------------------------
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LLC
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 44-0382470
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
5444 WESTHEIMER ROAD 77056-5306
HOUSTON, TEXAS (Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (713) 989-7000
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class Name of each exchange in which registered
------------------- -----------------------------------------
PEPL 08 New York Stock Exchange
PEPL 13 New York Stock Exchange
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as
defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes [ ] No [X]
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LLC
FORM 10-Q
MARCH 31, 2004
INDEX
Page(s)
-------
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements:
Consolidated statements of operations - three months ended
March 31, 2004 and 2003 2
Consolidated balance sheets - March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 3-4
Consolidated statements of owner's equity and comprehensive income -
three months ended March 31, 2004, and the periods from January 1, 2003
through June 11, 2003 and from June 12, 2003 through December 31, 2003 5
Consolidated statements of cash flows - three months ended
March 31, 2004 and 2003 6
Notes to consolidated financial statements 7-16
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results 17-25
of Operations
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 26
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 26
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 27
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 28-29
1
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
(IN THOUSANDS)
POST-ACQUISITION PRE-ACQUISITION
---------------- ---------------
THREE MONTHS THREE MONTHS
ENDED MARCH 31, ENDED MARCH 31,
2004 2003
---------------- ---------------
OPERATING REVENUE
Transportation and storage of natural gas $ 121,860 $ 116,233
LNG terminalling revenue 13,762 13,861
Equity income from unconsolidated subsidiaries 10 406
Other 2,547 6,964
---------------- ---------------
Total operating revenue 138,179 137,464
---------------- ---------------
OPERATING EXPENSES
Operation, maintenance and general 49,725 53,465
Depreciation and amortization 15,147 13,395
Taxes, other than on income and revenues 7,526 7,338
---------------- ---------------
Total operating expenses 72,398 74,198
---------------- ---------------
OPERATING INCOME 65,781 63,266
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest (expense), net (12,155) (19,915)
Other, net 704 3,758
---------------- ---------------
Total other income (expense) (11,451) (16,157)
---------------- ---------------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 54,330 47,109
INCOME TAXES 21,273 18,274
---------------- ---------------
INCOME BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE
IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE 33,057 28,835
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE,
NET OF TAX:
Asset retirement obligations, SFAS 143 - 2,003
---------------- ---------------
NET INCOME $ 33,057 $ 30,838
================ ================
See accompanying notes.
2
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LLC
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS)
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
2004 2003
----------- ------------
(UNAUDITED)
ASSETS
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Plant in service $ 1,903,449 $ 1,893,960
Construction work-in-progress 106,414 90,556
----------- ------------
2,009,863 1,984,516
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 46,461 32,114
----------- ------------
Net property, plant and equipment 1,963,402 1,952,402
----------- ------------
INVESTMENT IN AFFILIATE 1,404 1,394
----------- ------------
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and temporary cash investments at cost, which approximates market 67,584 16,810
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $1,464 and $1,464, respectively 51,273 56,315
Accounts receivable - related parties 940 816
Gas imbalances - receivable 17,174 26,974
System gas and operating supplies 47,566 60,937
Deferred income taxes, net 10,358 7,731
Note receivable - related party 112,250 87,350
Other 4,311 8,271
----------- ------------
Total current assets 311,456 265,204
----------- ------------
Intangibles, net 20,027 30,698
Restricted cash 1,500 1,500
Debt issuance cost 5,491 4,699
Non-current system gas 23,498 23,938
Other 1,748 1,708
----------- ------------
TOTAL ASSETS $ 2,328,526 $ 2,281,543
=========== ============
See accompanying notes.
3
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LLC
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS)
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
2004 2003
----------- ------------
(UNAUDITED)
OWNER'S EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
OWNER'S EQUITY
Member's capital $ 671,674 $ 679,465
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (880) 1,372
Retained earnings 84,509 51,452
Tax sharing receivable - Southern Union (85,471) (85,471)
----------- -----------
Total owner's equity 669,832 646,818
Long-term debt 1,190,273 995,773
----------- -----------
Total capitalization 1,860,105 1,642,591
----------- -----------
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable 735 1,452
Accounts payable - overdrafts 3,256 6,607
Accounts payable - related parties 3,488 9,039
Current portion of long-term debt 63,443 209,671
Gas imbalances - payable 40,872 66,049
Accrued taxes 18,030 9,979
Accrued interest 9,139 21,017
Other 69,652 65,230
----------- -----------
Total current liabilities 208,615 389,044
----------- -----------
Deferred income taxes, net 145,965 131,991
Post-retirement benefits 32,768 33,473
Other 81,073 84,444
Commitments and contingencies
----------- -----------
TOTAL OWNER'S EQUITY AND LIABILITIES $ 2,328,526 $ 2,281,543
=========== ===========
See accompanying notes.
4
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OWNER'S EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(IN THOUSANDS)
Accumulated Other
Common Comprehensive Other Paid-in Member's
Stock Income (Loss) Capital Capital
----------- ----------------- -------------- -----------
Balance January 1, 2003 (Pre-acquisition) $ 1,000 $ (39,179) $ 1,280,794 $ -
Comprehensive income:
Net earnings - - - -
Unrealized loss related to interest rate swaps, net of tax - (3,180) - -
----------- ----------------- -------------- -----------
Comprehensive income - (3,180) - -
----------- ----------------- -------------- -----------
Return of capital - Centennial - - (40,000) -
Return of capital - Guardian equity investment - - (27,781) -
Capital contribution from CMS Gas Transmission - - 15,149 -
Other - - 194 -
----------- ----------------- -------------- -----------
Balance June 11, 2003 (Acquisition date) $ 1,000 $ (42,359) $ 1,228,356 $ -
----------- ----------------- -------------- -----------
Acquisition adjustments to eliminate original balances (1,000) 42,359 (1,228,356) -
Pushdown of purchase price and related costs - - - 679,465
Tax sharing receivable - Southern Union - - - -
----------- ----------------- -------------- -----------
Balance June 12, 2003 (Post-acquisition) - - - 679,465
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income:
Net earnings - - - -
Unrealized gain related to interest rate swaps, net of tax - 1,372 - -
----------- ----------------- -------------- -----------
Comprehensive income - 1,372 - -
----------- ----------------- -------------- -----------
Balance December 31, 2003 (Post-acquisition) $ - $ 1,372 $ - $ 679,465
(Unaudited)
Adjustment to pushdown of purchase price and related costs - - - (7,791)
Comprehensive income:
Net earnings - - - -
Unrealized loss related to interest rate swaps, net of tax - (2,252) - -
----------- ----------------- -------------- -----------
Comprehensive income - (2,252) - -
----------- ----------------- -------------- -----------
Balance March 31, 2004 (Post-acquisition) $ - $ (880) $ - $ 671,674
=========== ================= ============== ===========
Tax Sharing
Retained Note Receivable-
Earnings Receivable- Southern
(Deficit) CMS Capital Union Total
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance January 1, 2003 (Pre-acquisition) $ (340,031) $ (150,000) $ - $ 752,584
Comprehensive income:
Net earnings 50,014 - - 50,014
Unrealized loss related to interest rate swaps, net of tax - - - (3,180)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Comprehensive income 50,014 - - 46,834
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Return of capital - Centennial - - - (40,000)
Return of capital - Guardian equity investment - - - (27,781)
Capital contribution from CMS Gas Transmission - - - 15,149
Other - - - 194
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance June 11, 2003 (Acquisition date) $ (290,017) $ (150,000) $ - $ 746,980
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Acquisition adjustments to eliminate original balances 290,017 150,000 - (746,980)
Pushdown of purchase price and related costs - - - 679,465
Tax sharing receivable - Southern Union - - (85,471) (85,471)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance June 12, 2003 (Post-acquisition) - - (85,471) 593,994
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income:
Net earnings 51,452 - - 51,452
Unrealized gain related to interest rate swaps, net of tax - - - 1,372
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Comprehensive income 51,452 - - 52,824
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance December 31, 2003 (Post-acquisition) $ 51,452 $ - $ (85,471) $ 646,818
(Unaudited)
Adjustment to pushdown of purchase price and related costs - - - (7,791)
Comprehensive income:
Net earnings 33,057 - - 33,057
Unrealized loss related to interest rate swaps, net of tax - - - (2,252)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Comprehensive income 33,057 - - 30,805
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance March 31, 2004 (Post-acquisition) $ 84,509 $ - $ (85,471) $ 669,832
=========== =========== =========== ===========
See accompanying notes.
5
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
(IN THOUSANDS)
POST-ACQUISITION PRE-ACQUISITION
---------------- ---------------
JANUARY 1 - JANUARY 1 -
MARCH 31, 2004 MARCH 31, 2003
---------------- ---------------
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income $ 33,057 $ 30,838
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 15,147 13,395
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle - (2,003)
Deferred income taxes, net 6,661 18,274
Debt premium amortization, net (2,254) (113)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable 4,918 3,409
Inventory 13,371 13,709
Gas imbalances - receivable 9,800 (12,972)
Other assets 4,410 2,053
Payables (3,461) (1,261)
Accrued taxes 8,051 4,194
Interest accrued (11,878) (13,751)
Gas imbalances - payable (25,177) 1,232
Other liabilities (2,013) (245)
---------------- ---------------
Net cash flows from operating activities 50,632 56,759
---------------- ---------------
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Net increase in current Note receivable - Southern Union (24,900) -
Net increase in current Note receivable - CMS Capital - (62,692)
Capital and investment expenditures (21,262) (12,296)
Sale (purchase) of system gas,net (42) (2,244)
Sale of Centennial - 40,000
Retirements and other (406) 603
---------------- ---------------
Net cash flows used in investing activities (46,610) (36,629)
---------------- ---------------
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Change in bank overdrafts (3,351) (2,053)
Debt issuance 200,000 10,000
Debt retirements (149,035) (10,078)
Debt issuance costs (862) -
Return of capital - (40,000)
---------------- ---------------
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities 46,752 (42,131)
---------------- ---------------
Change in cash and cash equivalents 50,774 (22,001)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 16,810 80,545
---------------- ---------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $ 67,584 $ 58,544
================ ===============
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
CASH PAID DURING THE PERIOD FOR:
Interest (net of amounts capitalized) $ 29,234 $ 32,082
Income taxes (net of refunds) (1) -
OTHER NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES WERE:
Return of capital - Guardian equity investment $ - $ (27,781)
Property contributions received - 15,149
See accompanying notes.
6
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Form 10-K of Panhandle
Eastern Pipe Line Company, LLC (formerly Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company), a
Delaware limited liability company, including all of its subsidiaries
(collectively, Panhandle), for the year ended December 31, 2003. All dollar
amounts in the tables herein are stated in thousands, unless otherwise
indicated. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with
the current period presentation.
These interim financial statements are unaudited, but in management's opinion,
reflect all adjustments necessary (including both normal recurring as well as
non-recurring) for a fair presentation of financial position, results of
operations and cash flows for the periods presented. Because of the seasonal
nature of the operations of Panhandle, the results as presented for this interim
period are not necessarily indicative of results to be achieved for the fiscal
year.
I CORPORATE STRUCTURE
Panhandle has been an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern Union Company
(Southern Union Company and together with its subsidiaries, Southern Union)
since Southern Union's June 11, 2003 acquisition of Panhandle (Panhandle
Acquisition) from CMS Gas Transmission Company (CMS Gas Transmission), a
subsidiary of CMS Energy Corporation (together, CMS). Panhandle is primarily
engaged in the interstate transportation and storage of natural gas and also
provides liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminalling and regasification services
and is subject to the rules and regulations of the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC). The Panhandle entities include Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line
Company, LLC (Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line), Trunkline Gas Company, LLC
(Trunkline) a wholly-owned subsidiary of Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line, Sea Robin
Pipeline Company (Sea Robin), a Louisiana unincorporated joint venture and an
indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line, Trunkline LNG
Company, LLC (Trunkline LNG) which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Trunkline LNG
Holdings, LLC (LNG Holdings), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Panhandle
Eastern Pipe Line and Pan Gas Storage, LLC (d.b.a. Southwest Gas Storage), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line. Collectively, the
pipeline assets include more than 10,000 miles of interstate pipelines that
transport natural gas from the Gulf of Mexico, South Texas and the Panhandle
regions of Texas and Oklahoma to major U.S. markets in the Midwest and Great
Lakes region. The pipelines have a combined peak day delivery capacity of 5.4
billion cubic feet (Bcf) per day and 72 Bcf of owned underground storage
capacity. Trunkline LNG, located on Louisiana's Gulf Coast, operates one of the
largest LNG import terminals in North America, based on current send out
capacity, and has 6.3 Bcf of above ground LNG storage capacity. Panhandle has
under consideration a plan to convert from a limited liability company to a
limited partnership.
On June 11, 2003, Southern Union acquired Panhandle from CMS for approximately
$581,729,000 in cash and 3,000,000 shares of Southern Union common stock (before
adjustment for subsequent stock dividends) valued at approximately $48,900,000
based on market prices at closing of the Panhandle Acquisition and in connection
therewith incurred transaction costs of approximately $30,448,000. Southern
Union also incurred additional deferred state income tax liabilities estimated
at $10,597,000 as a result of the transaction. At the time of the acquisition,
Panhandle had approximately $1,157,228,000 of debt principal outstanding that it
retained. Southern Union funded the cash portion of the acquisition with
approximately $437,000,000 in cash proceeds it received for the January 1, 2003
sale of its Texas operations, approximately $121,250,000 of the net proceeds it
received from concurrent common stock and equity units offerings and with
working capital available to Southern Union. Southern Union structured the
Panhandle Acquisition and the sale of its Texas operations to qualify as a
like-kind exchange of property under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended. Panhandle and five of its subsidiaries, as well as the
Southern Union subsidiary that became Panhandle's direct parent upon the
acquisition, converted from Delaware corporations to Delaware limited liability
companies in June 2003.
Under the terms of the Panhandle sale agreement, CMS retained Panhandle's
ownership interests in and obligations associated with the Centennial Pipeline,
LLC (Centennial) and Guardian Pipeline, LLC (Guardian) pipeline projects, as
well as certain of Panhandle's net deferred tax assets of $28,124,000, all tax
liabilities of
7
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
$17,405,000, net pension liabilities recorded of $42,965,000, certain other net
postretirement liabilities recorded of $16,351,000 and other net liabilities of
$2,214,000. CMS also retained financial responsibility for all existing stock
options. Panhandle disposed of its interest in Centennial and Guardian and
certain cash collateral related to Guardian was transferred to CMS. Such
dispositions to CMS were recorded at Panhandle's net book value with no gain or
loss recognized. The Note receivable from CMS Capital Corp. (CMS Capital), a
subsidiary of CMS was eliminated in the sale as the purchase by Southern Union
from CMS included the offsetting Note payable of CMS Capital and thus the note
was eliminated in pushdown accounting and subsequently extinguished (see Note IV
- -- Related Party Transactions). On March 1, 2003, certain assets previously held
by CMS with a net book value of $15,149,000 were contributed to Panhandle by CMS
and were included in the Southern Union purchase.
The Panhandle Acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America with Panhandle allocating the purchase price paid by
Southern Union to Panhandle's net assets as of the acquisition date. The
Panhandle assets acquired and liabilities assumed have been recorded based on
their estimated fair value as of the acquisition date based on the results of
outside appraisals. Accordingly, the post-acquisition financial statements
reflect a new basis of accounting and pre-acquisition period and
post-acquisition period financial results (separated by a heavy black line) are
presented but are not comparable. Items which are still under review are the
valuation of certain contingent liabilities as of the acquisition date (see Note
VIII -- Commitments and Contingencies). In March 2004, Southern Union's
estimated deferred state income tax liability incurred as a result of the
Panhandle Acquisition was reduced by $7,791,000, which resulted in corresponding
reductions on the Consolidated Balance Sheet in the line items Member's Capital,
Deferred Income Taxes, net and Intangibles, net of $7,791,000, $2,485,000, and
$10,276,000, respectively.
II ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
FASB INTERPRETATION NO. 46R, "CONSOLIDATION OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES" (FIN
NO. 46R): Issued by the FASB in December 2003, the interpretation identifies a
variable interest entity as an entity whose equity owners do not have sufficient
equity at risk and do not have substantive voting rights. The interpretation is
effective for special-purpose entities for periods ending after December 15,
2003 and for all other types of variable interest entities for periods ending
after March 15, 2004. This standard requires a company to consolidate a variable
interest entity if it is allocated a majority of the entity's losses and/or
returns, including fees paid by the entity. Panhandle has not identified any
material variable interest entities or interests in variable interest entities
for which the provisions of FIN No. 46R would require a change in Panhandle's
current accounting for such interests.
EITF 01-8, "DETERMINING WHETHER AN ARRANGEMENT CONTAINS A LEASE" (EITF 01-8): In
May 2003, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) of the FASB reached a consensus
on EITF 01-8 that outlines certain criteria for determining when a contract or
portion thereof should be accounted for as a lease within the scope of SFAS No.
13, "Accounting for Leases". Because of certain contractual changes entered into
during January 2004 between Trunkline LNG and BG LNG Services, Inc., a
subsidiary of BG Group of the United Kingdom (BG LNG Services), regarding LNG
services at the Lake Charles facility, the BG LNG Services contract was required
to be reassessed under the provisions of EITF 01-8 and was determined to contain
an operating lease. The impact of this accounting treatment will not have a
material impact on Panhandle's financial condition or results of operations.
FASB STATEMENT NO.132R "EMPLOYERS' DISCLOSURES ABOUT PENSIONS AND OTHER
POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - AN AMENDMENT OF FASB STATEMENTS NO. 87, 88, AND 106":
Issued by the FASB in December 2003, the Statement revises employers'
disclosures about pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans. It
retains the disclosure requirements contained in FASB Statement No. 132,
"Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits," which
it replaces, and requires additional disclosure about the assets, obligations,
cash flows and net periodic benefit cost of defined benefit pension plans and
other defined benefit postretirement plans. The Statement does not change the
measurement or recognition of those plans required by FASB Statements No. 87,
"Employers' Accounting for Pensions", No. 88, "Employers' Accounting for
Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for
Termination Benefits", and No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement
Benefits Other Than Pensions". The Statement is effective for fiscal years
ending after December 15, 2003. The interim-period disclosures required by the
Statement are effective for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2003
(see Note VII -- Employee Benefits).
8
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
III REGULATORY MATTERS
In conjunction with a FERC Order issued in September 1997, certain natural gas
producers were required to refund previously collected Kansas ad valorem taxes
to interstate natural gas pipelines. These pipelines were ordered to refund
these amounts to their customers. All payments were to be made in compliance
with prescribed FERC requirements. In June 2001, Panhandle filed a proposed
settlement of these proceedings which all the customers and most of the
producers supported. The settlement provided for the producers to refund and the
customers to accept a reduction from the amounts originally billed to the
producers. In September 2001, the FERC approved the settlement without
modification and the settlement became effective on October 15, 2001.
Settlements were reached with all of the non-settling producers in November
2003, except for Pioneer Natural Resources, Inc. (Pioneer). A FERC hearing to
resolve the outstanding issues with Pioneer was conducted on October 16, 2003.
Briefing was completed in December 2003 and an initial decision was issued on
February 18, 2004. The initial decision is pending further FERC action. On
January 29, 2004 and February 13, 2004, the Commission approved settlements with
the remaining non-settling producers. At March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003,
accounts receivable included $266,000 and $3,017,000, respectively, for tax
collections due from natural gas producers. At March 31, 2004 and December 31,
2003, Other current liabilities included $6,014,000 and $8,556,000,
respectively, for tax collections due to customers.
In December 2002, FERC approved a Trunkline LNG certificate application to
expand the Lake Charles facility to approximately 1.2 Bcf per day of sustainable
send out capacity versus the current sustainable send out capacity of .63 Bcf
per day and increase terminal storage capacity to 9 Bcf from the current 6.3
Bcf. BG LNG Services has contract rights for the .57 Bcf per day of additional
capacity. Construction on the Trunkline LNG expansion project (Phase I)
commenced in September 2003 and is expected to be completed with an estimated
cost totaling $137 million, plus capitalized interest, by the end of 2005. In
February 2004, Trunkline LNG filed a further incremental LNG expansion project
(Phase II) with the FERC and is awaiting commission approval. Phase II is
estimated to cost approximately $77 million, plus capitalized interest, and
would increase the LNG terminal sustainable send out capacity to 1.8 Bcf per
day. Phase II has an expected in-service date of mid-2006. BG LNG Services has
contracted for all the proposed additional capacity, subject to Trunkline LNG
achieving certain construction milestones at this facility. Approximately $60
million of costs are included in the line item Construction Work-in-Progress for
the expansion projects through March 31, 2004.
In February 2004, Trunkline filed an application with the FERC to request
approval of a 30-inch diameter, approximately 23-mile natural gas pipeline loop
from the LNG terminal. The estimated cost of this pipeline expansion is
approximately $40 million. The pipeline creates additional transport capacity in
association with the Trunkline LNG expansion and also includes new and expanded
delivery points with major interstate pipelines.
9
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
IV RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Panhandle had a number of significant transactions with former related parties
during the pre-acquisition period. Revenue transactions, primarily for the
transportation of natural gas for Consumers Energy Company and other CMS
affiliates which were related parties until June 12, 2003, were based on
regulated prices, market prices or competitive bidding. Panhandle will continue
transporting gas for these former related parties under the contracts currently
in effect, and thereafter if contracts are renewed. Panhandle has transportation
revenues with Missouri Gas Energy, a Southern Union division, which account for
less than one percent of annual consolidated revenues. These deliveries are at
previously contracted rates.
POST-ACQUISITION PRE-ACQUISITION
---------------- ---------------
JANUARY 1- JANUARY 1-
MARCH 31, MARCH 31,
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 2004 2003
- -------------------------- ---------------- ---------------
Transportation and storage
of natural gas $ 977 $ 15,489
Other operating revenues 10 (406)
Operation and maintenance
Management & royalty fees 3,222 -
Other expenses (a) 4,472 5,364
Other income (expense), net 269 3,135
(a) Includes corporate allocations and insurance paid by parent for 2004 and
2003. Benefit plan costs are included in 2003.
Prior to June 12, 2003, related party expenses included payments for services
provided by former affiliates, as well as allocated CMS benefit plan costs.
Panhandle, through CMS, provided retirement benefits under a number of different
plans, including certain health care and life insurance under OPEB, benefits to
certain management employees under a supplemental executive retirement plan, and
benefits to substantially all its employees under a trusteed, non-contributory,
defined benefit pension plan and a defined contribution 401(k) plan. Effective
January 1, 2003, and until the sale of Panhandle on June 11, 2003, CMS ceased
charging Panhandle management and royalty fees. Subsequent to June 11, 2003,
related party expenses primarily include payments for services provided by
Southern Union, including management and royalty fees implemented by Southern
Union.
On February 10, 2003, Panhandle sold its one-third interest in Centennial for
$40,000,000 to Centennial's two unaffiliated other partners. There was no income
or loss related to Centennial in the first quarter of 2003. In March 2003,
$40,000,000 of cash from the sale of Centennial was distributed to CMS as a
return of capital.
Included in Other Income (expense), net, is interest income of $3,161,000 for
the three month period ended March 31, 2003 related to interest on the Note
receivable - CMS Capital. The Note receivable - CMS Capital of $184,926,000 as
of the acquisition date was eliminated with the acquisition of Panhandle by
Southern Union (see Note I -- Corporate Structure). The $150,000,000 portion of
the note classified as a reduction to equity as of the acquisition date was also
eliminated.
Pursuant to a demand note with Southern Union under a cash management program,
Panhandle has loaned excess cash of $112,250,000 to Southern Union since the
Panhandle Acquisition, $24,900,000 of which was loaned during the first quarter
of 2004. Panhandle is credited with interest on the note at a one month LIBOR
rate. Included in Other income (expense), net is interest income of $269,000 for
the three month period ended March 31, 2004 related to interest on the Note
receivable - Southern Union. Panhandle expects to draw down on the note over the
next twelve months, and has thus reflected the note receivable from Southern
Union as a current asset.
10
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
A summary of certain balances due from or (due to) related parties included in
the Consolidated Balance Sheets for the periods presented is as follows:
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
RELATED PARTY BALANCES 2004 2003
- ---------------------- ---------------- ------------
Note receivable - Southern Union $ 112,250 $ 87,350
Accounts receivable 940 816
Accounts payable (3,488) (9,039)
Owner's equity - Tax sharing receivable - Southern Union 85,471 85,471
Deferred tax - receivable - 8,684
The Panhandle Acquisition by Southern Union was treated as an asset acquisition
for tax purposes, which eliminated Panhandle's deferred tax assets and
liabilities and gave rise to a new tax basis in Panhandle's assets equal to
their purchase price. Southern Union structured the Panhandle Acquisition in a
manner intended to qualify as a like-kind exchange of property under Section
1031 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Panhandle assets
acquired and liabilities assumed have been recorded based on their estimated
fair value as of the acquisition date based on the results of outside
appraisals. The book assets were recorded at fair value and the tax assets were
recorded at the tax basis of the Southern Union assets that were exchanged (part
of the assets that were acquired were treated as a like-kind exchange for tax
purposes). The resulting transaction generated an estimated deferred tax
liability of approximately $85 million at the acquisition date and a
corresponding receivable from Southern Union reflected as a reduction to owner's
equity on Panhandle's Consolidated Balance Sheet. The determination of the
amount is subject to final calculations regarding the like-kind exchange benefit
to Southern Union, expected to be completed later in 2004. Repayment of the
receivable from Southern Union is limited to actual tax liabilities otherwise
payable to Southern Union.
On March 10, 2003, Panhandle's ownership interest in Guardian was transferred to
CMS as a return of capital at the book value of $27,781,000 and Panhandle was
released from its guarantee obligations associated with the Guardian
non-recourse guaranty by the note holders.
On March 1, 2003, certain assets held by CMS with a net book value of
$15,149,000 were contributed to Panhandle by CMS and were included in Southern
Union's acquisition of Panhandle.
V ACCOUNTING FOR DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
Panhandle follows SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities", as amended, to accrue for derivative and hedging
activities. Panhandle utilizes interest-rate related derivative instruments to
manage its exposure on its debt instruments and does not enter into derivative
instruments for any purpose other than hedging purposes. All derivatives are
recognized on the balance sheet at their fair value. On the date the derivative
contract is entered into, Panhandle designates the derivative as either: (i) a
hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized
firm commitment (fair value hedge), (ii) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or
the variability of cash flows to be received or paid in conjunction with a
recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge), or (iii) an instrument that is
held for trading or non-trading purposes (a trading or non-hedging instrument).
Interest rate swaps are used to reduce interest rate risks and to manage
interest expense. By entering into these agreements, Panhandle converts
floating-rate debt into fixed-rate debt or converts fixed-rate debt to floating.
Interest differentials paid or received under the swap agreements are reflected
as an adjustment to interest expense. These interest rate swaps are financial
derivative instruments that qualify for hedge treatment. For derivatives treated
as hedges of future cash flows, the effective portion of changes in fair value
is recorded in other comprehensive income until the related hedge items impact
earnings. Any ineffective portion of a hedge is reported in earnings
immediately. For derivatives treated as a hedge of the fair value of a debt
instrument, the effective portion of changes in fair value are recorded as an
adjustment to the hedged debt. The ineffective portion of a fair value hedge is
recognized in earnings if the short cut method of assessing effectiveness is not
used. Upon termination of a fair value hedge of a debt instrument, the resulting
gain or loss is amortized to
11
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
income through the maturity date of the debt instrument.
Panhandle's subsidiary LNG Holdings is party to interest rate swap agreements
with an aggregate notional amount of $199,963,000 as of March 31, 2004 that fix
the interest rate applicable to floating rate long-term debt and which qualify
for hedge accounting. For the three month period ended March 31, 2004 and 2003,
the amount of swap ineffectiveness was not significant. As of March 31, 2004,
floating rate London InterBank Offered Rate (LIBOR) based interest payments were
exchanged for weighted fixed rate interest payments of 5.88%, which does not
include the spread on the underlying variable debt rate of 1.625%. As such,
payments or receipts on interest rate swap agreements, in excess of the
liability recorded, are recognized as adjustments to interest expense. As of
March 31, 2004, December 31, 2003 and June 11, 2003 (the Panhandle Acquisition
date), the fair value liability position of the swaps was $21,221,000,
$19,806,000 and $26,850,000, respectively. For the three month period ended
March 31, 2004, an unrealized loss of $3,765,000 ($2,252,000, net of tax) was
included in accumulated other comprehensive income related to these swaps. For
the three month period ended March 31, 2003 an unrealized loss of $1,564,000
($936,000, net of tax) was included in accumulated other comprehensive income
related to these swaps. Current market pricing models were used to estimate fair
values of interest rate swap agreements.
In March 2004, Panhandle entered into an interest rate swap to hedge the risk
associated with the fair value of its $200 million 2.75% Senior Notes (see Note
VI -- Debt). These swaps are designated as fair value hedges and qualify for the
short cut method under FAS 133. Under the swap agreement Panhandle will receive
fixed interest payments at a rate of 2.75% and will make floating interest
payments based on the six-month LIBOR. No ineffectiveness is assumed in the
hedging relationship between the debt instrument and the interest rate swap.
VI DEBT
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
Long-term Debt Year Due 2004 2003
- -------------- -------- ------------ ------------
6.125% Senior Notes 2004 $ - $ 146,080
7.875% Senior Notes 2004 52,455 52,455
6.50% Senior Notes 2009 60,623 60,623
8.25% Senior Notes 2010 40,500 40,500
7.00% Senior Notes 2029 66,305 66,305
4.80% Senior Notes 2008 300,000 300,000
6.05% Senior Notes 2013 250,000 250,000
2.75% Senior Notes 2007 200,000 -
LNG bank loans (floating rate) 2007 266,614 269,570
------------ ------------
Total debt outstanding 1,236,497 1,185,533
Current portion of long-term debt (63,443) (209,671)
Interest rate swaps (248) -
Unamortized debt premium, net 17,467 19,911
------------ ------------
Total long-term debt $ 1,190,273 $ 995,773
============ ============
In accordance with the purchase method of accounting and accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America, the debt retained by
Panhandle when it was acquired by Southern Union was recorded at its fair value
on Panhandle's balance sheet as of June 11, 2003. The valuation resulted in debt
premiums being recorded of $61,821,000 in excess of the principal amount of the
debt due to lower current market interest rates for comparable debt and the
elimination of the previous net debt discount of $3,207,000 on the balance sheet
as of June 11, 2003. Panhandle eliminated $30,796,000 of the debt premium during
the third quarter of 2003 as a result of a tender offer further discussed below.
The net debt premium amount amortized was approximately $2,254,000 and $113,000
for the three month periods ended March 31, 2004 and March 31, 2003,
respectively. The net debt premium is amortized over the remaining life of the
respective debt issues.
Panhandle has $1,253,716,000 of debt recorded at March 31, 2004, of which
$63,443,000 is current. Debt of
12
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
$987,102,000, including net premiums of $17,467,000 and unamortized interest
rate swaps of $248,000, is at fixed rates ranging from 2.75 percent to 8.25
percent, with $266,614,000 of variable rate bank loans having an average rate
for the first quarter in 2004 of 2.80%. The variable rate loans are secured by
the Trunkline LNG facilities.
Panhandle's notes are subject to certain requirements such as the maintenance of
a fixed charge coverage ratio and a leverage ratio which restrict certain
payments if not maintained, and limitations on liens. At March 31, 2004,
Panhandle, based on the currently most restrictive debt covenant requirements,
was subject to a $221,700,000 limitation on additional restricted payments
including dividends and loans to affiliates, and a limitation of $216,400,000 of
additional secured indebtedness or other defined liens based on a limitation on
liens covenant.
At March 31, 2004, Panhandle had scheduled debt payments of $60,636,000,
$12,548,000, $13,969,000, $431,916,000, $300,000,000 and $417,428,000 for the
remainder of 2004 and for the years 2005 through 2008 and thereafter,
respectively.
On March 12, 2004, Panhandle issued $200,000,000 of 2.75% Senior Notes
due 2007, Series A in reliance on an exemption from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 for offers and sales of securities
not involving a public offering or sale, in order to refinance Panhandle's
maturing debt. Panhandle used a portion of the net proceeds to
retire $146,080,000 of 6.125% Senior Notes which matured on March 15, 2004, as
well as for other general corporate purposes. A portion of the remaining net
proceeds may be used to pay off the $52,455,000 of 7.875% Senior Note which
matures August 15, 2004. Panhandle filed a registration statement on May 12,
2004 to initiate an exchange of the unregistered 2.75% Senior Notes due 2007,
Series A for substantially identical securities registered under the Securities
Act of 1933.
VII EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
COMPONENTS OF NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COST
Net periodic benefit costs for the three months ended March 31, 2004 for
postretirement benefit plans other than pensions (OPEB) includes the following
components:
JANUARY 1-
MARCH 31,
OPEB 2004
- ---------------------------------------- ----------
Service cost $ 645
Interest cost 735
Expected return on plan assets (48)
Amortization of prior service cost -
Amortization of transition obligation -
Recognized actuarial gain (loss) -
Settlement recognition -
----------
Net periodic pension cost $ 1,332
==========
For the three months ended March 31, 2004, approximately $2 million in
contributions have been made to the OPEB plan. Panhandle presently anticipates
contributing an additional $5.8 million to fund the OPEB plan in fiscal 2004 for
a total of $7.8 million.
The OPEB plan information for periods prior to June 12, 2003, which has been
previously disclosed, is not presented because the plan is for CMS and its
affiliates (including Panhandle) of which Panhandle received an allocation, and
the assets and costs for Panhandle are not distinguishable from the OPEB plan
information, therefore, the presentation would not be meaningful.
Panhandle does not have a pension plan but does make employer contributions to a
qualified defined contribution
13
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
plan, which contributions range from four to six percent of the participating
employee's salary based on the participating employee's age and years of
service. During the quarter ended March 31, 2004 approximately $1 million was
recorded as expense associated with Panhandle contributions to the qualified
defined contribution plan. Panhandle, through its former parent company,
participated in the CMS pension plan, a defined benefit plan. The total pension
plan expenses, which were allocated to Panhandle by CMS, were approximately $1.7
million for the three month period ended March 31, 2003. There were no
contributions made by Panhandle to CMS on behalf of the CMS pension plan for the
three month period ended March 31, 2003.
VIII COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
LITIGATION. Panhandle is involved in legal, tax and regulatory proceedings
before various courts, regulatory commissions and governmental agencies
regarding matters arising in the ordinary course of business, some of which
involve substantial amounts. Where appropriate, Panhandle has made accruals in
accordance with SFAS No. 5 in order to provide for such matters. Management
believes the final disposition of these proceedings will not have a material
adverse effect on Panhandle's consolidated results of operations or financial
position.
Hope Land Mineral Corporation contends that it owns the storage rights to
property that contains a portion of Panhandle's Howell storage field. During
June 2003, the Michigan Court of Appeals reversed the trial court's previous
order, which had granted summary judgment in favor of Panhandle and dismissed
the case. Panhandle filed an appeal of the Court of Appeals order with the
Michigan Supreme Court which was denied in December of 2003. The case has been
transferred back to the trial court for a trial on the merits. The case is
presently scheduled for June 2004. Panhandle does not believe the outcome of
this case will have a material adverse effect on Panhandle's consolidated
results of operations or financial position.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. Panhandle's interstate natural gas transportation
operations are subject to federal, state and local regulations regarding water
quality, hazardous and solid waste disposal and other environmental matters.
Panhandle has identified environmental contamination at certain sites on its gas
transmission systems and has undertaken cleanup programs at these sites. The
contamination resulted from the past use of lubricants containing
polychlorinated bi-phenyls (PCBs) in compressed air systems; the past use of
paints containing PCBs; and the prior use of wastewater collection facilities
and other on-site disposal areas. Panhandle has developed and is implementing a
program to remediate such contamination in accordance with federal, state and
local regulations. Some remediation is being performed by former Panhandle
affiliates in accordance with indemnity agreements that also indemnify against
certain future environmental litigation and claims.
As part of the cleanup program resulting from contamination due to the use of
lubricants containing PCBs in compressed air systems, Panhandle Eastern Pipe
Line and Trunkline have identified PCB levels above acceptable levels inside the
auxiliary buildings that house the air compressor equipment at thirty-three
compressor station sites. Panhandle has developed and is implementing a United
States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved process to remediate this
PCB contamination in accordance with federal, state and local regulations. Three
sites have been decontaminated per the EPA approved process as prescribed in the
EPA regulations.
At some locations, PCBs have been identified in paint that was applied many
years ago. In accordance with EPA regulations, Panhandle has implemented a
program to remediate sites where such issues are identified during painting
activities. If PCBs are identified above acceptable levels, the paint is removed
and disposed of in an EPA approved manner.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) notified Panhandle
Eastern Pipe Line and Trunkline, together with other non-affiliated parties, of
contamination at three former waste oil disposal sites in Illinois. Panhandle
Eastern Pipe Line's and Trunkline's estimated share for the costs of assessment
and remediation of the sites, based on the volume of waste sent to the
facilities, is approximately 17 percent. Panhandle and 21 other non-affiliated
parties conducted an initial voluntary investigation of the Pierce Oil
Springfield site, one of the three sites. Based on the information found during
the initial investigation, Panhandle and the 21 other non-affiliated parties
have decided to further delineate the extent of contamination by authorizing a
Phase II investigation at this site. Once data from the Phase II investigation
is evaluated, Panhandle and the 21 other non-affiliated parties will determine
what additional actions will be taken. In addition, Illinois EPA has informally
14
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
indicated that it has referred the Pierce Oil Springfield site, to the EPA so
that environmental contamination present at the site can be addressed through
the federal Superfund program. No formal notice has yet been received from
either agency concerning the referral. However, the EPA is expected to issue
special notice letters in 2004 and has begun the process of listing the site on
the National Priority List. Panhandle and three of the other non-affiliated
parties associated with the Pierce Oil Springfield site met with the EPA and
Illinois EPA regarding this issue. Panhandle was given no indication as to when
the listing process was to be completed.
Panhandle expects these cleanup programs for all of the above matters to
continue for several years and has estimated its share of remaining cleanup
costs to range from $10,330,000 to $17,931,000. At March 31, 2004, Panhandle has
related accruals totaling approximately $14,489,000, of which $2,620,000 is
included in Other Current Liabilities for the estimated current amounts and
$11,869,000 is included in Other Non-current Liabilities on the Consolidated
Balance Sheet. At December 31, 2003, Panhandle had $2,933,000 included in Other
Current Liabilities and $11,644,000 included in Other Non-current Liabilities.
AIR QUALITY CONTROL. In 1998, the EPA issued a final rule on regional ozone
control that requires Panhandle to place controls on certain large internal
combustion engines in five midwestern states. The part of the rule that affects
Panhandle was challenged in court by various states, industry and other
interests, including Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA), an
industry group to which Panhandle belongs. In March 2000, the court upheld most
aspects of the EPA's rule, but agreed with INGAA's position and remanded to the
EPA the sections of the rule that affected Panhandle. The final rule is expected
in 2004. Based on an EPA guidance document negotiated with gas industry
representatives in 2002, it is believed that Panhandle will be required to
reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 82% on the identified large internal
combustion engines and will be able to trade off engines within the company and
within each of the five Midwestern states affected by the rule in an effort to
create a cost effective NOx reduction solution. The implementation date is
expected to be May 2007. The rule impacts 20 large internal combustion engines
on the Panhandle system in Illinois and Indiana at an approximate cost of $17
million for capital improvements through 2007, based on current projections.
In 2002, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality enacted the
Houston/Galveston SIP regulations requiring reductions in NOx emissions in an
eight-county area surrounding Houston. Trunkline's Cypress compressor station is
affected and may require the installation of emission controls. New regulations
also require certain grandfathered facilities in Texas to enter into the new
source permit program which may require the installation of emission controls at
five additional facilities. These two rules affect six company facilities in
Texas at an estimated cost of approximately $12 million for capital improvements
through December 2007, based on current projections.
The EPA promulgated various Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) rules
in August 2003 and February 2004. The rules require that Panhandle Eastern Pipe
Line and Trunkline control Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) emitted from certain
internal combustion engines at major HAPs sources. Most of Panhandle Eastern
Pipe Line and Trunkline compressor stations are major HAPs sources. The HAPs
pollutant of concern for Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line and Trunkline is
formaldehyde. As promulgated, the rule seeks to reduce formaldehyde emissions by
76% from these engines. Catalytic controls will be required to reduce emissions
under these rules with a final implementation date of May 2007. Panhandle
Eastern Pipe Line and Trunkline have 20 internal combustion engines subject to
the rules. It is expected that compliance with these regulations will cost an
estimated $5 million, based on current projections.
OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES. In 1993, the U.S. Department of the
Interior announced its intention to seek, through its Mineral Management
Service, additional royalties from gas producers as a result of payments
received by such producers in connection with past take-or-pay settlements,
buyouts and buydowns of gas sales contracts with natural gas pipelines.
Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line and Trunkline, with respect to certain producer
contract settlements, may be contractually required to reimburse or, in some
instances, to indemnify producers against such royalty claims. The potential
liability of the producers to the government and of the pipelines to the
producers involves complex issues of law and fact, which are likely to take
substantial time to resolve. If required to reimburse or indemnify the
producers, Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line and Trunkline may file with FERC to
recover these costs from pipeline customers. Management believes these
commitments and contingencies will not have a material adverse effect on
Panhandle's business, financial condition or results of operations.
15
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
On September 10, 2003, Panhandle provided a guarantee to CB&I Constructors,
Inc., for the full performance by Trunkline LNG, its subsidiary, of the
engineering, procurement and construction contract between Trunkline LNG and
CB&I Constructors, Inc. The contract is for the construction of the expansion of
the Trunkline LNG Lake Charles facility, and covers approximately $45,000,000 of
the remaining cost of the expansion through December 2005. Under the terms of
the guarantee, should Trunkline LNG be in default of its obligation, Panhandle
would be required to perform but only to the extent of services already rendered
by CB&I Constructors, Inc. There are no amounts being carried as liabilities for
Panhandle's obligations under these guarantees.
CONTROLLED GROUP PENSION LIABILITIES. Southern Union (including certain of its
divisions) sponsors a number of defined benefit pension plans for employees.
Under applicable pension and tax laws, upon being acquired by Southern Union,
Panhandle became a member of Southern Union's "controlled group" with respect to
those plans, and, along with Southern Union and any other members of that group,
is jointly and severally liable for any failure by Southern Union (along with
any other persons that may be or become a sponsor of any such plan) to fund any
and all of these pension plans or to pay any unfunded liabilities that these
plans may have if they are ever terminated. In addition, if any of the
obligations of any of these pension plans is not paid when due, a lien in favor
of that plan or the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation may be created against
the assets of each member of Southern Union's controlled group, including
Panhandle and each of its subsidiaries. As of June 30, 2003, the aggregate
amount of the projected benefit obligations of these pension plans was
approximately $336,651,000 and the estimated fair value of all of the assets of
these plans was approximately $237,376,000.
16
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LLC
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND
FINANCIAL CONDITION.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial
Condition is provided as a supplement to the accompanying consolidated financial
statements and footnotes to help provide an understanding of Panhandle's
financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations.
The following section includes an overview of Panhandle's business as well as
recent developments that Panhandle believes are important in understanding its
results of operations, and to anticipate future trends in those operations.
Subsequent sections include an analysis of Panhandle's results of operations on
a consolidated basis and information relating to Panhandle's liquidity and
capital resources, quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk,
an outlook perspective for Panhandle, and other matters. All dollar amounts in
the tables herein are stated in thousands.
OVERVIEW
Panhandle has been an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern Union Company
(Southern Union Company and together with its subsidiaries, Southern Union)
since Southern Union's June 11, 2003 acquisition of Panhandle (Panhandle
Acquisition) from CMS Gas Transmission Company (CMS Gas Transmission), a
subsidiary of CMS Energy Corporation (together, CMS). Panhandle is primarily
engaged in the interstate transportation and storage of natural gas and also
provides liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminalling and regasification services.
The Panhandle entities include Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company, LLC
(Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line), Trunkline Gas Company, LLC (Trunkline) a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line, Sea Robin Pipeline
Company (Sea Robin), a Louisiana unincorporated joint venture and an indirect
wholly-owned subsidiary of Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line, Trunkline LNG Company,
LLC (Trunkline LNG) which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Trunkline LNG
Holdings, LLC (LNG Holdings), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Panhandle
Eastern Pipe Line and Pan Gas Storage, LLC (d.b.a. Southwest Gas Storage), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line. Collectively, the
pipeline assets include more than 10,000 miles of interstate pipelines that
transport natural gas from the Gulf of Mexico, South Texas and the Panhandle
regions of Texas and Oklahoma to major U.S. markets in the Midwest and Great
Lakes region. The pipelines have a combined peak day delivery capacity of 5.4
Bcf per day, 72 Bcf of owned underground storage capacity and 6.3 Bcf of above
ground LNG storage capacity. Trunkline LNG, located on Louisiana's Gulf Coast,
operates one of the largest LNG import terminals in North America, based on
current send out capacity. Panhandle has under consideration a plan to convert
from a limited liability company to a limited partnership.
On June 11, 2003, Southern Union acquired Panhandle from CMS for approximately
$581,729,000 in cash and 3,000,000 shares of Southern Union common stock (before
adjustment for subsequent stock dividends) valued at approximately $48,900,000
based on market prices at closing of the Panhandle Acquisition and in connection
therewith incurred transaction costs of approximately $30,448,000. Southern
Union also incurred additional deferred state income tax liabilities estimated
at $10,597,000 as a result of the transaction. At the time of the acquisition,
Panhandle had $1,157,228,000 principal amount of debt outstanding that it
retained. Southern Union funded the cash portion of the acquisition with
approximately $437,000,000 in cash proceeds it received for the January 1, 2003
sale of its Texas operations, approximately $121,250,000 of the net proceeds it
received from concurrent common stock and equity units offerings and with
working capital available to Southern Union. Southern Union structured the
Panhandle Acquisition and the sale of its Texas operations to qualify as a
like-kind exchange of property under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended.
Under the terms of the Panhandle sale agreement, CMS retained Panhandle's
ownership interests in and obligations associated with the Centennial and
Guardian pipeline projects, as well as certain of Panhandle's net deferred tax
assets, all tax liabilities, and pension and certain other postretirement assets
and liabilities. In accordance with the sale agreement, Panhandle disposed of
its interest in Centennial and Guardian and certain cash collateral related to
Guardian was transferred to CMS. The Note receivable from CMS Capital was
included in the sale to Southern Union but was eliminated under pushdown
accounting (see Note IV -- Related Party Transactions). On March 1, 2003,
certain assets previously held by CMS with a net book value of $15,149,000 were
contributed to Panhandle by CMS and were included in the Southern Union
purchase.
17
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LLC
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The Panhandle Acquisition was accounted for in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted within the United States by allocating the
purchase price and acquisition costs incurred by Southern Union to Panhandle's
net assets as of the acquisition date. The Panhandle assets acquired and
liabilities assumed have been recorded at their estimated fair value as of the
acquisition date based on the results of outside appraisals. Accordingly, the
post-acquisition financial statements reflect a new basis of accounting and
pre-acquisition period and post-acquisition period financial results (separated
by a heavy black line) are presented but are not comparable. The most
significant impacts of the new basis of accounting going forward are expected to
be higher depreciation expense due to the step-up of depreciable assets,
assignment of purchase price to certain amortizable intangible assets, and lower
interest costs (though not cash payments) for the remaining life of debt due to
its revaluation and related debt premium amortization.
A majority of Panhandle's total operating revenue comes from long-term service
agreements with local distribution company customers and their affiliates.
Panhandle also provides firm transportation services under contract to gas
marketers, producers, other pipelines, electric power generators, and a variety
of end-users. In addition, Panhandle's pipelines offer both firm and
interruptible transportation to customers on a short-term or seasonal basis.
Demand for gas transmission on Panhandle's pipeline systems is seasonal, with
the highest throughput and a higher portion of annual total operating revenues
and net earnings occurring in the traditional winter heating season in the first
and fourth calendar quarters. For the years 1999 to 2003, Panhandle's combined
throughput was 1,139 trillion British thermal units (TBtu), 1,374 TBtu, 1,335
TBtu, 1,259 TBtu and 1,380 TBtu, respectively. For the three month periods ended
March 31, 2004 and March 31, 2003, Panhandle's combined throughput was 352 TBtu
and 377 TBtu, respectively. Beginning in March 2000, the combined throughput
includes Sea Robin's throughput.
18
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LLC
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is a comparison of consolidated net income for the three month
periods ended March 31, 2004 and 2003.
POST- PRE-
ACQUISITION ACQUISITION
JANUARY 1 - JANUARY 1 - THREE
MARCH 31 MARCH 31 MONTHS
2004 2003 CHANGE
------------ ------------ ------------
Operating revenue:
Reservation revenue $ 101,212 $ 96,978 $ 4,234
LNG terminalling revenue 13,762 13,861 (99)
Commodity revenue 20,648 19,255 1,393
Equity income and other revenue 2,557 7,370 (4,813)
------------ ------------ ------------
Total operating revenue 138,179 137,464 715
Operating expenses:
Operation, maintenance and general 49,725 53,465 (3,740)
Depreciation and amortization 15,147 13,395 1,752
Taxes, other than on income and revenues 7,526 7,338 188
------------ ------------ ------------
Total operating expenses 72,398 74,198 (1,800)
------------ ------------ ------------
Operating income 65,781 63,266 2,515
Other income (expense):
Interest (expense), net (12,155) (19,915) 7,760
Other, net 704 3,758 (3,054)
------------ ------------ ------------
Total other expense, net (11,451) (16,157) 4,706
Income taxes 21,273 18,274 2,999
------------ ------------ ------------
Net earnings from continuing operations 33,057 28,835 4,222
------------ ------------ ------------
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting principles, net of tax - 2,003 (2,003)
------------ ------------ ------------
Total $ 33,057 $ 30,838 $ 2,219
============ ============ ============
RESERVATION REVENUE. For the three months ended March 31, 2004, reservation
revenue increased $4,234,000 versus the same time period during 2003 due to an
increase in average contract rates. Reservation revenue is expected to be down
in the quarter ending June 2004 as compared to the corresponding period in 2003
which was higher due to customer demand during that period resulting from
extremely low storage levels.
COMMODITY REVENUE. For the three months ended March 31, 2004, commodity revenue
increased $1,393,000 versus the same time period during 2003 primarily due to an
increase in parking and interruptible revenues partially offset by reduced
volumes resulting from a cooler winter during 2003 versus 2004. Commodity
revenues are dependent upon a number of variable factors, including weather,
customer storage levels, and natural gas demand.
EQUITY INCOME AND OTHER REVENUE. Equity income and other revenue for the three
months ended March 31, 2004 decreased $4,813,000 versus the same time period
during 2003 primarily due to non-recurring net imbalance cash out gains realized
during 2003.
19
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LLC
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND GENERAL. Operation, maintenance and general expenses
decreased $3,740,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004, versus the same
time period during 2003, primarily due to approximately $7,302,000 associated
with recovery of previously underrecovered fuel volumes and decreased benefit
costs of $1,899,000 partially offset by increases in management and royalty fees
of $3,222,000 and corporate charges of $1,770,000.
The decrease in the benefit costs trend for 2004 versus 2003 is expected to
continue through the second quarter primarily due to the adoption of different
employee benefit plans in June 2003 associated with the Panhandle Acquisition by
Southern Union. The third and fourth quarter periods for 2004 versus 2003 will
be comparable.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION. Depreciation and amortization increased
$1,752,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004 versus the same time period
during 2003 primarily due to the step-up of depreciable assets and assignment of
purchase price to certain shorter-lived amortizable intangible assets related to
the Panhandle Acquisition. This step-up impact, as well as future net additions
placed in service, is expected to continue to result in higher depreciation in
2004 versus pre-acquisition periods.
INTEREST, NET. Interest expense, net for the three months ended March 31, 2004
was reduced by $7,760,000 versus the same time period during 2003 primarily due
to amortization of debt premiums established in purchase accounting related to
the Panhandle Acquisition by Southern Union and reduced interest charges as a
result of Panhandle's debt refinancing during the third quarter of 2003. For
further discussion of Panhandle's long-term debt, see Note IV -- Debt.
OTHER INCOME, NET. Other income, net for the three months ended March 31, 2004
decreased $3,054,000 versus the same time period during 2003, primarily due to
lower related party interest income, net, which was $269,000 for the 2004 period
versus $3,135,000 for 2003.
INCOME TAXES. Income taxes during the three months ended March 31, 2004, versus
the same time period during 2003, increased $2,999,000 due to increases in
pretax income.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
OPERATING ACTIVITIES. Based on Panhandle's current level of operations,
management believes that cash flow from operations, available existing cash, and
other sources, including liquid working capital and new borrowings, will be
adequate to meet Panhandle's short-term cash needs and long-term cash needs for
the next several years, although no assurances can be given as to the
sufficiency of cash flows or the ability to refinance existing obligations.
Cash flows from operating activities before changes in operating assets and
liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2004 were $53 million versus
$60 million for the same time period during 2003. After changes in operating
assets and liabilities, cash flows from operating activities for the three
months ended March 31, 2004 were $51 million versus $56 million for the same
time period during 2003. Changes in operating assets and liabilities used cash
of $2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and $4 million for the
same time period during 2003. The decrease in cash flows from operating
activities for the three months ended March 31, 2004 versus the same time period
during 2003 was primarily attributable to the timing of payments and cash
receipts related to Panhandle's working capital accounts partially offset by an
increase in net income.
INVESTING ACTIVITIES. Historically, Panhandle's capital requirements have
generally been satisfied through operating cash flow, except that Panhandle may
utilize access to capital markets for extraordinary capital expenditures.
Panhandle estimates expenditures associated with Phase I and Phase II LNG
terminal expansion and the Trunkline 30-inch diameter, approximately 23-mile
natural gas pipeline loop from the LNG terminal to be $93 million in 2004, $19
million of which was recorded in the first quarter of 2004, $107 million in 2005
and $12 million in 2006. These estimates were developed for budget planning
purposes and are subject to revision.
Cash flows used in investing activity for the three month period ended March 31,
2004 increased by
20
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LLC
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
approximately $10 million versus the same time period in 2003 primarily due to
proceeds from the sale of Centennial in the first quarter of 2003 of $40 million
and an increase in capital expenditures of approximately $9 million during 2004,
partially offset by approximately a $38 million reduction in additional loans
made to affiliated companies during 2004.
FINANCING ACTIVITIES. Panhandle's note provisions are subject to requirements
such as the maintenance of a fixed charge coverage ratio and a leverage ratio
which restrict certain payments if not maintained, and limitations on liens. At
March 31, 2004, Panhandle, based on the currently most restrictive debt covenant
requirements, was subject to a $221,700,000 limitation on additional restricted
payments including dividends and loans to affiliates, and a limitation of
$216,400,000 of additional secured indebtedness or other defined liens based on
a limitations on liens covenant.
At March 31, 2004, Panhandle had scheduled debt principal payments of
$60,636,000, $12,548,000, $13,969,000, $431,916,000, $300,000,000 and
$417,428,000 for the remainder of 2004 and for the years 2005 through 2008 and
thereafter, respectively.
On March 12, 2004, Panhandle issued $200,000,000 of 2.75% Senior Notes
due 2007, Series A in reliance on an exemption from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 for offers and sales of securities
not involving a public offering or sale, in order to refinance Panhandle's
maturing debt. Panhandle used a portion of the net proceeds to
retire $146,080,000 of 6.125% Senior Notes which matured on March 15, 2004, as
well as for other general corporate purposes. A portion of the remaining net
proceeds may be used to pay off the $52,455,000 of 7.875% Senior Note which
matures August 15, 2004. Panhandle filed a registration statement on May 12,
2004 to initiate an exchange of the unregistered 2.75% Senior Notes due 2007,
Series A for substantially identical securities registered under the Securities
Act of 1933.
On September 10, 2003, Panhandle provided a guarantee to CB&I Constructors, Inc.
for the full performance by Trunkline LNG, its subsidiary, of the engineering,
procurement and construction contract between Trunkline LNG and CB&I
Constructors, Inc., but only to the extent of services already rendered by CB&I
Constructors, Inc. (see Note VIII -- Commitments and Contingencies).
Cash flows from financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2004
increased by approximately $89 million versus the same time period in 2003
primarily due to net debt issuances of approximately $51 million during 2004 and
the transfer of the sale of Centennial proceeds to CMS of $40 million during
2003.
OUTLOOK
Panhandle is a leading United States interstate natural gas pipeline system and
also owns one of the largest operating LNG regasification terminals in North
America, based on current send out capacity, and intends to optimize results
through expansion and better utilization of its existing facilities and
construction of new facilities. This involves providing additional
transportation, storage and other value-added services to customers such as
gas-fueled power plants, local distribution companies, industrial end-users,
marketers and others. Panhandle conducts operations primarily in the central,
gulf coast, midwest, great lakes, and southwest regions of the United States.
Pipeline revenues are generally higher in the first and fourth quarters of each
year primarily due to higher contract rates and the increase in customer demand
levels for gas due to the colder weather during these periods.
Trunkline LNG entered into a 22-year contract with BG LNG Services beginning
January 2002, for all the uncommitted capacity at the Lake Charles, Louisiana
facility. Trunkline LNG announced the planned expansion of the Lake Charles
facility to approximately 1.2 Bcf per day of send out capacity, up from its
current send out capacity of .63 Bcf per day and in December 2002, FERC approved
the expansion of the LNG regasification terminal storage capacity to 9 Bcf from
the current storage capacity of 6.3 Bcf. The expanded facility is currently
expected to be in operation by the end of 2005. In February 2004, Trunkline LNG
filed a further incremental LNG expansion project with the FERC and is awaiting
commission approval. This expansion will increase the LNG terminal's sustainable
send out capacity to 1.8 Bcf per day by mid-2006. BG LNG Services has contracted
for all the proposed additional capacity subject to Trunkline LNG achieving
certain construction milestones at this facility.
21
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LLC
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
As of December 31, 2002, Panhandle owned a one-third interest in Guardian, which
constructed a 141-mile, 36-inch pipeline from Illinois to southeastern Wisconsin
for the transportation of natural gas and began operations in December 2002. On
March 10, 2003, Panhandle's ownership interest in Guardian was transferred to
CMS Gas Transmission. Trunkline currently operates the Guardian pipeline, but
will not be the operator after June 30, 2004 when the current agreement with
Guardian expires. This is not expected to have a material impact on Panhandle's
results of operations.
OTHER MATTERS
CUSTOMER CONCENTRATION. For the three month period ended March 31, 2004 and
2003, sales to ProLiance Energy, LLC, a nonaffiliated local distribution company
and gas marketer, accounted for approximately 18 percent and 16 percent,
respectively, of Panhandle's total combined operating revenues. Sales to BG LNG
Services, a nonaffiliated gas marketer, accounted for approximately 13 percent
and 11 percent of Panhandle's total combined operating revenues for the three
month period ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Sales to subsidiaries
of CMS, primarily Consumers Energy Company, accounted for approximately 10
percent and 11 percent of Panhandle's total combined operating revenues for the
three month period ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. No other
customer accounted for 10 percent or more of total combined operating revenues
during the same periods. Aggregate sales to Panhandle's top 10 customers
accounted for approximately 70 percent and 67 percent of total combined
operating revenues for the period ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
REGULATION. Panhandle is subject to regulation by various federal, state and
local governmental agencies, including those specifically described below.
FERC has comprehensive jurisdiction over Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line, Trunkline,
Sea Robin, Trunkline LNG, and Southwest Gas Storage as natural gas companies
within the meaning of the Natural Gas Act of 1938. FERC jurisdiction relates,
among other things, to the acquisition, operation and disposal of assets and
facilities and to the service provided and rates charged.
FERC has authority to regulate rates and charges for both transportation and
storage of natural gas in interstate commerce. FERC also has authority over the
construction and operation of pipeline and related facilities utilized in the
transportation and sale of natural gas in interstate commerce, including the
extension, enlargement or abandonment of service using such facilities.
Panhandle, Trunkline, Sea Robin, Trunkline LNG, and Southwest Gas Storage hold
certificates of public convenience and necessity issued by the FERC, authorizing
them to construct and operate the pipelines, facilities and properties now in
operation for which such certificates are required, and to transport and store
natural gas in interstate commerce.
The Secretary of Energy regulates the import and export of natural gas and has
delegated various aspects of this jurisdiction to FERC and the Department of
Energy's Office of Fossil Fuels.
Panhandle is also subject to the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 and the
Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002, which regulate the safety of gas
pipelines. Panhandle is also subject to the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act
of 1979, which regulates oil and petroleum pipelines.
COMPETITION. Panhandle's interstate pipelines compete with other interstate and
intrastate pipeline companies in the transportation and storage of natural gas.
The principal elements of competition among pipelines are rates, term of service
and flexibility and reliability of service. Panhandle's primary competitors
include Alliance Pipeline LP, ANR Pipeline Company, Natural Gas Pipeline Company
of America, Northern Border Pipeline Company, Texas Gas Transmission
Corporation, Northern Natural Gas Company and Vector Pipeline.
Natural gas competes with other forms of energy available to Panhandle's
customers and end-users, including electricity, coal and fuel oils. The primary
competitive factor is price. Changes in the availability or price of natural gas
and other forms of energy, the level of business activity, conservation,
legislation and governmental regulations, the capability to convert to alternate
fuels, and other factors, including weather and natural gas
22
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LLC
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
storage levels, affect the demand for transportation services in the areas
served by Panhandle.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. Panhandle's interstate natural gas transportation
operations are subject to federal, state and local regulations regarding water
quality, hazardous and solid waste disposal and other environmental matters.
Panhandle has identified environmental contamination at certain sites on its gas
transmission systems and has undertaken cleanup programs at these sites. The
contamination resulted from the past use of lubricants containing PCBs in
compressed air systems; the past use of paints containing PCBs; and the prior
use of wastewater collection facilities and other on-site disposal areas.
Panhandle has developed and is implementing a program to remediate such
contamination in accordance with federal, state and local regulations. Some
remediation is being performed by former Panhandle affiliates in accordance with
indemnity agreements that also indemnify against certain future environmental
litigation and claims. Panhandle is also subject to various federal, state and
local laws and regulations relating to air quality control. These regulations
include rules relating to regional ozone control and hazardous air pollutants.
The regional ozone control rules are known as SIP and are designed to control
the release of NOx compounds. The rules related to hazardous air pollutants are
known as MACT rules and are the result of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments that
regulate the emission of hazardous air pollutants from internal combustion
engines and turbines.
PCB Assessment and Clean-up Programs -- Panhandle previously identified
environmental contamination at certain sites on its systems and undertook
clean-up programs at these sites. The contamination resulted from the past use
of lubricants containing PCBs in compressed air systems and the prior use of
wastewater collection facilities and other on-site disposal areas. Panhandle is
also taking actions regarding PCBs in paints at various locations (see Note VIII
- -- Commitments and Contingencies - Environmental Matters).
Air Quality Control -- In 1998, the EPA issued a final rule on regional ozone
control that requires revised SIPs for 22 states, including five states in which
Panhandle operates. Panhandle has completed installation of NOx controls on four
engines and anticipates placing NOx controls on engines at a total of six
compressor station locations. This program is expected to be completed by May
2007.
In 2004, final rules were promulgated by the EPA regarding control of hazardous
air pollutants. Twenty engines owned by Panhandle are affected. In 2002, the
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality enacted the Houston/Galveston SIP
regulations requiring reductions in NOx emissions in an eight-county area
surrounding Houston. Trunkline's Cypress compressor station is affected and may
require the installation of emission controls. New regulations also require
certain grandfathered facilities to enter into the new source permit program
which may require the installation of emission controls at five additional
facilities. The rule affects six company facilities in Texas. Panhandle expects
controls to be installed by December 2007 (see Note VIII -- Commitments and
Contingencies - Environmental Matters).
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES. Panhandle expenditures associated with Phase I and Phase
II LNG terminal expansion and the Trunkline 30-inch diameter, approximately
23-mile natural gas pipeline loop from the LNG terminal are estimated to be
approximately $93 million in 2004, $19 million of which was recorded in the
first quarter of 2004, approximately $107 million in 2005 and approximately $12
million in 2006. These estimates were developed for budget planning purposes and
are subject to revision.
ENERGY AFFILIATE RULEMAKING. In response to changes in the structure of the
energy industry, the FERC adopted Order No. 2004 on November 25, 2003 that
established standards of conduct for energy affiliates of FERC-regulated
entities. The final rule revises and conforms the current gas and electric
standards by broadening the definition of an energy affiliate covered by the
standards of conduct to include, in addition to current marketers or merchant
affiliates, gathering, processing, intrastate pipelines and certain local
distribution companies. On February 9, 2004, Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line,
Trunkline, Trunkline LNG, Sea Robin and LNG Holdings submitted an informational
filing describing the measures needed to comply with the standards of conduct.
In Order No. 2004-A, issued on April 16, 2004, the FERC has extended the
compliance date for Order No. 2004 until September 2004.
23
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LLC
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
PIPELINE SAFETY NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING. On December 12, 2003, the U.S.
Department of Transportation issued a final rule requiring pipeline operators to
develop integrity management programs to comprehensively evaluate their
pipelines, and take measures to protect pipeline segments located in "high
consequence areas." The final rule took effect on January 14, 2004 and
incorporates requirements of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act enacted in
December 2002. Although Panhandle cannot predict the actual costs of compliance
with this rule, it does not expect the order to have a material incremental
effect on Panhandle's business, financial condition or results of operations
because such required activities were already being undertaken.
CONTROLLED GROUP PENSION LIABILITIES. Southern Union (including certain of its
divisions) sponsors a number of defined benefit pension plans arising from its
(including any of its present or former divisions) or its predecessor's
businesses when Southern Union acquired Panhandle. Under applicable pension and
tax laws, upon being acquired by Southern Union, Panhandle became a member of
Southern Union's "controlled group" with respect to those plans, and, along with
Southern Union and any other members of that group, is jointly and severally
liable for any failure by Southern Union (along with any other persons that may
be or become a sponsor of any such plan) to fund any and all of these pension
plans or to pay any unfunded liabilities that these plans may have if they are
ever terminated. In addition, if any of the obligations of any of these pension
plans is not paid when due, a lien in favor of that plan or the Pension Benefit
Guaranty Corporation may be created against the assets of each member of
Southern Union's controlled group, including Panhandle and each of its
subsidiaries. As of June 30, 2003, the aggregate amount of the projected benefit
obligations of these pension plans was approximately $336,651,000 and the
estimated fair value of all of the assets of these plans was approximately
$237,376,000.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION. The Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition and
other sections of this Form 10-Q may contain forward-looking statements within
the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These
statements constitute forward-looking statements that are based on current
expectations, estimates and projections about the industry in which Panhandle
operates and management's beliefs and assumptions. These forward-looking
statements are not historical facts, but rather reflect current expectations
concerning future results and events. Words such as "expects," "anticipates,"
"intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," variations of such words
and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking
statements. Similarly, statements that describe objectives, plans or goals are
or may be forward-looking statements.
These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve various
risks, uncertainties and assumptions, which are difficult to predict and many of
which are outside Panhandle's control. Therefore, actual results, performance
and achievements may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in
such forward-looking statements. Prospective investors may review Panhandle's
reports filed in the future with the Commission for more current descriptions of
developments that could cause actual results to differ materially from such
forward-looking statements. However, prospective investors should not place
undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of
this Form 10-Q, or, in the case of documents incorporated by reference, the date
of those documents.
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
expressed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the
following: customer growth; gas throughput volumes and available sources of
natural gas; discounting of transportation rates due to competition, abnormal
weather conditions in Panhandle's service territories; new legislation and
government regulations affecting or involving Panhandle; Panhandle's ability to
comply with or to challenge successfully existing or new environmental
regulations; the outcome of pending and future litigation; the impact of
relations with labor unions of bargaining-unit union employees; the impact of
future rate cases or regulatory rulings; Panhandle's ability to control costs
successfully and achieve operating efficiencies, including the purchase and
implementation of new technologies for achieving such efficiencies; the nature
and impact of any extraordinary transactions, such as any acquisition or
divestiture of a business unit or any assets; the economic climate and growth in
Panhandle's industry and service territories and competitive conditions of
energy markets in general; inflationary trends; changes in gas or other energy
market commodity prices and interest rates; the current market conditions
causing more customer contracts to be of shorter duration, which may increase
revenue volatility; exposure to customer concentration with a significant
24
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LLC
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
portion of revenues realized from a relatively small number of customers and any
credit risks associated with the financial position of those customers;
Panhandle or its parent's debt securities ratings; factors affecting operations
such as maintenance or repairs, environmental incidents or gas pipeline system
constraints; the possibility of war or terrorist attacks; and other risks and
unforeseen events.
In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the results reflected in
the forward-looking statements contained or incorporated by reference in this
Form 10-Q might not occur. In addition, Panhandle could be affected by general
industry and market conditions, and general economic conditions, including
interest rate fluctuations, federal, state and local laws and regulations
affecting the retail gas industry or the energy industry generally.
Panhandle does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future
events or otherwise. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements
attributable to Panhandle or persons acting on Panhandle's behalf are expressly
qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained throughout
this Form 10-Q.
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
FASB INTERPRETATION NO. 46R, "CONSOLIDATION OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES" (FIN
NO. 46R): Issued by the FASB in December 2003, the interpretation identifies a
variable interest entity as an entity whose equity owners do not have sufficient
equity at risk and do not have substantive voting rights. The interpretation is
effective for special-purpose entities for periods ending after December 15,
2003 and for all other types of variable interest entities for periods ending
after March 15, 2004. This standard requires a company to consolidate a variable
interest entity if it is allocated a majority of the entity's losses and/or
returns, including fees paid by the entity. Panhandle has not identified any
material variable interest entities or interests in variable interest entities
for which the provisions of FIN No. 46R would require a change in Panhandle's
current accounting for such interests.
EITF 01-8, "DETERMINING WHETHER AN ARRANGEMENT CONTAINS A LEASE" (EITF 01-8): In
May 2003, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) of the FASB reached a consensus
on EITF 01-8 that outlines certain criteria for determining when a contract or
portion thereof should be accounted for as a lease within the scope of SFAS No.
13, "Accounting for Leases". Because of certain contractual changes entered into
during January 2004 between Trunkline LNG and BG LNG Services, Inc., a
subsidiary of BG Group of the United Kingdom (BG LNG Services), regarding LNG
services at the Lake Charles facility, the BG LNG Services contract was required
to be reassessed under the provisions of EITF 01-8 and was determined to contain
an operating lease. The impact of this accounting treatment will not have a
material impact on Panhandle's financial condition or results of operations.
FASB STATEMENT NO.132R "EMPLOYERS' DISCLOSURES ABOUT PENSIONS AND OTHER
POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - AN AMENDMENT OF FASB STATEMENTS NO. 87, 88, AND 106":
Issued by the FASB in December 2003, the Statement revises employers'
disclosures about pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans. It
retains the disclosure requirements contained in FASB Statement No. 132,
"Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits," which
it replaces, and requires additional disclosure about the assets, obligations,
cash flows and net periodic benefit cost of defined benefit pension plans and
other defined benefit postretirement plans. The Statement does not change the
measurement or recognition of those plans required by FASB Statements No. 87,
"Employers' Accounting for Pensions", No. 88, "Employers' Accounting for
Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for
Termination Benefits", and No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement
Benefits Other Than Pensions". The Statement is effective for fiscal years
ending after December 15, 2003. The interim-period disclosures required by the
Statement are effective for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2003
(see Note VII -- Employee Benefits).
25
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS
There are no material changes in market risks faced by Panhandle from those
reported in Panhandle's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2003.
The information in Item 3 updates, and should be read in conjunction with,
information set forth in Part II, Item 7 in Panhandle's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, in addition to the interim
consolidated financial statements, accompanying notes, and Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
presented in Items 1 and 2 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Panhandle performed an evaluation under the supervision and with the
participation of its management, including its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and
Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and with the participation of personnel from its
Legal, Internal Audit and Financial Reporting Departments, of the effectiveness
of the design and operation of Panhandle's disclosure controls and procedures
(as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that
evaluation, Panhandle's CEO and CFO concluded that its disclosure controls and
procedures were effective as of March 31, 2004 and have communicated that
determination to the Board of Managers and Southern Union's Audit Committee,
which also serves as our Audit Committee.
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROLS
There has not been any change in Panhandle's internal controls over financial
reporting identified in connection with our evaluation thereof that occurred
during the quarter ended March 31, 2004 that materially affected, or is
reasonably likely to materially affect, Panhandle's internal control over
financial reporting.
26
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Panhandle and certain of its affiliates are occasionally parties to lawsuits and
administrative proceedings incidental to their businesses involving, for
example, claims for personal injury and property damage, contractual matters,
various tax matters, and rates and licensing. Reference is made to ITEM 1.
Financial Statements, Note VIII -- Commitments and Contingencies - Litigation,
Environmental Matters, and Air Quality Control, as well as to ITEM 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial
Condition included in Part I. Financial Information for additional information
regarding various pending administrative and judicial proceedings involving
regulatory, environmental and other legal matters.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS - Panhandle and its affiliates are subject to various
federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the environment.
Several of these companies have been named parties to various actions involving
environmental issues. Based on our present knowledge and subject to future legal
and factual developments, Panhandle's management believes that it is unlikely
that these actions, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material
adverse effect on its financial condition. See ITEM 1. Financial Statements,
Note VIII -- Commitments and Contingencies - Environmental Matters and Air
Quality Control and ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of
Operations included in Part I. Financial Information.
27
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(a) EXHIBITS.
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
3(a) Certificate of Formation of Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line
Company, LLC (Filed as Exhibit 3(a) to the Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended June 30, 2003).
3(b) Certificate of Conversion from a Corporation to a Limited
Liability Company (Filed as Exhibit 3(b) to the Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended June 30, 2003).
3(c) Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Formation (Filed as
Exhibit 3(c) to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30,
2003).
3(d) Limited Liability Company Agreement of Panhandle Eastern Pipe
Line LLC, dated as of June 16, 2003, by Southern Union
Panhandle LLC (Filed as Exhibit 3(d) to the Form S-4 filed on
December 15, 2003).
4(a) Indenture dated as of March 29, 1999, among CMS Panhandle
Holding Company, Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company and NBD
Bank, as Trustee (Filed as Exhibit 4(a) to the Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended March 31, 1999.)
4(b) 1st Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 29, 1999, among
CMS Panhandle Holding Company, Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line
Company and NBD Bank, as Trustee, including a form of
Guarantee by Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company of the
obligations of CMS Panhandle Holding Company (Filed as Exhibit
4(b) to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1999).
4(c) 2nd Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 27, 2000, between
Panhandle, as Issuer and Bank One Trust Company, National
Association, as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4(e) to the Form S-4
filed on June 22, 2000).
4(d) 3rd Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 18, 2003,
between Panhandle, as Issuer and Bank One Trust Company,
National Association, as Trustee (Filed as Exhibit 4(d) to the
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003).
4(e) Indenture dated as of February 1, 1993, between Panhandle and
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company effective January 1, 1982, as
amended December 3, 1999 (Filed as Exhibit 4 to the Form S-3
filed February 19, 1993).
10(a) Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan for Employees of CMS
Energy/Consumers Energy Company effective January 1, 1982, as
amended December 9, 1999 (Filed as Exhibit 10(h) to our Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999).
10(b) Contract for Firm Transportation of Natural Gas between
Consumers Power Company and Trunkline Gas Company, dated
September 1, 1993 (Filed as Exhibit 10.03 to our Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1993).
12 Computation of Consolidated Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
(Filed as Exhibit 12 to the Form S-4 filed on December 15,
2003).
21 Material Subsidiaries (Filed as Exhibit 21 to the Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2003).
24 Power of Attorney (Filed as Exhibit 24 to the Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2003).
25 Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture
Act of 1939 of J.P. Morgan Trust Company, N.A. (formerly known
as Bank One Trust Company, National
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Association) (Filed as Exhibit 25 to the Form S-4 filed on
December 15, 2003).
31.1 Rule 13a - 14(a)/15d - 14(a) Certification of Chief Executive
Officer
31.2 Rule 13a - 14(a)/15d - 14(a) Certification of Chief Financial
Officer
32.1 Section 1350 Certification
32.2 Section 1350 Certification
(B) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K:
Panhandle filed the following Current Report on Form 8-K during the
quarter ended March 31, 2004:
Date Filed Description of Filing
- ---------- -------------------------------------------------------------
2/04/04 Filing under Item 5, Southern Union Company, the parent of
Panhandle, issued a press release announcing that its
subsidiary Trunkline LNG Company, LLC has entered into an
agreement with BG LNG Services, LLC for a proposed Phase II
modification of Trunkline LNG Company, LLC's Lake Charles,
La., liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, and further that
its subsidiary, Trunkline Gas Company, LLC has also entered
into an agreement with BG LNG Services, LLC for the
construction of a 23-mile pipeline from the LNG terminal to
the mainline of Trunkline Gas Company, LLC.
Filing under Item 7 and 9, Southern Union Company, the parent
of Panhandle, issued a press release announcing its operating
performance for the three and six month periods ended December
31, 2003.
3/12/04 Filing under Item 9, Panhandle issued a press release
announcing the private placement of $200,000,000 of 2.75%
Senior Notes due 2007, Series A.
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Panhandle
Eastern Pipe Line Company, LLC has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LLC
(Registrant)
Date: May 14, 2004 By: /s/ THOMAS F. KARAM
---------------------------------------
Thomas F. Karam
Chief Executive Officer
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