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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
/X/ Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended MARCH 31, 2003
or
/ / Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
Commission File No. 1-3548
ALLETE, INC.
A Minnesota Corporation
IRS Employer Identification No. 41-0418150
30 West Superior Street
Duluth, Minnesota 55802-2093
Telephone - (218) 279-5000
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 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 Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes X No
----- -----
Common Stock, no par value,
86,127,331 shares outstanding
as of April 30, 2003
INDEX
Page
Definitions 2
Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995 3
Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheet -
March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002 4
Consolidated Statement of Income -
Quarter Ended March 31, 2003 and 2002 5
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows -
Quarter Ended March 31, 2003 and 2002 6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 7
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations 13
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures
about Market Risk 19
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 20
Part II. Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 20
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of
Security Holders 20
Item 5. Other Information 21
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 22
Signatures 23
Certifications 24
1 ALLETE First Quarter 2003 Form 10-Q
DEFINITIONS
The following abbreviations or acronyms are used in the text. References in this
report to "we," "us" and "our" are to ALLETE, Inc. and its subsidiaries,
collectively.
ABBREVIATION OR ACRONYM TERM
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2002 Form 10-K ALLETE's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
Year Ended December 31, 2002
ADESA ADESA Corporation
AFC Automotive Finance Corporation
ALLETE ALLETE, Inc.
APB Accounting Principals Board
Company ALLETE, Inc. and its subsidiaries
EBITDA Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation,
and Amortization Expense
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
ESOP Employee Stock Ownership Plan
FASB Financial Accounting Standards Board
FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Florida Water Florida Water Services Corporation
FPSC Florida Public Service Commission
GAAP Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
Minnesota Power An operating division of ALLETE, Inc.
Minnkota Minnkota Power Cooperative, Inc.
MPUC Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
MW Megawatt(s)
NCUC North Carolina Utilities Commission
NRG Energy NRG Energy, Inc.
PSCW Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
SEC Securities and Exchange Commission
SFAS Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
Split Rock Energy Split Rock Energy LLC
Square Butte Square Butte Electric Cooperative
SWL&P Superior Water, Light and Power Company
WDNR Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
ALLETE First Quarter 2003 Form 10-Q 2
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
In connection with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995, ALLETE is hereby filing cautionary statements
identifying important factors that could cause ALLETE's actual results to differ
materially from those projected in forward-looking statements (as such term is
defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) made by or on
behalf of ALLETE in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, in presentations, in
response to questions or otherwise. Any statements that express, or involve
discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or
future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or
phrases such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends,"
"plans," "projects," "will likely result," "will continue" or similar
expressions) are not statements of historical facts and may be forward-looking.
Forward-looking statements involve estimates, assumptions, risks and
uncertainties and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, and are
accompanied by, the following important factors, which are difficult to predict,
contain uncertainties, are beyond the control of ALLETE and may cause actual
results or outcomes to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking
statements:
- war and acts of terrorism;
- prevailing governmental policies and regulatory actions, including
those of the United States Congress, state legislatures, the FERC, the
MPUC, the FPSC, the NCUC, the PSCW and various county regulators, about
allowed rates of return, financings, industry and rate structure,
acquisition and disposal of assets and facilities, operation and
construction of plant facilities, recovery of purchased power and
capital investments, and present or prospective wholesale and retail
competition (including but not limited to transmission costs) as well
as general vehicle-related laws, including vehicle brokerage and
auction laws;
- unanticipated impacts of restructuring initiatives in the electric
industry;
- economic and geographic factors, including political and economic
risks;
- changes in and compliance with environmental and safety laws and
policies;
- weather conditions;
- natural disasters;
- market factors affecting supply and demand for used vehicles;
- wholesale power market conditions;
- population growth rates and demographic patterns;
- the effects of competition, including the competition for retail and
wholesale customers, as well as suppliers and purchasers of vehicles;
- pricing and transportation of commodities;
- changes in tax rates or policies or in rates of inflation;
- unanticipated project delays or changes in project costs;
- unanticipated changes in operating expenses and capital expenditures;
- capital market conditions;
- competition for economic expansion or development opportunities;
- our ability to manage expansion and integrate recent acquisitions; and
- the outcome of legal and administrative proceedings (whether civil or
criminal) and settlements that affect the business and profitability of
ALLETE.
Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which that statement
is made, and ALLETE undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking
statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which that
statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New
factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to
predict all of those factors, nor can it assess the impact of each of those
factors on the businesses of ALLETE or the extent to which any factor, or
combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those
contained in any forward-looking statement.
3 ALLETE First Quarter 2003 Form 10-Q
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ALLETE
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
Millions - Unaudited
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
2003 2002
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 193.7 $ 193.3
Trading Securities 1.2 1.8
Accounts Receivable (Less Allowance of $31.7 and $30.5) 464.0 383.8
Inventories 32.3 36.6
Prepayments and Other 15.8 14.1
Discontinued Operations 42.7 28.8
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Current Assets 749.7 658.4
Property, Plant and Equipment 1,388.4 1,364.7
Investments 172.6 170.9
Goodwill 502.4 499.8
Other Intangible Assets 38.9 39.8
Other Assets 79.2 67.5
Discontinued Operations 342.5 346.1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL ASSETS $3,273.7 $3,147.2
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
LIABILITIES
Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable $ 330.1 $ 202.6
Accrued Taxes, Interest and Dividends 49.7 36.4
Notes Payable 15.9 74.5
Long-Term Debt Due Within One Year 283.0 283.7
Other 82.7 111.3
Discontinued Operations 27.2 29.7
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Current Liabilities 788.6 738.2
Long-Term Debt 670.2 661.3
Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes 138.8 139.8
Other Liabilities 151.5 137.6
Discontinued Operations 170.6 162.9
Commitments and Contingencies
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Liabilities 1,919.7 1,839.8
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Company Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable
Preferred Securities of Subsidiary ALLETE Capital I
Which Holds Solely Company Junior Subordinated Debentures 75.0 75.0
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common Stock Without Par Value, 130.0 Shares Authorized
86.1 and 85.6 Shares Outstanding 826.2 814.9
Unearned ESOP Shares (48.1) (49.0)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (9.9) (22.2)
Retained Earnings 510.8 488.7
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Shareholders' Equity 1,279.0 1,232.4
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $3,273.7 $3,147.2
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
ALLETE First Quarter 2003 Form 10-Q 4
ALLETE
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
Millions Except Per Share Amounts - Unaudited
QUARTER ENDED
MARCH 31,
2003 2002
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING REVENUE
Energy Services
Utility $ 138.0 $ 120.8
Nonregulated/Nonutility 41.1 22.1
Automotive Services 232.9 208.8
Investments 10.9 16.6
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Operating Revenue 422.9 368.3
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING EXPENSES
Fuel and Purchased Power
Utility 52.8 48.5
Nonregulated/Nonutility 14.6 0.9
Operations
Utility 57.7 50.8
Nonregulated/Nonutility 28.4 22.4
Automotive and Investments 190.1 173.0
Interest 14.8 15.9
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Operating Expenses 358.4 311.5
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 64.5 56.8
DISTRIBUTIONS ON REDEEMABLE
PREFERRED SECURITIES OF ALLETE CAPITAL I 1.5 1.5
INCOME TAX EXPENSE 24.6 21.7
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 38.4 33.6
INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS - NET OF TAX 5.9 1.6
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME $ 44.3 $ 35.2
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
Basic 82.2 80.4
Diluted 82.3 81.0
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BASIC AND DILUTED
EARNINGS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK
Continuing Operations $0.47 $0.42
Discontinued Operations 0.07 0.02
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$0.54 $0.44
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIVIDENDS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK $0.2825 $0.275
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
5 ALLETE First Quarter 2003 Form 10-Q
ALLETE
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Millions - Unaudited
QUARTER ENDED
MARCH 31,
2003 2002
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net Income $ 44.3 $ 35.2
Depreciation and Amortization 20.9 19.9
Deferred Income Taxes 10.6 3.8
Gain on Sale of Plant (16.0) -
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities
Trading Securities 0.6 (10.3)
Accounts Receivable (79.0) (56.1)
Inventories 4.4 1.3
Prepayments and Other Current Assets (1.6) (1.8)
Accounts Payable 123.5 134.0
Other Current Liabilities (14.3) (18.7)
Other - Net (7.3) 3.2
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash from Operating Activities 86.1 110.5
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from Sale of Investments - 1.9
Additions to Investments (3.0) (1.8)
Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment (27.6) (46.9)
Acquisitions - Net of Cash Acquired - (16.7)
Other - Net (9.1) (0.5)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash for Investing Activities (39.7) (64.0)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Issuance of Common Stock 11.3 17.2
Issuance of Long-Term Debt 11.1 1.3
Changes in Notes Payable - Net (58.1) (42.9)
Reductions of Long-Term Debt (2.9) (2.8)
Dividends on Common Stock (22.2) (21.0)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash for Financing Activities (60.8) (48.2)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH 13.0 (0.5)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (1.4) (2.2)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 203.0 234.2
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $ 201.6 $ 232.0
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash Paid During the Period for
Interest - Net of Capitalized $21.7 $22.8
Income Taxes $1.3 $3.2
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Included cash from Discontinued Operations.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
ALLETE First Quarter 2003 Form 10-Q 6
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes should be
read in conjunction with our 2002 Form 10-K. The financial information for prior
periods has been reclassified to include our vehicle import business in
discontinued operations. In our opinion all adjustments necessary for a fair
statement of the results for the interim periods have been included. The results
of operations for an interim period may not give a true indication of results
for the year.
NOTE 1. BUSINESS SEGMENTS
Millions
INVESTMENTS
ENERGY AUTOMOTIVE AND CORPORATE
CONSOLIDATED SERVICES SERVICES CHARGES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2003
Operating Revenue $422.9 $ 179.1 $232.9 $ 10.9
Operation and Other Expense 322.7 140.7 176.2 5.8
Depreciation and Amortization Expense 20.9 12.8 8.1 -
Interest Expense 14.8 5.0 4.4 5.4
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations 64.5 20.6 44.2 (0.3)
Distributions on Redeemable
Preferred Securities of Subsidiary 1.5 0.6 - 0.9
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 24.6 7.8 17.5 (0.7)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations 38.4 $ 12.2 $ 26.7 $ (0.5)
------------------------------------------------
Income from Discontinued Operations 5.9
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income $ 44.3
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Total Assets $3,273.7 $1,123.2 $1,603.5 $161.8
Property, Plant and Equipment $1,388.4 $898.3 $490.1 -
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization $868.7 $716.1 $150.4 $2.2
Capital Expenditures $27.6 $13.7 $7.7 -
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2002
Operating Revenue $368.3 $ 142.9 $208.8 $ 16.6
Operation and Other Expense 275.9 110.7 153.8 11.4
Depreciation and Amortization Expense 19.7 11.9 7.8 -
Interest Expense 15.9 4.7 5.7 5.5
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations 56.8 15.6 41.5 (0.3)
Distributions on Redeemable
Preferred Securities of Subsidiary 1.5 0.6 - 0.9
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 21.7 5.9 16.6 (0.8)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations 33.6 $ 9.1 $ 24.9 $ (0.4)
------------------------------------------------
Income from Discontinued Operations 1.6
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income $ 35.2
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Total Assets $3,377.5 $1,003.2 $1,632.5 $374.4
Property, Plant and Equipment $1,342.8 $881.5 $457.1 $4.2
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization $834.9 $704.1 $128.6 $2.2
Capital Expenditures $46.9 $20.6 $10.6 -
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discontinued Operations represented $385.2 million of total assets in 2003 ($367.4 million in 2002); and $6.2
million of capital expenditures in 2003 ($15.7 million in 2002).
Included $40.1 million of Canadian operating revenue in 2003 ($34.3 million in 2002).
Included $198.0 million of Canadian assets in 2003 ($222.4 million in 2002).
7 ALLETE First Quarter 2003 Form 10-Q
NOTE 2. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLES. AFC, through a wholly-owned, consolidated subsidiary,
sells certain finance receivables through a revolving private securitization
structure. The securitization agreement allows for the revolving sale by the
subsidiary to third parties of up to $500 million in undivided interests in
eligible finance receivables. The securitization agreement expires in 2005.
AFC managed total receivables of $520.1 million at March 31, 2003 ($495.1
million at December 31, 2002); $207.3 million represent receivables which were
included in accounts receivable on our consolidated balance sheet ($191.3
million at December 31, 2002) and $312.8 million represent receivables sold in
undivided interests through the securitization agreement ($303.8 million at
December 31, 2002) which are off-balance sheet. AFC's proceeds from the sale of
the receivables to third parties were used to repay borrowings from ALLETE and
fund new loans to AFC's customers. AFC and the subsidiary must each maintain
certain financial covenants such as minimum tangible net worth to comply with
the terms of the securitization agreement.
ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION. We have elected to account for
stock-based compensation in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for
Stock Issued to Employees." Accordingly, no expense is recognized for employee
stock options granted. If we had applied the fair value recognition provisions
of SFAS 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," we estimate that
stock-based compensation expense would have increased $0.4 million after tax in
the first quarter of 2003 ($0.4 million after tax in the first quarter of 2002),
and basic and diluted earnings per share would have decreased $0.01 (a $0.01 per
share decrease in the first quarter of 2002). These amounts were calculated
using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. We estimate the full year impact
to be approximately $1.7 million, or $0.02 per share, for 2003. Expense is
recognized for performance share awards, and amounted to approximately $0.2
million after tax in 2003 ($0.8 million in 2002).
NOTE 3. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In January 2003 the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, "Consolidation of
Variable Interest Entities." In general, a variable interest entity is one with
equity investors that do not have voting rights or do not provide sufficient
financial resources for the entity to support its activities. Under the new
rules, variable interest entities will be consolidated by the party that is
subject to the majority of the risk of loss or entitled to the majority of the
residual returns. The new rules are effective immediately for variable interest
entities created after January 31, 2003 and in the third quarter of 2003 for
previously existing variable interest entities. We are reviewing certain auction
facility lease agreements entered into by ADESA prior to January 2003 to
determine (1) if the lessor is a variable interest entity, and (2) if we should
consolidate the lessor. If it is ultimately determined that the lessor is a
variable interest entity that should be included in our consolidated financial
statements, we estimate that we will record approximately $73 million in
property, plant and equipment, and $73 million in long-term debt. Any
recognition of these amounts would first occur in the third quarter of 2003. We
are considering terminating these leases and purchasing these properties
directly from the lessor.
ALLETE First Quarter 2003 Form 10-Q 8
NOTE 4. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
In 2002 we executed plans developed in a 2001 strategic review of all of the
Company's businesses to identify ways of unlocking shareholder value not
reflected in the price of our common stock. Businesses identified as having more
value if operated by potential purchasers rather than by us include our Water
Services businesses in Florida, North Carolina and Georgia and our auto
transport business. We exited our vehicle import business in the first quarter
of 2003, and sold our auto transport business and exited our retail stores at
the end of first quarter 2002. We continue to pursue the sale of our Water
Services businesses which remain as discontinued operations.
The December 2002 asset purchase agreement Florida Water signed with the Florida
Water Services Authority, a governmental authority formed under the laws of the
state of Florida, was terminated in March 2003 after a Florida court ruling
delayed the sale. As a result, our first quarter 2003 earnings from discontinued
operations included an $11.8 million ($7.4 million after tax) expense associated
with selling our Water Services businesses. This is included in Other Expense in
the table below.
In March 2003, through a condemnation proceeding, Florida Water sold its Amelia
Island water and wastewater assets to Nassau County in Florida for $17.5
million. The transaction resulted in an after-tax gain of $9.8 million which was
included in our first quarter 2003 earnings from discontinued operations.
In April 2003 Florida Water met with leaders of local governments that have
expressed an interest in purchasing the assets of Florida Water that serve their
residents. The governmental entities at the meeting discussed acquiring directly
from Florida Water approximately two-thirds of Florida Water's asset base. If
Florida Water proceeds with this course of action, it would seek to sell the
remaining one-third of its assets to other interested local governments, and the
water systems not sold in this process it would seek to sell to a private buyer.
We are using an investment banking firm to facilitate the sale of our Water
Services businesses in North Carolina and Georgia. Discussions with prospective
buyers are in process. We expect to enter into agreements to sell these
businesses in 2003.
QUARTER ENDED
MARCH 31,
INCOME STATEMENT 2003 2002
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Millions
Operating Revenue $30.9 $38.9
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Tax Income from Operations (excluding
Other Expense) $ 7.3 $ 6.3
Other Expense 15.3 -
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Tax Income (Loss) from Operations (8.0) 6.3
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (2.8) 2.4
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5.2) 3.9
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gain (Loss) on Disposal 18.0 (3.6)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 6.9 (1.3)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11.1 (2.3)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from Discontinued Operations $ 5.9 $ 1.6
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION 2003 2002
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Millions
Assets of Discontinued Operations
Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 7.9 $ 9.7
Other Current Assets 34.8 19.1
Property, Plant and Equipment 315.1 311.5
Other Assets 27.4 34.6
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$385.2 $374.9
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities of Discontinued Operations
Current Liabilities $ 27.2 $ 29.7
Long-Term Debt 123.8 125.8
Other Liabilities 46.8 37.1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$197.8 $192.6
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9 ALLETE First Quarter 2003 Form 10-Q
NOTE 5. INCOME TAX EXPENSE
QUARTER ENDED
MARCH 31,
2003 2002
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Millions
Current Tax
Federal $16.7 $14.9
Foreign 1.9 2.8
State 3.8 1.7
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22.4 19.4
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred Tax
Federal 2.2 1.9
Foreign - 0.2
State 0.4 0.5
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.6 2.6
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred Tax Credits (0.4) (0.3)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Taxes on Continuing Operations 24.6 21.7
Income Taxes on Discontinued Operations 4.1 1.1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Income Tax Expense $28.7 $22.8
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 6. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the quarter ended March 31, 2003 total comprehensive income was $56.6
million ($33.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2002). Total
comprehensive income includes net income, unrealized gains and losses on
securities classified as available-for-sale, changes in the fair value of an
interest rate swap, additional pension liability and foreign currency
translation adjustments.
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS 2003 2002
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Millions
Unrealized Loss on Securities $(3.7) $ (2.8)
Interest Rate Swap - (0.2)
Foreign Currency Translation Loss (2.7) (15.7)
Additional Pension Liability (3.5) (3.5)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$(9.9) $(22.2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 7. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The difference between basic and diluted earnings per share arises from
outstanding stock options and performance share awards granted under our
Executive and Director Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plans.
ALLETE First Quarter 2003 Form 10-Q 10
NOTE 8. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES
SQUARE BUTTE POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT. Minnesota Power has a power purchase
agreement with Square Butte that extends through 2026 (Agreement). It provides a
long-term supply of low-cost energy to customers in our electric service
territory and enables Minnesota Power to meet power pool reserve requirements.
Square Butte, a North Dakota cooperative corporation, owns a 455-MW coal-fired
generating unit (Unit) near Center, North Dakota. The Unit is adjacent to a
generating unit owned by Minnkota, a North Dakota cooperative corporation whose
Class A members are also members of Square Butte. Minnkota serves as the
operator of the Unit and also purchases power from Square Butte.
Minnesota Power is entitled to approximately 71 percent of the Unit's output
under the Agreement. After 2005 and upon compliance with a two-year advance
notice requirement, Minnkota has the option to reduce Minnesota Power's
entitlement by 5 percent annually, to a minimum of 50 percent. Minnesota Power
is obligated to pay its pro rata share of Square Butte's costs based on
Minnesota Power's entitlement to Unit output. Minnesota Power's payment
obligation is suspended if Square Butte fails to deliver any power, whether
produced or purchased, for a period of one year. Square Butte's fixed costs
consist primarily of debt service. At March 31, 2003 Square Butte had total debt
outstanding of $282.2 million. Total annual debt service for Square Butte is
expected to be approximately $23.6 million in each of the years 2003 through
2007. Variable operating costs include the price of coal purchased from BNI
Coal, Ltd., our subsidiary, under a long-term contract. Minnesota Power's
payments to Square Butte are approved as purchased power expense for ratemaking
purposes by both the MPUC and the FERC.
LEASING AGREEMENTS. In July 2001 ADESA entered into a lease agreement for the
ADESA Golden Gate auction facility in Tracy, California, which opened in the
third quarter of 2002. The lease is treated as an operating lease for financial
reporting purposes. The term of the lease is through July 2006 with no renewal
options. The cost to the lessor of the facility was approximately $45 million.
ADESA has guaranteed up to $38 million of any deficiency in sales proceeds that
the lessor realizes in disposing of the leased property. ADESA will receive any
sales proceeds in excess of cost. ADESA has guaranteed the payment of principal
and interest up to $38 million on the lessor's indebtedness. Terms of the
mortgage notes payable require, among other things, that ADESA maintain certain
minimum financial ratios. ADESA does not anticipate that it will incur losses as
a result of this guarantee. We have guaranteed ADESA's obligation under this
lease.
In April 2000 leases for three ADESA auction facilities (Boston, Charlotte and
Knoxville) were refinanced in a $28.4 million lease transaction. The new lease
is treated as an operating lease for financial reporting purposes and expires in
April 2010 with no renewal options. ADESA has guaranteed up to $23 million of
any deficiency in sales proceeds that the lessor realizes in disposing of the
leased properties. ADESA is entitled to receive any sales proceeds in excess of
$29.3 million. ADESA has guaranteed the payment of principal and interest up to
$23 million on the lessor's indebtedness, which consists of $28.4 million in
mortgage notes payable, due April 1, 2020. Terms of the mortgage notes payable
require, among other things, that ADESA maintain certain minimum financial
ratios. Interest on the notes varies and is payable monthly. ADESA does not
anticipate that it will incur losses as a result of this guarantee. We have
guaranteed ADESA's obligations under this lease.
As a result of the FASB's January 2003 issuance of Interpretation No. 46,
"Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities," we are reviewing these lease
agreements entered into by ADESA prior to January 2003 to determine (1) if the
lessor is a variable interest entity, and (2) if we should consolidate the
lessor. If it is ultimately determined that the lessor is a variable interest
entity that should be included in our consolidated financial statements, we
estimate that we will record approximately $73 million in property, plant and
equipment, and $73 million in long-term debt. Any recognition of these amounts
would first occur in the third quarter of 2003. We are considering terminating
these leases and purchasing these properties directly from the lessor.
We lease other properties and equipment in addition to those listed above under
operating lease agreements with terms expiring through 2010. The aggregate
amount of future minimum lease payments for all operating leases during 2003 is
$17.5 million ($13.9 million in 2004; $11.2 million in 2005; $9.4 million in
2006; $9.0 million in 2007; and $59.0 million thereafter).
11 ALLETE First Quarter 2003 Form 10-Q
SPLIT ROCK ENERGY. We provide up to $50.0 million of credit support, in the form
of letters of credit and financial guarantees, to facilitate the power marketing
activities of Split Rock Energy. At March 31, 2003, $8.8 million was used to
support actual obligations ($10.5 million at December 31, 2002). The credit
support generally expires within one year from the date of issuance.
KENDALL COUNTY POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT. We have 275 MW of nonregulated
generation (non rate-base generation sold at market-based rates to the wholesale
market) through an agreement with NRG Energy that extends through September
2017. Under the agreement we pay a fixed capacity charge for the right, but not
the obligation, to capacity and energy from a 275 MW generating unit at NRG
Energy's Kendall County facility near Chicago, Illinois. The annual fixed
capacity charge is $21.8 million. We are responsible for arranging the natural
gas fuel supply. Our strategy is to enter into long-term contracts to sell a
significant portion of the 275 MW from the Kendall County facility, with the
balance to be sold in the spot market through short-term agreements. We
currently have long-term forward capacity and energy sales contracts for 100 MW
of Kendall County generation, with 50 MW expiring in April 2012 and the balance
in September 2017. In the first quarter of 2003 we entered into an additional 30
MW long-term forward capacity and energy sale contract that begins January 1,
2004 and expires in September 2017. Neither the Kendall County agreement nor the
related sales contracts are derivatives under SFAS 133, "Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities."
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENTS. We have investments in emerging technologies
through the minority ownership of preferred stock, common stock and equity
interests in limited liability companies. The investments are in both
privately-held and publicly-traded entities. We have committed to make
additional investments in certain emerging technology holdings. The total future
commitment was $6.5 million at March 31, 2003 ($7.7 million at December 31,
2002) and is expected to be invested at various times through 2007.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. Our businesses are subject to regulation by various
federal, state and local authorities concerning environmental matters. We do not
currently anticipate that potential expenditures for environmental matters will
be material; however, we are unable to predict the outcome of the issues
discussed below.
In May 2001 SWL&P received notice from the WDNR that the City of Superior had
found soil contamination on property adjoining a former Manufactured Gas Plant
(MGP) site owned and operated by SWL&P's predecessors from 1889 to 1904. The
WDNR requested an environmental investigation be initiated. The WDNR also issued
SWL&P a Responsible Party letter in February 2002 to initiate tracking of the
project in the WDNR database so that progress can be monitored. The
environmental investigation is underway. The Phase II environmental site report
was submitted to the WDNR in February 2003. This report identified some MGP-like
chemicals that were found in the soil. Initial test results from sediment
samples taken from nearby Superior Bay were inconsistent with MGP-like
chemicals. Additional samples were obtained in March 2003 from Superior Bay near
the site of the former MGP. The report on this sampling is expected to be
completed by the end of May 2003. The Company is unable to predict the outcome
of this matter at this time.
In May 2002 Minnesota Power received and subsequently responded to a third
request from the EPA, under Section 114 of the federal Clean Air Act Amendments
of 1990 (Clean Air Act), seeking additional information regarding capital
expenditures at all of its coal-fired generating stations. This action is part
of an industry-wide investigation assessing compliance with the New Source
Review and the New Source Performance Standards (emissions standards that apply
to new and changed units) of the Clean Air Act at electric generating stations.
We are unable to predict whether the EPA will take any action on this matter or
whether Minnesota Power will be required to incur any costs as a result.
In June 2002 Minnkota Power, the operator of Square Butte, received a Notice of
Violation from the EPA regarding alleged New Source Review violations at the
M.R. Young Station which includes the Square Butte generating unit. The EPA
claims certain capital projects completed by Minnkota Power should have gone
through the New Source Review process potentially resulting in new air permit
operating conditions. The Company is unable to predict the outcome of this
matter or the magnitude of costs should additional pollution controls be
required. Minnesota Power is obligated to pay its pro rata share of Square
Butte's costs based on Minnesota Power's entitlement to the Square Butte
generating unit's output.
ALLETE First Quarter 2003 Form 10-Q 12
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
ALLETE's core operations are focused on two business segments. ENERGY SERVICES
includes electric and gas services, coal mining and telecommunications.
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES includes a network of wholesale and total loss vehicle
auctions, a finance company, a vehicle remarketing company, a company that
provides vehicle inspection services to the automotive industry and its lenders,
and a company that provides Internet-based automotive parts location and
nationwide insurance claim audit services. INVESTMENTS AND CORPORATE CHARGES
includes our real estate operations, investments in emerging technologies
related to the electric utility industry and corporate charges. Corporate
charges represent general corporate expenses, including interest, not
specifically related to any one business segment. In 2002 Investments and
Corporate Charges included our trading securities portfolio which was
substantially liquidated during the third quarter of 2002. The liquidation
process was completed in October 2002. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS includes our
Water Services businesses, our auto transport business, our vehicle import
business and our retail stores.
CONSOLIDATED OVERVIEW
Net income and earnings per share for the quarter ended March 31, 2003 increased
26 percent and 23 percent, respectively, from the same period in 2002. Net
income and earnings per share from continuing operations were up 14 percent and
12 percent, respectively, in 2003, reflecting solid financial results from our
core operations.
QUARTER ENDED
MARCH 31,
2003 2002
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Millions Except Per Share Amounts
Operating Revenue
Energy Services $179.1 $142.9
Automotive Services 232.9 208.8
Investments 10.9 16.6
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$422.9 $368.3
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Expenses
Energy Services $158.5 $127.3
Automotive Services 188.7 167.3
Investments and Corporate Charges 11.2 16.9
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$358.4 $311.5
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income
Energy Services $12.2 $ 9.1
Automotive Services 26.7 24.9
Investments and Corporate Charges (0.5) (0.4)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Continuing Operations 38.4 33.6
Discontinued Operations 5.9 1.6
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income $44.3 $ 35.2
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diluted Average Shares of Common Stock - Millions 82.3 81.0
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diluted Earnings Per Share of Common Stock
Continuing Operations $0.47 $0.42
Discontinued Operations 0.07 0.02
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$0.54 $0.44
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13 ALLETE First Quarter 2003 Form 10-Q
QUARTER ENDED
MARCH 31,
STATISTICAL INFORMATION 2003 2002
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENERGY SERVICES
Millions of Kilowatthours Sold
Utility
Retail
Residential 312.9 285.7
Commercial 326.4 314.6
Industrial 1,718.5 1,649.8
Other 20.5 19.8
Resale 407.9 442.9
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,786.2 2,712.8
Nonregulated 419.1 83.6
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3,205.3 2,796.4
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES
Vehicles Sold
Wholesale 462,000 461,000
Total Loss 49,000 45,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
511,000 506,000
Conversion Rate - Wholesale Vehicles 62.4% 65.6%
Vehicles Financed 233,000 237,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME
The following net income discussion summarizes a comparison of the quarter ended
March 31, 2003 to the quarter ended March 31, 2002.
ENERGY SERVICES' net income was up $3.1 million, or 34 percent, in 2003
reflecting a 15 percent increase in kilowatthour sales and improved wholesale
power prices. The increase in kilowatthour sales was primarily due to sales from
our nonregulated generation that came online during the first half of 2002.
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES reported a $1.8 million, or 7 percent, increase in net
income in 2003 in spite of difficult market conditions that resulted in flat
sales volume at our auction facilities compared to last year. The increase in
net income was attributable to a change in the mix of vehicles, lower interest
expense, modest fee increases and efficiency gains at our auction facilities,
and reduced bad debt expense at AFC, our floorplan financing business. The mix
of vehicles shifted towards commercial accounts and away from dealer
consignment. ADESA provides more reconditioning services for commercial
vehicles. Interest expense was down due to lower debt balances, and bad debt
expense at AFC was down reflecting the improved credit quality of the receivable
portfolio. AFC contributed 32 percent of the net income for Automotive Services
in 2003 (29 percent in 2002). NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES. We believe that
EBITDA is a useful measure of evaluating our financial performance because of
its focus on our results from operations. EBITDA is not a measure of financial
performance under GAAP. However, EBITDA is a common alternative measure of
operating performance used by investors, financial analysts and rating agencies.
QUARTER ENDED
MARCH 31,
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES EBITDA 2003 2002
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Millions
Net Income $26.7 $24.9
Add Back:
Income Tax Expense 17.5 16.6
Interest Expense 4.4 5.7
Depreciation and Amortization Expense 8.1 7.8
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA $56.7 $55.0
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALLETE First Quarter 2003 Form 10-Q 14
INVESTMENTS AND CORPORATE CHARGES reflected slightly lower financial results in
2003. While larger real estate sales were reported in 2003, financial results
for 2002 included gains on the sale of certain emerging technology investments
and income from the trading securities portfolio which was substantially
liquidated during the third quarter of 2002.
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS' net income was up $4.3 million in 2003. Net income from
our Water Services businesses in 2003 reflected a $9.8 million after-tax gain on
the condemnation of its Amelia Island water and wastewater assets in Nassau
County, Florida, which was offset by $7.4 million of after-tax expense
associated with the sale of our water assets and a $2.2 million after-tax
accrual for retention and severance incentives. Despite a 4.7 percent increase
in total customers, water consumption was down 5 percent in 2003 because in 2002
drier weather conditions increased consumption. Net income from other
discontinued operations in 2003 included $1.3 million from the settlement of a
lawsuit associated with our auto transport business, while net income in 2002
included $2.3 million of exit charges associated with the auto transport
business and the retail stores.
COMPARISON OF THE QUARTERS ENDED MARCH 31, 2003 AND 2002
ENERGY SERVICES
UTILITY operations include retail and wholesale rate regulated activities under
the jurisdiction of state and federal regulatory authorities.
NONREGULATED/NONUTILITY operations consist of nonregulated generation (non-rate
base generation sold at market-based rates to the wholesale market), coal mining
and telecommunications activities. Nonregulated generation consists primarily of
the Taconite Harbor Energy Center in northern Minnesota and generation secured
through the Kendall County power purchase agreement, a 15-year agreement with
NRG Energy at a facility near Chicago, Illinois.
OPERATING REVENUE in total was up $36.2 million, or 25 percent, in 2003
reflecting increases at both utility and nonregulated/nonutility operations.
UTILITY operating revenue was up $17.2 million, or 14 percent, mainly due to
higher wholesale prices and fuel clause recoveries, increased utility
kilowatthour sales and additional power marketing activities at Split Rock
Energy. Fuel clause recoveries increased due to higher purchased power costs.
Utility kilowatthour sales were up 3 percent compared to the first quarter of
last year reflecting increased retail sales to taconite customers. Equity income
from Split Rock Energy was up in 2003 due to increased power marketing
opportunities and higher wholesale energy prices. NONREGULATED/NONUTILITY
revenue increased $19.0 million, or 86 percent, in 2003 primarily due to sales
from about 500 MW of nonregulated generation that came online during the first
half of 2002.
Revenue from electric sales to taconite customers accounted for 10 percent of
consolidated operating revenue in both 2003 and 2002. Electric sales to paper
and pulp mills accounted for 3 percent of consolidated operating revenue in 2003
(4 percent in 2002).
OPERATING EXPENSES in total were up $31.2 million, or 25 percent, in 2003. The
increase was primarily attributable to increased purchased power expense.
UTILITY operating expenses were up $11.5 million, or 11 percent, in 2003
primarily due to increased purchased power and generating station maintenance
expense. Higher purchased power costs resulted from both increased wholesale
prices and quantities purchased. Planned maintenance outages at Company
generating stations necessitated higher quantities of purchased power this year.
NONREGULATED/NONUTILITY operating expenses increased $19.7 million, or 84
percent, over the prior year mainly due to fuel and purchased power expenses for
nonregulated generation that came online during the first half of 2002.
Purchased power expense in 2003 included three months of demand charges related
to the Kendall County power purchase agreement which began in May 2002.
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES
OPERATING REVENUE was up $24.1 million, or 12 percent, in 2003. Revenue from our
wholesale auction facilities was higher in 2003 primarily due to a sales mix
shift on flat volume and modest fee increases implemented at some of our auction
facilities. The increased volume in commercial accounts, which resulted in
additional reconditioning services, offset a decline in dealer consignment
sales. Inclement weather in early 2003 also impacted volumes. Inventories at our
auction facilities are high. Though more vehicles were run through our auctions
than last year, dealers are buying fewer vehicles and are keeping lower than
usual inventory on their lots. The dealers may be keeping lower inventory on
their lots due to a
15 ALLETE First Quarter 2003 Form 10-Q
combination of factors including manufacturers' incentives on new vehicles,
and uncertainty due to the economy and the aftermath of the war in Iraq.
Revenue from our total loss auction facilities was up in 2003 reflecting a 9
percent increase in vehicles sold and expansion into new markets, including
combination sites at some of our wholesale auction facilities. Same store total
loss vehicle sales, however, were down in 2003 due to inclement weather which
caused sales to be canceled or moved to lower volume days.
Revenue from AFC was higher in 2003 primarily because improved credit quality of
the receivable portfolio lowered bad debt expense. AFC financed approximately 2
percent fewer vehicles in 2003 and managed total receivables of $520 million at
March 31, 2003 ($500 million at March 31, 2002).
OPERATING EXPENSES were up $21.4 million, or 13 percent, in 2003 primarily due
to additional expenses incurred for reconditioning services provided as a result
of a sales mix shift towards commercial accounts, and additional costs incurred
because of inclement weather. Operating expenses were also impacted by lower
conversion rates which increased direct costs associated with processing
vehicles multiple times.
INVESTMENTS AND CORPORATE CHARGES
OPERATING REVENUE was down $5.7 million, or 34 percent, in 2003 because revenue
in 2002 included $3.3 million of gains on the sale of certain emerging
technology investments and income from the trading securities portfolio which
was substantially liquidated during the third quarter of 2002. Revenue from our
real estate operations was down slightly compared to 2002.
OPERATING EXPENSES were down $5.7 million, or 34 percent, in 2003 reflecting
lower incentive compensation expenses and lower expenses related to our real
estate operations because the cost of property sold in 2003 was lower than in
2002.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Certain accounting measurements under applicable generally accepted accounting
principles involve management's judgment about subjective factors and estimates,
the effects of which are inherently uncertain. Accounting measurements that we
believe are most critical to our reported results of operations and financial
condition include: uncollectible receivables and allowance for doubtful
accounts, impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets, pension and
postretirement health and life actuarial assumptions, and valuation of
investments. These policies are summarized in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002.
OUTLOOK
We remain focused on continuously improving the performance of our two core
businesses, Energy and Automotive Services, and monetizing those businesses that
are non-strategic or non-core. Our two core businesses remain strong and are
poised for earnings growth in their respective markets as economic conditions
improve. With solid first quarter 2003 financial results, our total year
expectations have not changed.
We are continuing to pursue the sale of our Water Services businesses in
Florida, North Carolina and Georgia. The March 2003 sale of Florida Water's
Amelia Island water and wastewater assets to Nassau County in Florida through a
condemnation proceeding resulted in an after-tax gain of $9.8 million which was
included in our first quarter 2003 earnings from discontinued operations. In
April 2003 Florida Water met with leaders of local governments that have
expressed an interest in purchasing the assets of Florida Water that serve their
residents. The governmental entities at the meeting discussed acquiring directly
from Florida Water approximately two-thirds of Florida Water's asset base. If
Florida Water proceeds with this course of action, it would seek to sell the
remaining one-third of its assets to other interested local governments, and the
water systems not sold in this process it would seek to sell to a private buyer.
We are using an investment banking firm to facilitate the sale of Water Services
businesses in North Carolina and Georgia. Discussions with prospective buyers
are in process. We expect to enter into agreements to sell these businesses in
2003. The proceeds from selling our Water Services businesses will give us the
ability to reduce debt, which will further strengthen our balance sheet.
ALLETE First Quarter 2003 Form 10-Q 16
Our Board of Directors and management remain committed to unlocking the value of
ALLETE. We continue to review, both internally and with outside advisors, the
benefits and risks of separating our Energy and Automotive Services businesses
into independent companies. When we ultimately reach a decision as to whether we
will separate our businesses, we will inform the market at that time through a
filing with the SEC. We are unable to predict the timing of that decision.
ENERGY SERVICES. While our power marketing activities benefited from higher than
expected wholesale power prices during the first quarter of 2003, it is
uncertain whether higher prices will continue for the remainder of the year. We
are still anticipating 2003 net income from Energy Services to decrease slightly
from 2002 levels. Global economic conditions continue to affect our largest
industrial retail customers and are likely to continue over the next few years,
as consolidation in the steel and taconite industries continues, and while paper
and pulp companies search for even more efficiency and cost-cutting measures to
compete with global producers.
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES. We continue to anticipate earnings from Automotive Services
to increase by about 15 percent in 2003 with vehicles sold through our wholesale
and total loss auction facilities combined increasing by 4 percent to 7 percent
in 2003, and the number of vehicles financed through AFC increasing by about 11
percent in 2003. However, it will be more difficult to achieve these growth
targets if economic conditions do not improve. Automotive Services is focusing
on growth in the volume of vehicles sold and financed, increased ancillary
services, and operating and technological efficiencies. Selective fee increases
have been implemented and more will be considered. The opening of total loss
auction facilities in Medford (Long Island), New York, and Manville, New Jersey,
during the first quarter of 2003 will also contribute to 2003 earnings as will
the planned opening of total loss auction facilities in California this summer,
and new wholesale auction facilities in Medford, New York; Atlanta, Georgia; and
Edmonton, Alberta, which are under construction and slated to open later this
year. The new facility in Medford is a greenfield (a newly constructed facility
in a new market), while the new facilities in Atlanta and Edmonton will replace
aging facilities.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
CASH FLOW ACTIVITIES
A primary goal of our strategic plan is to improve cash flow from operations.
Our strategy includes growing the businesses both internally with expanded
facilities, services and operations (see Capital Requirements), and externally
through acquisitions. During the first three months of 2003 cash flow from
operating activities reflected strong operating results and continued focus on
working capital management. Cash flow from operations was higher in 2002 due to
the timing of the collection of certain finance receivables outstanding at
December 31, 2001. Cash flow from operations was also affected by a number of
factors representative of normal operations.
WORKING CAPITAL. As of March 31, 2003 our working capital needs included $283
million of long-term debt that is due later in 2003. We are currently reviewing
several options for repaying this debt, including repayment with possible
proceeds from the sale of our Water Services businesses, or refinancing with new
issue debt securities. (See Securities.) Additional working capital, if and when
needed, generally is provided by the sale of commercial paper. During the second
half of 2002 we liquidated our trading securities portfolio and used the
proceeds to reduce our short-term debt. Approximately 4.3 million original issue
shares of our common stock are available for issuance through INVEST DIRECT, our
direct stock purchase and dividend reinvestment plan.
A substantial amount of ADESA's working capital is generated internally from
payments for services provided. ADESA, however, has arrangements to use proceeds
from the sale of commercial paper issued by ALLETE to meet short-term working
capital requirements arising from the timing of payment obligations to vehicle
sellers and the availability of funds from vehicle purchasers. During the sales
process, ADESA does not typically take title to vehicles.
AFC offers short-term on-site financing for dealers to purchase vehicles mostly
at auctions in exchange for a security interest in each vehicle. The financing
is provided through the earlier of the date the dealer sells the vehicle or a
general borrowing term of 30 to 45 days. AFC has arrangements to use proceeds
from the sale of commercial paper issued by ALLETE to meet its short-term
working capital requirements.
17 ALLETE First Quarter 2003 Form 10-Q
Significant changes in accounts receivable and accounts payable balances at
March 31, 2003 compared to December 31, 2002 were due to increased sales and
financing activity at Automotive Services. Typically auction volumes are down
during December because of the holidays. As a result, ADESA and AFC had higher
receivables and higher payables at March 31, 2003.
AFC RECEIVABLES. AFC, through a wholly-owned, consolidated subsidiary, sells
certain finance receivables through a revolving private securitization
structure. The securitization agreement allows for the revolving sale by the
subsidiary to third parties of up to $500 million in undivided interests in
eligible finance receivables. The securitization agreement expires in 2005.
AFC managed total receivables of $520.1 million at March 31, 2003 ($495.1
million at December 31, 2002); $207.3 million represent receivables which were
included in accounts receivable on our consolidated balance sheet ($191.3
million at December 31, 2002) and $312.8 million represent receivables sold in
undivided interests through the securitization agreement ($303.8 million at
December 31, 2002) which are off-balance sheet. AFC's proceeds from the sale of
the receivables to third parties were used to repay borrowings from ALLETE and
fund new loans to AFC's customers. AFC and the subsidiary must each maintain
certain financial covenants such as minimum tangible net worth to comply with
the terms of the securitization agreement. AFC has historically performed better
than the covenant thresholds set forth in the securitization agreement. We are
not currently aware of any changing circumstances that would put AFC in
noncompliance with the covenants.
SPLIT ROCK ENERGY. We provide up to $50.0 million in credit support, in the form
of letters of credit and financial guarantees, to facilitate the power marketing
activities of Split Rock Energy. At March 31, 2003, $8.8 million was used to
support actual obligations ($10.5 million at December 31, 2002). The credit
support generally expires within one year from the date of issuance.
SALE OF WATER PLANT ASSETS. In March 2003, through a condemnation proceeding,
Florida Water sold its Amelia Island water and wastewater assets to Nassau
County in Florida for $17.5 million. The transaction resulted in an after-tax
gain of $9.8 million which was included in our first quarter 2003 earnings from
discontinued operations. The system serves 5,000 customers. For an additional
fee, Florida Water will continue to operate the system for Nassau County for a
period of 120 days or for such additional period of time as may be agreed by the
parties. The proceeds, which were received in April 2003, will be used to reduce
debt and for general corporate purposes.
SECURITIES. In March 2001 ALLETE, ALLETE Capital II and ALLETE Capital III,
jointly filed a registration statement with the SEC pursuant to Rule 415 under
the Securities Act of 1933. The registration statement, which has been declared
effective by the SEC, relates to the possible issuance of a remaining aggregate
amount of $387 million of securities which may include ALLETE common stock,
first mortgage bonds and other debt securities, and ALLETE Capital II and ALLETE
Capital III preferred trust securities. ALLETE also previously filed a
registration statement, which has been declared effective by the SEC, relating
to the possible issuance of $25 million of first mortgage bonds and other debt
securities. We may sell all or a portion of the remaining registered securities
if warranted by market conditions and our capital requirements. Any offer and
sale of the above mentioned securities will be made only by means of a
prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the rules
and regulations thereunder.
CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
Consolidated capital expenditures for the quarter ended March 31, 2003 totaled
$27.6 million ($46.9 million in 2002). Expenditures for 2003 included $13.7
million for Energy Services and $7.7 million for Automotive Services.
Expenditures for 2003 also included $6.2 million to maintain our Water Services
businesses while they are in the process of being sold. An existing long-term
line of credit and internally generated funds were the primary sources of
funding for these expenditures.
ALLETE First Quarter 2003 Form 10-Q 18
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In January 2003 the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, "Consolidation of
Variable Interest Entities." In general, a variable interest entity is one with
equity investors that do not have voting rights or do not provide sufficient
financial resources for the entity to support its activities. Under the new
rules, variable interest entities will be consolidated by the party that is
subject to the majority of the risk of loss or entitled to the majority of the
residual returns. The new rules are effective immediately for variable interest
entities created after January 31, 2003 and in the third quarter of 2003 for
previously existing variable interest entities. We are reviewing certain auction
facility lease agreements entered into by ADESA prior to January 2003 to
determine (1) if the lessor is a variable interest entity, and (2) if we should
consolidate the lessor. If it is ultimately determined that the lessor is a
variable interest entity that should be included in our consolidated financial
statements, we estimate that we will record approximately $73 million in
property, plant and equipment, and $73 million in long-term debt. Any
recognition of these amounts would first occur in the third quarter of 2003. We
are considering terminating these leases and purchasing these properties
directly from the lessor.
------------------------------------
READERS ARE CAUTIONED THAT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS INCLUDING THOSE CONTAINED
ABOVE, SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH OUR DISCLOSURES UNDER THE HEADING:
"SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF
1995" LOCATED ON PAGE 3 OF THIS FORM 10-Q.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
SECURITIES INVESTMENTS
Our securities investments include certain securities held for an indefinite
period of time which are accounted for as available-for-sale securities.
Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains
and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax.
Unrealized losses that are other than temporary are recognized in earnings. At
March 31, 2003 our available-for-sale securities portfolio consisted of minority
interests in the common stock of publicly-traded corporations held in our
Emerging Technology portfolio, and securities in a grantor trust established to
fund certain employee benefits. Our available-for-sale securities portfolio had
a fair value of $17.4 million at March 31, 2003 ($20.9 million at December 31,
2002) and a total unrealized after-tax loss of $3.7 million at March 31, 2003
($2.8 million at December 31, 2002). Our publicly-traded Emerging Technology
portfolio accounted for $3.5 million of the total unrealized after-tax loss at
March 31, 2003. We believe the decline in market value is temporary and we have
the ability and intent to hold these investments until the market recovers. The
FASB's Emerging Issues Task Force has begun discussing the accounting for
impairment of certain investments under open Issue 03-1, "The Meaning of
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments." Any
final rules could impact our accounting for available-for-sale securities and
some, or all, unrealized losses may need to be charged to income. The timing and
requirements of any final rules are uncertain at this time.
As part of our Emerging Technology portfolio, we also have several minority
investments in venture capital funds and privately-held start-up companies.
These investments are accounted for using the cost method and included in
Investments on our consolidated balance sheet. The total carrying value of these
investments was $39.6 million at March 31, 2003 ($38.7 million at December 31,
2002). Our policy is to periodically review these investments for impairment by
assessing such factors as continued commercial viability of products, cash flow
and earnings. Any impairment would reduce the carrying value of the investment.
FOREIGN CURRENCY
Our foreign currency exposure is limited to the conversion of operating results
of our Canadian and Mexican subsidiaries. We have not entered into any foreign
exchange contracts to hedge the conversion of our Canadian or Mexican operating
results into United States dollars.
19 ALLETE First Quarter 2003 Form 10-Q
POWER MARKETING
Minnesota Power purchases power for retail sales in our electric utility service
territory and sells excess generation in the wholesale market. We have about 500
MW of nonregulated generation available for sale to the wholesale market. Our
nonregulated generation includes about 225 MW from Taconite Harbor in northern
Minnesota that was acquired in October 2001. It also includes 275 MW of
generation obtained through a 15-year agreement, which commenced in May 2002,
with NRG Energy at the Kendall County facility near Chicago, Illinois. Under the
Kendall County agreement, we pay a fixed capacity charge for the right, but not
the obligation, to capacity and energy from a 275 MW generating unit. We are
responsible for arranging the natural gas fuel supply and are entitled to the
electricity produced. Our strategy is to sell a significant portion of our
nonregulated generation through long-term contracts of various durations. The
balance will be sold in the spot market through short-term agreements. We
currently have long-term forward capacity and energy sales contracts for 100 MW
of Kendall County generation, with 50 MW expiring in April 2012 and the balance
in September 2017. In the first quarter of 2003 we entered into an additional 30
MW long-term forward capacity and energy sale contract that begins January 1,
2004 and expires in September 2017. Neither the Kendall County agreement nor the
related sales contracts are derivatives under SFAS 133, "Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities."
The services of Split Rock Energy are used to fulfill purchase requirements for
retail load and to market excess generation. We own 50 percent of Split Rock
Energy which was formed in 2000 with Great River Energy to provide us with least
cost supply, maximize the value of our generation assets and maximize power
marketing revenue within prescribed limits. Split Rock Energy operates in the
wholesale energy markets, and engages in marketing activities by entering into
forward and option contracts for the purchase and sale of electricity. These
contracts are primarily short-term in nature with maturities of less than one
year. Although Split Rock Energy generally attempts to balance its purchase and
sale positions, commodity price risk sometimes exists or is created. This risk
is actively managed through a risk management program that includes policies,
procedures and limits established by the Split Rock Energy Board of Governors.
Minnesota Power holds two seats on this four member Board.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
We maintain a system of controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable
assurance as to the reliability of the financial statements and other
disclosures included in this report, as well as to safeguard assets from
unauthorized use or disposition. We evaluated the effectiveness of the design
and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures under the supervision
and with the participation of management, including our chief executive officer
and chief financial officer, within 90 days prior to the filing date of this
report. Based upon that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief
financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are
effective in timely alerting them to material information required to be
included in our periodic SEC filings. No significant changes were made to our
internal controls or other factors that could significantly affect these
controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Material legal and regulatory proceedings are included in the discussion of
Other Information in Item 5. and are incorporated by reference herein.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
On May 13, 2003 shareholders of ALLETE will vote on the election of ten
directors, ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the
Company's independent auditors for 2003, and reservation of an additional
500,000 shares of ALLETE common stock to be issued under the ALLETE and
Affiliated Companies Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Voting results will be
provided in our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003.
ALLETE First Quarter 2003 Form 10-Q 20
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
Reference is made to our 2002 Form 10-K for background information on the
following updates. Unless otherwise indicated, cited references are to our 2002
Form 10-K.
Ref. Page 19. - Last Paragraph
Ref. Page 40. - Third Full Paragraph
Ref. Page 68. - Second Paragraph
Ref. Form 8-K dated March 7, 2003 and filed March 10, 2003
Ref. Form 8-K dated and filed March 14, 2003
In March 2003, through a condemnation proceeding, Florida Water sold its
Amelia Island water and wastewater assets to Nassau County in Florida for $17.5
million. The transaction resulted in an after-tax gain of $9.8 million which was
included in our first quarter 2003 earnings from discontinued operations. The
system serves 5,000 customers. For an additional fee, Florida Water will
continue to operate the system for Nassau County for a period of 120 days or for
such additional period of time as may be agreed by the parties. The proceeds,
which were received in April 2003, will be used to reduce debt and for general
corporate purposes.
In April 2003 Florida Water met with leaders of local governments that have
expressed an interest in purchasing the assets of Florida Water that serve their
residents. The governmental entities at the meeting discussed acquiring directly
from Florida Water approximately two-thirds of Florida Water's asset base. If
Florida Water proceeds with this course of action, it would seek to sell the
remaining one-third of its assets to other interested local governments, and the
water systems not sold in this process it would seek to sell to a private buyer.
Ref. Page 22. - Table - Minimum Revenue and Demand Under Contract
As of May 1, 2003 the minimum annual revenue Minnesota Power would collect under
contracts with its large power customers is estimated to be $102.9 million in
2003, $65.3 million in 2004, $59.8 million in 2005, $45.2 million in 2006 and
$34.4 million in 2007.
Ref. Page 23. - Table - Contract Status for Minnesota Power Large Power
Customers
On May 1, 2003 Eveleth Mines LLC filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter
11. Due to insufficient taconite pellet orders, Eveleth Mines LLC is expected to
cease pellet production in mid-May 2003 and the plant will be placed on standby
status allowing production to resume later in 2003 if orders are received.
In March 2003 International Steel Group, Inc. (ISG) signed a purchase agreement
to buy Bethlehem Steel Corp.'s mills and other property for $1.5 billion.
Bethlehem Steel Corp. filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 in 2001.
In April 2003 the purchase was approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Bethlehem
Steel Corp.'s 62.3 percent share of Hibbing Taconite Co. is included in the sale
agreement.
In April 2003 U.S. Steel Corp. (USS) offered $1.05 billion to buy National Steel
Corporation (National) after reaching a tentative labor agreement with the
United Steelworkers of America, covering both USS and prospective National
employees. The offer includes National Steel Pellet Company in Keewatin,
Minnesota. The transaction was approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, and is
contingent on the labor agreement being ratified. Closing of the sale
transaction is anticipated to occur in May 2003. USS plans on canceling the
proposed sale of its Minntac taconite operation and other raw material related
operations to the Apollo Group upon successful completion of the National
acquisition.
In January 2003 Blandin Paper Company shut down two of its four production lines
representing approximately 30 percent of its production capabilities. A new
contract through April 2007 was signed in March 2003. A petition for approval
was filed with the MPUC in April 2003.
With the start-up of Missota Paper Company at the former Potlatch Corporation
(Potlatch)-Brainerd site, discussions are underway with Potlatch regarding a new
contract for the Grand Rapids facility and a resolution of Potlatch's 3.9 MW
obligation through December 2008 at Brainerd.
On May 1, 2003 the MPUC approved a contract amendment with Stora Enso North
America retroactive to April 1, 2003. The agreement includes a contract
extension through April 2009.
21 ALLETE First Quarter 2003 Form 10-Q
Ref. Page 27. - Eighth Full Paragraph
The Phase II environmental site report was submitted to the WDNR in February
2003. This report identified some Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP)-like chemicals
that were found in the soil. Initial test results from sediment samples taken
from nearby Superior Bay were inconsistent with MGP-like chemicals. Additional
samples were obtained in March 2003 from Superior Bay near the site of the
former MGP. The report on this sampling is expected to be completed by the end
of May 2003. The Company is unable to predict the outcome of this matter at this
time.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Exhibits.
99(a) Section 1350 Certification of Periodic Report dated May 9, 2003,
signed by David G. Gartzke.
99(b) Section 1350 Certification of Periodic Report dated May 9, 2003,
signed by James K. Vizanko.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K.
Report on Form 8-K filed January 24, 2003 with respect to Item 7. Financial
Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits.
Report on Form 8-K filed March 10, 2003 with respect to Item 7. Financial
Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits.
Report on Form 8-K filed March 14, 2003 with respect to Item 5. Other
Events and Regulation FD Disclosure.
Report on Form 8-K filed April 25, 2003 with respect to Item 7. Financial
Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits, and Item 9.
Regulation FD Disclosure (Item 12. Results of Operations and Financial
Condition).
ALLETE First Quarter 2003 Form 10-Q 22
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
ALLETE, INC.
May 9, 2003 James K. Vizanko
--------------------------------------
James K. Vizanko
Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
May 9, 2003 Mark A. Schober
--------------------------------------
Mark A. Schober
Vice President and Controller
23 ALLETE First Quarter 2003 Form 10-Q
CERTIFICATIONS
I, David G. Gartzke, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of
ALLETE, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of ALLETE;
2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by
this quarterly report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this
quarterly report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:
a. designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that
material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those
entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report
is being prepared;
b. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and
procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this
quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
c. presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our
evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on
our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit
committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the
equivalent function):
a. all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal
controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to
record, process, summarize and report financial data and have
identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in
internal controls; and
b. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this
quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal
controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal
controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including
any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material
weaknesses.
Date: May 9, 2003 David G. Gartzke
-----------------------------------
David G. Gartzke
Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer
ALLETE First Quarter 2003 Form 10-Q 24
I, James K. Vizanko, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
of ALLETE, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of ALLETE;
2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by
this quarterly report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this
quarterly report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:
a. designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that
material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those
entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report
is being prepared;
b. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and
procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this
quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
c. presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our
evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on
our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit
committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the
equivalent function):
a. all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal
controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to
record, process, summarize and report financial data and have
identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in
internal controls; and
b. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this
quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal
controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal
controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including
any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material
weaknesses.
Date: May 9, 2003 James K. Vizanko
-----------------------------------
James K. Vizanko
Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer
25 ALLETE First Quarter 2003 Form 10-Q
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT
NUMBER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
99(a) Section 1350 Certification of Periodic Report dated May 9, 2003, signed
by David G. Gartzke.
99(b) Section 1350 Certification of Periodic Report dated May 9, 2003, signed
by James K. Vizanko.
ALLETE First Quarter 2003 Form 10-Q