______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

[x] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2001

OR

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from __________ to __________

 

Commission
File Number

Registrant; State of Incorporation; Address; and Telephone Number

IRS Employer
Identification No.

     

1-11337

WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION
(A Wisconsin Corporation)
700 North Adams Street
P. O. Box 19001
Green Bay, WI 54307-9001
920-433-4901

39-1775292

     

1-3016

WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION
(A Wisconsin Corporation)
700 North Adams Street
P. O. Box 19001
Green Bay, WI 54307-9001
800-450-7260

39-0715160

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.

WPS Resources Corporation

Yes [x] No [ ]

Wisconsin Public Service Corporation

Yes [x] No [ ]

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuers' classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION

Common stock, $1 par value,
28,726,438 shares outstanding at
September 30, 2001

   

WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION

Common stock, $4 par value,
23,896,962 shares outstanding at
September 30, 2001

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION
AND
WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001

CONTENTS

   

Page

     
 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

3

     

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 
     

Item 1.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
 

WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION

 
 

Consolidated Statements of Income, Comprehensive
  Income, and Retained Earnings

4

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

5

 

Consolidated Statements of Capitalization

6

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

7

     
 

WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION

 
 

Consolidated Statements of Income and
  Comprehensive Income

8

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

9

 

Consolidated Statements of Capitalization

10

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

11

 

Consolidated Statements of Retained Earnings

12

     
 

CONDENSED NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF

 

WPS Resources Corporation and
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation

 

13 - 16

     

Item 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for

 
 

  WPS Resources Corporation

17 - 28

 

  Wisconsin Public Service Corporation

29 - 34

     

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

35

     

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

36

Item 5.

Other Information

36 - 37

     

Item 6.

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

37

     

Signatures

 

38 - 39

     

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

40

     
     

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Except for historical data and statements of current fact, the information contained or incorporated by reference in this Form 10-Q constitutes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Any references to plans, goals, beliefs or expectations in respect to future events and conditions or to estimates are forward-looking statements. Although we believe that statements of our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and subject to risks and should be viewed with caution. Actual results or experience could differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of many factors. Forward-looking statements included or incorporated in this Form 10-Q include, but are not limited to, statements regarding:

We cannot predict the course of future events or anticipate the interaction of multiple factors beyond our control and their effect on revenues, project timing and costs. Some risk factors that could cause results different from any forward-looking statement include:

We make no commitment to disclose any revisions to the forward-looking statements as a result of facts, events or circumstances after the date of this Form 10-Q.

 

 

Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME, COMPREHENSIVE INCOME,

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

AND RETAINED EARNINGS

September 30

September 30

(Thousands, except per share amounts)

2001  

2000  

2001  

2000  

Operating revenues

Electric utility

$180,421

$162,706

$  500,872

$  466,660

Gas utility

34,536

38,564

248,624

158,753

Nonregulated gas

214,804

216,565

1,126,803

501,959

Nonregulated electric and other

 87,304

 39,050

  215,368

  102,497

Total operating revenues

517,065

456,885

2,091,667

1,229,869

Operating expenses

Utility electric production fuels

34,150

36,239

94,957

94,479

Utility purchased power

29,116

17,724

73,322

53,667

Utility gas purchased for resale

18,153

27,462

179,479

100,744

Nonregulated gas cost of sales

212,386

214,335

1,121,294

498,737

Nonregulated electric and other cost of sales

72,246

25,906

180,109

67,274

Other operating expenses

67,228

55,482

210,820

169,456

Maintenance

16,998

17,154

51,487

55,034

Depreciation and decommissioning

21,231

24,525

60,758

79,447

Taxes other than income

  8,575

  8,235

   26,520

   26,009

Total operating expenses

480,083

427,062

1,998,746

1,144,847

Operating income

36,982

29,823

92,921

85,022

 

 

 

 

 

Other income

Allowance for equity funds used during construction

343

466

1,229

1,233

Other, net

  6,250

    567

   12,208

   20,441

Total other income

  6,593

  1,033

   13,437

   21,674

Income before interest expense

43,575

30,856

106,358

106,696

 

 

 

 

 

Interest on long-term debt

11,142

11,164

33,345

30,706

Other interest

3,364

2,499

9,949

8,068

Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction

  (500)

  (431)

  (1,492)

  (2,361)

Total interest expense

14,006

13,232

41,802

36,413

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions - preferred securities of subsidiary trust

873

874

2,625

2,625

Income before income taxes

28,696

16,750

61,931

67,658

Income taxes

6,094

3,105

2,556

11,871

Preferred stock dividends of subsidiaries

    778

    778

    2,333

    2,333

Net income

21,824

12,867

57,042

53,454

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

Cash flow hedge (1)

(2,460)

      -

  (4,800)

        -

Comprehensive income

19,364

12,867

52,242

53,454

 

 

 

 

 

Retained earnings at beginning of period

359,386

355,552

354,756

341,701

Cash dividends on common stock

 14,969

 13,600

   43,217

   40,336

Retained earnings at end of period

$363,781

$354,819

$  363,781

$  354,819

Average shares of common stock

28,720

26,407

27,925

26,479

Basic and diluted earnings per average share of common stock (2)

$0.76

$0.49

$2.04

$2.02

Dividend per share of common stock

$0.525

$0.515

$1.555

$1.525

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

 

(1) Refer to Note 7, "Price Risk Management Activities."

(2) Refer to Note 3, "Earnings Per Share."

 

WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

September 30

December 31

(Thousands)

2001

2000

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Utility plant

Electric

$1,842,155

$1,893,358

Gas

382,768

302,942

Property under capital lease

   74,130

   74,130

Net

2,299,053

2,270,430

Less - Accumulated depreciation and decommissioning

1,479,047

1,365,367

Total

820,006

905,063

Nuclear decommissioning trusts

290,257

207,224

Construction in progress

102,634

69,997

Nuclear fuel, less accumulated amortization of $247,062
  at September 30, 2001 and $167,730 at December 31, 2000

   25,495

   16,040

Net utility plant

1,238,392

1,198,324

Current assets

Cash and equivalents

27,160

12,789

Customer and other receivables, net of reserves of $5,714
  at September 30, 2001 and $4,205 at December 31, 2000

187,501

317,808

Accrued revenues

31,076

83,905

Fossil fuel, at average cost

23,121

18,122

Gas in storage

72,373

65,975

Materials and supplies, at average cost

32,253

31,373

Assets from risk management activities

459,242

642,481

Prepayments and other

   22,874

   28,718

Total current assets

855,600

1,201,171

Regulatory assets

88,687

74,579

Nonutility and nonregulated plant, net of accumulated
  depreciation of $18,376 at September 30, 2001
  and $13,341 at December 31, 2000

179,872

113,683

Pension assets

84,491

62,992

Goodwill

36,118

-

Investments and other assets

  171,876

  165,393

Total

$2,655,036

$2,816,142

CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES

 

 

 

Capitalization

Common stock equity

$  620,503

$  542,777

Preferred stock of subsidiary with no mandatory redemption

51,146

51,168

Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable trust preferred
  securities of subsidiary trust holding solely WPS Resources
  Corporation 7.00% subordinated debentures

50,000

50,000

Long-term capital lease obligation

72,487

72,955

Long-term debt

  708,077

  587,017

Total capitalization

1,502,213

1,303,917

Current liabilities

Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligation

6,348

8,311

Notes payable

10,000

10,000

Commercial paper

69,348

119,557

Accounts payable

217,240

334,311

Accrued taxes

17,400

11,217

Accrued interest

13,866

9,882

Liabilities from risk management activities

436,758

659,468

Other

   21,458

   29,866

Total current liabilities

792,418

1,182,612

Long-term liabilities and deferred credits

Accumulated deferred income taxes

92,901

100,463

Accumulated deferred investment tax credits

21,441

23,963

Regulatory liabilities

68,713

50,641

Environmental remediation liabilities

45,339

38,867

Postretirement liabilities

54,876

47,267

Other long-term liabilities

   77,135

   68,412

Total long-term liabilities and deferred credits

  360,405

  329,613

Total

$2,655,036

$2,816,142

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

 

 

WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION

September 30

December 31

(Thousands, except share amounts)

2001

2000

Common stock equity

Common stock, $1 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized;
  29,039,558 shares issued at September 30, 2001 and
  26,851,034 shares issued at December 31, 2000

$   29,039

$   26,851

Premium on capital stock

239,535

172,451

Retained earnings

363,781

354,756

Treasury stock, 313,120 shares at average cost of
  $24.75 at September 30, 2001 and 336,385 shares at
  average cost of $24.23 at December 31, 2000

(7,751)

(8,149)

Shares in deferred compensation trust; 133,994 shares at an average
  cost of $30.61 per share at September 30, 2001 and 105,179 shares
  at an average cost of $29.78 per share at December 31, 2000

  (4,101)

  (3,132)

Total common stock equity

620,503

542,777

Preferred stock - Wisconsin Public Service Corporation

Cumulative, $100 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized;
  with no mandatory redemption

                    Shares Outstanding

                 September 30  December 31

     Series          2001          2000

     5.00%         131,500       131,720

13,150

13,172

     5.04%          29,980        29,980

2,998

2,998

     5.08%          49,980        49,980

4,998

4,998

     6.76%         150,000       150,000

15,000

15,000

     6.88%         150,000       150,000

   15,000

   15,000

Total preferred stock with no mandatory redemption

51,146

51,168

 

 

 

Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable trust
  preferred securities of subsidiary trust holding solely
  WPS Resources Corporation 7.00% subordinated debentures

50,000

50,000

 

 

 

Capital lease obligation - Wisconsin Public Service Corporation

73,117

73,585

Less current portion

    (630)

    (630)

Net capital lease obligation

72,487

72,955

Long-term debt

First mortgage bonds - Wisconsin Public Service Corporation

     Series      Year Due

     7.30%         2002

50,000

50,000

     6.80%         2003

50,000

50,000

     6.125%        2005

9,075

9,075

     6.90%         2013

22,000

22,000

     8.80%         2021

-

53,100

     7.125%        2023

50,000

50,000

Senior notes - Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (1)

     Series      Year Due

     6.08%         2028

50,000

50,000

     6.125%        2011

150,000

-

 

 

 

First mortgage bonds - Upper Peninsula Power Company

 

     Series      Year Due

 

 

     7.94%         2003

15,000

15,000

     10.0%         2008

3,000

3,000

     9.32%         2021

18,000

18,000

 

 

 

Unsecured senior notes - WPS Resources Corporation

 

     Series      Year Due

 

 

     7.00%         2009

150,000

150,000

Term loans - nonrecourse, secured by nonregulated assets

97,785

102,742

Tax exempt bonds

27,000

-

Notes payable to bank, secured by nonregulated plant

19,725

19,342

Senior secured note

3,446

3,542

Other long-term debt

      119

      119

Total

715,150

595,920

Unamortized discount and premium on bonds and debt securities, net

  (1,355)

  (1,222)

Total long-term debt

713,795

594,698

Less current portion

  (5,718)

  (7,681)

Net long-term debt

  708,077

  587,017

Total capitalization

$1,502,213

$1,303,917

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

(1) Refer to Note 6, "Issuance of Notes."

 

WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

  Nine Months Ended

(Thousands)

  September 30

2001    

2000    

Cash flows from operating activities

Net income

$    57,042

$    53,454

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from
  operating activities

Depreciation and decommissioning

60,758

79,447

Gain on nuclear decommissioning trust

(3,112)

(13,747)

Amortization of nuclear fuel and other

11,128

14,372

Deferred income taxes

(6,457)

3,796

Investment tax credit restored

(1,262)

(1,341)

Allowance for equity funds used during construction

(1,229)

(1,233)

Gain on sale of property

-

(3,750)

Pension income

(4,823)

(3,754)

Postretirement funding

3,794

(2,739)

Other, net

7,659

6,133

 

 

 

Changes in

Customer and other receivables

139,647

(35,835)

Accrued revenues

55,787

11,518

Fossil fuel inventory

(5,895)

5,223

Gas in storage

(5,473)

(18,463)

Risk management assets and liabilities

(42,621)

(3,825)

Miscellaneous assets

7,282

(10,698)

Accounts payable

(125,214)

68,609

Accrued taxes

(14,066)

(2,921)

Miscellaneous current and accrued liabilities

     6,102

   (8,955)

Net cash from operating activities

139,047

135,291

Cash flows from investing activities

Construction of utility plant and nuclear fuel expenditures

(136,376)

(117,321)

Construction of nonregulated plant

(19,505)

(8,481)

Purchase of other property and equipment

(28,568)

(31,025)

Decommissioning funding

(1,971)

(6,450)

Return of capital on equity method investment

42,292

-

Proceeds from sale of property

88

31,144

Other

   (3,019)

   (6,185)

Net cash used for investing activities

(147,059)

(138,318)

Cash flows from financing activities

Issuance of bonds

150,000

-

Redemption of bonds

(53,100)

-

Issuance of other long-term debt

30,234

84,898

Redemptions of other long-term debt

(7,904)

(4,438)

Issuance of commercial paper

1,550,402

610,476

Redemptions of commercial paper

(1,600,611)

(640,336)

Cash dividends on common stock

(43,217)

(40,336)

Issuance of common stock

13,949

192

Purchase of treasury and deferred compensation shares

(694)

(10,297)

Redemption of obligations acquired in purchase business combination

(15,829)

-

Other

     (847)

       398

Net cash from financing activities

    22,383

       557

Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents

14,371

(2,470)

Cash and equivalents at beginning of period

    12,789

    10,547

Cash and equivalents at end of period

$    27,160

$     8,077

Cash paid during period for

Interest, less amount capitalized

$36,573

$32,503

Income taxes

15,825

22,562

Preferred stock dividends of subsidiary

2,333

2,333

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing activities for 2001:

1. An investment in American Transmission Company, LLC was made with the exchange of $93.5 million of transmission assets for approximately 15% equity interest in American Transmission Company, LLC.

2. WPS Resources acquired the assets and liabilities of Wisconsin Fuel and Light Company in exchange for 1.8 million shares of WPS Resources common stock.

 

WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

(Thousands)

 September 30

 September 30

2001  

2000  

2001  

2000  

Operating revenues

Electric

$168,911

$151,482

$466,968

$431,492

Gas

 35,332

 38,564

249,420

158,753

Total operating revenues

204,243

190,046

716,388

590,245

Operating expenses

Electric production fuels

33,200

35,833

93,785

93,748

Purchased power

28,265

16,895

69,864

49,012

Gas purchased for resale

19,925

27,433

184,230

103,908

Other operating expenses

43,442

37,114

141,721

115,215

Maintenance

15,875

15,178

48,089

50,767

Depreciation and decommissioning

17,982

21,024

50,491

68,533

Federal income taxes

10,602

6,334

27,648

23,534

Investment tax credit restored

(393)

(402)

(1,156)

(1,204)

State income taxes

2,508

2,117

6,303

6,435

Gross receipts tax and other

  7,558

  7,011

 23,318

 21,696

Total operating expenses

178,964

168,537

644,293

531,644

Operating income

25,279

21,509

72,095

58,601

 

 

 

 

 

Other income and (deductions)

Allowance for equity funds used during construction

343

466

1,229

1,233

Other, net

4,688

2,396

12,461

20,056

Income taxes

  (157)

  (326)

(1,478)

(2,035)

Total other income

  4,874

  2,536

 12,212

 19,254

Income before interest expense

30,153

24,045

84,307

77,855

Interest expense

 

 

 

 

Interest on long-term debt

6,188

5,188

17,095

16,107

Other interest

2,269

2,732

7,302

7,052

Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction

  (500)

  (431)

(1,492)

(2,361)

Total interest expense

7,957

7,489

22,905

20,798

Minority interest

  (539)

      -

  (539)

      -

Net income

21,657

16,556

60,863

57,057

Preferred stock dividend requirements

    778

    778

  2,333

  2,333

Earnings on common stock

 20,879

 15,778

 58,530

 54,724

Other comprehensive income

-

-

-

-

Comprehensive income

$ 20,879

$ 15,778

$ 58,530

$ 54,724

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

September 30

December 31

(Thousands)

2001     

2000     

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

Utility plant

Electric

$1,689,438

$1,698,843

Gas

382,768

302,942

Property under capital lease

   74,130

   74,130

Total

2,146,336

2,075,915

Less - Accumulated depreciation and decommissioning

1,401,289

1,268,949

Total

745,047

806,966

Nuclear decommissioning trusts

290,257

207,224

Construction in progress

92,800

64,593

Nuclear fuel, less accumulated amortization of $247,062
  at September 30, 2001 and $167,730 at December 31, 2000

   25,495

   16,040

Net utility plant

1,153,599

1,094,823

Current assets

Cash and equivalents

2,544

4,375

Customer and other receivables, net of reserves of $3,503
  at September 30, 2001 and $3,367 at December 31, 2000

86,421

92,058

Accrued utility revenues

23,174

56,826

Fossil fuel, at average cost

12,937

11,223

Gas in storage, at average cost

43,646

21,682

Materials and supplies, at average cost

23,951

22,241

Assets from risk management activities

4,895

-

Prepayments and other

   18,729

   23,020

Total current assets

216,297

231,425

Regulatory assets

86,522

72,367

Nonutility plant, net of accumulated depreciation of
  $202 at September 30, 2001 and $174 at December 31, 2000

1,202

1,168

Pension assets

84,491

62,992

Goodwill

35,618

-

Investments and other assets

   79,211

   40,471

Total

$1,656,940

$1,503,246

CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES

 

 

 

Capitalization

Common stock equity

$  641,677

$  567,757

Preferred stock with no mandatory redemption

51,188

51,188

Capital lease obligation

72,487

72,955

Long-term debt to parent

13,231

13,476

Long-term debt

  380,316

  283,594

Total capitalization

1,158,899

988,970

Current liabilities

Current portion of capital lease obligation

630

630

Note payable

10,000

10,000

Commercial paper

25,000

60,000

Accounts payable

68,220

96,728

Accrued interest and taxes

12,295

12,389

Other

    7,279

   14,776

Total current liabilities

123,424

194,523

Long-term liabilities and deferred credits

Accumulated deferred income taxes

124,950

109,024

Accumulated deferred investment tax credits

19,984

21,946

Regulatory liabilities

61,296

42,729

Environmental remediation liability

43,871

37,367

Postretirement liabilities

54,876

47,267

Other long-term liabilities

   69,641

   61,420

Total long-term liabilities and deferred credits

  374,618

  319,753

Total

$1,656,941

$1,503,246

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

 

 

WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION

September 30

December 31

(Thousands, except share amounts)

2001     

2000    

Common stock equity

Common stock

$   95,588

$ 95,588

Premium on capital stock

302,767

242,877

Retained earnings

  243,322

229,292

Total common stock equity

641,677

567,757

Preferred stock

Cumulative, $100 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized;
  with no mandatory redemption

                     Shares Outstanding

                 September 30  December 31

     Series          2001         2000

 

 

     5.00%          131,920      131,920

13,192

13,192

     5.04%           29,980       29,980

2,998

2,998

     5.08%           49,980       49,980

4,998

4,998

     6.76%          150,000      150,000

15,000

15,000

     6.88%          150,000      150,000

   15,000

 15,000

Total preferred stock

51,188

51,188

Capital lease obligation

73,117

73,585

Less current portion

    (630)

  (630)

Net capital lease obligation

72,487

72,955

 

 

 

Long-term debt to parent

 

 

     Series      Year Due

 

 

     8.76%         2015

5,464

5,567

     7.35%         2016

    7,767

  7,909

Total long-term debt to parent

13,231

13,476

 

 

 

Long-term debt

First mortgage bonds

     Series      Year Due

     7.30%         2002

50,000

50,000

     6.80%         2003

50,000

50,000

     6.125%        2005

9,075

9,075

     6.90%         2013

22,000

22,000

     8.80%         2021

-

53,100

     7.125%        2023

50,000

50,000

Senior notes (1)

     6.08%         2028

50,000

50,000

     6.125%        2011

  150,000

      -

Total

381,075

284,175

Unamortized discount and premium on bonds, net

    (878)

  (700)

Total first mortgage bonds

380,197

283,475

Other long-term debt

      119

    119

Total long-term debt

  380,316

283,594

Total capitalization

$1,158,899

$988,970

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

(1) Refer to Note 6. "Issuance of Notes."

 

WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Nine Months Ended  

(Thousands)

September 30     

2001   

2000   

Cash flows from operating activities

Net income

$   60,863

$   57,057

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from

operating activities

Depreciation and decommissioning

50,491

68,533

Gain on nuclear decommissioning trust

(3,112)

(13,747)

Amortization of nuclear fuel and other

6,078

10,974

Deferred income taxes

13,625

3,453

Investment tax credit restored

(1,157)

(1,204)

Allowance for equity funds used during construction

(1,229)

(1,233)

Gain on sale of property

-

(3,750)

Pension income

(4,823)

(3,754)

Postretirement funding

3,794

(2,739)

Other, net

2,519

(5,866)

 

 

 

Changes in

Customer and other receivables

15,455

10,700

Accrued utility revenues

36,610

11,712

Fossil fuel inventory

(1,702)

6,379

Gas in storage

(21,039)

(8,545)

Miscellaneous assets

4,899

(6,095)

Accounts payable

(36,651)

9,687

Miscellaneous current and accrued liabilities

(13,200)

(5,051)

Accrued taxes

      160

    2,847

Net cash from operating activities

111,581

129,358

Cash flows from investing activities

Construction of utility plant and nuclear fuel expenditures

(127,636)

(111,854)

Decommissioning funding

(1,971)

(6,450)

Purchase of other property and equipment

(17,487)

(50)

Proceeds from sale of property

88

31,144

Return of capital on equity method investment

32,307

-

Other

  (2,238)

    4,335

Net cash used for investing activities

(116,937)

(82,875)

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from issuance of commercial paper

590,000

414,000

Redemptions of commercial paper

(625,000)

(413,000)

Redemption of bonds

(53,100)

-

Issuance of senior notes

150,000

-

Equity infusion from parent

40,000

45,000

Dividend to parent

(44,500)

(91,000)

Preferred stock dividends

(2,333)

(2,333)

Equity withdrawal by parent

(35,000)

-

Redemption of obligations acquired in purchase business combination

(15,829)

-

Other

    (713)

    (282)

Net cash from (used for) financing activities

    3,525

 (47,615)

Net decrease in cash and equivalents

(1,831)

(1,132)

Cash and equivalents at beginning of period

    4,375

    3,428

Cash and equivalents at end of period

$    2,544

$    2,296

Cash paid during period for

Interest, less amount capitalized

$   19,390

$   19,542

Income taxes

38,075

36,445

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

Supplemental schedule of noncash investing activities for 2001:

1. An investment in American Transmission Company, LLC was made with the exchange of $71.3 million of transmission assets for a 11.6% equity interest in American Transmission Company, LLC.

2. Wisconsin Public Service acquired the assets and liabilities of Wisconsin Fuel and Light Company in exchange for additional paid in capital from WPS Resources of $54.8 million.

 

WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS

Nine Months Ended

(Thousands)

September 30   

2001  

2000  

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of period

$229,292

$263,922

Add net income

 60,863

 57,057

290,155

320,979

Deduct

Cash dividends declared on preferred stock

2,333

2,333

Dividend to parent

 44,500

 91,000

 46,833

 93,333

Balance at end of period

$243,322

$227,646

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION
CONDENSED NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2001

 

NOTE 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

We have prepared the consolidated financial statements of WPS Resources Corporation and Wisconsin Public Service Corporation under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. These financial statements have not been audited. Management believes that these financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments, which are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial results for each period shown. Certain items from a prior period have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation. We have condensed or omitted certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. We believe that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These financial statements should be read along with the financial statements and notes included with our latest annual Form 10-K report.

Because of the seasonal nature of utility operations, the results reported for the quarter may not be representative of annual results.

NOTE 2. INCOME TAXES

WPS Resources' income tax expense and effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2001, is a tax expense of $2.6 million (4.1%) compared to a tax expense of $11.9 million (17.5%) for the same period in 2000.  The primary reasons for the change are the effect of Section 29 tax credits and lower consolidated book income before tax.

NOTE 3. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table reconciles the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share. Potentially dilutive items include in-the-money stock options. The calculation of diluted earnings per share for the periods shown excludes out-of-the-money stock options that had an anti-dilutive effect.

Reconciliation of Earnings Per Share

Three Months Ended September 30   

Nine Months Ended September 30   

(Thousands, except share amounts)

2001  

2000  

2001  

2000  

         

Net income

$21,824

$12,867

$57,042

$53,454

         

Basic weighted average shares

28,720

26,407

27,925

26,479

Basic earnings per share

$0.76

$0.49

$2.04

$2.02

         
         

Net income

$21,824

$12,867

$57,042

$53,454

Income effect of:

       

  Stock options

     -

     -

     -

     -

Adjusted net income

21,824

12,867

57,042

53,454

         

Basic weighted average shares

28,720

26,407

27,925

26,479

Incremental issuable shares:

 

   

  Stock options

    45

     7

    46

     3

Diluted weighted average shares

28,765

26,414

27,971

26,482

         

Diluted earnings per share

$0.76

$0.49

$2.04

$2.02

NOTE 4. SEGMENTS OF BUSINESS

We manage our reportable segments separately due to their different operating and regulatory environments. Our utility business segments are the regulated electric utility operations of Wisconsin Public Service Corporation and Upper Peninsula Power Company and the regulated gas utility operations of Wisconsin Public Service. Our other reportable segments include WPS Energy Services, Inc. and WPS Power Development, Inc. WPS Energy Services is a diversified energy supply and services company. WPS Power Development is an electric generation asset development and operating company. The Holding Company and Other segment includes the operations of WPS Resources and WPS Resources Capital Corporation as holding companies and the activities at Wisconsin Public Service and Upper Peninsula Power that are nonutility.

The table below presents summary information pertaining to our operations segmented by lines of business.

 

Regulated Utilities

Nonutility and
Nonregulated Operations

   

Segments of
Business
(Thousands)

Electric

 Gas

 Total
Utility

WPS
Energy
Services

WPS
Power
Development

Holding
Company
& Other

Reconciling
Eliminations

WPS
Resources
Consolidated

                 

Quarter Ended
September 30, 2001

               

Operating revenues

$186,104

$35,332

$221,436

$267,382

$39,156

$346

$(11,255)

$517,065

Net income (loss)

21,801

(1,342)

20,459

1,252

1,072

(959)

21,824

                 

Quarter Ended
September 30, 2000

               

Operating revenues

167,997

38,564

206,561

225,477

34,078

1,098

(10,329)

456,885

Net income (loss)

19,088

(2,079)

17,009

383

20

(4,545)

12,867

                 

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2001

               

Operating revenues

516,788

249,420

766,208

1,240,436

115,311

993

(31,281)

2,091,667

Net income (loss)

47,864

7,713

55,577

3,422

2,814

(4,771)

57,042

                 

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2000

               

Operating revenues

480,194

158,753

638,947

527,490

95,022

5,853

(37,443)

1,229,869

Net income (loss)

49,417

7,005

56,422

1,637

1,275

(5,880)

 53,454

NOTE 5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

We have reviewed the status of our commitments and contingencies and believe there are no material changes from that disclosed in our Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2000. See WPS Resources Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Note 13--Commitments and Contingencies in our 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2000 for specific details.

NOTE 6. ISSUANCE OF NOTES

Wisconsin Public Service issued $150.0 million of 6.125% senior notes on August 14, 2001, which will mature in 2011. These notes are in addition to $50.0 million of 6.08% senior notes issued in December 1998 and due in 2028. Both issuances are secured by a pledge of first mortgage bonds and become unsecured if Wisconsin Public Service retires all of its outstanding first mortgage bonds.

Also in August 2001, Wisconsin Public Service retired $53.1 million of 8.80% first mortgage bonds that would have matured in 2021.

NOTE 7. PRICE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

On January 1, 2001 WPS Resources adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" as amended by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Nos. 137 and 138. Statement No. 133 requires that every derivative instrument be recorded on the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value and that changes in the derivative's fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.

WPS Resources has concluded that the majority of its contracts do not meet the definition of a derivative as defined by Statement No. 133. Therefore, at September 30, 2001, such contracts are not subject to the accounting requirements of this statement, as amended.

Wisconsin Public Service has entered into a limited number of commodity contracts to service its customers that meet the definition of a derivative under Statement No. 133. A majority of these contracts are gas purchase agreements. The derivative amounts to be recorded as a result of these gas contracts will be offset with a corresponding regulatory asset and liability. As of September 30, 2001, we have recorded an Asset from Risk Management Activities and a Regulatory Liability of approximately $4.7 million related to these Wisconsin Public Service contracts.

WPS Resources' nonregulated segments have also entered into a limited number of contracts that meet the definition of a derivative under Statement No. 133. One of these contracts was an electric energy contract that was used to protect WPS Resources against potential summer energy price spikes. This contract expired during the third quarter. The total loss of $3.5 million for this contract is included in Other Income in WPS Resources' Consolidated Statement of Income, Comprehensive Income, and Retained Earnings. A similar contract was held in 2000 that resulted in a $3.8 million total loss.

Another contract classified as a derivative is an interest rate swap used to fix the entire interest rate for the full term of an 18-year variable rate loan. In accordance with Statement No. 133, management has designated this contract as a cash flow hedge. Because the swap is 100% effective, we have recorded the $4.8 million mark-to-market loss, net of deferred taxes, through September 30, 2001 directly to Other Comprehensive Income. WPS Resources did not exclude any components of the derivative instrument's loss from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.

Both Wisconsin Public Service and WPS Resources nonregulated segments hold a limited number of other derivative instruments. The cumulative effect on the balance sheet and income statement for these contracts at September 30, 2001 was not significant.

NOTE 8. ACQUISITION OF ADDITIONAL OWNERSHIP OF KEWAUNEE NUCLEAR PLANT

On September 24, 2001, Wisconsin Public Service acquired Madison Gas and Electric Company's 17.8% interest in the Kewaunee Nuclear Power Plant including its decommissioning trust assets. As a result of the $17.5 million purchase, Wisconsin Public Service now owns 59% of the plant with the remaining portion held by Wisconsin Power and Light Company. The additional operations of Kewaunee Nuclear Power Plant are included in the financial statements of Wisconsin Public Service beginning September 24, 2001. Madison Gas and Electric will retain its obligations as they relate to the plant for the period of time it was an owner.

Madison Gas and Electric will maintain one decommissioning trust fund that will accumulate its remaining contributions in accordance with its existing funding plan, which extends to December 31, 2002. At that time, Madison Gas and Electric will transfer that trust fund to Wisconsin Public Service. Wisconsin Public Service also assumed Madison Gas and Electric's share of the decommissioning obligations in exchange for the trust funds transferred on September 24, 2001 and to be transferred on December 31, 2002.

NOTE 9. WISCONSIN FUEL AND LIGHT COMPANY MERGER

On April 1, 2001, Wisconsin Public Service completed its merger with Wisconsin Fuel and Light Company. Wisconsin Fuel and Light served residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Manitowoc and Wausau, Wisconsin with natural gas. Wisconsin Fuel and Light shareholders received 1.73 shares of WPS Resources common stock for each share of Wisconsin Fuel and Light common stock. A total of 1,763,943 shares were issued resulting in a purchase price of $54.8 million based on an average price of $31.0625, the prevailing price at the time of the merger announcement.

Wisconsin Public Service used the purchase method of accounting and recorded $41.8 million of total premium associated with the purchase. Of that total premium, $36.0 million was recorded as goodwill and is being amortized using the straight-line method over a period of 40 years. With the Financial Accounting Standards Board finalizing its Statements of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, "Business Combinations," and No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" on June 30, 2001, Wisconsin Public Service plans to stop amortizing the goodwill effective January 1, 2002. The remaining premium, $5.8 million after tax, was recorded as an acquisition adjustment, which we expect to be recovered in Wisconsin retail rates over the three-year period of 2003 through 2005.

The operations of Wisconsin Fuel and Light are included in the financial statements presented for Wisconsin Public Service and WPS Resources for the period beginning April 1, 2001 and ending September 30, 2001, but do not have a material impact.

NOTE 10. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board finalized Statements of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, "Business Combinations," and No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." Statement No. 141 requires all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001, to use the purchase method of accounting. Under the requirements of Statement No. 142, intangible assets meeting specific criteria will be separately identified from goodwill acquired in future purchase method acquisitions. The resulting intangible assets will be amortized over their individual useful lives without the 40 year limit that was previously required for goodwill. Also under Statement No. 142, existing goodwill at June 30, 2001, will no longer be amortized, effective January 1, 2002. Instead, an assessment of fair-value will be used to test for impairment of goodwill on an annual basis or when circumstances indicate a possible impairment.

The majority of the goodwill at WPS Resources is related to the Wisconsin Fuel and Light acquisition. This goodwill is presently being amortized over 40 years. We plan to discontinue amortization on January 1, 2002 and begin using the fair-value impairment test as indicated by Statement No. 142. Management does not expect any impairment of the Wisconsin Fuel and Light goodwill at January 1, 2002. Currently we do not anticipate any other material impacts from Statements No. 141 and 142.

Also in June 2001 the Financial Accounting Standards Board finalized Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations." This statement applies to all entities with legal obligations associated with the retirement of a tangible long-lived asset that result from the acquisition, construction, or development and/or normal operation of a long-lived asset. An asset retirement obligation should be recognized when it meets the definition of a liability and be measured at fair value. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board finalized Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," in August 2001. The statement intends to unify the accounting for long-lived assets to be disposed of, based on the framework established by Financial Accounting Standards No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of." This statement must be implemented for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001.

We are analyzing the impact both these statements will have on WPS Resources and its subsidiaries.

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION

WPS Resources Corporation is a holding company. Our wholly-owned subsidiaries include two regulated utilities, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation and Upper Peninsula Power Company. Another wholly-owned subsidiary, WPS Resources Capital Corporation, is a holding company for our nonregulated businesses including WPS Energy Services, Inc. and WPS Power Development, Inc.

Third Quarter 2001 Compared with Third Quarter 2000

WPS Resources Overview

WPS Resources' third quarter 2001 and third quarter 2000 results of operations are shown in the following chart:

 WPS Resources' Results

   Third Quarter

(Thousands, except per share amounts)

 2001  

 2000

 Change

 

Consolidated operating revenues

$517,065

$456,885

13%

Net income

21,824

12,867

70%

Basic and diluted earnings per share

$0.76

$0.49

55%

Financial performance improved for all segments of our business in the third quarter of 2001. Consolidated operating revenues increased due to sales volume growth for all segments. Increased electric and gas utility margins and higher nonregulated gas and electric margins at WPS Energy Services contributed positively to overall earnings. Additional tax credits received from WPS Power Development's synthetic fuel operation also contributed to increased earnings. Earnings were negatively affected by an increase in other operating expenses for all segments.

Overview of Utility Operations

Net income from electric utility operations increased to $21.8 million in the third quarter of 2001 compared with $19.1 million in the third quarter of 2000. Net income from gas utility operations resulted in a loss of $1.3 million in the third quarter of 2001 compared with a loss of $2.1 million in the same period of 2000.

Electric Utility Operations

The consolidated electric utility margin represents electric revenue less cost of sales exclusive of intercompany transactions.

   

WPS Resources' Consolidated

Third Quarter    

Electric Utility Results (Thousands)

2001  

2000  

     

Revenues

$180,421

$162,706

Fuel and purchased power costs

 63,266

 53,963

Margins

$117,155

$108,743

     

Sales in kilowatt-hours

3,368,975

3,255,258

Our consolidated electric utility margin increased $8.4 million primarily due to an increase in Wisconsin retail electric rates. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin authorized a 5.4% rate increase for Wisconsin Public Service's Wisconsin retail electric customers effective January 1, 2001. In addition, sales volumes were up to all customer classes at Upper Peninsula Power and Wisconsin Public Service, except for a slight decrease in sales to large commercial and industrial customers at Wisconsin Public Service. Weather was 76% warmer in the third quarter of 2001 than in the third quarter of 2000, and 20% warmer than normal.

Although sales volumes were up, a change in the customer mix at Wisconsin Public Service and the lack of a new retail electric rate structure at Upper Peninsula Power continue to negatively affect the electric utility margin. At Wisconsin Public Service, sales volumes to lower margin, wholesale customers are increasing, while sales to higher margin, large commercial and industrial customers continue to decline, largely due to a slow-down in economic conditions. Upper Peninsula Power's rate case pending before the Michigan Public Service Commission was dismissed at Upper Peninsula Power's request in August 2001. Upper Peninsula Power requested a dismissal of this rate case, which was originally filed in October of 2000, because the information filed with that case was outdated. Upper Peninsula Power intends to submit a new rate filing in 2002.

Our overall consolidated fuel expense for production plants decreased $2.1 million, or 6%. Of this amount, $2.5 million was the result of decreased fuel costs at Wisconsin Public Service's combustion turbine generation plants. This decrease was primarily due to a lower cost of natural gas which resulted in a 24% decrease in the average cost of generation at the combustion turbines in the third quarter of 2001. Our consolidated purchased power expense increased $11.4 million, or 64%, as a result of a 45% increase in purchase requirements at Wisconsin Public Service and an increase in the average cost per kilowatt-hour of purchases. Purchase requirements were higher due to weather that was 76% warmer in the third quarter of 2001 than in the same period in 2000. In addition, we take advantage, whenever possible, of purchased power when its unit cost is lower than the cost of production at our next available unit to be dispatched.

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin allows Wisconsin Public Service to adjust prospectively the amount billed to Wisconsin retail customers for fuel and purchased power if costs fall outside a specified range. Wisconsin Public Service is required to file an application to adjust rates either higher or lower when costs are plus or minus 2% from forecasted costs on an annualized basis. In the third quarter of 2001, Wisconsin Public Service submitted a fuel filing with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin requesting a $2.0 million retail electric rate reduction. The rate reduction was approved and implemented on September 3, 2001.

Gas Utility Operations

The consolidated gas utility margin represents gas revenues less purchases exclusive of intercompany transactions. Effective April 1, 2001 the gas utility margin at Wisconsin Public Service includes the merged Wisconsin Fuel and Light operations.

   

Wisconsin Public Service's

Third Quarter   

Gas Utility Results (Thousands)

2001  

2000 

     

Revenues

$35,332

$38,564

Purchase costs

19,925

27,433

Margins

$15,407

$11,131

     

Throughput in therms

124,037

105,953

The gas utility margin at Wisconsin Public Service increased $4.3 million, or 38%, due to a 17% increase in overall gas throughput volumes and a 1.5% increase in Wisconsin retail gas rates authorized by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin effective January 1, 2001. Part of the increase in gas throughput was the result of incorporating Wisconsin Fuel and Light's operations. Gas throughput volumes to large commercial and industrial customers, however, decreased 2% as a result of customers switching to the gas transport customer class and to declining economic conditions. Gas throughput volumes to gas transport customers increased 28%.

Wisconsin Public Service's gas revenues decreased $3.2 million as the result of a 28% decrease in the average unit cost of natural gas, partially offset by increased throughput, and the 1.5% increase in Wisconsin retail gas rates.

Wisconsin Public Service's gas purchase costs decreased $7.5 million due to the lower average cost of natural gas. Under current regulatory practice, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin and the Michigan Public Service Commission allow Wisconsin Public Service to pass changes in the cost of gas on to customers through a purchased gas adjustment clause. Therefore, the lower natural gas prices experienced in the third quarter of 2001 were passed on to customers. The lower natural gas prices are reflected in both revenues and gas purchases, thus having little impact on margin.

Other Utility Expenses/Income

Utility operating expenses increased $7.9 million largely due to increased transmission expenses as the result of forming American Transmission Company, LLC, increased maintenance costs at the Kewaunee Nuclear Power Plant during its refueling outage which began in late September, increased payments to the Wisconsin Department of Administration for demand-side management (energy conservation) activities, and higher write-offs for uncollectible accounts. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has allowed a portion of the higher transmission costs to be deferred. The deferred transmission costs, $1.6 million for the third quarter of 2001, are expected to be recovered in future regulatory proceedings.

Lower earnings on the nuclear decommissioning fund were offset by higher earnings on equity investments, including the investment in American Transmission Company, resulting in increased other income at Wisconsin Public Service. Due to regulatory practice, lower earnings on the nuclear decommissioning fund were offset by decreased depreciation expense. Also contributing to decreased depreciation expense were an extension in the Kewaunee plant's assumed depreciable life and a reduction in the nuclear decommissioning fund contribution. These nuclear-related items had been considered in Wisconsin Public Service's current Wisconsin retail rate structure and, thus, have no net income impact.

Overview of Nonregulated Operations

Nonregulated operations consist of the gas, electric, and other sales at WPS Energy Services, a diversified energy supply and services company, and the operations of WPS Power Development, an electric generation asset development and operating company.

WPS Energy Services' net income increased to $1.2 million in the third quarter of 2001 compared with $0.4 million in the same period of 2000. WPS Power Development's net income increased to $1.1 million in the third quarter of 2001 compared with a small positive net income in the third quarter of 2000.

Overview of WPS Energy Services

WPS Energy Services' principal business involves nonregulated gas sales. In addition, nonregulated electric sales have become an important factor in the growth of WPS Energy Services. Revenues at WPS Energy Services grew to $267.4 million in the third quarter of 2001 compared with $225.5 million in the third quarter of 2000, an increase of 19%.

WPS Energy Services' Margins

The consolidated nonregulated gas margin represents nonregulated gas revenues less nonregulated gas cost of sales exclusive of intercompany transactions.

   

WPS Energy Services'

Third Quarter   

Gas Results (Thousands)

2001  

2000 

     

Nonregulated gas revenues

$216,329

$216,565

Nonregulated gas cost of sales

212,877

214,088

Margins

$  3,452

$  2,477

The nonregulated gas margin at WPS Energy Services increased $1.0 million due to additional activity in wholesale markets in the third quarter of 2001. Gas revenues and cost of sales decreased as the result of lower natural gas prices in the third quarter of 2001 compared with the third quarter of 2000.

   

WPS Energy Services'

Third Quarter   

Electric Results (Thousands)

2001  

2000 

     

Nonregulated electric revenues

$50,173

$8,297

Nonregulated electric cost of sales

46,723

7,137

Margins

$ 3,450

$1,160

Nonregulated electric revenues at WPS Energy Services increased $41.9 million, and the nonregulated electric margin increased $2.3 million. Higher electric sales volumes in existing and newly-entered retail electric markets, as well as significant impacts from remarketing energy from WPS Power Development's Sunbury plant, contributed to these increases.

WPS Energy Services' Other Expenses

Operating expenses at WPS Energy Services increased $2.4 million in the third quarter of 2001 compared with the third quarter of 2000 due to costs associated with business expansion and higher write-offs of uncollectible accounts.

Overview of WPS Power Development

Revenues at WPS Power Development increased $5.1 million, or 15%, due primarily to higher revenues at its Sunbury generation plant of $4.5 million and higher revenues at its ECO No. 12 synthetic fuel operation of $2.7 million. WPS Power Development's net income was $1.1 million in the third quarter of 2001 compared with a small positive net income in the third quarter of 2000. Additional tax credits of approximately $2.4 million from its ECO No. 12 synthetic fuel operation increased WPS Power Development's net income in the third quarter of 2001.

WPS Power Development's Margins

WPS Power Development's

 Third Quarter       

Production Results (Thousands)

2001  

2000  

Nonregulated other revenues

$39,156

$34,078

Nonregulated other cost of sales

28,000

22,985

Margins

$11,156

$11,093

WPS Power Development experienced an increase of $0.1 million in its margin in the third quarter of 2001. The margin increased $1.0 million at the Westwood generation plant as a result of a full quarter of production in the third quarter of 2001. Westwood was acquired in September of 2000 and, thus, was not in production for a full quarter last year. Also, Sunbury's generation was up 14%, but its margin was offset by higher fuel costs as a result of purchasing coal at current market prices. WPS Power Development is attempting to recover a portion of this cost by resolving a lawsuit filed against a coal supplier for failure to deliver under the terms of a coal supply agreement.

WPS Power Development's Other Expenses

Other operating expenses at WPS Power Development increased $1.7 million in the third quarter of 2001 compared with the third quarter of 2000, primarily due to costs associated with operations at the Westwood generation plant which WPS Power Development acquired in September of 2000, higher payroll expenses, and increased development costs for potential new projects.

Overview of Holding Company and Other Operations

Holding Company and Other operations include the operations of WPS Resources and WPS Resources Capital as holding companies and the nonutility activities at Wisconsin Public Service and Upper Peninsula Power. Holding Company and Other operations experienced a loss of $1.0 million in the third quarter of 2001 compared with a loss of $4.5 million in the third quarter of 2000.

WPS Resources experienced a $0.2 million marked-to-market expense in the third quarter of 2001 on an electric energy contract entered into by WPS Resources as a hedge against potential summer energy price peaks through August of 2001. WPS Resources had recognized a $3.3 million marked-to-market expense through the second quarter of 2001. In the third quarter of 2000, WPS Resources experienced a $3.8 million marked-to-market expense on a similar type of contract.

Nine Months 2001 Compared with Nine Months 2000

WPS Resources Overview

WPS Resources' nine months 2001 and nine months 2000 results of operations are shown in the following chart:

 WPS Resources' Results

    Nine Months 

(Thousands, except per share amounts)

2001

2000

Change

Consolidated operating revenues

$2,091,667

$1,229,869

70%

Net income

57,042

53,454

7%

Basic and diluted earnings per share

$2.04

$2.02

1%

Consolidated operating revenues increased primarily due to an increase in gas revenues at WPS Energy Services and Wisconsin Public Service largely as a result of higher natural gas prices in the first half of 2001, and also due to sales volume growth. Increased electric and gas utility margins and higher gas and electric margins at WPS Energy Services contributed positively to overall earnings. Additional tax credits received from WPS Power Development's synthetic fuel operation also contributed to increased earnings. Earnings were negatively affected by a change in the electric utility sales mix, a decrease in margin at WPS Power Development, and an increase in other operating expenses for all segments.

Overview of Utility Operations

Net income from electric utility operations was $47.9 million in the first nine months of 2001 compared with $49.4 million in the first nine months of 2000. Net income from gas utility operations was $7.7 million in the first nine months of 2001 and $7.0 million in the same period of 2000.

Electric Utility Operations

The consolidated electric utility margin represents electric revenue less cost of sales exclusive of intercompany transactions.

   

WPS Resources' Consolidated

Nine Months       

Electric Utility Results (Thousands)

2001   

2000   

     

Revenues

$500,872

$466,660

Fuel and purchased power costs

168,279

148,146

Margins

$332,593

$318,514

     

Sales in kilowatt-hours

9,576,860

9,388,082

Our consolidated electric utility margin increased $14.1 million due to an increase in Wisconsin retail electric rates and higher sales volumes to all customer classes at Wisconsin Public Service, except for a decrease in sales to large commercial and industrial customers. A change in the customer mix at Wisconsin Public Service negatively affected the electric margin. Sales volumes to lower margin, wholesale customers were up 9% while sales to higher margin, large commercial and industrial customers were down 3% largely due to a slow-down in economic conditions. Sales to residential customers were up 5%.

Our consolidated fuel expense for production plants increased $0.5 million. Our consolidated purchased power expense increased $19.7 million, or 37%, as a result of an increase in the average cost per kilowatt-hour of purchases and a 16% increase in volumes purchased at Wisconsin Public Service in the first nine months of 2001. Purchase requirements were higher due to summer weather that was 76% warmer in 2001 than in 2000. In addition, we take advantage, whenever possible, of purchased power when its unit cost is lower than the cost of production at our next available unit to be dispatched.

Gas Utility Operations

The consolidated gas utility margin represents gas revenues less purchases exclusive of intercompany transactions. The gas utility margin at Wisconsin Public Service increased $10.3 million, or 19%, for the first nine months of 2001 compared with the first nine months of 2000.

   

Wisconsin Public Service's

     Nine Months

Gas Utility Results (Thousands)

2001  

2000   

     

Revenues

$249,420

$158,753

Purchase costs

184,230

103,908

Margins

$ 65,190

$ 54,845

     

Throughput in therms

519,069

488,657

The increase in gas margin was due to a 1.5% increase in Wisconsin retail gas rates and higher overall gas throughput volumes of 6%. Increased gas throughput volumes were partially the result of Wisconsin Public Service's acquisition of Wisconsin Fuel and Light Company in April 2001. Gas throughput volumes to large commercial and industrial customers, however, decreased 2% as a result of customers switching to the gas transport customer class and to declining economic conditions. Gas throughput volumes to gas transport customers increased 9%.

Wisconsin Public Service's gas revenues increased $90.7 million, or 57%, as the result of an increase in the average unit cost of natural gas in the first half of 2001, increased throughput, and the 1.5% increase in Wisconsin retail gas rates.

Wisconsin Public Service's gas purchase costs increased $80.3 million, or 77%, largely due to a higher average cost of gas in the first half of 2001. The higher natural gas prices experienced in 2001 were passed on to customers and are reflected in both revenues and gas purchases, thus having little impact on margin.

Other Utility Expenses/Income

Utility operating expenses increased $25.6 million largely due to higher transmission costs, demand-side management (energy conservation) expenditures, write-offs of uncollectible accounts, employee benefit expenses, and other administrative costs. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has allowed a portion of the higher transmission costs to be deferred. The deferred transmission costs, $5.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001, are expected to be recovered in future regulatory proceedings.

Lower earnings on the nuclear decommissioning fund contributed to a decrease in other income at Wisconsin Public Service. Due to regulatory practice, lower earnings on the nuclear decommissioning fund were offset by decreased depreciation expense. Also contributing to decreased depreciation expense were an extension in the Kewaunee plant's assumed depreciable life and a reduction in the nuclear decommissioning fund contribution. These nuclear-related items had been considered in Wisconsin Public Service's current Wisconsin retail rate structure and, thus, have no net income impact.

Interest expense increased due to the issuance of additional long-term debt at Wisconsin Public Service in August of 2001.

Overview of Nonregulated Operations

WPS Energy Services' net income increased to $3.4 million in the first nine months of 2001 compared with $1.6 million in the same period of 2000. WPS Power Development's net income increased to $2.8 million in the first nine months of 2001 compared with $1.3 million in the first nine months of 2000.

Overview of WPS Energy Services

WPS Energy Services' principal business involves nonregulated gas sales. In addition, nonregulated electric sales have become an important factor in the growth of WPS Energy Services. Revenues at WPS Energy Services grew to $1.2 billion in the first nine months of 2001 compared with $527.5 million in the first nine months of 2000, an increase of 128%. 

WPS Energy Services' Margins

   

WPS Energy Services'

Nine Months    

Gas Results (Thousands)

2001  

2000 

     

Nonregulated gas revenues

$1,131,715

$505,945

Nonregulated gas cost of sales

1,122,138

498,037

Margins

$    9,577

$  7,908

Nonregulated gas revenues at WPS Energy Services increased $625.8 million primarily as the result of higher natural gas prices in the first half of 2001 and additional growth in wholesale activity. The nonregulated gas margin increased $1.7 million, or 21%, due to increased sales volumes.

   

WPS Energy Services'

Nine Months     

Electric Results (Thousands)

2001  

2000 

     

Nonregulated electric revenues

$105,850

$20,023

Nonregulated electric cost of sales

96,159

16,166

Margins

$  9,691

$ 3,857

Nonregulated electric revenues at WPS Energy Services increased $85.8 million, and the nonregulated electric margin increased $5.8 million. Higher electric sales volumes in existing and newly-entered retail electric markets, as well as impacts from remarketing energy from WPS Power Development's Sunbury plant, contributed to these increases.

WPS Energy Services' Other Expenses

Operating expenses at WPS Energy Services increased $5.0 million in the first nine months of 2001 due to costs associated with business expansion and higher write-offs of uncollectible accounts.

WPS Energy Services' Price Risk Management Activities

WPS Energy Services began to mark to market its energy contracts in the first quarter of 2000. At September 30, 2001, WPS Energy Services had "Assets from Risk Management Activities" of $454.3 million which represents receivables based on the fair value of energy contracts and had "Liabilities from Risk Management Activities" of $428.7 million which represents payables based on the fair value of energy contracts. Net changes in the fair market value of energy contracts are reported in nonregulated energy cost of sales.

Overview of WPS Power Development

Revenues at WPS Power Development increased $20.3 million, or 21%, due to additional sales at its ECO No. 12 synthetic fuel operation and at its Sunbury and Westwood generation plants. WPS Power Development's net income increased to $2.8 million in the first nine months of 2001 compared with $1.3 million in the first nine months of 2000. The increase in income was primarily due to additional tax credits of approximately $7.3 million from its ECO No. 12 synthetic fuel operation. Additional tax credits significantly reduced the effective federal income tax rate in the first nine months of 2001. Partially offsetting the additional tax credits were a lower margin on operating activities and higher operating expenses.

WPS Power Development's Margins

WPS Power Development's

 Nine Months    

Production Results (Thousands) 2001   2001 

Nonregulated other revenues

$115,311

$95,022

Nonregulated other cost of sales

 91,213

66,812

Margins

$ 24,098

$28,210

WPS Power Development experienced a decrease of $4.1 million in its margin in the first nine months of 2001. This decrease was primarily due to higher purchased power expense and higher fuel costs at its Sunbury plant as the result of purchasing coal at current market prices. WPS Power Development is attempting to recover a portion of these costs by resolving a lawsuit filed against a coal supplier for failure to deliver under the terms of a coal supply agreement. These decreases were partially offset by an increased margin at its Westwood generation facility, which was purchased in September of 2000.

WPS Power Development's Other Expenses

Other operating expenses at WPS Power Development increased $7.0 million due to maintenance and operations of the Westwood plant which WPS Power Development acquired in September of 2000, increased production at the ECO No. 12 synthetic fuel operation, higher payroll expenses, and increased development costs for potential new projects.

Overview of Holding Company and Other Operations

Holding Company and Other operations experienced a loss of $4.8 million in the first nine months of 2001 compared with a loss of $5.9 million in the first nine months of 2000.

WPS Resources experienced a loss of $3.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 on an electric energy contract entered into by WPS Resources as a hedge against potential summer energy price peaks through August of 2001. WPS Resources experienced a loss of $3.8 million in the same period of 2000 on a similar type of contract.

Other income at Wisconsin Public Service included a one-time before-tax gain of $0.8 million on the sale of property in 2001 compared with a one-time before-tax gain of $3.8 million on the sale of a combustion turbine in 2000. Earnings on equity investments were up in the first nine months of 2001 compared with the same period in 2000 primarily due to the investment in American Transmission Company.

Interest expense increased due to additional short-term borrowing at WPS Resources for working capital needs in the first half of 2001.

FINANCIAL CONDITION - WPS RESOURCES

Investments and Financing

Payments for return of capital of $35.0 million were paid by Wisconsin Public Service to WPS Resources in the first nine months of 2001. Equity contributions of $40.0 million were made by WPS Resources to Wisconsin Public Service in the first nine months of 2001. These payments and equity contributions allowed Wisconsin Public Service's average equity capitalization and its capitalization ratio for ratemaking to remain near target levels as established by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in its most recent rate order. WPS Resources also contributed $54.8 million of equity to Wisconsin Public Service for the Wisconsin Fuel and Light acquisition.

Cash requirements exceeded internally generated funds by $65.6 million in the first nine months of 2001. Short-term borrowings through commercial paper decreased $50.2 million as the result of issuing additional long-term debt at Wisconsin Public Service in the third quarter of 2001. Our pretax interest coverage, including nonrecourse debt, was 2.10 times for the 12 months ended September 30, 2001.

Standard & Poor's has recently reviewed the credit ratings of many of the Wisconsin utilities. The current credit ratings for WPS Resources and Wisconsin Public Service are listed in the table below.

Credit Ratings

Standard & Poor's

Moody's

     

WPS Resources Corporation
  Senior unsecured debt
  Commercial paper
  Trust preferred securities


A+
A-1
A-


Aa3
P-1
aa3

Wisconsin Public Service Corporation
  Bonds
  Preferred stock
  Commercial paper


AA-
A
A-1+


Aa1
aa2
P-1

We normally use internally-generated funds and short-term borrowing to satisfy most of our capital requirements. We may periodically issue additional long-term debt and common stock to reduce short-term debt, maintain desired capitalization ratios, and fund future growth.

In October 1999, WPS Resources filed a shelf registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission which allowed the issuance of $400.0 million in the aggregate of public long-term debt and common stock. Long-term debt of $150.0 million has been issued under the shelf registration.

Effective January 2001, we began issuing new shares of common stock under our Stock Investment Plan and under some of our stock-based employee benefit plans. We anticipate an additional increase in equity of approximately $4.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2001 through these plans.

Wisconsin Public Service issued $150.0 million of 6.125% senior notes in the third quarter of 2001, with part of the proceeds used to retire $53.1 million of its existing 8.8% first mortgage bonds. The senior notes are secured by a pledge of first mortgage bonds but become unsecured if Wisconsin Public Service retires all of its outstanding first mortgage bonds.

WPS Resources anticipates issuing $50 to $100 million of common stock in the fourth quarter of 2001. The specific forms of financing, amounts, and timing depend on the availability of projects, market conditions, and other factors.

In April 2001, the Schuylkill County Industrial Development Authority issued $27.0 million of refunding tax-exempt bonds. At the time of issuance of the refunding bonds, WPS Westwood Generation, LLC, a subsidiary of WPS Power Development, owned the original bonds, the proceeds of which were used in substantial part to finance the construction of facilities. Upon issuance of the refunding bonds, the original bonds were paid off. WPS Westwood Generation was paid $27.0 million from the proceeds of the refunding bonds for the retirement of the original bonds plus accrued interest. WPS Westwood Generation is now obligated to pay the refunding bonds. WPS Resources agreed to guaranty WPS Westwood Generation's obligation to provide sufficient funds to pay the refunding bonds and the related obligations and indemnities.

Wisconsin Public Service makes large investments in capital assets. Construction expenditures for Wisconsin Public Service are expected to be approximately $500 million in the aggregate for the 2001 through 2003 period including expenditures for the replacement of the Kewaunee plant's steam generators.

In addition, other capital requirements for Wisconsin Public Service for the three-year period include contributions of approximately $7.8 million to the Kewaunee plant's decommissioning trust fund.

Upper Peninsula Power is expected to incur construction expenditures of about $30 million in the aggregate for the period 2001 through 2003, primarily for electric distribution improvements and repairs at hydro facilities.

Regulatory

In August 2001, Upper Peninsula Power's application for a $5.6 million rate increase which had been pending before the Michigan Public Service Commission since October 2000 was dismissed at Upper Peninsula Power's request. Upper Peninsula Power requested a dismissal of this rate case because the information filed in the case was outdated. Upper Peninsula Power intends to submit a new application for rate increases sometime in 2002 with rates effective in 2003.

On April 12, 2001, Wisconsin Public Service filed an application with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin for additional rate relief in 2002. Wisconsin Public Service requested an $86.8 million, or 16.1%, increase in retail electric rates and a $13.5 million, or 4.5%, increase in retail gas rates for 2002. Wisconsin Public Service requested a 12.6% return on equity, with equity constituting 55% of the capital structure. These requested rate increases are largely due to costs associated with joining American Transmission Company and improvements at the Kewaunee plant. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin's order, originally expected to be issued in January 2001, is now expected to be delayed until April of 2002.

As the result of the expected delay in receiving an order granting rate relief, Wisconsin Public Service requested interim electric and gas rate increases from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin for the period beginning January 1, 2001 and ending when the new rate order becomes effective. The interim request seeks a $62.0 million, or 11.5%, electric rate increase and a $12.0 million, or 4.3%, gas rate increase. The interim relief is based on a 12.3% return on equity with equity constituting 55% of the capital structure. Wisconsin Public Service anticipates a ruling on the interim rates in late December, 2001 with interim rates effective January 1, 2002.

American Transmission Company, LLC

In the first and second quarters of 2001, Wisconsin Public Service and Upper Peninsula Power transferred transmission assets at their net book value to American Transmission Company in exchange for cash and ownership interests in American Transmission Company. Wisconsin Public Service joined other state investor-owned utilities in a joint filing with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to recover additional costs resulting from changes in the state's electric transmission system and formation of American Transmission Company. Wisconsin Public Service included $20.0 million for these additional costs in its 2002 rate request before the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. These costs will be removed from the 2002 rate filing if they are determined to be recoverable through the joint filing.

On August 17, 2001, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin approved the construction of a 250 mile 345 kv transmission line from Wausau, Wisconsin to Duluth, Minnesota. The joint project of Wisconsin Public Service and Minnesota Power, generally known as the Weston-to-Arrowhead project, had previously received the approval of the Minnesota Public Service Commission in March of 2001. Construction of the line is expected to begin in 2002 with completion in 2005. The line will improve the reliability of the state's transmission system. The line will eventually be contributed to American Transmission Company for an increased equity interest in American Transmission. We anticipate that our equity interest in American Transmission Company may be as high as 25% after completion and contribution of the line.

Kewaunee Nuclear Plant

The Kewaunee nuclear plant's co-owners received approval from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to apply deferred accounting treatment to the incremental costs associated with compliance with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission requirements beginning March 27, 2001. Deferred costs are subject to review by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in a future rate filing. Approximately $4.3 million has been deferred through September 30, 2001.

The Kewaunee plant shut down for its scheduled refueling outage on September 23, 2001. At that time, Wisconsin Public Service also began the replacement of the plant's two steam generators. The refueling process and steam generator replacement project continue on schedule and the plant is expected to be back in service before the end of the year.

On September 24, 2001, Wisconsin Public Service acquired Madison Gas and Electric's 17.8% interest in the Kewaunee plant. This acquisition increased Wisconsin Public Service's ownership interest in the Kewaunee plant to 59%.

As a result of the recent terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission advised all nuclear power plants to go to the highest level of security and to maintain this heightened level of security. The Kewaunee nuclear power plant remains at the highest level of security as requested by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. In addition to the required security measures, Wisconsin Public Service has also put in place other enhanced security measures. Wisconsin Public Service intends to submit a request to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin for permission to defer additional costs incurred in regard to increased security measures at Kewaunee and other facilities. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has indicated, in general, that costs related to increased security measures should be recoverable when included in future rate requests.

Generation Facilities

On September 10, 2001, Mid-American Power, LLC, a joint venture of WPS Power Development and Burns & McDonnell, announced a plan for construction of an additional 200 megawatts of electrical capacity at the existing 53-megawatt Stoneman power plant in Cassville, Wisconsin. Construction is expected to begin in 2003 with completion by the first quarter of 2006.

On October 16, 2001, the Combined Locks Energy Center, a cogeneration project owned by WPS Power Development and located at the Appleton Coated paper mill in Combined Locks, Wisconsin, achieved full load output. The facility will complete start-up testing and expects to begin formal operation by the end of October 2001.

The initial phase of the cogeneration project is a simple-cycle operation producing only electricity. Construction will begin soon on the second phase to install the heat recovery steam generator which will complete the cogeneration aspect of the project. The heat recovery steam generator is a boiler which uses the waste heat from the electric turbine to produce steam for Appleton Coated's process requirements. The second phase is expected to be completed in the Spring of 2002.

Gas Storage Facility

On September 26, 2001, WPS Energy Services began flowing gas into its newly constructed three billion cubic foot high deliverability natural gas storage facility. During initial testing, WPS Energy Services anticipates storing two billion cubic feet of natural gas in the facility for its own use. In April 2002, WPS Energy Services expects to make the facility available for commercial use and anticipates increasing the storage capacity of the facility to as much as 3.5 billion cubic feet over the next couple of years.

Union Contracts

The union contract of the IBEW 1600 at WPS Power Development's Sunbury plant expires on May 12, 2002. The contract covers 104 employees. WPS Power Development hopes to reach agreement on a contract extension prior to the end of the first quarter of 2002.

The union contract of the IBEW 510 at Upper Peninsula Power expires on April 30, 2002. The contract covers 125 employees. Upper Peninsula Power intends to begin negotiations in January of 2002 and hopes to reach agreement on a three-year contract in advance of the expiration of the current contract.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION

Wisconsin Public Service is a regulated electric and gas utility. Electric operations accounted for approximately 65% of revenues for the first nine months of 2001, while gas operations accounted for 35% of revenues for the first nine months of 2001.

Third Quarter 2001 Compared with Third Quarter 2000

Wisconsin Public Service Corporation Overview

Wisconsin Public Service's third quarter 2001 and third quarter 2000 results of operations are shown in the following chart:

Wisconsin Public Service's

  Third Quarter

Results (Thousands)

2001   

2000  

Change

       

Operating revenues

$204,243

$190,046

7%

Net income

20,879

15,778

32%

The increase in net income was primarily due to higher electric and gas margins in the third quarter of 2001 compared with the third quarter of 2000. Partially offsetting these higher margins were increased operating expenses and a change in the electric sales mix.

Electric Utility Operations

The electric utility margin represents electric revenue less cost of sales.

   

Wisconsin Public Service

Third Quarter   

Electric Utility Results (Thousands)

2001 

2000 

     

Revenues

$168,911

$151,482

Fuel and purchased power costs

 61,465

 52,728

Margins

$107,446

$ 98,754

     

Sales in kilowatt-hours

3,347,821

3,228,922

Wisconsin Public Service's electric utility margin increased $8.7 million primarily due to an increase in Wisconsin retail electric rates. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin authorized a 5.4% rate increase for Wisconsin Public Service's Wisconsin retail electric customers effective January 1, 2001. In addition, sales volumes were up to all customer classes except for a slight decrease in sales to large commercial and industrial customers. Weather was 76% warmer in the third quarter of 2001 than in the third quarter of 2000, and 20% warmer than normal.

Although sales volumes were up, a change in the customer mix at Wisconsin Public Service continues to negatively affect the electric utility margin. Sales volumes to lower margin, wholesale customers are increasing, while sales to higher margin, large commercial and industrial customers continue to decline, largely due to a slow-down in economic conditions.

Fuel expense for production plants decreased $2.6 million, or 7%. Of this amount, $2.5 million was the result of decreased fuel costs at Wisconsin Public Service's combustion turbine generation plants. This decrease was primarily due to a lower cost of natural gas which resulted in a 24% decrease in the average cost of generation at the combustion turbines in the third quarter of 2001. Purchased power expense increased $11.4 million, or 64%, as a result of a 45% increase in purchase requirements and an increase in the average cost per kilowatt-hour of purchases. Purchase requirements were higher due to weather that was 76% warmer in the third quarter of 2001 than in the same period in 2000. In addition, Wisconsin Public Service takes advantage, whenever possible, of purchased power when its unit cost is lower than cost of production at the next available unit to be dispatched.

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin allows Wisconsin Public Service to adjust prospectively the amount billed to Wisconsin retail customers for fuel and purchased power if costs fall outside a specified range. Wisconsin Public Service is required to file an application to adjust rates either higher or lower when costs are plus or minus 2% from forecasted costs on an annualized basis. In the third quarter of 2001, Wisconsin Public Service submitted a fuel filing with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin requesting a $2.0 million retail electric rate reduction. The rate reduction was approved and implemented on September 3, 2001.

Gas Utility Operations

The gas utility margin represents gas revenues less purchases. Effective April 1, 2001 the gas utility margin at Wisconsin Public Service includes the merged Wisconsin Fuel and Light operations.

   

Wisconsin Public Service's

Third Quarter   

Gas Utility Results (Thousands)

2001  

2000 

     

Revenues

$35,332

$38,564

Purchase costs

19,925

27,433

Margins

$15,407

$11,131

     

Throughput in therms

124,037

105,953

The gas utility margin at Wisconsin Public Service increased $4.3 million, or 38%, due to a 17% increase in overall gas throughput volumes and a 1.5% increase in Wisconsin retail gas rates authorized by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin effective January 1, 2001. Part of the increase in gas throughput was the result of incorporating Wisconsin Fuel and Light's operations. Gas throughput volumes to large commercial and industrial customers, however, decreased 2% as a result of customers switching to the gas transport customer class and to declining economic conditions. Gas throughput volumes to gas transport customers increased 28%.

Wisconsin Public Service's gas revenues decreased $3.2 million as the result of a 28% decrease in the average unit cost of natural gas, partially offset by increased throughput, and the 1.5% increase in Wisconsin retail gas rates.

Wisconsin Public Service's gas purchase costs decreased $7.5 million due to the lower average cost of gas. Under current regulatory practice, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin and the Michigan Public Service Commission allow Wisconsin Public Service to pass changes in the cost of gas on to customers through a purchased gas adjustment clause. Therefore, the lower natural gas prices experienced in the third quarter of 2001 were passed on to customers. The lower natural gas prices are reflected in both revenues and gas purchases, thus having little impact on margin.

Other Expenses/Income

Operation and maintenance expenses increased $7.0 million largely due to increased transmission expenses as the result of forming American Transmission Company, LLC, increased maintenance costs at the Kewaunee Nuclear Power Plant during its refueling outage which began in late September, increased payments to the Wisconsin Department of Administration for demand-side management (energy conservation) activities, and higher write-offs for uncollectible accounts. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has allowed a portion of the higher transmission costs to be deferred. The deferred transmission costs, $1.6 million for the third quarter of 2001, are expected to be recovered in future regulatory proceedings.

Lower earnings on the nuclear decommissioning fund were offset by higher earnings on equity investments, including the investment in American Transmission Company, resulting in increased other income at Wisconsin Public Service. Due to regulatory practice, lower earnings on the nuclear decommissioning fund were offset by decreased depreciation expense. Also contributing to decreased depreciation expense were an extension in the Kewaunee plant's assumed depreciable life and a reduction in the nuclear decommissioning fund contribution. These nuclear-related items had been considered in Wisconsin Public Service's current Wisconsin retail rate structure and, thus, have no net income impact.

Nine Months 2001 Compared with Nine Months 2000

Wisconsin Public Service Overview

Wisconsin Public Service's nine months 2001 and nine months 2000 results of operations are shown in the following chart:

Wisconsin Public Service's

Nine Months         

Results (Thousands)

2001  

2000  

Change

Operating revenues

$716,388

$590,245

21%

Net income

58,530

54,724

7%

The primary reasons for the higher income were increases in both the electric and gas margins. An increase in operating expenses and a change in the electric utility sales mix negatively affected income.

Electric Utility Operations

The electric utility margin represents electric revenue less cost of sales.

Wisconsin Public Service's

     Nine Months

Electric Utility Results (Thousands)

2001  

2000  

 

Revenues

$466,968

$431,492

Fuel and purchased power costs

163,649

142,760

Margins

$303,319

$288,732

 

Sales in kilowatt-hours

9,470,880

9,268,966

Wisconsin Public Service's electric utility margin increased $14.6 million due to an increase in Wisconsin retail electric rates and higher sales volumes to all customer classes at Wisconsin Public Service, except for a decrease in sales to large commercial and industrial customers. A change in the customer mix negatively affected the electric margin. Sales volumes to lower margin, wholesale customers were up 9% while sales to higher margin, large commercial and industrial customers were down 3% largely due to a slow-down in economic conditions. Sales to residential customers were up 5%.

Fuel expense for production plants remained consistent. Consolidated purchased power expense increased $20.1 million, or 43%, as a result of an increase in the average cost per kilowatt-hour of purchases and a 16% increase in volumes purchased at Wisconsin Public Service in the first nine months of 2001. Purchase requirements were higher due to summer weather than was 76% warmer in 2001 than in 2000. In addition, Wisconsin Public Service takes advantage, whenever possible, of purchased power when its unit cost is lower than the cost of production at our next available unit to be dispatched.

Gas Utility Operations

The gas utility margin at Wisconsin Public Service increased $10.3 million, or 19%, for the first nine months of 2001 compared with the first nine months of 2000.

   

Wisconsin Public Service's

      Nine Months

Gas Utility Results (Thousands)

2001  

2000 

     

Revenues

$249,420

$158,753

Purchase costs

184,230

103,908

Margins

$ 65,190

$ 54,845

     

Throughput in therms

519,069

488,657

The increase in gas margin was due to a 1.5% increase in Wisconsin retail gas rates and higher overall gas throughput volumes of 6%. Increased gas throughput volumes were partially the result of Wisconsin Public Service's acquisition of Wisconsin Fuel and Light Company in April 2001. Gas throughput volumes to large commercial and industrial customers, however, decreased 2% as a result of customers switching to the gas transport customer class and to declining economic conditions. Gas throughput volumes to gas transport customers increased 9%.

Wisconsin Public Service's gas revenues increased $90.7 million, or 57%, as the result of an increase in the average unit cost of natural gas in the first half of 2001, increased throughput, and the 1.5% increase in Wisconsin retail gas rates.

Wisconsin Public Service's gas purchase costs increased $80.3 million, or 77%, largely due to a higher average cost of gas in the first half of 2001. The higher natural gas prices experienced in 2001 were passed on to customers and are reflected in both revenues and gas purchases, thus having little impact on margin.

Other Expenses/Income

Operation and maintenance expenses increased $23.8 million largely due to higher transmission costs, demand-side management (energy conservation) expenditures, write-offs of uncollectible accounts, employee benefit expenses, and other administrative costs. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has allowed a portion of the higher transmission costs to be deferred. The deferred transmission costs, $5.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2001, are expected to be recovered in future regulatory proceedings.

Lower earnings on the nuclear decommissioning fund contributed to a decrease in other income at Wisconsin Public Service. Due to regulatory practice, lower earnings on the nuclear decommissioning fund were offset by decreased depreciation expense. Also contributing to decreased depreciation expense were an extension in the Kewaunee plant's assumed depreciable life and a reduction in the nuclear decommissioning fund contribution. These nuclear-related items had been considered in Wisconsin Public Service's current Wisconsin retail rate structure and, thus, have no net income impact.

Interest expense increased due to the issuance of additional long-term debt at Wisconsin Public Service in August of 2001.

Other income at Wisconsin Public Service included a one-time before-tax gain of $0.8 million on the sale of property in 2001 compared with a one-time before-tax gain of $3.8 million on the sale of a combustion turbine in 2000. Earnings on equity investments were up in the first nine months of 2001 compared with the same period in 2000 primarily due to the investment in American Transmission Company.

FINANCIAL CONDITION - WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION

Investments and Financing

Payments for return of capital of $35.0 million were paid by Wisconsin Public Service to WPS Resources in the first nine months of 2001. Equity contributions of $40.0 million were made by WPS Resources to Wisconsin Public Service in the first nine months of 2001. These payments and equity contributions allowed Wisconsin Public Service's average equity capitalization and its capitalization ratio for ratemaking to remain near target levels as established by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in its most recent rate order. WPS Resources also contributed $54.8 million of equity to Wisconsin Public Service for the Wisconsin Fuel and Light acquisition.

Cash requirements exceeded internally generated funds by $45.4 million in the first nine months of 2001. Short-term borrowings through commercial paper decreased $35.0 million as the result of issuing additional long-term debt at Wisconsin Public Service in the third quarter of 2001. Pretax interest coverage was 4.50 times for the 12 months ended September 30, 2001.

Standard & Poor's has recently reviewed the credit ratings of many of the Wisconsin utilities. The current credit ratings for Wisconsin Public Service are listed in the table below.

Credit Ratings

Standard & Poor's

Moody's

     

Wisconsin Public Service Corporation
  Bonds
  Preferred stock
  Commercial paper


AA-
A
A-1+


Aa1
aa2
P-1

We normally use internally-generated funds and short-term borrowing to satisfy most of our capital requirements. We may periodically issue additional long-term debt to reduce short-term debt, maintain desired capitalization ratios, and fund future growth.

Wisconsin Public Service issued $150.0 million of 6.125% senior notes in the third quarter of 2001, with part of the proceeds used to refinance $53.1 million of existing 8.8% first mortgage bonds. The senior notes are secured by a pledge of first mortgage bonds but become unsecured if Wisconsin Public Service retires all of its outstanding first mortgage bonds.

Wisconsin Public Service makes large investments in capital assets. Construction expenditures for Wisconsin Public Service are expected to be approximately $500 million in the aggregate for the 2001 through 2003 period including expenditures for the replacement of the Kewaunee plant's steam generators.

In addition, other capital requirements for Wisconsin Public Service for the three-year period include contributions of approximately $7.8 million to the Kewaunee plant's decommissioning trust fund.

Regulatory

On April 12, 2001, Wisconsin Public Service filed an application with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin for additional rate relief in 2002. Wisconsin Public Service requested an $86.8 million, or 16.1%, increase in retail electric rates and a $13.5 million, or 4.5%, increase in retail gas rates for 2002. Wisconsin Public Service requested a 12.6% return on equity, with equity constituting 55% of the capital structure. These requested rate increases are largely due to costs associated with joining American Transmission Company and improvements at the Kewaunee plant. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin's order, originally expected to be issued in January 2001, is now expected to be delayed until April of 2002.

As the result of the expected delay in receiving an order granting rate relief in 2002, Wisconsin Public Service requested interim electric and gas rate increases from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin for the period beginning January 1, 2001 and ending when the new rate order becomes effective. The interim request seeks a $62.0 million, or 11.5%, electric rate increase and a $12.0 million, or 4.3%, gas rate increase. The interim relief is based on a 12.3% return on equity with equity constituting 55% of the capital structure. Wisconsin Public Service anticipates a ruling on the interim rates in late December, 2001 with interim rates effective January 1, 2002.

American Transmission Company, LLC

In the first quarter of 2001, Wisconsin Public Service transferred transmission assets at their net book value to American Transmission Company in exchange for cash and an ownership interest in American Transmission Company. Wisconsin Public Service joined other state investor-owned utilities in a joint filing with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to recover additional costs resulting from changes in the state's electric transmission system and formation of American Transmission Company. Wisconsin Public Service included $20.0 million for these additional costs in its 2002 rate request before the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. These costs will be removed from the 2002 rate filing if they are determined to be recoverable through the joint filing.

On August 17, 2001, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin approved the construction of a 250 mile 345 kv transmission line from Wausau, Wisconsin to Duluth, Minnesota. The project, generally known as the Weston-to-Arrowhead project, had previously received the approval of the Minnesota Public Service Commission in March of 2001. Construction of the line is expected to begin in 2002 with completion in 2005. The line will improve the reliability of the state's transmission system. The line will eventually be contributed to American Transmission Company for an increased equity interest in American Transmission.

Kewaunee Nuclear Plant

The Kewaunee nuclear plant's co-owners received approval from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to apply deferred accounting treatment to the incremental costs associated with compliance with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission requirements beginning March 27, 2001. Deferred costs are subject to review by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in a future rate filing. Approximately $4.3 million has been deferred through September 30, 2001.

The Kewaunee plant shut down for its scheduled refueling outage on September 23, 2001. At that time, Wisconsin Public Service also began the replacement of the plant's two steam generators. The refueling process and steam generator replacement project continue on schedule and the plant is expected to be back in service before the end of the year.

On September 24, 2001, Wisconsin Public Service acquired Madison Gas and Electric's 17.8% interest in the Kewaunee plant. This acquisition increased Wisconsin Public Service's ownership interest in the Kewaunee plant to 59%.

As a result of the recent terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission advised all nuclear power plants to go to the highest level of security and to maintain this heightened level of security. The Kewaunee nuclear power plant remains at the highest level of security as requested by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. In addition to the required security measures, Wisconsin Public Service has also put in place other enhanced security measures. Wisconsin Public Service intends to submit a request to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin for permission to defer additional costs incurred in regard to increased security measures at Kewaunee and other facilities. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has indicated, in general, that costs related to increased security measures should be recoverable when included in future rate requests.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market Risks

WPS Resources has potential market risk exposure related to interest rate risk, equity return and principal preservation risk, and commodity price risk. There currently is no material exposure due to foreign currency risk. Our exposure to interest rate risk relates primarily to ongoing short-term financing, and a long-term debt financing at WPS Power Development. Exposure to equity return and principal preservation risk results from various debt and equity security investments in our employee benefit and nuclear decommissioning trust funds. Exposure to commodity price risk exists with respect to the price of coal, uranium, electricity, natural gas, and fuel oil. WPS Resources has risk management policies in place to monitor and assist in controlling these market risks and uses derivative instruments to manage some of these exposures.

WPS Resources' outstanding commercial paper balance decreased from $119.6 million at December 31, 2000 to $69.3 million at September 30, 2001, reducing our exposure to interest rate risk. This decrease was due to the issuance of long-term, fixed rate debt at Wisconsin Public Service during the third quarter.

To measure commodity price risk exposure, WPS Resources performs a value-at-risk (VaR) analysis on third party exposures. Our VaR amount for trading activities has not changed significantly from the amount reported in the 2000 Form 10-K. Our VaR amount for non-trading activities was calculated to be $4.1 million at September 30, 2001 compared with $1.9 million at June 30, 2001. This increase was primarily due to increased volatility in our forward price curve for electricity and an increase in the exposure period for some assets, both of which are used in our VaR calculation. The September 30, 2001 VaR amount for non-trading activities was not significantly different from the $4.4 million amount reported in the 2000 Form 10-K. A significant portion of the VaR amount related to non-trading activities is mitigated by WPS Power Development's generating capabilities, which are excluded from the VaR calculation.

For purposes of this risk management disclosure, all of WPS Energy Services' activities, including all of its energy commodity purchase and sale contracts and its gas in storage inventory are classified as trading, while all of WPS Power Development's activities are classified as non-trading. Other than the above mentioned changes, WPS Resources' market risks have not changed materially from the market risks reported in the 2000 Form 10-K.

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 5. Other Information

WPS Energy Services' Natural Gas Storage Facility

On September 26, 2001 WPS Energy Services began flowing natural gas into its, newly constructed, three billion cubic foot high deliverability gas storage facility. During initial testing, WPS Energy Services expects to store two billion cubic feet of natural gas in the facility for its own use. In April 2002, WPS Energy Services expects to make the facility available for commercial use and anticipates increasing the storage capacity of the facility to as much as 3.5 billion cubic feet over the next couple of years.

WPS Power Development's Generation Expansion

On September 10, 2001, Mid-American Power, LLC, a joint venture of WPS Power Development and Burns & McDonnell, announced a plan for construction of an additional 200 megawatts of electrical capacity at the existing 53-megawatt Stoneman power plant in Cassville, Wisconsin. Construction is expected to begin in 2003 with completion by the first quarter of 2006.

A new 50-megawatt cogeneration facility was completed, in October, in Combined Locks, Wisconsin. The natural gas-fired combustion turbine at that facility began generating electricity in October 2001 and completion of the heat recovery system is expected in the second quarter of 2002.

Union Contracts

The union contract of the IBEW 1600 at WPS Power Development's Sunbury plant expires May 12, 2002. The contract covers 104 employees. WPS Power Development hopes to reach agreement on a contract extension prior to the end of the first quarter of 2002.

The union contract of the IBEW 510 at Upper Peninsula Power expires on April 30, 2002. The contract covers 125 employees. Upper Peninsula Power intends to begin negotiations in January 2002 and hopes to reach agreement on a three-year contract in advance of the expiration of the current contract.

Transmission Line

On August 17, 2001, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin approved the construction of a 250 mile 345 kv transmission line from Wausau, Wisconsin to Duluth, Minnesota. The joint project of Wisconsin Public Service and Minnesota Power, generally known as the Weston-to-Arrowhead project, had previously received the approval of the Minnesota Public Service Commission in March of 2001. Construction of the line is expected to begin in 2002 with completion in 2005. The line will improve the reliability of the state's transmission system. The line will eventually be contributed to American Transmission Company for an increased equity interest in American Transmission. We anticipate that our equity interest in American Transmission Company may be as high as 25% after completion and contribution of the line.

Kewaunee Nuclear Power Plant

The Kewaunee plant shut down for its scheduled refueling outage on September 23, 2001. At that time, Wisconsin Public Service also began the scheduled replacement of the plant's two steam generators. The refueling process and steam generator replacement project continue on schedule and the plant is expected to be back in service before the end of the year.

Effective September 24, 2001, Wisconsin Public Service acquired Madison Gas and Electric's 17.8% interest (90 megawatts) in the plant. This has increased the ownership percentage of Wisconsin Public Service in the plant to 59%.

As a result of the recent terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission advised all nuclear power plants to go to the highest level of security and to maintain this heightened level of security. The Kewaunee nuclear power plant remains at the highest level of security as requested by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. In addition to the required security measures, Wisconsin Public Service has also put in place other enhanced security measures. Wisconsin Public Service intends to request the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to permit it to defer additional costs incurred in regard to increased security measures. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has indicated, in general, that costs related to increased security measures should be recoverable when included in future rate requests.

Emission Proposal

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is currently in the process of proposing new mercury emission rules for the State of Wisconsin. The preliminary proposal would require a 30% reduction in mercury emissions in 5 years, 50% reduction in 10 years and 90% reduction in 15 years. The proposal is still being developed within the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The Department of Natural Resources is currently receiving public comments on the proposal. Wisconsin Public Service expects the proposal to be substantially modified before it would be adopted into Wisconsin law.

Item 6.

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

     
 

(a)

Exhibits

     
   

The following documents are attached as exhibits:

     
   

12

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends
  Wisconsin Public Service Corporation

     
 

(b)

Report on Form 8-K

       
   

A Form 8-K, dated August 14, 2001, was filed by Wisconsin Public Service Corporation related to the issuance of $150,000,000 of Senior Notes, 6-1/8% Series due August 1, 2001.

       
       

 

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

WPS Resources Corporation

   
   

Date: November 1, 2001

/s/ Diane L. Ford                    
Diane L. Ford
Vice President-Controller
and Chief Accounting Officer

(Duly Authorized Officer and
Chief Accounting Officer)

 

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

Wisconsin Public Service Corporation

   
   
   

Date: November 1, 2001

/s/ Diane L. Ford                    
Diane L. Ford
Vice President-Controller
and Chief Accounting Officer

(Duly Authorized Officer and
Chief Accounting Officer)

 

WPS RESOURCES CORPORATION AND
WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION
EXHIBIT INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001

Exhibit No.

Description

   

12

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends
  Wisconsin Public Service Corporation