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Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 


 

(Mark One)

x

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2005

 

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 1-3523

 


 

WESTAR ENERGY, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

                Kansas                


 

    48-0290150    


(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

818 South Kansas Avenue

Topeka, Kansas 66612

(785) 575-6300


(Address, including Zip Code and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Common Stock, par value $5.00 per share


 

        86,716,825 shares        


(Class)   (Outstanding at August 1, 2005)

 



Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

              Page

PART I. Financial Information

    
   

Item 1.

   Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)     
         Consolidated Balance Sheets    5
         Consolidated Statements of Income    6-7
         Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income    8
         Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows    9
         Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements    10
   

Item 2.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    23
   

Item 3.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    38
   

Item 4.

   Controls and Procedures    38

PART II. Other Information

    
   

Item 1.

   Legal Proceedings    39
   

Item 2.

   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    39
   

Item 3.

   Defaults Upon Senior Securities    39
   

Item 4.

   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    39
   

Item 5.

   Other Information    40
   

Item 6.

   Exhibits    40
   

Signature

   41

 

 

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Table of Contents

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Certain matters discussed in this Form 10-Q are “forward-looking statements.” The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 has established that these statements qualify for safe harbors from liability. Forward-looking statements may include words like we “believe,” “anticipate,” “target,” “expect,” “pro forma,” “estimate,” “intend” and words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements describe our future plans, objectives, expectations or goals. Such statements address future events and conditions concerning:

 

    capital expenditures,

 

    earnings,

 

    liquidity and capital resources,

 

    litigation,

 

    accounting matters,

 

    possible corporate restructurings, acquisitions and dispositions,

 

    compliance with debt and other restrictive covenants,

 

    interest rates and dividends,

 

    environmental matters,

 

    nuclear operations, and

 

    the overall economy of our service area.

 

What happens in each case could vary materially from what we expect because of such things as:

 

    electric utility deregulation or re-regulation,

 

    regulated and competitive markets,

 

    ongoing municipal, state and federal activities,

 

    economic and capital market conditions,

 

    changes in accounting requirements and other accounting matters,

 

    changing weather,

 

    the outcome of the pending rate review filed with the Kansas Corporation Commission on May 2, 2005, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission transmission rate review also filed on May 2, 2005,

 

    rates, cost recoveries and other regulatory matters,

 

    the impact of changes and downturns in the energy industry and the market for trading wholesale electricity,

 

    the outcome of the notice of violation received on January 22, 2004 from the Environmental Protection Agency and other environmental matters,

 

    political, legislative, judicial and regulatory developments,

 

    the impact of the purported employee class action lawsuits filed against us,

 

    the impact of our potential liability to David C. Wittig and Douglas T. Lake for unpaid compensation and benefits and the impact of claims they have made against us related to the termination of their employment and the publication of the report of the special committee of the board of directors,

 

    the impact of changes in interest rates,

 

    changes in, and the discount rate assumptions used for, pension and other post-retirement and post-employment benefit liability calculations, as well as actual and assumed investment returns on pension plan assets,

 

    the impact of changing interest rates and other assumptions regarding our Wolf Creek Generating Station decommissioning trust,

 

    regulatory requirements for utility service reliability,

 

    homeland security considerations,

 

    coal, natural gas, oil and wholesale electricity prices,

 

    availability and timely provision of rail transportation for our coal supply, and

 

    other circumstances affecting anticipated operations, sales and costs.

 

 

 

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These lists are not all-inclusive because it is not possible to predict all factors. This report should be read in its entirety and in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004. No one section of this report deals with all aspects of the subject matter and additional information on some matters that could impact our operations and financial results may be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date such statement was made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement was made except as required by applicable laws or regulations.

 

 

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Table of Contents

PART I. Financial Information

ITEM 1. CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

WESTAR ENERGY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     June 30,
2005


   

December 31,

2004


 
ASSETS                 

CURRENT ASSETS:

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 400,055     $ 24,611  

Restricted cash

     2,341       2,256  

Accounts receivable, net

     72,914       92,532  

Inventories and supplies

     118,395       124,563  

Energy marketing contracts

     18,971       23,155  

Tax receivable

     116,176       90,845  

Deferred tax assets

     —         7,218  

Prepaid expenses

     48,916       29,179  

Other

     48,852       21,581  
    


 


Total Current Assets

     826,620       415,940  
    


 


PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

     3,923,712       3,910,987  
    


 


OTHER ASSETS:

                

Restricted cash

     26,222       27,408  

Regulatory assets

     525,481       442,944  

Nuclear decommissioning trust

     93,891       91,095  

Energy marketing contracts

     21,337       4,904  

Other

     226,531       192,433  
    


 


Total Other Assets

     893,462       758,784  
    


 


TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 5,643,794     $ 5,085,711  
    


 


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

                

Current maturities of long-term debt

   $ 530,000     $ 65,000  

Short-term debt

     38,500       —    

Accounts payable

     112,850       105,593  

Accrued taxes

     100,168       97,874  

Energy marketing contracts

     12,086       20,431  

Accrued interest

     32,283       30,506  

Deferred tax liabilities

     2,774       —    

Other

     158,254       99,170  
    


 


Total Current Liabilities

     986,915       418,574  
    


 


LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:

                

Long-term debt, net

     1,562,849       1,639,901  

Deferred income taxes

     973,898       927,087  

Unamortized investment tax credits

     66,402       68,957  

Deferred gain from sale-leaseback

     133,067       138,981  

Accrued employee benefits

     118,706       120,152  

Asset retirement obligation

     90,585       87,118  

Nuclear decommissioning

     93,891       91,095  

Energy marketing contracts

     322       1,547  

Other

     197,789       182,977  
    


 


Total Long-Term Liabilities

     3,237,509       3,257,815  
    


 


COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (see Notes 7 and 10)

                

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

                

Cumulative preferred stock, par value $100 per share; authorized 600,000 shares; issued and outstanding 214,363 shares

     21,436       21,436  

Common stock, par value $5 per share; authorized 150,000,000 shares; issued 86,636,674 shares and 86,029,721 shares, respectively

     433,184       430,149  

Paid-in capital

     918,125       912,932  

Unearned compensation

     (11,762 )     (10,361 )

Retained earnings

     58,274       55,053  

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net

     113       113  
    


 


Total Shareholders’ Equity

     1,419,370       1,409,322  
    


 


TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 5,643,794     $ 5,085,711  
    


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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WESTAR ENERGY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

    

Three Months Ended

June 30,


 
     2005

    2004

 

SALES

   $ 374,802     $ 358,430  
    


 


OPERATING EXPENSES:

                

Fuel and purchased power

     119,610       99,092  

Operating and maintenance

     108,836       101,532  

Depreciation and amortization

     42,556       42,258  

Selling, general and administrative

     41,391       42,063  
    


 


Total Operating Expenses

     312,393       284,945  
    


 


INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

     62,409       73,485  
    


 


OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

                

Investment earnings

     2,296       4,318  

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     —         (18,685 )

Other income

     6,407       707  

Other expense

     (3,200 )     (2,640 )
    


 


Total Other Income (Expense)

     5,503       (16,300 )
    


 


Interest expense

     27,739       37,270  
    


 


INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

     40,173       19,915  

Income tax expense

     12,297       5,936  
    


 


NET INCOME

     27,876       13,979  

Preferred dividends

     242       242  
    


 


EARNINGS AVAILABLE FOR COMMON STOCK

   $ 27,634     $ 13,737  
    


 


BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER AVERAGE COMMON SHARE
OUTSTANDING (see Note 2):

   $ 0.32     $ 0.16  
    


 


Average equivalent common shares outstanding

     86,827,477       85,833,950  

DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE

   $ 0.23     $ 0.19  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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WESTAR ENERGY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

    

Six Months Ended

June 30,


 
     2005

    2004

 

SALES

   $ 711,305     $ 698,693  
    


 


OPERATING EXPENSES:

                

Fuel and purchased power

     211,408       200,854  

Operating and maintenance

     215,048       200,490  

Depreciation and amortization

     84,860       84,185  

Selling, general and administrative

     82,652       83,030  
    


 


Total Operating Expenses

     593,968       568,559  
    


 


INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

     117,337       130,134  
    


 


OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

                

Investment earnings

     4,520       7,349  

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     —         (18,840 )

Other income

     7,083       1,385  

Other expense

     (8,008 )     (6,893 )
    


 


Total Other Income (Expense)

     3,595       (16,999 )
    


 


Interest expense

     57,602       80,695  
    


 


INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

     63,330       32,440  

Income tax expense

     19,839       9,670  
    


 


INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

     43,491       22,770  

Results of discontinued operations, net of tax

     —         6,888  
    


 


NET INCOME

     43,491       29,658  

Preferred dividends

     485       485  
    


 


EARNINGS AVAILABLE FOR COMMON STOCK

   $ 43,006     $ 29,173  
    


 


BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER AVERAGE COMMON SHARE
OUTSTANDING (see Note 2):

                

Basic earnings available from continuing operations

   $ 0.50     $ 0.28  

Results of discontinued operations, net of tax

     —         0.09  
    


 


Basic earnings available

   $ 0.50     $ 0.37  
    


 


Diluted earnings available from continuing operations

   $ 0.49     $ 0.28  

Results of discontinued operations, net of tax

     —         0.08  
    


 


Diluted earnings available

   $ 0.49     $ 0.36  
    


 


Average equivalent common shares outstanding

     86,699,027       79,721,586  

DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE

   $ 0.46     $ 0.38  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

WESTAR ENERGY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Dollars in Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,

     2005

   2004

NET INCOME

   $ 27,876    $ 13,979
    

  

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, BEFORE TAX:

             

Unrealized holding gain on marketable securities arising during the period

     —        33
    

  

Other comprehensive gain

     —        33
    

  

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

   $ 27,876    $ 14,012
    

  

     Six Months Ended June 30,

     2005

   2004

NET INCOME

   $ 43,491    $ 29,658
    

  

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, BEFORE TAX:

             

Unrealized holding gain on marketable securities arising during the period

     —        33
    

  

Other comprehensive gain

     —        33
    

  

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

   $ 43,491    $ 29,691
    

  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

WESTAR ENERGY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Six Months Ended June 30,

 
     2005

    2004

 

CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

                

Net income

   $ 43,491     $ 29,658  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

                

Discontinued operations, net of tax

     —         (6,888 )

Depreciation and amortization

     84,860       84,185  

Amortization of nuclear fuel

     5,421       7,106  

Amortization of deferred gain from sale-leaseback

     (5,914 )     (5,914 )

Amortization of prepaid corporate-owned life insurance

     7,777       6,795  

Non-cash stock compensation

     1,719       3,321  

Net changes in energy marketing assets and liabilities

     (21,819 )     7,652  

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     —         18,840  

Accrued liability to certain former officers

     1,579       6,090  

Net deferred taxes and credits

     46,183       6,231  

Changes in working capital items, net of acquisitions and dispositions:

                

Accounts receivable, net

     19,618       (7,650 )

Inventories and supplies

     6,168       5,511  

Prepaid expenses and other

     (38,093 )     (35,068 )

Accounts payable

     7,087       (4,050 )

Accrued taxes

     (23,037 )     8,902  

Other current liabilities

     (15,481 )     (10,638 )

Changes in other, assets

     (42,040 )     5,511  

Changes in other, liabilities

     12,650       4,975  
    


 


Cash flows from continuing operations

     90,169       124,569  

Cash flows from discontinued operations

     —         4,592  
    


 


Cash flows from operating activities

     90,169       129,161  
    


 


CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

                

Additions to property, plant and equipment

     (106,299 )     (93,622 )

Investment in corporate-owned life insurance

     (19,346 )     (19,658 )

Proceeds from sale of Protection One, Inc.

     —         122,170  

Proceeds from investment in corporate-owned life insurance

     10,517       —    

Proceeds from sale of plant and property

     —         7,098  

Repayment of officer loans

     —         2  

Proceeds from other investments

     1,108       (208 )
    


 


Cash flows (used in) from continuing operations

     (114,020 )     15,782  

Cash flows used in discontinued operations

     —         (3,412 )
    


 


Cash flows (used in) from investing activities

     (114,020 )     12,370  
    


 


CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

                

Short-term debt, net

     38,500       (1,000 )

Proceeds from long-term debt

     642,807       623,301  

Retirements of long-term debt

     (290,998 )     (800,331 )

Funds in trust for debt repayments

     —         (239,899 )

Repayment of capital leases

     (2,475 )     (2,475 )

Borrowings against cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance

     55,550       55,593  

Repayment of borrowings against cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance

     (11,382 )     (258 )

Issuance of common stock, net

     4,463       244,113  

Cash dividends paid

     (37,170 )     (25,636 )

Reissuance of treasury stock

     —         1,927  
    


 


Cash flows from (used in) financing activities

     399,295       (144,665 )
    


 


NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     375,444       (3,134 )

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:

                

Beginning of period

     24,611       79,559  
    


 


End of period

   $ 400,055     $ 76,425  
    


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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WESTAR ENERGY, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

We are the largest electric utility in Kansas. Unless the context otherwise indicates, all references in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q to “the company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and similar words are to Westar Energy, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. The term “Westar Energy” refers to Westar Energy, Inc., a Kansas corporation incorporated in 1924, alone and not together with its consolidated subsidiaries. We provide electric generation, transmission and distribution services to approximately 659,000 customers in Kansas. Westar Energy provides these services in central and northeastern Kansas, including the cities of Topeka, Lawrence, Manhattan, Salina and Hutchinson. Kansas Gas and Electric Company (KGE), Westar Energy’s wholly owned subsidiary, provides these services in south-central and southeastern Kansas, including the city of Wichita. Both Westar Energy and KGE conduct business using the name Westar Energy.

 

KGE owns a 47% interest in the Wolf Creek Generating Station (Wolf Creek), a nuclear power plant located near Burlington, Kansas, and a 47% interest in Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation (WCNOC), the operating company for Wolf Creek.

 

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

We prepare our condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for the United States of America for interim financial information and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted. In our opinion, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the financial statements, have been included.

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 (2004 Form 10-K).

 

Use of Management’s Estimates

 

When we prepare our consolidated financial statements, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We evaluate our estimates on an on-going basis, including those related to bad debts, inventories, valuation of commodity contracts, depreciation, unbilled revenue, investments, valuation of our energy marketing portfolio, intangible assets, income taxes, pension and other post-retirement and post-employment benefits, our asset retirement obligations including decommissioning of Wolf Creek, environmental issues, contingencies and litigation. Actual results may differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

 

 

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Dilutive Shares

 

Basic earnings per share applicable to equivalent common stock are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and shares issuable in connection with vested restricted share units (RSUs) during the period reported. Diluted earnings per share include the effects of potential issuances of common shares resulting from the assumed vesting of all outstanding RSUs and the exercise of all outstanding stock options issued pursuant to the terms of our stock-based compensation plans and the additional issuance of shares under the employee stock purchase plan (ESPP). We discontinued the ESPP effective January 1, 2005. The dilutive effect of shares issuable under the ESPP and our stock-based compensation plans is computed using the treasury stock method.

 

The following table reconciles the weighted average number of equivalent common shares outstanding used to compute basic and diluted earnings per share.

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,

   Six Months Ended June 30,

     2005

   2004

   2005

   2004

DENOMINATOR FOR BASIC AND
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE:

                   

Denominator for basic earnings per
share – weighted average equivalent shares

   86,827,477    85,833,950    86,699,027    79,721,586

Effect of dilutive securities:

                   

Employee stock purchase plan shares

   —      559    —      1,014

Employee stock options

   1,734    2,103    1,722    2,092

Restricted share units

   621,035    791,209    583,717    745,923
    
  
  
  

Denominator for diluted earnings per
share – weighted average shares

   87,450,246    86,627,821    87,284,466    80,470,615
    
  
  
  

Potentially dilutive shares not included
in the denominator since they are antidilutive

   215,340    217,375    215,340    217,375
    
  
  
  

 

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Stock Based Compensation

 

For purposes of the pro forma disclosures required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 148, “Accounting for Stock Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure,” the estimated fair value of stock options is amortized to expense over the relevant vesting period. Information related to the pro forma impact on our consolidated earnings and earnings per share follows.

 

    

Three Months Ended

June 30,


   

Six Months Ended

June 30,


     2005

   2004

    2005

   2004

     (Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

Earnings available for common stock, as reported

   $ 27,634    $ 13,737     $ 43,006    $ 29,173

Add: Effect of stock-based compensation included in earnings available for common stock, as reported, net of related tax effects

     8      (6 )     5      285

Deduct: Total stock option expense determined under fair value method for all awards, net of related tax effects

     3      20       7      199
    

  


 

  

Earnings available for common stock, pro forma

   $ 27,639    $ 13,711     $ 43,004    $ 29,259
    

  


 

  

Weighted average shares used for dilution

     87,450,246      86,627,821       87,284,466      80,470,615
    

  


 

  

Earnings per share:

                            

Basic – as reported

   $ 0.32    $ 0.16     $ 0.50    $ 0.37

Basic – pro forma

   $ 0.32    $ 0.16     $ 0.50    $ 0.37

Diluted – as reported

   $ 0.32    $ 0.16     $ 0.49    $ 0.36

Diluted – pro forma

   $ 0.32    $ 0.16     $ 0.49    $ 0.36

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

Share-Based Payment: In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment.” SFAS No. 123R requires companies to recognize as compensation expense the grant-date fair value of stock options and other equity-based compensation issued to employees. We will implement the provisions of the statement effective January 1, 2006.

 

We currently use RSUs for stock-based awards granted to employees. Some of our outstanding RSU awards include provisions that allow RSUs to vest following an employee’s retirement. For these awards, we currently recognize the expense over the vesting period and record any remaining expense when the employee retires. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the compensation expense of any new RSU awards with provisions allowing the RSU awards to vest following retirement will be recognized over the period from the grant date to the earlier of either the end of the vesting period or the date the employee becomes eligible for retirement. For employees who are eligible for retirement on the grant date, the compensation expense will be recognized on the grant date. Given the characteristics of our stock-based compensation program, we do not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 123R to materially impact our consolidated results of operations.

 

 

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Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations: In March 2005, FASB issued Interpretation No. (FIN) 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations.” FIN 47 clarifies that the term “conditional asset retirement obligation” as used in SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,” refers to a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the timing or method of settlement are conditional on a future event. An entity is required to recognize a liability for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Uncertainty about the timing or method of settlement of a conditional asset retirement obligation should be factored into the measurement of the liability when sufficient information exists. FIN 47 also clarifies when an entity would have sufficient information to reasonably estimate the fair value of an asset retirement obligation. FIN 47 is effective for the year ended December 31, 2005. We are evaluating what impact FIN 47 will have on our consolidated results of operations.

 

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

 

    

Six Months Ended

June 30,


     2005

   2004

     (In Thousands)

CASH PAID FOR:

             

Interest on financing activities, net of amount capitalized

   $ 48,624    $ 71,762

Income taxes

     162      162

NON-CASH FINANCING TRANSACTIONS:

             

Issuance of common stock for reinvested dividends and RSUs

     8,136      8,931

Assets acquired through capital leases

     2,859      1,995

 

Reclassifications

 

We have reclassified certain prior year amounts to conform with classifications used in the current-year presentation as necessary for a fair presentation of the financial statements.

 

We have previously presented cash flows associated with discontinued operations as a single line item on the consolidated statements of cash flows. We have reclassified cash flows related to discontinued operations to present separately the operating, investing and financing cash flows from discontinued operations.

 

3. RATE MATTERS AND REGULATION

 

Retail Rate Review

 

In accordance with a Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) order, we filed an application with the KCC on May 2, 2005 to increase our retail electric rates and to adopt other practices under the KCC’s jurisdiction. We anticipate that any changes in our rates as a result of the rate review will become effective in January 2006. Key components of the filing are as follows:

 

    Increasing our retail electric rates by $84.1 million

 

    Implementing a fuel and purchased power adjustment clause

 

    Sharing of market-based wholesale margins between customers and us

 

    Recovering transmission costs through a separate Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) transmission delivery charge

 

    Adopting a tariff to provide more timely recovery of investments and expenditures associated with adding and operating pollution control equipment at our power plants

 

 

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    Recovering $47.5 million of deferred maintenance costs associated with restoring utility service to our customers stemming from damage to our lines and equipment in the ice storms that occurred in 2002 and 2005

 

    Increasing depreciation expense by approximately $28.7 million

 

    Establishing customer service targets and the potential for rebates to customers based on our financial and customer service performance

 

We can provide no assurance that the KCC will approve our application as filed.

 

FERC Proceedings

 

On May 2, 2005, we filed an application with FERC to change our transmission rates. The application proposes a formula transmission rate that provides for annual adjustments to reflect changes in our transmission costs. This is consistent with our proposal filed with the KCC on May 2, 2005 to separately charge retail customers for transmission service. We expect our proposed rates to become effective on December 1, 2005, subject to refund. We will attempt to settle the case, however, if settlement efforts fail, FERC will set the matter for hearing. We can provide no assurance that FERC will approve our application as filed.

 

On March 23, 2005, FERC instituted a proceeding concerning the reasonableness of our market-based rates in our electrical control area and the electrical control areas of Midwest Energy, Inc. and Aquila, Inc.’s West Plains Energy division. On April 21, 2005, we provided FERC with information it requested to complete its analysis. A FERC decision, expected by late 2005, could affect how we price future wholesale power sales to wholesale customers in our control area and to Midwest Energy and West Plains Energy and wholesale customers in their control areas. We do not expect the outcome of this matter to significantly impact our consolidated results of operations.

 

Service Reliability Standards

 

On February 10, 2004, the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC) issued reliability improvement initiatives stemming from an investigation of the August 14, 2003 blackout in portions of the northeastern United States. In February 2005, NERC approved reliability standards, which went into effect on April 1, 2005. We are in compliance with these standards and did not have to make any significant expenditures to be in compliance.

 

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4. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS — SALE OF PROTECTION ONE, INC.

 

On February 17, 2004, we closed the sale of our interest in Protection One, Inc. to subsidiaries of Quadrangle Capital Partners LP and Quadrangle Master Funding Ltd. (together, Quadrangle). At closing, we received proceeds of $122.2 million. Pursuant to the terms of a November 12, 2004 settlement, Quadrangle paid us $32.5 million in cash as additional consideration, and we settled tax sharing-related obligations to Protection One by tendering $27.1 million in Protection One 7 3/8% senior notes, including accrued interest, and paying $45.9 million in cash. Our net cash payment under the settlement agreement was $13.4 million. Results of discontinued operations are presented in the table below.

 

    

Six Months Ended

June 30, 2004 (a)


 
    

(In Thousands, Except

Per Share Amounts)

 

Sales

   $ 22,466  

Costs and expenses

     19,937  
    


Earnings from discontinued operations before income taxes

     2,529  

Estimated gain on disposal

     4,115  

Income tax benefit

     (244 )
    


Results of discontinued operations

   $ 6,888  
    


Basic results of discontinued operations per share

   $ 0.09  
    


Diluted results of discontinued operations per share

   $ 0.08  
    



(a)    Includes results through February 17, 2004 when Protection One was sold.

      

 

5. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SALES PROGRAM

 

We sell our accounts receivable to WR Receivables Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary. WR Receivables has an agreement to sell up to $125.0 million of our qualified accounts receivable to a financial institution pursuant to an agreement entered into in 2000. The agreement has been extended annually since 2000 pursuant to mutual agreement of the parties. We renewed the agreement in July 2005 on terms substantially similar to the expiring agreement. The terms of the present agreement continue until July 2006.

 

The receivables sold by WR Receivables to the financial institution are not reflected in the accounts receivable balance in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The amounts sold to the financial institution were $110.0 million at June 30, 2005 and $80.0 million at December 31, 2004. We record this activity on the consolidated statements of cash flows in the “accounts receivable, net” line of cash flows from operating activities.

 

We service, administer and collect the receivables on behalf of the financial institution. We paid administrative expenses to the financial institution of $0.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2005 and $0.5 million for the same period of 2004 associated with the sale of these receivables, which represent the loss on the sale. We paid administrative expenses of $1.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and $0.9 million for the same period of 2004. We include these expenses in other expense on our consolidated statements of income.

 

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We record receivables transferred to WR Receivables at book value, net of allowance for bad debts. This approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of the receivable. We include the transferred accounts receivable in “accounts receivable, net,” on our consolidated balance sheets. The interests that we hold are presented in the table below.

 

     June 30,
2005


   December 31,
2004


     (In Thousands)

Accounts receivable retained by WR Receivables, net

   $ 65,699    $ 81,842

Accounts receivables reserved for financial institution, net

     6,706      10,023
    

  

Transferred receivables, net

   $ 72,405    $ 91,865
    

  

 

6. INCOME TAXES AND TAXES OTHER THAN INCOME TAXES

 

We recorded income tax expense of approximately $12.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2005 as compared to $5.9 million for the same period of 2004 and $19.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005 as compared to $9.7 million for the same period of 2004.

 

As of June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, we had recorded reserves for uncertain income tax positions of $51.1 million and $49.7 million, respectively. Tax reserves are established for tax deductions or income positions taken in prior income tax returns that we believe were treated properly on the tax returns but may be challenged if such tax returns are audited. The tax returns containing these tax reporting positions are currently under audit or will likely be audited. The timing of the resolution of these audits is uncertain. If the positions taken on the tax returns are ultimately sustained, we will reverse these tax provisions to income. If the positions taken on the tax returns are not ultimately sustained, we may be required to make cash payments for taxes and interest. The reserves are determined based on our best estimate of probable assessments by the Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authorities and are adjusted, from time to time, based on changing facts and circumstances.

 

As of June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, we also had a tax reserve of $6.8 million and $6.6 million, respectively, for probable assessments of taxes other than income taxes. The decrease in the tax reserve resulted from the settlement of certain sales and property tax assessments by various state and local taxing authorities.

 

7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Environmental Matters

 

Our activities are subject to environmental regulation by federal, state, and local governmental authorities. These regulations generally involve the use of water, discharges of effluents into the water, emissions into the air, the handling, storage and use of hazardous substances, and waste handling, remediation and disposal, among others. Congress or the State of Kansas may enact legislation, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the State of Kansas may propose new regulations or change existing regulations that could require us to reduce certain emissions at our plants.

 

Uncertain legislative and regulatory outcomes result in a wide range of potential expenditures. Currently, we have identified the potential for up to $660.0 million of expenditures for environmental projects over approximately 10 years. In addition to the capital investment, were we to install such equipment, we anticipate that we would incur a significant annual expense to operate and maintain the equipment and the operation of the equipment would reduce net production from our plants.

 

 

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The degree to which we will need to reduce emissions and the timing of when such emissions control equipment may be required is uncertain. Both the timing and the nature of required investments depend on specific outcomes that result from interpretation of regulations, new regulations, legislation, and the resolution of the EPA New Source Review described below. Although we expect to recover such costs through our rates, we can provide no assurance that we would be able to fully and timely recover all or any increased costs relating to environmental compliance. Failure to recover these associated costs could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

 

EPA New Source Review

 

The EPA is conducting investigations nationwide to determine whether modifications at coal-fired power plants are subject to New Source Review requirements or New Source Performance Standards under Section 114(a) of the Clean Air Act (Section 114). These investigations focus on whether projects at coal-fired plants were routine maintenance or whether the projects were substantial modifications that could have reasonably been expected to result in a significant net increase in emissions. The Clean Air Act requires companies to obtain permits and, if necessary, install control equipment to remove emissions when making a major modification or a change in operation if either is expected to cause a significant net increase in emissions.

 

The EPA requested information from us under Section 114 regarding projects and maintenance activities that have been conducted since 1980 at the three coal-fired plants we operate. On January 22, 2004, the EPA notified us that certain projects completed at Jeffrey Energy Center violated pre-construction permitting requirements of the Clean Air Act.

 

We are in discussions with the EPA concerning this matter in an attempt to reach a settlement. We expect that any settlement with the EPA could require us to update or install emissions controls at Jeffrey Energy Center over an agreed upon number of years. Additionally, we might be required to update or install emissions controls at our other coal-fired plants, pay fines or penalties, or take other remedial action. Together, these costs could be material. The EPA has informed us that it has referred this matter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for it to consider whether to pursue an enforcement action in federal district court. We believe that costs related to updating or installing emissions controls would qualify for recovery through rates. If we were to reach a settlement with the EPA, we may be assessed a penalty. The penalty could be material and may not be recovered in rates.

 

8. ICE STORM

 

On January 4 and 5, 2005, substantially all of our service territory experienced a severe ice storm. The storm interrupted electric service in a large portion of our service territory and damaged a significant portion of our electric distribution system. On March 22, 2005, we received an accounting authority order from the KCC that allows us to accumulate and defer for recovery the maintenance costs related to system restoration, as well as accumulate and record a carrying charge on the deferred balance. As of June 30, 2005, we have recorded $29.0 million as a regulatory asset related to these costs. Recovery of these costs is to be considered as part of our rate review as discussed in Note 3, “Rate Matters and Regulation.”

 

9. DEBT

 

On June 30, 2005, Westar Energy sold $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of Westar Energy first mortgage bonds, consisting of $150.0 million of 5.875% bonds maturing in 2036 and $250.0 million of 5.100% bonds maturing in 2020. Proceeds from the offering were used on July 27, 2005 to redeem the outstanding $365.0 million aggregate principal amount of Westar Energy’s 7.875% first mortgage bonds due 2007, together with accrued interest and a call premium equal to approximately 6% of the principal outstanding, and for general corporate purposes. The call premium will be recorded as a regulatory asset, which we expect to amortize over the term of the new bonds.

 

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On May 6, 2005, Westar Energy amended its revolving credit facility dated March 12, 2004 to extend the term and reduce borrowing costs. The amended revolving credit facility matures on May 6, 2010. The facility allows us to borrow up to an aggregate amount of $350.0 million, including letters of credit up to a maximum aggregate amount of $100.0 million. So long as there is no default or event of default under the revolving credit facility, Westar Energy may elect, subject to lender participation, to increase the aggregate amount of borrowings under this facility to $500.0 million. All borrowings under the revolving credit facility are secured by KGE first mortgage bonds.

 

On January 18, 2005, Westar Energy sold $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of Westar Energy first mortgage bonds, consisting of $125.0 million 5.15% bonds maturing in 2017 and $125.0 million 5.95% bonds maturing in 2035. On February 17, 2005, we used the net proceeds from the offering, together with cash on hand, additional funds raised through the accounts receivable sales program and borrowings under Westar Energy’s revolving credit facility, to redeem the remaining $260.0 million aggregate principal amount of Westar Energy 9.75% senior notes due 2007. Together with accrued interest and a premium equal to approximately 12% of the outstanding senior notes, we paid $298.5 million to redeem the Westar Energy 9.75% senior notes due 2007. The call premium is recorded as a regulatory asset and is being amortized over the term of the new bonds.

 

10. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

We and certain of our present and former officers and directors are defendants in a consolidated purported class action lawsuit in United States District Court in Topeka, Kansas, “In Re Westar Energy, Inc. Securities Litigation,” Master File No. 5:03-CV-4003 and related cases. Plaintiffs filed a Consolidated Amended Complaint on July 15, 2003. In early April 2005, we reached an agreement in principle with the plaintiffs to settle this lawsuit for $30.0 million. We will pay $1.25 million of the settlement and our insurance carriers will pay $28.75 million of the settlement, which includes the payments by our insurance carriers related to the settlement of the shareholder derivative lawsuit described below, less legal fees for the plaintiffs’ counsel in that matter. The full terms of the proposed settlement are set forth in a Stipulation and Agreement of Compromise, Settlement and Release dated as of May 31, 2005 filed with the court. The proposed settlement is subject to approval by the court. A hearing is scheduled on September 1, 2005 to address approval of the proposed settlement. These financial statements reflect this settlement. The lawsuit is brought on behalf of purchasers of our common stock between March 29, 2000, the date we announced our intention to separate our electric utility operations from our unregulated businesses, and November 8, 2002, the date the KCC issued an order prohibiting the separation. The lawsuit alleges that we violated federal securities laws by making material misrepresentations or omitting material facts concerning the purpose and benefits of the previously proposed separation of our electric utility operations from our unregulated businesses, the compensation of our senior management and the independence and functioning of our board of directors and that as a result we artificially inflated the price of our common stock.

 

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We and certain of our present and former officers and employees are defendants in a consolidated purported class action lawsuit filed in United States District Court in Topeka, Kansas, “In Re Westar Energy ERISA Litigation, Master File No. 03-4032-JAR.” Plaintiffs filed a Consolidated Amended complaint on October 20, 2003. The lawsuit is brought on behalf of participants in, and beneficiaries of, our Employees’ 401(k) Savings Plan between July 1, 1998 and January 1, 2003. The lawsuit alleges violations of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act arising from the conduct of certain present and former officers and employees who served or are serving as fiduciaries for the plan. The conduct is related to alleged securities law violations related to the previously proposed separation of our electric utility operations from our unregulated businesses, our rate cases filed with the KCC in 2000, the compensation of and benefits provided to our senior management, energy marketing transactions with Cleco Corporation and the first and second quarter 2002 restatements of our consolidated financial statements related to the revised goodwill impairment charge and the mark-to-market charge on our putable/callable notes. On August 26, 2004, the court issued an order granting a joint motion of all parties requesting a stay of the lawsuit until December 7, 2004, pending efforts to settle the lawsuit through mediation. The court also denied without prejudice motions to dismiss the lawsuit filed by us and other defendants. The court stated its intention to set aside the order upon notice by any party that mediation efforts were unsuccessful, in which case the court would address the motions to dismiss the lawsuit. On February 8, 2005, the court held a conference at which the parties notified the court that efforts to settle the lawsuit through mediation had not been successful. The court then issued an order renewing the previously filed motions to dismiss and issued a scheduling order addressing the scope and timing of discovery in the lawsuit. We intend to vigorously defend against this action. We are unable to predict the ultimate impact of this matter on our consolidated results of operations.

 

Certain present and former members of our board of directors and officers are defendants in a shareholder derivative complaint filed April 18, 2003, “Mark Epstein vs David C. Wittig, Douglas T. Lake, Charles Q. Chandler IV, Frank J. Becker, Gene A. Budig, John C. Nettels, Jr., Roy A. Edwards, John C. Dicus, Carl M. Koupal, Jr., Larry D. Irick and Cleco Corporation, defendants, and Westar Energy, Inc., nominal defendant, Case No. 03-4081-JAR.” Plaintiffs filed an amended shareholder derivative complaint on July 30, 2003. In early April 2005, a special litigation committee of our board of directors approved an agreement in principle to settle this lawsuit for $12.5 million to be paid to us by our insurance carriers. This recovery, less estimated attorney’s fees of $2.5 million, will be used to fund a portion of the $30.0 million settlement of the securities class action lawsuit as described above. The full terms of the proposed settlement are set forth in a Stipulation and Agreement of Compromise, Settlement and Release dated May 31, 2005 filed with the court. The proposed settlement is subject to approval by the court. A hearing is scheduled on September 1, 2005 to address approval of the proposed settlement. Among other things, the lawsuit claims that the defendants (i) breached fiduciary duties owed to us because of the actions and omissions described in the report of the special committee of our board of directors, (ii) caused or permitted our assets to be wasted on perquisites for certain insiders and (iii) caused or permitted our May 6, 2002 proxy statement to be issued with materially false and misleading statements.

 

On June 13, 2003, we filed a demand for arbitration with the American Arbitration Association asserting claims against David C. Wittig, our former president, chief executive officer and chairman, and Douglas T. Lake, our former executive vice president, chief strategic officer and member of the board, arising out of their previous employment with us. Mr. Wittig and Mr. Lake have filed counterclaims against us in the arbitration alleging substantial damages related to the termination of their employment and the publication of the report of the special committee of our board of directors. We intend to vigorously defend against these claims. The arbitration has been stayed pending the completion of a trial for Mr. Wittig and Mr. Lake on criminal charges in U.S. District Court in the District of Kansas. We are unable to predict the ultimate impact of this matter on our consolidated results of operations.

 

We are involved in various other legal, environmental and regulatory proceedings. We believe that adequate provisions have been made and accordingly believe that the ultimate disposition of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations.

 

See also Note 11, “Ongoing Investigations – Department of Labor Investigation” and Note 12, “Potential Liabilities to David C. Wittig and Douglas T. Lake” for additional discussion of other legal matters.

 

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11. ONGOING INVESTIGATIONS

 

Department of Labor Investigation

 

On February 1, 2005, we received a subpoena from the Department of Labor seeking documents related to our
Employees’ 401(k) Savings Plan and our defined pension benefit plan. At this time, we do not know the specific purpose of the investigation, and we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of the investigation or its impact on us. See Note 10, “Legal Proceedings,” for discussion of a class action lawsuit brought on behalf of participants in our Employees’ 401(k) Savings Plan.

 

FERC Settlement

 

On May 19, 2005, we and FERC reached a settlement regarding the matters related to the FERC investigation of power trades with Cleco Corporation and its affiliates, power transactions between our system and our marketing operations and power trades in which we or other trading companies acted as intermediaries. The settlement does not require us to make any monetary payments. As part of the settlement, we will follow a three-year plan to ensure compliance with FERC rules. The settlement was neither a finding of wrongdoing by FERC nor an admission of wrongdoing by us.

 

12. POTENTIAL LIABILITIES TO DAVID C. WITTIG AND DOUGLAS T. LAKE

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2005, we increased the amount of our accrued liability for potential obligations to Mr. Wittig and Mr. Lake by $1.6 million to $59.4 million from $57.8 million at December 31, 2004. The increase in the amount of the liability was for potential benefits due under an executive salary continuation plan, split-dollar life insurance and for dividend equivalents related to RSUs. In addition, through June 30, 2005, we have accrued $4.3 million for legal fees and expenses incurred by Mr. Wittig and Mr. Lake. As discussed above in Note 10, “Legal Proceedings,” we have filed a demand for arbitration with the American Arbitration Association seeking to avoid payment of compensation and other benefits Mr. Wittig and Mr. Lake claim to be owed to them, including RSUs and other compensation and benefits, as a result of their prior employment with us.

 

We will likely incur substantial additional expenses for legal fees and expenses incurred by Mr. Wittig and Mr. Lake related to the arbitration proceeding discussed above, the defense of the criminal charges filed by the United States Attorney’s Office in Topeka, Kansas, against Mr. Wittig and Mr. Lake, and the legal proceedings described in Note 10, “Legal Proceedings,” above. We are unable to estimate the amount of the additional legal fees and expenses that will be incurred by Mr. Wittig and Mr. Lake for which we may be ultimately responsible.

 

 

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13. INTERIM PENSION AND POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT DISCLOSURE

 

The following table summarizes the net periodic costs for our pension and post-retirement benefit plans.

 

     Pension Benefits

    Post-retirement Benefits

 

Three Months Ended June 30,


   2005

    2004

    2005

    2004

 
     (In Thousands)  

Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):

                                

Service cost

   $ 1,630     $ 1,509     $ 563     $ 368  

Interest cost

     7,174       7,021       1,861       1,868  

Expected return on plan assets

     (9,056 )     (9,644 )     (645 )     (533 )

Amortization of:

                                

Transition obligation, net

     —         —         983       983  

Prior service costs (benefits)

     691       688       (117 )     (117 )

Loss, net

     1,367       601       530       481  
    


 


 


 


Net periodic cost

   $ 1,806     $ 175     $ 3,175     $ 3,050  
    


 


 


 


     Pension Benefits

    Post-retirement Benefits

 

Six Months Ended June 30,


   2005

    2004

    2005

    2004

 
     (In Thousands)  

Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):

                                

Service cost

   $ 3,260     $ 3,018     $ 1,126     $ 736  

Interest cost

     14,348       14,042       3,722       3,736  

Expected return on plan assets

     (18,112 )     (19,288 )     (1,290 )     (1,066 )

Amortization of:

                                

Transition obligation, net

     —         —         1,966       1,966  

Prior service costs (benefits)

     1,382       1,376       (234 )     (234 )

Loss, net

     2,734       1,202       1,060       962  
    


 


 


 


Net periodic cost

   $ 3,612     $ 350     $ 6,350     $ 6,100  
    


 


 


 


 

14. WCNOC INTERIM PENSION AND POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT DISCLOSURE

 

As a co-owner of WCNOC, KGE is indirectly responsible for 47% of the liabilities and expenses associated with the WCNOC pension and post-retirement plans. KGE accrues its 47% of the WCNOC cost of pension and post-retirement benefits during the years an employee provides service. The following table summarizes the net periodic costs for KGE’s 47% share of the WCNOC pension and post-retirement benefit plans.

 

     Pension Benefits

    Post-retirement Benefits

Three Months Ended June 30,


   2005

    2004

    2005

   2004

     (In Thousands)

Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):

                             

Service cost

   $ 703     $ 643     $ 60    $ 58

Interest cost

     931       824       96      88

Expected return on plan assets

     (777 )     (695 )     —        —  

Amortization of:

                             

Transition obligation, net

     14       14       15      15

Prior service costs

     8       8       —        —  

Loss, net

     335       201       42      35
    


 


 

  

Net periodic cost

   $ 1,214     $ 995     $ 213    $ 196
    


 


 

  

     Pension Benefits

    Post-retirement Benefits

Six Months Ended June 30,


   2005

    2004

    2005

   2004

     (In Thousands)

Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):

                             

Service cost

   $ 1,416     $ 1,263     $ 119    $ 120

Interest cost

     1,874       1,619       192      175

Expected return on plan assets

     (1,565 )     (1,365 )     —        —  

Amortization of:

                             

Transition obligation, net

     28       28       30      30

Prior service costs

     16       15       —        —  

Loss, net

     674       396       84      71
    


 


 

  

Net periodic cost

   $ 2,443     $ 1,956     $ 425    $ 396
    


 


 

  

 

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15. LA CYGNE UNIT NO. 2 LEASE

 

On June 30, 2005, KGE and the owner of the La Cygne Generating Station (La Cygne) Unit No. 2 amended certain terms of the agreement relating to KGE’s lease of La Cygne Unit No. 2, including an extension of the lease term. The lease was entered into in 1987 with an initial term ending in September 2016. With the June 30, 2005 extension, the term of the lease will expire in September 2029. Upon expiration of the lease term in 2029, KGE has a fixed price option to purchase La Cygne Unit No. 2 for a price that is estimated to be the fair market value of the facility in 2029. KGE can also elect to renew the lease at the expiration of the lease term in 2029. However, any renewal period, when added to the initial lease term, cannot exceed 80% of La Cygne Unit No. 2’s estimated useful life.

 

On June 30, 2005, KGE caused the owner of La Cygne Unit No. 2 to refinance the debt used by the owner to finance the purchase of the facility. The savings resulting from extending the term of the lease and refinancing the debt will reduce KGE’s annual lease expense by approximately $11.0 million.

 

The table below shows the estimated commitments for the La Cygne Unit No. 2 lease as reported in our 2004 Form 10-K as of December 31, 2004 and with the effect of the new lease as of June 30, 2005.

 

La Cygne Unit No. 2 Operating Lease
    

As of

    June 30, 2005    


  

As of

December 31, 2004


     (In Thousands)

Future commitments:

             

2005

   $ 31,316    $ 38,013

2006

     33,535      42,287

2007

     23,464      78,268

2008

     32,892      12,609

2009

     32,964      42,287

Thereafter

     388,846      289,154
    

  

Total future commitments

   $ 543,017    $ 502,618
    

  

 

 

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Table of Contents

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF                 OPERATIONS

 

INTRODUCTION

 

We are the largest electric utility in Kansas. We produce, transmit and sell electricity at retail in Kansas and at wholesale in a multi-state region in the central United States under the regulation of the KCC and FERC.

 

In Management’s Discussion and Analysis, we discuss our general financial condition, significant changes since December 31, 2004, and our operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004. As you read Management’s Discussion and Analysis, please refer to our condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes, which contain our operating results.

 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ITEMS

 

Overview

 

Several significant items have impacted us and our business operations since January 1, 2005.

 

    We filed an application with the KCC on May 2, 2005 for an increase in our retail electric rates of $84.1 million. See Note 3 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, “Rate Matters and Regulation,” for additional information.

 

    We incurred approximately $36.6 million in costs to restore our electric distribution system as a result of a severe ice storm that occurred in January 2005. See Note 8 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, “Ice Storm,” for additional information.

 

    We refinanced debt as it matured or as market conditions allowed, which reduced our interest expense. See Note 9 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, “Debt,” for additional information.

 

    We recorded a non-cash $25.3 million mark-to-market gain on fuel supply contracts.

 

    We received $5.7 million of income from corporate-owned life insurance.

 

    Decreased availability of our generating units caused us to use more expensive fuel types and to purchase more power.

 

In addition, the following items have the potential to significantly impact our future business operations.

 

    Coal delivery issues have caused our coal inventory levels to decline to levels below what our plans call for and may cause us to reduce the amount of electricity generated at our coal-fired stations.

 

    Wholesale sales could decline due to the cost and availability of fuel.

 

    The cost and availability of fuel may cause us to use higher priced fuel types or to purchase power to meet the needs of our customers.

 

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Table of Contents

Gain on Fuel Supply Contracts

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2005, we recognized a non-cash $25.3 million gain in the market value of fuel contracts, with most of the gain associated with the coal supply contract for our Lawrence and Tecumseh Energy Centers. The gain results primarily from an increase in the price of coal delivered from the Powder River Basin region of Wyoming. Based on the terms of this contract, changes in the fair value of this contract are marked-to-market through earnings in accordance with the requirements of SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended by SFAS No. 137, 138 and 149 (collectively SFAS No. 133). We expect to take delivery of substantially all of the coal that is deliverable under this agreement and, therefore, expect this mark-to-market gain to be temporary, with off-setting mark-to-market losses recognized as we take delivery of coal over the term of this agreement.

 

Corporate-Owned Life Insurance

 

Our earnings for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 reflect income of $5.7 million from proceeds of corporate-owned life insurance. This is included in other income on the consolidated statements of income.

 

Unit Availability

 

Our operating results are significantly influenced by the availability of our generating units. If our more economical units are not available, we must rely on more expensive sources of power to meet our load requirements. During the six months ended June 30, 2005, due to various planned and unplanned unit outages, we produced approximately 573,000 fewer megawatt hours (MWh) than during the same period of 2004. The primary outages during the six months ended June 30, 2005 were the scheduled refueling and maintenance outage at Wolf Creek and planned and unplanned outages at La Cygne No. 1. The primary outages during the six months ended June 30, 2004 were the planned and unplanned outages and reduced availability of Jeffrey Energy Center.

 

Coal Inventory and Delivery

 

The frequency of coal deliveries from the Powder River Basin region of Wyoming has lengthened due primarily to increased operational problems caused by deteriorated rail track beds of approximately 100 miles in length in Wyoming. The Powder River Basin region of Wyoming is the primary source of the coal used in our coal-fired generating stations. If rail delivery cycle times do not improve, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

We have taken compensating measures based on current delivery cycle times, our assumptions about future delivery cycle times, plant burns and inventory management goals, including, but not limited to, decreasing wholesale sales during off-peak periods, transferring railcars between or among our power plants, revising normal operational dispatch of our generating units and ordering additional rail cars for delivery next year. Through June 30, 2005, these actions have had minimal impact on our business. We cannot predict whether our efforts will be adequate or successful in avoiding more significant coal conservation procedures.

 

If rail delivery cycle times do not improve and more significant compensating measures are required, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

During June and July 2005, we determined that due to the rail transportation issues we would not be able to take full delivery of coal supplies contracted for our Lawrence and Tecumseh Energy Centers. Accordingly, we sold about a half-million tons of coal to third parties. We may continue to enter into this type of transaction if the current coal delivery situation remains unchanged or worsens and as market conditions allow.

 

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Table of Contents

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

 

Our discussion and analysis of financial conditions and results of operations are based on our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in conformity with GAAP. Note 2 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” contains a summary of our significant accounting policies, many of which require the use of estimates and assumptions by management. The policies highlighted in our 2004 Form 10-K have an impact on our reported results that may be material due to the levels of judgment and subjectivity necessary to account for uncertain matters or susceptibility of matters subject to change.

 

From December 31, 2004 through June 30, 2005, we have not experienced any significant changes in our critical accounting estimates. For additional information, see our 2004 Form 10-K.

 

OPERATING RESULTS

 

We evaluate operating results based on basic earnings per share. We have various classifications of sales, defined as follows:

 

Retail: Sales of energy to residential, commercial and industrial customers.

 

Other retail: Sales of energy for lighting public streets and highways, net of revenues reserved for rebates.

 

Tariff-based wholesale: Sales of energy to electric cooperatives, municipalities and other electric utilities, the rate for which is generally based on cost as prescribed by FERC tariffs. Also includes changes in valuations of contracts that have yet to settle.

 

Market-based wholesale: Sales of energy to other wholesale customers, the rate for which is based on prevailing market rates as allowed by our FERC approved market-based tariff. Also includes changes in valuations of contracts that have yet to settle.

 

Energy marketing: Includes: (1) market-based energy transactions unrelated to our generation or the needs of our regulated customers; (2) financially settled products and physical transactions sourced outside our control area; and (3) changes in valuations for contracts that have yet to settle that may not be recorded either in cost of fuel or tariff- or market-based wholesale revenues.

 

Transmission: Reflects transmission revenues received, including those based on a tariff with the Southwest Power Pool (SPP).

 

Other: Miscellaneous electric revenues including ancillary service revenues and rent from electric property leased to others.

 

Regulated electric utility sales are significantly impacted by, among other factors, rate regulation, customer conservation efforts, wholesale demand, the overall economy of our service area, the weather and competitive forces. Our wholesale sales are impacted by, among other factors, demand, cost of fuel and purchased power, price volatility, available generation capacity and transmission availability.

 

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Three Months Ended June 30, 2005 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2004: Below we discuss our operating results for the three months ended June 30, 2005 as compared to the results for the three months ended June 30, 2004. Changes in results of operations are as follows:

     Three Months Ended June 30,

 
     2005

    2004

    Change

    % Change

 
     (In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)  

SALES:

                              

Residential

   $ 103,205     $ 97,965     $ 5,240     5.3  

Commercial

     99,865       97,033       2,832     2.9  

Industrial

     61,321       61,024       297     0.5  

Other retail

     222       44       178     404.5  
    


 


 


     

Total Retail Sales

     264,613       256,066       8,547     3.3  

Tariff-based wholesale

     45,893       34,616       11,277     32.6  

Market-based wholesale

     24,369       37,149       (12,780 )   (34.4 )

Energy marketing

     14,870       4,604       10,266     223.0  

Transmission (a)

     19,523       19,297       226     1.2  

Other

     5,534       6,698       (1,164 )   (17.4 )
    


 


 


     

Total Sales

     374,802       358,430       16,372     4.6  
    


 


 


     

OPERATING EXPENSES:

                              

Fuel used for generation

     86,357       84,307       2,050     2.4  

Purchased power

     33,253       14,785       18,468     124.9  

Operating and maintenance

     108,836       101,532       7,304     7.2  

Depreciation and amortization

     42,556       42,258       298     0.7  

Selling, general and administrative

     41,391       42,063       (672 )   (1.6 )
    


 


 


     

Total Operating Expenses

     312,393       284,945       27,448     9.6  
    


 


 


     

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

     62,409       73,485       (11,076 )   (15.1 )
    


 


 


     

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

                              

Investment earnings

     2,296       4,318       (2,022 )   (46.8 )

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     —         (18,685 )     18,685     100.0  

Other income

     6,407       707       5,700     806.2  

Other expense

     (3,200 )     (2,640 )     (560 )   (21.2 )
    


 


 


     

Total Other Income (Expense)

     5,503       (16,300 )     21,803     133.8  
    


 


 


     

Interest expense

     27,739       37,270       (9,531 )   (25.6 )
    


 


 


     

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

     40,173       19,915       20,258     101.7  

Income tax expense

     12,297       5,936       6,361     107.2  
    


 


 


     

NET INCOME

     27,876       13,979       13,897     99.4  

Preferred dividends

     242       242       —       —    
    


 


 


     

EARNINGS AVAILABLE FOR COMMON STOCK

   $ 27,634     $ 13,737     $ 13,897     101.2  
    


 


 


     

BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE

   $ 0.32     $ 0.16     $ 0.16     100.0  
    


 


 


     

 

 


(a)    Transmission: Includes an SPP network transmission tariff. For the three months ended June 30, 2005, our SPP network transmission costs were approximately $16.6 million. This amount, less approximately $1.1 million that was retained by the SPP as administration cost, was returned to us as revenues. For the three months ended June 30, 2004, our SPP network transmission costs were approximately $16.7 million with an administration cost of approximately $1.3 million retained by the SPP.

 

The following table reflects changes in electric sales volumes, as measured by thousands of MWh of electricity. No sales volumes are shown for energy marketing, transmission or other. Energy marketing activities are unrelated to electricity we generate.

 

       Three Months Ended June 30,

 
           2005    

         2004    

       Change  

     % Change

 
       (Thousands of MWh)  

Residential

     1,446      1,370      76      5.5  

Commercial

     1,796      1,756      40      2.3  

Industrial

     1,412      1,397      15      1.1  

Other retail

     26      26      —        —    
      
    
    

      

Total Retail

     4,680      4,549      131      2.9  

Tariff-based wholesale

     1,310      1,118      192      17.2  

Market-based wholesale

     604      1,092      (488 )    (44.7 )
      
    
    

      

Total

     6,594      6,759      (165 )    (2.4 )
      
    
    

      

 

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Residential and commercial sales and sales volumes increased due primarily to warmer weather during the three months ended June 30, 2005 as compared to the same period of 2004. When measured by cooling degree days, the weather during the three months ended June 30, 2005 was 18% warmer than the same period last year and 17% above the 20-year average. We measure cooling degree days at weather stations we believe to be generally reflective of conditions in our service territory.

 

The warmer weather also contributed to the increased tariff-based wholesale sales and sales volumes. Additionally, about $2.2 million, or 20%, of the increase in the tariff-based wholesale sales was due to the Wolf Creek outages. We sold more tariff-based wholesale power to a co-owner of Wolf Creek in accordance with a contract to supply replacement power to the co-owner when Wolf Creek is not available. About $0.7 million, or 6%, of the increase in tariff-based wholesale sales is attributable to the operation of a fuel adjustment provision permitted in our FERC tariff.

 

Market-based wholesale sales decreased because less energy was available for sale due to the increase in retail and tariff-based wholesale sales and the reduced availability of some of our generating units, primarily Wolf Creek. Wolf Creek generated 46% less electricity in the three months ended June 30, 2005 than in the same period of 2004 due to the scheduled refueling and maintenance outage.

 

The increase in energy marketing was due primarily to more favorable changes in market valuations and more favorable settlement of energy contracts during the three months ended June 30, 2005 than in the same period of 2004.

 

Fuel expense increased due primarily to using more expensive sources of generation because of the lower unit availability of our more economical generating units. Cost of fuel used for generation increased $15.1 million, or approximately 18%, even though we used approximately 7% less MMBtus (million British thermal units) of fuel. The increase in fuel expense was partially offset by the recognition of a $13.0 million mark-to-market gain on fuel contracts.

 

Purchased power expense increased due to the various outages or reduced operating capability at some of our generating units. At times it was more economical to purchase power than to operate our available generating units.

 

Operating and maintenance expense increased due primarily to an increase in maintenance costs at our generating units and on our distribution system.

 

During the three months ended June 30, 2004, we recognized a loss of $15.9 million in connection with the redemption of some of our senior unsecured notes and a loss of $2.7 million in connection with the redemption of the Western Resources Capital I 7.875% Cumulative Quarterly Income Preferred Securities, Series A.

 

Other income increased $5.7 million due to income received from corporate-owned life insurance during the three months ended June 30, 2005.

 

Interest expense decreased during the three months ended June 30, 2005 due to lower debt balances and lower interest rates due to the refinancing activities as discussed in detail in “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below and in our 2004 Form 10-K.

 

The increase in income tax expense reflects the increase in income from continuing operations before income taxes.

 

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Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2004: Below we discuss our operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2005 as compared to the results for the six months ended June 30, 2004. Changes in results of operations are as follows:

 

     Six Months Ended June 30,

 
     2005

    2004

    Change

    % Change

 
     (In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)  

SALES:

                              

Residential

   $ 196,887     $ 192,410     $ 4,477     2.3  

Commercial

     184,825       180,726       4,099     2.3  

Industrial

     117,089       117,743       (654 )   (0.6 )

Other retail

     410       5       405     8,100.0  
    


 


 


     

Total Retail Sales

     499,211       490,884       8,327     1.7  

Tariff-based wholesale

     81,859       67,133       14,726     21.9  

Market-based wholesale

     66,091       78,327       (12,236 )   (15.6 )

Energy marketing

     14,775       11,091       3,684     33.2  

Transmission (a)

     39,082       38,962       120     0.3  

Other

     10,287       12,296       (2,009 )   (16.3 )
    


 


 


     

Total Sales

     711,305       698,693       12,612     1.8  
    


 


 


     

OPERATING EXPENSES:

                              

Fuel used for generation

     166,411       169,784       (3,373 )   (2.0 )

Purchased power

     44,997       31,070       13,927     44.8  

Operating and maintenance

     215,048       200,490       14,558     7.3  

Depreciation and amortization

     84,860       84,185       675     0.8  

Selling, general and administrative

     82,652       83,030       (378 )   (0.5 )
    


 


 


     

Total Operating Expenses

     593,968       568,559       25,409     4.5  
    


 


 


     

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

     117,337       130,134       (12,797 )   (9.8 )
    


 


 


     

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

                              

Investment earnings

     4,520       7,349       (2,829 )   (38.5 )

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     —         (18,840 )     18,840     100.0  

Other income

     7,083       1,385       5,698     411.4  

Other expense

     (8,008 )     (6,893 )     (1,115 )   (16.2 )
    


 


 


     

Total Other Income (Expense)

     3,595       (16,999 )     20,594     121.1  
    


 


 


     

Interest expense

     57,602       80,695       (23,093 )   (28.6 )
    


 


 


     

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

     63,330       32,440       30,890     95.2  

Income tax expense

     19,839       9,670       10,169     105.2  
    


 


 


     

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

     43,491       22,770       20,721     91.0  

Results of discontinued operations, net of tax

     —         6,888       (6,888 )   (100.0 )
    


 


 


     

NET INCOME

     43,491       29,658       13,833     46.6  

Preferred dividends

     485       485       —       —    
    


 


 


     

EARNINGS AVAILABLE FOR COMMON STOCK

   $ 43,006     $ 29,173     $ 13,833     47.4  
    


 


 


     

BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE

   $ 0.50     $ 0.37     $ 0.13     35.1  
    


 


 


     

(a)    Transmission: Includes an SPP network transmission tariff. For the six months ended June 30, 2005, our SPP network transmission costs were approximately $33.2 million. This amount, less approximately $2.3 million that was retained by the SPP as administration cost, was returned to us as revenues. For the six months ended June 30, 2004, our SPP network transmission costs were approximately $33.4 million with an administration cost of approximately $2.3 million retained by the SPP.

          

 

The following table reflects changes in electric sales volumes, as measured by thousands of MWh of electricity. No sales volumes are shown for energy marketing, transmission or other. Energy marketing activities are unrelated to electricity we generate.

 

     Six Months Ended June 30,

 
     2005

     2004

     Change

       % Change

 
     (Thousands of MWh)  

Residential

   2,803      2,751      52        1.9  

Commercial

   3,320      3,273      47        1.4  

Industrial

   2,679      2,698      (19 )      (0.7 )

Other retail

   50      51      (1 )      (2.0 )
    
    
    

        

Total Retail

   8,852      8,773      79        0.9  

Tariff-based wholesale

   2,563      2,186      377        17.2  

Market-based wholesale

   1,629      2,364      (735 )      (31.1 )
    
    
    

        

Total

   13,044      13,323      (279 )      (2.1 )
    
    
    

        

 

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Table of Contents

Residential and commercial sales and sales volumes increased due to warmer weather during the six months ended June 30, 2005 as compared with the same period of 2004. When measured by cooling degree days, the weather during the six months ended June 30, 2005 was 16% warmer than the same period last year and 17% above the 20-year average.

 

The warmer weather also contributed to the increased tariff-based wholesale sales and sales volumes. Additionally, about $2.4 million, or 16%, of the increase in tariff-based wholesale sales was due to the Wolf Creek outage. We sold more tariff-based wholesale power to a co-owner of Wolf Creek in accordance with a contract to supply replacement power to the co-owner when Wolf Creek is not available. We had more energy available from Jeffrey Energy Center, which also contributed to the increased sales. About $0.8 million, or 6%, of the increase in tariff-based wholesale sales is attributable to the operation of a fuel adjustment provision permitted in our FERC tariff.

 

Market-based wholesale sales decreased because less energy was available for sale due to the increase in retail and tariff-based wholesale sales and the reduced availability of some of our generating units, primarily Wolf Creek. Wolf Creek generated 29% less electricity in the six months ended June 30, 2005 than in the same period of 2004 due to the scheduled refueling and maintenance outage.

 

The increase in energy marketing was due primarily to more favorable settlement of energy contracts during the six months ended June 30, 2005 than in the same period of 2004.

 

Fuel expense increased due primarily to using more expensive sources of generation because of the lower unit availability of our more economical generating units. Cost of fuel used for generation increased $22.4 million, or 13%, even though we used approximately 3% less MMBtus of fuel. The increase in fuel expense was partially offset by the recognition of a $25.3 million mark-to-market gain on fuel contracts.

 

Purchased power expense increased due to the various outages or reduced operating capability at some of our generating units. At times, it was more economical to purchase power than to operate our available generating units.

 

Operating and maintenance expense increased due primarily to an increase in maintenance costs at our generating units and on our distribution system.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2004, we recognized a loss of $16.1 million in connection with the redemption of some of our senior unsecured notes and a loss of $2.7 million in connection with the redemption of the Western Resources Capital I 7.875% Cumulative Quarterly Income Preferred Securities, Series A.

 

Other income increased $5.7 million due to income received from corporate-owned life insurance during the six months ended June 30, 2005.

 

Interest expense decreased during the six months ended June 30, 2005 due to lower debt balances and lower interest rates due to the refinancing activities as discussed in detail in “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below and in our 2004 Form 10-K.

 

The increase in income tax expense reflects the increase in income from continuing operations before income taxes.

 

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Table of Contents

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Overview

 

We believe we will have sufficient cash to fund future operations, debt maturities and the payment of dividends from a combination of cash on hand, cash flows from operations and available borrowing capacity. Our available sources of funds include cash, Westar Energy’s revolving credit facility, our accounts receivable sales program and access to capital markets. Uncertainties affecting our ability to meet these cash requirements include, among others, factors affecting sales described in “Operating Results” above, economic conditions, regulatory actions, conditions in the capital markets and compliance with environmental regulations. We may continue to refinance debt when favorable market conditions exist.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

We had $400.1 million in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2005 due primarily to the June 30, 2005 sale of Westar Energy first mortgage bonds discussed below in “— Debt Financings.” We consider cash equivalents to be highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the time they are purchased. In addition, on July 1, 2005, we received an income tax refund of $48.0 million due to a capital loss carryback from tax year 2004 to tax year 2003.

 

At June 30, 2005, we also had $2.3 million of restricted cash classified as a current asset and $26.2 million of restricted cash classified as a long-term asset. The following table details our restricted cash at June 30, 2005.

 

     Restricted Cash
Current Portion


  

Restricted Cash

Long-term Portion


     (In Thousands)

Prepaid capacity and transmission agreement

   $ 2,341    $ 24,790

Cash held in escrow as required by surety bonds

     —        1,432
    

  

Total

   $ 2,341    $ 26,222
    

  

 

Debt Financings

 

On June 30, 2005, Westar Energy sold $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of Westar Energy first mortgage bonds, consisting of $150.0 million of 5.875% bonds maturing in 2036 and $250.0 million of 5.100% bonds maturing in 2020. Proceeds from the offering were used July 27, 2005 to redeem the outstanding $365.0 million aggregate principal amount of Westar Energy’s 7.875% first mortgage bonds due 2007, together with accrued interest and a call premium equal to approximately 6% of the principal outstanding, and for general corporate purposes. The call premium will be recorded as a regulatory asset, which we expect to amortize over the term of the new bonds.

 

On May 6, 2005, Westar Energy amended its revolving credit facility dated March 12, 2004 to extend the term and reduce borrowing costs. The amended revolving credit facility matures on May 6, 2010. The facility allows us to borrow up to an aggregate amount of $350.0 million, including letters of credit up to a maximum aggregate amount of $100.0 million. So long as there is no default or event of default under the revolving credit facility, Westar Energy may elect, subject to lender participation, to increase the aggregate amount of borrowings under this facility to $500.0 million. All borrowings under the revolving credit facility are secured by KGE first mortgage bonds.

 

A default by Westar Energy or KGE under other indebtedness totaling more than $25.0 million is a default under this facility. Westar Energy is required to maintain a consolidated indebtedness to consolidated capitalization ratio not greater than 65% at all times. Available liquidity under the facility is not impacted by a decline in Westar Energy’s credit ratings. Also, the facility does not contain a material adverse effect clause requiring Westar Energy to represent, prior to each borrowing, that no event resulting in a material adverse effect has occurred.

 

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Table of Contents

On January 18, 2005, Westar Energy sold $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of Westar Energy first mortgage bonds, consisting of $125.0 million 5.15% bonds maturing in 2017 and $125.0 million 5.95% bonds maturing in 2035. On February 17, 2005, we used the net proceeds from the offering, together with cash on hand, additional funds raised through the accounts receivable conduit facility and borrowings under Westar Energy’s revolving credit facility, to redeem the remaining $260.0 million aggregate principal amount of Westar Energy 9.75% senior notes due 2007. Together with accrued interest and a premium equal to approximately 12% of the outstanding senior notes, we paid $298.5 million to redeem the Westar Energy 9.75% senior notes due 2007. The call premium is recorded as a regulatory asset and is being amortized over the term of the new bonds.

 

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

 

Cash flows from operating activities decreased $39.0 million to $90.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005 from $129.2 million for the same period of 2004. During the six months ended June 30, 2005, we used approximately $35.6 million for system restoration costs related to the ice storm that affected our service territory in January 2005, and approximately $14.2 million for the Wolf Creek refueling outage. We also used cash for increases in fuel and purchased power expenses. We received approximately $30.0 million cash from the sale of accounts receivable. Cash paid for interest was $23.2 million lower in the six months ended June 30, 2005 as compared with the same period of 2004.

 

Cash Flows (Used In) From Investing Activities

 

In general, cash used for investing purposes relates to the growth of the operations of our electric utility business and the replacement of utility property. The utility business is capital intensive and requires significant ongoing investment in plant. We spent $106.3 million in the six months ended June 30, 2005 and $93.6 million in the same period of 2004 on net additions to utility property, plant and equipment. We received proceeds from our investment in corporate-owned life insurance of $10.5 million in the six months ended June 30, 2005. We received proceeds from the sale of Protection One of $122.2 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004.

 

Cash Flows From (Used In) Financing Activities

 

Cash from financing activities was $399.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005 compared with a use of $144.7 million of cash for financing activities in the same period of 2004. In the six months ended June 30, 2005, we received cash primarily from the issuance of long-term debt and from drawing $38.5 million under our revolving credit facility. We used cash primarily to retire long-term debt and pay dividends. In the six months ended June 30, 2004, we received cash primarily from issuing long-term debt and common stock. We used cash primarily to fund a trust for debt repayment, retire long-term debt and pay dividends. In the fourth quarter of 2004, we increased our quarterly dividend to $0.23 per share from $0.19 per share. The increase in the dividends paid in the six months ended June 30, 2005 is due primarily to the change in the quarterly dividend rate.

 

Pension Obligation

 

Our pension plan expense and liabilities are measured using assumptions, which include discount rates, compensation rates and past and future estimated plan asset returns. Due to a decrease in interest rates and a corresponding decrease in the discount rates used to estimate our pension liabilities, the fair value of our pension plan assets may fall below the accumulated benefit obligation at the next measurement date. The combined effects of these factors could result in the recognition of additional liabilities. We anticipate that at December 31, 2005, we may be required to make additional cash contributions or to incur a charge to equity, unless we are able to obtain authority from the KCC to recognize as a regulatory asset the amount of the potential charge to equity. The amounts will depend on plan asset performance for the year and the discount rate in effect when the plan liabilities are measured. We are unable to determine the financial impact at this time, which may or may not be material.

 

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OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

 

From December 31, 2004 through June 30, 2005, there have been no material changes in our off-balance sheet arrangements other than the extension of the term of the La Cygne Unit No. 2 lease as discussed in Note 15 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, “La Cygne Unit No. 2 Lease.” For additional information, see our 2004 Form 10-K.

 

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS

 

Contractual Cash Obligations

 

There have been material changes in our contractual obligations since December 31, 2004 in our long-term debt and operating leases.

 

In the six months ended June 30, 2005, long-term debt, net, decreased $77.1 million and current maturities of long-term debt increased $465.0 million due to the various debt refinancing transactions discussed in “Liquidity and Capital Resources — Debt Financings.” In addition to the change in balances, maturity dates have also changed.

 

On June 30, 2005, KGE and the owner of La Cygne Unit No. 2 amended certain terms of the agreement relating to KGE’s lease of La Cygne Unit No. 2, including an extension of the term of the lease to September 2029. In addition, KGE caused the owner of La Cygne Unit No. 2 to refinance the debt used by the owner to purchase the facility. See Note 15 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, “La Cygne Unit No. 2 Lease,” for additional information regarding these transactions.

 

The following table summarizes the items that changed significantly since December 31, 2004 in our projected future cash payments for our contractual obligations existing at June 30, 2005. For a comparison of amounts reported as of December 31, 2004, see our 2004 Form 10-K.

 

     Total

  

July 1, 2005

through

December 31,
2005


   2006 - 2007

   2008 – 2009

   Thereafter

     (In Thousands)

Long-term debt

   $ 2,092,849    $ 430,000    $ 100,000    $ 145,078    $ 1,417,771

Operating leases (a)

     647,195      37,678      76,854      80,193      452,470

(a)    Includes the La Cygne Unit No. 2 lease, office space, operating facilities, office equipment, operating equipment and other miscellaneous commitments.

 

Commercial Commitments

 

From December 31, 2004 through June 30, 2005, our outstanding letters of credit have increased $7.0 million, primarily related to our energy marketing and trading activities. For additional information, see our 2004 Form 10-K.

 

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OTHER INFORMATION

 

Payment of Rebates

 

On July 21, 2003, we entered into a Stipulation and Agreement (Stipulation) with the KCC staff and other interveners in the docket considering the Debt Reduction Plan. The KCC issued an order approving the Stipulation on July 25, 2003. The principal terms of the Stipulation included a requirement for us to pay customer rebates of $10.5 million on May 1, 2005 and $10.0 million on January 1, 2006. The first rebate appeared as credits on customers’ billing statements in May and June of 2005.

 

Fair Value of Energy Marketing Contracts

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2005, we recognized a non-cash $25.3 million gain in the market value of fuel contracts, primarily associated with the coal supply contract for our Lawrence and Tecumseh Energy Centers. Given the volatility in the coal market and the length of the contract term, we anticipate that we will continue to experience volatility in the market value of this contract.

 

The tables below show the fair value of energy marketing and fuel contracts, including the coal contract described in the preceding paragraph, that were outstanding at June 30, 2005, their sources and maturity periods:

 

     Fair Value of Contracts

 
     (In Thousands)  

Net fair value of contracts outstanding at December 31, 2004

   $ 6,081  

Contracts outstanding at the beginning of the period that were realized or otherwise settled during the period

     (2,112 )

Changes in fair value of contracts outstanding at the beginning and end of the period

     23,766  

Changes in fair value of new contracts entered into during the period

     165  
    


Fair value of contracts outstanding at June 30, 2005

   $ 27,900  
    


 

The sources of the fair values related to these contracts are summarized in the following table:

 

     Fair Value of Contracts at End of Period

Sources of Fair Value


  

Total

Fair Value


  

Maturity

Less Than

1 Year


  

Maturity

1-3 Years


  

Maturity

4-5 Years


     (In Thousands)

Prices actively quoted (futures)

   $ 364    $ 364    $ —      $ —  

Prices provided by other external sources (swaps and forwards)

     14,139      3,316      7,376      3,447

Prices based on the Black Option Pricing model (options and other) (a)

     13,397      3,205      5,477      4,715
    

  

  

  

Total fair value of contracts outstanding

   $ 27,900    $ 6,885    $ 12,853    $ 8,162
    

  

  

  


(a) The Black Option Pricing model is a variant of the Black-Scholes Option Pricing model.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

Share-Based Payment: In December 2004, FASB issued SFAS No. 123R, which requires companies to recognize as compensation expense the grant-date fair value of stock options and other equity-based compensation issued to employees. We will implement the provisions of the statement effective January 1, 2006.

 

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We currently use RSUs for stock-based awards granted to employees. Some of our outstanding RSU awards include provisions that allow RSUs to vest following an employee’s retirement. For these awards, we currently recognize the expense over the vesting period and record any remaining expense when the employee retires. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the compensation expense of any new RSU awards with provisions allowing the RSU awards to vest following retirement will be recognized over the period from the grant date to the earlier of either the end of the vesting period or the date the employee becomes eligible for retirement. For employees who are eligible for retirement on the grant date, the compensation expense will be recognized on the grant date. Given the characteristics of our stock-based compensation program, we do not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 123R to materially impact our consolidated results of operations.

 

Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations: In March 2005, FASB issued FIN 47, which clarifies that the term “conditional asset retirement obligation” as used in SFAS No. 143, refers to a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the timing or method of settlement are conditional on a future event. An entity is required to recognize a liability for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Uncertainty about the timing or method of settlement of a conditional asset retirement obligation should be factored into the measurement of the liability when sufficient information exists. FIN 47 also clarifies when an entity would have sufficient information to reasonably estimate the fair value of an asset retirement obligation. FIN 47 is effective for the year ended December 31, 2005. We are evaluating what impact FIN 47 will have on our consolidated results of operations.

 

Employees

 

We negotiated a three year labor agreement with Local 304 and Local 1523 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. It was ratified in July 2005 and will be effective for three years, from July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2008.

 

 

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RISK FACTORS

 

Like other companies in our industry, our consolidated financial results will be impacted by weather, the economy of our service territory and the performance of our customers. Our common stock price and creditworthiness will be affected by national and international macroeconomic trends, general market conditions and the expectations of the investment community, all of which are largely beyond our control. In addition, the following statements highlight risk factors that may affect our consolidated financial condition and results of operations. These are not intended to be an exhaustive discussion of all such risks, and the statements below must be read together with factors discussed elsewhere in this document and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Our Revenues Depend Upon Rates Determined by the KCC

 

The KCC regulates many aspects of our business and operations, including the retail rates that we charge customers for electric service. Our retail rates are set by the KCC using a cost-of-service approach that takes into account historical operating expenses, fixed obligations and recovery of capital investments, including potentially stranded obligations. Using this approach, the KCC sets rates at a level calculated to recover such costs, adjusted to reflect known and measurable changes, and a permitted return on investment. Other parties to a rate review or the KCC staff may contend that our current or proposed rates are excessive. In July 2003, the KCC approved a stipulation and agreement that required us to file for a review of our rates by May 2, 2005. Accordingly, on May 2, 2005, we filed a request for an increase in rates of $84.1 million. We anticipate that any changes in our rates as a result of the rate review will become effective in January 2006. We expect that the rates permitted by the KCC in the rate review will be a decisive factor in determining our revenues for the succeeding periods and may have a material impact on our consolidated earnings, cash flows and financial position, as well as our ability to maintain our common stock dividend at current levels or to increase our dividend in the future. We are unable to predict the outcome of the rate review.

 

Some of Our Costs May not be Fully Recovered in Retail Rates

 

Once established by the KCC, our rates generally remain fixed until changed in a subsequent rate review, except to the extent the KCC permits us to modify our tariffs using interim adjustment clauses. We may elect to file a rate review to request a change in our rates or intervening parties may request that the KCC review our rates for possible adjustment, subject to any limitations that may have been ordered by the KCC. Earnings could be reduced to the extent that our operating costs increase more than our revenues during the period between rate reviews, which may occur because of maintenance and repair of plants, fuel and purchased power expenses, employee or labor costs, inflation or other factors.

 

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Table of Contents

Equipment Failures and Other External Factors Can Adversely Affect Our Results

 

The generation and transmission of electricity requires the use of expensive and complicated equipment. While we have a maintenance program in place, generating plants are subject to unplanned outages because of equipment failure. In these events, we must either produce replacement power from more expensive units or purchase power from others at unpredictable and potentially higher cost in order to supply our customers and perform our contractual agreements. This can increase our costs materially and prevent us from selling excess power at wholesale. The frequency of coal deliveries from the Powder River Basin region of Wyoming, which is the primary source for our coal, has lengthened due primarily to operational problems caused by deteriorated rail track beds of approximately 100 miles in length in Wyoming. If rail delivery cycle times do not improve, we may be required to conserve coal and take other compensating measures, including forgoing market-based wholesale sales and, potentially, serving our customers with more expensive purchased power or by running our gas and oil generating units to a greater extent, that could have a material adverse affect on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, decisions or mistakes by other utilities may adversely affect our ability to use transmission lines to deliver or import power, thus subjecting us to unexpected expenses or to the cost and uncertainty of public policy initiatives. These factors, as well as weather, interest rates, economic conditions, fuel availability, deliverability and prices, price volatility of fuel and other commodities and transportation availability and costs are largely beyond our control, but may have a material adverse effect on our consolidated earnings, cash flows and financial position. We engage in energy marketing transactions to reduce risk from market fluctuations, enhance system reliability and increase profits. The events mentioned above could reduce our ability to participate in energy marketing opportunities, which could reduce our profits.

 

We May Have Material Financial Exposure Under the Clean Air Act and Other Environmental Regulations

 

On January 22, 2004, the EPA notified us that certain projects completed at Jeffrey Energy Center violated pre-construction permitting requirements of the Clean Air Act. This notification was delivered as part of an investigation by the EPA regarding maintenance activities that have been conducted since 1980 at Jeffrey Energy Center. The EPA has informed us that it has referred this matter to the DOJ for it to consider whether to pursue an enforcement action in federal district court. The remedy for a violation could include fines and penalties and an order to install new emission control systems, both at Jeffrey Energy Center and at certain of our other coal-fired power plants, the associated cost of which could be material.

 

Our activities are subject to environmental regulation by federal, state, and local governmental authorities. These regulations generally involve the use of water, discharges of effluents into the water, emissions into the air, the handling, storage and use of hazardous substances, and waste handling, remediation and disposal, among others. Congress or the State of Kansas may enact legislation and the EPA or the State of Kansas may propose new regulations or change existing regulations that could require us to reduce certain emissions at our plants. Such action could require us to install costly equipment, increase our operating expense and reduce production from our plants.

 

The degree to which we will need to reduce emissions and the timing of when such emissions control equipment may be required is uncertain. Both the timing and the nature of required investments depend on specific outcomes that result from interpretation of regulations, new regulations, legislation, and the resolution of the EPA investigation described above. Although we expect to recover such costs through our rates, we can provide no assurance that we would be able to fully and timely recover all or any increased costs relating to environmental compliance. Failure to recover these associated costs could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

 

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Table of Contents

Competitive Pressures from Electric Industry Deregulation Could Adversely Affect Our Revenues and Reported Earnings

 

We currently apply the accounting principles of SFAS No. 71, “Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation,” to our regulated business. At June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 we had recorded $497.4 million and $413.7 million, respectively, of regulatory assets, net of regulatory liabilities. In the event that we determined that we could no longer apply the principles of SFAS No. 71, either as a result of the establishment of retail competition in our service territory or an expectation that permitted rates would not allow us to recover these costs, we would be required to record a charge against income in the amount of the remaining unamortized net regulatory assets.

 

We Face Financial Risks From Our Nuclear Facility

 

Risks of substantial liability arise from the ownership and operation of nuclear facilities, including, among others, potential structural problems at a nuclear facility, the storage, handling and disposal of radioactive materials, limitations on the amounts and types of insurance coverage commercially available, uncertainties with respect to the cost and technological aspects of nuclear decommissioning at the end of their useful lives and costs or measures associated with public safety. In the event of an extended or unscheduled outage at Wolf Creek, we would be required to generate power from more expensive units, purchase power in the open market to replace the power normally produced at Wolf Creek, and we would have less power available for sale by us in the wholesale markets. Such purchases would subject us to the risk of increased energy prices and, depending on the length and cost of the outage and the level of market prices, could adversely affect our cash flow. If we were not permitted by the KCC to recover these costs, such events could have an adverse impact on our consolidated financial condition.

 

We May Face Liability In Ongoing Lawsuits and Investigations

 

We and certain of our former and present directors and officers are defendants in civil litigation alleging violations of the securities laws. In addition, we continue to cooperate in investigations by a federal grand jury, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the DOJ into events that occurred at our company during the years prior to 2003. Our former president, chief executive officer and chairman and our former executive vice president and chief strategic officer have asserted significant claims against us in connection with the termination of their employment and the publication of the report of the special committee of our board of directors. An adverse result in any of these matters could result in damages, fines or penalties in amounts that could be material adverse affect our consolidated results and financial condition. Management believes that it is not currently possible to estimate the potential impact of the ultimate resolution of these matters.

 

 

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Table of Contents

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

We are exposed to market risk, including market changes, changes in commodity prices, equity instrument investment prices and interest rates. From December 31, 2004 to June 30, 2005, no significant changes have occurred in our exposure to market risk. For additional information, see our 2004 Form 10-K, “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.”

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These controls and procedures are designed to ensure that material information relating to the company and our subsidiaries is communicated to the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer. Based on that evaluation, our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer concluded that, as of June 30, 2005, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.

 

There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the three months ended June 30, 2005 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

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Table of Contents

Part II. Other Information

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

On September 21, 2004, a grand jury in Travis County, Texas, indicted us on charges that a $25,000 contribution by us in May 2002 to a Texas political action committee violated Texas election laws. We believe the indictment is without any merit, and we intend to vigorously defend against the charges. If convicted, the court could impose a fine of up to $20,000 or, in certain circumstances, in an amount not to exceed twice the amount caused to be lost by the commission of the felony. As a result of the indictment, the federal government could suspend our status as a government contractor. Upon a conviction, the federal government could bar us from acting as a government contractor. We are taking action to ensure that neither of these events occurs, but we do not know whether we will be successful. We are unable to predict the ultimate impact suspension or loss of our status as a government contractor would have on our consolidated results of operations.

 

Information on other legal proceedings is set forth in Notes 10, 11 and 12 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, “Legal Proceedings,” “Ongoing Investigations – Department of Labor Investigation” and “Potential Liabilities to David C. Wittig and Douglas T. Lake,” respectively, which are incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

None

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

We conducted our annual meeting of shareholders on May 17, 2005. At the meeting, the holders of 75,762,539 shares voted either in person or by proxy to elect four Class III directors. Ms. Mollie H. Carter, Mr. Jerry B. Farley, Mr. James S. Haines, Jr., and Mr. Arthur B. Krause were elected Class III directors to serve a term of three years.

 

     Votes

     For

   Withheld

Mollie H. Carter

   74,610,904    1,142,202

Jerry B. Farley

   74,572,192    1,164,457

James S. Haines, Jr.

   74,647,380    1,111,223

Arthur B. Krause

   74,581,235    1,157,781

R. Daniel Lykins

   35,057    —  

 

The shareholders present or represented at the meeting voted for an amendment to our articles of incorporation that changes the notice period for submitting shareholder proposals and shareholder nominees. The result of the vote taken was as follows:

 

     Votes

     For

   Against

   Abstain

Amendment to Articles of Incorporation

   70,437,549    4,833,733    491,257

 

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Table of Contents

The shareholders present or represented at the meeting voted for the ratification and confirmation of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2005. The result of the vote taken was as follows:

 

     Votes

     For

   Against

   Abstain

Deloitte & Touche LLP

   75,017,407    436,055    309,077

 

The shareholders present or represented at the meeting voted against a shareholder proposal regarding a process for shareholders in attendance at the annual meeting to nominate a director, if presented at the meeting. The result of the vote taken was as follows:

 

     Votes

     For

   Against

   Abstain

Shareholder proposal

   3,373,449    58,634,130    1,007,154

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

 

None

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

31(a)    Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 certifying the quarterly report provided for the period ended June 30, 2005
31(b)    Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 certifying the quarterly report provided for the period ended June 30, 2005
32    Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 certifying the quarterly report provided for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 (furnished and not to be considered filed as part of the Form 10-Q)

 

 

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Table of Contents

SIGNATURE

 

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

 

                WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
    Date:  

August 9, 2005


      By:  

/s/ Mark A. Ruelle


                   

Mark A. Ruelle,

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

 

41

Section 302 CEO Certification

Exhibit 31(a)

 

WESTAR ENERGY, INC.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, James S. Haines, Jr., as director, chief executive officer and president of Westar Energy, Inc., certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2005 of Westar Energy, Inc.;

 

  2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

  3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

  4. The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:

 

  a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d. Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the company’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  5. The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date:  

August 9, 2005


      By:  

/s/ James S. Haines, Jr.


               

James S. Haines, Jr.,

Director, Chief Executive Officer and President

Westar Energy, Inc.

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

Section 302 CFO Certification

Exhibit 31(b)

 

WESTAR ENERGY, INC.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, Mark A. Ruelle, as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Westar Energy, Inc., certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2005 of Westar Energy, Inc.;

 

  2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

  3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

  4. The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:

 

  a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d. Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the company’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  5. The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date:  

August 9, 2005


       By:   

/s/ Mark A. Ruelle


                 

Mark A. Ruelle,

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Westar Energy, Inc.

(Principal Accounting Officer)

Section 906 CEO and CFO Certification

Exhibit 32

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Westar Energy, Inc. (the Company) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 (the Report), which this certification accompanies, James S. Haines, Jr., in my capacity as Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Mark A. Ruelle, in my capacity as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify that the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

Date:  

August 9, 2005


      By:  

/s/ James S. Haines, Jr.


               

James S. Haines, Jr.,

Director, President and

Chief Executive Officer

Date:  

August 9, 2005


      By:  

/s/ Mark A. Ruelle


               

Mark A. Ruelle,

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer