2004 First Quarter Results Conference Call February 19, 4:00 PM (ET)
2 Table of Contents I.Highlights II.Normalized Volumes III.Segmented Data IV.2004 First Quarter Results V.Competitive Situation VI.Evolution of Gas Prices VII.Conclusion
3 Highlights Partner’s income of $71.8 M, up 1.5% or $1.0 M Increase in the transportation sector Negative impact of the decrease in the federal income tax rate for the distribution sector Partners’ income per unit of $0.63, down 1.6% or $0.01 An additional 4.0 M units outstanding, or 3.6%, compared with previous year Negative impact of the stronger canadian dollar Cash flow from operations (before working capital items) of $120.7 M, down 6.0% or $7.7 M Temperature warmer than normal and than Q1 2003
4 Normalized Volumes Note: Differences are due to rounding Conversion factor: 1 billion cubic feet = million cubic metres
5 Segmented Data (Partners’ income in thousands of $)
6 Financial Results (in millions of $, except per unit data, in $) 1 Excluding change in non-cash working capital 2 Excluding deferred charges related to gas cost of + $16.4 M and + $11.8 M for 2004 and 2003 respectively, but including commercial programs and information system development. Note: Differences are due to rounding
7 Competitive Situation How competitive is natural gas in Québec ? MarketMain CompetitorHow competitive* IndustrialFuel oil #6More expensive but more flexible and less polluting Commercial &Electricity8% cheaper Institutional ResidentialElectricity11% to 22% more expensive * Based on last 12 month historical prices.
8 Evolution of Gas Prices As of February 13, 2004 Sources: Bloomberg and Gaz Métro
9 Conclusion Distribution of $0.34 per unit to be paid on April 1, 2004 Change in the consolidation method for the investment in PNGTS Since November 17, 2003, use of the equity method (formerly proportionate consolidation method) Increase in earnings despite the negative impact of the federal income tax rate and of the strong canadian dollar