UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
ý QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 20162017
OR
o 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 1-34801-03480
MDU RESOURCES GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 41-0423660
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)


1200 West Century Avenue
P.O. Box 5650
Bismarck, North Dakota 58506-5650
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(701) 530-1000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


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 ý No o.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý No o.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer"filer," "smaller reporting company," and "smaller reporting"emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):
Large accelerated filer ý
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company o
Emerging growth company o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No ý.
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of October 31, 2016:27, 2017: 195,304,376 shares.








Index
Page
Definitions
Forward-Looking Statements
Introduction
Part I -- Financial Information
Item 1Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Income --
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income --
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016
Consolidated Balance Sheets --
September 30, 2017 and 2016, and December 31, 2016
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows --
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Item 2Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 3Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 4Controls and Procedures
Part II -- Other Information
Item 1Legal Proceedings
Item 1ARisk Factors
Item 4Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 5Other Information
Item 6Exhibits
Signatures
Exhibit Index
Exhibits


Definitions
The following abbreviations and acronyms used in this Form 10-Q are defined below:
Abbreviation or Acronym 
20152016 Annual ReportCompany's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20152016
AFUDCAllowance for funds used during construction
ASCFASB Accounting Standards Codification
ASUFASB Accounting Standards Update
ATBsAtmospheric tower bottoms
BblBarrel
Brazilian Transmission LinesCompany's former investment in companies owning three electric transmission lines
BtuBritish thermal unit in Brazil
CalumetCalumet Specialty Products Partners, L.P.
Capital ElectricCapital Electric Construction Company, Inc., a direct wholly owned subsidiary of MDU Construction Services
CascadeCascade Natural Gas Corporation, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of MDU Energy Capital
CentennialCentennial Energy Holdings, Inc., a direct wholly owned subsidiary of the Company
Centennial CapitalCentennial Holdings Capital LLC, a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Centennial
Centennial ResourcesCentennial Energy Resources LLC, a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Centennial
CompanyMDU Resources Group, Inc.
Coyote CreekCoyote Creek Mining Company, LLC, a subsidiary of The North American Coal Corporation
Coyote Station427-MW coal-fired electric generating facility near Beulah, North Dakota (25 percent ownership)
Dakota Prairie Refinery20,000-barrel-per-day diesel topping plant built by Dakota Prairie Refining in southwestern North Dakota
Dakota Prairie RefiningDakota Prairie Refining, LLC, a limited liability company previously owned by WBI Energy and Calumet (previously included in the Company's refining segment)
D.C. Circuit CourtUnited States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
dkDecatherm
Dodd-Frank ActDodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
EPAUnited States Environmental Protection Agency
ERISAEmployee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974
Exchange ActSecurities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board
FERCFederal Energy Regulatory Commission
FidelityFidelity Exploration & Production Company, a direct wholly owned subsidiary of WBI Holdings (previously referred to as the Company's exploration and production segment)
FIPFunding improvement plan
GAAPAccounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
GHGGreenhouse gas
Great PlainsGreat Plains Natural Gas Co., a public utility division of the Company
IFRSInternational Financial Reporting Standards
IntermountainIntermountain Gas Company, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of MDU Energy Capital
IPUCIdaho Public Utilities Commission
JTL - WyomingJTL Group, Inc. (Wyoming Corporation), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Knife River
Knife RiverKnife River Corporation, a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Centennial
Knife River - NorthwestKnife River Corporation - Northwest, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Knife River
kWhKilowatt-hour
LWGLower Willamette Group
MD&AManagement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
MDU Construction ServicesMDU Construction Services Group, Inc., a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Centennial
MDU Energy CapitalMDU Energy Capital, LLC, a direct wholly owned subsidiary of the Company
MEPPMultiemployer pension plan
MISOMidcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
MMBtuMillion Btu


MMdkMillion dk
MNPUCMinnesota Public Utilities Commission
Montana-DakotaMontana-Dakota Utilities Co., a public utility division of the Company
Montana Seventeenth Judicial District CourtMTPSCMontana Seventeenth Judicial District Court, Phillips CountyPublic Service Commission


MPPAAMultiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980
MWMegawatt
NDPSCNorth Dakota Public Service Commission
NGLNatural gas liquids
OilIncludes crude oil and condensate
OmimexOmimex Canada, Ltd.
OPUCOregon Public Utility Commission
Oregon DEQOregon State Department of Environmental Quality
PronghornNatural gas processing plant located near Belfield, North Dakota (WBI Energy Midstream's 50 percent ownership interests were sold effective January 1, 2017)
PRPPotentially Responsible Party
RINRenewable Identification Number
RODRecord of Decision
RPRehabilitation plan
SDPUCSouth Dakota Public Utilities Commission
SECUnited States Securities and Exchange Commission
SEC Defined PricesSSIPThe average price of oilSystem Safety and natural gas during the applicable 12-month period, determined as an unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month within such period, unless prices are defined by contractual arrangements, excluding escalations based upon future conditions
Securities ActSecurities Act of 1933, as amendedIntegrity Program
TesoroTesoro Refining & Marketing Company LLC
UATesoro LogisticsUnited Association of Journeyman and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada
United States District Court for the District of MontanaUnited States District Court for the District of Montana, Great Falls Division
United States Supreme CourtSupreme Court of the United States
QEP Field Services, LLC doing business as Tesoro Logistics Rockies LLC

VIEVariable interest entity
Washington DOEWashington State Department of Ecology
WBI EnergyWBI Energy, Inc., an indirecta direct wholly owned subsidiary of WBI Holdings
WBI Energy MidstreamWBI Energy Midstream, LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of WBI Holdings
WBI Energy TransmissionWBI Energy Transmission, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of WBI Holdings
WBI HoldingsWBI Holdings, Inc., a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Centennial
WUTCWashington Utilities and Transportation Commission
WYPSCWyoming Public Service Commission




Forward-Looking Statements
This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements are all statements other than statements of historical fact, including without limitation those statements that are identified by the words "anticipates," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "predicts" and similar expressions, and include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions (many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions) and other statements that are not statements of historical facts. From time to time, the Company may publish or otherwise make available forward-looking statements of this nature, including statements contained within Part I, Item 2 - MD&A - Prospective Information.
Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed. The Company's expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and are believed by the Company to have a reasonable basis, including without limitation, management's examination of historical operating trends, data contained in the Company's records and other data available from third parties. Nonetheless, the Company's expectations, beliefs or projections may not be achieved or accomplished.
Any forward-looking statement contained in this document speaks only as of the date on which the statement is made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all of the factors, nor can it assess the effect of each factor on the Company's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. All forward-looking statements, whether written or oral and whether made by or on behalf of the Company, are expressly qualified by the risk factors and cautionary statements reported in Part I, Item 1A - Risk Factors in the 2016 Annual Report and subsequent filings with the SEC.
Introduction
The Company is a regulated energy delivery and construction materials and services business, which was incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware in 1924. Its principal executive offices are at 1200 West Century Avenue, P.O. Box 5650, Bismarck, North Dakota 58506-5650, telephone (701) 530-1000.
Montana-Dakota, throughGreat Plains, Cascade and Intermountain comprise the electric and natural gas distribution segments, generates, transmits and distributes electricity and distributes natural gas in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. Cascade distributes natural gas in Oregon and Washington. Intermountain distributes natural gas in Idaho. Great Plains distributes natural gas in western Minnesota and southeastern North Dakota. These operationssegment. Montana-Dakota also supply related value-added services.comprises the electric segment.
The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Centennial, owns WBI Holdings, (comprisedKnife River, MDU Construction Services, Centennial Resources and Centennial Capital. WBI Holdings is comprised of the pipeline and midstream segment and Fidelity, formerly the Company's exploration and production business),business. Knife River (constructionis the construction materials and contracting segment),segment, MDU Construction Services (constructionis the construction services segment),segment, and Centennial Resources and Centennial Capital (both reflected in the Other category).
In the second quarter of 2016, the Company sold all of the outstanding membership interests in Dakota Prairie Refining and exited that line of business. Therefore, the results of Dakota Prairie Refining are reflected in discontinued operations, other than certain general and administrative costs and interest expense which are reflected in the Other category.
In the second quarter of 2015, the Company announced its plan to market Fidelity and exit that line of business. The Company completed the sale of all of its marketed assets. Therefore, the results of Fidelity are reflected in discontinued operations, other than certain general and administrative costs and interest expense which areboth reflected in the Other category.
For more information on the Company's business segments and discontinued operations, see Notes 108 and 16.13.



Index

Part I -- Financial InformationPage
Consolidated Statements of Income --
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income --
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015
Consolidated Balance Sheets --
September 30, 2016 and 2015, and December 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows --
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Controls and Procedures
Part II -- Other Information
Legal Proceedings
Risk Factors
Mine Safety Disclosures
Exhibits
Signatures
Exhibit Index
Exhibits



Part I -- Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
MDU Resources Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
Three Months EndedNine Months EndedThree Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 30,September 30,
2016
2015
2016
2015
2017
2016
2017
2016
(In thousands, except per share amounts)(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Operating revenues:  
Electric, natural gas distribution and regulated pipeline and midstream$192,079
$185,417
$783,997
$807,585
$206,936
$192,079
$866,035
$783,997
Nonregulated pipeline and midstream, construction materials and contracting, construction services and other1,016,488
1,012,925
2,328,733
2,189,640
1,065,612
1,016,488
2,412,077
2,328,733
Total operating revenues 1,208,567
1,198,342
3,112,730
2,997,225
1,272,548
1,208,567
3,278,112
3,112,730
Operating expenses: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel and purchased power16,800
20,616
54,725
63,761
Purchased natural gas sold34,321
37,574
242,795
305,313
Operation and maintenance: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric, natural gas distribution and regulated pipeline and midstream77,662
68,344
229,364
207,144
79,293
77,662
235,306
229,364
Nonregulated pipeline and midstream, construction materials and contracting, construction services and other842,878
859,843
2,008,122
1,919,455
893,616
842,878
2,115,747
2,008,122
Total operation and maintenance972,909
920,540
2,351,053
2,237,486
Electric fuel and purchased power18,906
16,800
57,544
54,725
Purchased natural gas sold33,319
34,321
283,936
242,795
Depreciation, depletion and amortization54,094
51,746
163,226
154,669
52,155
54,094
155,138
163,226
Taxes, other than income36,128
32,391
116,864
109,039
38,882
36,128
127,273
116,864
Total operating expenses1,061,883
1,070,514
2,815,096
2,759,381
1,116,171
1,061,883
2,974,944
2,815,096
Operating income146,684
127,828
297,634
237,844
156,377
146,684
303,168
297,634
Other income1,741
3,300
3,662
5,673
1,011
1,741
2,809
3,662
Interest expense22,278
22,417
67,365
68,872
20,909
22,278
61,978
67,365
Income before income taxes126,147
108,711
233,931
174,645
136,479
126,147
243,999
233,931
Income taxes37,761
34,825
67,381
54,157
46,930
37,761
74,406
67,381
Income from continuing operations88,386
73,886
166,550
120,488
89,549
88,386
169,593
166,550
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (Note 10)(5,400)(223,112)(299,538)(816,517)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (Note 8)(2,198)(5,400)(3,702)(299,538)
Net income (loss)82,986
(149,226)(132,988)(696,029)87,351
82,986
165,891
(132,988)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest (Note 10)
(9,778)(131,691)(21,060)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest (Note 8)


(131,691)
Loss on redemption of preferred stocks

600

Dividends declared on preferred stocks171
171
514
514

171
171
514
Earnings (loss) on common stock$82,815
$(139,619)$(1,811)$(675,483)$87,351
$82,815
$165,120
$(1,811)
Earnings (loss) per common share - basic: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings before discontinued operations$.45
$.38
$.85
$.62
$.46
$.45
$.86
$.85
Discontinued operations attributable to the Company, net of tax(.03)(1.10)(.86)(4.09)(.01)(.03)(.01)(.86)
Earnings (loss) per common share - basic$.42
$(.72)$(.01)$(3.47)$.45
$.42
$.85
$(.01)
Earnings (loss) per common share - diluted: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings before discontinued operations$.45
$.38
$.85
$.62
$.46
$.45
$.86
$.85
Discontinued operations attributable to the Company, net of tax(.03)(1.10)(.86)(4.09)(.01)(.03)(.02)(.86)
Earnings (loss) per common share - diluted$.42
$(.72)$(.01)$(3.47)$.45
$.42
$.84
$(.01)
Dividends declared per common share$.1875
$.1825
$.5625
$.5475
$.1925
$.1875
$.5775
$.5625
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic195,304
195,151
195,298
194,814
195,304
195,304
195,304
195,298
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted195,811
195,169
195,794
194,833
195,783
195,811
195,922
195,794
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.




MDU Resources Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
Three Months EndedNine Months EndedThree Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 30,September 30,
20162015201620152017201620172016
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Net income (loss)$82,986
$(149,226)$(132,988)$(696,029)$87,351
$82,986
$165,891
$(132,988)
Other comprehensive income (loss):  
Reclassification adjustment for loss on derivative instruments included in net income (loss), net of tax of $56 and $60 for the three months ended and $170 and $181 for the nine months ended in 2016 and 2015, respectively92
100
275
299
Amortization of postretirement liability (gains) losses included in net periodic benefit cost, net of tax of $143 and $233 for the three months ended and $(676) and $881 for the nine months ended in 2016 and 2015, respectively236
382
(1,111)1,341
Foreign currency translation adjustment: 
Foreign currency translation adjustment recognized during the period, net of tax of $(2) and $(44) for the three months ended and $32 and $(107) for the nine months ended in 2016 and 2015, respectively(4)(73)52
(176)
Reclassification adjustment for loss on foreign currency translation adjustment included in net income (loss), net of tax of $0 and $0 for the three months ended and $0 and $491 for the nine months ended in 2016 and 2015, respectively


802
Foreign currency translation adjustment(4)(73)52
626
Reclassification adjustment for loss on derivative instruments included in net income (loss), net of tax of $56 and $56 for the three months ended and $168 and $170 for the nine months ended in 2017 and 2016, respectively92
92
275
275
Postretirement liability adjustment: 
Amortization of postretirement liability (gains) losses included in net periodic benefit cost (credit), net of tax of $203 and $143 for the three months ended and $609 and $(676) for the nine months ended in 2017 and 2016, respectively333
236
1,002
(1,111)
Reclassification of postretirement liability adjustment from regulatory asset, net of tax of $0 and $0 for the three months ended and $(725) and $0 for the nine months ended in 2017 and 2016, respectively

(917)
Postretirement liability adjustment333
236
85
(1,111)
Foreign currency translation adjustment recognized during the period, net of tax of $9 and $(2) for the three months ended and $5 and $32 for the nine months ended in 2017 and 2016, respectively15
(4)9
52
Net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments:  
Net unrealized loss on available-for-sale investments arising during the period, net of tax of $(23) and $(19) for the three months ended and $(35) and $(57) for the nine months ended in 2016 and 2015, respectively(42)(35)(65)(105)
Reclassification adjustment for loss on available-for-sale investments included in net income (loss), net of tax of $18 and $15 for the three months ended and $57 and $53 for the nine months ended in 2016 and 2015, respectively33
28
106
98
Net unrealized loss on available-for-sale investments arising during the period, net of tax of $(10) and $(23) for the three months ended and $(38) and $(35) for the nine months ended in 2017 and 2016, respectively(19)(42)(70)(65)
Reclassification adjustment for loss on available-for-sale investments included in net income (loss), net of tax of $14 and $18 for the three months ended and $50 and $57 for the nine months ended in 2017 and 2016, respectively27
33
93
106
Net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments(9)(7)41
(7)8
(9)23
41
Other comprehensive income (loss)315
402
(743)2,259
448
315
392
(743)
Comprehensive income (loss)83,301
(148,824)(133,731)(693,770)87,799
83,301
166,283
(133,731)
Comprehensive loss from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest
(9,778)(131,691)(21,060)


(131,691)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common stockholders$83,301
$(139,046)$(2,040)$(672,710)$87,799
$83,301
$166,283
$(2,040)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.








MDU Resources Group, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
September 30, 2016September 30, 2015December 31, 2015September 30, 2017September 30, 2016December 31, 2016
(In thousands, except shares and per share amounts)(In thousands, except shares and per share amounts) (In thousands, except shares and per share amounts) 
Assets  
Current assets:  
Cash and cash equivalents$59,868
$88,630
$83,903
$37,356
$59,868
$46,107
Receivables, net665,142
663,342
582,475
739,402
665,142
630,243
Inventories245,790
245,987
240,551
232,555
245,790
238,273
Deferred income taxes31,378
31,892
33,121
Prepayments and other current assets49,081
55,860
29,528
89,625
49,082
48,461
Current assets held for sale93,366
117,823
54,847
304
45,867
14,391
Total current assets1,144,625
1,203,534
1,024,425
1,099,242
1,065,749
977,475
Investments126,048
118,063
119,704
133,895
126,048
125,866
Property, plant and equipment6,588,445
6,199,880
6,387,702
6,658,891
6,588,445
6,510,229
Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization2,583,566
2,443,830
2,489,322
2,667,762
2,583,566
2,578,902
Net property, plant and equipment4,004,879
3,756,050
3,898,380
3,991,129
4,004,879
3,931,327
Deferred charges and other assets: 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill641,527
635,204
635,204
631,791
641,527
631,791
Other intangible assets, net6,529
7,908
7,342
4,209
6,529
5,925
Other360,537
346,163
351,603
419,846
360,537
415,419
Noncurrent assets held for sale69,061
909,150
565,509
64,333
112,440
196,664
Total deferred charges and other assets 1,077,654
1,898,425
1,559,658
1,120,179
1,121,033
1,249,799
Total assets$6,353,206
$6,976,072
$6,602,167
$6,344,445
$6,317,709
$6,284,467
Liabilities and Equity 
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity 
 
 
Current liabilities: 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt due within one year$93,598
$258,539
$238,539
$148,499
$93,598
$43,598
Accounts payable281,373
271,767
286,061
304,101
281,373
279,962
Taxes payable59,747
42,637
46,880
108,946
59,747
48,164
Dividends payable36,791
35,807
36,784
37,596
36,791
37,767
Accrued compensation58,604
59,218
45,192
67,097
58,604
65,867
Other accrued liabilities191,904
157,116
167,322
184,580
191,904
184,377
Current liabilities held for sale22,185
123,628
130,375
5,749
18,065
9,924
Total current liabilities 744,202
948,712
951,153
856,568
740,082
669,659
Long-term debt1,808,350
1,942,234
1,557,624
1,592,053
1,808,350
1,746,561
Deferred credits and other liabilities: 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred income taxes693,704
718,348
696,750
652,413
662,326
668,226
Other821,889
755,790
812,342
889,494
821,890
883,777
Noncurrent liabilities held for sale
96,117
63,750
Total deferred credits and other liabilities 1,515,593
1,570,255
1,572,842
1,541,907
1,484,216
1,552,003
Commitments and contingencies











Equity:
 
 
 
Stockholders' equity:
 
 
 
Preferred stocks15,000
15,000
15,000

15,000
15,000
Common stockholders' equity: 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock 
 
 
 
 
 
Authorized - 500,000,000 shares, $1.00 par value
Shares issued - 195,843,297 at September 30, 2016, 195,804,665 at
September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2015
195,843
195,805
195,805
Authorized - 500,000,000 shares, $1.00 par value
Shares issued - 195,843,297 at September 30, 2017 and 2016 and
December 31, 2016
195,843
195,843
195,843
Other paid-in capital1,231,396
1,228,875
1,230,119
1,232,766
1,231,396
1,232,478
Retained earnings884,339
980,421
996,355
964,275
884,339
912,282
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(37,891)(39,844)(37,148)(35,341)(37,891)(35,733)
Treasury stock at cost - 538,921 shares(3,626)(3,626)(3,626)(3,626)(3,626)(3,626)
Total common stockholders' equity2,270,061
2,361,631
2,381,505
2,353,917
2,270,061
2,301,244
Total stockholders' equity2,285,061
2,376,631
2,396,505
2,353,917
2,285,061
2,316,244
Noncontrolling interest
138,240
124,043
Total equity2,285,061
2,514,871
2,520,548
Total liabilities and equity $6,353,206
$6,976,072
$6,602,167
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $6,344,445
$6,317,709
$6,284,467
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.




MDU Resources Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
 Nine Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 September 30, September 30,
 2016
2015
 2017
2016
 (In thousands) (In thousands)
Operating activities:    
Net loss $(132,988)$(696,029)
Net income (loss) $165,891
$(132,988)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (299,538)(816,517) (3,702)(299,538)
Income from continuing operations 166,550
120,488
 169,593
166,550
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:  
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:  
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 163,226
154,669
 155,138
163,226
Deferred income taxes (1,346)(48) (16,777)(1,346)
Changes in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:  
   
 
Receivables (75,308)(76,447) (121,128)(75,308)
Inventories (4,153)(3,660) 2,047
(4,153)
Other current assets (18,824)34,493
 (40,655)(18,824)
Accounts payable 15,514
47,629
 30,097
15,514
Other current liabilities 48,973
5,187
 66,647
48,973
Other noncurrent changes (25,284)(4,478) (15,081)(25,284)
Net cash provided by continuing operations 269,348
277,833
 229,881
269,348
Net cash provided by discontinued operations 7,127
125,738
 42,020
7,127
Net cash provided by operating activities 276,475
403,571
 271,901
276,475
Investing activities:  
 
  
 
Capital expenditures (303,873)(397,005) (222,084)(303,873)
Net proceeds from sale or disposition of property and other 17,583
37,679
 121,162
17,583
Investments 56
1,309
 (260)56
Net cash used in continuing operations (286,234)(358,017) (101,182)(286,234)
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations 31,918
(185,999)
Net cash provided by discontinued operations 2,234
31,918
Net cash used in investing activities (254,316)(544,016) (98,948)(254,316)
Financing activities:  
 
  
 
Issuance of long-term debt 341,777
327,475
 133,437
341,777
Repayment of long-term debt (236,433)(143,333) (183,968)(236,433)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 
21,894
Dividends paid (110,366)(107,028) (113,131)(110,366)
Redemption of preferred stock (15,600)
Repurchase of common stock (1,684)
Tax withholding on stock-based compensation (323)
 (757)(323)
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operations (5,345)99,008
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations (40,852)69,780
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (46,197)168,788
Net cash used in continuing operations (181,703)(5,345)
Net cash used in discontinued operations 
(40,852)
Net cash used in financing activities (181,703)(46,197)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 3
(192) (1)3
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (24,035)28,151
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (8,751)(24,035)
Cash and cash equivalents -- beginning of year 83,903
60,479
 46,107
83,903
Cash and cash equivalents -- end of period $59,868
$88,630
 $37,356
$59,868
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.




MDU Resources Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements
September 30, 20162017 and 20152016
(Unaudited)
Note 1 - Basis of presentation
The accompanying consolidated interim financial statements were prepared in conformityaccordance with GAAP for interim financial information and with the basisinstructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of presentation reflected in the consolidated financial statements included in the Company's 2015 Annual Report, and the standards of accounting measurement set forth in the interim reporting guidance in the ASC and any amendments thereto adopted by the FASB.Regulation S-X. Interim financial statements do not include all disclosures provided in annual financial statements and, accordingly, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with those appearing in the 20152016 Annual Report. The information is unaudited but includes all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the accompanying consolidated interim financial statements and are of a normal recurring nature. Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense is reported separately on the Consolidated Statements of Income and therefore is excluded from the other line items within operating expenses. Management has also evaluated the impact of events occurring after September 30, 2016,2017, up to the date of issuance of these consolidated interim financial statements.

On June 24, 2016, WBI Energy entered into a membership interest purchase agreement with Tesoro to sell all of the outstanding membership interests in Dakota Prairie Refining to Tesoro. WBI Energy and Calumet each previously owned 50 percent of the Dakota Prairie Refining membership interests and were equal members in building and operating Dakota Prairie Refinery. To effectuate the sale, WBI Energy acquired Calumet’s 50 percent membership interest in Dakota Prairie Refining on June 27, 2016. The sale of the membership interests to Tesoro closed on June 27, 2016. The sale of Dakota Prairie Refining reduces the Company’s risk by decreasing exposure to commodity prices.

In the second quarter of 2015, the Company began the marketing and sale process of Fidelity with an anticipated sale to occur within one year. Between September 2015 and March 2016, the Company entered into purchase and sale agreements to sell all of Fidelity's marketed oil and natural gas assets. The completion of these sales occurred between October 2015 and April 2016. The sale of Fidelity was part of the Company's strategic plan to grow its capital investments in the remaining business segments and to focus on creating a greater long-term value.
The assets and liabilities for the Company's discontinued operations have been classified as held for sale and the results of operations are shown in loss from discontinued operations, other than certain general and administrative costs and interest expense which do not meet the criteria for income (loss) from discontinued operations. The Company's consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes for current and prior periods have been restated. At the time the assets were classified as held for sale, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense was no longer recorded. Unless otherwise indicated, the amounts presented in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements relate to the Company's continuing operations. For more information on the Company's discontinued operations, see Note 10.8.
Note 2 - Seasonality of operations
Some of the Company's operations are highly seasonal and revenues from, and certain expenses for, such operations may fluctuate significantly among quarterly periods. Accordingly, the interim results for particular businesses, and for the Company as a whole, may not be indicative of results for the full fiscal year.
Note 3 - Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
Accounts receivable consist primarily of trade receivables from the sale of goods and services which are recorded at the invoiced amount net of allowance for doubtful accounts, and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts. The total balance of receivables past due 90 days or more was $27.2 million, $26.3 million $29.3 million and $27.8$29.2 million at September 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively.
The allowance for doubtful accounts is determined through a review of past due balances and other specific account data. Account balances are written off when management determines the amounts to be uncollectible. The Company's allowance for doubtful accounts at September 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, and December 31, 2015,2016, was $9.0 million, $10.2 million $9.0 million and $9.8$10.5 million, respectively.


Note 4 - Inventories and natural gas in storage
Natural gas in storage for the Company's regulated operations is generally carried at averagelower of cost or net realizable value, or cost using the last-in, first-out method. All other inventories are stated at the lower of average cost or marketnet realizable value. The portion of the cost of natural gas in storage expected to be used within one year is included in inventories. Inventories consisted of:
 September 30, 2017
September 30, 2016
December 31, 2016
 (In thousands)
Aggregates held for resale$116,399
$119,078
$115,471
Natural gas in storage (current)29,974
35,625
25,761
Asphalt oil26,682
23,480
29,103
Materials and supplies20,778
18,584
18,372
Merchandise for resale15,346
15,672
16,437
Other23,376
33,351
33,129
Total$232,555
$245,790
$238,273
 September 30, 2016
September 30, 2015
December 31, 2015
 (In thousands)
Aggregates held for resale$119,078
$115,736
$115,854
Asphalt oil23,480
33,581
36,498
Natural gas in storage (current)35,625
28,222
21,023
Materials and supplies18,584
19,404
16,997
Merchandise for resale15,672
15,563
15,318
Other33,351
33,481
34,861
Total$245,790
$245,987
$240,551

The remainder of natural gas in storage, which largely represents the cost of gas required to maintain pressure levels for normal operating purposes, iswas included in deferred charges and other assets - other and was $49.5 million, $49.1 million $49.3 million and $49.1$49.5 million at September 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively.



Note 5 - Impairment of long-lived assets
During the second quarter of 2015, the Company recognized an impairment of coalbed natural gas gathering assets at the pipeline and midstream segment of $3.0 million, which is recorded in operation and maintenance expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The impairment is related to coalbed natural gas gathering assets located in Wyoming where there had been continued decline in natural gas development and production activity due to low natural gas prices. The coalbed natural gas gathering assets were written down to their estimated fair value that was determined using the income approach.

The Company negotiated a purchase and sale agreement for the sale of certain non-strategic natural gas gathering assets at the pipeline and midstream segment and, as a result, recognized an impairment during the third quarter of 2015 of $14.1 million, largely related to these assets, which is recorded in operation and maintenance expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The natural gas gathering assets were written down to their estimated fair value that was determined using the market approach.

For more information on these nonrecurring fair value measurements, see Note 13.

For information regarding impairments related to the Company's discontinued operations, see Note 10.
Note 6 - Earnings (loss) per common share
Basic earnings (loss) per common share were computed by dividing earnings (loss) on common stock by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the applicable period. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share were computed by dividing earnings (loss) on common stock by the total of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the applicable period, plus the effect of outstanding performance share awards. Common stock outstanding includes issued shares less shares held in treasury. Net income (loss) was the same for both the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share calculations. A reconciliation of the weighted average common shares outstanding used in the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share calculations was as follows:
 Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
 September 30,September 30,
 2017
2016
2017
2016
 (In thousands)
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic195,304
195,304
195,304
195,298
Effect of dilutive performance share awards479
507
618
496
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted195,783
195,811
195,922
195,794
Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share



Note 6 - New accounting standards
Recently adopted accounting standards
Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes In November 2015, the FASB issued guidance regarding the classification of deferred taxes on the balance sheet. The guidance requires all deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as noncurrent. These amendments align GAAP with IFRS. The Company adopted the guidance in the fourth quarter of 2016 and applied the retrospective method of adoption. The guidance required a reclassification of current deferred income taxes to noncurrent deferred income taxes on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, but did not impact the Company's results of operations or cash flows. As a result of the retrospective application of this change in accounting principle, the Company reclassified deferred income taxes of $31.4 million from current assets - deferred income taxes to deferred credits and other liabilities - deferred income taxes on its Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2016.
Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory In July 2015, the FASB issued guidance regarding inventory that is measured using the first-in, first-out or average cost method. The guidance does not apply to inventory measured using the last-in, first-out or the retail inventory method. The guidance requires inventory within its scope to be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value, which is the estimated selling price in the normal course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. These amendments more closely align GAAP with IFRS. The Company adopted the guidance on January 1, 2017, on a prospective basis. The guidance did not have a material effect on the Company's results of operations, financial position, cash flows or disclosures.
Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance regarding simplification of several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions. The guidance affects the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, classification on the statement of cash flows and calculation of dilutive shares. The Company adopted the guidance on January 1, 2017. All amendments in the guidance that apply to the Company were adopted on a prospective basis resulting in no adjustments being made to retained earnings. The adoption of the guidance impacted the Consolidated Statement of Income and the Consolidated Balance Sheet in the first quarter of 2017 due to the taxes related to the stock-based compensation award that vested in February 2017 being recognized as income tax expense as compared to a reduction to additional paid-in capital under the previous guidance. Adoption of the guidance also increased the number of shares included in the diluted earnings per share calculation due to the exclusion of tax benefits in the incremental shares calculation. The change in the weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted did not result in a material effect on the earnings per common share - diluted.
Recently issued accounting standards not yet adopted
Revenue from Contracts with Customers In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance on accounting for revenue from contracts with customers. The guidance provides for a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry specific guidance. In August 2015, the FASB issued guidance deferring the effective date of the revenue guidance and allowing entities to early adopt. With this decision, the guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Entities will have the option of using either a full retrospective or modified retrospective approach to adopting the guidance.
The Company plans to adopt the guidance on January 1, 2018, and to use the modified retrospective approach. Under the modified retrospective approach, an entity would recognize the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance with an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. To date, the Company has not identified any material cumulative effect adjustments to be made to retained earnings. In addition, the guidance will require expanded disclosures, both quantitative and qualitative, related to the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. To date, the Company has reviewed nearly all of its revenue streams, completing the

 Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
 September 30,September 30,
 2016
2015
2016
2015
 (In thousands)
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic195,304
195,151
195,298
194,814
Effect of dilutive performance share awards507
18
496
19
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted195,811
195,169
195,794
194,833
Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share




preliminary evaluation of the impact of this guidance. Based on the preliminary evaluation, the Company does not anticipate a significant change in the timing of revenue recognition, results of operations, financial position or cash flows, however the Company will continue to evaluate the impact of this guidance through the date of adoption.
Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance regarding the classification and measurement of financial instruments. The guidance revises the way an entity classifies and measures investments in equity securities, the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value and amends certain disclosure requirements related to the fair value of financial instruments. This guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2018, with early adoption of certain amendments permitted. The guidance should be applied using a modified retrospective approach with the exception of equity securities without readily determinable fair values which will be applied prospectively. The Company is evaluating the effects the adoption of the new guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position, cash flows and disclosures.
Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments In August 2016, the FASB issued guidance to clarify the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The guidance is intended to standardize the presentation and classification of certain transactions, including cash payments for debt prepayment or extinguishment, proceeds from insurance claim settlements and distributions from equity method investments. In addition, the guidance clarifies how to classify transactions that have characteristics of more than one class of cash flows. This guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted. Entities must apply the guidance retrospectively unless it is impracticable to do so, in which case they may apply it prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. The Company plans to adopt the guidance on January 1, 2018. The Company's initial evaluation of the guidance did not identify any changes to the current presentation of the statement of cash flows; therefore, no retrospective adjustments to prior periods will be necessary.
Clarifying the Definition of a Business In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. The guidance provides a screen to determine when an integrated set of assets and activities is not a business. The guidance will also affect other aspects of accounting, such as determining reporting units for goodwill testing and whether an entity has acquired or sold a business. The guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2018, and should be applied on a prospective basis with early adoption permitted for transactions that occur before the issuance or effective date of the amendments and only when the transactions have not been reported in the financial statements or made available for issuance. The Company expects to adopt this guidance as required and does not expect the guidance to have a material effect on its results of operations, financial position, cash flows and disclosures.
Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost In March 2017, the FASB issued guidance to improve the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost. The guidance requires the service cost component to be presented in the income statement in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services performed during the period. Other components of net benefit cost shall be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations. The guidance also only allows the service cost component to be capitalized. The guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2018, including interim periods, with early adoption permitted as of the beginning of an annual period for which the financial statements have not been issued. The guidance shall be applied on a retrospective basis for the financial statement presentation and on a prospective basis for the capitalization of the service cost component.
The Company plans to adopt the guidance as required on January 1, 2018, which will include the reclassification of all components of net periodic benefit costs, except for the service cost component, from operating expenses to other income on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The impact upon adoption of the new guidance will be an increase to operating income and decrease to other income on the Consolidated Statements of Income and no impact to earnings. The guidance will not have a material impact on the Company's disclosures or cash flows.
Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance regarding leases. The guidance requires lessees to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset on the balance sheet for operating and financing leases with terms of more than 12 months. The guidance remains largely the same for lessors, although some changes were made to better align lessor accounting with the new lessee accounting and to align with the revenue recognition standard. The guidance also requires additional disclosures, both quantitative and qualitative, related to operating and finance leases for the lessee and sales-type, direct financing and operating leases for the lessor. This guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, and should be applied using a modified retrospective approach with early adoption permitted. The Company continues to evaluate the potential impact the adoption of the new guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position, cash flows and disclosures. The Company is planning to adopt the standard on January 1, 2019, utilizing the practical expedient that allows the Company to not reassess whether an expired or existing contract contains a lease, the classification of leases or initial direct costs.
Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance on simplifying the test for goodwill impairment by eliminating Step 2, which required an entity to measure the amount of impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of such goodwill. This guidance requires entities to perform a quantitative impairment test, previously Step 1, to identify both the existence of impairment and the amount of impairment loss


by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount. Entities will continue to have the option of performing a qualitative assessment to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. The guidance also requires additional disclosures if an entity has one or more reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts of net assets. The guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2020, and should be applied on a prospective basis with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the effects the adoption of the new guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position, cash flows and disclosures.


Note 7 - Cash flow informationComprehensive income (loss)
Cash expenditures for interest and income taxesThe after-tax changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows:
 Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 2016
2015
 (In thousands)
Interest, net of amounts capitalized and AFUDC - borrowed of $842 and $6,989 in 2016 and 2015, respectively$66,281
$69,253
Income taxes paid, net$73,771
$39,543
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative
Instruments
Qualifying as Hedges

Postretirement
Liability Adjustment

Foreign
Currency Translation Adjustment

Net Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on
Available-for-sale
Investments

Total
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss

 (In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period$(2,117)$(33,469)$(155)$(48)$(35,789)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

15
(19)(4)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss92
333

27
452
Net current-period other comprehensive income92
333
15
8
448
Balance at end of period$(2,025)$(33,136)$(140)$(40)$(35,341)
Noncash investing transactions
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative
Instruments
Qualifying as Hedges

Postretirement
Liability Adjustment

Foreign
Currency Translation Adjustment

Net Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on
Available-for-sale
Investments

Total
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss

 (In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period$(2,484)$(35,604)$(144)$26
$(38,206)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications

(4)(42)(46)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss92
236

33
361
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)92
236
(4)(9)315
Balance at end of period$(2,392)$(35,368)$(148)$17
$(37,891)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative
Instruments
Qualifying as Hedges

Postretirement
Liability Adjustment

Foreign
Currency Translation Adjustment

Net Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on
Available-for-sale
Investments

Total
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss

 (In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period$(2,300)$(33,221)$(149)$(63)$(35,733)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

9
(70)(61)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss275
1,002

93
1,370
Amounts reclassified to accumulated other comprehensive loss from a regulatory asset
(917)

(917)
Net current-period other comprehensive income275
85
9
23
392
Balance at end of period$(2,025)$(33,136)$(140)$(40)$(35,341)



Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative
Instruments
Qualifying as Hedges

Postretirement
Liability Adjustment

Foreign
Currency Translation Adjustment

Net Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on
Available-for-sale
Investments

Total
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss

 (In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period$(2,667)$(34,257)$(200)$(24)$(37,148)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

52
(65)(13)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss275
(1,111)
106
(730)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)275
(1,111)52
41
(743)
Balance at end of period$(2,392)$(35,368)$(148)$17
$(37,891)


Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows:
 September 30,
 2016
2015
 (In thousands)
Property, plant and equipment additions in accounts payable$22,560
$15,348
 Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
Location on Consolidated Statements of
Income
 September 30,September 30,
 2017201620172016
 (In thousands) 
Reclassification adjustment for loss on derivative instruments included in net income (loss)$(148)$(148)$(443)$(445)Interest expense
 56
56
168
170
Income taxes
 (92)(92)(275)(275) 
Amortization of postretirement liability gains (losses) included in net periodic benefit cost (credit)(536)(379)(1,611)1,787
(a)
 203
143
609
(676)Income taxes
 (333)(236)(1,002)1,111
 
Reclassification adjustment for loss on available-for-sale investments included in net income (loss)(41)(51)(143)(163)Other income
 14
18
50
57
Income taxes
 (27)(33)(93)(106) 
Total reclassifications$(452)$(361)$(1,370)$730
 
(a) Included in net periodic benefit cost (credit). For more information, see Note 14.

Note 8 - Assets held for sale and discontinued operations
Assets held for sale
The assets and liabilities of Pronghorn were classified as held for sale in the fourth quarter of 2016. Pronghorn's results of operations for 2016 were included in the pipeline and midstream segment.

PronghornOn November 21, 2016, WBI Energy Midstream announced it had entered into a purchase and sale agreement to sell its 50 percent non-operating ownership interest in Pronghorn to Tesoro Logistics. The transaction closed on January 1, 2017, which generated approximately $100 million of proceeds for the Company. The sale of Pronghorn further reduces the Company's risk exposure to commodity prices.



The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities that were classified as held for sale associated with Pronghorn on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:
 December 31, 2016
 (In thousands)
Assets 
Current assets: 
Prepayments and other current assets$68
Total current assets held for sale68
Noncurrent assets: 
Net property, plant and equipment93,424
Goodwill9,737
Less allowance for impairment of assets held for sale2,311
Total noncurrent assets held for sale100,850
Total assets held for sale$100,918

Discontinued operations
The assets and liabilities of the Company's discontinued operations have been classified as held for sale and the results of operations are shown in loss from discontinued operations, other than certain general and administrative costs and interest expense which do not meet the criteria for income (loss) from discontinued operations. At the time the assets were classified as held for sale, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense was no longer recorded.
Dakota Prairie RefiningOn June 24, 2016, WBI Energy entered into a membership interest purchase agreement with Tesoro to sell all of the outstanding membership interests in Dakota Prairie Refining to Tesoro. WBI Energy and Calumet each previously owned 50 percent of the Dakota Prairie Refining membership interests and were equal members in building and operating Dakota Prairie Refinery. To effectuate the sale, WBI Energy acquired Calumet’s 50 percent membership interest in Dakota Prairie Refining on June 27, 2016. The sale of the membership interests to Tesoro closed on June 27, 2016. The sale of Dakota Prairie Refining reduces the Company’s risk by decreasing exposure to commodity prices.
In connection with the sale, WBI Energy had cash in an escrow account for RINs obligations, which was included in current assets held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2016. The Company retained certain liabilities of Dakota Prairie Refining which were reflected in current liabilities held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In October 2016, the RINs liability was paid and the cash was removed from escrow. Also, Centennial continues to guarantee certain debt obligations of Dakota Prairie Refining; however, Tesoro has agreed to indemnify Centennial for any losses and litigation expenses arising from the guarantee. For more information related to the guarantee, see Note 16.


The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities that are classified as held for sale related to the operations of and activity associated with Dakota Prairie Refining on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:
 September 30, 2017
 September 30, 2016
December 31, 2016
 (In thousands)
Assets    
Current assets:    
Receivables, net$
 $13
$
Income taxes receivable8,444
(a)32,388
13,987
Prepayments and other current assets
 7,741

Total current assets held for sale8,444
 40,142
13,987
Noncurrent assets:    
Deferred income taxes
 2,984

Total noncurrent assets held for sale
 2,984

Total assets held for sale$8,444
 $43,126
$13,987
Liabilities    
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable$
 $7,063
$7,425
Other accrued liabilities
 7,743

Total current liabilities held for sale
 14,806
7,425
Noncurrent liabilities:    
Deferred income taxes (b)55
 
14
Total noncurrent liabilities held for sale55
 
14
Total liabilities held for sale$55
 $14,806
$7,439

(a)On the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, this amount was reclassified to income taxes payable and is reflected in current liabilities held for sale.
(b)On the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, these amounts were reclassified to noncurrent deferred income tax assets and are
reflected in noncurrent assets held for sale.

In the first quarter of 2017, the Company recorded a reversal of a previously accrued liability of $7.0 million ($4.3 million after tax) due to the resolution of a legal matter. At September 30, 2017, Dakota Prairie Refining had not incurred any material exit and disposal costs, and does not expect to incur any material exit and disposal costs.
The Company performed a fair value assessment of the assets and liabilities classified as held for sale. In the second quarter of 2016, the fair value assessment was determined using the market approach based on the sale transaction to Tesoro. The fair value assessment indicated an impairment based on the carrying value exceeding the fair value, which resulted in the Company recording an impairment of $251.9 million ($156.7 million after tax) in the quarter ended June 30, 2016. The impairment was included in operating expenses from discontinued operations. The fair value of Dakota Prairie Refining’s assets has been categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
FidelityIn the second quarter of 2015, the Company began the marketing and sale process of Fidelity with an anticipated sale to occur within one year. Between September 2015 and March 2016, the Company entered into purchase and sale agreements to sell all of Fidelity's oil and natural gas assets. The completion of these sales occurred between October 2015 and April 2016. The sale of Fidelity was part of the Company's strategic plan to grow its capital investments in the remaining business segments and to focus on creating a greater long-term value.


The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities that are classified as held for sale related to the operations of Fidelity on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:
 September 30, 2017
September 30, 2016
 December 31, 2016
 
 (In thousands) 
Assets     
Current assets:     
Receivables, net$304
$7,930
 $355
 
Total current assets held for sale304
7,930
 355
 
Noncurrent assets:     
Net property, plant and equipment2,064
5,507
 5,507
 
Deferred income taxes62,163
104,726
 91,098
 
Other161
161
 161
 
Less allowance for impairment of assets held for sale
938
 938
 
Total noncurrent assets held for sale64,388
109,456
 95,828
 
Total assets held for sale$64,692
$117,386
 $96,183
 
Liabilities     
Current liabilities:     
Accounts payable$68
$175
 $141
 
Taxes payable11,745
2,205
(a)19
(a)
Other accrued liabilities2,380
3,084
 2,358
 
Total current liabilities held for sale14,193
5,464
 2,518
 
Total liabilities held for sale$14,193
$5,464
 $2,518
 

(a)On the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, these amounts were reclassified to prepayments and other current assets and are reflected in current assets held for sale.

The Company reclassified current income tax assets of $47.5 million and current income tax liabilities of $4.1 million to noncurrent assets - deferred income taxes at September 30, 2016, pursuant to the retrospective application of the adoption of the ASU related to the balance sheet classification of deferred taxes. For more information on this ASU, see Note 6.
The Company performed a fair value assessment of the assets and liabilities classified as held for sale. In the second quarter of 2016, the fair value assessment was determined using the income and market approaches. The income approach was determined by using the present value of future estimated cash flows. The market approach was based on market transactions of similar properties. The estimated carrying value exceeded the fair value and the Company recorded an impairment of $900,000 ($600,000 after tax) in the second quarter of 2016. In the first quarter of 2016, the fair value assessment was determined using the market approach largely based on a purchase and sale agreement. The estimated fair value exceeded the carrying value and the Company recorded an impairment reversal of $1.4 million ($900,000 after tax) in the first quarter of 2016. The impairment and impairment reversal were included in operating expenses from discontinued operations. The estimated fair value of Fidelity's assets have been categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
The Company incurred transaction costs of approximately $300,000 in the first quarter of 2016. In addition to the transaction costs, and due in part to the change in plans to sell the assets of Fidelity rather than sell Fidelity as a company, Fidelity incurred and expensed approximately $5.6 million of exit and disposal costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, and has incurred $10.5 million of exit and disposal costs to date. Fidelity incurred no exit and disposal costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, and the Company does not expect to incur any additional material exit and disposal costs. The exit and disposal costs are associated with severance and other related matters and exclude the office lease expiration discussed in the following paragraph.
Fidelity vacated its office space in Denver, Colorado in 2016. The Company incurred lease payments of approximately $900,000 in 2016. A lease termination payment of $3.2 million was made during the second quarter of 2016. Existing office furniture and fixtures were relinquished to the lessor in the second quarter of 2016.


Dakota Prairie Refining and Fidelity The reconciliation of the major classes of income and expense constituting pretax income (loss) from discontinued operations, which includes Dakota Prairie Refining and Fidelity, to the after-tax loss from discontinued operations on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income was as follows:
 Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
 September 30,September 30,
 2017
2016
2017
2016
 (In thousands)
Operating revenues$121
$162
$356
$122,894
Operating expenses384
230
(4,988)513,756
Operating income (loss)(263)(68)5,344
(390,862)
Other income (expense)
375
(13)762
Interest expense

239
1,753
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes(263)307
5,092
(391,853)
Income taxes1,935
5,707
8,794
(92,315)
Loss from discontinued operations(2,198)(5,400)(3,702)(299,538)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest


(131,691)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to the Company$(2,198)$(5,400)$(3,702)$(167,847)

The pretax income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to the Company, related to the operations of and activity associated with Dakota Prairie Refining, were $0 and $935,000 for the three months ended and $6.9 million and $(253.0) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Note 8 - New accounting standards
Revenue from Contracts with Customers In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance on accounting for revenue from contracts with customers. The guidance provides for a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry specific guidance. This guidance was to be effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. In August 2015, the FASB issued guidance deferring the effective date of the revenue guidance one year and allowing entities to early adopt. With this decision, the guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Entities will have the option of using either a full retrospective or modified retrospective approach to adopting the guidance. Under the modified approach, an entity would recognize the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance with an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. In addition, the modified approach will require additional disclosures. The Company is evaluating the effects the adoption of the new revenue guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position, cash flows and disclosures, as well as its method of adoption.
Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance on simplifying the presentation of debt issuance costs in the financial statements. This guidance requires entities to present debt issuance costs as a direct deduction to the related debt liability. The amortization of these costs will be reported as interest expense. The guidance was effective for the Company on January 1, 2016, and was to be applied retrospectively. Early adoption of this guidance was permitted, however the Company did not elect to do so. The guidance required a reclassification of the debt issuance costs on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, but did not impact the Company's results of operations or cash flows. As a result of the retrospective application of this change in accounting principle, the Company reclassified debt issuance costs of $100,000 and $100,000 from prepayments and other current assets and $5.2 million and $6.0 million from deferred charges and other assets - other to long-term debt on its Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or its Equivalent) In May 2015, the FASB issued guidance on fair value measurement and disclosure requirements removing the requirement to include investments in the fair value hierarchy for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The new guidance also removes the requirement to make certain disclosures for all investments that are eligible to be measured at net asset value using the practical expedient, and rather limits those disclosures to investments for which the practical expedient has been elected. This guidance was effective for the Company on January 1, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The application of this guidance affected the Company's disclosures; however, it did not impact the Company's results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory In July 2015, the FASB issued guidance regarding inventory that is measured using the first-in, first-out or average cost method. The guidance does not apply to inventory measured using the last-in, first-out or the retail inventory method. The guidance requires inventory within its scope to be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value, which is the estimated selling price in the normal course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. These amendments more closely align GAAP with IFRS. This guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2017, and should be applied prospectively with early adoption permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company is planning to adopt the guidance on January 1, 2017, and does not anticipate the guidance to have a material effect on its results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred TaxesIn November 2015, the FASB issued guidance regarding the classification of deferred taxes on the balance sheet. The guidance will require all deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as noncurrent. These amendments will align GAAP with IFRS. This guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2017, with early adoption permitted. Entities will have the option to apply the guidance prospectively, for all deferred tax assets and liabilities, or


retrospectively. The Company is planning to adopt the guidance in the fourth quarter of 2016 and will be applying the retrospective method of adoption. The guidance requires a reclassification of current deferred income taxes to noncurrent deferred income taxes on the Consolidated Balance Sheets; however, it does not impact the Company's results of operations or cash flows.
Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance regarding the classification and measurement of financial instruments. The guidance revises the way an entity classifies and measures investments in equity securities, the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value and amends certain disclosure requirements related to the fair value of financial instruments. This guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2018, with early adoption of certain amendments permitted. The guidance should be applied using a modified retrospective approach with the exception of equity securities without readily determinable fair values which will be applied prospectively. The Company is evaluating the effects the adoption of the new guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position, cash flows and disclosures.
Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance regarding leases. The guidance requires lessees to recognize a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term on the statement of financial position for leases with terms of more than 12 months. This guidance also requires additional disclosures. This guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, and should be applied using a modified retrospective approach with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the effects the adoption of the new guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position, cash flows and disclosures.
Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance regarding simplification of several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions. The guidance will affect the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. This guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2017, with early adoption permitted in any interim or annual period. An entity that elects early adoption must adopt all of the amendments in the same period. Certain amendments of this guidance are to be applied retrospectively and others prospectively. The Company is planning to adopt the guidance on January 1, 2017. The Company anticipates the guidance will have an impact to the Consolidated Statements of Income and the Consolidated Balance Sheets on a prospective basis with all taxes related to share-based payments recognized as income tax expense or benefit and no longer recognized in additional paid-in capital. The Company anticipates the guidance will not have a material impact on its cash flows.
Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments In August 2016, the FASB issued guidance to clarify the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. This guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted. An entity that elects early adoption must adopt all the amendments in the same period and apply any adjustments as of the beginning of the fiscal year. Entities must apply the guidance retrospectively unless it is impracticable then may apply it prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. The Company is evaluating the effects the adoption of the new guidance will have on its cash flows and disclosures.
Note 9 - Comprehensive income (loss)
The after-tax changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows:
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2016
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative
 Instruments
 Qualifying as Hedges

Postretirement
 Liability Adjustment

Foreign
Currency Translation Adjustment

Net Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on
Available-for-sale
Investments

Total
Accumulated
 Other
Comprehensive
 Loss

 (In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period$(2,484)$(35,604)$(144)$26
$(38,206)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications

(4)(42)(46)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss92
236

33
361
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)92
236
(4)(9)315
Balance at end of period$(2,392)$(35,368)$(148)$17
$(37,891)


Three Months Ended
September 30, 2015
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative
 Instruments
 Qualifying as Hedges

Postretirement
 Liability Adjustment

Foreign
Currency Translation Adjustment

Net Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on
Available-for-sale
Investments

Total
Accumulated
 Other
Comprehensive
 Loss

 (In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period$(2,872)$(37,259)$(130)$15
$(40,246)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications

(73)(35)(108)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss100
382

28
510
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)100
382
(73)(7)402
Balance at end of period$(2,772)$(36,877)$(203)$8
$(39,844)
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2016
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative
 Instruments
 Qualifying as Hedges

Postretirement
 Liability Adjustment

Foreign
Currency Translation Adjustment

Net Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on
Available-for-sale
Investments

Total
Accumulated
 Other
Comprehensive
 Loss

 (In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period$(2,667)$(34,257)$(200)$(24)$(37,148)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

52
(65)(13)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss275
(1,111)
106
(730)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)275
(1,111)52
41
(743)
Balance at end of period$(2,392)$(35,368)$(148)$17
$(37,891)
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2015
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative
 Instruments
 Qualifying as Hedges

Postretirement
 Liability Adjustment

Foreign
Currency Translation Adjustment

Net Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on
Available-for-sale
Investments

Total
Accumulated
 Other
Comprehensive
 Loss

 (In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period$(3,071)$(38,218)$(829)$15
$(42,103)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications

(176)(105)(281)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss299
1,341
802
98
2,540
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)299
1,341
626
(7)2,259
Balance at end of period$(2,772)$(36,877)$(203)$8
$(39,844)


Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows:
 Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
Location on Consolidated Statements of
Income
 September 30,September 30,
 2016201520162015
 (In thousands) 
Reclassification adjustment for loss on derivative instruments included in net income (loss):     
Interest rate derivative instruments$(148)$(160)$(445)$(480)Interest expense
 56
60
170
181
Income taxes
 (92)(100)(275)(299) 
Amortization of postretirement liability gains (losses) included in net periodic benefit cost(379)(615)1,787
(2,222)(a)
 143
233
(676)881
Income taxes
 (236)(382)1,111
(1,341) 
Reclassification adjustment for loss on foreign currency translation adjustment included in net income (loss)


(1,293)Other income
 


491
Income taxes
 


(802) 
Reclassification adjustment for loss on available-for-sale investments included in net income (loss)(51)(43)(163)(151)Other income
 18
15
57
53
Income taxes
 (33)(28)(106)(98) 
Total reclassifications$(361)$(510)$730
$(2,540) 
(a) Included in net periodic benefit cost. For more information, see Note 17.
Note 10 - Discontinued operations
The assets and liabilities of the Company's discontinued operations have been classified as held for sale and the results of operations are shown in loss from discontinued operations, other than certain general and administrative costs and interest expense which do not meet the criteria for income (loss) from discontinued operations. The Company's consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes for current and prior periods have been restated. At the time the assets were classified as held for sale, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense was no longer recorded.
Dakota Prairie Refining
On June 24, 2016, WBI Energy entered into a membership interest purchase agreement with Tesoro to sell all of the outstanding membership interests in Dakota Prairie Refining to Tesoro. WBI Energy and Calumet each previously owned 50 percent of the Dakota Prairie Refining membership interests and were equal members in building and operating Dakota Prairie Refinery. To effectuate the sale, WBI Energy acquired Calumet’s 50 percent membership interest in Dakota Prairie Refining on June 27, 2016. The sale of the membership interests to Tesoro closed on June 27, 2016. The sale of Dakota Prairie Refining reduces the Company’s risk by decreasing exposure to commodity prices.
In connection with the sale, WBI Energy has cash in an escrow account for RINs obligations, which is included in current assets held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2016. The Company retained certain liabilities of Dakota Prairie Refining which are reflected in current liabilities held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2016. In October 2016, the RINs liability was paid and the cash was removed from escrow. Also, Centennial continues to guarantee certain debt obligations of Dakota Prairie Refining; however, Tesoro has agreed to indemnify Centennial for any losses and litigation expenses arising from the guarantee. For more information related to the guarantee, see Note 19.


The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities that are classified as held for sale related to the operations of and activity associated with Dakota Prairie Refining on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:
 September 30, 2016
September 30, 2015
 December 31, 2015
 
 (In thousands) 
Assets     
Current assets:     
Cash and cash equivalents$
$564
 $688
 
Receivables, net13
14,648
 7,693
 
Inventories
12,354
 13,176
 
Deferred income taxes
116
(a)
 
Income taxes receivable32,388

 2,495
 
Prepayments and other current assets7,741
7,125
 6,214
 
Total current assets held for sale40,142
34,807
 30,266
 
Noncurrent assets:     
Net property, plant and equipment
415,817
 412,717
 
Deferred income taxes2,984

 
 
Other
5,052
 9,627
 
Total noncurrent assets held for sale2,984
420,869
 422,344
 
Total assets held for sale$43,126
$455,676
 $452,610
 
Liabilities     
Current liabilities:     
Short-term borrowings$
$29,500
 $45,500
 
Long-term debt due within one year
4,125
 5,250
 
Accounts payable7,063
21,472
 24,468
 
Taxes payable
7,470
 1,391
 
Deferred income taxes

 272
 
Accrued compensation
1,059
 938
 
Other accrued liabilities7,743
1,217
 4,953
 
Total current liabilities held for sale14,806
64,843
 82,772
 
Noncurrent liabilities:     
Long-term debt
64,875
 63,750
 
Deferred income taxes
11,632
(b)23,569
(b)
Total noncurrent liabilities held for sale
76,507
 87,319
 
Total liabilities held for sale$14,806
$141,350
 $170,091
 
(a)On the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet, this amount was reclassified to a current deferred income tax liability and is reflected in
current liabilities held for sale.
(b)On the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, these amounts were reclassified to noncurrent deferred income tax assets and are
reflected in noncurrent assets held for sale.
The Company performed a fair value assessment of the assets and liabilities classified as held for sale. In the second quarter of 2016, the fair value assessment was determined using the market approach based on the sale transaction to Tesoro. The fair value assessment indicated an impairment based on the carrying value exceeding the fair value, which resulted in the Company recording an impairment of $251.9 million ($156.7 million after tax) in the quarter ended June 30, 2016. The impairment was included in operating expenses from discontinued operations. The fair value of Dakota Prairie Refining’s assets has been categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. At September 30, 2016, Dakota Prairie Refining had not incurred any material exit and disposal costs, and does not expect to incur any material exit and disposal costs.
Fidelity
In the second quarter of 2015, the Company began the marketing and sale process of Fidelity with an anticipated sale to occur within one year. Between September 2015 and March 2016, the Company entered into purchase and sale agreements to sell all of Fidelity's marketed oil and natural gas assets. The completion of these sales occurred between October 2015 and April 2016. The sale of Fidelity was part of the Company's strategic plan to grow its capital investments in the remaining business segments and to focus on creating a greater long-term value.


The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities that are classified as held for sale related to the operations of Fidelity on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:
 September 30, 2016
September 30, 2015
December 31, 2015
 (In thousands)
Assets   
Current assets:   
Receivables, net$7,930
$24,703
$13,387
Inventories
7,034
1,308
Commodity derivative instruments
8,633

Income taxes receivable45,294

9,665
Prepayments and other current assets
42,762
221
Total current assets held for sale53,224
83,132
24,581
Noncurrent assets:   
Investments
37
37
Net property, plant and equipment5,507
1,114,285
793,422
Deferred income taxes61,347
141,556
127,655
Other161
162
161
Less allowance for impairment of assets held for sale938
756,127
754,541
Total noncurrent assets held for sale66,077
499,913
166,734
Total assets held for sale$119,301
$583,045
$191,315
Liabilities   
Current liabilities:   
Accounts payable$175
$32,375
$25,013
Taxes payable
3,769
1,052
Deferred income taxes4,120
4,955
3,620
Accrued compensation
5,982
13,080
Other accrued liabilities3,084
11,820
4,838
Total current liabilities held for sale7,379
58,901
47,603
Noncurrent liabilities:   
Other
31,242

Total noncurrent liabilities held for sale
31,242

Total liabilities held for sale$7,379
$90,143
$47,603
The Company performed a fair value assessment of the assets and liabilities classified as held for sale. In the second quarter of 2016, the fair value assessment was determined using the income and market approaches. The income approach was determined by using the present value of future estimated cash flows. The market approach was based on market transactions of similar properties. The estimated carrying value exceeded the fair value and the Company recorded an impairment of $900,000 ($600,000 after tax) in the second quarter of 2016. In the first quarter of 2016, the fair value assessment was determined using the market approach largely based on a purchase and sale agreement. The estimated fair value exceeded the carrying value and the Company recorded an impairment reversal of $1.4 million ($900,000 after tax) in the first quarter of 2016. The Company recorded fair value impairments of $356.1 million ($224.4 million after tax) and $756.1 million ($476.4 million after tax) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, related to the assets and liabilities classified as held for sale. The impairments and impairment reversal were included in operating expenses from discontinued operations. The estimated fair value of Fidelity's assets have been categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. For more information related to the 2015 fair value impairments, see Part II, Item 8 - Note 2, in the 2015 Annual Report.
The Company incurred transaction costs of approximately $300,000 in the first quarter of 2016, and $2.5 million in 2015. In addition to the transaction costs, and due in part to the change in plans to sell the assets of Fidelity rather than sell Fidelity as a company, Fidelity incurred and expensed approximately $5.6 million of exit and disposal costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, and has incurred $10.5 million of exit and disposal costs to date. Fidelity incurred no exit and disposal costs for the three months ended September 30, 2016, and the Company does not expect to incur any additional material exit and disposal costs. The exit and disposal costs are associated with severance and other related matters and exclude the office lease expiration discussed in the following paragraph.
Fidelity vacated its office space in Denver, Colorado. The Company incurred lease payments of approximately $900,000 in 2016. Lease termination payments of $3.2 million and $3.3 million were made during the second quarter of 2016 and fourth quarter of 2015, respectively. Existing office furniture and fixtures were relinquished to the lessor in the second quarter of 2016.


Historically, the Company used the full-cost method of accounting for its oil and natural gas production activities. Under this method, all costs incurred in the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties are capitalized and amortized on the units-of-production method based on total proved reserves.
Prior to the oil and natural gas properties being classified as held for sale, capitalized costs were subject to a "ceiling test" that limits such costs to the aggregate of the present value of future net cash flows from proved reserves discounted at 10 percent, as mandated under the rules of the SEC, plus the cost of unproved properties not subject to amortization, plus the effects of cash flow hedges, less applicable income taxes. Proved reserves and associated future cash flows are determined based on SEC Defined Prices and exclude cash outflows associated with asset retirement obligations that have been accrued on the balance sheet. If capitalized costs, less accumulated amortization and related deferred income taxes, exceed the full-cost ceiling at the end of any quarter, a permanent noncash write-down is required to be charged to earnings in that quarter regardless of subsequent price changes.
The Company's capitalized cost under the full-cost method of accounting exceeded the full-cost ceiling at March 31, 2015. SEC Defined Prices, adjusted for market differentials, were used to calculate the ceiling test. Accordingly, the Company was required to write down its oil and natural gas producing properties. The Company recorded a $500.4 million ($315.3 million after tax) noncash write-down in operating expenses from discontinued operations in the first quarter of 2015.
Dakota Prairie Refining and Fidelity
The reconciliation of the major classes of income and expense constituting pretax income (loss) from discontinued operations, which includes Dakota Prairie Refining and Fidelity, to the after-tax net loss from discontinued operations on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income was as follows:
 Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
 September 30,September 30,
 2016
2015
2016
2015
 (In thousands)
Operating revenues$162
$140,428
$122,894
$288,537
Operating expenses230
478,798
513,756
1,565,579
Operating loss(68)(338,370)(390,862)(1,277,042)
Other income375
298
762
2,758
Interest expense
703
1,753
1,221
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes307
(338,775)(391,853)(1,275,505)
Income taxes5,707
(115,663)(92,315)(458,988)
Loss from discontinued operations(5,400)(223,112)(299,538)(816,517)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest
(9,778)(131,691)(21,060)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to the Company$(5,400)$(213,334)$(167,847)$(795,457)
The pretax income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to the Company, related to the operations of and activity associated with Dakota Prairie Refining, were $935,000 and $(8.6) million for the three months ended and $(253.0) million and $(18.4) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Note 11 - Goodwill and other intangible assets
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill were as follows:
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017Balance at January 1, 2017
Goodwill Acquired
During the Year

Balance at September 30, 2017
 (In thousands)
Natural gas distribution$345,736
$
$345,736
Construction materials and contracting176,290

176,290
Construction services109,765

109,765
Total$631,791
$
$631,791


Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
Balance as of
January 1, 2016

*Goodwill Acquired
During the Year

Balance as of
September 30, 2016

*Balance at January 1, 2016
*
Goodwill Acquired
During the Year

Balance at September 30, 2016
*
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Natural gas distribution$345,736
 $
$345,736
 $345,736
 $
$345,736
 
Pipeline and midstream9,737
 
9,737
 9,737
 
9,737
 
Construction materials and contracting176,290
 
176,290
 176,290
 
176,290
 
Construction services103,441
 6,323
109,764
 103,441
 6,323
109,764
 
Total$635,204
 $6,323
$641,527
 $635,204
 $6,323
$641,527
 
* Balance is presented net of accumulated impairment of $12.3 million at the pipeline and midstream segment, which occurred in prior periods.




Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
Balance as of
January 1, 2015

*
Goodwill Acquired
During the Year

Balance as of
September 30, 2015

*
Year Ended December 31, 2016Balance at January 1, 2016
*
Goodwill Acquired
During the Year

Held for Sale
Balance at December 31, 2016
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Natural gas distribution$345,736
 $
$345,736
 $345,736
 $
$
$345,736
Pipeline and midstream9,737
 
9,737
 9,737
 
(9,737)
Construction materials and contracting176,290
 
176,290
 176,290
 

176,290
Construction services103,441
 
103,441
 103,441
 6,324

109,765
Total$635,204
 $
$635,204
 $635,204
 $6,324
$(9,737)$631,791
* Balance is presented net of accumulated impairment of $12.3 million at the pipeline and midstream segment, which occurred in prior periods.

Year Ended December 31, 2015
Balance as of
January 1, 2015

*
Goodwill Acquired
During the Year

Balance as of
December 31, 2015

*
 (In thousands)
Natural gas distribution$345,736
 $
$345,736
 
Pipeline and midstream9,737
 
9,737
 
Construction materials and contracting176,290
 
176,290
 
Construction services103,441
 
103,441
 
Total$635,204
 $
$635,204
 
* Balance is presented net of accumulated impairment of $12.3 million at the pipeline and midstream segment, which occurred in prior periods.
 



Other amortizable intangible assets were as follows:
 September 30, 2017
September 30, 2016
December 31, 2016
 (In thousands)
Customer relationships$15,248
$17,145
$17,145
Less accumulated amortization13,176
13,524
13,917
 2,072
3,621
3,228
Noncompete agreements2,430
2,430
2,430
Less accumulated amortization1,769
1,622
1,658
 661
808
772
Other7,020
7,764
7,768
Less accumulated amortization5,544
5,664
5,843
 1,476
2,100
1,925
Total$4,209
$6,529
$5,925

 September 30, 2016
September 30, 2015
December 31, 2015
 (In thousands)
Customer relationships$17,145
$20,975
$20,975
Accumulated amortization(13,524)(16,455)(16,845)
 3,621
4,520
4,130
Noncompete agreements2,430
4,409
4,409
Accumulated amortization(1,622)(3,632)(3,655)
 808
777
754
Other7,764
8,300
8,304
Accumulated amortization(5,664)(5,689)(5,846)
 2,100
2,611
2,458
Total$6,529
$7,908
$7,342
Amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, was $500,000 and $1.7 million, respectively. Amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, was $600,000 and $1.9 million, respectively. Amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, was $600,000 and $2.0 million, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets is $2.5 million in 2016, $2.2 million in 2017, $1.2 million in 2018, $1.0 million in 2019, $500,000 in 2020, $200,000 in 2021 and $1.0 million$800,000 thereafter.
Note 1210 - Derivative instrumentsFair value measurements
The Company's policy allows the use of derivative instruments as partCompany measures its investments in certain fixed-income and equity securities at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in income. The Company anticipates using these investments, which consist of an overall energy price, foreign currencyinsurance contract, to satisfy its obligations under its unfunded, nonqualified benefit plans for executive officers and interest rate riskcertain key management program to efficiently manageemployees, and minimize commodity price, foreign currencyinvests in these fixed-income and interest rate risk. Asequity securities for the purpose of earning investment returns and capital appreciation. These investments, which totaled $75.0 million, $72.8 million and $70.9 million, at September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company had no outstanding commodity, foreign currency or interest rate hedges.
The fair value of derivative instruments must be estimatedand December 31, 2016, respectively, are classified as of the end of each reporting period and is recordedinvestments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as an asset or a liability.
Fidelity
AtSheets. The net unrealized gains on these investments were $1.9 million and $6.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, Fidelity held oil swap agreements with total forward notional volumes of 552,000 Bbl2017, respectively. The net unrealized gains on these investments were $1.4 million and natural gas swap agreements with total forward notional volumes of 920,000 MMBtu. At$5.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, and December 31, 2015, Fidelity had no outstanding derivative agreements. Fidelity historically utilized these derivative instruments to manage a portionrespectively. The change in fair value, which is considered part of the market risk associated with fluctuationscost of the plan, is classified in operation and maintenance expense on the priceConsolidated Statements of oil and natural gas on its forecasted sales of oil and natural gas production. Income.
The realized and unrealizedCompany did not elect the fair value option, which records gains and losses in income, for its available-for-sale securities, which include mortgage-backed securities and U.S. Treasury securities. These available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value and are classified as investments on the commodity derivative instruments, which were not designated as hedges, were both includedConsolidated Balance Sheets. Unrealized gains or losses are recorded in loss from discontinued operations and the associated assets and liabilities were classified as held for sale.


Centennial
Centennial has historically entered into interest rate derivative instruments to manage a portionaccumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Details of its interest rate exposure on the forecasted issuance of long-term debt. As of September 30, 2016 and 2015, and December 31, 2015, Centennial had no outstanding interest rate swap agreements.
Fidelity and Centennial
The gains and losses on derivative instrumentsavailable-for-sale securities were as follows:
 Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
 September 30,September 30,
 2016
2015
2016
2015
 (In thousands)
Interest rate derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:    
Amount of loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into interest expense (effective portion), net of tax$92
$100
$275
$299
Commodity derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:    
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in discontinued operations, before tax
9,607

(9,702)
September 30, 2017Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair Value
 (In thousands)
Mortgage-backed securities$9,488
$11
$(72)$9,427
U.S. Treasury securities613

(1)612
Total$10,101
$11
$(73)$10,039
Over the next 12 months net losses of approximately $400,000 (after tax) are estimated to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings,
September 30, 2016Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair Value
 (In thousands)
Mortgage-backed securities$9,882
$43
$(17)$9,908
Total$9,882
$43
$(17)$9,908
December 31, 2016Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair Value
 (In thousands)
Mortgage-backed securities$10,546
$8
$(105)$10,449
Total$10,546
$8
$(105)$10,449



Fair value is defined as the hedged transactions affect earnings.price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The ASC establishes a hierarchy for grouping assets and liabilities, based on the significance of inputs.
The locationestimated fair values of the Company's assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis are determined using the market approach.
The Company's Level 2 money market funds are valued at the net asset value of shares held at the end of the quarter, based on published market quotations on active markets, or using other known sources including pricing from outside sources.
The estimated fair value of the gross amountCompany's Level 2 mortgage-backed securities and U.S. Treasury securities are based on comparable market transactions, other observable inputs or other sources, including pricing from outside sources.
The estimated fair value of the Company's derivative instrumentsLevel 2 insurance contract is based on contractual cash surrender values that are determined primarily by investments in managed separate accounts of the Consolidated Balance Sheetsinsurer. These amounts approximate fair value. The managed separate accounts are valued based on other observable inputs or corroborated market data.
Though the Company believes the methods used to estimate fair value are consistent with those used by other market participants, the use of other methods or assumptions could result in a different estimate of fair value. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, there were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2.
The Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
Asset
Derivatives
Location on
Consolidated
Balance Sheets
Fair Value at September 30, 2015
  (In thousands)
Not designated as hedges: 
Commodity derivativesCurrent assets held for sale$8,633
Total asset derivatives $8,633
 Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2017, Using 
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Balance at September 30, 2017
 (In thousands)
Assets:    
Money market funds$
$6,204
$
$6,204
Insurance contract*
74,991

74,991
Available-for-sale securities:    
Mortgage-backed securities
9,427

9,427
U.S. Treasury securities
612

612
Total assets measured at fair value$
$91,234
$
$91,234
*The insurance contract invests approximately 50 percent in fixed-income investments, 23 percent in common stock of large-cap companies, 13 percent in common stock of mid-cap companies, 11 percent in common stock of small-cap companies, 2 percent in target date investments and 1 percent in cash equivalents.
All of the Company's commodity derivative instruments at September 30, 2015, were subject to legally enforceable master netting agreements. However, the Company's policy is to not offset
 Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2016, Using 
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Balance at September 30, 2016
 (In thousands)
Assets:    
Money market funds$
$2,284
$
$2,284
Insurance contract*
72,818

72,818
Available-for-sale securities:    
Mortgage-backed securities
9,908

9,908
Total assets measured at fair value$
$85,010
$
$85,010

*The insurance contract invests approximately 65 percent in fixed-income investments, 18 percent in common stock of large-cap companies, 9 percent in common stock of mid-cap companies, 6 percent in common stock of small-cap companies, 1 percent in target date investments and 1 percent in cash equivalents.



 Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016, Using 
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
 (Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 (Level 3)

Balance at December 31, 2016
 (In thousands)
Assets:    
Money market funds$
$1,602
$
$1,602
Insurance contract*
70,921

70,921
Available-for-sale securities:    
Mortgage-backed securities
10,449

10,449
Total assets measured at fair value$
$82,972
$
$82,972

*The insurance contract invests approximately 52 percent in fixed-income investments, 22 percent in common stock of large-cap companies, 13 percent in common stock of mid-cap companies, 10 percent in common stock of small-cap companies, 1 percent in target date investments and 2 percent in cash equivalents.

For information about fair value amountsassessments of assets and liabilities classified as held for derivative instruments and, as a result, thesale, see Note 8.
The Company's derivative instruments are presented gross on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The gross derivative instruments (excluding settlement receivables and payables that may be subject to the same master netting agreements) presentedlong-term debt is not measured at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the amount eligiblefair value is being provided for offset underdisclosure purposes only. The fair value was based on discounted future cash flows using current market interest rates. The estimated fair value of the master netting agreements are presentedCompany's Level 2 long-term debt was as follows:
 
Carrying
Amount

Fair
Value

 (In thousands)
Long-term debt at September 30, 2017$1,740,552
$1,846,811
Long-term debt at September 30, 2016$1,901,948
$2,047,339
Long-term debt at December 31, 2016$1,790,159
$1,841,885

The carrying amounts of the Company's remaining financial instruments included in the following table:
September 30, 2015Gross Amounts Recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Gross Amounts Not Offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Net
 (In thousands)
Assets:   
Commodity derivatives$8,633
$
$8,633
Total assets$8,633
$
$8,633
current assets and current liabilities approximate their fair values.
Note 11 - Equity
A summary of the changes in equity was as follows:
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Total
Equity

 (In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2016$2,316,244
Net income165,891
Other comprehensive income392
Dividends declared on preferred stocks(171)
Dividends declared on common stock(112,788)
Stock-based compensation2,390
Repurchase of common stock(1,684)
Issuance of common stock upon vesting of stock-based compensation, net of shares used for tax withholdings(757)
Redemption of preferred stock(15,600)
Balance at September 30, 2017$2,353,917


Effective April 1, 2017, all outstanding preferred stock, including $300,000 of redeemable preferred stock classified as long-term debt, was redeemed for a repurchase price of approximately $15.9 million.


Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016Total Stockholders' Equity
Noncontrolling Interest
Total
Equity

 (In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2015$2,396,505
$124,043
$2,520,548
Net loss(1,297)(131,691)(132,988)
Other comprehensive loss(743)
(743)
Dividends declared on preferred stocks(514)
(514)
Dividends declared on common stock(109,858)
(109,858)
Stock-based compensation2,955

2,955
Issuance of common stock upon vesting of stock-based compensation, net of shares used for tax withholdings(323)
(323)
Net tax deficit on stock-based compensation(1,664)
(1,664)
Contribution from noncontrolling interest
7,648
7,648
Balance at September 30, 2016$2,285,061
$
$2,285,061

Note 1312 - Fair value measurementsCash flow information
The Company measures its investments in certain fixed-incomeCash expenditures for interest and equity securities at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in income. The Company anticipates using these investments, which consist of an insurance contract, to satisfy its obligations under its unfunded, nonqualified benefit plans for executive officers and certain key management employees, and invests in these fixed-income and equity securities for the purpose of earning investment returns and capital appreciation. These investments, which totaled $72.8 million, $66.5 million and $67.5 million, at September 30, 2016 and 2015, and December 31, 2015, respectively, are classified as investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The net unrealized gains on these investments were $1.4 million and $5.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. The net unrealized loss on these investments was $1.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, and the net unrealized gain on these investments was $700,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The change in fair value, which is considered part of the cost of the plan, is classified in operation and maintenance expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income.


The Company did not elect the fair value option, which records gains and losses in income for its available-for-sale securities, which include mortgage-backed securities and U.S. Treasury securities. These available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value and are classified as investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Unrealized gains or losses are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Details of available-for-sale securitiestaxes were as follows:
 Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 2017
2016
 (In thousands)
Interest, net of amount capitalized and AFUDC - borrowed of $676 and $842 in 2017 and 2016, respectively$58,119
$66,281
Income taxes paid, net*$46,430
$73,771

*Income taxes paid (refunded), net of discontinued operations, were $1.4 million and $(144,000) for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

September 30, 2016Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair Value
 (In thousands)
Mortgage-backed securities$9,882
$43
$(17)$9,908
Total$9,882
$43
$(17)$9,908
September 30, 2015Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair Value
 (In thousands)
Mortgage-backed securities$7,843
$29
$(18)$7,854
U.S. Treasury securities2,324
4
(4)2,324
Total$10,167
$33
$(22)$10,178
December 31, 2015Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair Value
 (In thousands)
Mortgage-backed securities$9,128
$19
$(49)$9,098
U.S. Treasury securities1,315

(6)1,309
Total$10,443
$19
$(55)$10,407
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The ASC establishes a hierarchy for grouping assets and liabilities, based on the significance of inputs.
The estimated fair values of the Company's assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis are determined using the market approach.
The Company's Level 2 money market funds are valued at the net asset value of shares held at the end of the quarter, based on published market quotations on active markets, or using other known sources including pricing from outside sources.
The estimated fair value of the Company's Level 2 mortgage-backed securities and U.S. Treasury securities are based on comparable marketNoncash investing transactions other observable inputs or other sources, including pricing from outside sources.
The estimated fair value of the Company's Level 2 insurance contract is based on contractual cash surrender values that are determined primarily by investments in managed separate accounts of the insurer. These amounts approximate fair value. The managed separate accounts are valued based on other observable inputs or corroborated market data.
Though the Company believes the methods used to estimate fair value are consistent with those used by other market participants, the use of other methods or assumptions could result in a different estimate of fair value. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, there were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2.


The Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
 September 30,
 2017
2016
 (In thousands)
Property, plant and equipment additions in accounts payable$16,914
$22,560
 Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2016, Using 
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Balance at September 30, 2016
 (In thousands)
Assets:    
Money market funds$
$2,284
$
$2,284
Insurance contract*
72,818

72,818
Available-for-sale securities:    
Mortgage-backed securities
9,908

9,908
Total assets measured at fair value$
$85,010
$
$85,010
* The insurance contract invests approximately 65 percent in fixed-income investments, 18 percent in common stock of large-cap companies, 9 percent in common stock of mid-cap companies, 6 percent in common stock of small-cap companies, 1 percent in target date investments and 1 percent in cash equivalents.
 Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2015, Using 
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Balance at September 30, 2015
 (In thousands)
Assets:    
Money market funds$
$1,219
$
$1,219
Insurance contract*
66,464

66,464
Available-for-sale securities:    
Mortgage-backed securities
7,854

7,854
U.S. Treasury securities
2,324

2,324
Total assets measured at fair value$
$77,861
$
$77,861
* The insurance contract invests approximately 65 percent in fixed-income investments, 18 percent in common stock of large-cap companies, 9 percent in common stock of mid-cap companies, 6 percent in common stock of small-cap companies, 1 percent in target date investments and 1 percent in cash equivalents.
 Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015, Using 
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
 (Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 (Level 3)

Balance at December 31, 2015
 (In thousands)
Assets:    
Money market funds$
$1,420
$
$1,420
Insurance contract*
67,459

67,459
Available-for-sale securities:    
Mortgage-backed securities
9,098

9,098
U.S. Treasury securities
1,309

1,309
Total assets measured at fair value$
$79,286
$
$79,286
* The insurance contract invests approximately 63 percent in fixed-income investments, 19 percent in common stock of large-cap companies, 9 percent in common stock of mid-cap companies, 7 percent in common stock of small-cap companies, 1 percent in target date investments and 1 percent in cash equivalents.
The Company applies the provisions of the fair value measurement standard to its nonrecurring, non-financial measurements, including long-lived asset impairments. These assets are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances. The Company reviews the carrying value of its long-lived assets, excluding goodwill, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such carrying amounts may not be recoverable.


During the second quarter of 2015, coalbed natural gas gathering assets were reviewed for impairment and found to be impaired and were written down to their estimated fair value using the income approach. Under this approach, fair value is determined by using the present value of future estimated cash flows. The factors used to determine the estimated future cash flows include, but are not limited to, internal estimates of gathering revenue, future commodity prices and operating costs and equipment salvage values. The estimated cash flows are discounted using a rate that approximates the weighted average cost of capital of a market participant. These fair value inputs are not typically observable. At June 30, 2015, coalbed natural gas gathering assets were written down to the nonrecurring fair value measurement of $1.1 million.
During the third quarter of 2015, the Company was negotiating the sale of certain non-strategic natural gas gathering assets at the pipeline and midstream segment and as a result these assets were found to be impaired and were written down to their estimated fair value using the market approach. The estimated fair value of natural gas gathering assets that were impaired at September 30, 2015, was largely determined by agreed upon pricing in a purchase and sale agreement that the Company was negotiating, and these assets were sold in the fourth quarter of 2015. At September 30, 2015, natural gas gathering assets were written down to the nonrecurring fair value measurement of $10.8 million.
The fair value of these natural gas gathering assets have been categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
The Company performed fair value assessments of the assets and liabilities classified as held for sale. For more information on these Level 3 nonrecurring fair value measurements, see Note 10.
The Company's long-term debt is not measured at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the fair value is being provided for disclosure purposes only. The fair value was based on discounted future cash flows using current market interest rates. The estimated fair value of the Company's Level 2 long-term debt was as follows:
 
Carrying
Amount

Fair
Value

 (In thousands)
Long-term debt at September 30, 2016$1,901,948
$2,047,339
Long-term debt at September 30, 2015$2,200,773
$2,277,074
Long-term debt at December 31, 2015$1,796,163
$1,819,828
The carrying amounts of the Company's remaining financial instruments included in current assets and current liabilities approximate their fair values.
Note 14 - Long-term debt
On September 23, 2016, Centennial amended its revolving credit agreement to decrease the borrowing limit by $150.0 million to $500.0 million and extend the termination date to September 23, 2021. The credit agreement contains customary covenants and provisions, including a covenant of Centennial not to permit, as of the end of any fiscal quarter, the ratio of total consolidated debt to total consolidated capitalization to be greater than 65 percent. Other covenants include restricted payments, restrictions on the sale of certain assets, limitations on subsidiary indebtedness and the making of certain loans and investments.
Centennial's revolving credit agreement contains cross-default provisions. These provisions state that if Centennial or any subsidiary of Centennial fails to make any payment with respect to any indebtedness or contingent obligations, in excess of a specified amount, under any agreement that causes such indebtedness to be due prior to its stated maturity or the contingent obligation to become payable, the revolving credit agreement will be in default.


Note 15 - Equity
A summary of the changes in equity was as follows:
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016Total Stockholders' Equity
Noncontrolling Interest
Total
Equity

 (In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2015$2,396,505
$124,043
$2,520,548
Net loss(1,297)(131,691)(132,988)
Other comprehensive loss(743)
(743)
Dividends declared on preferred stocks(514)
(514)
Dividends declared on common stock(109,858)
(109,858)
Stock-based compensation2,955

2,955
Issuance of common stock upon vesting of stock-based compensation, net of shares used for tax withholdings(323)
(323)
Net tax deficit on stock-based compensation(1,664)
(1,664)
Contribution from noncontrolling interest
7,648
7,648
Balance at September 30, 2016$2,285,061
$
$2,285,061
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015Total Stockholders' Equity
Noncontrolling Interest
Total
Equity

 (In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2014$3,134,041
$115,743
$3,249,784
Net loss(674,969)(21,060)(696,029)
Other comprehensive income2,259

2,259
Dividends declared on preferred stocks(514)
(514)
Dividends declared on common stock(106,714)
(106,714)
Stock-based compensation2,266

2,266
Net tax deficit on stock-based compensation(1,632)
(1,632)
Issuance of common stock21,894

21,894
Contribution from noncontrolling interest
52,000
52,000
Distribution to noncontrolling interest
(8,443)(8,443)
Balance at September 30, 2015$2,376,631
$138,240
$2,514,871
Note 1613 - Business segment data
The Company's reportable segments are those that are based on the Company's method of internal reporting, which generally segregates the strategic business units due to differences in products, services and regulation. The internal reporting of these operating segments is defined based on the reporting and review process used by the Company's chief executive officer. The vast majority of the Company's operations are located within the United States.
The electric segment generates, transmits and distributes electricity in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. The natural gas distribution segment distributes natural gas in those states as well as in Idaho, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington. These operations also supply related value-added services.
The pipeline and midstream segment provides natural gas transportation, underground storage and gathering and processing services as well as oil gathering, through regulated and nonregulated pipeline systems and processing facilities primarily in the Rocky Mountain and northern Great Plains regions of the United States. This segment also provides cathodic protection and other energy-related services. For information on the Company's natural gas and oil gathering and processing facility sold on January 1, 2017, see Note 8.
The construction materials and contracting segment mines aggregates and markets crushed stone, sand, gravel and related construction materials, including ready-mixed concrete, cement, asphalt, liquid asphalt and other value-added products. It also performs integrated contracting services. This segment operates in the central, southern and western United States and Alaska and Hawaii.
The construction services segment provides utility construction services specializing in constructing and maintaining electric and communicationscommunication lines, gas pipelines, fire suppression systems, and external lighting and traffic signalization. This segment also provides utility excavation and inside electrical and mechanical services, and manufactures and distributes transmission line construction equipment and other supplies.


The Other category includes the activities of Centennial Capital, which insures various types of risks as a captive insurer for certain of the Company's subsidiaries. The function of the captive insurer is to fund the deductible layers of the insured companies' general liability, automobile liability, and pollution liability and other coverages. Centennial Capital also owns certain real and


personal property. The Other category also includes certain general and administrative costs (reflected in operation and maintenance expense) and interest expense which were previously allocated to the refining business and Fidelity and do not meet the criteria for income (loss) from discontinued operations. The Other category also includes Centennial Resources' former investment in the Brazilian Transmission Lines.Brazil.
Discontinued operations includes the results and supporting activities of Dakota Prairie Refining and Fidelity other than certain general and administrative costs and interest expense as described above. Dakota Prairie Refining refined crude oil and produced and sold diesel fuel, naphtha, ATBs and other by-products of the production process. In the second quarter of 2016, the Company sold all of the outstanding membership interests in Dakota Prairie Refining. Fidelity engaged in oil and natural gas development and production activities in the Rocky Mountain and Mid-Continent/Gulf States regions of the United States. Between September 2015 and March 2016, the Company entered into purchase and sale agreements to sell all of Fidelity's marketed oil and natural gas assets. The completion of these sales occurred between October 2015 and April 2016. For more information on discontinued operations, see Note 10.8.
The information below follows the same accounting policies as described in Note 1 of the Company's Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the 20152016 Annual Report. Information on the Company's businesses was as follows:
 Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
 September 30,September 30,
 2017
2016
2017
2016
 (In thousands)
External operating revenues:    
Regulated operations:    
Electric$91,531
$82,156
$254,330
$238,911
Natural gas distribution92,253
87,941
566,364
500,106
Pipeline and midstream23,152
21,982
45,341
44,980
 206,936
192,079
866,035
783,997
Nonregulated operations:    
Pipeline and midstream5,356
10,732
13,518
29,697
Construction materials and contracting686,010
724,535
1,388,212
1,475,643
Construction services374,111
280,801
1,009,693
822,226
Other135
420
654
1,167
 1,065,612
1,016,488
2,412,077
2,328,733
Total external operating revenues$1,272,548
$1,208,567
$3,278,112
$3,112,730
     
Intersegment operating revenues: 
 
 
 
Regulated operations:    
Electric$
$
$
$
Natural gas distribution



Pipeline and midstream3,081
3,278
30,923
30,969
 3,081
3,278
30,923
30,969
Nonregulated operations:    
Pipeline and midstream38
41
132
161
Construction materials and contracting142
155
400
370
Construction services415
3
715
541
Other1,910
2,204
5,411
5,542
 2,505
2,403
6,658
6,614
Intersegment eliminations(5,586)(5,681)(37,581)(37,583)
Total intersegment operating revenues$
$
$
$
     


 Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
 September 30,September 30,
 2016
2015
2016
2015
 (In thousands)
External operating revenues:    
Regulated operations:    
Electric$82,156
$74,604
$238,911
$210,646
Natural gas distribution87,941
89,520
500,106
553,058
Pipeline and midstream21,982
21,293
44,980
43,881
 192,079
185,417
783,997
807,585
Nonregulated operations:    
Pipeline and midstream10,732
14,545
29,697
42,294
Construction materials and contracting724,535
774,288
1,475,643
1,475,585
Construction services280,801
223,676
822,226
670,594
Other420
416
1,167
1,167
 1,016,488
1,012,925
2,328,733
2,189,640
Total external operating revenues$1,208,567
$1,198,342
$3,112,730
$2,997,225
     
Intersegment operating revenues: 
 
 
 
Regulated operations:    
Electric$
$
$
$
Natural gas distribution



Pipeline and midstream3,278
3,740
30,969
31,365
 3,278
3,740
30,969
31,365
Nonregulated operations:    
Pipeline and midstream41
145
161
460
Construction materials and contracting155
244
370
2,450
Construction services3
2,112
541
17,298
Other2,204
2,379
5,542
5,943
 2,403
4,880
6,614
26,151
Intersegment eliminations(5,681)(8,620)(37,583)(57,516)
Total intersegment operating revenues$
$
$
$
     



 Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
 September 30,September 30,
 2017
2016
2017
2016
 (In thousands)
Earnings (loss) on common stock: 
 
 
 
Regulated operations:    
Electric$15,712
$12,699
$37,904
$31,840
Natural gas distribution(10,883)(12,524)14,181
4,940
Pipeline and midstream5,853
5,389
15,901
16,241
 10,682
5,564
67,986
53,021
Nonregulated operations:    
Pipeline and midstream95
1,304
(770)2,043
Construction materials and contracting63,221
69,523
64,477
88,747
Construction services13,144
7,234
32,896
20,198
Other552
(1,009)(1,888)(3,572)
 77,012
77,052
94,715
107,416
Intersegment eliminations*1,855
5,599
6,121
5,599
Earnings on common stock before loss from
discontinued operations
89,549
88,215
168,822
166,036
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax*(2,198)(5,400)(3,702)(299,538)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest


(131,691)
Total earnings (loss) on common stock$87,351
$82,815
$165,120
$(1,811)
 Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
 September 30,September 30,
 2016
2015
2016
2015
 (In thousands)
Earnings (loss) on common stock: 
 
 
 
Regulated operations:    
Electric$12,699
$12,605
$31,840
$26,842
Natural gas distribution(12,524)(12,298)4,940
3,777
Pipeline and midstream5,389
5,392
16,241
15,077
 5,564
5,699
53,021
45,696
Nonregulated operations:    
Pipeline and midstream1,304
(8,587)2,043
(8,498)
Construction materials and contracting69,523
68,823
88,747
74,324
Construction services7,234
4,742
20,198
16,505
Other(1,009)(2,203)(3,572)(11,560)
 77,052
62,775
107,416
70,771
Intersegment eliminations*5,599
5,241
5,599
3,507
Earnings on common stock before loss from
discontinued operations
88,215
73,715
166,036
119,974
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax*(5,400)(223,112)(299,538)(816,517)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest
(9,778)(131,691)(21,060)
Total earnings (loss) on common stock$82,815
$(139,619)$(1,811)$(675,483)

* Includes eliminations for the presentation of income tax adjustments between continuing and discontinued operations.
 

Note 1714 - Employee benefit plans
Pension and other postretirement plans
The Company has noncontributory defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans for certain eligible employees. Components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) for the Company's pension and other postretirement benefit plans were as follows:
Pension Benefits
Other
Postretirement Benefits
Pension Benefits
Other
Postretirement Benefits
Three Months Ended September 30,2016
2015
2016
2015
2017
2016
2017
2016
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Components of net periodic benefit cost: 
Components of net periodic benefit cost (credit): 
Service cost$
$
$412
$454
$
$
$377
$412
Interest cost4,305
4,285
922
902
4,052
4,305
816
922
Expected return on assets(5,231)(5,563)(1,133)(1,199)(5,132)(5,231)(1,160)(1,133)
Amortization of prior service credit

(343)(343)

(343)(343)
Amortization of net actuarial loss1,553
1,734
371
511
1,589
1,553
213
371
Net periodic benefit cost, including amount capitalized627
456
229
325
Net periodic benefit cost (credit), including amount capitalized509
627
(97)229
Less amount capitalized82
90
(34)36
65
82
(95)(34)
Net periodic benefit cost$545
$366
$263
$289
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)$444
$545
$(2)$263

 Pension Benefits
Other
Postretirement Benefits
Nine Months Ended September 30,2016
2015
2016
2015
 (In thousands)
Components of net periodic benefit cost:    
Service cost$
$86
$1,236
$1,362
Interest cost12,915
12,855
2,766
2,705
Expected return on assets(15,693)(16,689)(3,400)(3,597)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)
36
(1,029)(1,028)
Amortization of net actuarial loss4,660
5,282
1,118
1,525
Curtailment loss
258


Net periodic benefit cost, including amount capitalized1,882
1,828
691
967
Less amount capitalized284
219
4
98
Net periodic benefit cost$1,598
$1,609
$687
$869

Prior to 2013, defined pension plan benefits and accruals for all nonunion and certain union plans were frozen. On June 30, 2015, an additional union plan was frozen. As of June 30, 2015, all of the Company's defined pension plans were frozen. These employees were eligible to receive additional defined contribution plan benefits.
 Pension Benefits
Other
Postretirement Benefits
Nine Months Ended September 30,2017
2016
2017
2016
 (In thousands)
Components of net periodic benefit cost (credit):    
Service cost$
$
$1,130
$1,236
Interest cost12,155
12,915
2,449
2,766
Expected return on assets(15,395)(15,693)(3,480)(3,400)
Amortization of prior service credit

(1,029)(1,029)
Amortization of net actuarial loss4,767
4,660
649
1,118
Net periodic benefit cost (credit), including amount capitalized1,527
1,882
(281)691
Less amount capitalized245
284
(248)4
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)$1,282
$1,598
$(33)$687


Nonqualified benefit plans
In addition to the qualified plan defined pension benefits reflected in the table, the Company also has unfunded, nonqualified benefit plans for executive officers and certain key management employees that generally provide for defined benefit payments at age 65 following the employee's retirement or, upon death, to their beneficiaries for a 15-year period. In February 2016, the Company froze the unfunded, nonqualified defined benefit plans to new participants and eliminated upgrades.benefit increases. Vesting for participants not fully vested was retained. The Company's net periodic benefit cost for these plans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, was $1.3$1.2 million and $3.5 million, respectively. The Company's net periodic benefit cost for these plans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, was$1.3 million and $600,000, respectively, which reflects a curtailment gain of $3.3 million in the first quarter of 2016. The Company's net periodic benefit cost for these plans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, was$1.7 million and $5.3 million, respectively.
Multiemployer plans
On September 24, 2014, JTL - Wyoming provided notice to the Operating Engineers Local 800 & WY Contractors Association, Inc. Pension Plan for Wyoming that it was withdrawing from the plan effective October 26, 2014. The plan administrator will determine JTL - Wyoming's withdrawal liability. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company accrued an additional withdrawal liability of approximately $2.4 million. The cumulative withdrawal liability is currently estimated at $16.4 million which has been accrued on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The assessed withdrawal liability for this plan may be significantly different from the current estimate. Also, this plan's administrator has alleged that JTL - Wyoming owes additional contributions for periods of time prior to its withdrawal, which could affect its final assessed withdrawal liability. JTL - Wyoming disputes the plan administrator's demand for additional contributions, and on February 23, 2016, filed a declaratory judgment action in the United States District Court for the District of Wyoming to resolve the dispute. JTL - Wyoming is currently engaged in settlement discussions to resolve the declaratory judgment action.
Note 1815 - Regulatory matters
On June 30, 2015, Montana-DakotaAugust 12, 2016, Intermountain filed an application with the SDPUCIPUC for an electrica natural gas rate increase. Montana-Dakota requested a total increase of approximately $2.7$10.2 million annually or approximately 19.24.1 percent above current rates. The request included rate recovery associated with increased investment in facilities and increased operating expenses. On January 17, 2017, Intermountain provided the IPUC with an updated revenue request of approximately $9.4 million. On April 28, 2017, the IPUC issued an order approving an increase of approximately $4.1 million or approximately 1.6 percent above current rates to recover Montana-Dakota’s investments in modifications to generation facilities to comply with new EPA requirements, the addition and/or replacement of capacity and energy requirements and transmission facilities along with the additional depreciation, operation and maintenance expenses and taxes associated with the increases in investment. An interim increase of $2.7 million, subject to refund, was implemented January 1, 2016. Montana-Dakota and the SDPUC staff filedbased on a settlement stipulation reflecting an overall annual increase of approximately $1.4 million including a transmission cost recovery rider and an infrastructure rider. A settlement hearing was held9.5 percent return on June 7, 2016. The SDPUC issued an order approving the settlement on June 15, 2016. The approved rates wereequity effective with service rendered on and after JulyMay 1, 2016. The final approved rate increase was less than2017. On May 18, 2017, Intermountain filed a petition for reconsideration with the interim rate increase implemented January 1, 2016; therefore, Montana-Dakota refundedIPUC requesting the difference as bill credits on customer billsreconsideration of certain items denied in October 2016.
the order dated April 28, 2017. On June 30, 2015, Montana-Dakota filed an application15, 2017, the IPUC granted the request for a natural gas rate increase withreconsideration. On August 17, 2017, Intermountain, the SDPUC. Montana-Dakota requested a total increase of approximately $1.5 million annually or approximately 3.1 percent above current rates to recover increased operating expenses along with increased investment in facilities, including the related depreciation expense and taxes, partially offset by an increase in customers and throughput. An interim increase of $1.5 million, subject to refund, was implemented January 1, 2016. Montana-Dakota, the SDPUCIPUC staff and other interested partiesthe interveners of the case filed a stipulation and settlement resolving all issues. The stipulation reflectingand settlement reflected an overall increase of approximately $1.2 million. A settlement hearingmillion or 1.36 percent more in annual revenue than the amounts approved on April 28, 2017, as well as changes in billing determinants. The total annual increase in revenue of approximately $6.7 million was heldapproved by the IPUC on June 7, 2016.September 14, 2017, with rates effective October 1, 2017.
On December 21, 2016, Great Plains filed an application with the MNPUC requesting authority to implement a natural gas utility infrastructure cost tariff of approximately $456,000 annually. The SDPUC issuedtariff will allow Great Plains to recover infrastructure investments, not previously included in rates, mandated by federal or state agencies associated with Great Plains' pipeline integrity programs. On October 6, 2017, the MNPUC approved the implementation of the natural gas utility infrastructure cost tariff to collect an annual increase of approximately $456,000. Great Plains submitted a compliance filing on October 10, 2017, requesting the order approving the settlement on June 15, 2016. The approved rates wereto be effective with service rendered on and after JulyNovember 1,


2016. The final approved rate increase was less than the interim rate increase implemented January 1, 2016; therefore, Montana-Dakota refunded the difference as bill credits on customer bills in October 2016. 2017.
On September 30, 2015, Great PlainsMay 31, 2017, Cascade filed an application with the WUTC for an annual pipeline replacement cost recovery mechanism of approximately $1.6 million or approximately .75 percent of additional revenue. The requested increase includes incremental pipeline replacement investments associated with qualifying pipeline integrity projects. On October 12, 2017, Cascade filed a required update revising the request to approximately $1.3 million or approximately .61 percent of additional revenue and on October 26, 2017, the WUTC approved the order with rates effective November 1, 2017.
On June 30, 2017, Montana-Dakota filed an application for advance determination of prudence and a certificate of public convenience and necessity with the NDPSC to purchase an expansion of the Thunder Spirit Wind farm. The advance determination of prudence would provide Montana-Dakota with assurance that the project is prudent and in the best interest of the public and assists in the recovery of Montana-Dakota's investment upon completion of the project. The expansion is expected to serve customers by the end of 2018 and is estimated to cost approximately $85 million. An informal hearing is scheduled for November 3, 2017.
On July 21, 2017, Montana-Dakota filed an application with the NDPSC for a natural gas rate increase of approximately $5.9 million annually or approximately 5.4 percent above current rates. The requested increase is primarily to recover the increased investment in distribution facilities to enhance system safety and reliability and the depreciation and taxes associated


with the MNPUC. Great Plainsincrease in investment. Montana-Dakota is also introducing an SSIP and the proposed adjustment mechanism required to fund the SSIP. Montana-Dakota requested an interim increase of approximately $4.6 million or approximately 4.2 percent, subject to refund. On September 6, 2017, the NDPSC approved the request for interim rates effective with service rendered on or after September 19, 2017. This matter is pending before the NDPSC.
On August 31, 2017, Cascade filed an application with the WUTC for a natural gas rate increase of approximately $5.9 million annually or approximately 2.7 percent above current rates. The requested increase includes costs associated with increased infrastructure investment and the associated operating expenses. Also included in the request is recovery of operation and maintenance costs associated with a maximum allowable operating pressure validation plan. This matter is pending before the WUTC.
On September 1, 2017, Montana-Dakota submitted an update to its transmission formula rate under the MISO tariff, which reflects an incremental increase of approximately $2.5 million to include a revenue requirement for the Company's multivalue project, for a total of $13.6 million effective January 1, 2018.
On September 25, 2017, Montana-Dakota filed an application with the MTPSC for a natural gas rate increase of approximately $2.8 million annually or approximately 4.1 percent above current rates. The requested increase is primarily to recover the increased investment in distribution facilities to enhance system safety and reliability and the depreciation and taxes associated with the increase in investment. Montana-Dakota is also introducing an SSIP and the proposed adjustment mechanism required to fund the SSIP. Montana-Dakota requested an interim increase of approximately $1.6 million annually or approximately 6.4 percent above current rates to recover increased operating expenses along with increased investment in facilities, including the related depreciation expense and taxes. An interim increase of $1.5 million or approximately 6.42.3 percent, subject to refund. This matter is pending before the MTPSC.
On September 29, 2017, Cascade filed an application with the OPUC for an annual pipeline replacement safety cost recovery mechanism of approximately $784,000 or approximately 1.2 percent of additional revenue. The requested increase includes incremental pipeline replacement investments associated with qualifying pipeline integrity projects. If approved, rates will be effective January 1, 2018. This matter is pending before the OPUC.
Montana-Dakota previously filed an application with the NDPSC on October 14, 2016, for an electric rate increase which also included a requested return on equity to be used in the determination of applications previously filed by Montana-Dakota for a renewable resource cost adjustment rider, an electric generation resource recovery rider, and a transmission cost adjustment rider, as discussed in the following paragraphs. On April 7, 2017, Montana-Dakota, the NDPSC Advocacy Staff and the interveners in the case filed a settlement agreement resolving all issues in the general rate case. The settlement agreement included a net increase of approximately $7.5 million or 3.7 percent above previously approved final rates and a true-up of the return on equity used in the interim renewable resource cost adjustment, the electric generation resource recovery and transmission cost adjustment riders of 9.45 percent; a return on equity of 9.65 percent for base rates and the renewable resource cost adjustment rider on a go-forward basis; and a return on equity of 9.45 percent through December 31, 2019, for the natural gas-fired internal combustion engines and associated facilities included in the electric generation resource recovery rider. A hearing on the settlement agreement was held on April 10, 2017. On June 16, 2017, the NDPSC approved the settlement agreement. On June 26, 2017, Montana-Dakota submitted a compliance filing and on July 14, 2017, submitted updated tariff sheets and a refund wasplan. The NDPSC approved the compliance filing and refund plan on July 26, 2017, with final rates effective with service rendered on andor after January 1, 2016. A technical hearing was held AprilAugust 7, 2016. The MNPUC issued an order on September 6, 2016, authorizing an increase of approximately $1.1 million annually or approximately 5.2 percent with the requirement that Great Plains submit a compliance filing within 30 days. On September 22, 2016, Great Plains submitted the required compliance filing which included a refund plan to return the amount of interim revenues collected above the final rates.2017. The final rates are less than the interim rates currently in effect. Therefore, Montana-Dakota will be implemented upon approvalrefund the difference to customers, which is approximately 19 percent of the compliance filing byamount collected from the MNPUC.general rate case interim increase, along with refunds to reflect true-ups for the various riders, as applicable. The background information related to the settlement agreement and related applications are discussed in the following paragraphs.
On October 26, 2015, Montana-Dakota filed an application with the NDPSC requesting a renewable resource cost adjustment rider for the recovery of the Thunder Spirit Wind project. On January 5, 2016, the NDPSC approved the rider to be effective January 7, 2016, resulting in an annual increase on an interim basis, subject to refund, of $15.1 million based upon a 10.5 percent return on equity. The interim rate is pending the determinationequity to be finalized upon approval of the return on equity in the generalelectric rate case application filed on October 14, 2016,2016. The electric rate case settlement agreement filed on April 7, 2017, included a revised return on equity for the rider. The settlement agreement was approved on June 16, 2017, as previously discussed in this note.
On October 26, 2015, Montana-Dakota filed an application with the NDPSC for an update to the electric generation resource recovery rider. On March 9, 2016, the NDPSC approved the rider to be effective with service rendered on and after March 15, 2016, which resulted in interim rates, subject to refund, of $9.7 million based upon a 10.5 percent return on equity.equity to be finalized upon the approval of the electric rate case filed on October 14, 2016. The interim rates include recovery of Montana-Dakota's investment in the 88-MW simple-cycle natural gas turbine and associated facilities near Mandan, North Dakota, and the 19 MW of new generation from natural gas-fired internal combustion engines and associated facilities near Sidney, Montana. The electric rate case settlement agreement filed on April 7, 2017, included the net investment authorized for the natural gas-fired internal combustion engines and the return on equity on both investments are pending in the general rate case application filed October 14, 2016,investments. The settlement agreement was approved on June 16, 2017, as previously discussed in this note.
On November 25, 2015, Montana-Dakota filed an application with the NDPSC for an update of its transmission cost adjustment rider for recovery of MISO-related charges and two transmission projects located in North Dakota. On February 10, 2016, the NDPSC


approved the transmission cost adjustment effective with service rendered on and after February 12, 2016, resulting in an annual increase on an interim basis, subject to refund, of $6.8 million based upon a 10.5 percent return on equity.equity to be finalized upon approval of the electric rate case filed on October 14, 2016. The interimelectric rate is pending the determination of thecase settlement agreement filed on April 7, 2017, included a revised return on equity infor the general rate case application filed October 14, 2016,rider. The settlement agreement was approved on June 16, 2017, as previously discussed in this note.
On December 1, 2015, Cascade filed an application with the WUTC for a natural gas rate increase. Cascade requested a total increase of approximately $10.5 million annually or approximately 4.2 percent above current rates. The requested increase includes rate recovery associated with increased infrastructure investment and the associated operating expenses. On July 7, 2016, the WUTC approved a settlement of $4.0 million annually. The approved rates were effective with service rendered on or after September 1, 2016.
On April 29, 2016, Cascade filed an application with the OPUC for a natural gas rate increase of approximately $1.9 million annually or approximately 2.8 percent above current rates. The request includes rate recovery associated with pipeline replacement and improvement projects to ensure the integrity of Cascade's system. On October 6, 2016, Cascade, staff of the OPUC and the interveners in the case filed a stipulation and settlement agreement reflecting an annual increase of approximately $754,000 to be effective March 1, 2017. This matter is pending before the OPUC.
On June 1, 2016, Cascade filed an application with the WUTC for an annual pipeline replacement cost recovery mechanism of $4.6 million annually or approximately 2.0 percent of additional revenue. The requested increase includes $2.4 million associated with incremental pipeline replacement investments and $2.2 million for an alternative recovery request of incremental operation and maintenance costs associated with a maximum allowable operating pressure validation plan. On October 17, 2016, Cascade filed an update to the application that reduced the incremental pipeline replacement investment to $1.9 million and removed the operation and maintenance costs associated with a maximum allowable operating pressure validation plan. On October 27, 2016, the WUTC allowed the pipeline replacement cost recovery mechanism to become effective November 1, 2016.
On June 10, 2016, Montana-Dakota filed an application for an increase in electric rates with the WYPSC. Montana-Dakota requested an increase of approximately $3.2 million annually or approximately 13.1 percent above current rates to recover Montana-Dakota's increased investment in facilities along with additional depreciation, operation and maintenance expenses including increased fuel costs, and taxes associated with the increases in investment. A hearing has been scheduled for January 18-19, 2017. This matter is pending before the WYPSC.
On August 12, 2016, Intermountain filed an application with the IPUC for a natural gas rate increase of approximately $10.2 million annually or approximately 4.1 percent above current rates. The request includes rate recovery associated with


increased investment in facilities and increased operating expenses. A hearing has been scheduled for March 1-2, 2017. This matter is pending before the IPUC.
On October 14, 2016, Montana-Dakota filed an application with the NDPSC for an electric rate increase of approximately $13.4 million annually or 6.6 percent above current rates. The request includes rate recovery associated with increased investment in facilities, along with the related depreciation, operation and maintenance expenses and taxes associated with the increased investment. Montana-Dakota requested an interim increase of approximately $13.0 million or approximately 6.5 percent, subject to refund, to be effective within 60 days of the filing. This matter is pending beforeOn November 21, 2016, Montana-Dakota filed and on November 30, 2016, the NDPSC.NDPSC approved a revised interim increase of approximately $11.7 million, based on adjustments accepted by the NDPSC, or approximately 5.8 percent above current rates, subject to refund, effective with service rendered on or after December 13, 2016. A settlement agreement was filed on April 7, 2017, and subsequently approved on June 16, 2017, as previously discussed in this note.
Note 1916 - Contingencies
The Company is party to claims and lawsuits arising out of its business and that of its consolidated subsidiaries.subsidiaries, which may include, but are not limited to, matters involving property damage, personal injury, and environmental, contractual, statutory and regulatory obligations. The Company accrues a liability for those contingencies when the incurrence of a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If a range of amounts can be reasonably estimated and no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, then the minimum of the range is accrued. The Company does not accrue liabilities when the likelihood that the liability has been incurred is probable but the amount cannot be reasonably estimated or when the liability is believed to be only reasonably possible or remote. For contingencies where an unfavorable outcome is probable or reasonably possible and which are material, the Company discloses the nature of the contingency and, in some circumstances, an estimate of the possible loss. Accruals are based on the best information available, but in certain situations management is unable to estimate an amount or range of a reasonably possible loss including, but not limited to when: (1) the damages are unsubstantiated or indeterminate, (2) the proceedings are in the early stages, (3) numerous parties are involved, or (4) the matter involves novel or unsettled legal theories. The Company had accrued liabilities of $34.3 million, $20.0 million $21.4 million and $19.5$31.8 million, which includehave not been discounted, including liabilities held for sale, for contingencies, including litigation, production taxes, royalty claims and environmental matters at September 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively, including2016, respectively. This includes amounts that may have been accrued for matters discussed in Litigation and Environmental matters within this note.
Litigation
Natural Gas Gathering Operations Omimex filed a complaint against WBI Energy Midstream in Montana Seventeenth Judicial District Court in July 2010 alleging WBI Energy Midstream breached a gathering contract with Omimex as a result of the increased operating pressures demanded by a third party on a natural gas gathering system in Montana. In December 2011, Omimex filed an amended complaint alleging WBI Energy Midstream breached obligations to operate its gathering system as a common carrier under United States and Montana law. WBI Energy Midstream removed the action to the United States District Court for the District of Montana. The parties subsequently settled the breach of contract claim and, subject to final determination on liability, stipulated to the damages on the common carrier claim, for amounts that are not material. A trial on the common carrier claim was held during July 2013. On December 9, 2014, the United States District Court for the District of Montana issued an order determining WBI Energy Midstream breached its obligations as a common carrier and ordered judgment in favor of Omimex for the amount of the stipulated damages. WBI Energy Midstream filed an appeal from the United States District Court for the District of Montana's order and judgment.
The Company also is subjectwill continue to other litigation,monitor each matter and actual and potential claims in the ordinary course of its business which may include, but are not limited to, matters involving property damage, personal injury, and environmental, contractual, statutory and regulatory obligations. Accruals areadjust accruals as might be warranted based on the bestnew information available but actual losses in future periods are affected by various factors making them uncertain. After taking into account liabilities accrued for the foregoing matters, managementand further developments. Management believes that the outcomes with respect to the above issues and other probable and reasonably possible losses in excess of the amounts accrued, net of insurance recoveries, while uncertain, either can not be estimated or will not have a material effect upon the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Unless otherwise required by GAAP, legal costs are expensed as they are incurred.
Litigation
Construction Services Capital Electric provided employees in 2012 to perform work for a contractor on a project in Kansas. One of the Capital Electric employees was injured while working on the project and brought a lawsuit against the contractor. Judgment was entered in favor of the employee and his spouse on November 3, 2016, in the amount of $44.8 million following a court determination that the employee’s injuries were caused by the contractor’s negligence. The contractor claims that Capital Electric was contractually required, but failed, to name the contractor as an additional insured under any liability policy in effect at the time of the project and that such failure resulted in the entry of judgment against the contractor. In March 2017, Capital Electric filed a petition for declaratory judgment in the District Court of Wyandotte County, Kansas for a judicial determination that any agreement between Capital Electric and the contractor for the project did not require Capital Electric to include the contractor as an additional insured under any liability policy issued to Capital Electric and that if such an agreement was found to exist, it would be void and unenforceable under Kansas law. The matter is pending before the District Court of Wyandotte County, Kansas and no accrual has been recorded for it.
Environmental matters
Portland Harbor Site In December 2000, Knife River - Northwest was named by the EPA as a PRP in connection with the cleanup of a riverbed site adjacent to a commercial property site acquired by Knife River - Northwest from Georgia-Pacific West, Inc. in 1999. The riverbed site is part of the Portland, Oregon, Harbor Superfund Site. The EPA wants responsible parties to share in the cleanup of sediment contamination in the Willamette River. To date, costs of the overall remedial investigation and feasibility study of the harbor site are being recorded, and initially paid, through an administrative consent order by the LWG, a group of several entities, which does not include Knife River - Northwest or Georgia-Pacific West, Inc. Investigative costs are indicated to be in excess of $100 million. On January 6, 2017, Region 10 of the EPA issued a ROD with its selected remedy for cleanup of the in-river portion of the site. Implementation of the remedy is expected to take up to 13 years with a present value cost estimate of approximately $1 billion. Corrective action will not be taken until after the development of a proposed plan is complete, a ROD on the harbor site is issued and the remedial design/remedial action plans are approved by the EPA. On June 8, 2016, Region 10 of the EPA issued a Proposed Plan for the Portland Harbor Superfund Site that included a preferred cleanup alternative with an estimated cost of $746 million. Comments on the Proposed Plan were received through September 6, 2016. The EPA is expected to issue a ROD following review of the comments received on the Proposed Plan. Knife River - Northwest also received notice in January 2008 that the Portland Harbor Natural Resource Trustee Council intends to perform an injury assessment to natural resources resulting from the release of hazardous substances at the Harbor Superfund Site. The Portland Harbor Natural Resource Trustee Council indicates the injury determination is appropriate to


facilitate early settlement of damages and restoration for natural resource injuries. It is not possible to estimate the costs of natural resource damages until an assessment is completed and allocations are undertaken.
Based upon a review of the Portland Harbor sediment contamination evaluation by the Oregon DEQ and other information available, Knife River - Northwest does not believe it is a responsible party. In addition, Knife River - Northwest has notified Georgia-Pacific West, Inc., that it intends to seek indemnity for liabilities incurred in relation to the above matters pursuant to the


terms of their sale agreement. Knife River - Northwest has entered into an agreement tolling the statute of limitations in connection with the LWG's potential claim for contribution to the costs of the remedial investigation and feasibility study. By letter in March 2009, LWG stated its intent to file suit against Knife River - Northwest and others to recover LWG's investigation costs to the extent Knife River - Northwest cannot demonstrate its non-liability for the contamination or is unwilling to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process that has been established to address the matter. At this time, Knife River - Northwest has agreed to participate in the alternative dispute resolution process.
The Company believes it is not probable that it will incur any material environmental remediation costs or damages in relation to the above referenced matter.
Manufactured Gas Plant Sites There are three claims against Cascade for cleanup of environmental contamination at manufactured gas plant sites operated by Cascade's predecessors.
The first claim is for contamination at a site in Eugene, Oregon which was received in 1995. There are PRPs in addition to Cascade that may be liable for cleanup of the contamination. Some of these PRPs have shared in the investigation costs. It is expected that these and other PRPs will share in the cleanup costs. Several alternatives for cleanup have been identified, with preliminary cost estimates ranging from approximately $500,000 to $11.0 million. The Oregon DEQ released a ROD in January 2015 that selected a remediation alternative for the site as recommended in an earlier staff report. The total estimated cost for the selected remediation, including long-term maintenance, is approximately $3.5 million of which $320,000 has been incurred. It is not known at this time what share of the cleanup costs will actually be borne by Cascade; however, Cascade has paid 50 percent of the ongoing investigation and design costs and anticipates its proportional share of the final costs could be approximately 50 percent. Cascade has accrued $1.7an accrual balance of $1.6 million for remediation of this site. In January 2013, the OPUC approved Cascade's application to defer environmental remediation costs at the Eugene site for a period of 12 months starting November 30, 2012. Cascade received orders reauthorizing the deferred accounting for the 12-month periods starting November 30, 2013, December 1, 2014, December 1, 2015 and December 1, 2015.2016.
The second claim is for contamination at a site in Bremerton, Washington which was received in 1997. A preliminary investigation has found soil and groundwater at the site contain contaminants requiring further investigation and cleanup. The EPA conducted a Targeted Brownfields Assessment of the site and released a report summarizing the results of that assessment in August 2009. The assessment confirms that contaminants have affected soil and groundwater at the site, as well as sediments in the adjacent Port Washington Narrows. Alternative remediation options have been identified with preliminary cost estimates ranging from $340,000 to $6.4 million. Data developed through the assessment and previous investigations indicates the contamination likely derived from multiple, different sources and multiple current and former owners of properties and businesses in the vicinity of the site may be responsible for the contamination. In April 2010, the Washington DOE issued notice it considered Cascade a PRP for hazardous substances at the site. In May 2012, the EPA added the site to the National Priorities List of Superfund sites. Cascade has entered into an administrative settlement agreement and consent order with the EPA regarding the scope and schedule for a remedial investigation and feasibility study for the site. Current estimates for the cost to complete the remedial investigation and feasibility study are approximately $7.6 million of which $700,000 has been incurred. Cascade has accrued $12.7$6.9 million for the remedial investigation and feasibility study andas well as $6.4 million for remediation of this site.site; however, the accrual for remediation costs will be reviewed and adjusted, if necessary, after completion of the remedial investigation and feasibility study. In April 2010, Cascade filed a petition with the WUTC for authority to defer the costs, which are included in other noncurrent assets, incurred in relation to the environmental remediation of this site. The WUTC approved the petition in September 2010, subject to conditions set forth in the order.
The third claim is for contamination at a site in Bellingham, Washington. Cascade received notice from a party in May 2008 that Cascade may be a PRP, along with other parties, for contamination from a manufactured gas plant owned by Cascade and its predecessor from about 1946 to 1962. The notice indicates that current estimates to complete investigation and cleanup of the site exceed $8.0 million. Other PRPs have reached an agreed order and work plan with the Washington DOE for completion of a remedial investigation and feasibility study for the site. A report documenting the initial phase of the remedial investigation was completed in June 2011. There is currently not enough information available to estimate the potential liability to Cascade associated with this claim although Cascade believes its proportional share of any liability will be relatively small in comparison to other PRPs. The plant manufactured gas from coal between approximately 1890 and 1946. In 1946, shortly after Cascade's predecessor acquired the plant, it converted the plant to a propane-air gas facility. There are no documented wastes or by-products resulting from the mixing or distribution of propane-air gas. Cascade has not recorded an accrual for this site.
Cascade has received notices from and entered into agreement with certain of its insurance carriers that they will participate in defense of Cascade for these contamination claims subject to full and complete reservations of rights and defenses to insurance coverage. To the extent these claims are not covered by insurance, Cascade willintends to seek recovery through the OPUC and WUTC of remediation costs in its natural gas rates charged to customers. The accruals related to these matters are reflected in regulatory assets.


Guarantees
In June 2016, WBI Energy sold all of the outstanding membership interests in Dakota Prairie Refining. In connection with the sale, Centennial agreed to continue to guarantee certain debt obligations of Dakota Prairie Refining which totaled $64.9$57.4 million at September 30, 2016,2017, and are expected to mature by 2023. Tesoro agreed to indemnify Centennial for any losses and litigation expenses arising from the guarantee. The estimated fair values of the indemnity asset and guarantee liability are reflected in deferred charges and other assets - other and deferred credits and other liabilities - other, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Continuation of the guarantee was required as a condition to the sale of Dakota Prairie Refining.




In March 2016, a sale agreement was signed to sell Fidelity's assets in the Paradox Basin. In connection with the sale, Centennial agreed to guarantee Fidelity's indemnity obligations associated with the Paradox assets. The guarantee was required by the buyer as a condition to the sale of the Paradox Basin assets.


In 2009, multiple sale agreements were signed to sell the Company's ownership interests in the Brazilian Transmission Lines. In connection with the sale, Centennial agreed to guarantee payment of any indemnity obligations of certain of the Company's indirect wholly owned subsidiaries who were the sellers in three purchase and sale agreements for periods ranging up to 10 years from the date of sale. The guarantees were required by the buyers as a condition to the sale of the Brazilian Transmission Lines.


Certain subsidiaries of the Company have outstanding guarantees to third parties that guarantee the performance of other subsidiaries of the Company. These guarantees are related to construction contracts, insurance deductibles and loss limits, and certain other guarantees. At September 30, 2016,2017, the fixed maximum amounts guaranteed under these agreements aggregated $110.0$119.4 million. The amounts of scheduled expiration of the maximum amounts guaranteed under these agreements aggregate $4.2 million in 2016; $30.3$2.5 million in 2017; $12.0$21.3 million in 2018; $59.5$15.8 million in 2019; $72.6 million in 2020; $500,000 in 2021; $2.7 million thereafter; and $4.0 million, which has no scheduled maturity date. There were no amounts outstanding under the above guarantees at September 30, 2016.2017. In the event of default under these guarantee obligations, the subsidiary issuing the guarantee for that particular obligation would be required to make payments under its guarantee.
Certain subsidiaries have outstanding letters of credit to third parties related to insurance policies and other agreements, some of which are guaranteed by other subsidiaries of the Company. At September 30, 2016,2017, the fixed maximum amounts guaranteed under these letters of credit aggregated $34.9$34.0 million. The amounts of scheduled expiration of the maximum amounts guaranteed under these letters of credit aggregate $2.9$29.2 million in 20162017 and $32.0$4.8 million in 2017.2018. There were no amounts outstanding under the above letters of credit at September 30, 2016.2017. In the event of default under these letter of credit obligations, the subsidiary issuing the letter of credit for that particular obligation would be required to make payments under its letter of credit.
In addition, Centennial, Knife River and MDU Construction Services have issued guarantees to third parties related to the routine purchase of maintenance items, materials and lease obligations for which no fixed maximum amounts have been specified. These guarantees have no scheduled maturity date. In the event a subsidiary of the Company defaults under these obligations, Centennial, Knife River or MDU Construction Services would be required to make payments under these guarantees. Any amounts outstanding by subsidiaries of the Company for these guarantees were reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2016.2017.
In the normal course of business, Centennial has surety bonds related to construction contracts and reclamation obligations of its subsidiaries. In the event a subsidiary of Centennial does not fulfill a bonded obligation, Centennial would be responsible to the surety bond company for completion of the bonded contract or obligation. A large portion of the surety bonds is expected to expire within the next 12 months; however, Centennial will likely continue to enter into surety bonds for its subsidiaries in the future. At September 30, 2016,2017, approximately $560.7$556.8 million of surety bonds were outstanding, which were not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Variable interest entities
The Company evaluates its arrangements and contracts with other entities to determine if they are VIEs and if so, if the Company is the primary beneficiary.
Dakota Prairie Refining, LLCOn February 7, 2013, WBI Energy and Calumet formed a limited liability company, Dakota Prairie Refining, and entered into an operating agreement to develop, build and operate Dakota Prairie Refinery in southwestern North Dakota. WBI Energy and Calumet each had a 50 percent ownership interest in Dakota Prairie Refining. WBI Energy's and Calumet's capital commitments, based on a total project cost of $300 million, under the agreement were $150 million and $75 million, respectively. Capital commitments for construction in excess of $300 million were shared equally between WBI Energy and Calumet. Dakota Prairie Refining entered into a term loan for project debt financing of $75 million on April 22, 2013. The operating agreement provided for allocation of profits and losses consistent with ownership interests; however, deductions attributable to project financing debt was allocated to Calumet. Calumet's cash distributions from Dakota Prairie Refining were decreased by the principal and interest paid on the project debt, while the cash distributions to WBI Energy were not decreased. Pursuant to the operating agreement, Centennial agreed to guarantee Dakota Prairie Refining's obligation under the term loan. The net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest on the Consolidated Statements of Income is pretax as Dakota Prairie Refining was a limited liability company. For more information related to the guarantee, see Guarantees in this note.
Dakota Prairie Refining was determined to be a VIE, and the Company had determined that it was the primary beneficiary as it had an obligation to absorb losses that could be potentially significant to the VIE through WBI Energy's equity investment and Centennial's guarantee of the third-party term loan. Accordingly, the Company consolidated Dakota Prairie Refining in its financial statements and recorded a noncontrolling interest for Calumet's ownership interest.
On June 24, 2016, WBI Energy entered into a membership interest purchase agreement with Tesoro to sell all of the outstanding membership interests in Dakota Prairie Refining to Tesoro. To effectuate the sale, WBI Energy acquired Calumet’s 50 percent membership interest in Dakota Prairie Refining on June 27, 2016. The sale of the membership interests to Tesoro closed on June 27, 2016. For more information on the Company's discontinued operations, see Note 10.


Dakota Prairie Refinery commenced operations in May 2015. The assets of Dakota Prairie Refining were used solely for the benefit of Dakota Prairie Refining. The total assets and liabilities of Dakota Prairie Refining were as follows:
 September 30, 2015
December 31, 2015
 (In thousands)
Assets  
Current assets:  
Cash and cash equivalents$625
$851
Accounts receivable14,648
7,693
Inventories12,354
13,176
Prepayments and other current assets7,125
6,215
Total current assets34,752
27,935
Net property, plant and equipment428,383
425,123
Deferred charges and other assets:  
Other5,052
9,626
Total deferred charges and other assets5,052
9,626
Total assets$468,187
$462,684
Liabilities  
Current liabilities:  
Short-term borrowings$29,500
$45,500
Long-term debt due within one year4,125
5,250
Accounts payable21,686
24,766
Taxes payable1,630
1,391
Accrued compensation1,059
938
Other accrued liabilities1,217
4,953
Total current liabilities59,217
82,798
Long-term debt64,875
63,750
Total liabilities$124,092
$146,548
Fuel Contract Coyote Station entered into a coal supply agreement with Coyote Creek that provides for the purchase of coal necessary to supply the coal requirements of the Coyote Station for the period May 2016 through December 2040. Coal purchased under the coal supply agreement is reflected in inventories on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets and is recovered from customers as a component of electric fuel and purchased power.
The coal supply agreement creates a variable interest in Coyote Creek due to the transfer of all operating and economic risk to the Coyote Station owners, as the agreement is structured so the price of the coal will cover all costs of operations as well as future reclamation costs. The Coyote Station owners are also providing a guarantee of the value of the assets of Coyote Creek as they would be required to buy the assets at book value should they terminate the contract prior to the end of the contract term and are providing a guarantee of the value of the equity of Coyote Creek in that they are required to buy the entity at the end of the contract term at equity value. Although the Company has determined that Coyote Creek is a VIE, the Company has concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of Coyote Creek because the authority to direct the activities of the entity is shared by the four unrelated owners of the Coyote Station, with no primary beneficiary existing. As a result, Coyote Creek is not required to be consolidated in the Company's financial statements.


At September 30, 2016,2017, the Company's exposure to loss as a result of the Company's involvement with the VIE, based on the Company's ownership percentage, was $44.1$41.4 million.




Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
The Company's strategy is to apply its expertise in the regulated energy delivery and construction materials and services businesses to increase market share, increase profitability and enhance shareholder value through:
Organic growth as well as a continued disciplined approach to the acquisition of well-managed companies and properties
The elimination of system-wide cost redundancies through increased focus on integration of operations and standardization and consolidation of various support services and functions across companies within the organization
The development of projects that are accretive to earnings per share and return on invested capital
Divestiture of certain assets to fund capital growth projects throughout the Company
The Company has capabilities to fund its growth and operations through various sources, including internally generated funds, commercial paper facilities, revolving credit facilities, the issuance from time to time of debt and equity securities and asset sales. For more information on the Company's net capital expenditures, see Liquidity and Capital Commitments.
The key strategies for each of the Company's business segments and certain related business challenges are summarized below. For a summary of the Company's businesses,business segments, see Note 16.13.
Key Strategies and Challenges
Electric and Natural Gas Distribution
StrategyProvide safe and reliable competitively priced energy and related services to customers. The electric and natural gas distribution segments continually seek opportunities to retain, grow and expand their customer base through extensions of existing operations, including building and upgrading electric generation and transmission and natural gas systems, and through selected acquisitions of companies and properties at prices that will provide stable cash flows and an opportunity for the Company to earn a competitive return on investment.
Challenges Both segments are subject to extensive regulation in the state jurisdictions where they conduct operations with respect to costs and timely recovery and permitted returns on investment as well as subject to certain operational, system integrity and environmental regulations. These regulations can require substantial investment to upgrade facilities. The ability of these segments to grow through acquisitions is subject to significant competition. In addition, the ability of both segments to grow service territory and customer base is affected by the economic environment of the markets served and competition from other energy providers and fuels. The construction of any new electric generating facilities, transmission lines and other service facilities is subject to increasing cost and lead time, extensive permitting procedures, and federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives, which will necessitate increases in electric energy prices. Legislative and regulatory initiatives to increase renewable energy resources and reduce GHG emissions could impact the price and demand for electricity and natural gas and could result in the retirement of certain electric generating facilities before they are fully depreciated.
Pipeline and Midstream
Strategy Utilize the segment's existing expertise in energy infrastructure and related services to increase market share and profitability through optimization of existing operations, internal growth, and investments in and acquisitions of energy-related assets and companies both in its current operating areas and beyond its Rocky Mountain and northern Great Plains base.areas. Incremental and new growth opportunities include: access to new energy sources for storage, gathering and transportation services; expansion of existing storage, gathering and transmission facilities; incremental pipeline projects which expand pipeline capacity; and expansion of the pipeline and midstream business to include liquid pipelines and processing activities.
ChallengesChallengesOngoing challenges for this segment include: energy price volatility; basis differentials; environmental and regulatory requirements; securing permits and easements; recruitment and retention of a skilled workforce; and competition from other pipeline and midstream companies.
Construction Materials and Contracting
Strategy Focus on high-growth strategic markets located near major transportation corridors and desirable mid-sized metropolitan areas; strengthen long-term, strategic aggregate reserve position through purchase and/or lease opportunities; enhance profitability through cost containment, margin discipline and vertical integration of the segment's operations; develop and recruit talented employees; and continue growth through organic and acquisition opportunities. Vertical integration allows the segment to manage operations from aggregate mining to final lay-down of concrete and asphalt, with control of and access to permitted aggregate reserves being significant. A key element of the Company's long-term strategy for this business is to further expand its market presence in the higher-margin materials business (rock, sand, gravel, liquid asphalt, asphalt concrete, ready-mixed concrete and related products), complementing and expanding on the Company's expertise.
Challenges Recruitment and retention of key personnel and volatility in the cost of raw materials such as diesel, gasoline, liquid asphalt, cement and steel, are ongoing challenges. This business unit expects to continue cost containment efforts, positioning its operations for the resurgence in the private market, while continuing the emphasis on industrial, energy and public works projects.




Construction Services
Strategy Provide a superior return on investment by: building new and strengthening existing customer relationships; effectively controlling costs; retaining, developing and recruiting talented employees; growing through organic and acquisition opportunities; and focusing efforts on projects that will permit higher margins while properly managing risk.
Challenges This segment operates in highly competitive markets with many jobs subject to competitive bidding. Maintenance of effective operational and cost controls, retention of key personnel, managing through downturns in the economy and effective management of working capital are ongoing challenges.
Additional Information
For more information on the risks and challenges the Company faces as it pursues its growth strategies and other factors that should be considered for a better understanding of the Company's financial condition, see Part II, Item 1A - Risk Factors, as well as Part I, Item 1A - Risk Factors in the 20152016 Annual Report. For more information on key growth strategies, projections and certain assumptions, see Prospective Information. For information pertinent to various commitments and contingencies, see Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Earnings Overview
The following table summarizes the contribution to the consolidated earnings (loss) by each of the Company's businesses.
Three Months EndedNine Months EndedThree Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 30,September 30,
2016
2015
2016
2015
2017
2016
2017
2016
(Dollars in millions, where applicable)(In millions, except per share amounts)
Electric$12.7
$12.6
$31.8
$26.8
$15.7
$12.7
$37.9
$31.8
Natural gas distribution(12.5)(12.3)4.9
3.8
(10.9)(12.5)14.2
4.9
Pipeline and midstream6.7
(3.2)18.3
6.6
6.0
6.7
15.1
18.3
Construction materials and contracting69.5
68.8
88.8
74.3
63.2
69.5
64.5
88.8
Construction services7.2
4.7
20.2
16.5
13.1
7.2
32.9
20.2
Other(1.0)(2.1)(3.6)(11.6).6
(1.0)(1.9)(3.6)
Intersegment eliminations5.6
5.2
5.6
3.6
1.9
5.6
6.1
5.6
Earnings before discontinued operations88.2
73.7
166.0
120.0
89.6
88.2
168.8
166.0
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax(5.4)(223.1)(299.5)(816.5)(2.2)(5.4)(3.7)(299.5)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest
(9.8)(131.7)(21.0)


(131.7)
Earnings (loss) on common stock$82.8
$(139.6)$(1.8)$(675.5)$87.4
$82.8
$165.1
$(1.8)
Earnings (loss) per common share – basic: 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per common share - basic: 
 
 
 
Earnings before discontinued operations$.45
$.38
$.85
$.62
$.46
$.45
$.86
$.85
Discontinued operations attributable to the Company, net of tax(.03)(1.10)(.86)(4.09)(.01)(.03)(.01)(.86)
Earnings (loss) per common share – basic$.42
$(.72)$(.01)$(3.47)
Earnings (loss) per common share – diluted: 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per common share - basic$.45
$.42
$.85
$(.01)
Earnings (loss) per common share - diluted: 
 
 
 
Earnings before discontinued operations$.45
$.38
$.85
$.62
$.46
$.45
$.86
$.85
Discontinued operations attributable to the Company, net of tax(.03)(1.10)(.86)(4.09)(.01)(.03)(.02)(.86)
Earnings (loss) per common share – diluted$.42
$(.72)$(.01)$(3.47)
Earnings (loss) per common share - diluted$.45
$.42
$.84
$(.01)
Three Months Ended September 30, 20162017 and 20152016 The Company recognized consolidated earnings of $82.8$87.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2016,2017, compared to a consolidated loss of $139.6$82.8 million from the comparable prior period largely due to:
Discontinued operations which reflect the absence in 2016 of a fair value impairment of the exploration and production business's assets of $224.4 million (after tax) in 2015
The absence in 2016 of an impairment of natural gas gathering assets at the pipeline and midstream business
Higher outside and inside electrical and outside construction workloads and margins in the Western region at the construction services business
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 The Company recognized a consolidated loss of $1.8 million forHigher electric retail sales margins at the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to a consolidated loss of $675.5 million from the comparable prior period largely due to:electric business
Discontinued operations which reflect the absence in 2016 of fair value impairments of the exploration and production business's assets of $476.4 million (after tax) and a noncash write-down of oil andHigher natural gas properties of $315.3 million (after tax) in 2015,retail sales margins at the natural gas distribution business
These increases were partially offset in part by a fair value impairment of Dakota Prairie Refining of $156.7 million (after tax) in 2016by:
Higher construction revenues and margins, higherLower asphalt product margins and volumes, higher ready-mixed concrete volumes and higher other product linelower construction margins at the construction materials and contracting business


The absence in 2016 of impairments of natural gasLower gathering assetsand processing revenues at the pipeline and midstream business
Other


Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 The Company recognized consolidated earnings of $165.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to a consolidated loss of $1.8 million from the comparable prior period largely due to:
Discontinued operations which reflects lower operation and maintenance expense and lower interest expense, which have been reducedthe absence in 2017 of a loss associated with the sale of Fidelity's marketed oilthe refining business, which was sold in June 2016
Higher inside and outside construction margins at the construction services business
Higher natural gas assets
Higher retail sales margins largelyat the result of approved rate recovery related to capital investments, offset in part by decreasednatural gas distribution business
Higher electric retail sales volumes of 3 percent to all customer classes and higher depreciation, depletion and amortization due to increased plant additionsmargins at the electric business
These increases were partially offset by:
Lower asphalt product margins and lower construction margins at the construction materials and contracting business
Lower gathering and processing revenues at the pipeline and midstream business
Financial and Operating Data
Below are key financial and operating data for each of the Company's businesses.
Electric
Three Months EndedNine Months EndedThree Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 30,September 30,
2016
2015
2016
2015
2017
2016
2017
2016
(Dollars in millions, where applicable)(Dollars in millions, where applicable)
Operating revenues$82.2
$74.6
$238.9
$210.7
$91.5
$82.2
$254.3
$238.9
Operating expenses: 
 
   
 
  
Fuel and purchased power16.8
20.6
54.7
63.8
Operation and maintenance28.9
21.5
84.7
65.1
30.4
28.9
87.5
84.7
Electric fuel and purchased power18.9
16.8
57.5
54.7
Depreciation, depletion and amortization12.5
9.5
37.8
28.1
12.2
12.5
35.5
37.8
Taxes, other than income3.6
3.0
10.2
9.1
3.7
3.6
11.1
10.2
61.8
54.6
187.4
166.1
65.2
61.8
191.6
187.4
Operating income20.4
20.0
51.5
44.6
26.3
20.4
62.7
51.5
Earnings$12.7
$12.6
$31.8
$26.8
$15.7
$12.7
$37.9
$31.8
Retail sales (million kWh)799.2
823.1
2,393.6
2,475.8
Average cost of fuel and purchased power per kWh$.019
$.024
$.021
$.024
Retail sales (million kWh): 
Residential278.7
276.6
860.2
835.7
Commercial377.7
373.3
1,122.7
1,089.5
Industrial133.7
126.0
395.9
401.9
Other28.5
23.3
75.7
66.5
818.6
799.2
2,454.5
2,393.6
Average cost of electric fuel and purchased power per kWh$.021
$.019
$.022
$.021
Three Months Ended September 30, 20162017 and 20152016 Electric earnings increased $100,000 (1$3.0 million (24 percent) compared to the comparable prior period. The increase was largely the result of higher electric retail sales margins due to approved rate recovery, recovery of additional investment in a MISO multivalue project and higher retail sales volumes of 2 percent to all customer classes.
Partially offsetting the increase were:
Higher operation and maintenance expense of $1.0 million (after tax), largely higher payroll-related costs, contract services and material costs
Lower tax credits of $700,000
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 Electric earnings increased $6.1 million (19 percent) compared to the comparable prior period due to:
Higher electric retail sales margins, largely due to the resultrecovery of additional investment in a MISO multivalue project, approved rate recovery related to capital investments and associated operating expenses, offset in part by decreased electricincreased retail sales volumes of 3 percent, primarily to allcommercial and residential customers
Lower depreciation, depletion and amortization expense of $1.4 million (after tax) due to lower depreciation rates implemented in conjunction with regulatory recovery activity


Partially offsetting these increases were:
Higher operation and maintenance expense of $1.7 million (after tax), largely higher payroll-related costs and material costs
Higher taxes, other than income, which includes $500,000 (after tax) largely due to higher property taxes in certain jurisdictions
Natural Gas Distribution
 Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
 September 30,September 30,
 2017
2016
2017
2016
 (Dollars in millions, where applicable)
Operating revenues$92.3
$87.9
$566.4
$500.1
Operating expenses: 
 
  
Operation and maintenance39.6
39.5
119.2
116.6
Purchased natural gas sold36.4
37.6
314.9
273.7
Depreciation, depletion and amortization17.4
16.6
51.7
49.6
Taxes, other than income8.2
8.0
37.3
34.3
 101.6
101.7
523.1
474.2
Operating income (loss)(9.3)(13.8)43.3
25.9
Earnings (loss)$(10.9)$(12.5)$14.2
$4.9
Volumes (MMdk) 
 
  
Sales:    
Residential3.9
3.9
40.4
34.2
Commercial4.0
3.8
29.0
24.5
Industrial.8
.8
3.3
3.0
 8.7
8.5
72.7
61.7
Transportation:    
Commercial.3
.3
1.4
1.2
Industrial35.8
37.3
102.1
108.2
 36.1
37.6
103.5
109.4
Total throughput44.8
46.1
176.2
171.1
Degree days (% of normal)* 
 
 
 
Montana-Dakota/Great Plains242%174%99%84%
Cascade80%93%110%80%
Intermountain178%147%113%94%
Average cost of natural gas, including transportation, per dk$4.20
$4.44
$4.33
$4.44
* Degree days are a measure of the daily temperature-related demand for energy for heating.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 Natural gas distribution experienced a seasonal loss of $10.9 million compared to a seasonal loss of $12.5 million a year ago (13 percent improvement). The improvement was the result of higher natural gas retail sales margins due to approved rate recovery, weather normalization and conservation adjustments to offset warmer weather in certain jurisdictions and higher retail sales volumes of 2 percent to commercial and residential classes, primarily resulting from colder weather in certain jurisdictions and customer classes.growth.
Partially offsetting the increase were:
Lower other income, which includes $2.0 million (after tax) primarily related to AFUDCtax credits of $500,000
Higher depreciation, depletion and amortization expense of $1.9 million$500,000 (after tax) due to increased property, plant and equipment balances
Higher interest expense, which includes $1.3 million (after tax) largely the result of higher long-term debt
Higher operation and maintenance expense, which includes $1.1 million (after tax) primarily due to higher contract services and payroll-related costs
The previous table also reflects lower average cost of fuel and purchased power per kWh due to no fuel and purchased power costs associated with the Thunder Spirit Wind farm and higher operation and maintenance expense due to higher transmission costs being recovered in approved transmission trackers.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 20162017 and 2015 Electric2016 Natural gas distribution earnings increased $5.0$9.3 million (19(187 percent) compared to the comparable prior period due toto:
Higher natural gas retail sales margins resulting from higher retail sales margins, largely the resultvolumes of 18 percent to all customer classes, driven primarily by colder weather in all jurisdictions and customer growth, as well as approved rate recovery related to capital investments and associated operating expenses,recovery; offset in part by decreased electric salesweather normalization and conservation adjustments in certain jurisdictions


Higher natural gas transportation margins resulting from higher average rates due to customer mix, partially offset by a decrease in volumes of 36 percent to all customer classes.
Partially offsetting the increasethese increases were:
Higher depreciation, depletion and amortization expense of $6.0 million (after tax) due to increased property, plant and equipment balances
Lower other income, which includes $4.1 million (after tax) primarily related to AFUDC
Higher interest expense, which includes $3.4 million (after tax) largely the result of higher long-term debt
Higher operation and maintenance expense, which includes $1.8 million (after tax) primarily due to higher contract services and payroll-related costs


The previous table also reflects lower average cost of fuel and purchased power per kWh due to no fuel and purchased power costs associated with the Thunder Spirit Wind farm and higher operation and maintenance expense due to higher transmission costs being recovered in approved transmission trackers.
Natural Gas Distribution
 Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
 September 30,September 30,
 2016
2015
2016
2015
 (Dollars in millions, where applicable)
Operating revenues$87.9
$89.5
$500.1
$553.1
Operating expenses: 
 
  
Purchased natural gas sold37.6
41.3
273.7
336.5
Operation and maintenance39.5
37.7
116.6
113.6
Depreciation, depletion and amortization16.6
15.0
49.6
44.3
Taxes, other than income8.0
7.4
34.3
34.0
 101.7
101.4
474.2
528.4
Operating income (loss)(13.8)(11.9)25.9
24.7
Earnings (loss)$(12.5)$(12.3)$4.9
$3.8
Volumes (MMdk): 
 
  
Sales8.5
7.8
61.7
60.4
Transportation37.6
39.0
109.4
109.1
Total throughput46.1
46.8
171.1
169.5
Degree days (% of normal)* 
 
 
 
Montana-Dakota/Great Plains174%98%84%88%
Cascade93%116%80%80%
Intermountain147%86%94%85%
Average cost of natural gas, including transportation, per dk$4.44
$5.33
$4.44
$5.57
* Degree days are a measure of the daily temperature-related demand for energy for heating.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 Natural gas distribution experienced a seasonal loss of $12.5 million compared to a seasonal loss of $12.3 million a year ago (2 percent higher loss). The higher loss was the result of:
Higher utility related operation and maintenance expense, which includes $2.0 million (after tax) largely higher payroll-related costs and higher contract services related to pipeline safety
Higher depreciation, depletion and amortization expense of $1.0 million (after tax), primarily resulting from increased property, plant and equipment balances
Partially offsetting the decreases were:
Higher natural gas sales margins resulting from final and interim rate increases and increased retail sales volumes of 9 percent to all customer classes, which includes the effects of cooler weather in certain regions
Favorable income tax adjustments of $800,000 related to certain tax credits
The previous table also reflects lower operation and maintenance expense related to nonutility project activity.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 Natural gas distribution earnings increased $1.1 million (31 percent) due to:
Higher natural gas retail sales margins resulting from higher retail sales volumes of 2 percent to all customer classes and final and interim rate increases
Higher natural gas transportation sales margins of $800,000 (after tax), primarily due to higher per unit realization
Partially offsetting the increases were:
Higher utility related operation and maintenance expense, which includes $3.5 million (after tax) largely higher payroll-related costs and software maintenance costs
Higher depreciation, depletion and amortization expense of $3.3$1.3 million (after tax), primarily resulting from due to increased property, plant and equipment balances


The previous table also reflects lower operation and maintenance expense related to nonutility project activity, as well as the pass-through of lower natural gas prices which are reflected in the decrease in both sales revenue and purchased natural gas sold in 2016.
Pipeline and Midstream
Three Months EndedNine Months EndedThree Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 30,September 30,
2016
2015
2016
2015
2017
2016
2017
2016
(Dollars in millions)(Dollars in millions)
Operating revenues$36.0
$39.7
$105.8
$118.0
$31.6
$36.0
$89.9
$105.8
Operating expenses:  
Operation and maintenance14.1
32.3
43.1
69.0
13.7
14.1
40.9
43.1
Depreciation, depletion and amortization6.2
7.0
18.5
21.7
4.2
6.2
12.4
18.5
Taxes, other than income3.0
3.2
8.9
9.6
3.1
3.0
9.2
8.9
23.3
42.5
70.5
100.3
21.0
23.3
62.5
70.5
Operating income (loss)12.7
(2.8)35.3
17.7
Earnings (loss)$6.7
$(3.2)$18.3
$6.6
Operating income10.6
12.7
27.4
35.3
Earnings$6.0
$6.7
$15.1
$18.3
Transportation volumes (MMdk)67.7
71.8
217.1
210.8
82.4
67.7
228.9
217.1
Natural gas gathering volumes (MMdk)5.1
8.4
15.0
26.7
4.1
5.1
12.1
15.0
Customer natural gas storage balance (MMdk):  
Beginning of period28.1
11.8
16.6
14.9
25.1
28.1
26.4
16.6
Net injection7.2
7.5
18.7
4.4
9.5
7.2
8.2
18.7
End of period35.3
19.3
35.3
19.3
34.6
35.3
34.6
35.3
Three Months Ended September 30, 20162017 and 20152016 Pipeline and midstream earnings increased $9.9 million (309decreased $700,000 (11 percent) due to:
Lower operation and maintenance expense, which includes $10.6 million (after tax) primarily duecompared to the absence in 2016comparable prior period. The decrease was primarily the result of an impairmentlower gathering and processing revenues of natural gas gathering assets of $8.7$3.6 million (after tax), as discussedlargely due to lower volumes resulting from the sale of Pronghorn in Notes 5 and 13, as well as lower material costs and contract servicesJanuary 2017.
Partially offsetting the decrease were:
Lower depreciation, depletion and amortization expense of $600,000 (after tax) due largely to the sale of certain non-strategic natural gas gathering assets in the fourth quarter of 2015
Higher storage services earnings of $400,000$1.2 million (after tax), primarily due to the absence of Pronghorn
Higher transportation revenues of $800,000 (after tax), largely due to increased off-system transportation which reflects increased volumes due to recently completed organic growth projects and higher average interruptiblevolumes transported to storage balances
Partially offsetting these increases was lower gatheringLower operation and processing earningsmaintenance expense primarily due to lower natural gas gathering volumes, primarilypayroll-related costs and the absence of Pronghorn
Lower interest expense of $400,000 (after tax) due to the sale of certain non-strategic assets, as previously discussed.lower debt balances
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 and 2015Pipeline and midstream earnings increased $11.7decreased $3.2 million (178 (17 percent) due to:
Lower operation and maintenance expense, which includes $15.4 million (after tax) primarily duecompared to the absence in 2016comparable prior period. The decrease was primarily the result of impairmentslower gathering and processing revenues of natural gas gathering assets of $10.6$10.3 million (after tax), as discussed in Notes 5 and 13,largely due to lower volumes resulting from the sale of Pronghorn, as well as lower payroll and benefit-related costs, materials costs and contract servicesgathering rates in certain operating areas.
Partially offsetting the decrease were:
Lower depreciation, depletion and amortization expense of $1.9$3.8 million (after tax), primarily due largely to the saleabsence of certain non-strategic assets, as previously discussedPronghorn
Lower operation and maintenance expense primarily due to the absence of Pronghorn and lower payroll-related costs
Lower interest expense of $800,000$1.5 million (after tax) due to lower debt balances


Construction Materials and Contracting
 Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
 September 30,September 30,
 2017
2016
2017
2016
 (Dollars in millions)
Operating revenues$686.1
$724.7
$1,388.6
$1,476.0
Operating expenses: 
  
 
Operation and maintenance555.2
582.2
1,198.3
1,243.4
Depreciation, depletion and amortization14.0
14.4
42.1
44.3
Taxes, other than income12.0
12.2
32.9
33.7
 581.2
608.8
1,273.3
1,321.4
Operating income104.9
115.9
115.3
154.6
Earnings$63.2
$69.5
$64.5
$88.8
Sales (000's): 
 
 
 
Aggregates (tons)10,078
9,997
20,957
21,281
Asphalt (tons)3,009
3,507
5,054
5,959
Ready-mixed concrete (cubic yards)1,098
1,146
2,697
2,840
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 Construction materials and contracting earnings decreased $6.3 million (9 percent) compared to the comparable prior period due to:
Lower asphalt product margins primarily due to increased competition in certain regions and less available work resulting in lower volumes
Lower construction margins of $1.5 million (after tax) primarily resulting from lower revenues in energy producing states due to less available work
Partially offsetting these decreases were:
Higher aggregate margins of $1.4 million (after tax), primarily resulting from higher sales volumes due to increased demand and timing of projects in the quarter
Higher other product line margins of $500,000 (after tax)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 Construction materials and contracting earnings decreased $24.3 million (27 percent) compared to the comparable prior period due to:
Lower asphalt product margins primarily due to weather-related delays, less available work and increased competition in certain regions resulting in lower volumes
Lower construction margins of $8.9 million (after tax) primarily due to lower revenues resulting from poor weather conditions in the first half of 2017, project timing, less available work in energy producing states and increased competition
Lower ready-mixed concrete margins of $1.7 million (after tax) due to lower volumes primarily resulting from poor weather conditions and decreased demand in certain regions
Partially offsetting these decreases was higher aggregate margins of $1.6 million (after tax) resulting from lower production costs and strong commercial and residential demand in certain regions.


Construction Services
 Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
 September 30,September 30,
 2017
2016
2017
2016
 (In millions)
Operating revenues$374.5
$280.8
$1,010.4
$822.8
Operating expenses: 
 
 
 
Operation and maintenance336.4
255.8
906.1
750.1
Depreciation, depletion and amortization3.9
3.9
11.9
11.4
Taxes, other than income11.8
9.3
36.7
29.7
 352.1
269.0
954.7
791.2
Operating income22.4
11.8
55.7
31.6
Earnings$13.1
$7.2
$32.9
$20.2
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 Construction services earnings increased $5.9 million (82 percent) compared to the comparable prior period due to:
Higher earnings resulting from higher outside construction margins due to higher construction workloads in areas impacted by hurricane activity and higher outside equipment sales and rentals
Higher earnings of $3.4 million (after tax) resulting from higher inside construction margins largely the result of lower debt interest rates and balances
Higher storage services earnings, primarilyhigher workloads due to higher average interruptible storage balances and injection volumesan increase in large projects during the quarter
Partially offsetting these increases was lower gathering and processing earnings of $7.3 million (after tax), primarily related to lower natural gas gathering volumes, largely the result of the sale of certain non-strategic assets, as previously discussed; and lower gathering and processing volumes offset in part by higher oil gathering rates at Pronghorn.


Construction Materials and Contracting
 Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
 September 30,September 30,
 2016
2015
2016
2015
 (Dollars in millions)
Operating revenues$724.7
$774.5
$1,476.0
$1,478.0
Operating expenses: 
  
 
Operation and maintenance582.2
631.6
1,243.4
1,266.4
Depreciation, depletion and amortization14.4
16.4
44.3
49.1
Taxes, other than income12.2
12.0
33.7
32.1
 608.8
660.0
1,321.4
1,347.6
Operating income115.9
114.5
154.6
130.4
Earnings$69.5
$68.8
$88.8
$74.3
Sales (000's): 
 
 
 
Aggregates (tons)9,997
10,240
21,281
20,746
Asphalt (tons)3,507
3,508
5,959
5,467
Ready-mixed concrete (cubic yards)1,146
1,159
2,840
2,723
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 Construction materials and contracting earnings increased $700,000 (1 percent) due to:
Higher earnings of $2.7 million (after tax) resulting from increased construction margins, primarily due to increased construction activity in various regions
Lower selling, general and administrative expense of $700,000$1.2 million (after tax), largely related to lower bad debt expenseprimarily higher payroll-related costs.
Higher earnings of $500,000 (after tax) resulting from higher aggregate margins, largely the result of lower equipment costs
Partially offsetting these increases were:
Lower earnings of $1.0 million (after tax) resulting from lower asphalt margins, largely due to lower volumes in the North Central region partially offset by higher volumes in the Northwest region
Lower earnings of $900,000 (after tax) resulting from lower ready-mixed concrete margins, largely the result of large projects completed in 2015
Lower earnings from other product line margins
Lower energy costs contributed to higher earnings from all product lines.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 20162017 and 20152016 Construction materials and contractingservices earnings increased $14.5$12.7 million (19(63 percent) compared to the comparable prior period due to:
Higher earnings of $7.6 million (after tax) resulting from increased construction revenues and margins, largely the effect of increased construction activity
Higher earnings of $2.9$14.5 million (after tax) resulting from higher asphaltinside construction margins and volumes,in the majority of business activities performed which includes lower asphalt oil costsan increase in the number and higher demand-related volumes
The absencesize of projects that moved into full construction in 20162017 and successful execution of a MEPP withdrawal liability of $1.5 million (after tax), as discussed in Note 17
labor performance on projects
Higher earnings of $700,000 (after tax) resulting from higher ready-mixed concrete demand-related volumes
Higher earnings from other product lineoutside construction margins due to higher workloads including areas impacted by hurricane activity
Partially offsetting these increases were unfavorable income tax changes, which includes $900,000 primarily due to higher effective tax rates.
Lower energy costs contributed to higher earnings from all product lines.


Construction Services
 Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
 September 30,September 30,
 2016
2015
2016
2015
 (In millions)
Operating revenues$280.8
$225.8
$822.8
$687.9
Operating expenses: 
 
 
 
Operation and maintenance255.8
207.2
750.1
624.0
Depreciation, depletion and amortization3.9
3.3
11.4
10.0
Taxes, other than income9.3
6.7
29.7
24.0
 269.0
217.2
791.2
658.0
Operating income11.8
8.6
31.6
29.9
Earnings$7.2
$4.7
$20.2
$16.5
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 Construction services earnings increased $2.5 million (53 percent) due to higher inside electrical and outside construction workloads and margins in the Western region.
Partially offsetting the increase were:
Higher selling, general and administrative expense of $1.9$3.3 million (after tax), primarily higher payroll-related costs and bad debt expense
Lower equipment sales and rental margins
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 Construction services earnings increased $3.7 million (22 percent) due to:
Higher inside electrical workloads and marginsAbsence in the Western region
Tax2017 of a tax benefit of $1.5 million related to the disposition of a non-strategic asset
Absence of the 2015 underperforming non-strategic asset loss of $1.4 million (after tax)
Partially offsetting these increases were:
Lower equipment sales and rental margins
Higher selling, general and administrative expense of $3.5 million (after tax), primarily higher payroll-related costs and bad debt expense


Other
Three Months EndedNine Months EndedThree Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 30,September 30,
2016
2015
2016
2015
2017
2016
2017
2016
(In millions)(In millions)
Operating revenues$2.7
$2.8
$6.7
$7.1
$2.1
$2.7
$6.1
$6.7
Operating expenses:  
Operation and maintenance2.4
2.6
6.3
11.9
.1
2.4
5.7
6.3
Depreciation, depletion and amortization.5
.6
1.6
1.5
.5
.5
1.5
1.6
Taxes, other than income.1

.1
.2

.1
.1
.1
3.0
3.2
8.0
13.6
.6
3.0
7.3
8.0
Operating loss(.3)(.4)(1.3)(6.5)
Loss$(1.0)$(2.1)$(3.6)$(11.6)
Operating income (loss)1.5
(.3)(1.2)(1.3)
Earnings (loss)$.6
$(1.0)$(1.9)$(3.6)
Included in Other are general and administrative costs and interest expense previously allocated to the exploration and production and refining businesses that do not meet the criteria for income (loss) from discontinued operations.
Three Months Ended September 30, 20162017 and 20152016 Other experienced earnings of $600,000 compared to a loss decreased $1.1of $1.0 million in the comparable prior period. The increase was primarily due to lower operation and maintenance expense of $1.5 million (after tax), largely due to the resultabsence of lower interest expensegeneral and administrative costs previously allocated to the explorationrefining business due to the sale of the business in June 2016 and production business,lower insurance costs. Also contributing to the increase was lower interest expense due to the repayment of long-term debt.debt with the sale of the remaining exploration and production assets.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 20162017 and 2015 2016Other loss decreased $8.0$1.7 million compared to the comparable prior period primarily due to lower interest expense, which includes $1.4 million (after tax) largely due to the resultrepayment of long-term debt, as previously discussed. Also contributing to the increase was lower operation and maintenance expense due to lower general and interest expenseadministrative costs previously allocated to the exploration and productionrefining business, as previously discussed.discussed, offset in part by a loss on the disposition of certain assets.


Discontinued Operations
Three Months EndedNine Months EndedThree Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 30,September 30,
2016
2015
2016
2015
2017
2016
2017
2016
(In millions)(In millions)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations before intercompany eliminations, net of tax$.2
$(217.9)$(303.0)$(811.5)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before intercompany eliminations, net of tax$(.3)$.2
$2.4
$(303.0)
Intercompany eliminations*(5.6)(5.2)3.5
(5.0)(1.9)(5.6)(6.1)3.5
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax(5.4)(223.1)(299.5)(816.5)(2.2)(5.4)(3.7)(299.5)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest
(9.8)(131.7)(21.0)


(131.7)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to the Company, net of tax$(5.4)$(213.3)$(167.8)$(795.5)$(2.2)$(5.4)$(3.7)$(167.8)
* Includes eliminations for the presentation of income tax adjustments between continuing and discontinued operations.
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 20162017 and 20152016 The Company's loss from discontinued operations attributable to the Company was $5.4$2.2 million compared to a loss of $213.3$5.4 million for the comparable prior period as a result of lower income tax adjustments.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 The Company's loss from discontinued operations was $3.7 million compared to a loss of $167.8 million for the comparable prior period. The decreased loss is primarilywas largely due to the absence in 2017 of a loss associated with the sale of the Company's exploration and production and refining businesses, which includes the absence in 2016 of a fair value impairment of the exploration and production business's assets in 2015 of $224.4 million (after tax), as discussed in Note 10.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 The loss from discontinued operations attributable to the Company was $167.8 million compared to a loss of $795.5 million for the comparable prior period. The decreased loss is primarily due to the sale of the Company's exploration and production and refining businesses which includes:
Absence in 2016 of fair value impairments of the exploration and production business assets of $476.4 million (after tax), as discussed in Note 10
Absence in 2016 of a noncash write-down of oil and natural gas properties of $315.3 million (after tax), as discussed in Note 10
Partially offsetting the decreased loss was a fair value impairment of Dakota Prairie Refining of $156.7 million (after tax) in the second quarter of 2016, as discussed in Note 10.business.


Intersegment Transactions
Amounts presented in the preceding tables will not agree with the Consolidated Statements of Income due to the Company's elimination of intersegment transactions. The amounts relating to these items are as follows:
Three Months EndedNine Months EndedThree Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 30,September 30,
2016
2015
2016
2015
2017
2016
2017
2016
(In millions)(In millions)
Intersegment transactions:  
 
  
 
Operating revenues$5.7
$8.6
$37.6
$57.6
$5.6
$5.7
$37.6
$37.6
Operation and maintenance2.5
2.4
6.6
6.7
Purchased natural gas sold3.3
3.7
30.9
31.2
3.1
3.3
31.0
30.9
Operation and maintenance2.4
4.7
6.7
23.4
Income from continuing operations*(5.6)(5.2)(5.6)(3.6)(1.9)(5.6)(6.1)(5.6)
* Includes eliminations for the presentation of income tax adjustments between continuing and discontinued operations.
 
For more information on intersegment eliminations, see Note 16.13.
Prospective Information
The following information highlights the key growth strategies, projections and certain assumptions for the Company and its subsidiaries and other matters for certain of the Company's businesses. Many of these highlighted points are "forward-looking statements." There is no assurance that the Company's projections, including estimates for growth and changes in earnings, will in fact be achieved. Please refer to assumptions contained in this section as well asand the various important factors listed in Part II, Item 1A - Risk Factors, as well as Part I, Item 1A - Risk Factors in the 20152016 Annual Report. Changes in such assumptions and factors could cause actual future results to differ materially from the Company's growth and earnings projections.
MDU Resources Group, Inc.
The Company continually seeks opportunities to expand through organic growth opportunities and strategic acquisitions.

The Company continually seeks opportunities to expand through organic growth opportunities and strategic acquisitions.
The Company focuses on creating value through vertical integration within and among its business units.
Electric and natural gas distribution
The Company expects to grow its rate base by approximately 4 percent annually over the next five years on a compound basis. This growth projection is on a much larger base, having grown rate base at a record pace of 12 percent compounded annually over the past five-year period. The utility operations are spread across eight states where customer growth is expected to be higher than the national average. This customer growth, along with system upgrades and replacements needed to supply safe and reliable service, will require investments in new electric generation and transmission, and electric and natural gas distribution. Rate base at December 31, 2016, was $1.9 billion.
The Company expects its customer base to grow by 1 percent to 2 percent per year.
In June 2016, the Company, along with a partner, began a 345-kilovolt transmission line from Ellendale, North Dakota, to Big Stone City, South Dakota, about 160 miles. The project has been approved as a MISO multivalue project. All of the necessary easements have been secured. The Company's total capital investment in this project is expected to be in the range of $150 million to $170 million. The Company expects this project to be completed in 2019.
Organic growth opportunities areIn December 2016, the Company signed a 25-year agreement to purchase power from the expansion of the Thunder Spirit Wind farm in southwest North Dakota. The agreement includes an option to buy the project at the close of construction. The expansion of the Thunder Spirit Wind farm will boost the combined production at the wind farm to approximately 150 MW of renewable energy and, if purchased, will increase the Company's generation portfolio from approximately 22 percent renewables to 27 percent. The original 107.5-MW Thunder Spirit Wind farm includes 43 turbines; it was purchased by the Company in December 2015. The expansion will include 16 turbines, and is expected to resultbe on line in substantial growthDecember 2018. Acquisition costs for the project are estimated to be $85 million. In June 2017, the Company filed with the NDPSC a request for an advance determination of prudence for the rate base, which at December 31, 2015, was $1.8 billion. An updated rate base growth projection and capital investment program will be provided in late November 2016.purchase of this expansion.
The Company expectsfiled its customer base2017 North Dakota Electric Integrated Resource Plan and 2017 Montana Electric Integrated Resource Plan in June 2017 and September 2017, respectively. The plans include the proposed purchase of the Thunder Spirit Wind farm expansion project and the development and design of a large combined-cycle, natural gas-fired facility to grow by 1.0 percent to 2.0 percent per year.
Investments of approximately $55 million were made in 2015 to serve growth in the electric and natural gas customer base associated with the Bakken oil development. Due to sustained lower commodity prices, investments of approximately $35 million arebe expected in 2016.2025 or later.
In June 2016, the Company, along with a partner, began to build a 345-kilovolt transmission line from Ellendale, North Dakota, to Big Stone City, South Dakota, about 160 miles. The project has been approved as a MISO multi-value project. More than 95 percent of the necessary easements have been secured. The Company expects the project to be completed
The Company is involved in 2019.
The Company is in the process of completing its 2017 integrated resource plan and is evaluating its future generation and power supply portfolio options, including a large-scale resource. The plan will be finalized in and filed by mid-2017.
The Company is involved with a number of natural gas pipeline projects to enhance the safety, reliability and deliverability of its system.
The Company is focused on organic growth, while monitoring potential merger and acquisition opportunities.

The Company is evaluatingcontinues to be focused on the final Clean Power Plan rule published by the EPA in October 2015, which requires existing fossil fuel-fired electric generation facilities to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. It is unknown at this time what each state will require for emissions limits or reductions from eachregulatory recovery of the Company's owned and jointly owned fossil fuel-fired electric generating units. In February 2016, the United States Supreme Court granted an application for a stay of the Clean Power Plan pending the outcome of legal challenges. The Company has not included capital expenditures in 2016 through 2018 for the potential compliance requirements of the Clean Power Plan.
Intermountain's labor agreement with the UA was in effect through September 30, 2016, as reported in Items 1 and 2 - Business Properties - General in the 2015 Annual Report. The labor agreement has been ratified and is effective through September 30, 2019.
Regulatory actions
Completed Cases:
its investments. Since January 1, 2015,2017, the Company has implemented final rate increases totaling $45.6$37.3 million in annual revenue. This includes electric rate proceedings in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming and before the FERC, and natural gas proceedings in Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon South Dakota, Washington and Wyoming. Cases recently completed were:Washington. Recently approved final rates include:
On September 30, 2015,1, 2017, the Company submitted an update to its transmission formula rate under the MISO tariff, as discussed in Note 15.
On September 14 2017, the IPUC approved the natural gas rate increase filed by the Company on August 12, 2016, as discussed in Note 15.
On October 26, 2017, the WUTC approved the annual pipeline replacement cost recovery mechanism filed by the Company on May 31, 2017, as discussed in Note 15.

The Company is requesting rate increases totaling $15.4 million in annual revenue, which includes $4.6 million in implemented interim rates. Cases recently filed include:
On July 21, 2017, the Company filed an application with the MNPUCNDPSC for a natural gas rate increase, as discussed in Note 1815.
On June 1, 2016,August 31, 2017, the Company filed an application with the WUTC for an annual pipeline replacement cost recovery mechanism,a natural gas rate increase, as discussed in Note 1815.
Pending Cases:
The Company is requesting rate increases totaling $59.2 million in annual revenue, which includes $31.6 million in implemented interim rates. Cases pending are:
On October 26, 2015, the Company filed an application with the NDPSC requesting a renewable resource cost adjustment rider, as discussed in Note 18.
On October 26, 2015,September 25, 2017, the Company filed an application with the NDPSCMTPSC for an update to the electric generation resource recovery rider,a natural gas rate increase, as discussed in Note 1815.
On November 25, 2015,September 29, 2017, the Company filed an application with the NDPSCOPUC for an update of its transmissionannual pipeline replacement safety cost adjustment rider for recovery of MISO-related charges and two transmission projects located in North Dakota,mechanism, as discussed in Note 1815.
On April 29, 2016 and August 12, 2016, the Company filed applications with the OPUC and IPUC, respectively, for natural gas rate increases, as discussed in Note 18.
On June 10, 2016 and October 14, 2016, the Company filed applications with the WYPSC and NDPSC, respectively, for electric rate increases, as discussed in Note 18.

Pipeline and midstream
In September 2016, the Company secured sufficient capacity commitments and started survey work on a 38-mile pipeline that will deliver natural gas supply to eastern North Dakota and far western Minnesota. The Valley Expansion project will connect the Viking Gas Transmission Company pipeline near Felton, Minnesota, to the Company's existing pipeline near Mapleton, North Dakota. Cost of the expansion is estimated at $55 million to $60 million. The project, which is designed to transport 40 million cubic feet of natural gas per day, is under the jurisdiction of the FERC. In October 2016, the Company received FERC approval on its pre-filing for the Valley Expansion project. With minor enhancements, the pipeline will be able to transport significantly more volume if required, based on capacity requested or as needed in the future as the region's demand grows. Following receipt of necessary permits and regulatory approvals, construction is expected to begin in early 2018 with completion expected in late 2018.
The Company signed agreements to complete expansion projects, including the Charbonneau and Line Section 25 expansion project.
The Charbonneau and Line Section 25 expansion projects, which include a new compression station as well as other compression additions and enhancements at existing stations, were placed into service in the second quarter of 2017. The Company has signed long-term agreements supporting the expansion projects.
In June 2017, the Company announced plans to complete a Line Section 27 expansion project in the Bakken producing area in northwestern North Dakota. The project will include aapproximately 13 miles of new compression stationpipeline and associated facilities. The project, as well as other compression modificationsdesigned, will increase capacity by over 200 million cubic feet per day and bring total capacity to over 600 million cubic feet per day. The project is expected to be placed in service in the second quarterfall of 2017. In addition, the Company completed the North Badlands project, which includes a 4-mile loop of the Garden Creek pipeline segment and other ancillary facilities, and was placed in service on August 1, 2016. The Northwest North Dakota project, which includes modification of existing compression, a new compression unit and re-cylindering, was put into service in June 2016.
2018. The Company has seen strong interruptible storage service injections through the firstsigned long-term contracts supporting this expansion and second quarters of 2016 dueexpects construction costs to wider seasonal spreads and lower natural gas prices. Seasonal spreads narrowed in the third quarter of 2016 and injections slowed as expected.
The Company has an agreement with an anchor shipper to construct a pipeline to connect the Demicks Lake gas processing plant in northwestern North Dakota to deliver natural gas into a new interconnect with the Northern Border Pipeline. Project costs are estimated to be $50range from $27 million to $60$30 million. The project is currently delayed by the plant owner.
The Company continues to focus on growth and improving existing operations through organic projects and acquisitions in all areas in which it operates.
The Company continues to target profitable growth by means of both organic growth projects in areas of existing operations and by looking for potential acquisitions that fit existing expertise and capabilities.
The Company is focused on continually improving existing operations and growing to become the leading pipeline company and midstream provider in all areas in which it operates.
Construction materials and contracting
Approximate work backlog at September 30, 2016, was $580 million, compared to $533 million a year ago. Private work represents 10 percent of construction backlog and public work represents 90 percent.
Projected revenues are in the range of $1.85 billion to $1.95 billion in 2016.
Approximate work backlog at September 30, 2017, was $520 million, compared to $580 million a year ago.
Projected revenues have been decreased from a range of $1.8 billion to $1.9 billion to a range of $1.7 billion to $1.8 billion for 2017.
The Company anticipates margins in 20162017 to be slightly higherlower as compared to 20152016 margins.
The Company expects public sector workload growth as anticipated new state and local infrastructure spending initiatives are introduced. California's $52.4 billion Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 and Oregon's $5.3 billion transportation package are expected to drive demand in both the near and far term in those states.
In December 2015, Congress passed, and the president signed, a $305 billion, five-year highway bill for funding of transportation infrastructure projects that are a key partAs one of the construction materials market.
As the country's fifth-largestlargest sand and gravel producer,producers, the Company will continue to strategically manage its 1.0 billion tons of aggregate reserves in all its markets, as well as take further advantage of being vertically integrated.
Of the fourseven labor contracts that Knife River was negotiating, as reported in Items 1 and 2 - Business Properties - General in the 20152016 Annual Report, one hassix have been ratified. The threeone remaining contracts arecontract is still in negotiations.

Construction services
Approximate work backlog at September 30, 2016, was $518 million, compared to $458 million a year ago. The backlog includes transmission, distribution, substation, industrial, petrochemical, mission critical, solar energy renewables, research and development, higher education, government, transportation, health care, hospitality, gaming, commercial, institutional and service work.
Projected revenues are in the range of $1.0 billion to $1.1 billion in 2016.
The Company anticipates margins in 2016 to be slightly lower compared to 2015 margins.
Approximate work backlog at September 30, 2017, was $676 million, compared to $518 million a year ago.
Projected revenues have been increased from a range of $1.2 billion to $1.3 billion to a range of $1.25 billion to $1.35 billion for 2017.
The Company anticipates margins in 2017 to be comparable to 2016 margins.
The Company continues to pursue opportunities for expansion in energy projects, such as petrochemical,to provide service to the transmission, distribution, substations, utility services, industrial, commercial, high-technology, mission critical, manufacturing, institutional, hospitality, gaming, entertainment, infrastructure, and renewables.renewable markets. Initiatives are aimed at capturing additional market share and expanding into new markets.
As the 13th-largest specialty contractor, the Company continues to pursue opportunities for expansion and execute initiatives in current and new markets that align with the Company's expertise, resources and strategic growth plan.
New Accounting Standards
For information regarding new accounting standards, see Note 8, which is incorporated by reference.


Critical Accounting Policies Involving Significant Estimates
The Company's critical accounting policies involving significant estimates include impairment testing of oilfive labor contracts that MDU Construction Services was negotiating, as reported in Items 1 and natural gas properties, impairment testing of assets held for sale, impairment testing of long-lived assets and intangibles, revenue recognition, pension and other postretirement benefits, and income taxes. There were no material changes2 - Business Properties - General in the Company's critical accounting policies involving significant estimates from those reported in the 20152016 Annual Report. For more information on critical accounting policies involving significant estimates, see Part II, Item 7 in the 2015 Annual Report.Report, have been ratified.

Liquidity and Capital Commitments
At September 30, 2016,2017, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $59.9$37.4 million and available borrowing capacity of $375.3$663.3 million under the outstanding credit facilities of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company expects to meet its obligations for debt maturing within one year and its other operating and capital requirements from various sources, including internally generated funds; the Company's credit facilities, as described in Capital resources; and through the issuance of long-term debt.
Cash flows
Operating activitiesThe changes in cash flows from operating activities generally follow the results of operations as discussed in Financial and Operating Data and also are affected by changes in working capital. Changes in cash flows for discontinued operations are related to the former exploration and production and refining businesses.
Cash flows provided by operating activities in the first nine months of 20162017 decreased $127.1$4.6 million from the comparable period in 2015.2016. The decrease in cash flows provided by operating activities was largely from lower cash flows at the exploration and production and refining businesses. The decrease was also duerelated to higher working capital requirements at the electric and natural gas distribution businesses. Partially offsetting the decrease in cash flows provided by operating activities wasconstruction services business resulting from higher cash flows from continuing operations (excluding working capital) at the electric and natural gas distribution and construction materials and contracting businesses.workloads.
Investing activities Cash flows used in investing activities in the first nine months of 20162017 decreased $289.7$155.4 million from the comparable period in 20152016. The decrease was primarily due to net proceeds from the sale of Pronghorn at the pipeline and midstream business along with lower capital expenditures largelyprimarily at the electric and construction services businesses. Partially offsetting the decrease was the absence of net proceeds from the sale of property at the exploration and production and refining businesses.business.
Financing activities Cash flows used in financing activities in the first nine months of 2016 was $46.22017 increased $135.5 million compared to cash flows provided by financing activities of $168.8from the comparable period in the first nine months of 2015.2016. The change was primarily due to lower issuance of long-term debt in 2017 of $208.3 million. Partially offsetting the change was lower repayment of long-term debt along with the absence in 2017 of the debt repayment in connection with the sale of the refining business as well as higher repayment of long-term debt of $93.1 million.in 2016.
Defined benefit pension plans
There were no material changes to the Company's qualified noncontributory defined benefit pension plans from those reported in the 20152016 Annual Report. For more information, see Note 1714 and Part II, Item 7 in the 20152016 Annual Report.
Capital expenditures
Capital expenditures for the first nine months of 2016 from continuing operations2017 were $279.7 million ($261.9 million, net of proceeds from sale or disposition of property) and$217.1 million. Capital expenditures allocated to the Company's business segments are estimated to be approximately $374.0$342 million for 2016 ($354.0 million, net2017, which does not include additional growth capital of proceeds from sale or disposition$150 million. The additional growth capital is not allocated to a specific business segment and will be invested based on the risk-adjusted return potential of property). Capitalopportunities and is dependent upon the timing of such opportunities. The estimated capital expenditures for the first nine months of 2016 from discontinued operations were $29.1 million, which includes the purchase of Calumet's 50 percent interest in Dakota Prairie Refining, and excludes net proceeds of $45.3 million from the sale or disposition of property. Estimated capital expenditures2017 include:
System upgrades
Routine replacements
Service extensions
Routine equipment maintenance and replacements
Buildings, land and building improvements
Pipeline, gathering and other midstream projects
Power generation and transmission opportunities


Environmental upgrades
Other growth opportunities
The Company continues to evaluate potential future acquisitions and other growth opportunities; however, they are dependent upon the availability of economic opportunities and, as a result, capital expenditures may vary significantly from the estimated 20162017 capital expenditures referred to previously. The Company expects the 20162017 estimated capital expenditures to be funded by various sources, including internally generated funds; the Company's credit facilities, as described later;in Capital resources; through the issuance of long-term debt; and asset sales.


Capital resources
Certain debt instruments of the Company and its subsidiaries, including those discussed later, contain restrictive covenants and cross-default provisions. In order to borrow under the respective credit agreements, the Company and its subsidiaries must be in compliance with the applicable covenants and certain other conditions, all of which the Company and its subsidiaries, as applicable, were in compliance with at September 30, 2016.2017. In the event the Company and its subsidiaries do not comply with the applicable covenants and other conditions, alternative sources of funding may need to be pursued. For more information on the covenants, certain other conditions and cross-default provisions, see Part II, Item 8 - Note 7,6, in the 20152016 Annual Report.
The following table summarizes the outstanding revolving credit facilities of the Company and its subsidiaries at September 30, 2016:2017:
Company Facility 
Facility
Limit

 Amount Outstanding
 
Letters
of Credit

 
Expiration
Date
 Facility 
Facility
Limit

 Amount Outstanding
 
Letters
of Credit

 
Expiration
Date
  (In millions)     (In millions)   
MDU Resources Group, Inc. Commercial paper/Revolving credit agreement(a)$175.0
 $146.5
(b)$
 5/8/19 Commercial paper/Revolving credit agreement(a)$175.0
 $43.4
(b)$
 5/8/19
Cascade Natural Gas Corporation Revolving credit agreement $50.0
(c)$
 $2.2
(d)7/9/18 Revolving credit agreement $75.0
(c)$10.0
 $2.2
(d)4/24/20
Intermountain Gas Company Revolving credit agreement $65.0
(e)$56.0
 $
 7/13/18 Revolving credit agreement $85.0
(e)$39.9
 $
 4/24/20
Centennial Energy Holdings, Inc. Commercial paper/Revolving credit agreement(f)$500.0
 $210.0
(b)$
 9/23/21 Commercial paper/Revolving credit agreement(f)$500.0
 $76.2
(b)$
 9/23/21
(a)The commercial paper program is supported by a revolving credit agreement with various banks (provisions allow for increased borrowings, at the option of the Company on stated conditions, up to a maximum of $225.0 million). There were no amounts outstanding under the credit agreement.
(b)Amount outstanding under commercial paper program.
(c)Certain provisions allow for increased borrowings, up to a maximum of $75.0$100.0 million.
(d)Outstanding letter(s) of credit reduce the amount available under the credit agreement.
(e)Certain provisions allow for increased borrowings, up to a maximum of $90.0$110.0 million.
(f)The commercial paper program is supported by a revolving credit agreement with various banks (provisions allow for increased borrowings, at the option of Centennial on stated conditions, up to a maximum of $600.0 million). There were no amounts outstanding under the credit agreement.
 
The Company's and Centennial's respective commercial paper programs are supported by revolving credit agreements. While the amount of commercial paper outstanding does not reduce available capacity under the respective revolving credit agreements, the Company and Centennial do not issue commercial paper in an aggregate amount exceeding the available capacity under their credit agreements. The commercial paper borrowings may vary during the period, largely the result of fluctuations in working capital requirements due to the seasonality of the construction businesses.
The following includes information related to the preceding table.
MDU Resources Group, Inc. The Company's revolving credit agreement supports its commercial paper program. Commercial paper borrowings under this agreement are classified as long-term debt as they are intended to be refinanced on a long-term basis through continued commercial paper borrowings. The Company's objective is to maintain acceptable credit ratings in order to access the capital markets through the issuance of commercial paper. Downgrades in the Company's credit ratings have not limited, nor are currently expected to limit, the Company's ability to access the capital markets. If the Company were to experience a downgrade of its credit ratings, it may need to borrow under its credit agreement and may experience an increase in overall interest rates with respect to its cost of borrowings.
Prior to the maturity of the credit agreement, the Company expects that it will negotiate the extension or replacement of this agreement. If the Company is unable to successfully negotiate an extension of, or replacement for, the credit agreement, or if the fees on this facility become too expensive, which the Company does not currently anticipate, the Company would seek alternative funding.


The Company's coverage of earnings to fixed charges including preferred stock dividends was 4.1 times, 3.7 times 3.0 times and 3.13.9 times for the 12 months ended September 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively.
Total equity as a percent of total capitalization was 57 percent, 55 percent 53 percent and 5856 percent at September 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively. This ratio is calculated as the Company's total equity, divided by the Company's total capital. Total capital is the Company's total debt, including short-term borrowings and long-term debt due within one year, plus total equity. This ratio indicatesis an indicator of how a company is financing its operations, as well as its financial strength.
Cascade Natural Gas Corporation On May 20, 2013, the Company entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement with Wells Fargo Securities, LLC with respect to the issuance and sale of up to 7.5 million shares of the Company's common stock. The agreement terminated on February 28,


2016. The common stock was offered for sale, from time to time, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the agreement. Proceeds from the shares of common stock under the agreement were used for corporate development purposes and other general corporate purposes. Under the agreement, the Company did not issue any shares of stock between January 1, 2016 and February 28, 2016. Since inception of the Equity Distribution Agreement, the Company issued a cumulative total of 4.4 million shares of stock receiving net proceeds of $144.7 million through February 28, 2016.
The Company currently has a shelf registration statement on file with the SEC, under which the Company may issue and sell any combination of common stock and debt securities. The Company may sell all or a portion of such securities if warranted by market conditions and the Company's capital requirements. Any public offer and sale of such securities will be made only by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. The Company's board of directors currently has authorized the issuance and sale of up to an aggregate of $1.0 billion worth of such securities. The Company's board of directors reviews this authorization on a periodic basis and the aggregate amount of securities authorized may be increased in the future.
Centennial Energy Holdings, Inc. On September 23, 2016, CentennialApril 25, 2017, Cascade amended its revolving credit agreement to decreaseincrease the borrowing limit by $150.0from $50.0 million to $500.0$75.0 million and extend the termination date from July 9, 2018 to September 23, 2021.April 24, 2020. The credit agreement contains customary covenants and provisions, including a covenant of CentennialCascade not to permit, as of the end ofat any fiscal quarter,time, the ratio of total consolidated debt to total consolidated capitalization to be greater than 65 percent. Other covenants include restricted payments, restrictions on the sale of certain assets, limitations on subsidiary indebtedness and the making of certain loans and investments.
Centennial's revolvingCascade's credit agreement also contains cross-default provisions. These provisions state that if Centennial or any subsidiary of CentennialCascade fails to make any payment with respect to any indebtedness or contingent obligations,obligation, in excess of a specified amount, under any agreement that causes such indebtedness to be due prior to its stated maturity or the contingent obligation to become payable, Cascade will be in default under the revolving credit agreement.
Intermountain Gas Company On April 25, 2017, Intermountain amended its revolving credit agreement to increase the borrowing limit from $65.0 million to $85.0 million and extend the termination date from July 13, 2018 to April 24, 2020. The credit agreement contains customary covenants and provisions, including a covenant of Intermountain not to permit, at any time, the ratio of total debt to total capitalization to be greater than 65 percent. Other covenants include restrictions on the sale of certain assets, limitations on indebtedness and the making of certain investments.
Intermountain's credit agreement also contains cross-default provisions. These provisions state that if Intermountain fails to make any payment with respect to any indebtedness or contingent obligation, in excess of a specified amount, under any agreement that causes such indebtedness to be due prior to its stated maturity or the contingent obligation to become payable, or certain conditions result in an early termination date under any swap contract that is in excess of a specified amount, then Intermountain will be in default.default under the revolving credit agreement.
Centennial Energy Holdings, Inc.Centennial's revolving credit agreement supports its commercial paper program. Commercial paper borrowings under this agreement are classified as long-term debt as they are intended to be refinanced on a long-term basis through continued commercial paper borrowings. Centennial's objective is to maintain acceptable credit ratings in order to access the capital markets through the issuance of commercial paper. Downgrades in Centennial's credit ratings have not limited, nor are currently expected to limit, Centennial's ability to access the capital markets. If Centennial were to experience a downgrade of its credit ratings, it may need to borrow under its credit agreement and may experience an increase in overall interest rates with respect to its cost of borrowings.
Prior to the maturity of the Centennial credit agreement, Centennial expects that it will negotiate the extension or replacement of this agreement, which provides credit support to access the capital markets. In the event Centennial is unable to successfully negotiate this agreement, or in the event the fees on this facility become too expensive, which Centennial does not currently anticipate, it would seek alternative funding.
WBI Energy Transmission, Inc. On May 17, 2016, WBI Energy Transmission entered into an amendment to its amended and restatedhas a $200.0 million uncommitted note purchase and private shelf agreement to increase the aggregate issuance capacity from $175.0 million to $200.0 million and extend the issuance period towith an expiration date of May 16, 2019. WBI Energy Transmission had $100.0 million of notes outstanding at September 30, 2016,2017, which reduced the remaining capacity under this uncommitted private shelf agreement to $100.0 million. This agreement contains customary covenants and provisions, including a covenant of WBI Energy Transmission not to permit, as of the end of any fiscal quarter, the ratio of total debt to total capitalization to be greater than 55 percent. Other covenants include a limitation on priority debt and restrictions on the sale of certain assets and the making of certain investments.
Off balance sheet arrangements
In June 2016, WBI Energy sold allAs of September 30, 2017, the Company had no material off balance sheet arrangements as defined by the rules of the outstanding membership interests in Dakota Prairie Refining. In connection with the sale, Centennial agreed to continue to guarantee certain debt obligations of Dakota Prairie Refining which totaled $64.9 million at September 30, 2016, and are expected to mature by 2023. Tesoro agreed to indemnify Centennial for any losses and litigation expenses arising from the guarantee. Continuation of the guarantee was required as a condition to the sale of Dakota Prairie Refining.SEC.
In March 2016, a sale agreement was signed to sell Fidelity's assets in the Paradox Basin. In connection with the sale, Centennial agreed to guarantee Fidelity's indemnity obligations associated with the Paradox assets. The guarantee was required by the buyer as a condition to the sale of the Paradox Basin assets.
In connection with the sale of the Brazilian Transmission Lines, Centennial agreed to guarantee payment of any indemnity obligations of certain of the Company's indirect wholly owned subsidiaries who were the sellers in three purchase and sale agreements for periods ranging up to 10 years from the date of sale. The guarantees were required by the buyers as a condition to the sale of the Brazilian Transmission Lines.


Contractual obligations and commercial commitments
There are no material changes in the Company's contractual obligations from continuing operations relating to long-term debt, estimated interest payments, operating leases, purchase commitments, asset retirement obligations, uncertain tax positions and minimum funding requirements for its defined benefit plans for 2016 from those reported in the 20152016 Annual Report.

The Company's contractual obligations relating to operating leases for continuing operations at September 30, 2016, increased $40.0 million or 25 percent from December 31, 2015. As of September 30, 2016, the Company's contractual obligations related to operating leases from continuing operations aggregated $201.9 million. The scheduled amounts of redemption (for the twelve months ended September 30, of each year listed) aggregate $50.4 million in 2017; $42.0 million in 2018; $33.2 million in 2019; $23.0 million in 2020; $11.0 million in 2021; and $42.3 million thereafter.
For more information on contractual obligations and commercial commitments, see Part II, Item 7 in the 20152016 Annual Report.
New Accounting Standards
For information regarding new accounting standards, see Note 6, which is incorporated by reference.


Critical Accounting Policies Involving Significant Estimates
The Company's critical accounting policies involving significant estimates include impairment testing of assets held for sale, impairment testing of long-lived assets and intangibles, revenue recognition, pension and other postretirement benefits, and income taxes. There were no material changes in the Company's critical accounting policies involving significant estimates from those reported in the 2016 Annual Report. For more information on critical accounting policies involving significant estimates, see Part II, Item 7 in the 2016 Annual Report.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Company is exposed to the impact of market fluctuations associated with commodity prices and interest rates. The Company has policies and procedures to assist in controlling these market risks and from time to time utilizeshas utilized derivatives to manage a portion of its risk.
For more information on derivative instruments and commodity price risk, see Part II, Item 7A in the 2015 Annual Report, the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and Notes 9 and 12.
Commodity price risk
Fidelity historically utilized derivative instruments to manage a portion of the market risk associated with fluctuations in the price of oil and natural gas on forecasted sales of oil and natural gas production.
There were no derivative agreements at September 30, 2016.
Interest rate risk
There were no material changes to interest rate risk faced by the Company from those reported in the 20152016 Annual Report.
At September 30, 2016,2017, the Company had no outstanding interest rate hedges.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
The following information includes the evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures by the Company's chief executive officer and the chief financial officer, along with any significant changes in internal controls of the Company.
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures
The term "disclosure controls and procedures" is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. The Company's disclosure controls and other procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. The Company's disclosure controls and procedures include controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company's chief executive officer and chief financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Company's management, with the participation of the Company's chief executive officer and chief financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures.procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, such controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable assurance level.
Changes in internal controls
No change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2016,2017, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.


Part II -- Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
For information regarding legal proceedings required by this item, see Note 19,16, which is incorporated herein by reference.


Item 1A. Risk Factors
This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements are all statements other than statements of historical fact, including without limitation those statements that are identified by the words "anticipates," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "predicts" and similar expressions.
The Company is including the following factors and cautionary statements in this Form 10-Q to make applicable and to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the Company. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions (many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions) and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. From time to time, the Company may publish or otherwise make available forward-looking statements of this nature, including statements contained within Prospective Information. All these subsequent forward-looking statements, whether written or oral and whether made by or on behalf of the Company, also are expressly qualified by these factors and cautionary statements.
Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed. The Company's expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and are believed by the Company to have a reasonable basis, including without limitation, management's examination of historical operating trends, data contained in the Company's records and other data available from third parties. Nonetheless, the Company's expectations, beliefs or projections may not be achieved or accomplished.
Any forward-looking statement contained in this document speaks only as of the date on which the statement is made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all of the factors, nor can it assess the effect of each factor on the Company's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.
There are no material changes into the Company's risk factors from those reported in Part I, Item 1A - Risk Factors in the 20152016 Annual Report other than the risk that the Company's pipeline and midstream business is dependent on factors that are subject to various external influences; the risk that the Company's power generation facilities and pipelines may be subject to unanticipated events or delays; the risk that the Company's operations could be adversely impacted by initiatives to reduce GHG emissions; the risk that Company's natural gas transmission and distribution operations could be adversely impacted by accidents and safety regulations; the risk related to obligations under MEPPs; the risk related to the sale of the Company's exploration and production assets; and the risk related to the sale of Dakota Prairie Refining. These factors and the other matters discussed herein are important factors that could cause actual results or outcomes for the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements included elsewhere in this document.
Economic Risks
The Company's pipeline and midstream business is dependent on factors, including commodity prices and commodity price basis differentials, that are subject to various external influences that cannot be controlled.
These factors include: fluctuations in oil, NGL and natural gas production and prices; fluctuations in commodity price basis differentials; domestic and foreign supplies of oil, NGL and natural gas; political and economic conditions in oil producing countries; actions of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries; and other risks incidental to the development and operations of oil and natural gas processing plants and pipeline systems. Continued prolonged depressed prices for oil, NGL and natural gas could impede the growth of our pipeline and midstream business, and could negatively affect the results of operations, cash flows and asset values of the Company's pipeline and midstream business.
The regulatory approval, permitting, construction, startup and/or operation of power generation facilities and pipelines may involve unanticipated events or delays that could negatively impact the Company's business and its results of operations and cash flows.
The construction, startup and operation of power generation facilities and pipelines involve many risks, which may include: delays; breakdown or failure of equipment; inability to obtain required governmental permits and approvals; public opposition; inability to complete financing; inability to negotiate acceptable equipment acquisition, construction, fuel supply, off-take, transmission, transportation or other material agreements; changes in markets and market prices for power; cost increases and overruns; the risk of performance below expected levels of output or efficiency; and the inability to obtain full cost recovery in regulated rates. Such unanticipated events could negatively impact the Company's business, its results of operations and cash flows.


Environmental and Regulatory Risks
Initiatives to reduce GHG emissions could adversely impact the Company's operations.
Concern that GHG emissions are contributing to global climate change has led to international, federal and state legislative and regulatory proposals to reduce or mitigate the effects of GHG emissions. The Company’s primary GHG emission is carbon dioxide from fossil fuels combustion at Montana-Dakota's electric generating facilities, particularly its coal-fired facilities. Approximately 50 percent of Montana-Dakota's owned generating capacity and approximately 75 percent of the electricity it has generated in 2016 was from coal-fired facilities.
On October 23, 2015, the EPA published the final Clean Power Plan rule that requires existing fossil fuel-fired electric generation facilities to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. On February 9, 2016, however, the United States Supreme Court granted an application for a stay of the Clean Power Plan pending disposition of the applicants' petition for review in the D.C. Circuit Court and disposition of the applicants' petition for a writ of certiorari if such a writ is sought. As published, the rule required that by September 6, 2016, states submit to the EPA either a request for a two-year extension to submit a final state plan or a final plan demonstrating how emissions reductions will be achieved and include emission limits in the form of an annual emission cap or an emission rate that will be applied to each fossil fuel-fired electric generating facility within the state starting in 2022. Emissions limits become more stringent from 2022 to 2030, with the 2030 emission limits applying thereafter. It is unknown at this time what each state will require for emissions limits or reductions from each of Montana-Dakota's owned and jointly owned fossil fuel-fired electric generating units. Compliance costs will become clearer as final state plans are submitted to the EPA. The effective date and compliance dates in the rule are expected to be addressed in a future decision made by the United States Supreme Court.
On January 14, 2015, President Obama announced a goal to reduce methane emissions from the oil and natural gas industry by 40 percent to 45 percent below 2012 levels by 2025. On June 3, 2016, the EPA published a final rule updating new source performance standards for the oil and natural gas industry. The final rule builds on 2012 requirements to reduce volatile organic compound emissions from oil and natural gas sources by establishing requirements to reduce methane emissions from previously regulated sources, as well as adding volatile organic compound and methane requirements for sources previously not covered by the rule. The rule impacts new and modified natural gas gathering and boosting stations and transmission and storage compressor stations. WBI Energy is developing implementation plans for complying with the rule. In addition, on March 10, 2016, the EPA announced plans to reduce emissions from the oil and natural gas industry by moving to regulate emissions from existing sources. The EPA began this process by issuing a draft Information Collection Request on June 3, 2016. The purpose of the Information Collection Request is to gather information on existing sources of methane emissions, technologies to reduce emissions and the costs of those technologies in the oil and natural gas sector. The information collected will be used to develop comprehensive regulations to reduce methane emissions from existing sources. It is unknown at this time how the Company will be impacted or if compliance costs will be material.
On September 15, 2016, the Washington DOE issued a final Clean Air rule that requires carbon dioxide emission reductions from various industries in the state, including emissions from the combustion of natural gas supplied to end-use customers by natural gas distribution companies, such as Cascade. In 2017, the rule requires Cascade to hold carbon dioxide emissions to a baseline, equal to the average emissions in 2012 to 2016. Beginning in 2018, annual carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by an additional 1.7 percent of the baseline from the previous year's emissions. Compliance for natural gas suppliers is to be achieved through purchasing emissions credits from projects located within the state of Washington and, to a limited and declining extent, out-of-state allowances. Purchasing emissions credits and allowances will increase the operating costs for Cascade. If Cascade is not able to receive timely and full recovery of compliance costs from its customers, such costs could adversely impact the results of its operations. On September 27, 2016 and September 30, 2016, Cascade and three other natural gas distribution utility companies jointly filed complaints in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington and the State of Washington Thurston County Superior Court, respectively, asking the courts to deem the rule invalid. The companies assert that the Washington DOE undertook this rulemaking without the requisite statutory authority.
There also may be new treaties, legislation or regulations to reduce GHG emissions that could affect the Company's utility operations by requiring additional energy conservation efforts or renewable energy sources, as well as other mandates that could significantly increase capital expenditures and operating costs or reduce demand for the Company's utility services. If the Company’s utility operations do not receive timely and full recovery of GHG emission compliance costs from its customers, then such costs could adversely impact the results of its operations and cash flows.
The Company monitors, analyzes and reports GHG emissions from its other operations as required by applicable laws and regulations. The Company will continue to monitor GHG regulations and their potential impact on operations.
Due to the uncertain availability of technologies to control GHG emissions and the unknown obligations that potential GHG emission legislation or regulations may create, the Company cannot determine the potential financial impact on its operations.


The Company's natural gas transmission and distribution operations involve risks that may result in accidents and safety regulation costs that could adversely affect the Company’s business and its results of operations and cash flows.
The Company's natural gas transmission and distribution activities include a variety of operating risks, such as leaks, explosions and mechanical problems, which could result in loss of human life, personal injury, property damage, environmental pollution, impairment of operations and substantial losses. The Company maintains insurance against some, but not all, of these risks and losses. The occurrence of these losses not fully covered by insurance could have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Additionally, the operating or other costs that may be required to comply with current pipeline safety regulations and potential new regulations, including the Pipeline Safety Act, could be significant. The Pipeline Safety Act requires verification of pipeline infrastructure records by pipeline owners and operators to confirm the maximum allowable operating pressure of certain lines. Increased emphasis on pipeline safety issues and increased regulatory scrutiny may result in penalties and higher costs of operations. If these costs are not fully recoverable from customers, they could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and cash flows.
Other Risks
Costs related to obligations under MEPPs could have a material negative effect on the Company's results of operations and cash flows.
Various operating subsidiaries of the Company participate in approximately 75 MEPPs for employees represented by certain unions. The Company is required to make contributions to these plans in amounts established under numerous collective bargaining agreements between the operating subsidiaries and those unions.
The Company may be obligated to increase its contributions to underfunded plans that are classified as being in endangered, seriously endangered or critical status as defined by the Pension Protection Act of 2006. Plans classified as being in one of these statuses are required to adopt RPs or FIPs to improve their funded status through increased contributions, reduced benefits or a combination of the two. Based on available information, the Company believes that approximately 35 percent of the MEPPs to which it contributes are currently in endangered, seriously endangered or critical status.
The Company may also be required to increase its contributions to MEPPs if the other participating employers in such plans withdraw from the plan and are not able to contribute an amount sufficient to fund the unfunded liabilities associated with their participants in the plans. The amount and timing of any increase in the Company's required contributions to MEPPs may also depend upon one or more factors including the outcome of collective bargaining, actions taken by trustees who manage the plans, actions taken by the plans' other participating employers, the industry for which contributions are made, future determinations that additional plans reach endangered, seriously endangered or critical status, government regulations and the actual return on assets held in the plans, among others. The Company may experience increased operating expenses as a result of the required contributions to MEPPs, which may have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
In addition, pursuant to ERISA, as amended by MPPAA, the Company could incur a partial or complete withdrawal liability upon withdrawing from a plan, exiting a market in which it does business with a union workforce or upon termination of a plan to the extent these plans are underfunded.
On September 24, 2014, JTL - Wyoming provided notice to the plan administrator of one of the MEPPs to which it is a participating employer that it was withdrawing from that plan effective October 26, 2014. The plan administrator will determine JTL - Wyoming’s withdrawal liability, which the Company currently estimates at approximately $16.4 million (approximately $9.8 million after tax). The assessed withdrawal liability for this plan may be significantly different from the current estimate. Also, the plan's administrator has alleged that JTL - Wyoming owes additional contributions for periods of time prior to its withdrawal, which could affect its final assessed withdrawal liability. JTL - Wyoming disputes the plan administrator's demand for additional contributions, and on February 23, 2016, filed a declaratory judgment action in the United States District Court for the District of Wyoming to resolve the dispute. JTL - Wyoming is currently engaged in settlement discussions to resolve the declaratory judgment action.
While the Company has completed the sale of all of Fidelity's marketed oil and natural gas assets, Fidelity is subject to potential liabilities relating to the sold assets, primarily arising from events prior to sale.
As part of the Company's corporate strategy, it sold its marketed Fidelity oil and natural gas assets and has exited that line of business. Fidelity will continue to be subject to potential liabilities, either directly or through indemnification of buyers, relating to the sold assets, primarily arising from events prior to the sale.


While the Company has completed the sale of its membership interests in Dakota Prairie Refining, the Company is subject to potential liabilities relating to the business arising from events prior to sale.
The Company is subject to potential liabilities, either directly or through indemnification, of the buyer for breach of any representations, warranties or covenants in the membership interest purchase agreement, and to Calumet for indemnification for matters identified in the purchase and sale agreement relating to the business prior to the sale.Report.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
For information regarding mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K, see Exhibit 95 to this Form 10-Q, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 5. Other Information
None.
Item 6. Exhibits
See the index to exhibits immediately preceding the exhibits filed with this report.




Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
  MDU RESOURCES GROUP, INC.
    
DATE:November 7, 20163, 2017BY:/s/ Doran N. SchwartzJason L. Vollmer
   Doran N. SchwartzJason L. Vollmer
   Vice President, and Chief Financial Officer
and Treasurer
    
    
  BY:/s/ Jason L. VollmerStephanie A. Barth
   Jason L. VollmerStephanie A. Barth
   
Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer

and Treasurer
Controller







Exhibit Index
Exhibit No. 
4Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 23, 2016, among Centennial Energy Holdings, Inc., U.S. Bank National Association, as Administrative Agent, and The Several Financial Institutions party thereto
  
+10(a)
 
+10(b)
+10(c)
  
12
  
31(a)
  
31(b)
  
32
  
95
  
101.INSXBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
 
101101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
The following materials from MDU Resources Group, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016, formatted in 101.CALXBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged in summary and detailTaxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document* Incorporated herein by reference as indicated.** Filed herewith.+ Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement.
MDU Resources Group, Inc. agrees to furnish to the SEC upon request any instrument with respect to long-term debt that MDU Resources Group, Inc. has not filed as an exhibit pursuant to the exemption provided by Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K.




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