UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 10-Q

 

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31,June 30, 2015

Commission File Number 1-7850

 

 

SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

California 88-0085720

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

5241 Spring Mountain Road

Post Office Box 98510

Las Vegas, Nevada

 89193-8510
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (702) 876-7237

 

 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant 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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “non-accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer

 

x

  

Accelerated filer

 

¨

Non-accelerated filer

 

¨

  

Smaller reporting company

 

¨

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

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

Common Stock, $1 Par Value, 46,842,75347,057,295 shares as of AprilJuly 28, 2015.

 

 

 


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

March 31,June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Thousands of dollars, except par value)

(Unaudited)

 

  MARCH 31,
2015
 DECEMBER 31,
2014
   JUNE 30,
2015
 DECEMBER 31,
2014
 
ASSETS      

Utility plant:

      

Gas plant

  $5,618,385   $5,556,599    $5,681,417   $5,556,599  

Less: accumulated depreciation

   (2,002,883 (1,973,098   (2,029,322 (1,973,098

Acquisition adjustments, net

   505   550     460   550  

Construction work in progress

   81,001   74,332     79,906   74,332  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net utility plant

 3,697,008   3,658,383     3,732,461   3,658,383  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Other property and investments

 319,689   326,743     325,449   326,743  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Restricted cash

 755   821     —     821  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Current assets:

   

Cash and cash equivalents

 38,013   39,566     48,909   39,566  

Accounts receivable, net of allowances

 314,682   281,824     273,447   281,824  

Accrued utility revenue

 44,400   73,900     31,800   73,900  

Income taxes receivable, net

 3,881   21,853     13,997   21,853  

Deferred income taxes, net

 8,429   2,109     10,492   2,109  

Deferred purchased gas costs

 28,523   87,556     3,751   87,556  

Prepaids and other current assets

 89,317   99,975     98,445   99,975  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total current assets

 527,245   606,783     480,841   606,783  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Noncurrent assets:

   

Goodwill

 135,689   143,160     138,257   143,160  

Deferred income taxes

 1,418   —       1,473    —    

Deferred charges and other assets

 472,593   478,625     468,381   478,625  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total noncurrent assets

 609,700   621,785     608,111   621,785  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total assets

$5,154,397  $5,214,515    $5,146,862   $5,214,515  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES   

Capitalization:

   

Common stock, $1 par (authorized - 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding - 46,840,289 and 46,523,184 shares)

$48,470  $48,153  

Common stock, $1 par (authorized - 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding - 47,042,327 and 46,523,184 shares)

  $48,672   $48,153  

Additional paid-in capital

 862,955   851,381     873,622   851,381  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net

 (50,177 (50,175   (48,750 (50,175

Retained earnings

 692,603   639,164     678,288   639,164  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total Southwest Gas Corporation equity

 1,553,851   1,488,523     1,551,832   1,488,523  

Noncontrolling interest

 (2,116 (2,257   (2,199 (2,257
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total equity

 1,551,735   1,486,266     1,549,633   1,486,266  

Redeemable noncontrolling interest

 19,096   20,042     19,301   20,042  

Long-term debt, less current maturities

 1,506,527   1,637,592     1,521,683   1,637,592  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total capitalization

 3,077,358   3,143,900     3,090,617   3,143,900  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Current liabilities:

   

Current maturities of long-term debt

 18,266   19,192     20,050   19,192  

Short-term debt

 —     5,000     —     5,000  

Accounts payable

 119,425   167,988     130,363   167,988  

Customer deposits

 72,372   71,546     72,744   71,546  

Income taxes payable

 14,341   —       4,271    —    

Accrued general taxes

 61,819   44,339     39,784   44,339  

Accrued interest

 22,332   16,468     16,159   16,468  

Deferred income taxes

 16,299   —       16,378    —    

Deferred purchased gas costs

 390   —       27,216    —    

Other current liabilities

 152,338   145,584     139,225   145,584  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total current liabilities

 477,582   470,117     466,190   470,117  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Deferred income taxes and other credits:

   

Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits

 721,924   723,688     721,352   723,688  

Accumulated removal costs

 309,000   304,000     302,000   304,000  

Other deferred credits and other long-term liabilities

 568,533   572,810     566,703   572,810  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total deferred income taxes and other credits

 1,599,457   1,600,498     1,590,055   1,600,498  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total capitalization and liabilities

$5,154,397  $5,214,515    $5,146,862   $5,214,515  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

2


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

March 31,June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

 

SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

  THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31,
 TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31,
   THREE MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,
 SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,
 TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,
 
  2015 2014 2015 2014   2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 

Operating revenues:

            

Gas operating revenues

  $553,115   $486,493   $1,448,709   $1,293,047    $286,643   $271,479   $839,758   $757,972   $1,463,873   $1,325,657  

Construction revenues

   181,105   121,903   798,822   652,626     251,961   181,674   433,066   303,577   869,109   661,595  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total operating revenues

 734,220   608,396   2,247,531   1,945,673     538,604   453,153   1,272,824   1,061,549   2,332,982   1,987,252  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Operating expenses:

       

Net cost of gas sold

 253,762   191,377   567,741   426,770     109,015   97,985   362,777   289,362   578,771   455,367  

Operations and maintenance

 95,510   102,408   376,834   390,235     99,344   97,620   194,854   200,028   378,558   392,920  

Depreciation and amortization

 67,467   62,891   257,603   240,775     66,955   62,186   134,422   125,077   262,372   244,391  

Taxes other than income taxes

 12,997   11,456   48,793   45,212     12,414   10,965   25,411   22,421   50,242   45,104  

Construction expenses

 174,928   113,199   709,586   579,795     225,829   157,642   400,757   270,841   777,773   588,737  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total operating expenses

 604,664   481,331   1,960,557   1,682,787     513,557   426,398   1,118,221   907,729   2,047,716   1,726,519  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Operating income

 129,556   127,065   286,974   262,886     25,047   26,755   154,603   153,820   285,266   260,733  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Other income and (expenses):

       

Net interest deductions

 (17,977 (17,519 (72,527 (65,341   (17,717 (17,305 (35,694 (34,824 (72,939 (67,356

Other income (deductions)

 2,272   1,612   7,767   9,843     162   2,863   2,434   4,475   5,066   11,254  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total other income and (expenses)

 (15,705 (15,907 (64,760 (55,498   (17,555 (14,442 (33,260 (30,349 (67,873 (56,102
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Income before income taxes

 113,851   111,158   222,214   207,388     7,492   12,313   121,343   123,471   217,393   204,631  

Income tax expense

 41,972   40,461   79,884   72,492     2,429   2,686   44,401   43,147   79,627   70,175  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net income

 71,879   70,697   142,330   134,896     5,063   9,627   76,942   80,324   137,766   134,456  

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

 (104 (86 4   (434   114    —     10   (86 118   (393
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net income attributable to Southwest Gas Corporation

$71,983  $70,783  $142,326  $135,330    $4,949   $9,627   $76,932   $80,410   $137,648   $134,849  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Basic earnings per share

$1.54  $1.52  $3.06  $2.92    $0.11   $0.21   $1.65   $1.73   $2.95   $2.91  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

$1.53  $1.51  $3.03  $2.89    $0.10   $0.21   $1.63   $1.71   $2.92   $2.88  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Dividends declared per share

$0.405  $0.365  $1.500  $1.355    $0.405   $0.365   $0.810   $0.730   $1.540   $1.390  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Average number of common shares outstanding

 46,612   46,440   46,537   46,364     46,869   46,502   46,741   46,471   46,628   46,407  

Average shares outstanding (assuming dilution)

 47,036   46,871   46,986   46,812     47,290   46,948   47,164   46,910   47,070   46,860  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

3


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

March 31,June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

 

SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Thousands of dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

  THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31,
 TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31,
 
  2015 2014 2015 2014   THREE MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,
 SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,
 TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,
 
  2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 

Net income

  $71,879   $70,697   $142,330   $134,896    $5,063   $9,627   $76,942   $80,324   $137,766   $134,456  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

��

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

       

Defined benefit pension plans:

       

Net actuarial gain (loss)

 —     —     (107,661 62,214     —      —      —      —     (107,661 62,214  

Amortization of prior service cost

 206   55   371   220     208   55   414   110   524   221  

Amortization of net actuarial loss

 5,330   3,667   16,330   19,559     5,328   3,666   10,658   7,333   17,992   17,927  

Prior service cost

 —     —     (4,130 —       —      —      —      —     (4,130  —    

Regulatory adjustment

 (4,828 (3,210 85,373   (75,159   (4,828 (3,210 (9,656 (6,420 83,755   (73,667
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net defined benefit pension plans

 708   512   (9,717 6,834     708   511   1,416   1,023   (9,520 6,695  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Forward-starting interest rate swaps:

       

Amounts reclassified into net income

 519   518   2,074   2,074     518   519   1,037   1,037   2,073   2,074  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net forward-starting interest rate swaps

 519   518   2,074   2,074     518   519   1,037   1,037   2,073   2,074  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 (1,272 —     (1,931 —       209    —     (1,063  —     (1,722  —    
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

 (45 1,030   (9,574 8,908     1,435   1,030   1,390   2,060   (9,169 8,769  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Comprehensive income

 71,834   71,727   132,756   143,804     6,498   10,657   78,332   82,384   128,597   143,225  

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

 (147 (86 (61 (434   122    —     (25 (86 61   (393
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Southwest Gas Corporation

$71,981  $71,813  $132,817  $144,238    $6,376   $10,657   $78,357   $82,470   $128,536   $143,618  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

4


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

March 31,June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

 

SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Thousands of dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

  THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31
 TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31
   SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30
 TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30
 
  2015 2014 2015 2014   2015 2014 2015 2014 

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

          

Net income

  $71,879   $70,697   $142,330   $134,896    $76,942   $80,324   $137,766   $134,456  

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

          

Depreciation and amortization

   67,467   62,891   257,603   240,775     134,422   125,077   262,372   244,391  

Deferred income taxes

   7,584   13,692   58,201   42,090     3,896   24,493   43,712   47,351  

Changes in current assets and liabilities:

          

Accounts receivable, net of allowances

   (31,850 13,958   (49,491 2,806     6,018   35,997   (33,662 (23,208

Accrued utility revenue

   29,500   28,600   (300 (500   42,100   41,100   (200 (1,200

Deferred purchased gas costs

   59,423   (56,979 47,063   (116,678   111,021   (62,224 103,906   (108,991

Accounts payable

   (49,173 (66,641 (24,031 (1,042   (38,471 (91,674 11,704   (10,082

Accrued taxes

   49,782   33,400   2,809   13,592     7,614   (4,801 (1,158 (1,424

Other current assets and liabilities

   31,548   36,522   18,405   7,465     5,163   46,238   (17,696 27,234  

Gains on sale

   (1,526 (2,429 (5,268 (5,707   (2,563 (4,137 (4,597 (5,964

Changes in undistributed stock compensation

   462   2,761   5,674   7,060     1,512   3,766   5,719   6,869  

AFUDC

   (396 (498 (1,893 (2,301   (1,133 (1,024 (2,104 (2,296

Changes in other assets and deferred charges

   (13,336 (11,134 (23,934 (20,994   (15,239 (15,150 (21,821 (20,476

Changes in other liabilities and deferred credits

   876   17,155   (500 53,141     2,954   19,462   (729 41,775  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 222,240   141,995   426,668   354,603     334,236   197,447   483,212   328,435  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

     

Construction expenditures and property additions

 (90,391 (76,892 (410,397 (387,931   (203,640 (175,444 (425,094 (387,843

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

 (9,261 —     (199,758 —       (9,261  —     (199,758  —    

Restricted cash

 —     —     1,233   —       785   (16,649 18,667   (16,649

Changes in customer advances

 5,446   4,105   21,704   10,972     9,689   8,947   21,105   13,593  

Miscellaneous inflows

 2,835   3,593   10,853   10,458     4,892   7,060   9,443   10,620  

Miscellaneous outflows

 —     —     (1,400 —       —      —     (1,400  —    
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 (91,371 (69,194 (577,765 (366,501   (197,535 (176,086 (577,037 (380,279
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

     

Issuance of common stock, net

 8,791   107   9,089   567     20,713   237   20,881   515  

Dividends paid

 (17,023 (15,343 (67,955 (61,220   (36,001 (32,316 (69,960 (62,904

Issuance of long-term debt, net

 50,295   1,025   318,498   307,651     93,165   17,719   344,674   287,336  

Retirement of long-term debt

 (18,082 (3,781 (153,456 (71,294   (78,409 (10,716 (206,848 (46,460

Change in credit facility and commercial paper

 (150,000 (10,000 —     (113,000   (120,000 (10,000 30,000   (119,000

Change in short-term debt

 (5,000 —     —     —       (5,000  —      —      —    

Principal payments on capital lease obligations

 (386 —     (820 —       (722  —     (1,156  —    

Other

 (329 (520 (1,066 1,479     (534 (472 (1,319 1,527  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 (131,734 (28,512 104,290   64,183     (126,788 (35,548 116,272   61,014  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Effects of currency translation on cash and cash equivalents

 (688 —     (546 —       (570  —     (428  —    
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Change in cash and cash equivalents

 (1,553 44,289   (47,353 52,285     9,343   (14,187 22,019   9,170  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 39,566   41,077   85,366   33,081     39,566   41,077   26,890   17,720  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$38,013  $85,366  $38,013  $85,366    $48,909   $26,890   $48,909   $26,890  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Supplemental information:

     

Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized

$10,497  $10,474  $65,575  $56,058    $34,213   $31,787   $67,978   $61,401  

Income taxes paid

 2,101   238   26,110   6,454     28,479   12,246   40,480   15,565  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

5


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

March 31,June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

 

Note 1 – Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation

Nature of Operations. Southwest Gas Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) consist of two segments: natural gas operations (“Southwest” or the “natural gas operations” segment) and construction services. Southwest is engaged in the business of purchasing, distributing, and transporting natural gas for customers in portions of Arizona, Nevada, and California. Public utility rates, practices, facilities, and service territories of Southwest are subject to regulatory oversight. The timing and amount of rate relief can materially impact results of operations. Natural gas purchases and the timing of related recoveries can materially impact liquidity. Centuri Construction Group Inc. (“Centuri” or the “construction services” segment), a wholly owned subsidiary, is a full-service underground piping contractor that primarily provides utility companies with trenching and installation, replacement, and maintenance services for energy distribution systems, and industrial construction solutions. Centuri operations are generally conducted under the business names of NPL Construction Co. (“NPL”), Link-Line Contractors Ltd. (“Link-Line”), W.S. Nicholls Construction, Inc. and related companies (“W.S. Nicholls”), and Brigadier Pipelines Inc. (“Brigadier”). Typically, Centuri revenues are lowest during the first quarter of the year due to unfavorable winter weather conditions. Operating revenues typically improve as more favorable weather conditions occur during the summer and fall months.

Basis of Presentation. The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items and estimates necessary for a fair presentation of results for the interim periods, have been made. It is suggested that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the 2014 Annual Report to Shareholders, which is incorporated by reference into the 2014 Form 10-K.10-K, and the first quarter 2015 Form 10-Q.

Centuri, through its subsidiaries, holds a 50% interest in W.S. Nicholls Western Construction LTD. (“Western”), a Canadian construction services company that is a variable interest entity. Centuri determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of the entity due to a shared-power structure; therefore, Centuri does not consolidate the entity and has recorded its investment, and results related thereto, using the equity method. The Company’s investment in Western is not significant in relation to its total assets included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Prepaids and other current assets. Prepaids and other current assets includes gas pipe inventory and operating supplies of $27 million at June 30, 2015 and $23 million at both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

Cash and Cash Equivalents. For purposes of reporting consolidated cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and financial instruments with a purchase-date maturity of three months or less. In general, cash and cash equivalents fall within Level 1 (quoted prices for identical financial instruments) of the three-level fair value hierarchy that ranks the inputs used to measure fair value by their reliability. However, cash and cash equivalents at March 31,June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 also includes two money market fund investments totaling approximately $250,000 which fall within Level 2 (significant other observable inputs) of the fair value hierarchy, due to the asset valuation methods used by money market funds.

Significant non-cash investing and financing activities for the natural gas operations segment included the following: Upon contract expiration, customer advances of approximately $700,000$2 million and $1.6$5.6 million, during the first threesix months of 2015 and 2014, respectively, were applied as contributions toward utility construction activity and represent non-cash investing activity. In addition, approximately $2.3 million in proceeds from common stock sales during March 2015 associated with the Equity Shelf Program (seeNote 5 – Common Stock)were received after March 31, 2015 and represent a non-cash financing activity at the reporting date.

Goodwill. Goodwill is assessed for impairment annually, as required by U.S. GAAP, or otherwise, if circumstances indicate impairment to the carrying value of goodwill. No impairment was recorded in the first six months of 2015. The acquisition date adjustment shown in the table below was recorded in the first quarter of 2015. No acquisition date adjustments to goodwill were recorded during the second quarter of 2015. SeeNote 8 – Acquisition of Construction Services Businesses for more information on the acquisition date adjustment shown in the table below.acquisition.

 

6


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

March 31,June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

 

(In thousands of dollars)  Natural Gas
Operations
   Construction
Services
   Consolidated   Natural Gas
Operations
   Construction
Services
   Consolidated 

December 31, 2014

  $10,095    $133,065    $143,160    $10,095    $133,065    $143,160  

Acquisition date adjustment

   —       1,380     1,380     —       1,380     1,380  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

   —       (8,851   (8,851   —       (6,283   (6,283
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

March 31, 2015

$10,095  $125,594  $135,689  

June 30, 2015

  $10,095    $128,162    $138,257  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Intercompany Transactions. Centuri recognizes revenues generated from contracts with Southwest (seeNote 3 – Segment Information below). AccountsCenturi’s accounts receivable for these services are presented in the table below (thousands of dollars):

 

   March 31, 2015   December 31, 2014 

Accounts receivable for Centuri services

  $8,854    $9,169  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   June 30, 2015   December 31, 2014 

Centuri accounts receivable for services provided to Southwest

  $10,531    $9,169  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accounts receivable balance, revenues, and associated profits are included in the condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company and were not eliminated during consolidation in accordance with accounting treatment for rate-regulated entities.

Other Property and Investments.Other property and investments includes (millions of dollars):

 

  March 31, 2015   December 31, 2014   June 30, 2015   December 31, 2014 

Centuri property and equipment

  $402    $405    $419    $405  

Centuri accumulated provision for depreciation and amortization

   (195   (187   (206   (187

Net cash surrender value of COLI policies

   101     99     101     99  

Other property

   12     10     11     10  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

$320  $327    $325    $327  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Other Income (Deductions).The following table provides the composition of significant items included in Other income (deductions) in the condensed consolidated statements of income (thousands of dollars):

 

  Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended   Three Months Ended Six Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended 
  March 31   March 31   June 30 June 30   June 30 
  2015   2014   2015   2014   2015 2014 2015 2014   2015 2014 

Change in COLI policies

  $1,300    $900    $5,700    $9,500    $—     $2,300   $1,300   $3,200    $3,400   $10,000  

Interest income

   590     497     2,695     838     161   612   751   1,109     2,244   1,306  

Pipe replacement costs

   —       —       —       (47   —      —      —      —       —     (11

Foreign transaction gain (loss)

   (327   —       (505   —       (245  —     (572  —       (750  —    

Miscellaneous income and (expense)

   709     215     (123   (448   246   (49 955   166     172   (41
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total other income (deductions)

$2,272  $1,612  $7,767  $9,843    $162   $2,863   $2,434   $4,475    $5,066   $11,254  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Included in the table above is the change in cash surrender values of company-owned life insurance (“COLI”) policies (including net death benefits recognized). These life insurance policies on members of management and other key employees are used by Southwest to indemnify itself against the loss of talent, expertise, and knowledge, as well as to provide indirect funding for certain nonqualified benefit plans. Current tax regulations provide for tax-free treatment of life insurance (death benefit) proceeds. Therefore, changes in the cash surrender values of COLI policies, as they progress towards the ultimate death benefits, are also recorded without tax consequences.

7


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

March 31, 2015

Form 10-Q

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Updates. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued the update “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” The update replaces much of the current guidance regarding revenue recognition including most industry-specific guidance. In accordance with the update, an entity will be required to identify the contract with a customer, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. In addition to the new revenue recognition requirements, entities will be required to disclose sufficient information to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Entities may choose between two retrospective transition methods when applying the update. TheIn April 2015, the FASB voted on April 1,to propose, and in July 2015 to proposeit approved, a one-year deferral of the effective

7


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

date (annual period ending after December 15, 2017), but to permit entities to adopt one year earlier if they choose (i.e., the original effective date). The FASB decided, based on its outreach to various stakeholders and the forthcoming exposure drafts, which amend the update, that a deferral is necessary to provide adequate time to effectively implement the update. If the proposed effective date deferral is approved, theThe Company plans to adopt the update at the required adoption date, which is expected to be for interim and annual reporting periods commencing January 1, 2018. The Company is evaluating what impact this update might have on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In August 2014, the FASB issued the update “Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern,” which requires management to assesassess a company’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. Under the update, disclosures are required when conditions give rise to substantial doubt about a company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year from the financial statement issuance date. The update is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and all annual and interim periods thereafter. This update and changes thereto are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s disclosures.

In April 2015, the FASB issued the update “Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” To simplify presentation of debt issuance costs, the amendments in this update require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this update. Retrospective application of the update is required. The amendments in this update are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption of the amendments in this update is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The CompanyThis update is evaluating whatnot expected to have a material impact this update might have on itsthe Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

Note 2 – Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

Southwest has a noncontributory qualified retirement plan with defined benefits covering substantially all employees and a separate unfunded supplemental retirement plan (“SERP”) which is limited to officers. Southwest also provides postretirement benefits other than pensions (“PBOP”) to its qualified retirees for health care, dental, and life insurance.

Net periodic benefit costs included in the table below are components of an overhead loading process associated with the cost of labor. The overhead process ultimately results in allocation of net periodic benefit costs to the same accounts to which productive labor is charged. As a result, net periodic benefit costs become components of various accounts, primarily operations and maintenance expense, net utility plant, and deferred charges and other assets.

 

8


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

March 31,June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

 

  Qualified Retirement Plan   Qualified Retirement Plan 
  Period Ended March 31,   Period Ended June 30, 
  Three Months   Twelve Months   Three Months Six Months Twelve Montls 
  2015   2014   2015   2014   2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 
(Thousands of dollars)                              

Service cost

  $6,280    $5,340    $22,300    $22,632    $6,281   $5,340   $12,561   $10,680   $23,241   $22,208  

Interest cost

   11,058     10,861     43,637     39,067     11,057   10,860   22,115   21,721   43,834   40,525  

Expected return on plan assets

   (14,452   (13,336   (54,458   (50,716   (14,452 (13,335 (28,904 (26,671 (55,575 (51,591

Amortization of net actuarial loss

   8,185     5,718     25,340     29,913     8,186   5,718   16,371   11,436   27,808   27,566  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

$11,071  $8,583  $36,819  $40,896    $11,072   $8,583   $22,143   $17,166   $39,308   $38,708  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
  SERP   SERP 
  Period Ended March 31,   Period Ended June 30, 
  Three Months   Twelve Months   Three Months Six Months Twelve Montls 
  2015   2014   2015   2014   2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 
(Thousands of dollars)                              

Service cost

  $80    $73    $299    $352    $80   $73   $160   $146   $306   $332  

Interest cost

   423     436     1,732     1,588     424   436   847   872   1,720   1,640  

Amortization of net actuarial loss

   324     196     911     924     323   196   647   392   1,038   877  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

$827  $705  $2,942  $2,864    $827   $705   $1,654   $1,410   $3,064   $2,849  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
  PBOP   PBOP 
  Period Ended March 31,   Period Ended June 30, 
  Three Months   Twelve Months   Three Months Six Months Twelve Montls 
  2015   2014   2015   2014   2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 
(Thousands of dollars)                              

Service cost

  $411    $276    $1,236    $1,191    $410   $275   $821   $551   $1,371   $1,161  

Interest cost

   749     707     2,871     2,569     750   708   1,499   1,415   2,913   2,656  

Expected return on plan assets

   (866   (816   (3,314   (2,934   (866 (816 (1,732 (1,632 (3,364 (3,044

Amortization of prior service costs

   333     89     599     355     334   88   667   177   845   355  

Amortization of net actuarial loss

   87     —       87     709     86    —     173    —     173   472  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

$714  $256  $1,479  $1,890    $714   $255   $1,428   $511   $1,938   $1,600  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

9


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

March 31,June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

 

Note 3 – Segment Information

The following tables present revenues from external customers, intersegment revenues, and segment net income (thousands of dollars):

 

  Natural Gas
Operations
   Construction
Services
   Total   Natural Gas
Operations
 Construction
Services
 Total 

Three months ended March 31, 2015

      

Three months ended June 30, 2015

    

Revenues from external customers

  $553,115    $161,089    $714,204    $286,643   $229,112   $515,755  

Intersegment revenues

   —       20,016     20,016     —     22,849   22,849  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

$553,115  $181,105  $734,220    $286,643   $251,961   $538,604  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Segment net income (loss)

$78,921  $(6,938$71,983    $(657 $5,606   $4,949  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Three months ended March 31, 2014

Three months ended June 30, 2014

    

Revenues from external customers

  $271,479   $156,966   $428,445  

Intersegment revenues

   —     24,708   24,708  
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

  $271,479   $181,674   $453,153  
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Segment net income

  $1,798   $7,829   $9,627  
  

 

  

 

  

 

 
  Natural Gas
Operations
 Construction
Services
 Total 

Six months ended June 30, 2015

    

Revenues from external customers

$486,493  $98,153  $584,646    $839,758   $390,201   $1,229,959  

Intersegment revenues

 —     23,750   23,750     —     42,865   42,865  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

$486,493  $121,903  $608,396    $839,758   $433,066   $1,272,824  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Segment net income (loss)

$72,599  $(1,816$70,783    $78,264   $(1,332 $76,932  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 
  Natural Gas
Operations
   Construction
Services
   Total 

Twelve months ended March 31, 2015

      

Six months ended June 30, 2014

    

Revenues from external customers

  $1,448,709    $710,368    $2,159,077    $757,972   $255,119   $1,013,091  

Intersegment revenues

   —       88,454     88,454     —     48,458   48,458  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

$1,448,709  $798,822  $2,247,531    $757,972   $303,577   $1,061,549  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Segment net income

$123,194  $19,132  $142,326    $74,397   $6,013   $80,410  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Twelve months ended March 31, 2014

  Natural Gas
Operations
 Construction
Services
 Total 

Twelve months ended June 30, 2015

    

Revenues from external customers

$1,293,047  $555,762  $1,848,809    $1,463,873   $782,514   $2,246,387  

Intersegment revenues

 —     96,864   96,864     —     86,595   86,595  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

$1,293,047  $652,626  $1,945,673    $1,463,873   $869,109   $2,332,982  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Segment net income

$117,476  $17,854  $135,330    $120,739   $16,909   $137,648  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Twelve months ended June 30, 2014

    

Revenues from external customers

  $1,325,657   $562,294   $1,887,951  

Intersegment revenues

   —     99,301   99,301  
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

  $1,325,657   $661,595   $1,987,252  
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Segment net income

  $117,310   $17,539   $134,849  
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

10


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

Note 4 – Derivatives and Fair Value Measurements

Derivatives. In managing its natural gas supply portfolios, Southwest has historically entered into fixed- and variable-price contracts, which qualify as derivatives. Additionally, Southwest utilizes fixed-for-floating swap contracts (“Swaps”) to supplement its fixed-price contracts. The fixed-price contracts, firm commitments to purchase a fixed amount of gas in the future at a fixed price, qualify for the normal purchases and normal sales exception that is allowed for contracts that are probable of delivery in the normal course of business, and are exempt from fair value reporting. The variable-price contracts have no significant market value. The Swaps are recorded at fair value.

The fixed-price contracts and Swaps are utilized by Southwest under its volatility mitigation programs to effectively fix the price on a portion (up to 25% in the Arizona and California jurisdictions) of its natural gas supply portfolios. The maturities of the Swaps highly correlate to forecasted purchases of natural gas, during time frames ranging from AprilJuly 2015 through March 2017. Under such contracts, Southwest pays the counterparty at a fixed rate and receives from the counterparty a floating rate per MMBtu (“dekatherm”) of natural gas. Only the net differential is actually paid or received. The differential is calculated based on the notional amounts under the contracts, which are detailed in the table below (thousands of dekatherms):

 

   March 31, 2015   December 31, 2014 

Contract notional amounts

   5,954     5,105  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

10


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

March 31, 2015

Form 10-Q

   June 30, 2015   December 31, 2014 

Contract notional amounts

   7,838     5,105  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

In late 2013, the Company suspended further Swaps and fixed-price purchases pursuant to the Volatility Mitigation Program (“VMP”) for its Nevada service territories. The decision did not impact previously executed purchase arrangements. Agreements, under the Nevada VMP, made prior to the suspension, terminated following the March 2015 delivery month. The Company, along with its regulators, will continue to evaluate this strategy in light of prevailing or anticipated changing market conditions.

Southwest does not utilize derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes, nor does it have trading operations.

The following table sets forth the gains and (losses) recognized on the Company’s Swaps (derivatives) for the three-, six-, and twelve-month periods ended March 31,June 30, 2015 and 2014 and their location in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:

 

Gains (losses) recognized in income for derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

(Thousands of dollars)

Gains (losses) recognized in income for derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

(Thousands of dollars)

 

Gains (losses) recognized in income for derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

(Thousands of dollars)

 
     Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended      Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Twelve Months Ended 
  Location of Gain or (Loss)  March 31 March 31   Location of Gain or (Loss)  June 30 June 30 June 30 

Instrument

  

Recognized in Income on Derivative

  2015 2014 2015 2014   

Recognized in Income on Derivative

  2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 

Swaps

  

Net cost of gas sold

  $(2,114 $5,990   $(10,467 $1,890    Net cost of gas sold  $707   $(83 $(1,407 $5,907   $(9,677 $9,476  

Swaps

  Net cost of gas sold   2,114 (5,990)*  10,467 (1,890)*   Net cost of gas sold   (707)*  83 1,407 (5,907)*  9,677 (9,476)* 
    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

$—    $—    $—    $—        $—     $—     $—     $—     $—     $—    
    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

*Represents the impact of regulatory deferral accounting treatment under U.S. GAAP for rate-regulated entities.

No gains (losses) were recognized in income or other comprehensive income during the periods presented for derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments. Previously, Southwest entered into two forward-starting interest rate swaps (“FSIRS”) both of which were designated cash flow hedges, to partially hedge the risk of interest rate variability during the period leading up to the issuance of debt. The first FSIRS terminated in December 2010. The second FSIRS terminated in March 2012. Losses on both FSIRS are being amortized over ten-year periods from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and into interest expense.

11


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

The following table sets forth the fair values of the Company’s Swaps and their location in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (thousands of dollars):

Fair values of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

 

March 31, 2015  Asset   Liability     
June 30, 2015June 30, 2015  Asset   Liability     

Instrument

  

Balance Sheet Location

  Derivatives   Derivatives   Net Total   

Balance Sheet Location

  Derivatives   Derivatives   Net Total 

Swaps

  Other current liabilities  $—      $(3,346  $(3,346  Other current liabilities  $105    $(2,098  $(1,993

Swaps

  Other deferred credits   —       (223   (223  Other deferred credits   28     (208   (180
    

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

$—    $(3,569$(3,569    $133    $(2,306  $(2,173
    

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 
December 31, 2014December 31, 2014  Asset   Liability     December 31, 2014  Asset   Liability     

Instrument

  

Balance Sheet Location

  Derivatives   Derivatives   Net Total   

Balance Sheet Location

  Derivatives   Derivatives   Net Total 

Swaps

  Other current liabilities  $—      $(5,062  $(5,062  Other current liabilities  $—      $(5,062  $(5,062

Swaps

  Other deferred credits   —       (363   (363  Other deferred credits   —       (363   (363
    

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

$—    $(5,425$(5,425    $—      $(5,425  $(5,425
    

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

 

The estimated fair values of the natural gas derivatives were determined using future natural gas index prices (as more fully described below). The Company has master netting arrangements with each counterparty that provide for the net settlement of all contracts through a single payment. As applicable, the Company has elected to reflect the net amounts in its balance sheets. The Company had no outstanding collateral associated with the Swaps during either period shown in the above table.

Pursuant to regulatory deferral accounting treatment for rate-regulated entities, Southwest records the unrealized gains and losses in fair value of the Swaps as a regulatory asset and/or liability. When the Swaps mature, Southwest reverses any prior positions held and records the settled position as an increase or decrease of purchased gas under the related purchased gas adjustment (“PGA”) mechanism in determining its deferred PGA balances. Neither changes in fair value, nor settled amounts, of Swaps have a direct effect on earnings or other comprehensive income.

11


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

March 31, 2015

Form 10-Q

The following table shows the amounts Southwest paid to and received from counterparties for settlements of matured Swaps.

 

  Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended   Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended 
(Thousands of dollars)  March 31, 2015   March 31, 2015   June 30, 2015   June 30, 2015   June 30, 2015 

Paid to counterparties

  $3,970    $4,784    $690    $4,660    $5,474  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Received from counterparties

$—    $394    $—      $—      $198  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

The following table details the regulatory assets/(liabilities) offsetting the derivatives at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (thousands of dollars).

 

March 31, 2015 
June 30, 2015June 30, 2015 

Instrument

  

Balance Sheet Location

  Net Total   

Balance Sheet Location

  Net Total 

Swaps

  Prepaids and other current assets  $3,346    Prepaids and other current assets  $1,993  

Swaps

  Deferred charges and other assets   223    Deferred charges and other assets   180  
December 31, 2014December 31, 2014    December 31, 2014 

Instrument

  

Balance Sheet Location

  Net Total   

Balance Sheet Location

  Net Total 

Swaps

  Prepaids and other current assets  $5,062    Prepaids and other current assets  $5,062  

Swaps

  Deferred charges and other assets   363    Deferred charges and other assets   363  

Fair Value Measurements. The estimated fair values of Southwest’s Swaps were determined at March 31,June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 using New York Mercantile Exchange (“NYMEX”) futures settlement prices for delivery of natural gas at Henry Hub adjusted by the price of NYMEX ClearPort basis Swaps, which reflect the difference between the price of natural gas at a given delivery basin and the Henry Hub pricing points. These Level 2 inputs (inputs, other than quoted prices, for similar assets or liabilities) are observable in the marketplace throughout the full term of the Swaps, but have been credit-risk adjusted with no significant impact to the overall fair value measure.

12


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

The following table sets forth by level within the three-level fair value hierarchy that ranks the inputs used to measure fair value by their reliability, the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value:

Level 2 - 2—Significant other observable inputs

 

(Thousands of dollars)  March 31, 2015   December 31, 2014   June 30, 2015   December 31, 2014 

Liabilities at fair value:

        

Other current liabilities - Swaps

  $(3,346  $(5,062

Other deferred credits - Swaps

   (223   (363

Other current liabilities—Swaps

  $(1,993  $(5,062

Other deferred credits—Swaps

   (180   (363
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Net Assets (Liabilities)

$(3,569$(5,425  $(2,173  $(5,425
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

No financial assets or liabilities accounted for at fair value fell within Level 1 (quoted prices in active markets for identical financial assets) or Level 3 (significant unobservable inputs) of the fair value hierarchy.

12


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

March 31, 2015

Form 10-Q

With regard to the fair values of assets associated with the Company’s pension and postretirement benefit plans, asset values were last updated as required as of December 2014. Refer to Note 9 – Pension and Other Post Retirement Benefits in the 2014 Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K.

Note 5 – Common Stock

On March 10, 2015, the Company filed with the Securities Exchange Commission (“SEC”) an automatic shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-202633), which became effective upon filing, for the offer and sale of up to $100,000,000 of the Company’s common stock from time to time in at-the-market offerings under the prospectus included therein and in accordance with the Sales Agency Agreement, dated March 10, 2015, between the Company and BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC (“BNYMCM”(the “Equity Shelf Program”). During the quarterthree months ending March 31,June 30, 2015, the Company sold, through the continuous equity offering program with BNYMCMBNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC as agent, an aggregate of 192,262180,247 shares of the Company’s common stock in the open market at a weighted average price of $57.47$53.90 per share, resulting in proceeds to the Company of $10,938,956,$9,618,188, net of $110,495$97,154 in agent commissions. For the six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company sold an aggregate of 372,509 shares of common stock under this program resulting in proceeds to the Company of $20,557,144, net of $207,649 in agent commissions. As of March 31,June 30, 2015, the Company had up to $88,950,549$79,235,207 of common stock available for sale under the program. Net proceeds from the sale of shares of common stock under the Equity Shelf Program will be usedare intended for general corporate purposes, including the acquisition of property for the construction, completion, extension or improvement of pipeline systems and facilities located in and around the communities Southwest serves.

In addition, during the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2015, the Company issued approximately 125,000145,000 shares of common stock through the Stock Incentive Plan, Restricted Stock/Unit Plan, and Management Incentive Plan.

Note 6 – Long-Term Debt

Carrying amounts of the Company’s long-term debt and their related estimated fair values as of March 31,June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are disclosed in the following table. The fair values of the revolving credit facility (including commercial paper) and the variable-rate Industrial Development Revenue Bonds (“IDRBs”) approximate their carrying values, as they are repaid quickly (in the case of credit facility borrowings) and have interest rates that reset frequently. They are categorized as Level 1 (quoted prices for identical financial instruments) within thethree-level fair value hierarchy that ranks the inputs used to measure fair value by their reliability, due to the Company’s ability to access similar debt arrangements at measurement dates with comparable terms, including variable rates. The fair values of debentures senior notes, and fixed-rate IDRBs were determined utilizing a market-based valuation approach, where fair market values are determined based on evaluated pricing data, such as broker quotes and yields for similar securities adjusted for observable differences. Significant inputs used in the valuation generally include benchmark yield curves, credit ratings and issuer spreads. The external credit rating, coupon rate, and maturity of each security are considered in the valuation, as applicable. The market values of debentures and fixed-rate IDRBs are categorized as Level 2 (observable market inputs based on market prices of similar securities). The Centuri secured revolving credit and term loan facility and Centuri other debt obligations (not actively traded) are categorized as Level 3, based on significant unobservable inputs to their fair values. Since Centuri’s debt is not publicly traded, fair values

13


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

for the secured revolving credit and term loan facility and other debt obligations were based on a conventional discounted cash flow methodology and utilizes current market pricing yield curves, across Centuri’s debt maturity spectrum, of other industrial bonds with an assumed credit rating comparable to the Company’s.

 

13


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

March 31, 2015

Form 10-Q

  March 31, 2015   December 31, 2014   June 30, 2015   December 31, 2014 
  Carrying   Market   Carrying   Market   Carrying   Market   Carrying   Market 
  Amount   Value   Amount   Value   Amount   Value   Amount   Value 
(Thousands of dollars)                                

Debentures:

                

Notes, 4.45%, due 2020

  $125,000    $135,578    $125,000    $133,403    $125,000    $133,183    $125,000    $133,403  

Notes, 6.1%, due 2041

   125,000     161,798     125,000     157,290     125,000     146,568     125,000     157,290  

Notes, 3.875%, due 2022

   250,000     267,618     250,000     262,030     250,000     259,723     250,000     262,030  

Notes, 4.875%, due 2043

   250,000     290,295     250,000     280,903     250,000     256,505     250,000     280,903  

8% Series, due 2026

   75,000     103,938     75,000     102,296     75,000     99,431     75,000     102,296  

Medium-term notes, 7.59% series, due 2017

   25,000     27,398     25,000     27,573     25,000     27,063     25,000     27,573  

Medium-term notes, 7.78% series, due 2022

   25,000     31,575     25,000     31,144     25,000     30,705     25,000     31,144  

Medium-term notes, 7.92% series, due 2027

   25,000     34,418     25,000     33,695     25,000     32,706     25,000     33,695  

Medium-term notes, 6.76% series, due 2027

   7,500     9,375     7,500     9,156     7,500     8,896     7,500     9,156  

Unamortized discount

   (5,135     (5,223     (5,046     (5,223  
  

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

   
 902,365   902,277     902,454       902,277    
  

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

   

Revolving credit facility and commercial paper

 —     —     150,000   150,000     30,000     30,000     150,000     150,000  
  

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

   

Industrial development revenue bonds:

        

Variable-rate bonds:

        

Tax-exempt Series A, due 2028

 50,000   50,000   50,000   50,000     50,000     50,000     50,000     50,000  

2003 Series A, due 2038

 50,000   50,000   50,000   50,000     50,000     50,000     50,000     50,000  

2008 Series A, due 2038

 50,000   50,000   50,000   50,000     50,000     50,000     50,000     50,000  

2009 Series A, due 2039

 50,000   50,000   50,000   50,000     50,000     50,000     50,000     50,000  

Fixed-rate bonds:

        

5.25% 2003 Series D, due 2038

 20,000   20,216   20,000   20,277     20,000     20,103     20,000     20,277  

5.00% 2004 Series B, due 2033

 31,200   31,329   31,200   31,223     —       —       31,200     31,223  

4.85% 2005 Series A, due 2035

 100,000   100,651   100,000   100,071     100,000     100,629     100,000     100,071  

4.75% 2006 Series A, due 2036

 24,855   25,406   24,855   25,399     24,855     25,005     24,855     25,399  

Unamortized discount

 (1,920 (1,943   (1,645     (1,943  
  

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

   
 374,135   374,112     343,210       374,112    
  

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

   

Centuri secured revolving credit and term loan facility

 219,995   220,196   199,267   200,341     234,598     235,542     199,267     200,341  

Centuri other debt obligations

 28,298   28,480   31,128   31,127     31,471     31,749     31,128     31,127  
  

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

   
 1,524,793   1,656,784     1,541,733       1,656,784    

Less: current maturities

 (18,266 (19,192   (20,050     (19,192  
  

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

   

Long-term debt, less current maturities

$1,506,527  $1,637,592    $1,521,683      $1,637,592    
  

 

     

 

     

 

     

 

   

In March 2015, the Company amended its $300 million credit facility. The facility was previously scheduled to expire in March 2019 and was extended to March 2020. The Company will continue to use $150 million of the facility as long-term debt and the remaining $150 million for working capital purposes. Interest rates for the credit facility are calculated at either the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or an “alternate base rate,” plus in each case an applicable margin that is determined based on the Company’s senior unsecured debt rating. At March 31,June 30, 2015, the applicable margin is 1% for loans bearing interest with reference to LIBOR and 0% for loans bearing interest with reference to the alternative base rate. No borrowings wereAt June 30, 2015, $5 million was outstanding on either the long-term or short-term portions of the credit facility and $25 million was outstanding on the commercial paper program.

In May 2015, the Company redeemed at March 31, 2015.par the $31.2 million 5.00% 2004 Series B IDRBs originally due in 2033. The Company facilitated the redemption primarily from cash on hand and borrowings under its $300 million credit facility.

Centuri has a $300 million secured revolving credit and term loan facility that is scheduled to expire in October 2020.2019. At March 31,June 30, 2015, $220$235 million in borrowings were outstanding on the Centuri facility. Centuri assets securing the facility at March 31,June 30, 2015 totaled $447$492 million.

 

14


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

March 31,June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

 

Note 7 – Equity, Other Comprehensive Income, and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The table below provides details of activity in equity and the redeemable noncontrolling interest during the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2015.

 

 Southwest Gas Corporation Equity        Southwest Gas Corporation Equity       
       Accumulated       Redeemable        Accumulated       Redeemable 
     Additional Other   Non-   Noncontrolling      Additional Other   Non-   Noncontrolling 
 Common Stock Paid-in Comprehensive Retained controlling   Interest  Common Stock Paid-in Comprehensive Retained controlling   Interest 

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 Shares Amount Capital Income (Loss) Earnings Interest Total (Temporary Equity)  Shares Amount Capital Income (Loss) Earnings Interest Total (Temporary Equity) 

DECEMBER 31, 2014

 46,523   $48,153   $851,381   $(50,175 $639,164   $(2,257 $1,486,266   $20,042   46,523   $48,153   $851,381   $(50,175 $639,164   $(2,257 $1,486,266   $20,042  

Common stock issuances

 317   317   11,574      11,891    519   519   22,241      22,760   

Net income (loss)

     71,983   141   72,124   (245     76,932   58   76,990   (48

Redemption value adjustments

     658    658   (658     658    658   (658

Foreign currency exchange translation adj.

    (1,229   (1,229 (43    (1,028   (1,028 (35

Other comprehensive income (loss):

                

Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during period, less amortization of unamortized benefit plan cost, net of tax

    708     708       1,416     1,416   

Amounts reclassified to net income, net of tax (FSIRS)

    519     519   

Amounts reclassified to net income,net of tax (FSIRS)

    1,037     1,037   

Dividends declared

                

Common: $0.405 per share

     (19,202  (19,202 

Common: $0.81 per share

     (38,466  (38,466 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

MARCH 31, 2015

 46,840  $48,470  $862,955  $(50,177$692,603  $(2,116$1,551,735  $19,096  

JUNE 30, 2015

 47,042   $48,672   $873,622   $(48,750 $678,288   $(2,199 $1,549,633   $19,301  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

The following information provides insight into amounts impacting Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), both before and after-tax, within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, which also impact Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and the associated column in the equity table above. See Note 4 – Derivatives and Fair Value Measurements for additional information on the FSIRS.

 

Related Tax Effects Allocated to Each Component of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(Thousands of dollars)

Related Tax Effects Allocated to Each Component of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(Thousands of dollars)

 

Related Tax Effects Allocated to Each Component of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(Thousands of dollars)

 
  Three Months Ended Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended Three Months Ended 
  March 31, 2015 March 31, 2014   June 30, 2015 June 30, 2014 
  Before- Tax Net-of- Before- Tax Net-of-   Before- Tax Net-of- Before- Tax Net-of- 
  Tax (Expense) Tax Tax (Expense) Tax   Tax (Expense) Tax Tax (Expense) Tax 
  Amount or Benefit (1) Amount Amount or Benefit (1) Amount   Amount or Benefit (1) Amount Amount or Benefit (1) Amount 

Defined benefit pension plans:

              

Amortization of prior service cost

  $333   $(127 $206   $89   $(34 $55    $334   $(126 $208   $88   $(33 $55  

Amortization of net actuarial (gain)/loss

   8,596   (3,266 5,330   5,914   (2,247 3,667     8,595   (3,267 5,328   5,914   (2,248 3,666  

Regulatory adjustment

   (7,787 2,959   (4,828 (5,178 1,968   (3,210   (7,787 2,959   (4,828 (5,177 1,967   (3,210
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Pension plans other comprehensive income (loss)

 1,142   (434 708   825   (313 512     1,142   (434 708   825   (314 511  

FSIRS (designated hedging activities):

       

Amounts reclassifed into net income

 836   (317 519   836   (318 518     836   (318 518   837   (318 519  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

FSIRS other comprehensive income

 836   (317 519   836   (318 518     836   (318 518   837   (318 519  

Foreign currency translation adjustments:

       

Translation adjustments

 (1,272 —     (1,272 —     —     —       209    —     209    —      —      —    
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Foreign currency other comprehensive income (loss)

 (1,272 —     (1,272 —     —     —       209    —     209    —      —      —    
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

$706  $(751$(45$1,661  $(631$1,030    $2,187   $(752 $1,435   $1,662   $(632 $1,030  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

15


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

March 31,June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

 

 Twelve Months Ended Twelve Months Ended 
 March 31, 2015 March 31, 2014 
 Before- Tax Net-of- Before- Tax Net-of- 
 Tax (Expense) Tax Tax (Expense) Tax   Six Months Ended
June 30, 2015
 Six Months Ended
June 30, 2014
 
 Amount or Benefit (1) Amount Amount or Benefit (1) Amount   Before-
Tax
Amount
 Tax
(Expense)
or Benefit (1)
 Net-of-
Tax
Amount
 Before-
Tax
Amount
 Tax
(Expense)
or Benefit (1)
 Net-of-
Tax
Amount
 

Defined benefit pension plans:

             

Net actuarial gain/(loss)

 $(173,646 $65,985   $(107,661 $100,345   $(38,131 $62,214  

Amortization of prior service cost

 599   (228 371   355   (135 220    $667   $(253 $414   $177   $(67 $110  

Amortization of net actuarial (gain)/loss

 26,338   (10,008 16,330   31,546   (11,987 19,559     17,191   (6,533 10,658   11,828   (4,495 7,333  

Prior service cost

 (6,661 2,531   (4,130  —      —      —    

Regulatory adjustment

 137,699   (52,326 85,373   (121,224 46,065   (75,159   (15,574 5,918   (9,656 (10,355 3,935   (6,420
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Pension plans other comprehensive income (loss)

 (15,671 5,954   (9,717 11,022   (4,188 6,834     2,284   (868 1,416   1, 650   (627 1,023  

FSIRS (designated hedging activities):

       

Amounts reclassifed into net income

 3,345   (1,271 2,074   3,345   (1,271 2,074     1,672   (635 1,037   1,673   (636 1,037  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

FSIRS other comprehensive income (loss)

 3,345   (1,271 2,074   3,345   (1,271 2,074  

FSIRS other comprehensive income

   1,672   (635 1,037   1,673   (636 1,037  

Foreign currency translation adjustments:

       

Translation adjustments

 (1,931 —     (1,931 —     —     —       (1,063  —     (1,063  —      —      —    
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Foreign currency other comprehensive income (loss)

 (1,931 —     (1,931 —     —     —       (1,063  —     (1,063  —      —      —    
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

$(14,257$4,683  $(9,574$14,367  $(5,459$8,908    $2,893   $(1,503 $1,390   $3,323   $(1,263 $2,060  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

   Twelve Months Ended
June 30, 2015
  Twelve Months Ended
June 30, 2014
 
   Before-  Tax  Net-of-  Before-  Tax  Net-of- 
   Tax  (Expense)  Tax  Tax  (Expense)  Tax 
   Amount  or Benefit (1)  Amount  Amount  or Benefit (1)  Amount 

Defined benefit pension plans:

       

Net actuarial gain/(loss)

  $(173,646 $65,985   $(107,661 $100,345   $(38,131 $62,214  

Amortization of prior service cost

   845    (321  524    355    (134  221  

Amortization of net actuarial (gain)/loss

   29,019    (11,027  17,992    28,915    (10,988  17,927  

Prior service cost

   (6,661  2,531    (4,130  —      —      —    

Regulatory adjustment

   135,089    (51,334  83,755    (118,817  45,150    (73,667
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Pension plans other comprehensive income (loss)

   (15,354  5,834    (9,520  10,798    (4,103  6,695  

FSIRS (designated hedging activities):

       

Amounts reclassifed into net income

   3,344    (1,271  2,073    3,345    (1,271  2,074  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

FSIRS other comprehensive income (loss)

   3,344    (1,271  2,073    3,345    (1,271  2,074  

Foreign currency translation adjustments:

       

Translation adjustments

   (1,722  —      (1,722  —      —      —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Foreign currency other comprehensive income (loss)

   (1,722  —      (1,722  —      —      —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

  $(13,732 $4,563   $(9,169 $14,143   $(5,374 $8,769  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

(1)

Tax amounts are calculated using a 38% rate. The Company has elected to indefinitely reinvest the earnings of Centuri’s Canadian subsidiaries in Canada, thus preventing deferred taxes on such earnings. As a result of this assertion, the Company is not recognizing any tax effect or presenting a tax expense or benefit for the currency translation adjustment amount reported in Other Comprehensive Income, as repatriation of earnings is not anticipated.

Approximately $2.1 million of realized losses (net of tax) related to the FSIRS, reported in Accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) at March 31,June 30, 2015, will be reclassified into interest expense within the next 12 months, as the related interest payments on long-term debt occur.

16


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

The following table represents a rollforward of AOCI, presented on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:

 

AOCI - Rollforward

(Thousands of dollars)

AOCI - Rollforward

(Thousands of dollars)

 

AOCI - Rollforward

(Thousands of dollars)

 
 Defined Benefit Plans FSIRS Foreign Currency Items    Defined Benefit Plans FSIRS Foreign Currency Items   
 Before-
Tax
 Tax
(Expense)
Benefit
 After-
Tax
 Before-
Tax
 Tax
(Expense)
Benefit
 After-
Tax
 Before-
Tax
 Tax
(Expense)
Benefit
 After-
Tax
 AOCI  Before-
Tax
 Tax
(Expense)
Benefit
 After-
Tax
 Before-
Tax
 Tax
(Expense)
Benefit
 After-
Tax
 Before-
Tax
 Tax
(Expense)
Benefit
 After-
Tax
 AOCI 

Beginning Balance AOCI December 31, 2014

 $(57,211 $21,740   $(35,471 $(22,688 $8,621   $(14,067 $(637 $—     $(637 $(50,175 $(57,211 $21,740   $(35,471 $(22,688 $8,621   $(14,067 $(637 $—     $(637 $(50,175
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Translation adjustments

 —     —     —     —     —     —     (1,272 —     (1,272 (1,272  —      —      —      —      —      —     (1,063  —     (1,063 (1,063
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

 —     —     —     —     —     —     (1,272 —     (1,272 (1,272  —      —      —      —      —      —     (1,063  —     (1,063 (1,063

FSIRS amounts reclassified from AOCI (1)

 —     —     —     836   (317 519   —     —     —     519    —      —      —     1,672   (635 1,037    —      —      —     1,037  

Amortization of prior service cost (2)

 333   (127 206   —     —     —     —     —     —     206   667   (253 414    —      —      —      —      —      —     414  

Amortization of net actuarial loss (2)

 8,596   (3,266 5,330   —     —     —     —     —     —     5,330   17,191   (6,533 10,658    —      —      —      —      —      —     10,658  

Regulatory adjustment (3)

 (7,787 2,959   (4,828 —     —     —     —     —     —     (4,828 (15,574 5,918   (9,656  —      —      —      —      —      —     (9,656
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)

 1,142   (434 708   836   (317 519   (1,272 —     (1,272 (45 2,284   (868 1,416   1,672   (635 1,037   (1,063  —     (1,063 1,390  

Less: Translation adjustment attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

 —     —     —     —     —     —     (43 —     (43 (43  —      —      —      —      —      —     (35  —     (35 (35
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to

Southwest Gas Corporation

 1,142   (434 708   836   (317 519   (1,229 —     (1,229 (2

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Southwest Gas Corporation

 2,284   (868 1,416   1,672   (635 1,037   (1,028  —     (1,028 1,425  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Ending Balance AOCI March 31, 2015

$(56,069$21,306  $(34,763$(21,852$8,304  $(13,548$(1,866$—    $(1,866$(50,177

Ending Balance AOCI June 30, 2015

 $(54,927 $20,872   $(34,055 $(21,016 $7,986   $(13,030 $(1,665 $—     $(1,665 $(48,750
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

The FSIRS reclassification amounts are included in the Net interest deductions line item on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

(2)

These AOCI components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (seeNote 2 – Components of Net PeriodicBenefit Cost for additional details).

(3)

The regulatory adjustment represents the portion of the activity above that is expected to be recovered through rates in the future (the related regulatory asset is included in the Deferred charges and other assets line item on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets).

16


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

March 31, 2015

Form 10-Q

The following table represents amounts (before income tax impacts) associated with defined benefit plans and included in AOCI (in the table above), that have not yet been recognized in net periodic benefit cost:

 

Amounts Recognized in AOCI (Before Tax)

(Thousands of dollars)

                
  March 31, 2015   December 31, 2014   June 30, 2015   December 31, 2014 

Net actuarial (loss) gain

  $(430,535  $(439,131  $(421,940  $(439,131

Prior service cost

   (8,040   (8,373   (7,706   (8,373

Less: amount recognized in regulatory assets

   382,506     390,293     374,719     390,293  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Recognized in AOCI

$(56,069$(57,211  $(54,927  $(57,211
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Note 8 – Acquisition of Construction Services Businesses

In October 2014, the Company, through its subsidiaries, completed the acquisition of three privately held, affiliated construction businesses. See the Company’s 2014 Form 10-K for additional information about this acquisition.

Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction were recorded, generally, at their acquisition date fair values. Transaction costs associated with the acquisition were expensed as incurred. The Company’s allocation of the purchase price was based on an evaluation of the appropriate fair values and represented management’s best estimate based on available data (including market data, data regarding customers of the acquired businesses, terms of acquisition-related agreements, analysis of historical and projected results, and other types of data). The analysis included the impacts of differences between Accounting Standards for Private Enterprises in Canada and U. S. GAAP applicable to public companies, as well as consideration of types of intangibles that were acquired, including non-competition agreements, customer relationships, trade names, and work backlog. While refinements were made to the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed during the first quarter of 2015, no adjustments were made to the acquisition-date values during the second quarter of 2015. The final purchase accounting has not yet been completed. Further refinement could occur; however, no material changes are expected. The revised preliminary estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of October 1, 2014, are as follows (in millions of dollars):

 

   Acquisition
Date
   Measurement
Period
Adjustments
   Revised
Acquisition
Date
 

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

  $3    $—      $3  

Contracts receivable and other receivables

   62     —       62  

Property, plant and equipment

   17     —       17  

Other assets

   17     (2   15  

Intangible assets

   52     —       52  

Goodwill

   130     1     131  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets acquired

 281   (1 280  

Current liabilities

 39   1   40  

Deferred income tax - long-term

 17   —     17  

Other long-term liabilities

 4   —     4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net assets acquired

$221  $(2$219  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

17


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

   Revised
Acquisition
Date
 

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

  $3  

Contracts receivable and other receivables

   62  

Property, plant and equipment

   17  

Other assets

   15  

Intangible assets

   52  

Goodwill

   131  
  

 

 

 

Total assets acquired

   280  

Current liabilities

   40  

Deferred income tax - long-term

   17  

Other long-term liabilities

   4  
  

 

 

 

Net assets acquired

  $219  
  

 

 

 

The Company incurred and expensed acquisition costs of $5 million for the twelve months ended March 31,June 30, 2015. No acquisition costs were incurred during the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2015.

The preliminary allocation of the purchase price of Link-Line, W.S. Nicholls, and Brigadier was accounted for in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance. Goodwill, which is generally not deductible for tax purposes, consists of the value associated with the assembled workforce and consolidation of operations. The business of Brigadier was acquired via asset purchase. Therefore, the $4.9 million of tax-basis goodwill assigned to Brigadier is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. All other goodwill associated with the acquisition is not deductible for tax purposes. In the first quarter of 2015, values at the acquisition date were adjusted as reflected in the table above, with no significant overall impact to the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

17


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

March 31, 2015

Form 10-Q

Note 9 – Construction Services Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

At the close of the acquisition discussed above, previous owners of the acquired companies retained an approximate 10% equity interest in the Canadian businesses that were acquired. The agreement, associated with the approximate 10% equity interest of the sellers, provides special dividend rights which entitle the sellers, as holders, to dividends equal to 3.4% of dividends paid at the level of Centuri and subject to certain conditions, such interests may become exchangeable for a 3.4% equity interest in Centuri. In June 2015, the previous owners notified Centuri of their intent to exchange their full equity interest in the Canadian businesses for an equity interest in Centuri, in accordance with the agreement. The exchange is anticipated to be completed in the third quarter of 2015. Additionally, the previous owners may exit their investment retained by requiring Centuri tothe purchase of a portion of their interest (in Lynxus Construction Group, Inc.) commencing October 2016 and in incremental amounts each anniversary date thereafter. The shares subject to the election cumulate (if earlier elections are not made) such that 100% of their interest retained is subject to the election after September 2021.

The Company has determined that this noncontrolling interest is a redeemable noncontrolling interest and, in accordance with SEC guidance, is classified as mezzanine equity (temporary equity) in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. ChangesSignificant changes in the value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest are recognized as they occur, and the carrying value is adjusted as necessary at each reporting date. The adjustment to the redemption value impactsin 2015 impacted retained earnings, but did not impact net income.

 

  Redeemable
Noncontrolling
Interest
   Redeemable
Noncontrolling
Interest
 
(Thousands of dollars):        

Balance, December 31, 2014

  $20,042    $20,042  

Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

   (245   (48

Foreign currency exchange translation adjustment

   (43   (35

Adjustment to redemption value

   (658   (658
  

 

   

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2015

$19,096  

Balance, June 30, 2015

  $19,301  
  

 

   

 

 

18


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

The redemption value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest was determined usingis based on a Monte Carlo simulation method. First, a market approach was utilized to determine a construction services enterprise value as of the acquisition date. Potential guideline publicly-traded companies were identified by using a selection criteria, including actively traded equities, their financial solvency, and other factors. Once the guideline companies were determined, enterprise value was calculated using a weighted approach of projected earnings before interest expense and taxes (“EBIT”) and earnings before interest expense, taxes, and depreciation and amortization expense (“EBITDA”). After an estimated fair value was determined, a Monte Carlo simulation was used to assign a value to the noncontrolling interest of the sellers. Other assumptions used in this analysis included dividends, probability of events, and a discount due to lack of control (the sellers do not influence operations). This method is employed no less frequently than annually. Each quarter, market changes in the guideline companies are considered and the weighted approach to projected EBIT and EBITDA, in relation to the guideline companies, is re-evaluated to determine if value changes are necessary at each quarterly reporting date.

 

1819


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

March 31,June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

 

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

Southwest Gas Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) consist of two business segments: natural gas operations (“Southwest” or the “natural gas operations” segment) and construction services.

Southwest is engaged in the business of purchasing, distributing, and transporting natural gas for customers in portions of Arizona, Nevada, and California. Southwest is the largest distributor of natural gas in Arizona, selling and transporting natural gas in most of central and southern Arizona, including the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas. Southwest is also the largest distributor of natural gas in Nevada, serving the Las Vegas metropolitan area and northern Nevada. In addition, Southwest distributes and transports natural gas for customers in portions of California, including the Lake Tahoe area and the high desert and mountain areas in San Bernardino County.

As of March 31,June 30, 2015, Southwest had 1,938,000 residential, commercial, industrial, and other natural gas customers, of which 1,037,0001,036,000 customers were located in Arizona, 711,000713,000 in Nevada, and 190,000189,000 in California. Residential and commercial customers represented over 99% of the total customer base. During the twelve months ended March 31,June 30, 2015, 56%55% of operating margin was earned in Arizona, 34% in Nevada, and 10%11% in California. During this same period, Southwest earned 85% of its operating margin from residential and small commercial customers, 4% from other sales customers, and 11% from transportation customers. These general patterns are expected to remain materially consistent for the foreseeable future.

Southwest recognizes operating revenues from the distribution and transportation of natural gas (and related services) to customers. Operating margin is the measure of gas operating revenues less the net cost of gas sold. Management uses operating margin as a main benchmark in comparing operating results from period to period. The principal factors affecting changes in operating margin are general rate relief (including impactimpacts of infrastructure trackers) and customer growth. All of Southwest’s service territories have decoupled rate structures, which are designed to eliminate the direct link between volumetric sales and revenue, thereby mitigating the impacts of weather variability and conservation on margin, allowing the Company to aggressively pursue energy efficiency initiatives.

Centuri Construction Co. (“Centuri” or the “construction services” segment), a wholly owned subsidiary, is a full-service underground piping contractor that primarily provides utility companies with trenching and installation, replacement, and maintenance services for energy distribution systems, and develops industrial construction solutions. Centuri operates in 20 major markets in the United States (primarily under the NPL name) and in 2 major markets in Canada (under the Link-Line and W.S. Nicholls names). Construction activity is cyclical and can be significantly impacted by changes in weather, general and local economic conditions (including the housing market), interest rates, employment levels, job growth, the equipment resale market, pipe replacement programs of utilities, and local and federal regulation (including tax rates and incentives). During the past few years, utilities have implemented or modified pipeline integrity management programs to enhance safety pursuant to federal and state mandates. These programs, coupled with recent bonus depreciation tax deduction incentives, have resulted in a significant increase in multi-year pipeline replacement projects throughout the U.S. Generally, revenues are lowest during the first quarter of the year due to less favorable winter weather conditions. Revenues typically improve as more favorable weather conditions occur during the summer and fall months. This is expected in both the U.S. and Canadian markets. In certain circumstances, such as with large longer duration bid contracts (especially those of a longer duration), or unit-price contracts with revenue caps, results may be impacted by differences between costs incurred and those anticipated when the work was originally bid.

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto, as well as MD&A included in the 2014 Annual Report to Shareholders, which is incorporated by reference into the 2014 Form 10-K.10-K, and the first quarter 2015 Form 10-Q.

 

1920


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

March 31,June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

 

Executive Summary

The items discussed in this Executive Summary are intended to provide an overview of the results of the Company’s operations. As needed, certain items are covered in greater detail in later sections of management’s discussion and analysis. As reflected in the table below, the natural gas operations segment accounted for an average of 87% of twelve-month-to-date consolidated net income over the past two years. As such, management’s discussion and analysis is primarily focused on that segment. Natural gas sales are seasonal, peaking during the winter months; therefore, results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.

Summary Operating Results

 

  Period Ended March 31,   Period Ended June 30, 
  Three Months   Twelve Months   Three Months   Six Months   Twelve Months 
  2015   2014   2015   2014   2015 2014   2015 2014   2015   2014 
  (In thousands, except per share amounts)   (In thousands, except per share amounts) 

Contribution to net income

        

Contribution to net income (loss)

          

Natural gas operations

  $78,921    $72,599    $123,194    $117,476    $(657 $1,798    $78,264   $74,397    $120,739    $117,310  

Construction services

   (6,938   (1,816   19,132     17,854     5,606   7,829     (1,332 6,013     16,909     17,539  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Net income

$71,983  $70,783  $142,326  $135,330    $4,949   $9,627    $76,932   $80,410    $137,648    $134,849  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Average number of common shares outstanding

 46,612   46,440   46,537   46,364     46,869   46,502     46,741   46,471     46,628     46,407  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Basic earnings per share

          

Consolidated

$1.54  $1.52  $3.06  $2.92    $0.11   $0.21    $1.65   $1.73    $2.95    $2.91  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Natural Gas Operations

Operating margin

$299,353  $295,116  $880,968  $866,277  

Natural Gas Operations

Operating margin

  $177,628   $173,494    $476,981   $468,610    $885,102    $870,290  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

1st2nd Quarter 2015 Overview

Natural gas operations highlights include the following:

 

Operating margin increased $4 million, or 1%2%, compared to the prior-year quarter

 

Operating expenses decreased $3.2increased $5.6 million, or 2%3%, compared to the prior-year quarter

 

Net financing costs decreased $1.1$1.3 million compared to the prior-year quarter

 

Paiute Pipeline Company general rate case settlement approved byRedemption of the FERC$31.2 million 5.00% 2004 Series B IDRBs (originally due in 2033)

Construction services highlights include the following:

 

Revenues increased $59.2$70.3 million, or 49%39%, compared to the prior-year quarter

 

Construction expenses increased $61.7$68.2 million, or 55%43%, compared to the prior-year quarter

 

Net interest deductions increased $1.6$1.7 million due to acquisition-related debt

Customer Growth.Southwest completed 21,00022,000 first-time meter sets, but realized 26,00028,000 net new customers over the last twelve months, an increase of 1.4%1.5%. The incremental additions reflect a return to service of customer meters on previously vacant homes. Southwest projects customer growth of about 1.5% for the full year 2015.

Company-Owned Life Insurance (“COLI”). Southwest has life insurance policies on members of management and other key employees to indemnify itself against the loss of talent, expertise, and knowledge, as well as to provide indirect funding for certain nonqualified benefit plans. The COLI policies have a combined net death benefit value of approximately $240 million at March 31,June 30, 2015. The net cash surrender value of these policies (which is the cash amount that would be received if Southwest voluntarily terminated the policies) is approximately $101 million at March 31,June 30, 2015 and is included in the caption “Other property and investments” on the balance sheet. The Company currently intends to hold the COLI policies for their duration. Current tax regulations provide for tax-free treatment of life insurance (death benefit) proceeds. Therefore, changes in the cash surrender value components of COLI policies as they progress toward the ultimate death benefits are also recorded without tax consequences. Cash

 

2021


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

March 31,June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

 

surrender values are directly influenced by the investment portfolio underlying the insurance policies. This portfolio includes both equity and fixed income (mutual fund) investments. As a result, generally the cash surrender value (but not the net death benefit) moves up and down consistent with the movements in the broader stock and bond markets. As indicated in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, income due to changes in cash surrender values of COLI policies (including incremental death benefits) waswere $1.3 million in the first threesix months of 2015 and $5.7$3.4 million duringin the twelve months ended March 31,June 30, 2015. Management currently expects average returns of $3 million to $5 million annually on the COLI policies, excluding any net death benefits recognized.

Liquidity.Southwest believes its liquidity position is solid.sufficient. Southwest has a $300 million credit facility maturing in March 2020. The facility is provided through a consortium of eight major banking institutions. The maximum amount outstanding on the credit facility (including a commercial paper program) during the firstsecond quarter of 2015 was $160$56 million. In May 2015, the Company redeemed the $31.2 million (including $105.00% 2004 Series B IDRBs using cash on hand and the credit facility to fund the redemption. At June 30, 2015, $30 million was outstanding on the short-termlong-term portion of the credit facility)facility (including $25 million under the commercial paper program). At March 31, 2015, noNo borrowings were outstanding on the long-term or short-term portionsportion of the credit facility. Southwest has no significant debt maturities prior to 2017.

Construction Services has a $300 million secured revolving credit and term loan facility maturing in October 2019. The facility is provided through a consortium of six banking institutions and consists of a $150 million term loan and a revolving line of credit of $150 million. The maximum amount outstanding on the credit facility during the firstsecond quarter of 2015 was $220$276 million. At March 31,June 30, 2015, there was approximately $64$34 million, net of letters of credit, available under the line of credit.

credit, and $65 million in available capacity overall.

 

2122


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

March 31,June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

 

Results of Natural Gas Operations

Quarterly Analysis

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31,
   Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
  2015   2014   2015   2014 
  (Thousands of dollars)   (Thousands of dollars) 

Gas operating revenues

  $553,115    $486,493    $286,643    $271,479  

Net cost of gas sold

   253,762     191,377     109,015     97,985  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Operating margin

 299,353   295,116     177,628     173,494  

Operations and maintenance expense

 95,510   102,408     99,344     97,620  

Depreciation and amortization

 53,675   51,483     52,912     50,524  

Taxes other than income taxes

 12,997   11,456     12,414     10,965  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Operating income

 137,171   129,769     12,958     14,385  

Other income (deductions)

 2,602   1,612     312     2,848  

Net interest deductions

 16,096   17,227     15,749     17,059  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Income before income taxes

 123,677   114,154  

Income tax expense

 44,756   41,555  

Income (loss) before income taxes

   (2,479   174  

Income tax expense (benefit)

   (1,822   (1,624
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Contribution to consolidated net income

$78,921  $72,599  

Contribution to consolidated net income (loss)

  $(657  $1,798  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

The contribution to consolidated net income from natural gas operations increased $6.3decreased $2.5 million in the firstsecond quarter of 2015 compared to the firstsecond quarter of 2014. The improvementdecline was primarily due to increasesan increase in operating expenses and a decrease in other income, partially offset by an increase in operating margin and other income and decreasesa decrease in operating expenses and net interest deductions.

Operating margin increased $4 million between quarters. New customers contributed $3$2 million in operating margin during the firstsecond quarter of 2015, as approximately 26,00028,000 net new customers were added during the last twelve months. A combined $2$1 million of rate relief in the California jurisdiction and Paiute Pipeline Company (seeRates and Regulatory Proceedings) contributed to the increase. The remaining increase was partially offset by aof $1 million in operating margin decreasewas associated with customers outside the decoupling mechanisms and lowerhigher other miscellaneous revenues.

Operations and maintenance expense increased $1.7 million, or 2% between quarters. General cost increases and higher pension expense during the current quarter were partially offset by approximately $500,000 in rent expense in the prior-year quarter associated with a portion of the corporate headquarters complex that the Company subsequently purchased in July 2014.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $2.4 million, or 5% between quarters. Average gas plant in service for the current quarter increased $279 million, or 5%, compared to the corresponding quarter a year ago. This was attributable to pipeline capacity reinforcement work, franchise requirements, scheduled and accelerated pipe replacement activities, and new business. Lower depreciation rates in California were offset by increased amortization associated with California energy efficiency programs and Nevada Gas Infrastructure Replacement (“GIR”) programs.

Taxes other than income taxes increased $1.4 million between quarters primarily due to higher property taxes in Arizona.

Other income, which principally includes returns on COLI policies and non-utility expenses, decreased $6.9$2.5 million between quarters. The current quarter reflects no recognized COLI-related income, while the prior-year quarter included $2.3 million in COLI-related income, which exceeded management expectations.

Net interest deductions decreased $1.3 million between quarters. The decrease primarily resulted from the redemptions of $65 million 5.25% 2004 Series A IDRBs in November 2014 and $31.2 million 5.00% 2004 Series B IDRBs in May 2015. In addition, interest expense on variable rate IDRBs was lower in the current period compared to the same period of the prior year.

23


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

Six-Month Analysis

   Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   2015   2014 
   (Thousands of dollars) 

Gas operating revenues

  $839,758    $757,972  

Net cost of gas sold

   362,777     289,362  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating margin

   476,981     468,610  

Operations and maintenance expense

   194,854     200,028  

Depreciation and amortization

   106,587     102,007  

Taxes other than income taxes

   25,411     22,421  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

   150,129     144,154  

Other income (deductions)

   2,914     4,460  

Net interest deductions

   31,845     34,286  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

   121,198     114,328  

Income tax expense

   42,934     39,931  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contribution to consolidated net income

  $78,264    $74,397  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The contribution to consolidated net income from natural gas operations increased $3.9 million in the first six months of 2015 compared to the first six months of 2014. The improvement was primarily due to an increase in operating margin and a decrease in net interest deductions, partially offset by an increase in operating expenses and a decrease in other income.

Operating margin increased $8 million between the six-month periods. New customers contributed $5 million in operating margin during the first six months of 2015. A combined $3 million of rate relief in the California jurisdiction and Paiute Pipeline Company (seeRates and Regulatory Proceedings) also contributed to the increase.

Operations and maintenance expense decreased $5.2 million between periods. Legal expenses in the prior-year period were approximately $5.3 million higher than normalthe current-year period primarily due to a $5 million legal accrual in the first quarter of 2014 and exceeded legal expenses in the current quarter by approximately $6 million.2014. The prior-year quarterperiod also included approximately $500,000$1.1 million in rent expense associated with a portion of the corporate headquarters complex that the Company subsequently purchased in July 2014. GeneralPartially offsetting these decreases were general cost increases and higher pension expense during the current quarter were substantially offset by reductions in other costs including impacts of lower employee counts.six-month period.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $2.2$4.6 million, or 4% between quarters.periods. Average gas plant in service for the current quarterperiod increased $285$282 million, or 5%, compared to the corresponding quarterperiod a year ago. This was attributable to pipeline capacity reinforcement work, franchise requirements, scheduled and accelerated pipe replacement activities, and new business. Increases in depreciation from these plant additions were partially offset by lower depreciation rates in California. Amortization associated with the recovery of regulatory assets increased approximately $700,000 primarily due to California energy efficiency programs and Nevada Gas Infrastructure Replacement (“GIR”) programs.

Taxes other than income taxes increased $1.5$3 million between quartersperiods primarily due to higher property taxes in Arizona.

Other income which principally includes returns on COLI policies (including recognized net death benefits) and non-utility expenses, increased $990,000decreased $1.5 million between quarters.periods. The current quarterperiod reflects COLI policy cash surrender value increases of $1.3 million, while the prior-year quarterperiod included $900,000$3.2 million in COLI-related income.

Net interest deductions decreased $1.1$2.4 million between quarters.periods. The decrease primarily resulted from the redemptionredemptions of $65 million 5.25% 2004 Series A Industrial Development Revenue Bonds (“IDRBs”)IDRBs in November 2014.

2014 and $31.2 million 5.00% 2004 Series B IDRBs in May 2015. In addition, interest expense on variable rate IDRBs was lower in the current period compared to the same period of the prior year.

 

2224


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

March 31,June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

 

Twelve-Month Analysis

 

  Twelve Months Ended
March 31,
   Twelve Months Ended
June 30,
 
  2015   2014   2015   2014 
  (Thousands of dollars)   (Thousands of dollars) 

Gas operating revenues

  $1,448,709    $1,293,047    $1,463,873    $1,325,657  

Net cost of gas sold

   567,741     426,770     578,771     455,367  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Operating margin

 880,968   866,277     885,102     870,290  

Operations and maintenance expense

 376,834   390,235     378,558     392,920  

Depreciation and amortization

 206,336   197,012     208,724     199,790  

Taxes other than income taxes

 48,793   45,212     50,242     45,104  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Operating income

 249,005   233,818     247,578     232,476  

Other income (deductions)

 8,155   9,810     5,619     11,210  

Net interest deductions

 67,168   64,104     65,858     66,277  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Income before income taxes

 189,992   179,524     187,339     177,409  

Income tax expense

 66,798   62,048     66,600     60,099  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Contribution to consolidated net income

$123,194  $117,476    $120,739    $117,310  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Contribution to consolidated net income from natural gas operations increased by $5.7$3.4 million between the twelve-month periods of 2015 and 2014. AnThe improvement was primarily due to an increase in operating income wasmargin, partially offset by an increase in net interest deductions, as well as a decrease in other income.

Operating margin increased $15 million between periods including a combined $10$9 million of rate relief in the California jurisdiction and Paiute Pipeline Company (seeRates and Regulatory Proceedings). Customer growth provided $8 million of the increase. Operating margin associated with customers outside the decoupling mechanisms and other miscellaneous revenues declined by $3$2 million.

Operations and maintenance expense decreased $13.4$14.4 million, or 3%4%, between periods. Legal expenses in the prior-year period (including a $5 million legal accrual in the first quarter of 2014) were $6.8$5.6 million higher than the current-year period. Rent expense associated with the corporate headquarters complex declined $1.6$2.2 million between periods. DeclinesGeneral cost increases in employee-related costs, primarily pension expense in calendar year 2014,the current period were more than offset higher general costs. See alsoNote 2 – Componentsby reductions in other costs including impacts of Net Periodic Benefit Cost.lower employee counts.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $9.3$8.9 million, or 5%4%. Average gas plant in service for the current period increased $300$297 million, or 6%, as compared to the prior period. This was attributable to pipeline capacity reinforcement work, franchise requirements, scheduled and accelerated pipe replacement activities, and new business. Amortization increases associated with software-related intangible assets and with the recovery of regulatory assets (notably California energy efficiency, Arizona demand-side management programs, and Nevada GIR programs)Increases in depreciation from these plant additions were partially offset by depreciation rate decreases resulting from the most recent California general rate case decision.

Taxes other than income taxes increased $3.6$5.1 million between periods primarily due to higher property taxes in Arizona and Nevada, principally related to net plant additions.

Other income decreased $1.7$5.6 million between the twelve-month periods of 2015 and 2014. The current period reflects $5.7$3.4 million of income associated with COLI policy cash surrender value increases, while the prior yearprior-year period included $9.5$10 million of COLI-related income. Interest income increased $1.9 millionapproximately $900,000 between yearsperiods primarily due to changes in over- and under-collected PGA balances (seePGA Filings for more information).

Net interest deductions increased $3.1decreased $419,000 between periods. The decrease primarily resulted from the redemptions of $65 million between periods, primarily5.25% 2004 Series A IDRBs in November 2014 and $31.2 million 5.00% 2004 Series B IDRBs in May 2015. The decrease was substantially offset by an increase in interest deductions due to increased borrowings on the credit facility and the issuance of $250 million of long-term debt in the fourth quarter of 2013. The increase was mitigated by higher interest expense in the prior year associated with PGA balances and by the redemption of $65 million of 5.25% 2004 Series A IDRBs in November 2014.

 

2325


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

March 31,June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

 

Outlook for full year 2015 – 1st Quarter Update

Operating margin for 2015 is expected to be favorably influenced by customer growth similar to 2014. Incremental margin (attrition) associated with the 2014 California rate case decision as well as the Paiute rate case decision, and new rates established to recover Nevada infrastructure programs collectively should approximate the customer growth amount. Combined, total operating margin is estimated to increase nearly 2%.

Operations and maintenance expense will be negatively impacted by a proportionate share (approximately 80%) of an expected $10 million increase in pension costs. Other costs, net, are expected to be relatively flat. Depreciation and general taxes should increase consistent with the growth in gas plant in service (approximately 5% to 6%). Overall, operating expenses are anticipated to increase by 3% to 4% compared to 2014.

Southwest generally anticipates longer-term normal changes in COLI cash surrender values to range from $3 million to $5 million on an annual basis. The current twelve-month period reflects $5.7 million of income associated with COLI cash surrender value increases, which is greater than management’s expected normal range. Individual quarterly and annual periods will continue to be subject to volatility.

Southwest anticipates that net interest deductions for 2015 will approximate or be somewhat less than the $68 million recorded in calendar-year 2014.

Results of Construction Services

Results of Construction Services

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 Twelve Months Ended
March 31,
   Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
 Twelve Months Ended
June 30,
 
  2015 2014 2015 2014   2015 2014   2015 2014 2015 2014 
(Thousands of dollars)                

Construction revenues

  $181,105   $121,903   $798,822   $652,626    $251,961   $181,674    $433,066   $303,577   $869,109   $661,595  

Operating expenses:

             

Construction expenses

   174,928   113,199   709,586   579,795     225,829   157,642     400,757   270,841   777,773   588,737  

Depreciation and amortization

   13,792   11,408   51,267   43,763     14,043   11,662     27,835   23,070   53,648   44,601  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Operating income (loss)

 (7,615 (2,704 37,969   29,068  

Operating income

   12,089   12,370     4,474   9,666   37,688   28,257  

Other income (deductions)

 (330 —     (388 33     (150 15     (480 15   (553 44  

Net interest deductions

 1,881   292   5,359   1,237     1,968   246     3,849   538   7,081   1,079  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 (9,826 (2,996 32,222   27,864  

Income before income taxes

   9,971   12,139     145   9,143   30,054   27,222  

Income tax expense (benefit)

 (2,784 (1,094 13,086   10,444     4,251   4,310     1,467   3,216   13,027   10,076  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net income (loss)

 (7,042 (1,902 19,136   17,420     5,720   7,829     (1,322 5,927   17,027   17,146  

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

 (104 (86 4   (434   114    —       10   (86 118   (393
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Contribution to consolidated net income (loss) attributable to Centuri

$(6,938$(1,816$19,132  $17,854    $5,606   $7,829    $(1,332 $6,013   $16,909   $17,539  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

In October 2014, construction services operations were expanded by the acquisition of the Link-Line group of companies. Line items in the tables above reflect the results of the acquired companies only since the acquisition date.

Quarterly Analysis.The loss relatedContribution to construction services,consolidated net income for the three months ended March 31, 2015, expanded $5.1current quarter decreased $2.2 million compared to the same period of 2014. The impactdecline was primarily due primarily to losses at the acquired companies during the current quarter,increases in depreciation and amortization, and higher interest expense. An increase in construction revenues less construction expenses (gross profit) partially offset by an increase in pipe replacement work at NPL.the decrease.

Revenues increased $59.2$70.3 million, or 49%39%, when compared to the firstsecond quarter of 2014, primarily due to revenues of the recently acquired companies ($42.337.9 million) and additional pipe replacement work at NPL. Construction expenses increased $61.7$68.2 million, or 55%43%, between quarters, primarily due to costs associated with operations of the acquired companies ($4938.2 million) and the additional pipe replacement work noted above.

During the first quarter of 2015, construction expenses were impacted by a loss reserve of $5.6 million recorded on an industrial construction project in Canada. In the second quarter of 2015, the loss reserve was increased by $2 million for a total of $7.6 million. Delays in delivery of critical equipment to the job site resulted in production inefficiencies and an increase in

24


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

March 31, 2015

Form 10-Q

estimated total project costs. The second quarter was also impacted by items necessary to be completed or corrected after initial construction (punch list) which continued to be addressed, and by change order adjustments. Work commenced on this project in March 2015 and is anticipated to be complete during the second quarter. Changesubstantially complete. Other change orders previously submitted are being negotiated which may reduce the estimated loss reserve in future periods. In situations where losses on a project are possible, accounting rules and adopted policies require that all future costs to complete the project be estimated and recognized currently, but potential incremental revenue to cover such costs is recognized only be recognizedif and when change orders are formally approved. The final net profit or loss on this project may not be known until the third quarter of 2015 or later.

Gains on sale of equipment (reflected as an offset to construction expenses) were $1.5$1 million and $2.4$1.7 million for the firstsecond quarters of 2015 and 2014, respectively. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $2.4 million between quarters due to amortization of finite-lived intangible assets recognized from the acquisition ($1.31.4 million) and additional equipment purchases to support the growth in the volume of work being performed.

Net interest deductions were $1.9$2 million in the firstsecond quarter of 2015 compared to $292,000$246,000 in the firstsecond quarter of 2014. The increase was due primarily to interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs associated with the $300 million secured revolving credit and term loan facility entered into coincident with the recentacquisition of the businesses indicated earlier.

26


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

Six-Month Analysis.Contribution to consolidated net income for the current six-month period decreased $7.3 million compared to the same period of 2014. The decline was primarily due to increases in depreciation and amortization, higher interest expense, and the $7.6 million loss reserve recorded on a construction project disclosed in theQuarterly Analysis above.

Revenues increased $129.5 million, or 43%, when compared to the first six months of 2014, due in large part to revenues of the recently acquired companies ($80.2 million) and additional pipe replacement work at NPL. Construction expenses increased $130 million, or 48%, between periods, primarily due to the operations associated with the acquired companies ($87.2 million) and the additional pipe replacement work noted above. During the current period, construction expenses included a loss reserve of $7.6 million recorded on the construction project discussed in theQuarterly Analysis. Gains on sale of equipment (reflected as an offset to construction expenses) were $2.6 million and $4.1 million for the first six months of 2015 and 2014, respectively. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $4.8 million between periods due to amortization of finite-lived intangible assets ($2.7 million) and additional equipment purchases to support the growth in the volume of work being performed.

Net interest deductions were $3.8 million in the first six months of 2015 compared to $538,000 in the first six months of 2014. The increase was due primarily to interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs associated with the $300 million secured revolving credit and term loan facility entered into coincident with the acquisition.

Twelve-Month Analysis. Contribution to consolidated net income from construction services for the twelve-month period ended March 31,June 30, 2015 increased $1.3 milliondeclined $630,000 compared to the same period of 2014. The increasedecrease was primarily due primarily to anincreases in depreciation and amortization, and interest expense. An increase in pipe replacement work andconstruction revenues less construction expenses (gross profit) substantially offset the inclusion of the acquired companies, partially offset by amortization of the intangible assets recognized in connection with the acquisition and higher interest expense.decrease.

Revenues increased $146$207.5 million, or 22%31%, primarily due to additional pipe replacement work in the current period and the inclusion of revenues of the acquired companies ($96.5134.5 million) beginning in the fourth quarter of 2014. Construction expenses increased $130$189 million, or 24%32%, due primarily to additional pipe replacement work at NPL during the twelve months ended March 31,June 30, 2015 and associated construction costs associated with the acquired companies ($98.4136.6 million). During the current period, construction expenses included a loss reserve of $7.6 million recorded on the construction project discussed in theQuarterly Analysis. General and administrative expense (included in construction expenses) increased $13.2$15.3 million including $7.1$8.3 million from the recently acquired companies and acquisition costs ($5 million), and changes that were implemented to match the increased size of the business and its complexity.. Offsetting these increases was approximately $4 million in the prior period associated with a legal settlement. Gains on sale of equipment (reflected as an offset to construction expenses) were $5.3$4.6 million and $5.7$6 million for the twelve month periods of 2015 and 2014, respectively. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $7.5$9 million between the current and prior yearprior-year periods due to the amortization on finite-lived intangible assets recognized from the acquisition ($2.94.3 million) and additional equipment purchased to support growth in the volume of work being performed.

Net interest deductions were $5.4$7.1 million for the twelve-month period ended March 31,June 30, 2015 compared to $1.2$1.1 million for the corresponding period in 2014. The increase was due primarilyin large part to interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs associated with the $300 million secured revolving credit and term loan facility entered into coincident with the recent acquisition.

During the past several years, the construction services segment has focused its efforts on obtaining pipe replacement work under both blanket contracts and incremental bid projects. For the twelve months ended March 31,June 30, 2015 and 2014, revenues from replacement work were 64%65% and 70%, respectively, of total revenues. Governmental-mandated pipeline safety-related programs have resulted in many utilities undertaking multi-year distribution pipe replacement projects. Centuri continues to successfully bid on pipe replacement projects throughout the United States and Canada.

Outlook for full year 2015 – 1st Quarter Update

Centuri’s revenues and operating profits are influenced by weather, customer requirements, mix of work, local economic conditions, bidding results, the equipment resale market, changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the credit market. Typically, revenues are lowest during the first quarter of the year due to unfavorable winter weather conditions. Revenues typically improve as more favorable weather conditions occur during the summer and fall months. The current low interest rate environment, and the regulatory environment (encouraging the natural gas industry to replace aging pipeline infrastructure) are having a positive influence on Centuri’s revenues.

25


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

March 31, 2015

Form 10-Q

The recent acquisition has expanded the construction services operating base. Comparative results for 2015 will be favorably impacted by elimination of the acquisition costs ($5 million) recognized in 2014 as well as a full year of results associated with the acquisition (compared to one quarter in 2014). In 2015, Centuri revenues are expected to range between $950 million and $1 billion, and operating income is expected to approximate 6% of revenues (including the impacts of amortization, resulting from intangibles from the acquired businesses, of approximately $5 million). Based on interest rates under Centuri’s secured revolving credit and term loan facility as of March 2015, we anticipate 2015 related net interest deductions to be between $6.5 million and $7.5 million. These collective expectations are before consideration of the portion of earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Additionally, foreign exchange rates and the interest rate environment could influence their achievement.

Rates and Regulatory Proceedings

Customer-Owned Yardline (“COYL”) Program. The Company received approval, in connection with its most recent Arizona general rate case, to implement a program to conduct leak surveys, and if leaks were present, to replace and relocate service lines and meters for approximately 100,000 Arizona customers whose meters are set off from the customer’s home, which is not a traditional configuration. Customers with this configuration were previouslyare responsible for the cost of maintaining these lines and wereare subject to the immediate cessation of natural gas service if low-pressure leaks occurred.occur. To facilitate this program, the Company was authorized to collect estimated leak survey

27


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

costs in rates commencing in 2012. As a result of the leak survey and replacement efforts to date, the Company has determined that there are approximately 88,000 remaining active COYL customers in Southwest’s Arizona service territory. Effective June 2013, the Arizona Corporation Commission (“ACC”) authorized a surcharge to recover the costs of depreciation and pre-tax return the Company would have received if the additional pipe replacement costs themselves had been included in rate base concurrent with the most recent Arizona general rate case. The surcharge is revised annually as the program progresses, with the undepreciated plant balance to be incorporated in rate base at the time of the next Arizona general rate case. In January 2014, the Company received approval to add a “Phase II” component to the COYL program to include the replacement of non-leaking COYLs, which was subsequently revised effective June 2014. Resources continue to be focused on contacting customers within replacement project areas to participate in the Phase II meter relocation. In February 2015, the Company filed to increase the surcharge revenue from $1.5 million to $2.5 million to reflect additional costs incurred for both Phase I and Phase II, which was recommended for approval by the ACC Staff to be effective June 2015.II. This request was based on total amounts spent to date of $16 million, $6.3 million of which was incurred during 2014. TheIn May 2015, the ACC is expected to issueissued a decision prior toapproving the surcharge application, effective date.in June 2015.

Proposed LNG (“Liquefied Natural Gas”) Facility.In January 2014, Southwest filed an application with the ACC seeking preapproval to construct, operate and maintain a 233,000 dekatherm LNG facility in southern Arizona and to recover the actual costs, including the establishment of a regulatory asset. This facility is intended to enhance service reliability and flexibility in natural gas deliveries in the southern Arizona area by providing a local storage option, operated by Southwest and connected directly to its distribution system. Southwest requested approval of the actual cost of the project (including those facilities necessary to connect the proposed storage tank to Southwest’s existing distribution system) not to exceed $55 million. In December 2014, Southwest received an order from the ACC (“Order”) granting pre-approval of Southwest’s application to construct the LNG facility and the deferral of costs, limitedup to $50 million. The authorization to defer costs expires on November 1, 2017 (from which point, expenditures incurred would not be eligible for deferral) and also requires any unquantified cost savings to be deferred. These deferred costs and benefits will be evaluated in a future rate proceeding. Any gas costs incurred that are not related to the initial construction and placement of the facility are to be recovered through the PGA mechanism. Construction progress reports are required every six months until completion.completion, beginning twelve months following the issuance of the decision. Completion of the siting requirements for flammable vapor dispersion is also a condition of approval for the facility. Construction is expected to be complete within approximately 24completed by year-end 2017.

Infrastructure Replacement Mechanisms. In January 2014, the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (“PUCN”) approved final rules for a mechanism to 30 months fromdefer and recover certain costs associated with accelerated replacement of non-revenue producing infrastructure. The regulations provide for the dateestablishment of approval.regulatory assets that recover the depreciation expense and authorized pre-tax rate of return of infrastructure replacement investments between rate cases, which also allows Southwest to develop rates to recover the associated amounts in a future general rate case proceeding, at which time the plant will be “rolled into” rate base. Southwest made a filing in May 2014, referred to as a Gas Infrastructure Replacement (“GIR”) Advance Application, identifying early vintage plastic pipe (“EVPP”) and vintage steel pipe (“VSP”) projects for replacement beginning in January 2015. In October 2014, the PUCN approved EVPP replacement expenditures of $14.4 million for 2015. In June 2015, Southwest filed its GIR Advance Application with the PUCN, associated with replacement work at an estimated cost of $64 million, $43.5 million of which are proposed to be allocated to accelerated replacements (subject to the GIR mechanism), resulting in an estimated annualized revenue requirement of $4.6 million. Management currently expects a decision, associated with these projects, during the fourth quarter of 2015. Also during the fourth quarter of 2015, management expects to file a rate application associated with the estimated $14.4 million of projects preapproved in 2014. The rate filing will be based upon projects placed in service by August 2015, with rates anticipated to be made effective in January 2016.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) Jurisdiction.

General Rate Case.Paiute Pipeline Company (“Paiute”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest, filed a general rate case with the FERC in February 2014. The filing fulfilled an obligation from the settlement agreement reached in the 2009 Paiute general rate case. In September 2014, Paiute reached an agreement in principle with the FERC Staff and intervenors to settle the case. In October 2014, Paiute requested, and was granted, the authority to place the settlement rates into effect on an interim basis effective September 2014. In February 2015, the FERC issued a letter order approving the settlement as filed. Tariff charges in compliance with the settlement were filed in March 2015. In addition to agreeing to rate design changes to encourage longer-term contracts with its shippers, the settlement resulted in an annual revenue increase of $2.4 million, plus a $1.3 million depreciation reduction. This increase is based on an 11.5% pre-tax rate of return. Also, as part of this agreement, Paiute agreed not to file a rate case prior to May 2016, but no later than May 2019.

 

2628


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

March 31,June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

 

Elko County Expansion Project.During the second and third quarters of 2013, Paiute notified present and potential shippers of its plans to expand its existing transmission system to provide additional firm transportation-service capacity in the Elko County, Nevada area. This additional capacity is required to meet growing natural gas demands caused by increased residential and business load and the greater energy needs of mining operations in the area. Through the “open season” process, shippers responded with substantial interest. Dependent upon several variables, including the ultimate route of the project, the price of labor and materials, and factors such as environmental impacts, the cost to complete this project has been estimated at approximately $35 million and has ais targeted in-service dateto be in service by the end of November 2015 (contingent upon FERC action).2015. In October 2013, Paiute submitted a filing with the FERC requesting that its Staff initiate a pre-filing review of the proposed expansion project; a certificate application for the project was filed in June 2014. In October 2014, the FERC issued a notice of schedule for environmental review for this project. A preliminarily favorable environmental assessment of the proposed project was issued by the FERC in January 2015. Based on the FERC’s schedule and the resulting associated deadlines,In May 2015, the FERC issued an order authorizing a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to Paiute to construct and operate the Elko County Expansion Project, and subsequently provided a formal Notice to Proceed. Construction has begun, as the pipeline corridor is expectedbeing readied for construction and pipe is beginning to issue a decision on Paiute’s certificate application duringbe transported to the first half of 2015.site for welding.

PGA Filings

The rate schedules in all of Southwest’s service territories contain provisions that permit adjustments to rates as the cost of purchased gas changes. These deferred energy provisions and purchased gas adjustment clauses are collectively referred to as “PGA” clauses. Differences between gas costs recovered from customers and amounts paid for gas by Southwest result in over- or under-collections. At March 31,June 30, 2015, under-collections in Arizona northern Nevada, and California resulted in an asset of $28.5$3.7 million and over-collections in northern and southern Nevada resulted in a liability of $390,000$27.2 million on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. Filings to change rates in accordance with PGA clauses are subject to audit by state regulatory commission staffs. PGA changes impact cash flows but have no direct impact on profit margin. However, gas cost deferrals and recoveries can impact comparisons between periods of individual consolidated income statement components. These include Gas operating revenues, Net cost of gas sold, Net interest deductions, and Other income (deductions).

The following table presents Southwest’s outstanding PGA balances receivable/(payable) (millions of dollars):

 

  March 31, 2015   December 31, 2014   March 31, 2014   June 30, 2015   December 31, 2014   June 30, 2014 

Arizona

  $25.1    $48.4    $42.9    $3.5    $48.4    $47.9  

Northern Nevada

   0.2     10.2     3.3     (5.5   10.2     3.7  

Southern Nevada

   (0.4   20.4     22.9     (21.7   20.4     24.5  

California

   3.2     8.6     6.1     0.2     8.6     4.3  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
$28.1  $87.6  $75.2    $(23.5  $87.6    $80.4  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Capital Resources and Liquidity

Cash on hand and cash flows from operations in the past twelve months provided the majority of cash used in investing activities (primarily for construction expenditures and property additions). During the past three years, the Company was able to achieve cost savings from debt refinancing and strategic debt redemptions. The Company’s capitalization strategy is to maintain an appropriate balance of equity and debt to maintain strong investment-grade credit ratings, which should minimize interest costs.

Cash Flows

Operating Cash Flows. Cash flows provided by consolidated operating activities increased $80.2$136.8 million in the first threesix months of 2015 as compared to the same period of 2014. The improvement in operating cash flows was primarily attributable to temporary increases in cash flows from working capital components overall (notably the collection of deferred purchased gas costs).

Investing Cash Flows. Cash used in consolidated investing activities increased $22.2$21.4 million in the first threesix months of 2015 as compared to the same period of 2014. The increase was primarily due to additional construction expenditures, including scheduled and accelerated pipe replacement, and equipment purchases by Centuri due to the increased replacement construction work of its customers. In association with the acquisition of construction services businesses, a $9 million working capital adjustment related to a contractual true-up period was made in the first quarter of 2015.

 

2729


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

March 31,June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

 

first quarter of 2015. In addition, the prior period included cash outflows restricted for the completion of the purchase of the corporate headquarters office complex which was in escrow at June 2014.

Financing Cash Flows. Net cash used in consolidated financing activities increased $103.2$91.2 million in the first threesix months of 2015 as compared to 2014. Repayments of long-term amounts outstanding on Southwest’s revolving credit and commercial paper facility were $150$120 million and $10 million in the current and priorprior-year periods, respectively. An additional $5 million was repaid on the short-term portion of Southwest’s revolving credit facility in the current period. Repayment of long-term debt in the first six months of 2015 included the repayment of the $31.2 million 5.00% 2004 Series B IDRBs. The long-term debt issuance amounts and the remaining retirements of long-term debt primarily relate to borrowings and repayments under Centuri’s line of credit. The majority of Centuri’s borrowings during the twelve months ended March 31,June 30, 2015 are associated with the acquisition of construction services businesses noted previously. Southwest has also issued approximately $21 million in stock under its Equity Shelf Program. See alsoNote 1 – Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation,Note 5 – Common Stock, and the discussion below. Dividends paid increased in the first quartersix months of 2015 as compared to the first quartersix months of 2014 as a result of an increase in the quarterly dividend rate and an increase in the number of shares outstanding.

The capital requirements and resources of the Company generally are determined independently for the natural gas operations and construction services segments. Each business activity is generally responsible for securing its own financing sources.

Gas Segment Construction Expenditures, Debt Maturities, and Financing

During the twelve-month period ended March 31,June 30, 2015, construction expenditures for the natural gas operations segment were $364$378 million. The majority of these expenditures represented costs associated with scheduled and accelerated replacement of existing transmission, distribution, and general plant. Cash flows from operating activities of Southwest were $403$449 million, andwhich provided approximately 94% ofsufficient funding for construction expenditures and dividend requirements of the natural gas operations segment. Other necessary funding was provided by cash on hand, external financing activities, and existing credit facilities.

Southwest estimates natural gas segment construction expenditures during the three-year period ending December 31, 2017 will be approximately $1.3 billion. Of this amount, approximately $445 million are expected to be incurred in calendar year 2015. Southwest plans to accelerate projects that improve system flexibility and reliability (including replacement of early vintage plastic and steel pipe). Significant replacement activities are expected to continue during the next several years. During the three-year period, cash flows from operating activities of Southwest are expected to provide approximately 75% of the funding for the gas operations total construction expenditures and dividend requirements. Any additional cash requirements are expected to be provided by existing credit facilities and/or other external financing sources. The timing, types, and amounts of any additional external financings will be dependent on a number of factors, including the cost of gas purchases, conditions in the capital markets, timing and amounts of rate relief, growth levels in Southwest’s service areas, and earnings. External financings could include the issuance of both debt and equity securities, bank and other short-term borrowings, and other forms of financing.

In May 2015, the Company redeemed at par the $31.2 million 5.00% 2004 Series B IDRBs originally due in 2033. The Company facilitated the redemption primarily from cash on hand and borrowings under its $300 million credit facility.

In March 2015, the Company filed with the SEC a shelf registration statement which includes a prospectus detailing the Company’s plans to sell up to $100 million of the Company’s common stock over a period of time. In March 2015, the Company entered into a Sales Agency Agreement with BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC relating to this issuance and sale of shares of the Company’s common stock (“Equity Shelf Program”). Sales of the shares will continue to be made at market prices prevailing at the time of sale. Net proceeds from the sale of shares of common stock under the Equity Shelf Program will be used for general corporate purposes, including the acquisition of property for the construction, completion, extension or improvement of pipeline systems and facilities located in and around the communities Southwest serves.

During the quartersix months ended March 31,June 30, 2015, 192,262372,509 shares were issued in at-the-market offerings at an average price of $57.47$55.74 per share with gross proceeds of $11$20.8 million, agent commissions of $100,000,$208,000, and net proceeds of $10.9$20.6 million. SeeNote 5 – Common Stock for more information andNote 1 – Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation regarding the portion of proceeds received subsequent to the balance sheet date.information.

During the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2015, the Company issued approximately 125,000145,000 additional shares of common stock through the Restricted Stock/Unit Plan, the Management Incentive Plan, and the Stock Incentive

30


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

Plan. The Company raised approximately $465,000$537,000 from the issuance of shares of common stock through the Stock Incentive Plan.

28


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

March 31, 2015

Form 10-Q

Dividend Policy

In reviewing dividend policy, the Board of Directors (“Board”) considers the adequacy and sustainability of earnings and cash flows of the Company and its subsidiaries; the strength of the Company’s capital structure; the sustainability of the dividend through all business cycles; and whether the dividend is within a normal payout range for its respective businesses. As a result of its ongoing review of dividend policy, in February 2015, the Board increased the quarterly dividend from 36.5 cents to 40.5 cents per share, effective with the June 2015 payment. Over time, the Board intends to increase the dividend such that the payout ratio approaches a local distribution company peer group average (approximately 55% to 65%), while maintaining the Company’s stable and strong credit ratings and the ability to effectively fund future rate base growth. The timing and amount of any future increases will be based upon the Board’s continued review of the Company’s dividend rate in the context of the performance of the Company’s two operating segments and their future growth prospects.

Liquidity

Liquidity refers to the ability of an enterprise to generate sufficient amounts of cash through its operating activities and external financing to meet its cash requirements. Several general factors (some of which are out of the control of the Company) that could significantly affect liquidity in future years include: variability of natural gas prices, changes in the ratemaking policies of regulatory commissions, regulatory lag, customer growth in the natural gas segment’s service territories, Southwest’s ability to access and obtain capital from external sources, interest rates, changes in income tax laws, pension funding requirements, inflation, and the level of Company earnings. Natural gas prices and related gas cost recovery rates have historically had the most significant impact on Company liquidity.

On an interim basis, Southwest defers over- or under-collections of gas costs to PGA balancing accounts. In addition, Southwest uses this mechanism to either refund amounts over-collected or recoup amounts under-collected as compared to the price paid for natural gas during the period since the last PGA rate change went into effect. At March 31,June 30, 2015, the combined balance in the PGA accounts totaled an under-collectionover-collection of $28.1$23.5 million. SeePGA Filingsfor more information.

The Company has a $300 million revolving credit facility that is scheduled to expire in March 2020. Southwest has designated $150 million of the $300 million facility for long-term borrowing needs and the remaining $150 million for working capital purposes. At March 31,June 30, 2015, no borrowings were$30 million was outstanding on either the long-term or short-term portionsportion of the credit facility.facility (including $25 million under the commercial paper program); there were no borrowings outstanding on the short-term portion. The credit facility can be used as necessary to meet liquidity requirements, including temporarily financing under-collected PGA balances, if any, or meeting the refund needs of over-collected balances. This credit facility has been adequate for Southwest’s working capital needs outside of funds raised through operations and other types of external financing.

The Company has a $50 million commercial paper program. Any issuance under the commercial paper program is supported by the Company’s current revolving credit facility and, therefore, does not represent additional borrowing capacity. Any borrowing under the commercial paper program will be designated as long-term debt. Interest rates for the commercial paper program are calculated at the current commercial paper rate during the borrowing term. At March 31,June 30, 2015, no borrowings were$25 million was outstanding under this program.

Centuri has a $300 million secured revolving credit and term loan facility that is scheduled to expire in October 2019. At March 31,June 30, 2015, $220$235 million was outstanding on the Centuri secured credit facility.

31


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

The following table sets forth the ratios of earnings to fixed charges for the Company. Due to the seasonal nature of the Company’s business, these ratios are computed on a twelve-month basis:

 

   For the Twelve Months Ended 
   March 31,
2015
   December 31,
2014
 

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

   3.60     3.58  

29


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

March 31, 2015

Form 10-Q

   For the Twelve Months Ended 
   June 30,
2015
   December 31,
2014
 

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

   3.49     3.58  

Earnings are defined as the sum of pretax income plus fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of all interest expense including capitalized interest, one-third of rent expense (which approximates the interest component of such expense), and net amortized debt costs.

Forward-Looking Statements

This quarterly report contains statements which constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“Reform Act”). All statements other than statements of historical fact included or incorporated by reference in this quarterly report are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s plans, objectives, goals, intentions, projections, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions. The words “may,” “if,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “project,” “continue,” “forecast,” “intend,” “promote”, “seek,” and similar words and expressions are generally used and intended to identify forward-looking statements. For example, statements regarding operating margin patterns, customer growth, the composition of our customer base, price volatility, seasonal patterns, payment of debt, interest savings, the Company’s COLI strategy, annual COLI returns, replacement market and new construction market, amount and timing for completion of estimated future construction expenditures, including the LNG facility in southern Arizona and the proposed Paiute expansion in Elko County, Nevada, forecasted operating cash flows and results of operations, incremental operating margin in 2015, net earnings impacts from gas infrastructure replacement surcharges, operating expense increases in 2015, funding sources of cash requirements, sufficiency of working capital and current credit facilities, bank lending practices, the Company’s views regarding its liquidity position, ability to raise funds and receive external financing capacity and the intent and ability to issue the remaining capacity under the Equity Shelf Program, future dividend increases, earnings trends, future Centuri operating revenues, operating income, amortization, and interest expense, Centuri’s projected financial performance and related market growth potential, pension and post-retirement benefits, certain benefits of tax acts, the effect of any rate changes or regulatory proceedings, infrastructure replacement mechanisms and the COYL program, statements regarding future gas prices, gas purchase contracts and derivative financial instruments, recoverability of regulatory assets, the impact of certain legal proceedings, the expectation that the tax-basis goodwill assigned to Brigadier will be deductible for tax purposes, and the timing and results of future rate hearings and approvals are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are intended to be subject to the safe harbor protection provided by the Reform Act.

A number of important factors affecting the business and financial results of the Company could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, customer growth rates, conditions in the housing market, the ability to recover costs through the PGA mechanisms or other regulatory assets, the effects of regulation/deregulation, the timing and amount of rate relief, changes in rate design, changes in gas procurement practices, changes in capital requirements and funding, the impact of conditions in the capital markets on financing costs, changes in construction expenditures and financing, changes in operations and maintenance expenses, effects of pension expense forecasts, accounting changes, future liability claims, changes in pipeline capacity for the transportation of gas and related costs, results of Centuri bid work, impacts of structural and management changes at Centuri, Centuri construction expenses, differences between actual and originally expected outcomes of Centuri bid or other fixed-price construction agreements and ability to successfully procure new work, the outcome of Centuri construction change orders, acquisitions and management’s plans related thereto, competition, our ability to raise capital in external financings, and the true-up of amounts acquired in connection with the recent acquisition of construction services businesses, including income taxes and ongoing evaluations in regard to goodwill and other intangible assets. In addition, the Company can provide no assurance that its discussions regarding certain trends relating to its financing and operating expenses will continue in future periods. For additional information on the risks associated with the Company’s business, seeItem 1A. Risk Factors andItem 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk in the Company’s Annual Report onForm 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

32


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

All forward-looking statements in this quarterly report are made as of the date hereof, based on information available to the Company as of the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any of its forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes show that the indicated results or events will not be realized.We caution you not to unduly rely on any forward-looking statement(s).

30


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

March 31, 2015

Form 10-Q

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

SeeItem 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. No material changes have occurred related to the Company’s disclosures about market risk.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company has established disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and to provide reasonable assurance that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or management override of the control. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and may not be detected.

Based on the most recent evaluation, as of March 31,June 30, 2015, management of the Company, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, believe the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective at attaining the level of reasonable assurance noted above.

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during the firstsecond quarter of 2015 that have materially affected, or are likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

 

3133


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

March 31,June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is named as a defendant in various legal proceedings. The ultimate dispositions of these proceedings are not presently determinable; however, it is the opinion of management that none of this litigation individually or in the aggregate will have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

ITEMS 1A through 3.None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

The following documents are filed, or furnished, as applicable, as part of this report on Form 10-Q:

 

Exhibit  1.0112.01

Sales Agency Agreement between Southwest Gas Corporation and BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to Form S-3ASR dated March 10, 2015, File No. 333-202633.

Exhibit  10.01

Southwest Gas Corporation – Amendment No. 2 to Revolving Credit Agreement. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K dated March 24, 2015, File No. 1-07850.

Exhibit  12.01

Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

Exhibit  31.01

Section 302 Certifications.

Exhibit  32.01

Section 906 Certifications.

Exhibit    101

The following materials from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,June 30, 2015, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (“XBRL”): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

3234


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

March 31,June 30, 2015

 

Form 10-Q

 

SIGNATURES

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

 

Southwest Gas Corporation

(Registrant)

Date: MayAugust 6, 2015

/s/ GREGORY J. PETERSON

Gregory J. Peterson
Vice President/Controller and Chief Accounting Officer

 

3335