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 JuneSeptember 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, 47,057,29547,375,398 shares as of JulyOctober 28, 2015.

 

 

 


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

JuneSeptember 30, 2015

  Form 10-Q

 

PART I - I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Thousands of dollars, except par value)

(Unaudited)

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

Utility plant:

      

Gas plant

  $5,681,417   $5,556,599    $5,734,807   $5,556,599  

Less: accumulated depreciation

   (2,029,322 (1,973,098   (2,060,402 (1,973,098

Acquisition adjustments, net

   460   550     415   550  

Construction work in progress

   79,906   74,332     118,554   74,332  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net utility plant

   3,732,461   3,658,383     3,793,374   3,658,383  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Other property and investments

   325,449   326,743     319,243   326,743  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Restricted cash

   —     821     —     821  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Current assets:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

   48,909   39,566     32,959   39,566  

Accounts receivable, net of allowances

   273,447   281,824     269,058   281,824  

Accrued utility revenue

   31,800   73,900     32,200   73,900  

Income taxes receivable, net

   13,997   21,853     37,810   21,853  

Deferred income taxes, net

   10,492   2,109     291   2,109  

Deferred purchased gas costs

   3,751   87,556     815   87,556  

Prepaids and other current assets

   98,445   99,975     105,438   99,975  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total current assets

   480,841   606,783     478,571   606,783  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Noncurrent assets:

      

Goodwill

   138,257   143,160     129,884   143,160  

Deferred income taxes

   1,473    —       1,688    —    

Deferred charges and other assets

   468,381   478,625     460,906   478,625  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total noncurrent assets

   608,111   621,785     592,478   621,785  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total assets

  $5,146,862   $5,214,515    $5,183,666   $5,214,515  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES      

Capitalization:

      

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

  $48,672   $48,153  

Common stock, $1 par (authorized—60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding—47,375,398 and 46,523,184 shares)

  $49,005   $48,153  

Additional paid-in capital

   873,622   851,381     894,625   851,381  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net

   (48,750 (50,175   (48,013 (50,175

Retained earnings

   678,288   639,164     654,492   639,164  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total Southwest Gas Corporation equity

   1,551,832   1,488,523     1,550,109   1,488,523  

Noncontrolling interest

   (2,199 (2,257   (2,177 (2,257
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total equity

   1,549,633   1,486,266     1,547,932   1,486,266  

Redeemable noncontrolling interest

   19,301   20,042     13,703   20,042  

Long-term debt, less current maturities

   1,521,683   1,637,592     1,540,364   1,637,592  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total capitalization

   3,090,617   3,143,900     3,101,999   3,143,900  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Current liabilities:

      

Current maturities of long-term debt

   20,050   19,192     19,865   19,192  

Short-term debt

   —     5,000     —     5,000  

Accounts payable

   130,363   167,988     129,258   167,988  

Customer deposits

   72,744   71,546     72,268   71,546  

Income taxes payable

   4,271    —       13,643    —    

Accrued general taxes

   39,784   44,339     42,249   44,339  

Accrued interest

   16,159   16,468     21,730   16,468  

Deferred income taxes

   16,378    —       7,031    —    

Deferred purchased gas costs

   27,216    —       44,754    —    

Other current liabilities

   139,225   145,584     143,882   145,584  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total current liabilities

   466,190   470,117     494,680   470,117  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Deferred income taxes and other credits:

      

Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits

   721,352   723,688     722,718   723,688  

Accumulated removal costs

   302,000   304,000     301,000   304,000  

Other deferred credits and other long-term liabilities

   566,703   572,810     563,269   572,810  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total deferred income taxes and other credits

   1,590,055   1,600,498     1,586,987   1,600,498  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total capitalization and liabilities

  $5,146,862   $5,214,515    $5,183,666   $5,214,515  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

2


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

JuneSeptember 30, 2015

  Form 10-Q

 

SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands,Thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)par value)

(Unaudited)

 

  THREE MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,
 SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,
 TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,
   THREE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
 NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
 TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
 
  2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014   2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 

Operating revenues:

              

Gas operating revenues

  $286,643   $271,479   $839,758   $757,972   $1,463,873   $1,325,657    $219,420   $226,027   $1,059,178   $983,999   $1,457,266   $1,356,653  

Construction revenues

   251,961   181,674   433,066   303,577   869,109   661,595     285,976   206,448   719,042   510,025   948,637   675,728  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total operating revenues

   538,604   453,153   1,272,824   1,061,549   2,332,982   1,987,252     505,396   432,475   1,778,220   1,494,024   2,405,903   2,032,381  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Operating expenses:

              

Net cost of gas sold

   109,015   97,985   362,777   289,362   578,771   455,367     64,268   72,987   427,045   362,349   570,052   480,608  

Operations and maintenance

   99,344   97,620   194,854   200,028   378,558   392,920     100,102   93,389   294,956   293,417   385,271   390,328  

Depreciation and amortization

   66,955   62,186   134,422   125,077   262,372   244,391     66,476   62,037   200,898   187,114   266,811   247,684  

Taxes other than income taxes

   12,414   10,965   25,411   22,421   50,242   45,104     11,652   11,835   37,063   34,256   50,059   45,786  

Construction expenses

   225,829   157,642   400,757   270,841   777,773   588,737     246,755   173,937   647,512   444,778   850,591   595,093  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total operating expenses

   513,557   426,398   1,118,221   907,729   2,047,716   1,726,519     489,253   414,185   1,607,474   1,321,914   2,122,784   1,759,499  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Operating income

   25,047   26,755   154,603   153,820   285,266   260,733     16,143   18,290   170,746   172,110   283,119   272,882  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Other income and (expenses):

              

Net interest deductions

   (17,717 (17,305 (35,694 (34,824 (72,939 (67,356   (18,401 (17,421 (54,095 (52,245 (73,919 (69,680

Other income (deductions)

   162   2,863   2,434   4,475   5,066   11,254     (3,660 440   (1,226 4,915   966   9,026  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total other income and (expenses)

   (17,555 (14,442 (33,260 (30,349 (67,873 (56,102   (22,061 (16,981 (55,321 (47,330 (72,953 (60,654
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Income before income taxes

   7,492   12,313   121,343   123,471   217,393   204,631  

Income tax expense

   2,429   2,686   44,401   43,147   79,627   70,175  

Income (loss) before income taxes

   (5,918 1,309   115,425   124,780   210,166   212,228  

Income tax expense (benefit)

   (1,708 (618 42,693   42,529   78,537   72,788  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net income

   5,063   9,627   76,942   80,324   137,766   134,456  

Net income (loss)

   (4,210 1,927   72,732   82,251   131,629   139,440  

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

   114    —     10   (86 118   (393   524   (43 534   (129 685   (243
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net income attributable to Southwest Gas Corporation

  $4,949   $9,627   $76,932   $80,410   $137,648   $134,849  

Net income (loss) attributable to Southwest Gas Corporation

  $(4,734 $1,970   $72,198   $82,380   $130,944   $139,683  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share

  $(0.10 $0.04   $1.54   $1.77   $2.80   $3.01  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Basic earnings per share

  $0.11   $0.21   $1.65   $1.73   $2.95   $2.91  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

  $0.10   $0.21   $1.63   $1.71   $2.92   $2.88  

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

  $(0.10 $0.04   $1.53   $1.76   $2.77   $2.98  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Dividends declared per share

  $0.405   $0.365   $0.810   $0.730   $1.540   $1.390    $0.405   $0.365   $1.215   $1.095   $1.580   $1.425  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Average number of common shares outstanding

   46,869   46,502   46,741   46,471   46,628   46,407     47,102   46,513   46,863   46,485   46,777   46,451  

Average shares outstanding (assuming dilution)

   47,290   46,948   47,164   46,910   47,070   46,860     —     46,966   47,261   46,928   47,194   46,904  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

3


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

JuneSeptember 30, 2015

  Form 10-Q

 

SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Thousands of dollars)dollars, except par value)

(Unaudited)

 

  THREE MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,
 SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,
 TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,
   THREE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
 NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
 TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
 
  2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014   2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 

Net income

  $5,063   $9,627   $76,942   $80,324   $137,766   $134,456  
  

��

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net income (loss)

  $(4,210 $1,927   $72,732   $82,251   $131,629   $139,440  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

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

   208   55   414   110   524   221     207   55   621   165   676   221  

Amortization of net actuarial loss

   5,328   3,666   10,658   7,333   17,992   17,927     5,329   3,667   15,987   11,000   19,654   16,297  

Prior service cost

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

Regulatory adjustment

   (4,828 (3,210 (9,656 (6,420 83,755   (73,667   (4,828 (3,210 (14,484 (9,630 82,137   (72,176
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net defined benefit pension plans

   708   511   1,416   1,023   (9,520 6,695     708   512   2,124   1,535   (9,324 6,556  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Forward-starting interest rate swaps:

              

Amounts reclassified into net income

   518   519   1,037   1,037   2,073   2,074     519   518   1,556   1,555   2,074   2,074  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net forward-starting interest rate swaps

   518   519   1,037   1,037   2,073   2,074     519   518   1,556   1,555   2,074   2,074  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   209    —     (1,063  —     (1,722  —       (510  —     (1,573  —     (2,232  —    
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

   1,435   1,030   1,390   2,060   (9,169 8,769     717   1,030   2,107   3,090   (9,482 8,630  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Comprehensive income

   6,498   10,657   78,332   82,384   128,597   143,225  

Comprehensive income (loss)

   (3,493 2,957   74,839   85,341   122,147   148,070  

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

   122    —     (25 (86 61   (393  ��504   (43 479   (129 608   (243
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Southwest Gas Corporation

  $6,376   $10,657   $78,357   $82,470   $128,536   $143,618  

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Southwest Gas Corporation

  $(3,997 $3,000   $74,360   $85,470   $121,539   $148,313  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

4


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

JuneSeptember 30, 2015

  Form 10-Q

 

SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Thousands of dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

  SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30
 TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30
   NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30
 TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30
 
  2015 2014 2015 2014   2015 2014 2015 2014 

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

          

Net income

  $76,942   $80,324   $137,766   $134,456    $72,732   $82,251   $131,629   $139,440  

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

          

Depreciation and amortization

   134,422   125,077   262,372   244,391     200,898   187,114   266,811   247,684  

Deferred income taxes

   3,896   24,493   43,712   47,351     5,961   37,690   32,580   62,625  

Changes in current assets and liabilities:

          

Accounts receivable, net of allowances

   6,018   35,997   (33,662 (23,208   6,570   34,679   (31,792 (29,187

Accrued utility revenue

   42,100   41,100   (200 (1,200   41,700   40,700   (200 (700

Deferred purchased gas costs

   111,021   (62,224 103,906   (108,991   131,495   (60,101 122,257   (92,535

Accounts payable

   (38,471 (91,674 11,704   (10,082   (38,878 (85,514 5,137   (3,029

Accrued taxes

   7,614   (4,801 (1,158 (1,424   (4,427 (16,869 (1,131 (14,704

Other current assets and liabilities

   5,163   46,238   (17,696 27,234     8,333   43,650   (11,938 20,941  

Gains on sale

   (2,563 (4,137 (4,597 (5,964   (3,019 (5,661 (3,529 (6,783

Changes in undistributed stock compensation

   1,512   3,766   5,719   6,869     2,119   4,612   5,480   6,126  

AFUDC

   (1,133 (1,024 (2,104 (2,296   (2,011 (1,571 (2,435 (2,187

Changes in other assets and deferred charges

   (15,239 (15,150 (21,821 (20,476   (14,423 (17,420 (18,735 (16,685

Changes in other liabilities and deferred credits

   2,954   19,462   (729 41,775     5,348   18,344   2,783   28,569  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   334,236   197,447   483,212   328,435     412,398   261,904   496,917   339,575  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

          

Construction expenditures and property additions

   (203,640 (175,444 (425,094 (387,843   (336,569 (293,276 (440,191 (403,115

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

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

Restricted cash

   785   (16,649 18,667   (16,649   785    —     2,018    —    

Changes in customer advances

   9,689   8,947   21,105   13,593     14,300   13,124   21,539   15,694  

Miscellaneous inflows

   4,892   7,060   9,443   10,620     11,593   9,780   13,424   11,838  

Miscellaneous outflows

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

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

   (197,535 (176,086 (577,037 (380,279   (319,152 (270,372 (604,368 (375,583
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

          

Issuance of common stock, net

   20,713   237   20,881   515     35,419   419   35,405   608  

Dividends paid

   (36,001 (32,316 (69,960 (62,904   (55,060 (49,295 (72,040 (64,592

Issuance of long-term debt, net

   93,165   17,719   344,674   287,336     123,816   37,719   355,325   285,336  

Retirement of long-term debt

   (78,409 (10,716 (206,848 (46,460   (143,325 (21,528 (260,952 (28,272

Change in credit facility and commercial paper

   (120,000 (10,000 30,000   (119,000   (53,000 40,000   47,000   (100,000

Change in short-term debt

   (5,000  —      —      —       (5,000  —      —     (33,000

Principal payments on capital lease obligations

   (722  —     (1,156  —       (1,096  —     (1,530  —    

Other

   (534 (472 (1,319 1,527     (504 (759 (1,002 1,240  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   (126,788 (35,548 116,272   61,014     (98,750 6,556   102,206   61,320  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Effects of currency translation on cash and cash equivalents

   (570  —     (428  —       (1,103  —     (961  —    
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Change in cash and cash equivalents

   9,343   (14,187 22,019   9,170     (6,607 (1,912 (6,206 25,312  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   39,566   41,077   26,890   17,720     39,566   41,077   39,165   13,853  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $48,909   $26,890   $48,909   $26,890    $32,959   $39,165   $32,959   $39,165  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Supplemental information:

          

Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized

  $34,213   $31,787   $67,978   $61,401    $45,312   $42,695   $68,169   $60,264  

Income taxes paid

   28,479   12,246   40,480   15,565     39,856   14,823   49,280   16,744  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

5


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

JuneSeptember 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. Results for the natural gas operations segment are lowest during late spring to early fall and improve during winter periods due to the seasonality incorporated in its regulatory rate structures. Centuri Construction Group, Inc. (“Centuri” or the “construction services” segment), a wholly96.6% 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 United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. 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, and the first and second quarter 2015 reports on 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 inventorymaterials and operating supplies of $27$25 million at JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and $23 million at 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 JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 also includesinclude 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 $2$2.8 million and $5.6$7 million, during the first sixnine months of 2015 and 2014, respectively, were applied as contributions toward utility construction activity and represent non-cash investing activity.

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 sixnine 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 quarteroccurred subsequently. The business of 2015. SeeNote 8 – Acquisition of Construction Services Businesses for more information on the acquisition.

Brigadier was acquired via asset purchase.

 

6


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

JuneSeptember 30, 2015

  Form 10-Q

 

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

December 31, 2014

  $10,095    $133,065    $143,160  

Acquisition date adjustment

   —       1,380     1,380  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

   —       (6,283   (6,283
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

June 30, 2015

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Therefore, goodwill assigned to Brigadier is expected to be deductible for tax purposes, resulting in an after-tax value of $4.9 million. All other goodwill associated with the acquisition is not deductible for tax purposes.

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

December 31, 2014

  $10,095    $133,065   $143,160  

Acquisition date adjustment

   —       1,380    1,380  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

   —       (14,656  (14,656
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

September 30, 2015

  $10,095    $119,789   $129,884  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

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

 

   June 30, 2015   December 31, 2014 

Centuri accounts receivable for services provided to Southwest

  $10,531    $9,169  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   September 30,
2015
   December 31,
2014
 

Centuri accounts receivable for services provided to Southwest

  $15,972    $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):

 

  June 30, 2015   December 31, 2014   September 30,
2015
   December 31,
2014
 

Centuri property and equipment

  $419    $405    $419    $405  

Centuri accumulated provision for depreciation and amortization

   (206   (187   (209   (187

Net cash surrender value of COLI policies

   101     99     97     99  

Other property

   11     10     12     10  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

  $325    $327    $319    $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 Six Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended   Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended 
  June 30 June 30   June 30   September 30   September 30   September 30 
  2015 2014 2015 2014   2015 2014   2015   2014   2015   2014   2015   2014 

Change in COLI policies

  $—     $2,300   $1,300   $3,200    $3,400   $10,000    $(3,900  $(300  $(2,600  $2,900    $(200  $7,200  

Interest income

   161   612   751   1,109     2,244   1,306     624     772     1,375     1,881     2,096     1,920  

Pipe replacement costs

   —      —      —      —       —     (11

Foreign transaction gain (loss)

   (245  —     (572  —       (750  —       (302   —       (874   —       (1,052   —    

Miscellaneous income and (expense)

   246   (49 955   166     172   (41   (82   (32   873     134     122     (94
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total other income (deductions)

  $162   $2,863   $2,434   $4,475    $5,066   $11,254    $(3,660  $440    $(1,226  $4,915    $966    $9,026  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

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.

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

7


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

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. In April 2015, the FASB voted to propose, and in July 2015 it approved, a one-year deferral of the effective

7


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

date (annual periodperiods 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. The Company plans to adopt the update at the required adoption date, which is 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 assess 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 areis 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. This update is not expected to have a material impact on the 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

JuneSeptember 30, 2015

  Form 10-Q

 

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

Service cost

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

Interest cost

   11,057    10,860    22,115    21,721    43,834    40,525  

Expected return on plan assets

   (14,452  (13,335  (28,904  (26,671  (55,575  (51,591

Amortization of net actuarial loss

   8,186    5,718    16,371    11,436    27,808    27,566  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

  $11,072   $8,583   $22,143   $17,166   $39,308   $38,708  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

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

Service cost

  $80   $73   $160   $146   $306   $332  

Interest cost

   424    436    847    872    1,720    1,640  

Amortization of net actuarial loss

   323    196    647    392    1,038    877  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

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

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

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

Service cost

  $410   $275   $821   $551   $1,371   $1,161  

Interest cost

   750    708    1,499    1,415    2,913    2,656  

Expected return on plan assets

   (866  (816  (1,732  (1,632  (3,364  (3,044

Amortization of prior service costs

   334    88    667    177    845    355  

Amortization of net actuarial loss

   86    —      173    —      173    472  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

  $714   $255   $1,428   $511   $1,938   $1,600  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

   Qualified Retirement Plan 
   Period Ended September 30, 
   Three Months  Nine Months  Twelve Months 
   2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014 

(Thousands of dollars)

       

Service cost

  $6,281   $5,340   $18,842   $16,020   $24,182   $21,784  

Interest cost

   11,057    10,860    33,172    32,581    44,031    41,983  

Expected return on plan assets

   (14,452  (13,336  (43,356  (40,007  (56,691  (52,467

Amortization of net actuarial loss

   8,186    5,718    24,557    17,154    30,276    25,219  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

  $11,072   $8,582   $33,215   $25,748   $41,798   $36,519  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   SERP 
   Period Ended September 30, 
   Three Months  Nine Months  Twelve Months 
   2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014 

(Thousands of dollars)

       

Service cost

  $80   $73   $240   $219   $313   $312  

Interest cost

   424    436    1,271    1,308    1,708    1,692  

Amortization of net actuarial loss

   323    196    970    588    1,165    830  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

  $827   $705   $2,481   $2,115   $3,186   $2,834  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   PBOP 
   Period Ended September 30, 
   Three Months  Nine Months  Twelve Months 
   2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014 

(Thousands of dollars)

       

Service cost

  $410   $275   $1,231   $826   $1,506   $1,131  

Interest cost

   750    707    2,249    2,122    2,956    2,743  

Expected return on plan assets

   (866  (816  (2,598  (2,448  (3,414  (3,154

Amortization of prior service costs

   334    89    1,001    266    1,090    355  

Amortization of net actuarial loss

   86    —      259    —      259    236  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

  $714   $255   $2,142   $766   $2,397   $1,311  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

9


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

JuneSeptember 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 

Three months ended June 30, 2015

    

Revenues from external customers

  $286,643   $229,112   $515,755  

Intersegment revenues

   —      22,849    22,849  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $286,643   $251,961   $538,604  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Segment net income (loss)

  $(657 $5,606   $4,949  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

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

  $839,758   $390,201   $1,229,959  

Intersegment revenues

   —      42,865    42,865  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $839,758   $433,066   $1,272,824  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Segment net income (loss)

  $78,264   $(1,332 $76,932  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Six months ended June 30, 2014

    

Revenues from external customers

  $757,972   $255,119   $1,013,091  

Intersegment revenues

   —      48,458    48,458  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $757,972   $303,577   $1,061,549  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Segment net income

  $74,397   $6,013   $80,410  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   Natural Gas
Operations
  Construction
Services
  Total 

Twelve months ended June 30, 2015

    

Revenues from external customers

  $1,463,873   $782,514   $2,246,387  

Intersegment revenues

   —      86,595    86,595  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $1,463,873   $869,109   $2,332,982  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Segment net income

  $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  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

   Natural Gas
Operations
  Construction
Services
   Total 

Three months ended September 30, 2015

     

Revenues from external customers

  $219,420   $255,088    $474,508  

Intersegment revenues

   —      30,888     30,888  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $219,420   $285,976    $505,396  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment net income (loss)

  $(18,939 $14,205    $(4,734
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30, 2014

     

Revenues from external customers

  $226,027   $183,290    $409,317  

Intersegment revenues

   —      23,158     23,158  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $226,027   $206,448    $432,475  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment net income (loss)

  $(11,452 $13,422    $1,970  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   Natural Gas
Operations
  Construction
Services
   Total 

Nine months ended September 30, 2015

     

Revenues from external customers

  $1,059,178   $645,289    $1,704,467  

Intersegment revenues

   —      73,753     73,753  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $1,059,178   $719,042    $1,778,220  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment net income

  $59,325   $12,873    $72,198  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2014

     

Revenues from external customers

  $983,999   $438,409    $1,422,408  

Intersegment revenues

   —      71,616     71,616  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $983,999   $510,025    $1,494,024  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment net income

  $62,945   $19,435    $82,380  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   Natural Gas
Operations
  Construction
Services
   Total 

Twelve months ended September 30, 2015

     

Revenues from external customers

  $1,457,266   $854,312    $2,311,578  

Intersegment revenues

   —      94,325     94,325  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $1,457,266   $948,637    $2,405,903  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment net income

  $113,252   $17,692    $130,944  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Twelve months ended September 30, 2014

     

Revenues from external customers

  $1,356,653   $577,384    $1,934,037  

Intersegment revenues

   —      98,344     98,344  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $1,356,653   $675,728    $2,032,381  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment net income

  $117,797   $21,886    $139,683  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

10


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

JuneSeptember 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 JulyOctober 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):

 

   June 30, 2015   December 31, 2014 

Contract notional amounts

   7,838     5,105  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   September 30,
2015
   December 31,
2014
 

Contract notional amounts

   8,192     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-nine-, and twelve-month periods ended JuneSeptember 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:Gains (losses) recognized in income for derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: 
(Thousands of dollars)                       
     Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Twelve Months Ended   

Location of Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in Income on Derivative

  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Twelve Months Ended 
  Location of Gain or (Loss)  June 30 June 30 June 30   September 30 September 30 September 30 

Instrument

  

Recognized in Income on Derivative

  2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014   2015   2014 2015   2014 2015   2014 

Swaps

  Net cost of gas sold  $707   $(83 $(1,407 $5,907   $(9,677 $9,476    Net cost of gas sold  $(3,282  $(2,277 $(4,689  $3,630   $(10,682  $7,552  

Swaps

  Net cost of gas sold   (707)*  83 1,407 (5,907)*  9,677 (9,476)*   Net cost of gas sold   3,282   2,277 4,689   (3,630)*  10,682   (7,552)* 
    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

 

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

JuneSeptember 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:

June 30, 2015  Asset   Liability     

Fair values of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

Fair values of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

 
September 30, 2015September 30, 2015  Asset
Derivatives
   Liability
Derivatives
  Net Total 

Instrument

  

Balance Sheet Location

  Derivatives   Derivatives   Net Total   

Balance Sheet Location

   

Swaps

  Other current liabilities  $105    $(2,098  $(1,993  Other current liabilities  $—      $(3,425 $(3,425

Swaps

  Other deferred credits   28     (208   (180  Other deferred credits   —       (1,462 (1,462
    

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total

    $133    $(2,306  $(2,173    $—      $(4,887 $(4,887
    

 

   

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

  

 

 
December 31, 2014December 31, 2014  Asset   Liability     December 31, 2014  Asset
Derivatives
   Liability
Derivatives
  Net Total 

Instrument

  

Balance Sheet Location

  Derivatives   Derivatives   Net Total   

Balance Sheet Location

   

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 ofin 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.

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

 

  Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended   Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended 
(Thousands of dollars)  June 30, 2015   June 30, 2015   June 30, 2015   September 30, 2015   September 30, 2015   September 30, 2015 

Paid to counterparties

  $690    $4,660    $5,474    $568    $5,228    $5,971  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Received from counterparties

  $—      $—      $198    $—      $—      $120  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

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

 

June 30, 2015 
September 30, 2015September 30, 2015 

Instrument

  

Balance Sheet Location

  Net Total   

Balance Sheet Location

  Net Total 

Swaps

  Prepaids and other current assets  $1,993    Prepaids and other current assets  $3,425  

Swaps

  Deferred charges and other assets   180    Deferred charges and other assets   1,462  
December 31, 2014December 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 JuneSeptember 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.

measurement.

 

12


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

JuneSeptember 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—Significant other observable inputs

Level 2—Significant other observable inputs      
(Thousands of dollars)  June 30, 2015   December 31, 2014   September 30,
2015
 December 31,
2014
 

Liabilities at fair value:

       

Other current liabilities—Swaps

  $(1,993  $(5,062  $(3,425 $(5,062

Other deferred credits—Swaps

   (180   (363   (1,462 (363
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net Assets (Liabilities)

  $(2,173  $(5,425  $(4,887 $(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.

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 (the “Equity Shelf Program”). During the three months ending JuneSeptember 30, 2015, the Company sold, through the continuous equity offering program with BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC as agent, an aggregate of 180,247272,716 shares of the Company’s common stock in the open market at a weighted average price of $53.90$54.12 per share, resulting in proceeds to the Company of $9,618,188,$14,610,439, net of $97,154$147,579 in agent commissions. For the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, the Company sold an aggregate of 372,509645,225 shares of common stock under this program resulting in proceeds to the Company of $20,557,144,$35,167,584, net of $207,649$355,228 in agent commissions. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2015, the Company had up to $79,235,207$64,477,188 of common stock available for sale under the program. Net proceeds from the sale of shares of common stock under the Equity Shelf Program are 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 sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, the Company issued approximately 145,000207,000 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 JuneSeptember 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 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

13


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

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 utilizesutilized 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.

 

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

Debentures:

              

Notes, 4.45%, due 2020

  $125,000    $133,183    $125,000    $133,403    $125,000   $132,769    $125,000   $133,403  

Notes, 6.1%, due 2041

   125,000     146,568     125,000     157,290     125,000   147,451     125,000   157,290  

Notes, 3.875%, due 2022

   250,000     259,723     250,000     262,030     250,000   263,023     250,000   262,030  

Notes, 4.875%, due 2043

   250,000     256,505     250,000     280,903     250,000   266,370     250,000   280,903  

8% Series, due 2026

   75,000     99,431     75,000     102,296     75,000   99,380     75,000   102,296  

Medium-term notes, 7.59% series, due 2017

   25,000     27,063     25,000     27,573     25,000   26,662     25,000   27,573  

Medium-term notes, 7.78% series, due 2022

   25,000     30,705     25,000     31,144     25,000   30,621     25,000   31,144  

Medium-term notes, 7.92% series, due 2027

   25,000     32,706     25,000     33,695     25,000   32,726     25,000   33,695  

Medium-term notes, 6.76% series, due 2027

   7,500     8,896     7,500     9,156     7,500   8,917     7,500   9,156  

Unamortized discount

   (5,046     (5,223     (4,957    (5,223 
  

 

     

 

     

 

    

 

  
   902,454       902,277       902,543      902,277   
  

 

     

 

     

 

    

 

  

Revolving credit facility and commercial paper

   30,000     30,000     150,000     150,000     97,000   97,000     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     20,103     20,000     20,277     —      —       20,000   20,277  

5.00% 2004 Series B, due 2033

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

4.85% 2005 Series A, due 2035

   100,000     100,629     100,000     100,071     100,000   100,415     100,000   100,071  

4.75% 2006 Series A, due 2036

   24,855     25,005     24,855     25,399     24,855   25,089     24,855   25,399  

Unamortized discount

   (1,645     (1,943     (1,539    (1,943 
  

 

     

 

     

 

    

 

  
   343,210       374,112       323,316      374,112   
  

 

     

 

     

 

    

 

  

Centuri secured revolving credit and term loan facility

   234,598     235,542     199,267     200,341     208,787   209,213     199,267   200,341  

Centuri other debt obligations

   31,471     31,749     31,128     31,127     28,583   28,868     31,128   31,127  
  

 

     

 

     

 

    

 

  
   1,541,733       1,656,784       1,560,229      1,656,784   

Less: current maturities

   (20,050     (19,192     (19,865    (19,192 
  

 

     

 

     

 

    

 

  

Long-term debt, less current maturities

  $1,521,683      $1,637,592      $1,540,364     $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 JuneSeptember 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. At JuneSeptember 30, 2015, $5$47 million was outstanding on the credit facility and $25$50 million was outstanding on the commercial paper program.

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 September 2015, the Company redeemed at par the $20 million 5.25% 2003 Series D IDRBs originally due in 2038. The Company facilitated the redemption primarily from cash on hand and borrowings under its $300 million credit facility.

14


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

Centuri has a $300 million secured revolving credit and term loan facility that is scheduled to expire in October 2019. At JuneSeptember 30, 2015, $235$209 million in borrowings were outstanding on the Centuri facility. Centuri assets securing the facility at JuneSeptember 30, 2015 totaled $492$557 million.

14


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

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 sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015.

 

 Southwest Gas Corporation Equity         Southwest Gas Corporation Equity       
       Accumulated       Redeemable           

Additional

Paid-in

Capital

   

Accumulated
Other

Comprehensive

Income (Loss)

        

Redeemable
Noncontrolling

Interest

(Temporary
Equity)

 
     Additional Other   Non-   Noncontrolling   Common Stock    Retained
Earnings
  Non-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) 
(In thousands except per share amounts)  Shares   Amount   

Additional

Paid-in

Capital

   

Accumulated
Other

Comprehensive

Income (Loss)

  Retained
Earnings
  Non-controlling
Interest
  Total 

Redeemable
Noncontrolling

Interest

(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     $1,486,266   

Common stock issuances

 519   519   22,241      22,760      852     852       38,319   

Net income (loss)

     76,932   58   76,990   (48         72,198   80   72,278   454  

Redemption value adjustments

     658    658   (658       5,777     961    6,738   (6,738

Foreign currency exchange translation adj.

    (1,028   (1,028 (35         (1,518   (1,518 (55

Other comprehensive income (loss):

                    

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

    1,416     1,416            2,124     2,124   

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

    1,037     1,037   

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

         1,556     1,556   

Dividends declared

                    

Common: $0.81 per share

     (38,466  (38,466 

Common: $1.215 per share

         (57,831  (57,831 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

JUNE 30, 2015

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

SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

   47,375    $49,005    $894,625    $(48,013 $654,492   $(2,177 $1,547,932   $13,703  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

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)

 
   Three Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
   June 30, 2015  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:

       

Amortization of prior service cost

  $334   $(126 $208   $88   $(33 $55  

Amortization of net actuarial (gain)/loss

   8,595    (3,267  5,328    5,914    (2,248  3,666  

Regulatory adjustment

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

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Pension plans other comprehensive income (loss)

   1,142    (434  708    825    (314  511  

FSIRS (designated hedging activities):

       

Amounts reclassifed into net income

   836    (318  518    837    (318  519  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

FSIRS other comprehensive income

   836    (318  518    837    (318  519  

Foreign currency translation adjustments:

       

Translation adjustments

   209    —      209    —      —      —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Foreign currency other comprehensive income (loss)

   209    —      209    —      —      —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

  $2,187   $(752 $1,435   $1,662   $(632 $1,030  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

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

       
(Thousands of dollars)                   
   Three Months Ended
September 30, 2015
  Three Months Ended
September 30, 2014
 
   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:

       

Amortization of prior service cost

  $334   $(127 $207   $89   $(34 $55  

Amortization of net actuarial (gain)/loss

   8,595    (3,266  5,329    5,914    (2,247  3,667  

Regulatory adjustment

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

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Pension plans other comprehensive income (loss)

   1,142    (434  708    825    (313  512  

FSIRS (designated hedging activities):

       

Amounts reclassified into net income

   836    (317  519    836    (318  518  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

FSIRS other comprehensive income

   836    (317  519    836    (318  518  

Foreign currency translation adjustments:

       

Translation adjustments

   (510  —      (510  —      —      —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Foreign currency other comprehensive income (loss)

   (510  —      (510  —      —      —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

  $1,468   $(751 $717   $1,661   $(631 $1,030  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

15


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

JuneSeptember 30, 2015

  Form 10-Q

 

   Six Months Ended
June 30, 2015
  Six Months Ended
June 30, 2014
 
   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:

       

Amortization of prior service cost

  $667   $(253 $414   $177   $(67 $110  

Amortization of net actuarial (gain)/loss

   17,191    (6,533  10,658    11,828    (4,495  7,333  

Regulatory adjustment

   (15,574  5,918    (9,656  (10,355  3,935    (6,420
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Pension plans other comprehensive income (loss)

   2,284    (868  1,416    1, 650    (627  1,023  

FSIRS (designated hedging activities):

       

Amounts reclassifed into net income

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

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

FSIRS other comprehensive income

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

Foreign currency translation adjustments:

       

Translation adjustments

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

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Foreign currency other comprehensive income (loss)

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

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

  $2,893   $(1,503 $1,390   $3,323   $(1,263 $2,060  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

  Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2015
 Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2014
 
  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:

       

Amortization of prior service cost

  $1,001   $(380 $621   $266   $(101 $165  

Amortization of net actuarial (gain)/loss

   25,786   (9,799 15,987   17,742   (6,742 $11,000  

Regulatory adjustment

   (23,361 8,877   (14,484 (15,533 5,903   (9,630
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Pension plans other comprehensive income (loss)

   3,426   (1,302 2,124   2,475   (940 1,535  

FSIRS (designated hedging activities):

       

Amounts reclassifed into net income

   2,508   (952 1,556   2,509   (954 1,555  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

FSIRS other comprehensive income

   2,508   (952 1,556   2,509   (954 1,555  

Foreign currency translation adjustments:

       

Translation adjustments

   (1,573  —     (1,573  —      —      —    
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Foreign currency other comprehensive income (loss)

   (1,573  —     (1,573  —      —      —    
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

  $4,361   $(2,254 $2,107   $4,984   $(1,894 $3,090  
  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   Twelve Months Ended
September 30, 2015
 Twelve Months Ended
September 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  

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     1,090   (414 676   355   (134 221  

Amortization of net actuarial (gain)/loss

   29,019   (11,027 17,992   28,915   (10,988 17,927     31,700   (12,046 19,654   26,285   (9,988 16,297  

Prior service cost

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

Regulatory adjustment

   135,089   (51,334 83,755   (118,817 45,150   (73,667   132,480   (50,343 82,137   (116,412 44,236   (72,176
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Pension plans other comprehensive income (loss)

   (15,354 5,834   (9,520 10,798   (4,103 6,695     (15,037 5,713   (9,324 10,573   (4,017 6,556  

FSIRS (designated hedging activities):

              

Amounts reclassifed into net income

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

Amounts reclassified into net income

   3,344   (1,270 2,074   3,345   (1,271 2,074  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

FSIRS other comprehensive income (loss)

   3,344   (1,271 2,073   3,345   (1,271 2,074     3,344   (1,270 2,074   3,345   (1,271 2,074  

Foreign currency translation adjustments:

              

Translation adjustments

   (1,722  —     (1,722  —      —      —       (2,232  —     (2,232  —      —      —    
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Foreign currency other comprehensive income (loss)

   (1,722  —     (1,722  —      —      —       (2,232  —     (2,232  —      —      —    
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

  $(13,732 $4,563   $(9,169 $14,143   $(5,374 $8,769    $(13,925 $4,443   $(9,482 $13,918   $(5,288 $8,630  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(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 JuneSeptember 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

JuneSeptember 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—RollforwardAOCI—Rollforward                     
(Thousands of dollars)(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

  —      —      —      —      —      —     (1,063  —     (1,063 (1,063   —      —      —      —      —      —     (1,573  —       (1,573 (1,573
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

  —      —      —      —      —      —     (1,063  —     (1,063 (1,063   —      —      —      —      —      —     (1,573  —       (1,573 (1,573

FSIRS amounts reclassified from AOCI (1)

  —      —      —     1,672   (635 1,037    —      —      —     1,037     —      —      —     2,508   (952 1,556    —      —       —     1,556  

Amortization of prior service cost (2)

 667   (253 414    —      —      —      —      —      —     414     1,001   (380 621    —      —      —      —      —       —     621  

Amortization of net actuarial loss (2)

 17,191   (6,533 10,658    —      —      —      —      —      —     10,658     25,786   (9,799 15,987    —      —      —      —      —       —     15,987  

Regulatory adjustment (3)

 (15,574 5,918   (9,656  —      —      —      —      —      —     (9,656   (23,361 8,877   (14,484  —      —      —      —      —       —     (14,484
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)

 2,284   (868 1,416   1,672   (635 1,037   (1,063  —     (1,063 1,390     3,426   (1,302 2,124   2,508   (952 1,556   (1,573  —       (1,573 2,107  

Less: Translation adjustment attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

  —      —      —      —      —      —     (35  —     (35 (35   —      —      —      —      —      —     (55  —       (55 (55
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

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     3,426   (1,302 2,124   2,508   (952 1,556   (1,518  —       (1,518 2,162  
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Ending Balance AOCI June 30, 2015

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

Ending Balance AOCI September 30, 2015

  $(53,785 $20,438   $(33,347 $(20,180 $7,669   $(12,511 $(2,155 $—      $(2,155 $(48,013
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

 

(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).

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)

        
Amounts Recognized in AOCI (Before Tax)      
(Thousands of dollars)      
  June 30, 2015   December 31, 2014   September
30, 2015
 December
31, 2014
 

Net actuarial (loss) gain

  $(421,940  $(439,131  $(413,345 $(439,131

Prior service cost

   (7,706   (8,373   (7,372 (8,373

Less: amount recognized in regulatory assets

   374,719     390,293     366,932   390,293  
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Recognized in AOCI

  $(54,927  $(57,211  $(53,785 $(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 and the first quarter 2015 Form 10-Q 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 subsequent adjustments were made to the acquisition-date values during the second quarter of 2015.values. 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):

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 June 30, 2015. No acquisition costs were incurred during the six months ended 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.

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.Canadian-specific businesses. The agreement, associated with thethat approximate 10% equity interest, of the sellers, providesprovided special dividend rights which entitleentitled 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 maycould become exchangeable for a 3.4% equity interest in Centuri. In June 2015,consideration of the underlying exchange rights of the original agreement, earnings attribution by Centuri to the previous owners notifiedhas also occurred in an amount equivalent to 3.4% of 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 inearnings since October 2014. During the third quarter of 2015. Additionally,2015, the sellers formally exercised their exchange rights under the terms of that original agreement. No new rights were conveyed to the noncontrolling parties as a result of the exchange and no new consideration was involved. The ability of the sellers to redeem their holdings for cash at specified dates remains intact. The previous owners may exit their investment retained by requiring the purchase of a portion of their interest commencing October 2016July 2017 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 afterbeginning in July 2022. Due to the continued ability of the noncontrolling parties to redeem their interest for cash, their interest continues to be presented on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 2021.

The Company has determined that this30, 2015 as a Redeemable noncontrolling interest, is a redeemable noncontrolling interest and,category of mezzanine equity (temporary equity), in accordance with SEC guidance,guidance. However, that interest, previously associated with the Canadian businesses, is classified as mezzanine equity (temporary equity)now formally an interest in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Centuri.

17


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

Significant 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. TheGuidance by the SEC indicates that downward adjustments in the value of redeemable noncontrolling interests are only permitted to the extent that upward adjustments in value were previously recognized. A floor for the noncontrolling interest was originally set at the acquisition date (in October 2014). However, U.S. GAAP generally views changes in ownership interest, where the parent retains its controlling interest, as an equity transaction, whereby the carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest is adjusted to reflect the change in ownership interest in the subsidiary. In connection with the exchange rights being exercised during the third quarter, an updated valuation was conducted. A significant decrease in the value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest was recognized, due in part to the exchange option no longer being subject to probability estimates. In light of the U.S. GAAP requirement to adjust the carrying amount, a new floor has been set for the redeemable noncontrolling interest at the exchange date, with a corresponding adjustment (approximately $6 million) made to additional paid in capital of the Company. Future adjustments to the redemption value in 2015 impacted retained earnings, but didare not impact net income.permitted below the new floor. The following depicts impacts to the balance of the redeemable noncontrolling interest between the indicated periods.

 

   Redeemable
Noncontrolling
Interest
 
(Thousands of dollars):    

Balance, December 31, 2014

  $20,042  

Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

   (48

Foreign currency exchange translation adjustment

   (35

Adjustment to redemption value

   (658
  

 

 

 

Balance, June 30, 2015

  $19,301  
  

 

 

 

18


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

   Redeemable
Noncontrolling
Interest
 
(Thousands of dollars):    

Balance, December 31, 2014

  $20,042  

Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

   454  

Foreign currency exchange translation adjustment

   (55

Adjustment to redemption value

   (6,738
  

 

 

 

Balance, September 30, 2015

  $13,703  
  

 

 

 

The redemption value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest is based on a Monte Carlo simulation method. First,utilizes a market approach was utilized to determine a construction services enterprise value as of the acquisition date.value. Potential guideline publicly-tradedpublicly traded companies werehave been identified by using a selection criteria, including actively traded equities, their financial solvency, and other factors. Once the guideline companies wereare determined, enterprise value wasis 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 wasis determined, it is multiplied by 3.4%. A discount is then applied due to limitations of the nonpublic noncontrolling interest being valued. Prior to the exchange rights being exercised in the third quarter of 2015, a Monte Carlo simulation methodology was used to assign a value to the redeemable 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.interest. 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.

 

1918


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

JuneSeptember 30, 2015

  Form 10-Q

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

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 JuneSeptember 30, 2015, Southwest had 1,938,000 residential, commercial, industrial, and other natural gas customers, of which 1,036,0001,035,000 customers were located in Arizona, 713,000 in Nevada, and 189,000190,000 in California. Residential and commercial customers represented over 99% of the total customer base. During the twelve months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, 55% of operating margin was earned in Arizona, 34% in Nevada, and 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 impacts 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.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 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 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, and the first and second quarter 2015 reports on Form 10-Q.

 

2019


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

JuneSeptember 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%85% 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 June 30,   

Period Ended September 30,

 
  Three Months   Six Months   Twelve Months   

Three Months

 Nine Months   Twelve Months 
  2015 2014   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 (loss)

                    

Natural gas operations

  $(657 $1,798    $78,264   $74,397    $120,739    $117,310    $(18,939 $(11,452 $59,325    $62,945    $113,252    $117,797  

Construction services

   5,606   7,829     (1,332 6,013     16,909     17,539     14,205   13,422   12,873     19,435     17,692     21,886  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Net income

  $4,949   $9,627    $76,932   $80,410    $137,648    $134,849  

Net income (loss)

  $(4,734 $1,970   $72,198    $82,380    $130,944    $139,683  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Average number of common shares outstanding

   46,869   46,502     46,741   46,471     46,628     46,407     47,102   46,513   46,863     46,485     46,777     46,451  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Basic earnings per share

          

Basic earnings (loss) per share

          

Consolidated

  $0.11   $0.21    $1.65   $1.73    $2.95    $2.91    $(0.10 $0.04   $1.54    $1.77    $2.80    $3.01  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Natural Gas Operations

Operating margin

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

Natural Gas Operations

          

Operating margin

  $155,152   $153,040   $632,133    $621,650    $887,214    $876,045  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

2nd3rd Quarter 2015 Overview

Natural gas operations highlights include the following:

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

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

Net financing costs decreased $1.3$2 million compared to the prior-year quarter

Operating expenses increased $8.7 million compared to the prior-year quarter

Net financing costs decreased $900,000 compared to the prior-year quarter
Other income decreased $4 million between quarters
Redemption of the $31.2$20 million 5.00% 20045.25% 2003 Series BD IDRBs (originally due in 2033)

2038)

Construction services highlights include the following:

Revenues increased $70.3$79.5 million, or 39%, compared to the prior-year quarter

Construction expenses increased $68.2$72.8 million, or 43%42%, compared to the prior-year quarter

Net interest deductions increased $1.7$1.9 million due to acquisition-related debt

Customer Growth.Southwest completed 22,000 first-time meter sets, but realized 28,00026,000 net new customers over the last twelve months, an increase of 1.5%1.4%. 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$235 million at JuneSeptember 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$97.3 million at JuneSeptember 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

20


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

COLI policies as they progress toward the ultimate death benefits are also recorded without tax consequences. Cash

21


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

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, changes in cash surrender values of COLI policies (including incremental death benefits) were $1.3decreased $3.9 million in the first six monthsthird quarter of 2015 and $3.4 milliondecreased $200,000 in the twelve months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015. These decreases are due to declines in the equity markets during the third quarter and during the last twelve months. Management currentlygenerally 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 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 secondthird quarter of 2015 was $56 million. In May 2015,$97 million, which was also the Company redeemed the $31.2 million 5.00% 2004 Series B IDRBs using cash on hand and the credit facility to fund the redemption. At June 30, 2015, $30 million wasamount outstanding on the long-term portion of the credit facility (including $25$50 million under the commercial paper program). at September 30, 2015. No borrowings were outstanding on the short-term portion of the credit facility. Southwest has no significant debt maturities prior to 2017. In September 2015, the Company redeemed the $20 million 5.25% 2003 Series D IDRBs primarily using cash on hand and borrowings under its $300 million credit facility.

Construction ServicesCenturi 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 secondthird quarter of 2015 was $276$225 million. At JuneSeptember 30, 2015, there was approximately $34$47 million, net of letters of credit, available under the line of credit, and $65 million in available capacity overall.credit.

 

2221


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

JuneSeptember 30, 2015

  Form 10-Q

 

Results of Natural Gas Operations

Quarterly Analysis

 

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

Gas operating revenues

  $286,643    $271,479  

Net cost of gas sold

   109,015     97,985  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating margin

   177,628     173,494  

Operations and maintenance expense

   99,344     97,620  

Depreciation and amortization

   52,912     50,524  

Taxes other than income taxes

   12,414     10,965  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

   12,958     14,385  

Other income (deductions)

   312     2,848  

Net interest deductions

   15,749     17,059  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

   (2,479   174  

Income tax expense (benefit)

   (1,822   (1,624
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contribution to consolidated net income (loss)

  $(657  $1,798  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2015   2014 
   (Thousands of dollars) 

Gas operating revenues

  $219,420    $226,027  

Net cost of gas sold

   64,268     72,987  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating margin

   155,152     153,040  

Operations and maintenance expense

   100,102     93,389  

Depreciation and amortization

   52,672     50,533  

Taxes other than income taxes

   11,652     11,835  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

   (9,274   (2,717

Other income (deductions)

   (3,525   442  

Net interest deductions

   16,259     17,159  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

   (29,058   (19,434

Income tax expense (benefit)

   (10,119   (7,982
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contribution to consolidated net income (loss)

  $(18,939  $(11,452
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating margin increased $4$2 million between quarters. New customers contributed $2$1 million in operating margin during the secondthird quarter of 2015, as approximately 28,00026,000 net new customers were added during the last twelve months. A combined $1 million of rate relief in the California jurisdiction and Paiute Pipeline Company (seeRates and Regulatory Proceedings) contributed toprovided the increase. The remaining increaseremainder of $1 million in operating margin was associated with customers outside the decoupling mechanisms and higher other miscellaneous revenues.increase.

Operations and maintenance expense increased $1.7$6.7 million, or 2%7%, between quarters. General cost increasesquarters and higherincluded the impacts of a $3.2 million increase in employee pension expense duringand medical costs. Higher employee counts to effectively provide service to the current quarter were partially offset by approximately $500,000 in rent expense inCompany’s growing customer base and rising general costs also contributed to the prior-year quarter associated with a portion of the corporate headquarters complex that the Company subsequently purchased in July 2014.increase.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $2.4$2.1 million, or 5%4%, between quarters. Average gas plant in service for the current quarter increased $279$264 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 $2.5$4 million between quarters. The current quarter reflects no recognizeda $3.9 million decline in COLI-related income, while the prior-year quarter included $2.3 million in COLI-related income, which exceeded management expectations.reflected COLI policy cash surrender value decreases of $300,000 (net of death benefits recognized).

Net interest deductions decreased $1.3 million$900,000 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,2015 and lower interest expense on variable rate IDRBs, was lower in the current period compared to the same period of the prior year.partially offset by increased interest expense on PGA balances.

 

2322


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

JuneSeptember 30, 2015

  Form 10-Q

 

Six-MonthNine-Month Analysis

 

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

Gas operating revenues

  $839,758    $757,972    $1,059,178    $983,999  

Net cost of gas sold

   362,777     289,362     427,045     362,349  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Operating margin

   476,981     468,610     632,133     621,650  

Operations and maintenance expense

   194,854     200,028     294,956     293,417  

Depreciation and amortization

   106,587     102,007     159,259     152,540  

Taxes other than income taxes

   25,411     22,421     37,063     34,256  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Operating income

   150,129     144,154     140,855     141,437  

Other income (deductions)

   2,914     4,460     (611   4,902  

Net interest deductions

   31,845     34,286     48,104     51,445  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Income before income taxes

   121,198     114,328     92,140     94,894  

Income tax expense

   42,934     39,931     32,815     31,949  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Contribution to consolidated net income

  $78,264    $74,397    $59,325    $62,945  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

The contribution to consolidated net income from natural gas operations increased $3.9decreased $3.6 million in the first sixnine months of 2015 compared to the first sixnine months of 2014. The improvementdecline 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.income, partially offset by improved operating margin and a decline in net interest deductions.

Operating margin increased $8$10 million between the six-monthnine-month periods. New customers contributed $5$6 million in operating margin during the first sixnine months of 2015. A combined $3$4 million of rate relief in the California jurisdiction and Paiute Pipeline Company (seeRates and Regulatory Proceedings) also contributed toprovided the remainder of the increase.

Operations and maintenance expense decreased $5.2increased $1.5 million between periods. Legalperiods, due primarily to general cost increases and higher pension expense during the current nine-month period. These increases were partially offset by certain expenses that were higher in the prior-year period, were approximately $5.3 million higher than the current-year period primarily due toincluding a $5 million legal accrual in the first quarter of 2014. The prior-year period also included approximately2014 and $1.1 million in rent expense associated with a portion of the corporate headquarters complex that the Company subsequently purchased in July 2014. Partially offsetting these decreases were general cost increases and higher pension expense during the current six-month period.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $4.6$6.7 million, or 4%, between periods. Average gas plant in service for the current period increased $282$275 million, or 5%, compared to the corresponding period 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.

Taxes other than income taxes increased $3$2.8 million between periods primarily due to higher property taxes in Arizona.

Other income decreased $1.5$5.5 million between periods. The current period reflects COLI policy cash surrender value increasesdecreases of $1.3$2.6 million, while the prior-year period included $3.2$2.9 million in COLI-related income.

Net interest deductions decreased $2.4$3.3 million between periods. 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,2015 and lower interest expense on variable rate IDRBs, was lower in the current period compared to the same period of the prior year.partially offset by increased interest expense on PGA balances.

 

2423


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

JuneSeptember 30, 2015

  Form 10-Q

 

Twelve-Month Analysis

 

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

Gas operating revenues

  $1,463,873    $1,325,657    $1,457,266    $1,356,653  

Net cost of gas sold

   578,771     455,367     570,052     480,608  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Operating margin

   885,102     870,290     887,214     876,045  

Operations and maintenance expense

   378,558     392,920     385,271     390,328  

Depreciation and amortization

   208,724     199,790     210,863     201,896  

Taxes other than income taxes

   50,242     45,104     50,059     45,786  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Operating income

   247,578     232,476     241,021     238,035  

Other income (deductions)

   5,619     11,210     1,652     8,989  

Net interest deductions

   65,858     66,277     64,958     68,656  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Income before income taxes

   187,339     177,409     177,715     178,368  

Income tax expense

   66,600     60,099     64,463     60,571  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Contribution to consolidated net income

  $120,739    $117,310    $113,252    $117,797  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Contribution to consolidated net income from natural gas operations increaseddecreased by $3.4$4.5 million between the twelve-month periods of 2015 and 2014. The improvementdecline was primarily due to an increase in operating margin, partially offset byexpenses and a decrease in other income.income, partially offset by improved operating margin and lower net interest deductions.

Operating margin increased $15$11 million between periods including a combined $9$5 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 $2 million.

Operations and maintenance expense decreased $14.4$5.1 million or 4%, between periods. Legal expenses in the prior-year period (includingwere higher than the current-year period primarily due to a $5 million legal accrual in the first quarter of 2014) were $5.6 million higher than the current-year period.2014. Rent expense associated with the corporate headquarters complex declined $2.2$1.6 million between periods. GeneralPartially offsetting these decreases were general cost increases in the current period were more than offset by reductions in other costs including impacts of lower employee counts.and higher employee-related expenses.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $8.9$9 million, or 4%. Average gas plant in service for the current period increased $297$288 million, or 6%5%, 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. Increases in depreciation from these plant additions were partially offset by depreciation rate decreases resulting from the most recent California general rate case decision.in California.

Taxes other than income taxes increased $5.1$4.3 million between periods primarily due to higher property taxes in Arizona, and Nevada, principally related to net plant additions.

Other income decreased $5.6$7.3 million between the twelve-month periods of 2015 and 2014. The current period reflects $3.4 million of income associated witha $200,000 decline in COLI policy cash surrender value increases,values, while the prior-year period included $10$7.2 million of COLI-related income. Interest income increased approximately $900,000 between periods primarily due to changes in over- and under-collected PGA balances (seePGA Filings for more information).including net death benefits recognized.

Net interest deductions decreased $419,000$3.7 million between periods. 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. The decrease was substantially2015 and lower interest expense on variable rate IDRBs, partially offset by an increase inincreased interest deductions due to the issuance of $250 million of long-term debt in the fourth quarter of 2013.expense on PGA balances.

 

2524


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

JuneSeptember 30, 2015

  Form 10-Q

 

Results of Construction Services

Results of Construction Services

 

  Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
 Twelve Months Ended
June 30,
   Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Twelve Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2015 2014   2015 2014 2015 2014   2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 
(Thousands of dollars)                  

Construction revenues

  $251,961   $181,674    $433,066   $303,577   $869,109   $661,595    $285,976   $206,448   $719,042   $510,025   $948,637   $675,728  

Operating expenses:

               

Construction expenses

   225,829   157,642     400,757   270,841   777,773   588,737     246,755   173,937   647,512   444,778   850,591   595,093  

Depreciation and amortization

   14,043   11,662     27,835   23,070   53,648   44,601     13,804   11,504   41,639   34,574   55,948   45,788  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Operating income

   12,089   12,370     4,474   9,666   37,688   28,257     25,417   21,007   29,891   30,673   42,098   34,847  

Other income (deductions)

   (150 15     (480 15   (553 44     (135 (2 (615 13   (686 37  

Net interest deductions

   1,968   246     3,849   538   7,081   1,079     2,142   262   5,991   800   8,961   1,024  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Income before income taxes

   9,971   12,139     145   9,143   30,054   27,222     23,140   20,743   23,285   29,886   32,451   33,860  

Income tax expense (benefit)

   4,251   4,310     1,467   3,216   13,027   10,076  

Income tax expense

   8,411   7,364   9,878   10,580   14,074   12,217  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net income (loss)

   5,720   7,829     (1,322 5,927   17,027   17,146  

Net income

   14,729   13,379   13,407   19,306   18,377   21,643  

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

   114    —       10   (86 118   (393   524   (43 534   (129 685   (243
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Contribution to consolidated net income (loss) attributable to Centuri

  $5,606   $7,829    $(1,332 $6,013   $16,909   $17,539  

Contribution to consolidated net income attributable to Centuri

  $14,205   $13,422   $12,873   $19,435   $17,692   $21,886  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

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.Net income contribution for the current quarter increased $783,000 compared to the same period of 2014. The improvement was primarily due to additional pipe replacement work, partially offset by increases in depreciation and amortization and higher interest expense.

Revenues increased $79.5 million, or 39%, in the third quarter of 2015 when compared to the prior year period, due to the inclusion of revenues of the recently acquired companies ($41.4 million) and additional pipe replacement work. Governmental-mandated pipeline safety-related programs have resulted in many utilities undertaking multi-year distribution pipe replacement projects. NPL successfully bid on pipe replacement projects with its utility customers throughout the United States.

Construction expenses increased $72.8 million, or 42%, between quarters, due to costs associated with operations of the acquired companies ($39.2 million) and the additional pipe replacement work. Gains on sale of equipment (reflected as an offset to construction expenses) were approximately $450,000 and $1.5 million for the third quarters of 2015 and 2014, respectively. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $2.3 million between quarters due to amortization of finite-lived intangible assets recognized from the acquisition ($740,000) and incremental depreciation from the acquired companies ($1.3 million).

Net interest deductions were $2.1 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $262,000 in the third 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 acquisition of theLink-Line group of companies.

Nine-Month Analysis.Contribution to consolidated net income for the current quarternine-month period decreased $2.2$6.6 million compared to the same period of 2014. The decline was primarily due to increases in depreciation and amortization, and higher interest expense. Anexpense, and a $7.7 million loss reserve recorded on a construction project, partially offset by an increase in construction revenues less construction expenses (gross profit) partially offset the decrease.pipe replacement work.

Revenues increased $70.3$209 million, or 39%41%, in the current nine-month period when compared to the second quartersame period of 2014, due in large part to revenues of the recently acquired companies ($37.9121.6 million) and additional pipe replacement work at NPL.work. Construction expenses increased $68.2$202.7 million, or 43%46%, between quarters,periods, primarily due to coststhe operations associated with operations of the acquired companies ($38.2126.4 million) and the additional pipe replacement work noted above.

25


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

During the first quarterhalf of 2015, construction expenses were impacted by a loss reserve of $5.6$7.6 million recorded on an industrial construction project in Canada. In the secondthird quarter of 2015, the loss reserve was increased by $2 million$100,000 for a total of $7.6$7.7 million. Delays in delivery of critical equipment to the job site resulted in production inefficiencies and an increase in 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 substantially complete. Other change orders previously submitted are being negotiated which may reducewas completed in the estimated loss reserve in future periods.third quarter. In situations where losses on a project are possible, accounting rules and adopted policies require that future costs to complete the project be estimated and recognized currently, but potential incremental revenue to cover such costs is recognized only if and when change orders are formally approved. The final net profitAdditional change orders previously submitted are being negotiated which may reduce the estimated loss reserve. In October, Centuri and the general contractor agreed to mediation to attempt to resolve open change orders. Mediation is scheduled to occur in mid-November. Management cannot estimate the amount or loss on this project may not be known untillikelihood of a favorable resolution in mediation. If unsuccessful, Centuri will consider other options to resolve the third quarter of 2015 or later.open change orders.

Gains on sale of equipment (reflected as an offset to construction expenses) were $1$3 million and $1.7 million for the second 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 ($1.4 million) and additional equipment purchases to support the growth in the volume of work being performed.

Net interest deductions were $2 million in the second quarter of 2015 compared to $246,000 in the second 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 acquisition 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$5.7 million for the first sixnine months of 2015 and 2014, respectively. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $4.8$7.1 million between periods due to amortization of finite-lived intangible assets ($2.73.5 million) and additional equipment purchases to supportincremental depreciation from the growth in the volume of work being performed.acquired companies ($3.6 million).

Net interest deductions were $3.8$6 million in the first sixnine months of 2015 compared to $538,000$800,000 in the first sixnine 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 JuneSeptember 30, 2015 declined $630,000$4.2 million compared to the same period of 2014. The decrease was primarily due to increases in depreciation and amortization and higher interest expense. An increase in construction revenues less construction expenses (gross profit) substantiallypipe replacement work partially offset the decrease.

Revenues increased $207.5$272.9 million, or 31%40%, in the current twelve-month period compared to the same period of 2014 primarily due to additional pipe replacement work in the current period and the inclusion of revenues of the acquired companies ($134.5175.9 million) beginning in the fourth quarter of 2014. 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 September 30, 2015 and 2014, revenues from replacement work were 68% and 70%, respectively, of total revenues.

Construction expenses increased $189$255.5 million, or 32%43%, due to additional pipe replacement work at NPL during the twelve months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 and construction costs associated with the acquired companies ($136.6175.8 million). During the current period, construction expenses included athe loss reserve of $7.6$7.7 million recorded on the construction project discussed in theQuarterlyNine-Month Analysis.above. General and administrative expense (included in construction expenses) increased $15.3$15.6 million including $8.3$14.2 million from the recently acquired companies and acquisition costs ($5 million). 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 $4.6$3.5 million and $6$6.8 million for the twelve monthtwelve-month periods of 2015 and 2014, respectively. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $9$10.2 million between the current and prior-year periods due to the amortization on finite-lived intangible assets recognized from the acquisition ($4.35 million) and additional equipment purchased to support growth inincremental depreciation from the volume of work being performed.acquired companies ($4.8 million).

Net interest deductions were $7.1$9 million for the twelve-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 compared to $1.1$1 million for the corresponding period in 2014. The increase was due in 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 June 30, 2015 and 2014, revenues from replacement work were 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.

26


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

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 offer 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 are responsible for the cost of maintaining these lines and are subject to the immediate cessation of natural gas service if low-pressure leaks 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 88,00084,500 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. This request was based on total amounts spent to datecapital expenditures of $16 million, $6.3 million of which was incurred during 2014. In May 2015, the ACC issued a decision approving the surcharge application, effective 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, up to $50 million. The authorization to defer costs expires 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, beginning twelve months followingThe Company purchased the issuancesite for the facility in October 2015 and is preparing the construction requirements bid package for potential contractors. The contract to construct the facility is currently expected to be in place near the end of the decision. Completionfirst quarter of the siting requirements for flammable vapor dispersion is also a condition of approval for the facility. Construction2016 and construction is expected to be completed by year-end 2017.take approximately two to three years to complete. The Company anticipates including a proposal for the ratemaking treatment of facility costs as part of its next Arizona rate case filing.

Infrastructure Replacement Mechanisms. In January 2014, the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (“PUCN”) approved final rules for a mechanism to defer and recover certain costs associated with accelerated replacement of non-revenue producing infrastructure. The regulations provide for the establishment of 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,proposing $43.5 million of which are proposed to be allocated to accelerated pipe replacements (subject to the GIR mechanism), resulting in an estimated. Once completed, the annualized revenue requirement ofassociated with the accelerated replacement is estimated at $4.6 million. Management currently expects a decision, associated with these projects, duringIn October 2015, the fourth quarterPUCN approved the GIR Advance Application, granting Southwest the authority to replace the $43.5 million of 2015. Also duringinfrastructure under the fourth quarter ofGIR mechanism. In October 2015, management expects to filefiled a rate application associated withto reset the estimated $14.4 millionGIR surcharge to reflect annualized revenues of projects preapproved in 2014.$4.5 million. The rate filing will bewas based upon projects placed in service by August 2015, with rates anticipated to be made effective in January 2016.

27


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

Expansion and Economic Development Legislation.In February 2015, legislation (“SB 151”) was introduced in Nevada to require the PUCN to adopt regulations authorizing natural gas utilities to expand their infrastructure consistent with a program of economic development. This includes providing natural gas service to unserved and underserved areas in Nevada, as well as attracting and retaining utility customers and accommodating the expansion of existing business customers. SB 151 was signed into law in May 2015. Draft regulations are being reviewed by the Legislative Council Bureau and final regulations are expected to be approved by the PUCN by the end of the year.

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 onThe settlement implies 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.

28


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

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 is targeted to be in service by the end of 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. 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 began in the second quarter of 2015 and is progressing. The cost to complete this project has begun, as the pipeline corridorbeen estimated at approximately $35 million and is being readied for construction and pipe is beginningtargeted to be transported toin service by the site for welding.end of 2015.

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 JuneSeptember 30, 2015, under-collections in Arizona and California resulted in an asset of $3.7 million$815,000 and over-collections in Arizona and northern and southern Nevada collectively resulted in a liability of $27.2$44.7 million on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. Gas cost rates paid to suppliers have been lower than amounts recovered from customers during the first nine months of 2015. Tariff rates have been adjusted in all jurisdictions during this period. The gas cost rates for southern Nevada were further reduced in October to reduce the over-collected balance. 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).

28


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

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

 

  June 30, 2015   December 31, 2014   June 30, 2014   September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014   September 30, 2014 

Arizona

  $3.5    $48.4    $47.9    $(6.0 $48.4    $44.3  

Northern Nevada

   (5.5   10.2     3.7     (4.3 10.2     6.7  

Southern Nevada

   (21.7   20.4     24.5     (34.4 20.4     21.7  

California

   0.2     8.6     4.3     0.8   8.6     5.6  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

 
  $(23.5  $87.6    $80.4    $(43.9 $87.6    $78.3  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

 

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 $136.8$150.5 million in the first sixnine 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 $21.4$48.8 million in the first sixnine 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

29


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

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 $91.2$105.3 million in the first sixnine months of 2015 as compared to 2014. Repayments of long-term amounts outstanding on Southwest’s revolving credit and commercial paper facility were $120 million and $10$53 million in the current period, and borrowings under the facility were $40 million in the prior-year periods, respectively.period. 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 sixnine months of 2015 included the repayment of the $31.2 million 5.00% 2004 Series B and $20 million 5.25% 2003 Series D 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.secured credit facility. The majority of Centuri’s borrowings during the twelve months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015 are associated with the acquisition of construction services businesses noted previously. Southwest also issued approximately $21$35 million in stock under its Equity Shelf Program. See alsoNote 5 – Common Stock, and the discussion below. Dividends paid increased in the first sixnine months of 2015 as compared to the first sixnine 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 JuneSeptember 30, 2015, construction expenditures for the natural gas operations segment were $378$384 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 $449$458 million during this time, which provided sufficient funding for construction expenditures and dividend requirements of the natural gas operations segment.

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

29


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

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 September 2015, the Company redeemed at par the $20 million 5.25% 2003 Series D IDRBs originally due in 2038. 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 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.

During the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, 372,509645,225 shares were issued in at-the-market offerings at an average price of $55.74$55.05 per share with gross proceeds of $20.8$35.5 million, agent commissions of $208,000,$355,000, and net proceeds of $20.6$35.2 million. SeeNote 5 – Common Stock for more information.

During the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2015, the Company issued approximately 145,000207,000 additional shares of common stock collectively through the Restricted Stock/Unit Plan, the Management Incentive Plan, and the Stock Incentive

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SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

June 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

Plan. The Company raised approximately $537,000$741,000 from the issuance of shares of common stock through the Stock Incentive Plan.

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.

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SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

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 JuneSeptember 30, 2015, the combined balance in the PGA accounts totaled an over-collection of $23.5$43.9 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 JuneSeptember 30, 2015, $30$97 million was outstanding on the long-term portion of the credit facility (including $25$50 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 JuneSeptember 30, 2015, $25$50 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 JuneSeptember 30, 2015, $235$209 million was outstanding on the Centuri secured credit facility.

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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 
   June 30,
2015
   December 31,
2014
 

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

   3.49     3.58  
   For the Twelve Months Ended 
   September 30,   December 31, 
   2015   2014 

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

   3.32     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, net earnings impacts from gas infrastructure replacement surcharges, 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, 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, decisions to consider other options to resolve open construction change orders, the expectation that the tax-basis

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SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2015

Form 10-Q

goodwill assigned to Brigadier will be deductible for tax purposes, expected timing of draft regulations associated with SB 151 legislation, the timing and impact of the proposed holding company reorganization, 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, 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 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.

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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).

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 JuneSeptember 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 secondthird quarter of 2015 that have materially affected, or are likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

 

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SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

JuneSeptember 30, 2015

  Form 10-Q

 

PART II - 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 DISCLOSURESNot applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION None.

The Board of Directors (“Board”) of the Company authorized management to evaluate and pursue a holding company reorganization. Regulatory applications for preapproval of the reorganization were filed with the Arizona Corporation Commission, the California Public Utilities Commission and the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada in October 2015. Following the reorganization, the Company would be a wholly owned subsidiary of the new parent holding company (“HoldCo”), and the Company’s 96.6% interest in Centuri would be held by HoldCo.

Upon consummation of the reorganization, each outstanding share of Southwest Gas Corporation common stock would automatically convert into a share of common stock of HoldCo on a one-for-one basis. Shareholders of Southwest Gas Corporation immediately prior to consummation of the reorganization would own the same relative percentages of HoldCo upon the consummation of the reorganization. Shareholder approval is not required to consummate the reorganization under the provisions of the California Corporations Code. The reorganization would not result in any new tax liabilities for the Company or its stakeholders, including shareholders.

The reorganization is subject to approval by the aforementioned state regulatory commissions, consents from various third parties, and final Board approval. Subject to such conditions, the reorganization could become effective in the second half of 2016.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

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

 

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 JuneSeptember 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.

 

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SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

JuneSeptember 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: November 5, 2015

Date: August 6, 2015

/s/ GREGORY J. PETERSON

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

 

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