EX-99.1 2 q4trp-12312015xexx991parta.htm TRANSCANADA CORPORATION NEWS RELEASE DATED FEBRUARY 11, 2016 Exhibit

NewsRelease
 
 
 
 

TransCanada Reports Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2015 Financial Results
Common Share Dividend Increased Nine Per Cent to $2.26 Per Share Annually

CALGARY, Alberta – February 11, 2016 – TransCanada Corporation (TSX, NYSE: TRP) (TransCanada) today announced a net loss attributable to common shares for fourth quarter 2015 of $2.5 billion or $3.47 per share compared to net income of $458 million or $0.65 per share for the same period in 2014. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the net loss attributable to common shares was $1.2 billion or $1.75 per share compared to net income of $1.7 billion or $2.46 per share in 2014. Comparable earnings for fourth quarter 2015 were $453 million or $0.64 per share compared to $511 million or $0.72 per share for the same period last year. For the year ended December 31, 2015, comparable earnings were $1.8 billion or $2.48 per share compared to $1.7 billion or $2.42 per share in 2014. TransCanada's Board of Directors also declared a quarterly dividend of $0.565 per common share for the quarter ending March 31, 2016, equivalent to $2.26 per common share on an annualized basis, an increase of nine per cent. This is the sixteenth consecutive year the Board of Directors has raised the dividend.

“Although 2015 was a very challenging year for the energy industry, our $64 billion portfolio of high-quality energy infrastructure assets performed well," said Russ Girling, TransCanada’s president and chief executive officer. “Excluding specific items, comparable earnings and funds generated from operations reached record levels while we continued to safely and reliably meet the needs of our customers across North America.”

While we were extremely disappointed by the denial of a Presidential Permit for Keystone XL and the resulting $2.9 billion after-tax non-cash impairment charge, we are well positioned to continue to grow earnings and cash flow in the years ahead. Our assets are largely underpinned by cost of service regulated business models or long-term contracts with solid counterparties resulting in highly predictable cash flow streams with minimal commodity or volume throughput risk. In addition, we are proceeding with $13 billion of near-term growth opportunities that are expected to be in-service by 2018. Over the medium to longer-term we are advancing $45 billion of commercially secured, large-scale projects and various other initiatives that will create significant additional shareholder value.

“Based on the confidence we have in our future outlook, we recently repurchased 7.1 million common shares and are pleased to announce a nine per cent increase in the common share dividend,” added Girling. “Building upon the resiliency of our base business, our visible, near-term growth and our financial strength, our common share dividend is expected to rise at an average annual rate of eight to ten per cent through 2020. Success in advancing additional initiatives could further extend and augment future dividend growth.”

Fourth Quarter and Year-End Highlights
(All financial figures are unaudited and in Canadian dollars unless noted otherwise)
Fourth quarter 2015 financial results:
Net loss attributable to common shares of $2.5 billion or $3.47 per share
Comparable earnings of $453 million or $0.64 per share
Comparable earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of $1.5 billion
Funds generated from operations of $1.2 billion
Comparable distributable cash flow of $778 million or $1.10 per share
For the year ended December 31, 2015:
Net loss attributable to common shares of $1.2 billion or $1.75 per share
Comparable earnings of $1.8 billion or $2.48 per share
Comparable EBITDA of $5.9 billion
Funds generated from operations of $4.5 billion
Comparable distributable cash flow of $3.5 billion or $5.00 per share



Announced an increase in the quarterly common share dividend of nine per cent to $0.565 per common share for the quarter ending March 31, 2016
Filed a normal course issuer bid to allow for the repurchase of up to 21.3 million common shares by November 22, 2016 and repurchased 7.1 million common shares for $307 million under this program as of February 10, 2016
Acquired an additional interest in Bruce Power for $236 million, bringing our interest to 48.5 per cent
Announced the Bruce Power Life Extension Agreement that will extend the operating life of the facility to 2064. TransCanada's estimated share of the capital investment over the life of the agreement is $6.5 billion (2014 dollars)
Awarded a contract to build the US$500 million Tuxpan-Tula Pipeline in Mexico
Announced the NGTL System reached a two-year revenue agreement with customers for 2016-2017 and signed contracts that will require a further expansion of approximately $600 million for 2018
Sold a 49.9 per cent interest in Portland Natural Gas Transmission System (PNGTS) to TC PipeLines, LP for US$223 million
Amended the application to the National Energy Board (NEB) for the Energy East Pipeline to reflect an adjusted route, schedule and capital cost
Commenced legal actions following the U.S. Administration's denial of a Presidential Permit for the Keystone XL pipeline

Net income attributable to common shares decreased by $2.9 billion to a net loss of $2.5 billion or $3.47 per share for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same period last year. Fourth quarter 2015 included a net loss of $2.9 billion related to specific items including a $2.9 billion after-tax impairment charge related to Keystone XL, an $86 million after-tax loss provision related to the sale of TC Offshore, a $43 million after-tax charge related to an impairment of turbine equipment held for future use in Energy, a debt retirement charge of $27 million after-tax related to the merger of Bruce A and Bruce B, a $60 million after-tax charge for our business restructuring and transformation initiative and a positive $199 million adjustment related to the impact on our net income from non-controlling interests of TC PipeLines, LP's impairment of their equity investment in Great Lakes. Fourth quarter 2014 included an $8 million after-tax gain from the sale of Gas Pacifico/INNERGY. Both periods included unrealized gains and losses from changes in risk management activities. All of these specific items are excluded from comparable earnings.

Net loss attributable to common shares for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $1.2 billion or $1.75 per share compared to net income of $1.7 billion or $2.46 per share in 2014. Results in 2015 included a net loss of $3.0 billion related to specific items including those noted above for the fourth quarter as well as an Alberta corporate income tax rate increase of $34 million. Results in 2014 included a net after-tax gain of $99 million from the sale of Cancarb and its related power generation facility, an after-tax $32 million expense for terminating a natural gas storage contract and an $8 million after-tax gain from the sale of Gas Pacifico/INNERGY. These amounts, along with unrealized gains and losses on risk management activities, were excluded from comparable earnings.

Comparable earnings for fourth quarter 2015 were $453 million or $0.64 per share compared to $511 million or $0.72 per share for the same period in 2014. Lower contributions from Canadian Power and the Canadian Mainline were partially offset by higher earnings from the Keystone System.

Comparable earnings for the year ended December 31, 2015 were $1.8 billion or $2.48 per share compared to $1.7 billion or $2.42 per share in 2014. Higher earnings from the Keystone System, U.S. Power, ANR, Eastern Power and Mexico were partially offset by lower contributions from Western Power and Bruce Power.




Notable recent developments in Natural Gas Pipelines, Liquids Pipelines, Energy and Corporate include:

Natural Gas Pipelines:

NGTL System: In 2015, we placed approximately $350 million of facilities into service.  Looking forward, the NGTL System continues to develop a further approximately $7.3 billion of new supply and demand facilities.  We have approximately $2.3 billion of facilities that have received regulatory approval of which approximately $450 million are currently under construction.  We have filed for approval for a further approximately $2.0 billion of facilities and are waiting for the regulatory review process.   Applications for approval to construct and operate an additional $3.0 billion of facilities have yet to be filed.

Included in our capital program is the recently announced 2018 expansion of a further $600 million of facilities required on the NGTL System. The 2018 expansion includes multiple projects totaling approximately 88 kilometres (km) (55 miles) of 20- to 48-inch diameter pipeline, one new compressor, approximately 35 new and expanded meter stations and other associated facilities. Applications to construct and operate the various components of the 2018 expansion program will be filed with the NEB between second quarter and fourth quarter 2016. Subject to regulatory approvals, construction is expected to start in 2017, with all facilities expected to be in service in 2018.

NGTL System Revenue Requirement Agreement: In December, we reached a two-year revenue requirement agreement with customers and other interested parties on the annual costs, including return on equity and depreciation, required to operate the NGTL System for 2016 and 2017. The agreement fixes the equity return at 10.1 per cent on 40 per cent deemed common equity, establishes depreciation at a forecast composite rate of 3.16 per cent and fixes operating, maintenance and administration (OM&A) costs at $222.5 million annually. An incentive mechanism for variances will enable NGTL to capture savings from improved performance while providing for the flow-through of all other costs, including pipeline integrity expenses and emissions costs. On December 1, 2015, NGTL filed an application with the NEB for approval of the agreement.

Eastern Mainline Project and Energy East: In October 2014, an application was filed for the Eastern Mainline Project, consisting of new gas facilities in southeastern Ontario required as a result of the proposed transfer of Canadian Mainline assets to crude oil service for the Energy East project. Application amendments were filed in December 2015 that reflect the agreement we announced in August 2015 with Eastern LDCs resolving their issues with Energy East and the Eastern Mainline Project. The agreement provides gas consumers in eastern Canada with sufficient natural gas transmission capacity to meet their needs and provides for reduced natural gas transmission costs. The Eastern Mainline Project capital cost is estimated to be $2.0 billion and is conditioned on the approval and construction of the Energy East pipeline.

Canadian Mainline Expansions: In addition to the Eastern Mainline Project, new facilities totaling approximately $700 million over the 2016 to 2017 period in the Eastern Triangle portion of the Canadian Mainline are required to meet contractual commitments from shippers.

Tuxpan-Tula Pipeline: In November 2015, we were awarded the contract to build, own and operate the US$500 million, 36-inch, 250 km (155 mile) Tuxpan-Tula pipeline under a 25-year contract with the Comision Federal de Electricidad (CFE). The pipeline will originate in Tuxpan in the state of Veracruz and extend through the states of Puebla and Hidalgo, supplying natural gas to each of those jurisdictions as well as the central region of Mexico. The pipeline will serve new power generating facilities as well as existing power plants that plan to switch from fuel oil to natural gas as their base fuel. Physical construction is expected to begin in 2016 with a planned in-service date in fourth quarter 2017. 

Topolobampo and Mazatlan Pipelines: The US$1 billion Topolobampo project and the US$400 million Mazatlan project are in their final construction stages. Both projects are supported by 25-year contracts with the CFE and are expected to be in-service in late 2016.




ANR Section 4 Rate Case: ANR Pipeline filed a Section 4 Rate Case with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on January 29, 2016 that requests an increase to ANR's maximum transportation rates. Changes to ANR’s traditional supply sources and markets, necessary operational changes, needed infrastructure updates, and evolving regulatory requirements are driving required investment in facility maintenance, reliability and system integrity as well as an increase in operating costs that have resulted in the current tariff rates not providing a reasonable return on our investment. We will also pursue a collaborative process to find a mutually beneficial outcome with our customers through settlement negotiations.  ANR's last rate case filing was more than 20 years ago. 

TC Offshore: On December 18, 2015, we entered into an agreement to sell TC Offshore to a third party and expect the sale to close in early 2016. As a result, at December 31, 2015, the related assets and liabilities were classified as held for sale and recorded at their fair values less costs to sell, resulting in a loss on assets held for sale of $125 million ($86 million after-tax).

Sale of PNGTS to TC PipeLines, LP: On January 1, 2016, we closed the sale of a 49.9 per cent interest of our total 61.7 per cent interest in PNGTS to TC PipeLines, LP for US$223 million including the assumption of US$35 million of proportional PNGTS debt.

Prince Rupert Gas Transmission: In June 2015, Pacific Northwest LNG (PNW LNG) announced a positive Final Investment Decision (FID) for its proposed liquefaction and export facility, subject to two conditions. The first condition, approval by the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia of a Project Development Agreement between PNW LNG and the Province of B.C., was satisfied in July 2015. The second condition is a positive regulatory decision on PNW LNG’s environmental assessment by the Government of Canada, which has not yet been received.

Prince Rupert Gas Transmission (PRGT) has all of the primary regulatory permits required from the B.C. Oil and Gas Commission (BC OGC) and the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office for the project. We are continuing our engagement with Aboriginal groups and have now signed project agreements with ten First Nations along the pipeline route.

We remain on target to begin construction following confirmation of a FID by PNW LNG. The in-service date for PRGT is estimated to be 2020 but will be aligned with PNW LNG's liquefaction facility timeline. Should the project not proceed, our project costs (including carrying charges) are fully recoverable.

Coastal GasLink: We continue to engage with stakeholders along the pipeline route and are progressing detailed engineering and construction planning work. We have received eight of ten pipeline and facilities permits from the BC OGC and anticipate receiving the remaining two permits in first quarter 2016. With these permits, Coastal GasLink will hold all of the required primary regulatory permits for the project. We are also continuing our engagement with Aboriginal groups along our pipeline route and have now signed long-term project agreements with eleven First Nations.

Pending the receipt of regulatory approvals and a positive FID from the LNG Canada joint venture participants in 2016, we will begin construction. The pipeline in-service date will be scheduled to coincide with the operational requirements of the LNG Canada facility to be built in Kitimat, B.C. Should the project not proceed, our project costs (including carrying charges) are fully recoverable.

Merrick Mainline: The proposed Merrick Mainline pipeline project that will transport natural gas sourced through the NGTL System to the inlet of the proposed Pacific Trail Pipeline terminating at the Kitimat LNG Terminal near Kitimat, B.C. has been delayed. In late 2015, the Kitimat LNG partners advised us that they are re-phasing the pace of Kitimat LNG facility development. Since the Merrick Mainline is dependent upon the construction of the downstream infrastructure, the in-service date of the Merrick Mainline will be no earlier than 2021.




Liquids Pipelines:
 
Keystone Pipeline System: In fourth quarter 2015, we secured additional long term contracts bringing our total contract position to 545,000 Bbl/d.

Houston Lateral and Terminal: On January 13, 2016, we entered into an agreement with Magellan Midstream Partners L.P. (Magellan) to connect our Houston Terminal to Magellan's Houston and Texas City, Texas delivery system. We will own 50 per cent of this US$50 million pipeline project which will enhance connections for our Keystone Pipeline System to the Houston market. The pipeline is expected to be operational during the first half of 2017, subject to the receipt of all necessary rights-of-way, permits and regulatory approvals.

CITGO Sour Lake Pipeline: We have entered into an agreement with CITGO Petroleum (CITGO) to construct a US$65 million pipeline connection from the Keystone Pipeline System to provide access to CITGO’s Sour Lake, Texas terminal, which supplies their 425,000 Bbl/d Lake Charles, Louisiana refinery. The connection is targeted to be operational in fourth quarter 2016.

Keystone XL: The decision on the Keystone XL permit application was delayed throughout 2015 by the U.S. Department of State and was ultimately denied in November 2015.

At December 31, 2015, as a result of the denial of the Presidential permit, we evaluated our investment in Keystone XL and related projects, including Keystone Hardisty Terminal, for impairment. As a result of our analysis, we determined that the carrying amount of these assets was no longer recoverable, and recognized a total non-cash impairment charge of $3.7 billion ($2.9 billion after-tax). The impairment charge was based on the excess of the carrying value over the fair value of $621 million, which includes a $93 million fair value for Keystone Hardisty Terminal. The Keystone Hardisty Terminal remains on hold with an estimated in-service date to be driven by market need.

On January 6, 2016, we filed a Notice of Intent to initiate a claim under Chapter 11 of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in response to the U.S. Administration’s decision to deny a Presidential Permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline on the basis that the denial was arbitrary and unjustified. Through the NAFTA claim, we are seeking to recover more than US$15 billion in costs and damages that we have suffered as a result of the U.S. Administration’s breach of its NAFTA obligations.

On the same day, we filed a lawsuit in the U.S. Federal Court in Houston, Texas, asserting that the U.S. President’s decision to deny construction of Keystone XL exceeded his power under the U.S. Constitution. The federal court lawsuit does not seek damages, but rather a declaration that the permit denial is without legal merit and that no further Presidential action is required before construction of the pipeline can proceed.

We remain supportive of Keystone XL and continue to review our options, including filing a new application for a cross border permit.

Energy East Pipeline: In December 2015, we filed an amendment to the existing Energy East Pipeline application with the NEB. The amendment adjusts the proposed route, scope and capital cost of the project reflecting refinement and scope change including the removal of a marine port in Québec. The project will continue to serve the three eastern Canadian refineries along the route in Montréal and Québec City, Québec and Saint John, New Brunswick. Changes to the project schedule and scope, as reflected in the amendment, have contributed to a new project capital cost of $15.7 billion, excluding the transfer of Canadian Mainline natural gas assets.

Subject to regulatory approvals, the pipeline is anticipated to commence deliveries by the end of 2020. However, on January 27, 2016, the Canadian federal government announced interim measures for its review of the Energy East pipeline project. The government announced it will undertake additional consultations with aboriginal groups, help facilitate expanded public input into the NEB and assess Energy East's impact on upstream greenhouse gas emissions. The government will seek a six month extension to the NEB's legislative review and a three month extension to the legislative time limit for the



government's decision which will extend the total review time to 27 months. We are reviewing these changes and will assess the impact to the project.

Northern Courier Pipeline: Construction continues on the pipeline system to transport bitumen and diluent between the Fort Hills mine site and Suncor Energy’s terminal located north of Fort McMurray, Alberta. The project is fully underpinned by long term contracts with the Fort Hills partnership. We expect the pipeline system to be ready for service in 2017.

Grand Rapids Pipeline: Grand Rapids Pipeline is a dual 36-inch/20-inch crude oil and diluent pipeline system connecting producing areas northwest of Fort McMurray, Alberta to terminals in the Edmonton/Heartland, Alberta region. We have a joint partnership with Brion Energy to develop the Grand Rapids Pipeline with each owning 50 per cent of the pipeline project.

Construction is progressing on phase one, which includes a 20-inch pipeline from northern Alberta to Edmonton, Alberta and a 36-inch pipeline between Edmonton and Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. We anticipate phase one to begin crude oil transportation service in 2017. The construction of phase two, the larger 36-inch pipeline, is currently delayed and the in-service date will be subject to sufficient market demand.

Energy:

Bruce Power: In December 2015, Bruce Power entered into an agreement with the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to extend the operating life of the facility to the end of 2064. This new agreement represents an extension and material amendment to the earlier agreement that led to the refurbishment of Units 1 and 2 at the site.

The amended agreement took effect on January 1, 2016 and allows Bruce Power to immediately invest in life extension activities for Units 3 through 8. Our share of investment in the Asset Management (AM) program to be completed over the life of the agreement is approximately $2.5 billion (2014 dollars). Our share of investment in the Major Component Replacement (MCR) work, that is expected to occur between 2020 and 2033, is approximately $4 billion (2014 dollars). Under certain conditions, Bruce Power and the IESO can elect to not proceed with the remaining MCR investments should the cost exceed certain thresholds or prove to not provide sufficient economic benefits. The agreement has been structured to account for changing cost inputs over time, including ongoing operating costs and additional capital investments. Beginning in 2016, Bruce Power receives a uniform price of $65.73 per MWh for all units. This price will be adjusted over the term of the agreement to incorporate incremental capital investment and cost changes.

In connection with this opportunity, we exercised our option to acquire an additional 14.89 per cent ownership interest in Bruce B for $236 million from the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS). Subsequent to this acquisition, Bruce A and Bruce B were merged to form a single partnership structure. In 2015 we recognized a charge of $36 million ($27 million after-tax), representing our proportionate share, on the retirement of Bruce Power debt in conjunction with this merger. TransCanada and OMERS each hold a 48.5 per cent interest in this newly merged partnership structure.

Ironwood: On February 1, 2016, we acquired the 778 MW Ironwood natural gas fired, combined cycle power plant located in Lebanon, Pennsylvania from Talen Energy Corporation for US$657 million before post closing adjustments. The Ironwood power plant delivers energy into the PJM power market and will provide us with a solid platform from which to continue to grow our wholesale, commercial and industrial customer base in this market area.

Napanee Project: Construction activities continue on the 900 MW Napanee natural gas-fired power plant in eastern Ontario. We expect to invest approximately $1.0 billion in the facility during construction and commercial operations are expected to begin in late 2017 or early 2018. Production from the facility is fully contracted with the IESO.




Turbine Equipment Impairment Charge: In the fourth quarter of 2015 we recorded an impairment loss of $59 million for turbine equipment previously purchased for a new power development project that did not proceed.
 
Corporate:

Common Share Dividend: Our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.565 per share for the quarter ending March 31, 2016 on TransCanada’s outstanding common shares. The quarterly amount is equivalent to $2.26 per common share on an annualized basis and represents a nine per cent increase over the previous amount. This is the sixteenth consecutive year the Board of Directors has raised the dividend.

Common Share Repurchase: On November 19, 2015, the Company announced that the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) had approved a normal course issuer bid which allows for the repurchase of up to 21.3 million common shares between November 23, 2015 and November 22, 2016 at prevailing market prices plus brokerage fees, or such other prices as may be permitted by the TSX. As at February 10, 2016, the Company had repurchased 7.1 million common shares for $307 million under this program.

Corporate Restructuring and Business Transformation: In mid-2015, we commenced a business restructuring and transformation initiative. While there is no change to our corporate strategy, we undertook this initiative to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of our existing operations and reduce overall costs. In the fourth quarter, we recorded a charge of $60 million after-tax comprised of $28 million related to the 2015 program and a provision of $32 million for planned severance costs related to 2016 and expected losses under lease commitments. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the charge totaled $74 million after-tax.

Financing Activity: In October 2015, we issued $400 million of medium-term notes maturing on November 15, 2041 bearing interest at 4.55 per cent and in November 2015, we issued US$1.0 billion of two-year fixed rate notes maturing on November 9, 2017 bearing interest at 1.625 per cent. In January 2016, we issued a further US$1.25 billion in the U.S. debt capital markets comprised of US$850 million of 10-year notes bearing interest at 4.875 per cent and US$400 million of 3-year notes bearing interest at 3.125 per cent.

Teleconference and Webcast:

We will hold a teleconference and webcast on Thursday, February 11, 2016 to discuss our fourth quarter 2015 financial results. Russ Girling, TransCanada President and Chief Executive Officer, and Don Marchand, Executive Vice-President, Corporate Development and Chief Financial Officer, along with other members of the TransCanada executive leadership team, will discuss the financial results and Company developments at 1 p.m. (MT) / 3 p.m. (ET).

Analysts, members of the media and other interested parties are invited to participate by calling 866.223.7781 or 416.340.2216 (Toronto area). Please dial in 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. No pass code is required. A live webcast of the teleconference will be available at www.transcanada.com.
A replay of the teleconference will be available two hours after the conclusion of the call until midnight (ET) on February 18, 2016. Please call 800.408.3053 or 905.694.9451 (Toronto area) and enter pass code 9573850.
The audited annual Consolidated Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) are available under TransCanada's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/info/edgar.shtml and on the TransCanada website at www.transcanada.com.

With more than 65 years' experience, TransCanada is a leader in the responsible development and reliable operation of North American energy infrastructure including natural gas and liquids pipelines, power generation and gas storage facilities. TransCanada operates a network of natural gas pipelines that extends more than 67,000 kilometres (42,000 miles), tapping into virtually all major gas supply basins in North America. TransCanada is one of the continent's largest providers of gas storage and related services with 368 billion cubic feet of storage capacity. A growing independent power producer, TransCanada owns or has interests in



over 13,100 megawatts of power generation in Canada and the United States. TransCanada is developing one of North America's largest liquids delivery systems. TransCanada's common shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under the symbol TRP. Visit TransCanada.com and our blog to learn more, or connect with us on social media and 3BL Media.



- 30 -

TransCanada Media Enquiries:
Mark Cooper/Terry Cunha
403.920.7859 or 800.608.7859

TransCanada Investor & Analyst Enquiries:    
David Moneta/Stuart Kampel
403.920.7911 or 800.361.6522



Fourth quarter 2015 financial highlights
 
 
three months ended
December 31
 
year ended
December 31
(unaudited - millions of $, except per share amounts)
 
2015

 
2014

 
2015

 
2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
2,851

 
2,616

 
11,300

 
10,185

Net (loss)/income attributable to common shares
 
(2,458
)
 
458

 
(1,240
)
 
1,743

per common share - basic and diluted
 

($3.47
)
 

$0.65

 

($1.75
)
 

$2.46

Comparable EBITDA1
 
1,527

 
1,521

 
5,908

 
5,521

Comparable earnings1
 
453

 
511

 
1,755

 
1,715

per common share1
 

$0.64

 

$0.72

 

$2.48

 

$2.42

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating cash flow
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Funds generated from operations1
 
1,159

 
1,178

 
4,513

 
4,268

(Increase)/decrease in operating working capital
 
(20
)
 
12

 
(398
)
 
(189
)
Net cash provided by operations
 
1,139

 
1,190

 
4,115

 
4,079

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comparable distributable cash flow1
 
778

 
786

 
3,546

 
3,406

 per common share1
 
$1.10
 
$1.11
 
$5.00
 
$4.81
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investing activities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Capital spending - capital expenditures
 
1,170

 
1,108

 
3,918

 
3,489

Capital spending - projects in development
 
46

 
344

 
511

 
848

Contributions to equity investments
 
190

 
61

 
493

 
256

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
 
236

 
60

 
236

 
241

Proceeds from sale of assets, net of transaction costs
 

 
9

 

 
196

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends declared
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
Per common share
 

$0.52

 

$0.48

 

$2.08

 

$1.92

Basic common shares outstanding (millions)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Average for the period
 
708

 
709

 
709

 
708

End of period
 
703

 
709

 
703

 
709


1 
Comparable EBITDA, comparable earnings, comparable earnings per common share, funds generated from operations, comparable distributable cash flow and comparable distributable cash flow per common share are all non-GAAP measures. See the non-GAAP measures section for more information on the non-GAAP measures we use and the Reconciliation of non-GAAP measures section for reconciliations to their GAAP equivalents.



FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

We disclose forward-looking information to help current and potential investors understand management’s assessment of our future plans and financial outlook, and our future prospects overall.
 
Statements that are forward-looking are based on certain assumptions and on what we know and expect today and generally include words like anticipate, expect, believe, may, will, should, estimate or other similar words.
 
Forward-looking statements in this news release may include information about the following, among other things:
anticipated business prospects
our financial and operational performance, including the performance of our subsidiaries
expectations or projections about strategies and goals for growth and expansion
expected cash flows and future financing options available to us
expected costs for planned projects, including projects under construction and in development
expected schedules for planned projects (including anticipated construction and completion dates)
expected regulatory processes and outcomes
expected common share purchases under our normal course issuer bid
expected impact of regulatory outcomes
expected outcomes with respect to legal proceedings, including arbitration and insurance claims
expected capital expenditures and contractual obligations
expected operating and financial results
the expected impact of future accounting changes, commitments and contingent liabilities
expected industry, market and economic conditions.

Forward-looking statements do not guarantee future performance. Actual events and results could be significantly different because of assumptions, risks or uncertainties related to our business or events that happen after the date of this news release.
 
Our forward-looking information is based on the following key assumptions, and subject to the following risks and uncertainties:
 
Assumptions
inflation rates, commodity prices and capacity prices
timing of financings and hedging
regulatory decisions and outcomes
foreign exchange rates
interest rates
tax rates
planned and unplanned outages and the use of our pipeline and energy assets
integrity and reliability of our assets
access to capital markets
anticipated construction costs, schedules and completion dates
acquisitions and divestitures.

Risks and uncertainties
our ability to successfully implement our strategic initiatives
whether our strategic initiatives will yield the expected benefits
the operating performance of our pipeline and energy assets
amount of capacity sold and rates achieved in our pipeline businesses
the availability and price of energy commodities
the amount of capacity payments and revenues we receive from our energy business
regulatory decisions and outcomes
outcomes of legal proceedings, including arbitration and insurance claims
performance and credit risk of our counterparties
changes in market commodity prices
changes in the political environment



changes in environmental and other laws and regulations
competitive factors in the pipeline and energy sectors
construction and completion of capital projects
costs for labour, equipment and materials
access to capital markets
interest, tax and foreign exchange rates
weather
cyber security
technological developments
economic conditions in North America as well as globally.

You can read more about these factors and others in reports we have filed with Canadian securities regulators and the SEC, including the MD&A in our 2014 Annual Report.
 
As actual results could vary significantly from forward-looking information, you should not put undue reliance on forward-looking information and should not use future-oriented information or financial outlooks for anything other than their intended purpose. We do not update our forward-looking statements due to new information or future events, unless we are required to by law.
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION

You can find more information about TransCanada in our annual information form and other disclosure documents, which are available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com).
 
NON-GAAP MEASURES

We use the following non-GAAP measures:
EBITDA
EBIT
funds generated from operations
distributable cash flow
distributable cash flow per common share
comparable earnings
comparable earnings per common share
comparable EBITDA
comparable EBIT
comparable distributable cash flow
comparable distributable cash flow per common share
comparable income from equity investments
comparable interest expense
comparable interest income and other
comparable income tax expense
comparable net income attributable to non-controlling interests.
 
These measures do not have any standardized meaning as prescribed by U.S. GAAP and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities. Please see the Reconciliation of non-GAAP measures section in this news release for a reconciliation of the GAAP measures to the non-GAAP measures.
 
EBITDA and EBIT
We use EBITDA as an approximate measure of our pre-tax operating cash flow. It measures our earnings before deducting financial charges, income tax, depreciation and amortization, net income attributable to non-controlling interests and preferred share dividends, and includes income from equity investments. EBIT measures our earnings from ongoing operations and is a useful measure of our performance and an effective tool for evaluating trends in each segment as it is equivalent to our segmented earnings. It is calculated in the same way as EBITDA, less depreciation and amortization.
 



Funds generated from operations
Funds generated from operations includes net cash provided by operations before changes in operating working capital. We believe it is a useful measure of our consolidated operating cash flow because it does not include fluctuations from working capital balances, which do not necessarily reflect underlying operations in the same period and is used to provide a consistent measure of the cash generating performance of our assets. See the Financial condition section for a reconciliation to net cash provided by operations.
Distributable cash flow
Distributable cash flow is defined as funds generated from operations plus distributions in excess of equity earnings less preferred share dividends, distributions to non-controlling interests and maintenance capital expenditures. Maintenance capital expenditures represent costs which are necessary to preserve the operating ability of our assets and investments. We believe it is a useful supplemental measure of performance that defines cash available to common shareholders before capital allocation. See the Reconciliation of non-GAAP measures section for a reconciliation to net cash provided by operations.

Comparable measures
We calculate the comparable measures by adjusting certain GAAP and non-GAAP measures for specific items we believe are significant but not reflective of our underlying operations in the period. These comparable measures are calculated on a consistent basis from period to period and are adjusted for specific items in each period, as applicable.
Comparable measure
Original measure
 
 
comparable earnings
net income attributable to common shares
comparable earnings per common share
net income per common share
comparable EBITDA
EBITDA
comparable EBIT
segmented earnings
comparable distributable cash flow
distributable cash flow
comparable distributable cash flow per common share
distributable cash flow per common share
comparable income from equity investments
income from equity investments
comparable interest expense
interest expense
comparable interest income and other
interest income and other
comparable income tax expense
income tax expense
comparable net income attributable to non-controlling interests
net income attributable to non-controlling interests
 
Our decision not to adjust for a specific item is subjective and made after careful consideration. Specific items may include:
certain fair value adjustments relating to risk management activities
income tax refunds and adjustments and changes to enacted rates
gains or losses on sales of assets
legal, contractual and bankruptcy settlements
impact of regulatory or arbitration decisions relating to prior year earnings
restructuring costs
impairment of assets and investments.

In calculating comparable earnings and other comparable measures we exclude the unrealized gains and losses from changes in the fair value of derivatives used to reduce our exposure to certain financial and commodity price risks. These derivatives generally provide effective economic hedges, but do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting. As a result, the changes in fair value are recorded in net income. As these unrealized changes in fair value do not accurately reflect the gains and losses that will be realized at settlement, we do not consider them reflective of our underlying operations.



Consolidated results - fourth quarter 2015

 
 
three months ended
December 31
 
year ended
December 31
(unaudited - millions of $, except per share amounts)
 
2015

 
2014

 
2015

 
2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural Gas Pipelines
 
572

 
621

 
2,220

 
2,187

Liquids Pipelines
 
(3,413
)
 
230

 
(2,630
)
 
843

Energy
 
82

 
219

 
812

 
1,051

Corporate
 
(161
)
 
(43
)
 
(301
)
 
(150
)
Total segmented (losses)/earnings
 
(2,920
)

1,027


101


3,931

Interest expense
 
(380
)
 
(323
)
 
(1,370
)
 
(1,198
)
Interest income and other
 
80

 
28

 
163

 
91

(Loss)/income before income taxes
 
(3,220
)

732


(1,106
)

2,824

Income tax recovery/(expense)
 
646

 
(206
)
 
(34
)
 
(831
)
Net (loss)/income
 
(2,574
)

526


(1,140
)

1,993

Net loss/(income) attributable to non-controlling interests
 
139

 
(43
)
 
(6
)
 
(153
)
Net (loss)/income attributable to controlling interests
 
(2,435
)

483


(1,146
)

1,840

Preferred share dividends
 
(23
)
 
(25
)
 
(94
)
 
(97
)
Net (loss)/income attributable to common shares
 
(2,458
)

458


(1,240
)

1,743

Net (loss)/income per common share - basic and diluted
 

($3.47
)
 
$0.65
 

($1.75
)
 
$2.46

Net income attributable to common shares decreased by $2,916 million to a net loss of $2,458 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. The 2015 results included:
a $2,891 million after-tax impairment charge on the carrying value of our investment in Keystone XL and related projects
an $86 million after-tax loss provision related to the sale of TC Offshore expected to close in early 2016
a net charge of $60 million after tax for our business restructuring and transformation initiative comprised of $28 million mainly related to 2015 severance costs and a provision of $32 million for 2016 planned severance costs and expected future losses under lease commitments. These charges form part of a restructuring initiative, which commenced in 2015 to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of our existing operations and reduce overall costs
a $43 million after-tax charge relating to an impairment in value on turbine equipment held for future use in our Energy business
a charge of $27 million after-tax related to Bruce Power's retirement of debt in conjunction with the merger of the Bruce A and Bruce B partnerships
a $199 million positive income adjustment related to the impact on our net income from non-controlling interests of TC PipeLines, LP's impairment of their equity investment in Great Lakes.
The 2014 results included:
an $8 million after-tax gain on sale of our 30 per cent interest in Gas Pacifico/INNERGY.
Net income in both periods included unrealized gains and losses from changes in risk management activities which we exclude, along with the above-noted items, to arrive at comparable earnings.
Comparable earnings decreased by $58 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 as discussed below in the reconciliation of net income to comparable earnings.




RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO COMPARABLE EARNINGS
 
 
three months ended
December 31
 
year ended
December 31
(unaudited - millions of $, except per share amounts)
 
2015

 
2014

 
2015

 
2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to common shares
 
(2,458
)
 
458

 
(1,240
)
 
1,743

Specific items (net of tax):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Keystone XL impairment charge
 
2,891

 

 
2,891

 

TC Offshore loss on sale
 
86

 

 
86

 

Restructuring costs
 
60

 

 
74

 

Turbine equipment impairment charge
 
43

 

 
43

 

Alberta corporate income tax rate increase
 

 

 
34

 

Bruce Power merger - debt retirement charge
 
27

 

 
27

 

Non-controlling interests - (TC PipeLines, LP -
     Great Lakes impairment)
 
(199
)
 

 
(199
)
 

Cancarb gain on sale
 

 

 

 
(99
)
Niska contract termination
 

 

 

 
32

Gas Pacifico/INNERGY gain on sale
 

 
(8
)
 

 
(8
)
Risk management activities1
 
3

 
61

 
39

 
47

Comparable earnings
 
453

 
511

 
1,755

 
1,715

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss)/income per common share
 

($3.47
)
 
$0.65
 

($1.75
)
 
$2.46
Specific items (net of tax):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Keystone XL impairment charge
 
4.08

 

 
4.08

 

TC Offshore loss on sale
 
0.12

 

 
0.12

 

Restructuring costs
 
0.08

 

 
0.10

 

Turbine equipment impairment charge
 
0.06

 

 
0.06

 

Alberta corporate income tax rate increase
 

 

 
0.05

 

Bruce Power merger - debt retirement charge
 
0.04

 

 
0.04

 

Non-controlling interests - (TC PipeLines, LP -
     Great Lakes impairment)
 
(0.28
)
 

 
(0.28
)
 

Cancarb gain on sale
 

 

 

 
(0.14
)
Niska contract termination
 

 

 

 
0.04

Gas Pacifico/INNERGY gain on sale
 

 
(0.01
)
 

 
(0.01
)
Risk management activities1
 
0.01

 
0.08

 
0.06

 
0.07

Comparable earnings per common share
 

$0.64

 
$0.72
 

$2.48

 
$2.42
1 
 
Risk management activities
 
three months ended
December 31
 
year ended
December 31
 
 
(unaudited - millions of $)
 
2015

 
2014

 
2015

 
2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Canadian Power
 
(1
)
 
(11
)
 
(8
)
 
(11
)
 
 
U.S. Power
 
(8
)
 
(85
)
 
(30
)
 
(55
)
 
 
Natural Gas Storage
 
(1
)
 
9

 
1

 
13

 
 
Foreign exchange
 
4

 
(12
)
 
(21
)
 
(21
)
 
 
Income tax attributable to risk management activities
 
3

 
38

 
19

 
27

 
 
Total losses from risk management activities
 
(3
)
 
(61
)
 
(39
)
 
(47
)

Comparable earnings decreased by $58 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. This was primarily the net effect of:
lower Canadian Mainline incentive earnings
lower earnings from Canadian Power due to lower realized power prices and PPA volumes from Western Power, lower earnings from Bruce Power due to higher planned outage days and higher operating expenses at Bruce A, partially offset by fewer planned outage days and lower lease expense at Bruce B and lower earnings on sale of unused natural gas transportation from Eastern Power



higher earnings from Liquids Pipelines due to higher contracted volumes
higher interest expense due to long-term debt issuances and the ceasing of capitalized interest on Keystone XL and related projects following the November 6, 2015 denial of a U.S. Presidential permit.
The stronger U.S. dollar in 2015 compared to 2014 positively impacted the translated results in our U.S. businesses, however, this impact was partially offset by a corresponding increase in interest expense on U.S. dollar-denominated debt as well as realized losses on foreign exchange hedges used to manage our exposure.



CAPITAL PROGRAM

We are developing quality projects under our long-term capital program. These long-life infrastructure assets are supported by long-term commercial arrangements with creditworthy counterparties or regulated business models and are expected to generate significant growth in earnings and cash flow.
Our capital program consists of $13 billion of near-term projects and $45 billion of commercially secured medium and longer-term projects. Amounts presented exclude the impact of foreign exchange, capitalized interest and AFUDC.
All project costs are subject to adjustments due to market conditions, route refinement, permitting conditions, scheduling and timing of regulatory permits.
at December 31, 2015
 
Estimated Project Cost

 
Carrying Value

(unaudited - billions of $)
 
 
 
 
 
Summary
 
 
 
 
Near-term projects
 
13.4

 
3.9

Medium to Longer-term projects
 
45.2

 
2.1

Total Capital Program
 
58.6

 
6.0

 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange impact on Capital Program1
 
4.5

 
0.8

1
Reflects foreign exchange rate of $1.38 at December 31, 2015.

Near-term projects
at December 31, 2015
 
Segment
 
Expected
in-service date
 
Estimated project cost

 
Carrying value

(unaudited - billions of $)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ironwood Acquisition
 
Energy
 
2016
 
US 0.7

 

Houston Lateral and Terminal
 
Liquids Pipelines
 
2016
 
US 0.6
 
US 0.5
Topolobampo
 
Natural Gas Pipelines
 
2016
 
US 1.0

 
US 0.9

Mazatlan
 
Natural Gas Pipelines
 
2016
 
US 0.4

 
US 0.3

Grand Rapids Phase 11
 
Liquids Pipelines
 
2017
 
0.9

 
0.5

Northern Courier
 
Liquids Pipelines
 
2017
 
1.0

 
0.6

Tuxpan-Tula
 
Natural Gas Pipelines
 
2017
 
US 0.5

 

Canadian Mainline - Other
 
Natural Gas Pipelines
 
2016-2017
 
0.7

 
0.1

NGTL System - North Montney
 
Natural Gas Pipelines
 
2017
 
1.7

 
0.3

- 2016/17 Facilities
 
Natural Gas Pipelines
 
2016-2018
 
2.7

 
0.3

- 2018 Facilities
 
Natural Gas Pipelines
 
2018
 
0.6

 

- Other
 
Natural Gas Pipelines
 
2016-2017
 
0.4

 
0.1

Napanee
 
Energy
 
2017 or 2018
 
1.0

 
0.3

Bruce Power - life extension1
 
Energy
 
2016-2020
 
1.2

 

Total Near-term projects
 
 
 
 
 
13.4

 
3.9

1 
Our proportionate share.




Medium to Longer-term projects
The medium to longer-term projects have greater uncertainty with respect to timing and estimated project costs. The expected in-service dates of these projects are 2019 and beyond, and costs provided in the schedule below reflect the most recent costs for each project as filed with the various regulatory authorities or otherwise disclosed. These projects have all been commercially secured but are subject to approvals that include sponsor FID and/or complex regulatory processes.
at December 31, 2015
 
Segment
 
Estimated project cost

 
Carrying value

(unaudited - billions of $)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Heartland and TC Terminals
 
Liquids Pipelines
 
0.9

 
0.1

Upland
 
Liquids Pipelines
 
US 0.6

 

Grand Rapids Phase 21
 
Liquids Pipelines
 
0.7

 

Bruce Power - life extension1
 
Energy
 
5.3

 

Keystone projects
 
 
 
 
 
 
Keystone XL2
 
Liquids Pipelines
 
US 8.0

 
US 0.4

Keystone Hardisty Terminal2
 
Liquids Pipelines
 
0.3

 
0.1

Energy East projects
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy East3
 
Liquids Pipelines
 
15.7

 
0.7

Eastern Mainline Project
 
Natural Gas Pipelines
 
2.0

 
0.1

BC west coast LNG-related projects
 
 
 
 
 
 
Coastal GasLink
 
Natural Gas Pipelines
 
4.8

 
0.3

Prince Rupert Gas Transmission
 
Natural Gas Pipelines
 
5.0

 
0.4

NGTL System - Merrick
 
Natural Gas Pipelines
 
1.9

 

Total Medium to Longer-term projects
 
 
 
45.2

 
2.1

1 
Our proportionate share.
2 
Carrying value reflects amount remaining after impairment charge.
3 
Excludes transfer of Canadian Mainline natural gas assets.



Natural Gas Pipelines
 
The following is a reconciliation of comparable EBITDA and comparable EBIT (our non-GAAP measures) to segmented earnings (the equivalent GAAP measure). See the non-GAAP measures section for more information on the non-GAAP measures we use as well as the reconciliation of non-GAAP measures section for reconciliations to their GAAP equivalents.
 
 
three months ended
December 31
 
year ended
December 31
(unaudited - millions of $)
 
2015

 
2014

 
2015

 
2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comparable EBITDA
 
984

 
884

 
3,477

 
3,241

Depreciation and amortization
 
(287
)
 
(272
)
 
(1,132
)
 
(1,063
)
Comparable EBIT
 
697

 
612

 
2,345

 
2,178

Specific items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TC Offshore loss on sale
 
(125
)
 

 
(125
)
 

Gas Pacifico/INNERGY gain on sale
 

 
9

 

 
9

Segmented earnings
 
572

 
621

 
2,220

 
2,187


Natural Gas Pipelines segmented earnings decreased by $49 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 and included a $125 million pre-tax loss provision recorded as a result of a December 2015 agreement to sell TC Offshore, which is expected to close in early 2016. Segmented earnings in 2014 included a $9 million pre-tax gain related to the sale of Gas Pacifico/INNERGY in November 2014. These amounts have been excluded from our calculation of comparable EBIT. Comparable EBIT and comparable EBITDA are discussed below.
 
 
three months ended
December 31
 
year ended
December 31
(unaudited - millions of $)
 
2015

 
2014

 
2015

 
2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Canadian Pipelines
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Canadian Mainline
 
354

 
396

 
1,230

 
1,334

NGTL System
 
259

 
219

 
934

 
856

Foothills
 
26

 
26

 
107

 
106

Other Canadian pipelines1
 
6

 
5

 
27

 
22

Canadian Pipelines - comparable EBITDA
 
645

 
646

 
2,298

 
2,318

Depreciation and amortization
 
(213
)
 
(208
)
 
(845
)
 
(821
)
Canadian Pipelines - comparable EBIT
 
432

 
438

 
1,453

 
1,497

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. and International Pipelines (US$)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ANR
 
55

 
47

 
232

 
189

TC PipeLines, LP1,2
 
30

 
23

 
106

 
88

Great Lakes3
 
28

 
13

 
63

 
49

Other U.S. pipelines (Bison4, Iroquois1, GTN5, Portland6)
 
18

 
32

 
84

 
132

Mexico (Guadalajara, Tamazunchale)
 
43

 
43

 
181

 
160

International and other1,7
 
2

 
(5
)
 
4

 
(10
)
Non-controlling interests8
 
84

 
65

 
292

 
241

U.S. and International Pipelines - comparable EBITDA
 
260

 
218

 
962

 
849

Depreciation and amortization
 
(55
)
 
(57
)
 
(224
)
 
(219
)
U.S. and International Pipelines - comparable EBIT
 
205

 
161

 
738

 
630

Foreign exchange impact
 
68

 
24

 
206

 
68

U.S. and International Pipelines - comparable EBIT (Cdn$)
 
273

 
185

 
944

 
698

Business Development comparable EBITDA and EBIT
 
(8
)
 
(11
)
 
(52
)
 
(17
)
Natural Gas Pipelines - comparable EBIT
 
697

 
612

 
2,345

 
2,178





1 
Results from TQM, Northern Border, Iroquois, TransGas and Gas Pacifico/INNERGY reflect our share of equity income from these investments. In November 2014, we sold our interest in Gas Pacifico/INNERGY.
2 
Beginning in August 2014, TC PipeLines, LP began its at-the-market equity issuance program which, when utilized, decreases our ownership interest in TC PipeLines, LP. On October 1, 2014, we sold our remaining 30 per cent direct interest in Bison to TC PipeLines, LP. On April 1, 2015, we sold our remaining 30 per cent direct interest in GTN to TC PipeLines, LP. The following shows our ownership interest in TC PipeLines, LP and our effective ownership interest of GTN, Bison and Great Lakes through our ownership interest in TC PipeLines, LP for the periods presented.
 
 
Ownership percentage as of
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
April 1,
2015
 
October 1, 2014
 
January 1, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TC PipeLines, LP
 
28.0
 
28.3
 
28.3
 
28.9
Effective ownership through TC PipeLines, LP:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bison
 
28.0
 
28.3
 
28.3
 
20.2
GTN
 
28.0
 
28.3
 
19.8
 
20.2
Great Lakes
 
13.0
 
13.1
 
13.1
 
13.4

3 
Represents our 53.6 per cent direct ownership interest. The remaining 46.4 per cent is held by TC PipeLines, LP.
4 
Effective October 1, 2014, we have no direct ownership in Bison. Prior to that our direct ownership interest was 30 per cent effective July 1, 2013.
5 
Effective April 1, 2015, we have no direct ownership in GTN. Prior to that our direct ownership interest was 30 per cent effective July 1, 2013.
6 
Represents our 61.7 per cent ownership interest.
7 
Includes our share of the equity income from TransGas and Gas Pacifico/INNERGY as well as general and administration costs relating to our U.S. and International Pipelines. In November 2014, we sold our interest in Gas Pacifico/INNERGY.
8 
Comparable EBITDA for the portions of TC PipeLines, LP and Portland we do not own.

CANADIAN PIPELINES

Net income and comparable EBITDA for our rate-regulated Canadian pipelines are generally affected by the approved ROE, investment base, level of deemed common equity, incentive earnings or losses and, if material, carrying charges on revenue and cost variances that are recovered in revenue on a flow-through basis. Changes in depreciation, financial charges and taxes also impact comparable EBITDA and comparable EBIT but do not have a significant impact in net income as they are almost entirely recovered in revenue on a flow-through basis.

NET INCOME - WHOLLY OWNED CANADIAN PIPELINES
 
 
three months ended
December 31
 
year ended
December 31
(unaudited - millions of $)
 
2015

 
2014

 
2015

 
2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Canadian Mainline
 
52

 
115

 
213

 
300

NGTL System
 
69

 
59

 
269

 
241

Foothills
 
4

 
4

 
15

 
17

 
Net income for the Canadian Mainline decreased by $63 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 primarily due to a lower average investment base in 2015 and a lower ROE of 10.1 per cent in 2015 compared to 11.5 per cent in 2014. Incentive earnings of $59 million for 2014 were recorded in the fourth quarter 2014 contributing to the higher net income in that period.

Net income for the NGTL System increased by $10 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 mainly due to a higher average investment base and OM&A incentive losses realized in 2014.
 
U.S. AND INTERNATIONAL PIPELINES
 
Earnings for our U.S. natural gas pipelines operations are generally affected by contracted volume levels, volumes delivered and the rates charged as well as by the cost of providing services, including OM&A and property taxes. ANR is also affected by the contracting and pricing of its storage capacity and incidental commodity sales.




Comparable EBITDA for U.S. and International Pipelines increased by US$42 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. This increase was the net effect of higher ANR Southeast Mainline transportation revenue, partially offset by increased spending on ANR pipeline integrity work.

A stronger U.S. dollar had a positive impact on the Canadian dollar equivalent comparable earnings from our U.S. and International operations.

DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION

Depreciation and amortization increased by $15 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 mainly because of a higher investment base on the NGTL System, depreciation for the completed Tamazunchale Extension, and the effect of a stronger U.S. dollar.

OPERATING STATISTICS - WHOLLY OWNED PIPELINES
year ended December 31
 
Canadian Mainline1
 
NGTL System2
 
ANR3
(unaudited)
 
2015

 
2014

 
2015

 
2014

 
2015

 
2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average investment base (millions of $)
 
4,784

 
5,690

 
6,698

 
6,236

 
n/a

 
n/a

Delivery volumes (Bcf)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Total
 
1,595

 
1,645

 
3,884

 
3,891

 
1,600

 
1,588

Average per day
 
4.4

 
4.5

 
10.6

 
10.7

 
4.4

 
4.4

 
1 
Canadian Mainline’s throughput volumes represent physical deliveries to domestic and export markets. Physical receipts originating at the Alberta border and in Saskatchewan for the year ended December 31, 2015 were 1,122 Bcf (20141,228 Bcf). Average per day was 3.1 Bcf (20143.4 Bcf).
2 
Field receipt volumes for the NGTL System for the year ended December 31, 2015 were 4,029 Bcf (20143,888 Bcf). Average per day was 11.0 Bcf (201410.7 Bcf).
3 
Under its current rates, which are approved by the FERC, changes in average investment base do not affect results.



Liquids Pipelines
 
The following is a reconciliation of comparable EBITDA and comparable EBIT (our non-GAAP measures) to segmented earnings (the equivalent GAAP measure). See the non-GAAP measures section for more information on the non-GAAP measures we use as well as the reconciliation of non-GAAP measures section for reconciliations to their GAAP equivalents.
 
 
three months ended
December 31
 
year ended
December 31
(unaudited - millions of $)
 
2015

 
2014

 
2015

 
2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comparable EBITDA
 
342

 
288

 
1,322

 
1,059

Depreciation and amortization
 
(69
)
 
(58
)
 
(266
)
 
(216
)
Comparable EBIT
 
273

 
230

 
1,056

 
843

Specific item:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Keystone XL impairment charge
 
(3,686
)
 

 
(3,686
)
 

Segmented (losses)/earnings
 
(3,413
)
 
230

 
(2,630
)
 
843



Liquids Pipelines segmented earnings decreased by $3,643 million to a segmented loss of $3,413 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. The segmented loss in 2015 included a $3,686 million pre-tax impairment charge related to Keystone XL and related projects in connection with the denial of the U.S. Presidential permit. This amount has been excluded from our calculation of comparable EBIT. The remainder of the Liquids Pipelines segmented earnings are equivalent to comparable EBIT, which, along with comparable EBITDA, are discussed below.
 
 
three months ended
December 31
 
year ended
December 31
(unaudited - millions of $)
 
2015

 
2014

 
2015

 
2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Keystone Pipeline System
 
348

 
294

 
1,345

 
1,073

Liquids Pipelines Business Development
 
(6
)
 
(6
)
 
(23
)
 
(14
)
Liquids Pipelines - comparable EBITDA
 
342


288


1,322


1,059

Depreciation and amortization
 
(69
)
 
(58
)
 
(266
)
 
(216
)
Liquids Pipelines - comparable EBIT
 
273


230


1,056


843

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comparable EBIT denominated as follows:
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Canadian dollars
 
61

 
58

 
236

 
215

U.S. dollars
 
160

 
153

 
640

 
570

Foreign exchange impact
 
52

 
19

 
180

 
58

 
 
273


230


1,056


843


Comparable EBITDA for the Keystone Pipeline System is generated primarily by providing pipeline capacity to shippers for fixed monthly payments that are not linked to actual throughput volumes. Uncontracted capacity is offered to the market on a spot basis and provides opportunities to generate incremental earnings.

Comparable EBITDA for the Keystone Pipeline System increased by $54 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 and was primarily due to:
higher contracted volumes
a stronger U.S. dollar and its positive effect on the foreign exchange impact.

DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION

Depreciation and amortization increased by $11 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 primarily due to the effect of a stronger U.S. dollar.




Energy
 
The following is a reconciliation of comparable EBITDA and comparable EBIT (our non-GAAP measures) to segmented earnings (the equivalent GAAP measure). See the non-GAAP measures section for more information on the non-GAAP measures we use as well as the reconciliation of non-GAAP measures section for reconciliations to their GAAP equivalents.
 
 
three months ended
December 31
 
year ended
December 31
(unaudited - millions of $)
 
2015

 
2014

 
2015

 
2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comparable EBITDA
 
275

 
385

 
1,280

 
1,348

Depreciation and amortization
 
(88
)
 
(79
)
 
(336
)
 
(309
)
Comparable EBIT
 
187

 
306

 
944

 
1,039

Specific items (pre-tax):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Turbine equipment impairment charge
 
(59
)
 

 
(59
)
 

Bruce Power merger - debt retirement charge
 
(36
)
 

 
(36
)
 

Cancarb gain on sale
 

 

 

 
108

Niska contract termination
 

 

 

 
(43
)
Risk management activities
 
(10
)
 
(87
)
 
(37
)
 
(53
)
Segmented earnings
 
82

 
219

 
812

 
1,051


Energy segmented earnings decreased by $137 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 and included the following specific items:
a $59 million pre-tax charge relating to an impairment in value on turbine equipment previously purchased for a new power development project that did not proceed. Various other projects have recently been evaluated for possible use of this equipment and those evaluations support the impairment of the carrying value. The evaluation included a comparison to similar assets available for sale on the market
a pre-tax charge of $36 million related to Bruce Power's retirement of debt in conjunction with the merger of the Bruce A and Bruce B partnerships
unrealized losses from changes in the fair value of certain derivatives used to reduce our exposure to certain commodity price risks as follows:
Risk management activities
 
three months ended December 31
 
year ended
December 31
(unaudited - millions of $, pre-tax)
 
2015

 
2014

 
2015

 
2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Canadian Power
 
(1
)
 
(11
)
 
(8
)
 
(11
)
U.S. Power
 
(8
)
 
(85
)
 
(30
)
 
(55
)
Natural Gas Storage
 
(1
)
 
9

 
1

 
13

Total losses from risk management activities
 
(10
)
 
(87
)
 
(37
)
 
(53
)

The period-over-period variances in these unrealized gains and losses reflect the impact of changes in forward
natural gas and power prices and the volume of our positions for these particular derivatives over a certain period of time; however, they do not accurately reflect the gains and losses that will be realized on settlement, or the offsetting impact of other derivative and non-derivative transactions that make up our business as a whole. As a result, we do not consider them representative of our underlying operations.







The specific items noted above have been excluded in our calculation of comparable EBIT. The remainder of the Energy segmented earnings are equivalent to comparable EBIT, which, along with EBITDA, are discussed below.
 
 
three months ended
December 31
 
year ended
December 31
(unaudited - millions of $)
 
2015

 
2014

 
2015

 
2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Canadian Power
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Western Power
 
(1
)
 
59

 
72

 
252

Eastern Power
 
85

 
111

 
394

 
350

Bruce Power
 
83

 
115

 
285

 
314

Canadian Power - comparable EBITDA1
 
167

 
285

 
751

 
916

Depreciation and amortization
 
(49
)
 
(46
)
 
(190
)
 
(179
)
Canadian Power - comparable EBIT1
 
118

 
239

 
561

 
737

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Power (US$)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Power - comparable EBITDA
 
80

 
85

 
418

 
376

Depreciation and amortization
 
(27
)
 
(27
)
 
(105
)
 
(107
)
U.S. Power - comparable EBIT
 
53

 
58

 
313

 
269

Foreign exchange impact
 
19

 
8

 
87

 
27

U.S. Power - comparable EBIT (Cdn$)
 
72

 
66

 
400

 
296

 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Natural Gas Storage and other - comparable EBITDA
 
7

 
12

 
15

 
44

Depreciation and amortization
 
(3
)
 
(3
)
 
(12
)
 
(12
)
Natural Gas Storage and other - comparable EBIT
 
4

 
9

 
3

 
32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business Development comparable EBITDA and EBIT
 
(7
)
 
(8
)
 
(20
)
 
(26
)
Energy - comparable EBIT1
 
187

 
306

 
944

 
1,039


1 
Includes our share of equity income from our investments in ASTC Power Partnership and Portlands Energy, and our share of comparable income from equity investments from Bruce Power.
 
Comparable EBITDA for Energy decreased by $110 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 due to the net effect of:
lower earnings from Western Power as a result of lower realized power prices and PPA volumes
lower earnings from Bruce Power due to lower volumes resulting from higher planned outage days and higher operating expenses at Bruce A, partially offset by higher volumes resulting from fewer planned outage days and lower lease expense at Bruce B
lower earnings from Eastern Power primarily due to lower earnings on the sale of unused natural gas transportation
a stronger U.S. dollar and its positive effect on the foreign exchange impact.






CANADIAN POWER

Western and Eastern Power
 
 
three months ended
December 31
 
year ended
December 31
(unaudited - millions of $)
 
2015

 
2014

 
2015

 
2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Western Power
 
122

 
189

 
534

 
736

Eastern Power
 
97

 
106

 
455

 
428

Other2
 
13

 
28

 
62

 
85

 
 
232

 
323

 
1,051

 
1,249

(Loss)/income from equity investments3
 
(5
)
 
3

 
8

 
45

Commodity purchases resold
 
(87
)
 
(108
)
 
(353
)
 
(404
)
Plant operating costs and other
 
(57
)
 
(59
)
 
(248
)
 
(299
)
Exclude risk management activities1
 
1

 
11

 
8

 
11

Comparable EBITDA
 
84

 
170

 
466

 
602

Depreciation and amortization
 
(49
)
 
(46
)
 
(190
)
 
(179
)
Comparable EBIT
 
35

 
124

 
276

 
423

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Breakdown of comparable EBITDA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Western Power
 
(1
)
 
59

 
72

 
252

Eastern Power
 
85

 
111

 
394

 
350

Comparable EBITDA
 
84

 
170

 
466

 
602


1 
The realized and unrealized gains and losses from financial derivatives used to manage Canadian Power’s assets are presented on a net basis in Western and Eastern Power revenues. The unrealized gains and losses from financial derivatives included in revenue are excluded to arrive at Comparable EBITDA.
2 
Includes revenues from the sale of unused natural gas transportation, sale of excess natural gas purchased for generation and Cancarb sales of thermal carbon black up to April 15, 2014 when it was sold.
3 
Includes our share of equity (loss)/income from our investments in ASTC Power Partnership, which holds the Sundance B PPA, and Portlands Energy. Equity (loss)/income does not include any earnings related to our risk management activities.




Sales volumes and plant availability
Includes our share of volumes from our equity investments.
 
 
three months ended
December 31
 
year ended
December 31
(unaudited)
 
2015

 
2014

 
2015

 
2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales volumes (GWh)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Supply
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Generation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Western Power
 
643

 
660

 
2,519

 
2,517

Eastern Power
 
766

 
644

 
3,911

 
3,080

Purchased
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sundance A & B and Sheerness PPAs1
 
2,809

 
3,283

 
10,617

 
11,472

Other purchases
 
59

 
7

 
154

 
16

 
 
4,277

 
4,594

 
17,201

 
17,085

Sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contracted
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Western Power
 
2,080

 
3,004

 
7,707

 
10,484

Eastern Power
 
766

 
644

 
3,911

 
3,080

Spot
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Western Power
 
1,431

 
946

 
5,583

 
3,521

 
 
4,277

 
4,594

 
17,201

 
17,085

Plant availability2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Western Power3
 
97
%
 
97
%
 
97
%
 
96
%
Eastern Power4
 
96
%
 
93
%
 
97
%
 
91
%
1 
Includes our 50 per cent ownership interest of Sundance B volumes through the ASTC Power Partnership.
2 
The percentage of time the plant was available to generate power, regardless of whether it was running.
3 
Does not include facilities that provide power to us under PPAs.
4 
Does not include Bécancour because power generation has been suspended since 2008.
 
Western Power
Comparable EBITDA for Western Power decreased by $60 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease was due to lower realized power prices and lower PPA volumes.

Average spot market power prices in Alberta decreased by 32 per cent from $31/MWh to $21/MWh for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. The addition of new natural gas-fired power plants in 2015 have contributed to a well supplied market and few higher priced hours were observed. Realized power prices on power sales can be higher or lower than spot market power prices in any given period as a result of contracting activities.

The $8 million decrease in equity earnings for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 is primarily due to the impact of lower Alberta spot market prices on earnings from the ASTC Power Partnership which holds our 50 per cent ownership interest in the Sundance B PPA. Equity earnings do not include the impact of related contracting activities.

Fifty-nine per cent of Western Power sales volumes were sold under contract in fourth quarter 2015 compared to 76 per cent in fourth quarter 2014.

Eastern Power
Comparable EBITDA for Eastern Power decreased by $26 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 due to lower earnings on the sale of unused natural gas transportation and lower contractual earnings at Bécancour.



BRUCE POWER
Results reflect our proportionate share. Beginning in 2016, results from Bruce Power will be reported on a combined basis to reflect the merged entity. Comparable income from equity investments is a non-GAAP measure. See the non-GAAP measures section for more information on the non-GAAP measures we use.
 
 
three months ended
December 31
 
year ended
December 31
(unaudited - millions of $, unless noted otherwise)
 
2015

 
2014

 
2015

 
2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comparable income from equity investments1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bruce A
 
42

 
100

 
205

 
209

Bruce B
 
41