EX-13.01 3 d632948dex1301.htm EX-13.01 EX-13.01

Exhibit 13.01

Consolidated Selected Financial Statistics

 

Year Ended December 31,    2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
(Thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)                               

Operating revenues

   $ 1,950,782      $ 1,927,778      $ 1,887,188      $ 1,830,371      $ 1,893,824   

Operating expenses

     1,676,567        1,656,254        1,637,108        1,598,254        1,685,433   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

   $ 274,215      $ 271,524      $ 250,080      $ 232,117      $ 208,391   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 145,320      $ 133,331      $ 112,287      $ 103,877      $ 87,482   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets at year end

   $ 4,565,174      $ 4,488,057      $ 4,276,007      $ 3,984,193      $ 3,906,292   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capitalization at year end

          

Total equity

   $ 1,412,395      $ 1,308,498      $ 1,225,031      $ 1,166,996      $ 1,102,086   

Subordinated debentures

                                 100,000   

Long-term debt, excluding current maturities

     1,381,327        1,268,373        930,858        1,124,681        1,169,357   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 2,793,722      $ 2,576,871      $ 2,155,889      $ 2,291,677      $ 2,371,443   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

   $ 11,105      $ 50,137      $ 322,618      $ 75,080      $ 1,327   

Common stock data

          

Common equity percentage of capitalization

     50.6     50.8     56.8     50.9     46.5

Return on average common equity

     10.6     10.4     9.3     9.1     8.1

Basic earnings per share

   $ 3.14      $ 2.89      $ 2.45      $ 2.29      $ 1.95   

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 3.11      $ 2.86      $ 2.43      $ 2.27      $ 1.94   

Dividends declared per share

   $ 1.32      $ 1.18      $ 1.06      $ 1.00      $ 0.95   

Payout ratio

     42     41     43     44     49

Book value per share at year end

   $ 30.51      $ 28.39      $ 26.68      $ 25.60      $ 24.44   

Market value per share at year end

   $ 55.91      $ 42.41      $ 42.49      $ 36.67      $ 28.53   

Market value per share to book value per share

     183     149     159     143     117

Common shares outstanding at year end (000)

     46,356        46,148        45,956        45,599        45,092   

Number of common shareholders at year end

     15,359        16,028        16,834        17,821        20,489   

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

     3.90        3.61        3.21        2.87        2.46   

 

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Natural Gas Operations

 

Year Ended December 31,    2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
(Thousands of dollars)                               

Sales

   $ 1,212,293      $ 1,238,513      $ 1,329,512      $ 1,438,809      $ 1,547,081   

Transportation

     87,861        83,215        73,854        73,098        67,762   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating revenue

     1,300,154        1,321,728        1,403,366        1,511,907        1,614,843   

Net cost of gas sold

     436,001        479,602        613,489        736,175        866,630   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating margin

     864,153        842,126        789,877        775,732        748,213   

Expenses

          

Operations and maintenance

     384,914        369,979        358,498        354,943        348,942   

Depreciation and amortization

     193,848        186,035        175,253        170,456        166,850   

Taxes other than income taxes

     45,551        41,728        40,949        38,869        37,318   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

   $ 239,840      $ 244,384      $ 215,177      $ 211,464      $ 195,103   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contribution to consolidated net income

   $ 124,169      $ 116,619      $ 91,420      $ 91,382      $ 79,420   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets at year end

   $ 4,272,029      $ 4,204,948      $ 4,048,613      $ 3,845,111      $ 3,782,913   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net gas plant at year end

   $ 3,486,108      $ 3,343,794      $ 3,218,944      $ 3,072,436      $ 3,034,503   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Construction expenditures and property additions

   $ 314,578      $ 308,951      $ 305,542      $ 188,379      $ 212,919   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flow, net

          

From operating activities

   $ 265,290      $ 344,441      $ 216,745      $ 342,522      $ 371,416   

From (used in) investing activities

     (304,189     (296,886     (289,234     (178,685     (265,850

From (used in) financing activities

     44,947        (43,453     (2,327     (107,779     (81,744
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in cash

   $ 6,048      $ 4,102      $ (74,816   $ 56,058      $ 23,822   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total throughput (thousands of therms)

          

Residential

     741,327        655,046        718,765        704,693        669,736   

Small commercial

     298,045        270,665        303,923        300,940        294,225   

Large commercial

     102,761        116,582        112,256        111,833        117,241   

Industrial/Other

     50,210        47,830        50,208        58,922        72,623   

Transportation

     1,037,916        998,095        941,544        998,600        1,043,894   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total throughput

     2,230,259        2,088,218        2,126,696        2,174,988        2,197,719   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average cost of gas purchased ($/therm)

   $ 0.42      $ 0.42      $ 0.58      $ 0.62      $ 0.71   

Customers at year end

     1,904,000        1,876,000        1,859,000        1,837,000        1,824,000   

Employees at year end

     2,220        2,245        2,298        2,349        2,423   

Customer to employee ratio

     858        836        809        782        753   

Degree days – actual

     1,918        1,740        2,002        1,998        1,824   

Degree days – ten-year average

     1,876        1,866        1,888        1,876        1,882   

 

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

About Southwest Gas Corporation

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 December 31, 2013, Southwest had 1,904,000 residential, commercial, industrial, and other natural gas customers, of which 1,022,000 customers were located in Arizona, 695,000 in Nevada, and 187,000 in California. Residential and commercial customers represented over 99% of the total customer base. During 2013, 56% of operating margin was earned in Arizona, 34% in Nevada, and 10% 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 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.

NPL Construction Co. (“NPL” 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. NPL operates in 20 major markets nationwide. 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 bonus depreciation tax deduction incentives, have resulted in a significant increase in multi-year pipeline replacement projects throughout the country. 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. In certain circumstances, such as with large, longer duration bid contracts, 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.

 

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Executive Summary

The items discussed in this Executive Summary are intended to provide an overview of the results of the Company’s operations and 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 85% of consolidated net income over the past three years. As such, management’s discussion and analysis is primarily focused on that segment.

Summary Operating Results

 

Year ended December 31,    2013      2012      2011  
(In thousands, except per share amounts)                     

Contribution to net income

        

Natural gas operations

   $ 124,169       $ 116,619       $ 91,420   

Construction services

     21,151         16,712         20,867   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Consolidated

   $ 145,320       $ 133,331       $ 112,287   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average number of common shares outstanding

     46,318         46,115         45,858   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

        

Consolidated

   $ 3.14       $ 2.89       $ 2.45   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Natural Gas Operations

        

Operating margin

   $ 864,153       $ 842,126       $ 789,877   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

2013 Overview

Consolidated results for 2013 increased compared to 2012 due to improved results from both business segments. Basic earnings per share were $3.14 in 2013 compared to basic earnings per share of $2.89 in 2012.

Natural gas operations highlights include the following:

 

 

Operating margin increased $22 million, or 3%, compared to the prior year

 

Operating expenses increased $27 million, or 4%, between years

 

Net financing costs decreased $4 million between 2013 and 2012

 

Other income increased $8 million between years

 

Redemption at par of $30 million of 5.45% IDRBs and $15 million of 5.80% IDRBs in March 2013 and $8.27 million of 5.55% IDRBs in September 2013 (all originally due in 2038)

 

Issued $250 million of 4.875% 30-year senior notes in October 2013

 

The Company’s credit rating was upgraded from BBB+ to A- by Standard & Poor’s, from A- to A by Fitch, and from Baa1 to A3 by Moody’s Investors Service in March 2013, May 2013, and January 2014, respectively

Construction services highlights include the following:

 

 

Revenues in 2013 increased $45 million, or 7%, compared to 2012

 

Construction expenses increased $32 million or 6%, compared to 2012

 

Contribution to net income increased $4 million compared to 2012

Customer Growth.    Southwest completed 21,000 first-time meter sets, but realized 28,000 net new customers over the last twelve months. The incremental additions reflect a return to service of customer meters on previously vacant homes.

 

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Southwest estimates the remaining number of excess inactive meters is approximately 26,000 at December 31, 2013 and anticipates a continued gradual return of customers associated with previously vacant homes. Southwest projects customer growth of about 1.5% for 2014.

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 $238 million at December 31, 2013. 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 $93 million at December 31, 2013 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 and purchase additional policies as necessary. Current tax regulations provide for tax-free treatment of life insurance (death benefit) proceeds. Therefore, the changes in the cash surrender value components of COLI policies as they progress toward the ultimate death benefits are also recorded without tax consequences. Cash 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. The Company is considering shifting the investment mix of the underlying investment portfolio more toward fixed income to help mitigate future cash surrender value volatility in COLI policies. As indicated in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, cash surrender values of COLI policies increased $12.4 million (including $1.4 million of incremental death benefits) in 2013 and $6.6 million in 2012. Management currently expects average returns of $3 million to $5 million annually on the COLI policies, excluding any net death benefits recognized.

Issuance and Redemption of Debt.    In March 2013, the Company redeemed at par the 5.45% Series 2003C and the 5.80% Series 2003E IDRBs originally due in 2038. In September 2013, the Company redeemed at par the $8.27 million 5.55% 1999 Series D IDRBs originally due in 2038. The Company facilitated these redemptions primarily from borrowings under its $300 million credit facility. In October 2013, the Company issued $250 million of 4.875% senior notes at a 0.078% discount. The notes will mature in October 2043. A portion of the net proceeds were used to temporarily pay down amounts outstanding under the credit facility. The remaining net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes.

Liquidity.    Southwest believes its liquidity position is solid. Southwest has a $300 million credit facility maturing in March 2017. The facility is provided through a consortium of eight major banking institutions. Historically, facility borrowings have been low and concentrated in the first half of the winter heating period when gas purchases require temporary financing. During 2013, credit facility usage was impacted by a $111 million reduction in deferred purchased gas cost liabilities and the extinguishment of $53 million in Clark County, Nevada IDRBs. The maximum amount outstanding on the credit facility (including a commercial paper program) during 2013 was $195 million (prior to the paydown from the senior notes). At December 31, 2013, $10 million was outstanding on the long-term portion of the credit facility (all of which was under the commercial paper program), and no borrowings were outstanding on the short-term portion of the credit facility. Southwest has no significant debt maturities prior to 2017.

Construction Services.    NPL’s contribution to net income for 2013 was $21.2 million, a $4.4 million increase over the results for 2012. The prior year included recognition of a $15 million pretax loss on a large fixed-price contract, partially offset by $8 million in gains on sale of equipment. The current year includes higher general and administrative expenses due to structural and transitional changes associated with NPL’s increased size and business complexity and additional legal-related expenses.

 

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Results of Natural Gas Operations

 

Year Ended December 31,    2013      2012      2011  
(Thousands of dollars)                     

Gas operating revenues

   $ 1,300,154       $ 1,321,728       $ 1,403,366   

Net cost of gas sold

     436,001         479,602         613,489   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating margin

     864,153         842,126         789,877   

Operations and maintenance expense

     384,914         369,979         358,498   

Depreciation and amortization

     193,848         186,035         175,253   

Taxes other than income taxes

     45,551         41,728         40,949   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating income

     239,840         244,384         215,177   

Other income (deductions)

     12,261         4,165         (5,404

Net interest deductions

     62,555         66,957         68,777   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     189,546         181,592         140,996   

Income tax expense

     65,377         64,973         49,576   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Contribution to consolidated net income

   $ 124,169       $ 116,619       $ 91,420   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

2013 vs. 2012

Contribution to consolidated net income from natural gas operations increased by $8 million between 2013 and 2012. The improvement was primarily due to increases in operating margin and other income and a decrease in net interest deductions, partially offset by higher operating expenses.

Operating margin increased $22 million between years. Rate relief provided $8 million of the increase in operating margin (including general rate relief in Nevada and net attrition amounts in California). New customers contributed $7 million of the increase during 2013 as approximately 28,000 net new customers were added during the last twelve months. Incremental margin from customers outside the decoupling mechanisms and other miscellaneous revenues (including amounts associated with recoveries of Arizona regulatory assets) contributed the remainder of the increase.

Operations and maintenance expense increased $14.9 million, or 4%, between years primarily due to higher general costs, employee-related costs (including a majority of the $6.4 million increase in pension costs), uncollectible expense, and pipeline integrity management programs, partially offset by lower legal claims and expenses.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $7.8 million, or 4%. Average gas plant in service for the current year increased $230 million, or 5%, as compared to the prior year. 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 Nevada (effective November 2012). Amortization associated with the recovery of Arizona regulatory assets, new conservation and energy efficiency programs in Nevada, and other amortization collectively increased $6.2 million.

Taxes other than income taxes increased $3.8 million between periods due to higher property taxes in Arizona and changes resulting from the last Nevada general rate case, whereby modified business and mill taxes became components of operating expenses.

Other income, which principally includes returns on COLI policies (including recognized net death benefits) and non-utility expenses, increased $8.1 million between 2013 and 2012. The current year reflects $12.4 million of COLI policy cash surrender

 

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value increases including net death benefits recognized, while the prior year included $6.6 million of COLI-related income. In addition, Arizona non-recoverable pipe replacement costs were $2.5 million lower in 2013 as compared to 2012 because this pipe replacement activity was substantially completed in 2012.

Net interest deductions decreased $4.4 million between 2013 and 2012 primarily due to cost savings from debt refinancing, redemptions, and lower interest expense associated with deferred PGA balances payable. The decrease was partially offset by the October 2013 issuance of $250 million of 4.875% senior notes. The prior year included a temporary increase in debt outstanding for approximately two months associated with debt refinancing that occurred in the first half of 2012.

2012 vs. 2011

Contribution to consolidated net income from natural gas operations increased by $25 million between 2012 and 2011. The improvement was primarily due to increases in operating margin and other income, partially offset by higher operating expenses.

Operating margin increased $52 million between years. Rate relief in Arizona ($45 million) and Nevada ($2 million) provided $47 million of the increase in operating margin. New customers contributed the remaining $5 million increase in operating margin during 2012. A $4 million increase between years, due to an adjustment (related to a regulatory deferral mechanism) that decreased operating margin in 2011, was offset by a reduction of $4 million in operating margin between years, primarily due to moderately cold weather experienced in Arizona in the first half of 2011. With a new rate decoupling mechanism in Arizona, effective January 2012, weather is no longer a significant factor in operating margin overall.

Operations and maintenance expense increased $11.5 million, or 3%, between years primarily due to higher general costs and employee-related costs including approximately $6 million of net pension expense, and to approximately $1 million in leak survey costs associated with a special Arizona program (see Customer-Owned Yardline (“COYL”) Program in the Rates and Regulatory Proceedings section).

Depreciation expense increased $10.8 million, or 6%, as a result of additional plant in service. Average gas plant in service for 2012 increased $247 million, or 5%, compared to 2011. This was attributable to pipeline capacity reinforcement work, franchise requirements, scheduled and accelerated pipe replacement activities, and to a lesser degree, new business. The increase was partially offset by approximately $1 million due to a reduction in depreciation rates in Nevada, which became effective in November 2012.

Other income increased $9.6 million between 2012 and 2011. Cash surrender values of COLI policies increased $6.6 million in 2012, while COLI-related income (resulting from recognized death benefits net of decreases in cash surrender values) was $700,000 in the prior year. COLI income in 2012 was especially high due to strong equity-market returns on investments underlying the policies. In addition, Arizona non-recoverable pipe replacement and other non-utility costs were lower in 2012, especially during the fourth quarter, as compared to 2011. The non-recoverable portion of this pipe replacement activity was substantially completed in 2012.

Net interest deductions decreased $1.8 million between 2012 and 2011 primarily due to cost savings from refinancing, partially offset by a temporary increase in debt outstanding for approximately two months associated with the issuance of $250 million of 3.875% senior notes in March 2012 to repay $200 million of 7.625% senior notes that matured in May 2012, and by additional interest on variable-rate IDRBs.

 

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Outlook for 2014

Operating margin for 2014 is expected to be favorably influenced by customer growth similar to 2013, as well as incremental margin associated with an expected California rate case decision (see Rates and Regulatory Proceedings).

Operating expenses for 2014 compared to 2013 will continue to be impacted by inflation, general cost increases, and depreciation expense on plant additions. Incremental costs, including higher property and general taxes, offset by a $9 million decrease in pension costs (approximately $7 million to be reflected in operations and maintenance expense), are expected to result in an overall operating expense increase of approximately 2% to 3%.

COLI-related income of $12.4 million in 2013 is significantly in excess of expected average returns and is not sustainable at these levels. Southwest expects longer term normal changes in COLI cash surrender values to range from $3 million to $5 million on an annual basis. However, individual quarterly and annual periods will continue to be subject to volatility.

Southwest anticipates an approximate $5 million to $6 million increase in net interest deductions in 2014 compared to 2013 primarily due to the October 2013 issuance of $250 million of 4.875% senior notes, partially offset by interest savings associated with the redemptions that occurred during 2013.

Infrastructure tracker mechanisms in Nevada and Arizona will contribute modestly to 2014 operating results and trend upward over the next several years.

Results of Construction Services

 

Year Ended December 31,    2013     2012     2011  
(Thousands of dollars)                   

Construction revenues

   $ 650,628      $ 606,050      $ 483,822   

Operating expenses:

      

Construction expenses

     573,284        541,523        423,703   

Depreciation and amortization

     42,969        37,387        25,216   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     34,375        27,140        34,903   

Other income (deductions)

     39        246        (8

Net interest deductions

     1,145        1,063        825   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     33,269        26,323        34,070   

Income tax expense

     12,565        10,303        13,727   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     20,704        16,020        20,343   

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (447     (692     (524
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contribution to consolidated net income attributable to NPL

   $ 21,151      $ 16,712      $ 20,867   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

2013 vs. 2012

Contribution to consolidated net income from construction services for 2013 increased $4.4 million compared to 2012. The increase was primarily due to a $15 million pretax loss recognized on a large fixed-price contract in 2012, partially offset by lower gains on the sale of equipment and higher general and administrative expenses (included in Construction expenses) in 2013.

 

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Revenues increased $44.6 million, or 7%, when compared to 2012 due primarily to an increase in utility customer contracts for pipe replacement work, partially offset by the winding down of a portion of work related to the large fixed-price contract noted above. Construction revenues include NPL contracts with Southwest totaling $88.2 million in 2013 and $83.4 million in 2012. NPL accounts for services provided to Southwest at contractual (market) prices at contract inception.

Construction expenses increased $31.8 million, or 6%, primarily due to additional pipe replacement work in 2013. Despite these increases, the construction expense variance between years was favorably impacted as the prior year included a $15 million pretax loss associated with the above-noted large fixed-price contract. This fixed-price contract is substantially complete. General and administrative expense (included in construction expenses) increased approximately $6 million due to changes that were implemented to match NPL’s increased size and business complexity. In addition, NPL recorded approximately $4 million in 2013 associated with a legal settlement relating to former employees; no similar matters are pending. Depreciation expense increased $5.6 million between the current year and the prior year due to additional equipment purchased to support growth in the volume of work being performed. Gains on sale of equipment (reflected as an offset to construction expenses) were $4.1 million and $8 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively.

During the past several years, NPL has focused its efforts on obtaining pipe replacement work under both blanket contracts and incremental bid projects. In 2013, NPL experienced a slight increase in the volume of new construction installations. For 2013 and 2012, revenues from replacement work were 70% and 75%, respectively, of total revenues. Federal and state pipeline safety-related programs and bonus depreciation incentives have resulted in many utilities undertaking multi-year distribution pipe replacement projects. NPL continues to successfully bid on pipe replacement projects throughout the country.

2012 vs. 2011

Contribution to consolidated net income from construction services for 2012 decreased $4.2 million compared to 2011. The decline was primarily due to a loss on a large fixed-price contract in 2012, partially offset by additional replacement work and increased gains on sale of equipment.

Revenues increased $122 million, or 25%, when compared to 2011 due primarily to an increase in the volume of replacement work. Construction revenues included NPL contracts with Southwest totaling $83.4 million in 2012 and $92.1 million in 2011. NPL accounts for services provided to Southwest at contractual (market) prices at contract inception.

Construction expenses increased $118 million, or 28%, due to an increase in replacement construction work and a $15 million pretax loss on a large fixed-price contract. Depreciation expense increased $12.2 million between 2012 and 2011 due to an increase in equipment purchases. Gains on sale of equipment, included in construction expenses, were $8 million and $3.3 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Outlook for 2014

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

Management has an improved infrastructure in place on which to grow the business and is seeking to increase revenues by approximately 5% to 8% on average over the long term. Ultimately, revenues are subject to the timing and amount of work awarded to NPL by its utility customers. Extreme winter weather conditions during January and February 2014 have hindered

 

24


normal construction work in most of the operating areas, with the exception of the Southwest. It is too early to predict if this will impact revenues for the full year. Overall, operating expenses are expected to increase in proportion to the growth in revenue.

Rates and Regulatory Proceedings

General Rate Relief and Rate Design

Rates charged to customers vary according to customer class and rate jurisdiction and are set by the individual state and federal regulatory commissions that govern Southwest’s service territories. Southwest makes periodic filings for rate adjustments as the costs of providing service (including the cost of natural gas purchased) change, and as additional investments in new or replacement pipeline and related facilities are made. Rates are intended to provide for recovery of all prudently incurred costs and provide a reasonable return on investment. The mix of fixed and variable components in rates assigned to various customer classes (rate design) can significantly impact the operating margin actually realized by Southwest. Management has worked with its regulatory commissions in designing rate structures that strive to provide affordable and reliable service to its customers while mitigating the volatility in prices to customers and stabilizing returns to investors. Such rate structures were in place in all of Southwest’s operating areas during 2012 and 2013.

Nevada General Rate Case.    In the fourth quarter of 2012, a decision was reached at a public hearing (the “Decision”) in the general rate application Southwest filed with the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (“PUCN”), with rates effective November 2012. The Decision provided an annual revenue increase of $5.8 million in southern Nevada based on an overall rate of return of 6.49% and a 9.85% return on 42.6% common equity on original cost rate base of $825 million. For northern Nevada, the Decision provided a revenue increase of $1.2 million with an overall rate of return of 8.01% and a 9.20% return on 65.6% common equity on original cost rate base of $116 million. The Decision also included a reduction in annualized depreciation expense of $5.2 million and $1.7 million in southern and northern Nevada, respectively. In addition, the Decision reclassified approximately $2.5 million of modified business and mill taxes from pass-through items to operating expenses. On a combined basis, the Decision was expected to increase annual operating income by $11.4 million.

Following the Decision, the Company filed a Petition for Reconsideration requesting reconsideration of the findings in the Decision relating to the capital structure and other cost of service issues. In March 2013, the PUCN reached a decision in the rehearing (the “Rehearing Decision”) relating to the capital structure issue. The Rehearing Decision retained an alternative capital structure, as opposed to utilizing Southwest’s proposed capital structure, and authorized an overall rate of return of 6.56% and a 10.0% return on 42.7% common equity in southern Nevada and an overall rate of return of 7.88% and a 9.30% return on 59.1% common equity in northern Nevada. When compared to the original Decision, the Rehearing Decision is expected to result in an annual revenue increase of $1.0 million in southern Nevada and an annual revenue decrease of $0.5 million in northern Nevada.

Nevada Infrastructure Replacement Mechanisms.    As part of the Nevada general rate case application in April 2012, Southwest requested to implement an infrastructure replacement mechanism to defer and recover certain costs associated with up to $40 million annually of proposed accelerated replacement of early vintage plastic (“EVPP”) and steel pipe. As part of its fourth quarter 2012 decision, the PUCN indicated a separate rulemaking docket would be needed to address the regulatory issues necessary to implement such a mechanism. In January 2013, the PUCN authorized the opening of a new docket to review the merits of such mechanisms. An initial round of comments and reply comments were submitted and a workshop on the matter was convened. The scope of the rulemaking was expanded in order to consider additional forms of recovery mechanisms. In July, the Administrative Law Judge in the docket forwarded a draft regulation to the Nevada Legislative Counsel Bureau (“LCB”) for review. The draft regulation provided for the establishment of regulatory assets that recover the

 

25


depreciation expense and authorized pre-tax rate of return of infrastructure replacement investments in between rate cases. Southwest would then be able to develop rates to recover the associated amounts in a future general rate case proceeding, at which time the plant would be “rolled into” rate base naturally. The LCB proposed slight modifications to the regulation and returned it to the PUCN in August. In January 2014, the PUCN concluded the rulemaking process by approving final rules.

Separately, in March 2013, Southwest submitted a petition to the PUCN requesting authority to defer certain costs associated with the proposed accelerated 2013 replacement of certain EVPP to coincide with bonus depreciation tax relief extended by The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. In June 2013, a stipulation (the “Stipulation”), which provided regulatory asset treatment for specific infrastructure replacement projects occurring during 2013 in the amount of $2 million in northern Nevada and approximately $13.6 million in southern Nevada, was reached by all parties and was approved by the PUCN. While the above-noted infrastructure replacement regulation was being finalized, the Company submitted a filing to the PUCN in November 2013 requesting authority to replace $18.9 million of EVPP in 2014; the PUCN approved the request in January 2014. The new rules (noted above) will additionally enable the Company to make a filing in 2014 identifying projects that Southwest proposes to be replaced beginning in January 2015.

Effectively, as a result of these mechanisms, the increase in depreciation expense, ordinarily arising from related capital expenditures, will be netted to zero by the deferral process. Incremental operating margin associated with these infrastructure replacements will materialize after the PUCN authorizes a surcharge, anticipated to commence during the first quarter of 2016.

California Annual Attrition.    As part of the 2009 rate decision by the California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”) in Southwest’s last California general rate case, attrition increases were authorized for the years 2010-2013. The level of increase authorized for 2013 was $1.8 million in southern California, $500,000 in northern California, and $100,000 in South Lake Tahoe. However, the continued low interest rate environment triggered an automatic rate of return adjustment mechanism (or Automatic Trigger Mechanism), which resulted in offsetting decreases of $700,000 in southern California, $500,000 in northern California, and $100,000 in South Lake Tahoe. The resulting net margin impact for the California rate jurisdictions was an overall increase of $1.1 million in 2013.

California General Rate Case.    In December 2012, Southwest filed a general rate case application with the CPUC requesting annual revenue increases of $5.6 million for southern California, $3.2 million for northern California, and $2.8 million for the South Lake Tahoe rate jurisdiction. The application includes a capital structure consisting of 43% debt and 57% common equity and a return on equity of 10.7%, with an overall rate of return of 7.32% in southern California and 8.61% in both northern California and South Lake Tahoe. Southwest is also seeking to continue a Post-Test Year Ratemaking Mechanism, which allows for annual attrition increases. The application includes the addition of an Infrastructure Reliability and Replacement Adjustment Mechanism (“IRRAM”) to facilitate and complement projects involving the enhancement and replacement of gas infrastructure, promoting timely cost recovery for qualifying non-revenue producing capital expenditures. A proposed decision was issued by the administrative law judge and includes a total overall revenue increase of approximately $7.5 million, a capital structure consisting of 45% debt and 55% equity and a return on equity of 10.1%, acceptance of Company-proposed changes to the Automatic Trigger Mechanism, and approval of the IRRAM, including a Customer-Owned Yardline Program. The proposed decision is expected to be voted on by the CPUC in the first quarter of 2014.

Arizona Decoupling Mechanism.    In December 2011, the Arizona Corporation Commission (“ACC”) approved a settlement (effective January 2012) associated with Southwest’s general rate application in November 2010. The settlement approved a revenue increase of $52.6 million with a return on equity of 9.50%. The settlement also approved a full revenue decoupling mechanism and a monthly weather adjustor. For 2012, the weather adjustor resulted in approximately $18 million being

 

26


added to customer bills to offset warmer-than-normal temperatures, while in 2013 nearly $12 million was subtracted from customer bills to offset colder-than-normal temperatures. In addition, during 2012 the Company recorded a net $2 million payable to customers associated with the margin tracking deferral mechanism (the corresponding payable for 2013 was approximately $10 million). The ACC Staff recently completed a review of the decoupling mechanism (and a related report) for 2012. The ACC Staff found the mechanism to be working as designed and recommended its continuation. The ACC approved the decoupling report in December 2013 and authorized the Company to refund the over-collected balance that existed at December 31, 2012.

Customer-Owned Yardline (“COYL”) Program.    The Company received approval, in connection with its most recent Arizona general rate case, to implement a program to conduct leak surveys, and if leaks were present, to replace and relocate service lines and meters for approximately 100,000 Arizona customers whose meters are set-off from the customer’s home, which is not a traditional configuration. Customers with this configuration were previously responsible for the cost of maintaining these lines and were subject to the immediate cessation of natural gas service if low-pressure leaks occurred. To facilitate this program, the Company was authorized to collect estimated leak survey costs in rates commencing in 2012. Effective June 2013, the ACC authorized a surcharge of $0.00101 per therm (approximately $600,000 annually) to recover the costs of depreciation and pre-tax return the Company would have received if the additional pipe replacement costs themselves (approximately $4 million through December 2012) had been included in rate base concurrent with the most recent Arizona rate case. (During 2013, approximately $6 million in additional COYL-related pipe replacement costs were added to plant.) The surcharge is expected to be revised annually as the program progresses, with the undepreciated plant balance to be incorporated in base rates at the time of the next Arizona general rate case. Management has not determined the timing of filing its next general rate case in Arizona; however, Southwest agreed in the settlement in its most recent Arizona general rate case filing to not file a general rate case in Arizona until April 30, 2016. In November 2013, the Company filed a request to modify or clarify the COYL provision to add a “Phase II” component to the COYL program to include the replacement of non-leaking COYLs. This request was approved by the ACC in January 2014, and requires that these replacements are coordinated with the Company’s other pipeline replacement projects and that the Company will prioritize leaking COYLs over non-leaking COYLs. The revised surcharge request is expected to be filed in February 2014 with a proposed effective date of June 2014. Approximately 85% of COYLs were tested through December 2013 with nearly 4,000 relocations completed.

Proposed LNG 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. The LNG facility is designed to enhance service reliability and flexibility in natural gas deliveries in the southern Arizona area. 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. The proposed LNG facility would provide a local storage option, operated by Southwest and connected directly to its distribution system, providing greater flexibility to serve customers. An ACC decision is expected to occur during 2014. If approved, construction is expected to be complete within approximately 24 to 30 months after ACC approval.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) Jurisdiction.    During the third quarter of 2013, Paiute Pipeline Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest, 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 materials, and factors such as environmental impacts, the cost to complete this project has been estimated at approximately $35 million and has a targeted

 

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in-service date of November 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 comprehensive application for the project is expected to follow completion of the pre-filing review.

Paiute Pipeline Company will file a general rate case with the FERC by the end of February 2014. The filing will fulfill an obligation from the settlement agreement reached in the 2009 Paiute general rate case. The application is expected to request an increase in operating revenues of approximately $9 million. In accordance with FERC requirements, new rates will go into effect in September 2014, subject to refund, if a settlement among the parties has not been approved by the FERC by that time. Paiute’s most recent general rate case was filed in 2009.

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 December 31, 2013, under-collections in all three states resulted in an asset of $18.2 million on the Company’s balance sheet. Filings to change rates in accordance with PGA clauses are subject to audit by state regulatory commission staffs.

PGA changes impact cash flows but have no direct impact on profit margin. However, gas cost deferrals and recoveries can impact comparisons between periods of individual income statement components. These include Gas operating revenues, Net cost of gas sold, Net interest deductions, and Other income (deductions).

Southwest had the following outstanding PGA balances receivable/(payable) at the end of its two most recent fiscal years (millions of dollars):

 

      2013      2012  

Arizona

   $ 3.2       $ (46.6

Northern Nevada

     4.4         (7.1

Southern Nevada

     4.1         (45.2

California

     6.5         6.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 18.2       $ (92.9
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Arizona PGA Filings.    In Arizona, Southwest adjusts rates monthly for changes in purchased gas costs, within pre-established limits measured on a twelve-month rolling average. A temporary surcredit of $0.08 per therm was put into place in December 2009 to help accelerate the refund of the over-collected balance to customers. In order to accelerate the refunds to customers, Southwest filed to temporarily increase this rate to $0.10 per therm effective January 2013, which was approved by the ACC in December 2012. During 2013, approximately $49 million was refunded to customers via the surcredit. The temporary surcredits were eliminated in January 2014. A prudence review of gas costs is conducted in conjunction with general rate cases.

California Gas Cost Filings.    In California, a monthly gas cost adjustment based on forecasted monthly prices is utilized. Monthly adjustments modeled in this fashion provide the timeliest recovery of gas costs in any Southwest jurisdiction and are designed to send appropriate pricing signals to customers.

 

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Nevada Annual Rate Adjustment (“ARA”) Application.    In June 2013, Southwest filed its ARA application with the PUCN to establish revised Deferred Energy Account Adjustment (“DEAA”) rates (in addition to adjustments to the Variable Interest Expense rate, the Uncollectible Gas Cost Expense rates, and other rate-related items), which was approved effective January 2014. As part of the most recent ARA and associated stipulation in Nevada, the Company, at least in the short term, agreed to suspend further fixed-for-floating swap contracts (“Swaps”) and fixed-price purchases pursuant to the Volatility Mitigation Program (“VMP”) for its Nevada service territories. The decision will not impact previously executed purchase arrangements. The Company along with its regulators will continue to evaluate this strategy in light of prevailing or anticipated changing market conditions. Southwest makes quarterly DEAA adjustments based upon a twelve-month rolling average. During 2013, approximately $51 million was refunded to customers via billing credits. See Gas Price Volatility Mitigation below for information on the Company’s Swaps.

Gas Price Volatility Mitigation

Regulators in Southwest’s service territories have encouraged Southwest to take proactive steps to mitigate price volatility to its customers. To accomplish this, Southwest periodically enters into fixed-price term contracts and Swaps under its collective volatility mitigation programs for a portion (for the 2013/2014 heating season, ranging from 25% to 35%, depending on the jurisdiction) of its annual normal weather supply needs. For the 2013/2014 heating season, contracts contained in the fixed-price portion of the portfolio included pricing of approximately $4 per dekatherm. Natural gas purchases not covered by fixed-price contracts are made under variable-price contracts with firm quantities, and on the spot market. Prices for these contracts are not known until the month of purchase. As noted above, the VMP in Nevada has been suspended and is subject to future evaluation given changing market conditions.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

Over the past three years, cash on hand and cash flows from operations have generally provided the majority of cash used in investing activities (primarily construction expenditures and property additions). Certain pipe replacement work was accelerated during 2011, 2012, and 2013 to take advantage of bonus depreciation tax incentives and to fortify system integrity and reliability. Tax incentives have not been extended for years after 2013. During the same three-year period, 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 decreased $40.1 million in 2013 as compared to 2012. The decline in operating cash flows was attributable to temporary decreases in cash flows from working capital components overall (notably, refunds of PGA balances), partially offset by higher net income and non-cash depreciation expense.

Investing Cash Flows.    Cash used in consolidated investing activities decreased $26 million in 2013 as compared to 2012. The decrease was primarily due to reduced equipment purchases by NPL.

Financing Cash Flows.    Net cash provided by consolidated financing activities increased $26.1 million in 2013 as compared to 2012. The increase was primarily due to the 2012 $21.8 million settlement (at maturity) of the second FSIRS contract. In addition, cash provided by debt financing (net of retirements and credit facility changes) increased in 2013 as compared to 2012. The current year includes issuance of $250 million of 4.875% senior notes, partially offset by the repayment of $30 million of 5.45% IDRBs, $15 million of 5.8% of IDRBs, $8.27 million of 5.55% IDRBs, and the repayment of outstanding borrowings on the credit facility. The prior-year period included debt repayments of the $12.4 million 1999 6.1% Series A

 

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fixed-rate IDRBs (repaid in January 2012), the $200 million 7.625% senior notes (repaid in May 2012), the $14.3 million 1999 5.95% Series C fixed-rate IDRBs (repaid in August 2012). Those repayments were partially offset by the issuance of new debt in the prior-year period, including the $250 million of 3.875% senior notes and borrowings under the long-term portion of the credit facility. The remaining issuance amounts and retirements of long-term debt in both years primarily relate to borrowings and repayments under NPL’s line of credit, and in 2013, borrowing under note agreements with two banking institutions (entered into during the second quarter of 2013). Dividends paid increased in 2013 as compared to 2012 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.

2013 Construction Expenditures

During the three-year period ended December 31, 2013, total gas plant increased from $4.6 billion to $5.3 billion, or at an average annual rate of 5%. Replacement, reinforcement, and franchise work was a substantial portion of the plant increase. To a lesser extent, customer growth impacted expenditures as the Company set approximately 51,000 meters during the three-year period.

During 2013, construction expenditures for the natural gas operations segment were $315 million. The majority of these expenditures represented costs associated with scheduled and accelerated replacement of existing transmission, distribution, and general plant to fortify system integrity and reliability and to take advantage of certain tax incentives (see also Bonus Depreciation below). Cash flows from operating activities of Southwest were $265 million and provided approximately 70% of construction expenditures and dividend requirements of the natural gas operations segment. Other necessary funding was provided by cash on hand, external financing activities, and, as needed, existing credit facilities.

2013 Financing Activity

In March 2013, the Company redeemed at par its $30 million 2003 5.45% Series C IDRBs and $15 million 2003 5.8% Series E IDRBs. In September 2013, the Company redeemed at par the $8.27 million 5.55% 1999 Series D IDRBs originally due in 2038. In October 2013, the Company issued $250 million of 4.875% senior notes at a 0.078% discount. The notes will mature in October 2043. A portion of the net proceeds were used to temporarily pay down amounts outstanding under the credit facility. The remaining net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes.

During 2013, the Company issued shares of common stock through its various stock plans, including the Stock Incentive Plan, raising approximately $1.6 million.

Bonus Depreciation.    In January 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (“Taxpayer Relief Act”) was enacted extending the 50% bonus tax depreciation deduction provided for by earlier legislation for qualified property acquired or constructed and placed in-service during 2013. This tax deduction was not extended for years after 2013. Based on forecasted qualifying construction expenditures, Southwest estimates the bonus depreciation provision of the Taxpayer Relief Act deferred the payment of approximately $26 million of federal income taxes for 2013.

Three-Year Construction Expenditures, Debt Maturities, and Financing

Southwest estimates natural gas segment construction expenditures during the three-year period ending December 31, 2016 will be approximately $1.1 billion. Of this amount, approximately $375 million are expected to be incurred in 2014. 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. See also Rates

 

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and Regulatory Proceedings for discussion of Nevada infrastructure, California IRRAM, Arizona COYL, a planned LNG facility, and planned Paiute expansion. During the three-year period, cash flows from operating activities of Southwest are expected to provide approximately 85% 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.

Liquidity

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

On an interim basis, Southwest defers over- or under-collections of gas costs to PGA balancing accounts. In addition, Southwest uses this mechanism to either refund amounts over-collected or recoup amounts under-collected as compared to the price paid for natural gas during the period since the last PGA rate change went into effect. During 2013, refunds were made to customers and the net over-collected PGA balance declined $111 million resulting in an under-collection of $18.2 million at December 31, 2013. See PGA Filings for more information.

The Company has a $300 million revolving credit facility that expires in March 2017. Southwest has designated $150 million of the $300 million facility for long-term borrowing needs and the remaining $150 million for working capital purposes. The maximum amount outstanding during 2013 was $195 million ($150 million outstanding on the long-term portion of the credit facility (including $50 million on the commercial paper program), and $45 million outstanding on the short-term portion) in the fourth quarter. At December 31, 2013, $10 million was outstanding on the long-term portion of the credit facility (all of which was under the commercial paper program), and no borrowings were outstanding on the short-term portion. The maximum amount outstanding on the credit facility (including the commercial paper program) during the first, second, and third quarters was $152 million, $125 million, and $183 million, respectively. The credit facility can be used as necessary to meet liquidity requirements, including temporarily financing under-collected PGA balances, if any, meeting the refund needs of over-collected balances, or temporarily funding capital expenditures. This credit facility has been, and is expected to continue to be, 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 then current commercial paper rate. At December 31, 2013, $10 million were outstanding on the commercial paper program. The maximum amount outstanding during the year was $50 million.

NPL has a $75 million credit facility that is scheduled to expire in June 2015. At December 31, 2013, no borrowings were outstanding on the NPL credit facility.

 

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Credit Ratings

The Company’s borrowing costs and ability to raise funds are directly impacted by its credit ratings. Securities ratings issued by nationally recognized ratings agencies provide a method for determining the credit worthiness of an issuer. Company debt ratings are important because long-term debt constitutes a significant portion of total capitalization. These debt ratings are a factor considered by lenders when determining the cost of debt for the Company (i.e., generally the better the rating, the lower the cost to borrow funds).

In March 2013, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) upgraded the Company’s unsecured long-term debt ratings from BBB+ (with a stable outlook) to A- (with a stable outlook). S&P cited the Company’s sustained improvements in cash flow and leverage measures and improved regulatory relationships in all three service territories. S&P debt ratings range from AAA (highest rating possible) to D (obligation is in default). The S&P rating of A- indicates the issuer of the debt is regarded as having a strong capacity to meet financial commitments.

In May 2013, Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”) upgraded the Company’s senior unsecured ratings including IDRBs from A- (with a positive outlook) to A (with a stable outlook). Fitch cited the Company’s stronger credit metrics and improved business risk profile. Fitch debt ratings range from AAA (highest credit quality) to D (defaulted debt obligation). The Fitch rating of A indicates low default risk and a strong ability to pay financial commitments.

In January 2014, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) upgraded the Company’s senior unsecured ratings from Baa1 with a stable outlook to A3 with a stable outlook. Moody’s cited the Company’s improved regulatory environment in its service territories. Moody’s debt ratings range from Aaa (highest rating possible) to C (lowest quality, usually in default). Moody’s applies an A rating to obligations which are considered upper-medium grade obligations with low credit risk. A numerical modifier of 1 (high end of the category) through 3 (low end of the category) is included with the A to indicate the approximate rank of a company within the range.

A securities rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold a security and is subject to change or withdrawal at any time by the rating agency. The foregoing securities ratings are subject to change at any time in the discretion of the applicable ratings agencies. Numerous factors, including many that are not within the Company’s control, are considered by the ratings agencies in connection with assigning securities ratings.

No debt instruments have credit triggers or other clauses that result in default if Company bond ratings are lowered by rating agencies. Certain Company debt instruments contain securities ratings covenants that, if set in motion, would increase financing costs if debt ratings deteriorated. Certain debt instruments also have leverage ratio caps and minimum net worth requirements. At December 31, 2013, the Company is in compliance with all of its covenants. Under the most restrictive of the covenants, the Company could issue over $1.9 billion in additional debt and meet the leverage ratio requirement. The Company has at least $800 million of cushion in equity relating to the minimum net worth requirement.

Inflation

Inflation can impact the Company’s results of operations. Natural gas, labor, employee benefits, consulting, and construction costs are the categories most significantly impacted by inflation. Changes to the cost of gas are generally recovered through PGA mechanisms and do not significantly impact net earnings. Labor and employee benefits are components of the cost of service, and construction costs are the primary component of rate base. In order to recover increased costs, and earn a fair return on rate base, general rate cases are filed by Southwest, when deemed necessary, for review and approval by regulatory authorities. Regulatory lag, that is, the time between the date increased costs are incurred and the time such increases are recovered through the ratemaking process, can impact earnings. See Rates and Regulatory Proceedings for a discussion of recent rate case proceedings.

 

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

All Company debt is recorded on its balance sheets. The Company has long-term operating leases, which are described in Note 2 – Utility Plant of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, and included in the Contractual Obligations Table below.

Contractual Obligations

The Company has various contractual obligations such as long-term purchase contracts, significant non-cancelable operating leases, gas purchase obligations, and long-term debt agreements. The Company has classified these contractual obligations as either operating activities or financing activities, which mirrors their presentation in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. No contractual obligations for investing activities exist at this time. The table below summarizes the Company’s contractual obligations at December 31, 2013 (millions of dollars):

 

     Payments due by period  
Contractual Obligations    Total      2014      2015-2016      2017-2018      Thereafter  

Operating activities:

              

Operating leases (Note 2)

   $ 21       $ 7       $ 10       $ 3       $ 1   

Gas purchase obligations

     163         122         41                   

Pipeline capacity/storage

     776         99         156         103         418   

Other commitments

     20         9         10         1           

Financing activities:

              

Long-term debt, including current maturities (Note 6)

     1,392         11         21         45         1,315   

Interest on long-term debt

     1,134         63         125         120         826   

Other

     10                 1         1         8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 3,516       $ 311       $ 364       $ 273       $ 2,568   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Obligations for Operating Activities:    The table above provides a summary of the Company’s obligations associated with operating activities. Operating leases represent multi-year obligations for office rent and certain equipment. Gas purchase obligations include fixed-price and variable-rate gas purchase contracts covering approximately 139 million dekatherms. The fixed-price contracts have an approximate price of $4 per dekatherm. Variable-price contracts reflect minimum contractual obligations.

Southwest has pipeline capacity/storage contracts for firm transportation service, both on a short- and long-term basis, with several companies for all of its service territories, some with terms extending to 2044. Southwest also has interruptible contracts in place that allow additional capacity to be acquired should an unforeseen need arise. Costs associated with these pipeline capacity contracts are a component of the cost of gas sold and are recovered from customers primarily through the PGA mechanism. Included in the pipeline capacity payments shown in the above table, are payments associated with storage that Southwest has contracted for in southern California and Arizona. The terms of these contracts extend through 2024 and 2019, respectively.

Obligations for Financing Activities:    Contractual obligations for financing activities are debt obligations consisting of scheduled principal and interest payments over the life of the debt. Interest rates in effect at December 31, 2013 on variable rate long-term debt were assumed to remain in effect in the future periods disclosed in the table.

Other:    Estimated funding for pension and other postretirement benefits during calendar year 2014 is $36 million.

 

33


Application of Critical Accounting Policies

A critical accounting policy is one which is very important to the portrayal of the financial condition and results of a company, and requires the most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments of management. The need to make estimates about the effect of items that are uncertain is what makes these judgments difficult, subjective, and/or complex. Management makes subjective judgments about the accounting and regulatory treatment of many items and bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments. These estimates may change as new events occur, as more experience is acquired, as additional information is obtained, and as the Company’s operating environment changes. The following are accounting policies that are deemed critical to the financial statements of the Company. For more information regarding the significant accounting policies of the Company, see Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

Regulatory Accounting

Natural gas operations are subject to the regulation of the Arizona Corporation Commission, the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada, the California Public Utilities Commission, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The accounting policies of the Company conform to generally accepted accounting principles applicable to rate-regulated entities and reflect the effects of the ratemaking process. As such, the Company is allowed to defer as regulatory assets, costs that otherwise would be expensed, if it is probable that future recovery from customers will occur. The Company reviews these assets to assess their ultimate recoverability within the approved regulatory guidelines. If rate recovery is no longer probable, due to competition or the actions of regulators, the Company is required to write-off the related regulatory asset (which would be recognized as current-period expense). Regulatory liabilities are recorded if it is probable that revenues will be reduced for amounts that will be credited to customers through the ratemaking process. The timing and inclusion of costs in rates is often delayed (regulatory lag) and results in a reduction of current-period earnings. Refer to Note 4 – Regulatory Assets and Liabilities for a list of regulatory assets and liabilities.

Accrued Utility Revenues

Revenues related to the sale and/or delivery of natural gas are generally recorded when natural gas is delivered to customers. However, the determination of natural gas sales to individual customers is based on the reading of their meters, which is performed on a systematic basis throughout the month. At the end of each month, margin associated with natural gas service that has been provided but not yet billed is accrued. This accrued utility revenue is estimated each month based primarily on applicable rates, number of customers, rate structure, analyses reflecting significant historical trends, seasonality, and experience. The interplay of these assumptions can impact the variability of the accrued utility revenue estimates. All Company rate jurisdictions have decoupled rate structures, limiting variability due to extreme weather conditions.

Accounting for Income Taxes

The income tax calculations of the Company require estimates due to known future tax rate changes, book to tax differences, and uncertainty with respect to regulatory treatment of certain property items. The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Regulatory tax assets and liabilities are recorded to the extent the Company believes they will be recoverable from or refunded to customers in future rates. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The Company regularly assesses financial statement tax provisions to identify any change in the regulatory treatment or tax-related estimates, assumptions, or enacted tax rates that could have a material impact on cash flows, the financial position, and/or results of operations of the Company.

 

34


Accounting for Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits

Southwest has a noncontributory qualified retirement plan with defined benefits covering substantially all employees. In addition, Southwest has a separate unfunded supplemental retirement plan which is limited to officers. The Company’s pension obligations and costs for these plans are affected by the amount and timing of cash contributions to the plans, the return on plan assets, discount rates, and by employee demographics, including age, compensation, and length of service. Changes made to the provisions of the plans may also impact current and future pension costs. Actuarial formulas are used in the determination of pension obligations and costs and are affected by actual plan experience and assumptions about future experience. Key actuarial assumptions include the expected return on plan assets, the discount rate used in determining the projected benefit obligation and pension costs, and the assumed rate of increase in employee compensation. Relatively small changes in these assumptions (particularly the discount rate) may significantly affect pension obligations and costs for these plans. For example, a change of 0.25% in the discount rate assumption would change the pension plan projected benefit obligation by approximately $30.6 million and future pension expense by $3.4 million. A change of 0.25% in the employee compensation assumption would change the pension obligation by approximately $7.4 million and expense by $1.6 million. A 0.25% change in the expected asset return assumption would change pension expense by approximately $1.7 million (but has no impact on the pension obligation).

At December 31, 2013, the Company raised the discount rate to 5.00% from a rate of 4.25% at December 31, 2012. The methodology utilized to determine the discount rate was consistent with prior years. The weighted-average rate of compensation escalation increased to 3.25% at December 31, 2013 from 2.75% in the prior year. The asset return assumption to be used for 2014 expense was reduced to 7.75% from 8.00%. The significant increase in the discount rate will decrease the expense level for 2014. Pension expense for 2014 is estimated to decrease by $9 million compared to 2013. Future years’ expense level movements (up or down) will continue to be greatly influenced by long-term interest rates, asset returns, and funding levels.

Certifications

The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) requires the Company to file certifications of its Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) regarding reporting accuracy, disclosure controls and procedures, and internal control over financial reporting as exhibits to the Company’s periodic filings. The CEO and CFO certifications for the period ended December 31, 2013 are included as exhibits to the 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

Forward-Looking Statements

This annual 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 annual 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, bonus depreciation tax deductions, amount and timing for completion of estimated future construction expenditures, including the planned LNG facility in southern Arizona and the proposed Paiute expansion in Elko County, Nevada, forecasted operating cash flows and results of operations, incremental operating margin in 2014, operating expense increases in 2014, funding sources of cash requirements, sufficiency of working capital and current credit facility, bank lending practices, the Company’s views regarding its liquidity position, ability to raise funds and receive external financing capacity, future dividend increases,

 

35


earnings trends, NPL’s projected financial performance and related market growth potential, pension and post-retirement benefits, certain benefits of tax acts, the effect of any rate changes or regulatory proceedings, including the Rehearing Decision and the Stipulation from the PUCN, the California general rate case filing, the Paiute Pipeline Company general rate case filing, 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, and the timing and results of future rate hearings and approvals are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are intended to be subject to the safe harbor protection provided by the Reform Act.

A number of important factors affecting the business and financial results of the Company could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, customer growth rates, conditions in the housing market, the ability to recover costs through the PGA mechanisms or other regulatory assets, the effects of regulation/deregulation, the timing and amount of rate relief, changes in rate design, changes in gas procurement practices, changes in capital requirements and funding, the impact of conditions in the capital markets on financing costs, changes in construction expenditures and financing, changes in operations and maintenance expenses, effects of pension expense forecasts, accounting changes, future liability claims, changes in pipeline capacity for the transportation of gas and related costs, results of NPL bid work, impacts of structural and management changes at NPL, NPL construction expenses, differences between actual and originally expected outcomes of NPL bid or other fixed-price construction agreements, competition, and our ability to raise capital in external financings. 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, see Item 1A. Risk Factors and Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

All forward-looking statements in this annual 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).

Common Stock Price and Dividend Information

 

     2013      2012      Dividends Declared  
      High      Low      High      Low          2013              2012      

First quarter

   $ 48.11       $ 42.02       $ 43.64       $ 40.51       $ 0.330       $ 0.295   

Second quarter

     51.52         45.11         44.64         39.46         0.330         0.295   

Third quarter

     50.99         45.70         46.08         42.19         0.330         0.295   

Fourth quarter

     56.03         48.76         44.83         39.01         0.330         0.295   
              

 

 

    

 

 

 
               $ 1.320       $ 1.180   
              

 

 

    

 

 

 

The principal market on which the common stock of the Company is traded is the New York Stock Exchange. At February 18, 2014, there were 15,314 holders of record of common stock, and the market price of the common stock was $54.35.

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. The quarterly common stock dividend declared was 26.5 cents per share throughout 2011, 29.5 cents per share throughout 2012,

 

36


and 33 cents per share throughout 2013. As a result of its ongoing review of dividend policy, in February 2014, the Board increased the quarterly dividend from 33 cents to 36.5 cents per share, effective with the June 2014 payment. This marks the eighth consecutive year in which the dividend was increased. Over time, the Board intends to increase the dividend such that the payout ratio approaches a local distribution company peer group average, 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.

 

37


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Thousands of dollars, except par value)

 

December 31,    2013     2012  

ASSETS

    

Utility plant:

    

Gas plant

   $ 5,252,469      $ 5,019,500   

Less: accumulated depreciation

     (1,868,504     (1,750,795

Acquisition adjustments, net

     730        911   

Construction work in progress

     101,413        74,178   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net utility plant (Note 2)

     3,486,108        3,343,794   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other property and investments (Note 1)

     260,871        242,096   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

     41,077        25,530   

Accounts receivable, net of allowances (Note 3)

     219,469        196,913   

Accrued utility revenue

     72,700        72,000   

Income taxes receivable, net

     3,790        2,945   

Deferred income taxes (Note 11)

     31,130        47,088   

Deferred purchased gas costs (Note 4)

     18,217        6,031   

Prepaids and other current assets (Notes 1, 4, and 12)

     108,289        107,910   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     494,672        458,417   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred charges and other assets (Notes 4 and 12)

     323,523        443,750   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 4,565,174      $ 4,488,057   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

38


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - Continued

 

December 31,    2013     2012  

CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES

    

Capitalization:

    

Common stock, $1 par (authorized - 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding - 46,356,125 and 46,147,788 shares) (Note 10)

   $ 47,986      $ 47,778   

Additional paid-in capital

     840,521        828,777   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net (Note 5)

     (41,698     (50,745

Retained earnings

     567,714        484,369   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Southwest Gas Corporation equity

     1,414,523        1,310,179   

Noncontrolling interest

     (2,128     (1,681
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

     1,412,395        1,308,498   

Long-term debt, less current maturities (Note 6)

     1,381,327        1,268,373   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total capitalization

     2,793,722        2,576,871   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)

    

Current liabilities:

    

Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 6)

     11,105        50,137   

Accounts payable

     183,511        155,667   

Customer deposits

     73,367        77,858   

Accrued general taxes

     39,681        37,644   

Accrued interest

     17,920        16,080   

Deferred purchased gas costs (Note 4)

            98,957   

Other current liabilities (Notes 4 and 12)

     108,580        98,786   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     434,164        535,129   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes and other credits:

    

Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits (Note 11)

     674,411        616,184   

Taxes payable

     284        551   

Accumulated removal costs (Note 4)

     279,000        256,000   

Other deferred credits (Notes 4, 9, and 12)

     383,593        503,322   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred income taxes and other credits

     1,337,288        1,376,057   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total capitalization and liabilities

   $ 4,565,174      $ 4,488,057   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

39


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Year Ended December 31,    2013     2012     2011  

Operating revenues:

  

Gas operating revenues

   $ 1,300,154      $ 1,321,728      $ 1,403,366   

Construction revenues

     650,628        606,050        483,822   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating revenues

     1,950,782        1,927,778        1,887,188   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

  

Net cost of gas sold

     436,001        479,602        613,489   

Operations and maintenance

     384,914        369,979        358,498   

Depreciation and amortization

     236,817        223,422        200,469   

Taxes other than income taxes

     45,551        41,728        40,949   

Construction expenses

     573,284        541,523        423,703   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     1,676,567        1,656,254        1,637,108   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     274,215        271,524        250,080   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other income and (expenses):

  

Net interest deductions (Notes 6 and 7)

     (63,700     (68,020     (69,602

Other income (deductions)

     12,300        4,411        (5,412
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income and (expenses)

     (51,400     (63,609     (75,014
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     222,815        207,915        175,066   

Income tax expense (Note 11)

     77,942        75,276        63,303   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     144,873        132,639        111,763   

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (447     (692     (524
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Southwest Gas Corporation

   $ 145,320      $ 133,331      $ 112,287   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share (Note 14)

   $ 3.14      $ 2.89      $ 2.45   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share (Note 14)

   $ 3.11      $ 2.86      $ 2.43   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Average number of common shares outstanding

     46,318        46,115        45,858   

Average shares outstanding (assuming dilution)

     46,758        46,555        46,291   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

40


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Thousands of dollars)

 

Year Ended December 31,    2013     2012     2011  

Net Income

   $ 144,873      $ 132,639      $ 111,763   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

      

Defined benefit pension plans (Notes 5 and 9):

      

Net actuarial gain (loss)

     62,214        (46,409     (84,005

Amortization of prior service cost

     220                 

Amortization of transition obligation

            538        537   

Amortization of net actuarial loss

     21,190        15,870        9,653   

Prior service cost

            (1,502       

Regulatory adjustment

     (76,651     26,518        65,677   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net defined benefit pension plans

     6,973        (4,985     (8,138
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Forward-starting interest rate swaps:

      

Unrealized/realized gain (loss) (Notes 5 and 12)

            1,834        (11,134

Amounts reclassified into net income (Notes 5 and 12)

     2,074        1,737        725   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net forward-starting interest rate swaps

     2,074        3,571        (10,409
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

     9,047        (1,414     (18,547
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

     153,920        131,225        93,216   

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (447     (692     (524
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Southwest Gas Corporation

   $ 154,367      $ 131,917      $ 93,740   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

41


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Thousands of dollars)

 

Year Ended December 31,    2013     2012     2011  

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

      

Net Income

   $ 144,873      $ 132,639      $ 111,763   

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

      

Depreciation and amortization

     236,817        223,422        200,469   

Deferred income taxes

     68,639        66,280        56,467   

Changes in current assets and liabilities:

      

Accounts receivable, net of allowances

     (22,556     12,333        (61,641

Accrued utility revenue

     (700     (1,700     (5,900

Deferred purchased gas costs

     (111,143     22,823        (52,885

Accounts payable

     27,668        (25,998     15,826   

Accrued taxes

     925        113        14,979   

Other current assets and liabilities

     5,084        (18,948     (3,347

Gains on sale

     (4,112     (8,040     (3,307

Changes in undistributed stock compensation

     6,958        5,137        6,125   

AFUDC and property-related changes

     (2,274     (1,943     (1,154

Changes in other assets and deferred charges

     (21,719     (15,367     11,025   

Changes in other liabilities and deferred credits

     17,749        (4,427     (36,378
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     346,209        386,324        252,042   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

42


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - Continued

 

Year Ended December 31,    2013     2012     2011  

CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

      

Construction expenditures and property additions

     (364,276     (395,712     (380,991

Restricted cash

            12,785        24,996   

Changes in customer advances

     7,773        (3,025     (7,771

Miscellaneous inflows

     8,465        13,963        7,686   

Miscellaneous outflows

            (2,004     (2,719
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (348,038     (373,993     (358,799
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

      

Issuance of common stock, net

     1,635        1,581        7,402   

Dividends paid

     (59,535     (53,040     (47,929

Interest rate swap settlement

            (21,754       

Issuance of long-term debt, net

     311,290        489,518        274,598   

Retirement of long-term debt

     (137,013     (427,043     (330,473

Change in credit facility and commercial paper

     (101,000     2,000        109,000   

Other

     1,999                 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     17,376        (8,738     12,598   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in cash and cash equivalents

     15,547        3,593        (94,159

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     25,530        21,937        116,096   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 41,077      $ 25,530      $ 21,937   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental information:

      

Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized

   $ 58,730      $ 87,439      $ 69,842   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income taxes paid (received)

   $ 6,850      $ 2,843      $ (13,635
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

43


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

      Southwest Gas Corporation Equity  
                  

Additional

Paid-in

Capital

    

Accumulated
Other

Comprehensive

Income (Loss)

         

Non-

controlling

Interest

   

Total

 
     Common Stock           Retained      
      Shares      Amount           Earnings      

DECEMBER 31, 2010

     45,599       $ 47,229       $ 807,885       $ (30,784   $ 343,131      $ (465   $ 1,166,996   

Common stock issuances

     357         357         13,755               14,112   

Net income (loss)

                112,287        (524     111,763   

Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the period, less amortization of unamortized benefit plan cost, net of tax (Notes 5 and 9)

              (8,138         (8,138

FSIRS realized and unrealized loss, net of tax (Notes 5 and 12)

              (11,134         (11,134

Amounts reclassified to net income, net of tax (Notes 5 and 12)

              725            725   

Dividends declared Common: $1.06 per share

                (49,293       (49,293

 

 

DECEMBER 31, 2011

     45,956         47,586         821,640         (49,331     406,125        (989     1,225,031   

Common stock issuances

     192         192         7,137               7,329   

Net income (loss)

                133,331        (692     132,639   

Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the period, less amortization of unamortized benefit plan cost, net of tax (Notes 5 and 9)

              (4,985         (4,985

FSIRS realized and unrealized gain, net of tax (Notes 5 and 12)

              1,834            1,834   

Amounts reclassified to net income, net of tax (Notes 5 and 12)

              1,737            1,737   

Dividends declared Common: $1.18 per share

                (55,087       (55,087

 

 

 

44


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY - Continued

 

      Southwest Gas Corporation Equity  
                 

Additional

Paid-in

Capital

    

Accumulated
Other

Comprehensive

Income (Loss)

         

Non-

controlling

Interest

   

Total

 
     Common Stock          

Retained

Earnings

     
      Shares     Amount              

DECEMBER 31, 2012

     46,148        47,778         828,777         (50,745     484,369        (1,681     1,308,498   

Common stock issuances

     208        208         11,744               11,952   

Net income (loss)

               145,320        (447     144,873   

Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the period, less amortization of unamortized benefit plan cost, net of tax (Notes 5 and 9)

             6,973            6,973   

Amounts reclassified to net income, net of tax (Notes 5 and 12)

             2,074            2,074   

Dividends declared Common: $1.32 per share

               (61,975       (61,975

 

 

DECEMBER 31, 2013

     46,356   $ 47,986       $ 840,521       $ (41,698   $ 567,714      $ (2,128   $ 1,412,395   

 

 
*

At December 31, 2013, 2.1 million common shares were registered and available for issuance under provisions of the Company’s various stock issuance plans. In addition, approximately 52,000 common shares are registered for issuance upon the exercise of options granted under the Stock Incentive Plan (see Note 10).

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

45


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

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. NPL Construction Co. (“NPL” 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. NPL also holds a 65% interest in a venture to market natural gas engine-driven heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) technology and products. NPL consolidates the entity (IntelliChoice Energy, LLC) as a majority-owned subsidiary.

Basis of Presentation.    The Company follows generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) in accounting for all of its businesses. Accounting for the natural gas utility operations conforms with U.S. GAAP as applied to regulated companies and as prescribed by federal agencies and commissions of the various states in which the utility operates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP 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.

Consolidation.    The accompanying financial statements are presented on a consolidated basis and include the accounts of Southwest Gas Corporation and all subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated with the exception of transactions between Southwest and NPL in accordance with accounting treatment for rate-regulated entities.

Net Utility Plant.    Net utility plant includes gas plant at original cost, less the accumulated provision for depreciation and amortization, plus the unamortized balance of acquisition adjustments. Original cost includes contracted services, material, payroll and related costs such as taxes and benefits, general and administrative expenses, and an allowance for funds used during construction, less contributions in aid of construction.

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

 

      2013     2012  

NPL property and equipment

   $
320
  
  $ 287   

NPL accumulated provision for depreciation and amortization

     (163     (136

Net cash surrender value of COLI policies

     93        80   

Other property

     11        11   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 261      $ 242   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred Purchased Gas Costs.    The various regulatory commissions have established procedures to enable Southwest to adjust its billing rates for changes in the cost of natural gas purchased. The difference between the current cost of gas purchased and the cost of gas recovered in billed rates is deferred. Generally, these deferred amounts are recovered or refunded within one year.

 

46


Prepaids and other current assets.    Prepaids and other current assets includes gas pipe inventory and operating supplies of $21 million in 2013 and $25 million in 2012.

Income Taxes.    The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date. For regulatory and financial reporting purposes, investment tax credits (“ITC”) related to gas utility operations are deferred and amortized over the life of related fixed assets.

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. 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. During 2012 and 2013, approximately $20 million and $9.3 million, respectively, of customer advances, upon contract expiration, were applied as contributions toward utility construction activity and represent a non-cash investing activity.

Accumulated Removal Costs.    Approved regulatory practices allow Southwest to include in depreciation expense a component to recover removal costs associated with utility plant retirements. In accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) position on presentation of these amounts, management has reclassified estimated removal costs from accumulated depreciation to accumulated removal costs within the liabilities section of the balance sheets. The reclassified amounts are presented in the table below (thousands of dollars):

 

      December 31, 2013      December 31, 2012  

Accumulated removal costs

   $ 279,000       $ 256,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gas Operating Revenues.    Revenues are recorded when customers are billed. Customer billings are based on monthly meter reads and are calculated in accordance with applicable tariffs and state and local laws, regulations, and agreements. An estimate of the margin associated with natural gas service provided, but not yet billed, to residential and commercial customers from the latest meter reading date to the end of the reporting period is also recognized as accrued utility revenue. Revenues also include the net impacts of margin tracker/decoupling accruals.

The Company acts as an agent for state and local taxing authorities in the collection and remission of a variety of taxes, including sales and use taxes and surcharges. These taxes are not included in gas operating revenues. The Company uses the net classification method to report taxes collected from customers to be remitted to governmental authorities.

Construction Revenues.    The majority of NPL contracts are performed under unit-price contracts. Generally, these contracts state prices per unit of installation. Typical installations are accomplished in two weeks or less. Revenues are recorded as installations are completed. Long-term fixed-price contracts use the percentage-of-completion method of accounting and, therefore, take into account the cost, estimated earnings, and revenue to date on contracts not yet completed. The amount of revenue recognized on fixed-price contracts is based on costs expended to date relative to anticipated final contract costs. Revisions in estimates of costs and earnings during the course of work are reflected in the accounting period in which the facts requiring revision become known. If a loss on a contract becomes known or is anticipated, the entire amount of the estimated ultimate loss is recognized at that time in the financial statements. Some unit-price contracts contain caps, that if encroached, trigger revenue and loss recognition similar to a fixed-price contract model.

 

47


In 2011, NPL recorded $5 million in estimated pretax profit associated with a large fixed-price contract. In connection with significant changes in estimated costs to complete the fixed-price contract, NPL results for 2012 reflected a pretax loss of $15 million ($0.20 per share, after tax). The estimated cost changes that resulted in the loss recognized included reductions in projected productivity and higher costs of restoration work. During 2013, profitability on this contract was minimal and as of December 31, 2013, this fixed-price contract is substantially complete.

Construction Expenses.    The construction expenses classification in the income statement includes payroll expenses, job-related equipment costs, direct construction costs, gains and losses on equipment sales, general and administrative expenses, and office-related fixed costs of NPL.

Net Cost of Gas Sold. Components of net cost of gas sold include natural gas commodity costs (fixed-price and variable-rate), pipeline capacity/transportation costs, and actual settled costs of natural gas derivative instruments. Also included are the net impacts of PGA deferrals and recoveries.

Operations and Maintenance Expense.    For financial reporting purposes, operations and maintenance expense includes Southwest’s operating and maintenance costs associated with serving utility customers, uncollectible expense, administrative and general salaries and expense, employee benefits expense, and legal expense (including injuries and damages).

Depreciation and Amortization.    Utility plant depreciation is computed on the straight-line remaining life method at composite rates considered sufficient to amortize costs over estimated service lives, including components which compensate for removal costs (net of salvage value), and retirements, as approved by the appropriate regulatory agency. When plant is retired from service, the original cost of plant, including cost of removal, less salvage, is charged to the accumulated provision for depreciation. Other regulatory assets, including acquisition adjustments, are amortized when appropriate, over time periods authorized by regulators. Nonutility and construction services-related property and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Costs and gains related to refunding utility debt and debt issuance expenses are deferred and amortized over the weighted-average lives of the new issues and become a component of interest expense.

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (“AFUDC”).    AFUDC represents the cost of both debt and equity funds used to finance utility construction. AFUDC is capitalized as part of the cost of utility plant. The debt portion of AFUDC is reported in the consolidated statements of income as an offset to net interest deductions and the equity portion is reported as other income. Utility plant construction costs, including AFUDC, are recovered in authorized rates through depreciation when completed projects are placed into operation, and general rate relief is requested and granted.

 

      2013      2012      2011  
(In thousands)                     

AFUDC:

        

Debt portion

   $ 1,260       $ 1,129       $ 718   

Equity portion

     2,274         1,943         1,154   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

AFUDC capitalized as part of utility plant

   $ 3,534       $ 3,072       $ 1,872   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

48


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

 

      2013     2012     2011  

Change in COLI policies

   $ 12,400      $ 6,600      $ 700   

Interest income

     461        924        485   

Pipe replacement costs

     (132     (2,680     (4,761

Miscellaneous income and (expense)

     (429     (433     (1,836
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income (deductions)

   $ 12,300      $ 4,411      $ (5,412
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Included in the table above is the change in cash surrender values of company-owned life insurance (“COLI”) policies (including net death benefits recognized). Changes in cash surrender values are directly influenced by the investment portfolio underlying the insurance policies. 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 value components of COLI policies, as they progress towards the ultimate death benefits, are also recorded without tax consequences. Pipe replacement costs include amounts associated with certain Arizona non-recoverable pipe replacement work. The replacement program work subject to non-recoverability was substantially completed in 2012.

Earnings Per Share.    Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) are calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS includes the effect of additional weighted-average common stock equivalents (stock options, performance shares, and restricted stock units). Unless otherwise noted, the term “Earnings Per Share” refers to Basic EPS. A reconciliation of the shares used in the Basic and Diluted EPS calculations is shown in the following table. Net income was the same for Basic and Diluted EPS calculations.

 

      2013      2012      2011  
(In thousands)                     

Average basic shares

     46,318         46,115         45,858   

Effect of dilutive securities:

        

Stock options

     26         42         52   

Performance shares

     231         254         271   

Restricted stock units

     183         144         110   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average diluted shares

     46,758         46,555         46,291   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subsequent Events.    Management of the Company monitors events occurring after the balance sheet date and prior to the issuance of the financial statements to determine the impacts, if any, of events on the financial statements to be issued or disclosures to be made, and has reflected them where appropriate.

 

49


Note 2 – Utility Plant

Net utility plant as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 was as follows (thousands of dollars):

 

December 31,    2013     2012  

Gas plant:

    

Storage

   $ 21,282      $ 20,503   

Transmission

     313,306        301,505   

Distribution

     4,410,598        4,224,560   

General

     324,490        310,936   

Other

     182,793        161,996   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     5,252,469        5,019,500   

Less: accumulated depreciation

     (1,868,504     (1,750,795

Acquisition adjustments, net

     730        911   

Construction work in progress

     101,413        74,178   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net utility plant

   $ 3,486,108      $ 3,343,794   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization expense on gas plant was as follows (thousands of dollars):

 

      2013      2012      2011  

Depreciation and amortization expense

   $ 185,283       $ 182,612       $ 172,712   

Operating Leases and Rentals.    Southwest leases a portion of its corporate headquarters office complex in Las Vegas. A lease on the administrative offices in Phoenix recently expired. A new facility was acquired to replace the previously leased facility. The Company owns the new facility which is included in net utility plant above. The table below presents the rental payments and the current term expiration dates. The corporate headquarters lease has optional renewal terms available and the Company will consider alternatives at that time.

 

      2014      2015      2016      2017      2018  
(In thousands)                                   

Corporate headquarters (expires in 2017)

   $ 2,190       $ 2,270       $ 2,343       $ 1,194       $   

Phoenix administrative offices (expired in 2014)

     243                                   

In addition to the above, the Company leases certain office and construction equipment. The majority of these leases are short-term. These leases are accounted for as operating leases and, for the gas segment, are also treated as such for regulatory purposes. NPL has various short-term operating leases of equipment and temporary office sites. The table below presents Southwest rental payments and NPL lease payments that are included in operating expenses (in thousands):

 

      2013      2012      2011  

Southwest Gas

   $ 8,308       $ 7,762       $ 7,812   

NPL

     27,118         24,054         19,017   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Consolidated rental payments/lease expense

   $ 35,426       $ 31,816       $ 26,829   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

50


The following is a schedule of future minimum lease payments for significant non-cancelable operating leases (with initial or remaining terms in excess of one year) as of December 31, 2013 (thousands of dollars):

 

Year Ending December 31,        

2014

   $ 6,780   

2015

     5,231   

2016

     4,370   

2017

     2,716   

2018

     928   

Thereafter

     1,206   
  

 

 

 

Total minimum lease payments

   $ 21,231   
  

 

 

 

Note 3 – Receivables and Related Allowances

Business activity with respect to gas utility operations is conducted with customers located within the three-state region of Arizona, Nevada, and California. The table below contains information about the gas utility customer accounts receivable balance (net of allowance) at December 31, 2013, and the percentage of customers in each of the three states.

 

Gas utility customer accounts receivable balance (in thousands)

   $ 121,082   
      December 31, 2013  

Percent of customers by state

  

Arizona

     54

Nevada

     36

California

     10

Although the Company seeks to minimize its credit risk related to utility operations by requiring security deposits from new customers, imposing late fees, and actively pursuing collection on overdue accounts, some accounts are ultimately not collected. Customer accounts are subject to collection procedures that vary by jurisdiction (late fee assessment, noticing requirements for disconnection of service, and procedures for actual disconnection and/or reestablishment of service). After disconnection of service, accounts are generally written off approximately one month after inactivation. Dependent upon the jurisdiction, reestablishment of service requires both payment of previously unpaid balances and additional deposit requirements. Provisions for uncollectible accounts are recorded monthly based on experience, customer and rate composition, and write-off processes. They are included in the ratemaking process as a cost of service. The Nevada

 

51


jurisdictions have a regulatory mechanism associated with the gas cost-related portion of uncollectible accounts. Such amounts are deferred and collected through a surcharge in the ratemaking process. Activity in the allowance account for uncollectibles is summarized as follows (thousands of dollars):

 

     

Allowance for

Uncollectibles

 

Balance, December 31, 2010

   $ 3,194   

Additions charged to expense

     2,678   

Accounts written off, less recoveries

     (2,690
  

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2011

     3,182   

Additions charged to expense

     2,471   

Accounts written off, less recoveries

     (3,149
  

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2012

     2,504   

Additions charged to expense

     3,583   

Accounts written off, less recoveries

     (4,362
  

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2013

   $ 1,725   
  

 

 

 

At December 31, 2013, the construction services segment (NPL) had $93 million in customer accounts receivable. Both the allowance for uncollectibles and write-offs have been insignificant and are not reflected in the table above.

Note 4 – Regulatory Assets and Liabilities

Natural gas operations are subject to the regulation of the Arizona Corporation Commission (“ACC”), the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (“PUCN”), the California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”), and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”). Accounting policies of Southwest conform to U.S. GAAP applicable to rate-regulated entities and reflect the effects of the ratemaking process. Accounting treatment for rate-regulated entities allows for deferral as regulatory assets, costs that otherwise would be expensed, if it is probable that future recovery from customers will occur. If rate recovery is no longer probable, due to competition or the actions of regulators, Southwest is required to write-off the related regulatory asset. Regulatory liabilities are recorded if it is probable that revenues will be reduced for amounts that will be credited to customers through the ratemaking process.

 

52


The following table represents existing regulatory assets and liabilities (thousands of dollars):

 

December 31,    2013     2012  

Regulatory assets:

    

Accrued pension and other postretirement benefit costs (1)

   $ 249,985      $ 373,615   

Unrealized net loss on non-trading derivatives (Swaps) (2)

     160        2,395   

Deferred purchased gas costs (3)

     18,217        6,031   

Accrued purchased gas costs (4)

     31,500        30,300   

Unamortized premium on reacquired debt (5)

     19,614        19,452   

Other (6)

     48,945        44,927   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     368,421        476,720   

Regulatory liabilities:

    

Deferred purchased gas costs (3)

            (98,957

Accumulated removal costs

     (279,000     (256,000

Unrealized net gain on non-trading derivatives (Swaps) (2)

     (981     (6

Deferred gain on southern Nevada division operations facility (7)

     (253     (392

Unamortized gain on reacquired debt (8)

     (11,398     (11,934

Other (9)

     (26,482     (6,951
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net regulatory assets

   $ 50,307      $ 102,480   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

Included in Deferred charges and other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Recovery period is greater than five years. (See Note 9).

(2)

The following table details the regulatory assets/(liabilities) offsetting the derivatives (Swaps) at fair value in the balance sheets (thousands of dollars). The actual amounts, when realized at settlement, become a component of purchased gas costs under the Company’s purchased gas adjustment (“PGA”) mechanisms. (See Note 12).

 

Instrument    Balance Sheet Location    2013     2012  

Swaps

   Deferred charges and other assets    $ 4      $ 319   

Swaps

   Prepaids and other current assets      156        2,076   

Swaps

   Other current liabilities      (801       

Swaps

   Other deferred credits      (180     (6

 

(3)

Balance recovered or refunded on an ongoing basis with interest.

(4)

Included in Prepaids and other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Balance recovered or refunded on an ongoing basis.

(5)

Included in Deferred charges and other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Recovered over life of debt instruments.

(6)

Other regulatory assets including deferred costs associated with rate cases, regulatory studies, and state mandated public purpose programs (including low income and conservation programs), as well as margin and interest-tracking accounts, amounts associated with accrued absence time, and deferred post-retirement benefits other than pensions. Recovery periods vary.

(7)

Balance was originally being amortized over a four-year period beginning in the fourth quarter of 2009. As a result of the most recent Nevada general rate case, the amortization period was extended through 2015.

(8)

Included in Other deferred credits on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Amortized over life of debt instruments.

(9)

Other regulatory liabilities includes amounts associated with income tax and gross-up.

 

53


Note 5 – Other Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”)

The following information provides insight into amounts impacting Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), both before and after-tax, within the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, which also impact Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Equity.

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

 

     2013     2012     2011  
     Before-
Tax
Amount
   

Tax

(Expense)

or
Benefit (1)

    Net-of-
Tax
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

 
(Thousands of dollars)                                                      

Defined benefit pension plans:

                 

Net actuarial gain/(loss)

  $ 100,345      $ (38,131   $ 62,214      $ (74,853   $ 28,444      $ (46,409   $ (135,492   $ 51,487      $ (84,005

Amortization of prior service cost

    355        (135     220                                             

Amortization of transition obligation

                         867        (329     538        867        (330     537   

Amortization of net actuarial (gain)/loss

    34,177        (12,987     21,190        25,597        (9,727     15,870        15,569        (5,916     9,653   

Prior service cost

                         (2,423     921        (1,502                     

Regulatory adjustment

    (123,630     46,979        (76,651     42,771        (16,253     26,518        105,931        (40,254     65,677   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pension plans other comprehensive income (loss)

    11,247        (4,274     6,973        (8,041     3,056        (4,985     (13,125     4,987        (8,138

FSIRS (designated hedging activities):

                 

Unrealized/realized gain (loss)

                         2,959        (1,125     1,834        (17,958     6,824        (11,134

Amounts reclassified into net income

    3,345        (1,271     2,074        2,801        (1,064     1,737        1,169        (444     725   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

FSIRS other comprehensive income (loss)

    3,345        (1,271     2,074        5,760        (2,189     3,571        (16,789     6,380        (10,409
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

  $ 14,592      $ (5,545   $ 9,047      $ (2,281   $ 867      $ (1,414   $ (29,914   $ 11,367      $ (18,547
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

Tax amounts are calculated using a 38% rate.

The estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income or regulatory assets into net periodic benefit cost over the next year are summarized below (in thousands):

 

Retirement plan net actuarial loss

   $ 23,000   

SERP net actuarial loss

     800   

PBOP prior service cost

     400   

 

54


Approximately $2.1 million of previously realized losses (net of tax) related to the forward-starting interest rate swaps (“FSIRS”), included in AOCI at December 31, 2013, will be reclassified into interest expense within the next twelve months as the related interest payments on long-term debt occur.

The following table represents a rollforward of AOCI, presented on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and its Consolidated Statements of Equity:

AOCI – Rollforward

(Thousands of dollars)

 

      Defined Benefit Plans (Note 9)     FSIRS (Note 12)         
     

Before-

Tax

   

Tax

(Expense)
Benefit

   

After-

Tax

   

Before-

Tax

    Tax
(Expense)
Benefit
   

After-

Tax

    AOCI  

Beginning Balance AOCI December 31, 2012

   $ (52,470   $ 19,939      $ (32,531   $ (29,378   $ 11,164      $ (18,214   $ (50,745
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net actuarial gain/(loss)

     100,345        (38,131     62,214                             62,214   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

     100,345        (38,131     62,214                             62,214   

FSIRS amounts reclassified from AOCI (1)

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

Amortization of prior service cost (2)

     355        (135     220                             220   

Amortization of net actuarial loss (2)

     34,177        (12,987     21,190                             21,190   

Regulatory adjustment (3)

     (123,630     46,979        (76,651                          (76,651
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)

     11,247        (4,274     6,973        3,345        (1,271     2,074        9,047   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending Balance AOCI December 31, 2013

   $ (41,223   $ 15,665      $ (25,558   $ (26,033   $ 9,893      $ (16,140   $ (41,698
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

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

(2)

These AOCI components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 9 – Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits 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 Consolidated Balance Sheets).

The following table represents amounts (before income tax impacts) included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (in the table above), that have not yet been recognized in net periodic benefit cost, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:

Amounts Recognized in AOCI (Before Tax)

(Thousands of dollars)

 

              
      2013     2012  

Net actuarial (loss) gain

   $ (289,141   $ (423,662

Prior service cost

     (2,067     (2,423

Less: amount recognized in regulatory assets

     249,985        373,615   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Recognized in AOCI

   $ (41,223   $ (52,470
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See Note 9 – Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits for more information on the defined benefit pension plans and Note 12 – Derivatives and Fair Value Measurements for more information on the FSIRS.

 

55


Note 6 – Long-Term Debt

Carrying amounts of the Company’s long-term debt and their related estimated fair values as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are disclosed in the following table. The fair values of the revolving credit facility (including commercial paper), the NPL revolving credit facility, and the variable-rate Industrial Development Revenue Bonds (“IDRBs”) approximate their carrying values, and are categorized as Level 1 (quoted prices for identical financial instruments) within the three-level fair value hierarchy that ranks the inputs used to measure fair value by their reliability. The market values of debentures (except the 6.1% Notes) and fixed-rate IDRBs are categorized as Level 2. The 6.1% Notes (private placement) and NPL other debt obligations (not actively traded) are categorized as Level 3 (based on significant unobservable inputs to their fair values). Fair values for the debentures, fixed-rate IDRBs, and NPL other debt obligations were determined through 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 and issuer spreads. The external credit rating, coupon rate, and maturity of each security are considered in the valuation, as applicable.

 

December 31,    2013      2012  
     

Carrying

Amount

   

Market

Value

    

Carrying

Amount

   

Market

Value

 
(Thousands of dollars)                          

Debentures:

         

Notes, 4.45%, due 2020

   $ 125,000      $ 130,953       $ 125,000      $ 141,771   

Notes, 6.1%, due 2041

     125,000        141,873         125,000        165,779   

Notes, 3.875%, due 2022

     250,000        252,485         250,000        277,950   

Notes, 4.875%, due 2043

     250,000        257,280                  

8% Series, due 2026

     75,000        96,263         75,000        111,501   

Medium-term notes, 7.59% series, due 2017

     25,000        28,741         25,000        30,710   

Medium-term notes, 7.78% series, due 2022

     25,000        30,586         25,000        34,637   

Medium-term notes, 7.92% series, due 2027

     25,000        31,497         25,000        36,953   

Medium-term notes, 6.76% series, due 2027

     7,500        8,468         7,500        10,058   

Unamortized discount

     (5,560        (3,403  
  

 

 

      

 

 

   
     901,940           654,097     
  

 

 

      

 

 

   

Revolving credit facility and commercial paper

     10,000        10,000         111,000        111,000   
  

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

56


December 31,    2013      2012  
     

Carrying

Amount

   

Market

Value

    

Carrying

Amount

   

Market

Value

 
(Thousands of dollars)                          

Industrial development revenue bonds:

         

Variable-rate bonds:

         

Tax-exempt Series A, due 2028

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

2003 Series A, due 2038

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

2008 Series A, due 2038

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

2009 Series A, due 2039

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

Fixed-rate bonds:

         

5.55% 1999 Series D, due 2038

                    8,270        8,375   

5.45% 2003 Series C, due 2038

                    30,000        30,152   

5.25% 2003 Series D, due 2038

     20,000        20,150         20,000        20,571   

5.80% 2003 Series E, due 2038

                    15,000        15,102   

5.25% 2004 Series A, due 2034

     65,000        64,522         65,000        66,955   

5.00% 2004 Series B, due 2033

     31,200        30,284         31,200        31,655   

4.85% 2005 Series A, due 2035

     100,000        95,192         100,000        101,184   

4.75% 2006 Series A, due 2036

     24,855        22,974         24,855        25,189   

Unamortized discount

     (2,776        (3,195  
  

 

 

      

 

 

   
     438,279           491,130     
  

 

 

      

 

 

   

NPL credit facility

                    41,562        41,562   

NPL other debt obligations

     42,213        42,119         20,721        20,991   
  

 

 

      

 

 

   
     1,392,432           1,318,510     

Less: current maturities

     (11,105        (50,137  
  

 

 

      

 

 

   

Long-term debt, less current maturities

   $ 1,381,327         $ 1,268,373     
  

 

 

      

 

 

   

In March 2013, the Company redeemed at par the 5.45% Series 2003C and the 5.80% Series 2003E IDRBs originally due in 2038. The Company facilitated the redemption primarily from borrowings under its $300 million credit facility. In September 2013, the Company redeemed at par the $8.27 million 5.55% 1999 Series D IDRBs originally due in 2038. The Company facilitated the redemption primarily from borrowings under its $300 million credit facility.

In October 2013, the Company issued $250 million of 4.875% senior notes at a 0.078% discount. The notes will mature in October 2043. A portion of the net proceeds were used to temporarily pay down amounts outstanding under the credit facility. The remaining net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes.

The Company has a $300 million revolving credit facility that expires in March 2017. 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 December 31, 2013, 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. 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 December 31, 2013, no borrowings were outstanding on the credit facility (see commercial paper program discussion below). Borrowings under the credit facility ranged from none during the fourth quarter of 2013 to a high of $195 million during October 2013. There were no borrowings outstanding on the short-term portion of the credit facility at December 31, 2012 and 2013. (See Note 7 – Short-Term Debt).

 

57


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 program are calculated at the then current commercial paper rate. At December 31, 2013, $10 million was outstanding on the commercial paper program. The effective interest rate on the commercial paper program was 0.54% at December 31, 2013.

NPL has a $75 million credit facility that is scheduled to expire in June 2015. Interest rates for the credit facility are calculated at either LIBOR or a base rate, plus, in each case, 1.00% or 0.75% depending on NPL’s leverage ratio at the end of each quarter. At December 31, 2013, no borrowings were outstanding on the NPL credit facility.

The effective interest rates on the variable-rate IDRBs are included in the table below:

 

      December 31, 2013     December 31, 2012  

2003 Series A

     1.43     1.71

2008 Series A

     1.41     1.59

2009 Series A

     1.01     1.14

Tax-exempt Series A

     1.07     1.25

In Nevada, interest fluctuations due to changing interest rates on the 2003 Series A, 2008 Series A, and 2009 Series A variable-rate IDRBs are tracked and recovered from ratepayers through an interest balancing account.

Estimated maturities of long-term debt for the next five years are (in thousands):

 

2014

   $ 11,105   

2015

     11,100   

2016

     10,200   

2017

     42,210   

2018

     2,598   

No debt instruments have credit triggers or other clauses that result in default if Company bond ratings are lowered by rating agencies. Certain Company debt instruments contain securities ratings covenants that, if set in motion, would increase financing costs. Certain debt instruments also have leverage ratio caps and minimum net worth requirements. At December 31, 2013, the Company is in compliance with all of its covenants. Under the most restrictive of the covenants, the Company could issue over $1.9 billion in additional debt and meet the leverage ratio requirement. The Company has at least $800 million of cushion in equity relating to the minimum net worth requirement.

Note 7 – Short-Term Debt

As discussed in Note 6, Southwest has a $300 million credit facility that is scheduled to expire in March 2017, of which $150 million has been designated by management for working capital purposes. The Company had no short-term borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2012 or 2013.

Note 8 – Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is a defendant in miscellaneous legal proceedings. The Company is also a party to various regulatory proceedings. The ultimate dispositions of these proceedings are not presently determinable; however, it is the opinion of management that no litigation or regulatory proceeding to which the Company is currently subject will have a material adverse impact on its financial position or results of operations.

 

58


The Company maintains liability insurance for various risks associated with the operation of its natural gas pipelines and facilities. In connection with these liability insurance policies, the Company is responsible for an initial deductible or self-insured retention amount per incident, after which the insurance carriers are responsible for amounts up to the policy limits. The self-insured retention amount associated with general liability claims is $1 million per incident plus payment of the first $4 million in aggregate claims above $1 million in the policy year.

Note 9 – Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Southwest has an Employees’ Investment Plan that provides for purchases of various mutual fund investments and Company common stock by eligible Southwest employees through deduction of a percentage of base compensation, subject to IRS limitations. Southwest matches up to one-half of amounts deferred. The maximum matching contribution is 3.5% of an employee’s annual compensation. NPL has a separate plan, the cost and liability of which are not significant. The cost of the Southwest plan is listed below (in thousands):

 

      2013      2012      2011  

Employee Investment Plan cost

   $ 4,850       $ 4,707       $ 4,626   

Southwest has a deferred compensation plan for all officers and a separate deferred compensation plan for members of the Board of Directors. The plans provide the opportunity to defer up to 100% of annual cash compensation. Southwest matches one-half of amounts deferred by officers, up to a maximum matching contribution of 3.5% of an officer’s annual base salary. Upon retirement, payments of compensation deferred, plus interest, are made in equal monthly installments over 10, 15, or 20 years, as elected by the participant. Directors have an additional option to receive such payments over a five-year period. Deferred compensation earns interest at a rate determined each January. The interest rate equals 150% of Moody’s Seasoned Corporate Bond Rate Index.

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 benefits.

The Company recognizes the overfunded or underfunded positions of defined benefit postretirement plans, including pension plans, in its balance sheets. Any actuarial gains and losses, prior service costs and transition assets or obligations are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income under stockholders’ equity, net of tax, until they are amortized as a component of net periodic benefit cost.

In accordance with regulatory deferral accounting treatment under U.S. GAAP for rate-regulated entities, the Company has established a regulatory asset for the portion of the total amounts otherwise chargeable to accumulated other comprehensive income that are expected to be recovered through rates in future periods. Changes in actuarial gains and losses and prior service costs pertaining to the regulatory asset will be recognized as an adjustment to the regulatory asset account as these amounts are amortized and recognized as components of net periodic pension costs each year.

Investment objectives and strategies for the qualified retirement plan are developed and approved by the Pension Plan Investment Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company. They are designed to enhance capital, maintain minimum liquidity required for retirement plan operations and effectively manage pension assets.

A target portfolio of investments in the qualified retirement plan is developed by the Pension Plan Investment Committee and is reevaluated periodically. Asset return assumptions are determined by evaluating performance expectations of the target

 

59


portfolio. Projected benefit obligations are estimated using actuarial assumptions and Company benefit policy. A target mix of assets is then determined based on acceptable risk versus estimated returns in order to fund the benefit obligation. At December 31, 2013, the percentage ranges of the target portfolio are:

 

Type of Investment    Percentage Range  

Equity securities

     59 to 71   

Debt securities

     31 to 37   

Other

     up to 5   

The Company’s pension costs for these plans are affected by the amount and timing of cash contributions to the plans, the return on plan assets, discount rates, and by employee demographics, including age, compensation, and length of service. Changes made to the provisions of the plans may also impact current and future pension costs. Actuarial formulas are used in the determination of pension costs and are affected by actual plan experience and assumptions about future experience. Key actuarial assumptions include the expected return on plan assets, the discount rate used in determining the projected benefit obligation and pension costs, and the assumed rate of increase in employee compensation. Relatively small changes in these assumptions, particularly the discount rate, may significantly affect pension costs and plan obligations for the qualified retirement plan.

U.S. GAAP states that the assumed discount rate should reflect the rate at which the pension benefits could be effectively settled. In making this estimate, in addition to rates implicit in current prices of annuity contracts that could be used to settle the liabilities, employers may look to rates of return on high-quality fixed-income investments available on December 31 of each year and expected to be available during the period to maturity of the pension benefits. In determining the discount rate, the Company matches the plan’s projected cash flows to a spot-rate yield curve based on highly rated corporate bonds. Changes to the discount rate from year-to-year, if any, are generally made in increments of 25 basis points.

Due to a higher interest rate environment for high-quality fixed income investments, the Company raised the discount rate at December 31, 2013 from 2012. The methodology utilized to determine the discount rate was consistent with prior years. The weighted-average rate of compensation increase was also raised (consistent with management’s expectations overall). The asset return assumption (which impacts the following year’s expense) was reduced. The rates are presented in the table below:

 

      December 31, 2013     December 31, 2012  

Discount rate

     5.00     4.25

Weighted-average rate of compensation increase

     3.25     2.75

Asset return assumption

     7.75     8.00

The significant increase in the discount rate will decrease the expense level for 2014. Pension expense for 2014 is estimated to decrease by $9 million. Future years expense level movements (up or down) will continue to be greatly influenced by long-term interest rates, asset returns, and funding levels.

 

60


The following table sets forth the retirement plan, SERP, and PBOP funded statuses and amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Statements of Income.

 

      2013     2012  
      Qualified
Retirement Plan
    SERP     PBOP     Qualified
Retirement Plan
    SERP     PBOP  
(Thousands of dollars)                                     

Change in benefit obligations

    

Benefit obligation for service rendered to date at beginning of year (PBO/PBO/APBO)

   $ 902,812      $ 37,373      $ 59,704      $ 780,571      $ 33,827      $ 52,182   

Service cost

     23,056        373        1,220        20,319        274        977   

Interest cost

     37,607        1,535        2,482        38,266        1,629        2,547   

Plan amendments

                                        2,423   

Actuarial loss (gain)

     (44,768     (661     (4,073     92,409        4,111        2,775   

Benefits paid

     (31,993     (2,477     (1,313     (28,753     (2,468     (1,200
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Benefit obligation at end of year (PBO/PBO/APBO)

     886,714        36,143        58,020        902,812        37,373        59,704   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in plan assets

      

Market value of plan assets at beginning of year

     609,750               35,250        521,829               29,944   

Actual return on plan assets

     96,187               7,319        68,174               4,454   

Employer contributions

     46,000        2,477        169        48,500        2,468        1,256   

Benefits paid

     (31,993     (2,477     (424     (28,753     (2,468     (404
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Market value of plan assets at end of year

     719,944               42,314        609,750               35,250   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Funded status at year end

   $ (166,770   $ (36,143   $ (15,706   $ (293,062   $ (37,373   $ (24,454
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted-average assumptions (benefit obligation)

            

Discount rate

     5.00     5.00     5.00     4.25     4.25     4.25

Weighted-average rate of compensation increase

     3.25     3.25     3.25     2.75     2.75     2.75

Estimated funding for the plans above during calendar year 2014 is approximately $39 million of which $36 million pertains to the retirement plan. Management monitors plan assets and liabilities and could, at its discretion, increase plan funding levels above the minimum in order to achieve a desired funded status and avoid or minimize potential benefit restrictions.

The accumulated benefit obligation for the retirement plan and the SERP is presented below (in thousands):

 

      December 31, 2013      December 31, 2012  

Retirement plan

   $ 794,919       $ 811,184   

SERP

     33,894         35,362   

Benefits expected to be paid for the pension, PBOP, and the SERP over the next 10 years are as follows (in millions):

 

      2014      2015      2016      2017      2018      2019-2023  

Pension

   $ 35.8       $ 37.4       $ 39.7       $ 41.7       $ 44.0       $ 257.3   

PBOP

     2.9         3.1         3.3         3.5         3.6         18.3   

SERP

     2.5         2.5         2.5         2.6         2.6         13.0   

No assurance can be made that actual funding and benefits paid will match these estimates.

 

61


For PBOP measurement purposes, the per capita cost of the covered health care benefits medical rate trend assumption is 6.5% declining to 5%. The Company makes fixed contributions for health care benefits of employees who retire after 1988, but pays all covered health care costs for employees who retired prior to 1989. The medical trend rate assumption noted above applies to the benefit obligations of pre-1989 retirees only.

Components of net periodic benefit cost

 

     

Qualified

Retirement Plan

    SERP     PBOP  
      2013     2012     2011     2013     2012     2011     2013     2012     2011  
(Thousands of dollars)                                                       

Service cost

   $ 23,056      $ 20,319      $ 17,725      $ 373      $ 274      $ 217      $ 1,220      $ 977      $ 858   

Interest cost

     37,607        38,266        37,276        1,535        1,629        1,766        2,482        2,547        2,631   

Expected return on plan assets

     (49,840     (45,780     (40,114                          (2,824     (2,404     (2,379

Amortization of prior service cost

                                               355                 

Amortization of transition obligation

                                                      867        867   

Amortization of net actuarial loss

     32,261        23,883        14,348        971        683        631        945        1,031        590   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 43,084      $ 36,688      $ 29,235      $ 2,879      $ 2,586      $ 2,614      $ 2,178      $ 3,018      $ 2,567   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted-average assumptions (net benefit cost)

                  

Discount rate

     4.25     5.00     5.75     4.25     5.00     5.75     4.25     5.00     5.75

Expected return on plan assets

     8.00     8.00     8.00     8.00     8.00     8.00     8.00     8.00     8.00

Weighted-average rate of compensation increase

     2.75     3.00     3.25     2.75     3.00     3.25     2.75     3.00     3.25

 

62


Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Comprehensive Income

 

     2013     2012     2011  
     Total     Qualified
Retirement
Plan
    SERP     PBOP     Total     Qualified
Retirement
Plan
    SERP     PBOP     Total     Qualified
Retirement
Plan
    SERP     PBOP  
(Thousands of dollars)                                                                        

Net actuarial loss (gain) (a)

  $ (100,345   $ (91,115   $ (662   $ (8,568   $ 74,853      $ 70,016      $ 4,111      $ 726      $ 135,492      $ 127,651      $ 2,427      $ 5,414   

Amortization of prior service cost (b)

    (355                   (355                                                        

Amortization of transition obligation (b)

                                (867                   (867     (867                   (867

Amortization of net actuarial loss (b)

    (34,177     (32,261     (971     (945     (25,597     (23,883     (683     (1,031     (15,569     (14,348     (631     (590

Prior service cost

                                2,423                      2,423                               

Regulatory adjustment

    123,630        113,762               9,868        (42,771     (41,520            (1,251     (105,931     (101,974            (3,957
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Recognized in other comprehensive

                       

(income) loss

    (11,247     (9,614     (1,633            8,041        4,613        3,428               13,125        11,329        1,796          

Net periodic benefit costs recognized in net income

    48,141        43,084        2,879        2,178        42,292        36,688        2,586        3,018        34,416        29,235        2,614        2,567   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total of amount recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive (income) loss

  $ 36,894      $ 33,470      $ 1,246      $ 2,178      $ 50,333      $ 41,301      $ 6,014      $ 3,018      $ 47,541      $ 40,564      $ 4,410      $ 2,567   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The table above discloses the net gain or loss, prior service cost, and transition amount recognized in other comprehensive income, separated into (a) amounts initially recognized in other comprehensive income, and (b) amounts subsequently recognized as adjustments to other comprehensive income as those amounts are amortized as components of net periodic benefit cost.

See also Note 5 – Other Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”).

 

63


U.S. GAAP states that a fair value measurement should be based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability and establishes a fair value hierarchy that ranks the inputs used to measure fair value by their reliability. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 – quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that a company has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for similar assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3 – unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.

The following table sets forth, by level within the three-level fair value hierarchy, the fair values of the assets of the qualified pension plan and the PBOP as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. The SERP has no assets. There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 during 2013.

 

      December 31, 2013      December 31, 2012  
     

Qualified

Retirement

Plan

     PBOP      Total     

Qualified

Retirement

Plan

     PBOP      Total  

Assets at fair value (thousands of dollars):

                 

Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical financial assets

                 

Common stock

                 

Agriculture

   $ 8,224       $ 244       $ 8,468       $ 8,878       $ 269       $ 9,147   

Capital equipment

     3,891         115         4,006         3,510         106         3,616   

Chemicals/materials

     8,228         244         8,472         6,741         204         6,945   

Consumer goods

     54,329         1,611         55,940         49,247         1,492         50,739   

Energy and mining

     36,126         1,071         37,197         39,454         1,195         40,649   

Finance/insurance

     37,643         1,116         38,759         28,861         874         29,735   

Healthcare

     40,426         1,199         41,625         29,615         897         30,512   

Information technology

     24,636         731         25,367         30,534         925         31,459   

Services

     31,212         926         32,138         25,316         767         26,083   

Telecommunications/utilities

     24,270         720         24,990         24,355         738         25,093   

Other

     16,455         488         16,943         11,420         346         11,766   

Real estate investment trusts

     5,779         171         5,950         6,572         199         6,771   

Mutual funds

     76,764         22,495         99,259         67,749         17,802         85,551   

Government fixed income securities

     34,495         1,023         35,518         18,663         565         19,228   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Level 1 Assets (1)

   $ 402,478       $ 32,154       $ 434,632       $ 350,915       $ 26,379       $ 377,294   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

64


      December 31, 2013      December 31, 2012  
     

Qualified

Retirement

Plan

     PBOP      Total     

Qualified

Retirement

Plan

     PBOP      Total  

Level 2 – Significant other observable inputs

                 

Commercial paper

   $ 1,411       $ 42       $ 1,453       $ 635       $ 19       $ 654   

Government fixed income and mortgage backed securities

     51,434         1,525         52,959         42,997         1,302         44,299   

Corporate fixed income securities

                 

Asset-backed and mortgage-backed

     12,998         385         13,383         16,637         504         17,141   

Banking

     19,004         564         19,568         17,966         544         18,510   

Insurance

     6,481         192         6,673         4,737         144         4,881   

Utilities

     5,278         156         5,434         4,107         124         4,231   

Other

     25,212         748         25,960         24,188         732         24,920   

Pooled funds and mutual funds

     8,111         1,150         9,261         20,636         1,789         22,425   

State and local obligations

     1,370         41         1,411         1,273         39         1,312   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Level 2 assets (2)

   $ 131,299       $ 4,803       $ 136,102       $ 133,176       $ 5,197       $ 138,373   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Level 3 – Significant unobservable inputs

                 

Commingled equity funds

   $ 189,452       $ 5,618       $ 195,070       $ 123,719       $ 3,748       $ 127,467   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Level 3 assets (3)

   $ 189,452       $ 5,618       $ 195,070       $ 123,719       $ 3,748       $ 127,467   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Plan assets at fair value

   $ 723,229       $ 42,575       $ 765,804       $ 607,810       $ 35,324       $ 643,134   

Insurance company general account contracts (4)

     4,296                 4,296         4,626                 4,626   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Plan assets (5)

   $ 727,525       $ 42,575       $ 770,100       $ 612,436       $ 35,324       $ 647,760   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Common stock, Real Estate Investment Trusts, Mutual funds, and U.S. Government securities listed or regularly traded on a national securities exchange are valued at quoted market prices as of the last business day of the calendar year.

The Mutual funds category above is an intermediate-term bond fund whose manager employs multiple concurrent strategies and takes only moderate risk in each, thereby reducing the risk of poor performance arising from any single source, and a balanced fund that invests in a diversified portfolio of common stocks, preferred stocks and fixed-income securities. Strategies utilized by the bond fund include duration management, yield curve or maturity structuring, sector rotation, and all bottom-up techniques including in-house credit and quantitative research. Strategies employed by the balanced fund include pursuit of regular income, conservation of principal, and an opportunity for long-term growth of principal and income.

 

(2)

The fair value of investments in debt securities with remaining maturities of one year or more is determined by dealers who make markets in such securities or by an independent pricing service, which considers yield or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, and type.

The pooled funds and mutual funds are two collective short-term funds that invest in Treasury bills and money market funds. These funds are used as a temporary cash repository for the pension plan’s various investment managers.

 

(3)

Assets not considered Level 1 or Level 2 are valued using assumptions based on the best information available under the circumstances, such as investment manager pricing.

 

65


The commingled equity funds include private equity funds that invest in international securities (predominately Level 1 assets) regularly traded on securities exchanges. These funds are shown in the above table at net asset value. Investment strategies employed by the funds include:

 

   

Investing in various industries with growth and reasonable valuations, avoiding highly cyclical industries

   

Diversification by country, limiting exposure in any one country

   

Emerging markets

The terms and conditions under which shares in the commingled equity funds may be redeemed vary among the funds; the notice required ranges from one day to 30 days prior to the valuation date (month end). One of the commingled equity funds requires the payment of a minimal impact fee to be applied to redemptions and subscriptions of $5 million or greater; the relative fee diminishes the greater the transaction. Other such funds may impose fees to recover direct costs incurred by the fund at redemption, but are indeterminable prior to redemption.

 

(4)

The insurance company general account contracts are annuity insurance contracts used to pay the pensions of employees who retired prior to 1989. The balance of the account disclosed in the above table is the contract value, which is the result of deposits, withdrawals, and interest credits.

 

(5)

The assets in the above table exceed the market value of plan assets shown in the funded status table by $7,842,000 (qualified retirement plan – $7,581,000, PBOP – $261,000) and $2,760,000 (qualified retirement plan – $2,685,000, PBOP – $75,000) for 2013 and 2012, respectively, which includes a payable for securities purchased, partially offset by receivables for interest, dividends, and securities sold.

Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

 

     

Commingled Equity

Funds

 
(Thousands of dollars):       

Balance, December 31, 2011

   $ 100,273   

Actual return on plan assets:

  

Relating to assets still held at the reporting date

     21,552   

Relating to assets sold during the period

     342   

Purchases

     6,800   

Sales

     (1,500

Settlements

       

Transfers in and/or out of Level 3

       
  

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2012

     127,467   

Actual return on plan assets:

  

Relating to assets still held at the reporting date

     21,903   

Relating to assets sold during the period

       

Purchases

     45,700   

Sales

       

Settlements

       

Transfers in and/or out of Level 3

       
  

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2013

   $ 195,070   
  

 

 

 

 

66


Note 10 – Stock-Based Compensation

At December 31, 2013, the Company had three stock-based compensation plans: a stock option plan, a performance share stock plan which includes a cash award, and a restricted stock/unit plan. The table below shows total stock-based plan compensation expense, including the cash award, which was recognized in the consolidated statements of income (in thousands):

 

      2013      2012      2011  

Stock-based compensation plan expense, net of related tax benefits

   $ 8,012       $ 7,396       $ 7,262   

Stock-based compensation plan related tax benefits

     4,910         4,533         4,451   

Under the option plan, the Company previously granted options to purchase shares of common stock to key employees and outside directors. The last option grants were in 2006 and no future grants are anticipated. Each option has an exercise price equal to the market price of Company common stock on the date of grant and a maximum term of ten years.

The following tables summarize Company stock option plan activity and related information (thousands of options):

 

      2013      2012      2011  
     

Number of

options

   

Weighted-

average

exercise price

    

Number of

options

   

Weighted-

average

exercise price

    

Number of

options

   

Weighted-

average

exercise price

 

Outstanding at the beginning of the year

     125      $ 28.13         177      $ 27.28         369      $ 28.04   

Exercised during the year

     (72     28.44         (52     25.25         (192     28.75   

Forfeited or expired during the year

     (1     33.07                                 
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

   

Outstanding and exercisable at year end

     52      $ 27.57         125      $ 28.13         177      $ 27.28   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

   

The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option. The aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding and exercisable options, and options that were exercised, are presented in the table below (in thousands):

 

      2013      2012      2011  

Outstanding and exercisable

   $ 1,473       $ 1,788       $ 2,697   

Exercised

     1,402         928         1,949   

 

      December 31, 2013      December 31, 2012      December 31, 2011  

Market value of Southwest Gas stock

   $ 55.91       $ 42.41       $ 42.49   

The weighted-average remaining contractual life for outstanding options was 1.6 years for 2013. All outstanding options are fully vested and exercisable. The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2013 (thousands of options):

 

      Options Outstanding and Exercisable  

Range of

Exercise Price

   Number outstanding     

Weighted-average

remaining contractual life

    

Weighted-average

exercise price

 

$20.49 to $23.40

     13         0.5 Years       $ 23.27   

$25.00 to $26.10

     18         1.5 Years       $ 25.74   

$29.08 to $33.07

     21         2.5 Years       $ 31.91   

 

67


The Company received $2 million in cash from the exercise of options during 2013 and a corresponding tax benefit of $446,000 which was recorded in additional paid-in capital.

Under the performance share stock plan, the Company may issue performance shares to encourage key employees to remain in its employment and to achieve short-term and long-term performance goals. Plan participants are eligible to receive a cash bonus (i.e., short-term incentive) and performance shares (i.e., long-term incentive). The performance shares vest three years after grant (and are subject to a final adjustment as determined by the Board of Directors) and are then issued as common stock.

The Company awards restricted stock/units under the restricted stock/unit plan to attract, motivate, retain, and reward key employees with an incentive to attain high levels of individual performance and improved financial performance of the Company. The restricted stock/units vest 40% at the end of year one and 30% at the end of years two and three and are issued annually as common stock in accordance with the percentage vested. The restricted stock/unit plan was also established to attract, motivate, and retain experienced and knowledgeable independent directors. Vesting for grants to directors followed the vesting schedule for employees; however, beginning with grants in 2012, the directors’ restricted stock/units vest immediately upon grant. The issuance of common stock for directors occurs when their service on the Board ends.

The following table summarizes the activity of the performance share stock and restricted stock/unit plans as of December 31, 2013 (thousands of shares):

 

     

Performance

Shares

   

Weighted-

average

grant date

fair value

    

Restricted

Stock/Units

   

Weighted-

average

grant date

fair value

 

Nonvested/unissued at beginning of year

     348      $ 36.03         207      $ 37.18   

Granted

     106        44.83         100        44.83   

Dividends

     8           7     

Forfeited or expired

     (3     39.74         (1     41.66   

Vested and issued*

     (136     27.56         (68     35.59   
  

 

 

      

 

 

   

Nonvested/unissued at December 31, 2013

     323      $ 39.16         245      $ 38.00   
  

 

 

      

 

 

   

* Includes shares for retiree payouts and those converted for taxes.

The average grant date fair value of performance shares and restricted stock/units granted in 2012 and 2011 was $41.34 and $37.87, respectively.

As of December 31, 2013, total compensation cost related to nonvested performance shares and restricted stock/units not yet recognized is $3 million.

Note 11 – Income Taxes

The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various states. The Company is subject to examinations by the Internal Revenue Service for years after 2009, and is subject to examination by the various state taxing authorities for years after 2008.

 

68


The Company recognizes interest expense and income and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. Tax-related interest income included in income tax expense in the consolidated statements of income is shown in the table below (in thousands):

 

      2013      2012      2011  

Tax-related interest income

   $       $ 24       $ 100   

The Company had no uncertain tax liabilities at December 31, 2013, nor at any time during 2013. The Company expects no change in unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months.

Income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following (thousands of dollars):

 

Year Ended December 31,    2013      2012      2011  

Current:

        

Federal

   $ 3,549       $ 2,296       $ (265

State

     5,107         5,744         2,122   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     8,656         8,040         1,857   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred:

        

Federal

     67,414         65,551         58,584   

State

     1,872         1,685         2,862   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     69,286         67,236         61,446   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total income tax expense

   $ 77,942       $ 75,276       $ 63,303   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following significant components (thousands of dollars):

 

Year Ended December 31,    2013     2012     2011  

Deferred federal and state:

      

Property-related items

   $ 62,737      $ 64,249      $ 51,710   

Purchased gas cost adjustments

     16,189        1,755        (92

Employee benefits

     (2,769     564        11,766   

All other deferred

     (6,010     1,529        (1,070
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred federal and state

     70,147        68,097        62,314   

Deferred ITC, net

     (861     (861     (868
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred income tax expense

   $ 69,286      $ 67,236      $ 61,446   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

69


A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to the consolidated effective tax rate for 2011, 2012, and 2013 (and the sources of these differences and the effect of each) are summarized as follows:

 

Year Ended December 31,    2013     2012     2011  

Federal statutory income tax rate

     35.0      35.0      35.0 

Net state taxes

     2.4        2.6        2.7   

Property-related items

     0.1        0.2        0.2   

Effect of income tax settlements

                   (0.9

Tax credits

     (0.4     (0.4     (0.6

Company owned life insurance

     (2.1     (1.3     (0.1

All other differences

            0.1        (0.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated effective income tax rate

     35.0      36.2      36.2 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following (thousands of dollars):

 

December 31,    2013     2012  

Deferred tax assets:

    

Deferred income taxes for future amortization of ITC

   $ 2,679      $ 3,211   

Employee benefits

     25,591        27,097   

Alternative minimum tax credit

     19,739        18,467   

Net operating losses and credits

     15,113        36,206   

Interest rate swap

     9,893        11,164   

Other

     22,334        17,866   

Valuation allowance

     (200     (141
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     95,149        113,870   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

    

Property-related items, including accelerated depreciation

     694,024        652,380   

Regulatory balancing accounts

     18,688        2,498   

Property-related items previously flowed through

     836        1,729   

Unamortized ITC

     4,271        5,131   

Debt-related costs

     4,713        4,602   

Other

     15,898        16,626   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     738,430        682,966   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax liabilities

   $ 643,281      $ 569,096   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current

   $ (31,130   $ (47,088

Noncurrent

     674,411        616,184   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax liabilities

   $ 643,281      $ 569,096   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2013, the Company has a federal net operating loss carryforward of $43 million which expires in 2031. At December 31, 2013, the Company also has federal general business credits of $576,000, which begin to expire in 2031. The Company also has federal net capital loss carryforwards of $494,000, which begin to expire in 2016.

 

70


Final and Proposed Income Tax Regulations.    In September 2013, the United States Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) issued final and proposed regulations for the tax treatment of tangible property. The final regulations include standards for determining whether and when a taxpayer must capitalize costs incurred in acquiring, maintaining, or improving tangible property. The final regulations are generally effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2014, and may be adopted in earlier years under certain circumstances. Proposed regulations were also released that revise the rules for dispositions of tangible property and general asset accounts. The proposed regulations addressing dispositions and general asset accounts are also expected (when finalized) to be effective for tax years starting on or after January 1, 2014, and may be adopted in earlier years under certain circumstances. The Company expects the IRS to issue natural gas industry guidance which will facilitate its analysis regarding the regulations’ impact on natural gas distribution networks. Based upon preliminary analysis of the final and proposed regulations, and in anticipation of specific guidance for the natural gas industry, the Company expects the regulations could result in a modest acceleration of tax deductibility, and the deferral of tax payments.

Note 12 – 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.

As part of the most recent Nevada Annual Rate Adjustment and associated stipulation in Nevada, the Company decided to suspend further swaps and fixed-price purchases pursuant to the Volatility Mitigation Program for its Nevada service territories. The decision will not impact previously executed purchase arrangements. The Company, along with its regulators, will continue to evaluate this strategy in light of prevailing or anticipated changing market conditions.

The fixed-price contracts and Swaps are utilized by Southwest under its volatility mitigation programs to effectively fix the price on a portion (for the 2013/2014 heating season, ranging from 25% to 35%, depending on the jurisdiction) of its natural gas supply portfolios. The maturities of the Swaps highly correlate to forecasted purchases of natural gas, during time frames ranging from January 2014 through March 2016. Under such contracts, Southwest pays the counterparty 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):

 

      December 31, 2013      December 31, 2012  

Contract notional amounts

     13,571         14,579   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

 

71


The following table sets forth the gains and (losses) recognized on the Company’s Swaps (derivatives) for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 and their location in the Consolidated Statements of Income (thousands of dollars):

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

(Thousands of dollars)

 

Instrument   

Location of Gain or (Loss)

Recognized in Income on Derivative

   2013     2012     2011  

Swaps

   Net cost of gas sold    $ 976      $ (4,854   $ (18,201

Swaps

   Net cost of gas sold      (976 )*      4,854     18,201
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

      $      $      $   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

In January 2010, Southwest entered into two FSIRS (both, designated cash flow hedges) to partially hedge the risk of interest rate variability during the period leading up to the planned issuance of fixed-rate debt to replace maturing debt. The first FSIRS terminated in December 2010. The second FSIRS had a notional amount of $100 million and terminated in March 2012 concurrent with the related issuance of $250 million of 3.875% 10-year senior notes. At settlement of the second FSIRS, Southwest paid an aggregate $21.8 million to the counterparties. No gain or loss (ineffective portion) was recognized in income for either FSIRS during any period, including the period presented in the following table.

Gains (losses) recognised in other comprehensive income for derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments:

 

     

Year Ended

December 31, 2013

    

Year Ended

December 31, 2012

    

Year Ended

December 31, 2011

 
(Thousands of dollars)                     

Amount of gain/(loss) realized/unrealized on FSIRS recognized in other comprehensive income on derivative

   $       $ 2,959       $ (17,958
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

Fair values of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

 

December 31, 2013

Instrument

   Balance Sheet Location   

Asset

Derivatives

    

Liability

Derivatives

   

Net

Total

 

Swaps

   Deferred charges and other assets    $ 257       $ (77   $ 180   

Swaps

   Prepaids and other current assets      1,054         (253     801   

Swaps

   Other current liabilities      126         (282     (156

Swaps

   Other deferred credits      7         (11     (4
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

      $ 1,444       $ (623   $ 821   
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2012

Instrument

   Balance Sheet Location   

Asset

Derivatives

    

Liability

Derivatives

   

Net

Total

 

Swaps

   Deferred charges and other assets    $ 132       $ (126   $ 6   

Swaps

   Other current liabilities      391         (2,467     (2,076

Swaps

   Other deferred credits      233         (552     (319
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

      $ 756       $ (3,145   $ (2,389
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

 

     

Year ended

December 31, 2013

    

Year ended

December 31, 2012

    

Year ended

December 31, 2011

 
(Thousands of dollars)                     

Paid to counterparties

   $ 3,148       $ 14,843       $ 17,283   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Received from counterparties

   $ 915       $ 634       $   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

 

December 31, 2013

Instrument

   Balance Sheet Location    Net Total  

Swaps

   Other deferred credits    $ (180

Swaps

   Other current liabilities      (801

Swaps

   Prepaids and other current assets      156   

Swaps

   Deferred charges and other assets      4   

December 31, 2012

Instrument

   Balance Sheet Location    Net Total  

Swaps

   Other deferred credits    $ (6

Swaps

   Prepaids and other current assets      2,076   

Swaps

   Deferred charges and other assets      319   

Fair Value Measurements.    The estimated fair values of Southwest’s Swaps were determined at December 31, 2013 and 2012 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.

 

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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 (see Note 9 – Pension and Other Post Retirement Benefits for definitions of the levels of the fair value hierarchy):

Level 2 – Significant other observable inputs

 

      December 31, 2013     December 31, 2012  
(Thousands of dollars)             

Assets at fair value:

    

Prepaids and other current assets - Swaps

   $ 801      $   

Deferred charges and other assets - Swaps

     180        6   

Liabilities at fair value:

    

Other current liabilities - Swaps

     (156     (2,076

Other deferred credits - Swaps

     (4     (319
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets (Liabilities)

   $ 821      $ (2,389
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

No financial assets or liabilities accounted for at fair value fell within Level 1 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Note 13 – Segment Information

Company operating segments are determined based on the nature of their activities. The natural gas operations segment is engaged in the business of purchasing, distributing, and transporting natural gas. Revenues are generated from the distribution and transportation of natural gas. The construction services segment is primarily engaged in the business of providing utility companies with trenching and installation, replacement, and maintenance services for energy distribution systems.

The accounting policies of the reported segments are the same as those described within Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. NPL accounts for the services provided to Southwest at contractual (market) prices at contract inception. Accounts receivable for these services, which are not eliminated during consolidation, are presented in the table below (in thousands).

 

      December 31, 2013      December 31, 2012  

Accounts receivable for NPL services

   $ 10,787       $ 8,179   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The financial information pertaining to the natural gas operations and construction services segments for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013 is as follows (thousands of dollars):

 

2013   

Gas

Operations

    

Construction

Services

     Adjustments (a)     Total  

Revenues from unaffiliated customers

   $ 1,300,154       $ 562,475         $ 1,862,629   

Intersegment sales

             88,153           88,153   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,300,154       $ 650,628         $ 1,950,782   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Interest revenue

   $ 456       $ 5         $ 461   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Interest expense

   $ 62,555       $ 1,145         $ 63,700   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

   $ 193,848       $ 42,969         $ 236,817   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Income tax expense

   $ 65,377       $ 12,565         $ 77,942   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Segment net income

   $ 124,169       $ 21,151         $ 145,320   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Segment assets

   $ 4,272,029       $ 293,811       $ (666   $ 4,565,174   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

   $ 314,578       $ 49,698         $ 364,276   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 
2012   

Gas

Operations

    

Construction

Services

     Adjustments     Total  

Revenues from unaffiliated customers

   $ 1,321,728       $ 522,676         $ 1,844,404   

Intersegment sales

             83,374           83,374   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,321,728       $ 606,050         $ 1,927,778   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Interest revenue

   $ 915       $ 9         $ 924   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Interest expense

   $ 66,957       $ 1,063         $ 68,020   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

   $ 186,035       $ 37,387         $ 223,422   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Income tax expense

   $ 64,973       $ 10,303         $ 75,276   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Segment net income

   $ 116,619       $ 16,712         $ 133,331   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Segment assets

   $ 4,204,948       $ 283,109         $ 4,488,057   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

   $ 308,951       $ 86,761         $ 395,712   
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

75


2011   

Gas

Operations

    

Construction

Services

     Adjustments    Total  

Revenues from unaffiliated customers

   $ 1,403,366       $ 391,701          $ 1,795,067   

Intersegment sales

             92,121            92,121   
  

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,403,366       $ 483,822          $ 1,887,188   
  

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

 

Interest revenue

   $ 465       $ 20          $ 485   
  

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

 

Interest expense

   $ 68,777       $ 825          $ 69,602   
  

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

   $ 175,253       $ 25,216          $ 200,469   
  

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

 

Income tax expense

   $ 49,576       $ 13,727          $ 63,303   
  

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

 

Segment net income

   $ 91,420       $ 20,867          $ 112,287   
  

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

 

Segment assets

   $ 4,048,613       $ 227,394          $ 4,276,007   
  

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

   $ 305,542       $ 75,449          $ 380,991   
  

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

 

(a) Construction services segment assets include income taxes payable of $666,000 in 2013, which was netted against gas operations segment income taxes receivable, net during consolidation.

Note 14 – Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

 

      Quarter Ended  
      March 31      June 30     September 30     December 31  
(Thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)                          

2013

         

Operating revenues

   $ 613,505       $ 411,574      $ 387,346      $ 538,357   

Operating income

     138,394         28,908        6,141        100,772   

Net income (loss)

     80,674         10,067        (3,057     57,189   

Net income (loss) attributable to Southwest Gas Corporation

     80,773         10,108        (2,864     57,303   

Basic earnings (loss) per common share*

     1.75         0.22        (0.06     1.24   

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share*

     1.73         0.22        (0.06     1.22   

2012

         

Operating revenues

   $ 657,645       $ 409,768      $ 371,799      $ 488,566   

Operating income

     134,623         15,380        6,310        115,211   

Net income (loss)

     78,835         (3,888     (4,414     62,106   

Net income (loss) attributable to Southwest Gas Corporation

     78,919         (3,676     (4,305     62,393   

Basic earnings (loss) per common share*

     1.71         (0.08     (0.09     1.35   

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share*

     1.70         (0.08     (0.09     1.34   

 

76


      Quarter Ended  
      March 31      June 30      September 30     December 31  
(Thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)                           

2011

          

Operating revenues

   $ 628,440       $ 388,505       $ 352,592      $ 517,651   

Operating income

     126,335         20,568         1,253        101,924   

Net income (loss)

     68,354         4,013         (15,747     55,143   

Net income (loss) attributable to Southwest Gas Corporation

     68,549         4,055         (15,641     55,324   

Basic earnings (loss) per common share*

     1.50         0.09         (0.34     1.20   

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share*

     1.48         0.09         (0.34     1.19   

 

*

The sum of quarterly earnings (loss) per average common share may not equal the annual earnings (loss) per share due to the ongoing change in the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding.

The demand for natural gas is seasonal, and it is the opinion of management that comparisons of earnings for interim periods do not reliably reflect overall trends and changes in the operations of the Company. Also, the timing of general rate relief can have a significant impact on earnings for interim periods. See Management’s Discussion and Analysis for additional discussion of operating results.

 

77


MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Company management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined by Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Under the supervision and with the participation of Company management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting based on the “Internal Control – Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 1992. Based upon the Company’s evaluation under such framework, Company management concluded that the internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2013. The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.

February 27, 2014

 

78


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Southwest Gas Corporation

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, of comprehensive income, of cash flows and of equity present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Southwest Gas Corporation and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in 1992. The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

LOGO

Las Vegas, Nevada

February 27, 2014

 

79