UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 10-Q

 

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017

 

Commission

File Number

  

Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter and

principal office address and telephone number

  

State of

Incorporation

    

I.R.S.

Employer Identification No.

 
001-37976   

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

     California        81-3881866  
  

5241 Spring Mountain Road

     
  

Post Office Box 98510

     
  

Las Vegas, Nevada 89193-8510

     
    

(702) 876-7237

                 

1-7850

  

Southwest Gas Corporation

    

California

      

88-0085720

 
  

5241 Spring Mountain Road

     
  

Post Office Box 98510

     
  

Las Vegas, Nevada 89193-8510

     
   (702) 876-7237      

 

 

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

Indicate by check mark whether each registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes   ☒    No  ☐

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

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.:

 

Large accelerated filer

 

  

Accelerated filer

 

Non-accelerated filer

 

  

Smaller reporting company

 

Emerging growth company

 

    

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.   ☐

Southwest Gas Corporation:

 

Large accelerated filer

 

  

Accelerated filer

 

Non-accelerated filer

 

  

Smaller reporting company

 

Emerging growth company

 

    

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.   ☐

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

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

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. Common Stock, $1 Par Value, 47,731,840 shares as of October 27, 2017.

All of the outstanding shares of common stock ($1 par value) of Southwest Gas Corporation were held by Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. as of January 1, 2017.

SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION MEETS THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN GENERAL INSTRUCTION (H)(1)(a) and (b) OF FORM 10-Q AND IS THEREFORE FILING THIS REPORT WITH THE REDUCED DISCLOSURE FORMAT AS PERMITTED BY GENERAL INSTRUCTION H(2).

 

 

 


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

FILING FORMAT

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q is a combined report being filed by two separate registrants: Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. and Southwest Gas Corporation. Except where the content clearly indicates otherwise, any reference in the report to “we,” “us” or “our” is to the holding company or the consolidated entity of Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. and all of its subsidiaries, including Southwest Gas Corporation, which is a distinct registrant that is a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. Information contained herein relating to any individual company is filed by such company on its own behalf. Each company makes representations only as to itself and makes no other representation whatsoever as to any other company.

Part I—Financial information in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes separate financial statements (i.e. balance sheets, statements of income, statements of comprehensive income, and statements of cash flows) for Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. and Southwest Gas Corporation, in that order. The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are presented on a combined basis for both entities. All Items other than Part I – Item 1 are combined for the reporting companies.

 

2


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Thousands of dollars, except par value)

(Unaudited)

 

     SEPTEMBER 30,
2017
    DECEMBER 31,
2016
 

ASSETS

    

Utility plant:

    

Gas plant

   $ 6,440,547     $ 6,193,564  

Less: accumulated depreciation

     (2,218,796     (2,172,966

Acquisition adjustments, net

     81       196  

Construction work in progress

     164,030       111,177  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net utility plant

     4,385,862       4,131,971  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other property and investments

     369,303       342,343  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

     59,152       28,066  

Accounts receivable, net of allowances

     301,792       285,145  

Accrued utility revenue

     34,100       76,200  

Income taxes receivable, net

     5,462       4,455  

Deferred purchased gas costs

     6,230       2,608  

Prepaids and other current assets

     132,182       136,833  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     538,918       533,307  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Noncurrent assets:

    

Goodwill

     147,865       139,983  

Deferred income taxes

     1,467       1,288  

Deferred charges and other assets

     411,655       432,234  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total noncurrent assets

     560,987       573,505  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 5,855,070     $ 5,581,126  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES

    

Capitalization:

    

Common stock, $1 par (authorized—60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding—47,731,840 and 47,482,068 shares)

   $ 49,362     $ 49,112  

Additional paid-in capital

     924,213       903,123  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net

     (42,818     (48,008

Retained earnings

     784,934       759,263  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. equity

     1,715,691       1,663,490  

Noncontrolling interest

     (2,295     (2,217
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

     1,713,396       1,661,273  

Redeemable noncontrolling interest

     —         22,590  

Long-term debt, less current maturities

     1,731,981       1,549,983  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total capitalization

     3,445,377       3,233,846  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

    

Current maturities of long-term debt

     28,453       50,101  

Short-term debt

     110,500       —    

Accounts payable

     159,382       184,669  

Customer deposits

     70,162       72,296  

Income taxes payable

     1,543       1,909  

Accrued general taxes

     48,998       42,921  

Accrued interest

     24,543       17,939  

Deferred purchased gas costs

     14,971       90,476  

Other current liabilities

     197,854       168,064  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     656,406       628,375  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes and other credits:

    

Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits

     894,011       840,653  

Accumulated removal costs

     312,000       308,000  

Other deferred credits and other long-term liabilities

     547,276       570,252  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred income taxes and other credits

     1,753,287       1,718,905  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total capitalization and liabilities

   $ 5,855,070     $ 5,581,126  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

3


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

     THREE MONTHS ENDED     NINE MONTHS ENDED     TWELVE MONTHS ENDED  
     SEPTEMBER 30,     SEPTEMBER 30,     SEPTEMBER 30,  
     2017     2016     2017     2016     2017     2016  

Operating revenues:

            

Gas operating revenues

   $ 213,059     $ 200,179     $ 935,823     $ 980,927     $ 1,276,308     $ 1,376,388  

Construction revenues

     380,094       339,790       872,536       838,038       1,173,576       1,127,982  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating revenues

     593,153       539,969       1,808,359       1,818,965       2,449,884       2,504,370  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

            

Net cost of gas sold

     45,539       39,056       261,839       324,072       334,888       460,836  

Operations and maintenance

     102,278       102,438       314,488       301,979       414,233       400,222  

Depreciation and amortization

     58,529       69,845       189,089       217,764       260,457       286,977  

Taxes other than income taxes

     14,046       12,480       43,325       39,480       56,221       51,810  

Construction expenses

     342,629       300,611       806,586       757,919       1,073,090       1,009,188  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     563,021       524,430       1,615,327       1,641,214       2,138,889       2,209,033  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     30,132       15,539       193,032       177,751       310,995       295,337  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other income and (expenses):

            

Net interest deductions

     (19,494     (18,158     (56,863     (54,100     (76,423     (71,884

Other income (deductions)

     2,876       2,565       8,788       6,756       11,501       10,861  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income and (expenses)

     (16,618     (15,593     (48,075     (47,344     (64,922     (61,023
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

     13,514       (54     144,957       130,407       246,073       234,314  

Income tax expense (benefit)

     3,094       (2,961     47,411       43,046       82,833       80,255  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     10,420       2,907       97,546       87,361       163,240       154,059  

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     216       435       170       500       684       1,079  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

   $ 10,204     $ 2,472     $ 97,376     $ 86,861     $ 162,556     $ 152,980  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

   $ 0.21     $ 0.05     $ 2.05     $ 1.83     $ 3.42     $ 3.22  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.21     $ 0.05     $ 2.03     $ 1.82     $ 3.39     $ 3.20  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends declared per share

   $ 0.495     $ 0.450     $ 1.485     $ 1.350     $ 1.935     $ 1.755  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Average number of common shares outstanding

     47,628       47,481       47,577       47,464       47,553       47,442  

Average shares outstanding (assuming dilution)

     47,986       47,830       47,912       47,802       47,896       47,787  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

4


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Thousands of dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

     THREE MONTHS ENDED     NINE MONTHS ENDED     TWELVE MONTHS ENDED  
     SEPTEMBER 30,     SEPTEMBER 30,     SEPTEMBER 30,  
     2017     2016     2017     2016     2017     2016  

Net income

   $ 10,420     $ 2,907     $ 97,546     $ 87,361     $ 163,240     $ 154,059  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

            

Defined benefit pension plans:

            

Net actuarial gain (loss)

     —         —         —         —         (14,118     (18,922

Amortization of prior service cost

     207       207       621       621       828       828  

Amortization of net actuarial loss

     3,944       4,196       11,832       12,586       16,027       17,915  

Regulatory adjustment

     (3,555     (3,796     (10,667     (11,388     (2,741     (404
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net defined benefit pension plans

     596       607       1,786       1,819       (4     (583
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Forward-starting interest rate swaps:

            

Amounts reclassified into net income

     518       518       1,554       1,556       2,073       2,073  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net forward-starting interest rate swaps

     518       518       1,554       1,556       2,073       2,073  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     1,012       (238     1,861       614       1,408       233  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income, net of tax

     2,126       887       5,201       3,989       3,477       1,723  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

     12,546       3,794       102,747       91,350       166,717       155,782  

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     198       427       181       521       679       1,089  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

   $ 12,348     $ 3,367     $ 102,566     $ 90,829     $ 166,038     $ 154,693  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

5


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Thousands of dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

     NINE MONTHS ENDED     TWELVE MONTHS ENDED  
     SEPTEMBER 30     SEPTEMBER 30  
     2017     2016     2017     2016  

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

        

Net income

   $ 97,546     $ 87,361     $ 163,240     $ 154,059  

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

        

Depreciation and amortization

     189,089       217,764       260,457       286,977  

Deferred income taxes

     49,409       43,702       74,439       86,526  

Changes in current assets and liabilities:

        

Accounts receivable, net of allowances

     (15,330     28,531       (13,765     (17,889

Accrued utility revenue

     42,100       41,700       (1,100     (800

Deferred purchased gas costs

     (79,127     81,389       (114,658     79,460  

Accounts payable

     (26,771     (24,942     19,866       10,445  

Accrued taxes

     4,689       (7,055     38,084       (11,033

Other current assets and liabilities

     43,044       12,022       3,590       22,034  

Gains on sale

     (1,452     (4,117     (4,483     (4,200

Changes in undistributed stock compensation

     9,199       4,347       10,308       5,142  

AFUDC

     (2,077     (1,893     (2,473     (2,890

Changes in other assets and deferred charges

     (14,470     3,926       (1,436     4,183  

Changes in other liabilities and deferred credits

     3,395       (4,813     (10,239     702  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     299,244       477,922       421,830       612,716  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

        

Construction expenditures and property additions

     (449,998     (404,388     (575,141     (555,819

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

     —         (17,000     —         (17,000

Changes in customer advances

     (1,951     5,445       504       9,445  

Miscellaneous inflows

     9,160       7,965       14,234       4,726  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (442,789     (407,978     (560,403     (558,648
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

        

Issuance of common stock, net

     11,563       530       11,505       507  

Dividends paid

     (68,503     (61,950     (89,870     (81,138

Centuri distribution to redeemable noncontrolling interest

     (204     (99     (544     (198

Issuance of long-term debt, net

     104,308       408,946       119,308       420,946  

Retirement of long-term debt

     (100,240     (196,351     (159,162     (240,999

Change in credit facility and commercial paper

     145,000       (150,000     150,000       (97,000

Change in short-term debt

     110,500       (18,000     110,500       —    

Principal payments on capital lease obligations

     (796     (1,125     (1,025     (1,449

Redemption of Centuri shares from noncontrolling parties

     (23,000     —         (23,000     —    

Withholding remittance—share-based compensation

     (3,176     (2,119     (3,176     (2,164

Other

     (1,104     (605     (2,068     (60
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     174,348       (20,773     112,468       (1,555
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effects of currency translation on cash and cash equivalents

     283       (14     103       (318
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in cash and cash equivalents

     31,086       49,157       (26,002     52,195  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     28,066       35,997       85,154       32,959  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 59,152     $ 85,154     $ 59,152     $ 85,154  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental information:

        

Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized

   $ 45,771     $ 47,134     $ 66,077     $ 68,445  

Income taxes paid (received)

     3,687       6,530       (21,875     9,899  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

6


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Thousands of dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

     SEPTEMBER 30,     DECEMBER 31,  
     2017     2016  

ASSETS

    

Utility plant:

    

Gas plant

   $ 6,440,547     $ 6,193,564  

Less: accumulated depreciation

     (2,218,796     (2,172,966

Acquisition adjustments, net

     81       196  

Construction work in progress

     164,030       111,177  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net utility plant

     4,385,862       4,131,971  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other property and investments

     115,841       108,569  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

     46,467       19,024  

Accounts receivable, net of allowances

     68,028       111,845  

Accrued utility revenue

     34,100       76,200  

Income taxes receivable, net

     6,440       4,455  

Deferred purchased gas costs

     6,230       2,608  

Prepaids and other current assets

     118,587       126,363  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     279,852       340,495  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Noncurrent assets:

    

Goodwill

     10,095       10,095  

Deferred charges and other assets

     393,942       410,625  

Discontinued operations—construction services—assets

     —         579,371  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total noncurrent assets

     404,037       1,000,091  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 5,185,592     $ 5,581,126  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES     

Capitalization:

    

Common stock

   $ 49,112     $ 49,112  

Additional paid-in capital

     917,581       897,346  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net

     (42,299     (45,639

Retained earnings

     606,007       767,061  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Southwest Gas Corporation equity

     1,530,401       1,667,880  

Discontinued operations—construction services non-owner equity

     —         15,983  

Long-term debt, less current maturities

     1,520,790       1,375,080  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total capitalization

     3,051,191       3,058,943  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

    

Current maturities of long-term debt

     —         25,000  

Short-term debt

     83,000       —    

Accounts payable

     92,257       138,229  

Customer deposits

     70,162       72,296  

Accrued general taxes

     48,998       42,921  

Accrued interest

     24,406       17,395  

Deferred purchased gas costs

     14,971       90,476  

Payable to parent

     2,560       —    

Other current liabilities

     109,705       95,999  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     446,059       482,316  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes and other credits:

    

Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net

     853,682       806,109  

Accumulated removal costs

     312,000       308,000  

Other deferred credits and other long-term liabilities

     522,660       545,143  

Discontinued operations—construction services—liabilities

     —         380,615  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred income taxes and other credits

     1,688,342       2,039,867  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total capitalization and liabilities

   $ 5,185,592     $ 5,581,126  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

7


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     THREE MONTHS ENDED     NINE MONTHS ENDED     TWELVE MONTHS ENDED  
     SEPTEMBER 30,     SEPTEMBER 30,     SEPTEMBER 30,  
     2017     2016     2017     2016     2017     2016  

Continuing operations:

            

Gas operating revenues

   $ 213,059     $ 200,179     $ 935,823     $ 980,927     $ 1,276,308     $ 1,376,388  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

            

Net cost of gas sold

     45,539       39,056       261,839       324,072       334,888       460,836  

Operations and maintenance

     102,215       102,438       313,395       301,979       413,140       400,222  

Depreciation and amortization

     46,194       56,436       153,643       174,413       212,693       228,609  

Taxes other than income taxes

     14,046       12,480       43,325       39,480       56,221       51,810  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     207,994       210,410       772,202       839,944       1,016,942       1,141,477  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

     5,065       (10,231     163,621       140,983       259,366       234,911  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other income and (expenses):

            

Net interest deductions

     (17,421     (16,364     (51,622     (49,155     (69,464     (65,146

Other income (deductions)

     3,081       2,521       8,744       6,712       10,308       9,615  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income and (expenses)

     (14,340     (13,843     (42,878     (42,443     (59,156     (55,531
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

     (9,275     (24,074     120,743       98,540       200,210       179,380  

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (5,251     (11,669     38,307       31,004       65,887       59,544  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

     (4,024     (12,405     82,436       67,536       134,323       119,836  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Discontinued operations—construction services:

            

Income before income taxes

     —         24,020       —         31,867       21,649       54,934  

Income tax expense

     —         8,708       —         12,042       7,842       20,711  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income

     —         15,312       —         19,825       13,807       34,223  

Noncontrolling interests

     —         435       —         500       514       1,079  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income—discontinued operations

     —         14,877       —         19,325       13,293       33,144  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   $ (4,024   $ 2,472     $ 82,436     $ 86,861     $ 147,616     $ 152,980  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

8


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     THREE MONTHS ENDED     NINE MONTHS ENDED     TWELVE MONTHS ENDED  
     SEPTEMBER 30,     SEPTEMBER 30,     SEPTEMBER 30,  
     2017     2016     2017     2016     2017     2016  

Continuing operations:

            

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ (4,024   $ (12,405   $ 82,436     $ 67,536     $ 134,323     $ 119,836  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

            

Defined benefit pension plans:

            

Net actuarial gain (loss)

     —         —         —         —         (14,118     (18,922

Amortization of prior service cost

     207       207       621       621       828       828  

Amortization of net actuarial loss

     3,944       4,196       11,832       12,586       16,027       17,915  

Regulatory adjustment

     (3,555     (3,796     (10,667     (11,388     (2,741     (404
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net defined benefit pension plans

     596       607       1,786       1,819       (4     (583
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Forward-starting interest rate swaps:

            

Amounts reclassified into net income

     518       518       1,554       1,556       2,073       2,073  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net forward-starting interest rate swaps

     518       518       1,554       1,556       2,073       2,073  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income, net of tax from continuing operations

     1,114       1,125       3,340       3,375       2,069       1,490  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss) from continuing operations

     (2,910     (11,280     85,776       70,911       136,392       121,326  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Discontinued operations—construction services:

            

Net income

     —         14,877       —         19,325       13,293       33,144  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     —         (238     —         614       (453     233  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

     —         14,639       —         19,939       12,840       33,377  

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

     —         (8     —         21       (16     10  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to discontinued operations—construction services

     —         14,647       —         19,918       12,856       33,367  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ (2,910   $ 3,367     $ 85,776     $ 90,829     $ 149,248     $ 154,693  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

9


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Thousands of dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

     NINE MONTHS ENDED     TWELVE MONTHS ENDED  
     SEPTEMBER 30     SEPTEMBER 30  
     2017     2016     2017     2016  

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

        

Net Income

   $ 82,436     $ 87,361     $ 148,130     $ 154,059  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

     —         19,825       13,807       34,223  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

     82,436       67,536       134,323       119,836  

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

        

Depreciation and amortization

     153,643       174,413       212,693       228,609  

Deferred income taxes

     44,621       39,953       72,627       76,837  

Changes in current assets and liabilities:

        

Accounts receivable, net of allowances

     43,818       91,680       (7,131     8,543  

Accrued utility revenue

     42,100       41,700       (1,100     (800

Deferred purchased gas costs

     (79,127     81,389       (114,658     79,460  

Accounts payable

     (45,972     (47,060     17,271       1,467  

Accrued taxes

     4,092       (5,660     29,143       4,567  

Other current assets and liabilities

     32,453       (819     (224     9,135  

Changes in undistributed stock compensation

     7,999       4,347       9,108       5,142  

AFUDC

     (2,077     (1,893     (2,473     (2,890

Changes in other assets and deferred charges

     (14,861     3,664       (1,914     3,834  

Changes in other liabilities and deferred credits

     2,883       (4,813     (10,751     702  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     272,008       444,437       336,914       534,442  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

        

Construction expenditures and property additions

     (395,463     (337,921     (514,661     (485,665

Changes in customer advances

     (1,951     5,445       504       9,445  

Miscellaneous inflows

     2,407       2,464       2,925       3,506  

Dividends received

     —         2,801       9,660       5,602  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (395,007     (327,211     (501,572     (467,112
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

        

Issuance of common stock, net

     —         530       (58     507  

Contributions from parent

     11,659       —         11,659       —    

Dividends paid

     (60,497     (61,950     (81,864     (81,138

Issuance of long-term debt, net

     —         296,469       —         296,469  

Retirement of long-term debt

     (25,000     (124,855     (25,000     (124,855

Change in credit facility and commercial paper

     145,000       (150,000     150,000       (97,000

Change in short-term debt

     83,000       (18,000     83,000       —    

Withholding remittance—share-based compensation

     (3,176     (2,119     (3,176     (2,164

Other

     (544     (605     (1,508     (9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     150,442       (60,530     133,053       (8,190
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by discontinued operating activities

     —         33,485       57,680       78,274  

Net cash used in discontinued investing activities

     —         (80,767     (11,049     (91,536

Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued financing activities

     —         39,757       (44,491     6,635  

Effects of currency translation on cash and cash equivalents

     —         (14     (180     (318
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in cash and cash equivalents

     27,443       49,157       (29,645     52,195  

Change in cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations included in discontinued operations construction services assets

     —         7,539       (1,960     6,945  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations

     27,443       56,696       (31,605     59,140  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     19,024       21,376       78,072       18,932  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 46,467     $ 78,072     $ 46,467     $ 78,072  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental information:

        

Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized

   $ 40,751     $ 42,804     $ 59,448     $ 63,031  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income taxes paid (received)

   $ 4     $ (3,055   $ (27,952   $ (16,600
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

 

10


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

Note 1 – Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation

Nature of Operations. Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. is a holding company, owning all of the shares of common stock of Southwest Gas Corporation and, prior to August 2017, 96.6% of the shares of common stock of Centuri Construction Group, Inc. During August 2017, Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. acquired the remaining 3.4% equity interest in Centuri Construction Group, Inc. that was held by the previous owners (and was previously reflected as a redeemable noncontrolling interest). Refer to Note 9 – Construction Services Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest for additional information.

In January 2017, a previously contemplated and approved reorganization under a holding company structure was made effective. The reorganization was designed to provide further separation between regulated and unregulated businesses, and to provide additional financing flexibility. Coincident with the effective date of the reorganization, existing shareholders of Southwest Gas Corporation became shareholders of Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc., on a one-for-one basis, with the same number of shares and same ownership percentage as they held immediately prior to the reorganization. At the same time, Southwest Gas Corporation and Centuri Construction Group, Inc. (“Centuri” or the “construction services” segment) each became subsidiaries of the publicly traded holding company; whereas, historically, Centuri had been a direct subsidiary of Southwest Gas Corporation.

Southwest Gas Corporation (“Southwest” or the “natural gas operations segment”) is engaged in the business of purchasing, distributing, and transporting natural gas for customers in portions of Arizona, Nevada, and California. Public utility rates, practices, facilities, and service territories of Southwest are subject to regulatory oversight. The timing and amount of rate relief can materially impact results of operations. Natural gas purchases and the timing of related recoveries can materially impact liquidity. Results for the natural gas operations segment are higher during winter periods due to the seasonality incorporated in its regulatory rate structures. Centuri is a comprehensive construction services enterprise dedicated to meeting the growing demands of North American utilities, energy and industrial markets. Centuri derives revenue from installation, replacement, repair, and maintenance of energy distribution systems, and developing industrial construction solutions. Centuri operations are generally conducted under the business names of NPL Construction Co. (“NPL”), NPL Canada Ltd. (“NPL Canada”, formerly Link-Line Contractors Ltd.), W.S. Nicholls Construction, Inc. (“W.S. Nicholls”), and Brigadier Pipelines Inc. (“Brigadier”). Typically, Centuri revenues are lowest during the first quarter of the year due to unfavorable winter weather conditions. Operating revenues typically improve as more favorable weather conditions occur during the summer and fall months.

Basis of Presentation. The condensed consolidated financial statements for Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) and Southwest included herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. As indicated above, in connection with the holding company reorganization, Centuri ceased to be a subsidiary of Southwest and became a subsidiary of Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. To give effect to this change, the separate condensed consolidated financial statements related to Southwest Gas Corporation, which are included in this Form 10-Q, depict Centuri-related amounts for periods prior to January 1, 2017 as discontinued operations. Because the transfer of Centuri from Southwest Gas Corporation to Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. was effectuated as an equity transaction and not a sale, assets and liabilities subject to the discontinued operations presentation have been reflected as noncurrent on the Southwest Gas Corporation Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Those assets and liabilities are detailed in Note  10 – Reorganization Impacts – Discontinued Operations Solely Related to Southwest Gas Corporation , and include both current and non-current amounts.

No substantive change has occurred with regard to the Company’s business segments on the whole, or in the primary businesses comprising those segments as a result of the foregoing organizational changes. Centuri operations continue to be part of continuing operations and included in the consolidated financial statements of Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.

 

11


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items and estimates necessary for a fair statement of results for the interim periods, have been made. It is suggested that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the 2016 Annual Report to Shareholders, which is incorporated by reference into the 2016 Form 10-K.

Prepaids and other current assets. Prepaids and other current assets includes gas pipe materials and operating supplies of $36 million at September 30, 2017 and $30 million at December 31, 2016 (carried at weighted average cost) and $24 million at September 30, 2017 and $953,000 at December 31, 2016 related to a regulatory asset associated with the Arizona decoupling mechanism (an alternative revenue program).

Other current liabilities . Other current liabilities of Southwest Gas Corporation include $21 million of dividends declared but not yet paid to Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. at September 30, 2017.

Cash and Cash Equivalents.  For purposes of reporting consolidated cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and financial instruments with a purchase-date maturity of three months or less. In general, cash and cash equivalents fall within Level 1 (quoted prices for identical financial instruments) of the three-level fair value hierarchy that ranks the inputs, used to measure fair value, by their reliability. However, cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 also includes money market fund investments of approximately $19.8 million and $5.3 million, respectively, which fall within Level 2 (significant other observable inputs) of the fair value hierarchy, due to the asset valuation methods used by money market funds.

Significant non-cash investing and financing activities included the following: Upon contract expiration, customer advances of approximately $1.9 million and $3.6 million, during the first nine months of 2017 and 2016, respectively, were applied as contributions toward utility construction activity and represent non-cash investing activity.

Adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No.  2016-09. As of January 1, 2017, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASU No. 2016-09 “Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” The adoption of this update is considered a change in accounting principle. Among other things, the update clarifies that all cash payments made to taxing authorities on the employees’ behalf for withheld shares should be presented as financing activities on the statement of cash flows. This change is required to be presented in the cash flow statement retrospectively. A new category, Withholding remittance – share-based compensation has been added to the Cash Flow from Financing Activities section of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for both Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. and Southwest Gas Corporation. The withheld taxes were included in the Other current assets and liabilities line item of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in previous periods. Therefore, upon adoption, amounts presented as cash inflows from Other current assets and liabilities under the Cash Flow from Operating Activities section of the Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows were revised from $9.9 million to $12 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and inflows in the same category for the twelve months ended September 30, 2016 were revised from $19.9 million to $22 million. In addition, while standalone financial statements were not previously presented for natural gas operations, for reasons related to the holding company reorganization discussed above, they are now presented. Therefore, upon adoption of this standard, the Cash Flow from Operating Activities section of the Southwest Gas Corporation Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows reflects a reclassification of cash outflows from Other current assets and liabilities from $2.9 million to $819,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and cash inflows in the same category were revised from $7 million to $9.1 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2016.

Under the new guidance, the Company can withhold any amount between the minimum and maximum individual statutory tax rates and still treat the entire award as equity. The Company intends to administer withholding such that awards under stock compensation programs will continue to be treated as equity awards.

In addition to the above, the update requires all income tax-related cash flows resulting from share-based payments (unrelated to employee withholding) be reported as operating activities on the statement of cash flows, a change from the previous requirement to present windfall tax benefits as an inflow from financing activities and an outflow from operating activities. The Company chose to apply this presentation requirement of the update prospectively as permitted. Therefore, prior periods were not impacted in implementing this provision of the update.

 

12


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

Amendments related to the timing of when excess tax benefits are recognized, minimum statutory withholding requirements, forfeitures, and intrinsic value are required to be applied using a modified retrospective transition method by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the period in which the guidance is adopted. The Company had no previously unrecognized tax benefits as a result of these changes; therefore, no cumulative effect adjustment to the Company’s opening retained earnings was required.

Goodwill. Goodwill is assessed as of October each year for impairment (required annually by U.S. GAAP), or otherwise, if circumstances indicate impairment to the carrying value of goodwill may have occurred. In consideration of the holding company reorganization, management of the Company considered its reporting units and segments and determined that historic judgments regarding its segments and reporting units continue to apply, and that no change was necessary with regard to the level at which goodwill is assessed for impairment. No impairment was deemed to have occurred in the first nine months of 2017.

 

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

December 31, 2016

   $ 10,095      $ 129,888      $ 139,983  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     —          7,882        7,882  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

September 30, 2017

   $ 10,095      $ 137,770      $ 147,865  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

 

     September 30, 2017      December 31, 2016  

Centuri accounts receivable for services provided to Southwest

   $ 11,486      $ 10,585  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

Other Property and Investments. Other property and investments on the Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets includes (thousands of dollars):

 

     September 30, 2017      December 31, 2016  

Centuri property and equipment

   $ 493,599      $ 451,114  

Centuri accumulated provision for depreciation and amortization

     (251,831      (228,374

Net cash surrender value of COLI policies

     114,052        106,744  

Other property

     13,483        12,859  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 369,303      $ 342,343  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

13


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

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

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended     Twelve Months Ended  
     September 30     September 30     September 30  
     2017     2016     2017     2016     2017     2016  

Southwest Gas Corporation—natural gas operations segment:

            

Change in COLI policies

   $ 2,100     $ 2,300     $ 6,800     $ 5,400     $ 8,800     $ 7,500  

Interest income

     670       522       1,848       1,279       2,417       1,664  

Equity AFUDC

     968       611       2,077       1,893       2,473       2,890  

Miscellaneous income and (expense)

     (657     (912     (1,981     (1,860     (3,382     (2,439
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Southwest Gas Corporation—total other income (deductions)

     3,081       2,521       8,744       6,712       10,308       9,615  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Construction services segment:

            

Interest income

     1       —         2       1       2       414  

Foreign transaction gain (loss)

     (442     (3     (640     (22     (640     28  

Miscellaneous income and (expense)

     231       47       676       65       1,825       804  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Centuri—total other income (deductions)

     (210     44       38       44       1,187       1,246  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Corporate and administrative

     5       —         6       —         6       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.—total other income (deductions)

   $ 2,876     $ 2,565     $ 8,788     $ 6,756     $ 11,501     $ 10,861  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Updates. In May 2014, the FASB issued the update “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” The update replaces much of the current guidance regarding revenue recognition including most industry-specific guidance. In accordance with the update, an entity will be required to identify the contract with the customer, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. In addition to the new revenue recognition requirements, entities will be required to disclose sufficient information to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Entities may choose between two retrospective transition methods when applying the update. In July 2015, the FASB approved a one-year deferral of the effective date (annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017). In March, April, May, and December of 2016, the FASB issued updates to Topic 606 related to “Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)”, “Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing,” “Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients”, and certain “Technical Corrections and Improvements.” The amendments in the first two updates, respectively, provide guidance when another party, along with the entity, is involved in providing a good or service to a customer, and provide clarification with regard to identifying performance obligations and of the licensing implementation guidance in Topic 606. The third update includes improvements to the guidance on collectibility, noncash consideration, and completed contracts at transition. In addition, a practical expedient is provided for contract modifications at transition and an accounting policy election related to the presentation of sales taxes and other similar taxes collected from customers. The fourth update affects narrow aspects of the guidance as issued to date. Management plans to adopt all of these updates at the required adoption date, which is for interim and annual reporting periods commencing January 2018.

Deliberations have been ongoing by the utility industry, notably in connection with efforts to produce an accounting guide intended to be developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”). In association with this undertaking, the AICPA formed a number of industry task forces, including a Power & Utilities (“P&U”) Task Force, on which Company personnel actively participate via formal membership. Industry representatives and organizations, the largest auditing firms, the AICPA’s Revenue Recognition Working Group and its Financial Reporting Executive Committee have undertaken, and continue to undertake, consideration of several items relevant to the utility industry. Where applicable or necessary, the FASB’s Transition Resource Group (“TRG”) has also participated. Through the P&U Task Force undertakings, general determinations were made that contributions received in aid of construction (“CIAC”) efforts related to the industry’s pipe distribution and transmission systems are reimbursements of expenditures rather than revenue (consistent with current accounting practices). Furthermore, regarding the “collectibility” criterion in the update that must be met for revenue recognition, general determinations have been made that contracts for utility service (including service to lower income or lower credit quality customers)

 

14


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

represent genuine and valid contracts for which revenue is able to be recognized when service is rendered (consistent with current accounting practices). These determinations by the P&U industry are based on the various measures the industry takes to help ensure collectibility (e.g., proof of creditworthiness, customer deposits, late fee assessment, disconnection, service re-establishment fees, collection processes, etc.), in addition to the regulatory mechanisms established under rate regulation to mitigate the impacts of individual customer nonpayment. Southwest has also actively worked with its peers in the rate-regulated natural gas industry and with the public accounting profession to finalize the accounting treatment for several other issues not separately addressed by the P&U Task Force.

With regard to the construction services segment, the principles of the new revenue recognition guidance are very similar to existing guidance for construction contractors. Similar to the P&U Task Force noted above, the AICPA formed the Engineering and Construction Contractors Task Force to assist the construction industry with implementing the new guidance. The accounting guide the AICPA intends to release is expected to provide implementation guidance related to several issues including 1) combining contracts and separating performance obligations; 2) estimating change orders, incentives, penalties, liquidated damages and other variable consideration items and 3) acceptable measures of progress when recognizing revenue over time.

Management of both segments of the Company has substantially completed assessments of sources of revenue and the effects that adoption of the new guidance will have on the Company’s (and Southwest’s in the case of utility operations) financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. Based on assessments completed to date, management believes that such impacts will not be material overall. Presentation and disclosure requirements of the new guidance will have the most impact on the Company’s financial statements and note disclosures. The Company is currently planning to adopt the new guidance in 2018 under the modified retrospective transition method, as permissible.

In January 2016, the FASB issued the update “Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” in order to improve the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. The update makes targeted improvements to existing U.S. GAAP by: 1) requiring equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income; 2) requiring the use of the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes; 3) requiring separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statements; 4) eliminating the requirement to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet; and 5) requiring a reporting entity to present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in instrument-specific credit risk when the organization has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. All entities can early adopt the provision to record fair value changes for financial liabilities under the fair value option resulting from instrument-specific credit risk in other comprehensive income. Management believes this update will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued the update “Leases (Topic 842).” Under the update, lessees will be required to recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date:

 

   

A lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and

 

   

A right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term.

Under the new guidance, lessor accounting is largely unchanged. Certain targeted improvements were made to align, where necessary, lessor accounting with the lessee accounting model and Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Though companies have historically been required to make disclosures regarding leases and of associated contractual obligations, leases (with terms longer than a year) will no longer exist off-balance sheet. Lessees (for capital and operating leases) and lessors (for sales-type, direct financing, and operating leases) must apply a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The modified retrospective approach would not require any transition accounting for leases that expired before the earliest comparative period presented. Lessees and lessors may not apply

 

15


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

a full retrospective transition approach. Early application is permitted. Management currently plans to adopt the update at the required adoption date, which is for interim and annual reporting periods commencing January 1, 2019. Existing leases have been historically documented under traditional leasing arrangements by both segments. Management is in the process of evaluating other types of arrangements that have the potential to meet the definition of a lease under the new standard, and is also in the process of selecting software to efficiently implement the standard for its natural gas operations segment. The FASB recently issued proposed guidance that will allow the election of a practical expedient to not apply the new standard to existing easement contracts that were not previously assessed as leases under historic guidance. However, the Company would still be required to evaluate any new easements entered into after the effective date of the standard to determine if the arrangements should be accounted for as leases. Management is currently evaluating the new and proposed guidance in light of its customary leasing arrangements (and other arrangements in association with the new guidance) to determine the effect the new standard will have on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows, and business processes.

In June 2016, the FASB issued the update “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” The update amends guidance on reporting credit losses for financial assets held at amortized cost basis and available for sale debt securities. For assets held at amortized cost basis, the update eliminates the “probable” threshold for initial recognition of credit losses in current U.S. GAAP and, instead, requires an entity to reflect its current estimate of all expected credit losses. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset to present the net amount expected to be collected. For available for sale debt securities, credit losses should be measured in a manner similar to current U.S. GAAP, however the update will require that credit losses be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down. This update affects entities holding financial assets and net investment in leases that are not accounted for at fair value through net income. The update affects loans, debt securities, trade receivables, net investments in leases, off-balance sheet credit exposures, reinsurance receivables, and any other financial assets not excluded from the scope that have the contractual right to receive cash. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. All entities may adopt the amendments in this update earlier as of fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating what impact, if any, this update might have on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In August 2016, the FASB issued the update “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.” This update addresses the following specific cash flow issues: debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing; contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance (“COLI”) policies; distributions received from equity method investees; beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and separately identifiable cash flows, including identification of the predominant nature in cases where cash receipts and payments have aspects of more than one class of cash flows. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. Management believes this update will not have a material impact on its consolidated cash flow statements and disclosures.

In October 2016, the FASB issued the update “Accounting for Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Asset Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory.” This update eliminates the current U.S. GAAP exception for all intra-entity sales of assets other than inventory. As a result, a reporting entity would recognize the tax expense from the sale of the asset in the seller’s tax jurisdiction when the transfer occurs, even though the pre-tax effects of that transaction are eliminated in consolidation. Any deferred tax asset that arises in the buyer’s jurisdiction would also be recognized at the time of the transfer. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted; however, the guidance can only be adopted in the first interim period of a fiscal year. No such election to adopt early was made by management. The modified retrospective approach will be required for transition to the new guidance, with a cumulative-effect adjustment recorded in retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. Management believes this update will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In January 2017, the FASB issued the update “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” The update eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s

 

16


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. In addition, income tax effects from any tax-deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit should be considered when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. The update also eliminates the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and, if it fails that qualitative test, to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. The amendments should be applied on a prospective basis. The update is effective for fiscal and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. Management has determined that this update would have had no impact on the consolidated financial statements for the periods presented if it had been effective during those periods.

In March 2017, the FASB issued the update “Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost.” The update applies to all employers that offer employee benefits under defined benefit pension plans, other postretirement benefit plans, or other types of benefits accounted for under Topic 715, Compensation – Retirement Benefits. The update requires that an employer report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, and be appropriately described. The update also allows only the service cost component (and not the other components of periodic benefit costs) to be eligible for capitalization when applicable, making no exception for specialized industries, including rate-regulated industries.

Southwest is a rate-regulated utility offering pension and postretirement benefits to retired employees. It is anticipated that Southwest would continue to request recovery of the total costs of defined benefit plans in rate applications filed with its various regulatory bodies. Rate-regulated entities providing utility and transmission services have historically capitalized a portion of periodic benefit costs (including non-service cost components) in utility infrastructure (for instance, when productive labor is also charged to capital work orders). The portion capitalized has historically been a component of depreciation and related rate development through efforts of companies and their regulatory commissions. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) regulates interstate transmission pipelines and also establishes, via its Uniform System of Accounts, accounting practices of rate-regulated entities. Accounting guidelines by the FERC are typically also upheld by state commissions. Historically, those guidelines have been generally consistent with guidance in U.S. GAAP (including U.S. GAAP for rate-regulated entities). While formal guidance has not yet been published by the FERC, it is currently believed that the FERC will permit an election to either continue to capitalize non-service benefit costs for regulatory reporting purposes or to cease capitalizing such costs and implement the Topic 715 update capitalization provisions “as is,” for regulatory purposes. Assuming the FERC formalizes the above elections, Southwest currently anticipates adopting the provisions of Topic 715 for both SEC reporting and regulatory purposes. Industry deliberations continue and management will be evaluating the various impacts this update will have on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. It is estimated that approximately $3 million in non-service costs were capitalized as a component of gas plant during 2016. Total non-service costs were approximately $20 million in 2016.

 

17


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

Note 2 – Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

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

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

 

     Qualified Retirement Plan  
     Period Ended September 30,  
     Three Months     Nine Months     Twelve Months  
     2017     2016     2017     2016     2017     2016  

(Thousands of dollars)

            

Service cost

   $ 5,848     $ 5,708     $ 17,544     $ 17,125     $ 23,252     $ 23,406  

Interest cost

     11,520       11,507       34,561       34,520       46,068       45,577  

Expected return on plan assets

     (13,799     (14,140     (41,397     (42,419     (55,536     (56,871

Amortization of net actuarial loss

     6,001       6,317       18,003       18,950       24,319       27,136  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 9,570     $ 9,392     $ 28,711     $ 28,176     $ 38,103     $ 39,248  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     SERP  
     Period Ended September 30,  
     Three Months     Nine Months     Twelve Months  
     2017     2016     2017     2016     2017     2016  

(Thousands of dollars)

            

Service cost

   $ 77     $ 83     $ 232     $ 248     $ 315     $ 328  

Interest cost

     471       464       1,413       1,394       1,878       1,818  

Amortization of net actuarial loss

     361       346       1,081       1,038       1,426       1,361  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 909     $ 893     $ 2,726     $ 2,680     $ 3,619     $ 3,507  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     PBOP  
     Period Ended September 30,  
     Three Months     Nine Months     Twelve Months  
     2017     2016     2017     2016     2017     2016  

(Thousands of dollars)

            

Service cost

   $ 367     $ 375     $ 1,101     $ 1,124     $ 1,476     $ 1,534  

Interest cost

     808       795       2,424       2,386       3,218       3,136  

Expected return on plan assets

     (839     (787     (2,518     (2,362     (3,305     (3,228

Amortization of prior service costs

     333       333       1,001       1,001       1,335       1,335  

Amortization of net actuarial loss

     —         104       —         312       105       398  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 669     $ 820     $ 2,008     $ 2,461     $ 2,829     $ 3,175  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

18


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

Note 3 – Segment Information

The Company has two reportable segments: natural gas operations and construction services. Southwest has a single reportable segment that is referred to herein as the natural gas operations segment of the Company. In order to reconcile to net income as disclosed in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, an Other column is included associated with impacts related to corporate and administrative activities related to Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. The following tables present revenues from external customers, intersegment revenues, and segment net income for the two reportable segments (thousands of dollars):

 

     Natural Gas
Operations
     Construction
Services
     Other      Total  

Three months ended September 30, 2017

           

Revenues from external customers

   $ 213,059      $ 351,850      $ —        $ 564,909  

Intersegment revenues

     —          28,244        —          28,244  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 213,059      $ 380,094      $ —        $ 593,153  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Segment net income (loss)

   $ (4,024    $ 14,335      $ (107    $ 10,204  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30, 2016

           

Revenues from external customers

   $ 200,179      $ 312,531      $ —        $ 512,710  

Intersegment revenues

     —          27,259        —          27,259  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 200,179      $ 339,790      $ —        $ 539,969  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Segment net income (loss)

   $ (12,405    $ 14,877      $ —        $ 2,472  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Natural Gas
Operations
     Construction
Services
     Other      Total  

Nine months ended September 30, 2017

           

Revenues from external customers

   $ 935,823      $ 800,073      $ —        $ 1,735,896  

Intersegment revenues

     —          72,463        —          72,463  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 935,823      $ 872,536      $ —        $ 1,808,359  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Segment net income (loss)

   $ 82,436      $ 15,717      $ (777    $ 97,376  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2016

           

Revenues from external customers

   $ 980,927      $ 762,835      $ —        $ 1,743,762  

Intersegment revenues

     —          75,203        —          75,203  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 980,927      $ 838,038      $ —        $ 1,818,965  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Segment net income

   $ 67,536      $ 19,325      $ —        $ 86,861  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Natural Gas
Operations
     Construction
Services
     Other      Total  

Twelve months ended September 30, 2017

           

Revenues from external customers

   $ 1,276,308      $ 1,078,195      $ —        $ 2,354,503  

Intersegment revenues

     —          95,381        —          95,381  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,276,308      $ 1,173,576      $ —        $ 2,449,884  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Segment net income (loss)

   $ 134,323      $ 29,010      $ (777    $ 162,556  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Twelve months ended September 30, 2016

           

Revenues from external customers

   $ 1,376,388      $ 1,022,416      $ —        $ 2,398,804  

Intersegment revenues

     —          105,566        —          105,566  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,376,388      $ 1,127,982      $ —        $ 2,504,370  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Segment net income

   $ 119,836      $ 33,144      $ —        $ 152,980  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note 4 – Derivatives and Fair Value Measurements

Derivatives. In managing its natural gas supply portfolios, Southwest has historically entered into fixed- and variable-price contracts, which qualify as derivatives. Additionally, Southwest utilizes fixed-for-floating swap contracts (“Swaps”) to supplement its fixed-price contracts. The fixed-price contracts, firm commitments to purchase a fixed amount of gas in the future at a fixed price, qualify for the normal purchases and normal sales exception that is allowed for contracts that are probable of delivery in the normal course of business, and are exempt from fair value reporting.

 

19


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

The variable-price contracts have no significant market value. The Swaps are recorded at fair value.

The fixed-price contracts and Swaps are utilized by Southwest under its volatility mitigation programs to effectively fix the price on a portion (up to 25% in the Arizona and California jurisdictions) of its natural gas supply portfolios. The maturities of the Swaps highly correlate to forecasted purchases of natural gas, during time frames ranging from October 2017 through March 2019. 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):

 

     September 30, 2017      December 31, 2016  

Contract notional amounts

     10,936        10,543  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

The following table sets forth the gains and (losses) recognized on the Swaps (derivatives) for the three-, nine-, and twelve-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 and their location in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for both the Company and Southwest:

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

(Thousands of dollars)

 

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

Instrument

  

Recognized in Income on Derivative

   2017     2016     2017     2016     2017     2016  

Swaps

   Net cost of gas sold    $ (546   $ (2,072   $ (6,851   $ 2,253     $ (4,098   $ (656

Swaps

   Net cost of gas sold      546     2,072     6,851     (2,253 )*      4,098     656
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

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

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

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

Fair values of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

 

September 30, 2017

Instrument

  

Balance Sheet Location

   Asset
Derivatives
     Liability
Derivatives
     Net
Total
 

Swaps

   Prepaids and other current assets    $ 56      $ (22    $ 34  

Swaps

   Other current liabilities      27        (1,899      (1,872

Swaps

   Other deferred credits      1        (768      (767
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

      $ 84      $ (2,689    $ (2,605
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2016

Instrument

  

Balance Sheet Location

   Asset
Derivatives
     Liability
Derivatives
     Net
Total
 

Swaps

   Deferred charges and other assets    $ 899      $ (54    $ 845  

Swaps

   Prepaids and other current assets      3,551        (19      3,532  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

      $ 4,450      $ (73    $ 4,377  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

20


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

The estimated fair values of the natural gas derivatives were determined using future natural gas index prices (as more fully described below). Master netting arrangements exist with each counterparty that provide for the net settlement (in the settlement month) of all contracts through a single payment. As applicable, management has elected to reflect the net amounts in its balance sheets. There was 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, unrealized gains and losses in fair value of the Swaps are recorded as a regulatory asset and/or liability. When the Swaps mature, any prior positions held are reversed and the settled position is recorded 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.

 

     Three Months Ended      Nine Months Ended      Twelve Months Ended  
(Thousands of dollars)    September 30, 2017      September 30, 2017      September 30, 2017  

Paid to counterparties

   $ 143      $ 1,555      $ 2,655  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Received from counterparties

   $ —        $ 1,685      $ 2,060  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

 

September 30, 2017

Instrument

  

Balance Sheet Location

   Net Total  
Swaps    Other current liabilities    $ (34
Swaps    Prepaids and other current assets      1,872  
Swaps    Deferred charges and other assets      767  

December 31, 2016

Instrument

  

Balance Sheet Location

   Net Total  
Swaps    Other deferred credits    $ (845
Swaps    Other current liabilities      (3,532

Fair Value Measurements. The estimated fair values of Southwest’s Swaps were determined at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 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 measurement.

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 financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value by both the Company and Southwest:

 

21


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

Level 2—Significant other observable inputs

 

(Thousands of dollars)    September 30, 2017      December 31, 2016  

Assets at fair value:

     

Prepaids and other current assets—Swaps

   $ 34      $ 3,532  

Deferred charges and other assets—Swaps

     —          845  

Liabilities at fair value:

     

Other current liabilities—Swaps

     (1,872      —    

Other deferred credits—Swaps

     (767      —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Assets (Liabilities)

   $ (2,605    $ 4,377  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

With regard to the fair values of assets associated with pension and postretirement benefit plans, asset values were last updated as required as of December 2016. Refer to Note 10 – Pension and Other Post Retirement Benefits in the 2016 Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K.

Note 5 – Common Stock

In January 2017, the holding company reorganization was made effective and each outstanding share of Southwest Gas Corporation common stock was converted into a share of common stock in Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc., on a one-for-one basis. The ticker symbol of the stock, “SWX,” remained unchanged, and Southwest Gas Corporation became a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

On March 29, 2017, the Company filed with the Securities Exchange Commission (“SEC”) an automatic shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-217018), which became effective upon filing, for the offer and sale of up to $150 million of common stock from time to time in at-the-market offerings under the prospectus included therein and in accordance with the Sales Agency Agreement, dated March 29, 2017, between the Company and BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC (the “Equity Shelf Program”). During the three months and nine months ending September 30, 2017, the Company sold, through the continuous equity offering program with BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC as agent, an aggregate of 147,077 shares of the Company’s common stock in the open market at a weighted average price of $80.07 per share, resulting in proceeds to the Company of $11,659,104, net of $117,769 in agent commissions. As of September 30, 2017, the Company had up to $138,223,127 of common stock available for sale under the program. Net proceeds from the sale of shares of common stock under the Equity Shelf Program are intended for general corporate purposes, including the acquisition of property for the construction, completion, extension or improvement of pipeline systems and facilities located in and around the communities served by Southwest. Commensurate with these intentions, proceeds during the 3 rd quarter of 2017 were contributed to, and reflected in the records of, Southwest (as a capital contribution from the parent holding company).

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company issued approximately 103,000 shares of common stock through the Restricted Stock/Unit Plan and Management Incentive Plan.

Note 6 – Long-Term Debt

Carrying amounts of long-term debt and related estimated fair values as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are disclosed in the following table. Southwest’s revolving credit facility (including commercial paper) and the variable-rate Industrial Development Revenue Bonds (“IDRBs”) approximate their carrying values, as they are repaid quickly (in the case of credit facility borrowings) and have interest rates that reset frequently. These are categorized as Level 1 due to Southwest’s ability to access similar debt arrangements at measurement dates with comparable terms, including variable/market rates. The fair values of Southwest’s debentures, senior notes, and fixed-rate IDRBs were determined utilizing a market-based valuation approach, where fair values are determined based on evaluated

 

22


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

pricing data, such as broker quotes and yields for similar securities adjusted for observable differences. Significant inputs used in the valuation generally include benchmark yield curves, credit ratings and issuer spreads. The external credit rating, coupon rate, and maturity of each security are considered in the valuation, as applicable. The fair values of debentures and fixed-rate IDRBs are categorized as Level 2 (observable market inputs based on market prices of similar securities). The Centuri secured revolving credit and term loan facility and Centuri other debt obligations (not actively traded) are categorized as Level 3, based on significant unobservable inputs to their fair values. Because Centuri’s debt is not publicly traded, fair values for the secured revolving credit and term loan facility and other debt obligations were based on a conventional discounted cash flow methodology and utilized current market pricing yield curves, across Centuri’s debt maturity spectrum, of other industrial bonds with an assumed credit rating comparable to the Company’s.

 

     September 30, 2017      December 31, 2016  
     Carrying      Market      Carrying      Market  
     Amount      Value      Amount      Value  

(Thousands of dollars)

           

Southwest Gas Corporation:

           

Debentures:

           

Notes, 4.45%, due 2020

   $ 125,000      $ 130,325      $ 125,000      $ 129,703  

Notes, 6.1%, due 2041

     125,000        154,434        125,000        149,734  

Notes, 3.875%, due 2022

     250,000        258,943        250,000        254,900  

Notes, 4.875%, due 2043

     250,000        275,168        250,000        266,793  

Notes, 3.8%, due 2046

     300,000        292,578        300,000        283,029  

8% Series, due 2026

     75,000        97,218        75,000        94,691  

Medium-term notes, 7.59% series, due 2017

     —          —          25,000        25,040  

Medium-term notes, 7.78% series, due 2022

     25,000        29,174        25,000        29,290  

Medium-term notes, 7.92% series, due 2027

     25,000        31,964        25,000        31,905  

Medium-term notes, 6.76% series, due 2027

     7,500        8,920        7,500        8,769  

Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs

     (9,498         (9,931   
  

 

 

       

 

 

    
     1,173,002           1,197,569     
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Revolving credit facility and commercial paper

     150,000        150,000        5,000        5,000  
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

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  

Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs

     (2,212         (2,489   
  

 

 

       

 

 

    
     197,788           197,511     
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Less: current maturities

     —             (25,000   
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Long-term debt, less current maturities - Southwest Gas Corporation

   $ 1,520,790         $ 1,375,080     
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Centuri:

           

Centuri term loan facility

   $ 107,250        107,403      $ 106,700        106,819  

Unamortized debt issuance costs

     (383         (516   
  

 

 

       

 

 

    
     106,867           106,184     

Centuri secured revolving credit facility

     81,250        81,402        41,185        41,292  

Centuri other debt obligations

     51,527        51,978        52,635        52,840  

Less: current maturities

     (28,453         (25,101   
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Long-term debt, less current maturities - Centuri

   $ 211,191         $ 174,903     
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Consolidated Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.:

           

Southwest Gas Corporation long-term debt

   $ 1,520,790         $ 1,400,080     

Centuri long-term debt

     239,644           200,004     

Less: current maturities

     (28,453         (50,101   
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Long-term debt, less current maturities - Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

   $ 1,731,981         $ 1,549,983     
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

23


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

In March 2017, Southwest amended its credit facility, increasing the borrowing capacity from $300 million to $400 million. Also, the facility was previously scheduled to expire in March 2021 and was extended to March 2022. Southwest continues to designate $150 million of capacity related to the facility as long-term debt and with the total capacity now available, has designated the remaining $250 million for working capital purposes. Interest rates for the credit facility are calculated at either the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or an “alternate base rate,” plus in each case an applicable margin that is determined based on the Southwest’s senior unsecured debt rating. At September 30, 2017, the applicable margin is 1% for loans bearing interest with reference to LIBOR and 0% for loans bearing interest with reference to the alternative base rate. At September 30, 2017, $150 million was outstanding on the long-term portion and $83 million was outstanding on the short-term portion of this credit facility (See Note 7 – Short-Term Debt ).

At September 30, 2017, Centuri has a $300 million secured revolving credit and term loan facility that is scheduled to expire in October 2019. This facility includes a revolving credit facility and a term loan facility. The term loan facility portion had an initial limit of approximately $150 million, which was reached in 2014 and had $107 million outstanding (after repayments) at September 30, 2017. The $300 million revolving credit and term loan facility is secured by substantially all of Centuri’s assets except those explicitly excluded under the terms of the agreement (including owned real estate and certain certificated vehicles). Centuri assets securing the facility at September 30, 2017 totaled $526 million. At September 30, 2017, $189 million in borrowings were outstanding under the Centuri facility.

Note 7 – Short-Term Debt

In March 2017, Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. entered into a credit facility with a borrowing capacity of $100 million that expires in March 2022. The Company intends to utilize this facility for short-term financing needs. Interest rates for this facility are calculated at either the LIBOR or the “alternate base rate,” plus in each case an applicable margin that is determined based on the Company’s senior unsecured debt rating. The applicable margin ranges from 0.75% to 1.50% for loans bearing interest with reference to LIBOR and from 0% to 0.5% for loans bearing interest with reference to the alternative base rate. The Company is also required to pay a commitment fee on the unfunded portion of the commitments based on its senior unsecured long-term debt rating. The commitment fee ranges from 0.075% to 0.200% per annum. At September 30, 2017, $27.5 million was outstanding under this facility.    

As discussed in Note 6 – Long-Term Debt , Southwest has a $400 million credit facility that is scheduled to expire in March 2022, of which $250 million has been designated by management for working capital purposes. Southwest had $83 million in short-term borrowings outstanding at September 30, 2017 under this facility.

 

24


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

Note 8 – Equity, Other Comprehensive Income, and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The table below provides details of activity in equity and the redeemable noncontrolling interest for Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. on a consolidated basis during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

 

    Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. Equity                    
                      Accumulated                       Redeemable  
                Additional     Other           Non-           Noncontrolling  
    Common Stock     Paid-in     Comprehensive     Retained     controlling           Interest  

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

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

DECEMBER 31, 2016

    47,482     $ 49,112     $ 903,123     $ (48,008   $ 759,263     $ (2,217   $ 1,661,273     $ 22,590  

Common stock issuances

    250       250       21,090             21,340    

Net income (loss)

            97,376       (78     97,298       248  

Redemption value adjustments

            (355       (355     355  

Foreign currency exchange translation adj.

          1,850           1,850       11  

Redemption of Centuri shares from noncontrolling parties

                  (23,000

Other comprehensive income (loss):

               

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

          1,786           1,786    

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

          1,554           1,554    

Centuri dividend to redeemable noncontrolling interest

                  (204

Dividends declared

               

Common: $1.485 per share

            (71,350       (71,350  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

    47,732     $ 49,362     $ 924,213     $ (42,818   $ 784,934     $ (2,295   $ 1,713,396     $ —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The table below provides details of activity in equity for Southwest Gas Corporation during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Effective in January 2017, Southwest became a subsidiary of Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc., and only equity shares of the latter are publicly traded, under the ticker symbol “SWX.”

 

     Southwest Gas Corporation Equity        
                          Accumulated              
                   Additional      Other              
     Common Stock      Paid-in      Comprehensive     Retained        

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

   Shares      Amount      Capital      Income (Loss)     Earnings     Total  

DECEMBER 31, 2016

     47,482      $ 49,112      $ 897,346      $ (45,639   $ 767,061     $ 1,667,880  

Net income

                82,436       82,436  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

               

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

              1,786         1,786  

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

              1,554         1,554  

Distribution to Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. investment in discontinued operations

                (182,773     (182,773

Stock-based compensation (a)

           8,576          (587     7,989  

Dividends declared to Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

                (60,130     (60,130

Contributions from Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

           11,659            11,659  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

     47,482      $ 49,112      $ 917,581      $ (42,299   $ 606,007     $ 1,530,401  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

Stock-based compensation is based on stock awards of Southwest Gas Corporation to be issued in shares of Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. The table above gives effect to the holding company reorganization whereby Southwest and Centuri became subsidiaries of the Company. The historic investment in Centuri was distributed to the parent holding company. This presentation is only applicable to Southwest and not to the Company overall, as Centuri continues to be included in

 

25


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

 

the continuing operations of the Company. Also in connection with the holding company creation, compensation plans of Southwest include programs that will be settled with equity shares issued by Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. Management has determined that when no consideration is directly exchanged for these programs between Southwest and the Company, the accounting impact at Southwest for these programs is reflected both as compensation expense and as an equity contribution (of the parent) in Southwest.

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

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

(Thousands of dollars)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30, 2017
    Three Months Ended
September 30, 2016
 
     Before-     Tax     Net-of-     Before-     Tax     Net-of-  
     Tax     (Expense)     Tax     Tax     (Expense)     Tax  
     Amount     or Benefit (1)     Amount     Amount     or Benefit (1)     Amount  

Defined benefit pension plans:

            

Amortization of prior service cost

   $ 333     $ (126   $ 207     $ 333     $ (126   $ 207  

Amortization of net actuarial (gain)/loss

     6,362       (2,418     3,944       6,767       (2,571     4,196  

Regulatory adjustment

     (5,734     2,179       (3,555     (6,122     2,326       (3,796
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pension plans other comprehensive income (loss)

     961       (365     596       978       (371     607  

FSIRS (designated hedging activities):

            

Amounts reclassifed into net income

     835       (317     518       835       (317     518  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

FSIRS other comprehensive income

     835       (317     518       835       (317     518  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss) - Southwest Gas Corporation

     1,796       (682     1,114       1,813       (688     1,125  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments:

            

Translation adjustments

     1,012       —         1,012       (238     —         (238
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Foreign currency other comprehensive income (loss)

     1,012       —         1,012       (238     —         (238
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss) - Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

   $ 2,808     $ (682   $ 2,126     $ 1,575     $ (688   $ 887  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2017
    Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2017
 
     Before-     Tax     Net-of-     Before-     Tax     Net-of-  
     Tax     (Expense)     Tax     Tax     (Expense)     Tax  
     Amount     or Benefit (1)     Amount     Amount     or Benefit (1)     Amount  

Defined benefit pension plans:

            

Amortization of prior service cost

   $ 1,001     $ (380   $ 621     $ 1,001     $ (380   $ 621  

Amortization of net actuarial (gain)/loss

     19,084       (7,252     11,832       20,300       (7,714     12,586  

Regulatory adjustment

     (17,204     6,537       (10,667     (18,368     6,980       (11,388
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pension plans other comprehensive income (loss)

     2,881       (1,095     1,786       2,933       (1,114     1,819  

FSIRS (designated hedging activities):

            

Amounts reclassifed into net income

     2,507       (953     1,554       2,508       (952     1,556  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

FSIRS other comprehensive income

     2,507       (953     1,554       2,508       (952     1,556  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)—Southwest Gas Corporation

     5,388       (2,048     3,340       5,441       (2,066     3,375  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments:

            

Translation adjustments

     1,861       —         1,861       614       —         614  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Foreign currency other comprehensive income (loss)

     1,861       —         1,861       614       —         614  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 7,249     $ (2,048   $ 5,201     $ 6,055     $ (2,066   $ 3,989  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

26


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

     Twelve Months Ended
September 30, 2017
    Twelve Months Ended
September 30, 2016
 
     Before-     Tax     Net-of-     Before-     Tax     Net-of-  
     Tax     (Expense)     Tax     Tax     (Expense)     Tax  
     Amount     or Benefit (1)     Amount     Amount     or Benefit (1)     Amount  

Defined benefit pension plans:

            

Net actuarial gain/(loss)

   $ (22,770   $ 8,652     $ (14,118   $ (30,519   $ 11,597     $ (18,922

Amortization of prior service cost

     1,335       (507     828       1,335       (507     828  

Amortization of net actuarial (gain)/loss

     25,850       (9,823     16,027       28,895       (10,980     17,915  

Regulatory adjustment

     (4,420     1,679       (2,741     (653     249       (404
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pension plans other comprehensive income (loss)

     (5     1       (4     (942     359       (583

FSIRS (designated hedging activities):

            

Amounts reclassifed into net income

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

FSIRS other comprehensive income (loss)

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)—Southwest Gas Corporation

     3,339       (1,270     2,069       2,402       (912     1,490  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments:

            

Translation adjustments

     1,408       —         1,408       233       —         233  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Foreign currency other comprehensive income (loss)

     1,408       —         1,408       233       —         233  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)—Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

   $ 4,747     $ (1,270   $ 3,477     $ 2,635     $ (912   $ 1,723  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

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

Approximately $2.1 million of realized losses (net of tax) related to the FSIRS, reported in Accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) at September 30, 2017, will be reclassified into interest expense within the next 12 months as the related interest payments on long-term debt occur.

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

AOCI—Rollforward

(Thousands of dollars)

     Defined Benefit Plans     FSIRS     Foreign Currency Items        
     Before-Tax     Tax
(Expense)
Benefit (4)
    After-Tax     Before-Tax     Tax
(Expense)
Benefit (4)
    After-Tax     Before-Tax     Tax
(Expense)
Benefit
     After-Tax     AOCI  

Beginning Balance AOCI December 31, 2016

   $ (57,613   $ 21,893     $ (35,720   $ (15,999   $ 6,080     $ (9,919   $ (2,369   $ —        $ (2,369   $ (48,008
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Translation adjustments

     —         —         —         —         —         —         1,861       —          1,861       1,861  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

     —         —         —         —         —         —         1,861       —          1,861       1,861  

FSIRS amounts reclassified from AOCI (1)

     —         —         —         2,507       (953     1,554       —         —          —         1,554  

Amortization of prior service cost (2)

     1,001       (380     621       —         —         —         —         —          —         621  

Amortization of net actuarial loss (2)

     19,084       (7,252     11,832       —         —         —         —         —          —         11,832  

Regulatory adjustment (3)

     (17,204     6,537       (10,667     —         —         —         —         —          —         (10,667
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)

     2,881       (1,095     1,786       2,507       (953     1,554       1,861       —          1,861       5,201  

Less: Translation adjustment attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

     —         —         —         —         —         —         11       —          11       11  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

     2,881       (1,095     1,786       2,507       (953     1,554       1,850       —          1,850       5,190  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending Balance AOCI September 30, 2017

   $ (54,732   $ 20,798     $ (33,934   $ (13,492   $ 5,127     $ (8,365   $ (519   $ —        $ (519   $ (42,818
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

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

(2)

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

(3)

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

(4)

Tax amounts are calculated using a 38% rate.

 

27


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

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

AOCI—Rollforward

(Thousands of dollars)

 

     Defined Benefit Plans     FSIRS        
     Before-Tax     Tax
(Expense)
Benefit (8)
    After-Tax     Before-Tax     Tax
(Expense)
Benefit (8)
    After-Tax     AOCI  

Beginning Balance AOCI December 31, 2016

   $ (57,613   $ 21,893     $ (35,720   $ (15,999   $ 6,080     $ (9,919   $ (45,639
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

FSIRS amounts reclassified from AOCI (5)

     —         —         —         2,507       (953     1,554       1,554  

Amortization of prior service cost (6)

     1,001       (380     621       —         —         —         621  

Amortization of net actuarial loss (6)

     19,084       (7,252     11,832       —         —         —         11,832  

Regulatory adjustment (7)

     (17,204     6,537       (10,667     —         —         —         (10,667
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

     2,881       (1,095     1,786       2,507       (953     1,554       3,340  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending Balance AOCI September 30, 2017

   $ (54,732   $ 20,798     $ (33,934   $ (13,492   $ 5,127     $ (8,365   $ (42,299
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(5)

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

(6)

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

(7)

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 Southwest’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets).

(8)

Tax amounts are calculated using a 38% rate.

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

Amounts Recognized in AOCI (Before Tax)

(Thousands of dollars)

 

     September 30, 2017      December 31, 2016  

Net actuarial (loss) gain

   $ (411,889    $ (430,973

Prior service cost

     (4,702      (5,703

Less: amount recognized in regulatory assets

     361,859        379,063  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Recognized in AOCI

   $ (54,732    $ (57,613
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note 9 – Construction Services Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

In conjunction with the acquisition of the Canadian construction businesses in October 2014, the previous owners of the acquired companies retained a 3.4% equity interest in Centuri, which, subject to an eligibility timeline, would have been redeemable at the election of the noncontrolling parties (in its entirety) beginning in July 2022. In August 2017, in advance of when otherwise eligible, the parties agreed to a current redemption. Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. paid $23 million to the previous owners, thereby acquiring the remaining 3.4% equity interest in Centuri in accordance with an early redemption agreement. Accordingly, Centuri is now a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.

 

28


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

The following depicts changes to the balance of the redeemable noncontrolling interest between the indicated periods.

 

     Redeemable
Noncontrolling
Interest
 
(Thousands of dollars):       

Balance, December 31, 2016

   $ 22,590  

Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

     248  

Foreign currency exchange translation adjustment

     11  

Centuri dividend to redeemable noncontrolling interest

     (204

Adjustment to redemption value

     355  

Redemption of Centuri shares from noncontrolling parties

     (23,000
  

 

 

 

Balance, September 30, 2017

   $ —    
  

 

 

 

Note 10 – Reorganization Impacts – Discontinued Operations Solely Related to Southwest Gas Corporation

No substantive change has occurred with regard to the Company’s business segments on the whole, or in the primary businesses comprising those segments (Centuri operations continue to be part of continuing operations of the controlled group of companies), and financial information related to Centuri continues to be included in condensed consolidated financial statements of Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

However, as part of the holding company reorganization effective January 2017, Centuri is no longer a subsidiary of Southwest; whereas historically, Centuri had been a direct subsidiary of Southwest. To give effect to this change, the condensed consolidated financial statements related to Southwest Gas Corporation, which are separately included in this Form 10-Q, depict Centuri-related amounts as discontinued operations for periods prior to January 2017.

Due to the discontinued operations accounting reflection, the following disclosures provide additional information regarding the assets, liabilities, equity, revenues, and expenses of Centuri which are shown as discontinued operations on the condensed consolidated financial statements of Southwest Gas Corporation for periods prior to the beginning of 2017.

The following table presents the major categories of assets and liabilities within the amounts reported as discontinued operations – construction services in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet of Southwest Gas Corporation:

 

(Thousands of dollars)    December 31, 2016  

Assets:

  

Other property and investments

   $ 233,774  

Cash and cash equivalents

     9,042  

Accounts receivable, net of allowances

     173,300  

Prepaids and other current assets

     10,470  

Goodwill

     129,888  

Other noncurrent assets

     22,897  
  

 

 

 

Discontinued operations - construction services - assets

   $ 579,371  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities:

  

Current maturities of long-term debt

   $ 25,101  

Accounts payable

     46,440  

Other current liabilities

     74,518  

Long-term debt, less current maturities

     174,903  

Deferred income taxes and other deferred credits

     59,653  
  

 

 

 

Discontinued operations—construction services—liabilities

   $ 380,615  
  

 

 

 

 

29


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

The following table presents the components of the Discontinued operations – construction services non-owner equity amount shown in the Southwest Gas Corporation Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet:

 

(Thousands of dollars)    December 31, 2016  

Construction services equity

   $ (4,390

Construction services noncontrolling interest

     (2,217

Construction services redeemable noncontrolling interest

     22,590  
  

 

 

 

Discontinued operations - construction services non-owner equity

   $ 15,983  
  

 

 

 

The following table presents the major income statement components of discontinued operations – construction services reported in the Condensed Consolidated Income Statements of Southwest Gas Corporation:

Results of Construction Services

 

     Three      Nine      Twelve      Twelve  
     Months Ended      Months Ended      Months Ended      Months Ended  
(Thousands of dollars)    September 30, 2016      September 30, 2016      September 30, 2017      September 30, 2016  

Construction revenues

   $ 339,790      $ 838,038      $ 301,040      $ 1,127,982  

Operating expenses:

           

Construction expenses

     300,611        757,919        266,504        1,009,188  

Depreciation and amortization

     13,409        43,351        12,318        58,368  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating income

     25,770        36,768        22,218        60,426  

Other income (deductions)

     44        44        1,149        1,246  

Net interest deductions

     1,794        4,945        1,718        6,738  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     24,020        31,867        21,649        54,934  

Income tax expense

     8,708        12,042        7,842        20,711  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

     15,312        19,825        13,807        34,223  

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     435        500        514        1,079  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Discontinued operations - construction services - net income

   $ 14,877      $ 19,325      $ 13,293      $ 33,144  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

30


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

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

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. is a holding company that owns all of the shares of common stock of Southwest Gas Corporation (“Southwest” or the “natural gas operations” segment) and prior to August 2017, 96.6% of the shares of common stock of Centuri Construction Group Inc. (“Centuri” or the “construction services” segment). During August 2017, Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. acquired the remaining 3.4% equity interest in Centuri that was held by the previous owners (and reflected as a redeemable noncontrolling interest). Therefore, Centuri is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. Also, as part of the holding company reorganization effective January 2017, Centuri and Southwest are now subsidiaries of Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.; whereas historically, Centuri had been a direct subsidiary of Southwest. Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) have two business segments (natural gas operations and construction services), which are discussed below.

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 September 30, 2017 (on a seasonally adjusted basis), Southwest had 1,999,000 residential, commercial, industrial, and other natural gas customers, of which 1,065,000 customers were located in Arizona, 741,000 in Nevada, and 193,000 in California. Residential and commercial customers represented over 99% of the total customer base. During the twelve months ended September 30, 2017, 54% of operating margin was earned in Arizona, 35% in Nevada, and 11% in California. During this same period, Southwest earned 85% of its operating margin (gas operating revenues less the net cost of gas sold) from residential and small commercial customers, 3% from other sales customers, and 12% 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 a financial measure defined by management as gas operating revenues less the net cost of gas sold. However, operating margin is not specifically defined in accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). Thus, operating margin is considered a non-GAAP measure. Management uses this financial measure because natural gas operating revenues include the net cost of gas sold, which is a tracked cost that is passed through to customers without markup under purchased gas adjustment (“PGA”) mechanisms. Fluctuations in the net cost of gas sold impact revenues on a dollar-for-dollar basis, but do not impact operating margin or operating income. Therefore, management believes operating margin provides investors and other interested parties with useful and relevant information to analyze Southwest’s financial performance in a rate-regulated environment. The principal factors affecting changes in operating margin are general rate relief (including impacts of infrastructure trackers) and customer growth.

The demand for natural gas is seasonal, with greater demand in the colder winter months and decreased demand in the warmer summer months. All of Southwest’s service territories have decoupled rate structures (alternative revenue programs), which are designed to eliminate the direct link between volumetric sales and revenue, thereby mitigating the impacts of weather variability and conservation on operating margin, allowing Southwest to pursue energy efficiency initiatives.

Centuri is a comprehensive construction services enterprise dedicated to meeting the growing demands of North American utilities, energy and industrial markets. Centuri derives revenue from installation, replacement, repair, and maintenance of energy distribution systems, and developing industrial construction solutions. Centuri operates in 24 major markets in the United States (primarily as NPL) and in 3 major markets in Canada (as NPL Canada (formerly Link-Line Contractors Ltd.), and W.S. Nicholls).

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, pipe replacement programs of utilities, and local and federal regulation (including tax rates and incentives). During the past few years, utilities

 

31


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

have implemented or modified pipeline integrity management programs to enhance safety pursuant to federal and state mandates. These programs, coupled with recent bonus depreciation tax deduction incentives, have resulted in a significant increase in multi-year pipeline replacement projects throughout the U.S. Generally, Centuri revenues are lowest during the first quarter of the year due to less favorable winter weather conditions. Revenues typically improve as more favorable weather conditions occur during the summer and fall months. This is expected in both the U.S. and Canadian markets. In certain circumstances, such as with large bid contracts (especially those of a longer duration), or unit-price contracts with revenue caps, results may be impacted by differences between costs incurred and those anticipated when the work was originally bid. Work awarded, or failing to be awarded, by individual large customers can impact operating results.

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto, as well as MD&A included in the 2016 Annual Report to Shareholders, which is incorporated by reference into the 2016 Form 10-K.

Executive Summary

The items discussed in this Executive Summary are intended to provide an overview of the results of the Company’s operations. As needed, certain items are covered in greater detail in later sections of management’s discussion and analysis. As reflected in the table below, the natural gas operations segment accounted for an average of 81% of twelve-month-to-date consolidated net income over the past two years. As such, management’s discussion and analysis is primarily focused on that segment. Natural gas sales are seasonal, peaking during the winter months; therefore, results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.

Summary Operating Results

 

     Period Ended September 30,  
     Three Months     Nine Months      Twelve Months  
     2017     2016     2017     2016      2017     2016  
     (In thousands, except per share amounts)  

Contribution to net income

             

Natural gas operations

   $ (4,024   $ (12,405   $ 82,436     $ 67,536      $ 134,323     $ 119,836  

Construction services

     14,335       14,877       15,717       19,325        29,010       33,144  

Corporate and administrative

     (107     —         (777     —          (777     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 10,204     $ 2,472     $ 97,376     $ 86,861      $ 162,556     $ 152,980  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Average number of common shares outstanding

     47,628       47,481       47,577       47,464        47,553       47,442  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

             

Consolidated

   $ 0.21     $ 0.05     $ 2.05     $ 1.83      $ 3.42     $ 3.22  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Natural Gas Operations

             

Gas operating revenues

   $ 213,059     $ 200,179     $ 935,823     $ 980,927      $ 1,276,308     $ 1,376,388  

Net cost of gas sold

     45,539       39,056       261,839       324,072        334,888       460,836  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating margin

   $ 167,520     $ 161,123     $ 673,984     $ 656,855      $ 941,420     $ 915,552  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

32


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

3rd Quarter 2017 Overview

Natural gas operations highlights:

 

   

Benefits of Arizona rate case reflected in quarterly operating results

 

   

32,000 net new customers in last 12 months (1.6% growth rate)

 

   

Depreciation and amortization expense declined $10 million compared to the prior-year quarter

 

   

Operating income increased $15.3 million compared to the prior-year quarter

 

   

Targeting $27 million of vintage steel pipe replacement in Arizona during 2017

 

   

Achieved 2 million natural gas utility customers in early November 2017

Construction services highlights:

 

   

Revenues increased $40.3 million compared to the prior-year quarter

 

   

Construction expenses increased $42 million compared to the prior-year quarter

 

   

Depreciation and amortization expense declined $1.1 million compared to the prior-year quarter

 

   

The Company acquired the residual 3.4% interest in Centuri in August 2017

Southwest Gas Holdings highlights:

 

   

Amended and restated bylaws to eliminate cumulative voting and enact majority voting

 

33


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

Results of Natural Gas Operations

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2017      2016  
     (Thousands of dollars)  

Gas operating revenues

   $ 213,059      $ 200,179  

Net cost of gas sold

     45,539        39,056  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating margin

     167,520        161,123  

Operations and maintenance expense

     102,215        102,438  

Depreciation and amortization

     46,194        56,436  

Taxes other than income taxes

     14,046        12,480  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

     5,065        (10,231

Other income (deductions)

     3,081        2,521  

Net interest deductions

     17,421        16,364  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

     (9,275      (24,074

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (5,251      (11,669
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Contribution to consolidated net income (loss)

   $ (4,024    $ (12,405
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating margin increased $6 million between quarters. Rate relief in Arizona (effective April 2017) and California provided $4 million in operating margin (see Rates and Regulatory Proceedings ). Approximately $2 million in increased operating margin was attributable to customer growth, as 32,000 net new customers were added during the last twelve months.

Operations and maintenance expense was relatively flat between quarters. Decreases in employee-related benefit costs more than offset increases in other general costs.

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $10 million between quarters primarily due to reduced depreciation rates in Arizona, a result of the recent Arizona general rate case decision. Partially offsetting the decline was increased depreciation associated with a $317 million, or 5%, increase in average gas plant in service for the current quarter as compared to the corresponding quarter a year ago. The increase in gas plant was attributable to pipeline capacity reinforcement work, franchise requirements, scheduled and accelerated pipe replacement activities, and new infrastructure.

Taxes other than income taxes increased $1.6 million between quarters primarily due to higher property taxes associated with net plant additions and increased property taxes in Arizona, including the impact of a property tax tracking mechanism enacted as part of the recently settled Arizona general rate case.

Other income increased $560,000 between quarters primarily due to an increase in the equity portion of the allowance for funds used during construction (“AFUDC”) associated with higher construction expenditures. The equity portion of AFUDC represents the cost of equity funds used to finance utility construction. The equity AFUDC improvement was partially offset by a decline between quarters in income from company-owned life insurance (“COLI”) policies. The current quarter reflects $2.1 million of income associated with COLI policy cash surrender value increases, while the prior-year quarter reflected $2.3 million of COLI-related income. COLI amounts in each quarter were greater than expected.

Net interest deductions increased $1.1 million between quarters, primarily due to the September 2016 issuance of $300 million of senior notes, partially offset by reductions associated with the redemption of debt ($24.9 million of 4.75% IDRBs in September 2016) and lower interest expense associated with PGA balances as compared to the prior-year quarter.

 

34


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

Results of Natural Gas Operations

Nine-Month Analysis

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2017      2016  
     (Thousands of dollars)  

Gas operating revenues

   $ 935,823      $ 980,927  

Net cost of gas sold

     261,839        324,072  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating margin

     673,984        656,855  

Operations and maintenance expense

     313,395        301,979  

Depreciation and amortization

     153,643        174,413  

Taxes other than income taxes

     43,325        39,480  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating income

     163,621        140,983  

Other income (deductions)

     8,744        6,712  

Net interest deductions

     51,622        49,155  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     120,743        98,540  

Income tax expense

     38,307        31,004  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Contribution to consolidated net income

   $ 82,436      $ 67,536  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The contribution to consolidated net income from natural gas operations increased $14.9 million between the first nine months of 2017 and 2016. The improvement was primarily due to higher operating margin and lower depreciation expense, partially offset by an increase in operations and maintenance expenses.

Operating margin increased $17 million between the comparative nine-month periods. Rate relief in the Arizona and California jurisdictions provided $10 million in operating margin (see Rates and Regulatory Proceedings ). The remaining $7 million increase was attributable to customer growth.

Operations and maintenance expense increased $11.4 million, or 4%, between periods due primarily to higher general cost increases. Approximately $5 million of the incremental costs recognized were associated with the amount and timing of employee incentive plan grants (including accelerated recognition for retirement eligible employees).

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $20.8 million between periods primarily due to reduced depreciation rates in Arizona, a result of the recent Arizona general rate case decision. The depreciation decrease also included a decline of approximately $3.7 million in amortization related to the recovery of regulatory assets. Partially offsetting these declines was depreciation associated with a $325 million, or 5%, increase in average gas plant in service for the current period as compared to the prior period. The increase in gas plant was attributable to pipeline capacity reinforcement work, franchise requirements, scheduled and accelerated pipe replacement activities, and new infrastructure.

Taxes other than income taxes increased $3.8 million between periods primarily due to higher property taxes associated with net plant additions and increased property taxes in Arizona, including the impact of the Arizona property tax tracking mechanism.

Other income, which principally includes returns on COLI policies and non-utility expenses, increased $2 million between periods. The current period reflects $6.8 million of income associated with COLI policy cash surrender value increases, while the prior-year period reflected $5.4 million of COLI-related income. COLI amounts in each period were greater than expected.

Net interest deductions increased $2.5 million between periods, primarily due to the September 2016 issuance of $300 million of senior notes, partially offset by reductions associated with debt redemptions ($100 million of 4.85% IDRBs in July 2016 and $24.9 million of 4.75% IDRBs in September 2016) and lower interest expense associated with PGA balances as compared to the prior-year period.

 

35


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

Results of Natural Gas Operations

Twelve-Month Analysis

 

     Twelve Months Ended September 30,  
     2017      2016  
     (Thousands of dollars)  

Gas operating revenues

   $ 1,276,308      $ 1,376,388  

Net cost of gas sold

     334,888        460,836  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating margin

     941,420        915,552  

Operations and maintenance expense

     413,140        400,222  

Depreciation and amortization

     212,693        228,609  

Taxes other than income taxes

     56,221        51,810  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating income

     259,366        234,911  

Other income (deductions)

     10,308        9,615  

Net interest deductions

     69,464        65,146  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     200,210        179,380  

Income tax expense

     65,887        59,544  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Contribution to consolidated net income

   $ 134,323      $ 119,836  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Contribution to consolidated net income from natural gas operations increased by $14.5 million between the twelve-month periods of 2017 and 2016. The improvement was primarily due to higher operating margin and lower depreciation expense, partially offset by an increase in operations and maintenance expenses and interest expense.

Operating margin increased $26 million between periods including a combined $13 million of rate relief in the Arizona and California jurisdictions, as well as Paiute Pipeline Company. Customer growth provided $9 million in operating margin, while operating margin associated with recoveries of regulatory assets, infrastructure replacement mechanisms, customers outside the decoupling mechanisms, and other miscellaneous revenues improved $4 million.

Operations and maintenance expense increased $12.9 million, or 3%, between periods primarily due to general cost increases, partially offset by lower pension expense. Approximately $5.6 million of the incremental costs recognized were associated with the amount and timing of employee incentive plan grants (including accelerated recognition for retirement-eligible employees). Pipeline integrity management and damage prevention programs collectively increased $500,000.

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $15.9 million between periods primarily due to reduced depreciation rates in Arizona, a result of the recent Arizona general rate case decision. Partially offsetting the decline was depreciation associated with a $335 million, or 6%, increase in average gas plant in service for the current period as compared to the prior period. The increase in gas plant was attributable to pipeline capacity reinforcement work, franchise requirements, scheduled and accelerated pipe replacement activities, and new infrastructure.

Taxes other than income taxes increased $4.4 million between periods primarily due to higher property taxes associated primarily with net plant additions and increased property taxes in Arizona, including the impact of a property tax regulatory tracking mechanism resulting from the recent Arizona general rate case.

Other income increased $693,000 between the twelve-month periods of 2017 and 2016. The current period reflects an $8.8 million increase in COLI policy cash surrender values, while the prior-year period reflected $7.5 million of combined COLI-related income and recognized death benefits. COLI amounts in each period were greater than expected.

Net interest deductions increased $4.3 million between periods, primarily due to the September 2016 issuance of $300 million of senior notes. The increase was partially offset by reductions associated with the redemption of debt ($100 million of 4.85% IDRBs in July 2016 and $24.9 million of 4.75% IDRBs in September 2016) and lower interest expense associated with PGA balances as compared to the prior-year period.

 

36


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

Results of Construction Services

Quarterly Analysis

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2017      2016  
     (Thousands of dollars)  

Construction revenues

   $ 380,094      $ 339,790  

Operating expenses:

     

Construction expenses

     342,629        300,611  

Depreciation and amortization

     12,335        13,409  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating income

     25,130        25,770  

Other income (deductions)

     (210      44  

Net interest deductions

     1,962        1,794  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     22,958        24,020  

Income tax expense

     8,407        8,708  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

     14,551        15,312  

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     216        435  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Contribution to consolidated net income attributable to Centuri

   $ 14,335      $ 14,877  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Contribution to consolidated net income from construction services in the current quarter decreased by $542,000 when compared to the prior-year quarter. The decrease is primarily due to higher construction costs relative to increased revenues, resulting from a pre-tax loss on a project described below, partially offset by a decline in depreciation and amortization.

Revenues increased $40.3 million, or 12%, between quarters primarily due to an increase in pipe replacement work with existing customers. A significant portion of the increase relates to bid jobs that are expected to be substantially complete by year end.

Construction expenses increased $42 million, or 14%, between quarters due to additional pipe replacement work. Results were negatively impacted by higher construction costs for a water pipe replacement project, for which Centuri has requested increased cost recovery. No additional work orders will be accepted on the project pending resolution of Centuri’s request. Gains on sale of equipment (reflected as an offset to construction expenses) were approximately $25,000 and $1.4 million for the third quarters of 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Depreciation and amortization decreased $1.1 million between quarters, primarily due to a $2 million reduction associated with the extension of the estimated useful lives of certain depreciable equipment during the past 12 months, partially offset by an increase in depreciation for additional equipment purchased to support the growing volume of work being performed.

 

37


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

Results of Construction Services

Nine-Month Analysis

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2017      2016  
     (Thousands of dollars)  

Construction revenues

   $ 872,536      $ 838,038  

Operating expenses:

     

Construction expenses

     806,586        757,919  

Depreciation and amortization

     35,446        43,351  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating income

     30,504        36,768  

Other income (deductions)

     38        44  

Net interest deductions

     5,095        4,945  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     25,447        31,867  

Income tax expense

     9,560        12,042  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

     15,887        19,825  

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     170        500  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Contribution to consolidated net income attributable to Centuri

   $ 15,717      $ 19,325  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Contribution to consolidated net income from construction services for the first nine months of 2017 declined by $3.6 million when compared to the prior-year period. The decrease is primarily due to higher construction costs relative to increased revenues, partially offset by a decline in depreciation and amortization.

Revenues increased $34.5 million, or 4%, in the first nine months of 2017 when compared to the prior-year period primarily due to increased pipe replacement work. Partially offsetting increases in revenues was a temporary work stoppage by a significant customer that began in the first quarter of 2017 and continued through part of the second quarter of 2017 resulting in a $26.3 million reduction in revenues, compared to the prior-year period, and a $3.7 million pre-tax loss in the current nine-month period. The temporary work stoppage was initiated due to state-mandated requalification of employees of all contractors working within the jurisdictional boundary of one state. Operations resumed gradually following the requalification of Centuri’s employees during the second quarter of 2017. Additionally, inclement weather in several operating areas negatively impacted revenues and reduced productivity in the first quarter of 2017.

Construction expenses increased $48.7 million, or 6%, between periods. The increase in construction expenses is disproportionate to revenues noted above due in part to logistics surrounding the timing and length of the temporary work stoppage with the significant customer and to higher labor costs incurred to complete work during inclement weather conditions in the first quarter. In addition, results were negatively impacted by higher construction and start-up costs related to the water pipe replacement project, for which Centuri is pursuing cost recovery. Gains on sale of equipment (reflected as an offset to construction expenses) were approximately $1.5 million and $4.1 million for the first nine months of 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Depreciation and amortization decreased $7.9 million between periods, primarily due to an $8.2 million reduction in depreciation associated with the extension of the estimated useful lives of certain depreciable equipment during the past 12 months, partially offset by an increase in depreciation for additional equipment purchased to support the growing volume of work being performed.

 

38


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

Results of Construction Services

Twelve-Month Analysis

 

     Twelve Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2017      2016  
     (Thousands of dollars)  

Construction revenues

   $ 1,173,576      $ 1,127,982  

Operating expenses:

     

Construction expenses

     1,073,090        1,009,188  

Depreciation and amortization

     47,764        58,368  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating income

     52,722        60,426  

Other income (deductions)

     1,187        1,246  

Net interest deductions

     6,813        6,738  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     47,096        54,934  

Income tax expense

     17,402        20,711  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

     29,694        34,223  

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     684        1,079  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Contribution to consolidated net income attributable to Centuri

   $ 29,010      $ 33,144  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Contribution to consolidated net income from construction services for the twelve-month period ended September 30, 2017 decreased $4.1 million compared to the same period of 2016. The decrease is primarily due to higher construction costs relative to increased revenues, resulting in pre-tax losses on certain projects, partially offset by a decline in depreciation and amortization.

Revenues increased $45.6 million, or 4%, in the current twelve-month period compared to the same period of 2016 primarily due to additional pipe replacement work for existing natural gas distribution customers. During the past several years, Centuri has focused its efforts on obtaining replacement work under both blanket contracts and incremental bid projects. For both twelve-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, revenues from replacement work provided over 60% of total revenues.

Construction expenses increased $63.9 million, or 6%, between periods, due to additional pipe replacement work, higher labor costs experienced due to changes in the mix of work with existing customers, and higher operating expenses to support increased growth in operations. The logistics surrounding the timing and length of a temporary work stoppage with a significant customer during the first six months of 2017 and higher labor costs incurred to complete work during inclement weather conditions in the first quarter of 2017 resulted in costs disproportionate to revenues. Results were negatively impacted by higher start-up and construction costs for a water pipe replacement project, for which Centuri has requested increased cost recovery. No additional work orders will be accepted on the project pending resolution of Centuri’s request. Gains on sale of equipment (reflected as an offset to construction expenses) were $4.5 million and $4.2 million for the twelve-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Depreciation and amortization decreased $10.6 million between the current and prior-year periods primarily due to an $11.1 million reduction associated with the extension of the estimated useful lives of certain depreciable equipment over the last twelve months, partially offset by an increase in depreciation for additional equipment purchased to support the growing volume of work being performed.

 

39


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

Rates and Regulatory Proceedings

Arizona Jurisdiction

Arizona General Rate Case. Southwest filed a general rate application with the Arizona Corporation Commission (“ACC”) in May 2016 requesting an increase in authorized annual operating revenues of approximately $32 million, or 4.2%, to reflect existing levels of expense and requested returns, in addition to reflecting capital investments made by Southwest since June 2010. The application requested an overall rate of return of 7.82% on an original cost rate base of $1.336 billion, a 10.25% return on common equity, and a capital structure utilizing 52% common equity. The filing included a depreciation study that supported a proposal to reduce currently effective depreciation expense by approximately $42 million, which was considered in the overall requested amount. This expense reduction coupled with the requested revenue increase, resulted in a net annual operating income increase request of $74 million. A settlement was reached among several parties in December 2016 and a formal draft settlement was filed in January 2017. Hearings were held in February 2017, and the ACC approved the settlement agreement in April 2017. The settlement provides for an overall operating revenue increase of $16 million and the capital structure and cost of capital as proposed by Southwest, with the exception of the return on common equity, which was set at 9.50%. Depreciation expense is expected to be reduced by $44.7 million, for a combined net annual operating income increase of $60.7 million. Other key elements of the settlement include approval of the continuation and expansion of the current Customer-Owned Yard Line (“COYL”) program (adding the ability to seek out COYLs through a targeted approach and mobilization of work crews for replacement), implementation of a vintage steel pipe replacement program, and a continuation of the current decoupled rate design, excluding a winter-period adjustment to rates, making the mechanism fundamentally similar to that which exists in Nevada. The settlement also included a property tax tracking mechanism to defer changes in property tax expense for recovery or return in the next general rate case. New rates were effective April 2017. The settlement also includes a three-year rate case moratorium prohibiting a new application to adjust base rates from being filed prior to May 2019.

LNG (“Liquefied Natural Gas”) Facility . In January 2014, Southwest filed an application with the ACC seeking preapproval to construct, operate and maintain a 233,000 dekatherm LNG facility in southern Arizona. This facility is intended to enhance service reliability and flexibility in natural gas deliveries in the southern Arizona area by providing a local storage option, to be operated by Southwest and connected directly to its distribution system. In December 2014, Southwest received an order from the ACC granting pre-approval of Southwest’s application to construct the LNG facility and the deferral of costs, up to $50 million. Following the December 2014 preapproval, Southwest purchased the site for the facility and completed detailed engineering design specifications for the purpose of soliciting bids for the engineering, procurement and construction (“EPC”) of the facility. Southwest solicited requests for proposals for the EPC phase of the project, and in October 2016 made a filing with the ACC to modify the previously issued Order to update the pre-approved costs to reflect a not-to-exceed amount of $80 million, which was approved by the ACC in December 2016. Through September 2017, Southwest has incurred approximately $21.7 million in capital expenditures toward the project (including land acquisition costs). Construction commenced during the third quarter of 2017 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2019.

COYL Program. Southwest received approval, in connection with an earlier 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 Arizona customers whose meters were 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. Effective June 2013, the ACC authorized a surcharge to recover the costs of depreciation and pre-tax return on the costs incurred to replace and relocate service lines and meters. The surcharge is revised annually as the program progresses. In 2014, Southwest received approval to add a “Phase II” component to the COYL program to include the replacement of non-leaking COYLs. In the most recent annual COYL filing made in February 2017, Southwest requested to establish an annual surcharge to collect $1.8 million related to the revenue requirement associated with $12.1 million in capital projects completed under both Phase I and Phase II during 2016. In June 2017, the ACC issued a decision approving the surcharge application. All capital work completed in earlier years was incorporated in Southwest’s Arizona rate base in connection with the recently completed general rate case proceeding, as discussed above.

 

40


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

Vintage Steel Pipe Program . Southwest received approval, in connection with its most recent Arizona general rate case, to implement a vintage steel pipe (“VSP”) replacement program. Southwest currently has approximately 6,000 miles of pre-1970s vintage steel pipe in Arizona. Southwest proposed to start replacing the pipe on an accelerated basis and to recover the costs through an annual surcharge filing that will be made in February of each year. The surcharge is designed to be revised annually as the program progresses. A Plan of Administration (“POA”), which was filed in March of 2017 and was approved in conjunction with the general rate case, outlined the VSP program requirements and established the timeline for future project plans and surcharge requests. Southwest is currently targeting the replacement of nearly 40 miles of VSP during 2017 totaling approximately $27 million and replacement projects during 2018 of approximately $100 million.

California Jurisdiction

Attrition Filing. In November 2016, Southwest made its latest annual post-test year (“PTY”) attrition filing with the California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”), requesting annual revenue increases of $2.1 million in southern California, $513,000 in northern California, and $256,000 for South Lake Tahoe. This filing was approved in December 2016 and rates were made effective in January 2017. At the same time, rates were updated to recover the regulatory asset associated with the revenue decoupling mechanism, or margin tracker.

California General Rate Case . In December 2016, Southwest filed to modify the most recent general rate case decision to extend the current rate case cycle by two years, including extension of the annual PTY attrition adjustments through 2020 from 2018. That latest rate case decision would have required Southwest to file its next general rate application by September 2017. Expedited consideration was requested and in June 2017, the CPUC approved the request, thereby extending the rate case filing deadline. Southwest believes this extension is in the public interest as it provides rate stability to customers for two additional years consistent with the current reasonable rates approved as part of the last general rate case, and the current revenue requirement and rate of return are not in need of adjustment (with the continuation of the currently approved 2.75% PTY attrition adjustment for the two additional years).

Nevada Jurisdiction

General Revenues Adjustment. In June 2016, Southwest requested authorization from the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (“PUCN”) to adjust rates associated with its revenue decoupling mechanism (General Revenues Adjustment, or “GRA”). The filing was approved in December 2016, with rates effective January 2017. The rate adjustment is expected to refund approximately $16.7 million during 2017. In June 2017, Southwest filed to adjust the GRA surcharge effective January 2018, which was approved by the PUCN during the third quarter of 2017. This will result in a decrease in collections from customers of $15.4 million, based on the over-recovered balance in the account at the end of April 2017. While there is no impact to net income overall from this rate adjustment, operating cash flows will be reduced as the regulatory liability balance is refunded.

Infrastructure Replacement Mechanisms. In January 2014, the PUCN approved final rules for a mechanism to defer and recover certain costs associated with accelerated replacement of infrastructure that does not otherwise currently provide incremental revenues. Associated with such mechanism, each year, Southwest files a Gas Infrastructure Replacement (“GIR”) Advance Application requesting authority to replace qualifying infrastructure and files separately as part of an annual GIR filing to reset the recovery surcharge, related to previously approved and completed projects. For projects approved in 2015 and completed in 2016, the annualized revenue was approximately $4.5 million. In September 2016, Southwest filed to adjust the GIR surcharge to recover the annual revenue requirement for amounts previously deferred. This filing was approved in December 2016 and new rates became effective January 2017. In June 2016, Southwest filed an Advance Application for projects expected to be completed during 2017, proposing approximately $60 million of accelerated pipe replacement to include early vintage plastic, early vintage steel, and a COYL program. The COYL program, while not large in magnitude, represents the first of its kind in Nevada, modeled after the program in place for several years in Southwest’s Arizona jurisdiction. The PUCN issued an Order on the Advance Application in October 2016, approving approximately $57.3 million of replacement work with an annualized revenue requirement estimated at approximately $5.3 million. With regard to the proposed COYL program, approval was granted for the northern Nevada rate jurisdiction, but consideration for the southern Nevada rate jurisdiction was deferred until 2020, at which time certain early vintage plastic pipe programs are expected to be completed. In September 2017, Southwest filed to adjust the GIR surcharge to recover the annual revenue requirement for amounts previously deferred. For projects approved in 2016 and completed by July of 2017

 

41


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

, the deferred annualized revenue requirement is approximately $8.7 million. This filing is expected to be approved in December 2017 with rates becoming effective January 2018.

In May 2017, Southwest filed a GIR Advance Application with the PUCN for projects totaling approximately $66 million that are expected to be completed during 2018. Similar to previous years, the proposed projects consist of early vintage plastic and early vintage steel pipe, as well as the continuation of the previously approved COYL program in northern Nevada. Southwest entered into a settlement agreement with the intervening parties and filed a proposed stipulation requesting the Commission approve the settlement agreement. The settlement agreement proposed that the request be approved as filed and that Southwest be authorized to start replacing COYLs in southern Nevada in certain situations, and to recover costs through the GIR mechanism. The PUCN issued an Order on the GIR Advance Application in September 2017, approving approximately $65.7 million of replacement work (with an annualized revenue requirement estimated at approximately $6 million) and the COYL provisions in southern Nevada.

Subsequent to three GIR rate applications, the GIR regulations require Southwest to either file a general rate case or a request for waiver before it can file another GIR advance application. The October 2016 approved rate application was the third such filing by Southwest subject to these regulations, necessitating a request for waiver to permit Southwest to proceed with the GIR program without filing a general rate case in 2017. This waiver was approved by the PUCN in January 2017; however, in order to continue the GIR program in 2018 (for projects recommended for completion under the program after 2018), a general rate case will need to be filed before June 2018.

Conservation and Energy Efficiency (“CEE”). In June 2015, Southwest requested recovery of energy efficiency and conservation development and implementation costs, including promotions and incentives for various programs, as originally approved for deferral by the PUCN effective November 2009. While recovery of initial program costs was approved as part of the most recent general rate case, amounts incurred subsequent to May 2012 (the certification period) continued to be deferred. Approved rates for the post-May 2012 costs deferred (including previously expected program expenditures for 2016) became effective January 2016 and resulted in annualized margin increases of $2 million in northern Nevada and $8.5 million in southern Nevada. Then, as part of the ARA filing approved in December 2016, Southwest modified rates, effective January 2017, expected to result in annualized margin decreases of $1.4 million in northern Nevada and $1.3 million in southern Nevada to return over-collected balances. There is, however, no anticipated impact to net income overall from these decreases as amortization expense will also be reduced.

Expansion and Economic Development Legislation. In February 2015, legislation (“SB 151”) was introduced in Nevada directing the PUCN to adopt regulations authorizing natural gas utilities to expand their infrastructure consistent with a program of economic development. This includes providing gas service to unserved and underserved areas in Nevada, as well as attracting and retaining utility customers and accommodating the expansion of existing business customers. SB 151 was signed into law in May 2015. The draft regulations were reviewed by the Legislative Council Bureau and final regulations were approved by the PUCN in January 2016.

In November 2017, Southwest filed for preapproval of a project to extend service to include the service territory of Mesquite, Nevada, in accordance with the SB 151 regulations. This project proposes the extension of existing facilities to Mesquite at an estimated cost of approximately $30 million. The cost is proposed to be recovered through a volumetric surcharge on all southern Nevada customers. A second phase is then proposed to convert existing homes to natural gas service, which will be charged as a separate surcharge to Mesquite customers only. A decision on this proposal is expected within the required 210-day time period for filings of this type.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) Jurisdiction

2018 Expansion.  In response to growing demand in the Carson City and South Lake Tahoe areas of northern California and northern Nevada, Paiute Pipeline Company (“Paiute”) evaluated shipper interest in acquiring additional transportation capacity and executed precedent agreements for incremental transportation capacity with Southwest during the third quarter of 2016. In October 2016, Paiute initiated a pre-filing review process with the FERC for an expansion project, which was approved during the same month. In July 2017, a certificate application was filed, which included an applicant environmental assessment. The project is anticipated to consist of 8.5 miles of additional transmission pipeline infrastructure at an approximate cost of $18 million. If the process progresses as planned, a decision should be received by April 2018 and the additional facilities could be in place by the end of 2018.

 

42


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

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 September 30, 2017, under-collections in Arizona and Northern Nevada resulted in an asset of approximately $6.2 million and over-collections in Southern Nevada and California resulted in a liability of $15 million on the Company’s and Southwest’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. Gas cost rates paid to suppliers have been higher than amounts recovered from customers during the first nine months of 2017, resulting in fluctuations since December 31, 2016. Tariff rates have been adjusted in all jurisdictions during this period. Filings to change rates in accordance with PGA clauses are subject to audit by state regulatory commission staffs. PGA changes impact cash flows but have no direct impact on profit margin. However, gas cost deferrals and recoveries can impact comparisons between periods of individual consolidated income statement components. These include Gas operating revenues, Net cost of gas sold, Net interest deductions, and Other income (deductions).

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

 

     September 30, 2017      December 31, 2016      September 30, 2016  

Arizona

   $ 1,324      $ (20,349    $ (34,425

Northern Nevada

     4,906        (3,339      (10,326

Southern Nevada

     (13,711      (66,788      (77,402

California

     (1,260      2,608        (1,246
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ (8,741    $ (87,868    $ (123,399
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Capital Resources and Liquidity

Cash on hand and cash flows from operations in the past twelve months have generally provided the majority of cash used in investing activities (primarily for construction expenditures and property additions). In recent years, certain pipe replacement has been accelerated to take advantage of bonus depreciation tax incentives and to fortify system integrity and reliability, notably in association with new gas infrastructure replacement programs as discussed above. During this same time, benefits were derived 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

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.:

Operating Cash Flows. Cash flows provided by consolidated operating activities decreased $179 million in the first nine months of 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016. The decline in operating cash flows was primarily attributable to the change in deferred purchased gas costs noted above. Refer to Results of Natural Gas Operations and Rates and Regulatory Proceedings .

Investing Cash Flows. Cash used in consolidated investing activities increased $35 million in the first nine months of 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016. The change was primarily due to increased construction expenditures in the natural gas operations segment, including scheduled and accelerated replacement activity. The prior period included an outflow of $17 million to facilitate a construction services acquisition.

Financing Cash Flows. Net cash provided by consolidated financing activities increased $195 million in the first nine months of 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016. The increase was primarily due to activity under the credit facility and commercial paper program (an increase in borrowings in the current-year nine-month period and the repayment of borrowings in the prior-year nine-month period). The prior period included proceeds in utility operations from the issuance of $300 million in senior notes. The Company also issued approximately $12 million during 2017 in stock under its Equity Shelf Program. See also Note 5 – Common Stock , and the discussion below. The first nine months of 2017 includes the August 2017 $23 million purchase of the previous owners’ interest in Centuri. See also Note 9 – Construction Services Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest for additional information.

 

43


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

Dividends paid increased in the first nine months of 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016 as a result of an increase in the quarterly dividend rate and an increase in the number of shares outstanding.

The Company issued approximately 103,000 additional shares of common stock collectively through the Restricted Stock/Unit Plan and the Management Incentive Plan.

Southwest Gas Corporation:

Operating Cash Flows. Cash flows provided by operating activities decreased $172 million in the first nine months of 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016. The decline in operating cash flows was primarily attributable to the change in deferred purchased gas costs as discussed above. Refer to Results of Natural Gas Operations and Rates and Regulatory Proceedings .

Investing Cash Flows. Cash used in investing activities increased $68 million in the first nine months of 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016. The change was primarily due to additional construction expenditures, as indicated above.

Financing Cash Flows. Net cash provided by financing activities increased $211 million in the first nine months of 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016. The increase was primarily due to activity under the credit facility and commercial paper program (an increase in borrowings in the current-year nine-month period and the repayment of borrowings in the prior-year nine-month period). The prior period included proceeds from the issuance of $300 million in senior notes as discussed above. The current period included capital contributions from Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

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

Gas Segment Construction Expenditures and Financing

During the twelve-month period ended September 30, 2017, construction expenditures for the natural gas operations segment were $515 million. The majority of these expenditures represented costs associated with scheduled and accelerated replacement of existing transmission, distribution, and general plant. Cash flows from operating activities of Southwest were $337 million during this time and provided approximately 57% of construction expenditures and dividend requirements.

Southwest estimates natural gas segment construction expenditures during the three-year period ending December 31, 2019 will be between $1.6 billion and $1.8 billion. Of this amount, approximately $570 million is expected to be incurred in 2017. Southwest plans to continue, as appropriate, to request regulatory support to accelerate projects that improve system flexibility and reliability (including replacement of early vintage plastic and steel pipe). This includes the recent approval to complete accelerated replacement projects in Nevada of $57.3 million and $65.7 million in 2017 and 2018, respectively. It also incorporates programs included in the recently approved Arizona general rate case settlement (the continuation of the COYL program and implementation of a vintage steel pipe replacement program). Southwest may expand existing, or initiate new, programs. If efforts continue to be successful, significant replacement activities are expected to continue well beyond the next few years. See also Rates and Regulatory Proceedings for discussion of Nevada infrastructure, Arizona COYL, and an LNG facility. During the three-year period, cash flows from operating activities of Southwest are expected to provide approximately 60% to 70% of the funding for 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 debt securities, bank and other short-term borrowings, and other forms of financing.

In March 2017, the Company filed with the Securities Exchange Commission (“SEC”) an automatic shelf registration statement for the offer and sale of up to $150 million of common stock from time to time in at-the-market offerings under the prospectus included therein and in accordance with the Sales Agency Agreement, dated March 29, 2017, between the Company and BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC (the “Equity Shelf Program”). Sales of the shares will

 

44


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

continue to be made at market prices prevailing at the time of sale. Net proceeds from the sale of shares of common stock under the Equity Shelf Program are intended for general corporate purposes, including the acquisition of property for the construction, completion, extension or improvement of pipeline systems and facilities located in and around the communities Southwest serves.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, 147,077 shares were issued in at-the-market offerings at an average price of $80.07 per share with gross proceeds of $11.8 million, agent commissions of $118,000, and net proceeds of $11.7 million. See Note 5 – Common Stock for more information.

Bonus Depreciation

In December 2015, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 (“PATH Act”) was enacted extending the 50% bonus depreciation tax deduction for qualified property acquired or constructed and placed in-service during 2015 (and additional years as noted below) as well as other tax deductions, credits, and incentives. The bonus depreciation tax deduction will be phased out over five years. The PATH Act provides for a 50% bonus depreciation tax deduction in 2015 through 2017, 40% in 2018, 30% in 2019, and no deduction after 2019. Based on forecasted qualifying construction expenditures, Southwest estimates the bonus depreciation provision of the PATH Act will defer the payment of approximately $29 million of federal income taxes for 2017, resulting in a minimal amount of federal income tax being paid.

Dividend Policy

Dividends are payable on the Company’s common stock at the discretion of the Board of Directors (“Board”). In setting the dividend rate, the Board considers, among other factors, current and expected future earnings levels, our ongoing capital expenditure plans and expected external funding needs, our payout ratio, and our ability to maintain strong credit ratings and liquidity. The Company has paid dividends on its common stock since 1956 and has increased that dividend each year since 2007. In February 2017, the Board elected to increase the quarterly dividend from $0.45 to $0.495 per share, representing a 10% increase, effective with the June 2017 payment. The Board currently targets a payout ratio of 55% to 65% of consolidated earnings per share.

Liquidity

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

On an interim basis, Southwest defers over- or under-collections of gas costs to PGA balancing accounts. In addition, Southwest uses this mechanism to either refund amounts over-collected or recoup amounts under-collected as compared to the price paid for natural gas during the period since the last PGA rate change went into effect. At September 30, 2017, the combined balance in the PGA accounts totaled an over-collection of $8.7 million. See PGA Filings for more information.

In March 2017, Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. entered into a credit facility with a borrowing capacity of $100 million that expires in March 2022. The Company intends to utilize this facility for short-term financing needs. At September 30, 2017, $27.5 million was outstanding on this facility.

In March 2017, Southwest Gas Corporation amended its credit facility, increasing the borrowing capacity from $300 million to $400 million, and extended the term of the facility from March 2021 to March 2022. Southwest continues to designate $150 million of the facility for long-term borrowing needs and the remaining $250 million for working capital purposes. The maximum amount outstanding on the credit facility (including a commercial paper program, as noted below) during the first nine months of 2017 was $150 million. At September 30, 2017, $150 million was outstanding on the long-term and $83 million was outstanding on the short-term portion of this credit facility. The credit facility can be used as necessary to meet liquidity requirements, including temporarily financing under-collected PGA balances, if any, or meeting the refund needs of over-collected balances. This credit facility has been

 

45


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

adequate for Southwest’s working capital needs outside of funds raised through operations and other types of external financing.

Southwest has a $50 million commercial paper program. Any issuance under the commercial paper program is supported by Southwest’s current revolving credit facility and, therefore, does not represent additional borrowing capacity. Any borrowing under the commercial paper program will be designated as long-term debt. Interest rates for the commercial paper program are calculated at the current commercial paper rate during the borrowing term. At September 30, 2017, no borrowings were outstanding under this program.

Centuri has a $300 million secured revolving credit and term loan facility that is scheduled to expire in October 2019. The term loan facility portion had an initial limit of approximately $150 million, which was reached in 2014 and; $107 million was outstanding (after repayments) at September 30, 2017. The secured revolving credit facility portion also has a limit of $150 million; amounts borrowed and repaid under this portion of the facility are available to be re-borrowed. The maximum amount outstanding on the credit facility during the first nine months of 2017 was $104 million. At September 30, 2017, $81.3 million was outstanding on the secured revolving credit facility. Also at September 30, 2017, there was approximately $52 million, net of letters of credit, available under the line of credit.

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

 

     For the Twelve Months Ended  
     September 30,
2017
     December 31,
2016
 

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

     3.50        3.46  

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

Forward-Looking Statements

This quarterly report contains statements which constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“Reform Act”). All statements other than statements of historical fact included or incorporated by reference in this quarterly report are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s plans, objectives, goals, intentions, projections, strategies, future events or performance, negotiations, 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, replacement market and new construction market, bonus depreciation tax deductions, amount and timing for completion of estimated future construction expenditures, including the LNG facility in southern Arizona, the cost of the 2018 Paiute expansion project in northern Nevada and northern California, forecasted operating cash flows and results of operations, net earnings impacts from gas infrastructure replacement surcharges, funding sources of cash requirements, amounts generally expected to be reflected in 2017 or future period revenues from regulatory rate proceedings including amounts resulting from the settled Arizona general rate case, rates and surcharges, PGA, and other rate adjustments, sufficiency of working capital and current credit facilities, bank lending practices, the Company’s views regarding its liquidity position, ability to raise funds and receive external financing capacity and the intent and ability to issue common stock under the Equity Shelf Program, future dividend increases and the Board’s current target dividend payout ratio, pension and post-retirement benefits, certain benefits of tax acts, the effect of any rate changes or regulatory proceedings, contract or construction change order negotiations, impacts of accounting standard updates, 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

 

46


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

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, variability in volume of gas or transportation service sold to customers, 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 and regulatory treatment related thereto, future liability claims, changes in pipeline capacity for the transportation of gas and related costs, results of Centuri bid work, Centuri construction expenses, differences between actual and originally expected outcomes of Centuri bid or other fixed-price construction agreements, outcomes from contract and change order negotiations, and ability to successfully procure new work, impacts from work awarded or failing to be awarded from significant customers, the mix of work awarded, the amount of work awarded to Centuri following the lifting of the recent work stoppage, acquisitions and management’s plans related thereto, competition, our ability to raise capital in external financings, our ability to continue to remain within the ratios and other limits subject to our debt covenants, and ongoing evaluations in regard to goodwill and other intangible assets. In addition, the Company can provide no assurance that its discussions regarding certain trends relating to its financing and operating expenses will continue in future periods. For additional information on the risks associated with the Company’s business, see Item  1A. Risk Factors and Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

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

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

See Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk in the 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. No material changes have occurred related to the disclosures about market risk.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

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

Based on the most recent evaluation, as of September 30, 2017, management of Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc., including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, believe the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective at attaining the level of reasonable assurance noted above.

 

47


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during the third quarter of 2017 that have materially affected, or are likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

Based on the most recent evaluation, as of September 30, 2017, management of Southwest Gas Corporation, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, believe Southwest’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective at attaining the level of reasonable assurance noted above.

There have been no changes in Southwest’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during the third quarter of 2017 that have materially affected, or are likely to materially affect Southwest’s internal controls over financial reporting.

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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

 

ITEMS 1A through 3.             None.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION None.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

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

 

Exhibit 3(i)   

—  

   Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.
Exhibit 3(ii)   

—  

   Amended and Restated Bylaws of Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.
Exhibit 10.01*   

—  

   Centuri 2017 Short-Term Incentive Plan.
Exhibit 12.01   

—  

   Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges – Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.
Exhibit 31.01   

—  

   Section 302 Certifications–Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.
Exhibit 31.02   

—  

   Section 302 Certifications–Southwest Gas Corporation.
Exhibit 32.01   

—  

   Section 906 Certifications–Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.
Exhibit 32.02   

—  

   Section 906 Certifications–Southwest Gas Corporation.
Exhibit 101.INS   

—  

   XBRL Instance Document
Exhibit 101SCH   

—  

   XBRL Schema Document
Exhibit 101.CAL   

—  

   XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
Exhibit 101.DEF   

—  

   XBRL Definition Linkbase Document
Exhibit 101.LAB   

—  

   XBRL Label Linkbase Document
Exhibit101.PRE   

—  

   XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document

 

*

Management Incentive Plan

 

48


SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS, INC.    Form 10-Q
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION    September 30, 2017

 

SIGNATURES

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

 

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

(Registrant)

Date: November 7, 2017

 

/s/ GREGORY J. PETERSON

Gregory J. Peterson

Vice President/Controller and Chief Accounting Officer

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

 

Southwest Gas Corporation

(Registrant)

Date: November 7, 2017

 

/s/ GREGORY J. PETERSON

Gregory J. Peterson

Vice President/Controller and Chief Accounting Officer

 

49

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