UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
ý QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016March 31, 2017
OR
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _____________ to ______________
Commission file number 1-34801-03480
MDU RESOURCES GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 41-0423660
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1200 West Century Avenue
P.O. Box 5650
Bismarck, North Dakota 58506-5650
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(701) 530-1000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý No o.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý No o.
Indicate by check mark whether the 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"filer," "smaller reporting company," and "smaller reporting"emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):
Large accelerated filer ý
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company o
Emerging growth company o
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. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No ý.
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of July 29, 2016:May 1, 2017: 195,304,376 shares.



Index
Page
Forward-Looking Statements
Introduction
Part I -- Financial Information
Item 1Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Income --
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income --
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016
Consolidated Balance Sheets --
March 31, 2017 and 2016, and December 31, 2016
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows --
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Item 2Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 3Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 4Controls and Procedures
Part II -- Other Information
Item 1Legal Proceedings
Item 1ARisk Factors
Item 2Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 4Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 5Other Information
Item 6Exhibits
Signatures
Exhibit Index
Exhibits


Definitions
The following abbreviations and acronyms used in this Form 10-Q are defined below:
Abbreviation or Acronym 
20152016 Annual ReportCompany's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20152016
AFUDCAllowance for funds used during construction
ASCFASB Accounting Standards Codification
ATBsAtmospheric tower bottoms
BblBarrel
Bombard MechanicalBombard Mechanical, LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of MDU Construction Services
Brazilian Transmission LinesCompany's former investment in companies owning three electric transmission lines
BtuBritish thermal unit in Brazil
CalumetCalumet Specialty Products Partners, L.P.
CascadeCascade Natural Gas Corporation, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of MDU Energy Capital
CentennialCentennial Energy Holdings, Inc., a direct wholly owned subsidiary of the Company
Centennial CapitalCentennial Holdings Capital LLC, a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Centennial
Centennial ResourcesCentennial Energy Resources LLC, a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Centennial
CompanyMDU Resources Group, Inc.
Coyote CreekCoyote Creek Mining Company, LLC, a subsidiary of The North American Coal Corporation
Coyote Station427-MW coal-fired electric generating facility near Beulah, North Dakota (25 percent ownership)
Dakota Prairie Refinery20,000-barrel-per-day diesel topping plant built by Dakota Prairie Refining in southwestern North Dakota
Dakota Prairie RefiningDakota Prairie Refining, LLC, a limited liability company previously owned by WBI Energy and Calumet (previously included in the Company's refining segment)
D.C. Circuit CourtUnited States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
dkDecatherm
Dodd-Frank ActDodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
EPAUnited States Environmental Protection Agency
ERISAEmployee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974
ESCPErosion and Sediment Control Plan
Exchange ActSecurities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board
FERCFederal Energy Regulatory Commission
FidelityFidelity Exploration & Production Company, a direct wholly owned subsidiary of WBI Holdings (previously referred to as the Company's exploration and production segment)
FIPFunding improvement plan
GAAPAccounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
GHGGreenhouse gas
Great PlainsGreat Plains Natural Gas Co., a public utility division of the Company
IFRSInternational Financial Reporting Standards
IntermountainIntermountain Gas Company, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of MDU Energy Capital
JTL - MontanaIPUCJTL Group, Inc. (Montana Corporation), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Knife River
JTL - WyomingJTL Group, Inc. (Wyoming Corporation), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Knife RiverIdaho Public Utilities Commission
Knife RiverKnife River Corporation, a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Centennial
Knife River - NorthwestKnife River Corporation - Northwest, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Knife River
kWhKilowatt-hour
LTMLTM, Incorporated, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Knife River
LWGLower Willamette Group
MD&AManagement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
MDU Construction ServicesMDU Construction Services Group, Inc., a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Centennial
MDU Energy CapitalMDU Energy Capital, LLC, a direct wholly owned subsidiary of the Company


MEPPMultiemployer pension plan
MISOMidcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
MMBtuMillion Btu
MMdkMillion dk
MNPUCMinnesota Public Utilities Commission
Montana-DakotaMontana-Dakota Utilities Co., a public utility division of the Company
Montana DEQMontana Department of Environmental Quality
Montana First Judicial District CourtMontana First Judicial District Court, Lewis and Clark County
Montana Seventeenth Judicial District CourtMontana Seventeenth Judicial District Court, Phillips County
MPPAAMultiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980
MTPSCMontana Public Service Commission
MWMegawatt


NDPSCNorth Dakota Public Service Commission
Nevada State District CourtDistrict Court Clark County, Nevada
NGLNatural gas liquids
Notice of Civil PenaltyNotice of Civil Penalty Assessment and Order
OilIncludes crude oil and condensate
OmimexOmimex Canada, Ltd.
OPUCOregon Public Utility Commission
Oregon DEQOregon State Department of Environmental Quality
PronghornNatural gas processing plant located near Belfield, North Dakota (WBI Energy Midstream's 50 percent ownership interests were sold effective January 1, 2017)
PRPPotentially Responsible Party
RINRenewable Identification Number
RODRecord of Decision
RPRehabilitation plan
SDPUCSouth Dakota Public Utilities Commission
SECUnited States Securities and Exchange Commission
SEC Defined PricesThe average price of oil and natural gas during the applicable 12-month period, determined as an unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month within such period, unless prices are defined by contractual arrangements, excluding escalations based upon future conditions
Securities ActSecurities Act of 1933, as amended
TesoroTesoro Refining & Marketing Company LLC
Tesoro LogisticsQEP Field Services, LLC doing business as Tesoro Logistics Rockies LLC
United States District Court for the District of MontanaUnited States District Court for the District of Montana, Great Falls Division
United States Supreme CourtSupreme Court of the United States
VIEVariable interest entity
Washington DOEWashington State Department of Ecology
WBI EnergyWBI Energy, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of WBI Holdings
WBI Energy MidstreamWBI Energy Midstream, LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of WBI Holdings
WBI Energy TransmissionWBI Energy Transmission, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of WBI Holdings
WBI HoldingsWBI Holdings, Inc., a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Centennial
WUTCWashington Utilities and Transportation Commission
WYPSCWyoming Public Service Commission


Forward-Looking Statements
This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements are all statements other than statements of historical fact, including without limitation those statements that are identified by the words "anticipates," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "predicts" and similar expressions, and include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions (many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions) and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. From time to time, the Company may publish or otherwise make available forward-looking statements of this nature, including statements contained within Part I, Item 2 - MD&A - Prospective Information.
Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed. The Company's expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and are believed by the Company to have a reasonable basis, including without limitation, management's examination of historical operating trends, data contained in the Company's records and other data available from third parties. Nonetheless, the Company's expectations, beliefs or projections may not be achieved or accomplished.
Any forward-looking statement contained in this document speaks only as of the date on which the statement is made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all of the factors, nor can it assess the effect of each factor on the Company's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. All forward-looking statements, whether written or oral and whether made by or on behalf of the Company, are expressly qualified by the risk factors and cautionary statements reported in Part I, Item 1A - Risk Factors in the 2016 Annual Report and subsequent filings with the SEC.
Introduction
The Company is a regulated energy delivery and construction materials and services business, which was incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware in 1924. Its principal executive offices are at 1200 West Century Avenue, P.O. Box 5650, Bismarck, North Dakota 58506-5650, telephone (701) 530-1000.
Montana-Dakota, throughGreat Plains, Cascade and Intermountain comprise the electric and natural gas distribution segments, generates, transmits and distributes electricity and distributes natural gas in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. Cascade distributes natural gas in Oregon and Washington. Intermountain distributes natural gas in Idaho. Great Plains distributes natural gas in western Minnesota and southeastern North Dakota. These operationssegment. Montana-Dakota also supply related value-added services.comprises the electric segment.
The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Centennial, owns WBI Holdings, (comprisedKnife River, MDU Construction Services, Centennial Resources and Centennial Capital. WBI Holdings is comprised of the pipeline and midstream segment and Fidelity, formerly the Company's exploration and production business),business. Knife River (constructionis the construction materials and contracting segment),segment, MDU Construction Services (constructionis the construction services segment),segment, and Centennial Resources and Centennial Capital (both reflected in the Other category).
In the second quarter of 2016, the Company sold all of the outstanding membership interests in Dakota Prairie Refining and exited that line of business. Therefore, the results of Dakota Prairie Refining are reflected in discontinued operations, other than certain general and administrative costs and interest expense which are reflected in the Other category.
In the second quarter of 2015, the Company announced its plan to market Fidelity and exit that line of business. The Company completed the sale of all of its marketed assets. Therefore, the results of Fidelity are reflected in discontinued operations, other than certain general and administrative costs and interest expense which areboth reflected in the Other category.
For more information on the Company's business segments and discontinued operations, see Notes 108 and 15.



Index
Part I -- Financial InformationPage
Consolidated Statements of Income --
Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income --
Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015
Consolidated Balance Sheets --
June 30, 2016 and 2015, and December 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows --
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Controls and Procedures
Part II -- Other Information
Legal Proceedings
Risk Factors
Mine Safety Disclosures
Exhibits
Signatures
Exhibit Index
Exhibits
13.


Part I -- Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
MDU Resources Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
Three Months EndedSix Months EndedThree Months Ended
June 30,March 31,
2016
2015
2016
2015
2017
2016
(In thousands, except per share amounts)(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Operating revenues:  
Electric, natural gas distribution and regulated pipeline and midstream$206,052
$215,678
$591,918
$622,167
$433,614
$385,865
Nonregulated pipeline and midstream, construction materials and contracting, construction services and other837,896
722,361
1,312,245
1,176,717
504,311
474,349
Total operating revenues 1,043,948
938,039
1,904,163
1,798,884
937,925
860,214
Operating expenses: 
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel and purchased power15,914
19,327
37,925
43,146
21,886
22,011
Purchased natural gas sold47,439
66,590
208,474
267,739
192,948
161,035
Operation and maintenance: 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric, natural gas distribution and regulated pipeline and midstream77,078
70,258
151,703
138,800
78,738
74,625
Nonregulated pipeline and midstream, construction materials and contracting, construction services and other722,742
635,781
1,165,243
1,059,612
478,478
442,500
Depreciation, depletion and amortization54,248
51,336
109,132
102,922
51,325
54,884
Taxes, other than income37,562
35,038
80,736
76,648
47,438
43,174
Total operating expenses954,983
878,330
1,753,213
1,688,867
870,813
798,229
Operating income88,965
59,709
150,950
110,017
67,112
61,985
Other income872
2,123
1,921
2,373
1,017
1,049
Interest expense22,219
23,389
45,087
46,456
20,303
22,868
Income before income taxes67,618
38,443
107,784
65,934
47,826
40,166
Income taxes21,320
12,382
29,620
19,333
12,188
8,301
Income from continuing operations46,298
26,061
78,164
46,601
35,638
31,865
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (Note 10)(276,102)(263,419)(294,138)(593,404)
Net loss(229,804)(237,358)(215,974)(546,803)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest (Note 10)(120,651)(7,754)(131,691)(11,282)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (Note 8)1,687
(18,036)
Net income37,325
13,829
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest (Note 8)
(11,040)
Dividends declared on preferred stocks171
171
343
342
171
171
Loss on common stock$(109,324)$(229,775)$(84,626)$(535,863)
Earnings (loss) per common share - basic: 
 
 
 
Earnings on common stock$37,154
$24,698
Earnings per common share - basic: 
 
Earnings before discontinued operations$.24
$.13
$.40
$.24
$.18
$.16
Discontinued operations attributable to the Company, net of tax(.80)(1.31)(.83)(2.99).01
(.03)
Earnings (loss) per common share - basic$(.56)$(1.18)$(.43)$(2.75)
Earnings (loss) per common share - diluted: 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share - basic$.19
$.13
Earnings per common share - diluted: 
 
Earnings before discontinued operations$.24
$.13
$.40
$.24
$.18
$.16
Discontinued operations attributable to the Company, net of tax(.80)(1.31)(.83)(2.99).01
(.03)
Earnings (loss) per common share - diluted$(.56)$(1.18)$(.43)$(2.75)
Earnings per common share - diluted$.19
$.13
Dividends declared per common share$.1875
$.1825
$.3750
$.3650
$.1925
$.1875
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic195,304
194,805
195,294
194,643
195,304
195,284
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted195,699
194,838
195,678
194,675
196,023
195,284
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


MDU Resources Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
 Three Months EndedSix Months Ended
 June 30,June 30,
 201620152016
2015
 (In thousands)
Net loss$(229,804)$(237,358)$(215,974)$(546,803)
Other comprehensive income (loss):    
Reclassification adjustment for loss on derivative instruments included in net loss, net of tax of $56 and $60 for the three months ended and $114 and $121 for the six months ended in 2016 and 2015, respectively91
100
183
199
Amortization of postretirement liability (gains) losses included in net periodic benefit cost, net of tax of $150 and $420 for the three months ended and $(819) and $649 for the six months ended in 2016 and 2015, respectively248
584
(1,347)959
Foreign currency translation adjustment:    
Foreign currency translation adjustment recognized during the period, net of tax of $19 and $6 for the three months ended and $33 and $(63) for the six months ended in 2016 and 2015, respectively31
9
56
(103)
Reclassification adjustment for loss on foreign currency translation adjustment included in net loss, net of tax of $0 and $0 for the three months ended and $0 and $491 for the six months ended in 2016 and 2015, respectively


802
Foreign currency translation adjustment31
9
56
699
Net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments:    
Net unrealized loss on available-for-sale investments arising during the period, net of tax of $(16) and $(23) for the three months ended and $(10) and $(34) for the six months ended in 2016 and 2015, respectively(30)(43)(19)(64)
Reclassification adjustment for loss on available-for-sale investments included in net loss, net of tax of $19 and $15 for the three months ended and $37 and $34 for the six months ended in 2016 and 2015, respectively36
28
69
64
Net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments6
(15)50

Other comprehensive income (loss)376
678
(1,058)1,857
Comprehensive loss(229,428)(236,680)(217,032)(544,946)
Comprehensive loss from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest(120,651)(7,754)(131,691)(11,282)
Comprehensive loss attributable to common stockholders$(108,777)$(228,926)$(85,341)$(533,664)
 Three Months Ended
 March 31,
 20172016
 (In thousands)
Net income$37,325
$13,829
Other comprehensive loss:  
Reclassification adjustment for loss on derivative instruments included in net income, net of tax of $56 and $57 for the three months ended in 2017 and 2016, respectively91
92
Postretirement liability adjustment:  
Amortization of postretirement liability (gains) losses included in net periodic benefit cost, net of tax of $217 and $(969) for the three months ended in 2017 and 2016, respectively357
(1,595)
Reclassification of postretirement liability adjustment from regulatory asset, net of tax of $(725) and $0 for the three months ended in 2017 and 2016, respectively(917)
Postretirement liability adjustment(560)(1,595)
Foreign currency translation adjustment recognized during the period, net of tax of $5 and $15 for the three months ended in 2017 and 2016, respectively9
25
Net unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments:  
Net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments arising during the period, net of tax of $(15) and $5 for the three months ended in 2017 and 2016, respectively(27)8
Reclassification adjustment for loss on available-for-sale investments included in net income, net of tax of $19 and $19 for the three months ended in 2017 and 2016, respectively35
36
Net unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments8
44
Other comprehensive loss(452)(1,434)
Comprehensive income36,873
12,395
Comprehensive loss from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest
(11,040)
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders$36,873
$23,435
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.




MDU Resources Group, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
June 30, 2016June 30, 2015December 31, 2015March 31, 2017March 31, 2016December 31, 2016
(In thousands, except shares and per share amounts)(In thousands, except shares and per share amounts) (In thousands, except shares and per share amounts) 
Assets  
Current assets:  
Cash and cash equivalents$85,117
$143,527
$83,903
$50,735
$90,573
$46,107
Receivables, net637,166
597,606
582,475
554,185
526,619
630,243
Inventories265,849
290,239
240,551
250,609
259,756
238,273
Deferred income taxes33,938
38,087
33,121
Prepayments and other current assets50,309
66,676
29,528
79,254
52,380
48,461
Current assets held for sale85,124
147,162
54,847
7,290
99,544
14,391
Total current assets1,157,503
1,283,297
1,024,425
942,073
1,028,872
977,475
Investments124,531
119,446
119,704
129,009
121,955
125,866
Property, plant and equipment6,526,563
6,131,044
6,387,702
6,544,077
6,448,514
6,510,229
Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization2,551,941
2,438,005
2,489,322
2,609,303
2,521,108
2,578,902
Net property, plant and equipment3,974,622
3,693,039
3,898,380
3,934,774
3,927,406
3,931,327
Deferred charges and other assets: 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill641,527
635,204
635,204
631,791
641,527
631,791
Other intangible assets, net7,160
8,506
7,342
5,347
7,803
5,925
Other360,520
352,728
351,603
409,745
351,814
415,419
Noncurrent assets held for sale123,721
1,160,657
565,509
95,719
485,885
196,664
Total deferred charges and other assets 1,132,928
2,157,095
1,559,658
1,142,602
1,487,029
1,249,799
Total assets$6,389,584
$7,252,877
$6,602,167
$6,148,458
$6,565,262
$6,284,467
Liabilities and Equity 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities: 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt due within one year$58,598
$415,539
$238,539
$43,499
$98,540
$43,598
Accounts payable275,791
234,894
286,061
239,013
233,021
279,962
Taxes payable45,749
37,365
46,880
74,638
56,298
48,164
Dividends payable36,791
35,734
36,784
37,767
36,791
37,767
Accrued compensation56,390
47,771
45,192
32,350
40,420
65,867
Other accrued liabilities196,701
164,427
167,322
188,373
182,804
184,377
Current liabilities held for sale32,357
145,211
130,375
2,394
117,777
9,924
Total current liabilities 702,377
1,080,941
951,153
618,034
765,651
669,659
Long-term debt1,928,709
1,886,804
1,557,624
1,659,507
1,759,514
1,746,561
Deferred credits and other liabilities: 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred income taxes700,539
739,342
696,750
666,905
670,299
668,226
Other liabilities820,349
757,108
812,342
Other890,107
811,789
883,777
Noncurrent liabilities held for sale
101,790
63,750

62,625

Total deferred credits and other liabilities 1,520,888
1,598,240
1,572,842
1,557,012
1,544,713
1,552,003
Commitments and contingencies 
 
 






Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred stocks15,000
15,000
15,000
15,000
15,000
15,000
Common stockholders' equity: 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock 
 
 
 
 
 
Authorized - 500,000,000 shares, $1.00 par value
Shares issued - 195,843,297 at June 30, 2016, 195,411,301 at
June 30, 2015 and 195,804,665 at December 31, 2015
195,843
195,411
195,805
Authorized - 500,000,000 shares, $1.00 par value
Shares issued - 195,843,297 at March 31, 2017 and 2016 and
December 31, 2016
195,843
195,843
195,843
Other paid-in capital1,230,342
1,220,615
1,230,119
1,231,171
1,229,431
1,232,478
Retained earnings838,257
1,155,777
996,355
911,702
984,315
912,282
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(38,206)(40,246)(37,148)(36,185)(38,582)(35,733)
Treasury stock at cost - 538,921 shares(3,626)(3,626)(3,626)(3,626)(3,626)(3,626)
Total common stockholders' equity2,222,610
2,527,931
2,381,505
2,298,905
2,367,381
2,301,244
Total stockholders' equity2,237,610
2,542,931
2,396,505
2,313,905
2,382,381
2,316,244
Noncontrolling interest
143,961
124,043

113,003

Total equity2,237,610
2,686,892
2,520,548
2,313,905
2,495,384
2,316,244
Total liabilities and equity $6,389,584
$7,252,877
$6,602,167
$6,148,458
$6,565,262
$6,284,467
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


MDU Resources Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
 Six Months Ended Three Months Ended
 June 30, March 31,
 2016
2015
 2017
2016
 (In thousands) (In thousands)
Operating activities:    
Net loss $(215,974)$(546,803)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (294,138)(593,404)
Net income $37,325
$13,829
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 1,687
(18,036)
Income from continuing operations 78,164
46,601
 35,638
31,865
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:  
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:  
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 109,132
102,922
 51,325
54,884
Deferred income taxes 3,608
11,119
 (332)7,926
Changes in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:  
   
 
Receivables (44,909)(10,712) 63,684
61,931
Inventories (23,189)(47,559) (13,676)(18,828)
Other current assets (20,555)24,192
 (31,006)(22,909)
Accounts payable 7,339
14,447
 (23,380)(40,584)
Other current liabilities 33,214
(4,335) (1,179)18,690
Other noncurrent changes (14,626)(16,479) 2,161
(7,711)
Net cash provided by continuing operations 128,178
120,196
 83,235
85,264
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations (25,529)74,068
 3,304
(39,715)
Net cash provided by operating activities 102,649
194,264
 86,539
45,549
Investing activities:  
 
  
 
Capital expenditures (220,098)(272,514) (72,316)(114,706)
Net proceeds from sale or disposition of property and other 14,778
29,550
 117,967
10,411
Investments (262)1,208
 (116)(503)
Net cash used in continuing operations (205,582)(241,756)
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations 28,040
(160,622)
Net cash used in investing activities (177,542)(402,378)
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operations 45,535
(104,798)
Net cash provided by discontinued operations 54
25,263
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 45,589
(79,535)
Financing activities:  
 
  
 
Issuance of long-term debt 387,625
320,988
 59,985
226,585
Repayment of long-term debt (196,771)(35,137) (147,277)(164,855)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 
14,499
Dividends paid (73,575)(71,294) (37,767)(36,784)
Repurchase of common stock (1,684)
Tax withholding on stock-based compensation (323)
 (757)(316)
Net cash provided by continuing operations 116,956
229,056
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations (40,852)62,229
Net cash provided by financing activities 76,104
291,285
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operations (127,500)24,630
Net cash provided by discontinued operations 
16,025
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (127,500)40,655
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 3
(123) 
1
Increase in cash and cash equivalents 1,214
83,048
 4,628
6,670
Cash and cash equivalents -- beginning of year 83,903
60,479
 46,107
83,903
Cash and cash equivalents -- end of period $85,117
$143,527
 $50,735
$90,573
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


MDU Resources Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements
June 30,March 31, 2017 and 2016 and 2015
(Unaudited)
Note 1 - Basis of presentation
The accompanying consolidated interim financial statements were prepared in conformity with the basis of presentation reflected in the consolidated financial statements included in the Company's 20152016 Annual Report, and the standards of accounting measurement set forth in the interim reporting guidance in the ASC and any amendments thereto adopted by the FASB. Interim financial statements do not include all disclosures provided in annual financial statements and, accordingly, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with those appearing in the 20152016 Annual Report. The information is unaudited but includes all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the accompanying consolidated interim financial statements and are of a normal recurring nature. Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense is reported separately on the Consolidated Statements of Income and therefore is excluded from the other line items within operating expenses. Management has also evaluated the impact of events occurring after June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, up to the date of issuance of these consolidated interim financial statements.

On June 24, 2016, WBI Energy entered into a membership interest purchase agreement with Tesoro to sell all of the outstanding membership interests in Dakota Prairie Refining to Tesoro. WBI Energy and Calumet each previously owned 50 percent of the Dakota Prairie Refining membership interests and were equal members in building and operating Dakota Prairie Refinery. To effectuate the sale, WBI Energy acquired Calumet’s 50 percent membership interest in Dakota Prairie Refining on June 27, 2016. The sale of the membership interests to Tesoro closed on June 27, 2016. The sale of Dakota Prairie Refining reduces the Company’s risk by decreasing exposure to commodity prices.

In the second quarter of 2015, the Company began the marketing and sale process of Fidelity with an anticipated sale to occur within one year. Between September 2015 and March 2016, the Company entered into purchase and sale agreements to sell all of Fidelity's marketed oil and natural gas assets. The completion of these sales occurred between October 2015 and April 2016. The sale of Fidelity was part of the Company's strategic plan to grow its capital investments in the remaining business segments and to focus on creating a greater long-term value.
The assets and liabilities for the Company's discontinued operations have been classified as held for sale and the results of operations are shown in lossincome (loss) from discontinued operations, other than certain general and administrative costs and interest expense which do not meet the criteria for income (loss) from discontinued operations. The Company's consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes for current and prior periods have been restated. At the time the assets were classified as held for sale, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense was no longer recorded. Unless otherwise indicated, the amounts presented in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements relate to the Company's continuing operations. For more information on the Company's discontinued operations, see Note 10.8.
Note 2 - Seasonality of operations
Some of the Company's operations are highly seasonal and revenues from, and certain expenses for, such operations may fluctuate significantly among quarterly periods. Accordingly, the interim results for particular businesses, and for the Company as a whole, may not be indicative of results for the full fiscal year.
Note 3 - Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
Accounts receivable consist primarily of trade receivables from the sale of goods and services which are recorded at the invoiced amount net of allowance for doubtful accounts, and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts. The total balance of receivables past due 90 days or more was $31.7$26.3 million, $29.3$30.5 million and $27.8$29.2 million at June 30,March 31, 2017 and 2016, and 2015, and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively.
The allowance for doubtful accounts is determined through a review of past due balances and other specific account data. Account balances are written off when management determines the amounts to be uncollectible. The Company's allowance for doubtful accounts at June 30,March 31, 2017 and 2016, and 2015, and December 31, 2015,2016, was $11.0$10.9 million, $8.6$11.1 million and $9.8$10.5 million, respectively.
Note 4 - Inventories and natural gas in storage
Natural gas in storage for the Company's regulated operations is generally carried at averagelower of cost or net realizable value, or cost using the last-in, first-out method. All other inventories are stated at the lower of average cost or marketnet realizable value. The portion of the cost of natural gas in storage expected to be used within one year is included in inventories. Inventories consisted of:


June 30, 2016
June 30, 2015
December 31, 2015
March 31, 2017
March 31, 2016
December 31, 2016
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Aggregates held for resale$130,544
$123,457
$115,854
$120,392
$127,101
$115,471
Asphalt oil42,591
79,422
36,498
50,538
52,065
29,103
Natural gas in storage (current)19,689
11,310
21,023
Materials and supplies20,765
22,594
16,997
22,074
21,645
18,372
Merchandise for resale18,439
16,140
15,318
16,546
17,441
16,437
Natural gas in storage (current)11,282
11,305
25,761
Other33,821
37,316
34,861
29,777
30,199
33,129
Total$265,849
$290,239
$240,551
$250,609
$259,756
$238,273
The remainder of natural gas in storage, which largely represents the cost of gas required to maintain pressure levels for normal operating purposes, iswas included in deferred charges and other assets - other and was $49.5 million, $49.1 million $49.3 million and $49.1$49.5 million at June 30,March 31, 2017 and 2016, and 2015, and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively.


Note 5 - Impairment of long-lived assets
During the second quarter of 2015, the Company recognized an impairment of coalbed natural gas gathering assets at the pipeline and midstream segment of $3.0 million, which is recorded in operation and maintenance expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The impairment is related to coalbed natural gas gathering assets located in Wyoming where there had been continued decline in natural gas development and production activity due to low natural gas prices. The coalbed natural gas gathering assets were written down to their estimated fair value that was determined using the income approach.

For more information on this nonrecurring fair value measurement, see Note 13.

For information regarding impairments related to the Company's discontinued operations, see Note 10.
Note 6 - Earnings (loss) per common share
Basic earnings (loss) per common share were computed by dividing earnings (loss) on common stock by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the applicable period. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share were computed by dividing earnings (loss) on common stock by the total of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the applicable period, plus the effect of outstanding performance share awards. Common stock outstanding includes issued shares less shares held in treasury. Net income (loss) was the same for both the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share calculations. A reconciliation of the weighted average common shares outstanding used in the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share calculations was as follows:
Three Months EndedSix Months EndedThree Months Ended
June 30,March 31,
2016
2015
2016
2015
2017
2016
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic195,304
194,805
195,294
194,643
195,304
195,284
Effect of dilutive performance share awards395
33
384
32
719

Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted195,699
194,838
195,678
194,675
196,023
195,284
Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share





Note 6 - New accounting standards
Revenue from Contracts with Customers In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance on accounting for revenue from contracts with customers. The guidance provides for a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry specific guidance. This guidance was to be effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. In August 2015, the FASB issued guidance deferring the effective date of the revenue guidance one year and allowing entities to early adopt. With this decision, the guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Entities will have the option of using either a full retrospective or modified retrospective approach to adopting the guidance. Under the modified approach, an entity would recognize the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance with an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. In addition, the modified approach will require additional disclosures. The Company is planning to adopt the guidance using the modified retrospective approach. The guidance will require expanded disclosures, both quantitative and qualitative, related to the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The Company continues to evaluate the effects the guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory In July 2015, the FASB issued guidance regarding inventory that is measured using the first-in, first-out or average cost method. The guidance does not apply to inventory measured using the last-in, first-out or the retail inventory method. The guidance requires inventory within its scope to be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value, which is the estimated selling price in the normal course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. These amendments more closely align GAAP with IFRS. The Company implemented the guidance on January 1, 2017, on a prospective basis. The guidance did not have a material effect on the Company's results of operations, financial position, cash flows or disclosures.
Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes In November 2015, the FASB issued guidance regarding the classification of deferred taxes on the balance sheet. The guidance requires all deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as noncurrent. These amendments will align GAAP with IFRS. Entities had the option to apply the guidance prospectively, for all deferred tax assets and liabilities, or retrospectively. The Company adopted the guidance in the fourth quarter of 2016 and applied the retrospective method of adoption. The guidance required a reclassification of current deferred income taxes to noncurrent deferred income taxes on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, but did not impact the Company's results of operations or cash flows. As a result of the retrospective application of this change in accounting principle, the Company reclassified deferred income taxes of $34.2 million from current assets - deferred income taxes to deferred credits and other liabilities - deferred income taxes on its Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2016.
Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance regarding the classification and measurement of financial instruments. The guidance revises the way an entity classifies and measures investments in equity securities, the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value and amends certain disclosure requirements related to the fair value of financial instruments. This guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2018, with early adoption of certain amendments permitted. The guidance should be applied using a modified retrospective approach with the exception of equity securities without readily determinable fair values which will be applied prospectively. The Company is evaluating the effects the adoption of the new guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position, cash flows and disclosures.
Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance regarding leases. The guidance requires lessees to recognize a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term on the statement of financial position for leases with terms of more than 12 months. The guidance also requires additional disclosures, both quantitative and qualitative, related to operating and finance leases for the lessee and sales-type, direct financing and operating


leases for the lessor. This guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, and should be applied using a modified retrospective approach with early adoption permitted. There are a number of industry-specific implementation issues that are still unresolved and the final resolution of these issues could significantly impact the number of contracts that would be considered a lease for the Company under the new guidance. The Company is evaluating the effects the adoption of the new guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position, cash flows and disclosures.
Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance regarding simplification of several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions. The guidance affects the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, classification on the statement of cash flows and calculation of dilutive shares. Certain amendments of this guidance were to be applied retrospectively and others prospectively. The Company adopted the guidance on January 1, 2017. All amendments in the guidance that apply to the Company were adopted on a prospective basis resulting in no adjustments being made to retained earnings. The adoption of the guidance impacted the Consolidated Statements of Income and the Consolidated Balance Sheets due to the taxes related to the stock-based compensation award that vested in February 2017 being recognized as income tax expense as compared to a reduction to additional paid-in capital under the previous guidance. Adoption of the guidance also increased the number of shares included in the diluted earnings per share calculation due to the exclusion of tax benefits in the incremental shares calculation. The change in the weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted did not result in a material effect on the earnings per common share - diluted.
Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments In August 2016, the FASB issued guidance to clarify the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The guidance is intended to standardize the presentation and classification of certain transactions, including cash payments for debt prepayment or extinguishment, proceeds from insurance claim settlements and distributions from equity method investments. In addition, the guidance clarifies how to classify transactions that have characteristics of more than one class of cash flows. This guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted. An entity that elects early adoption must adopt all the amendments in the same period and apply any adjustments as of the beginning of the fiscal year. Entities must apply the guidance retrospectively unless it is impracticable to do so, in which case they may apply it prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. The Company is evaluating the effects the adoption of the new guidance will have on its cash flows and disclosures.
Clarifying the Definition of a Business In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. The guidance provides a screen to determine when an integrated set of assets and activities is not a business. The guidance will also affect other aspects of accounting, such as determining reporting units for goodwill testing and whether an entity has acquired or sold a business. The guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2018, and should be applied on a prospective basis with early adoption permitted for transactions that occur before the issuance or effective date of the amendments and only when the transactions have not been reported in the financial statements or made available for issuance. The Company is evaluating the effects the adoption of the new guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position, cash flows and disclosures.
Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance on simplifying the test for goodwill impairment by eliminating Step 2, which required an entity to measure the amount of impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of such goodwill. This guidance requires entities to perform a quantitative impairment test, previously Step 1, to identify both the existence of impairment and the amount of impairment loss by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount. Entities will continue to have the option of performing a qualitative assessment to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. The guidance also requires additional disclosures if an entity has one or more reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts of net assets. The guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2020, and should be applied on a prospective basis with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the effects the adoption of the new guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position, cash flows and disclosures.
Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost In March 2017, the FASB issued guidance to improve the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost. The guidance requires the service cost component to be presented in the income statement in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services performed during the period. Other components of net benefit cost shall be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations. The guidance also only allows the service cost component to be capitalized. The guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2018, including interim periods, with early adoption permitted as of the beginning of an annual period for which the financial statements have not been issued. The guidance shall be applied on a retrospective basis for the financial statement presentation and on a prospective basis for the capitalization of the service cost component. The Company is evaluating the effects the adoption of the new guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position, cash flows and disclosures.


Note 7 - Cash flow informationComprehensive income (loss)
Cash expenditures for interest and income taxesThe after-tax changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows:
 Six Months Ended
 June 30,
 2016
2015
 (In thousands)
Interest, net of amounts capitalized and AFUDC - borrowed of $548 and $4,481 in 2016 and 2015, respectively$44,860
$44,564
Income taxes paid, net$29,891
$7,147
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2017
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative
 Instruments
 Qualifying as Hedges

Postretirement
 Liability Adjustment

Foreign
Currency Translation Adjustment

Net Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on
Available-for-sale
Investments

Total
Accumulated
 Other
Comprehensive
 Loss

 (In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period$(2,300)$(33,221)$(149)$(63)$(35,733)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

9
(27)(18)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss91
357

35
483
Amounts reclassified to accumulated other comprehensive loss from a regulatory asset
(917)

(917)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)91
(560)9
8
(452)
Balance at end of period$(2,209)$(33,781)$(140)$(55)$(36,185)
Noncash investing transactions
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2016
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative
 Instruments
 Qualifying as Hedges

Postretirement
 Liability Adjustment

Foreign
Currency Translation Adjustment

Net Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on
Available-for-sale
Investments

Total
Accumulated
 Other
Comprehensive
 Loss

 (In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period$(2,667)$(34,257)$(200)$(24)$(37,148)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

25
8
33
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss92
(1,595)
36
(1,467)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)92
(1,595)25
44
(1,434)
Balance at end of period$(2,575)$(35,852)$(175)$20
$(38,582)
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows:
 June 30,
 2016
2015
 (In thousands)
Property, plant and equipment additions in accounts payable$18,449
$11,576
 Three Months Ended
Location on Consolidated Statements of
Income
 March 31,
 20172016
 (In thousands) 
Reclassification adjustment for loss on derivative instruments included in net income$(147)$(149)Interest expense
 56
57
Income taxes
 (91)(92) 
Amortization of postretirement liability gains (losses) included in net periodic benefit cost(574)2,564
(a)
 217
(969)Income taxes
 (357)1,595
 
Reclassification adjustment for loss on available-for-sale investments included in net income(54)(55)Other income
 19
19
Income taxes
 (35)(36) 
Total reclassifications$(483)$1,467
 
(a) Included in net periodic benefit cost. For more information, see Note 14.


Note 8 - Assets held for sale and discontinued operations
Assets held for sale
The assets and liabilities of Pronghorn were classified as held for sale in the fourth quarter of 2016. Pronghorn's results of operations for 2016 were included in the pipeline and midstream segment.

PronghornOn November 21, 2016, WBI Energy Midstream announced it had entered into a purchase and sale agreement to sell its 50 percent non-operating ownership interest in Pronghorn to Tesoro Logistics. The transaction closed on January 1, 2017, which generated approximately $100 million of proceeds for the Company. The sale of Pronghorn further reduces the Company's risk exposure to commodity prices.

The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities that were classified as held for sale associated with Pronghorn on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:
 December 31, 2016
 (In thousands)
Assets 
Current assets: 
Prepayments and other current assets$68
Total current assets held for sale68
Noncurrent assets: 
Net property, plant and equipment93,424
Goodwill9,737
Less allowance for impairment of assets held for sale2,311
Total noncurrent assets held for sale100,850
Total assets held for sale$100,918
Discontinued operations
The assets and liabilities of the Company's discontinued operations have been classified as held for sale and the results of operations are shown in income (loss) from discontinued operations, other than certain general and administrative costs and interest expense which do not meet the criteria for income (loss) from discontinued operations. The Company's consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes for current and prior periods have been restated. At the time the assets were classified as held for sale, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense was no longer recorded.
Dakota Prairie RefiningOn June 24, 2016, WBI Energy entered into a membership interest purchase agreement with Tesoro to sell all of the outstanding membership interests in Dakota Prairie Refining to Tesoro. WBI Energy and Calumet each previously owned 50 percent of the Dakota Prairie Refining membership interests and were equal members in building and operating Dakota Prairie Refinery. To effectuate the sale, WBI Energy acquired Calumet’s 50 percent membership interest in Dakota Prairie Refining on June 27, 2016. The sale of the membership interests to Tesoro closed on June 27, 2016. The sale of Dakota Prairie Refining reduces the Company’s risk by decreasing exposure to commodity prices.
The Company retained certain liabilities of Dakota Prairie Refining which were reflected in current liabilities held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Centennial continues to guarantee certain debt obligations of Dakota Prairie Refining; however, Tesoro has agreed to indemnify Centennial for any losses and litigation expenses arising from the guarantee. For more information related to the guarantee, see Note 16.


The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities that are classified as held for sale related to the operations of and activity associated with Dakota Prairie Refining on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:
 March 31, 2017
March 31, 2016
December 31, 2016
 (In thousands)
Assets   
Current assets:   
Cash and cash equivalents$
$365
$
Receivables, net
11,169

Inventories
17,056

Income taxes receivable11,756
7,077
13,987
Prepayments and other current assets
6,124

Total current assets held for sale11,756
41,791
13,987
Noncurrent assets:   
Net property, plant and equipment
407,247

Other
8,846

Total noncurrent assets held for sale
416,093

Total assets held for sale$11,756
$457,884
$13,987
Liabilities   
Current liabilities:   
Short-term borrowings$
$61,525
$
Long-term debt due within one year
6,375

Accounts payable16
27,454
7,425
Taxes payable
1,001

Accrued compensation
717

Other accrued liabilities
7,155

Total current liabilities held for sale16
104,227
7,425
Noncurrent liabilities:   
Long-term debt
62,625

Deferred income taxes (a)55
24,137
14
Total noncurrent liabilities held for sale55
86,762
14
Total liabilities held for sale$71
$190,989
$7,439
(a)On the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, these amounts were reclassified to noncurrent deferred income tax assets and are
reflected in noncurrent assets held for sale.
In the first quarter of 2017, the Company recorded a reversal of a previously accrued liability of $7.0 million ($4.3 million after tax) due to the resolution of a legal matter. At March 31, 2017, Dakota Prairie Refining had not incurred any material exit and disposal costs, and does not expect to incur any material exit and disposal costs.
FidelityIn the second quarter of 2015, the Company began the marketing and sale process of Fidelity with an anticipated sale to occur within one year. Between September 2015 and March 2016, the Company entered into purchase and sale agreements to sell all of Fidelity's oil and natural gas assets. The completion of these sales occurred between October 2015 and April 2016. The sale of Fidelity was part of the Company's strategic plan to grow its capital investments in the remaining business segments and to focus on creating a greater long-term value.


The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities that are classified as held for sale related to the operations of Fidelity on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:
 March 31, 2017
 March 31, 2016
December 31, 2016
 
 (In thousands) 
Assets     
Current assets:     
Receivables, net$266
 $3,619
$355
 
Inventories
 1,308

 
Income taxes receivable
 50,478

 
Prepayments and other current assets
 2,348

 
Total current assets held for sale266
 57,753
355
 
Noncurrent assets:     
Investments
 37

 
Net property, plant and equipment4,515
 9,363
5,507
 
Deferred income taxes91,098
 82,994
91,098
 
Other161
 161
161
 
Less allowance for impairment of assets held for sale
 (1,374)938
 
Total noncurrent assets held for sale95,774
 93,929
95,828
 
Total assets held for sale$96,040
 $151,682
$96,183
 
Liabilities     
Current liabilities:     
Accounts payable$67
 $7,963
$141
 
Taxes payable4,732
(a)35
19
(a)
Accrued compensation
 761

 
Other accrued liabilities2,311
 4,791
2,358
 
Total current liabilities held for sale7,110
 13,550
2,518
 
Total liabilities held for sale$7,110
 $13,550
$2,518
 
(a)On the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, these amounts were reclassified to prepayments and other current assets and are reflected
in current assets held for sale.
The Company performed a fair value assessment of the assets and liabilities classified as held for sale. In the first quarter of 2016, the fair value assessment was determined using the market approach largely based on a purchase and sale agreement. The estimated fair value exceeded the carrying value and the Company recorded an impairment reversal of $1.4 million ($900,000 after tax) in the first quarter of 2016. The impairment reversal was included in operating expenses from discontinued operations. The estimated fair value of Fidelity's assets has been categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
The Company incurred transaction costs of approximately $300,000 in the first quarter of 2016. In addition to the transaction costs, and due in part to the change in plans to sell the assets of Fidelity rather than sell Fidelity as a company, Fidelity incurred and expensed approximately $1.8 million of exit and disposal costs for the three months ended March 31, 2016, and has incurred $10.5 million of exit and disposal costs to date. Fidelity incurred no exit and disposal costs for the three months ended March 31, 2017, and the Company does not expect to incur any additional material exit and disposal costs. The exit and disposal costs are associated with severance and other related matters and exclude the office lease expiration discussed in the following paragraph.
Fidelity vacated its office space in Denver, Colorado in 2016. The Company incurred lease payments of approximately $500,000 in the first quarter of 2016.


Dakota Prairie Refining and Fidelity The reconciliation of the major classes of income and expense constituting pretax income (loss) from discontinued operations, which includes Dakota Prairie Refining and Fidelity, to the after-tax income (loss) from discontinued operations on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income was as follows:
 Three Months Ended
 March 31,
 2017
2016
 (In thousands)
Operating revenues$105
$47,976
Operating expenses(6,577)69,769
Operating income (loss)6,682
(21,793)
Other income (expense)(15)204
Interest expense
922
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes6,667
(22,511)
Income taxes4,980
(4,475)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations1,687
(18,036)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest
(11,040)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to the Company$1,687
$(6,996)
The pretax income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to the Company, related to the operations of and activity associated with Dakota Prairie Refining, was $6.9 million and $(9.9) million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Note 8 - New accounting standards
Revenue from Contracts with Customers In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance on accounting for revenue from contracts with customers. The guidance provides for a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry specific guidance. This guidance was to be effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. In August 2015, the FASB issued guidance deferring the effective date of the revenue guidance one year and allowing entities to early adopt. With this decision, the guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Entities will have the option of using either a full retrospective or modified retrospective approach to adopting the guidance. Under the modified approach, an entity would recognize the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance with an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. In addition, the modified approach will require additional disclosures. The Company is evaluating the effects the adoption of the new revenue guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position, cash flows and disclosures, as well as its method of adoption.
Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance on simplifying the presentation of debt issuance costs in the financial statements. This guidance requires entities to present debt issuance costs as a direct deduction to the related debt liability. The amortization of these costs will be reported as interest expense. The guidance was effective for the Company on January 1, 2016, and is to be applied retrospectively. Early adoption of this guidance was permitted, however the Company did not elect to do so. The guidance required a reclassification of the debt issuance costs on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, but did not impact the Company's results of operations or cash flows. As a result of the retrospective application of this change in accounting principle, the Company reclassified debt issuance costs of $100,000 and $100,000 from prepayments and other current assets and $5.4 million and $6.0 million from deferred charges and other assets - other to long-term debt on its Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or its Equivalent) In May 2015, the FASB issued guidance on fair value measurement and disclosure requirements removing the requirement to include investments in the fair value hierarchy for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The new guidance also removes the requirement to make certain disclosures for all investments that are eligible to be measured at net asset value using the practical expedient, and rather limits those disclosures to investments for which the practical expedient has been elected. This guidance was effective for the Company on January 1, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The application of this guidance affected the Company's disclosures; however, it did not impact the Company's results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory In July 2015, the FASB issued guidance regarding inventory that is measured using the first-in, first-out or average cost method. The guidance does not apply to inventory measured using the last-in, first-out or the retail inventory method. The guidance requires inventory within its scope to be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value, which is the estimated selling price in the normal course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. These amendments more closely align GAAP with IFRS. This guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2017, and should be applied prospectively with early adoption permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company is evaluating the effects the adoption of the new guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred TaxesIn November 2015, the FASB issued guidance regarding the classification of deferred taxes on the balance sheet. The guidance will require all deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as noncurrent. These amendments will align GAAP with IFRS. This guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2017, with early adoption permitted. Entities will have the option to apply the guidance prospectively, for all deferred tax assets and liabilities, or


retrospectively. The Company is evaluating the effects the adoption of the new guidance will have on its financial position and disclosures; however, it will not impact the Company's results of operations or cash flows.
Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance regarding the classification and measurement of financial instruments. The guidance revises the way an entity classifies and measures investments in equity securities, the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value and amends certain disclosure requirements related to the fair value of financial instruments. This guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2018, with early adoption of certain amendments permitted. The Company is evaluating the effects the adoption of the new guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position, cash flows and disclosures.
Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance regarding leases. The guidance requires lessees to recognize a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term on the statement of financial position for leases with terms of more than 12 months. This guidance also requires additional disclosures. This guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, and should be applied using a modified retrospective approach with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the effects the adoption of the new guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position, cash flows and disclosures.
Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance regarding simplification of several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions. The guidance will affect the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. This guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2017, with early adoption permitted in any interim or annual period. An entity that elects early adoption must adopt all of the amendments in the same period. Certain amendments of this guidance are to be applied retrospectively and others prospectively. The Company is evaluating the effects the adoption of the new guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position, cash flows and disclosures.
Note 9 - Comprehensive income (loss)
The after-tax changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows:
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2016
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative
 Instruments
 Qualifying as Hedges

Postretirement
 Liability Adjustment

Foreign
Currency Translation Adjustment

Net Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on
Available-for-sale
Investments

Total
Accumulated
 Other
Comprehensive
 Loss

 (In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period$(2,575)$(35,852)$(175)$20
$(38,582)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

31
(30)1
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss91
248

36
375
Net current-period other comprehensive income91
248
31
6
376
Balance at end of period$(2,484)$(35,604)$(144)$26
$(38,206)
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2015
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative
 Instruments
 Qualifying as Hedges

Postretirement
 Liability Adjustment

Foreign
Currency Translation Adjustment

Net Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on
Available-for-sale
Investments

Total
Accumulated
 Other
Comprehensive
 Loss

 (In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period$(2,972)$(37,843)$(139)$30
$(40,924)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

9
(43)(34)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss100
584

28
712
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)100
584
9
(15)678
Balance at end of period$(2,872)$(37,259)$(130)$15
$(40,246)


Six Months Ended
June 30, 2016
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative
 Instruments
 Qualifying as Hedges

Postretirement
 Liability Adjustment

Foreign
Currency Translation Adjustment

Net Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on
Available-for-sale
Investments

Total
Accumulated
 Other
Comprehensive
 Loss

 (In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period$(2,667)$(34,257)$(200)$(24)$(37,148)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

56
(19)37
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss183
(1,347)
69
(1,095)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)183
(1,347)56
50
(1,058)
Balance at end of period$(2,484)$(35,604)$(144)$26
$(38,206)
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2015
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative
 Instruments
 Qualifying as Hedges

Postretirement
 Liability Adjustment

Foreign
Currency Translation Adjustment

Net Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on
Available-for-sale
Investments

Total
Accumulated
 Other
Comprehensive
 Loss

 (In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period$(3,071)$(38,218)$(829)$15
$(42,103)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications

(103)(64)(167)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss199
959
802
64
2,024
Net current-period other comprehensive income199
959
699

1,857
Balance at end of period$(2,872)$(37,259)$(130)$15
$(40,246)

Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows:
 Three Months EndedSix Months Ended
Location on Consolidated Statements of
Income
 June 30,June 30,
 2016201520162015
 (In thousands) 
Reclassification adjustment for loss on derivative instruments included in net loss:     
Interest rate derivative instruments$(147)$(160)$(297)$(320)Interest expense
 56
60
114
121
Income taxes
 (91)(100)(183)(199) 
Amortization of postretirement liability gains (losses) included in net periodic benefit cost(398)(1,004)2,166
(1,608)(a)
 150
420
(819)649
Income taxes
 (248)(584)1,347
(959) 
Reclassification adjustment for loss on foreign currency translation adjustment included in net loss


(1,293)Other income
 


491
Income taxes
 


(802) 
Reclassification adjustment for loss on available-for-sale investments included in net loss(55)(43)(106)(98)Other income
 19
15
37
34
Income taxes
 (36)(28)(69)(64) 
Total reclassifications$(375)$(712)$1,095
$(2,024) 
(a) Included in net periodic benefit cost. For more information, see Note 16.


Note 10 - Discontinued operations
The assets and liabilities of the Company's discontinued operations have been classified as held for sale and the results of operations are shown in loss from discontinued operations, other than certain general and administrative costs and interest expense which do not meet the criteria for income (loss) from discontinued operations. The Company's consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes for current and prior periods have been restated. At the time the assets were classified as held for sale, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense was no longer recorded.

Dakota Prairie Refining
On June 24, 2016, WBI Energy entered into a membership interest purchase agreement with Tesoro to sell all of the outstanding membership interests in Dakota Prairie Refining to Tesoro. WBI Energy and Calumet each previously owned 50 percent of the Dakota Prairie Refining membership interests and were equal members in building and operating Dakota Prairie Refinery. To effectuate the sale, WBI Energy acquired Calumet’s 50 percent membership interest in Dakota Prairie Refining on June 27, 2016. The sale of the membership interests to Tesoro closed on June 27, 2016. The sale of Dakota Prairie Refining reduces the Company’s risk by decreasing exposure to commodity prices.

In connection with the sale, WBI Energy has cash in an escrow account for RINs obligations, which is included in current assets held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at June 30, 2016. The Company retained certain liabilities of Dakota Prairie Refining which are reflected in current liabilities held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at June 30, 2016. Also, Centennial continues to guarantee certain debt obligations of Dakota Prairie Refining; however, Tesoro has agreed to indemnify Centennial for any losses and litigation expenses arising from the guarantee. For more information related to the guarantee, see Note 18.



The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities that are classified as held for sale related to the operations of Dakota Prairie Refining on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:
 June 30, 2016
June 30, 2015
 December 31, 2015
 
 (In thousands) 
Assets     
Current assets:     
Cash and cash equivalents$
$845
 $688
 
Receivables, net433
29,639
 7,693
 
Inventories
24,166
 13,176
 
Deferred income taxes
84
(a)
 
Income taxes receivable12,550
7,332
 2,495
 
Prepayments and other current assets11,083
7,888
 6,214
 
Total current assets held for sale24,066
69,954
 30,266
 
Noncurrent assets:     
Net property, plant and equipment
418,885
 412,717
 
Deferred income taxes57,644
5,839
 5,745
 
Other
5,729
 9,627
 
Total noncurrent assets held for sale57,644
430,453
 428,089
 
Total assets held for sale$81,710
$500,407
 $458,355
 
Liabilities     
Current liabilities:     
Short-term borrowings$
$26,000
 $45,500
 
Long-term debt due within one year
3,000
 5,250
 
Accounts payable7,170
38,170
 24,468
 
Taxes payable
1,601
 1,391
 
Deferred income taxes

 272
 
Accrued compensation
649
 938
 
Other accrued liabilities8,303
932
 4,953
 
Total current liabilities held for sale15,473
70,352
 82,772
 
Noncurrent liabilities:     
Long-term debt
66,000
 63,750
 
Deferred income taxes
19,600
(b)29,314
(b)
Total noncurrent liabilities held for sale
85,600
 93,064
 
Total liabilities held for sale$15,473
$155,952
 $175,836
 
(a)On the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet, this amount was reclassified to a current deferred income tax liability and is reflected in
current liabilities held for sale.
(b)On the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, these amounts were reclassified to noncurrent deferred income tax assets and are
reflected in noncurrent assets held for sale.
The Company's deferred tax assets were largely comprised of $137.6 million of federal and state net operating loss carryforwards that expire in 2037 if not utilized.
The Company performed a fair value assessment of the assets and liabilities classified as held for sale. In the second quarter of 2016, the fair value assessment was determined using the market approach based on the sale transaction to Tesoro. The fair value assessment indicated an impairment based on the carrying value exceeding the fair value, which resulted in the Company recording an impairment of $251.9 million ($156.7 million after tax) in the quarter ended June 30, 2016. The impairment was included in operating expenses from discontinued operations. The fair value of Dakota Prairie Refining’s assets has been categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. At June 30, 2016, Dakota Prairie Refining had not incurred any material exit and disposal costs, and does not expect to incur any material exit and disposal costs.
Fidelity
In the second quarter of 2015, the Company began the marketing and sale process of Fidelity with an anticipated sale to occur within one year. Between September 2015 and March 2016, the Company entered into purchase and sale agreements to sell all of Fidelity's marketed oil and natural gas assets. The completion of these sales occurred between October 2015 and April 2016. The sale of Fidelity was part of the Company's strategic plan to grow its capital investments in the remaining business segments and to focus on creating a greater long-term value.


The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities that are classified as held for sale related to the operations of Fidelity on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:
 June 30, 2016
June 30, 2015
December 31, 2015
 (In thousands)
Assets   
Current assets:   
Receivables, net$8,207
$33,551
$13,387
Inventories
6,748
1,308
Commodity derivative instruments
2,537

Income taxes receivable52,847
31,033
9,665
Prepayments and other current assets4
3,423
221
Total current assets held for sale61,058
77,292
24,581
Noncurrent assets:   
Investments
37
37
Net property, plant and equipment5,507
1,097,576
793,422
Deferred income taxes61,347
52,017
127,655
Other161
161
161
Less allowance for impairment of assets held for sale938
399,987
754,541
Total noncurrent assets held for sale66,077
749,804
166,734
Total assets held for sale$127,135
$827,096
$191,315
Liabilities   
Current liabilities:   
Accounts payable$456
$49,400
$25,013
Taxes payable
4,064
1,052
Deferred income taxes4,120
1,401
3,620
Accrued compensation1,459
4,460
13,080
Commodity derivative instruments
3,511

Other accrued liabilities10,849
12,107
4,838
Total current liabilities held for sale16,884
74,943
47,603
Noncurrent liabilities:   
Other liabilities
35,790

Total noncurrent liabilities held for sale
35,790

Total liabilities held for sale$16,884
$110,733
$47,603
The Company performed a fair value assessment of the assets and liabilities classified as held for sale. In the second quarter of 2016, the fair value assessment was determined using the income and market approaches. The income approach was determined by using the present value of future estimated cash flows. The market approach was based on market transactions of similar properties. The estimated carrying value exceeded the fair value and the Company recorded an impairment of $900,000 ($600,000 after tax) in the second quarter of 2016. In the first quarter of 2016, the fair value assessment was determined using the market approach largely based on a purchase and sale agreement. The estimated fair value exceeded the carrying value and the Company recorded an impairment reversal of $1.4 million ($900,000 after tax) in the first quarter of 2016. The impairment and impairment reversal were included in operating expenses from discontinued operations. The estimated fair value of Fidelity's assets have been categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. In 2015, the Company recorded impairments totaling $754.5 million ($475.4 million after tax) related to the assets and liabilities classified as held for sale, including an impairment of $400.0 million ($252.0 million after tax) during the second quarter of 2015. For more information, see Part II, Item 8 - Note 2, in the 2015 Annual Report.
The Company incurred transaction costs of approximately $300,000 in the first quarter of 2016, and $2.5 million in 2015. In addition to the transaction costs, and due in part to the change in plans to sell the assets of Fidelity rather than sell Fidelity as a company, Fidelity incurred and expensed approximately $3.8 million and $5.6 million of exit and disposal costs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively, and has incurred $10.5 million of exit and disposal costs to date. The Company expects to incur an additional $300,000 of exit and disposal costs for the remainder of 2016. The exit and disposal costs are associated with severance and other related matters and exclude the office lease expiration discussed in the following paragraph. The majority of these exit and disposal activities were completed by the end of the second quarter of 2016.
Fidelity vacated its office space in Denver, Colorado. The Company incurred lease payments of approximately $400,000 and $900,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively. Lease termination payments of $3.2 million and


$3.3 million were made during the second quarter of 2016 and fourth quarter of 2015, respectively. Existing office furniture and fixtures were relinquished to the lessor in the second quarter of 2016.
Historically, the Company used the full-cost method of accounting for its oil and natural gas production activities. Under this method, all costs incurred in the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties are capitalized and amortized on the units-of-production method based on total proved reserves.
Prior to the oil and natural gas properties being classified as held for sale, capitalized costs were subject to a "ceiling test" that limits such costs to the aggregate of the present value of future net cash flows from proved reserves discounted at 10 percent, as mandated under the rules of the SEC, plus the cost of unproved properties not subject to amortization, plus the effects of cash flow hedges, less applicable income taxes. Proved reserves and associated future cash flows are determined based on SEC Defined Prices and exclude cash outflows associated with asset retirement obligations that have been accrued on the balance sheet. If capitalized costs, less accumulated amortization and related deferred income taxes, exceed the full-cost ceiling at the end of any quarter, a permanent noncash write-down is required to be charged to earnings in that quarter regardless of subsequent price changes.
The Company's capitalized cost under the full-cost method of accounting exceeded the full-cost ceiling at March 31, 2015. SEC Defined Prices, adjusted for market differentials, were used to calculate the ceiling test. Accordingly, the Company was required to write down its oil and natural gas producing properties. The Company recorded a $500.4 million ($315.3 million after tax) noncash write-down in operating expenses from discontinued operations in the first quarter of 2015.
Dakota Prairie Refining and Fidelity
The reconciliation of the major classes of income and expense constituting pretax loss from discontinued operations, which includes Dakota Prairie Refining and Fidelity, to the after-tax net loss from discontinued operations on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income were as follows:
 Three Months EndedSix Months Ended
 June 30,June 30,
 2016
2015
2016
2015
 (In thousands)
Operating revenues$74,756
$91,468
$122,732
$148,109
Operating expenses443,756
505,487
513,526
1,086,781
Operating loss(369,000)(414,019)(390,794)(938,672)
Other income183
385
387
2,459
Interest expense832
434
1,753
517
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes(369,649)(414,068)(392,160)(936,730)
Income taxes(93,547)(150,649)(98,022)(343,326)
Loss from discontinued operations(276,102)(263,419)(294,138)(593,404)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest(120,651)(7,754)(131,691)(11,282)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to the Company$(155,451)$(255,665)$(162,447)$(582,122)

The pretax loss from discontinued operations attributable to the Company, related to the operations of Dakota Prairie Refining, were $244.0 million and $6.8 million for the three months ended and $253.9 million and $9.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Note 11 - Goodwill and other intangible assets
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill were as follows:
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
Balance as of
January 1, 2016

*Goodwill Acquired
During the Year

Balance as of
June 30, 2016

*
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017Balance at January 1, 2017
Goodwill Acquired
During the Year

Balance at March 31, 2017
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Natural gas distribution$345,736
 $
$345,736
 $345,736
$
$345,736
Pipeline and midstream9,737
 
9,737
 
Construction materials and contracting176,290
 
176,290
 176,290

176,290
Construction services103,441
 6,323
109,764
 109,765

109,765
Total$635,204
 $6,323
$641,527
 $631,791
$
$631,791

Three Months Ended March 31, 2016Balance at January 1, 2016
*
Goodwill Acquired
During the Year

Balance at March 31, 2016
*
 (In thousands)
Natural gas distribution$345,736
 $
$345,736
 
Pipeline and midstream9,737
 
9,737
 
Construction materials and contracting176,290
 
176,290
 
Construction services103,441
 6,323
109,764
 
Total$635,204
 $6,323
$641,527
 
* Balance is presented net of accumulated impairment of $12.3 million at the pipeline and midstream segment, which occurred in prior periods.


Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
Balance as of
January 1, 2015

*
Goodwill Acquired
During the Year

Balance as of
June 30, 2015

*
 (In thousands)
Natural gas distribution$345,736
 $
$345,736
 
Pipeline and midstream9,737
 
9,737
 
Construction materials and contracting176,290
 
176,290
 
Construction services103,441
 
103,441
 
Total$635,204
 $
$635,204
 
* Balance is presented net of accumulated impairment of $12.3 million at the pipeline and midstream segment, which occurred in prior periods.

Year Ended December 31, 2015
Balance as of
January 1, 2015

*
Goodwill Acquired
During the Year

Balance as of
December 31, 2015

*
Year Ended December 31, 2016Balance at January 1, 2016
*
Goodwill Acquired
During the Year

Held for Sale
Balance at December 31, 2016
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Natural gas distribution$345,736
 $
$345,736
 $345,736
 $
$
$345,736
Pipeline and midstream9,737
 
9,737
 9,737
 
(9,737)
Construction materials and contracting176,290
 
176,290
 176,290
 

176,290
Construction services103,441
 
103,441
 103,441
 6,324

109,765
Total$635,204
 $
$635,204
 $635,204
 $6,324
$(9,737)$631,791
* Balance is presented net of accumulated impairment of $12.3 million at the pipeline and midstream segment, which occurred in prior periods.
 


Other amortizable intangible assets were as follows:
June 30, 2016
June 30, 2015
December 31, 2015
March 31, 2017
March 31, 2016
December 31, 2016
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Customer relationships$17,145
$20,975
$20,975
$15,745
$17,145
$17,145
Accumulated amortization(13,108)(16,065)(16,845)
Less accumulated amortization12,910
12,680
13,917
4,037
4,910
4,130
2,835
4,465
3,228
Noncompete agreements2,430
4,409
4,409
2,430
2,430
2,430
Accumulated amortization(1,585)(3,581)(3,655)
Less accumulated amortization1,695
1,548
1,658
845
828
754
735
882
772
Other7,764
8,300
8,304
7,086
7,764
7,768
Accumulated amortization(5,486)(5,532)(5,846)
Less accumulated amortization5,309
5,308
5,843
2,278
2,768
2,458
1,777
2,456
1,925
Total$7,160
$8,506
$7,342
$5,347
$7,803
$5,925
Amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2017 and 2016, was $600,000 and $1.3 million, respectively. Amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, was $700,000 and $1.4 million,$600,000, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets is $2.5 million in 2016, $2.2 million in 2017, $1.2 million in 2018, $1.0 million in 2019, $500,000 in 2020, $200,000 in 2021 and $1.1 million$800,000 thereafter.
Note 1210 - Derivative instrumentsFair value measurements
The Company's policy allows the use of derivative instruments as partCompany measures its investments in certain fixed-income and equity securities at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in income. The Company anticipates using these investments, which consist of an overall energy price, foreign currencyinsurance contract, to satisfy its obligations under its unfunded, nonqualified benefit plans for executive officers and interest rate riskcertain key management program to efficiently manageemployees, and minimize commodity price, foreign currencyinvests in these fixed-income and interest rate risk. Asequity securities for the purpose of June 30,earning investment returns and capital appreciation. These investments, which totaled $73.8 million, $69.1 million and $70.9 million, at March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had no outstanding commodity, foreign currency or interest rate hedges.
The fair value of derivative instruments must be estimatedand December 31, 2016, respectively, are classified as of the end of each reporting period and is recordedinvestments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as an asset or a liability.
Fidelity
At June 30, 2015, Fidelity held oil swap agreements with total forward notional volumes of 1.1Sheets. The net unrealized gains on these investments were $2.9 million Bbl and natural gas swap agreements with total forward notional volumes of 1.8$1.6 million MMBtu. At June 30,for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, and December 31, 2015, Fidelity had no outstanding derivative agreements. Fidelity historically utilized these derivative instruments to manage a portionrespectively. The change in fair value, which is considered part of the market risk associated with fluctuationscost of the plan, is classified in operation and maintenance expense on the priceConsolidated Statements of oil and natural gas on its forecasted sales of oil and natural gas production. Income.
The realized and unrealizedCompany did not elect the fair value option, which records gains and losses in income, for its available-for-sale securities, which include mortgage-backed securities and U.S. Treasury securities. These available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value and are classified as investments on the commodity derivative instruments, which were not designated as hedges, were both includedConsolidated Balance Sheets. Unrealized gains or losses are recorded in loss from discontinued operations and the associated assets and liabilities were classified as held for sale.


Centennial
Centennial has historically entered into interest rate derivative instruments to manage a portionaccumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Details of its interest rate exposure on the forecasted issuance of long-term debt. As of June 30, 2016 and 2015, and December 31, 2015, Centennial had no outstanding interest rate swap agreements.
Fidelity and Centennial
The gains and losses on derivative instrumentsavailable-for-sale securities were as follows:
 Three Months EndedSix Months Ended
 June 30,June 30,
 201620152016
2015
 (In thousands)
Interest rate derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:    
Amount of loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into interest expense (effective portion), net of tax$91
$100
$183
$199
Commodity derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:    
Amount of loss recognized in discontinued operations, before tax
(8,101)
(19,309)
March 31, 2017Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair Value
 (In thousands)
Mortgage-backed securities$9,971
$8
$(94)$9,885
U.S. Treasury securities412
1

413
Total$10,383
$9
$(94)$10,298
Over the next 12 months net losses of approximately $400,000 (after tax) are estimated to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings,
March 31, 2016Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair Value
 (In thousands)
Mortgage-backed securities$10,467
$46
$(14)$10,499
Total$10,467
$46
$(14)$10,499
December 31, 2016Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair Value
 (In thousands)
Mortgage-backed securities$10,546
$8
$(105)$10,449
Total$10,546
$8
$(105)$10,449


Fair value is defined as the hedged transactions affect earnings.price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The ASC establishes a hierarchy for grouping assets and liabilities, based on the significance of inputs.
The locationestimated fair values of the Company's assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis are determined using the market approach.
The Company's Level 2 money market funds are valued at the net asset value of shares held at the end of the quarter, based on published market quotations on active markets, or using other known sources including pricing from outside sources.
The estimated fair value of the gross amountCompany's Level 2 mortgage-backed securities and U.S. Treasury securities are based on comparable market transactions, other observable inputs or other sources, including pricing from outside sources.
The estimated fair value of the Company's derivative instrumentsLevel 2 insurance contract is based on contractual cash surrender values that are determined primarily by investments in managed separate accounts of the Consolidated Balance Sheetsinsurer. These amounts approximate fair value. The managed separate accounts are valued based on other observable inputs or corroborated market data.
Though the Company believes the methods used to estimate fair value are consistent with those used by other market participants, the use of other methods or assumptions could result in a different estimate of fair value. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, there were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2.
The Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
Asset
Derivatives
Location on
Consolidated
Balance Sheets
Fair Value at June 30, 2015
  (In thousands)
Not designated as hedges: 
Commodity derivativesCurrent assets held for sale$2,537
Total asset derivatives $2,537
 Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2017, Using 
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Balance at March 31, 2017
 (In thousands)
Assets:    
Money market funds$
$2,551
$
$2,551
Insurance contract*
73,775

73,775
Available-for-sale securities:    
Mortgage-backed securities
9,885

9,885
U.S. Treasury securities
413

413
Total assets measured at fair value$
$86,624
$
$86,624
* The insurance contract invests approximately 51 percent in fixed-income investments, 22 percent in common stock of large-cap companies, 13 percent in common stock of mid-cap companies, 11 percent in common stock of small-cap companies, 2 percent in target date investments and 1 percent in cash equivalents.
Liability
Derivatives
Location on
Consolidated
Balance Sheets
Fair Value at June 30, 2015
  (In thousands)
Not designated as hedges: 
Commodity derivativesCurrent liabilities held for sale$3,511
Total liability derivatives $3,511
All
 Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2016, Using 
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Balance at March 31, 2016
 (In thousands)
Assets:    
Money market funds$
$1,442
$
$1,442
Insurance contract*
69,110

69,110
Available-for-sale securities:    
Mortgage-backed securities
10,499

10,499
Total assets measured at fair value$
$81,051
$
$81,051
* The insurance contract invests approximately 65 percent in fixed-income investments, 18 percent in common stock of the Company's commodity derivative instruments at June 30, 2015, were subject to legally enforceable master netting agreements. However, the Company's policy is to not offsetlarge-cap companies, 9 percent in common stock of mid-cap companies, 6 percent in common stock of small-cap companies, 1 percent in target date investments and 1 percent in cash equivalents.


 Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016, Using 
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
 (Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 (Level 3)

Balance at December 31, 2016
 (In thousands)
Assets:    
Money market funds$
$1,602
$
$1,602
Insurance contract*
70,921

70,921
Available-for-sale securities:    
Mortgage-backed securities
10,449

10,449
Total assets measured at fair value$
$82,972
$
$82,972
* The insurance contract invests approximately 52 percent in fixed-income investments, 22 percent in common stock of large-cap companies, 13 percent in common stock of mid-cap companies, 10 percent in common stock of small-cap companies, 1 percent in target date investments and 2 percent in cash equivalents.
For information about fair value amounts for derivative instruments and, as a result, the Company's derivativeassessments of assets and liabilities are presented gross on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. classified as held for sale, see Note 8.
The gross derivative assets and liabilities (excluding settlement receivables and payables that may be subject to the same master netting agreements) presentedCompany's long-term debt is not measured at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the amount eligiblefair value is being provided for offset underdisclosure purposes only. The fair value was based on discounted future cash flows using current market interest rates. The estimated fair value of the master netting agreements is presented in the following table:Company's Level 2 long-term debt was as follows:
June 30, 2015Gross Amounts Recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Gross Amounts Not Offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Net
 (In thousands)
Assets:   
Commodity derivatives$2,537
$(2,537)$
Total assets$2,537
$(2,537)$
Liabilities:   
Commodity derivatives$3,511
$(2,537)$974
Total liabilities$3,511
$(2,537)$974
 
Carrying
Amount

Fair
Value

 (In thousands)
Long-term debt at March 31, 2017$1,703,006
$1,784,588
Long-term debt at March 31, 2016$1,858,054
$1,928,150
Long-term debt at December 31, 2016$1,790,159
$1,841,885
The carrying amounts of the Company's remaining financial instruments included in current assets and current liabilities approximate their fair values.
Note 11 - Equity
A summary of the changes in equity was as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
Total
Equity

 (In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2016$2,316,244
Net income37,325
Other comprehensive loss(452)
Dividends declared on preferred stocks(171)
Dividends declared on common stock(37,596)
Stock-based compensation996
Repurchase of common stock(1,684)
Issuance of common stock upon vesting of stock-based compensation, net of shares used for tax withholdings(757)
Balance at March 31, 2017$2,313,905


Three Months Ended March 31, 2016Total Stockholders' Equity
Noncontrolling Interest
Total
Equity

 (In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2015$2,396,505
$124,043
$2,520,548
Net income (loss)24,869
(11,040)13,829
Other comprehensive loss(1,434)
(1,434)
Dividends declared on preferred stocks(171)
(171)
Dividends declared on common stock(36,620)
(36,620)
Stock-based compensation1,065

1,065
Issuance of common stock upon vesting of stock-based compensation, net of shares used for tax withholdings(316)
(316)
Net tax deficit on stock-based compensation(1,517)
(1,517)
Balance at March 31, 2016$2,382,381
$113,003
$2,495,384
Note 1312 - Fair value measurementsCash flow information
The Company measures its investments in certain fixed-incomeCash expenditures for interest and equity securities at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in income. The Company anticipates using these investments, which consist of an insurance contract, to satisfy its obligations under its unfunded, nonqualified benefit plans for executive officers and certain key management employees, and invests in these fixed-income and equity securities for the purpose of earning investment returns and capital appreciation. These investments, which totaled $71.4 million, $68.2 million and $67.5 million, at June 30, 2016 and 2015, and December 31, 2015, respectively, are classified as investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The net unrealized gains on these investments were $2.3 million and $3.9 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016. The net unrealized gains on these investments were $400,000 and $2.4 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015. The change in fair value, which is considered part of the cost of the plan, is classified in operation and maintenance expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
The Company did not elect the fair value option, which records gains and losses in income for its available-for-sale securities, which include mortgage-backed securities and U.S. Treasury securities. These available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value and are classified as investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Unrealized gains or losses are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Details of available-for-sale securitiestaxes were as follows:
June 30, 2016Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair Value
 (In thousands)
Mortgage-backed securities$10,420
$52
$(12)$10,460
Total$10,420
$52
$(12)$10,460
 Three Months Ended
 March 31,
 2017
2016
 (In thousands)
Interest, net of amount capitalized and AFUDC - borrowed of $196 and $260 in 2017 and 2016, respectively$17,546
$23,109
Income taxes refunded, net*$(2,762)$(1,429)
June 30, 2015Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair Value
 (In thousands)
Mortgage-backed securities$8,072
$29
$(28)$8,073
U.S. Treasury securities2,327
22

2,349
Total$10,399
$51
$(28)$10,422
December 31, 2015Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair Value
 (In thousands)
Mortgage-backed securities$9,128
$19
$(49)$9,098
U.S. Treasury securities1,315

(6)1,309
Total$10,443
$19
$(55)$10,407
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The ASC establishes a hierarchy for grouping assets and liabilities, based on the significance of inputs.
The estimated fair values of the Company's assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis are determined using the market approach.
The Company's Level 2 money market funds are valued at the net asset value of shares held at the end of the quarter, based on published market quotations on active markets, or using other known sources including pricing from outside sources.
The estimated fair value of the Company's Level 2 mortgage-backed securities and U.S. Treasury securities are based on comparable market transactions, other observable inputs or other sources, including pricing from outside sources.
The estimated fair value of the Company's Level 2 insurance contract is based on contractual cash surrender values that are determined primarily by investments in managed separate accounts of the insurer. These amounts approximate fair value. The managed separate accounts are valued based on other observable inputs or corroborated market data.
Though the Company believes the methods used to estimate fair value are consistent with those used by other market participants, the use of other methods or assumptions could result in a different estimate of fair value. For the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, there were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2.


The Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
 Fair Value Measurements at June 30, 2016, Using 
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Balance at June 30, 2016
 (In thousands)
Assets:    
Money market funds$
$1,525
$
$1,525
Insurance contract*
71,355

71,355
Available-for-sale securities:    
Mortgage-backed securities
10,460

10,460
Total assets measured at fair value$
$83,340
$
$83,340
* The insurance contract invests approximately 9 percent in common stock of mid-cap companies, 6 percent in common stock of small-cap companies, 17 percent in common stock of large-cap companies, 66 percent in fixed-income investments, 1 percent in target date investments and 1 percent in cash equivalents.
*Income taxes refunded, net of discontinued operations, were $(7.2) million and $(1.4) million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
 
 Fair Value Measurements at June 30, 2015, Using 
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Balance at June 30, 2015
 (In thousands)
Assets:    
Money market funds$
$860
$
$860
Insurance contract*
68,187

68,187
Available-for-sale securities:    
Mortgage-backed securities
8,073

8,073
U.S. Treasury securities
2,349

2,349
Total assets measured at fair value$
$79,469
$
$79,469
* The insurance contract invests approximately 20 percent in common stock of mid-cap companies, 18 percent in common stock of small-cap companies, 28 percent in common stock of large-cap companies, 32 percent in fixed-income investments, 1 percent in target date investments and 1 percent in cash equivalents.
 Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015, Using 
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
 (Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 (Level 3)

Balance at December 31, 2015
 (In thousands)
Assets:    
Money market funds$
$1,420
$
$1,420
Insurance contract*
67,459

67,459
Available-for-sale securities:    
Mortgage-backed securities
9,098

9,098
U.S. Treasury securities
1,309

1,309
Total assets measured at fair value$
$79,286
$
$79,286
* The insurance contract invests approximately 9 percent in common stock of mid-cap companies, 7 percent in common stock of small-cap companies, 19 percent in common stock of large-cap companies, 63 percent in fixed-income investments, 1 percent in target date investments and 1 percent in cash equivalents.
The Company applies the provisions of the fair value measurement standard to its nonrecurring, non-financial measurements, including long-lived asset impairments. These assets are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances. The Company reviews the carrying value of its long-lived assets, excluding goodwill, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such carrying amounts may not be recoverable.


During the second quarter of 2015, coalbed natural gas gathering assetsNoncash investing transactions were reviewed for impairment and found to be impaired and were written down to their estimated fair value using the income approach. Under this approach, fair value is determined by using the present value of future estimated cash flows. The factors used to determine the estimated future cash flows include, but are not limited to, internal estimates of gathering revenue, future commodity prices and operating costs and equipment salvage values. The estimated cash flows are discounted using a rate that approximates the weighted average cost of capital of a market participant. These fair value inputs are not typically observable. At June 30, 2015, coalbed natural gas gathering assets were written down to the nonrecurring fair value measurement of $1.1 million. The fair value of these coalbed natural gas gathering assets have been categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
The Company performed fair value assessments of the assets and liabilities classified as held for sale. For more information on these Level 3 nonrecurring fair value measurements, see Note 10.
The Company's long-term debt is not measured at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the fair value is being provided for disclosure purposes only. The fair value was based on discounted future cash flows using current market interest rates. The estimated fair value of the Company's Level 2 long-term debt was as follows:
 
Carrying
Amount

Fair
Value

 (In thousands)
Long-term debt at June 30, 2016$1,987,307
$2,134,708
Long-term debt at June 30, 2015$2,302,343
$2,395,095
Long-term debt at December 31, 2015$1,796,163
$1,819,828
The carrying amounts of the Company's remaining financial instruments included in current assets and current liabilities approximate their fair values.
 March 31,
 2017
2016
 (In thousands)
Property, plant and equipment additions in accounts payable$5,212
$23,277
Note 14 - Equity
A summary of the changes in equity was as follows:
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016Total Stockholders' Equity
Noncontrolling Interest
Total
Equity

 (In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2015$2,396,505
$124,043
$2,520,548
Net loss(84,283)(131,691)(215,974)
Other comprehensive loss(1,058)
(1,058)
Dividends declared on preferred stocks(343)
(343)
Dividends declared on common stock(73,239)
(73,239)
Stock-based compensation2,015

2,015
Issuance of common stock upon vesting of stock-based compensation, net of shares used for tax withholdings(323)
(323)
Net tax deficit on stock-based compensation(1,664)
(1,664)
Contribution from noncontrolling interest
7,648
7,648
Balance at June 30, 2016$2,237,610
$
$2,237,610
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015Total Stockholders' Equity
Noncontrolling Interest
Total
Equity

 (In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2014$3,134,041
$115,743
$3,249,784
Net loss(535,521)(11,282)(546,803)
Other comprehensive income1,857

1,857
Dividends declared on preferred stocks(342)
(342)
Dividends declared on common stock(71,078)
(71,078)
Stock-based compensation1,107

1,107
Net tax deficit on stock-based compensation(1,632)
(1,632)
Issuance of common stock14,499

14,499
Contribution from noncontrolling interest
39,500
39,500
Balance at June 30, 2015$2,542,931
$143,961
$2,686,892


Note 1513 - Business segment data
The Company's reportable segments are those that are based on the Company's method of internal reporting, which generally segregates the strategic business units due to differences in products, services and regulation. The internal reporting of these operating segments is defined based on the reporting and review process used by the Company's chief executive officer. The vast majority of the Company's operations are located within the United States.
The electric segment generates, transmits and distributes electricity in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. The natural gas distribution segment distributes natural gas in those states as well as in Idaho, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington. These operations also supply related value-added services.
The pipeline and midstream segment provides natural gas transportation, underground storage and gathering and processing services as well as oil gathering, through regulated and nonregulated pipeline systems and processing facilities primarily in the Rocky Mountain and northern Great Plains regions of the United States. This segment also provides cathodic protection and other energy-related services. For information on the Company's natural gas and oil gathering and processing facility sold on January 1, 2017, see Note 8.
The construction materials and contracting segment mines aggregates and markets crushed stone, sand, gravel and related construction materials, including ready-mixed concrete, cement, asphalt, liquid asphalt and other value-added products. It also performs integrated contracting services. This segment operates in the central, southern and western United States and Alaska and Hawaii.
The construction services segment provides utility construction services specializing in constructing and maintaining electric and communicationscommunication lines, gas pipelines, fire suppression systems, and external lighting and traffic signalization. This segment also provides utility excavation and inside electrical and mechanical services, and manufactures and distributes transmission line construction equipment and other supplies.


The Other category includes the activities of Centennial Capital, which insures various types of risks as a captive insurer for certain of the Company's subsidiaries. The function of the captive insurer is to fund the deductible layers of the insured companies' general liability, automobile liability, and pollution liability and other coverages. Centennial Capital also owns certain real and personal property. The Other category also includes certain general and administrative costs (reflected in operation and maintenance expense) and interest expense which were previously allocated to the refining business and Fidelity and do not meet the criteria for income (loss) from discontinued operations. The Other category also includes Centennial Resources' former investment in the Brazilian Transmission Lines.Brazil.
Discontinued operations includes the results and supporting activities of Dakota Prairie Refining and Fidelity other than certain general and administrative costs and interest expense as described above. Dakota Prairie Refining refined crude oil and produced and sold diesel fuel, naphtha, ATBs and other by-products of the production process. In the second quarter of 2016, the Company sold all of the outstanding membership interests in Dakota Prairie Refining. Fidelity engaged in oil and natural gas development and production activities in the Rocky Mountain and Mid-Continent/Gulf States regions of the United States. Between September 2015 and March 2016, the Company entered into purchase and sale agreements to sell all of Fidelity's marketed oil and natural gas assets. The completion of these sales occurred between October 2015 and April 2016. For more information on discontinued operations, see Note 10.8.
The information below follows the same accounting policies as described in Note 1 of the Company's Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the 20152016 Annual Report. Information on the Company's businesses was as follows:
Three Months EndedSix Months EndedThree Months Ended
June 30,March 31,
2016
2015
2016
2015
2017
2016
(In thousands)(In thousands)
External operating revenues:   
Regulated operations:  
Electric$73,832
$64,265
$156,755
$136,041
$88,225
$82,923
Natural gas distribution112,770
132,965
412,165
463,538
342,519
299,395
Pipeline and midstream19,450
18,448
22,998
22,588
2,870
3,547
206,052
215,678
591,918
622,167
433,614
385,865
Nonregulated operations:  
Pipeline and midstream10,268
14,749
18,966
27,749
3,643
8,697
Construction materials and contracting541,257
495,640
751,108
701,298
200,776
209,852
Construction services285,924
211,515
541,424
446,918
299,572
255,500
Other447
457
747
752
320
300
837,896
722,361
1,312,245
1,176,717
504,311
474,349
Total external operating revenues$1,043,948
$938,039
$1,904,163
$1,798,884
$937,925
$860,214
  
Intersegment operating revenues: 
 
Regulated operations: 
Electric$
$
Natural gas distribution

Pipeline and midstream21,489
21,098
21,489
21,098
Nonregulated operations: 
Pipeline and midstream34
84
Construction materials and contracting86
118
Construction services6
462
Other1,743
1,669
1,869
2,333
Intersegment eliminations(23,358)(23,431)
Total intersegment operating revenues$
$
 


Three Months EndedSix Months EndedThree Months Ended
June 30,March 31,
2016
2015
2016
2015
2017
2016
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Intersegment operating revenues: 
 
 
 
Earnings on common stock: 
 
Regulated operations:  
Electric$
$
$
$
$14,333
$11,119
Natural gas distribution



27,861
25,241
Pipeline and midstream6,594
6,564
27,691
27,625
4,557
5,288
6,594
6,564
27,691
27,625
46,751
41,648
Nonregulated operations:  
Pipeline and midstream36
110
119
316
(628)1
Construction materials and contracting97
1,257
215
2,205
(19,912)(14,471)
Construction services77
3,491
539
15,186
7,362
5,974
Other1,669
1,792
3,338
3,563
(279)(1,458)
1,879
6,650
4,211
21,270
(13,457)(9,954)
Intersegment eliminations(8,473)(13,214)(31,902)(48,895)
Total intersegment operating revenues$
$
$
$
 
Earnings (loss) on common stock: 
 
 
 
Regulated operations: 
Electric$8,022
$5,910
$19,141
$14,237
Natural gas distribution(7,777)(5,375)17,464
16,075
Pipeline and midstream5,564
4,328
10,852
9,685
5,809
4,863
47,457
39,997
Nonregulated operations: 
Pipeline and midstream737
(966)739
89
Construction materials and contracting33,696
20,136
19,225
5,501
Construction services6,990
7,003
12,964
11,763
Other(1,105)(4,404)(2,564)(9,358)
40,318
21,769
30,364
7,995
Intersegment eliminations
(742)
(1,733)
Earnings on common stock before loss from
discontinued operations
46,127
25,890
77,821
46,259
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax(276,102)(263,419)(294,138)(593,404)
Intersegment eliminations*2,173

Earnings on common stock before income (loss) from
discontinued operations
35,467
31,694
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax*1,687
(18,036)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest(120,651)(7,754)(131,691)(11,282)
(11,040)
Total loss on common stock$(109,324)$(229,775)$(84,626)$(535,863)
Total earnings on common stock$37,154
$24,698
* Includes an elimination for the presentation of income tax adjustments between continuing and
discontinued operations.


Note 1614 - Employee benefit plans
Pension and other postretirement plans
The Company has noncontributory defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans for certain eligible employees. Components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company's pension and other postretirement benefit plans were as follows:
Pension Benefits
Other
Postretirement Benefits
Pension Benefits
Other
Postretirement Benefits
Three Months Ended June 30,2016
2015
2016
2015
Three Months Ended March 31,2017
2016
2017
2016
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Components of net periodic benefit cost:  
Service cost$
$46
$374
$425
$
$
$447
$450
Interest cost4,220
4,206
895
889
4,014
4,390
808
949
Expected return on assets(5,182)(5,753)(1,118)(1,223)(5,029)(5,280)(1,145)(1,149)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)
18
(343)(343)
Amortization of prior service credit

(343)(343)
Amortization of net actuarial loss1,514
1,813
299
553
1,793
1,593
336
448
Curtailment loss
258


Net periodic benefit cost, including amount capitalized552
588
107
301
778
703
103
355
Less amount capitalized121
53
4
33
107
81
(39)34
Net periodic benefit cost$431
$535
$103
$268
$671
$622
$142
$321
 Pension Benefits
Other
Postretirement Benefits
Six Months Ended June 30,2016
2015
2016
2015
 (In thousands)
Components of net periodic benefit cost:    
Service cost$
$86
$824
$908
Interest cost8,610
8,570
1,844
1,803
Expected return on assets(10,462)(11,126)(2,267)(2,398)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)
36
(686)(685)
Amortization of net actuarial loss3,107
3,548
747
1,014
Curtailment loss
258


Net periodic benefit cost, including amount capitalized1,255
1,372
462
642
Less amount capitalized202
129
38
62
Net periodic benefit cost$1,053
$1,243
$424
$580

Prior to 2013, defined pension plan benefits and accruals for all nonunion and certain union plans were frozen. On June 30, 2015, an additional union plan was frozen. As of June 30, 2015, all of the Company's defined pension plans were frozen. These employees were eligible to receive additional defined contribution plan benefits.
Nonqualified benefit plans
In addition to the qualified plan defined pension benefits reflected in the table, the Company also has unfunded, nonqualified benefit plans for executive officers and certain key management employees that generally provide for defined benefit payments at age 65 following the employee's retirement or, upon death, to their beneficiaries upon death for a 15-year period. In February 2016, the Company froze the unfunded, nonqualified defined benefit plans to new participants and eliminated upgrades.benefit increases. Vesting for participants not fully vested was retained. The Company's net periodic benefit cost for these plans for the three months ended June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, was $1.2 million. The Company's net periodic benefit credit for these plans for the sixthree months ended June 30,March 31, 2016, was $700,000,$1.9 million, which reflects a curtailment gain of $3.3 million in the first quarter of 2016. The Company's net periodic benefit cost for these plans for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, was$1.9 million and $3.6 million, respectively.million.
Multiemployer plans
On September 24, 2014, JTL - Wyoming provided notice to the Operating Engineers Local 800 & WY Contractors Association, Inc. Pension Plan for Wyoming that it was withdrawing from the plan effective October 26, 2014. The plan administrator will determine JTL - Wyoming's withdrawal liability. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company accrued an additional withdrawal liability of approximately $2.4 million. The cumulative withdrawal liability is currently estimated at $16.4 million which has been accrued on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The assessed withdrawal liability for this plan may be significantly different from the current estimate. Also, this plan's administrator has alleged that JTL - Wyoming owes additional contributions for periods of time prior to its withdrawal, which could affect its final assessed withdrawal liability. JTL - Wyoming disputes the


plan administrator's demand for additional contributions, and on February 23, 2016, filed a declaratory judgment action in the United States District Court for the District of Wyoming to resolve the dispute.
Note 1715 - Regulatory matters
On June 25, 2015, Montana-Dakota filed an application for an electric rate increase with the MTPSC. Montana-Dakota requested a total increase of approximately $11.8 million annually or approximately 21.1 percent above current rates to recover Montana-Dakota’s investments in modifications to generation facilities to comply with new EPA requirements, the addition and/or replacement of capacity and energy requirements and transmission facilities along with the additional depreciation, operation and maintenance expenses and taxes associated with the increases in investment. On February 8, 2016, Montana-Dakota and the interveners to the case filed a stipulation and settlement agreement reflecting an annual increase of $3.0 million effective April 1, 2016, and an additional increase of $4.4 million effective April 1, 2017. A technical hearing was held February 9, 2016. The MTPSC issued an order approving the settlement agreement on March 25, 2016. The approved rates were effective with service rendered on or after April 1, 2016.
On June 30, 2015, Montana-Dakota filed an application with the SDPUC for an electric rate increase. Montana-Dakota requested a total increase of approximately $2.7 million annually or approximately 19.2 percent above current rates to recover Montana-Dakota’s investments in modifications to generation facilities to comply with new EPA requirements, the addition and/or replacement of capacity and energy requirements and transmission facilities along with the additional depreciation, operation and maintenance expenses and taxes associated with the increases in investment. An interim increase of $2.7 million, subject to refund, was implemented January 1, 2016. Montana-Dakota and the SDPUC staff filed a settlement stipulation reflecting an overall annual increase of approximately $1.4 million including a transmission cost recovery rider and an infrastructure rider. A settlement hearing was held on June 7, 2016. The SDPUC issued an order approving the settlement on June 15, 2016. The approved rates were effective with service rendered on and after July 1, 2016. The final approved rate increase was less than the interim rate increase implemented January 1, 2016; therefore, Montana-Dakota will refund the difference with interest to customers no later than October 1, 2016.
On June 30, 2015, Montana-Dakota filed an application for a natural gas rate increase with the SDPUC. Montana-Dakota requested a total increase of approximately $1.5 million annually or approximately 3.1 percent above current rates to recover increased operating expenses along with increased investment in facilities, including the related depreciation expense and taxes, partially offset by an increase in customers and throughput. An interim increase of $1.5 million, subject to refund, was implemented January 1, 2016. Montana-Dakota, the SDPUC staff and other interested parties filed a settlement stipulation reflecting an overall increase of approximately $1.2 million. A settlement hearing was held on June 7, 2016. The SDPUC issued an order approving the settlement on June 15, 2016. The approved rates were effective with service rendered on and after July 1, 2016. The final approved rate increase was less than the interim rate increase implemented January 1, 2016; therefore, Montana-Dakota will refund the difference with interest to customers no later than October 1, 2016.
On September 30, 2015, Great Plains filed an application for a natural gas rate increase with the MNPUC. Great Plains requested a total increase of approximately $1.6 million annually or approximately 6.4 percent above current rates to recover increased operating expenses along with increased investment in facilities, including the related depreciation expense and taxes. Great Plains requested anAn interim increase of approximately $1.5 million or approximately 6.4 percent, subject to refund. The interim request was approved by the MNPUC on November 30, 2015, andrefund, was effective with service rendered on and after January 1, 2016. This matter is pending before the MNPUC. A technical hearing was held April 7, 2016. The MNPUC will deliberate the caseissued an order on August 5, 2016.
On October 21, 2015, Montana-Dakota filedSeptember 6, 2016, authorizing an applicationincrease of approximately $1.1 million annually or approximately 5.2 percent with the NDPSC for an updaterequirement that Great Plains submit a compliance filing within 30 days. On September 22, 2016, Great Plains submitted the required compliance filing which included a refund plan to return the amount of an electric generation resource recovery rider and requested a renewable resource cost adjustment rider. Montana-Dakota requested a combined total of approximately $25.3 million with approximately $20.0 million incremental to current rates, to be effective January 1, 2016. This application was resubmitted as two applications on October 26, 2015.
interim revenues collected above the final rates. On October 26, 2015, Montana-Dakota filed an application requesting a renewable resource cost adjustment rider of $15.4 million for the recovery of the Thunder Spirit Wind project, placed in service in the fourth quarter of 2015. A settlement was reached with the NDPSC Advocacy Staff whereby Montana-Dakota agreed to a 10.5 percent return on equity on the renewable resource cost adjustment rider, as well as committed to file an electric general rate case no later than September 30, 2016. The renewable resource cost adjustment rider was approved by the NDPSC on January 5, 2016, to be effective January 7, 2016, resulting in an annual increase of $15.1 million on an interim basis pending the determination of the return on equity in the upcoming rate case.
On October 26, 2015, Montana-Dakota filed an application for an update to the electric generation resource recovery rider, which currently includes recovery of Montana-Dakota's investment in the 88-MW simple-cycle natural gas turbine and associated facilities near Mandan, North Dakota. The application proposed to also include the 19 MW of new generation from natural gas-fired internal combustion engines and associated facilities, near Sidney, Montana, placed in service in the fourth quarter of 2015, for a total of $9.9 million or an incremental increase of $4.6 million to be recovered under the rider. On January 25, 2016, Montana-Dakota and the NDPSC Advocacy Staff filed a settlement agreement which would result in an interim increase of $9.7 million or an incremental increase of $4.4 million, subject to refund, a 10.5 percent return on equity and Montana-Dakota


would commit to filing an electric general rate case no later than September 30, 2016. A technical hearing on this matter was held on February 4, 2016. On March 9,December 22, 2016, the NDPSCMNPUC issued an order approving the settlement agreement on an interim basis pending the determination in the upcoming rate case to be filed by September 30, 2016, on the return on equity and the net investment authorized for the natural gas-fired internal combustion engines located near Sidney, Montana. The interim rates which were effective with service rendered on and after March 15, 2016.
On November 25, 2015, Montana-Dakota filed an application with the NDPSC for an update of its transmission cost adjustment for recovery of MISO-related charges and two transmission projects located in North Dakota, equatingJanuary 1, 2017. Great Plains issued refunds to $6.8 million to be collected under the transmission cost adjustment. An update to the transmission cost adjustment was submitted on January 19, 2016, to reflect the provisions of the settlement agreement approved by the NDPSC for the renewable resource cost adjustment rider whereby Montana-Dakota agreed to a 10.5 percent return on equity for this rider as well as committed to file an electric general rate case no later than September 30, 2016. An informal hearing with the NDPSC was held January 20, 2016, regarding this matter. The NDPSC approved the filingcustomers on February 10, 2016, on an interim basis with rates to be effective February 12, 2016.
On December 1, 2015, Cascade filed an application with the WUTC for a natural gas rate increase. Cascade requested a total increase of approximately $10.5 million annually or approximately 4.2 percent above current rates. The requested increase includes rate recovery associated with increased infrastructure investment and the associated operating expenses. A settlement in principle has been accepted by all parties reflecting an increase of $4.0 million annually. The WUTC approved the settlement on July 7, 2016. The approved rates are effective with service rendered on or after September 1, 2016.24, 2017.
On April 29, 2016, Cascade filed an application with the OPUC for a natural gas rate increase of approximately $1.9 million annually or approximately 2.8 percent above current rates. The request includes costsrate recovery associated with pipeline replacement and improvement projects to ensure the integrity of Cascade's system. This matter is pending before the OPUC.
On June 1,October 6, 2016, Cascade, staff of the OPUC and the interveners in the case filed an application with the WUTC fora stipulation and settlement agreement reflecting an annual pipeline replacement cost recovery mechanismincrease of $4.6 million or approximately 2.0 percent of additional revenue.$754,000 effective March 1, 2017. The requested increase includes $2.4 million associated with incremental pipeline replacement investmentsOPUC issued an order approving the stipulation and $2.2 million for an alternative recovery request of incremental operation and maintenance costs associated with a maximum allowable operating pressure validation plan. This matter is pending before the WUTC. If approved, rates will be effective November 1,settlement agreement on December 12, 2016.
On June 10, 2016, Montana-Dakota filed an application for an increase in electric rates with the WYPSC. Montana-Dakota requested an increase of approximately $3.2 million annually or approximately 13.1 percent above current rates to recover Montana-Dakota's increased investment in facilities along with additional depreciation, operation and maintenance expenses including increased fuel costs, and taxes associated with the increases in investment. On December 28, 2016, Montana-Dakota and the interveners of the case filed a stipulation and agreement reflecting an increase of approximately $2.7 million annually or approximately 11.1 percent above current rates. On April 6, 2017, the WYPSC issued a final order approving the stipulation and agreement with rates effective with service rendered on and after March 1, 2017.
On August 12, 2016, Intermountain filed an application with the IPUC for a natural gas rate increase of approximately $10.2 million annually or approximately 4.1 percent above current rates. The request includes rate recovery associated with increased investment in facilities and increased operating expenses. On January 17, 2017, Intermountain provided the IPUC with an updated revenue request of approximately $9.4 million. A hearing was held March 1-3, 2017. On April 28, 2017, the IPUC issued an order approving an increase of approximately $4.1 million or approximately 1.6 percent above current rates based on a 9.5 percent return on equity effective with service rendered on and after May 1, 2017. Intermountain is reviewing the final order.
On September 1, 2016, and as amended on January 10, 2017, Montana-Dakota submitted an update to its transmission formula rate under the MISO tariff including a revenue requirement for the Company's multivalue project along with a true-up of prior year expenditures of $11.1 million, which was effective January 1, 2017.
On December 2, 2016, Montana-Dakota filed an application with the MTPSC requesting authority to implement gas and electric tax tracking adjustments for Montana state and local taxes and fees that reflect the changes in state and local property taxes applicable to natural gas and electric utilities pursuant to Montana law. The requested tax tracking adjustments would result in an increase in revenues of approximately $814,000. On January 17, 2017, the MTPSC issued an order on the tax tracking adjustments. The gas tracking adjustment was approved as an increase to revenues of approximately $474,000 effective January 1, 2017. The electric tax tracking adjustment was approved as an increase to revenues of approximately $251,000 effective May 15, 2017. Montana-Dakota filed a motion for reconsideration of the electric tax tracking adjustment on January 27, 2017. The motion for reconsideration is pending before the MTPSC.
On December 21, 2016, Great Plains filed an application with the MNPUC requesting authority to implement a natural gas utility infrastructure cost tariff of approximately $456,000 annually effective beginning with service rendered May 20, 2017. The tariff will allow Great Plains to recover infrastructure investments, not previously included in rates, mandated by federal or state agencies associated with Great Plains' pipeline integrity programs. This matter is pending before the WYPSC.MNPUC.
On April 1, 2017, Montana-Dakota implemented Phase 2 of the electric rate case approved by the MTPSC on March 25, 2016. The annual increase of $4.7 million is effective with service rendered on and after April 1, 2017.
Montana-Dakota previously filed an application with the NDPSC on October 14, 2016, for an electric rate increase which also included a requested return on equity to be used in the determination of applications previously filed by Montana-Dakota for a renewable resource cost adjustment rider, an electric generation resource recovery rider, and a transmission cost adjustment rider. On April 7, 2017, Montana-Dakota, the NDPSC Advocacy Staff and the interveners in the case filed a settlement agreement resolving all issues in the general rate case. The settlement agreement included a net increase of approximately $7.5 million or 3.7 percent above previously approved final rates and a true-up of the return on equity used in the interim renewable resource cost adjustment, the electric generation resource recovery and transmission cost adjustment riders of 9.45 percent; a return on equity of 9.65 percent for base rates and the renewable resource cost adjustment rider on a go-forward basis; and a return on equity of 9.45 percent through December 31, 2019, for the natural gas-fired internal combustion engines and associated facilities included in the electric generation resource recovery rider. If the settlement agreement is approved by the NDPSC, final


rates will be less than the interim rates currently in effect. Therefore, Montana-Dakota will refund the difference to customers, which is approximately 19 percent of the amount collected from the general rate case interim increase, along with refunds, if any, to reflect true-ups for the various riders. The amount of refunds, less amounts previously accrued, are not expected to be material to the consolidated financial statements. A hearing on the settlement was held on April 10, 2017. This matter is pending before the NDPSC. The background information related to the settlement and related applications are discussed in the following paragraphs.
On October 26, 2015, Montana-Dakota filed an application with the NDPSC requesting a renewable resource cost adjustment rider for the recovery of the Thunder Spirit Wind project. On January 5, 2016, the NDPSC approved the rider to be effective January 7, 2016, resulting in an annual increase on an interim basis, subject to refund, of $15.1 million based upon a 10.5 percent return on equity. The interim rate is pending the determination of the return on equity in the general rate case application filed October 14, 2016, as discussed in this note.
On October 26, 2015, Montana-Dakota filed an application with the NDPSC for an update to the electric generation resource recovery rider. On March 9, 2016, the NDPSC approved the rider to be effective with service rendered on and after March 15, 2016, which resulted in interim rates, subject to refund, of $9.7 million based upon a 10.5 percent return on equity. The interim rates include recovery of Montana-Dakota's investment in the 88-MW simple-cycle natural gas turbine and associated facilities near Mandan, North Dakota, and the 19 MW of new generation from natural gas-fired internal combustion engines and associated facilities near Sidney, Montana. The net investment authorized for the natural gas-fired internal combustion engines and the return on equity on both investments are pending the general rate case application filed October 14, 2016, as discussed in this note.
On November 25, 2015, Montana-Dakota filed an application with the NDPSC for an update of its transmission cost adjustment rider for recovery of MISO-related charges and two transmission projects in North Dakota. On February 10, 2016, the NDPSC approved the transmission cost adjustment effective with service rendered on and after February 12, 2016, resulting in an annual increase on an interim basis, subject to refund, of $6.8 million based upon a 10.5 percent return on equity. The interim rate is pending the determination of the return on equity in the general rate case application filed October 14, 2016, as discussed in this note.
On October 14, 2016, Montana-Dakota filed an application with the NDPSC for an electric rate increase of approximately $13.4 million annually or 6.6 percent above current rates. The request includes rate recovery associated with increased investment in facilities, along with the related depreciation, operation and maintenance expenses and taxes associated with the increased investment. Montana-Dakota requested an interim increase of approximately $13.0 million or approximately 6.5 percent, subject to refund, to be effective within 60 days of the filing. On November 21, 2016, Montana-Dakota filed and on November 30, 2016, the NDPSC approved a revised interim increase of approximately $11.7 million, based on adjustments accepted by the NDPSC, or approximately 5.8 percent above current rates, subject to refund, effective with service rendered on or after December 13, 2016. This matter is pending the approval of the settlement agreement by the NDPSC, as previously discussed.
Note 1816 - Contingencies
The Company is party to claims and lawsuits arising out of its business and that of its consolidated subsidiaries. The Company accrues a liability for those contingencies when the incurrence of a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If a range of amounts can be reasonably estimated and no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, then the minimum of the range is accrued. The Company does not accrue liabilities when the likelihood that the liability has been incurred is probable but the amount cannot be reasonably estimated or when the liability is believed to be only reasonably possible or remote. For contingencies where an unfavorable outcome is probable or reasonably possible and which are material, the Company discloses the nature of the contingency and, in some circumstances, an estimate of the possible loss. The Company had accrued liabilities of $27.4$29.1 million, $20.7$19.0 million and $19.5$31.8 million, which include liabilities held for sale, for contingencies, including litigation, production taxes, royalty claims and environmental matters at June 30,March 31, 2017 and 2016, and 2015, and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively, including amounts that may have been accrued for matters discussed in Litigation and Environmental matters within this note.
Litigation
Natural Gas Gathering Operations Omimex filed a complaint against WBI Energy Midstream in Montana Seventeenth Judicial District Court in July 2010 alleging WBI Energy Midstream breached a gathering contract with Omimex as a result of the increased operating pressures demanded by a third party on a natural gas gathering system in Montana. In December 2011, Omimex filed an amended complaint alleging WBI Energy Midstream breached obligations to operate its gathering system as a common carrier under United States and Montana law. WBI Energy Midstream removed the action to the United States District Court for the District of Montana. The parties subsequently settled the breach of contract claim and, subject to final determination on liability, stipulated to the damages on the common carrier claim, for amounts that are not material. A trial on the common carrier claim was held during July 2013. On December 9, 2014, the United States District Court for the District of Montana issued an order determining WBI Energy Midstream breached its obligations as a common carrier and ordered judgment in favor of Omimex for the amount of the stipulated damages. WBI Energy Midstream filed an appeal from the United States


District Court for the District of Montana's order and judgment.
Construction MaterialsUntil the fall of 2011 when it discontinued active mining operations at the pit, JTL - Montana operated the Target Range Gravel Pit in Missoula County, Montana under The parties reached a 1975 reclamation contract pursuant to the Montana Opencut


Mining Act. In September 2009, the Montana DEQ sent a letter asserting JTL - Montana was in violationsettlement of the Montana Opencut Mining Actmatter in March 2017. The settlement provides for a payment by conducting mining operations outside a permitted area. JTL - Montana filed a complaint in Montana First Judicial District Court in June 2010, seeking a declaratory order that the reclamation contract is a valid permit under the Montana Opencut Mining Act. The Montana DEQ filed an answer and counterclaim to the complaint in August 2011, alleging JTL - Montana was in violation of the Montana Opencut Mining Act and requesting imposition of penalties of not more than $3.7 million plus not more than $5,000 per day from the date of the counterclaim. JTL - Montana submitted an application for amendment of its opencut mining permit in September 2015. JTL - Montana and the Montana DEQ entered into a stipulation for entry of a consent judgment, which was approved by the Montana First Judicial District Court in May 2016, providing for payment of a civil penalty by JTL - MontanaWBI Energy Midstream of an amount that wasis not material to the Company and for reclamation of the Target Range Gravel Pit in accordance with the application for amendment of the opencut mining permit previously submitted by JTL - Montana.
Construction ServicesBombard Mechanical is a third-party defendant in litigation pending in Nevada State District Court in which the plaintiff, Palms Place, LLC, claims damages attributable to defects in the construction of a 48 story residential tower built in 2008 for which Bombard Mechanical performed plumbing and mechanical work as a subcontractor. On March 12, 2015, the plaintiff presented cost of repair estimates totaling approximately $21 million for alleged plumbing and mechanical system defects associated in whole or in part with work performed by Bombard Mechanical. The matter was settled in June 2016. The settlement provided for a payment by Bombard Mechanical of an amount that was not material to the Company.
The Company also is subject to other litigation, and actual and potential claims in the ordinary course of its business which may include, but are not limited to, matters involving property damage, personal injury, and environmental, contractual, statutory and regulatory obligations. Accruals are based on the best information available but actual losses in future periods are affected by various factors making them uncertain. After taking into account liabilities accrued for the foregoing matters, management believes that the outcomes with respect to the above issues and other probable and reasonably possible losses in excess of the amounts accrued, while uncertain, will not have a material effect upon the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Environmental matters
Portland Harbor Site In December 2000, Knife River - Northwest was named by the EPA as a PRP in connection with the cleanup of a riverbed site adjacent to a commercial property site acquired by Knife River - Northwest from Georgia-Pacific West, Inc. in 1999. The riverbed site is part of the Portland, Oregon, Harbor Superfund Site. The EPA wants responsible parties to share in the cleanup of sediment contamination in the Willamette River. To date, costs of the overall remedial investigation and feasibility study of the harbor site are being recorded, and initially paid, through an administrative consent order by the LWG, a group of several entities, which does not include Knife River - Northwest or Georgia-Pacific West, Inc. Investigative costs are indicated to be in excess of $70$100 million. It is not possible to estimate the costOn January 6, 2017, Region 10 of a corrective action plan until the remedial investigation and feasibility study have been completed, the EPA has decided on a strategy andissued a ROD has been published.with its selected remedy for cleanup of the in-river portion of the site. Implementation of the remedy is expected to take up to 13 years with a present value cost estimate of approximately $1 billion. Corrective action will not be taken afteruntil remedial design/remedial action plans are approved by the development of a proposed plan and ROD on the harbor site is issued.EPA. Knife River - Northwest also received notice in January 2008 that the Portland Harbor Natural Resource Trustee Council intends to perform an injury assessment to natural resources resulting from the release of hazardous substances at the Harbor Superfund Site. The Portland Harbor Natural Resource Trustee Council indicates the injury determination is appropriate to facilitate early settlement of damages and restoration for natural resource injuries. It is not possible to estimate the costs of natural resource damages until an assessment is completed and allocations are undertaken.
Based upon a review of the Portland Harbor sediment contamination evaluation by the Oregon DEQ and other information available, Knife River - Northwest does not believe it is a Responsible Party.responsible party. In addition, Knife River - Northwest has notified Georgia-Pacific West, Inc., that it intends to seek indemnity for liabilities incurred in relation to the above matters pursuant to the terms of their sale agreement. Knife River - Northwest has entered into an agreement tolling the statute of limitations in connection with the LWG's potential claim for contribution to the costs of the remedial investigation and feasibility study. By letter in March 2009, LWG stated its intent to file suit against Knife River - Northwest and others to recover LWG's investigation costs to the extent Knife River - Northwest cannot demonstrate its non-liability for the contamination or is unwilling to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process that has been established to address the matter. At this time, Knife River - Northwest has agreed to participate in the alternative dispute resolution process.
The Company believes it is not probable that it will incur any material environmental remediation costs or damages in relation to the above referenced matter.
Coos County The Oregon DEQ issued a Notice of Civil Penalty to LTM dated October 12, 2015, asserting violations of Oregon water quality statutes and rules resulting from the stockpiling and grading of earthen material during 2014 at a site in Coos County and assessing civil penalties totaling approximately $160,000. The Notice of Civil Penalty alleges violations by causing pollution to an intermittent creek, by conducting activity described in a general National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit without applying for coverage under the general permit, by placing the earthen materials in a location where they were likely to escape or be carried into waters of the state, and by failing to submit a revised ESCP where there was a change in the size of the project or the location of the disturbed area. The Notice of Civil Penalty also requires LTM to submit a revised ESCP containing measures to prevent further erosion from entering the intermittent creek and to file a work plan outlining how the earthen material will be permanently stabilized or removed. LTM requested a contested case hearing on the Notice of Civil Penalty. LTM and the Oregon


DEQ entered into a mutual agreement and final order which included provisions for a civil penalty of an amount that was not material to the Company and for compliance with a monitoring and maintenance plan for the affected area.
Manufactured Gas Plant Sites There are three claims against Cascade for cleanup of environmental contamination at manufactured gas plant sites operated by Cascade's predecessors.
The first claim is for contamination at a site in Eugene, Oregon which was received in 1995. There are PRPs in addition to Cascade that may be liable for cleanup of the contamination. Some of these PRPs have shared in the investigation costs. It is expected that these and other PRPs will share in the cleanup costs. Several alternatives for cleanup have been identified, with preliminary cost estimates ranging from approximately $500,000 to $11.0 million. The Oregon DEQ released a ROD in January 2015 that selected a remediation alternative for the site as recommended in an earlier staff report. It is not known at this time what share of the cleanup costs will actually be borne by Cascade; however, Cascade anticipates its proportional share could be approximately 50 percent. Cascade has accrued $1.7$1.6 million for remediation of this site. In January 2013, the OPUC approved Cascade's application to defer environmental remediation costs at the Eugene site for a period of 12 months starting November 30, 2012. Cascade received orders reauthorizing the deferred accounting for the 12-month periods starting November 30, 2013, December 1, 2014, and December 1, 2015. Cascade has requested authority to defer accounting for the 12-month period starting December 1, 2016, which is pending before the OPUC.
The second claim is for contamination at a site in Bremerton, Washington which was received in 1997. A preliminary investigation has found soil and groundwater at the site contain contaminants requiring further investigation and cleanup. The EPA conducted a Targeted Brownfields Assessment of the site and released a report summarizing the results of that assessment in August 2009. The assessment confirms that contaminants have affected soil and groundwater at the site, as well as sediments in the adjacent Port Washington Narrows. Alternative remediation options have been identified with preliminary cost estimates ranging from $340,000 to $6.4 million. Data developed through the assessment and previous investigations indicates the contamination likely derived from multiple, different sources and multiple current and former owners of properties and businesses in the vicinity of the site may be responsible for the contamination. In April 2010, the Washington DOE issued notice it considered Cascade a PRP for hazardous substances at the site. In May 2012, the EPA added the site to the National Priorities List of Superfund sites. Cascade has entered into an administrative settlement agreement and consent order with the EPA regarding the scope and schedule for a


remedial investigation and feasibility study for the site. Cascade has accrued $12.8$12.4 million for the remedial investigation, feasibility study and remediation of this site. In April 2010, Cascade filed a petition with the WUTC for authority to defer the costs, which are included in other noncurrent assets, incurred in relation to the environmental remediation of this site. The WUTC approved the petition in September 2010, subject to conditions set forth in the order.
The third claim is for contamination at a site in Bellingham, Washington. Cascade received notice from a party in May 2008 that Cascade may be a PRP, along with other parties, for contamination from a manufactured gas plant owned by Cascade and its predecessor from about 1946 to 1962. The notice indicates that current estimates to complete investigation and cleanup of the site exceed $8.0 million. Other PRPs have reached an agreed order and work plan with the Washington DOE for completion of a remedial investigation and feasibility study for the site. A report documenting the initial phase of the remedial investigation was completed in June 2011. There is currently not enough information available to estimate the potential liability to Cascade associated with this claim although Cascade believes its proportional share of any liability will be relatively small in comparison to other PRPs. The plant manufactured gas from coal between approximately 1890 and 1946. In 1946, shortly after Cascade's predecessor acquired the plant, it converted the plant to a propane-air gas facility. There are no documented wastes or by-products resulting from the mixing or distribution of propane-air gas.
Cascade has received notices from and entered into agreement with certain of its insurance carriers that they will participate in defense of Cascade for these contamination claims subject to full and complete reservations of rights and defenses to insurance coverage. To the extent these claims are not covered by insurance, Cascade willintends to seek recovery through the OPUC and WUTC of remediation costs in its natural gas rates charged to customers. The accruals related to these matters are reflected in regulatory assets.
Guarantees
In June 2016, WBI Energy sold all of the outstanding membership interests in Dakota Prairie Refining. In connection with the sale, Centennial agreed to continue to guarantee certain debt obligations of Dakota Prairie Refining which totaled $66$62.6 million at June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, and are expected to mature by 2023. Tesoro agreed to indemnify Centennial for any losses and litigation expenses arising from the guarantee. The estimated fair values of the indemnity asset and guarantee liability are reflected in deferred charges and other assets - other and deferred credits and other liabilities - other, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Continuation of the guarantee was required as a condition to the sale of Dakota Prairie Refining.

In March 2016, a sale agreement was signed to sell Fidelity's assets in the Paradox Basin. In connection with the sale, Centennial agreed to guarantee Fidelity's indemnity obligations associated with the Paradox assets. The guarantee was required by the buyer as a condition to the sale of the Paradox Basin assets.

In 2009, multiple salessale agreements were signed to sell the Company's ownership interests in the Brazilian Transmission Lines. In connection with the sale, Centennial agreed to guarantee payment of any indemnity obligations of certain of the Company's indirect wholly owned subsidiaries who were the sellers in three purchase and sale agreements for periods ranging up to 10 years from the date of sale. The guarantees were required by the buyers as a condition to the sale of the Brazilian Transmission Lines.



Certain subsidiaries of the Company have outstanding guarantees to third parties that guarantee the performance of other subsidiaries of the Company. These guarantees are related to construction contracts, insurance deductibles and loss limits, and certain other guarantees. At June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, the fixed maximum amounts guaranteed under these agreements aggregated $114.6$92.8 million. The amounts of scheduled expiration of the maximum amounts guaranteed under these agreements aggregate $15.5 million in 2016; $35.8$8.3 million in 2017; $5.9$26.2 million in 2018; $53.4$54.3 million in 2019; and $4.0 million, which has no scheduled maturity date. There were no amounts outstanding under the above guarantees at June 30, 2016.March 31, 2017. In the event of default under these guarantee obligations, the subsidiary issuing the guarantee for that particular obligation would be required to make payments under its guarantee.
Certain subsidiaries have outstanding letters of credit to third parties related to insurance policies and other agreements, some of which are guaranteed by other subsidiaries of the Company. At June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, the fixed maximum amounts guaranteed under these letters of credit aggregated $37.9$31.0 million. The amounts of scheduled expiration of the maximum amounts guaranteed under these letters of credit aggregate $9.6$30.3 million in 20162017 and $28.3 million$700,000 in 2017.2018. There were no amounts outstanding under the above letters of credit at June 30, 2016.March 31, 2017. In the event of default under these letter of credit obligations, the subsidiary issuing the letter of credit for that particular obligation would be required to make payments under its letter of credit.
In addition, Centennial, Knife River and MDU Construction Services have issued guarantees to third parties related to the routine purchase of maintenance items, materials and lease obligations for which no fixed maximum amounts have been specified. These guarantees have no scheduled maturity date. In the event a subsidiary of the Company defaults under these obligations, Centennial, Knife River or MDU Construction Services would be required to make payments under these guarantees. Any amounts outstanding by subsidiaries of the Company for these guarantees were reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at June 30, 2016.March 31, 2017.
In the normal course of business, Centennial has surety bonds related to construction contracts and reclamation obligations of its subsidiaries. In the event a subsidiary of Centennial does not fulfill a bonded obligation, Centennial would be responsible to the surety bond company for completion of the bonded contract or obligation. A large portion of the surety bonds is expected to expire


within the next 12 months; however, Centennial will likely continue to enter into surety bonds for its subsidiaries in the future. At June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, approximately $787.4$744.0 million of surety bonds were outstanding, which were not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Variable interest entities
The Company evaluates its arrangements and contracts with other entities to determine if they are VIEs and if so, if the Company is the primary beneficiary.
Dakota Prairie Refining, LLC On February 7, 2013, WBI Energy and Calumet formed a limited liability company, Dakota Prairie Refining, and entered into an operating agreement to develop, build and operate Dakota Prairie Refinery in southwestern North Dakota. WBI Energy and Calumet each had a 50 percent ownership interest in Dakota Prairie Refining. WBI Energy's and Calumet's capital commitments, based on a total project cost of $300 million, under the agreement were $150 million and $75 million, respectively. Capital commitments for construction in excess of $300 million were shared equally between WBI Energy and Calumet. Dakota Prairie Refining entered into a term loan for project debt financing of $75 million on April 22, 2013. The operating agreement provided for allocation of profits and losses consistent with ownership interests; however, deductions attributable to project financing debt was allocated to Calumet. Calumet's cash distributions from Dakota Prairie Refining were decreased by the principal and interest paid on the project debt, while the cash distributions to WBI Energy were not decreased. Pursuant to the operating agreement, Centennial agreed to guarantee Dakota Prairie Refining's obligation under the term loan. The net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest on the Consolidated Statements of Income is pretax as Dakota Prairie Refining was a limited liability company. For more information related to the guarantee, see Guarantees in this note.
Dakota Prairie Refining was determined to be a VIE, and the Company had determined that it was the primary beneficiary as it had an obligation to absorb losses that could behave been potentially significant to the VIE through WBI Energy's equity investment and Centennial's guarantee of the third-party term loan. Accordingly, the Company consolidated Dakota Prairie Refining in its financial statements and recorded a noncontrolling interest for Calumet's ownership interest.
On June 24, 2016, WBI Energy entered into a membership interest purchase agreement with Tesoro to sell all of the outstanding membership interests in Dakota Prairie Refining to Tesoro. To effectuate the sale, WBI Energy acquired Calumet’s 50 percent membership interest in Dakota Prairie Refining on June 27, 2016. The sale of the membership interests to Tesoro closed on June 27, 2016. For more information on the Company's discontinued operations, see Note 10.


8.
Dakota Prairie Refinery commenced operations in May 2015. The assets of Dakota Prairie Refining were used solely for the benefit of Dakota Prairie Refining. The total assets and liabilities of Dakota Prairie Refining were as follows:
June 30, 2015
December 31, 2015
March 31, 2016
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Assets  
Current assets:  
Cash and cash equivalents$845
$851
$478
Accounts receivable29,639
7,693
11,169
Inventories24,166
13,176
17,056
Prepayments and other current assets7,887
6,215
6,124
Total current assets62,537
27,935
34,827
Net property, plant and equipment431,476
425,123
419,492
Deferred charges and other assets:  
Other5,729
9,626
8,941
Total deferred charges and other assets5,729
9,626
8,941
Total assets$499,742
$462,684
$463,260
Liabilities  
Current liabilities:  
Short-term borrowings$26,000
$45,500
$63,200
Long-term debt due within one year3,000
5,250
6,375
Accounts payable38,339
24,766
27,697
Taxes payable1,601
1,391
1,001
Accrued compensation649
938
717
Other accrued liabilities932
4,953
7,155
Total current liabilities70,521
82,798
106,145
Long-term debt66,000
63,750
62,625
Total liabilities$136,521
$146,548
$168,770


Fuel Contract Coyote Station entered into a coal supply agreement with Coyote Creek that provides for the purchase of coal necessary to supply the coal requirements of the Coyote Station for the period May 2016 through December 2040. Coal purchased under the coal supply agreement is reflected in inventories on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets and is recovered from customers as a component of fuel and purchased power.
The coal supply agreement creates a variable interest in Coyote Creek due to the transfer of all operating and economic risk to the Coyote Station owners, as the agreement is structured so the price of the coal will cover all costs of operations as well as future reclamation costs. The Coyote Station owners are also providing a guarantee of the value of the assets of Coyote Creek as they would be required to buy the assets at book value should they terminate the contract prior to the end of the contract term and are providing a guarantee of the value of the equity of Coyote Creek in that they are required to buy the entity at the end of the contract term at equity value. Although the Company has determined that Coyote Creek is a VIE, the Company has concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of Coyote Creek because the authority to direct the activities of the entity is shared by the four unrelated owners of the Coyote Station, with no primary beneficiary existing. As a result, Coyote Creek is not required to be consolidated in the Company's financial statements.
At June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, the Company's exposure to loss as a result of the Company's involvement with the VIE, based on the Company's ownership percentage, was $44.7$42.7 million.
Note 17 - Subsequent events
On March 1, 2017, the Company provided notice of its intent to redeem all outstanding shares of its preferred stock. Effective April 1, 2017, all outstanding preferred stock was redeemed for a repurchase price of approximately $15.9 million. The redemption of the preferred stock was funded with borrowings from the Company's commercial paper program and cash on hand.

On April 25, 2017, Cascade amended its revolving credit agreement to increase the borrowing limit to $75.0 million and extend the termination date to April 24, 2020.

On April 25, 2017, Intermountain amended its revolving credit agreement to increase the borrowing limit to $85.0 million and extend the termination date to April 24, 2020.


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
The Company's strategy is to apply its expertise in the regulated energy delivery and construction materials and services businesses to increase market share, increase profitability and enhance shareholder value through:
Organic growth as well as a continued disciplined approach to the acquisition of well-managed companies and properties
The elimination of system-wide cost redundancies through increased focus on integration of operations and standardization and consolidation of various support services and functions across companies within the organization
The development of projects that are accretive to earnings per share and return on invested capital
Divestiture of certain assets to fund capital growth projects throughout the Company
The Company has capabilities to fund its growth and operations through various sources, including internally generated funds, commercial paper facilities, revolving credit facilities, the issuance from time to time of debt and equity securities and asset sales. For more information on the Company's net capital expenditures, see Liquidity and Capital Commitments.
The key strategies for each of the Company's business segments and certain related business challenges are summarized below. For a summary of the Company's businesses, see Note 15.13.
Key Strategies and Challenges
Electric and Natural Gas Distribution
StrategyProvide safe and reliable competitively priced energy and related services to customers. The electric and natural gas distribution segments continually seek opportunities to retain, grow and expand their customer base through extensions of existing operations, including building and upgrading electric generation and transmission and natural gas systems, and through selected acquisitions of companies and properties at prices that will provide stable cash flows and an opportunity for the Company to earn a competitive return on investment.
Challenges Both segments are subject to extensive regulation in the state jurisdictions where they conduct operations with respect to costs and timely recovery and permitted returns on investment as well as subject to certain operational, system integrity and environmental regulations. These regulations can require substantial investment to upgrade facilities. The ability of these segments to grow through acquisitions is subject to significant competition. In addition, the ability of both segments to grow service territory and customer base is affected by the economic environment of the markets served and competition from other energy providers and fuels. The construction of any new electric generating facilities, transmission lines and other service facilities is subject to increasing cost and lead time, extensive permitting procedures, and federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives, which will necessitate increases in electric energy prices. Legislative and regulatory initiatives to increase renewable energy resources and reduce GHG emissions could impact the price and demand for electricity and natural gas and could result in the retirement of certain electric generating facilities before they are fully depreciated.
Pipeline and Midstream
Strategy Utilize the segment's existing expertise in energy infrastructure and related services to increase market share and profitability through optimization of existing operations, internal growth, and investments in and acquisitions of energy-related assets and companies both in its current operating areas and beyond its Rocky Mountain and northern Great Plains base. Incremental and new growth opportunities include: access to new energy sources for storage, gathering and transportation services; expansion of existing storage, gathering and transmission facilities; incremental pipeline projects which expand pipeline capacity; and expansion of the pipeline and midstream business to include liquid pipelines and processing activities; and expansion of related energy services.activities.
Challenges ChallengesOngoing challenges for this segment include: energy price volatility; basis differentials; environmental and regulatory requirements; securing permits and easements; recruitment and retention of a skilled workforce; and competition from other pipeline and midstream companies.
Construction Materials and Contracting
Strategy Focus on high-growth strategic markets located near major transportation corridors and desirable mid-sized metropolitan areas; strengthen long-term, strategic aggregate reserve position through purchase and/or lease opportunities; enhance profitability through cost containment, margin discipline and vertical integration of the segment's operations; develop and recruit talented employees; and continue growth through organic and acquisition opportunities. Vertical integration allows the segment to manage operations from aggregate mining to final lay-down of concrete and asphalt, with control of and access to permitted aggregate reserves being significant. A key element of the Company's long-term strategy for this business is to further expand its market presence in the higher-margin materials business (rock, sand, gravel, liquid asphalt, asphalt concrete, ready-mixed concrete and related products), complementing and expanding on the Company's expertise.
Challenges Recruitment and retention of key personnel and volatility in the cost of raw materials such as diesel, gasoline, liquid asphalt, cement and steel, are ongoing challenges. This business unit expects to continue cost containment efforts, positioning its operations for the resurgence in the private market, while continuing the emphasis on industrial, energy and public works projects.


Construction Services
Strategy Provide a superior return on investment by: building new and strengthening existing customer relationships; effectively controlling costs; retaining, developing and recruiting talented employees; growing through organic and acquisition opportunities; and focusing efforts on projects that will permit higher margins while properly managing risk.
Challenges This segment operates in highly competitive markets with many jobs subject to competitive bidding. Maintenance of effective operational and cost controls, retention of key personnel, managing through downturns in the economy and effective management of working capital are ongoing challenges.
Additional Information
For more information on the risks and challenges the Company faces as it pursues its growth strategies and other factors that should be considered for a better understanding of the Company's financial condition, see Part II, Item 1A - Risk Factors, as well as Part I, Item 1A - Risk Factors in the 20152016 Annual Report. For more information on key growth strategies, projections and certain assumptions, see Prospective Information. For information pertinent to various commitments and contingencies, see Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Earnings Overview
The following table summarizes the contribution to the consolidated lossearnings by each of the Company's businesses.
Three Months EndedSix Months EndedThree Months Ended
June 30,March 31,
2016
2015
2016
2015
2017
2016
(Dollars in millions, where applicable)(Dollars in millions, where applicable)
Electric$8.0
$5.9
$19.2
$14.2
$14.3
$11.1
Natural gas distribution(7.8)(5.4)17.5
16.1
27.9
25.2
Pipeline and midstream6.3
3.4
11.6
9.8
3.9
5.3
Construction materials and contracting33.7
20.1
19.2
5.5
(19.9)(14.5)
Construction services7.0
7.0
13.0
11.8
7.4
6.0
Other(1.1)(4.5)(2.6)(9.4)(.3)(1.5)
Intersegment eliminations
(.7)
(1.7)2.2

Earnings before discontinued operations46.1
25.8
77.9
46.3
35.5
31.6
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax(276.1)(263.4)(294.2)(593.4)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax1.7
(18.0)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest(120.7)(7.8)(131.7)(11.2)
(11.1)
Loss on common stock$(109.3)$(229.8)$(84.6)$(535.9)
Earnings (loss) per common share – basic: 
 
 
 
Earnings on common stock$37.2
$24.7
Earnings per common share – basic: 
 
Earnings before discontinued operations$.24
$.13
$.40
$.24
$.18
$.16
Discontinued operations attributable to the Company, net of tax(.80)(1.31)(.83)(2.99).01
(.03)
Earnings (loss) per common share – basic$(.56)$(1.18)$(.43)$(2.75)
Earnings (loss) per common share – diluted: 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share – basic$.19
$.13
Earnings per common share – diluted: 
 
Earnings before discontinued operations$.24
$.13
$.40
$.24
$.18
$.16
Discontinued operations attributable to the Company, net of tax(.80)(1.31)(.83)(2.99).01
(.03)
Earnings (loss) per common share – diluted$(.56)$(1.18)$(.43)$(2.75)
Earnings per common share – diluted$.19
$.13
Three Months Ended June 30,March 31, 2017 and 2016 and 2015 The Company recognized a consolidated lossearnings of $109.3$37.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, compared to a consolidated loss of $229.8$24.7 million from the comparable prior period largely due to:
Discontinued operations which reflectreflects the absence in 20162017 of a fair value impairmentloss at the refining business which was sold in June 2016, as well as the reversal in 2017 of a previously accrued liability due to the explorationresolution of a legal matter
Higher natural gas retail sales volumes of 21 percent to all customer classes due to increased customers and production business's assetscolder weather in all regions served at the natural gas distribution business
Higher electric retail sales margins, primarily due to the recovery of $252.0 million (after tax)additional investment in 2015,a MISO project, approved final and interim rate increases and 6 percent higher retail sales volumes primarily to residential and commercial customers at the electric business
Higher inside electrical workloads and margins offset in part by the absence in 2017 of a fair value impairmenttax benefit of Dakota Prairie Refining of $156.7$1.5 million (after tax) in 2016at the construction services business
HigherThese increases were partially offset by:
Lower construction margins and revenues and margins, higher asphalt andlower ready-mixed concrete margins and volumes and higher other product line margins at the construction materials and contracting business
Other reflects lower operation and maintenance expense and lower interest expense, which have been reduced withLower earnings due to the sale of Fidelity's marketed oil and natural gas assets
Higher electric retail sales margins, largely the result of approved regulatory recovery trackers related to capital investments at the electric business
The absencePronghorn in 2016 of an impairment of coalbed natural gas gathering assetsJanuary 2017 at the pipeline and midstream business
Partially offsetting these increases were lower natural gas sales margins related to decreased retail sales volumes of 6 percent resulting from warmer weather and decreased transportation volumes of 13 percent at the natural gas distribution business.


Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 The Company recognized a consolidated loss of $84.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016, compared to a consolidated loss of $535.9 million from the comparable prior period largely due to:
Discontinued operations which reflect the absence in 2016 of a noncash write-down of oil and natural gas properties of $315.3 million (after tax) and a fair value impairment of the exploration and production business's assets of $252.0 million (after tax) in 2015, offset in part by a fair value impairment of Dakota Prairie Refining of $156.7 million (after tax) in 2016
Higher construction revenues and margins, higher asphalt and ready-mixed concrete margins and volumes and higher other product line margins at the construction materials and contracting business
Other reflects lower operation and maintenance expense and lower interest expense, which have been reduced with the sale of Fidelity's marketed oil and natural gas assets
Higher retail sales margins, largely the result of approved regulatory recovery trackers related to capital investments, offset in part by decreased electric sales volumes of 4 percent to all customer classes at the electric business
The absence in 2016 of an impairment of coalbed natural gas gathering assets at the pipeline and midstream business
Financial and Operating Data
Below are key financial and operating data for each of the Company's businesses.
Electric
Three Months EndedSix Months EndedThree Months Ended
June 30,March 31,
2016
2015
2016
2015
2017
2016
(Dollars in millions, where applicable)(Dollars in millions, where applicable)
Operating revenues$73.8
$64.3
$156.8
$136.0
$88.2
$82.9
Operating expenses: 
 
   
 
Fuel and purchased power15.9
19.3
37.9
43.1
21.9
22.0
Operation and maintenance28.8
22.5
55.8
43.6
28.2
26.9
Depreciation, depletion and amortization12.4
9.3
25.3
18.6
11.8
12.9
Taxes, other than income3.3
3.0
6.6
6.1
3.5
3.4
60.4
54.1
125.6
111.4
65.4
65.2
Operating income13.4
10.2
31.2
24.6
22.8
17.7
Earnings$8.0
$5.9
$19.2
$14.2
$14.3
$11.1
Retail sales (million kWh)732.1
745.0
1,594.5
1,652.7
Retail sales (million kWh): 
Residential355.8
323.6
Commercial397.0
373.7
Industrial141.9
143.7
Other22.3
21.4
917.0
862.4
Average cost of fuel and purchased power per kWh$.020
$.024
$.022
$.024
$.022
$.024
Three Months Ended June 30,March 31, 2017 and 2016 and 2015 Electric earnings increased $2.1$3.2 million (36(29 percent) due to:
Higher retail sales margins, largely the result of approved regulatory recovery trackers related to capital investments
Favorable income tax changes, which include $2.4 millionprimarily due to higher production tax creditsthe recovery of additional investment in a MISO project, approved final and interim rate increases and increased retail sales volumes of 6 percent, primarily to residential and commercial customers
Partially offsetting these increases were:
HigherLower depreciation, depletion and amortization expense of $1.9 million$600,000 (after tax) due to increased property, plant and equipment balanceslower depreciation rates implemented in conjunction with regulatory recovery activity
Lower other income, which includes $1.4 million (after tax) primarily related to AFUDC
Higher interest expense, which includes $1.2 million (after tax) largelyPartially offsetting the result ofearnings increase was higher long-term debt
Higher operation and maintenance expense, which includes $700,000 (after tax) primarily due to higher payroll-related costs
The previous table also reflects higher operation and timing of software maintenance expense due to higher transmission costs being recovered in an approved transmission tracker.costs.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 Electric earnings increased $5.0 million (34 percent) due to:
Higher retail sales margins, largely the result of approved regulatory recovery trackers related to capital investments, offset in part by decreased electric sales volumes of 4 percent to all customer classes
Favorable income tax changes, which include $4.6 million due to higher production tax credits
Partially offsetting these increases were:
Higher depreciation, depletion and amortization expense of $4.1 million (after tax) due to increased property, plant and equipment balances


Lower other income, which includes $2.2 million (after tax) primarily related to AFUDC
Higher interest expense, which includes $2.1 million (after tax) largely the result of higher long-term debt
The previous table also reflects higher operation and maintenance expense due to higher transmission costs being recovered in an approved transmission tracker.
Natural Gas Distribution
Three Months EndedSix Months EndedThree Months Ended
June 30,March 31,
2016
2015
2016
2015
2017
2016
(Dollars in millions, where applicable)(Dollars in millions, where applicable)
Operating revenues$112.8
$133.0
$412.2
$463.5
$342.5
$299.4
Operating expenses: 
 
  
 
 
Purchased natural gas sold54.0
73.1
236.1
295.2
214.4
182.1
Operation and maintenance38.3
37.4
77.1
75.8
40.9
38.8
Depreciation, depletion and amortization16.6
14.7
32.9
29.3
17.1
16.4
Taxes, other than income9.6
10.0
26.4
26.6
18.6
16.7
118.5
135.2
372.5
426.9
291.0
254.0
Operating income (loss)(5.7)(2.2)39.7
36.6
Earnings (loss)$(7.8)$(5.4)$17.5
$16.1
Volumes (MMdk): 
 
  
Sales12.9
13.7
53.2
52.6
Transportation30.5
35.1
71.8
70.2
Operating income51.5
45.4
Earnings$27.9
$25.2
Volumes (MMdk) 
 
Sales: 
Residential28.1
23.4
Commercial19.0
15.6
Industrial1.6
1.3
48.7
40.3
Transportation: 
Commercial.7
.6
Industrial38.0
40.7
38.7
41.3
Total throughput43.4
48.8
125.0
122.8
87.4
81.6
Degree days (% of normal)* 
 
 
 
 
 
Montana-Dakota/Great Plains96%92%83%87%98%81%
Cascade56%80%80%78%117%87%
Intermountain81%86%92%85%109%95%
Average cost of natural gas, including transportation, per dk$4.18
$5.34
$4.44
$5.61
$4.40
$4.52
* Degree days are a measure of the daily temperature-related demand for energy for heating.
 
Three Months Ended June 30,March 31, 2017 and 2016 and 2015 Natural gas distribution experienced a seasonal loss of $7.8 million compared to a seasonal loss of $5.4 million a year ago (45 percent higher loss). The higher loss was the result of:
Higher depreciation, depletion and amortization expense of $1.2 million (after tax), primarily resulting from increased property, plant and equipment balances
Lower natural gas sales margins related to decreased retail sales volumes of 6 percent resulting from warmer weather and decreased transportation volumes of 13 percent, offset in part by final and interim rate increases
Higher regulated operation and maintenance expense, which includes $900,000 (after tax) largely higher payroll-related costs
The previous table also reflects lower operation and maintenance expense related to nonutility project activity, as well as the pass-through of lower natural gas prices which are reflected in the decrease in both sales revenue and purchased natural gas sold in 2016.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 Natural gas distribution earnings increased $1.4$2.7 million (9(10 percent) due to higher natural gas retail sales margins resulting from higher retail sales volumes of 121 percent to residential and commercialall customer classes, primarily increased customers and finalcolder weather in all regions served, and interimapproved rate increases as well as increased transportation volumes.recovery.
Partially offsetting the increase were:
Higher operation and maintenance expense, which includes $1.4 million (after tax) largely the result of higher payroll-related costs, timing of software maintenance costs and bad debt expense
Higher depreciation, depletion and amortization expense of $2.3 million$400,000 (after tax), primarily resulting from due to increased property, plant and equipment balances
Higher regulated operation and maintenance expense, which includes $1.5 million (after tax) largely higher payroll-related costs
Lower other income, which includes $400,000 (after tax) primarily related to AFUDC
Higher interest expense, which includes $400,000 (after tax) primarily related to lower AFUDC - borrowed


The previous table also reflects lower operation and maintenance expense related to nonutility project activity, as well as the pass-through of lower natural gas prices which are reflected in the decrease in both sales revenue and purchased natural gas sold in 2016.
Pipeline and Midstream
Three Months EndedSix Months EndedThree Months Ended
June 30,March 31,
2016
2015
2016
2015
2017
2016
(Dollars in millions)(Dollars in millions)
Operating revenues$36.3
$39.8
$69.7
$78.3
$28.0
$33.4
Operating expenses:  
Operation and maintenance15.1
21.4
29.0
36.7
13.5
13.8
Depreciation, depletion and amortization6.1
7.3
12.4
14.7
4.1
6.2
Taxes, other than income3.1
3.3
5.8
6.4
3.0
2.8
24.3
32.0
47.2
57.8
20.6
22.8
Operating income12.0
7.8
22.5
20.5
7.4
10.6
Earnings$6.3
$3.4
$11.6
$9.8
$3.9
$5.3
Transportation volumes (MMdk)74.1
70.9
149.4
138.9
67.1
75.3
Natural gas gathering volumes (MMdk)5.0
8.9
9.9
18.3
3.9
4.9
Customer natural gas storage balance (MMdk):  
Beginning of period14.5
7.2
16.6
14.9
26.4
16.6
Net injection (withdrawal)13.6
4.6
11.5
(3.1)
Net withdrawal(11.4)(2.1)
End of period28.1
11.8
28.1
11.8
15.0
14.5
Three Months Ended June 30,March 31, 2017 and 2016 and 2015 Pipeline and midstream earnings increased $2.9decreased $1.4 million (87(26 percent) due to:primarily the result of:
Lower operationgathering and maintenance expense, which includes $3.7 million (after tax) primarily due to the absence in 2016processing earnings of an impairment of coalbed natural gas gathering assets of $1.9$3.2 million (after tax), as discussedprimarily due to lower volumes resulting from the sale of Pronghorn in Notes 5 and 13,January 2017, as well as normal declines and lower payroll and benefit-related costsgathering rates in certain operating areas
Lower transportation earnings due to lower transportation volumes, largely offset by increased firm contract demand revenue
Partially offsetting the decreases were:
Lower depreciation, depletion and amortization expense of $700,000 (after tax) due largely to the sale of certain non-strategic natural gas gathering assets
Higher transportation earnings of $500,000$1.3 million (after tax), primarily the resultabsence of higher volumes transported to storage offset in part by lower firm contract demand revenuePronghorn
Lower interest expense of $300,000$600,000 (after tax), primarily due to lower debt interest rates and balances
Higher storage services earnings, primarily due to higher interruptible storage balances
Partially offsetting these increases was lower gathering and processing earnings of $2.6 million (after tax), primarily related to lower natural gas gathering volumes resulting from the sale of certain non-strategic assets, as previously discussed, and lower gathering and processing volumes at Pronghorn.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 Pipeline and midstream earnings increased $1.8 million (19 percent) due to:
Lower operation and maintenance expense, which includes $4.8 million (after tax) primarily the absence of an impairment of coalbed natural gas gathering assets in 2016 of $1.9 million (after tax), as previously discussed, lower payroll and benefit-related costs and lower maintenance materials costs
Lower depreciation, depletion and amortization expense of $1.4 million (after tax) due to the sale of certain non-strategic assets, as previously discussed
Lower interest expense of $400,000 (after tax) primarily the result of lower debt interest rates and balances
Higher storage services earnings, primarily due to higher interruptible storage injections
Partially offsetting these increases was lower gathering and processing earnings of $5.5 million (after tax), primarily related to lower natural gas gathering volumes resulting from the sale of certain non-strategic assets, as previously discussed, and lower gathering and processing volumes at Pronghorn.


Construction Materials and Contracting
Three Months EndedSix Months EndedThree Months Ended
June 30,March 31,
2016
2015
2016
2015
2017
2016
(Dollars in millions)(Dollars in millions)
Operating revenues$541.4
$496.9
$751.3
$703.5
$200.9
$210.0
Operating expenses: 
  
 
 
 
Operation and maintenance456.6
433.7
661.2
634.9
205.8
204.7
Depreciation, depletion and amortization14.8
16.2
29.9
32.7
13.7
15.1
Taxes, other than income11.9
11.4
21.4
20.1
9.0
9.6
483.3
461.3
712.5
687.7
228.5
229.4
Operating income58.1
35.6
38.8
15.8
Earnings$33.7
$20.1
$19.2
$5.5
Operating loss(27.6)(19.4)
Loss$(19.9)$(14.5)
Sales (000's): 
 
 
 
 
 
Aggregates (tons)7,659
6,940
11,285
10,506
3,505
3,626
Asphalt (tons)2,213
1,727
2,452
1,959
215
239
Ready-mixed concrete (cubic yards)1,050
988
1,694
1,564
562
644
Three Months Ended June 30,March 31, 2017 and 2016 and 2015 Construction materials and contracting experienced a seasonal first quarter loss of $19.9 million compared to a loss of $14.5 million a year ago (38 percent increased loss) due to:
Lower earnings of $3.2 million (after tax) resulting from lower construction margins and revenues primarily due to poor weather conditions
Lower earnings of $2.4 million (after tax) resulting from lower ready-mixed concrete volumes and margins primarily due to poor weather conditions and the effect of large projects in 2016


Lower earnings resulting from lower asset sales gains
Partially offsetting these decreases was higher earnings of $1.1 million (after tax) resulting from higher aggregate margins largely due to lower production costs and strong commercial and residential demand in certain regions.
Construction Services
 Three Months Ended
 March 31,
 2017
2016
 (In millions)
Operating revenues$299.6
$256.0
Operating expenses: 
 
Operation and maintenance269.6
233.6
Depreciation, depletion and amortization4.0
3.8
Taxes, other than income13.3
10.6
 286.9
248.0
Operating income12.7
8.0
Earnings$7.4
$6.0
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 Construction services earnings increased $13.6$1.4 million (67(23 percent) with higher earnings in all regions primarily due to:
Higher earnings of $4.4 million (after tax) resulting from increased construction revenues and margins, largely the effect of increased construction activity
Higher earnings of $3.7$3.9 million (after tax) resulting from higher asphaltinside electrical workloads and margins which includes lower asphalt oil costs,in the Western and higher demand-related volumesCentral regions largely due to timing of project startup and successful execution of labor activity on projects under full construction
Higher earnings of $1.4$1.2 million (after tax) resulting from higher ready-mixed concrete margins and demand-related volumes
Higher earnings from other product line margins
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 Construction materials and contracting earnings increased $13.7 million (249 percent) with higher earnings in all regions primarily due to:
Higher earnings of $5.4 million (after tax) resulting from increasedindustrial construction revenuesworkloads and margins largelydue to the effectscheduled timing of increased construction activityprojects from our customer base
Higher earnings of $4.4 million (after tax) resulting from higher asphalt margins and volumes, as previously discussedPartially offsetting the increases were:
Higher earnings of $1.8 million (after tax) resulting from higher ready-mixed concrete margins and demand-related volumes
Higher earnings from other product line margins
The absence in 20162017 of a MEPP withdrawal liability of $1.5 million (after tax), as discussed in Note 16
Partially offsetting these increases were unfavorable income tax changes, which includes $2.4 million primarily due to higher effective tax rates.


Construction Services
 Three Months EndedSix Months Ended
 June 30,June 30,
 2016
2015
2016
2015
 (In millions)
Operating revenues$286.0
$215.0
$542.0
$462.1
Operating expenses: 
 
 
 
Operation and maintenance260.7
191.8
494.3
416.8
Depreciation, depletion and amortization3.8
3.3
7.6
6.7
Taxes, other than income9.7
7.4
20.4
17.3
 274.2
202.5
522.3
440.8
Operating income11.8
12.5
19.7
21.3
Earnings$7.0
$7.0
$13.0
$11.8
Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 Construction services experienced earnings comparable to earnings a year ago due to:
Higher inside electrical workloads and margins offset in part by lower outside workloads and margins in the Western region
Higher industrial and inside electrical workloads and margins and higher outside workloads offset in part by lower equipment sales and rental margins in the Central region
Partially offsetting these increases was higher selling, general and administrative expense of $1.3 million (after tax), primarily higher payroll-related costs and bad debt expense.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 Construction services earnings increased $1.2 million (10 percent) due to:
Higher inside electrical workloads and margins offset in part by lower outside workloads and margins in the Western region
Tax benefit of $1.5 million related to the disposition of a non-strategic asset
Absence of the 2015 underperforming non-strategic asset loss of $1.4 million (after tax)
Partially offsetting these increases were:
Lower industrial workloads and margins and lower equipment sales and rental margins offset in part by higher outside workloads and higher inside electrical workloads and margins in the Central region
Higher selling, general and administrative expense of $1.6$1.0 million (after tax), primarilylargely due to higher bad debt expensepayroll-related costs
Lower equipment sales, as well as lower rental volumes and payroll-related costsmargins, due to decreased customer demand
Other
Three Months EndedSix Months EndedThree Months Ended
June 30,March 31,
2016
2015
2016
2015
2017
2016
(In millions)(In millions)
Operating revenues$2.1
$2.2
$4.1
$4.4
$2.1
$2.0
Operating expenses:  
Operation and maintenance2.2
4.7
3.9
9.3
1.2
1.7
Depreciation, depletion and amortization.5
.5
1.0
1.0
.6
.5
Taxes, other than income

.1
.1

.1
2.7
5.2
5.0
10.4
1.8
2.3
Operating loss(.6)(3.0)(.9)(6.0)
Operating income (loss).3
(.3)
Loss$(1.1)$(4.5)$(2.6)$(9.4)$(.3)$(1.5)
Included in Other are general and administrative costs and interest expense previously allocated to the exploration and production and refining businesses that do not meet the criteria for income (loss) from discontinued operations.
Three Months Ended June 30,March 31, 2017 and 2016 and 2015 Other loss decreased $3.4$1.2 million, primarily the result of lower interest expense due to the repayment of long-term debt with the sale of the remaining exploration and production assets and lower operation and maintenance expense and lower interest expense previously allocated to the exploration and productionrefining business which have been reduced withdue to the sale of Fidelity's marketed oil and natural gas assets.this business in 2016.


Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 Other loss decreased $6.8 million, primarily the result of lower operation and maintenance expense and lower interest expense previously allocated to the exploration and production business, as previously discussed.
Discontinued Operations
 Three Months EndedSix Months Ended
 June 30,June 30,
 2016
2015
2016
2015
 (In millions)
Loss from discontinued operations before intercompany eliminations, net of tax$(285.1)$(263.5)$(303.3)$(593.6)
Intercompany eliminations9.0
.1
9.1
.2
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax(276.1)(263.4)(294.2)(593.4)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest(120.7)(7.8)(131.7)(11.2)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to the Company, net of tax$(155.4)$(255.6)$(162.5)$(582.2)
 Three Months Ended
 March 31,
 2017
 2016
 (In millions)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before intercompany eliminations, net of tax$3.9
 $(18.1)
Intercompany eliminations(2.2)*.1
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax1.7
 (18.0)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest
 (11.1)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to the Company, net of tax$1.7
 $(6.9)
* Includes an elimination for the presentation of income tax adjustments between continuing and discontinued operations.
Three Months Ended June 30,March 31, 2017 and 2016 and 2015 The lossCompany's income from discontinued operations attributable to the Company was $155.4$1.7 million compared to a loss of $255.6$6.9 million for the comparable prior periodperiod. The increase was largely due to the absence in 20162017 of a fair value impairment of the exploration and production business's assets in 2015 of $252.0 million (after tax), as discussed in Note 10.
Partially offsetting the decreased loss were:
A fair value impairment of Dakota Prairie Refining of $156.7 million (after tax), as discussed in Note 10
A loss in 2016 compared to income in 2015 at the exploration and productionrefining business excluding impairments,which was sold in June 2016, as well as the reversal in 2017 of a previously accrued liability due to the sale of the marketed oil and natural gas assets in 2015
Higher loss attributable to the Company related to Dakota Prairie Refining largely due to the commencement of operations in May 2015, primarily higher operation and maintenance expense resulting from higher rail-related costs, costs related to the accrual of costs for RINs and higher inventory costs; and higher depreciation, depletion and amortization expense. The higher expenses were largely offset by refined product sales gross margins, which were negatively impacted by low refined product sales prices and narrow Bakken basis differentials on crude oil.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 The loss from discontinued operations attributable to the Company was $162.5 million compared to a loss of $582.2 million for the comparable prior period due to:
Absence in 2016resolution of a noncash write-down of oil and natural gas properties of $315.3 million (after tax), as discussed in Note 10legal matter.
Absence in 2016 of a fair value impairment of $252.0 million (after tax), as previously discussed
Decreased loss at the exploration and production business, excluding impairments, due to the sale of the marketed oil and natural gas assets in 2015
Partially offsetting the decreased loss were:
A fair value impairment of Dakota Prairie Refining of $156.7 million (after tax), as previously discussed
Higher loss attributable to the Company related to Dakota Prairie Refining largely due to the commencement of operations in May 2015, primarily higher operation and maintenance expense resulting from higher rail-related costs, costs related to the accrual of costs for RINs, higher payroll-related costs and higher inventory costs; and higher depreciation, depletion and amortization expense; offset in part by refined product sales gross margins, as previously discussed


Intersegment Transactions
Amounts presented in the preceding tables will not agree with the Consolidated Statements of Income due to the Company's elimination of intersegment transactions. The amounts relating to these items are as follows:
Three Months EndedSix Months EndedThree Months Ended
June 30,March 31,
2016
2015
2016
2015
2017
 2016
(In millions)(In millions)
Intersegment transactions:  
 
   
Operating revenues$8.5
$13.2
$31.9
$48.9
$23.4
 $23.5
Purchased natural gas sold6.6
6.5
27.6
27.5
21.5
 21.1
Operation and maintenance1.9
5.5
4.3
18.6
1.9
 2.4
Income from continuing operations
.7

1.7
(2.2)*
* Includes an elimination for the presentation of income tax adjustments between continuing and discontinued operations.
For more information on intersegment eliminations, see Note 15.13.
Prospective Information
The following information highlights the key growth strategies, projections and certain assumptions for the Company and its subsidiaries and other matters for certain of the Company's businesses. Many of these highlighted points are "forward-looking statements." There is no assurance that the Company's projections, including estimates for growth and changes in earnings, will in fact be achieved. Please refer to assumptions contained in this section as well asand the various important factors listed in Part II, Item 1A - Risk Factors, as well as Part I, Item 1A - Risk Factors in the 20152016 Annual Report. Changes in such assumptions and factors could cause actual future results to differ materially from the Company's growth and earnings projections.
MDU Resources Group, Inc.
The Company continually seeks opportunities to expand through organic growth opportunities and strategic acquisitions.
The Company focuses on creating value through vertical integration among its businesses.
Electric and natural gas distribution
Organic growth opportunities are expectedThe Company expects to result in substantial growth of thegrow its rate base which at year-end was $1.8 billion. Rate base growth is projected to beby approximately 74 percent compounded annually over the next five years including plans for an approximate $1.5 billion capital investment program.on a compound basis. This growth projection is on a much larger base, having grown rate base at a record pace of 12 percent compounded annually over the past five-year period. The utility operations are spread across eight states where customer growth is expected to be higher than the national average. This customer growth, along with system upgrades and replacements needed to supply safe and reliable service, will require investments in new electric generation and transmission, and electric and natural gas distribution. Rate base at December 31, 2016, was $1.9 billion.
The Company expects its customer base to grow by 1.01 percent to 2.02 percent per year.
Investments of approximately $55 million were made in 2015 to serve growth in the electric and natural gas customer base associated with the Bakken oil development. Due to sustained lower commodity prices, investments of approximately $35 million are expected in 2016.
In June 2016, the Company, along with a partner, began to build a 345-kilovolt transmission line from Ellendale, North Dakota, to Big Stone City, South Dakota, about 160 miles. The Company’s share of the cost is estimated at approximately $205 million, including development costs and substation upgrade costs. The project has been approved as a MISO multi-valuemultivalue project. More

than 9599 percent of the necessary easements have been secured. The Company's total capital investment in this project is expected to be in the range of $150 million to $170 million. The Company expects thethis project to be completed in 2019.
In December 2016, the Company signed a 25-year agreement to purchase the power from the expansion of the Thunder Spirit Wind farm in southwest North Dakota. The agreement also includes an option to buy the project at the close of construction. The expansion of the Thunder Spirit Wind farm will boost the combined production at the wind farm to approximately 150 MW of renewable energy and, if purchased, will increase the Company's generation portfolio from approximately 22 percent renewables to 27 percent. The original 107.5-MW Thunder Spirit Wind farm includes 43 turbines; it was purchased by the Company in December 2015. The expansion includes 13 to 16 turbines, depending on the turbine size selected. It is expected to be online in December 2018. Construction costs for the project are estimated to be $85 million.
The Company is reviewing potentialin the process of completing its 2017 electric integrated resource plan and is evaluating its future generation and power supply portfolio options, and is consideringincluding a large-scale resource. The integrated resource plan will be finalized and filed in July 2015 includes a 200 MW resource addition in the 2020 time frame. The Company will continue to refine forecasted projections and adjust the timing of the addition if necessary.by mid-2017.
The Company is involved with a number of pipeline projects to enhance the reliability and deliverability of its system.
The Company is focused on organic growth, while monitoring potential merger and acquisition opportunities.
The Company is evaluating the final Clean Power Plan rule published by the EPA in October 2015, which requires existing fossil fuel-fired electric generation facilities to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. It is unknown at this time what each state will require for emissions limits or reductions from each of the Company's owned and jointly owned fossil fuel-fired electric generating units. In February 2016, the United States Supreme Court granted an application for a stay of the Clean Power Plan pending the outcome of legal challenges. The Company has not included capital expenditures in 2016 through 2018 for the potential compliance requirements of the Clean Power Plan.
Regulatory actions
Completed Cases:
Since January 1, 2015, the Company has implemented a total of $42.5final rate increases totaling $61.6 million in final rates.annual revenue. This includes electric rate proceedings in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming and before the FERC, and natural gas proceedings in Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and Wyoming. Cases recently completed were:Recently implemented final rates include:
On June 30, 2015,10, 2016, the Company filed applicationsan application for an increase in electric rates with the SDPUC for electric and natural gas rate increases,WYPSC, as discussed in Note 1715.

On December 1, 2015,August 12, 2016, the Company filed an application with the WUTCIPUC for a natural gas rate increase, as discussed in Note 1715.
On April 1, 2017, the Company implemented Phase 2 of the electric rate case approved by the MTPSC, as discussed in Note 15.
Pending Cases:
The Company is requesting a total of $42.8rate increases totaling $39.6 million in annual revenue, which includes $33.1$39.1 million in implemented interim rates. Cases pending are:
On September 30, 2015 and April 29,December 2, 2016, the Company filed applicationsan application with the MNPUCMTPSC requesting authority to implement gas and OPUC, respectively, for natural gas rate increases,electric tax tracking adjustments, as discussed in Note 1715.
On OctoberDecember 21, 2015,2016, the Company filed an application with the NDPSC for an updateMNPUC requesting authority to the generation resource recovery rider and requestedimplement a renewable resourcenatural gas utility infrastructure cost adjustment rider. On October 26, 2015, the Company resubmitted the applicationtariff, as two applications. The applications are discussed in Note 1715.
On November 25, 2015, theThe Company previously filed an application with the NDPSC on October 14, 2016, for an updateelectric rate increase which also included a requested return on equity to itsbe used in the determination of applications previously filed by the Company for a renewable resource cost adjustment rider, an electric generation resource recovery rider, and a transmission cost adjustment for recovery of MISO-related charges and two transmission projects located in North Dakota,rider, as discussed in Note 17.
On June 1, 2016, the Company filed an application with the WUTC for an annual pipeline replacement cost recovery mechanism, as discussed in Note 17.
On June 10, 2016, the Company filed an application with the WYPSC for an electric rate increase, as discussed in Note 1715.
Expected Filings:Pipeline and midstream
In the third quarter ofSeptember 2016, the Company expects to file an electric rate case in North Dakota and a natural gas rate case in Idaho.
Pipeline and midstream
The Company signed agreements to complete expansion projects, including North Badlands, Northwest North Dakota, Charbonneau and Line Section 25. The North Badlands project includes a 4-mile loop of the Garden Creek pipeline segment and other ancillary facilities, and was placed in service on August 1, 2016. The Northwest North Dakota project includes modification of existing compression, a new unit and re-cylindering, and was put into service in June 2016. The Charbonneau and Line Section 25 expansions will include a new compression station as well as other compression modifications and are expected to be in service in the second quarter of 2017.
The Company has seen strong interruptible storage service injections through the first and second quarters of 2016 due to wider seasonal spreads and lower natural gas prices. Given the current pricing environment, the Company expects storage injections to continue, but at a slower rate than the first and second quarters of 2016.
The Company has an agreement with an anchor shipper to construct a pipeline to connect the Demicks Lake gas processing plant in northwestern North Dakota to deliver natural gas into a new interconnect with the Northern Border Pipeline. Project costs are estimated to be $50 million to $60 million. The project is currently delayed by the plant owner.
In June 2016, the Company launched an open season to obtainsecured sufficient capacity commitments and started survey work on a proposed approximately 38-mile pipeline with the primary purpose of deliveringthat will deliver natural gas supply to eastern North Dakota and far western Minnesota. An open season seeking capacity commitments closed on July 15, 2016. Initial interest in the project has been promising and the Company will be working with those parties to execute binding precedent agreements over the next few weeks. The Valley Expansion Project wouldproject will connect the Viking Gas Transmission Company pipeline near Felton, Minnesota, to the Company's existing pipeline near Mapleton, North Dakota. As initiallyCost of the expansion is estimated at $55 million to $60 million. The project, which is designed the pipeline will be able to transport 40 million cubic feet of natural gas per day.day, is under the jurisdiction of the FERC. In October 2016, the Company received FERC approval on its pre-filing for the Valley Expansion project. With minor enhancements, itthe pipeline will be able to transport significantly more volume if required, based on capacity requested during the open season or as needed in the future as the region's needs grow. Cost of the expansion project is estimated at $50 million.demand grows. Following receipt of adequate capacity commitments and necessary permits and regulatory approvals, construction on the new pipeline couldis expected to begin in early 2018 with completion expected in late 2018.
The Company continuessigned agreements to target profitable growth by meanscomplete expansion projects, including the Charbonneau and Line Section 25 expansion project, in 2016. The Charbonneau and Line Section 25 expansion project will include a new compression station as well as other compression modifications and is expected to be in service in the second quarter of both organic growth projects in areas of existing operations and by looking for potential acquisitions that fit existing expertise and capabilities.2017.
The Company is focusedcontinues to focus on continuallygrowing and improving existing operations and accelerating growththrough organic projects to become the leading pipeline company and midstream provider in all areas in which it operates.
Construction materials and contracting
Approximate work backlog at June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, was $805$725 million, compared to $833$831 million a year ago. Private work represents 7 percent of construction backlog and public work represents 93 percent of backlog.
Projected revenues are in the range of $1.85 billion to $1.95 billion in 2016.2017.
The Company anticipates margins in 20162017 to be slightly higher as compared to 20152016 margins.

In December 2015, Congress passed, and the president signed, a $305 billion, five-year highway bill for funding of transportation infrastructure projects that are a key part of the construction materialsCompany's market.

The Company continues to pursue opportunities for expansion in energy projects, such as petrochemical and transmission. Initiatives are aimed at capturing additional market share and expanding into new markets.
As one of the country's fifth-largestlargest sand and gravel producer,producers, the Company will continue to strategically manage its 1.0 billion tons of aggregate reserves in all its markets, as well as take further advantage of being vertically integrated.
Of the seven labor contracts that Knife River is still in negotiations on the four labor contracts,was negotiating, as reported in Items 1 and 2 - Business Properties - General in the 20152016 Annual Report.Report, three have been ratified. The four remaining contracts are still in negotiations.
Construction services
Approximate work backlog at June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, was $508$529 million, compared to $429$530 million a year ago. The backlog includes transmission, distribution, substation, industrial, petrochemical, mission critical, solar energy renewables, research and development, higher education, government, transportation, health care, hospitality, gaming, commercial, institutional and service work.
Projected revenues are in the range of $1.0 billion to $1.1 billion in 2016.2017.
The Company anticipates margins in 20162017 to be slightly lower comparedcomparable to 20152016 margins.
The Company continues to pursue opportunities for expansion in energy projects such as petrochemical, transmission, substations, utility services, and renewables. Initiatives are aimed at capturing additional market share and expanding into new markets.
As the eighth-largest13th-largest specialty contractor, the Company continues to pursue opportunities for expansion and execute initiatives in current and new markets that align with the Company's expertise, resources and strategic growth plan.
New Accounting Standards
For information regarding new accounting standards, see Note 8, which is incorporated by reference.
Critical Accounting Policies Involving Significant Estimates
The Company's critical accounting policies involving significant estimates include impairment testing of oilfive labor contracts that MDU Construction Services was negotiating, as reported in Items 1 and natural gas properties, impairment testing of assets held for sale, impairment testing of long-lived assets and intangibles, revenue recognition, pension and other postretirement benefits, and income taxes. There were no material changes2 - Business Properties - General in the Company's critical accounting policies involving significant estimates from those reported in the 20152016 Annual Report. For more information on critical accounting policies involving significant estimates, see Part II, Item 7 in the 2015 Annual Report.Report, have been ratified.
Liquidity and Capital Commitments
At June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $85.1$50.7 million and available borrowing capacity of $496.0$652.3 million under the outstanding credit facilities of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company expects to meet its obligations for debt maturing within one year from various sources, including internally generated funds; the Company's credit facilities, as described in Capital resources; and through the issuance of long-term debt.
Cash flows
Operating activities The changes in cash flows from operating activities generally follow the results of operations as discussed in Financial and Operating Data and also are affected by changes in working capital. Changes in cash flows for discontinued operations are related to the former exploration and production and refining businesses.
Cash flows provided by operating activities in the first sixthree months of 2016 decreased $91.62017 increased $41.0 million from the comparable period in 2015.2016. The decreaseincrease in cash flows provided by operating activities was largely from lowerthe absence in 2017 of the use of cash flows at the exploration and production and refining businesses. The decrease was also due to higher working capital requirements at the electric and natural gas distribution businesses partially offset by lower working capital requirements at the construction materials and contracting business. Partially offsetting the decrease in cash flows provided by operating activities was higher cash flows from continuing operations (excluding working capital) at the electric, natural gas distribution and construction materials and contracting businesses.2016.
Investing activities Cash flows used inprovided by investing activities in the first sixthree months of 2016 decreased $224.82017 was $45.6 million fromcompared to cash flows used in investing activities of $79.5 million in the comparable period in 2015first three months of 2016. The change was primarily due to net proceeds from the sale of Pronghorn at the pipeline and midstream business along with lower capital expenditures largelyprimarily at the electric and construction services businesses. Partially offsetting the change was the absence of net proceeds from the sale of property at the exploration and production and refining businesses.business.
Financing activities Cash flows provided byused in financing activities in the first sixthree months of 2016 decreased $215.22017 was $127.5 million from the comparable period in 2015. The decrease incompared to cash flows provided by financing activities of $40.7 million in the first three months of 2016. The change was primarily due to debt repayment in connection with the sale of the refining business. The decrease was also due to higher repaymentlower issuance of long-term debt in 2017 of $161.6 million, partially offset by higher issuance of long-term debt.$166.6 million.


Defined benefit pension plans
There were no material changes to the Company's qualified noncontributory defined benefit pension plans from those reported in the 20152016 Annual Report. For more information, see Note 1614 and Part II, Item 7 in the 20152016 Annual Report.
Capital expenditures
Capital expenditures for the first sixthree months of 2016 from continuing operations2017 were $199.0$55.1 million ($184.0 million, net of proceeds from sale or disposition of property) and are estimated to be approximately $389.0$519.0 million for 2016 ($369.0 million, net of proceeds from sale or disposition of property). Capital expenditures for the first six months of 2016 from discontinued operations were $29.1 million, which includes the purchase of Calumet's 50 percent interest in Dakota Prairie Refining, and excludes net proceeds of $45.3 million from the sale or disposition of property.2017. Estimated capital expenditures include:
System upgrades
Routine replacements
Service extensions
Routine equipment maintenance and replacements
Buildings, land and building improvements
Pipeline, gathering and other midstream projects


Power generation and transmission opportunities
Environmental upgrades
Other growth opportunities
The Company continues to evaluate potential future acquisitions and other growth opportunities; however, they are dependent upon the availability of economic opportunities and, as a result, capital expenditures may vary significantly from the estimated 20162017 capital expenditures referred to previously. The Company expects the 20162017 estimated capital expenditures to be funded by various sources, including internally generated funds; the Company's credit facilities, as described later;in Capital resources; through the issuance of long-term debt; and asset sales.
Capital resources
Certain debt instruments of the Company and its subsidiaries, including those discussed later, contain restrictive covenants and cross-default provisions. In order to borrow under the respective credit agreements, the Company and its subsidiaries must be in compliance with the applicable covenants and certain other conditions, all of which the Company and its subsidiaries, as applicable, were in compliance with at June 30, 2016.March 31, 2017. In the event the Company and its subsidiaries do not comply with the applicable covenants and other conditions, alternative sources of funding may need to be pursued. For more information on the covenants, certain other conditions and cross-default provisions, see Part II, Item 8 - Note 7,6, in the 20152016 Annual Report.
The following table summarizes the outstanding revolving credit facilities of the Company and its subsidiaries at June 30, 2016:March 31, 2017:
Company Facility 
Facility
Limit

 Amount Outstanding
 
Letters
of Credit

 
Expiration
Date
 Facility 
Facility
Limit

 Amount Outstanding
 
Letters
of Credit

 
Expiration
Date
  (In millions)     (In millions)   
MDU Resources Group, Inc. Commercial paper/Revolving credit agreement(a)$175.0
 $66.0
(b)$
 5/8/19 Commercial paper/Revolving credit agreement(a)$175.0
 $34.3
(b)$
 5/8/19
Cascade Natural Gas Corporation Revolving credit agreement $50.0
(c)$
 $2.2
(d)7/9/18 Revolving credit agreement $50.0
(c)$
 $2.2
(d)7/9/18
Intermountain Gas Company Revolving credit agreement $65.0
(e)$31.3
 $
 7/13/18 Revolving credit agreement $65.0
(e)$
 $
 7/13/18
Centennial Energy Holdings, Inc. Commercial paper/Revolving credit agreement(f)$650.0
 $344.5
(b)$
 5/8/19 Commercial paper/Revolving credit agreement(f)$500.0
 $101.2
(b)$
 9/23/21
(a)The commercial paper program is supported by a revolving credit agreement with various banks (provisions allow for increased borrowings, at the option of the Company on stated conditions, up to a maximum of $225.0 million). There were no amounts outstanding under the credit agreement.
(b)Amount outstanding under commercial paper program.
(c)Certain provisions allow for increased borrowings, up to a maximum of $75.0 million.
(d)Outstanding letter(s) of credit reduce the amount available under the credit agreement.
(e)Certain provisions allow for increased borrowings, up to a maximum of $90.0 million.
(f)The commercial paper program is supported by a revolving credit agreement with various banks (provisions allow for increased borrowings, at the option of Centennial on stated conditions, up to a maximum of $800.0$600.0 million). There were no amounts outstanding under the credit agreement.
 
The Company's and Centennial's respective commercial paper programs are supported by revolving credit agreements. While the amount of commercial paper outstanding does not reduce available capacity under the respective revolving credit agreements, the


Company and Centennial do not issue commercial paper in an aggregate amount exceeding the available capacity under their credit agreements. The commercial paper borrowings may vary during the period, largely the result of fluctuations in working capital requirements due to the seasonality of the construction businesses.
The following includes information related to the preceding table.
MDU Resources Group, Inc. The Company's revolving credit agreement supports its commercial paper program. Commercial paper borrowings under this agreement are classified as long-term debt as they are intended to be refinanced on a long-term basis through continued commercial paper borrowings. The Company's objective is to maintain acceptable credit ratings in order to access the capital markets through the issuance of commercial paper. Downgrades in the Company's credit ratings have not limited, nor are currently expected to limit, the Company's ability to access the capital markets. If the Company were to experience a downgrade of its credit ratings, it may need to borrow under its credit agreement and may experience an increase in overall interest rates with respect to its cost of borrowings.
Prior to the maturity of the credit agreement, the Company expects that it will negotiate the extension or replacement of this agreement. If the Company is unable to successfully negotiate an extension of, or replacement for, the credit agreement, or if the fees on this facility become too expensive, which the Company does not currently anticipate, the Company would seek alternative funding.


The Company's coverage of earnings to fixed charges including preferred stock dividends was 3.64.1 times, 3.03.3 times and 3.13.9 times for the 12 months ended June 30,March 31, 2017 and 2016, and 2015, and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively.
Total equity as a percent of total capitalization was 5358 percent, 5456 percent and 5856 percent at June 30,March 31, 2017 and 2016, and 2015, and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively. This ratio is calculated as the Company's total equity, divided by the Company's total capital. Total capital is the Company's total debt, including short-term borrowings and long-term debt due within one year, plus total equity. This ratio indicatesis an indicator of how a company is financing its operations, as well as its financial strength.
Cascade Natural Gas Corporation On May 20, 2013,April 25, 2017, Cascade amended its revolving credit agreement to increase the Company entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement with Wells Fargo Securities, LLCborrowing limit from $50.0 million to $75.0 million and extend the termination date from July 9, 2018 to April 24, 2020. The credit agreement contains customary covenants and provisions, including a covenant of Cascade not to permit, at any time, the ratio of total debt to total capitalization to be greater than 65 percent. Other covenants include restrictions on the sale of certain assets, limitations on indebtedness and the making of certain investments.
Cascade's credit agreement also contains cross-default provisions. These provisions state that if Cascade fails to make any payment with respect to any indebtedness or contingent obligation, in excess of a specified amount, under any agreement that causes such indebtedness to be due prior to its stated maturity or the issuancecontingent obligation to become payable, Cascade will be in default under the revolving credit agreement.
Intermountain Gas Company On April 25, 2017, Intermountain amended its revolving credit agreement to increase the borrowing limit from $65.0 million to $85.0 million and extend the termination date from July 13, 2018 to April 24, 2020. The credit agreement contains customary covenants and provisions, including a covenant of Intermountain not to permit, at any time, the ratio of total debt to total capitalization to be greater than 65 percent. Other covenants include restrictions on the sale of upcertain assets, limitations on indebtedness and the making of certain investments.
Intermountain's credit agreement also contains cross-default provisions. These provisions state that if Intermountain fails to 7.5 million sharesmake any payment with respect to any indebtedness or contingent obligation, in excess of a specified amount, under any agreement that causes such indebtedness to be due prior to its stated maturity or the Company's common stock. The agreement terminated on February 28, 2016. The common stock was offered for sale, from timecontingent obligation to time,become payable, or certain conditions result in accordance with the terms and conditionsan early termination date under any swap contract that is in excess of the agreement. Proceeds from the shares of common stocka specified amount, then Intermountain will be in default under the agreement were used for corporate development purposes and other general corporate purposes. Under the agreement, the Company did not issue any shares of stock between January 1, 2016 and February 28, 2016. Since inception of the Equity Distribution Agreement, the Company issued a cumulative total of 4.4 million shares of stock receiving net proceeds of $144.7 million through February 28, 2016.
The Company currently has a shelf registration statement on file with the SEC, under which the Company may issue and sell any combination of common stock and debt securities. The Company may sell all or a portion of such securities if warranted by market conditions and the Company's capital requirements. Any public offer and sale of such securities will be made only by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. The Company's board of directors currently has authorized the issuance and sale of up to an aggregate of $1.0 billion worth of such securities. The Company's board of directors reviews this authorization on a periodic basis and the aggregate amount of securities authorized may be increased in the future.revolving credit agreement.
Centennial Energy Holdings, Inc. Centennial's revolving credit agreement supports its commercial paper program. Commercial paper borrowings under this agreement are classified as long-term debt as they are intended to be refinanced on a long-term basis through continued commercial paper borrowings. Centennial's objective is to maintain acceptable credit ratings in order to access the capital markets through the issuance of commercial paper. Downgrades in Centennial's credit ratings have not limited, nor are currently expected to limit, Centennial's ability to access the capital markets. If Centennial were to experience a downgrade of its credit ratings, it may need to borrow under its credit agreement and may experience an increase in overall interest rates with respect to its cost of borrowings.
Prior to the maturity of the Centennial credit agreement, Centennial expects that it will negotiate the extension or replacement of this agreement, which provides credit support to access the capital markets. In the event Centennial is unable to successfully negotiate this agreement, or in the event the fees on this facility become too expensive, which Centennial does not currently anticipate, it would seek alternative funding.
WBI Energy Transmission, Inc. On May 17, 2016, WBI Energy Transmission entered into an amendment to its amended and restatedhas a $200.0 million uncommitted note purchase and private shelf agreement to increase the aggregate issuance capacity from $175.0 million to $200.0 million and extend the issuance period towith an expiration date of May 16, 2019. WBI Energy Transmission had $100.0 million of notes outstanding at June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, which reduced the remaining capacity under this uncommitted private shelf agreement to $100.0 million. This agreement contains customary covenants and provisions, including a covenant of WBI Energy Transmission not to permit, as of the end of any fiscal quarter, the ratio of total debt to total capitalization to be greater than 55 percent. Other covenants include a limitation on priority debt and restrictions on the sale of certain assets and the making of certain investments.


Off balance sheet arrangements
In June 2016, WBI Energy sold allAs of March 31, 2017, the Company had no material off balance sheet arrangements as defined by the rules of the outstanding membership interests in Dakota Prairie Refining. In connection with the sale, Centennial agreed to continue to guarantee certain debt obligations of Dakota Prairie Refining which totaled $66 million at June 30, 2016, and are expected to mature by 2023. Tesoro agreed to indemnify Centennial for any losses and litigation expenses arising from the guarantee. Continuation of the guarantee was required as a condition to the sale of Dakota Prairie Refining.
In March 2016, a sale agreement was signed to sell Fidelity's assets in the Paradox Basin. In connection with the sale, Centennial agreed to guarantee Fidelity's indemnity obligations associated with the Paradox assets. The guarantee was required by the buyer as a condition to the sale of the Paradox Basin assets.
In connection with the sale of the Brazilian Transmission Lines, Centennial agreed to guarantee payment of any indemnity obligations of certain of the Company's indirect wholly owned subsidiaries who were the sellers in three purchase and sale agreements for periods ranging up to 10 years from the date of sale. The guarantees were required by the buyers as a condition to the sale of the Brazilian Transmission Lines.SEC.
Contractual obligations and commercial commitments
There are no material changes in the Company's contractual obligations from continuing operations relating to long-term debt, estimated interest payments, operating leases, purchase commitments, asset retirement obligations, uncertain tax positions and minimum funding requirements for its defined benefit plans for 20162017 from those reported in the 20152016 Annual Report.

The Company's contractual obligations relating to operating leases at June 30, 2016, increased $38.8 million or 24 percent from December 31, 2015. As of June 30, 2016, the Company's contractual obligations related to operating leases aggregated $200.7 million. The scheduled amounts of redemption (for the twelve months ended June 30, of each year listed) aggregate $49.9 million in 2017; $40.6 million in 2018; $32.2 million in 2019; $22.7 million in 2020; $12.5 million in 2021; and $42.8 million thereafter.
For more information on contractual obligations and commercial commitments, see Part II, Item 7 in the 20152016 Annual Report.
New Accounting Standards
For information regarding new accounting standards, see Note 6, which is incorporated by reference.


Critical Accounting Policies Involving Significant Estimates
The Company's critical accounting policies involving significant estimates include impairment testing of assets held for sale, impairment testing of long-lived assets and intangibles, revenue recognition, pension and other postretirement benefits, and income taxes. There were no material changes in the Company's critical accounting policies involving significant estimates from those reported in the 2016 Annual Report. For more information on critical accounting policies involving significant estimates, see Part II, Item 7 in the 2016 Annual Report.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Company is exposed to the impact of market fluctuations associated with commodity prices and interest rates. The Company has policies and procedures to assist in controlling these market risks and from time to time utilizeshas utilized derivatives to manage a portion of its risk.
For more information on derivative instruments and commodity price risk, see Part II, Item 7A in the 2015 Annual Report, the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and Notes 9 and 12.
Commodity price risk
Fidelity historically utilized derivative instruments to manage a portion of the market risk associated with fluctuations in the price of oil and natural gas on forecasted sales of oil and natural gas production.
There were no derivative agreements at June 30, 2016.
Interest rate risk
There were no material changes to interest rate risk faced by the Company from those reported in the 20152016 Annual Report.
At June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, the Company had no outstanding interest rate hedges.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
The following information includes the evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures by the Company's chief executive officer and the chief financial officer, along with any significant changes in internal controls of the Company.
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures
The term "disclosure controls and procedures" is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. The Company's disclosure controls and other procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. The Company's disclosure controls and procedures include controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company's chief executive officer and chief financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Company's management, with the participation of the Company's chief


executive officer and chief financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, such controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable assurance level.
Changes in internal controls
No change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

Part II -- Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
For information regarding legal proceedings required by this item, see Note 18,16, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements are all statements other than statements of historical fact, including without limitation those statements that are identified by the words "anticipates," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "predicts" and similar expressions.
The Company is including the following factors and cautionary statements in this Form 10-Q to make applicable and to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the Company. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions (many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions) and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. From time to time, the Company may publish or otherwise make available forward-looking statements of this nature, including statements contained within Prospective Information. All these subsequent forward-looking statements, whether written or oral and whether made by or on behalf of the Company, also are expressly qualified by these factors and cautionary statements.
Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed. The Company's expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and are believed by the Company to have a reasonable basis, including without limitation, management's examination of historical operating trends, data contained in the Company's records and other data available from third parties. Nonetheless, the Company's expectations, beliefs or projections may not be achieved or accomplished.
Any forward-looking statement contained in this document speaks only as of the date on which the statement is made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all of the factors, nor can it assess the effect of each factor on the Company's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.
There are no material changes into the Company's risk factors from those reported in Part I, Item 1A - Risk Factors in the 20152016 Annual Report other than the risk that the Company's pipeline and midstream business is dependent on factors that are subject to various external influences; the risk that the Company's operations could be adversely impacted by initiatives to reduce GHG emissions; the risk related to obligations under MEPPs; the risk related to the sale of the Company's exploration and production assets; and the risk related to the sale of Dakota Prairie Refining. These factors and the other matters discussed herein are important factors that could cause actual results or outcomes for the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements included elsewhere in this document.Report.
Economic Risks
The Company's pipeline and midstream business is dependent on factors, including commodity prices and commodity price basis differentials, that are subject to various external influences that cannot be controlled.
These factors include: fluctuations in oil, NGL and natural gas production and prices; fluctuations in commodity price basis differentials; domestic and foreign supplies of oil, NGL and natural gas; political and economic conditions in oil producing countries; actions of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries; and other risks incidental to the development and operations of oil and natural gas processing plants and pipeline systems. Continued prolonged depressed prices for oil, NGL and natural gas could impede the growth of our pipeline and midstream business, and could negatively affect the results of operations, cash flows and asset values of the Company's pipeline and midstream business.


EnvironmentalItem 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Regulatory RisksUse of Proceeds
InitiativesThe following table includes information with respect to reduce GHG emissions could adversely impact the Company's operations.purchase of equity securities:
Concern that GHG emissions are contributing to global climate change has led to international, federal and state legislative and regulatory proposals to reduce or mitigate the effects of GHG emissions. The Company’s primary GHG emission is carbon dioxide from fossil fuels combustion at Montana-Dakota's electric generating facilities, particularly its coal-fired facilities. Approximately 50 percent of Montana-Dakota's owned generating capacity and approximately 75 percent of the electricity it generated in 2016 was from coal-fired facilities.ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
On October 23, 2015, the EPA published the final Clean Power Plan rule that requires existing fossil fuel-fired electric generation facilities to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. As published, the rule requires that states must, by September 6, 2016, either submit to the EPA a request for a two-year extension to submit a final state plan, or submit a final plan demonstrating how emissions reductions will be achieved and include emission limits in the form of an annual emission cap or an emission rate that will be applied to each fossil fuel-fired electric generating facility within the state starting in 2022. Emissions limits become more stringent from 2022 to 2030, with the 2030 emission limits applying thereafter. It is unknown at this time what each state will require for emissions limits or reductions from each of Montana-Dakota's owned and jointly owned fossil fuel-fired electric generating units. Compliance costs will become clearer as final state plans are submitted to the EPA. On February 9, 2016, however, the United States Supreme Court granted an application for a stay of the Clean Power Plan pending disposition of the applicants' petition for review in the D.C. Circuit Court and disposition of the applicants' petition for a writ of certiorari if such a writ is sought. The effective date and compliance dates in the rule are expected to be addressed in a future decision made by the United States Supreme Court.
On January 14, 2015, President Obama announced a goal to reduce methane emissions from the oil and natural gas industry by 40 percent to 45 percent below 2012 levels by 2025. On June 3, 2016, the EPA published a final rule updating new source performance standards for the oil and natural gas industry. The final rule builds on 2012 requirements to reduce volatile organic compound emissions from oil and natural gas sources by establishing requirements to reduce methane emissions from previously regulated sources, as well as adding volatile organic compound and methane requirements for sources previously not covered by the rule. The rule impacts new and modified natural gas gathering and boosting stations and transmission and storage compressor stations. WBI Energy is currently developing implementation plans for complying with the rule. In addition, on March 10, 2016, the EPA announced its plans to reduce emissions from the oil and natural gas industry by moving to regulate emissions from existing sources. The EPA began this process by issuing a draft Information Collection Request on June 3, 2016. The purpose of the Information Collection Request is to gather information on existing sources of methane emissions, technologies to reduce emissions and the costs of those technologies in the oil and natural gas sector. The information collected will be used to develop comprehensive regulations to reduce methane emissions from existing sources. It is unknown at this time how the Company will be impacted or if compliance costs will be material.
Period
(a)
Total Number
of Shares
(or Units)
Purchased (1)

(b) 
Average Price Paid per Share
(or Unit)

(c)
Total Number of Shares
(or Units) Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs (2)
(d)
Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar
Value) of Shares (or
Units) that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs (2)
January 1 through January 31, 2017
   
February 1 through February 28, 201764,384

$26.15
  
March 1 through March 31, 2017
   
Total64,384
   
(1)Represents shares of common stock purchased on the open market in connection with the vesting of shares granted pursuant to the Long-Term Performance-Based Incentive Plan.
(2)Not applicable. The Company does not currently have in place any publicly announced plans or programs to purchase equity securities.
The Washington DOE proposed a rule to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the state of Washington on January 5, 2016, and on February 26, 2016, the rule was withdrawn. On May 31, 2016, the Washington DOE issued a revised proposed rule which requires carbon dioxide emission reductions from various industries in the state, including carbon dioxide emissions resulting from the combustion of natural gas supplied to end-use customers by natural gas distribution companies, such as Cascade. In 2017, the rule would require Cascade to hold carbon dioxide emissions to a baseline, equal to the average emissions in 2012 to 2016. Beginning in 2018, annual carbon dioxide emissions would be reduced by an additional 1.7 percent of the baseline from the previous year's emissions. Washington DOE proposes compliance for natural gas suppliers to be achieved through purchasing emissions reductions from projects located within the state of Washington, including energy efficiency measures that reduce natural gas usage, or from a limited amount of out-of-state allowances. Purchasing emissions reductions and allowances will increase the operating costs for Cascade. If Cascade could not receive timely and full recovery of compliance costs from its customers, such costs could adversely impact the results of its operations.
There also may be new treaties, legislation or regulations to reduce GHG emissions that could affect the Company's utility operations by requiring additional energy conservation efforts or renewable energy sources, as well as other mandates that could significantly increase capital expenditures and operating costs. If the Company’s utility operations do not receive timely and full recovery of GHG emission compliance costs from its customers, then such costs could adversely impact the results of its operations and cash flows.
In addition to Montana-Dakota's electric generation operations, the Company monitors and analyzes the GHG emissions from other operations and reports as required by applicable laws and regulations. The Company will continue to monitor GHG regulations and their potential impact on operations.
Due to the uncertain availability of technologies to control GHG emissions and the unknown obligations that potential GHG emission legislation or regulations may create, the Company cannot determine the potential financial impact on its operations.


Other Risks
Costs related to obligations under MEPPs could have a material negative effect on the Company's results of operations and cash flows.
Various operating subsidiaries of the Company participate in approximately 75 MEPPs for employees represented by certain unions. The Company is required to make contributions to these plans in amounts established under numerous collective bargaining agreements between the operating subsidiaries and those unions.
The Company may be obligated to increase its contributions to underfunded plans that are classified as being in endangered, seriously endangered or critical status as defined by the Pension Protection Act of 2006. Plans classified as being in one of these statuses are required to adopt RPs or FIPs to improve their funded status through increased contributions, reduced benefits or a combination of the two. Based on available information, the Company believes that approximately 35 percent of the MEPPs to which it contributes are currently in endangered, seriously endangered or critical status.
The Company may also be required to increase its contributions to MEPPs where the other participating employers in such plans withdraw from the plan and are not able to contribute an amount sufficient to fund the unfunded liabilities associated with their participants in the plans. The amount and timing of any increase in the Company's required contributions to MEPPs may also depend upon one or more of the following factors including the outcome of collective bargaining, actions taken by trustees who manage the plans, actions taken by the plans' other participating employers, the industry for which contributions are made, future determinations that additional plans reach endangered, seriously endangered or critical status, government regulations and the actual return on assets held in the plans, among others. The Company may experience increased operating expenses as a result of the required contributions to MEPPs, which may have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
In addition, pursuant to ERISA, as amended by MPPAA, the Company could incur a partial or complete withdrawal liability upon withdrawing from a plan, exiting a market in which it does business with a union workforce or upon termination of a plan to the extent these plans are underfunded.
On September 24, 2014, JTL - Wyoming provided notice to the plan administrator of one of the MEPPs to which it is a participating employer that it was withdrawing from that plan effective October 26, 2014. The plan administrator will determine JTL - Wyoming’s withdrawal liability, which the Company currently estimates at approximately $16.4 million (approximately $9.8 million after tax). The assessed withdrawal liability for this plan may be significantly different from the current estimate. Also, this plan's administrator has alleged that JTL - Wyoming owes additional contributions for periods of time prior to its withdrawal, which could affect its final assessed withdrawal liability. JTL - Wyoming disputes the plan administrator's demand for additional contributions, and on February 23, 2016, filed a declaratory judgment action in the United States District Court for the District of Wyoming to resolve the dispute.
While the Company has completed the sale of all of Fidelity's marketed oil and natural gas assets, Fidelity is subject to potential liabilities relating to the sold assets, primarily arising from events prior to sale.
As part of the Company's corporate strategy, it sold its marketed Fidelity oil and natural gas assets and has exited that line of business. Fidelity will continue to be subject to potential liabilities, either directly or through indemnification of buyers, relating to the sold assets, primarily arising from events prior to the sale.
While the Company has completed the sale of its membership interests in Dakota Prairie Refining, the Company is subject to potential liabilities relating to the business arising from events prior to sale.
The Company is subject to potential liabilities, either directly or through indemnification, of the buyer for breach of any representations, warranties or covenants in the membership interest purchase agreement, and to Calumet for indemnification for matters identified in the purchase and sale agreement relating to the business prior to the sale.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
For information regarding mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K, see Exhibit 95 to this Form 10-Q, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 5. Other Information
None.
Item 6. Exhibits
See the index to exhibits immediately preceding the exhibits filed with this report.


Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
  MDU RESOURCES GROUP, INC.
    
DATE:August 5, 2016May 8, 2017BY:/s/ Doran N. Schwartz
   Doran N. Schwartz
   Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
    
    
  BY:/s/ Jason L. Vollmer
   Jason L. Vollmer
   
Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer
and Treasurer



Exhibit Index
Exhibit No.  
   
2(a) Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, datedBylaws of MDU Resources Group, Inc., as of June 24, 2016, between WBI Energy, Inc.amended and Tesoro Refining & Marketing Company LLC,restated on February 16, 2017, filed as Exhibit 2.13.1 to Form 8-K/A8-K dated June 24, 2016,February 16, 2017, filed on JulyFebruary 21, 2016*2017, in File No. 1-03480*
   
2(b) Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of June 9, 2016, by and among Calumet North Dakota, LLC, WBI Energy, Inc., and, as applicable, MDU Resources Group, Inc., Centennial Energy Holdings, Inc., and Calumet Specialty Products Partners, L.P., filed 401(k) Retirement Plan, as Exhibit 2.2 to Form 8-K/A dated June 24, 2016, filed on July 21, 2016*restated as of January 1, 2017**
   
2(c) Instrument of Amendment No. 1 to Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of June 9, 2016, by and among Calumet North Dakota, LLC, WBI Energy, Inc., and, as applicable,the MDU Resources Group, Inc., Centennial Energy Holdings, Inc., and Calumet Specialty Products Partners, L.P., filed as Exhibit 2.3 to Form 8-K/A 401(k) Retirement Plan, dated June 24, 2016, filed on July 21, 2016*March 31, 2017**
   
 MDU Resources Group, Inc. SectionForm of Performance Share Award Agreement under the Long-Term Performance-Based Incentive Plan, as amended February 16, Officers and Directors with Indemnification Agreements Chart,2017, filed as of July 19, 2016Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K dated February 16, 2017, filed on February 21, 2017, in File No. 1-03480*
   
 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock DividendsDividends**
   
 Certification of Chief Executive Officer filed pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 20022002**
   
 Certification of Chief Financial Officer filed pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 20022002**
   
 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer furnished pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 20022002**
   
 Mine Safety DisclosuresDisclosures**
   
101 
The following materials from MDU Resources Group, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged in summary and detail
detail.
* Incorporated herein by reference as indicated.
** Filed herewith.
+ Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement.
* Incorporated herein by reference as indicated.
MDU Resources Group, Inc. agrees to furnish to the SEC upon request any instrument with respect to long-term debt that MDU Resources Group, Inc. has not filed as an exhibit pursuant to the exemption provided by Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K.


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