UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 10-Q

 

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014

Commission File Number 1-7850

 

 

SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

California 88-0085720

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

5241 Spring Mountain Road

Post Office Box 98510

Las Vegas, Nevada

 89193-8510
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (702) 876-7237

 

 

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

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

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

 

Large accelerated filer

 

x

  

Accelerated filer

 

¨

Non-accelerated filer

 

¨

  

Smaller reporting company

 

¨

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

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

Common Stock, $1 Par Value, 46,512,59746,518,555 shares as of JulyOctober 29, 2014.

 

 

 


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

  Form 10-Q
June 30, 2014

PART I—I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Thousands of dollars, except par value)

(Unaudited)

 

  JUNE 30, DECEMBER 31, 
  2014 2013   SEPTEMBER 30,
2014
 DECEMBER 31,
2013
 
ASSETS      

Utility plant:

      

Gas plant

  $5,398,729   $5,252,469    $5,485,091   $5,252,469  

Less: accumulated depreciation

   (1,928,978 (1,868,504   (1,954,553 (1,868,504

Acquisition adjustments, net

   640   730     595   730  

Construction work in progress

   74,884   101,413     77,183   101,413  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net utility plant

   3,545,275    3,486,108     3,608,316    3,486,108  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Other property and investments

   267,763    260,871     265,468    260,871  
  

 

  

 

 

Restricted cash

   16,649    —    
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Current assets:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

   26,890    41,077     39,165    41,077  

Accounts receivable, net of allowances

   183,472    219,469     184,790    219,469  

Accrued utility revenue

   31,600    72,700     32,000    72,700  

Income taxes receivable, net

   4,283    3,790     20,398    3,790  

Deferred income taxes

   —      31,130     —      31,130  

Deferred purchased gas costs

   80,441    18,217     78,318    18,217  

Prepaids and other current assets

   83,805    108,289   �� 95,845    108,289  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total current assets

   410,491    494,672     450,516    494,672  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Deferred charges and other assets

   322,111    323,523     317,361    323,523  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total assets

  $4,562,289   $4,565,174    $4,641,661   $4,565,174  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES      

Capitalization:

      

Common stock, $1 par (authorized - 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding - 46,503,111 and 46,356,125 shares)

  $48,133   $47,986  

Common stock, $1 par (authorized - 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding - 46,518,555 and 46,356,125 shares)

  $48,148   $47,986  

Additional paid-in capital

   844,851    840,521     846,127    840,521  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net

   (39,638  (41,698   (38,608  (41,698

Retained earnings

   613,760    567,714     598,552    567,714  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total Southwest Gas Corporation equity

   1,467,106    1,414,523     1,454,219    1,414,523  

Noncontrolling interest

   (2,214  (2,128   (2,257  (2,128
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total equity

   1,464,892    1,412,395     1,451,962    1,412,395  

Long-term debt, less current maturities

   1,365,926    1,381,327     1,437,706    1,381,327  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total capitalization

   2,830,818    2,793,722     2,889,668    2,793,722  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Current liabilities:

      

Current maturities of long-term debt

   23,741    11,105     11,265    11,105  

Accounts payable

   94,400    183,511     98,991    183,511  

Customer deposits

   72,896    73,367     71,320    73,367  

Accrued general taxes

   35,657    39,681     39,704    39,681  

Accrued interest

   18,187    17,920     23,318    17,920  

Deferred income taxes

   5,566    —       11,304    —    

Other current liabilities

   132,165    108,580     138,096    108,580  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total current liabilities

   382,612    434,164     393,998    434,164  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Deferred income taxes and other credits:

      

Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits

   663,470    674,411     671,560    674,411  

Taxes payable

   —      284     —      284  

Accumulated removal costs

   291,000    279,000     297,000    279,000  

Other deferred credits

   394,389    383,593     389,435    383,593  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total deferred income taxes and other credits

   1,348,859    1,337,288     1,357,995    1,337,288  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total capitalization and liabilities

  $4,562,289   $4,565,174    $4,641,661   $4,565,174  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

2

2


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

  Form 10-Q
June 30, 2014

 

SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

  THREE MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,
 SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE
30,
 TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,
   THREE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
 NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
 TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
 
  2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013   2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013 

Operating revenues:

              

Gas operating revenues

  $271,479   $238,869   $757,972   $732,469   $1,325,657   $1,267,567    $226,027   $195,031   $983,999   $927,500   $1,356,653   $1,267,025  

Construction revenues

   181,674   172,705   303,577   292,610   661,595   617,877     206,448   192,315   510,025   484,925   675,728   633,966  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total operating revenues

   453,153    411,574    1,061,549    1,025,079    1,987,252    1,885,444     432,475    387,346    1,494,024    1,412,425    2,032,381    1,900,991  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Operating expenses:

              

Net cost of gas sold

   97,985    69,388    289,362    269,996    455,367    414,892     72,987    47,746    362,349    317,742    480,608    409,361  

Operations and maintenance

   97,620    94,935    200,028    192,022    392,920    374,267     93,389    95,981    293,417    288,003    390,328    379,621  

Depreciation and amortization

   62,186    58,570    125,077    117,503    244,391    231,225     62,037    58,744    187,114    176,247    247,684    233,251  

Taxes other than income taxes

   10,965    11,073    22,421    22,868    45,104    44,131     11,835    11,153    34,256    34,021    45,786    44,684  

Construction expenses

   157,642    148,700    270,841    255,388    588,737    532,106     173,937    167,581    444,778    422,969    595,093    545,420  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total operating expenses

   426,398    382,666    907,729    857,777    1,726,519    1,596,621     414,185    381,205    1,321,914    1,238,982    1,759,499    1,612,337  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Operating income

   26,755    28,908    153,820    167,302    260,733    288,823     18,290    6,141    172,110    173,443    272,882    288,654  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Other income and (expenses):

              

Net interest deductions

   (17,305  (15,290  (34,824  (31,168  (67,356  (63,777   (17,421  (15,097  (52,245  (46,265  (69,680  (62,464

Other income (deductions)

   2,863    1,452    4,475    5,521    11,254    6,994     440    2,668    4,915    8,189    9,026    8,026  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total other income and (expenses)

   (14,442  (13,838  (30,349  (25,647  (56,102  (56,783   (16,981  (12,429  (47,330  (38,076  (60,654  (54,438
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Income before income taxes

   12,313    15,070    123,471    141,655    204,631    232,040  

Income tax expense

   2,686    5,003    43,147    50,914    70,175    83,607  

Income (loss) before income taxes

   1,309    (6,288  124,780    135,367    212,228    234,216  

Income tax expense (benefit)

   (618  (3,231  42,529    47,683    72,788    84,426  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net income

   9,627    10,067    80,324    90,741    134,456    148,433  

Net income (loss)

   1,927    (3,057  82,251    87,684    139,440    149,790  

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

   —      (41  (86  (140  (393  (536   (43  (193  (129  (333  (243  (620
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net income attributable to Southwest Gas Corporation

  $9,627   $10,108   $80,410   $90,881   $134,849   $148,969  

Net income (loss) attributable to Southwest Gas Corporation

  $1,970   $(2,864 $82,380   $88,017   $139,683   $150,410  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Basic earnings per share

  $0.21   $0.22   $1.73   $1.96   $2.91   $3.22  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

  $0.21   $0.22   $1.71   $1.95   $2.88   $3.19  

Basic earnings (loss) per share

  $0.04   $(0.06 $1.77   $1.90   $3.01   $3.25  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

  $0.04   $(0.06 $1.76   $1.88   $2.98   $3.22  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Dividends declared per share

  $0.365   $0.330   $0.730   $0.660   $1.390   $1.250    $0.365   $0.330   $1.095   $0.990   $1.425   $1.285  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Average number of common shares outstanding

   46,502    46,331    46,471    46,291    46,407    46,214     46,513    46,337    46,485    46,306    46,451    46,265  

Average shares outstanding (assuming dilution)

   46,948    46,757    46,910    46,704    46,860    46,654     46,966    —      46,928    46,732    46,904    46,704  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

3

3


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

  Form 10-Q
June 30, 2014

 

SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Thousands of dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

  THREE MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,
 SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,
 TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,
   THREE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
 NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
 TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
 
  2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013   2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013 

Net income

  $9,627   $10,067   $80,324   $90,741   $134,456   $148,433  

Net income (loss)

  $1,927   $(3,057 $82,251   $87,684   $139,440   $149,790  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

              

Defined benefit pension plans:

              

Net actuarial gain (loss)

   —      —      —      —      62,214    (46,409   —      —      —      —      62,214    (46,409

Amortization of prior service cost

   55    54    110    109    221    109     55    55    165    164    221    164  

Amortization of transition obligation

   —      —      —      —      —      270     —      —      —      —      —      135  

Amortization of net actuarial loss

   3,666    5,298    7,333    10,596    17,927    18,530     3,667    5,297    11,000    15,893    16,297    19,861  

Prior service cost

   —      —      —      —      —      (1,502   —      —      —      —      —      (1,502

Regulatory adjustment

   (3,210  (4,702  (6,420  (9,404  (73,667  24,366     (3,210  (4,701  (9,630  (14,105  (72,176  23,290  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net defined benefit pension plans

   511    650    1,023    1,301    6,695    (4,636   512    651    1,535    1,952    6,556    (4,461
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Forward-starting interest rate swaps:

              

Amounts reclassified into net income

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

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net forward-starting interest rate swaps

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

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

   1,030    1,169    2,060    2,338    8,769    (2,562   1,030    1,169    3,090    3,507    8,630    (2,387
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Comprehensive income

   10,657    11,236    82,384    93,079    143,225    145,871  

Comprehensive income (loss)

   2,957    (1,888  85,341    91,191    148,070    147,403  

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

   —      (41  (86  (140  (393  (536   (43  (193  (129  (333  (243  (620
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Southwest Gas Corporation

  $10,657   $11,277   $82,470   $93,219   $143,618   $146,407  

Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Southwest Gas Corporation

  $3,000   $(1,695 $85,470   $91,524   $148,313   $148,023  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

4

4


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

  Form 10-Q
June 30, 2014

 

SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Thousands of dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

   SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30
  TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30
 
   2014  2013  2014  2013 

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

     

Net income

  $80,324   $90,741   $134,456   $148,433  

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

     

Depreciation and amortization

   125,077    117,503    244,391    231,225  

Deferred income taxes

   24,493    45,781    47,351    73,824  

Changes in current assets and liabilities:

     

Accounts receivable, net of allowances

   35,997    36,649    (23,208  (5,436

Accrued utility revenue

   41,100    41,600    (1,200  (1,200

Deferred purchased gas costs

   (62,224  (64,376  (108,991  (88,324

Accounts payable

   (91,674  (53,924  (10,082  22,746  

Accrued taxes

   (4,801  (2,452  (1,424  4,100  

Other current assets and liabilities

   46,238    24,088    27,234    (23,204

Gains on sale

   (4,137  (2,285  (5,964  (7,031

Changes in undistributed stock compensation

   3,766    3,855    6,869    5,839  

AFUDC and property-related changes

   (1,024  (1,002  (2,296  (2,231

Changes in other assets and deferred charges

   (15,150  (16,393  (20,476  (22,582

Changes in other liabilities and deferred credits

   19,462    (4,564  41,775    3,931  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   197,447    215,221    328,435    340,090  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

     

Construction expenditures and property additions

   (175,444  (151,877  (387,843  (371,207

Restricted cash

   (16,649  —      (16,649  —    

Changes in customer advances

   8,947    3,127    13,593    13,900  

Miscellaneous inflows

   7,060    4,905    10,620    13,766  

Miscellaneous outflows

   —      —      —      (969
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

   (176,086  (143,845  (380,279  (344,510
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

     

Issuance of common stock, net

   237    1,357    515    1,626  

Dividends paid

   (32,316  (28,947  (62,904  (56,169

Issuance of long-term debt, net

   17,719    41,673    287,336    130,387  

Retirement of long-term debt

   (10,716  (101,269  (46,460  (205,269

Change in credit facility and commercial paper

   (10,000  8,000    (119,000  119,000  

Other

   (472  —      1,527    —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   (35,548  (79,186  61,014    (10,425
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Change in cash and cash equivalents

   (14,187  (7,810  9,170    (14,845

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   41,077    25,530    17,720    32,565  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $26,890   $17,720   $26,890   $17,720  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Supplemental information:

     

Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized

  $31,787   $29,116   $61,401   $60,103  

Income taxes paid

   12,246    3,531    15,565    4,608  

   NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30
  TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30
 
   2014  2013  2014  2013 

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

     

Net income

  $82,251   $87,684   $139,440   $149,790  

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

     

Depreciation and amortization

   187,114    176,247    247,684    233,251  

Deferred income taxes

   37,690    43,704    62,625    76,641  

Changes in current assets and liabilities:

     

Accounts receivable, net of allowances

   34,679    41,310    (29,187  (3,855

Accrued utility revenue

   40,700    40,700    (700  (1,100

Deferred purchased gas costs

   (60,101  (78,709  (92,535  (108,736

Accounts payable

   (85,514  (54,817  (3,029  12,793  

Accrued taxes

   (16,869  (1,240  (14,704  (189

Other current assets and liabilities

   43,650    27,793    20,941    (11,940

Gains on sale

   (5,661  (2,990  (6,783  (6,524

Changes in undistributed stock compensation

   4,612    5,444    6,126    6,366  

AFUDC and property-related changes

   (1,571  (1,658  (2,187  (2,312

Changes in other assets and deferred charges

   (17,420  (22,454  (16,685  (25,088

Changes in other liabilities and deferred credits

   18,344    7,524    28,569    5,449  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   261,904    268,538    339,575    324,546  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

     

Construction expenditures and property additions

   (293,276  (254,437  (403,115  (374,179

Changes in customer advances

   13,124    5,203    15,694    23,388  

Miscellaneous inflows

   9,780    6,407    11,838    11,603  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

   (270,372  (242,827  (375,583  (339,188
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

     

Issuance of common stock, net

   419    1,446    608    1,568  

Dividends paid

   (49,295  (44,238  (64,592  (57,850

Issuance of long-term debt, net

   37,719    63,673    285,336    99,553  

Retirement of long-term debt

   (21,528  (130,269  (28,272  (179,855

Change in credit facility and commercial paper

   40,000    39,000    (100,000  110,000  

Change in short-term debt

   —      33,000    (33,000  33,000  

Other

   (759  —      1,240    —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   6,556    (37,388  61,320    6,416  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Change in cash and cash equivalents

   (1,912  (11,677  25,312    (8,226

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   41,077    25,530    13,853    22,079  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $39,165   $13,853   $39,165   $13,853  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Supplemental information:

     

Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized

  $42,695   $41,161   $60,264   $58,078  

Income taxes paid

   14,823    4,929    16,744    5,801  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

5

5


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

  Form 10-Q
June 30, 2014

 

Note 1 – Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation

Nature of Operations. Southwest Gas Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) consist of two segments: natural gas operations (“Southwest” or the “natural gas operations” segment) and construction services. Southwest is engaged in the business of purchasing, distributing, and transporting natural gas for customers in portions of Arizona, Nevada, and California. Public utility rates, practices, facilities, and service territories of Southwest are subject to regulatory oversight. All of Southwest’s service territories have decoupled rate structures, which are designed to mitigate the impacts of weather variability and conservation on operating margin. The timing and amount of rate relief can materially impact results of operations. Natural gas sales are seasonal, peaking during the winter months; therefore, results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. Natural gas purchases and the timing of related recoveries can materially impact liquidity. NPL Construction Co. (“NPL” or the “construction services” segment), a wholly owned subsidiary, is a full-service underground piping contractor that primarily provides utility companies with trenching and installation, replacement, and maintenance services for energy distribution systems. Typically, NPL revenues are lowest during the first quarter of the year due to unfavorable winter weather conditions. Operating revenues typically improve as more favorable weather conditions occur during the summer and fall months.

Basis of Presentation. The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items and estimates necessary for a fair presentation of results for the interim periods, have been made. It is suggested that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the 2013 Annual Report to Shareholders, which is incorporated by reference into the 2013 Form 10-K, and the first and second quarter 2014 reports on Form 10-Q.

Prepaids and other current assets. Prepaids and other current assets includes gas pipe inventory and operating supplies of $23$24 million at JuneSeptember 30, 2014 and $21 million at December 31, 2013.

Cash and Cash Equivalents.For purposes of reporting consolidated cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and financial instruments with a purchase-date maturity of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents fall within Level 1 (quoted prices for identical financial instruments) of the three-level fair value hierarchy that ranks the inputs used to measure fair value by their reliability. Upon contract expiration, customer advances of approximately $5.6$7 million and $4.8$7.9 million, during the first sixnine months of 2014 and 2013, respectively, were applied as contributions toward utility construction activity and represent non-cash investing activity.

Intercompany Transactions. NPL recognizes revenues generated from contracts with Southwest (seeNote 3 - Segment Information below). Accounts receivable for these services are presented in the table below (thousands of dollars):

 

   June 30,
2014
   December 31,
2013
 

Accounts receivable for NPL services

  $10,786    $10,787  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   September 30, 2014   December 31, 2013 

Accounts receivable for NPL services

  $9,501    $10,787  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

6

6


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

  Form 10-Q
June 30, 2014

 

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

 

  September 30, 2014 December 31, 2013 
  June 30,
2014
 December 31,
2013
 

NPL property and equipment

  $332   $320    $335   $320  

NPL accumulated provision for depreciation and amortization

   (172 (163   (177 (163

Net cash surrender value of COLI policies

   96   93     96   93  

Other property

   12   11     11   11  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total

  $268   $261    $265   $261  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

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

 

  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Twelve Months Ended 
  Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Twelve Months Ended   September 30 September 30 September 30 
  June 30 June 30 June 30   2014 2013 2014   2013 2014 2013 
  2014 2013 2014   2013 2014 2013 

Change in COLI policies

  $2,300   $1,800   $3,200    $5,600   $10,000   $8,900    $(300 $2,500   $2,900    $8,100   $7,200   $9,200  

Interest income

   612   144   1,109     264   1,306   683     772   158   1,881     422   1,920   561  

Pipe replacement costs

   —     (36  —       (121 (11 (1,759   —     (42  —       (163 31   (828

Miscellaneous income and (expense)

   (49 (456 166     (222 (41 (830   (32 52   134     (170 (125 (907
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total other income (deductions)

  $2,863   $1,452   $4,475    $5,521   $11,254   $6,994    $440   $2,668   $4,915    $8,189   $9,026   $8,026  
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Included in the table above is the change in cash surrender values of company-owned life insurance (“COLI”) policies (including net death benefits recognized). These life insurance policies on members of management and other key employees are used by Southwest to indemnify itself against the loss of talent, expertise, and knowledge, as well as to provide indirect funding for certain nonqualified benefit plans. Current tax regulations provide for tax-free treatment of life insurance (death benefit) proceeds. Therefore, changes in the cash surrender value components of COLI policies, as they progress towards the ultimate death benefits, are also recorded without tax consequences. Pipe replacement costs include amounts associated with certain Arizona non-recoverable pipe replacement work. The replacement program work subject to non-recoverability was substantially completed in 2012.

Reclassifications. A reclassification was made to the prior year’s financial information between two categories on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income to present it on a basis comparable with the current year’s presentation, with no impact on comprehensive income overall.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Update.Updates. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued the update “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” The update replaces much of the current guidance regarding revenue recognition including most industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the update is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. An entity will be required to identify the contract with a customer, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. In addition to the new revenue recognition requirements, entities will be required to disclose sufficient information to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Entities may choose between two retrospective transition methods when applying the update. The Company plans to adopt this update, as required, on January 1, 2017 for interim and annual reporting periods. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is evaluating what impact this standard might have on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In August 2014, the FASB issued the update “Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern,” which requires management to asses a company’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. Under the update, disclosures are required when conditions give rise to substantial doubt about a company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year from the financial statement issuance date. The update is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and all annual and interim periods thereafter. This update is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s disclosures.

7


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

Form 10-Q

Note 2 – Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

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

7


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATIONForm 10-Q
June 30, 2014

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

 

  Qualified Retirement Plan 
  Qualified Retirement Plan   Period Ended September 30, 
  Period Ended June 30,   Three Months Nine Months Twelve Months 
  Three Months Six Months Twelve Months   2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013 
(Thousands of dollars)  2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013               

Service cost

  $5,340   $5,764   $10,680   $11,528   $22,208   $21,688    $5,340   $5,764   $16,020   $17,292   $21,784   $22,372  

Interest cost

   10,860   9,402   21,721   18,803   40,525   37,936     10,860   9,402   32,581   28,205   41,983   37,771  

Expected return on plan assets

   (13,335 (12,460 (26,671 (24,920 (51,591 (47,810   (13,336 (12,460 (40,007 (37,380 (52,467 (48,825

Amortization of net actuarial loss

   5,718   8,065   11,436   16,131   27,566   28,072     5,718   8,065   17,154   24,196   25,219   30,167  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

  $8,583   $10,771   $17,166   $21,542   $38,708   $39,886    $8,582   $10,771   $25,748   $32,313   $36,519   $41,485  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
  SERP   SERP 
  Period Ended June 30,   Period Ended September 30, 
  Three Months Six Months Twelve Months   Three Months Nine Months Twelve Months 
  2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013 
(Thousands of dollars)  2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013               

Service cost

  $73   $93   $146   $187   $332   $324    $73   $93   $219   $280   $312   $348  

Interest cost

   436   384   872   767   1,640   1,582     436   384   1,308   1,151   1,692   1,559  

Amortization of net actuarial loss

   196   243   392   486   877   827     196   243   588   729   830   899  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

  $705   $720   $1,410   $1,440   $2,849   $2,733    $705   $720   $2,115   $2,160   $2,834   $2,806  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
  PBOP 
  PBOP   Period Ended September 30, 
  Period Ended June 30,   Three Months Nine Months Twelve Months 
  Three Months Six Months Twelve Months   2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013 
(Thousands of dollars)  2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013               

Service cost

  $275   $305   $551   $610   $1,161   $1,098    $275   $305   $826   $915   $1,131   $1,159  

Interest cost

   708   621   1,415   1,241   2,656   2,515     707   620   2,122   1,861   2,743   2,498  

Expected return on plan assets

   (816 (706 (1,632 (1,412 (3,044 (2,614   (816 (706 (2,448 (2,118 (3,154 (2,719

Amortization of prior service cost

   88   88   177   177   355   177     89   89   266   266   355   266  

Amortization of transition obligation

   —      —      —      —      —     434     —      —      —      —      —     217  

Amortization of net actuarial loss

   —     237    —     473   472   988     —     236    —     709   236   967  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

  $255   $545   $511   $1,089   $1,600   $2,598    $255   $544   $766   $1,633   $1,311   $2,388  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

8


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

Form 10-Q

Note 3 – Segment Information

The following tables present revenues from external customers, intersegment revenues, and segment net income (thousands of dollars):

 

  Natural Gas
Operations
   Construction
Services
   Total  Natural Gas
Operations
 Construction
Services
 Total 

Three months ended June 30, 2014

      

Three months ended September 30, 2014

   

Revenues from external customers

 $226,027   $183,290   $409,317  

Intersegment revenues

  —     23,158   23,158  
 

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

 $226,027   $206,448   $432,475  
 

 

  

 

  

 

 

Segment net income (loss)

 $(11,452 $13,422   $1,970  
 

 

  

 

  

 

 

Three months ended September 30, 2013

   

Revenues from external customers

 $195,031   $168,200   $363,231  

Intersegment revenues

  —      24,115    24,115  
 

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

 $195,031   $192,315   $387,346  
 

 

  

 

  

 

 

Segment net income (loss)

 $(11,939 $9,075   $(2,864
 

 

  

 

  

 

 
 Natural Gas
Operations
 Construction
Services
 Total 

Nine months ended September 30, 2014

   

Revenues from external customers

  $271,479    $156,966    $428,445   $983,999   $438,409   $1,422,408  

Intersegment revenues

   —       24,708     24,708    —     71,616   71,616  
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

  $271,479    $181,674    $453,153   $983,999   $510,025   $1,494,024  
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Segment net income

  $1,798    $7,829    $9,627   $62,945   $19,435   $82,380  
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Three months ended June 30, 2013

      

Nine months ended September 30, 2013

   

Revenues from external customers

  $238,869    $150,434    $389,303   $927,500   $423,500   $1,351,000  

Intersegment revenues

   —       22,271     22,271    —      61,425    61,425  
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

  $238,869    $172,705    $411,574   $927,500   $484,925   $1,412,425  
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Segment net income

  $1,964    $8,144    $10,108   $69,317   $18,700   $88,017  
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
 Natural Gas
Operations
 Construction
Services
 Total 

Twelve months ended September 30, 2014

   

Revenues from external customers

 $1,356,653   $577,384   $1,934,037  

Intersegment revenues

  —     98,344   98,344  
 

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

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

 

  

 

  

 

 

Segment net income

 $117,797   $21,886   $139,683  
 

 

  

 

  

 

 

Twelve months ended September 30, 2013

   

Revenues from external customers

 $1,267,025   $552,032   $1,819,057  

Intersegment revenues

  —      81,934    81,934  
 

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

 $1,267,025   $633,966   $1,900,991  
 

 

  

 

  

 

 

Segment net income

 $121,327   $29,083   $150,410  
 

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

8

9


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

  Form 10-Q
June 30, 2014

   Natural Gas   Construction     
   Operations   Services   Total 

Six months ended June 30, 2014

      

Revenues from external customers

  $757,972    $255,119    $1,013,091  

Intersegment revenues

   —       48,458     48,458  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment net income

  $74,397    $6,013    $80,410  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Six months ended June 30, 2013

      

Revenues from external customers

  $732,469    $255,300    $987,769  

Intersegment revenues

   —       37,310     37,310  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $732,469    $292,610    $1,025,079  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment net income

  $81,256    $9,625    $90,881  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   Natural Gas
Operations
   Construction
Services
   Total 

Twelve months ended June 30, 2014

      

Revenues from external customers

  $1,325,657    $562,294    $1,887,951  

Intersegment revenues

   —       99,301     99,301  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $1,325,657    $661,595    $1,987,252  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment net income

  $117,310    $17,539    $134,849  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Twelve months ended June 30, 2013

      

Revenues from external customers

  $1,267,567    $532,687    $1,800,254  

Intersegment revenues

   —       85,190     85,190  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $1,267,567    $617,877    $1,885,444  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment net income

  $121,877    $27,092    $148,969  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Note 4 – Derivatives and Fair Value Measurements

Derivatives. In managing its natural gas supply portfolios, Southwest has historically entered into fixed- and variable-price contracts, which qualify as derivatives. Additionally, Southwest utilizes fixed-for-floating swap contracts (“Swaps”) to supplement its fixed-price contracts. The fixed-price contracts, firm commitments to purchase a fixed amount of gas in the future at a fixed price, qualify for the normal purchases and normal sales exception that is allowed for contracts that are probable of delivery in the normal course of business, and are exempt from fair value reporting. The variable-price contracts have no significant market value. The Swaps are recorded at fair value.

As part of the June 2013 Nevada Annual Rate Adjustment and associated stipulation, the Company agreed to suspend further Swaps and fixed-price purchases pursuant to the Volatility Mitigation Program for its Nevada service territories. The decision will not impact previously executed purchase agreements. The Company, along with its regulators, will continue to evaluate this strategy in light of prevailing or anticipated changing market conditions.

The fixed-price contracts and Swaps are utilized by Southwest under its volatility mitigation programs to effectively fix the price on a portion (up to approximately 35%, depending on the jurisdiction) of its natural gas supply portfolios. The maturities of the Swaps highly correlate to forecasted purchases of natural gas, during time frames ranging from JulyOctober 2014 through March 2016. Under such contracts, Southwest pays the counterparty at a fixed rate and receives from the counterparty a floating rate per MMBtu (“dekatherm”) of natural gas. Only the net differential is actually paid or received. The differential is calculated based on the notional amounts under the contracts, which are detailed in the table below (thousands of dekatherms):

 

9


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATIONForm 10-Q
June 30, 2014

   June 30, 2014   December 31, 2013 

Contract notional amounts

   7,658     13,571  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  September 30, 2014  December 31, 2013 

Contract notional amounts

  7,106    13,571  
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

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

The following table sets forth the gains and (losses) recognized on the Company’s Swaps (derivatives) for the three-, six-nine-, and twelve-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014 and 2013 and their location in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (thousands of dollars):

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

(Thousands of dollars)

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

(Thousands of dollars)

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

(Thousands of dollars)

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

Instrument

  

Location of Gain or (Loss)

Recognized in Income on Derivative

  June 30 June 30 June 30   

Recognized in Income on Derivative

 2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013 
  2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013 

Swaps

  

Net cost of gas sold

  $(83 $(7,669 $5,907   $(2,593 $9,476   $(2,885  

Net cost of gas sold

 $(2,277 $(353 $3,630   $(2,946 $7,552   $(6,855

Swaps

  

Net cost of gas sold

   83 7,669 (5,907)*  2,593 (9,476)*  2,885  

Net cost of gas sold

 2,277 353 (3,630)*  2,946 (7,552)*  6,855
    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

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

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

*

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

No gains (losses) were recognized, in income or other comprehensive income during the periods presented, for derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments. Previously, Southwest entered into two forward-starting interest rate swaps (“FSIRS”) to hedge the risk of interest rate variability during the period leading up to the issuance of fixed-rate debt. At settlement of the first FSIRS in December 2010, Southwest paid an aggregate $11.7 million to the counterparties. The second FSIRS terminated in March 2012 at which time Southwest paid counterparties an aggregate $21.8 million. The losses on both FSIRS are being amortized over ten-year periods from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and into interest expense.

10


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

Form 10-Q

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

Fair values of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

 

June 30, 2014     Asset
Derivatives
   Liability
Derivatives
  Net Total 
September 30, 2014September 30, 2014 Asset Liability   

Instrument

  

Balance Sheet Location

  Asset
Derivatives
   Liability
Derivatives
  Net Total   

Balance Sheet Location

 Derivatives Derivatives Net Total 

Swaps

  

Deferred charges and other assets

 $124   $(17 $107  

Swaps

  Deferred charges and other assets  $483    $—     $483    

Prepaids and other current assets

 198   (146 52  

Swaps

  Prepaids and other current assets   1,884     (140 1,744    

Other current liabilities

 174   (389 (215
    

 

   

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

    $2,367    $(140 $2,227     $496   $(552 $(56
    

 

   

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

  

 

 
December 31, 2013     Asset
Derivatives
   Liability
Derivatives
  Net Total December 31, 2013 Asset Liability   

Instrument

  

Balance Sheet Location

     

Balance Sheet Location

 Derivatives Derivatives Net Total 

Swaps

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

Deferred charges and other assets

 $257   $(77 $180  

Swaps

  Prepaids and other current assets   1,054     (253 801    

Prepaids and other current assets

 1,054   (253 801  

Swaps

  Other current liabilities   126     (282 (156  

Other current liabilities

 126   (282 (156

Swaps

  Other deferred credits   7     (11 (4  

Other deferred credits

 7   (11 (4
    

 

   

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

    $1,444    $(623 $821     $1,444   $(623 $821  
    

 

   

 

  

 

    

 

  

 

  

 

 

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

Pursuant to regulatory deferral accounting treatment for rate-regulated entities, Southwest records the unrealized gains and losses in fair value of the Swaps as a regulatory asset and/or liability. When the Swaps mature, Southwest reverses any prior positions held and records the settled position as an increase or decrease of purchased gas under

10


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATIONForm 10-Q
June 30, 2014

the related purchased gas adjustment (“PGA”) mechanism in determining its deferred PGA balances. Neither changes in fair value, nor settled amounts, of Swaps have a direct effect on earnings or other comprehensive income.

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

 

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

Paid to counterparties

  $—      $15    $2,291   $71   $86   $2,020  
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Received from counterparties

  $196    $4,515    $4,522   $78   $4,593   $4,593  
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

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

 

June 30, 2014

Instrument

  

Balance Sheet Location

  Net Total 
September 30, 2014September 30, 2014 

Instrument

  

Balance Sheet Location

  Net Total 

Swaps

  

Other deferred credits

  $(107

Swaps

  

Other deferred credits

  $(483  

Other current liabilities

   (52

Swaps

  

Other current liabilities

   (1,744  

Prepaids and other current assets

   215  

December 31, 2013

Instrument

  

Balance Sheet Location

  Net Total 
December 31, 2013December 31, 2013 

Instrument

  

Balance Sheet Location

  Net Total 

Swaps

  

Other deferred credits

  $(180  

Other deferred credits

  $(180

Swaps

  

Other current liabilities

   (801  

Other current liabilities

   (801

Swaps

  

Prepaids and other current assets

   156    

Prepaids and other current assets

   156  

Swaps

  

Deferred charges and other assets

   4    

Deferred charges and other assets

   4  

11


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

Form 10-Q

Fair Value Measurements.Measurements. The estimated fair values of Southwest’s Swaps were determined at JuneSeptember 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 using New York Mercantile Exchange (“NYMEX”) futures settlement prices for delivery of natural gas at Henry Hub adjusted by the price of NYMEX ClearPort basis Swaps, which reflect the difference between the price of natural gas at a given delivery basin and the Henry Hub pricing points. These Level 2 inputs (inputs, other than quoted prices, for similar assets or liabilities) are observable in the marketplace throughout the full term of the Swaps, but have been credit-risk adjusted with no significant impact to the overall fair value measure.

The following table sets forth by level, within the three-level fair value hierarchy that ranks the inputs used to measure fair value by their reliability, the Company’s financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value:

Level 2 - Significant other observable inputs

 

(Thousands of dollars)  June 30, 2014   December 31, 2013  September 30, 2014 December 31, 2013 

Assets at fair value:

      

Prepaids and other current assets - Swaps

  $1,744    $801   $52   $801  

Deferred charges and other assets - Swaps

   483     180   107   180  

Liabilities at fair value:

      

Other current liabilities - Swaps

   —       (156 (215 (156

Other deferred credits - Swaps

   —       (4  —     (4
  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net Assets (Liabilities)

  $2,227    $821   $(56 $821  
  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

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

 

11

12


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

  Form 10-Q
June 30, 2014

 

Note 5 – Long-Term Debt

Carrying amounts of the Company’s long-term debt and their related estimated fair values as of JuneSeptember 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are disclosed in the following table. The fair values of the revolving credit facility (including commercial paper), the NPL revolving credit facility, and the variable-rate Industrial Development Revenue Bonds (“IDRBs”) approximate their carrying values, and are categorized as Level 1 (quoted prices for identical financial instruments or liabilities that can be accessed at the measurement date) within thethree-level fair value hierarchy that ranks the inputs used to measure fair value by their reliability. The market values of debentures (except the 6.1% Notes) and fixed-rate IDRBs are categorized as Level 2. The 6.1% Notes (private placement, not actively traded) and NPL other debt obligations (not actively traded) are categorized as Level 3 (based on significant unobservable inputs to their fair values). Fair values for the debentures, fixed-rate IDRBs, and NPL other debt obligations were determined through a market-based valuation approach, where fair market values are determined based on evaluated pricing data, such as broker quotes and yields for similar securities adjusted for observable differences. Significant inputs used in the valuation generally include benchmark yield curves and issuer spreads. The external credit rating, coupon rate, and maturity of each security are considered in the valuation, as applicable.

 

 September 30, 2014 December 31, 2013 
 Carrying Market Carrying Market 
  June 30, 2014   December 31, 2013  Amount Value Amount Value 
(Thousands of dollars)  Carrying
Amount
 Market
Value
   Carrying
Amount
 Market
Value
          

Debentures:

          

Notes, 4.45%, due 2020

  $125,000   $136,964    $125,000   $130,953   $125,000   $135,925   $125,000   $130,953  

Notes, 6.1%, due 2041

   125,000   157,689     125,000   141,873   125,000   155,978   125,000   141,873  

Notes, 3.875%, due 2022

   250,000   266,398     250,000   252,485   250,000   265,345   250,000   252,485  

Notes, 4.875%, due 2043

   250,000   277,840     250,000   257,280   250,000   275,035   250,000   257,280  

8% Series, due 2026

   75,000   104,001     75,000   96,263   75,000   103,548   75,000   96,263  

Medium-term notes, 7.59% series, due 2017

   25,000   28,539     25,000   28,741   25,000   28,151   25,000   28,741  

Medium-term notes, 7.78% series, due 2022

   25,000   32,116     25,000   30,586   25,000   31,814   25,000   30,586  

Medium-term notes, 7.92% series, due 2027

   25,000   34,194     25,000   31,497   25,000   34,066   25,000   31,497  

Medium-term notes, 6.76% series, due 2027

   7,500   9,259     7,500   8,468   7,500   9,240   7,500   8,468  

Unamortized discount

   (5,394    (5,560  (5,309  (5,560 
  

 

    

 

   

 

   

 

  
   902,106      901,940     902,191     901,940   
  

 

    

 

   

 

   

 

  

Revolving credit facility and commercial paper

   —      —       10,000    10,000    50,000    50,000    10,000    10,000  
  

 

    

 

   

 

   

 

  

Industrial development revenue bonds:

          

Variable-rate bonds:

          

Tax-exempt Series A, due 2028

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

2003 Series A, due 2038

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

2008 Series A, due 2038

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

2009 Series A, due 2039

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

Fixed-rate bonds:

          

5.25% 2003 Series D, due 2038

   20,000    20,215     20,000    20,150    20,000    20,190    20,000    20,150  

5.25% 2004 Series A, due 2034

   65,000    65,041     65,000    64,522    65,000    64,929    65,000    64,522  

5.00% 2004 Series B, due 2033

   31,200    31,207     31,200    30,284    31,200    31,217    31,200    30,284  

4.85% 2005 Series A, due 2035

   100,000    99,934     100,000    95,192    100,000    100,935    100,000    95,192  

4.75% 2006 Series A, due 2036

   24,855    24,911     24,855    22,974    24,855    24,809    24,855    22,974  

Unamortized discount

   (2,710    (2,776   (2,679   (2,776 
  

 

    

 

   

 

   

 

  
   438,345      438,279     438,376     438,279   
  

 

    

 

   

 

   

 

  

NPL credit facility

   12,529    12,529     —      —      24,500    24,500    —      —    

NPL other debt obligations

   36,687    36,851     42,213    42,119    33,904    33,993    42,213    42,119  
  

 

    

 

   

 

   

 

  
   1,389,667      1,392,432     1,448,971     1,392,432   

Less: current maturities

   (23,741    (11,105   (11,265   (11,105 
  

 

    

 

   

 

   

 

  

Long-term debt, less current maturities

  $1,365,926     $1,381,327    $1,437,706    $1,381,327   
  

 

    

 

   

 

   

 

  

In March 2014, the Company amended its $300 million credit facility. The facility was previously scheduled to expire in March 2017 and was extended to March 2019. The Company will continue to use $150 million of the facility as long-term debt and the remaining $150 million for working capital purposes. In addition to extending the credit facility, among other amendments, the applicable margins and unused commitment fees were reduced and the

 

12

13


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

  Form 10-Q
June 30, 2014

 

Pricing Level definitions were modified. Interest rates for the credit facility are calculated at either the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or an “alternate base rate,” plus in each case an applicable margin that is determined based on the Company’s senior unsecured debt rating. At JuneSeptember 30, 2014, the applicable margin is 1% for loans bearing interest with reference to LIBOR and 0% for loans bearing interest with reference to the alternative base rate.

Also in March 2014, the Company amended its 6.1% $125 million notes (“Notes”) note purchase agreement. The amendment modifies the Permitted Lien category permitting liens securing indebtedness not to exceed 10% of total capitalization as of the end of any quarter. This provision in the agreement prohibits liens on any property securing other indebtedness under bank facilities unless the Notes are secured in a similar manner. The provision was amended to clarify that it only applies to bank facilities of Southwest Gas Corporation.

In October 2014, construction services subsidiaries of the Company, including NPL, Isleworth Holding Co., and 2431251 Ontario, Inc. (collectively “Borrowers”) entered into a $300 million secured revolving credit and term loan facility. The facility is scheduled to expire in October 2019 and replaces NPL’s previous $75 million credit facility, which was scheduled to expire in June 2015. SeeNote 8 – Acquisition of Construction Services Businesses for more information. In October, NPL used available capacity under the new facility to refinance borrowings under its existing facility that were outstanding at September 30, 2014. Therefore, these borrowings are shown as long-term obligations.

Interest rates for the $300 million secured facility are calculated at the LIBOR, the Canadian Dealer Offered Rate (“CDOR”), or an alternate base rate or Canadian base rate, plus in each case an applicable margin that is determined based on the Borrowers’ consolidated leverage ratio. The applicable margin ranges from 1.00% to 2.25% for loans bearing interest with reference to LIBOR or CDOR and from 0.00% to 1.25% for loans bearing interest with reference to the alternate base rate or Canadian base rate. The Borrowers are also required to pay a commitment fee on the unfunded portion of the commitments based on the consolidated leverage ratio. The commitment fee ranges from 0.15% to 0.40% per annum.

In October 2014, notices were sent to holders of Southwest’s $65 million 2004 5.25% Series A fixed-rate IDRBs (originally due in 2034) that such IDRBs will be redeemed at par plus accrued interest in November 2014. Sufficient capacity exists on the long-term portion of Southwest’s credit facility which is intended to be used to fund the redemption. Therefore, the IDRBs being redeemed continue to be presented as long-term obligations.

Note 6 – Equity, Other Comprehensive Income, and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The table below provides details of activity in equity during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014.

 

 Southwest Gas Corporation Equity     
       Accumulated       
  Southwest Gas Corporation Equity Non-
controlling
Interest
  Total      Additional Other   Non-   
  Common Stock   Additional
Paid-in
Capital
   Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
  Retained
Earnings
   Common Stock Paid-in Comprehensive Retained controlling   

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

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

DECEMBER 31, 2013

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

Common stock issuances

   147     147     4,330       4,477   162   162   5,606      5,768  

Net income (loss)

         80,410   (86 80,324       82,380   (129 82,251  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

                  

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

         1,023     1,023      1,535     1,535  

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

         1,037     1,037      1,555     1,555  

Dividends declared

                  

Common: $0.73 per share

         (34,364  (34,364

Common: $1.095 per share

     (51,542  (51,542
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

JUNE 30, 2014

   46,503    $48,133    $844,851    $(39,638 $613,760   $(2,214 $1,464,892  

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

  46,518   $48,148   $846,127   $(38,608 $598,552   $(2,257 $1,451,962  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

14


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

Form 10-Q

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

 

13

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

(Thousands of dollars)

 
  Three Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
  September 30, 2014  September 30, 2013 
  Before-  Tax  Net-of-  Before-  Tax  Net-of- 
  Tax  (Expense)  Tax  Tax  (Expense)  Tax 
  Amount  or Benefit (1)  Amount  Amount  or Benefit (1)  Amount 

Defined benefit pension plans:

      

Amortization of net actuarial (gain)/loss

 $5,914   $(2,247 $3,667   $8,544   $(3,247 $5,297  

Amortization of prior service cost

  89    (34  55    89    (34  55  

Regulatory adjustment

  (5,178  1,968    (3,210  (7,583  2,882    (4,701
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Pension plans other comprehensive income (loss)

  825    (313  512    1,050    (399  651  

FSIRS (designated hedging activities):

      

Amounts reclassifed into net income

  836    (318  518    836    (318  518  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

FSIRS other comprehensive income

  836    (318  518    836    (318  518  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

 $1,661   $(631 $1,030   $1,886   $(717 $1,169  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  Nine Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30, 2014  September 30, 2013 
  Before-  Tax  Net-of-  Before-  Tax  Net-of- 
  Tax  (Expense)  Tax  Tax  (Expense)  Tax 
  Amount  or Benefit (1)  Amount  Amount  or Benefit (1)  Amount 

Defined benefit pension plans:

    

Amortization of net actuarial (gain)/loss

 $17,742   $(6,742 $11,000   $25,634   $(9,741 $15,893  

Amortization of prior service cost

  266    (101  165    266    (102  164  

Regulatory adjustment

  (15,533  5,903    (9,630  (22,751  8,646    (14,105
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Pension plans other comprehensive income (loss)

  2,475    (940  1,535    3,149    (1,197  1,952  

FSIRS (designated hedging activities):

    

Amounts reclassifed into net income

  2,509    (954  1,555    2,509    (954  1,555  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

FSIRS other comprehensive income

  2,509    (954  1,555    2,509    (954  1,555  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

 $4,984   $(1,894 $3,090   $5,658   $(2,151 $3,507  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

15


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

  Form 10-Q
June 30, 2014

 

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

(Thousands of dollars)

  Three Months Ended
June 30, 2014
 Three Months Ended
June 30, 2013
  Twelve Months Ended Twelve Months Ended 
  Before-
Tax
Amount
 Tax
(Expense)
or Benefit (1)
 Net-of-
Tax
Amount
 Before-
Tax
Amount
 Tax
(Expense)
or Benefit (1)
 Net-of-
Tax
Amount
 

Defined benefit pension plans:

       

Amortization of net actuarial (gain)/loss

  $5,914   $(2,248 $3,666   $8,545   $(3,247 $5,298  

Amortization of prior service cost

   88   (33 55   88   (34 54  

Regulatory adjustment

   (5,177 1,967   (3,210 (7,584 2,882   (4,702
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Pension plans other comprehensive income (loss)

   825    (314  511    1,049    (399  650  

FSIRS (designated hedging activities):

       

Amounts reclassifed into net income

   837    (318  519    837    (318  519  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

FSIRS other comprehensive income

   837    (318  519    837    (318  519  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

  $1,662   $(632 $1,030   $1,886   $(717 $1,169  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
  Six Months Ended
June 30, 2014
 Six Months Ended
June 30, 2013
 
  Before-
Tax
Amount
 Tax
(Expense)
or Benefit (1)
 Net-of-
Tax
Amount
 Before-
Tax
Amount
 Tax
(Expense)
or Benefit (1)
 Net-of-
Tax
Amount
 

Defined benefit pension plans:

       

Amortization of net actuarial (gain)/loss

  $11,828   $(4,495 $7,333   $17,090   $(6,494 $10,596  

Amortization of prior service cost

   177   (67 110   177   (68 109  

Regulatory adjustment

   (10,355 3,935   (6,420 (15,168 5,764   (9,404
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Pension plans other comprehensive income (loss)

   1,650    (627  1,023    2,099    (798  1,301  

FSIRS (designated hedging activities):

       

Amounts reclassifed into net income

   1,673    (636  1,037    1,673    (636  1,037  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

FSIRS other comprehensive income

   1,673    (636  1,037    1,673    (636  1,037  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

  $3,323   $(1,263 $2,060   $3,772   $(1,434 $2,338  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  September 30, 2014 September 30, 2013 
 Before- Tax Net-of- Before- Tax Net-of- 
  Twelve Months Ended
June 30, 2014
 Twelve Months Ended
June 30, 2013
  Tax (Expense) Tax Tax (Expense) Tax 
  Before-
Tax
Amount
 Tax
(Expense)
or Benefit (1)
 Net-of-
Tax
Amount
 Before-
Tax
Amount
 Tax
(Expense)
or Benefit (1)
 Net-of-
Tax
Amount
  Amount or Benefit (1) Amount Amount or Benefit (1) Amount 

Defined benefit pension plans:

             

Net actuarial gain/(loss)

  $100,345   $(38,131 $62,214   $(74,853 $28,444   $(46,409 $100,345   $(38,131 $62,214   $(74,853 $28,444   $(46,409

Amortization of prior service cost

   355   (134 221   177   (68 109   355   (134 221   266   (102 164  

Amortization of transition obligation

   —      —      —     434   (164 270    —      —      —     217   (82 135  

Amortization of net actuarial (gain)/loss

   28,915   (10,988 17,927   29,887   (11,357 18,530   26,285   (9,988 16,297   32,033   (12,172 19,861  

Prior service cost

   —      —      —     (2,423 921   (1,502  —      —      —     (2,423 921   (1,502

Regulatory adjustment

   (118,817 45,150   (73,667 39,300   (14,934 24,366   (116,412 44,236   (72,176 37,564   (14,274 23,290  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Pension plans other comprehensive income (loss)

   10,798    (4,103  6,695    (7,478  2,842    (4,636  10,573    (4,017  6,556    (7,196  2,735    (4,461

FSIRS (designated hedging activities):

             

Amounts reclassifed into net income

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

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

FSIRS other comprehensive income (loss)

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

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

  $14,143   $(5,374 $8,769   $(4,133 $1,571   $(2,562 $13,918   $(5,288 $8,630   $(3,851 $1,464   $(2,387
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Tax amounts are calculated using a 38% rate.

             

Approximately $2.1 million of realized losses (net of tax) related to the FSIRS, reported in Accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) at JuneSeptember 30, 2014, will be reclassified into interest expense within the next 12 months, as the related interest payments on long-term debt occur.

14


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATIONForm 10-Q
June 30, 2014

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

AOCI - Rollforward

(Thousands of dollars)

AOCI - Rollforward

(Thousands of dollars)

AOCI - Rollforward

(Thousands of dollars)

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

Beginning Balance AOCI December 31, 2013

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

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

   —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —    

FSIRS amounts reclassified from AOCI (1)

   —      —      —      1,673    (636  1,037    1,037    —      —      —      2,509    (954  1,555    1,555  

Amortization of prior service cost (2)

   177    (67  110    —      —      —      110    266    (101  165    —      —      —      165  

Amortization of net actuarial loss (2)

   11,828    (4,495  7,333    —      —      —      7,333    17,742    (6,742  11,000    —      —      —      11,000  

Regulatory adjustment (3)

   (10,355  3,935    (6,420  —      —      —      (6,420  (15,533  5,903    (9,630  —      —      —      (9,630
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)

   1,650    (627  1,023    1,673    (636  1,037    2,060    2,475    (940  1,535    2,509    (954  1,555    3,090  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Ending Balance AOCI June 30, 2014

  $(39,573 $15,038   $(24,535 $(24,360 $9,257   $(15,103 $(39,638

Ending Balance AOCI September 30, 2014

 $(38,748 $14,725   $(24,023 $(23,524 $8,939   $(14,585 $(38,608
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

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

(2)

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

(3)

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

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

Amounts Recognized in AOCI (Before Tax)

(Thousands of dollars)

Amounts Recognized in AOCI (Before Tax)

(Thousands of dollars)

 
  September 30, 2014  December 31, 2013 

Net actuarial (loss) gain

 $(271,399 $(289,141

Prior service cost

  (1,801  (2,067

Less: amount recognized in regulatory assets

  234,452    249,985  
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Recognized in AOCI

 $(38,748 $(41,223
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

   June 30, 2014  December 31, 2013 

Net actuarial (loss) gain

  $(277,313 $(289,141

Prior service cost

   (1,890  (2,067

Less: amount recognized in regulatory assets

   239,630    249,985  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Recognized in AOCI

  $(39,573 $(41,223
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

16


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

Form 10-Q

Note 7 – Purchase of Corporate Headquarters Office Complex

In July 2014, the Company purchased for $16.5 million a portion of its corporate headquarters office complex in Las Vegas that it had previously leased. With the closingcompletion of the purchase, the lease terminated.

Note 8 – Acquisition of Construction Services Businesses

In October 2014, the Company, through its subsidiaries, led principally by NPL, completed the acquisition of three privately held, affiliated construction businesses for approximately US$185 million including debt assumed. The acquisition will extend the construction services operations into Canada and provide additional opportunities for market expansion. Funding for the acquisition was primarily provided by a new $300 million secured revolving credit and term loan facility described below and inNote 5 – Long-Term Debt. The acquired companies comprise: (i) Link-Line Contractors Ltd., an Ontario corporation (“Link Line”) that provides construction and maintenance services for the Canadian utility industry, with operations in Ontario, Canada; (ii) the holding company W.S. Nicholls Construction, Inc., an Ontario corporation, as well as two additional companies also operating under the name W.S. Nicholls, which together provide industrial construction solutions, fabrication, and civil services to the oil and gas, pulp and paper, and automotive industries, as well as government and private sector customers in British Columbia and Ontario, Canada (collectively “W.S. Nicholls”; and (iii) via asset purchase, the business of Brigadier Pipelines Inc., a Delaware corporation, operating in Pennsylvania as a specialty midstream pipeline contractor (“Brigadier”).

At June 30, 2014,the close of the acquisition, certain of the principal previous owners of the acquired companies retained an approximate 10% indirect equity interest in Link-Line and W.S. Nicholls. The approximate 10% indirect equity interest of the principal sellers has special dividend rights which entitle the sellers as holders to payments equal to 3.4% of any cash dividend paid by NPL to the Company, and subject to certain conditions, such interests may become exchangeable for a 3.4% equity interest in a holding company for the Company’s entire construction services segment.

The Company is currently performing a detailed valuation analysis of the assets and liabilities of the acquired companies, which is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2014. The analysis includes the impacts of differences between Accounting Standards for Private Enterprises in Canada and U. S. GAAP applicable to public companies, as well as consideration of acquired intangibles including customer relationships and trade names. Based on preliminary results, a substantial majority of the purchase price plus related closingwill be allocated to goodwill and other finite-lived and indefinite-lived intangibles. Including amortization of acquired intangibles and acquisition transaction costs, the acquired companies are expected to be accretive to earnings per share during the first twelve months of operations.

To facilitate the acquisition, in October 2014, construction services subsidiaries of the Company, including NPL, Isleworth Holding Co., and fees were being held2431251 Ontario, Inc., entered into a $300 million secured revolving credit and term loan facility. The new credit facility is scheduled to expire in escrow until the purchaseOctober 2019 and replaces NPL’s previous $75 million credit facility, which was consummated. This amount is shown as restricted cash on the condensed consolidated balance sheet atscheduled to expire in June 30, 2014.2015.

 

15

17


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

  Form 10-Q
June 30, 2014

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

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

Southwest Gas Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) consist of two business segments: natural gas operations (“Southwest” or the “natural gas operations” segment) and construction services.

Southwest is engaged in the business of purchasing, distributing, and transporting natural gas for customers in portions of Arizona, Nevada, and California. Southwest is the largest distributor of natural gas in Arizona, selling and transporting natural gas in most of central and southern Arizona, including the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas. Southwest is also the largest distributor of natural gas in Nevada, serving the Las Vegas metropolitan area and northern Nevada. In addition, Southwest distributes and transports natural gas for customers in portions of California, including the Lake Tahoe area and the high desert and mountain areas in San Bernardino County.

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2014, Southwest had 1,910,0001,912,000 residential, commercial, industrial, and other natural gas customers, of which 1,023,000 customers were located in Arizona, 699,000701,000 in Nevada, and 188,000 in California. Residential and commercial customers represented over 99% of the total customer base. During the twelve months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014, 56% of operating margin was earned in Arizona, 34% in Nevada, and 10% in California. During this same period, Southwest earned 85% of its operating margin from residential and small commercial customers, 4% from other sales customers, and 11% from transportation customers. These general patterns are expected to remain materially consistent for the foreseeable future.

Southwest recognizes operating revenues from the distribution and transportation of natural gas (and related services) to customers. Operating margin is the measure of gas operating revenues less the net cost of gas sold. Management uses operating margin as a main benchmark in comparing operating results from period to period. The principal factors affecting changes in operating margin are general rate relief and customer growth. All of Southwest’s service territories have decoupled rate structures, which are designed to eliminate the direct link between volumetric sales and revenue, thereby mitigating the impacts of weather variability and conservation on margin, allowing the Company to aggressively pursue energy efficiency initiatives.

NPL Construction Co. (“NPL” or the “construction services” segment), a wholly owned subsidiary, is a full-service underground piping contractor that primarily provides utility companies with trenching and installation, replacement, and maintenance services for energy distribution systems. NPL operates in 20 major markets nationwide. Construction activity is cyclical and can be significantly impacted by changes in weather, general and local economic conditions (including the housing market), interest rates, employment levels, job growth, the equipment resale market, pipe replacement programs of utilities, and local and federal regulation (including tax rates and incentives). During the past few years, utilities have implemented or modified pipeline integrity management programs to enhance safety pursuant to federal and state mandates. These programs, coupled with previous bonus depreciation tax deduction incentives, have resulted in a significant increase in multi-year pipeline replacement projects throughout the country. Generally, revenues are lowest during the first quarter of the year due to less favorable winter weather conditions. Revenues typically improve as more favorable weather conditions occur during the summer and fall months. In certain circumstances, such as with large, longer duration bid contracts, or unit-price contracts with caps, results may be impacted by differences between costs incurred and those anticipated when the work was originally bid. In October 2014, NPL expanded its operations into Canada through the acquisition of Link Line and W.S. Nicholls. In connection with the acquisition, Brigadier, a U.S. business, was also acquired.

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto, as well as MD&A included in the 2013 Annual Report to Shareholders, which is incorporated by reference into the 2013 Form 10-K, and the first and second quarter 2014 reports on Form10-Q.

 

16

18


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

  Form 10-Q
June 30, 2014

 

Executive Summary

The items discussed in this Executive Summary are intended to provide an overview of the results of the Company’s operations. As needed, certain items are covered in greater detail in later sections of management’s discussion and analysis. As reflected in the table below, the natural gas operations segment accounted for an average of 84%82% of twelve-month-to-date consolidated net income over the past two years. As such, management’s discussion and analysis is primarily focused on that segment. Natural gas sales are seasonal, peaking during the winter months; therefore, results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.

Summary Operating Results

 

  Period Ended June 30,   Period Ended September 30, 
  Three Months   Six Months   Twelve Months   Three Months Nine Months   Twelve Months 
  2014   2013   2014   2013   2014   2013   2014 2013 2014   2013   2014   2013 
  (In thousands, except per share amounts)   (In thousands, except per share amounts) 

Contribution to net income

            

Contribution to net income (loss)

          

Natural gas operations

  $1,798    $1,964    $74,397    $81,256    $117,310    $121,877    $(11,452 $(11,939 $62,945    $69,317    $117,797    $121,327  

Construction services

   7,829     8,144     6,013     9,625     17,539     27,092     13,422   9,075   19,435     18,700     21,886     29,083  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Net income

  $9,627    $10,108    $80,410    $90,881    $134,849    $148,969  

Net income (loss)

  $1,970   $(2,864 $82,380    $88,017    $139,683    $150,410  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Average number of common shares outstanding

   46,502     46,331     46,471     46,291     46,407     46,214     46,513    46,337    46,485     46,306     46,451     46,265  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Basic earnings per share

            

Basic earnings (loss) per share

          

Consolidated

  $0.21    $0.22    $1.73    $1.96    $2.91    $3.22    $0.04   $(0.06 $1.77    $1.90    $3.01    $3.25  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Natural Gas Operations

                      

Operating margin

  $173,494    $169,481    $468,610    $462,473    $870,290    $852,675    $153,040   $147,285   $621,650    $609,758    $876,045    $857,664  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

2nd3rd Quarter 2014 Overview

Natural gas operations highlights include the following:

 

Operating margin increased $4$6 million, or 2%4%, compared to the prior-year quarter

 

Operating expenses increased $5.4 million, or 3%, compared to the prior-year quarter

Other income increased $1.4 million between quarters

Net financing costs increased $2.2Operations and maintenance expense decreased $2.6 million compared to the prior-year quarter

 

Decision reached in

Other income decreased $2.2 million between quarters

Net financing costs increased $2.4 million compared to the California general rate caseprior-year quarter

Construction services highlights include the following:

 

Revenues increased $9$14.1 million, or 5%7%, compared to the prior-year quarter

 

Construction expenses increased $8.9$6.4 million, or 6%4%, compared to the prior-year quarter

 

Contribution to net income decreased $315,000increased $4.3 million between quarters

 

17
Completed acquisition of three construction services businesses in October 2014

19


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

  Form 10-Q
June 30, 2014

 

California General Rate Case.Effective June 2014, Southwest received general rate relief in California. The California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”) decision authorized an overall annualized increase of $7.1 million. SeeRates and Regulatory Proceedings for more information.

Customer Growth.Southwest completed 20,000 first-time meter sets, but realized 28,00029,000 net new customers over the last twelve months, an increase of 1.5%. The incremental additions reflect a return to service of customer meters on previously vacant homes. Southwest projects customer growth of about 1.5% for 2014.

Company-Owned Life Insurance (“COLI”). Southwest has life insurance policies on members of management and other key employees to indemnify itself against the loss of talent, expertise, and knowledge, as well as to provide indirect funding for certain nonqualified benefit plans. The COLI policies have a combined net death benefit value of approximately $240$237 million at JuneSeptember 30, 2014. The net cash surrender value of these policies (which is the cash amount that would be received if Southwest voluntarily terminated the policies) is approximately $96.2$96.1 million at JuneSeptember 30, 2014 and is included in the caption “Other property and investments” on the balance sheet. The Company currently intends to hold the COLI policies for their duration and purchase additional policies as necessary. Current tax regulations provide for tax-free treatment of life insurance (death benefit) proceeds. Therefore, changes in the cash surrender value components of COLI policies as they progress toward the ultimate death benefits are also recorded without tax consequences. Cash surrender values are directly influenced by the investment portfolio underlying the insurance policies. This portfolio includes both equity and fixed income (mutual fund) investments. As a result, generally the cash surrender value (but not the net death benefit) moves up and down consistent with movements in the broader stock and bond markets. As indicated in Note 1 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, cash surrender values of COLI policies increased $2.3 million(including incremental death benefits) decreased $300,000 in the secondthird quarter of 2014, $3.2increased $2.9 million in the first sixnine months of 2014, and $10increased $7.2 million (including incremental death benefits) during the twelve months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014. Management currently expects average returns of $3 million to $5 million annually on the COLI policies, excluding any net death benefits recognized, although in any given period, losses are possible.

Credit Rating Downgrade. In October 2014, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) downgraded the Company’s unsecured long-term debt ratings from A- to BBB+ (with a stable outlook). S&P cited the Company’s acquisition of Link-Line, W.S. Nicholls, and Brigadier, which increases the relative size of the higher-risk construction services business segment. S&P debt ratings range from AAA (highest rating possible) to D (obligation is in default). The S&P rating of BBB+ indicates the issuer of the debt is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal. In May 2013, Fitch Ratings rated the Company’s senior unsecured debt as A. In January 2014, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. rated the Company’s senior unsecured debt as A3.

Liquidity.Southwest believes its liquidity position is solid. Southwest has a $300 million credit facility maturing in March 2019. The facility is provided through a consortium of eight major banking institutions. No borrowings wereThe maximum amount outstanding on the credit facility (including a commercial paper program) at any time during the secondthird quarter of 2014.2014 was $50 million. At JuneSeptember 30, 2014, no borrowings were$50 million was outstanding on the commercial paper program. In November 2014, the Company plans to redeem the $65 million 5.25% 2004 Series A IDRBs and anticipates using available capacity on the long-term or short-term portionsportion of its credit facility to complete the credit facility.redemption. Southwest has no significant debt maturities prior to 2017.

 

18

20


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

  Form 10-Q
June 30, 2014

 

Results of Natural Gas Operations

Quarterly Analysis

 

   Three Months Ended June 30, 
   2014  2013 
   (Thousands of dollars) 

Gas operating revenues

  $271,479   $238,869  

Net cost of gas sold

   97,985    69,388  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating margin

   173,494    169,481  

Operations and maintenance expense

   97,620    94,935  

Depreciation and amortization

   50,524    47,746  

Taxes other than income taxes

   10,965    11,073  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating income

   14,385    15,727  

Other income (deductions)

   2,848    1,448  

Net interest deductions

   17,059    14,886  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

   174    2,289  

Income tax expense (benefit)

   (1,624  325  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Contribution to consolidated net income

  $1,798   $1,964  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The contribution to consolidated net income from natural gas operations decreased $166,000 in the second quarter of 2014 compared to the second quarter of 2013. The decline was primarily due to increases in operating expenses and net interest deductions, partially offset by increases in operating margin and other income.

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2014  2013 
   (Thousands of dollars) 

Gas operating revenues

  $226,027   $195,031  

Net cost of gas sold

   72,987    47,746  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating margin

   153,040    147,285  

Operations and maintenance expense

   93,389    95,981  

Depreciation and amortization

   50,533    48,427  

Taxes other than income taxes

   11,835    11,153  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

   (2,717  (8,276

Other income (deductions)

   442    2,663  

Net interest deductions

   17,159    14,780  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

   (19,434  (20,393

Income tax expense (benefit)

   (7,982  (8,454
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Contribution to consolidated net income (loss)

  $(11,452 $(11,939
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating margin increased $4$6 million between quarters including approximately $2$5 million of rate relief in California due to a final decision in the California general rate case (seeRates and Regulatory Proceedings). New customers contributed $2$1 million in operating margin during the secondthird quarter of 2014, as approximately 28,00029,000 net new customers were added during the last twelve months.

Operations and maintenance expense increased $2.7decreased $2.6 million, or 3%, between quarters. Increases in general costs and expense related to reserves for uncollectible accounts were mitigated by declinesDeclines in employee-related costs, including pension expense.expense, were partially offset by increases in general costs.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $2.8$2.1 million, or 6%4% between quarters. Average gas plant in service for the current quarter increased $290$306 million, or 6%, compared to the corresponding quarter a year ago. This was attributable to pipeline capacity reinforcement work, franchise requirements, scheduled and accelerated pipe replacement activities, and new business. Increases in depreciation from these plant additions were partially offset by lower depreciation rates in California.

Other income, which principally includes returns on COLI policies (including recognized net death benefits) and non-utility expenses, increased $1.4decreased $2.2 million between quarters. The current quarter reflects COLI policy cash surrender value increasesdecreases of $2.3 million,$300,000 (net of death benefits recognized), while the prior-year quarter included $1.8$2.5 million in COLI-related income and net death benefits recognized.income. In addition, interest income on deferred PGA balances increased between quarters due to under-collected PGA balances that were under collected in the current quarter.period.

Net interest deductions increased $2.2$2.4 million between quarters, primarily due to the issuance of $250 million of long-term debt in the fourth quarter of 2013. The increase was mitigated by higher interest expense in the prior-year quarter associated with over-collected deferred PGA balances.

The income tax benefit in the second quarter of 2014 reflects the impact of permanent differences (primarily nontaxable COLI increases) relative to the small seasonal pretax income and is not indicative of the expected effective rate for a full year.

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19


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

  Form 10-Q
June 30, 2014

 

Six-MonthNine-Month Analysis

 

  Six Months Ended June 30,   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2014   2013   2014   2013 
  (Thousands of dollars)   (Thousands of dollars) 

Gas operating revenues

  $757,972    $732,469    $983,999    $927,500  

Net cost of gas sold

   289,362     269,996     362,349     317,742  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Operating margin

   468,610     462,473     621,650     609,758  

Operations and maintenance expense

   200,028     192,022     293,417     288,003  

Depreciation and amortization

   102,007     96,065     152,540     144,492  

Taxes other than income taxes

   22,421     22,868     34,256     34,021  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Operating income

   144,154     151,518     141,437     143,242  

Other income (deductions)

   4,460     5,511     4,902     8,174  

Net interest deductions

   34,286     30,564     51,445     45,344  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Income before income taxes

   114,328     126,465     94,894     106,072  

Income tax expense

   39,931     45,209     31,949     36,755  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Contribution to consolidated net income

  $74,397    $81,256    $62,945    $69,317  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

The contribution to consolidated net income from natural gas operations decreased $6.9$6.4 million in the first sixnine months of 2014 compared to the same period a year ago. The decline was primarily due to increases in operating expenses and net interest deductions and a decrease in other income, partially offset by an increase in operating margin.

Operating margin increased $6$12 million between periods including approximately $2$7 million of rate relief in California (seeRates and Regulatory Proceedings). New customers contributed $5$6 million in operating margin during the first sixnine months of 2014. The increase was partially offset by a $1 millionOperating margin decrease associated with customers outside the decoupling mechanisms and lower other miscellaneous revenues.revenues declined by $1 million.

Operations and maintenance expense increased $8$5.4 million, or 4%2%, between periods primarily due to a $5 million legal accrual in the first quarter of 2014. General cost increases were partiallylargely offset by declines in employee-related costs, including pension expense.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $5.9$8 million, or 6% between periods. Average gas plant in service for the current period increased $279$289 million, or 6%, compared to the corresponding period a year ago. This was attributable to pipeline capacity reinforcement work, franchise requirements, scheduled and accelerated pipe replacement activities, and new business. Amortization associated with the recovery of regulatory assets increased approximately $1 million.$900,000 (primarily due to Arizona demand-side management, or “DSM” programs).

Other income decreased $1.1$3.3 million between periods. The current period reflects COLI policy cash surrender value increases of $3.2$2.9 million, while the prior-year period included $5.6$8.1 million in COLI-related income andincome. Amounts for both periods included net death benefits recognized. Interest income on deferred PGA balances increased between periods due to under-collected PGA balances in the current period.

Net interest deductions increased $3.7$6.1 million between periods, primarily due to the issuance of $250 million of long-term debt in the fourth quarter of 2013. The increase was mitigated by higher interest expense in the prior-year period associated with over-collected deferred PGA balances.

 

20

22


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

  Form 10-Q
June 30, 2014

 

Twelve-Month Analysis

 

  Twelve Months Ended June 30,   Twelve Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2014   2013   2014   2013 
  (Thousands of dollars)   (Thousands of dollars) 

Gas operating revenues

  $1,325,657    $1,267,567    $1,356,653    $1,267,025  

Net cost of gas sold

   455,367     414,892     480,608     409,361  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Operating margin

   870,290     852,675     876,045     857,664  

Operations and maintenance expense

   392,920     374,267     390,328     379,621  

Depreciation and amortization

   199,790     189,435     201,896     191,099  

Taxes other than income taxes

   45,104     44,131     45,786     44,684  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Operating income

   232,476     244,842     238,035     242,260  

Other income (deductions)

   11,210     6,990     8,989     8,022  

Net interest deductions

   66,277     62,518     68,656     61,224  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Income before income taxes

   177,409     189,314     178,368     189,058  

Income tax expense

   60,099     67,437     60,571     67,731  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Contribution to consolidated net income

  $117,310    $121,877    $117,797    $121,327  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

The contribution to consolidated net income from natural gas operations decreased $4.6$3.5 million between the twelve-month periods of 2014 and 2013. The decline was primarily due to increases in operating expenses and net interest deductions, partially offset by increasesan increase in operating margin and other income.margin.

Operating margin increased nearly $18 million between periods including $6$9 million of combined rate relief. Customer growth contributed $8 million toward the increase. Incremental margin from customers outside the decoupling mechanisms and other miscellaneous revenues (including amounts associated with recoveries of Arizona regulatory assets) contributed the remainder of the increase.

Operations and maintenance expense increased $18.7$10.7 million, or 5%3%, between periods primarily due to higher general costs and legal accruals and expenses (including $5 million in the first quarter of 2014), and uncollectible accounts expense, partially offset by declines in employee-related costs, including pension expense.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $10.4$10.8 million, or 5%6% between periods. Average gas plant in service for the current period increased $256$275 million, or 5%, as compared to the prior-year period. This was attributable to pipeline capacity reinforcement work, franchise requirements, scheduled and accelerated pipe replacement activities, and new business. Increases in depreciation from these plant additions were partially offset by lower depreciation rates in Nevada (effective November 2012). Amortization associated with the recovery of Arizona regulatory assets, conservation and energy efficiencynotably Arizona DSM programs, in Nevada, and other amortization collectively increased $4.5$3.2 million.

Taxes other than income taxes increased $1$1.1 million between periods due to higher property taxes in Arizona and changes resulting from the most recent Nevada general rate case, whereby modified business and mill taxes became components of operating expenses.Nevada.

Other income increased $4.2 million$967,000 between the twelve-month periods of 2014 and 2013. The current period reflects a $10$7.2 million increase in COLI policy cash surrender values including net death benefits recognized, while the prior twelve-month period reflected a $8.9$9.2 million increase in COLI-related income and net death benefits recognized. Interest income increased $1.4 million between periods primarily due to the higher PGA balance receivable in 2014. In addition, Arizona non-recoverable pipe replacement costs were $1.7 million$859,000 lower in the current twelve-month period as this pipe replacement activity was substantially completed in 2012.

Net interest deductions increased $3.8$7.4 million between the twelve-month periods of 2014 and 2013 primarily due to interest costs associated with the issuance of debt in the fourth quarter of 2013, partially offset by cost savings from 2013 debt refinancing and redemptions, and lower interest expense associated with deferred PGA balances payable.

 

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23


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

  Form 10-Q
June 30, 2014

 

Outlook for 2014 – 2nd3rd Quarter Update

Operating margin for 2014 is expected to be favorably influenced by customer growth similar to 2013. Rate relief fromA proportionate share of Paiute’s recent settlement rate increase is anticipated during the California rate case decision, effective June 2014, is expected to provide approximately $5 million of incremental margin in the second halffourth quarter of 2014 (seeRates and Regulatory Proceedings). Rate relief from the recent California rate case decision has been largely recognized and incremental margin (above 2013 levels) for the fourth quarter of 2014 will not be significant.

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

COLI-related income of $3.2$2.9 million for the first halfnine months of 2014 is slightly higher than anticipated. Southwest expects longer term normal changes in COLI cash surrender values toconsistent on a proportionate basis with Southwest’s estimated annual range fromof $3 million to $5 million on an annual basis.million. However, individual quarterly and annual periods will likely continue to be subject to volatility.

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

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

Results of Construction Services

Results of Construction Services

 

  Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
 Twelve Months Ended
June 30,
   Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Twelve Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2014   2013 2014 2013 2014 2013   2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013 
(Thousands of dollars)                

Construction revenues

  $181,674    $172,705   $303,577   $292,610   $661,595   $617,877    $206,448   $192,315   $510,025   $484,925   $675,728   $633,966  

Operating expenses:

               

Construction expenses

   157,642     148,700   270,841   255,388   588,737   532,106     173,937   167,581   444,778   422,969   595,093   545,420  

Depreciation and amortization

   11,662     10,824   23,070   21,438   44,601   41,790     11,504   10,317   34,574   31,755   45,788   42,152  
  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Operating income

   12,370     13,181    9,666    15,784    28,257    43,981     21,007    14,417    30,673    30,201    34,847    46,394  

Other income (deductions)

   15     4    15    10    44    4     (2  5    13    15    37    4  

Net interest deductions

   246     404    538    604    1,079    1,259     262    317    800    921    1,024    1,240  
  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Income before income taxes

   12,139     12,781    9,143    15,190    27,222    42,726     20,743    14,105    29,886    29,295    33,860    45,158  

Income tax expense

   4,310     4,678    3,216    5,705    10,076    16,170     7,364    5,223    10,580    10,928    12,217    16,695  
  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net income

   7,829     8,103    5,927    9,485    17,146    26,556     13,379    8,882    19,306    18,367    21,643    28,463  

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

   —       (41  (86  (140  (393  (536   (43  (193  (129  (333  (243  (620
  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Contribution to consolidated net income attributable to NPL

  $7,829    $8,144   $6,013   $9,625   $17,539   $27,092    $13,422   $9,075   $19,435   $18,700   $21,886   $29,083  
  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Quarterly Analysis.Contribution to consolidated net income from construction services for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014 decreased $315,000increased $4.3 million compared to the same period of 2013 primarily due to increased depreciation and amortization expense offset by lower interest expense.2013.

Revenues increased $9$14.1 million when compared to the secondthird quarter of 2013 primarily due to incremental work withfrom increased capital spending by several existing customers, and progress onsubstantial completion of the accumulation of delayed work under blanket contracts carried over from the first quarter.and second quarters, and increased bid work. Construction expenses increased $8.9$6.4 million between quarters, primarily due to the above revenue growth. General and administrative expenses (included in construction expenses) include $1.2 million of transaction costs related to the business acquisition of Link-Line, W.S. Nicholls, and Brigadier, which was completed in October 2014. Depreciation expense increased $838,000 due to new equipment purchases. Gains on sale of equipment (reflected as an offset to construction expenses) were $1.7 million and $1.5 million for the second quarters of 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Six-Month Analysis.Contribution to consolidated net income from construction services for the six months ended June 30, 2014 decreased $3.6 million compared to the same period of 2013 primarily due to the impacts of severe winter weather conditions in the Midwest and East Coast during the first quarter of 2014.

22


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATIONForm 10-Q
June 30, 2014

Revenues increased $11 million when compared to the first half of 2013 primarily due to several bid projects that were started in late 2013 and an increase in the amount of work with several customers. This increase was partially offset by a reduction in revenue due to extreme winter weather conditions during the first quarter of 2014, which hindered normal construction work in the Midwest and East Coast operating areas. Construction expenses increased $15.5 million between periods, primarily due to the above noted projects. Additionally, the delay or suspension of projects due to adverse weather conditions during the first quarter of 2014 did not result in a ratable reduction in costs in relation to the revenue impacts. Depreciation expense increased $1.6$1.2 million due to new equipment purchases. Gains on sale of equipment (reflected as an offset to construction expenses) were $4.1$1.5 million and $2.3$704,000 for the third quarters of 2014 and 2013, respectively.

24


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

Form 10-Q

Nine-Month Analysis. Contribution to consolidated net income from construction services for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 increased $735,000 compared to the same period of 2013.

Revenues increased $25.1 million when compared to the first nine months of 2013 primarily due to increased replacement construction work. Increased construction activity in the second and third quarters substantially offset work that was delayed in the first quarter due to unfavorable weather conditions. Construction expenses increased $21.8 million between periods, primarily due to the items noted above, partially offset by greater gains on sale of equipment. General and administrative expense (included in construction expenses) includes $1.4 million of transaction costs related to the business acquisition which was completed in October 2014. Depreciation expense increased $2.8 million due to new equipment purchases. Gains on sale of equipment (reflected as an offset to construction expenses) were $5.7 million and $3 million for the first sixnine months of 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Twelve-Month Analysis. The contribution to consolidated net income from construction services for thetwelve-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014 decreased $9.6$7.2 million compared to the same period of 2013.

Revenues increased $43.7$41.8 million due primarily to an increase in utility customer contracts for pipe replacement work partially offset by lower revenues due to adverse weather conditions as discussed in the six-month analysis above.work. Included in the prior period was $3 million of revenue associated with fourth quarter 2012 approved change orders on a large fixed-price pipeline replacement contract. Construction expenses increased $56.6$49.7 million between twelve-month periods primarily due to costs associated with the increase in pipe replacement construction work. General and administrative expense (included in construction expenses) increased $7.5$6.8 million due to changes that were implemented to match NPL’s increased size and business complexity.complexity and transaction costs ($1.4 million) related to the business acquisition which was completed in October 2014. In addition, NPL recorded approximately $4$2.7 million in the second halffourth quarter of 2013 associated with a legal settlement. Depreciation expense increased $2.8$3.6 million due to additional equipment purchased to support growth in the volume of work being performed. Gains on sale of equipment (reflected as an offset to construction expenses) were $6$6.8 million and $7$6.5 million for the twelve-month periods of 2014 and 2013, respectively.

During the past several years, NPL has focused its efforts on obtaining pipe replacement work under both blanket contracts and incremental bid projects. For both the twelve months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014 and 2013, revenues from replacement work were approximately 70% of total revenues. Federal and state pipeline safety-related programs and prior bonus depreciation incentives have resulted in many utilities undertaking multi-year distribution pipe replacement projects. NPL continues to successfully bid on pipe replacement projects throughout the country.

Construction Services Acquisition

In October 2014, the Company, led principally by NPL, acquired Link-Line, W.S. Nicholls, and Brigadier for approximately US$185 million including debt assumed. Funding for the acquisition was primarily provided by a new $300 million secured revolving credit and term loan facility (seeNote 5 – Long-Term Debt for additional information). Link-Line has approximately 700 employees and is one of the largest natural gas distribution contractors in Canada, with operations primarily in the province of Ontario. W.S. Nicholls has approximately 300 employees and provides fabrication and multi-trade services for industrial projects in the province of Ontario and western Canada. Brigadier has approximately 100 employees and performs midstream construction primarily in Pennsylvania. When combined with NPL, the acquisition creates one of the largest underground natural gas distribution contractors in North America. For 2013, revenues and operating income for the acquired companies were approximately US$250 million and US$16 million, respectively, or approximately 40% of the respective amounts for these line items of NPL. In connection with the acquisition, NPL incurred approximately $1.4 million in acquisition-related costs through September. Additional transaction-related expenses of approximately $3 million are anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2014. These costs are expected to be largely offset by operating income generated during the fourth quarter by the acquired companies.

Outlook for 2014 – 2nd3rd Quarter Update

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

Management

25


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

Form 10-Q

With the completion of the acquisition, management has an improved infrastructure in placea larger base on which to grow the business and is seekingwill continue to seek to increase revenues by approximately 5% to 8% annually on average over the long term. Ultimately, revenues are subject to the timing and amount of work awarded to NPL by its utility customers. Ascustomers and success or failure of winning jobs in a competitive bid environment. It is anticipated that earnings generated by the acquired companies will substantially offset the additional acquisition-related costs, noted above, extreme winter weather conditions during the first quarter of 2014 hindered normalfourth quarter. Therefore, management expects that construction work in the Midwest and East Coast operating areas. Weather conditions improved in the second quarter of 2014 and NPL is moving forward in an expedited manner to complete delayed work available under blanket contracts. Management remains cautiously optimistic that NPLservices earnings for the full year 2014 will be consistent with, ormodestly exceed 2013 results.

23


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATIONForm 10-Q
June 30, 2014

In 2015, the acquired companies are expected to be accretive to net income after taking into consideration amortization costs associated with acquired intangible assets and related financing costs.

Rates and Regulatory Proceedings

California General Rate Case. In December 2012, Southwest Gas Corporation (“Southwest”) filed a general rate case application, based on a 2014 future test year, with the California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”) requesting an annual revenue increase of approximately $11.6 million for its California rate jurisdictions. Southwest sought to continue a Post-Test Year (“PTY”) Ratemaking Mechanism, which allows for annual attrition increases. The application included a request to establish a Customer-Owned Yardline (“COYL”) program and an Infrastructure Reliability and Replacement Adjustment Mechanism (“IRRAM”) to facilitate and complement projects involving the enhancement and replacement of gas infrastructure, promoting timely cost recovery for qualifying non-revenue producing capital expenditures.

In June 2014, the CPUC issued a final decision in this proceeding (“Decision”) authorizing a $7.1 million overall revenue increase and PTY attrition increases of 2.75% annually for 2015 to 2018. A depreciation reduction of $3.1 million as requested by Southwest was also approved. The Decision also provides for a two-way pension balancing account to track differences between authorized and actual pension funding amounts, a limited COYL inspection program for schools, and an IRRAM to recover the costs associated with the new limited COYL program. New rates associated with the Decision were effective June 2014. In addition to amounts recognized in the second quarter, the Decision is expected to provide approximately $5 million of additional margin in the second half of 2014.

Nevada Infrastructure Replacement Mechanisms. As part of the Nevada general rate case application in April 2012, Southwest requested to implement an infrastructure replacement mechanism to defer and recover certain costs associated with up to $40 million annually of proposed accelerated replacement of early vintage plastic (“EVPP”) and steel pipe. As part of its fourth quarter 2012 decision, the PUCN indicated a separate rulemaking docket would be needed to address the regulatory issues necessary to implement such a mechanism. In January 2013, the PUCN authorized the opening of a new docket to review the merits of such mechanisms. Draft regulation provided for the establishment of regulatory assets that recover the depreciation expense and authorized pre-tax rate of return of infrastructure replacement investments between rate cases, which would allow Southwest to develop rates to recover the associated amounts in a future general rate case proceeding, at which time the plant would be “rolled into” rate base naturally. In January 2014, the PUCN concluded the rulemaking process by approving final rules, with only slight modifications to earlier proposed rules.

Separately, in March 2013, Southwest submitted a petition to the PUCN requesting authority to defer certain costs associated with the proposed accelerated 2013 replacement of certain EVPP to coincide with bonus depreciation tax relief extended by The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. In June 2013, a stipulation (the “Stipulation”), which provided regulatory asset treatment for specific infrastructure replacement projects occurring during 2013 in the amount of $2 million in northern Nevada and approximately $13.6 million in southern Nevada, was reached by all parties and was approved by the PUCN. While the above-noted infrastructure replacement regulation was being finalized, the Company submitted a filing to the PUCN in November 2013 requesting authority to replace $18.9 million of EVPP in 2014; the PUCN approved the request in January 2014. The new rules (noted in the preceding paragraph above) enabled the Company to make a filing in May 2014, referred to as a Gas Infrastructure Replacement (“GIR”) Advance Application, identifying projects for replacement beginning in January 2015. The PUCN issued a final decision on this application in October 2014, approving EVPP replacement expenditures of $14.4 million in 2015. Also in October 2014, Southwest filed its first GIR rate application to request a surcharge to recover cumulative deferrals through August 2014, which were established through five separate regulatory dockets. Southwest requested this surcharge to be effective for both the southern and northern Nevada rate jurisdictions in January 2015.

26


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

Form 10-Q

Effectively, as a result of these mechanisms, the increase in depreciation expense, ordinarily arising from related capital expenditures, will be netted to zero for approved projects, by the deferral process, between general rate cases. Incremental operating marginearnings associated with the equity portion of return related to these infrastructure replacements will materialize after the PUCN authorizesthrough billed rates, once a surcharge anticipated to commence during the first quarter of 2016.is established.

Arizona COYL Program. The Company received approval, in connection with its most recent Arizona general rate case, to implement a program to conduct leak surveys, and if leaks were present, to replace and relocate service lines and meters for approximately 100,000 Arizona customers whose meters are setoff from the customer’s home, which is not a traditional configuration. Customers with this configuration were previously responsible for the cost of maintaining these lines and were subject to the immediate cessation of natural gas service if low-pressure leaks occurred. To facilitate this program, the Company was authorized to collect estimated leak survey costs in rates commencing in 2012. Effective June 2013, the Arizona Corporation Commission “ACC” authorized a surcharge of $0.00101 per therm to recover the costs of depreciation and pre-tax return the Company would have received if the additional pipe replacement costs themselves had been included in rate base concurrent with the most recent Arizona rate case. The surcharge is expected to be revised annually as the program progresses, with the undepreciated plant

24


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATIONForm 10-Q
June 30, 2014

balance to be incorporated in rate base rates at the time of the next Arizona general rate case. In November 2013, the Company filed a request to modify or clarify the COYL provision to add a “Phase II” component to the COYL program to include the replacement of non-leaking COYLs. This request was approved by the ACC in January 2014, and requires that these replacements be coordinated with the Company’s other pipeline replacement projects and that the Company will prioritize leaking COYLs over non-leaking COYLs. A revised surcharge request, filed in February 2014, which proposed to increase COYL cost recovery to approximately $1.5 million annually was approved effective June 2014 (through an updated surcharge of $0.00231 per therm). Approximately 98%As of COYLSeptember 30, 2014, an offer of a survey has been made to all COYL-eligible customers were contacted for testing through June 2014. Through these efforts, approximately 5,000originally identified under Phase I, resulting in more than 5,400 meter relocations since the inception of the program. With the completion of Phase I customer contact, resources are now focused on contacting customers within replacement project areas to participate in the Phase II meter relocation. To date, over 300 customers have been completed or are in progress.committed to meter relocations under Phase II.

Proposed LNG Facility.In January 2014, Southwest filed an application with the ACC seeking preapproval to construct, operate and maintain a 233,000 dekatherm LNG facility in southern Arizona and to recover the actual costs, including the establishment of a regulatory asset. Such an LNG facility would be designed to enhance service reliability and flexibility in natural gas deliveries in the southern Arizona area. Southwest requested approval of the actual cost of the project (including those facilities necessary to connect the proposed storage tank to Southwest’s existing distribution system) not to exceed $55 million. The proposed LNG facility would provide a local storage option, operated by Southwest and connected directly to its distribution system, providing greater flexibility to serve customers. Two options were presented in the ACC filing to fill the storage tank; either transferring LNG from tanker trucks or to liquefy the natural gas onsite. The liquefaction option would require the installation of equipment during the construction of the facility, which would provide operational and service flexibility benefits, at an additional cost of approximately $24 million and an estimated additional six months to construct. An ACC decision is expected to occur during 2014. If approved, construction is expected to be complete within approximately 24 to 30 months following ACC approval.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) Jurisdiction. During the second and third quarters of 2013, Paiute Pipeline Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest, notified present and potential shippers of its plans to expand its existing transmission system to provide additional firm transportation-service capacity in the Elko County, Nevada area. This additional capacity is required to meet growing natural gas demands caused by increased residential and business load and the greater energy needs of mining operations in the area. Through the “open season” process, shippers responded with substantial interest. Dependent upon several variables, including the ultimate route of the project, the price of labor and materials, and factors such as environmental impacts, the cost to complete this project has been estimated at approximately $35 million and has a targeted in-service date of November 2015 (contingent upon FERC action). In October 2013, Paiute submitted a filing with the FERC requesting that its Staff initiate a pre-filing review of the proposed expansion project; a certificate application for the project was filed in June 2014. In October 2014, the FERC issued a notice of schedule for environmental review for this project. Based on the FERC’s schedule, and the resulting associated deadlines, the FERC is expected to issue a decision on Paiute’s certificate application in the first half of 2015.

27


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

Form 10-Q

Paiute Pipeline Company filed a general rate case with the FERC in February 2014. The filing fulfilled an obligation from the settlement agreement reached in the 2009 Paiute general rate case. The application requested an increase in operating revenues of approximately $9 million, and included a proposed change in rate design, which would compensate Paiute with a higher return if shippers desire to maintain shorter-lived contracts and, therefore, would incent shippers to sign longer term service agreements. A

In September 2014, Paiute reached an agreement in principle with the FERC Staff and intervenors to settle its general rate case. In addition to agreeing to rate design changes to encourage longer-term contracts with its shippers, the settlement, which is being drafted by the parties for filing with the FERC in November 2014, would result in a revenue increase of $2.4 million, plus a $1.3 million depreciation reduction. This increase is based on an 11.5% pre-tax rate of return. Also, as part of this agreement, Paiute agreed not to file a rate case prior to May 2016, but no later than May 2019.

In October 2014, Paiute requested, and was granted, the authority to place the settlement rates into effect on an interim basis effective September 2014. These rates will remain in effect, subject to final decision hasFERC approval, which is expected late in the first quarter of 2015. Should the proceeding not been renderedbe resolved by the agreement in principle, or if the settlement proceeds as a contested settlement, Paiute is authorized to receive the difference between the interim settlement rates and the partiesseparately filed motion rates from affected customers, retroactive to the case are in settlement discussions. In accordance with FERC requirements, new rates will go into effect in September 2014 (based on contracts then in effect), subject to refund, if a settlement among the parties has not been approved by the FERC by that time, and hearings would then be conducted in early 2015. Paiute’s previous general rate case was filed in 2009.2014.

PGA Filings

The rate schedules in all of Southwest’s service territories contain provisions that permit adjustments to rates as the cost of purchased gas changes. These deferred energy provisions and purchased gas adjustment clauses are collectively referred to as “PGA” clauses. Differences between gas costs recovered from customers and amounts paid for gas by Southwest result in over- or under-collections. At JuneSeptember 30, 2014, under-collections in all three states resulted in an asset of $80.4$78.3 million on the Company’s balance sheet. Filings to change rates in accordance with PGA clauses are subject to audit by state regulatory commission staffs. PGA changes impact cash flows but have no direct impact on profit margin. However, gas cost deferrals and recoveries can impact comparisons between periods of individual income statement components. Thesecomponents, which include Gas operating revenues, Net cost of gas sold, Net interest deductions, and Other income (deductions).

25


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATIONForm 10-Q
June 30, 2014

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

 

  June 30, 2014   December 31, 2013   June 30, 2013   September 30, 2014   December 31, 2013   September 30, 2013 

Arizona

  $47.9    $3.2    $(16.0  $44.3    $3.2    $(11.6

Northern Nevada

   3.7     4.4     (3.8   6.7     4.4     0.2  

Southern Nevada

   24.5     4.1     (8.8   21.7     4.1     (5.3

California

   4.3     6.5     —       5.6     6.5     2.5  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $80.4    $18.2    $(28.6  $78.3    $18.2    $(14.2
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Arizona PGA Filing. In May 2014, Southwest filed an application to provide for monthly adjustments to the surcharge component of the Gas Cost Balancing Account to allow for more timely refunds to/recoveries from ratepayers, which was approved in July 2014. As part of this filing, the ACC also approved an initial surcharge of $0.06 per therm effective August 2014 to allow for more timely recovery of the under-collected balance from ratepayers.2014.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

Cash on hand and cash flows from operations in the past twelve months provided the majority of cash used in investing activities (primarily for construction expenditures and property additions). Certain pipe replacement work was accelerated during 2011, 2012, and 2013 to take advantage of bonus depreciation tax incentives and to enhance system reliability. During the past three years, the Company was able to achieve cost savings from debt refinancing and strategic debt redemptions. The Company’s capitalization strategy is to maintain an appropriate balance of equity and debt to maintain strong investment-grade credit ratings, which should provide greater access to capital markets and minimize interest costs.

28


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

Form 10-Q

Cash Flows

Operating Cash Flows.Cash flows provided by consolidated operating activities decreased $17.8$6.6 million in the first sixnine months of 2014 as compared to the same period of 2013. The decline in operating cash flows was attributable to lowerreduced net income and decreases inthe impacts to cash flows from lower deferred income taxes and working capital components overall, partially offset by increases in cash flows from the impacts after adding back non-cash depreciation and amortization and by changes in other liabilities and deferred credits (notably, due to lower pension funding in 2014).

Investing Cash Flows.Cash used in consolidated investing activities increased $32.2$27.5 million in the first sixnine months of 2014 as compared to the same period of 2013. The increase was primarily due to additional construction expenditures, including scheduled and accelerated pipe replacement, and equipment purchases by NPL due to the increased replacement construction work of its customers. In addition, the current period includes cash outflows restrictedoutlays for the completion of theJuly 2014 purchase of the corporate headquarters office complex (in escrow at June 2014).complex.

Financing Cash Flows.Net cash used inprovided by consolidated financing activities decreased $43.6increased $43.9 million in the first sixnine months of 2014 as compared to the same period of 2013. The prior period included the repayment of $45$53 million of IDRBs. The current period includes the repayment of $10 million of credit facility borrowings. The long-term debt issuance amounts and the remaining retirements of long-term debt primarily relate to borrowings and repayments under NPL’s line of credit. In addition, the prior period included NPL borrowing under note agreements with two banking institutions entered into during the second quarter of 2013. Dividends paid increased in the first sixnine months of 2014 as compared to the first sixnine months of 2013 as a result of an increase in the quarterly dividend rate and an increase in the number of shares outstanding.

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

Gas Segment Construction Expenditures, Debt Maturities, and Financing

During the twelve-month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014, construction expenditures for the natural gas operations segment were $336$356 million. The majority of these expenditures represented costs associated with scheduled and accelerated replacement of existing transmission, distribution, and general plant. Customer growth-related expenditures were also an important factor. Cash flows from operating activities of Southwest were $279$290 million

26


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATIONForm 10-Q
June 30, 2014

and provided approximately 70% of construction expenditures and dividend requirements of the natural gas operations segment. Other necessary funding was provided by cash on hand, external financing activities, and existing credit facilities.

Southwest estimates natural gas segment construction expenditures during the three-year period ending December 31, 2016 will be approximately $1.1 billion. Of this amount, it is expected that approximately $375 million will be incurred in 2014. Southwest plans to accelerate projects that improve system flexibility and reliability (including replacement of early vintage plastic and steel pipe). Significant replacement activities are expected to continue during the next several years. See alsoRates and Regulatory Proceedings for discussion of Nevada infrastructure, Arizona COYL, a proposed LNG facility, and planned Paiute expansion. During the three-year period, cash flows from operating activities of Southwest are expected to provide approximately 85% of the funding for the gas operations total construction expenditures and dividend requirements. Any additional cash requirements are expected to be provided by existing credit facilities and/or other external financing sources. The timing, types, and amounts of any additional external financings will be dependent on a number of factors, including the cost of gas purchases, conditions in the capital markets, timing and amounts of rate relief, growth levels in Southwest’s service areas, and earnings. External financings could include the issuance of both debt and equity securities, bank and other short-term borrowings, and other forms of financing.

During the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014, the Company issued shares of common stock through the Stock Incentive Plan, raising approximately $237,000.$419,000.

29


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

Form 10-Q

Dividend Policy

In reviewing dividend policy, the Board of Directors (“Board”) considers the adequacy and sustainability of earnings and cash flows of the Company and its subsidiaries; the strength of the Company’s capital structure; the sustainability of the dividend through all business cycles; and whether the dividend is within a normal payout range for its respective businesses. As a result of its ongoing review of dividend policy, in February 2014, the Board increased the quarterly dividend from 33 cents to 36.5 cents per share, effective with the June 2014 payment. Over time, the Board intends to increase the dividend such that the payout ratio approaches a local distribution company peer group average (approximately 55% to 65%), while maintaining the Company’s stable and strong credit ratings and the ability to effectively fund future rate base growth. The timing and amount of any future increases will be based upon the Board’s continued review of the Company’s dividend rate in the context of the performance of the Company’s two operating segments and their future growth prospects.

Liquidity

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

On an interim basis, Southwest generally defers over- or under-collections of gas costs to PGA balancing accounts. In addition, Southwest uses this mechanism to either refund amounts over-collected or recoup amounts under-collected as compared to the price paid for natural gas during the period since the lastmost recent PGA rate change went into effect. At JuneSeptember 30, 2014, the combined balance in the PGA accounts totaled an under-collection of $80.4$78.3 million. SeePGA Filingsfor more information.

The Company has a $300 million revolving credit facility that wasis scheduled to expire in March 2017. In March 2014, the credit facility expiration was extended by two years to March 2019. Southwest has designated $150 million of the $300 million facility for long-term borrowing needs and the remaining $150 million for working capital purposes. At JuneSeptember 30, 2014, no borrowings were$50 million was outstanding on either the long-term or short-term portionsportion of the credit facility.facility (all under the commercial paper program). The credit facility can be used as necessary to meet liquidity requirements, including temporarily financing under-collected PGA balances, if any, or meeting the refund needs of over-collected balances. This credit facility has been adequate for Southwest’s working capital needs outside of funds raised through

27


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATIONForm 10-Q
June 30, 2014

operations and other types of external financing.

The Company has a $50 million commercial paper program. Any issuance under the commercial paper program is supported by the Company’s current revolving credit facility and, therefore, does not represent additional borrowing capacity. Any borrowing under the commercial paper program will be designated as long-term debt. Interest rates for the commercial paper program are calculated at the current commercial paper rate during the borrowing term. At JuneSeptember 30, 2014, no borrowings were$50 million was outstanding under this program.

In November 2014, the Company plans to redeem at par its $65 million 2004 5.25% Series A fixed-rate IDRBs (originally due in 2034) and anticipates that sufficient capacity on the long-term portion of its credit facility will be available to fund the redemption.

NPL hashad a $75 million credit facility that was scheduled to expire in June 2015. At September 30, 2014, $24.5 million was outstanding on the NPL credit facility. In October 2014, NPL replaced its existing credit facility with a $300 million secured revolving credit and term loan facility that is scheduled to expire in June 2015. At June 30, 2014, $12.5 millionOctober 2019.

The new facility was outstanding onutilized in the NPL credit facility.recent construction services acquisition and is currently expected to meet NPL’s needs. Liquidity in the construction businesses will be contingent upon such things as mix of business, competition, tax laws, weather, and utility construction and replacement programs in the United States and Canada.

30


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

Form 10-Q

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

 

   For the Twelve Months Ended 
   June 30,
2014
   December 31,
2013
 

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

   3.53     3.90  
   For the Twelve Months Ended 
   September 30,
2014
   December 31,
2013
 

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

   3.57     3.90  

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

Legal Accrual

The Company maintains liability insurance for various risks associated with the operation of its natural gas pipelines and facilities. In connection with these liability insurance policies, the Company is responsible for an initial deductible or self-insured retention amount per incident, after which the insurance carriers would be responsible for amounts up to the policy limits. For the policy year August 20132014 to July 2014,2015, these liability insurance policies require Southwest to be responsible for the first $1 million dollars (self-insured retention) of each incident plus the first $4 million in aggregate claims above its self-insured retention in the policy year. At any given time the Company is involved in various legal matters. Through an assessment process, the Company may determine that certain costs are likely to be incurred in the future related to specific legal matters. In these circumstances and in accordance with accounting policies, the Company will make an accrual. In the first quarter of 2014, the Company recorded a $5 million accrual (the maximum self-insured retention plus aggregate for the policy year) in connection with an incident.

Forward-Looking Statements

This quarterly report contains statements which constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“Reform Act”). All statements other than statements of historical fact included or incorporated by reference in this quarterly report are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s plans, objectives, goals, intentions, projections, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions. The words “may,” “if,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “project,” “continue,” “forecast,” “intend,” “promote”, “seek,” and similar words and expressions are generally used and intended to identify forward-looking statements. For example, statements regarding operating margin patterns, customer growth, the composition of our customer base, price volatility, seasonal patterns, payment of debt, interest expense, the Company’s COLI strategy, annual COLI returns, replacement market and new construction market, amount and timing for completion of estimated future construction expenditures, including the planned LNG facility in southern Arizona and the proposed Paiute expansion in Elko County, Nevada, forecasted operating cash flows and results of operations, incremental operating margin in 2014, operating expense increases in 2014, funding sources of cash requirements, sufficiency of working capital and current credit facility, bank lending practices, the Company’s views regarding its liquidity position, ability to raise funds and receive external financing capacity, future dividend increases, earnings trends, NPL’s projected financial performance and related market growth potential, NPL’s projections about the acquired businesses’ earnings (including accretion within the first twelve months) and future acquisition-related costs, pension and post-retirement benefits, the effect and timing of such effect of any rate changes or regulatory proceedings, including the Paiute Pipeline Company general rate case filing,

28


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATIONForm 10-Q
June 30, 2014

agreement in principle, infrastructure replacement mechanisms and the COYL programs, statements regarding future gas prices, gas purchase contracts and derivative financial instruments, recoverability of regulatory assets, the impact of certain legal proceedings, and the timing and results of future rate hearings and approvals are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are intended to be subject to the safe harbor protection provided by the Reform Act.

31


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

Form 10-Q

A number of important factors affecting the business and financial results of the Company could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, customer growth rates, conditions in the housing market, the ability to recover costs through the PGA mechanisms or other regulatory assets, the effects of regulation/deregulation, the timing and amount of rate relief, changes in rate design, changes in gas procurement practices, changes in capital requirements and funding, the impact of conditions in the capital markets on financing costs, changes in construction expenditures and financing, changes in operations and maintenance expenses, effects of pension expense forecasts, accounting changes, future liability claims, changes in pipeline capacity for the transportation of gas and related costs, results of NPL bid work, impacts of structural and management changes at NPL, NPL construction expenses, NPL’s ability to expedite projects delayed by weather, differences between actual and originally expected outcomes of NPL bid or other fixed-price construction agreements, acquisitions and management’s plans related thereto, results of acquired companies, ultimate allocation of purchase price of acquisition and the related amortization, including resulting accretion to earnings, competition in our construction businesses, construction and replacement work by pipeline customers, tax law changes in the United States and Canada, the ability to maintain Canadian customer relationships, and our ability to raise capital in external financings. In addition, the Company can provide no assurance that its discussions regarding certain trends relating to its financing and operating expenses will continue in future periods. For additional information on the risks associated with the Company’s business, seeItem 1A. Risk Factors andItem 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk in the Company’s Annual Report onForm 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

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

ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

SeeItem 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk in the Company’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. No material changes have occurred related to the Company’s disclosures about market risk.risk at September 30, 2014.

ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

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

Based on the most recent evaluation, as of JuneSeptember 30, 2014, management of the Company, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, believe the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective at attaining the level of reasonable assurance noted above.

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during the secondthird quarter of 2014 that have materially affected, or are likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

 

29

32


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

  Form 10-Q
June 30, 2014

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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

ITEMS 1A. through 3.    None.

ITEMS1A. through 3.None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES    Not applicable.

ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURESNot applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION    None.

ITEM 5.OTHER INFORMATIONNone.

ITEM 6.EXHIBITS

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

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

 

Exhibit 10.01

NPL Credit Agreement.

Exhibit 12.01

 

-

  

Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

Exhibit 31.01

 

-

  

Section 302 Certifications.

Exhibit 32.01

 

-

  

Section 906 Certifications.

Exhibit 101

 

-

  

The following materials from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended JuneSeptember 30, 2014, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (“XBRL”): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

30

33


SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION

September 30, 2014

  Form 10-Q
June 30, 2014

 

SIGNATURES

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

 

Southwest Gas Corporation

(Registrant)

Date: November 6, 2014

Date: August 6, 2014

/s/ GREGORY J. PETERSON

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

 

31

34