Wdesk | MDU-3-31-2014 Form 10-Q
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
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ý | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF | |
| THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
For The Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2014
OR
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o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF | |
| THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
For the Transition Period from _____________ to ______________
Commission file number 1-3480
MDU Resources Group, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware | | 41-0423660 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
1200 West Century Avenue
P.O. Box 5650
Bismarck, North Dakota 58506-5650
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(701) 530-1000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý No o.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý No o.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definition of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):
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| Large accelerated filer ý | Accelerated filer o |
| Non-accelerated filer o | Smaller reporting company o |
(Do not check if a 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 o No ý.
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of April 30, 2014: 191,604,704 shares.
DEFINITIONS
The following abbreviations and acronyms used in this Form 10-Q are defined below:
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Abbreviation or Acronym | |
2013 Annual Report | Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 |
ASC | FASB Accounting Standards Codification |
BART | Best available retrofit technology |
Bbl | Barrel |
Bicent | Bicent Power LLC |
Big Stone Station | 475-MW coal-fired electric generating facility near Big Stone City, South Dakota (22.7 percent ownership) |
BLM | Bureau of Land Management |
BOE | One barrel of oil equivalent - determined using the ratio of one barrel of crude oil, condensate or natural gas liquids to six Mcf of natural gas |
BOPD | Barrels of oil per day |
Brazilian Transmission Lines | Company's investment in the company owning ECTE, ENTE and ERTE (ownership interests in ENTE and ERTE were sold in the fourth quarter of 2010 and portions of the ownership interest in ECTE were sold in the third quarters of 2013 and 2012 and the fourth quarters of 2011 and 2010) |
Btu | British thermal unit |
Calumet | Calumet Specialty Products Partners, L.P. |
Cascade | Cascade Natural Gas Corporation, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of MDU Energy Capital |
CCU | Cane Creek Unit |
CEM | Colorado Energy Management, LLC, a former direct wholly owned subsidiary of Centennial Resources (sold in the third quarter of 2007) |
Centennial | Centennial Energy Holdings, Inc., a direct wholly owned subsidiary of the Company |
Centennial Capital | Centennial Holdings Capital LLC, a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Centennial |
Centennial Resources | Centennial Energy Resources LLC, a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Centennial |
Colorado State District Court | Colorado Thirteenth Judicial District Court, Yuma County |
Company | MDU Resources Group, Inc. |
Coyote Creek | Coyote Creek Mining Company, LLC, a subsidiary of The North American Coal Corporation |
Coyote Station | 427-MW coal-fired electric generating facility near Beulah, North Dakota (25 percent ownership) |
Dakota Prairie Refinery | 20,000-barrel-per-day diesel topping plant being built by Dakota Prairie Refining in southwestern North Dakota |
Dakota Prairie Refining | Dakota Prairie Refining, LLC, a limited liability company jointly owned by WBI Energy and Calumet |
dk | Decatherm |
Dodd-Frank Act | Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act |
EBITDA | Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization |
ECTE | Empresa Catarinense de Transmissão de Energia S.A. (2.5 percent ownership interest at March 31, 2014, 2.5, 2.5, 2.5 and 14.99 percent ownership interests were sold in the third quarters of 2013 and 2012 and the fourth quarters of 2011 and 2010, respectively) |
ENTE | Empresa Norte de Transmissão de Energia S.A. (entire 13.3 percent ownership interest sold in the fourth quarter of 2010) |
EPA | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
ERTE | Empresa Regional de Transmissão de Energia S.A. (entire 13.3 percent ownership interest sold in the fourth quarter of 2010) |
Exchange Act | Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended |
FASB | Financial Accounting Standards Board |
FERC | Federal Energy Regulatory Commission |
Fidelity | Fidelity Exploration & Production Company, a direct wholly owned subsidiary of WBI Holdings |
Fidelity Oil Co. | A direct wholly owned subsidiary of Fidelity |
GAAP | Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America |
GHG | Greenhouse gas |
Great Plains | Great Plains Natural Gas Co., a public utility division of the Company |
Intermountain | Intermountain Gas Company, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of MDU Energy Capital |
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JTL | JTL Group, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Knife River |
Knife River | Knife River Corporation, a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Centennial |
Knife River - Northwest | Knife River Corporation - Northwest, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Knife River |
kWh | Kilowatt-hour |
LPP | Lea Power Partners, LLC, a former indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Centennial Resources (member interests were sold in October 2006) |
LWG | Lower Willamette Group |
MBbls | Thousands of barrels |
MBOE | Thousands of BOE |
Mcf | Thousand cubic feet |
MDU Brasil | MDU Brasil Ltda., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Centennial Resources |
MDU Construction Services | MDU Construction Services Group, Inc., a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Centennial |
MDU Energy Capital | MDU Energy Capital, LLC, a direct wholly owned subsidiary of the Company |
MISO | Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. |
MMBbls | Millions of barrels |
MMBtu | Million Btu |
MMcf | Million cubic feet |
MMdk | Million decatherms |
Montana-Dakota | Montana-Dakota Utilities Co., a public utility division of the Company |
Montana DEQ | Montana Department of Environmental Quality |
Montana First Judicial District Court | Montana First Judicial District Court, Lewis and Clark County |
Montana Seventeenth Judicial District Court | Montana Seventeenth Judicial District Court, Phillips County |
MW | Megawatt |
NDPSC | North Dakota Public Service Commission |
New York Supreme Court | Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York |
NGL | Natural gas liquids |
NSPS | New Source Performance Standards |
Oil | Includes crude oil and condensate |
Omimex | Omimex Canada, Ltd. |
OPUC | Oregon Public Utility Commission |
Oregon DEQ | Oregon State Department of Environmental Quality |
Prairielands | Prairielands Energy Marketing, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of WBI Holdings |
PRP | Potentially Responsible Party |
RCRA | Resource Conservation and Recovery Act |
ROD | Record of Decision |
SEC | U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission |
Securities Act | Securities Act of 1933, as amended |
SourceGas | SourceGas Distribution LLC |
VIE | Variable interest entity |
WBI Energy | WBI Energy, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of WBI Holdings |
WBI Energy Midstream | WBI Energy Midstream, LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of WBI Holdings (previously Bitter Creek Pipelines, LLC, name changed effective July 1, 2012) |
WBI Energy Transmission | WBI Energy Transmission, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of WBI Holdings (previously Williston Basin Interstate Pipeline Company, name changed effective July 1, 2012) |
WBI Holdings | WBI Holdings, Inc., a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Centennial |
WUTC | Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission |
INTRODUCTION
The Company is a diversified natural resource company, which was incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware in 1924. Its principal executive offices are at 1200 West Century Avenue, P.O. Box 5650, Bismarck, North Dakota 58506-5650, telephone (701) 530-1000.
Montana-Dakota, through the electric and natural gas distribution segments, generates, transmits and distributes electricity and distributes natural gas in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. Cascade distributes natural gas in Oregon and Washington. Intermountain distributes natural gas in Idaho. Great Plains distributes natural gas in western Minnesota and southeastern North Dakota. These operations also supply related value-added services.
The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Centennial, owns WBI Holdings (comprised of the pipeline and energy services and the exploration and production segments), Knife River (construction materials and contracting segment), MDU Construction Services (construction services segment), Centennial Resources and Centennial Capital (both reflected in the Other category). For more information on the Company's business segments, see Note 16.
INDEX
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Part I -- Financial Information | Page |
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Consolidated Statements of Income -- Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 | |
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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income -- Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 | |
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Consolidated Balance Sheets -- March 31, 2014 and 2013, and December 31, 2013 | |
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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -- Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 | |
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | |
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Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | |
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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | |
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Controls and Procedures | |
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Part II -- Other Information | |
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Legal Proceedings | |
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Risk Factors | |
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Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | |
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Mine Safety Disclosures | |
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Exhibits | |
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Signatures | |
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Exhibit Index | |
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Exhibits | |
PART I -- FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MDU RESOURCES GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
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| Three Months Ended |
| March 31, |
| 2014 | 2013 |
| (In thousands, except per share amounts) |
Operating revenues: | | |
Electric, natural gas distribution and pipeline and energy services | $ | 491,541 |
| $ | 424,124 |
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Exploration and production, construction materials and contracting, construction services and other | 551,312 |
| 507,480 |
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Total operating revenues | 1,042,853 |
| 931,604 |
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Operating expenses: | |
| |
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Fuel and purchased power | 26,544 |
| 21,608 |
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Purchased natural gas sold | 244,892 |
| 199,187 |
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Operation and maintenance: | |
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Electric, natural gas distribution and pipeline and energy services | 67,284 |
| 66,101 |
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Exploration and production, construction materials and contracting, construction services and other | 445,951 |
| 394,019 |
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Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 99,557 |
| 93,561 |
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Taxes, other than income | 55,721 |
| 52,597 |
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Total operating expenses | 939,949 |
| 827,073 |
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Operating income | 102,904 |
| 104,531 |
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Earnings (loss) from equity method investments | 51 |
| (311 | ) |
Other income | 2,132 |
| 1,242 |
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Interest expense | 20,971 |
| 20,874 |
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Income before income taxes | 84,116 |
| 84,588 |
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Income taxes | 27,932 |
| 27,996 |
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Income from continuing operations | 56,184 |
| 56,592 |
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Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (Note 9) | (45 | ) | (77 | ) |
Net income | 56,139 |
| 56,515 |
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Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest | (523 | ) | — |
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Dividends declared on preferred stocks | 171 |
| 171 |
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Earnings on common stock | $ | 56,491 |
| $ | 56,344 |
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Earnings per common share - basic: | |
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Earnings before discontinued operations | $ | .30 |
| $ | .30 |
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Discontinued operations, net of tax | — |
| — |
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Earnings per common share - basic | $ | .30 |
| $ | .30 |
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Earnings per common share - diluted: | |
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Earnings before discontinued operations | $ | .30 |
| $ | .30 |
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Discontinued operations, net of tax | — |
| — |
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Earnings per common share - diluted | $ | .30 |
| $ | .30 |
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Dividends declared per common share | $ | .1775 |
| $ | .1725 |
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Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic | 189,820 |
| 188,831 |
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Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted | 190,432 |
| 189,222 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
MDU RESOURCES GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
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| Three Months Ended |
| March 31, |
| 2014 | 2013 |
| (In thousands) |
Net income | $ | 56,139 |
| $ | 56,515 |
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Other comprehensive income (loss): | | |
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments qualifying as hedges: | | |
Net unrealized loss on derivative instruments arising during the period, net of tax of $0 and $(3,168) for the three months ended in 2014 and 2013, respectively | — |
| (5,849 | ) |
Reclassification adjustment for (gain) loss on derivative instruments included in net income, net of tax of $204 and $(1,626) for the three months ended in 2014 and 2013, respectively | 344 |
| (2,772 | ) |
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments qualifying as hedges | 344 |
| (8,621 | ) |
Amortization of postretirement liability losses included in net periodic benefit cost, net of tax of $168 and $319 for the three months ended in 2014 and 2013, respectively | 275 |
| 648 |
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Foreign currency translation adjustment recognized during the period, net of tax of $28 and $37 for the three months ended in 2014 and 2013, respectively | 46 |
| 88 |
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Net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments: | | |
Net unrealized loss on available-for-sale investments arising during the period, net of tax of $(19) and $(24) for the three months ended in 2014 and 2013, respectively | (36 | ) | (44 | ) |
Reclassification adjustment for loss on available-for-sale investments included in net income, net of tax of $20 and $19 for the three months ended in 2014 and 2013, respectively | 38 |
| 35 |
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Net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments | 2 |
| (9 | ) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | 667 |
| (7,894 | ) |
Comprehensive income | 56,806 |
| 48,621 |
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Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest | (523 | ) | — |
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Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders | $ | 57,329 |
| $ | 48,621 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
MDU RESOURCES GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
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| March 31, 2014 | March 31, 2013 | December 31, 2013 |
(In thousands, except shares and per share amounts) | |
ASSETS | | | |
Current assets: | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 83,700 |
| $ | 74,149 |
| $ | 45,225 |
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Receivables, net | 690,761 |
| 635,564 |
| 713,067 |
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Inventories | 301,332 |
| 334,872 |
| 282,391 |
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Deferred income taxes | 29,427 |
| 29,885 |
| 25,048 |
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Commodity derivative instruments | 81 |
| 5,936 |
| 1,447 |
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Prepayments and other current assets | 99,229 |
| 68,828 |
| 49,510 |
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Total current assets | 1,204,530 |
| 1,149,234 |
| 1,116,688 |
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Investments | 113,763 |
| 106,846 |
| 112,939 |
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Property, plant and equipment | 9,150,269 |
| 8,303,065 |
| 8,803,866 |
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Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization | 3,954,442 |
| 3,678,535 |
| 3,872,487 |
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Net property, plant and equipment | 5,195,827 |
| 4,624,530 |
| 4,931,379 |
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Deferred charges and other assets: | |
| |
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Goodwill | 636,039 |
| 636,039 |
| 636,039 |
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Other intangible assets, net | 12,296 |
| 16,318 |
| 13,099 |
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Other | 246,394 |
| 295,215 |
| 251,188 |
|
Total deferred charges and other assets | 894,729 |
| 947,572 |
| 900,326 |
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Total assets | $ | 7,408,849 |
| $ | 6,828,182 |
| $ | 7,061,332 |
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LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | |
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Current liabilities: | |
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Short-term borrowings | $ | — |
| $ | 37,500 |
| $ | 11,500 |
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Long-term debt due within one year | 12,227 |
| 171,094 |
| 12,277 |
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Accounts payable | 399,935 |
| 375,942 |
| 404,961 |
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Taxes payable | 61,847 |
| 55,748 |
| 74,175 |
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Dividends payable | 33,980 |
| 32,744 |
| 33,737 |
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Accrued compensation | 40,016 |
| 31,382 |
| 69,661 |
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Commodity derivative instruments | 12,186 |
| 7,379 |
| 7,483 |
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Other accrued liabilities | 185,287 |
| 205,394 |
| 171,106 |
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Total current liabilities | 745,478 |
| 917,183 |
| 784,900 |
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Long-term debt | 2,093,605 |
| 1,618,569 |
| 1,842,286 |
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Deferred credits and other liabilities: | |
| |
| |
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Deferred income taxes | 899,420 |
| 802,805 |
| 859,306 |
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Other liabilities | 720,542 |
| 814,643 |
| 718,938 |
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Total deferred credits and other liabilities | 1,619,962 |
| 1,617,448 |
| 1,578,244 |
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Commitments and contingencies | |
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| |
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Equity: | |
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| |
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Preferred stocks | 15,000 |
| 15,000 |
| 15,000 |
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Common stockholders' equity: | |
| |
| |
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Common stock | |
| |
| |
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Authorized - 500,000,000 shares, $1.00 par value | | | |
Shares issued - 191,838,720 at March 31, 2014, 189,369,450 at March 31, 2013 and 189,868,780 at December 31, 2013 | 191,839 |
| 189,369 |
| 189,869 |
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Other paid-in capital | 1,110,221 |
| 1,038,970 |
| 1,056,996 |
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Retained earnings | 1,625,692 |
| 1,480,784 |
| 1,603,130 |
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Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (37,538 | ) | (56,615 | ) | (38,205 | ) |
Treasury stock at cost - 538,921 shares | (3,626 | ) | (3,626 | ) | (3,626 | ) |
Total common stockholders' equity | 2,886,588 |
| 2,648,882 |
| 2,808,164 |
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Total stockholders' equity | 2,901,588 |
| 2,663,882 |
| 2,823,164 |
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Noncontrolling interest | 48,216 |
| 11,100 |
| 32,738 |
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Total equity | 2,949,804 |
| 2,674,982 |
| 2,855,902 |
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Total liabilities and equity | $ | 7,408,849 |
| $ | 6,828,182 |
| $ | 7,061,332 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
MDU RESOURCES GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
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| Three Months Ended |
| March 31, |
| 2014 | 2013 |
| (In thousands) |
Operating activities: | | |
Net income | $ | 56,139 |
| $ | 56,515 |
|
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax | (45 | ) | (77 | ) |
Income from continuing operations | 56,184 |
| 56,592 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |
| |
|
Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 99,557 |
| 93,561 |
|
Earnings (loss), net of distributions, from equity method investments | (51 | ) | 1,277 |
|
Deferred income taxes | 35,965 |
| 44,663 |
|
Unrealized loss on commodity derivatives | 6,712 |
| 5,832 |
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Changes in current assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: | |
| |
Receivables | 25,611 |
| 32,206 |
|
Inventories | (19,809 | ) | (19,126 | ) |
Other current assets | (22,324 | ) | (25,855 | ) |
Accounts payable | (11,525 | ) | (35,091 | ) |
Other current liabilities | (28,355 | ) | (7,338 | ) |
Other noncurrent changes | (4,936 | ) | (10,150 | ) |
Net cash provided by continuing operations | 137,029 |
| 136,571 |
|
Net cash provided by discontinued operations | 8 |
| 303 |
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Net cash provided by operating activities | 137,037 |
| 136,874 |
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| | |
Investing activities: | |
| |
|
Capital expenditures | (179,646 | ) | (188,475 | ) |
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired | (206,304 | ) | — |
|
Net proceeds from sale or disposition of property and other | 5,179 |
| 18,176 |
|
Investments | 458 |
| (514 | ) |
Net cash used in continuing operations | (380,313 | ) | (170,813 | ) |
Net cash provided by discontinued operations | — |
| — |
|
Net cash used in investing activities | (380,313 | ) | (170,813 | ) |
| | |
Financing activities: | |
| |
|
Issuance of short-term borrowings | — |
| 9,300 |
|
Repayment of short-term borrowings | (11,500 | ) | — |
|
Issuance of long-term debt | 309,501 |
| 112,015 |
|
Repayment of long-term debt | (58,232 | ) | (67,123 | ) |
Proceeds from issuance of common stock | 54,843 |
| — |
|
Dividends paid | (33,737 | ) | (171 | ) |
Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation | 4,833 |
| — |
|
Contribution from noncontrolling interest | 16,000 |
| 5,000 |
|
Net cash provided by continuing operations | 281,708 |
| 59,021 |
|
Net cash provided by discontinued operations | — |
| — |
|
Net cash provided by financing activities | 281,708 |
| 59,021 |
|
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 43 |
| 25 |
|
Increase in cash and cash equivalents | 38,475 |
| 25,107 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents -- beginning of year | 45,225 |
| 49,042 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents -- end of period | $ | 83,700 |
| $ | 74,149 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
MDU RESOURCES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2014 and 2013
(Unaudited)
Note 1 - Basis of presentation
The accompanying consolidated interim financial statements were prepared in conformity with the basis of presentation reflected in the consolidated financial statements included in the Company's 2013 Annual Report, and the standards of accounting measurement set forth in the interim reporting guidance in the ASC and any amendments thereto adopted by the FASB. Interim financial statements do not include all disclosures provided in annual financial statements and, accordingly, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with those appearing in the 2013 Annual Report. The information is unaudited but includes all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the accompanying consolidated interim financial statements and are of a normal recurring nature. Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense is reported separately on the Consolidated Statements of Income and therefore is excluded from the other line items within operating expenses. Management has also evaluated the impact of events occurring after March 31, 2014, up to the date of issuance of these consolidated interim financial statements.
Note 2 - Seasonality of operations
Some of the Company's operations are highly seasonal and revenues from, and certain expenses for, such operations may fluctuate significantly among quarterly periods. Accordingly, the interim results for particular businesses, and for the Company as a whole, may not be indicative of results for the full fiscal year.
Note 3 - Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
Accounts receivable consist primarily of trade receivables from the sale of goods and services which are recorded at the invoiced amount net of allowance for doubtful accounts, and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts. The total balance of receivables past due 90 days or more was $22.6 million, $39.6 million and $36.4 million at March 31, 2014 and 2013, and December 31, 2013, respectively.
The allowance for doubtful accounts is determined through a review of past due balances and other specific account data. Account balances are written off when management determines the amounts to be uncollectible. The Company's allowance for doubtful accounts at March 31, 2014 and 2013, and December 31, 2013, was $10.9 million, $10.8 million and $10.1 million, respectively.
Note 4 - Inventories and natural gas in storage
Inventories, other than natural gas in storage for the Company's regulated operations, are stated at the lower of average cost or market value. Natural gas in storage for the Company's regulated operations is generally carried at average cost, or cost using the last-in, first-out method. The portion of the cost of natural gas in storage expected to be used within one year is included in inventories. Inventories consisted of:
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| March 31, 2014 | March 31, 2013 | December 31, 2013 |
| (In thousands) |
Aggregates held for resale | $ | 104,106 |
| $ | 98,120 |
| $ | 101,568 |
|
Asphalt oil | 66,292 |
| 94,332 |
| 38,099 |
|
Materials and supplies | 68,809 |
| 75,868 |
| 69,808 |
|
Merchandise for resale | 22,463 |
| 24,342 |
| 21,720 |
|
Natural gas in storage (current) | 6,129 |
| 12,811 |
| 16,417 |
|
Other | 33,533 |
| 29,399 |
| 34,779 |
|
Total | $ | 301,332 |
| $ | 334,872 |
| $ | 282,391 |
|
The remainder of natural gas in storage, which largely represents the cost of gas required to maintain pressure levels for normal operating purposes, is included in other assets and was $47.4 million, $49.6 million, and $48.3 million at March 31, 2014 and 2013, and December 31, 2013, respectively.
Note 5 - Earnings per common share
Basic earnings per common share were computed by dividing earnings on common stock by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the applicable period. Diluted earnings per common share were computed by dividing earnings on common stock by the total of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the applicable period, plus the effect of outstanding performance share awards. Common stock outstanding includes issued shares less shares held in treasury. Net income was the same for both the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations. A reconciliation of the weighted average common shares outstanding used in the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations was as follows:
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| | | | |
| Three Months Ended |
| March 31, |
| 2014 |
| 2013 |
|
| (In thousands) |
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic | 189,820 |
| 188,831 |
|
Effect of dilutive performance share awards | 612 |
| 391 |
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted | 190,432 |
| 189,222 |
|
Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share | — |
| — |
|
Note 6 - Cash flow information
Cash expenditures for interest and income taxes were as follows:
|
| | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended |
| March 31, |
| 2014 |
| 2013 |
|
| (In thousands) |
Interest, net of amount capitalized | $ | 20,850 |
| $ | 21,857 |
|
Income taxes paid (refunded), net | $ | 9,435 |
| $ | (7,246 | ) |
Noncash investing transactions were as follows:
|
| | | | | | |
| March 31, |
| 2014 |
| 2013 |
|
| (In thousands) |
Property, plant and equipment additions in accounts payable | $ | 65,736 |
| $ | 92,236 |
|
Note 7 - Comprehensive income (loss)
The after-tax changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss at March 31, 2014, were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments Qualifying as Hedges | Postretirement Liability Adjustment | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment | Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available-for-sale Investments | Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss |
| (In thousands) |
Balance at December 31, 2013 | $ | (3,765 | ) | $ | (33,807 | ) | $ | (667 | ) | $ | 34 |
| $ | (38,205 | ) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | — |
| — |
| 46 |
| (36 | ) | 10 |
|
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 344 |
| 275 |
| — |
| 38 |
| 657 |
|
Net current-period other comprehensive income | 344 |
| 275 |
| 46 |
| 2 |
| 667 |
|
Balance at March 31, 2014 | $ | (3,421 | ) | $ | (33,532 | ) | $ | (621 | ) | $ | 36 |
| $ | (37,538 | ) |
The after-tax changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss at March 31, 2013, were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments Qualifying as Hedges | Postretirement Liability Adjustment | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment | Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available-for-sale Investments | Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss |
| (In thousands) |
Balance at December 31, 2012 | $ | 6,018 |
| $ | (54,347 | ) | $ | (511 | ) | $ | 119 |
| $ | (48,721 | ) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | (5,849 | ) | — |
| 88 |
| (44 | ) | (5,805 | ) |
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | (2,772 | ) | 648 |
| — |
| 35 |
| (2,089 | ) |
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) | (8,621 | ) | 648 |
| 88 |
| (9 | ) | (7,894 | ) |
Balance at March 31, 2013 | $ | (2,603 | ) | $ | (53,699 | ) | $ | (423 | ) | $ | 110 |
| $ | (56,615 | ) |
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended | Location on Consolidated Statements of Income |
| March 31, 2014 | March 31, 2013 |
| (In thousands) | |
Reclassification adjustment for gain (loss) on derivative instruments included in net income: | | | |
Commodity derivative instruments | $ | (388 | ) | $ | 4,513 |
| Operating revenues |
Interest rate derivative instruments | (160 | ) | (115 | ) | Interest expense |
| (548 | ) | 4,398 |
| |
| 204 |
| (1,626 | ) | Income taxes |
| (344 | ) | 2,772 |
| |
Amortization of postretirement liability losses included in net periodic benefit cost | (443 | ) | (967 | ) | (a) |
| 168 |
| 319 |
| Income taxes |
| (275 | ) | (648 | ) | |
Reclassification adjustment for loss on available-for-sale investments included in net income | (58 | ) | (54 | ) | Other income |
| 20 |
| 19 |
| Income taxes |
| (38 | ) | (35 | ) | |
Total reclassifications | $ | (657 | ) | $ | 2,089 |
| |
(a) Included in net periodic benefit cost (credit). For more information, see Note 17.
Note 8 - Acquisition
On February 10, 2014, the Company entered into agreements to purchase working interests and leasehold positions in oil and natural gas production assets in the southern Powder River Basin of Wyoming. The effective date of the acquisition was October 1, 2013, and the closing occurred on March 6, 2014. The purchase price was $206.3 million, including purchase price adjustments.
The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, the acquired assets and liabilities assumed have been preliminarily recorded at their respective fair values as of the date of acquisition. The final fair market values are pending the completion of the review of the relevant assets and liabilities identified as of the acquisition date. The results of operations of the acquired properties are included in the financial statements since the date of the acquisition. Pro forma financial amounts reflecting the effects of the acquisition are not presented, as such acquisition was not material to the Company's financial position or results of operations.
Note 9 - Discontinued operations
In 2007, Centennial Resources sold CEM to Bicent. In connection with the sale, Centennial Resources had agreed to indemnify Bicent and its affiliates from certain third party claims arising out of or in connection with Centennial Resources' ownership or operation of CEM prior to the sale. In addition, Centennial had previously guaranteed CEM's obligations under a construction contract. The Company incurs legal expenses, which are reflected as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes, and has accrued liabilities related to this matter. Discontinued operations are included in the Other category. For more information, see Note 19.
Note 10 - Equity method investments
Investments in companies in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for using the equity method. At March 31, 2014, the Company had no significant equity method investments.
In August 2006, MDU Brasil acquired ownership interests in the Brazilian Transmission Lines. The electric transmission lines are primarily in northeastern and southern Brazil. The transmission contracts provide for revenues denominated in the Brazilian Real, annual inflation adjustments and change in tax law adjustments. The functional currency for the Brazilian Transmission Lines is the Brazilian Real.
In 2009, multiple sales agreements were signed for the Company to sell its ownership interests in the Brazilian Transmission Lines. In November 2010, the Company completed the sale of its entire ownership interest in ENTE and ERTE and 59.96 percent of the Company's ownership interest in ECTE. The Company's remaining interest in ECTE is being sold over a four-year period. In August 2013 and 2012, and November 2011, the Company completed the sale of one-fourth of the remaining interest in each year. The Company recognized an immaterial gain in 2013. The Company's remaining ownership interest in ECTE is being accounted for under the cost method.
At March 31, 2013, the equity method investments had total assets of $142.9 million and long-term debt of $63.9 million. The Company's investment in its equity method investments was approximately $5.7 million, including undistributed earnings of $2.2 million, at March 31, 2013.
Note 11 - Goodwill and other intangible assets
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | |
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 | Balance as of January 1, 2014* | Goodwill Acquired During the Year | Balance as of March 31, 2014* |
| (In thousands) |
Natural gas distribution | $ | 345,736 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 345,736 |
|
Pipeline and energy services | 9,737 |
| — |
| 9,737 |
|
Construction materials and contracting | 176,290 |
| — |
| 176,290 |
|
Construction services | 104,276 |
| — |
| 104,276 |
|
Total | $ | 636,039 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 636,039 |
|
* Balance is presented net of accumulated impairment of $12.3 million at the pipeline and energy services segment, which occurred in prior periods.
|
| | | | | | | | | |
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 | Balance as of January 1, 2013* | Goodwill Acquired During the Year | Balance as of March 31, 2013* |
| (In thousands) |
Natural gas distribution | $ | 345,736 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 345,736 |
|
Pipeline and energy services | 9,737 |
| — |
| 9,737 |
|
Construction materials and contracting | 176,290 |
| — |
| 176,290 |
|
Construction services | 104,276 |
| — |
| 104,276 |
|
Total | $ | 636,039 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 636,039 |
|
* Balance is presented net of accumulated impairment of $12.3 million at the pipeline and energy services segment, which occurred in prior periods.
|
| | | | | | | | | |
Year Ended December 31, 2013 | Balance as of January 1, 2013* | Goodwill Acquired During the Year | Balance as of December 31, 2013* |
| (In thousands) |
Natural gas distribution | $ | 345,736 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 345,736 |
|
Pipeline and energy services | 9,737 |
| — |
| 9,737 |
|
Construction materials and contracting | 176,290 |
| — |
| 176,290 |
|
Construction services | 104,276 |
| — |
| 104,276 |
|
Total | $ | 636,039 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 636,039 |
|
* Balance is presented net of accumulated impairment of $12.3 million at the pipeline and energy services segment, which occurred in prior periods.
Other amortizable intangible assets were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| March 31, 2014 | March 31, 2013 | December 31, 2013 |
| (In thousands) |
Customer relationships | $ | 21,310 |
| $ | 21,310 |
| $ | 21,310 |
|
Accumulated amortization | (14,230 | ) | (12,211 | ) | (13,726 | ) |
| 7,080 |
| 9,099 |
| 7,584 |
|
Noncompete agreements | 5,580 |
| 7,236 |
| 6,186 |
|
Accumulated amortization | (4,335 | ) | (5,439 | ) | (4,840 | ) |
| 1,245 |
| 1,797 |
| 1,346 |
|
Other | 10,920 |
| 10,979 |
| 10,995 |
|
Accumulated amortization | (6,949 | ) | (5,557 | ) | (6,826 | ) |
| 3,971 |
| 5,422 |
| 4,169 |
|
Total | $ | 12,296 |
| $ | 16,318 |
| $ | 13,099 |
|
Amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, was $800,000 and $800,000, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets is $3.2 million in 2014, $2.5 million in 2015, $2.2 million in 2016, $2.0 million in 2017, $1.0 million in 2018 and $2.2 million thereafter.
Note 12 - Derivative instruments
The Company's policy allows the use of derivative instruments as part of an overall energy price, foreign currency and interest rate risk management program to efficiently manage and minimize commodity price, foreign currency and interest rate risk. As of March 31, 2014, the Company had no outstanding foreign currency or interest rate hedges.
The fair value of derivative instruments must be estimated as of the end of each reporting period and is recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as an asset or a liability.
Fidelity
At March 31, 2014 and 2013, and December 31, 2013, Fidelity held oil swap and collar agreements with total forward notional volumes of 2.7 million, 2.8 million and 2.9 million Bbl, respectively, and natural gas swap agreements with total forward
notional volumes of 14.7 million, 25.9 million and 18.3 million MMBtu, respectively. Fidelity utilizes these derivative instruments to manage a portion of the market risk associated with fluctuations in the price of oil and natural gas on its forecasted sales of oil and natural gas production.
Effective April 1, 2013, Fidelity elected to de-designate all commodity derivative contracts previously designated as cash flow hedges and elected to discontinue hedge accounting prospectively for all of its commodity derivative instruments. When the criteria for hedge accounting is not met or when hedge accounting is not elected, realized gains and losses and unrealized gains and losses are both recorded in operating revenues on the Consolidated Statements of Income. As a result of discontinuing hedge accounting on commodity derivative instruments, gains and losses on the oil and natural gas derivative instruments remain in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of the de-designation date and are reclassified into earnings in future periods as the underlying hedged transactions affect earnings. At April 1, 2013, accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) included $1.8 million of unrealized gains, representing the mark-to-market value of the Company's commodity derivative instruments that qualified as cash flow hedges as of the balance sheet date. The Company expects to reclassify into earnings from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) the remaining value related to de-designating commodity derivative instruments over the next 9 months.
Prior to April 1, 2013, changes in the fair value attributable to the effective portion of the hedging instruments, net of tax, were recorded in stockholders' equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). To the extent that the hedges were not effective or did not qualify for hedge accounting, the ineffective portion of the changes in fair market value was recorded directly in earnings. Gains and losses on the oil and natural gas derivative instruments were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into operating revenues on the Consolidated Statements of Income at the date the oil and natural gas quantities were settled.
Centennial
As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, Centennial had no outstanding interest rate swap agreements. At March 31, 2013, Centennial held interest rate swap agreements with total notional amounts of $40.0 million which were designated as cash flow hedging instruments. Centennial entered into these interest rate derivative instruments to manage a portion of its interest rate exposure on the forecasted issuance of long-term debt.
Changes in the fair value attributable to the effective portion of hedging instruments, net of tax, are recorded in stockholders' equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). To the extent that the hedges are not effective, the ineffective portion of the changes in fair market value is recorded directly in earnings. Gains and losses on the interest rate derivatives are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into interest expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income in the same period the hedged item affects earnings.
Fidelity and Centennial
There were no components of the derivative instruments' gain or loss excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. Gains and losses must be reclassified into earnings as a result of the discontinuance of cash flow hedges if it is probable that the original forecasted transactions will not occur, and there were no such reclassifications.
The gains and losses on derivative instruments were as follows:
|
| | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended |
| March 31, |
| 2014 | 2013 |
| (In thousands) |
Commodity derivatives designated as cash flow hedges: | | |
Amount of loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss (effective portion), net of tax | $ | — |
| $ | (6,154 | ) |
Amount of (gain) loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into operating revenues (effective portion), net of tax | 244 |
| (2,843 | ) |
Amount of loss recognized in operating revenues (ineffective portion), before tax | — |
| (1,422 | ) |
| | |
Interest rate derivatives designated as cash flow hedges: | | |
Amount of gain recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss (effective portion), net of tax | — |
| 305 |
|
Amount of loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into interest expense (effective portion), net of tax | 100 |
| 71 |
|
Amount of loss recognized in interest expense (ineffective portion), before tax | — |
| (159 | ) |
| | |
Commodity derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | | |
Amount of loss recognized in operating revenues, before tax | (6,712 | ) | (4,410 | ) |
Over the next 12 months net losses of approximately $449,000 (after tax) are estimated to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings, as the hedged transactions affect earnings.
Certain of Fidelity's and Centennial's derivative instruments contain cross-default provisions that state if Fidelity or any of its affiliates or Centennial fails to make payment with respect to certain indebtedness, in excess of specified amounts, the counterparties could require early settlement or termination of the derivative instruments in liability positions. The aggregate fair value of Fidelity's and Centennial's derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that are in a liability position at March 31, 2014 and 2013, and December 31, 2013, were $12.2 million, $12.4 million and $7.5 million, respectively. The aggregate fair value of assets that would have been needed to settle the instruments immediately if the credit-risk-related contingent features were triggered on March 31, 2014 and 2013, and December 31, 2013, were $12.2 million, $12.4 million and $7.5 million, respectively.
The location and fair value of the gross amount of the Company's derivative instruments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
Asset Derivatives | Location on Consolidated Balance Sheets | Fair Value at March 31, 2014 | Fair Value at March 31, 2013 | Fair Value at December 31, 2013 |
| | (In thousands) |
Designated as hedges: | | | |
Commodity derivatives | Commodity derivative instruments | $ | — |
| $ | 1,623 |
| $ | — |
|
| | — |
| 1,623 |
| — |
|
Not designated as hedges: | |
| | |
Commodity derivatives | Commodity derivative instruments | 81 |
| 4,313 |
| 1,447 |
|
| Other assets - noncurrent | 249 |
| 243 |
| 503 |
|
| | 330 |
| 4,556 |
| 1,950 |
|
Total asset derivatives | | $ | 330 |
| $ | 6,179 |
| $ | 1,950 |
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
Liability Derivatives | Location on Consolidated Balance Sheets | Fair Value at March 31, 2014 | Fair Value at March 31, 2013 | Fair Value at December 31, 2013 |
| | (In thousands) |
Designated as hedges: | | | |
Commodity derivatives | Commodity derivative instruments | $ | — |
| $ | 5,994 |
| $ | — |
|
| Other liabilities - noncurrent | — |
| 534 |
| — |
|
Interest rate derivatives | Other accrued liabilities | — |
| 4,458 |
| — |
|
| | — |
| 10,986 |
| — |
|
Not designated as hedges: | |
| |
| |
|
Commodity derivatives | Commodity derivative instruments | 12,186 |
| 1,385 |
| 7,483 |
|
| Other liabilities - noncurrent | — |
| 74 |
| — |
|
| | 12,186 |
| 1,459 |
| 7,483 |
|
Total liability derivatives | | $ | 12,186 |
| $ | 12,445 |
| $ | 7,483 |
|
All of the Company's commodity and interest rate derivative instruments at March 31, 2014 and 2013, and December 31, 2013, were subject to legally enforceable master netting agreements. However, the Company's policy is to not offset fair value amounts for derivative instruments and, as a result, the Company's derivative assets and liabilities are presented gross on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The gross derivative assets and liabilities (excluding settlement receivables and payables that may be subject to the same master netting agreements) presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the amount eligible for offset under the master netting agreements is presented in the following table:
|
| | | | | | | | | |
March 31, 2014 | Gross Amounts Recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets | Gross Amounts Not Offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets | Net |
| (In thousands) |
Assets: | | | |
Commodity derivatives | $ | 330 |
| $ | (330 | ) | $ | — |
|
Total assets | $ | 330 |
| $ | (330 | ) | $ | — |
|
Liabilities: | | |
|
Commodity derivatives | $ | 12,186 |
| $ | (330 | ) | $ | 11,856 |
|
Total liabilities | $ | 12,186 |
| $ | (330 | ) | $ | 11,856 |
|
|
| | | | | | | | | |
March 31, 2013 | Gross Amounts Recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets | Gross Amounts Not Offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets | Net |
| (In thousands) |
Assets: | | | |
Commodity derivatives | $ | 6,179 |
| $ | (3,578 | ) | $ | 2,601 |
|
Total assets | $ | 6,179 |
| $ | (3,578 | ) | $ | 2,601 |
|
Liabilities: | | | |
Commodity derivatives | $ | 7,987 |
| $ | (3,578 | ) | $ | 4,409 |
|
Interest rate derivatives | 4,458 |
| — |
| 4,458 |
|
Total liabilities | $ | 12,445 |
| $ | (3,578 | ) | $ | 8,867 |
|
|
| | | | | | | | | |
December 31, 2013 | Gross Amounts Recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets | Gross Amounts Not Offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets | Net |
| (In thousands) |
Assets: | | | |
Commodity derivatives | $ | 1,950 |
| $ | (1,950 | ) | $ | — |
|
Total assets | $ | 1,950 |
| $ | (1,950 | ) | $ | — |
|
Liabilities: | | | |
Commodity derivatives | $ | 7,483 |
| $ | (1,950 | ) | $ | 5,533 |
|
Total liabilities | $ | 7,483 |
| $ | (1,950 | ) | $ | 5,533 |
|
Note 13 - Fair value measurements
The Company measures its investments in certain fixed-income and equity securities at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in income. The Company anticipates using these investments, which consist of an insurance contract, to satisfy its obligations under its unfunded, nonqualified benefit plans for executive officers and certain key management employees, and invests in these fixed-income and equity securities for the purpose of earning investment returns and capital appreciation. These investments, which totaled $63.3 million, $53.3 million and $62.4 million, as of March 31, 2014 and 2013, and December 31, 2013, respectively, are classified as Investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The net unrealized gains on these investments were $900,000 and $4.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The change in fair value, which is considered part of the cost of the plan, is classified in operation and maintenance expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
The Company did not elect the fair value option, which records gains and losses in income, for its available-for-sale securities, which include mortgage-backed securities and U.S. Treasury securities. These available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value and are classified as Investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Unrealized gains or losses are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Details of available-for-sale securities were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
March 31, 2014 | Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value |
| (In thousands) |
Mortgage-backed securities | $ | 7,943 |
| $ | 63 |
| $ | (17 | ) | $ | 7,989 |
|
U.S. Treasury securities | 2,069 |
| 9 |
| — |
| 2,078 |
|
Total | $ | 10,012 |
| $ | 72 |
| $ | (17 | ) | $ | 10,067 |
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
March 31, 2013 | Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value |
| (In thousands) |
Mortgage-backed securities | $ | 8,749 |
| $ | 133 |
| $ | (3 | ) | $ | 8,879 |
|
U.S. Treasury securities | 1,301 |
| 39 |
| — |
| 1,340 |
|
Total | $ | 10,050 |
| $ | 172 |
| $ | (3 | ) | $ | 10,219 |
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
December 31, 2013 | Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value |
| (In thousands) |
Mortgage-backed securities | $ | 8,151 |
| $ | 69 |
| $ | (27 | ) | $ | 8,193 |
|
U.S. Treasury securities | 1,906 |
| 15 |
| (4 | ) | 1,917 |
|
Total | $ | 10,057 |
| $ | 84 |
| $ | (31 | ) | $ | 10,110 |
|
The fair value of the Company's money market funds approximates cost.
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The ASC establishes a hierarchy for grouping assets and liabilities, based on the significance of inputs.
The estimated fair values of the Company's assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis are determined using the market approach.
The Company's Level 2 money market funds consist of investments in short-term unsecured promissory notes and the value is based on comparable market transactions taking into consideration the credit quality of the issuer. The estimated fair value of the Company's Level 2 mortgage-backed securities and U.S. Treasury securities are based on comparable market transactions, other observable inputs or other sources, including pricing from outside sources.
The estimated fair value of the Company's Level 2 insurance contract is based on contractual cash surrender values that are determined primarily by investments in managed separate accounts of the insurer. These amounts approximate fair value. The managed separate accounts are valued based on other observable inputs or corroborated market data.
The estimated fair value of the Company's Level 2 commodity derivative instruments is based upon futures prices, volatility and time to maturity, among other things. Counterparty statements are utilized to determine the value of the commodity derivative instruments and are reviewed and corroborated using various methodologies and significant observable inputs. The Company's and the counterparties' nonperformance risk is also evaluated.
The estimated fair value of the Company's Level 2 interest rate derivative instruments is measured using quoted market prices or pricing models using prevailing market interest rates as of the measurement date. Counterparty statements are utilized to determine the value of the interest rate derivative instruments and are reviewed and corroborated using various methodologies and significant observable inputs. The Company's and the counterparties' nonperformance risk is also evaluated.
Though the Company believes the methods used to estimate fair value are consistent with those used by other market participants, the use of other methods or assumptions could result in a different estimate of fair value. For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2.
The Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2014, Using | |
| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Balance at March 31, 2014 |
| (In thousands) |
Assets: | | | | |
Money market funds | $ | — |
| $ | 20,267 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 20,267 |
|
Insurance contract* | — |
| 63,269 |
| — |
| 63,269 |
|
Available-for-sale securities: | | | | |
Mortgage-backed securities | — |
| 7,989 |
| — |
| 7,989 |
|
U.S. Treasury securities | — |
| 2,078 |
| — |
| 2,078 |
|
Commodity derivative instruments | — |
| 330 |
| — |
| 330 |
|
Total assets measured at fair value | $ | — |
| $ | 93,933 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 93,933 |
|
Liabilities: | | | | |
Commodity derivative instruments | $ | — |
| $ | 12,186 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 12,186 |
|
Total liabilities measured at fair value | $ | — |
| $ | 12,186 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 12,186 |
|
* The insurance contract invests approximately 29 percent in common stock of mid-cap companies, 27 percent in common stock of small-cap companies, 28 percent in common stock of large-cap companies and 16 percent in fixed-income investments.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2013, Using | |
| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Balance at March 31, 2013 |
| (In thousands) |
Assets: | | | | |
Money market funds | $ | — |
| $ | 31,281 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 31,281 |
|
Insurance contract* | — |
| 53,334 |
| — |
| 53,334 |
|
Available-for-sale securities: | | | | |
Mortgage-backed securities | — |
| 8,879 |
| — |
| 8,879 |
|
U.S. Treasury securities | — |
| 1,340 |
| — |
| 1,340 |
|
Commodity derivative instruments | — |
| 6,179 |
| — |
| 6,179 |
|
Total assets measured at fair value | $ | — |
| $ | 101,013 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 101,013 |
|
Liabilities: | | | | |
Commodity derivative instruments | $ | — |
| $ | 7,987 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 7,987 |
|
Interest rate derivative instruments | — |
| 4,458 |
| — |
| 4,458 |
|
Total liabilities measured at fair value | $ | — |
| $ | 12,445 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 12,445 |
|
* The insurance contract invests approximately 29 percent in common stock of mid-cap companies, 28 percent in common stock of small-cap companies, 28 percent in common stock of large-cap companies and 15 percent in fixed-income investments.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013, Using | |
| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Balance at December 31, 2013 |
| (In thousands) |
Assets: | | | | |
Money market funds | $ | — |
| $ | 19,227 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 19,227 |
|
Insurance contract* | — |
| 62,370 |
| — |
| 62,370 |
|
Available-for-sale securities: | | | | |
Mortgage-backed securities | — |
| 8,193 |
| — |
| 8,193 |
|
U.S. Treasury securities | — |
| 1,917 |
| — |
| 1,917 |
|
Commodity derivative instruments | — |
| 1,950 |
| — |
| 1,950 |
|
Total assets measured at fair value | $ | — |
| $ | 93,657 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 93,657 |
|
Liabilities: | | | | |
Commodity derivative instruments | $ | — |
| $ | 7,483 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 7,483 |
|
Total liabilities measured at fair value | $ | — |
| $ | 7,483 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 7,483 |
|
* The insurance contract invests approximately 29 percent in common stock of mid-cap companies, 28 percent in common stock of small-cap companies, 28 percent in common stock of large-cap companies and 15 percent in fixed-income investments.
The Company's long-term debt is not measured at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the fair value is being provided for disclosure purposes only. The fair value was based on discounted future cash flows using current market interest rates. The estimated fair value of the Company's Level 2 long-term debt was as follows:
|
| | | | | | |
| Carrying Amount | Fair Value |
| (In thousands) |
Long-term debt at March 31, 2014 | $ | 2,105,832 |
| $ | 2,186,839 |
|
Long-term debt at March 31, 2013 | $ | 1,789,663 |
| $ | 1,925,859 |
|
Long-term debt at December 31, 2013 | $ | 1,854,563 |
| $ | 1,912,590 |
|
The carrying amounts of the Company's remaining financial instruments included in current assets and current liabilities approximate their fair values.
Note 14 - Long-term debt
Centennial entered into a two year $125.0 million term loan agreement with a variable interest rate on March 31, 2014. In addition, borrowings outstanding that were classified as long-term debt under the Company’s and Centennial’s commercial paper programs totaled $283.5 million at March 31, 2014, compared to $153.9 million at December 31, 2013, respectively.
Note 15 - Equity
A summary of the changes in equity was as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | |
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 | Total Stockholders' Equity | Noncontrolling Interest | Total Equity |
| (In thousands) |
Balance at December 31, 2013 | $ | 2,823,164 |
| $ | 32,738 |
| $ | 2,855,902 |
|
Net income (loss) | 56,662 |
| (523 | ) | 56,139 |
|
Other comprehensive income | 667 |
| — |
| 667 |
|
Dividends declared on preferred stocks | (171 | ) | — |
| (171 | ) |
Dividends declared on common stock | (33,809 | ) | — |
| (33,809 | ) |
Stock-based compensation | 1,336 |
| — |
| 1,336 |
|
Issuance of common stock upon vesting of performance shares, net of shares used for tax withholdings | (5,564 | ) | — |
| (5,564 | ) |
Net tax benefit on stock-based compensation | 4,729 |
| — |
| 4,729 |
|
Issuance of common stock | 54,574 |
| — |
| 54,574 |
|
Contribution from noncontrolling interest | — |
| 16,001 |
| 16,001 |
|
Balance at March 31, 2014 | $ | 2,901,588 |
| $ | 48,216 |
| $ | 2,949,804 |
|
|
| | | | | | | | | |
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 | Total Stockholders' Equity | Noncontrolling Interest | Total Equity |
| (In thousands) |
Balance at December 31, 2012 | $ | 2,648,248 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 2,648,248 |
|
Net income | 56,515 |
| — |
| 56,515 |
|
Other comprehensive loss | (7,894 | ) | — |
| (7,894 | ) |
Dividends declared on preferred stocks | (171 | ) | — |
| (171 | ) |
Dividends declared on common stock | (32,573 | ) | — |
| (32,573 | ) |
Stock-based compensation | 1,176 |
| — |
| 1,176 |
|
Net tax deficit on stock-based compensation | (1,419 | ) | — |
| (1,419 | ) |
Contribution from noncontrolling interest | — |
| 11,100 |
| 11,100 |
|
Balance at March 31, 2013 | $ | 2,663,882 |
| $ | 11,100 |
| $ | 2,674,982 |
|
Note 16 - Business segment data
The Company's reportable segments are those that are based on the Company's method of internal reporting, which generally segregates the strategic business units due to differences in products, services and regulation. The internal reporting of these operating segments is defined based on the reporting and review process used by the Company's chief executive officer. The vast majority of the Company's operations are located within the United States. The Company also has an investment in a foreign country, which consists of Centennial Resources' investment in ECTE.
The electric segment generates, transmits and distributes electricity in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. The natural gas distribution segment distributes natural gas in those states as well as in Idaho, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington. These operations also supply related value-added services.
The pipeline and energy services segment provides natural gas transportation, underground storage, processing and gathering services, as well as oil gathering, through regulated and nonregulated pipeline systems and processing facilities primarily in the Rocky Mountain and northern Great Plains regions of the United States. This segment is constructing Dakota Prairie Refinery in conjunction with Calumet to refine crude oil and also provides cathodic protection and other energy-related services.
The exploration and production segment is engaged in oil and natural gas acquisition, exploration, development and production activities in the Rocky Mountain and Mid-Continent/Gulf States regions of the United States.
The construction materials and contracting segment mines aggregates and markets crushed stone, sand, gravel and related construction materials, including ready-mixed concrete, cement, asphalt, liquid asphalt and other value-added products. It also performs integrated contracting services. This segment operates in the central, southern and western United States and Alaska and Hawaii.
The construction services segment specializes in constructing and maintaining electric and communication lines, gas pipelines, fire suppression systems, and external lighting and traffic signalization equipment. This segment also provides utility
excavation services and inside electrical wiring, cabling and mechanical services, sells and distributes electrical materials, and manufactures and distributes specialty equipment.
The Other category includes the activities of Centennial Capital, which insures various types of risks as a captive insurer for certain of the Company's subsidiaries. The function of the captive insurer is to fund the deductible layers of the insured companies' general liability, automobile liability and pollution liability coverages. Centennial Capital also owns certain real and personal property. The Other category also includes Centennial Resources' investment in ECTE.
The information below follows the same accounting policies as described in Note 1 of the Company's Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2013 Annual Report. Information on the Company's businesses was as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | |
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 | External Operating Revenues | Inter- segment Operating Revenues | Earnings on Common Stock |
| (In thousands) |
Electric | $ | 73,647 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 11,033 |
|
Natural gas distribution | 374,233 |
| — |
| 27,263 |
|
Pipeline and energy services | 43,661 |
| 18,276 |
| 4,349 |
|
| 491,541 |
| 18,276 |
| 42,645 |
|
Exploration and production | 116,669 |
| 20,867 |
| 20,939 |
|
Construction materials and contracting | 164,423 |
| 4,017 |
| (23,574 | ) |
Construction services | 269,892 |
| 3,738 |
| 16,568 |
|
Other | 328 |
| 1,724 |
| 264 |
|
| 551,312 |
| 30,346 |
| 14,197 |
|
Intersegment eliminations | — |
| (48,622 | ) | (351 | ) |
Total | $ | 1,042,853 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 56,491 |
|
|
| | | | | | | | | |
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 | External Operating Revenues | Inter- segment Operating Revenues | Earnings on Common Stock |
| (In thousands) |
Electric | $ | 64,654 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 9,825 |
|
Natural gas distribution | 331,754 |
| — |
| 32,518 |
|
Pipeline and energy services | 27,716 |
| 18,718 |
| 2,330 |
|
| 424,124 |
| 18,718 |
| 44,673 |
|
Exploration and production | 115,363 |
| 9,812 |
| 20,284 |
|
Construction materials and contracting | 161,977 |
| 4,294 |
| (20,582 | ) |
Construction services | 229,806 |
| 1,574 |
| 11,664 |
|
Other | 334 |
| 1,818 |
| 305 |
|
| 507,480 |
| 17,498 |
| 11,671 |
|
Intersegment eliminations | — |
| (36,216 | ) | — |
|
Total | $ | 931,604 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 56,344 |
|
Earnings from electric, natural gas distribution and pipeline and energy services are substantially all from regulated operations. Earnings from exploration and production, construction materials and contracting, construction services and other are all from nonregulated operations.
Note 17 - Employee benefit plans
The Company has noncontributory defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans for certain eligible employees. Components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company's pension and other postretirement benefit plans were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Other |
| | | Postretirement |
| Pension Benefits | Benefits |
Three Months Ended March 31, | 2014 |
| 2013 |
| 2014 |
| 2013 |
|
| (In thousands) |
Components of net periodic benefit cost: | | | | |
Service cost | $ | 33 |
| $ | 40 |
| $ | 379 |
| $ | 504 |
|
Interest cost | 4,440 |
| 4,018 |
| 858 |
| 940 |
|
Expected return on assets | (5,125 | ) | (5,083 | ) | (1,067 | ) | (1,107 | ) |
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) | 18 |
| 18 |
| (348 | ) | (364 | ) |
Amortization of net actuarial loss | 1,313 |
| 1,864 |
| 318 |
| 671 |
|
Net periodic benefit cost, including amount capitalized | 679 |
| 857 |
| 140 |
| 644 |
|
Less amount capitalized | 95 |
| 110 |
| 29 |
| 29 |
|
Net periodic benefit cost | $ | 584 |
| $ | 747 |
| $ | 111 |
| $ | 615 |
|
In addition to the qualified plan defined pension benefits reflected in the table, the Company has unfunded, nonqualified benefit plans for executive officers and certain key management employees that generally provide for defined benefit payments at age 65 following the employee's retirement or to their beneficiaries upon death for a 15-year period. The Company's net periodic benefit cost for this plan for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, was $1.7 million and $1.9 million, respectively.
Note 18 - Regulatory matters and revenues subject to refund
On April 8, 2014, Montana-Dakota submitted a request to the NDPSC to update the environmental cost recovery rider to reflect actual costs incurred through February 2014 and projected costs through June 2015 related to the recovery of Montana-Dakota's share of the costs resulting from the environmental retrofit required to be installed at the Big Stone Station. If approved, the rates would be effective with service rendered on and after July 1, 2014.
On September 18, 2013, Montana-Dakota filed an application with the NDPSC for a natural gas rate increase. Montana-Dakota requested a total increase of $6.8 million annually or approximately 6.4 percent above current rates. The requested increase includes the costs associated with the increased investment in facilities, including ongoing investment in new and replacement distribution facilities, an operations building, automated meter reading and a new customer billing system. An interim increase of $4.3 million annually or approximately 4.0 percent went into effect for service rendered on or after November 17, 2013. On December 30, 2013, the NDPSC approved a settlement agreement for an increase in the same amount as the interim increase. A hearing on the rate design portion of the case was held February 5, 2014. The NDPSC voted to approve an order approving the allocation of the revenue increase to each rate class and the rate design on April 9, 2014. Final rates were implemented May 1, 2014.
On February 27, 2014, Montana-Dakota filed an application with the NDPSC for approval of an electric generation resource recovery rider for recovery of Montana-Dakota's investment in the 88-megawatt simple-cycle natural gas turbine and associated facilities currently under construction near Mandan, ND. Montana-Dakota requested recovery of $7.4 million annually or approximately 4.6 percent above current rates. Advance determination of prudence and a certificate of public convenience and necessity were received from the NDPSC on April 11, 2012. On March 12, 2014, the NDPSC suspended the filing pending further review. The NDPSC has scheduled a hearing for this matter on May 28, 2014.
On October 31, 2013, WBI Energy Transmission filed a general natural gas rate change application with the FERC for an increase of $28.9 million annually to cover increased investments of $312 million, increased operating costs, and the effect of lower storage and off system volumes. On April 30, 2014, WBI Energy Transmission reached a settlement in principle with FERC Trial Staff and all active parties to resolve the rate case. WBI Energy Transmission intends to file the settlement rates to take effect on an interim basis, effective May 1, 2014, pending final approval of the settlement. The settlement, if approved, will result in final rates which are lower than the rates which were originally requested in the rate case application.
Note 19 - Contingencies
The Company is party to claims and lawsuits arising out of its business and that of its consolidated subsidiaries. The Company accrues a liability for those contingencies when the incurrence of a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If a range of amounts can be reasonably estimated and no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, then the minimum of the range is accrued. The Company does not accrue liabilities when the likelihood that the liability has been incurred is probable but the amount cannot be reasonably estimated or when the liability is believed to be only reasonably possible or remote. For contingencies where an unfavorable outcome is probable or reasonably possible and which are material, the Company discloses the nature of the contingency and, in some circumstances, an estimate of the possible loss. The Company had accrued liabilities of $31.4 million, $33.3 million and $29.5 million for contingencies, including litigation, production taxes, royalty claims and environmental matters, as of March 31, 2014 and 2013, and December 31, 2013, respectively, which include amounts that may have been accrued for matters discussed in Litigation and Environmental matters within this note.
Litigation
Guarantee Obligation Under a Construction Contract Centennial guaranteed CEM's obligations under a construction contract with LPP for a 550-MW combined-cycle electric generating facility near Hobbs, New Mexico. Centennial Resources sold CEM in July 2007 to Bicent. In February 2009, Centennial received a Notice and Demand from LPP under the guarantee agreement alleging that CEM did not meet certain of its obligations under the construction contract and demanding that Centennial indemnify LPP against all losses, damages, claims, costs, charges and expenses arising from CEM's alleged failures. In December 2009, LPP submitted a demand for arbitration of its dispute with CEM to the American Arbitration Association seeking compensatory damages of $149.7 million. An arbitration award was issued January 13, 2012, awarding LPP $22.0 million. Centennial subsequently received a demand from LPP for payment of the arbitration award plus interest and attorneys' fees. An accrual related to the guarantee as a result of the arbitration award was recorded in discontinued operations on the Consolidated Statement of Income in the fourth quarter of 2011. CEM filed a petition with the New York Supreme Court to vacate the arbitration award in favor of LPP. On October 19, 2012, Centennial moved to intervene in the New York Supreme Court action to vacate the arbitration award and also filed a complaint with the New York Supreme Court seeking a declaration that LPP is not entitled to indemnification from Centennial under the guaranty for the arbitration award. The New York Supreme Court granted CEM's petition to vacate the arbitration award on November 20, 2012, and entered an order and judgment to that effect on June 5, 2013. LPP appealed the order and judgment and on February 20, 2014, the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division ruled the arbitration award was properly vacated. LPP filed a motion with the New York Court of Appeals for leave to appeal the decision of the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division. The motion remains pending. Due to the vacation of the arbitration award, the Company no longer believes the loss related to this matter to be probable and thus the liability that was previously recorded in 2011 was reversed in the fourth quarter of 2012. The effect of this was recorded in discontinued operations on the Consolidated Statement of Income. For more information regarding discontinued operations, see Note 9.
Construction Materials Until the fall of 2011 when it discontinued active mining operations at the pit, JTL operated the Target Range Gravel Pit in Missoula County, Montana under a 1975 reclamation contract pursuant to the Montana Opencut Mining Act. In September 2009, the Montana DEQ sent a letter asserting JTL was in violation of the Montana Opencut Mining Act by conducting mining operations outside a permitted area. JTL filed a complaint in Montana First Judicial District Court in June 2010, seeking a declaratory order that the reclamation contract is a valid permit under the Montana Opencut Mining Act. The Montana DEQ filed an answer and counterclaim to the complaint in August 2011, alleging JTL was in violation of the Montana Opencut Mining Act and requesting imposition of penalties of not more than $3.7 million plus not more than $5,000 per day from the date of the counterclaim. The Company believes the operation of the Target Range Gravel Pit was conducted under a valid permit; however, the imposition of civil penalties is reasonably possible. The Company filed an application for amendment of its opencut mining permit and intends to resolve this matter through settlement or continuation of the Montana First Judicial District Court litigation.
Natural Gas Gathering Operations In January 2010, SourceGas filed an application with the Colorado State District Court to compel WBI Energy Midstream to arbitrate a dispute regarding operating pressures under a natural gas gathering contract on one of WBI Energy Midstream's pipeline gathering systems in Montana. WBI Energy Midstream resisted the application and sought a declaratory order interpreting the gathering contract. In May 2010, the Colorado State District Court granted the application and ordered WBI Energy Midstream into arbitration. In October 2010, the arbitration panel issued an award in favor of SourceGas for approximately $26.6 million. The Colorado Court of Appeals issued a decision on May 24, 2012, reversing the Colorado State District Court order compelling arbitration, vacating the final award and remanding the case to the Colorado State District Court to determine SourceGas's claims and WBI Energy Midstream's counterclaims. On remand of the matter to the Colorado State District Court, SourceGas may assert claims similar to those asserted in the arbitration proceeding.
In a related matter, Omimex filed a complaint against WBI Energy Midstream in Montana Seventeenth Judicial District Court in July 2010 alleging WBI Energy Midstream breached a separate gathering contract with Omimex as a result of the increased operating pressures demanded by SourceGas on the same natural gas gathering system. In December 2011, Omimex filed an amended complaint alleging WBI Energy Midstream breached obligations to operate its gathering system as a common carrier under United States and Montana law. WBI Energy Midstream removed the action to the United States District Court for the District of Montana. The parties subsequently settled the breach of contract claim and, subject to final determination on liability, stipulated to the damages on the common carrier claim, for amounts that are not material. A trial on the common carrier claim was held during July 2013, but a decision has not been issued.
Exploration and Production During the ordinary course of its business, Fidelity is subject to audit for various production related taxes by certain state and federal tax authorities for varying periods as well as claims for royalty obligations under lease agreements for oil and gas production. Disputes may exist regarding facts and questions of law relating to the tax and royalty obligations.
On May 15, 2013, Austin Holdings, LLC filed an action against Fidelity in Wyoming State District Court alleging Fidelity violated the Wyoming Royalty Payment Act and implied lease covenants by deducting production costs from and by failing to properly report and pay royalties for coalbed methane gas production in Wyoming. The plaintiff, in addition to declaratory and injunctive relief, seeks class certification for similarly situated persons and an unspecified amount of monetary damages on behalf of the class for unpaid royalties, interest, reporting violations and attorney fees. Fidelity believes it has meritorious defenses against class certification and the claims.
The Company also is subject to other litigation, and actual and potential claims in the ordinary course of its business which may include, but are not limited to, matters involving property damage, personal injury, and environmental, contractual, statutory and regulatory obligations. Accruals are based on the best information available but actual losses in future periods are affected by various factors making them uncertain. After taking into account liabilities accrued for the foregoing matters, management believes that the outcomes with respect to the above issues and other probable and reasonably possible losses in excess of the amounts accrued, while uncertain, will not have a material effect upon the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Environmental matters
Portland Harbor Site In December 2000, Knife River - Northwest was named by the EPA as a PRP in connection with the cleanup of a riverbed site adjacent to a commercial property site acquired by Knife River - Northwest from Georgia-Pacific West, Inc. in 1999. The riverbed site is part of the Portland, Oregon, Harbor Superfund Site. The EPA wants responsible parties to share in the cleanup of sediment contamination in the Willamette River. To date, costs of the overall remedial investigation and feasibility study of the harbor site are being recorded, and initially paid, through an administrative consent order by the LWG, a group of several entities, which does not include Knife River - Northwest or Georgia-Pacific West, Inc. Investigative costs are indicated to be in excess of $70 million. It is not possible to estimate the cost of a corrective action plan until the remedial investigation and feasibility study have been completed, the EPA has decided on a strategy and a ROD has been published. Corrective action will be taken after the development of a proposed plan and ROD on the harbor site is issued. Knife River - Northwest also received notice in January 2008 that the Portland Harbor Natural Resource Trustee Council intends to perform an injury assessment to natural resources resulting from the release of hazardous substances at the Harbor Superfund Site. The Portland Harbor Natural Resource Trustee Council indicates the injury determination is appropriate to facilitate early settlement of damages and restoration for natural resource injuries. It is not possible to estimate the costs of natural resource damages until an assessment is completed and allocations are undertaken.
Based upon a review of the Portland Harbor sediment contamination evaluation by the Oregon DEQ and other information available, Knife River - Northwest does not believe it is a Responsible Party. In addition, Knife River - Northwest has notified Georgia-Pacific West, Inc., that it intends to seek indemnity for liabilities incurred in relation to the above matters pursuant to the terms of their sale agreement. Knife River - Northwest has entered into an agreement tolling the statute of limitations in connection with the LWG's potential claim for contribution to the costs of the remedial investigation and feasibility study. By letter in March 2009, LWG stated its intent to file suit against Knife River - Northwest and others to recover LWG's investigation costs to the extent Knife River - Northwest cannot demonstrate its non-liability for the contamination or is unwilling to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process that has been established to address the matter. At this time, Knife River - Northwest has agreed to participate in the alternative dispute resolution process.
The Company believes it is not probable that it will incur any material environmental remediation costs or damages in relation to the above referenced administrative action.
Manufactured Gas Plant Sites There are three claims against Cascade for cleanup of environmental contamination at manufactured gas plant sites operated by Cascade's predecessors.
The first claim is for contamination at a site in Eugene, Oregon which was received in 1995. There are PRPs in addition to Cascade that may be liable for cleanup of the contamination. Some of these PRPs have shared in the investigation costs. It is expected that these and other PRPs will share in the cleanup costs. Several alternatives for cleanup have been identified, with preliminary cost estimates ranging from approximately $500,000 to $11.0 million. The Oregon DEQ is preparing a staff report which will recommend a cleanup alternative for the site. It is not known at this time what share of the cleanup costs will actually be borne by Cascade; however, Cascade anticipates its proportional share could be approximately 50 percent. Cascade has accrued $1.7 million for remediation of this site. In January 2013, the OPUC approved Cascade's application to defer environmental remediation costs at the Eugene site for a period of 12 months starting November 30, 2012. Cascade received an order reauthorizing the deferred accounting for the 12 months starting November 30, 2013.
The second claim is for contamination at a site in Bremerton, Washington which was received in 1997. A preliminary investigation has found soil and groundwater at the site contain contaminants requiring further investigation and cleanup. EPA conducted a Targeted Brownfields Assessment of the site and released a report summarizing the results of that assessment in August 2009. The assessment confirms that contaminants have affected soil and groundwater at the site, as well as sediments in the adjacent Port Washington Narrows. Alternative remediation options have been identified with preliminary cost estimates ranging from $340,000 to $6.4 million. Data developed through the assessment and previous investigations indicates the contamination likely derived from multiple, different sources and multiple current and former owners of properties and businesses in the vicinity of the site may be responsible for the contamination. In April 2010, the Washington Department of Ecology issued notice it considered Cascade a PRP for hazardous substances at the site. In May 2012, the EPA added the site to the National Priorities List of Superfund sites. Cascade has entered into an administrative settlement agreement and consent order with the EPA regarding the scope and schedule for a remedial investigation and feasibility study for the site. Cascade has accrued $12.8 million for the remedial investigation, feasibility study and remediation of this site. In April 2010, Cascade filed a petition with the WUTC for authority to defer the costs, which are included in other noncurrent assets, incurred in relation to the environmental remediation of this site until the next general rate case. The WUTC approved the petition in September 2010, subject to conditions set forth in the order.
The third claim is for contamination at a site in Bellingham, Washington. Cascade received notice from a party in May 2008 that Cascade may be a PRP, along with other parties, for contamination from a manufactured gas plant owned by Cascade and its predecessor from about 1946 to 1962. The notice indicates that current estimates to complete investigation and cleanup of the site exceed $8.0 million. Other PRPs have reached an agreed order and work plan with the Washington Department of Ecology for completion of a remedial investigation and feasibility study for the site. A report documenting the initial phase of the remedial investigation was completed in June 2011. There is currently not enough information available to estimate the potential liability to Cascade associated with this claim although Cascade believes its proportional share of any liability will be relatively small in comparison to other PRPs. The plant manufactured gas from coal between approximately 1890 and 1946. In 1946, shortly after Cascade's predecessor acquired the plant, it converted the plant to a propane-air gas facility. There are no documented wastes or by-products resulting from the mixing or distribution of propane-air gas.
Cascade has received notices from and entered into agreement with certain of its insurance carriers that they will participate in defense of Cascade for these contamination claims subject to full and complete reservations of rights and defenses to insurance coverage. To the extent these claims are not covered by insurance, Cascade will seek recovery through the OPUC and WUTC of remediation costs in its natural gas rates charged to customers. The accruals related to these matters are reflected in regulatory assets.
Guarantees
Centennial guaranteed CEM's obligations under a construction contract. For more information, see Litigation in this note.
In connection with the sale of the Brazilian Transmission Lines, as discussed in Note 10, Centennial has agreed to guarantee payment of any indemnity obligations of certain of the Company's indirect wholly owned subsidiaries who are the sellers in three purchase and sale agreements for periods ranging up to 10 years from the date of sale. The guarantees were required by the buyers as a condition to the sale of the Brazilian Transmission Lines.
WBI Holdings has guaranteed certain of Fidelity's oil and natural gas swap agreement obligations. There is no fixed maximum amount guaranteed in relation to the oil and natural gas swap agreements as the amount of the obligation is dependent upon oil and natural gas commodity prices. The amount of derivative activity entered into by the subsidiary is limited by corporate policy. The guarantees of the oil and natural gas swap agreements at March 31, 2014, expire in the years ranging from 2014 to 2015; however, Fidelity continues to enter into additional derivative instruments and, as a result, WBI Holdings from time to
time may issue additional guarantees on these derivative instruments. The amount outstanding by Fidelity was $7.7 million and was reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2014. In the event Fidelity defaults under its obligations, WBI Holdings would be required to make payments under its guarantees.
Certain subsidiaries of the Company have outstanding guarantees to third parties that guarantee the performance of other subsidiaries of the Company. These guarantees are related to construction contracts, natural gas transportation and sales agreements, gathering contracts and certain other guarantees. At March 31, 2014, the fixed maximum amounts guaranteed under these agreements aggregated $48.7 million. The amounts of scheduled expiration of the maximum amounts guaranteed under these agreements aggregate $26.8 million in 2014; $2.1 million in 2015; $700,000 in 2016; $600,000 in 2017; $500,000 in 2018; $500,000 in 2019; $13.5 million, which is subject to expiration on a specified number of days after the receipt of written notice; and $4.0 million, which has no scheduled maturity date. The amount outstanding by subsidiaries of the Company under the above guarantees was $200,000 and was reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2014. In the event of default under these guarantee obligations, the subsidiary issuing the guarantee for that particular obligation would be required to make payments under its guarantee.
Certain subsidiaries have outstanding letters of credit to third parties related to insurance policies and other agreements, some of which are guaranteed by other subsidiaries of the Company. At March 31, 2014, the fixed maximum amounts guaranteed under these letters of credit, aggregated $36.3 million. In 2014 and 2015, $7.0 million and $29.3 million, respectively, of letters of credit are scheduled to expire. There were no amounts outstanding under the above letters of credit at March 31, 2014.
WBI Holdings has an outstanding guarantee to WBI Energy Transmission. This guarantee is related to a natural gas transportation and storage agreement that guarantees the performance of Prairielands. At March 31, 2014, the fixed maximum amount guaranteed under this agreement was $4.0 million and is scheduled to expire in 2016. In the event of Prairielands' default in its payment obligations, WBI Holdings would be required to make payment under its guarantee. The amount outstanding by Prairielands under the above guarantee was $700,000. The amount outstanding under this guarantee was not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2014, because this intercompany transaction was eliminated in consolidation.
In addition, Centennial, Knife River and MDU Construction Services have issued guarantees to third parties related to the routine purchase of maintenance items, materials and lease obligations for which no fixed maximum amounts have been specified. These guarantees have no scheduled maturity date. In the event a subsidiary of the Company defaults under these obligations, Centennial, Knife River and MDU Construction Services would be required to make payments under these guarantees. Any amounts outstanding by subsidiaries of the Company for these guarantees were reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2014.
In the normal course of business, Centennial has surety bonds related to construction contracts and reclamation obligations of its subsidiaries. In the event a subsidiary of Centennial does not fulfill a bonded obligation, Centennial would be responsible to the surety bond company for completion of the bonded contract or obligation. A large portion of the surety bonds is expected to expire within the next 12 months; however, Centennial will likely continue to enter into surety bonds for its subsidiaries in the future. As of March 31, 2014, approximately $588.8 million of surety bonds were outstanding, which were not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Variable interest entities
The Company evaluates its arrangements and contracts with other entities to determine if they are VIEs and if so, if the Company is the primary beneficiary.
Dakota Prairie Refining, LLC On February 7, 2013, WBI Energy and Calumet formed a limited liability company, Dakota Prairie Refining, and entered into an operating agreement to develop, build and operate Dakota Prairie Refinery in southwestern North Dakota. WBI Energy and Calumet each have a 50 percent ownership interest in Dakota Prairie Refining. WBI Energy's and Calumet's capital commitments, based on a total project cost of $300 million, under the agreement are $150 million and $75 million, respectively. Capital commitments in excess of $300 million are expected to be shared equally between WBI Energy and Calumet. The total project cost is currently estimated at $350 million. Dakota Prairie Refining entered into a term loan for project debt financing of $75.0 million on April 22, 2013. The operating agreement provides for allocation of profits and losses consistent with ownership interests; however, deductions attributable to project financing debt will be allocated to Calumet. Calumet's future cash distributions from Dakota Prairie Refining will be decreased by the principal and interest to be paid on the project debt, while the cash distributions to WBI Energy will not be decreased. Pursuant to the operating agreement, Centennial agreed to guarantee Dakota Prairie Refining's obligation under the term loan.
Dakota Prairie Refining has been determined to be a VIE, and the Company has determined that it is the primary beneficiary as it has an obligation to absorb losses that could be potentially significant to the VIE through WBI Energy's equity investment and Centennial's guarantee of the third-party term loan. Accordingly, the Company consolidates Dakota Prairie Refining in its financial statements and records a noncontrolling interest for Calumet's ownership interest.
Construction of Dakota Prairie Refinery began in early 2013 and the plant is not yet operational. Therefore, the results of operations of Dakota Prairie Refining did not have a material effect on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income. The assets of Dakota Prairie Refining shall be used solely for the benefit of Dakota Prairie Refining. The total assets and liabilities of Dakota Prairie Refining reflected on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| March 31, 2014 | March 31, 2013 | December 31, 2013 |
| (In thousands) |
ASSETS | | | |
Current assets: | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 22,996 |
| $ | 10,793 |
| $ | 4,774 |
|
Other current assets | 1,135 |
| — |
| 26 |
|
Total current assets | 24,131 |
| 10,793 |
| 4,800 |
|
Net property, plant and equipment | 207,260 |
| 27,356 |
| 172,073 |
|
Total assets | $ | 231,391 |
| $ | 38,149 |
| $ | 176,873 |
|
LIABILITIES | | | |
Current liabilities: | | | |
Long-term debt due within one year | $ | 3,000 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 3,000 |
|
Accounts payable | 16,103 |
| 10,948 |
| 8,904 |
|
Taxes payable | 113 |
| — |
| 5 |
|
Accrued compensation | 164 |
| — |
| 26 |
|
Other accrued liabilities | 580 |
| — |
| 461 |
|
Total current liabilities | 19,960 |
| 10,948 |
| 12,396 |
|
Long-term debt | 72,000 |
| — |
| 72,000 |
|
Total liabilities | $ | 91,960 |
| $ | 10,948 |
| $ | 84,396 |
|
Fuel Contract On October 10, 2012, the Coyote Station entered into a new coal supply agreement with Coyote Creek that will replace a coal supply agreement expiring in May 2016. The new agreement provides for the purchase of coal necessary to supply the coal requirements of the Coyote Station for the period May 2016 through December 2040.
The new coal supply agreement creates a variable interest in Coyote Creek due to the transfer of all operating and economic risk to the Coyote Station owners, as the agreement is structured so the price of the coal will cover all costs of operations as well as future reclamation costs. The Coyote Station owners are also providing a guarantee of the value of the assets of Coyote Creek as they would be required to buy the assets at book value should they terminate the contract prior to the end of the contract term and are providing a guarantee of the value of the equity of Coyote Creek in that they are required to buy the entity at the end of the contract term at equity value. Although the Company has determined that Coyote Creek is a VIE, the Company has concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of Coyote Creek because the authority to direct the activities of the entity is shared by the four unrelated owners of the Coyote Station, with no primary beneficiary existing. As a result, Coyote Creek is not required to be consolidated in the Company's financial statements.
At March 31, 2014, Coyote Creek was not yet operational. The assets and liabilities of Coyote Creek and exposure to loss as a result of the Company's involvement with the VIE, based on the Company's ownership percentage, at March 31, 2014, was $8.2 million.
Note 20 - Subsequent Events
Centennial entered into a two year $125.0 million term loan agreement with a variable interest rate on April 2, 2014.
The Company entered into a $150.0 million note purchase agreement on January 28, 2014. On April 15, 2014, the Company issued $50.0 million of Senior Notes with a due date of April 15, 2044, at an interest rate of 5.2 percent. The remaining $100.0 million of Senior Notes under the agreement will be issued on July 15, 2014, with due dates ranging from July 2024 to July 2026 at a weighted average interest rate of 4.3 percent.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
The Company's strategy is to apply its expertise in energy and transportation infrastructure industries to increase market share, increase profitability and enhance shareholder value through:
| |
• | Organic growth as well as a continued disciplined approach to the acquisition of well-managed companies and properties |
| |
• | The elimination of system-wide cost redundancies through increased focus on integration of operations and standardization and consolidation of various support services and functions across companies within the organization |
| |
• | The development of projects that are accretive to earnings per share and return on invested capital |
The Company has capabilities to fund its growth and operations through various sources, including internally generated funds, commercial paper facilities, revolving credit facilities and the issuance from time to time of debt and equity securities. For more information on the Company's net capital expenditures, see Liquidity and Capital Commitments.
The key strategies for each of the Company's business segments and certain related business challenges are summarized below. For a summary of the Company's business segments, see Note 16.
Key Strategies and Challenges
Electric and Natural Gas Distribution
Strategy Provide safe and reliable competitively priced energy and related services to customers. The electric and natural gas distribution segments continually seek opportunities to retain, grow and expand their customer base through extensions of existing operations, including building and upgrading electric generation and transmission and natural gas systems, and through selected acquisitions of companies and properties at prices that will provide stable cash flows and an opportunity for the Company to earn a competitive return on investment.
Challenges Both segments are subject to extensive regulation in the state jurisdictions where they conduct operations with respect to costs and permitted returns on investment as well as subject to certain operational, system integrity and environmental regulations. These regulations can require substantial investment to upgrade facilities. The ability of these segments to grow through acquisitions is subject to significant competition. In addition, the ability of both segments to grow service territory and customer base is affected by the economic environment of the markets served and competition from other energy providers and fuels. The construction of any new electric generating facilities, transmission lines and other service facilities are subject to increasing cost and lead time, extensive permitting procedures, and federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives, which will necessitate increases in electric energy prices. Legislative and regulatory initiatives to increase renewable energy resources and reduce GHG emissions could impact the price and demand for electricity and natural gas.
Pipeline and Energy Services
Strategy Utilize the segment's existing expertise in energy infrastructure and related services to increase market share and profitability through optimization of existing operations, internal growth, investments in and acquisitions of energy-related assets and companies. Incremental and new growth opportunities include: access to new energy sources for storage, gathering and transportation services; expansion of existing gathering, transmission and storage facilities; incremental expansion of pipeline capacity; expansion of midstream business to include liquid pipelines and processing/refining activities; and expansion of related energy services.
Challenges Challenges for this segment include: energy price volatility; natural gas basis differentials; environmental and regulatory requirements; recruitment and retention of a skilled workforce; and competition from other pipeline and energy services companies.
Exploration and Production
Strategy Apply technology and utilize existing exploration and production expertise, with a focus on operated properties, to increase production and reserves from existing leaseholds, and to seek additional reserves and production opportunities both in new and existing areas to further expand the segment's asset base. By optimizing existing operations and taking advantage of new and incremental growth opportunities, this segment is focused on balancing the oil and natural gas commodity mix to
maximize profitability with its goal to add value by increasing both reserves and production over the long term so as to generate competitive returns on investment.
Challenges Volatility in natural gas and oil prices; timely receipt of necessary permits and approvals; environmental and regulatory requirements; recruitment and retention of a skilled workforce; availability of drilling rigs, materials, auxiliary equipment and industry-related field services; inflationary pressure on development and operating costs; and competition from other exploration and production companies are ongoing challenges for this segment.
Construction Materials and Contracting
Strategy Focus on high-growth strategic markets located near major transportation corridors and desirable mid-sized metropolitan areas; strengthen long-term, strategic aggregate reserve position through purchase and/or lease opportunities; enhance profitability through cost containment, margin discipline and vertical integration of the segment's operations; develop and recruit talented employees; and continue growth through organic and acquisition opportunities. Vertical integration allows the segment to manage operations from aggregate mining to final lay-down of concrete and asphalt, with control of and access to permitted aggregate reserves being significant. A key element of the Company's long-term strategy for this business is to further expand its market presence in the higher-margin materials business (rock, sand, gravel, liquid asphalt, asphalt concrete, ready-mixed concrete and related products), complementing and expanding on the Company's expertise.
Challenges Recruitment and retention of key personnel and volatility in the cost of raw materials such as diesel, gasoline, liquid asphalt, cement and steel, continue to be a concern. This business unit expects to continue cost containment efforts, positioning its operations for the resurgence in the private market, while continuing the emphasis on industrial, energy and public works projects.
Construction Services
Strategy Provide a superior return on investment by: building new and strengthening existing customer relationships; effectively controlling costs; retaining, developing and recruiting talented employees; and focusing our efforts on projects that will permit higher margins while properly managing risk.
Challenges This segment operates in highly competitive markets with many jobs subject to competitive bidding. Maintenance of effective operational and cost controls, retention of key personnel, managing through downturns in the economy and effective management of working capital are ongoing challenges.
For more information on the risks and challenges the Company faces as it pursues its growth strategies and other factors that should be considered for a better understanding of the Company's financial condition, see Item 1A - Risk Factors, as well as Part I, Item 1A - Risk Factors in the 2013 Annual Report. For more information on each segment's key growth strategies, projections and certain assumptions, see Prospective Information. For information pertinent to various commitments and contingencies, see Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Earnings Overview
The following table summarizes the contribution to consolidated earnings by each of the Company's businesses.
|
| | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended |
| March 31, |
| 2014 |
| 2013 |
|
| (Dollars in millions, where applicable) |
Electric | $ | 11.0 |
| $ | 9.8 |
|
Natural gas distribution | 27.3 |
| 32.5 |
|
Pipeline and energy services | 4.3 |
| 2.3 |
|
Exploration and production | 20.9 |
| 20.3 |
|
Construction materials and contracting | (23.6 | ) | (20.6 | ) |
Construction services | 16.6 |
| 11.7 |
|
Other | .3 |
| .4 |
|
Intersegment eliminations | (.3 | ) | — |
|
Earnings before discontinued operations | 56.5 |
| 56.4 |
|
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax | — |
| (.1 | ) |
Earnings on common stock | $ | 56.5 |
| $ | 56.3 |
|
Earnings per common share – basic: | |
| |
|
Earnings before discontinued operations | $ | .30 |
| $ | .30 |
|
Discontinued operations, net of tax | — |
| — |
|
Earnings per common share – basic | $ | .30 |
| $ | .30 |
|
Earnings per common share – diluted: | |
| |
|
Earnings before discontinued operations | $ | .30 |
| $ | .30 |
|
Discontinued operations, net of tax | — |
| — |
|
Earnings per common share – diluted | $ | .30 |
| $ | .30 |
|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 Consolidated earnings for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, increased $200,000 from the comparable prior period largely due to:
| |
• | Higher workloads and margins in the Western region at the construction services business |
| |
• | Higher earnings from the Company's interest in the Pronghorn oil and natural gas gathering and processing assets, primarily due to higher volumes and prices, at the pipeline and energy services business |
| |
• | Higher retail sales margins, largely the result of increased retail sales volumes of 10 percent and higher average realized rates, offset in part by higher operation and maintenance expense at the electric business |
Partially offsetting these increases were:
| |
• | Higher operation and maintenance expense, largely related to higher payroll and benefit-related costs, and the absence in 2014 of the gain on the sale of Montana-Dakota's nonregulated appliance service and repair business in March 2013, offset in part by higher retail sales margins, largely resulting from higher average realized rates at the natural gas distribution business |
| |
• | Lower earnings resulting from lower construction revenues and margins at the construction materials and contracting business |
FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
Below are key financial and operating data for each of the Company's businesses.
Electric
|
| | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended |
| March 31, |
| 2014 |
| 2013 |
|
| (Dollars in millions, where applicable) |
Operating revenues | $ | 73.7 |
| $ | 64.6 |
|
Operating expenses: | |
| |
|
Fuel and purchased power | 26.6 |
| 21.6 |
|
Operation and maintenance | 18.4 |
| 16.4 |
|
Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 8.5 |
| 8.6 |
|
Taxes, other than income | 2.9 |
| 2.9 |
|
| 56.4 |
| 49.5 |
|
Operating income | 17.3 |
| 15.1 |
|
Earnings | $ | 11.0 |
| $ | 9.8 |
|
Retail sales (million kWh) | 928.9 |
| 842.6 |
|
Average cost of fuel and purchased power per kWh | $ | .027 |
| $ | .024 |
|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 Electric earnings increased $1.2 million (12 percent) due to higher retail sales margins, largely the result of increased retail sales volumes of 10 percent and higher average realized rates. Partially offsetting this increase was higher operation and maintenance expense, which includes $1.4 million (after tax) largely related to higher benefit-related costs and higher contract services.
Natural Gas Distribution
|
| | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended |
| March 31, |
| 2014 |
| 2013 |
|
| (Dollars in millions, where applicable) |
Operating revenues | $ | 374.2 |
| $ | 331.7 |
|
Operating expenses: | |
| |
|
Purchased natural gas sold | 257.3 |
| 213.4 |
|
Operation and maintenance | 37.9 |
| 34.1 |
|
Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 13.3 |
| 12.2 |
|
Taxes, other than income | 17.8 |
| 16.3 |
|
| 326.3 |
| 276.0 |
|
Operating income | 47.9 |
| 55.7 |
|
Earnings | $ | 27.3 |
| $ | 32.5 |
|
Volumes (MMdk): | |
| |
|
Sales | 45.3 |
| 44.9 |
|
Transportation | 39.3 |
| 38.2 |
|
Total throughput | 84.6 |
| 83.1 |
|
Degree days (% of normal)* | |
| |
|
Montana-Dakota/Great Plains | 107 | % | 98 | % |
Cascade | 100 | % | 99 | % |
Intermountain | 96 | % | 114 | % |
Average cost of natural gas, including transportation, per dk | $ | 5.68 |
| $ | 4.75 |
|
* Degree days are a measure of the daily temperature-related demand for energy for heating. |
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 Natural gas distribution earnings decreased $5.2 million (16 percent) due to:
| |
• | Higher operation and maintenance expense, which includes $3.2 million (after tax) largely related to higher payroll and benefit-related costs |
| |
• | The absence in 2014 of the $2.9 million (after tax) gain on the sale of Montana-Dakota's nonregulated appliance service and repair business in March 2013 |
| |
• | Higher depreciation, depletion and amortization expense of $700,000 (after tax), primarily resulting from higher property, plant and equipment balances |
Partially offsetting these decreases were higher retail sales margins, largely resulting from approved rate increases effective in late 2013.
Pipeline and Energy Services