BLACK HILLS CORP /SD/ - Quarter Report: 2015 June (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
x | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES |
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2015 | |
OR | |
o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES |
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
For the transition period from __________ to __________. | |
Commission File Number 001-31303 |
Black Hills Corporation | |
Incorporated in South Dakota | IRS Identification Number 46-0458824 |
625 Ninth Street | |
Rapid City, South Dakota 57701 | |
Registrant’s telephone number (605) 721-1700 | |
Former name, former address, and former fiscal year if changed since last report | |
NONE |
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes x | No o |
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, 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 x | 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 (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Large accelerated filer x | Accelerated filer o |
Non-accelerated filer o | Smaller reporting company o |
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o | No x |
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date.
Class | Outstanding at July 31, 2015 | ||
Common stock, $1.00 par value | 44,834,944 | shares |
TABLE OF CONTENTS | |||
Page | |||
Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations | |||
PART I. | FINANCIAL INFORMATION | ||
Item 1. | Financial Statements | ||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) - unaudited | |||
Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 | |||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - unaudited | |||
Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 | |||
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - unaudited | |||
June 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014 | |||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - unaudited | |||
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 | |||
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements - unaudited | |||
Item 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | ||
Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk | ||
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | ||
PART II. | OTHER INFORMATION | ||
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | ||
Item 1A. | Risk Factors | ||
Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | ||
Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures | ||
Item 5. | Other Information | ||
Item 6. | Exhibits | ||
Signatures | |||
Index to Exhibits |
2
GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
The following terms and abbreviations appear in the text of this report and have the definitions described below:
AFUDC | Allowance for Funds Used During Construction |
AOCI | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
APSC | Arkansas Public Service Commission |
ASU | Accounting Standards Update issued by the FASB |
Bbl | Barrel |
BHC | Black Hills Corporation; the Company |
Black Hills Electric Generation | Black Hills Electric Generation, LLC, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Non-regulated Holdings |
Black Hills Energy | The name used to conduct the business of Black Hills Utility Holdings, Inc., and its subsidiaries |
Black Hills Non-regulated Holdings | Black Hills Non-regulated Holdings, LLC, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation |
Black Hills Power | Black Hills Power, Inc., a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation |
Black Hills Utility Holdings | Black Hills Utility Holdings, Inc., a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation |
Black Hills Wyoming | Black Hills Wyoming, LLC, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Electric Generation |
Btu | British thermal unit |
Ceiling Test | Related to our Oil and Gas subsidiary, capitalized costs, less accumulated amortization and related deferred income taxes, are subject to a ceiling test which limits the pooled costs to the aggregate of the discounted value of future net revenue attributable to proved natural gas and crude oil reserves using a discount rate defined by the SEC plus the lower of cost or market value of unevaluated properties. |
Cheyenne Light | Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power Company, a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation |
Cheyenne Prairie | Cheyenne Prairie Generating Station is a 132 MW natural gas-fired generating facility jointly owned by Black Hills Power and Cheyenne Light in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Cheyenne Prairie was placed into commercial service on October 1, 2014. |
City of Gillette | Gillette, Wyoming |
Colorado Electric | Black Hills Colorado Electric Utility Company, LP (doing business as Black Hills Energy), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings |
Colorado IPP | Black Hills Colorado IPP, LLC a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Electric Generation |
Cooling degree day | A cooling degree day is equivalent to each degree that the average of the high and low temperature for a day is above 65 degrees. The warmer the climate, the greater the number of cooling degree days. Cooling degree days are used in the utility industry to measure the relative warmth of weather and to compare relative temperatures between one geographic area and another. Normal degree days are based on the National Weather Service data for selected locations over a 30-year average. |
CPCN | Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity |
CPUC | Colorado Public Utilities Commission |
CTII | The 40 MW Gillette CT, a simple-cycle, gas-fired combustion turbine owned by the City of Gillette. |
CVA | Credit Valuation Adjustment |
Dodd-Frank | Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act |
Dth | Dekatherm. A unit of energy equal to 10 therms or one million British thermal units (MMBtu) |
Energy West | Energy West Wyoming, Inc., a subsidiary of Gas Natural, Inc. Energy West is an acquisition we announced in 2014 and closed on July 1, 2015. |
FASB | Financial Accounting Standards Board |
Fitch | Fitch Ratings |
GAAP | Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America |
GHG | Greenhouse Gases |
3
GCA | Gas Cost Adjustment -- adjustments that allow us to pass the prudently-incurred cost of natural gas and certain services through to customers. |
Global Settlement | Settlement with a utilities commission where the dollar figure is agreed upon, but the specific adjustments used by each party to arrive at the figure are not specified in public rate orders. |
Heating Degree Day | A heating degree day is equivalent to each degree that the average of the high and the low temperatures for a day is below 65 degrees. The colder the climate, the greater the number of heating degree days. Heating degree days are used in the utility industry to measure the relative coldness of weather and to compare relative temperatures between one geographic area and another. Normal degree days are based on the National Weather Service data for selected locations over a 30-year average. |
Iowa Gas | Black Hills Iowa Gas Utility Company, LLC (doing business as Black Hills Energy), a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings |
IPP | Independent power producer |
IRS | United States Internal Revenue Service |
IUB | Iowa Utilities Board |
Kansas Gas | Black Hills Kansas Gas Utility Company, LLC (doing business as Black Hills Energy), a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings |
KCC | Kansas Corporation Commission |
kV | Kilovolt |
LIBOR | London Interbank Offered Rate |
LOE | Lease Operating Expense |
Mcf | Thousand cubic feet |
Mcfe | Thousand cubic feet equivalent. |
MGTC | MGTC, Inc., a gas utility in northeast Wyoming serving 400 customers. MGTC is an acquisition we announced in 2014 that closed on January 1, 2015. |
MMBtu | Million British thermal units |
Moody’s | Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. |
MW | Megawatts |
MWh | Megawatt-hours |
NGL | Natural Gas Liquids (1 barrel equals 6 Mcfe) |
NOL | Net Operating Loss |
NPSC | Nebraska Public Service Commission |
NYMEX | New York Mercantile Exchange |
NYSE | New York Stock Exchange |
PPA | Power Purchase Agreement |
Revolving Credit Facility | Our $500 million credit facility used to fund working capital needs, letters of credit and other corporate purposes, which matures in 2020. |
SDPUC | South Dakota Public Utilities Commission |
SEC | U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission |
SourceGas | SourceGas Holdings LLC and its subsidiaries, a gas utility owned by funds managed by Alinda Capital Partners and GE Energy Financial Services, a unit of General Electric Co. (NYSE:GE) |
S&P | Standard and Poor’s, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. |
WPSC | Wyoming Public Service Commission |
WRDC | Wyodak Resources Development Corp., a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Non-regulated Holdings |
4
BLACK HILLS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)
(unaudited) | Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | ||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 272,254 | $ | 283,237 | $ | 714,241 | $ | 743,406 | ||||
Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||
Utilities - | ||||||||||||
Fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold | 73,824 | 101,331 | 279,151 | 331,799 | ||||||||
Operations and maintenance | 67,264 | 66,074 | 138,348 | 137,301 | ||||||||
Non-regulated energy operations and maintenance | 23,146 | 21,350 | 45,196 | 43,682 | ||||||||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 40,051 | 35,877 | 79,053 | 71,126 | ||||||||
Taxes - property, production and severance | 11,377 | 11,044 | 23,313 | 21,380 | ||||||||
Impairment of long-lived assets | 94,484 | — | 116,520 | — | ||||||||
Other operating expenses | 966 | 149 | 1,018 | 274 | ||||||||
Total operating expenses | 311,112 | 235,825 | 682,599 | 605,562 | ||||||||
Operating income (loss) | (38,858 | ) | 47,412 | 31,642 | 137,844 | |||||||
Other income (expense): | ||||||||||||
Interest charges - | ||||||||||||
Interest expense incurred (including amortization of debt issuance costs, premiums and discounts and realized settlements on interest rate swaps) | (19,545 | ) | (17,886 | ) | (39,455 | ) | (35,746 | ) | ||||
Allowance for funds used during construction - borrowed | 207 | 256 | 365 | 526 | ||||||||
Capitalized interest | 481 | 246 | 757 | 503 | ||||||||
Interest income | 301 | 576 | 749 | 966 | ||||||||
Allowance for funds used during construction - equity | 77 | 293 | 133 | 531 | ||||||||
Other income (expense), net | 395 | 409 | 726 | 1,000 | ||||||||
Total other income (expense), net | (18,084 | ) | (16,106 | ) | (36,725 | ) | (32,220 | ) | ||||
Income (loss) before earnings (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries and income taxes | (56,942 | ) | 31,306 | (5,083 | ) | 105,624 | ||||||
Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries | (47 | ) | — | (344 | ) | — | ||||||
Impairment of equity investments | (5,170 | ) | — | (5,170 | ) | — | ||||||
Income tax benefit (expense) | 20,317 | (10,959 | ) | 2,605 | (36,632 | ) | ||||||
Net income (loss) available for common stock | $ | (41,842 | ) | $ | 20,347 | $ | (7,992 | ) | $ | 68,992 | ||
Earnings (loss) per share of common stock: | ||||||||||||
Earnings (loss) per share, Basic | $ | (0.94 | ) | $ | 0.46 | $ | (0.18 | ) | $ | 1.56 | ||
Earnings (loss) per share, Diluted | $ | (0.94 | ) | $ | 0.46 | $ | (0.18 | ) | $ | 1.55 | ||
Weighted average common shares outstanding: | ||||||||||||
Basic | 44,617 | 44,399 | 44,579 | 44,365 | ||||||||
Diluted | 44,617 | 44,588 | 44,579 | 44,571 | ||||||||
Dividends declared per share of common stock | $ | 0.405 | $ | 0.390 | $ | 0.810 | $ | 0.780 |
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
5
BLACK HILLS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(unaudited) | Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||
Net income (loss) available for common stock | $ | (41,842 | ) | $ | 20,347 | $ | (7,992 | ) | $ | 68,992 | ||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: | ||||||||||||
Fair value adjustments on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges (net of tax (expense) benefit of $1,171and $1,115 for the three months ended 2015 and 2014 and $128 and $2,422 for the six months ended 2015 and 2014, respectively) | (1,966 | ) | (1,959 | ) | (130 | ) | (4,216 | ) | ||||
Reclassification adjustments for cash flow hedges settled and included in net income (loss) (net of tax (expense) benefit of $735 and $(774) for the three months ended 2015 and 2014 and $1,989 and $(1,199) for the six months ended 2015 and 2014, respectively) | (1,261 | ) | 1,403 | (2,502 | ) | 2,183 | ||||||
Benefit plan liability adjustments - net gain (loss) (net of tax (expense) benefit of $0 and $0 for the three months ended 2015 and 2014 and $15 and $2 for the six months ended 2015 and 2014, respectively) | — | — | (27 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||||
Benefit plan liability tax adjustments - net gain (loss) | — | (394 | ) | — | (394 | ) | ||||||
Benefit plan liability adjustments - prior service cost (net of tax (expense) benefit of $0 and $0 for the three months ended 2015 and 2014 and $0 and $(90) for the six months ended 2015 and 2014, respectively) | — | — | — | 164 | ||||||||
Reclassification adjustments of benefit plan liability - prior service cost (net of tax (expense) benefit of $19 and $39 for the three months ended 2015 and 2014 and $38 and $43 for the six months ended 2015 and 2014, respectively) | (36 | ) | (70 | ) | (72 | ) | (79 | ) | ||||
Reclassification adjustments of benefit plan liability - net gain (loss) (net of tax (expense) benefit of $(247) and $(91) for the three months ended 2015 and 2014 and $(494) and $(176) for the six months ended 2015 and 2014, respectively) | 458 | 168 | 916 | 325 | ||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | (2,805 | ) | (852 | ) | (1,815 | ) | (2,019 | ) | ||||
Comprehensive income (loss) available for common stock | $ | (44,647 | ) | $ | 19,495 | $ | (9,807 | ) | $ | 66,973 |
See Note 12 for additional disclosures.
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
6
BLACK HILLS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited) | As of | ||||||||||
June 30, 2015 | December 31, 2014 | June 30, 2014 | |||||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||||
ASSETS | |||||||||||
Current assets: | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 87,210 | $ | 21,218 | $ | 14,697 | |||||
Restricted cash and equivalents | 2,316 | 2,056 | 2 | ||||||||
Accounts receivable, net | 123,661 | 189,992 | 135,145 | ||||||||
Materials, supplies and fuel | 73,749 | 91,191 | 81,164 | ||||||||
Derivative assets, current | — | — | 1,737 | ||||||||
Income tax receivable, net | 770 | 2,053 | 1,043 | ||||||||
Deferred income tax assets, net, current | 52,394 | 48,288 | 23,872 | ||||||||
Regulatory assets, current | 47,157 | 74,396 | 64,735 | ||||||||
Other current assets | 51,315 | 24,842 | 21,660 | ||||||||
Total current assets | 438,572 | 454,036 | 344,055 | ||||||||
Investments | 12,098 | 17,294 | 17,096 | ||||||||
Property, plant and equipment | 4,726,478 | 4,563,400 | 4,408,291 | ||||||||
Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion | (1,522,969 | ) | (1,357,929 | ) | (1,361,233 | ) | |||||
Total property, plant and equipment, net | 3,203,509 | 3,205,471 | 3,047,058 | ||||||||
Other assets: | |||||||||||
Goodwill | 353,396 | 353,396 | 353,396 | ||||||||
Intangible assets, net | 3,211 | 3,176 | 3,286 | ||||||||
Regulatory assets, non-current | 180,815 | 183,443 | 138,226 | ||||||||
Other assets, non-current | 28,670 | 29,086 | 31,808 | ||||||||
Total other assets, non-current | 566,092 | 569,101 | 526,716 | ||||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 4,220,271 | $ | 4,245,902 | $ | 3,934,925 |
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
7
BLACK HILLS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Continued)
(unaudited) | As of | ||||||||||
June 30, 2015 | December 31, 2014 | June 30, 2014 | |||||||||
(in thousands, except share amounts) | |||||||||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||||||
Current liabilities: | |||||||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 78,021 | $ | 124,139 | $ | 100,098 | |||||
Accrued liabilities | 160,528 | 170,115 | 141,177 | ||||||||
Derivative liabilities, current | 3,289 | 3,340 | 3,480 | ||||||||
Regulatory liabilities, current | 10,910 | 3,687 | 828 | ||||||||
Notes payable | 105,760 | 75,000 | 132,700 | ||||||||
Current maturities of long-term debt | — | 275,000 | 275,000 | ||||||||
Total current liabilities | 358,508 | 651,281 | 653,283 | ||||||||
Long-term debt, net of current maturities | 1,567,727 | 1,267,589 | 1,121,950 | ||||||||
Deferred credits and other liabilities: | |||||||||||
Deferred income tax liabilities, net, non-current | 510,435 | 511,952 | 463,680 | ||||||||
Derivative liabilities, non-current | 1,433 | 2,680 | 4,251 | ||||||||
Regulatory liabilities, non-current | 150,835 | 145,144 | 119,462 | ||||||||
Benefit plan liabilities | 165,791 | 158,966 | 116,403 | ||||||||
Other deferred credits and other liabilities | 154,656 | 154,406 | 137,765 | ||||||||
Total deferred credits and other liabilities | 983,150 | 973,148 | 841,561 | ||||||||
Commitments and contingencies (See Notes 2, 8, 9, 14, 15) | |||||||||||
Stockholders’ equity: | |||||||||||
Common stock equity — | |||||||||||
Common stock $1 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; issued 44,871,771; 44,714,072; and 44,682,885 shares, respectively | 44,872 | 44,714 | 44,683 | ||||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 751,679 | 748,840 | 744,505 | ||||||||
Retained earnings | 532,965 | 577,249 | 550,185 | ||||||||
Treasury stock, at cost – 35,855; 42,226; and 40,951 shares, respectively | (1,771 | ) | (1,875 | ) | (1,801 | ) | |||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (16,859 | ) | (15,044 | ) | (19,441 | ) | |||||
Total stockholders’ equity | 1,310,886 | 1,353,884 | 1,318,131 | ||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | $ | 4,220,271 | $ | 4,245,902 | $ | 3,934,925 |
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
8
BLACK HILLS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited) | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||
Operating activities: | (in thousands) | |||||
Net income (loss) available for common stock | $ | (7,992 | ) | $ | 68,992 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 79,053 | 71,126 | ||||
Deferred financing cost amortization | 1,119 | 1,107 | ||||
Impairment of long-lived assets | 121,690 | — | ||||
Derivative fair value adjustments | (5,249 | ) | (1,660 | ) | ||
Stock compensation | 3,098 | 6,908 | ||||
Deferred income taxes | (6,277 | ) | 36,129 | |||
Employee benefit plans | 10,467 | 7,409 | ||||
Other adjustments, net | 3,720 | 1,481 | ||||
Changes in certain operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||
Materials, supplies and fuel | 20,218 | 7,314 | ||||
Accounts receivable, unbilled revenues and other operating assets | 63,172 | 47,598 | ||||
Accounts payable and other operating liabilities | (66,294 | ) | (24,978 | ) | ||
Regulatory assets - current | 27,178 | (43,604 | ) | |||
Regulatory liabilities - current | 7,290 | (9,845 | ) | |||
Other operating activities, net | 3,215 | 5,858 | ||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 254,408 | 173,835 | ||||
Investing activities: | ||||||
Property, plant and equipment additions | (206,472 | ) | (177,302 | ) | ||
Other investing activities | (652 | ) | (2,994 | ) | ||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (207,124 | ) | (180,296 | ) | ||
Financing activities: | ||||||
Dividends paid on common stock | (36,292 | ) | (34,803 | ) | ||
Common stock issued | 1,702 | 1,693 | ||||
Short-term borrowings - issuances | 154,460 | 214,100 | ||||
Short-term borrowings - repayments | (123,700 | ) | (163,900 | ) | ||
Long-term debt - issuances | 300,000 | — | ||||
Long-term debt - repayments | (275,000 | ) | — | |||
Other financing activities | (2,462 | ) | (3,773 | ) | ||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 18,708 | 13,317 | ||||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents | 65,992 | 6,856 | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 21,218 | 7,841 | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 87,210 | $ | 14,697 |
See Note 13 for supplemental disclosure of cash flow information.
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
9
BLACK HILLS CORPORATION
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
(Reference is made to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
included in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A)
(1) MANAGEMENT’S STATEMENT
The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein have been prepared by Black Hills Corporation (together with our subsidiaries the “Company,” “us,” “we,” or “our”), pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations; however, we believe that the footnotes adequately disclose the information presented. These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A filed with the SEC.
We conduct our operations through the following reportable segments: Electric Utilities, Gas Utilities, Power Generation, Coal Mining and Oil and Gas. Our reportable segments are based on our method of internal reporting, which generally segregates the strategic business groups due to differences in products, services and regulation. All of our operations and assets are located within the United States.
Accounting methods historically employed require certain estimates as of interim dates. The information furnished in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflects all adjustments, including accruals, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the June 30, 2015, December 31, 2014, and June 30, 2014 financial information and are of a normal recurring nature. Certain industries in which we operate are highly seasonal, and revenue from, and certain expenses for, such operations may fluctuate significantly among quarterly periods. Demand for electricity and natural gas is sensitive to seasonal cooling, heating and industrial load requirements, as well as changes in market price. In particular, the normal peak usage season for electric utilities is June through August while the normal peak usage season for gas utilities is November through March. Significant earnings variances can be expected between the Gas Utilities segment’s peak and off-peak seasons. Due to this seasonal nature, our results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014, and our financial condition as of June 30, 2015, December 31, 2014, and June 30, 2014, are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations and financial condition to be expected as of or for any other period. All earnings per share amounts discussed refer to diluted earnings per share unless otherwise noted.
Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Standards
We have implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect and may impact our financial statements. We are currently assessing the impact any other new accounting pronouncements that have been issued may have on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, ASU 2015-03
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. Debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability will be presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the debt liability, similar to the presentation of debt discounts, rather than as an asset. Amortization of these costs will continue to be reported as interest expense. ASU 2015-03 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of adoption that ASU 2015-03 will have on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
10
Revenue from Contracts with Customers, ASU 2014-09
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The standard provides companies with a single model for use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific revenue guidance. The core principle of the model is to recognize revenue when control of the goods or services transfers to the customer, as opposed to recognizing revenue when the risks and rewards transfer to the customer under the existing revenue guidance. On July 9, 2015, FASB voted to defer the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year. The guidance would be effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact that adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Correction of Immaterial Errors
In preparing our condensed consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, we identified immaterial errors that impacted our previously issued consolidated financial statements. The prior period errors originated in the year ended December 31, 2008 and related to our oil and gas full cost ceiling impairment calculation to determine whether the net book value of the our oil and gas properties exceeded the ceiling. Specifically, the errors related to evaluating and correctly accounting for the treatment of tax related amounts associated with the calculation. The errors identified caused an understatement of 2008, 2009, 2012 and Q1 2015 noncash ceiling test impairment calculations, which resulted in an overstatement of depletion expense from 2009 through March 31, 2015, and an understatement of the 2012 gain on sale of oil and gas properties.
In accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 99, Materiality, and SAB No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements, we evaluated these errors, including both qualitative and quantitative considerations, and concluded that the errors did not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a material misstatement of our previously issued condensed consolidated financial statements.
The following tables present the revisions to particular line items resulting from the corrections of these errors in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The impact of the errors relate entirely to our Oil and Gas segment.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 | For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||
As Reported | Adjustments | As Revised | As Reported | Adjustments | As Revised | ||||||||||||||
(in thousands expect per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization | $ | 36,712 | $ | (835 | ) | $ | 35,877 | $ | 72,795 | $ | (1,669 | ) | $ | 71,126 | |||||
Total operating expenses | $ | 236,660 | $ | (835 | ) | $ | 235,825 | $ | 607,231 | $ | (1,669 | ) | $ | 605,562 | |||||
Operating income (loss) | $ | 46,577 | $ | 835 | $ | 47,412 | $ | 136,175 | $ | 1,669 | $ | 137,844 | |||||||
Income (loss) before earnings (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries and income taxes | $ | 30,471 | $ | 835 | $ | 31,306 | $ | 103,955 | $ | 1,669 | $ | 105,624 | |||||||
Income tax benefit (expense) | $ | (10,651 | ) | $ | (308 | ) | $ | (10,959 | ) | $ | (36,017 | ) | $ | (615 | ) | $ | (36,632 | ) | |
Net income (loss) available for common stock | $ | 19,820 | $ | 527 | $ | 20,347 | $ | 67,938 | $ | 1,054 | $ | 68,992 | |||||||
Earnings (loss) per share of common stock: | |||||||||||||||||||
Earnings (loss) per share, Basic | $ | 0.45 | $ | 0.01 | $ | 0.46 | $ | 1.53 | $ | 0.03 | $ | 1.56 | |||||||
Earnings (loss) per share, Diluted | $ | 0.44 | $ | 0.02 | $ | 0.46 | $ | 1.52 | $ | 0.03 | $ | 1.55 |
11
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 | For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | As Reported | Adjustments | As Revised | As Reported | Adjustments | As Revised | |||||||||||||
Net income (loss) available for common stock | $ | 19,820 | $ | 527 | $ | 20,347 | $ | 67,938 | $ | 1,054 | $ | 68,992 | |||||||
Comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 18,968 | $ | 527 | $ | 19,495 | $ | 65,919 | $ | 1,054 | $ | 66,973 |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
As of June 30, 2014 | |||||||||
As Reported | Adjustments | As Revised | |||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||
Accumulated depreciation and depletion | $ | (1,325,660 | ) | $ | (35,573 | ) | $ | (1,361,233 | ) |
Total property, plant and equipment, net | $ | 3,082,631 | $ | (35,573 | ) | $ | 3,047,058 | ||
TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 3,970,498 | $ | (35,573 | ) | $ | 3,934,925 | ||
Deferred income tax liability, non-current | $ | 476,059 | $ | (12,379 | ) | $ | 463,680 | ||
Total deferred credits and other liabilities | $ | 853,940 | $ | (12,379 | ) | $ | 841,561 | ||
Retained earnings | $ | 573,379 | $ | (23,194 | ) | $ | 550,185 | ||
Total stockholders' equity | $ | 1,341,325 | $ | (23,194 | ) | $ | 1,318,131 | ||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | $ | 3,970,498 | $ | (35,573 | ) | $ | 3,934,925 |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 | |||||||||
As Reported | Adjustments | As Revised | |||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||
Net income (loss) available for common stock | $ | 67,938 | $ | 1,054 | $ | 68,992 | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization | $ | 72,795 | $ | (1,669 | ) | $ | 71,126 | ||
Deferred income taxes | $ | 35,514 | $ | 615 | $ | 36,129 | |||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $ | 173,835 | $ | — | $ | 173,835 |
The Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been revised to reflect the correction of these errors for all periods presented.
12
(2) SUBSEQUENT EVENT
Acquisition of SourceGas
On July 12, 2015, Black Hills Utility Holdings entered in a definitive agreement to acquire SourceGas Holdings LLC and its subsidiaries from investment funds managed by Alinda Capital Partners and GE Energy Financial Services, a unit of General Electric Co. (NYSE:GE), for approximately $1.89 billion, which includes $200 million of projected capital expenditures through closing and the assumption of $720 million in debt projected at closing. The effective purchase price is estimated to be $1.74 billion after taking into account approximately $150 million of tax benefits consisting of acquired NOLs and goodwill tax benefits resulting from the transaction. The purchase price is subject to customary post-closing adjustments for cash, capital expenditures, indebtedness and working capital. In conjunction with the agreement, we have entered into a commitment letter for a one-year, $1.17 billion senior unsecured fully committed bridge facility to be provided by Credit Suisse.
We expect to finance the acquisition with the aforementioned $720 million of assumed debt, $450 million to $550 million of new debt, $575 million to $675 million of equity and equity-linked securities, and the remainder with cash on hand and Revolver draws.
SourceGas primarily operates four regulated natural gas utilities serving approximately 425,000 customers in Arkansas, Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming and a 512 mile regulated intrastate natural gas transmission pipeline in Colorado. Following completion of the transaction, SourceGas will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Black Hills Utility Holdings.
The agreement for the acquisition of SourceGas is subject to various provisions including representations, warranties, and covenants with respect to Arkansas, Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming utility businesses that are subject to customary conditions and limitations. Completion of the transaction is also subject to regulatory approvals from the APSC, CPUC, NPSC and WPSC, and is also subject to notification, clearance and reporting requirements under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. The acquisition is expected to close during the first half of 2016.
BHC has guaranteed the full and complete payment and performance of Black Hills Utility Holdings.
Effective August 6th, 2015, we entered into a Bridge Term Loan Agreement with Credit Suisse as the Administrate Agent and 10 additional banks, collectively, for commitments totaling $1.17 billion billion pursuant to the previously executed bridge commitment letter with Credit Suisse. We may draw up to $1.17 billion billion on this loan to fund the SourceGas Acquisition and related expenses. The Agreement contains the same customary affirmative and negative covenants as are in our Revolving Credit Agreement and Term Loan Agreement, such as limitations on the creation of new indebtedness and on certain liens, restrictions on certain transactions and maintaining a recourse leverage ratio not to exceed 0.75 to 1 . In the event we fund under the Bridge Term Loan Agreement, in certain circumstances, we are required to pay down those borrowings with funds received from the proceeds of equity and debt offerings and asset sales. Additionally, our Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan Credit Agreements were amended in connection with the Bridge Loan Credit Agreement to permit the assumption of certain indebtedness of SourceGas and to increase the Recourse Leverage Ratio in certain circumstances. In these amendments, the maximum Recourse Ratio is no greater than 0.65 to 1 at the end of any fiscal quarter, but may increase to (i) 0.70 to 1 at the end of any fiscal quarter during such four fiscal quarter period where the aggregate outstanding debt assumed or incurred in connection with our acquisition of SourceGas is equal to or greater than $1.25 billion billion and less than $1.46 billion billion or (ii) 0.75 to 1 at the end of any fiscal quarter during such four fiscal quarter period that the aggregate outstanding debt assumed or incurred in connection with our acquisition of SourceGas is equal to or greater than $1.46 billion.
13
(3) BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
Segment information and Corporate activities included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) were as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 | External Operating Revenue | Inter-company Operating Revenue | Net Income (Loss) | |||||||||
Utilities: | ||||||||||||
Electric | $ | 169,751 | $ | 2,509 | $ | 17,702 | ||||||
Gas | 79,426 | — | 3,165 | |||||||||
Non-regulated Energy: | ||||||||||||
Power Generation | 1,706 | 20,603 | 7,549 | |||||||||
Coal Mining | 9,052 | 7,673 | 3,049 | |||||||||
Oil and Gas (a)(b) | 12,319 | — | (71,195 | ) | ||||||||
Corporate activities (c) | — | — | (2,112 | ) | ||||||||
Inter-company eliminations | — | (30,785 | ) | — | ||||||||
Total | $ | 272,254 | $ | — | $ | (41,842 | ) |
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 | External Operating Revenue | Inter-company Operating Revenue | Net Income (Loss) | |||||||||
Utilities: | ||||||||||||
Electric | $ | 158,740 | $ | 3,144 | $ | 11,427 | ||||||
Gas | 102,499 | — | 1,994 | |||||||||
Non-regulated Energy: | ||||||||||||
Power Generation | 1,267 | 20,713 | 7,194 | |||||||||
Coal Mining | 5,583 | 9,068 | 2,016 | |||||||||
Oil and Gas | 15,148 | — | (1,133 | ) | ||||||||
Corporate activities | — | — | (1,151 | ) | ||||||||
Inter-company eliminations | — | (32,925 | ) | — | ||||||||
Total | $ | 283,237 | $ | — | $ | 20,347 |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 | External Operating Revenues | Inter-company Operating Revenue | Net Income (Loss) | |||||||||
Utilities: | ||||||||||||
Electric | $ | 352,725 | $ | 5,933 | $ | 36,631 | ||||||
Gas | 317,077 | — | 25,377 | |||||||||
Non-regulated Energy: | ||||||||||||
Power Generation | 3,659 | 41,324 | 15,694 | |||||||||
Coal Mining | 17,194 | 15,465 | 6,059 | |||||||||
Oil and Gas (a)(b) | 23,586 | — | (90,310 | ) | ||||||||
Corporate activities (c) | — | — | (1,443 | ) | ||||||||
Inter-company eliminations | — | (62,722 | ) | — | ||||||||
Total | $ | 714,241 | $ | — | $ | (7,992 | ) |
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Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 | External Operating Revenues | Inter-company Operating Revenue | Net Income (Loss) | |||||||||
Utilities: | ||||||||||||
Electric | $ | 336,835 | $ | 7,151 | $ | 26,002 | ||||||
Gas | 361,836 | — | 26,692 | |||||||||
Non-regulated Energy: | ||||||||||||
Power Generation | 2,536 | 41,792 | 15,267 | |||||||||
Coal Mining | 12,201 | 17,948 | 4,480 | |||||||||
Oil and Gas | 29,998 | — | (2,628 | ) | ||||||||
Corporate activities | — | — | (821 | ) | ||||||||
Inter-company eliminations | — | (66,891 | ) | — | ||||||||
Total | $ | 743,406 | $ | — | $ | 68,992 |
__________
(a) | Net income (loss) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 included non-cash after-tax ceiling test impairments of $63 million and $77 million, respectively. See Note 16 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. |
(b) | Net income (loss) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 included a non-cash after-tax impairment to equity investments of $3.4 million. See Note 16 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. |
(c) Net income (loss) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 included acquisition costs, net of tax of $0.5 million and $0.3 million, respectively. See Note 2 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Segment information and Corporate balances included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (in thousands):
Total Assets (net of inter-company eliminations) as of: | June 30, 2015 | December 31, 2014 | June 30, 2014 | ||||||||
Utilities: | |||||||||||
Electric (a) | $ | 2,856,903 | $ | 2,748,680 | $ | 2,603,900 | |||||
Gas | 801,295 | 906,922 | 799,365 | ||||||||
Non-regulated Energy: | |||||||||||
Power Generation (a) | 72,270 | 76,945 | 85,269 | ||||||||
Coal Mining | 76,079 | 74,407 | 73,701 | ||||||||
Oil and Gas (b) (c) | 275,068 | 332,343 | 272,264 | ||||||||
Corporate activities | 138,656 | 106,605 | 100,426 | ||||||||
Total assets | $ | 4,220,271 | $ | 4,245,902 | $ | 3,934,925 |
__________
(a) | The PPA under which Black Hills Colorado IPP provides generation to support Colorado Electric customers from the Pueblo Airport Generation Station is accounted for as a capital lease. As such, assets owned by our Power Generation segment are recorded at Colorado Electric under accounting for a capital lease. |
(b) | As a result of continued low commodity prices during 2015, we recorded non-cash impairments of oil and gas assets included in our Oil and Gas segment of $94 million and $117 million for the for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively. See Note 16 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. |
(c) | Includes a noncash impairment of our Oil and Gas equity investments of $5.2 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015. |
15
(4) ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Following is a summary of Accounts receivable, net included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands) as of:
Accounts | Unbilled | Less Allowance for | Accounts | |||||||||
June 30, 2015 | Receivable, Trade | Revenue | Doubtful Accounts | Receivable, net | ||||||||
Electric Utilities | $ | 46,381 | $ | 33,501 | $ | (685 | ) | $ | 79,197 | |||
Gas Utilities | 25,635 | 9,418 | (1,259 | ) | 33,794 | |||||||
Power Generation | 1,199 | — | — | 1,199 | ||||||||
Coal Mining | 3,402 | — | — | 3,402 | ||||||||
Oil and Gas | 5,099 | — | (13 | ) | 5,086 | |||||||
Corporate | 983 | — | — | 983 | ||||||||
Total | $ | 82,699 | $ | 42,919 | $ | (1,957 | ) | $ | 123,661 |
Accounts | Unbilled | Less Allowance for | Accounts | |||||||||
December 31, 2014 | Receivable, Trade | Revenue | Doubtful Accounts | Receivable, net | ||||||||
Electric Utilities | $ | 59,714 | $ | 26,474 | $ | (722 | ) | $ | 85,466 | |||
Gas Utilities | 47,394 | 45,546 | (781 | ) | 92,159 | |||||||
Power Generation | 1,369 | — | — | 1,369 | ||||||||
Coal Mining | 3,151 | — | — | 3,151 | ||||||||
Oil and Gas | 5,305 | — | (13 | ) | 5,292 | |||||||
Corporate | 2,555 | — | — | 2,555 | ||||||||
Total | $ | 119,488 | $ | 72,020 | $ | (1,516 | ) | $ | 189,992 |
Accounts | Unbilled | Less Allowance for | Accounts | |||||||||
June 30, 2014 | Receivable, Trade | Revenue | Doubtful Accounts | Receivable, net | ||||||||
Electric Utilities | $ | 48,333 | $ | 21,716 | $ | (622 | ) | $ | 69,427 | |||
Gas Utilities | 43,104 | 9,265 | (1,027 | ) | 51,342 | |||||||
Power Generation | 1,388 | — | — | 1,388 | ||||||||
Coal Mining | 1,866 | — | — | 1,866 | ||||||||
Oil and Gas | 9,123 | — | (13 | ) | 9,110 | |||||||
Corporate | 2,012 | — | — | 2,012 | ||||||||
Total | $ | 105,826 | $ | 30,981 | $ | (1,662 | ) | $ | 135,145 |
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(5) REGULATORY ACCOUNTING
We had the following regulatory assets and liabilities (in thousands):
Maximum | As of | As of | As of | |||||||
Amortization (in years) | June 30, 2015 | December 31, 2014 | June 30, 2014 | |||||||
Regulatory assets | ||||||||||
Deferred energy and fuel cost adjustments - current (a) (d) | 1 | $ | 26,862 | $ | 23,820 | $ | 29,605 | |||
Deferred gas cost adjustments (a)(d) | 2 | 5,588 | 37,471 | 35,479 | ||||||
Gas price derivatives (a) | 7 | 17,907 | 18,740 | 3,561 | ||||||
AFUDC (b) | 45 | 12,321 | 12,358 | 12,468 | ||||||
Employee benefit plans (c) (e) | 12 | 96,734 | 97,126 | 65,874 | ||||||
Environmental (a) | subject to approval | 1,224 | 1,314 | 1,314 | ||||||
Asset retirement obligations (a) | 44 | 3,242 | 3,287 | 3,278 | ||||||
Bond issue cost (a) | 23 | 3,204 | 3,276 | 3,347 | ||||||
Renewable energy standard adjustment (a) | 5 | 5,629 | 9,622 | 14,501 | ||||||
Flow through accounting (c) | 35 | 27,861 | 25,887 | 22,754 | ||||||
Decommissioning costs (f) | 10 | 14,845 | 12,484 | — | ||||||
Other regulatory assets (a) | 15 | 12,555 | 12,454 | 10,780 | ||||||
$ | 227,972 | $ | 257,839 | $ | 202,961 | |||||
Regulatory liabilities | ||||||||||
Deferred energy and gas costs (a) (d) | 1 | $ | 16,114 | $ | 6,496 | $ | 6,490 | |||
Employee benefit plans (c) (e) | 12 | 53,163 | 53,139 | 34,356 | ||||||
Cost of removal (a) | 44 | 84,118 | 78,249 | 70,841 | ||||||
Other regulatory liabilities (c) | 25 | 8,350 | 10,947 | 8,603 | ||||||
$ | 161,745 | $ | 148,831 | $ | 120,290 |
__________
(a) | Recovery of costs, but we are not allowed a rate of return. |
(b) | In addition to recovery of costs, we are allowed a rate of return. |
(c) | In addition to recovery or repayment of costs, we are allowed a return on a portion of this amount or a reduction in rate base, respectively. |
(d) | Our deferred energy, fuel cost, and gas cost adjustments represent the cost of electricity and gas delivered to our electric and gas utility customers that is either higher or lower than current rates and will be recovered or refunded in future rates. Fluctuations in deferred gas cost adjustments compared to the same period in the prior year are primarily due to higher natural gas prices driven by demand and market conditions from the peak winter heating season in the first part of 2014. Our electric and gas utilities file periodic quarterly, semi-annual, and/or annual filings to recover these costs based on the respective cost mechanisms approved by their applicable state utility commissions. |
(e) | Increase compared to June 30, 2014 was driven by a decrease in the discount rate and a change in the mortality tables used in employee benefit plan estimates. |
(f) | Black Hills Power has approximately $12 million of decommissioning costs associated with the retirements of the Neil Simpson I and Ben French power plants that are allowed a rate of return, in addition to recovery of costs. |
(6) MATERIALS, SUPPLIES AND FUEL
The following amounts by major classification are included in Materials, supplies and fuel in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands) as of:
June 30, 2015 | December 31, 2014 | June 30, 2014 | |||||||||
Materials and supplies | $ | 54,646 | $ | 49,555 | $ | 51,925 | |||||
Fuel - Electric Utilities | 6,644 | 6,637 | 7,679 | ||||||||
Natural gas in storage held for distribution | 12,459 | 34,999 | 21,560 | ||||||||
Total materials, supplies and fuel | $ | 73,749 | $ | 91,191 | $ | 81,164 |
17
(7) EARNINGS PER SHARE
A reconciliation of share amounts used to compute Earnings (loss) per share in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (loss) was as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) available for common stock | $ | (41,842 | ) | $ | 20,347 | $ | (7,992 | ) | $ | 68,992 | |||
Weighted average shares - basic | 44,617 | 44,399 | 44,579 | 44,365 | |||||||||
Dilutive effect of: | |||||||||||||
Equity compensation | — | 189 | — | 206 | |||||||||
Weighted average shares - diluted | 44,617 | 44,588 | 44,579 | 44,571 |
The following outstanding securities were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share as their effect would have been anti-dilutive.
Due to our net loss the for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, potentially dilutive securities were excluded from the diluted loss per share calculation due to their anti-dilutive effect. In computing diluted net loss per share, 83,613 and 101,146 equity compensation shares were excluded from the computations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively.
In addition to these potentially dilutive shares excluded due to our net loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, the following outstanding securities were also excluded in the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Equity compensation | 119 | 81 | 113 | 63 | |||||
Anti-dilutive shares | 119 | 81 | 113 | 63 |
18
(8) NOTES PAYABLE AND LONG-TERM DEBT
We had the following short-term debt outstanding in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands) as of:
June 30, 2015 | December 31, 2014 | June 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||
Balance Outstanding | Letters of Credit | Balance Outstanding | Letters of Credit | Balance Outstanding | Letters of Credit | |||||||||||||
Revolving Credit Facility | $ | 105,760 | $ | 23,100 | $ | 75,000 | $ | 35,000 | $ | 132,700 | $ | 20,272 |
Revolving Credit Facility
On June 26, 2015, we amended our $500 million corporate Revolving Credit Facility agreement to extend the term through June 26, 2020. This facility is similar to the former agreement, which includes an accordion feature that allows us, with the consent of the administrative agent and issuing agents, to increase the capacity of the facility to $750 million. Borrowings continue to be available under a base rate or various Eurodollar rate options. The interest costs associated with the letters of credit or borrowings and the commitment fee under the Revolving Credit Facility are determined based upon our most favorable Corporate credit rating from S&P and Moody’s for our unsecured debt. Based on our credit ratings, the margins for base rate borrowings, Eurodollar borrowings, and letters of credit were 0.125%, 1.125%, and 1.125%, respectively at June 30, 2015. A commitment fee is charged on the unused amount of the Revolving Credit Facility and was 0.175% based on our credit rating.
Replacement of Corporate Term Loan
On April 13, 2015, we entered into a new $300 million Corporate term loan expiring April 12, 2017. This new term loan replaced the $275 million Corporate term loan due on June 19, 2015 and was classified as Long-Term Debt as of June 30, 2015. The additional $25 million, less interest and fees, was used for general corporate purposes. The cost of the borrowing under the new term loan is LIBOR plus a margin of 0.9%. The covenants on the new term loan are substantially the same as the Revolving Credit Facility.
Debt Covenants
Our Revolving Credit Facility and our Term Loan require compliance with the following financial covenant at the end of each quarter:
As of June 30, 2015 | Covenant Requirement | |||
Recourse Leverage Ratio | 57% | Less than | 65% |
As of June 30, 2015, we were in compliance with this covenant.
(9) RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
Our activities in the regulated and non-regulated energy sectors expose us to a number of risks in the normal operation of our businesses. Depending on the activity, we are exposed to varying degrees of market risk and credit risk. To manage and mitigate these identified risks, we have adopted the Black Hills Corporation Risk Policies and Procedures as discussed in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A.
Market Risk
Market risk is the potential loss that might occur as a result of an adverse change in market price or rate. We are exposed to the following market risks including, but not limited to:
• | Commodity price risk associated with our natural long position in crude oil and natural gas reserves and production; and our fuel procurement for certain of our gas-fired generation assets; and |
• | Interest rate risk associated with our variable-rate debt. |
19
Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss resulting from non-performance of contractual obligations by a counterparty.
For production and generation activities, we attempt to mitigate our credit exposure by conducting business primarily with high credit quality entities, setting tenor and credit limits commensurate with counterparty financial strength, obtaining master netting agreements, and mitigating credit exposure with less creditworthy counterparties through parental guarantees, prepayments, letters of credit, and other security agreements.
We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and adjust credit limits based upon payment history and the customer’s current creditworthiness, as determined by review of their current credit information. We maintain a provision for estimated credit losses based upon historical experience and any specific customer collection issue that is identified.
Our derivative and hedging activities recorded in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) are detailed below and in Note 10.
Oil and Gas
We produce natural gas, NGLs and crude oil through our exploration and production activities. Our natural long positions, or unhedged open positions, result in commodity price risk and variability to our cash flows.
To mitigate commodity price risk and preserve cash flows, we primarily use exchange traded futures and related options to hedge portions of our crude oil and natural gas production. We elect hedge accounting on these instruments. These transactions were designated at inception as cash flow hedges, documented under accounting standards for derivatives and hedging, and initially met prospective effectiveness testing. Effectiveness of our hedging position is evaluated at least quarterly.
The derivatives were marked to fair value and were recorded as Derivative assets or Derivative liabilities on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, net of balance sheet offsetting as permitted by GAAP. The effective portion of the gain or loss on these derivatives for which we have elected cash flow hedge accounting is reported in AOCI in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and the ineffective portion, if any, is reported in Revenue in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).
The contract or notional amounts, terms of our commodity derivatives, and the derivative balances for our Oil and Gas segment reflected on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (dollars in thousands) as of:
June 30, 2015 | December 31, 2014 | June 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||
Crude Oil Futures, Swaps and Options | Natural Gas Futures and Swaps | Crude Oil Futures, Swaps and Options | Natural Gas Futures and Swaps | Crude Oil Futures, Swaps and Options | Natural Gas Futures and Swaps | |||||||||||||||
Notional (a) | 276,000 | 4,187,500 | 334,500 | 6,582,500 | 424,500 | 9,265,000 | ||||||||||||||
Maximum terms in months (b) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||
Derivative assets, current | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||
Derivative assets, non-current | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||
Derivative liabilities, current | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||
Derivative liabilities, non-current | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — |
(a) | Crude oil in Bbls, natural gas in MMBtus. |
(b) | Refers to the tenor of the derivative instrument. Assets and liabilities are classified as current/non-current based on the production month hedged and the corresponding settlement of the derivative instrument. |
Based on June 30, 2015 prices, a $6.4 million gain would be reclassified from AOCI over the next 12 months. Estimated and actual realized gains or losses will change during future periods as market prices fluctuate.
20
Utilities
The operations of our utilities, including natural gas sold by our Gas Utilities and natural gas used for Electric Utility generation plants or those plants under PPAs where our Electric Utilities must provide the generation fuel (tolling agreements), expose our utility customers to volatility in natural gas prices. Therefore, as allowed or required by state utility commissions, we have entered into commission approved hedging programs utilizing natural gas futures, options and basis swaps to reduce our customers’ underlying exposure to these fluctuations. These transactions are considered derivatives, and in accordance with accounting standards for derivatives and hedging, mark-to-market adjustments are recorded as Derivative assets or Derivative liabilities on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, net of balance sheet offsetting as permitted by GAAP. Unrealized and realized gains and losses, as well as option premiums and commissions on these transactions are recorded as Regulatory assets or Regulatory liabilities in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets in accordance with state commission guidelines. When the related costs are recovered through our rates, the hedging activity is recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss), or the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).
The contract or notional amounts and terms of the natural gas derivative commodity instruments held at our Utilities were as follows, as of:
June 30, 2015 | December 31, 2014 | June 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||
Notional (MMBtus) | Maximum Term (months) (a) | Notional (MMBtus) | Maximum Term (months) (a) | Notional (MMBtus) | Maximum Term (months) (a) | |||||||||
Natural gas futures purchased | 17,270,000 | 66 | 19,370,000 | 72 | 16,240,000 | 78 | ||||||||
Natural gas options purchased | 3,980,000 | 9 | 4,020,000 | 8 | 3,980,000 | 9 | ||||||||
Natural gas basis swaps purchased | 14,445,000 | 54 | 12,005,000 | 60 | 13,415,000 | 66 |
__________
(a) Term reflects the maximum forward period hedged.
We had the following derivative balances related to the hedges in our Utilities reflected in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of (in thousands):
June 30, 2015 | December 31, 2014 | June 30, 2014 | |||||||
Derivative assets, current | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,737 | |||
Derivative assets, non-current | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | |||
Derivative liabilities, non-current | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | |||
Net unrealized (gain) loss included in Regulatory assets or Regulatory liabilities | $ | 17,907 | $ | 18,740 | $ | 3,561 |
21
Financing Activities
We entered into floating-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements to reduce our exposure to interest rate fluctuations associated with our floating rate debt obligations. The contract or notional amounts, terms of our interest rate swaps and the interest rate swaps balances reflected on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (dollars in thousands) as of:
June 30, 2015 | December 31, 2014 | June 30, 2014 | |||||||||
Interest Rate Swaps (a) | Interest Rate Swaps (a) | Interest Rate Swaps (a) | |||||||||
Notional | $ | 75,000 | $ | 75,000 | $ | 75,000 | |||||
Weighted average fixed interest rate | 4.97 | % | 4.97 | % | 4.97 | % | |||||
Maximum terms in years | 1.50 | 2.00 | 2.50 | ||||||||
Derivative liabilities, current | $ | 3,289 | $ | 3,340 | $ | 3,480 | |||||
Derivative liabilities, non-current | $ | 1,433 | $ | 2,680 | $ | 4,251 |
__________
(a) | These swaps are designated to borrowings on our Revolving Credit Facility, and are priced using three-month LIBOR, matching the floating portion of the related borrowings. |
Based on June 30, 2015 market interest rates and balances related to our interest rate swaps, a loss of approximately $3.3 million would be realized, reported in pre-tax earnings and reclassified from AOCI during the next 12 months. Estimated and actual realized gains or losses will change during future periods as market interest rates change.
Cash Flow Hedges
The impacts of cash flow hedges on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) were as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 | ||||||||||||||||
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships | Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in AOCI Derivative (Effective Portion) | Location of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion) | Amount of Reclassified Gain/(Loss) from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion) | Location of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion) | Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion) | |||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | $ | (892 | ) | Interest expense | $ | (1,670 | ) | $ | — | |||||||
Commodity derivatives | (2,245 | ) | Revenue | 3,666 | — | |||||||||||
Total | $ | (3,137 | ) | $ | 1,996 | $ | — |
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships | Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in AOCI Derivative (Effective Portion) | Location of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion) | Amount of Reclassified Gain/(Loss) from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion) | Location of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion) | Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion) | |||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | $ | (337 | ) | Interest expense | $ | (926 | ) | $ | — | |||||||
Commodity derivatives | (2,737 | ) | Revenue | (1,251 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Total | $ | (3,074 | ) | $ | (2,177 | ) | $ | — |
22
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 | ||||||||||||||||
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships | Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in AOCI Derivative (Effective Portion) | Location of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion) | Amount of Reclassified Gain/(Loss) from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion) | Location of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion) | Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion) | |||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | $ | (1,778 | ) | Interest expense | $ | (3,107 | ) | $ | — | |||||||
Commodity derivatives | 1,520 | Revenue | 7,598 | — | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | (258 | ) | $ | 4,491 | $ | — |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships | Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in AOCI Derivative (Effective Portion) | Location of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion) | Amount of Reclassified Gain/(Loss) from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion) | Location of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion) | Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion) | |||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | $ | (429 | ) | Interest expense | $ | (1,820 | ) | $ | — | |||||||
Commodity derivatives | (6,209 | ) | Revenue | (1,562 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Total | $ | (6,638 | ) | $ | (3,382 | ) | $ | — |
(10) FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Derivative Financial Instruments
The accounting guidance for fair value measurements requires certain disclosures about assets and liabilities measured at fair value. This guidance establishes a hierarchical framework for disclosing the observability of the inputs utilized in measuring assets and liabilities at fair value. Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. We record transfers, if necessary, between levels at the end of the reporting period for all of our financial instruments. For additional information see Notes 1, 8, 9 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A filed with the SEC.
Transfers into Level 3, if any, occur when significant inputs used to value the derivative instruments become less observable such as a significant decrease in the frequency and volume in which the instrument is traded, negatively impacting the availability of observable pricing inputs. Transfers out of Level 3, if any, occur when the significant inputs become more observable, such as when the time between the valuation date and the delivery date of a transaction becomes shorter, positively impacting the availability of observable pricing inputs.
Valuation Methodologies for Derivatives
Oil and Gas Segment:
• | The commodity contracts for our Oil and Gas segment are valued using the market approach and include exchange-traded futures and basis swaps. Fair value was derived using exchange quoted settlement prices from third party brokers for similar instruments as to quantity and timing. The prices are then validated through third-party sources and therefore support Level 2 disclosure. |
23
Utilities Segments:
• | The commodity contracts for our Utilities Segments, valued using the market approach, include exchange-traded futures, options and basis swaps (Level 2) for natural gas contracts. For Level 2 assets and liabilities, fair value was derived using broker quotes validated by the exchange settlement pricing for the applicable contract. |
Corporate Activities:
• | The interest rate swaps are valued using the market approach. We establish fair value by obtaining price quotes directly from the counterparty which are based on the floating three-month LIBOR curve for the term of the contract. The fair value obtained from the counterparty is then validated by utilizing a nationally recognized service that obtains observable inputs to compute fair value for the same instrument. In addition, the fair value for the interest rate swap derivatives includes a CVA component. The CVA considers the fair value of the interest rate swap and the probability of default based on the life of the contract. For the probability of a default component, we utilize observable inputs supporting a Level 2 disclosure by using our credit default spread, if available, or a generic credit default spread curve that takes into account our credit ratings. |
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
There have been no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 derivative balances. Amounts included in cash collateral and counterparty netting in the following tables represent the impact of legally enforceable master netting agreements that allow us to settle positive and negative positions, netting of asset and liability positions permitted in accordance with accounting standards for offsetting as well as cash collateral posted with the same counterparties.
The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy our gross assets and gross liabilities and related offsetting as permitted by GAAP that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis for derivative instruments. A discussion of fair value of financial instruments is included in Note 11:
As of June 30, 2015 | ||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Cash Collateral and Counterparty Netting | Total | ||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Commodity derivatives — Oil and Gas | ||||||||||||||||
Options -- Oil | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||
Basis Swaps -- Oil | — | 5,178 | — | (5,178 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Options -- Gas | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Basis Swaps -- Gas | — | 4,372 | — | (4,372 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Commodity derivatives — Utilities | — | 2,577 | — | (2,577 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Total | $ | — | $ | 12,127 | $ | — | $ | (12,127 | ) | $ | — | |||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
Commodity derivatives — Oil and Gas | ||||||||||||||||
Options -- Oil | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||
Basis Swaps -- Oil | — | 112 | — | (112 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Options -- Gas | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Basis Swaps -- Gas | — | 498 | — | (498 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Commodity derivatives — Utilities | — | 18,758 | — | (18,758 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | — | 4,722 | — | — | 4,722 | |||||||||||
Total | $ | — | $ | 24,090 | $ | — | $ | (19,368 | ) | $ | 4,722 |
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As of December 31, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Cash Collateral and Counterparty Netting | Total | ||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Commodity derivatives — Oil and Gas | ||||||||||||||||
Options -- Oil | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||
Basis Swaps -- Oil | — | 8,599 | — | (8,599 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Options -- Gas | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Basis Swaps -- Gas | — | 6,558 | — | (6,558 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Commodity derivatives —Utilities | — | 2,389 | — | (2,389 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Total | $ | — | $ | 17,546 | $ | — | $ | (17,546 | ) | $ | — | |||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
Commodity derivatives — Oil and Gas | ||||||||||||||||
Options -- Oil | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||
Basis Swaps -- Oil | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Options -- Gas | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Basis Swaps -- Gas | — | 473 | — | (473 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Commodity derivatives — Utilities | — | 19,303 | — | (19,303 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | — | 6,020 | — | — | 6,020 | |||||||||||
Total | $ | — | $ | 25,796 | $ | — | $ | (19,776 | ) | $ | 6,020 |
As of June 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Cash Collateral and Counterparty Netting | Total | ||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Commodity derivatives — Oil and Gas | ||||||||||||||||
Options -- Oil | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||
Basis Swaps -- Oil | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Options -- Gas | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Basis Swaps -- Gas | — | 600 | — | (600 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Commodity derivatives — Utilities | — | 4,342 | — | (2,605 | ) | 1,737 | ||||||||||
Total | $ | — | $ | 4,942 | $ | — | $ | (3,205 | ) | $ | 1,737 | |||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
Commodity derivatives — Oil and Gas | ||||||||||||||||
Options -- Oil | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||
Basis Swaps -- Oil | — | 4,020 | — | (4,020 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Options -- Gas | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Basis Swaps -- Gas | — | 2,030 | — | (2,030 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Commodity derivatives — Utilities | — | 5,989 | — | (5,989 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | — | 7,731 | — | — | 7,731 | |||||||||||
Total | $ | — | $ | 19,770 | $ | — | $ | (12,039 | ) | $ | 7,731 |
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Fair Value Measures by Balance Sheet Classification
As required by accounting standards for derivatives and hedges, fair values within the following tables are presented on a gross basis aside from the netting of asset and liability positions permitted in accordance with accounting standards for offsetting and under terms of our master netting agreements and the impact of legally enforceable master netting agreements that allow us to settle positive and negative positions. However, the amounts do not include net cash collateral on deposit in margin accounts at June 30, 2015, December 31, 2014, and June 30, 2014, to collateralize certain financial instruments, which are included in Derivative assets and/or Derivative liabilities. Therefore, the balances are not indicative of either our actual credit exposure or net economic exposure. Additionally, the amounts below will not agree with the amounts presented on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, nor will they correspond to the fair value measurements presented in Note 9.
The following tables present the fair value and balance sheet classification of our derivative instruments (in thousands):
As of June 30, 2015 | ||||||||
Balance Sheet Location | Fair Value of Asset Derivatives | Fair Value of Liability Derivatives | ||||||
Derivatives designated as hedges: | ||||||||
Commodity derivatives | Derivative assets — current | $ | 6,931 | $ | — | |||
Commodity derivatives | Derivative assets — non-current | 2,619 | — | |||||
Commodity derivatives | Derivative liabilities — current | — | 493 | |||||
Commodity derivatives | Derivative liabilities — non-current | — | 117 | |||||
Interest rate swaps | Derivative liabilities — current | — | 3,289 | |||||
Interest rate swaps | Derivative liabilities — non-current | — | 1,433 | |||||
Total derivatives designated as hedges | $ | 9,550 | $ | 5,332 | ||||
Derivatives not designated as hedges: | ||||||||
Commodity derivatives | Derivative assets — current | $ | — | $ | — | |||
Commodity derivatives | Derivative assets — non-current | — | — | |||||
Commodity derivatives | Derivative liabilities — current | — | 5,156 | |||||
Commodity derivatives | Derivative liabilities — non-current | — | 11,025 | |||||
Total derivatives not designated as hedges | $ | — | $ | 16,181 |
As of December 31, 2014 | ||||||||
Balance Sheet Location | Fair Value of Asset Derivatives | Fair Value of Liability Derivatives | ||||||
Derivatives designated as hedges: | ||||||||
Commodity derivatives | Derivative assets — current | $ | 10,391 | $ | — | |||
Commodity derivatives | Derivative assets — non-current | 4,766 | — | |||||
Commodity derivatives | Derivative liabilities — current | — | 185 | |||||
Commodity derivatives | Derivative liabilities — non-current | — | 288 | |||||
Interest rate swaps | Derivative liabilities — current | — | 3,340 | |||||
Interest rate swaps | Derivative liabilities — non-current | — | 2,680 | |||||
Total derivatives designated as hedges | $ | 15,157 | $ | 6,493 | ||||
Derivatives not designated as hedges: | ||||||||
Commodity derivatives | Derivative assets — current | $ | — | $ | — | |||
Commodity derivatives | Derivative assets — non-current | — | — | |||||
Commodity derivatives | Derivative liabilities — current | — | 8,032 | |||||
Commodity derivatives | Derivative liabilities — non-current | — | 8,882 | |||||
Total derivatives not designated as hedges | $ | — | $ | 16,914 |
26
As of June 30, 2014 | ||||||||
Balance Sheet Location | Fair Value of Asset Derivatives | Fair Value of Liability Derivatives | ||||||
Derivatives designated as hedges: | ||||||||
Commodity derivatives | Derivative assets — current | $ | 262 | $ | — | |||
Commodity derivatives | Derivative assets — non-current | 338 | — | |||||
Commodity derivatives | Derivative liabilities — current | — | 3,702 | |||||
Commodity derivatives | Derivative liabilities — non-current | — | 2,348 | |||||
Interest rate swaps | Derivative liabilities — current | — | 3,480 | |||||
Interest rate swaps | Derivative liabilities — non-current | — | 4,251 | |||||
Total derivatives designated as hedges | $ | 600 | $ | 13,781 | ||||
Derivatives not designated as hedges: | ||||||||
Commodity derivatives | Derivative assets — current | $ | 1,737 | $ | — | |||
Commodity derivatives | Derivative assets — non-current | — | — | |||||
Commodity derivatives | Derivative liabilities — current | — | — | |||||
Commodity derivatives | Derivative liabilities — non-current | — | 3,384 | |||||
Total derivatives not designated as hedges | $ | 1,737 | $ | 3,384 |
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(11) FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The estimated fair values of our financial instruments, excluding derivatives which are presented in Note 10, were as follows (in thousands) as of:
June 30, 2015 | December 31, 2014 | June 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||
Carrying Amount | Fair Value | Carrying Amount | Fair Value | Carrying Amount | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents (a) | $ | 87,210 | $ | 87,210 | $ | 21,218 | $ | 21,218 | $ | 14,697 | $ | 14,697 | ||||||||
Restricted cash and equivalents (a) | $ | 2,316 | $ | 2,316 | $ | 2,056 | $ | 2,056 | $ | 2 | $ | 2 | ||||||||
Notes payable (a) | $ | 105,760 | $ | 105,760 | $ | 75,000 | $ | 75,000 | $ | 132,700 | $ | 132,700 | ||||||||
Long-term debt, including current maturities (b) | $ | 1,567,727 | $ | 1,700,487 | $ | 1,542,589 | $ | 1,734,555 | $ | 1,396,950 | $ | 1,578,756 |
__________
(a) | Carrying value approximates fair value due to either the short-term length of maturity or variable interest rates that approximate prevailing market rates, and therefore is classified in Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. |
(b) | Long-term debt is valued based on observable inputs available either directly or indirectly for similar liabilities in active markets and therefore is classified in Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. |
(12) | OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) |
The components of the reclassification adjustments, net of tax, included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the periods were as follows (in thousands):
Location on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) | Amount Reclassified from AOCI | ||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||
June 30, 2015 | June 30, 2014 | June 30, 2015 | June 30, 2014 | ||||||||||
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges: | |||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | Interest expense | $ | 1,670 | $ | 926 | $ | 3,107 | $ | 1,820 | ||||
Commodity contracts | Revenue | (3,666 | ) | 1,251 | (7,598 | ) | 1,562 | ||||||
(1,996 | ) | 2,177 | (4,491 | ) | 3,382 | ||||||||
Income tax | Income tax benefit (expense) | 735 | (774 | ) | 1,989 | (1,199 | ) | ||||||
Reclassification adjustments related to cash flow hedges, net of tax | $ | (1,261 | ) | $ | 1,403 | $ | (2,502 | ) | $ | 2,183 | |||
Amortization of defined benefit plans: | |||||||||||||
Prior service cost | Utilities - Operations and maintenance | $ | (26 | ) | $ | (25 | ) | $ | (53 | ) | $ | (51 | ) |
Non-regulated energy operations and maintenance | (29 | ) | (84 | ) | (57 | ) | (71 | ) | |||||
Actuarial gain (loss) | Utilities - Operations and maintenance | 454 | 158 | 908 | 315 | ||||||||
Non-regulated energy operations and maintenance | 251 | 101 | 502 | 186 | |||||||||
650 | 150 | 1,300 | 379 | ||||||||||
Income tax | Income tax benefit (expense) | (228 | ) | (52 | ) | (456 | ) | (133 | ) | ||||
Reclassification adjustments related to defined benefit plans, net of tax | $ | 422 | $ | 98 | $ | 844 | $ | 246 |
Balances by classification included within Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (in thousands):
28
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges | Employee Benefit Plans | Total | |||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2013 | $ | (7,133 | ) | $ | (10,289 | ) | $ | (17,422 | ) |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | (1,478 | ) | 311 | (1,167 | ) | ||||
Balance as of March 31, 2014 | (8,611 | ) | (9,978 | ) | (18,589 | ) | |||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | (556 | ) | (296 | ) | (852 | ) | |||
Balance as of June 30, 2014 | $ | (9,167 | ) | $ | (10,274 | ) | $ | (19,441 | ) |
Balance as of December 31, 2014 | $ | 5,093 | $ | (20,137 | ) | $ | (15,044 | ) | |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | 595 | 395 | 990 | ||||||
Balance as of March 31, 2015 | 5,688 | (19,742 | ) | (14,054 | ) | ||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | 422 | (3,227 | ) | (2,805 | ) | ||||
Balance as of June 30, 2015 | $ | 6,110 | $ | (22,969 | ) | $ | (16,859 | ) |
(13) SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Six months ended | June 30, 2015 | June 30, 2014 | |||||
(in thousands) | |||||||
Non-cash investing and financing activities from continuing operations— | |||||||
Property, plant and equipment acquired with accrued liabilities | $ | 36,661 | $ | 40,611 | |||
Increase (decrease) in capitalized assets associated with asset retirement obligations | $ | — | $ | (2,785 | ) | ||
Cash (paid) refunded during the period for continuing operations— | |||||||
Interest (net of amounts capitalized) | $ | (37,698 | ) | $ | (35,009 | ) | |
Income taxes, net | $ | (1,202 | ) | $ | (396 | ) |
(14) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Defined Benefit Pension Plans were as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||
Service cost | $ | 1,494 | $ | 1,362 | $ | 2,988 | $ | 2,724 | |||||
Interest cost | 3,880 | 3,963 | 7,760 | 7,926 | |||||||||
Expected return on plan assets | (4,867 | ) | (4,516 | ) | (9,734 | ) | (9,032 | ) | |||||
Prior service cost | 15 | 16 | 30 | 32 | |||||||||
Net loss (gain) | 2,759 | 1,201 | 5,518 | 2,403 | |||||||||
Net periodic benefit cost | $ | 3,281 | $ | 2,026 | $ | 6,562 | $ | 4,053 |
Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans
The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans were as follows (in thousands):
29
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||
Service cost | $ | 464 | $ | 425 | $ | 928 | $ | 850 | |||||
Interest cost | 450 | 480 | 900 | 959 | |||||||||
Expected return on plan assets | (33 | ) | (21 | ) | (66 | ) | (42 | ) | |||||
Prior service cost (benefit) | (107 | ) | (107 | ) | (214 | ) | (214 | ) | |||||
Net loss (gain) | 102 | 40 | 204 | 80 | |||||||||
Net periodic benefit cost | $ | 876 | $ | 817 | $ | 1,752 | $ | 1,633 |
Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Plans
The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Plans were as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||
Service cost | $ | 392 | $ | 374 | $ | 883 | $ | 749 | |||||
Interest cost | 364 | 362 | 728 | 724 | |||||||||
Prior service cost | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | |||||||||
Net loss (gain) | 270 | 124 | 540 | 249 | |||||||||
Net periodic benefit cost | $ | 1,027 | $ | 861 | $ | 2,153 | $ | 1,723 |
Contributions
We anticipate that we will make contributions to the benefit plans during 2015 and 2016. Contributions to the Defined Benefit Pension Plans are cash contributions made directly to the Pension Plan Trust accounts. Contributions to the Healthcare and Supplemental Plan are made in the form of benefit payments. Contributions and anticipated contributions are as follows (in thousands):
Contributions Made | Contributions Made | Additional Contributions | Contributions | |||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 | Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 | Anticipated for 2015 | Anticipated for 2016 | |||||||||
Defined Benefit Pension Plans | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 10,200 | $ | 10,200 | ||||
Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Healthcare Plans | $ | 939 | $ | 1,878 | $ | 1,877 | $ | 4,026 | ||||
Supplemental Non-qualified Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Plans | $ | 372 | $ | 744 | $ | 743 | $ | 1,544 |
30
(15) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
There have been no significant changes to commitments and contingencies from those previously disclosed in Note 18 of our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A except for those described below and in Note 2.
Oil Creek Fire
On June 29, 2012, a forest and grassland fire occurred in the western Black Hills of Wyoming. A fire investigator retained by the Weston County Fire Protection District concluded that the fire was caused by the failure of a transmission structure owned, operated and maintained by Black Hills Power. On April 16, 2013, a large group of private landowners filed suit in the United States District Court for the District of Wyoming. There are approximately 36 Plaintiff groups (including property jointly owned by multiple family members or entities), or approximately 73 individually named private plaintiffs. In addition, the State of Wyoming has intervened in the lawsuit. Both the private landowners and the State of Wyoming assert claims for damages against Black Hills Power. The claims include allegations of negligence, negligence per se, common law nuisance and trespass. In addition to claims for compensatory damages, the lawsuit seeks recovery of punitive damages. We have denied and will vigorously defend all claims arising out of the fire. We cannot predict the outcome of expert investigation, the viability of alleged claims or the outcome of the litigation.
Civil litigation of this kind, however, is likely to lead to settlement negotiations, including negotiations prompted by pre-trial civil court procedures. We believe such negotiations would effect a settlement of all claims. Regardless of whether the litigation is determined at trial or through settlement, we expect to incur significant investigation, legal and expert services expenses associated with the litigation. We maintain insurance coverage to limit our exposure to losses due to civil liability claims, and related litigation expense, and we will pursue recoveries to the maximum extent available under the policies. The deductible applicable to some types of claims arising out of this fire is $1.0 million. Based upon information currently available, we believe that a loss associated with settlement of pending claims is probable. Accordingly, we recorded a loss contingency liability related to these claims and we recorded a receivable for costs we believe are reimbursable and probable of recovery under our insurance coverage. Both of these entries reflect our reasonable estimate of probable future litigation expense and settlement costs; we did not base these contingencies on any determination that it is probable we would be found liable for these claims were they to be litigated.
Given the uncertainty of litigation, however, a loss related to the fire, the litigation and related claims in excess of the loss we have determined to be probable is reasonably possible. We cannot reasonably estimate the amount of such possible loss because expert investigations and our review of damage claim documentation are ongoing, and there are significant factual and legal issues to be resolved. Further claims may be presented by these claimants and other parties. We have received claims seeking recovery for fire suppression, reclamation and rehabilitation costs, damage to fencing and other personal property, alleged injury to timber, grass or hay, livestock and related operations, and diminished value of real estate. Based on the legal standard for measuring damages that we believe applies to this matter, we estimate the current total claims to be approximately $55 million; however the actual amount of allowed claims and any loss will depend on the resolution of certain factual and legal issues. We are not yet able to reasonably estimate the amount of any reasonable possible losses in excess of the amount we have accrued. Based upon information currently available, however, management does not expect the outcome of the claims to have a material adverse effect upon our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Dividend Restrictions
Our Revolving Credit Facility and other debt obligations contain restrictions on the payment of cash dividends upon a default or event of default. As of June 30, 2015, we were in compliance with the debt covenants.
Due to our holding company structure, substantially all of our operating cash flows are provided by dividends paid or distributions made by our subsidiaries. The cash to pay dividends to our stockholders is derived from these cash flows. As a result, certain statutory limitations or regulatory or financing agreements could affect the levels of distributions allowed to be made by our subsidiaries. The following restrictions on distributions from our subsidiaries existed at June 30, 2015:
• | Our utilities are generally limited to the amount of dividends allowed to be paid to us as a utility holding company under the Federal Power Act and settlement agreements with state regulatory jurisdictions. As of June 30, 2015, the restricted net assets at our Utilities Group were approximately $325 million. |
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(16) IMPAIRMENT OF ASSETS
Long-lived assets
Our Oil and Gas segment accounts for oil and gas activities under the full cost method of accounting. Under the full cost method, all productive and non-productive costs related to acquisition, exploration, development, abandonment and reclamation activities are capitalized. These capitalized costs, less accumulated amortization and related deferred income taxes, are subject to a ceiling test which limits the pooled costs to the aggregate of the discounted value of future net revenue attributable to proved natural gas and crude oil reserves using a discount rate defined by the SEC plus the lower of cost or market value of unevaluated properties. Any costs in excess of the ceiling are written off as a non-cash charge.
During the first quarter of 2015, we recorded a $22 million pre-tax non-cash impairment of oil and gas assets included in our Oil and Gas segment. In determining the ceiling value of our assets under the full cost accounting rules of the SEC, we utilized the average of the quoted prices from the first day of each month from the previous 12 months. For natural gas, the average NYMEX price was $3.88 per Mcf, adjusted to $2.69 per Mcf at the wellhead; for crude oil, the average NYMEX price was $82.72 per barrel, adjusted to $74.13 per barrel at the wellhead. As a result of continued low commodity prices during the second quarter of 2015, we recorded a $94 million pre-tax non-cash impairment of oil and gas assets. For natural gas, the average NYMEX price was $3.39 per Mcf, adjusted to $2.14 per Mcf at the wellhead; for crude oil, the average NYMEX price was $71.68 per barrel, adjusted to $63.76 per barrel at the wellhead.
Equity investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries
Our Oil and Gas segment owns a 25% interest in a pipeline and gathering system, accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Due to sustained low commodity prices, recurring operating losses and future expectations we reviewed this investment interest for impairment utilizing the other-than-temporary impairment model under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements. We valued this investment applying a market method approach utilizing assumptions consistent with similar known and measurable transactions. The carrying amount of this equity method investment exceeded the fair value, and we concluded the decline is considered to be other than temporary. As a result we recorded a pre-tax impairment loss at June 30, 2015 of $5.2 million, the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the investment.
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ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. |
We are a growth-oriented, vertically-integrated energy company operating principally in the United States with two major business groups — Utilities and Non-regulated Energy. We report our business groups in the following financial segments:
Business Group | Financial Segment |
Utilities | Electric Utilities |
Gas Utilities | |
Non-regulated Energy | Power Generation |
Coal Mining | |
Oil and Gas |
Our Utilities Group consists of our Electric and Gas Utilities segments. Our Electric Utilities segment generates, transmits and distributes electricity to approximately 205,400 customers in South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado and Montana; and also distributes natural gas to approximately 44,000 Cheyenne Light customers in Wyoming. Our Gas Utilities serve approximately 543,200 natural gas customers in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska. Our Non-regulated Energy Group consists of our Power Generation, Coal Mining and Oil and Gas segments. Our Power Generation segment produces electric power from our generating plants and sells the electric capacity and energy principally to our utilities under long-term contracts. Our Coal Mining segment produces coal at our coal mine near Gillette, Wyoming and sells the coal primarily to on-site, mine-mouth power generation facilities. Our Oil and Gas segment engages in exploration, development and production of crude oil and natural gas, primarily in the Rocky Mountain region.
Certain industries in which we operate are highly seasonal, and revenue from, and certain expenses for, such operations may fluctuate significantly among quarterly periods. Demand for electricity and natural gas is sensitive to seasonal cooling, heating and industrial load requirements, as well as changes in market prices. In particular, the normal peak usage season for our electric utilities is June through August while the normal peak usage season for our gas utilities is November through March. Significant earnings variances can be expected between the Gas Utilities segment’s peak and off-peak seasons. Due to this seasonal nature, our results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, and our financial condition as of June 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014, are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations and financial condition to be expected as of or for any other period or for the entire year.
See Forward-Looking Information in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of this Item 2, beginning on Page 64. |
The following business group and segment information does not include inter-company eliminations. Minor differences in amounts may result due to rounding. All amounts are presented on a pre-tax basis unless otherwise indicated.
Certain disclosures included in this Management Discussion and Analysis have been revised as discussed in the Note 1 of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
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Results of Operations
Executive Summary, Significant Events and Overview
Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2014. Net income (loss) for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was $(42) million, or $(0.94) per share, compared to Net income (loss) of $20 million, or $0.46 per share, reported for the same period in 2014. The Net income (loss) for the three months ended June 30, 2015 included a non-cash after-tax ceiling test impairment of $63 million and a non-cash after-tax impairment loss on an equity investment of $3.4 million. The Net income (loss) for the three months ended June 30, 2014 did not contain any expenses, gains or losses that we believe are not representative of our core operating performance.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2014. Net income (loss) for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $(8) million, or $(0.18) per share, compared to Net income (loss) of $69 million, or $1.55 per share, reported for the same period in 2014. The Net income (loss) for the six months ended June 30, 2015 included a non-cash after-tax ceiling test impairment of $77 million and a non-cash after-tax impairment loss on an equity investment of $3.4 million. The Net income (loss) for the six months ended June 30, 2014 did not contain any expenses, gains or losses that we believe are not representative of our core operating performance.
The following table summarizes select financial results by operating segment and details significant items (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | Variance | 2015 | 2014 | Variance | |||||||||||||
Revenue | ||||||||||||||||||
Utilities | $ | 251,686 | $ | 264,383 | $ | (12,697 | ) | $ | 675,735 | $ | 705,822 | $ | (30,087 | ) | ||||
Non-regulated Energy | 51,353 | 51,779 | (426 | ) | 101,228 | 104,475 | (3,247 | ) | ||||||||||
Inter-company eliminations | (30,785 | ) | (32,925 | ) | 2,140 | (62,722 | ) | (66,891 | ) | 4,169 | ||||||||
$ | 272,254 | $ | 283,237 | $ | (10,983 | ) | $ | 714,241 | $ | 743,406 | $ | (29,165 | ) | |||||
Net income (loss) | ||||||||||||||||||
Electric Utilities | $ | 17,702 | $ | 11,427 | $ | 6,275 | $ | 36,631 | $ | 26,002 | $ | 10,629 | ||||||
Gas Utilities | 3,165 | 1,994 | 1,171 | 25,377 | 26,692 | (1,315 | ) | |||||||||||
Utilities | 20,867 | 13,421 | 7,446 | 62,008 | 52,694 | 9,314 | ||||||||||||
Power Generation | 7,549 | 7,194 | 355 | 15,694 | 15,267 | 427 | ||||||||||||
Coal Mining | 3,049 | 2,016 | 1,033 | 6,059 | 4,480 | 1,579 | ||||||||||||
Oil and Gas (a) (b) | (71,195 | ) | (1,133 | ) | (70,062 | ) | (90,310 | ) | (2,628 | ) | (87,682 | ) | ||||||
Non-regulated Energy | (60,597 | ) | 8,077 | (68,674 | ) | (68,557 | ) | 17,119 | (85,676 | ) | ||||||||
Corporate activities and eliminations (c) | (2,112 | ) | (1,151 | ) | (961 | ) | (1,443 | ) | (821 | ) | (622 | ) | ||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (41,842 | ) | $ | 20,347 | $ | (62,189 | ) | $ | (7,992 | ) | $ | 68,992 | $ | (76,984 | ) |
__________
(a) | Net income (loss) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 included non-cash after-tax ceiling test impairments of $63 million and $77 million, respectively. See Note 16 of the Condensed Consolidated Financial statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. |
(b) | Net income (loss) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 included a non-cash after-tax impairment to equity investments of $3.4 million. See Note 16 of the Condensed Consolidated Financial statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. |
(c) Net income (loss) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 included acquisition costs, after-tax of $0.5 million and $0.3 million, respectively. See Note 2 of the Condensed Consolidated Financial statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
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Overview of Business Segments and Corporate Activity
Utilities Group
• | Gas Utilities experienced milder weather during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2014. Heating degree days were 14% and 9% lower, respectively for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to the same periods in 2014. Heating degree days for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 were 10% lower and 1% higher than normal, respectively, compared to 5% and 12% higher than normal for the same periods in 2014. |
• | Construction on Colorado Electric’s $65 million 40 MW natural gas-fired combustion turbine continued in the second quarter of 2015. Through June 30, 2015, approximately $15 million was expended, and the project is on schedule to be completed and placed into service in the fourth quarter of 2016. Construction riders related to the project increased gross margins by approximately $0.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015. |
• | On July 23, 2015, Black Hills Power received approval from the WPSC for a CPCN originally filed on July 22, 2014 to construct the Wyoming portion of a $54 million, 230-kV, 144 mile-long transmission line that would connect the Teckla Substation in northeast Wyoming, to the Lange Substation near Rapid City, South Dakota. Black Hills Power received approval on November 6, 2014 from the SDPUC for a permit to construct the South Dakota portion of this line. Black Hills Power plans to commence construction in the fourth quarter of 2015. |
• | On July 1, 2015, we completed the acquisition of Wyoming natural gas utility Energy West Wyoming Inc., and natural gas pipeline assets from Energy West Development Inc., a deal previously announced on October 14, 2014. The utility and pipeline assets were acquired for approximately $17 million, and will operate under Cheyenne Light. The acquired system serves approximately 6,700 customers, in Cody, Ralston, and Meeteetse, Wyoming. The pipeline acquisition includes a 30 mile gas transmission pipeline and a 42 mile gas gathering pipeline, both located near the utility service territory. |
• | On June 23, 2015 Colorado Electric filed for a CPCN with the CPUC to acquire the planned 60 MW Peak View Wind Project, to be located near Colorado Electric's Busch Ranch wind farm. This renewable energy project was originally submitted in response to Colorado Electric's all-source generation request on May 5, 2014. The project will be built by a wind developer and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter 2016. At a pre-hearing conference on July 22, 2015 the CPUC established a procedural schedule with an evidentiary hearing to be held at the end of September 2015, and a target date for a CPUC decision on November 6, 2015. Assuming CPUC approval, Colorado Electric will purchase the project for approximately $101 million upon commercial operation. |
• | On March 16, 2015, we announced plans to build a new corporate headquarters in Rapid City that will consolidate our approximately 500 employees in Rapid City from five locations into one. The investment in the new corporate headquarters will be approximately $70 million and will support all our businesses. The cost of the facility will replace existing expenses of our five facilities throughout Rapid City. Construction is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2015 with completion expected in 2017. |
• | On March 2, 2015, the SDPUC issued an order approving a rate stipulation and agreement authorizing an annual electric revenue increase for Black Hills Power of $6.9 million. The agreement was a Global Settlement and did not stipulate return on equity and capital structure. The SDPUC’s decision provides Black Hills Power a return on its investment in Cheyenne Prairie and associated infrastructure, and provides recovery of its share of operating expenses for this natural gas-fired facility. Black Hills Power implemented interim rates on October 1, 2014, coinciding with Cheyenne Prairie’s commercial operation date. Final rates were approved on April 1, 2015, effective October 1, 2014. |
• | In January 2015, Colorado Electric implemented new rates in accordance with the CPUC approval received on December 19, 2014 for an annual electric revenue increase of $3.1 million. The approval also allowed a 9.83% return on equity and a capital structure of 49.83% equity and 50.17% debt, as well as approving implementation of a construction financing rider. This approval allows Colorado Electric to recover increased operating expenses and infrastructure investments, including those for the Busch Ranch Wind Farm, placed in service late 2012. The implementation of the rider also allows Colorado Electric to recover a return on the construction costs for a $65 million natural gas-fired combustion turbine that will replace the retired W.N. Clark power plant. |
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• | In January 2015, Kansas Gas implemented new base rates in accordance with the rate request approval received on December 16, 2014 from the KCC to increase base rates by $5.2 million. This increase in base rates allows Kansas Gas to recover infrastructure and increased operating costs. The approval was a Global Settlement and did not stipulate return on equity and capital structure. |
Non-regulated Energy Group
• | Our Oil and Gas segment was impacted by lower commodity prices for crude oil and natural gas for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014. The average hedged price received for natural gas decreased by 44% and 39%, respectively for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014. The average hedged price received for oil decreased by 17% and 22%, respectively for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014. Oil and Gas production volumes increased 32% and 28%, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014. |
• | We review the carrying value of our natural gas and oil properties under the full cost accounting rules of the SEC on a quarterly basis, known as a ceiling test. In the first and second quarters of 2015, our Oil and Gas segment recorded non-cash ceiling test impairments of $22 million and $94 million, respectively, as a result of continued low commodity prices. Using our current reserves information, further ceiling test impairments could occur in 2015 if commodity prices for crude oil and natural gas remain at current levels. |
• | We decreased our planned 2016 and 2017 capital expenditures at our Oil and Gas segment from $122 million and $120 million to $12 million and $15 million, respectively, based on our expectation of continued low commodity prices. We are currently drilling the last of 13 Mancos Shale wells for our 2014/2015 drilling program on three separate pads in the Piceanse Basin. We placed three wells on production in the first quarter of 2015, and production results to date from these wells have been favorable, and exceeded our expectations. We expect to complete three wells in the third quarter of 2015 and three more in the fourth quarter of 2015. In the first quarter of 2015, we increased our planned capital expenditures to $167 million from $123 million, and now expect our total 2015 capital expenditures to be approximately $179 million. The overall change from $123 million to $179 million is due to approximately $50 million of 2014 carryover drilling program carryover and another $35 million for non-consenting working interest owners in the program, offset by approximately $30 million from the completion deferral of our four remaining Mancos wells. Completion of these four remaining wells is being deferred based on the positive results of our producing wells, as well as our expectation of continued low commodity prices. |
Corporate Activities
• | On July 12, 2015, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire SourceGas for approximately $1.89 billion, including $200 million in capital expenditures through closing and the assumption of $720 million in debt projected at closing. The effective purchase price is $1.74 billion after taking into account approximately $150 million in tax benefits consisting of acquired NOL’s and goodwill tax benefits, resulting from the transaction. SourceGas operates four regulated natural gas utilities serving approximately 425,000 customers in Arkansas, Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming, and a 512 mile regulated intrastate natural gas transmission pipeline in Colorado. The acquisition of SourceGas is expected to close during the first half of 2016. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, regulatory approvals from the APSC, CPUC, NPSC and WPSC, and is also subject to notification, clearance and reporting requirements under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. |
• | On July 14, 2015, Moody's affirmed the BHC credit rating and revised the outlook to negative due to our announcement to acquire SourceGas. |
• | On July 13, 2015, S&P affirmed the BHC credit rating with stable outlook after our announcement to acquire SourceGas. |
• | On July 13, 2015, Fitch affirmed the BHC credit rating and revised the outlook to negative due to our announcement to acquire SourceGas. |
• | On June 26, 2015, we amended our $500 million corporate Revolving Credit Facility agreement to extend the term, one year, through June 26, 2020. This facility is similar to the former agreement, which includes an accordion feature that allows us, with the consent of the administrative agent and issuing agents, to increase the capacity of the facility to $750 million. Borrowings continue to be available under a base rate or various Eurodollar rate options. |
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• | On April 13, 2015, we entered into a new $300 million unsecured term loan. The loan has a two-year term with a maturity date of April 12, 2017. Proceeds of the term note were used to repay the existing $275 million term note due June 19, 2015. |
Operating Results
A discussion of operating results from our segments and Corporate activities follows.
Utilities Group
We report two segments within the Utilities Group: Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities. The Electric Utilities segment includes the regulated electric operations of Black Hills Power, Colorado Electric and the regulated electric and natural gas operations of Cheyenne Light. The Gas Utilities segment includes the regulated natural gas utility operations of Black Hills Energy in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska.
Non-GAAP Financial Measure
The following discussion includes financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as another financial measure, gross margin, that is considered a “non-GAAP financial measure.” Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s financial performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes (or includes) amounts that are included in (or excluded from) the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Gross margin (revenue less cost of sales) is a non-GAAP financial measure due to the exclusion of depreciation from the measure. The presentation of gross margin is intended to supplement investors’ understanding of our operating performance.
Gross margin for our Electric Utilities is calculated as operating revenue less cost of fuel, purchased power and cost of natural gas sold to the gas utility customers of Cheyenne Light. Gross margin for our Gas Utilities is calculated as operating revenues less cost of natural gas sold. Our gross margin is impacted by the fluctuations in power purchases and natural gas and other fuel supply costs. However, while these fluctuating costs impact gross margin as a percentage of revenue, they only impact total gross margin if the costs cannot be passed through to our customers.
Our gross margin measure may not be comparable to other companies’ gross margin measure. Furthermore, this measure is not intended to replace operating income as determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of operating performance.
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Electric Utilities
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | Variance | 2015 | 2014 | Variance | |||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||
Revenue — electric | $ | 164,023 | $ | 154,544 | $ | 9,479 | $ | 333,940 | $ | 322,909 | $ | 11,031 | ||||||
Revenue — gas | 8,237 | 7,340 | 897 | 24,718 | 21,077 | 3,641 | ||||||||||||
Total revenue | 172,260 | 161,884 | 10,376 | 358,658 | 343,986 | 14,672 | ||||||||||||
Fuel, purchased power and cost of gas — electric | 64,185 | 69,723 | (5,538 | ) | 131,875 | 148,142 | (16,267 | ) | ||||||||||
Purchased gas — gas | 3,769 | 4,051 | (282 | ) | 13,867 | 12,325 | 1,542 | |||||||||||
Total fuel, purchased power and cost of gas | 67,954 | 73,774 | (5,820 | ) | 145,742 | 160,467 | (14,725 | ) | ||||||||||
Gross margin — electric | 99,838 | 84,821 | 15,017 | 202,065 | 174,767 | 27,298 | ||||||||||||
Gross margin — gas | 4,468 | 3,289 | 1,179 | 10,851 | 8,752 | 2,099 | ||||||||||||
Total gross margin | 104,306 | 88,110 | 16,196 | 212,916 | 183,519 | 29,397 | ||||||||||||
Operations and maintenance | 43,824 | 40,272 | 3,552 | 87,808 | 82,872 | 4,936 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 20,541 | 19,274 | 1,267 | 41,585 | 38,361 | 3,224 | ||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 64,365 | 59,546 | 4,819 | 129,393 | 121,233 | 8,160 | ||||||||||||
Operating income | 39,941 | 28,564 | 11,377 | 83,523 | 62,286 | 21,237 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (13,558 | ) | (11,829 | ) | (1,729 | ) | (27,391 | ) | (23,841 | ) | (3,550 | ) | ||||||
Other income (expense), net | 171 | 352 | (181 | ) | 240 | 608 | (368 | ) | ||||||||||
Income tax benefit (expense) | (8,852 | ) | (5,660 | ) | (3,192 | ) | (19,741 | ) | (13,051 | ) | (6,690 | ) | ||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 17,702 | $ | 11,427 | $ | 6,275 | $ | 36,631 | $ | 26,002 | $ | 10,629 |
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Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
Revenue - Electric (in thousands) | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||
Residential: | |||||||||||||||
Black Hills Power | $ | 15,470 | $ | 14,332 | $ | 35,610 | $ | 34,392 | |||||||
Cheyenne Light | 8,929 | 8,167 | 19,194 | 17,840 | |||||||||||
Colorado Electric | 22,147 | 21,316 | 46,717 | 45,995 | |||||||||||
Total Residential | 46,546 | 43,815 | 101,521 | 98,227 | |||||||||||
Commercial: | |||||||||||||||
Black Hills Power | 24,433 | 21,200 | 49,174 | 42,728 | |||||||||||
Cheyenne Light | 15,739 | 15,238 | 31,559 | 29,631 | |||||||||||
Colorado Electric | 23,555 | 23,101 | 45,719 | 44,991 | |||||||||||
Total Commercial | 63,727 | 59,539 | 126,452 | 117,350 | |||||||||||
Industrial: | |||||||||||||||
Black Hills Power | 8,459 | 7,534 | 16,758 | 14,869 | |||||||||||
Cheyenne Light | 8,538 | 7,304 | 17,164 | 14,528 | |||||||||||
Colorado Electric | 10,400 | 9,535 | 21,156 | 18,573 | |||||||||||
Total Industrial | 27,397 | 24,373 | 55,078 | 47,970 | |||||||||||
Municipal: | |||||||||||||||
Black Hills Power | 859 | 846 | 1,717 | 1,638 | |||||||||||
Cheyenne Light | 582 | 514 | 1,098 | 968 | |||||||||||
Colorado Electric | 2,956 | 3,277 | 6,018 | 6,584 | |||||||||||
Total Municipal | 4,397 | 4,637 | 8,833 | 9,190 | |||||||||||
Total Retail Revenue - Electric | 142,067 | 132,364 | 291,884 | 272,737 | |||||||||||
Contract Wholesale: | |||||||||||||||
Total Contract Wholesale - Black Hills Power | 3,979 | 4,473 | 9,399 | 10,071 | |||||||||||
Off-system Wholesale: | |||||||||||||||
Black Hills Power | 6,666 | 5,411 | 13,301 | 14,486 | |||||||||||
Cheyenne Light | 992 | 1,787 | 2,953 | 4,174 | |||||||||||
Colorado Electric | 418 | 1,912 | 502 | 3,995 | |||||||||||
Total Off-system Wholesale | 8,076 | 9,110 | 16,756 | 22,655 | |||||||||||
Other Revenue: | |||||||||||||||
Black Hills Power | 8,172 | 6,945 | 12,362 | 13,823 | |||||||||||
Cheyenne Light | 566 | 534 | 1,041 | 1,287 | |||||||||||
Colorado Electric | 1,163 | 1,118 | 2,498 | 2,336 | |||||||||||
Total Other Revenue | 9,901 | 8,597 | 15,901 | 17,446 | |||||||||||
Total Revenue - Electric | $ | 164,023 | $ | 154,544 | $ | 333,940 | $ | 322,909 |
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Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||
Quantities Generated and Purchased (in MWh) | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Generated — | |||||||||||
Coal-fired: | |||||||||||
Black Hills Power (a) | 399,763 | 336,842 | 776,597 | 754,090 | |||||||
Cheyenne Light (b) | 180,082 | 162,847 | 374,798 | 332,636 | |||||||
Total Coal-fired | 579,845 | 499,689 | 1,151,395 | 1,086,726 | |||||||
Natural Gas and Oil: | |||||||||||
Black Hills Power | 16,883 | 2,665 | 19,761 | 4,972 | |||||||
Cheyenne Light | 7,711 | — | 10,550 | — | |||||||
Colorado Electric (c) | 34,255 | 40,599 | 37,747 | 58,668 | |||||||
Total Natural Gas and Oil | 58,849 | 43,264 | 68,058 | 63,640 | |||||||
Wind: | |||||||||||
Colorado Electric | 10,177 | 13,230 | 19,268 | 27,558 | |||||||
Total Wind | 10,177 | 13,230 | 19,268 | 27,558 | |||||||
Total Generated: | |||||||||||
Black Hills Power | 416,646 | 339,507 | 796,358 | 759,062 | |||||||
Cheyenne Light | 187,793 | 162,847 | 385,348 | 332,636 | |||||||
Colorado Electric | 44,432 | 53,829 | 57,015 | 86,226 | |||||||
Total Generated | 648,871 | 556,183 | 1,238,721 | 1,177,924 | |||||||
Purchased — | |||||||||||
Black Hills Power | 350,892 | 365,463 | 789,335 | 796,265 | |||||||
Cheyenne Light | 173,151 | 197,225 | 360,930 | 404,543 | |||||||
Colorado Electric | 454,859 | 467,197 | 927,046 | 937,299 | |||||||
Total Purchased | 978,902 | 1,029,885 | 2,077,311 | 2,138,107 | |||||||
Total Generated and Purchased: | |||||||||||
Black Hills Power | 767,538 | 704,970 | 1,585,693 | 1,555,327 | |||||||
Cheyenne Light | 360,944 | 360,072 | 746,278 | 737,179 | |||||||
Colorado Electric | 499,291 | 521,026 | 984,061 | 1,023,525 | |||||||
Total Generated and Purchased | 1,627,773 | 1,586,068 | 3,316,032 | 3,316,031 |
__________
(a) | Increase was due to a planned annual outage at Neil Simpson II and an unplanned outage for a catalyst replacement at Wygen III |
during the three and and six months ended June 30, 2014.
(b) | Increase was due to purchasing spinning reserve in the current year compared to carrying spinning reserve in the prior year. |
(c) | Decrease in 2015 generation was primarily driven by commodity prices that impacted power marketing sales. |
40
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||
Quantity (in MWh) | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||
Residential: | |||||||||
Black Hills Power | 110,017 | 107,394 | 256,980 | 278,704 | |||||
Cheyenne Light | 58,169 | 57,328 | 125,668 | 127,983 | |||||
Colorado Electric | 136,767 | 132,256 | 293,981 | 285,887 | |||||
Total Residential | 304,953 | 296,978 | 676,629 | 692,574 | |||||
Commercial: | |||||||||
Black Hills Power | 189,889 | 176,541 | 384,967 | 360,989 | |||||
Cheyenne Light | 130,456 | 129,688 | 261,559 | 256,100 | |||||
Colorado Electric | 169,508 | 174,239 | 334,589 | 332,418 | |||||
Total Commercial | 489,853 | 480,468 | 981,115 | 949,507 | |||||
Industrial: | |||||||||
Black Hills Power | 102,494 | 104,914 | 214,353 | 205,765 | |||||
Cheyenne Light | 118,180 | 94,861 | 229,276 | 185,586 | |||||
Colorado Electric | 110,925 | 111,090 | 229,032 | 201,207 | |||||
Total Industrial | 331,599 | 310,865 | 672,661 | 592,558 | |||||
Municipal: | |||||||||
Black Hills Power | 7,036 | 7,709 | 14,736 | 15,394 | |||||
Cheyenne Light | 2,174 | 2,131 | 4,724 | 4,624 | |||||
Colorado Electric | 28,808 | 31,385 | 56,921 | 58,073 | |||||
Total Municipal | 38,018 | 41,225 | 76,381 | 78,091 | |||||
Total Retail Quantity Sold | 1,164,423 | 1,129,536 | 2,406,786 | 2,312,730 | |||||
Contract Wholesale: | |||||||||
Total Contract Wholesale - Black Hills Power (a) | 64,896 | 71,999 | 149,167 | 167,227 | |||||
Off-system Wholesale: | |||||||||
Black Hills Power | 246,213 | 169,498 | 491,851 | 424,294 | |||||
Cheyenne Light | 24,662 | 42,250 | 73,534 | 94,606 | |||||
Colorado Electric (b) | 13,501 | 50,178 | 15,970 | 80,924 | |||||
Total Off-system Wholesale | 284,376 | 261,926 | 581,355 | 599,824 | |||||
Total Quantity Sold: | |||||||||
Black Hills Power | 720,545 | 638,055 | 1,512,054 | 1,452,373 | |||||
Cheyenne Light | 333,641 | 326,258 | 694,761 | 668,899 | |||||
Colorado Electric | 459,509 | 499,148 | 930,493 | 958,509 | |||||
Total Quantity Sold | 1,513,695 | 1,463,461 | 3,137,308 | 3,079,781 | |||||
Other Uses, Losses or Generation, net (c): | |||||||||
Black Hills Power | 46,993 | 66,915 | 73,639 | 102,954 | |||||
Cheyenne Light | 27,303 | 33,814 | 51,517 | 68,280 | |||||
Colorado Electric | 39,782 | 21,878 | 53,568 | 65,016 | |||||
Total Other Uses, Losses and Generation, net | 114,078 | 122,607 | 178,724 | 236,250 | |||||
Total Energy | 1,627,773 | 1,586,068 | 3,316,032 | 3,316,031 |
__________
(a) | Decrease was driven by load requirements related to a Wygen III unit-contingent PPA. |
(b) | Decrease in 2015 generation was primarily driven by commodity prices that impacted power marketing sales. |
(c) | Includes company uses, line losses, and excess exchange production. |
41
Three Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||
Degree Days | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||
Actual | Variance from 30-Year Average | Actual Variance to Prior Year | Actual | Variance from 30-Year Average | |||||||||
Heating Degree Days: | |||||||||||||
Black Hills Power | 1,005 | — | % | (2)% | 1,025 | 2 | % | ||||||
Cheyenne Light | 1,173 | (2 | )% | (2)% | 1,191 | — | % | ||||||
Colorado Electric | 624 | 2 | % | (1)% | 633 | 4 | % | ||||||
Combined (a) (b) | 863 | — | % | (2)% | 877 | 2 | % | ||||||
Cooling Degree Days: | |||||||||||||
Black Hills Power | 96 | (10 | )% | (3)% | 99 | (7 | )% | ||||||
Cheyenne Light | 62 | 22 | % | 24% | 50 | (2 | )% | ||||||
Colorado Electric | 245 | 8 | % | 17% | 209 | (8 | )% | ||||||
Combined (a) (b) | 158 | 4 | % | 13% | 140 | (7 | )% |
Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||
Degree Days | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||
Actual | Variance from 30-Year Average | Actual Variance to Prior Year | Actual | Variance from 30-Year Average | |||||||||
Heating Degree Days: | |||||||||||||
Black Hills Power | 3,878 | (8 | )% | (13)% | 4,435 | 5 | % | ||||||
Cheyenne Light | 3,824 | (9 | )% | (13)% | 4,397 | 4 | % | ||||||
Colorado Electric | 3,022 | (6 | )% | (9)% | 3,303 | 3 | % | ||||||
Combined (a) (b) | 3,473 | (8 | )% | (11)% | 3,905 | 4 | % | ||||||
Cooling Degree Days: | |||||||||||||
Black Hills Power | 96 | (10 | )% | (3)% | 99 | (7 | )% | ||||||
Cheyenne Light | 62 | 22 | % | 24% | 50 | (2 | )% | ||||||
Colorado Electric | 245 | 8 | % | 17% | 209 | (9 | )% | ||||||
Combined (a) (b) | 158 | 4 | % | 13% | 140 | (7 | )% |
__________
(a) | Combined actuals are calculated based on the weighted average number of total customers by state. |
(b) | Heating degree days generally have a larger impact on margin during the second quarter than cooling degree days due to the seasonal difference in peak heating degree days compared to peak cooling degree days. |
Electric Utilities Power Plant Availability | Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||
Coal-fired plants (a) | 96.4 | % | 84.8 | % | 93.8 | % | 90.1 | % | ||||
Other plants (b) (c) | 93.7 | % | 89.9 | % | 94.7 | % | 84.0 | % | ||||
Total availability | 94.7 | % | 87.7 | % | 94.4 | % | 86.6 | % |
__________
(a) | The three months and six months ended June 30, 2014 reflect a planned annual outage at Neil Simpson II and an unplanned outage for a catalyst replacement at Wygen III. |
(b) | The three months and six months ended June 30, 2014 include a planned outage at Ben French CT's #1 and #2 for a controls upgrade. |
(c) | The six months ended June 30, 2014, reflects an unplanned outage due to a turbine bearing replacement and combustor upgrade at Pueblo Airport Generation Station. |
42
Cheyenne Light Natural Gas Distribution
Included in the Electric Utilities is Cheyenne Light’s natural gas distribution systems. The following table summarizes certain operating information for these natural gas distribution operations:
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||||
Revenue - Natural Gas (in thousands): | |||||||||||||||
Residential | $ | 4,541 | $ | 4,519 | $ | 13,253 | $ | 12,743 | |||||||
Commercial | 2,413 | 1,975 | 7,367 | 5,951 | |||||||||||
Industrial | 534 | 616 | 2,434 | 1,903 | |||||||||||
Other Sales Revenue | 749 | 230 | 1,664 | 480 | |||||||||||
Total Revenue - Natural Gas | $ | 8,237 | $ | 7,340 | $ | 24,718 | $ | 21,077 | |||||||
Gross Margin (in thousands): | |||||||||||||||
Residential | $ | 2,745 | $ | 2,383 | $ | 6,523 | $ | 5,987 | |||||||
Commercial | 891 | 631 | 2,319 | 1,962 | |||||||||||
Industrial | 83 | 47 | 345 | 323 | |||||||||||
Other Gross Margin | 749 | 228 | 1,664 | 480 | |||||||||||
Total Gross Margin | $ | 4,468 | $ | 3,289 | $ | 10,851 | $ | 8,752 | |||||||
Volumes Sold (Dth): | |||||||||||||||
Residential | 469,750 | 450,715 | 1,410,157 | 1,485,892 | |||||||||||
Commercial | 398,228 | 284,493 | 1,068,817 | 848,887 | |||||||||||
Industrial | 118,781 | 120,558 | 420,058 | 376,485 | |||||||||||
Total Volumes Sold | 986,759 | 855,766 | 2,899,032 | 2,711,264 |
43
Results of Operations for the Electric Utilities for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Compared to the Three Months Ended June 30, 2014: Net income for the Electric Utilities was $18 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015, compared to Net income of $11 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, as a result of:
Gross margin increased primarily due to a return on additional investment in our generating facilities which increased gross margins by $10.6 million compared to the same period in the prior year. Electric margins were favorably impacted by higher retail load and demand that increased megawatt hours sold driving an increase of $1.8 million. Gas margins at Cheyenne Light were favorably impacted by our MGTC system acquisition increasing margins by $0.7 million. An increase in wholesale megawatt hours sold resulted in an increase of $1.2 million. Partially offsetting these increases was a negative weather impact on electric residential retail margins of $0.6 million primarily driven by a 2% decrease in heating degree days compared to the same period in the prior year.
Operations and maintenance increased primarily due to costs related to Cheyenne Prairie, which was placed into commercial service on October 1, 2014, and an increase in employee costs.
Depreciation and amortization increased primarily due to a higher asset base driven by the addition of Cheyenne Prairie, which was placed into commercial service on October 1, 2014.
Interest expense, net increased primarily due to interest costs from the $160 million of permanent financing placed during the fourth quarter of 2014 for Cheyenne Prairie.
Other income (expense), net was comparable to the same period in the prior year.
Income tax benefit (expense): The effective tax rate is comparable to the prior year.
Results of Operations for the Electric Utilities for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014: Net income for the Electric Utilities was $37 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to Net income of $26 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, as a result of:
Gross margin increased primarily due to a return on additional investment in our generating facilities which increased gross margins by $18.6 million compared to the same period in the prior year. Electric margins were favorably impacted by higher retail load and demand that increased megawatt hours sold driving an increase of $6.1 million. Colorado Electric received approval of a one-time settlement agreement from the CPUC on our renewable energy standard adjustment related to Busch Ranch, which increased margins by $2.1 million. Gas margins at Cheyenne Light were favorably impacted by our MGTC system acquisition increasing margins by $1.1 million. An increase in wholesale megawatt hours sold driven by outages in the prior year resulted in an increase of $0.9 million. Partially offsetting these increases was a negative weather impact on electric and gas residential retail margins of $3.7 million driven by a 11% decrease in heating degree days compared to the same period in the prior year.
Operations and maintenance increased primarily due to costs related to Cheyenne Prairie, which was placed into commercial service on October 1, 2014, an increase in property taxes, and an increase in employee costs.
Depreciation and amortization increased primarily due to a higher asset base driven by the addition of Cheyenne Prairie, which was placed into commercial service on October 1, 2014.
Interest expense, net increased primarily due to interest costs from the $160 million of permanent financing placed during the fourth quarter of 2014 for Cheyenne Prairie.
Other income (expense), net was comparable to the same period in the prior year.
Income tax benefit (expense): The effective tax rate was higher in 2015 primarily due to the increase in liability with respect to uncertain tax positions related to research and development credits.
44
Gas Utilities
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | Variance | 2015 | 2014 | Variance | |||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||
Revenue: | ||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas — regulated | $ | 72,079 | $ | 95,350 | $ | (23,271 | ) | $ | 301,227 | $ | 346,582 | $ | (45,355 | ) | ||||
Other — non-regulated services | 7,347 | 7,149 | 198 | 15,850 | 15,254 | 596 | ||||||||||||
Total revenue | 79,426 | 102,499 | (23,073 | ) | 317,077 | 361,836 | (44,759 | ) | ||||||||||
Cost of sales | ||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas — regulated | 29,730 | 52,266 | (22,536 | ) | 182,015 | 223,040 | (41,025 | ) | ||||||||||
Other — non-regulated services | 3,571 | 3,675 | (104 | ) | 7,484 | 7,397 | 87 | |||||||||||
Total cost of sales | 33,301 | 55,941 | (22,640 | ) | 189,499 | 230,437 | (40,938 | ) | ||||||||||
Gross margin | 46,125 | 46,558 | (433 | ) | 127,578 | 131,399 | (3,821 | ) | ||||||||||
Operations and maintenance | 30,876 | 33,454 | (2,578 | ) | 66,308 | 68,832 | (2,524 | ) | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 7,356 | 6,538 | 818 | 14,402 | 13,059 | 1,343 | ||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 38,232 | 39,992 | (1,760 | ) | 80,710 | 81,891 | (1,181 | ) | ||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 7,893 | 6,566 | 1,327 | 46,868 | 49,508 | (2,640 | ) | |||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (3,581 | ) | (3,722 | ) | 141 | (7,390 | ) | (7,574 | ) | 184 | ||||||||
Other income (expense), net | 19 | 19 | — | 8 | 1 | 7 | ||||||||||||
Income tax benefit (expense) | (1,166 | ) | (869 | ) | (297 | ) | (14,109 | ) | (15,243 | ) | 1,134 | |||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 3,165 | $ | 1,994 | $ | 1,171 | $ | 25,377 | $ | 26,692 | $ | (1,315 | ) |
45
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
Revenue (in thousands) | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||
Residential: | |||||||||||||||
Colorado | $ | 9,861 | $ | 9,435 | $ | 35,597 | $ | 33,122 | |||||||
Nebraska | 15,628 | 17,519 | 72,072 | 80,411 | |||||||||||
Iowa | 12,978 | 22,052 | 59,344 | 76,816 | |||||||||||
Kansas | 8,814 | 10,348 | 38,142 | 43,625 | |||||||||||
Total Residential | 47,281 | 59,354 | 205,155 | 233,974 | |||||||||||
Commercial: | |||||||||||||||
Colorado | 1,827 | 2,060 | 6,924 | 6,757 | |||||||||||
Nebraska | 3,895 | 4,590 | 22,107 | 24,656 | |||||||||||
Iowa | 4,894 | 11,202 | 26,523 | 37,116 | |||||||||||
Kansas | 2,992 | 3,624 | 14,058 | 15,295 | |||||||||||
Total Commercial | 13,608 | 21,476 | 69,612 | 83,824 | |||||||||||
Industrial: | |||||||||||||||
Colorado | 218 | 504 | 247 | 581 | |||||||||||
Nebraska | 582 | 99 | 899 | 307 | |||||||||||
Iowa | 443 | 1,141 | 1,698 | 2,313 | |||||||||||
Kansas | 2,756 | 5,632 | 4,497 | 6,718 | |||||||||||
Total Industrial | 3,999 | 7,376 | 7,341 | 9,919 | |||||||||||
Transportation: | |||||||||||||||
Colorado | 238 | 217 | 603 | 542 | |||||||||||
Nebraska | 2,431 | 2,542 | 7,827 | 8,272 | |||||||||||
Iowa | 1,037 | 983 | 2,699 | 2,744 | |||||||||||
Kansas | 1,430 | 1,563 | 3,931 | 4,056 | |||||||||||
Total Transportation | 5,136 | 5,305 | 15,060 | 15,614 | |||||||||||
Other Sales Revenue: | |||||||||||||||
Colorado | 373 | 36 | 416 | 67 | |||||||||||
Nebraska | 613 | 651 | 1,270 | 1,354 | |||||||||||
Iowa | 208 | 262 | 347 | 414 | |||||||||||
Kansas | 861 | 890 | 2,026 | 1,416 | |||||||||||
Total Other Sales Revenue | 2,055 | 1,839 | 4,059 | 3,251 | |||||||||||
Total Regulated Revenue | 72,079 | 95,350 | 301,227 | 346,582 | |||||||||||
Non-regulated Services | 7,347 | 7,149 | 15,850 | 15,254 | |||||||||||
Total Revenue | $ | 79,426 | $ | 102,499 | $ | 317,077 | $ | 361,836 |
46
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
Gross Margin (in thousands) | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||
Residential: | |||||||||||||||
Colorado | $ | 3,689 | $ | 3,597 | $ | 10,026 | $ | 9,969 | |||||||
Nebraska | 9,716 | 9,925 | 28,706 | 30,814 | |||||||||||
Iowa | 8,814 | 8,993 | 22,712 | 24,203 | |||||||||||
Kansas | 6,204 | 6,529 | 17,682 | 18,113 | |||||||||||
Total Residential | 28,423 | 29,044 | 79,126 | 83,099 | |||||||||||
Commercial: | |||||||||||||||
Colorado | 574 | 607 | 1,614 | 1,667 | |||||||||||
Nebraska | 1,714 | 1,772 | 6,383 | 6,935 | |||||||||||
Iowa | 2,117 | 2,300 | 6,753 | 7,525 | |||||||||||
Kansas | 1,493 | 1,495 | 4,880 | 4,678 | |||||||||||
Total Commercial | 5,898 | 6,174 | 19,630 | 20,805 | |||||||||||
Industrial: | |||||||||||||||
Colorado | 69 | 130 | 90 | 160 | |||||||||||
Nebraska | 158 | 33 | 239 | 101 | |||||||||||
Iowa | 50 | 61 | 131 | 146 | |||||||||||
Kansas | 557 | 696 | 950 | 932 | |||||||||||
Total Industrial | 834 | 920 | 1,410 | 1,339 | |||||||||||
Transportation: | |||||||||||||||
Colorado | 238 | 216 | 603 | 542 | |||||||||||
Nebraska | 2,431 | 2,541 | 7,827 | 8,272 | |||||||||||
Iowa | 1,037 | 982 | 2,699 | 2,743 | |||||||||||
Kansas | 1,430 | 1,563 | 3,931 | 4,056 | |||||||||||
Total Transportation | 5,136 | 5,302 | 15,060 | 15,613 | |||||||||||
Other Sales Margins: | |||||||||||||||
Colorado | 374 | 37 | 417 | 68 | |||||||||||
Nebraska | 613 | 653 | 1,270 | 1,356 | |||||||||||
Iowa | 208 | 263 | 347 | 414 | |||||||||||
Kansas | 863 | 692 | 1,952 | 849 | |||||||||||
Total Other Sales Margins | 2,058 | 1,645 | 3,986 | 2,687 | |||||||||||
Total Regulated Gross Margin | 42,349 | 43,085 | 119,212 | 123,543 | |||||||||||
Non-regulated Services | 3,776 | 3,473 | 8,366 | 7,856 | |||||||||||
Total Gross Margin | $ | 46,125 | $ | 46,558 | $ | 127,578 | $ | 131,399 |
47
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||
Distribution Quantities Sold and Transportation (in Dth) | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||
Residential: | |||||||||
Colorado | 1,049,937 | 1,018,966 | 3,996,742 | 4,040,400 | |||||
Nebraska | 1,147,696 | 1,278,283 | 7,106,652 | 8,264,576 | |||||
Iowa | 1,045,198 | 1,249,921 | 6,561,235 | 7,892,965 | |||||
Kansas | 596,296 | 715,890 | 3,950,110 | 4,597,445 | |||||
Total Residential | 3,839,127 | 4,263,060 | 21,614,739 | 24,795,386 | |||||
Commercial: | |||||||||
Colorado | 218,528 | 255,312 | 835,726 | 891,002 | |||||
Nebraska | 442,952 | 485,023 | 2,623,646 | 2,960,179 | |||||
Iowa | 685,373 | 884,997 | 3,565,464 | 4,370,689 | |||||
Kansas | 334,343 | 391,548 | 1,769,847 | 1,933,515 | |||||
Total Commercial | 1,681,196 | 2,016,880 | 8,794,683 | 10,155,385 | |||||
Industrial: | |||||||||
Colorado | 43,535 | 101,468 | 45,937 | 111,793 | |||||
Nebraska | 107,625 | 12,168 | 153,325 | 39,133 | |||||
Iowa | 87,777 | 119,710 | 278,782 | 313,573 | |||||
Kansas (a) | 701,122 | 1,084,608 | 1,025,901 | 1,264,695 | |||||
Total Industrial | 940,059 | 1,317,954 | 1,503,945 | 1,729,194 | |||||
Wholesale and Other: | |||||||||
Kansas (b) | 927 | 32,274 | 14,902 | 100,907 | |||||
Total Wholesale and Other | 927 | 32,274 | 14,902 | 100,907 | |||||
Total Distribution Quantities Sold | 6,461,309 | 7,630,168 | 31,928,269 | 36,780,872 | |||||
Transportation: | |||||||||
Colorado | 230,437 | 209,799 | 610,486 | 540,143 | |||||
Nebraska | 6,509,208 | 6,623,555 | 15,558,983 | 16,586,774 | |||||
Iowa | 4,599,639 | 4,319,339 | 10,687,688 | 10,476,705 | |||||
Kansas | 3,564,124 | 3,594,159 | 7,861,476 | 8,421,296 | |||||
Total Transportation | 14,903,408 | 14,746,852 | 34,718,633 | 36,024,918 | |||||
Total Distribution Quantities Sold and Transportation | 21,364,717 | 22,377,020 | 66,646,902 | 72,805,790 |
__________
(a) | Decrease from prior year was driven by decreased irrigation load due to increased rainfall across the service territory compared to the prior year. |
(b) | Decrease from prior year due to a change in Wholesale customer classification to Industrial classification. |
Our Gas Utilities are highly seasonal, and sales volumes vary considerably with weather and seasonal heating and industrial loads. Over 70% of our Gas Utilities’ revenue and margins are expected in the first and fourth quarters of each year. Therefore, revenue for, and certain expenses of, these operations fluctuate significantly among quarters. Depending upon the state in which our Gas Utilities operate, the winter heating season begins around November 1 and ends around March 31.
48
Three Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||||
Heating Degree Days: | Actual | Variance from 30-Year Average | Actual Variance to Prior Year | Actual | Variance from 30-Year Average | ||||
Colorado | 887 | (4)% | (4)% | 924 | —% | ||||
Nebraska | 474 | (17)% | (18)% | 580 | 1% | ||||
Iowa | 649 | (6)% | (16)% | 775 | 11% | ||||
Kansas (a) | 403 | (10)% | (16)% | 480 | 7% | ||||
Combined (b) | 611 | (10)% | (14)% | 711 | 5% |
Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||||
Heating Degree Days: | Actual | Variance from 30-Year Average | Actual Variance to Prior Year | Actual | Variance from 30-Year Average | ||||||||
Colorado | 3,422 | (8 | )% | (10)% | 3,783 | 2 | % | ||||||
Nebraska | 3,488 | (3 | )% | (9)% | 3,852 | 6 | % | ||||||
Iowa | 4,483 | 10 | % | (9)% | 4,949 | 18 | % | ||||||
Kansas (a) | 2,725 | (6 | )% | (14)% | 3,169 | 8 | % | ||||||
Combined (b) | 3,833 | 1 | % | (9)% | 4,235 | 12 | % |
__________
(a) | Kansas Gas has an approved weather normalization mechanism within its rate structure, which minimizes weather impact on gross margins. |
(b) | The combined heating degree days are calculated based on a weighted average of total customers by state excluding Kansas Gas due to its weather normalization mechanism. |
Results of Operations for the Gas Utilities for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Compared to the Three Months Ended June 30, 2014: Net income for the Gas Utilities was $3.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015, compared to Net income of $2.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, as a result of:
Gross margin decreased primarily due to a $0.7 million impact from milder weather than in the same period in the prior year. Heating degree days were 14% lower for the three months ended June 30, 2015, compared to the same period in the prior year and 10% lower than normal in the current year, compared to 5% higher than normal in the prior year. Partially offsetting this weather impact was a $0.3 million increase from year over year customer growth.
Operations and maintenance decreased due to lower allowance for uncollectible account expense, lower employee costs and lower operating expenses.
Depreciation and amortization increased primarily due to a higher asset base than the same period in the prior year.
Interest expense, net was comparable to the same period in the prior year.
Other income (expense), net was comparable to the same period in the prior year.
Income tax benefit (expense): The effective tax rate decreased as a result of a favorable state tax true-up adjustment.
49
Results of Operations for the Gas Utilities for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014: Net income for the Gas Utilities was $25 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to Net income of $27 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, as a result of:
Gross margin decreased primarily due to a $6.0 million impact from milder weather than in the same period in the prior year. Heating degree days were 9% lower for the six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to the same period in the prior year and 1% higher than normal in the current year, compared to 12% higher than normal in the prior year. Partially offsetting this weather impact was a $1.3 million increase from base rate adjustments and riders at Kansas Gas which were effective January 1, 2015, and a $0.9 million increase from year-over-year customer growth.
Operations and maintenance decreased primarily due to lower employee costs and lower operating expenses, partially offset by an increase in property taxes.
Depreciation and amortization increased primarily due to a higher asset base than the same period in the prior year.
Interest expense, net was comparable to the same period in the prior year.
Other income (expense), net was comparable to the same period in the prior year.
Income tax benefit (expense): The effective tax rate was comparable to the same period in the prior year.
Regulatory Matters — Utilities Group
For more information on enacted regulatory provisions with respect to the states in which the Utilities Group operates, see Part I, Items 1 and 2 of our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The following summarizes our recent state and federal rate case and initial surcharge orders (in millions):
Type of Service | Date Requested | Effective Date | Revenue Amount Requested | Revenue Amount Approved | |||||
Black Hills Power (a) | Electric | 3/2014 | 10/2014 | $ | 14.6 | $ | 6.9 | ||
Kansas Gas (b) | Gas | 4/2014 | 1/2015 | $ | 7.3 | $ | 5.2 | ||
Colorado Electric (c) | Electric | 4/2014 | 1/2015 | $ | 4.0 | $ | 3.1 |
__________
(a) | On March 2, 2015, the SDPUC issued an order approving a rate stipulation and agreement authorizing an increase for Black Hills Power of $6.9 million in annual electric revenue. The agreement was a Global Settlement and did not stipulate return on equity and capital structure. The SDPUC’s decision provides Black Hills Power a return on its investment in Cheyenne Prairie and associated infrastructure, and provides recovery of its share of operating expenses for this natural gas-fired facility. Black Hills Power implemented interim rates on October 1, 2014, coinciding with Cheyenne Prairie’s commercial operation date. Final rates were approved on April 1, 2015, effective October 1, 2014. |
(b) | On December 16, 2014, Kansas Gas received approval from the KCC to increase base rates by $5.2 million, effective January 2015. The approval was a Global Settlement and did not stipulate return on equity and capital structure. This increase in base rates allows Kansas Gas to recover a return on investments in infrastructure and recovery of increased operating costs. |
(c) | On December 19, 2014, Colorado Electric received approval from the CPUC for an annual electric revenue increase of $3.1 million. The approval allows a 9.83% return on equity and a capital structure of 49.83% equity and 50.17% debt, as well as the implementation of a construction financing rider. This approval allows Colorado Electric to recover increased operating expenses and a return on infrastructure investments, including those for the Busch Ranch Wind Farm, placed in service late 2012. The implementation of the construction financing rider allows Colorado Electric to recover a return on the construction costs for a $65 million natural gas-fired combustion turbine that will replace the retired W.N. Clark power plant. |
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Capital Investment Recovery Surcharge filings (in millions):
Type of Service | Date Requested | Effective Date | Capital Surcharge Requested | Capital Surcharge Approved | |||||
Nebraska Gas (a) | Gas | 4/2015 | 8/2015 | $ | 1.5 | $ | 1.5 | ||
Iowa Gas (b) | Gas | 3/2015 | 6/2015 | $ | 0.9 | $ | 0.9 |
__________
(a) | On April 6, 2015, Nebraska Gas filed with the NPSC for a capital investment recovery surcharge increase of $1.5 million. Nebraska Gas received approval from the NPSC on July 27, 2015. |
(b) | On March 17, 2015, Iowa Gas filed with the IUB for a capital investment recovery surcharge increase of $0.9 million. Iowa Gas received approval from the IUB on May 28, 2015. |
Non-regulated Energy Group
We report three segments within our Non-regulated Energy Group: Power Generation, Coal Mining and Oil and Gas.
Power Generation
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | Variance | 2015 | 2014 | Variance | |||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 22,309 | $ | 21,980 | $ | 329 | $ | 44,983 | $ | 44,328 | $ | 655 | ||||||
Operations and maintenance | 8,483 | 8,733 | (250 | ) | 16,311 | 16,410 | (99 | ) | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 1,115 | 1,154 | (39 | ) | 2,249 | 2,363 | (114 | ) | ||||||||||
Total operating expense | 9,598 | 9,887 | (289 | ) | 18,560 | 18,773 | (213 | ) | ||||||||||
Operating income | 12,711 | 12,093 | 618 | 26,423 | 25,555 | 868 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (788 | ) | (934 | ) | 146 | (1,674 | ) | (1,862 | ) | 188 | ||||||||
Other (expense) income, net | 7 | 2 | 5 | 5 | (7 | ) | 12 | |||||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit | (4,381 | ) | (3,967 | ) | (414 | ) | (9,060 | ) | (8,419 | ) | (641 | ) | ||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 7,549 | $ | 7,194 | $ | 355 | $ | 15,694 | $ | 15,267 | $ | 427 |
____________
The generating facility located in Pueblo, Colorado is accounted for as a capital lease under GAAP; as such, revenue and depreciation expense are impacted by the accounting for this lease. Under the lease, the original cost of the facility is recorded at Colorado Electric and is being depreciated by Colorado Electric for segment reporting purposes.
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The following table summarizes MWh for our Power Generation segment:
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Quantities Sold, Generated and Purchased (MWh) (a) | |||||||||
Sold | |||||||||
Black Hills Colorado IPP | 267,360 | 273,200 | 551,851 | 559,156 | |||||
Black Hills Wyoming (b) | 165,557 | 138,377 | 325,115 | 278,985 | |||||
Total Sold | 432,917 | 411,577 | 876,966 | 838,141 | |||||
Generated | |||||||||
Black Hills Colorado IPP | 267,360 | 273,200 | 551,851 | 559,156 | |||||
Black Hills Wyoming | 139,267 | 141,458 | 277,240 | 282,136 | |||||
Total Generated | 406,627 | 414,658 | 829,091 | 841,292 | |||||
Purchased | |||||||||
Black Hills Wyoming (b) | 13,099 | 16 | 37,491 | 1,005 | |||||
Total Purchased | 13,099 | 16 | 37,491 | 1,005 |
____________
(a) Company use and losses are not included in the quantities sold, generated, and purchased.
(b) Under the 20-year economy energy PPA with the City of Gillette, effective September 2014, Black Hills Wyoming purchases energy on behalf of the City of Gillette.
The following table provides certain operating statistics for our plants within the Power Generation segment:
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Contracted power plant fleet availability: | |||||||||
Coal-fired plant | 97.4 | % | 98.7 | % | 97.8 | % | 99.0 | % | |
Natural gas-fired plants | 99.0 | % | 99.2 | % | 99.0 | % | 98.5 | % | |
Total availability | 98.6 | % | 99.1 | % | 98.7 | % | 98.6 | % |
Results of Operations for Power Generation for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Compared to the Three Months Ended June 30, 2014: Net income for the Power Generation segment was $7.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015, compared to Net income of $7.2 million for the same period in 2014 as a result of:
Revenue was comparable to the prior year reflecting an increase in PPA pricing and an increase in fired-hours and megawatt hours sold, offset by the net effect of the expiration of the CTII PPA and subsequent economy energy PPA.
Operations and maintenance was comparable to the same period in the prior year.
Depreciation and amortization was comparable to the same period in the prior year.
Interest expense, net was comparable to the same period in the prior year.
Other (expense) income, net was comparable to the same period in the prior year.
Income tax (expense) benefit: The effective tax rate was higher in 2015 primarily due to an unfavorable state tax true-up adjustment .
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Results of Operations for Power Generation for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014: Net income for the Power Generation segment was $16 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to Net income of $15 million for the same period in 2014 as a result of:
Revenue was comparable to the prior year reflecting an increase in PPA pricing, offset by the net effect of the expiration of the CTII PPA and subsequent economy energy PPA.
Operations and maintenance was comparable to the same period in the prior year.
Depreciation and amortization was comparable to the same period in the prior year.
Interest expense, net was comparable to the same period in the prior year.
Other (expense) income, net was comparable to the same period in the prior year.
Income tax (expense) benefit: The effective tax rate was higher in 2015 primarily due to the increase in liability with respect to uncertain tax positions related to research and development credits.
Coal Mining
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | Variance | 2015 | 2014 | Variance | |||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 16,725 | $ | 14,651 | $ | 2,074 | $ | 32,659 | $ | 30,149 | $ | 2,510 | ||||||
Operations and maintenance | 10,661 | 10,023 | 638 | 20,565 | 20,154 | 411 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 2,461 | 2,570 | (109 | ) | 4,964 | 5,260 | (296 | ) | ||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 13,122 | 12,593 | 529 | 25,529 | 25,414 | 115 | ||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 3,603 | 2,058 | 1,545 | 7,130 | 4,735 | 2,395 | ||||||||||||
Interest (expense) income, net | (102 | ) | (113 | ) | 11 | (191 | ) | (216 | ) | 25 | ||||||||
Other income, net | 548 | 589 | (41 | ) | 1,133 | 1,192 | (59 | ) | ||||||||||
Income tax benefit (expense) | (1,000 | ) | (518 | ) | (482 | ) | (2,013 | ) | (1,231 | ) | (782 | ) | ||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 3,049 | $ | 2,016 | $ | 1,033 | $ | 6,059 | $ | 4,480 | $ | 1,579 |
The following table provides certain operating statistics for our Coal Mining segment (in thousands, except for Revenue per ton):
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||
Tons of coal sold | 1,076 | 1,063 | 2,095 | 2,150 | |||||||||
Cubic yards of overburden moved | 1,392 | 1,010 | 2,805 | 1,920 | |||||||||
Revenue per ton | $ | 15.54 | $ | 13.79 | $ | 15.59 | $ | 14.03 |
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Results of Operations for Coal Mining for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Compared to the Three Months Ended June 30, 2014: Net income for the Coal Mining segment was $3.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015, compared to Net income of $2.0 million for the same period in 2014 as a result of:
Revenue increased primarily due to a 13% increase in price per ton sold, and a 1% increase in tons sold. The increase in pricing was driven by the price re-opener on a coal contract with the third-party operator of the Wyodak plant which became effective in the third quarter of 2014, partially offset by contract price adjustments based on actual mining costs. Approximately 50% of the mine's production is sold under contracts that include price adjustments based on actual mining costs, including income taxes.
Operations and maintenance increased primarily due to materials and outside services for major maintenance on processing equipment and an increase in royalties driven by increased revenues, partially offset by lower fuel costs.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization was comparable to the same period in the prior year.
Interest (expense) income, net was comparable to the same period in the prior year.
Other income, net was comparable to the same period in the prior year.
Income tax benefit (expense): The effective tax rate in 2015 was higher due primarily to the reduced impact of the tax benefit of percentage depletion.
Results of Operations for Coal Mining for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014: Net income for the Coal Mining segment was $6.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to Net income of $4.5 million for the same period in 2014 as a result of:
Revenue increased primarily due to a 11% increase in price per ton sold, partially offset by a 3% decrease in tons sold. The increase in pricing was driven by the price re-opener on coal contract with the third-party operator of the Wyodak plant which became effective in the third quarter of 2014, partially offset by contract price adjustments based on actual mining costs. Tons of coal sold was negatively impacted by the closure of Neil Simpson I in March 2014 and a one-time coal stockpile sale occurring in the prior year. Approximately 50% of our coal production is sold under contracts that include price adjustments based on actual mining costs, including income taxes.
Operations and maintenance increased primarily due higher production taxes and royalties driven by increased revenue, partially offset by to mining efficiencies resulting in reduced major maintenance, and lower fuel costs.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization was comparable to the same period in the prior year.
Interest (expense) income, net was comparable to the same period in the prior year.
Other income, net was comparable to the same period in the prior year.
Income tax benefit (expense): The effective tax rate in 2015 was higher due primarily to the reduced impact of the tax benefit of percentage depletion.
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Oil and Gas
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | Variance | 2015 | 2014 | Variance | |||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 12,319 | $ | 15,148 | $ | (2,829 | ) | $ | 23,586 | $ | 29,998 | $ | (6,412 | ) | ||||
Operations and maintenance | 10,988 | 10,239 | 749 | 21,905 | 21,378 | 527 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 8,790 | 6,456 | 2,334 | 16,301 | 12,254 | 4,047 | ||||||||||||
Impairment of long-lived assets | 94,484 | — | 94,484 | 116,520 | — | 116,520 | ||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 114,262 | 16,695 | 97,567 | 154,726 | 33,632 | 121,094 | ||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | (101,943 | ) | (1,547 | ) | (100,396 | ) | (131,140 | ) | (3,634 | ) | (127,506 | ) | ||||||
Interest income (expense), net | (478 | ) | (442 | ) | (36 | ) | (862 | ) | (897 | ) | 35 | |||||||
Other income (expense), net | 7 | 49 | (42 | ) | (216 | ) | 87 | (303 | ) | |||||||||
Impairment of equity investments | (5,170 | ) | — | (5,170 | ) | (5,170 | ) | — | (5,170 | ) | ||||||||
Income tax benefit (expense) | 36,389 | 807 | 35,582 | 47,078 | 1,816 | 45,262 | ||||||||||||
Net income (loss) (a) | $ | (71,195 | ) | $ | (1,133 | ) | $ | (70,062 | ) | $ | (90,310 | ) | $ | (2,628 | ) | $ | (87,682 | ) |
The following tables provide certain operating statistics for our Oil and Gas segment:
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||
Production: | |||||||||
Bbls of oil sold | 98,905 | 92,228 | 179,635 | 166,490 | |||||
Mcf of natural gas sold | 2,701,721 | 1,840,826 | 4,955,763 | 3,600,790 | |||||
Bbls of NGL sold | 33,271 | 42,003 | 62,041 | 69,044 | |||||
Mcf equivalent sales | 3,494,780 | 2,646,210 | 6,405,823 | 5,013,992 |
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||
Average price received: (a) (b) | |||||||||||||
Oil/Bbl | $ | 65.09 | $ | 78.18 | $ | 65.88 | $ | 84.56 | |||||
Gas/Mcf | $ | 1.79 | $ | 3.17 | $ | 1.98 | $ | 3.25 | |||||
NGL/Bbl | $ | 19.82 | $ | 33.76 | $ | 17.00 | $ | 39.74 | |||||
Depletion expense/Mcfe | $ | 2.22 | $ | 2.01 | $ | 2.21 | $ | 1.95 |
__________
(a) | Net of hedge settlement gains and losses. |
(b) | Ceiling test impairments of $94 and $117 million were recorded for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015. If crude oil and natural gas prices remain at or near the current levels, additional ceiling impairment charges could occur in 2015. |
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The following is a summary of certain average operating expenses per Mcfe:
Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 | Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Producing Basin | LOE | Gathering, Compression, Processing and Transportation (a) | Production Taxes | Total | LOE | Gathering, Compression, Processing and Transportation (a) | Production Taxes | Total | |||||||||||||||||
San Juan | $ | 1.25 | $ | 1.38 | $ | 0.57 | $ | 3.20 | $ | 1.39 | $ | 1.22 | $ | 0.59 | $ | 3.20 | |||||||||
Piceance | 0.62 | 1.76 | 0.17 | 2.55 | 0.26 | 4.02 | 0.35 | 4.63 | |||||||||||||||||
Powder River | 2.09 | — | 0.83 | 2.92 | 1.55 | — | 1.15 | 2.70 | |||||||||||||||||
Williston | 1.13 | — | 0.36 | 1.49 | 1.31 | — | 1.41 | 2.72 | |||||||||||||||||
All other properties | 2.10 | — | 1.08 | 3.18 | 1.30 | — | 0.77 | 2.07 | |||||||||||||||||
Total weighted average | $ | 1.12 | $ | 1.18 | $ | 0.44 | $ | 2.74 | $ | 1.08 | $ | 1.58 | $ | 0.72 | $ | 3.38 |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 | Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Producing Basin | LOE | Gathering, Compression, Processing and Transportation (a) | Production Taxes | Total | LOE | Gathering, Compression, Processing and Transportation (a) | Production Taxes | Total | |||||||||||||||||
San Juan | $ | 1.42 | $ | 1.34 | $ | 0.47 | $ | 3.23 | $ | 1.46 | $ | 1.21 | $ | 0.61 | $ | 3.28 | |||||||||
Piceance | 0.51 | 2.05 | 0.18 | 2.74 | 0.11 | 2.76 | 0.45 | 3.32 | |||||||||||||||||
Powder River | 2.47 | — | 0.70 | 3.17 | 1.90 | — | 1.23 | 3.13 | |||||||||||||||||
Williston | 0.74 | — | 0.24 | 0.98 | 1.08 | — | 1.59 | 2.67 | |||||||||||||||||
All other properties | 1.64 | — | 0.68 | 2.32 | 1.47 | — | 0.36 | 1.83 | |||||||||||||||||
Total weighted average | $ | 1.15 | $ | 1.25 | $ | 0.38 | $ | 2.78 | $ | 1.13 | $ | 1.22 | $ | 0.73 | $ | 3.08 |
__________
(a) | These costs include both third-party costs and operations costs. |
In the Piceance and San Juan Basins, our natural gas is transported through our own and third-party gathering systems and pipelines, for which we incur processing, gathering, compression and transportation fees. The sales price for natural gas, condensate and NGLs is reduced for these third-party costs, and the cost of operating our own gathering systems is included in operations and maintenance. The gathering, compression, processing and transportation costs shown in the tables above include amounts paid to third parties, as well as costs incurred in operations associated with our own gas gathering, compression, processing and transportation.
We revised our presentation of these costs in 2014 to include both third-party costs and operations costs. A ten-year gas gathering and processing contract for natural gas production in our Piceance Basin became effective in March of 2014. This take or pay contract requires us to pay a fee on a minimum of 20,000 Mcf per day, regardless of the volume delivered. We did not meet the minimum requirements of this contract until mid-February 2015. Our gathering, compression and processing costs on a per Mcfe basis, as shown in the table above, will be higher in periods when we are not meeting the minimum contract requirements.
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Results of Operations for Oil and Gas for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Compared to the Three Months Ended June 30, 2014: Net loss for the Oil and Gas segment was $71 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015, compared to Net loss of $1.1 million for the same period in 2014 as a result of:
Revenue decreased primarily due to lower commodity prices for both crude oil and natural gas resulting in a 17% decrease in the average hedged price received for crude oil sold, and a 44% decrease in the average hedged price received for natural gas sold. A production increase of 32%, driven primarily by three new Piceance Mancos Shale wells placed on production in the first quarter of 2015, partially offset the decrease in prices.
Operations and maintenance increased primarily due to higher lease and field operation expenses from non-operated wells and water haulage, partially offset by lower production taxes and ad valorem taxes on lower revenue.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization increased primarily due to a higher depletion rate applied to greater production.
Impairment of long-lived assets represents a non-cash impairment in the value of our natural gas and crude oil properties driven by low natural gas and crude oil prices. The impairment reflected a 12 month average NYMEX price of $3.39 per Mcf, adjusted to $2.14 per Mcf at the wellhead, for natural gas, and $71.68 per barrel, adjusted to $63.76 at the wellhead, for crude oil.
Interest income (expense), net was comparable to the same period in the prior year.
Other income (expense), net was comparable to the same period in the prior year.
Impairment of equity investments represents a $5.2 million non-cash write-down in equity investments related to interests in a pipeline and gathering system. The impairment resulted from continued declining performance, market conditions and a change in view of the economics of the facilities that we considered to be other than temporary.
Income tax (expense) benefit: The effective tax rate in 2015 was lower due to a reduced favorable impact of the tax effect of the percentage depletion deduction compared to the same period in the prior year.
Results of Operations for Oil and Gas for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014: Net loss for the Oil and Gas segment was $90 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to Net loss of $2.6 million for the same period in 2014 as a result of:
Revenue decreased primarily due to lower commodity prices for both crude oil and natural gas resulting in a 22% decrease in the average hedged price received for crude oil sold, and a 39% decrease in the average hedged price received for natural gas sold. A production increase of 28%, driven primarily by three new Piceance Mancos Shale wells placed on production in the first quarter of 2015, partially offset the decrease in prices.
Operations and maintenance increased primarily due to higher lease and field operation expenses from non-operated wells and water haulage, partially offset by lower production taxes and ad valorem taxes on lower revenue.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization increased primarily due to a higher depletion rate applied to greater production.
Impairment of long-lived assets represents a non-cash write-down in the value of our natural gas and crude oil properties driven by low natural gas and crude oil prices. The write-down reflected a 12 month average NYMEX price of $3.39 per Mcf, adjusted to $2.14 per Mcf at the wellhead, for natural gas, and $71.68 per barrel, adjusted to $63.76 per barrel at the wellhead, for crude oil.
Interest income (expense), net was comparable to the same period in the prior year.
Other income (expense), net was comparable to the same period in the prior year.
Impairment of equity investments represents a $5.2 million non-cash write-down in equity investments related to interests in a pipeline and gathering system. The impairment resulted from continued declining performance, market conditions and a change in view of the economics of the facilities that we considered to be other than temporary.
Income tax (expense) benefit: The effective tax rate in 2015 was lower due to a reduced favorable impact of the tax effect of the percentage depletion deduction compared to the same period in the prior year.
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Corporate Activity
Results of Operations for Corporate activities for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Compared to the Three Months Ended June 30, 2014: Net loss for Corporate was $2.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015, compared to Net loss of $1.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014. The variance from the prior year was primarily due to higher corporate expenses, primarily driven by costs related to the SourceGas acquisition occurring during the three months ended June 30, 2015, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2014.
Results of Operations for Corporate activities for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014: Net loss for Corporate was $1.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to Net loss of $0.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. The variance from the prior year was primarily due to higher corporate expenses, primarily driven by costs related to the SourceGas acquisition occurring during the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2014.
Critical Accounting Policies
There have been no material changes in our critical accounting policies from those reported in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A filed with the SEC. For more information on our critical accounting policies, see Part II, Item 7 of our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
OVERVIEW
BHC and its subsidiaries require significant cash to support and grow our business. Our predominant source of cash is supplied by our operations and supplemented with corporate borrowings. This cash is used for, among other things, working capital, capital expenditures, dividends, pension funding, investments in or acquisitions of assets and businesses, payment of debt obligations, and redemption of outstanding debt and equity securities when required or financially appropriate.
The most significant uses of cash are our capital expenditures, the purchase of natural gas for our Gas Utilities and our Power Generation segment, as well as the payment of dividends to our shareholders. We experience significant cash requirements during peak months of the winter heating season due to higher natural gas consumption and during periods of high natural gas prices.
We believe that our cash on hand, operating cash flows, existing borrowing capacity and ability to complete new debt and equity financings, taken in their entirety, provide sufficient capital resources to fund our ongoing operating requirements, debt maturities, anticipated dividends, and anticipated capital expenditures discussed in this section.
Significant Factors Affecting Liquidity
Although we believe we have sufficient resources to fund our cash requirements, there are many factors with the potential to influence our cash flow position, including seasonality, commodity prices, significant capital projects and acquisitions, requirements imposed by state and federal agencies, and economic market conditions. We have implemented risk mitigation programs, where possible, to stabilize cash flow; however, the potential for unforeseen events affecting cash needs will continue to exist.
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Cash Flow Activities
The following table summarizes our cash flows for the six months ended June 30 (in thousands):
Cash provided by (used in): | 2015 | 2014 | Increase (Decrease) | ||||||
Operating activities | $ | 254,408 | $ | 173,835 | $ | 80,573 | |||
Investing activities | $ | (207,124 | ) | $ | (180,296 | ) | $ | (26,828 | ) |
Financing activities | $ | 18,708 | $ | 13,317 | $ | 5,391 |
Year-to-Date 2015 Compared to Year-to-Date 2014
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $254 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $174 million for the same period in 2014 for a variance of $81 million. The variance was primarily attributable to:
• | Cash earnings (net income plus non-cash adjustments) were $8.1 million higher for the six months ended June 30, 2015 to the same period in the prior year. |
• | Net inflows from operating assets and liabilities were $52 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to net cash outflows of $24 million in the same period in the prior year. This $76 million variance was primarily due to: |
• | Cash inflows increased for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period in the prior year as a result of decreased gas volumes in inventory due to milder weather and to lower natural gas prices; |
• | Cash inflows increased as a result of lower customer receivables and lower working capital requirements for natural gas for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period in the prior year. Colder weather and higher natural gas prices during the first quarter 2014 peak winter heating season drove a significant increase in natural gas volumes sold, and in natural gas volumes purchased and fuel cost adjustments recorded in regulatory assets. These fuel cost adjustments deferred in the prior year are recovered through their respective cost mechanisms as allowed by the state utility commissions; and |
• | Cash outflows increased due to decreased accrued expenditures primarily at our Oil and Gas segment related to drilling activity for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period in the prior year. |
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $207 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to net cash used in investing activities of $180 million for the same period in 2014. The variance was primarily driven by:
• | Capital expenditures of approximately $206 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to $177 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. The increase is related primarily to higher capital expenditures at our Oil and Gas segment driven by drilling activity. In the prior year the Oil and Gas segment capital expenditures were affected by weather delays. Capital expenditures also increased at our Coal Mine, and Gas Utilities for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the prior year. Offsetting these capital expenditure increases is the construction of Cheyenne Prairie at our Electric Utilities segment occurring in the prior year. |
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Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $19 million, compared to $13 million net cash provided by financing activities for the same period in 2014. The variance was primarily driven by:
• | Net Long-term borrowings increased by $25 million due to our new $300 million Corporate term loan which replaced the $275 million Corporate term loan due on June 19, 2015. |
• | Net Short-term borrowings under the revolving credit facility for the six months ended June 30, 2015 were $19 million less than the prior year primarily due to higher working capital requirements in the prior year. |
Dividends
Dividends paid on our common stock totaled $36 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, or $0.81 per share. On July 28, 2015, our board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.405 per share payable September 1, 2015, which is equivalent to an annual dividend rate of $1.62 per share. The determination of the amount of future cash dividends, if any, to be declared and paid will depend upon, among other things, our financial condition, funds from operations, the level of our capital expenditures, restrictions under our Revolving Credit Facility and our future business prospects.
Debt
Financing Transactions and Short-Term Liquidity
Our principal sources to meet day-to-day operating cash requirements are cash from operations and our corporate Revolving Credit Facility.
Revolving Credit Facility
On June 26, 2015, we amended our $500 million corporate Revolving Credit Facility agreement to extend the term through June 26, 2020. This facility is similar to the former agreement, which includes an accordion feature that allows us, with the consent of the administrative agent and issuing agents, to increase the capacity of the facility to $750 million. Borrowings continue to be available under a base rate or various Eurodollar rate options. The interest costs associated with the letters of credit or borrowings and the commitment fee under the Revolving Credit Facility are determined based upon our most favorable Corporate credit rating from S&P and Moody’s for our unsecured debt. Based on our credit ratings, the margins for base rate borrowings, Eurodollar borrowings, and letters of credit were 0.125%, 1.125% and 1.125%, respectively. Pricing remains unchanged from the previous agreement. A commitment fee is charged on the unused amount of the Revolving Credit Facility and was 0.175% based on our credit rating.
Our Revolving Credit Facility had the following borrowings, outstanding letters of credit, and available capacity (in millions):
Current | Borrowings at | Letters of Credit at | Available Capacity at | ||||||||||
Credit Facility | Expiration | Capacity | June 30, 2015 | June 30, 2015 | June 30, 2015 | ||||||||
Revolving Credit Facility | June 26, 2020 | $ | 500 | $ | 106 | $ | 23 | $ | 371 |
The Revolving Credit Facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, such as limitations on the creation of new indebtedness and on certain liens, restrictions on certain transactions, and maintaining a certain recourse leverage ratio. Under the Revolving Credit Facility, our recourse leverage ratio is calculated by dividing the sum of our recourse debt, letters of credit, and certain guarantees issued, by total capital, which includes recourse indebtedness plus our net worth. Subject to applicable cure periods, a violation of any of these covenants would constitute an event of default that entitles the lenders to terminate their remaining commitments and accelerate all principal and interest outstanding. We were in compliance with these covenants as of June 30, 2015.
The Revolving Credit Facility prohibits us from paying cash dividends if a default or an event of default exists prior to, or would result after, paying a dividend. Although these contractual restrictions exist, we do not anticipate triggering any default measures or restrictions.
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Hedges and Derivatives
Interest Rate Swaps
We have entered into floating-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements to reduce our exposure to interest rate fluctuations. We have $75 million notional amount floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps with a maximum remaining term of approximately 1.5 years. These swaps have been designated as cash flow hedges for the Revolving Credit Facility, and accordingly their mark-to-market adjustments are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The mark-to-market value of these swaps was a liability of $4.7 million at June 30, 2015.
Financing Activities
On July 12, 2015, in conjunction with the agreement to acquire SourceGas, we entered into a commitment letter with Credit Suisse to fund the transaction. Effective August 6th, 2015, we entered into a Bridge Term Loan Agreement with Credit Suisse as the Administrate Agent and 10 additional banks, collectively, for commitments totaling $1.17 billion pursuant to the previously executed bridge commitment letter with Credit Suisse. We may draw up to $1.17 billion on this loan to fund the SourceGas Acquisition and related expenses. The Agreement contains the same customary affirmative and negative covenants as are in our Revolving Credit Agreement and Term Loan Agreement, such as limitations on the creation of new indebtedness and on certain liens, restrictions on certain transactions and maintaining a recourse leverage ratio not to exceed .75 to 1.00. In the event we fund under the Bridge Term Loan Agreement, in certain circumstances, we are required to pay down those borrowings with funds received from the proceeds of equity and debt offerings and asset sales. Additionally, our Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan Credit Agreements were amended in connection with the Bridge Loan Credit Agreement to permit the assumption of certain indebtedness of SourceGas and to increase the Recourse Leverage Ratio in certain circumstances. In these amendments, the maximum Recourse Ratio is no greater than 0.65 to 1.00 at the end of any fiscal quarter, but may increase to (i) 0.70 to 1.00 at the end of any fiscal quarter during such four fiscal quarter period that the aggregate outstanding debt assumed or incurred in connection with our acquisition of SourceGas is equal to or greater than $1.25 billion and less than $1.46 billion or (ii) 0.75 to 1.00 at the end of any fiscal quarter during such four fiscal quarter period that the aggregate outstanding debt assumed or incurred in connection with our acquisition of SourceGas is equal to or greater than $1.46 billion.
On April 13, 2015, we entered into a new $300 million Corporate term loan expiring April 12, 2017. This new term loan replaced the $275 million Corporate term loan due on June 19, 2015. The additional $25 million, less interest and fees, was used for general corporate purposes. The cost of the borrowing under the new term loan is LIBOR plus a margin of 0.9%. The covenants on the new term loan are substantially the same as the Revolving Credit Facility.
On October 1, 2014, Black Hills Power and Cheyenne Light sold $160 million of first mortgage bonds in a private placement to provide permanent financing for Cheyenne Prairie. Black Hills Power issued $85 million of 4.43% coupon first mortgage bonds due October 20, 2044, and Cheyenne Light issued $75 million of 4.53% coupon first mortgage bonds due October 20, 2044.
Future Financing Plans
We anticipate the following financing activities:
• | Evaluate the conversion of our $300 million variable-rate Corporate term loan to fixed rate debt. |
• | Execute permanent financing options for the acquisition of SourceGas that include: |
* $575 million to $675 million in Equity and equity-linked securities,
* $450 million to $550 million in new debt.
Dividend Restrictions
As a utility holding company which owns several regulated utilities, we are subject to various regulations that could influence our liquidity. Our utilities in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska have regulatory agreements in which they cannot pay dividends if they have issued debt to third parties and the payment of a dividend would reduce their equity ratio to below 40% of their total capitalization; and neither Black Hills Utility Holdings nor its subsidiaries can extend credit to the Company except in the ordinary course of business and upon reasonable terms consistent with market terms. The use of our utility assets as collateral generally requires the prior approval of the state regulators in the state in which the utility assets are located. Additionally, our utility subsidiaries may generally be limited to the amount of dividends allowed by state regulatory authorities to be paid to us as a utility holding company and also may have further restrictions under the Federal Power Act. As
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a result of our holding company structure, our right as a common shareholder to receive assets of any of our direct or indirect subsidiaries upon a subsidiary’s liquidation or reorganization is junior to the claims against the assets of such subsidiaries by their creditors. Therefore, our holding company debt obligations are effectively subordinated to all existing and future claims of the creditors of our subsidiaries, including trade creditors, debt holders, secured creditors, taxing authorities, and guarantee holders. As of June 30, 2015, the restricted net assets at our Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities were approximately $325 million.
Our credit facilities and other debt obligations contain restrictions on the payment of cash dividends upon a default or event of default. An event of default would be deemed to have occurred if we did not meet certain financial covenants. The only financial covenant under our Revolving Credit Facility is a recourse leverage ratio not to exceed 0.65 to 1.00. Additionally, covenants within Cheyenne Light’s financing agreements require Cheyenne Light to maintain a debt to capitalization ratio of no more than 0.60 to 1.00. As of June 30, 2015, we were in compliance with this covenant.
There have been no other material changes in our financing transactions and short-term liquidity from those reported in Item 7 of our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A filed with the SEC.
Credit Ratings
Financing for operational needs and capital expenditure requirements not satisfied by operating cash flows depends upon the cost and availability of external funds through both short and long-term financing. The inability to raise capital on favorable terms could negatively affect our ability to maintain or expand our businesses. Access to funds is dependent upon factors such as general economic and capital market conditions, regulatory authorizations and policies, the Company’s credit ratings, cash flows from routine operations and the credit ratings of counterparties. After assessing the current operating performance, liquidity and the credit ratings of the Company, management believes that the Company will have access to the capital markets at prevailing market rates for companies with comparable credit ratings. BHC notes that credit ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold securities and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating agency. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.
Following the announcement of the SourceGas acquisition on July 12, 2015, each of the rating agencies completed a review of BHC and BHP.
The following table represents the credit ratings and outlook of BHC from each rating agency’s review on July 13, 2015:
Rating Agency | Senior Unsecured Rating | Outlook |
S&P (1) | BBB | Stable |
Moody’s (2) | Baa1 | Negative |
Fitch (3) | BBB+ | Negative |
__________
1) S&P reaffirmed BBB rating with stable outlook.
2) Moody’s reaffirmed Baa1 rating and revised BHC’s outlook from Stable to Negative reflecting uncertainties around regulatory approvals, efficiencies and financing clarity for the SourceGas acquisition.
3) Fitch reaffirmed BBB+ rating revised and BHC’s outlook from Stable to Negative, reflecting uncertainties around regulatory approvals, efficiencies and financing clarity for the SourceGas acquisition.
The following table represents the credit ratings of Black Hills Power from each rating agency’s review on July 13, 2015:
Rating Agency | Senior Secured Rating |
S&P | A- |
Moody’s | A1 |
Fitch | A |
There were no rating changes for Black Hills Power from previously disclosed ratings.
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Capital Requirements
Acquisition of SourceGas
On July 12, 2015, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire SourceGas for approximately $1.89 billion, which includes $200 million of projected capital expenditures through closing and the assumption of $720 million in debt projected at closing. The effective purchase price is estimated to be $1.74 billion after taking into account approximately $150 million in tax benefits consisting of acquired NOLs and goodwill tax benefits, resulting from the transaction. The purchase price is subject to customary post-closing adjustments for cash, capital expenditures, indebtedness and working capital. To fund the transaction, we entered into a commitment letter for a 1-year, $1.17 billion senior unsecured fully committed bridge facility provided by Credit Suisse. The acquisition of SourceGas is expected to close during the first half of 2016. We expect to finance the acquisition with the aformentioned $720 million of assumed debt, $450 million to $550 million of new debt, $575 million to $675 million of equity and equity-linked securities, and the remainder with cash on hand and revolver draws.
Capital Expenditures
Actual and forecasted capital requirements are as follows (in thousands):
Expenditures for the | Total | Total | Total | ||||||||||||
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 (a) | 2015 Planned Expenditures (b) | 2016 Planned Expenditures (d) | 2017 Planned Expenditures (d) | ||||||||||||
Utilities: | |||||||||||||||
Electric Utilities | $ | 58,199 | $ | 229,300 | $ | 225,400 | $ | 135,600 | |||||||
Gas Utilities | 31,365 | 69,200 | 60,100 | 71,800 | |||||||||||
Cost of Service Gas | — | — | 50,000 | 100,000 | |||||||||||
Non-regulated Energy: | |||||||||||||||
Power Generation | 1,534 | 8,000 | 2,000 | 2,600 | |||||||||||
Coal Mining | 4,952 | 7,000 | 6,000 | 6,600 | |||||||||||
Oil and Gas (c) | 87,034 | 179,200 | 12,300 | 15,000 | |||||||||||
Corporate | 7,472 | 6,100 | 1,500 | 3,600 | |||||||||||
$ | 190,556 | $ | 498,800 | $ | 357,300 | $ | 335,200 |
__________
(a) Expenditures for the six months ended June 30, 2015 include the impact of accruals for property, plant and equipment.
(b) Includes actual expenditures for the six months ended June 30, 2015.
(c) | We decreased our 2016 and 2017 planned capital expenditures at our Oil and Gas segment from $122 million and $120 million to $12 million and $15 million, respectively, based on our expectation of continued low commodity prices. We’re currently drilling the last of 13 Mancos Shale wells for our 2014/2015 drilling program in the Piceance Basin. We placed three wells on production in the first quarter of 2015, and we expect to complete three wells in the third quarter of 2015 and three more in the fourth quarter of 2015. Completion of the four remaining wells will be deferred based on the positive results of our producing wells, as well as our expectation of continued low commodity prices. |
(d) | Forecasted amounts for 2016 and 2017 do not include capital expenditures for SourceGas. |
We continue to evaluate potential future acquisitions and other growth opportunities that are dependent upon the availability of economic opportunities; as a result, capital expenditures may vary significantly from the estimates identified above.
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Contractual Obligations
There have been no significant changes in the contractual obligations from those previously disclosed in Note 18 of our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A except for those described in Note 2 in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Guarantees
There have been no significant changes to guarantees from those previously disclosed in Note 19 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, except for those described in Note 2 in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
New Accounting Pronouncements
Other than the pronouncements reported in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A filed with the SEC and those discussed in Note 1 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, there have been no new accounting pronouncements that are expected to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements as defined by the SEC. Forward-looking statements are all statements other than statements of historical fact, including without limitation those statements that are identified by the words “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts” and similar expressions, and include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. From time to time, the Company may publish or otherwise make available forward-looking statements of this nature, including statements contained within Item 2 - Management’s Discussion & Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed. The Company’s expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and are believed by the Company to have a reasonable basis, including without limitation, management’s examination of historical operating trends, data contained in the Company’s records and other data available from third parties. Nonetheless, the Company’s expectations, beliefs or projections may not be achieved or accomplished.
Any forward-looking statement contained in this document speaks only as of the date on which the statement was made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date on which the statement was made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all of the factors, nor can it assess the effect of each factor on the Company’s business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. All forward-looking statements, whether written or oral and whether made by or on behalf of the Company, are expressly qualified by the risk factors and cautionary statements described in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K including statements contained within Item 1A - Risk Factors of our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and other reports that we file with the SEC from time to time.
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ITEM 3. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
Utilities
Our utility customers are exposed to natural gas price volatility. Therefore, as allowed or required by state utility commissions, we have entered into commission-approved hedging programs utilizing natural gas futures, options and basis swaps to reduce our customers’ underlying exposure to these fluctuations. The fair value of our Utilities Group’s derivative contracts is summarized below (in thousands) as of:
June 30, 2015 | December 31, 2014 | June 30, 2014 | |||||||||
Net derivative (liabilities) assets | $ | (16,181 | ) | $ | (16,914 | ) | $ | (1,647 | ) | ||
Cash collateral offset in Derivatives | 16,181 | 16,914 | 3,384 | ||||||||
Cash Collateral included in Other current assets | 5,059 | 3,093 | 2,767 | ||||||||
Net asset (liability) position | $ | 5,059 | $ | 3,093 | $ | 4,504 |
Oil and Gas Activities
We have entered into agreements to hedge a portion of our estimated 2015 and 2016 natural gas and crude oil production from the Oil and Gas segment. The hedge agreements in place at June 30, 2015, were as follows:
Natural Gas
March 31 | June 30 | September 30 | December 31 | Total Year | |||||||||||
2015 | |||||||||||||||
Swaps - MMBtu | — | — | 955,000 | 1,000,000 | 1,955,000 | ||||||||||
Weighted Average Price per MMBtu | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 4.00 | $ | 4.04 | $ | 4.02 | |||||
2016 | |||||||||||||||
Swaps - MMBtu | 585,000 | 557,500 | 545,000 | 545,000 | 2,232,500 | ||||||||||
Weighted Average Price per MMBtu | $ | 3.89 | $ | 3.87 | $ | 3.91 | $ | 3.90 | $ | 3.89 |
Crude Oil
March 31 | June 30 | September 30 | December 31 | Total Year | |||||||||||
2015 | |||||||||||||||
Swaps - Bbls | — | — | 66,000 | 60,000 | 126,000 | ||||||||||
Weighted Average Price per Bbl | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 75.95 | $ | 84.55 | $ | 80.05 | |||||
2016 | |||||||||||||||
Swaps - Bbls | 39,000 | 39,000 | 36,000 | 36,000 | 150,000 | ||||||||||
Weighted Average Price per Bbl | $ | 84.55 | $ | 84.55 | $ | 84.55 | $ | 80.93 | $ | 83.68 |
The fair value of our Oil and Gas segment’s derivative contracts is summarized below (in thousands) as of:
June 30, 2015 | December 31, 2014 | June 30, 2014 | |||||||||
Net derivative (liabilities) assets | $ | 8,940 | $ | 14,684 | $ | (5,451 | ) | ||||
Cash collateral offset in Derivatives | (8,940 | ) | (14,684 | ) | 5,451 | ||||||
Cash Collateral included in Other current assets | 2,119 | 4,392 | 3,878 | ||||||||
Net asset (liability) position | $ | 2,119 | $ | 4,392 | $ | 3,878 |
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Financing Activities
We engage in activities to manage risks associated with changes in interest rates. We have entered into floating-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements to reduce our exposure to interest rate fluctuations associated with our floating rate debt obligations. Further details of the swap agreements are set forth in Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A and in Note 9 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
The contract or notional amounts, terms of our interest rate swaps and the interest rate swaps balances reflected on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (dollars in thousands) as of:
June 30, 2015 | December 31, 2014 | June 30, 2014 | |||||||||
Designated Interest Rate Swaps (a) | Designated Interest Rate Swaps (a) | Designated Interest Rate Swaps (a) | |||||||||
Notional | $ | 75,000 | $ | 75,000 | $ | 75,000 | |||||
Weighted average fixed interest rate | 4.97 | % | 4.97 | % | 4.97 | % | |||||
Maximum terms in years | 1.50 | 2.00 | 2.50 | ||||||||
Derivative liabilities, current | $ | 3,289 | $ | 3,340 | $ | 3,480 | |||||
Derivative liabilities, non-current | $ | 1,433 | $ | 2,680 | $ | 4,251 | |||||
Pre-tax accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | $ | (4,722 | ) | $ | (6,020 | ) | $ | (7,731 | ) |
__________
(a) | These swaps are designated to borrowings on our Revolving Credit Facility, and are priced using three-month LIBOR, matching the floating portion of the related borrowings. |
Based on June 30, 2015 market interest rates and balances related to our interest rate swaps, a loss of approximately $3.3 million would be realized, reported in pre-tax earnings and reclassified from AOCI during the next 12 months. Estimated and actual realized gains or losses will change during future periods as market interest rates change.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of June 30, 2015. Based on their evaluation, they have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective at June 30, 2015.
Management has determined that a deficiency in internal control existed due to a deficiency in the level of training in performing the control over the full cost ceiling test write down impairment calculation, specifically related to evaluating and correctly accounting for the treatment of tax amounts associated with the calculation. Management concluded that this deficiency represented a material weakness, as defined by Securities and Exchange Commission regulations.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During the quarter ended June 30, 2015, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting, except as noted above related to the full cost ceiling test impairment calculation.
In response to the identified material weakness, management reviewed the process and controls surrounding the oil and gas ceiling test impairment calculation. Management, with oversight from our Audit Committee, developed a plan of remediation that includes changes to processes to prevent or detect similar future occurrences. As a result of this plan, the following control remediation steps are being taken.
• | Employees involved with preparation and review of the ceiling test calculation will be trained to reinforce the understanding of the requirements associated with appropriately performing this calculation, particularly as it relates to deferred taxes. |
• | The model used to calculate the ceiling test will be further updated and refined to ensure the appropriate application of accounting for all components is embedded within the model. |
• | Management will engage an external consultant with experience in the Oil and Gas industry to assist in reviewing the ceiling test model, when appropriate in consideration of risk associated with market or business changes. |
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BLACK HILLS CORPORATION
Part II — Other Information
ITEM 1. | Legal Proceedings |
For information regarding legal proceedings, see Note 18 in Item 8 of our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A and Note 15 in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which information from Note 15 is incorporated by reference into this item.
ITEM 1A. | Risk Factors |
Other than as set forth below, there are no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in Item 1A of Part I in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Risks Related to Our Pending Acquisition of SourceGas
We may be unable to obtain the approvals required to complete the acquisition of SourceGas or such approvals may contain material restrictions or conditions.
Completion of the SourceGas acquisition is subject to numerous conditions, including approval from various state utility regulatory agencies, and the expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. We cannot provide assurance that we will obtain all required consents or approvals, or that the regulatory consents or approvals will not impose conditions on the completion, or require changes to the terms of the acquisition, including restrictions on the business, operations, or financial performance of the utilities we would acquire from SourceGas. These conditions or changes could also delay or materially and adversely affect the business results and our financial condition.
If we do not complete the acquisition, we will still incur and remain liable for significant transaction costs, including legal, accounting, financial advisory and other related costs.
While the acquisition is pending, we are subject to business uncertainties that could materially adversely affect our financial results.
Uncertainty about the effect of the acquisition on employees, customers, vendors and others may have an adverse effect on us. Although we intend to take steps designed to reduce any adverse effects, these uncertainties may impair our ability to attract, retain and motivate key personnel until the acquisition is completed, and for a period of time thereafter, and could cause vendors and others that deal with us to seek to change existing business relationships.
If completed, the acquisition may not achieve its intended results.
We entered into the agreement with the expectation that the acquisition would result in various benefits. If the acquisition is completed, achieving the anticipated benefits will be subject to a number of uncertainties, including whether our businesses can be integrated in an efficient and effective manner. Failure to achieve these anticipated benefits could adversely affect our business, financial results and share price.
Our credit ratings could be negatively impacted in the future. If this were to occur, it could impact our access to capital, our cost of capital and our other operating costs, which could adversely affect our ability to obtain permanent financing on favorable terms.
After review of the acquisition announcement, our issuer credit ratings were updated on July 13, 2015 by S&P, Moody’s and Fitch. Our credit rating is BBB with stable outlook by S&P, Baa1 with negative outlook by Moody’s and BBB+ with negative outlook by Fitch. We cannot be assured that our credit ratings will not be lowered as a result of the proposed acquisition or for any other reason, including the failure to consummate the acquisition of the utility assets. Any reduction in our credit ratings could adversely affect our ability to complete the SourceGas transaction, to refinance or repay our existing debt, and to complete new financings, including permanent financing of the SourceGas transaction on acceptable terms or at all.
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U.S. credit markets may impact our ability to execute our plan in securing permanent financing for the SourceGas acquisition on favorable terms.
We expect to put in place permanent financing of the SourceGas acquisition approximately $720 million of assumed debt, $450 million to $550 million of new debt and $575 million to $675 million of equity and equity-linked securities. Unexpected periods of volatility and disruption in U.S. credit markets could affect our ability to obtain permanent financing for SourceGas more difficult and costly. Unexpected volatility on utility stock indexes could also have an unfavorable impact on our stock price, which could affect our ability to raise equity on favorable terms.
ITEM 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds |
There were no unregistered securities sold during the six months ended June 30, 2015.
ITEM 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures |
Information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Sections 1503(a) of Dodd-Frank is included in Exhibit 95 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
ITEM 5. | Other Information |
None.
ITEM 6. | Exhibits |
Exhibit Number | Description |
Exhibit 2.1* | Purchase and Sale Agreement by and among Alinda Gas Delaware LLC, Alinda Infrastructure Fund I, L.P. and Aircraft Services Corporation, as Sellers, and Black Hills Utility Holdings, Inc., as Buyer dated as of July 12, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K file on July 14, 2015). |
Exhibit 2.2* | Option Agreement by and among Aircraft Services Corporation, as ASC, SourceGas Holdings LLC, as the Company and Black Hills Utility Holdings, Inc., as Buyer (filed as Exhibit 2.2 to the Registrant's Form 8-K file on July 14, 2015). |
Exhibit 2.3* | Guaranty of Black Hills Corporation in favor of Alinda Gas Delaware LLC, Alinda Infrastructure Fund I, L.P. and Aircraft Services Corporation, dated as of July 12, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 2.3 to the Registrant's Form 8-K file on July 14, 2015). |
Exhibit 3.1* | Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant (filed as Exhibit 3 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for 2004). |
Exhibit 3.2* | Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant dated January 28, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 3 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on February 3, 2010). |
Exhibit 4.1* | Indenture dated as of May 21, 2003 between the Registrant and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (as successor to LaSalle Bank National Association), as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003). First Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 21, 2003 (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003). Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 14, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 4 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on May 14, 2009). Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 16, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 4 to Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on July 15, 2010). Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 19, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 4 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on November 18, 2013). |
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Exhibit 4.2* | Restated and Amended Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust of Black Hills Corporation (now called Black Hills Power, Inc.) dated as of September 1, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 4.19 to the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-150669)). First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 13, 2002, between Black Hills Power, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank), as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.20 to the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S‑3 (No. 333‑150669)). Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 27, 2009, between Black Hills Power, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon (filed as Exhibit 4.21 to the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-150669)). Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2014, between Black Hills Power, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on October 2, 2014). |
Exhibit 4.3* | Restated Indenture of Mortgage, Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and Financing Statement, amended and restated as of November 20, 2007, between Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on October 2, 2014). First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 3, 2009, between Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on October 2, 2014). Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2014, between Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on October 2, 2014). |
Exhibit 4.4* | Form of Stock Certificate for Common Stock, Par Value $1.00 Per Share (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for 2000). |
Exhibit 10.1* | Commitment Letter by and among Black Hills Corporation and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and Credit Suisse AG dated as of July 12, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 14, 2015). |
Exhibit 10.2* | First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated May 29, 2014 among Black Hills Corporation, as Borrower, U.S. Bank, National Association, in its capacity as administrative agent for the Banks under the Credit Agreement, and as a Bank, and the other Banks party thereto (filed as Exhibit 10 to the Registrant's Form 8-K file on June 29, 2015). |
Exhibit 31.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a - 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002. |
Exhibit 31.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a - 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002. |
Exhibit 32.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002. |
Exhibit 32.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002. |
Exhibit 95 | Mine Safety and Health Administration Safety Data. |
Exhibit 101 | Financial Statements for XBRL Format. |
__________
* | Previously filed as part of the filing indicated and incorporated by reference herein. |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
BLACK HILLS CORPORATION
/s/ David R. Emery | ||
David R. Emery, Chairman, President and | ||
Chief Executive Officer | ||
/s/ Richard W. Kinzley | ||
Richard W. Kinzley, Senior Vice President and | ||
Chief Financial Officer | ||
Dated: | August 7, 2015 |
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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
[REQUEST REVIEW/UPDATES FROM ROXANN]
Exhibit Number | Description |
Exhibit 2.1* | Purchase and Sale Agreement by and among Alinda Gas Delaware LLC, Alinda Infrastructure Fund I, L.P. and Aircraft Services Corporation, as Sellers, and Black Hills Utility Holdings, Inc., as Buyer dated as of July 12, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K file on July 14, 2015). |
Exhibit 2.2* | Option Agreement by and among Aircraft Services Corporation, as ASC, SourceGas Holdings LLC, as the Company and Black Hills Utility Holdings, Inc., as Buyer (filed as Exhibit 2.2 to the Registrant's Form 8-K file on July 14, 2015). |
Exhibit 2.3* | Guaranty of Black Hills Corporation in favor of Alinda Gas Delaware LLC, Alinda Infrastructure Fund I, L.P. and Aircraft Services Corporation, dated as of July 12, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 2.3 to the Registrant's Form 8-K file on July 14, 2015). |
Exhibit 3.1* | Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant (filed as Exhibit 3 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for 2004). |
Exhibit 3.2* | Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant dated January 28, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 3 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on February 3, 2010). |
Exhibit 4.1* | Indenture dated as of May 21, 2003 between the Registrant and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (as successor to LaSalle Bank National Association), as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003). First Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 21, 2003 (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003). Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 14, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 4 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on May 14, 2009). Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 16, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 4 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on July 15, 2010). Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 19, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 4 to the Registrants’ Form 8-K filed on November 18, 2013). |
Exhibit 4.2* | Restated and Amended Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust of Black Hills Corporation (now called Black Hills Power, Inc.) dated as of September 1, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 4.19 to the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-150669)). First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 13, 2002, between Black Hills Power, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank), as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.20 to the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S‑3 (No. 333‑150669)). Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 27, 2009, between Black Hills Power, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon (filed as Exhibit 4.21 to the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-150669)). Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2014, between Black Hills Power, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on October 2, 2014). |
Exhibit 4.3* | Restated Indenture of Mortgage, Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and Financing Statement, amended and restated as of November 20, 2007, between Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on October 2, 2014). First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 3, 2009, between Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on October 2, 2014). Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2014, between Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on October 2, 2014). |
Exhibit 4.4* | Form of Stock Certificate for Common Stock, Par Value $1.00 Per Share (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for 2000). |
Exhibit 10.1* | Commitment Letter by and among Black Hills Corporation and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and Credit Suisse AG dated as of July 12, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 14, 2015). |
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Exhibit 31.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a - 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002. |
Exhibit 31.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a - 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002. |
Exhibit 32.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002. |
Exhibit 32.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002. |
Exhibit 95 | Mine Safety and Health Administration Safety Data. |
Exhibit 101 | Financial Statements for XBRL Format. |
__________
* | Previously filed as part of the filing indicated and incorporated by reference herein. |
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