Clearway Energy, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2016 March (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: March 31, 2016 | ||
o | Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
Commission File Number: 001-36002
NRG Yield, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | 46-1777204 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |
211 Carnegie Center, Princeton, New Jersey (Address of principal executive offices) | 08540 (Zip Code) |
(609) 524-4500
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x | Accelerated filer o | Non-accelerated filer o | Smaller reporting company o | |||
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No x
As of April 30, 2016, there were 34,586,250 shares of Class A common stock outstanding, par value $0.01 per share, 42,738,750 shares of Class B common stock outstanding, par value $0.01 per share, 62,784,250 shares of Class C common stock outstanding, par value $0.01 per share, and 42,738,750 shares of Class D common stock outstanding, par value $0.01 per share.
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Index
2
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of NRG Yield, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries, or the Company, includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. The words "believes," "projects," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "intends," "estimates" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance and achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors, risks and uncertainties include the factors described under Item 1A — Risk Factors in Part I, Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, and the following:
• | The Company's ability to maintain and grow its quarterly dividend; |
• | The Company's ability to successfully identify, evaluate and consummate acquisitions from third parties; |
• | The Company's ability to acquire assets from NRG; |
• | The Company's ability to raise additional capital due to its indebtedness, corporate structure, market conditions or otherwise; |
• | Hazards customary to the power production industry and power generation operations such as fuel and electricity price volatility, unusual weather conditions, catastrophic weather-related or other damage to facilities, unscheduled generation outages, maintenance or repairs, unanticipated changes to fuel supply costs or availability due to higher demand, shortages, transportation problems or other developments, environmental incidents, or electric transmission or gas pipeline system constraints and the possibility that the Company may not have adequate insurance to cover losses as a result of such hazards; |
• | The Company's ability to operate its businesses efficiently, manage maintenance capital expenditures and costs effectively, and generate earnings and cash flows from its asset-based businesses in relation to its debt and other obligations; |
• | The willingness and ability of counterparties to the Company's offtake agreements to fulfill their obligations under such agreements; |
• | The Company's ability to enter into contracts to sell power and procure fuel on acceptable terms and prices as current offtake agreements expire; |
• | Government regulation, including compliance with regulatory requirements and changes in market rules, rates, tariffs and environmental laws; |
• | Changes in law, including judicial decisions; |
• | The Company's ability to receive anticipated cash grants with respect to certain renewable (wind and solar) assets; |
• | Operating and financial restrictions placed on the Company that are contained in the project-level debt facilities and other agreements of certain subsidiaries and project-level subsidiaries generally, in the NRG Yield Operating LLC amended and restated revolving credit facility, in the indentures governing the Senior Notes and in the indentures governing the Company's convertible notes; and |
• | The Company's ability to borrow additional funds and access capital markets, as well as the Company's substantial indebtedness and the possibility that the Company may incur additional indebtedness going forward. |
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The foregoing review of factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should not be construed as exhaustive.
3
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
When the following terms and abbreviations appear in the text of this report, they have the meanings indicated below:
2015 Form 10-K | NRG Yield, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 | |
2019 Convertible Notes | $345 million aggregate principal amount of 3.50% Convertible Notes due 2019, issued by NRG Yield, Inc. | |
2020 Convertible Notes | $287.5 million aggregate principal amount of 3.25% Convertible Notes due 2020, issued by NRG Yield, Inc. | |
AOCL | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | |
ASC | The FASB Accounting Standards Codification, which the FASB established as the source of authoritative U.S. GAAP | |
ASU | Accounting Standards Updates – updates to the ASC | |
Buffalo Bear | Buffalo Bear, LLC, the operating subsidiary of Tapestry Wind LLC, which owns the Buffalo Bear project | |
CAFD | Cash Available For Distribution, which the Company defines as net income before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, plus cash distributions from unconsolidated affiliates, less cash distributions to noncontrolling interests, maintenance capital expenditures, pro-rata EBITDA from unconsolidated affiliates, cash interest paid, income taxes paid, principal amortization of indebtedness and changes in other assets | |
COD | Commercial Operations Date | |
Company | NRG Yield, Inc. together with its consolidated subsidiaries | |
CVSR | California Valley Solar Ranch | |
DGPV Holdco 1 | NRG DGPV Holdco 1 LLC | |
DGPV Holdco 2 | NRG DGPV Holdco 2 LLC | |
Distributed Solar | Solar power projects, typically less than 20 MW in size, that primarily sell power produced to customers for usage on site, or are interconnected to sell power into the local distribution grid | |
Drop Down Assets | Collectively, the January 2015 Drop Down Assets and the November 2015 Drop Down Assets | |
Economic Gross Margin | Energy and capacity revenue, less cost of fuels | |
El Segundo | NRG West Holdings LLC, the subsidiary of Natural Gas Repowering LLC, which owns the El Segundo Energy Center project | |
ERCOT | Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the ISO and the regional reliability coordinator of the various electricity systems within Texas | |
EWG | Exempt Wholesale Generator | |
Exchange Act | The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended | |
FASB | Financial Accounting Standards Board | |
FERC | Federal Energy Regulatory Commission | |
FTRs | Financial Transmission Rights | |
GenConn | GenConn Energy LLC | |
HLBV | Hypothetical Liquidation at Book Value | |
IASB | International Accounting Standards Board | |
ISO | Independent System Operator, also referred to as RTO | |
January 2015 Drop Down Assets | The Laredo Ridge, Tapestry and Walnut Creek projects, which were acquired by NRG Yield Operating LLC from NRG on January 2, 2015 | |
Kansas South | NRG Solar Kansas South LLC, the operating subsidiary of NRG Solar Kansas South Holdings LLC, which owns the Kansas South project | |
Laredo Ridge | Laredo Ridge Wind, LLC, the operating subsidiary of Mission Wind Laredo, LLC, which owns the Laredo Ridge project | |
LIBOR | London Inter-Bank Offered Rate | |
Marsh Landing | NRG Marsh Landing LLC, formerly GenOn Marsh Landing LLC | |
MMBtu | Million British Thermal Units | |
MW | Megawatt |
4
MWh | Saleable megawatt hours, net of internal/parasitic load megawatt-hours | |
MWt | Megawatts Thermal Equivalent | |
NERC | North American Electric Reliability Corporation | |
Net Exposure | Counterparty credit exposure to NRG Yield, Inc. net of collateral | |
NOLs | Net Operating Losses | |
November 2015 Drop Down Assets | 75% of the Class B interests of NRG Wind TE Holdco, which owns a portfolio of 12 wind facilities totaling 814 net MW, which was acquired by NRG Yield Operating LLC from NRG on November 3, 2015 | |
NRG | NRG Energy, Inc. | |
NRG Wind TE Holdco | NRG Wind TE Holdco LLC | |
NRG Yield LLC | The holding company through which the projects are owned by NRG, the holder of Class B and Class D units, and NRG Yield, Inc., the holder of the Class A and Class C units | |
NRG Yield Operating LLC | The holder of the project assets that are owned by NRG Yield LLC | |
OCI/OCL | Other comprehensive income/loss | |
Pinnacle | Pinnacle Wind, LLC, the operating subsidiary of Tapestry Wind LLC, which owns the Pinnacle project | |
PPA | Power Purchase Agreement | |
PUCT | Public Utility Commission of Texas | |
QF | Qualifying Facility under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 | |
Recapitalization | The adoption of the Company's Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation which authorized two new classes of common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock, and distributed shares of such new classes of common stock to holders of the Company’s outstanding Class A common stock and Class B common stock, respectively, through a stock split on May 14, 2015 | |
ROFO Agreement | Amended and Restated Right of First Offer Agreement between the Company and NRG | |
RPV Holdco | NRG RPV Holdco 1 LLC | |
RTO | Regional Transmission Organization | |
SEC | U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission | |
Senior Notes | NRG Yield Operating LLC's $500 million of 5.375% unsecured senior notes due 2024 | |
TA High Desert | TA-High Desert LLC, the operating subsidiary of NRG Solar Mayfair LLC, which owns the TA High Desert project | |
Taloga | Taloga Wind, LLC, the operating subsidiary of Tapestry Wind LLC, which owns the Taloga project | |
Tapestry | Collection of the Pinnacle, Buffalo Bear and Taloga projects | |
Thermal Business | The Company's thermal business, which consists of thermal infrastructure assets that provide steam, hot water and/or chilled water, and in some instances electricity, to commercial businesses, universities, hospitals and governmental units | |
U.S. | United States of America | |
U.S. GAAP | Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States | |
Utility Scale Solar | Solar power projects, typically 20 MW or greater in size (on an alternating current, or AC, basis), that are interconnected into the transmission or distribution grid to sell power at a wholesale level | |
VaR | Value at Risk | |
VIE | Variable Interest Entity | |
Walnut Creek | NRG Walnut Creek, LLC, the operating subsidiary of WCEP Holdings, LLC, which owns the Walnut Creek project |
5
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1 — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NRG YIELD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||
(In millions, except per share amounts) | 2016 | 2015 (a) | |||||
Operating Revenues | |||||||
Total operating revenues | $ | 220 | $ | 200 | |||
Operating Costs and Expenses | |||||||
Cost of operations | 83 | 84 | |||||
Depreciation and amortization | 66 | 67 | |||||
General and administrative | 3 | 3 | |||||
Total operating costs and expenses | 152 | 154 | |||||
Operating Income | 68 | 46 | |||||
Other Income (Expense) | |||||||
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates | 2 | 2 | |||||
Other income, net | — | 1 | |||||
Interest expense | (68 | ) | (73 | ) | |||
Total other expense, net | (66 | ) | (70 | ) | |||
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes | 2 | (24 | ) | ||||
Income tax benefit | — | (4 | ) | ||||
Net Income (Loss) | 2 | (20 | ) | ||||
Less: Pre-acquisition net loss of Drop Down Assets | — | (4 | ) | ||||
Net Income (Loss) Excluding Pre-acquisition Net Loss of Drop Down Assets | 2 | (16 | ) | ||||
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | (3 | ) | (11 | ) | |||
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to NRG Yield, Inc. | $ | 5 | $ | (5 | ) | ||
Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to NRG Yield, Inc. Class A and Class C Common Stockholders | |||||||
Weighted average number of Class A common shares outstanding - basic and diluted | 35 | 35 | |||||
Weighted average number of Class C common shares outstanding - basic and diluted | 63 | 35 | |||||
Earnings (Loss) per Weighted Average Class A and Class C Common Share - Basic and Diluted | 0.05 | (0.07 | ) | ||||
Dividends Per Class A Common Share | $ | 0.225 | $ | 0.39 | |||
Dividends Per Class C Common Share | $ | 0.225 | N/A | ||||
(a) Retrospectively adjusted as discussed in Note 1, Nature of Business.
N/A - Not applicable.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
6
NRG YIELD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(Unaudited)
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||
(In millions) | 2016 | 2015 (a) | |||||
Net Income (Loss) | $ | 2 | $ | (20 | ) | ||
Other Comprehensive Loss, net of tax | |||||||
Unrealized loss on derivatives, net of income tax benefit of $9 and $8 | (41 | ) | (20 | ) | |||
Other comprehensive loss | (41 | ) | (20 | ) | |||
Comprehensive Loss | (39 | ) | (40 | ) | |||
Less: Pre-acquisition net loss of Drop Down Assets | — | (4 | ) | ||||
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | (27 | ) | (18 | ) | |||
Comprehensive Loss Attributable to NRG Yield, Inc. | $ | (12 | ) | $ | (18 | ) |
(a) Retrospectively adjusted as discussed in Note 1, Nature of Business.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
7
NRG YIELD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except shares) | March 31, 2016 | December 31, 2015 | |||||
ASSETS | (unaudited) | ||||||
Current Assets | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 76 | $ | 111 | |||
Restricted cash | 60 | 48 | |||||
Accounts receivable — trade | 85 | 95 | |||||
Accounts receivable — affiliate | 2 | — | |||||
Inventory | 34 | 35 | |||||
Notes receivable | 7 | 7 | |||||
Prepayments and other current assets | 20 | 22 | |||||
Total current assets | 284 | 318 | |||||
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $767 and $701 | 5,012 | 5,056 | |||||
Other Assets | |||||||
Equity investments in affiliates | 779 | 798 | |||||
Notes receivable | 8 | 10 | |||||
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $111 and $93 | 1,338 | 1,362 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | 180 | 170 | |||||
Other non-current assets | 58 | 61 | |||||
Total other assets | 2,363 | 2,401 | |||||
Total Assets | $ | 7,659 | $ | 7,775 | |||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||
Current Liabilities | |||||||
Current portion of long-term debt | $ | 242 | $ | 241 | |||
Accounts payable — trade | 26 | 23 | |||||
Accounts payable — affiliate | 24 | 85 | |||||
Derivative instruments | 38 | 39 | |||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 53 | 68 | |||||
Total current liabilities | 383 | 456 | |||||
Other Liabilities | |||||||
Long-term debt | 4,521 | 4,562 | |||||
Accounts payable — affiliate | 20 | — | |||||
Derivative instruments | 110 | 61 | |||||
Other non-current liabilities | 64 | 64 | |||||
Total non-current liabilities | 4,715 | 4,687 | |||||
Total Liabilities | 5,098 | 5,143 | |||||
Commitments and Contingencies | |||||||
Stockholders' Equity | |||||||
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued | — | — | |||||
Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D common stock, $0.01 par value; 3,000,000,000 shares authorized (Class A 500,000,000, Class B 500,000,000, Class C 1,000,000,000, Class D 1,000,000,000); 182,848,000 shares issued and outstanding (Class A 34,586,250, Class B 42,738,750, Class C 62,784,250, Class D 42,738,750) at March 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015 | 1 | 1 | |||||
Additional paid-in capital | 1,844 | 1,855 | |||||
Retained earnings | 7 | 12 | |||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (44 | ) | (27 | ) | |||
Noncontrolling interest | 753 | 791 | |||||
Total Stockholders' Equity | 2,561 | 2,632 | |||||
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | $ | 7,659 | $ | 7,775 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
8
NRG YIELD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||
2016 | 2015 (a) | ||||||
(In millions) | |||||||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities | |||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 2 | $ | (20 | ) | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||
Distributions in excess of equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates | 17 | 35 | |||||
Depreciation and amortization | 66 | 67 | |||||
Amortization of financing costs and debt discounts | 5 | 3 | |||||
Amortization of intangibles and out-of-market contracts | 23 | 12 | |||||
Changes in deferred income taxes | — | (4 | ) | ||||
Changes in derivative instruments | 2 | (2 | ) | ||||
Changes in other working capital | (13 | ) | (16 | ) | |||
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities | 102 | 75 | |||||
Cash Flows from Investing Activities | |||||||
Acquisition of Drop Down Assets, net of cash acquired | — | (490 | ) | ||||
Capital expenditures | (7 | ) | (3 | ) | |||
Increase in restricted cash | (12 | ) | (1 | ) | |||
Decrease in notes receivable | 2 | 2 | |||||
Net investments in unconsolidated affiliates | (43 | ) | 3 | ||||
Other | 2 | — | |||||
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities | (58 | ) | (489 | ) | |||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities | |||||||
Net contributions from noncontrolling interests | 10 | — | |||||
Distributions to NRG for NRG Wind TE Holdco | (4 | ) | — | ||||
Payment of dividends and distributions to shareholders | (41 | ) | (30 | ) | |||
Net (payments for) borrowings of long-term debt | (44 | ) | 149 | ||||
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities | (79 | ) | 119 | ||||
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents | (35 | ) | (295 | ) | |||
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period | 111 | 429 | |||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period | $ | 76 | $ | 134 |
(a) Retrospectively adjusted as discussed in Note 1, Nature of Business.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
9
NRG YIELD, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1 — Nature of Business
NRG Yield, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries, or the Company, is a dividend growth-oriented company formed by NRG as a Delaware corporation on December 20, 2012, to serve as the primary vehicle through which NRG owns, operates and acquires contracted renewable and conventional generation and thermal infrastructure assets. NRG Yield, Inc. owns 100% of the Class A units and Class C units of NRG Yield LLC, including a controlling interest through its position as managing member. NRG Yield LLC, through its wholly owned subsidiary, NRG Yield Operating LLC, is the holder of a portfolio of renewable and conventional generation and thermal infrastructure assets, primarily located in the Northeast, Southwest and California regions of the U.S.
The Company consolidates the results of NRG Yield LLC through its controlling interest, with NRG's interest shown as noncontrolling interest in the financial statements. On May 14, 2015, the Company completed a stock split in connection with which each outstanding share of Class A common stock was split into one share of Class A common stock and one share of Class C common stock, and each outstanding share of Class B common stock was split into one share of Class B common stock and one share of Class D common stock. The stock split is referred to as the Recapitalization and all references to share or per share amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and applicable disclosures have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the Recapitalization. In addition, on June 29, 2015, NRG Yield, Inc. completed the issuance of 28,198,000 shares of Class C common stock for net proceeds of $599 million. The holders of NRG Yield, Inc.'s outstanding shares of Class A and Class C common stock are entitled to dividends as declared. NRG receives its distributions from NRG Yield LLC through its ownership of NRG Yield LLC Class B and Class D units.
The following table represents the structure of the Company as of March 31, 2016:
10
As of March 31, 2016, the Company's operating assets are comprised of the following projects:
Projects | Percentage Ownership | Net Capacity (MW)(a) | Offtake Counterparty | Expiration | ||||||
Conventional | ||||||||||
El Segundo | 100 | % | 550 | Southern California Edison | 2023 | |||||
GenConn Devon | 50 | % | 95 | Connecticut Light & Power | 2040 | |||||
GenConn Middletown | 50 | % | 95 | Connecticut Light & Power | 2041 | |||||
Marsh Landing | 100 | % | 720 | Pacific Gas and Electric | 2023 | |||||
Walnut Creek | 100 | % | 485 | Southern California Edison | 2023 | |||||
1,945 | ||||||||||
Utility Scale Solar | ||||||||||
Alpine | 100 | % | 66 | Pacific Gas and Electric | 2033 | |||||
Avenal | 50 | % | 23 | Pacific Gas and Electric | 2031 | |||||
Avra Valley | 100 | % | 26 | Tucson Electric Power | 2032 | |||||
Blythe | 100 | % | 21 | Southern California Edison | 2029 | |||||
Borrego | 100 | % | 26 | San Diego Gas and Electric | 2038 | |||||
CVSR | 48.95 | % | 122 | Pacific Gas and Electric | 2038 | |||||
Desert Sunlight 250 | 25 | % | 63 | Southern California Edison | 2035 | |||||
Desert Sunlight 300 | 25 | % | 75 | Pacific Gas and Electric | 2040 | |||||
Kansas South | 100 | % | 20 | Pacific Gas and Electric | 2033 | |||||
Roadrunner | 100 | % | 20 | El Paso Electric | 2031 | |||||
TA High Desert | 100 | % | 20 | Southern California Edison | 2033 | |||||
482 | ||||||||||
Distributed Solar | ||||||||||
AZ DG Solar Projects | 100 | % | 5 | Various | 2025 - 2033 | |||||
PFMG DG Solar Projects | 51 | % | 4 | Various | 2032 | |||||
9 | ||||||||||
Wind | ||||||||||
Alta I | 100 | % | 150 | Southern California Edison | 2035 | |||||
Alta II | 100 | % | 150 | Southern California Edison | 2035 | |||||
Alta III | 100 | % | 150 | Southern California Edison | 2035 | |||||
Alta IV | 100 | % | 102 | Southern California Edison | 2035 | |||||
Alta V | 100 | % | 168 | Southern California Edison | 2035 | |||||
Alta X (b)(c) | 100 | % | 137 | Southern California Edison | 2038 | |||||
Alta XI (b)(c) | 100 | % | 90 | Southern California Edison | 2038 | |||||
Buffalo Bear | 100 | % | 19 | Western Farmers Electric Co-operative | 2033 | |||||
Crosswinds | 74.3 | % | 16 | Corn Belt Power Cooperative | 2027 | |||||
Elbow Creek | 75 | % | 92 | NRG Power Marketing LLC | 2022 | |||||
Elkhorn Ridge | 50.3 | % | 41 | Nebraska Public Power District | 2029 | |||||
Forward | 75 | % | 22 | Constellation NewEnergy, Inc. | 2017 | |||||
Goat Wind | 74.9 | % | 113 | Dow Pipeline Company | 2025 | |||||
Hardin | 74.3 | % | 11 | Interstate Power and Light Company | 2027 | |||||
Laredo Ridge | 100 | % | 80 | Nebraska Public Power District | 2031 | |||||
Lookout | 75 | % | 29 | Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative | 2030 | |||||
Odin | 74.9 | % | 15 | Missouri River Energy Services | 2028 | |||||
Pinnacle | 100 | % | 55 | Maryland Department of General Services and University System of Maryland | 2031 | |||||
San Juan Mesa | 56.3 | % | 68 | Southwestern Public Service Company | 2025 | |||||
Sleeping Bear | 75 | % | 71 | Public Service Company of Oklahoma | 2032 | |||||
South Trent | 100 | % | 101 | AEP Energy Partners | 2029 | |||||
Spanish Fork | 75 | % | 14 | PacifiCorp | 2028 | |||||
Spring Canyon II (b) | 90.1 | % | 29 | Platte River Power Authority | 2039 | |||||
Spring Canyon III (b) | 90.1 | % | 25 | Platte River Power Authority | 2039 | |||||
Taloga | 100 | % | 130 | Oklahoma Gas & Electric | 2031 | |||||
Wildorado | 74.9 | % | 121 | Southwestern Public Service Company | 2027 | |||||
1,999 | ||||||||||
11
Projects | Percentage Ownership | Net Capacity (MW)(a) | Offtake Counterparty | Expiration | ||||||
Thermal | ||||||||||
Thermal equivalent MWt (d) | 100 | % | 1,315 | Various | Various | |||||
Thermal generation | 100 | % | 124 | Various | Various | |||||
Total net capacity (excluding equivalent MWt)(e) | 4,559 |
(a) Net capacity represents the maximum, or rated, generating capacity of the facility multiplied by the Company's percentage ownership in the facility as of March 31, 2016.
(b) Projects are part of tax equity arrangements.
(c) PPA began on January 1, 2016.
(d) For thermal energy, net capacity represents MWt for steam or chilled water and excludes 134 MWt available under the right-to-use provisions contained in agreements between two of the Company's thermal facilities and certain of its customers.
(e) Total net capacity excludes 57 MW for RPV Holdco and 45 MW for DGPV Holdco, which are consolidated by NRG, as further described in Note 5, Variable Interest Entities, or VIEs.
Substantially all of the Company's generation assets are under long-term contractual arrangements for the output or capacity from these assets. The thermal assets are comprised of district energy systems and combined heat and power plants that produce steam, hot water and/or chilled water and in some instances, electricity at a central plant. Three of the district energy systems are subject to rate regulation by state public utility commissions while the other district energy systems have rates determined by negotiated bilateral contracts.
As described in Note 12, Related Party Transactions, the Company entered into a management services agreement with NRG for various services, including human resources, accounting, tax, legal, information systems, treasury, and risk management.
Stockholders' equity represents the equity associated with the Class A and Class C common stockholders, with the equity associated with the Class B and Class D common stockholder, NRG, and the third-party interests under certain tax equity arrangements classified as noncontrolling interest.
As described in Note 3, Business Acquisitions, on November 3, 2015, the Company acquired 75% of the Class B interests of NRG Wind TE Holdco, or the November 2015 Drop Down Assets, from NRG for cash consideration of $209 million. In February 2016, NRG made a final working capital payment of $2 million, reducing total cash consideration to $207 million. Additionally, on January 2, 2015, the Company acquired the Laredo Ridge, Tapestry, and Walnut Creek projects, or the January 2015 Drop Down Assets, for total cash consideration of $489 million, including $9 million for working capital. The acquisitions of the November 2015 Drop Down Assets and the January 2015 Drop Down Assets, or collectively, the Drop Down Assets, were accounted for as transfers of entities under common control. The accounting guidance requires retrospective combination of the entities for all periods presented as if the combination has been in effect since the inception of common control. Accordingly, the Company prepared its consolidated financial statements to reflect the transfers as if they had taken place from the beginning of the financial statements period or from the date the entities were under common control (if later than the beginning of the financial statements period). The recast did not affect net loss attributable to NRG Yield, Inc., weighted average number of shares outstanding, loss per common share or dividends. With respect to the November 2015 Drop Down Assets, the Company has recorded all minority interests in NRG Wind TE Holdco as noncontrolling interest in the Consolidated Financial Statements for all periods presented.
The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the SEC’s regulations for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. The following notes should be read in conjunction with the accounting policies and other disclosures as set forth in the notes to the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements contain all material adjustments consisting of normal and recurring accruals necessary to present fairly the Company's consolidated financial position as of March 31, 2016, and the results of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2016, and 2015.
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Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions impact the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements. They also impact the reported amount of net earnings during the reporting period. Actual results could be different from these estimates.
Noncontrolling Interests
The following table reflects the changes in the Company's noncontrolling interest balance:
(In millions) | |||
Balance as of December 31, 2015 | $ | 791 | |
Capital contributions from tax equity investors, net of distributions | 10 | ||
November 2015 Drop Down Assets working capital payment | 2 | ||
Comprehensive loss | (27 | ) | |
Distributions to NRG | (23 | ) | |
Balance as of March 31, 2016 | $ | 753 |
Distributions to NRG
The following table lists the distributions paid on NRG Yield LLC's Class B and D units during the three months ended March 31, 2016:
First Quarter 2016 | |||
Distributions per Class B Unit | $ | 0.225 | |
Distributions per Class D Unit | $ | 0.225 |
On April 26, 2016, NRG Yield LLC declared a distribution on its units of $0.23 per unit payable on June 15, 2016 to unit holders of record as of June 1, 2016. The portion of the distributions paid by NRG Yield LLC to NRG is recorded as a reduction to the Company's noncontrolling interest balance.
Additionally, the Company paid $4 million to NRG relating to its noncontrolling interest in NRG Wind TE Holdco for the three months ended March 31, 2016.
Recent Accounting Developments
ASU 2016-07 — In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-07, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), or ASU No. 2016-07. The amendments of ASU No. 2016-07 eliminate the requirement that when an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence, an investor must adjust the investment, results of operations, and retained earnings retroactively on a step-by-step basis as if the equity method had been in effect during all previous periods that the investment had been held. The amendments require that the equity method investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor's previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting with no retroactive adjustment to the investment. In addition, ASU No. 2016-07 requires that an entity that has an available-for-sale equity security that becomes qualified for the equity method of accounting recognize through earnings the unrealized holding gain or loss in accumulated other comprehensive income at the date the investment becomes qualified for use of the equity method. The guidance in ASU No. 2016-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. The adoption of ASU No. 2016-07 is required to be applied prospectively and early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the standard to have a material impact on its results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
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ASU 2016-02 — In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), or ASU No. 2016-02. The amendments of ASU No. 2016-02 complete the joint effort between the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board, or IASB, to develop a common leasing standard for U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRS, with the objective to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and to improve financial reporting. The guidance in ASU No. 2016-02 provides that a lessee that may have previously accounted for a lease as an operating lease under current GAAP should recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from a lease on the balance sheet. In addition, ASU No. 2016-02 expands the required quantitative and qualitative disclosures with regards to lease arrangements. The guidance in ASU No. 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those annual periods. The adoption of ASU No. 2016-02 is required to be applied using a modified retrospective approach for the earliest period presented and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the standard on the Company's results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
ASU 2016-01 — In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, or ASU No. 2016-01. The amendments of ASU No. 2016-01 eliminate available-for-sale classification of equity investments and require that equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be generally measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Further, the amendments require financial assets and financial liabilities to be presented separately in the notes to the financial statements, grouped by measurement category and form of financial asset. The guidance in ASU No. 2016-01 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the standard on the Company's results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
ASU 2015-16 — In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments, or ASU No. 2015-16. The amendments of ASU No. 2015-16 require that an acquirer recognize measurement period adjustments to the provisional amounts recognized in a business combination in the reporting period during which the adjustments are determined. Additionally, the amendments of ASU No. 2015-16 require the acquirer to record in the same period's financial statements the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization or other income effects, if any, as a result of the measurement period adjustment, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date as well as disclosing on either the face of the income statement or in the notes the portion of the amount recorded in current period earnings that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods. The guidance in ASU No. 2015-16 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments should be applied prospectively. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2016, and the adoption of this standard did not impact the Company's results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
ASU 2014-09 — In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), or ASU No. 2014-09. The amendments of ASU No. 2014-09 complete the joint effort between the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board, or IASB, to develop a common revenue standard for U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRS, and to improve financial reporting. The guidance in ASU No. 2014-09 provides that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for the goods or services provided and establishes the following steps to be applied by an entity: (1) identify the contract with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies the performance obligation. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, which formally deferred the effective date by one year to make the guidance of ASU No. 2014-09 effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods therein. Early adoption is permitted, but not prior to the original effective date, which was for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the standard on the Company's results of operations, cash flows and financial position. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), or ASU No. 2016-10. The amendments of ASU No. 2016-10 provide further clarification on contract revenue recognition as updated by ASU No. 2014-09, specifically related to the identification of separately identifiable performance obligations and the implementation of licensing contracts.
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Note 3 — Business Acquisitions
2015 Acquisitions
November 2015 Drop Down Assets from NRG — On November 3, 2015, the Company acquired the November 2015 Drop Down Assets, a portfolio of 12 wind facilities totaling 814 net MW, from NRG for cash consideration of $209 million, subject to working capital adjustments. In February 2016, NRG made a final working capital payment of $2 million, reducing total cash consideration to $207 million. The Company is responsible for its pro-rata share of non-recourse project debt of $193 million and noncontrolling interest associated with a tax equity structure of $159 million (as of the acquisition date).
The Company funded the acquisition with borrowings from its revolving credit facility. The assets and liabilities transferred to the Company relate to interests under common control by NRG and were recorded at historical cost. The difference between the cash paid and historical value of the entities' equity was recorded as a distribution from NRG with the offset to noncontrolling interest.
The Class A interests of NRG Wind TE Holdco are owned by a tax equity investor, or TE Investor, who receives 99% of allocations of taxable income and other items until the flip point, which occurs when the TE Investor obtains a specified return on its initial investment, at which time the allocations to the TE Investor change to 8.53%. The Company generally receives 75% of CAFD until the flip point, at which time the allocations to the Company of CAFD change to 68.60%. If the flip point has not occurred by a specified date, 100% of CAFD is allocated to the TE Investor until the flip point occurs. NRG Wind TE Holdco is a VIE and the Company is the primary beneficiary, through its position as managing member, and consolidates NRG Wind TE Holdco.
Desert Sunlight — On June 29, 2015, the Company acquired 25% of the membership interest in Desert Sunlight Investment Holdings, LLC, which owns two solar photovoltaic facilities that total 550 MW, located in Desert Center, California from EFS Desert Sun, LLC, an affiliate of GE Energy Financial Services for a purchase price of $285 million. Power generated by the facilities is sold to Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas and Electric under long-term PPAs with approximately 20 years and 25 years of remaining contract life, respectively. The Company accounts for its 25% investment as an equity method investment.
Spring Canyon — On May 7, 2015, the Company acquired a 90.1% interest in Spring Canyon II, a 32 MW wind facility, and Spring Canyon III, a 28 MW wind facility, each located in Logan County, Colorado, from Invenergy Wind Global LLC. The purchase price was funded with cash on hand. Power generated by Spring Canyon II and Spring Canyon III is sold to Platte River Power Authority under long-term PPAs with approximately 24 years of remaining contract life.
University of Bridgeport Fuel Cell — On April 30, 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of the University of Bridgeport Fuel Cell project in Bridgeport, Connecticut from FuelCell Energy, Inc. The project added an additional 1.4 MW of thermal capacity to the Company's portfolio, with a 12-year contract, with the option for a 7-year extension. The acquisition is reflected in the Company's Thermal segment.
January 2015 Drop Down Assets from NRG — On January 2, 2015, the Company acquired the following projects from NRG: (i) Laredo Ridge, an 80 MW wind facility located in Petersburg, Nebraska, (ii) Tapestry, which includes Buffalo Bear, a 19 MW wind facility in Buffalo, Oklahoma; Taloga, a 130 MW wind facility in Putnam, Oklahoma; and Pinnacle, a 55 MW wind facility in Keyser, West Virginia, and (iii) Walnut Creek, a 485 MW natural gas facility located in City of Industry, California, for total cash consideration of $489 million, including $9 million for working capital, plus assumed project-level debt of $737 million. The Company funded the acquisition with cash on hand and drawings under its revolving credit facility. The assets and liabilities transferred to the Company relate to interests under common control by NRG and were recorded at historical cost. The difference between the cash paid and the historical value of the entities' equity of $61 million, as well as $23 million of AOCL, was recorded as a distribution to NRG and reduced the balance of its noncontrolling interest.
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Note 4 — Property, Plant and Equipment
The Company’s major classes of property, plant, and equipment were as follows:
March 31, 2016 | December 31, 2015 | Depreciable Lives | |||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||
Facilities and equipment | $ | 5,602 | $ | 5,597 | 2 - 40 Years | ||||
Land and improvements | 151 | 151 | |||||||
Construction in progress | 26 | 9 | |||||||
Total property, plant and equipment | 5,779 | 5,757 | |||||||
Accumulated depreciation | (767 | ) | (701 | ) | |||||
Net property, plant and equipment | $ | 5,012 | $ | 5,056 |
Note 5 — Variable Interest Entities, or VIEs
Entities that are Consolidated
The Company has a controlling financial interest in certain entities which have been identified as VIEs under ASC 810, Consolidations, or ASC 810. These arrangements are primarily related to tax equity arrangements entered into with third parties in order to monetize certain tax credits associated with wind facilities, as further described in Note 5, Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities, to the Company's audited consolidated financial statements included in the 2015 Form 10-K.
Summarized financial information for the Company's consolidated VIEs consisted of the following as of March 31, 2016:
(In millions) | NRG Wind TE Holdco | Alta Wind TE Holdco | Spring Canyon | ||||||||
Other current and non-current assets | $ | 205 | $ | 21 | $ | 4 | |||||
Property, plant and equipment | 651 | 478 | 104 | ||||||||
Intangible assets | 2 | 284 | — | ||||||||
Total assets | 858 | 783 | 108 | ||||||||
Current and non-current liabilities | 226 | 8 | 7 | ||||||||
Total liabilities | 226 | 8 | 7 | ||||||||
Noncontrolling interest | 260 | 123 | 71 | ||||||||
Net assets less noncontrolling interests | $ | 372 | $ | 652 | $ | 30 |
Entities that are not Consolidated
The Company has interests in entities that are considered VIEs under ASC 810, but for which it is not considered the primary beneficiary. The Company accounts for its interests in these entities under the equity method of accounting, as further described in Note 5, Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities, to the Company's audited consolidated financial statements included in the 2015 Form 10-K.
NRG DGPV Holdco 1 LLC — The Company and NRG, maintain a partnership, NRG DGPV Holdco 1 LLC, or DGPV Holdco 1, the purpose of which is to own or purchase solar power generation projects and other ancillary related assets from NRG Renew LLC or its subsidiaries, via intermediate funds, including: (i) a tax equity-financed portfolio of 10 recently completed community solar projects representing approximately 8 MW with a weighted average remaining PPA term of 20 years; and (ii) a tax equity-financed portfolio of approximately 12 commercial photovoltaic systems representing approximately 37 MW with a weighted average remaining PPA term of 19 years. Both of these investments relate to the Company's $100 million commitment to distributed solar projects in partnership with NRG. The Company's maximum exposure to loss is limited to its equity investment, which was $74 million as of March 31, 2016.
NRG DGPV Holdco 2 LLC — On February 29, 2016, the Company and NRG entered into an additional partnership by forming NRG DGPV Holdco 2 LLC, or DGPV Holdco 2, to own or purchase solar power generation projects and other ancillary related assets from NRG Renew LLC or its subsidiaries, via intermediate funds. Under this partnership, the Company committed to fund up to $50 million of capital.
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NRG RPV Holdco 1 LLC — The Company and NRG Residential Solar Solutions LLC, a subsidiary of NRG, maintain a partnership, NRG RPV Holdco 1 LLC, or RPV Holdco, that holds operating portfolios of residential solar assets developed by NRG Home Solar, a subsidiary of NRG, including: (i) an existing, unlevered portfolio of over 2,200 leases across nine states representing approximately 17 MW with a weighted average remaining lease term of approximately 17 years; and (ii) a tax equity-financed portfolio of approximately 5,700 leases representing approximately 40 MW, with an average lease term for the existing and new leases of approximately 17 to 20 years. Under this partnership, the Company had previously committed to fund up to $150 million of capital, which was reduced to $100 million in February 2016. The Company's maximum exposure to loss is limited to its equity investment, which was $63 million as of March 31, 2016.
GenConn Energy LLC — The Company has a 50% interest in GCE Holding LLC, the owner of GenConn, which owns and operates two 190 MW peaking generation facilities in Connecticut at the Devon and Middletown sites. As of March 31, 2016, the Company's investment in GenConn was $108 million and its maximum exposure to loss is limited to its equity investment.
The following table presents summarized financial information for GCE Holding LLC:
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||
(In millions) | 2016 | 2015 | |||||
Income Statement Data: | |||||||
Operating revenues | $ | 18 | $ | 22 | |||
Operating income | 9 | 9 | |||||
Net income | $ | 7 | $ | 6 |
March 31, 2016 | December 31, 2015 | ||||||
Balance Sheet Data: | (In millions) | ||||||
Current assets | $ | 29 | $ | 36 | |||
Non-current assets | 411 | 416 | |||||
Current liabilities | 13 | 16 | |||||
Non-current liabilities | 211 | 215 |
Note 6 — Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair Value Accounting under ASC 820
ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels as follows:
• | Level 1—quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access as of the measurement date. |
• | Level 2—inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are directly observable for the asset or liability or indirectly observable through corroboration with observable market data. |
• | Level 3—unobservable inputs for the asset or liability only used when there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date. |
In accordance with ASC 820, the Company determines the level in the fair value hierarchy within which each fair value measurement in its entirety falls, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
For cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts receivable — affiliate, accounts payable, accounts payable — affiliate, accrued expenses and other liabilities, the carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short-term maturity of those instruments and are classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.
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The estimated carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s recorded financial instruments not carried at fair market value are as follows:
As of March 31, 2016 | As of December 31, 2015 | ||||||||||||||
Carrying Amount | Fair Value | Carrying Amount | Fair Value | ||||||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||||||
Assets: | |||||||||||||||
Notes receivable, including current portion | $ | 15 | $ | 15 | $ | 17 | $ | 17 | |||||||
Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||
Long-term debt, including current portion | $ | 4,821 | $ | 4,763 | $ | 4,863 | $ | 4,745 |
The fair value of notes receivable and long-term debt are based on expected future cash flows discounted at market interest rates, or current interest rates for similar instruments, and are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
The Company records its derivative assets and liabilities at fair value on its consolidated balance sheet. There were no derivative asset positions on the consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015. The following table presents liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on the Company's consolidated balance sheets on a recurring basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy:
As of March 31, 2016 | As of December 31, 2015 | ||||||
Fair Value (a) | Fair Value (a) | ||||||
(In millions) | Level 2 | Level 2 | |||||
Derivative liabilities: | |||||||
Commodity contracts | 2 | 2 | |||||
Interest rate contracts | 146 | 98 | |||||
Total liabilities | $ | 148 | $ | 100 |
(a) There were no assets or liabilities classified as Level 1 or Level 3 as of March 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015.
Derivative Fair Value Measurements
The Company's contracts are non-exchange-traded and valued using prices provided by external sources. For the Company’s energy markets, management receives quotes from multiple sources. To the extent that multiple quotes are received, the prices reflect the average of the bid-ask mid-point prices obtained from all sources believed to provide the most liquid market for the commodity.
The fair value of each contract is discounted using a risk free interest rate. In addition, a credit reserve is applied to reflect credit risk, which is, for interest rate swaps, calculated based on credit default swaps using the bilateral method. For commodities, to the extent that the net exposure under a specific master agreement is an asset, the Company uses the counterparty’s default swap rate. If the net exposure under a specific master agreement is a liability, the Company uses NRG's default swap rate. For interest rate swaps and commodities, the credit reserve is added to the discounted fair value to reflect the exit price that a market participant would be willing to receive to assume the liabilities or that a market participant would be willing to pay for the assets. As of March 31, 2016, the credit reserve resulted in a $3 million increase in fair value, which was composed of a $2 million gain in OCI and $1 million gain in interest expense. It is possible that future market prices could vary from those used in recording assets and liabilities and such variations could be material.
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Concentration of Credit Risk
In addition to the credit risk discussion in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the Company's audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company's 2015 Form 10-K, the following is a discussion of the concentration of credit risk for the Company's financial instruments. Credit risk relates to the risk of loss resulting from non-performance or non-payment by counterparties pursuant to the terms of their contractual obligations. The Company monitors and manages credit risk through credit policies that include: (i) an established credit approval process; (ii) daily monitoring of counterparties' credit limits; (iii) the use of credit mitigation measures such as margin, collateral, prepayment arrangements, or volumetric limits; (iv) the use of payment netting agreements; and (v) the use of master netting agreements that allow for the netting of positive and negative exposures of various contracts associated with a single counterparty. Risks surrounding counterparty performance and credit could ultimately impact the amount and timing of expected cash flows. The Company seeks to mitigate counterparty risk by having a diversified portfolio of counterparties.
Counterparty credit exposure includes credit risk exposure under certain long-term agreements, including solar and other PPAs. As external sources or observable market quotes are not available to estimate such exposure, the Company estimates the exposure related to these contracts based on various techniques including, but not limited to, internal models based on a fundamental analysis of the market and extrapolation of observable market data with similar characteristics. Based on these valuation techniques, as of March 31, 2016, credit risk exposure to these counterparties attributable to the Company's ownership interests was approximately $2.7 billion for the next five years. The majority of these power contracts are with utilities with strong credit quality and public utility commission or other regulatory support, as further described in Note 12, Segment Reporting, to the Company's audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company's 2015 Form 10-K. However, such regulated utility counterparties can be impacted by changes in government regulations, which the Company is unable to predict.
Note 7 — Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
This footnote should be read in conjunction with the complete description under Note 7, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, to the Company's audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company's 2015 Form 10-K.
Energy-Related Commodities
As of March 31, 2016, the Company had forward contracts for the purchase of fuel commodities relating to the forecasted usage of the Company’s district energy centers extending through 2018. At March 31, 2016, these contracts were not designated as cash flow or fair value hedges.
Interest Rate Swaps
As of March 31, 2016, the Company had interest rate derivative instruments on non-recourse debt extending through 2031, most of which are designated as cash flow hedges.
Volumetric Underlying Derivative Transactions
The following table summarizes the net notional volume buy/(sell) of the Company's open derivative transactions broken out by commodity as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
Total Volume | |||||||||
March 31, 2016 | December 31, 2015 | ||||||||
Commodity | Units | (In millions) | |||||||
Natural Gas | MMBtu | 3 | 4 | ||||||
Interest | Dollars | $ | 1,952 | $ | 1,991 |
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Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
There were no derivative asset positions on the balance sheet as of March 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015. The following table summarizes the fair value within the derivative instrument valuation on the balance sheet:
Fair Value | |||||||
Derivative Liabilities | |||||||
March 31, 2016 | December 31, 2015 | ||||||
(In millions) | |||||||
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges: | |||||||
Interest rate contracts current | $ | 33 | $ | 34 | |||
Interest rate contracts long-term | 98 | 56 | |||||
Total Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges | 131 | 90 | |||||
Derivatives Not Designated as Cash Flow Hedges: | |||||||
Interest rate contracts current | 3 | 3 | |||||
Interest rate contracts long-term | 12 | 5 | |||||
Commodity contracts current | 2 | 2 | |||||
Total Derivatives Not Designated as Cash Flow Hedges | 17 | 10 | |||||
Total Derivatives | $ | 148 | $ | 100 |
The Company has elected to present derivative assets and liabilities on the balance sheet on a trade-by-trade basis and does not offset amounts at the counterparty master agreement level. As of March 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, there were no offsetting amounts at the counterparty master agreement level or outstanding collateral paid or received.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The following table summarizes the effects on the Company’s accumulated OCL balance attributable to interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedge derivatives, net of tax:
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||
2016 | 2015 | ||||||
(In millions) | |||||||
Accumulated OCL beginning balance | $ | (69 | ) | $ | (61 | ) | |
Reclassified from accumulated OCL to income due to realization of previously deferred amounts | 3 | 3 | |||||
Mark-to-market of cash flow hedge accounting contracts | (44 | ) | (23 | ) | |||
Accumulated OCL ending balance, net of income tax benefit of $25 and $14, respectively | $ | (110 | ) | $ | (81 | ) | |
Accumulated OCL attributable to noncontrolling interests | (66 | ) | (58 | ) | |||
Accumulated OCL attributable to NRG Yield, Inc. | $ | (44 | ) | $ | (23 | ) | |
Losses expected to be realized from OCL during the next 12 months, net of income tax benefit of $4 | $ | 15 |
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCL into income and amounts recognized in income from the ineffective portion of cash flow hedges are recorded to interest expense. There was no ineffectiveness for the three months ended March 31, 2016, and 2015.
Impact of Derivative Instruments on the Statements of Operations
The Company has interest rate derivative instruments that are not designated as cash flow hedges. The effect of interest rate hedges is recorded to interest expense. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, and 2015, the impact to the consolidated statements of operations was a loss of $7 million and $12 million, respectively.
A portion of the Company’s derivative commodity contracts relates to its Thermal Business for the purchase of fuel commodities based on the forecasted usage of the thermal district energy centers. Realized gains and losses on these contracts are reflected in the fuel costs that are permitted to be billed to customers through the related customer contracts or tariffs and, accordingly, no gains or losses are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations for these contracts.
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Commodity contracts also hedged the forecasted sale of power for Alta X and Alta XI in 2015 until the start of the PPAs on January 1, 2016. The effect of these commodity hedges was recorded to operating revenues. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the impact to the consolidated statements of operations was an unrealized gain of $7 million.
See Note 6, Fair Value of Financial Instruments, for a discussion regarding concentration of credit risk.
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Note 8 — Long-term Debt
This footnote should be read in conjunction with the complete description under Note 9, Long-term Debt, to the Company's audited consolidated financial statements included in the 2015 Form 10-K. Long-term debt consisted of the following:
March 31, 2016 | December 31, 2015 | March 31, 2016, interest rate % (a) | Letters of Credit Outstanding at March 31, 2016 | |||||||||
(In millions, except rates) | ||||||||||||
2019 Convertible Notes (b) | $ | 332 | $ | 330 | 3.500 | |||||||
2020 Convertible Notes (c) | 267 | 266 | 3.250 | |||||||||
Senior Notes, due 2024 | 500 | 500 | 5.375 | |||||||||
NRG Yield LLC and NRG Yield Operating LLC Revolving Credit Facility, due 2019 (d) | 316 | 306 | L+2.75 | 60 | ||||||||
Project-level debt: | ||||||||||||
Alpine, due 2022 | 153 | 154 | L+1.75 | 37 | ||||||||
Alta Wind I, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 | 252 | 252 | 7.015 | 16 | ||||||||
Alta Wind II, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 | 198 | 198 | 5.696 | 28 | ||||||||
Alta Wind III, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 | 206 | 206 | 6.067 | 28 | ||||||||
Alta Wind IV, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 | 133 | 133 | 5.938 | 19 | ||||||||
Alta Wind V, lease financing arrangement, due 2035 | 213 | 213 | 6.071 | 31 | ||||||||
Alta Realty Investments, due 2031 | 32 | 33 | 7.000 | — | ||||||||
Alta Wind Asset Management, due 2031 | 19 | 19 | L+2.375 | — | ||||||||
Avra Valley, due 2031 | 59 | 60 | L+1.75 | 3 | ||||||||
Blythe, due 2028 | 21 | 21 | L+1.625 | 6 | ||||||||
Borrego, due 2025 and 2038 | 72 | 72 | L+ 2.50/5.65 | 5 | ||||||||
El Segundo Energy Center, due 2023 | 457 | 485 | L+1.625 - L+2.25 | 82 | ||||||||
Energy Center Minneapolis, due 2017 and 2025 | 107 | 108 | 5.95 -7.25 | — | ||||||||
Kansas South, due 2031 | 32 | 33 | L+2.00 | 4 | ||||||||
Laredo Ridge, due 2028 | 103 | 104 | L+1.875 | 10 | ||||||||
Marsh Landing, due 2017 and 2023 | 410 | 418 | L+1.75 - L+1.875 | 36 | ||||||||
PFMG and related subsidiaries financing agreement, due 2030 | 29 | 29 | 6.000 | — | ||||||||
Roadrunner, due 2031 | 39 | 40 | L+1.625 | 5 | ||||||||
South Trent Wind, due 2020 | 61 | 62 | L+1.625 | 10 | ||||||||
TA High Desert, due 2020 and 2032 | 52 | 52 | L+2.50/5.15 | 8 | ||||||||
Tapestry, due 2021 | 178 | 181 | L+1.625 | 20 | ||||||||
Viento, due 2023 | 189 | 189 | L+2.75 | 27 | ||||||||
Walnut Creek, due 2023 | 344 | 351 | L+1.625 | 52 | ||||||||
WCEP Holdings, due 2023 | 46 | 46 | L+3.00 | — | ||||||||
Other | 1 | 2 | various | — | ||||||||
Subtotal project-level debt: | 3,406 | 3,461 | ||||||||||
Total debt | 4,821 | 4,863 | ||||||||||
Less current maturities | 242 | 241 | ||||||||||
Less deferred financing costs | 58 | 60 | ||||||||||
Total long-term debt | $ | 4,521 | $ | 4,562 |
(a) As of March 31, 2016, L+ equals 3 month LIBOR plus x%, except for the NRG Marsh Landing term loan, Walnut Creek term loan, and NRG Yield LLC and Yield Operating LLC Revolving Credit Facility, where L+ equals 1 month LIBOR plus x% and Kansas South, where L+ equals 6 month LIBOR plus x%.
(b) Net of discount of $13 million and $15 million as of March 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively.
(c) Net of discount of $20 million and $21 million as of March 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively.
(d) Applicable rate is determined by the Borrower Leverage Ratio, as defined in the credit agreement.
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The financing arrangements listed above contain certain covenants, including financial covenants that the Company is required to be in compliance with during the term of the respective arrangement. As of March 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with all of the required covenants.
The discussion below describes material changes to or additions of long-term debt for the three months ended March 31, 2016.
NRG Yield LLC and NRG Yield Operating LLC Revolving Credit Facility
On February 25, 2016, the Company borrowed $50 million from the revolving credit facility of which $40 million was repaid in March 2016. As of March 31, 2016, $316 million of borrowings and $60 million of letters of credit were outstanding.
Note 9 — Earnings Per Share
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share are computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Shares issued during the year are weighted for the portion of the year that they were outstanding. The number of shares and per share amounts for the prior periods presented below have been retrospectively restated to reflect the Recapitalization.
The reconciliation of the Company's basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share is shown in the following tables:
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||
2016 | 2015 | ||||||||||||||
(In millions, except per share data) (a) | Common Class A | Common Class C | Common Class A | Common Class C | |||||||||||
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to NRG Yield, Inc. common stockholders | |||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to NRG Yield, Inc. | $ | 2 | $ | 3 | $ | (3 | ) | $ | (3 | ) | |||||
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding | 35 | 63 | 35 | 35 | |||||||||||
Earnings (loss) per weighted average common share — basic and diluted | $ | 0.05 | $ | 0.05 | $ | (0.07 | ) | $ | (0.07 | ) |
(a) Net income (loss) attributable to NRG Yield, Inc. and basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share might not recalculate due to presenting values in millions rather than whole dollars.
With respect to the Class A common stock, there were a total of 15 million anti-dilutive outstanding equity instruments for the three months ended March 31, 2016, and 2015, related to the 2019 Convertible Notes. With respect to the Class C common stock, there were a total of 10 million anti-dilutive outstanding equity instruments for the three months ended March 31, 2016, related to the 2020 Convertible Notes.
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Note 10 — Segment Reporting
The Company’s segment structure reflects how management currently operates and allocates resources. The Company's businesses are primarily segregated based on conventional power generation, renewable businesses which consist of solar and wind, and the thermal and chilled water business. The Corporate segment reflects the Company's corporate costs. The Company's chief operating decision maker, its Chief Executive Officer, evaluates the performance of its segments based on operational measures including adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or Adjusted EBITDA, and CAFD, as well as economic gross margin and net income (loss).
Three months ended March 31, 2016 | |||||||||||||||||||
(In millions) | Conventional Generation | Renewables | Thermal | Corporate | Total | ||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $ | 79 | $ | 97 | $ | 44 | $ | — | $ | 220 | |||||||||
Cost of operations | 23 | 31 | 29 | — | 83 | ||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 20 | 41 | 5 | — | 66 | ||||||||||||||
General and administrative | — | — | — | 3 | 3 | ||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 36 | 25 | 10 | (3 | ) | 68 | |||||||||||||
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates | 3 | (1 | ) | — | — | 2 | |||||||||||||
Interest expense | (11 | ) | (36 | ) | (2 | ) | (19 | ) | (68 | ) | |||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | 28 | (12 | ) | 8 | (22 | ) | 2 | ||||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) | $ | 28 | $ | (12 | ) | $ | 8 | $ | (22 | ) | $ | 2 | |||||||
Total Assets | $ | 2,017 | $ | 5,018 | $ | 430 | $ | 194 | $ | 7,659 |
Three months ended March 31, 2015 (a) | |||||||||||||||||||
(In millions) | Conventional Generation | Renewables | Thermal | Corporate | Total | ||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $ | 76 | $ | 77 | $ | 47 | $ | — | $ | 200 | |||||||||
Cost of operations | 21 | 29 | 34 | — | 84 | ||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 21 | 41 | 5 | — | 67 | ||||||||||||||
General and administrative | — | — | — | 3 | 3 | ||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 34 | 7 | 8 | (3 | ) | 46 | |||||||||||||
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates | 3 | (1 | ) | — | — | 2 | |||||||||||||
Other income, net | 1 | — | — | — | 1 | ||||||||||||||
Interest expense | (12 | ) | (46 | ) | (2 | ) | (13 | ) | (73 | ) | |||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | 26 | (40 | ) | 6 | (16 | ) | (24 | ) | |||||||||||
Income tax benefit | — | — | — | (4 | ) | (4 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) | $ | 26 | $ | (40 | ) | $ | 6 | $ | (12 | ) | $ | (20 | ) |
(a) Retrospectively adjusted as discussed in Note 1, Nature of Business.
Note 11 — Income Taxes
Effective Tax Rate
The income tax provision consisted of the following:
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||
2016 | 2015 | ||||||
(In millions, except percentages) | |||||||
Income (Loss) before income taxes | $ | 2 | $ | (24 | ) | ||
Income tax benefit | — | (4 | ) | ||||
Effective income tax rate | — | % | 16.7 | % |
For the three months ended March 31, 2016, and 2015, the overall effective tax rate was different than the statutory rate of 35% primarily due to taxable earnings allocated to NRG resulting from its interest in NRG Yield LLC and production tax credits generated from certain wind assets.
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For tax purposes, NRG Yield LLC is treated as a partnership; therefore, the Company and NRG each record their respective share of taxable income or loss.
Note 12 — Related Party Transactions
In addition to the transactions and relationships described elsewhere in these notes to the consolidated financial statements, NRG and certain subsidiaries of NRG provide services to the Company's project entities. Amounts due to NRG subsidiaries are recorded as accounts payable - affiliate and amounts due to the Company from NRG or its subsidiaries are recorded as accounts receivable - affiliate in the Company's balance sheet.
Power Hedge Contracts by and between Renewable Entities and NRG Texas Power LLC
Certain NRG Wind TE Holdco entities, which are subsidiaries in the Renewables segment, entered into power hedge contracts with NRG Texas Power LLC and generated $7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2015. Effective October 2015, Elbow Creek, one of the NRG Wind TE Holdco entities, entered into a PPA with NRG Power Marketing LLC, as further described below, and the hedge agreement between Elbow Creek and NRG Texas Power LLC was terminated.
Additionally, Alta X and Alta XI entered into a hedge agreement with NRG Texas Power LLC, as further described in Note 7, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, to hedge the forecasted sale of power until the start of the PPAs on January 1, 2016.
Power Purchase Agreement by and between Elbow Creek and NRG Power Marketing LLC
In October 2015, Elbow Creek, the Company's subsidiary from the Renewable segment, entered into a PPA with NRG Power Marketing LLC for the sale of energy and environmental attributes with the effective date of January 1, 2016. Elbow Creek generated $3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016.
Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Services Agreements by and between Thermal Entities and NRG
On October 1, 2014, NRG entered into Plant O&M Services Agreements with certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company. NRG provides necessary and appropriate services to operate and maintain the subsidiaries' plant operations, businesses and thermal facilities. NRG is to be reimbursed for the provided services, as well as for all reasonable and related expenses and expenditures, and payments to third parties for services and materials rendered to or on behalf of the parties to the agreements. NRG is not entitled to any management fee or mark-up under the agreements. Prior to October 1, 2014, NRG provided the same services to the Thermal Business on an informal basis. Total fees incurred under the agreements were $7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, and 2015. There was a balance of $28 million due to NRG in accounts payable — affiliate as of March 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015. As of March 31, 2016, $8 million of it was recorded in the current liabilities of the consolidated balance sheet and $20 million was recorded in long term liabilities of the consolidated balance sheet. Subsequent to March 31, 2016, $3 million of the outstanding balance has been paid.
Power Sales and Services Agreement by and between NRG Energy Center Dover LLC and NRG
NRG Energy Center Dover LLC, or NRG Dover, a subsidiary of the Company, is party to a Power Sales and Services Agreement with NRG Power Marketing LLC, or NRG Power Marketing, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NRG. The agreement is automatically renewed on a month-to-month basis unless terminated by either party upon at least 30 days written notice. Under the agreement, NRG Power Marketing has the exclusive right to (i) manage, market and sell power, (ii) procure fuel and fuel transportation for operation of the Dover generating facility, to include for purposes other than generating power, (iii) procure transmission services required for the sale of power, and (iv) procure and market emissions credits for operation of the Dover generating facility.
In addition, NRG Power Marketing has the exclusive right and obligation to direct the output from the generating facility, in accordance with and to meet the terms of any power sales contracts executed against the power generation of the Dover facility. Under the agreement, NRG Power Marketing pays NRG Dover gross receipts generated through sales, less costs incurred by NRG Power Marketing related to providing such services as transmission and delivery costs, as well as fuel costs. In July 2013, the coal-fueled plant was converted to a natural gas facility. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, and 2015, NRG Dover purchased $1 million and $2 million, respectively, of natural gas from NRG Power Marketing.
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Energy Marketing Services Agreement by and between NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC and NRG
NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC, or NRG Minneapolis, a subsidiary of the Company is party to an Energy Marketing Services Agreement with NRG Power Marketing, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NRG. The agreement commenced in August 2014 and is automatically renewed annually unless terminated by either party upon at least 90 day written notice prior to the end of any term. Under the agreement, NRG Power Marketing will procure fuel and fuel transportation for the operation of the Minneapolis generating facility. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, and 2015, NRG Minneapolis purchased $3 million and $4 million, respectively, of natural gas from NRG Power Marketing.
O&M Services Agreements by and between GenConn and NRG
GenConn incurs fees under two O&M services agreements with wholly-owned subsidiaries of NRG. The fees incurred under the agreements were $1 million and $2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, and 2015, respectively.
O&M Services Agreement by and between El Segundo and NRG El Segundo Operations
El Segundo incurs fees under an O&M services agreement with NRG El Segundo Operations, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of NRG. Under the O&M services agreement, NRG El Segundo Operations, Inc. manages, operates and maintains the El Segundo facility for an initial term of ten years following the commercial operations date. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, and 2015, the costs incurred under the agreement were $1 million. There was a balance of $2 million and $1 million due to NRG El Segundo in accounts payable — affiliate as of March 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively.
Administrative Services Agreement by and between Marsh Landing and GenOn Energy Services, LLC
Marsh Landing is a party to an administrative services agreement with GenOn Energy Services, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NRG, which provides invoice processing and payment on behalf of Marsh Landing. Marsh Landing reimburses GenOn Energy Services, LLC for the amounts paid by it. The Company reimbursed costs under this agreement of $2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, and 2015. There was a balance of $6 million due to GenOn Energy Services, LLC in accounts payable — affiliate as of March 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015.
Administrative Services Agreement by and between CVSR and NRG
CVSR is a party to an administrative services agreement with NRG Energy Services LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NRG, which provides O&M services on behalf of CVSR. CVSR reimburses NRG Energy Services LLC for the amounts paid by it. CVSR reimbursed costs under this agreement of $1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, and 2015.
Management Services Agreement by and between the Company and NRG
NRG provides the Company with various operation, management, and administrative services, which include human resources, accounting, tax, legal, information systems, treasury, and risk management, as set forth in the Management Services Agreement. As of March 31, 2016, the base management fee was approximately $7 million per year, subject to an inflation-based adjustment annually at an inflation factor based on the year-over-year U.S. consumer price index. The fee is also subject to adjustments following the consummation of future acquisitions and as a result of a change in the scope of services provided under the Management Services Agreement. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the fee was increased by $1 million per year primarily due to the acquisitions of the January 2015 Drop Down Assets and the November 2015 Drop Down Assets. Costs incurred under this agreement were $2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, and 2015, which included certain direct expenses incurred by NRG on behalf of the Company in addition to the base management fee. There was a balance of $3 million due to NRG in accounts payable — affiliate as of March 31, 2016.
Administrative Services Agreements by and between NRG Wind TE Holdco and NRG
Certain subsidiaries of NRG have entered into agreements with the Company's project entities to provide operation and maintenance services for the balance of the plants not covered by turbine supplier's maintenance and service agreements for the post-warranty period. The agreements have various terms with provisions for extension until terminated. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, and 2015, the costs incurred under the agreements were $1 million.
Certain subsidiaries of NRG provide support services to the NRG Wind TE Holdco project entities pursuant to various support services agreements. The agreements provide for administrative and support services and reimbursements of certain insurance, consultant, and credit costs. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, and 2015, the costs incurred under the agreements were $1 million.
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Note 13 — Contingencies
The Company's material legal proceeding is described below. The Company believes that it has a valid defense to this legal proceeding and intends to defend it vigorously. The Company records reserves for estimated losses from contingencies when information available indicates that a loss is probable and the amount of the loss, or range of loss, can be reasonably estimated. In addition, legal costs are expensed as incurred. Management assesses such matters based on current information and makes a judgment concerning its potential outcome, considering the nature of the claim, the amount and nature of damages sought, and the probability of success. The Company is unable to predict the outcome of the legal proceeding below or reasonably estimate the scope or amount of any associated costs and potential liabilities. As additional information becomes available, management adjusts its assessment and estimates of such contingencies accordingly. Because litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties and unfavorable rulings or developments, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of the Company's liabilities and contingencies could be at amounts that are different from its currently recorded reserves and that such difference could be material.
In addition to the legal proceeding noted below, the Company and its subsidiaries are party to other litigation or legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. In management's opinion, the disposition of these ordinary course matters will not materially adversely affect the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Braun v. NRG Yield, Inc. — On April 19, 2016, plaintiffs filed a purported class action lawsuit against NRG Yield, Inc. and against each current and former member of its board of directors individually in Kern County, CA. Plaintiffs allege various violations of the Securities Act due to the defendants’ alleged failure to disclose material facts related to low wind production prior to the June 22, 2015 Class C common stock offering. Plaintiffs seek compensatory damages, rescission, attorney’s fees and costs.
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ITEM 2 — Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and the Results of Operations
The following discussion analyzes the Company's historical financial condition and results of operations, which were recast to include the effect of the November 2015 Drop Down Assets, which were acquired from NRG on November 3, 2015. As further discussed in Note 1, Nature of Business, to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the purchase of these assets was accounted for in accordance with ASC 805-50, Business Combinations - Related Issues, pursuant to which the assets and liabilities transferred to the Company relate to interests under common control by NRG and, accordingly, were recorded at historical cost. The difference between the cash proceeds and historical value of the net assets was recorded as a distribution from NRG with the offset to noncontrolling interest. The guidance requires retrospective combination of the entities for all periods presented as if the combination has been in effect since the inception of common control.
As you read this discussion and analysis, you should refer to the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations to this Form 10-Q, which present the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016, and 2015. You should also refer to the Company's 2015 Form 10-K, which includes detailed discussions of various items impacting the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.
The discussion and analysis below has been organized as follows:
• | Executive Summary, including a description of the business and significant events that are important to understanding the results of operations and financial condition; |
• | Results of operations, including an explanation of significant differences between the periods in the specific line items of the consolidated statements of operations; |
• | Financial condition addressing liquidity position, sources and uses of cash, capital resources and requirements, commitments, and off-balance sheet arrangements; |
• | Known trends that may affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition in the future; and |
• | Critical accounting policies which are most important to both the portrayal of the Company's financial condition and results of operations, and which require management's most difficult, subjective or complex judgment. |
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Executive Summary
Introduction and Overview
The Company is a dividend growth-oriented company formed to serve as the primary vehicle through which NRG owns, operates and acquires contracted renewable and conventional generation and thermal infrastructure assets. The Company believes it is well positioned to be a premier company for investors seeking stable and growing dividend income from a diversified portfolio of lower-risk high-quality assets.
The Company owns a diversified portfolio of contracted renewable and conventional generation and thermal infrastructure assets in the U.S. The Company’s contracted generation portfolio collectively represents 4,435 net MW. Each of these assets sells substantially all of its output pursuant to long-term offtake agreements with creditworthy counterparties. The average remaining contract duration of these offtake agreements was approximately 17 years as of March 31, 2016, based on CAFD. The Company also owns thermal infrastructure assets with an aggregate steam and chilled water capacity of 1,315 net MWt and electric generation capacity of 124 net MW. These thermal infrastructure assets provide steam, hot water and/or chilled water, and in some instances electricity, to commercial businesses, universities, hospitals and governmental units in multiple locations, principally through long-term contracts or pursuant to rates regulated by state utility commissions.
Regulatory Matters
The Company’s regulatory matters are described in the Company’s 2015 Form 10-K in Item 1, Business — Regulatory Matters and Item 1A, Risk Factors.
As owners of power plants and participants in wholesale and thermal energy markets, certain of the Company's subsidiaries are subject to regulation by various federal and state government agencies. These include FERC and the PUCT, as well as other public utility commissions in certain states where the Company's assets are located. Each of the Company's U.S. generating facilities qualifies as a EWG or QF. In addition, the Company is subject to the market rules, procedures and protocols of the various ISO and RTO markets in which it participates. Likewise, the Company must also comply with the mandatory reliability requirements imposed by NERC and the regional reliability entities in the regions where the Company operates.
The Company's operations within the ERCOT footprint are not subject to rate regulation by FERC, as they are deemed to operate solely within the ERCOT market and not in interstate commerce. These operations are subject to regulation by the PUCT.
Environmental Matters
The Company’s environmental matters are described in the Company’s 2015 Form 10-K in Item 1, Business — Environmental Matters and Item 1A, Risk Factors.
The Company is subject to a wide range of environmental laws in the development, construction, ownership and operation of projects. These laws generally require that governmental permits and approvals be obtained before construction and during operation of facilities. The Company is also subject to laws and regulations surrounding the protection of wildlife, including migratory birds, eagles and threatened and endangered species. Environmental laws have become increasingly stringent and the Company expects this trend to continue.
Trends Affecting Results of Operations and Future Business Performance
Wind and Solar Resource Availability
The availability of the wind and solar resources affects the financial performance of the wind and solar facilities, which may impact the Company’s overall financial performance. Due to the variable nature of the wind and solar resource, the Company cannot predict the availability of the wind and solar resources and the potential variances from expected performance levels from quarter to quarter. To the extent the wind and solar resources are not available at expected levels, it could have a negative impact on the Company’s financial performance for such periods. For the first quarter of 2016, the wind performance was above prior year as well as the Company's expectations; however, the wind resources for the month of April were below expectations. If the April wind performance continues for a prolonged period of time, without a return to a performance level that meets or exceeds Company expectations, it may have a negative impact on the Company's financial performance.
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Capital Market Conditions
The Company and its peer group have recently experienced difficult conditions in the capital markets. The Company’s growth strategy depends on its ability to identify and acquire additional conventional and renewable facilities from NRG and unaffiliated third parties. A prolonged disruption in the equity capital market conditions could make it difficult for the Company to successfully acquire attractive projects from NRG or third parties and may also limit the Company’s ability to obtain debt or equity financing to complete such acquisitions. If the Company is unable to raise adequate proceeds when needed to fund such acquisitions, the ability to grow its project portfolio may be limited, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to implement its growth strategy. A full description of the risks applicable to the Company's business is presented in the Company’s 2015 Form 10-K in Item 1A, Risk Factors.
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Consolidated Results of Operations
The following table provides selected financial information:
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||||
(In millions, except otherwise noted) | 2016 | 2015 | Change % | |||||||
Operating Revenues | ||||||||||
Energy and capacity revenues | $ | 237 | $ | 204 | 16 | |||||
Contract amortization | (17 | ) | (11 | ) | 55 | |||||
Mark-to-market economic hedging activities | — | 7 | (100 | ) | ||||||
Total operating revenues | 220 | 200 | 10 | |||||||
Operating Costs and Expenses | ||||||||||
Cost of fuels | 16 | 22 | (27 | ) | ||||||
Emissions credit amortization | 6 | — | 100 | |||||||
Operations and maintenance | 43 | 45 | (4 | ) | ||||||
Other costs of operations | 18 | 17 | 6 | |||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 66 | 67 | (1 | ) | ||||||
General and administrative | 3 | 3 | — | |||||||
Total operating costs and expenses | 152 | 154 | (1 | ) | ||||||
Operating Income | 68 | 46 | 48 | |||||||
Other Income (Expense) | ||||||||||
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates | 2 | 2 | — | |||||||
Other income, net | — | 1 | (100 | ) | ||||||
Interest expense | (68 | ) | (73 | ) | (7 | ) | ||||
Total other expense, net | (66 | ) | (70 | ) | (6 | ) | ||||
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes | 2 | (24 | ) | 108 | ||||||
Income tax benefit | — | (4 | ) | (100 | ) | |||||
Net Income (Loss) | 2 | (20 | ) | 110 | ||||||
Less: Pre-acquisition net loss of Drop Down Assets | — | (4 | ) | (100 | ) | |||||
Net Income (Loss) Excluding Pre-acquisition Net Loss of Drop Down Assets | 2 | (16 | ) | 113 | ||||||
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | (3 | ) | (11 | ) | 73 | |||||
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to NRG Yield, Inc. | $ | 5 | $ | (5 | ) | 200 |
Three months ended March 31, | |||||
Business metrics: | 2016 | 2015 | |||
Renewable MWh sold (in thousands) (a) | 1,650 | 1,174 | |||
Thermal MWt sold (in thousands) | 553 | 617 | |||
Thermal MWh sold (in thousands) | 40 | 44 |
(a) Volumes sold do not include the MWh generated by the Company's equity method investments.
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Management’s Discussion of the Results of Operations for the Three Months ended March 31, 2016, and 2015
Economic gross margin
The Company evaluates its operating performance using the measure of economic gross margin, which is not a U.S. GAAP measure and may not be comparable to other companies’ presentations or deemed more useful than the U.S. GAAP information provided elsewhere in this report. The Company believes that economic gross margin is useful to investors as it is a key operational measure reviewed by the Company's chief operating decision maker. Economic gross margin is defined as energy and capacity revenue less cost of fuels. Economic gross margin does not include mark-to-market gains or losses on economic hedging activities or contract amortization.
The following tables present the composition of economic gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2016, and 2015:
Conventional Generation | Renewables | Thermal | Total | ||||||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||||||
Three months ended March 31, 2016 | |||||||||||||||
Energy and capacity revenues | $ | 80 | $ | 112 | $ | 45 | $ | 237 | |||||||
Cost of fuels | — | — | (16 | ) | (16 | ) | |||||||||
Economic gross margin | $ | 80 | $ | 112 | $ | 29 | $ | 221 | |||||||
Three months ended March 31, 2015 | |||||||||||||||
Energy and capacity revenues | $ | 77 | $ | 79 | $ | 48 | $ | 204 | |||||||
Cost of fuels | (1 | ) | — | (21 | ) | (22 | ) | ||||||||
Economic gross margin | $ | 76 | $ | 79 | $ | 27 | $ | 182 |
Economic gross margin increased by $39 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to the same period in 2015 due to:
(In millions) | |||
Increase in Renewables economic gross margin due to higher wind generation at Alta, Tapestry, NRG Wind TE Holdco, and South Trent, as well as the acquisition of Spring Canyon | $ | 23 | |
Increase in Renewables economic gross margin due to higher pricing for Alta X and XI PPAs, which began in January 2016, compared with merchant prices in 2015 | 10 | ||
Increase in Conventional Generation economic gross margin primarily due to higher revenues at El Segundo in 2016 as a result of a return to service after an extended forced outage in 2015 | 4 | ||
Increase in Thermal economic gross margin primarily due to lower gas prices, partially offset by a decrease in generation due to milder weather conditions | 2 | ||
$ | 39 |
Contract amortization
Contract amortization increased by $6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to the same period in 2015 due to amortization of the Alta X and XI PPAs, which began in January 2016, and the impact of final measurement period adjustments recorded in 2015.
Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities
Mark-to-market results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 represent the unrealized gains on forward contracts with an NRG subsidiary hedging the forecasted sale of power from the Alta X and Alta XI wind facilities through 2015, as further described in Note 7, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.
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Emissions Credit Amortization
Emissions credit amortization for the three months ended March 31, 2016 represents amortization of NOx allowances at Walnut Creek and El Segundo in compliance with amendments to the Regional Clean Air Incentives Market program.
Operations and Maintenance Expense
Operations and maintenance expense decreased by $2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to the same period in 2015, due to a decrease related to the prior year forced outage at El Segundo, partially offset by an increase from higher wind generation in the current year.
Interest Expense
Interest expense decreased by $5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to the same period in 2015, due to:
(In millions) | |||
Increase due to issuance of the 2020 Convertible Notes in the second quarter of 2015 | $ | 4 | |
Increase due to higher Corporate revolver net borrowings in the first quarter of 2016 | 2 | ||
Increase from changes in the fair value of Alpine interest rate swaps | 2 | ||
Decrease from repricing of project-level financing arrangements and principal repayments in the Conventional segment | (1 | ) | |
Decrease for redemption of Alta X and XI project-level debt | (12 | ) | |
$ | (5 | ) |
Income Tax Expense
For the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company did not record any income tax expense on the pretax income of $2 million. For the same period in 2015, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $4 million on a pretax loss of $24 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the overall effective tax rate was different than the statutory rate of 35% primarily due to taxable earnings allocated to NRG resulting from its interest in NRG Yield LLC and production tax credits generated from certain wind assets.
Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
For the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company had income of $10 million attributable to NRG related to its 46.7% economic interest in NRG Yield LLC and its 25% interest in NRG Wind TE Holdco. Additionally, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company had a loss of $13 million attributable to non-controlling interests with respect to its tax equity financing arrangements and the application of the HLBV method. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company had a loss of $11 million attributable to NRG's 55.3% economic interest in the Company.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company's principal liquidity requirements are to meet its financial commitments, finance current operations, fund capital expenditures, including acquisitions from time to time, to service debt and to pay dividends. Historically, the Company's predecessor operations were financed as part of NRG's integrated operations and largely relied on internally generated cash flows as well as corporate and/or project-level borrowings to satisfy its capital expenditure requirements. As a normal part of the Company's business, depending on market conditions, the Company will from time to time consider opportunities to repay, redeem, repurchase or refinance its indebtedness. Changes in the Company's operating plans, lower than anticipated sales, increased expenses, acquisitions or other events may cause the Company to seek additional debt or equity financing in future periods. There can be no guarantee that financing will be available on acceptable terms or at all. Debt financing, if available, could impose additional cash payment obligations and additional covenants and operating restrictions.
Liquidity Position
As of March 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, the Company's liquidity was approximately $255 million and $292 million, respectively, comprised of cash, restricted cash, and availability under the Company's revolving credit facility. Included in those numbers are $60 million and $48 million of restricted cash balances as of March 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively. Restricted cash consists primarily of funds to satisfy the requirements of certain debt agreements and funds held within the Company's projects that are restricted in their use. The Company's various financing arrangements are described in Note 8, Long-term Debt. As of March 31, 2016, the Company had $119 million of available borrowings under its revolving credit facility.
Management believes that the Company's liquidity position, cash flows from operations and availability under its revolving credit facility will be adequate to meet the Company's financial commitments; debt service obligations; growth, operating and maintenance capital expenditures; and to fund dividends to holders of the Company's Class A common stock and Class C common stock. Management continues to regularly monitor the Company's ability to finance the needs of its operating, financing and investing activity within the dictates of prudent balance sheet management.
Credit Ratings
Credit rating agencies rate a firm's public debt securities. These ratings are utilized by the debt markets in evaluating a firm's credit risk. Ratings influence the price paid to issue new debt securities by indicating to the market the Company's ability to pay principal, interest and preferred dividends. Rating agencies evaluate a firm's industry, cash flow, leverage, liquidity, and hedge profile, among other factors, in their credit analysis of a firm's credit risk.
The following table summarizes the credit ratings for the Company and its Senior Notes as of March 31, 2016:
S&P | Moody's | ||
NRG Yield, Inc. | BB+ | Ba2 | |
5.375% Senior Notes, due 2024 | BB+ | Ba2 |
Sources of Liquidity
The Company's principal sources of liquidity include cash on hand, cash generated from operations, borrowings under new and existing financing arrangements and the issuance of additional equity and debt securities as appropriate given market conditions. As described in Note 8, Long-term Debt, to this Form 10-Q and Note 9, Long-term Debt, to the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company's 2015 Form 10-K, the Company's financing arrangements consist of the revolving credit facility, the 2019 Convertible Notes, the 2020 Convertible Notes, the Senior Notes and project-level financings for its various assets.
Uses of Liquidity
The Company's requirements for liquidity and capital resources, other than for operating its facilities, are categorized as: (i) debt service obligations, as described more fully in Note 8, Long-term Debt; (ii) capital expenditures; (iii) acquisitions and investments; and (iv) cash dividends to investors.
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Capital Expenditures
The Company's capital spending program is mainly focused on maintenance capital expenditures, or costs to maintain the assets currently operating, such as costs to replace or refurbish assets during routine maintenance, and growth capital expenditures or construction of new assets and completing the construction of assets where construction is in process. The Company develops annual capital spending plans based on projected requirements for maintenance and growth capital. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, and 2015, the Company used approximately $7 million and $3 million, respectively, to fund capital expenditures. The capital expenditures in the first three months of 2016 relate primarily to maintenance expenses.
Acquisitions and Investments
The Company intends to acquire generation assets developed and constructed by NRG in the future, as well as generation and thermal infrastructure assets from third parties where the Company believes its knowledge of the market and operating expertise provides a competitive advantage, and to utilize such acquisitions as a means to grow its CAFD.
Cash Dividends to Investors
The Company intends to use the amount of cash that it receives from its distributions from NRG Yield LLC to pay quarterly dividends to the holders of its Class A common stock and Class C common stock. NRG Yield LLC intends to distribute to its unit holders in the form of a quarterly distribution all of the CAFD it generates each quarter, less reserves for the prudent conduct of the business, including among others, maintenance capital expenditures to maintain the operating capacity of the assets. CAFD is defined as net income before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization; plus cash distributions from unconsolidated affiliates; less cash distributions to noncontrolling interests, maintenance capital expenditures, pro-rata EBITDA from unconsolidated affiliates, cash interest paid, income taxes paid, principal amortization of indebtedness and changes in other assets. Dividends on the Class A common stock and Class C common stock are subject to available capital, market conditions, and compliance with associated laws, regulations and other contractual obligations. The Company expects that, based on current circumstances, comparable cash dividends will continue to be paid in the foreseeable future.
The following table lists the dividends paid on the Company's Class A common stock and Class C common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2016:
First Quarter 2016 | |||
Dividends per Class A share | $ | 0.225 | |
Dividends per Class C share | $ | 0.225 |
On April 26, 2016, the Company declared quarterly dividends on its Class A common stock and Class C common stock of $0.23 per share payable on June 15, 2016, to stockholders of record as of June 1, 2016.
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Cash Flow Discussion
The following table reflects the changes in cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to 2015:
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||
2016 | 2015 | Change | |||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 102 | $ | 75 | $ | 27 | |||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (58 | ) | (489 | ) | 431 | ||||||
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | (79 | ) | 119 | (198 | ) |
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities
Changes to net cash provided by operating activities were driven by: | (In millions) | ||
Lower net distributions from unconsolidated affiliates | $ | (18 | ) |
Increase in operating income adjusted for non-cash items and changes in working capital | 45 | ||
$ | 27 |
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities
Changes to net cash used in investing activities were driven by: | (In millions) | ||
Payments made to acquire the January 2015 Drop Down Assets | $ | 490 | |
Increase in capital expenditures due to higher maintenance expenses in 2016 | (4 | ) | |
Changes in restricted cash due to higher funding for certain projects' debt reserves partially offset by higher project distributions in 2016 compared to 2015 | (11 | ) | |
Increase in investments in unconsolidated affiliates due primarily to cash payments related to DGPV Holdco 1 and RPV Holdco | (46 | ) | |
Working capital payment received in 2016 relating to the November 2015 Drop Down Assets | 2 | ||
$ | 431 |
Net Cash (Used in) Provided By Financing Activities
Changes in net cash (used in) provided by financing activities were driven by: | (In millions) | ||
Net contributions from noncontrolling interests | $ | 10 | |
Payment of distributions to NRG due to NRG's 25% ownership of NRG Wind TE Holdco | (4 | ) | |
Increase in dividends and distributions paid to common stockholders | (11 | ) | |
Lower net borrowings from the revolving credit facility and an increase in payments for debt in 2016 compared to 2015 | (193 | ) | |
$ | (198 | ) |
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NOLs, Deferred Tax Assets and Uncertain Tax Position Implications, under ASC 740
As of March 31, 2016, the Company has a cumulative federal NOL carry forward balance of $519 million for financial statement purposes, which will begin expiring in 2033. As a result of the Company's tax position, and based on current forecasts, the Company does not anticipate significant income tax payments for federal, state and local jurisdictions in 2016. Based on the Company's current and expected NOL balances generated primarily by accelerated tax depreciation of its property, plant and equipment, the Company does not expect to pay significant federal income tax for a period of approximately nine years.
The Company is subject to examination by taxing authorities for income tax returns filed in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. The Company is not subject to U.S. federal or state income tax examinations for years prior to 2013.
The Company has no uncertain tax benefits.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Obligations under Certain Guarantee Contracts
The Company may enter into guarantee arrangements in the normal course of business to facilitate commercial transactions with third parties.
Retained or Contingent Interests
The Company does not have any material retained or contingent interests in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity.
Obligations Arising Out of a Variable Interest in an Unconsolidated Entity
Variable interest in equity investments — As of March 31, 2016, the Company has several investments with an ownership interest percentage of 50% or less in energy and energy-related entities that are accounted for under the equity method. DGPV Holdco 1, DGPV Holdco 2, RPV Holdco and GenConn are variable interest entities for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary.
The Company's pro-rata share of non-recourse debt held by unconsolidated affiliates was approximately $832 million as of March 31, 2016. This indebtedness may restrict the ability of these subsidiaries to issue dividends or distributions to the Company. See also Note 5, Variable Interest Entities, or VIEs.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
The Company has a variety of contractual obligations and other commercial commitments that represent prospective cash requirements in addition to our capital expenditure programs, as disclosed in the Company's 2015 Form 10-K.
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
The Company may enter into fuel purchase contracts and other energy-related financial instruments to mitigate variability in earnings due to fluctuations in spot market prices and to hedge fuel requirements at certain generation facilities. In addition, in order to mitigate interest rate risk associated with the issuance of variable rate debt, the Company enters into interest rate swap agreements.
The tables below disclose the activities of non-exchange traded contracts accounted for at fair value in accordance with ASC 820. Specifically, these tables disaggregate realized and unrealized changes in fair value; disaggregate estimated fair values at March 31, 2016, based on their level within the fair value hierarchy defined in ASC 820; and indicate the maturities of contracts at March 31, 2016. For a full discussion of the Company's valuation methodology of its contracts, see Derivative Fair Value Measurements in Note 6, Fair Value of Financial Instruments.
Derivative Activity Gains/(Losses) | (In millions) | ||
Fair value of contracts as of December 31, 2015 | $ | (100 | ) |
Contracts realized or otherwise settled during the period | 9 | ||
Changes in fair value | (57 | ) | |
Fair Value of contracts as of March 31, 2016 | $ | (148 | ) |
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Fair Value of contracts as of March 31, 2016 | |||||||||||||||||||
Maturity | |||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value Hierarchy Losses | 1 Year or Less | Greater Than 1 Year to 3 Years | Greater Than 3 Years to 5 Years | Greater Than 5 Years | Total Fair Value | ||||||||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||||||||||
Level 2 | $ | 38 | $ | 56 | $ | 31 | $ | 23 | $ | 148 |
The Company has elected to disclose derivative assets and liabilities on a trade-by-trade basis and does not offset amounts at the counterparty master agreement level. As discussed below in Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk -Commodity Price Risk, NRG, on behalf of the Company, measures the sensitivity of the portfolio to potential changes in market prices using VaR, a statistical model which attempts to predict risk of loss based on market price and volatility. NRG's risk management policy places a limit on one-day holding period VaR, which limits the net open position.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The Company's discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations are based upon the consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements and related disclosures in compliance with U.S. GAAP requires the application of appropriate technical accounting rules and guidance as well as the use of estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. The application of these policies necessarily involves judgments regarding future events, including the likelihood of success of particular projects, legal and regulatory challenges, and the fair value of certain assets and liabilities. These judgments, in and of themselves, could materially affect the financial statements and disclosures based on varying assumptions, which may be appropriate to use. In addition, the financial and operating environment may also have a significant effect, not only on the operation of the business, but on the results reported through the application of accounting measures used in preparing the financial statements and related disclosures, even if the nature of the accounting policies has not changed.
On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates these estimates, utilizing historic experience, consultation with experts and other methods the Company considers reasonable. In any event, actual results may differ substantially from the Company's estimates. Any effects on the Company's business, financial position or results of operations resulting from revisions to these estimates are recorded in the period in which the information that gives rise to the revision becomes known.
The Company's significant accounting policies are summarized in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the Company's 2015 Form 10-K. The Company identifies its most critical accounting policies as those that are the most pervasive and important to the portrayal of the Company's financial position and results of operations, and that require the most difficult, subjective and/or complex judgments by management regarding estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain. The Company's critical accounting policies include income taxes and valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, impairment of long lived assets and other intangible assets and acquisition accounting.
Recent Accounting Developments
See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, for a discussion of recent accounting developments.
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ITEM 3 — Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Company is exposed to several market risks in its normal business activities. Market risk is the potential loss that may result from market changes associated with the Company's power generation or with an existing or forecasted financial or commodity transaction. The types of market risks the Company is exposed to are commodity price risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, and credit risk.
Commodity Price Risk
Commodity price risks result from exposures to changes in spot prices, forward prices, volatilities, and correlations between various commodities, such as electricity, natural gas and emissions credits. The Company manages the commodity price risk of its merchant generation operations by entering into derivative or non-derivative instruments to hedge the variability in future cash flows from forecasted power sales or purchases of fuel. The portion of forecasted transactions hedged may vary based upon management's assessment of market, weather, operation and other factors.
Based on a sensitivity analysis using simplified assumptions, the impact of a $0.50 per MMBtu increase or decrease in natural gas prices across the term of the derivative contracts would cause a change of approximately $1 million to the net value of derivatives as of March 31, 2016.
Interest Rate Risk
The Company is exposed to fluctuations in interest rates through its issuance of variable rate debt. Exposures to interest rate fluctuations may be mitigated by entering into derivative instruments known as interest rate swaps, caps, or collars and put or call options. These contracts reduce exposure to interest rate volatility and result in primarily fixed rate debt obligations when taking into account the combination of the variable rate debt and the interest rate derivative instrument. NRG's risk management policies allow the Company to reduce interest rate exposure from variable rate debt obligations.
Most of the Company's project subsidiaries enter into interest rate swaps, intended to hedge the risks associated with interest rates on non-recourse project level debt. See Note 9, Long-Term Debt, to the Company's audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company's 2015 Form 10-K for more information about interest rate swaps of the Company's project subsidiaries.
If all of the above swaps had been discontinued on March 31, 2016, the Company would have owed the counterparties $148 million. Based on the investment grade rating of the counterparties, the Company believes its exposure to credit risk due to nonperformance by counterparties to its hedge contracts to be insignificant.
The Company has long-term debt instruments that subject it to the risk of loss associated with movements in market interest rates. As of March 31, 2016, a 1% change in interest rates would result in an approximately $3 million change in market interest expense on a rolling twelve-month basis.
As of March 31, 2016, the fair value of the Company's debt was $4,763 million and the carrying value was $4,821 million. The Company estimates that a 1% decrease in market interest rates would have increased the fair value of its long-term debt by approximately $317 million.
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk arises from the general funding needs of the Company's activities and in the management of the Company's assets and liabilities.
Counterparty Credit Risk
Credit risk relates to the risk of loss resulting from non-performance or non-payment by counterparties pursuant to the terms of their contractual obligations. The Company monitors and manages credit risk through credit policies that include: (i) an established credit approval process; and (ii) the use of credit mitigation measures such as prepayment arrangements or volumetric limits. Risks surrounding counterparty performance and credit could ultimately impact the amount and timing of expected cash flows. The Company seeks to mitigate counterparty risk by having a diversified portfolio of counterparties.
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ITEM 4 — Controls and Procedures
Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including its principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act. Based on this evaluation, the Company's principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred in the first quarter of 2016 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1 — LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
For a discussion of the material legal proceedings in which the Company was involved through March 31, 2016, see Note 13, Contingencies, to this Form 10-Q.
ITEM 1A — RISK FACTORS
Information regarding risk factors appears in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, in the Company's 2015 Form 10-K. There have been no material changes in the Company's risk factors since those reported in its 2015 Form 10-K.
ITEM 2 — UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None.
ITEM 3 — DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4 — MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5 — OTHER INFORMATION
None.
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ITEM 6 — EXHIBITS
Number | Description | Method of Filing | ||
3.1 | Restated Certificate of Incorporation of NRG Yield, Inc., dated May 2, 2016. | Filed herewith. | ||
10.1^ | Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of NRG RPV Holdco 1 LLC, dated as of March 1, 2016, by and between NRG Yield RPV Holding LLC and NRG Residential Solar Solutions LLC. | Filed herewith. | ||
10.2^ | Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of NRG DGPV Holdco 1 LLC, dated as of March 1, 2016, by and among NRG Yield DGPV Holding LLC, NRG Renew DG Holdings LLC and NRG Renew LLC. | Filed herewith. | ||
10.3^ | Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of NRG DGPV Holdco 2 LLC, dated as of March 1, 2016, by and among NRG Yield DGPV Holding LLC, NRG Renew DG Holdings LLC, and NRG Renew LLC. | Filed herewith. | ||
31.1 | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) certification of Mauricio Gutierrez. | Filed herewith. | ||
31.2 | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) certification of Kirkland B. Andrews. | Filed herewith. | ||
31.3 | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) certification of David Callen. | Filed herewith. | ||
32 | Section 1350 Certification. | Furnished herewith. | ||
101 INS | XBRL Instance Document. | Filed herewith. | ||
101 SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema. | Filed herewith. | ||
101 CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase. | Filed herewith. | ||
101 DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase. | Filed herewith. | ||
101 LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase. | Filed herewith. | ||
101 PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase. | Filed herewith. |
^ | Portions of this exhibit have been redacted and are subject to a confidential treatment request filed with the Secretary of the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. |
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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.
NRG YIELD, INC. (Registrant) | ||||
/s/ MAURICIO GUTIERREZ | ||||
Mauricio Gutierrez | ||||
Interim Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) | ||||
/s/ KIRKLAND B. ANDREWS | ||||
Kirkland B. Andrews | ||||
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) | ||||
/s/ DAVID CALLEN | ||||
David Callen | ||||
Date: May 5, 2016 | Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) | |||
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