Clearway Energy, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2017 June (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
x | Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 | |
For the Quarterly Period Ended: June 30, 2017 | ||
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.) | |
804 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, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x | Accelerated filer o | Non-accelerated filer o | Smaller reporting company o | Emerging growth company o | |||
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No x
As of July 31, 2017, 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, 63,729,360 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.
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, 2016, and the following:
• | The Company's ability to maintain and grow its quarterly dividend; |
• | Potential risks to the Company as a result of the NRG Transformation Plan; |
• | 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 (including wind and solar 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; |
• | 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; |
• | Cyber terrorism and inadequate cybersecurity, or the occurrence of a catastrophic loss and the possibility that the Company may not have adequate insurance to cover losses resulting from such hazards or the inability of the Company's insurers to provide coverage; |
• | The Company's ability to engage in successful mergers and acquisitions activity; 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:
2016 Form 10-K | NRG Yield, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 | |
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. | |
2024 Senior Notes | $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.375% unsecured senior notes due 2024, issued by NRG Yield Operating LLC | |
2026 Senior Notes | $350 million aggregate principal amount of 5.00% unsecured senior notes due 2026, issued by NRG Yield Operating LLC | |
ASC | The FASB Accounting Standards Codification, which the FASB established as the source of authoritative GAAP | |
ASU | Accounting Standards Updates - updates to the ASC | |
ATM Program | At-The-Market Equity Offering Program | |
August 2017 Drop Down Assets | The remaining 25% interest in NRG Wind TE Holdco, an 814 net MW portfolio of twelve wind projects, acquired from NRG on August 1, 2017 | |
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, cash receipts from notes receivable, 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 prepaid and accrued capacity payments | |
Company | NRG Yield, Inc. together with its consolidated subsidiaries | |
CVSR | California Valley Solar Ranch | |
CVSR Drop Down | The Company's acquisition from NRG of the remaining 51.05% interest of CVSR Holdco | |
CVSR Holdco | CVSR Holdco LLC, the indirect owner of CVSR | |
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 June 2014 Drop Down Assets, January 2015 Drop Down Assets, November 2015 Drop Down Assets, CVSR Drop Down and March 2017 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 | |
GAAP | Accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. | |
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 |
4
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 | |
March 2017 Drop Down Assets | (i) Agua Caliente Borrower 2 LLC, which owns a 16% interest (approximately 31% of NRG's 51% interest) in the Agua Caliente solar farm and (ii) NRG's 100% ownership in the Class A equity interests in the Utah Solar Portfolio (defined below), both acquired by the Company on March 27, 2017 | |
Marsh Landing | NRG Marsh Landing LLC, formerly GenOn Marsh Landing LLC | |
May 9, 2017 Form 8-K | NRG Yield, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 9, 2017 in connection with NRG Yield Operating LLC's acquisition of the March 2017 Drop Down Assets | |
MMBtu | Million British Thermal Units | |
MW | Megawatts | |
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 Power Marketing | NRG Power Marketing LLC | |
NRG Transformation Plan | A three-year, three part improvement plan announced by NRG on July 12, 2017, which includes exploring strategic alternatives for NRG's renewables platform and its interest in the Company | |
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 | |
O&M | Operation and Maintenance | |
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 | |
ROFO Agreement | Second Amended and Restated Right of First Offer Agreement between the Company and NRG | |
ROFO Assets | Specified assets subject to sale, as described in the ROFO Agreement | |
RPV Holdco | NRG RPV Holdco 1 LLC | |
RTO | Regional Transmission Originator | |
SEC | U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission | |
Senior Notes | Collectively, the 2024 Senior Notes and the 2026 Senior Notes | |
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 |
5
Utah Solar Portfolio | Collection consists of Four Brothers Solar, LLC, Granite Mountain Holdings, LLC, and Iron Springs Holdings, LLC, which are equity investments owned by Four Brothers Capital, LLC, Granite Mountain Capital, LLC, and Iron Springs Capital, LLC, respectively, and are part of the March 2017 Drop Down Assets acquisition that closed on March 27, 2017 | |
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 |
6
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1 — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NRG YIELD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
(In millions, except per share amounts) | 2017 | 2016 (a) | 2017 | 2016 (a) | |||||||||||
Operating Revenues | |||||||||||||||
Total operating revenues | $ | 284 | $ | 283 | $ | 502 | $ | 517 | |||||||
Operating Costs and Expenses | |||||||||||||||
Cost of operations | 77 | 77 | 161 | 162 | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 78 | 75 | 153 | 149 | |||||||||||
General and administrative | 6 | 3 | 10 | 6 | |||||||||||
Acquisition-related transaction and integration costs | 1 | — | 2 | — | |||||||||||
Total operating costs and expenses | 162 | 155 | 326 | 317 | |||||||||||
Operating Income | 122 | 128 | 176 | 200 | |||||||||||
Other Income (Expense) | |||||||||||||||
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates | 16 | 14 | 35 | 18 | |||||||||||
Other income, net | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | |||||||||||
Interest expense | (86 | ) | (68 | ) | (162 | ) | (142 | ) | |||||||
Total other expense, net | (69 | ) | (52 | ) | (125 | ) | (122 | ) | |||||||
Income Before Income Taxes | 53 | 76 | 51 | 78 | |||||||||||
Income tax expense | 8 | 12 | 7 | 12 | |||||||||||
Net Income | 45 | 64 | 44 | 66 | |||||||||||
Less: Pre-acquisition net income of Drop Down Assets | — | 6 | 12 | 6 | |||||||||||
Net Income Excluding Pre-acquisition Net Income of Drop Down Assets | 45 | 58 | 32 | 60 | |||||||||||
Less: Net Income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 17 | 26 | 7 | 23 | |||||||||||
Net Income Attributable to NRG Yield, Inc. | $ | 28 | $ | 32 | $ | 25 | $ | 37 | |||||||
Earnings Per Share Attributable to NRG Yield, Inc. Class A and Class C Common Stockholders | |||||||||||||||
Weighted average number of Class A common shares outstanding - basic | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | |||||||||||
Weighted average number of Class A common shares outstanding - diluted | 49 | 49 | 35 | 35 | |||||||||||
Weighted average number of Class C common shares outstanding - basic | 63 | 63 | 63 | 63 | |||||||||||
Weighted average number of Class C common shares outstanding - diluted | 74 | 73 | 63 | 63 | |||||||||||
Earnings per Weighted Average Class A and Class C Common Share - Basic | $ | 0.29 | $ | 0.33 | $ | 0.26 | $ | 0.38 | |||||||
Earnings per Weighted Average Class A Common Share - Diluted | 0.26 | 0.29 | 0.26 | 0.38 | |||||||||||
Earnings per Weighted Average Class C Common Share - Diluted | 0.28 | 0.31 | 0.26 | 0.38 | |||||||||||
Dividends Per Class A Common Share | 0.27 | 0.23 | 0.53 | 0.455 | |||||||||||
Dividends Per Class C Common Share | $ | 0.27 | $ | 0.23 | $ | 0.53 | $ | 0.455 |
(a) Retrospectively adjusted as discussed in Note 1, Nature of Business.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
7
NRG YIELD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
(In millions) | 2017 | 2016 (a) | 2017 | 2016 (a) | |||||||||||
Net Income | $ | 45 | $ | 64 | $ | 44 | $ | 66 | |||||||
Other Comprehensive Loss, net of tax | |||||||||||||||
Unrealized loss on derivatives, net of income tax benefit of $1, $3, $0 and $12 | (6 | ) | (16 | ) | — | (57 | ) | ||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | (6 | ) | (16 | ) | — | (57 | ) | ||||||||
Comprehensive Income | 39 | 48 | 44 | 9 | |||||||||||
Less: Pre-acquisition net income of Drop Down Assets | — | 6 | 12 | 6 | |||||||||||
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | 14 | 13 | 7 | (14 | ) | ||||||||||
Comprehensive Income Attributable to NRG Yield, Inc. | $ | 25 | $ | 29 | $ | 25 | $ | 17 |
(a) Retrospectively adjusted as discussed in Note 1, Nature of Business.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
8
NRG YIELD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except shares) | June 30, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | |||||
ASSETS | (unaudited) | ||||||
Current Assets | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 181 | $ | 322 | |||
Restricted cash | 114 | 165 | |||||
Accounts receivable — trade | 119 | 92 | |||||
Inventory | 41 | 39 | |||||
Derivative instruments | 1 | 2 | |||||
Notes receivable | 14 | 16 | |||||
Prepayments and other current assets | 21 | 20 | |||||
Total current assets | 491 | 656 | |||||
Property, plant and equipment, net | 5,322 | 5,460 | |||||
Other Assets | |||||||
Equity investments in affiliates | 1,161 | 1,152 | |||||
Notes receivable | 7 | 14 | |||||
Intangible assets, net | 1,251 | 1,286 | |||||
Derivative instruments | — | 1 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | 207 | 216 | |||||
Other non-current assets | 74 | 51 | |||||
Total other assets | 2,700 | 2,720 | |||||
Total Assets | $ | 8,513 | $ | 8,836 | |||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||
Current Liabilities | |||||||
Current portion of long-term debt | $ | 298 | $ | 291 | |||
Accounts payable — trade | 23 | 23 | |||||
Accounts payable — affiliate | 31 | 40 | |||||
Derivative instruments | 26 | 32 | |||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 60 | 86 | |||||
Total current liabilities | 438 | 472 | |||||
Other Liabilities | |||||||
Long-term debt | 5,597 | 5,696 | |||||
Accounts payable — affiliate | 9 | 9 | |||||
Derivative instruments | 54 | 44 | |||||
Other non-current liabilities | 79 | 76 | |||||
Total non-current liabilities | 5,739 | 5,825 | |||||
Total Liabilities | 6,177 | 6,297 | |||||
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); 183,793,110 shares issued and outstanding (Class A 34,586,250, Class B 42,738,750, Class C 63,729,360, Class D 42,738,750) at June 30, 2017 and 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 December 31, 2016 | 1 | 1 | |||||
Additional paid-in capital | 1,842 | 1,879 | |||||
Retained Earnings (Accumulated deficit) | 23 | (2 | ) | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (28 | ) | (28 | ) | |||
Noncontrolling interest | 498 | 689 | |||||
Total Stockholders' Equity | 2,336 | 2,539 | |||||
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | $ | 8,513 | $ | 8,836 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
9
NRG YIELD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
Six months ended June 30, | |||||||
2017 | 2016 (a) | ||||||
(In millions) | |||||||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities | |||||||
Net income | $ | 44 | $ | 66 | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates | (35 | ) | (18 | ) | |||
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates | 29 | 25 | |||||
Depreciation and amortization | 153 | 149 | |||||
Amortization of financing costs and debt discounts | 11 | 10 | |||||
Amortization of intangibles and out-of-market contracts | 34 | 40 | |||||
Changes in deferred income taxes | 7 | 12 | |||||
Changes in derivative instruments | 4 | (1 | ) | ||||
Loss on disposal of asset components | 4 | 3 | |||||
Changes in prepaid and accrued liabilities for tolling agreements | (64 | ) | (65 | ) | |||
Changes in other working capital | (16 | ) | (3 | ) | |||
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities | 171 | 218 | |||||
Cash Flows from Investing Activities | |||||||
Acquisition of Drop Down Assets | (131 | ) | — | ||||
Capital expenditures | (13 | ) | (11 | ) | |||
Cash receipts from notes receivable | 9 | 9 | |||||
Return of investment from unconsolidated affiliates | 25 | 18 | |||||
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates | (33 | ) | (59 | ) | |||
Other | — | 2 | |||||
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities | (143 | ) | (41 | ) | |||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities | |||||||
Net contributions from noncontrolling interests | 15 | 8 | |||||
Net distributions and return of capital to NRG prior to the acquisition of Drop Down Assets | (42 | ) | (15 | ) | |||
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock | 16 | — | |||||
Payments of dividends and distributions | (104 | ) | (89 | ) | |||
Payments of debt issuance costs | (4 | ) | — | ||||
Proceeds from the revolving credit facility | — | 60 | |||||
Payments for the revolving credit facility | — | (48 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt | 41 | — | |||||
Payments for long-term debt | (142 | ) | (122 | ) | |||
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities | (220 | ) | (206 | ) | |||
Net Decrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash | (192 | ) | (29 | ) | |||
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period | 487 | 242 | |||||
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period | $ | 295 | $ | 213 |
(a) Retrospectively adjusted as discussed in Note 1, Nature of Business.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
10
NRG YIELD, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 1 — Nature of Business
NRG Yield, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries, or 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. 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.
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 4,879 net MW as of June 30, 2017. Each of these assets sells substantially all of its output pursuant to long-term offtake agreements with creditworthy counterparties. The weighted average remaining contract duration of these offtake agreements was approximately 16 years as of June 30, 2017 based on CAFD. The Company also owns thermal infrastructure assets with an aggregate steam and chilled water capacity of 1,319 net MWt and electric generation capacity of 123 net MW. These thermal infrastructure assets provide steam, hot 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.
NRG Yield, Inc. consolidates the results of NRG Yield LLC through its controlling interest, with NRG's interest shown as noncontrolling interest in the financial statements. 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 June 30, 2017:
![yieldorgpicturerevisedasof65.jpg](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001567683/000156768317000027/yieldorgpicturerevisedasof65.jpg)
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On July 12, 2017, NRG announced that it had adopted and initiated a three-year, three-part improvement plan, or the NRG Transformation Plan. As part of the NRG Transformation Plan, NRG announced that it is exploring strategic alternatives for its renewables platform and its interest in the Company. NRG, through its holdings of Class B common stock and Class D common stock, has a 55.1% voting interest in the Company and receives distributions from NRG Yield LLC through its ownership of Class B units and Class D units. NRG stated that the strategic alternatives span a variety of ownership structures and partnership types, including the potential partial or full monetization of NRG's renewables platform and NRG's interest in the Company. NRG is the Company's controlling stockholder and the Company has been highly dependent on NRG for, among other things, growth opportunities and management and administration services. See Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors in the Company's 2016 Form 10-K as well as Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors in this report, for risks related to the NRG Transformation Plan and the Company's relationship with NRG.
As of June 30, 2017, 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 | ||||||||||
Agua Caliente | 16 | % | 46 | Pacific Gas and Electric | 2039 | |||||
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 | 100 | % | 250 | 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 | |||||
Utah Solar Portfolio (e) | 50 | % | 265 | PacifiCorp | 2036 | |||||
921 | ||||||||||
Distributed Solar | ||||||||||
Apple I LLC Projects | 100 | % | 9 | Various | 2032 | |||||
AZ DG Solar Projects | 100 | % | 5 | Various | 2025 - 2033 | |||||
14 | ||||||||||
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) | 100 | % | 137 | Southern California Edison | 2038 | |||||
Alta XI (b) | 100 | % | 90 | Southern California Edison | 2038 | |||||
Buffalo Bear | 100 | % | 19 | Western Farmers Electric Co-operative | 2033 | |||||
Crosswinds (b) (f) | 74.3 | % | 16 | Corn Belt Power Cooperative | 2027 | |||||
Elbow Creek (b) (f) | 75 | % | 92 | NRG Power Marketing LLC | 2022 | |||||
Elkhorn Ridge (b) (f) | 50.3 | % | 41 | Nebraska Public Power District | 2029 | |||||
Forward (b) (f) | 75 | % | 22 | Constellation NewEnergy, Inc. | 2017 | |||||
Goat Wind (b) (f) | 74.9 | % | 113 | Dow Pipeline Company | 2025 | |||||
Hardin (b) (f) | 74.3 | % | 11 | Interstate Power and Light Company | 2027 | |||||
Laredo Ridge | 100 | % | 80 | Nebraska Public Power District | 2031 | |||||
Lookout (b) (f) | 75 | % | 29 | Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative | 2030 |
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Projects | Percentage Ownership | Net Capacity (MW)(a) | Offtake Counterparty | Expiration | ||||||
Odin (b) (f) | 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 (b) (f) | 56.3 | % | 68 | Southwestern Public Service Company | 2025 | |||||
Sleeping Bear (b) (f) | 75 | % | 71 | Public Service Company of Oklahoma | 2032 | |||||
South Trent | 100 | % | 101 | AEP Energy Partners | 2029 | |||||
Spanish Fork (b) (f) | 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 (b) (f) | 74.9 | % | 121 | Southwestern Public Service Company | 2027 | |||||
1,999 | ||||||||||
Thermal | ||||||||||
NRG Dover Energy Center LLC | 100 | % | 103 | NRG Power Marketing LLC | 2018 | |||||
Thermal generation | 100 | % | 20 | Various | Various | |||||
123 | ||||||||||
Total net generation capacity(c) | 5,002 | |||||||||
Thermal equivalent MWt (d) | 100 | % | 1,319 | Various | Various |
(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 June 30, 2017.
(b) Projects are part of tax equity arrangements.
(c) The Company's total generation capacity is net of 6 MWs for noncontrolling interest for Spring Canyon II and III. The Company's generation capacity including this noncontrolling interest was 5,008 MWs.
(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) Represents interests in Four Brothers Solar, LLC, Granite Mountain Holdings, LLC, and Iron Springs Holdings, LLC, all acquired as part of the March 2017 Drop Down Assets (ownership percentage is based upon cash to be distributed).
(f) Projects are part of NRG Wind TE Holdco portfolio.
In addition to the facilities owned or leased in the table above, the Company entered into partnerships to own or purchase solar power generation projects, as well as other ancillary related assets from a related party via intermediate funds. The Company does not consolidate these partnerships and accounts for them as equity method investments. The Company's net interest in these projects is 190 MW based on cash to be distributed as of June 30, 2017. For further discussions, refer to Note 5, Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 included in the Company's May 9, 2017 Form 8-K.
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. Certain district energy systems are subject to rate regulation by state public utility commissions (although they may negotiate certain rates) while the other district energy systems have rates determined by negotiated bilateral contracts.
As further described in Note 3, Business Acquisitions, on March 27, 2017, the Company acquired the following interests from NRG, referred to as the March 2017 Drop Down Assets: (i) Agua Caliente Borrower 2 LLC, which owns a 16% interest in the Agua Caliente solar farm, one of the ROFO assets and (ii) NRG's interests in seven utility-scale solar farms located in Utah that were part of NRG's November 2, 2016 acquisition of projects from SunEdison, or the Utah Solar Portfolio. The Company paid total cash consideration of $130 million, plus a $1 million working capital adjustment, and assumed non-recourse debt of $328 million, which is consolidated, as well as its pro-rata share of non-recourse project-level debt of $135 million. The acquisition was funded with cash on hand. The acquisition of the March 2017 Drop Down Assets was accounted for as a transfer of entities under common control. The accounting guidance requires retrospective combination of the entities for all periods presented as if the combination had been in effect from the beginning of the financial statement period or from the date the entities were under common control (if later than the beginning of the financial statement period). Accordingly, in connection with the retrospective adjustment of prior periods, the Company adjusted its financial statements to reflect its results of operations, financial position and cash flows as if it recorded its interests in the Agua Caliente Borrower 2 LLC on January 1, 2016, and its interests in the Utah Solar Portfolio on November 2, 2016. The recast for the March 2017 Drop Down Assets did not affect the historical net income
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attributable to NRG Yield, Inc.'s weighted average number of shares outstanding, earnings per share or dividends. In connection with the acquisition of the March 2017 Drop Down Assets, the Company filed the May 9, 2017 Form 8-K to recast the financial statements include in its 2016 Form 10-K for all periods presented in the following sections: Part II, Item 6. Selected Financial Data, Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and Part IV, Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the SEC’s regulations for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by 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 consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 included in the Company's May 9, 2017 Form 8-K. 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 June 30, 2017, and the results of operations, comprehensive income (loss) and cash flows for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016.
Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions impact the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could be different from these estimates.
Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Amortization
The following table presents the accumulated depreciation included in the property, plant and equipment, net, and accumulated amortization included in intangible assets, net, respectively, as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
June 30, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | ||||||
(In millions) | |||||||
Property, Plant and Equipment Accumulated Depreciation | $ | 1,102 | $ | 951 | |||
Intangible Assets Accumulated Amortization | 198 | 163 |
Noncontrolling Interests
Stockholders' equity represents the equity associated with the Class A and Class C common stockholders, the equity associated with the Class B and Class D common stockholder, NRG, and the third-party interests under certain tax equity arrangements are classified as noncontrolling interests. The following table reflects the changes in the Company's noncontrolling interest balance:
(In millions) | |||
Balance as of December 31, 2016 | 689 | ||
Capital contributions from tax equity investors, net of distributions | 13 | ||
Payment for March 2017 Drop Down Assets | (131 | ) | |
Pre-acquisition net income of Drop Down Assets | 12 | ||
Comprehensive income | 7 | ||
Distributions to NRG for Drop Down Assets, net of contributions | (47 | ) | |
NRG Yield LLC distributions to NRG | (45 | ) | |
Balance as of June 30, 2017 | $ | 498 |
Distributions and Contributions to and from NRG for Drop Down Assets
Distributions and contributions to and from NRG for Drop Down Assets relate primarily to NRG's interests in the March 2017 Drop Down Assets prior to the acquisition by the Company, as well as NRG's 25% interest in the November 2015 Drop Down Assets. This amount includes cash and non-cash distributions and includes a distribution to NRG from Agua Caliente Borrower 2 LLC following the issuance of the Agua Caliente Holdco financing, as described in Note 7, Long-term Debt.
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NRG Yield LLC Distributions to NRG
The following table lists the distributions paid to NRG on NRG Yield LLC's Class B and D units during the six months ended June 30, 2017:
Second Quarter 2017 | First Quarter 2017 | ||||||
Distributions per Class B Unit | $ | 0.27 | $ | 0.26 | |||
Distributions per Class D Unit | $ | 0.27 | $ | 0.26 |
On July 25, 2017, NRG Yield LLC declared a distribution on its Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D units of $0.28 per unit payable on September 15, 2017 to unit holders of record as of September 1, 2017.
Income Taxes
NRG Yield, Inc. is included in certain NRG consolidated unitary state tax return filings which is reflected in NRG Yield, Inc.'s state effective tax rate. If NRG Yield, Inc. filed under a separate standalone methodology, there would be an additional state tax expense of approximately $1 million as of June 30, 2017 due to a change in the NRG Yield, Inc. state effective tax rate.
Reclassifications
Certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified for comparative purposes.
Recent Accounting Developments
ASU 2016-18 — In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Restricted Cash, or ASU No. 2016-18. The amendments of ASU No. 2016-18 require an entity to include amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning of period and end of period total amounts on the statement of cash flows. The amendments of ASU No. 2016-18 are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted and the adoption of ASU No. 2016-18 will be applied retrospectively. The Company early adopted ASU No. 2016-18 during the second quarter of 2017. Net cash flows used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2016 increased by $7 million. The sum of Company's cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 equals the beginning balances of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the consolidated statement of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2017. The sum of Company's cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2017 equals to the ending balances of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the consolidated statement of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2017.
ASU 2016-02 — In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), or Topic 842, 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 by expanding the related disclosures. The guidance in Topic 842 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, Topic 842 expands the required quantitative and qualitative disclosures with regards to lease arrangements. The Company expects to adopt the standard effective January 1, 2019 utilizing the required modified retrospective approach for the earliest period presented. The Company expects to elect certain of the practical expedients permitted, including the expedient that permits the Company to retain its existing lease assessment and classification. The Company is currently working through an adoption plan and evaluating the anticipated impact on the Company's results of operations, cash flows and financial position. While the Company is currently evaluating the impact the new guidance will have on its financial position and results of operations, the Company expects to recognize lease liabilities and right of use assets. The extent of the increase to assets and liabilities associated with these amounts remains to be determined pending the Company’s review of its existing lease contracts and service contracts which may contain embedded leases. While this review is still in process, the Company believes the adoption of Topic 842 may be material to its financial statements.
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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, which was further amended through various updates issued by the FASB thereafter. The amendments of ASU No. 2014-09 completed the joint effort between the FASB and the IASB, to develop a common revenue standard for GAAP and IFRS, and to improve financial reporting. The guidance under Topic 606 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 a five step model to be applied by an entity in evaluating its contracts with customers. The Company expects to adopt the standard effective January 1, 2018 and apply the guidance retrospectively to contracts at the date of adoption. The Company will recognize the cumulative effect of applying Topic 606 at the date of initial application, as prescribed under the modified retrospective transition method. The Company also expects to elect the practical expedient available under Topic 606 for measuring progress toward complete satisfaction of a performance obligation and for disclosure requirements of remaining performance obligations. The practical expedient allows an entity to recognize revenue in the amount to which the entity has the right to invoice such that the entity has a right to the consideration in an amount that corresponds directly with the value to the customer for performance completed to date by the entity. The majority of the Company's revenues are obtained through PPAs, which are currently accounted for as operating leases. In connection with the implementation of Topic 842, as described above, the Company expects to elect certain of the practical expedients permitted, including the expedient that permits the Company to retain its existing lease assessment and classification. As leases are excluded from the scope of Topic 606, the Company expects the standard to have an immaterial impact on the Company's results of operations, cash flows and financial position; however, the Company continues to assess the impact in connection with its plan of adoption.
Note 3 — Business Acquisitions
2017 Acquisitions
August 2017 Drop Down Assets — On August 1, 2017, the Company acquired the remaining 25% interest in NRG Wind TE Holdco, a portfolio of 12 wind projects, from NRG for total cash consideration of $41.5 million, excluding working capital adjustments. The transaction also includes potential additional payments to NRG dependent upon actual energy prices for merchant periods beginning in 2027.
March 2017 Drop Down Assets — On March 27, 2017, the Company acquired the following interests from NRG: (i) Agua Caliente Borrower 2 LLC, which owns a 16% interest (approximately 31% of NRG's 51% interest) in the Agua Caliente solar farm, one of the ROFO Assets, representing ownership of approximately 46 net MW of capacity and (ii) NRG's interests in the Utah Solar Portfolio. Agua Caliente is located in Yuma County, AZ and sells power subject to a 25-year PPA with Pacific Gas and Electric, with 22 years remaining on that contract. The seven utility-scale solar farms in the Utah Solar Portfolio are owned by the following entities: Four Brothers Capital, LLC, Iron Springs Capital, LLC, and Granite Mountain Capital, LLC. These utility-scale solar farms achieved commercial operations in 2016, sell power subject to 20-year PPAs with PacifiCorp, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway and are part of a tax equity structure with Dominion Solar Projects III, Inc., or Dominion, through which the Company is entitled to receive 50% of cash to be distributed, as further described below. The Company paid cash consideration of $130 million, plus $1 million of working capital. The acquisition of the March 2017 Drop Down Assets was funded with cash on hand. The Company recorded the acquired interests as equity method investments. The Company also assumed non-recourse debt of $41 million and $287 million on Agua Caliente Borrower 2 LLC and the Utah Solar Portfolio, respectively, as further described in Note 7, Long-term Debt, as well as its pro-rata share of non-recourse project-level debt of Agua Caliente Solar LLC, as further described in Note 4, Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities.
The assets and liabilities transferred to the Company relate to interests under common control by NRG and were recorded at historical cost in accordance with ASC 805-50, Business Combination - Related Issues. The difference between the cash paid and the historical value of the entities' equity of $8 million was recorded as an adjustment to NRG's noncontrolling interest. Since the transaction constituted a transfer 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 from the beginning of the financial statement period or from the date the entities were under common control (if later than the beginning of the financial statement period).
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The following is a summary of assets and liabilities transferred in connection with the acquisition of the March 2017 Drop Down Assets as of March 27, 2017:
(In millions) | |||
Assets: | |||
Cash | $ | 6 | |
Equity investment in projects | 456 | ||
Total assets acquired | 462 | ||
Liabilities: | |||
Debt (Current and non-current) (a) | 320 | ||
Other current and non-current liabilities | 3 | ||
Total liabilities assumed | 323 | ||
Net assets acquired | $ | 139 |
(a) Net of $8 million of debt issuance costs.
The following tables present a summary of the Company's historical information combining the financial information for the March 2017 Drop Down Assets transferred in connection with the acquisition:
Three months ended June 30, 2016 | Six months ended June 30, 2016 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
As Previously Reported (a) | March 2017 Drop Down Assets | As Currently Reported | As Previously Reported (a) | March 2017 Drop Down Assets | As Currently Reported | ||||||||||||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating revenues | $ | 283 | $ | — | $ | 283 | $ | 517 | $ | — | $ | 517 | |||||||||||
Operating income | 128 | — | 128 | 200 | — | 200 | |||||||||||||||||
Net income | 63 | 1 | 64 | 64 | 2 | 66 |
(a) As previously reported in the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 6, 2016 in connection with the CVSR Drop Down completed on September 1, 2016.
2016 Acquisitions
CVSR Drop Down — Prior to September 1, 2016, the Company had a 48.95% interest in CVSR, which was accounted for as an equity method investment. On September 1, 2016, the Company acquired from NRG the remaining 51.05% interest of CVSR Holdco LLC, which indirectly owns the CVSR solar facility, for total cash consideration of $78.5 million plus an immaterial working capital adjustment. The Company also assumed additional debt of $496 million, which represents 51.05% of the CVSR project level debt and 51.05% of the notes issued under the CVSR Holdco Financing Agreement, as of the closing date, as further described in Note 10, Long-term Debt, to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 included in the Company's May 9, 2017 Form 8-K. The acquisition was funded with cash on hand.
The assets and liabilities transferred to the Company relate to interests under common control by NRG and were recorded at historical cost in accordance with ASC 805-50, Business Combinations - Related Issues. The difference between the cash paid and historical value of the CVSR Drop Down of $112 million, as well as $6 million of AOCL, was recorded as a distribution to NRG with the offset to noncontrolling interest. Because the transaction constituted a transfer of net assets under common control, 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. In connection with the retrospective adjustment of prior periods, the Company now consolidates CVSR and 100% of its debt, consisting of $771 million of project level debt and $200 million of notes issued under the CVSR Holdco Financing Agreement as of September 1, 2016. In connection with the retrospective adjustment of prior periods, the Company has removed the equity method investment from all prior periods and adjusted its financial statements to reflect its results of operations, financial position and cash flows as if it had consolidated CVSR from the beginning of the financial statement period.
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Note 4 — Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities
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 consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 included in the Company's May 9, 2017 Form 8-K.
Summarized financial information for the Company's consolidated VIEs consisted of the following as of June 30, 2017:
(In millions) | NRG Wind TE Holdco | Alta Wind TE Holdco | Spring Canyon | ||||||||
Other current and non-current assets | $ | 184 | $ | 22 | $ | 3 | |||||
Property, plant and equipment | 428 | 449 | 98 | ||||||||
Intangible assets | 2 | 268 | — | ||||||||
Total assets | 614 | 739 | 101 | ||||||||
Current and non-current liabilities | 203 | 8 | 6 | ||||||||
Total liabilities | 203 | 8 | 6 | ||||||||
Noncontrolling interest | 125 | 102 | 64 | ||||||||
Net assets less noncontrolling interests | $ | 286 | $ | 629 | $ | 31 |
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 consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 included in the Company's May 9, 2017 Form 8-K.
The Company's maximum exposure to loss as of June 30, 2017 is limited to its equity investment in the unconsolidated entities, as further summarized in the table below:
(In millions) | Maximum exposure to loss | ||
Four Brothers Solar, LLC | $ | 226 | |
Granite Mountain Holdings, LLC | 82 | ||
Iron Springs Holdings, LLC | 57 | ||
GenConn Energy LLC | 104 | ||
NRG DGPV Holdco 1 LLC | 73 | ||
NRG RPV Holdco 1 LLC | 67 | ||
NRG DGPV Holdco 2 LLC | 44 |
Utah Solar Portfolio — As described in Note 3, Business Acquisitions, on March 27, 2017, as part of the March 2017 Drop Down Assets acquisition, the Company acquired from NRG 100% of the Class A equity interests in the Utah Solar Portfolio, comprised of Four Brothers Solar, LLC, Granite Mountain Holdings, LLC, and Iron Springs Holdings, LLC. The Class B interests of the Utah Solar Portfolio 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 50%. The Company generally receives 50% of distributable cash throughout the term of the tax-equity arrangements. The three entities comprising the Utah Solar Portfolio are VIEs. As the Company is not the primary beneficiary, the Company uses the equity method of accounting to account for its interests in the Utah Solar Portfolio. The Company utilizes the HLBV method to determine its share of the income or losses in the investees.
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The following tables present summarized financial information for the Company's significant equity method investments:
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||
(In millions) | 2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 | ||||||||||||
Income Statement Data: | ||||||||||||||||
Utah Solar Portfolio | ||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $ | 24 | $ | — | $ | 37 | $ | — | ||||||||
Operating income | 10 | — | 8 | — | ||||||||||||
Net income | 10 | — | 8 | — | ||||||||||||
June 30, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | |||||||||||||||
Balance Sheet Data: | (In millions) | |||||||||||||||
Utah Solar Portfolio | ||||||||||||||||
Current assets | $ | 29 | $ | 20 | ||||||||||||
Non-current assets | 1,101 | 1,105 | ||||||||||||||
Current liabilities | 9 | 14 | ||||||||||||||
Non-current liabilities | 26 | 38 |
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 purchase solar power generation projects as well as other ancillary related assets from NRG Renew LLC or its subsidiaries. The Company contributed $26 million into the partnership during the six months ended June 30, 2017, of which $9 million remained due to NRG in accounts payable — affiliate as of June 30, 2017.
Non-recourse project-level debt of unconsolidated affiliates
Agua Caliente Financing — As described above, the Company acquired a 16% interest in the Agua Caliente solar facility through its acquisition of Agua Caliente Borrower 2 LLC. As of June 30, 2017, Agua Caliente Solar LLC, the direct owner of the Agua Caliente solar facility, had $843 million outstanding under the Agua Caliente financing agreement with the Federal Financing Bank, or FFB, borrowed to finance the costs of constructing the facility. The Company's pro-rata share of the Agua Caliente financing arrangement was $135 million as of June 30, 2017. Amounts borrowed under the Agua Caliente financing agreement accrue interest at a fixed rate based on U.S. Treasury rates plus a spread of 0.375%, mature in 2037 and are secured by the assets of Agua Caliente Solar LLC. The loans provided by the FFB are guaranteed by the U.S. DOE.
Note 5 — 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, current portion of the accounts payable — affiliates, 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 June 30, 2017 | As of December 31, 2016 | ||||||||||||||
Carrying Amount | Fair Value | Carrying Amount | Fair Value | ||||||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||||||
Assets: | |||||||||||||||
Notes receivable, including current portion | $ | 21 | $ | 21 | $ | 30 | $ | 30 | |||||||
Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||
Long-term debt, including current portion | $ | 5,961 | $ | 6,017 | $ | 6,057 | $ | 6,056 |
The fair value of the Company's publicly-traded long-term debt is based on quoted market prices and is classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of debt securities, non-publicly traded long-term debt and certain notes receivable of the Company are based on expected future cash flows discounted at market interest rates, or current interest rates for similar instruments with equivalent credit quality and are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. The following table presents the level within the fair value hierarchy for long-term debt, including current portion as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
As of June 30, 2017 | As of December 31, 2016 | ||||||||||||||
Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 2 | Level 3 | ||||||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||||||
Long-term debt, including current portion | $ | 1,516 | $ | 4,501 | $ | 1,455 | $ | 4,601 |
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
The Company records its derivative assets and liabilities at fair value on its consolidated balance sheet. The following table presents assets and 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 June 30, 2017 | As of December 31, 2016 | ||||||||||
Fair Value (a) | Fair Value (a) | Fair Value (a) | |||||||||
(In millions) | Level 2 | Level 1 | Level 2 | ||||||||
Derivative assets: | |||||||||||
Commodity contracts | $ | 1 | $ | 1 | $ | 1 | |||||
Interest rate contracts | — | — | 1 | ||||||||
Total assets | 1 | 1 | 2 | ||||||||
Derivative liabilities: | |||||||||||
Commodity contracts | 2 | — | 1 | ||||||||
Interest rate contracts | 78 | — | 75 | ||||||||
Total liabilities | $ | 80 | $ | — | $ | 76 |
(a) There were no derivative assets or liabilities classified as Level 1 as of June 30, 2017. There were no derivative assets or liabilities classified as Level 3 as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
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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 June 30, 2017, the credit reserve resulted in a $1 million increase in fair value 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.
Concentration of Credit Risk
In addition to the credit risk discussion in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 included in the Company's May 9, 2017 Form 8-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 June 30, 2017, credit risk exposure to these counterparties attributable to the Company's ownership interests was approximately $2.9 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. However, such regulated utility counterparties can be impacted by changes in government regulations, which the Company is unable to predict.
21
Note 6 — 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 consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 included in the Company's May 9, 2017 Form 8-K.
Energy-Related Commodities
As of June 30, 2017, the Company had energy-related derivative instruments extending through 2020. At June 30, 2017, these contracts were not designated as cash flow or fair value hedges.
Interest Rate Swaps
As of June 30, 2017, the Company had interest rate derivative instruments on non-recourse debt extending through 2036, most of which are designated as cash flow hedges.
Volumetric Underlying Derivative Transactions
The following table summarizes the net notional volume buy of the Company's open derivative transactions broken out by commodity:
Total Volume | |||||||||
June 30, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | ||||||||
Commodity | Units | (In millions) | |||||||
Natural Gas | MMBtu | 2 | 3 | ||||||
Interest | Dollars | $ | 2,045 | $ | 2,070 |
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
The following table summarizes the fair value within the derivative instrument valuation on the balance sheet:
Fair Value | |||||||||||||||
Derivative Assets | Derivative Liabilities | ||||||||||||||
June 30, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | June 30, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | ||||||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||||||
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges: | |||||||||||||||
Interest rate contracts current | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 8 | $ | 26 | |||||||
Interest rate contracts long-term | — | 1 | 16 | 39 | |||||||||||
Total Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges | — | 1 | 24 | 65 | |||||||||||
Derivatives Not Designated as Cash Flow Hedges: | |||||||||||||||
Interest rate contracts current | — | — | 17 | 5 | |||||||||||
Interest rate contracts long-term | — | — | 37 | 5 | |||||||||||
Commodity contracts current | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
Commodity contracts long-term | — | — | 1 | — | |||||||||||
Total Derivatives Not Designated as Cash Flow Hedges | 1 | 2 | 56 | 11 | |||||||||||
Total Derivatives | $ | 1 | $ | 3 | $ | 80 | $ | 76 |
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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 June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, there was no outstanding collateral paid or received. The following tables summarize the offsetting of derivatives by the counterparty master agreement level as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
As of June 30, 2017 | Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets/Liabilities | Derivative Instruments | Net Amount | ||||||||
Commodity contracts: | (In millions) | ||||||||||
Derivative assets | $ | 1 | $ | (1 | ) | $ | — | ||||
Derivative liabilities | (2 | ) | 1 | (1 | ) | ||||||
Total commodity contracts | (1 | ) | — | (1 | ) | ||||||
Interest rate contracts: | |||||||||||
Derivative liabilities | (78 | ) | — | (78 | ) | ||||||
Total interest rate contracts | (78 | ) | — | (78 | ) | ||||||
Total derivative instruments | $ | (79 | ) | $ | — | $ | (79 | ) |
As of December 31, 2016 | Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets/Liabilities | Derivative Instruments | Net Amount | ||||||||
Commodity contracts: | (In millions) | ||||||||||
Derivative assets | $ | 2 | $ | — | $ | 2 | |||||
Derivative liabilities | (1 | ) | — | (1 | ) | ||||||
Total commodity contracts | 1 | — | 1 | ||||||||
Interest rate contracts: | |||||||||||
Derivative assets | 1 | (1 | ) | — | |||||||
Derivative liabilities | (75 | ) | 1 | (74 | ) | ||||||
Total interest rate contracts | (74 | ) | — | (74 | ) | ||||||
Total derivative instruments | $ | (73 | ) | $ | — | $ | (73 | ) |
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 June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 | ||||||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||||||
Accumulated OCL beginning balance | $ | (64 | ) | $ | (124 | ) | $ | (70 | ) | $ | (83 | ) | |||
Reclassified from accumulated OCL to income due to realization of previously deferred amounts | 2 | 3 | 6 | 6 | |||||||||||
Mark-to-market of cash flow hedge accounting contracts | (8 | ) | (19 | ) | (6 | ) | (63 | ) | |||||||
Accumulated OCL ending balance, net of income tax benefit of $16 and $28, respectively | (70 | ) | (140 | ) | (70 | ) | (140 | ) | |||||||
Accumulated OCL attributable to noncontrolling interests | (42 | ) | (93 | ) | (42 | ) | (93 | ) | |||||||
Accumulated OCL attributable to NRG Yield, Inc. | $ | (28 | ) | $ | (47 | ) | $ | (28 | ) | $ | (47 | ) | |||
Losses expected to be realized from OCL during the next 12 months, net of income tax benefit of $4 | $ | 14 | $ | 14 |
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 six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016.
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Accounting guidelines require a high degree of correlation between the derivative and the hedged item throughout the period in order to qualify as a cash flow hedge. As of December 31, 2016, the Company's regression analysis for Viento Funding II interest rate swaps, while positively correlated, did not meet the required threshold for cash flow hedge accounting. As a result, the Company de-designated the Viento Funding II cash flow hedges as of December 31, 2016, and will prospectively mark these derivatives to market through the income statement.
The Company's regression analysis for Marsh Landing, Walnut Creek and Avra Valley interest rate swaps, while positively correlated, no longer contain matching terms for cash flow hedge accounting. As a result, the Company voluntarily de-designated the Marsh Landing, Walnut Creek and Avra Valley cash flow hedges as of April 28, 2017, and will prospectively mark these derivatives to market through the income statement.
Impact of Derivative Instruments on the Statements of Income
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 June 30, 2017 and 2016, the impact to the consolidated statements of income was a loss of $11 million and $2 million, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, the impact to the consolidated statements of income was a loss of $9 million in each period.
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 income for these contracts.
See Note 5, Fair Value of Financial Instruments, for a discussion regarding concentration of credit risk.
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Note 7 — Long-term Debt
This footnote should be read in conjunction with the complete description under Note 10, Long-term Debt, to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 included in the Company's May 9, 2017 Form 8-K. Long-term debt consisted of the following:
June 30, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | June 30, 2017, interest rate % (a) | Letters of Credit Outstanding at June 30, 2017 | ||||||||||
(In millions, except rates) | |||||||||||||
2019 Convertible Notes | $ | 345 | $ | 345 | 3.500 | ||||||||
2020 Convertible Notes | 288 | 288 | 3.250 | ||||||||||
2024 Senior Notes | 500 | 500 | 5.375 | ||||||||||
2026 Senior Notes | 350 | 350 | 5.000 | ||||||||||
Project-level debt: | |||||||||||||
Agua Caliente Borrower 2, due 2038 | 41 | — | 5.430 | 17 | |||||||||
Alpine, due 2022 | 142 | 145 | L+1.750 | 37 | |||||||||
Alta Wind I, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 | 234 | 242 | 7.015 | 16 | |||||||||
Alta Wind II, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 | 186 | 191 | 5.696 | 23 | |||||||||
Alta Wind III, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 | 193 | 198 | 6.067 | 23 | |||||||||
Alta Wind IV, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 | 125 | 128 | 5.938 | 16 | |||||||||
Alta Wind V, lease financing arrangement, due 2035 | 201 | 206 | 6.071 | 26 | |||||||||
Alta Realty Investments, due 2031 | 31 | 31 | 7.000 | — | |||||||||
Alta Wind Asset Management, due 2031 | 18 | 18 | L+2.500 | — | |||||||||
Avra Valley, due 2031 | 55 | 57 | L+1.750 | 3 | |||||||||
Blythe, due 2028 | 19 | 19 | L+1.625 | 2 | |||||||||
Borrego, due 2025 and 2038 | 68 | 69 | L+ 2.750/5.650 | 5 | |||||||||
CVSR, due 2037 | 757 | 771 | 2.339 - 3.775 | — | |||||||||
CVSR Holdco Notes, due 2037 | 193 | 199 | 4.680 | 13 | |||||||||
El Segundo Energy Center, due 2023 | 414 | 443 | L+1.625 - L+2.250 | 82 | |||||||||
Energy Center Minneapolis, due 2017 and 2025 | 85 | 96 | 5.950 -7.250 | — | |||||||||
Energy Center Minneapolis Series D Notes, due 2031 | 125 | 125 | 3.550 | — | |||||||||
Kansas South, due 2031 | 29 | 30 | L+2.000 | 4 | |||||||||
Laredo Ridge, due 2028 | 97 | 100 | L+1.875 | 10 | |||||||||
Marsh Landing, due 2017 and 2023 | 358 | 370 | L+1.750 - L+1.875 | 49 | |||||||||
Apple I LLC projects and related subsidiaries financing agreement, due 2030 | 27 | 27 | 6.000 | — | |||||||||
Roadrunner, due 2031 | 36 | 37 | L+1.625 | 5 | |||||||||
South Trent Wind, due 2020 | 55 | 57 | L+1.625 | 10 | |||||||||
TA High Desert, due 2020 and 2032 | 48 | 49 | L+2.500/5.150 | — | |||||||||
Tapestry, due 2021 | 166 | 172 | L+1.625 | 20 | |||||||||
Utah Solar Portfolio, due 2022 | 284 | 287 | L+2.625 | 11 | |||||||||
Viento, due 2023 | 169 | 178 | L+2.750 | 27 | |||||||||
Walnut Creek, due 2023 | 299 | 310 | L+1.625 | 60 | |||||||||
WCEP Holdings, due 2023 | 45 | 46 | L+3.000 | — | |||||||||
Subtotal project-level debt: | 4,500 | 4,601 | |||||||||||
Total debt | 5,983 | 6,084 | |||||||||||
Less current maturities | (298 | ) | (291 | ) | |||||||||
Less net debt issuance costs | (66 | ) | (70 | ) | |||||||||
Less discounts (b) | (22 | ) | (27 | ) | |||||||||
Total long-term debt | $ | 5,597 | $ | 5,696 |
(a) As of June 30, 2017, L+ equals 3 month LIBOR plus x%, except for the Utah Solar Portfolio and NRG Yield LLC and NRG 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) Discounts relate to the 2019 Convertible Notes and 2020 Convertible Notes.
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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 June 30, 2017, 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 six months ended June 30, 2017.
NRG Yield LLC and NRG Yield Operating LLC Revolving Credit Facility
As of June 30, 2017, there were no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility and the Company had $68 million of letters of credit outstanding.
Thermal Financing
On March 16, 2017, NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC, a subsidiary of NRG Thermal LLC, amended the shelf facility of its existing Thermal financing arrangement to allow for the issuance of an additional $10 million of Series F notes at a 4.60% interest rate, or Series F Notes, increasing the total principal amount of notes available for issuance under the shelf facility to $80 million. The Series F Notes will be secured by substantially all of the assets of NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC. NRG Thermal LLC has guaranteed the indebtedness and its guarantee is secured by a pledge of the equity interests in all of NRG Thermal LLC’s subsidiaries.
Financing related to the 2017 March Drop Down Assets
Agua Caliente Borrower 2, due 2038
On February 17, 2017, Agua Caliente Borrower 1 LLC, an indirect subsidiary of NRG, and Agua Caliente Borrower 2 LLC, issued $130 million of senior secured notes under the Agua Caliente Borrower 1 LLC and Agua Caliente Borrower 2 LLC financing agreement, or Agua Caliente Holdco Financing Agreement, that bear interest at 5.43% and mature on December 31, 2038. As described in Note 3, Business Acquisitions, on March 27, 2017, the Company acquired Agua Caliente Borrower 2 LLC from NRG and assumed NRG's portion of senior secured notes under the Agua Caliente Holdco Financing Agreement. Agua Caliente Borrower 2 LLC holds $41 million of the Agua Caliente Holdco debt as of June 30, 2017. The debt is joint and several with respect to Agua Caliente Borrower 1 LLC and Agua Caliente Borrower 2 LLC and is secured by the equity interests of each borrower in the Agua Caliente solar facility.
Utah Solar Portfolio, due 2022
As part of the March 2017 Drop Down Assets acquisition, the Company assumed non-recourse debt of $287 million relating to the Utah Solar Portfolio at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.625%. The debt matures on December 16, 2022. The $287 million consisted of $222 million outstanding at the time of NRG's acquisition of the Utah Solar Portfolio on November 2, 2016, and additional borrowings of $65 million, net of debt issuance costs, incurred during 2016. The Company holds $284 million of the Utah Solar Portfolio debt as of June 30, 2017.
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Note 8 — Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income 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. Diluted earnings per share is computed in a manner consistent with that of basic earnings per share while giving effect to all potentially dilutive common shares that were outstanding during the period.
The reconciliation of the Company's basic and diluted earnings per share is shown in the following tables:
Three months ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | ||||||||||||||
(In millions, except per share data) (a) | Common Class A | Common Class C | Common Class A | Common Class C | |||||||||||
Basic earnings per share attributable to NRG Yield, Inc. common stockholders | |||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to NRG Yield, Inc. | $ | 10 | $ | 18 | $ | 11 | $ | 21 | |||||||
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — basic | 35 | 63 | 35 | 63 | |||||||||||
Earnings per weighted average common share — basic | $ | 0.29 | $ | 0.29 | $ | 0.33 | $ | 0.33 | |||||||
Diluted earnings per share attributable to NRG Yield, Inc. common stockholders | |||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to NRG Yield, Inc. | $ | 13 | $ | 21 | $ | 14 | $ | 23 | |||||||
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — diluted | 49 | 74 | 49 | 73 | |||||||||||
Earnings per weighted average common share — diluted | $ | 0.26 | $ | 0.28 | $ | 0.29 | $ | 0.31 |
Six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | ||||||||||||||
(In millions, except per share data) (a) | Common Class A | Common Class C | Common Class A | Common Class C | |||||||||||
Basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to NRG Yield, Inc. common stockholders | |||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to NRG Yield, Inc. | $ | 9 | $ | 16 | $ | 13 | $ | 24 | |||||||
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — basic and diluted | 35 | 63 | 35 | 63 | |||||||||||
Earnings per weighted average common share — basic and diluted | $ | 0.26 | $ | 0.26 | $ | 0.38 | $ | 0.38 |
(a) Basic and diluted earnings per share might not recalculate due to presenting values in millions rather than whole dollars.
The following table summarizes the Company's outstanding equity instruments that are anti-dilutive and were not included in the computation of the Company's diluted earnings per share:
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 | ||||||||
(In millions of shares) | |||||||||||
2019 Convertible Notes - Common Class A | — | — | 15 | 15 | |||||||
2020 Convertible Notes - Common Class C | — | — | 10 | 10 |
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Note 9 — Changes in Capital Structure
NRG Yield, Inc. is party to an equity distribution agreement with Barclays Capital Inc., Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and RBC Capital Markets, LLC, as sales agents. Pursuant to the terms of the equity distribution agreement, NRG Yield, Inc. may offer and sell shares of its Class C common stock par value $0.01 per share, from time to time through the sales agents up to an aggregate sales price of $150,000,000 through an at-the-market equity offering program, or the ATM Program. NRG Yield, Inc. may also sell shares of its Class C common stock to any of the sales agents, as principals for its own account, at a price agreed upon at the time of sale. During the three months ended June 30, 2017, NRG Yield, Inc. issued 510,112 shares of Class C common stock under the ATM Program for gross proceeds of $9 million. During the six months ended June 30, 2017, NRG Yield, Inc. issued 934,139 shares of Class C common stock under the ATM Program for gross proceeds of $16 million and incurred commission fees of approximately $163 thousand. As a result of the Company's sale of shares of Class C common stock, the public shareholders of Class C common stock increased their economic and voting interests to 53.5%, and 44.9%, respectively, as of June 30, 2017.
Dividends to Class A and Class C common stockholders
The following table lists the dividends paid on the Company's Class A common stock and Class C common stock during the six months ended June 30, 2017:
Second Quarter 2017 | First Quarter 2017 | ||||||
Dividends per Class A share | $ | 0.27 | $ | 0.26 | |||
Dividends per Class C share | $ | 0.27 | $ | 0.26 |
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.
On July 25, 2017, the Company declared quarterly dividends on its Class A common stock and Class C common stock of $0.28 per share payable on September 15, 2017, to stockholders of record as of September 1, 2017.
The Company also has authorized 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. None of the shares of preferred stock have been issued.
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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 June 30, 2017 | |||||||||||||||||||
(In millions) | Conventional Generation | Renewables | Thermal | Corporate | Total | ||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $ | 83 | $ | 161 | $ | 40 | $ | — | $ | 284 | |||||||||
Cost of operations | 15 | 35 | 27 | — | 77 | ||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 26 | 47 | 5 | — | 78 | ||||||||||||||
General and administrative | — | — | — | 6 | 6 | ||||||||||||||
Acquisition-related transaction and integration costs | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 42 | 79 | 8 | (7 | ) | 122 | |||||||||||||
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates | 3 | 13 | — | — | 16 | ||||||||||||||
Other income, net | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||
Interest expense | (14 | ) | (49 | ) | (2 | ) | (21 | ) | (86 | ) | |||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | 31 | 43 | 6 | (27 | ) | 53 | |||||||||||||
Income tax expense | — | — | — | 8 | 8 | ||||||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) | $ | 31 | $ | 43 | $ | 6 | $ | (35 | ) | $ | 45 | ||||||||
Total Assets | $ | 1,948 | $ | 5,855 | $ | 417 | $ | 293 | $ | 8,513 |
Three months ended June 30, 2016 | |||||||||||||||||||
(In millions) | Conventional Generation | Renewables | Thermal | Corporate | Total | ||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $ | 85 | $ | 159 | $ | 39 | $ | — | $ | 283 | |||||||||
Cost of operations | 16 | 34 | 27 | — | 77 | ||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 20 | 50 | 5 | — | 75 | ||||||||||||||
General and administrative | — | — | — | 3 | 3 | ||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 49 | 75 | 7 | (3 | ) | 128 | |||||||||||||
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates | 4 | 10 | — | — | 14 | ||||||||||||||
Other income, net | — | 2 | — | — | 2 | ||||||||||||||
Interest expense | (12 | ) | (36 | ) | (1 | ) | (19 | ) | (68 | ) | |||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | 41 | 51 | 6 | (22 | ) | 76 | |||||||||||||
Income tax expense | — | — | — | 12 | 12 | ||||||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) | $ | 41 | $ | 51 | $ | 6 | $ | (34 | ) | $ | 64 |
29
Six months ended June 30, 2017 | |||||||||||||||||||
(In millions) | Conventional Generation | Renewables | Thermal | Corporate | Total | ||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $ | 158 | $ | 260 | $ | 84 | $ | — | $ | 502 | |||||||||
Cost of operations | 37 | 67 | 57 | — | 161 | ||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 50 | 93 | 10 | — | 153 | ||||||||||||||
General and administrative | — | — | — | 10 | 10 | ||||||||||||||
Acquisition-related transaction and integration costs | — | — | — | 2 | 2 | ||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 71 | 100 | 17 | (12 | ) | 176 | |||||||||||||
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates | 6 | 29 | — | — | 35 | ||||||||||||||
Other income, net | — | 1 | — | 1 | 2 | ||||||||||||||
Interest expense | (26 | ) | (89 | ) | (5 | ) | (42 | ) | (162 | ) | |||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | 51 | 41 | 12 | (53 | ) | 51 | |||||||||||||
Income tax expense | — | — | — | 7 | 7 | ||||||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) | $ | 51 | $ | 41 | $ | 12 | $ | (60 | ) | $ | 44 | ||||||||
Total Assets | $ | 1,948 | $ | 5,855 | $ | 417 | $ | 293 | $ | 8,513 |
Six months ended June 30, 2016 | |||||||||||||||||||
(In millions) | Conventional Generation | Renewables | Thermal | Corporate | Total | ||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $ | 164 | $ | 270 | $ | 83 | $ | — | $ | 517 | |||||||||
Cost of operations | 39 | 67 | 56 | — | 162 | ||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 40 | 99 | 10 | — | 149 | ||||||||||||||
General and administrative | — | — | — | 6 | 6 | ||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 85 | 104 | 17 | (6 | ) | 200 | |||||||||||||
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates | 7 | 11 | — | — | 18 | ||||||||||||||
Other income, net | — | 2 | — | — | 2 | ||||||||||||||
Interest expense | (23 | ) | (78 | ) | (3 | ) | (38 | ) | (142 | ) | |||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | 69 | 39 | 14 | (44 | ) | 78 | |||||||||||||
Income tax expense | — | — | — | 12 | 12 | ||||||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) | $ | 69 | $ | 39 | $ | 14 | $ | (56 | ) | $ | 66 |
Note 11 — Income Taxes
Effective Tax Rate
The income tax provision consisted of the following:
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 | ||||||||||||
(In millions, except percentages) | |||||||||||||||
Income before income taxes | $ | 53 | $ | 76 | $ | 51 | $ | 78 | |||||||
Income tax expense | 8 | 12 | 7 | 12 | |||||||||||
Effective income tax rate | 15.1 | % | 15.8 | % | 13.7 | % | 15.4 | % |
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, 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 and investment tax credits generated from certain wind and solar assets, respectively.
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.
30
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 and its 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 Purchase Agreements (PPAs) between the Company and NRG Power Marketing
Elbow Creek and Dover are parties to PPAs with NRG Power Marketing and generate revenue under the PPAs, which are recorded to operating revenue in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2017, Elbow Creek and Dover, collectively, generated revenue of $3 million and $7 million, respectively. For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2016, Elbow Creek and Dover, collectively, generated revenue of $3 million and $6 million, respectively.
Energy Marketing Services Agreement by and between Thermal entities and NRG Power Marketing
NRG Energy Center Dover LLC, NRG Energy Center Minneapolis, NRG Energy Center Phoenix LLC, and NRG Energy Center Paxton LLC, or Thermal entities, are parties to Energy Marketing Services Agreements with NRG Power Marketing, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NRG. Under the agreements, NRG Power Marketing procures fuel and fuel transportation for the operation of Thermal entities. For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2017, Thermal entities purchased $2 million and $6 million, respectively, of natural gas from NRG Power Marketing. For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2016, Thermal entities purchased $1 million and $5 million, respectively, of natural gas from NRG Power Marketing.
Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Services Agreements by and between Company's subsidiaries and NRG
Certain of the Company's subsidiaries are party to O&M Services Agreements with NRG, pursuant to which NRG subsidiaries provide necessary and appropriate services to operate and maintain the subsidiaries' plant operations, businesses and thermal facilities. NRG is 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. The following table summarizes material O&M costs recorded in the cost of operations line in the Company's consolidated statements of operations:
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 | |||||||||||||
Thermal entities | $ | 7 | $ | 8 | $ | 15 | $ | 15 | ||||||||
Conventional entities | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 9 | $ | 10 | $ | 19 | $ | 19 |
There were balances of $20 million and $22 million due from the entities above to NRG in accounts payable — affiliate as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. As of June 30, 2017, $9 million was recorded in long term liabilities of the consolidated balance sheet.
O&M Services Agreements by and between GenConn and NRG
GenConn incurs fees under two O&M agreements with wholly-owned subsidiaries of NRG. For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2017 and June 30, 2016, the aggregate fees incurred under the agreements were $2 million and $3 million for each period in each year, respectively.
Administrative Services Agreement by and between Marsh Landing and NRG West Coast LLC
On December 19, 2016, Marsh Landing entered into an administrative services agreement with NRG West Coast LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of NRG. The administrative services agreement was previously between Marsh Landing and GenOn Energy Services, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NRG and was subsequently assigned to and assumed by NRG West Coast LLC. The Company reimbursed costs under this agreement of $3 million and $6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively. The Company reimbursed costs under the agreement of $3 million and $5 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively.
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Administrative Services Agreements by and between the Company and NRG Renew Operation & Maintenance LLC
Various wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company in the Renewables segment are party to administrative services agreements with NRG Renew Operation and Maintenance LLC, or RENOM, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NRG, which provides O&M services on behalf of these entities. The Company incurred total expenses for these services in the amount of $7 million and $10 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively. The Company incurred total expenses for these services of $3 million and $5 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively. There was a balance of $3 million and $5 million due to RENOM as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
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 June 30, 2017, the base management fee was approximately $8 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 acquisitions and as a result of a change in the scope of services provided under the Management Services Agreement. Costs incurred under this agreement were $4 million and $6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively. Costs incurred under this agreement for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 were $3 million and $5 million, respectively. The costs incurred under the Management Service Agreement included certain direct expenses incurred by NRG on behalf of the Company in addition to the base management fee.
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Note 13 — Contingencies
The Company's material legal proceedings are described below. The Company believes that it has valid defenses to these legal proceedings and intends to defend them 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 proceedings 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 proceedings 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 putative class action lawsuit against NRG Yield, Inc., the current and former members of its board of directors individually, and other parties in California Superior Court 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 NRG Yield, Inc.'s June 22, 2015 Class C common stock offering. Plaintiffs seek compensatory damages, rescission, attorney’s fees and costs. The defendants filed demurrers and a motion challenging jurisdiction on October 18, 2016. On June 16, 2017, the court approved the parties' stipulation which provides the plaintiffs' opposition is due on September 15, 2017 and defendants' reply is due on November 15, 2017.
Ahmed v. NRG Energy, Inc. and the NRG Yield Board of Directors — On September 15, 2016, plaintiffs filed a putative class action lawsuit against NRG Energy, Inc., the directors of NRG Yield, Inc., and other parties in the Delaware Chancery Court. The complaint alleges that the defendants breached their respective fiduciary duties with regard to the recapitalization of NRG Yield, Inc. common stock in 2015. The plaintiffs generally seek economic damages, attorney’s fees and injunctive relief. The defendants filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit on December 21, 2016. Plaintiffs filed their objection to the motion to dismiss on February 15, 2017. The defendants' reply was filed on March 24, 2017. The court heard oral argument on the defendants' motion to dismiss on June 20, 2017.
GenOn Noteholders' Lawsuit — On December 13, 2016, certain indenture trustees for an ad hoc group of holders, or the Noteholders, of the GenOn Energy, Inc., or GenOn, 7.875% Senior Notes due 2017, 9.500% Notes due 2018, and 9.875% Notes due 2020, and the GenOn Americas Generation, LLC 8.50% Senior Notes due 2021 and 9.125% Senior Notes due 2031, along with certain of the Noteholders, filed a complaint in the Superior Court of the State of Delaware against NRG and GenOn alleging certain claims related to the Services Agreement between NRG and GenOn. On April 30, 2017, the Noteholders filed an amended complaint that asserts additional claims of fraudulent transfer, insider preference and breach of fiduciary duties. In addition to NRG and GenOn, the amended complaint names NRG Yield LLC and certain current and former officers and directors of GenOn as defendants. The plaintiffs, among other things, generally seek return of all monies paid under the Services Agreement and any other damages that the court deems appropriate. On April 28, 2017, the bondholders filed an amended complaint adding the GenOn directors and officers as defendants and asserting claims that they breached certain fiduciary duties. Plaintiffs specifically allege that the transfer of Marsh Landing to NRG Yield LLC constituted a fraudulent transfer. On June 12, 2017, certain GenOn entities, NRG and certain holders of the GenOn and GenOn Americas Generation, LLC senior notes entered into a restructuring support and lock-up agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the restructuring support and lock-up agreement, this matter should ultimately be resolved if GenOn's plan of reorganization is approved by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division.
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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 March 2017 Drop Down Assets, which were acquired from NRG on March 27, 2017.
As you read this discussion and analysis, refer to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements to this Form 10-Q, which present the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016. Also refer to the Company's May 9, 2017 Form 8-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;
•Known trends that may affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition in the future;
•Results of operations, including an explanation of significant differences between the periods in the specific line items of the consolidated statements of income;
•Financial condition addressing liquidity position, sources and uses of cash, capital resources and requirements, commitments, and off-balance sheet arrangements; 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 4,879 net MW as of June 30, 2017. Each of these assets sells substantially all of its output pursuant to long-term offtake agreements with creditworthy counterparties. The weighted average remaining contract duration of these offtake agreements was approximately 16 years as of June 30, 2017, based on CAFD. The Company also owns thermal infrastructure assets with an aggregate steam and chilled water capacity of 1,319 net MWt and electric generation capacity of 123 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.
NRG Transformation Plan
On July 12, 2017, NRG announced that it had adopted and initiated a three-year, three-part improvement plan, or the NRG Transformation Plan. As part of the NRG Transformation Plan, NRG announced that it is exploring strategic alternatives for its renewables platform and its interest in the Company. NRG, through its holdings of Class B common stock and Class D common stock, has a 55.1% voting interest in the Company and receives distributions from NRG Yield LLC through its ownership of Class B units and Class D units. NRG stated that the strategic alternatives span a variety of ownership structures and partnership types, including the potential partial or full monetization of NRG's renewables platform and NRG's interest in the Company. NRG is the Company's controlling stockholder and the Company has been highly dependent on NRG for, among other things, growth opportunities and management and administration services. See Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors in the Company's 2016 Form 10-K as well as Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors in this report, for risks related to the NRG Transformation Plan and the Company's relationship with NRG.
Regulatory Matters
The Company’s regulatory matters are described in the Company’s 2016 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 2016 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 regarding the protection of wildlife, including migratory birds, eagles, threatened and endangered species. Federal and state environmental laws have become more stringent over time, although this trend could slow or pause in the near term with respect to federal laws under the current U.S. presidential administration.
Trends Affecting Results of Operations and Future Business Performance
The Company’s trends are described in the Company’s May 9, 2017 Form 8-K in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Trends Affecting Results of Operations and Future Business Performance.
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Operational Matters
El Segundo Forced Outage
In January 2017, the El Segundo Energy Center began a forced outage on Units 5 and 6 due to increasing vibrations on successive operations at Unit 5. In consultation with the Company’s operations and maintenance service provider, a subsidiary of NRG Energy Inc., the Company elected to replace the rotor on Unit 5. Both Unit 5 and 6 returned to service on February 24, 2017. In July 2017, the Company executed a warranty settlement agreement with the original equipment manufacturer that reduced total cost from $12 million to approximately $5 million.
Walnut Creek Forced Outage
During the second quarter of 2017, Walnut Creek experienced several forced outages due to mechanical failures of turbine parts that caused downstream damage to several of the plants units. The plant is currently in service as of July 2017. The estimated cost of these outages is approximately $8 million before the recovery of insurance proceeds, a significant portion of which the Company believes is recoverable by year end. The Company continues to work with both NRG, the plant's O&M service provider, and the plant’s original equipment manufacturer on mitigation plans to improve long term performance.
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Consolidated Results of Operations
The following table provides selected financial information:
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(In millions, except otherwise noted) | 2017 | 2016 | Change | 2017 | 2016 | Change | |||||||||||||||||
Operating Revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Energy and capacity revenues | $ | 301 | $ | 300 | $ | 1 | $ | 536 | $ | 551 | $ | (15 | ) | ||||||||||
Contract amortization | (17 | ) | (17 | ) | — | (34 | ) | (34 | ) | — | |||||||||||||
Total operating revenues | 284 | 283 | 1 | 502 | 517 | (15 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Operating Costs and Expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of fuels | 14 | 14 | — | 30 | 30 | — | |||||||||||||||||
Emissions credit amortization | — | — | — | — | 6 | (6 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Operations and maintenance | 46 | 49 | (3 | ) | 97 | 93 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||
Other costs of operations | 17 | 14 | 3 | 34 | 33 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 78 | 75 | 3 | 153 | 149 | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
General and administrative | 6 | 3 | 3 | 10 | 6 | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
Acquisition-related transaction and integration costs | 1 | — | 1 | 2 | — | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
Total operating costs and expenses | 162 | 155 | 7 | 326 | 317 | 9 | |||||||||||||||||
Operating Income | 122 | 128 | (6 | ) | 176 | 200 | (24 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Other Income (Expense) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates | 16 | 14 | 2 | 35 | 18 | 17 | |||||||||||||||||
Other income, net | 1 | 2 | (1 | ) | 2 | 2 | — | ||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | (86 | ) | (68 | ) | (18 | ) | (162 | ) | (142 | ) | (20 | ) | |||||||||||
Total other expense, net | (69 | ) | (52 | ) | (17 | ) | (125 | ) | (122 | ) | (3 | ) | |||||||||||
Income Before Income Taxes | 53 | 76 | (23 | ) | 51 | 78 | (27 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Income tax expense | 8 | 12 | (4 | ) | 7 | 12 | (5 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net Income | 45 | 64 | (19 | ) | 44 | 66 | (22 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Less: Pre-acquisition net income of Drop Down Assets | — | 6 | (6 | ) | 12 | 6 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||
Net Income Excluding Pre-acquisition Net Income of Drop Down Assets | 45 | 58 | (13 | ) | 32 | 60 | (28 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Less: Net Income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 17 | 26 | (9 | ) | 7 | 23 | (16 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net Income Attributable to NRG Yield, Inc. | $ | 28 | $ | 32 | $ | (4 | ) | $ | 25 | $ | 37 | $ | (12 | ) |
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||
Business metrics: | 2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 | |||||||
Renewables MWh generated/sold (in thousands) (a) | 2,089 | 2,041 | 3,751 | 3,819 | |||||||
Conventional MWh generated (in thousands) (a)(b) | 313 | 376 | 455 | 637 | |||||||
Thermal MWt sold (in thousands) | 418 | 448 | 987 | 1,001 | |||||||
Thermal MWh sold (in thousands) (c) | 9 | 9 | 18 | 49 |
(a) Volumes do not include the MWh generated/sold by the Company's equity method investments.
(b) Volumes generated are not sold as the Conventional facilities sell capacity rather than energy.
(c) MWh sold do not include 11 MWh and 23 MWh during the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and 18 MWh and 74 MWh during the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, generated by NRG Dover, a subsidiary of the Company, under the PPA with NRG Power Marketing, as further described in Note 12, Related Party Transactions.
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Management’s Discussion of the Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016
Gross Margin
The Company calculates gross margin in order to evaluate operating performance as operating revenues less cost of sales, which includes cost of fuel, contract and emission credit amortization and mark-to-market for economic hedging activities.
Economic Gross Margin
In addition to gross margin, the Company evaluates its operating performance using the measure of economic gross margin, which is not a GAAP measure and may not be comparable to other companies’ presentations or deemed more useful than the GAAP information provided elsewhere in this report. Economic gross margin should be viewed as a supplement to and not a substitute for the Company' presentation of gross margin, which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Economic gross margin is not intended to represent gross margin. 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 excludes the following components from GAAP gross margin: contract amortization, mark-to-market results, emissions credit amortization and (losses) gains on economic hedging activities. Mark-to-market results consist of unrealized gains and losses on contracts that are not yet settled.
The below tables present the composition of gross margin, as well as the reconciliation to economic gross margin, for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016:
Conventional Generation | Renewables | Thermal | Total | ||||||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||||||
Three months ended June 30, 2017 | |||||||||||||||
Energy and capacity revenues | $ | 85 | $ | 176 | $ | 40 | $ | 301 | |||||||
Cost of fuels | — | — | (14 | ) | (14 | ) | |||||||||
Contract amortization | (2 | ) | (15 | ) | — | (17 | ) | ||||||||
Gross margin | 83 | 161 | 26 | 270 | |||||||||||
Contract amortization | 2 | 15 | — | 17 | |||||||||||
Economic gross margin | $ | 85 | $ | 176 | $ | 26 | $ | 287 | |||||||
Three months ended June 30, 2016 | |||||||||||||||
Energy and capacity revenues | $ | 87 | $ | 174 | $ | 39 | $ | 300 | |||||||
Cost of fuels | (1 | ) | — | (13 | ) | (14 | ) | ||||||||
Contract amortization | (2 | ) | (15 | ) | — | (17 | ) | ||||||||
Gross margin | 84 | 159 | 26 | 269 | |||||||||||
Contract amortization | 2 | 15 | — | 17 | |||||||||||
Economic gross margin | $ | 86 | $ | 174 | $ | 26 | $ | 286 |
Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates increased by $2 million during the three months ended June 30, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, primarily due to an increase in earnings from the Utah Solar Portfolio, which was acquired by NRG in November 2016, as well as increase in earnings from Desert Sunlight, partially offset by a decrease in earnings from the Company's partnerships with NRG.
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Interest Expense
Interest expense increased by $18 million during the three months ended June 30, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, due to:
(In millions) | |||
Amortization of de-designated interest rate swaps, as well as the change in fair value of interest rate swaps | $ | 11 | |
Issuance of the new long-term debt in the second half of 2016, including 2026 Senior Notes, CVSR Holdco Notes due 2037, Energy Center Minneapolis Series D due 2025 Notes | 8 | ||
Utah Solar Portfolio debt assumed in connection with the acquisition of the March 2017 Drop Down Assets | 4 | ||
Lower principal balances on certain project level debt in 2017, as well as higher revolver borrowings in 2016 | (5 | ) | |
$ | 18 |
Income Tax Expense
For the three months ended June 30, 2017, income tax expense was $4 million lower than in the same period in 2016 due to lower income before taxes. For the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company's overall effective tax rate was different than the statutory rate of 35% primarily due to taxable earnings allocated to NRG resulting from NRG's interest in NRG Yield LLC and production and investment tax credits generated from certain wind and solar assets, respectively.
Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
For the three months ended June 30, 2017, the Company had income of $39 million attributable to NRG's interest in the Company and a loss of $22 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 June 30, 2016, the Company had income of $42 million attributable to NRG's interest in the Company and a loss of $16 million attributable to non-controlling interests with respect to its tax equity financing arrangements and the application of the HLBV method.
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Management’s Discussion of the Results of Operations for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016
Gross Margin
The Company calculates gross margin in order to evaluate operating performance as operating revenues less cost of sales, which includes cost of fuel, contract and emission credit amortization and mark-to-market for economic hedging activities.
Economic Gross Margin
In addition to gross margin, the Company evaluates its operating performance using the measure of economic gross margin, which is not a GAAP measure and may not be comparable to other companies’ presentations or deemed more useful than the GAAP information provided elsewhere in this report. Economic gross margin should be viewed as a supplement to and not a substitute for the Company' presentation of gross margin, which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Economic gross margin is not intended to represent gross margin. 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 excludes the following components from GAAP gross margin: contract amortization, mark-to-market results, emissions credit amortization and (losses) gains on economic hedging activities. Mark-to-market results consist of unrealized gains and losses on contracts that are not yet settled.
The below tables present the composition of gross margin, as well as the reconciliation to economic gross margin, for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016:
Conventional Generation | Renewables | Thermal | Total | ||||||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||||||
Six months ended June 30, 2017 | |||||||||||||||
Energy and capacity revenues | $ | 161 | $ | 290 | $ | 85 | $ | 536 | |||||||
Cost of fuels | — | — | (30 | ) | (30 | ) | |||||||||
Contract amortization | (3 | ) | (30 | ) | (1 | ) | (34 | ) | |||||||
Gross margin | 158 | 260 | 54 | 472 | |||||||||||
Contract amortization | 3 | 30 | 1 | 34 | |||||||||||
Economic gross margin | $ | 161 | $ | 290 | $ | 55 | $ | 506 | |||||||
Six months ended June 30, 2016 | |||||||||||||||
Energy and capacity revenues | $ | 167 | $ | 300 | $ | 84 | $ | 551 | |||||||
Cost of fuels | (1 | ) | — | (29 | ) | (30 | ) | ||||||||
Contract amortization | (3 | ) | (30 | ) | (1 | ) | (34 | ) | |||||||
Emissions credit amortization | (6 | ) | — | — | (6 | ) | |||||||||
Gross margin | 157 | 270 | 54 | 481 | |||||||||||
Contract amortization | 3 | 30 | 1 | 34 | |||||||||||
Emissions credit amortization | 6 | — | — | 6 | |||||||||||
Economic gross margin | $ | 166 | $ | 300 | $ | 55 | $ | 521 |
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Gross margin decreased by $9 million and economic gross margin decreased by $15 million during the six months ended June 30, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016 due to:
(In millions) | |||
8% decrease in volume generated at the Alta Wind projects due to lower wind resources in 2017, as well as a 5% decrease in solar generation due to lower insolation | $ | (10 | ) |
Decrease in Conventional Generation primarily due to lower revenues at El Segundo and Walnut Creek as a result of forced outages in 2017 | (5 | ) | |
Decrease in economic gross margin | (15 | ) | |
Emissions credit amortization of NOx allowances at Walnut Creek and El Segundo in compliance with amendments to the Regional Clean Air Incentives Market program in 2016 | 6 | ||
Decrease in gross margin | $ | (9 | ) |
Operations and Maintenance
Operations and maintenance expense increased by $4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, primarily due to forced outages at Walnut Creek and El Segundo in 2017.
Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates increased by $17 million during the six months ended June 30, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, primarily due to the acquisition of Utah Solar Portfolio in November 2016, as well as increase in earnings from Elkhorn Ridge, partially offset by a decrease in earnings from the Company's partnerships with NRG.
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased by $20 million during the six months ended June 30, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, due to:
(In millions) | |||
Issuance of the new long-term debt in the second half of 2016, including 2026 Senior Notes, CVSR Holdco Notes due 2037, and Energy Center Minneapolis Series D Notes due 2025 | $ | 16 | |
Utah Solar Portfolio debt assumed in connection with the acquisition of the March 2017 Drop Down Assets | 8 | ||
Amortization of de-designated interest rate swaps, partially offset by the change in fair value of interest rate swaps | 6 | ||
Higher revolver borrowings in 2016 combined with the lower principal balances on project level debt in 2017 | (10 | ) | |
$ | 20 |
Income Tax Expense
For the six months ended June 30, 2017, income tax expense was $5 million lower than in the same period in 2016 due to lower income before taxes. For the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, the overall effective tax rate was different than the statutory rate of 35% primarily due to taxable earnings allocated to NRG resulting from NRG's interest in NRG Yield LLC and production and investment tax credits generated from certain wind and solar assets, respectively.
Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
For the six months ended June 30, 2017, the Company had income of $40 million attributable to NRG related to its economic interest in NRG Yield LLC and its 25% interest in NRG Wind TE Holdco. Additionally, for the six months ended June 30, 2017, the Company had a loss of $33 million attributable to noncontrolling interests with respect to its tax equity financing arrangements and the application of the HLBV method. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Company had income of $52 million attributable to NRG's economic interest in the Company and its 25% interest in NRG Wind TE Holdco and a loss of $29 million attributable to noncontrolling interests with respect to its tax equity financing arrangements and application of the HLBV method.
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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, service debt and pay dividends. 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 June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company's liquidity was approximately $722 million and $922 million, respectively, comprised of cash, restricted cash, and availability under the Company's revolving credit facility. The Company's liquidity includes $114 million and $165 million of restricted cash balances as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, 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 7, Long-term Debt. As of June 30, 2017, the Company had $427 million of available borrowings under its revolving credit facility.
As of June 30, 2017, there were no outstanding borrowings and there were $68 million of letters of credit outstanding under the Company's 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 June 30, 2017:
S&P | Moody's | ||
NRG Yield, Inc. | BB | Ba2 | |
5.375% Senior Notes, due 2024 | BB | Ba2 | |
5.000% Senior Notes, due 2026 | BB | Ba2 |
The ratings outlook is stable.
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 Item 1— Note 7, Long-term Debt, and Note 9, Changes in Capital Structure, to this Form 10-Q and Note 10, Long-term Debt, to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company's May 9, 2017 Form 8-K, the Company's financing arrangements consist of the revolving credit facility, the 2019 Convertible Notes, the 2020 Convertible Notes, the Senior Notes, the ATM Program and project-level financings for its various assets.
At-the-Market Equity Offering Program
During the three months ended June 30, 2017, NRG Yield, Inc. issued 510,112 shares of Class C common stock under the ATM Program for gross proceeds of $9 million. During the six months ended June 30, 2017, NRG Yield, Inc. issued 934,139 shares of Class C common stock under the ATM Program for gross proceeds of $16 million and incurred commission fees of $163 thousand.
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Thermal Financing
On March 16, 2017, NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC, a subsidiary of NRG Thermal LLC, amended the shelf facility of its existing Thermal financing arrangement to allow for the issuance of an additional $10 million of Series F notes at a 4.60% interest rate, or the Series F Notes, increasing the total principal amount of notes available for issuance under the shelf facility to $80 million. The Series F Notes will be secured by substantially all of the assets of NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC. NRG Thermal LLC has guaranteed the indebtedness and its guarantee is secured by a pledge of the equity interests in all of NRG Thermal LLC’s subsidiaries.
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 Item 1 — Note 7, Long-term Debt; (ii) capital expenditures; (iii) acquisitions and investments; and (iv) cash dividends to investors.
Capital Expenditures
The Company's capital spending program is mainly focused on maintenance capital expenditures, consisting of costs to maintain the assets currently operating, such as costs to replace or refurbish assets, and growth capital expenditures consisting of costs to construct new assets, costs to complete the construction of assets where construction is in process, and capital expenditures related to acquiring additional thermal customers. The Company develops annual capital spending plans based on projected requirements for maintenance and growth capital. For the six months ended June 30, 2017, the Company used approximately $13 million to fund capital expenditures, including growth expenses of $2 million in the Thermal segment incurred in connection with expansion of its customer base. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Company used approximately $11 million to fund capital expenditures, of which $9 million related to maintenance expenses.
Acquisitions and Investments
The Company intends to acquire generation and thermal infrastructure assets developed and constructed by NRG and third parties 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.
On February 24, 2017, the Company amended and restated the ROFO Agreement, expanding the ROFO Assets pipeline with the addition of 234 net MW of utility-scale solar projects, consisting of Buckthorn, a 154 net MW solar facility in Texas, and Hawaii solar projects, which have a combined capacity of 80 net MW. Under the ROFO Agreement, NRG has granted the Company and its affiliates a right of first offer on any proposed sale, transfer or other disposition of certain assets of NRG until February 24, 2022.
As discussed in Item 1 — Note 3, Business Acquisitions, on March 27, 2017, the Company acquired the following interests from NRG: (i) Agua Caliente Borrower 2 LLC, which owns a 16% interest (approximately 31% of NRG's 51% interest) in the Agua Caliente solar farm, one of the ROFO Assets, representing ownership of approximately 46 net MW of capacity, and (ii) NRG's interests in seven utility-scale solar farms located in Utah, which are part of a tax equity structure with Dominion Solar Projects III, Inc., or Dominion, from which the Company would receive 50% of cash to be distributed. The Company paid cash consideration of $130 million, plus $1 million of working capital and assumed non-recourse project debt. The purchase price for the acquisition was funded with cash on hand.
Also as discussed in Item 1 — Note 3, Business Acquisitions, on August 1, 2017, the Company acquired the remaining 25% interest in NRG Wind TE Holdco, a portfolio of 12 wind projects, from NRG for total cash consideration of $41.5 million, excluding working capital adjustments. The transaction also includes potential additional payments to NRG dependent upon actual energy prices for merchant periods beginning in 2027.
On May 23, 2017, NRG offered the Company the opportunity to form a new distributed solar investment partnership enabling up to $50 million in investment by the Company. In addition, on July 31, 2017, NRG offered the Company equity interests in a 38 MW portfolio of distributed and small utility-scale solar assets primarily comprised of assets from NRG's Solar Power Partners, or SPP, funds in addition to other projects developed since the acquisition of SPP. These equity interests are not part of the ROFO Agreement. Both the distributed solar investment partnership and the distributed and small utility-scale solar acquisition are subject to negotiation and approval by the Company's independent directors.
During the six months ended June 30, 2017, the Company invested $26 million in distributed solar investment partnerships with NRG.
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Cash Dividends to Investors
NRG Yield, Inc. 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, cash receipts from notes receivable, 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 prepaid and accrued capacity payments. 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 NRG Yield, Inc.'s Class A common stock and Class C common stock during the six months ended June 30, 2017:
Second Quarter 2017 | First Quarter 2017 | ||||||
Dividends per Class A share | $ | 0.27 | $ | 0.26 | |||
Dividends per Class C share | $ | 0.27 | $ | 0.26 |
On July 25, 2017, NRG Yield, Inc. declared quarterly dividends on its Class A common stock and Class C common stock of $0.28 per share payable on September 15, 2017, to stockholders of record as of September 1, 2017.
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Cash Flow Discussion
The following table reflects the changes in cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016:
Six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | Change | |||||||||
(In millions) | |||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 171 | $ | 218 | $ | (47 | ) | ||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (143 | ) | (41 | ) | (102 | ) | |||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (220 | ) | (206 | ) | (14 | ) |
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities
Changes to net cash provided by operating activities were driven by: | (In millions) | ||
Decrease in operating income adjusted for non-cash items | $ | (38 | ) |
Decrease in working capital driven primarily by timing of cash receipts from the customers in the first six months of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 | (13 | ) | |
Higher distributions from unconsolidated affiliates due to the acquisition of Utah Solar Portfolio, which was acquired by NRG in November 2016 | 4 | ||
$ | (47 | ) |
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities
Changes to net cash used in investing activities were driven by: | (In millions) | ||
Payments made to acquire the March 2017 Drop Down Assets | $ | (131 | ) |
Decrease in investments in unconsolidated affiliates in 2017 primarily due to the timing of funding of the projects | 33 | ||
Other | (4 | ) | |
$ | (102 | ) |
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
Changes in net cash used in financing activities were driven by: | (In millions) | ||
Proceeds from the NRG Yield, Inc. Class C common stock offering under the ATM Program, net of underwriting discounts and commissions | $ | 16 | |
Net borrowings under the revolving credit facility in 2016 | (12 | ) | |
Proceeds from Agua Caliente Borrower 2 LLC borrowings in the first quarter of 2017 partially offset by higher repayments of long-term debt and increased financing fees | 17 | ||
Increase in net contributions from noncontrolling interests due to higher production-based payments in 2017 compared to 2016 | 7 | ||
Increase in dividends paid to common stockholders, as declared dividends increase by 16% from 2016 to 2017 | (15 | ) | |
Higher payments of distributions to NRG for the Drop Down Assets relating to the pre-acquisition period | (27 | ) | |
$ | (14 | ) |
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NOLs, Deferred Tax Assets and Uncertain Tax Position Implications, under ASC 740
As of December 31, 2016, the Company has a cumulative federal NOL carry forward balance of $648 million for financial statement purposes, which will begin expiring in 2033, and does not anticipate any federal income tax payments for 2017. As a result of the Company's tax position, and based on current forecasts, the Company does not anticipate significant income tax payments for state and local jurisdictions in 2017. 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 ten 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 June 30, 2017, 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. Utah Solar Portfolio, GenConn, DGPV Holdco 1, RPV Holdco, and DGPV Holdco 2 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 $623 million as of June 30, 2017. This indebtedness may restrict the ability of these subsidiaries to issue dividends or distributions to the Company. For a complete description of debt held by unconsolidated affiliates, see Note 5, Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 included in the Company's May 9, 2017 Form 8-K.
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 2016 Form 10-K.
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
The Company may enter into fuel purchase contracts and other energy-related derivative 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 June 30, 2017, based on their level within the fair value hierarchy defined in ASC 820; and indicate the maturities of contracts at June 30, 2017. For a full discussion of the Company's valuation methodology of its contracts, see Derivative Fair Value Measurements in Item — 1 Note 5, Fair Value of Financial Instruments.
Derivative Activity (Losses)/Gains | (In millions) | ||
Fair value of contracts as of December 31, 2016 | $ | (73 | ) |
Contracts realized or otherwise settled during the period | 15 | ||
Changes in fair value | (21 | ) | |
Fair value of contracts as of June 30, 2017 | $ | (79 | ) |
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Fair value of contracts as of June 30, 2017 | |||||||||||||||||||
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 | $ | 25 | $ | 32 | $ | 14 | $ | 8 | $ | 79 |
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 GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements and related disclosures in compliance with 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 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 Item — 1 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. The following disclosures about market risk provide an update to, and should be read in conjunction with, Item 7A — Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, of the Company's 2016 Form 10-K.
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 June 30, 2017.
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, 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. See Item 1 — Note 6, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, for more information.
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 10, Long-term Debt, to the Company's audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 included in the May 9, 2017 Form 8-K for more information about interest rate swaps of the Company's project subsidiaries.
If all of the interest rate swaps had been discontinued on June 30, 2017, the Company would have owed the counterparties $76 million. Based on the credit ratings 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 June 30, 2017, 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 June 30, 2017, the fair value of the Company's debt was $6,017 million and the carrying value was $5,961 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 $325 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. See Item 1 - Note 1, Nature of Business, and Note 5, Fair Value of Financial Instruments, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information about concentration of credit risk.
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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 second quarter of 2017 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 June 30, 2017, 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 2016 Form 10-K. Except as presented below, there have been no material changes in the Company's risk factors since those reported in its 2016 Form 10-K.
A sale of some or all of NRG’s ownership interest in the Company may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
As part of the NRG Transformation Plan announced on July 12, 2017, NRG stated that it is exploring strategic alternatives for its renewables platform and its interest in the Company, which could span a variety of ownership structures and partnership types, including the potential partial or full monetization of NRG’s interest in its renewables platform and the Company. As a result of NRG’s ownership of all of the Company’s outstanding Class B and Class D common stock, NRG owns 55.1% of the combined voting power of the Company’s common stock as of June 30, 2017. If a new owner were to acquire NRG’s interest in the Company, the new owner could exercise substantial influence over the Company’s policies and procedures and exercise substantial influence over the Company’s management and the types of acquisitions the Company makes. Such changes could result in the Company’s capital being used to make acquisitions that are substantially different from the Company’s targeted acquisitions and otherwise effect a significant change in the Company’s current business strategy. Additionally, the Company cannot predict with any certainty the effect that any transfer of ownership would have on the trading price of the Company’s Class A or Class C common stock or the Company’s ability to raise capital, borrow additional funds or make investments in the future, because such matters would depend to a large extent on the identity of the new owner and the new owner’s intentions with regard to the Company. A sale of some or all of NRG’s ownership interest in the Company may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
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 | ||
31.1 | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) certification of Christopher S. Sotos. | Filed herewith. | ||
31.2 | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) certification of Chad Plotkin. | 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. |
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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/ CHRISTOPHER S. SOTOS | ||||
Christopher S. Sotos | ||||
Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) | ||||
/s/ CHAD PLOTKIN | ||||
Chad Plotkin | ||||
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) | ||||
/s/ DAVID CALLEN | ||||
David Callen | ||||
Date: August 3, 2017 | Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) | |||
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