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Clearway Energy, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2017 March (Form 10-Q)


                                            

 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
x
 
Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
 
 
 
 
For the Quarterly Period Ended: March 31, 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)
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o       No x
As of April 30, 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, 63,213,831 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;
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
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
Kansas South
 
NRG Solar Kansas South LLC, the operating subsidiary of NRG Solar Kansas South Holdings LLC, which owns the Kansas South project

4


                                            

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
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 Wind TE Holdco
 
NRG Wind TE Holdco LLC
NRG Yield LLC
 
The holding company through which the projects are owned by NRG, the holder of Class B and Class D units, and NRG Yield, Inc., the holder of the Class A and Class C units
NRG Yield Operating LLC
 
The holder of the project assets that are owned by NRG Yield LLC
OCI/OCL
 
Other comprehensive income/loss
Pinnacle
 
Pinnacle Wind, LLC, the operating subsidiary of Tapestry Wind LLC, which owns the Pinnacle project
PPA
 
Power Purchase Agreement
PUCT
 
Public Utility Commission of Texas
QF
 
Qualifying Facility under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978
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
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

5


                                            

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1 — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NRG YIELD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
 
Three months ended March 31,
(In millions, except per share amounts)
2017
 
2016 (a)
Operating Revenues
 
 
 
Total operating revenues
$
218

 
$
234

Operating Costs and Expenses
 
 
 
Cost of operations
84

 
85

Depreciation and amortization
75

 
74

General and administrative
4

 
3

Acquisition-related transaction and integration costs
1

 

Total operating costs and expenses
164

 
162

Operating Income
54

 
72

Other Income (Expense)
 
 
 
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
19

 
4

Other income, net
1

 

Interest expense
(76
)
 
(74
)
Total other expense, net
(56
)
 
(70
)
(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes
(2
)
 
2

Income tax benefit
(1
)
 

Net (Loss) Income
(1
)
 
2

Less: Pre-acquisition net income of Drop Down Assets
12

 

Net (Loss) Income Excluding Pre-acquisition Net Income of Drop Down Assets
(13
)
 
2

Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
(10
)
 
(3
)
Net (Loss) Income Attributable to NRG Yield, Inc.
$
(3
)
 
$
5

(Loss) 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 and diluted
35

 
35

Weighted average number of Class C common shares outstanding - basic and diluted
63

 
63

(Loss) Earnings per Weighted Average Class A and Class C Common Share - Basic and Diluted
$
(0.03
)
 
$
0.05

Dividends Per Class A Common Share
0.26

 
0.225

Dividends Per Class C Common Share
$
0.26

 
$
0.225

 
(a) Retrospectively adjusted as discussed in Note 1, Nature of Business.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

6


                                            

NRG YIELD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Unaudited)
 
Three months ended March 31,
(In millions)
2017
 
2016 (a)
Net (Loss) Income
$
(1
)
 
$
2

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax
 
 
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, net of income tax (expense) benefit of ($1) and $9
6

 
(41
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
6

 
(41
)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
5

 
(39
)
Less: Pre-acquisition net income of Drop Down Assets
12

 

Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
(7
)
 
(27
)
Comprehensive Loss Attributable to NRG Yield, Inc.
$

 
$
(12
)
 
(a) Retrospectively adjusted as discussed in Note 1, Nature of Business.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

7


                                            

NRG YIELD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(In millions, except shares)
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016 (a)
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current Assets
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
213

 
$
322

Restricted cash
106

 
165

Accounts receivable — trade
82

 
92

Inventory
40

 
39

Derivative instruments
1

 
2

Notes receivable
15

 
16

Prepayments and other current assets
19

 
20

Total current assets
476

 
656

Property, plant and equipment, net
5,390

 
5,460

Other Assets
 
 
 
Equity investments in affiliates
1,154

 
1,152

Notes receivable
10

 
14

Intangible assets, net
1,268

 
1,286

Derivative instruments
2

 
1

Deferred income taxes
214

 
216

Other non-current assets
66

 
51

Total other assets
2,714

 
2,720

Total Assets
$
8,580

 
$
8,836

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Current Liabilities
 

 
 

Current portion of long-term debt
$
296

 
$
291

Accounts payable — trade
26

 
23

Accounts payable — affiliates
50

 
40

Derivative instruments
28

 
32

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
55

 
86

Total current liabilities
455

 
472

Other Liabilities
 
 
 
Long-term debt
5,662

 
5,696

Accounts payable — affiliate
6

 
9

Derivative instruments
40

 
44

Other non-current liabilities
79

 
76

Total non-current liabilities
5,787

 
5,825

Total Liabilities
6,242

 
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); 183,277,581 shares issued and outstanding (Class A 34,586,250, Class B 42,738,750, Class C 63,213,831, Class D 42,738,750) at March 31, 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
1,859

 
1,879

Accumulated deficit
(5
)
 
(2
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(25
)
 
(28
)
Noncontrolling interest
508

 
689

Total Stockholders' Equity
2,338

 
2,539

Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
$
8,580

 
$
8,836

 
(a) Retrospectively adjusted as discussed in Note 1, Nature of Business.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

8


                                            

NRG YIELD, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016 (a)
 
(In millions)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net (loss) income
$
(1
)
 
$
2

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
(19
)
 
(4
)
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates
13

 
7

Depreciation and amortization
75

 
74

Amortization of financing costs and debt discounts
5

 
5

Amortization of intangibles and out-of-market contracts
17

 
23

Changes in deferred income taxes
(1
)
 

Changes in derivative instruments
(3
)
 
3

Loss on disposal of asset components
3

 

Changes in prepaid and accrued liabilities for tolling agreements
(36
)
 
(37
)
Changes in other working capital
8

 
16

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
61

 
89

Cash Flows from Investing Activities
 
 
 
Acquisition of Drop Down Assets
(131
)
 

Capital expenditures
(4
)
 
(7
)
Decrease in restricted cash
59

 
23

Cash receipts from notes receivable
4

 
4

Return of investment from unconsolidated affiliates
16

 
8

Investments in unconsolidated affiliates
(7
)
 
(51
)
Other

 
2

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
(63
)
 
(21
)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
 
 
 
Net contributions from noncontrolling interests
14

 
10

Net distributions and return of capital to NRG prior to the acquisition of Drop Down Assets
(38
)
 
(11
)
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock
7

 

Payments of dividends and distributions
(53
)
 
(45
)
Payments of debt issuance costs
(3
)
 

Proceeds from the revolving credit facility

 
50

Payments for the revolving credit facility

 
(40
)
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt
41

 

Payments for long-term debt
(75
)
 
(67
)
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
(107
)
 
(103
)
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
(109
)
 
(35
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
322

 
111

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
$
213

 
$
76

 
(a) Retrospectively adjusted as discussed in Note 1, Nature of Business.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

9


                                            

NRG YIELD, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 1Nature 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 March 31, 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 March 31, 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 March 31, 2017:
yieldorgpictureasof33117a01.jpg

10


                                            

As of March 31, 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
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

 
 
 
 

11


                                            

Projects
 
Percentage Ownership
 
Net Capacity (MW)(a)
 
Offtake Counterparty
 
Expiration
Thermal
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thermal equivalent MWt (c)
 
100
%
 
1,319

 
Various
 
Various
NRG Dover Energy Center LLC
 
100
%
 
103

 
NRG Power Marketing LLC
 
2018
Thermal generation
 
100
%
 
20

 
Various
 
Various
 
 
 
 
1,442

 
 
 
 
Total net capacity (excluding equivalent MWt)(d)
 
 
 
5,002

 
 
 
 
 
(a) Net capacity represents the maximum, or rated, generating capacity of the facility multiplied by the Company's percentage ownership in the facility as of March 31, 2017.
(b) Projects are part of tax equity arrangements.
(c) 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.
(d) 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.
(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 151 MW based on cash to be distributed. For further discussions, refer to Note 3, Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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, Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities, 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 NRG 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 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). 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 Aqua 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 attributable to NRG Yield, Inc. weighted average number of shares outstanding, earnings per share or dividends.
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 Company's audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 included in the 2016 Form 10-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 March 31, 2017, and the results of operations, comprehensive income (loss) and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.

12


                                            

Note 2Summary 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
(In millions)
Property, Plant and Equipment Accumulated Depreciation
$
1,025

 
$
951

Intangible Assets Accumulated Amortization
181

 
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 interest. The following table reflects the changes in the Company's noncontrolling interest balance:
 
(In millions)
Balance as of December 31, 2016 as reported
$
520

Net Assets of March 2017 Drop Down Assets as of December 31, 2016
169

Balance as of December 31, 2016 as recast
689

Capital contributions from tax equity investors, net of distributions
14

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
(47
)
NRG Yield LLC distributions to NRG
(22
)
Balance as of March 31, 2017
$
508

Distributions to NRG for Drop Down Assets
Distributions to NRG for Drop Down Assets relate primarily to NRG's 25% interest in the November 2015 Drop Down Assets, as well as NRG's interests in the March 2017 Drop Down Assets prior to the acquisition by the Company. 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 6, Long-term Debt.
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 three months ended March 31, 2017:
 
First Quarter 2017
Distributions per Class B Unit
$
0.26

Distributions per Class D Unit
$
0.26

On April 25, 2017, NRG Yield LLC declared a distribution on its Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D units of $0.27 per unit payable on June 15, 2017 to unit holders of record as of June 1, 2017.

13


                                            

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 calculated the impact of the ASU No. 2016-18 on its statement of cash flows to be a decrease of $59 million and $23 million in the net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
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. As this review is still in process, it is currently not practicable to quantify the impact of adopting Topic 842 at this time.
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 3Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities
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 NRG 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

14


                                            

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 $328 million, which it consolidates, as further described in Note 6, Long-term Debt, as well as its pro-rata share of non-recourse project-level debt of $135 million, as further described below.
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 $139 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).
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.
Entities that are Consolidated
The Company has a controlling financial interest in certain entities which have been identified as VIEs under ASC 810, Consolidations, or ASC 810. These arrangements are primarily related to tax equity arrangements entered into with third parties in order to monetize certain tax credits associated with wind facilities, as further described in Note 5, Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities, to the Company's 2016 Form 10-K.
Summarized financial information for the Company's consolidated VIEs consisted of the following as of March 31, 2017:
(In millions)
NRG Wind TE Holdco
 
Alta Wind TE Holdco
 
Spring Canyon
Other current and non-current assets
$
193

 
$
18

 
$
4

Property, plant and equipment
435

 
455

 
99

Intangible assets
2

 
271

 

Total assets
630

 
744

 
103

Current and non-current liabilities
210

 
8

 
6

Total liabilities
210

 
8

 
6

Noncontrolling interest
141

 
106

 
66

Net assets less noncontrolling interests
$
279

 
$
630

 
$
31


15


                                            

Entities that are not Consolidated
The Company has interests in entities that are considered VIEs under ASC 810, but for which it is not considered the primary beneficiary.  The Company accounts for its interests in these entities under the equity method of accounting, as further described in Note 5, Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities, to the Company's 2016 Form 10-K.
The Company's maximum exposure to loss as of March 31, 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
$
228

Granite Mountain Holdings, LLC
81

Iron Springs Holdings, LLC
54

NRG DGPV Holdco 1 LLC
73

NRG DGPV Holdco 2 LLC
34

NRG RPV Holdco 1 LLC
70

GenConn Energy LLC
104

Utah Solar Portfolio As described above, 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.
The following tables present summarized financial information for the Company's significant equity method investments:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(In millions)
 
2017
 
2016
Income Statement Data:
 
 
 
 
Utah Solar Portfolio
 
 
 
 
Operating revenues
 
$
13

 
$

Operating loss
 
(2
)
 

Net loss
 
(2
)
 

GenConn Energy LLC
 
 
 
 
Operating revenues
 
$
17

 
$
18

Operating income
 
9

 
9

Net income
 
6

 
7

 
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Balance Sheet Data:
 
(In millions)
Utah Solar Portfolio
 
 
 
 
Current assets
 
$
15

 
$
20

Non-current assets
 
1,109

 
1,105

Current liabilities
 
3

 
14

Non-current liabilities
 
21

 
38

GenConn Energy LLC
 
 
 
 
Current assets
 
$
29

 
$
36

Non-current assets
 
385

 
389

Current liabilities
 
12

 
16

Non-current liabilities
 
193

 
196


16


                                            

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 March 31, 2017, Agua Caliente Solar LLC, the direct owner of the Agua Caliente solar facility, had $846 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 Agua Caliente Financing was approximately $135 million as of March 31, 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 4Fair 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.
The estimated carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s recorded financial instruments not carried at fair market value are as follows:
 
As of March 31, 2017
 
As of December 31, 2016
 
Carrying Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Amount
 
Fair Value
(In millions)
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes receivable, including current portion
$
25

 
$
25

 
$
30

 
$
30

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt, including current portion
$
6,026

 
$
6,042

 
$
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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
 
As of March 31, 2017
 
As of December 31, 2016
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
(In millions)
Long-term debt, including current portion
$
1,472

 
$
4,570

 
$
1,455

 
$
4,601


17


                                            

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 March 31, 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
2

 

 
1

Total assets
3

 
1

 
2

Derivative liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity contracts
2

 

 
1

Interest rate contracts
66

 

 
75

Total liabilities
$
68

 
$

 
$
76

 
(a) There were no derivative assets or liabilities classified as Level 1 as of March 31, 2017. There were no derivative assets or liabilities classified as Level 3 as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
Derivative Fair Value Measurements
The Company's contracts are non-exchange-traded and valued using prices provided by external sources. For the Company’s energy markets, management receives quotes from multiple sources. To the extent that multiple quotes are received, the prices reflect the average of the bid-ask mid-point prices obtained from all sources believed to provide the most liquid market for the commodity.
The fair value of each contract is discounted using a risk free interest rate. In addition, a credit reserve is applied to reflect credit risk, which is, for interest rate swaps, calculated based on credit default swaps using the bilateral method. For commodities, to the extent that the net exposure under a specific master agreement is an asset, the Company uses the counterparty’s default swap rate. If the net exposure under a specific master agreement is a liability, the Company uses NRG's default swap rate. For interest rate swaps and commodities, the credit reserve is added to the discounted fair value to reflect the exit price that a market participant would be willing to receive to assume the liabilities or that a market participant would be willing to pay for the assets. As of March 31, 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 Company's 2016 Form 10-K, the following is a discussion of the concentration of credit risk for the Company's financial instruments. Credit risk relates to the risk of loss resulting from non-performance or non-payment by counterparties pursuant to the terms of their contractual obligations. The Company monitors and manages credit risk through credit policies that include: (i) an established credit approval process; (ii) daily monitoring of counterparties' credit limits; (iii) the use of credit mitigation measures such as margin, collateral, prepayment arrangements, or volumetric limits; (iv) the use of payment netting agreements; and (v) the use of master netting agreements that allow for the netting of positive and negative exposures of various contracts associated with a single counterparty. Risks surrounding counterparty performance and credit could ultimately impact the amount and timing of expected cash flows. The Company seeks to mitigate counterparty risk by having a diversified portfolio of counterparties.
Counterparty credit exposure includes credit risk exposure under certain long-term agreements, including solar and other PPAs. As external sources or observable market quotes are not available to estimate such exposure, the Company estimates the exposure related to these contracts based on various techniques including, but not limited to, internal models based on a fundamental analysis of the market and extrapolation of observable market data with similar characteristics. Based on these valuation techniques, as of March 31, 2017, credit risk exposure to these counterparties attributable to the Company's ownership interests was approximately $3 billion for the next five years. The majority of these power contracts are with utilities with strong credit quality and public utility commission or other regulatory support, as further described in Note 13, Segment Reporting, to the Company's 2016 Form 10-K. However, such regulated utility counterparties can be impacted by changes in government regulations, which the Company is unable to predict.

18


                                            

Note 5Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
This footnote should be read in conjunction with the complete description under Note 7, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, to the Company's 2016 Form 10-K.
Energy-Related Commodities
As of March 31, 2017, the Company had energy-related derivative instruments extending through 2020. At March 31, 2017, these contracts were not designated as cash flow or fair value hedges.
Interest Rate Swaps
As of March 31, 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
 
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Commodity
Units
 
(In millions)
Natural Gas
MMBtu
 
2

 
3

Interest
Dollars
 
$
2,028

 
$
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
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
(In millions)
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts current
$

 
$

 
$
20

 
$
26

Interest rate contracts long-term
2

 
1

 
29

 
39

Total Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
2

 
1

 
49

 
65

Derivatives Not Designated as Cash Flow Hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts current

 

 
7

 
5

Interest rate contracts long-term

 

 
10

 
5

Commodity contracts current
1

 
2

 
1

 
1

Commodity contracts long-term

 

 
1

 

Total Derivatives Not Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
1

 
2

 
19

 
11

Total Derivatives
$
3

 
$
3

 
$
68

 
$
76


19


                                            

The Company has elected to present derivative assets and liabilities on the balance sheet on a trade-by-trade basis and does not offset amounts at the counterparty master agreement level. As of March 31, 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
As of March 31, 2017
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets/Liabilities
 
Derivative Instruments
 
Net Amount
Commodity contracts:
(In millions)
Derivative assets
$
1

 
$

 
$
1

Derivative liabilities
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
Total commodity contracts
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
Interest rate contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative assets
2

 
(1
)
 
1

Derivative liabilities
(66
)
 
1

 
(65
)
Total interest rate contracts
(64
)
 

 
(64
)
Total derivative instruments
$
(65
)
 
$

 
$
(65
)
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 March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In millions)
Accumulated OCL beginning balance
$
(70
)
 
$
(83
)
Reclassified from accumulated OCL to income due to realization of previously deferred amounts
4

 
3

Mark-to-market of cash flow hedge accounting contracts
2

 
(44
)
Accumulated OCL ending balance, net of income tax benefit of $15 and $25, respectively
(64
)
 
(124
)
Accumulated OCL attributable to noncontrolling interests
(39
)
 
(80
)
Accumulated OCL attributable to NRG Yield, Inc.
$
(25
)
 
$
(44
)
Losses expected to be realized from OCL during the next 12 months, net of income tax benefit of $3
$
(15
)
 
 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCL into income and amounts recognized in income from the ineffective portion of cash flow hedges are recorded to interest expense. There was no ineffectiveness for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.

20


                                            

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.
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 March 31, 2017 and 2016, the impact to the consolidated statements of income was a gain of $2 million and a loss of $7 million, respectively.
A portion of the Company’s derivative commodity contracts relates to its Thermal Business for the purchase of fuel commodities based on the forecasted usage of the thermal district energy centers. Realized gains and losses on these contracts are reflected in the fuel costs that are permitted to be billed to customers through the related customer contracts or tariffs and, accordingly, no gains or losses are reflected in the consolidated statements of income for these contracts.
See Note 4, Fair Value of Financial Instruments, for a discussion regarding concentration of credit risk.


21


                                            

Note 6Long-term Debt
This footnote should be read in conjunction with the complete description under Note 10, Long-term Debt, to the Company's 2016 Form 10-K. Long-term debt consisted of the following:
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
March 31, 2017, interest rate % (a)
 
Letters of Credit Outstanding at March 31, 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
 
144

 
145

 
L+1.750
 
37

Alta Wind I, lease financing arrangement, due 2034
 
242

 
242

 
7.015
 
16

Alta Wind II, lease financing arrangement, due 2034
 
191

 
191

 
5.696
 
27

Alta Wind III, lease financing arrangement, due 2034
 
198

 
198

 
6.067
 
27

Alta Wind IV, lease financing arrangement, due 2034
 
128

 
128

 
5.938
 
19

Alta Wind V, lease financing arrangement, due 2035
 
206

 
206

 
6.071
 
30

Alta Realty Investments, due 2031
 
31

 
31

 
7.000
 

Alta Wind Asset Management, due 2031
 
18

 
18

 
L+2.375
 

Avra Valley, due 2031
 
56

 
57

 
L+1.750
 
3

Blythe, due 2028
 
19

 
19

 
L+1.625
 
2

Borrego, due 2025 and 2038
 
69

 
69

 
L+ 2.500/5.650
 
5

CVSR, due 2037
 
757

 
771

 
2.339 - 3.775
 

CVSR Holdco Notes, due 2037
 
194

 
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
 
94

 
96

 
5.950 -7.250
 

Energy Center Minneapolis Series D Notes, due 2031
 
125

 
125

 
3.550
 

Kansas South, due 2031
 
30

 
30

 
L+2.000
 
4

Laredo Ridge, due 2028
 
98

 
100

 
L+1.875
 
10

Marsh Landing, due 2017 and 2023
 
361

 
370

 
L+1.750 - L+1.875
 
37

Apple I LLC projects and related subsidiaries financing agreement, due 2030
 
27

 
27

 
6.000
 

Roadrunner, due 2031
 
37

 
37

 
L+1.625
 
5

South Trent Wind, due 2020
 
57

 
57

 
L+1.625
 
10

TA High Desert, due 2020 and 2032
 
49

 
49

 
L+2.500/5.150
 

Tapestry, due 2021
 
168

 
172

 
L+1.625
 
20

Utah Solar Portfolio, due 2022
 
287

 
287

 
L+2.625
 
11

Viento, due 2023
 
178

 
178

 
L+2.750
 
27

Walnut Creek, due 2023
 
303

 
310

 
L+1.625
 
52

WCEP Holdings, due 2023
 
46

 
46

 
L+3.000
 

Subtotal project-level debt:
 
4,568

 
4,601

 
 
 
 
Total debt
 
6,051

 
6,084

 
 
 
 
  Less current maturities
 
(296
)
 
(291
)
 
 
 
 
Less net debt issuance costs
 
(68
)
 
(70
)
 
 
 
 
Less discounts (b)
 
(25
)
 
(27
)
 
 
 
 
Total long-term debt
 
$
5,662

 
$
5,696

 
 
 
 
 
(a) As of March 31, 2017, L+ equals 3 month LIBOR plus x%, except for the Alpine term loan, Marsh Landing term loan, Utah Solar Portfolio, Viento, Walnut Creek term loan, 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.

22


                                            

The financing arrangements listed above contain certain covenants, including financial covenants that the Company is required to be in compliance with during the term of the respective arrangement. As of March 31, 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 three months ended March 31, 2017.
NRG Yield LLC and NRG Yield Operating LLC Revolving Credit Facility
As of March 31, 2017, there were no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility and the Company had $64 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
Aqua 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 Holdco financing agreement that bear interest at 5.43% and mature on December 31, 2038. As described in Note 3, Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities, on March 27, 2017, the Company acquired Agua Caliente Borrower 2 LLC from NRG. Agua Caliente Borrower 2 LLC owns a 16% interest in the Agua Caliente solar farm and holds $41 million of the Agua Caliente Holdco debt. 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 its 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 acquisition of the Utah Solar Portfolio on November 2, 2016, and additional borrowings of $65 million, net of debt issuance costs, incurred during 2016.

23


                                            

Note 7Earnings 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 March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
(In millions, except per share data) (a)
Common Class A
 
Common Class C
 
Common Class A
 
Common Class C
Basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share attributable to NRG Yield, Inc. common stockholders
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income attributable to NRG Yield, Inc.
$
(1
)
 
$
(2
)
 
$
2

 
$
3

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding  basic and diluted
35

 
63

 
35

 
63

(Loss) earnings per weighted average common share — basic and diluted
$
(0.03
)
 
$
(0.03
)
 
$
0.05

 
$
0.05

 
(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 March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In millions of shares)
2019 Convertible Notes - Common Class A
15

 
15

2020 Convertible Notes - Common Class C
10

 
10

Note 8Changes 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 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 quarter ended March 31, 2017, NRG Yield, Inc. issued 424,027 shares of Class C common stock under the ATM Program for gross proceeds of $7 million with commission fees of less than $100,000. 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 53.4%, and 44.9%, respectively, as of March 31, 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 three months ended March 31, 2017:
 
 
First Quarter 2017
Dividends per Class A share
 
$
0.26

Dividends per Class C share
 
$
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.

24


                                            

On April 25, 2017, the Company announced the declaration of quarterly dividends on its Class A common stock and Class C common stock of $0.27 per share payable on June 15, 2017, to stockholders of record as of June 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.
Note 9Segment Reporting
The Company’s segment structure reflects how management currently operates and allocates resources. The Company's businesses are primarily segregated based on conventional power generation, renewable businesses which consist of solar and wind, and the thermal and chilled water business. The Corporate segment reflects the Company's corporate costs. The Company's chief operating decision maker, its Chief Executive Officer, evaluates the performance of its segments based on operational measures including adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or Adjusted EBITDA, and CAFD, as well as economic gross margin and net income (loss).
 
 

Three months ended March 31, 2017
(In millions)
Conventional Generation

Renewables

Thermal

Corporate

Total
Operating revenues
$
75

 
$
99

 
$
44

 
$


$
218

Cost of operations
22

 
32

 
30

 


84

Depreciation and amortization
24

 
46

 
5

 


75

General and administrative

 

 

 
4


4

Acquisition-related transaction and integration costs

 

 

 
1

 
1

Operating income (loss)
29

 
21

 
9

 
(5
)
 
54

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
3

 
16

 

 


19

Other income, net

 
1

 

 

 
1

Interest expense
(12
)
 
(40
)
 
(3
)
 
(21
)

(76
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
20

 
(2
)
 
6

 
(26
)

(2
)
Income tax benefit

 

 

 
(1
)

(1
)
Net Income (Loss)
$
20


$
(2
)

$
6


$
(25
)

$
(1
)
Total Assets
$
1,937

 
$
5,901

 
$
431

 
$
311


$
8,580

 
Three months ended March 31, 2016
(In millions)
Conventional Generation
 
Renewables
 
Thermal
 
Corporate
 
Total
Operating revenues
$
79

 
$
111

 
$
44

 
$

 
$
234

Cost of operations
23

 
33

 
29

 

 
85

Depreciation and amortization
20

 
49

 
5

 

 
74

General and administrative

 

 

 
3

 
3

Operating income (loss)
36

 
29

 
10

 
(3
)
 
72

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
3

 
1

 

 

 
4

Interest expense
(11
)
 
(42
)
 
(2
)
 
(19
)
 
(74
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
28

 
(12
)
 
8

 
(22
)
 
2

Net Income (Loss)
$
28


$
(12
)

$
8


$
(22
)

$
2


Note 10Income Taxes
Effective Tax Rate
The income tax provision consisted of the following:
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In millions, except percentages)
(Loss) Income before income taxes
$
(2
)
 
$
2

Income tax benefit
(1
)
 

Effective income tax rate
50.0
%
 
%

25


                                            

For the three months ended March 31, 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.


26


                                            

Note 11Related 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.
PPA by and between Elbow Creek and NRG
In October 2015, Elbow Creek, the Company's subsidiary in the Renewables segment, entered into a PPA with NRG Power Marketing for the sale of energy and environmental attributes with the effective date of November 1, 2015, and expiring on October 31, 2022. Elbow Creek generated $3 million of revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Energy Marketing Services Agreement by and between NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC and NRG
NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC, or NRG Minneapolis, a subsidiary of the Company is party to an Energy Marketing Services Agreement with NRG Power Marketing, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NRG. Under the agreement, NRG Power Marketing procures fuel and fuel transportation for the operation of the Minneapolis generating facility. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, NRG Minneapolis purchased $4 million and $3 million, respectively, of natural gas from NRG Power Marketing.
Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Services Agreements by and between Thermal Entities and NRG
Certain thermal entities which are wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company are party to a Plant O&M Services Agreement with NRG, pursuant to which NRG provides 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. Total fees incurred under the agreements were $8 million and $7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. There was a balance of $19 million and $20 million due to NRG in accounts payable — affiliate as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. As of March 31, 2017, $13 million of the balance was recorded in the current liabilities of the consolidated balance sheet and $6 million was recorded in long term liabilities of the consolidated balance sheet.
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. The Company reimbursed costs under this agreement of $3 million and $2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. There was a balance of $1 million due to NRG West Coast LLC in accounts payable — affiliate as of March 31, 2017.
Administrative Services Agreement by and between the Company and NRG Renew Operations & Maintenance LLC
Various wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company in the Renewables segment are party to an administrative services agreement with NRG Renew Operations 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 $3 million and $2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. There was a balance of $3 million and $5 million due to RENOM as of March 31, 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 March 31, 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 $2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, which included certain direct expenses incurred by NRG on behalf of the Company in addition to the base management fee. There was a balance of $2 million due to NRG in accounts payable — affiliate as of March 31, 2017.
 

27


                                            

Note 12 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. On August 3, 2016, the court approved a stipulation entered into by the parties. The stipulation provided that the plaintiffs would file an amended complaint by August 19, 2016, which they did on August 18, 2016. The defendants filed demurrers and a motion challenging jurisdiction on October 18, 2016. On February 24, 2017, the court approved the parties' stipulation which provides the plaintiffs' opposition is due on June 15, 2017 and defendants' reply is due on August 14, 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. Oral argument is scheduled for 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 a 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 generally seek recovery of all monies paid under the services agreement and any other damages that the court deems appropriate.


28


                                            

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 months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016. Also refer to the Company's 2016 Form 10-K, which includes detailed discussions of various items impacting the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.
The discussion and analysis below has been organized as follows:
Executive Summary, including a description of the business and significant events that are important to understanding the results of operations and financial condition;
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.

29


                                            

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 March 31, 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 March 31, 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.
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 new U.S. presidential administration.
Trends Affecting Results of Operations and Future Business Performance
The Company’s trends are described in the Company’s 2016 Form 10-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.
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. During the first quarter of 2017, the Company reached an agreement in principle with the original equipment manufacturer on the warranty claim and expects the capital and other expenses to be reduced from $12 million to approximately $5 million.

30


                                            

Walnut Creek Forced Outage
On April 18, 2017, Unit 1 at Walnut Creek went into forced outage due to a mechanical failure of a high pressure turbine compressor part that caused downstream damage in the Unit. Unit 1 returned to service on April 30, 2017 and the estimated cost is approximately $8 million before the recovery of insurance proceeds, a significant portion of which the Company believes is recoverable by year end.


31


                                            

Consolidated Results of Operations
The following table provides selected financial information:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(In millions, except otherwise noted)
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
Operating Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy and capacity revenues
 
$
235

 
$
251

 
$
(16
)
Contract amortization
 
(17
)
 
(17
)
 

Total operating revenues
 
218

 
234

 
(16
)
Operating Costs and Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of fuels
 
16

 
16

 

Emissions credit amortization
 

 
6

 
(6
)
Operations and maintenance
 
51

 
44

 
7

Other costs of operations
 
17

 
19

 
(2
)
Depreciation and amortization
 
75

 
74

 
1

General and administrative
 
4

 
3

 
1

Acquisition-related transaction and integration costs
 
1

 

 
1

Total operating costs and expenses
 
164

 
162

 
2

Operating Income
 
54

 
72

 
(18
)
Other Income (Expense)
 
 
 
 
 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
 
19

 
4

 
15

Other income, net
 
1

 

 
1

Interest expense
 
(76
)
 
(74
)
 
(2
)
Total other expense, net
 
(56
)
 
(70
)
 
14

(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes
 
(2
)
 
2

 
(4
)
Income tax benefit
 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
Net (Loss) Income
 
(1
)
 
2

 
(3
)
Less: Pre-acquisition net income of Drop Down Assets
 
12

 

 
12

Net (Loss) Income Excluding Pre-acquisition Net Income of Drop Down Assets
 
(13
)
 
2

 
(15
)
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(10
)
 
(3
)
 
(7
)
Net (Loss) Income Attributable to NRG Yield, Inc.
 
$
(3
)
 
$
5

 
$
(8
)
 
Three months ended March 31,
Business metrics:
2017
 
2016
Renewables MWh generated/sold (in thousands) (a)
1,662

 
1,778

Conventional MWh generated (in thousands) (a)(b)
142

 
261

Thermal MWt sold (in thousands)
569

 
553

Thermal MWh sold (in thousands) (c)
9

 
40

 
(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 7 MWh and 51 MWh generated by NRG Dover, a subsidiary of the Company, under the PPA with NRG Power Marketing during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, as further described in Note 11, Related Party Transactions.  


32


                                            

Management’s Discussion of the Results of Operations for the Three Months ended March 31, 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 March 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
Conventional Generation
 
Renewables
 
Thermal
 
Total
(In millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy and capacity revenues
$
76

 
$
114

 
$
45

 
$
235

Cost of fuels

 

 
(16
)
 
(16
)
Contract amortization
(1
)
 
(15
)
 
(1
)
 
(17
)
Gross margin
75

 
99

 
28

 
202

Contract amortization
1

 
15

 
1

 
17

Economic gross margin
$
76

 
$
114

 
$
29

 
$
219

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy and capacity revenues
$
80

 
$
126

 
$
45

 
$
251

Cost of fuels

 

 
(16
)
 
(16
)
Contract amortization
(1
)
 
(15
)
 
(1
)
 
(17
)
Emissions credit amortization
(6
)
 

 

 
(6
)
Gross margin
73

 
111

 
28

 
212

Contract amortization
1

 
15

 
1

 
17

Emissions credit amortization
6

 

 

 
6

Economic gross margin
$
80

 
$
126

 
$
29

 
$
235


33


                                            

Gross margin decreased by $10 million and economic gross margin decreased by $16 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016 due to:
 
(In millions)

Decrease in Renewables due to a 17% decrease in volume generated at the Alta Wind projects due to low wind resources, as well as a 14% decrease in solar generation at solar projects caused by weather
$
(12
)
Decrease in Conventional Generation primarily due to lower revenues at El Segundo as a result of a forced outage in 2017
(4
)
Decrease in economic gross margin
(16
)
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
$
(10
)
Operations and Maintenance
Operations and maintenance expense increased by $7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, primarily due to a forced outage at El Segundo in 2017 and early disposal of asset components at Walnut Creek.
 
 
Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates increased by $15 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, primarily due to an increase in equity earnings from the Utah Solar Portfolio, which was acquired by NRG in November 2016, and an increase from Elkhorn Ridge and RPV Holdco, partially offset by lower earnings from DGPV Holdco 1 and Desert Sunlight.
Interest Expense     
Interest expense increased by $2 million during the three months ended March 31, 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 2037 CVSR Holdco Notes, 2026 Senior Notes and Energy Center Minneapolis Series D Notes
$
8

Utah Solar Portfolio debt assumed in connection with the March 2017 Drop Down Assets
4

Amortization of the fair value of interest rate swaps primarily acquired with the January 2015 Drop Down Assets and November 2015 Drop Down Assets
3

Higher revolver borrowings in 2016
(2
)
Lower project level principal balances
(3
)
Changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps, primarily relating to Alpine
(8
)
 
$
2


34


                                            

Income Tax Expense
For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $1 million on pretax loss of $2 million. For the same period in 2016, the Company did not record any income tax expense on pretax income of $2 million. For the three months ended March 31, 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 three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company had income of $1 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 three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company had a loss of $11 million attributable to noncontrolling interests with respect to its tax equity financing arrangements and the application of the HLBV method. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company had income of $10 million attributable to NRG's economic interest in the Company and its 25% interest in NRG Wind TE Holdco and a loss of $13 million attributable to noncontrolling interests with respect to its tax equity financing arrangements and application of the HLBV method.
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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company's liquidity was approximately $750 million and $922 million, respectively, comprised of cash, restricted cash, and availability under the Company's revolving credit facility. The Company's liquidity includes $106 million and $165 million of restricted cash balances as of March 31, 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 6, Long-term Debt. As of March 31, 2017, the Company had $431 million of available borrowings under its revolving credit facility.
As of March 31, 2017, there were no outstanding borrowings and there were $64 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.

35


                                            

The following table summarizes the credit ratings for the Company and its Senior Notes as of March 31, 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 6, Long-term Debt, and Note 8, Changes in Capital Structure, to this Form 10-Q and Note 10, Long-term Debt, to the consolidated annual financial statements included in the Company's 2016 Form 10-K, the Company's financing arrangements consist of the revolving credit facility, the 2019 Convertible Notes, the 2020 Convertible Notes, the Senior Notes, the ATM Program and project-level financings for its various assets.
At-the-Market Equity Offering Program
During the first fiscal quarter of 2017, the Company sold 424,027 shares of Class C common stock under the ATM Program for gross proceeds of $7 million, with commission fees of less than $100,000. At March 31, 2017, approximately $143 million remains available for issuance under the ATM Program.
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.
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 6, Long-term Debt; (ii) capital expenditures; (iii) acquisitions and investments; and (iv) cash dividends to investors.
Drop Down Offer from NRG Energy
On May 1, 2017, NRG offered the Company the remaining 25% interest in NRG Wind TE Holdco, an 814 net MW portfolio of twelve wind projects. The Company currently owns a 75% interest in the portfolio which it acquired in 2015. The acquisition is subject to approval by NRG Yield's independent directors. The wind assets included in the portfolio are disclosed in Item 1 — Note1, Nature of Business.
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 during routine maintenance, 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 three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company used approximately $4 million and $7 million, respectively, to fund capital expenditures, which related primarily to maintenance expenses.
Acquisitions and Investments
The Company intends to acquire generation and thermal infrastructure assets developed and constructed by NRG in the future, as well as generation and thermal infrastructure assets from third parties where the Company believes its knowledge of the market and operating expertise provides a competitive advantage, and to utilize such acquisitions as a means to grow its CAFD. 

36


                                            

On February 24, 2017, the Company amended and restated the ROFO Agreement, expanding the NRG ROFO 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, Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities, 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 NRG 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.
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company invested $3 million in distributed solar investment partnerships with NRG.
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 three months ended March 31, 2017:
 
First Quarter 2017
Dividends per Class A share
$
0.26

Dividends per Class C share
$
0.26

On April 25, 2017, NRG Yield, Inc. declared quarterly dividends on its Class A common stock and Class C common stock of $0.27 per share payable on June 15, 2017, to stockholders of record as of June 1, 2017.


37


                                            

Cash Flow Discussion
The following table reflects the changes in cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2017 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016:
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change

(In millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
61

 
$
89

 
$
(28
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(63
)
 
(21
)
 
(42
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(107
)
 
(103
)
 
(4
)
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
$
(26
)
Decrease in working capital driven primarily by higher interest payments in the first quarter of 2017 relating to the 2026 Senior Notes
(8
)
Higher distributions from unconsolidated affiliates
6

 
$
(28
)
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 higher investment in RPV Holdco, DGPV Holdco 1 and DGPV Holdco 2 in 2016
52

Changes in restricted cash
36

Lower capital expenditures in the first quarter of 2017 driven primarily by higher maintenance capital expense incurred in the Conventional and Renewables segments in the first quarter of 2016
3

Other
(2
)
 
$
(42
)
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
$
7

Net borrowings under the revolving credit facility in 2016
(10
)
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
30

Increase in net contributions from noncontrolling interests
4

Increase in dividends paid to common stockholders, as declared dividends increase by 16% from 2016 to 2017
(8
)
Higher payments of distributions to NRG for the Drop Down Assets relating to the pre-acquisition period
(27
)
 
$
(4
)


38


                                            

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 March 31, 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. DGPV Holdco 1, DGPV Holdco 2, RPV Holdco, GenConn and the Utah Solar Portfolio 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 $592 million as of March 31, 2017. This indebtedness may restrict the ability of these subsidiaries to issue dividends or distributions to the Company. See also Note 3, Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities.
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 March 31, 2017, based on their level within the fair value hierarchy defined in ASC 820; and indicate the maturities of contracts at March 31, 2017. For a full discussion of the Company's valuation methodology of its contracts, see Derivative Fair Value Measurements in Item — 1 Note 4, 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
8

Fair value of contracts as of March 31, 2017
$
(65
)

39


                                            

 
Fair value of contracts as of March 31, 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
$
(27
)
 
$
(27
)
 
$
(9
)
 
$
(2
)
 
$
(65
)
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.


40


                                            

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 March 31, 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 5, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, to the Consolidated Financial Statements 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 2016 Form 10-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 March 31, 2017, the Company would have owed the counterparties $63 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 March 31, 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 March 31, 2017, the fair value of the Company's debt was $6,042 million and the carrying value was $6,026 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 $480 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 4, Fair Value of Financial Instruments, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information about concentration of credit risk.

41


                                            

ITEM 4 — Controls and Procedures
Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including its principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act. Based on this evaluation, the Company's principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred in the first quarter of 2017 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


42


                                            

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1 — LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
For a discussion of the material legal proceedings in which the Company was involved through March 31, 2017, see Note 12, 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. There have been no material changes in the Company's risk factors since those reported in its 2016 Form 10-K.
ITEM 2 — UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None.
ITEM 3 — DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4 — MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5 — OTHER INFORMATION
None.


43


                                            

ITEM 6 — EXHIBITS
Number
 
Description
 
Method of Filing
10.1*
 
NRG Yield, Inc. Annual Incentive Plan for Designated Corporate Officers.
 
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.29 of the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2017.
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.
* Indicates exhibits that constitute compensatory plans or arrangements.


44


                                            

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: May 2, 2017
Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer) 
 
 


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