NISOURCE INC. - Quarter Report: 2019 September (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
☑ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2019
or
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 001-16189
NiSource Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DE | 35-2108964 | ||
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||
801 East 86th Avenue | |||
Merrillville, | Indiana | 46410 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
(877) 647-5990
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered |
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share | NI | New York Stock Exchange |
Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1,000th ownership interest in a share of 6.50% Series B | NI PR B | New York Stock Exchange |
Fixed-Rate Reset Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, liquidation preference $25,000 per share and a 1/1,000th ownership interest in a share of Series B-1 Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, liquidation preference $0.01 per share |
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 þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files.)
Yes þ No ¨
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 þ Accelerated filer ¨ Emerging growth company ☐ Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ☐ No ☑
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value: 373,542,659 shares outstanding at October 22, 2019.
NISOURCE INC.
FORM 10-Q QUARTERLY REPORT
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019
Table of Contents
Page | |||
PART I | FINANCIAL INFORMATION | ||
Item 1. | Financial Statements - unaudited | ||
Item 2. | |||
Item 3. | |||
Item 4. | |||
PART II | OTHER INFORMATION | ||
Item 1. | |||
Item 1A. | |||
Item 2. | |||
Item 3. | |||
Item 4. | |||
Item 5. | |||
Item 6. | |||
2
DEFINED TERMS | |
The following is a list of frequently used abbreviations or acronyms that are found in this report: | |
NiSource Subsidiaries, Affiliates and Former Subsidiaries | |
Columbia of Kentucky | Columbia Gas of Kentucky, Inc. |
Columbia of Maryland | Columbia Gas of Maryland, Inc. |
Columbia of Massachusetts | Bay State Gas Company |
Columbia of Ohio | Columbia Gas of Ohio, Inc. |
Columbia of Pennsylvania | Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Inc. |
Columbia of Virginia | Columbia Gas of Virginia, Inc. |
NIPSCO | Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC |
NiSource ("we," "us" or “our”) | NiSource Inc. |
Abbreviations and Other | |
ACE | Affordable Clean Energy |
AFUDC | Allowance for funds used during construction |
AMRP | Accelerated Main Replacement Program |
AOCI | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
ASC | Accounting Standards Codification |
ASU | Accounting Standards Update |
ATM | At-the-market |
BTA | Build-transfer agreement |
CCRs | Coal Combustion Residuals |
CEP | Capital Expenditure Program |
CERCLA | Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (also known as Superfund) |
CPP | Clean Power Plan |
DPU | Department of Public Utilities |
ELG | Effluent limitations guidelines |
EPA | United States Environmental Protection Agency |
EPS | Earnings per share |
FAC | Fuel adjustment clause |
FASB | Financial Accounting Standards Board |
FERC | Federal Energy Regulatory Commission |
FMCA | Federally Mandated Cost Adjustment |
GAAP | Generally Accepted Accounting Principles |
GCA | Gas cost adjustment |
GCR | Gas cost recovery |
GHG | Greenhouse gases |
GSEP | Gas System Enhancement Program |
GWh | Gigawatt hours |
IRP | Infrastructure Replacement Program |
IT | Information technology |
IURC | Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission |
LIBOR | London InterBank Offered Rate |
MGP | Manufactured Gas Plant |
MISO | Midcontinent Independent System Operator |
3
DEFINED TERMS | |
MMDth | Million dekatherms |
MW | Megawatts |
NTSB | National Transportation Safety Board |
NYMEX | New York Mercantile Exchange |
OPEB | Other Postretirement Benefits |
PHMSA | Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration |
PPA | Purchase power agreement |
PTC | Production tax credit |
RCRA | Resource Conservation and Recovery Act |
RFP | Request for proposals |
ROU | Right of use |
SAVE | Steps to Advance Virginia's Energy Plan |
SEC | Securities and Exchange Commission |
STRIDE | Strategic Infrastructure Development Enhancement |
TCJA | An Act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018 (commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017) |
TDSIC | Transmission, Distribution and Storage System Improvement Charge |
WCE | Whiting Clean Energy |
Note regarding forward-looking statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Investors and prospective investors should understand that many factors govern whether any forward-looking statement contained herein will be or can be realized. Any one of those factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning NiSource’s plans, strategies, objectives, expected performance, expenditures, recovery of expenditures through rates, stated on either a consolidated or segment basis, and any and all underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical fact. All forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that management believes to be reasonable; however, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially.
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the projections, forecasts, estimates and expectations discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q include, among other things, our debt obligations; any changes to the credit rating of our or certain of our subsidiaries; our ability to execute our growth strategy; changes in general economic, capital and commodity market conditions; pension funding obligations; economic regulation and the impact of regulatory rate reviews; our ability to obtain expected financial or regulatory outcomes; our ability to adapt to, and manage costs related to, advances in technology; any changes in our assumptions regarding the financial implications of the Greater Lawrence Incident; potential incidents and other operating risks associated with our business; our ability to obtain sufficient insurance coverage; the outcome of legal and regulatory proceedings, investigations, incidents, claims and litigation; any damage to our reputation, including in connection with the Greater Lawrence Incident; compliance with environmental laws and the costs of associated liabilities; fluctuations in demand from residential and commercial customers; economic conditions of certain industries; the success of NIPSCO's electric generation strategy; the price of energy commodities and related transportation costs; the reliability of customers and suppliers to fulfill their payment and contractual obligations; potential impairments of goodwill or definite-lived intangible assets; changes in taxation and accounting principles; the impact of an aging infrastructure; the impact of climate change; potential cyber-attacks; construction risks and natural gas costs and supply risks; extreme weather conditions; the attraction and retention of a qualified workforce; the ability of our subsidiaries to generate cash; uncertainties related to the expected benefits of the separation from Columbia Pipeline Group; our ability to manage new initiatives and organizational changes; the performance of third-party suppliers and service providers; the transition to a replacement for the LIBOR benchmark interest rate; and other matters in the “Risk Factors” section of this report and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, many of which risks are beyond our control. In addition, the relative contributions to profitability by each business segment, and the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements relating thereto, may change over time.
All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. We undertake no obligation to, and expressly disclaim any such obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect changed
4
assumptions, the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or changes to the future results over time or otherwise, except as required by law.
5
Index | Page |
6
PART I
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NiSource Inc.
Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income (Loss) (unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
(in millions, except per share amounts) | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||
Operating Revenues | |||||||||||||||
Customer revenues | $ | 891.0 | $ | 855.8 | $ | 3,694.7 | $ | 3,555.1 | |||||||
Other revenues | 40.5 | 39.2 | 117.0 | 97.7 | |||||||||||
Total Operating Revenues | 931.5 | 895.0 | 3,811.7 | 3,652.8 | |||||||||||
Operating Expenses | |||||||||||||||
Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization) | 196.7 | 222.0 | 1,130.5 | 1,259.7 | |||||||||||
Operation and maintenance | 393.9 | 780.8 | 995.5 | 1,548.5 | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 182.2 | 148.5 | 535.2 | 437.8 | |||||||||||
Loss (Gain) on sale of assets and impairments, net | (0.2 | ) | 0.7 | (0.1 | ) | 0.4 | |||||||||
Other taxes | 67.9 | 58.9 | 221.9 | 203.3 | |||||||||||
Total Operating Expenses | 840.5 | 1,210.9 | 2,883.0 | 3,449.7 | |||||||||||
Operating Income (Loss) | 91.0 | (315.9 | ) | 928.7 | 203.1 | ||||||||||
Other Income (Deductions) | |||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (95.9 | ) | (83.4 | ) | (285.6 | ) | (265.2 | ) | |||||||
Other, net | 1.3 | (1.7 | ) | 0.3 | 42.4 | ||||||||||
Loss on early extinguishment of long-term debt | — | (33.0 | ) | — | (45.5 | ) | |||||||||
Total Other Deductions, Net | (94.6 | ) | (118.1 | ) | (285.3 | ) | (268.3 | ) | |||||||
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes | (3.6 | ) | (434.0 | ) | 643.4 | (65.2 | ) | ||||||||
Income Taxes | (10.2 | ) | (94.5 | ) | 121.0 | (26.3 | ) | ||||||||
Net Income (Loss) | 6.6 | (339.5 | ) | 522.4 | (38.9 | ) | |||||||||
Preferred dividends | (13.8 | ) | (5.6 | ) | (41.4 | ) | (6.9 | ) | |||||||
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Shareholders | (7.2 | ) | (345.1 | ) | 481.0 | (45.8 | ) | ||||||||
Earnings (Loss) Per Share | |||||||||||||||
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.95 | ) | $ | 1.29 | $ | (0.13 | ) | ||||
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.95 | ) | $ | 1.28 | $ | (0.13 | ) | ||||
Basic Average Common Shares Outstanding | 374.1 | 363.9 | 373.8 | 352.1 | |||||||||||
Diluted Average Common Shares | 374.1 | 363.9 | 375.2 | 352.1 |
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) are an integral part of these statements.
7
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Condensed Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Loss) (unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
(in millions, net of taxes) | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) | $ | 6.6 | $ | (339.5 | ) | $ | 522.4 | $ | (38.9 | ) | |||||
Other comprehensive income (loss): | |||||||||||||||
Net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities(1) | 0.7 | 0.1 | 5.6 | (2.3 | ) | ||||||||||
Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges(2) | (50.6 | ) | 22.5 | (100.4 | ) | 56.5 | |||||||||
Unrecognized pension and OPEB benefit(3) | 0.4 | 0.8 | 1.7 | 1.2 | |||||||||||
Total other comprehensive income (loss) | (49.5 | ) | 23.4 | (93.1 | ) | 55.4 | |||||||||
Comprehensive Income (Loss) | $ | (42.9 | ) | $ | (316.1 | ) | $ | 429.3 | $ | 16.5 |
(1) Net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of $0.1 million and zero tax expense in the third quarter of 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $1.4 million tax expense and $0.6 million tax benefit for the nine months ended 2019 and 2018, respectively.
(2) Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of $16.7 million tax benefit and $7.5 million tax expense in the third quarter of 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $33.2 million tax benefit and $18.7 million tax expense for the nine months ended 2019 and 2018, respectively.
(3) Unrecognized pension and OPEB benefit, net of $0.1 million and zero tax expense in the third quarter of 2019 and 2018, and $0.6 million and $0.2 million tax expense for the nine months ended 2019 and 2018, respectively.
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) are an integral part of these statements.
8
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) | |||||||
(in millions) | September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | |||||
ASSETS | |||||||
Property, Plant and Equipment | |||||||
Utility plant | $ | 24,026.1 | $ | 22,780.8 | |||
Accumulated depreciation and amortization | (7,563.2 | ) | (7,257.9 | ) | |||
Net utility plant | 16,462.9 | 15,522.9 | |||||
Other property, at cost, less accumulated depreciation | 18.0 | 19.6 | |||||
Net Property, Plant and Equipment | 16,480.9 | 15,542.5 | |||||
Investments and Other Assets | |||||||
Unconsolidated affiliates | 2.2 | 2.1 | |||||
Other investments | 217.5 | 204.0 | |||||
Total Investments and Other Assets | 219.7 | 206.1 | |||||
Current Assets | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 28.0 | 112.8 | |||||
Restricted cash | 9.0 | 8.3 | |||||
Accounts receivable (less reserve of $15.1 and $21.1, respectively) | 539.3 | 1,058.5 | |||||
Gas inventory | 294.9 | 286.8 | |||||
Materials and supplies, at average cost | 115.1 | 101.0 | |||||
Electric production fuel, at average cost | 38.7 | 34.7 | |||||
Exchange gas receivable | 30.3 | 88.4 | |||||
Regulatory assets | 237.6 | 235.4 | |||||
Prepayments and other | 85.4 | 129.5 | |||||
Total Current Assets | 1,378.3 | 2,055.4 | |||||
Other Assets | |||||||
Regulatory assets | 1,993.2 | 2,002.1 | |||||
Goodwill | 1,690.7 | 1,690.7 | |||||
Intangible assets, net | 212.5 | 220.7 | |||||
Deferred charges and other | 157.0 | 86.5 | |||||
Total Other Assets | 4,053.4 | 4,000.0 | |||||
Total Assets | $ | 22,132.3 | $ | 21,804.0 |
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) are an integral part of these statements.
9
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) (continued) | |||||||
(in millions, except share amounts) | September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | |||||
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES | |||||||
Capitalization | |||||||
Stockholders’ Equity | |||||||
Common stock - $0.01 par value, 600,000,000 shares authorized; 373,446,862 and 372,363,656 shares outstanding, respectively | $ | 3.8 | $ | 3.8 | |||
Preferred stock - $0.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized; 440,000 and 420,000 shares outstanding, respectively | 880.0 | 880.0 | |||||
Treasury stock | (99.9 | ) | (99.9 | ) | |||
Additional paid-in capital | 6,426.5 | 6,403.5 | |||||
Retained deficit | (1,231.6 | ) | (1,399.3 | ) | |||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (130.3 | ) | (37.2 | ) | |||
Total Stockholders’ Equity | 5,848.5 | 5,750.9 | |||||
Long-term debt, excluding amounts due within one year | 7,853.8 | 7,105.4 | |||||
Total Capitalization | 13,702.3 | 12,856.3 | |||||
Current Liabilities | |||||||
Current portion of long-term debt | 10.9 | 50.0 | |||||
Short-term borrowings | 1,615.1 | 1,977.2 | |||||
Accounts payable | 494.9 | 883.8 | |||||
Dividends payable - common stock | 74.7 | — | |||||
Dividends payable - preferred stock | 19.4 | — | |||||
Customer deposits and credits | 242.8 | 238.9 | |||||
Taxes accrued | 157.8 | 222.7 | |||||
Interest accrued | 95.6 | 90.7 | |||||
Exchange gas payable | 54.8 | 85.5 | |||||
Regulatory liabilities | 103.0 | 140.9 | |||||
Legal and environmental | 20.0 | 18.9 | |||||
Accrued compensation and employee benefits | 145.7 | 149.7 | |||||
Claims accrued | 184.3 | 114.7 | |||||
Other accruals | 120.7 | 63.8 | |||||
Total Current Liabilities | 3,339.7 | 4,036.8 | |||||
Other Liabilities | |||||||
Risk management liabilities | 125.0 | 46.7 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | 1,466.6 | 1,330.5 | |||||
Deferred investment tax credits | 10.1 | 11.2 | |||||
Accrued insurance liabilities | 85.3 | 84.4 | |||||
Accrued liability for postretirement and postemployment benefits | 365.5 | 389.1 | |||||
Regulatory liabilities | 2,440.0 | 2,519.1 | |||||
Asset retirement obligations | 373.1 | 352.0 | |||||
Other noncurrent liabilities | 224.7 | 177.9 | |||||
Total Other Liabilities | 5,090.3 | 4,910.9 | |||||
Commitments and Contingencies (Refer to Note 16, "Other Commitments and Contingencies") | — | — | |||||
Total Capitalization and Liabilities | $ | 22,132.3 | $ | 21,804.0 |
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) are an integral part of these statements.
10
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc. Condensed Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows (unaudited) | |||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, (in millions) | 2019 | 2018 | |||||
Operating Activities | |||||||
Net Income (Loss) | $ | 522.4 | $ | (38.9 | ) | ||
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Net Cash from Operating Activities: | |||||||
Loss on early extinguishment of debt | — | 45.5 | |||||
Depreciation and amortization | 535.2 | 437.8 | |||||
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits | 120.4 | (26.4 | ) | ||||
Other adjustments | 18.8 | 15.6 | |||||
Changes in Assets and Liabilities: | |||||||
Components of working capital | 146.8 | 442.9 | |||||
Regulatory assets/liabilities | (70.0 | ) | 61.3 | ||||
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets | (76.4 | ) | 0.8 | ||||
Other noncurrent liabilities | 34.6 | (11.4 | ) | ||||
Net Cash Flows from Operating Activities | 1,231.8 | 927.2 | |||||
Investing Activities | |||||||
Capital expenditures | (1,310.0 | ) | (1,296.6 | ) | |||
Cost of removal | (84.5 | ) | (72.6 | ) | |||
Purchases of available-for-sale securities | (104.0 | ) | (71.4 | ) | |||
Sales of available-for-sale securities | 104.1 | 58.5 | |||||
Other investing activities | 0.6 | 5.6 | |||||
Net Cash Flows used for Investing Activities | (1,393.8 | ) | (1,376.5 | ) | |||
Financing Activities | |||||||
Issuance of long-term debt | 750.0 | 350.0 | |||||
Repayments of long-term debt and finance lease obligations | (48.5 | ) | (1,044.0 | ) | |||
Premiums and other debt related costs | (11.9 | ) | (46.1 | ) | |||
Issuance of short-term debt (maturity > 90 days) | 600.0 | 600.0 | |||||
Repayment of short-term debt (maturity > 90 days) | (550.0 | ) | — | ||||
Change in short-term borrowings, net (maturity ≤ 90 days) | (412.1 | ) | (194.6 | ) | |||
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs | 10.9 | 611.6 | |||||
Issuance of preferred stock, net of issuance costs | — | 394.3 | |||||
Acquisition of treasury stock | — | (4.0 | ) | ||||
Dividends paid - common stock | (223.8 | ) | (202.5 | ) | |||
Dividends paid - preferred stock | (36.7 | ) | — | ||||
Net Cash Flows from Financing Activities | 77.9 | 464.7 | |||||
Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (84.1 | ) | 15.4 | ||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period | 121.1 | 38.4 | |||||
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period | $ | 37.0 | $ | 53.8 |
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
Nine Months Ended September 30, (in millions) | 2019 | 2018 | |||||
Non-cash transactions: | |||||||
Capital expenditures included in current liabilities | $ | 187.1 | $ | 167.5 | |||
Dividends declared but not paid | 94.1 | 82.4 | |||||
Reclassification of other property to regulatory assets | — | 245.3 | |||||
Assets recorded for asset retirement obligations | $ | 12.8 | $ | 74.7 |
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) are an integral part of these statements.
11
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Condensed Statements of Consolidated Equity (unaudited)
(in millions) | Common Stock | Preferred Stock(1) | Treasury Stock | Additional Paid-In Capital | Retained Deficit | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of July 1, 2019 | $ | 3.8 | $ | 880.0 | $ | (99.9 | ) | $ | 6,417.1 | $ | (1,144.0 | ) | $ | (80.8 | ) | $ | 5,976.2 | ||||||||||
Comprehensive Loss: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | — | 6.6 | — | 6.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax | — | — | — | — | — | (49.5 | ) | (49.5 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Dividends: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock ($0.20 per share) | — | — | — | — | (74.8 | ) | — | (74.8 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Preferred stock (See Note 5) | — | — | — | — | (19.4 | ) | — | (19.4 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Stock issuances: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Employee stock purchase plan | — | — | — | 1.5 | — | — | 1.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term incentive plan | — | — | — | 3.6 | — | — | 3.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||
401(k) and profit sharing | — | — | — | 4.3 | — | — | 4.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2019 | $ | 3.8 | $ | 880.0 | $ | (99.9 | ) | $ | 6,426.5 | $ | (1,231.6 | ) | $ | (130.3 | ) | $ | 5,848.5 | ||||||||||
(1)Series A and Series B shares have an aggregate liquidation preference of $400M and $500M, respectively. See Note 5, "Equity" for additional information. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | Common Stock | Preferred Stock(1) | Treasury Stock | Additional Paid-In Capital | Retained Deficit | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2019 | $ | 3.8 | $ | 880.0 | $ | (99.9 | ) | $ | 6,403.5 | $ | (1,399.3 | ) | $ | (37.2 | ) | $ | 5,750.9 | ||||||||||
Comprehensive Income: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | — | 522.4 | — | 522.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax | — | — | — | — | — | (93.1 | ) | (93.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Dividends: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock ($0.80 per share) | — | — | — | — | (298.6 | ) | — | (298.6 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Preferred stock (See Note 5) | — | — | — | — | (56.1 | ) | — | (56.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Stock issuances: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Employee stock purchase plan | — | — | — | 4.2 | — | — | 4.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term incentive plan | — | — | — | 5.7 | — | — | 5.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||
401(k) and profit sharing | — | — | — | 13.1 | — | — | 13.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2019 | $ | 3.8 | $ | 880.0 | $ | (99.9 | ) | $ | 6,426.5 | $ | (1,231.6 | ) | $ | (130.3 | ) | $ | 5,848.5 |
(1)Series A and Series B shares have an aggregate liquidation preference of $400M and $500M, respectively. See Note 5, "Equity" for additional information.
12
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Condensed Statements of Consolidated Equity (unaudited) (continued)
(in millions) | Common Stock | Preferred Stock(1) | Treasury Stock | Additional Paid-In Capital | Retained Deficit | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of July 1, 2018 | $ | 3.7 | $ | 394.4 | $ | (99.9 | ) | $ | 6,151.2 | $ | (965.5 | ) | $ | (20.9 | ) | $ | 5,463.0 | ||||||||||
Comprehensive loss: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | — | — | — | — | (339.5 | ) | — | (339.5 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income, net of tax | — | — | — | — | — | 23.4 | 23.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock ($0.195 per share) | — | — | — | — | (70.9 | ) | — | (70.9 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Preferred stock (See Note 5) | — | — | — | — | (11.6 | ) | — | (11.6 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Stock issuances: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred stock | — | (0.5 | ) | — | — | — | — | (0.5 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Employee stock purchase plan | — | — | — | 1.5 | — | — | 1.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term incentive plan | — | — | — | 3.3 | — | — | 3.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
401(k) and profit sharing | — | — | — | 5.0 | — | — | 5.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2018 | $ | 3.7 | $ | 393.9 | $ | (99.9 | ) | $ | 6,161.0 | $ | (1,387.5 | ) | $ | 2.5 | $ | 5,073.7 | |||||||||||
(1)Series A shares have an aggregate liquidation preference of $400M. See Note 5, "Equity" for additional information. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | Common Stock | Preferred Stock(1) | Treasury Stock | Additional Paid-In Capital | Retained Deficit | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2018 | $ | 3.4 | $ | — | $ | (95.9 | ) | $ | 5,529.1 | $ | (1,073.1 | ) | $ | (43.4 | ) | $ | 4,320.1 | ||||||||||
Comprehensive income: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | — | — | — | — | (38.9 | ) | — | (38.9 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income, net of tax | — | — | — | — | — | 55.4 | 55.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock ($0.78 per share) | — | — | — | — | (273.4 | ) | — | (273.4 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Preferred stock (See Note 5) | — | — | — | — | (11.6 | ) | — | (11.6 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Treasury stock acquired | — | — | (4.0 | ) | — | — | — | (4.0 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle | — | — | — | — | 9.5 | (9.5 | ) | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Stock issuances: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock - private placement | 0.3 | — | — | 599.3 | — | — | 599.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred stock | — | 393.9 | — | — | — | — | 393.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Employee stock purchase plan | — | — | — | 4.2 | — | — | 4.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term incentive plan | — | — | — | 11.5 | — | — | 11.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
401(k) and profit sharing | — | — | — | 16.9 | — | — | 16.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2018 | $ | 3.7 | $ | 393.9 | $ | (99.9 | ) | $ | 6,161.0 | $ | (1,387.5 | ) | $ | 2.5 | $ | 5,073.7 |
(1)Series A shares have an aggregate liquidation preference of $400M. See Note 5, "Equity" for additional information.
13
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Condensed Statements of Consolidated Equity (unaudited) (continued)
Preferred | Common | ||||||||||
Shares (in thousands) | Shares | Shares | Treasury | Outstanding | |||||||
Balance as of July 1, 2019 | 440 | 377,212 | (3,963 | ) | 373,249 | ||||||
Issued: | |||||||||||
Employee stock purchase plan | — | 51 | — | 51 | |||||||
Long-term incentive plan | — | 1 | — | 1 | |||||||
401(k) and profit sharing | — | 146 | — | 146 | |||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2019 | 440 | 377,410 | (3,963 | ) | 373,447 | ||||||
Preferred | Common | ||||||||||
Shares (in thousands) | Shares | Shares | Treasury | Outstanding | |||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2019 | 420 | 376,326 | (3,963 | ) | 372,363 | ||||||
Issued: | |||||||||||
Preferred stock | 20 | — | — | — | |||||||
Employee stock purchase plan | — | 153 | — | 153 | |||||||
Long-term incentive plan | — | 465 | — | 465 | |||||||
401(k) and profit sharing | — | 466 | — | 466 | |||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2019 | 440 | 377,410 | (3,963 | ) | 373,447 |
Preferred | Common | ||||||||||
Shares (in thousands) | Shares | Shares | Treasury | Outstanding | |||||||
Balance as of July 1, 2018 | 400 | 366,878 | (3,963 | ) | 362,915 | ||||||
Issued: | |||||||||||
Employee stock purchase plan | — | 55 | — | 55 | |||||||
Long-term incentive plan | — | 5 | — | 5 | |||||||
401(k) and profit sharing | — | 192 | — | 192 | |||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2018 | 400 | 367,130 | (3,963 | ) | 363,167 | ||||||
Preferred | Common | ||||||||||
Shares (in thousands) | Shares | Shares | Treasury | Outstanding | |||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2018 | — | 340,813 | (3,797 | ) | 337,016 | ||||||
Treasury Stock acquired | — | — | (166 | ) | (166 | ) | |||||
Issued: | |||||||||||
Common stock private placement | — | 24,964 | — | 24,964 | |||||||
Preferred stock | 400 | — | — | — | |||||||
Employee stock purchase plan | — | 166 | — | 166 | |||||||
Long-term incentive plan | — | 499 | — | 499 | |||||||
401(k) and profit sharing | — | 688 | — | 688 | |||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2018 | 400 | 367,130 | (3,963 | ) | 363,167 |
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) are an integral part of these statements.
14
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
1. Basis of Accounting Presentation
Our accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) reflect all normal recurring adjustments that are necessary, in the opinion of management, to present fairly the results of operations in accordance with GAAP in the United States of America. The accompanying financial statements contain our accounts and that of our majority-owned or controlled subsidiaries.
The accompanying financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. Income for interim periods may not be indicative of results for the calendar year due to weather variations and other factors.
The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although we believe that the disclosures made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are adequate to make the information herein not misleading.
15
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
We are currently evaluating the impact of certain ASUs on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) and Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited), which are described below:
Standard | Description | Effective Date | Effect on the financial statements or other significant matters |
ASU 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments | The pronouncement clarifies and improves certain areas of guidance related to the recently issued standards on credit losses, hedging, and recognition and measurement. Topics 1, 2, and 5 of this update amends ASU 2016-13 as it relates to accrued interest, transfers between investment classifications, expected recoveries and reinsurance recoverables. Topic 3 improves guidance related to fair value hedges. Topic 4 of this update relates to codification improvements to ASU 2016-01. | Annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods therein. Early adoption is permitted. | We maintain investments in U.S. Treasury, corporate and mortgage-backed debt securities, which are pledged as collateral for trust accounts related to our wholly-owned insurance company. These debt securities are classified as available for sale ("AFS"). We are working with our external investment manager to enhance our current impairment model for AFS debt securities to comply with the standard. Upon adoption of ASC 326, we will recognize impairment for AFS debt securities by implementing an allowance approach instead of an 'other than temporary' impairment model. In addition, we have recorded balances for trade receivables that also fall within the scope of the standard. Based on shared risk characteristics, we segregated our trade receivables into 'residential customer receivables' and 'non-residential customer receivables'. We intend to apply separate models to calculate reserves for uncollectible receivables. While we continue to assess and enhance our processes of recording reserves for uncollectible receivables to comply with the current expected credit loss model, we do not expect any significant modifications to our current policy of calculating uncollectible reserves for our 'residential customer receivables' balances. ASC 326 also prescribes additional presentation and disclosure requirements. We are currently reviewing the impact of these requirements on our disclosures related to credit in our Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited). We are unable to reasonably estimate the quantitative impact of adoption on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited). We expect to adopt this ASU on its effective date. |
ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326) | The pronouncement changes the impairment model for most financial assets, replacing the current "incurred loss" model. ASU 2016-13 will require the use of an "expected loss" model for instruments measured at amortized cost. It will also require entities to record allowances for available-for-sale securities rather than impair the carrying amount of the securities. Subsequent improvements to the estimated credit losses of available-for-sale securities will be recognized immediately in earnings instead of over time as they are under historic guidance. |
16
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
Standard | Description | Effective Date | Effect on the financial statements or other significant matters |
ASU 2018-14, Compensation—Retirement Benefits—Defined Benefit Plans—General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans | The pronouncement modifies the disclosure requirements for defined benefit pension or other postretirement benefit plans. The guidance removes disclosures that are no longer considered cost beneficial, clarifies the specific requirements of disclosures and adds disclosure requirements identified as relevant. The modifications affect annual period disclosures and must be applied on a retrospective basis to all periods presented. | Annual periods ending after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. | We are currently evaluating the effects of this pronouncement on our Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited). We expect to adopt this ASU on its effective date. |
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Standard | Adoption |
ASU 2019-01, Leases (Topic 842): Codification Improvements | See Note 15, "Leases," for our discussion of the effects of implementing these standards. |
ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements | |
ASU 2018-01, Leases (Topic 842): Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842 | |
ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) |
3. Revenue Recognition
Revenue Disaggregation and Reconciliation. We disaggregate revenue from contracts with customers based upon reportable segment as well as by customer class. As our revenues are primarily earned over a period of time and we do not earn a material amount of revenues at a point in time, revenues are not disaggregated as such below. The Gas Distribution Operations segment provides natural gas service and transportation for residential, commercial and industrial customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Kentucky, Maryland, Indiana and Massachusetts. The Electric Operations segment provides electric service in 20 counties in the northern part of Indiana.
17
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
The tables below reconcile revenue disaggregation by customer class to segment revenue as well as to revenues reflected on the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income (Loss) (unaudited) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018:
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 (in millions) | Gas Distribution Operations | Electric Operations | Corporate and Other | Total | |||||||||||
Customer Revenues(1) | |||||||||||||||
Residential | $ | 288.3 | $ | 148.7 | $ | — | $ | 437.0 | |||||||
Commercial | 90.9 | 136.3 | — | 227.2 | |||||||||||
Industrial | 45.3 | 151.5 | — | 196.8 | |||||||||||
Off-system | 16.9 | — | — | 16.9 | |||||||||||
Miscellaneous | 9.8 | 3.1 | 0.2 | 13.1 | |||||||||||
Total Customer Revenues | $ | 451.2 | $ | 439.6 | $ | 0.2 | $ | 891.0 | |||||||
Other Revenues | 12.4 | 28.1 | — | 40.5 | |||||||||||
Total Operating Revenues | $ | 463.6 | $ | 467.7 | $ | 0.2 | $ | 931.5 |
(1) Customer revenue amounts exclude intersegment revenues. See Note 19, "Business Segment Information," for discussion of intersegment revenues.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 (in millions) | Gas Distribution Operations | Electric Operations | Corporate and Other | Total | |||||||||||
Customer Revenues(1) | |||||||||||||||
Residential | $ | 257.0 | $ | 154.7 | $ | — | $ | 411.7 | |||||||
Commercial | 80.9 | 140.7 | — | 221.6 | |||||||||||
Industrial | 39.0 | 153.6 | — | 192.6 | |||||||||||
Off-system | 20.4 | — | — | 20.4 | |||||||||||
Miscellaneous | 9.2 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 9.5 | |||||||||||
Total Customer Revenues | $ | 406.5 | $ | 449.1 | $ | 0.2 | $ | 855.8 | |||||||
Other Revenues | 12.1 | 27.1 | — | 39.2 | |||||||||||
Total Operating Revenues | $ | 418.6 | $ | 476.2 | $ | 0.2 | $ | 895.0 | |||||||
(1) Customer revenue amounts exclude intersegment revenues. See Note 19, "Business Segment Information," for discussion of intersegment revenues. |
18
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 (in millions) | Gas Distribution Operations | Electric Operations | Corporate and Other | Total | |||||||||||
Customer Revenues(1) | |||||||||||||||
Residential | $ | 1,638.6 | $ | 373.4 | $ | — | $ | 2,012.0 | |||||||
Commercial | 543.2 | 370.7 | — | 913.9 | |||||||||||
Industrial | 181.1 | 470.6 | — | 651.7 | |||||||||||
Off-system | 60.4 | — | — | 60.4 | |||||||||||
Miscellaneous | 39.4 | 16.7 | 0.6 | 56.7 | |||||||||||
Total Customer Revenues | $ | 2,462.7 | $ | 1,231.4 | $ | 0.6 | $ | 3,694.7 | |||||||
Other Revenues | 43.5 | 73.5 | — | 117.0 | |||||||||||
Total Operating Revenues | $ | 2,506.2 | $ | 1,304.9 | $ | 0.6 | $ | 3,811.7 | |||||||
(1) Customer revenue amounts exclude intersegment revenues. See Note 19, "Business Segment Information," for discussion of intersegment revenues. | |||||||||||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 (in millions) | Gas Distribution Operations | Electric Operations | Corporate and Other | Total | |||||||||||
Customer Revenues(1) | |||||||||||||||
Residential | $ | 1,540.3 | $ | 382.3 | $ | — | $ | 1,922.6 | |||||||
Commercial | 516.2 | 374.2 | — | 890.4 | |||||||||||
Industrial | 161.3 | 468.1 | — | 629.4 | |||||||||||
Off-system | 63.6 | — | — | 63.6 | |||||||||||
Miscellaneous | 36.2 | 12.3 | 0.6 | 49.1 | |||||||||||
Total Customer Revenues | $ | 2,317.6 | $ | 1,236.9 | $ | 0.6 | $ | 3,555.1 | |||||||
Other Revenues | 30.2 | 67.5 | — | 97.7 | |||||||||||
Total Operating Revenues | $ | 2,347.8 | $ | 1,304.4 | $ | 0.6 | $ | 3,652.8 | |||||||
(1) Customer revenue amounts exclude intersegment revenues. See Note 19, "Business Segment Information," for discussion of intersegment revenues. |
Customer Accounts Receivable. Accounts receivable on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) includes both billed and unbilled amounts, as well as certain amounts that are not related to customer revenues. Unbilled amounts of accounts receivable relate to a portion of a customer’s consumption of gas or electricity from the date of the last cycle billing through the last day of the month (balance sheet date). Factors taken into consideration when estimating unbilled revenue include historical usage, customer rates and weather. The opening and closing balances of customer receivables for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 are presented in the table below. We had no significant contract assets or liabilities during the period. Additionally, we have not incurred any significant costs to obtain or fulfill contracts.
(in millions) | Customer Accounts Receivable, Billed (less reserve) | Customer Accounts Receivable, Unbilled (less reserve) | |||||
Balance as of December 31, 2018 | $ | 540.5 | $ | 349.1 | |||
Balance as of September 30, 2019 | 297.1 | 193.3 | |||||
Increase (Decrease) | $ | (243.4 | ) | $ | (155.8 | ) |
Utility revenues are billed to customers monthly on a cycle basis. We generally expect that substantially all customer accounts receivable will be collected within the month following customer billing, as this revenue consists primarily of monthly, tariff-based billings for service and usage. We maintain common utility credit risk mitigation practices, including requiring deposits and actively pursuing collection of past due amounts. In addition, our regulated operations utilize certain regulatory mechanisms that facilitate recovery of bad debt costs within tariff-based rates, which provides further evidence of collectibility. It is probable that substantially all of the consideration to which we are entitled from customers will be collected upon satisfaction of performance obligations.
19
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
4. Earnings Per Share
Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. The weighted-average shares outstanding for diluted EPS includes the incremental effects of the various long-term incentive compensation plans and forward agreements when the impact would be dilutive (See Note 5 "Equity"). The computation of diluted average common shares for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 is not presented since we had a net loss on the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income (Loss) (unaudited) during the periods, and any incremental shares would have had an anti-dilutive impact on EPS. The computation of diluted average common shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 is as follows:
Nine Months Ended | |||
September 30, | |||
(in thousands) | 2019 | ||
Denominator | |||
Basic average common shares outstanding | 373,796 | ||
Dilutive potential common shares: | |||
Shares contingently issuable under employee stock plans | 919 | ||
Shares restricted under employee stock plans | 141 | ||
Forward Agreements | 339 | ||
Diluted Average Common Shares | 375,195 |
5. Equity
Common Stock. As of September 30, 2019, we had 600,000,000 shares of common stock authorized for issuance, of which 373,446,862 shares were outstanding.
ATM Program and Forward Sale Agreements. On August 1, 2019, we amended four separate equity distribution agreements originally entered into on November 1, 2018, pursuant to which we may sell, from time to time, up to an aggregate value of $434.4 million of our common stock. The agreements expire on December 31, 2020.
On December 6, 2018, under the ATM program, we executed a forward agreement, which allows us to issue a fixed number of shares at a price to be settled in the future. From December 6, 2018 to December 10, 2018, 4,708,098 shares were borrowed from third parties and sold by the dealer at a weighted average price of $26.55 per share. We may settle this agreement in shares, cash, or net shares by December 6, 2019. Had we settled all the shares under the forward agreement at September 30, 2019, we would have received approximately $123.3 million, based on a net price of $26.19 per share.
On August 12, 2019, under the ATM program, we executed a separate forward agreement similar to that discussed above. From August 12, 2019 to September 13, 2019, 3,714,400 shares were borrowed from third parties and sold by the dealer at a weighted average price of $29.26 per share. We may settle this agreement in shares, cash, or net shares by December 31, 2019. Had we settled all the shares under the forward agreement at September 30, 2019, we would have received approximately $107.6 million, based on a net price of $28.98 per share.
As of September 30, 2019, the ATM program (including impacts of the forward sale agreements discussed above) had $200.7 million of equity available for issuance.
20
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
Preferred Stock. As of September 30, 2019, we had 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock authorized for issuance, of which 440,000 shares of preferred stock in the aggregate for all series were outstanding. The following table displays preferred dividends declared for the period by outstanding series of shares:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | September 30, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||
(in millions except shares and per share amounts) | Liquidation Preference Per Share | Shares | Dividends Declared Per Share | Outstanding | ||||||||||||||||||||
5.650% Series A | $ | 1,000.00 | 400,000 | $ | 28.25 | $ | 28.88 | $ | 56.50 | $ | 28.88 | $ | 393.9 | $ | 393.9 | |||||||||
6.500% Series B | $ | 25,000.00 | 20,000 | $ | 406.25 | $ | — | $ | 1,674.65 | $ | — | $ | 486.1 | $ | 486.1 |
6. Regulatory Matters
Cost Recovery and Trackers
Comparability of our line item operating results is impacted by regulatory trackers that allow for the recovery in rates of certain costs such as those described below. Increases in the expenses that are the subject of trackers generally result in a corresponding increase in operating revenues and therefore have essentially no impact on total operating income results.
Certain costs of our operating companies are significant, recurring in nature and generally outside the control of the operating companies. Some states allow the recovery of such costs through cost tracking mechanisms. Such tracking mechanisms allow for abbreviated regulatory proceedings in order for the operating companies to implement charges and recover appropriate costs. Tracking mechanisms allow for more timely recovery of such costs as compared with more traditional cost recovery mechanisms. Examples of such mechanisms include GCR adjustment mechanisms, tax riders, bad debt recovery mechanisms, energy efficiency programs, MISO non-fuel costs and revenues, resource capacity charges, federally-mandated costs and environmental-related costs.
A portion of the Gas Distribution revenue is related to the recovery of gas costs, the review and recovery of which occurs through standard regulatory proceedings. All states in our operating area require periodic review of actual gas procurement activity to determine prudence and to permit the recovery of prudently incurred costs related to the supply of gas for customers. Our distribution companies have historically been found prudent in the procurement of gas supplies to serve customers.
A portion of the Electric Operations revenue is related to the recovery of fuel costs to generate power and the fuel costs related to purchased power. These costs are recovered through a FAC, a quarterly regulatory proceeding in Indiana.
Infrastructure Replacement and Federally-Mandated Compliance Programs
All of our operating utility companies have completed rate proceedings involving infrastructure replacement or enhancement, and have embarked upon initiatives to replace significant portions of their operating systems that are nearing the end of their useful lives. Each company's approach to cost recovery is unique, given the different laws, regulations and precedent that exist in each jurisdiction.
21
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
The following table describes the most recent vintage of our regulatory programs to recover infrastructure replacement and other federally-mandated compliance investments currently in rates and those pending commission approval:
(in millions) | |||||||||
Company | Program | Incremental Revenue | Incremental Capital Investment | Investment Period | Filed | Status | Rates Effective | ||
Columbia of Ohio | IRP - 2019(1) | 18.2 | 199.6 | 1/18-12/18 | February 28, 2019 | Approved April 24, 2019 | May 2019 | ||
Columbia of Ohio | CEP - 2018 | 74.5 | 659.9 | 1/11-12/17 | December 1, 2017 | Approved November 28, 2018 | December 2018 | ||
Columbia of Ohio | CEP - 2019 | 15.0 | 121.7 | 1/18-12/18 | February 28, 2019 | Approved August 28, 2019 | September 2019 | ||
NIPSCO - Gas | TDSIC 9(1)(2) | (10.6 | ) | 54.4 | 1/18-6/18 | August 28, 2018 | Approved December 27, 2018 | January 2019 | |
NIPSCO - Gas | TDSIC 10(3) | 1.6 | 12.4 | 7/18-4/19 | June 25, 2019 | Approved October 16, 2019 | November 2019 | ||
NIPSCO - Gas | FMCA 1(4) | 9.9 | 1.5 | 11/17-9/18 | November 30, 2018 | Approved March 27, 2019 | April 2019 | ||
NIPSCO - Gas | FMCA 2(4) | (3.5 | ) | 1.8 | 10/18-3/19 | May 29, 2019 | Approved September 25, 2019 | October 2019 | |
Columbia of Massachusetts | GSEP - 2019(5) | 10.7 | 64.0 | 1/19-12/19 | October 31, 2018 | Approved April 30, 2019 | May 2019 | ||
Columbia of Virginia | SAVE - 2019 | 2.4 | 36.0 | 1/19-12/19 | August 17, 2018 | Approved October 26, 2018 | January 2019 | ||
Columbia of Virginia | SAVE - 2020 | 3.8 | 48.3 | 1/20-12/20 | August 15, 2019 | Order Expected Q4 2019 | January 2020 | ||
Columbia of Kentucky | AMRP - 2019 | 3.6 | 30.1 | 1/19-12/19 | October 15, 2018 | Approved December 5, 2018 | January 2019 | ||
Columbia of Kentucky | AMRP - 2020 | 4.2 | 40.4 | 1/20-12/20 | October 15, 2019 | Order Expected Q4 2019 | January 2020 | ||
Columbia of Maryland | STRIDE - 2019 | 1.2 | 15.9 | 1/19-12/19 | November 1, 2018 | Approved December 12, 2018 | January 2019 | ||
NIPSCO - Electric | TDSIC - 5(1) | 15.9 | 58.8 | 6/18-11/18 | January 29, 2019 | Approved June 12, 2019 | June 2019 | ||
NIPSCO - Electric | TDSIC - 6 | 28.1 | 131.1 | 12/18-6/19 | August 21, 2019 | Order Expected Q4 2019 | January 2020 | ||
NIPSCO - Electric | FMCA - 11(4) | 0.9 | 22.4 | 9/18-2/19 | April 17, 2019 | Approved July 29, 2019 | August 2019 | ||
NIPSCO - Electric | FMCA - 12(4) | 1.6 | 4.7 | 3/19-8/19 | October 18, 2019 | Order Expected January 2020 | February 2020 |
(1)Incremental revenue is net of amounts due back to customers as a result of the TCJA.
(2)Incremental revenue is net of $5.2 million of adjustments in the TDSIC-9 settlement.
(3)Incremental capital and revenue are net of amounts included in the step 2 base rate implementation.
(4)Incremental revenue is inclusive of tracker eligible operations and maintenance expense.
(5)Incremental capital investment anticipated to be lower than $64.0 million for 2019.
22
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
Rate Case Actions
The following table describes current rate case actions as applicable in each of our jurisdictions net of tracker impacts:
(in millions) | |||||||||
Company | Requested Incremental Revenue | Approved or Settled Incremental Revenue | Filed | Status | Rates Effective | ||||
NIPSCO - Gas(1) | $ | 138.1 | $ | 107.3 | September 27, 2017 | Approved September 19, 2018 | October 2018 | ||
Columbia of Virginia(2) | $ | 14.2 | $ | 1.3 | August 28, 2018 | Approved June 12, 2019 | February 2019 | ||
NIPSCO - Electric(3) | $ | 21.4 | $ | (45.0 | ) | October 31, 2018 | Partial settlement filed April 26, 2019, Order expected Q4 2019 | First quarter of 2020 | |
Columbia of Maryland | $ | 2.5 | In Process | May 22, 2019 | Order Expected Q4 2019 | January 2020 |
(2)Rates as originally filed were implemented in February 2019 on an interim basis, subject to refund. The final approved rates, which replaced interim rates, were implemented in July 2019.
(3)An order on the partial settlement agreement, including the resolution of outstanding TCJA impacts to rates is currently pending before the IURC. The as-filed request and partial settlement agreement also includes $83.6 million and $85.3 million, respectively, of reductions to the fuel component of base rates related to a proposed change in service structure.
Additional Regulatory Matters
NIPSCO Electric. On March 29, 2018, WCE, which is currently owned by BP p.l.c ("BP") and BP Products North America, which operates the BP Refinery, filed a petition at the IURC asking that the combined operations of WCE and BP be treated as a single premise, and the WCE generation be dedicated primarily to BP Refinery operations beginning in May 2019 as WCE has self-certified as a qualifying facility at FERC. BP Refinery planned to continue to purchase electric service from NIPSCO at a reduced demand level beginning in May 2019; however, a settlement agreement was filed on November 2, 2018 agreeing that BP and WCE would not move forward with construction of a private transmission line to serve BP until conclusion of NIPSCO’s pending electric rate case. The IURC approved the settlement agreement as filed on February 20, 2019.
7. Risk Management Activities
We are exposed to certain risks relating to our ongoing business operations, namely commodity price risk and interest rate risk. We recognize that the prudent and selective use of derivatives may help to lower our cost of debt capital, manage our interest rate exposure and limit volatility in the price of natural gas.
23
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
Risk management assets and liabilities on our derivatives are presented on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) as shown below:
(in millions) | September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | |||||
Risk Management Assets - Current(1) | |||||||
Interest rate risk programs | $ | — | $ | — | |||
Commodity price risk programs | 1.0 | 1.1 | |||||
Total | $ | 1.0 | $ | 1.1 | |||
Risk Management Assets - Noncurrent(2) | |||||||
Interest rate risk programs | $ | — | $ | 18.5 | |||
Commodity price risk programs | 4.3 | 4.4 | |||||
Total | $ | 4.3 | $ | 22.9 | |||
Risk Management Liabilities - Current(3) | |||||||
Interest rate risk programs | $ | 46.4 | $ | — | |||
Commodity price risk programs | 10.7 | 5.0 | |||||
Total | $ | 57.1 | $ | 5.0 | |||
Risk Management Liabilities - Noncurrent | |||||||
Interest rate risk programs | $ | 78.1 | $ | 9.5 | |||
Commodity price risk programs | 46.9 | 37.2 | |||||
Total | $ | 125.0 | $ | 46.7 |
(1)Presented in "Prepayments and other" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited).
(2)Presented in "Deferred charges and other" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited).
(3)Presented in "Other accruals" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited).
Commodity Price Risk Management
We, along with our utility customers, are exposed to variability in cash flows associated with natural gas purchases and volatility in natural gas prices. We purchase natural gas for sale and delivery to our retail, commercial and industrial customers, and for most customers the variability in the market price of gas is passed through in their rates. Some of our utility subsidiaries offer programs whereby variability in the market price of gas is assumed by the respective utility. The objective of our commodity price risk programs is to mitigate the gas cost variability, for us or on behalf of our customers, associated with natural gas purchases or sales by economically hedging the various gas cost components using a combination of futures, options, forwards or other derivative contracts.
NIPSCO received IURC approval to lock in a fixed price for its natural gas customers using long-term forward purchase instruments. The term of these instruments may range from five to ten years and is limited to 20 percent of NIPSCO’s average annual GCA purchase volume. Gains and losses on these derivative contracts are deferred as regulatory liabilities or assets and are remitted to or collected from customers through NIPSCO’s quarterly GCA mechanism. These instruments are not designated as accounting hedges.
Interest Rate Risk Management
As of September 30, 2019, we have forward-starting interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional value totaling $500.0 million to hedge the variability in cash flows attributable to changes in the benchmark interest rate during the periods from the effective dates of the swaps to the anticipated dates of forecasted debt issuances, which are expected to take place by 2024. These interest rate swaps are designated as cash flow hedges. The gains and losses related to these swaps are recorded to AOCI and are recognized in "Interest expense, net" concurrently with the recognition of interest expense on the associated debt, once issued. If it becomes probable that a hedged forecasted transaction will no longer occur, the accumulated gains or losses on the derivative will be recognized currently in "Other, net" in the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income (Loss) (unaudited).
There were no amounts excluded from effectiveness testing for derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
Our derivative instruments measured at fair value as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 do not contain any credit-risk-related contingent features.
24
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
8. Fair Value
A. Fair Value Measurements
Recurring Fair Value Measurements. The following tables present financial assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) on a recurring basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
Recurring Fair Value Measurements September 30, 2019 (in millions) | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Balance as of September 30, 2019 | |||||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||||||
Risk management assets | $ | — | $ | 5.3 | $ | — | $ | 5.3 | |||||||
Available-for-sale securities | — | 145.7 | — | 145.7 | |||||||||||
Total | $ | — | $ | 151.0 | $ | — | $ | 151.0 | |||||||
Liabilities | |||||||||||||||
Risk management liabilities | $ | — | $ | 182.1 | $ | — | $ | 182.1 | |||||||
Total | $ | — | $ | 182.1 | $ | — | $ | 182.1 |
Recurring Fair Value Measurements December 31, 2018 (in millions) | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Balance as of December 31, 2018 | |||||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||||||
Risk management assets | $ | — | $ | 24.0 | $ | — | $ | 24.0 | |||||||
Available-for-sale securities | — | 138.3 | — | 138.3 | |||||||||||
Total | $ | — | $ | 162.3 | $ | — | $ | 162.3 | |||||||
Liabilities | |||||||||||||||
Risk management liabilities | $ | — | $ | 51.7 | $ | — | $ | 51.7 | |||||||
Total | $ | — | $ | 51.7 | $ | — | $ | 51.7 |
Risk management assets and liabilities include interest rate swaps, exchange-traded NYMEX futures and NYMEX options and non-exchange-based forward purchase contracts. When utilized, exchange-traded derivative contracts are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and are classified within Level 1. These financial assets and liabilities are secured with cash on deposit with the exchange; therefore, nonperformance risk has not been incorporated into these valuations. Certain non-exchange-traded derivatives are valued using broker or over-the-counter, on-line exchanges. In such cases, these non-exchange-traded derivatives are classified within Level 2. Non-exchange-based derivative instruments include swaps, forwards, and options. In certain instances, these instruments may utilize models to measure fair value. We use a similar model to value similar instruments. Valuation models utilize various inputs that include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, other observable inputs for the asset or liability and market-corroborated inputs, (i.e., inputs derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means). Where observable inputs are available for substantially the full term of the asset or liability, the instrument is categorized within Level 2. Certain derivatives trade in less active markets with a lower availability of pricing information and models may be utilized in the valuation. When such inputs have a significant impact on the measurement of fair value, the instrument is categorized within Level 3. Credit risk is considered in the fair value calculation of derivative instruments that are not exchange-traded. Credit exposures are adjusted to reflect collateral agreements which reduce exposures. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, there were no material transfers between fair value hierarchies. Additionally, there were no changes in the method or significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of our financial instruments.
We have entered into forward-starting interest rate swaps to hedge the interest rate risk on coupon payments of forecasted issuances of long-term debt. These derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges. Credit risk is considered in the fair value calculation of each agreement. As they are based on observable data and valuations of similar instruments, the hedges are categorized within
25
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. There was no exchange of premium at the initial date of the swaps, and we can settle the contracts at any time. For additional information, see Note 7, "Risk Management Activities."
NIPSCO has entered into long-term forward natural gas purchase instruments that range from five to ten years to lock in a fixed price for its natural gas customers. We value these contracts using a pricing model that incorporates market-based information when available, as these instruments trade less frequently and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. For additional information, see Note 7, “Risk Management Activities.”
Available-for-sale securities are investments pledged as collateral for trust accounts related to our wholly-owned insurance company. Available-for-sale securities are included within “Other investments” in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited). We value U.S. Treasury, corporate debt and mortgage-backed securities using a matrix pricing model that incorporates market-based information. These securities trade less frequently and are classified within Level 2. Total unrealized gains and losses from available-for-sale securities are included in other comprehensive income. The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of available-for-sale securities at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were:
September 30, 2019 (in millions) | Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | |||||||||||
Available-for-sale securities | |||||||||||||||
U.S. Treasury debt securities | $ | 31.1 | $ | 0.2 | $ | (0.1 | ) | $ | 31.2 | ||||||
Corporate/Other debt securities | 110.6 | 4.1 | (0.2 | ) | 114.5 | ||||||||||
Total | $ | 141.7 | $ | 4.3 | $ | (0.3 | ) | $ | 145.7 | ||||||
December 31, 2018 (in millions) | Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | |||||||||||
Available-for-sale securities | |||||||||||||||
U.S. Treasury debt securities | $ | 23.6 | $ | 0.1 | $ | (0.1 | ) | $ | 23.6 | ||||||
Corporate/Other debt securities | 117.7 | 0.4 | (3.4 | ) | 114.7 | ||||||||||
Total | $ | 141.3 | $ | 0.5 | $ | (3.5 | ) | $ | 138.3 |
Realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities were immaterial for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.
The cost of maturities sold is based upon specific identification. At September 30, 2019, approximately $6.8 million of U.S. Treasury debt securities and approximately $4.5 million of Corporate/Other debt securities have maturities of less than a year.
There are no material items in the fair value reconciliation of Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.
Non-recurring Fair Value Measurements. There were no significant non-recurring fair value measurements recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019.
B. Other Fair Value Disclosures for Financial Instruments. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, customer deposits and short-term borrowings is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to their liquid or short-term nature. Our long-term borrowings are recorded at historical amounts.
The following method and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments.
Long-term Debt. The fair value of outstanding long-term debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar securities. Certain premium costs associated with the early settlement of long-term debt are not taken into consideration in determining fair value. These fair value measurements are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, there was no change in the method or significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of long-term debt.
26
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
The carrying amount and estimated fair values of these financial instruments were as follows:
(in millions) | Carrying Amount as of September 30, 2019 | Estimated Fair Value as of September 30, 2019 | Carrying Amount as of Dec. 31, 2018 | Estimated Fair Value as of Dec. 31, 2018 | |||||||||||
Long-term debt (including current portion) | $ | 7,864.7 | $ | 8,865.2 | $ | 7,155.4 | $ | 7,228.3 |
9. Transfers of Financial Assets
Columbia of Ohio, NIPSCO and Columbia of Pennsylvania each maintain a receivables agreement whereby they transfer their customer accounts receivables to third-party financial institutions through wholly-owned and consolidated special purpose entities. The three agreements expire between May 2020 and October 2020 and may be further extended if mutually agreed to by the parties thereto.
All receivables transferred to third parties are valued at face value, which approximates fair value due to their short-term nature. The amount of the undivided percentage ownership interest in the accounts receivables transferred is determined in part by required loss reserves under the agreements.
Transfers of accounts receivable are accounted for as secured borrowings resulting in the recognition of short-term borrowings on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited). As of September 30, 2019, the maximum amount of debt that could be recognized related to our accounts receivable programs is $270.0 million.
The following table reflects the gross receivables balance and net receivables transferred as well as short-term borrowings related to the securitization transactions as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
(in millions) | September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | |||||
Gross Receivables | $ | 375.1 | $ | 694.4 | |||
Less: Receivables not transferred | 115.0 | 295.2 | |||||
Net receivables transferred | $ | 260.1 | $ | 399.2 | |||
Short-term debt due to asset securitization | $ | 260.1 | $ | 399.2 |
For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, $139.1 million and $71.7 million, respectively, was recorded as cash flows used for financing activities related to the change in short-term borrowings due to securitization transactions. Fees associated with the securitization transactions were $0.6 million and $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $2.0 million and $1.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. We remain responsible for collecting on the receivables securitized, and the receivables cannot be transferred to another party.
10. Goodwill
The following presents our goodwill balance allocated by segment as of September 30, 2019:
(in millions) | Gas Distribution Operations | Electric Operations | Corporate and Other | Total | ||||||||||||
Goodwill | $ | 1,690.7 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,690.7 |
For our annual goodwill impairment analysis most recently performed as of May 1, 2019, we completed a qualitative "step 0" analysis for all reporting units other than our Columbia of Massachusetts reporting unit. In the step 0 analysis, we assessed various assumptions, events and circumstances that would have affected the estimated fair value of the applicable reporting units as compared to their baseline May 1, 2016 "step 1" fair value measurement. The results of this assessment indicated that it was not more likely than not that the fair values of these reporting units were less than their respective carrying values, accordingly, no "step 1" analysis was required.
The results of our Columbia of Massachusetts reporting unit were negatively impacted by the Greater Lawrence Incident (see Note 16, "Other Commitments and Contingencies"). As a result, we completed a quantitative "step 1" analysis for the May 1, 2019 goodwill analysis for this reporting unit. The step 1 analysis performed indicated that the fair value of the Columbia of Massachusetts
27
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
reporting unit substantially exceeds its carrying value. As a result, no impairment charge was recorded as of the May 1, 2019 test date. This analysis incorporated the latest available cash flow projections reflecting the estimated ongoing impacts of the Greater Lawrence Incident on Columbia of Massachusetts' operations. We also incorporated other significant inputs to our fair value calculation (e.g. discount rate, market multiples) to reflect current market conditions. We will continue to monitor the impacts of the incident for events that could trigger a new impairment analysis including, but not limited to, unfavorable regulatory outcomes and regulator fines and penalties. As of September 30, 2019, goodwill at Columbia of Massachusetts totaled $204.8 million.
11. Income Taxes
Our interim effective tax rates reflect the estimated annual effective tax rates for 2019 and 2018, adjusted for tax expense associated with certain discrete items. The effective tax rates for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 were 283.3% and 21.8%, respectively. The effective tax rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 were 18.8% and 40.3%, respectively. These effective tax rates differ from the federal statutory tax rate of 21% primarily due to the effects of tax credits, state income taxes, the amortization of excess deferred federal income tax liabilities, as specified in the TCJA and in utility ratemaking proceedings, and other permanent book-to-tax differences. These adjustments have a relative impact on the effective tax rate proportionally to pretax income or loss.
The increase in the three month effective tax rate of 261.5% in 2019 versus the same period in 2018 is primarily due to the relative impact of permanent differences on lower pre-tax loss.
The decrease in the nine month effective tax rate of 21.5% in 2019 versus the same period in 2018 is primarily due to the relative impact of permanent differences on higher pre-tax book income.
There were no material changes recorded in 2019 to our uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2018, however it is reasonably possible the total amount of our unrecognized tax benefits related to state tax positions will significantly change within the next 12 months. We cannot reasonably estimate the range of this potential change at this time.
12. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
We provide defined contribution plans and noncontributory defined benefit retirement plans that cover certain of our employees. Benefits under the defined benefit retirement plans reflect the employees’ compensation, years of service and age at retirement. Additionally, we provide health care and life insurance benefits for certain retired employees. The majority of employees may become eligible for these benefits if they reach retirement age while working for us. The expected cost of such benefits is accrued during the employees’ years of service. For most plans, cash contributions are remitted to grantor trusts.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we contributed $2.1 million to our pension plans and $17.8 million to our other postretirement benefit plans.
28
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
The following table provides the components of the plans’ actuarially determined net periodic benefit cost for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018:
Pension Benefits | Other Postretirement Benefits | ||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, (in millions) | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost(1) | |||||||||||||||
Service cost | $ | 7.3 | $ | 7.8 | $ | 1.3 | $ | 1.3 | |||||||
Interest cost | 18.1 | 16.8 | 4.8 | 4.4 | |||||||||||
Expected return on assets | (27.2 | ) | (35.4 | ) | (3.3 | ) | (3.7 | ) | |||||||
Amortization of prior service credit | — | (0.1 | ) | (0.8 | ) | (1.0 | ) | ||||||||
Recognized actuarial loss | 11.3 | 10.2 | 0.5 | 0.9 | |||||||||||
Settlement loss | 1.9 | 8.3 | — | — | |||||||||||
Total Net Periodic Benefit Cost | $ | 11.4 | $ | 7.6 | $ | 2.5 | $ | 1.9 |
Pension Benefits | Other Postretirement Benefits | ||||||||||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, (in millions) | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost(1) | |||||||||||||||
Service cost | $ | 21.9 | $ | 23.6 | $ | 3.9 | $ | 3.9 | |||||||
Interest cost | 54.5 | 50.0 | 14.4 | 13.2 | |||||||||||
Expected return on assets | (81.6 | ) | (107.9 | ) | (9.9 | ) | (11.1 | ) | |||||||
Amortization of prior service credit | — | (0.3 | ) | (2.4 | ) | (3.0 | ) | ||||||||
Recognized actuarial loss | 34.1 | 30.6 | 1.5 | 2.7 | |||||||||||
Settlement loss | 1.9 | 11.8 | — | — | |||||||||||
Total Net Periodic Benefit Cost | $ | 30.8 | $ | 7.8 | $ | 7.5 | $ | 5.7 |
(1)The service cost component, and all non-service cost components, of net periodic benefit cost are presented in "Operation and maintenance" and "Other, net", respectively, on the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income (unaudited).
As of August 31, 2019, two of our qualified pension plans met the requirement for settlement accounting. A settlement charge of $1.9 million was recorded during the third quarter of 2019. As a result of the settlement, these pension plans were remeasured. The remeasurements led to a decrease to the pension benefit obligation, net of plan assets, of $2.2 million, a net decrease to regulatory assets of $4.0 million, and a net credit to accumulated other comprehensive loss of $0.1 million. Net periodic pension benefit cost for 2019 decreased by $0.7 million as a result of the interim remeasurement.
The following table provides the key assumptions that were used to calculate the pension benefit obligation and the net periodic benefit cost for the plans that triggered settlement accounting at the measurement date of August 31, 2019:
August 31, 2019 | ||
Weighted-average Assumption to Determine Benefit Obligation | ||
Discount rate | 2.80 | % |
Weighted-average Assumptions to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Costs for the period ended | ||
Discount rate - service cost | 4.49 | % |
Discount rate - interest cost | 3.84 | % |
Expected return on assets | 5.70 | % |
29
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
13. Long-Term Debt
On April 1, 2019, NIPSCO repaid $41.0 million of 5.85% pollution control bonds at maturity.
On August 12, 2019, we closed our placement of $750.0 million of 2.95% senior unsecured notes maturing in 2029 which resulted in approximately $742.4 million of net proceeds after deducting commissions and expenses.
14. Short-Term Borrowings
We generate short-term borrowings from our revolving credit facility, commercial paper program, accounts receivable transfer programs and term loan borrowings. Each of these borrowing sources is described further below.
We maintain a revolving credit facility to fund ongoing working capital requirements, including the provision of liquidity support for our commercial paper program, provide for issuance of letters of credit and also for general corporate purposes. Our revolving credit facility has a program limit of $1.85 billion and is comprised of a syndicate of banks led by Barclays. On February 20, 2019, we extended the termination date of our revolving credit facility to February 20, 2024. At September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we had no outstanding borrowings under this facility.
Our commercial paper program has a program limit of up to $1.5 billion with a dealer group comprised of Barclays, Citigroup, Credit Suisse and Wells Fargo. We had $505.0 million and $978.0 million of commercial paper outstanding as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
Transfers of accounts receivable are accounted for as secured borrowings resulting in the recognition of short-term borrowings on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited). We had $260.1 million in transfers as of September 30, 2019 and $399.2 million as of December 31, 2018. Refer to Note 9, "Transfers of Financial Assets," for additional information.
On April 17, 2019, we amended our existing term loan agreement with a syndicate of banks, with MUFG Bank Ltd. as the Administrative Agent, Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner. The amendment increased the amount of our term loan from $600.0 million to $850.0 million and extended the maturity date to April 16, 2020. Interest charged on borrowings depends on the variable rate structure we elect at the time of each borrowing. The available variable rate structures from which we may choose are defined in the term loan agreement. Under the agreement, we borrowed $850.0 million on April 17, 2019 with an interest rate of LIBOR plus 60 basis points.
Short-term borrowings were as follows:
(in millions) | September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | |||||
Commercial paper weighted-average interest rate of 2.74% and 2.96% at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively | $ | 505.0 | $ | 978.0 | |||
Accounts receivable securitization facility borrowings | 260.1 | 399.2 | |||||
Term loan weighted-average interest rate of 2.65% and 3.07% at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively | 850.0 | 600.0 | |||||
Total Short-Term Borrowings | $ | 1,615.1 | $ | 1,977.2 |
Other than for the term loan and certain commercial paper borrowings, cash flows related to the borrowings and repayments of the items listed above are presented net in the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows (unaudited) as their maturities are less than 90 days.
15. Leases
ASC 842 Adoption. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (ASC 842). ASU 2016-02 introduces a lessee model that brings most leases onto the balance sheet. The standard requires that lessees recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases, as that term is defined in the standard) at the lease commencement date: (1) a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and (2) a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. In 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-01, Leases (ASC 842): Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to ASC 842, which allows us to not evaluate existing land easements under ASC 842, and ASU 2018-11, Leases (ASC 842): Targeted Improvements, which allows calendar year entities to initially apply ASC 842 prospectively from January 1, 2019.
30
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
We adopted the provisions of ASC 842 beginning on January 1, 2019, using the transition method provided in ASU 2018-11, which was applied to all existing leases at that date. As such, results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2019 will be presented under ASC 842, while prior period amounts will continue to be reported in accordance with ASC 840. We elected a number of practical expedients, including the "practical expedient package" described in ASC 842-10-65-1 and the provisions of ASU 2018-01, which allows us to not evaluate existing land easements under ASC 842. Further, ASC 842 provides lessees the option of electing an accounting policy, by class of underlying asset, in which the lessee may choose not to separate nonlease components from lease components. We elected this practical expedient for our leases of fleet vehicles, IT assets and railcars. We elected to use a practical expedient that allows the use of hindsight in determining lease terms when evaluating leases that existed at the implementation date. We also elected the short-term lease recognition exemption, allowing us to not recognize ROU assets or lease liabilities for all leases that qualify.
Adoption of the new standard resulted in the recording of additional lease liabilities and corresponding ROU assets of $57.0 million on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) as of January 1, 2019. The standard had no material impact on our Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income (Loss) (unaudited) or our Condensed Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows (unaudited).
Lease Descriptions. We are the lessee for substantially all of our leasing activity, which includes operating and finance leases for corporate and field offices, railcars, fleet vehicles and certain IT assets. Our corporate and field office leases have remaining lease terms between 1 and 25 years with options to renew the leases for up to 25 years. We lease railcars to transport coal to and from our electric generation facilities in Indiana. Our railcars are specifically identified in the lease agreements and have lease terms between 1 and 3 years with options to renew for 1 year. Our fleet vehicles include trucks, trailers and equipment that have been customized specifically for use in the utility industry. We lease fleet vehicles on 1 year terms, after which we have the option to extend on a month-to-month basis or terminate with written notice. ROU assets and liabilities on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) do not include obligations for possible fleet vehicle lease renewals beyond the initial lease term. While we have the ability to renew these leases beyond the initial term, we are not reasonably certain to do so.
We lease the majority of our IT assets under 4 year lease terms. Ownership of leased IT assets is transferred to us at the end of the lease term. We have not provided material residual value guarantees for our leases, nor do our leases contain material restrictions or covenants. Lease contracts containing renewal and termination options are mostly exercisable at our sole discretion. Certain of our real estate and railcar leases include renewal periods in the measurement of the lease obligation if we have deemed the renewals reasonably certain to be exercised.
With respect to service contracts involving the use of assets, if we have the right to direct the use of the asset and obtain substantially all economic benefits from the use of an asset, we account for the service contract as a lease. Unless specifically provided to us by the lessor, we utilize NiSource's collateralized incremental borrowing rate commensurate to the lease term as the discount rate for all of our leases.
31
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
Lease costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 are presented in the table below. These costs include both amounts recognized in expense and amounts capitalized as part of the cost of another asset. Income statement presentation for these costs (when ultimately recognized on the income statement) is also included:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||
(in millions) | Income Statement Classification | 2019 | 2019 | |||||
Finance lease cost | ||||||||
Amortization of right-of-use assets | Depreciation and amortization | $ | 3.6 | $ | 11.3 | |||
Interest on lease liabilities | Interest expense, net | 3.1 | 8.5 | |||||
Total finance lease cost | 6.7 | 19.8 | ||||||
Operating lease cost | Operation and maintenance | 5.3 | 12.3 | |||||
Short-term lease cost | Operation and maintenance | 0.1 | 0.9 | |||||
Total lease cost | $ | 12.1 | $ | 33.0 |
Our right-of-use assets and liabilities are presented in the following lines on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited):
(in millions) | Balance Sheet Classification | September 30, 2019 | ||
Assets | ||||
Finance leases | Net Property, Plant and Equipment | $ | 176.5 | |
Operating leases | Deferred charges and other | 60.9 | ||
Total leased assets | 237.4 | |||
Liabilities | ||||
Current | ||||
Finance leases | Current portion of long-term debt | 10.7 | ||
Operating leases | Other accruals | 10.5 | ||
Noncurrent | ||||
Finance leases | Long-term debt, excluding amounts due within one year | 187.2 | ||
Operating leases | Other noncurrent liabilities | 50.5 | ||
Total lease liabilities | $ | 258.9 |
Other pertinent information related to leases was as follows:
Nine Months Ended September 30, (in millions) | 2019 | ||
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities | |||
Operating cash flows used for finance leases | $ | 8.4 | |
Operating cash flows used for operating leases | 11.8 | ||
Financing cash flows used for finance leases | 7.7 | ||
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations | |||
Finance leases | 11.0 | ||
Operating leases | $ | 3.7 |
September 30, 2019 | ||
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) | ||
Finance leases | 15.5 | |
Operating leases | 9.7 | |
Weighted-average discount rate | ||
Finance leases | 6.0 | % |
Operating leases | 4.4 | % |
32
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
Maturities of our lease liabilities presented on a rolling 12-month basis were as follows:
As of September 30, 2019, (in millions) | Total | Finance Leases | Operating Leases | ||||||
Year 1 | $ | 37.7 | $ | 24.5 | $ | 13.2 | |||
Year 2 | 33.9 | 24.6 | 9.3 | ||||||
Year 3 | 32.8 | 24.6 | 8.2 | ||||||
Year 4 | 29.3 | 21.6 | 7.7 | ||||||
Year 5 | 27.6 | 20.6 | 7.0 | ||||||
Thereafter | 247.8 | 214.8 | 33.0 | ||||||
Total lease payments | 409.1 | 330.7 | 78.4 | ||||||
Less: Imputed interest | (121.6 | ) | (107.0 | ) | (14.6 | ) | |||
Less: Leases not yet commenced(1) | (28.6 | ) | (25.8 | ) | (2.8 | ) | |||
Total | 258.9 | 197.9 | 61.0 | ||||||
Reported as of September 30, 2019 | |||||||||
Short-term lease liabilities | 21.2 | 10.7 | 10.5 | ||||||
Long-term lease liabilities | 237.7 | 187.2 | 50.5 | ||||||
Total lease liabilities | $ | 258.9 | $ | 197.9 | $ | 61.0 |
(1) Expected payments include obligations for leases not yet commenced of approximately $28.6 million for interconnection facilities and corporate and field offices. The facilities will have lease terms between 8 years and 20 years, with estimated commencements in the fourth quarter of 2019 and in the third quarter of 2020.
Disclosures Related to Periods Prior to Adoption of ASC 842.
As of December 31, 2018, total contractual obligations for capital and operating leases were as follows:
As of December 31, 2018, (in millions) | Total | Capital Leases(1) | Operating Leases(2) | ||||||
2019 | $ | 34.0 | $ | 23.0 | $ | 11.0 | |||
2020 | 29.8 | 22.5 | 7.3 | ||||||
2021 | 28.7 | 22.6 | 6.1 | ||||||
2022 | 26.3 | 22.1 | 4.2 | ||||||
2023 | 22.6 | 19.8 | 2.8 | ||||||
Thereafter | 226.9 | 212.4 | 14.5 | ||||||
Total lease payments | $ | 368.3 | $ | 322.4 | $ | 45.9 |
(2)Operating lease balances do not include obligations for possible fleet vehicle lease renewals beyond the initial lease term. While we have the ability to renew these leases beyond the initial term, we are not reasonably certain to do so. Expected payments are $26.7 million in 2019, $22.4 million in 2020, $16.6 million in 2021, $12.3 million in 2022, $9.3 million in 2023 and $8.8 million thereafter.
16. Other Commitments and Contingencies
A. Guarantees and Indemnities. We and certain of our subsidiaries enter into various agreements providing financial or performance assurance to third parties on behalf of certain subsidiaries as a part of normal business. Such agreements include guarantees and stand-by letters of credit. These agreements are entered into primarily to support or enhance the creditworthiness otherwise attributed to a subsidiary on a stand-alone basis, thereby facilitating the extension of sufficient credit to accomplish the subsidiaries’ intended commercial purposes. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we had issued stand-by letters of credit of $10.2 million.
B. Legal Proceedings. On September 13, 2018, a series of fires and explosions occurred in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover, Massachusetts related to the delivery of natural gas by Columbia of Massachusetts (the "Greater Lawrence Incident"). The Greater Lawrence Incident resulted in one fatality and a number of injuries, damaged multiple homes and businesses, and caused the temporary evacuation of significant portions of each municipality. The Massachusetts Governor’s Office declared a state of emergency, authorizing the Massachusetts DPU to order another utility company to coordinate the restoration of utility services in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover. The incident resulted in the interruption of gas service for approximately 7,500 gas meters, the majority of which served residences and approximately 700 of which served businesses, and the interruption of
33
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
other utility service more broadly in the area. Columbia of Massachusetts has replaced the cast iron and bare steel gas pipeline system in the affected area and restored service to nearly all of the gas meters. See “ - D. Other Matters - Greater Lawrence Pipeline Replacement” below for more information.
We are subject to inquiries and investigations by federal and state government authorities and regulatory agencies regarding the Greater Lawrence Incident. The NTSB has concluded its investigation. The U.S Attorney’s office, the SEC, and the Massachusetts DPU have pending investigations related to the Greater Lawrence Incident, as described below. We are also subject to inquiries by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office. We are cooperating with all inquiries and investigations. The outcomes and impacts of the current investigations and any future investigations that may be commenced related to such inquiries are uncertain at this time.
NTSB Investigation. The NTSB investigated the Greater Lawrence Incident as described below. The parties to the investigation included the PHMSA, the Massachusetts DPU, Columbia of Massachusetts, and the Massachusetts State Police. We cooperated with the NTSB and provided information to assist in its investigation into relevant facts related to the event, the probable cause, and its development of safety recommendations.
According to the preliminary public report that the NTSB issued on October 11, 2018, an over-pressurization of a low-pressure gas distribution system occurred that was related to work being done on behalf of Columbia of Massachusetts on a pipeline replacement project in Lawrence. According to the report, sensing lines detected a drop in pressure in a portion of mainline that was being abandoned, causing a regulator to open up and increase pressure in the system to a level that exceeded the maximum allowable operating pressure of the distribution system.
On November 14, 2018, the NTSB issued an urgent safety recommendation report regarding natural gas distribution system project development and review. In its report, the NTSB identified certain factors that it believes contributed to the Greater Lawrence Incident and made safety recommendations. The NTSB recommended that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts eliminate the professional engineer licensure exemption for public utility work and require a professional engineer’s seal on public utility engineering drawings, which is now law in Massachusetts. The NTSB also made recommendations to us related to engineering plan and constructability review processes, records and documentation, management of change processes, and control procedures during modifications to gas mains. We implemented these recommendations. As of September 24, 2019, each of these recommendations has been closed by the NTSB based on acceptable action.
Since the Greater Lawrence Incident, we have identified and proceeded with additional steps to enhance system safety and reliability and to safeguard against future over-pressurization events. Some of these measures have already been completed and others are in process. These Company-wide safety measures include enhanced measures as called for in the NTSB’s recommendations. For example, we have committed to a program to install over-pressurization protection devices on all of our low-pressure systems, which is described in “- D. Other Matters.”
On September 24, 2019, the NTSB held a public board meeting regarding the probable cause of the Greater Lawrence Incident. The NTSB issued an abstract of its final report following the meeting, and its final report on October 24, 2019. The NTSB stated that it had determined that the probable cause of the over-pressurization of the natural gas distribution system and the resulting fires and explosions was Columbia of Massachusetts’ weak engineering management that did not adequately plan, review, sequence, and oversee the construction project that led to the abandonment of a cast iron main without first relocating regulator sensing lines to the new polyethylene main. The NTSB also stated that contributing to the incident was a low-pressure natural gas distribution system designed and operated without adequate overpressure protection. The NTSB issued its findings in connection with its investigation of the incident and new safety recommendations to PHMSA, certain other states, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, and the Company. The one new safety recommendation that was directed to the Company requires the Company to review its protocols and training for responding to large-scale emergency events.
Massachusetts Regulatory Matters. Under Massachusetts law, the DPU is authorized to investigate potential violations of pipeline safety regulations and to assess a civil penalty of up to $218,647 for a violation of federal pipeline safety regulations. A separate violation occurs for each day of violation up to $2.2 million for a related series of violations. The Massachusetts DPU also is authorized to investigate potential violations of the Columbia of Massachusetts emergency response plan and to assess penalties of up to $250,000 per violation per day, or up to $20 million per related series of violations. Further, as a result of the declaration of emergency by the Governor, the DPU is authorized to investigate potential violations of the DPU's operational directives during the restoration efforts and assess penalties of up to $1 million per violation. Pursuant to these authorities, the DPU is investigating the Greater Lawrence Incident. Columbia of Massachusetts will likely be subject to potential compliance actions related to the Greater Lawrence Incident and the restoration work following the incident, the timing and outcomes of which are uncertain at this time.
34
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
After the Greater Lawrence Incident, the Massachusetts DPU retained an independent evaluator to conduct a statewide examination of the safety of the natural gas distribution system and the operational and maintenance functions of natural gas companies in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through authority granted by the Massachusetts Governor under the state of emergency, the Chair of the Massachusetts DPU has directed all natural gas distribution companies operating in the Commonwealth to fund the statewide examination. The statewide examination is underway and we have responded to the evaluator’s information requests. The Phase I report, which was issued on May 15, 2019, included a program level assessment and evaluation of natural gas distribution companies. The Phase I report's conclusions were statewide and contained no specific conclusions about Columbia of Massachusetts. The evaluation remains in Phase II, which is focused on field assessments of each individual gas company and is expected to conclude later this year.
On November 30, 2018, Columbia of Massachusetts entered into a consent order with the Massachusetts DPU in connection with a notice of probable violation issued in March 2018, stemming from a 2016 report. The Division found that Columbia of Massachusetts violated certain pipeline safety regulations related to pressure limiting and regulating stations in Taunton, Massachusetts. As part of the consent order, Columbia of Massachusetts was fined $75,000 and entered into a compliance agreement under which it agreed to take several actions related to its pressure regulator stations within various timeframes, including the adoption of a Pipeline Safety Management System ("SMS"), the American Petroleum Institute’s (API) Recommended Practice 1173. Columbia of Massachusetts is complying with the order.
On December 17, 2018, the Massachusetts DPU issued an order requiring Columbia of Massachusetts to enter into an agreement with a Massachusetts-based engineering firm to monitor Columbia of Massachusetts’ remaining restoration and recovery work in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover, Massachusetts. The order requires Columbia of Massachusetts to take measures to ensure that adequate heat and hot water and gas appliances are provided to all affected properties, repave all affected streets, roadways, sidewalks and other areas in accordance with applicable DPU standards and precedents, consult with the affected communities and discuss plans for restoring affected hard or soft surfaces, and replace all gas boilers and furnaces and other gas-fired equipment at affected residences. Under the order, all restoration work beginning in 2019 was required to be completed no later than October 31, 2019, unless an earlier or later date is agreed to with any of the affected communities. We previously agreed to complete the gas appliance replacement work by September 15, 2019, and completed the work ahead of schedule as announced on August 15, 2019. We reached an agreement with the affected communities with regard to the timing and scope of hard and soft surface repairs, which is discussed in "Private Actions" below. On June 11, 2019, the Massachusetts DPU issued an order requiring Columbia of Massachusetts to comply with the terms of the agreement reached with the affected communities for the restoration of hard and soft surfaces. Also, under both the December 17, 2018 and June 11, 2019 orders, Columbia of Massachusetts is required to maintain quantitative measures, which must be verified by officials of the affected communities, to track its progress in completing all of the remaining work. Estimates for the cost of this work are included in the estimated ranges of loss noted below, which is discussed in “- D. Other Matters - Greater Lawrence Incident Restoration" and " - Greater Lawrence Pipeline Replacement” below. Our failure to adhere to any of the requirements in the order may result in penalties of up to $1 million per violation.
In the third quarter of 2019, the Massachusetts DPU initiated several new investigations into Columbia of Massachusetts related to the restoration and other work following the Greater Lawrence Incident, as described below. Under Massachusetts law, the Massachusetts DPU is authorized to conduct investigations and assess fines and penalties as described above. The matters described below are pursuant to such authorization and are subject to the assessment of fines and penalties.
In August 2019, the Massachusetts DPU initiated an investigation regarding pressure monitoring and potential violations of pipeline safety regulations in connection with the installation of a slam shut device and the operating procedures used to install such devices. The DPU also initiated an investigation regarding instances of possible violations of internal guidelines and state and/or federal pipeline safety regulations in connection with Columbia of Massachusetts’ project after the Greater Lawrence Incident to validate regulator station drawings and verify control line location and installation.
In September 2019, the Massachusetts DPU initiated an investigation into potential violations of state and/or federal pipeline safety regulations in connection with abandoned service lines. The Chair of the Massachusetts DPU issued an emergency order directing Columbia of Massachusetts to take several specific actions to address concerns related to service lines abandoned during the restoration work following the Greater Lawrence Incident and to furnish certain information and periodic reports to the DPU. Estimates for the cost of this work are included in the estimated ranges of loss noted below, which is discussed in “- D. Other Matters - Greater Lawrence Incident Restoration" below. In addition, the Massachusetts DPU issued a Hearing Officer’s Memorandum directing Columbia of Massachusetts to file a detailed report concerning its emergency response to the Greater Lawrence Incident and subsequent restoration of service.
35
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
On September 27, 2019, the City of Lawrence inadvertently closed a gas valve that had been incorrectly marked as a water valve, which severed a new pipeline main that Columbia of Massachusetts had installed during the restoration work following the Greater Lawrence Incident, resulting in the release of gas into sewer lines, other underground conduits and homes in the area. Approximately 150 homes and businesses were evacuated and electric power was turned off by the power company as a safety precaution to approximately 1,400 customers. The Massachusetts DPU is investigating whether, during the restoration efforts following the Greater Lawrence Incident, Columbia Gas failed to follow required procedures for the abandonment of valve boxes.
On October 1, 2019, the Massachusetts DPU issued four orders to Columbia of Massachusetts in connection with the service lines abandoned during the Greater Lawrence Incident restoration, which require: (1) the submission of a detailed work plan to the DPU, (2) the completion of quality control work on certain abandoned services, (3) the payment for a third-party independent audit, to be contracted through the DPU, of all gas pipeline work completed as part of the incident restoration effort, and (4) prompt and full response to any requests for information by the third-party auditor. The audit will evaluate compliance with Massachusetts and federal law, as well as any other operational or safety risks that may be posed by the pipeline work. The audit will investigate Columbia of Massachusetts' operations in the Lawrence Division and other service territories as appropriate, either independently or as part of the statewide gas safety assessment already underway. Estimates for the cost of this work are included in the estimated ranges of loss noted below, which is discussed in “- D. Other Matters - Greater Lawrence Incident Restoration" below. Also in October 2019, the Massachusetts DPU issued three additional orders requiring: (1) daily leak surveillance and reporting in areas where abandoned services are located, (2) completion by November 15, 2019 of the work plan previously submitted describing how Columbia of Massachusetts will address the estimated 2,200 locations at which an inside meter set was moved outside the property as part of the abandoned service work completed during the Greater Lawrence Incident restoration, and (3) submission of a report by December 2, 2019 showing any patterns, trends or correlations among the noncompliant work related to the abandonment of service lines, gate boxes and curb boxes during the incident restoration.
On October 3, 2019, the Massachusetts DPU notified Columbia of Massachusetts that, absent DPU approval, it is currently allowed to perform only emergency work on its gas distribution system throughout its service territories in Massachusetts. The restrictions do not apply to Columbia of Massachusetts’ ongoing work to address the previously identified issues with abandoned service lines and valve boxes in the Greater Lawrence, Massachusetts area. Columbia of Massachusetts is subject to daily monitoring by the DPU on any work that Columbia of Massachusetts conducts in Massachusetts. Such restrictions on work remain in place until modified by the DPU.
On October 25, 2019, the Massachusetts DPU issued two orders opening public investigations into Columbia of Massachusetts. The Massachusetts DPU opened the first proceeding under its authority to determine compliance with federal and state pipeline safety laws and regulations, and will investigate Columbia of Massachusetts’ responsibility for and response to the Greater Lawrence Incident and its restoration efforts following the incident. The Massachusetts DPU opened the second proceeding under its authority to determine whether a gas distribution company has violated established standards regarding acceptable performance for emergency preparedness and restoration of service, and will investigate efforts by Columbia of Massachusetts to prepare for and restore service following the Greater Lawrence Incident. Separate penalties are applicable under each exercise of authority.
Columbia of Massachusetts is cooperating with the investigations set forth above, the outcomes of which are uncertain at this time.
Massachusetts Legislative Matters. In December 2018, the President of Columbia of Massachusetts testified before a joint state legislative committee on telecommunications, utilities and energy with other industry officials about gas system safety in Massachusetts and regulatory oversight. Increased scrutiny related to these matters, including additional legislative oversight hearings and new legislative proposals, is expected to continue during the current two-year legislative session.
On December 31, 2018, the Massachusetts Governor signed into law legislation requiring a certified professional engineer to review and approve gas pipeline work that could pose a “material risk” to public safety, consistent with the NTSB’s recommendation. The Massachusetts DPU has issued interim guidelines and the existing moratorium has been lifted. The DPU issued an Order Opening Inquiry (Notice of Inquiry) on March 18, 2019, and Columbia of Massachusetts has submitted comments.
Legislative hearings in Massachusetts related to proposed legislation on natural gas matters are expected to take place during the fourth quarter of 2019. In addition, the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy is expected to conduct a hearing on natural gas safety in November 2019.
U.S. Department of Justice Investigation. The Company and Columbia of Massachusetts are subject to a criminal investigation related to the Greater Lawrence Incident that is being conducted under the supervision of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts. The initial grand jury subpoenas were served on the Company and Columbia of Massachusetts on September 24, 2018. The Company and Columbia of Massachusetts are cooperating with the investigation. We are unable to estimate the
36
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
amount (or range of amounts) of reasonably possible losses associated with any civil or criminal penalties that could be imposed on the Company or Columbia of Massachusetts as a result of this investigation.
U.S. Congressional Activity. In November 2018, executives of the Company and Columbia of Massachusetts testified at a U.S. Senate hearing regarding the Greater Lawrence Incident and natural gas pipeline safety.
On September 30, 2019, the U.S. Pipeline Safety Act expired. There is no effect on PHMSA's authority. Action on past re-authorization bills has extended past the expiration date. Pipeline safety jurisdiction resides with the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, and is divided between two committees in the U.S. House of Representatives (Energy and Commerce, and Transportation and Infrastructure). Legislative proposals are currently in various stages of committee development and the timing of further action is uncertain. Certain legislative proposals, if enacted into law, may increase costs for natural gas industry companies, including the Company and Columbia of Massachusetts.
SEC Investigation. On February 11, 2019, the SEC notified the Company that it is conducting an investigation of the Company related to disclosures made prior to the Greater Lawrence Incident. We are cooperating with the investigation.
Private Actions. Various lawsuits, including several purported class action lawsuits, have been filed by various affected residents or businesses in Massachusetts state courts against the Company and/or Columbia of Massachusetts in connection with the Greater Lawrence Incident. A special judge has been appointed to hear all pending and future cases and the class actions have been consolidated into one class action. On January 14, 2019, the special judge granted the parties’ joint motion to stay all cases until April 30, 2019 to allow mediation, and the parties subsequently agreed to extend the stay until July 25, 2019. The class action lawsuits allege varying causes of action, including those for strict liability for ultra-hazardous activity, negligence, private nuisance, public nuisance, premises liability, trespass, breach of warranty, breach of contract, failure to warn, unjust enrichment, consumer protection act claims, negligent, reckless and intentional infliction of emotional distress and gross negligence, and seek actual compensatory damages, plus treble damages, and punitive damages.
On July 26, 2019, the Company, Columbia of Massachusetts and NiSource Corporate Services Company, a subsidiary of the Company, entered into a term sheet with the class action plaintiffs under which they agreed to settle the class action claims in connection with the Greater Lawrence Incident. Columbia of Massachusetts agreed to pay $143 million into a settlement fund to compensate the settlement class and the settlement class agreed to release Columbia of Massachusetts and affiliates from all claims arising out of or related to the Greater Lawrence Incident. The following claims are not covered under the proposed settlement because they are not part of the consolidated class action: (1) physical bodily injury and wrongful death; (2) insurance subrogation, whether equitable, contractual or otherwise; and (3) claims arising out of appliances that are subject to the Massachusetts DPU orders. Emotional distress and similar claims are covered under the proposed settlement unless they are secondary to a physical bodily injury. The settlement class is defined under the term sheet as all persons and businesses in the three municipalities of Lawrence, Andover and North Andover, Massachusetts, subject to certain limited exceptions. The motion for preliminary approval and the settlement documents were filed on September 25, 2019. The preliminary approval court hearing was held on October 7, 2019 and the court issued an order granting preliminary approval of the settlement on October 11, 2019. The proposed settlement is subject to final court approval, and a hearing is scheduled for February 27, 2020.
Many residents and business owners have submitted individual damage claims to Columbia of Massachusetts. We also have received notice from three parties indicating an intent to assert wrongful death claims. In Massachusetts, punitive damages are available in a wrongful death action upon proof of gross negligence or willful or reckless conduct causing the death. In addition, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is seeking reimbursement from Columbia of Massachusetts for its expenses incurred in connection with the Greater Lawrence Incident. The outcomes and impacts of such private actions are uncertain at this time except as set forth below.
We are discussing potential settlements with plaintiffs asserting certain bodily injury and wrongful death claims. On April 25, 2019, we entered into a settlement agreement with certain of these plaintiffs involving bodily injury claims, subject to certain conditions, including court approval. On July 3, 2019, we entered into a settlement with one of the parties that indicated an intent to assert a wrongful death claim. On September 25, 2019, we entered into another settlement with a party that indicated an intent to assert a wrongful death claim.
On May 7, 2019, Columbia of Massachusetts and the municipalities of Lawrence, Andover and North Andover jointly announced that they reached a settlement for expenses incurred by the municipalities in connection with the Greater Lawrence Incident, and for compensating the municipalities to repave affected streets, roadways and sidewalks.
37
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
Financial Impact. We estimate that total costs related to third-party claims resulting from the incident will range from $995 million to $1,020 million, depending on the final outcome of ongoing reviews and the number, nature, and value of third-party claims. These costs include, but are not limited to, personal injury and property damage claims, damage to infrastructure, and mutual aid payments to other utilities assisting with the restoration effort. These costs related to third-party claims do not include costs of certain third-party claims that we are not able to estimate, nor do they include non-claims related expenses resulting from the incident and the estimated capital cost of the pipeline replacement, which are set forth in " - D. Other Matters - Greater Lawrence Incident Restoration" and "- Greater Lawrence Incident Pipeline Replacement," respectively, below.
The process for estimating costs associated with third-party claims relating to the Greater Lawrence Incident requires management to exercise significant judgment based on a number of assumptions and subjective factors. As more information becomes known, including additional information regarding ongoing investigations, management’s estimates and assumptions regarding the financial impact of the Greater Lawrence Incident may change. The increase in estimated total costs related to third-party claims from those disclosed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 resulted primarily from receiving additional information regarding legal claims and the required scope of the restoration work inside the affected homes.
It is not possible at this time to reasonably estimate the total amount of any expenses associated with government investigations and fines, penalties or settlements with certain governmental authorities, including the Massachusetts DPU and other regulators, that we may incur in connection with the Greater Lawrence Incident. Therefore, the foregoing amounts do not include estimates of the total amount that we may incur for any such fines, penalties or settlements.
The aggregate amount of third-party liability insurance coverage available for losses arising from the Greater Lawrence Incident is $800 million. Total expenses related to the incident have exceeded the total amount of insurance coverage available under our policies. While a substantial amount of expenses related to the Greater Lawrence Incident has already been recovered from insurance carriers, a few insurers providing liability insurance to the Company or Columbia of Massachusetts continue to review our claim under the terms and conditions of the respective insurance policies. We are not able to estimate the amount of expenses that will not be covered by insurance, but these amounts are material to our financial statements. Certain types of damages, expenses or claimed costs, such as fines or penalties, may be excluded under the policies.
Refer to "- D. Other Matters - Greater Lawrence Incident Restoration," below for a summary of third-party claims-related expense activity and associated insurance recoveries recorded since the Greater Lawrence Incident.
In addition, we are party to certain other claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, none of which is deemed to be individually material at this time.
Due to the inherent uncertainty of litigation, there can be no assurance that the resolution of any particular claim or proceeding related to the Greater Lawrence Incident or otherwise would not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity. If one or more of such matters were decided against us, the effects could be material to our results of operations in the period in which we would be required to record or adjust the related liability and could also be material to our cash flows in the periods that we would be required to pay such liability.
C. Environmental Matters. Our operations are subject to environmental statutes and regulations related to air quality, water quality, hazardous waste and solid waste. We believe that we are in substantial compliance with the environmental regulations currently applicable to our operations.
It is management's continued intent to address environmental issues in cooperation with regulatory authorities in such a manner as to achieve mutually acceptable compliance plans. However, there can be no assurance that fines and penalties will not be incurred. Management expects a significant portion of environmental assessment and remediation costs to be recoverable through rates for certain of our companies.
As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we had recorded a liability of $107.5 million and $101.2 million, respectively, to cover environmental remediation at various sites. The current portion of this liability is included in "Legal and environmental" in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited). The noncurrent portion is included in "Other noncurrent liabilities". We recognize costs associated with environmental remediation obligations when the incurrence of such costs is probable and the amounts can be reasonably estimated. The original estimates for remediation activities may differ materially from the amount ultimately expended. The actual future expenditures depend on many factors, including currently enacted laws and regulations, the nature and extent of impact and the method of remediation. These expenditures are not currently estimable at some sites. We periodically adjust our liability as information is collected and estimates become more refined.
38
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
Electric Operations' compliance estimates disclosed below are reflective of NIPSCO's Integrated Resource Plan submitted to the IURC on October 31, 2018. See section D, "Other Matters NIPSCO 2018 Integrated Resource Plan," below for additional information.
Air
Future legislative and regulatory programs could significantly limit allowed GHG emissions or impose a cost or tax on GHG emissions. Additionally, rules that increase methane leak detection, require emission reductions or impose additional requirements for natural gas facilities could restrict GHG emissions and impose additional costs. We carefully monitor all GHG reduction proposals and regulations.
CPP and ACE Rules. On July 8, 2019, the EPA published the final ACE rule and repealed the CPP. The ACE rule establishes emission guidelines for states to use when developing plans to limit carbon dioxide at coal-fired electric generating units based on heat rate improvement measures. The coal-fired units at NIPSCO’s R.M. Schahfer Generating Station and Michigan City Generating Station are potentially affected sources, and compliance requirements for these units which NIPSCO plans to retire by 2023 and 2028, respectively, will be determined by future Indiana rulemaking. The ACE rule notes that states have “broad flexibility in setting standards of performance for designated facilities” and that a state may set a “business as usual” standard for sources that have a remaining useful life “so short that imposing any costs on the electric generating unit is unreasonable.” State plans are due by 2022, and the EPA will have six months to determine completeness and then one additional year to determine whether to approve the submitted plan. States have the discretion to determine the compliance period for each source. As a result, NIPSCO will continue to monitor this matter and cannot estimate its impact at this time.
Waste
CERCLA. Our subsidiaries are potentially responsible parties at waste disposal sites under the CERCLA (commonly known as Superfund) and similar state laws. Under CERCLA, each potentially responsible party can be held jointly, severally and strictly liable for the remediation costs as the EPA, or state, can allow the parties to pay for remedial action or perform remedial action themselves and request reimbursement from the potentially responsible parties. Our affiliates have retained CERCLA environmental liabilities, including remediation liabilities, associated with certain current and former operations. These liabilities are not material to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).
MGP. A program has been instituted to identify and investigate former MGP sites where Gas Distribution Operations subsidiaries or predecessors may have liability. The program has identified 63 such sites where liability is probable. Remedial actions at many of these sites are being overseen by state or federal environmental agencies through consent agreements or voluntary remediation agreements.
We utilize a probabilistic model to estimate our future remediation costs related to MGP sites. The model was prepared with the assistance of a third party and incorporates our experience and general industry experience with remediating MGP sites. We complete an annual refresh of the model in the second quarter of each fiscal year. No material changes to the estimated future remediation costs were noted as a result of the refresh completed as of June 30, 2019. Our total estimated liability related to the facilities subject to remediation was $103.9 million and $97.5 million at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The liability represents our best estimate of the probable cost to remediate the facilities. We believe that it is reasonably possible that remediation costs could vary by as much as $20 million in addition to the costs noted above. Remediation costs are estimated based on the best available information, applicable remediation standards at the balance sheet date and experience with similar facilities.
CCRs. On April 17, 2015, the EPA issued a final rule for regulation of CCRs. The rule regulates CCRs under the RCRA Subtitle D, which determines them to be nonhazardous. The rule is implemented in phases and requires increased groundwater monitoring, reporting, recordkeeping and posting of related information to the Internet. The rule also establishes requirements related to CCR management and disposal. The rule allows NIPSCO to continue its byproduct beneficial use program.
To comply with the rule, NIPSCO incurred capital expenditures to modify its infrastructure and manage CCRs. The CCR rule also resulted in revisions to previously recorded legal obligations associated with the retirement of certain NIPSCO facilities. The actual asset retirement costs related to the CCR rule may vary substantially from the estimates used to record the increased asset retirement obligation due to the uncertainty about the compliance strategies that will be used and the preliminary nature of available data used to estimate costs. As allowed by the EPA, NIPSCO will continue to collect data over time to determine the specific compliance solutions and associated costs and, as a result, the actual costs may vary. NIPSCO has filed initial CCR closure plans for R.M. Schahfer Generating Station and Michigan City Generating Station with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
39
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
Water
ELG. On November 3, 2015, the EPA issued a final rule to amend the ELG and standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating category. The final rule became effective January 4, 2016. Based upon a preliminary study of the November 3, 2015 final rule, capital compliance costs were expected to be approximately $170 million. The EPA is expected to release a draft ELG reconsideration rule in 2019. However, NIPSCO does not anticipate material ELG compliance costs based on the preferred option announced as part of NIPSCO's 2018 Integrated Resource Plan (discussed below).
D. Other Matters.
NIPSCO 2018 Integrated Resource Plan. Multiple factors, but primarily economic ones, including low natural gas prices, advancing cost effective renewable technology and increasing capital and operating costs associated with existing coal plants, have led NIPSCO to conclude in its October 2018 Integrated Resource Plan submission that NIPSCO’s current fleet of coal generation facilities will be retired earlier than previous Integrated Resource Plan’s had indicated.
The Integrated Resource Plan evaluated demand-side and supply-side resource alternatives to reliably and cost effectively meet NIPSCO customers' future energy requirements over the ensuing 20 years. The preferred option within the Integrated Resource Plan retires R.M. Schahfer Generating Station (Units 14, 15, 17, and 18) by 2023 and Michigan City Generating Station (Unit 12) by 2028. These units represent 2,080 MW of generating capacity, equal to 72% of NIPSCO’s remaining generating capacity (and 100% of NIPSCO's remaining coal-fired generating capacity) after the retirement of Bailly Units 7 and 8 on May 31, 2018.
The current replacement plan includes renewable sources of energy, including wind, solar, and battery storage to be obtained through a combination of NIPSCO ownership and PPAs.
In January 2019, NIPSCO executed two 20 year PPAs to purchase 100% of the output from renewable generation facilities at a fixed price per MW. The facilities supplying the energy will have a combined nameplate capacity of approximately 700 MW. NIPSCO's purchase requirement under the PPAs is dependent on satisfactory approval of the PPAs by the IURC. NIPSCO submitted the PPAs to the IURC for approval in February 2019 and the IURC approved the PPAs on June 5, 2019. Payments under the PPAs will not begin until the associated generation facilities are constructed by the owner / seller which is currently scheduled to be complete by the end of 2020 for one facility and by the end of 2021 for the other facility.
Also in January 2019, NIPSCO executed a BTA with a developer to construct a renewable generation facility with a nameplate capacity of approximately 100 MW. Once complete, ownership of the facility would be transferred to a partnership owned by NIPSCO, the developer and an unrelated tax equity partner. The aforementioned partnership structure will result in full NIPSCO ownership after the PTC are monetized from the project (approximately 10 years after the facility goes into service). NIPSCO's purchase requirement under the BTA is dependent on satisfactory approval of the BTA by the IURC, successful execution of an agreement with a tax equity partner and timely completion of construction. NIPSCO submitted the BTA to the IURC for approval in February 2019 and the IURC approved the BTA on August 7, 2019. Required FERC filings occurred after receiving the IURC order. Construction of the facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2020.
On October 1, 2019, NIPSCO announced the opening of its next round of RFP to consider potential resources to meet the future electric needs of its customers. NIPSCO is considering all sources in the RFP process, which closes on November 20, 2019.
In October 2019, NIPSCO executed a BTA with a developer to construct an additional renewable generation facility with a nameplate capacity of approximately 300 MW. NIPSCO submitted the BTA to the IURC for approval on October 22, 2019. In this submission, NIPSCO requested the issuance of an order from the IURC by the end of February 2020. Construction of this facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2021.The ownership structure and preconditions for NIPSCO's purchase requirement are similar to that of the BTA executed in January of 2019 (discussed above).
Greater Lawrence Incident Restoration. In addition to the amounts estimated for third-party claims described above, we estimate we will incur other incident-related costs totaling between $430 million and $440 million, depending on the incurrence of future restoration work. Such costs include certain consulting costs, vendor costs, claims center costs, labor and related expenses incurred in connection with the incident and insurance-related loss surcharges. The amounts set forth above do not include the estimated capital cost of the pipeline replacement, which is set forth below in - D. Other Matters - Greater Lawrence Pipeline Replacement." The increase in estimated total incident-related expenses from those disclosed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 resulted primarily from receiving additional information regarding the restoration work required to be completed and the extended period of time over which the restoration work would take place, higher than anticipated costs from vendors, expenses associated with government investigations, the incurrence of insurance-related loss surcharges and increased estimates for consultants and claim center costs.
40
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
As discussed in - B. Legal Proceedings, the aggregate amount of third-party liability insurance coverage available for losses arising from the Greater Lawrence Incident is $800 million. Expenses related to the incident have exceeded the total amount of insurance coverage available under our policies. While a substantial amount of expenses related to the Greater Lawrence Incident has already been recovered from insurance, a few insurers providing liability insurance to the Company or Columbia of Massachusetts continue to review our claim under the terms and conditions of the respective insurance policies. We are not able to estimate the amount of expenses that will not be covered by insurance, but these amounts are material to our financial statements. Certain types of damages, expenses or claimed costs, such as fines or penalties, may be excluded under the policies.
The following table summarizes expenses incurred and insurance recoveries recorded since the Greater Lawrence Incident. This activity is presented within "Operation and maintenance" in our Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income (Loss) (unaudited).
Year Ended | Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||
(in millions) | December 31, 2018 | September 30, 2019 | Incident to Date | ||||||||||
Third-party claims | $ | 757 | $ | 1 | $ | 238 | $ | 995 | |||||
Other incident-related costs | 266 | 20 | 122 | 388 | |||||||||
Total | 1,023 | 21 | 360 | 1,383 | |||||||||
Insurance recoveries recorded | (135 | ) | — | (535 | ) | (670 | ) | ||||||
Impact to operation and maintenance expense | $ | 888 | $ | 21 | $ | (175 | ) | $ | 713 |
The following table presents activity related to our Greater Lawrence Incident insurance receivable. These balances are presented within "Accounts receivable" in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited):
(in millions) | Insurance receivable | ||
Balance, December 31, 2018 | $ | 130 | |
Insurance recoveries recorded in first quarter of 2019 | 100 | ||
Cash collected from insurance recoveries in the first quarter of 2019 | (108 | ) | |
Balance, March 31, 2019 | 122 | ||
Insurance recoveries recorded in the second quarter of 2019 | 435 | ||
Cash collected from insurance recoveries in the second quarter of 2019 | (297 | ) | |
Balance, June 30, 2019 | $ | 260 | |
Insurance recoveries recorded in third quarter of 2019 | — | ||
Cash collected from insurance recoveries in the third quarter of 2019 | (260 | ) | |
Balance, September 30, 2019 | $ | — |
We are currently unable to predict the timing or amount of future insurance recoveries in excess of the recoveries recorded as of September 30, 2019.
Greater Lawrence Pipeline Replacement. In connection with the Greater Lawrence Incident, Columbia of Massachusetts, in cooperation with the Massachusetts Governor’s office, replaced the entire affected 45-mile cast iron and bare steel pipeline system that delivers gas to approximately 7,500 gas meters, the majority of which serve residences and approximately 700 of which serve businesses impacted in the Greater Lawrence Incident. This system was replaced with plastic distribution mains and service lines, as well as enhanced safety features such as pressure regulation and excess flow valves at each premise. At the request of the Massachusetts DPU, which was instructed by the Massachusetts Governor through his executive authority under a state of emergency, Columbia of Massachusetts hired an outside contractor to serve as the Chief Recovery Officer for the Greater Lawrence Incident, responsible for command, control and communications. Columbia of Massachusetts restored gas service to nearly all homes and workplaces in December 2018. With the restoration and recovery efforts substantially complete and the service of the Chief Recovery Officer completed, the next phase of the effort, Phase II, was managed by Columbia of Massachusetts under the
41
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
third party oversight of a Massachusetts-based engineering firm. Columbia of Massachusetts announced that Phase II was substantially complete on August 15, 2019. See “- B. Legal Proceedings” for additional information.
Since the Greater Lawrence Incident and through September 30, 2019, we have invested approximately $255 million of capital spend for the pipeline replacement. We estimate this replacement work will ultimately cost between $255 million and $260 million. We maintain property insurance for gas pipelines and other applicable property in the approximate amount of $300 million. Columbia of Massachusetts has filed a proof of loss with its property insurer for the full cost of the pipeline replacement. The recovery of any capital investment not reimbursed through insurance will be addressed in a future regulatory proceeding. The outcome of such a proceeding is uncertain. In accordance with ASC 980-360, if it becomes probable that a portion of the pipeline replacement cost will not be recoverable through customer rates and an amount can be reasonably estimated, we will reduce our regulated plant balance for the amount of the probable disallowance and record an associated charge to earnings. This could result in a material adverse effect to our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Additionally, if a rate order is received allowing recovery of the investment with no or reduced return on investment, a loss on disallowance may be required.
In addition, we have committed to a capital investment program to install over-pressurization protection devices on all of our low-pressure systems as described above in “-B. Legal Proceedings.” These devices operate like circuit-breakers, so that if operating pressure is too high or too low, regardless of the cause, they are designed to immediately shut down the supply of gas to the system. The program also includes installing remote monitoring devices on all low-pressure systems, enabling gas control centers to continuously monitor pressure at regulator stations. In addition, we have conducted a field survey of all regulator stations and initiated an engineering review of those regulator stations; we are verifying and enhancing our maps and records of low-pressure regulator stations; and we initiated a process so that our personnel will be present whenever excavation work is being done in close proximity to a regulator station.
42
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
17. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The following tables display the components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 (in millions) | Gains and Losses on Securities(1) | Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges(1) | Pension and OPEB Items(1) | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss(1) | |||||||||||
Balance as of July 1, 2019 | $ | 2.5 | $ | (62.8 | ) | $ | (20.5 | ) | $ | (80.8 | ) | ||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | 0.9 | (50.7 | ) | 0.2 | (49.6 | ) | |||||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (0.2 | ) | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.1 | ||||||||||
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) | 0.7 | (50.6 | ) | 0.4 | (49.5 | ) | |||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2019 | $ | 3.2 | $ | (113.4 | ) | $ | (20.1 | ) | $ | (130.3 | ) | ||||
(1)All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits. | |||||||||||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 (in millions) | Gains and Losses on Securities(1) | Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges(1) | Pension and OPEB Items(1) | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss(1) | |||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2019 | $ | (2.4 | ) | $ | (13.0 | ) | $ | (21.8 | ) | $ | (37.2 | ) | |||
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | 5.9 | (100.5 | ) | 0.7 | (93.9 | ) | |||||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (0.3 | ) | 0.1 | 1.0 | 0.8 | ||||||||||
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) | 5.6 | (100.4 | ) | 1.7 | (93.1 | ) | |||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2019 | $ | 3.2 | $ | (113.4 | ) | $ | (20.1 | ) | $ | (130.3 | ) |
(1)All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 (in millions) | Gains and Losses on Securities(1) | Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges(1) | Pension and OPEB Items(1) | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)(1) | |||||||||||
Balance as of July 1, 2018 | $ | (2.2 | ) | $ | (1.7 | ) | $ | (17.0 | ) | $ | (20.9 | ) | |||
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications | — | 21.6 | 1.0 | 22.6 | |||||||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income | 0.1 | 0.9 | (0.2 | ) | 0.8 | ||||||||||
Net current-period other comprehensive income | 0.1 | 22.5 | 0.8 | 23.4 | |||||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2018 | $ | (2.1 | ) | $ | 20.8 | $ | (16.2 | ) | $ | 2.5 | |||||
(1)All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits. | |||||||||||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 (in millions) | Gains and Losses on Securities(1) | Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges(1) | Pension and OPEB Items(1) | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)(1) | |||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2018 | $ | 0.2 | $ | (29.4 | ) | $ | (14.2 | ) | $ | (43.4 | ) | ||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | (2.5 | ) | 70.8 | 1.0 | 69.3 | ||||||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | 0.2 | (14.3 | ) | 0.2 | (13.9 | ) | |||||||||
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) | (2.3 | ) | 56.5 | 1.2 | 55.4 | ||||||||||
Reclassification due to adoption of ASU 2018-02 | — | (6.3 | ) | (3.2 | ) | (9.5 | ) | ||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2018 | $ | (2.1 | ) | $ | 20.8 | $ | (16.2 | ) | $ | 2.5 |
(1)All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits.
43
Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
18. Other, Net
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||
Interest income | $ | 2.1 | $ | 1.4 | $ | 5.4 | $ | 4.2 | |||||||
AFUDC equity | 2.9 | 5.0 | 7.1 | 12.6 | |||||||||||
Charitable contributions | (1.1 | ) | (11.1 | ) | (4.0 | ) | (13.9 | ) | |||||||
Pension and other postretirement non-service cost | (2.8 | ) | 2.4 | (8.7 | ) | 14.7 | |||||||||
Interest rate swap settlement gain | — | — | — | 21.2 | |||||||||||
Miscellaneous | 0.2 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 3.6 | |||||||||||
Total Other, net | $ | 1.3 | $ | (1.7 | ) | $ | 0.3 | $ | 42.4 |
19. Business Segment Information
At September 30, 2019, our operations are divided into two primary reportable segments. The Gas Distribution Operations segment provides natural gas service and transportation for residential, commercial and industrial customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Kentucky, Maryland, Indiana and Massachusetts. The Electric Operations segment provides electric service in 20 counties in the northern part of Indiana.
The following table provides information about our business segments. We use operating income as our primary measurement for each of the reported segments and make decisions on finance, dividends and taxes at the corporate level on a consolidated basis. Segment revenues include intersegment sales to affiliated subsidiaries, which are eliminated in consolidation. Affiliated sales are recognized on the basis of prevailing market, regulated prices or at levels provided for under contractual agreements. Operating income is derived from revenues and expenses directly associated with each segment.
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||
Operating Revenues | |||||||||||||||
Gas Distribution Operations | |||||||||||||||
Unaffiliated | $ | 463.6 | $ | 418.6 | $ | 2,506.2 | $ | 2,347.8 | |||||||
Intersegment | 3.3 | 3.3 | 9.9 | 9.8 | |||||||||||
Total | 466.9 | 421.9 | 2,516.1 | 2,357.6 | |||||||||||
Electric Operations | |||||||||||||||
Unaffiliated | 467.7 | 476.2 | 1,304.9 | 1,304.4 | |||||||||||
Intersegment | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 0.6 | |||||||||||
Total | 467.9 | 476.4 | 1,305.5 | 1,305.0 | |||||||||||
Corporate and Other | |||||||||||||||
Unaffiliated | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 0.6 | |||||||||||
Intersegment | 116.9 | 116.4 | 342.2 | 346.6 | |||||||||||
Total | 117.1 | 116.6 | 342.8 | 347.2 | |||||||||||
Eliminations | (120.4 | ) | (119.9 | ) | (352.7 | ) | (357.0 | ) | |||||||
Consolidated Operating Revenues | $ | 931.5 | $ | 895.0 | $ | 3,811.7 | $ | 3,652.8 | |||||||
Operating Income (Loss) | |||||||||||||||
Gas Distribution Operations | $ | (48.6 | ) | $ | (455.2 | ) | $ | 605.8 | $ | (94.4 | ) | ||||
Electric Operations | 140.7 | 134.9 | 321.4 | 300.4 | |||||||||||
Corporate and Other | (1.1 | ) | 4.4 | 1.5 | (2.9 | ) | |||||||||
Consolidated Operating Income (Loss) | $ | 91.0 | $ | (315.9 | ) | $ | 928.7 | $ | 203.1 |
44
Table of Contents
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
NiSource Inc.
Index | Page |
Executive Summary | |
Summary of Consolidated Financial Results | |
Results and Discussion of Segment Operations | |
Gas Distribution Operations | |
Electric Operations | |
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements | |
45
Table of Contents
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Management’s Discussion) analyzes our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and those of our subsidiaries. It also includes management’s analysis of past financial results and certain potential factors that may affect future results, potential future risks and approaches that may be used to manage those risks. See "Note regarding forward-looking statements" at the beginning of this report for a list of factors that may cause results to differ materially.
Management’s Discussion is designed to provide an understanding of our operations and financial performance and should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.
We are an energy holding company under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005 whose subsidiaries are fully regulated natural gas and electric utility companies serving customers in seven states. We generate substantially all of our operating income through these rate-regulated businesses which are summarized for financial reporting purposes into two primary reportable segments: Gas Distribution Operations and Electric Operations.
Refer to the “Business” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 for further discussion of our regulated utility business segments.
Our goal is to develop strategies that benefit all stakeholders as we address changing customer conservation patterns, develop more contemporary pricing structures and embark on long-term investment programs. These strategies are intended to improve reliability and safety, enhance customer service and reduce emissions while generating sustainable returns. Additionally, we continue to pursue regulatory and legislative initiatives that will allow residential customers not currently on our system to obtain gas service in a cost effective manner.
Greater Lawrence Incident: The Greater Lawrence Incident occurred on September 13, 2018. The following table summarizes expenses incurred and insurance recoveries recorded since the Greater Lawrence Incident. The amounts set forth in the table below do not include the estimated capital cost of the pipeline replacement described below and as set forth in Note 16- D, "Other Matters - Greater Lawrence Pipeline Replacement," in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).
Year Ended | Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||
(in millions) | December 31, 2018 | September 30, 2019 | Incident to Date | ||||||||||
Third-party claims | $ | 757 | $ | 1 | $ | 238 | $ | 995 | |||||
Other incident-related costs | 266 | 20 | 122 | 388 | |||||||||
Total | 1,023 | 21 | 360 | 1,383 | |||||||||
Insurance recoveries recorded | (135 | ) | — | (535 | ) | (670 | ) | ||||||
Total | $ | 888 | $ | 21 | $ | (175 | ) | $ | 713 |
Including the $757 million recorded during 2018, we estimate that total costs related to third-party claims as set forth in Note 16, "Other Commitments and Contingencies - B. Legal Proceedings," will range from $995 million to $1,020 million, depending on the final outcome of ongoing reviews and the number, nature and value of third-party claims. We expect to incur a total of $430 million to $440 million in other incident-related costs, inclusive of the $266 million recorded during 2018 as set forth in Note 16, "Other Commitments and Contingencies - D. Other Matters .
We also expect to incur other expenses, including expenses associated with government investigations and fines, penalties or settlements with governmental authorities in connection with the Greater Lawrence Incident, the amounts, timing and tax deductibility of which cannot be estimated at this time.
46
Table of Contents
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
The following table presents activity related to our Greater Lawrence Incident insurance receivable. These balances are presented within "Accounts receivable" in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited):
(in millions) | Insurance receivable | ||
Balance, December 31, 2018 | $ | 130 | |
Insurance recoveries recorded in first quarter of 2019 | 100 | ||
Cash collected from insurance recoveries in the first quarter of 2019 | (108 | ) | |
Balance, March 31, 2019 | 122 | ||
Insurance recoveries recorded in the second quarter of 2019 | 435 | ||
Cash collected from insurance recoveries in the second quarter of 2019 | (297 | ) | |
Balance, June 30, 2019 | 260 | ||
Insurance recoveries recorded in the third quarter of 2019 | — | ||
Cash collected from insurance recoveries in the third quarter of 2019 | (260 | ) | |
Balance, September 30, 2019 | $ | — |
We are currently unable to predict the timing or amount of future insurance recoveries in excess of the recoveries recorded as of September 30, 2019.
Since the Greater Lawrence Incident and through September 30, 2019, we have invested approximately $255 million of capital spend for the pipeline replacement. We estimate this replacement work will ultimately cost between $255 million and $260 million. We maintain property insurance for gas pipelines and other applicable property in the approximate amount of $300 million. Columbia of Massachusetts has filed a proof of loss with its property insurer for the full cost of the pipeline replacement. The recovery of any capital investment not reimbursed through insurance will be addressed in a future regulatory proceeding. The outcome of such a proceeding is uncertain. If at any point Columbia of Massachusetts concludes it is probable that any portion of this capital investment is not recoverable through customer rates, that portion of the capital investment, if estimable, would be immediately charged to earnings.
Refer to Note 16-B and D, "Legal Proceedings" and "Other Matters," in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited), "Summary of Consolidated Financial Results," "Results and Discussion of Segment Operation - Gas Distribution Operations," and "Liquidity and Capital Resources" in this Management's Discussion for additional information related to the Greater Lawrence Incident.
Summary of Consolidated Financial Results
Our operations are affected by the cost of sales. Cost of sales for the Gas Distribution Operations segment is principally comprised of the cost of natural gas used while providing transportation and distribution services to customers. Cost of sales for the Electric Operations segment is comprised of the cost of coal, related handling costs, natural gas purchased for the internal generation of electricity at NIPSCO and the cost of power purchased from third-party generators of electricity.
The majority of the cost of sales are tracked costs that are passed through directly to the customer, resulting in an equal and offsetting amount reflected in operating revenues. As a result, we believe net revenues, a non-GAAP financial measure defined as operating revenues less cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization), provides management and investors a useful measure to analyze profitability. The presentation of net revenues herein is intended to provide supplemental information for investors regarding operating performance. Net revenues do not intend to represent operating income, the most comparable GAAP measure, as an indicator of operating performance and are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
47
Table of Contents
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, operating income and a reconciliation of net revenues to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, operating income, was as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 vs. 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 vs. 2018 | |||||||||||||||||
Operating Income (Loss) | $ | 91.0 | $ | (315.9 | ) | $ | 406.9 | $ | 928.7 | $ | 203.1 | $ | 725.6 |
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions, except per share amounts) | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 vs. 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 vs. 2018 | |||||||||||||||||
Operating Revenues | $ | 931.5 | $ | 895.0 | $ | 36.5 | $ | 3,811.7 | $ | 3,652.8 | $ | 158.9 | |||||||||||
Cost of Sales (excluding depreciation and amortization) | 196.7 | 222.0 | (25.3 | ) | 1,130.5 | 1,259.7 | (129.2 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Total Net Revenues | $ | 734.8 | $ | 673.0 | $ | 61.8 | $ | 2,681.2 | $ | 2,393.1 | $ | 288.1 | |||||||||||
Other Operating Expenses | 643.8 | 988.9 | (345.1 | ) | 1,752.5 | 2,190.0 | (437.5 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Operating Income (Loss) | 91.0 | (315.9 | ) | 406.9 | 928.7 | 203.1 | 725.6 | ||||||||||||||||
Total Other Deductions, net | (94.6 | ) | (118.1 | ) | 23.5 | (285.3 | ) | (268.3 | ) | (17.0 | ) | ||||||||||||
Income Taxes | (10.2 | ) | (94.5 | ) | 84.3 | 121.0 | (26.3 | ) | 147.3 | ||||||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) | 6.6 | (339.5 | ) | 346.1 | 522.4 | (38.9 | ) | 561.3 | |||||||||||||||
Preferred dividends | (13.8 | ) | (5.6 | ) | (8.2 | ) | (41.4 | ) | (6.9 | ) | (34.5 | ) | |||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Shareholders | (7.2 | ) | (345.1 | ) | 337.9 | 481.0 | (45.8 | ) | 526.8 | ||||||||||||||
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.95 | ) | $ | 0.93 | $ | 1.29 | $ | (0.13 | ) | $ | 1.42 | ||||||||
Basic Average Common Shares Outstanding | 374.1 | 363.9 | 10.2 | 373.8 | 352.1 | 21.7 |
On a consolidated basis, we reported a net loss to common shareholders of $7.2 million, or $0.02 per basic share for the three months ended September 30, 2019, compared to net loss to common shareholders of $345.1 million, or $0.95 per basic share for the same period in 2018. The decrease in loss to common shareholders during 2019 was primarily due to lower current period operating expenses related to the Greater Lawrence Incident, an increase in revenue due to new rates from base rate proceedings and infrastructure replacement programs and a loss on early extinguishment of long-term debt in 2018.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we reported net income available to common shareholders of $481.0 million, or $1.29 per basic share compared to net loss to common shareholders of $45.8 million, or $0.13 per basic share for the same period in 2018. Similar to the quarter-to-date period, the increase in income available to common shareholders during 2019 was primarily due to lower current period operating expenses related to the Greater Lawrence Incident, insurance recoveries recorded related to the Greater Lawrence Incident, new rates from base rate proceedings and infrastructure replacement programs and a loss on early extinguishment of long-term debt in 2018. These increases were partially offset by an interest rate swap settlement gain in 2018 and additional dilution in 2019 resulting from preferred stock dividend commitments.
Operating Income
For the three months ended September 30, 2019, we reported operating income of $91.0 million compared to an operating loss of $315.9 million for the same period in 2018. As noted above, the increase in operating income was primarily due to lower current period operating expenses related to the Greater Lawrence Incident and new rates from base rate proceedings and infrastructure replacement programs. These increases were partially offset by increased depreciation due to the regulatory outcome of NIPSCO's gas rate case, an increase in amortization of depreciation previously deferred as a regulatory asset resulting from Columbia of Ohio's CEP, as well as capital expenditures being placed into service.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we reported operating income of $928.7 million compared to operating income of $203.1 million for the same period in 2018. In addition to the drivers described for the quarter-to-date period, operating income for the current year was aided by insurance recoveries recorded related to the Greater Lawrence Incident.
48
Table of Contents
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Other Deductions, net
Other deductions, net reduced income by $94.6 million in the third quarter of 2019 compared to a reduction in income of $118.1 million in the prior year. This change is primarily due to loss on early extinguishment of long-term debt of $33.0 million which was recorded in the third quarter of 2018, partially offset by higher interest expense of $12.4 million driven by decreased regulatory deferrals from Columbia of Ohio's CEP.
Other deductions, net reduced income by $285.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to a reduction in income of $268.3 million in the prior year. The change is primarily due to lower actuarial investment returns on pension and other postretirement benefit assets of $23.4 million, an increase in interest expense of $20.4 million driven by decreased regulatory deferrals from Columbia of Ohio's CEP and an interest rate swap settlement gain of $21.2 million recognized in the first quarter of 2018. These variances were partially offset by a loss of early extinguishment of long-term debt of $45.5 million in 2018.
Income Taxes
For the three months ended September 30, 2019, the decrease in income tax benefit from 2018 to 2019 is primarily attributable to the decreased loss before income taxes in the third quarter of 2019, as well as a higher effective tax rate in 2019 due to the relative impact of permanent differences on lower pre-tax loss in 2019 compared to 2018.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the increase in income tax expense from 2018 to 2019 is primarily attributable to the increased income before income taxes, as well as a lower effective tax rate in 2019 due to the relative impact of permanent differences on higher pre-tax income in 2019 compared to 2018.
Refer to Note 11, "Income Taxes," in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) for information on income taxes and the change in the effective tax rate.
Capital Investment
For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we invested $1.3 billion in capital expenditures across our gas and electric utilities. These expenditures were primarily aimed at furthering the safety and reliability of our gas distribution system and maintaining our existing electric generation fleet.
We continue to execute on an estimated $30 billion in total projected long-term regulated utility infrastructure investments and expect to invest a total of approximately $1.7 to $1.8 billion in capital during 2019 to continue to modernize and improve our system across all seven states.
Liquidity
The enactment of the TCJA has and will continue to have an unfavorable impact on our liquidity in 2019. In addition, expenses related to the Greater Lawrence Incident have exceeded the total amount of insurance coverage available under our policies which has unfavorably impacted liquidity. However, through income generated from operating activities, amounts available under our short-term revolving credit facility, commercial paper program, accounts receivable securitization facilities, term loan borrowings, long-term debt agreements and our ability to access the capital markets, we believe there is adequate capital available to fund our operating activities, capital expenditures and the effects of the Greater Lawrence Incident in 2019 and beyond. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we had $1,362.8 million and $974.6 million, respectively, of net liquidity available, consisting of cash and available capacity under credit facilities.
These factors and other impacts to the financial results are discussed in more detail within the following discussions of “Results and Discussion of Segment Operations” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
Regulatory Developments
During the quarter ended September 30, 2019, we continued to move forward on core infrastructure and environmental investment programs supported by complementary regulatory and customer initiatives across all seven states of our operating area. Refer to Note 6, "Regulatory Matters" and Note 16-D "Other Matters," in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) for a complete discussion of key regulatory developments that have transpired during 2019.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION OF SEGMENT OPERATIONS
Presentation of Segment Information
Our operations are divided into two primary reportable segments: Gas Distribution Operations and Electric Operations.
49
Table of Contents
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Gas Distribution Operations
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, operating income and a reconciliation of net revenues to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, operating income, was as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 vs. 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 vs. 2018 | ||||||||||||||||
Operating Income (Loss) | $ | (48.6 | ) | $ | (455.2 | ) | $ | 406.6 | $ | 605.8 | (94.4 | ) | $ | 700.2 |
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 vs. 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 vs. 2018 | |||||||||||||||||
Net Revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Revenues | $ | 466.9 | $ | 421.9 | $ | 45.0 | $ | 2,516.1 | $ | 2,357.6 | $ | 158.5 | |||||||||||
Less: Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization) | 73.0 | 85.7 | (12.7 | ) | 759.8 | 875.1 | (115.3 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net Revenues | 393.9 | 336.2 | 57.7 | 1,756.3 | 1,482.5 | 273.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Operating Expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Operation and maintenance | 289.9 | 678.5 | (388.6 | ) | 680.9 | 1,214.2 | (533.3 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 102.6 | 72.5 | 30.1 | 299.4 | 215.0 | 84.4 | |||||||||||||||||
Gain on sale of assets | — | — | — | (0.1 | ) | — | (0.1 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Other taxes | 50.0 | 40.4 | 9.6 | 170.3 | 147.7 | 22.6 | |||||||||||||||||
Total Operating Expenses | 442.5 | 791.4 | (348.9 | ) | 1,150.5 | 1,576.9 | (426.4 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Operating Income (Loss) | $ | (48.6 | ) | $ | (455.2 | ) | $ | 406.6 | $ | 605.8 | $ | (94.4 | ) | $ | 700.2 | ||||||||
Revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential | $ | 289.7 | $ | 260.2 | $ | 29.5 | $ | 1,645.3 | $ | 1,540.8 | $ | 104.5 | |||||||||||
Commercial | 91.6 | 81.8 | 9.8 | 545.9 | 517.6 | 28.3 | |||||||||||||||||
Industrial | 45.5 | 39.2 | 6.3 | 181.5 | 161.7 | 19.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Off-System | 16.9 | 22.0 | (5.1 | ) | 60.4 | 65.2 | (4.8 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Other | 23.2 | 18.7 | 4.5 | 83.0 | 72.3 | 10.7 | |||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 466.9 | $ | 421.9 | $ | 45.0 | $ | 2,516.1 | $ | 2,357.6 | $ | 158.5 | |||||||||||
Sales and Transportation (MMDth) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential | 13.6 | 13.8 | (0.2 | ) | 186.5 | 187.9 | (1.4 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Commercial | 17.4 | 17.5 | (0.1 | ) | 131.8 | 129.7 | 2.1 | ||||||||||||||||
Industrial | 133.0 | 132.1 | 0.9 | 406.5 | 417.7 | (11.2 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Off-System | 8.5 | 7.5 | 1.0 | 24.6 | 21.9 | 2.7 | |||||||||||||||||
Other | — | — | — | 0.3 | 0.3 | — | |||||||||||||||||
Total | 172.5 | 170.9 | 1.6 | 749.7 | 757.5 | (7.8 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Heating Degree Days | 13 | 51 | (38 | ) | 3,409 | 3,498 | (89 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Normal Heating Degree Days | 71 | 85 | (14 | ) | 3,498 | 3,576 | (78 | ) | |||||||||||||||
% Warmer than Normal | (82 | )% | (40 | )% | (3 | )% | (2 | )% | |||||||||||||||
Gas Distribution Customers | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential | 3,167,742 | 3,140,942 | 26,800 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial | 277,701 | 276,786 | 915 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Industrial | 5,974 | 5,969 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other | 3 | 5 | (2 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Total | 3,451,420 | 3,423,702 | 27,718 |
50
Table of Contents
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Gas Distribution Operations
Comparability of line item operating results may be impacted by regulatory, tax and depreciation trackers (other than those for cost of sales) that allow for the recovery in rates of certain costs. Therefore, increases in these tracked operating expenses are generally offset by increases in net revenues and have essentially no impact on net income.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 vs. September 30, 2018 Operating Income (Loss)
For the three months ended September 30, 2019, Gas Distribution Operations reported an operating loss of $48.6 million, a decrease of $406.6 million from the comparable 2018 period.
Net revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2019 were $393.9 million, an increase of $57.7 million from the same period in 2018. The change in net revenues was primarily driven by:
• | New rates from base rate proceedings and infrastructure replacement programs of $52.1 million. |
• | Higher regulatory, tax and depreciation trackers, which are offset in operating expense, of $5.8 million. |
Operating expenses were $348.9 million lower for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. This change was primarily driven by:
• | Lower third-party claims and other expenses related to the Greater Lawrence Incident of $429.9 million. |
Partially offset by:
• | Increased depreciation of $30.1 million due to the regulatory outcome of NIPSCO's gas rate case, an increase in amortization of depreciation previously deferred as a regulatory asset resulting from Columbia of Ohio's CEP, as well as higher capital expenditures placed in service. |
• | Higher employee and administrative expenses of $18.8 million. |
• | Increased outside services of $10.4 million primarily due to increased line location work. |
• | Higher property taxes of $8.3 million primarily due to increased amortization of property taxes previously deferred as a regulatory asset resulting from Columbia of Ohio's CEP, as well as higher capital expenditures placed in service. |
• | Increased regulatory, tax and depreciation trackers, which are offset in net revenues, of $5.8 million. |
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 vs. September 30, 2018 Operating Income (Loss)
For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, Gas Distribution Operations reported operating income of $605.8 million, an increase of $700.2 million from the comparable 2018 period.
Net revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 were $1,756.3 million, an increase of $273.8 million from the same period in 2018. The change in net revenues was primarily driven by:
• | New rates from base rate proceedings and infrastructure replacement programs of $219.2 million. |
• | Higher regulatory, tax and depreciation trackers, which are offset in operating expense, of $38.2 million. |
• | Increased residential and commercial customer growth of $10.1 million. |
• | Higher revenues of $8.9 million resulting from an update in the weather-related normal heating degree day methodology (see further detail below), partially offset by a $5.0 million revenue decrease from the effects of warmer weather in 2019. |
Operating expenses were $426.4 million lower for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. This change was primarily driven by:
• | Insurance recoveries recorded, net of third-party claims and other expenses recorded, related to the Greater Lawrence Incident of $626.4 million. |
Partially offset by:
• | Increased depreciation of $84.4 million due to the regulatory outcome of NIPSCO's gas rate case, an increase in amortization of depreciation previously deferred as a regulatory asset resulting from Columbia of Ohio's CEP, as well as higher capital expenditures placed in service. |
• | Higher regulatory, tax and depreciation trackers, which are offset in net revenues, of $38.2 million. |
• | Increased employee and administrative expenses of $26.9 million. |
• | Higher property taxes of $18.3 million primarily due to increased amortization of property taxes previously deferred as a regulatory asset resulting from Columbia of Ohio's CEP, as well as higher capital expenditures placed in service. |
51
Table of Contents
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Gas Distribution Operations
• | Increased outside services of $11.2 million primarily due to increased line location work. |
• | Higher insurance expense of $4.9 million primarily driven by increased premiums. |
Weather
In general, we calculate the weather-related revenue variance based on changing customer demand driven by weather variance from normal heating degree days. Our composite heating degree days reported do not directly correlate to the weather-related dollar impact on the results of Gas Distribution Operations. Heating degree days experienced during different times of the year or in different operating locations may have more or less impact on volume and dollars depending on when and where they occur. When the detailed results are combined for reporting, there may be weather-related dollar impacts on operations when there is not an apparent or significant change in our aggregated composite heating degree day comparison.
The definition of “normal” weather was updated during the first quarter of 2019 to reflect more current weather pattern data and more closely align with the regulators' jurisdictional definitions of “normal” weather. Impacts of the change in methodology will be reflected prospectively and disclosed to the extent it results in notable year-over-year variances in net revenues.
Weather in the Gas Distribution Operations service territories for the third quarter of 2019 was about 82% warmer than normal and about 75% warmer than 2018, leading to decreased net revenues of $1.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018.
Weather in the Gas Distribution Operations service territories for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was approximately 3% warmer than normal and 3% warmer than 2018; however, due to the aforementioned change in methodology, the change in net revenues attributed to weather resulted in an increase of $3.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. This variance is detailed further below:
• | An update in the weather-related normal heating degree day methodology resulting in a favorable variance attributed to weather of $8.9 million, as discussed above. |
Offset by:
• | The effects of warmer weather in 2019 of $5.0 million. |
Throughput
Total volumes sold and transported for the three months ended September 30, 2019 were 172.5 MMDth, compared to 170.9 MMDth for the same period in 2018.
Total volumes sold and transported for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 were 749.7 MMDth, compared to 757.5 MMDth for the same period in 2018.
Economic Conditions
All of our Gas Distribution Operations companies have state-approved recovery mechanisms that provide a means for full recovery of prudently incurred gas costs. Gas costs are treated as pass-through costs and have no impact on the net revenues recorded in the period. The gas costs included in revenues are matched with the gas cost expense recorded in the period and the difference is recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) as under-recovered or over-recovered gas cost to be included in future customer billings.
Certain Gas Distribution Operations companies continue to offer choice opportunities, where customers can choose to purchase gas from a third-party supplier, through regulatory initiatives in their respective jurisdictions. These programs serve to further reduce our exposure to gas prices.
52
Table of Contents
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Electric Operations
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, operating income and a reconciliation of net revenues to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, operating income, was as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 vs. 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 vs. 2018 | |||||||||||||||||
Operating Income | $ | 140.7 | $ | 134.9 | $ | 5.8 | $ | 321.4 | $ | 300.4 | $ | 21.0 |
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 vs. 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 vs. 2018 | |||||||||||||||||
Net Revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $ | 467.9 | $ | 476.4 | $ | (8.5 | ) | $ | 1,305.5 | $ | 1,305.0 | $ | 0.5 | ||||||||||
Less: Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization) | 123.7 | 136.3 | (12.6 | ) | 370.7 | 384.6 | (13.9 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net Revenues | 344.2 | 340.1 | 4.1 | 934.8 | 920.4 | 14.4 | |||||||||||||||||
Operating Expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Operation and maintenance | 118.4 | 123.4 | (5.0 | ) | 363.9 | 377.9 | (14.0 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 70.4 | 66.3 | 4.1 | 207.8 | 196.3 | 11.5 | |||||||||||||||||
Other taxes | 14.7 | 15.5 | (0.8 | ) | 41.7 | 45.8 | (4.1 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Total Operating Expenses | 203.5 | 205.2 | (1.7 | ) | 613.4 | 620.0 | (6.6 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Operating Income | $ | 140.7 | $ | 134.9 | $ | 5.8 | $ | 321.4 | $ | 300.4 | $ | 21.0 | |||||||||||
Revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential | $ | 148.7 | $ | 154.7 | $ | (6.0 | ) | $ | 373.4 | $ | 382.3 | $ | (8.9 | ) | |||||||||
Commercial | 136.3 | 140.7 | (4.4 | ) | 370.8 | 374.2 | (3.4 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Industrial | 151.8 | 153.8 | (2.0 | ) | 471.2 | 468.7 | 2.5 | ||||||||||||||||
Wholesale | 3.5 | 3.8 | (0.3 | ) | 9.0 | 12.4 | (3.4 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Other | 27.6 | 23.4 | 4.2 | 81.1 | 67.4 | 13.7 | |||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 467.9 | $ | 476.4 | $ | (8.5 | ) | $ | 1,305.5 | $ | 1,305.0 | $ | 0.5 | ||||||||||
Sales (Gigawatt Hours) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential | 1,103.2 | 1,121.5 | (18.3 | ) | 2,628.7 | 2,754.6 | (125.9 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Commercial | 1,077.3 | 1,079.6 | (2.3 | ) | 2,862.7 | 2,929.0 | (66.3 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Industrial | 2,145.5 | 2,223.3 | (77.8 | ) | 6,525.7 | 6,785.8 | (260.1 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Wholesale | 0.3 | 2.5 | (2.2 | ) | 7.9 | 94.8 | (86.9 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Other | 29.6 | 34.7 | (5.1 | ) | 86.4 | 95.2 | (8.8 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Total | 4,355.9 | 4,461.6 | (105.7 | ) | 12,111.4 | 12,659.4 | (548.0 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Cooling Degree Days | 720 | 739 | (19 | ) | 940 | 1,131 | (191 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Normal Cooling Degree Days | 556 | 570 | 795 | 799 | |||||||||||||||||||
% Warmer than Normal | 29 | % | 30 | % | 18 | % | 42 | % | |||||||||||||||
Electric Customers | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential | 413,363 | 410,848 | 2,515 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial | 56,906 | 56,426 | 480 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Industrial | 2,264 | 2,285 | (21 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Wholesale | 729 | 736 | (7 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Other | 2 | 2 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 473,264 | 470,297 | 2,967 |
53
Table of Contents
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Electric Operations
Comparability of line item operating results may be impacted by regulatory and depreciation trackers (other than those for cost of sales) that allow for the recovery in rates of certain costs. Therefore, increases in these tracked operating expenses are offset by increases in net revenues and have essentially no impact on net income.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 vs. September 30, 2018 Operating Income
For the three months ended September 30, 2019, Electric Operations reported operating income of $140.7 million, an increase of $5.8 million from the comparable 2018 period.
Net revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2019 were $344.2 million, an increase of $4.1 million from the same period in 2018. The change in net revenues was primarily driven by:
• | Increased residential and commercial usage of $4.7 million. |
• | Increased rates due to incremental capital spend on infrastructure replacement programs and electric transmission projects of $2.9 million. |
• | Higher regulatory and depreciation trackers, which are offset in operating expense, of $2.6 million. |
Partially offset by:
• | Lower revenues from the effects of cooler weather in 2019 of $6.8 million. |
Operating expenses were $1.7 million lower for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. This change was primarily driven by:
• | Decreased materials and supplies costs of $2.5 million driven by lower generation-related maintenance. |
• | Lower outside service costs of $1.8 million. |
• | Decreased employee and administrative costs of $1.1 million. |
Partially offset by:
• | Higher regulatory and depreciation trackers, which are offset in net revenues, of $2.6 million. |
• | Increased depreciation of $2.0 million due to higher capital expenditures placed in service. |
Nine months ended September 30, 2019 vs. September 30, 2018 Operating Income
For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, Electric Operations reported operating income of $321.4 million, an increase of $21.0 million from the comparable 2018 period.
Net revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 were $934.8 million, an increase of $14.4 million from the same period in 2018. The change in net revenues was primarily driven by:
• | Increased rates due to incremental capital spend on infrastructure replacement programs and electric transmission projects of $13.9 million. |
• | Higher regulatory and depreciation trackers, which are offset in operating expense, of $8.3 million. |
• | Decreased fuel handling costs of $7.3 million. |
• | Increased commercial and residential customer growth of $3.1 million. |
Partially offset by:
• | Decreased industrial and residential customer usage of $7.1 million. |
• | Lower revenues from the effects of cooler weather in 2019 of $12.8 million. |
Operating expenses were $6.6 million lower for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. This change was primarily driven by:
• | Decreased employee and administrative costs of $6.7 million. |
• | Lower outside service costs of $5.7 million. |
• | Decreased materials and supplies costs and property tax expense of $5.8 million and $3.5 million, respectively, primarily related to the retirement of Bailly Generating Station Units 7 and 8 on May 31, 2018. |
54
Table of Contents
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Electric Operations
Partially offset by:
• | Higher regulatory and depreciation trackers, which are offset in net revenue, of $8.3 million. |
• | Increased depreciation of $6.4 million due to higher capital expenditures placed in service. |
Weather
In general, we calculate the weather-related revenue variance based on changing customer demand driven by weather variance from normal heating or cooling degree days. Our composite heating or cooling degree days reported do not directly correlate to the weather-related dollar impact on the results of Electric Operations. Heating or cooling degree days experienced during different times of the year may have more or less impact on volume and dollars depending on when they occur. When the detailed results are combined for reporting, there may be weather-related dollar impacts on operations when there is not an apparent or significant change in our aggregated composite heating or cooling degree day comparison.
The definition of “normal” weather was updated during the first quarter of 2019 to reflect more current weather pattern data and more closely align with the regulators' jurisdictional definitions of “normal” weather. Impacts of the change in methodology will be reflected prospectively and disclosed to the extent it results in notable year-over-year variances in net revenues.
Weather in the Electric Operations’ territories for the third quarter of 2019 was about 29% warmer than normal and about 3% cooler than in 2018, resulting in decreased net revenues of $6.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018.
Weather in the Electric Operations’ territories for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was about 18% warmer than normal and about 17% cooler than in 2018, resulting in decreased net revenues of $12.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018.
Sales
Electric Operations sales for the third quarter of 2019 were 4,355.9 GWh, a decrease of 105.7 GWh compared to the same period in 2018. This decrease was primarily attributable to the effects of cooler weather on residential and commercial customers and higher internal generation from large industrial customers during the third quarter of 2019, partially offset by increased weather normalized usage from residential and commercial customers.
Electric Operations sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 were 12,111.4 GWh, a decrease of 548.0 GWh compared to the same period in 2018. This decrease was primarily attributable to the effects of cooler weather on residential customers and higher internal generation from large industrial customers during the third quarter of 2019.
BP Products North America. On March 29, 2018, WCE, which is currently owned by BP p.l.c ("BP") and BP Products North America, which operates the BP Refinery, filed a petition at the IURC asking that the combined operations of WCE and BP be treated as a single premise, and the WCE generation be dedicated primarily to BP Refinery operations beginning in May 2019 as WCE has self-certified as a qualifying facility at FERC. BP Refinery planned to continue to purchase electric service from NIPSCO at a reduced demand level beginning in May 2019; however, a settlement agreement was filed on November 2, 2018 agreeing that BP and WCE would not move forward with construction of a private transmission line to serve BP until conclusion of NIPSCO’s pending electric rate case. The IURC approved the settlement agreement as filed on February 20, 2019. Refer to Note 6, "Regulatory Matters," in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) for additional information.
Economic Conditions
NIPSCO has a state-approved recovery mechanism that provides a means for full recovery of prudently incurred fuel costs. Fuel costs are treated as pass-through costs and have no impact on the net revenues recorded in the period. The fuel costs included in revenues are matched with the fuel cost expense recorded in the period and the difference is recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) as under-recovered or over-recovered fuel cost to be included in future customer billings.
Electric Supply
NIPSCO 2018 Integrated Resource Plan. Multiple factors, but primarily economic ones, including low natural gas prices, advancing cost effective renewable technology and increasing capital and operating costs associated with existing coal plants, have led NIPSCO to conclude in its October 2018 Integrated Resource Plan submission that NIPSCO’s current fleet of coal generation facilities will be retired earlier than previous Integrated Resource Plan’s had indicated.
55
Table of Contents
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Electric Operations
The Integrated Resource Plan evaluated demand-side and supply-side resource alternatives to reliably and cost effectively meet NIPSCO customers' future energy requirements over the ensuing 20 years. The preferred option within the Integrated Resource Plan retires R.M. Schahfer Generating Station (Units 14, 15, 17, and 18) by 2023 and Michigan City Generating Station (Unit 12) by 2028. These units represent 2,080 MW of generating capacity, equal to 72% of NIPSCO’s remaining capacity after the retirement of Bailly Units 7 and 8 in May of 2018.
The current replacement plan includes renewable sources of energy, including wind, solar, and battery storage to be obtained through a combination of NIPSCO ownership and PPAs Refer to Note 16-D, "Other Matters," in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) for additional information on the NIPSCO Integrated Resource Plan.
56
Table of Contents
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Greater Lawrence Incident: As discussed in "Executive Summary" and Note 16, “Other Commitments and Contingencies,” we have recorded losses associated with the Greater Lawrence Incident and have invested capital to replace the entire affected 45-mile cast iron and bare steel pipeline system that delivers gas to the impacted area. As discussed in the Executive Summary and Note 16 referenced earlier in this paragraph, we expect to incur additional expenses and liabilities in excess of our recorded liabilities and estimated additional costs associated with the Greater Lawrence Incident. The timing and amount of future financing needs will depend on the ultimate timing and amount of payments made to third parties in connection with the Greater Lawrence Incident and the timing and amount of associated insurance recoveries. Since the Greater Lawrence Incident and through September 30, 2019, we have collected $670 million from insurance providers which has aided liquidity. Total expenses related to the incident have exceeded the total amount of insurance coverage available under our policies. As a result, additional long term financing will likely be required to cover this shortfall.
Through income generated from operating activities, amounts available under our short-term revolving credit facility, commercial paper program, accounts receivable securitization facilities, term loan borrowings, long-term debt agreements and our ability to access the capital markets, we believe there is adequate capital available to fund these expenditures.
Operating Activities
Net cash from operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $1,231.8 million, an increase of $304.6 million compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2018. This increase was driven by insurance recoveries related to the Greater Lawrence Incident, partially offset by related cash payments for claims and other expenses. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we received approximately $242 million of insurance recoveries, net of payments for expenses, related to the Greater Lawrence Incident. Refer to Note 16-D "Other Matters" in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) for further information. Also driving this increase was decreased compensation and employee benefit payments, as well as increased over collections of gas and fuel costs. These increases were partially offset by an interest rate swap settlement cash inflow recognized in the first quarter of 2018.
Investing Activities
Net cash used for investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $1,393.8 million, an increase of $17.3 million compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2018. This increase was mostly attributable to higher capital expenditures and higher cost of removal expenditures in 2019.
Our capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 were $1,310.0 million compared to $1,296.6 million for the comparable period in 2018. The increase was driven by additional capital spending related to the Greater Lawrence Incident, partially offset by a decrease in capital spending at NIPSCO related to the conclusion of electric transmission and CCR projects. We project total 2019 capital expenditures to be approximately $1.7 to $1.8 billion.
Our cost of removal expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 were $84.5 million compared to $72.6 million for the comparable period in 2018. The increase was driven by additional cost of removal projects completed at our Michigan City generating station.
Financing Activities
Common Stock and Preferred Stock. Refer to Note 5, “Equity,” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) for information on common and preferred stock activity.
Long-term Debt. Refer to Note 13, “Long-Term Debt,” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) for information on long-term debt activity.
Short-term Debt. Refer to Note 14, “Short-Term Borrowings,” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) for information on short-term debt activity.
Net Available Liquidity. As of September 30, 2019, an aggregate of $1,362.8 million of net liquidity was available, including cash and credit available under the revolving credit facility and accounts receivable securitization programs.
57
Table of Contents
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
The following table displays our liquidity position as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
(in millions) | September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | ||||
Current Liquidity | ||||||
Revolving Credit Facility | $ | 1,850.0 | $ | 1,850.0 | ||
Accounts Receivable Program(1) | 260.1 | 399.2 | ||||
Less: | ||||||
Commercial Paper | 505.0 | 978.0 | ||||
Accounts Receivable Program Utilized | 260.1 | 399.2 | ||||
Letters of Credit Outstanding Under Credit Facility | 10.2 | 10.2 | ||||
Add: | ||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents | 28.0 | 112.8 | ||||
Net Available Liquidity | $ | 1,362.8 | $ | 974.6 |
(1)Represents the lesser of the seasonal limit or maximum borrowings supportable by the underlying receivables.
Debt Covenants. We are subject to financial covenants under our revolving credit facility and term loan agreement, which require us to maintain a debt to capitalization ratio that does not exceed 70%. A similar covenant in a 2005 private placement note purchase agreement requires us to maintain a debt to capitalization ratio that does not exceed 75%. As of September 30, 2019, the ratio was 61.8%.
Sale of Trade Accounts Receivables. Refer to Note 9, “Transfers of Financial Assets,” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) for information on the sale of trade accounts receivable.
Credit Ratings. The credit rating agencies periodically review our ratings, taking into account factors such as our capital structure and earnings profile. The following table includes our and certain of our subsidiaries' credit ratings and ratings outlook as of September 30, 2019. There were no changes to the below credit ratings or outlooks since December 31, 2018.
A credit rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold securities, and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organization.
S&P | Moody's | Fitch | ||||
Rating | Outlook | Rating | Outlook | Rating | Outlook | |
NiSource | BBB+ | Negative | Baa2 | Stable | BBB | Stable |
NIPSCO | BBB+ | Negative | Baa1 | Stable | BBB | Stable |
Columbia of Massachusetts | BBB+ | Negative | Baa2 | Stable | Not rated | Not rated |
Commercial Paper | A-2 | Negative | P-2 | Stable | F2 | Stable |
Certain of our subsidiaries have agreements that contain “ratings triggers” that require increased collateral if our credit rating or the credit ratings of certain of our subsidiaries are below investment grade. These agreements are primarily for insurance purposes and for the physical purchase or sale of power. As of September 30, 2019, the collateral requirement that would be required in the event of a downgrade below the ratings trigger levels would amount to approximately $67.9 million. In addition to agreements with ratings triggers, there are other agreements that contain “adequate assurance” or “material adverse change” provisions that could necessitate additional credit support such as letters of credit and cash collateral to transact business.
Equity. Our authorized capital stock consists of 620,000,000 shares, $0.01 par value, of which 600,000,000 are common stock and 20,000,000 are preferred stock. As of September 30, 2019, 373,446,862 shares of common stock and 440,000 shares of preferred stock were outstanding.
Contractual Obligations. Aside from the previously referenced issuances and repayments of long-term debt and payments associated with the Greater Lawrence Incident, there were no material changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 to our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2018.
58
Table of Contents
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
We, along with certain of our subsidiaries, enter into various agreements providing financial or performance assurance to third parties on behalf of certain subsidiaries. Such agreements include guarantees and stand-by letters of credit.
Refer to Note 16, “Other Commitments and Contingencies,” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) for additional information about such arrangements.
Market Risk Disclosures
Risk is an inherent part of our businesses. The extent to which we properly and effectively identify, assess, monitor and manage each of the various types of risk involved in our businesses is critical to our profitability. We seek to identify, assess, monitor and manage, in accordance with defined policies and procedures, the following principal market risks that are involved in our businesses: commodity price risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. Risk management for us is a multi-faceted process with oversight by the Risk Management Committee that requires constant communication, judgment and knowledge of specialized products and markets. Our senior management takes an active role in the risk management process and has developed policies and procedures that require specific administrative and business functions to assist in the identification, assessment and control of various risks. These may include, but are not limited to market, operational, financial, compliance and strategic risk types. In recognition of the increasingly varied and complex nature of the energy business, our risk management process, policies and procedures continue to evolve and are subject to ongoing review and modification.
Commodity Price Risk
We are exposed to commodity price risk as a result of our subsidiaries’ operations involving natural gas and power. To manage this market risk, our subsidiaries use derivatives, including commodity futures contracts, swaps, forwards and options. We do not participate in speculative energy trading activity.
Commodity price risk resulting from derivative activities at our rate-regulated subsidiaries is limited, since regulations allow recovery of prudently incurred purchased power, fuel and gas costs through the ratemaking process, including gains or losses on these derivative instruments. If states should explore additional regulatory reform, these subsidiaries may begin providing services without the benefit of the traditional ratemaking process and may be more exposed to commodity price risk.
Our subsidiaries are required to make cash margin deposits with their brokers to cover actual and potential losses in the value of outstanding exchange traded derivative contracts. The amount of these deposits, some of which is reflected in our restricted cash balance, may fluctuate significantly during periods of high volatility in the energy commodity markets.
Refer to Note 7, "Risk Management Activities," in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) for further information on our commodity price risk assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2019 or December 31, 2018.
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to interest rate risk as a result of changes in interest rates on borrowings under our revolving credit agreement, commercial paper program, accounts receivable programs and term loan, which have interest rates that are indexed to short-term market interest rates. Based upon average borrowings and debt obligations subject to fluctuations in short-term market interest rates, an increase (or decrease) in short-term interest rates of 100 basis points (1%) would have increased (or decreased) interest expense by $4.7 million and $14.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, and $3.1 million and $9.1 million for three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. We are also exposed to interest rate risk as a result of changes in benchmark rates that can influence the interest rates of future debt issuances.
Refer to Note 7, "Risk Management Activities," in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) for further information on our interest rate risk assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
59
Table of Contents
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Credit Risk
Due to the nature of the industry, credit risk is embedded in many of our business activities. Our extension of credit is governed by a Corporate Credit Risk Policy. In addition, Risk Management Committee guidelines are in place which document management approval levels for credit limits, evaluation of creditworthiness, and credit risk mitigation efforts. Exposures to credit risks are monitored by the risk management function which is independent of commercial operations. Credit risk arises due to the possibility that a customer, supplier or counterparty will not be able or willing to fulfill its obligations on a transaction on or before the settlement date. For derivative-related contracts, credit risk arises when counterparties are obligated to deliver or purchase defined commodity units of gas or power to us at a future date per execution of contractual terms and conditions. Exposure to credit risk is measured in terms of both current obligations and the market value of forward positions net of any posted collateral such as cash and letters of credit.
We closely monitor the financial status of our banking credit providers. We evaluate the financial status of our banking partners through the use of market-based metrics such as credit default swap pricing levels, and also through traditional credit ratings provided by major credit rating agencies.
Other Information
Critical Accounting Estimates
Refer to Note 16, "Other Commitments and Contingencies," in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) for additional information about management judgment used in the development of estimates related to the Greater Lawrence Incident.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Refer to Note 2, "Recent Accounting Pronouncements," in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) for additional information about recently issued and adopted accounting pronouncements.
60
Table of Contents
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
NiSource Inc.
For a discussion regarding quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Market Risk Disclosures.”
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer are responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)). Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. Based upon that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that financial information was processed, recorded and reported accurately.
Changes in Internal Controls
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
61
PART II
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
NiSource Inc.
For a description of our legal proceedings, see Note 16-B, "Legal Proceedings," in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Our operations and financial results are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those disclosed in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. There have been no material changes to such risk factors.
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.
62
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
NiSource Inc.
(4.1) | Form of 2.950% Notes due 2029 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to NiSource Inc. Form 8-K filed on August 12, 2019). |
(31.1) | |
(31.2) | |
(32.1) | |
(32.2) | |
(101.INS) | Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. |
(101.SCH) | Inline XBRL Schema Document |
(101.CAL) | Inline XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document |
(101.LAB) | Inline XBRL Labels Linkbase Document |
(101.PRE) | Inline XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document |
(101.DEF) | Inline XBRL Definition Linkbase Document |
(104) | Cover page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL, and contained in Exhibit 101.) |
* | Exhibit filed herewith. |
63
SIGNATURE
NiSource Inc.
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.
NiSource Inc. | ||||
(Registrant) | ||||
Date: | October 30, 2019 | By: | /s/ Joseph W. Mulpas | |
Joseph W. Mulpas | ||||
Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer) |
64