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SPIRE INC - Quarter Report: 2018 March (Form 10-Q)

Table of Contents

 
 
 
 
 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
[ X ]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018
 
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
 
Name of Registrant, Address of Principal Executive Offices and Telephone Number
 
State of Incorporation
 
I.R.S. Employer Identification Number
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1-16681
 
Spire Inc.
700 Market Street
St. Louis, MO 63101
314-342-0500
 
Missouri
 
74-2976504
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1-1822
 
Spire Missouri Inc.
700 Market Street
St. Louis, MO 63101
314-342-0500
 
Missouri
 
43-0368139
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2-38960
 
Spire Alabama Inc.
2101 6th Avenue North
Birmingham, AL 35203
205-326-8100
 
Alabama
 
63-0022000

Indicate by check mark whether each 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 report) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Spire Inc.
 
Yes [ X ]
 
No [ ]
Spire Missouri Inc.
 
Yes [ X ]
 
No [ ]
Spire Alabama Inc.
 
Yes [ X ]
 
No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether each registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Spire Inc.
 
Yes [ X ]
 
No [ ]
Spire Missouri Inc.
 
Yes [ X ]
 
No [ ]
Spire Alabama Inc.
 
Yes [ X ]
 
No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, 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
 
Accelerated
filer
 
Non-
accelerated filer
 
Smaller
reporting company
 
Emerging growth company
Spire Inc.
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Spire Missouri Inc.
 
 
 
 
X
 
 
 
 
Spire Alabama Inc.
 
 
 
 
X
 
 
 
 

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.
Spire Inc.
 
[ ]
 
 
Spire Missouri Inc.
 
[ ]
 
 
Spire Alabama Inc.
 
[ ]
 
 

Indicate by check mark whether each registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Spire Inc.
 
Yes [ ]
 
No [ X ]
Spire Missouri Inc.
 
Yes [ ]
 
No [ X ]
Spire Alabama Inc.
 
Yes [ ]
 
No [ X ]

The number of shares outstanding of each registrant’s common stock as of April 30, 2018, was as follows:
Spire Inc.
 
Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share
 
48,359,068

Spire Missouri Inc.
 
Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share (all owned by Spire Inc.)
 
24,577

Spire Alabama Inc.
 
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (all owned by Spire Inc.)
 
1,972,052


Spire Missouri Inc. and Spire Alabama Inc. meet the conditions set forth in General Instructions H(1)(a) and (b) to Form 10-Q and are therefore filing this Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format specified in General Instructions H(2) to Form 10-Q.

This combined Form 10-Q represents separate filings by Spire Inc., Spire Missouri Inc., and Spire Alabama Inc. Information contained herein relating to an individual registrant is filed by that registrant on its own behalf. Each registrant makes no representation as to information relating to the other registrants, except that information relating to Spire Missouri Inc. and Spire Alabama Inc. are also attributed to Spire Inc.
 
 
 
 
 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Spire Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Spire Missouri Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Spire Alabama Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

1



Table of Contents

GLOSSARY OF KEY TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
APSC
Alabama Public Service Commission
 
O&M
Operation and maintenance expense
ASC
Accounting Standards Codification
 
PGA
Purchased Gas Adjustment
ASU
Accounting Standards Update
 
RSE
Rate Stabilization and Equalization
Degree days
The average of a day’s high and low temperature below 65, subtracted from 65, multiplied by the number of days impacted
 
SEC
US Securities and Exchange Commission
FASB
Financial Accounting Standards Board
 
Spire
Spire Inc.
FERC
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
 
Spire Alabama
Spire Alabama Inc.
GAAP
Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
 
Spire EnergySouth
Spire EnergySouth Inc., the parent of Spire Gulf and Spire Mississippi
Gas Marketing
Segment including Spire Marketing, which is engaged in the non-regulated marketing of natural gas and related activities
 
Spire Gulf
Spire Gulf Inc.
Gas Utility
Segment including the regulated operations of the Utilities
 
Spire Marketing
Spire Marketing Inc.
GSA
Gas Supply Adjustment
 
Spire Mississippi
Spire Mississippi Inc.
ISRS
Infrastructure System Replacement Surcharge
 
Spire Missouri
Spire Missouri Inc.
Missouri Utilities
Spire Missouri, including Spire Missouri East and Spire Missouri West, the utilities serving Missouri
 
Spire Missouri East
Spire Missouri’s eastern service territory
MMBtu
Million British thermal units
 
Spire Missouri West
Spire Missouri’s western service territory
MoPSC
Missouri Public Service Commission
 
TCJA
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017
MSPSC
Mississippi Public Service Commission
 
US
United States
NYSE
New York Stock Exchange
 
Utilities
Spire Missouri, Spire Alabama and the subsidiaries of Spire EnergySouth
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The interim financial statements included herein have been prepared by three separate registrants — Spire Inc. (Spire or the Company), Spire Missouri Inc. (Spire Missouri or Missouri Utilities) and Spire Alabama Inc. (Spire Alabama) — without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States (US) Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the registrants’ combined Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017.
The Financial Information in this Part I includes separate financial statements (i.e., balance sheets, statements of income and comprehensive income, statements of shareholders’ equity and statements of cash flows) for Spire, Spire Missouri and Spire Alabama. The Notes to Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are also included and presented herein on a combined basis for Spire, Spire Missouri and Spire Alabama.

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Table of Contents

Item 1. Financial Statements

SPIRE INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(UNAUDITED)

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Six Months Ended March 31,
(In millions, except per share amounts)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Operating Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Gas Utility
$
790.6

 
$
641.1

 
$
1,332.5

 
$
1,113.4

Gas Marketing and other
22.8

 
22.3

 
42.7

 
45.1

Total Operating Revenues
813.4

 
663.4

 
1,375.2

 
1,158.5

Operating Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gas Utility
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural and propane gas
383.7

 
254.3

 
624.5

 
448.1

Operation and maintenance
143.6

 
98.4

 
241.5

 
197.8

Depreciation and amortization
41.1

 
37.9

 
81.4

 
75.6

Taxes, other than income taxes
58.0

 
48.3

 
94.7

 
81.7

Total Gas Utility Operating Expenses
626.4

 
438.9

 
1,042.1

 
803.2

Gas Marketing and other
45.2

 
44.1

 
86.2

 
85.8

Total Operating Expenses
671.6

 
483.0

 
1,128.3

 
889.0

Operating Income
141.8

 
180.4

 
246.9

 
269.5

Other Income - Net
0.7

 
3.6

 
2.9

 
4.1

Interest Charges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest on long-term debt
21.0

 
19.2

 
41.7

 
38.3

Other interest charges
4.4

 
3.5

 
8.1

 
6.5

Total Interest Charges
25.4

 
22.7

 
49.8

 
44.8

Income Before Income Taxes
117.1

 
161.3

 
200.0

 
228.8

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
18.9

 
53.3

 
(14.2
)
 
75.6

Net Income
$
98.2

 
$
108.0

 
$
214.2

 
$
153.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
48.2

 
45.6

 
48.2

 
45.6

Diluted
48.4

 
45.7

 
48.4

 
45.7

Basic Earnings Per Share
$
2.03

 
$
2.36

 
$
4.43

 
$
3.35

Diluted Earnings Per Share
$
2.03

 
$
2.36

 
$
4.42

 
$
3.34

Dividends Declared Per Share
$
0.5625

 
$
0.525

 
$
1.125

 
$
1.05

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See the accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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Table of Contents

SPIRE INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(UNAUDITED)

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Six Months Ended March 31,
(In millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Net Income
$
98.2

 
$
108.0

 
$
214.2

 
$
153.2

Other Comprehensive Income, Before Tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flow hedging derivative instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net hedging gains arising during the period
1.8

 
1.0

 
1.9

 
12.5

Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income
(0.4
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(0.8
)
 
0.1

Net unrealized gains on cash flow hedging derivative instruments
1.4

 
0.9

 
1.1

 
12.6

Net gains on defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans

 

 
0.1

 
0.1

Net unrealized losses on available for sale securities

 

 
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
Other Comprehensive Income, Before Tax
1.4

 
0.9

 
1.1

 
12.6

Income Tax Expense Related to Items of Other Comprehensive Income
0.3

 
0.4

 
0.2

 
4.7

Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax
1.1

 
0.5

 
0.9

 
7.9

Comprehensive Income
$
99.3

 
$
108.5

 
$
215.1

 
$
161.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See the accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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Table of Contents


SPIRE INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)

 
March 31,
 
September 30,
 
March 31,
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
2018
 
2017
 
2017
ASSETS
Utility Plant
$
5,403.4

 
$
5,278.4

 
$
4,978.8

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
1,645.0

 
1,613.2

 
1,585.9

Net Utility Plant
3,758.4

 
3,665.2

 
3,392.9

Non-utility Property (net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $9.1, $8.6 and $7.8 at March 31, 2018, September 30, 2017, and March 31, 2017, respectively)
116.9

 
52.0

 
26.6

Goodwill
1,171.6

 
1,171.6

 
1,163.9

Other Investments
66.4

 
64.2

 
63.2

Total Other Property and Investments
1,354.9

 
1,287.8

 
1,253.7

Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
17.8

 
7.4

 
19.6

Accounts receivable:
 
 
 
 
 
Utility
302.4

 
140.5

 
238.5

Other
111.3

 
149.2

 
127.9

Allowance for doubtful accounts
(25.7
)
 
(18.3
)
 
(20.8
)
Delayed customer billings
45.6

 
3.4

 
11.6

Inventories:
 
 
 
 
 
Natural gas
94.3

 
194.9

 
117.6

Propane gas
12.0

 
12.0

 
12.0

Materials and supplies
22.2

 
18.9

 
16.8

Natural gas receivable
3.0

 
1.9

 
7.8

Derivative instrument assets
7.3

 
5.9

 
8.2

Unamortized purchased gas adjustments
32.6

 
102.6

 
61.0

Other regulatory assets
65.1

 
72.9

 
64.8

Prepayments and other
30.4

 
34.2

 
19.3

Total Current Assets
718.3

 
725.5

 
684.3

Deferred Charges:
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory assets
673.6

 
791.1

 
827.7

Other
81.6

 
77.1

 
98.1

Total Deferred Charges
755.2

 
868.2

 
925.8

Total Assets
$
6,586.8

 
$
6,546.7

 
$
6,256.7


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Table of Contents

SPIRE INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)
(UNAUDITED)

 
March 31,
 
September 30,
 
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2017
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
Capitalization:
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock (par value $1.00 per share; 70.0 million shares authorized; 48.4 million, 48.3 million and 45.7 million shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2018, September 30, 2017 and March 31, 2017, respectively)
$
48.4

 
$
48.3

 
$
45.7

Paid-in capital
1,327.3

 
1,325.6

 
1,177.7

Retained earnings
773.7

 
614.2

 
655.9

Accumulated other comprehensive income
4.1

 
3.2

 
3.7

Total Equity
2,153.5

 
1,991.3

 
1,883.0

Redeemable noncontrolling interest
6.5

 

 

Long-term debt (less current portion)
2,073.9

 
1,995.0

 
1,925.3

Total Capitalization
4,233.9

 
3,986.3

 
3,808.3

Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Current portion of long-term debt
105.5

 
100.0

 

Notes payable
391.7

 
477.3

 
567.4

Accounts payable
194.8

 
257.1

 
218.6

Advance customer billings
8.1

 
32.0

 
14.5

Wages and compensation accrued
30.0

 
38.7

 
29.0

Dividends payable
28.3

 
26.6

 
24.9

Customer deposits
36.1

 
34.9

 
35.7

Interest accrued
15.8

 
14.6

 
15.3

Taxes accrued
49.1

 
61.0

 
46.7

Unamortized purchased gas adjustments
1.5

 
1.0

 
1.6

Other regulatory liabilities
20.7

 
21.6

 
29.7

Other
46.4

 
33.1

 
31.9

Total Current Liabilities
928.0

 
1,097.9

 
1,015.3

Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred income taxes
465.6

 
707.5

 
690.6

Pension and postretirement benefit costs
233.4

 
237.4

 
308.1

Asset retirement obligations
302.8

 
296.6

 
212.4

Regulatory liabilities
353.1

 
157.2

 
144.1

Other
70.0

 
63.8

 
77.9

Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities
1,424.9

 
1,462.5

 
1,433.1

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 10)

 

 

Total Capitalization and Liabilities
$
6,586.8

 
$
6,546.7

 
$
6,256.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
See the accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
 
 
 
 
 


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Table of Contents

SPIRE INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)

 
Common Stock Outstanding
 
Paid-in Capital
 
Retained Earnings
 
AOCI*
 
Total
(Dollars in millions)
Shares
 
Par
 
 
 
 
Balance at September 30, 2016
45,650,642

 
$
45.6

 
$
1,175.9

 
$
550.9

 
$
(4.2
)
 
$
1,768.2

Net income

 

 

 
153.2

 

 
153.2

Dividend reinvestment plan
11,820

 

 
0.8

 

 

 
0.8

Stock-based compensation costs

 

 
3.3

 

 

 
3.3

Stock issued under stock-based compensation plans
122,094

 
0.1

 
(0.1
)
 

 

 

Employee’s tax withholding for stock-based compensation
(34,589
)
 

 
(2.2
)
 

 

 
(2.2
)
Dividends declared

 

 

 
(48.2
)
 

 
(48.2
)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax

 

 

 

 
7.9

 
7.9

Balance at March 31, 2017
45,749,967

 
$
45.7

 
$
1,177.7

 
$
655.9

 
$
3.7

 
$
1,883.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at September 30, 2017
48,263,243

 
$
48.3

 
$
1,325.6

 
$
614.2

 
$
3.2

 
$
1,991.3

Net income

 

 

 
214.2

 

 
214.2

Dividend reinvestment plan
11,003

 

 
0.8

 

 

 
0.8

Stock-based compensation costs

 

 
3.8

 

 

 
3.8

Stock issued under stock-based compensation plans
114,114

 
0.1

 
(0.1
)
 

 

 

Employee’s tax withholding for stock-based compensation
(33,581
)
 

 
(2.8
)
 

 

 
(2.8
)
Dividends declared

 

 

 
(54.7
)
 

 
(54.7
)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax

 

 

 

 
0.9

 
0.9

Balance at March 31, 2018
48,354,779

 
$
48.4

 
$
1,327.3

 
$
773.7

 
$
4.1

 
$
2,153.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
* Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See the accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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Table of Contents

SPIRE INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
 
 
Six Months Ended March 31,
(In millions)
2018
 
2017
Operating Activities:
 
 
 
Net Income
$
214.2

 
$
153.2

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
81.9

 
75.8

Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits
(15.2
)
 
75.4

Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
(122.8
)
 
(123.0
)
Unamortized purchased gas adjustments
128.8

 
0.2

Accounts payable
(50.0
)
 
28.3

Delayed/advance customer billings – net
(66.0
)
 
(65.7
)
Taxes accrued
(11.9
)
 
(13.8
)
Inventories
97.3

 
55.9

Other assets and liabilities
11.5

 
36.7

Other
41.8

 
3.1

Net cash provided by operating activities
309.6

 
226.1

Investing Activities:
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(215.8
)
 
(187.3
)
Business acquisitions
(17.1
)
 
3.8

Other
(0.4
)
 
0.6

Net cash used in investing activities
(233.3
)
 
(182.9
)
Financing Activities:
 
 
 
Issuance of long-term debt
75.0

 
250.0

Repayment of long-term debt

 
(393.8
)
(Repayment) issuance of short-term debt – net
(85.6
)
 
168.7

Issuance of common stock
0.8

 
0.1

Dividends paid
(53.0
)
 
(46.8
)
Other
(3.1
)
 
(7.0
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(65.9
)
 
(28.8
)
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
10.4

 
14.4

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
7.4

 
5.2

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
$
17.8

 
$
19.6

 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash paid for:
 
 
 
Interest, net of amounts capitalized
$
(47.2
)
 
$
(41.8
)
Income taxes
(0.6
)
 
(0.9
)
 
 
 
 
See the accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
 
 
 

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Table of Contents


SPIRE MISSOURI INC.
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(UNAUDITED)

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Six Months Ended March 31,
(In millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Operating Revenues:
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

Utility
$
533.2

 
$
447.2

 
$
925.5

 
$
810.8

Total Operating Revenues
533.2

 
447.2

 
925.5

 
810.8

Operating Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Utility
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural and propane gas
311.2

 
241.2

 
517.4

 
432.5

Operation and maintenance
103.5

 
57.5

 
163.8

 
118.0

Depreciation and amortization
25.2

 
23.0

 
50.0

 
45.7

Taxes, other than income taxes
41.2

 
35.3

 
67.4

 
59.9

Total Operating Expenses
481.1

 
357.0

 
798.6

 
656.1

Operating Income
52.1

 
90.2

 
126.9

 
154.7

Other (Deductions) Income - Net
(0.4
)
 
1.9

 
0.8

 
2.0

Interest Charges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest on long-term debt
9.8

 
8.2

 
19.7

 
16.5

Other interest charges
2.1

 
1.5

 
3.8

 
2.9

Total Interest Charges
11.9

 
9.7

 
23.5

 
19.4

Income Before Income Taxes
39.8

 
82.4

 
104.2

 
137.3

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
1.4

 
25.4

 
(23.6
)
 
42.3

Net Income
$
38.4

 
$
57.0

 
$
127.8

 
$
95.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See the accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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Table of Contents

SPIRE MISSOURI INC.
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(UNAUDITED)

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Six Months Ended March 31,
(In millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Net Income
$
38.4

 
$
57.0

 
$
127.8

 
$
95.0

Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax
(0.1
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.1
)
 

Comprehensive Income
$
38.3

 
$
56.8

 
$
127.7

 
$
95.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See the accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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Table of Contents

SPIRE MISSOURI INC.
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)

 
March 31,
 
September 30,
 
March 31,
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
2018
 
2017
 
2017
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
Utility Plant
$
3,163.8

 
$
3,091.8

 
$
2,855.0

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
687.2

 
681.6

 
659.6

Net Utility Plant
2,476.6

 
2,410.2

 
2,195.4

Goodwill
210.2

 
210.2

 
210.2

Other Property and Investments
59.0

 
59.4

 
58.3

Total Other Property and Investments
269.2

 
269.6

 
268.5

Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
10.2

 
2.5

 
3.7

Accounts receivable:
 
 
 
 
 
Utility
222.4

 
101.7

 
166.4

Associated companies
1.3

 
3.3

 
22.7

Other
26.0

 
15.0

 
12.0

Allowance for doubtful accounts
(20.7
)
 
(14.1
)
 
(16.5
)
Delayed customer billings
45.6

 
3.4

 
11.6

Inventories:
 
 
 
 
 
Natural gas
60.0

 
138.2

 
75.8

Propane gas
12.0

 
12.0

 
12.0

Materials and supplies
13.1

 
11.3

 
9.9

Derivative instrument assets

 
0.1

 
2.9

Unamortized purchased gas adjustments
13.5

 
57.4

 
17.1

Other regulatory assets
38.2

 
38.2

 
38.2

Prepayments and other
10.7

 
19.6

 
10.5

Total Current Assets
432.3

 
388.6

 
366.3

Deferred Charges:
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory assets
446.6

 
557.8

 
569.4

Other
9.0

 
5.3

 
2.6

Total Deferred Charges
455.6

 
563.1

 
572.0

Total Assets
$
3,633.7

 
$
3,631.5

 
$
3,402.2

 
 
 


 
 

12



Table of Contents

SPIRE MISSOURI INC.
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)
(UNAUDITED)
 
 
March 31,
 
September 30,
 
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2017
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
Capitalization:
 
 
 
 
 
Paid-in capital and common stock (par value $1.00 per share;
50.0 million shares authorized; 24,577 shares issued and outstanding)
$
758.4

 
$
756.2

 
$
753.9

Retained earnings
517.3

 
416.5

 
398.6

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(1.8
)
 
(1.7
)
 
(1.8
)
Total Equity
1,273.9

 
1,171.0

 
1,150.7

Long-term debt 
874.0

 
873.9

 
804.3

Total Capitalization
2,147.9

 
2,044.9

 
1,955.0

Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Current portion of long-term debt
100.0

 
100.0

 

Notes payable – associated companies
175.8

 
203.0

 
282.2

Accounts payable
69.2

 
89.9

 
57.8

Accounts payable – associated companies
3.6

 
5.4

 
5.1

Advance customer billings

 
13.3

 
0.2

Wages and compensation accrued
23.4

 
29.6

 
21.8

Dividends payable
13.5

 

 

Customer deposits
13.2

 
13.3

 
13.1

Interest accrued
8.2

 
8.0

 
7.9

Taxes accrued
25.2

 
34.1

 
23.8

Regulatory liabilities
2.7

 
2.7

 
2.7

Other
19.4

 
8.5

 
8.7

Total Current Liabilities
454.2

 
507.8

 
423.3

Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred income taxes
388.6

 
623.8

 
607.7

Pension and postretirement benefit costs
161.9

 
173.0

 
213.5

Asset retirement obligations
161.9

 
158.6

 
77.0

Regulatory liabilities
272.5

 
81.2

 
84.5

Other
46.7

 
42.2

 
41.2

Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities
1,031.6

 
1,078.8

 
1,023.9

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 10)

 

 

Total Capitalization and Liabilities
$
3,633.7

 
$
3,631.5

 
$
3,402.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
See the accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
 
 
 
 
 



13



Table of Contents

SPIRE MISSOURI INC.
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)

 
Common Stock Outstanding
 
Paid-in Capital
 
Retained Earnings
 
AOCI*
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
Shares
 
Par
 
 
 
 
Total
Balance at September 30, 2016
24,577

 
$
0.1

 
$
751.9

 
$
318.3

 
$
(1.8
)
 
$
1,068.5

Net income

 

 

 
95.0

 

 
95.0

Stock-based compensation costs

 

 
1.9

 

 

 
1.9

Dividends declared

 

 

 
(14.7
)
 

 
(14.7
)
Balance at March 31, 2017
24,577

 
$
0.1

 
$
753.8

 
$
398.6

 
$
(1.8
)
 
$
1,150.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at September 30, 2017
24,577

 
$
0.1

 
$
756.1

 
$
416.5

 
$
(1.7
)
 
$
1,171.0

Net income

 

 

 
127.8

 

 
127.8

Stock-based compensation costs

 

 
2.2

 

 

 
2.2

Dividends declared

 

 

 
(27.0
)
 

 
(27.0
)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

 

 

 

 
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
Balance at March 31, 2018
24,577

 
$
0.1

 
$
758.3

 
$
517.3

 
$
(1.8
)
 
$
1,273.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
* Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See the accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


14



Table of Contents

SPIRE MISSOURI INC.
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)

 
Six Months Ended March 31,
(In millions)
2018
 
2017
Operating Activities:
 
 
 
Net Income
$
127.8

 
$
95.0

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
50.0

 
45.7

Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits
(23.6
)
 
42.3

Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
(123.2
)
 
(99.2
)
Unamortized purchased gas adjustments
102.2

 
37.5

Accounts payable
(10.8
)
 
(4.5
)
Delayed/advance customer billings – net
(55.5
)
 
(58.9
)
Taxes accrued
(8.9
)
 
(5.3
)
Inventories
76.4

 
50.8

Other assets and liabilities
2.8

 
10.3

Other
40.9

 
0.8

Net cash provided by operating activities
178.1

 
114.5

Investing Activities:
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(129.6
)
 
(122.2
)
Other
(0.1
)
 
0.5

Net cash used in investing activities
(129.7
)
 
(121.7
)
Financing Activities:
 
 
 
Repayment of short-term debt - net

 
(243.7
)
(Repayments to) borrowings from Spire – net
(27.2
)
 
282.2

Dividends paid
(13.5
)
 
(28.7
)
Other

 
(1.0
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(40.7
)
 
8.8

Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
7.7

 
1.6

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
2.5

 
2.1

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
$
10.2

 
$
3.7

 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash paid for:
 
 
 
Interest, net of amounts capitalized
$
(22.8
)
 
$
(19.0
)
Income taxes

 

 
 
 
 
See the accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
 
 
 


15



Table of Contents


SPIRE ALABAMA INC.
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(UNAUDITED)

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Six Months Ended March 31,
(In millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Operating Revenues:
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

Utility
$
218.3

 
$
158.8

 
$
339.1

 
$
245.5

Total Operating Revenues
218.3

 
158.8

 
339.1

 
245.5

Operating Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Utility
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural gas
78.5

 
25.8

 
127.5

 
42.6

Operation and maintenance
34.1

 
31.5

 
65.9

 
62.7

Depreciation and amortization
13.1

 
12.3

 
25.9

 
24.6

Taxes, other than income taxes
14.4

 
10.3

 
22.6

 
16.9

Total Operating Expenses
140.1

 
79.9

 
241.9

 
146.8

Operating Income
78.2

 
78.9

 
97.2

 
98.7

Other Income - Net
0.5

 
1.1

 
0.9

 
1.5

Interest Charges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest on long-term debt
3.5

 
2.8

 
6.4

 
5.6

Other interest charges
0.9

 
0.7

 
2.0

 
1.5

Total Interest Charges
4.4

 
3.5

 
8.4

 
7.1

Income Before Income Taxes
74.3

 
76.5

 
89.7

 
93.1

Income Tax Expense
18.7

 
28.9

 
83.7

 
35.2

Net Income
$
55.6

 
$
47.6

 
$
6.0

 
$
57.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See the accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


16



Table of Contents

SPIRE ALABAMA INC.
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)

 
March 31,
 
September 30,
 
March 31,
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
2018
 
2017
 
2017
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
Utility Plant
$
1,885.4

 
$
1,838.0

 
$
1,776.1

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
803.9

 
782.0

 
779.1

Net Utility Plant
1,081.5

 
1,056.0

 
997.0

Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents

 
0.1

 

Accounts receivable:
 
 
 
 
 
Utility
64.1

 
32.0

 
62.0

Associated companies
0.1

 

 
0.4

Other
6.4

 
6.2

 
5.7

Allowance for doubtful accounts
(2.7
)
 
(2.6
)
 
(2.3
)
Inventories:
 
 
 
 
 
Natural gas
26.2

 
33.9

 
26.5

Materials and supplies
7.8

 
6.5

 
5.8

Unamortized purchased gas adjustments
19.0

 
45.2

 
43.9

Other regulatory assets
13.1

 
19.4

 
11.2

Prepayments and other
5.6

 
6.7

 
4.1

Total Current Assets
139.6

 
147.4

 
157.3

Deferred Charges:
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory assets
198.9

 
197.0

 
229.3

Deferred income taxes
100.3

 
185.6

 
186.2

Other
57.9

 
57.0

 
62.0

Total Deferred Charges
357.1

 
439.6

 
477.5

Total Assets
$
1,578.2

 
$
1,643.0

 
$
1,631.8


17



Table of Contents

SPIRE ALABAMA INC.
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)
(UNAUDITED)

 
March 31,
 
September 30,
 
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2017
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
Capitalization:
 
 
 
 
 
Paid-in capital and common stock (par value $0.01 per share;
3.0 million shares authorized; 2.0 million shares issued and outstanding)
$
390.9

 
$
420.9

 
$
420.9

Retained earnings
437.5

 
446.5

 
462.8

Total Equity
828.4

 
867.4

 
883.7

Long-term debt 
322.5

 
247.8

 
247.7

Total Capitalization
1,150.9

 
1,115.2

 
1,131.4

Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Notes payable – associated companies
82.3

 
169.9

 
109.3

Accounts payable
42.9

 
44.4

 
42.8

Accounts payable – associated companies
1.5

 
1.6

 
1.5

Advance customer billings
7.9

 
18.6

 
14.3

Wages and compensation accrued
5.3

 
7.4

 
5.2

Customer deposits
19.0

 
17.9

 
18.9

Interest accrued
4.1

 
3.3

 
3.4

Taxes accrued
21.9

 
23.4

 
16.9

Regulatory liabilities
10.8

 
12.0

 
25.1

Other
2.4

 
2.9

 
4.8

Total Current Liabilities
198.1

 
301.4

 
242.2

Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and postretirement benefit costs
55.3

 
50.2

 
76.6

Asset retirement obligations
131.1

 
128.4

 
124.1

Regulatory liabilities
35.0

 
39.6

 
35.9

Other
7.8

 
8.2

 
21.6

Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities
229.2

 
226.4

 
258.2

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 10)
 
 
 
 
 
Total Capitalization and Liabilities
$
1,578.2

 
$
1,643.0

 
$
1,631.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
See the accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
 
 
 
 
 


18



Table of Contents

SPIRE ALABAMA INC.
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)

 
Common Stock Outstanding
 
Paid-in Capital
 
Retained Earnings
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
Shares
 
Par
 
 
 
Total
Balance at September 30, 2016
1,972,052

 
$

 
$
451.9

 
$
415.4

 
$
867.3

Net income

 

 

 
57.9

 
57.9

Return of capital to Spire

 

 
(31.0
)
 

 
(31.0
)
Dividends declared

 

 

 
(10.5
)
 
(10.5
)
Balance at March 31, 2017
1,972,052

 
$

 
$
420.9

 
$
462.8

 
$
883.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at September 30, 2017
1,972,052

 
$

 
$
420.9

 
$
446.5

 
$
867.4

Net income

 

 

 
6.0

 
6.0

Return of capital to Spire

 

 
(30.0
)
 

 
(30.0
)
Dividends declared

 

 

 
(15.0
)
 
(15.0
)
Balance at March 31, 2018
1,972,052

 
$

 
$
390.9

 
$
437.5

 
$
828.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See the accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


19



Table of Contents

SPIRE ALABAMA INC.
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)

 
Six Months Ended March 31,
(In millions)
2018
 
2017
Operating Activities:
 
 
 
Net Income
$
6.0

 
$
57.9

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
25.9

 
24.6

Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits
83.7

 
35.2

Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
(38.6
)
 
(25.8
)
Unamortized purchased gas adjustments
26.2

 
(38.3
)
Accounts payable
0.3

 
10.3

Advance customer billings
(10.6
)
 
(6.8
)
Taxes accrued
(1.5
)
 
(4.7
)
Inventories
6.4

 
8.2

Other assets and liabilities
12.4

 
2.0

Other
(0.2
)
 
0.3

Net cash provided by operating activities
110.0

 
62.9

Investing Activities:
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(51.8
)
 
(48.3
)
Other
(0.4
)
 

Net cash used in investing activities
(52.2
)
 
(48.3
)
Financing Activities:
 
 
 
Issuance of long-term debt
75.0

 

Repayments of short-term debt – net

 
(82.0
)
(Repayments to) borrowings from Spire – net
(87.6
)
 
109.3

Return of capital to Spire
(30.0
)
 
(31.0
)
Dividends paid
(15.0
)
 
(10.5
)
Other
(0.3
)
 
(0.4
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(57.9
)
 
(14.6
)
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
(0.1
)
 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
0.1

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash paid for:
 
 
 
Interest, net of amounts capitalized
$
(7.0
)
 
$
(6.3
)
Income taxes

 

 
 
 
 
See the accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
 
 
 


20



Table of Contents

SPIRE INC., SPIRE MISSOURI INC. AND SPIRE ALABAMA INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PRESENTATION  These notes are an integral part of the accompanying unaudited financial statements of Spire Inc. (Spire or the Company), as well as Spire Missouri Inc. (Spire Missouri or the Missouri Utilities) and Spire Alabama Inc. (Spire Alabama). Spire Missouri and Spire Alabama are wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company. Spire Missouri, Spire Alabama and the subsidiaries of Spire EnergySouth Inc. (Spire EnergySouth) are collectively referred to as the Utilities. The subsidiaries of Spire EnergySouth are Spire Gulf Inc. and Spire Mississippi Inc.
The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S‑X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the disclosures required for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for the fair presentation of the results of operations for the periods presented. This Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Financial Statements contained in Spire’s, Spire Missouri’s and Spire Alabama’s combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017.
The consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of Spire include the accounts of the Company and all its subsidiaries. Transactions and balances between consolidated entities have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements of Spire. In compliance with GAAP, transactions between Spire Missouri and Spire Alabama and their affiliates, as well as intercompany balances on their balance sheets, have not been eliminated from their separate financial statements.
At the end of December 2017, a subsidiary of the Company acquired an 80% voting interest in Ryckman Creek Resources, LLC, which owns and operates a natural gas storage facility in Wyoming. The transaction was valued at $24.8, subject to customary post-closing adjustments, and was completed with $16.0 of cash and a $10.0 non-interest-bearing promissory note valued at $8.8. A tentative purchase price allocation to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is reflected in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2018. Management is evaluating certain fair value accounting impacts, and any related adjustments will be recorded later this year. Results of operations are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the acquisition date. The redeemable noncontrolling interest, which was shown in permanent equity at the end of the first quarter, is shown as temporary equity on the balance sheet.
NATURE OF OPERATIONS – Spire Inc. (NYSE: SR), headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a public utility holding company. The Company has two reportable segments: Gas Utility and Gas Marketing. The Gas Utility segment consists of the regulated natural gas distribution operations of the Company and is the core business segment of Spire in terms of revenue and earnings generation. The Gas Utility segment is comprised of the operations of: the Missouri Utilities, serving St. Louis and eastern Missouri (Spire Missouri East) and Kansas City and western Missouri (Spire Missouri West); Spire Alabama, serving central and northern Alabama; and the subsidiaries of Spire EnergySouth, serving southern Alabama and south-central Mississippi. The Gas Marketing segment includes Spire’s primary non-utility business, Spire Marketing Inc. (Spire Marketing), which provides non-regulated natural gas services. The activities of other subsidiaries are reported as Other and are described in Note 9, Information by Operating Segment. Spire Missouri and Spire Alabama each have a single reportable segment.
Nearly all of the Company’s earnings are derived from its Gas Utility segment. Due to the seasonal nature of the Utilities’ business, earnings are typically concentrated during the heating season of November through April each fiscal year. As a result, the interim statements of income for Spire, Spire Missouri and Spire Alabama are not necessarily indicative of annual results or representative of succeeding quarters of the fiscal year.
REVENUE RECOGNITION – The Utilities read meters and bill customers on monthly cycles. The Missouri Utilities, Spire Gulf and Spire Mississippi record their gas utility revenues from gas sales and transportation services on an accrual basis that includes estimated amounts for gas delivered but not yet billed. The accruals for unbilled revenues are reversed in the subsequent accounting period when meters are actually read and customers are billed. The amounts of accrued unbilled revenues for Spire Missouri at March 31, 2018, September 30, 2017, and March 31, 2017, were $85.2, $30.1, and $66.7, respectively.

21



Table of Contents

Spire Alabama records natural gas distribution revenues in accordance with the tariff established by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Unbilled revenue is accrued in an amount equal to the related gas cost, as profit margin is not considered earned until billed. The amounts of accrued unbilled revenues for Spire Alabama at March 31, 2018, September 30, 2017, and March 31, 2017 were $5.3, $1.9, and $13.5, respectively.
Spire’s other subsidiaries, including Spire Marketing, record revenues when earned, either when the product is delivered or when services are performed.
In the course of its business, Spire Marketing enters into commitments associated with the purchase or sale of natural gas. Certain of their derivative natural gas contracts are designated as normal purchases or normal sales and, as such, are excluded from the scope of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging. Those contracts are accounted for as executory contracts and recorded on an accrual basis. Revenues and expenses from such contracts are recorded using a gross presentation. Contracts not designated as normal purchases or normal sales are recorded as derivatives with changes in fair value recognized in earnings in the periods prior to physical delivery. Certain of Spire Marketing’s wholesale purchase and sale transactions are classified as trading activities for financial reporting purposes. Under GAAP, revenues and expenses associated with trading activities are presented on a net basis in Gas Marketing Operating Revenues (or expenses, if negative) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. This net presentation has no effect on operating income or net income.
GROSS RECEIPTS AND SALES TAXES – Gross receipts taxes associated with the Company’s natural gas utility services are imposed on the Utilities and billed to their customers. The revenue and expense amounts are recorded gross in the “Operating Revenues” and “Taxes, other than income taxes” lines, respectively, in the statements of income. The following table presents gross receipts and sales taxes recorded as revenues:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Six Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Spire
$
43.6

 
$
34.3

 
$
66.7

 
$
53.7

Spire Missouri
30.6

 
25.5

 
46.8

 
39.6

Spire Alabama
11.6

 
7.7

 
17.2

 
11.9

REGULATED OPERATIONS The Utilities account for their regulated operations in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 980, Regulated Operations. This topic sets forth the application of GAAP for those companies whose rates are established by or are subject to approval by an independent third-party regulator. The provisions of this accounting guidance require, among other things, that financial statements of a regulated enterprise reflect the actions of regulators, where appropriate. These actions may result in the recognition of revenues and expenses in time periods that are different than non-regulated enterprises. When this occurs, costs are deferred as assets in the balance sheet (regulatory assets) and recorded as expenses when those amounts are reflected in rates. In addition, regulators can impose liabilities upon a regulated company for amounts previously collected from customers and for recovery of costs that are expected to be incurred in the future (regulatory liabilities). Management believes that the current regulatory environment supports the continued use of these regulatory accounting principles and that all regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities are recoverable or refundable through the regulatory process.
As authorized by the Missouri Public Service Commission (MoPSC), the Mississippi Public Service Commission (MSPSC) and the APSC, the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA) clauses and Gas Supply Adjustment (GSA) riders allow the Utilities to pass through to customers the cost of purchased gas supplies. Regulatory assets and liabilities related to the PGA clauses and the GSA riders are both labeled Unamortized Purchased Gas Adjustments herein. See additional information about regulatory assets and liabilities in Note 3, Regulatory Matters.
TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES Transactions between affiliates of the Company have been eliminated from the consolidated statements of Spire. Spire Missouri and Spire Alabama borrowed funds from the Company and incurred related interest, as reflected in their separate financial statements, and they participated in normal intercompany shared services transactions. In addition, Spire Missouri’s other transactions with affiliates included:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Six Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Purchases of natural gas from Spire Marketing
$
19.3

 
$
21.0

 
$
41.6

 
$
41.5

Sales of natural gas to Spire Marketing
0.2

 
2.7

 
0.3

 
6.3

Transportation services received from Spire NGL Inc.
0.2

 
0.2

 
0.5

 
0.5


22



Table of Contents

ACCRUED CAPITAL EXPENDITURES – Accrued capital expenditures, shown in the following table, are excluded from capital expenditures in the statements of cash flows until paid.
 
March 31,
 
September 30,
 
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2017
Spire
$
29.1

 
$
41.0

 
$
9.2

Spire Missouri
17.9

 
28.9

 
3.3

Spire Alabama
7.0

 
9.4

 
5.3

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS – In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Under the new standard, an entity will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, companies may need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under current guidance. ASU No. 2014-09 also requires disclosures that will enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Existing alternative revenue program guidance, though excluded by the FASB in updating specific guidance associated with revenue from contracts with customers, was relocated without substantial modification to accounting guidance for rate-regulated entities. It will require separate presentation of such revenues in the statement of income. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or modified retrospective approach to adopting this guidance. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, which made the guidance in ASU No. 2014-09 effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those years. In 2016 and 2017, the FASB issued related ASU Nos. 2016-08, 2016-10, 2016-11, 2016-12, 2016-20, and 2017-14, which further modified the standards for accounting for revenue. The Company, Spire Missouri and Spire Alabama have nearly completed their evaluation of their sources of revenue and related contracts, plan to adopt the new guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 using the modified retrospective approach, and expect no material effect on their financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases. The new standard requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability for almost all lease contracts based on the present value of lease payments. There is an exemption for short-term leases. The ASU provides new guidelines for identifying and classifying a lease, and classification affects the pattern and income statement line item for the related expense. This update will be applied using a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. ASU No. 2018-01, issued in January 2018, clarifies the related transition and accounting for existing and new or modified land easements. The ASUs are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company, Spire Missouri and Spire Alabama are currently assessing the timing and impacts of adopting these standards, which must be adopted by the first quarter of fiscal 2020.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The standard introduces new guidance for the accounting for credit losses on instruments within its scope, including trade receivables. It is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and may be adopted a year earlier. The new guidance will be initially applied through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company, Spire Missouri and Spire Alabama are currently assessing the timing and impacts of adopting this standard, which must be adopted by the first quarter of fiscal 2021.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation – Retirement Benefits: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. The amended guidance requires that the service cost component of pension and postretirement benefit costs be presented within the same line item in the income statement as other compensation costs (except for the amount being capitalized), while other components are to be presented outside the subtotal of operating income and are no longer eligible for capitalization. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. The amended guidance will be applied retrospectively for income statement presentation and prospectively for capitalization. The Company, Spire Missouri and Spire Alabama are currently assessing the regulatory and other impacts of adopting this standard, which must be adopted by the first quarter of fiscal 2019.

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Table of Contents

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The amendments in this ASU more closely align the results of hedge accounting with risk management activities through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results in the financial statements. They are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years, and early application is permitted. The Company, Spire Missouri and Spire Alabama are currently assessing the effects of this new guidance, as well as the timing of adoption.

2. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Spire
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Six Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Basic Earnings Per Share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
$
98.2

 
$
108.0

 
$
214.2

 
$
153.2

Less: Income allocated to participating securities
0.2

 
0.2

 
0.5

 
0.4

Net Income Available to Common Shareholders
$
98.0

 
$
107.8

 
$
213.7

 
$
152.8

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (in millions)
48.2

 
45.6

 
48.2

 
45.6

Basic Earnings Per Share of Common Stock
$
2.03

 
$
2.36

 
$
4.43

 
$
3.35

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted Earnings Per Share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
$
98.2

 
$
108.0

 
$
214.2

 
$
153.2

Less: Income allocated to participating securities
0.2

 
0.2

 
0.5

 
0.4

Net Income Available to Common Shareholders
$
98.0

 
$
107.8

 
$
213.7

 
$
152.8

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (in millions)
48.2

 
45.6

 
48.2

 
45.6

Dilutive Effect of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (in millions)*
0.2

 
0.1

 
0.2

 
0.1

Weighted Average Diluted Shares (in millions)
48.4

 
45.7

 
48.4

 
45.7

Diluted Earnings Per Share of Common Stock
$
2.03

 
$
2.36

 
$
4.42

 
$
3.34

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
* Calculation excludes certain outstanding shares (shown in millions by period at the right) attributable to stock units subject to performance or market conditions and restricted stock, which could have a dilutive effect in the future
0.4

 
0.5

 
0.4

 
0.5


24



Table of Contents

3. REGULATORY MATTERS
As explained in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, the Utilities account for regulated operations in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 980, Regulated Operations. The following regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities, including purchased gas adjustments, were reflected in the balance sheets of the Company, Spire Missouri and Spire Alabama as of March 31, 2018, September 30, 2017, and March 31, 2017.
 
March 31,
 
September 30,
 
March 31,
Spire
2018
 
2017
 
2017
Regulatory Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Current:
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and postretirement benefit costs
$
43.0

 
$
42.2

 
$
41.7

Unamortized purchased gas adjustments
32.6

 
102.6

 
61.0

Other
22.1

 
30.7

 
23.1

Total Current Regulatory Assets
97.7

 
175.5

 
125.8

Noncurrent:
 
 
 
 
 
Future income taxes due from customers
113.0

 
170.5

 
159.7

Pension and postretirement benefit costs
358.2

 
404.7

 
461.8

Cost of removal
125.0

 
123.3

 
133.9

Unamortized purchased gas adjustments

 
9.9

 
1.1

Energy efficiency
31.3

 
29.0

 
27.0

Other
46.1

 
53.7

 
44.2

Total Noncurrent Regulatory Assets
673.6

 
791.1

 
827.7

Total Regulatory Assets
$
771.3

 
$
966.6

 
$
953.5

Regulatory Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Current:
 
 
 
 
 
Rate Stabilization and Equalization (RSE) adjustment
$

 
$
1.4

 
$
1.1

Unbilled service margin

 

 
13.5

Refundable negative salvage
5.3

 
8.2

 
8.1

Unamortized purchased gas adjustments
1.5

 
1.0

 
1.6

Other
15.4

 
12.0

 
7.0

Total Current Regulatory Liabilities
22.2

 
22.6

 
31.3

Noncurrent:
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred taxes due to customers
170.7

 

 

Pension and postretirement benefit costs
30.8

 
32.2

 
27.6

Refundable negative salvage
0.6

 
4.1

 
4.9

Accrued cost of removal
71.0

 
83.8

 
75.3

Unamortized purchased gas adjustments
50.3

 
1.9

 
2.0

Other
29.7

 
35.2

 
34.3

Total Noncurrent Regulatory Liabilities
353.1

 
157.2

 
144.1

Total Regulatory Liabilities
$
375.3

 
$
179.8

 
$
175.4



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Table of Contents

 
March 31,
 
September 30,
 
March 31,
Spire Missouri
2018
 
2017
 
2017
Regulatory Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Current:
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and postretirement benefit costs
$
34.9

 
$
34.9

 
$
34.8

Unamortized purchased gas adjustments
13.5

 
57.4

 
17.1

Other
3.3

 
3.3

 
3.4

Total Current Regulatory Assets
51.7

 
95.6

 
55.3

Noncurrent:
 
 
 
 
 
Future income taxes due from customers
111.4

 
170.5

 
159.7

Pension and postretirement benefit costs
279.0

 
322.7

 
358.3

Unamortized purchased gas adjustments

 
9.9

 
1.1

Energy efficiency
31.3

 
29.0

 
27.0

Other
24.9

 
25.7

 
23.3

Total Noncurrent Regulatory Assets
446.6

 
557.8

 
569.4

Total Regulatory Assets
$
498.3

 
$
653.4

 
$
624.7

Regulatory Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Current:
 
 
 
 
 
Other
$
2.7

 
$
2.7

 
$
2.7

Total Current Regulatory Liabilities
2.7

 
2.7

 
2.7

Noncurrent:
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred taxes due to customers
152.6

 

 

Accrued cost of removal
48.7

 
54.5

 
55.6

Unamortized purchased gas adjustments
50.3

 
1.9

 
2.0

Other
20.9

 
24.8

 
26.9

Total Noncurrent Regulatory Liabilities
272.5

 
81.2

 
84.5

Total Regulatory Liabilities
$
275.2

 
$
83.9

 
$
87.2


26



Table of Contents

 
March 31,
 
September 30,
 
March 31,
Spire Alabama
2018
 
2017
 
2017
Regulatory Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Current:
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and postretirement benefit costs
$
7.1

 
$
7.2

 
$
6.8

Unamortized purchased gas adjustments
19.0

 
45.2

 
43.9

Other
6.0

 
12.2

 
4.4

Total Current Regulatory Assets
32.1

 
64.6

 
55.1

Noncurrent:
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and postretirement benefit costs
71.2

 
72.6

 
94.4

Cost of removal
125.0

 
123.3

 
133.9

Other
2.7

 
1.1

 
1.0

Total Noncurrent Regulatory Assets
198.9

 
197.0

 
229.3

Total Regulatory Assets
$
231.0

 
$
261.6

 
$
284.4

Regulatory Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Current:
 
 
 
 
 
RSE adjustment
$

 
$
1.4

 
$
1.1

Unbilled service margin

 

 
13.5

Refundable negative salvage
5.3

 
8.2

 
8.1

Other
5.5

 
2.4

 
2.4

Total Current Regulatory Liabilities
10.8

 
12.0

 
25.1

Noncurrent:
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and postretirement benefit costs
30.8

 
32.2

 
27.6

Refundable negative salvage
0.6

 
4.1

 
4.9

Other
3.6

 
3.3

 
3.4

Total Noncurrent Regulatory Liabilities
35.0

 
39.6

 
35.9

Total Regulatory Liabilities
$
45.8

 
$
51.6

 
$
61.0

A portion of the Company’s and Spire Missouri’s regulatory assets are not earning a return, as shown in the table below:
 
Spire
 
Spire Missouri
 
March 31,
 
September 30,
 
March 31,
 
March 31,
 
September 30,
 
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
2017
Future income taxes due from customers
$
113.0

 
$
170.5

 
$
159.7

 
$
111.4

 
$
170.5

 
$
159.7

Pension and postretirement benefit costs
185.8

 
198.5

 
241.0

 
185.8

 
198.5

 
241.0

Other
11.0

 
11.3

 
11.8

 
11.0

 
11.3

 
11.8

Total Regulatory Assets Not Earning a Return
$
309.8

 
$
380.3

 
$
412.5

 
$
308.2

 
$
380.3

 
$
412.5

Like all the Company’s regulatory assets, these regulatory assets are expected to be recovered from customers in future rates. The recovery period for the future income taxes due from customers and pension and other postretirement benefit costs could be 20 years or longer, based on current Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidelines and average remaining service life of active participants, respectively. The other items not earning a return are expected to be recovered over a period not to exceed 15 years, consistent with precedent set by the MoPSC. Spire Alabama does not have any regulatory assets that are not earning a return.
On April 11, 2017, Spire Missouri East filed a general rate case docketed as GR-2017-0215, and concurrently, Spire Missouri West filed general rate case GR-2017-0216. On March 7, 2018, the MoPSC issued an Amended Report and Order, approving a base rate revenue requirement increase of $18.0 for Spire Missouri East and $15.2 for Spire Missouri West. The annualized Infrastructure System Replacement Surcharge (ISRS) amounts of $32.6 for Spire Missouri East and $16.4 for Spire Missouri West were reset to zero, resulting in a net decrease in revenues of $14.6 and $1.2, respectively. These net amounts reflect decreases totaling approximately $33.0 resulting from the federal

27



Table of Contents

income tax rate reduction from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (see Note 11, Income Taxes) and a related allowance to return excess accumulated deferred income taxes to customers in accordance with IRS normalization requirements. Tariffs reflecting the MoPSC’s Amended Report and Order went into effect on April 19, 2018.
Included in the rate order were updates to the treatment of pension and other postretirement benefits. Effective April 19, 2018, the pension cost for Spire Missouri West included in customer rates was reduced from $9.9 to $5.5 per year, the pension cost included in the Spire Missouri East customer rates was increased from $15.5 to $29.0 per year, and the annual allowance for health care postretirement plans for Spire Missouri East was reduced from $9.5 to $8.6. Over an amortization period of eight years, Spire Missouri East rates will also include the amortization of $173.0 of assets for pension and other postretirement benefits, and Spire Missouri West rates will be reduced by the amortization of a $26.2 net liability for pension and other postretirement benefits.
Certain provisions of the MoPSC’s Amended Report and Order allow less future recovery of particular costs than previously estimated. Regulatory assets related to pension costs were reduced by $28.8 because the MoPSC has indicated that certain amounts established before 1997 are not recoverable. They also ordered that certain incentive compensation costs totaling $6.9 and $1.8 of assets related to buildings sold in 2014 be excluded from rate base. Rate case expenses totaling $0.9 were also disallowed. Though appeals are pending, management determined that the related assets should be written down or off in connection with the preparation of the financial statements for the second quarter of 2018. For both Spire Missouri and Spire, the charges totaled $38.4 for the three and six months ended March 31, 2018, and are included primarily in operation and maintenance expense on the statements of income and in other cash flows from operating activities on the statements of cash flows. The after-tax reduction to net income and earnings per share was $23.6 and $0.49, respectively. The charges related to the long-standing pension and building assets, totaling $30.6, are excluded in the determination of net economic earnings, as shown in Note 9, Information by Operating Segment.

4. FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS AND LONG-TERM DEBT
On December 14, 2016, Spire, Spire Missouri and Spire Alabama entered into a syndicated revolving credit facility pursuant to a loan agreement with 11 banks, expiring December 14, 2021. The loan agreement has an aggregate credit commitment of $975.0, including sublimits of $300.0 for Spire, $475.0 for Spire Missouri, and $200.0 for Spire Alabama. The agreement contains financial covenants limiting each borrower’s consolidated total debt, including short-term debt, to no more than 70% of its total capitalization. As defined in the line of credit, on March 31, 2018, total debt was 54% of total capitalization for the consolidated Company, 48% for Spire Missouri, and 33% for Spire Alabama. There were no borrowings against this credit facility as of March 31, 2018, September 30, 2017, or March 31, 2017.
On December 21, 2016, Spire established a commercial paper program (Program) pursuant to which Spire may issue short-term, unsecured commercial paper notes (Notes). Amounts available under the Program may be borrowed, repaid, and re-borrowed from time to time, with the aggregate face or principal amount of the Notes outstanding under the Program at any time not to exceed $975.0. The Notes may have maturities of up to 365 days from date of issue. As of March 31, 2018, Notes outstanding under the Program totaled $391.7. Of that amount, $175.8 and $82.3 were loaned to Spire Missouri and Spire Alabama, respectively, at Spire’s cost. Notes outstanding under the Program totaled $477.3 and $567.4 as of September 30, 2017, and March 31, 2017, respectively.
On December 1, 2017, Spire Alabama entered into the First Supplement to Master Note Purchase Agreement with certain institutional investors. Pursuant to the terms of that supplement, on December 1, 2017, Spire Alabama issued and sold $30.0 in aggregate principal amount of its 4.02% Series 2017A Senior Notes due January 15, 2058, and on January 12, 2018, issued and sold $45.0 aggregate principal amount of its 3.92% Series 2017B Senior Notes due January 15, 2048, to those institutional investors. The notes bear interest from the date of issuance, payable semi-annually on the 15th day of July and January of each year, commencing on July 15, 2018. The notes are senior unsecured obligations of Spire Alabama, rank equal in right to payment with all its other senior unsecured indebtedness, and have make-whole and par call options. Spire Alabama used the proceeds from the sale of the notes to repay short-term debt and for general corporate purposes.


28



Table of Contents

5. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments not measured at fair value on a recurring basis are shown in the following tables, classified according to the fair value hierarchy. There were no such instruments classified as Level 3 (significant unobservable inputs) as of March 31, 2018, September 30, 2017, or March 31, 2017.
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents and short-term debt approximate fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments. The fair values of long-term debt are estimated based on market prices for similar issues. Refer to Note 6, Fair Value Measurements, for information on financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
 
 
 
 
 
Classification of Estimated
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Quoted
Prices in Active Markets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Spire
As of March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
17.8

 
$
17.8

 
$
17.8

 
$

Short-term debt
391.7

 
391.7

 

 
391.7

Long-term debt, including current portion
2,179.4

 
2,241.3

 

 
2,241.3

As of September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
7.4

 
$
7.4

 
$
7.4

 
$

Short-term debt
477.3

 
477.3

 

 
477.3

Long-term debt, including current portion
2,095.0

 
2,210.3

 

 
2,210.3

As of March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
19.6

 
$
19.6

 
$
19.6

 
$

Short-term debt
567.4

 
567.4

 

 
567.4

Long-term debt
1,925.3

 
1,993.9

 

 
1,993.9

Spire Missouri
As of March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
10.2

 
$
10.2

 
$
10.2

 
$

Short-term debt
175.8

 
175.8

 

 
175.8

Long-term debt, including current portion
974.0

 
1,033.6

 

 
1,033.6

As of September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
2.5

 
$
2.5

 
$
2.5

 
$

Short-term debt
203.0

 
203.0

 

 
203.0

Long-term debt, including current portion
973.9

 
1,056.9

 

 
1,056.9

As of March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
3.7

 
$
3.7

 
$
3.7

 
$

Short-term debt
282.2

 
282.2

 

 
282.2

Long-term debt
804.3

 
870.1

 

 
870.1

Spire Alabama
As of March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term debt
$
82.3

 
$
82.3

 
$

 
$
82.3

Long-term debt
322.5

 
332.7

 

 
332.7

As of September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
0.1

 
$
0.1

 
$
0.1

 
$

Short-term debt
169.9

 
169.9

 

 
169.9

Long-term debt
247.8

 
269.4

 

 
269.4

As of March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term debt
$
109.3

 
$
109.3

 
$

 
$
109.3

Long-term debt
247.7

 
261.6

 

 
261.6



29



Table of Contents

6. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The information presented below categorizes the assets and liabilities in the balance sheets that are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis in periods subsequent to initial recognition.
The mutual funds included in Level 1 are valued based on exchange-quoted market prices of individual securities. The mutual funds included in Level 2 are valued based on the closing net asset value per unit.
Derivative instruments included in Level 1 are valued using quoted market prices on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) or the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE). Derivative instruments classified in Level 2 include physical commodity derivatives that are valued using broker or dealer quotation services whose prices are derived principally from, or are corroborated by, observable market inputs. Also included in Level 2 are certain derivative instruments that have values that are similar to, and correlate with, quoted prices for exchange-traded instruments in active markets and derivative instruments with settlement dates more than one year into the future. Derivative instruments included in Level 3 are valued using generally unobservable inputs that are based upon the best information available and reflect management’s assumptions about how market participants would price the asset or liability. The Level 3 balances as of March 31, 2018, September 30, 2017, and March 31, 2017, consisted of gas commodity contracts. The Company’s and the Utilities’ policy is to recognize transfers between the levels of the fair value hierarchy, if any, as of the beginning of the interim reporting period in which circumstances change or events occur to cause the transfer.
The mutual funds are included in “Other Investments” on the Company’s balance sheets and in “Other Property and Investments” on Spire Missouri’s balance sheets. Derivative assets and liabilities, including receivables and payables associated with cash margin requirements, are presented net in the balance sheets when a legally enforceable netting agreement exists between the Company, Spire Missouri, or Spire Alabama and the counterparty to a derivative contract.
Spire
 
Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Effects of Netting and Cash Margin Receivables
/Payables
 
Total
As of March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gas Utility:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
US stock/bond mutual funds
$
19.1

 
$
4.1

 
$

 
$

 
$
23.2

NYMEX/ICE natural gas contracts
0.1

 

 

 
(0.1
)
 

Gas Marketing:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NYMEX/ICE natural gas contracts
0.2

 
3.3

 

 
(3.5
)
 

Natural gas commodity contracts

 
7.4

 
0.1

 
(2.1
)
 
5.4

Other:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps

 
1.0

 

 

 
1.0

Total
$
19.4

 
$
15.8

 
$
0.1

 
$
(5.7
)
 
$
29.6

LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gas Utility:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NYMEX/ICE natural gas contracts
$
0.2

 
$

 
$

 
$
(0.2
)
 
$

Gas Marketing:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NYMEX/ICE natural gas contracts
0.6

 
9.8

 

 
(10.4
)
 

Natural gas commodity contracts

 
14.3

 

 
(2.1
)
 
12.2

Total
$
0.8

 
$
24.1

 
$

 
$
(12.7
)
 
$
12.2


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Table of Contents

 
Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Effects of Netting and Cash Margin Receivables
/Payables
 
Total
As of September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gas Utility:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
US stock/bond mutual funds
$
18.3

 
$
4.1

 
$

 
$

 
$
22.4

NYMEX/ICE natural gas contracts
3.4

 

 

 
(3.4
)
 

NYMEX gasoline and heating oil contracts
0.1

 

 

 

 
0.1

Gas Marketing:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NYMEX/ICE natural gas contracts
1.3

 
1.3

 

 
(2.1
)
 
0.5

Natural gas commodity contracts

 
6.8

 
0.1

 
(1.2
)
 
5.7

Total
$
23.1

 
$
12.2

 
$
0.1

 
$
(6.7
)
 
$
28.7

LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gas Utility:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NYMEX/ICE natural gas contracts
$
1.9

 
$

 
$

 
$
(1.9
)
 
$

Gas Marketing:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NYMEX/ICE natural gas contracts
1.8

 
0.3

 

 
(2.1
)
 

Natural gas commodity contracts

 
8.4

 

 
(1.2
)
 
7.2

Other:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps

 
0.9

 

 

 
0.9

Total
$
3.7

 
$
9.6

 
$

 
$
(5.2
)
 
$
8.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gas Utility:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
US stock/bond mutual funds
$
17.7

 
$
4.1

 
$

 
$

 
$
21.8

NYMEX/ICE natural gas contracts
4.5

 

 

 
(1.8
)
 
2.7

NYMEX gasoline and heating oil contracts
0.2

 

 

 

 
0.2

Gas Marketing:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NYMEX/ICE natural gas contracts
1.0

 
3.6

 

 
(4.4
)
 
0.2

Natural gas commodity contracts

 
6.2

 
0.2

 
(0.5
)
 
5.9

Other:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps

 
0.2

 

 

 
0.2

Total
$
23.4

 
$
14.1

 
$
0.2

 
$
(6.7
)
 
$
31.0

LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gas Utility:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NYMEX/ICE natural gas contracts
$
0.5

 
$

 
$

 
$
(0.5
)
 
$

Gas Marketing:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NYMEX/ICE natural gas contracts
2.1

 
3.9

 

 
(6.0
)
 

Natural gas commodity contracts

 
6.5

 

 
(0.5
)
 
6.0

Total
$
2.6

 
$
10.4

 
$

 
$
(7.0
)
 
$
6.0


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Table of Contents

Spire Missouri
 
Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Effects of Netting and Cash Margin Receivables
/Payables
 
Total
As of March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
US stock/bond mutual funds
$
19.1

 
$
4.1

 
$

 
$

 
$
23.2

NYMEX/ICE natural gas contracts
0.1

 

 

 
(0.1
)
 

Total
$
19.2

 
$
4.1

 
$

 
$
(0.1
)
 
$
23.2

LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NYMEX/ICE natural gas contracts
$
0.2

 
$

 
$

 
$
(0.2
)
 
$

Total
$
0.2

 
$

 
$

 
$
(0.2
)
 
$

As of September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
US stock/bond mutual funds
$
18.3

 
$
4.1

 
$

 
$

 
$
22.4

NYMEX/ICE natural gas contracts
3.4

 

 

 
(3.4
)
 

NYMEX gasoline and heating oil contracts
0.1

 

 

 

 
0.1

Total
$
21.8

 
$
4.1

 
$

 
$
(3.4
)
 
$
22.5

LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NYMEX/ICE natural gas contracts
$
1.9

 
$

 
$

 
$
(1.9
)
 
$

Total
$
1.9

 
$

 
$

 
$
(1.9
)
 
$

As of March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
US stock/bond mutual funds
$
17.7

 
$
4.1

 
$

 
$

 
$
21.8

NYMEX/ICE natural gas contracts
4.5

 

 

 
(1.8
)
 
2.7

NYMEX gasoline and heating oil contracts
0.2

 

 

 

 
0.2

Total
$
22.4

 
$
4.1

 
$

 
$
(1.8
)
 
$
24.7

LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NYMEX/ICE natural gas contracts
$
0.5

 
$

 
$

 
$
(0.5
)
 
$

Total
$
0.5

 
$

 
$

 
$
(0.5
)
 
$

Spire Alabama
Spire Alabama occasionally utilizes a gasoline derivative program to stabilize the cost of fuel used in operations. As of March 31, 2018, Spire Alabama had no outstanding derivative contracts. As of September 30, 2017, and March 31, 2017, the fair value of related gasoline contracts was not significant.


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Table of Contents

7. CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
Other than in Spire Marketing, Spire has no significant concentrations of credit risk.
A significant portion of Spire Marketing’s transactions are with (or are associated with) energy producers, utility companies, and pipelines. The concentration of transactions with these counterparties has the potential to affect the Company’s overall exposure to credit risk, either positively or negatively, in that each of these three groups may be affected similarly by changes in economic, industry, or other conditions. To manage this risk, as well as credit risk from significant counterparties in these and other industries, Spire Marketing has established procedures to determine the creditworthiness of its counterparties. These procedures include obtaining credit ratings and credit reports, analyzing counterparty financial statements to assess financial condition, and considering the industry environment in which the counterparty operates. This information is monitored on an ongoing basis. In some instances, Spire Marketing may require credit assurances such as prepayments, letters of credit, or parental guarantees. In addition, Spire Marketing may enter into netting arrangements to mitigate credit risk with counterparties in the energy industry with whom it conducts both sales and purchases of natural gas. Sales are typically made on an unsecured credit basis with payment due the month following delivery. Accounts receivable amounts are closely monitored and provisions for uncollectible amounts are accrued when losses are probable. Spire Marketing records accounts receivable, accounts payable, and prepayments for physical sales and purchases of natural gas on a gross basis. The amount included in its accounts receivable attributable to energy producers and their marketing affiliates totaled $15.6 at March 31, 2018 ($9.6 reflecting netting arrangements). Spire Marketing’s accounts receivable attributable to utility companies and their marketing affiliates totaled $30.7 at March 31, 2018 ($29.4 reflecting netting arrangements).
Spire Marketing also has concentrations of credit risk with certain individually significant counterparties and with pipeline companies associated with its natural gas receivable amounts. At March 31, 2018, the amounts included in accounts receivable from its five largest counterparties (in terms of net accounts receivable exposure) totaled $16.1 ($14.9 reflecting netting arrangements). None of these five counterparties are rated, but three are subsidiaries of investment-grade rated companies.

8. PENSION PLANS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
Pension Plans
Spire and the Utilities maintain pension plans for their employees.
The Missouri Utilities have non-contributory, defined benefit, trusteed forms of pension plans covering the majority of their employees. Plan assets consist primarily of corporate and United States (US) government obligations and a growth segment consisting of exposure to equity markets, commodities, real estate and inflation-indexed securities, achieved through derivative instruments.
Spire Alabama has non-contributory, defined benefit, trusteed forms of pension plans covering the majority of its employees. Qualified plan assets are comprised of mutual and commingled funds consisting of US equities with varying strategies, global equities, alternative investments, and fixed income investments.

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Table of Contents

The net periodic pension cost included the following components:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Six Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Spire
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost – benefits earned during the period
$
5.2

 
$
5.2

 
$
10.4

 
$
10.5

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
6.9

 
6.9

 
13.8

 
13.8

Expected return on plan assets
(9.5
)
 
(9.7
)
 
(19.2
)
 
(19.6
)
Amortization of prior service (credit) cost
(0.2
)
 
0.3

 
(0.5
)
 
0.5

Amortization of actuarial loss
2.9

 
3.2

 
6.0

 
6.6

Loss on lump-sum settlements
9.4

 
11.9

 
9.4

 
11.9

Subtotal
14.7

 
17.8

 
19.9

 
23.7

Regulatory adjustment
24.0

 
(7.4
)
 
28.3

 
(2.8
)
Net pension cost
$
38.7

 
$
10.4

 
$
48.2

 
$
20.9

Spire Missouri
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost – benefits earned during the period
$
3.2

 
$
3.3

 
$
6.5

 
$
6.6

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
4.9

 
4.9

 
9.8

 
9.7

Expected return on plan assets
(7.0
)
 
(7.1
)
 
(14.2
)
 
(14.4
)
Amortization of prior service cost
0.2

 
0.3

 
0.4

 
0.5

Amortization of actuarial loss
2.5

 
2.8

 
5.1

 
5.7

Loss on lump-sum settlements
9.4

 
11.5

 
9.4

 
11.5

Subtotal
13.2

 
15.7

 
17.0

 
19.6

Regulatory adjustment
21.9

 
(8.6
)
 
24.3

 
(5.8
)
Net pension cost
$
35.1

 
$
7.1

 
$
41.3

 
$
13.8

Spire Alabama
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost – benefits earned during the period
$
1.7

 
$
1.5

 
$
3.3

 
$
3.1

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
1.4

 
1.5

 
2.8

 
3.0

Expected return on plan assets
(1.7
)
 
(1.8
)
 
(3.4
)
 
(3.6
)
Amortization of prior service credit
(0.4
)
 

 
(0.9
)
 

Amortization of actuarial loss
0.4

 
0.4

 
0.9

 
0.9

Loss on lump-sum settlements

 
0.4

 

 
0.4

Subtotal
1.4

 
2.0

 
2.7

 
3.8

Regulatory adjustment
1.9

 
1.1

 
3.6

 
2.7

Net pension cost
$
3.3

 
$
3.1

 
$
6.3

 
$
6.5

Pursuant to the provisions of the Missouri Utilities’ and Spire Alabama’s pension plans, pension obligations may be satisfied by monthly annuities, lump-sum cash payments, or special termination benefits. Lump-sum payments are recognized as settlements (which can result in gains or losses) only if the total of such payments exceeds the sum of service and interest costs in a specific year. Special termination benefits, when offered, are also recognized as settlements which can result in gains or losses. In the quarter ended March 31, 2018, the two Spire Missouri plans met the criteria for settlement recognition, resulting in the remeasurement of the obligation of the plans using updated census data and assumptions for discount and mortality. For these plans the total lump-sum payments recognized as settlements for plan remeasurement was $39.5 and the lump-sum settlements resulted in losses of $9.4. As part of the remeasurement, the discount rate on the one Missouri plan was updated to 4.0% from 3.75%, while the other Missouri plan had its discount rate updated to 4.0% from 3.70%. In the quarter ended March 31, 2017, a Spire Missouri plan and one of the Spire Alabama plans met the criteria for settlement recognition. The total lump-sum payments recognized as settlements for plan remeasurement were $36.3 and $1.9 for the Spire Missouri plan and Spire Alabama plan, respectively. The lump-sum settlements resulted in losses of $11.5 and $0.4 for the Spire Missouri plan and Spire Alabama plan, respectively.

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Table of Contents

In the second quarter of fiscal 2018, the MoPSC disallowed recovery of $28.8 in pension assets. This amount was expensed during the quarter, and is reflected in the regulatory adjustment for both Spire Missouri and Spire. This adjustment is discussed further in Note 3, Regulatory Matters.
The funding policy of the Utilities is to contribute an amount not less than the minimum required by government funding standards, nor more than the maximum deductible amount for federal income tax purposes. Fiscal 2018 contributions to Spire Missouri’s pension plans through March 31, 2018, were $13.5 to the qualified trusts and none to non-qualified plans. There were no fiscal 2018 contributions to the Spire Alabama pension plans through March 31, 2018.
Contributions to the Missouri Utilities’ pension plans for the remainder of fiscal 2018 are anticipated to be $22.4 to the qualified trusts and $0.5 to the non-qualified plans. No contributions to Spire Alabama’s pension plans are expected to be required for the remainder of fiscal 2018.
Postretirement Benefits
Spire and the Utilities provide certain life insurance benefits at retirement. Spire Missouri plans provide for medical insurance after early retirement until age 65. For retirements prior to January 1, 2015, the Spire Missouri West plans provided medical insurance after retirement until death. The Spire Alabama plans provide medical insurance upon retirement until death for certain retirees depending on the type of employee and the date the employee was originally hired.
Net periodic postretirement benefit costs consisted of the following components:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Six Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Spire
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost – benefits earned during the period
$
2.4

 
$
2.7

 
$
4.7

 
$
5.5

Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
2.2

 
2.2

 
4.4

 
4.3

Expected return on plan assets
(3.5
)
 
(3.4
)
 
(7.0
)
 
(6.8
)
Amortization of prior service credit
(0.1
)
 

 
(0.1
)
 

Amortization of actuarial loss
0.2

 
0.6

 
0.4

 
1.2

Subtotal
1.2

 
2.1

 
2.4

 
4.2

Regulatory adjustment

 
(0.8
)
 
0.1

 
(1.6
)
Net postretirement benefit cost
$
1.2

 
$
1.3

 
$
2.5

 
$
2.6

Spire Missouri
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost – benefits earned during the period
$
2.3

 
$
2.6

 
$
4.5

 
$
5.2

Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
1.8

 
1.7

 
3.6

 
3.4

Expected return on plan assets
(2.5
)
 
(2.2
)
 
(4.9
)
 
(4.5
)
Amortization of prior service cost

 

 
0.1

 
0.1

Amortization of actuarial loss
0.2

 
0.7

 
0.4

 
1.3

Subtotal
1.8

 
2.8

 
3.7

 
5.5

Regulatory adjustment
0.5

 
(0.3
)
 
1.0

 
(0.7
)
Net postretirement benefit cost
$
2.3

 
$
2.5

 
$
4.7

 
$
4.8

Spire Alabama
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost – benefits earned during the period
$
0.1

 
$
0.1

 
$
0.1

 
$
0.2

Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
0.3

 
0.4

 
0.7

 
0.8

Expected return on plan assets
(1.0
)
 
(1.1
)
 
(2.0
)
 
(2.2
)
Amortization of prior service credit
(0.1
)
 

 
(0.2
)
 
(0.1
)
Amortization of actuarial gain

 
(0.1
)
 

 
(0.1
)
Subtotal
(0.7
)
 
(0.7
)
 
(1.4
)
 
(1.4
)
Regulatory adjustment
(0.5
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(0.9
)
 
(0.9
)
Net postretirement benefit income
$
(1.2
)
 
$
(1.2
)
 
$
(2.3
)
 
$
(2.3
)

35



Table of Contents

Missouri and Alabama state law provide for the recovery in rates of costs accrued pursuant to GAAP provided that such costs are funded through an independent, external funding mechanism. The Utilities have established Voluntary Employees’ Beneficiary Association (VEBA) and Rabbi Trusts as external funding mechanisms. The assets of the VEBA and Rabbi Trusts consist primarily of money market securities and mutual funds invested in stocks and bonds.
The Utilities’ funding policy is to contribute amounts to the trusts equal to the periodic benefit cost calculated pursuant to GAAP as recovered in rates. There have been $1.7 in contributions to the postretirement plans through March 31, 2018, for the Missouri Utilities. Contributions to the postretirement plans for the remainder of fiscal 2018 are anticipated to be $5.2 to the qualified trusts and $0.8 paid directly to participants from the Missouri Utilities’ funds. For Spire Alabama, there were no contributions to the postretirement plans during the first six months of fiscal 2018, and none are expected to be required for the remainder of the fiscal year.

9. INFORMATION BY OPERATING SEGMENT
The Company has two reportable segments: Gas Utility and Gas Marketing. The Gas Utility segment is the aggregation of the operations of the Utilities. The Gas Marketing segment includes the results of Spire Marketing, a subsidiary engaged in the non-regulated marketing of natural gas and related activities, including utilizing natural gas storage contracts for providing natural gas sales. Other includes:
unallocated corporate costs, including certain debt and associated interest costs;
Spire STL Pipeline LLC, a subsidiary of Spire planning construction and operation of a proposed 65-mile Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)-regulated pipeline to deliver natural gas into eastern Missouri;
physical natural gas storage operations, include the acquisition of an 80% voting interest in Ryckman Creek Resources, LLC, in December 2017; and
Spire’s subsidiaries engaged in the operation of a propane pipeline, compression of natural gas, and risk management, among other activities.
Accounting policies are described in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. Intersegment transactions include sales of natural gas from Spire Marketing to Spire Missouri, sales of natural gas from Spire Missouri to Spire Marketing, propane transportation services provided by Spire NGL Inc. to Spire Missouri, and propane storage services provided by Spire Missouri to Spire NGL Inc.
Management evaluates the performance of the operating segments based on the computation of net economic earnings. Net economic earnings exclude from reported net income the impacts of fair value accounting and timing adjustments associated with energy-related transactions, the impacts of acquisition, divestiture and restructuring activities, and the largely non-cash impacts of other non-recurring or unusual items such as certain regulatory, legislative, or GAAP standard-setting actions. In fiscal 2018, these items include the revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities due to the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (see Note 11, Income Taxes) and the write-off of certain long-standing assets as a result of our Missouri rate proceedings (see Note 3, Regulatory Matters).

36



Table of Contents

 
Gas Utility
 
Gas Marketing
 
Other
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues from external customers
$
790.6

 
$
21.3

 
$
1.5

 
$

 
$
813.4

Intersegment revenues
0.2

 

 
2.9

 
(3.1
)
 

Total Operating Revenues
790.8

 
21.3

 
4.4

 
(3.1
)
 
813.4

Operating Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gas Utility
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural and propane gas
403.2

 

 

 
(19.5
)
 
383.7

Operation and maintenance
145.8

 

 

 
(2.2
)
 
143.6

Depreciation and amortization
41.1

 

 

 

 
41.1

Taxes, other than income taxes
58.0

 

 

 

 
58.0

Total Gas Utility Operating Expenses
648.1

 

 

 
(21.7
)
 
626.4

Gas Marketing and Other

 
20.2

 
6.4

 
18.6

 
45.2

Total Operating Expenses
648.1

 
20.2

 
6.4

 
(3.1
)
 
671.6

Operating Income (Loss)
$
142.7

 
$
1.1

 
$
(2.0
)
 
$

 
$
141.8

Net Economic Earnings (Loss)
$
131.7

 
$
10.2

 
$
(4.7
)
 
$

 
$
137.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gas Utility
 
Gas Marketing
 
Other
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues from external customers
$
641.1

 
$
22.2

 
$
0.1

 
$

 
$
663.4

Intersegment revenues
2.6

 

 
1.7

 
(4.3
)
 

Total Operating Revenues
643.7

 
22.2

 
1.8

 
(4.3
)
 
663.4

Operating Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gas Utility
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural and propane gas
275.6

 

 

 
(21.3
)
 
254.3

Operation and maintenance
99.3

 

 

 
(0.9
)
 
98.4

Depreciation and amortization
37.9

 

 

 

 
37.9

Taxes, other than income taxes
48.3

 

 

 

 
48.3

Total Gas Utility Operating Expenses
461.1

 

 

 
(22.2
)
 
438.9

Gas Marketing and Other

 
23.9

 
2.3

 
17.9

 
44.1

Total Operating Expenses
461.1

 
23.9

 
2.3

 
(4.3
)
 
483.0

Operating Income (Loss)
$
182.6

 
$
(1.7
)
 
$
(0.5
)
 
$

 
$
180.4

Net Economic Earnings (Loss)
$
112.2

 
$

 
$
(3.2
)
 
$

 
$
109.0



37



Table of Contents

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gas Utility
 
Gas Marketing
 
Other
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Six Months Ended March 31, 2018
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Operating Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues from external customers
$
1,332.5

 
$
40.9

 
$
1.8

 
$

 
$
1,375.2

Intersegment revenues
0.3

 

 
5.4

 
(5.7
)
 

Total Operating Revenues
1,332.8

 
40.9

 
7.2

 
(5.7
)
 
1,375.2

Operating Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gas Utility
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural and propane gas
666.6

 

 

 
(42.1
)
 
624.5

Operation and maintenance
245.6

 

 

 
(4.1
)
 
241.5

Depreciation and amortization
81.4

 

 

 

 
81.4

Taxes, other than income taxes
94.7

 

 

 

 
94.7

Total Gas Utility Operating Expenses
1,088.3

 

 

 
(46.2
)
 
1,042.1

Gas Marketing and Other

 
34.8

 
10.9

 
40.5

 
86.2

Total Operating Expenses
1,088.3

 
34.8

 
10.9

 
(5.7
)
 
1,128.3

Operating Income (Loss)
$
244.5

 
$
6.1

 
$
(3.7
)
 
$

 
$
246.9

Net Economic Earnings (Loss)
$
191.2

 
$
13.8

 
$
(9.9
)
 
$

 
$
195.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended March 31, 2017
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Operating Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues from external customers
$
1,113.4

 
$
43.9

 
$
1.2

 
$

 
$
1,158.5

Intersegment revenues
7.0

 

 
2.4

 
(9.4
)
 

Total Operating Revenues
1,120.4

 
43.9

 
3.6

 
(9.4
)
 
1,158.5

Operating Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gas Utility
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural and propane gas
490.1

 

 

 
(42.0
)
 
448.1

Operation and maintenance
199.8

 

 

 
(2.0
)
 
197.8

Depreciation and amortization
75.6

 

 

 

 
75.6

Taxes, other than income taxes
81.7

 

 

 

 
81.7

Total Gas Utility Operating Expenses
847.2

 

 

 
(44.0
)
 
803.2

Gas Marketing and Other

 
46.9

 
4.3

 
34.6

 
85.8

Total Operating Expenses
847.2

 
46.9

 
4.3

 
(9.4
)
 
889.0

Operating Income (Loss)
$
273.2

 
$
(3.0
)
 
$
(0.7
)
 
$

 
$
269.5

Net Economic Earnings (Loss)
$
164.0

 
$
1.4

 
$
(8.9
)
 
$

 
$
156.5


The Company’s total assets by segment were as follows:
 
March 31,
 
September 30,
 
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2017
Total Assets:
Gas Utility
$
5,484.3

 
$
5,551.2

 
$
5,290.8

Gas Marketing
208.6

 
246.2

 
218.2

Other
2,211.9

 
2,239.5

 
2,199.1

Eliminations
(1,318.0
)
 
(1,490.2
)
 
(1,451.4
)
Total Assets
$
6,586.8

 
$
6,546.7

 
$
6,256.7


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The following table reconciles the Company’s net economic earnings to net income.
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Six Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Net Income
$
98.2

 
$
108.0

 
$
214.2

 
$
153.2

Adjustments, pre-tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Missouri regulatory adjustments
30.6

 

 
30.6

 

Unrealized loss on energy-related derivative contracts
11.8

 
1.6

 
12.6

 
5.4

Lower of cost or market inventory adjustments

 
0.1

 

 

Realized gain on economic hedges prior to sale of the physical commodity
(0.2
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(0.3
)
 
(0.2
)
Acquisition, divestiture and restructuring activities
2.0

 
0.1

 
3.7

 
0.2

Income tax effect of adjustments
(11.1
)
 
(0.7
)
 
(11.7
)
 
(2.1
)
Effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
5.9

 

 
(54.0
)
 

Net Economic Earnings
$
137.2

 
$
109.0

 
$
195.1

 
$
156.5


10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Commitments
The Company and the Utilities have entered into contracts with various counterparties, expiring on dates through 2031, for the storage, transportation, and supply of natural gas. Minimum payments required under the contracts in place at March 31, 2018, are estimated at $1,117.9, $465.1, and $288.5 for the Company, Spire Missouri, and Spire Alabama, respectively. Additional contracts are generally entered into prior to or during the heating season of November through April. The Utilities recover their costs from customers in accordance with their PGA clauses or GSA riders. On April 27, 2018, Spire STL Pipeline entered into a construction contract. Construction is subject to project approvals by the FERC and state and local authorities. Though unit pricing generally applies, Spire STL Pipeline currently estimates the total value to be approximately $95.0, with the primary construction period currently scheduled for the second half of calendar 2018. Spire STL Pipeline has the right to terminate at any time with payment for the value of work performed plus costs incurred.
Contingencies
The Company and the Utilities account for contingencies, including environmental liabilities, in accordance with accounting standards under the loss contingency guidance of ASC Topic 450, Contingencies, when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.
In addition to matters noted below, the Company and the Utilities are involved in other litigation, claims, and investigations arising in the normal course of business. Management, after discussion with counsel, believes the final outcome will not have a material effect on the consolidated statements of income, balance sheets, and statements of cash flows of the Company, Spire Missouri, or Spire Alabama. However, there is uncertainty in the valuation of pending claims and prediction of litigation results.
The Company and the Utilities own and operate natural gas distribution, transmission, and storage facilities, the operations of which are subject to various environmental laws, regulations, and interpretations. While environmental issues resulting from such operations arise in the ordinary course of business, such issues have not materially affected the Company’s or Utilities’ financial position and results of operations. As environmental laws, regulations, and their interpretations change, the Company or the Utilities may incur additional environmental liabilities that may result in additional costs, which may be material.
In the natural gas industry, many gas distribution companies have incurred environmental liabilities associated with sites they or their predecessor companies formerly owned or operated where manufactured gas operations took place. The Utilities each have former manufactured gas plant (MGP) operations in their respective service territories. To the extent costs are incurred associated with environmental remediation activities, the Utilities would request authority from their respective regulators to defer such costs (less any amounts received from insurance proceeds or as contributions from other potentially responsible parties (PRPs)) and collect them through future rates.

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Spire
On June 14, 2017, Spire filed a lawsuit against Cellular South, Inc. d/b/a C-Spire in federal district court for the Southern District of Alabama, Civil Action 17-00266-KD-N, seeking a declaratory order that Spire’s SPIRE trademarks do not infringe upon Cellular South’s C-SPIRE trademarks, and that Spire is entitled to federal registration of its trademarks. In prior proceedings before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Cellular South filed oppositions to Spire’s attempts to register the SPIRE name, the SPIRE logo and the SPIRE LOGO + HANDSHAKE trademarks. In answer to Spire’s lawsuit, Cellular South filed counterclaims alleging infringement and unfair business practices, and seeking a declaration of infringement and that SPIRE marks are not registrable by Spire. On April 23, 2018, the parties mutually agreed to dismiss all litigation concerning the matter and enter into a coexistence agreement for the use of their respective trademarks.
Since April 2012, a total of 14 lawsuits encompassing more than 1,600 plaintiffs have been filed against Spire Gulf in Mobile County Circuit Court alleging that in the first half of 2008, Spire Gulf spilled tert-butyl mercaptan, an odorant added to natural gas for safety reasons, in Eight Mile, Alabama. All of the lawsuits have been substantially settled, with the exception of 31 individuals who rejected their settlement offers and whose claims remain pending. Those remaining claims allege nuisance, fraud and negligence causes of actions, and seek unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. A claim has been made against the insurance carriers requesting reimbursement for costs accrued in respect to this spill, and a related receivable has been recorded. The Company does not expect potential liabilities that may arise from these lawsuits to have a material impact on its future financial condition or results of operations.
Spire Missouri
Spire Missouri has identified three former MGP sites in the city of St. Louis, Missouri (City) where costs have been incurred and claims have been asserted. Spire Missouri has enrolled two of the sites in the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program (BVCP). The third site is the result of a relatively new claim assertion by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and such claim is currently being investigated.
In conjunction with redevelopment of one of the sites, Spire Missouri and another former owner of the site entered into an agreement (Remediation Agreement) with the City development agencies, the developer, and an environmental consultant that obligates one of the City agencies and the environmental consultant to remediate the site and obtain a No Further Action letter from the MDNR. The Remediation Agreement also provides for a release of Spire Missouri and the other former site owner from certain liabilities related to the past and current environmental condition of the site and requires the developer and the environmental consultant to maintain certain insurance coverage, including remediation cost containment, premises pollution liability, and professional liability. The operative provisions of the Remediation Agreement were triggered on December 20, 2010, on which date Spire Missouri and the other former site owner, as full consideration under the Remediation Agreement, paid a small percentage of the cost of remediation of the site. The amount paid by Spire Missouri did not materially impact the financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows of the Company.
Spire Missouri has not owned the second site for many years. In a letter dated June 29, 2011, the Attorney General for the State of Missouri informed Spire Missouri that the MDNR had completed an investigation of the site. The Attorney General requested that Spire Missouri participate in the follow up investigations of the site. In a letter dated January 10, 2012, Spire Missouri stated that it would participate in future environmental response activities at the site in conjunction with other PRPs that are willing to contribute to such efforts in a meaningful and equitable fashion. Accordingly, Spire Missouri entered into a cost sharing agreement for remedial investigation with other PRPs. Pending MDNR approval, which has not occurred to date, the remedial investigation of the site will begin.
Additionally, in correspondence dated November 30, 2016, Region 7 of the EPA has asserted that Spire Missouri is liable under Section 107(a) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) for alleged coal gas waste contamination at a third site in the northern portion of the City on which Spire Missouri operated a MGP. Spire Missouri has not owned or operated the site (also known as Station “B”) for over 70 years. Spire Missouri and the site owner have met with the EPA and reviewed its assertions. Both Spire Missouri and the site owner have notified the EPA that information and data provided by the EPA to date does not rise to the level of documenting a threat to the public health or environment. As such, Spire Missouri is requesting more information from the EPA, some of which will also be utilized to identify other former owners and operators of the site that could be added as PRPs. To date, Spire Missouri has not received a response from the EPA.

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Spire Missouri has notified its insurers that it seeks reimbursement for costs incurred in the past and future potential liabilities associated with the MGP sites. While some of the insurers have denied coverage and reserved their rights, Spire Missouri continues to discuss potential reimbursements with them.
On March 10, 2015, Spire Missouri received a Section 104(e) information request under CERCLA from EPA Region 7 regarding the former Thompson Chemical/Superior Solvents site in the City. In turn, Spire Missouri issued a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the EPA on April 3, 2015, in an effort to identify the basis of the inquiry. The FOIA response from the EPA was received on July 15, 2015 and a response was provided to the EPA on August 15, 2015. Spire Missouri has received no further inquiry from the EPA regarding this matter.
In its western service area, Spire Missouri has seven owned MGP sites enrolled in the BVCP, including Joplin MGP #1, St. Joseph MGP #1, Kansas City Coal Gas Station B, Kansas City Station A Railroad area, Kansas City Coal Gas Station A North, Kansas City Coal Gas Station A South, and Independence MGP #2. Source removal has been conducted at all of the owned sites since 2003 with the exception of Joplin. On September 15, 2016, a request was made with the MDNR for a restrictive covenant use limitation with respect to Joplin. Remediation efforts at the seven sites are at various stages of completion, ranging from groundwater monitoring and sampling following source removal activities to the aforementioned request in respect to Joplin. As part of its participation in the BVCP, MGE communicates regularly with the MDNR with respect to its remediation efforts and monitoring activities at these sites. On May 11, 2015, MDNR approved the next phase of investigation at the Kansas City Station A North and Railroad areas.
To date, costs incurred for all Missouri Utilities’ MGP sites for investigation, remediation and monitoring these sites have not been material. However, the amount of costs relative to future remedial actions at these and other sites is unknown and may be material. The actual future costs that Spire Missouri may incur could be materially higher or lower depending upon several factors, including whether remediation actions will be required, final selection and regulatory approval of any remedial actions, changing technologies and government regulations, the ultimate ability of other PRPs to pay, and any insurance recoveries.
In 2013, Spire Missouri retained an outside consultant to conduct probabilistic cost modeling of 19 former MGP sites owned or operated by Spire Missouri. The purpose of this analysis was to develop an estimated range of probabilistic future liability for each site. That analysis, completed in August 2014, provided a range of demonstrated possible future expenditures to investigate, monitor and remediate all 19 MGP sites. Spire Missouri has recorded its best estimate of the probable expenditures that relate to these matters. The amount is not material.
Spire Missouri and the Company do not expect potential liabilities that may arise from remediating these sites to have a material impact on their future financial condition or results of operations.
Spire Alabama
On December 17, 2013, an incident occurred at a Housing Authority apartment complex in Birmingham, Alabama that resulted in one fatality, personal injuries and property damage. Spire Alabama cooperated with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) which investigated the incident. The NTSB report of findings was issued on March 30, 2016 and no safety recommendations, fines, or penalties were contained therein. Spire Alabama has been named as a defendant in several lawsuits arising from the incident, some of which remain pending.
Spire Alabama is in the chain of title of nine former MGP sites, four of which it still owns, and five former manufactured gas distribution sites, one of which it still owns. Spire Alabama does not foresee a probable or reasonably estimable loss associated with these sites. Spire Alabama and the Company do not expect potential liabilities that may arise from remediating these sites to have a material impact on their future financial condition or results of operations.
In 2012, Spire Alabama responded to an EPA Request for Information Pursuant to Section 104 of CERCLA relating to the 35th Avenue Superfund Site located in North Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama. Spire Alabama was identified as a PRP under CERCLA for the cleanup of the site or costs the EPA incurs in cleaning up the site. At this point, Spire Alabama has not been provided information that would allow it to determine the extent, if any, of its potential liability with respect to the 35th Avenue Superfund Site and vigorously denies its inclusion as a PRP.

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11. INCOME TAXES
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the TCJA) was signed into law on December 22, 2017, with an effective date of January 1, 2018, for substantially all of the provisions. This comprehensive act includes significant reform of the current income tax code including changes in the calculation for business entities and a reduction in the corporate federal income tax rate from 35% to 21%. The specific provisions related to regulated public utilities in the TCJA generally allow for the continued deductibility of interest expense, the elimination of full expensing for tax purposes of certain property acquired after September 27, 2017, and the continuation of certain rate normalization requirements for accelerated depreciation benefits.
ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, requires that the effects of changes in tax laws be recognized in the period in which the new law is enacted, or the quarter ended December 31, 2017. It also requires deferred tax assets and liabilities to be measured at the enacted tax rate expected to apply when temporary differences are to be realized or settled. For the Company’s regulated entities, the changes in deferred taxes related to the regulated operations are recorded as either an offset to or creation of a regulatory asset or liability and may be subject to refund to customers in future periods. The changes in deferred taxes that are not associated with rate making (including all changes for the Company’s unregulated operations) are recorded as adjustments to deferred tax expense.
The Company has recorded TCJA impacts and reflected those amounts in the March 31, 2018, financial statements. The amounts recorded are based on information known and reasonable estimates used as of that date, but are subject to change based on a number of factors, including further actions of regulators, the Company filing its tax returns for the year ended September 30, 2017, and completion of the Company’s interim and annual financial statements for the year ending September 30, 2018. The items recorded include the impact of the federal income tax rate reduction and the revaluation of the deferred tax assets and liabilities. In the second quarter of fiscal 2018, the estimated amounts were adjusted to account for effects of the March MoPSC order, including the lower federal tax rate impact for the quarter and reductions in net deferred tax liabilities related to regulatory assets determined not to be recoverable and removed from rate base. The updated total amounts recorded, which had no impact on cash flows for the six months ended March 31, 2018, are presented in the table below.
 
Spire
 
Spire Missouri
 
Spire Alabama
Adjustment to deferred tax assets
$

 
$

 
$
(60.8
)
Adjustment to deferred tax liabilities
(299.5
)
 
(268.2
)
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjustment to deferred income tax expense
(69.4
)
 
(54.6
)
 
59.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjustment to regulatory assets
(59.4
)
 
(61.0
)
 
1.6

Adjustment to regulatory liabilities
170.7

 
152.6

 

As indicated in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, the Company’s regulated operations accounting for income taxes is impacted by ASC 980, Regulated Operations. Reductions in deferred income tax balances due to the reduction in the corporate income tax rate will result in amounts previously collected from utility customers for these deferred taxes to be refundable to such customers, generally through reductions in future rates. The TCJA includes provisions that stipulate how these excess deferred taxes are to be passed back to customers for certain accelerated tax depreciation benefits. Potential refunds of other deferred taxes will be determined by state regulators.


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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
This section analyzes the financial condition and results of operations of Spire Inc. (Spire or the Company), Spire Missouri Inc. (Spire Missouri or the Missouri Utilities), and Spire Alabama Inc. (Spire Alabama). Spire Missouri, Spire Alabama, and Spire EnergySouth Inc. (Spire EnergySouth) are wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company. Spire Missouri, Spire Alabama and the subsidiaries of Spire EnergySouth, are collectively referred to as the Utilities. The subsidiaries of Spire EnergySouth are Spire Gulf Inc. (Spire Gulf) and Spire Mississippi Inc. (Spire Mississippi). This section includes management’s view of factors that affect the respective businesses of the Company, Spire Missouri, and Spire Alabama, explanations of financial results including changes in earnings and costs from the prior periods, and the effects of such factors on the Company’s, Spire Missouri’s and Spire Alabama’s overall financial condition and liquidity.
Certain matters discussed in this report, excluding historical information, include forward-looking statements. Certain words, such as “may,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” and similar words and expressions identify forward-looking statements that involve uncertainties and risks. Future developments may not be in accordance with our current expectations or beliefs and the effect of future developments may not be those anticipated. Among the factors that may cause results to differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking statement are:
Weather conditions and catastrophic events, particularly severe weather in the natural gas producing areas of the country;
Volatility in gas prices, particularly sudden and sustained changes in natural gas prices, including the related impact on margin deposits associated with the use of natural gas derivative instruments;
The impact of changes and volatility in natural gas prices on our competitive position in relation to suppliers of alternative heating sources, such as electricity;
Changes in gas supply and pipeline availability, including decisions by natural gas producers to reduce production or shut in producing natural gas wells, expiration of existing supply and transportation arrangements that are not replaced with contracts with similar terms and pricing, as well as other changes that impact supply for and access to the markets in which our subsidiaries transact business;
The Spire STL Pipeline project may be hindered or halted by regulatory, legal, or other obstacles;
Legislative, regulatory and judicial mandates and decisions, some of which may be retroactive, including those affecting:
allowed rates of return,
incentive regulation,
industry structure,
purchased gas adjustment provisions,
rate design structure and implementation,
regulatory assets,
non-regulated and affiliate transactions,
franchise renewals,
environmental or safety matters, including the potential impact of legislative and regulatory actions related to climate change and pipeline safety,
taxes,
pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities and funding obligations, or
accounting standards;
The results of litigation;
The availability of and access to, in general, funds to meet our debt obligations prior to or when they become due and to fund our operations and necessary capital expenditures, either through (i) cash on hand, (ii) operating cash flow, or (iii) access to the capital markets;
Retention of, ability to attract, ability to collect from, and conservation efforts of, customers;
Our ability to comply with all covenants in our indentures and credit facilities any violations of which, if not cured in a timely manner, could trigger a default of our obligation;
Capital and energy commodity market conditions, including the ability to obtain funds with reasonable terms for necessary capital expenditures and general operations and the terms and conditions imposed for obtaining sufficient gas supply;
Discovery of material weakness in internal controls; and
Employee workforce issues, including but not limited to labor disputes and future wage and employee benefit costs, including changes in discount rates and returns on benefit plan assets.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Spire Missouri’s and Spire Alabama’s Condensed Financial Statements and the notes thereto.

OVERVIEW
The Company has two reportable segments: Gas Utility and Gas Marketing. Nearly all of Spire’s earnings are derived from its Gas Utility segment, which reflects the regulated activities of the Utilities. The Gas Utility segment consists of the regulated businesses of Spire Missouri, Spire Alabama and the subsidiaries of Spire EnergySouth. Due to the seasonal nature of the Utilities’ business, earnings of Spire, Spire Missouri and Spire Alabama are typically concentrated during the heating season of November through April each fiscal year.
Gas Utility - Spire Missouri
Spire Missouri is Missouri’s largest natural gas distribution utility and is regulated by the Missouri Public Service Commission (MoPSC). Spire Missouri serves St. Louis and eastern Missouri through Spire Missouri East and serves Kansas City and western Missouri through Spire Missouri West. Spire Missouri delivers natural gas to retail customers at rates and in accordance with tariffs authorized by the MoPSC. The earnings of Spire Missouri are primarily generated by the sale of heating energy. The rate design for each service territory serves to lessen the impact of weather volatility on its customers during cold winters and stabilize Spire Missouri’s earnings.
Gas Utility - Spire Alabama
Spire Alabama is the largest natural gas distribution utility in the state of Alabama. Spire Alabama’s service territory is located in central and northern Alabama. Among the cities served by Spire Alabama are Birmingham, the center of the largest metropolitan area in the state, and Montgomery, the state capital. Spire Alabama is regulated by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Spire Alabama purchases natural gas through interstate and intrastate suppliers and distributes the purchased gas through its distribution facilities for sale to residential, commercial, and industrial customers and other end-users of natural gas. Spire Alabama also provides transportation services to large industrial and commercial customers located on its distribution system. These transportation customers, using Spire Alabama as their agent or acting on their own, purchase gas directly from marketers or suppliers and arrange for delivery of the gas into the Spire Alabama distribution system. Spire Alabama charges a fee to transport such customer-owned gas through its distribution system to the customers’ facilities.
Gas Utility - Spire EnergySouth
Spire Gulf and Spire Mississippi are utilities engaged in the purchase, retail distribution and sale of natural gas to 0.1 million customers in southern Alabama and south-central Mississippi. Spire Gulf is regulated by the APSC and Spire Mississippi is regulated by the Mississippi Public Service Commission (MSPSC).
Gas Marketing
Spire Marketing Inc. (Spire Marketing) is engaged in the marketing of natural gas and related activities on a non-regulated basis and is reported in the Gas Marketing segment. Spire Marketing markets natural gas across the country with the core of its footprint located in and around the central United States (US). It holds firm transportation and storage contracts in order to effectively manage its customer base, which consists of producers, pipelines, power generators, storage operators, municipalities, utility companies, and large commercial and industrial customers.
Other
Other non-utility activities of the Company include:
unallocated corporate costs, including certain debt and associated interest costs;
Spire STL Pipeline LLC, a subsidiary of Spire planning construction and operation of a proposed 65-mile Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)-regulated pipeline to deliver natural gas into eastern Missouri;
physical natural gas storage operations, include the acquisition of an 80% voting interest in Ryckman Creek Resources, LLC, in December 2017; and
Spire’s subsidiaries engaged in the operation of a propane pipeline, compression of natural gas, and risk management, among other activities.


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NON-GAAP MEASURES
Net income, earnings per share and operating income reported by Spire, Spire Missouri and Spire Alabama are determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). We also provide the non-GAAP financial measures of net economic earnings, net economic earnings per share and contribution margin. Management and the Board of Directors use non-GAAP financial measures, in addition to GAAP financial measures, to understand and compare operating results across accounting periods, for financial and operational decision making, for planning and forecasting, to determine incentive compensation and to evaluate financial performance. These non-GAAP operating metrics should not be considered as alternatives to, or more meaningful than, the related GAAP measures. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures are provided on the following pages.
Net Economic Earnings and Net Economic Earnings Per Share
Net economic earnings and net economic earnings per share are non-GAAP measures that exclude from net income the impacts of fair value accounting and timing adjustments associated with energy-related transactions, the impacts of acquisition, divestiture and restructuring activities, and the largely non-cash impacts of other non-recurring or unusual items such as certain regulatory, legislative, or GAAP standard-setting actions. In fiscal 2018, these items include the revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities due to the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the write-off of certain long-standing assets as a result of disallowances in our Missouri rate proceedings. In addition, net economic earnings per share excludes the impact, in the fiscal year of issuance, of shares issued to finance acquisitions that have yet to be included in net economic earnings.
The fair value and timing adjustments are made in instances where the accounting treatment differs from what management considers the economic substance of the underlying transaction, including the following:
Net unrealized gains and losses on energy-related derivatives that are required by GAAP fair value accounting associated with current changes in the fair value of financial and physical transactions prior to their completion and settlement. These unrealized gains and losses result primarily from two sources:
1)
changes in the fair values of physical and/or financial derivatives prior to the period of settlement; and,
2)
ineffective portions of accounting hedges, required to be recorded in earnings prior to settlement, due to differences in commodity price changes between the locations of the forecasted physical purchase or sale transactions and the locations of the underlying hedge instruments;
Lower of cost or market adjustments to the carrying value of commodity inventories resulting when the market price of the commodity falls below its original cost, to the extent that those commodities are economically hedged; and
Realized gains and losses resulting from the settlement of economic hedges prior to the sale of the physical commodity.
These adjustments eliminate the impact of timing differences and the impact of current changes in the fair value of financial and physical transactions prior to their completion and settlement. Unrealized gains or losses are recorded in each period until being replaced with the actual gains or losses realized when the associated physical transactions occur. Management believes that excluding the earnings volatility caused by recognizing changes in fair value prior to settlement and other timing differences associated with related purchase and sale transactions provides a useful representation of the economic effects of only the actual settled transactions and their effects on results of operations. While management uses these non-GAAP measures to evaluate both the Utilities and non-utility businesses, the net effect of these fair value and timing adjustments on the Utilities’ earnings is minimal because gains or losses on their natural gas derivative instruments are deferred pursuant to state regulation.
Contribution Margin
In addition to operating revenues and operating expenses, management also uses the non-GAAP measure of contribution margin when evaluating results of operations. Contribution margin is defined as operating revenues less natural and propane gas costs and gross receipts tax expense. The Utilities pass to their customers (subject to prudence review by, as applicable, the MoPSC, APSC, or MSPSC) increases and decreases in the wholesale cost of natural gas in accordance with their Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA) clauses or Gas Supply Adjustment (GSA) rider. The volatility of the wholesale natural gas market results in fluctuations from period to period in the recorded levels of, among other items, revenues and natural gas cost expense. Nevertheless, increases and decreases in the cost of gas associated with system gas sales volumes and gross receipts tax expense (which are calculated as a percentage of revenues), with the same amount (excluding immaterial timing differences) included in revenues,

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have no direct effect on operating income. Therefore, management believes that contribution margin is a useful supplemental measure, along with the remaining operating expenses, for assessing the Company’s and the Utilities’ performance.
EARNINGS – THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2018
Spire
Net Income and Net Economic Earnings
The following tables reconcile the Company’s net economic earnings to the most comparable GAAP number, net income.
 
Gas Utility
 
Gas Marketing
 
 Other
 
Total
 
Per Diluted Share**
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income (Loss) (GAAP)
$
102.5

 
$
0.3

 
$
(4.6
)
 
$
98.2

 
$
2.03

 
Adjustments, pre-tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Missouri regulatory adjustments
30.6

 

 

 
30.6

 
0.63

 
Unrealized loss on energy-related derivatives

 
11.8

 

 
11.8

 
0.24

 
Realized gain on economic hedges prior
     to the sale of the physical commodity

 
(0.2
)
 

 
(0.2
)
 
(0.01
)
 
Acquisition, divestiture and restructuring activities
0.2

 

 
1.8

 
2.0

 
0.04

 
Income tax effect of pre-tax adjustments*
(7.6
)
 
(3.0
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(11.1
)
 
(0.22
)
 
Effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
6.0

 
1.3

 
(1.4
)
 
5.9

 
0.12

 
Net Economic Earnings (Loss) (Non-GAAP)**
$
131.7

 
$
10.2

 
$
(4.7
)
 
$
137.2

 
$
2.83

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income (Loss) (GAAP)
$
112.3

 
$
(1.0
)
 
$
(3.3
)
 
$
108.0

 
$
2.36

 
Adjustments, pre-tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized loss on energy-related derivatives

 
1.6

 

 
1.6

 
0.04

 
Lower of cost or market inventory adjustments

 
0.1

 

 
0.1

 

 
Realized gain on economic hedges prior
     to the sale of the physical commodity

 
(0.1
)
 

 
(0.1
)
 

 
Acquisition, divestiture and restructuring activities

 

 
0.1

 
0.1

 

 
Income tax effect of pre-tax adjustments*
(0.1
)
 
(0.6
)
 

 
(0.7
)
 
(0.02
)
 
Net Economic Earnings (Loss) (Non-GAAP)**
$
112.2

 
$

 
$
(3.2
)
 
$
109.0

 
$
2.38

*
Income taxes are calculated by applying federal, state, and local income tax rates applicable to ordinary income to the amounts of the pre-tax reconciling items.
**
Net economic earnings per share is calculated by replacing consolidated net income with consolidated net economic earnings in the GAAP diluted earnings per share calculation.
Consolidated
Spire’s net income was $98.2 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared with $108.0 for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2018, were $2.03, compared with basic and diluted earnings per share of $2.36, for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Net income decreased $9.8, driven primarily by a $23.6 after-tax expense in the Gas Utility segment relating to recovery disallowances resulting from the recent Missouri Utilities’ rate case, partly offset by benefits of lower tax rates from the passage of the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in December 2017, which is described in Note 11 of the Notes to Financial Statements in Item 1. Excluding these impacts, net income increased, reflecting the impact of the return to near-normal weather patterns in the current year which benefited the Gas Utility segment, and improving market conditions for the Gas Marketing segment, partly offset by higher Other expenses. Spire’s net economic earnings were $137.2 ($2.83 per diluted share) for the three months ended March 31, 2018, an increase of $28.2 from the $109.0 ($2.38 per diluted share) reported for the same period last year. The principal drivers of the increase in net economic earnings were consistent with the tax reform and favorable weather patterns outlined above. These impacts are described in further detail below.

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Gas Utility
For the three months ended March 31, 2018, net economic earnings for the Gas Utility segment increased $19.5 from the second quarter last year, with all the Utilities showing improvement. As detailed below, the increase was driven primarily by higher contribution margin due to the return of near-normal weather patterns, partly offset by $7.8 in disallowed recoveries due to the recent rate case resolution in Missouri and higher depreciation and amortization expenses resulting from the continued infrastructure investment at all the Utilities. The segment also benefited from a lower tax rate resulting from the implementation of the TCJA, net of those amounts (beginning January 1, 2018 in Alabama and Mississippi and April 19, 2018 in Missouri) that have been or will be reflected in lower customer rates.
Gas Marketing
For the three months ended March 31, 2018, net economic earnings for the Gas Marketing segment increased $10.2 compared with the second quarter last year. The segment benefited from improved market conditions resulting from colder weather and increased temperature volatility that contributed to increased value from regional basis differentials (spreads) and storage optimization versus the prior-year quarter.
Operating Revenues and Expenses and Contribution Margin
Reconciliations of the Company’s contribution margin to the most directly comparable GAAP measure are shown below.
 
Gas Utility
 
Gas Marketing
 
Other
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income (Loss)
$
142.7

 
$
1.1

 
$
(2.0
)
 
$

 
$
141.8

 
Operation and maintenance expenses
145.8

 
1.5

 
5.8

 
(2.6
)
 
150.5

 
Depreciation and amortization
41.1

 

 
0.4

 

 
41.5

 
Taxes, other than income taxes
58.0

 
0.1

 
0.1

 

 
58.2

 
Less: Gross receipts tax expense
(43.5
)
 
(0.1
)
 

 

 
(43.6
)
 
Contribution Margin (Non-GAAP)
344.1

 
2.6

 
4.3

 
(2.6
)
 
348.4

 
Natural and propane gas costs
403.2

 
18.6

 
0.1

 
(0.5
)
 
421.4

 
Gross receipts tax expense
43.5

 
0.1

 

 

 
43.6

 
Operating Revenues
$
790.8

 
$
21.3

 
$
4.4

 
$
(3.1
)
 
$
813.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
Operating Income (Loss)
$
182.6

 
$
(1.7
)
 
$
(0.5
)
 
$

 
$
180.4

 
Operation and maintenance expenses
99.3

 
1.5

 
2.1

 
(1.4
)
 
101.5

 
Depreciation and amortization
37.9

 

 
0.1

 

 
38.0

 
Taxes, other than income taxes
48.3

 
0.1

 

 

 
48.4

 
Less: Gross receipts tax expense
(34.1
)
 
(0.1
)
 

 

 
(34.2
)
 
Contribution Margin (Non-GAAP)
334.0

 
(0.2
)
 
1.7

 
(1.4
)
 
334.1

 
Natural and propane gas costs
275.6

 
22.3

 
0.1

 
(2.9
)
 
295.1

 
Gross receipts tax expense
34.1

 
0.1

 

 

 
34.2

 
Operating Revenues
$
643.7

 
$
22.2

 
$
1.8

 
$
(4.3
)
 
$
663.4

Consolidated
As shown in the table above, Spire reported an operating revenue increase 0f $150.0 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared with the same period last year, with the Gas Utility segment being the primary driver. Spire’s contribution margin increased $14.3 compared with last year due to a $10.1 increase in the Gas Utility segment due to improvements at the Missouri Utilities and Spire Alabama, and a $2.8 increase from the Gas Marketing segment. Depreciation and amortization expenses were up in the Gas Utility segment, reflecting the higher overall capital investments across all utilities. Utilities operation and maintenance (O&M) expenses in the quarter were $46.5 higher than the prior-year quarter, driven primarily by Spire Missouri and Spire Alabama. These fluctuations are described in more detail below.

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Table of Contents

Gas Utility
Operating Revenues Gas Utility operating revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2018, were $790.8, or $147.1 higher than the same period last year. The increase in Gas Utility operating revenues was attributable to the following factors:
Missouri Utilities, Spire Alabama and Spire Gulf – Higher PGA/GSA gas cost recoveries
$
86.9

Missouri Utilities and Spire Alabama – Volumetric usage
67.7

Missouri Utilities and Spire Alabama – Higher gross receipts taxes
9.0

Missouri Utilities – Higher Infrastructure System Replacement Surcharge (ISRS)
2.2

Missouri Utilities – Customer growth
0.6

Missouri Utilities – Off-system sales and capacity release
(10.6
)
Spire Alabama and Spire Gulf – Customer rate reductions resulting from TCJA
(9.0
)
Spire Gulf – Rate Stabilization and Equalization (RSE)
(1.8
)
All other factors, net
2.1

Total Variation
$
147.1

As noted, $86.9 of the operating revenue increase was the result of the higher gas cost recoveries at both Spire Missouri and Spire Alabama. Further, $67.7 of the increase was attributable to higher volumetric usage, which was a function of the return of near-normal weather patterns experienced across all the Utilities’ service areas. Across all of the Utilities’ territories, temperatures were 5% warmer than normal this quarter versus 22% warmer than normal in the comparable prior year period. A $9.0 increase in gross receipts taxes, along with customer growth and higher Missouri ISRS charges, also contributed to the revenue growth. These positive impacts were partly offset by a $10.6 reduction in lower off-system sales and capacity release at the Missouri Utilities, $9.0 lower revenues at Spire Alabama and Spire Gulf resulting from rate reductions to customers due to tax savings from the TCJA, and a $1.8 RSE reduction at Spire Gulf.
Contribution Margin – Gas Utility contribution margin was $344.1 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, a $10.1 increase over the same period last year. The net increase was attributable to the following factors:
Utilities – Volumetric usage
$
17.6

Missouri Utilities – Higher ISRS
2.2

Missouri Utilities – Customer growth
0.6

Missouri Utilities – Off-system sales and capacity release
0.3

Spire Alabama and Spire Gulf – Customer rate reductions resulting from TCJA
(9.0
)
Spire Gulf – RSE
(1.8
)
All other factors, net
0.2

Total Variation
$
10.1

The increase in contribution margin was primarily attributable to the return of near-normal weather patterns in the current year period. The Missouri Utilities experienced colder weather this quarter with degree days 3% colder than normal and 34% colder than the prior year. In the Spire Alabama territory, temperatures were 5% warmer than normal this year but 51% colder than in the prior year. Contribution margin was negatively impacted by a $1.8 RSE reduction at Spire Gulf and a $9.0 decrease at Spire Alabama and Spire Gulf, the result of customer rate reductions due to tax savings from the TCJA. The negative impact on contribution margin of these customer rate reductions was offset by a corresponding reduction in income tax in these jurisdictions.
Operating Expenses – Depreciation and amortization expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2018, increased $3.2 from last year, due to higher levels of capital expenditures across all of the Utilities. O&M expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2018, were $46.5 higher than the same period in the prior year, largely due to $38.4 in charges incurred at the Spire Missouri Utilities relating to recoveries disallowed by the MoPSC during the latest rate case. Excluding this impact, O&M increased $7.6 at the Missouri Utilities and $2.6 at Spire Alabama, which more than offsetting the modest $2.1 decrease at the utilities of Spire EnergySouth. The increases at Spire Missouri and Spire Alabama were consistent with the return of near-normal weather patterns, resulting in higher employee-related costs and bad debt expense.

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Table of Contents

Gas Marketing
Operating Revenues – Operating revenues decreased $0.9 versus the prior-year period as a result of slightly lower volumetric gas sales, lower general pricing levels and the effect of changes in trading activities. Under GAAP, revenues associated with trading activities are presented net of related costs. Average pricing for the three months ended March 31, 2018, was approximately $2.828/MMBtu versus approximately $2.987/MMBtu for the quarter ended March 31, 2017.
Contribution Margin – Gas Marketing contribution margin during the three months ended March 31, 2018, increased $2.8 from the same period last year. The segment benefited from improved market conditions that contributed to increased value from regional basis differentials (spreads) and storage optimization versus the prior-year quarter.
Interest Charges
Consolidated interest charges during the three months ended March 31, 2018, increased by $2.7 from the same period last year. The increase was primarily driven by Spire Missouri’s issuance of $170.0 in long-term debt in September 2017, and Spire Alabama’s issuance of $75.0 of long-term debt: $30.0 on December 1, 2017, and $45.0 on January 12, 2018. In addition, the senior notes issued in March 2017 incurred marginally higher fixed interest this year relative to the interest incurred on the $250.0 floating rate debt redeemed that month. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, average short-term borrowings were $481.9 and $529.9, respectively, and the average interest rates on these borrowings were 2.05% and 1.1%, respectively.
Income Taxes
Consolidated income tax expense during the three months ended March 31, 2018, was $34.4 lower than during the prior-year quarter, primarily as a result of the TCJA enacted in December 2017, combined with the effects of lower pre-tax book income. The TCJA is further described in Note 11 of the Notes to Financial Statements in Item 1.
Spire Missouri
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Operating Income
$
52.1

 
$
90.2

Operation and maintenance expenses
103.5

 
57.5

Depreciation and amortization
25.2

 
23.0

Taxes, other than income taxes
41.2

 
35.3

Less: Gross receipts tax expense
(30.6
)
 
(24.9
)
Contribution Margin (non-GAAP)
191.4

 
181.1

Natural and propane gas costs
311.2

 
241.2

Gross receipts tax expense
30.6

 
24.9

Operating Revenues
$
533.2

 
$
447.2

Net Income
$
38.4

 
$
57.0

Operating revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2018, increased $86.0 from the same period last year primarily due to $49.2 in volumetric/usage impacts resulting from the return of near-normal weather patterns, $39.0 higher gas cost recoveries, a $5.1 increase in gross receipts taxes and $2.2 higher ISRS charges that was only partly offset by a $10.6 negative impact of lower off-system sales. Contribution margin for the three months ended March 31, 2018, increased $10.3 from the same period last year, largely due to the $7.5 increase attributable to volumes, and $0.6 resulting from customer growth. O&M expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2018 increased $46.0, largely attributable to $38.4 in charges relating to recoveries disallowed by the MoPSC in the recent rate case. Excluding this impact, O&M was $7.6 in the current year quarter, driven by higher employee-related costs and bad debts. Depreciation and amortization increased $2.2 in the current quarter versus the prior-year quarter due to higher capital investments. Due primarily to the regulatory disallowances being only partly offset by tax rate savings, net income for the three months ended March 31, 2018 decreased $18.6 from the same period last year.

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Table of Contents

Temperatures in Spire Missouri’s service areas during the three months ended March 31, 2018, were 3% colder than normal and 34% colder than the same period last year, resulting in higher usage on a year-over-year comparative basis. Further, temperatures versus normal (the basis of Spire Missouri’s rate design) resulted in margins returning closer to historical norms. The Missouri Utilities’ total system therms sold and transported were 786.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared with 607.7 million for the same period last year. Total off-system therms sold and transported were 37.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared with 73.7 million for the same period last year, as a 29% increase in current year system demand reduced therm availability for off-system sales.
Spire Alabama
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Operating Income
$
78.2

 
$
78.9

Operation and maintenance expenses
34.1

 
31.5

Depreciation and amortization
13.1

 
12.3

Taxes, other than income taxes
14.4

 
10.3

Less: Gross receipts tax expense
(11.6
)
 
(7.7
)
Contribution Margin (Non-GAAP)
128.2

 
125.3

Natural and propane gas costs
78.5

 
25.8

Gross receipts tax expense
11.6

 
7.7

Operating Revenues
$
218.3

 
$
158.8

Net Income
$
55.6

 
$
47.6

Operating revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2018, increased $59.5 from the same period last year. The change was principally driven by a $44.3 increase in gas cost recoveries versus the prior year, a $18.9 increase related to volumes, combined with higher gross receipts taxes of $3.9. These positive impacts were only partly offset by customer rate reductions of $7.8 resulting from lower federal income tax from the TCJA. Contribution margin increased $2.9, primarily due to the net increase to the volumetric/weather impact, partly offset by the customer rate reduction of $7.8 representing TCJA tax savings being returned to customers. Depreciation and amortization expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2018, were $0.8 higher than the same period last year, the result of continued infrastructure investment. O&M expenses were $2.6 higher, primarily due to higher bad debts and employee-related costs. Net income during the three months ended March 31, 2018 increased $8.0 versus the same period last year.
Temperatures in Spire Alabama’s service area during the three months ended March 31, 2018, were 5% warmer than normal and 51% colder than a year ago. Spire Alabama’s total system therms sold and transported were 333.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared with 278.7 million for the same period last year.


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Table of Contents

EARNINGS – SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2018
Spire
Net Income and Net Economic Earnings
The following tables reconcile the Company’s net economic earnings to the most comparable GAAP number, net income.
 
Gas Utility
 
Gas Marketing
 
 Other
 
 
Total
 
Per Diluted Share**
Six Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income (GAAP)
$
147.7

 
$
3.8

 
$
62.7

 
$
214.2

 
$
4.42

 
Adjustments, pre-tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Missouri regulatory adjustments
30.6

 

 

 
30.6

 
0.63

 
Unrealized loss on energy-related derivatives

 
12.6

 

 
12.6

 
0.26

 
Realized gain on economic hedges prior
     to the sale of the physical commodity

 
(0.3
)
 

 
(0.3
)
 
(0.01
)
 
Acquisition, divestiture and restructuring activities
0.2

 

 
3.5

 
3.7

 
0.08

 
Income tax effect of adjustments*
(7.6
)
 
(3.2
)
 
(0.9
)
 
(11.7
)
 
(0.24
)
 
Effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
20.3

 
0.9

 
(75.2
)
 
(54.0
)
 
(1.12
)
 
Net Economic Earnings (Loss) (Non-GAAP)
$
191.2

 
$
13.8

 
$
(9.9
)
 
$
195.1

 
$
4.02

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income (Loss) (GAAP)
$
164.0

 
$
(1.8
)
 
$
(9.0
)
 
$
153.2

 
$
3.34

 
Adjustments, pre-tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized loss on energy-related derivatives

 
5.4

 

 
5.4

 
0.12

 
Realized gain on economic hedges prior
     to the sale of the physical commodity

 
(0.2
)
 

 
(0.2
)
 

 
Acquisition, divestiture and restructuring activities
0.1

 

 
0.1

 
0.2

 
0.01

 
Income tax effect of adjustments*
(0.1
)
 
(2.0
)
 

 
(2.1
)
 
(0.05
)
 
Net Economic Earnings (Loss) (Non-GAAP)
$
164.0

 
$
1.4

 
$
(8.9
)
 
$
156.5

 
$
3.42

*
Income taxes are calculated by applying applicable federal, state, and local income tax rates applicable to ordinary income to the amounts of the pre-tax reconciling items.
**
Net economic earnings per share is calculated by replacing consolidated net income with consolidated net economic earnings in the GAAP diluted earnings per share calculation.
Consolidated
Spire’s net income was $214.2 for the six months ended March 31, 2018, compared with $153.2 for the six months ended March 31, 2017. Basic and diluted earnings per share for the six months ended March 31, 2018, were $4.43 and $4.42, respectively, compared with basic and diluted earnings per share of $3.35 and $3.34, respectively, for the six months ended March 31, 2017. Net income increased $61.0, driven by lower federal tax rates resulting from the implementation of the TCJA net of amounts reflected in lower customer rates, and stronger core operating results of the Gas Utility segment attributable to the near-normal weather patterns in the current year. The Gas Marketing segment also experienced strong operating results, due to improved market conditions in the current year. These positive impacts were offset by $38.4 in pre-tax ($23.6 after-tax) charges at Spire Missouri, the result of the MoPSC disallowing certain recoveries in the recent rate case. Net economic earnings were $195.1 ($4.02 per diluted share) for the six months ended March 31, 2018, up from $156.5 ($3.42 per diluted share) for the same period last year, due to $27.2 in improvements for the Gas Utility and the $12.4 net economic earnings increase experienced by Gas Marketing. These fluctuations are described in more detail below.

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Table of Contents

Gas Utility
Gas Utility net income decreased by $16.3 and net economic earnings increased $27.2 for the six months ended March 31, 2018, compared with the six months ended March 31, 2017. Both measures benefited from weather patterns that were significantly favorable to the prior year, with temperatures in the Utilities’ territories being 33% colder in the current year. However, net income was negatively impacted by the $23.6 after-tax charge related to certain recoveries for Spire Missouri being disallowed by the MoPSC in the recent rate case proceedings. Net income also was negatively impacted by the net tax changes related to the implementation of the TCJA which was passed in December 2017.
Gas Marketing
The Gas Marketing segment reported net income totaling $3.8 for the six months ended March 31, 2018, versus a loss of $1.8 during the same period last year. Net economic earnings for the six months ended March 31, 2018, were $13.8, an increase of $12.4 from the same period last year. The increase was attributable to improved market conditions as a result of colder weather and increased temperature volatility that contributed to increased value from regional basis differentials (spreads) and storage optimization.

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Table of Contents

Operating Revenues and Operating Expenses
Reconciliations of the Company’s contribution margin to the most directly comparable GAAP measure are shown in the table below:
 
Gas Utility
 
Gas Marketing
 
Other
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Six Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income (Loss)
$
244.5

 
$
6.1

 
$
(3.7
)
 
$

 
$
246.9

 
Operation and maintenance expenses
245.6

 
3.1

 
10.1

 
(4.9
)
 
253.9

 
Depreciation and amortization
81.4

 

 
0.5

 

 
81.9

 
Taxes, other than income taxes
94.7

 
0.1

 
0.1

 

 
94.9

 
Less: Gross receipts tax expense
(66.6
)
 
(0.1
)
 

 

 
(66.7
)
 
Contribution Margin (Non-GAAP)
599.6

 
9.2

 
7.0

 
(4.9
)
 
610.9

 
Natural and propane gas costs
666.6

 
31.6

 
0.2

 
(0.8
)
 
697.6

 
Gross receipts tax expense
66.6

 
0.1

 

 

 
66.7

 
Operating Revenues
$
1,332.8

 
$
40.9

 
$
7.2

 
$
(5.7
)
 
$
1,375.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended March 31, 2017
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
Operating Income (Loss)
$
273.2

 
$
(3.0
)
 
$
(0.7
)
 
$

 
$
269.5

 
Operation and maintenance expenses
199.8

 
2.9

 
3.9

 
(2.6
)
 
204.0

 
Depreciation and amortization
75.6

 

 
0.2

 

 
75.8

 
Taxes, other than income taxes
81.7

 
0.2

 
0.1

 

 
82.0

 
Less: Gross receipts tax expense
(53.1
)
 
(0.1
)
 

 

 
(53.2
)
 
Contribution Margin (Non-GAAP)
577.2

 

 
3.5

 
(2.6
)
 
578.1

 
Natural and propane gas costs
490.1

 
43.8

 
0.1

 
(6.8
)
 
527.2

 
Gross receipts tax expense
53.1

 
0.1

 

 

 
53.2

 
Operating Revenues
$
1,120.4

 
$
43.9

 
$
3.6

 
$
(9.4
)
 
$
1,158.5

Consolidated
As shown in the table above, Spire’s operating revenues for the six months ended March 31, 2018, increased by $212.4 at the Gas Utility segment and were $3.0 lower in the Gas Marketing segment. The Gas Utility increase was due principally to weather/volumetric impacts and higher gas cost recoveries at the Missouri Utilities and Spire Alabama. The Gas Marketing decrease was due to the impact of lower pricing offsetting higher volumes. Spire’s contribution margin increased $32.8 compared with the same six-month period last year. The growth in contribution margin was primarily attributable to the Gas Utility segment, up $22.4, with the Missouri Utilities up $22.0 and Spire Alabama up $3.4, partially offset by a $3.0 decrease in the utilities of Spire EnergySouth. In addition, Gas Marketing’s contribution margin was up $9.2. Depreciation and amortization expenses were higher in the Gas Utility segment, due to higher capital investments in both the Missouri Utilities and Spire Alabama. Gas Utility O&M expenses increased $45.8, the result of the $38.4 charge in the second quarter for disallowed recoveries at Spire Missouri, and higher expenses at both the Missouri Utilities and Spire Alabama. These fluctuations are described in more detail below.

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Table of Contents

Gas Utility
Operating Revenues – Gas Utility operating revenues for the six months ended March 31, 2018, were $1,332.8, or $212.4 higher than the same period last year. The increase in Gas Utility operating revenues was attributable to the following factors:
Missouri Utilities and Spire Alabama – Higher PGA/GSA gas cost recoveries
$
116.5

Missouri Utilities and Spire Alabama – Volumetric usage
106.6

Missouri Utilities and Spire Alabama – Higher gross receipts taxes
12.5

Missouri Utilities – Higher ISRS
5.6

Missouri Utilities – Customer growth
0.9

Missouri Utilities – Off-system sales and capacity release
(27.4
)
Spire Alabama and Spire Gulf – Customer rate reductions resulting from TCJA
(9.0
)
Spire Gulf – RSE
(1.8
)
All other factors
(2.3
)
Total Variation
$
212.4

The increase in revenues was driven by $116.5 higher gas cost recoveries between Spire Missouri and Alabama, higher weather/volumetric impacts of $106.6, increases in gross receipt taxes of $12.5, and $5.6 higher ISRS from the Missouri Utilities. These positive impacts were offset by a $27.4 reduction in Spire Missouri off-system and capacity release, customer rate reductions of $9.0 for the customers of Spire Alabama and Spire Gulf resulting from the TCJA and a $1.8 RSE reduction at Spire Gulf.
Contribution Margin – Gas Utility contribution margin was $599.6 for the six months ended March 31, 2018, a $22.4 increase over the same period last year. The increase was attributable to the following factors:
Missouri Utilities and Spire Alabama – Volumetric usage
$
25.9

Missouri Utilities – Higher ISRS
5.6

Missouri Utilities – Customer growth
0.9

Missouri Utilities – Off-system sales and capacity release
0.4

Spire Alabama and Spire Gulf – Customer rate reductions resulting from TCJA
(9.0
)
Spire Gulf – RSE
(1.8
)
All other factors
(1.4
)
Total Variation
$
22.4

The favorable contribution impact that resulted from the significantly colder weather in the current year combined with the impacts from the Missouri Utilities’ ISRS charges and customer growth more than offset the $9.0 contribution margin reduction due to lower customer rates at Spire Alabama and Spire Gulf as a result of the TCJA, and the $1.8 RSE adjustment at Spire Gulf.
Operating Expenses – Gas Utility O&M expenses for the six months ended March 31, 2018, increased $45.8 from last year, driven by $38.4 of disallowed recoveries at Spire Missouri resulting from the MoPSC rulings in the just-completed rate case. Excluding this charge, O&M increased $7.4, representing an increase of $7.4 at the Missouri Utilities and a $3.2 increase at Spire Alabama, partly offset by a $3.2 decrease at Spire EnergySouth. The O&M expense growth at the Missouri Utilities and Spire Alabama were attributable to the colder weather, with higher employee-related expenses and bad debts at both the Spire Missouri and Spire Alabama in the current year. Depreciation and amortization expenses for the six months ended March 31, 2018, increased $5.8 from the same period last year as a result of higher levels of capital investment over the past year, with $4.3 attributable to Spire Missouri and $1.3 attributable to Spire Alabama.
Gas Marketing
Operating Revenues – Gas Marketing operating revenues during the six months ended March 31, 2018, decreased $3.0 from the same period last year, principally due to higher total volume being offset by lower general pricing levels, along with the effect of changes in trading activities. Overall commodity pricing in the current year was $0.162/MMBtu lower than the prior year.
Contribution Margin – Gas Marketing contribution margin during the six months ended March 31, 2018, increased $9.2 from the same period last year. The increase is primarily due to higher overall volumes, higher storage optimization, and increased value from regional basis differentials (spreads) in the current year, the result of improved market conditions.

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Table of Contents

Interest Charges
Consolidated interest charges during the six months ended March 31, 2018, were $5.0 higher than the same period last year. The increase was primarily driven by Spire Missouri’s issuance of $170.0 in long-term debt in September 2017, and Spire Alabama’s issuance of $75.0 of long-term debt: $30.0 on December 1, 2017, and $45.0 on January 12, 2018. Marginally higher interest rates on the senior notes issued in March 2017 that were used to retire $250.0 of floating rate debt also contributed to the increase. Also, for the six months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, average short-term borrowings were $514.2 and $502.2, respectively, and the average interest rates on these borrowings were 1.8% and 1.2%, respectively.
Income Taxes
Consolidated income tax expense during the six months ended March 31, 2018, decreased $89.8, primarily as a result of the TCJA enacted in December 2017. Of the decrease, $54.0 is the result of the revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities on the balance sheet that were not reflected in net economic earnings. The remaining reduction is the result of a decrease in current year federal income tax rates due to the TCJA, combined with the effects of lower pre-tax book income. The TCJA is further described in Note 11 of the Notes to Financial Statements in Item 1.
Spire Missouri
 
Six Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Operating Income
$
126.9

 
$
154.7

Operation and maintenance expenses
163.8

 
118.0

Depreciation and amortization
50.0

 
45.7

Taxes, other than income taxes
67.4

 
59.9

Less: Gross receipts tax expense
(46.8
)
 
(39.0
)
Contribution Margin (Non-GAAP)
361.3

 
339.3

Natural and propane gas costs
517.4

 
432.5

Gross receipts tax expense
46.8

 
39.0

Operating Revenues
$
925.5

 
$
810.8

Net Income
$
127.8

 
$
95.0

Operating revenues during the six months ended March 31, 2018, increased $114.7 from the same period last year primarily due to a $66.2 increase attributable to volumetric impacts, $60.9 higher wholesale gas costs passed on to customers, a $7.2 increase in gross receipts taxes, and ISRS charge increases of $5.6, offset primarily by lower off-system sales of $27.4. Contribution margin increased $22.0 primarily due to the $14.8 increase attributable to higher volumes and weather, higher ISRS charges, and customer growth. O&M expenses during the six months ended March 31, 2018, increased $45.8 from the same period last year. Excluding the $38.4 of disallowed recoveries at Spire Missouri resulting from the MoPSC rulings in the just-completed rate case, O&M expenses were $7.4 higher in the current year versus the prior year period. This increase was primarily attributable to higher weather-driven employee-related and bad debt expenses. Depreciation increased by $4.3 as a result of continuing increases in the levels of capital investment. Net income increased $32.8, as the increase in contribution margin and lower federal income tax rates from the TCJA, more than offset the after-tax impacts of the recovery disallowances.
Temperatures in Spire Missouri’s service areas during the six months ended March 31, 2018, were 25% colder than the same period last year and 1% colder than normal. The Missouri Utilities’ total system therms sold and transported were 1,312.9 million for the six months ended March 31, 2018, compared with 1,092.1 million for the same period last year. Total off-system therms sold and transported were 67.6 million for the six months ended March 31, 2018, compared with 159.5 million for the same period last year.

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Spire Alabama
 
Six Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Operating Income
$
97.2

 
$
98.7

Operation and maintenance expenses
65.9

 
62.7

Depreciation and amortization
25.9

 
24.6

Taxes, other than income taxes
22.6

 
16.9

Less: Gross receipts tax expense
(17.2
)
 
(11.9
)
Contribution Margin (Non-GAAP)
194.4

 
191.0

Natural and propane gas costs
127.5

 
42.6

Gross receipts tax expense
17.2

 
11.9

Operating Revenues
$
339.1

 
$
245.5

Net Income
$
6.0

 
$
57.9


Operating revenues for the six months ended March 31, 2018, increased $93.6 from the same period last year. The change was principally driven by a $55.6 increase in gas cost recoveries versus the prior year, a $40.4 increase related to volumes, combined with higher gross receipts taxes of $5.3. These positive impacts were only slightly offset by customer rate reductions of $7.8 resulting from tax savings from the TCJA. Contribution margin increased $3.4, due to the $11.1 increase due to the favorable volumetric/weather impact, partly offset primarily by the $7.8 customer rate reduction resulting from the TCJA. O&M expenses for the six months ended March 31, 2018, increased $3.2 from the same period last year, primarily driven by increases in employee-related and bad debt expenses. Net income reflects these impacts and also includes the net tax rate change and deferred tax revaluation impacts resulting from the implementation of the TCJA.
Temperatures in Spire Alabama’s service area during the six months ended March 31, 2018, were 48% colder than the same period last year and only 4% warmer than normal. Spire Alabama’s total system therms sold and transported were 571.1 million for the six months ended March 31, 2018, compared with 500.2 million for the same period last year.

REGULATORY AND OTHER MATTERS
Please see the Environmental Matters section for information relative to environmental matters. Spire, Spire Missouri and Spire Alabama are involved in other litigation, claims, and investigations arising in the normal course of business. Management, after discussion with counsel, believes that the final outcomes of these matters will not have a material effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of the Company, Spire Missouri or Spire Alabama.
Spire Missouri
On September 30, 2016, Spire Missouri filed to increase its ISRS revenues by $5.0 for Spire Missouri East and $3.4 for Spire Missouri West, related to ISRS investments from March 2016 through October 2016. On November 29, 2016, MoPSC staff recommended $4.5 and $3.4 for Spire Missouri East and Spire Missouri West, respectively, based on updated filings. On January 3, 2017, the MoPSC held a hearing to decide two issues raised by the Missouri Office of the Public Counsel (OPC) pertaining to the ISRS eligibility of hydrostatic testing done by Spire Missouri West and of the replacement of cast iron main interspersed with portions of plastic pipe. On January 18, 2017, the MoPSC found in favor of the Missouri Utilities on the interspersed plastics issue, but against Spire Missouri West on hydrostatic testing, and issued an order setting the ISRS increases at $4.5 and $3.2 for Spire Missouri East and Spire Missouri West, respectively. Rates were effective January 28, 2017. On March 3, 2017, the OPC filed an appeal to Missouri’s Western District Court of Appeals of the MoPSC’s decision permitting Spire Missouri to include in the ISRS the replacement of cast iron main interspersed with plastic pipe. On November 21, 2017, the Western District reversed the MoPSC’s decision on the plastics issue and remanded the case to the MoPSC for further proceedings. On January 3, 2018, Spire Missouri and the MoPSC applied for transfer of the case to the Missouri Supreme Court, which denied the application on March 6, 2018. On remand, the MoPSC directed the parties to make a recommendation on how to proceed by April 30, 2018.

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On February 3, 2017, Spire Missouri filed to increase its ISRS revenues, by $3.3 for Spire Missouri East and $2.9 for Spire Missouri West, related to ISRS investments from November 2016 through February 2017. Following the submission of updated information, on April 4, 2017, MoPSC staff submitted its recommendation for an increase in rates of approximately $3.0 each, for a cumulative total of $32.6 and $16.4 for Spire Missouri East and Spire Missouri West, respectively. On that same date, the OPC again raised an objection to the ISRS eligibility of replacing cast iron main interspersed with portions of plastic. On April 18, 2017, the parties filed with the MoPSC a unanimous stipulation and agreement proposing to apply the judicial outcome of the OPC’s March 2017 appeal on the plastics issue to both the ISRS cases on appeal and the current ISRS cases. The agreement was approved by the MoPSC on April 26, 2017. ISRS rates for each of the two service territories were increased by the MoPSC staff-recommended amounts, effective June 1, 2017.
On April 11, 2017, Spire Missouri East filed a general rate case docketed as GR-2017-0215, requesting a net rate increase of $25.5 (or $58.1 less $32.6 already being billed in ISRS). Concurrently Spire Missouri West filed general rate case GR-2017-0216, requesting a net rate increase of $34.0 (or $50.4 less current ISRS billings of $16.4). As is standard practice in Missouri, other parties joined the rate proceeding suggesting alternative rate adjustments, and during the last five months, all parties to the case were involved in evidentiary hearings, filings of briefs and further proceedings related to the impacts of tax reform under the TCJA. On March 7, 2018, the MoPSC issued an Amended Report and Order, approving a base rate revenue requirement increase of $18.0 for Spire Missouri East and $15.2 for Spire Missouri West. The annualized ISRS surcharge amounts of $32.6 for Spire Missouri East and $16.4 for Spire Missouri West were reset to zero, resulting in a net decrease in revenues of $14.6 and $1.2, respectively. These net amounts reflect decreases totaling approximately $33.0 resulting from the TCJA’s federal income tax rate reduction and a related allowance to return excess accumulated deferred income taxes to customers in accordance with Internal Revenue Service normalization requirements. Tariffs reflecting the MoPSC’s Amended Report and Order went into effect on April 19, 2018. Information about changes in the allowed costs for postretirement benefits are described in Note 3 of the Notes to Financial Statements in Item 1. As also discussed in that Note 3, the MoPSC disallowed recovery of certain costs, and Spire Missouri has filed a related notice of appeal to the Missouri Court of Appeals Eastern and Southern Districts.
Spire Alabama
Spire Alabama is subject to regulation by the APSC which established the Rate Stabilization and Equalization (RSE) rate-setting process in 1983. Effective January 1, 2014, Spire Alabama’s allowed range of return on average common equity is 10.5% to 10.95% with an adjusting point of 10.8%. Spire Alabama is eligible to receive a performance-based adjustment of 5 basis points to the return on equity adjusting point, based on meeting certain customer satisfaction criteria. Under RSE, the APSC conducts quarterly reviews to determine whether Spire Alabama’s return on average common equity at the end of the rate year will be within the allowed range of return. Reductions in rates can be made quarterly to bring the projected return within the allowed range; increases, however, are allowed only once each rate year, effective December 1, and cannot exceed 4% of prior-year revenues. The RSE reduction for the September 30, 2017 quarterly point of test was $2.7 to bring the expected rate of return on average common equity at the end of the year to within the allowed range of return, effective December 1, 2017. As part of the annual update for RSE, on November 30, 2017, Spire Alabama filed an increase for rate year 2018 of $8.5, which also became effective December 1, 2017. There was no RSE reduction in 2018 for the January 31 quarterly point of test, and no RSE reduction is currently expected for the April 30 quarterly point of test.
The inflation-based Cost Control Measure (CCM), established by the APSC, allows for annual increases to O&M expense. As of September 30, 2017, Spire Alabama recorded a CCM benefit of $10.7 for rate year 2017, which was reflected in rates effective December 1, 2017.
On June 28, 2010, the APSC approved a reduction in depreciation rates, effective June 1, 2010, and a regulatory liability to be recorded for Spire Alabama. Refunds from such negative salvage liability are being passed back to eligible customers on a declining basis through lower tariff rates through rate year 2019 pursuant to the terms of the Negative Salvage Rebalancing rider. The total amount refundable to customers is subject to adjustments over the remaining period for charges made to the Enhanced Stability Reserve and other APSC-approved charges. The refunds are due to a re-estimation of future removal costs provided for through the prior depreciation rates. As of September 30, 2017, $12.3 remained to be refunded to customers, and through March 31, 2018, $6.4 of that has been refunded.
Effective February 1, 2018, Spire Alabama rates were reduced by $12.8 to reflect the impact of tax reform under the TCJA on current income taxes.

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Spire
In addition to those discussed above for Spire Missouri and Spire Alabama, Spire is affected by the following regulatory matters.
Spire Gulf’s rates were reduced $1.9 effective February 1, 2018, to reflect lower income taxes resulting from the TCJA.
On April 10, 2018, the MSPSC approved an agreement between Spire Mississippi and the Mississippi Public Utility Staff settling its Rates Stabilization and Adjustments filing that was made on September 15, 2017, and included adjusting the federal income tax rate for the TCJA resulting in a $0.2 reduction in the annualized revenue requirement. New rates were effective May 1, 2018.
In April 2017, Spire STL Pipeline submitted an amended application with FERC requesting issuance of a certificate of convenience and necessity authorizing it to construct, own, and operate an interstate pipeline interconnecting with the Rockies Express pipeline to deliver natural gas to the St. Louis, Missouri, area. As an interstate project, it is under the jurisdiction of the FERC, which is the lead agency for other federal, state, and local permitting authorities. Several parties have filed interventions and comments regarding the Spire STL Pipeline project. The Company is monitoring these closely and has responded where appropriate. In its Environmental Assessment issued on September 29, 2017, the FERC concluded that approval of the Spire STL Pipeline, with appropriate mitigating measures, would not constitute a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. Spire STL Pipeline continues to work through the FERC regulatory process and anticipates receiving a Final Order later this fiscal year.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and capital resources are based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. GAAP requires that we make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Our critical accounting estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements are described in Item 7 of the Company’s, Spire Missouri’s, and Spire Alabama’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, and include regulatory accounting, goodwill, and employee benefits and postretirement obligations. As a result of the MoPSC’s Amended Report and Order in March, we revised estimates of future recovery of certain costs, as described in Note 3 of the Notes to Financial Statements in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q. There were no other significant changes to critical accounting estimates during the six months ended March 31, 2018.
For discussion of other significant accounting policies, see Note 1 of the Notes to Financial Statements included in this Form 10-Q as well as Note 1 of the Notes to Financial Statements included in the Company’s, Spire Missouri’s, and Spire Alabama’s combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017.
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
The Company, Spire Missouri and Spire Alabama have evaluated or are in the process of evaluating the impact that recently issued accounting standards will have on the companies’ financial position or results of operations upon adoption. For disclosures related to the adoption of new accounting standards, see the New Accounting Pronouncements section in Note 1 of the Notes to Financial Statements in Item 1.

CASH FLOWS
The Company’s short-term borrowing requirements typically peak during colder months when the Utilities borrow money to cover the lag between when they purchase natural gas and when their customers pay for that gas. Changes in the wholesale cost of natural gas (including cash payments for margin deposits associated with Spire Missouri’s use of natural gas derivative instruments), variations in the timing of collections of gas cost under the Utilities’ PGA clauses and GSA riders, the seasonality of accounts receivable balances, and the utilization of storage gas inventories cause short-term cash requirements to vary during the year and from year to year, and may cause significant variations in the Company’s cash provided by or used in operating activities.

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Six Months Ended 
 March 31,
Cash Flow Summary
2018
 
2017
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
309.6

 
$
226.1

Net cash used in investing activities
(233.3
)
 
(182.9
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(65.9
)
 
(28.8
)
For the six months ended March 31, 2018, net cash provided by operating activities increased $83.5 from the corresponding period of fiscal 2017. The change was due to the timing of purchase gas adjustments and fluctuations in working capital items, as discussed above, as well as the increase in net income as adjusted for the non-cash impacts of deferred taxes (discussed in Note 11 of the Notes to Financial Statements in Item 1) and asset write-offs (discussed in Note 3).
For the six months ended March 31, 2018, net cash used in investing activities was $50.4 more than for the same period in the prior year, driven by a $28.5 increase in capital expenditures and a $20.9 change in acquisition activity. The higher spending to this point in the fiscal year is consistent with the Company’s capital expenditure expectations and reflects progress on the Spire STL Pipeline project, as well as investment to support customer growth, new business development, and the continued commitment to infrastructure upgrades at the Utilities. Total capital expenditures for the full fiscal year 2018 are expected to be approximately $500, with approximately $425 for the Utilities. Cash paid for the acquisition of a majority interest in a natural gas storage operation in December 2017 was $16.0 (as described in Note 1 of the Notes to Financial Statements in Item 1) and there were minor acquisition payments in the second quarter of fiscal 2018, while the prior year’s first half included the receipt of a $3.8 cash settlement related to the acquisition of Spire EnergySouth.
Lastly, for the six months ended March 31, 2018, net cash used in financing activities was $37.1 higher than for the six months ended March 31, 2017. This change primarily reflects a net repayment of debt this year versus a net issuance last year, along with an increase in dividends paid.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash deposits at the bank were used to support working capital needs of the business. Spire had no short-term investments as of or during the six months ended March 31, 2018.
Short-term Debt
The Utilities’ short-term borrowing requirements typically peak during the colder months, while the Company’s needs are less seasonal. These short-term cash requirements can be met through the sale of commercial paper or through the use of a revolving credit facility.
On December 14, 2016, Spire, Spire Missouri, and Spire Alabama entered into a syndicated revolving credit facility pursuant to a loan agreement with 11 banks, expiring December 14, 2021. The loan agreement has an aggregate credit commitment of $975.0, including sublimits of $300.0 for Spire, $475.0 for Spire Missouri, and $200.0 for Spire Alabama. The agreement contains financial covenants limiting each borrower’s consolidated total debt, including short-term debt, to no more than 70% of its total capitalization. As defined in the line of credit, on March 31, 2018, total debt was 54% of total capitalization for the consolidated Company, 48% for Spire Missouri, and 33% for Spire Alabama.
On December 21, 2016, Spire established a commercial paper program (Program) pursuant to which Spire may issue short-term, unsecured commercial paper notes (Notes). Amounts available under the Program may be borrowed, repaid, and re-borrowed from time to time, with the aggregate face or principal amount of the Notes outstanding under the Program at any time not to exceed $975.0. The Notes may have maturities of up to 365 days from date of issue.

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Information regarding Spire’s consolidated short-term borrowings is presented in the following table. Based on weighted average short-term borrowings outstanding, a 100-basis-point increase in the weighted average interest rate would decrease pre-tax earnings and cash flows by approximately $5.1 on an annual basis, a portion of which may be offset through the Utilities’ application of PGA and GSA carrying costs.
 
Commercial
Paper
Borrowings
Revolving
Credit Facility
Borrowings
Total
Short-term
Borrowings
Six Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
 
 
Weighted average borrowings outstanding
$514.1
$0.1
$514.2
Weighted average interest rate
1.8%
2.8%
1.8%
Range of borrowings outstanding
$345.4 - $632.9
$0.0 - $25.0
$345.4 - $632.9
As of March 31, 2018
 
 
 
Borrowings outstanding
$391.7
$—
$391.7
Weighted average interest rate
2.2%
—%
2.2%
Of Spire’s $391.7 borrowings outstanding as of March 31, 2018, $366.4 was used to provide funding to its subsidiaries, including Spire Missouri ($175.8), Spire Alabama ($82.3), Spire STL Pipeline LLC and natural gas storage ($74.7), Spire EnergySouth and subsidiaries ($4.7), and others ($28.9).
Long-term Debt and Equity
The Company’s, Spire Missouri’s, and Spire Alabama’s access to capital markets, including the commercial paper market, and their respective financing costs, may depend on the credit rating of the entity that is accessing the capital markets. The credit ratings of the Company, Spire Missouri, and Spire Alabama remain at investment grade, but are subject to review and change by the rating agencies.
It is management’s view that the Company, Spire Missouri, and Spire Alabama have adequate access to capital markets and will have sufficient capital resources, both internal and external, to meet anticipated capital requirements, which primarily include capital expenditures, interest payments on long-term debt, scheduled maturities of long-term debt, short-term seasonal needs, and dividends.
At March 31, 2018, including the current portion but excluding unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs, Spire had fixed-rate long-term debt totaling $2,197.0, of which $980.0 was issued by Spire Missouri, $325.0 was issued by Spire Alabama, and $77.0 was issued by other subsidiaries. All long-term debt bears fixed rates and is subject to changes in fair value as market interest rates change. However, increases and decreases in fair value would impact earnings and cash flows only if the Company were to reacquire any of these issues in the open market prior to maturity. Under GAAP applicable to the Utilities’ regulated operations, losses or gains on early redemptions of long-term debt typically would be deferred as regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities and amortized over a future period. Including the current portion of long-term debt, and treating the redeemable noncontrolling interest as equity, the Company’s long-term consolidated capitalization at March 31, 2018, consisted of 49.8% equity, compared to 48.7% equity at September 30, 2017.
Spire has a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the issuance and sale of up to 250,000 shares of its common stock under its Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan. There were 233,127 and 228,400 shares at March 31, 2018, and April 30, 2018, respectively, remaining available for issuance under this Form S-3. Spire also has a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 on file with the SEC for the issuance of equity and debt securities, which expires September 23, 2019. Spire Missouri has a shelf registration on Form S-3 on file with the SEC for issuance of first mortgage bonds, unsecured debt, and preferred stock, which expires on September 23, 2019.
Spire Missouri has authority from the MoPSC to issue debt securities and preferred stock, including on a private placement basis, as well as to issue common stock, receive paid-in capital, and enter into capital lease agreements, all for a total of up to $300.0 for financings placed any time before September 30, 2018. Spire Missouri has issued $170.0 in securities under this authorization, so as of December 31, 2017, $130.0 remains available to be issued. On March 14, 2018, Spire Missouri filed a 60-day notice of its intent to file for a new financing authorization from the MoPSC.
On October 3, 2017, Spire Alabama received authorization and approval from the APSC to borrow up to $75.0 for general corporate purposes and to retire short-term debt. On December 1, 2017, Spire Alabama entered into the First Supplement to Master Note Purchase Agreement with certain institutional investors. Pursuant to the terms of

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that supplement, on December 1, 2017, Spire Alabama issued and sold $30 million in aggregate principal amount of its 4.02% Series 2017A Senior Notes due January 15, 2058, and on January 12, 2018, issued and sold $45 million aggregate principal amount of its 3.92% Series 2017B Senior Notes due January 15, 2048, to those institutional investors. The notes bear interest from the date of issuance, payable semi-annually on the 15th day of July and January of each year, commencing on July 15, 2018. The notes are senior unsecured obligations of Spire Alabama, rank equal in right to payment with all its other senior unsecured indebtedness, and have make-whole and par call options. Spire Alabama used the proceeds from the sale of the notes to repay short-term debt and for general corporate purposes.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
During the six months ended March 31, 2018, there were no material changes outside the ordinary course of business to the estimated contractual obligations from the disclosure provided in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017. On April 27, 2018, Spire STL Pipeline entered into a construction contract. Construction is subject to project approvals by the FERC and state and local authorities. Though unit pricing generally applies, Spire STL Pipeline currently estimates the total value to be approximately $95.0, with the primary construction period currently scheduled for the second half of calendar 2018. Spire STL Pipeline has the right to terminate at any time with payment for the value of work performed plus costs incurred. More information about this contract is provided under Item 5 of Part II.

MARKET RISK
There were no material changes in the Company’s commodity price risk or counterparty credit risk as of March 31, 2018, relative to the corresponding information provided in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as of September 30, 2017. During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, Spire entered into a ten-year interest rate swap with a fixed interest rate of 2.658% and a notional amount of $60.0 to protect itself against adverse movements in interest rates on future interest rate payments. The Company recorded a $1.0 mark-to-market gain on this swap for the six months ended March 31, 2018. During October 2017, Spire entered into a three-month interest rate swap with a fixed interest rate of 2.591% and a notional amount of $56.0 to protect itself against adverse movements in interest rates on Spire Alabama debt that was issued in December 2017 and January 2018. During the first quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company settled the swap for a gain of $0.4 which will be amortized over the hedged periods. The fair values of related derivative instruments are shown in Note 6, Fair Value Measurements. Information about the Company’s short-term and long-term debt is included under the heading Liquidity and Capital Resources in this Item 2.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
Spire’s subsidiaries own and operate natural gas distribution, transmission and storage facilities, the operations of which are subject to various environmental laws and regulations, along with their interpretations. While environmental issues resulting from such operations arise in the ordinary course of business, such issues have not materially affected the Company’s, Spire Missouri’s, or Spire Alabama’s financial position and results of operations. As environmental laws, regulations, and interpretations change, however, the subsidiaries may be required to incur additional costs. For information relative to environmental matters, see Note 10, Commitments and Contingencies, of the Notes to Financial Statements included in Item 1.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
At March 31, 2018, the Company had no off-balance-sheet financing arrangements, other than operating leases and letters of credit entered into in the ordinary course of business. The Company does not expect to engage in any significant off-balance-sheet financing arrangements in the near future.


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Table of Contents

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
For this discussion, see Part I, Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Market Risk.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Spire
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based upon such evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
Change in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2018, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Spire Missouri
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2018, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Spire Alabama
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2018, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.



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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings
For a description of environmental matters and legal proceedings, see Note 10, Commitments and Contingencies, of the Notes to Financial Statements in Item 1 of Part I. For a description of pending regulatory matters, see Regulatory and Other Matters under Part I, Item 2.
The registrants are involved in litigation, claims and investigations arising in the normal course of business. Management, after discussion with counsel, believes that the final outcomes of these matters will not have a material effect on any registrant’s financial position or results of operations reflected in the financial statements presented herein.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The only repurchase of Spire’s common stock in the quarter would be pursuant to elections by employees to have shares of stock withheld to cover employee tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of performance-based and time-vested restricted stock and stock units. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, there were no such repurchases of Spire’s common stock.
Spire Missouri’s outstanding first mortgage bonds contain restrictions on its ability to pay cash dividends on its common stock. As of March 31, 2018, all of Spire Missouri’s retained earnings were free from such restrictions.

Item 5. Other Information
On April 27, 2018, Spire STL Pipeline LLC, a wholly-owned, indirect subsidiary of Spire Inc. (“Spire STL Pipeline”) and Michels Corporation (“Michels”) entered into a Contract for Procurement and Installation of Gas Pipeline dated as of April 26, 2018 (the “Construction Contract”). Under the terms of the Construction Contract and subject to applicable regulatory approvals, Michels will construct and install the interstate pipeline proposed by Spire STL Pipeline whose application for approval is pending before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Though unit pricing generally applies under the Construction Contract, Spire STL Pipeline currently estimates the total value to be approximately $95.0 million. Spire STL Pipeline is required to make certain upfront payments totaling $12.5 million upon Michels’ mobilization, with all remaining payments subject to a 10% retention. Spire STL Pipeline has the right to delay mobilization for up to 105 days by payment of certain delay fees. In addition to mutual default termination rights, Spire STL Pipeline has the right to terminate at any time with payment to Michels for the value of work performed plus its costs. Michels also has the right to terminate if Spire STL Pipeline delays mobilization by 90 days or more. Assuming no changes to schedule due to force majeure or regulatory or other delay, Michels will mobilize on June 25, 2018, with substantial completion on December 18, 2018, and liquidated damages commencing at $50,000 per day thereafter.


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Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibit No.
 
Description
31.1
 
31.2
 
31.3
 
32.1
 
32.2
 
32.3
 
101.INS(x)
 
XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH(x)
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
101.CAL(x)
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
101.DEF(x)
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.
101.LAB(x)
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
101.PRE(x)
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.
(x) 
Attached as Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report are the following documents for each registrant formatted in extensible business reporting language (XBRL): (i) Document and Entity Information; (ii) unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Condensed Statements of Income for the three and six months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017; (iii) unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and six months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017; (iv) unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and Condensed Balance Sheets at March 31, 2018, September 30, 2017, and March 31, 2017; (v) unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Condensed Statements of Shareholder’s Equity for the six months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017; (vi) unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, and (vii) combined Notes to Financial Statements. We also make available on our website the Interactive Data Files submitted as Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report.


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Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each of the registrants has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 
 
 
Spire Inc.
 
 
 
 
Date:
May 2, 2018
 
By: 
/s/ Steven P. Rasche
 
 
 
 
Steven P. Rasche
 
 
 
 
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
(Authorized Signatory and
Principal Financial Officer)

 
 
 
Spire Missouri Inc.
 
 
 
 
Date:
May 2, 2018
 
By: 
/s/ Steven P. Rasche
 
 
 
 
Steven P. Rasche
 
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
(Authorized Signatory and
Principal Financial Officer)

 
 
 
Spire Alabama Inc.
 
 
 
 
Date:
May 2, 2018
 
By: 
/s/ Steven P. Rasche
 
 
 
 
Steven P. Rasche
 
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
(Authorized Signatory and
Principal Financial Officer)


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