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WGL Holdings, Inc. Reports Record Operating Earnings for Fiscal Year 2014; Issues Fiscal Year 2015 Guidance

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- WGL Holdings, Inc. (WGL):

Consolidated Results

WGL Holdings, Inc. (WGL), the parent company of Washington Gas Light Company (Washington Gas) and other energy-related subsidiaries, today reported net income determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP) for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, of $105.9 million, or $2.05 per share, compared to net income of $80.3 million, or $1.55 per share, reported for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013. For the quarter ended September 30, 2014, we reported net income determined in accordance with GAAP of $38.0 million, or $0.74 per share, compared to a net loss of $(51.6) million, or $(1.00) per share, reported for the same quarter of the prior fiscal year.

Financial performance is also evaluated based on non-GAAP operating earnings (loss). Non-GAAP operating earnings (loss) adjusts for the effects of applying GAAP to certain transactions or classes of transactions that are not representative of the on-going operating earnings of the company. Refer to "Use of Non-GAAP Operating Earnings (Loss)" and supporting reconciliations attached to this news release for a detailed discussion of management's use of non-GAAP operating earnings, as well as reconciliations of net income determined in accordance with GAAP to non-GAAP operating earnings (loss) for both our consolidated and segment results.

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, non-GAAP operating earnings were $139.0 million, or $2.68 per share, an increase of $19.2 million, or $0.37 per share, over non-GAAP operating earnings of $119.8 million, or $2.31 per share, for the prior fiscal year. This year's non-GAAP operating earnings are the highest level achieved in WGL's history and represent a 6% and 16% compound average growth rate from fiscal years 2011 and 2013, respectively. For the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014, our non-GAAP operating loss was $(8.8) million, or $(0.17) per share, compared to a non-GAAP operating loss of $(28.2) million, or $(0.55) per share, for the same quarter of the prior fiscal year.

"I am pleased to announce record non-GAAP earnings in 2014 for WGL Holdings," said Terry D. McCallister, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Our $2.68 per share earnings is a 16% improvement over 2013 and keeps us on track to accomplish our goal of generating long-term earnings growth of 5% to 7% for our shareholders."

"We also saw record earnings from our utility segment, which were driven by revenue increases from rate cases, accelerated pipe replacement programs, asset optimization and customer additions. We experienced the highest number of new customer additions since 2007. Our full year non-utility results were down from the previous year reflecting cost increases in our electric retail energy-marketing business, but earnings increased in this business in the fourth quarter compared to 2013 as costs in the PJM electricity market moderated as expected. Our Midstream Energy Services unit delivered robust earnings growth as we took advantage of our storage and transportation assets, and our Commercial Energy Systems business achieved their goal of contributing consistent earnings growth through our continued investments in clean energy assets."

"Finally, we are announcing 2015 EPS guidance in a range of $2.70 to $2.90. This level of earnings in 2015 is within our forecasted earnings growth path as we continue to execute on our strategic plans to provide exceptional value for our shareholders."

Fiscal Year and Fourth Quarter Results by Business Segment

Regulated Utility Segment

For the quarter ended September 30, 2014, our regulated utility segment reported net income of $10.1 million, or $0.20 per share, compared to a net loss of $(39.7) million, or $(0.77) per share, reported for the fourth quarter of the prior fiscal year. After adjustments, the non-GAAP operating loss for the regulated utility segment was $(14.8) million, or $(0.29) per share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, compared to a non-GAAP operating loss of $(22.2) million, or $(0.43) per share, for the same quarter of the prior fiscal year and reflect the typical seasonal loss in this segment.

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, our regulated utility segment reported net income of $98.0 million, or $1.89 per share, compared to net income of $71.8 million, or $1.39 per share, for the prior fiscal year. After adjustments, non-GAAP operating earnings for the regulated utility segment were $129.3 million, or $2.50 per share, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, an increase of $29.5 million, or $0.57 per share, over non-GAAP operating earnings of $99.8 million, or $1.93 per share, for the prior fiscal year.

The quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year change in non-GAAP operating earnings reflect higher revenue from customer growth; an increase in realized margins associated with our asset optimization program; rate recovery related to accelerated pipeline replacement programs; lower operation and maintenance expenses and a decrease in the effective tax rate. The year-over-year comparisons also reflect favorable effects of changes in natural gas consumption patterns and higher revenues from new base rates in the District of Columbia and Maryland. Partially offsetting these favorable variances were higher depreciation expenses due to the growth in our investment in utility plant.

Retail Energy-Marketing Segment

For the quarter ended September 30, 2014, the retail energy-marketing segment reported net income of $4.8 million, or $0.09 per share, compared to net income of $2.5 million, or $0.05 per share, reported for the same quarter of the prior fiscal year. Non-GAAP operating earnings for the retail energy-marketing segment were $6.9 million, or $0.13 per share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, an increase of $6.3 million, or $0.12 per share, over non-GAAP operating earnings of $0.6 million, or $0.01 per share, for the same quarter of the prior fiscal year. The quarter comparison of non-GAAP operating earnings reflect higher realized electric unit margins due to lower capacity and ancillary service charges from the regional power grid operator (PJM). Operating expenses for the quarter were lower primarily due to a decrease in customer acquisition costs.

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, the retail energy-marketing segment reported net income of $8.2 million, or $0.16 per share, compared to net income of $33.0 million, or $0.64 per share, reported for the prior fiscal year. Non-GAAP operating earnings for the retail energy-marketing segment were $6.1 million, or $0.12 per share, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, compared to non-GAAP operating earnings of $30.4 million, or $0.59 per share, for the prior fiscal year. The fiscal year comparison of non-GAAP operating earnings reflects lower electricity margins due to higher capacity and ancillary service charges from PJM. This was partially offset by natural gas margins which increased due to higher spot sales to interruptible customers, hedge settlements and portfolio optimization activity. Operating expenses decreased year-over-year due to lower customer acquisition, billing and customer service costs.

Commercial Energy Systems Segment

For the quarter ended September 30, 2014, the commercial energy systems segment reported net income of $0.3 million, or $0.01 per share, compared to net income of $1.1 million, or $0.02 per share, for the same quarter of the prior fiscal year. Non-GAAP operating earnings for the commercial energy systems segment is $2.9 million, or $0.06 per share, an increase of $1.8 million, or $0.04 per share, over operating earnings of $1.1 million, or $0.02 per share, for the same period of the prior fiscal year. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, the commercial energy systems segment reported net income of $5.4 million, or $0.10 per share, over net income of $3.0 million, or $0.06 per share, for the same period of the prior fiscal year. Non-GAAP operating earnings for the commercial energy systems segment is $8.0 million, or $0.15 per share, an increase of $5.0 million, or $0.09 per share, over operating earnings of $3.0 million, or $0.06 per share, for the same period of the prior fiscal year.

The quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year comparisons of non-GAAP operating earnings primarily reflect a growth in distributed generation assets in service and producing income.

Midstream Energy Services Segment

For the quarter ended September 30, 2014, the midstream energy services segment reported net income of $24.7 million, or $0.48 per share, compared to a net loss of $(11.8) million, or $(0.23) per share, for the same period of the prior fiscal year. Non-GAAP operating losses for the quarter were $(1.9) million, or $(0.04) per share, compared to an operating loss of $(3.9) million, or $(0.07) per share, for the same period of the prior fiscal year. The quarter comparison of non-GAAP operating losses reflects the initial costs associated with the Constitution Pipeline investment recognized in the fourth quarter of the prior year that were not incurred in the current period partially offset by lower asset optimization margins in the current period.

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, the midstream energy services segment reported record net income of $6.2 million, or $0.12 per share, compared to a net loss of $(18.8) million, or $(0.36) per share, for the same period of the prior fiscal year. Midstream energy services had record non-GAAP operating earnings of $3.9 million, or $0.08 per share, an increase of $9.2 million, or $0.18 per share, over an operating loss of $(5.3) million, or $(0.10) per share, for the same period of the prior fiscal year. The year-over-year non-GAAP comparison reflects higher realized margins on physical and financial transactions.

Other Activities

For the quarter ended September 30, 2014, other activities reported a net loss of $(1.8) million compared to a net loss of $(2.9) million for the same quarter of the prior fiscal year. The non-GAAP operating loss for other activities were $(1.8) million, or $(0.03) per share, compared to a non-GAAP loss of $(2.9) million, or $(0.06) per share, for the same period of the prior fiscal year.

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, other activities reported a net loss of $(12.3) million, or $(0.23) per share, compared to a net loss of $(7.9) million, or $(0.16) per share, for the prior fiscal year. Other activities reported non-GAAP operating losses of $(8.7) million, or $(0.18) per share, compared to a non-GAAP operating loss of $(7.3) million, or $(0.15) per share, for the same period of the prior fiscal year. The non-GAAP comparisons for both the quarter and year-to-date reflect business development costs, legal expenses and our corporate branding initiative costs.

Earnings Outlook

We are providing a consolidated earnings estimate for fiscal year 2015 based on non-GAAP operating earnings in a range of $2.70 per share to $2.90 per share. The midpoint of this consolidated operating earnings estimate represents a 6.0% and 5.0% estimated compound average growth rate between 2011 and 2014, respectively. This estimate includes projected fiscal year 2015 non-GAAP Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) from our regulated utility segment with a midpoint of $225.0 million and projected fiscal year 2015 non-GAAP EBIT from our non-utility business segments with a midpoint of $50.0 million. In providing fiscal year 2015 earnings guidance, management is aware that there could be differences between what is reported earnings and estimated earnings for matters such as, but not limited to, unrealized mark-to-market positions for our energy-related derivatives. As such, WGL management is not able to reasonably estimate the aggregate impact of these items on reported earnings and therefore is not able to provide a corresponding GAAP equivalent for its operating earnings guidance.

We assume no obligation to update this guidance. The absence of any statement by us in the future should not be presumed to represent an affirmation of this earnings guidance. For the assumptions underlying this guidance, please refer to the slides accompanying our webcast that will be posted to WGL's website, www.wglholdings.com.

Other Information

We will hold a conference call at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time on November 13, 2014, to discuss our fourth quarter and fiscal year 2014 financial results. The live conference call will be available to the public via a link located on WGL's website, www.wglholdings.com. To hear the live webcast, click on the "Webcast" link located on the home page of the referenced site. The webcast and related slides will be archived on WGL's website through December 12, 2014.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., WGL [NYSE: WGL] is a leading source for clean and efficient energy solutions. Through our affiliates and strategic relationships, WGL offers a diverse set of energy sources including natural gas, wind, and solar as well as a range of energy solutions - generation, storage, transportation, distribution, supply, and efficiency - which serve customers in more than 30 states. WGL has five main operating units: Washington Gas Light Company, a regulated natural gas utility serving approximately 1.1 million customers in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area; Washington Gas Energy Services, Inc., one of the largest natural gas, electricity and green energy suppliers in the Mid-Atlantic; Washington Gas Energy Systems, Inc., a distributed generation and energy efficiency business, offering solar, fuel cell, combined heat and power, and other technologies across the United States; WGL Midstream, a midstream energy services business, investing in and optimizing natural gas pipelines and storage facilities in the Midwest and Eastern United States; and Hampshire Gas, a natural gas storage business which owns and operates facilities in and around Hampshire County, West Virginia. As product and service innovation are critical for value creation and sustaining growth, we are continuously increasing our assets and investments in targeted clean energy sectors. This strategy supports WGL's core business, as well as provides opportunity for growth through partnerships and investments. WGL's diversity is its strength. We are dedicated to the sustainability of our business, the customers and communities we serve, and the environment. To learn more, visit www.wglholdings.com.

Unless otherwise noted, earnings per share amounts are presented on a diluted basis, and are based on weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding.

Please see the attached comparative statements for additional information on our operating results. Also attached to this news release are reconciliations of net income determined in accordance with GAAP to non-GAAP operating earnings (loss) for both our consolidated and segment results.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release and other statements by us include forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the outlook for earnings, revenues and other future financial business performance or strategies and expectations. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as, but not limited to, "estimates," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "believes," "plans," and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "should," "would," and "could." Although we believe such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, we cannot give assurance that every objective will be achieved. Forward-looking statements speak only as of today, and we assume no duty to update them. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions and the factors discussed under the "Risk Factors" heading in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and other documents we have filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 
WGL Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

       
                 
September 30, September 30,
(In thousands)     2014     2013
ASSETS
Property, Plant and Equipment
At original cost $ 4,582,764 $ 4,118,149
Accumulated depreciation and amortization       (1,268,319 )       (1,210,686 )
Net property, plant and equipment       3,314,445         2,907,463  
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents 8,811 3,478
Accounts receivable, net 298,978 318,534
Storage gas 333,602 347,291
Derivatives and other       194,124         150,708  
Total current assets       835,515         820,011  
Deferred Charges and Other Assets       706,539         532,586  
Total Assets     $ 4,856,499       $ 4,260,060  
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
Capitalization
Common shareholders' equity $ 1,246,576 $ 1,274,545
Washington Gas Light Company preferred stock 28,173 28,173
Long-term debt       679,228         524,067  
Total capitalization       1,953,977         1,826,785  
Current Liabilities
Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt 473,500 440,100
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities 313,221 270,658
Derivatives and other       233,564         239,319  
Total current liabilities       1,020,285         950,077  
Deferred Credits       1,882,237         1,483,198  
Total Capitalization and Liabilities     $ 4,856,499       $ 4,260,060  
 
 
WGL Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income

(Unaudited)

               
                                 
Three Months Ended Fiscal Year Ended
      September 30,     September 30,
(In thousands, except per share data)     2014     2013     2014     2013
OPERATING REVENUES
Utility $ 133,254 $ 122,325 $ 1,416,951 $ 1,174,724
Non-utility       325,646         287,576         1,363,996         1,291,414  
Total Operating Revenues       458,900         409,901         2,780,947         2,466,138  
OPERATING EXPENSES
Utility cost of gas (10,131 ) 52,767 700,305 496,487
Non-utility cost of energy-related sales 257,321 279,649 1,255,279 1,187,844
Operation and maintenance 88,068 103,006 365,873 366,889
Depreciation and amortization 29,256 26,044 110,772 103,284
General taxes and other assessments       24,820         23,706         151,196         145,816  
Total Operating Expenses       389,334         485,172         2,583,425         2,300,320  
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) 69,566 (75,271 ) 197,522 165,818
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates 1,343 781 3,194 1,510
Other income — net 1,279 1,397 1,536 2,548
Interest expense       9,718         8,981         37,738         36,011  
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES 62,470 (82,074 ) 164,514 133,865
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)       24,102         (30,779 )       57,254         52,292  
NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 38,368 $ (51,295 ) $ 107,260 $ 81,573
Dividends on Washington Gas Light Company preferred stock       330         330         1,320         1,320  
NET INCOME (LOSS) APPLICABLE TO COMMON STOCK     $ 38,038       $ (51,625 )     $ 105,940       $ 80,253  
AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
Basic 51,524 51,756 51,759 51,697
Diluted       51,527         51,756         51,770         51,808  
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER AVERAGE COMMON SHARE
Basic $ 0.74 $ (1.00 ) $ 2.05 $ 1.55
Diluted     $ 0.74       $ (1.00 )     $ 2.05       $ 1.55  
 
Net Income (Loss) Applicable To Common Stock — By Segment ($000):
 
Regulated utility     $ 10,140       $ (39,688 )     $ 98,040       $ 71,813  
 
Non-utility operations:
Retail energy-marketing 4,832 2,539 8,242 33,024
Commercial energy systems 262 1,051 5,417 2,991
Midstream energy services 24,688 (11,785 ) 6,203 (18,825 )
Other activities       (1,831 )       (2,939 )       (12,274 )       (7,947 )
Total non-utility     $ 27,951       $ (11,134 )     $ 7,588       $ 9,243  
Intersegment eliminations       (53 )       (803 )       312         (803 )
NET INCOME (LOSS) APPLICABLE TO COMMON STOCK     $ 38,038       $ (51,625 )     $ 105,940       $ 80,253  
 
 
WGL Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated Financial and Operating Statistics

(Unaudited)

             
FINANCIAL STATISTICS
                      Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
                      2014     2013
 
Closing Market Price—end of period $42.12 $42.71
52-Week Market Price Range $45.40-$35.88 $46.96-$35.96
Price Earnings Ratio 20.5 27.6
Annualized Dividends Per Share $1.76 $1.68
Dividend Yield 4.2

%

 

3.9 %
Return on Average Common Equity 8.4

%

 

6.3 %
Total Interest Coverage (times) 5.2 4.5
Book Value Per Share—end of period $24.61 $24.62
Common Shares Outstanding—end of period (thousands)                       50,657         51,774  
 
UTILITY GAS STATISTICS                                    
Three Months Ended Fiscal Year Ended
      September 30,     September 30,
(In thousands)     2014       2013     2014     2013
Operating Revenues
Gas Sold and Delivered
Residential - Firm $ 66,900 $61,009 $ 891,079 $ 740,233
Commercial and Industrial - Firm 17,263 17,066 213,787 174,314
Commercial and Industrial - Interruptible 197 431 2,267 2,722
Electric Generation       275       275       1,100         1,100  
        84,635       78,781       1,108,233         918,369  
Gas Delivered for Others
Firm 26,422 24,706 199,079 177,602
Interruptible 8,192 8,032 59,329 51,122
Electric Generation       151       175       516         555  
        34,765       32,913       258,924         229,279  
119,400 111,694 1,367,157 1,147,648
Other       13,854       10,631       49,794         27,076  
Total     $ 133,254       $122,325     $ 1,416,951       $ 1,174,724  
                                     
Three Months Ended Fiscal Year Ended
      September 30,     September 30,
(In thousands of therms)     2014     2013     2014     2013
Gas Sales and Deliveries
Gas Sold and Delivered
Residential - Firm 36,406 35,066 738,963 660,424
Commercial and Industrial - Firm 17,235 16,995 200,153 180,942
Commercial and Industrial - Interruptible       428       427       2,193         2,897  
        54,069       52,488       941,309         844,263  
Gas Delivered for Others
Firm 50,178 50,767 535,503 488,182
Interruptible 45,231 43,423 267,705 270,884
Electric Generation       51,368       56,679       144,403         177,533  
        146,777       150,869       947,611         936,599  
Total       200,846       203,357       1,888,920         1,780,862  
 
WASHINGTON GAS ENERGY SERVICES                                    
Natural Gas Sales
Therm Sales (thousands of therms) 82,310 71,989 718,090 702,471
 
Number of Customers (end of period)       156,600       167,900       156,600         167,900  
 
Electricity Sales
Electricity Sales (thousands of kWhs) 3,021,468 3,271,440 11,692,366 12,133,019
 
Number of Accounts (end of period)       162,100       179,900       162,100         179,900  
 
UTILITY GAS PURCHASED EXPENSE
(excluding asset optimization)       51.80

¢

   

47.59

¢

 

 

67.66

¢

   

 

53.72 ¢
 
HEATING DEGREE DAYS                                    
Actual - 9 4,111 3,769
Normal 13 13 3,751 3,775
Percent Colder (Warmer) than Normal       (100.0)

%

   

(30.8)

%

 

 

9.6

%

   

 

(0.2) %
 
Average Active Customer Meters       1,116,837       1,105,109       1,116,527         1,104,283  
 
 

WGL HOLDINGS, INC.

USE OF NON-GAAP OPERATING EARNINGS (LOSS)

(Unaudited)

 
The attached reconciliations are provided to clearly identify adjustments made to net income calculated in accordance with GAAP to derive non-GAAP operating earnings (loss). Management believes non-GAAP operating earnings (loss) provides a more meaningful representation of our earnings from ongoing operations by adjusting for the effects of: (i) unrealized mark-to-market gains and losses from energy-related derivatives for our regulated utility and retail marketing segments; (ii) unrealized gains (losses) on certain derivatives for the long-term purchase of natural gas for the midstream energy services segment; (iii) certain gains and losses associated with optimizing the utility segment's capacity assets; (iv) changes in the measured value of our inventory for our midstream energy services segment; (v) for our regulated utility segment, the estimated financial effects of warmer-than-normal/colder-than-normal weather as measured consistent with our jurisdictional tariffs, to the extent the effects are not offset by weather protection mechanisms; (vi) incremental legal and consulting costs associated with business development activities; and (vii) certain unusual transactions. This presentation facilitates analysis by providing a consistent and comparable measure to help management, investors and analysts better understand and evaluate our operating results and performance trends, to forecast future results and assist in analyzing period-to-period comparisons. Additionally, we use this non-GAAP measure to report to the board of directors and to evaluate management's performance. The economic substance underlying our adjustments to calculate non-GAAP operating earnings (loss) is as follows:
 

• To provide a more transparent and accurate view of the ongoing financial results of our operations, we exclude unrealized mark-to-market adjustments for our energy-related derivatives for our regulated utility and retail energy-marketing operations as well as certain derivatives for the long-term purchase of natural gas for the midstream energy services segment.

 

i.

For our regulated utility segment, we use derivatives with the primary objective of locking in a future profit. This profit does not change even though the unrealized fair value of the underlying derivatives may change period-to-period, until settlement. Additionally, for the regulated utility segment, sharing with customers is based on realized profit, and does not factor in unrealized gains and losses; therefore, excluding these unrealized losses is consistent with regulatory sharing requirements.

 

ii.

For our retail energy-marketing segment, we use derivatives to lock in a price for energy supplies to match future retail sales commitments. These derivatives are subject to mark-to-market treatment, while most of the corresponding retail sales contracts are not.

 

iii.

For the midstream energy services segment, we have entered into certain long-term natural gas purchase agreements which are accounted for as derivatives. These agreements were entered into to take advantage of potential basis spreads, not to hedge inventory. When the natural gas is delivered in the future, any gains and losses from the physical sale of that gas will be recognized.

 
With the exception of certain transactions related to the optimization of system capacity assets as discussed below, when these derivatives settle, the realized economic impact is reflected in our non-GAAP operating results, as we are only removing interim unrealized mark-to-market amounts.
 

• We adjust for certain gains and losses associated with the optimization of the regulated utility segment's capacity assets. Transactions to optimize our system storage capacity assets are structured to lock in a profit that is recognized, for regulatory purposes, as the natural gas is delivered to end-use customers. These transactions may result in gains and losses that consist of: (i) the settlement of physical and financial derivatives related to the management of our storage inventory; and (ii) lower-of-cost or market adjustments from the difference between the cost of physical inventory compared to the amount realized through rates when the inventory is ultimately delivered to customers. In our GAAP results, due to timing differences between when the physical and financial transactions settle, and when the natural gas is sold to the end-use customer, gains and losses associated with our storage optimization strategy may be spread across different reporting periods. For purposes of calculating non-GAAP operating earnings (loss), gains and losses associated with these transactions are included in the reporting period when the gas is delivered to the end-use customer and the ultimate profit is realized for regulatory purposes. These adjustments reflect a better matching between the economic costs and benefits of the overall optimization strategy.

 
We also exclude valuation adjustments to the carrying value of non-system natural gas storage inventory in our regulated utility segment. This inventory is held solely to support asset optimization transactions. Valuation adjustments to reflect lower-of-cost or market under current accounting standards may not be representative of the margins that will be realized and shared with our utility ratepayers. Non-GAAP earnings reflect actual margins realized based on the unadjusted historical cost in storage when inventory is withdrawn and sold.
 

• Our non-utility midstream energy services segment owns natural gas storage inventory in connection with its asset optimization strategies. Certain storage inventory is economically hedged with physical sales contracts. We adjust the value of that inventory using the same forward price that is used to calculate the fair value of the related physical sales contracts under derivative accounting requirements. The remaining storage optimization inventory is valued using delivered market prices for the month following the end of the reporting period. This adjustment also includes the estimated effects of certain sharing mechanisms on all of our non-GAAP unrealized gains and losses. Adjusting our storage optimization inventory in this fashion allows our reported non-GAAP earnings to better align with the settlement of both our physical and financial transactions and allows investors and management to better analyze the results of our non-utility asset optimization strategies.

 

• Washington Gas has regulatory weather protection mechanisms in Maryland and Virginia designed to neutralize the estimated financial effects of weather. In the District of Columbia, Washington Gas may enter into weather protection products to help neutralize the estimated financial effects of warm or cold weather. To the extent that Washington Gas does not have weather protection or products, or the effects of weather exceed our weather protection, we will exclude these effects from non-GAAP operating earnings (loss). Utilization of normal weather is an industry standard, and it is our practice to evaluate our rate-regulated revenues by utilizing normal weather and to provide estimates and guidance on the basis of normal weather.

 

• We exclude certain incremental legal and consulting costs associated with business development activities. These costs are unpredictable and may vary greatly with each opportunity. Management believes by excluding these costs, it allows both management and investors to better compare, analyze and forecast the performance of our revenue generating operations.

 

• We exclude certain unusual transactions that may be the result of regulatory or legal decisions, or items that we may deem outside of the ordinary course of business.

 
There are limits in using non-GAAP operating earnings (loss) to analyze our results, as they are not prepared in accordance with GAAP and may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. In addition, using non-GAAP operating earnings (loss) per share to analyze our earnings may have limited value as it excludes certain items that may have a material impact on our reported financial results. We compensate for these limitations by providing investors with the attached reconciliations to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
 
 
WGL HOLDINGS, INC. (Consolidating by Segment)
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP NET INCOME (LOSS) TO
NON-GAAP OPERATING EARNINGS (LOSS)

(Unaudited)

                           
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
Commercial Midstream
Regulated Retail Energy- Energy Energy Other Intersegment
(In thousands, except per share data)     Utility     Marketing     Systems     Services     Activities*     Eliminations     Consolidated
GAAP net income (loss) $ 10,140 $ 4,832 $ 262 $ 24,688 $ (1,831 ) $ (53 ) $ 38,038
Adjusted for (items shown after-tax): (a)
Unrealized mark-to-market loss (gain) on energy-related derivatives (b) (23,546 ) 1,965 - (25,236 ) - - (46,817 )
Storage optimization program (c) (523 ) - - - - - (523 )
DC weather impact (d) 46 - - - - - 46
Change in measured value of inventory (e) - - - (1,205 ) - - (1,205 )
Incremental professional service fees(h) - - - - 11 - 11
Legal related cost accrual(k) - - 2,600 - - - 2,600
Regulatory order implementation true-up(l) (949 ) - - - - - (949 )
Allocation of tax sharing (m)       (1 )       104         -       (111 )       8         -         -  
Non-GAAP operating earnings (loss)     $ (14,833 )     $ 6,901       $ 2,862     $ (1,864 )     $ (1,812 )     $ (53 )     $ (8,799 )
GAAP diluted earnings (loss) per average common share (51,527 shares) $ 0.20 $ 0.09 $ 0.01 $ 0.48 $ (0.04 ) $ - $ 0.74
Per share effect of non-GAAP adjustments       (0.49 )       0.04         0.05       (0.52 )       0.01         -         (0.91 )
Non-GAAP operating earnings (loss) per share     $ (0.29 )     $ 0.13       $ 0.06     $ (0.04 )     $ (0.03 )     $ -       $ (0.17 )
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
Commercial Midstream
Regulated Retail Energy- Energy Energy Other Intersegment

(In thousands, except per share data)

    Utility     Marketing     Systems     Services     Activities*     Eliminations     Consolidated
GAAP net income (loss) $ (39,688 ) $ 2,539 $ 1,051 $ (11,785 ) $ (2,939 ) $ (803 ) $ (51,625 )
Adjusted for (items shown after-tax): (a)
Unrealized mark-to-market gain on energy-related derivatives (b) 15,765 (1,957 ) - 8,584 - - 22,392
Storage optimization program (c) (208 ) - - - - - (208 )
Change in measured value of inventory(e) - - - (661 ) - - (661 )
Competitive service provider imbalance cash settlement(f) 76 - - - - - 76
Impairment loss on Springfield Operations Center(i) 1,560 - - - - - 1,560
Weather derivative products (n)       256         -         -       -         -         -         256  
Non-GAAP operating earnings (loss)     $ (22,239 )     $ 582       $ 1,051     $ (3,862 )     $ (2,939 )     $ (803 )     $ (28,210 )
GAAP diluted earnings (loss) per average common share (51,756 shares) $ (0.77 ) $ 0.05 $ 0.02 $ (0.23 ) $ (0.05 ) $ (0.02 ) $ (1.00 )
Per share effect of non-GAAP adjustments       0.34         (0.04 )       -       0.16         (0.01 )       -         0.45  
Non-GAAP operating earnings (loss) per share     $ (0.43 )     $ 0.01       $ 0.02     $ (0.07 )     $ (0.06 )     $ (0.02 )     $ (0.55 )
 
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2014
Commercial Midstream
Regulated Retail Energy- Energy Energy Other Intersegment

(In thousands, except per share data)

    Utility     Marketing     Systems     Services     Activities*     Eliminations     Consolidated
GAAP net income (loss) $ 98,040 $ 8,242 $ 5,417 $ 6,203 $ (12,274 ) $ 312 $ 105,940
Adjusted for (items shown after-tax): (a)
Unrealized mark-to-market loss (gain) on energy-related derivatives (b) 39,960 (2,005 ) - (933 ) - - 37,022
Storage optimization program (c) (3,000 ) - - - - - (3,000 )
DC weather impact (d) (1,288 ) - - - - - (1,288 )
Change in measured value of inventory (e) - - - (1,149 ) - - (1,149 )
Competitive service provider imbalance cash settlement(f) (294 ) - - - - - (294 )
Impairment loss on proposed Chillum liquefied natural gas facility (g) 1,127 - - - - - 1,127
Incremental professional service fees(h) - - - - 2,100 - 2,100
Impairment loss on Springfield Operations Center (i) 464 - - - - - 464
Regulatory asset - tax effect Medicare Part D (j) (3,621 ) - - - - - (3,621 )
Legal related cost accrual(k) - - 2,600 - - - 2,600
Regulatory order implementation true-up(l) (949 ) - - - - - (949 )
Allocation of tax sharing (m)       (1,141 )       (134 )       -       (214 )       1,489         -         -  
Non-GAAP operating earnings (loss)     $ 129,298       $ 6,103       $ 8,017     $ 3,907       $ (8,685 )     $ 312       $ 138,952  
GAAP diluted earnings (loss) per average common share (51,770 shares) $ 1.89 $ 0.16 $ 0.10 $ 0.12 $ (0.23 ) $ 0.01 $ 2.05
Per share effect of non-GAAP adjustments       0.61         (0.04 )       0.05       (0.04 )       0.05         -         0.63  
Non-GAAP operating earnings (loss) per share     $ 2.50       $ 0.12       $ 0.15     $ 0.08       $ (0.18 )     $ 0.01       $ 2.68  
 
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2013
Commercial Midstream
Regulated Retail Energy- Energy Energy Other Intersegment

(In thousands, except per share data)

    Utility     Marketing     Systems     Services     Activities     Eliminations     Consolidated
GAAP net income (loss) $ 71,813 $ 33,024 $ 2,991 $ (18,825 ) $ (7,947 ) $ (803 ) $ 80,253
Adjusted for (items shown after-tax): (a)
Unrealized mark-to-market gain on energy-related derivatives (b) 27,382 (2,954 ) - 15,705 - - 40,133
Storage optimization program (c) 362 - - - - - 362
Change in measured value of inventory (e) - - - (2,192 ) - - (2,192 )
Competitive service provider imbalance cash settlement(f) (412 ) 369 - - - - (43 )
Incremental professional service fees(h) - - - - 637 - 637
Impairment loss on Springfield Operations Center(i) 1,560 - - - - - 1,560
Weather derivative products (n) 103 - - - - - 103
Net insurance proceeds(o)       (1,031 )       -         -       -         -         -         (1,031 )
Non-GAAP operating earnings (loss)     $ 99,777       $ 30,439       $ 2,991     $ (5,312 )     $ (7,310 )     $ (803 )     $ 119,782  
GAAP diluted earnings (loss) per average common share (51,808 shares) $ 1.39 $ 0.64 $ 0.06 $ (0.36 ) $ (0.16 ) $ (0.02 ) $ 1.55
Per share effect of non-GAAP adjustments       0.54         (0.05 )       -       0.26         0.01         -         0.76  
Non-GAAP operating earnings (loss) per share     $ 1.93       $ 0.59       $ 0.06     $ (0.10 )     $ (0.15 )     $ (0.02 )     $ 2.31  
* Per share amounts may include adjustments for rounding.
(Footnote references are described on the following page.)
 
 
WGL HOLDINGS, INC. (Consolidated by Quarter)
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP NET INCOME (LOSS) TO
NON-GAAP OPERATING EARNINGS (LOSS)

(Unaudited)

 
Fiscal Year 2014
        Quarterly Period Ended
(In thousands, except per share data)     Dec. 31     Mar. 31     Jun. 30     Sept. 30     Fiscal Year
GAAP net income     $ 18,629     $ 61,213     $ (11,940 )     $ 38,038     $ 105,940
Adjusted for (items shown after-tax): (a)
Unrealized mark-to-market loss (gain) on energy-related derivatives (b) 27,793 44,324 11,722 (46,817 ) 37,022
Storage optimization program (c) (1,123 ) (1,301 ) (53 ) (523 ) (3,000 )
DC weather impact (d) 513 (2,153 ) 306 46 (1,288 )
Change in the measured value of inventory (e) 8,597 (7,930 ) (611 ) (1,205 ) (1,149 )
Competitive service provider imbalance cash settlement (f) (294 ) - - - (294 )
Impairment loss on proposed Chillum liquefied natural gas facility (g) - - 1,127 - 1,127
Incremental professional service fees (h) 440 1,373 276 11 2,100
Impairment loss on Springfield Operations Center (i) 464 - - - 464
Regulatory asset- tax effect Medicare Part D(j) (3,621 ) - - - (3,621 )
Legal related cost accrual (k) - - - 2,600 2,600
Regulatory order implementation true-up(l)       -         -         -         (949 )       (949 )
Non-GAAP operating earnings (loss)     $ 51,398       $ 95,526       $ 827       $ (8,799 )     $ 138,952  
Diluted average common shares outstanding       51,827         51,899         51,921         51,527         51,770  
GAAP diluted earnings per average common share $ 0.36 $ 1.18 $ (0.23 ) $ 0.74 $ 2.05
Per share effect of non-GAAP adjustments       0.63         0.66         0.25         (0.91 )       0.63  
Non-GAAP operating earnings (loss) per share     $ 0.99       $ 1.84       $ 0.02       $ (0.17 )     $ 2.68  
 
Fiscal Year 2013
        Quarterly Period Ended
(In thousands, except per share data)     Dec. 31     Mar. 31     Jun. 30     Sept. 30     Fiscal Year
GAAP net income (loss) $ 52,388 $ 89,505 $ (10,015 ) $ (51,625 ) $ 80,253
Adjusted for (items shown after-tax): (a)
Unrealized mark-to-market loss (gain) on energy-related derivatives (b) 4,150 (6,761 ) 20,352 22,392 40,133
Storage optimization program (c) (90 ) 1,152 (492 ) (208 ) 362
Change in the measured value of inventory (e) 2,271 7,272 (11,074 ) (661 ) (2,192 )
Competitive service provider imbalance cash settlement (f) - (1 ) (118 ) 76 (43 )
Incremental professional service fees (h) - - 637 - 637
Impairment loss on Springfield Operations Center (i) - - - 1,560 1,560
Weather derivative products (n) 143 (425 ) 129 256 103
Net insurance proceeds (o)       -         -         (1,031 )       -         (1,031 )
Non-GAAP operating earnings (loss)     $ 58,862       $ 90,742       $ (1,612 )     $ (28,210 )     $ 119,782  
Diluted average common shares outstanding       51,688         51,828         51,721         51,756         51,808  
GAAP diluted earnings (loss) per average common share $ 1.01 $ 1.73 $ (0.19 ) $ (1.00 ) $ 1.55
Per share effect of non-GAAP adjustments       0.13         0.02         0.16         0.45         0.76  
Non-GAAP operating earnings (loss) per share     $ 1.14       $ 1.75       $ (0.03 )     $ (0.55 )     $ 2.31  
 
 

Footnotes:

(a)

 

Non-GAAP adjustments are shown net of tax based on the composite tax rate for each segment. For the three months and fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, the tax expense (benefit) related to the adjustments were $(30.2) million and $22.6 million, respectively. For the three months and fiscal year ended September 30, 2013, the tax expenses related to the adjustments were $14.6 million and $24.7 million, respectively.

(b)

Adjustments to eliminate the change in the unrealized mark-to-market positions of our energy-related derivatives for regulated utility, retail energy-marketing, as well as certain derivatives for the long-term purchase of natural gas for the midstream energy services segment that were recorded to income during the period. For the regulated utility segment, the portion of our unrealized mark-to-market gains and losses that are not recognized as being shared with customers are recorded directly to income for GAAP purposes. All unrealized mark-to-market gains and losses for the retail energy-marketing and midstream energy services segments are recorded directly to income.

(c)

Adjustments to shift the timing of storage optimization margins from the periods recognized for GAAP purposes to the periods in which such margins are recognized for regulatory sharing purposes. In addition, lower-of-cost or market adjustments related to system and non-system storage optimization are eliminated for non-GAAP reporting, since the margins will be recognized for regulatory purposes when the withdrawals are made at the unadjusted historical cost of storage inventory.

(d)

Eliminates the estimated financial effects of warm or cold weather in the District of Columbia, as measured consistent with our regulatory tariff. For fiscal year 2014, Washington Gas did not enter into weather protection products due to recent rate case activity and the pricing environment.

(e)

Adjustments to reflect storage inventory at market or at a value based on the price used to value the physical forward sales contract that is economically hedging the storage inventory. This adjustment also includes the estimated effects of certain sharing mechanisms on all of our non-GAAP unrealized gains and losses.

(f)

Represents amounts collected and expected to be collected by the regulated utility segment and the expense and payment made by the retail energy-marketing segment to the regulated utility segment in relation to the refund to customers ordered by the Public Service Commission of Maryland (PSC of MD) in September 2011 associated with a cash settlement of gas imbalances with competitive service providers. The order remanded the matter to a hearing examiner to determine the amount of the refund as the difference between charges made to customers and the charges that would have been incurred had the imbalances been made up through volumetric adjustments.

(g)

On July 7, 2014, the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC of VA) disallowed full recovery of certain costs related to a proposed Chillum liquefied natural gas facility, therefore a portion of the associated regulatory asset was impaired.

(h)

These costs include incremental legal and consulting costs in connection with business development activities. These costs are unpredictable and may vary greatly with each opportunity. Management believes by excluding these costs, it allows both management and investors to better compare, analyze and forecast the performance of our revenue generating opportunities.

(i)

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2014, Washington Gas recorded an impairment charge related to its Springfield Operations Center. Non-GAAP earnings have been adjusted to reflect a comparable measure in analyzing period-to-period comparisons.

(j)

In March 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) eliminated future Medicare Part D (Med D) tax benefits for Washington Gas' tax years beginning after September 30, 2013. On March 30, 2012, based on positions taken by the PSC of MD in Washington Gas' rate case, Washington Gas determined that it is not probable that the PSC of MD would permit recovery of this asset. Therefore, the Maryland portion of the regulatory asset related to the Med D benefit was charged to tax expense. In November 2013, the PSC of MD issued an order authorizing Washington Gas to establish a regulatory asset and amortize the costs related to the change in tax treatment of Med D.

(k)

Legal related costs.

(l)

Adjustment reflects a retroactive true-up to reflect the effects of a regulatory decision.

(m)

Represents the tax sharing effect of the non-GAAP adjustment for incremental professional service fees. See letter note (h) for further details.

(n)

For fiscal year 2013, Washington Gas entered into weather derivatives to neutralize the estimated financial effects of weather in the District of Columbia. These weather derivatives were recorded at fair value rather than being valued based on actual variations from normal weather. This adjustment is to exclude the portion of the fair value that is not directly offset by an increase/decrease in revenue due to weather.

(o)

Represents the net proceeds of an environmental insurance policy, net of current period environmental claims and regulatory sharing.

 

WGL Holdings, Inc.
News Media
Ruben Rodriguez, 202-624-6620
or
Financial Community
Douglas Bonawitz, 202-624-6129

Source: WGL Holdings, Inc.

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