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Acquisitions And Sales Of Other Assets
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Acquisitions And Sales Of Other Assets

2. Acquisitions and Sales of Other Assets

Acquisitions.

The Duke Energy Registrants consolidate assets and liabilities from acquisitions as of the purchase date, and include earnings from acquisitions in consolidated earnings after the purchase date.

Merger with Progress Energy

Description of Transaction

On July 2, 2012, Duke Energy completed the merger contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger (Merger Agreement), among Diamond Acquisition Corporation, a North Carolina corporation and Duke Energy's wholly owned subsidiary (Merger Sub) and Progress Energy, a North Carolina corporation engaged in the regulated utility business of generation, transmission and distribution and sale of electricity in portions of North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. As a result of the merger, Merger Sub was merged into Progress Energy and Progress Energy became a wholly owned subsidiary of Duke Energy.

The merger between Duke Energy and Progress Energy provides increased scale and diversity with potentially enhanced access to capital over the long-term and a greater ability to undertake the significant construction programs necessary to respond to increasing environmental regulation, plant retirements and customer demand growth. Duke Energy's business risk profile is expected to improve over time due to the increased proportion of the business that is regulated. Additionally, cost savings, efficiencies and other benefits are expected from the combined operations.

Progress Energy's shareholders received 0.87083 shares of Duke Energy common stock in exchange for each share of Progress Energy common stock outstanding as of July 2, 2012. Generally, all outstanding Progress Energy equity-based compensation awards were converted into Duke Energy equity-based compensation awards using the same ratio. The merger was structured as a tax-free exchange of shares.

Merger Related Regulatory Matters

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. On June 8, 2012, the FERC conditionally approved the merger including Duke Energy and Progress Energy's revised market power mitigation plan, the Joint Dispatch Agreement (JDA) and the joint Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT). The revised market power mitigation plan provides for the acceleration of one transmission project and the construction of seven other transmission projects (Long-term FERC Mitigation) and interim firm power sale agreements during the construction of the transmission projects (Interim FERC Mitigation). The Long-term FERC Mitigation will increase power imported into the Duke Energy Carolinas and Progress Energy Carolinas service areas and enhance competitive power supply options in the service areas. The construction of these projects will occur over the next two to three years. In conjunction with the Interim FERC Mitigation, Duke Energy Carolinas and Progress Energy Carolinas entered into power sale agreements with various counterparties that were effective with the consummation of the merger. These agreements, or similar power sale agreements, will be in place until the Long-term FERC Mitigation is operational. Under the agreements Duke Energy will deliver around-the-clock power during the winter and summer in quantities that vary by season and by peak period.

The FERC order requires an independent party to monitor whether the power sale agreements remain in effect during construction of the transmission projects and provide quarterly reports to the FERC regarding the status of construction of the transmission projects.

  • On June 25, 2012, Duke Energy and Progress Energy accepted the conditions imposed by the FERC.
  • On July 9, 2012, certain intervenors requested a rehearing seeking to overturn the June 8, 2012 order by the FERC. On August 8, 2012, FERC granted rehearing for further consideration.

    North Carolina Utilities Commission and Public Service Commission of South Carolina. In September 2011, Duke Energy and Progress Energy reached settlements with the Public Staff of the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NC Public Staff) and the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) and certain other interested parties in connection with the regulatory proceedings related to the merger, the JDA and the OATT that were pending before the NCUC and PSCSC. These settlements were updated in May 2012 to reflect the results of ongoing merger related applications pending before the FERC. As part of these settlements and the application for approval of the merger by the NCUC and PSCSC, Duke Energy Carolinas and Progress Energy Carolinas agreed to the conditions and obligations listed below.

  • Guarantee of $650 million in system fuel and fuel-related savings over 60 to 78 months for North Carolina and South Carolina retail customers. The savings are expected to be achieved through coal blending, coal commodity and transportation savings, gas transportation savings, and the joint dispatch of Duke Energy Carolinas and Progress Energy Carolinas generation fleets.
  • Duke Energy Carolinas and Progress Energy Carolinas will not seek recovery from retail customers for the cost of the Long-term FERC Mitigation for five years following merger consummation. After five years, Duke Energy Carolinas and Progress Energy Carolinas may seek to recover the costs of the Long-term FERC Mitigation, but must show that the projects are needed to provide adequate and reliable retail service regardless of the merger.
  • A $65 million rate reduction over the term of the Interim FERC Mitigation to reflect the cost of capacity not available to Duke Energy Carolinas and Progress Energy Carolinas wholesale and retail customers during the Interim FERC Mitigation. The rate reduction will be achieved through retail decrement riders apportioned between Duke Energy Carolinas and Progress Energy Carolinas retail customers.
  • Duke Energy Carolinas and Progress Energy Carolinas will not seek recovery from retail customers for any revenue shortfalls or fuel-related costs associated with the Interim FERC Mitigation.
  • Duke Energy Carolinas and Progress Energy Carolinas will not seek recovery from retail customers for any of their allocable share of merger related severance costs.
  • Duke Energy Carolinas and Progress Energy Carolinas will provide community support and charitable contributions for four years, workforce development, low income energy assistance, and funding for green energy at a total cost of approximately $99 million, which cannot be recovered from retail customers.
  • Duke Energy Carolinas and Progress Energy Carolinas will abide by revised North Carolina Regulatory Conditions and Code of Conduct governing their operations.

On June 29, 2012, the NCUC approved the merger application and the JDA application with conditions that were reflective of the settlement agreements described above. On July 2, 2012, the PSCSC approved the JDA application subject to Duke Energy Carolinas and Progress Energy Carolinas providing their South Carolina retail customers pro rata benefits equivalent to those approved by the NCUC in its merger approval order.

On July 6, 2012, the NCUC issued an order initiating investigation and scheduling hearings on the Duke Energy board of directors' decision on July 2, 2012, to replace William D. Johnson with James E. Rogers as President and CEO of Duke Energy subsequent to the merger close, as well as other related matters. See Note 4 for further information.

Kentucky Public Service Commission. On June 24, 2011, Duke Energy and Progress Energy filed a settlement agreement with the Kentucky Attorney General. On August 2, 2011, the KPSC issued an order conditionally approving the merger and required Duke Energy and Progress Energy to accept all conditions contained in the order. Duke Energy and Progress Energy requested and were granted rehearing on the limited issue of the wording of one condition relating to the composition of Duke Energy's post-merger board of directors. On October 28, 2011, the KPSC issued its order approving a settlement with the Kentucky Attorney General on the revised condition relating to the composition of the post-merger Duke Energy board. Duke Energy and Progress Energy filed their acceptance of the condition on November 2, 2011. Duke Energy Kentucky agreed to (i) not file new gas or electric base rate applications for two years from the date of the KPSC's final order in the merger proceedings, (ii) make five annual shareholder contributions of $165,000 to support low-income weatherization efforts and economic development within Duke Energy Kentucky's service territory and (iii) not seek recovery from retail customers for any of their allocable share of merger related costs.

Accounting Charges Related to the Merger Consummation

The following pre-tax consummation charges were recognized upon closing of the merger and are included in the Duke Energy Registrant's Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012.

(in millions) Duke Energy Carolinas Progress Energy Carolinas Progress Energy Florida Duke Energy Ohio Duke Energy Indiana Duke Energy
FERC Mitigation $ 46 $ 71 $ $ $ $ 117
Severance costs   48   42   24   15   13   146
Community support, charitable contributions and other   73   54   9   5   5   149
Total $ 167 $ 167 $ 33   20 $ 18 $ 412

The FERC Mitigation charges reflect the portion of transmission project costs that are probable of disallowance, the impairment of the carrying value of the generation assets serving the Interim FERC Mitigation, and the mark-to-market loss recognized on the power sale agreements upon closing of the merger. Subsequent changes in the fair value of the interim power sale agreements are reflected in Regulated electric operating revenues over the life of the contracts. The charges related to the transmission projects and the impairment of the carrying value of generation assets were recorded within Impairment charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012. The mark-to-market loss on the power sale agreements was recorded in Regulated electric operating revenues in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012. Realized gains or losses on the interim contract sales are also recorded within Regulated electric operating revenues. The ability to successfully defend future recovery of a portion of the transmission projects in rates and any future changes to estimated transmission project costs could impact the amount that is not expected to be recovered.

In conjunction with the merger, in November 2011, Duke Energy and Progress Energy each offered a voluntary severance plan (VSP) to certain eligible employees. VSP and other severance costs incurred during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, were recorded primarily within Operation, maintenance and other in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 16 for further information related to employee severance expenses.

Community support, charitable contributions and other reflect (i) the unconditional obligation to provide funding at a level comparable to historic practices over the next four years, and (ii) financial and legal advisory costs that were incurred upon the closing of the merger, retention and relocation costs paid to certain employees. These charges were recorded within Operation, maintenance and other in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012.

Purchase Price

Pursuant to the merger, all Progress Energy common shares were exchanged at the fixed exchange ratio of 0.87083 common shares of Duke Energy for each Progress Energy common share. The total consideration transferred in the merger was based on the closing price of Duke Energy common shares on July 2, 2012, and was calculated as follows:

(dollars in millions, except per share amounts; shares in thousands)   
Progress Energy common shares outstanding at July 2, 2012   296,116
Exchange ratio   0.87083
Duke Energy common shares issued for Progress Energy common shares outstanding   257,867
Closing price of Duke Energy common shares on July 2, 2012 $ 69.84
Purchase price for common stock $ 18,009
Fair value of outstanding earned stock compensation awards   62
Total purchase price $ 18,071

Progress Energy's stock-based compensation awards, including performance shares and restricted stock, were replaced with Duke Energy awards upon consummation of the merger. In accordance with accounting guidance for business combinations, a portion of the fair value of these awards is included in the purchase price as it represents consideration transferred in the merger.

Purchase Price Allocation

The fair value of Progress Energy's assets acquired and liabilities assumed was determined based on significant estimates and assumptions, including level 3 inputs that are judgmental in nature, including projected timing and amount of future cash flows; discount rates reflecting risk inherent in the future cash flows and future market prices. The fair value of Progress Energy's assets acquired and liabilities assumed utilized for the purchase price allocation are preliminary and subject to revision until the valuations are completed and to the extent that additional information is obtained about the facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date, including assumptions regarding Progress Energy Florida's Crystal River Unit 3.

The significant assets and liabilities for which preliminary valuation amounts are reflected as of the filing of this Form 10-Q include the fair value of the acquired long-term debt, asset retirement obligations, capital leases and pension and other post-retirement benefit (OPEB) plans. The preliminary fair value of the outstanding stock compensation awards is included in the purchase price as consideration transferred.

The majority of Progress Energy's operations are subject to the rate-setting authority of the FERC, the NCUC, the PSCSC, and the FPSC and are accounted for pursuant to U.S. GAAP, including the accounting guidance for regulated operations. The rate-setting and cost recovery provisions currently in place for Progress Energy's regulated operations provide revenues derived from costs, including a return on investment of assets and liabilities included in rate base. Except for long-term debt, asset retirement obligations, capital leases and pension and OPEB plans, the fair values of Progress Energy's tangible and intangible assets and liabilities subject to these rate-setting provisions approximate their carrying values, and the assets and liabilities acquired and pro forma financial information do not reflect any net adjustments related to these amounts. The difference between fair value and the pre-merger carrying amounts for Progress Energy's long-term debt, asset retirement obligations, capital leases and pension and OPEB plans for the regulated operations were recorded as a regulatory asset.

The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed was recognized as goodwill at the acquisition date. The goodwill reflects the value paid primarily for the long-term potential for enhanced access to capital as a result of the company's increased scale and diversity, opportunities for synergies, and an improved risk profile. The goodwill resulting from Duke Energy's merger with Progress Energy was preliminarily allocated entirely to the USFE&G segment, but is subject to change as additional information is obtained. None of the goodwill recognized is deductible for income tax purposes, and as such, no deferred taxes have been recorded related to goodwill.

The preliminary purchase price allocation of the merger was as follows:

(in millions)   
Current assets $ 3,258
Property, plant and equipment   24,949
Goodwill   12,342
Other long-term assets, excluding goodwill   8,149
Total assets   48,698
Current liabilities, including current maturities of long-term debt   3,567
Long-term liabilities, preferred stock and noncontrolling interests   10,314
Long-term debt   16,746
Total liabilities and preferred stock   30,627
Total estimated purchase price $ 18,071

Impact of Merger

The impact of Progress Energy on Duke Energy's revenues and net income attributable to Duke Energy in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, was an increase of $2,749 million and $226 million, respectively.

Duke Energy incurred pre-tax merger consummation costs, integration and other related costs (collective referred to as costs to achieve), including those discussed above, of $457 million and $472 million, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, and $13 million and $29 million, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, substantially all of which are recorded in Operating expenses in Duke Energy's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Duke Energy expects to incur significant system integration and other merger-related transition costs primarily through 2016 that are necessary in order to achieve certain cost savings, efficiencies and other benefits anticipated to result from the merger with Progress Energy.

Pro Forma Financial Information

The following unaudited pro forma financial information reflects the consolidated results of operations of Duke Energy and reflects the amortization of purchase accounting adjustments assuming the merger had taken place on January 1, 2011. The unaudited pro forma financial information has been presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the consolidated results of operations that would have been achieved or the future consolidated results of operations of Duke Energy. This information is preliminary in nature and subject to change based on final purchase price adjustments.

Non-recurring merger consummation, integration and other costs incurred by both Duke Energy and Progress Energy during the period have been excluded from the pro forma earnings presented below. After-tax non-recurring merger consummation, integration and other costs incurred by both Duke Energy and Progress Energy were $293 million and $311 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, and $15 million and $34 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011. The pro forma financial information also excludes potential future cost savings or non-recurring charges related to the merger.

   Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions, except per share amounts) 2012 2011 2012 2011
Revenues $ 6,727 $ 6,700 $ 18,284 $ 18,333
Net Income Attributable to Duke Energy Corporation   889   783   1,876   2,124
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share $ 1.26 $ 1.12 $ 2.66 $ 3.03

Refer to Note 5 for information regarding Progress Energy merger shareholder litigation.

Vermillion Generating Station.

On January 12, 2012, after receiving approvals from the FERC and the IURC on August 12, 2011 and December 28, 2011, respectively, Duke Energy Vermillion II, LLC (Duke Energy Vermillion), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Duke Energy Ohio, completed the sale of its 75% undivided ownership interest in Vermillion to Duke Energy Indiana and Wabash Valley Power Association (WVPA). Upon the closing of the sale, Duke Energy Indiana and WVPA held 62.5% and 37.5% interests in Vermillion, respectively. Duke Energy Ohio received net proceeds of $82 million, consisting of $68 million and $14 million from Duke Energy Indiana and WVPA, respectively. Following the transaction, Duke Energy Indiana retired Gallagher Units 1 and 3 effective February 1, 2012.

As Duke Energy Indiana is an affiliate of Duke Energy Vermillion the transaction has been accounted for as a transfer between entities under common control with no gain or loss recorded and did not have a significant impact to Duke Energy Ohio or Duke Energy Indiana's results of operations. The proceeds received from Duke Energy Indiana are included in Net proceeds from the sales of other assets on Duke Energy Ohio's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The cash paid to Duke Energy Ohio is included in Capital expenditures on Duke Energy Indiana's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Duke Energy Ohio and Duke Energy Indiana recognized non-cash equity transfers of $28 million and $26 million, respectively, in their Condensed Consolidated Statements of Common Stockholder's Equity on the transaction representing the difference between cash exchanged and the net book value of Vermillion. These amounts are not reflected in Duke Energy's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows or Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity as the transaction is eliminated in consolidation.

The proceeds from WVPA are included in Net proceeds from the sales of other assets, and sale of and collections on notes receivable on Duke Energy and Duke Energy Ohio's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. In the second quarter of 2011, Duke Energy Ohio recorded a pre-tax impairment charge of $9 million to adjust the carrying value of the proportionate share of Vermillion to be sold to WVPA to the proceeds to be received from WVPA less costs to sell. The sale of the proportionate share of Vermillion to WVPA did not result in a significant additional gain or loss upon close of the transaction.

Wind Projects Joint Venture.

In April 2012, Duke Energy executed a joint venture agreement with Sumitomo Corporation of America (SCOA). Under the terms of the agreement, Duke Energy and SCOA each own a 50% interest in the joint venture (DS Cornerstone, LLC), which owns two wind generation projects. The facilities began commercial operations in June 2012 and August 2012. Beginning September 2012, the joint venture is no longer consolidated into Duke Energy's consolidated financial statements and is now accounted for by Duke Energy as an equity method investment. The deconsolidation of the joint venture did not result in a significant gain or loss. Cash flows of the joint venture are included in Duke Energy's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows up to the date of deconsolidation. Duke Energy and SCOA also negotiated a $330 million, Construction and 12-year amortizing Term Loan Facility on behalf of the borrower, a wholly owned subsidiary of the joint venture. The loan agreement is non-recourse to Duke Energy. Duke Energy received proceeds of $319 million upon execution of the loan agreement. This amount represents reimbursement of a significant portion of Duke Energy's construction costs incurred as of the date of the agreement. See Note 11 for further information.