10-Q 1 str6301210q.htm 10-Q STR 6.30.12 10Q


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

FORM 10-Q

[X]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
 
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2012
 
 
[   ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934. For the transition period from ___ to ___
Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter
State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization
Commission File Number
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
Questar Corporation
Utah
001-08796
87-0407509
Questar Gas Company
Utah
333-69210
87-0155877
Questar Pipeline Company
Utah
000-14147
87-0307414
333 South State Street, P.O. Box 45433, Salt Lake City, Utah 84145-0433
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrants' telephone number, including area code (801) 324-5000
Web site http://www.questar.com

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Questar Corporation
Yes [X]   No [   ]
Questar Gas Company
Yes [X]   No [   ]
Questar Pipeline Company
Yes [X]   No [   ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Questar Corporation
Yes [X]   No [   ]
Questar Gas Company
Yes [X]   No [   ]
Questar Pipeline Company
Yes [X]   No [   ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Do not check non-accelerated filer if a smaller reporting company (Check one):
Questar Corporation
Large accelerated filer [X]
Accelerated filer [   ]
Non-accelerated filer [   ]
Smaller reporting company [   ]
Questar Gas Company
Large accelerated filer [   ]
Accelerated filer [   ]
Non-accelerated filer [X]
Smaller reporting company [   ]
Questar Pipeline Company
Large accelerated filer [   ]
Accelerated filer [   ]
Non-accelerated filer [X]
Smaller reporting company [   ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Questar Corporation
Yes [   ]   No [X]
Questar Gas Company
Yes [   ]   No [X]
Questar Pipeline Company
Yes [   ]   No [X]



Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuers' classes of common stock, as of June 30, 2012:
Questar Corporation
without par value
175,699,454
Questar Gas Company
$2.50 per share par value
9,189,626
Questar Pipeline Company
$1.00 per share par value
6,550,843

Questar Gas Company and Questar Pipeline Company, as wholly-owned subsidiaries of a reporting company, meet the conditions set forth in General Instruction H(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and are therefore filing this form with the reduced disclosure format.




QUESTAR CORPORATION
QUESTAR GAS COMPANY
QUESTAR PIPELINE COMPANY
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

FILING FORMAT
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is a combined report being filed by three separate registrants: Questar Corporation, Questar Gas Company and Questar Pipeline Company. Questar Gas Company and Questar Pipeline Company are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Questar Corporation. Separate financial statements for Wexpro Company have not been included since Wexpro is not a registrant. See Note 9 to the Accompanying Financial Statements for a summary of operations by line of business.

Part I - Financial information in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes separate financial statements (i.e. balance sheets, statements of income, statements of comprehensive income and statements of cash flows, as applicable) for Questar Corporation, Questar Gas Company and Questar Pipeline Company. The Notes Accompanying the Financial Statements are presented on a combined basis for all three registrants. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included under Item 2 is presented by line of business.

Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
2
 



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

QUESTAR CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
 
3 Months Ended
 
6 Months Ended
 
12 Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in millions, except per-share amounts)
REVENUES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Questar Gas
$
130.2

 
$
164.0

 
$
496.2

 
$
577.9

 
$
883.8

 
$
970.4

Wexpro
8.1

 
8.4

 
17.3

 
16.2

 
32.6

 
30.3

Questar Pipeline
50.1

 
50.5

 
100.6

 
98.8

 
199.2

 
200.1

Total Revenues
188.4

 
222.9

 
614.1

 
692.9

 
1,115.6

 
1,200.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPERATING EXPENSES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales (excluding operating expenses shown separately)
(11.5
)
 
31.2

 
141.2

 
241.1

 
221.6

 
345.3

Operating and maintenance
39.7

 
39.8

 
96.4

 
91.2

 
181.1

 
175.9

General and administrative
29.9

 
26.2

 
59.0

 
59.2

 
117.7

 
116.5

Production and other taxes
12.6

 
13.1

 
26.9

 
26.7

 
52.7

 
49.5

Depreciation, depletion and amortization
45.5

 
38.9

 
89.7

 
78.3

 
171.3

 
155.4

Total Operating Expenses
116.2

 
149.2

 
413.2

 
496.5

 
744.4

 
842.6

Net gain from asset sales
0.4

 

 
2.6

 
0.1

 
2.7

 
0.5

OPERATING INCOME
72.6

 
73.7

 
203.5

 
196.5

 
373.9

 
358.7

Interest and other income
2.6

 
2.3

 
4.0

 
5.2

 
9.2

 
11.5

Income from unconsolidated affiliate
0.9

 
1.0

 
1.8

 
1.9

 
3.7

 
3.8

Interest expense
(15.1
)
 
(14.8
)
 
(29.8
)
 
(30.8
)
 
(55.8
)
 
(59.6
)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
61.0

 
62.2

 
179.5

 
172.8

 
331.0

 
314.4

Income taxes
(21.8
)
 
(21.9
)
 
(65.1
)
 
(62.6
)
 
(118.9
)
 
(112.8
)
NET INCOME
$
39.2

 
$
40.3

 
$
114.4

 
$
110.2

 
$
212.1

 
$
201.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings Per Common Share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.22

 
$
0.22

 
$
0.64

 
$
0.62

 
$
1.19

 
$
1.13

Diluted
0.22

 
0.22

 
0.64

 
0.62

 
1.19

 
1.13

Weighted-average common shares outstanding
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Used in basic calculation
177.2

 
177.5

 
177.8

 
177.2

 
177.7

 
177.0

Used in diluted calculation
178.3

 
178.8

 
178.9

 
178.7

 
178.9

 
179.0

Dividends per common share
$
0.1625

 
$
0.1525

 
$
0.325

 
$
0.305

 
$
0.64

 
$
0.585


See notes accompanying the financial statements

Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
3
 



QUESTAR CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)

 
3 Months Ended
 
6 Months Ended
 
12 Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in millions)
Net income
$
39.2

 
$
40.3

 
$
114.4

 
$
110.2

 
$
212.1

 
$
201.6

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and other postretirement benefits

 

 

 

 
(159.9
)
 
(4.0
)
Interest rate cash flow hedges
0.1

 
0.8

 
0.2

 
0.8

 
(37.8
)
 
0.8

Income taxes

 
(0.3
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(0.3
)
 
75.2

 
1.1

Net other comprehensive income (loss)
0.1

 
0.5

 
0.1

 
0.5

 
(122.5
)
 
(2.1
)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
$
39.3

 
$
40.8

 
$
114.5

 
$
110.7

 
$
89.6

 
$
199.5


See notes accompanying the financial statements

Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
4
 



QUESTAR CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
 
June 30, 2012
 
June 30, 2011
 
Dec. 31, 2011
 
(in millions)
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$

 
$

 
$
11.6

Accounts receivable, net
73.1

 
85.1

 
123.9

Unbilled gas accounts receivable
12.4

 
15.0

 
75.4

Gas stored underground
29.8

 
18.7

 
40.3

Materials and supplies
29.5

 
21.5

 
25.7

Current regulatory assets
25.2

 
33.2

 
31.7

Prepaid expenses and other
9.7

 
9.0

 
10.7

Deferred income taxes - current
16.2

 
14.8

 
16.1

Total Current Assets
195.9

 
197.3

 
335.4

Property, Plant and Equipment
5,170.1

 
4,759.8

 
4,984.1

Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization
(1,959.3
)
 
(1,825.5
)
 
(1,885.7
)
Net Property, Plant and Equipment
3,210.8

 
2,934.3

 
3,098.4

Investment in unconsolidated affiliate
27.1

 
27.4

 
27.3

Noncurrent regulatory assets
20.1

 
20.5

 
21.0

Other noncurrent assets
43.5

 
41.9

 
50.7

TOTAL ASSETS
$
3,497.4

 
$
3,221.4

 
$
3,532.8

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
Checks outstanding in excess of cash balances
$
11.8

 
$
4.5

 
$

Short-term debt
190.0

 
137.0

 
219.0

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
164.5

 
136.0

 
242.9

Current regulatory liabilities
5.1

 
24.8

 
15.4

Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligation
132.2

 
82.0

 
91.5

Total Current Liabilities
503.6

 
384.3

 
568.8

Long-term debt and capital lease obligation, less current portion
991.6

 
901.8

 
993.0

Deferred income taxes
561.0

 
536.5

 
500.2

Asset retirement obligations
65.6

 
65.2

 
63.8

Defined benefit pension plan and other postretirement benefits
266.2

 
149.5

 
309.7

Customer contributions-in-aid-of-construction
28.1

 
45.8

 
26.6

Regulatory and other noncurrent liabilities
37.5

 
32.2

 
37.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
468.3

 
506.4

 
514.7

Retained earnings
801.5

 
703.2

 
744.9

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)
(226.0
)
 
(103.5
)
 
(226.1
)
Total Common Shareholders' Equity
1,043.8

 
1,106.1

 
1,033.5

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
$
3,497.4

 
$
3,221.4

 
$
3,532.8

See notes accompanying the financial statements

Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
5
 



QUESTAR CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
6 Months Ended June 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in millions)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Net income
$
114.4

 
$
110.2

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
93.6

 
83.1

Deferred income taxes
60.6

 
58.5

Share-based compensation
5.2

 
5.9

Net (gain) from asset sales
(2.6
)
 
(0.1
)
(Income) from unconsolidated affiliate
(1.8
)
 
(1.9
)
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliate and other
2.2

 
2.4

Changes in operating assets and liabilities
33.4

 
111.3

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
305.0

 
369.4

 
 
 
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment
(190.8
)
 
(143.4
)
Cash used in disposition of assets
(1.7
)
 
(1.1
)
Proceeds from disposition of assets
0.4

 
0.2

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES
(192.1
)
 
(144.3
)
 
 
 
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Common stock issued
3.8

 
5.6

Common stock repurchased
(56.8
)
 
(2.6
)
Change in short-term debt
(29.0
)
 
(105.0
)
Long-term debt and capital lease obligation repaid
(0.4
)
 
(100.0
)
Checks outstanding in excess of cash balances
11.8

 
4.5

Dividends paid
(57.8
)
 
(54.1
)
Tax benefits from share-based compensation
3.9

 
4.7

NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES
(124.5
)
 
(246.9
)
Change in cash and cash equivalents
(11.6
)
 
(21.8
)
Beginning cash and cash equivalents
11.6

 
21.8

Ending cash and cash equivalents
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Investing and Financing Transaction:
 
 
 
During 2012, Questar incurred a capital lease obligation of $40.8 million in connection with a lease agreement on a new headquarters building.

See notes accompanying the financial statements

Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
6
 




QUESTAR GAS COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
 
3 Months Ended
 
6 Months Ended
 
12 Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in millions)
REVENUES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
From unaffiliated customers
$
130.2

 
$
164.0

 
$
496.2

 
$
577.9

 
$
883.8

 
$
970.4

From affiliated company
1.0

 
1.0

 
1.8

 
1.8

 
3.3

 
2.5

Total Revenues
131.2

 
165.0

 
498.0

 
579.7

 
887.1

 
972.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPERATING EXPENSES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of natural gas sold (excluding operating expenses shown separately)
75.5

 
109.8

 
311.7

 
398.5

 
558.9

 
657.2

Operating and maintenance
24.9

 
24.4

 
65.8

 
61.8

 
122.5

 
112.7

General and administrative
12.7

 
10.2

 
24.4

 
24.8

 
50.6

 
51.9

Depreciation and amortization
11.8

 
10.9

 
23.6

 
21.8

 
46.3

 
43.2

Other taxes
4.8

 
4.0

 
9.2

 
8.3

 
15.9

 
14.5

Total Operating Expenses
129.7

 
159.3

 
434.7

 
515.2

 
794.2

 
879.5

OPERATING INCOME
1.5

 
5.7

 
63.3

 
64.5

 
92.9

 
93.4

Interest and other income
1.2

 
1.3

 
2.4

 
2.9

 
4.9

 
6.4

Interest expense
(6.5
)
 
(6.5
)
 
(13.3
)
 
(13.1
)
 
(26.1
)
 
(26.0
)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES
(3.8
)
 
0.5

 
52.4

 
54.3

 
71.7

 
73.8

Income taxes
1.5

 
(0.1
)
 
(19.8
)
 
(20.5
)
 
(26.8
)
 
(27.0
)
NET INCOME (LOSS)
$
(2.3
)
 
$
0.4

 
$
32.6

 
$
33.8

 
$
44.9

 
$
46.8


See notes accompanying the financial statements



Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
7
 



QUESTAR GAS COMPANY 
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS 
(Unaudited)
 
June 30, 2012
 
June 30, 2011
 
Dec. 31, 2011
 
(in millions)
ASSETS 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents 
$

 
$

 
$
5.0

Accounts receivable, net 
28.4

 
50.3

 
77.6

Unbilled gas accounts receivable 
12.3

 
14.7

 
75.2

Accounts receivable from affiliates 
22.7

 
1.8

 
1.8

Gas stored underground 
29.4

 
18.7

 
40.3

Materials and supplies 
12.9

 
10.3

 
12.2

Current regulatory assets 
18.5

 
33.1

 
26.5

Prepaid expenses and other 
4.0

 
3.3

 
3.1

Deferred income taxes - current 
5.6

 
4.3

 
5.6

Total Current Assets 
133.8

 
136.5

 
247.3

Property, Plant and Equipment 
1,990.7

 
1,856.1

 
1,927.0

Accumulated depreciation and amortization 
(763.8
)
 
(734.9
)
 
(749.6
)
Net Property, Plant and Equipment 
1,226.9

 
1,121.2

 
1,177.4

Noncurrent regulatory assets 
15.1

 
14.8

 
15.1

Goodwill 
5.6

 
5.6

 
5.6

Other noncurrent assets 
2.1

 
2.4

 
2.3

TOTAL ASSETS 
$
1,383.5

 
$
1,280.5

 
$
1,447.7

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities 
 
 
 
 
 
Checks outstanding in excess of cash balances
$
5.4

 
$
2.9

 
$

Notes payable to Questar 
102.1

 
44.0

 
142.7

Accounts payable and accrued expenses 
78.8

 
56.7

 
112.3

Accounts payable to affiliates 
43.6

 
36.2

 
41.9

Customer advances 
19.9

 
9.7

 
25.0

Current regulatory liabilities 
3.4

 
21.3

 
14.2

Current portion of long-term debt 
131.5

 
2.0

 
91.5

Total Current Liabilities 
384.7

 
172.8

 
427.6

Long-term debt, less current portion 
236.5

 
368.0

 
276.5

Deferred income taxes 
260.6

 
253.7

 
259.8

Customer contributions-in-aid-of-construction
28.1

 
45.8

 
26.6

Regulatory and other noncurrent liabilities 
4.5

 
5.5

 
4.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock 
23.0

 
23.0

 
23.0

Additional paid-in capital 
172.0

 
150.9

 
171.4

Retained earnings 
274.1

 
260.8

 
258.0

Total Common Shareholder's Equity 
469.1

 
434.7

 
452.4

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY 
$
1,383.5

 
$
1,280.5

 
$
1,447.7

 
See notes accompanying the financial statements

Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
8
 



QUESTAR GAS COMPANY
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
6 Months Ended June 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in millions)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Net income
$
32.6

 
$
33.8

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
26.1

 
24.0

Deferred income taxes
0.8

 
20.4

Share-based compensation
0.6

 
0.6

Changes in operating assets and liabilities
73.9

 
94.4

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
134.0

 
173.2

 
 
 
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment
(85.9
)
 
(55.2
)
Cash used in disposition of assets
(1.6
)
 
(1.0
)
Proceeds from disposition of assets
0.2

 
0.2

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES
(87.3
)
 
(56.0
)
 
 
 
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Change in notes payable to Questar
(40.6
)
 
(109.6
)
Checks outstanding in excess of cash balances
5.4

 
2.9

Dividends paid
(16.5
)
 
(15.2
)
NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES
(51.7
)
 
(121.9
)
Change in cash and cash equivalents
(5.0
)
 
(4.7
)
Beginning cash and cash equivalents
5.0

 
4.7

Ending cash and cash equivalents
$

 
$


See notes accompanying the financial statements


Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
9
 




QUESTAR PIPELINE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
 
3 Months Ended
 
6 Months Ended
 
12 Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in millions)
REVENUES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
From unaffiliated customers
$
50.1

 
$
50.5

 
$
100.6

 
$
98.8

 
$
199.2

 
$
200.1

From affiliated companies
18.3

 
18.7

 
36.8

 
37.3

 
73.9

 
74.0

Total Revenues
68.4

 
69.2

 
137.4

 
136.1

 
273.1

 
274.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPERATING EXPENSES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating and maintenance
8.7

 
10.3

 
17.3

 
18.9

 
33.7

 
42.2

General and administrative
12.4

 
11.1

 
24.5

 
24.2

 
46.8

 
44.2

Depreciation and amortization
13.5

 
12.8

 
27.0

 
25.1

 
53.1

 
48.9

Other taxes
2.4

 
2.3

 
4.9

 
5.4

 
9.6

 
9.6

Cost of goods sold (excluding operating expenses shown separately)
0.7

 
1.0

 
1.2

 
1.6

 
2.7

 
3.0

Total Operating Expenses
37.7

 
37.5

 
74.9

 
75.2

 
145.9

 
147.9

Net gain from asset sales
0.1

 

 
0.1

 
0.1

 
0.3

 
0.8

OPERATING INCOME
30.8

 
31.7

 
62.6

 
61.0

 
127.5

 
127.0

Interest and other income
0.3

 
0.1

 
0.3

 
1.0

 
0.2

 
1.1

Income from unconsolidated affiliate
0.9

 
1.0

 
1.8

 
1.9

 
3.7

 
3.8

Interest expense
(6.6
)
 
(6.8
)
 
(13.2
)
 
(13.9
)
 
(23.8
)
 
(28.0
)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
25.4

 
26.0

 
51.5

 
50.0

 
107.6

 
103.9

Income taxes
(9.3
)
 
(9.4
)
 
(18.8
)
 
(18.1
)
 
(38.9
)
 
(37.7
)
NET INCOME
$
16.1

 
$
16.6

 
$
32.7

 
$
31.9

 
$
68.7

 
$
66.2


See notes accompanying the financial statements


Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
10
 



QUESTAR PIPELINE COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)

 
3 Months Ended
 
6 Months Ended
 
12 Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in millions)
Net income
$
16.1

 
$
16.6

 
$
32.7

 
$
31.9

 
$
68.7

 
$
66.2

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate cash flow hedges
0.1

 
0.8

 
0.2

 
0.8

 
(37.8
)
 
0.8

Income taxes

 
(0.3
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(0.3
)
 
14.0

 
(0.3
)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)
0.1

 
0.5

 
0.1

 
0.5

 
(23.8
)
 
0.5

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
$
16.2

 
$
17.1

 
$
32.8

 
$
32.4

 
$
44.9

 
$
66.7


See notes accompanying the financial statements


Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
11
 



QUESTAR PIPELINE COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
 
June 30, 2012
 
June 30, 2011
 
Dec. 31, 2011
 
(in millions)
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
0.3

 
$
0.2

 
$
3.4

Notes receivable from Questar
18.8

 

 
8.8

Accounts receivable, net
18.9

 
19.2

 
19.1

Accounts receivable from affiliates
27.9

 
19.6

 
20.2

Materials and supplies
9.0

 
7.0

 
7.4

Current regulatory assets
6.7

 
0.1

 
5.2

Prepaid expenses and other
3.7

 
4.0

 
4.4

Deferred income taxes - current
1.8

 
1.2

 
1.8

Total Current Assets
87.1

 
51.3

 
70.3

Property, Plant and Equipment
1,804.6

 
1,739.4

 
1,790.4

Accumulated depreciation and amortization
(609.2
)
 
(569.2
)
 
(586.7
)
Net Property, Plant and Equipment
1,195.4

 
1,170.2

 
1,203.7

Investment in unconsolidated affiliate
27.1

 
27.4

 
27.3

Goodwill
4.2

 
4.2

 
4.2

Regulatory and other noncurrent assets
8.9

 
8.3

 
10.1

TOTAL ASSETS
$
1,322.7

 
$
1,261.4

 
$
1,315.6

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
Notes payable to Questar
$

 
$
49.3

 
$

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
40.0

 
25.7

 
31.7

Accounts payable to affiliates
4.0

 
2.8

 
5.5

Current regulatory liabilities
1.7

 
3.5

 
1.2

Current portion of long-term debt

 
80.0

 

Total Current Liabilities
45.7

 
161.3

 
38.4

Long-term debt, less current portion
459.0

 
281.0

 
459.0

Deferred income taxes
200.2

 
198.8

 
201.4

Regulatory and other noncurrent liabilities
13.5

 
15.6

 
14.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
6.6

 
6.6

 
6.6

Additional paid-in capital
346.6

 
344.9

 
345.7

Retained earnings
274.4

 
252.7

 
273.2

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(23.3
)
 
0.5

 
(23.4
)
Total Common Shareholder's Equity
604.3

 
604.7

 
602.1

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
$
1,322.7

 
$
1,261.4

 
$
1,315.6


See notes accompanying the financial statements



Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
12
 



QUESTAR PIPELINE COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
6 Months Ended June 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in millions)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Net income
$
32.7

 
$
31.9

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
28.3

 
26.6

Deferred income taxes
3.5

 
18.4

Share-based compensation
1.0

 
0.9

Net (gain) from asset sales
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
(Income) from unconsolidated affiliate
(1.8
)
 
(1.9
)
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliate and other
2.2

 
2.4

Changes in operating assets and liabilities
(2.2
)
 
(6.5
)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
63.6

 
71.7

 
 
 
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment
(25.3
)
 
(40.9
)
Cash used in disposition of assets
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
Proceeds from disposition of assets
0.2

 

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES
(25.2
)
 
(41.0
)
 
 
 
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Change in notes receivable from Questar
(10.0
)
 
30.3

Change in notes payable to Questar

 
49.3

Long-term debt repaid

 
(100.0
)
Dividends paid
(31.5
)
 
(15.4
)
NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES
(41.5
)
 
(35.8
)
Change in cash and cash equivalents
(3.1
)
 
(5.1
)
Beginning cash and cash equivalents
3.4

 
5.3

Ending cash and cash equivalents
$
0.3

 
$
0.2


See notes accompanying the financial statements


Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
13
 



QUESTAR CORPORATION
QUESTAR GAS COMPANY
QUESTAR PIPELINE COMPANY
NOTES ACCOMPANYING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Notes Accompanying the Financial Statements apply to Questar Corporation, Questar Gas Company and Questar Pipeline Company unless otherwise noted.

Note 1 - Nature of Business

Questar Corporation (Questar or the Company) is a Rockies-based integrated natural gas company with three complementary and wholly-owned lines of business:

- Questar Gas Company (Questar Gas) provides retail natural gas distribution in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho.
- Wexpro Company (Wexpro) develops and produces natural gas from cost-of-service reserves for Questar Gas.
- Questar Pipeline Company (Questar Pipeline) operates interstate natural gas pipelines and storage facilities in the western
United States and provides other energy services.

Questar is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. Shares of Questar common stock trade on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:STR).

Note 2 - Basis of Presentation of Interim Financial Statements

The interim financial statements contain the accounts of Questar and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The financial statements were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and with the instructions for Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and SEC Regulations S-X and S-K. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The financial statements reflect all normal, recurring adjustments and accruals that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of financial position and results of operations for the interim periods presented. Interim financial statements do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for audited annual financial statements. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

The preparation of financial statements and notes in conformity with GAAP requires that management make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from estimates. The results of operations for the three, six and 12 months ended June 30, 2012, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2012.

Questar uses the equity method to account for its investment in an unconsolidated affiliate where it does not have control, but has significant influence. White River Hub, LLC is a limited liability company and FERC-regulated transporter of natural gas. Questar Pipeline owns 50% of White River Hub, LLC and is the operator. Generally, the investment in White River Hub, LLC on the Company's balance sheets equals the Company's proportionate share of equity reported by White River Hub, LLC. The investment is assessed for possible impairment when events indicate that the fair value of the investment may be below the Company's carrying value. When such a condition is deemed to be other than temporary, the carrying value of the investment is written down to its fair value, and the amount of the write-down is included in the determination of net income.

Note 3 - Comprehensive Income

Beginning in 2012, the Company and its subsidiaries adopted accounting guidance issued in June 2011 that resulted in the addition of statements of comprehensive income to the primary financial statements.

Comprehensive income attributable to Questar, as reported in Questar's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, is the sum of net income attributable to Questar as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income and other comprehensive income (loss) (OCI). OCI includes recognition of the under-funded position of pension and other postretirement benefit plans, changes in the fair value of long-term investment, interest rate cash flow hedges and income taxes. These transactions are not the culmination of the earnings process but result from periodically adjusting historical balances to fair value. Income or loss is recognized when the pension or other postretirement benefit costs are accrued, when the long-term investment is sold or otherwise realized and as the Company records interest expense for hedged interest payments. The

Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
14
 



components of consolidated accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI), net of income taxes, as reported in Questar's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, are shown below:

 
June 30, 2012
 
June 30, 2011
 
Dec. 31, 2011
 
(in millions)
Pension and other postretirement benefits
$
(202.8
)
 
$
(104.1
)
 
$
(202.8
)
Interest rate cash flow hedges
(23.3
)
 
0.5

 
(23.4
)
Long-term investment
0.1

 
0.1

 
0.1

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)
$
(226.0
)
 
$
(103.5
)
 
$
(226.1
)

Comprehensive income, as reported in Questar Pipeline's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, is the sum of net income as reported in the Questar Pipeline Consolidated Statements of Income and OCI. OCI includes interest rate cash flow hedges and income taxes. These transactions are not the culmination of the earnings process but result from periodically adjusting historical balances to fair value. Income or loss is recognized as the company records interest expense for hedged interest payments. The component of consolidated AOCI, net of income taxes, as reported in Questar Pipeline's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, is shown below:

 
June 30, 2012
 
June 30, 2011
 
Dec. 31, 2011
 
(in millions)
Interest rate cash flow hedges
$
(23.3
)
 
$
0.5

 
$
(23.4
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
$
(23.3
)
 
$
0.5

 
$
(23.4
)

Note 4 - Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share (EPS) is computed by dividing net income attributable to Questar by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted EPS includes the potential increase in the number of outstanding shares that could result from the exercise of in-the-money stock options, the vesting of restricted stock units and performance shares that are part of the Company's Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (LTSIP), less shares repurchased under the treasury stock method. Restricted stock units are participating securities for the computation of earnings per share. The application of the two-class method had an insignificant impact on the calculation of both basic and diluted EPS. A reconciliation of the components of basic and diluted shares used in the EPS calculation follows:

 
3 Months Ended
 
6 Months Ended
 
12 Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in millions)
Weighted-average basic common shares outstanding
177.2

 
177.5

 
177.8

 
177.2

 
177.7

 
177.0

Potential number of shares issuable under the Company's LTSIP
1.1

 
1.3

 
1.1

 
1.5

 
1.2

 
2.0

Weighted-average diluted common shares outstanding
178.3

 
178.8

 
178.9

 
178.7

 
178.9

 
179.0


Note 5 - Asset Retirement Obligations

Questar records an asset retirement obligation (ARO) when there is a legal obligation associated with the retirement of a tangible long-lived asset. At Questar, AROs apply primarily to abandonment costs associated with gas and oil wells, production facilities and certain other properties. The Company has not capitalized future abandonment costs on a majority of its long-lived transportation and distribution assets because the Company does not have a legal obligation to restore the area surrounding abandoned assets. The fair value of retirement costs is estimated by Company personnel based on abandonment costs of similar properties available to field operations and depreciated over the life of the related assets. Revisions to ARO estimates result from changes in expected cash flows or material changes in estimated retirement costs. Income or expense resulting from the settlement of ARO liabilities is included in net gain (loss) from asset sales in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The ARO liability is adjusted to present value each period through an accretion calculation using a credit-adjusted risk-

Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
15
 



free interest rate. Changes in Questar's AROs from the Consolidated Balance Sheets for the six months ended June 30 were as follows:

 
6 Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in millions)
AROs at beginning of year
$
63.8

 
$
60.9

Accretion
1.5

 
1.5

Liabilities incurred
1.7

 
0.6

Revisions in estimated cash flows
(1.2
)
 
2.4

Liabilities settled
(0.2
)
 
(0.2
)
AROs at June 30,
$
65.6

 
$
65.2


Wexpro collects from Questar Gas and deposits in trust certain funds related to estimated ARO costs. The funds are recorded as other noncurrent assets and used to satisfy retirement obligations as the properties are abandoned. The accounting treatment of reclamation activities associated with AROs for properties administered under the Wexpro Agreement is defined in a guideline letter between Wexpro and the Utah Division of Public Utilities and the Staff of the Public Service Commission of Wyoming (PSCW).

Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements

Questar complies with the provisions of the accounting standards for fair value measurements and disclosures. The standards establish a fair value hierarchy. Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. The Company had no assets or liabilities measured using Level 3 inputs at June 30, 2012, June 30, 2011 or December 31, 2011.

Beginning in 2012, Questar adopted fair value accounting guidance issued in May 2011. The guidance did not result in any changes to the reported amounts of assets or liabilities, but did result in disclosure of the fair value hierarchy levels associated with fair value estimates for financial assets and liabilities not carried at fair value.

Questar
The following table discloses the carrying amount, estimated fair value, and level within the fair value hierarchy of certain financial instruments not disclosed in other notes to Questar's financial statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:

 
Hierarchy Level of Fair Value Estimates
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
 
June 30, 2012
 
June 30, 2011
 
Dec. 31, 2011
 
 
(in millions)
Financial assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
1
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
11.6

 
$
11.6

Long-term investment
1
14.7

 
14.7

 
13.7

 
13.7

 
14.4

 
14.4

Financial liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Checks outstanding in excess of cash balances
1
11.8

 
11.8

 
4.5

 
4.5

 

 

Short-term debt
1
190.0

 
190.0

 
137.0

 
137.0

 
219.0

 
219.0

Long-term debt, including current portion
2
1,083.4

 
1,245.5

 
983.8

 
1,085.7

 
1,084.5

 
1,223.4




Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
16
 



The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, checks outstanding in excess of cash balances and short-term debt approximate fair value. The long-term investment is recorded at fair value and consists of money market and short-term bond index mutual funds held in Wexpro's trust (see Note 5). The fair value of the long-term investment is based on quoted prices for the underlying funds. The fair value of fixed-rate long-term debt is based on the discounted present value of cash flows using the Company's current credit-risk adjusted borrowing rates.

The fair values of the Company's derivative instruments are the same as their carrying amounts, and are disclosed in Note 7. The fair values of derivative instruments, which consist entirely of spot and forward starting interest rate swaps, are estimated using a standard discounted cash flow model using observable market-based forward interest rates obtained from third-party financial institutions, and are considered Level 2 fair value measurements.

Questar Gas
The following table discloses the carrying amount, estimated fair value, and level within the fair value hierarchy of certain financial instruments not disclosed in other notes to Questar Gas's financial statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:

 
Hierarchy Level of Fair Value Estimates
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
 
June 30, 2012
 
June 30, 2011
 
Dec. 31, 2011
 
 
(in millions)
Financial assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
1
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
5.0

 
$
5.0

Financial liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Checks outstanding in excess of cash balances
1
5.4

 
5.4

 
2.9

 
2.9

 

 

Notes payable to Questar
1
102.1

 
102.1

 
44.0

 
44.0

 
142.7

 
142.7

Long-term debt, including current portion
2
368.0

 
449.1

 
370.0

 
424.2

 
368.0

 
445.4


The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, checks outstanding in excess of cash balances and notes payable to Questar approximate fair value. The fair value of fixed-rate long-term debt is based on the discounted present value of cash flows using Questar Gas's current credit-risk adjusted borrowing rates.

Questar Pipeline
The following table discloses the carrying amount, estimated fair value, and level within the fair value hierarchy of certain financial instruments not disclosed in other notes to Questar Pipeline's financial statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:

 
Hierarchy Level of Fair Value Estimates
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
 
June 30, 2012
 
June 30, 2011
 
Dec. 31, 2011
 
 
(in millions)
Financial assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
1
$
0.3

 
$
0.3

 
$
0.2

 
$
0.2

 
$
3.4

 
$
3.4

Notes receivable from Questar
1
18.8

 
18.8

 

 

 
8.8

 
8.8

Financial liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes payable to Questar
1

 

 
49.3

 
49.3

 

 

Long-term debt, including current portion
2
459.0

 
535.9

 
361.0

 
405.3

 
459.0

 
519.4


The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, notes receivable from Questar and notes payable to Questar approximate fair value. The fair value of fixed-rate long-term debt is based on the discounted present value of cash flows using Questar Pipeline's current credit-risk adjusted borrowing rates.


Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
17
 



The fair values of the company’s derivative instruments are the same as their carrying amounts, and are disclosed in Note 7. The fair values of derivative instruments, which consist entirely of forward starting interest rate swaps, are estimated using a standard discounted cash flow model using observable market-based forward interest rates obtained from third-party financial institutions, and are considered Level 2 fair value measurements.

Note 7 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Questar and its subsidiaries may enter into derivative instruments to manage exposure to changes in current and future market interest rates. In order to mitigate its exposure to changes in the fair value of its fixed-rate corporate debt resulting from changes in benchmark interest rates, in the second quarter of 2011 Questar executed a fixed-to-floating interest rate swap transaction with a counterparty and converted $125.0 million of its 2.75% fixed rate long-term debt to floating rate debt. The 2.75% rate was swapped for a London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)-based floating rate. Questar terminated and settled this hedge transaction in March 2012, for a deferred gain of $7.2 million, which is being amortized to interest expense through the maturity of the notes in 2016. Prior to its termination, this swap was accounted for as a fair value hedge under the accounting standards for derivatives and hedging.

Questar Pipeline entered into forward starting swaps totaling $150.0 million in the second and third quarters of 2011 in anticipation of issuing $180.0 million of notes in December 2011. Settlement of these swaps required payments of $37.3 million because of declines in interest rates. These swaps qualified as cash flow hedges and the settlement payments are being amortized to interest expense over the 30-year life of the debt.

All derivative instruments are required to be recorded on the balance sheet as either assets or liabilities measured at fair value. The designation of a derivative instrument as a hedge and its ability to meet hedge accounting criteria determines how the changes in fair value of the derivative instrument are reflected in the consolidated financial statements. A derivative instrument qualifies for fair value hedge accounting if, at inception and throughout its life, the derivative is expected to be highly effective in offsetting the changes in fair value of the hedged debt attributable to the hedged interest rate. Changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument qualifying and designated as a fair value hedge as well as the offsetting changes in the fair value of the hedged debt attributable to the hedged interest rate are recorded currently in the Consolidated Statements of Income. A derivative instrument qualifies for cash flow hedge accounting if, at inception and throughout its life, the derivative is expected to be highly effective in offsetting the changes in expected cash flows of the hedged interest payments. Changes in the effective portion of the fair value of a derivative instrument qualifying and designated as a cash flow hedge are initially recorded as a component of OCI in the period and remain in AOCI in the Consolidated Balance Sheets until they are reclassified into earnings as the Company records interest expense for the hedged interest payments. Ineffective portions of a qualifying and designated cash flow hedge are recorded immediately in earnings.

All derivative instruments are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair values on a gross basis. Asset and liability derivative positions with the same counterparty are not netted.

Interest rate swaps and forward starting interest rate swaps are settled in cash on periodic payment dates with one party paying the other for the net difference between the fixed and floating interest rate for the payment period as specified in the swap agreement, multiplied by the notional amount. Forward starting interest rate swaps used as cash flow hedges of forecasted fixed-rate debt issuances are terminated and settled in cash when the forecasted debt is issued or as the swaps expire, with one party paying the other for the swap's net fair value at the time of settlement. Questar reports cash flows related to derivative instruments qualifying and designated as hedges in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows based upon the nature of the hedged items.

The following table presents the pre-tax effects of the derivative instruments designated as a fair value hedge (including the hedged item) and cash flow hedges on the Consolidated Statements of Income as well as the pre-tax effects of the derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges on OCI:


Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
18
 



 
 
3 Months Ended
 
6 Months Ended
 
12 Months Ended
 
Financial Statement
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
Instrument and Activity
Location of Gain (Loss)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
 
(in millions)
Fair Value Hedge 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Questar Corporation 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivative instrument 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Realized gain
Interest expense
$

 
$
3.9

 
$

 
$
3.9

 
$
5.9

 
$
3.9

2.75% Notes due 2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized loss
Interest expense

 
(3.9
)
 

 
(3.9
)
 
(5.9
)
 
(3.9
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flow Hedges 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Questar Pipeline 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivative instruments 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferrals of effective portions 
OCI

 
0.8

 

 
0.8

 
(38.1
)
 
0.8

Losses reclassified from AOCI into earnings for effective portions
Interest expense
(0.1
)
 

 
(0.2
)
 

 
(0.3
)
 


There was no ineffectiveness recognized on the fair value hedge for the three, six and 12 months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011. There was no ineffectiveness recognized on the cash flow hedges for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 and the 12 months ended June 30, 2011. Ineffectiveness recognized on the cash flow hedges was de minimis in the 12 months ended June 30, 2012. Reclassifications into earnings of amounts reported in AOCI will continue as interest expense is recorded for the hedged interest payments through maturity in 2041. Pre-tax net losses of $0.5 million are expected to be reclassified from AOCI to the Consolidated Statements of Income in the next 12 months. As of June 30, 2012, the Company is not hedging any exposure to variability in future cash flows of forecasted transactions.

The following table discloses the Level 2 fair values of the asset and liability derivative instruments designated as hedges in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:

Instrument
Balance Sheet Location
June 30, 2012
 
June 30, 2011
 
Dec. 31, 2011
 
 
(in millions)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
Questar Corporation
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivative instrument
Prepaid expenses and other
$

 
$
0.7

 
$
1.1

Interest rate derivative instrument
Other noncurrent assets

 
3.2

 
7.8

Questar Pipeline
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivative instruments
Prepaid expenses and other

 
1.0

 

Consolidated total - derivative assets
 
$

 
$
4.9

 
$
8.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Questar Pipeline
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivative instruments
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
$

 
$
0.2

 
$

Consolidated total - derivative liabilities
 
$

 
$
0.2

 
$


Note 8 - Share-Based Compensation

Questar may issue stock options, restricted shares, restricted stock units and performance shares to certain officers, employees and non-employee directors under its LTSIP. Questar recognizes expense over time as the stock options, restricted shares, restricted stock units and performance shares vest. Total share-based compensation expense amounted to $5.2 million for the first half of 2012 compared to $5.9 million in 2011. Deferred share-based compensation, representing the unvested value of

Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
19
 



restricted share awards and restricted stock unit awards, amounted to $6.3 million at June 30, 2012. Deferred share-based compensation is included in common stock on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. First half cash flow from income tax benefits in excess of recognized compensation expense amounted to $3.9 million in 2012 compared to $4.7 million in 2011. There were 6,612,365 shares available for future grants at June 30, 2012.

Unvested stock options decreased by 88,396 shares to 29,398 shares in the first half of 2012. Questar did not grant any stock options in the first half of 2012. Stock-option transactions under the terms of the LTSIP are summarized below:

 
Options
Outstanding
 
Price Range
 
Weighted-average Price
Balance at December 31, 2011
1,773,635

 
$
3.70

-
$
17.35

 
$
8.54

Exercised
(162,040
)
 
3.70

-
13.10

 
4.68

Balance at June 30, 2012
1,611,595

 
$
4.37

-
$
17.35

 
$
8.93


Options Outstanding
 
Options Exercisable
 
Unvested Options
Range of exercise
prices
 
Number outstanding at June 30, 2012
 
Weighted-average remaining term in years
 
Weighted-average exercise price
 
Number exercisable at June 30, 2012
 
Weighted-average exercise price
 
Number unvested at June 30, 2012
 
Weighted- average exercise price
$
4.37

-
$
7.84

 
743,888

 
0.8

 
$
4.83

 
743,888

 
$
4.83

 

 
$

11.40

-
12.43

 
539,174

 
2.4

 
11.78

 
539,174

 
11.78

 

 

13.10

-
17.35

 
328,533

 
4.1

 
13.52

 
299,135

 
13.56

 
29,398

 
13.10

 
 
 
 
1,611,595

 
2.0

 
$
8.93

 
1,582,197

 
$
8.85

 
29,398

 
$
13.10


Restricted share grants typically vest in equal installments over a three- or four-year period from the grant date. Several grants vest in a single installment after a specified period. The weighted-average remaining vesting period of unvested restricted shares at June 30, 2012, was 17 months. Transactions involving restricted shares under the terms of the LTSIP are summarized below:

 
Restricted
Shares
Outstanding
 
Price Range
 
Weighted-average Price
Balance at December 31, 2011
771,550

 
$
11.40

-
$
17.97

 
$
16.22

Granted
357,678

 


 
19.39

 
19.39

Distributed
(257,510
)
 
11.40

-
17.97

 
16.21

Forfeited
(8,786
)
 
13.10

-
19.39

 
17.66

Balance at June 30, 2012
862,932

 
$
13.10

-
$
19.39

 
$
17.52


Restricted stock unit grants typically vest in equal installments over a three-year period from the grant date. At June 30, 2012, Questar's outstanding restricted stock units totaled 70,231 with a weighted-average price of $15.42 per share and a weighted-average remaining vesting period of nine months.

In the first quarter of 2012, Questar granted to certain Company executive officers a total of 136,846 performance shares under the terms of the LTSIP. The awards were designed to motivate and reward these executives for long-term Company performance and provide an incentive for them to remain with the Company. The target number of performance shares for each executive officer is subject to adjustment upward or downward based on the Company's performance over the three-year performance period ending December 31, 2014 with respect to specified performance criteria relative to a specified peer group of companies. The actual performance shares awarded, if any, will be distributed in the first quarter of 2015 so long as such executive officer was employed by the Company or its affiliates as of December 31, 2014. Half of any award will be distributed in shares of Company common stock and half in cash. The Monte Carlo simulation method was used to estimate the grant-date fair value of the performance share awards at $25.42 per share. Equity- and liability-based performance share compensation expense amounted to $1.0 million in the first half of 2012 and $0.4 million in the first half of 2011.


Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
20
 



Note 9 - Operations by Line of Business

Questar's three complementary lines of business include Questar Gas, which provides retail natural gas distribution in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho; Wexpro, which develops and produces natural gas from cost-of-service reserves for Questar Gas; and Questar Pipeline, which operates interstate natural gas pipelines and storage facilities. Line-of-business information is presented according to senior management's basis for evaluating performance and considering differences in the nature of products, services and regulation, among other factors. Following is a summary of operations by line of business:

 
3 Months Ended
 
6 Months Ended
 
12 Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in millions)
Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Questar Gas
$
130.2

 
$
164.0

 
$
496.2

 
$
577.9

 
$
883.8

 
$
970.4

Wexpro
8.1

 
8.4

 
17.3

 
16.2

 
32.6

 
30.3

Questar Pipeline
50.1

 
50.5

 
100.6

 
98.8

 
199.2

 
200.1

Total
$
188.4

 
$
222.9

 
$
614.1

 
$
692.9

 
$
1,115.6

 
$
1,200.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues from Affiliated Companies 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Questar Gas
$
1.0

 
$
1.0

 
$
1.8

 
$
1.8

 
$
3.3

 
$
2.5

Wexpro
69.6

 
61.1

 
135.3

 
122.0

 
266.9

 
241.5

Questar Pipeline
18.3

 
18.7

 
36.8

 
37.3

 
73.9

 
74.0

Total
$
88.9

 
$
80.8

 
$
173.9

 
$
161.1

 
$
344.1

 
$
318.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Questar Gas
$
1.5

 
$
5.7

 
$
63.3

 
$
64.5

 
$
92.9

 
$
93.4

Wexpro
39.7

 
36.1

 
76.9

 
70.6

 
152.0

 
138.2

Questar Pipeline
30.8

 
31.7

 
62.6

 
61.0

 
127.5

 
127.0

Corporate and other
0.6

 
0.2

 
0.7

 
0.4

 
1.5

 
0.1

Total
$
72.6

 
$
73.7

 
$
203.5

 
$
196.5

 
$
373.9

 
$
358.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income (Loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Questar Gas
$
(2.3
)
 
$
0.4

 
$
32.6

 
$
33.8

 
$
44.9

 
$
46.8

Wexpro
25.8

 
23.7

 
50.1

 
46.0

 
99.3

 
90.9

Questar Pipeline
16.1

 
16.6

 
32.7

 
31.9

 
68.7

 
66.2

Corporate and other
(0.4
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(1.0
)
 
(1.5
)
 
(0.8
)
 
(2.3
)
Total
$
39.2

 
$
40.3

 
$
114.4

 
$
110.2

 
$
212.1

 
$
201.6


Note 10 - Employee Benefits

Questar has defined-benefit pension and life insurance plans covering a majority of its employees. On July 1, 2010, Questar closed its defined-benefit pension plan to new hires or rehires. The Company previously closed its postretirement medical coverage and life insurance plan to employees hired or rehired after January 1, 1997, and established maximum amounts paid by the Company.

Questar is subject to and complies with minimum-required and maximum-allowed annual contribution levels for its qualified pension plan as determined by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and Internal Revenue Code. The 2012 estimated qualified pension expense is $33.1 million. The projected 2012 qualified pension plan funding is $78.6 million.

The Company also has a nonqualified pension plan for eligible employees who participate in the qualified pension plan, which provides a "make-up" benefit due to the limits on compensation that can be taken into account in determining benefits under the

Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
21
 



qualified pension plan. The nonqualified pension plan is unfunded; claims are paid from the Company's general funds. The 2012 nonqualified pension plan expense is estimated to be $2.0 million. Components of the qualified and nonqualified pension expense included in the determination of net income are listed in the table below:

 
3 Months Ended
 
6 Months Ended
 
12 Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in millions)
Service cost
$
3.2

 
$
2.2

 
$
6.5

 
$
4.4

 
$
11.4

 
$
8.8

Interest cost
7.8

 
7.1

 
15.5

 
14.2

 
29.8

 
27.1

Expected return on plan assets
(8.0
)
 
(6.3
)
 
(15.7
)
 
(12.6
)
 
(29.1
)
 
(24.2
)
Prior service and other costs
0.3

 
0.3

 
0.5

 
0.6

 
1.0

 
1.1

Recognized net actuarial loss
5.4

 
2.6

 
10.8

 
5.2

 
17.7

 
9.9

Curtailment costs
0.1

 

 
0.2

 

 
1.0

 
2.1

Pension expense
$
8.8

 
$
5.9

 
$
17.8

 
$
11.8

 
$
31.8

 
$
24.8


The Company currently estimates a $6.0 million expense for postretirement benefits other than pensions in 2012 before $0.8 million for accretion of a regulatory liability. Postretirement benefit expense components are listed in the table below:

 
3 Months Ended
 
6 Months Ended
 
12 Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in millions)
Service cost
$
0.2

 
$
0.1

 
$
0.3

 
$
0.3

 
$
0.5

 
$
0.6

Interest cost
0.9

 
1.1

 
1.8

 
2.2

 
3.8

 
4.2

Expected return on plan assets
(0.6
)
 
(0.6
)
 
(1.1
)
 
(1.3
)
 
(2.4
)
 
(2.6
)
Amortization of transition obligation
0.4

 
0.4

 
0.8

 
0.9

 
1.8

 
1.9

Amortization of losses
0.5

 
0.2

 
1.1

 
0.3

 
1.1

 
0.5

Accretion of regulatory liability
0.2

 
0.2

 
0.4

 
0.4

 
0.8

 
0.8

Curtailment costs

 

 

 

 

 
0.3

Postretirement benefits expense
$
1.6

 
$
1.4

 
$
3.3

 
$
2.8

 
$
5.6

 
$
5.7


ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

The following information updates the discussion of Questar's financial condition provided in its 2011 Form 10-K and analyzes the changes in the results of operations between the three, six and 12 months ended June 30, 2012, and June 30, 2011. For definitions of commonly used terms found in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, please refer to the "Glossary of Commonly Used Terms" provided in Questar's 2011 Form 10-K.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Following are comparisons of net income (loss) by line of business:


Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
22
 



 
3 Months Ended June 30,
 
6 Months Ended June 30,
 
12 Months Ended June 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
Change
 
2012
 
2011
 
Change
 
2012
 
2011
 
Change
 
(in millions, except per-share amounts)
Questar Gas
$
(2.3
)
 
$
0.4

 
$
(2.7
)
 
$
32.6

 
$
33.8

 
$
(1.2
)
 
$
44.9

 
$
46.8

 
$
(1.9
)
Wexpro
25.8

 
23.7

 
2.1

 
50.1

 
46.0

 
4.1

 
99.3

 
90.9

 
8.4

Questar Pipeline
16.1

 
16.6

 
(0.5
)
 
32.7

 
31.9

 
0.8

 
68.7

 
66.2

 
2.5

Corporate and other
(0.4
)
 
(0.4
)
 

 
(1.0
)
 
(1.5
)
 
0.5

 
(0.8
)
 
(2.3
)
 
1.5

Net income
$
39.2

 
$
40.3

 
$
(1.1
)
 
$
114.4

 
$
110.2

 
$
4.2

 
$
212.1

 
$
201.6

 
$
10.5

Earnings per share - diluted
$
0.22

 
$
0.22

 
$

 
$
0.64

 
$
0.62

 
$
0.02

 
$
1.19

 
$
1.13

 
$
0.06

Average diluted shares
178.3

 
178.8

 
(0.5
)
 
178.9

 
178.7

 
0.2

 
178.9

 
179.0

 
(0.1
)

QUESTAR GAS
Questar Gas reported a net loss of $2.3 million in the second quarter of 2012 compared to net income of $0.4 million in the second quarter of 2011. Questar Gas net income was $32.6 million in the first half of 2012 compared to $33.8 million in the first half of 2011. Net income was $44.9 million in the 12 months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $46.8 million in the year-earlier period. Questar Gas, because of the seasonal nature of its business, typically reports income in the first and fourth quarters of the year and losses in the second and third quarters of the year. Following is a summary of Questar Gas financial and operating results:


Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
23
 



 
3 Months Ended June 30,
 
6 Months Ended June 30,
 
12 Months Ended June 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
Change
 
2012
 
2011
 
Change
 
2012
 
2011
 
Change
 
(in millions)
Net Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential and commercial sales
$
114.1

 
$
146.1

 
$
(32.0
)
 
$
461.4

 
$
542.9

 
$
(81.5
)
 
$
811.5

 
$
902.6

 
$
(91.1
)
Industrial sales
6.0

 
7.1

 
(1.1
)
 
12.8

 
14.5

 
(1.7
)
 
28.0

 
28.8

 
(0.8
)
Transportation for industrial customers
2.7

 
2.6

 
0.1

 
5.5

 
5.3

 
0.2

 
11.5

 
9.6

 
1.9

Service
1.2

 
1.4

 
(0.2
)
 
2.7

 
3.0

 
(0.3
)
 
4.8

 
4.7

 
0.1

Other
7.2

 
7.8

 
(0.6
)
 
15.6

 
14.0

 
1.6

 
31.3

 
27.2

 
4.1

Total revenues
131.2

 
165.0

 
(33.8
)
 
498.0

 
579.7

 
(81.7
)
 
887.1

 
972.9

 
(85.8
)
Cost of natural gas sold
75.5

 
109.8

 
(34.3
)
 
311.7

 
398.5

 
(86.8
)
 
558.9

 
657.2

 
(98.3
)
Margin
55.7

 
55.2

 
0.5

 
186.3

 
181.2

 
5.1

 
328.2

 
315.7

 
12.5

Other operating expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating and maintenance
24.9

 
24.4

 
0.5

 
65.8

 
61.8

 
4.0

 
122.5

 
112.7

 
9.8

General and administrative
12.7

 
10.2

 
2.5

 
24.4

 
24.8

 
(0.4
)
 
50.6

 
51.9

 
(1.3
)
Depreciation and amortization
11.8

 
10.9

 
0.9

 
23.6

 
21.8

 
1.8

 
46.3

 
43.2

 
3.1

Other taxes
4.8

 
4.0

 
0.8

 
9.2

 
8.3

 
0.9

 
15.9

 
14.5

 
1.4

Total Other Operating Expenses
54.2

 
49.5

 
4.7

 
123.0

 
116.7

 
6.3

 
235.3

 
222.3

 
13.0

OPERATING INCOME
1.5

 
5.7

 
(4.2
)
 
63.3

 
64.5

 
(1.2
)
 
92.9

 
93.4

 
(0.5
)
Interest and other income
1.2

 
1.3

 
(0.1
)
 
2.4

 
2.9

 
(0.5
)
 
4.9

 
6.4

 
(1.5
)
Interest expense
(6.5
)
 
(6.5
)
 

 
(13.3
)
 
(13.1
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(26.1
)
 
(26.0
)
 
(0.1
)
Income taxes
1.5

 
(0.1
)
 
1.6

 
(19.8
)
 
(20.5
)
 
0.7

 
(26.8
)
 
(27.0
)
 
0.2

NET INCOME (LOSS)
$
(2.3
)
 
$
0.4

 
$
(2.7
)
 
$
32.6


$
33.8

 
$
(1.2
)
 
$
44.9

 
$
46.8

 
$
(1.9
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Statistics
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural gas volumes (MMdth)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential and commercial sales
13.4

 
19.3

 
(5.9
)
 
57.0

 
68.2

 
(11.2
)
 
102.1

 
110.9

 
(8.8
)
Industrial sales
1.2

 
1.1

 
0.1

 
2.4

 
2.3

 
0.1

 
5.1

 
4.5

 
0.6

Transportation for industrial customers
14.8

 
11.1

 
3.7

 
30.4

 
25.3

 
5.1

 
57.6

 
55.1

 
2.5

Total industrial
16.0

 
12.2

 
3.8

 
32.8

 
27.6

 
5.2

 
62.7

 
59.6

 
3.1

Total Deliveries
29.4

 
31.5

 
(2.1
)
 
89.8

 
95.8

 
(6.0
)
 
164.8

 
170.5

 
(5.7
)
Natural gas revenue (per dth)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential and commercial sales
$
8.48

 
$
7.59

 
$
0.89

 
$
8.09

 
$
7.96

 
$
0.13

 
$
7.94

 
$
8.14

 
$
(0.20
)
Industrial sales
4.92

 
6.06

 
(1.14
)
 
5.27

 
6.09

 
(0.82
)
 
5.64

 
6.14

 
(0.50
)
Transportation for industrial customers
0.18

 
0.23

 
(0.05
)
 
0.18

 
0.21

 
(0.03
)
 
0.20

 
0.17

 
0.03

Colder (warmer) than normal temperatures
(18%)

 
53%

 
(71%)

 
(14%)

 
14%

 
(28%)

 
(9%)

 
5%

 
(14%)

Temperature-adjusted usage per customer (dth)
15.9

 
17.0

 
(1.1
)
 
66.4

 
67.0

 
(0.6
)
 
110.5

 
110.8

 
(0.3
)
Customers at June 30, (in thousands)
924

 
914

 
10

 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 

Margin Analysis
Questar Gas margin (revenues minus gas costs) increased $0.5 million in the second quarter of 2012 compared to the second quarter of 2011, increased $5.1 million in the first half of 2012 compared to the first half of 2011 and increased $12.5 million in

Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
24
 



the 12 months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the 12 months ended June 30, 2011. Following is a summary of major changes in Questar Gas margin:

 
3 Months 2012 vs. 2011
 
6 Months 2012 vs. 2011
 
12 Months
2012 vs. 2011
 
(in millions)
Customer growth
$
0.5

 
$
1.7

 
$
2.9

Feeder line cost recovery
0.8

 
3.0

 
5.5

Demand-side management cost recovery
0.4

 
2.5

 
5.3

Recovery of gas-cost portion of bad-debt costs
(0.9
)
 
(1.7
)
 
(2.4
)
Other
(0.3
)
 
(0.4
)
 
1.2

Increase
$
0.5

 
$
5.1

 
$
12.5


On June 30, 2012, Questar Gas served 924,239 customers, up 1.2% from 913,571 at June 30, 2011. Customer growth increased the margin by $0.5 million in the second quarter of 2012, $1.7 million in the first half of 2012 and $2.9 million in the 12 months ended June 30, 2012.

Questar Gas has benefited from a conservation-enabling (revenue decoupling) tariff since 2006. Under this tariff, Questar Gas is allowed to earn a margin for each general-service customer. Differences between the margin and the amount billed to customers are recovered from customers or refunded to customers through future rate changes. Because of this tariff, changes in usage per customer do not impact the company's margin. In addition, a weather-normalization adjustment of customer bills offsets the revenue impact of temperature variations.

On April 8, 2010, the Public Service Commission of Utah (PSCU) approved a settlement in Questar Gas's Utah general rate case to increase the utility's allowed return on equity from 10% to 10.35% and to indefinitely extend the existing conservation-enabling (revenue decoupling) tariff. The stipulation agreement increased customer rates by $5.0 million annually effective August 1, 2010.

The stipulation further approves an infrastructure cost-tracking mechanism that allows the company to place into rate base and earn on capital expenditures associated with a multi-year high-pressure natural gas feeder-line replacement program, and do it immediately upon the completion of each project. Questar Gas recognized $0.8 million of increased margin due to the infrastructure tracking mechanism in the second quarter of 2012, $3.0 million in the first half of 2012 and $5.5 million in the 12 months ended June 30, 2012.

Questar Gas margin increased during the three-, six- and 12-month periods ended June 30, 2012, due to higher recovery of demand-side management costs used to promote energy conservation by customers. Changes in the margin contribution from demand-side management recovery revenues are offset by equivalent changes in program expenses.

Expenses
Cost of natural gas sold decreased 31% in the second quarter of 2012, 22% in the first half of 2012 and 15% in the 12 months ended June 30, 2012, compared to the same periods of 2011 due to lower volumes and lower rates. Questar Gas accounts for purchased-gas costs in accordance with procedures authorized by the PSCU and the PSCW. Purchased-gas costs that are different from those provided for in present rates are accumulated and recovered or credited through future rate changes. As of June 30, 2012, Questar Gas had a $0.6 million over-collected balance in the purchased-gas adjustment account representing costs recovered from customers in excess of costs incurred. During the second quarter of 2012, Questar Gas credited $43.0 million of its over-collected balance to customers.

Operating and maintenance expenses increased $0.5 million in the second quarter of 2012, increased $4.0 million in the first half of 2012 and increased $9.8 million in the 12 months ended June 30, 2012, compared to the same periods of 2011. These increases included higher demand-side management costs of $0.4 million, $2.5 million and $5.3 million for the three-, six- and 12-month periods, respectively. The demand-side management costs are for the company's energy efficiency program and are recovered from customers through periodic rate changes. General and administrative expenses increased $2.5 million in the 2012 second quarter, decreased $0.4 million in the 2012 first half and decreased $1.3 million in the 12 months ended June 30, 2012, compared to the prior year periods. The increase in the second quarter of 2012 was due to higher employee and corporate allocated costs. The decreases in the first half of 2012 and 12 months ended June 30, 2012 are due to lower employee costs including allocations of corporate costs. Operating, maintenance, general and administrative expenses per customer, exclusive

Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
25
 



of demand-side management costs, were $141 in the 12 months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $140 in the 12 months ended June 30, 2011.

Other taxes increased 20% in the second quarter of 2012, increased 11% in the first half of 2012 and increased 10% in the 12 months ended June 30, 2012, compared to year-earlier periods due to increased property taxes.

Depreciation expense increased 8% in the second quarter and first half of 2012 and increased 7% in the 12 months ended June 30, 2012, compared to the 2011 periods. The higher depreciation was caused by plant additions driven by customer growth and feeder line replacements.

WEXPRO
Wexpro reported income of $25.8 million in the second quarter of 2012 compared to $23.7 million in the second quarter of 2011, a 9% increase. Wexpro earned $50.1 million in the first half of 2012 compared to $46.0 million in the first half of 2011. Wexpro earned $99.3 million for the 12 months ending June 30, 2012 compared to $90.9 million for the year-earlier period. Following is a summary of Wexpro financial and operating results:

 
3 Months Ended June 30,
 
6 Months Ended June 30,
 
12 Months Ended June 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
Change
 
2012
 
2011
 
Change
 
2012
 
2011
 
Change
 
(in millions)
Net Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operator service fee
$
68.3

 
$
61.3

 
$
7.0

 
$
133.9

 
$
122.4

 
$
11.5

 
$
265.0

 
$
242.9

 
$
22.1

Oil and NGL sales
9.3

 
7.9

 
1.4

 
18.5

 
15.5

 
3.0

 
34.3

 
28.4

 
5.9

Other
0.1

 
0.3

 
(0.2
)
 
0.2

 
0.3

 
(0.1
)
 
0.2

 
0.5

 
(0.3
)
Total Revenues
77.7

 
69.5

 
8.2

 
152.6

 
138.2

 
14.4

 
299.5

 
271.8

 
27.7

Operating expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating and maintenance
6.2

 
5.2

 
1.0

 
13.4

 
10.6

 
2.8

 
25.1

 
21.3

 
3.8

General and administrative
6.6

 
5.6

 
1.0

 
12.9

 
11.8

 
1.1

 
25.3

 
22.3

 
3.0

Production and other taxes
5.0

 
6.4

 
(1.4
)
 
11.9

 
12.1

 
(0.2
)
 
25.4

 
24.1

 
1.3

Depreciation, depletion and amortization
19.5

 
15.2

 
4.3

 
38.2

 
31.3

 
6.9

 
70.8

 
63.1

 
7.7

Oil income sharing
1.0

 
1.0

 

 
1.8

 
1.8

 

 
3.3

 
2.5

 
0.8

Total Operating Expenses
38.3

 
33.4

 
4.9

 
78.2

 
67.6

 
10.6

 
149.9

 
133.3

 
16.6

Net gain (loss) from asset sales
0.3

 

 
0.3

 
2.5

 

 
2.5

 
2.4

 
(0.3
)
 
2.7

OPERATING INCOME
39.7

 
36.1

 
3.6

 
76.9

 
70.6

 
6.3

 
152.0

 
138.2

 
13.8

Interest and other income
0.7

 
0.9

 
(0.2
)
 
1.5

 
1.2

 
0.3

 
4.5

 
2.9

 
1.6

Interest expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(0.1
)
 
0.1

Income taxes
(14.6
)
 
(13.3
)
 
(1.3
)
 
(28.3
)
 
(25.8
)
 
(2.5
)
 
(57.2
)
 
(50.1
)
 
(7.1
)
NET INCOME
$
25.8

 
$
23.7

 
$
2.1

 
$
50.1

 
$
46.0

 
$
4.1

 
$
99.3

 
$
90.9

 
$
8.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Statistics
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Production volumes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural gas (Bcf)
14.3

 
11.8

 
2.5

 
29.3

 
24.5

 
4.8

 
55.3

 
49.6

 
5.7

Oil and NGL (Mbbl)
163

 
100

 
63

 
319

 
205

 
114

 
581

 
429

 
152

Oil and NGL average sales price (per bbl)
$
80.70

 
$
90.33

 
$
(9.63
)
 
$
84.36

 
$
85.71

 
$
(1.35
)
 
$
81.73

 
$
75.92

 
$
5.81

Investment base at June 30, (in millions)
$
517.7

 
$
443.5

 
$
74.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Revenues
Wexpro earned a 19.9% after-tax return on its average investment base for the 12 months ended June 30, 2012. Wexpro 2012

Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
26
 



operating results benefited from a higher average investment base compared to the prior year period. Pursuant to the terms of a long-standing agreement referred to as the Wexpro Agreement, Wexpro recovers its costs and receives an after-tax return on its investment base. Wexpro's investment base includes its costs of commercial wells and related facilities adjusted for working capital and reduced for deferred income taxes and accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization. The investment base grew in the 12 months ended June 30, 2012, but the increase due to investment in commercial wells was partially offset by increased deferred taxes due to bonus depreciation allowed for income tax purposes. Following is a summary of changes in the Wexpro investment base:

 
12 Months Ended June 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in millions)
Beginning investment base
$
443.5

 
$
436.2

Successful development wells
171.7

 
96.0

Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(67.2
)
 
(59.1
)
Deferred income taxes
(30.3
)
 
(29.6
)
Ending investment base
$
517.7

 
$
443.5


Wexpro produced 14.3 Bcf of cost-of-service natural gas for Questar Gas during the second quarter of 2012, up 21% from the second quarter of 2011. Wexpro produced 29.3 Bcf in the first half of 2012 compared to 24.5 Bcf in the first half of 2011. Wexpro produced 55.3 Bcf of cost-of-service gas in the 12 months ending June 30, 2012, compared to 49.6 Bcf in the 12 months ended June 30, 2011. On an annual basis, Wexpro natural gas production provides more than half of Questar Gas's supply requirements.

Revenues from oil and NGL sales increased 18% in the second quarter of 2012 over the second quarter of 2011, were up 19% in the first half of 2012 over the first half of 2011 and were up 21% in the 12 months ended June 30, 2012 over the year-earlier period. The increases were due to higher production volumes. The increase in revenues was partially offset by higher oil production related expenses. Increased oil and NGL sales caused a 32% increase in the sharing of oil income with Questar Gas customers under the terms of the Wexpro Agreement in the 12 months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the 12 months ended June 30, 2011.

Expenses
Operating and maintenance expenses were up 19% in the second quarter of 2012, up 26% in the first half of 2012 and up 18% in 12-month period ended June 30, 2012 compared to prior year periods due to higher production and increased spending on repairs and field costs. Lease operating expense per Mcfe was $0.43 in the first half of 2012 compared to $0.41 in the first half of 2011. General and administrative expenses were higher in the three-, six- and 12-month periods ended June 30, 2012, compared to prior year periods. These increases are due to higher employee expenses. Production and other taxes were lower in the second quarter of 2012 compared to the second quarter of 2011, lower in the first half of 2012 compared to the first half of 2011 and higher in the 12 months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the 2011 period due to changes in the value of natural gas, oil and NGL production.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense increased 28% in the second quarter of 2012, increased 22% in the first half of 2012 and increased 12% in the 12 months ended June 30, 2012, over the 2011 periods due to increased production volumes and investment in natural gas wells and facilities.

QUESTAR PIPELINE
Questar Pipeline reported second quarter 2012 income of $16.1 million compared with $16.6 million in 2011, a 3% decrease. Questar Pipeline earned $32.7 million in the first half of 2012, up 3% from $31.9 million in the first half of 2011. Questar Pipeline earned $68.7 million in the 12 months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $66.2 million in the 12 months ended June 30, 2011. Following is a summary of Questar Pipeline financial and operating results:


Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
27
 



 
3 Months Ended June 30,
 
6 Months Ended June 30,
 
12 Months Ended June 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
Change
 
2012
 
2011
 
Change
 
2012
 
2011
 
Change
 
(in millions)
Net Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transportation
$
48.7

 
$
49.1

 
$
(0.4
)
 
$
97.2

 
$
96.8

 
$
0.4

 
$
195.6

 
$
191.1

 
$
4.5

Storage
9.6

 
9.5

 
0.1

 
19.2

 
19.2

 

 
38.3

 
37.9

 
0.4

NGL sales - transportation
1.9

 
2.2

 
(0.3
)
 
4.0

 
4.8

 
(0.8
)
 
8.1

 
12.7

 
(4.6
)
NGL sales - field services
2.2

 
2.8

 
(0.6
)
 
4.7

 
4.8

 
(0.1
)
 
8.2

 
10.2

 
(2.0
)
Energy services
3.7

 
4.3

 
(0.6
)
 
7.5

 
8.2

 
(0.7
)
 
15.5

 
15.1

 
0.4

Other
2.3

 
1.3

 
1.0

 
4.8

 
2.3

 
2.5

 
7.4

 
7.1

 
0.3

Total Revenues
68.4

 
69.2

 
(0.8
)
 
137.4

 
136.1

 
1.3

 
273.1

 
274.1

 
(1.0
)
Operating expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating and maintenance
8.7

 
10.3

 
(1.6
)
 
17.3

 
18.9

 
(1.6
)
 
33.7

 
42.2

 
(8.5
)
General and administrative    
12.4

 
11.1

 
1.3

 
24.5

 
24.2

 
0.3

 
46.8

 
44.2

 
2.6

Depreciation and amortization
13.5

 
12.8

 
0.7

 
27.0

 
25.1

 
1.9

 
53.1

 
48.9

 
4.2

Other taxes
2.4

 
2.3

 
0.1

 
4.9

 
5.4

 
(0.5
)
 
9.6

 
9.6

 

Cost of goods sold
0.7

 
1.0

 
(0.3
)
 
1.2

 
1.6

 
(0.4
)
 
2.7

 
3.0

 
(0.3
)
Total Operating Expenses
37.7

 
37.5

 
0.2

 
74.9

 
75.2

 
(0.3
)
 
145.9

 
147.9

 
(2.0
)
Net gain from asset sales
0.1

 

 
0.1

 
0.1

 
0.1

 

 
0.3

 
0.8

 
(0.5
)
OPERATING INCOME
30.8

 
31.7

 
(0.9
)
 
62.6

 
61.0

 
1.6

 
127.5

 
127.0

 
0.5

Interest and other income
0.3

 
0.1

 
0.2

 
0.3

 
1.0

 
(0.7
)
 
0.2

 
1.1

 
(0.9
)
Income from unconsolidated affiliate
0.9

 
1.0

 
(0.1
)
 
1.8

 
1.9

 
(0.1
)
 
3.7

 
3.8

 
(0.1
)
Interest expense
(6.6
)
 
(6.8
)
 
0.2

 
(13.2
)
 
(13.9
)
 
0.7

 
(23.8
)
 
(28.0
)
 
4.2

Income taxes
(9.3
)
 
(9.4
)
 
0.1

 
(18.8
)
 
(18.1
)
 
(0.7
)
 
(38.9
)
 
(37.7
)
 
(1.2
)
NET INCOME
$
16.1

 
$
16.6

 
$
(0.5
)
 
$
32.7

 
$
31.9

 
$
0.8

 
$
68.7

 
$
66.2

 
$
2.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Statistics
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural gas-transportation volumes (MMdth)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For unaffiliated customers
195.4

 
159.1

 
36.3

 
379.3

 
321.6

 
57.7

 
723.5

 
645.6

 
77.9

For Questar Gas
23.0

 
28.7

 
(5.7
)
 
66.3

 
71.8

 
(5.5
)
 
111.4

 
110.2

 
1.2

Total Transportation
218.4

 
187.8

 
30.6

 
445.6

 
393.4

 
52.2

 
834.9

 
755.8

 
79.1

Transportation revenue (per dth)
$
0.22

 
$
0.26

 
$
(0.04
)
 
$
0.22

 
$
0.25

 
$
(0.03
)
 
$
0.23

 
$
0.25

 
$
(0.02
)
Net firm-daily transportation demand at June 30, (in Mdth)
4,969

 
4,987

 
(18
)
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural gas processing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NGL sales (Mbbl)
70

 
64

 
6

 
132

 
130

 
2

 
235

 
373

 
(138
)
NGL sales price (per bbl)
$
58.32

 
$
78.23

 
$
(19.91
)
 
$
65.47

 
$
73.87

 
$
(8.40
)
 
$
69.05

 
$
61.54

 
$
7.51


Revenues
As of June 30, 2012, Questar Pipeline had net firm-transportation contracts of 4,969 Mdth per day, including 1,020 Mdth per day from Questar Pipeline's 50% ownership of White River Hub, compared with 4,987 Mdth per day as of June 30, 2011. Questar Pipeline has expanded its transportation system in response to growing regional natural gas production and transportation demand. The increases in transportation revenues in the first half of 2012 and 12 months ended June 30, 2012, were due primarily to expansions of the Overthrust Pipeline system that were completed in March 2011. The expansions of Overthrust Pipeline include the increase in compression completed in February 2010 and the 43-mile, 36-inch diameter loop placed in service in March 2011. The compression expansion added 160 Mdth per day of firm-transportation contracts in February 2010 and the loop expansion added 50 Mdth per day in December 2010 and 275 Mdth per day in March 2011. The

Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
28
 



decrease in transportation revenues in the second quarter of 2012 was due to lower interruptible transportation and the expiration of contracts.

Questar Pipeline earns its largest transportation revenue from Questar Gas, with contracts for 881 Mdth per day. The primary Questar Gas transportation contract extends through mid 2017.

Questar Pipeline owns and operates the Clay Basin underground storage complex in eastern Utah. This facility is 100% subscribed under long-term contracts. In addition to Clay Basin, Questar Pipeline owns and operates three smaller aquifer gas storage facilities. Questar Gas has contracted for 25% of firm-storage capacity at Clay Basin for terms extending from one to seven years and 100% of the firm-storage capacity at the aquifer facilities for terms extending for six years.

Questar Pipeline charges FERC-approved transportation and storage rates that are based on straight-fixed-variable rate design. Under this rate design, all fixed costs of providing service including depreciation and return on investment are recovered through the demand charge. About 95% of Questar Pipeline costs are fixed and recovered through these demand charges. Questar Pipeline's earnings are driven primarily by demand revenues from firm shippers. Since only about 5% of operating costs are recovered through volumetric charges, changes in transportation volumes do not have a significant impact on earnings.

NGL volumes increased 9% in the second quarter of 2012 compared to the second quarter of 2011, increased 2% in the first half of 2012 compared to the first half of 2011 and decreased 37% in the 12 months ended June 30, 2012, compared to the year-earlier period. NGL volumes declined on the Questar Pipeline transportation system due to upstream processing. NGL volumes increased at the Questar Field Services (a subsidiary of Questar Pipeline) plant in the second quarter of 2012 due to higher liquid content of processed gas. NGL prices were 25% lower in the second quarter of 2012, 11% lower in the first half of 2012 and 12% higher in the 12 months ended June 30, 2012, compared to year-earlier periods.

Expenses
Operating and maintenance expenses decreased 16% in the second quarter of 2012, decreased 8% in the first half of 2012 and decreased 20% in the 12 months ended June 30, 2012, compared to the corresponding 2011 periods. The decreased costs for the 12-month period are due primarily to lower compressor maintenance costs and lower gas purchase costs at the Questar Field Services plant. General and administrative expenses increased 12% in the second quarter of 2012, increased 1% in the first half of 2012 and increased 6% in the 12 months ended June 30, 2012, compared to corresponding 2011 periods. The increases were due to higher employee costs and allocations of corporate costs. Operating, maintenance, general and administrative expenses per dth transported were $0.09 in the first half of 2012 compared to $0.11 in the first half of 2011.

Other taxes decreased 9% in the first half of 2012 and were essentially flat in the quarter and 12 months ended June 30, 2012, compared to year-earlier periods. The decrease in the first half of of 2012 is primarily due to 2011 adjustments to property tax estimates.

Depreciation expense was up 5% in the second quarter of 2012, 8% in the first half of 2012, and 9% in the 12 months ended June 30, 2012, compared to the 2011 periods because of system expansions placed into service.

Other Consolidated Results

Consolidated cost of sales
Questar Gas’s cost of natural gas sold includes amounts paid to Wexpro for cost-of-service gas supplies and amounts paid to Questar Pipeline for transportation and storage services. These intercompany transactions are eliminated in the consolidated Questar financial statements. Questar Gas records injection of natural gas into underground storage as a reduction of cost of natural gas sold. During the second quarter 2012, the Questar consolidated income statement shows a credit balance for cost of sales because of low sales volumes, the elimination of intercompany revenues and expenses, and the injection of natural gas into storage.

Interest expense
Consolidated interest expense was 2% higher in the second quarter of 2012, 3% lower in the first half of 2012 and 6% lower in the 12 months ending June 30, 2012, compared to the prior year periods. In December 2010, Questar issued $250.0 million of 2.75% Senior Notes due in 2016. In the second quarter of 2011, Questar executed a fixed-to-floating interest rate swap transaction to convert $125.0 million of its 2.75% Senior Notes to floating rate debt. Questar settled this hedge transaction in March 2012, for a deferred gain of $7.2 million, which is being amortized to interest expense over the remaining debt term.

Income taxes

Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
29
 



Questar's effective combined federal and state income tax rate was 36.3% in the first half of 2012 and 36.2% in the first half of 2011.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities decreased 17% in the first half of 2012 compared to the first half of 2011 due primarily to changes in operating assets and liabilities, including a refund to customers of a credit balance in the purchased-gas adjustment account. Depreciation increased due to investment in plant and equipment and higher natural gas production. Deferred income taxes increased due to bonus tax depreciation rules, which allow the Company to deduct 50% of the cost of certain capital expenditures for income tax purposes. Net cash provided by operating activities is presented below:

 
6 Months Ended June 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
Change
 
(in millions)
Net income
$
114.4

 
$
110.2

 
$
4.2

Noncash adjustments to net income
157.2

 
147.9

 
9.3

Changes in operating assets and liabilities
33.4

 
111.3

 
(77.9
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
305.0

 
$
369.4

 
$
(64.4
)

Investing Activities
A comparison of capital expenditures for the first six months of 2012 and 2011 and a forecast for calendar year 2012 are presented below:

 
6 Months Ended June 30,
 
Forecast
12 Months Ended
December 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
(in millions)
Questar Gas
$
85.9

 
$
55.2

 
$
155

Wexpro
74.0

 
46.5

 
130

Questar Pipeline
25.3

 
40.9

 
55

Corporate and other
5.6

 
0.8

 
10

Total capital expenditures
$
190.8

 
$
143.4

 
$
350


Questar Gas expects to invest about $55 million in its feeder line replacement program as well as provide service to approximately 10,000 new customers during 2012. Wexpro is continuing its planned low-risk and low-cost-structure development drilling program in the Vermillion area. Wexpro is also continuing to participate in wells drilled in the Pinedale area. Questar Pipeline's 2012 capital expenditure plans include transmission-system expansions and pipeline replacements.

Financing Activities
In the first half of 2012, the Company reduced short-term debt by $29.0 million from the higher seasonal cash flow from operations.

Questar issues commercial paper to meet short-term financing requirements. The commercial-paper program is supported by a revolving credit arrangement with various banks that provides back-up credit liquidity. Credit commitments under the revolving credit arrangement totaled $500.0 million at June 30, 2012, with no amounts borrowed. Commercial paper outstanding amounted to $190.0 million at June 30, 2012, compared with $137.0 million a year earlier. The Company believes the credit commitments are adequate for its working capital and short-term financing requirements during 2012.

Questar Pipeline repaid $180.0 million of medium-term notes in the second and third quarters of 2011. In December 2011 Questar Pipeline issued $180.0 million of notes due December 2041 with a 4.875% coupon rate. Questar Pipeline entered into forward starting swaps totaling $150.0 million in the second and third quarters of 2011 in anticipation of refinancing this debt.

Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
30
 



Settlement of these swaps required payments of $37.3 million because of declines in interest rates. These swaps qualified as cash flow hedges and the settlement payments are being amortized to interest expense over the 30-year life of the debt. The effective interest rate on the $180.0 million debt was 6.66% after adjusting for swap settlements and issuance costs.

Questar Gas has $131.5 million of long-term debt maturing in the next 12 months. Questar Gas expects to refinance maturing debt using publicly traded notes or private placements. Questar Gas has filed a registration statement with the SEC in preparation for this refinancing in the event Questar Gas pursues a public notes issuance. The Company believes it will have adequate access to long-term capital based on current credit markets and its investment-grade credit ratings.

In March 2012, Questar occupied a new headquarters building and recorded a capital lease obligation for this building of $40.8 million, which is being amortized as lease payments are made over the 17-year lease term.
 
During the first half of 2012, Questar repurchased 2.8 million shares of its common stock in the market at a cost of $55.3 million. These repurchases were under a $100 million program approved by the Board of Directors to reduce the share count approximately to its June 30, 2010 level. Questar expects to continue to repurchase shares during the remainder of 2012.

At June 30, 2012, combined short-term debt, long-term debt and capital lease obligation was 56% and equity was 44% of total capital. The Company does not expect the ratio of debt in the capital structure to materially change over the next several years, except for seasonal variation in short-term debt for working capital requirements.

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

Questar Gas's primary market risk exposures arise from changes in demand for natural gas and competition from other energy sources. The demand for natural gas will vary based on economic conditions, conservation efforts and prices. The temperature-adjusted usage per residential customer has historically decreased due to more energy efficient appliances and homes, and behavior changes in response to higher natural gas prices. The economic impact of this decline in usage per customer for residential customers has been offset by the addition of new customers and the conservation-enabling tariff.

Wexpro operations are subject to various government controls and regulation at the federal, state and local levels. Wexpro must obtain permits to drill and produce, maintain bonding requirements to drill and operate wells, submit and implement spill-prevention plans, and file notices relating to the presence, use, and release of specified contaminants incidental to gas and oil production. Wexpro is also subject to various conservation matters, including the regulation of the size of drilling and spacing units, the number of wells that may be drilled in a unit and the unitization or pooling of gas and oil properties. In addition, the Utah Division of Public Utilities and the PSCW are entitled to monitor the performance of the Company and Wexpro under the Wexpro Agreement and have retained two monitors, an independent certified public accountant and an independent hydrocarbon industry consulting firm, to review performance of the Agreement.

Questar Pipeline's primary market risk exposures arise from changes in demand for transportation and storage services and competition from other pipelines. The demand for transportation and storage services will vary based on the market's expectations about future volumes of natural gas likely to be produced in the basins served by Questar Pipeline and changes in market demand for natural gas. On some portions of its pipeline systems, including the Questar Southern Trails Pipeline, the company faces the risk that it will not be successful in recontracting capacity under favorable terms once existing contracts expire, which could ultimately result in the impairment of assets. Revenue may also be reduced if NGL prices or volumes decline.

Credit Risk
Questar Gas's primary market area is located in Utah, southwestern Wyoming and southeastern Idaho. Exposure to credit risk may be affected by the concentration of customers in these regions due to changes in economic or other conditions. Customers include individuals and numerous commercial and industrial enterprises that may react differently to changing conditions. Management believes that its credit-review procedures, loss reserves, customer deposits and collection procedures have adequately provided for usual and customary credit-related losses.

Questar Pipeline requests credit support, such as letters of credit and cash deposits, from companies that pose unfavorable credit risks. All companies posing such concerns were current on their accounts at June 30, 2012. Questar Pipeline's largest customers include Questar Gas, Rockies Express Pipeline, Wyoming Interstate Pipeline, EOG Resources, EnCana Marketing, PacifiCorp, Cross Timbers Energy Services and Shell Energy North America.

Interest-Rate Risk Management
On June 30, 2012, Questar had $1,083.4 million of fixed-rate long-term debt with a fair value of $1,245.5 million and a

Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
31
 



weighted-average life to maturity of 10.3 years. Questar also had $190.0 million of floating-rate debt outstanding in the form of short-maturity commercial paper at June 30, 2012.

In December 2010, Questar issued $250.0 million of 2.75% Senior Notes due in 2016 to repay commercial paper. In the second quarter of 2011, Questar executed a fixed-to-floating interest rate swap transaction to convert $125.0 million of its 2.75% Senior Notes to floating rate debt. Questar settled this hedge transaction in March 2012, for a deferred gain of $7.2 million, which is being amortized to interest expense over the remaining debt term.

Questar Pipeline repaid $180.0 million of medium-term notes in the second and third quarters of 2011. In December 2011 Questar Pipeline issued $180.0 million of notes due December 2041 with a 4.875% coupon rate. Questar Pipeline entered into forward starting swaps totaling $150.0 million in the second and third quarters of 2011 in anticipation of refinancing this debt. Settlement of these swaps required payments of $37.3 million because of declines in interest rates. These swaps qualified as cash flow hedges and the settlement payments are being amortized to interest expense over the 30-year life of the debt. The effective interest rate on the $180.0 million debt was 6.66% after adjusting for swap settlements and issuance costs.

Forward-Looking Statements
This quarterly report may contain or incorporate by reference information that includes or is based upon "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements give expectations or forecasts of future events. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include statements relating to future actions, prospective services or products, future performance or results of current and anticipated services or products, development efforts, expenses, the outcome of contingencies such as legal proceedings, trends in operations and financial results.

Any or all forward-looking statements may turn out to be wrong. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Many such factors will be important in determining actual future results. These statements are based on current expectations and the current economic environment. They involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. These statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Among factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are:

-
the risk factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011;
-
general economic conditions, including the performance of financial markets and interest rates;
-
changes in energy commodity prices;
-
changes in industry trends;
-
changes in laws or regulations; and
-
other factors, most of which are beyond the Company's control.

Questar undertakes no obligation to publicly correct or update the forward-looking statements in this quarterly report, in other documents, or on the Web site to reflect future events or circumstances. All such statements are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
The Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officer of Questar, Questar Gas and Questar Pipeline have evaluated the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) as of June 30, 2012. Based on such evaluation, such officers have concluded that, as of June 30, 2012, Questar's, Questar Gas's and Questar Pipeline's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in alerting them on a timely basis to material information relating to each company, including their consolidated subsidiaries, required to be included in each company's reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act. The Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officer of Questar, Questar Gas and Questar Pipeline also concluded that the controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by each company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to each company's management including its principal executive and financial officers or persons performing similar functions as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
32
 




Changes in Internal Controls.
There were no changes in Questar's, Questar Gas's and Questar Pipeline's internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2012, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Questar's, Questar Gas's and Questar Pipeline's internal control over financial reporting.

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

On May 1, 2012, Questar Gas Company filed a legal action against QEP Field Services Company, a subsidiary of QEP Resources, Inc. The case, entitled Questar Gas Company v. QEP Field Services Company, was filed in the Third District Court in Salt Lake County, Utah. Questar Gas believes certain charges of QEP Field Services Company for gathering services exceed the amounts contemplated under a Gas Gathering Agreement, effective September 1, 1993, pertaining to certain gas produced by Wexpro Company under the Wexpro Agreement. Questar Gas is alleging breach of contract by QEP Field Services Company and is seeking an accounting, damages and a declaratory judgment relating to the services and charges under the Gas Gathering Agreement. The charges under the Gas Gathering Agreement are included in Questar Gas's rates as part of its purchased gas costs. Depending on the outcome of the litigation, Questar Gas may seek approval to pay a refund to its customers. While Questar Gas intends to vigorously pursue its legal rights, the claims involve complex legal issues and uncertainties that make it difficult to predict the outcome of the cases and therefore management cannot determine at this time whether this litigation may have an adverse material effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

Questar had no unregistered sales of equity securities during the second quarter of 2012. The following table sets forth the Company's purchases of common stock registered under section 12 of the Exchange Act that occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2012:

2012
Number of Shares Purchased(1)
 
Average Price per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced
Plans(2)
 
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan
Month #1 April 1, 2012
through April 30, 2012
62,053

 
$
19.34

 
59,596

 
$
95,545,881

Month #2 May 1, 2012
through May 31, 2012
1,407,868

 
$
19.71

 
1,398,978

 
$
67,974,766

Month #3 June 1, 2012
through June 30, 2012
1,149,540

 
$
20.30

 
1,149,540

 
$
44,642,388

Total
2,619,461

 
$
19.96

 
2,608,114

 
 

(1) The total number of shares purchased includes 2,457 and 8,890 shares in conjunction with tax-payment elections under the Company's Long-term Stock Incentive Plan and rollover shares used in exercising stock options in Month #1 and Month #2, respectively. All other shares were purchased pursuant to the publicly announced program described below.

(2) On July 26, 2011 the Questar Board of Directors authorized a $100 million share repurchase program, which will be effective through 2012. Share repurchases may be made on the open market or through other transactions. Questar's management has sole discretion with respect to determining the timing and amount of these transactions.


Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
33
 



ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS.

The following exhibits are being filed as part of this report:

Exhibits No.
Exhibits
 
 
EXHIBIT 12 - STATEMENTS RE: COMPUTATION OF RATIOS
 
Questar Corporation
 
 
12.1.
Questar Corporation ratio of earnings to fixed charges.
 
 
Questar Gas Company
 
 
12.2.
Questar Gas Company ratio of earnings to fixed charges.
 
 
Questar Pipeline Company
 
 
12.3.
Questar Pipeline Company ratio of earnings to fixed charges.
 
 
EXHIBIT 31 - SECTION 302 CERTIFICATIONS
 
 
Questar Corporation
 
 
31.1.
Questar Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
31.2.
Questar Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
Questar Gas Company
 
 
31.3.
Questar Gas Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
31.4.
Questar Gas Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
Questar Pipeline Company
 
 
31.5.
Questar Pipeline Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
31.6.
Questar Pipeline Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
EXHIBIT 32 - SECTION 906 CERTIFICATIONS
 
Questar Corporation
 
 
32.1.
Questar Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.2.
Questar Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
Questar Gas Company
 
 
32.3.
Questar Gas Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.4.
Questar Gas Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
Questar Pipeline Company
 
 
32.5.
Questar Pipeline Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.6.
Questar Pipeline Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
EXHIBIT 101 - INTERACTIVE DATA FILE
101.INS
XBRL Instance.
 
 
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy.
 
 
101.CAL
XBRL Calculations.
 
 
101.DEF
XBRL Definitions.
 
 
101.LAB
XBRL Labels.
 
 
101.PRE
XBRL Presentation.

Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
34
 



SIGNATURES

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

 
QUESTAR CORPORATION
QUESTAR GAS COMPANY
QUESTAR PIPELINE COMPANY
(Registrants)
 
 
August 1, 2012
/s/Ronald W. Jibson
Ronald W. Jibson
President and Chief Executive Officer, Questar and Questar Gas
 
 
August 1, 2012
/s/R. Allan Bradley
R. Allan Bradley
President and Chief Executive Officer, Questar Pipeline
 
 
August 1, 2012
/s/Kevin W. Hadlock
Kevin W. Hadlock
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer,
Questar, Questar Gas and Questar Pipeline



Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
35
 



Exhibits No.
Exhibits
 
 
EXHIBIT 12 - STATEMENTS RE: COMPUTATION OF RATIOS
 
Questar Corporation
 
 
12.1.
Questar Corporation ratio of earnings to fixed charges.
 
 
Questar Pipeline Company
 
 
12.2.
Questar Gas Company ratio of earnings to fixed charges.
 
 
Questar Gas Company
 
 
12.3.
Questar Pipeline Company ratio of earnings to fixed charges.
 
 
EXHIBIT 31 - SECTION 302 CERTIFICATIONS
 
 
Questar Corporation
 
 
31.1.
Questar Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
31.2.
Questar Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
Questar Gas Company
 
 
31.3.
Questar Gas Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
31.4.
Questar Gas Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
Questar Pipeline Company
 
 
31.5.
Questar Pipeline Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
31.6.
Questar Pipeline Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
EXHIBIT 32 - SECTION 906 CERTIFICATIONS
 
Questar Corporation
 
 
32.1.
Questar Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.2.
Questar Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
Questar Gas Company
 
 
32.3.
Questar Gas Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.4.
Questar Gas Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
Questar Pipeline Company
 
 
32.5.
Questar Pipeline Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.6.
Questar Pipeline Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
EXHIBIT 101 - INTERACTIVE DATA FILE
101.INS
XBRL Instance.
 
 
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy.
 
 
101.CAL
XBRL Calculations.
 
 
101.DEF
XBRL Definitions.
 
 
101.LAB
XBRL Labels.
 
 
101.PRE
XBRL Presentation.




Questar 2012 Form 10-Q
36