XML 80 R7.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.0.8
Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation

Note 1 – Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation

Nature of Operations. Southwest Gas Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) consist of two segments: natural gas operations (“Southwest” or the “natural gas operations” segment) and construction services. Southwest is engaged in the business of purchasing, distributing, and transporting natural gas for customers in portions of Arizona, Nevada, and California. Public utility rates, practices, facilities, and service territories of Southwest are subject to regulatory oversight. The timing and amount of rate relief can materially impact results of operations. Natural gas sales are seasonal, peaking during the winter months; therefore, results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. Natural gas purchases and the timing of related recoveries can materially impact liquidity. NPL Construction Co. (“NPL” or the “construction services” segment), a wholly owned subsidiary, is a full-service underground piping contractor that primarily provides utility companies with trenching and installation, replacement, and maintenance services for energy distribution systems. Typically, NPL revenues are lowest during the first quarter of the year due to unfavorable winter weather conditions. Operating revenues typically improve as more favorable weather conditions occur during the summer and fall months.

Basis of Presentation. The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items and estimates necessary for a fair presentation of results for the interim periods, have been made. It is suggested that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the 2012 Annual Report to Shareholders, which is incorporated by reference into the 2012 Form 10-K, and the first quarter 2013 Form 10-Q.

Prepaids and other current assets. Prepaids and other current assets includes plant materials and operating supplies of $25 million at both June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

Cash and Cash Equivalents. For purposes of reporting consolidated cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and financial instruments with a purchase-date maturity of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents fall within Level 1 (quoted prices for identical financial instruments) of the three-level fair value hierarchy that ranks the inputs used to measure fair value by their reliability. During the six months ended June 30, 2013, approximately $4.8 million of customer advances, upon contract expiration, were applied as contributions toward utility construction activity and represent a non-cash investing activity.

Intercompany Transactions. NPL recognizes revenues generated from contracts with Southwest (see Note 3 - Segment Information below). Accounts receivable for these services are presented in the table below (thousands of dollars):

 

        June 30, 2013           December 31, 2012    

Accounts receivable for NPL services

     $                       9,136           $                 8,179     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accounts receivable balance, revenues, and associated profits are included in the condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company and were not eliminated during consolidation in accordance with accounting treatment for rate-regulated entities.

 

Other Property and Investments. Other property and investments includes (millions of dollars):

 

        June 30, 2013         December 31, 2012  

NPL property and equipment

     $ 305           $ 287     

NPL accumulated provision for depreciation and amortization

     (149)          (136)    

Net cash surrender value of COLI policies

     86           80     

Other property

     10           11     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     $ 252           $ 242     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other Income (Deductions). The following table provides the composition of significant items included in Other income (deductions) on the consolidated statements of income (thousands of dollars):

 

     Three Months Ended      Six Months Ended      Twelve Months Ended  
     June 30      June 30      June 30  
             2013                      2012                      2013                      2012                      2013                      2012          

Change in COLI policies

     $ 1,800           $ (1,900)          $ 5,600           $ 3,300           $ 8,900           $ (800)    

Interest income

     144           279           264           505           683           800     

Pipe replacement costs

     (36)          (1,033)          (121)          (1,042)          (1,759)          (3,956)    

Miscellaneous income and (expense)

     (456)          164           (222)          175           (830)          209     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other income (deductions)

     $ 1,452           $ (2,490)          $ 5,521           $ 2,938           $ 6,994           $ (3,747)    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Included in the table above is the change in cash surrender values of company-owned life insurance (“COLI”) policies (including net death benefits recognized). These life insurance policies on members of management and other key employees are used by Southwest to indemnify itself against the loss of talent, expertise, and knowledge, as well as to provide indirect funding for certain nonqualified benefit plans. Current tax regulations provide for tax-free treatment of life insurance (death benefit) proceeds. Therefore, changes in the cash surrender value components of COLI policies, as they progress towards the ultimate death benefits, are also recorded without tax consequences. Pipe replacement costs include amounts associated with certain Arizona non-recoverable pipe replacement work. The replacement program work subject to non-recoverability was substantially completed in 2012.