WGL Wgl Holdings (delisted)

• Consolidated GAAP earnings per share up — $1.28 per share vs. $0.36 per share for the same quarter of the prior year
• Operating earnings per share up — $1.16 per share vs. $0.99 per share for the same quarter of the prior year
• Operating earnings guidance for fiscal year 2015 — affirming a range of $2.70 per share to $2.90 per share
• Dividend increase of $0.09 per share, or 5%, to an annualized level of $1.85 per share

WGL Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: WGL):

Consolidated Results

WGL Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: WGL), the parent company of Washington Gas Light Company (Washington Gas) and other energy-related subsidiaries, today reported net income applicable to common stock determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP) for the quarter ended December 31, 2014, of $63.9 million, or $1.28 per share, compared to net income applicable to common stock of $18.6 million, or $0.36 per share, reported for the quarter ended December 31, 2013.

On a consolidated basis, WGL uses operating earnings (loss) to evaluate overall financial performance. Beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, we evaluate segment financial performance based on earnings before interest and taxes, as adjusted (adjusted EBIT). We believe that adjusted EBIT enhances the ability to evaluate segment performance because it excludes interest and income tax expense, which are affected by corporate-wide strategies such as capital financing and tax sharing allocations. Additionally, both operating earnings (loss) and adjusted EBIT adjust for the accounting recognition of certain transactions that are not representative of the ongoing earnings of the company. Operating earnings (loss) and adjusted EBIT are non-GAAP financial measures, which are not recognized in accordance with GAAP and should not be viewed as alternatives to GAAP measures of performance. Refer to “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” attached to this news release for a detailed discussion of management’s use of these measures and for reconciliations to GAAP financial measures.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2014, operating earnings were $58.0 million, or $1.16 per share, an improvement of $6.6 million, or $0.17 per share, over operating earnings of $51.4 million, or $0.99 per share, for the same quarter of the prior fiscal year.

“Our first quarter results have given us a strong start to 2015. I am pleased to report growth in adjusted EBIT in all of our business segments in the quarter compared to the first quarter of the prior year,” said Terry D. McCallister, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Results in our core regulated utility improved more than 6% over what had been a strong first quarter of 2014. The drivers of this performance were improvements in revenue which offset routine operating expense increases.”

“In addition, our Midstream Energy Services and Commercial Energy Systems segments showed robust growth as they continue to execute well on their business strategies. I am particularly pleased to see adjusted EBIT improve dramatically in our Retail Energy Marketing segment. This business is beginning to recover to more normal levels of profitability as costs for electricity in the PJM market return to expected levels.”

“Driven by these increases in segment performance, our consolidated per share operating earnings for the quarter improved 17% over 2014. As a result, we now expect operating earnings to finish the year in the high end of our previously announced range of $2.70 to $2.90 per share.”

“Additionally, our board of directors has approved a nine-cent increase in our dividend to an annual rate of $1.85 per share. This increase is consistent with our previously announced goal of targeting a 5% dividend growth rate, and reflects our continued confidence in our ability to achieve our strategic goals. This increase marks the 39th year of consecutive dividend increases and the 164th year that we have paid a dividend.”

First Quarter Results by Business Segment

Regulated Utility

For the quarter ended December 31, 2014, the regulated utility segment reported adjusted EBIT of $96.6 million, an increase of $5.7 million over adjusted EBIT of $90.9 million for the same quarter of the prior fiscal year. The improvement in adjusted EBIT reflects higher revenues from: (i) customer growth; (ii) new base rates in Maryland; (iii) realized margins associated with our asset optimization program; (iv) rate recovery related to our accelerated pipe replacement programs; and (v) lower employee benefit costs. Partially offsetting these favorable variances were higher operating expenses due to labor and employee incentive costs and the growth in our utility plant.

Retail Energy-Marketing

For the quarter ended December 31, 2014, the retail energy-marketing segment reported adjusted EBIT of $9.0 million, an increase of $7.6 million over adjusted EBIT of $1.4 million for the same quarter of the prior fiscal year. This improvement in adjusted EBIT primarily reflects higher electricity margins due to lower capacity and ancillary service charges from the regional power grid operator (PJM). Partially offsetting this favorable variance were lower natural gas margins.

Commercial Energy Systems

For the quarter ended December 31, 2014, the commercial energy systems segment reported adjusted EBIT of $1.2 million, an increase of $1.2 million over adjusted EBIT for the same quarter of the prior fiscal year. The improvement in adjusted EBIT reflects the growth in distributed generation assets in service and producing income, as well as increases in the federal contracting and investment solar businesses.

Midstream Energy Services

For the quarter ended December 31, 2014, the midstream energy services segment reported adjusted EBIT of $2.6 million, an increase of $0.8 million over adjusted EBIT of $1.8 million for the same period of the prior fiscal year. The improvement in adjusted EBIT reflects favorable storage spreads.

Interest Expense

For the quarter ended December 31, 2014, interest expense was $12.3 million, an increase of $3.3 million over interest expense of $9.0 million for the same period of the prior fiscal year. This comparison reflects the issuance of long-term debt for both WGL and Washington Gas.

Earnings Outlook

We are affirming our consolidated non-GAAP operating earnings estimate for fiscal year 2015 in a range of $2.70 per share to $2.90 per share. In providing fiscal year 2015 earnings guidance, management is aware that there could be differences between what is reported GAAP earnings and estimated operating earnings for matters such as, but not limited to, unrealized mark-to-market positions for our energy-related derivatives. At this time, WGL management is not able to reasonably estimate the aggregate impact of these items on reported earnings and therefore is not able to provide a corresponding GAAP equivalent for its operating earnings guidance.

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

Other Information

We will hold a conference call at 10:30 a.m., Eastern Time on February 5, 2015, to discuss our first quarter fiscal year 2015 financial results. The live conference call will be available to the public via a link located on WGL’s website, www.wgl.com. To hear the live webcast, click on “Investor Relations” then “Events & Webcasts.” The webcast and related slides will be archived on WGL's website through March 6, 2015.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., WGL is a leading source for clean, efficient and diverse energy solutions. With activities in 32 states and the District of Columbia, our operating units consist of Washington Gas, WGL Energy, WGL Midstream and Hampshire Gas. WGL Energy is an operating unit that delivers a full ecosystem of energy offerings including natural gas, electricity, green power, carbon reduction, distributed generation and energy efficiency provided by WGL Energy Services, Inc. (formerly Washington Gas Energy Services, Inc.) and WGL Energy Systems, Inc. (formerly Washington Gas Energy Systems, Inc.). WGL provides options for natural gas, electricity, green power and energy services, including generation, storage, transportation, distribution, supply and efficiency. Our calling as a company is to make energy surprisingly easy for our employees, our community and all of our customers. Whether you are a homeowner or renter, small business or multinational corporation, state and local or federal agency, WGL is here to provide Energy Answers. Ask Us. For more information, visit us at www.wgl.com.

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

Please see the attached comparative statements for additional information on our operating results. Also attached to this news release are reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures.

Forward-Looking Statements

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

   

WGL Holdings, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

              December 31, September 30, (In thousands)     2014       2014   ASSETS Property, Plant and Equipment At original cost $ 4,658,194 $ 4,582,764 Accumulated depreciation and amortization     (1,258,762 )     (1,268,319 ) Net property, plant and equipment     3,399,432       3,314,445   Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents 7,390 8,811 Accounts receivable, net 524,559 298,978 Storage gas 296,911 333,602 Derivatives and other     199,302       194,124   Total current assets     1,028,162       835,515   Deferred Charges and Other Assets     720,498       706,539   Total Assets   $ 5,148,092     $ 4,856,499   CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES Capitalization Common shareholders' equity $ 1,242,650 $ 1,246,576 Washington Gas Light Company preferred stock 28,173 28,173 Long-term debt     975,611       679,228   Total capitalization     2,246,434       1,953,977   Current Liabilities Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt 370,000 473,500 Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities 336,352 313,221 Derivatives and other     326,477       233,564   Total current liabilities     1,032,829       1,020,285   Deferred Credits     1,868,829       1,882,237   Total Capitalization and Liabilities   $ 5,148,092     $ 4,856,499       WGL Holdings, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Income

(Unaudited)

              Three Months Ended       December 31, (In thousands, except per share data)     2014     2013 OPERATING REVENUES Utility $ 381,712 $ 386,541 Non-utility     367,525     293,756 Total Operating Revenues     749,237     680,297 OPERATING EXPENSES Utility cost of gas 129,704 186,881 Non-utility cost of energy-related sales 336,568 305,351 Operation and maintenance 92,380 88,142 Depreciation and amortization 29,360 26,590 General taxes and other assessments     39,383     40,621 Total Operating Expenses     627,395     647,585 OPERATING INCOME 121,842 32,712 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates 1,144 490 Other income (expenses) — net (4,355) 219 Interest expense     12,310     8,992 INCOME BEFORE TAXES 106,321 24,429 INCOME TAX EXPENSE     42,103     5,470 NET INCOME 64,218 18,959 Dividends on Washington Gas Light Company preferred stock     330     330 NET INCOME APPLICABLE TO COMMON STOCK   $ 63,888   $ 18,629 AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING Basic 49,946 51,816 Diluted     50,091     51,827 EARNINGS PER AVERAGE COMMON SHARE Basic $ 1.28 $ 0.36 Diluted   $ 1.28   $ 0.36   WGL Holdings, Inc. Consolidated Financial and Operating Statistics

(Unaudited)

  FINANCIAL STATISTICS                                       Twelve Months Ended December 31,                       2014       2013     Closing Market Price — end of period $ 54.62 $ 40.06 52-Week Market Price Range $ 56.79-$35.35 $ 46.96-$37.96 Price Earnings Ratio 18.5 44.5 Annualized Dividends Per Share $ 1.76 $ 1.68 Dividend Yield 3.2 % 4.2 % Return on Average Common Equity 12.0 % 3.6 % Total Interest Coverage (times) 6.8 2.7 Book Value Per Share — end of period $ 25.00 $ 24.55 Common Shares Outstanding — end of period (thousands)                   49,709       51,842     UTILITY GAS STATISTICS                           Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended       December 31,     December 31,   (In thousands)     2014     2013       2014       2013     Operating Revenues Gas Sold and Delivered Residential — Firm $ 243,734

 

$

244,921

 

 

$

889,891

 

$

763,742 Commercial and Industrial — Firm 56,418 60,218 209,987 183,404 Commercial and Industrial — Interruptible 718 521 2,464 2,755 Electric Generation     275     275       1,100       1,100         301,145     305,935       1,103,442       951,001   Gas Delivered for Others Firm 56,121 56,222 198,978 179,510 Interruptible 13,736 13,025 60,040 50,062 Electric Generation     132     114       534       589         69,989     69,361       259,552       230,161   371,134 375,296 1,362,994 1,181,162 Other     10,578     11,245       49,128       32,170   Total   $ 381,712

 

$

386,541

 

$

  1,412,122

 

$

  1,213,332                               Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended       December 31,     December 31,   (In thousands of therms)     2014     2013       2014       2013     Gas Sales and Deliveries Gas Sold and Delivered Residential — Firm 217,059 226,067 729,955 677,000 Commercial and Industrial — Firm 59,178 63,171 196,160 188,698 Commercial and Industrial — Interruptible     1,055     562       2,686       2,756         277,292     289,800       928,801       868,454   Gas Delivered for Others Firm 160,006 158,642 536,867 496,364 Interruptible 77,659 77,697 267,668 272,543 Electric Generation     26,255     37,118       133,540       163,434         263,920     273,457       938,075       932,341   Total     541,212     563,257       1,866,876       1,800,795     WGL ENERGY SERVICES                           Natural Gas Sales Therm Sales (thousands of therms) 201,084 210,566 708,607 702,148   Number of Customers (end of period)     153,400     168,000       153,400       168,000     Electricity Sales Electricity Sales (thousands of kWhs) 2,668,531 2,828,393 11,532,505 12,157,695   Number of Accounts (end of period)     156,600     189,000       156,600       189,000     UTILITY GAS PURCHASED EXPENSE (excluding asset optimization)     56.18 ¢   56.35 ¢     67.90 ¢     55.20 ¢   HEATING DEGREE DAYS                           Actual 1,255 1,394 3,972 3,854 Normal 1,343 1,344 3,750 3,771 Percent Colder (Warmer) than Normal    

(6.6

)%

  3.7 %     5.9 %     2.2 %   Average Active Customer Meters     1,123,272     1,111,138       1,120,257       1,107,901  

WGL HOLDINGS, INC.RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES(Unaudited)

The tables below reconcile operating earnings (loss) to GAAP net income (loss) applicable to common stock on a consolidated basis and adjusted EBIT on a segment basis to GAAP net income (loss) applicable to common stock. Management believes operating earnings (loss) and adjusted EBIT provide a more meaningful representation of our earnings from ongoing operations on a consolidated and segment basis, respectively. These measures facilitate analysis by providing consistent and comparable measures to help management, investors and analysts better understand and evaluate our operating results and performance trends, and assist in analyzing period-to-period comparisons. Additionally, we use these non-GAAP measures to report to the board of directors and to evaluate management’s performance.

To derive our non-GAAP measures, we adjust for the accounting recognition of certain transactions (non-GAAP adjustments) based on at least one of the following criteria:

• To better match the accounting recognition of transactions with their economics;
• To better align with regulatory view/recognition;
• Significant out of period adjustments;
• Other significant items that may obscure historical earnings comparisons and are not indicative of performance trends; and
• For adjusted EBIT, other items which may obscure segment comparisons.

There are limits in using operating earnings (loss) and adjusted EBIT to analyze our consolidated and segment results, respectively, as they are not prepared in accordance with GAAP and may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. In addition, using operating earnings (loss) and adjusted EBIT to analyze our results may have limited value as they exclude certain items that may have a material impact on our reported financial results. We compensate for these limitations by providing investors with the attached reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

The following table summarizes the reconciliation of adjusted EBIT by segment to its most comparable GAAP financial measure, income before income taxes:

                Three Months Ended December 31, (In thousands)               2014       2013   Adjusted EBIT:               Regulated utility $ 96,556 $ 90,855 Retail energy-marketing 8,955 1,358 Commercial energy systems 1,168 (23 ) Midstream energy services 2,566 1,840 Other activities* (1,474 ) (1,910 ) Eliminations               (32 )     144   Total               107,739       92,264   Non-GAAP adjustments(1) 10,892 (58,843 ) Interest expense               12,310       8,992   Income before income taxes               106,321       24,429   Income tax expense 42,103 5,470 Dividends on Washington Gas preferred stock               330       330   Net income applicable to common stock             $ 63,888     $ 18,629  

 

*Activities and transactions that are not significant enough on a stand-alone basis to warrant treatment as an operating segment and that do not fit into one of our four operating segments.

WGL HOLDINGS, INC. (Consolidated by Quarter)RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES(Unaudited)

The following tables represent the reconciliation of operating earnings to its most comparable GAAP financial measure, net income applicable to common stock (consolidated by quarter):

 

          Fiscal Year 2015       Quarterly Period Ended (In thousands, except per share data)   Dec. 31 Mar. 31 Jun. 30 Sept. 30   Fiscal Year Operating earnings $ 58,004 $ 58,004 Non-GAAP adjustments(1) 10,892 10,892 Income tax benefit on non-GAAP adjustments     (5,008 )                 (5,008 ) Net income applicable to common stock   $ 63,888                 $ 63,888   Diluted average common shares outstanding     50,091                   50,091   Operating earnings per share $ 1.16 $ 1.16 Per share effect of non-GAAP adjustments     0.12                   0.12   Diluted earnings per average common share   $ 1.28                 $ 1.28     Fiscal Year 2014       Quarterly Period Ended (In thousands, except per share data)     Dec. 31   Mar. 31   Jun. 30   Sept. 30     Fiscal Year Operating earnings $ 51,398 $ 51,398 Non-GAAP adjustments(1) (58,843 ) (58,843 ) Income tax expense on non-GAAP adjustments 22,453 22,453 Regulatory asset - tax effect Medicare Part D**     3,621                   3,621   Net income applicable to common stock   $ 18,629                 $ 18,629   Diluted average common shares outstanding     51,827                   51,827   Operating earnings per share $ 0.99 $ 0.99 Per share effect of non-GAAP adjustments     (0.63 )                 (0.63 ) Diluted earnings per average common share   $ 0.36                 $ 0.36  

 

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

WGL HOLDINGS, INC.RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES(Unaudited)

(1) The following are non-GAAP adjustments, by operating segment as well as a reconciliation of adjusted EBIT to EBIT. EBIT is defined as earnings before interest and taxes from continuing operations. Items we do not include in EBIT are interest expense, dividends on Washington Gas preferred stock, and income taxes.

                                                          Three Months Ended December 31, 2014 Regulated Retail-Energy Commercial Energy Midstream Energy Other Intersegment (In thousands)     Utility     Marketing     Systems     Services     Activities     Eliminations     Total Adjusted EBIT   $ 96,556     $ 8,955     $ 1,168     $ 2,566     $ (1,474 )   $ (32 )   $ 107,739   Non-GAAP adjustments: Unrealized mark-to-market valuations on

energy-related derivatives(a)

25,077 (24,850 ) - 8,329 - - 8,556 Storage optimization program(b) (4,180 ) - - - - - (4,180 ) DC weather impact(c ) (2,826 ) - - - - - (2,826 ) Distributed generation asset related

investment tax credits(d)

- - (909 ) - - - (909 ) Change in measured value of inventory(e) - - - 15,876 - - 15,876 Investment impairment(f)     -       -       -       -       (5,625 )     -       (5,625 ) Total non-GAAP adjustments   $ 18,071     $ (24,850 )   $ (909 )   $ 24,205     $ (5,625 )   $ -     $ 10,892   EBIT   $ 114,627     $ (15,895 )   $ 259     $ 26,771     $ (7,099 )   $ (32 )   $ 118,631                                               Three Months Ended December 31, 2013 Regulated Retail-Energy Commercial Energy Midstream Energy Other Intersegment (In thousands)     Utility     Marketing     Systems     Services     Activities     Eliminations     Total Adjusted EBIT   $ 90,855     $ 1,358     $ (23 )   $ 1,840     $ (1,910 )   $ 144     $ 92,264   Non-GAAP adjustments: Unrealized mark-to-market valuations on

energy-related derivatives(a)

(26,131 ) 3,932 - (22,561 ) - - (44,760 ) Storage optimization program(b) 1,861 - - - - - 1,861 DC weather impact(c ) (850 ) - - - - - (850 ) Distributed generation asset related

investment tax credits(d)

- - (573 ) - - - (573 ) Change in measured value of inventory(e) - - - (13,488 ) - - (13,488 ) Competitive service provider imbalance

cash settlement(g)

488 - - - - - 488 Incremental professional services fees(h) - - - - (751 ) - (751 ) Impairment loss on Springfield

Operations Center(i)

    (770 )     -       -       -       -       -       (770 ) Total non-GAAP adjustments   $ (25,402 )   $ 3,932     $ (573 )   $ (36,049 )   $ (751 )   $ -     $ (58,843 ) EBIT   $ 65,453     $ 5,290     $ (596 )   $ (34,209 )   $ (2,661 )   $ 144     $ 33,421  

Footnotes:

(a)

 

Adjustments to eliminate unrealized mark-to-market gains (losses) for our energy-related derivatives for our regulated utility and retail energy-marketing operations as well as certain derivatives for the long-term purchase of natural gas for the midstream energy services segment. With the exception of certain transactions related to the optimization of system capacity assets as discussed below, when these derivatives settle, the realized economic impact is reflected in our non-GAAP results, as we are only removing interim unrealized mark-to-market amounts.

(b)

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

(c)

Eliminates the estimated financial effects of warm or cold weather in the District of Columbia, as measured consistent with our regulatory tariff. For fiscal year 2015, Washington Gas did not enter into weather protection products due to the pricing environment. Washington Gas has regulatory weather protection mechanisms in Maryland and Virginia designed to neutralize the estimated financial effects of weather. Utilization of normal weather is an industry standard, and it is our practice to evaluate our rate-regulated revenues by utilizing normal weather and to provide estimates and guidance on the basis of normal weather.

(d)

To reclassify the amortization of deferred investment tax credits from income taxes to operating income for the Commercial Energy Systems segment. These credits are a key component of the operating success of this segment and therefore are included within adjusted EBIT to help management and investors better assess its performance.

(e)

For our Midstream Energy Services segment, adjustments to reflect storage inventory at market or at a value based on the price used to value the physical forward sales contract that is economically hedging the storage inventory. This adjustment also includes the estimated effects of certain sharing mechanisms on all of our non-GAAP unrealized gains and losses. Adjusting our storage optimization inventory in this fashion better aligns the settlement of both our physical and financial transactions and allows investors and management to better analyze the results of our non-utility asset optimization strategies.

(f)

Represents an impairment of an equity investment in a solar holding company, accounted for at cost, which occurred in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015. We do not believe this impairment charge is indicative of our historical or future performance trends.

(g)

Represents amounts collected by the regulated utility segment in relation to the refund to customers ordered by the PSC of MD in September 2011 associated with a cash settlement of gas imbalances with competitive service providers.

(h)

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

(i)

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

WGL Holdings, Inc.News MediaRuben Rodriguez, 202-624-6620orFinancial CommunityDouglas Bonawitz, 202-624-6129