2014 Q2 TEG 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

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, 2014

OR

[ ]      TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission File Number
 
Registrant; State of Incorporation;
Address; and Telephone Number
 
IRS Employer
Identification No.
1-11337
 
INTEGRYS ENERGY GROUP, INC.
(A Wisconsin Corporation)
200 East Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60601-6207 (312) 228-5400
 
39-1775292

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.

Yes [X]    No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

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 the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer [X]            Accelerated filer [ ]
Non-accelerated filer [ ]            Smaller reporting company [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes [ ]    No [X]

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

Common stock, $1 par value,
79,963,091 shares outstanding at
August 5, 2014

 


Table of Contents

INTEGRYS ENERGY GROUP, INC.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended June 30, 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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Table of Contents

Acronyms Used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

AFUDC
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
ATC
American Transmission Company LLC
EPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
FERC
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
GAAP
United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
IBS
Integrys Business Support, LLC
ICC
Illinois Commerce Commission
IES
Integrys Energy Services, Inc.
IRS
United States Internal Revenue Service
ITF
Integrys Transportation Fuels, LLC (doing business as Trillium CNG)
MERC
Minnesota Energy Resources Corporation
MGU
Michigan Gas Utilities Corporation
MISO
Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
MPSC
Michigan Public Service Commission
MPUC
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
N/A
Not Applicable
NSG
North Shore Gas Company
PELLC
Peoples Energy, LLC (formerly known as Peoples Energy Corporation)
PGL
The Peoples Gas Light and Coke Company
PSCW
Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
SEC
United States Securities and Exchange Commission
UPPCO
Upper Peninsula Power Company
WDNR
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
WPS
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation


ii

Table of Contents

Forward-Looking Statements

In this report, we make statements concerning our expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, strategies, and future events or performance. These statements are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and conditions. Although we believe that these forward-looking statements and the underlying assumptions are reasonable, we cannot provide assurance that such statements will prove correct.
Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Some risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements include those described in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, as may be amended or supplemented in Part II, Item 1A of our subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q (including this report), and those identified below:

The timing and resolution of rate cases and related negotiations, including recovery of deferred and current costs and the ability to earn a reasonable return on investment, and other regulatory decisions impacting our regulated businesses;
Federal and state legislative and regulatory changes, including deregulation and restructuring of the electric and natural gas utility industries, financial reform, health care reform, energy efficiency mandates, reliability standards, pipeline integrity and safety standards, and changes in tax and other laws and regulations to which we and our subsidiaries are subject;
The possibility that the proposed merger with Wisconsin Energy Corporation (Wisconsin Energy) does not close (including, but not limited to, due to the failure to satisfy the closing conditions), disruption from the proposed merger making it more difficult to maintain our business and operational relationships, and the risk that unexpected costs will be incurred during this process;
The risk that we may not complete the sales of IES and UPPCO;
The risk of terrorism or cyber security attacks, including the associated costs to protect our assets and respond to such events;
The risk of failure to maintain the security of personally identifiable information, including the associated costs to notify affected persons and to mitigate their information security concerns;
Federal and state legislative and regulatory changes relating to the environment, including climate change and other environmental regulations impacting generation facilities and renewable energy standards;
Costs and effects of litigation and administrative proceedings, settlements, investigations, and claims;
The ability to retain market-based rate authority;
The effects, extent, and timing of competition or additional regulation in the markets in which our subsidiaries operate;
Changes in credit ratings and interest rates caused by volatility in the financial markets and actions of rating agencies and their impact on our and our subsidiaries’ liquidity and financing efforts;
The risk of financial loss, including increases in bad debt expense, associated with the inability of our and our subsidiaries’ counterparties, affiliates, and customers to meet their obligations;
The effects of political developments, as well as changes in economic conditions and the related impact on customer energy use, customer growth, and our ability to adequately forecast energy use for our customers;
The ability to use tax credit and loss carryforwards;
The investment performance of employee benefit plan assets and related actuarial assumptions, which impact future funding requirements;
The risk associated with the value of goodwill or other intangible assets and their possible impairment;
The timely completion of capital projects within estimates, as well as the recovery of those costs through established mechanisms;
Potential business strategies, including acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses, which cannot be assured to be completed timely or within budgets (such as the proposed merger with Wisconsin Energy and the pending sales of IES and UPPCO);
The risks associated with changing commodity prices, particularly natural gas and electricity, and the available sources of fuel, natural gas, and purchased power, including their impact on margins, working capital, and liquidity requirements;
Changes in technology, particularly with respect to new, developing, or alternative sources of generation;
Unusual weather and other natural phenomena, including related economic, operational, and/or other ancillary effects of any such events;
The impact of unplanned facility outages;
The financial performance of ATC and its corresponding contribution to our earnings;
The timing and outcome of any audits, disputes, and other proceedings related to taxes;
The effectiveness of risk management strategies, the use of financial and derivative instruments, and the related recovery of these costs from customers in rates;
The effect of accounting pronouncements issued periodically by standard-setting bodies; and
Other factors discussed elsewhere herein and in other reports we file with the SEC.

Except to the extent required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.


1

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

INTEGRYS ENERGY GROUP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
June 30
 
June 30
(Millions, except per share data)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Utility revenues
 
$
806.1

 
$
694.4

 
$
2,422.8

 
$
1,818.2

Nonregulated revenues
 
626.5

 
421.6

 
1,934.7

 
976.0

Total revenues
 
1,432.6

 
1,116.0

 
4,357.5

 
2,794.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Utility cost of fuel, natural gas, and purchased power
 
383.0

 
296.0

 
1,343.2

 
861.1

Nonregulated cost of sales
 
576.5

 
447.9

 
1,824.0

 
884.7

Operating and maintenance expense
 
334.3

 
288.7

 
698.9

 
583.8

Goodwill impairment loss
 
6.7

 

 
6.7

 

Merger transaction costs
 
5.9

 

 
5.9

 

Transaction costs related to pending sale of UPPCO
 
0.9

 

 
0.9

 

Transaction costs related to pending sale of IES retail energy business
 
0.8

 

 
0.8

 

Depreciation and amortization expense
 
72.9

 
65.5

 
144.2

 
126.4

Taxes other than income taxes
 
25.5

 
24.8

 
53.6

 
52.0

Operating income (loss)
 
26.1

 
(6.9
)
 
279.3

 
286.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings from equity method investments
 
23.9

 
22.8

 
46.8

 
45.1

Miscellaneous income
 
5.0

 
5.5

 
11.0

 
11.2

Interest expense
 
38.7

 
28.6

 
77.8

 
57.9

Other expense
 
(9.8
)
 
(0.3
)
 
(20.0
)
 
(1.6
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before taxes
 
16.3

 
(7.2
)
 
259.3

 
284.6

Provision (benefit) for income taxes
 
8.2

 
(3.3
)
 
98.0

 
106.3

Net income (loss) from continuing operations
 
8.1

 
(3.9
)
 
161.3

 
178.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discontinued operations, net of tax
 
(0.1
)
 
(0.8
)
 
(0.2
)
 
5.3

Net income (loss)
 
8.0

 
(4.7
)
 
161.1

 
183.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock dividends of subsidiary
 
(0.8
)
 
(0.8
)
 
(1.6
)
 
(1.6
)
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries
 

 
0.1

 
0.1

 
0.1

Net income (loss) attributed to common shareholders
 
$
7.2

 
$
(5.4
)
 
$
159.6

 
$
182.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average shares of common stock
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
 
80.2

 
79.4

 
80.2

 
79.0

Diluted
 
80.5


79.4

 
80.5

 
79.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per common share (basic)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations
 
$
0.09

 
$
(0.06
)
 
$
1.99

 
$
2.24

Discontinued operations, net of tax
 

 
(0.01
)
 

 
0.07

Earnings (loss) per common share (basic)
 
$
0.09

 
$
(0.07
)
 
$
1.99

 
$
2.31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per common share (diluted)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations
 
$
0.09

 
$
(0.06
)
 
$
1.98

 
$
2.22

Discontinued operations, net of tax
 

 
(0.01
)
 

 
0.07

Earnings (loss) per common share (diluted)
 
$
0.09

 
$
(0.07
)
 
$
1.98

 
$
2.29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends per common share declared
 
$
0.68

 
$
0.68

 
$
1.36

 
$
1.36


The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these statements.

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Table of Contents

INTEGRYS ENERGY GROUP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
June 30
 
June 30
(Millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Net income (loss)
 
$
8.0

 
$
(4.7
)
 
$
161.1

 
$
183.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Cash flow hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Unrealized net gains arising during period, net of tax of an insignificant amount for all periods presented
 

 
0.6

 

 
0.7

Reclassification of net losses (gains) to net income, net of tax of $ – million, $0.9 million, $0.9 million, and $1.5 million, respectively
 
0.2

 
1.5

 
(0.4
)
 
2.4

Cash flow hedges, net
 
0.2

 
2.1

 
(0.4
)
 
3.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Defined benefit plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and other postretirement benefit costs arising during period, net of tax of an insignificant amount for all periods presented
 

 

 
(0.1
)
 

Amortization of pension and other postretirement benefit costs included in net periodic benefit cost, net of tax of $0.2 million, $0.4 million, $0.5 million, and $0.8 million, respectively
 
0.5

 
0.6

 
0.8

 
1.2

Defined benefit plans, net
 
0.5

 
0.6

 
0.7

 
1.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
 
0.7

 
2.7

 
0.3

 
4.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income (loss)
 
8.7

 
(2.0
)
 
161.4

 
187.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock dividends of subsidiary
 
(0.8
)
 
(0.8
)
 
(1.6
)
 
(1.6
)
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries
 

 
0.1

 
0.1

 
0.1

Comprehensive income (loss) attributed to common shareholders
 
$
7.9

 
$
(2.7
)
 
$
159.9

 
$
186.4


The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these statements.

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Table of Contents

INTEGRYS ENERGY GROUP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
 
June 30
 
December 31
(Millions, except share and per share data)
 
2014
 
2013
Assets
 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
45.0

 
$
22.3

Accounts receivable and accrued unbilled revenues, net of reserves of $66.6 and $49.4, respectively
 
925.6

 
1,037.0

Inventories
 
223.8

 
253.1

Assets from risk management activities
 
253.4

 
239.5

Regulatory assets
 
119.4

 
127.4

Assets held for sale
 
290.4

 
272.6

Deferred income taxes
 
35.9

 
31.4

Prepaid taxes
 
72.7

 
146.9

Other current assets
 
72.2

 
87.4

Current assets
 
2,038.4

 
2,217.6

 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant, and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $3,325.0 and $3,236.9, respectively
 
6,444.5

 
6,216.7

Regulatory assets
 
1,337.5

 
1,361.4

Assets from risk management activities
 
88.3

 
75.4

Equity method investments
 
559.6

 
540.9

Goodwill
 
655.4

 
662.1

Other long-term assets
 
250.7

 
169.4

Total assets
 
$
11,374.4

 
$
11,243.5

 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Equity
 
 

 
 

Short-term debt
 
$
420.7

 
$
326.0

Current portion of long-term debt
 

 
100.0

Accounts payable
 
599.2

 
604.8

Liabilities from risk management activities
 
167.9

 
163.8

Accrued taxes
 
53.4

 
80.9

Regulatory liabilities
 
126.0

 
101.1

Liabilities held for sale
 
43.0

 
49.1

Other current liabilities
 
262.1

 
228.8

Current liabilities
 
1,672.3

 
1,654.5

 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
 
2,956.2

 
2,956.2

Deferred income taxes
 
1,482.8

 
1,390.3

Deferred investment tax credits
 
60.0

 
57.6

Regulatory liabilities
 
437.3

 
383.7

Environmental remediation liabilities
 
576.3

 
600.0

Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations
 
118.2

 
200.8

Liabilities from risk management activities
 
61.1

 
62.8

Asset retirement obligations
 
503.4

 
491.0

Other long-term liabilities
 
147.3

 
133.2

Long-term liabilities
 
6,342.6

 
6,275.6

 
 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies
 


 


 
 
 
 
 
Common stock – $1 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 79,963,091 shares issued; 79,529,584 shares outstanding
 
80.0

 
79.9

Additional paid-in capital
 
2,654.7

 
2,660.5

Retained earnings
 
617.6

 
567.1

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(22.9
)
 
(23.2
)
Shares in deferred compensation trust
 
(21.1
)
 
(23.0
)
Total common shareholders’ equity
 
3,308.3

 
3,261.3

 
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock of subsidiary – $100 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; 511,882 shares issued; 510,495 shares outstanding
 
51.1

 
51.1

Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries
 
0.1

 
1.0

Total liabilities and equity
 
$
11,374.4

 
$
11,243.5

The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these statements.

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INTEGRYS ENERGY GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
June 30
(Millions)
 
2014
 
2013
Operating Activities
 
 

 
 

Net income
 
$
161.1

 
$
183.6

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
 
 

 
 

Discontinued operations, net of tax
 
0.2

 
(5.3
)
Goodwill impairment loss
 
6.7

 

Depreciation and amortization expense
 
144.2

 
126.4

Recoveries and refunds of regulatory assets and liabilities
 
59.1

 
28.8

Net unrealized (gains) losses on energy contracts
 
(24.8
)
 
0.3

Bad debt expense
 
30.8

 
14.4

Pension and other postretirement expense
 
11.9

 
31.8

Pension and other postretirement contributions
 
(69.5
)
 
(64.2
)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits
 
83.1

 
144.0

Equity income, net of dividends
 
(9.5
)
 
(9.6
)
Termination of tolling agreement with Fox Energy Company LLC
 

 
(50.0
)
Other
 
12.8

 
13.3

Changes in working capital
 
 

 
 

Collateral on deposit
 
(1.5
)
 
(19.6
)
Accounts receivable and accrued unbilled revenues
 
89.0

 
19.8

Inventories
 
29.7

 
69.8

Other current assets
 
41.0

 
(54.0
)
Accounts payable
 
(16.2
)
 
41.3

Temporary LIFO liquidation credit
 
57.9

 
33.4

Other current liabilities
 
(20.0
)
 
(56.2
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
586.0

 
448.0

 
 
 
 
 
Investing Activities
 
 

 
 

Capital expenditures
 
(348.6
)
 
(300.1
)
Capital contributions to equity method investments
 
(10.2
)
 
(6.8
)
Rabbi trust funding related to potential change in control
 
(65.0
)
 

Acquisition of Fox Energy Company LLC
 

 
(391.6
)
Acquisitions at IES
 

 
(12.4
)
Grant received related to Crane Creek wind project
 

 
69.0

Other
 
(6.0
)
 
(2.5
)
Net cash used for investing activities
 
(429.8
)
 
(644.4
)
 
 
 
 
 
Financing Activities
 
 

 
 

Short-term debt, net
 
94.7

 
150.8

Borrowing on term credit facility
 

 
200.0

Issuance of long-term debt
 

 
104.0

Repayment of long-term debt
 
(100.0
)
 
(187.0
)
Proceeds from stock option exercises
 
11.9

 
31.2

Shares purchased for stock-based compensation
 
(28.7
)
 
(2.0
)
Payment of dividends
 
 

 
 

Preferred stock of subsidiary
 
(1.6
)
 
(1.6
)
Common stock
 
(108.2
)
 
(100.7
)
Other
 
(8.2
)
 
(7.4
)
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities
 
(140.1
)
 
187.3

 
 
 
 
 
Change in cash and cash equivalents – continuing operations
 
16.1

 
(9.1
)
Change in cash and cash equivalents – discontinued operations
 
 

 
 

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
6.6

 
0.3

Net cash provided by investing activities
 

 
1.6

Net change in cash and cash equivalents
 
22.7

 
(7.2
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
22.3

 
27.4

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
45.0

 
$
20.2

 
 
 
 
 
Cash paid for interest
 
$
74.5

 
$
57.1

Cash received for income taxes
 
$
(59.2
)
 
$
(1.3
)
The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these statements.

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Table of Contents

INTEGRYS ENERGY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
June 30, 2014

Note 1—Basis of Presentation

As used in these notes, the term "financial statements" refers to the condensed consolidated financial statements. This includes the condensed consolidated statements of income, condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income, condensed consolidated balance sheets, and condensed consolidated statements of cash flows, unless otherwise noted. In this report, when we refer to "us," "we," "our," or "ours," we are referring to Integrys Energy Group, Inc.

We prepare our financial statements in conformity with the rules and regulations of the SEC for Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in accordance with GAAP. Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for annual financial statements. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and footnotes in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. Financial results for an interim period may not give a true indication of results for the year.

In management’s opinion, these unaudited financial statements include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of financial results. All adjustments are normal and recurring, unless otherwise noted. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Reclassification

Assets and liabilities associated with the pending sale of UPPCO were reclassified as held for sale on our December 31, 2013, balance sheet to be consistent with the current period presentation. See Note 4, Dispositions, for more information on the pending sale of UPPCO.

Note 2—Proposed Merger with Wisconsin Energy Corporation

In June 2014, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (Agreement) with Wisconsin Energy Corporation (Wisconsin Energy). Under this Agreement, upon the close of the transaction our shareholders will receive 1.128 shares of Wisconsin Energy common stock and $18.58 in cash for each share of our common stock then owned. In addition, under the Agreement all of our unvested stock-based compensation awards will fully vest upon the close of the transaction and will be paid out in cash to award recipients. Upon closing of the transaction, Integrys Energy Group shareholders will own approximately 28% of the combined company, and Wisconsin Energy shareholders will own approximately 72%.

The combined entity will be named WEC Energy Group, Inc. and will serve more than 4.3 million total natural gas and electric customers across Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota.

This transaction was approved unanimously by the Boards of Directors of both companies. It is subject to approvals from the shareholders of both companies, the FERC, Federal Communications Commission, PSCW, ICC, MPSC, and MPUC. The transaction also is subject to the notification and clearance and reporting requirements under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and other customary closing conditions. We expect the transaction to close in the summer of 2015.

Note 3—Acquisitions

Agreement to Purchase Alliant Energy Corporation's Natural Gas Distribution Business in Southeast Minnesota

In September 2013, MERC entered into an agreement to purchase Alliant Energy Corporation's natural gas distribution business in southeast Minnesota. This transaction is subject to state and federal regulatory approvals. The purchase price will be based on book value as of the closing date, which is expected to approximate $14 million. We anticipate closing on this transaction by the end of the first quarter of 2015. It will not be material to us.

Acquisition of Fox Energy Center

In March 2013, WPS acquired all of the equity interests in Fox Energy Company LLC for $391.6 million. Fox Energy Company LLC was dissolved into WPS immediately after the purchase.

The purchase included the Fox Energy Center, a 593-megawatt combined-cycle electric generating facility located in Wisconsin, along with associated contracts. Fox Energy Center is a dual-fuel facility, equipped to use fuel oil, but being run primarily on natural gas. This plant gives WPS a more balanced mix of owned electric generation, including coal, natural gas, hydroelectric, wind, and other renewable sources. In giving its approval for the purchase, the PSCW stated that the purchase price was reasonable and will benefit ratepayers.


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Table of Contents

The purchase price was allocated based on the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition, as follows:
(Millions)
 
 
Assets acquired (1)
 
 
Inventories
 
$
3.0

Other current assets
 
0.4

Property, plant, and equipment
 
374.4

Other long-term assets (2)
 
15.6

Total assets acquired
 
$
393.4

 
 
 
Liabilities assumed
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
1.8

Total liabilities assumed
 
$
1.8


(1) 
Relates to the electric utility segment.

(2) 
Intangible assets recorded for contractual services agreements. See Note 9, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for more information.

Prior to the purchase, WPS supplied natural gas for the facility and purchased 500 megawatts of capacity and the associated energy output under a tolling arrangement. WPS paid $50.0 million for the early termination of the tolling arrangement. This amount was recorded as a regulatory asset, as WPS is authorized recovery by the PSCW. The amount is being amortized over a nine-year period that began on January 1, 2014.

WPS received regulatory approval to defer incremental costs incurred in 2013 associated with the purchase of the facility. These costs are included in WPS's 2015 proposed retail electric rate increase. See Note 22, Regulatory Environment, for more information. WPS's rate order effective January 1, 2014, included the costs of operating the Fox Energy Center.

Pro forma adjustments to our revenues and earnings prior to the date of acquisition would not be meaningful or material. Prior to the acquisition, the Fox Energy Center was a nonregulated plant and sold all of its output to third parties, with most of the output purchased by WPS. The plant is now part of WPS's regulated fleet, used to serve its customers.

Note 4—Dispositions

Dispositions

IES Segment – Pending Sale of IES Retail Energy Business

In July 2014, we entered into an agreement to sell the retail energy business portion of IES to Exelon Generation Company, LLC (Exelon) for $60.0 million plus adjusted net working capital at the time of the close. For informational purposes, in the sale agreement the adjusted net working capital balance was calculated at approximately $183 million as of May 31, 2014. Any accounting gain or loss on the sale will be dependent on the fair value of derivative assets and liabilities at the time of sale.

The transaction is conditioned on approval by FERC and is subject to the notification and reporting requirements under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. We expect the sale to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2014 or in the first quarter of 2015. After the close of the sale, we will provide certain transition services at cost to Exelon for up to 15 months.

The retail energy business consists of mostly financial assets and liabilities; therefore, it does not qualify as held for sale under the applicable accounting guidance.

The June 2014 announcement of the potential sale triggered an interim goodwill impairment test. See Note 9, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for more information.

Electric Utility Segment – Pending Sale of UPPCO

In January 2014, we reached a definitive agreement to sell all of the stock of UPPCO to Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Partners LP (BBIP) for approximately $298.8 million. This price is subject to adjustments for various items, including working capital, pension contributions, and the reimbursement of any capital expenditures made by UPPCO in 2014 prior to the sale. BBIP approached us in early 2013 about purchasing UPPCO, and we came to an agreement in January 2014 that was approved by our Board of Directors. The transaction has been approved by all applicable state regulatory commissions but is still subject to approval by the FERC. This sale is expected to close in the third quarter of 2014. Following the sale, we will provide certain administrative and operational services to UPPCO during a transition period of 18 to 30 months.


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The pending sale of UPPCO does not meet the requirements under the applicable accounting guidance to qualify as discontinued operations as WPS will have significant continuing cash flows related to certain power purchase transactions that will continue as an external transaction with UPPCO after the sale.

The following table shows the carrying values of the major classes of assets and liabilities related to UPPCO classified as held for sale on the balance sheets:
(Millions)
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Current assets
 
$
24.6

 
$
26.5

Property, plant, and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $90.5 and $88.9, respectively
 
193.3

 
193.8

Other long-term assets
 
71.8

 
51.6

Total assets
 
$
289.7

 
$
271.9

 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
$
13.8

 
$
16.7

Long-term liabilities
 
29.2

 
32.4

Total liabilities
 
$
43.0

 
$
49.1


In addition to the amounts above, intercompany payables of $2.2 million and $1.6 million at June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively, will be included in the sale. These balances were eliminated during consolidation and relate to certain power purchase transactions that will continue as an external transaction with WPS after the sale, as discussed above.

Discontinued Operations

Holding Company and Other Segment

During the three months ended June 30, 2013, we recorded $0.1 million of after-tax losses in discontinued operations at the holding company and other segment. During the six months ended June 30, 2013, we recorded $5.9 million of after-tax gains in discontinued operations at the holding company and other segment. In 2013, we remeasured uncertain tax positions included in our liability for unrecognized tax benefits after effectively settling a state income tax examination. We reduced the provision for income taxes related to this remeasurement.

IES Segment – Potential Sale of Combined Locks Energy Center

IES is currently pursuing the sale of the Combined Locks Energy Center (Combined Locks), a natural gas-fired co-generation facility located in Wisconsin.

Combined Locks had $0.7 million of assets that were classified as held for sale on the balance sheets at June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, which included inventories and property, plant, and equipment. During the three months ended June 30, 2014, and 2013, IES recorded after-tax losses of $0.1 million and $0.7 million, respectively, in discontinued operations related to Combined Locks. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, and 2013, IES recorded after-tax losses of $0.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively, in discontinued operations related to Combined Locks.

IES Segment – Sale of WPS Beaver Falls Generation, LLC and WPS Syracuse Generation, LLC

In March 2013, WPS Empire State, Inc., a subsidiary of IES, sold all of the membership interests of WPS Beaver Falls Generation, LLC (Beaver Falls) and WPS Syracuse Generation, LLC (Syracuse), both of which owned natural gas-fired generation plants located in the state of New York. During the six months ended June 30, 2013, IES recorded after-tax earnings of $0.2 million in discontinued operations related to the gain on sale, partially offset by a net loss from operations at Beaver Falls and Syracuse.

Note 5—Cash and Cash Equivalents

Short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less are reported as cash equivalents.

Significant noncash transactions were:
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30
(Millions)
 
2014
 
2013
Construction costs funded through accounts payable
 
$
123.3

 
$
81.8

Equity issued for employee stock ownership plan
 
1.7

 
6.7

Equity issued for stock-based compensation plans
 

 
16.0

Equity issued for reinvested dividends
 

 
6.1

Contingent consideration and payables related to the acquisition of Compass Energy Services
 

 
9.1



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At June 30, 2014, restricted cash recorded within other long-term assets on our balance sheet included $65.0 million that was transferred to the rabbi trust, triggered by the proposed merger with Wisconsin Energy Corporation. See Note 2, Proposed Merger with Wisconsin Energy Corporation, for more information on the merger. See Note 15, Employee Benefit Plans, for more information on the rabbi trust funding requirements.

Note 6—Risk Management Activities

In July 2014, we entered into an agreement to sell IES's retail energy business. IES's risk management assets and liabilities reflected below will be included in the sale. See Note 4, Dispositions, for more information.

The following tables show our assets and liabilities from risk management activities:
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2014
(Millions)
 
Balance Sheet Presentation (1)
 
Assets from
Risk Management Activities
 
Liabilities from
Risk Management Activities
Utility Segments
 
 
 
 

 
 

Nonhedge derivatives
 
 
 
 

 
 

Natural gas contracts
 
Current
 
$
9.0

 
$
0.9

Natural gas contracts
 
Long-term
 
1.2

 
0.1

Financial transmission rights (FTRs) (2)
 
Current
 
5.9

 
0.7

Petroleum product contracts
 
Current
 
0.3

 

Coal contracts
 
Current
 

 
1.6

Coal contracts
 
Long-term
 
2.7

 
0.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IES Segment
 
 
 
 

 
 

Nonhedge derivatives
 
 
 
 

 
 

Natural gas contracts
 
Current
 
54.8

 
41.3

Natural gas contracts
 
Long-term
 
24.7

 
13.4

Electric contracts
 
Current
 
184.6

 
123.4

Electric contracts
 
Long-term
 
59.7

 
47.4

 
 
Current
 
254.6

 
167.9

 
 
Long-term
 
88.3

 
61.1

Total
 
 
 
$
342.9

 
$
229.0


(1) 
We classify assets and liabilities from risk management activities as current or long-term based on the maturities of the underlying contracts.

(2)  
Includes a $1.2 million risk management asset that was classified as held for sale at UPPCO. See Note 4, Dispositions, for more information.
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2013
(Millions)
 
Balance Sheet Presentation (1)
 
Assets from
Risk Management Activities
 
Liabilities from
Risk Management Activities
Utility Segments
 
 
 
 

 
 

Nonhedge derivatives
 
 
 
 

 
 

Natural gas contracts
 
Current
 
$
8.3

 
$
1.0

Natural gas contracts
 
Long-term
 
1.8

 
0.1

FTRs (2)
 
Current
 
2.1

 
0.3

Petroleum product contracts
 
Current
 
0.1

 

Coal contracts
 
Current
 

 
1.9

Coal contracts
 
Long-term
 
0.2

 
0.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IES Segment
 
 
 
 

 
 

Nonhedge derivatives
 
 
 
 

 
 

Natural gas contracts
 
Current
 
57.6

 
42.9

Natural gas contracts
 
Long-term
 
29.5

 
18.6

Electric contracts
 
Current
 
172.0

 
117.7

Electric contracts
 
Long-term
 
43.9

 
43.3

 
 
Current
 
240.1

 
163.8

 
 
Long-term
 
75.4

 
62.8

Total
 
 
 
$
315.5

 
$
226.6


(1) 
We classify assets and liabilities from risk management activities as current or long-term based on the maturities of the underlying contracts.

(2)  
Includes a $0.6 million risk management asset that was classified as held for sale at UPPCO. See Note 4, Dispositions, for more information.

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The following tables show the potential effect on our financial position of netting arrangements for recognized derivative assets and liabilities:
 
 
June 30, 2014
(Millions)
 
Gross Amount
 
Potential Effects of Netting, Including Cash Collateral
 
Net Amount
Derivative assets subject to master netting or similar arrangements
 
 
 
 

 
 

Utility segments
 
$
16.3

 
$
1.7

 
$
14.6

IES segment
 
323.8

 
197.7

 
126.1

Total
 
340.1

 
199.4

 
140.7

Derivative assets not subject to master netting or similar arrangements
 
2.8

 
 
 
2.8

Total risk management assets
 
$
342.9

 


 
$
143.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative liabilities subject to master netting or similar arrangements
 
 
 
 

 
 

Utility segments
 
$
1.7

 
$
1.7

 
$

IES segment
 
225.4

 
198.3

 
27.1

Total
 
227.1

 
200.0

 
27.1

Derivative liabilities not subject to master netting or similar arrangements
 
1.9

 
 
 
1.9

Total risk management liabilities
 
$
229.0

 


 
$
29.0


 
 
December 31, 2013
(Millions)
 
Gross Amount
 
Potential Effects of Netting, Including Cash Collateral
 
Net Amount
Derivative assets subject to master netting or similar arrangements
 
 
 
 

 
 

Utility segments
 
$
12.3

 
$
2.1

 
$
10.2

IES segment
 
301.9

 
178.1

 
123.8

Total
 
314.2

 
180.2

 
134.0

Derivative assets not subject to master netting or similar arrangements
 
1.3

 
 
 
1.3

Total risk management assets
 
$
315.5

 


 
$
135.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative liabilities subject to master netting or similar arrangements
 
 
 
 

 
 

Utility segments
 
$
1.4

 
$
1.4

 
$

IES segment
 
222.1

 
178.1

 
44.0

Total
 
223.5

 
179.5

 
44.0

Derivative liabilities not subject to master netting or similar arrangements
 
3.1

 
 
 
3.1

Total risk management liabilities
 
$
226.6

 


 
$
47.1


Our master netting and similar arrangements have conditional rights of setoff that can be enforced under a variety of situations, including counterparty default or credit rating downgrade below investment grade. We have trade receivables and trade payables, subject to master netting or similar arrangements, that are not included in the above tables. These amounts may offset (or conditionally offset) the net amounts presented in the above tables.

Financial collateral received or provided is restricted to the extent that it is required per the terms of the related agreements. The following table shows our cash collateral positions:
(Millions)
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Cash collateral provided to others: (1)
 
 
 
 
Related to contracts under master netting or similar arrangements (2)
 
$
39.1

 
$
37.6

Other
 
1.1

 
1.1

Cash collateral received from others related to contracts under master netting or similar arrangements (1)
 

 
0.7


(1)  
Cash collateral provided to others is reflected in other current assets and cash collateral received from others is reflected in other current liabilities on the balance sheets.
     
(2) 
Includes $1.3 million of cash collateral provided to others that was classified as held for sale at UPPCO at June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013. See Note 4, Dispositions, for more information.


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Table of Contents

Certain of our derivative and nonderivative commodity instruments contain provisions that could require "adequate assurance" in the event of a material change in our creditworthiness, or the posting of additional collateral for instruments in net liability positions, if triggered by a decrease in credit ratings. The following table shows the aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with specific credit risk-related contingent features that were in a liability position:
(Millions)
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Utility segments
 
$
0.6

 
$
0.6

IES segment
 
44.9

 
76.7


If all of the credit risk-related contingent features contained in commodity instruments (including derivatives, nonderivatives, normal purchase and normal sales contracts, and applicable payables and receivables) had been triggered, our collateral requirement would have been as follows:
(Millions)
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Collateral that would have been required:
 
 

 
 

Utility segments
 
$

 
$

IES segment
 
173.3

 
197.6

Collateral already satisfied:
 
 

 
 

IES segment — Letters of credit
 
4.0

 
4.5

Collateral remaining:
 
 
 
 
IES segment
 
169.3

 
193.1


Utility Segments

Non-Hedge Derivatives

Utility derivatives include natural gas purchase contracts, coal purchase contracts, financial derivative contracts, and FTRs used to manage electric transmission congestion costs. The electric and natural gas utility segments use financial derivative contracts to manage the risks associated with the market price volatility of natural gas supply costs. In addition, IBS enters into financial derivative contracts on behalf of the utilities to manage the cost of gasoline and diesel fuel used by utility vehicles.

The notional volumes of outstanding derivative contracts at the utilities and IBS were as follows:
 
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
(Millions)
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Other Transactions
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Other Transactions
Natural gas (therms)
 
2,213.0

 
2.0

 
N/A

 
3,124.8

 
29.3

 
N/A

FTRs (kilowatt-hours)
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
8,359.8

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
3,633.1

Petroleum products (barrels)
 
0.1

 

 
N/A

 
0.1

 

 
N/A

Coal (tons)
 
4.0

 

 
N/A

 
4.8

 

 
N/A


The table below shows the unrealized gains (losses) recorded related to derivative contracts at the utilities and IBS:
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30
 
Six Months Ended June 30
(Millions)
 
Financial Statement Presentation
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Natural gas
 
Balance Sheet — Regulatory assets (current)
 
$
(1.0
)
 
$
(5.6
)
 
$
(0.1
)
 
$
7.4

Natural gas
 
Balance Sheet — Regulatory assets (long-term)
 

 
(1.0
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.2
)
Natural gas
 
Balance Sheet — Regulatory liabilities (current)
 
(3.4
)
 
(5.7
)
 

 
0.2

Natural gas
 
Balance Sheet — Regulatory liabilities (long-term)
 
0.1

 
(1.1
)
 
(0.3
)
 
(0.3
)
Natural gas
 
Income Statement — Operating and maintenance expense
 
(0.1
)
 
(0.3
)
 
0.1

 
(0.1
)
FTRs
 
Balance Sheet — Regulatory assets (current) *
 
(1.1
)
 
(1.0
)
 
(0.9
)
 
(0.8
)
FTRs
 
Balance Sheet — Regulatory liabilities (current) *
 
1.3

 
0.3

 
1.1

 
(0.1
)
Petroleum
 
Balance Sheet — Regulatory assets (current)
 

 
(0.1
)
 

 
(0.1
)
Petroleum
 
Income Statement — Operating and maintenance expense
 
0.1

 

 
0.1

 

Coal
 
Balance Sheet — Regulatory assets (current)
 
(0.3
)
 
0.8

 
(0.1
)
 
2.7

Coal
 
Balance Sheet — Regulatory assets (long-term)
 
0.2

 
1.7

 
0.6

 
4.0

Coal
 
Balance Sheet — Regulatory liabilities (current)
 

 
(0.1
)
 

 
(0.3
)
Coal
 
Balance Sheet — Regulatory liabilities (long-term)
 
0.9

 

 
2.5

 
(2.2
)

*
Includes insignificant unrealized losses and gains recorded to regulatory assets and liabilities, respectively, that were classified as held for sale at UPPCO. See Note 4, Dispositions, for more information.

11

Table of Contents

IES Segment

Nonhedge Derivatives

IES enters into physical and financial derivative contracts that are used to manage commodity price risk primarily associated with retail electric and natural gas customer contracts.

IES had the following notional volumes of outstanding derivative contracts:
 
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
(Millions)
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Purchases
 
Sales
Commodity contracts
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Natural gas (therms)
 
1,164.6

 
1,262.5

 
1,199.9

 
1,065.4

Electric (kilowatt-hours)
 
40,031.9

 
23,508.9

 
49,186.3

 
30,813.8


Gains (losses) related to derivative contracts are recognized currently in earnings, as shown in the table below:
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30
 
Six Months Ended June 30
(Millions)
 
Income Statement Presentation
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Natural gas
 
Nonregulated revenue
 
$
10.0

 
$
33.8

 
$
(26.9
)
 
$
37.2

Natural gas
 
Nonregulated cost of sales
 
(5.0
)
 
(32.9
)
 
28.0

 
(34.5
)
Natural gas
 
Nonregulated revenue (reclassified from accumulated OCI) *
 

 
(0.1
)
 

 
(0.2
)
Electric
 
Nonregulated revenue
 
15.8

 
(77.6
)
 
176.1

 
(13.6
)
Electric
 
Nonregulated cost of sales
 
1.4

 
8.7

 
2.0

 
8.7

Electric
 
Nonregulated revenue (reclassified from accumulated OCI) *
 

 
(2.0
)
 

 
(3.0
)
Total
 
 
 
$
22.2

 
$
(70.1
)
 
$
179.2

 
$
(5.4
)

*
Represents amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (OCI) related to cash flow hedges that were dedesignated in prior periods.
 
Note 7—Investment in ATC

Our electric transmission investment segment consists of WPS Investments LLC’s ownership interest in ATC, which was approximately 34% at June 30, 2014. ATC is a for-profit, transmission-only company regulated by FERC.

The following table shows changes to our investment in ATC:
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30
 
Six Months Ended June 30
(Millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Balance at the beginning of period
 
$
517.6

 
$
482.7

 
$
508.4

 
$
476.6

Add: Earnings from equity method investment
 
23.0

 
22.0

 
45.5

 
43.7

Add: Capital contributions
 
5.1

 
5.1

 
10.2

 
6.8

Less: Dividends received
 
18.4

 
17.6

 
36.8

 
34.9

Balance at the end of period
 
$
527.3

 
$
492.2

 
$
527.3

 
$
492.2


Financial data for all of ATC is included in the following tables:
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30
 
Six Months Ended June 30
(Millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Income statement data
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Revenues
 
$
160.0

 
$
152.1

 
$
323.3

 
$
303.9

Operating expenses
 
74.4

 
69.9

 
153.0

 
139.7

Other expense
 
21.9

 
20.9

 
43.5

 
42.4

Net income
 
$
63.7

 
$
61.3

 
$
126.8

 
$
121.8



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Table of Contents

(Millions)
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Balance sheet data
 
 

 
 

Current assets
 
$
80.6

 
$
80.7

Noncurrent assets
 
3,612.7

 
3,509.5

Total assets
 
$
3,693.3

 
$
3,590.2

 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
$
419.8

 
$
381.5

Long-term debt
 
1,550.0

 
1,550.0

Other noncurrent liabilities
 
135.3

 
126.1

Shareholders’ equity
 
1,588.2

 
1,532.6

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
3,693.3

 
$
3,590.2


Note 8—Inventories

PGL and NSG price natural gas storage injections at the calendar year average of the costs of natural gas supply purchased. Withdrawals from storage are priced on the Last-in, First-out (LIFO) cost method. For interim periods, the difference between current projected replacement cost and the LIFO cost for quantities of natural gas temporarily withdrawn from storage is recorded as a temporary LIFO liquidation debit or credit. At June 30, 2014, we had a temporary LIFO liquidation credit of $57.9 million recorded within other current liabilities on our balance sheet. Due to seasonality requirements, PGL and NSG expect interim reductions in LIFO layers to be replenished by year end.

Note 9—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The following table shows changes to our goodwill balances by segment during the six months ended June 30, 2014:
(Millions)
 
Natural Gas Utility
 
IES
 
Holding Company and Other
 
Total
Balance as of January 1, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross goodwill
 
$
933.5

 
$
6.6

 
$
19.6

 
$
959.7

Accumulated impairment losses
 
(297.6
)
 

 

 
(297.6
)
Net goodwill
 
635.9

 
6.6

 
19.6

 
662.1

Rounding adjustment
 
(0.1
)
 
0.1

 

 

Goodwill impairment loss
 

 
(6.7
)
 

 
(6.7
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of June 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross goodwill
 
933.5

 
6.7

 
19.6

 
959.8

Accumulated impairment losses
 
(297.7
)
 
(6.7
)
 

 
(304.4
)
Net goodwill
 
$
635.8

 
$

 
$
19.6

 
$
655.4


In June 2014, we announced that we were in the late stages of a process to divest of IES's retail energy business. In anticipation of this divestiture, IES performed an interim goodwill impairment analysis. Based on the results of the interim goodwill impairment analysis, IES recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment loss of $6.7 million in the second quarter of 2014. This goodwill impairment loss reflected the offers received for IES's retail energy business. See Note 4, Dispositions, for more information on the pending sale of IES's retail energy business.

In the second quarter of 2014, annual impairment tests were completed at all of our reporting units that carried a goodwill balance as of April 1, 2014. No impairments resulted from our annual impairment tests. As discussed above, IES recorded a goodwill impairment loss as a result of an interim test in June 2014.


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Table of Contents

The identifiable intangible assets other than goodwill listed below are part of other current and long-term assets on the balance sheets.
 
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
(Millions)
 
Gross Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net Carrying
Amount
 
Gross Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net Carrying
Amount
Amortized intangible assets
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Contractual service agreements (1)
 
15.6

 
(3.0
)
 
12.6

 
15.6

 
(1.8
)
 
13.8

Customer-related (2)
 
26.8

 
(16.5
)
 
10.3

 
26.8

 
(15.7
)
 
11.1

Renewable energy credits (3)
 
7.2

 

 
7.2

 
8.4

 

 
8.4

Customer-owned equipment modifications (4)
 
4.0

 
(1.0
)
 
3.0

 
4.0

 
(0.9
)
 
3.1

Patents/intellectual property (5)
 
3.4

 
(0.6
)
 
2.8

 
3.4

 
(0.5
)
 
2.9

Compressed natural gas fueling contract assets (6)
 
5.6

 
(3.1
)
 
2.5

 
5.6

 
(2.7
)
 
2.9

Nonregulated easements (7) 
 
3.7

 
(1.3
)
 
2.4

 
3.7

 
(1.1
)
 
2.6

Natural gas and electric contract assets (8)
 
3.9

 
(2.0
)
 
1.9

 
3.9

 
(0.5
)
 
3.4

Other
 
0.5

 
(0.3
)
 
0.2

 
0.5

 
(0.3
)
 
0.2

Total
 
$
70.7

 
$
(27.8
)
 
$
42.9

 
$
71.9

 
$
(23.5
)
 
$
48.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unamortized intangible assets
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

MGU trade name
 
$
5.2

 
$

 
$
5.2

 
$
5.2

 
$

 
$
5.2

Trillium trade name (9)
 
3.5

 

 
3.5

 
3.5

 

 
3.5

Pinnacle trade name (9)
 
1.5

 

 
1.5

 
1.5

 

 
1.5

Total intangible assets
 
$
80.9

 
$
(27.8
)
 
$
53.1

 
$
82.1

 
$
(23.5
)
 
$
58.6


(1) 
Represents contractual service agreements related to maintenance on the combustion turbine generators at the Fox Energy Center. The remaining amortization period for these intangible assets at June 30, 2014, was approximately six years.

(2) 
Represents customer relationship assets associated with PELLC’s former nonregulated retail natural gas and electric operations, ITF's compressed natural gas fueling operations, and IES's retail natural gas operations. The remaining weighted-average amortization period for customer-related intangible assets at June 30, 2014, was approximately 11 years.

(3) 
Used at IES to comply with state Renewable Portfolio Standards and to support customer commitments.

(4) 
Relates to modifications made by IES and ITF to customer-owned equipment. These intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis, with a remaining weighted-average amortization period at June 30, 2014, of approximately ten years.

(5) 
Represents the fair value of patents/intellectual property at ITF related to a system for more efficiently compressing natural gas to allow for faster fueling. The remaining amortization period at June 30, 2014, was approximately eight years.

(6) 
Represents the fair value of ITF contracts acquired in September 2011. The remaining amortization period at June 30, 2014, was approximately seven years.

(7) 
Relates to easements supporting a pipeline at IES. The easements are amortized on a straight-line basis, with a remaining amortization period at June 30, 2014, of approximately ten years.

(8) 
Represents the fair value of certain natural gas and electric customer contracts acquired by IES during 2013 that were not considered to be derivative instruments. The remaining amortization period for these intangible assets at June 30, 2014, was approximately three years.

(9) 
Trillium USA (Trillium) and Pinnacle CNG Systems (Pinnacle) are wholly-owned subsidiaries of ITF.

The table below shows our amortization expense recognized in the statements of income:
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30
 
Six Months Ended June 30
(Millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Amortization recorded in nonregulated cost of sales
 
$
1.1

 
$
0.5

 
$
2.1

 
$
0.9

Amortization recorded in depreciation and amortization expense
 
1.1

 
1.2

 
2.2

 
1.7


An insignificant amount of amortization expense was recorded in discontinued operations for the six months ended June 30, 2013.

The following table shows our estimated amortization expense for the next five years, including amounts recorded through June 30, 2014:
 
 
For the Year Ending December 31
(Millions)
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
Amortization to be recorded in nonregulated cost of sales
 
$
3.4

 
$
2.0

 
$
1.1

 
$
0.9

 
$
0.8

Amortization to be recorded in depreciation and amortization expense
 
4.3

 
4.2

 
4.0

 
3.9

 
3.8



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Note 10—Short-Term Debt and Lines of Credit

Our outstanding short-term borrowings were as follows:
(Millions, except percentages)
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Commercial paper
 
$
420.7

 
$
326.0

Average interest rate on commercial paper
 
0.24
%
 
0.22
%

The commercial paper outstanding at June 30, 2014, had maturity dates ranging from July 1, 2014, through July 21, 2014.

Our average amount of commercial paper borrowings based on daily outstanding balances during the six months ended June 30, 2014, and 2013, was $215.6 million and $443.2 million, respectively.

We manage our liquidity by maintaining adequate external financing commitments. The information in the table below relates to our revolving credit facilities used to support our commercial paper borrowing program, including remaining available capacity under these facilities:
(Millions)
 
Maturity
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Revolving credit facility (Integrys Energy Group) (1)
 
05/17/2014
 
$

 
$
275.0

Revolving credit facility (Integrys Energy Group) (1)
 
05/17/2016
 

 
200.0

Revolving credit facility (Integrys Energy Group)
 
06/13/2017
 
635.0

 
635.0

Revolving credit facility (Integrys Energy Group)
 
05/08/2019
 
465.0

 

Revolving credit facility (WPS) (1)
 
05/17/2014
 

 
135.0

Revolving credit facility (WPS) (2)
 
05/07/2015
 
135.0

 

Revolving credit facility (WPS)
 
06/13/2017
 
115.0

 
115.0

Revolving credit facility (PGL)
 
06/13/2017
 
250.0

 
250.0

Total short-term credit capacity
 
 
 
$
1,600.0

 
$
1,610.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less:
 
 
 
 

 
 

Letters of credit issued inside credit facilities
 
 
 
$
22.6

 
$
52.4

Commercial paper outstanding
 
 
 
420.7

 
326.0

Available capacity under existing agreements
 
 
 
$
1,156.7

 
$
1,231.6


(1) 
These credit facilities were terminated and replaced with new credit facilities in May 2014.

(2) 
WPS requested approval from the PSCW to extend this facility through May 8, 2019.

Note 11—Long-Term Debt

(Millions)
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
WPS
 
$
1,175.1

 
$
1,175.1

PGL (1)
 
725.0

 
725.0

NSG
 
82.0

 
82.0

Integrys Energy Group (2)
 
974.8

 
1,074.8

Total
 
2,956.9

 
3,056.9

Unamortized discount on debt
 
(0.7
)
 
(0.7
)
Total debt
 
2,956.2

 
3,056.2

Less current portion
 

 
100.0

Total long-term debt
 
$
2,956.2

 
$
2,956.2


(1) 
PGL's $50.0 million of 2.125% Series VV Bonds were subject to a mandatory interest reset on July 1, 2014. The new interest rate on these bonds is 3.90%, and they are due in March 2030.

(1) 
In June 2014, our $100.0 million of 7.27% Senior Notes matured, and the outstanding principal balance was repaid.

Note 12—Income Taxes

We calculate our interim period provision for income taxes based on our projected annual effective tax rate as adjusted for certain discrete items.

The table below shows our effective tax rates attributable to continuing operations:
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30
 
Six Months Ended June 30
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Effective tax rate
 
50.3
%
 
45.8
%
 
37.8
%
 
37.4
%

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Our effective tax rate normally differs from the federal statutory tax rate of 35% due to additional provision for multistate income tax obligations. Other significant items that had an impact on our effective tax rates are noted below.

Our effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2014, was higher than the federal statutory rate of 35%. In the second quarter of 2014, IES recorded a $6.7 million goodwill impairment loss. This amount is not deductible for income tax purposes.

Our effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2013, was higher than the federal statutory rate of 35%. Various favorable tax adjustments were recorded in the second quarter of 2013, which when combined with a net loss for the quarter, caused the effective tax rate to increase.

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, there was not a significant change in our liability for unrecognized tax benefits.

Note 13—Commitments and Contingencies

(a) Unconditional Purchase Obligations and Purchase Order Commitments

We and our subsidiaries routinely enter into long-term purchase and sale commitments for various quantities and lengths of time. The regulated natural gas utilities have obligations to distribute and sell natural gas to their customers, and the regulated electric utilities have obligations to distribute and sell electricity to their customers. The utilities expect to recover costs related to these obligations in future customer rates. Additionally, the majority of the energy supply contracts entered into by IES are to meet its contractual obligations to deliver energy to customers. The following table shows our minimum future commitments related to these purchase obligations as of June 30, 2014, including those of our subsidiaries.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Payments Due By Period
(Millions)
 
Year Contracts Extend Through
 
Total Amounts Committed
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
Later Years
Natural gas utility supply and transportation
 
2028
 
$
772.5

 
$
91.7

 
$
171.3

 
$
161.8

 
$
127.0

 
$
76.2

 
$
144.5

Electric utility
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchased power (1)
 
2029
 
907.2

 
42.1

 
54.7

 
42.9

 
53.5

 
56.5

 
657.5

Coal supply and transportation
 
2018
 
127.9

 
26.1

 
42.8

 
18.5

 
20.6

 
19.9

 

Nonregulated electricity and natural gas supply (2)
 
2020
 
613.7

 
258.9

 
265.4

 
70.6

 
15.0

 
2.7

 
1.1

Total
 
 
 
$
2,421.3

 
$
418.8

 
$
534.2

 
$
293.8

 
$
216.1

 
$
155.3

 
$
803.1


(1)  
Includes minimum future commitments for UPPCO related to power purchase contracts of $14.3 million for the years 2014 to 2024. In January 2014, we announced an agreement to sell UPPCO. See Note 4, Dispositions, for more information.

(2) 
Represents minimum future commitments for IES. In July 2014, we entered into a definitive agreement to sell the retail energy business of IES. See Note 4, Dispositions, for more information.

We and our subsidiaries also had commitments of $1,173.0 million in the form of purchase orders issued to various vendors at June 30, 2014, that relate to normal business operations, including construction projects. Included in this amount are purchase orders issued to various vendors of UPPCO for $13.1 million and IES for $46.7 million.

(b) Environmental Matters

Air Permitting Violation Claims

Weston and Pulliam Clean Air Act (CAA) Issues:
In November 2009, the EPA issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) to WPS alleging violations of the CAA's New Source Review requirements relating to certain projects completed at the Weston and Pulliam plants from 1994 to 2009. WPS reached a settlement agreement with the EPA regarding this NOV and signed a Consent Decree. This Consent Decree was approved by the U.S. District Court (Court) in March 2013, after a public comment period. The final Consent Decree includes:

the installation of emission control technology, including ReACT™, on Weston 3,
changed operating conditions (including refueling, repowering, and/or retirement of units),
limitations on plant emissions,
beneficial environmental projects totaling $6.0 million, and
a civil penalty of $1.2 million.

As mentioned above, the Consent Decree contains a requirement to refuel, repower, and/or retire certain Weston and Pulliam units. WPS announced that certain Weston and Pulliam units mentioned in the Consent Decree will be retired early, in June 2015. In July 2014, WPS filed for

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approval from the PSCW to reclassify the undepreciated book value of the retired units to a regulatory asset in 2015, with recovery of a full return, and for future amortization at current depreciable rates. WPS believes that it will receive approval of this treatment from the PSCW.

WPS received approval from the PSCW in its 2014 rate order to recover prudently incurred 2014 costs as a result of complying with the terms of the Consent Decree, with the exception of the civil penalty. We also believe that prudently incurred costs after 2014 will be recoverable from customers based on past precedent with the PSCW.

The majority of the beneficial environmental projects proposed by WPS have been approved by the EPA. Amounts have been accrued and recorded to regulatory assets, excluding costs associated with capital projects.

In May 2010, WPS received from the Sierra Club a Notice of Intent to file a civil lawsuit based on allegations that WPS violated the CAA at the Weston and Pulliam plants. WPS entered into a Standstill Agreement with the Sierra Club by which the parties agreed to negotiate as part of the EPA NOV process, rather than litigate. The Standstill Agreement ended in October 2012, but no further action has been taken by the Sierra Club as of June 30, 2014. It is unknown whether the Sierra Club will take further action in the future.

Columbia and Edgewater CAA Issues:
In December 2009, the EPA issued an NOV to Wisconsin Power and Light (WP&L), the operator of the Columbia and Edgewater plants, and the other joint owners of these plants, including Madison Gas and Electric and WPS. The NOV alleges violations of the CAA's New Source Review requirements related to certain projects completed at those plants. WPS, WP&L, and Madison Gas and Electric (Joint Owners) reached a settlement agreement with the EPA regarding this NOV and signed a Consent Decree. This Consent Decree was approved by the Court in June 2013, after a public comment period. The final Consent Decree includes:

the installation of emission control technology, including scrubbers at the Columbia plant,
changed operating conditions (including refueling, repowering, and/or retirement of units),
limitations on plant emissions,
beneficial environmental projects, with WPS's portion totaling $1.3 million, and
WPS's portion of a civil penalty and legal fees totaling $0.4 million.

As mentioned above, the Consent Decree contains a requirement to refuel, repower, and/or retire certain of the Columbia and Edgewater units. As of June 30, 2014, no decision had been made on how to address this requirement. Therefore, retirement of the Columbia and Edgewater units mentioned in the Consent Decree was not considered probable.

We believe that significant costs prudently incurred as a result of complying with the terms of the Consent Decree, with the exception of the civil penalty, will be recoverable from customers.

All of the beneficial environmental projects proposed by WPS have been approved by the EPA. Amounts have been accrued and recorded to regulatory assets, excluding costs associated with capital projects.

Weston Title V Air Permit:
In August 2013, the WDNR issued the Weston Title V air permit. In September 2013, WPS challenged various requirements in the permit by filing a contested case proceeding with the WDNR and also filed a Petition for Judicial Review in the Brown County Circuit Court. The Sierra Club and Clean Wisconsin also filed Petitions for Judicial Review and requests for contested case proceedings regarding various aspects of the permit. The WDNR granted all parties' requests for contested case proceedings. WPS has filed permit amendment applications such that, if the facility permits and the Title V air permit are amended in accordance with the applications, several of the issues WPS raised would be resolved. The contested case petitions have not yet been referred to an Administrative Law Judge. The Petitions for Judicial Review, by all parties, have been stayed pending the resolution of the contested cases.

In May 2014, the WDNR issued an NOV to WPS alleging that WPS failed to maintain a minimum sorbent feed rate prior to the Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (CEMS) certification. WPS and the WDNR have begun discussing resolution of this matter. We do not expect this matter to have a material impact on our financial statements.

In May 2014, the WDNR issued a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) to WPS alleging that WPS failed to comply with excess emission summary reporting requirements in the 2013 Weston Title V permit. WPS believes that such requirements are stayed pursuant to state law pending the outcome of the Weston Title V air permit contested case and has filed a motion with the administrative law judge requesting confirmation of the stay. Briefing is in progress, and we anticipate a decision from the administrative law judge by mid-September 2014. We do not expect this matter to have a material impact on our financial statements.


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Table of Contents

Mercury and Interstate Air Quality Rules

Mercury:
The State of Wisconsin's mercury rule requires a 40% reduction from historical baseline mercury emissions, beginning January 1, 2010, through the end of 2014. Beginning in 2015, electric generating units above 150 megawatts will be required to reduce mercury emissions from fuel combusted by a minimum of 90%, or meet certain mercury emission limits annually based on gigawatt-hours of electricity produced. Reductions can be phased in and the 90% target delayed until 2021 if additional sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide reductions are implemented. By 2015, electric generating units above 25 megawatts, but less than 150 megawatts, must reduce their mercury emissions to a level defined by the Best Available Control Technology rule.

In December 2011, the EPA issued the final Utility Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS), which will regulate emissions of mercury and other hazardous air pollutants beginning in 2015. The State of Wisconsin is in the process of revising the state mercury rule to be consistent with the MATS rule. Projects approved and initiated to address the State of Wisconsin mercury rule are expected to ensure compliance with the mercury limits in the MATS rule.

WPS expects to be in compliance with the State of Wisconsin's mercury rule by the end of 2014. In addition, WPS is making progress toward compliance with the MATS rule in 2015. WPS estimated capital costs of approximately $9 million for its wholly owned plants to achieve the required reductions for MATS compliance, of which approximately $3 million has been expended as of June 30, 2014. The capital costs are expected to be recovered in future rates.

Sulfur Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxide:
In July 2011, the EPA issued a final rule known as the Cross State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), which numerous parties, including WPS, challenged in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (D.C. Circuit). The new rule was to become effective in January 2012. However, in December 2011, the CSAPR requirements were stayed by the D.C. Circuit and a previous rule, the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR), was implemented during the stay period. In August 2012, the D.C. Circuit issued their ruling vacating and remanding CSAPR and simultaneously reinstating CAIR pending the issuance of a replacement rule by the EPA. The case was appealed to the United States Supreme Court, and in April  2014, the Supreme Court upheld the CSAPR rule and remanded the case to the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. There are remaining issues before the D.C. Circuit, and there will need to be additional rulemakings before CSAPR is implemented. As a result, it is premature to speculate on what additional controls or other actions, if any, we may be required to implement. WPS expects to recover any future compliance costs in future rates.

In June 2014, the EPA requested that the D.C. Circuit lift the stay of CSAPR. Further, the EPA asked the D.C. Circuit to change the CSAPR compliance deadlines by three years, so that Phase 1 emissions budgets would apply in 2015 and 2016, and Phase 2 emissions budgets would apply to 2017 and beyond. The stay of CSAPR is still in effect, pending the D.C. Circuit's action on the EPA's request. Under CAIR, units affected by the Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) rule were considered in compliance with BART for sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions if they were in compliance with CAIR. This determination was updated when CSAPR was issued (CSAPR satisfied BART), and the EPA has not revised it to reflect the reinstatement of CAIR. Although particulate emissions also contribute to visibility impairment, the WDNR's modeling has shown the impairment to be so insignificant that additional capital expenditures on controls may not be warranted.

Manufactured Gas Plant Remediation

Our natural gas utilities, their predecessors, and certain former affiliates operated facilities in the past at multiple sites for the purpose of manufacturing and storing manufactured gas. In connection with these activities, waste materials were produced that may have resulted in soil and groundwater contamination at these sites. Under certain laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, our natural gas utilities are required to undertake remedial action with respect to some of these materials. The natural gas utilities are coordinating the investigation and cleanup of the sites subject to EPA jurisdiction under what is called a "multisite" program. This program involves prioritizing the work to be done at the sites, preparation and approval of documents common to all of the sites, and use of a consistent approach in selecting remedies.

Our natural gas utilities are responsible for the environmental remediation of 53 sites, of which 20 have been transferred to the EPA Superfund Alternative Sites Program. Under the EPA's program, the remedy decisions at these sites will be made using risk-based criteria typically used at Superfund sites. Our balance sheets include liabilities of $576.1 million that we have estimated and accrued for as of June 30, 2014, for future undiscounted investigation and cleanup costs for all sites. We may adjust these estimates in the future due to remedial technology, regulatory requirements, remedy determinations, and any claims of natural resource damages. As of June 30, 2014, cash expenditures for environmental remediation not yet recovered in rates were $43.3 million. Our balance sheets include a regulatory asset of $619.4 million at June 30, 2014, which is net of insurance recoveries, related to the expected recovery through rates of both cash expenditures and estimated future expenditures.

Management believes that any costs incurred for environmental activities relating to former manufactured gas plant operations that are not recoverable through contributions from other entities or from insurance carriers have been prudently incurred and are, therefore, recoverable through rates for MGU, NSG, PGL, and WPS. Accordingly, we do not expect these costs to have a material impact on our financial statements. However, any changes in the approved rate mechanisms for recovery of these costs, or any adverse conclusions by the various regulatory commissions with respect to the prudence of costs actually incurred, could materially affect recovery of such costs through rates.


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Table of Contents

Note 14—Guarantees

The following table shows our outstanding guarantees:
 
 
Total Amounts Committed
 
Expiration
(Millions)
 
at June 30, 2014
 
Less Than 1 Year
 
1 to 3 Years
 
Over 3 Years
Guarantees supporting commodity transactions of subsidiaries (1)
 
$
705.3

 
$
460.5

 
$
4.6

 
$
240.2

Standby letters of credit (2)
 
27.7

 
27.3

 
0.3

 
0.1

Surety bonds (3)
 
32.7

 
32.7

 

 

Other guarantees (4)
 
55.4

 
1.5

 

 
53.9

Total guarantees (5)
 
$
821.1

 
$
522.0

 
$
4.9

 
$
294.2


(1) 
Consists of (a) $520.4 million, $5.0 million, and $2.0 million to support the business operations of IES, IBS, and UPPCO, respectively, and (b) $120.0 million, $57.5 million, and $0.4 million related to natural gas supply at MERC, MGU, and ITF, respectively. These guarantees are not reflected on our balance sheets.

(2) 
At our request or the request of our subsidiaries, financial institutions have issued standby letters of credit for the benefit of third parties that have extended credit to our subsidiaries. This amount consists of $26.0 million issued to support IES’s operations and $1.7 million issued to support ITF, MERC, MGU, NSG, PGL, UPPCO, and WPS. These amounts are not reflected on our balance sheets.

(3) 
Primarily for the construction and operation of compressed natural gas fueling stations, workers compensation self-insurance programs, and obtaining various licenses, permits, and rights-of-way. These guarantees are not reflected on our balance sheets.

(4) 
Consists of (a) $35.0 million to support IES's future payment obligations related to its distributed solar generation projects. This guarantee is not reflected on our balance sheets; (b) $10.0 million related to the sale agreement for IES's Texas retail marketing business, which included a number of customary representations, warranties, and indemnification provisions. An insignificant liability was recorded related to the possible imposition of additional miscellaneous gross receipts tax in the event of a change in law or interpretation of the law; (c) $1.8 million related to the sale of WPS Beaver Falls Generation, LLC and WPS Syracuse Generation, LLC. IES guaranteed the buyer's performance under certain derivative contracts that the buyer assumed from WPS Empire State, Inc. in conjunction with the sale; (d) $2.4 million related to the performance of an operating and maintenance agreement by ITF; and (e) $6.2 million related to other indemnifications primarily for workers compensation coverage. The amounts discussed in items (c) through (e) above are not reflected on our balance sheets.

(5) 
Consists of $597.1 million of guarantees related to IES and $3.2 million of guarantees related to UPPCO. See Note 4, Dispositions, for information on the pending sale of IES's retail energy business and the pending sale of UPPCO.

Note 15—Employee Benefit Plans

Defined Benefit Plans

The following table shows the components of net periodic benefit cost (including amounts capitalized to our balance sheets) for our benefit plans:
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30
 
Six Months Ended
June 30
 
Three Months Ended
June 30
 
Six Months Ended
June 30
(Millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Service cost
 
$
5.9

 
$
7.6

 
$
12.5

 
$
15.1

 
$
4.8

 
$
5.9

 
$
10.7

 
$
12.4

Interest cost
 
19.3

 
17.8

 
39.0

 
35.6

 
5.2

 
6.1

 
12.3

 
12.4

Expected return on plan assets
 
(28.5
)
 
(26.1
)
 
(57.4
)
 
(52.7
)
 
(7.9
)
 
(7.6
)
 
(16.7
)
 
(15.3
)
Loss on plan settlement
 
0.9

 

 
0.9

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)
 
0.1

 
1.0

 
0.3

 
2.0

 
(2.8
)
 
(0.6
)
 
(4.1
)
 
(1.2
)
Amortization of net actuarial loss
 
8.6

 
14.8

 
17.0

 
28.3

 
0.8

 
2.2

 
1.5

 
4.2

Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
6.3

 
$
15.1

 
$
12.3

 
$
28.3

 
$
0.1

 
$
6.0

 
$
3.7

 
$
12.5


Prior service costs (credits) and net actuarial losses that have not yet been recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income for our nonregulated entities and as net regulatory assets or liabilities for our regulated utilities.

On March 1, 2014, we remeasured the obligations of certain other postretirement benefit plans. The remeasurement was necessary because we will replace the current retiree medical plans for participants age 65 and older with a Medicare Advantage plan starting in 2015.

Our funding policy is to contribute at least the minimum amounts that are required to be funded under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, but not more than the maximum amounts that are currently deductible for income tax purposes. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, we contributed $69.4 million to our pension plans and $0.1 million to our other postretirement benefit plans. We expect to contribute an additional $3.1 million to our pension plans and $10.9 million to our other postretirement benefit plans during the remainder of 2014, dependent upon various factors affecting us, including our liquidity position and possible tax law changes. Of the remaining contributions for 2014, contributions of $2.0 million will be funded through a transfer of assets from the rabbi trust for certain nonqualified pension plans. See the discussion below in regard to the triggering of the full funding of the rabbi trust.


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Table of Contents

Rabbi Trust Funding Requirement

Historically, our deferred compensation programs were partially funded through shares of common stock held in a rabbi trust. The Agreement and Plan of Merger entered into with Wisconsin Energy Corporation in June 2014 triggered the potential change in control provisions in the rabbi trust agreement. These provisions required the full funding of the present value of each participant's total benefit under the deferred compensation program and certain nonqualified pension plans. As a result, $65.0 million was moved to the rabbi trust on June 30, 2014, and was recorded as restricted cash and included in other long-term assets on the balance sheet. An additional $64.8 million, consisting of cash and exchange-traded funds, was moved to the rabbi trust in July 2014. See Note 2, Proposed Merger with Wisconsin Energy Corporation, for more information on the merger.

Note 16—Stock-Based Compensation

In May 2014, our shareholders approved the 2014 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (2014 Omnibus Plan). Under the provisions of the 2014 Omnibus Plan, the number of shares of stock that may be issued in satisfaction of plan awards may not exceed 3,000,000 shares, plus any shares forfeited under prior plans. No single employee who is our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, or any one of our other three highest compensated officers (including officers of our subsidiaries) can be granted stock options for more than 1,000,000 shares or receive a payout in excess of 250,000 shares for performance stock rights during any calendar year. Additional awards will not be issued under prior plans, although the plans continue to exist for purposes of the existing outstanding stock-based compensation awards. At June 30, 2014, stock options, performance stock rights, and restricted share units were outstanding under prior plans.

The following table reflects the stock-based compensation expense and the related deferred income tax benefit recognized in income for the three and six months ended June 30:
 
 
Three Months Ended June
 
Six Months Ended June 30
(Millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Stock options
 
$
0.5

 
$
0.5

 
$
0.8

 
$
0.9

Performance stock rights
 
9.2

 
1.0

 
9.7

 
3.2

Restricted share units
 
3.0

 
2.5

 
6.1

 
5.3

Nonemployee director deferred stock units
 
0.2

 
0.2

 
0.4

 
0.5

Total stock-based compensation expense
 
$
12.9


$
4.2

 
$
17.0

 
$
9.9

Deferred income tax benefit
 
$
5.2

 
$
1.7

 
$
6.8

 
$
4.0


No stock-based compensation cost was capitalized during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, and 2013.

Stock Options

The fair value of stock option awards granted is estimated using a binomial lattice model. The expected term of option awards is derived from the output of the binomial lattice model and represents the period of time that options are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free interest rate is based on the United States Treasury yield curve. The expected dividend yield incorporates the current and historical dividend rate. The expected stock price volatility is estimated using the 10-year historical volatility of our stock price. The following table shows the assumptions incorporated into the valuation model:

 
February 2014 Grant
Expected term
 
8 years
Risk-free interest rate
 
0.12% – 2.88%
Expected dividend yield
 
5.28%
Expected volatility
 
18%

The weighted-average fair value per stock option granted during the six months ended June 30, 2014, and 2013, was $6.70 and $6.03, respectively.


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A summary of stock option activity for the six months ended June 30, 2014, and information related to outstanding and exercisable stock options at June 30, 2014, is presented below:
 
 
Stock Options
 
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price Per
Share
 
Weighted-Average
Remaining 
Contractual Life
(in Years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(Millions)
Outstanding at December 31, 2013
 
1,550,374

 
$
50.93

 
 
 
 

Granted
 
264,332

 
55.23

 
 
 
 
Exercised
 
(240,673
)
 
49.32

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at June 30, 2014
 
1,574,033

 
$
51.90

 
6.6
 
$
30.3

Exercisable at June 30, 2014
 
884,858

 
$
49.82

 
5.0
 
$
18.9


The aggregate intrinsic value for outstanding and exercisable options in the above table represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value that would have been received by the option holders had they all exercised their options on June 30, 2014. This is calculated as the difference between our closing stock price on June 30, 2014, and the option exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money stock options. The intrinsic value of options exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2014, and 2013, was $4.1 million and $6.9 million, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from these option exercises was $1.6 million and $2.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

As of June 30, 2014, $2.0 million of compensation cost related to unvested and outstanding stock options was expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years.

Performance Stock Rights

The fair values of performance stock rights are estimated using a Monte Carlo valuation model. The risk-free interest rate is based on the United States Treasury yield curve. The expected dividend yield incorporates the current and historical dividend rate. The expected stock price volatility is estimated using one to three years of historical data. The table below reflects the assumptions used in the valuation of the outstanding grants at June 30:
 
 
2014
Risk-free interest rate
 
0.06% – 0.60%
Expected dividend yield
 
5.28% – 5.33%
Expected volatility
 
17% – 23%

A summary of the activity for the six months ended June 30, 2014, related to performance stock rights accounted for as equity awards is presented below:
 
 
Performance
Stock Rights
 
Weighted-Average
 Fair Value *
Outstanding at December 31, 2013
 
85,749

 
$
46.62

Granted
 
21,146

 
44.28

Adjustment for shares not distributed
 
(45,748
)
 
43.29

Outstanding at June 30, 2014
 
61,147

 
$
48.31


*
Reflects the weighted-average fair value used to measure equity awards. Equity awards are measured using the grant date fair value or the fair value on the modification date.

The weighted-average grant date fair value of performance stock rights awarded during the six months ended June 30, 2014, and 2013, was $44.28 and $48.50, per performance stock right, respectively.

A summary of the activity for the six months ended June 30, 2014, related to performance stock rights accounted for as liability awards is presented below:
 
 
Performance
Stock Rights
Outstanding at December 31, 2013
 
198,904

Granted
 
84,529

Adjustment for shares not distributed
 
(39,001
)
Outstanding at June 30, 2014
 
244,432


The weighted-average fair value of all outstanding performance stock rights accounted for as liability awards as of June 30, 2014, was $85.98 per performance stock right.


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Table of Contents

No shares of common stock were distributed for performance stock rights during the six months ended June 30, 2014, because the performance percentage was below the threshold payout level for those rights that were eligible for distribution. The total intrinsic value of shares distributed during the six months ended June 30, 2013, was $8.8 million. The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from the distribution of shares during the six months ended June 30, 2013, was $3.6 million.

As of June 30, 2014, $7.6 million of compensation cost related to unvested and outstanding performance stock rights (equity and liability awards) was expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years.

Restricted Share Units

A summary of the activity related to all restricted share unit awards (equity and liability awards) for the six months ended June 30, 2014, is presented below:
 
 
Restricted Share
 Unit Awards
 
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2013
 
511,301

 
$
52.24

Granted
 
214,953

 
55.23

Dividend equivalents
 
12,023

 
54.45

Vested and released
 
(204,821
)
 
49.73

Forfeited
 
(3,212
)
 
54.73

Outstanding at June 30, 2014
 
530,244

 
$
54.46


The weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted share units awarded during the six months ended June 30, 2014, and 2013, was $55.23 and $56.01 per unit, respectively.

The total intrinsic value of restricted share unit awards vested and released during the six months ended June 30, 2014, and 2013, was $11.1 million and $11.4 million, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from the vesting and release of restricted share units during the six months ended June 30, 2014, and 2013, was $4.5 million and $4.6 million, respectively.

As of June 30, 2014, $16.1 million of compensation cost related to unvested and outstanding restricted share units was expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years.

Nonemployee Directors Deferred Stock Units

Each nonemployee director is granted deferred stock units (DSUs), typically in January of each year. These awards generally vest over one year; therefore, the expense is recognized pro-rata over the year in which the grant occurs. The number of DSUs granted is calculated by dividing a set dollar amount by our closing common stock price on December 31 of the prior year. Nonemployee directors also receive forfeitable dividend equivalents in the form of additional DSUs.

Note 17—Common Equity

We had the following changes to issued common stock during the six months ended June 30, 2014:
Balance at December 31, 2013
 
79,919,176

Shares issued
 
 
Employee Stock Ownership Plan
 
31,764

Stock Investment Plan
 
12,151

Balance at June 30, 2014
 
79,963,091


The following table provides a summary of common stock activity to meet the requirements of our Stock Investment Plan and certain stock-based employee benefit and compensation plans:
Period
 
Method of meeting requirements
Beginning 02/05/14
 
Purchasing shares on the open market
02/05/2013 – 02/04/2014
 
Issued new shares
01/01/2013 – 02/04/2013
 
Purchased shares on the open market


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The following table reconciles common shares issued and outstanding:
 
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
Shares
 
Average Cost *
 
Shares
 
Average Cost *
Common stock issued
 
79,963,091

 
 

 
79,919,176

 
 

Less:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Deferred compensation rabbi trust
 
433,507

 
$
48.74

 
473,796

 
$
48.50

Total common shares outstanding
 
79,529,584

 
 

 
79,445,380

 
 


*
Based on our stock price on the day the shares entered the deferred compensation rabbi trust. Shares paid out of the trust are valued at the average cost of shares in the trust.

Under the merger agreement with Wisconsin Energy Corporation (Wisconsin Energy), we can no longer issue shares of our common stock.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributed to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, adjusted for shares we are obligated to issue under the deferred compensation and restricted share unit plans. Diluted earnings per share is computed in a similar manner, but includes the exercise and/or conversion of all potentially dilutive securities. Such dilutive items include in-the-money stock options, performance stock rights, restricted share units, and certain shares issuable under the deferred compensation plan. As the obligation for the shares issuable under the deferred compensation plan is accounted for as a liability, the numerator is adjusted for any changes in income or loss that would have resulted had it been accounted for as an equity instrument during the period.

The following table reconciles our computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30
 
Six Months Ended June 30
(Millions, except per share amounts)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Numerator:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations
 
$
8.1

 
$
(3.9
)
 
$
161.3

 
$
178.3

Discontinued operations, net of tax
 
(0.1
)
 
(0.8
)
 
(0.2
)
 
5.3

Preferred stock dividends of subsidiary
 
(0.8
)
 
(0.8
)
 
(1.6
)
 
(1.6
)
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries
 

 
0.1

 
0.1

 
0.1

Net income (loss) attributed to common shareholders
 
$
7.2

 
$
(5.4
)
 
$
159.6

 
$
182.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Average shares of common stock — basic
 
80.2

 
79.4

 
80.2

 
79.0

Effect of dilutive securities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Stock-based compensation
 
0.3

 

 
0.3

 
0.3

Deferred compensation
 

 

 

 
0.4

Average shares of common stock — diluted
 
80.5

 
79.4

 
80.5

 
79.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per common share
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
 
$
0.09

 
$
(0.07
)
 
$
1.99

 
$
2.31

Diluted
 
0.09

 
(0.07
)
 
1.98

 
2.29


The calculation of diluted earnings per share excluded the following weighted-average outstanding securities that had an anti-dilutive effect:
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30
 
Six Months Ended June 30
(Millions)
 
2014
 
2013 *
 
2014
 
2013
Stock-based compensation
 

 

 
0.4

 
0.2

Deferred compensation
 
0.3

 

 
0.3

 


*
Since we had a loss during the period, diluted earnings per share was the same as basic earnings per share, as any impacts would be anti-dilutive.


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Table of Contents

Dividend Restrictions

Our ability as a holding company to pay dividends is largely dependent upon the availability of funds from our subsidiaries. Various laws, regulations, and financial covenants impose restrictions on the ability of certain of our regulated utility subsidiaries to transfer funds to us in the form of dividends. Our regulated utility subsidiaries, with the exception of MGU, are prohibited from loaning funds to us, either directly or indirectly.

The PSCW allows WPS to pay dividends on its common stock of no more than 103% of the previous year’s common stock dividend. WPS may return capital to us if its average financial common equity ratio is at least 51% on a calendar-year basis. WPS must obtain PSCW approval if a return of capital would cause its average financial common equity ratio to fall below this level. Our right to receive dividends on the common stock of WPS is also subject to the prior rights of WPS’s preferred shareholders and to provisions in WPS’s restated articles of incorporation, which limit the amount of common stock dividends that WPS may pay if its common stock and common stock surplus accounts constitute less than 25% of its total capitalization.

NSG’s long-term debt obligations contain provisions and covenants restricting the payment of cash dividends and the purchase or redemption of its capital stock.

PGL and WPS have short-term debt obligations containing financial and other covenants, including but not limited to, a requirement to maintain a debt to total capitalization ratio not to exceed 65%. Failure to comply with these covenants could result in an event of default which could result in the acceleration of their outstanding debt obligations.

We also have short-term and long-term debt obligations that contain financial and other covenants, including but not limited to, a requirement to maintain a debt to total capitalization ratio not to exceed 65%. Failure to comply with these covenants could result in an event of default which could result in the acceleration of outstanding debt obligations. At June 30, 2014, these covenants restricted the payment of any dividends beyond the amount allowed under our subsidiary requirements described above.

As of June 30, 2014, total restricted net assets were $1,845.8 million. Our equity in undistributed earnings of 50% or less owned investees accounted for by the equity method was $151.7 million at June 30, 2014.

We have the option to defer interest payments on our outstanding Junior Subordinated Notes, from time to time, for one or more periods of up to ten consecutive years per period. During any period in which we defer interest payments, we may not declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire, or make a liquidation payment on, any of our capital stock.

Under the merger agreement with Wisconsin Energy, we may not declare or pay any dividends or distributions on our common stock other than the regular quarterly dividend of $0.68 per share.

Except for the restrictions described above and subject to applicable law, we do not have any other significant dividend restrictions.

Capital Transactions with Subsidiaries

During the six months ended June 30, 2014, capital transactions with subsidiaries were as follows (in millions):
Subsidiary
 
Dividends To Parent
 
Return Of
 Capital To Parent
 
Equity Contributions
From Parent
IBS
 
$

 
$

 
$
25.0

ITF (1)
 

 

 
33.4

MERC
 

 
27.0

 

MGU
 

 
13.0

 

UPPCO
 

 
12.5

 

WPS
 
55.9

 

 
40.0

WPS Investments, LLC (2)
 
36.8

 

 
10.2

Total
 
$
92.7

 
$
52.5

 
$
108.6


(1) 
ITF is a direct wholly owned subsidiary of PELLC. As a result, it makes distributions to PELLC, and receives equity contributions from PELLC. Subject to applicable law, PELLC does not have any dividend restrictions or limitations on distributions to us.

(2) 
WPS Investments, LLC is a consolidated subsidiary that is jointly owned by us, WPS, and UPPCO. At June 30, 2014, we had an 86.51% ownership interest, while WPS and UPPCO had an 11.12% and 2.37% ownership interest, respectively. Distributions from WPS Investments, LLC are made to the owners based on their respective ownership percentages. During 2014, all equity contributions to WPS Investments, LLC were made solely by us.


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Table of Contents

Note 18—Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The following tables show the changes, net of tax, to our accumulated other comprehensive loss:
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
(Millions)
 
Cash Flow Hedges
 
Defined Benefit Plans
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
Cash Flow Hedges
 
Defined Benefit Plans
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance at the beginning of period
 
$
(3.7
)
 
$
(19.9
)
 
$
(23.6
)
 
$
(3.1
)
 
$
(20.1
)
 
$
(23.2
)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications
 

 

 

 

 
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
0.2

 
0.5

 
0.7

 
(0.4
)
 
0.8

 
0.4

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
 
0.2

 
0.5

 
0.7

 
(0.4
)
 
0.7

 
0.3

Balance at the end of period
 
$
(3.5
)
 
$
(19.4
)
 
$
(22.9
)
 
$
(3.5
)
 
$
(19.4
)
 
$
(22.9
)
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
(Millions)
 
Cash Flow Hedges
 
Defined Benefit Plans
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
Cash Flow Hedges
 
Defined Benefit Plans
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance at the beginning of period
 
$
(4.2
)
 
$
(35.1
)
 
$
(39.3
)
 
$
(5.2
)
 
$
(35.7
)
 
$
(40.9
)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
 
0.6

 

 
0.6

 
0.7

 

 
0.7

Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
1.5

 
0.6

 
2.1

 
2.4

 
1.2

 
3.6

Net current period other comprehensive income
 
2.1

 
0.6

 
2.7

 
3.1

 
1.2

 
4.3

Balance at the end of period
 
$
(2.1
)
 
$
(34.5
)
 
$
(36.6
)
 
$
(2.1
)
 
$
(34.5
)
 
$
(36.6
)

The following table shows the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss during the three and six months ended June 30:
 
 
Amount Reclassified
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30
 
Six Months Ended June 30
 
Affected Line Item in the Statements of Income
 (Millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
Losses on cash flow hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Utility commodity derivative contracts
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
0.2

 
Operating and maintenance expense (1) (2)
    Nonregulated commodity derivative contracts
 

 
2.1

 

 
3.2

 
Nonregulated revenues (2)
    Interest rate hedges
 
0.2

 
0.3

 
0.5

 
0.5

 
Interest expense
 
 
0.2

 
2.4

 
0.5

 
3.9

 
Total before tax
 
 

 
0.9

 
0.9

 
1.5

 
Tax expense
 
 
0.2

 
1.5

 
(0.4
)
 
2.4

 
Net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Defined benefit plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Amortization of prior service credits
 

 

 
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(3) 
    Amortization of net actuarial losses
 
0.7

 
1.0

 
1.4

 
2.1

 
(3) 
 
 
0.7

 
1.0

 
1.3

 
2.0

 
Total before tax
 
 
0.2

 
0.4

 
0.5

 
0.8

 
Tax expense
 
 
0.5

 
0.6

 
0.8

 
1.2

 
Net of tax
Total reclassifications
 
$
0.7

 
$
2.1

 
$
0.4

 
$
3.6

 
 

(1) 
This item relates to changes in the price of natural gas used to support utility operations.

(2) 
We no longer designate commodity contracts as cash flow hedges.

(3) 
These items are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 15, Employee Benefit Plans, for more information.

Note 19—Variable Interest Entities

Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities

In 2012, ITF formed AMP Trillium LLC as a joint venture with AMP Americas LLC. This joint venture was established to own and operate compressed natural gas fueling stations. ITF owns 30% and AMP Americas LLC owns 70% of the joint venture. At December 31, 2013, ITF was the primary beneficiary of this variable interest entity, and, as a result, we consolidated the assets, liabilities, and statements of income of the joint venture. However, in April 2014, ITF and AMP Americas LLC restructured this joint venture. Due to the restructuring, our influence over the activities that most significantly impact the variable interest entity's economic performance decreased. We have determined that ITF is no longer the primary beneficiary of this variable interest entity and that we are no longer required to consolidate the joint venture. Therefore, we started accounting for this variable interest entity as an equity method investment in April 2014. At June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, our variable interests in the

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Table of Contents

joint venture included an insignificant equity investment and insignificant receivables. Our maximum exposure to loss as a result of this joint venture was also not significant.

In 2013, ITF formed EVO Trillium LLC as a joint venture with Environmental Alternative Fuels LLC. ITF owns 15% and Environmental Alternative Fuels LLC owns 85% of the joint venture. This joint venture was established to own and operate compressed natural gas fueling stations. We determined that this joint venture is a variable interest entity but that consolidation is not required since we are not its primary beneficiary, as we do not have the power to direct its activities. We instead account for this variable interest entity as an equity method investment. At June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, the assets and liabilities on our balance sheets related to our involvement with this variable interest entity consisted of insignificant receivables. Our maximum exposure to loss as a result of involvement with this variable interest entity was also not significant.
We have a variable interest in an entity through a power purchase agreement at UPPCO that reimburses an independent power producing entity for coal costs relating to purchased energy. There is no obligation to purchase energy under this agreement. This contract for 17.5 megawatts of capacity expires in December 2014. For a variety of reasons, including qualitative factors such as the length of the remaining term of the contract compared with the remaining life of the plant and the fact that we do not have the power to direct the operations and maintenance of the facility, we determined we are not the primary beneficiary of this variable interest entity and that consolidation is not required. At June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, the assets and liabilities on our balance sheets that related to our involvement with this variable interest entity pertained to working capital accounts and represented the amounts we owed for current deliveries of power. We have not guaranteed any debt or provided any equity support, liquidity arrangements, performance guarantees, or other commitments associated with the contract. Our maximum exposure to loss as a result of involvement with this variable interest entity was not significant. In January 2014, we announced an agreement to sell UPPCO. See Note 4, Dispositions, for more information on the pending sale of UPPCO.

Note 20—Fair Value

Fair Value Measurements

A fair value measurement is required to reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on the best available information. These assumptions include the risks inherent in a particular valuation technique (such as a pricing model) and the risks inherent in the inputs to the model.

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). We use a mid-market pricing convention (the mid-point price between bid and ask prices) as a practical measure for valuing certain derivative assets and liabilities.

Fair value accounting rules provide a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 – Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

Level 2 – Pricing inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly, but are not quoted prices included within Level 1. Level 2 includes those financial instruments that are valued using external inputs within models or other valuation methods.

Level 3 – Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally less observable from objective sources. These inputs may be used with internally developed methods that result in management's best estimate of fair value. Level 3 instruments include those that may be more structured or otherwise tailored to customers' needs.

Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

We primarily determine fair value using a market-based approach that uses observable market inputs where available, and internally developed inputs only when observable market data is not readily available. For the unobservable inputs, consideration is given to the assumptions that market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability. These factors include not only the credit standing of the counterparties involved, but also the impact of our nonperformance risk on our liabilities.

When possible, we base the valuations of our risk management assets and liabilities on quoted prices for identical assets in active markets. These valuations are classified in Level 1. The valuations of certain contracts include inputs related to market price risk (commodity or interest rate), price volatility (for option contracts), and price correlation (for cross commodity contracts). These inputs are available through multiple sources, including exchanges and brokers. Transactions valued using these inputs are classified in Level 2.


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Table of Contents

Certain derivatives are categorized in Level 3 due to the significance of unobservable or internally-developed inputs. The primary reasons for a Level 3 classification are as follows:
 
While forward price curves may have been based on observable information, significant assumptions may have been made regarding monthly shaping and locational basis differentials.
Certain transactions were valued using price curves that extended beyond an observable period. Assumptions were made to extrapolate prices from the last observable period through the end of the transaction term, primarily through the use of historically settled data or correlations to other locations.

We have established risk oversight committees whose primary responsibility includes directly or indirectly ensuring that all valuation methods are applied in accordance with predefined policies. The development and maintenance of our forward price curves has been assigned to our risk management department, which is part of the corporate treasury function. This department is separate and distinct from any of the trading functions within the organization. To validate the reasonableness of our fair value inputs, our risk management department compares changes in valuation and researches any significant differences in order to determine the underlying cause. Changes to the fair value inputs are made if necessary.

We conduct a thorough review of fair value hierarchy classifications on a quarterly basis.

In July 2014, we entered into an agreement to sell IES's retail energy business. IES's risk management assets and liabilities reflected below will be included in the sale. See Note 4, Dispositions, for more information. The following tables show assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis, categorized by level within the fair value hierarchy:
 
 
June 30, 2014
(Millions)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk Management Assets
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Utility Segments
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Natural gas contracts
 
$
1.1

 
$
9.1

 
$

 
$
10.2

Financial transmission rights (FTRs)
 

 

 
5.9

 
5.9

Petroleum product contracts
 
0.3

 

 

 
0.3

Coal contracts
 

 

 
2.7

 
2.7

IES Segment
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

Natural gas contracts
 
20.6

 
29.0

 
29.9

 
79.5

Electric contracts
 
98.6

 
126.2

 
19.5

 
244.3

Total Risk Management Assets
 
$
120.6

 
$
164.3

 
$
58.0

 
$
342.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment in exchange-traded funds
 
$
16.8

 
$

 
$

 
$
16.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk Management Liabilities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Utility Segments
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Natural gas contracts
 
$
0.4

 
$
0.6

 
$

 
$
1.0

FTRs
 

 

 
0.7

 
0.7

Coal contracts
 

 

 
1.8

 
1.8

IES Segment
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

Natural gas contracts
 
9.5

 
20.3

 
24.9

 
54.7

Electric contracts
 
122.3

 
43.9

 
4.6

 
170.8

Total Risk Management Liabilities
 
$
132.2

 
$
64.8

 
$
32.0

 
$
229.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contingent consideration related to the acquisition of Compass Energy Services (Compass) *
 
$

 
$

 
$
6.6

 
$
6.6


*
In July 2014, IES settled the contingent liability for $4.3 million.

27

Table of Contents

 
 
December 31, 2013
(Millions)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk Management Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Utility Segments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural gas contracts
 
$
2.4

 
$
7.7

 
$

 
$
10.1

FTRs
 

 

 
2.1

 
2.1

Petroleum product contracts
 
0.1

 

 

 
0.1

Coal contracts
 

 

 
0.2

 
0.2

IES Segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural gas contracts
 
16.3

 
35.2

 
35.6

 
87.1

Electric contracts
 
65.1

 
134.9

 
15.9

 
215.9

Total Risk Management Assets
 
$
83.9

 
$
177.8

 
$
53.8

 
$
315.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment in exchange-traded funds
 
$
15.9

 
$

 
$

 
$
15.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Utility Segments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural gas contracts
 
$
0.5

 
$
0.6

 
$

 
$
1.1

FTRs
 

 

 
0.3

 
0.3

Coal contracts
 

 

 
2.7

 
2.7

IES Segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural gas contracts
 
14.3

 
22.0

 
25.2

 
61.5

Electric contracts
 
98.8

 
58.7

 
3.5

 
161.0

Total Risk Management Liabilities
 
$
113.6

 
$
81.3

 
$
31.7

 
$
226.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contingent consideration related to the acquisition of Compass *
 
$

 
$

 
$
7.8

 
$
7.8


*
In July 2014, IES settled the contingent liability for $4.3 million.

The risk management assets and liabilities listed in the tables above include options, swaps, futures, physical commodity contracts, and other instruments used to manage market risks related to changes in commodity prices. They also include FTRs, which are used to manage electric transmission congestion costs in the MISO market. See Note 6, Risk Management Activities, for more information.

The following tables show net risk management assets transferred between the levels of the fair value hierarchy:
 
 
IES Segment — Natural Gas Contracts
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
(Millions)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Transfers into Level 1 from
 
N/A

 
$
0.1

 
$

 
N/A

 
$

 
$

Transfers into Level 2 from
 
$

 
N/A

 
0.4

 
$

 
N/A

 

Transfers into Level 3 from
 

 
0.7

 
N/A

 

 
1.3

 
N/A


 
 
IES Segment — Natural Gas Contracts
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
(Millions)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Transfers into Level 1 from
 
N/A

 
$
0.1

 
$

 
N/A

 
$

 
$

Transfers into Level 2 from
 
$

 
N/A

 
0.5

 
$

 
N/A

 

Transfers into Level 3 from
 

 
1.6

 
N/A

 

 
1.5

 
N/A


 
 
IES Segment — Electric Contracts
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
(Millions)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Transfers into Level 1 from
 
N/A

 
$
0.2

 
$

 
N/A

 
$

 
$

Transfers into Level 2 from
 
$

 
N/A

 
4.1

 
$

 
N/A

 
(0.1
)
Transfers into Level 3 from
 

 
3.8

 
N/A

 

 
6.2

 
N/A



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Table of Contents

 
 
IES Segment — Electric Contracts
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
(Millions)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Transfers into Level 1 from
 
N/A

 
$
0.2

 
$

 
N/A

 
$

 
$

Transfers into Level 2 from
 
$

 
N/A

 
8.5

 
$

 
N/A

 
5.4

Transfers into Level 3 from
 

 
6.4

 
N/A

 

 
6.2

 
N/A


Derivatives are transferred between the levels of the fair value hierarchy primarily due to changes in the source of data used to construct price curves as a result of changes in market liquidity. We recognize transfers between the levels at the value as of the end of the reporting period.

The amounts and percentages listed in the table below represent the range of unobservable inputs used in the valuations that individually had a significant impact on the fair value determination and caused a derivative to be classified as Level 3 at June 30, 2014:
 
 
Fair Value (Millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input
 
Average or Range
Utility Segments
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
FTRs
 
$
5.9

 
$
0.7

 
Market-based
 
Forward market prices ($/megawatt-month) (1)
 
$222.54
Coal contracts
 
2.7

 
1.8

 
Market-based
 
Forward market prices ($/ton) (2)
 
$12.49 — $15.90
IES Segment
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural gas contracts
 
29.9

 
24.9

 
Market-based
 
Forward market prices ($/dekatherm) (3)
 
($1.55) — $8.68
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
Probability of default (4)
 
 11.7% — 51.0%
Electric contracts
 
19.5

 
4.6

 
Market-based
 
Forward market prices ($/megawatt-hours) (3)
 
($3.55) — $12.13
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Probability of default (4)
 
26.0%
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
Option volatilities (5)
 
18.8% — 163.5%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Monthly curve shaping (6)
 
(65.2)% — (14.8)%
Contingent consideration related to the acquisition of Compass
 
N/A

 
6.6

 
Income-based
 
Growth rate (7)
 
(34.3)% — 48.7%

(1) 
Represents forward market prices developed using historical cleared pricing data from MISO.

(2) 
Represents third-party forward market pricing.

(3) 
Represents unobservable basis spreads developed using historical settled prices that are applied to observable market prices at various natural gas and electric locations, as well as unobservable adjustments made to extend observable market prices beyond the quoted period through the end of the transaction term.

(4) 
Based on Moody's one-year counterparty default percentages.

(5) 
Represents the range of volatilities used in the valuation of options. Volatilities are derived from an internal model using volatility curves from third parties.

(6) 
Represents adjustments made to forward market price curves to disaggregate average prices of multiple periods into discrete monthly prices.

(7) 
Represents the range of assumed growth rates of earnings before interest, taxes, and amortization input into the valuation model. In July 2014, IES settled this contingent liability for $4.3 million.

Significant changes in historical settlement prices, forward commodity prices, and option volatilities would result in a directionally similar significant change in fair value. Significant changes in probability of default would result in a significant directionally opposite change in fair value. Changes in the adjustments to prices related to monthly curve shaping would affect fair value differently depending on their direction. Changes in the growth rate used to value the contingent consideration will not impact its fair value as IES settled the contingent liability for $4.3 million in July 2014.



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Table of Contents

The following tables set forth a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of items categorized as Level 3 measurements:
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
IES Segment
 
Utility Segments
 
 
(Millions)
 
Natural Gas
 
Electric
 
Contingent Consideration
 
FTRs
 
Coal 
Contracts
 
Total
Balance at the beginning of the period
 
$
5.5

 
$
18.7

 
$
(7.8
)
 
$
0.7

 
$
0.3

 
$
17.4

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings
 
0.2

 
(1.0
)
 

 

 

 
(0.8
)
Net unrealized gains recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities
 

 

 

 
0.2

 
0.8

 
1.0

Purchases
 

 
0.6

 

 
5.6

 

 
6.2

Sales
 

 

 

 

 

 

Settlements
 
(1.0
)
 
(3.1
)
 
1.2

 
(1.3
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(4.4
)
Net transfers into Level 3
 
0.7

 
3.8

 

 

 

 
4.5

Net transfers out of Level 3
 
(0.4
)
 
(4.1
)
 

 

 

 
(4.5
)
Balance at the end of the period
 
$
5.0

 
$
14.9

 
$
(6.6
)
 
$
5.2

 
$
0.9

 
$
19.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings related to instruments still held at the end of the period
 
$
0.2

 
$
(1.0
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
(0.8
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
 
IES Segment
 
Utility Segments
 
 
(Millions)
 
Natural Gas
 
Electric
 
Contingent Consideration
 
FTRs
 
Coal 
Contracts
 
Total
Balance at the beginning of the period
 
$
1.7

 
$
6.1

 
$

 
$
0.9

 
$
(4.6
)
 
$
4.1

Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains included in earnings
 
(1.4
)
 
(9.4
)
 

 
0.1

 

 
(10.7
)
Net unrealized (losses) gains recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities
 

 

 

 
(0.7
)
 
3.6

 
2.9

Purchases
 
7.0

 
0.9

 
(7.7
)
 
4.9

 

 
5.1

Sales
 

 

 

 
(0.1
)
 

 
(0.1
)
Settlements
 
(0.9
)
 
0.2

 

 
(1.2
)
 
(1.3
)
 
(3.2
)
Net transfers into Level 3
 
1.3

 
6.2

 

 

 

 
7.5

Net transfers out of Level 3
 

 
0.1

 

 

 

 
0.1

Balance at the end of the period
 
$
7.7

 
$
4.1

 
$
(7.7
)
 
$
3.9

 
$
(2.3
)
 
$
5.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized losses included in earnings related to instruments still held at the end of the period
 
$
(1.4
)
 
$
(9.4
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
(10.8
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
IES Segment
 
Utility Segments
 
 
(Millions)
 
Natural Gas
 
Electric
 
Contingent Consideration
 
FTRs
 
Coal 
Contracts
 
Total
Balance at the beginning of the period
 
$
10.4

 
$
12.4

 
$
(7.8
)
 
$
1.8

 
$
(2.5
)
 
$
14.3

Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains included in earnings
 
(6.0
)
 
11.6

 

 
0.4

 

 
6.0

Net unrealized gains recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities
 

 

 

 
0.2

 
3.0

 
3.2

Purchases
 

 
1.3

 

 
5.5

 

 
6.8

Sales
 

 
(0.7
)
 

 

 

 
(0.7
)
Settlements
 
(0.5
)
 
(7.6
)
 
1.2

 
(2.7
)
 
0.4

 
(9.2
)
Net transfers into Level 3
 
1.6

 
6.4

 

 

 

 
8.0

Net transfers out of Level 3
 
(0.5
)
 
(8.5
)
 

 

 

 
(9.0
)
Balance at the end of the period
 
$
5.0

 
$
14.9

 
$
(6.6
)
 
$
5.2

 
$
0.9

 
$
19.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized (losses) gains included in earnings related to instruments still held at the end of the period
 
$
(6.0
)
 
$
11.6

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
5.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
 
IES Segment
 
Utility Segments
 
 
(Millions)
 
Natural Gas
 
Electric
 
Contingent Consideration
 
FTRs
 
Coal 
Contracts
 
Total
Balance at the beginning of the period
 
$
3.9

 
$
(4.3
)
 
$

 
$
2.0

 
$
(6.5
)
 
$
(4.9
)
Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains included in earnings
 
(2.9
)
 
5.7

 

 
0.4

 

 
3.2

Net unrealized (losses) gains recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities
 

 

 

 
(0.9
)
 
6.7

 
5.8

Purchases
 
7.0

 
1.6

 
(7.7
)
 
4.9

 

 
5.8

Sales
 

 

 

 
(0.1
)
 

 
(0.1
)
Settlements
 
(1.8
)
 
0.3

 

 
(2.4
)
 
(2.5
)
 
(6.4
)
Net transfers into Level 3
 
1.5

 
6.2

 

 

 

 
7.7

Net transfers out of Level 3
 

 
(5.4
)
 

 

 

 
(5.4
)
Balance at the end of the period
 
$
7.7

 
$
4.1

 
$
(7.7
)
 
$
3.9

 
$
(2.3
)
 
$
5.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized (losses) gains included in earnings related to instruments still held at the end of the period
 
$
(2.9
)
 
$
5.7

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
2.8


30

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Realized and unrealized gains and losses included in earnings related to IES’s risk management assets and liabilities are recorded through nonregulated revenue or nonregulated cost of sales on the statements of income, depending on the nature of the instrument. Unrealized gains and losses on Level 3 derivatives at the utilities are deferred as regulatory assets or liabilities. Therefore, these fair value measurements have no impact on earnings. Realized gains and losses on these instruments flow through utility cost of fuel, natural gas, and purchased power on the statements of income.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following table shows the financial instruments included on our balance sheets that are not recorded at fair value:
 
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
(Millions)
 
Carrying Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Amount
 
Fair Value
Long-term debt
 
$
2,956.2

 
$
3,083.1

 
$
3,056.2

 
$
3,031.6

Preferred stock of subsidiary
 
51.1

 
60.9

 
51.1

 
61.2


The fair values of long-term debt instruments are estimated based on the quoted market price for the same or similar issues, or on the current rates offered to us for debt of the same remaining maturity. The fair values of preferred stock are estimated based on quoted market prices when available, or by using a perpetual dividend discount model. The fair values of long-term debt instruments and preferred stock are categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Due to the short-term nature of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and outstanding commercial paper, the carrying amount for each of these items approximates fair value.

Note 21—Advertising Costs

Costs associated with certain natural gas and electric direct-response advertising campaigns at IES were capitalized and reported as other long-term assets on the balance sheets. The capitalized costs result in probable future benefits and were incurred to solicit sales to customers who could be shown to have responded specifically to the advertising. Capitalized direct-response advertising costs, net of accumulated amortization, totaled $4.3 million and $5.2 million as of June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively. The asset balances for each of the direct-response advertising cost pools are reviewed quarterly for impairment. We did not record any significant impairments during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, and 2013.

Direct-response advertising costs are amortized to operating and maintenance expense over the estimated period of benefit, which is approximately two years. The amortization of direct-response advertising costs was $0.4 million and $1.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, and 2013, respectively. The amortization of direct-response advertising costs was $1.7 million and $4.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

We expense all advertising costs as incurred, except for those capitalized as direct-response advertising, as discussed above. Other advertising expense was $2.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, and 2013. Other advertising expense was $3.8 million and $4.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

Note 22—Regulatory Environment

Wisconsin

2015 Rate Case

In April 2014, WPS filed an application with the PSCW to increase retail electric rates $76.8 million and to decrease natural gas rates $1.6 million, with rates expected to be effective January 1, 2015. WPS's request reflects a 10.60% return on common equity and a target common equity ratio of 50.51% in WPS's regulatory capital structure.

The proposed retail electric rate increase is primarily driven by the completion of a partial refund to customers of the 2013 fuel cost over-collections in 2014 rates, which kept rates flat in 2014, as well as a reduction in refunds associated with decoupling. In 2015, fuel and purchased power costs are expected to increase, as are transmission costs and general inflation. The proposed retail electric rate increase also includes WPS's request to recover deferred costs over four years related to the 2013 acquisition of the Fox Energy Center. Finally, capital costs associated with both previously approved environmental upgrades at the Columbia plant as well as our efforts to improve electric reliability by converting historically low performance overhead distribution lines to underground are also contributing to the requested increase in retail electric rates. The requested increase in retail electric rates was partially offset by the remaining 2013 fuel cost over-collections to customers. In July 2014, the PSCW authorized WPS to refund the remaining 2013 fuel cost over-collections to customers, all in 2014 rates, which differed from the original application to refund them in 2015 and 2016 rates. A final decision by the PSCW on the 2015 rates is expected in December 2014.


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Table of Contents

The proposed retail natural gas rate decrease is driven by 2013 decoupling over-collections, which will be refunded to customers in 2015. An increase in non-fuel operating and maintenance costs, including the impact of general inflation, and an increase in return on equity partially offset the effect of the 2013 decoupling over-collections.

In May 2014, WPS filed its proposed electric and natural gas rate designs with the PSCW. These rate designs include significantly higher fixed charges, which better matches the related fixed costs of providing service. The PSCW will review the new rate design as part of the rate-setting process, with a final decision expected in December 2014.

2014 Rates

In December 2013, the PSCW issued a final written order for WPS, effective January 1, 2014. It authorized a net retail electric rate decrease of $12.8 million and a net retail natural gas rate increase of $4.0 million, reflecting a 10.20% return on common equity. The order also included a common equity ratio of 50.14% in WPS's regulatory capital structure. The retail electric rate impact consisted of a rate increase, including recovery of the difference between the 2012 fuel refund and the 2013 rate increase discussed below, entirely offset by a portion of estimated fuel cost over-collections from customers in 2013. Retail electric rates were further decreased by 2012 decoupling over-collections to be returned to customers in 2014. The retail natural gas rate impact consisted of a rate decrease, which was more than offset by the positive impact of 2012 decoupling under-collections to be recovered from customers in 2014. Both the retail electric and retail natural gas rate changes included the recovery of pension and other employee benefit increases that were deferred in the 2013 rate case, as discussed below. The PSCW also authorized the recovery of prudently incurred 2014 environmental mitigation project costs related to compliance with a Consent Decree signed in January 2013 related to the Pulliam and Weston sites. See Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies, for more information. Additionally, the order required WPS to terminate its existing decoupling mechanism, beginning January 1, 2014.

2013 Rates

In December 2012, the PSCW issued a final written order for WPS, effective January 1, 2013. The order included a $28.5 million retail electric rate increase, partially offset by the 2012 fuel refund of $20.5 million. The difference between the 2012 fuel refund and the rate increase was deferred for recovery in 2014 rates. As a result, there was no change to customers' 2013 retail electric rates. The order also included a $3.4 million retail natural gas rate decrease. The order reflected a 10.30% return on common equity and a common equity ratio of 51.61% in WPS's regulatory capital structure. The rate changes included deferrals of $7.3 million for retail electric and $2.1 million for retail natural gas of pension and other employee benefit costs that are being recovered in 2014 rates. In addition, WPS was authorized recovery of $5.9 million related to income tax amounts previously expensed due to the Federal Health Care Reform Act. As a result, this amount was recorded as a regulatory asset in 2012, and recovery from customers began in 2013. The order also authorized the recovery of direct Cross State Air Pollution Rule costs incurred through the end of 2012. Lastly, the order authorized WPS to switch from production tax credits to Section 1603 Grants for the Crane Creek wind project.

A decoupling mechanism for natural gas and electric residential and small commercial and industrial customers was approved on a pilot basis as part of the order. The mechanism was based on total rate case-approved margins, rather than being calculated on a per-customer basis. The mechanism did not cover all customer classes, and it included an annual $14.0 million cap for electric service and an annual $8.0 million cap for natural gas service. Amounts recoverable from or refundable to customers were subject to these caps.

Michigan

2014 MGU Rates

In November 2013, the MPSC issued a final written order for MGU, effective January 1, 2014. The order authorized a retail natural gas rate increase of $4.5 million. The rates reflect a 10.25% return on common equity and a common equity ratio of 48.62% in MGU's regulatory capital structure. Additionally, the order required MGU to terminate its existing decoupling mechanism after December 31, 2013, and replace it with a new decoupling mechanism based on total margins, beginning January 1, 2015. The new decoupling mechanism does not cover variations in volumes due to actual weather being different from rate case-assumed weather. The rate order also terminated MGU's existing uncollectible expense true-up mechanism after December 31, 2013.

MGU Depreciation Case

In January 2013, the Michigan Court of Appeals issued an order reversing the MPSC's 2010 disallowance of $2.5 million associated with the early retirement of certain MGU assets. As a result, a $2.5 million reduction to depreciation expense was recorded in the first quarter of 2013. In June 2013, the MPSC issued an order related to MGU's most recent depreciation case. This order also approved a settlement agreement reflecting recovery of these previously disallowed costs.
 
2014 UPPCO Rates

In December 2013, the MPSC issued a final written order for UPPCO, effective January 1, 2014. The order authorized a retail electric rate increase of $5.8 million. The rates reflected a 10.15% return on common equity and a common equity ratio of 56.74% in UPPCO's regulatory capital structure. The order required UPPCO to terminate its existing decoupling mechanism after December 31, 2013. In addition, the order required UPPCO to

32

Table of Contents

achieve certain minimum line clearance performance metrics for recovery of costs related to clearing trees and other natural obstructions away from power lines. If these metrics are not achieved, or if the minimum spending level is not reached, UPPCO may be required to refund certain amounts to customers. UPPCO is on course to achieve the required annual performance metrics by year end.

Illinois

2015 Rate Cases

In February 2014, PGL and NSG filed applications with the ICC to increase retail natural gas rates $128.9 million and $7.1 million, respectively, with rates expected to be effective in early 2015. Both PGL's and NSG's requests reflect a 10.25% return on common equity. The requests reflect target common equity ratios of 50.31% for PGL and 50.41% for NSG in their respective regulatory capital structures. The proposed retail natural gas rate increases are primarily driven by increased capital investments, in particular for main replacement, a loss in revenues as a result of lower projected sales volumes, increased costs of debt and common equity, and increased operating expenses. The increase in operating expenses relates to pipeline safety and other compliance work, a general wage increase, higher depreciation costs, and higher invested capital taxes. PGL's application also removes from the proposed 2015 rates the investment and related expenses that PGL plans to recover through its new Qualifying Infrastructure Plant rider, as discussed below. PGL and NSG proposed no changes to the continued use of their decoupling mechanisms and uncollectible expense true-up mechanisms.

The ICC staff and intervenors filed their direct testimony in July 2014. The ICC staff recommended rate increases of $97.1 million and $3.5 million for PGL and NSG, respectively, which reflected a 9.06% return on common equity for both companies. The intervenors recommended a rate increase of $54.8 million for PGL and a rate decrease of $1.0 million for NSG, which reflected a 9.15% return on common equity for both companies. Staff and intervenors both recommended a common equity ratio of 50.31% for PGL and 50.41% for NSG in their respective regulatory capital structures.

In August 2014, PGL and NSG filed rebuttal testimony and revised their rate increase requests to $102.3 million and $6.5 million, respectively. The revised requests were primarily driven by updated capital investment amounts, including main replacement for PGL; certain updated pension and employee benefit costs based on a recent actuarial study; and adjustments for uncontested operating expenses. A final decision on the 2015 rates is expected by the ICC in January of 2015.

Qualifying Infrastructure Plant Rider

In July 2013, Illinois Public Act 98-0057 (formerly Senate Bill 2266), The Natural Gas Consumer, Safety & Reliability Act, became law. The Act gives PGL a recovery mechanism for prudently incurred costs to upgrade Illinois natural gas infrastructure that will be collected through a surcharge on customer bills. This Act eliminated a requirement for PGL and NSG to file biennial rate proceedings under existing Illinois coal-to-gas legislation. In September 2013, PGL filed with the ICC requesting the proposed rider, which was approved in January 2014. The rider became effective on January 1, 2014.

2013 Rates

In June 2013, the ICC issued a final written order for PGL and NSG, effective June 27, 2013. The order authorized a retail natural gas rate increase of $57.2 million for PGL and $6.6 million for NSG. The rates for PGL reflected a 9.28% return on common equity and a common equity ratio of 50.43% in PGL's regulatory capital structure. The rates for NSG reflected a 9.28% return on common equity and a common equity ratio of 50.32% in NSG's regulatory capital structure. The rate order also allowed PGL and NSG to continue the use of their decoupling mechanisms, as affirmed by the Illinois Appellate Court (Court). In addition, the ICC is required to conduct an investigation to monitor the costs and progress of the accelerated natural gas main replacement program.

In August 2013, the ICC granted certain rehearing requests on tax-related issues filed by PGL, NSG, and other intervenors. PGL and NSG asked for a correction of the revenue requirement for deferred tax assets related to tax net operating losses (NOLs) incurred in 2012 and 2013. In the ICC’s order, these deferred tax assets were included in rate base, but computational errors were made. Other intervenors requested the exclusion from rate base of the deferred tax asset related to the 2012 tax NOL. The tax NOLs in question resulted from PGL and NSG claiming accelerated depreciation deductions in 2012 and 2013. In December 2013, the ICC evaluated and approved a correction of the computational errors and rejected the intervenors' proposed exclusion of the 2012 tax NOL. Customer rates were increased by $2.6 million for PGL and $0.1 million for NSG for the impact of this correction, effective January 1, 2014. In January 2014, the Illinois Attorney General and Citizens Utility Board each filed an appeal with the Court.

2012 Decoupling

The ICC issued a final written order, effective January 21, 2012, which approved permanent decoupling mechanisms for PGL and NSG. The Illinois Attorney General and Citizens Utility Board appealed to the Court the ICC's authority to approve PGL's and NSG's decoupling mechanisms and filed a motion to stay the implementation of the permanent decoupling mechanism or make collections subject to refund. In May 2012, the ICC issued a revised amendatory order granting the Illinois Attorney General's motion to make revenues collected under the permanent decoupling mechanism subject to refund and directing PGL and NSG to track amounts that would be due to customers or the companies from the permanent decoupling mechanisms. Refunds would have been required if the Court found that the ICC did not have authority to approve decoupling and ordered a refund.

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As a result, the recovery of amounts related to decoupling in 2012 were uncertain, and PGL and NSG established offsetting reserves equal to decoupling amounts accrued. In March 2013, the Court issued an opinion that affirmed the ICC's order approving the permanent decoupling mechanism. As a result, the reserves recorded in 2012 were reversed in the first quarter of 2013. PGL's and NSG's permanent decoupling mechanism was in place for 2013. In June 2013, the Illinois Attorney General and Citizens Utility Board petitioned the Illinois Supreme Court to review the Court's decision. The Illinois Supreme Court granted the request in September 2013, and briefing is in progress. The Illinois Supreme Court has no deadline by which it must act. Decoupling amounts recorded in 2012 were fully recovered and amounts in 2013 are being refunded to customers in 2014. Decoupling amounts in 2014 will continue to be accrued, absent an adverse Illinois Supreme Court decision.

Minnesota

2014 Rate Case

In September 2013, MERC filed an application with the MPUC to increase retail natural gas distribution rates by $14.2 million. MERC's request reflected a 10.75% return on common equity and a common equity ratio of 50.31% in MERC's regulatory capital structure. The request was primarily driven by general inflation, property taxes, improvements to customer service programs, efforts to expand the customer base which will have a positive rate effect in the future, and operating and maintenance projects to ensure reliability and safety for customers.

In December 2013, the MPUC approved an interim rate order authorizing a retail natural gas rate increase for MERC of $10.5 million, effective January 1, 2014. The interim rates reflect a 9.70% return on common equity and a common equity ratio of 50.31% in MERC's regulatory capital structure. The interim rate increase is subject to refund pending the final rate order.

In April 2014, MERC filed rebuttal testimony in response to recommendations of the Department of Commerce and the Attorney General to increase retail natural gas rates between $3.5 million and $5.7 million. MERC's rebuttal testimony reflected a revised increase in retail natural gas rates of $12.2 million. The revised request is lower than the initial application and is primarily driven by increased sales volume forecasts and revised natural gas costs based on more recent data available. Lower pension and benefit cost estimates also contributed to the revised request. The revised request reflects a 10.75% return on common equity and a common equity ratio of 50.31% in MERC's regulatory capital structure, which did not change from the initial application. Technical hearings were completed in May 2014, and initial briefs were filed in June 2014. A final order is expected in the fourth quarter of 2014.

2011 Rates Finalized in 2013

In July 2012, the MPUC approved a final written order for MERC, effective January 1, 2013. The order authorized a retail natural gas rate increase of $11.0 million. The rates reflected a 9.70% return on common equity and a common equity ratio of 50.48% in MERC's regulatory capital structure. In addition, the order set recovery of MERC's 2011 test-year pension expense at 2010 levels. The MPUC also approved a decoupling mechanism for MERC that covers residential and small commercial and industrial customers on a three-year trial basis, effective January 1, 2013. The decoupling mechanism does not adjust for variations in volumes resulting from changes in customer count compared to rate case levels. It includes an annual 10% cap based on distribution revenues approved in the rate case. Amounts recoverable from or refundable to customers are subject to this cap.

Note 23—Segments of Business

At June 30, 2014, we reported five segments, which are described below.

The natural gas utility segment includes the regulated natural gas utility operations of MERC, MGU, NSG, PGL, and WPS.
The electric utility segment includes the regulated electric utility operations of UPPCO and WPS. See Note 4, Dispositions, for information on the pending sale of UPPCO.
The electric transmission investment segment includes our approximate 34% ownership interest in ATC. ATC is a federally regulated electric transmission company.
The IES segment consists of a diversified nonregulated retail energy supply and services company that primarily sells electricity and natural gas in deregulated markets. See Note 4, Dispositions, for information on the pending sale of IES's retail energy business. In addition, IES invests in energy assets with renewable attributes, primarily distributed solar assets. These renewable energy asset operations will be included in the holding company and other segment after the sale of IES's retail energy business has closed.
The holding company and other segment includes the operations of the Integrys Energy Group holding company, ITF, and the PELLC holding company, along with any nonutility activities at IBS, MERC, MGU, NSG, PGL, UPPCO, and WPS.


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Table of Contents

The tables below present information related to our reportable segments:
 
 
Regulated Operations
 
Nonutility and Nonregulated Operations
 
 
 
 
(Millions)
 
Natural Gas
Utility
 
Electric
Utility
 
Electric
Transmission
Investment
 
Total
Regulated
Operations
 
IES
 
Holding
Company
and Other
 
Reconciling
Eliminations
 
Integrys
Energy Group
Consolidated
Three Months Ended
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

June 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External revenues
 
$
493.5

 
$
312.6

 
$

 
$
806.1

 
$
600.0

 
$
26.5

 
$

 
$
1,432.6

Intersegment revenues
 
2.8

 

 

 
2.8

 
0.4

 
0.3

 
(3.5
)
 

Goodwill impairment loss
 

 

 

 

 
6.7

 

 

 
6.7

Merger transaction costs
 

 

 

 

 

 
5.9

 

 
5.9

Transaction costs related to pending sale of UPPCO
 

 

 

 

 

 
0.9

 

 
0.9

Transaction costs related to pending sale of IES retail energy business
 

 

 

 

 

 
0.8

 

 
0.8

Depreciation and amortization expense
 
36.9

 
26.3

 

 
63.2

 
3.0

 
6.9

 
(0.2
)
 
72.9

Earnings from equity method investments
 

 

 
23.0

 
23.0

 
0.8

 
0.1

 

 
23.9

Miscellaneous income (expense)
 
(0.4
)
 
2.8

 

 
2.4

 
0.4

 
5.4

 
(3.2
)
 
5.0

Interest expense
 
13.2

 
12.1

 

 
25.3

 
0.5

 
16.1

 
(3.2
)
 
38.7

Provision (benefit) for income taxes
 
(7.3
)
 
11.0

 
9.2

 
12.9

 
2.4

 
(7.1
)
 

 
8.2

Net income (loss) from continuing operations
 
(10.5
)
 
17.8

 
13.8

 
21.1

 
(1.5
)
 
(11.5
)
 

 
8.1

Discontinued operations
 

 

 

 

 
(0.1
)
 

 

 
(0.1
)
Preferred stock dividends of subsidiary
 
(0.1
)
 
(0.7
)
 

 
(0.8
)
 

 

 

 
(0.8
)
Net income (loss) attributed to common shareholders
 
(10.6
)
 
17.1

 
13.8

 
20.3

 
(1.6
)
 
(11.5
)
 

 
7.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulated Operations
 
Nonutility and Nonregulated Operations
 
 
 
 
(Millions)
 
Natural Gas
Utility
 
Electric
Utility
 
Electric
Transmission
Investment
 
Total
Regulated
Operations
 
IES
 
Holding
Company
and Other
 
Reconciling
Eliminations
 
Integrys
Energy Group
Consolidated
Three Months Ended
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

June 30, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External revenues
 
$
367.4

 
$
327.0

 
$

 
$
694.4

 
$
412.6

 
$
9.0

 
$

 
$
1,116.0

Intersegment revenues
 
2.5

 

 

 
2.5

 
0.3

 
0.3

 
(3.1
)
 

Depreciation and amortization expense
 
32.3

 
25.8

 

 
58.1

 
2.8

 
4.8

 
(0.2
)
 
65.5

Earnings from equity method investments
 

 

 
22.0

 
22.0

 
0.5

 
0.3

 

 
22.8

Miscellaneous income
 
0.2

 
2.2

 

 
2.4

 
1.4

 
5.1

 
(3.4
)
 
5.5

Interest expense
 
11.9

 
8.5

 

 
20.4

 
0.5

 
11.1

 
(3.4
)
 
28.6

Provision (benefit) for income taxes
 
(0.7
)
 
15.7

 
8.4

 
23.4

 
(22.2
)
 
(4.5
)
 

 
(3.3
)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
 
1.7

 
24.3

 
13.6

 
39.6

 
(41.1
)
 
(2.4
)
 

 
(3.9
)
Discontinued operations
 

 

 

 

 
(0.7
)
 
(0.1
)
 

 
(0.8
)
Preferred stock dividends of subsidiary
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.6
)
 

 
(0.8
)
 

 

 

 
(0.8
)
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries
 

 

 

 

 

 
0.1

 

 
0.1

Net income (loss) attributed to common shareholders
 
1.5

 
23.7

 
13.6

 
38.8

 
(41.8
)
 
(2.4
)
 

 
(5.4
)


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Table of Contents

 
 
Regulated Operations
 
Nonutility and Nonregulated Operations
 
 
 
 
(Millions)
 
Natural Gas
Utility
 
Electric
Utility
 
Electric
Transmission
Investment
 
Total
Regulated
Operations
 
IES
 
Holding
Company
and Other
 
Reconciling
Eliminations
 
Integrys
Energy Group
Consolidated
Six Months Ended
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

June 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External revenues
 
$
1,761.0

 
$
661.8

 
$

 
$
2,422.8

 
$
1,889.6

 
$
45.1

 
$

 
$
4,357.5

Intersegment revenues
 
7.3

 

 

 
7.3

 
3.0

 
0.7

 
(11.0
)
 

Goodwill impairment loss
 

 

 

 

 
6.7

 

 

 
6.7

Merger transaction costs
 

 

 

 

 

 
5.9

 

 
5.9

Transaction costs related to pending sale of UPPCO
 

 

 

 

 

 
0.9

 

 
0.9

Transaction costs related to pending sale of IES retail energy business
 

 

 

 

 

 
0.8

 

 
0.8

Depreciation and amortization expense
 
73.3

 
51.9

 

 
125.2

 
5.9

 
13.4

 
(0.3
)
 
144.2

Earnings from equity method investments
 

 

 
45.5

 
45.5

 
0.9

 
0.4

 

 
46.8

Miscellaneous income (expense)
 
(0.1
)
 
6.3

 

 
6.2

 
0.7

 
10.8

 
(6.7
)
 
11.0

Interest expense
 
26.6

 
23.8

 

 
50.4

 
1.0

 
33.1

 
(6.7
)
 
77.8

Provision (benefit) for income taxes
 
59.4

 
29.1

 
18.0

 
106.5

 
8.3

 
(16.8
)
 

 
98.0

Net income (loss) from continuing operations
 
88.7

 
49.6

 
27.5

 
165.8

 
9.4

 
(13.9
)
 

 
161.3

Discontinued operations
 

 

 

 

 
(0.2
)
 

 

 
(0.2
)
Preferred stock dividends of subsidiary
 
(0.2
)
 
(1.4
)
 

 
(1.6
)
 

 

 

 
(1.6
)
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries
 

 

 

 

 

 
0.1

 

 
0.1

Net income (loss) attributed to common shareholders
 
88.5

 
48.2

 
27.5

 
164.2

 
9.2

 
(13.8
)
 

 
159.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulated Operations
 
Nonutility and Nonregulated Operations
 
 
 
 
(Millions)
 
Natural Gas
Utility
 
Electric
Utility
 
Electric
Transmission
Investment
 
Total
Regulated
Operations
 
IES
 
Holding
Company
and Other
 
Reconciling
Eliminations
 
Integrys
Energy Group
Consolidated
Six Months Ended
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

June 30, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External revenues
 
$
1,159.4

 
$
658.8

 
$

 
$
1,818.2

 
$
958.0

 
$
18.0

 
$

 
$
2,794.2

Intersegment revenues
 
4.4

 

 

 
4.4

 
0.6

 
0.7

 
(5.7
)
 

Depreciation and amortization expense
 
64.5

 
47.3

 

 
111.8

 
5.5

 
9.4

 
(0.3
)
 
126.4

Earnings from equity method investments
 

 

 
43.7

 
43.7

 
0.7

 
0.7

 

 
45.1

Miscellaneous income
 
0.4

 
3.8

 

 
4.2

 
1.8

 
12.3

 
(7.1
)
 
11.2

Interest expense
 
24.6

 
17.6

 

 
42.2

 
1.0

 
21.8

 
(7.1
)
 
57.9

Provision (benefit) for income taxes
 
62.6

 
31.8

 
16.7

 
111.1

 
5.1

 
(9.9
)
 

 
106.3

Net income (loss) from continuing operations
 
91.5

 
53.6

 
27.0

 
172.1

 
10.2

 
(4.0
)
 

 
178.3

Discontinued operations
 

 

 

 

 
(0.6
)
 
5.9

 

 
5.3

Preferred stock dividends of subsidiary
 
(0.3
)
 
(1.3
)
 

 
(1.6
)
 

 

 

 
(1.6
)
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries
 

 

 

 

 

 
0.1

 

 
0.1

Net income attributed to common shareholders
 
91.2

 
52.3

 
27.0

 
170.5

 
9.6

 
2.0

 

 
182.1


Note 24—New Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Issued Accounting Guidance Not Yet Effective

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." This ASU supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605 of the FASB's Accounting Standards Codification and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Codification. The guidance is based on the principle that revenue is recognized when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard requires enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows from customer contracts. The guidance is effective for us for the reporting period ending March 31, 2017. The standard requires either retrospective application by restating each prior period presented in the financial statements, or modified retrospective application by recording

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Table of Contents

the cumulative effect of prior reporting periods to beginning retained earnings in the year that the standard becomes effective. Management is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this standard will have on our financial statements.

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity." The guidance raises the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. The guidance is effective for us for the reporting period ending March 31, 2015. The guidance applies prospectively to new disposals and new classifications of disposal groups as held for sale after the effective date.

In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-01, "Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects." The guidance allows investors to use the proportional amortization method to account for investments in qualified affordable housing projects if certain conditions are met. Under that method, which replaces the effective yield method, an investor amortizes the cost of its investment, in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits it receives, to income tax expense. The guidance also requires new disclosures for all investments in these types of projects. The guidance is effective for us for the reporting period ending March 31, 2015. Although we have investments in affordable housing projects, adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on our financial statements.


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Table of Contents

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying financial statements and related notes and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

SUMMARY 

We are a diversified energy holding company with regulated natural gas and electric utility operations (serving customers in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin), an approximate 34% equity ownership interest in ATC (a federally regulated electric transmission company), and nonregulated energy operations.

In June 2014, we entered into a definitive merger agreement with Wisconsin Energy Corporation. See Note 2, Proposed Merger with Wisconsin Energy Corporation, for more information.
 
In July 2014, we entered into an agreement to sell the retail energy business portion of IES. See Note 4, Dispositions, and Note 23, Segments of Business, for more information.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

Earnings Summary
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30
 
Change in 2014 Over 2013
 
Six Months Ended June 30
 
Change in 2014 Over 2013
(Millions, except per share amounts)
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Natural gas utility operations
 
$
(10.6
)
 
$
1.5

 
N/A

 
$
88.5

 
$
91.2

 
(3.0
)%
Electric utility operations
 
17.1

 
23.7

 
(27.8
)%
 
48.2

 
52.3

 
(7.8
)%
Electric transmission investment
 
13.8

 
13.6

 
1.5
 %
 
27.5

 
27.0

 
1.9
 %
IES’s operations
 
(1.6
)
 
(41.8
)
 
(96.2
)%
 
9.2

 
9.6

 
(4.2
)%
Holding company and other operations
 
(11.5
)
 
(2.4
)
 
379.2
 %
 
(13.8
)
 
2.0

 
N/A

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributed to common shareholders
 
$
7.2

 
$
(5.4
)
 
N/A

 
$
159.6

 
$
182.1

 
(12.4
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
 
$
0.09

 
$
(0.07
)
 
N/A

 
$
1.99

 
$
2.31

 
(13.9
)%
Diluted earnings per share
 
$
0.09

 
$
(0.07
)
 
N/A

 
$
1.98

 
$
2.29

 
(13.5
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average shares of common stock
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
Basic
 
80.2

 
79.4

 
1.0
 %
 
80.2

 
79.0

 
1.5
 %
Diluted
 
80.5

 
79.4

 
1.4
 %
 
80.5

 
79.7

 
1.0
 %

Second Quarter 2014 Compared with Second Quarter 2013

The $12.6 million increase in our earnings was driven by:

A $42.6 million after-tax non-cash increase in margins at IES related to derivative and inventory fair value adjustments.

The $10.6 million after-tax positive impact of rate orders at the utilities.

These increases were partially offset by:

A $24.1 million after-tax increase in operating expenses at the utilities, excluding items directly offset in margins, driven by increases in electric utility maintenance and natural gas distribution costs. Higher depreciation and amortization expense and MERC's 2014 write-off of a regulatory asset for unrecoverable conservation improvement program costs also contributed to the increase.

A $6.8 million after-tax increase in interest expense on long-term debt, driven by higher average outstanding long-term debt during 2014.

A $6.7 million after-tax non-cash goodwill impairment loss recorded at IES in the second quarter of 2014.

A $5.1 million after-tax increase in operating expenses at the Integrys Energy Group holding company due to transaction costs incurred in 2014 related to the proposed merger with Wisconsin Energy Corporation and the pending sales of UPPCO and IES's retail energy business.


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Table of Contents

Six Months 2014 Compared with Six Months 2013

The $22.5 million decrease in our earnings was driven by:

A $47.5 million after-tax increase in operating expenses at the utilities, excluding items directly offset in margins, driven by increases in electric utility maintenance and natural gas distribution costs. Higher depreciation and amortization expense, MERC's 2014 write-off of a regulatory asset for unrecoverable conservation improvement program costs, and operating costs associated with the Fox Energy Center also contributed to the increase. The Fox Energy Center was acquired by WPS at the end of the first quarter of 2013, and the costs associated with it are being recovered through a rate order.

A $13.3 million after-tax increase in interest expense on long-term debt, driven by higher average outstanding long-term debt during 2014.

A $9.9 million after-tax decrease in natural gas utility margins due to the period-over-period impact of the 2013 reversal of reserves recorded in 2012 against decoupling accruals at PGL and NSG. See Note 22, Regulatory Environment, for more information.

A $7.7 million after-tax decrease in IES's realized retail electric margins, driven by higher ancillary service costs and higher purchased power costs related to the colder weather in the first quarter of 2014.

A $6.7 million after-tax non-cash goodwill impairment loss recorded at IES in the second quarter of 2014.

A $5.1 million after-tax increase in operating expenses at the Integrys Energy Group holding company due to transaction costs incurred in 2014 related to the proposed merger with Wisconsin Energy Corporation and the pending sales of UPPCO and IES's retail energy business.

These decreases were partially offset by:

The $34.7 million after-tax positive impact of rate orders at the utilities.

A $16.8 million after-tax increase in natural gas utility margins due to variances related to sales volumes, net of decoupling. The increase was driven by colder than normal weather in 2014. Certain of our natural gas utilities did not have decoupling in 2014 to offset the impact of weather.

A $14.0 million after-tax non-cash increase in margins at IES related to derivative and inventory fair value adjustments.


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Table of Contents

Regulated Natural Gas Utility Segment Operations
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30
 
Change in 2014 Over 2013
 
Six Months Ended June 30
 
Change in 2014 Over 2013
(Millions, except degree days)
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Revenues
 
$
496.3

 
$
369.9

 
34.2
 %
 
$
1,768.3

 
$
1,163.8

 
51.9
 %
Purchased natural gas costs
 
273.2

 
167.5

 
63.1
 %
 
1,103.6

 
591.6

 
86.5
 %
Margins
 
223.1

 
202.4

 
10.2
 %
 
664.7

 
572.2

 
16.2
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating and maintenance expense
 
181.4

 
147.9

 
22.7
 %
 
396.8

 
310.0

 
28.0
 %
Depreciation and amortization expense
 
36.9

 
32.3

 
14.2
 %
 
73.3

 
64.5

 
13.6
 %
Taxes other than income taxes
 
9.0

 
9.5

 
(5.3
)%
 
19.8

 
19.4

 
2.1
 %
Operating income (loss)
 
(4.2
)
 
12.7

 
N/A

 
174.8

 
178.3

 
(2.0
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Miscellaneous income
 
(0.4
)
 
0.2

 
N/A

 
(0.1
)
 
0.4

 
N/A

Interest expense
 
13.2

 
11.9

 
10.9
 %
 
26.6

 
24.6

 
8.1
 %
Other expense
 
(13.6
)
 
(11.7
)
 
16.2
 %
 
(26.7
)
 
(24.2
)
 
10.3
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before taxes
 
$
(17.8
)
 
$
1.0

 
N/A

 
$
148.1

 
$
154.1

 
(3.9
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail throughput in therms
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Residential
 
222.4

 
243.0

 
(8.5
)%
 
1,149.6

 
1,018.9

 
12.8
 %
Commercial and industrial
 
76.9

 
78.9

 
(2.5
)%
 
378.3

 
315.7

 
19.8
 %
Other
 
9.7

 
10.8

 
(10.2
)%
 
33.6

 
30.8

 
9.1
 %
Total retail throughput in therms
 
309.0

 
332.7

 
(7.1
)%
 
1,561.5

 
1,365.4

 
14.4
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transport throughput in therms
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Residential
 
37.4

 
39.1

 
(4.3
)%
 
172.8

 
150.4

 
14.9
 %
Commercial and industrial
 
351.6

 
340.1

 
3.4
 %
 
970.5

 
891.7

 
8.8
 %
Total transport throughput in therms
 
389.0

 
379.2

 
2.6
 %
 
1,143.3

 
1,042.1

 
9.7
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total throughput in therms
 
698.0

 
711.9

 
(2.0
)%
 
2,704.8

 
2,407.5

 
12.3
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weather
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Average actual heating degree days
 
857

 
943

 
(9.1
)%
 
5,031

 
4,449

 
13.1
 %
Average normal heating degree days
 
828

 
795

 
4.2
 %
 
4,199

 
4,109

 
2.2
 %

Natural gas utility margins are defined as natural gas utility operating revenues less purchased natural gas costs. Management believes that natural gas utility margins provide a more meaningful basis for evaluating natural gas utility operations than natural gas utility revenues, since prudently incurred natural gas commodity costs are passed through to our customers in current rates. There was an approximate 75% and 61% increase in the average per-unit cost of natural gas sold during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, which had no impact on margins.

Second Quarter 2014 Compared with Second Quarter 2013

Margins

Regulated natural gas utility segment margins increased $20.7 million, driven by:

An approximate $11 million increase in margins related to certain riders at NSG and PGL and certain energy efficiency programs at four of our natural gas utilities. This increase was offset by an equal increase in operating expenses, resulting in no impact on earnings.

PGL and NSG recovered approximately $6 million more from their customers through their bad debt rider mechanisms, driven by higher natural gas costs in 2014 and rate increases.

NSG and PGL recovered approximately $3 million more from their customers for environmental cleanup costs at former manufactured gas plant sites due to higher recovery rates driven by an increase in remediation costs, net of insurance settlements received, partially offset by the impact of lower sales volumes. See Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies, for more information about the manufactured gas plant sites.

Our natural gas utilities billed approximately $2 million more to customers for energy efficiency programs at MERC, MGU, NSG, and PGL in 2014.


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An approximate $7 million net increase in margins due to rate orders. See Note 22, Regulatory Environment, for more information.

The rate increases at NSG and PGL, effective June 27, 2013, but updated effective January 1, 2014, had an approximate $7 million positive impact on margins.

The rate increase at MGU, effective January 1, 2014, resulted in an approximate $1 million positive impact on margins.

The interim rate increase at MERC, effective January 1, 2014, had an approximate $1 million positive impact on margins.

An approximate $1 million net increase in margins due to sales volume variances and our decoupling mechanisms.

Higher sales volumes excluding the impact of weather resulted in an approximate $2 million increase in margins.

Warmer weather quarter over quarter drove an approximate $6 million decrease in margins.

Decoupling impacts had an approximate $5 million positive impact on margins. In 2013, decoupling mechanisms were in place for all the natural gas utilities. Effective January 1, 2014, MGU and WPS no longer have decoupling mechanisms in place. During the first quarter of 2014, MERC reached its maximum accrued refund to customers under the annual 10% cap provision of its decoupling mechanism. Margins for certain customer classes in both years were sensitive to volume variances as they were not covered by the decoupling mechanisms. See Note 22, Regulatory Environment, for more information on our decoupling mechanisms.

Operating Income

Operating income at the regulated natural gas utility segment decreased $16.9 million. This decrease was driven by a $37.6 million increase in operating expenses, partially offset by the $20.7 million increase in margins discussed above.

The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to:

A $10.5 million increase in natural gas distribution costs, primarily at PGL. The increase in costs at PGL was driven by higher repairs and maintenance expense due to higher costs to meet existing compliance requirements and to repair leaks.

A $6.2 million increase in bad debt expense, driven by higher natural gas costs in 2014 and rate increases. The portion of the increase in bad debt expense related to PGL and NSG does not impact earnings as it is offset by higher rates through a rider mechanism, resulting in higher margins.

A $4.6 million net increase in depreciation and amortization expense. The increase was driven by a $3.4 million reduction in expense in 2013 at MERC related to a new depreciation study approved by the MPUC on July 29, 2013, retroactive to January 1, 2012. Continued investment in property and equipment, primarily the accelerated natural gas main replacement program (AMRP) at PGL, also contributed to the quarter-over-quarter increase in expense.

A $3.7 million increase in unrecoverable energy efficiency program expense at MERC. In the second quarter of 2014, MERC wrote off a regulatory asset recorded for conservation improvement program costs.

A $2.8 million increase driven by higher amortization of regulatory assets at certain of our natural gas utilities related to environmental cleanup costs for manufactured gas plant sites. For the majority of the increase in expenses, margins increased by an equal amount, resulting in no impact on earnings.

A $2.8 million increase in employee benefit costs driven by:

A $4.2 million increase in stock-based compensation expense, due to the quarter-over-quarter increase in the fair value of awards accounted for as liabilities. The increase in fair value resulted from an increase in our stock price.

The $1.1 million negative quarter-over-quarter impact of the deferral of employee benefit costs in 2013 and the related amortization in 2014. In 2013, WPS deferred certain increases in pension and other employee benefit costs as a result of its 2013 rate order with the PSCW. WPS began amortizing this regulatory asset in 2014.

These increases were partially offset by a $3.2 million decrease in pension costs, driven by higher discount rates assumed in 2014.

A $1.9 million increase in energy efficiency program expenses at our natural gas utilities. For the majority of the increase in expenses, margins increased by an equal amount, resulting in no impact on earnings.

A $1.6 million increase in consulting costs primarily related to the AMRP at PGL.


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A $1.4 million increase in asset usage charges from IBS, driven by new software for both natural gas management and work asset management that was placed in service during the third quarter of 2013.

Other Expense

Other expense at the regulated natural gas utilities increased $1.9 million. Interest expense on long-term debt increased, driven by higher average long-term debt outstanding in 2014.

Six Months 2014 Compared with Six Months 2013

Margins

Regulated natural gas utility segment margins increased $92.5 million, driven by:

An approximate $48 million increase in margins related to certain riders at NSG and PGL and certain energy efficiency programs at four of our natural gas utilities. This increase was offset by an equal increase in operating expenses, resulting in no impact on earnings.

Our natural gas utilities billed approximately $20 million more to customers for energy efficiency programs at MERC, MGU, NSG, and PGL in 2014.

NSG and PGL recovered from their customers approximately $14 million more for environmental cleanup costs at their former manufactured gas plant sites due to higher recovery rates driven by an increase in remediation costs, net of insurance settlements received, and the impact of higher sales volumes. See Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies, for more information about the manufactured gas plant sites.

PGL and NSG recovered approximately $13 million more from their customers through their bad debt rider mechanisms, driven by higher natural gas costs in 2014, an increase in sales volumes, and rate increases.

An approximate $32 million net increase in margins due to rate orders. See Note 22, Regulatory Environment, for more information.

The rate increases at NSG and PGL, effective June 27, 2013, and updated effective January 1, 2014, had an approximate $31 million positive impact on margins.

The rate increase at MGU, effective January 1, 2014, resulted in an approximate $2 million positive impact on margins.

The interim rate increase at MERC, effective January 1, 2014, had an approximate $2 million positive impact on margins.

An approximate $11 million net increase in margins due to sales volume variances and our decoupling mechanisms.

The combined effect of the change in weather period over period, the impact of higher weather-normalized volumes, and the impact of our decoupling mechanisms increased margins approximately $28 million. In 2014, margins at the natural gas utilities were positively impacted by colder than normal weather, net of decoupling impacts at MERC, NSG, and PGL. Effective January 1, 2014, MGU and WPS no longer have decoupling mechanisms in place. During the first quarter of 2014, MERC reached its maximum accrued refund to customers under the annual 10% cap provision of its decoupling mechanism. In 2013, decoupling mechanisms were in place for all the natural gas utilities. Margins for certain customer classes in both years were sensitive to volume variances as they were not covered by the decoupling mechanisms. See Note 22, Regulatory Environment, for more information on our decoupling mechanisms.

Margins were negatively impacted period-over-period by approximately $17 million due to a reversal in 2013 of reserves established in 2012 against PGL and NSG regulatory assets related to decoupling. The reversal was recorded after the Illinois Appellate Court issued an opinion in March 2013 that affirmed the ICC's order approving the decoupling mechanisms. See Note 22, Regulatory Environment, for more information.

Operating Income

Operating income at the regulated natural gas utility segment decreased $3.5 million. This decrease was driven by a $96.0 million increase in operating expenses, partially offset by the $92.5 million increase in margins discussed above.


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The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to:

A $19.4 million increase in energy efficiency program expenses at our natural gas utilities. For the majority of the increase in expenses, margins increased by an equal amount, resulting in no impact on earnings.

A $19.0 million increase in natural gas distribution costs, primarily at PGL. The increase in costs at PGL was driven by higher repairs and maintenance expense due to higher costs to meet existing compliance requirements and to repair leaks.

A $15.1 million increase in bad debt expense, driven by higher natural gas costs in 2014, an increase in sales volumes, and rate increases. The portion of the increase in bad debt expense related to PGL and NSG does not impact earnings as it is offset by higher rates through a rider mechanism, resulting in higher margins.

A $14.9 million increase driven by higher amortization of regulatory assets at certain of our natural gas utilities related to environmental cleanup costs for manufactured gas plant sites. For the majority of the increase in expenses, margins increased by an equal amount, resulting in no impact on earnings.

An $8.8 million net increase in depreciation and amortization expense. The increase was driven by a $3.4 million reduction in expense in 2013 at MERC related to a new depreciation study approved by the MPUC on July 29, 2013, retroactive to January 1, 2012. The increase was also driven by a $2.5 million reduction in expense at MGU in 2013. In January 2013, the Michigan Court of Appeals issued an order reversing the MPSC's previously ordered disallowance associated with the early retirement of certain MGU assets in 2010. See Note 22, Regulatory Environment, for more information. Continued investment in property and equipment, primarily the AMRP at PGL, also contributed to the increase in expense.

A $3.7 million increase in unrecoverable energy efficiency program expense at MERC. In the second quarter of 2014, MERC wrote off a regulatory asset recorded for conservation improvement program costs.

A $2.9 million increase in asset usage charges from IBS, driven by new software for both natural gas management and work asset management that was placed in service during the third quarter of 2013.

A $2.8 million increase in consulting costs primarily related to the AMRP at PGL.

A $1.9 million increase in workers compensation and injuries and damages expense. The increase was driven by more incidents in 2014, primarily at PGL.

Other Expense

Other expense at the regulated natural gas utilities increased $2.5 million. Interest expense on long-term debt increased, driven by higher average long-term debt outstanding in 2014.


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Table of Contents

Regulated Electric Utility Segment Operations
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30
 
Change in 2014 Over 2013
 
Six Months Ended June 30
 
Change in 2014 Over 2013
(Millions, except degree days)
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Revenues
 
$
312.6

 
$
327.0

 
(4.4
)%
 
$
661.8

 
$
658.8

 
0.5
 %
Fuel and purchased power costs
 
112.8

 
131.3

 
(14.1
)%
 
249.5

 
274.5

 
(9.1
)%
Margins
 
199.8

 
195.7

 
2.1
 %
 
412.3

 
384.3

 
7.3
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating and maintenance expense
 
122.6

 
111.5

 
10.0
 %
 
238.6

 
212.9

 
12.1
 %
Depreciation and amortization expense
 
26.3

 
25.8

 
1.9
 %
 
51.9

 
47.3

 
9.7
 %
Taxes other than income taxes
 
12.8

 
12.1

 
5.8
 %
 
25.6

 
24.9

 
2.8
 %
Operating income
 
38.1

 
46.3

 
(17.7
)%
 
96.2

 
99.2

 
(3.0
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Miscellaneous income
 
2.8

 
2.2

 
27.3
 %
 
6.3

 
3.8

 
65.8
 %
Interest expense
 
12.1

 
8.5

 
42.4
 %
 
23.8

 
17.6

 
35.2
 %
Other expense
 
(9.3
)
 
(6.3
)
 
47.6
 %
 
(17.5
)
 
(13.8
)
 
26.8
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before taxes
 
$
28.8

 
$
40.0

 
(28.0
)%
 
$
78.7

 
$
85.4

 
(7.8
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales in kilowatt-hours
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Residential
 
687.2

 
692.6

 
(0.8
)%
 
1,585.5

 
1,516.4

 
4.6
 %
Commercial and industrial
 
2,089.7

 
2,103.7

 
(0.7
)%
 
4,167.6

 
4,175.7

 
(0.2
)%
Wholesale
 
721.7

 
1,138.1

 
(36.6
)%
 
1,406.5

 
2,184.7

 
(35.6
)%
Other
 
7.6

 
7.7

 
(1.3
)%
 
18.2

 
18.4

 
(1.1
)%
Total sales in kilowatt-hours
 
3,506.2

 
3,942.1

 
(11.1
)%
 
7,177.8

 
7,895.2

 
(9.1
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weather
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

WPS:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Actual heating degree days
 
1,020

 
1,107

 
(7.9
)%
 
5,535

 
4,910

 
12.7
 %
Normal heating degree days
 
975

 
978

 
(0.3
)%
 
4,621

 
4,621

 
 %
Actual cooling degree days
 
109

 
131

 
(16.8
)%
 
109

 
131

 
(16.8
)%
Normal cooling degree days
 
141

 
137

 
2.9
 %
 
141

 
137

 
2.9
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
UPPCO:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Actual heating degree days
 
1,514

 
1,629

 
(7.1
)%
 
6,398

 
5,716

 
11.9
 %
Normal heating degree days
 
1,395

 
1,399

 
(0.3
)%
 
5,367

 
5,366

 
 %
Actual cooling degree days
 
54

 
36

 
50.0
 %
 
54

 
36

 
50.0
 %
Normal cooling degree days
 
57

 
55

 
3.6
 %
 
57

 
55

 
3.6
 %

Electric utility margins are defined as electric utility operating revenues less fuel and purchased power costs. Management believes that electric utility margins provide a more meaningful basis for evaluating electric utility operations than electric utility operating revenues. To the extent changes in fuel and purchased power costs are passed through to customers, the changes are offset by comparable changes in operating revenues.

Second Quarter 2014 Compared with Second Quarter 2013

Margins

Regulated electric utility segment margins increased $4.1 million.

Margins increased approximately $10 million related to WPS and UPPCO rate orders, effective January 1, 2014. See Note 22, Regulatory Environment, for more information.

Excluding the impacts from fuel and purchased power costs, the WPS PSCW rate order resulted in an approximate $20 million increase in margins. The increase was driven by the costs to operate the Fox Energy Center, which were included in rates beginning in 2014. Although the PSCW approved an electric rate decrease, the rate decrease was driven by 2013 fuel cost over-collections and 2012 decoupling over-collections that are being refunded to customers in 2014 and have no impact on margins.

UPPCO's retail electric rate increase resulted in an approximate $2 million increase in margins.


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Table of Contents

Partially offsetting these increases was an approximate $12 million decrease in margins related to WPS fuel and purchased power costs. The decrease was driven by approximately $8 million of fuel and purchased power costs that are not included in the fuel rule recovery mechanism. In 2013, purchased power costs were lower than rate-case approved amounts as a result of the acquisition of Fox Energy Company LLC. Margins for WPS were further decreased by approximately $4 million related to fuel and purchased power cost under-collections in 2014, compared with over-collections in 2013. Under the fuel rule, WPS can only defer under or over-collections of certain fuel and purchased power costs that exceed a 2% price variance from the costs included in rates.

Margins decreased approximately $6 million related to sales volume variances, net of the impact of decoupling. The decrease was primarily driven by the termination of our decoupling mechanisms, effective January 1, 2014. See Note 22, Regulatory Environment, for more information. Margins from our large commercial and industrial customers also decreased, driven by lower use per customer in the second quarter of 2014. Our decoupling mechanism did not cover large commercial and industrial customers.

Operating Income

Operating income at the regulated electric utility segment decreased $8.2 million. The decrease was driven by a $12.3 million increase in operating expenses, partially offset by the $4.1 million increase in margins discussed above.

The increase in operating expenses was driven by:

A $12.7 million increase in maintenance expense, primarily due to planned major outages at the Fox Energy Center and Weston 4 plant in 2014, as well as maintenance at certain other WPS generation plants.

A $1.6 million net increase in electric transmission expense. Increases in electric transmission expense of $3.1 million were partially offset by deferrals approved by the PSCW of $1.5 million related to system support resource costs for WPS retail customers. See Other Future Considerations, Presque Isle System Support Resources (SSR) Costs, for more information.

Amortization expense of $1.4 million at WPS for a regulatory asset related to the fee paid for the early termination of the power purchase agreement in connection with the Fox Energy Center acquisition. Margins increased by an equal amount, resulting in no impact on earnings.

A $0.1 million net increase in employee benefit costs. The increase in employee benefit costs was driven by:

The quarter-over-quarter impact of the deferral of employee benefit costs in 2013 and the related amortization in 2014, which together increased employee benefit costs $3.6 million at WPS. In 2013, WPS deferred certain increases in pension and other employee benefit costs as a result of its 2013 rate order with the PSCW. WPS began amortizing this regulatory asset in 2014.

Higher stock-based compensation expense of $2.7 million, which was driven by an increase in the fair value of awards accounted for as liabilities. The increase in fair value resulted from an increase in our stock price.

Other employee benefit costs decreased $6.2 million in the first quarter of 2014. This decrease was partially driven by a remeasurement of certain other postretirement benefit plans. See Note 15, Employee Benefit Plans, for more information. Higher discount rates assumed in 2014 also contributed to the overall decrease in employee benefit costs.

These increases were partially offset by a $4.9 million decrease in operating expense due to the quarter-over-quarter impact of WPS's 2013 deferral of the net difference between actual and rate case-approved costs resulting from the purchase of the Fox Energy Center. The WPS 2013 PSCW rate order did not reflect this purchase or the related termination of the power purchase agreement. However, WPS did receive PSCW approval to defer ownership costs above or below its power purchase agreement expenses in 2013.

Other Expense

Other expense increased $3.0 million. The primary driver was a $4.3 million increase in interest expense on long-term debt, driven by higher average outstanding long-term debt at WPS during the second quarter of 2014. An increase in AFUDC of $0.9 million at WPS partially offset the increase in interest expense, largely due to environmental compliance projects at the Columbia plant.

Six Months 2014 Compared with Six Months 2013

Margins

Regulated electric utility segment margins increased $28.0 million, driven by:

An approximate $26 million increase in margins related to WPS and UPPCO rate orders, effective January 1, 2014. See Note 22, Regulatory Environment, for more information.


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Table of Contents

Excluding the impacts from fuel and purchased power costs, the WPS PSCW rate order resulted in an approximate $36 million increase in margins. The increase was driven by the costs to operate the Fox Energy Center, which were included in rates beginning in 2014. Although the PSCW approved an electric rate decrease, the rate decrease was driven by 2013 fuel cost over-collections and 2012 decoupling over-collections that are being refunded to customers in 2014 and have no impact on margins.

UPPCO's retail electric rate increase resulted in an approximate $4 million increase in margins.

Partially offsetting these increases was an approximate $14 million decrease in margins related to WPS fuel and purchased power costs. The decrease was partially driven by approximately $7 million of fuel and purchased power costs that are not included in the fuel rule recovery mechanism. In 2013, purchased power costs were lower than rate-case approved amounts as a result of the acquisition of Fox Energy Company LLC. Margins for WPS were further decreased by approximately $7 million related to fuel and purchased power cost under-collections in 2014, compared with over-collections in 2013. Under the fuel rule, WPS can only defer under or over-collections of certain fuel and purchased power costs that exceed a 2% price variance from the costs included in rates.

An approximate $4 million increase in WPS's wholesale margins driven by higher prices. Wholesale prices increased primarily due to the pass-through of increased generation costs to these customers.

A partially offsetting decrease in margins of approximately $3 million related to sales volume variances, net of the impact of decoupling. The decrease was primarily driven by the termination of our decoupling mechanisms, effective January 1, 2014. See Note 22, Regulatory Environment, for more information. Margins from our large commercial and industrial customers also decreased, driven by lower use per customer in 2014. Our decoupling mechanism did not cover large commercial and industrial customers. These decreases were partially offset by the positive impact that colder than normal weather in 2014 had on margins at the electric utilities.

Operating Income

Operating income at the regulated electric utility segment decreased $3.0 million. The decrease was driven by a $31.0 million increase in operating expenses, partially offset by the $28.0 million increase in margins discussed above.

The increase in operating expenses was driven by:

A $22.7 million increase in maintenance expense, primarily due to planned major outages at the Pulliam plant, Fox Energy Center, and Weston 4 plant in 2014, as well as maintenance at certain other WPS generation plants.

A $4.6 million increase in depreciation and amortization expense, mainly due to the acquisition of the Fox Energy Center at the end of the first quarter of 2013.

A $4.1 million net increase in electric transmission expense. Increases in electric transmission expense of $7.1 million were partially offset by deferrals approved by the PSCW of $3.0 million related to system support resource costs for WPS retail customers. See Other Future Considerations, Presque Isle System Support Resources (SSR) Costs, for more information.

A $3.8 million increase in various costs associated with the acquisition and operation of the Fox Energy Center. Included in this amount is the amortization of the regulatory asset related to the fee paid for the early termination of the power purchase agreement in connection with the acquisition. Recovery of the amortization was included in the new rates.

These increases were partially offset by:

A $3.3 million decrease due to the period-over-period impact of WPS's 2013 deferral of the net difference between actual and rate case-approved costs resulting from the purchase of the Fox Energy Center. The WPS 2013 PSCW rate order did not reflect this purchase or the related termination of the power purchase agreement. However, WPS did receive PSCW approval to defer ownership costs above or below its power purchase agreement expenses in 2013.

A $3.2 million net decrease in employee benefit costs. Employee benefit costs other than stock-based compensation (discussed below)decreased $12.7 million in 2014. This decrease was partially driven by a remeasurement of certain other postretirement benefit plans. See Note 15, Employee Benefit Plans, for more information. Higher discount rates assumed in 2014 also contributed to the overall decrease in employee benefit costs. This decrease was partially offset by:

Higher stock-based compensation expense of $2.2 million, which was driven by an increase in the fair value of awards accounted for as liabilities. The increase in fair value resulted from an increase in our stock price.

The period-over-period impact of a deferral of employee benefit costs in 2013 and the related amortization in 2014, which together increased employee benefit costs by $7.3 million at WPS. In 2013, WPS deferred certain increases in pension and other employee benefit costs as a result of its 2013 rate order with the PSCW. WPS began amortizing this regulatory asset in 2014.

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Other Expense

Other expense increased $3.7 million. The primary driver was a $7.9 million increase in interest expense on long-term debt, driven by higher average outstanding long-term debt at WPS during 2014. An increase in AFUDC of $3.7 million at WPS partially offset the increase in interest expense, largely due to the installation of the ReACTTM emission control technology at the Weston 3 plant and environmental compliance projects at the Columbia plant.

Electric Transmission Investment Segment Operations
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30
 
Change in 2014 Over 2013
 
Six Months Ended June 30
 
Change in 2014 Over 2013
(Millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Earnings from equity method investments
 
$
23.0

 
$
22.0

 
4.5
%
 
$
45.5

 
$
43.7

 
4.1
%

Second Quarter 2014 Compared with Second Quarter 2013

Earnings from Equity Method Investments

Earnings from equity method investments at the electric transmission investment segment increased $1.0 million in the second quarter of 2014. The increase resulted from higher earnings related to our approximate 34% ownership interest in ATC. Our income increases as ATC continues to increase its rate base by investing in transmission equipment and facilities for improved reliability and economic benefits for customers.

Six Months 2014 Compared with Six Months 2013

Earnings from Equity Method Investments

Earnings from equity method investments at the electric transmission investment segment increased $1.8 million in 2014. The increase resulted from higher earnings related to our approximate 34% ownership interest in ATC. Our income increases as ATC continues to increase its rate base by investing in transmission equipment and facilities for improved reliability and economic benefits for customers.


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Table of Contents

IES Segment Operations

In July 2014, we entered into an agreement to sell IES's retail energy business. See Note 4, Dispositions, for more information.

During the six months ended June 30, 2014, delivered electric and natural gas volumes grew approximately 32% and 51%, respectively, compared with the same period in 2013. In addition, IES's electric and natural gas volumes for future delivery grew by approximately 10% and 7%, respectively, from June 30, 2013, to June 30, 2014.
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30
 
Change in 2014 Over 2013
 
Six Months Ended June 30
 
Change in 2014 Over 2013
(Millions, except natural gas sales volumes)
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Revenues
 
$
600.4

 
$
412.9

 
45.4
 %
 
$
1,892.6

 
$
958.6

 
97.4
 %
Cost of sales
 
556.8

 
443.7

 
25.5
 %
 
1,791.6

 
874.4

 
104.9
 %
Margins
 
43.6

 
(30.8
)
 
N/A

 
101.0

 
84.2

 
20.0
 %
Margin Detail
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
Realized retail electric margins
 
28.2

 
26.6

 
6.0
 %
 
37.6

 
50.5

 
(25.5
)%
Realized wholesale electric margins (1)
 
0.1

 
0.4

 
(75.0
)%
 
0.1

 
0.4

 
(75.0
)%
Realized renewable energy asset margins
 
3.9

 
4.5

 
(13.3
)%
 
6.5

 
7.5

 
(13.3
)%
Fair value accounting adjustments
 
3.2

 
(64.7
)
 
N/A

 
20.9

 
(2.0
)
 
N/A

Electric and renewable energy asset margins
 
35.4

 
(33.2
)
 
N/A

 
65.1

 
56.4

 
15.4
 %
Realized retail natural gas margins (2)
 
7.1

 
4.6

 
54.3
 %
 
31.5

 
23.5

 
34.0
 %
Realized wholesale natural gas margins (1)
 
0.1

 
(0.1
)
 
N/A

 
(0.1
)
 
0.1

 
N/A

Lower-of-cost-or-market inventory adjustments
 
(0.7
)
 
(1.7
)
 
(58.8
)%
 
0.9

 
2.3

 
(60.9
)%
Fair value accounting adjustments
 
1.7

 
(0.4
)
 
N/A

 
3.6

 
1.9

 
89.5
 %
Natural gas margins
 
8.2

 
2.4

 
241.7
 %
 
35.9

 
27.8

 
29.1
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating and maintenance expense
 
32.2

 
30.1

 
7.0
 %
 
68.6

 
62.9

 
9.1
 %
Depreciation and amortization expense
 
3.0

 
2.8

 
7.1
 %
 
5.9

 
5.5

 
7.3
 %
Goodwill impairment loss
 
6.7

 

 
N/A

 
6.7

 

 
N/A

Taxes other than income taxes
 
1.5

 
1.0

 
50.0
 %
 
2.7

 
2.0

 
35.0
 %
Operating income (loss)
 
0.2

 
(64.7
)
 
N/A

 
17.1

 
13.8

 
23.9
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings from equity method investments
 
0.8

 
0.5

 
60.0
 %
 
0.9

 
0.7

 
28.6
 %
Miscellaneous income
 
0.4

 
1.4

 
(71.4
)%
 
0.7

 
1.8

 
(61.1
)%
Interest expense
 
0.5

 
0.5

 
 %
 
1.0

 
1.0

 
 %
Other income
 
0.7

 
1.4

 
(50.0
)%
 
0.6

 
1.5

 
(60.0
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before taxes
 
$
0.9

 
$
(63.3
)
 
N/A

 
$
17.7

 
$
15.3

 
15.7
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Physically settled volumes
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
Retail electric sales volumes in kwh
 
5,748.7

 
4,838.1

 
18.8
 %
 
12,105.6

 
9,156.3

 
32.2
 %
Wholesale assets and distributed solar electric sales volumes in kwh
 
17.8

 
15.7

 
13.4
 %
 
31.9

 
33.7

 
(5.3
)%
Retail natural gas sales volumes in bcf
 
44.6

 
37.1

 
20.2
 %
 
132.2

 
87.8

 
50.6
 %

kwh — kilowatt-hours
bcf — billion cubic feet 

(1) 
Realized wholesale activity relates to remaining contracts for which offsetting positions were entered into.

(2) 
Amounts include negative margins related to the amortization of the net amount paid for customer and related supply contracts in connection with acquisitions. The three and six months ended June 30, 2014, include negative margins of $1.5 million and $4.1 million, respectively. The three and six months ended June 30, 2013, each include negative margins of $1.3 million.

Second Quarter 2014 Compared with Second Quarter 2013

Revenues

IES’s revenues increased $187.5 million driven by higher retail sales volumes, primarily related to the Compass Energy Services acquisition in May 2013 as well as growth in IES's existing commercial and industrial electric and natural gas markets. Higher average commodity prices also contributed to the increase in revenues.


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Table of Contents

Margins

IES’s margins increased $74.4 million. Significant items contributing to the change in margins were as follows:

Electric and Renewable Energy Asset Margins

Realized retail electric margins

Realized retail electric margins increased $1.6 million. The increase was driven by growth in existing markets.

Fair value accounting adjustments

Derivative accounting rules impact IES’s margins. Fair value adjustments caused a $67.9 million increase in electric margins quarter over quarter. These adjustments primarily relate to physical and financial contracts used to reduce price risk for supply associated with electric sales contracts. These adjustments will reverse in future periods as contracts settle.

Natural Gas Margins

Realized retail natural gas margins

Realized retail natural gas margins increased $2.5 million. The increase was primarily driven by the Compass Energy Services acquisition in May 2013. Realized retail natural gas margins include the amortization of customer and supply contracts related to the acquisition of Compass Energy Services.

Inventory accounting adjustments

IES’s physical natural gas inventory is valued at the lower of cost or market. When the market price of natural gas is lower than the carrying value of the inventory, write-downs are recorded within margins to reflect inventory at the end of the period at its net realizable value. These write-downs result in higher margins in future periods as the inventory that was written down is sold. The $1.0 million increase in margins from inventory adjustments was driven by a quarter-over-quarter decrease in write-downs.

Fair value accounting adjustments

Derivative accounting rules impact IES’s margins. Fair value adjustments caused a $2.1 million increase in natural gas margins quarter over quarter. These adjustments primarily relate to physical and financial contracts used to reduce price risk for supply, storage, and transportation associated with natural gas sales contracts. These adjustments will reverse in future periods as contracts settle.

Operating Income

IES’s operating income increased $64.9 million. The increase was driven by the $74.4 million increase in margins discussed above, partially offset by a $9.5 million increase in operating expenses. The increase in operating expenses was driven by a $6.7 million goodwill impairment loss recorded in the second quarter of 2014. See Note 9, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for more information. Costs also increased as a result of the Compass Energy Services acquisition in May 2013, as well as growth in IES's existing electric and natural gas markets.

Six Months 2014 Compared with Six Months 2013

Revenues

IES’s revenues increased $934.0 million. The increase was driven by higher retail sales volumes, primarily related to growth in IES's existing electric and natural gas markets as well as the Compass Energy Services acquisition in May 2013. Higher average commodity prices and increased usage in 2014 related to the colder weather also contributed to the increase in revenues.


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Table of Contents

Margins

IES’s margins increased $16.8 million. Significant items contributing to the change in margins were as follows:

Electric and Renewable Energy Asset Margins

Realized retail electric margins

Realized retail electric margins decreased $12.9 million. The decrease was primarily driven by an approximate $6 million increase in costs related to certain ancillary services charged by independent system operators in January 2014 due to the colder weather. In addition, sales volumes for fixed-price full requirements customers increased significantly in the first quarter of 2014 due to the colder weather, requiring IES to purchase power at market prices to meet this unexpected demand. Competitive pressure on per-unit margins also contributed to the decrease in margins.

Fair value accounting adjustments

Derivative accounting rules impact IES’s margins. Fair value adjustments caused a $22.9 million increase in electric margins period over period. These adjustments primarily relate to physical and financial contracts used to reduce price risk for supply associated with electric sales contracts. These adjustments will reverse in future periods as contracts settle.

Natural Gas Margins

Realized retail natural gas margins

Realized retail natural gas margins increased $8.0 million. The increase was primarily driven by colder weather period over period. Higher sales volumes, primarily related to the Compass Energy Services acquisition in May 2013 and growth in IES's existing markets, also contributed to the increase in margins. Realized retail natural gas margins include the amortization of customer and supply contracts related to the acquisition of Compass Energy Services.

Inventory accounting adjustments

IES’s physical natural gas inventory is valued at the lower of cost or market. When the market price of natural gas is lower than the carrying value of the inventory, write-downs are recorded within margins to reflect inventory at the end of the period at its net realizable value. These write-downs result in higher margins in future periods as the inventory that was written down is sold. The $1.4 million decrease in margins from inventory adjustments was driven by the period-over-period impact of inventory withdrawn from storage for which write-downs had previously been recorded, partially offset by lower write-downs.

Fair value accounting adjustments

Derivative accounting rules impact IES’s margins. Fair value adjustments caused a $1.7 million increase in natural gas margins period over period. These adjustments primarily relate to physical and financial contracts used to reduce price risk for supply, storage, and transportation associated with natural gas sales contracts. These adjustments will reverse in future periods as contracts settle.

Operating Income

IES’s operating income increased $3.3 million. The increase was driven by the $16.8 million increase in margins discussed above, partially offset by a $13.5 million increase in operating expenses. The increase in operating expenses was driven by a $6.7 million goodwill impairment loss recorded in the second quarter of 2014. See Note 9, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for more information. Costs also increased as a result of the Compass Energy Services acquisition in May 2013, as well as growth in IES's existing electric and natural gas markets.


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Table of Contents

Holding Company and Other Segment Operations
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30
 
Change in 2014 Over 2013
 
Six Months Ended June 30
 
Change in 2014 Over 2013
(Millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Operating loss
 
$
(8.0
)
 
$
(1.2
)
 
566.7
%
 
$
(8.8
)
 
$
(5.1
)
 
72.5
%
Other expense
 
(10.6
)
 
(5.7
)
 
86.0
%
 
(21.9
)
 
(8.8
)
 
148.9
%
Loss before taxes
 
$
(18.6
)
 
$
(6.9
)
 
169.6
%
 
$
(30.7
)
 
$
(13.9
)
 
120.9
%

Second Quarter 2014 Compared with Second Quarter 2013

Operating Loss

Operating loss at the holding company and other segment increased $6.8 million. The increase was mainly driven by $7.6 million of transaction costs related to the proposed merger with Wisconsin Energy Corporation and the pending sales of UPPCO and the IES retail energy business.

Other Expense

Other expense at the holding company and other segment increased $4.9 million. The increase was primarily due to a $5.5 million increase in interest expense on long-term debt, driven by the issuance of $400.0 million of Junior Subordinated Notes during August 2013.

Six Months 2014 Compared with Six Months 2013

Operating Loss

Operating loss at the holding company and other segment increased $3.7 million. The increase was mainly driven by $7.6 million of transaction costs related to the proposed merger with Wisconsin Energy Corporation and the pending sales of UPPCO and the IES retail energy business, partially offset by a $2.5 million decrease in operating losses at ITF.

Other Expense

Other expense at the holding company and other segment increased $13.1 million. The increase was primarily due to a $11.9 million increase in interest expense on long-term debt, driven by the issuance of $400.0 million of Junior Subordinated Notes during August 2013. Also contributing to the increase was the $2.6 million period-over-period negative impact of excise tax credits recorded at ITF in 2013 as a result of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. These excise tax credits were not available in 2014.

Provision for Income Taxes
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30
 
Six Months Ended June 30
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Effective tax rate
 
50.3
%
 
45.8
%
 
37.8
%
 
37.4
%

Second Quarter 2014 Compared with Second Quarter 2013

Our effective tax rate increased in the second quarter of 2014. This increase was primarily driven by the tax treatment of IES's $6.7 million goodwill impairment loss recorded in the second quarter of 2014. This amount is not deductible for income tax purposes.

Six Months 2014 Compared with Six Months 2013

There was no material change in our effective tax rate period over period.


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Table of Contents

Discontinued Operations
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30
 
Change in 2014 Over 2013
 
Six Months Ended June 30
 
Change in 2014 Over 2013
(Millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Discontinued operations, net of tax
 
$
(0.1
)
 
$
(0.8
)
 
(87.5
)%
 
$
(0.2
)
 
$
5.3

 
N/A

Second Quarter 2014 Compared with Second Quarter 2013

There was no material change in the loss from discontinued operations quarter over quarter.

Six Months 2014 Compared with Six Months 2013

Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax, decreased $5.5 million in 2014. In 2013, we remeasured uncertain tax positions included in our liability for unrecognized tax benefits after effectively settling a certain state income tax examination. We reduced the provision for income taxes related to this remeasurement, of which the majority was reported as discontinued operations.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

We believe we have adequate resources to fund ongoing operations and future capital expenditures. These resources include cash balances, liquid assets, operating cash flows, access to equity and debt capital markets, and available borrowing capacity under existing credit facilities. Our borrowing costs can be impacted by short-term and long-term debt ratings assigned by independent credit rating agencies, as well as the market rates for interest. Our operating cash flows and access to capital markets can be impacted by macroeconomic factors outside of our control.

Operating Cash Flows

During the six months ended June 30, 2014, net cash provided by operating activities was $586.0 million, compared with $448.0 million during the same period in 2013. The $138.0 million increase in net cash provided by operating activities was driven by:

A $1,572.7 million increase in cash collections from customers, mainly due to rate increases at the regulated utilities, higher commodity prices, and the colder than normal weather in 2014.

A $57.9 million increase in cash received from income taxes, primarily driven by a federal income tax refund received in the first quarter of 2014 for an amended return.

The positive period-over-period impact of a $50.0 million payment in 2013 for WPS's early termination of a tolling agreement in connection with the purchase of Fox Energy Company LLC.

An $18.6 million increase in cash from customer prepayments and credit balances. In 2013, cash received in relation to amounts billed was lower because customer prepayments had grown during an unusually warm 2012.

An $18.1 million increase in cash driven by lower collateral requirements in 2014 compared with 2013 at IES. Collateral requirements are based on forward natural gas and electricity prices and forward positions with counterparties.

These increases in cash were partially offset by:

A $1,405.5 million decrease in cash due to higher costs of natural gas, fuel, and purchased power in 2014. Additional cash was used in 2014 due to higher energy prices and the colder than normal weather. To meet the higher energy needs of customers, we purchased natural gas, fuel, and purchased power at higher prices than expected in 2014, which were not yet reflected in the rates charged to our customers. This resulted in a period-over-period variance in under-collections from regulated utility customers of $49.8 million. These under-collections were higher in 2014 than in 2013.

A $164.8 million decrease in cash related to increased operating and maintenance costs in 2014. The decrease was driven by increases in electric utility maintenance, natural gas distribution costs, and operating costs associated with the Fox Energy Center, which was acquired by WPS at the end of the first quarter of 2013.

A $17.4 million increase in cash paid for interest, primarily driven by an increase in long-term debt in 2014 as compared with 2013.

A $5.3 million increase in contributions to pension and other postretirement benefit plans.


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Table of Contents

Investing Cash Flows

During the six months ended June 30, 2014, net cash used for investing activities was $429.8 million, compared with $644.4 million during the same period in 2013. The $214.6 million decrease in net cash used for investing activities was primarily due to $391.6 million of cash used in 2013 for WPS's purchase of Fox Energy Company LLC. IES also purchased Compass Energy Services, which increased net cash used for investing activities by $12.4 million. See Note 3, Acquisitions, for more information regarding these purchases.

These decreases in cash used were partially offset by:

The period-over-period negative impact of the receipt of a $69.0 million Section 1603 Grant for the Crane Creek wind project in 2013.

A $65.0 million increase in cash used due to the required funding of the rabbi trust for deferred compensation and certain nonqualified pension plans. The proposed merger with Wisconsin Energy Corporation qualified as a potential change in control event under the rabbi trust agreement, which required the funding of the rabbi trust. See Note 2, Proposed Merger with Wisconsin Energy Corporation, for more information about the merger.

A $48.5 million increase in cash used for other capital expenditures (discussed below).

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures by business segment for the six months ended June 30 were as follows:
Reportable Segment (millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change in 2014 Over 2013
Natural gas utility
 
$
159.3

 
$
169.2

 
$
(9.9
)
Electric utility
 
116.4

 
496.4

 
(380.0
)
IES
 
14.4

 
4.2

 
10.2

Holding company and other
 
58.5

 
21.9

 
36.6

Integrys Energy Group consolidated
 
$
348.6

 
$
691.7

 
$
(343.1
)

The decrease in capital expenditures at the natural gas utility segment in 2014 compared with 2013 was primarily due to colder weather conditions impacting work on the accelerated natural gas main replacement program at PGL.

The decrease in capital expenditures at the electric utility segment in 2014 compared with 2013 was primarily due to WPS's purchase of Fox Energy Company LLC in 2013. Capital expenditures related to environmental compliance projects at the Columbia Plant also decreased in 2014. Increased expenditures at the electric utility segment related to the ReACTTM project at Weston 3 in 2014 partially offset the decrease.

The increase in capital expenditures at IES in 2014 compared with 2013 was primarily due to an increase in solar projects.

Finally, capital expenditures at the holding company and other segment increased in 2014 compared with 2013, primarily due to increased expenditures for software projects and office leasehold improvements.

Financing Cash Flows

During the six months ended June 30, 2014, net cash used for financing activities was $140.1 million, compared with net cash provided by financing activities of $187.3 million during the same period in 2013. The $327.4 million period-over-period change was driven by:

A $200.0 million decrease in borrowings under WPS's term credit facility, which were used in 2013 to partially finance the acquisition of Fox Energy Company LLC.

A $56.1 million decrease in net borrowings of commercial paper in 2014.

A $26.7 million increase in cash used to purchase shares of our common stock on the open market to satisfy requirements of our Stock Investment Plan and certain stock-based employee benefit and compensation plans. We began purchasing shares of our common stock on the open market starting in February 2014 as well as during a short period during the first quarter of 2013.

A $19.3 million decrease in cash received from stock option exercises.

A $17.0 million net decrease in cash due to a $104.0 million decrease in the issuance of long-term debt, which was partially offset by an $87.0 million decrease in the repayment of long-term debt.


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Table of Contents

Significant Financing Activities

The following table provides a summary of common stock activity to meet the requirements of our Stock Investment Plan and certain stock-based employee benefit and compensation plans:
Period
 
Method of meeting requirements
Beginning 02/05/2014
 
Purchasing shares on the open market
02/05/2013 – 02/05/2014
 
Issued new shares
01/01/2012 – 02/04/2013
 
Purchased shares on the open market

Under the merger agreement with Wisconsin Energy Corporation, we can no longer issue shares of our common stock.

For information on short-term debt, see Note 10, Short-Term Debt and Lines of Credit.

For information on long-term debt, see Note 11, Long-Term Debt.

Credit Ratings

Our current credit ratings and the credit ratings for WPS, PGL, and NSG are listed in the table below:
Credit Ratings
 
Standard & Poor's
 
Moody's
Integrys Energy Group
 
 
 
 
Issuer credit rating
 
A-
 
N/A
Senior unsecured debt
 
BBB+
 
Baa1
Commercial paper
 
A-2
 
P-2
Junior subordinated notes
 
BBB
 
Baa2
 
 
 
 
 
WPS
 
 
 
 
Issuer credit rating
 
A-
 
A1
First mortgage bonds
 
N/A
 
Aa2
Senior secured debt
 
A
 
Aa2
Preferred stock
 
BBB
 
A3
Commercial paper
 
A-2
 
P-1
 
 
 
 
 
PGL
 
 
 
 
Issuer credit rating
 
A-
 
A2
Senior secured debt
 
N/A
 
Aa3
Commercial paper
 
A-2
 
P-1
 
 
 
 
 
NSG
 
 
 
 
Issuer credit rating
 
A-
 
A2

Credit ratings are not recommendations to buy or sell securities. They are subject to change, and each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.

On January 31, 2014, Moody's confirmed the credit ratings for Integrys Energy Group and raised the credit ratings for WPS, PGL, and NSG. The issuer rating was raised to "A1" from "A2" for WPS and to "A2" from "A3" for both PGL and NSG. WPS's first mortgage bonds rating was raised to "Aa2" from "Aa3." The senior secured debt rating was raised to "Aa2" from "Aa3" for WPS and to "Aa3" from "A1" for both PGL and NSG. The preferred stock rating for WPS was raised to "A3" from "Baa1." Finally, PGL's commercial paper rating was raised to "P-1" from "P-2." The upgrade in ratings of the utilities reflects Moody's views of the regulatory provisions in Wisconsin and Illinois that are consistent with a generally improving regulatory environment for electric and natural gas utilities in the United States.

Discontinued Operations

These cash flows primarily relate to the operations of Combined Locks Energy Center, LLC, WPS Beaver Falls Generation, LLC, and WPS Syracuse Generation, LLC. See Item 2 – Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Discontinued Operations, and Note 4, Dispositions, for more information.


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Table of Contents

Future Capital Requirements and Resources

Contractual Obligations

The following table shows our contractual obligations as of June 30, 2014, including those of our subsidiaries:
 
 
 
 
Payments Due By Period
(Millions)
 
Total Amounts
Committed
 
2014
 
2015 to 2016
 
2017 to 2018
 
2019 and
Later Years
Long-term debt principal and interest payments (1)
 
$
7,198.1

 
$
72.3

 
$
507.7

 
$
383.9

 
$
6,234.2

Operating lease obligations
 
91.1

 
3.3

 
13.2

 
15.1

 
59.5

Energy and transportation purchase obligations (2)
 
2,421.3

 
418.8

 
828.0

 
371.4

 
803.1

Purchase orders (3)
 
1,173.0

 
948.7

 
194.8

 
21.2

 
8.3

Rabbi trust funding obligation (4)
 
64.8

 
64.8

 

 

 

Pension and other postretirement funding obligations (5)
 
32.1

 
12.0

 
20.1

 

 

Capital contributions to equity method investment
 
3.4

 
3.4

 

 

 

Uncertain tax positions
 
0.7

 
0.7

 

 

 

Total contractual cash obligations
 
$
10,984.5

 
$
1,524.0

 
$
1,563.8

 
$
791.6

 
$
7,105.1


(1) 
Represents bonds and notes issued, as well as loans made to us and our subsidiaries. We record all principal obligations on the balance sheet. For purposes of this table, it is assumed that the current interest rates on variable rate debt will remain in effect until the debt matures.

(2) 
Energy and related commodity supply contracts at IES included as part of energy and transportation purchase obligations are primarily entered into to meet future obligations to deliver energy and related products to customers; therefore, these costs will be recovered as customer sales contracts settle. The utility subsidiaries expect to recover the costs of their contracts in future customer rates.

(3) 
Includes obligations related to normal business operations and large construction obligations.

(4) 
The proposed merger with Wisconsin Energy Corporation qualified as a potential change in control event under the rabbi trust agreement and triggered the full funding of our deferred compensation obligation and our obligation for certain nonqualified pension plans. In June 2014, $65.0 million was transferred to the rabbi trust, and the remaining $64.8 million was funded in July 2014 with cash and exchange-traded funds. See Note 2, Proposed Merger with Wisconsin Energy Corporation, for more information about the merger.

(5) 
Obligations for pension and other postretirement benefit plans, other than the Integrys Energy Group Retirement Plan, cannot reasonably be estimated beyond 2016. As a result of the rabbi trust funding obligation discussed above, the funding requirements related to certain nonqualified pension plan obligations were reduced by $2.0 million in 2014 and $8.3 million in 2015.

The table above does not reflect estimated future payments related to the manufactured gas plant remediation liability of $576.1 million at June 30, 2014, as the amount and timing of payments are uncertain. We expect to incur costs annually to remediate these sites. See Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies, for more information about environmental liabilities. The table also does not reflect estimated future payments for the June 30, 2014 liability of $2.0 million related to unrecognized tax benefits, as the amount and timing of payments are uncertain. See Note 12, Income Taxes, for more information about unrecognized tax benefits.


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Table of Contents

Capital Requirements

Projected capital expenditures by segment for 2014 through 2016, including amounts expended through June 30, 2014, are as follows:
(Millions)
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
Total
Natural Gas Utility
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Distribution and transmission projects and underground storage facilities
 
$
507

 
$
478

 
$
481

 
$
1,466

Other projects
 
29

 
34

 
23

 
86

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Electric Utility (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Distribution and energy supply operations projects
 
133

 
137

 
131

 
401

Environmental projects (2)
 
150

 
135

 
105

 
390

Other projects
 
18

 
21

 
167

 
206

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
IES
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Renewable energy and other projects (3)
 
62

 
42

 
42

 
146

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Holding Company and Other
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Corporate or shared services software and infrastructure projects
 
68

 
31

 
40

 
139

Compressed natural gas fueling stations
 
27

 
44

 
45

 
116

Repairs and safety measures at nonutility hydroelectric facilities (1)
 

 

 
1

 
1

Total capital expenditures
 
$
994


$
922


$
1,035


$
2,951


(1)  
Approximately $30 million of projected capital expenditures relates to UPPCO. See Note 4, Dispositions, for more information on the pending sale of UPPCO.

(2) 
This primarily relates to the installation of ReACTTM emission control technology at Weston 3 and the installation of scrubbers at the Columbia plant.

(3)  
See Note 4, Dispositions, for more information on the pending sale of IES's retail energy business.

We expect to provide capital contributions to ATC (not included in the above table) of approximately $60 million from 2014 through 2016.

All projected capital and investment expenditures are subject to periodic review and may vary significantly from the estimates, depending on a number of factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, environmental requirements, regulatory constraints and requirements, changes in tax laws and regulations, acquisition and development opportunities, market volatility, and economic trends.

Capital Resources

Management prioritizes the use of capital and debt capacity, determines cash management policies, uses risk management strategies to hedge the impact of volatile commodity prices, and makes decisions regarding capital requirements in order to manage our liquidity and capital resource needs. We plan to meet our capital requirements for the period 2014 through 2016 primarily through internally generated funds (net of forecasted dividend payments), dividends from our subsidiaries, and debt and equity financings. We plan to keep debt to equity ratios at levels that can support current credit ratings and corporate growth.

Under an existing shelf registration statement, we may issue debt, equity, certain types of hybrid securities, and other financial instruments with amounts, prices, and terms to be determined at the time of future offerings.

WPS currently has two shelf registration statements. Under these registration statements, WPS may issue up to $50.0 million of additional senior debt securities and up to $30.0 million of preferred stock. Amounts, prices, and terms will be determined at the time of future offerings.

At June 30, 2014, we and each of our subsidiaries were in compliance with all covenants related to outstanding short-term and long-term debt. We expect to be in compliance with all such debt covenants for the foreseeable future.

Various laws, regulations, and financial covenants impose restrictions on the ability of certain of our regulated utility subsidiaries to transfer funds to us in the form of dividends. Our regulated utility subsidiaries, with the exception of MGU, are prohibited from loaning funds to us, either directly or indirectly. Although these restrictions limit the amount of funding the various operating subsidiaries can provide to us, management does not believe these restrictions will have a significant impact on our ability to access cash for payment of dividends on common stock or other future funding obligations. See Note 17, Common Equity, for more information on dividend restrictions.


56

Table of Contents

Other Future Considerations

Presque Isle System Support Resources (SSR) Costs

In August 2013, Wisconsin Electric Power Company (Wisconsin Electric Power) submitted to MISO a notice, in which Wisconsin Electric Power stated its intention to suspend the operation of Units 5 through 9 of its Presque Isle generating facility for 16 months, starting February 1, 2014. MISO completed its reliability analysis and notified Wisconsin Electric Power in October 2013 that the Presque Isle facilities are required for reliability and would be SSR-designated until alternatives could be implemented to mitigate reliability issues. The SSR Tariff provisions permit MISO to negotiate compensation for generation resources where a market participant desires to retire or suspend operation of the facility but MISO determines that it is needed to maintain system reliability. In exchange for keeping the units in service, MISO will compensate Wisconsin Electric Power by allocating the SSR costs associated with the operation of the Presque Isle units to regulated and nonregulated load serving entities, including WPS, UPPCO, and IES, based on load ratio share within the ATC footprint. In January 2014, MISO submitted a new rate schedule to the FERC reflecting this. Currently, the allocated SSR costs for WPS are estimated at $9 million annually. However, in late July 2014, the FERC granted a complaint filed by the PSCW requesting to change the allocation methodology to the various parties based on a new load-shed analysis to be completed by MISO. The revised methodology will likely result in increased SSR costs for WPS and UPPCO.

In April 2013, the PSCW ordered that SSR costs for WPS retail customers should be deferred until December 31, 2015. At that time, the PSCW will determine the appropriate ratemaking treatment. As of June 30, 2014, $3.0 million of SSR costs have been deferred for future recovery. SSR costs for Michigan customers, including UPPCO and WPS, are being recovered through the Power Supply Cost Recovery mechanism. SSR costs for WPS's wholesale customers are being recovered through formula rates. Allocated SSR costs for IES can be passed through to customers.

MISO Transmission Owner Return on Equity Complaint

In November 2013, a group of MISO industrial customer organizations filed a complaint with the FERC requesting, among other things, to reduce the base return on equity (ROE) used by MISO transmission owners, including ATC, to 9.15%. ATC's current authorized ROE is 12.2%. In June 2014, the FERC issued a decision, in regard to a similar complaint, to reduce the base ROE for New England transmission owners from their existing rate of 11.14% to 10.57%. In this decision, the FERC used a revised method for determining the appropriate ROE for FERC-jurisdictional electric utilities, which incorporates both short-term and long-term measures of growth in dividends. The FERC has stated that it expects future decisions on pending complaints related to similar ROE issues will be guided by the New England transmission decision. Any change to ATC's return on equity and capital structure could result in lower equity income and dividends from ATC in the future. We are currently unable to determine the timing and nature of any FERC actions related to this complaint.

Wisconsin Fuel Rule Under-collection "Cap"

WPS uses a "fuel window" mechanism to recover fuel and purchased power costs for its Wisconsin retail electric operations. Under the fuel window rule, actual fuel and purchased power costs that exceed a 2% variance from costs included in the rates charged to customers are deferred for recovery or refund. However, if the deferral of costs in a given year would cause WPS to earn a greater return on common equity than authorized by the PSCW, the recovery of under-collected fuel and purchased power costs would be reduced by the amount the return exceeds the authorized amount by the PSCW. This is a possibility in any given year, and at this time, it is unknown whether this provision of the fuel rule will impact WPS in the current year.
 
Decoupling

In 2012, the Illinois Attorney General and Citizens Utility Board appealed the ICC's authority to approve PGL's and NSG's permanent decoupling mechanism. As a result, revenues collected under this mechanism were potentially subject to refund. In 2012, PGL and NSG established offsetting reserves equal to decoupling amounts accrued. In March 2013, the Illinois Appellate Court affirmed the ICC's authority to approve the permanent decoupling mechanism. Therefore, the reserves recorded in 2012 were reversed in the first quarter of 2013. In June 2013, the Illinois Attorney General and Citizens Utility Board petitioned the Illinois Supreme Court to review the Court's decision. The Illinois Supreme Court granted the request in September 2013, and briefing is in progress. The Illinois Supreme Court has no deadline by which it must act. Decoupling amounts recorded in 2012 were fully recovered and amounts in 2013 are being refunded to customers in 2014. Decoupling amounts in 2014 will continue to be accrued, absent an adverse Illinois Supreme Court decision.

See Note 22, Regulatory Environment, for more information on all of our subsidiaries' decoupling mechanisms.

Climate Change

The EPA began regulating greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act in January 2011 by applying the Best Available Control Technology (BACT) requirements (associated with the New Source Review program) to new and modified larger greenhouse gas emitters. Technology to remove and sequester greenhouse gas emissions is not commercially available at scale. Therefore, the EPA issued guidance that defines BACT in terms of improvements in energy efficiency as opposed to relying on pollution control equipment. In March 2012, the EPA issued a proposed rule that would impose a carbon dioxide emission rate limit on new electric generating units. The proposed limit may prevent the construction of new coal units until technology becomes commercially available.

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In September 2013, the EPA re-proposed rules related to emission limits on new electric generating units, and the EPA is expected to finalize them in a timely manner. In June 2014, the EPA released a proposed rule establishing greenhouse gas performance standards for existing power plants. The proposal applies to “affected electric generating units,” which includes the WPS coal-fired units at Weston and Pulliam plus the natural gas-fired Fox Energy Center. The EPA is proposing state-specific emission reduction goals. States would be required to meet an “interim goal” on average over the ten-year period from 2020 through 2029 and a “final goal” in 2030, which will achieve a nation-wide emission reduction of about 30% from 2005 levels. The EPA intends to issue final rules by June 1, 2015. State implementation plans are due by June 30, 2016, with the possibility of extensions to 2017 for a state-specific plan and to 2018 if they are using a multi-state approach. Facility compliance deadlines will be included in the final state plans.

A risk exists that any greenhouse gas legislation or regulation will increase the cost of producing energy using fossil fuels. However, we believe that capital expenditures being made at our plants are appropriate under any reasonable mandatory greenhouse gas program. We also believe that our future expenditures that may be required to control greenhouse gas emissions or meet renewable portfolio standards will be recoverable in rates. We will continue to monitor and manage potential risks and opportunities associated with future greenhouse gas legislative or regulatory actions.

The majority of our generation and distribution facilities are located in the upper Midwest region of the United States. The same is true for most of our customers' facilities. The physical risks, if any, posed by climate change for this area are not expected to be significant at this time. Ongoing evaluations will be conducted as more information on the extent of such physical changes becomes available.
 
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act)

The Dodd-Frank Act was signed into law in July 2010. The final Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) rulemakings, which are essential to the Dodd-Frank Act's new framework for swaps regulation, have become effective or are becoming effective for certain companies and certain transactions. Some of the rules have not been finalized yet, are being challenged in court, or are subject to ongoing interpretations, clarifications, no-action letters, and other guidance being issued by the CFTC and its staff. As a result, it is difficult to predict how the CFTC's final Dodd-Frank Act rules will ultimately affect us. Certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act relating to derivatives could significantly increase our regulatory costs and/or collateral requirements, including our derivatives, which we use to hedge our commercial risks.

We continue to monitor developments related to the Dodd-Frank Act rulemakings and their potential impacts on our future financial results and have implemented the applicable requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act rules that have taken effect. For example, we have addressed certain requirements applicable to transaction reporting and have implemented an internal governance structure. We have also taken the necessary steps to qualify as an end user, which provides for an exemption related to mandatory clearing. Lastly, we have made the necessary systems and process changes to comply with the rules within the CFTC's implementation timelines. 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

We have reviewed our critical accounting policies and considered whether any new critical accounting estimates or other significant changes to our accounting policies require any additional disclosures. We have found that the disclosures made in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, are still current and that there have been no significant changes, except as follows:

Goodwill Impairment

In June 2014, IES performed an interim goodwill impairment analysis. This interim analysis was triggered by the announcement of the plan to divest of IES's retail energy business. Based on the results of the interim goodwill impairment analysis, IES recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment loss of $6.7 million in the second quarter of 2014. See Note 9, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for more information about this goodwill impairment.

In addition to IES's interim goodwill impairment analysis, we completed our annual goodwill impairment tests for all of our reporting units that carried a goodwill balance as of April 1, 2014. No impairments were recorded as a result of our annual impairment tests. For all of our reporting units, the fair value calculated in step one of the test was greater than the carrying value. The fair value was calculated using an equal weighting of the income approach and the market approach.

For the income approach, we used internal forecasts to project cash flows. Any forecast contains a degree of uncertainty, and changes in these cash flows could significantly increase or decrease the fair value of a reporting unit. For the regulated reporting units, a fair recovery of and return on costs prudently incurred to serve customers is assumed. An unfavorable outcome in a rate case could cause the fair value of these reporting units to decrease.

Key assumptions used in the income approach included return on equity (ROE) for the regulated reporting units, long-term growth rates used to determine terminal values at the end of the discrete forecast period, and discount rates. The discount rate is applied to estimated future cash flows and is one of the most significant assumptions used to determine fair value under the income approach. As interest rates rise, the calculated fair values will decrease. The discount rate is determined based on the weighted-average cost of capital for each reporting unit, taking into account both the after-tax cost of debt and cost of equity. The terminal year ROE for each utility is based on its current allowed ROE adjusted for forecasted

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disallowed costs and expectations regarding the direction and magnitude of movements in interest rates. The terminal growth rate is based on a combination of historical and forecasted statistics for real gross domestic product and personal income for each utility service area.

We used the guideline company method for the market approach. This method uses metrics from similar publicly traded companies in the same industry to determine how much a knowledgeable investor in the marketplace would be willing to pay for an investment in a similar company. We applied multiples derived from these guideline companies to the appropriate operating metric for the utility reporting units to determine indications of fair value.

The underlying assumptions and estimates used in the impairment test are made as of a point in time. Subsequent changes in these assumptions and estimates could change the results of the test.

The fair values of the WPS natural gas utility and ITF reporting units exceeded the carrying values by a substantial amount. Based on these results, these reporting units are not at risk of failing step one of the goodwill impairment test.

The fair values calculated in the first step of the test for MERC, MGU, NSG, and PGL exceeded the carrying values by approximately 4%-18%. Due to the subjectivity of the assumptions and estimates underlying the impairment analyses, we cannot provide assurance that future analyses will not result in impairments. As a result, we performed a sensitivity analysis on key assumptions for these reporting units. The following table shows the change in each assumption, holding all other inputs constant, which would result in a fair value at or below carrying value, causing the applicable reporting unit to fail step one of the test. Failing step one would result in a goodwill impairment that could be material, as the carrying value of the identifiable assets and liabilities is considered fair value for regulated companies. Any difference between the fair value and carrying value of the reporting unit would be recorded as a goodwill impairment. Carrying value is considered fair value for regulated companies because a regulator would typically not allow the assets and liabilities of a regulated company to be increased or decreased, allowing for a change in recovery from ratepayers, as a result of an acquisition or other change in ownership.
Change in Key Inputs (in basis points)
 
MERC
 
MGU
 
NSG
 
PGL
Discount rate
 
175

 
25

 
75

 
150

Terminal year return on equity
 
(440
)
 
(138
)
 
(248
)
 
(428
)
Terminal year growth rate
 
(200
)
 
(50
)
 
(50
)
 
N/A *


*
Even with a terminal year growth rate of 0%, assuming all other inputs remained constant, PGL would still have passed the first step of the goodwill impairment test.


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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We have potential market risk exposure related to commodity price risk, interest rate risk, and equity return and principal preservation risk. We are also exposed to other significant risks due to the nature of our subsidiaries’ businesses and the environment in which we operate. We have risk management policies in place to monitor and assist in controlling these risks, and we use derivative and other instruments to manage some of these exposures, as further described below.

Commodity Price Risk

To measure commodity price risk exposure, we employ a number of controls and processes, including a value-at-risk (VaR) analysis of certain of our exposures. IES’s VaR is calculated using nondiscounted positions with a delta-normal approximation based on a ten-day holding period and a 99% confidence level. For further explanation of our VaR calculation, see our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The VaR for IES’s open commodity positions at a 99% confidence level with a ten-day holding period is presented below:
(Millions)
 
2014
 
2013
As of June 30
 
$
1.5

 
$
0.9

Average for 12 months ended June 30
 
1.1

 
0.7

High for 12 months ended June 30
 
1.5

 
0.9

Low for 12 months ended June 30
 
0.6

 
0.6


The average, high, and low amounts were computed using the VaR amounts at each of the four quarter ends.

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to interest rate risk resulting from our short-term borrowings and projected near-term debt financing needs. We manage exposure to interest rate risk by limiting the amount of our variable rate obligations and continually monitoring the effects of market changes on interest rates. When it is advantageous to do so, we enter into long-term fixed rate debt. We may also enter into derivative financial instruments, such as swaps, to mitigate interest rate exposure.

Based on the variable rate debt outstanding at June 30, 2014, a hypothetical increase in market interest rates of 100 basis points would have increased annual interest expense by $4.2 million. Comparatively, based on the variable rate debt outstanding at June 30, 2013, an increase in interest rates of 100 basis points would have increased annual interest expense by $8.3 million. This sensitivity analysis was performed assuming a constant level of variable rate debt during the period and an immediate increase in interest rates, with no other changes for the remainder of the period.

Other than the above-mentioned changes, our market risks have not changed materially from the market risks reported in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.


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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined by Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

Changes in Internal Control

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined by Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) during the quarter ended June 30, 2014, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

In June 2014 and July 2014, we and our board of directors, along with Wisconsin Energy Corporation (Wisconsin Energy), were named defendants in six class action lawsuits brought by purported Integrys Energy Group shareholders challenging the proposed merger. Three lawsuits were filed in Brown County, Wisconsin: Rubin, et al. v. Integrys Energy Group, Inc., et al.; Blachor v. Integrys Energy Group, Inc., et al.; and Albera, et al. v. Integrys Energy Group, Inc., et al. In addition, two lawsuits were filed in Cook County, Illinois: Taxman v. Integrys Energy Group, Inc., et al. and Curley v. Integrys Energy Group, Inc., et al., and one was filed in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin: Amo v. Integrys Energy Group, Inc., et al. The complaints allege, among other things, that our board members breached their fiduciary duties by failing to maximize the value to be received by our shareholders and that Wisconsin Energy aided and abetted these breaches of fiduciary duty. The complaints seek, among other things, (a) to enjoin the defendants from consummating the proposed merger and (b) to rescind the merger agreement. We believe the claims asserted in each lawsuit have no merit and intend to defend the actions vigorously.

See Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies, for information on other material legal proceedings and matters.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There were no material changes in the risk factors previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which was filed with the SEC on February 27, 2014.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Dividend Restrictions

We are a holding company and our ability to pay dividends is largely dependent upon the ability of our subsidiaries to make payments to us in the form of dividends or otherwise. See Note 17, Common Equity, for more information regarding restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to pay us dividends, as well as dividend restrictions under the merger agreement with Wisconsin Energy Corporation (Wisconsin Energy).

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table provides a summary of common stock purchases for the three months ended June 30, 2014:
Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
 
Average Price Paid per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
04/01/14 – 04/30/14 *
 
46,263

 
$
61.04

 

 

05/01/14 – 05/31/14 *
 
27,422

 
59.85

 

 

06/01/14 – 06/30/14 *
 
230,112

 
66.46

 

 

Total
 
303,797

 
$
65.04

 

 


*
Represents shares of common stock purchased on the open market by American Stock Transfer & Trust Company to provide shares of common stock to participants in the Stock Investment Plan and to satisfy obligations under various stock-based employee benefit and compensation plans.

Under the merger agreement with Wisconsin Energy, we can no longer issue shares of our common stock.

Item 6. Exhibits

The documents listed in the Exhibit Index are attached as exhibits or incorporated by reference herein.


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SIGNATURE

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

 
 
INTEGRYS ENERGY GROUP, INC.
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
Date:
August 6, 2014
/s/ Linda M. Kallas
 
 
Linda M. Kallas
 
 
Vice President and Controller
 
 
 
 
 
(Duly Authorized Officer and Chief Accounting Officer)


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INTEGRYS ENERGY GROUP
EXHIBIT INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2014
Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
 
 
2
 
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of June 22, 2014, between Integrys Energy Group, Inc. and Wisconsin Energy Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Integrys Energy Group's Form 8-K filed June 23, 2014).
 
 
 
10.1
 
Five-Year Credit Agreement with The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., as Syndication Agent; The Bank of Nova Scotia and U.S. Bank National Association as Documentation Agents, Lead Arrangers and Book Managers; JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Administrative Agent and Swing Line Lender; and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., as Active Lead Arrangers and Book Managers, dated as of May 8, 2014 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to Integrys Energy Group's Form 8-K filed May 9, 2014).
 
 
 
10.2
 
Integrys Energy Group, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Integrys Energy Group's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Reg. No. 333-195989) filed May 15, 2014).
 
 
 
10.3
 
Form of Integrys Energy Group, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan Performance Stock Right Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Integrys Energy Group's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Reg. No. 333-195989) filed May 15, 2014).
 
 
 
10.4
 
Form of Integrys Energy Group, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Integrys Energy Group's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Reg. No. 333-195989) filed May 15, 2014).
 
 
 
10.5
 
Form of Integrys Energy Group, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to Integrys Energy Group's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Reg. No. 333-195989) filed May 15, 2014).
 
 
 
10.6
 
Integrys Energy Group, Inc. Transaction Retention Plan and form of Notice of Participation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Integrys Energy Group's Form 8-K filed June 25, 2014).
 
 
 
10.7
 
Key Executive Employment and Severance Agreement entered into between Integrys Energy Group, Inc. and Phillip M. Mikulsky, as amended and restated effective June 21, 2014 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Integrys Energy Group's Form 8-K filed June 25, 2014).
 
 
 
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for Integrys Energy Group, Inc.
 
 
 
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for Integrys Energy Group, Inc.
 
 
 
32
 
Written Statement of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 for Integrys Energy Group, Inc.
 
 
 
101
 
Financial statements from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Integrys Energy Group, Inc. for the quarter ended June 30, 2014, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (v) the Condensed Notes To Financial Statements, and (vi) document and entity information.


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