e10vq
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
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þ |
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2009.
OR
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o |
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission File Number: 001-32576
ITC HOLDINGS CORP.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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Michigan
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32-0058047 |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
27175 Energy Way
Novi, MI 48377
(Address Of Principal Executive Offices, Including Zip Code)
(248) 946-3000
(Registrants Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
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 þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its
corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted
pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period
that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o No o
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. (Check one):
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Large accelerated filer þ
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Accelerated filer o
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Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
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Smaller Reporting Company o |
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of
the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
The number of shares of the Registrants Common Stock, without par value, outstanding as of
October 23, 2009 was 50,764,839.
ITC Holdings Corp.
Form 10-Q for the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2009
INDEX
2
DEFINITIONS
Unless otherwise noted or the context requires, all references in this report to:
ITC Holdings Corp. and its subsidiaries
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ITC Great Plains are references to ITC Great Plains, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of
ITC Grid Development, LLC; |
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ITC Grid Development are references to ITC Grid Development, LLC, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of ITC Holdings; |
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Green Power Express are references to Green Power Express LP, an indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary of ITC Holdings; |
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ITC Holdings are references to ITC Holdings Corp. and not any of its subsidiaries; |
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ITC Midwest are references to ITC Midwest LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ITC
Holdings; |
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ITCTransmission are references to International Transmission Company, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of ITC Holdings; |
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METC are references to Michigan Electric Transmission Company, LLC, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of MTH; |
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MISO Regulated Operating Subsidiaries are references to ITCTransmission, METC and ITC
Midwest together; |
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MTH are references to Michigan Transco Holdings, Limited Partnership, the sole member
of METC and a wholly owned subsidiary of ITC Holdings; |
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Regulated Operating Subsidiaries are references to ITCTransmission, METC, ITC Midwest
and ITC Great Plains together; and |
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We, our and us are references to ITC Holdings together with all of its
subsidiaries. |
Other definitions
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Consumers Energy are references to Consumers Energy Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary
of CMS Energy Corporation; |
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Detroit Edison are references to The Detroit Edison Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary
of DTE Energy; |
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DTE Energy are references to DTE Energy Company; |
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FERC are references to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; |
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IP&L are references to Interstate Power and Light Company, an Alliant Energy
Corporation subsidiary; |
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kV are references to kilovolts (one kilovolt equaling 1,000 volts); |
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kW are references to kilowatts (one kilowatt equaling 1,000 watts); |
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MISO are references to the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc., a
FERC-approved RTO, which oversees the operation of the bulk power transmission system for a
substantial portion of the Midwestern United States and Manitoba, Canada, and of which
ITCTransmission, METC and ITC Midwest are members; |
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MW are references to megawatts (one megawatt equaling 1,000,000 watts); |
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NERC are references to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation; |
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NOLs are references to net operating loss carryforwards for income taxes; |
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RTO are references to Regional Transmission Organizations; and |
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SPP are references to Southwest Power Pool, Inc., a FERC-approved RTO which oversees
the operation of the bulk power transmission system for a substantial portion of the South
Central United States, and of which ITC Great Plains is a member. |
3
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
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ITEM 1. |
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
ITC HOLDINGS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (UNAUDITED)
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September 30, |
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December 31, |
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(in thousands, except share data) |
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2009 |
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2008 |
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ASSETS
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Current assets |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
54,181 |
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$ |
58,110 |
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Accounts receivable |
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64,055 |
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57,638 |
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Inventory |
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32,365 |
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25,077 |
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Deferred income taxes |
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19,749 |
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Regulatory assets revenue accrual (including accrued interest of $2,203 and $1,637,
respectively) |
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67,533 |
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22,301 |
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Other |
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4,946 |
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4,147 |
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Total current assets |
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242,829 |
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167,273 |
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Property, plant and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $992,888 and
$925,890, respectively) |
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2,541,415 |
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2,304,386 |
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Other assets |
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Goodwill |
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951,319 |
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951,319 |
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Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $8,319 and $6,050, respectively) |
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52,668 |
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52,357 |
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Regulatory assets revenue accrual (including accrued interest of $577 and $1,512, respectively) |
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31,894 |
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81,643 |
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Regulatory assets acquisition adjustments (net of accumulated amortization of $26,435 and
$22,393, respectively) |
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76,623 |
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80,665 |
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Other regulatory assets |
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51,329 |
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39,848 |
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Deferred financing fees (net of accumulated amortization of $8,840 and $8,048, respectively) |
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21,136 |
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21,410 |
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Other |
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11,014 |
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15,664 |
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Total other assets |
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1,195,983 |
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1,242,906 |
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TOTAL ASSETS |
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$ |
3,980,227 |
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$ |
3,714,565 |
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LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
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Current liabilities |
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Accounts payable |
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$ |
55,053 |
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$ |
79,403 |
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Accrued payroll |
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11,058 |
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10,331 |
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Accrued interest |
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18,962 |
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37,779 |
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Accrued taxes |
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10,032 |
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18,104 |
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Deferred income taxes |
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6,476 |
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Refundable deposits from generators for transmission network upgrades |
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28,649 |
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8,701 |
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Other |
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2,680 |
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5,384 |
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Total current liabilities |
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126,434 |
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166,178 |
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Accrued pension and postretirement liabilities |
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24,938 |
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24,295 |
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Deferred income taxes |
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233,689 |
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144,889 |
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Regulatory liabilities revenue deferral |
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12,336 |
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Regulatory liabilities accrued asset removal costs |
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170,699 |
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196,656 |
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Other |
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17,939 |
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5,231 |
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Long-term debt |
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2,404,439 |
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2,248,253 |
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Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 9) |
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STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
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Common stock, without par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 49,992,163 and 49,654,518 shares
issued and outstanding at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively |
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858,328 |
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848,624 |
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Retained earnings |
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132,205 |
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81,268 |
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Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
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(780 |
) |
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(829 |
) |
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Total stockholders equity |
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989,753 |
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929,063 |
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TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
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$ |
3,980,227 |
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$ |
3,714,565 |
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See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
4
ITC HOLDINGS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
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Three months ended |
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Nine months ended |
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September 30, |
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September 30, |
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(in thousands, except per share data) |
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2009 |
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2008 |
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2009 |
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2008 |
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OPERATING REVENUES |
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$ |
151,328 |
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$ |
163,279 |
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$ |
464,507 |
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$ |
465,809 |
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OPERATING EXPENSES |
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Operation and maintenance |
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22,132 |
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33,271 |
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67,792 |
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87,628 |
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General and administrative |
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9,507 |
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20,640 |
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49,653 |
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59,983 |
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Depreciation and amortization |
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19,590 |
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23,869 |
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72,325 |
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69,639 |
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Taxes other than income taxes |
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11,049 |
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10,552 |
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32,759 |
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31,750 |
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Other operating income and expense net |
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(7 |
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515 |
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(7 |
) |
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(930 |
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Total operating expenses |
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62,271 |
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88,847 |
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222,522 |
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248,070 |
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OPERATING INCOME |
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89,057 |
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74,432 |
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241,985 |
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217,739 |
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OTHER EXPENSES (INCOME) |
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Interest expense |
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32,412 |
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30,547 |
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96,666 |
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91,263 |
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Allowance for equity funds used during construction |
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(3,764 |
) |
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(2,672 |
) |
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(9,762 |
) |
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(8,052 |
) |
Other income |
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(738 |
) |
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(847 |
) |
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(2,125 |
) |
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(1,909 |
) |
Other expense |
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521 |
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1,494 |
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1,487 |
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2,928 |
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Total other expenses (income) |
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28,431 |
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28,522 |
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86,266 |
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84,230 |
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INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES |
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60,626 |
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45,910 |
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155,719 |
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133,509 |
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INCOME TAX PROVISION |
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22,808 |
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17,865 |
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58,383 |
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51,282 |
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NET INCOME |
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$ |
37,818 |
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$ |
28,045 |
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$ |
97,336 |
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$ |
82,227 |
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Basic earnings per common share (Note 6) |
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$ |
0.76 |
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$ |
0.57 |
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$ |
1.95 |
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$ |
1.68 |
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Diluted earnings per common share (Note 6) |
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$ |
0.74 |
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$ |
0.55 |
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$ |
1.92 |
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$ |
1.64 |
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Dividends declared per common share |
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$ |
0.320 |
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$ |
0.305 |
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$ |
0.930 |
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$ |
0.885 |
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See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
5
ITC HOLDINGS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
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Nine months ended |
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September 30, |
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(in thousands) |
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2009 |
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2008 |
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CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES |
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Net income |
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$ |
97,336 |
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$ |
82,227 |
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Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |
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Depreciation and amortization expense |
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72,325 |
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69,639 |
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Revenue accrual and deferral including accrued interest |
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(275 |
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(51,619 |
) |
Deferred income tax expense |
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57,330 |
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49,644 |
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Allowance for equity funds used during construction |
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(9,762 |
) |
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(8,052 |
) |
Recognition of ITC Great Plains regulatory assets |
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(8,191 |
) |
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Other |
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8,260 |
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|
8,012 |
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Changes in assets and liabilities, exclusive of changes shown separately: |
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Accounts receivable |
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(4,717 |
) |
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(15,353 |
) |
Inventory |
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(10,130 |
) |
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(3,375 |
) |
Regulatory assets revenue accrual including accrued interest |
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17,136 |
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Other current assets |
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(799 |
) |
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(1,474 |
) |
Accounts payable |
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(5,360 |
) |
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|
11,844 |
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Accrued payroll |
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|
234 |
|
|
|
1,986 |
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Accrued interest |
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(18,817 |
) |
|
|
(9,445 |
) |
Accrued taxes |
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(8,038 |
) |
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(4,456 |
) |
Other current liabilities |
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(2,713 |
) |
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1,659 |
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Other non-current assets and liabilities, net |
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2,896 |
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(1,207 |
) |
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Net cash provided by operating activities |
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186,715 |
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|
130,030 |
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CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES |
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Expenditures for property, plant and equipment |
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(327,611 |
) |
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(288,974 |
) |
Other |
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(2,920 |
) |
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|
472 |
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Net cash used in investing activities |
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(330,531 |
) |
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(288,502 |
) |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES |
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Issuance of long-term debt |
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100,000 |
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|
657,782 |
|
Repayment of long-term debt |
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(765,000 |
) |
Borrowings under revolving credit agreements |
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|
482,466 |
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|
480,511 |
|
Repayments of revolving credit agreements |
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(426,529 |
) |
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|
(453,500 |
) |
Issuance of common stock |
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|
2,324 |
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|
310,237 |
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Common stock issuance costs |
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(797 |
) |
Dividends on common stock |
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(46,389 |
) |
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(43,793 |
) |
Refundable deposits from generators for transmission network upgrades |
|
|
35,188 |
|
|
|
14,189 |
|
Repayment of refundable deposits from generators for transmission network upgrades |
|
|
(5,228 |
) |
|
|
(2,352 |
) |
Debt issuance costs |
|
|
(1,945 |
) |
|
|
(5,409 |
) |
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|
|
|
|
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Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
|
139,887 |
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|
|
191,868 |
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|
|
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NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS |
|
|
(3,929 |
) |
|
|
33,396 |
|
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Beginning of period |
|
|
58,110 |
|
|
|
2,616 |
|
|
|
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CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS End of period |
|
$ |
54,181 |
|
|
$ |
36,012 |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
6
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
1. GENERAL
These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the notes
to the consolidated financial statements as of and for the period ended December 31, 2008 included
in ITC Holdings Form 10-K for such period.
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared using
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and with the
instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regulation
S-X as they apply to interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the
information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. These accounting
principles require us to use estimates and assumptions that impact the reported amounts of assets,
liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual
results may differ from our estimates.
The condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited, but in our opinion include all
adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair statement of the
results for the interim period. The interim financial results are not necessarily indicative of
results that may be expected for any other interim period or the fiscal year.
Supplementary Cash Flows Information
|
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|
Nine months ended |
|
|
September 30, |
(in thousands) |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
Supplementary cash flows information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest paid (net of interest capitalized) |
|
$ |
112,704 |
|
|
$ |
96,475 |
|
Income taxes paid |
|
|
1,300 |
|
|
|
1,312 |
|
Supplementary non-cash investing and financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additions to property, plant and equipment (a) |
|
$ |
36,265 |
|
|
$ |
53,656 |
|
Allowance for equity funds used during construction |
|
|
9,762 |
|
|
|
8,052 |
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Amounts consist of current liabilities for construction labor and materials that have not
been included in investing activities. These amounts have not been paid for as of September
30, 2009 or 2008, respectively, but have been or will be included as a cash outflow from
investing activities for expenditures for property, plant and equipment when paid. |
2. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards
Codification (ASC) and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) was
completed. The ASC is the single source of authoritative GAAP, other than guidance put forth by the
SEC. All other accounting literature not included in the codification will be considered
non-authoritative. We adopted the ASC for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009 and the
references to the superseded FASB pronouncement titles have been removed throughout this Form 10-Q.
The adoption of the ASC did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Earnings per Share
Effective January 1, 2009, unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable
rights to dividends or dividend equivalents are considered participating securities and are
included in computing earnings per share using the two-class method. The rights to dividend or
dividend equivalents result in a non-contingent transfer of value each time an entity declares a
dividend or dividend equivalent during the awards vesting period. We retroactively adjusted prior
period earnings per share computations to reflect the two-class method. Refer to our earnings per
share calculation in Note 6.
Business Combinations
The new guidance for business combinations effective January 1, 2009 set forth by the FASB
states that an acquiring entity must recognize all (and only) the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction and
establish the acquisition-date fair value as the
7
measurement objective for all assets acquired and
liabilities assumed in a business combination. Certain provisions will, among other things, impact
the determination of acquisition-date fair value of consideration paid in a business combination
(including contingent consideration), exclude transaction costs from acquisition accounting and
require expense recognition for these costs, and change accounting practices for acquired
contingencies, acquisition-related restructuring costs, in-process research and development,
indemnification assets, and tax benefits. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material
effect on our consolidated financial statements; however, it is expected to have a material impact
on the accounting for any future business combinations we may consummate.
Fair Value Measurements
The new guidance set forth by the FASB for fair value measurements clarifies the definition of
fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands the disclosures on fair
value measurements. Adoption of the framework for financial instruments as required at January 1,
2008 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. However, we are
required to provide additional disclosure as part of our consolidated financial statements.
Effective January 1, 2009, non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, such as goodwill and
intangible assets held by us are measured annually pursuant to new accounting standards for
impairment testing purposes. Refer to our fair value measurement disclosure in Note 8.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
The new FASB requirements for accounting for derivative instruments and hedging requires
enhanced disclosures about how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, how derivative
instruments and related hedged items are accounted for, and how derivative instruments and related
hedged items affect an entitys financial position, financial performance, and cash flows.
Qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative
disclosures about fair value amounts of gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures
about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements are required in the
financial statements. The disclosure requirements did not have a material impact on our
consolidated financial statements.
Employers Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets
The new disclosure requirements set forth by the FASB regarding employers plan assets include
employers investment strategies, major categories of plan assets, concentrations of risk within
plan assets, and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets and will be
effective for us for the year ending December 31, 2009.
Subsequent Events
We have incorporated certain guidance that previously existed under generally accepted
auditing standards, which requires the disclosure of the date through which subsequent events have
been evaluated and whether that date is the date on which the financial statements were issued or
the date on which the financial statements were available to be issued. We adopted the new guidance
in the second quarter of 2009. We evaluated subsequent events through October 29, 2009, which is
the date the financial statements were issued. The updated guidance did not have an impact on our
financial statements.
Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities
The new consolidation guidance set forth by the FASB applicable to a variable interest entity
(VIE) and the guidance governing the determination of whether an enterprise is the primary
beneficiary of a VIE, and is, therefore, required to consolidate an entity requires a qualitative
analysis rather than a quantitative analysis. The qualitative analysis will include, among other
things, consideration of who has the power to direct the activities of the entity that most
significantly impact the entitys economic performance and who has the obligation to absorb losses
or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
Continuous reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a VIE and enhanced
disclosures about an enterprises involvement with a VIE is also required. Previously,
reconsideration of whether an enterprise was the primary beneficiary of a VIE arose only when
specific events had occurred. These requirements will be effective for us for in the first quarter
of 2010. We are evaluating the expected effect, if any, the guidance will have on our consolidated
financial statements.
8
3. REGULATORY MATTERS
ITC Great Plains
On January 15, 2009, ITC Great Plains filed an application with the FERC for the approval of a
forward-looking formula rate to apply to ITC Great Plains transmission facilities in SPP,
including Kansas. The application sought approval of a formula rate for ITC Great Plains as an
independent transmission company in SPP. The application also sought incentives for major
transmission projects that ITC Great Plains has committed to construct in Kansas, including the
Kansas Electric Transmission Authority (KETA) Project, which would run from Spearville, Kansas to
a point near Hays, Kansas and then northward to Axtell, Nebraska, and the Kansas V-Plan, which
would run from Spearville southward to Comanche County, Kansas and then on a northeastern track to
Wichita, Kansas. Additionally, the application sought approval of the recovery of start-up and
development expenses of ITC Great Plains and other development expenses relating to the KETA
Project and Kansas V-Plan through the recognition of regulatory assets. The total capital
investment for these two projects is anticipated to be approximately
$600 million, depending on a
variety of factors.
On March 16, 2009, the FERC issued an order approving ITC Great Plains request for
transmission investment incentives. The approval of the application provides ITC Great Plains with
the regulatory certainty needed to make significant transmission investments in the SPP region
generally and Kansas in particular. Specifically, the FERC order authorized:
|
|
|
the establishment of regulatory assets for start-up and development costs of ITC Great
Plains and pre-construction costs specific to the KETA Project and the Kansas V-Plan to be
recovered subsequent to a future FERC filing; |
|
|
|
an incentive return on common equity of 12.16 percent; |
|
|
|
inclusion of 100 percent of construction work in progress in rate base; |
|
|
|
abandoned plant recovery, in the event either the KETA Project or the Kansas V-Plan must
be abandoned for reasons outside of ITC Great Plains control; and |
|
|
|
a capital structure comprised of 60 percent equity and 40 percent debt. |
Further, the FERC order conditionally accepted ITC Great Plains proposed formula rate tariff
sheets, subject to refund, and set them for hearing and Settlement Judge procedures. The approved
transmission investment incentives and return on equity were specifically excluded from any hearing
process. During September 2009, ITC Great Plains, FERC Staff and
intervening parties reached an agreement in principle to
resolve all of the issues set for hearing and Settlement Judge procedures. On October 23, 2009, an
offer of settlement was filed with the FERC and is subject to FERC acceptance.
In July 2009, we recorded approximately $8.2 million of regulatory assets for development
expenses incurred by ITC Great Plains through June 30, 2009 that became probable of recovery and
recorded a corresponding $8.2 million reduction to operating expenses, primarily to general and
administrative expense. Subsequent to the initial recognition of these regulatory assets, we
recorded an additional $1.1 million of costs incurred during the third quarter of 2009 directly to
regulatory assets. The regulatory asset includes amounts relating to development activities of ITC
Great Plains as well as pre-construction costs for the KETA Project. Based on ITC Great Plains
application and the FERC order, ITC Great Plains will be required to make an additional filing with
the FERC under Section 205 of the Federal Power Act in order to recover these start-up, development
and pre-construction expenses. The regulatory assets recorded at ITC Great Plains do not include
amounts associated with pre-construction costs for the Kansas V-Plan. In the period in which it
becomes probable that future revenues will result from the authorization to recover
pre-construction expenses for the Kansas V-Plan, which totaled $0.8 million at September 30, 2009,
we will recognize those expenses as regulatory assets.
In August 2009, ITC Great Plains purchased two electric transmission substations from
Mid-Kansas Electric Company LLC with a net book value of $4.7 million. ITC Great Plains now
operates the 138-kV Flat Ridge Substation located in Barber County, Kansas and the 230-kV Elm Creek
Substation located in Cloud County, Kansas under a transition services agreement with Sunflower
Electric Power Corporation. The acquisition received approval from the Kansas Corporation
Commission and allows ITC Great Plains to now participate in SPP as a transmission owner. Upon
acquisition of these electric transmission assets, ITC Great Plains implemented its cost-based
formula rate and recognizes revenues based on its actual net revenue requirement pursuant to
Attachment H of the SPP tariff.
9
Green Power Express
On February 9, 2009, Green Power Express filed an application with the FERC for approval of a
forward-looking formula rate and incentives for the construction of the Green Power Express
project, including the approval of a regulatory asset for recovery of development expenses
previously incurred as well as future development costs for the project. Over the past year we have
worked to identify a network of transmission lines that would facilitate the movement of 12,000
megawatts of power from the wind-abundant areas in the Dakotas, Minnesota and Iowa to Midwest load
centers, such as Chicago, southeastern Wisconsin, Minneapolis and other areas that demand clean,
renewable energy. The Green Power Express project would traverse portions of North Dakota, South
Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana and is ultimately expected to include
approximately 3,000 miles of extra high-voltage (765kV) transmission. The entire project is
currently estimated to cost approximately $10 to $12 billion. Portions of the Green Power Express
project fall within the service territory of ITC Midwest. ITC Holdings expects to partner with
other utilities within the geographical footprint of the Green Power Express project and,
therefore, expects to invest in only a portion of the total project cost.
On April 10, 2009, the FERC issued an order approving Green Power Express request for
transmission investment incentives. Specifically, the FERC order authorized:
|
|
|
the establishment of a regulatory asset for start-up and development costs of Green Power
Express and pre-construction costs for the project to be recovered subsequent to a future
FERC filing; |
|
|
|
an incentive return on common equity of 12.38 percent; |
|
|
|
inclusion of 100 percent of construction work in progress in rate base; |
|
|
|
abandoned plant recovery, in the event the project must be abandoned for reasons outside
of Green Power Express control; and |
|
|
|
use of a hypothetical capital structure comprised of 60 percent equity and 40 percent
debt until any portion of the Green Power Express project is placed in service, at which
date the actual capital structure, also expected to be 60 percent equity and 40 percent
debt, will apply. |
Further, the FERC order conditionally accepted Green Power Express proposed formula rate
tariff sheets, subject to refund, and set them for hearing and Settlement Judge procedures. The
approved transmission investment incentives and return on equity were specifically excluded from
any hearing process. Subsequent to the FERC order, Green Power Express, FERC Staff and intervening
parties have participated in settlement discussions before a FERC Administrative Law Judge. Drafts
of an offer of settlement and supporting documents that would resolve all of the issues set for
hearing in the April 10, 2009 order are under review by the parties and are expected to be filed
during the fourth quarter of 2009.
The total development expenses at Green Power Express through September 30, 2009 that may be
recoverable through regulatory assets were approximately $2.9 million, which have been recorded to
expenses in the periods in which they were incurred. In the period in which it becomes probable
that future revenues will result from the authorization to recover these pre-construction expenses,
we would record a reduction to operating expenses and recognize the regulatory assets.
Complaint of IP&L
On November 18, 2008, IP&L filed a complaint with the FERC against ITC Midwest under Section
206 of the Federal Power Act. The complaint alleged that: (1) the operations and maintenance
expenses and administrative and general expenses projected in the 2009 ITC Midwest rate appeared
excessive; (2) the true-up amount related to ITC Midwests posted network rate for the period
through December 31, 2008 would cause ITC Midwest to charge an excessive rate in future years; and
(3) the methodology of allocating administrative and general expenses among ITC Holdings operating
companies was changed, resulting in such additional expenses being allocated to ITC Midwest. Among
other things, IP&Ls complaint sought investigative action by the FERC relating to ITC Midwests
transmission service charges reflected in its 2009 rate, as well as hearings regarding the justness
and reasonableness of the 2009 rate (with the ultimate goal of reducing such rate).
On April 16, 2009, the FERC issued an order that dismissed the IP&L complaint, citing that
IP&L failed to meet its burden as the complainant to establish that the current rate is unjust and
unreasonable and that IP&Ls alternative rate proposal is just and reasonable. Requests for
rehearing have been filed with the FERC and, therefore, the April 16 order remains subject to
rehearing and ultimately to an appeal to a federal Court of Appeals.
10
Formula Rate Revenue Accruals and Deferrals
Under their forward-looking formula rates (MISO Attachment O and SPP Attachment H), our
Regulated Operating Subsidiaries use forecasted expenses, property, plant and equipment,
point-to-point revenues and other items for the upcoming calendar year to establish their projected
net revenue requirement and their component of the billed network rates for service on their
systems from January 1 to December 31 of that year. The forward-looking formula rates include a
true-up mechanism, whereby our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries compare their actual net revenue
requirements to their billed revenues for each year in order to subsequently collect or refund any
under-recovery or over-recovery of revenues, as appropriate.
The true-up mechanisms under our forward-looking formula rates meet the requirements in the
ASC for accounting for rate-regulated utilities and the effects of certain alternative revenue
programs. Accordingly, revenue is recognized during each reporting period based on actual net
revenue requirements calculated using the forward-looking formula rate. Our Regulated Operating
Subsidiaries accrue or defer revenues to the extent that the actual net revenue requirement for the
reporting period is higher or lower, respectively, than the amounts billed relating to that
reporting period. The true-up amount is automatically reflected in customer bills within two years
under the provisions of the forward-looking formula rate.
The changes in regulatory assets and liabilities associated with our Regulated Operating
Subsidiaries formula rate revenue accruals and deferrals were as follows during the nine months
ended September 30, 2009:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
ITCTransmission |
|
|
METC |
|
|
ITC Midwest |
|
|
ITC Great Plains |
|
|
Total |
|
Balance as of December 31, 2008 |
|
$ |
17,815 |
|
|
$ |
34,133 |
|
|
$ |
51,768 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
103,716 |
|
Refund (collection) of 2007 revenue deferral and accrual including interest |
|
|
177 |
|
|
|
(17,136 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(16,959 |
) |
Revenue accrual (deferral) for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 |
|
|
(7,212 |
) |
|
|
(4,939 |
) |
|
|
10,689 |
|
|
|
591 |
|
|
|
(871 |
) |
Net interest accrued for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 |
|
|
69 |
|
|
|
595 |
|
|
|
477 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
1,146 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of September 30, 2009 |
|
$ |
10,849 |
|
|
$ |
12,653 |
|
|
$ |
62,934 |
|
|
$ |
596 |
|
|
$ |
87,032 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory assets and liabilities associated with our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries
formula rate revenue accruals and deferrals are recorded in our consolidated statement of financial
position as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
ITCTransmission |
|
|
METC |
|
|
ITC Midwest |
|
|
ITC Great Plains |
|
|
Total |
|
Current assets |
|
$ |
13,640 |
|
|
$ |
14,710 |
|
|
$ |
39,183 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
67,533 |
|
Non-current assets |
|
|
4,548 |
|
|
|
2,999 |
|
|
|
23,751 |
|
|
|
596 |
|
|
|
31,894 |
|
Current liabilities |
|
|
(59 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(59 |
) |
Non-current liabilities |
|
|
(7,280 |
) |
|
|
(5,056 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12,336 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of September 30, 2009 |
|
$ |
10,849 |
|
|
$ |
12,653 |
|
|
$ |
62,934 |
|
|
$ |
596 |
|
|
$ |
87,032 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ITCTransmission Depreciation Study
On September 22, 2009, the FERC accepted a depreciation study filed by ITCTransmission that
revised depreciation rates at ITCTransmission. This change in accounting estimate results in lower
composite depreciation rates for ITCTransmission primarily due to the revision of asset service
lives and cost of removal values.
For ratemaking purposes, FERC accepted our filing such that the full annual impact of the
revised depreciation rates is to be reflected in ITCTransmissions 2009 revenue requirement. This
resulted in a $7.0 million reduction in revenue recognized for the three and nine months ended
September 30, 2009, and will result in a reduction in fourth quarter revenues of approximately the
same amount. The revised estimate of 2009 annual depreciation expense was reflected in depreciation
expense beginning in the third quarter of 2009 and resulted in a reduction of depreciation expense
of the $7.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, and will result in a
reduction in fourth quarter depreciation expense of approximately the same amount. Because of the
inclusion of depreciation expense as a component of net revenue requirement under ITCTransmissions
cost-based formula rate, the offsetting effect on revenues and expenses from the change in
depreciation rates had an immaterial effect on net income and earnings per share amounts for both
the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009.
ITCTransmissions depreciation study also provided additional information on the assumptions
used to record ITCTransmissions estimated regulatory liability for accrued removal costs. As a
result of this additional information, we recorded a decrease in our
11
regulatory liability for accrued removal costs of $29.2 million which also decreased property,
plant and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation and amortization) by the same amount during
the third quarter of 2009.
4. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
We have recorded intangible assets as a result of the METC acquisition in 2006 of $50.1
million (net of accumulated amortization of $8.3 million) as of September 30, 2009.
In addition, during 2009, ITC Great Plains recorded intangible assets for payments made to
certain transmission owners to acquire rights which are required under the SPP tariff to designate
ITC Great Plains to build, own and operate projects within the SPP region, including the KETA
Project and the Kansas V-Plan. The carrying amount of these intangible assets was $2.6 million
(net of accumulated amortization of less than $0.1 million) as of September 30, 2009.
During the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, we recognized $0.8 million of
amortization expense of our intangible assets and $2.3 million for the nine months ended September
30, 2009 and 2008. We expect the annual amortization of our intangible assets that have been
recorded as of September 30, 2009 to be as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
$ |
3,044 |
|
2010 |
|
|
3,077 |
|
2011 |
|
|
3,077 |
|
2012 |
|
|
3,077 |
|
2013 |
|
|
3,077 |
|
2014 and thereafter |
|
|
39,592 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
54,944 |
|
|
|
|
|
5. LONG TERM DEBT
ITC Holdings Term Loan Agreement
On April 29, 2009, ITC Holdings entered into a two year Term Loan Agreement (the Term Loan
Agreement) with various financial institutions as lenders, JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. as
Administrative Agent, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner and PNC
Bank, National Association, as Syndication Agent. The Term Loan Agreement establishes an
unguaranteed, unsecured $100 million term facility, under which the entire $100 million was drawn
at closing. Amounts outstanding under the Term Loan Agreement can be repaid without penalty in
increments of $5 million in advance of the maturity date. The funds provided under the Term Loan
Agreement will be used for general corporate purposes. The Term Loan Agreement contains covenants
that: (a) place limitations on liens; mergers, consolidations, liquidations and sales of all or
substantially all assets; dividends and other returns of capital to equity holders; and sale
lease-back transactions and (b) require ITC Holdings to maintain a minimum debt to capitalization
ratio of 75%. The Term Loan Agreement contains certain customary events of default for unsecured
unguaranteed financings, including a default where a change in ownership of ITC Holdings occurs.
The occurrence of a default would allow the lenders, upon the request of a majority in interest of
the lenders, following any applicable grace periods, to accelerate all outstanding indebtedness.
At September 30, 2009, we had $100.0 million outstanding under the Term Loan Agreement. Loans
made under the Term Loan Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus an applicable margin
of 3.50% or at a base rate, which is defined as the highest of the prime rate, the federal funds
rate plus 0.50% and LIBOR for a one-month period plus 1.0%, in each case plus an applicable margin
of 2.50%. Also, in each case, the applicable margin is subject to adjustment from time to time
based on credit rating.
Revolving Credit Agreements
Lehman Brothers Bank, FSB (Lehman), a member of our revolving credit agreement syndications,
was included in a bankruptcy filing made by its parent, Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., on September
14, 2008. Lehmans aggregate commitment to our various agreements of $55.0 million represents 16.2%
of our total consolidated revolving credit agreement capacity of $340.0 million. At September 30,
2009, we had $5.3 million outstanding under the agreements relating to Lehmans participation.
Lehman has not funded its share of borrowing notices since its bankruptcy filing and, given the
favorable terms of our existing agreements compared to current market conditions, as well as the
execution of the Term Loan Agreement, we do not expect to replace Lehmans commitments on our
existing credit agreements.
12
ITC Holdings Revolving Credit Agreement
At September 30, 2009, ITC Holdings had $94.4 million outstanding under the ITC Holdings
Revolving Credit Agreement (out of a capacity of $107.8 million, net of the unfulfilled Lehman
commitment) and the weighted-average interest rate of borrowings outstanding under the agreement
was 1.0% at September 30, 2009.
ITCTransmission/METC Revolving Credit Agreement
At September 30, 2009, ITCTransmission and METC had $19.4 million and $28.6 million,
respectively, outstanding under the ITCTransmission/METC Revolving Credit Agreement (out of
capacities of $88.3 million and $50.5 million, respectively, net of the unfulfilled Lehman
commitment) and the weighted-average interest rates of borrowings outstanding under the agreement
were 0.6% and 0.6%, respectively, at September 30, 2009.
ITC Midwest Revolving Credit Agreement
At September 30, 2009, ITC Midwest had $42.8 million outstanding under the ITC Midwest
Revolving Credit Agreement (out of a capacity of $43.7 million, net of the unfulfilled Lehman
commitment) and the weighted-average interest rate of borrowings
outstanding under the agreement was
0.6% at September 30, 2009.
Fair Value of Long Term Debt
Fixed Rate Long-Term Debt
Based on the borrowing rates currently available for bank loans with similar terms and average
maturities, the fair value of our consolidated long-term debt, excluding revolving credit
agreements, was $2,189.0 million at September 30, 2009. The total book value of our consolidated
long-term debt, excluding revolving credit agreements, was $2,219.3 million at September 30, 2009.
We performed an analysis calculating the impact of changes in interest rates on the fair value of
long-term debt, excluding revolving credit agreements, at September 30, 2009. An increase in
interest rates of 10% (from 7.0% to 7.7%, for example) at September 30, 2009 would decrease the
fair value of debt by $86.8 million, and a decrease in interest rates of 10% at September 30, 2009
would increase the fair value of debt by $94.7 million at that date.
Revolving Credit Agreements
At September 30, 2009, we had a consolidated total of $185.2 million outstanding under our
revolving credit agreements, which are variable rate loans and therefore fair value approximates
book value. A 10% increase or decrease in borrowing rates under the revolving credit agreements
compared to the weighted average rates in effect at September 30, 2009 would increase or decrease
the total interest expense by $0.1 million, respectively, for an annual period assuming a constant
borrowing level of $185.2 million.
6. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three and nine months
ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 is presented in the following table:
13
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
|
|
Nine months ended |
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
(in thousands, except share, per share data and percentages) |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
Numerator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
37,818 |
|
|
$ |
28,045 |
|
|
$ |
97,336 |
|
|
$ |
82,227 |
|
Less: dividends declared common shares, restricted shares and deferred stock units |
|
|
(15,999 |
) |
|
|
(15,136 |
) |
|
|
(46,400 |
) |
|
|
(43,807 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Undistributed earnings |
|
|
21,819 |
|
|
|
12,909 |
|
|
|
50,936 |
|
|
|
38,420 |
|
Percentage allocated to common shares (a) |
|
|
98.5 |
% |
|
|
98.9 |
% |
|
|
98.6 |
% |
|
|
99.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Undistributed earnings common shares |
|
|
21,492 |
|
|
|
12,767 |
|
|
|
50,223 |
|
|
|
38,036 |
|
Add: dividends declared common shares |
|
|
15,754 |
|
|
|
14,955 |
|
|
|
45,740 |
|
|
|
43,355 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share |
|
$ |
37,246 |
|
|
$ |
27,722 |
|
|
$ |
95,963 |
|
|
$ |
81,391 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominator for basic earnings per common share weighted-average common shares |
|
|
49,217,178 |
|
|
|
49,019,987 |
|
|
|
49,170,861 |
|
|
|
48,436,603 |
|
Incremental shares for stock options and employee stock purchase plan |
|
|
866,059 |
|
|
|
1,063,677 |
|
|
|
889,063 |
|
|
|
1,072,479 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominator for diluted earnings per common share adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversion |
|
|
50,083,237 |
|
|
|
50,083,664 |
|
|
|
50,059,924 |
|
|
|
49,509,082 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per common share net income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
0.76 |
|
|
$ |
0.57 |
|
|
$ |
1.95 |
|
|
$ |
1.68 |
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
0.74 |
|
|
$ |
0.55 |
|
|
$ |
1.92 |
|
|
$ |
1.64 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) Weighted-average common shares outstanding |
|
|
49,217,178 |
|
|
|
49,019,987 |
|
|
|
49,170,861 |
|
|
|
48,436,603 |
|
Weighted-average restricted shares and deferred stock units (participating securities) |
|
|
764,349 |
|
|
|
539,100 |
|
|
|
685,745 |
|
|
|
489,052 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
49,981,527 |
|
|
|
49,559,087 |
|
|
|
49,856,606 |
|
|
|
48,925,655 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage allocated to common shares |
|
|
98.5 |
% |
|
|
98.9 |
% |
|
|
98.6 |
% |
|
|
99.0 |
% |
Our restricted stock and deferred stock units contain rights to receive nonforfeitable
dividends, and thus, are participating securities requiring the two-class method of computing
earnings per share. The calculation of earnings per share for common shares shown above excludes
the income attributed to our restricted stock and deferred stock units from the numerator and
excludes the related shares from the denominator. We retroactively adjusted prior period earnings
per share computations so that our historical earnings per share are presented on a consistent
basis using the two-class method.
The retroactive application of the two-class method resulted in a decrease in dilutive
earnings per share by $0.01 per share for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and decreases
in both basic and dilutive earnings per share amounts by $0.02 per share for the nine months ended
September 30, 2008 as compared to the earnings per share calculations used and disclosed in our
Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008. The retroactive application of the
two-class method did not result in a change in the basic earnings per share amounts disclosed for
the three months ended September 30, 2008.
At September 30, 2009 and 2008, we had 2,756,756 and 2,610,715 of outstanding stock options,
respectively. Stock options are included in the diluted earnings per share calculation using the
treasury stock method, unless the effect of including the stock options would be anti-dilutive. At
September 30, 2009 and 2008, 814,914 and 251,376 anti-dilutive stock options were excluded from the
diluted earnings per share calculations, respectively.
7. RETIREMENT BENEFITS AND ASSETS HELD IN TRUST
Retirement Plan Benefits
We have a retirement plan for eligible employees, comprised of a traditional final average pay
plan and a cash balance plan. The traditional final average pay plan is noncontributory, covers
select employees, and provides retirement benefits based on the employees years of benefit
service, average final compensation and age at retirement. The cash balance plan is also
noncontributory, covers substantially all employees, and provides retirement benefits based on
eligible compensation and interest credits. While we are obligated to fund the retirement plan by
contributing the minimum amount required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended, it is our practice to contribute the maximum allowable amount as defined by section 404 of
the Internal Revenue Code. We have contributed $3.2 million to the defined benefit retirement plan
in 2009.
14
We have also established two supplemental nonqualified, noncontributory, retirement benefit
plans for selected management employees. The plans provide for benefits that supplement those
provided by our other retirement plans. We have contributed $0.2 million and expect to contribute
up to an additional $5.4 million to these supplemental nonqualified, noncontributory, retirement
benefit plans in 2009. The investments in trust for the supplemental nonqualified retirement plans
of $5.5 million and $4.6 million at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, are
included in other assets on our condensed consolidated statement of financial position.
Net pension cost includes the following components:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
|
|
Nine months ended |
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
(in thousands) |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
Service cost |
|
$ |
660 |
|
|
$ |
498 |
|
|
$ |
2,006 |
|
|
$ |
1,479 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
406 |
|
|
|
293 |
|
|
|
1,268 |
|
|
|
871 |
|
Expected return on plan assets |
|
|
(247 |
) |
|
|
(261 |
) |
|
|
(741 |
) |
|
|
(777 |
) |
Amortization of prior service cost |
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
(232 |
) |
|
|
(30 |
) |
|
|
(686 |
) |
Amortization of unrecognized loss |
|
|
562 |
|
|
|
455 |
|
|
|
1,687 |
|
|
|
1,343 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net pension cost |
|
$ |
1,371 |
|
|
$ |
753 |
|
|
$ |
4,190 |
|
|
$ |
2,230 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Postretirement Benefits
We provide certain postretirement health care, dental, and life insurance benefits for
employees who may become eligible for these benefits. We contributed $0.6 million and expect to
contribute an additional $1.9 million to the postretirement benefit plan in 2009.
Net postretirement cost includes the following components:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
|
|
Nine months ended |
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
(in thousands) |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
Service cost |
|
$ |
471 |
|
|
$ |
406 |
|
|
$ |
1,381 |
|
|
$ |
1,225 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
235 |
|
|
|
167 |
|
|
|
690 |
|
|
|
504 |
|
Expected return on plan assets |
|
|
(58 |
) |
|
|
(54 |
) |
|
|
(171 |
) |
|
|
(163 |
) |
Amortization of prior service cost |
|
|
78 |
|
|
|
145 |
|
|
|
235 |
|
|
|
436 |
|
Amortization of unrecognized loss |
|
|
41 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
125 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net postretirement cost |
|
$ |
767 |
|
|
$ |
664 |
|
|
$ |
2,260 |
|
|
$ |
2,002 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Defined Contribution Plans
We also sponsor a defined contribution retirement savings plan. Participation in this plan is
available to substantially all employees. We match employee contributions up to certain predefined
limits based upon eligible compensation and the employees contribution rate. The cost of this plan
was $0.4 million for both the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, and $1.7 million and
$1.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
8. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The measurement of fair value is based on a three-tier hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs
used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as
quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active
markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable
inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own
assumptions.
15
Our assets measured at fair value subject to the three-tier hierarchy at September 30, 2009,
were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using |
|
|
|
Quoted prices in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Significant |
|
|
|
active markets for |
|
|
Significant other |
|
|
unobservable |
|
|
|
identical assets |
|
|
observable inputs |
|
|
inputs |
|
(in thousands) |
|
(Level 1) |
|
|
(Level 2) |
|
|
(Level 3) |
|
Financial assets measured on a recurring basis: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents cash equivalents |
|
$ |
53,092 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Other non current assets trading securities |
|
|
5,966 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
59,058 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of September 30, 2009, we held certain assets that are required to be measured at fair
value on a recurring basis. These consist of investments recorded within cash and cash equivalents
and other long-term assets, including investments held in trust associated with our nonqualified,
noncontributory, supplemental retirement benefit plans for selected management and employees that
are classified as trading securities. Our investments included in cash equivalents consist of money
market funds recorded at cost plus accrued interest to approximate fair value. Our investments
classified as trading securities consist primarily of mutual funds and equity securities that are
publicly traded and for which market prices are readily available. Changes in the observed trading
prices and liquidity of money market funds are monitored as additional support for determining fair
value, and losses are recorded in earnings if fair value falls below recorded cost.
As of September 30, 2009, we also held non-financial assets that are required to be measured
at fair value on a non-recurring basis. These consist of goodwill and intangible assets. We did not
take any impairment charges on long-lived assets and no other significant events requiring
non-financial assets to be measured at fair value occurred (subsequent to initial recognition)
during the nine months ended September 30, 2009. For additional information on our goodwill and
intangible assets, please refer to the notes to the consolidated financial statements as of and for
the year ended December 31, 2008 included in our Form 10-K for such period and Note 4 of this Form
10-Q.
9. CONTINGENCIES
Litigation
We are involved in certain legal proceedings before various courts, governmental agencies and
mediation panels concerning matters arising in the ordinary course of business. These proceedings
include certain contract disputes, regulatory matters and pending judicial matters. We cannot
predict the final disposition of such proceedings. We regularly review legal matters and record
provisions for claims that are considered probable of loss. The resolution of pending proceedings
is not expected to have a material effect on our operations or financial statements in the period
in which they are resolved.
Michigan Sales and Use Tax Audit
The Michigan Department of Treasury (the Department) is currently conducting a sales and use
tax audit of ITCTransmission for the audit period April 1, 2005 through June 30, 2008. The
Department has raised an issue regarding whether ITCTransmission qualifies for the industrial
processing exemption from sales and use tax it has taken beginning January 1, 2007. The industrial
processing exemption at issue generally provides an exemption from sales and use tax for an
industrial processor or a person performing industrial processing activities for or on behalf of an
industrial processor for purchases made by such a business of tangible personal property if the
property is used or consumed in the conduct of industrial processing activities.
Based on an analysis of the industrial processing statutes and ITCTransmissions business
activities, ITCTransmission claims the industrial processing exemption for purchases of tangible
personal property that it uses in its electric transmission activities. The purchases for which
ITCTransmission claimed exemption include all purchases of tangible property used in its integrated
transmission process, including purchases of property to perform inspection, quality control and
testing activities, and to perform planning, scheduling, supervision, or control of transmission
and transformation of the high voltage electricity that ITCTransmission receives from generating
facilities.
Based on a Notice of Preliminary Audit Determination received from the Department, it appears
likely that the Department will deny the exemption claims and assess additional sales and use tax
against ITCTransmission. If an assessment is issued, ITCTransmission will have administrative
appeal rights and, if an administrative appeal is unsuccessful, will have a right to litigate
16
any assessment, assuming certain jurisdictional requirements are satisfied, in either the
Michigan Tax Tribunal or the Michigan Court of Claims.
ITCTransmission believes that its utilization of the industrial processing exemption under the
Michigan industrial processing exemption statutes is appropriate and intends to defend itself
against any potential denial of such exemption. However, if the Department makes an assessment of
sales and use tax based on a denial of ITCTransmissions industrial processing exemption and an
appeal is required, ITCTransmission believes it is reasonably possible that the assessment of
additional sales and use tax could be sustained after all administrative appeals and litigation
have been exhausted.
The amount of sales and use tax liability associated with the exemptions taken by
ITCTransmission through September 30, 2009 is estimated to be approximately $5.0 million, which
includes approximately $2.9 million for the audit period April 1, 2005 through June 30, 2008. In
the event it becomes appropriate to record additional sales and use tax expense relating to this
matter, ITCTransmission would record the additional sales and use tax expense primarily as an
increase to the cost of property, plant and equipment, as the majority of purchases for which the
exemption was taken relate to equipment purchases. These higher sales and use tax expenses would be
passed on to ITCTransmissions customers through higher net revenue requirements and resulting
rates. Any penalties and interest relating to this matter would potentially not be passed on
through rates. The Notice of Preliminary Audit Determination identified $0.4 million of interest
and no penalties. METC has also taken the industrial processing exemption, estimated to be
approximately $6.0 million for periods still subject to audit subsequent to 2005.
10. SEGMENT INFORMATION
We identify reportable segments based on the criteria set forth in the ASC regarding
disclosures about segments of an enterprise. We determine our reportable segments based primarily
on the regulatory environment of our subsidiaries and the business activities performed to earn
revenues and incur expenses. As discussed in Note 3, during the third quarter of 2009, ITC Great
Plains acquired electric transmission assets and implemented its cost-based formula rate in SPP to
record revenues. As a result, the newly regulated transmission business at
ITC Great Plains is now included in the
Regulated Operating Subsidiaries segment. The following tables show our financial information by
reportable segment:
17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
|
|
Nine months ended |
|
OPERATING REVENUES: |
|
September 30, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
(in thousands) |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulated Operating Subsidiaries |
|
$ |
151,339 |
|
|
$ |
163,304 |
|
|
$ |
464,545 |
|
|
$ |
465,859 |
|
ITC Holdings and other |
|
|
85 |
|
|
|
69 |
|
|
|
224 |
|
|
|
208 |
|
Intercompany eliminations |
|
|
(96 |
) |
|
|
(94 |
) |
|
|
(262 |
) |
|
|
(258 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Operating Revenues |
|
$ |
151,328 |
|
|
$ |
163,279 |
|
|
$ |
464,507 |
|
|
$ |
465,809 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
|
|
Nine months ended |
|
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES: |
|
September 30, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
(in thousands) |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulated Operating Subsidiaries |
|
$ |
75,180 |
|
|
$ |
68,354 |
|
|
$ |
218,489 |
|
|
$ |
200,279 |
|
ITC Holdings and other |
|
|
(14,554 |
) |
|
|
(22,444 |
) |
|
|
(62,770 |
) |
|
|
(66,770 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Income Before Income Taxes |
|
$ |
60,626 |
|
|
$ |
45,910 |
|
|
$ |
155,719 |
|
|
$ |
133,509 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
|
|
Nine months ended |
|
NET INCOME: |
|
September 30, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
(in thousands) |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulated Operating Subsidiaries (a) |
|
$ |
52,640 |
|
|
$ |
47,103 |
|
|
$ |
151,414 |
|
|
$ |
139,011 |
|
ITC Holdings and other |
|
|
37,818 |
|
|
|
28,045 |
|
|
|
97,336 |
|
|
|
82,227 |
|
Intercompany eliminations |
|
|
(52,640 |
) |
|
|
(47,103 |
) |
|
|
(151,414 |
) |
|
|
(139,011 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Net Income |
|
$ |
37,818 |
|
|
$ |
28,045 |
|
|
$ |
97,336 |
|
|
$ |
82,227 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL ASSETS: |
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
(in thousands) |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulated Operating Subsidiaries |
|
$ |
3,880,725 |
|
|
$ |
3,667,660 |
|
ITC Holdings and other |
|
|
2,594,326 |
|
|
|
2,354,510 |
|
Reconciliations (b) |
|
|
(45,833 |
) |
|
|
(3,154 |
) |
Intercompany eliminations |
|
|
(2,448,991 |
) |
|
|
(2,304,451 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets |
|
$ |
3,980,227 |
|
|
$ |
3,714,565 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Income tax provision and net income for our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries do not include
any allocation of federal taxes for METC. METC is organized as a single-member limited
liability company that is a disregarded entity for federal income tax purposes. Since METC
files together with MTH as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, they are exempt from
federal income taxes. As a result, METC does not record a provision for federal income taxes
in its statements of operations or record amounts for federal deferred income tax assets or
liabilities on its statements of financial position. For FERC regulatory reporting, however,
METC computes theoretical federal income taxes as well as the associated deferred income taxes
and includes an annual allowance for income taxes in its net revenue requirement used to
determine its rates. |
|
(b) |
|
Reconciliation of total assets results primarily from differences in the netting of deferred
tax assets and liabilities at our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries as compared to the
classification in our consolidated statement of financial position. |
18
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
Our reports, filings and other public announcements contain certain statements that describe
our managements beliefs concerning future business conditions, plans and prospects, growth
opportunities and the outlook for our business and the electric transmission industry based upon
information currently available. Such statements are forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Wherever possible, we have
identified these forward-looking statements by words such as will, may, anticipates,
believes, intends, estimates, expects, projects and similar phrases. These
forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions our management believes are reasonable. Such
forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause our actual
results, performance and achievements to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by,
these statements, including, among others, the risks and uncertainties listed in Part I, Item 1A
Risk Factors of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 (as revised in Part II,
Item 1A of this Form 10-Q and for the quarter ended March 31, 2009) and the following:
|
|
|
Certain elements of our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries cost recovery through rates can
be challenged, which could result in lowered rates and/or refunds of amounts previously
collected and thus have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of
operations and cash flows. We have also made certain commitments to federal and state
regulators with respect to, among other things, our rates in connection with recent
acquisitions (including ITC Midwests asset acquisition) that could have an adverse effect
on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. |
|
|
|
|
Our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries actual capital expenditures may be lower than
planned, which would decrease expected rate base and therefore our revenues. In addition, we
expect to pursue strategic development opportunities to improve the efficiency and
reliability of the transmission grid, but we cannot assure you that we will be able to
initiate or complete any of these investments. |
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The regulations to which we are subject may limit our ability to raise capital and/or
pursue acquisitions, development opportunities or other transactions or may subject us to
liabilities. |
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Changes in federal energy laws, regulations or policies could impact cash flows and could
reduce the dividends we may be able to pay our stockholders. |
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If the network load or point-to-point transmission service on our Regulated Operating
Subsidiaries transmission systems is lower than expected, the timing of collection of our
revenues would be delayed. |
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Each of our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries depends on its primary customer for a
substantial portion of its revenues, and any material failure by those primary customers to
make payments for transmission services would adversely affect our revenues and our ability
to service our debt obligations and affect our ability to pay dividends. |
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METC does not own the majority of the land on which its transmission assets are located.
Additionally, a significant amount of the land on which ITCTransmissions and ITC Midwests
assets are located is subject to easements, mineral rights and other similar encumbrances
and a significant amount of ITCTransmissions and ITC Midwests other property consists of
easements. As a result, our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries must comply with the provisions
of various easements, mineral rights and other similar encumbrances, which may adversely
impact their ability to complete construction projects in a timely manner. |
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If ITC Midwests operating agreement with IP&L is terminated early, ITC Midwest may face
a shortage of labor or replacement contractors to provide the services formerly provided by
IP&L. |
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Hazards associated with high-voltage electricity transmission may result in suspension of
our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries operations or the imposition of civil or criminal
penalties. |
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Our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries are subject to environmental regulations and to laws
that can give rise to substantial liabilities from environmental contamination. |
19
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Our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries are subject to various regulatory requirements.
Violations of these requirements, whether intentional or unintentional, may result in
penalties that, under some circumstances, could have a material adverse effect on our
results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. |
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Acts of war, terrorist attacks and threats or the escalation of military activity in
response to such attacks or otherwise may negatively affect our business, financial
condition and results of operations. |
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ITC Holdings is a holding company with no operations, and unless we receive dividends or
other payments from our subsidiaries, we may be unable to pay dividends and fulfill our
other cash obligations. |
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We are highly leveraged and our dependence on debt may limit our ability to fulfill our
debt obligations and/or to obtain additional financing. |
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Certain provisions in our debt instruments limit our financial flexibility. |
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Adverse changes in our credit ratings may negatively affect us. |
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ITC Holdings common stock offering in October 2006 caused us to undergo an ownership
change for purposes of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
Code) which will limit the amount of our federal income tax NOLs that we may use to reduce
our tax liability in a given period. |
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Provisions in our Articles of Incorporation and bylaws, Michigan corporate law and our
debt agreements may impede efforts by our shareholders to change the direction or management
of our company. |
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Provisions in our Articles of Incorporation restrict market participants from voting or
owning 5% or more of the outstanding shares of our capital stock. |
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Other risk factors discussed herein and listed from time to time in our public filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). |
Because our forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions that are subject
to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, many of which are beyond our
control or are subject to change, actual results could be materially different and any or all of
our forward-looking statements may turn out to be wrong. Forward-looking statements speak only as
of the date made and can be affected by assumptions we might make or by known or unknown risks and
uncertainties. Many factors mentioned in our discussion in this report will be important in
determining future results. Consequently, we cannot assure you that our expectations or forecasts
expressed in such forward-looking statements will be achieved. Actual future results may vary
materially. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update any of our
forward-looking or other statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or
otherwise.
OVERVIEW
Through our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries, we are engaged in the transmission of
electricity in the United States. Our business strategy is to operate, maintain and invest in
transmission infrastructure in order to enhance system integrity and reliability, to reduce
transmission constraints and to allow new generating resources to interconnect to our transmission
systems. By pursuing this strategy, we strive for high reliability of our systems and to improve
accessibility to generation sources of choice, including renewable sources. We operate high-voltage
systems in Michigans Lower Peninsula and portions of Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri and
Kansas that transmit electricity from generating stations to local distribution facilities
connected to our systems.
As electric transmission utilities with rates regulated by the FERC, our Regulated Operating
Subsidiaries earn revenues through tariff rates charged for the use of their electric transmission
systems by our customers, which include investor-owned utilities, municipalities, cooperatives,
power marketers and alternative energy suppliers. As independent transmission companies, our
Regulated Operating Subsidiaries are subject to rate regulation only by the FERC. The rates charged
by our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries are established using a cost-based formula rate template.
Attachment O of the MISO tariff is used by our MISO Regulated Operating Subsidiaries, as discussed
in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 under Item 7 Managements Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Rate Setting and Attachment O. ITC
Great Plains uses Attachment H of the SPP tariff which remains subject to hearing as discussed
below under Recent Developments ITC Great Plains Formula Rate and Incentives.
20
Our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries primary operating responsibilities include maintaining,
improving and expanding their transmission systems to meet their customers ongoing needs,
scheduling outages on system elements to allow for maintenance and construction, balancing
electricity generation and demand, maintaining appropriate system voltages and monitoring flows
over transmission lines and other facilities to ensure physical limits are not exceeded.
We derive nearly all of our revenues from providing network transmission service,
point-to-point transmission service and other related services over our Regulated Operating
Subsidiaries transmission systems to investor-owned utilities such as Detroit Edison, Consumers
Energy, IP&L and to other entities such as alternative electricity suppliers, power marketers and
other wholesale customers that provide electricity to end-use consumers and from transaction-based
capacity reservations on our transmission systems.
Significant recent events that influenced our financial position and results of operations and
cash flows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 or may affect future results
include:
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Our capital investment of $300.4 million at our MISO Regulated Operating Subsidiaries
($70.9 million, $110.2 million and $119.3 million at ITCTransmission, METC and ITC Midwest,
respectively) during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, primarily to improve system
reliability and interconnect new generating resources; |
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our activities at the FERC relating to ITC Great Plains and Green Power Express; and |
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lower peak loads and the resulting effect on cash flows for the nine months ended
September 30, 2009, partially as a result of the economic conditions in Michigan. |
These items are discussed in more detail throughout Managements Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Recent Developments
ITC Great Plains
Formula Rate and Incentives
On January 15, 2009, ITC Great Plains filed an application with the FERC for the approval of a
forward-looking formula rate to apply to ITC Great Plains transmission facilities in the SPP
region, including Kansas. The application sought approval of a formula rate for ITC Great Plains as
an independent transmission company in the SPP region. The application also sought incentives for
major transmission projects that ITC Great Plains has committed to construct in Kansas, including
the Kansas Electric Transmission Authority (KETA) Project and the Kansas V-Plan discussed below.
Additionally, the application sought approval of the recovery of start-up and development expenses
of ITC Great Plains and other development expenses relating to the KETA Project and Kansas V-Plan
through the recognition of regulatory assets. The total capital investment for these two projects
is anticipated to be approximately $600 million depending on a variety of factors.
On March 16, 2009, the FERC issued an order (described in Note 3 to the condensed consolidated
financial statements) approving ITC Great Plains request for transmission investment incentives.
The approval of the application provides ITC Great Plains with the regulatory certainty needed to
make significant transmission investments in the SPP region generally and Kansas in particular.
Further, the FERC order conditionally accepted ITC Great Plains proposed formula rate tariff
sheets, subject to refund, and set them for hearing and Settlement Judge procedures. The approved
transmission investment incentives and return on equity were specifically excluded from any hearing
process. During September 2009, ITC Great Plains, FERC Staff and
the intervening parties reached an agreement in principle to
resolve all of the issues set for hearing and Settlement Judge procedures. On October 23, 2009, an
offer of settlement was filed with the FERC and is subject to FERC acceptance.
In October 2009, SPP made a filing with FERC to include ITC Great Plains revenue
requirement in its tariff. We anticipate that SPP will begin to bill ITC Great Plains 2009 network
revenues in December 2009 or January 2010, retroactive to August 18, 2009.
In July 2009, we recorded approximately $8.2 million of regulatory assets for development
expenses incurred by ITC Great Plains through June 30, 2009 that became probable of recovery and
recorded a corresponding $8.2 million reduction to operating expenses, primarily to general and
administrative expense. Subsequent to the initial recognition of these regulatory assets, we
recorded an
21
additional $1.1 million of costs incurred during the third quarter of 2009 directly to
regulatory assets. The regulatory asset includes amounts relating to development activities of ITC
Great Plains as well as pre-construction costs for the KETA Project. Based on ITC Great Plains
application and the FERC order, ITC Great Plains will be required to make an additional filing with
the FERC under Section 205 of the Federal Power Act in order to recover these start-up, development
and pre-construction expenses. The regulatory assets recorded at ITC Great Plains doe not include
amounts associated with pre-construction costs for the Kansas V-Plan. In the period in which it
becomes probable that future revenues will result from the authorization to recover
pre-construction expenses for the Kansas V-Plan, which totals $0.8 million at September 30, 2009,
we will recognize those expenses as regulatory assets.
Substation Acquisitions
In August 2009, ITC Great Plains purchased two electric transmission substations from
Mid-Kansas Electric Company LLC with a net book value of $4.7 million. ITC Great Plains now
operates the 138-kV Flat Ridge Substation located in Barber County, Kansas and the 230-kV Elm Creek
Substation located in Cloud County, Kansas under a transition services agreement with Sunflower
Electric Power Corporation. The acquisition received approval from the Kansas Corporation
Commission and allows ITC Great Plains to now participate in SPP as a transmission owner. Upon
acquisition of these electric transmission assets, ITC Great Plains implemented its cost-based
formula rate in SPP to record revenues.
KETA Project
On July 13, 2009, ITC Great Plains received siting approval from the Kansas Corporation
Commission (KCC) to build the first phase of its 345kV KETA Project. This first phase of the
project involves the construction of an 89-mile transmission line between Spearville and Hays,
Kansas. The KCC siting approval is a critical step in allowing ITC Great Plains to pursue the KETA
Project, a 215-mile long transmission line that will run between Spearville, Kansas and Axtell,
Nebraska. The siting permit was conditioned upon ITC Great Plains obtaining the authorization to
construct the project from SPP. ITC Great Plains is in the process of securing this authorization,
as well as other remaining regulatory approvals, to build the first phase of the project while also
pursuing the development of the second phase of the project, which will run from Hays, Kansas to
the Nebraska border. The final segment of the project from the Nebraska border to Axtell, Nebraska
will be completed by Nebraska Public Power District. The cost for ITC Great Plains portion of the
KETA project is currently estimated to be approximately $175 million. The first phase of the
project represents approximately $105 million of this total.
Kansas V-Plan Project
On June 1, 2009, ITC Great Plains entered into an agreement with Prairie Wind Transmission,
LLC (Prairie Wind) to resolve pending regulatory proceedings about who should be authorized to
build the 180-mile long transmission line project known as the Kansas V-Plan. On July 24, 2009, the
KCC accepted the settlement agreement between ITC Great Plains and Prairie Wind. Under the terms of
the settlement agreement, ITC Great Plains and Prairie Wind are each authorized by the KCC to build
segments of the Kansas V-Plan, which will run between Spearville and Wichita, Kansas. The agreement
stipulates that ITC Great Plains will construct and own two segments of the line, including the
first section of line running from Spearville to Comanche County, Kansas and the second section
from Comanche County to Medicine Lodge, Kansas. ITC Great Plains will also construct a new
substation in Comanche County. Prairie Wind will construct a substation at Medicine Lodge and a
third section of line from that substation to a termination point outside of Wichita. Prairie Wind
also would be certificated to construct a line from the Kansas V-Plan to the Oklahoma border. The
settlement agreement addresses only facilities proposed to be constructed in Kansas. The next steps
for this project are expected to include securing siting approvals, resolution of cost allocation
issues and project evaluation by the SPP regional planning authority. The Kansas V-Plan is
anticipated to be constructed at a voltage of 765 kV if deemed appropriate by SPP. ITC Great Plains
estimates it will invest approximately $430 million to construct its portions of the project.
Hugo to Valliant Project
On April 7, 2009, Western Farmers Electric Cooperative, an Oklahoma rural electric cooperative
corporation, agreed to designate ITC Great Plains as the exclusive party responsible and authorized
to construct, own and operate the Hugo-Valliant transmission line and the Hugo 345kV Substation,
both located in Oklahoma. The transmission line will be 19 miles of 345kV and the substation will
include a new 138/345kV autotransformer. The two projects have an estimated cost of approximately
$30 million. On April 28, 2009, SPP approved the novation agreement required by the SPP for the
designation to ITC Great Plains by Western Farmers Electric Cooperative. On July 10, 2009, the FERC
issued an order approving the novation agreement and ITC Great Plains has commenced right of way
acquisition activities.
22
Development Bonuses
During the third quarter of 2009, our Board of Directors authorized and we paid a total of
$0.3 million in bonuses to all employees for the successful completion of certain significant
regulatory milestones relating to the Hugo to Valliant transmission line project, which were
recorded to general and administrative expenses. It is reasonably possible that future
development-related bonuses would be authorized and awarded for other development projects.
Green Power Express
On February 9, 2009, Green Power Express filed an application with the FERC for approval of a
forward-looking formula rate and incentives for the construction of the Green Power Express
project, including the approval of a regulatory asset for recovery of development expenses
previously incurred as well as future development costs for the project. Over the past year we have
worked to identify a network of transmission lines that would facilitate the movement of 12,000
megawatts of power from the wind-abundant areas in the Dakotas, Minnesota and Iowa to Midwest load
centers, such as Chicago, southeastern Wisconsin, Minneapolis and other areas that demand clean,
renewable energy. The Green Power Express project would traverse portions of North Dakota, South
Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana and is ultimately expected to include
approximately 3,000 miles of extra high-voltage (765kV) transmission. The entire project is
currently estimated to cost approximately $10 to $12 billion. Portions of the Green Power Express
project fall within the service territory of ITC Midwest. ITC Holdings expects to partner with
other utilities within the geographical footprint of the Green Power Express project and,
therefore, expects to invest in only a portion of the total project cost.
On April 10, 2009, the FERC issued an order (described in Note 3 to the condensed consolidated
financial statements) approving Green Power Express request for transmission investment
incentives.
Further, the FERC order conditionally accepted Green Power Express proposed formula rate
tariff sheets, subject to refund, and set them for hearing and Settlement Judge procedures. The
approved transmission investment incentives and return on equity were specifically excluded from
any hearing process. Subsequent to the FERC order, Green Power Express, FERC Staff and intervening
parties have participated in settlement discussions before a FERC Administrative Law Judge. Drafts
of an offer of settlement and supporting documents that would resolve all of the issues set for
hearing in the April 10, 2009 order are under review by the parties and are expected to be filed
during the fourth quarter of 2009.
The total development expenses through September 30, 2009 that may be recoverable through
regulatory assets were approximately $2.9 million, which have been recorded to expenses in the
periods in which they were incurred. In the period in which it becomes probable that future
revenues will result from the authorization to recover these pre-construction expenses, we would
recognize the regulatory assets and record a reduction to operating expenses for the total amount
of these costs incurred through that period.
Complaint of IP&L
On November 18, 2008, IP&L filed a complaint with the FERC against ITC Midwest under Section
206 of the Federal Power Act. The complaint alleged that: (1) the operations and maintenance
expenses and administrative and general expenses projected in the 2009 ITC Midwest rate appeared
excessive; (2) the true-up amount related to ITC Midwests posted network rate for the period
through December 31, 2008 would cause ITC Midwest to charge an excessive rate in future years; and
(3) the methodology of allocating administrative and general expenses among ITC Holdings operating
companies was changed, resulting in such additional expenses being allocated to ITC Midwest. Among
other things, IP&Ls complaint sought investigative action by the FERC relating to ITC Midwests
transmission service charges reflected in its 2009 rate, as well as hearings regarding the justness
and reasonableness of the 2009 rate (with the ultimate goal of reducing such rate).
On April 16, 2009, the FERC issued an order that dismissed the IP&L complaint, citing that
IP&L failed to meet its burden as the complainant to establish that the current rate is unjust and
unreasonable and that IP&Ls alternative rate proposal is just and reasonable. Requests for
rehearing have been filed with the FERC, so the April 16 order remains subject to rehearing and
ultimately to an appeal to a federal Court of Appeals.
Capitalization of Expenses
During the first quarter of 2009, we reviewed the processes and assumptions used to record our
estimates for certain expenses to be capitalized, including compensation and benefits and general
business expenses, given our continued focus on making capital investments at our Regulated
Operating Subsidiaries and the continuing costs to support these activities. As part of this
review, we
23
examined the activities performed by employees to determine which activities were directly and
incrementally related to the construction programs at our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries. The
activities that were determined to be capitalizable were communicated to employees and a survey
process was used to determine the amount of capitalizable costs. As a result of this review, the
general and administrative expense and operation and maintenance amounts capitalized thus far
during 2009 exceed the amounts capitalized during 2008 and we expect that the amounts capitalized
for the remainder of 2009 will continue to exceed the amounts capitalized during 2008.
Additionally, during the second quarter of 2009, we began to capitalize depreciation expense for
our vehicles and equipment used in the construction process. As a result of the ratemaking model
discussed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 under Item 7 Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Rate Setting and
Attachment O and the inclusion of operating expenses in the net revenue requirements of our MISO
Regulated Operating Subsidiaries, this capitalization would reduce operating expenses and operating
revenues by approximately equivalent amounts and therefore is not expected to result in a
significant change in net income in 2009 compared to 2008.
Trends and Seasonality
Network Revenues
We expect a general trend of increases in network transmission rates and revenues for our
Regulated Operating Subsidiaries. The primary factor that is expected to continue to increase our
rates and our actual net revenue requirements in future years is our anticipated capital
investments in excess of depreciation as a result of our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries
long-term capital investment programs. Investments in property, plant and equipment, when placed in
service upon completion of a capital project, are added to the rate base of our Regulated Operating
Subsidiaries. Our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries strive for high reliability of their systems and
to improve accessibility to generation sources of choice, including renewable sources. The Energy
Policy Act requires the FERC to implement mandatory electric transmission reliability standards to
be enforced by an Electric Reliability Organization. Effective June 2007, the FERC approved
mandatory adoption of certain reliability standards and approved enforcement actions for violators,
including fines of up to $1.0 million per day. The NERC was assigned the responsibility of
developing and enforcing these mandatory reliability standards. We continually assess our
transmission systems against standards established by the NERC, as well as the standards of
applicable regional entities under the NERC that have been delegated certain authority for the
purpose of proposing and enforcing reliability standards. We believe we meet the applicable
standards in all material respects, although further investment in our transmission systems will
likely be needed to maintain compliance, improve reliability and address any new standards that
could be promulgated.
We also assess our transmission systems against our own planning criteria that are filed
annually with the FERC. Based on our planning studies, we see needs to make capital investments to
(1) rebuild existing property, plant and equipment; (2) upgrade the system to address demographic
changes that have impacted transmission load and the changing role that transmission plays in
meeting the needs of the wholesale market, including accommodating the siting of new generation or
to increase import capacity to meet changes in peak electrical demand; and (3) relieve congestion
in the transmission systems. The following table shows our expected and actual capital investment
for each of our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries:
24
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Capital Investment (b) |
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Five-Year Capital |
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|
Actual for the nine |
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|
Forecast for the |
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|
Forecast for the |
|
(in millions) |
|
Investment Program |
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|
months ended |
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|
year ending |
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|
year ending |
|
Regulated Operating Subsidiary |
|
2010-2014(a) |
|
|
September 30, 2009 |
|
|
December 31, 2009 |
|
|
December 31, 2010 |
|
ITCTransmission |
|
$ |
445 |
|
|
$ |
70.9 |
|
|
$ |
7585 |
|
|
$ |
5060 |
|
METC |
|
|
750 |
|
|
|
110.2 |
|
|
|
120130 |
|
|
|
140155 |
|
ITC Midwest |
|
|
1,147 |
|
|
|
119.3 |
|
|
|
125130 |
|
|
|
205225 |
|
ITC Great Plains |
|
|
637 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1020 |
|
Other (c) |
|
|
91 |
|
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|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
Total |
|
$ |
3,070 |
|
|
$ |
300.4 |
|
|
$ |
320345 |
|
|
$ |
405460 |
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(a) |
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The expected amounts for our five-year program include estimates for transmission network
upgrades for generator interconnections. Due to a high degree of uncertainty as to whether
these projects will ultimately be built and because they could replace other transmission
projects currently being planned, these estimates for network upgrades could change
significantly due to factors beyond our control, such as changes in the MISO queue for
generation projects and whether the generator meets the various criteria of Attachment FF of
the MISO Transmission and Energy Market Tariff for the project to qualify as a refundable
network upgrade, among other factors. |
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(b) |
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Capital investment amounts differ from cash expenditures for property, plant and equipment
included in our consolidated statements of cash flows due in part to differences in
construction costs incurred compared to cash paid during that period, as well as payments for
major equipment inventory that are included in cash expenditures but not included in capital
investment until transferred to construction work in progress, among other factors. |
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(c) |
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Includes Green Power Express and other development initiatives. |
Investments in property, plant and equipment could vary due to, among other things, the impact
of actual loads, forecasted loads, regional economic conditions, weather conditions, union strikes,
labor shortages, material and equipment prices and availability, our ability to obtain financing
for such expenditures, if necessary, limitations on the amount of construction that can be
undertaken on our systems at any one time, regulatory approvals for reasons relating to rate
construct, environmental, siting, regional planning, cost recovery or other issues or as a result
of legal proceedings and variances between estimated and actual costs of construction contracts
awarded.
Monthly Peak Loads, Revenue Accrual and Expense Mitigation Efforts
Under forward-looking MISO Attachment O and SPP Attachment H, our Regulated Operating
Subsidiaries accrue or defer revenues to the extent that their actual net revenue requirement for
the reporting period is higher or lower, respectively, than the amounts billed relating to that
reporting period. For example, to the extent that amounts billed are less than our net revenue
requirement for a reporting period, a revenue accrual is recorded for the difference. Although this
results in no net income impact, operating cash flows are negatively affected.
One of the primary factors that impact the Attachment O revenue accrual/deferral is actual
monthly peak loads experienced as compared to those forecasted in establishing the annual network
transmission rate. The monthly peak load of our MISO Regulated Operating Subsidiaries is affected
by many variables, but is generally impacted by economic conditions and is seasonally shaped with
higher load in the summer months when cooling demand is higher. ITCTransmission and METCs monthly
peak loads for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 were down 9.8% and 6.4%, respectively,
compared to the corresponding totals for 2008. In addition, ITCTransmission and METCs monthly peak
loads during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 were 12.0% and 10.6% lower, respectively,
than what had been forecasted in developing the transmission network rates applicable for 2009, due
to the unfavorable economic conditions in Michigan. A challenging economic environment in Michigan
that results in lower network loads than what had been forecasted in developing the transmission
network rates applicable for 2009 would continue to negatively impact our operating cash flows from
network revenues in 2009 and result in an Attachment O revenue accrual for 2009, all other factors
being equal. Transmission network rates in 2011 at each of our MISO Regulated Operating
Subsidiaries would include any Attachment O revenue accrual for any under-recovered amounts
relating to 2009, including interest.
Attachment H of the SPP tariff is billed ratably each month based on the annual projected net
revenue requirement of ITC Great Plains and therefore economic conditions and weather do not impact
its billed network transmission revenues.
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To offset the impact of lower network load on cash flows and any potential Attachment O
revenue accrual relating to 2009, we are engaged in efforts to mitigate operations and maintenance
expenses and general and administrative expenses. These expense mitigation efforts have been
designed to ensure that we continue to meet our high standards for the reliability and safety of
our systems and operations. By seeking to minimize the Attachment O revenue accrual in 2009 that
could result from lower than forecasted load, we expect to collect cash in a manner that more
closely corresponds with the revenues that we are recording and minimize any deferral of such
collection to later periods. This will also benefit our customers by reducing the risk of network
rate impact in 2011 associated with historical activities.
Monthly Peak Load (in MW) (a)(b)
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2009 |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
|
ITCTransmission |
|
METC |
|
ITC Midwest |
|
ITCTransmission |
|
METC |
|
ITC Midwest |
|
ITCTransmission |
|
METC |
|
ITC Midwest (c) |
January |
|
|
7,314 |
|
|
|
6,009 |
|
|
|
2,996 |
|
|
|
7,890 |
|
|
|
6,215 |
|
|
|
2,963 |
|
|
|
7,876 |
|
|
|
6,051 |
|
|
|
|
|
February |
|
|
7,176 |
|
|
|
5,892 |
|
|
|
2,830 |
|
|
|
7,715 |
|
|
|
6,159 |
|
|
|
2,916 |
|
|
|
8,170 |
|
|
|
6,227 |
|
|
|
|
|
March |
|
|
7,070 |
|
|
|
5,548 |
|
|
|
2,723 |
|
|
|
7,532 |
|
|
|
5,797 |
|
|
|
2,756 |
|
|
|
7,739 |
|
|
|
6,006 |
|
|
|
|
|
April |
|
|
6,761 |
|
|
|
5,113 |
|
|
|
2,437 |
|
|
|
6,926 |
|
|
|
5,223 |
|
|
|
2,455 |
|
|
|
7,141 |
|
|
|
5,473 |
|
|
|
|
|
May |
|
|
6,801 |
|
|
|
5,337 |
|
|
|
2,408 |
|
|
|
7,051 |
|
|
|
5,328 |
|
|
|
2,431 |
|
|
|
9,927 |
|
|
|
6,981 |
|
|
|
|
|
June |
|
|
10,392 |
|
|
|
8,022 |
|
|
|
3,504 |
|
|
|
10,624 |
|
|
|
7,241 |
|
|
|
2,888 |
|
|
|
11,761 |
|
|
|
8,511 |
|
|
|
|
|
July |
|
|
8,720 |
|
|
|
6,512 |
|
|
|
2,832 |
|
|
|
11,016 |
|
|
|
8,042 |
|
|
|
3,376 |
|
|
|
11,706 |
|
|
|
8,672 |
|
|
|
|
|
August |
|
|
9,846 |
|
|
|
7,120 |
|
|
|
3,181 |
|
|
|
10,890 |
|
|
|
7,816 |
|
|
|
3,259 |
|
|
|
12,087 |
|
|
|
8,955 |
|
|
|
|
|
September |
|
|
8,043 |
|
|
|
6,062 |
|
|
|
2,529 |
|
|
|
10,311 |
|
|
|
7,622 |
|
|
|
3,191 |
|
|
|
11,033 |
|
|
|
7,908 |
|
|
|
|
|
October |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,893 |
|
|
|
5,514 |
|
|
|
2,786 |
|
|
|
10,365 |
|
|
|
7,524 |
|
|
|
|
|
November |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,205 |
|
|
|
5,823 |
|
|
|
2,944 |
|
|
|
7,812 |
|
|
|
6,200 |
|
|
|
|
|
December |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,636 |
|
|
|
6,280 |
|
|
|
3,003 |
|
|
|
8,022 |
|
|
|
6,215 |
|
|
|
2,706 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
101,689 |
|
|
|
77,060 |
|
|
|
34,968 |
|
|
|
113,639 |
|
|
|
84,723 |
|
|
|
2,706 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Our MISO Regulated Operating Subsidiaries are part of a joint rate zone. The load data
presented is for all transmission owners in the respective joint rate zone and is used for
billing network revenues. Each of our MISO Regulated Operating Subsidiaries makes up the
significant portion of network load within their respective joint rate zone. |
|
(b) |
|
Attachment H of the SPP tariff applicable to ITC Great Plains is billed ratably each month
based on the annual projected net revenue requirement of ITC Great Plains and therefore
economic conditions and weather do not impact the billed network transmission revenues for ITC
Great Plains. |
|
(c) |
|
ITC Midwests results of operations and cash flows are included for the periods subsequent to
its acquisition of the electric transmission assets of IP&L on December 20, 2007. |
26
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Results of Operations and Variances
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage |
|
|
Nine months ended |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage |
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
Increase |
|
|
increase |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
Increase |
|
|
increase |
|
(in thousands) |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
(decrease) |
|
|
(decrease) |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
(decrease) |
|
|
(decrease) |
|
OPERATING REVENUES |
|
$ |
151,328 |
|
|
$ |
163,279 |
|
|
$ |
(11,951 |
) |
|
|
(7.3 |
)% |
|
$ |
464,507 |
|
|
$ |
465,809 |
|
|
$ |
(1,302 |
) |
|
|
(0.3 |
)% |
OPERATING EXPENSES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operation and maintenance |
|
|
22,132 |
|
|
|
33,271 |
|
|
|
(11,139 |
) |
|
|
(33.5 |
)% |
|
|
67,792 |
|
|
|
87,628 |
|
|
|
(19,836 |
) |
|
|
(22.6 |
)% |
General and administrative |
|
|
9,507 |
|
|
|
20,640 |
|
|
|
(11,133 |
) |
|
|
(53.9 |
)% |
|
|
49,653 |
|
|
|
59,983 |
|
|
|
(10,330 |
) |
|
|
(17.2 |
)% |
Depreciation and
amortization |
|
|
19,590 |
|
|
|
23,869 |
|
|
|
(4,279 |
) |
|
|
(17.9 |
)% |
|
|
72,325 |
|
|
|
69,639 |
|
|
|
2,686 |
|
|
|
3.9 |
% |
Taxes other than income
taxes |
|
|
11,049 |
|
|
|
10,552 |
|
|
|
497 |
|
|
|
4.7 |
% |
|
|
32,759 |
|
|
|
31,750 |
|
|
|
1,009 |
|
|
|
3.2 |
% |
Other operating income and
expenses net |
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
515 |
|
|
|
(522 |
) |
|
|
(101.4 |
)% |
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
(930 |
) |
|
|
923 |
|
|
|
(99.2 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
62,271 |
|
|
|
88,847 |
|
|
|
(26,576 |
) |
|
|
(29.9 |
)% |
|
|
222,522 |
|
|
|
248,070 |
|
|
|
(25,548 |
) |
|
|
(10.3 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING INCOME |
|
|
89,057 |
|
|
|
74,432 |
|
|
|
14,625 |
|
|
|
19.6 |
% |
|
|
241,985 |
|
|
|
217,739 |
|
|
|
24,246 |
|
|
|
11.1 |
% |
OTHER EXPENSES (INCOME) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense |
|
|
32,412 |
|
|
|
30,547 |
|
|
|
1,865 |
|
|
|
6.1 |
% |
|
|
96,666 |
|
|
|
91,263 |
|
|
|
5,403 |
|
|
|
5.9 |
% |
Allowance for equity funds
used during construction |
|
|
(3,764 |
) |
|
|
(2,672 |
) |
|
|
(1,092 |
) |
|
|
40.9 |
% |
|
|
(9,762 |
) |
|
|
(8,052 |
) |
|
|
(1,710 |
) |
|
|
21.2 |
% |
Other income |
|
|
(738 |
) |
|
|
(847 |
) |
|
|
109 |
|
|
|
(12.9 |
)% |
|
|
(2,125 |
) |
|
|
(1,909 |
) |
|
|
(216 |
) |
|
|
11.3 |
% |
Other expense |
|
|
521 |
|
|
|
1,494 |
|
|
|
(973 |
) |
|
|
(65.1 |
)% |
|
|
1,487 |
|
|
|
2,928 |
|
|
|
(1,441 |
) |
|
|
(49.2 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other expenses
(income) |
|
|
28,431 |
|
|
|
28,522 |
|
|
|
(91 |
) |
|
|
(0.3 |
)% |
|
|
86,266 |
|
|
|
84,230 |
|
|
|
2,036 |
|
|
|
2.4 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES |
|
|
60,626 |
|
|
|
45,910 |
|
|
|
14,716 |
|
|
|
32.1 |
% |
|
|
155,719 |
|
|
|
133,509 |
|
|
|
22,210 |
|
|
|
16.6 |
% |
INCOME TAX PROVISION |
|
|
22,808 |
|
|
|
17,865 |
|
|
|
4,943 |
|
|
|
27.7 |
% |
|
|
58,383 |
|
|
|
51,282 |
|
|
|
7,101 |
|
|
|
13.8 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCOME |
|
$ |
37,818 |
|
|
$ |
28,045 |
|
|
$ |
9,773 |
|
|
|
34.8 |
% |
|
$ |
97,336 |
|
|
$ |
82,227 |
|
|
$ |
15,109 |
|
|
|
18.4 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Revenues
Three months ended September 30, 2009 compared to three months ended September 30, 2008
The following table sets forth the components of and changes in operating revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
Increase |
|
|
increase |
|
(in thousands) |
|
Amount |
|
|
Percentage |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Percentage |
|
|
(decrease) |
|
|
(decrease) |
|
Network revenues |
|
$ |
131,504 |
|
|
|
86.9 |
% |
|
$ |
146,884 |
|
|
|
90.0 |
% |
|
$ |
(15,380 |
) |
|
|
(10.5 |
)% |
Regional cost sharing revenues |
|
|
10,882 |
|
|
|
7.2 |
% |
|
|
4,606 |
|
|
|
2.8 |
% |
|
|
6,276 |
|
|
|
136.3 |
% |
Point-to-point |
|
|
4,172 |
|
|
|
2.8 |
% |
|
|
5,845 |
|
|
|
3.6 |
% |
|
|
(1,673 |
) |
|
|
(28.6 |
)% |
Scheduling, control and dispatch |
|
|
4,008 |
|
|
|
2.6 |
% |
|
|
4,993 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
% |
|
|
(985 |
) |
|
|
(19.7 |
)% |
Other |
|
|
762 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
% |
|
|
951 |
|
|
|
0.6 |
% |
|
|
(189 |
) |
|
|
(19.9 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
151,328 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
$ |
163,279 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
$ |
(11,951 |
) |
|
|
(7.3 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Network revenues decreased due primarily to lower net revenue requirements at our MISO
Regulated Operating Subsidiaries during the three months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to
the same period in 2008. Lower net revenue requirements were due primarily to our expense
mitigation efforts discussed under Trends and Seasonality Monthly Peak Loads, Revenue Accrual
and Expense Mitigation Efforts, other reductions to operating expenses as a result of higher
capitalization discussed under Recent Developments Capitalization of Expenses, the reduction
of depreciation expense as a result of the ITCTransmission depreciation study discussed under Note
3 to the condensed consolidated financial statements and the increase in regional cost sharing
revenues. Partially offsetting these decreases was an increase due to higher rate base primarily
associated with higher balances of property, plant and equipment in-service.
Regional cost sharing revenues increased due primarily to capital projects placed in-service
in 2007, 2008 or are expected to be in-service in 2009 that have been identified by MISO as
eligible for regional cost sharing.
27
Point-to-point revenues decreased due primarily to fewer point to point reservations.
Scheduling, control and dispatch revenues decreased due primarily to lower network peak load
at ITCTransmission.
Nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to nine months ended September 30, 2008
The following table sets forth the components of and changes in operating revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
Increase |
|
|
increase |
|
(in thousands) |
|
Amount |
|
|
Percentage |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Percentage |
|
|
(decrease) |
|
|
(decrease) |
|
Network revenues |
|
$ |
409,066 |
|
|
|
88.0 |
% |
|
$ |
420,500 |
|
|
|
90.3 |
% |
|
$ |
(11,434 |
) |
|
|
(2.7 |
)% |
Regional cost sharing revenues |
|
|
30,211 |
|
|
|
6.5 |
% |
|
|
11,971 |
|
|
|
2.6 |
% |
|
|
18,240 |
|
|
|
152.4 |
% |
Point-to-point |
|
|
12,493 |
|
|
|
2.7 |
% |
|
|
17,806 |
|
|
|
3.8 |
% |
|
|
(5,313 |
) |
|
|
(29.8 |
)% |
Scheduling, control and dispatch |
|
|
11,083 |
|
|
|
2.4 |
% |
|
|
13,270 |
|
|
|
2.8 |
% |
|
|
(2,187 |
) |
|
|
(16.5 |
)% |
Other |
|
|
1,654 |
|
|
|
0.4 |
% |
|
|
2,262 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
% |
|
|
(608 |
) |
|
|
(26.9 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
464,507 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
$ |
465,809 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
$ |
(1,302 |
) |
|
|
(0.3 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Network revenues decreased due primarily to lower net revenue requirements at our MISO
Regulated Operating Subsidiaries during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the
same period in 2008. Lower net revenue requirements were due primarily to our expense mitigation
efforts, the revised depreciation rates as a result of the depreciation study, other reductions to
operating expenses as a result of higher capitalization and the increase in regional cost sharing
revenues. Partially offsetting these decreases was an increase to higher rate base primarily
associated with higher balances of property, plant and equipment in-service.
Regional cost sharing revenues increased due primarily to capital projects placed in-service
in 2007, 2008 or are expected to be in-service in 2009 that have been identified by MISO as
eligible for regional cost sharing.
Point-to-point revenues decreased due primarily to fewer point to point reservations.
Scheduling, control and dispatch revenues decreased due primarily to lower network peak load
at ITCTransmission.
Other revenues decreased due primarily to the elimination of our ancillary service revenues as
a result of the establishment of the MISO ancillary service market which began in January 2009.
Revenue accrual (deferral) summary for the nine months ended September 30, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue |
|
Line |
|
Item |
|
ITCTransmission |
|
|
METC |
|
|
ITC Midwest |
|
|
ITC Great Plains |
|
|
deferral |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Estimated net revenue requirement (network revenues) (a) |
|
$ |
173,940 |
|
|
$ |
118,002 |
|
|
$ |
116,533 |
|
|
$ |
591 |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
Network revenues billed (b)(c) |
|
|
181,152 |
|
|
|
122,941 |
|
|
|
105,844 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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3 |
|
Revenue accrual (deferral) (line 1 line 2) |
|
$ |
(7,212 |
) |
|
$ |
(4,939 |
) |
|
$ |
10,689 |
|
|
$ |
591 |
|
|
$ |
(871 |
) |
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(a) |
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The calculation of net revenue requirement for our MISO Regulated Operating Subsidiaries is
described in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 under Item 7 Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Rate Setting and
Attachment O Net Revenue Requirement Calculation. The amount is estimated until such time
as FERC Form No. 1s are completed for our MISO Regulated Operating Subsidiaries and the
calculations are filed with and reviewed by MISO each year and posted on OASIS,
which provides information by electronic means about transmission rates, available
transmission capability for point-to-point service and a process for requesting transmission
service on a non-discriminatory basis. The calculation of net revenue requirement for ITC
Great Plains is also based on a cost-based formula rate and is estimated until FERC Form No. 1
is completed and will be posted on the SPP OASIS each year. |
|
(b) |
|
Network revenues billed at our MISO Regulated Operating Subsidiaries are calculated based on
the joint zone monthly network peak load multiplied by our effective monthly network rates of
$2.520 per kW/month, $2.522 per kW/month and $4.162 per kW/month applicable to
ITCTransmission, METC and ITC Midwest, respectively, adjusted for the actual number of days in
the month less amounts recovered or refunded associated with ITCTransmissions and METCs 2007
Attachment O true-up. ITCTransmissions and METCs effective transmission rates include their
2007 Attachment O true-up adjustment and associated accrued interest. Amounts billed through
ITCTransmissions effective transmission rate reduced ITCTransmissions Attachment O |
28
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regulatory liability associated with the 2007 true-up and accrued interest by $0.2 million during
the nine months ended September 30, 2009. Additionally, amounts billed through METCs effective
transmission rate reduced METCs Attachment O regulatory asset associated with the 2007 true-up
and its accrued interest by $17.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2009. |
|
(c) |
|
We anticipate that SPP will begin to bill ITC Great Plains network revenues in December 2009
or January 2010, retroactive to August 18, 2009, discussed above under Recent Developments
ITC Great Plains Formula Rate and Incentives. |
Operating Expenses
Operation and maintenance expenses
Three months ended September 30, 2009 compared to three months ended September 30, 2008
Operation and maintenance expenses decreased by $9.3 million to due to lower field maintenance
expenses consisting primarily of reductions in inspections, vegetation management, tower painting,
overhead structure maintenance and field operations and training. These items are due in part to
the expense mitigation efforts described above under Trends and Seasonality Monthly Peak
Loads, Revenue Accrual and Expense Mitigation Efforts. Operation and maintenance expenses also
decreased by $0.6 million for lower control center expenses and $1.9 million as a result of the
expense capitalization process discussed above under Recent Developments Capitalization of
Expenses. These decreases were partially offset by higher information technology system
maintenance expenses of $0.9 million, due in part to additional operating control room software and
expanded financial systems and the additional expenses to support those systems.
Nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to nine months ended September 30, 2008
Operation and maintenance expenses decreased by $14.5 million to due to lower field
maintenance expenses consisting primarily of reductions in inspections, vegetation management,
tower painting, overhead structure maintenance and field operations and training. These items are
due in part to the expense mitigation efforts described above. Additionally, there was a $1.5
million decrease due to lower emergency station expenses at ITC Midwest that resulted from the 2008
floods in Iowa. Operation and maintenance expenses also decreased by $5.3 million as a result of
the aforementioned expense capitalization process, $0.9 million for lower incentive bonuses for ITC
Midwest integration activities and $0.9 million for lower control center expenses. These decreases
were partially offset by higher information technology system maintenance expenses of $3.0 million,
due in part to additional operating control room software and expanded financial systems and the
additional expenses to support those systems.
General and administrative expenses
Three months ended September 30, 2009 compared to three months ended September 30, 2008
General and administrative expenses decreased by $8.0 million due to the recognition of
regulatory assets relating to development activities of ITC Great Plains as well as
pre-construction costs for the KETA Project. General and administrative expenses also decreased by
$4.4 million due to lower business expenses and professional advisory and consulting services
resulting, in part, from our expense mitigation efforts described above and $2.7 million as a
result of the aforementioned expense capitalization process. Partially offsetting the decreases was
an increase of $1.8 million due to higher compensation and benefits expenses, due in part to
personnel additions, stock compensation expense associated with our 2008 and 2009 long term
incentive plan grants and net pension cost detailed in Note 7 to the condensed consolidated
financial statements. In addition, there was an increase of $1.0 million for salaries, benefits
and general business expenses associated with increased development activities at ITC Grid
Development and Green Power Express, which are not included in the increases explained above.
Nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to nine months ended September 30, 2008
General and administrative expenses decreased by $8.0 million due to the recognition of
regulatory assets relating to development activities of ITC Great Plains as well as
pre-construction costs for the KETA Project. In addition, general and administrative expenses
decreased by $8.5 million as a result of the aforementioned expense capitalization process and $3.8
million due to lower business expenses and professional advisory and consulting services resulting,
in part, from our expense mitigation efforts described above. Partially offsetting the decrease was
an increase of $4.5 million due to higher compensation and benefits expenses, due in part to
personnel additions, stock compensation expense associated with our 2008 and 2009 long term
incentive plan grants and net pension cost detailed in Note 7 to the condensed consolidated
financial statements. In addition, there was a $4.4 million increase for salaries, benefits and
general business expenses associated with increased development activities at ITC Grid Development
and Green Power
29
Express, which are not included in the increases explained above.
Depreciation and amortization expenses
Three months ended September 30, 2009 compared to three months ended September 30, 2008
Depreciation and amortization expenses at our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries decreased
during the three months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008 due
primarily to the ITCTransmission depreciation study described in Note 3 to the condensed
consolidated financial statements, which revised the depreciation rates used to calculate
depreciation expense for the entire 2009 calendar year at ITCTransmission and resulted in a
reduction of depreciation expense of $7.0 million. Partially offsetting this decrease was an
increase in depreciation expense due to a higher depreciable base resulting from property, plant
and equipment additions.
Nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to nine months ended September 30, 2008
Depreciation and amortization increased during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as
compared to the same period in 2008 due primarily to a higher depreciable asset base resulting from
property, plant and equipment additions. The increase was partially offset by the ITCTransmission
depreciation study as described above and the capitalization of $2.8 million of depreciation
expense described previously under Recent Developments Capitalization of Expenses.
Taxes other than income taxes
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to three and nine months ended
September 30, 2008
Taxes other than income taxes increased during the three and nine months ended September 30,
2009 as compared to the same periods in 2008 due to higher property tax expenses due primarily to
our MISO Regulated Operating Subsidiaries 2008 capital additions, which are included in the
assessments for 2009 personal property taxes.
Other Expenses (Income)
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to three and nine months ended
September 30, 2008
Interest expense increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared
to the same period in 2008 due primarily to additional interest expense associated with the
December 2008 issuances of METCs $50.0 million Senior Secured Notes and ITC Midwests $40.0
million and $35.0 million First Mortgage Bonds, Series B and Series C, respectively, ITC Holdings
two year Term Loan Agreement, an unguaranteed, unsecured $100.0 million term facility executed in
April 2009 and the April 2008 issuance of ITCTransmissions $100.0 million First Mortgage Bonds,
Series D. These increases were partially offset by lower interest expense as a result of lower
interest rates under our revolving credit agreements.
Income Tax Provision
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to three and nine months ended
September 30, 2008
Our effective tax rates for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 are 37.6% and
38.9%, respectively. Additionally, our effective tax rates for the nine months ended September 30,
2009 and 2008 are 37.5% and 38.4%, respectively. Our effective tax rate differs from our 35%
statutory federal income tax rate due primarily to state income tax provision of $2.5 million (net
of federal deductibility) recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 and
$6.5 million (net of federal deductibility) recorded during the nine months ended September 30,
2009 and 2008, offset by the tax effects of Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction
(AFUDC Equity). The state income tax provision primarily results from the Michigan Business Tax.
The amount of income tax expense relating to AFUDC Equity is recognized as a regulatory asset and
not included in the income tax provision.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We expect to fund our future capital requirements with cash from operations, our existing cash
and cash equivalents, amounts available under our revolving credit agreements, proceeds from the
ITC Holdings Term Loan Agreement (discussed in Note 5 to the condensed consolidated financial
statements) and proceeds from issuance of stock under our Sales Agency Financing Agreement (the
30
SAFE Agreement) entered into in June 2008. The SAFE Agreement allows us to issue and sell up
to $150 million of our common shares in the market from time to time through June 2011, subject to
continued approval from the FERC authorizing ITC Holdings to issue equity. In addition, we may
secure debt and equity funding in the financial markets, although we can provide no assurance that
we will be able to obtain financing on favorable terms or at all. We expect that our capital
requirements will arise principally from our need to:
|
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Fund capital expenditures at our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries. Our plans with regard
to property, plant and equipment investments are described in detail above under -Trends
and Seasonality. |
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Fund business development expenses and related capital expenditures. We are pursuing
development activities described above under - Recent Developments Green Power Express
as well as at ITC Grid Development that will continue to result in the incurrence of
development expenses and could result in significant future capital expenditures. |
|
|
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Fund working capital requirements. |
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|
|
Fund our debt service requirements. We expect our interest payments to increase during
2009 compared to 2008 as a result of additional debt incurred in 2008 and 2009 to fund our
capital expenditures. |
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Fund dividends to holders of our common stock. |
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|
|
|
Fund contributions to our retirement plans, as described in Note 7 to the condensed
consolidated financial statements. The impact of the growth in the number of participants in
our retirement benefit plans, the recent financial market conditions that have caused a
decrease in the value of our retirement plan assets and changes in the requirements of the
Pension Protection Act may require contributions to our retirement plans to be higher than
we have experienced in the past. |
In addition to the expected capital requirements above, an adverse determination relating to
the sales and use tax exemption as described in Note 9 to the condensed consolidated financial
statements would result in additional capital requirements.
We believe that we have sufficient capital resources to meet our currently anticipated
short-term needs. We rely on both internal and external sources of liquidity to provide working
capital and to fund capital investments. We expect to continue to utilize our revolving credit
agreements and our cash and cash equivalents as needed to meet our other short-term cash
requirements. As of September 30, 2009, we had consolidated indebtedness under our revolving credit
agreements of $185.2 million, with unused capacity under the agreements of $154.8 million, or
$105.1 million of unused capacity if reduced by the undrawn portion of Lehmans commitment of $49.7
million described below. In addition, as of September 30, 2009, we had $54.2 million of cash and
cash equivalents on hand, which exceeds the amounts that we would typically maintain for operating
purposes, in the event conditions in the credit markets worsen.
We do not expect the recent events in the capital markets to have a significant impact on our
short-term liquidity, due to the diverse bank group within our revolving credit agreement
syndication. However, Lehman, a member of our revolving credit agreement syndications, was included
in a bankruptcy filing made by its parent, Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., on September 14, 2008.
Lehmans aggregate commitment to our various agreements of $55.0 million represented 16.2% of our
total revolving credit agreements capacity of $340.0 million and we had $5.3 million outstanding
under the agreements at September 30, 2009 relating to Lehmans participation. We do not expect
that we will replace Lehmans commitments to our existing credit facilities given the favorable
terms of our existing agreements compared to current market conditions. However, we believe we have
sufficient unused capacity under our revolving credit agreements, even without the Lehman capacity,
to meet our short-term capital requirements. Additionally, we believe we will be able to access the
financial markets for other short-term capital requirements through term loan agreements, such as
the ITC Holdings Term Loan Agreement executed in April 2009 as discussed in Note 5 to the condensed
consolidated financial statements.
For our long-term capital requirements, we expect that we will need to obtain additional debt
and equity financing. We expect to be able to obtain such additional financing as needed in amounts
and upon terms that will be reasonably satisfactory to us.
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net
cash provided by operating activities was $186.7 million and $130.0 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The increase in cash provided by operating
activities was due primarily to an increase in cash received for
operating revenues of $61.8 million as well as a reduction in payments for
31
operating expenses of $12.0 million. These increases were partially offset by $16.2 million of
additional interest payments (net of interest capitalized),
during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008.
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Net
cash used in investing activities was $330.5 million and $288.5 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The increase in cash used in investing
activities was due primarily to higher levels of capital investment in property, plant and
equipment during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008.
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $139.9 million and $191.9 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The decrease in cash provided by financing
activities was due primarily to $101.2 million of additional proceeds in 2008 associated with the
permanent financing for the ITC Midwest asset purchase in excess of the amounts redeemed in full
under the $765.0 million ITC Holdings Bridge Facility, as well as $100.0 million for proceeds
received in April 2008 from the issuance of ITCTransmissions $100.0 million First Mortgage Bonds,
Series D. These decreases were partially offset by borrowings under the ITC Holdings Term Loan
Agreement for $100.0 million, a net increase of $28.9 million in borrowings under our revolving
credit facilities and $18.1 million of additional net proceeds associated with refundable deposits
for transmission network upgrades during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to
the same period in 2008.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
Our contractual obligations are described in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2008. There have been no material changes to that information during the nine months ended
September 30, 2009, other than amounts borrowed under our revolving credit agreements and other
debt issuances as described in Note 5 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). The preparation of these consolidated
financial statements requires the application of appropriate technical accounting rules and
guidance, as well as the use of estimates. The application of these policies necessarily involves
judgments regarding future events. These estimates and judgments, in and of themselves, could
materially impact the consolidated financial statements and disclosures based on varying
assumptions, as future events rarely develop exactly as forecasted, and the best estimates
routinely require adjustment. The accounting policies discussed in Item 7-Managements Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Critical Accounting Policies in our
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 are considered by management to be the most
important to an understanding of the consolidated financial statements because of their
significance to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations or because their
application places the most significant demands on managements judgment and estimates about the
effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. There have been no material changes to that
information during the nine months ended September 30, 2009.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Fixed Rate Long-Term Debt
Based on the borrowing rates currently available for bank loans with similar terms and average
maturities, the fair value of our consolidated long-term debt, excluding revolving credit
agreements, was $2,189.0 million at September 30, 2009. The total book value of our consolidated
long-term debt, excluding revolving credit agreements, was $2,219.3 million at September 30, 2009.
We performed an analysis calculating the impact of changes in interest rates on the fair value of
long-term debt, excluding revolving credit agreements, at September 30, 2009. An increase in
interest rates of 10% (from 7.0% to 7.7%, for example) at September 30, 2009 would decrease the
fair value of debt by $86.8 million, and a decrease in interest rates of 10% at September 30, 2009
would increase the fair value of debt by $94.7 million at that date.
32
Revolving Credit Agreements
At September 30, 2009, we had a consolidated total of $185.2 million outstanding under our
revolving credit agreements, which are variable rate loans and therefore fair value approximates
book value. A 10% increase or decrease in borrowing rates under the revolving credit agreements
compared to the weighted average rates in effect at September 30, 2009 would increase or decrease
the total interest expense by $0.1 million, respectively, for an annual period on a constant
borrowing level of $185.2 million.
Other
As described in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, we are subject to
commodity price risk from market price fluctuations, and to credit risk primarily with Detroit
Edison, Consumers Energy and IP&L, our primary customers. There have been no material changes in
these risks during the nine months ended September 30, 2009.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to assure that material
information required to be disclosed in our reports that we file or submit under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), is recorded, processed, summarized, and
reported within the time periods specified in the SECs rules and forms, and that such information
is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required financial
disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management
recognized that a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only
reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Because of
the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute
assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, with a company have been
detected.
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the
supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure
controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation,
our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and
procedures are effective, at the reasonable assurance level.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three
months ended September 30, 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to
materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
33
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Other than as previously updated in our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009, there
have been no material changes to the risk factors set forth in Item 1A of our Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.
ITEM 6.
The following exhibits are filed as part of this report (unless otherwise noted to be
previously filed, and therefore incorporated herein by reference). Our SEC file number is
001-32576.
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Exhibit No. |
|
Description of Document |
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31.1 |
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Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
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31.2 |
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Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
|
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32 |
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Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
34
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Dated: October 29, 2009
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ITC HOLDINGS CORP.
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By: |
/s/ Joseph L. Welch
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Joseph L. Welch |
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President and Chief Executive Officer (principal
executive officer) |
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By: |
/s/ Cameron M. Bready
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Cameron M. Bready |
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Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief
Financial Officer (principal financial officer and
principal accounting officer) |
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35