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EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - SOUTHERN Co GASexhibit_32-2.htm
EX-10.3 - EXHIBIT 10.3 - SOUTHERN Co GASexhibit_10-3.htm
EX-10.2 - EXHIBIT 10.2 - SOUTHERN Co GASexhibit_10-2.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - SOUTHERN Co GASexhibit_32-1.htm
EX-10.1 - EXHIBIT 10.1 - SOUTHERN Co GASexhibit_10-1.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHBIT 31.1 - SOUTHERN Co GASexhibit_31-1.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - SOUTHERN Co GASexhibit_31-2.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
   
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2015
 
 
 
Commission File Number 1-14174
 
AGL RESOURCES INC.
Ten Peachtree Place NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30309
404-584-4000
 
Georgia
58-2210952
(State of incorporation)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
AGL Resources Inc. (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 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.
 
AGL Resources Inc. has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months.

AGL Resources Inc. is a large accelerated filer and is not a shell company.
 
The number of shares of AGL Resources Inc.’s common stock, $5.00 Par Value, outstanding as of July 23, 2015, was 120,087,776.
 




AGL RESOURCES INC.
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended June 30, 2015

       
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2014 Form 10-K
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, filed with the SEC on February 12, 2015
2014 Form 10-Q/A
Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the period ended June 30, 2014, filed with the SEC on November 26, 2014
AGL Capital
AGL Capital Corporation
AGL Credit Facility
$1.3 billion credit agreement entered into by AGL Capital to support its commercial paper program
AGL Resources
AGL Resources Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries
Atlanta Gas Light
Atlanta Gas Light Company
Atlantic Coast Pipeline
Atlantic Coast Pipeline, LLC
Bcf
Billion cubic feet
Central Valley
Central Valley Gas Storage, LLC
CUB
Citizens Utility Board
EBIT
Earnings before interest and taxes, the primary measure of our reportable segments’ profit or loss, which includes operating income and other income and excludes financing costs, including interest on debt and income tax expense
ERC
Environmental remediation costs
FASB
Financial Accounting Standards Board
FERC
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Fitch
Fitch Ratings
Florida Commission
Florida Public Service Commission, the state regulatory agency for Florida City Gas
GAAP
Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
Georgia Commission
Georgia Public Service Commission, the state regulatory agency for Atlanta Gas Light
Golden Triangle
Golden Triangle Storage, Inc.
Heating Degree Days
A measure of the effects of weather on our businesses, calculated when the average daily temperatures are less than 65 degrees Fahrenheit
Heating Season
The period from November through March when natural gas usage and operating revenues are generally higher
Horizon Pipeline
Horizon Pipeline Company, LLC
Illinois Commission
Illinois Commerce Commission, the state regulatory agency for Nicor Gas
Jefferson Island
Jefferson Island Storage & Hub, LLC
LIFO
Last-in, first-out
LNG
Liquefied natural gas
LOCOM
Lower of weighted average cost or current market price
Marketers
Marketers selling retail natural gas in Georgia and certificated by the Georgia Commission
MGP
Manufactured Gas Plant
Moody’s
Moody’s Investors Service
New Jersey BPU
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, the state regulatory agency for Elizabethtown Gas
Nicor Gas
Northern Illinois Gas Company, doing business as Nicor Gas Company
Nicor Gas Credit Facility
$700 million credit facility entered into by Nicor Gas to support its commercial paper program
NYMEX
New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc.
OCI
Other comprehensive income
Operating margin
A non-GAAP measure of income, calculated as operating revenues minus cost of goods sold and revenue tax expense
PBR
Performance-based rate
PennEast Pipeline
PennEast Pipeline Company, LLC
PGA
Purchased gas adjustment
Piedmont
Piedmont Natural Gas Company, Inc.
S&P
Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services
SEC
Securities and Exchange Commission
Sequent
Sequent Energy Management, L.P.
SouthStar
SouthStar Energy Services, LLC
Triton
Triton Container Investments, LLC
Tropical Shipping
Tropical Shipping and Construction Company Limited
U.S.
United States
VaR
Value-at-risk
VIE
Variable interest entity
Virginia Commission
Virginia State Corporation Commission, the state regulatory agency for Virginia Natural Gas
Virginia Natural Gas
Virginia Natural Gas, Inc.
WACOG
Weighted average cost of gas


Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

AGL RESOURCES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(UNAUDITED)

   
As of
 
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
   
June 30,
 
In millions, except share amounts
 
2015
   
2014
   
2014
 
Current assets
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 25     $ 31     $ 122  
Receivables
                       
Natural gas, unbilled revenues and other
    445       797       520  
Energy marketing
    430       779       677  
Less allowance for uncollectible accounts
    46       35       51  
Total receivables, net
    829       1,541       1,146  
Inventories
                       
Natural gas
    395       694       441  
Other
    26       22       19  
Total inventories
    421       716       460  
Derivative instruments
    158       245       105  
Prepaid expenses
    51       223       67  
Regulatory assets
    48       83       165  
Assets held for sale
    -       -       257  
Other
    40       47       58  
Total current assets
    1,572       2,886       2,380  
Long-term assets and other deferred debits
                       
Property, plant and equipment
    11,903       11,552       11,188  
Less accumulated depreciation
    2,524       2,462       2,400  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    9,379       9,090       8,788  
Goodwill
    1,827       1,827       1,827  
Regulatory assets
    642       631       726  
Intangible assets
    112       125       135  
Other
    303       329       303  
Total long-term assets and other deferred debits
    12,263       12,002       11,779  
Total assets
  $ 13,835     $ 14,888     $ 14,159  
Current liabilities
                       
Short-term debt
  $ 459     $ 1,175     $ 448  
Energy marketing trade payables
    455       777       724  
Other accounts payable – trade
    272       312       319  
Accrued expenses
    183       229       213  
Regulatory liabilities
    154       112       149  
Current portion of long-term debt
    125       200       200  
Customer deposits and credit balances
    115       125       107  
Accrued environmental remediation liabilities
    83       87       90  
Derivative instruments
    43       88       50  
Temporary LIFO liquidation
    38       -       116  
Liabilities held for sale
    -       -       39  
Other
    120       114       140  
Total current liabilities
    2,047       3,219       2,595  
Long-term liabilities and other deferred credits
                       
Long-term debt
    3,452       3,581       3,585  
Accumulated deferred income taxes
    1,780       1,724       1,675  
Regulatory liabilities
    1,622       1,601       1,565  
Accrued pension and retiree welfare benefits
    526       525       405  
Accrued environmental remediation liabilities
    346       327       379  
Other
    73       83       95  
Total long-term liabilities and other deferred credits
    7,799       7,841       7,704  
Total liabilities and other deferred credits
    9,846       11,060       10,299  
Commitments, guarantees and contingencies (see Note 10)
                       
Equity
                       
Common stock, $5 par value; 750,000,000 shares authorized; outstanding: 120,081,995 shares at June 30, 2015, 119,647,149 shares at December 31, 2014, and 119,464,063 shares at June 30, 2014
    601       599       598  
Additional paid-in capital
    2,099       2,087       2,073  
Retained earnings
    1,425       1,312       1,288  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (169 )     (206 )     (133 )
Treasury shares, at cost: 216,523 shares at June 30, 2015, December 31, 2014, and June 30, 2014
    (8 )     (8 )     (8 )
Total common shareholders’ equity
    3,948       3,784       3,818  
Noncontrolling interest
    41       44       42  
Total equity
    3,989       3,828       3,860  
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 13,835     $ 14,888     $ 14,159  
 
See Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
                 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(UNAUDITED)

   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
In millions, except per share amounts
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Operating revenues (includes revenue taxes of $18 and $74 for the three and six months in 2015 and $26 and $94 for the three and six months in 2014)
  $ 674     $ 889     $ 2,395     $ 3,351  
Operating expenses
                               
Cost of goods sold
    222       402       1,157       1,802  
Operation and maintenance
    209       211       458       500  
Depreciation and amortization
    98       95       195       188  
Taxes other than income taxes
    38       42       114       130  
Total operating expenses
    567       750       1,924       2,620  
Operating income
    107       139       471       731  
Other income
    4       2       7       5  
Interest expense, net
    (42 )     (45 )     (86 )     (91 )
Income before income taxes
    69       96       392       645  
Income tax expense
    25       37       143       240  
Income from continuing operations
    44       59       249       405  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
    -       1       -       (49 )
Net income
    44       60       249       356  
Less net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
    2       2       14       14  
Net income attributable to AGL Resources Inc.
  $ 42     $ 58     $ 235     $ 342  
                                 
Net income attributable to AGL Resources Inc.
                               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 42     $ 57     $ 235     $ 391  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
    -       1       -       (49 )
Net income attributable to AGL Resources Inc.
  $ 42     $ 58     $ 235     $ 342  
                                 
Per common share information
                               
Basic earnings (loss) per common share
                               
Continuing operations
  $ 0.35     $ 0.48     $ 1.97     $ 3.30  
Discontinued operations
    -       0.01       -       (0.42 )
Basic earnings per common share attributable to AGL Resources Inc.
  $ 0.35     $ 0.49     $ 1.97     $ 2.88  
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
                               
Continuing operations
  $ 0.35     $ 0.48     $ 1.96     $ 3.29  
Discontinued operations
    -       0.01       -       (0.42 )
Diluted earnings per common share attributable to AGL Resources Inc.
  $ 0.35     $ 0.49     $ 1.96     $ 2.87  
Cash dividends declared per common share
  $ 0.51     $ 0.49     $ 1.02     $ 0.98  
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
                         
Basic
    119.5       118.8       119.4       118.7  
Diluted
    119.8       119.2       119.7       119.1  

See Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).



CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(UNAUDITED)

   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
In millions
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Net income
  $ 44     $ 60     $ 249     $ 356  
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
                               
Retirement benefit plans
                               
Reclassification of actuarial losses to net benefit cost (net of income tax of $2 and $4 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, and $2 and $3 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014)
    4       4       7       5  
Reclassification of prior service credits to net benefit cost
    -       (1 )     -       (1 )
Retirement benefit plans, net
    4       3       7       4  
Cash flow hedges, net of tax
                               
Net derivative instruments gain arising during the period (net of income tax of $16 and $17 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015)
    25       -       27       4  
Reclassification of realized derivative instruments (gain) loss to net income (net of income tax of $(1) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014)
    4       (1 )     4       (5 )
Cash flow hedges, net
    29       (1 )     31       (1 )
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
    33       2       38       3  
Comprehensive income
    77       62       287       359  
Less comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
    3       2       15       14  
Comprehensive income attributable to AGL Resources Inc.
  $ 74     $ 60     $ 272     $ 345  

See Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)

   
AGL Resources Inc. Shareholders
             
   
Common stock
   
Additional
   
Retained
   
Accumulated other
   
Treasury
   
Noncontrolling
       
In millions, except per share amounts
 
Shares
   
Amount
   
paid-in capital
   
earnings
   
comprehensive loss
   
shares
   
interest
   
Total
 
Balance as of December 31, 2013
    118.9     $ 595     $ 2,054     $ 1,063     $ (136 )   $ (8 )   $ 45     $ 3,613  
Net income
    -       -       -       342       -       -       14       356  
Other comprehensive income
    -       -       -       -       3       -       -       3  
Dividends on common stock ($0.98 per share)
    -       -       -       (117 )     -       -       -       (117 )
Distribution to noncontrolling interest
    -       -       -       -       -       -       (17 )     (17 )
Stock granted, share-based compensation, net of forfeitures
    -       -       (12 )     -       -       -       -       (12 )
Stock issued, dividend reinvestment plan
    -       -       6       -       -       -       -       6  
Stock issued, share-based compensation, net of forfeitures
    0.6       3       17       -       -       -       -       20  
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax
    -       -       8       -       -       -       -       8  
Balance as of June 30, 2014
    119.5     $ 598     $ 2,073     $ 1,288     $ (133 )   $ (8 )   $ 42     $ 3,860  

   
AGL Resources Inc. Shareholders
             
   
Common stock
   
Additional
   
Retained
   
Accumulated other
   
Treasury
   
Noncontrolling
       
In millions, except per share amounts
 
Shares
   
Amount
   
paid-in capital
   
earnings
   
comprehensive loss
   
shares
   
interest
   
Total
 
Balance as of December 31, 2014
    119.6     $ 599     $ 2,087     $ 1,312     $ (206 )   $ (8 )   $ 44     $ 3,828  
Net income
    -       -       -       235       -       -       14       249  
Other comprehensive income
    -       -       -       -       37       -       1       38  
Dividends on common stock ($1.02 per share)
    -       -       -       (122 )     -       -       -       (122 )
Distribution to noncontrolling interest
    -       -       -       -       -       -       (18 )     (18 )
Stock granted, share-based compensation, net of forfeitures
    -       -       (13 )     -       -       -       -       (13 )
Stock issued, dividend reinvestment plan
    0.1       1       5       -       -       -       -       6  
Stock issued, share-based compensation, net of forfeitures
    0.4       1       14       -       -       -       -       15  
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax
    -       -       6       -       -       -       -       6  
Balance as of June 30, 2015
    120.1     $ 601     $ 2,099     $ 1,425     $ (169 )   $ (8 )   $ 41     $ 3,989  

See Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)

   
Six months ended
 
   
June 30,
 
In millions
 
2015
   
2014
 
Cash flows from operating activities
           
Net income
  $ 249     $ 356  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow provided by operating activities
               
Depreciation and amortization
    195       188  
Change in derivative instrument assets and liabilities
    42       (13 )
Deferred income taxes
    27       13  
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
    -       49  
Changes in certain assets and liabilities
               
Receivables, other than energy marketing
    363       238  
Inventories, net of temporary LIFO liquidation
    333       314  
Prepaid and miscellaneous taxes
    150       (12 )
Accrued/deferred natural gas costs
    43       (129 )
Energy marketing receivables and trade payables, net
    27       162  
Accrued expenses
    (28 )     11  
Trade payables, other than energy marketing
    (41 )     (61 )
Other, net
    125       55  
Net cash flow provided by operating activities of discontinued operations
    -       4  
Net cash flow provided by operating activities
    1,485       1,175  
Cash flows from investing activities
               
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment
    (452 )     (332 )
Net decrease in short-term investments
    -       41  
Other, net
    5       4  
Net cash flow used in investing activities of discontinued operations
    -       (13 )
Net cash flow used in investing activities
    (447 )     (300 )
Cash flows from financing activities
               
Net repayments of commercial paper
    (716 )     (723 )
Payment of senior notes
    (200 )     -  
Dividends paid on common shares
    (122 )     (117 )
Distribution to noncontrolling interest
    (18 )     (17 )
Other, net
    12       14  
Net cash flow used in financing activities
    (1,044 )     (843 )
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents – continuing operations
    (6 )     41  
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents – discontinued operations
    -       (9 )
Cash and cash equivalents (including held for sale) at beginning of period
    31       105  
Cash and cash equivalents (including held for sale) at end of period
    25       137  
Less cash and cash equivalents held for sale at end of period
    -       15  
Cash and cash equivalents (excluding held for sale) at end of period
  $ 25     $ 122  
Cash paid (received) during the period for
               
Interest
  $ 93     $ 95  
Income taxes
    (57 )     207  

See Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Note 1 - Organization and Basis of Presentation

General

AGL Resources Inc. is an energy services holding company that conducts substantially all of its operations through its subsidiaries. Unless the context requires otherwise, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” the “company,” or “AGL Resources” mean consolidated AGL Resources Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of December 31, 2014 were derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. We have prepared the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements under the rules and regulations of the SEC. In accordance with such rules and regulations, we have condensed or omitted certain information and notes included in our annual audited financial statements. Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of our financial results for the interim periods and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Item 8 of our 2014 Form 10-K.

Due to the seasonal nature of our business and other factors, our results of operations and our financial condition for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations or financial condition to be expected for or as of any other period.

Basis of Presentation

Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include our accounts, the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiaries, the accounts of our majority owned or otherwise controlled subsidiaries and the accounts of our VIE, SouthStar, for which we are the primary beneficiary. For unconsolidated entities that we do not control, we use the equity method of accounting and our proportionate share of income or loss is recorded on the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 9 for additional information. We have eliminated intercompany profits and transactions in consolidation except for intercompany profits where recovery of such amounts is probable under the affiliates’ rate regulation process.

In November 2014, we filed a Form 10-Q/A to revise our June 30, 2014 financial statements and other affected disclosures for items related to the recognition of revenues for certain of our regulatory infrastructure programs and the amortization of our intangible assets as originally filed in our Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2014. Our financial statements for the period ended June 30, 2014, reflect the revised amounts reported in our 2014 Form 10-Q/A.

In September 2014, we closed on the sale of Tropical Shipping, which operated within our former cargo shipping segment. The assets and liabilities of these businesses as of June 30, 2014 are classified as held for sale on the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, and the financial results of these businesses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 are reflected as discontinued operations on the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Amounts shown in the following notes, unless otherwise indicated, exclude assets held for sale and discontinued operations. Cargo shipping also included our investment in Triton, which was not part of the sale and has been reclassified into our “other” non-reportable segments. See Note 12 for additional information on the sale of Tropical Shipping.


Our accounting policies are described in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Item 8 of our 2014 Form 10-K. While we adopted the revised guidance related to debt issuance costs during the second quarter of 2015, there have been no significant changes to our accounting policies during the year.

Use of Accounting Estimates

The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to use judgment and make estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the related disclosures. Our estimates are based on historical experience and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Our estimates may involve complex situations requiring a high degree of judgment either in the application and interpretation of existing accounting literature or in the development of estimates that impact our financial statements. The most significant estimates relate to the accounting for our rate-regulated subsidiaries, goodwill and other intangible assets, derivatives and hedging activities, uncollectible accounts and other allowances for contingent losses, retirement plan benefit obligations and provisions for income taxes. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis, and our actual results could differ from our estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Our cash and cash equivalents primarily consist of cash on deposit, money market accounts and certificates of deposit held by domestic subsidiaries with original maturities of three months or less. As of June 30, 2014, there was $15 million of cash and cash equivalents held by Tropical Shipping that was excluded from cash and cash equivalents within our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and included in assets held for sale. For more information on the sale of Tropical Shipping, see Note 12.

 
Energy Marketing Receivables and Payables

Our wholesale services segment provides services to retail and wholesale marketers and utility and industrial customers. These customers, also known as counterparties, utilize netting agreements that enable our wholesale services segment to net receivables and payables by counterparty upon settlement. Wholesale services also nets across product lines and against cash collateral, provided the master netting and cash collateral agreements include such provisions. While the amounts due from, or owed to, wholesale services’ counterparties are settled net, they are recorded on a gross basis in our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as energy marketing receivables and energy marketing trade payables.

Wholesale services has trade and credit contracts that contain minimum credit rating requirements. These credit rating requirements typically give counterparties the right to suspend or terminate credit if our credit ratings are downgraded to non-investment grade status. Under such circumstances, wholesale services would need to post collateral to continue transacting business with some of its counterparties. To date, our credit ratings have exceeded the minimum requirements. As of June 30, 2015 and 2014, and December 31, 2014, the collateral that wholesale services would have been required to post if our credit ratings had been downgraded to non-investment grade status would not have had a material impact to our consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial condition. If such collateral were not posted, wholesale services’ ability to continue transacting business with these counterparties would be negatively impacted.

Inventories

For our regulated utilities, except Nicor Gas, our natural gas inventories and the inventories we hold for Marketers in Georgia are carried at cost on a WACOG basis. In Georgia’s competitive environment, Marketers sell natural gas to firm end-use customers at market-based prices. Part of the unbundling process, which resulted from deregulation and provides this competitive environment, is the assignment to Marketers of certain pipeline services that Atlanta Gas Light has under contract. On a monthly basis, Atlanta Gas Light assigns the majority of the pipeline storage services that it has under contract to Marketers, along with a corresponding amount of inventory. Atlanta Gas Light also retains and manages a portion of its pipeline storage assets and related natural gas inventories for system balancing and to serve system demand. See Note 10 for information regarding an approved regulatory filing to resolve a natural gas inventory imbalance at Atlanta Gas Light.

Nicor Gas’ inventory is carried at cost on a LIFO basis. Inventory decrements occurring during the year that are expected to be restored prior to year-end are charged to cost of goods sold at the estimated annual replacement cost, and the difference between this cost and the actual liquidated LIFO layer cost is recorded as a temporary LIFO inventory liquidation. Any temporary LIFO liquidation is included as a current liability in our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Interim inventory decrements that are not expected to be restored prior to year-end are charged to cost of goods sold at the actual LIFO cost of the layers liquidated. The inventory decrement as of June 30, 2015 is expected to be restored prior to year-end and the inventory decrement as of June 30, 2014 was restored prior to December 31, 2014.

Our retail operations, wholesale services and midstream operations segments carry inventory at LOCOM, where cost is determined on a WACOG basis. For these segments, we evaluate the weighted average cost of their natural gas inventories against market prices to determine whether any declines in market prices below the WACOG are other than temporary. For any declines considered to be other than temporary, we record pre-tax adjustments to our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income to reduce the weighted average cost of the natural gas inventory to market value. For the periods presented, we recorded LOCOM adjustments to cost of goods sold in the following amounts to reduce the value of our inventories to market value.

   
Three months ended June 30,
   
Six months ended June 30,
 
In millions
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
LOCOM adjustments
  $ -     $ 4     $ 10     $ 6  

We have $12 million of inventory at wholesale services that is currently inaccessible due to operational issues at a third party storage facility. The owner of this storage facility is working to resolve these issues. While we expect this inventory to be accessible in the second half of 2015, and to be fully recovered, the timing of withdrawal of this gas may be impacted by operational issues.

Regulated Operations

We account for the financial effects of regulation in accordance with authoritative guidance related to regulated entities whose rates are designed to recover the costs of providing service. In accordance with this guidance, incurred costs that would otherwise be charged to expense in the current period are capitalized as regulatory assets when it is probable that such costs will be recovered in rates in the future. Similarly, we recognize regulatory liabilities when it is probable that regulators will require customer refunds through future rates or when revenue is collected from customers for estimated expenditures that have not yet been incurred. Generally, regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities are amortized into our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income over the period authorized by the regulatory commissions.

 
Goodwill

We perform an annual impairment test on our reporting units that contain goodwill during the fourth quarter of each year, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. There were no triggering events during the current period that would require us to perform an interim goodwill impairment test. The amounts of goodwill as of June 30, 2015 and 2014, and December 31, 2014 are provided below.

In millions
 
Distribution operations
   
Retail operations
   
Midstream operations
   
Consolidated
 
Goodwill
  $ 1,640     $ 173     $ 14     $ 1,827  

Earnings Per Common Share

We compute basic earnings per common share attributable to AGL Resources Inc. by dividing our net income attributable to the common shareholders of AGL Resources Inc. by the daily weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share attributable to AGL Resources Inc. reflect the potential reduction in earnings per common share attributable to AGL Resources Inc. that occurs when the exercise and/or conversion of all potentially dilutive common shares is added to the common shares outstanding.

We derive our potentially dilutive common shares by calculating the number of shares issuable under restricted stock, restricted stock units and stock options award programs. The vesting of certain shares of the restricted stock and restricted stock units depends on the satisfaction of defined performance and/or time-based criteria. The future issuance of shares underlying the outstanding stock options depends on whether the market price of the common shares underlying the options exceeds the respective exercise prices of the stock options. The following table shows the calculation of our diluted shares attributable to AGL Resources Inc. for the periods presented as if performance units currently earned under the plan ultimately vest and as if stock options currently exercisable at prices below the average market prices are exercised.

   
Three months ended June 30,
   
Six months ended June 30,
 
In millions (except per share amounts)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Income from continuing operations attributable to AGL Resources Inc.
  $ 42     $ 57     $ 235     $ 391  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
    -       1       -       (49 )
Net income attributable to AGL Resources Inc.
  $ 42     $ 58     $ 235     $ 342  
Denominator:
                               
Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding (1)
    119.5       118.8       119.4       118.7  
Effect of dilutive securities
    0.3       0.4       0.3       0.4  
Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding (2)
    119.8       119.2       119.7       119.1  
                                 
Basic earnings (loss) per share
                               
Continuing operations
  $ 0.35     $ 0.48     $ 1.97     $ 3.30  
Discontinued operations
    -       0.01       -       (0.42 )
Basic earnings per share attributable to AGL Resources Inc.
  $ 0.35     $ 0.49     $ 1.97     $ 2.88  
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
                               
Continuing operations
  $ 0.35     $ 0.48     $ 1.96     $ 3.29  
Discontinued operations
    -       0.01       -       (0.42 )
Diluted earnings per share attributable to AGL Resources Inc.
  $ 0.35     $ 0.49     $ 1.96     $ 2.87  
(1)
 Daily weighted average shares outstanding.
(2)
 All outstanding stock options whose effect would have been anti-dilutive were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per common share.

Fair Value Measurements

We have financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurement. The financial assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value include cash and cash equivalents, and derivative assets and liabilities. The carrying values of receivables, short- and long-term investments, accounts payable, short-term debt, other current assets and liabilities, and accrued interest approximate fair value. Our nonfinancial assets and liabilities include pension and other retirement benefits, which are presented in Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements and in related notes included in Item 8 of our 2014 Form 10-K.

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We utilize market data or assumptions that market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated or generally unobservable. We primarily apply the market approach for recurring fair value measurements to utilize the best available information. Accordingly, we use valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. We classify fair value balances based on the observance of those inputs in accordance with the fair value hierarchy.

 
 
Derivative Instruments

The fair values of the natural gas and certain weather derivative instruments that we use to manage exposures arising from changing natural gas prices and weather risk reflect the estimated amounts that we would receive or pay to terminate or close the contracts at the reporting date, taking into account the current unrealized gains or losses on open contracts. We also use forward-starting interest rate swaps and interest rate lock agreements to lock in fixed interest rates on our forecasted issuances of debt. The objective of these hedges is to offset the variability of future payments associated with the interest rate on debt instruments we expect to issue. The gain or loss on the interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges is generally deferred in accumulated OCI until settlement, at which time it is amortized to interest expense over the life of the related debt. We use external market quotes and indices to value substantially all of our derivative instruments. See Note 4 and Note 5 for additional derivative disclosures.

Subsequent Events

Except as disclosed in Note 3 related to the July 20, 2015 receipt of the second installment of the insurance settlement associated with environmental claims at certain MGP sites, in Note 10 concerning the Administrative Law Judge’s proposed order on the 2003 gas cost prudence review at Nicor Gas and below in Accounting Developments, no events occurred subsequent to the balance sheet date that would require recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

Accounting Developments

Accounting standards adopted in 2015

In April 2015, the FASB issued updated authoritative guidance related to debt issuance costs. The amendment modifies the presentation of unamortized debt issuance costs on our consolidated statements of financial position. Under the new guidance, we present such amounts as a direct deduction from the face amount of the debt, similar to unamortized debt discounts and premiums, rather than as an asset. Amortization of the debt issuance costs continues to be reported as interest expense. While the guidance would have been effective for us beginning January 1, 2016, we elected to adopt its provisions effective April 1, 2015, and have applied its provisions to each prior period presented for comparative purposes. This new guidance did not have a material impact on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. See Note 7 for additional information on the impact of adopting this accounting standard.

Other newly issued accounting standards

In May 2014, the FASB issued an update to authoritative guidance related to revenue from contracts with customers. The update replaces most of the existing guidance with a single set of principles for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. In July 2015, the FASB delayed the effective date by one year and the guidance will now be effective for us beginning January 1, 2018. The new guidance must be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or via a cumulative effect upon the date of initial application. We have not yet determined the impact of this new guidance, nor have we selected a transition method.

In February 2015, the FASB issued updated authoritative guidance related to the consolidation of other legal entities into our financial statements. The amendments modify aspects of the consolidation determination that could potentially impact us, including the analysis of limited partnerships and similar legal entities, fee arrangements, and related party relationships. The guidance is effective for us beginning January 1, 2016, and early adoption is permitted. We may elect to apply the new guidance either retrospectively to each prior period presented or via a cumulative effect adjustment upon the date of initial application. We have not yet determined the impact of this new guidance, nor have we selected a transition method.

In April 2015, the FASB issued authoritative guidance related to the accounting for fees paid in connection with arrangements with cloud-based software providers. Under the new guidance, unless a software arrangement includes specific elements enabling customers to possess and operate software on platforms other than that offered by the cloud-based provider, the cost of such arrangements is to be accounted for as an operating expense of the period incurred. The new guidance may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively, is effective for us beginning January 1, 2016, and early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating our software arrangements in light of the new guidance.

In May 2015, the FASB issued updated authoritative guidance to reduce the diversity in fair value measurements hierarchy disclosures. This amendment removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share. This guidance is effective for us beginning January 1, 2016, and early adoption is permitted. We have determined that this new guidance will not have a material impact on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued an update to authoritative guidance to simplify the measurement of certain inventories. Under the new guidance, inventories are required to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value, the latter representing the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, reduced by costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Under current guidance, inventories are required to be measured at the lower of cost or market, but depending upon specific circumstances, market could refer to replacement cost, net realizable value, or net realizable value reduced by a normal profit margin. The amendments do not apply to inventories carried on a LIFO basis, which for us, applies only to our Nicor Gas inventories. The guidance is to be applied prospectively, is effective for us beginning January 1, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of this new guidance.

 

Our regulatory assets and liabilities reflected within our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of the dates presented are summarized in the following table.

In millions
 
June 30, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
   
June 30, 2014
 
Regulatory assets
                 
Recoverable ERC
  $ 27     $ 49     $ 33  
Recoverable pension and retiree welfare benefit costs
    11       12       9  
Deferred natural gas costs
    -       3       79  
Other
    10       19       44  
Regulatory assets – current
    48       83       165  
Recoverable ERC
    350       329       458  
Recoverable pension and retiree welfare benefit costs
    105       110       94  
Recoverable regulatory infrastructure program costs
    77       69       65  
Long-term debt fair value adjustment
    70       74       78  
Other
    40       49       31  
Regulatory assets – long-term
    642       631       726  
Total regulatory assets
  $ 690     $ 714     $ 891  
Regulatory liabilities
                       
Accrued natural gas costs
  $ 67     $ 27     $ 41  
Bad debt over collection
    27       33       39  
Accumulated removal costs
    25       25       27  
Deferred seasonal rates
    8       -       8  
Other
    27       27       34  
Regulatory liabilities – current
    154       112       149  
Accumulated removal costs
    1,544       1,520       1,478  
Regulatory income tax liability
    27       34       27  
Unamortized investment tax credit
    21       22       24  
Bad debt over collection
    18       12       9  
Other
    12       13       27  
Regulatory liabilities – long-term
    1,622       1,601       1,565  
Total regulatory liabilities
  $ 1,776     $ 1,713     $ 1,714  

Base rates are designed to provide the opportunity to recover cost and earn a return on investment during the period rates are in effect. As such, all of our regulatory assets recoverable through base rates are subject to review by the respective state regulatory commission during future rate proceedings. We are not aware of evidence that these costs will not be recoverable through either rate riders or base rates, and we believe that we will be able to recover such costs consistent with our historical recoveries.

Unrecognized Ratemaking Amounts The following table illustrates our authorized ratemaking amounts that are not recognized in our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. These amounts are primarily composed of an allowed equity rate of return on assets associated with certain of our regulatory infrastructure programs. These amounts will be recognized as revenues in our financial statements in the periods they are billable to our customers.

In millions
 
Atlanta Gas Light
   
Virginia Natural Gas
   
Elizabethtown Gas
   
Nicor Gas
   
Total
 
June 30, 2015
  $ 126     $ 11     $ 3     $ 1     $ 141  
December 31, 2014
    113       12       2       -       127  
June 30, 2014
    96       12       1       -       109  

Natural Gas Costs We charge our utility customers for natural gas consumed using natural gas cost recovery mechanisms established by the state regulatory agencies. Under these mechanisms, all prudently incurred natural gas costs are passed through to customers without markup, subject to regulatory review. We defer or accrue the difference between the actual cost of natural gas and the amount of commodity revenue earned in a given period, such that no operating margin is recognized related to these costs. The deferred or accrued amount is either billed or refunded to our customers prospectively through adjustments to the commodity rate. Deferred natural gas costs are reflected as regulatory assets and accrued natural gas costs are reflected as regulatory liabilities.

Environmental Remediation Costs We are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations governing environmental quality and pollution control that require us to remove or remedy the effect on the environment of the disposal or release of specified substances at our current and former operating sites, substantially all of which is related to our former MGP sites. The ERC assets and liabilities are associated with our distribution operations segment and remediation costs are generally recoverable from customers through rate mechanisms approved by regulators. Accordingly, both costs incurred to remediate the former MGP sites, plus the future estimated cost recorded as liabilities, net of amounts previously collected, are recognized as a regulatory asset until recovered from customers.

 
Our accrued environmental remediation liabilities are estimates of future remediation costs for investigation and cleanup of our current and former operating sites that are contaminated. These estimates are determined using engineering-based estimates and probabilistic models of potential costs when such estimates cannot be made, on an undiscounted basis. These estimates contain various assumptions, which we refine and update on an ongoing basis. These liabilities do not include other potential expenses, such as unasserted property damage claims, personal injury or natural resource damage claims, legal expenses or other costs for which we may be held liable but for which we cannot reasonably estimate an amount.

Our accrued environmental remediation liabilities are not regulatory liabilities; however, the associated expenses are deferred as a corresponding regulatory asset until the costs are recovered from customers. We primarily recover these deferred costs through three rate riders that authorize dollar-for-dollar recovery. We expect to collect $27 million in revenues over the next 12 months, which is reflected as a current regulatory asset. The following table provides additional information on the estimated costs to remediate our current and former operating sites as of June 30, 2015.

In millions
 
# of sites
   
Probabilistic model
cost estimates
   
Engineering-based
 estimates
   
Amount
recorded
   
Expected costs over next 12 months
 
Cost recovery period
Illinois (1)
    26     $ 205 - $463     $ 37     $ 242     $ 37  
As incurred
New Jersey
    6       105 - 177       13       118       9  
7 years
Georgia and Florida
    13       34 - 58       25       59       29  
5 years
North Carolina (2)
    1       n/a       10       10       8  
No recovery
Total
    46     $ 344 - $698     $ 85     $ 429     $ 83    
(1)  
Nicor Gas is responsible in whole or in part for 26 MGP sites, two of which have been remediated and their use is no longer restricted by the environmental condition of the property. Nicor Gas and Commonwealth Edison Company are parties to an agreement to cooperate in cleaning up residue at 23 of the sites. Nicor Gas’ allocated share of cleanup costs for these sites is 52%.
(2)  
We have no regulatory recovery mechanism for the site in North Carolina and there is no amount included within our regulatory assets. Changes in estimated costs are recognized in income during the period of change.

In July 2014, we reached a settlement with an insurance company for environmental claims relating to potential contamination at several of our MGP sites in New Jersey and North Carolina. The terms of the settlement required the insurance company to pay us a total of $77 million in two installments. We received the $45 million installment in the third quarter of 2014 and this payment was primarily recorded as a reduction to our recoverable ERC regulatory asset. The remaining $32 million was paid to us in July 2015, and as of June 30, 2015, this amount was recorded as a receivable in our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. We will file for approval with the New Jersey BPU to utilize the insurance proceeds related to the New Jersey sites to reduce the ERC expenditures that otherwise would have been recovered from our customers in future periods. If approved, the settlement is expected to reduce our recoverable ERC regulatory asset and have a favorable impact on the rates for our Elizabethtown Gas customers.


The methods used to determine the fair values of our assets and liabilities are described within Note 2.

Derivative Instruments

The following table summarizes, by level within the fair value hierarchy, our derivative assets and liabilities that were carried at fair value, net of counterparty offset and collateral, on a recurring basis in our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of the dates presented. See Note 5 for additional information on our derivative instruments.

   
June 30, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
   
June 30, 2014
 
In millions
 
Assets (1)
   
Liabilities
   
Assets (1)
   
Liabilities
   
Assets (1)
   
Liabilities
 
Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)
  $ 3     $ (53 )   $ 58     $ (80 )   $ 8     $ (38 )
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
    128       (45 )     174       (94 )     57       (60 )
Netting of cash collateral
    64       53       52       81       46       36  
Total carrying value (2)
  $ 195     $ (45 )   $ 284     $ (93 )   $ 111     $ (62 )
(1)  
Balances of $2 million at June 30, 2015, $3 million at December 31, 2014 and $3 million at June 30, 2014, associated with certain weather derivatives have been excluded, as they are accounted for based on intrinsic value rather than fair value.
(2)  
There were no significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) or significant transfers between Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 for any of the dates presented.

Debt

Our long-term debt is recorded at amortized cost, with the exception of Nicor Gas’ first mortgage bonds, which were recorded at their acquisition-date fair value. We amortize the fair value adjustment of Nicor Gas’ first mortgage bonds over the lives of the bonds. The following table lists the carrying amount and fair value of our long-term debt as of the dates presented.

In millions
 
June 30, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
   
June 30, 2014
 
Long-term debt carrying amount
  $ 3,577     $ 3,781     $ 3,785  
Long-term debt fair value (1)
    3,857       4,231       4,191  
(1)  
Fair value determined using Level 2 inputs.


 

Our objectives and strategies for using derivative instruments, and the related accounting policies and methods used to determine their fair values are described in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Item 8 of our 2014 Form 10-K. See Note 4 for additional information on fair value and our derivative instruments.

Certain of our derivative instruments contain credit-risk-related or other contingent features that could require us to post collateral in the normal course of business when our financial instruments are in net liability positions. As of June 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014, for agreements with such features, derivative instruments with liability fair values totaled $45 million, $93 million and $62 million, respectively, for which we had posted no collateral to our counterparties. The maximum collateral that could be required with these features is $7 million. For more information, see “Energy Marketing Receivables and Payables” in Note 2, which also have credit-risk-related contingent features. Our derivative instrument activities are included within operating cash flows as an increase (decrease) to net income of $42 million and $(13) million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Quantitative Disclosures Related to Derivative Instruments

Our derivative instruments are comprised of both long and short natural gas positions. A long position is a contract to purchase natural gas, and a short position is a contract to sell natural gas. As of the dates presented, we had a net long natural gas contracts position outstanding in the following quantities:

In Bcf (1)
 
June 30, 2015 (2)
   
December 31, 2014
   
June 30, 2014
 
Cash flow hedges
    6       9       6  
Not designated as hedges
    24       75       140  
Total volumes
    30       84       146  
Short position – cash flow hedges
    (8 )     (7 )     (4 )
Short position – not designated as hedges
    (2,930 )     (2,825 )     (2,524 )
Long position – cash flow hedges
    14       16       10  
Long position – not designated as hedges
    2,954       2,900       2,664  
Net long position
    30       84       146  
(1)
 Volumes related to Nicor Gas exclude variable-priced contracts, which are carried at fair value, but whose fair values are not directly impacted by changes in commodity prices.
(2)
 Approximately 96% of these contracts have durations of two years or less and the remaining 4% expire between two and five years.

Derivative Instruments in our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

In accordance with regulatory requirements, gains and losses on derivative instruments used to hedge natural gas purchases for customer use at distribution operations are reflected in accrued natural gas costs within our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position until billed to customers. The following amounts deferred as a regulatory asset or liability in our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position represent the net realized gains (losses) related to these natural gas cost hedges as of the periods presented.

   
Three months ended June 30,
   
Six months ended June 30,
 
In millions
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Nicor Gas
  $ (18 )   $ 10     $ (21 )   $ 12  
Elizabethtown Gas
    (4 )     2       (8 )     5  

The following table presents the fair values and unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position classifications of our derivative instruments as of the dates presented.

     
June 30, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
   
June 30, 2014
 
In millions
Classification
 
Assets
   
Liabilities
   
Assets
   
Liabilities
   
Assets
   
Liabilities
 
Designated as cash flow or fair value hedges
                                   
Natural gas contracts
Current
  $ -     $ (4 )   $ 6     $ (11 )   $ 2     $ (1 )
Natural gas contracts
Long-term
    -       (1 )     -       (1 )     -       -  
Interest rate swap agreements
Current
    24       -       -       -       -       -  
Interest rate swap agreements
Long-term
    23       -       -       -       -       -  
Total designated as cash flow or fair value hedges
  $ 47     $ (5 )   $ 6     $ (12 )   $ 2     $ (1 )
Not designated as hedges
                                               
Natural gas contracts
Current
  $ 473     $ (481 )   $ 1,061     $ (1,020 )   $ 702     $ (721 )
Natural gas contracts
Long-term
    92       (91 )     145       (119 )     77       (89 )
Total not designated as hedges
  $ 565     $ (572 )   $ 1,206     $ (1,139 )   $ 779     $ (810 )
Gross amounts of recognized assets and liabilities (1) (2)
    612       (577 )     1,212       (1,151 )     781       (811 )
Gross amounts offset in our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (2)
    (415 )     532       (925 )     1,058       (667 )     749  
Net amounts of assets and liabilities presented in our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (3)
  $ 197     $ (45 )   $ 287     $ (93 )   $ 114     $ (62 )
(1)  
The gross amounts of recognized assets and liabilities are netted within our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position to the extent that we have netting arrangements with the counterparties.
(2)  
As required by the authoritative guidance related to derivatives and hedging, the gross amounts of recognized assets and liabilities do not include cash collateral held on deposit in broker margin accounts of $117 million as of June 30, 2015, $133 million as of December 31, 2014, and $82 million as of June 30, 2014. Cash collateral is included in the “Gross amounts offset in our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position” line of this table.
(3)  
As of June 30, 2015, December 31, 2014, and June 30, 2014, we held letters of credit from counterparties that under master netting arrangements would offset an insignificant portion of these assets.

 
Derivative Instruments in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

The following table presents the impacts of our derivative instruments on our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the periods presented.

   
Three months ended June 30,
   
Six months ended June 30,
 
In millions
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Designated as cash flow or fair value hedges
                       
Natural gas contracts - net gain (loss) reclassified from OCI into cost of goods sold
  $ (3 )   $ 2     $ (4 )   $ 5  
Natural gas contracts - net gain (loss) reclassified from OCI into operation and maintenance expense
    (1 )     -       (1 )     1  
Interest rate swaps - net loss reclassified from OCI into interest expense
    -       -       1       -  
Income tax benefit
    -       (1 )     -       (1 )
Total designated as cash flow or fair value hedges, net of tax
    (4 )     1       (4 )     5  
                                 
Not designated as hedges (1)
                               
Natural gas contracts - net gain (loss) recorded in operating revenues
    3       30       (21 )     -  
Natural gas contracts - net gain (loss) recorded in cost of goods sold (2)
    1       (1 )     (1 )     1  
Income tax benefit
    (1 )     (11 )     9       -  
Total not designated as hedges, net of tax
    3       18       (13 )     1  
Total gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net of tax
  $ (1 )   $ 19     $ (17 )   $ 6  
(1)  
Associated with the fair value of derivative instruments held at June 30, 2015 and 2014.
(2)  
Excludes (gains) losses recorded in cost of goods sold associated with weather derivatives of $(1) million and $1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and $1 million and $6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014.

Any amounts recognized in operating income related to ineffectiveness or due to a forecasted transaction that is no longer expected to occur were immaterial for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014. Our expected gains to be reclassified from OCI into cost of goods sold, operation and maintenance expense, interest expense and operating revenues and recognized in our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income over the next 12 months are $4 million. These deferred gains are related to natural gas derivative contracts associated with retail operations’ and Nicor Gas’ system use. The expected gains are based upon the fair values of these financial instruments at June 30, 2015. The effective portions of gains and losses on derivative instruments qualifying as cash flow hedges that were recognized in OCI during the periods are presented in our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 8 for these amounts.

There have been no other significant changes to our derivative instruments, as described in Note 2, Note 4 and Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Item 8 of our 2014 Form 10-K.


Pension Benefits

We sponsor the AGL Resources Inc. Retirement Plan, a tax-qualified defined benefit retirement plan for our eligible employees, which is described in Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Item 8 of our 2014 Form 10-K. Following are the components of our pension costs for the periods indicated.

   
Three months ended June 30,
   
Six months ended June 30,
 
In millions
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Service cost
  $ 7     $ 6     $ 14     $ 12  
Interest cost
    12       11       23       23  
Expected return on plan assets
    (17 )     (16 )     (33 )     (32 )
Net amortization of prior service cost (credit)
    -       (1 )     (1 )     (1 )
Recognized actuarial loss
    7       6       15       11  
Net periodic pension benefit cost
  $ 9     $ 6     $ 18     $ 13  

Welfare Benefits

The benefits of our Health and Welfare Plan for Retirees and Inactive Employees of AGL Resources Inc. are described in Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Item 8 of our 2014 Form 10-K. Following are the components of our welfare costs for the periods indicated.
 

   
Three months ended June 30,
   
Six months ended June 30,
 
In millions
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Service cost
  $ -     $ -     $ 1     $ 1  
Interest cost
    3       3       6       7  
Expected return on plan assets
    (2 )     (1 )     (4 )     (3 )
Net amortization of prior service (credit) cost
    (1 )     -       (1 )     (1 )
Recognized actuarial loss
    2       2       3       3  
Net periodic welfare benefit cost
  $ 2     $ 4     $ 5     $ 7  


Effective April 1, 2015, we adopted new authoritative guidance related to debt issuance costs, which resulted in an adjustment to the presentation of debt issuance costs primarily from other long-term assets to offset the related debt balances in long-term debt totaling $19 million, $21 million and $22 million as of June 30, 2015, December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014, respectively. See “Accounting Developments” in Note 2 for additional information.

The following table provides maturity dates, year-to-date weighted average interest rates and amounts outstanding for our various debt securities and facilities for the periods presented. We fully and unconditionally guarantee all debt issued by AGL Capital. For additional information on our debt, see Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements and related notes in Item 8 of our 2014 Form 10-K.

       
June 30, 2015
         
June 30, 2014
 
Dollars in millions
 
Year(s) due
 
Weighted average interest rate (1)
   
Outstanding
   
December 31, 2014
   
Weighted average interest rate (1)
   
Outstanding
 
Short-term debt
                                 
Commercial paper - AGL Capital (2)
 
2015
    0.5 %   $ 269     $ 590       0.3 %   $ 236  
Commercial paper - Nicor Gas (2)
 
2015
    0.4       190       585       0.2       212  
Total short-term debt
        0.4 %   $ 459     $ 1,175       0.3 %   $ 448  
Current portion of long-term debt
 
2016
    4.6 %   $ 125     $ 200       5.0 %   $ 200  
Long-term debt - excluding current portion
                                       
Senior notes
  2016-2043     5.0 %   $ 2,625     $ 2,625       5.0 %   $ 2,625  
First mortgage bonds
  2019-2038     5.9       375       500       5.6       500  
Gas facility revenue bonds
  2022-2033     0.9       200       200       0.9       200  
Medium-term notes
  2017-2027     7.8       181       181       7.8       181  
Total principal long-term debt
          4.9       3,381       3,506       4.9       3,506  
Unamortized fair value adjustment of long-term debt (3)
  n/a     n/a       74       80       n/a       85  
Unamortized debt premium and issuance costs, net
  n/a     n/a       (3 )     (5 )     n/a       (6 )
Total non-principal long-term debt
          n/a       71       75       n/a       79  
Total long-term debt - excluding current portion
                $ 3,452     $ 3,581             $ 3,585  
Total debt
                $ 4,036     $ 4,956             $ 4,233  
(1)
 Interest rates are calculated based on the daily weighted average balance outstanding for the six months ended June 30.
(2)
 As of June 30, 2015, the effective interest rates on our commercial paper borrowings were 0.5% for AGL Capital and 0.4% for Nicor Gas.
(3)
 See Note 4 for additional information on our fair value measurements.

Commercial Paper Programs

We maintain commercial paper programs at AGL Capital and at Nicor Gas that consist of short-term, unsecured promissory notes used in conjunction with cash from operations to fund our seasonal working capital requirements. Working capital needs fluctuate during the year and are generally highest during the injection period in advance of the Heating Season. Nicor Gas’ commercial paper program supports working capital needs at Nicor Gas, while all of our other subsidiaries and SouthStar participate in AGL Capital’s commercial paper program. During the first six months of 2015, our commercial paper maturities ranged from 1 to 58 days, and at June 30, 2015, remaining terms to maturity ranged from 1 to 21 days. During the first six months of 2015, we had no commercial paper issuances with original maturities over three months. Total borrowings and repayments during the first six months of 2015 netted to a payment of $716 million.

Senior Notes

On January 15, 2015, $200 million of senior notes matured and were repaid using the proceeds from commercial paper borrowings.

Interest Rate Swaps

On January 23, 2015, we executed $800 million in notional value of 10 year and 30 year fixed-rate, forward-starting interest rate swaps to hedge potential interest rate volatility prior to anticipated issuances of senior notes during the second half of 2015 and in 2016. These debt issuances will be used to reduce our commercial paper for the amount that was borrowed to repay our senior notes that matured in January 2015 and to fund upcoming debt maturities as well as increased capital expenditures associated with utility investments, including infrastructure programs, and construction of our new pipeline projects. We have designated the forward-starting interest rate swaps, which will be settled on the debt issuance dates, as cash flow hedges. We performed a qualitative assessment of effectiveness as of June 30, 2015 and concluded that the hedges remain highly effective.

 
Financial and Non-Financial Covenants

The AGL Credit Facility and the Nicor Gas Credit Facility each include a financial covenant that requires us to maintain a ratio of total debt to total capitalization of no more than 70% at the end of any month; however, our goal is to maintain these ratios at levels between 50% and 60%, except for temporary increases related to the timing of acquisition and financing activities. The following table contains our debt-to-capitalization ratios for the dates presented, which are below the maximum allowed.

   
AGL Resources
   
Nicor Gas
 
   
June 30,
   
Dec. 31,
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
   
Dec. 31,
   
June 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
   
2014
 
Debt covenants (1)
    49 %     55 %     51 %     49 %     62 %     52 %
(1)  
As defined in our credit facilities, includes standby letters of credit and performance/surety bonds and excludes accumulated OCI items related to non-cash pension adjustments, welfare benefits liability adjustments and accounting for cash flow hedges.

The credit facilities contain certain non-financial covenants that, among other things, restrict liens and encumbrances, loans and investments, acquisitions, dividends and other restricted payments, asset dispositions, mergers and consolidations and other matters customarily restricted in such agreements.

Default Provisions

Our credit facilities and other financial obligations include provisions that, if not complied with, could require early payment or similar actions. The most important default events include the following:

·
 a maximum leverage ratio
·
 insolvency events and/or nonpayment of scheduled principal or interest payments
·
 acceleration of other financial obligations
·
 change of control provisions

We have no triggering events in our debt instruments that are tied to changes in our specified credit ratings or our stock price and have not entered into any transaction that requires us to issue equity based on credit ratings or other triggering events. We were in compliance with all existing debt provisions and covenants, both financial and non-financial, for all periods presented.


Our OCI (loss) amounts are aggregated within our accumulated other comprehensive loss on our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The following table provides changes in the components of our accumulated other comprehensive loss balances, net of the related income tax effects.

   
2015
   
2014
 
In millions (1)
 
Cash flow hedges
   
Retirement benefit plans
   
Total
   
Cash flow hedges
   
Retirement benefit plans
   
Total
 
For the three months ended June 30
                                   
As of beginning of period
  $ (4 )   $ (197 )   $ (201 )   $ 1     $ (136 )   $ (135 )
OCI, before reclassifications
    25       -       25       -       -       -  
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI
    3       4       7       (1 )     3       2  
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)
    28       4       32       (1 )     3       2  
As of end of period
  $ 24     $ (193 )   $ (169 )   $ -     $ (133 )   $ (133 )
                                                 
For the six months ended June 30
                                               
As of beginning of period
  $ (6 )   $ (200 )   $ (206 )   $ 1     $ (137 )   $ (136 )
OCI, before reclassifications
    27       -       27       4       -       4  
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI
    3       7       10       (5 )     4       (1 )
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)
    30       7       37       (1 )     4       3  
As of end of period
  $ 24     $ (193 )   $ (169 )   $ -     $ (133 )   $ (133 )
(1)  
All amounts are net of income taxes and noncontrolling interest. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to accumulated other comprehensive loss.


 
The following table provides details of the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss and the ultimate favorable (unfavorable) impact on net income for the periods presented.

   
Three months ended June 30,
   
Six months ended June 30,
 
In millions (1)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Cash flow hedges
                       
Cost of goods sold (natural gas contracts)
  $ (3 )   $ 2     $ (4 )   $ 5  
Operation and maintenance expense (natural gas contracts)
    (1 )     -       (1 )     1  
Interest expense (interest rate contracts)
    -       -       1       -  
Total before income tax
    (4 )     2       (4 )     6  
Income tax benefit
    -       (1 )     -       (1 )
Cash flow hedges, net of income tax
    (4 )     1       (4 )     5  
Less noncontrolling Interest
    (1 )     -       (1 )     -  
Total cash flow hedges, net of income tax
    (3 )     1       (3 )     5  
Retirement benefit plans
                               
Operation and maintenance expense (actuarial losses) (2)
    (6 )     (6 )     (11 )     (8 )
Operation and maintenance expense (prior service credits) (2)
    -       1       -       1  
Total before income tax
    (6 )     (5 )     (11 )     (7 )
Income tax benefit
    2       2       4       3  
Total retirement benefit plans
    (4 )     (3 )     (7 )     (4 )
Total reclassification for the period
  $ (7 )   $ (2 )   $ (10 )   $ 1  
(1) 
Amounts in parentheses indicate debits, or reductions, to our net income and credits to accumulated other comprehensive loss. Except for retirement benefit plan amounts, the net income impacts are immediate.
(2) 
Amortization of these accumulated other comprehensive loss components is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 6 for additional details about net periodic benefit cost.


SouthStar, a joint venture owned by us and Piedmont, is our only VIE for which we are the primary beneficiary. For additional information on SouthStar, see Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Item 8 of our 2014 Form 10-K. Earnings from SouthStar in 2015 and 2014 were allocated entirely in accordance with the ownership interests.

Cash flows used in our investing activities include capital expenditures for SouthStar of $2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, and $4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Cash flows used in our financing activities include SouthStar’s distribution to Piedmont for its portion of SouthStar’s annual earnings from the previous year, which generally occurs in the first quarter of each fiscal year. For the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, SouthStar distributed $18 million and $17 million, respectively, to Piedmont. SouthStar’s counterparties have no recourse to our general credit beyond our corporate guarantees that we have provided to SouthStar’s counterparties and natural gas suppliers. The following table provides additional information on SouthStar’s assets and liabilities as of the dates presented.

   
June 30, 2015
     December 31, 2014    
June 30, 2014
 
In millions
 
Consolidated
   
SouthStar (1)
   
%
   
Consolidated
   
SouthStar (1)
   
%
   
Consolidated
   
SouthStar (1)
   
%
 
Current assets
  $ 1,572     $ 192      12 %   $ 2,886     $ 236       8 %   $ 2,380     $ 195       8 %
Goodwill and other intangible assets
    1,939       117       6       1,952       125       6       1,962       129       7  
Long-term assets and other deferred debits
    10,324       17       -       10,050       17       -       9,817       17       -  
Total assets
  $ 13,835     $ 326       2 %   $ 14,888     $ 378       3 %   $ 14,159     $ 341       2 %
Current liabilities
  $ 2,047     $ 40       2 %   $ 3,219     $ 71       2 %   $ 2,595     $ 55       2 %
Long-term liabilities and other deferred credits
    7,799       1       -       7,841       -       -       7,704       -       -  
Total Liabilities
    9,846       41       -       11,060       71       1       10,299       55       1  
Equity
    3,989       285       7       3,828       307       8       3,860       286       7  
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 13,835     $ 326       2 %   $ 14,888     $ 378       3 %   $ 14,159     $ 341       2 %
(1) 
 These amounts reflect information for SouthStar and exclude intercompany eliminations and the balances of our wholly owned subsidiary with an 85% ownership interest in SouthStar.


 
The following table provides information on SouthStar’s operating revenues and operating expenses for the periods presented, which are consolidated within our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
 
   
Three months ended June 30,
   
Six months ended June 30,
 
In millions
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Operating revenues
  $ 122     $ 145     $ 433     $ 519  
Operating expenses
                               
Cost of goods sold
    89       111       292       381  
Operation and maintenance
    18       20       41       43  
Depreciation and amortization
    3       2       5       5  
Taxes other than income taxes
    -       1       1       1  
Total operating expenses
    110       134       339       430  
Operating income
  $ 12     $ 11     $ 94     $ 89  

Equity Method Investments

For more information about our equity method investments, see Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements and related notes in Item 8 of our 2014 Form 10-K. The carrying amounts within our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position of our investments that are accounted for under the equity method were as follows:

   
June 30,
   
December 31,
   
June 30,
 
In millions
 
2015
   
2014
   
2014
 
Triton
  $ 53     $ 62     $ 65  
Horizon Pipeline
    14       14       15  
Other (1)
    8       4       1  
Total
  $ 75     $ 80     $ 81  
(1)  
Primarily includes our current investments of $3 million in PennEast Pipeline and $4 million in Atlantic Coast Pipeline as of June 30, 2015 and $1 million and $2 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2014.

Income from our equity method investments is classified as other income in our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The following table provides the income from our equity method investments for the periods presented.

   
Three months ended June 30,
   
Six months ended June 30,
 
In millions
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Triton
  $ 1     $ 1     $ 1     $ 3  
Horizon Pipeline
    -       -