NiSource Reports 2012 Earnings

MERRILLVILLE, Ind., Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI) today announced net operating earnings (non-GAAP) of $427.2 million, or $1.46 per share, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, compared to net operating earnings of $368.8 million, or $1.32 per share for 2011. NiSource's consolidated operating earnings (non-GAAP) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, were $1,071.4 million compared to $946.3 million in 2011.

On a GAAP basis, NiSource reported income from continuing operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, of $410.6 million, or $1.41 per share, compared with $294.8 million, or $1.05 per share in 2011. Operating income was $1,042.7 million for 2012 versus $890.1 million in the year-ago period. Schedules 1 and 2 of this news release contain a reconciliation of net operating earnings and operating earnings to GAAP.

For the three months ended December 31, 2012, net operating earnings (non-GAAP) were $136.0 million, or $0.44 per share, compared with $89.2 million, or $0.32 per share, for the same period in 2011. On a GAAP basis, income from continuing operations for the three months ended December 31, 2012, was $132.0 million, or $0.42 per share, compared with $15.6 million, or $0.05 per share for the fourth quarter of 2011.

"For NiSource, 2012 was a year of continued disciplined execution across all facets of our established infrastructure-investment-driven business strategy," NiSource President and Chief Executive Officer Robert C. Skaggs, Jr. said. "That strategy generated earnings growth in line with our guidance, and produced total shareholder returns that outperformed utility indices for the fourth consecutive year."

"Consistent with the plans we shared at NiSource's Investor Day in September, we are pursuing an even more expansive collection of value-adding investment opportunities in 2013, as reflected by our record $1.8 billion capital program. We expect our enhanced infrastructure investment strategy to drive long-term net operating earnings growth (non-GAAP) of approximately 5 to 7 percent per year."

Solid progress in 2012 sets stage for continued earnings growth

Skaggs highlighted key 2012 business accomplishments and ongoing initiatives to drive continued earnings growth for the company in 2013 and beyond, including:

• Leveraging the company's strategic position in the evolving shale gas production areas to develop and execute on a number of growth investments.
• Achieving a landmark agreement with customers to modernize the Columbia Gas Transmission (Columbia) pipeline network.
• Generating value for customers and other key stakeholders by executing on a robust series of utility modernization and environmental investments, and continuing to develop a variety of new customer programs.
• Outlining a long-term inventory of more than $25 billion in growth and infrastructure modernization investment opportunities across NiSource's three business units. These opportunities are expected to result in annual capital investments totaling $1.5 billion to $1.8 billion, generating earnings growth of approximately 5 to 7 percent per year, and annual common stock dividend growth of 3 to 5 percent.
• Demonstrating ongoing financial and operational discipline, with key projects delivered on time and on budget. During the year, NiSource also executed on its approximately $340 million forward sale equity issuance and issued $750 million in debt at historically attractive rates. NiSource closed the year with about $974 million in net available liquidity.
• Delivering total shareholder returns of 8.5 percent during 2012 – including a dividend increase of more than 4 percent.
• Continuing to strengthen its senior management team, with the addition of veteran energy industry executives to lead NiSource's Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) and NiSource Gas Distribution (NGD) business units.

In addition, Skaggs noted that in early 2013, NiSource completed the sale of its non-core retail services business to AGL Resources. The proceeds of the transaction will be used to support the company's infrastructure investment plans.

"At the foundation of these accomplishments are our core financial commitments - stable investment-grade credit ratings, a secure and growing dividend, and long-term, sustainable earnings growth," said Skaggs. "These commitments remain unwavering as we execute on our long-term infrastructure investment growth strategy, delivering value to our customers, shareholders and other key stakeholders."

Positive earnings trajectory continues with 2013 guidance of $1.50 to $1.60 per share (non-GAAP)

Based on the continued success of NiSource's balanced business strategy, together with a deep inventory of investment opportunities across each of its business units, NiSource expects to deliver 2013 net operating earnings (non-GAAP) within a range of $1.50 to $1.60 per share.

"With this deep inventory of identified infrastructure investment opportunities and a mature capital investment discipline, NiSource is on a solid trajectory to grow earnings and increase shareholder value for the foreseeable future," Skaggs concluded. "As our established track record of performance shows, our teams have demonstrated the ability to execute our enhanced $1.8 billion capital investment program and deliver on our commitments."

There will likely be differences between net operating earnings and GAAP earnings, but due to the unpredictability of weather and other factors, NiSource is continuing its practice of not providing GAAP earnings guidance.

Solid progress across NiSource's pipeline businesses – growth, modernization, midstream and minerals initiatives

NiSource Gas Transmission & Storage (NGT&S) made significant progress during 2012 on its strategies to modernize its core interstate natural gas pipeline system, execute on market- and supply-driven growth projects, and pursue midstream infrastructure and minerals leasing opportunities linked to its strong asset position in the Utica and Marcellus Shale production regions.

• On January 24, 2013, Columbia received approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) of a customer settlement that facilitates a comprehensive, balanced and transparent pipeline infrastructure modernization plan. Widely supported by Columbia's customers, the settlement covers the initial five years of the company's investment plan and contains provisions for potential extension thereafter. Among other components, the settlement identifies individual infrastructure projects and establishes a timely recovery mechanism for the costs associated with the projects. Under the settlement, Columbia will invest approximately $1.5 billion through 2017 on system modernization, in addition to approximately $100 million in annual ongoing maintenance investment.
• During 2012, NGT&S placed a number of strategic growth projects into service. These and other projects helped contribute more than $20 million in additional demand revenues in 2012. On the midstream and minerals front, NGT&S expects to place its Big Pine Gathering System into service by April 2013. Involving an investment of approximately $160 million and anchored by a long-term gathering agreement with XTO Energy Inc., the project will transport up to 425 million cubic feet per day of Marcellus Shale production. In addition, Pennant Midstream LLC, a joint venture with Hilcorp, continues to make progress with its pipeline and processing facilities and remains on schedule for completion of the project by the end of 2013. It is anticipated that NiSource's share will be approximately $150 million of the total investment in the project's first phase.
• In a separate agreement with Hilcorp, test wells were drilled in 2012 to support the development of the hydrocarbon potential on more than 100,000 combined acres in the Utica/Point Pleasant Shale formation. Delineation and test wells will continue in 2013, with a full development program to be developed over the course of the year.  NiSource will invest alongside Hilcorp in the development of the acreage, owning both a working and overriding royalty interest.  All of the Hillcorp/NiSource acreage is dedicated to the Pennant Midstream project.
• In late December 2012, Columbia Gulf Transmission (Columbia Gulf) initiated a non-binding open season for its proposed Cameron Access Project in south Louisiana. With access to various supply basins, the project would improve reliability for shippers by transporting natural gas supplies directly into the Cameron Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Terminal. With a projected in-service date of mid-2017, initial capacity and investment will be determined based on the results of the open season.
• Columbia and Columbia Gulf are moving forward with plans to upgrade and modify facilities to support the West Side Expansion project. This approximately $200 million project will reverse the flow of gas on part of the system to transport approximately 500,000 dekatherms per day of Marcellus production to Gulf Coast markets. Service is scheduled to begin in late 2014. Columbia also is moving ahead with the East Side Expansion project, an approximately $210 million project providing 300,000 dekatherms per day of transportation capacity for Marcellus supplies to northeastern and Mid-Atlantic markets. This project is expected to be placed in service during the third quarter of 2015.
• NGT&S' capital investment program reached approximately $480 million in 2012. For 2013, its investment level is expected to approach $700 million.

"In 2012, the NGT&S team maintained a sharp focus on core growth and modernization projects," Skaggs said. "The team also continued to pursue a number of complementary minerals arrangements and accretive midstream projects. This measured approach is designed to meet the evolving needs of the marketplace, while actively investing in the reliability, integrity and modernization of our infrastructure."

NIPSCO progress supports continued long-term investment and growth

NIPSCO celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2012 by delivering strong operational and financial performance and by outlining several near- and long-term growth and modernization investments.

• The company's electric margins for the year remained strong following implementation of a number of regulatory initiatives. NIPSCO also introduced a variety of new customer programs, including an air-conditioning cycling program, a proposed green power rate program, and a program offering customer incentives for those who drive electric vehicles.
• NIPSCO remains on track with significant environmental investments at its electric generation facilities. The company's more than $500 million flue gas desulfurization (FGD) project at its Schahfer generating station remains on schedule and on budget. The Schahfer FGD units will be placed into service in the fourth quarter of this year and in 2014. At the company's Michigan City generating station, pre-construction engineering and design work has begun for the approximately $250 million investment in FGD equipment. Construction is anticipated to begin during the first quarter of 2013.
• Over the next decade, NIPSCO expects to invest up to $500 million on two approved electric transmission projects in northern Indiana. Supporting economic development, new jobs and strengthening of the Midwest's electrical infrastructure, the projects are in process and will see additional planning and outreach activities in 2013.
• NIPSCO's capital investment program in 2013 is expected to reach more than $430 million, primarily focused on environmental investments at its generating stations and maintenance of its existing electric infrastructure.

"While we continue to deliver on our core customer, reliability and environmental initiatives in 2013, the NIPSCO team also will continue the development of a long-term modernization program for its electric transmission and distribution infrastructure" said Skaggs.

Modernization investments, synced with regulatory and customer initiatives, drive continued growth at NiSource Gas Distribution

Combining long-term infrastructure modernization programs with complementary customer programs and regulatory initiatives continues to be the strength and focus at NGD.

• On February 8, 2013, Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania reached a unanimous settlement in principle with the parties in its base rate case, which resolves all issues in the case. The parties will submit a joint petition for approval to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on or before March 18, 2013. Originally filed on September 28, 2012, the case is tailored after Pennsylvania's recently enacted Act 11, which reflects a fully projected future test year under which the company proposes to recover its infrastructure investments through June 2014. Rates are anticipated to be placed into service in July of this year.
• Infrastructure modernization projects across much of the NGD territory, coupled with customer programs and regulatory activity, continue to generate value for stakeholders and sustainable earnings growth. NiSource invested nearly $400 million in these infrastructure programs in 2012, part of a more than $10 billion long-term modernization program.
• Total capital investment at NGD reached nearly $650 million in 2012. A similar level of investment is targeted for 2013, primarily focused on modernization and growth initiatives.

"In 2013 NGD's formula will remain the same – sustained earnings growth through long-term investments in infrastructure modernization supported by regulatory initiatives integrated with customer programs designed to reduce energy consumption and lower overall bills," Skaggs said.

Full-Year 2012 Operating Earnings — Segment Results (non-GAAP)

NiSource's consolidated operating earnings (non-GAAP) for the year ended December 31, 2012, were $1,071.4 million, compared to $946.3 million for the same period in 2011. Refer to Schedule 2 for the items included in 2012 and 2011 GAAP operating income but excluded from operating earnings.

Operating earnings for NiSource's business segments for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, are discussed below.

Gas Transmission and Storage Operations reported operating earnings of $397.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, compared with operating earnings of $360.1 million for the prior year period. Net revenues, excluding the impact of trackers, decreased $53.8 million primarily as a result of the customer settlement at Columbia. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in demand margin revenue as a result of growth projects and the impact of new Columbia Gulf rates.

Operating expenses, excluding the impact of trackers, decreased $73.9 million primarily due a decrease in employee and administration costs, primarily pension, lower depreciation and amortization as a result of the Columbia customer settlement, and decreased environmental costs. These decreases were partially offset by increased outside service costs.

Equity earnings increased by $17.6 million primarily from increased earnings at Millennium Pipeline driven by increased demand and commodity revenues.

Electric Operations reported operating earnings of $237.6 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, compared with operating earnings of $201.9 million for the prior year period. Net revenues, excluding the impact of trackers, increased by $125.1 million primarily due to increased industrial, commercial and residential margins mainly as a result of the implementation of the electric rate case. Additionally, there were lower revenue credits in the current period as the implementation of the electric rate case discontinued these credits. Net revenues also increased as a result of the implementation of a Regional Transmission Organization recovery mechanism, the recognition of emission allowances that were deferred in previous periods, and recovered margins related to lost consumption due to NIPSCO's participation in energy savings programs. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in environmental cost recovery due to the plant investment eligible for recovery being reset to zero as a result of the electric rate case.

Operating expenses, excluding the impact of trackers, increased by $89.4 million due primarily to increased depreciation costs primarily due to previously deferred depreciation associated with the Sugar Creek facility being recognized as a result of the electric rate case. Additionally, there was an increase in employee and administration costs, primarily due to increased pension costs and increased employee headcount, and higher Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator (MISO) fees as these costs were previously deferred and the electric rate case resulted in the expiration of those deferrals. Operating expenses also increased due to increased electric generation costs and higher property taxes. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in rate case filing expenses related to the electric rate case.

Gas Distribution Operations reported operating earnings of $441.2 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, compared with operating earnings of $424.9 million for the prior year period. Net revenues, excluding the impact of trackers, increased by $36.9 million primarily attributable to increases in regulatory and service programs, including the impact of the implementation of new rates under Columbia Gas of Ohio's approved infrastructure replacement program and the impact of the 2011 rate case at Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania.

Operating expenses, excluding the impact of trackers, were $20.6 million higher than the comparable period in the prior year primarily due to an increase in depreciation costs as a result of higher capital expenditures, increased outside service costs, and increased materials and supplies costs partially offset by decreased employee and administration costs, primarily pension, and a decrease in uncollectibles.

Corporate and Other Operations reported an operating earnings loss of $5.2 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, compared to an operating earnings loss of $40.6 million for the comparable prior period. The reduced loss is primarily attributable to a 2011 reserve on certain assets related to the wind down of the unregulated natural gas marketing business and unrealized gains on increases in cash surrender value of corporate owned life insurance investments.

Other Items

Interest expense increased by $41.5 million due to the issuance of long-term debt in June 2011, April 2012 and June 2012, and the expiration of deferred interest costs related to Sugar Creek as a result of the electric rate case. These increases were partially offset by the repurchase of long-term debt in December 2011, lower short-term borrowings and rates and increased allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) balances.

Other-net income of $2.4 million was recorded in 2012 compared to a loss of $7.4 million in 2011. The increase in other-net income is primarily attributable to AFUDC earnings at NIPSCO.

The effective tax rate of net operating earnings was 34.8 percent compared to 34.4 percent for the same period last year.

Fourth Quarter 2012 Operating Earnings – Segment Results (non-GAAP)

NiSource's consolidated operating earnings (non-GAAP) for the quarter ended December 31, 2012, were $312.9 million, compared to $249.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2011. Refer to Schedule 2 for the items included in 2012 and 2011 GAAP operating income but excluded from operating earnings.

Operating earnings for NiSource's business segments for the quarter ended December 31, 2012, are discussed below.

Gas Transmission and Storage Operations reported operating earnings for the current quarter of $128.8 million compared to $89.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2011. Net revenues, excluding the impact of trackers, decreased by $6.0 million, primarily attributable to the Columbia customer settlement and decreased Midstream revenues. These decreases were partially offset by higher mineral rights royalty revenue, increased demand margin revenue as a result of growth projects and higher revenues from shorter term transportation services.

Operating expenses, excluding the impact of trackers, decreased $43.6 million primarily due to a decrease in employee and administration costs, primarily pension, and lower depreciation and amortization as a result of the Columbia customer settlement.

Equity earnings increased $2.2 million primarily from increased earnings at Millennium Pipeline due to increased demand and commodity revenues.

Electric Operations reported operating earnings for the current quarter of $51.6 million compared to $42.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2011. Net revenues, excluding the impact of trackers, increased by $38.8 million primarily due to increased industrial and commercial margins mainly as a result of the implementation of the electric rate case. Net revenues also increased due to lower revenue credits in the current period as the electric rate case discontinued these credits. Additionally, net revenues increased related to the recognition of emission allowances that were deferred in previous periods and recovered margins related to lost consumption due to NIPSCO's participation in energy savings programs. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in environmental cost recovery due to the plant investment eligible for recovery being reset to zero as a result of the electric rate case.

Operating expenses increased by $30.1 million, excluding the impact of trackers, primarily attributable to increased depreciation costs primarily due to previously deferred depreciation associated with the Sugar Creek facility being recognized as a result of the electric rate case. Additionally, there was an increase in electric generation costs, increased employee and administration costs, and MISO fees increased as these costs were previously deferred and the electric rate case resulted in the expiration of those deferrals.

Gas Distribution Operations reported operating earnings for the current quarter of $133.6 million compared to $141.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2011. Net revenues, excluding the impact of trackers, increased by $3.5 million primarily attributable to the implementation of new rates under Columbia Gas of Ohio's approved infrastructure replacement program.

Operating expenses, excluding the impact of trackers, were $11.3 million higher than the comparable 2011 period as a result of an increase in depreciation costs due to an increase in capital expenditures, higher outside service costs, increased environmental costs, and increased materials and supplies costs. These increases were partially offset by decreased employee and administration costs, primarily pension.

Corporate and Other Operations reported an operating earnings loss of $1.1 million for the current quarter compared to a loss of $24.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2011. The reduced loss is primarily attributable to a 2011 reserve on certain assets related to the wind down of the unregulated natural gas marketing business.

Other Items

Interest expense increased by $7.0 million for the current quarter due to the issuance of long-term debt in April 2012 and June 2012, and the expiration of deferred interest costs related to Sugar Creek as a result of the electric rate case. These increases were partially offset by the repurchase of long-term debt in December 2011, lower short-term borrowings and rates and increased AFUDC balances.

Other-net loss of $3.6 million was recorded for the current quarter in 2012 compared to a loss of $12.8 million in 2011. The decrease in other-net loss is primarily attributable to AFUDC earnings at NIPSCO.

The effective tax rate of net operating earnings was 33.8 percent compared to 36.1 percent for the same period last year.

About NiSource

NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI), based in Merrillville, Ind., is a Fortune 500 company engaged in natural gas transmission, storage and distribution, as well as electric generation, transmission and distribution. NiSource operating companies deliver energy to 3.8 million customers located within the high-demand energy corridor stretching from the Gulf Coast through the Midwest to New England. Information about NiSource and its subsidiaries is available via the Internet at www.nisource.com. NI-F

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of NiSource and its management. Although NiSource believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its goals will be achieved. Readers are cautioned that the forward-looking statements in this presentation are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and that actual results could differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: weather; fluctuations in supply and demand for energy commodities; growth opportunities for NiSource's businesses; increased competition in deregulated energy markets; the success of regulatory and commercial initiatives; dealings with third parties over whom NiSource has no control; actual operating experience of NiSource's assets; the regulatory process; regulatory and legislative changes; the impact of potential new environmental laws or regulations; the results of material litigation; changes in pension funding requirements; changes in general economic, capital and commodity market conditions; and counterparty credit risk and the matters set forth in the "Risk Factors" Section in NiSource's most recent Form 10-K and subsequent reports on Form 10-Q, many of which are risks beyond the control of NiSource. In addition, the relative contributions to profitability by each segment, and the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements relating thereto, may change over time. NiSource expressly disclaims a duty to update any of the forward-looking statements contained in this release.