e10vq
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
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þ |
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2007
OR
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o |
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission File Number: 001-32576
ITC HOLDINGS CORP.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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Michigan
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32-0058047 |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
Incorporation or Organization) |
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39500 Orchard Hill Place, Suite 200
Novi, Michigan 48375
(Address Of Principal Executive Offices, Including Zip Code)
(248) 374-7100
(Registrants Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed
by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated
filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated
filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer o Accelerated Filer þ Non-accelerated filer o
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of
the Exchange Act).
Yes o No þ
The number of shares of the Registrants Common Stock, without par value, outstanding as of
October 26, 2007 was 42,776,953.
ITC Holdings Corp.
Form 10-Q for the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2007
INDEX
2
DEFINITIONS
Unless otherwise noted or the context requires, all references in this report to:
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We, our, us and the Company are references to ITC Holdings Corp., together with all
of its subsidiaries; |
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ITC Holdings are references to ITC Holdings Corp. and not any of its subsidiaries; |
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ITCTransmission are references to International Transmission Company, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of ITC Holdings; |
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METC are references to Michigan Electric Transmission Company, LLC, an indirect
wholly-owned subsidiary of ITC Holdings; |
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ITC Midwest are references to ITC Midwest LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ITC Holdings; |
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ITC Grid Development are references to ITC Grid Development, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary
of ITC Holdings; |
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ITC Great Plains are references to ITC Great Plains, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ITC
Grid Development; |
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the FERC are references to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; |
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MISO are references to the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. a
FERC-approved Regional Transmission Organization, which has responsibility for the oversight
and coordination of transmission service for a substantial portion of the midwestern United
States and Manitoba, Canada, and of which ITCTransmission and METC are members; |
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kW are references to kilowatts (one kilowatt equaling 1,000 watts); |
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MW are references to megawatts (one megawatt equaling 1,000,000 watts); and |
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kV are references to kilovolts (one kilovolt equaling 1,000 volts). |
3
PART IFINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ITC HOLDINGS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (UNAUDITED)
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September 30, |
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December 31, |
|
(in thousands, except share data) |
|
2007 |
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|
2006 |
|
ASSETS |
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|
|
|
|
|
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Current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
2,362 |
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$ |
13,426 |
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Restricted cash |
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|
4,776 |
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|
4,565 |
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Accounts receivable |
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|
42,442 |
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|
|
35,325 |
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Inventory |
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|
18,331 |
|
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|
25,408 |
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Deferred income taxes |
|
|
15,506 |
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|
21,023 |
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Other |
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|
4,221 |
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9,926 |
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|
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Total current assets |
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87,638 |
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|
109,673 |
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Property,
plant and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $642,524 and $608,956, respectively) |
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1,389,648 |
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1,197,862 |
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Other assets |
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|
|
|
|
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Goodwill |
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628,757 |
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624,385 |
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Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $2,269 and $0, respectively) |
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56,138 |
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58,407 |
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Regulatory assets- acquisition adjustments |
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87,401 |
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91,443 |
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Regulatory assets- Attachment O revenue accrual (including accrued interest of $168) |
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12,810 |
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Other regulatory assets |
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26,701 |
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26,183 |
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Deferred financing fees (net of accumulated amortization of $4,327 and
$4,817, respectively) |
|
|
13,654 |
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|
14,490 |
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Other |
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10,525 |
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6,354 |
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Total other assets |
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835,986 |
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821,262 |
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TOTAL ASSETS |
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$ |
2,313,272 |
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$ |
2,128,797 |
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LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
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Current liabilities |
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Accounts payable |
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$ |
52,510 |
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$ |
33,295 |
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Accrued payroll |
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6,029 |
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|
5,192 |
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Accrued interest |
|
|
7,576 |
|
|
|
18,915 |
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Accrued taxes |
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|
4,421 |
|
|
|
14,152 |
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METC rate case accrued liability |
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20,000 |
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|
20,000 |
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Other |
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5,064 |
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8,012 |
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Total current liabilities |
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95,600 |
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|
99,566 |
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Accrued pension liability |
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5,161 |
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7,782 |
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Accrued postretirement liability |
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|
3,923 |
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|
3,268 |
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Deferred income taxes |
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|
92,683 |
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|
75,730 |
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Regulatory liabilities- Attachment O revenue deferral (including accrued interest of $95) |
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2,879 |
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Other regulatory liabilities |
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142,982 |
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|
138,726 |
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Asset retirement obligation |
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5,627 |
|
|
|
5,346 |
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Other |
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4,603 |
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|
3,857 |
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Long-term debt |
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1,401,687 |
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1,262,278 |
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STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
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|
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Common stock, without par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 42,764,859 and
42,395,760 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006,
respectively |
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530,417 |
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526,485 |
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Retained earnings |
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|
28,617 |
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6,714 |
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Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
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(907 |
) |
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(955 |
) |
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Total stockholders equity |
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558,127 |
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|
532,244 |
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TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
|
$ |
2,313,272 |
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$ |
2,128,797 |
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|
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See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
4
ITC HOLDINGS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
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Three months ended |
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Nine months ended |
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September 30, |
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September 30, |
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(in thousands, except share and per share data) |
|
2007 |
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2006 |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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OPERATING REVENUES |
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$ |
109,272 |
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$ |
63,004 |
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$ |
316,850 |
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$ |
150,548 |
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OPERATING EXPENSES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
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|
|
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Operation and maintenance |
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22,451 |
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|
5,542 |
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|
|
62,494 |
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|
19,317 |
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General and administrative |
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|
13,376 |
|
|
|
9,827 |
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|
40,603 |
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|
|
25,292 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
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|
17,060 |
|
|
|
9,259 |
|
|
|
49,893 |
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|
27,213 |
|
Taxes other than income taxes |
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|
8,253 |
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|
5,409 |
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|
25,089 |
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15,739 |
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Total operating expenses |
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61,140 |
|
|
|
30,037 |
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|
|
178,079 |
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|
87,561 |
|
OPERATING INCOME |
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|
48,132 |
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|
|
32,967 |
|
|
|
138,771 |
|
|
|
62,987 |
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OTHER EXPENSES (INCOME) |
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Interest expense |
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20,084 |
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|
8,506 |
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|
|
59,156 |
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|
23,640 |
|
Allowance for equity funds used during construction |
|
|
(2,339 |
) |
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|
(1,250 |
) |
|
|
(5,192 |
) |
|
|
(2,610 |
) |
Loss on extinguishment of debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
349 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other income |
|
|
(1,128 |
) |
|
|
(47 |
) |
|
|
(2,847 |
) |
|
|
(488 |
) |
Other expense |
|
|
175 |
|
|
|
256 |
|
|
|
844 |
|
|
|
408 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Total other expenses (income) |
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|
16,792 |
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|
|
7,465 |
|
|
|
52,310 |
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|
|
20,950 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES |
|
|
31,340 |
|
|
|
25,502 |
|
|
|
86,461 |
|
|
|
42,037 |
|
INCOME TAX PROVISION |
|
|
10,540 |
|
|
|
6,553 |
|
|
|
28,807 |
|
|
|
12,436 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
INCOME BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF A CHANGE IN
ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE |
|
|
20,800 |
|
|
|
18,949 |
|
|
|
57,654 |
|
|
|
29,601 |
|
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF A CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE
(NET OF TAX OF $16) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
NET INCOME |
|
$ |
20,800 |
|
|
$ |
18,949 |
|
|
$ |
57,654 |
|
|
$ |
29,630 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings per share |
|
$ |
0.49 |
|
|
$ |
0.57 |
|
|
$ |
1.36 |
|
|
$ |
0.90 |
|
Diluted earnings per share |
|
$ |
0.48 |
|
|
$ |
0.55 |
|
|
$ |
1.33 |
|
|
$ |
0.87 |
|
Weighted-average basic shares |
|
|
42,369,352 |
|
|
|
33,023,187 |
|
|
|
42,244,470 |
|
|
|
33,005,068 |
|
Weighted-average diluted shares |
|
|
43,592,868 |
|
|
|
34,386,991 |
|
|
|
43,474,222 |
|
|
|
34,081,968 |
|
Dividends declared per common share |
|
$ |
0.290 |
|
|
$ |
0.275 |
|
|
$ |
0.840 |
|
|
$ |
0.800 |
|
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
5
ITC HOLDINGS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
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Nine months ended |
|
|
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September 30, |
|
(in thousands) |
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Net income |
|
$ |
57,654 |
|
|
$ |
29,630 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization expense |
|
|
49,893 |
|
|
|
27,213 |
|
Attachment O revenue accrual- net, including accrued interest |
|
|
(9,931 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Amortization of deferred financing fees and discount on long-term debt |
|
|
1,226 |
|
|
|
990 |
|
Stock-based compensation expense |
|
|
2,402 |
|
|
|
2,212 |
|
Loss on extinguishment of debt |
|
|
349 |
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred income taxes |
|
|
31,433 |
|
|
|
16,456 |
|
Other long-term liabilities |
|
|
(1,220 |
) |
|
|
2,445 |
|
Other regulatory assets |
|
|
(620 |
) |
|
|
(2,322 |
) |
Allowance for equity funds used during construction |
|
|
(5,192 |
) |
|
|
(2,610 |
) |
Other |
|
|
(2,243 |
) |
|
|
(3,942 |
) |
Changes in current assets and liabilities, exclusive of changes shown separately (Note 1) |
|
|
(23,111 |
) |
|
|
(27,062 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
|
100,640 |
|
|
|
43,010 |
|
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment |
|
|
(214,319 |
) |
|
|
(117,422 |
) |
Acquisition-related transaction costs |
|
|
(1,818 |
) |
|
|
(624 |
) |
Other |
|
|
926 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
(215,211 |
) |
|
|
(118,046 |
) |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance of long-term debt |
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
99,890 |
|
Borrowings under ITC Holdings Term Loan Agreement |
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Repayments of ITC Holdings Term Loan Agreement |
|
|
(25,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Borrowings under revolving credit agreements |
|
|
455,400 |
|
|
|
91,600 |
|
Repayments of revolving credit agreements |
|
|
(416,100 |
) |
|
|
(104,000 |
) |
Issuance of common stock |
|
|
2,860 |
|
|
|
403 |
|
Common stock issuance costs |
|
|
(5 |
) |
|
|
(456 |
) |
Dividends on common stock |
|
|
(35,751 |
) |
|
|
(26,648 |
) |
Repurchase and retirement of common stock |
|
|
(1,841 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Debt issuance costs |
|
|
(1,056 |
) |
|
|
(2,328 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
|
103,507 |
|
|
|
58,461 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS |
|
|
(11,064 |
) |
|
|
(16,575 |
) |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Beginning of period |
|
|
13,426 |
|
|
|
24,591 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS End of period |
|
$ |
2,362 |
|
|
$ |
8,016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
6
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
1. GENERAL
These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the notes
to the consolidated financial statements as of and for the period ended December 31, 2006 included
in ITC Holdings Form 10-K for such period.
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared using
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and with the
instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regulation
S-X as they apply to interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the
information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. These accounting
principles require us to use estimates and assumptions that impact the reported amounts of assets,
liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual
results may differ from our estimates.
The condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited, but in our opinion include all
adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair statement of the
results for the interim period. The interim financial results are not necessarily indicative of
results that may be expected for any other interim period or the fiscal year. Prior to January 1,
2007, the revenues we recognized were dependent on regulated transmission rates and monthly peak
loads and our revenues and operating income were higher in the summer months when cooling demand is
high. With the implementation of Forward-Looking Attachment O beginning January 1, 2007, the
monthly peak loads will continue to be used for billing network revenues. However, we accrue or
defer revenues to the extent that the actual net revenue requirement for the reporting period is
higher or lower, respectively, than the revenue amounts billed. Thus, we recognize more revenue in
periods where revenue requirements are higher, and less revenue in periods when revenue
requirements are lower. Refer to Note 4 Regulatory Matters Forward-Looking Attachment O.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine months ended |
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
(In thousands) |
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Change in current assets and liabilities, exclusive of changes shown separately: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable |
|
$ |
(7,117 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,680 |
) |
Inventory |
|
|
(13,258 |
) |
|
|
(3,196 |
) |
Other current assets |
|
|
5,705 |
|
|
|
(5,672 |
) |
Accounts payable |
|
|
15,112 |
|
|
|
(4,125 |
) |
Accrued interest |
|
|
(11,339 |
) |
|
|
(5,281 |
) |
Accrued taxes |
|
|
(9,083 |
) |
|
|
(3,438 |
) |
Other current liabilities |
|
|
(3,131 |
) |
|
|
(2,670 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total change in current assets and liabilities |
|
$ |
(23,111 |
) |
|
$ |
(27,062 |
) |
Supplementary cash flows information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest paid (excluding interest capitalized) |
|
$ |
67,606 |
|
|
$ |
26,482 |
|
Income taxes paid |
|
|
2,058 |
|
|
|
336 |
|
Supplementary noncash investing and financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Conversion of restricted stock to ITC Holdings common stock |
|
$ |
1,205 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Additions to property, plant and equipment (a) |
|
|
35,865 |
|
|
|
18,643 |
|
Allowance for equity funds used during construction |
|
|
5,192 |
|
|
|
2,610 |
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Amounts consist primarily of current liabilities for
construction labor and materials that have not been included in investing
activities. These amounts have not been paid for as of September 30, 2007
or 2006, respectively, but have been or will be included as a cash outflow
from investing activities for expenditures for property, plant and
equipment when paid. |
7
Comprehensive income
Comprehensive income is the change in stockholders equity during a period from transactions
and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources.
Comprehensive income includes the following components:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
|
|
Nine months ended |
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
(In thousands) |
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Net income |
|
$ |
20,800 |
|
|
$ |
18,949 |
|
|
$ |
57,654 |
|
|
$ |
29,630 |
|
Amortization of
interest rate lock
cash flow hedges,
net of tax of $9
and $26 for the
three and nine
months ended
September 30, 2007,
respectively |
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income |
|
$ |
20,816 |
|
|
$ |
18,949 |
|
|
$ |
57,702 |
|
|
$ |
29,630 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Public Securities Offering
In February 2007, International Transmission Holdings Limited Partnership, our largest
shareholder at the time, sold or distributed its remaining 11,390,054 common shares through a
secondary offering of 8,149,534 common shares and through distributions of 3,240,520 common shares
to its general and limited partners. ITC Holdings received no proceeds from these offerings and
distributions. ITC Holdings incurred offering costs of $0.6 million relating to this transaction,
which were recorded to general and administrative expenses in the nine months ended September 30,
2007.
2. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157),
clarifies the definition of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and
expands the disclosures on fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years
beginning after November 15, 2007. We have not determined the impact that adoption of this
statement will have on our consolidated financial statements.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and
132(R)
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and
132(R) (SFAS 158), requires the recognition of the funded status of a defined benefit plan in the
statement of financial position as other comprehensive income or as a regulatory asset or
liability, as appropriate. Additionally, SFAS 158 requires that changes in the funded status be
recognized through comprehensive income or as changes in regulatory assets or liabilities, requires
the measurement date for defined benefit plan assets and obligations to be the entitys fiscal
year-end and expands disclosures. In December 2006, we adopted the recognition and disclosures
under SFAS 158 but did not adopt the new measurement date which is required effective for fiscal
years ending after December 15, 2008. We expect to adopt a December 31 measurement date for the
year ended December 31, 2007, but have not determined the impact the measurement date adoption may
have on our results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and
Financial Liabilities
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial
Assets and Financial Liabilities (SFAS 159), was issued in February 2007. SFAS 159 allows
entities to measure at fair value many financial instruments and certain other assets and
liabilities that are not otherwise required to be measured at fair value. SFAS 159 is effective for
fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We have not determined what impact, if any, that
adoption will have on our results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
8
Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income
Taxes
Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in
Income Taxes (FIN 48), is an interpretation of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
109, Accounting for Income Taxes, (SFAS 109), and clarifies the accounting for uncertainty within
the income taxes recognized by an enterprise. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return that may not
be sustainable. The provisions of FIN 48 were effective for us beginning January 1, 2007. At the
adoption date, no reserves for uncertain income tax positions were recorded pursuant to FIN 48, as
we determined that all tax positions taken were highly certain and the Company did not record a
cumulative effect adjustment related to the adoption of FIN 48. Refer to Note 3 Acquisitions
under Goodwill for a discussion of an uncertain tax position recorded relating to the METC
acquisition.
We file income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service and with various state and city
jurisdictions. We are no longer subject to U.S. federal tax examinations for tax years before 2004.
State and city jurisdictions that remain subject to examination range from tax years 2002 to 2006.
There are currently no income tax examinations in process. In the event we are assessed interest or
penalties by any income tax jurisdictions, interest would be recorded in interest expense and
penalties would be recorded in other expense.
3. ACQUISITIONS
Pending Acquisition of Interstate Power and Light Company Transmission Assets On January 18,
2007, ITC Holdings newly formed subsidiary, ITC Midwest, signed a definitive agreement to acquire
for cash the transmission assets of Interstate Power and Light Company (IP&L) for $750.0 million
(excluding transaction-related expenses). The purchase price is subject to several adjustments both
upward and downward depending on the amount of property, plant and equipment in service,
construction work in progress and other asset or liability balances actually transferred to ITC
Midwest by IP&L. As a result of these adjustments, it is not possible to determine the final
purchase price at this time. We expect to finance the transaction through a combination of equity
and debt financings. IP&Ls transmission assets currently consist of approximately 6,800 miles of
transmission lines at voltages of 34.5kV and above and associated substations, located in Iowa with
some assets also in Minnesota, Illinois and Missouri. Through September 30, 2007, we have incurred
acquisition costs of $2.1 million recorded in other assets. In the event the acquisition is not
consummated, the acquisition costs would be recognized as an expense in our consolidated statement
of operations.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, including
approval from the FERC, the Iowa Utilities Board, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, the
Illinois Commerce Commission and the Missouri Public Service Commission. We made filings in March,
April and June 2007 with the various state regulatory agencies to obtain these approvals. Our FERC
application, filed in May 2007, seeks approval of a rate construct for ITC Midwest that is similar
to the rate constructs of ITCTransmission and METC. In May 2007, the Federal Trade Commission
completed its investigation of the sale and terminated the waiting period under the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended. In August 2007, the parties (ITC
Midwest and IP&L) received approval from the Missouri Public Service Commission to assign IP&Ls
Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to ITC Midwest. In September 2007, the parties
received approval from the Iowa Utilities Board. As part of the Iowa
approval, ITC Midwest agreed to provide a rate discount of $4.1
million per year to its customers for eight years, beginning in the
year customers experience an increase in transmission charges
following the consummation of the transaction. It is a condition to closing that each party
receive regulatory approvals on terms and conditions substantially equivalent to those requested in
the parties applications for such approvals. If closing of the transaction has not occurred on or
before December 31, 2007, in most cases either party may terminate the agreement at any time after
that date. ITC Midwest and IP&L have agreed that in the event that either party terminates the
acquisition agreement as a result of a breach by the other party of its covenants, agreements or
representations, made as of the date of the acquisition agreement, which would cause the closing
conditions contained in the acquisition agreement not to be satisfied, the terminating party shall
be entitled as its sole and exclusive remedy to liquidated damages equal to approximately $24.0
million, except that IP&L is entitled to liquidated damages of approximately $45.0 million solely
in the event that such breach is ITC Midwests failure to pay IP&L the purchase price at closing of
the transaction. The closing of the IP&L acquisition is not subject to any condition that ITC
Holdings or ITC Midwest have completed any financing prior to consummation of the transaction.
Goodwill Our goodwill balances resulted from the ITCTransmission acquisition and the METC
acquisition. At September 30, 2007, we had goodwill balances recorded at ITCTransmission and METC
of $173.3 million and $455.4 million, respectively, and at December 31, 2006, we had goodwill
balances recorded at ITCTransmission and METC of $174.3 million and $450.1 million, respectively.
Adjustments were made to the ITCTransmission purchase price and goodwill balance during the nine
months ended September 30, 2007. Various purchase accounting assets and liabilities have been
adjusted at METC during the nine months ended
9
September 30, 2007. The amount of federal income tax net operating loss carryforwards
acquired, previously estimated to be $35.0 million, was determined to be $38.5 million upon
completion of the 2006 tax returns during the third quarter of 2007, resulting in a reduction of
goodwill of $1.2 million. Additionally, goodwill increased $8.9 million relating to a reduction in
the value of certain METC property, plant and equipment, as management has finalized the plan for
its use.
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|
|
|
Goodwill balance as of December 31, 2006 |
|
$ |
624,385 |
|
Changes to goodwill: |
|
|
|
|
METC purchase accounting adjustments |
|
|
5,296 |
|
ITCTransmission purchase price adjustment |
|
|
(924 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Goodwill balance as of September 30, 2007 |
|
$ |
628,757 |
|
|
|
|
|
As of September 30, 2007, the METC purchase price allocation has not been finalized. Certain
asset values and purchase accounting liabilities have not been finalized. We have an uncertain tax
position resulting from an analysis we performed on various transaction costs incurred in
connection with the METC acquisition. In applying the measurement provisions of FIN 48, this tax
position resulted in a reduction to the deferred tax asset recorded in purchase accounting for this
matter and the interest exposure is currently immaterial. We will adjust the deferred tax asset
with a corresponding adjustment to goodwill in the event management changes its judgment on the
amount of benefits expected to be realized from the tax position or when the tax position is
effectively settled and it will have no impact on our consolidated statements of operations. The
$20.0 million accrued rate case settlement liability that was accounted for as a pre-acquisition
contingency at the acquisition date was finalized during the third quarter of 2007 and had no
effect on our condensed consolidated statements of operations.
4. REGULATORY MATTERS
Forward-Looking Attachment O On July 14, 2006 and December 21, 2006, the FERC authorized
ITCTransmission and METC, respectively, to modify the implementation of their Attachment O formula
rates so that, beginning January 1, 2007, ITCTransmission and METC recover expenses and earn a
return on and recover investments in property, plant and equipment on a current rather than a
lagging basis. In periods of capital expansion and increasing rate base, ITCTransmission and METC
will recover the costs of these capital investments more timely than under the previous Attachment
O method that used historical information.
Under the Forward-Looking Attachment O formula, ITCTransmission and METC use forecasted
expenses, rate base, point-to-point revenues, network load and other items for the upcoming
calendar year to establish rates for service on the ITCTransmission and METC systems for that year.
Billed network revenues under Forward-Looking Attachment O continue to be based on actual monthly
peak loads multiplied by the network transmission rate. The Forward-Looking Attachment O formula
includes a true-up mechanism, whereby ITCTransmission and METC compare their actual net revenue
requirements to their billed network revenues for each year to determine the true-up amount to be
included in future rates.
The true-up mechanism within Forward-Looking Attachment O meets the requirements of Emerging
Issues Task Force No. 92-7, Accounting by Rate-Regulated Utilities for the Effects of Certain
Alternative Revenue Programs (EITF 92-7). Accordingly, for each reporting period beginning with
the quarter ended March 31, 2007, revenue is recognized based on actual year-to-date net revenue
requirements for that reporting period calculated using Forward-Looking Attachment O.
ITCTransmission and METC accrue or defer revenues to the extent that the actual net revenue
requirement for the reporting period is higher or lower, respectively, than the network revenue
amounts billed relating to that reporting period. Thus, we will recognize more revenues in periods
where revenue requirements are higher, and less revenues in periods when revenue requirements are
lower. ITCTransmission and METC also accrue interest on the true-up amount as permitted by
Forward-Looking Attachment O. The true-up amount, including interest, for each calendar year is
automatically reflected in customer bills within two years under the provisions of Forward-Looking
Attachment O. For the three months ended September 30, 2007, we have recorded a $12.9 million and
$0.8 million reduction in operating revenues at ITCTransmission and METC, respectively, to
recognize actual net revenue requirement for the period that was lower than the amount billed
relating to the period. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we have recorded a $2.8
million reduction in operating revenues at ITCTransmission to recognize actual net revenue
requirement for the period that was lower than the amount billed relating to the period and $12.6
million of additional operating revenues at METC to recognize actual net revenue requirement for
the period that exceeded the amount billed relating to the period. For both the three and nine
months ended September 30, 2007, we recognized other income of $0.2 million at METC and interest
expense of $0.1 million at ITCTransmission for accrued interest relating to the true-up amounts.
10
Our network transmission rates in effect through the year ended December 31, 2006 were
established using a rate setting method that primarily used historical FERC Form No. 1 data and did
not meet the requirements of an alternative revenue program under EITF 92-7. Accordingly, revenue
for those periods was recognized for services provided during the reporting period based on actual
monthly peak loads during the period multiplied by the network transmission rate calculated using
the Attachment O formula, regardless of actual revenue requirement for the reporting period.
METC Rate Case On January 19, 2007, METC and other parties to the rate case entered into a
settlement agreement to resolve all outstanding matters in METCs pending rate case before the
FERC, including those set for hearing in the FERC December 30, 2005 rate order, which authorized
METC, beginning on January 1, 2006, to charge rates for its transmission service using the rate
setting formula contained in Attachment O. The terms of this settlement agreement were approved by
the FERC on August 29, 2007 and no parties filed for rehearing within the allowed 30-day period
subsequent to the approval. METC made payments totaling $20.0 million to various transmission
customers in October 2007. METCs payments pursuant to this settlement were in lieu of any and all
refunds and/or interest payment requirements in this proceeding in connection with METCs rates in
effect on and after January 1, 2006. METC has no other refund obligation or liability beyond this
payment in connection with this proceeding. Additionally, the settlement established the balances
and amortization to be used for ratemaking for the METC Regulatory Deferrals and the METC ADIT
Deferrals as discussed below.
METC has deferred, as a regulatory asset, depreciation and interest expense associated with
transmission assets placed in service from May 1, 2002 through December 31, 2005 (the METC
Regulatory Deferral). METC has also recorded a regulatory asset related to the amount of
accumulated deferred income taxes included on METCs balance sheet at the time MTH acquired METC
from Consumers Energy Company (Consumers Energy) (the METC ADIT Deferral). The METC rate case
settlement established an initial balance of the METC Regulatory Deferral and related intangible
asset as $55.0 million with 20-year amortization beginning January 1, 2007. In addition, the
settlement established an initial balance of the METC ADIT Deferral and related intangible asset as
$61.3 million with 18-year amortization beginning January 1, 2007.
The METC rate case matter was accounted for as a pre-acquisition contingency under the
provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, Business Combinations. The
settlement payment of $20.0 million was accounted for as a liability at the acquisition date and
the adjustments to the METC Regulatory Deferral and METC ADIT Deferral balances were treated as
adjustments to the carrying amounts of assets acquired. During the three and nine months ended
September 30, 2007, we recognized $0.8 million and $2.3 million, respectively, of amortization of
the regulatory assets and $0.8 million and $2.3 million, respectively, of amortization of the
intangible assets associated with the METC ADIT Deferral and the METC Regulatory Deferral in
depreciation and amortization expenses. We will recognize a total of $6.2 million of annual
amortization expense for the METC ADIT Deferral and the METC Regulatory Deferral, which began in
2007, with $3.2 million of amortization relating to the regulatory assets and $3.0 million relating
to the intangible assets. We expect to amortize $3.0 million of the intangible assets per year over
the five years from 2008 through 2012, and $40.3 million thereafter.
Redirected Transmission Service In January and February 2005 in FERC Docket Nos. EL05-55 and
EL05-63, respectively, transmission customers filed complaints against MISO claiming that MISO had
charged excessive rates for redirected transmission service for the period from February 2002
through January 2005. In April 2005, the FERC ordered MISO to refund, with interest, excess amounts
charged to all affected transmission customers for redirected service within the same pricing zone.
We earn revenues based on an allocation from MISO for certain redirected transmission service and
are obligated to refund the excess amounts charged to all affected transmission customers. In
September 2005, MISO completed the refund calculations and we refunded $0.5 million relating to
redirected transmission service.
With respect to the April 2005 order requiring refunds, certain transmission customers filed
requests for rehearing at the FERC claiming additional refunds based on redirected transmission
service between different pricing zones and redirected transmission service where the delivery
point did not change. In November 2005, the FERC granted the rehearing requests and ordered
additional refunds to transmission customers. In December 2005, MISO filed an emergency motion
seeking extension of the refund date until May 18, 2006, which was granted in January 2006. In
December 2005, ITCTransmission, METC and other transmission owners filed requests for rehearing of
the November 2005 order on rehearing and clarification challenging the retroactive refunds and the
rates used to price redirected transmission service between different pricing zones. In May 2007,
FERC denied the rehearing requests filed in December 2005. We had previously reserved an estimate
for the refund of redirected transmission service revenues by reducing operating revenues by $0.7
million in the fourth quarter of 2005 and an additional $0.6 million in the first quarter of 2006.
In May
11
2006, ITCTransmission refunded $1.3 million relating to redirected services through January
2005. As of September 30, 2007, we have reserved $0.1 million for estimated refunds of redirected
transmission services revenue recognized subsequent to January 2005.
MISO Tariff Revisions In November 2004, in FERC Docket No. ER05-273, MISO filed proposed
revisions to its tariff related to non-firm redirected service. Specifically, MISO proposed to add
language such that a firm point-to-point transmission customer that redirected its original
reservation on a non-firm basis over receipt and delivery points other than those originally
reserved (i.e., secondary receipt and delivery points) would be charged the higher of: (1) the rate
associated with the original firm point-to-point transmission service reservation that was
redirected; or (2) the rate for the non-firm point-to-point transmission service obtained over the
secondary receipt or delivery point. In January 2005, the FERC issued an order accepting the
revisions filed by MISO and suspending the revisions to be effective January 30, 2005, subject to
refund and the outcome of a hearing. In February 2007, the FERC denied MISOs tariff revisions,
concluding that MISO had not demonstrated that its proposed tariff revisions were consistent with,
or superior to, the Order No. 888 pro forma Open Access Transmission Tariff. ITCTransmission and
METC will be required to refund amounts relating to the redirected transmission tariff revisions
upon completion of the refund calculations by MISO. In October 2007, MISO completed a preliminary
calculation of the refund. During the three months ended September 30, 2007, we recorded an
accrual of $0.6 million for our portion of the refund.
Long Term Pricing In November 2004, in FERC Docket No. EL02-111 et al., the FERC approved a
pricing structure to facilitate seamless trading of electricity between MISO and PJM
Interconnection, a regional transmission organization that borders MISO. The order establishes a
Seams Elimination Cost Adjustment (SECA), as set forth in previous FERC orders, that took effect
December 1, 2004, and remained in effect until March 31, 2006 as a transitional pricing mechanism.
Prior to December 1, 2004, ITCTransmission and METC earned revenues for transmission of electricity
between MISO and PJM Interconnection based on a regional through-and-out rate administered by MISO.
From December 1, 2004 through March 31, 2006, we recorded $2.5 million of gross SECA revenue
based on an allocation of these revenues by MISO as a result of the FERC order approving this
transitional pricing mechanism. Subsequent to the first quarter of 2006, we no longer earn SECA
revenues. The SECA revenues were subject to refund as described in the FERC order and this matter
was litigated in a contested hearing before the FERC that concluded on May 18, 2006. An initial
decision was issued by the Administrative Law Judge presiding over the hearings on August 10, 2006,
which generally indicated that the SECA revenues resulted from unfair, unjust and preferential
rates. The judges decision is subject to the FERCs final ruling on the matter, which could differ
from the initial decision. Notwithstanding the judges initial decision, ITCTransmission, METC and
other transmission owners who collected SECA revenues are participating in settlement discussions
with certain counterparties that paid the SECA amounts. As of September 30, 2007, ITCTransmission
and METC have reserves recorded of $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively, as estimates of the
amounts to be refunded to the counterparties that are participating in settlement discussions. For
the counterparties who are not participating in the settlement discussions, we are not able to
estimate whether any refunds of amounts earned by ITCTransmission or METC will result from this
hearing or whether this matter will otherwise be settled, but we do not expect the resolution of
this matter to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. We have not accrued
any refund amounts relating to these nonparticipating counterparties.
Elimination of Transmission Rate Discount Several energy marketers filed a complaint against
MISO in February 2005 in FERC Docket No. EL05-66 asserting that MISO improperly eliminated a rate
discount that had previously been effective for transmission service at the Michigan-Ontario
Independent Electric System Operator interface. Subsequent to the date the complaint was filed,
MISO held amounts in escrow that it had collected for the difference between the discounted tariff
rate and the full tariff rate. Through June 30, 2005, we recorded revenues based only on the
amounts collected by MISO and remitted to ITCTransmission which did not include the amounts held in
escrow by MISO of $1.6 million as of June 30, 2005. On July 5, 2005, in Docket No. EL05-66, the
FERC denied the complaint filed by the energy marketers against MISO. The amounts held in escrow of
$1.6 million as of June 30, 2005 were recognized as operating revenues in the third quarter of
2005. Several complainants sought rehearing at the FERC of the July 5, 2005 order and in December
2005, the FERC denied the rehearing requests. In January 2006, several complainants sought
rehearing of the December 2005 order denying rehearing. Subsequently in February 2006, the FERC
denied that rehearing request. These complainants filed a petition for review of the July 2005 and
December 2005 orders at the U.S. Court of Appeals. A briefing schedule has been adopted pursuant to
which final briefs were filed in June 2007. A decision will be rendered by the U.S. Court of
Appeals.
12
5. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Additions to property, plant and equipment during the nine months ended September 30, 2007
primarily resulted from projects to upgrade or replace existing transmission assets to improve the
reliability of our transmission system.
6. DEBT
Senior Unsecured Notes, Series A and B
On September 20, 2007, ITC Holdings issued $50.0 million of 6.04% Senior Notes, Series A, due
September 20, 2014 and $50.0 million of 6.23% Senior Notes, Series B, due September 20, 2017. The
notes were issued pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement dated as of September 20, 2007, between
ITC Holdings and various purchasers. The proceeds were used to pay off the balance of the ITC
Holdings Term Loan Agreement described below, and to pay down existing borrowings under the ITC
Holdings Credit Agreement described below.
Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 20 and September 20 of each
year, commencing on March 20, 2008 at a fixed rate of 6.04% under the Series A notes and at a fixed
rate of 6.23% under the Series B notes. ITC Holdings may redeem the notes at any time, in whole or
in part in an amount not less than $5.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the notes then
outstanding in the case of a partial payment, at 100% of the principal amount so prepaid, plus
accrued and unpaid interest, plus the Make-Whole Amount, if any, determined for the prepayment date
with respect to such principal amount. The Make-Whole Amount is equal to the excess, if any, of the
discounted value of the remaining scheduled payments with respect to the called principal of such
note over the amount of such called principal, provided that the Make-Whole Amount may in no event
be less than zero. The aggregate principal amount under the Series A notes is payable in a lump sum
on September 20, 2014 and the aggregate principal amount under the Series B notes is payable in a
lump sum on September 20, 2017.
The Note Purchase Agreement contains customary events of default, including, without
limitation, failure to pay principal or the Make-Whole Amount on any note when due; failure to pay
interest on any note for more than 5 business days after becoming due; and failure to comply with
certain covenants contained in the Note Purchase Agreement. Upon the occurrence of certain events
of default having to do with the insolvency or bankruptcy of ITC Holdings, the notes become
immediately due and payable. Upon the occurrence of other events of default, the holders of more
than 50% in principal amount of the notes at the time outstanding (or, in the case of a payment
default, the affected holders in regard to the notes held by them) may at any time at their option,
by notice or notices to ITC Holdings, declare all the notes then outstanding to be immediately due
and payable. The Note Purchase Agreement contains covenants that: (a) place limitations on liens;
mergers, consolidations, liquidations and sales of all or substantially all assets, dividends and
sale leaseback transactions and (b) require ITC Holdings to maintain a maximum total debt to total
capitalization ratio of 75% (subject to a temporary increase to 85% for a period of 90 days upon a
Notice of Election to Increase Debt to Capitalization Ratio delivered to the holders of the notes).
Term Loan Agreement
On June 27, 2007, ITC Holdings borrowed $25.0 million under a variable rate term loan
agreement (the ITC Holdings Term Loan Agreement), dated as of June 27, 2007, with JP Morgan Chase
Bank, N.A. maturing in October 2007. The proceeds were used to pay down existing borrowings under
the ITC Holdings Credit Agreement described below. On September 20, 2007, ITC Holdings paid off
the entire outstanding balance under the ITC Holdings Term Loan Agreement.
Revolving Credit Agreements
Revolving Credit Agreements On March 29, 2007, ITC Holdings entered into a revolving credit
agreement, (the ITC Holdings Credit Agreement), dated as of March 29, 2007, with certain banks,
financial institutions and other institutional lenders, (the Lenders) and JP Morgan Chase Bank,
N.A. as administrative agent for the Lenders (the Administrative Agent). The ITC Holdings Credit
Agreement establishes an unguaranteed, unsecured revolving credit facility under which ITC Holdings
may borrow and issue letters of credit up to $125.0 million (subject to increase to $150.0 million,
as provided in the ITC Holdings Credit Agreement). Funds borrowed may be used for general corporate
purposes of ITC Holdings and its subsidiaries. The ITC Holdings Credit Agreement contains covenants
that: (a) place limitations on liens; mergers, consolidations, liquidations and sales of all or
substantially all assets; dividends; and sale leaseback transactions and (b) require ITC Holdings
to maintain a maximum total debt to total capitalization ratio of 75% (subject to temporary
increase to 85% in connection with the completion of the IP&L acquisition). The ITC Holdings Credit
Agreement contains customary representations and warranties and events of default. The maturity
date of the ITC Holdings Credit
13
Agreement is March 29, 2012. With the consent of Lenders holding a majority of the commitments
under the ITC Holdings Credit Agreement, ITC Holdings may extend the maturity date of the ITC
Holdings Credit Agreement for up to two additional one-year periods. Loans under the ITC Holdings
Credit Agreement are variable rate loans and, at ITC Holdings option, will bear interest at a rate
equal to LIBOR plus an applicable margin based on its debt rating, initially 0.625%, or at a base
rate, which is defined as the higher of the Administrative Agents prime rate or 0.5% above the
federal funds rate, in each case subject to adjustments based on ratings and commitment
utilization. At September 30, 2007, ITC Holdings had $3.7 million outstanding under the ITC
Holdings Credit Agreement.
Additionally, on March 29, 2007, ITCTransmission and METC entered into a revolving credit
agreement (the ITCTransmission/METC Credit Agreement), dated as of March 29, 2007, with the
Lenders and the Administrative Agent. The ITCTransmission/METC Credit Agreement establishes an
unguaranteed, unsecured revolving credit facility under which ITCTransmission may borrow and issue
letters of credit up to $80.0 million (subject to increase to $105.0 million as provided in the
ITCTransmission/METC Credit Agreement) and METC may borrow and issue letters of credit up to $35.0
million (subject to increase to $60.0 million upon the occurrence of certain regulatory events and
subject to further increase to $85.0 million as provided in the ITCTransmission/METC Credit
Agreement). Funds borrowed may be used for general corporate purposes of ITCTransmission and METC
and their respective subsidiaries, if any. The ITCTransmission/METC Credit Agreement contains
covenants that: (a) place limitations on liens; mergers, consolidations, liquidations and sales of
all or substantially all assets; dividends; and sale leaseback transactions and (b) require each of
ITCTransmission and METC to maintain a maximum debt to capitalization ratio of 65%. The
ITCTransmission/METC Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties and events
of default. The maturity date of the ITCTransmission/METC Credit Agreement is March 29, 2012. With
the consent of Lenders holding a majority of the commitments under the ITCTransmission/METC Credit
Agreement, ITCTransmission and METC may extend the maturity date of the ITCTransmission/METC Credit
Agreement for up to two additional one-year periods. Loans made to ITCTransmission under the
ITCTransmission/METC Credit Agreement are variable rate loans and, at ITCTransmissions option,
will bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus an applicable margin based on its debt rating,
initially 0.35%, or at a base rate, which is defined as the higher of the Administrative Agents
prime rate or 0.5% above the federal funds rate, in each case subject to adjustments based on
ratings and commitment utilization. Loans made to METC under the ITCTransmission/METC Credit
Agreement are variable rate loans and, at METCs option, will bear interest at a rate equal to
LIBOR plus an applicable margin based on its debt rating, initially 0.45%, or at a base rate, which
is defined as the higher of the Administrative Agents prime rate or 0.5% above the federal funds
rate, in each case subject to adjustments based on ratings and commitment utilization. At September
30, 2007, ITCTransmission and METC had $52.1 million and $10.0 million, respectively, outstanding
under the ITCTransmission/METC Credit Agreement.
Termination of Revolving Credit AgreementsOn March 29, 2007, ITC Holdings terminated its
revolving credit agreement dated as of March 19, 2004. Accordingly, the remaining unamortized
balance of deferred financing fees of $0.3 million relating to the terminated agreement was
recorded as a loss on extinguishment of debt during the nine months ended September 30, 2007.
On March 29, 2007, ITCTransmission terminated its revolving credit agreement dated as of July
16, 2003. In accordance with FERC regulations, the remaining unamortized balance of deferred
financing fees of $0.5 million relating to the terminated agreement was reclassified from deferred
financing fees to other regulatory assets. ITCTransmission does not earn a return on this
regulatory asset. The amounts are amortized on a straight-line basis through March 2010, which was
the maturity date of this revolving credit agreement, and are included as a component of long-term
interest used to calculate the cost of long-term debt under Attachment O.
On March 29, 2007, METC terminated its revolving credit agreement dated as of December 8,
2003. There was no remaining unamortized balance of deferred financing fees.
7. STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY AND STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we repurchased and retired 41,867 shares of
common stock for an aggregate of $1.8 million, which represented shares of common stock delivered
to us by employees as payment of tax withholdings due to us upon the vesting of restricted stock.
In August 2007 under the 2006 Long Term Incentive Plan, we granted 272,712 options to purchase
shares of our common stock. The options vest in five equal annual installments beginning on August
15, 2008 and have an exercise price of $42.82 per share. In addition, we granted 68,924 shares of
restricted stock at a fair value of $42.82 per share. Holders of the restricted stock awards have
all rights of a holder of common stock of ITC Holdings, including dividend and voting rights. The
restricted stock awards become
14
vested five years after the grant date. The holder of the restricted stock may not sell,
transfer or pledge their shares of restricted stock until vesting occurs.
In 2006, our Board of Directors and shareholders approved the implementation of the Employee
Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). The ESPP allows for the issuance of an aggregate of 180,000 shares of
our common stock. Participation in this plan is available to substantially all employees. We
implemented the ESPP effective April 1, 2007. The ESPP is a compensatory plan accounted for under
the expense recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R), Share
Based Payment. We do not expect the ESPP to have a material effect on our consolidated financial
statements.
8. EARNINGS PER SHARE
We report both basic and diluted earnings per share. Diluted earnings per share assumes the
issuance of potentially dilutive shares of common stock during the period resulting from the
exercise of common stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards. A reconciliation of both
calculations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 is presented in the
following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
|
|
Nine months ended |
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
(In thousands, except share and per share data) |
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Basic earnings per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
20,800 |
|
|
$ |
18,949 |
|
|
$ |
57,654 |
|
|
$ |
29,630 |
|
Weighted-average shares outstanding |
|
|
42,369,352 |
|
|
|
33,023,187 |
|
|
|
42,244,470 |
|
|
|
33,005,068 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings per share |
|
$ |
0.49 |
|
|
$ |
0.57 |
|
|
$ |
1.36 |
|
|
$ |
0.90 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted earnings per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
20,800 |
|
|
$ |
18,949 |
|
|
$ |
57,654 |
|
|
$ |
29,630 |
|
Weighted-average shares outstanding |
|
|
42,369,352 |
|
|
|
33,023,187 |
|
|
|
42,244,470 |
|
|
|
33,005,068 |
|
Incremental shares of stock-based awards |
|
|
1,223,516 |
|
|
|
1,363,804 |
|
|
|
1,229,752 |
|
|
|
1,076,900 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average dilutive shares outstanding |
|
|
43,592,868 |
|
|
|
34,386,991 |
|
|
|
43,474,222 |
|
|
|
34,081,968 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted earnings per share |
|
$ |
0.48 |
|
|
$ |
0.55 |
|
|
$ |
1.33 |
|
|
$ |
0.87 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings per share excludes 342,076 and 340,308 shares of restricted common stock at
September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, that were issued and outstanding, but had not yet vested
as of such dates.
There were 284,398 potential shares of common stock for the three and nine months ended
September 30, 2007 and 250,311 potential shares of common stock for the three and nine months ended
September 30, 2006 excluded from the diluted per share calculation relating to stock option and
restricted stock awards, because the effect of including these potential shares was anti-dilutive.
9. TAXES
Michigan Business Tax
On July 12, 2007, a Michigan law was enacted to replace the Michigan Single Business Tax
effective January 1, 2008. Key features of the new tax include a business income tax at a rate of
4.95% and a modified gross receipts tax at a rate of 0.80%, with credits for certain activities.
The Michigan Single Business Tax in effect through December 31, 2007 is accounted for as a tax
other than income tax. The new tax is accounted for as an income tax under the provisions of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. The accounting
for the new tax resulted in the recognition of deferred tax liabilities at the enactment date and
at September 30, 2007 for book and tax differences expected to reverse subsequent to December 31,
2007. As a result of the provisions contained in an additional Michigan law enacted on September
30, 2007 that allow for deductions over the period 2015 through 2029 for book and tax differences
that exist at the effective date of the new tax of January 1, 2008, we recognized a deferred tax
asset that resulted in an offset to the deferred tax liabilities recognized. The enactment of the
new tax did not have a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements as of
September 30, 2007.
15
Income Tax Provision
Our effective tax rate of 33.6% and 33.3% for the three and nine months ended September 30,
2007, respectively, and 25.7% and 29.6% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006,
respectively, differed from our 35% statutory federal income tax rate primarily due to our
accounting for the tax effects of AFUDC Equity. ITCTransmission and METC include taxes payable
relating to AFUDC Equity in their actual net revenue requirements. The amount of income tax expense
relating to AFUDC Equity is recognized as a regulatory asset and not included in the income tax
provision.
10. RETIREMENT BENEFITS AND ASSETS HELD IN TRUST
We have a retirement plan for eligible employees, comprised of a traditional final average pay
plan and a cash balance plan. The retirement plan is noncontributory, covers substantially all
employees, and provides retirement benefits based on the employees years of benefit service,
average final compensation and age at retirement. The cash balance plan benefits are based on
eligible compensation and interest credits. While we are obligated to fund the retirement plan by
contributing the minimum amount required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, it
is our practice to contribute the maximum allowable amount as defined by section 404 of the
Internal Revenue Code. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we contributed $4.0 million
to the retirement plan relating to the 2006 plan year. We have no minimum funding requirement
relating to the 2006 plan year.
We have also established two supplemental nonqualified, noncontributory, retirement benefit
plans for selected management employees. The plans provide for benefits that supplement those
provided by our other retirement plans. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we
contributed $1.1 million to the plans.
Net pension cost includes the following components:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
|
|
Nine months ended |
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
(In thousands) |
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Service cost |
|
$ |
373 |
|
|
$ |
290 |
|
|
$ |
1,120 |
|
|
$ |
876 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
249 |
|
|
|
232 |
|
|
|
747 |
|
|
|
729 |
|
Expected return on plan assets |
|
|
(162 |
) |
|
|
(106 |
) |
|
|
(488 |
) |
|
|
(320 |
) |
Amortization of prior service cost |
|
|
(275 |
) |
|
|
(98 |
) |
|
|
(826 |
) |
|
|
74 |
|
Amortization of unrecognized (gain)/loss |
|
|
488 |
|
|
|
459 |
|
|
|
1,465 |
|
|
|
1,376 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net pension cost |
|
$ |
673 |
|
|
$ |
777 |
|
|
$ |
2,018 |
|
|
$ |
2,735 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Postretirement Benefits
We provide certain postretirement health care, dental, and life insurance benefits for
employees who may become eligible for these benefits. During the nine months ended September 30,
2007, we contributed $0.3 million to the plan.
Net postretirement cost includes the following components:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
|
|
Nine months ended |
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
(In thousands) |
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Service cost |
|
$ |
246 |
|
|
$ |
295 |
|
|
$ |
737 |
|
|
$ |
886 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
82 |
|
|
|
68 |
|
|
|
247 |
|
|
|
204 |
|
Expected return on plan assets |
|
|
(23 |
) |
|
|
(11 |
) |
|
|
(70 |
) |
|
|
(32 |
) |
Amortization of prior service cost |
|
|
59 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
176 |
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of actuarial (gain)/loss |
|
|
(24 |
) |
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
(70 |
) |
|
|
57 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net postretirement cost |
|
$ |
340 |
|
|
$ |
371 |
|
|
$ |
1,020 |
|
|
$ |
1,115 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16
Defined Contribution Plans
We also sponsor a defined contribution retirement savings plan. Participation in this plan is
available to substantially all employees. We match employee contributions up to certain predefined
limits based upon eligible compensation and the employees contribution rate. The cost of this plan
was $0.3 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006,
respectively, and $1.0 million and $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and
2006, respectively.
11. DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS
Special Bonus Plans
Under the special bonus plans, in determining the amounts to be credited to the plan
participants accounts, our board of directors gives consideration to dividends paid, or expected
to be paid, on our common stock. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, our board of
directors authorized awards under the special bonus plans of $1.6 million, consisting of $0.7
million for vested awards and $0.9 million for awards that vest over periods ranging from 8 to 41
months. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, we recorded general and
administrative expenses of $0.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively, for the amortization of
awards that are expected to vest, which includes amortization of awards granted during 2007, 2006
and 2005, and we recorded general and administrative expenses of $0.3 million and $0.9 million,
respectively, for awards that were vested in 2007 when granted. During the three months and nine
months ended September 30, 2006, we recorded general and administrative expenses of $0.2 million
and $0.4 million, respectively, for the amortization of awards that are expected to vest, which
included amortization of awards granted during both 2006 and 2005, and we recorded general and
administrative expenses of $0.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively, for awards that were vested
in 2006 when granted.
We made contributions of $0.6 million for both the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and
2006 to fund the special bonus plans for non-executive employees, which were recorded in other
assets.
12. CONTINGENCIES
Litigation
We are involved in certain legal proceedings before various courts, governmental agencies, and
mediation panels concerning matters arising in the ordinary course of business. These proceedings
include certain contract disputes, regulatory matters, and pending judicial matters. We cannot
predict the final disposition of such proceedings. We regularly review legal matters and record
provisions for claims that are considered probable of loss. The resolution of pending proceedings
is not expected to have a material effect on our operations or consolidated financial statements in
the period in which they are resolved.
CSX Transportation, Inc.
On August 2, 2006, CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSX) filed a lawsuit in the United States
District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan alleging that ITCTransmission caused damage to
equipment owned by CSX and further claiming mitigation costs to protect against future damage. The
total alleged damage in this lawsuit is approximately $1.1 million. In January 2007,
ITCTransmission received a notice from its insurance provider that it reserves its rights as to the
insurance policy, asserting that damage claims of CSX arising from the contractual liability of
ITCTransmission are not covered under insurance. ITCTransmission has determined that an immaterial
amount of the claimed damages relate to an alleged contractual liability, which, if proven, would
not be covered under insurance and therefore would be payable by ITCTransmission. ITCTransmission
intends to vigorously defend against this action. This litigation is in the early stages of
evidence discovery and a trial date has not yet been set. During the three months ended September
30, 2007, we recorded an accrual of $0.2 million for this matter in general and administrative
expenses.
Termination of Contracts for Engineering and Other Services
After ITC Holdings acquired METC in 2006, two contracts between METC and GE Energy Services
for engineering and other services were claimed by GE Energy Services to be terminated or disputed.
GE Energy Services invoiced METC for amounts it claims are owed under those contracts for work
performed prior to termination. METC paid certain of the charges for work actually completed on the
METC system prior to contract termination. However, METC disputed the remainder of the invoices,
which totaled
17
$2.8 million, contending that the charges were not covered by the written terms of the
original METC contracts. On July 11, 2007, METC and GE Energy Services resolved their dispute by
executing a Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release of Claims that required METC to pay a portion
of the disputed amount and to make specified future purchases from GE Energy Services. The
settlement did not have a material effect on our results of operations, cash flows or financial
position.
Consumers Energy Company Bonus Payments
In 2004, ITCTransmission received a demand for reimbursement from Consumers Energy, which
stated that ITCTransmission owes $0.7 million for ITCTransmissions share of the bonus payments
paid by Consumers Energy to its employees for the operation of the Michigan Electric Coordinated
Systems control area in 2002. In December 2005, Consumers Energy filed a lawsuit in Michigan
circuit court against ITCTransmission, The Detroit Edison Company and DTE Energy Company seeking
reimbursement from any party. In June 2006, ITCTransmission was dismissed from the lawsuit on the
condition that ITCTransmission and Consumers Energy proceed with arbitration pursuant to a
contractual provision between the parties. In August 2007, ITCTransmission and Consumers Energy
reached a final settlement pursuant to which ITCTransmission paid an amount less than $0.1 million
to Consumers Energy as full and final settlement of the litigation.
Thumb Loop Project
During 2003 through 2005, ITCTransmission upgraded its electric transmission facilities in
Lapeer County, Michigan, known as the Thumb Loop Project. As part of the Thumb Loop Project,
ITCTransmission replaced existing H-frame transmission poles with single steel poles and replaced a
single circuit transmission line with a double circuit transmission line. Certain property owners
along the Thumb Loop have alleged that ITCTransmissions facilities upgrades overburden
ITCTransmissions easement rights, and in part have alleged trespass. In October 2006, the state
trial court issued a final order determining that the Thumb Loop Project does not overburden
ITCTransmissions easement rights. Plaintiff landowners have filed a claim of appeal with the
Michigan Court of Appeals. Further litigation is not expected to have a material impact on our
results of operations. The legal costs incurred relating to the Thumb Loop Project totaled $0.2
million as of September 30, 2007.
Property Taxes
Since the formation of METC in 2002, numerous municipalities have applied their own property
valuation tables assessing the value of METCs personal property, rather than using the property
valuation tables approved by the State of Michigan Tax Commission (STC). This has resulted in
higher assessed values on METCs personal property. METC filed appeals challenging the
municipalities that did not utilize the STC valuation tax tables. The Michigan Court of Appeals
issued an opinion in 2004 affirming the use of the valuation tax tables approved by the STC. None
of the parties involved elected to appeal the courts decision. Following the Appeals Court
decision, many of METCs tax appeals have now been settled by stipulation. Cases not settled will
eventually be scheduled for hearing before the Michigan Tax Tribunal (the MTT). Currently, most
taxing jurisdictions that previously applied their own valuation tax tables have commenced using
the approved STC valuation tax tables. In 2006, METC began making tax payments based upon
valuations using the STC approved tax tables. Previously, METC made property tax payments based on
the full amounts billed by the municipalities, while expensing only the amounts that would have
been billed by using the valuation tax tables approved by the STC. METC has established receivables
of $0.6 million as of September 30, 2007 for the expected refunds to be collected for METCs
payments made using the higher tax tables based on settlements that have been filed with the MTT by
METC and the municipalities during 2007.
18
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS SAFE
HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
Our reports, filings and other public announcements contain certain statements that describe
our managements beliefs concerning future business conditions and prospects, growth opportunities
and the outlook for our business and the electricity transmission industry based upon information
currently available. Such statements are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Wherever possible, we have identified these
forward-looking statements by words such as will, may, anticipates, believes, intends,
estimates, expects, projects and similar phrases. These forward-looking statements are based
upon assumptions our management believes are reasonable. Such forward-looking statements are
subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause our actual results, performance and
achievements to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these statements,
including, among other factors, the risk factors listed in Part I, Item 1A Risk Factors of our
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 (as revised at Part II, Item 1A herein and in
our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2007) and the following:
|
|
unless ITC Holdings receives dividends or other payments from ITCTransmission, METC or other
subsidiaries, ITC Holdings will be unable to pay dividends to its shareholders and fulfill its
cash obligations; |
|
|
certain elements of ITCTransmissions and METCs cost recovery through rates can be
challenged, which could result in lowered rates and/or refunds of amounts previously collected
and thus have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations
and cash flows; |
|
|
ITCTransmissions and METCs actual capital investments may be lower than planned, which
would decrease their respective expected rate bases and therefore our revenues; |
|
|
ITCTransmission and METC are subject to various regulatory requirements. Violations of these
requirements, whether intentional or unintentional, may result in penalties that, under some
circumstances, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial
condition and cash flows. |
|
|
the regulations to which we are subject may limit our ability to raise capital and/or pursue
acquisitions or development opportunities or other transactions or may subject us to
liabilities; |
|
|
changes in federal energy laws, regulations or policies could reduce the dividends we may be
able to pay our shareholders; |
|
|
our network loads are seasonal and may be lower than expected, which would impact the timing
of collection of our revenues; |
|
|
ITCTransmission depends on The Detroit Edison Company (Detroit Edison), its primary
customer, for a substantial portion of its revenues, and any material failure by Detroit
Edison to make payments for transmission services would adversely affect our revenues and our
ability to service ITCTransmissions and our debt obligations; |
|
|
METC depends on Consumers Energy Company (Consumers Energy), its primary customer, for a
substantial portion of its revenues, and any material failure by Consumers Energy to make
payments for transmission services would adversely affect our revenues and our ability to
service METCs and our debt obligations; |
|
|
METC does not own the majority of the land on which its transmission assets are located and,
as a result, it must comply with the provisions of an easement agreement with Consumers
Energy, which may adversely impact METCs ability to complete its construction projects in a
timely manner; |
|
|
deregulation and/or increased competition may adversely affect ITCTransmissions and METCs
customers or Detroit Edisons customers and Consumers Energys customers, which may affect our
ability to collect revenues; |
|
|
hazards associated with high-voltage electricity transmission may result in suspension of
ITCTransmissions or METCs operations or the imposition of civil or criminal penalties; |
19
|
|
ITCTransmission and METC are subject to environmental regulations and to laws that can give
rise to substantial liabilities from environmental contamination; |
|
|
acts of war, terrorist attacks and threats or the escalation of military activity in response
to such attacks or otherwise may negatively affect our business, financial condition and
results of operations; |
|
|
we may encounter difficulties consolidating METC into our business and may not fully attain
or retain, or achieve within a reasonable time frame, expected strategic objectives, cost
savings and other expected benefits of the acquisition; |
|
|
the proposed acquisition of Interstate Power and Light (IP&L) transmission assets may not
occur on a timely basis or at all, and the required governmental approvals may not be obtained
on a timely basis or at all; |
|
|
the purchase price for the IP&L transmission assets is subject to adjustment and, therefore,
the final purchase price cannot be determined at this time; |
|
|
the proposed acquisition of IP&L transmission assets may not be as financially or
operationally successful as originally contemplated; |
|
|
we may encounter difficulties consolidating IP&Ls transmission assets into our business and
may not fully attain or retain, or achieve within a reasonable time frame, expected strategic
objectives, cost savings and other expected benefits of the proposed acquisition; |
|
|
we are highly leveraged and our dependence on debt may limit our ability to pay dividends
and/or obtain additional financing; |
|
|
certain provisions in our debt instruments limit our capital flexibility; |
|
|
adverse changes in our credit ratings may negatively affect us; |
|
|
future transactions may limit our ability to use our federal income tax net operating loss
carryforwards; |
|
|
ITCTransmissions and METCs ability to raise capital may be restricted which may, in turn,
restrict our ability to make capital expenditures or dividend payments to our stockholders;
and |
|
|
other risk factors discussed herein and listed from time to time in our public filings with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may have a material adverse effect on our
financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects. |
Because our forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions that are subject
to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, many of which are beyond our
control or are subject to change, actual results could be materially different and any or all of
our forward-looking statements may turn out to be wrong. Forward-looking statements speak only as
of the date made and can be affected by assumptions we might make or by known or unknown risks and
uncertainties. Many factors mentioned in our discussion in this report will be important in
determining future results. Consequently, we cannot assure you that our expectations or forecasts
expressed in such forward-looking statements will be achieved. Actual future results may vary
materially. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update any of our
forward-looking or other statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or
otherwise.
OVERVIEW
Through our regulated operating subsidiaries, ITCTransmission and METC, we are engaged in the
transmission of electricity in the United States. Our business strategy is to operate, maintain and
invest in our transmission infrastructure in order to enhance system integrity and reliability and
to reduce transmission constraints. By pursuing this strategy, we strive to lower the delivered
cost of electricity and improve accessibility to generation sources of choice, including
renewables. ITCTransmission and METC operate contiguous, high-voltage systems that transmit
electricity to local electricity distribution facilities from generating stations throughout
Michigan and surrounding areas. The local distribution facilities connected to our systems serve an
area comprising substantially all of the lower peninsula of Michigan, which has an estimated
population of approximately 10 million people.
20
As transmission utilities with rates regulated by the FERC, ITCTransmission and METC earn
revenues through tariff rates charged for the use of their electricity transmission systems by our
customers, which include investor-owned utilities, municipalities, co-operatives, power marketers
and alternative energy suppliers. As independent transmission companies, ITCTransmission and METC
are subject to rate regulation only by the FERC. The rates charged by ITCTransmission and METC are
established using a formulaic cost-of-service model, referred to as Forward-Looking Attachment O,
and recalculated annually, allowing for the recovery of actual expenses and a return on rate base,
consisting primarily of property, plant and equipment.
ITCTransmissions and METCs primary operating responsibilities include maintaining, improving
and expanding their transmission systems to meet their customers ongoing needs, scheduling outages
on system elements to allow for maintenance and construction, balancing electricity generation and
demand, maintaining appropriate system voltages and monitoring flows over transmission lines and
other facilities to ensure physical limits are not exceeded.
We derive nearly all of our revenues from providing (1) network transmission service, (2)
point-to-point transmission service, and (3) scheduling, control and dispatch services over our
system. Substantially all of our operating expenses and assets support our transmission operations.
ITCTransmissions principal transmission service customer is Detroit Edison and METCs principal
transmission service customer is Consumers Energy. Our remaining revenues are generated from
providing service to other entities such as alternative electricity suppliers, power marketers and
other wholesale customers that provide electricity to end-use consumers, from transaction-based
capacity reservations on ITCTransmissions and METCs transmission systems and from providing
ancillary services to customers.
Significant recent events that influenced our financial position and results of operations and
cash flows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 or are expected to occur and may
affect future results are:
|
|
our acquisition of all of the indirect ownership interests in METC in October 2006; |
|
|
ITCTransmissions and METCs capital investment of $155.0 million and $55.4 million,
respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 resulting from our focus on
improving system reliability; |
|
|
the implementation of Forward-Looking Attachment O effective January 1, 2007, and its effect
on operating revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, including
reducing the seasonality of operating revenues and net income; |
|
|
debt issuances in 2006 and 2007, resulting in higher interest expense; |
|
|
|
the pending acquisition of the transmission assets of IP&L; and |
|
|
|
the settlement of METCs rate case, which resulted in payment to various transmission
customers in the aggregate amount of $20.0 million in October 2007. |
These items are discussed in more detail throughout Managements Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Recent Developments
Pending Acquisition of Transmission Assets
On January 18, 2007, ITC Holdings newly formed subsidiary, ITC Midwest, signed a definitive
agreement to acquire for cash the transmission assets of IP&L for $750.0 million (excluding
transaction-related expenses). The purchase price is subject to several adjustments both upward and
downward depending on the amount of property, plant and equipment in service, construction work in
progress and other asset or liability balances actually transferred to ITC Midwest by IP&L. As a
result of these adjustments, it is not possible to determine the final purchase price at this time.
IP&Ls transmission assets currently consist of approximately 6,800 miles of transmission lines at
voltages of 34.5kV and above and associated substations, located in Iowa with some assets also in
Minnesota, Illinois and Missouri. Through September 30, 2007, we have incurred acquisition costs of
$2.1 million recorded in other assets. In the
21
event the acquisition is not consummated, the acquisition costs would be recognized as an
expense in our consolidated statement of operations.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, including
approval from the FERC, the Iowa Utilities Board, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, the
Illinois Commerce Commission and the Missouri Public Service Commission. We made filings in March,
April and June 2007 with the various state regulatory agencies to obtain these approvals. Our FERC
application, filed in May 2007, seeks approval of a rate construct for ITC Midwest that is similar
to the rate constructs of ITCTransmission and METC. In May 2007, the Federal Trade Commission
completed its investigation of the sale and terminated the waiting period under the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended. In August 2007, the parties (ITC
Midwest and IP&L) received approval from the Missouri Public Service Commission to assign IP&Ls
Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to ITC Midwest. In September 2007, the parties
received approval from the Iowa Utilities Board. As part of the Iowa
approval, ITC Midwest agreed to provide a rate discount of
$4.1 million per year to its customers for eight years,
beginning in the year customers experience an increase in
transmission charges following consummation of the transaction. It is a condition to closing that each party
receive regulatory approvals on terms and conditions substantially equivalent to those requested in
the parties applications for such approvals. If closing of the transaction has not occurred on or
before December 31, 2007, in most cases either party may terminate the agreement at any time after
that date.
ITC Midwest expects to finance the transaction through a combination of the proceeds from a
sale of common stock of ITC Holdings and the issuance of debt by ITC Holdings and/or ITC Midwest to
maintain ITC Holdings targeted capital structure of 70% debt and 30% equity. In the event the
required regulatory approvals are received, the acquisition and the financing transactions are
expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2007. ITC Midwest and IP&L have agreed that in the event
that either party terminates the acquisition agreement as a result of a breach by the other party
of its covenants, agreements or representations, made as of the date of the acquisition agreement,
which would cause the closing conditions contained in the acquisition agreement not to be
satisfied, the terminating party shall be entitled as its sole and exclusive remedy to liquidated
damages equal to approximately $24.0 million, except that IP&L is entitled to liquidated damages of
approximately $45.0 million solely in the event that such breach is ITC Midwests failure to pay
IP&L the purchase price at closing of the transaction.
The closing of the IP&L acquisition is not subject to any condition that ITC Holdings or ITC
Midwest have completed any financing prior to consummation of the transaction. ITC Holdings has
received a commitment letter, dated January 18, 2007, from a bank (the Lead Arranger) to provide
to ITC Holdings, subject to the terms and conditions therein, financing in an aggregate amount of
up to $765.0 million in the form of a 364-day senior unsecured bridge term loan facility (the
Bridge Facility). ITC Holdings does not intend to draw down on the Bridge Facility unless funds
from the contemplated common equity offering and debt offerings are unavailable at the time of
closing. In the event the $765.0 million capacity under the Bridge Facility is not sufficient to
finance the acquisition due to purchase price adjustments, we believe we have the ability to secure
additional bridge financing capacity or use existing capacity under our revolving credit
facilities. The availability of the Bridge Facility is subject to the satisfaction of customary
conditions to consummation, including the consummation of the acquisition and the execution of
definitive financing documents. The Bridge Facility expires upon the earlier of December 31, 2007
or the date ITC Holdings notifies the Lead Arranger that the acquisition has been abandoned. In the
event the acquisition is not consummated, ITC Holdings is not liable for any fees or payments under
the Bridge Facility. In the event the acquisition is consummated, ITC Holdings would pay the Lead
Arranger an arrangement fee of 0.125% on the aggregate amount of the Bridge Facility (the
Arrangement Fee) and an additional fee of 0.125% per annum which accrues beginning on August 1,
2007 until the date of closing of the acquisition (the Additional Fee). The Arrangement Fee and
Additional Fee would be recorded in other expenses and the amount recognized would be $1.0 million
and $0.4 million, respectively, if the acquisition is consummated on December 31, 2007 and the
bridge facility is not drawn upon. Additionally, in the event the Bridge Facility is drawn upon,
ITC Holdings will pay a funding fee equal to 0.375% of the aggregate amount of the loans borrowed
(the Funding Fee), and the Funding Fee and Arrangement Fee amounts would be recorded as a debt
issue cost and amortized over the expected term of the Bridge Facility. All or a portion of the
Funding Fee will be rebated if the Bridge Facility is refinanced with the Lead Arranger and if the
refinancing occurs within 150 days of when the Bridge Facility was initially drawn upon. The
borrowings under the Bridge Facility would bear interest at ITC Holdings option, at either LIBOR
plus a margin of 0.625% or a base rate, defined as the higher of the Lead Arrangers prime rate or
0.5% above the federal funds rate, plus a margin of 0.625%, which margins are subject to adjustment
based on ratings by Moodys Investor Service, Inc. and Standard & Poors Rating Services from time
to time.
In connection with the acquisition, ITC Holdings has executed a guaranty, pursuant to which it
has agreed to unconditionally guarantee the payment and performance of the obligations of ITC
Midwest under the acquisition agreement.
There can be no assurance that our acquisition of IP&Ls transmission assets will be
consummated. We may not successfully complete our acquisition of the transmission assets of IP&L as
a result of our failure, or IP&Ls failure, to obtain the necessary
22
regulatory approvals or other approvals on a timely basis. In addition, both we and IP&L must
comply with a number of closing conditions in order to consummate the acquisition and, in addition,
we must obtain financing to pay the purchase price for the transmission assets. If we do
successfully acquire the transmission assets of IP&L, we may not realize the strategic and other
benefits that we currently expect. See Part I, Item 1A Risk Factors Risks Related to the Pending
Acquisition of IP&Ls Transmission Assets in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2006.
Michigan Business Tax
On July 12, 2007, a Michigan law was enacted to replace the Michigan Single Business Tax
effective January 1, 2008. Key features of the new tax include a business income tax at a rate of
4.95% and a modified gross receipts tax at a rate of 0.80%, with credits for certain activities.
The Michigan Single Business Tax in effect through December 31, 2007 is accounted for as a tax
other than income tax. The new tax is accounted for as an income tax under the provisions of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. The accounting
for the new tax resulted in the recognition of deferred tax liabilities at the enactment date and
at September 30, 2007 for book and tax differences expected to reverse subsequent to December 31,
2007. As a result of the provisions contained in an additional Michigan law enacted on September
30, 2007 that allow for deductions over the period 2015 through 2029 for book and tax differences
that exist at the effective date of the new tax of January 1, 2008, we recognized a deferred tax
asset that resulted in an offset to the deferred tax liabilities recognized. The enactment of the
new tax did not have a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements as of
September 30, 2007.
The new tax is expected to result in a higher effective income tax rate used to calculate our
income tax provision beginning in 2008 and a reduction in taxes other than income taxes due to the
termination of the Michigan Single Business Tax.
Forward-Looking Attachment O
On July 14, 2006 and December 21, 2006, the FERC authorized ITCTransmission and METC,
respectively, to modify the implementation of their Attachment O formula rates so that, beginning
January 1, 2007, ITCTransmission and METC recover expenses and earn a return on and recover
investments in property, plant and equipment on a current rather than a lagging basis. In periods
of capital expansion and increasing rate base, ITCTransmission and METC will recover the costs of
these capital investments more timely than under the previous Attachment O method that used
historical information.
Under the Forward-Looking Attachment O formula, ITCTransmission and METC use forecasted
expenses, rate base, point-to-point revenues, network load and other items for the upcoming
calendar year to establish rates for service on the ITCTransmission and METC systems for that year.
Billed network revenues under Forward-Looking Attachment O continue to be based on actual monthly
peak loads multiplied by the network transmission rate. The Forward-Looking Attachment O formula
includes a true-up mechanism, whereby ITCTransmission and METC compare their actual net revenue
requirements to their billed network revenues for each year to determine the true-up amount to be
included in future rates.
The true-up mechanism within Forward-Looking Attachment O meets the requirements of Emerging
Issues Task Force No. 92-7, Accounting by Rate-Regulated Utilities for the Effects of Certain
Alternative Revenue Programs (EITF 92-7). Accordingly, for each reporting period beginning with
the quarter ended March 31, 2007, revenue is recognized based on actual year-to-date net revenue
requirements for that reporting period calculated using Forward-Looking Attachment O.
ITCTransmission and METC accrue or defer revenues to the extent that the actual net revenue
requirement for the reporting period is higher or lower, respectively, than the network revenue
amounts billed relating to that reporting period. Thus, we will recognize more revenues in periods
where revenue requirements are higher, and less revenues in periods when revenue requirements are
lower. ITCTransmission and METC also accrue interest on the true-up amount as permitted by
Forward-Looking Attachment O. The true-up amount, including interest, for each calendar year is
automatically reflected in customer bills within two years under the provisions of Forward-Looking
Attachment O. For the three months ended September 30, 2007, we have recorded a $12.9 million and
$0.8 million reduction in operating revenues at ITCTransmission and METC, respectively, to
recognize actual net revenue requirement for the period that was lower than the amount billed
relating to the period. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we have recorded a $2.8
million reduction in operating revenues at ITCTransmission to recognize actual net revenue
requirement for the period that was lower than the amount billed relating to the period and $12.6
million of additional operating revenues at METC to recognize actual net revenue requirement for
the period that exceeded the amount billed relating to the period. For both the three and nine
months ended September 30, 2007, we recognized other income of $0.2 million at METC and interest
expense of $0.1 million at ITCTransmission for accrued interest relating to the true-up amounts.
23
Our network transmission rates in effect through the year ended December 31, 2006 were
established using a rate setting method that primarily used historical FERC Form No. 1 data and did
not meet the requirements of an alternative revenue program under EITF 92-7. Accordingly, revenue
for those periods was recognized for services provided during the reporting period based on actual
monthly peak loads during the period multiplied by the network transmission rate calculated using
the Attachment O formula, regardless of actual revenue requirement for the reporting period.
METC Rate Case Settlement Agreement
On January 19, 2007, METC, MISO, Consumers Energy, Michigan Public Power Agency, Michigan
South Central Power Agency, Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative, Inc. and ITCTransmission entered
into a settlement agreement to resolve all outstanding matters in METCs pending rate case before
the FERC, including those set for hearing in the FERCs December 30, 2005 rate order, which
authorized METC, beginning on January 1, 2006, to charge rates for its transmission service using
the rate setting formula contained in Attachment O. The terms of this settlement agreement were
approved by the FERC on August 29, 2007 and no parties filed for rehearing within the allowed
30-day period subsequent to the approval. METC made payments totaling $20.0 million to various
transmission customers in October 2007. METCs payments pursuant to this settlement were in lieu of
any and all refunds and/or interest payment requirements in this proceeding in connection with
METCs rates in effect on and after January 1, 2006. METC has no other refund obligation or
liability beyond this payment in connection with this proceeding. Additionally, the settlement
established the balances and amortization to be used for ratemaking for the Regulatory Deferrals
and ADIT Deferrals as discussed below.
METC has deferred, as a regulatory asset, depreciation and interest expense associated with
transmission assets placed in service from May 1, 2002 through December 31, 2005 (the METC
Regulatory Deferral). METC has also recorded a regulatory asset related to the amount of
accumulated deferred income taxes included on METCs balance sheet at the time MTH acquired METC
from Consumers Energy (the METC ADIT Deferral). The METC rate case settlement establishes an
initial balance of the METC Regulatory Deferral and related intangible asset as $55.0 million with
20-year amortization beginning January 1, 2007. In addition, the settlement establishes an initial
balance of the METC ADIT Deferral and related intangible asset as $61.3 million with 18-year
amortization beginning January 1, 2007.
The METC rate case matter was accounted for as a pre-acquisition contingency under the
provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, Business Combinations. The
settlement payment of $20.0 million was accounted for as a liability at the acquisition date and
the adjustments to the METC Regulatory Deferral and METC ADIT Deferral balances were treated as
adjustments to the carrying amounts of assets acquired. During the three and nine months ended
September 30, 2007, we recognized $0.8 million and $2.3 million, respectively, of amortization of
the regulatory assets and $0.8 million and $2.3 million, respectively, of amortization of the
intangible assets associated with the METC ADIT Deferral and the METC Regulatory Deferral in
depreciation and amortization expenses. We will recognize annual amortization expense associated
with the Regulatory Deferral and ADIT Deferral totaling $6.2 million, which began in 2007.
Public Securities Offering
In February 2007, International Transmission Holdings Limited Partnership, (IT Holdings LP),
our largest shareholder at the time, sold or distributed its remaining 11,390,054 common shares
through a secondary offering of 8,149,534 common shares and through distributions of 3,240,520
common shares to its general and limited partners. ITC Holdings received no proceeds from these
offerings and distributions. ITC Holdings incurred estimated offering costs of $0.6 million
relating to this transaction, which was recorded in general and administrative expenses in the
first quarter of 2007.
Prior to the February 2007 sale and distribution, the ability of our shareholders other than
the IT Holdings LP to influence our management and policies was limited, including with respect to
our acquisition or disposition of assets, the approval of a merger or similar business combination,
the incurrence of indebtedness, the issuance of additional shares of common stock or other equity
securities and the payment of dividends or other distributions on our common stock. In addition, we
could not take certain actions that would adversely affect the limited partners of the IT Holdings
LP without their approval. The IT Holdings LP has divested itself of all remaining common shares,
has dissolved and will not participate further in our management.
24
Trends and Seasonality
Network Revenues
We expect a general trend of increases in network transmission rates and revenues for
ITCTransmission and METC, although we cannot predict a specific year-to-year trend due to the
variability of factors beyond our control. The primary factor that is expected to continue to
increase our rates in future years is our anticipated capital investment in excess of depreciation
as a result of our seven-year capital investment programs which began January 1, 2005 for
ITCTransmission and January 1, 2007 for METC. ITCTransmission and METC strive for high reliability
of their systems, low delivered costs of electricity and accessibility to generation sources of
choice, including renewables. On August 8, 2005, the Energy Policy Act was enacted, which requires
the FERC to implement mandatory electricity transmission reliability standards to be enforced by an
Electric Reliability Organization. Effective June 2007, the FERC approved mandatory adoption of
certain reliability standards and approved enforcement actions for the violators, including fines
up to $1.0 million per day. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) was
assigned the responsibility of developing and enforcing these mandatory reliability standards. We
continually assess our transmission systems against standards established by the NERC and
ReliabilityFirst Corporation, a regional entity under the NERC that is delegated certain authority
for the purpose of proposing and enforcing reliability standards. Analysis of the transmission
systems against these reliability standards has become more focused and rigorous in recent years.
We also assess our transmission systems against our own planning criteria that are filed annually
with the FERC. Projects that are undertaken to meet the reliability standards may have added
benefits of increasing throughput and reducing transmission congestion in ITCTransmissions and
METCs systems, which in turn may reduce the delivered cost of electricity by allowing access to
lower cost generation and reducing system losses. They may also facilitate access to generation
sources of choice, including renewables.
Based on our planning studies, for the seven-year period from January 1, 2005 through December
31, 2011 we recognize a need to invest approximately $1.0 billion within the ITCTransmission
service territory to (1) rebuild existing property, plant and equipment; (2) upgrade the system to
address demographic changes in southeastern Michigan that have impacted transmission load and the
changing role that transmission plays in meeting the needs of the wholesale market, including
accommodating the siting of new generation or to increase import capacity to meet expected growth
in peak electrical demand; and (3) invest in property, plant and equipment for the primary benefit
of relieving congestion in the transmission system in southeastern Michigan. During the nine months
ended September 30, 2007, ITCTransmission invested $155.0 million in property, plant and equipment
under its seven-year capital investment program. We expect ITCTransmissions total investments in
property, plant and equipment in 2007 to be approximately $200.0 million, based on projects
currently planned or being considered, which represents a $10.0 million increase from our previous forecast.
We expect METC to invest approximately $600.0 million in its system over the seven-year period
from January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2013. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007,
METC invested $55.4 million in property, plant and equipment under its seven-year capital
investment program. We expect that investments in property, plant and equipment at METC in 2007
will be approximately $60.0 million, based on projects currently planned or being considered, which represents a $10.0 million increase from our previous forecast.
Investments in property, plant and equipment at ITCTransmission and METC could vary due to,
among other things, the impact of weather conditions, union strikes, labor shortages, material and
equipment prices and availability, our ability to obtain financing for such expenditures, if
necessary, limitations on the amount of construction that can be undertaken on ITCTransmissions or
METCs system at any one time, regulatory approvals for reasons relating to environmental, siting
or regional planning issues or as a result of legal proceedings and variances between estimated and
actual costs of construction contracts awarded. The following table shows actual and estimated
additions to property, plant and equipment for ITCTransmission and METC, which includes amounts for
METC prior to its acquisition.
25
Our capital investment strategy is aligned with the FERCs policy objective to promote needed
investment in transmission infrastructure, improve reliability and reduce transmission constraints.
We assess our performance based in part on the levels of prudent and necessary capital investment
and maintenance spending on our transmission system.
The increase in network revenues in 2007 compared to 2006 is partially a result of the
implementation of Forward-Looking Attachment O, which allows ITCTransmission and METC to recover
their expenses and investments in transmission assets on a current rather than a lagging basis.
ITCTransmissions billed network transmission rate for 2007 is $2.099 per kW/month, based on
ITCTransmissions implementation of Forward-Looking Attachment O. METCs Forward-Looking Attachment
O also became effective beginning January 1, 2007. However, METCs historical network transmission
rate of $1.524 per kW/month continues to be
26
used for billing through December 31, 2007. The rates used during 2007 are subject to a
true-up adjustment under Forward-Looking Attachment O based on actual net revenue requirement for
2007, and which will be included in 2009 network rates. The 2008 billed network transmission rate
for ITCTransmission and METC will be $2.350 per kW/month and $2.022 per kW/month, respectively.
Point-to-Point Revenue
Our point-to-point revenue for the year ended December 31, 2006 was negatively impacted by the
elimination of certain types of point-to-point revenues and decreases in other types of
point-to-point revenues. Under Forward-Looking Attachment O, in applying the accounting for the
true-up mechanism, the amount of point-to-point revenues is factored into actual net revenue
requirement and does not have an effect on operating revenues or net income beginning in 2007.
Seasonality
Prior to January 1, 2007, the revenues recognized by ITCTransmission and METC were dependent
on monthly peak loads. Revenues and net income varied between periods based on monthly peak loads,
among other factors. To the extent that actual conditions during an annual period varied from the
data on which the Attachment O rate was based, ITCTransmission and METC earned more or less revenue
during that annual period and therefore recovered more or less than their respective net revenue
requirements.
Beginning January 1, 2007, although the monthly peak loads continue to be used for billing
network revenues, ITCTransmission and METC accrue or defer revenues to the extent that the actual
net revenue requirement for the reporting period is higher or lower, respectively, than the amounts
billed relating to that reporting period. Therefore, ITCTransmission and METC will recognize more
revenues in periods where recoverable expenses and rate base are higher, and less revenues in
periods where recoverable expenses and rate base are lower, resulting in more consistent net income
for each quarterly period within a given year, compared to the historical Attachment O method.
ITCTransmissions total of monthly peak loads for the three and nine months ended September
30, 2007 was up 3.8% and 3.8%, respectively, compared to the corresponding total for 2006, as shown
in the table below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
Monthly Peak Load (in MW) |
|
METC |
|
ITCTransmission |
|
METC |
|
ITCTransmission |
|
ITCTransmission |
January |
|
|
6,051 |
|
|
|
7,876 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,754 |
|
|
|
8,090 |
|
February |
|
|
6,227 |
|
|
|
8,170 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,667 |
|
|
|
7,672 |
|
March |
|
|
6,006 |
|
|
|
7,739 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,554 |
|
|
|
7,562 |
|
April |
|
|
5,473 |
|
|
|
7,141 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,035 |
|
|
|
7,299 |
|
May |
|
|
6,981 |
|
|
|
9,927 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,902 |
|
|
|
7,678 |
|
June |
|
|
8,484 |
|
|
|
11,761 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,752 |
|
|
|
12,108 |
|
July |
|
|
8,645 |
|
|
|
11,706 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,392 |
|
|
|
11,822 |
|
August |
|
|
8,931 |
|
|
|
12,087 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,745 |
|
|
|
12,308 |
|
September |
|
|
7,908 |
|
|
|
11,033 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,415 |
|
|
|
10,675 |
|
October |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,642 |
|
|
|
7,302 |
|
|
|
9,356 |
|
November |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,103 |
|
|
|
7,724 |
|
|
|
7,943 |
|
December |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,527 |
|
|
|
8,257 |
|
|
|
8,344 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,272 |
|
|
|
107,499 |
|
|
|
110,857 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Results of Operations and Variances
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine months ended |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage |
|
(In thousands) |
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
Change |
|
|
Change |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
Change |
|
|
Change |
|
OPERATING REVENUES |
|
$ |
109,272 |
|
|
$ |
63,004 |
|
|
$ |
46,268 |
|
|
|
73.4 |
% |
|
$ |
316,850 |
|
|
$ |
150,548 |
|
|
$ |
166,302 |
|
|
|
110.5 |
% |
OPERATING EXPENSES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operation and maintenance |
|
|
22,451 |
|
|
|
5,542 |
|
|
|
16,909 |
|
|
|
305.1 |
% |
|
|
62,494 |
|
|
|
19,317 |
|
|
|
43,177 |
|
|
|
223.5 |
% |
General and administrative |
|
|
13,376 |
|
|
|
9,827 |
|
|
|
3,549 |
|
|
|
36.1 |
% |
|
|
40,603 |
|
|
|
25,292 |
|
|
|
15,311 |
|
|
|
60.5 |
% |
Depreciation and
amortization |
|
|
17,060 |
|
|
|
9,259 |
|
|
|
7,801 |
|
|
|
84.3 |
% |
|
|
49,893 |
|
|
|
27,213 |
|
|
|
22,680 |
|
|
|
83.3 |
% |
Taxes other than income
taxes |
|
|
8,253 |
|
|
|
5,409 |
|
|
|
2,844 |
|
|
|
52.6 |
% |
|
|
25,089 |
|
|
|
15,739 |
|
|
|
9,350 |
|
|
|
59.4 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
61,140 |
|
|
|
30,037 |
|
|
|
31,103 |
|
|
|
103.5 |
% |
|
|
178,079 |
|
|
|
87,561 |
|
|
|
90,518 |
|
|
|
103.4 |
% |
OPERATING INCOME |
|
|
48,132 |
|
|
|
32,967 |
|
|
|
15,165 |
|
|
|
46.0 |
% |
|
|
138,771 |
|
|
|
62,987 |
|
|
|
75,784 |
|
|
|
120.3 |
% |
OTHER EXPENSES(INCOME) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense |
|
|
20,084 |
|
|
|
8,506 |
|
|
|
11,578 |
|
|
|
136.1 |
% |
|
|
59,156 |
|
|
|
23,640 |
|
|
|
35,516 |
|
|
|
150.2 |
% |
Allowance for equity funds
used during construction |
|
|
(2,339 |
) |
|
|
(1,250 |
) |
|
|
(1,089 |
) |
|
|
87.1 |
% |
|
|
(5,192 |
) |
|
|
(2,610 |
) |
|
|
(2,582 |
) |
|
|
98.9 |
% |
Loss on extinguishment of
debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
349 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
349 |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
Other income |
|
|
(1,128 |
) |
|
|
(47 |
) |
|
|
(1,081 |
) |
|
|
2,300.0 |
% |
|
|
(2,847 |
) |
|
|
(488 |
) |
|
|
(2,359 |
) |
|
|
483.4 |
% |
Other expense |
|
|
175 |
|
|
|
256 |
|
|
|
(81 |
) |
|
|
(31.6 |
)% |
|
|
844 |
|
|
|
408 |
|
|
|
436 |
|
|
|
106.9 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other expenses
(income) |
|
|
16,792 |
|
|
|
7,465 |
|
|
|
9,327 |
|
|
|
124.9 |
% |
|
|
52,310 |
|
|
|
20,950 |
|
|
|
31,360 |
|
|
|
149.7 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES |
|
|
31,340 |
|
|
|
25,502 |
|
|
|
5,838 |
|
|
|
22.9 |
% |
|
|
86,461 |
|
|
|
42,037 |
|
|
|
44,424 |
|
|
|
105.7 |
% |
INCOME TAX PROVISION |
|
|
10,540 |
|
|
|
6,553 |
|
|
|
3,987 |
|
|
|
60.8 |
% |
|
|
28,807 |
|
|
|
12,436 |
|
|
|
16,371 |
|
|
|
131.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME BEFORE CUMULATIVE
EFFECT OF A CHANGE IN
ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE |
|
|
20,800 |
|
|
|
18,949 |
|
|
|
1,851 |
|
|
|
9.8 |
% |
|
|
57,654 |
|
|
|
29,601 |
|
|
|
28,053 |
|
|
|
94.8 |
% |
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF A
CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING
PRINCIPLE (NET OF TAX OF
$16) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
(29 |
) |
|
|
(100.0 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCOME |
|
$ |
20,800 |
|
|
$ |
18,949 |
|
|
$ |
1,851 |
|
|
|
9.8 |
% |
|
$ |
57,654 |
|
|
$ |
29,630 |
|
|
$ |
28,024 |
|
|
|
94.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28
Operating Revenues
Three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to three months ended September 30, 2006
The following table sets forth the components of and changes in operating revenues for the
three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
Increase |
|
|
Increase |
|
(In thousands) |
|
Amount |
|
|
Percentage |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Percentage |
|
|
(Decrease) |
|
|
(Decrease) |
|
Network revenues billed |
|
$ |
113,134 |
|
|
|
103.5 |
% |
|
$ |
59,148 |
|
|
|
93.9 |
% |
|
$ |
53,986 |
|
|
|
91.3 |
% |
Attachment O revenue accrual
(deferral)- net |
|
|
(13,683 |
) |
|
|
(12.5 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.0 |
% |
|
|
(13,683 |
) |
|
|
n/a |
|
Point-to-point |
|
|
5,118 |
|
|
|
4.7 |
% |
|
|
1,325 |
|
|
|
2.1 |
% |
|
|
3,793 |
|
|
|
286.3 |
% |
Scheduling, control and dispatch |
|
|
4,253 |
|
|
|
3.9 |
% |
|
|
2,220 |
|
|
|
3.5 |
% |
|
|
2,033 |
|
|
|
91.6 |
% |
Other |
|
|
450 |
|
|
|
0.4 |
% |
|
|
311 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
% |
|
|
139 |
|
|
|
44.7 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
109,272 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
$ |
63,004 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
$ |
46,268 |
|
|
|
73.4 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Network revenues billed increased by $39.4 million due to the inclusion of amounts for METC
not included in the 2006 period. In addition, network revenues billed increased by $12.5 million
due to increases in the rate used for network revenues at ITCTransmission from $1.744 kW/month for
the three months ended September 30, 2006 to $2.099 per kW/month for the three months ended
September 30, 2007. Network revenues billed also increased by $2.1 million due to an increase of
3.8% in the network load at ITCTransmission for the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared
to the same period in 2006.
The Attachment O revenue deferral of $12.9 million and $0.8 million for ITCTransmission and
METC, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2007 resulted from network revenues
billed for the three months ended September 30, 2007 that exceeded actual net revenue requirement
for the three months ended September 30, 2007. The table below under Attachment O revenue accrual
illustration presents the calculation of the total Attachment O revenue accrual (deferral) for the
nine months ended September 30, 2007.
Point-to-point revenues increased primarily due to $2.5 million of METC revenues not included
in the 2006 period.
Scheduling, control and dispatch revenues increased primarily due to $1.8 million of METC
revenues not included in the 2006 period.
Nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to nine months ended September 30, 2006
The following table sets forth the components of and changes in operating revenues for the
nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
Increase |
|
|
Increase |
|
(In thousands) |
|
Amount |
|
|
Percentage |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Percentage |
|
|
(Decrease) |
|
|
(Decrease) |
|
Network revenues billed |
|
$ |
281,857 |
|
|
|
89.0 |
% |
|
$ |
140,731 |
|
|
|
93.5 |
% |
|
$ |
141,126 |
|
|
|
100.3 |
% |
Attachment O revenue accrual
(deferral)- net |
|
|
9,858 |
|
|
|
3.1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.0 |
% |
|
|
9,858 |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
Point-to-point |
|
|
12,548 |
|
|
|
3.9 |
% |
|
|
3,437 |
|
|
|
2.3 |
% |
|
|
9,111 |
|
|
|
265.1 |
% |
Scheduling, control and dispatch |
|
|
11,133 |
|
|
|
3.5 |
% |
|
|
5,203 |
|
|
|
3.4 |
% |
|
|
5,930 |
|
|
|
114.0 |
% |
Other |
|
|
1,454 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
% |
|
|
1,177 |
|
|
|
0.8 |
% |
|
|
277 |
|
|
|
23.5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
316,850 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
$ |
150,548 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
$ |
166,302 |
|
|
|
110.5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Network revenues billed increased by $98.6 million due to the inclusion of amounts for METC
not included in the 2006 period. In addition, network revenues billed increased by $37.1 million
due to increases in the rate used for network revenues at ITCTransmission from $1.594 per kW/month
for the period from January through May of 2006 and $1.744 kW/month from June through September of
2006 to $2.099 per kW/month for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Network revenues billed
also increased by $5.4 million due to an increase of 3.8% in the network load at ITCTransmission
for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006.
29
The Attachment O revenue accrual (deferral)- net at ITCTransmission and METC resulted from
actual net revenue requirement for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 that exceeded network
revenues billed for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The table below illustrates the
calculation of the total Attachment O revenue accrual for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.
Attachment O revenue accrual illustration
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrual |
|
Line |
|
Item |
|
ITCTransmission |
|
|
METC |
|
|
(Deferral)- net |
|
1 |
|
Actual net revenue requirement |
|
$ |
180,467 |
|
|
$ |
111,248 |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
Network revenues billed (a) |
|
|
183,251 |
|
|
|
98,606 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
Attachment O revenue accrual (deferral) (line 1 - line 2) |
|
$ |
(2,784 |
) |
|
$ |
12,642 |
|
|
$ |
9,858 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Network revenues billed is calculated based on the monthly network peak load at
ITCTransmission and METC multiplied by the monthly network rate of $2.099 for
ITCTransmission and $1.524 for METC, adjusted for the actual number of days in the
month. |
Point-to-point revenues increased primarily due to $6.9 million of METC revenues not included
in the 2006 period.
Scheduling, control and dispatch revenues increased primarily due to $4.8 million of METC
revenues not included in the 2006 period.
Operating Expenses
Operation and maintenance expenses
Three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to three months ended September 30, 2006
Operation and maintenance expenses increased primarily due to amounts incurred by METC in 2007
that were not included in our results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2006.
METC incurred expenses of $7.6 million for contractor expenses for substation operations,
transmission structure maintenance, vegetation management, inspections, general site maintenance,
and maintenance support costs such as tools, equipment rentals and supplies. Additionally, METC
incurred expenses of $2.5 million for easement payments to Consumers Energy, $0.4 million for
ancillary services and $0.5 million for asset mapping activities. Operation and maintenance
expenses at ITCTransmission increased by $4.6 million primarily due to additional tower painting,
transmission structure maintenance, inspections, general site maintenance, and maintenance support
costs. We also incurred $1.1 million of additional expenses for transmission system monitoring and
control due to the increased activity at our operations facility needed to operate both
ITCTransmissions and METCs transmission systems during the three months ended September 30, 2007
as compared to only ITCTransmissions transmission system during the same period in 2006.
Nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to nine months ended September 30, 2006
Operation and maintenance expenses increased primarily due to amounts incurred by METC in 2007
that were not included in our results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
METC incurred expenses of $23.5 million for contractor expenses for substation operations,
transmission structure maintenance, vegetation management, inspections, general site maintenance,
and maintenance support costs such as tools, equipment rentals and supplies. These amounts include
costs to transition certain activities provided by Consumers Energy due to the termination of the
services contract with Consumers Energy pursuant to which Consumers Energy had provided various
services related to the METCs transmission assets through April 2007. Additionally, METC incurred
expenses of $7.6 million for easement payments to Consumers Energy, $1.4 million for ancillary
services and $0.5 million for asset mapping activities. Operation and maintenance expenses at
ITCTransmission increased by $7.9 million primarily due to additional tower painting, transmission
structure maintenance, inspections, general site maintenance, and maintenance support costs. We
also incurred $2.3 million of additional expenses for transmission system monitoring and control
due to the acquisition of METC and the increased activity at our operations facility needed
30
to operate both ITCTransmissions and METCs transmission systems during
the nine months ended September 30,
2007 as compared to only ITCTransmissions transmission system during the same period in 2006.
General and administrative expenses
Three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to three months ended September 30, 2006
The increase in general and administrative expenses consisted of $1.2 million due to higher
compensation and benefits expenses primarily resulting from personnel additions, $0.5 million due
to higher professional advisory and consulting services, and $1.2 million due to higher business
expenses including information technology support and contract labor, all of which include
incremental costs incurred as a result of the METC acquisition. Expenses also increased by $0.5
million at ITC Grid Development and ITC Great Plains for salaries, benefits and general business
expenses not included in the increases explained above.
Nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to nine months ended September 30, 2006
The increase in general and administrative expenses consisted of $5.1 million due to higher
compensation and benefits expenses primarily resulting from personnel additions, $3.0 million due
to higher professional advisory and consulting services, $4.0 million due to higher business
expenses including information technology support and contract labor and $0.5 million due to higher
insurance premiums, all of which include incremental costs incurred as a result of the METC
acquisition. In addition, general and administrative expenses increased due to offering costs of
$0.6 million associated with the securities offering by the IT Holdings LP. See Recent
Developments, under Public Securities Offering. Expenses also increased by $1.2 million at ITC
Grid Development and ITC Great Plains subsidiaries for salaries, benefits and general business
expenses not included in the increases explained above.
Depreciation and amortization expenses
Three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to three months ended September 30, 2006
The acquisition of METC in October 2006 resulted in an additional $4.6 million of depreciation
and amortization expense relating to property, plant and equipment. In addition, depreciation and
amortization expenses increased $1.5 million due to the amortization of METCs regulatory assets
and intangible assets associated with the METC ADIT Deferral and the METC Regulatory Deferral as
described in Note 4 to the condensed consolidated financial statements under METC Rate Case.
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased at ITCTransmission
by $1.6 million due primarily
to a higher depreciable asset base as a result of property, plant and equipment additions.
Nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to nine months ended September 30, 2006
The acquisition of METC in October 2006 resulted in an additional $13.0 million of
depreciation and amortization expense relating to property, plant and equipment. In addition,
depreciation and amortization expenses increased $4.6 million due to the amortization of METCs
regulatory assets and intangible assets associated with the METC ADIT Deferral and the METC
Regulatory Deferral as described in Note 4 to the condensed consolidated financial statements under
METC Rate Case. Depreciation and amortization
expenses increased at ITCTransmission by $4.9
million due primarily to a higher depreciable asset base as a result of property, plant and
equipment additions.
Taxes other than income taxes
Three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to three months ended September 30, 2006
Taxes other than income taxes increased due to property tax expenses of $2.0 million at METC
during the three months ended September 30, 2007, which were not included in the 2006 period.
Additionally, property tax expenses at ITCTransmission increased by $0.7 million primarily due to
ITCTransmissions 2006 capital additions, which are included in the assessments for 2007 personal
property taxes.
31
Nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to nine months ended September 30, 2006
Taxes other than income taxes increased due to property tax expenses of $6.1 million at METC
during the nine months ended September 30, 2007, which were not included in the 2006 period.
Additionally, property tax expenses at ITCTransmission increased by $2.2 million primarily due to
ITCTransmissions 2006 capital additions, which are included in the assessments for 2007 personal
property taxes. Taxes other than income taxes also increased by $0.9 million due to higher payroll
taxes.
Other Expenses (Income)
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to three and nine months ended
September 30, 2006
Interest expense increased at ITCTransmission and ITC Holdings primarily due to higher
borrowing levels to finance capital expenditures and the acquisition of METC. Additionally, METC
recognized interest expense of $2.6 million and $7.7 million during the three and nine months ended
September 30, 2007, respectively, which was not included in the 2006 periods.
Allowance for equity funds used during construction (AFUDC Equity) increased due to
increased property, plant and equipment expenditures and the resulting higher construction work in
progress balances during 2007 compared to 2006.
Other income increased primarily due to increases in interest and dividend income, as well as
realized and unrealized gains on trust assets.
Income Tax Provision
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to three and nine months ended
September 30, 2006
Our effective tax rate of 33.6% and 33.3% for the three and nine months ended September 30,
2007, respectively, and 25.7% and 29.6% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006,
respectively, differed from our 35% statutory federal income tax rate primarily due to our
accounting for the tax effects of AFUDC Equity. ITCTransmission and METC include taxes payable
relating to AFUDC Equity in their actual net revenue requirements. The amount of income tax expense
relating to AFUDC Equity is recognized as a regulatory asset and not included in the income tax
provision. This accounting treatment became applicable for ITCTransmission and METC during 2006
upon the effectiveness of Forward-Looking Attachment O.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We expect to fund our future capital requirements with cash from operations, our existing cash
and cash equivalents and amounts available under our revolving credit agreements, subject to
certain conditions. In addition, we may secure additional funding in the financial markets. We
expect that our capital requirements will arise principally from our need to:
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Fund capital expenditures. We made investments in property, plant and equipment of $155.0
million and $55.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 at ITCTransmission
and METC, respectively. We expect the total level of investment to be approximately $260.0
million in 2007. Our plans with regard to property, plant and equipment investments are
described in detail above under Overview and Trends and Seasonality. |
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Fund working capital requirements. |
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Fund our debt service requirements. During the year ended December 31, 2006, we paid $40.0
million of interest. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we paid $69.3 million of
interest expense. We expect the level of borrowings for the remainder of 2007 to continue to
be higher than during 2006. |
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Fund distributions to holders of our common stock. During 2006, we paid dividends of $38.3
million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we paid dividends of $35.8 million.
During the third quarter of 2007, we raised our quarterly cash dividend to $0.290 per share
from $0.275 per share. Our board of directors intends to increase the dividend rate from time
to time as necessary for the yield to remain competitive, subject to prevailing business
conditions, applicable restrictions on dividend payments and the availability of capital
resources. |
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Fund contributions to our retirement plans. In 2006, we funded $1.8 million to our pension
retirement plan, $3.6 million to our supplemental pension retirement benefit plans and $0.1
million to our postretirement plan. In 2007, we funded $4.0 million to our pension retirement
plan, $1.1 million to our supplemental pension retirement benefit plans and $0.3 million to
our postretirement plan. |
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Fund the pending acquisition of transmission assets of IP&L and any other future
transactions, as well as any capital expenditures for new property, plant and equipment at
acquired entities. See Recent Developments Pending Acquisition of Transmission Assets for
a description of the planned financing for the acquisition of the IP&L assets. |
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Fund business development expenses, consisting primarily of forecasted expenses of $3.0
million at ITC Grid Development and ITC Great Plains in 2007. During the nine months ended
September 30, 2007, we incurred $1.5 million of business development expenses at ITC Grid
Development and ITC Great Plains. |
We believe that we have sufficient capital resources to meet our currently anticipated
short-term needs. We rely on both internal and external sources of liquidity to provide working
capital and to fund capital investments. We expect to continue to utilize our revolving credit
agreements as needed to meet our other short-term cash requirements. As of September 30, 2007, we
had consolidated indebtedness under our revolving credit agreements of $65.8 million, with unused
capacity of $174.2 million. Refer to Note 6 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for
a description of our revolving credit agreements entered into on March 29, 2007. The interest rates
and facilities fees under the revolving credit agreements entered into on March 29, 2007 are more
favorable to us than the terms of the revolving credit agreements that were terminated on that date
and have resulted in $0.7 million of lower interest expense for the period April 1, 2007 through
September 30, 2007 assuming the same borrowing levels. In October 2007, we borrowed under METCs
revolving credit agreement to pay the METC rate case settlement amount of $20.0 million.
For our long-term capital requirements, we expect that we will need to obtain additional debt
and equity financing. We expect to be able to obtain such additional financing as needed in amounts
and upon terms that will be reasonably satisfactory to us. In September 2007, we borrowed a total
of $50.0 million pursuant to 6.04% Senior Notes, Series A, due September 20, 2014 and
$50.0 million of 6.23% Senior Notes, Series B, due September 20, 2017. The proceeds were used to
pay off the $25.0 million balance of the ITC Holdings Term Loan Agreement which was due in October
2007, and to pay down existing borrowings under the ITC Holdings Credit Agreement. The material
terms of these Senior Notes and the related Note Purchase Agreement are described in Note 6 to the
condensed consolidated financial statements.
We do not expect the pending acquisition of transmission assets of IP&L to negatively impact
our liquidity or available capital resources.
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $100.6 million and $43.0 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The increase in cash provided by operating
activities was primarily due to higher network revenues billed of $141.1 million, higher
point-to-point revenues of $9.1 million and higher scheduling control and dispatch revenues of $5.9
million, partially offset by higher operating and maintenance expenses and general and
administrative expenses in 2007 of $43.2 million and $15.3 million, respectively, primarily as a
result of the acquisition of METC. Additionally, we made $41.1 million of additional interest
payments (excluding interest capitalized) during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared
to the same period in 2006 due primarily to higher outstanding balances of long-term debt.
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $215.2 million and $118.0 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The increase in cash used in investing
activities was primarily due to higher levels of capital investment in property, plant and
equipment in 2007.
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Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $103.5 million and $58.5 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Net cash provided by financing activities
increased due to the issuance of $100.0 million of ITC Holdings Senior Notes, Series A and Series
B. Cash from financing activities also increased due to the net increase in borrowings of $51.7
million under our revolving credit facilities. These increases were partially offset by proceeds
received in the nine months ended September 30, 2006 from ITCTransmissions $100.0 million bond
offering on March 28, 2006 as well as a $9.1 million increase in dividends paid on common stock due
primarily to the increase in outstanding common shares during the nine months ended September 30,
2007 as compared to the same period in 2006.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
Our contractual obligations are described in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2006. There have been no material changes to that information during the nine months ended
September 30, 2007, other than amounts borrowed under our revolving credit agreements and other
debt issuances as described in Note 6 to the condensed consolidated financial statements and
additional purchase obligations for a general contractor and its subcontractors of approximately
$61.0 million relating to the construction of a new corporate headquarters facility and operations
control room in Novi, Michigan expected to be completed in 2008, some of which has been expended as
of September 30, 2007 and has been included in property, plant and equipment.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). The preparation of these consolidated
financial statements requires the application of appropriate technical accounting rules and
guidance, as well as the use of estimates. The application of these policies necessarily involves
judgments regarding future events. These estimates and judgments, in and of themselves, could
materially impact the consolidated financial statements and disclosures based on varying
assumptions, as future events rarely develop exactly as forecasted, and the best estimates
routinely require adjustment. The accounting policies discussed in Item 7 Managements Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Critical Accounting Policies in our
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 are considered by management to be the most
important to an understanding of the consolidated financial statements because of their
significance to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations or because their
application places the most significant demands on managements judgment and estimates about the
effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. There have been no material changes to that
information during the nine months ended September 30, 2007.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Fixed Rate Long-Term Debt
Based on the borrowing rates currently available for bank loans with similar terms and average
maturities, the fair value of our consolidated long-term debt, excluding revolving credit
agreements, was $1,279.8 million at September 30, 2007. The total book value of our consolidated
long-term debt, excluding revolving credit agreements, was $1,335.9 million at September 30, 2007.
We performed an analysis calculating the impact of changes in interest rates on the fair value of
long-term debt, excluding revolving credit agreements, at September 30, 2007. An increase in
interest rates of 10% at September 30, 2007 would decrease the fair value of our debt by $58.5
million, and a decrease in interest rates of 10% at September 30, 2007 would increase the fair
value of our debt by $73.3 million at that date.
Revolving Credit Agreements
At September 30, 2007, ITC Holdings, ITCTransmission and METC had $3.7 million, $52.1 million
and $10.0 million outstanding, respectively, under their revolving credit agreements, which are
variable rate loans and for which fair value approximates
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book value. A 10% increase in ITC Holdings, ITCTransmissions and METCs short-term borrowing
rate, from 7.0% to 7.7% for example, would increase total interest expense by $0.5 million for an
annual period on a constant borrowing level of $65.8 million.
Other
As described in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, we are subject to
commodity price risk from market price fluctuations, and to credit risk primarily with Detroit
Edison and Consumers Energy, our primary customers. There have been no material changes in these
risks during the nine months ended September 30, 2007.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to cause material information
required to be disclosed in our reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), to be recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within
the time periods specified in the SECs rules and forms, and for such information to be accumulated
and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required financial disclosure. In
designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that a
control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not
absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Because of the inherent
limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that
all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, with a company have been detected.
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the
supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure
controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation,
our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and
procedures are effective, at the reasonable assurance level, as of such date, to cause the material
information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act
to be recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SECs
rules and forms.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three
months ended September 30, 2007 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to
materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART IIOTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Other than as discussed below, there have been no material changes to the Risk Factors as
previously disclosed in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 and as revised in
our Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007.
METC Rate Case
The terms of the METC rate case settlement agreement were approved by the FERC on August 29,
2007 and no parties filed for rehearing within the allowed 30-day period subsequent to the
approval. METC made payments totaling $20.0 million to various transmission customers in October
2007. METCs payments pursuant to this settlement were in lieu of any and all refunds and/or
interest payment requirements in this proceeding in connection with METCs rates in effect on and
after January 1, 2006. METC has no other refund obligation or liability beyond this payment in
connection with this proceeding. Therefore, management believes the risk factor set forth in Part
I, Item 1A of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 and captioned as follows is
no longer applicable: The FERCs December 2005 rate order authorizing METCs current rates is
subject to a hearing and possible judicial appeals unless the FERC approves the settlement
agreement filed by the interested parties. In any such proceedings, METC could be required to
refund revenues to customers and the rates that METC charges for services could be reduced, thereby
materially and adversely impacting our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, and
future earning capacity.
ITCTransmission and METC are subject to various regulatory requirements. Violations of these
requirements, whether intentional or unintentional, may result in penalties that, under some
circumstances, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial
condition and cash flows.
Our operating subsidiaries are required to comply with various regulations, including
reliability standards established by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC),
which acts as the nations Electric Reliability Organization approved by the FERC in accordance
with the Energy Policy Act of 2005. These standards include requirements for such things as system
operator training, emergency preparedness and transmission system planning. Failure to comply with
these requirements can result in monetary penalties as well as non-monetary sanctions. Monetary
penalties vary based on an assigned risk factor for each potential violation, the severity of the
violation and various other circumstances, such as whether the violation was intentional or
concealed, whether there are repeated violations, the degree of the violators cooperation in
investigating and remediating the violation and the presence of a compliance program. Penalty
amounts range from $1,000 in low risk/low severity circumstances to a maximum of $1.0 million per
violation in the most egregious of circumstances. Non-monetary sanctions include potential
limitations on the violators activities or operation and placing the violator on a watchlist for
major violators. Despite our best efforts to comply and the implementation of a compliance program
intended to ensure reliability, there can be no assurance that violations will not occur that would
result in material penalties or sanctions. If any of our operating subsidiaries were to violate
the NERC reliability standards, even unintentionally, in any material way, any penalties or
sanctions imposed against us could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations,
financial condition and cash flows.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
On September 20, 2007, ITC Holdings issued $50.0 million of 6.04% Senior Notes, Series A, due
September 20, 2014 and $50.0 million of 6.23% Senior Notes, Series B, due September 20, 2017. The
notes were issued pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement dated as of September 20, 2007, between
ITC Holdings and various purchasers. The Note Purchase Agreement, including the form of Series A
and Series B Senior Notes, is filed as Exhibit 4.17 to this Report on Form 10-Q.
Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 20 and September 20 of each
year, commencing on March 20, 2008 at a fixed rate of 6.04% under the Series A notes and at a fixed
rate of 6.23% under the Series B notes. ITC Holdings may redeem the notes at any time, in whole or
in part in an amount not less than $5.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the notes then
outstanding in the case of a partial payment, at 100% of the principal amount so prepaid, plus
accrued and unpaid interest, plus the Make-Whole Amount, if any, determined for the prepayment date
with respect to such principal amount. The Make-Whole Amount is equal to the excess, if any, of the
discounted value of the remaining scheduled payments with respect to the called principal of such
note over the amount of such called principal, provided that the Make-Whole Amount may in no event
be less than zero. The
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aggregate principal amount under the Series A notes is payable in a lump sum on September 20,
2014 and the aggregate principal amount under the Series B notes is payable in a lump sum on
September 20, 2017.
The Note Purchase Agreement contains customary events of default, including, without
limitation, failure to pay principal or the Make-Whole Amount on any note when due; failure to pay
interest on any note for more than 5 business days after becoming due; and failure to comply with
certain covenants contained in the Note Purchase Agreement. Upon the occurrence of certain events
of default having to do with the insolvency or bankruptcy of ITC Holdings, the notes become
immediately due and payable. Upon the occurrence of other events of default, the holders of more
than 50% in principal amount of the notes at the time outstanding (or, in the case of a payment
default, the affected holders in regard to the notes held by them) may at any time at their option,
by notice or notices to ITC Holdings, declare all the notes then outstanding to be immediately due
and payable. The Note Purchase Agreement contains covenants that: (a) place limitations on liens;
mergers, consolidations, liquidations and sales of all or substantially all assets, dividends and
sale leaseback transactions and (b) require ITC Holdings to maintain a maximum total debt to total
capitalization ratio of 75% (subject to a temporary increase to 85% for a period of 90 days upon a
Notice of Election to Increase Debt to Capitalization Ratio delivered to the holders of the notes).
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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
The following exhibits are filed as part of this report (unless otherwise noted to be incorporated
by reference). Our SEC file number is 001-32576.
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Exhibit No. |
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Description of Document |
4.17
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Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 20, 2007,
between ITC Holdings Corp. and the Purchasers named therein,
and related forms of Series A Notes and Series B Notes |
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31.1
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Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to
Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002 |
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31.2
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Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to
Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002 |
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Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Dated: November 1, 2007
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ITC HOLDINGS CORP.
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By: |
/s/ Joseph L. Welch
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Joseph L. Welch |
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President and Chief Executive Officer
(duly authorized officer) |
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By: |
/s/ Edward M. Rahill
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Edward M. Rahill Senior Vice President |
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Finance and Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer) |
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