UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016

or

For the transition period from ___________ to ___________

Commission file number: 001-36822

 

InfraREIT, Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

(214) 855-6700

(Registrant’s 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  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

As of October 31, 2016, 43,769,283 shares of common stock were issued and outstanding.

 

 

 

 

 

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InfraREIT, Inc.

INDEX

 

 

 

 

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GLOSSARY OF TERMS

This glossary highlights some of the industry terms that we use in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and is not a complete list of all defined terms used herein.

 

 

 

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some of the information in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements give InfraREIT, Inc.’s (we or Company) current expectations, contain projections of results of operations or financial condition or forecasts of future events. Words such as “could,” “will,” “may,” “assume,” “forecast,” “position,” “predict,” “strategy,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “project,” “budget,” “potential” or “continue” and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, forward-looking statements contained in this document include our expectations regarding our strategies, objectives, growth and anticipated financial and operational performance, including guidance regarding our capital expenditures, expected lease payments, infrastructure programs, estimated cash flow projections and estimated distributions to our stockholders. Forward-looking statements can be affected by assumptions used or by known or unknown risks or uncertainties. Consequently, no forward-looking statements can be guaranteed.

A forward-looking statement may include a statement of the assumptions or bases underlying the forward-looking statement. We believe that we have chosen these assumptions or bases in good faith and that they are reasonable. However, when considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in this document. Actual results may vary materially. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. You should also understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors and should not consider the following list to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by such forward-looking statements include:

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. While we may update these statements from time to time, we are not required to do so other than pursuant to applicable laws. For a further discussion of these and other factors that could impact our future results and performance, see Part I, Item 1A., Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 3, 2016; Part II, Item 1A., Risk Factors in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016, filed with the SEC on May 5, 2016; Part II, Item 1A., Risk Factors in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, filed with the SEC on August 3, 2016; and Part II, Item 1A., Risk Factors of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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EXPLANATORY NOTE

The registrant is a Maryland corporation named InfraREIT, Inc. Before our initial public offering (IPO), which closed on February 4, 2015, substantially all our business and assets were owned, directly or indirectly, by InfraREIT, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company. On February 4, 2015, immediately following the consummation of our IPO, InfraREIT, L.L.C. was merged with and into InfraREIT, Inc. (Merger), with InfraREIT, Inc. as the surviving company. InfraREIT, Inc.’s operating results before the Merger primarily reflected costs related to obtaining a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service and accounting services. As a result, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q presents the operations of InfraREIT, L.L.C. from January 1, 2015 through the effectiveness of the Merger, and the operations of InfraREIT, Inc. thereafter.

As used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, unless the context requires otherwise or except as otherwise noted, the words “Company,” “InfraREIT,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to InfraREIT, L.L.C., before giving effect to the Merger, and InfraREIT, Inc., after giving effect to the Merger, as the context requires, and also refer to the registrant’s subsidiaries, including InfraREIT Partners, LP (Operating Partnership or InfraREIT LP), a Delaware limited partnership. Hunt Consolidated, Inc. (HCI) and its subsidiaries (collectively, Hunt) includes Hunt Utility Services, LLC (Hunt Manager) and Hunt Transmission Services, L.L.C. (Hunt Developer). Our tenant is Sharyland Utilities, L.P. (Sharyland). Unless otherwise indicated or the context requires, all information in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q gives effect to a 1 for 0.938550 reverse split of the shares of InfraREIT, L.L.C. and a concurrent 1 for 0.938550 reverse split of the units representing limited partnership interests in our Operating Partnership, which we effected on January 29, 2015.

 

 

 

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PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

InfraREIT, Inc.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share amounts)

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

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InfraREIT, Inc.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

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InfraREIT, Inc.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

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InfraREIT, Inc.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Basis of Presentation

InfraREIT, Inc. is a Maryland corporation and the surviving corporation of a merger (Merger) with InfraREIT, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, completed on February 4, 2015 in connection with the initial public offering (IPO) of InfraREIT, Inc. and related transactions effected during the first quarter of 2015 (collectively, the Reorganization). For additional information related to our IPO and Reorganization, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 3, 2016.

The Merger was accounted for as a reverse acquisition, which means for accounting purposes we treated the assets and liabilities of InfraREIT, Inc. as assumed and incorporated with the assets and liabilities of InfraREIT, L.L.C. The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements of InfraREIT, Inc. (which may be referred to as the “Company,” “InfraREIT,” “we,” “our” and “us”) include our accounts and the accounts of all other entities in which we have a controlling financial interest with noncontrolling interest of consolidated subsidiaries reported separately. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q presents the operations of InfraREIT, L.L.C. prior to the Merger and the operations of InfraREIT, Inc. after the Merger.

These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2016. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 filed with the SEC on March 3, 2016.

We held 72.2% of the outstanding partnership units (OP Units) in InfraREIT Partners, LP (Operating Partnership or InfraREIT LP) as of September 30, 2016 and are its general partner. We include the accounts of the Operating Partnership and its subsidiaries in our consolidated financial statements. Affiliates of Hunt Consolidated, Inc. (HCI) and members of our board of directors held the other 27.8% of the outstanding OP Units as of September 30, 2016.

Recent Accounting Guidance

Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

In February 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810) – Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. This amendment affects reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. ASU 2015-02 was effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2015 with early adoption permitted. We adopted the guidance on January 1, 2016. The adoption of the new guidance did not have an impact on our current consolidation.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30), Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. ASU 2015-03 was effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2015 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of the new guidance was applied on a retrospective basis with each balance sheet presented reflecting the new guidance along with transitional disclosures. The adoption did change the presentation of our financial position. As a result, $0.2 million of unamortized deferred financing costs were reclassified from other assets to long-term debt, less deferred financing costs on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015. The adoption of the new guidance did not have an impact on our results of operations or cash flows.

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In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805), Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. ASU 2015-16 requires an acquirer to recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The change in provisional amounts will be recorded in the period in which they are determined with changes to the income statement for any effect on earnings for changes in depreciation, amortization or other income effect calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. ASU 2015-16 was effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2015 with early adoption permitted. The new guidance was adopted as of January 1, 2016 and will be applied prospectively to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur for any future business combination. The adoption of the new guidance has not affected our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases. ASU 2016-02 amended the existing accounting standard for lease accounting, including requiring lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets and making targeted changes to lessor accounting. ASU 2016-02 is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted. The new standard requires a modified retrospective transition approach for all leases existing at, or entered into after, the date of initial application, with an option to use certain transition relief. We are currently evaluating the new guidance and have not determined the impact this standard may have on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Clarification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The objective of ASU 2016-15 is to eliminate the diversity in practice related to the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows by adding or clarifying guidance on eight specific cash flow issues. ASU 2016-15 is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The new standard should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented, unless deemed impracticable, in which case, prospective application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the new guidance and have not determined the impact this standard may have on our cash flows.

 

 

Our subsidiary, Sharyland Distribution & Transmission Services, L.L.C. (SDTS), is party to several lease agreements with Sharyland Utilities, L.P. (Sharyland) through which we lease all our electric transmission and distribution assets (T&D assets) to Sharyland. Under the leases we have agreed to fund capital expenditures for footprint projects. Our leases define “footprint projects” to be transmission or distribution projects primarily situated within our distribution service territory, that physically hang from our existing transmission assets or that are physically located within one of our substations.

We earned lease revenues from Sharyland under these agreements of $49.4 million and $41.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. We earned $116.9 million and $100.3 million from Sharyland during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. In connection with our leases with Sharyland, we recorded a deferred rent liability of $19.4 million and $11.5 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, which is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In addition to rent payments that Sharyland makes to us, we and Sharyland also make payments to each other under the leases that primarily consist of payments to reimburse Sharyland for the costs of gross plant and equipment added to our T&D assets. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the net amount of the payments we made to Sharyland was $179.5 million and $170.8 million, respectively.

As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets included $6.0 million and $9.2 million, respectively, related to amounts owed to Sharyland. Additionally, as of September 30, 2016, accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets included $0.3 million related to amounts owed to Hunt Utility Services, LLC (Hunt Manager) for reimbursement of software upgrade expenses in accordance with our management agreement. There were no such costs accrued as of December 31, 2015. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, amounts due from affiliates on the Consolidated Balance Sheets included $26.0 million and $31.2 million, respectively, related to amounts owed by Sharyland associated with our leases.

Our management fee paid to Hunt Manager for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $10.3 million and $9.1 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, there were no prepaid or accrued amounts associated with management fees on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Additionally, during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, we paid Hunt Manager $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively, for reimbursement of annual software license and maintenance fees and other expenses in accordance with our management agreement.

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Our current management agreement with Hunt Manager provided for an annual base fee, or management fee, of $10.0 million through April 1, 2015. Effective as of April 1, 2015, the annual base fee was automatically adjusted to $13.1 million annually through March 31, 2016. Effective as of April 1, 2016, the annual base fee was automatically adjusted to $14.0 million annually through March 31, 2017. The base fee and each base fee going forward for the twelve month period beginning on each April 1 thereafter will equal 1.50% of our total equity (including noncontrolling interest) as of December 31 of the immediately preceding year, subject to a $30.0 million cap, unless a greater amount is approved by a majority of our independent directors or a committee comprised solely of independent directors. The term of the management agreement expires December 31, 2019 and will automatically renew for successive five-year terms unless a majority of our independent directors decides to terminate the agreement.

In connection with the organization of InfraREIT, L.L.C. in November 2010, our Operating Partnership agreed to issue deemed capital credits and Class A OP Units to Hunt-InfraREIT, L.L.C. (Hunt-InfraREIT), a subsidiary of HCI. Our Operating Partnership agreed to issue up to $82.5 million to Hunt-InfraREIT, pro-rata, as we funded the capital expenditures related to our competitive renewable energy zones (CREZ) project up to $737.0 million. In addition, our Operating Partnership also agreed to issue to Hunt-InfraREIT deemed capital credits in an amount equal to 5% of our capital expenditures on certain development projects. As of December 31, 2014, our Operating Partnership issued Hunt-InfraREIT an aggregate of 6.8 million Class A OP Units in respect of these obligations. On January 1, 2015, our Operating Partnership issued an additional 70,846 Class A OP Units to Hunt-InfraREIT, and, upon completion of our IPO, our Operating Partnership issued Hunt-InfraREIT an accelerated deemed capital credit equal to 983,418 Class A OP Units, which settled the related obligations to Hunt-InfraREIT. Following this issuance, our Operating Partnership no longer has the obligation to issue deemed capital credits or related equity to Hunt-InfraREIT. We recorded these capital account credits as asset acquisition costs included as part of the capital project in our construction work in progress (CWIP) balance.

In connection with the IPO, Reorganization and related transactions, we incurred an aggregate of $5.0 million of legal fees, a portion of which was paid to reimburse HCI and its subsidiaries (collectively, Hunt), to reimburse certain of our pre-IPO investors and to reimburse certain of our pre-IPO independent directors, in each case for legal expenses they incurred in connection with such transactions. Of the total legal fees incurred, $0.1 million of the legal fees were recorded during the first quarter of 2015. There were no such costs incurred after the completion of our IPO. For additional information related to our IPO and Reorganization refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 filed with the SEC on March 3, 2016.

In November 2014, InfraREIT, Inc. borrowed $1.0 million from HCI pursuant to a promissory note. The note accrued interest at 2.5% per year and was due on November 1, 2015. This note and accrued interest were repaid in February 2015 with proceeds from our IPO for a total of $1.0 million.

Effective January 15, 2015, we sold all the assets related to the Cross Valley transmission line (Cross Valley Project) to a newly formed development company owned by Hunt and certain of its affiliates for cash of $34.2 million, which equaled the CWIP of the project on the date of sale, plus reimbursement of out of pocket expenses associated with the project financing. Also on January 15, 2015, we sold all the assets related to the Golden Spread Electric Cooperative interconnection (Golden Spread Project) to Hunt for cash of $7.0 million, which equaled the CWIP of the project on the date of sale.

In November 2015 and February 2016, the Conflicts Committee of our board of directors received an offer for the purchase of the Golden Spread Project and Cross Valley Project, respectively. On March 10, 2016, we announced our decision to postpone the consideration of the purchase of the Golden Spread Project and Cross Valley Project.

 

 

The major classes of electric plant are as follows:

 

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General plant consists primarily of a warehouse, buildings and associated assets. CWIP relates to various transmission and distribution projects underway. The capitalized amounts of CWIP consist primarily of route development expenditures, labor and materials expenditures, right of way acquisitions, engineering services and legal fees. Electric plant, net includes plant acquisition adjustments of $27.9 million and $28.6 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

In 2013, SDTS purchased from Southwestern Public Service Company approximately 66 miles of existing transmission lines and two substations located near Stanton, Texas for $37.1 million. SDTS holds legal title to the assets and they are subject to a lease with Sharyland. Sharyland has the responsibility for operating these T&D assets and complying with all applicable regulatory requirements. As of December 31, 2014, these transmission lines and substations were classified as electric plant held for future use within electric plant, net. During August 2015, the assets classified as electric plant held for future use were placed in service and reclassified to transmission plant within electric plant, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and began depreciating.

 

 

Goodwill represents the excess of costs of an acquired business over the fair value of the assets acquired, less liabilities assumed. We conduct an impairment test of goodwill at least annually. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, $138.4 million was recorded as goodwill on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

 

Other assets are as follows:

 

 

Deferred financing costs on undrawn revolver consist of costs incurred in connection with the establishment of the InfraREIT LP revolving credit facility, see Note 6, Borrowings Under Credit Facilities.

Other regulatory assets consist of deferred financing costs within our regulated entities, which are SDTS and, before its December 2015 merger with SDTS, Sharyland Projects, LLC (SPLLC). These assets are classified as regulatory assets and amortized over the length of the related loan. These costs will be included in the costs to be recovered in connection with a future rate case. Deferred financing costs included in other regulatory assets primarily consist of debt issuance costs incurred in connection with the construction credit agreement entered into in 2011 by SPLLC, which was at the time one of our subsidiaries; refinancing costs incurred in connection with the amended and restated revolving credit facility entered into by SDTS in 2013; refinancing costs incurred to amend and restate the SDTS credit facility in order to increase the revolving credit facility to a total of $250.0 million in 2014 and financing costs incurred in connection with SDTS’s senior secured notes, series A and series B in December 2015 and January 2016. See Note 6, Borrowings Under Credit Facilities and Note 7, Long-Term Debt.

Deferred costs recoverable in future years of $23.8 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 represent operating costs incurred from inception of Sharyland through 2007. We have determined that these costs are probable of recovery through future rates based on orders of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) in Sharyland’s prior rate cases and regulatory precedent.

In connection with the acquisition of Cap Rock Holding Corporation (Cap Rock) in 2010, we received a participation in the National Rural Cooperative Corporation (NRUCFC). We account for this investment under the cost method of accounting. We believe that the investment is not impaired as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

 

 

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InfraREIT LP Revolving Credit Facility

In December 2014, InfraREIT LP entered into a $75.0 million revolving credit facility, led by Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, with up to $15.0 million available for issuance of letters of credit and a maturity date of December 10, 2019. The revolving credit facility is secured by substantially all the assets of InfraREIT LP. In addition, Transmission and Distribution Company, LLC (TDC) guarantees the revolving credit facility and this guarantee is secured by the assets of, and InfraREIT LP’s equity interests in, TDC on materially the same basis as with TDC’s senior secured notes described below in Note 7, Long-Term Debt. Upon consummation of the IPO and Merger, InfraREIT, Inc. became a guarantor under this revolving credit facility.

The credit agreement requires InfraREIT LP to comply with coverage ratios on a consolidated basis and contains affirmative and negative covenants, including: limitations on additional debt, liens, investments, mergers, acquisitions, dispositions or entry into any line of business other than the business of the transmission and distribution of electric power and the provision of ancillary services and certain restrictions on the payment of dividends. The credit agreement also contains restrictions on the amount of Sharyland’s indebtedness and other restrictions on, and covenants applicable to, Sharyland.

Borrowings and other extensions of credit under the revolving credit facility bear interest, at InfraREIT LP’s election, at a rate equal to (1) the one, two, three or six month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 2.5%, or (2) a base rate (equal to the highest of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus ½ of 1%, (b) the Bank of America prime rate and (c) LIBOR plus 1%) plus 1.5%. Letters of credit are subject to a letter of credit fee equal to the daily amount available to be drawn multiplied by 2.5%. InfraREIT LP is also required to pay a commitment fee and other customary fees under the revolving credit facility. InfraREIT LP may prepay amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility in whole or in part without premium or penalty.

As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, there were no outstanding borrowings or letters of credit and there was $75.0 million of borrowing capacity available under the revolving credit facility. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, InfraREIT LP was in compliance with all covenants under the credit agreement.

SDTS Revolving Credit Facility

SDTS’s revolving credit facility has a borrowing capacity of up to $250.0 million and a maturity date of December 10, 2019. Up to $25.0 million of the revolving credit facility is available for issuance of letters of credit, and up to $5.0 million of the revolving facility is available for swingline loans. The revolving credit facility is secured by SDTS’s T&D assets, the leases, certain accounts and TDC’s equity interests in SDTS on the same basis as SDTS’s various senior secured note obligations described below in Note 7, Long-Term Debt.

The interest rate for the revolving credit facility is based, at SDTS’s option, at a rate equal to either (1) a base rate, determined as the greatest of (a) the administrative agent’s prime rate, (b) the federal funds effective rate plus ½ of 1% and (c) LIBOR plus 1.00% per annum, plus a margin of either 0.75% or 1.00% per annum, depending on the total debt to capitalization ratio of SDTS on a consolidated basis or (2) LIBOR plus a margin of either 1.75% or 2.00% per annum, depending on the total debt to capitalization ratio of SDTS on a consolidated basis. SDTS is also required to pay a commitment fee and other customary fees under its revolving credit facility. SDTS is entitled to prepay amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility with no prepayment penalty.

As of September 30, 2016, SDTS had $92.5 million of borrowings outstanding at a weighted average interest rate of 2.27%, no letters of credit outstanding and $157.5 million of remaining borrowing capacity available under this revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2015, SDTS had $54.0 million of borrowings outstanding at a weighted average interest rate of 2.05% with no letters of credit outstanding and $196.0 million of remaining borrowing capacity under this revolving credit facility. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, SDTS was in compliance with all covenants under its credit agreement.

The revolving credit facilities of InfraREIT LP and SDTS are subject to customary events of default. If an event of default occurs under either facility and is continuing, the lenders may accelerate amounts due under such revolving credit facility (except in the case of a bankruptcy event of default, in which case such amounts will automatically become due and payable).

 

 

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Long-term debt consisted of the following:

 

 

Senior Secured Notes – In 2010, in connection with the acquisition of Cap Rock, TDC issued $25.0 million aggregate principal amount of 8.50% per annum senior secured notes to The Prudential Insurance Company of America and affiliates. Principal and interest on these senior secured notes are payable quarterly and these senior secured notes are collateralized by the equity interest of TDC and substantially all the assets of TDC on materially the same basis as with lenders under InfraREIT LP’s revolving credit facility described above in Note 6, Borrowings Under Credit Facilities. In connection with the issuance of these senior secured notes, TDC incurred deferred financing costs which are shown as a reduction of the senior secured notes balance. The amount of unamortized deferred financing costs associated with these senior secured notes was $0.1 million and $0.2 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. These costs were reclassified from other assets to long-term debt, less deferred financing costs on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in accordance with new accounting guidance adopted January 1, 2016, see Note 1, Description of Business and Presentation of Financial Statements.

In December 2015, SDTS issued $400.0 million in 10 year senior secured notes, series A (Series A Notes), due December 3, 2025, and on January 14, 2016 issued an additional $100.0 million in 10 year senior secured notes, series B (Series B Notes), due January 14, 2026. These senior secured notes were issued through a private placement conducted pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and bear interest at a rate of 3.86% per annum, payable semi-annually. The Series A Notes are due at maturity with outstanding accrued interest payable each June and December. The Series B Notes are due at maturity with outstanding accrued interest payable each January and July.

In 2009, SDTS issued $53.5 million aggregate principal amount of 7.25% per annum senior secured notes to The Prudential Insurance Company of America and affiliates (2009 Notes). Principal and interest on these senior secured notes are payable quarterly.

In 2010, in connection with the acquisition of Cap Rock, SDTS issued $110.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.47% per annum senior secured notes to The Prudential Insurance Company of America (2010 Notes). Principal and interest on these senior secured notes are payable quarterly.

SDTS and TDC are entitled to prepay amounts outstanding under their senior secured notes, subject to a prepayment penalty equal to the excess of the discounted value of the remaining scheduled payments with respect to such notes over the amount of the prepaid notes.

The agreements governing the senior secured notes contain certain default triggers related to the failure to maintain compliance with financial and other covenants contained in the agreements, such as limitations on liens, investments and the incurrence of additional indebtedness. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, SDTS and TDC were in compliance with all covenants under the applicable agreements.

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Senior Secured Credit Facilities - In 2011, SPLLC entered into a construction term loan agreement syndicated broadly to a group of international banks, and issued fixed rate notes to The Prudential Insurance Company of America and affiliates (Fixed Rate Notes).

The $447.0 million construction term loan was converted into a term loan with a balance of $407.0 million in May 2014. After this conversion, interest accrued at LIBOR plus 2.25%. Interest under the term loan was payable the last day of the selected interest period for interest periods of three months or less, and every three months for interest periods greater than three months. Amortized principal amounts of the term loan were payable quarterly after the conversion. The term loan had an interest rate of 2.45% as of September 30, 2015.

In December 2015, the outstanding principal and interest on the term loan were paid in full with proceeds from the SDTS Series A Notes. Also in December 2015, the Fixed Rate Notes were assumed by SDTS in connection with the merger of SPLLC into SDTS.

The Fixed Rate Notes have a principal balance of $60.0 million which is due in full on June 20, 2018. Interest is payable quarterly at an interest rate of 5.04% per annum. The Fixed Rate Notes do not provide for any principal payments.

The credit agreement governing the Fixed Rate Notes contains certain default triggers related to the failure to maintain compliance with financial and other covenants contained in the agreements, such as limitations on liens, investments and the incurrence of additional indebtedness. SDTS was in compliance with all covenants for the Fixed Rate Notes as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

SDTS’s Series A Notes, Series B Notes, 2009 Notes, 2010 Notes and Fixed Rate Notes are secured by SDTS’s T&D assets, the leases, certain accounts and TDC’s equity interests in SDTS on the same basis as SDTS’s revolving credit facility described above in Note 6, Borrowings Under Credit Facilities.

 

 

The carrying amounts of our cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, due from affiliates and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities.

We had borrowings totaling $719.4 million and $624.9 million under our senior secured notes with a weighted average interest rate of 4.64% and 4.78% per annum as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The fair value of these borrowings is estimated using discounted cash flow analysis based on current market rates.

Financial instruments, measured at fair value, by level within the fair value hierarchy were as follows:

 

 

 

Our regulatory liability is established through our depreciation rates related to cost of removal and represents amounts that we expect to incur in the future. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a long-term liability $18.4 million and $10.6 million, respectively, net of actual removal costs incurred.

 

 

The amounts reported as regulatory assets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are subject to review by the PUCT and as with all utility assets may change at a later date based on that review, see Note 5, Other Assets.

We are not a party to any legal proceedings other than legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. See Note 17, Subsequent Events for information related to our rate case. We do not believe the resolution of these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.

 

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On September 1, 2016, our board of directors approved a cash distribution by the Operating Partnership to all unit holders of record, including InfraREIT, Inc., on September 30, 2016 of $0.25 per unit for a total distribution of $15.2 million ($10.9 million to InfraREIT, Inc.). Also, on September 1, 2016, our board of directors approved a cash dividend to stockholders of record of InfraREIT, Inc. on September 30, 2016 of $0.25 per share for a total of $10.9 million. The cash distribution and cash dividend were paid on October 20, 2016.

On June 3, 2016, our board of directors approved a cash distribution by the Operating Partnership to all unit holders of record, including InfraREIT, Inc., on June 30, 2016 of $0.25 per unit for a total distribution of $15.2 million ($10.9 million to InfraREIT, Inc.). Also, on June 3, 2016, our board of directors approved a cash dividend to stockholders of record of InfraREIT, Inc. on June 30, 2016 of $0.25 per share for a total of $10.9 million. The cash distribution and cash dividend were paid on July 21, 2016.

On March 2, 2016, our board of directors approved a cash distribution by the Operating Partnership to all unit holders of record, including InfraREIT, Inc., on March 31, 2016 of $0.25 per unit for a total distribution of $15.2 million ($10.9 million to InfraREIT, Inc.). Also, on March 2, 2016, our board of directors approved a cash dividend to stockholders of record of InfraREIT, Inc. on March 31, 2016 of $0.25 per share for a total of $10.9 million. The cash distribution and cash dividend were paid on April 21, 2016.

On September 3, 2015, our board of directors approved a cash distribution by the Operating Partnership to all unit holders of record, including InfraREIT, Inc., on September 30, 2015 of $0.225 per unit for a total distribution of $13.6 million ($9.8 million to InfraREIT, Inc.). Also, on September 3, 2015, our board of directors approved a cash dividend to stockholders of record of InfraREIT, Inc. on September 30, 2015 of $0.225 per share for a total of $9.8 million. The cash distribution and cash dividend were paid on October 22, 2015.

On June 5, 2015, our board of directors approved a cash distribution by the Operating Partnership to all unit holders of record, including InfraREIT, Inc., on June 30, 2015 of $0.225 per unit for a total distribution of $13.6 million ($9.8 million to InfraREIT, Inc.). Also, on June 5, 2015, our board of directors approved a cash dividend to stockholders of record of InfraREIT, Inc. on June 30, 2015 of $0.225 per share for a total of $9.8 million. The cash distribution and cash dividend were paid on July 23, 2015.

On March 6, 2015, our board of directors approved a cash distribution by the Operating Partnership to all unit holders of record, including InfraREIT, Inc., on March 31, 2015 of $0.14 per unit for a total distribution of $8.5 million ($6.1 million to InfraREIT, Inc.). Also, on March 6, 2015, our board of directors approved a cash dividend to stockholders of record of InfraREIT, Inc. on March 31, 2015 of $0.14 per share for a total of $6.1 million. The cash distribution and cash dividend were paid on April 23, 2015.

On January 13, 2015, InfraREIT, L.L.C.’s board of directors approved a cash distribution by the Operating Partnership to all unit holders of record, including InfraREIT, L.L.C., on January 20, 2015 of $0.26 per unit for a total distribution of $11.7 million ($9.0 million to InfraREIT, L.L.C.). Also, on January 13, 2015, InfraREIT, L.L.C.’s board of directors approved a cash dividend to shareholders of record of InfraREIT, L.L.C. on January 20, 2015 of $0.26 per share for a total of $9.0 million. The cash distribution and cash dividend were paid on January 29, 2015.

On December 18, 2014, InfraREIT, L.L.C.’s board of directors approved a cash distribution by the Operating Partnership to all unit holders of record, including InfraREIT, L.L.C., on December 18, 2014 of $0.31 per unit for a total distribution of $14.1 million ($10.8 million to InfraREIT, L.L.C.). Also, on December 18, 2014, InfraREIT, L.L.C.’s board of directors approved a cash dividend to shareholders of record of InfraREIT, L.L.C. on December 18, 2014 of $0.31 per share for a total of $10.8 million. The cash distribution and cash dividend were paid on January 16, 2015.

 

 

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We present as a noncontrolling interest the portion of any equity in entities that we control and consolidate but do not own. Generally, OP Units of our Operating Partnership participate in net income allocations and distributions and entitle their holder the right, subject to the terms set forth in the partnership agreement, to require the Operating Partnership to redeem all or a portion of the OP Units held by such limited partner. At our option, we may satisfy this redemption with cash or by exchanging shares of InfraREIT, Inc. common stock on a one-for-one basis. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, there were a total of 16.9 million and 17.0 million OP Units, respectively, held by the limited partners of the Operating Partnership.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, our Operating Partnership issued an aggregate of 29,722 and 28,000 long-term incentive units (LTIP Units), respectively, to seven members of our board of directors. For additional information, refer to Note 15, Share-Based Compensation.

We follow the guidance issued by the FASB regarding the classification and measurement of redeemable securities. Accordingly, we have determined that the OP Units meet the requirements to be classified as permanent equity. We redeemed 183,496 OP Units with the issuance of 183,496 shares of common stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2015, we did not redeem any OP Units other than, in connection with the Reorganization: (1) 1,551,878 Class A OP Units held by Hunt-InfraREIT, which were exchanged with InfraREIT, Inc. for 1,551,878 shares of common stock of InfraREIT, Inc. and (2) 6,242,999 Class A OP Units in exchange for the assignment of a promissory note in the principal amount of $66.5 million.

 

 

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net earnings after noncontrolling interest by the weighted average shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is calculated similarly, except that it includes the dilutive effect of the assumed redemption of OP Units for shares of common stock of InfraREIT, Inc. or common shares of InfraREIT, L.L.C., as applicable, if such redemption were dilutive. The redemption of OP Units would have been anti-dilutive during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.

Earnings per share are calculated as follows:

 

 

 

The following table shows the composition of our lease revenue:

 

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SDTS has entered into various leases with Sharyland for all our placed in service T&D assets. The master lease agreements, as amended, expire at various dates from December 31, 2017 through December 31, 2022. Each agreement includes annual base rent while all but one agreement includes additional percentage rent (based on an agreed upon percentage of the gross revenue of Sharyland, as defined in the lease agreements, in excess of annual specified breakpoints). The rate used for percentage rent for the reported time periods varies by lease and ranges from a high of 37% to a low of 23%. Because an annual specified breakpoint must be met under our leases before we can recognize any percentage rent, we anticipate our revenue will grow over the year with little to no percentage rent recognized in the first and second quarters of each year and with the largest amounts recognized during the third and fourth quarters of each year.

 

 

We currently utilize the InfraREIT, Inc. 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (2015 Equity Incentive Plan) to compensate the non-employee directors for their service on our board of directors. In January 2016, we issued an aggregate of 4,735 shares of common stock and 29,722 LTIP Units to members of our board of directors with a grant date fair value of $18.58 per common share or LTIP Unit and an aggregate fair value of $0.6 million. The 29,722 LTIP Units will vest in January 2017, subject to continued service, and the 4,735 shares of common stock fully vested upon issuance. In April 2016, we issued 5,497 shares of common stock to members of our board of directors with a grant date fair value of $16.81 per common share and an aggregate fair value of $0.1 million. In July 2016, we issued 5,248 shares of common stock to members of our board of directors with a grant date fair value of $17.58 per common share and an aggregate fair value of $0.1 million. The April and July 2016 grant of shares of common stock fully vested upon issuance. In February 2015, an aggregate of 28,000 LTIP Units were issued by the Operating Partnership with a grant date fair value of $26.41 per share to members of our board of directors which vested in full in February 2016. We recognized $0.2 million of compensation expense in general and administrative expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations during each of the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. We recognized $0.8 million and $0.5 million of compensation expense in general and administrative expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations during the nine months September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, related to these equity awards.

 

 

Supplemental cash flow information and non-cash investing and financing activities are as follows:

 

 

 

17.Subsequent Events

As a result of a preliminary order issued by the PUCT in October 2016, Sharyland and SDTS are required to:

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The preliminary order also contemplates that we will replace the five current lease agreements between Sharyland and SDTS with two leases, one for transmission assets and one for distribution assets. The preliminary order provides that the PUCT’s determinations in the rate case will supersede prior orders to the extent of any conflict, but will not rescind the PUCT’s 2008 approval of the transfer of T&D assets from Sharyland to SDTS. As a result of the PUCT’s regulation of our leases as part of a PUCT approved tariff for SDTS, the rent that we are permitted to charge Sharyland under the leases will be established and approved by the PUCT. We also expect that other rate case issues, such as the allowed return on equity, capital structure, cost of debt and income tax allowance, will be determined by the PUCT’s final order at the conclusion of the rate case. The timing and outcome of the rate case is uncertain, although we currently expect it to be completed during 2017.

 

 

 

 

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This item contains a discussion of our business, including a general overview of our properties, results of operations, liquidity and capital resources and quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the “Explanatory Note” on page 5 and the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes beginning on page 6. This Item 2 contains “forward-looking” statements that involve risks and uncertainties. See Forward-Looking Statements at the beginning of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Overview

We own rate-regulated electric T&D assets in Texas as part of a dividend growth oriented real estate investment trust (REIT). Our assets are located in the Texas Panhandle near Amarillo, the Permian Basin in and around Stanton, Central Texas around Brady, Northeast Texas in and around Celeste and South Texas near McAllen. We have grown rapidly over the last several years, with our rate base increasing from approximately $60 million as of December 31, 2009 to $1.3 billion as of September 30, 2016. We expect that organic growth as well as potential acquisitions of T&D assets from Hunt, Sharyland or third parties will allow us to achieve continued growth in our rate base, which is calculated as our gross electric plant in service under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) less accumulated depreciation and adjusted for accumulated deferred income taxes.

We are externally managed by Hunt Manager. All our officers are employees of Hunt Manager. We expect to benefit from the experience, skill, resources, relationships and contacts of the executive officers and key personnel of Hunt Manager. Pursuant to our management agreement with Hunt Manager, Hunt Manager provides for our day-to-day management, subject to the oversight of our board of directors. In exchange for these management services, we pay a management fee to Hunt Manager.

For a description of our business model and other significant components of our results of operations, see Part II, Item 7., Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 3, 2016.

Recent Events

As a result of a preliminary order issued by the PUCT in October 2016, our subsidiary Sharyland Distribution & Transmission Services, L.L.C. (SDTS) and Sharyland are required to:

The preliminary order also contemplates that we will replace the five current leases between Sharyland and SDTS with two leases, one for transmission assets and one for distribution assets. As a result of the PUCT’s regulation of our leases as part of a PUCT approved tariff for SDTS, the rent that we are permitted to charge Sharyland under the leases will be established and approved by the PUCT. The preliminary order provides that the PUCT’s determinations in the rate case will supersede prior orders to the extent of any conflict, but will not rescind the PUCT’s 2008 approval of the transfer of T&D assets from Sharyland to SDTS.

The timing and outcome of the rate case is uncertain, although we currently expect it to be completed during 2017. We intend to work with the PUCT staff and other interested parties throughout the rate case to develop and implement an approach for regulating Sharyland, SDTS and the leases in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and regulations, is constructive for customers, is workable for our business and positions us to continue to operate as a REIT. However, it is possible that the process implemented for regulating the leases as part of a PUCT approved tariff for SDTS or other rate case determinations could affect our business and operating results. For further information, see the caption Regulatory Matters below and Part II, Item 1A., Risk Factors of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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InfraREIT, Inc. Results of Operations

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2015

Lease revenue — Lease revenue was $49.4 million and $41.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, representing an increase of $7.9 million, or 19.0%. Base rent was $38.6 million, or 78.1% of total revenue, and $31.3 million, or 75.4% of total revenue, for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, representing an increase of $7.3 million, or 23.3%. The increase in base rent was driven by the addition of assets under lease. Percentage rent was $10.8 million, or 21.9% of total revenue, and $10.2 million, or 24.6% of total revenue, for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, representing an increase of $0.6 million, or 5.9%, due to an increase in Sharyland’s gross revenues during the first nine months of 2016 compared to first nine months of 2015. See Note 14, Leases in the Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. Because an annual specified breakpoint must be met under our leases before we can recognize any percentage rent, we anticipate our revenue will grow over the year with little to no percentage rent recognized in the first and second quarters of each year and with the largest amounts recognized during the third and fourth quarters of each year.

General and administrative expense — General and administrative expense was $5.3 million and $5.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, representing a decrease of $0.2 million, or 3.6%. The decrease in general and administrative expense between the two periods was primarily driven by a decrease of $0.4 million in professional services partially offset by an increase of $0.2 million in management fees owed to Hunt Manager under our management agreement. The decrease in professional services is attributable to $0.5 million in evaluation expenses for potential transactions during 2015, which did not recur in the 2016 period, partially offset by $0.2 million in expenses in 2016 for software upgrades. We expect an increase in our general and administrative expense throughout the remainder of 2016 and 2017 related to SDTS’s participation in the rate case filing and related matters.

Depreciation — Depreciation expense was $11.8 million and $10.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, representing an increase of $1.5 million, or 14.6%. The increase in depreciation expense was due to additional assets placed in service during 2016 and 2015.

Interest expense, net — Interest expense, net was $9.4 million and $6.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, representing an increase of $2.7 million. The increase in interest expense, net was due to the refinancing of our variable rate debt in December 2015 with fixed rate debt bearing a higher interest rate, plus higher average debt balances during the third quarter of 2016. The increase in interest expense, net was partially offset by an additional $0.3 million of AFUDC on debt during 2016 compared to 2015 due to higher CWIP balances and applicable rates during 2016 compared to 2015. See Note 6, Borrowings Under Credit Facilities and Note 7, Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

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Other income, net — Other income, net was $1.0 million and $0.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, representing an increase of $0.3 million. The increase in other income, net was primarily driven by an increase in AFUDC on other funds resulting from higher CWIP balances and applicable rates during 2016 compared to 2015.

Net income (loss) — Net income was $23.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to net income of $19.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015, representing an increase of $4.2 million, or 21.6%. The increase in net income between the two periods was attributable to a $7.9 million increase in lease revenue partially offset by a $1.5 million increase in depreciation expense and a $2.7 million increase in interest expense, net.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015

Lease revenue — Lease revenue was $116.9 million and $100.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, representing an increase of $16.6 million, or 16.6%. Base rent was $106.1 million, or 90.8% of total revenue, and $90.1 million, or 89.8% of total revenue, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, representing an increase of $16.0 million, or 17.8%. The increase in base rent was driven by the addition of assets under lease. Percentage rent was $10.8 million, or 9.2% of total revenue, and $10.2 million, or 10.2% of total revenue, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, representing an increase of $0.6 million, or 5.9%, due to an increase in Sharyland’s gross revenues during 2016 compared to 2015. See Note 14, Leases in the Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

General and administrative expense — General and administrative expense was $15.9 million and $59.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, representing a decrease of $43.1 million. During the first quarter of 2015, we incurred a $44.9 million expense in connection with the issuance by InfraREIT, Inc. of common stock to Hunt-InfraREIT, L.L.C. (Hunt-InfraREIT), a subsidiary of HCI, as a non-cash reorganization advisory fee. We did not have a similar expense in 2016. The elimination of this $44.9 million expense is partially offset by an increase of $1.2 million in management fees owed to Hunt Manager under our management agreement, $0.4 million in professional services and $0.3 million of stock compensation expense. We expect an increase in our general and administrative expense throughout the remainder of 2016 and 2017 related to SDTS’s participation in the rate case filing and related matters.

Depreciation — Depreciation expense was $34.3 million and $29.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, representing an increase of $4.9 million, or 16.7%. The increase in depreciation expense was due to additional assets placed in service during 2016 and 2015.

Interest expense, net — Interest expense, net was $27.3 million and $21.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, representing an increase of $6.2 million. The increase in interest expense, net was due to the refinancing of our variable rate debt in December 2015 with fixed rate debt bearing a higher interest rate, plus higher average debt balances during 2016. The increase in interest expense, net was partially offset by an additional $1.2 million of AFUDC on debt resulting from higher CWIP balances and applicable rates during 2016 compared to 2015. See Note 6, Borrowings Under Credit Facilities and Note 7, Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Other income, net — Other income, net was $2.9 million and $2.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, representing an increase of $0.7 million. The increase in other income, net was primarily driven by an increase in AFUDC on other funds resulting from higher CWIP balances and applicable rates during 2016 compared to 2015.

Net income (loss) — Net income was $41.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to a net loss of $7.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The increase in net income between the two periods was attributable to a $16.6 million increase in lease revenue and a decrease of $44.9 million in general and administrative expenses representing the non-cash reorganization advisory fee in the first quarter of 2015, partially offset by a $4.9 million increase in depreciation expense and a $6.2 million increase in interest expense, net.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of September 30, 2016, we had $11.0 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents. We use our cash on hand primarily for the payment of capital expenditures, operating expenses, debt service payments and dividend payments. As of September 30, 2016, we also had $1.7 million of restricted cash and $232.5 million of unused capacity under our revolving credit facilities.

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We use our cash flows from operations and borrowings under our credit facilities to fund current obligations, projected working capital requirements, maturities of long-term debt, budgeted capital spending and the payment of dividends. We expect that we will be able to fund estimated capital expenditures associated with Footprint Projects through the end of 2018 without raising proceeds from additional equity offerings. However, if (1) we acquire T&D assets, (2) debt capital is unavailable on favorable terms, or at all, at a time when we would choose to access debt capital markets, (3) the capital expenditure requirements of our business are different than our expectations, (4) our credit metrics are weaker than our targeted levels, (5) the cash flows from operations do not meet our current estimates or (6) any other unexpected factors, such as capitalization or other requirements imposed by the PUCT, were to impact our liquidity and cash position, we may seek to raise proceeds from the equity markets at an earlier time.

Under the terms of our existing leases, Sharyland provides a capital expenditure forecast on a rolling three year basis that sets forth anticipated capital expenditures related to our T&D assets. We fund Footprint Projects related to our T&D assets as we and Sharyland determine such Footprint Projects are required pursuant to the terms of our leases. To the extent we fund such Footprint Projects, Sharyland is required to lease the assets related to such Footprint Projects.

Management expects the future operating cash flows, along with access to financial markets, will be sufficient to meet any future operating requirements and forecasted capital investment opportunities. If our ability to access the capital markets is restricted or if debt or equity capital were unavailable on favorable terms, or at all, at a time when we would like, or need, to access those markets, our ability to fund capital expenditures under our leases or to comply with the REIT distribution rules could be adversely affected.

Capital Expenditures

Our total capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $179.8 million and $164.9 million, respectively. On an accrual basis, capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $173.9 million and $159.2 million, respectively. Capital expenditures on an accrual basis differ from our total capital expenditures and cash for additions to electric plant on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows due in part to differences in construction costs incurred during the period versus cash paid during the period.

During the fall of each year, Sharyland provides us a rolling three year budget that sets forth anticipated capital expenditures related to Footprint Projects. Additionally, Sharyland provides us a quarterly update to determine if any material changes to the budget have been identified. During this quarter’s review, we lowered our 2017 and 2018 forecasted capital expenditures range due primarily to lower levels of commitments and follow through in customer identified projects and forecasts; a slower pace of load growth; and the relative geographic concentration of recent and expected load growth in Sharyland’s service territories. As a result, we expect estimated Footprint Projects capital expenditures for the calendar years 2016 through 2018 in the range of $470 million to $630 million as more fully set forth in the table below. We intend to fund these capital expenditures with a mix of debt and cash flows from operations. Our three year capital expenditures forecast reflects estimates of the requirements to improve the reliability of our existing system and meet the identified and expected requirements of customers, reflecting the historical and estimated future growth in our service territories.

 

 

Our expectation is based upon a variety of assumptions, including load growth, Sharyland’s and our past experience, reliability needs and historical precedent. Although we believe these assumptions and estimates underlying the forecast to be reasonable as of the date of this report, they are inherently uncertain and subject to a wide variety of significant business, economic and competitive risks and uncertainties that could cause the amount and timing of our capital expenditures to differ materially from our current expectations. See Forward-Looking Statements at the beginning of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Dividends and Distributions

As a REIT, we must make current distributions of at least 90% of our annual taxable income (excluding capital gains and other adjustments). We expect to distribute at least 100% of our taxable income.

On September 1, 2016, our board of directors approved a cash distribution by our Operating Partnership to all unit holders of record on September 30, 2016 of $0.25 per unit, or $1.00 per unit on an annualized basis, for a total distribution of $15.2 million ($10.9 million to InfraREIT, Inc.). Also on September 1, 2016, our board of directors declared a cash dividend to stockholders of record of InfraREIT, Inc. on September 30, 2016 of $0.25 per share of common stock, or $1.00 per share on an annualized basis, for a total of $10.9 million. The cash distribution and cash dividend were paid on October 20, 2016.

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We paid a total of $15.2 million and $13.6 million in dividends and distributions during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. We paid a total of $43.9 million and $48.0 million in dividends and distributions during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Of the $48.0 million of dividends and distributions paid in the first nine months of 2015, $25.8 million was paid prior to our IPO.

Credit Arrangements

We have two revolving credit facilities and senior secured notes. See Note 6, Borrowings Under Credit Facilities and Note 7, Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Operating Partnership Revolving Credit Facility

In 2014, our Operating Partnership entered into a $75.0 million revolving credit facility led by Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, with up to $15.0 million available for issuance of letters of credit and a maturity date of December 10, 2019. The revolving credit facility is secured by substantially all the assets of the Operating Partnership. In addition, InfraREIT, Inc. and Transmission and Distribution Company, LLC (TDC), a subsidiary of our Operating Partnership, guarantee the revolving credit facility, and the TDC guarantee is secured by the assets of, and the Operating Partnership’s equity interest in, TDC on materially the same basis as with TDC’s senior secured notes described below.

The credit agreement requires our Operating Partnership to comply with coverage ratios on a consolidated basis and contains affirmative and negative covenants, including: limitations on additional debt, liens, investments, mergers, acquisitions, dispositions or entry into any line of business other than the business of the transmission and distribution of electric power and the provision of ancillary services and certain restrictions on the payment of dividends. The credit agreement also contains restrictions on the amount of Sharyland’s indebtedness and other restrictions on, and covenants applicable to, Sharyland. The revolving credit facility is subject to customary events of default. If an event of default occurs or is continuing, the lenders may accelerate amounts due under the revolving credit facility (except in the case of a bankruptcy event of default, in which case such amounts will automatically become due and payable).

As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, there were no outstanding borrowings or letters of credit and there was $75.0 million of borrowing capacity available under the revolving credit facility. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, our Operating Partnership was in compliance with all covenants under the credit agreement.

SDTS Revolving Credit Facility

SDTS is party to a revolving credit facility, led by Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent. Originally established in 2013, the credit facility permits SDTS to borrow up to $250.0 million on a revolving basis. Up to $25.0 million of the revolving credit facility is available for issuance of letters of credit, and up to $5.0 million of the revolving credit facility is available for swingline loans. The revolving credit facility matures on December 10, 2019 and is secured by SDTS’s T&D assets, our leases, certain accounts and TDC’s equity interests in SDTS on the same basis as SDTS’s various senior secured note obligations described below.

The SDTS revolving credit facility is subject to customary events of default. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the lenders may accelerate amounts due under the SDTS revolving credit facility (except in the case of a bankruptcy event of default, in which case such amounts will automatically become due and payable).

As of September 30, 2016, SDTS had $92.5 million of borrowings outstanding at a weighted average interest rate of 2.27%, no letters of credit outstanding and $157.5 million of remaining borrowing capacity available under this revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2015, SDTS had $54.0 million of borrowings outstanding at a weighted average interest rate of 2.05% with no letters of credit outstanding and $196.0 million of remaining borrowing capacity available under this revolving credit facility. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, SDTS was in compliance with all covenants under its credit agreement.

Senior Secured Notes

In connection with the acquisition of Cap Rock Holding Corporation (Cap Rock) in 2010, TDC issued $25.0 million aggregate principal amount of 8.50% per annum senior secured notes to The Prudential Insurance Company of America and affiliates, which mature on December 30, 2020. Principal and interest on these senior secured notes are payable quarterly and these senior secured notes are collateralized by the equity interests of TDC and certain accounts of TDC. As of September 30, 2016, $17.8 million of principal was outstanding under these senior secured notes.

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In December 2015, SDTS issued $400.0 million in 10 year senior secured notes, series A (Series A Notes), due December 3, 2025, and in January 2016 issued an additional $100.0 million in 10 year senior secured notes, series B (Series B Notes), due January 14, 2026. These senior secured notes bear interest at a rate of 3.86% per annum, payable semi-annually. The Series A Notes are due at maturity with outstanding accrued interest payable each June and December. The Series B Notes are due at maturity with outstanding accrued interest payable each January and July. As of September 30, 2016, $400.0 million and $100.0 million were outstanding under the Series A Notes and Series B Notes, respectively. The proceeds received in December 2015 from the issuance of the Series A Notes were used to repay the outstanding principal and interest on the Sharyland Projects, LLC (SPLLC) term loan described below, and the proceeds received from the January 2016 issuance of the Series B Notes were used to repay our outstanding balances on the SDTS revolving credit facility and for general operating purposes.

In 2009, SDTS issued $53.5 million aggregate principal amount of 7.25% per annum senior secured notes to The Prudential Insurance Company of America and affiliates (2009 Notes), which mature on December 30, 2029. Principal and interest on these senior secured notes are payable quarterly. As of September 30, 2016, $43.1 million of principal was outstanding under these senior secured notes. In connection with the acquisition of Cap Rock in 2010, our subsidiaries entered into several different debt arrangements, including $110.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.47% per annum senior secured notes SDTS issued to The Prudential Insurance Company of America (2010 Notes), which mature on September 30, 2030. Principal and interest on these senior secured notes are payable quarterly. As of September 30, 2016, $98.5 million of principal was outstanding under these senior secured notes.

SDTS and TDC are entitled to prepay amounts outstanding under their senior secured notes, subject to a prepayment penalty equal to the excess of the discounted value of the remaining scheduled payments with respect to such notes over the amount of the prepaid notes.

The agreements governing the senior secured notes contain certain default triggers related to the failure to maintain compliance with financial and other covenants contained in the agreements, such as limitations on liens, investments and the incurrence of additional indebtedness. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, SDTS and TDC were in compliance with all covenants under the applicable agreements.

CREZ Construction Loan

In 2011, SPLLC, at the time one of our subsidiaries, entered into a construction term loan agreement syndicated to a group of international banks, and issued fixed rate notes to The Prudential Insurance Company of America and affiliates (Fixed Rate Notes). In 2014, the construction term loan was converted into a term loan. In December 2015, the outstanding principal and interest on the term loan were paid in full with proceeds from SDTS’s Series A Notes.

The Fixed Rate Notes have a principal balance of $60.0 million which is due in full on June 20, 2018. Interest is payable quarterly at an interest rate of 5.04% per annum. The Fixed Rate Notes do not provide for any principal payments. In December 2015, the Fixed Rate Notes were assumed by SDTS in connection with the merger of SPLLC into SDTS. The carrying amount of the Fixed Rate Notes was $60.0 million as of September 30, 2016.

The credit agreement governing the Fixed Rate Notes contains certain default triggers related to the failure to maintain compliance with financial and other covenants contained in the agreements, such as limitations on liens, investments and the incurrence of additional indebtedness. SDTS was in compliance with all covenants for the Fixed Rate Notes as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

The Series A Notes, Series B notes, 2009 Notes, 2010 Notes and Fixed Rate Notes are secured by SDTS’s T&D assets, the leases, certain accounts and TDC’s equity interests in SDTS on the same basis as SDTS’s revolving credit facility described above.

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Cash Flows

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015

Cash flows from operating activities — Net cash provided by operating activities was $92.9 million and $78.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities related primarily to higher lease revenue during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same period of 2015, combined with more cash provided by working capital changes during the 2016 period compared to the 2015 period.

Cash flows from investing activities — Net cash used in investing activities was $179.8 million and $295.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. During the first nine months of 2016, we used $179.8 million for the capital expenditures related to the construction of our T&D assets compared to $164.9 million during the same period of 2015. During the same period of 2015, we used $172.4 million of our IPO proceeds as cash consideration in the Merger which was partially offset by our receipt of cash proceeds of $41.2 million from the sale of the Cross Valley transmission line (Cross Valley Project) and Golden Spread Electric Cooperative interconnection (Golden Spread Project) to Hunt or one of its affiliates and our sale of marketable securities for cash of $1.1 million. We did not have similar transactions during 2016.

Cash flows from financing activities — Net cash provided by financing activities was $88.4 million and $230.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The decrease related primarily to our receipt of net cash proceeds of $493.7 million from our IPO during the first quarter of 2015. We did not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of equity during 2016. Additionally, we had repayments of borrowings of $267.4 million and dividends and distributions of $48.0 million, partially offset by borrowings of $53.0 million, during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to repayments of borrowings of $61.5 million and payment of dividends and distributions of $43.9 million, offset by borrowings of $194.5 million, during the same period of 2016.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We had no off-balance sheet arrangements as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

Regulatory Matters

On April 29, 2016, Sharyland filed a system-wide rate proceeding with the PUCT to update its rates (April Rate Case Filing). Sharyland made this filing in a manner that complied with the restructuring order the PUCT issued related to our structure in 2008 (2008 Restructuring Order), which required Sharyland and SDTS to be regulated on a combined basis and generally disregarded the economics of the lease relationship between Sharyland and SDTS. However, in October 2016, the PUCT approved a preliminary order requiring Sharyland and SDTS to:

The preliminary order also contemplates that we will replace the five current leases between Sharyland and SDTS with two leases, one for transmission assets and one for distribution assets. The preliminary order provides that the PUCT’s determinations in the rate case will supersede prior orders to the extent of any conflict, but will not rescind the PUCT’s approval of the transfer of T&D assets from Sharyland to SDTS pursuant to the 2008 Restructuring Order. As a result of the PUCT’s regulation of our leases as part of a PUCT approved tariff for SDTS, the rent that we are permitted to charge Sharyland under the leases will be established and approved by the PUCT. We expect our lease rates and Sharyland’s customer rates to be established in this rate case based on the test year ended December 31, 2015. We also expect the regulatory method for updating lease payments between rate cases, together with other issues, such as the allowed return on equity, capital structure, cost of debt and income tax allowance, to be determined by the PUCT’s final order at the conclusion of the rate case. The timing and outcome of the rate case is uncertain, although we currently expect it to be completed during 2017.

We expect an increase in our general and administrative expense throughout the remainder of 2016 and 2017 related to SDTS’ participation in the rate case filing and related matters.

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Reconciliations to Amounts Reported Under Generally Accepted Accounting Principals

We use certain financial measures that are not recognized under U.S. GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures used in this report include non-GAAP earnings per share (Non-GAAP EPS); cash available for distribution (CAD); earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA); EBITDA as adjusted in the manner described below (Adjusted EBITDA); funds from operations (FFO) and FFO adjusted in the manner described below (AFFO). We derive these measures as follows to appropriately show our core operational performance:

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Our management uses Non-GAAP EPS, CAD, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, FFO and AFFO as important supplemental measures of our operating performance. For example, management uses the CAD measurement when recommending dividends to our board of directors. We also present our non-GAAP performance measures because we believe they help investors understand our business, performance and ability to earn and distribute cash to our stockholders by providing perspectives not immediately apparent from net income. We have a diverse set of investors, including investors that primarily focus on utilities, yieldcos, master limited partnerships (MLPs) or REITs. Our management believes that each of these different classes of investors focus on different types of metrics in the evaluation of us. For instance, many utility investors focus on earnings per share (EPS) and we believe our presentation of Non-GAAP EPS enables a better comparison to other utilities. Our management believes it is appropriate to calculate and provide these measures in order to be responsive to these investors. Including reporting on these measures in our public disclosures also enables that this information is available to all our investors. The presentation of Non-GAAP EPS, CAD, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, FFO and AFFO are not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

We offer these measures to assist the users of our financial statements in assessing our operating performance under U.S. GAAP, but these measures are non-GAAP measures and should not be considered measures of liquidity, alternatives to net income or indicators of any other performance measure determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, nor are they indicative of funds available to fund our cash needs, including capital expenditures, make payments on our indebtedness or make distributions. Our method of calculating these measures may be different from methods used by other companies and, accordingly, may not be comparable to similar measures as calculated by other companies that do not use our same methodology. Investors should not rely on these measures as a substitute for any U.S. GAAP measure, including net income, cash flows from operating activities or revenues.

Non-GAAP EPS was $0.32 per share for the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $0.28 per share for the three months ended September 30, 2015, representing an increase of 14.3%. Non-GAAP EPS during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was based on 60.6 million weighted average shares outstanding. For the three months ended September 30, 2016, CAD was $19.4 million compared to $17.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 representing an increase of $2.3 million or 13.5%.

Adjusted EBITDA was $39.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $33.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, representing an increase of $6.2 million, or 18.5%. For the three months ended September 30, 2016, AFFO was $30.0 million compared to $26.5 million in the same period in 2015, representing an increase of $3.5 million, or 13.2%.

Non-GAAP EPS was $0.93 per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $0.90 per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, representing an increase of 3.3%. Non-GAAP EPS during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was based on 60.6 million and 58.8 million weighted average shares outstanding, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, CAD increased $3.4 million, or 6.3%, to $57.0 million from $53.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.

Adjusted EBITDA was $115.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $101.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, representing an increase of $13.8 million, or 13.6%. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, AFFO was $87.6 million compared to $80.1 million in the same period in 2015, representing an increase of $7.5 million, or 9.4%.

Non-GAAP EPS

The following sets forth a reconciliation of net income (loss) attributable to InfraREIT, Inc. per diluted share to Non-GAAP EPS:

 

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CAD

The following sets forth a reconciliation of net income (loss) to CAD:

 

 

 

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

The following sets forth a reconciliation of net income (loss) to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:

 

 

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FFO and AFFO

The following sets forth a reconciliation of net income (loss) to FFO and AFFO:

 

 

Financial Information Related to Our Tenant

We have legal title to our T&D assets; however, Sharyland maintains operational control of those assets through the leases and through its managing member interest in SDTS and is responsible for construction and maintenance of our T&D assets. These rights and obligations constitute continuing involvement, which results in failed sale-leaseback financing accounting with respect to the lease of our T&D assets in Sharyland’s financial statements. Under failed sale-leaseback financing accounting, Sharyland is treated as the owner of the assets under all lease agreements, including T&D assets currently under construction. Consequently, our T&D assets, including any T&D assets currently under construction, are reflected as assets, and an estimate of Sharyland’s lease obligations to us are reflected as liabilities, on Sharyland’s balance sheet.

In addition to Sharyland’s financial information in accordance with U.S. GAAP, we are presenting Sharyland’s non-GAAP financial information below which removes the effect of the failed sale-leaseback accounting. This non-GAAP financial information is reviewed by our management and board of directors in evaluating Sharyland’s results of operations and financial condition. Although our management considers Sharyland’s U.S. GAAP financial information as well, we believe this non-GAAP financial information provides important supplemental evidence regarding Sharyland’s ability to meet its rent obligations to us, and we believe it is helpful to our investors in understanding our tenant’s financial condition without the additional implications of the failed sale-leaseback accounting.

We present the following below:

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Sharyland acquired the Golden Spread Project in March 2016 and the Cross Valley Project in May 2016. These acquisitions were accounted for as a combination of entities under common control whereby the net assets acquired were combined with Sharyland at their carrying value. Balance sheet information as of December 31, 2015 and income statement information for the periods ended September 30, 2015 have been adjusted to reflect the acquisitions of the Golden Spread Project and Cross Valley Project. Accordingly, the non-GAAP reconciliations presented below give effect to the Golden Spread Project and Cross Valley Project acquisitions.

 

 

 

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We have floating rate debt under our revolving credit facilities and are exposed to changes in interest rates on this indebtedness. The credit markets have recently experienced historical lows in interest rates. As the overall economy strengthens, it is possible that monetary policy will continue to tighten further, resulting in higher interest rates to counter possible inflation. Interest rates on our floating rate debt and future debt offerings could be higher than current levels, causing our financing costs to increase accordingly.

As of September 30, 2016, the outstanding balance on our revolving credit facilities was $92.5 million. A hypothetical increase or decrease in interest rates by 1.00% would have changed our interest expense by $0.2 million and $0.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, we performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15 (e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. In designing and evaluating these disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating and implementing possible controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

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Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. We review our disclosure controls and procedures, which may include internal controls over financial reporting, on an ongoing basis. From time to time, management makes changes to enhance the effectiveness of these controls and ensure that they continue to meet the needs of our business activities over time.

 

 

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Pursuant to a preliminary order that the PUCT issued in October 2016, SDTS, our regulated subsidiary, will be joined as a party to Sharyland’s ongoing rate case, and SDTS and Sharyland will be required to file an amended rate case application by January 1, 2017. For further information regarding the rate case, see the caption Regulatory Matters in Part I., Item 2., Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Part II., Item 1A., Risk Factors of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

In addition, from time to time, we are party to various other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Although we cannot predict the outcomes of any such legal proceedings, we do not believe the resolution of these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.

There have been no material changes in our risk factors during the three months ended September 30, 2016 from those previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A., Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015; in Part II, Item 1A., Risk Factors of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 (March 2016 10-Q) and in Part II, Item 1A., Risk Factors of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016 (June 2016 10-Q) except for the new risk factor set forth below. You should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in our 2015 Form 10-K, March 2016 10-Q, June 2016 10-Q and below, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or future results.

Our regulated subsidiary, SDTS, will be joining as a party to Sharyland’s ongoing rate case, and decisions in the rate case could materially and adversely affect our business.

SDTS and Sharyland are required to file an amended rate case application with the PUCT by January 1, 2017 using a test year ended December 31, 2015. Prior to the PUCT’s issuance of the preliminary order in October 2016, SDTS was not required to participate directly in Sharyland’s rate case, although Sharyland’s April Rate Case Filing presented the combined books and records of SDTS and Sharyland consistent with the 2008 Restructuring Order. Pursuant to the 2008 Restructuring Order, the PUCT historically has not directly regulated the lease payments that Sharyland makes to SDTS. However, the preliminary order indicates that this regulatory construct will change and requires SDTS to request PUCT approval in the rate case of an SDTS tariff establishing terms and conditions for the leases between Sharyland and SDTS. As a result, the leases between SDTS and Sharyland will be directly regulated by the PUCT and the rent that we are permitted to charge Sharyland under our leases will be established and approved by the PUCT pursuant to its rate regulation authority. There can be no assurance that our regulated lease rate will be comparable to our historical or existing lease payments.

In determining how to regulate the leases as tariffs, we expect the PUCT to consider whether and how to incorporate any federal income tax requirements to structure the leases as true leases in a manner consistent with the Texas Public Utility Regulatory Act and PUCT precedent. To qualify as a true lease, the lease payments Sharyland makes to SDTS for use of the T&D assets must be based on a fair market value and Sharyland must have both the business opportunity and risk associated with the leased assets. If we are unable to continue to structure our leases as true leases, we will no longer be able to qualify as a REIT under applicable REIT rules.

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Further, the final resolution of the rate case will include a number of regulatory determinations, including decisions about the allowed return on equity, capital structure, cost of debt, our ability to recover an income tax allowance and other matters. We also expect a number of other important structural issues to be addressed over the remaining course of this rate case, including the regulatory method to update lease payments between rate cases and whether to grant or transfer CCNs authorizing us to continue to own and lease our assets. It is possible that the resolution of these and other economic or structural issues in the rate case, the process implemented for regulating the leases as tariffs and establishing and updating rates for SDTS and Sharyland on a standalone rather than combined basis or other rate case determinations could result in regulatory requirements or outcomes that materially and adversely affect our operating results and financial condition, limit our ability to timely recover our capital investments, challenge our ability to continue to operate as a REIT under applicable tax laws or otherwise materially and adversely affect our business.

As permitted by our Operating Partnership’s partnership agreement, on July 6, 2016, we issued 183,496 shares of common stock to MC Transmission Holdings, Inc., which was a limited partner of our Operating Partnership, upon the redemption of an equal number of common units in our Operating Partnership. The shares of common stock were issued pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

None.

Not applicable.

None.

 

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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.

 

 

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