e10vq
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2010
OR
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission File Number: 001-32576
ITC HOLDINGS CORP.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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Michigan
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
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32-0058047
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
27175 Energy Way
Novi, MI 48377
(Address Of Principal Executive Offices, Including Zip Code)
(248) 946-3000
(Registrants Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed
by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its
corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted
pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period
that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated
filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large
accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act. (Check one):
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Large accelerated filer þ
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Accelerated filer o
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Non-accelerated filer o
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Smaller Reporting Company o |
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(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
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Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of
the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
The number of shares of the Registrants Common Stock, without par value, outstanding as of
April 23, 2010 was 50,140,540.
ITC Holdings Corp.
Form 10-Q for the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2010
INDEX
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Page |
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4 |
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4 |
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4 |
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5 |
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6 |
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7 |
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16 |
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25 |
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26 |
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26 |
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2
DEFINITIONS
Unless otherwise noted or the context requires, all references in this report to:
ITC Holdings Corp. and its subsidiaries
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ITC Great Plains are references to ITC Great Plains, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of
ITC Grid Development, LLC; |
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ITC Grid Development are references to ITC Grid Development, LLC, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of ITC Holdings; |
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Green Power Express are references to Green Power Express LP, an indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary of ITC Holdings; |
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ITC Holdings are references to ITC Holdings Corp. and not any of its subsidiaries; |
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ITC Midwest are references to ITC Midwest LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ITC
Holdings; |
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ITCTransmission are references to International Transmission Company, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of ITC Holdings; |
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METC are references to Michigan Electric Transmission Company, LLC, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of MTH; |
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MISO Regulated Operating Subsidiaries are references to ITCTransmission, METC and ITC
Midwest together; |
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MTH are references to Michigan Transco Holdings, Limited Partnership, the sole member
of METC and a wholly owned subsidiary of ITC Holdings; |
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Regulated Operating Subsidiaries are references to ITCTransmission, METC, ITC Midwest
and ITC Great Plains together; and |
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We, our and us are references to ITC Holdings together with all of its
subsidiaries. |
Other definitions
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Consumers Energy are references to Consumers Energy Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary
of CMS Energy Corporation; |
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Detroit Edison are references to The Detroit Edison Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary
of DTE Energy; |
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DTE Energy are references to DTE Energy Company; |
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FERC are references to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; |
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IP&L are references to Interstate Power and Light Company, an Alliant Energy
Corporation subsidiary; |
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kV are references to kilovolts (one kilovolt equaling 1,000 volts); |
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kW are references to kilowatts (one kilowatt equaling 1,000 watts); |
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MISO are references to the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc., a
FERC-approved RTO, which oversees the operation of the bulk power transmission system for a
substantial portion of the Midwestern United States and Manitoba, Canada, and of which
ITCTransmission, METC and ITC Midwest are members; |
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MW are references to megawatts (one megawatt equaling 1,000,000 watts); |
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NERC are references to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation; |
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RTO are references to Regional Transmission Organizations; and |
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SPP are references to Southwest Power Pool, Inc., a FERC-approved RTO which oversees
the operation of the bulk power transmission system for a substantial portion of the South
Central United States, and of which ITC Great Plains is a member. |
3
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ITC HOLDINGS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (UNAUDITED)
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March 31, |
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December 31, |
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(in thousands, except share data) |
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2010 |
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2009 |
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ASSETS |
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Current assets |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
67,069 |
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$ |
74,853 |
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Accounts receivable |
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67,577 |
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72,352 |
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Inventory |
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38,054 |
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36,834 |
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Deferred income taxes |
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26,261 |
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23,859 |
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Regulatory assets revenue accrual (including accrued interest of $2,238 and $2,652,
respectively) |
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68,533 |
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82,871 |
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Other |
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5,176 |
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3,244 |
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Total current assets |
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272,670 |
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294,013 |
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Property, plant and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $1,070,403
and $1,051,045, respectively) |
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2,608,977 |
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2,542,064 |
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Other assets |
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Goodwill |
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950,163 |
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950,163 |
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Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $9,865 and $9,095, respectively) |
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51,296 |
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51,987 |
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Regulatory assets revenue accrual (including accrued interest of $84 and $75, respectively) |
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24,550 |
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20,406 |
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Other regulatory assets |
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134,853 |
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134,924 |
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Deferred financing fees (net of accumulated amortization of $9,759 and $9,616, respectively) |
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21,230 |
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21,672 |
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Other |
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13,854 |
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14,487 |
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Total other assets |
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1,195,946 |
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1,193,639 |
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TOTAL ASSETS |
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$ |
4,077,593 |
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$ |
4,029,716 |
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LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
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Current liabilities |
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Accounts payable |
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$ |
47,571 |
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$ |
43,508 |
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Accrued payroll |
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6,327 |
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13,648 |
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Accrued interest |
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23,979 |
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39,099 |
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Accrued taxes |
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16,012 |
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21,188 |
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Refundable deposits from generators for transmission network upgrades |
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37,667 |
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25,891 |
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Other |
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6,518 |
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3,344 |
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Total current liabilities |
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138,074 |
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146,678 |
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Accrued pension and postretirement liabilities |
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32,835 |
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31,158 |
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Deferred income taxes |
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277,457 |
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255,516 |
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Regulatory liabilities revenue deferral (including accrued interest of $215 and $186,
respectively) |
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10,238 |
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10,238 |
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Regulatory liabilities accrued asset removal costs |
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112,096 |
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112,430 |
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Refundable deposits from generators for transmission network upgrades |
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6,978 |
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17,664 |
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Other |
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11,470 |
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10,111 |
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Long-term debt |
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2,455,578 |
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2,434,398 |
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Commitments and contingent liabilities (Notes 3 and 10) |
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STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
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Common stock, without par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 50,140,266 and 50,084,061
shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively |
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865,672 |
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862,512 |
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Retained earnings |
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167,944 |
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149,776 |
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Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
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(749 |
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(765 |
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Total stockholders equity |
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1,032,867 |
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1,011,523 |
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TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
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$ |
4,077,593 |
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$ |
4,029,716 |
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See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
4
ITC HOLDINGS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
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Three months ended |
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March 31, |
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(in thousands, except per share data) |
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2010 |
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2009 |
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OPERATING REVENUES |
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$ |
161,288 |
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$ |
155,941 |
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OPERATING EXPENSES |
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Operation and maintenance |
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23,729 |
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23,741 |
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General and administrative |
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17,781 |
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19,893 |
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Depreciation and amortization |
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22,115 |
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26,548 |
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Taxes other than income taxes |
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12,308 |
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11,098 |
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Other operating income and expense net |
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7 |
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Total operating expenses |
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75,940 |
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81,280 |
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OPERATING INCOME |
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85,348 |
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74,661 |
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OTHER EXPENSES (INCOME) |
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Interest expense |
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35,029 |
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31,593 |
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Allowance for equity funds used during construction |
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(3,143 |
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(2,766 |
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Other income |
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(626 |
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(683 |
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Other expense |
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384 |
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864 |
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Total other expenses (income) |
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31,644 |
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29,008 |
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INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES |
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53,704 |
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45,653 |
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INCOME TAX PROVISION |
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19,500 |
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16,928 |
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NET INCOME |
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$ |
34,204 |
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$ |
28,725 |
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Basic earnings per common share (Note 6) |
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$ |
0.68 |
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$ |
0.58 |
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Diluted earnings per common share (Note 6) |
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$ |
0.67 |
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$ |
0.57 |
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Dividends declared per common share |
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$ |
0.320 |
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$ |
0.305 |
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See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
5
ITC HOLDINGS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
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Three months ended |
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March 31, |
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(in thousands) |
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2010 |
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2009 |
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CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES |
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Net income |
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$ |
34,204 |
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$ |
28,725 |
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Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |
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Depreciation and amortization expense |
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22,115 |
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26,548 |
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Revenue accrual and deferral including accrued interest |
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13,577 |
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(6,376 |
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Deferred income tax expense |
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17,808 |
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16,245 |
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Allowance for equity funds used during construction |
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(3,143 |
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(2,766 |
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Other |
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2,503 |
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2,333 |
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Changes in assets and liabilities, exclusive of changes shown separately: |
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Accounts receivable |
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4,775 |
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(2,314 |
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Inventory |
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(1,220 |
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(4,345 |
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Other current assets |
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(1,932 |
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(2,447 |
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Accounts payable |
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(7,093 |
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(941 |
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Accrued payroll |
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(5,086 |
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(4,588 |
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Accrued interest |
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(15,120 |
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(22,118 |
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Accrued taxes |
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(4,971 |
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(1,642 |
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Other current liabilities |
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(208 |
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(2,537 |
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Other non-current assets and liabilities, net |
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1,545 |
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1,699 |
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Net cash provided by operating activities |
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57,754 |
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25,476 |
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CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES |
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Expenditures for property, plant and equipment |
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(71,816 |
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(104,687 |
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Other |
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(89 |
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Net cash used in investing activities |
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(71,905 |
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(104,687 |
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CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES |
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Issuance of long-term debt |
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40,000 |
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Borrowings under revolving credit agreements |
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142,104 |
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142,771 |
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Repayments of revolving credit agreements |
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(161,041 |
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(99,792 |
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Issuance of common stock |
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574 |
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1,031 |
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Dividends on common stock |
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(16,034 |
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(15,169 |
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Refundable deposits from generators for transmission network upgrades |
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3,957 |
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21,516 |
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Repayment of refundable deposits from generators for transmission network upgrades |
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(2,866 |
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(2,291 |
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Other |
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(327 |
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(142 |
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Net cash provided by financing activities |
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6,367 |
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47,924 |
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NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS |
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(7,784 |
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(31,287 |
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CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Beginning of period |
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74,853 |
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58,110 |
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CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS End of period |
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$ |
67,069 |
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$ |
26,823 |
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See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
6
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
1. GENERAL
These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the notes
to the consolidated financial statements as of and for the period ended December 31, 2009 included
in ITC Holdings Form 10-K for such period.
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared using
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and with the
instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regulation
S-X as they apply to interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the
information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. These accounting
principles require us to use estimates and assumptions that impact the reported amounts of assets,
liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual
results may differ from our estimates.
The condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited, but in our opinion include all
adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair statement of the
results for the interim period. The interim financial results are not necessarily indicative of
results that may be expected for any other interim period or the fiscal year.
Supplementary Cash Flows Information
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Three months ended |
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March 31, |
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(in thousands) |
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2010 |
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2009 |
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Supplementary cash flows information: |
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Interest paid (net of interest capitalized) |
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$ |
49,379 |
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$ |
52,653 |
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Income taxes paid |
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1,527 |
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Supplementary non-cash investing and financing activities: |
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Additions to property, plant and equipment (a) |
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$ |
32,190 |
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$ |
38,893 |
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Allowance for equity funds used during construction |
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3,143 |
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2,766 |
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(a) |
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Amounts consist of current liabilities for construction labor and materials that have not
been included in investing activities. These amounts have not been paid for as of March 31,
2010 or 2009, respectively, but have been or will be included as a cash outflow from investing
activities for expenditures for property, plant and equipment when paid. |
2. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Fair Value Measurements
The guidance set forth by the FASB for fair value measurements required additional disclosure
as part of our condensed consolidated financial statements. Effective March 31, 2010, we are
required to disclose separately the amounts of, and reasons for, significant transfers between
Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and significant transfers into and out of Level 3
of the fair value hierarchy for the reconciliation of Level 3 measurements. In addition, we are
required to provide disclosures about the valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair
value for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements in Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair
value hierarchy and for each class of assets and liabilities. Effective for the year
ending December 31, 2010, we will be required to provide the Level 3 activity of purchases, sales,
issuances, and settlements on a gross basis. The disclosure requirements did not and are not
expected to have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements. Refer to our
fair value measurement disclosure in Note 9.
Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities
The new consolidation guidance set forth by the FASB applicable to a variable interest entity
(VIE) and the guidance governing the determination of whether an enterprise is the primary
beneficiary of a VIE, and is, therefore, required to consolidate an entity requires a qualitative
analysis rather than a quantitative analysis. The qualitative analysis includes, among other
things, consideration of who has the power to direct the activities of the entity that most
significantly impact the entitys economic performance and who has the obligation to absorb losses
or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
Continuous reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a VIE and enhanced
disclosures about an enterprises involvement with a VIE are also required. Previously,
reconsideration of whether an enterprise was the primary
7
beneficiary of a VIE arose only when specific events had occurred. These requirements were
effective for us for in the first quarter of 2010 and did not have an effect on our condensed
consolidated financial statements.
3. REGULATORY MATTERS
ITC Great Plains
On August 18, 2009, ITC Great Plains acquired two electric transmission substations and became
an independent transmission company in SPP. SPP began to bill ITC Great Plains 2009 network
revenues in January 2010, retroactive to August 18, 2009. ITC Great Plains has also committed to
construct certain transmission projects in Kansas, including the Kansas Electric Transmission
Authority (KETA) Project (also known as the Spearville Knoll Axtell Project), which would
run from Spearville, Kansas to a point near Hays, Kansas and then northward to Axtell, Nebraska,
and a segment of the Kansas V-Plan. The total project would run from Spearville southward to
Comanche County, Kansas and then on a northeastern track to Wichita, Kansas.
In 2009, ITC Great Plains filed an application for a formula rate under Section 205 of the
Federal Power Act. The FERC conditionally accepted the proposed formula rate tariff sheets, subject
to refund, and set them for hearing and settlement procedures. In addition, the FERC approved
certain transmission investment incentives, including the establishment of regulatory assets for
start-up and development costs of ITC Great Plains and pre-construction costs specific to the KETA
Project and the Kansas V-Plan to be recovered pursuant to future FERC filings. During the first
quarter of 2010, FERC accepted ITC Great Plains cost-based formula rate tariff sheets, which
include an annual true-up mechanism, and their corresponding implementation protocols.
As of March 31, 2010, we have recorded approximately $10.2 million of regulatory assets for
start-up and development expenses incurred by ITC Great Plains as well as pre-construction costs
for the KETA Project. Based on ITC Great Plains application and the FERC order, ITC Great Plains
will be required to make an additional filing with the FERC under Section 205 of the Federal Power
Act in order to recover these start-up, development and pre-construction expenses.
The regulatory assets recorded at ITC Great Plains do not include amounts associated with
pre-construction costs for the Kansas V-Plan. In the period in which it becomes probable that
future revenues will result from the authorization to recover pre-construction expenses for the
Kansas V-Plan, which totaled $0.9 million at March 31, 2010, we will recognize the regulatory
asset.
Green Power Express
In 2009, Green Power Express filed an application with the FERC for approval of a cost-based
formula rate with a true-up mechanism and incentives for the construction of the Green Power
Express project, including the approval of a regulatory asset for recovery of development expenses
previously incurred as well as future development costs for the project. The Green Power Express
project is a network of transmission lines that would facilitate the movement of 12,000 megawatts
of power from the wind-abundant areas in the Dakotas, Minnesota and Iowa to Midwest load centers
that demand clean, renewable energy and would traverse portions of North Dakota, South Dakota,
Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana.
The FERC issued an order authorizing certain transmission investment incentives, including the
establishment of a regulatory asset for start-up and development costs of Green Power Express and
pre-construction costs for the project to be recovered pursuant to a future FERC filing. Further,
the FERC order conditionally accepted Green Power Express proposed formula rate tariff sheets,
subject to refund, and set them for hearing and settlement procedures. On February 22, 2010, Green
Power Express filed an Offer of Settlement that intended to resolve all of the issues set for
hearing. Interested parties have filed comments and reply comments and the Offer of Settlement is
awaiting certification by the Administrative Law Judge and further action by the FERC.
The total development expenses through March 31, 2010 that may be recoverable through
regulatory assets were approximately $4.9 million, which have been recorded to expenses in the
periods in which they were incurred. In the period in which it becomes probable that future
revenues will result from the approval, we will recognize the regulatory assets. No regulatory
assets for Green Power Express have been recorded as of March 31, 2010.
Depreciation Studies
During 2009, the FERC accepted depreciation studies filed by ITCTransmission and METC that
revised depreciation rates at ITCTransmission and METC. This change in accounting estimate results
in lower composite depreciation rates for ITCTransmission and METC primarily due to the revision of
asset service lives and cost of removal values. The revised depreciation rates resulted in a
8
reduction of depreciation expense of $5.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 as
compared to the amount of depreciation expense that would have been recognized under the previous
depreciation rates utilized by ITCTransmission and METC. Because of the inclusion of depreciation
expense as a component of net revenue requirement under the cost-based formula rate, there was an
offsetting effect on revenues from the change in depreciation rates.
Cost-Based Formula Rates with True-Up Mechanism
The transmission rates at our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries are set annually and remain in
effect for a one-year period. Rates are posted on the Open Access Same-Time Information System each
year. By completing their formula rate template on an annual basis, our Regulated Operating
Subsidiaries are able to adjust their transmission rates to reflect changing operational data and
financial performance, including the amount of network load on their transmission systems (for our
MISO Regulated Operating Subsidiaries), operating expenses and additions to property, plant and
equipment when placed in service, among other items. The FERC-approved formula rates do not require
further action or FERC filings for the calculated joint zone rates to go into effect, although the
rate is subject to legal challenge at the FERC. Our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries will continue
to use the formula rates to calculate their respective annual net revenue requirements unless the
FERC determines the rates to be unjust and unreasonable or another mechanism is determined by the
FERC to be just and reasonable.
Our cost-based formula rate templates include a true-up mechanism, whereby our Regulated
Operating Subsidiaries compare their actual net revenue requirements to their billed revenues for
each year to determine any over- or under-collection of revenue requirement. Revenue is recognized
for services provided during each reporting period based on actual net revenue requirements
calculated using the formula rate template. Our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries accrue or defer
revenues to the extent that the actual net revenue requirement for the reporting period is higher
or lower, respectively, than the amounts billed relating to that reporting period. The true-up
amount is reflected in customer bills within two years under the provisions of the formula rate
templates.
The changes in regulatory assets and liabilities associated with our Regulated Operating
Subsidiaries formula rate revenue accruals and deferrals were as follows during the three months
ended March 31, 2010:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
ITC Transmission |
|
|
METC |
|
|
ITC Midwest |
|
|
ITC Great Plains |
|
|
Total |
|
Balance as of December 31, 2009 |
|
$ |
15,267 |
|
|
$ |
4,848 |
|
|
$ |
72,395 |
|
|
$ |
529 |
|
|
$ |
93,039 |
|
Collection of 2008 revenue accruals including interest |
|
|
(4,623 |
) |
|
|
(3,049 |
) |
|
|
(13,267 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(20,939 |
) |
Revenue accrual for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 |
|
|
3,633 |
|
|
|
138 |
|
|
|
3,210 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
6,984 |
|
Interest accrued for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 |
|
|
68 |
|
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
274 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
378 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of March 31, 2010 |
|
$ |
14,345 |
|
|
$ |
1,974 |
|
|
$ |
62,612 |
|
|
$ |
531 |
|
|
$ |
79,462 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory assets and liabilities associated with our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries
formula rate revenue accruals and deferrals are recorded in our condensed consolidated statement of
financial position as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
ITCTransmission |
|
|
METC |
|
|
ITC Midwest |
|
|
ITC Great Plains |
|
|
Total |
|
Current assets |
|
$ |
13,926 |
|
|
$ |
9,081 |
|
|
$ |
45,371 |
|
|
$ |
155 |
|
|
$ |
68,533 |
|
Non-current assets |
|
|
4,899 |
|
|
|
274 |
|
|
|
18,913 |
|
|
|
464 |
|
|
|
24,550 |
|
Other current liabilities |
|
|
(1,120 |
) |
|
|
(1,845 |
) |
|
|
(418 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,383 |
) |
Non-current liabilities |
|
|
(3,360 |
) |
|
|
(5,536 |
) |
|
|
(1,254 |
) |
|
|
(88 |
) |
|
|
(10,238 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of March 31, 2010 |
|
$ |
14,345 |
|
|
$ |
1,974 |
|
|
$ |
62,612 |
|
|
$ |
531 |
|
|
$ |
79,462 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Complaint of IP&L
On November 18, 2008, IP&L filed a complaint with the FERC against ITC Midwest under Section
206 of the Federal Power Act. The complaint alleged that: (1) the operations and maintenance
expenses and administrative and general expenses projected in the 2009 ITC Midwest rate appeared
excessive; (2) the true-up amount related to ITC Midwests posted network rate for the period
through December 31, 2008 would cause ITC Midwest to charge an excessive rate in future years; and
(3) the methodology of allocating administrative and general expenses among ITC Holdings operating
companies was changed, resulting in such additional expenses being allocated to ITC Midwest. Among
other things, IP&Ls complaint sought investigative action by the FERC relating to ITC Midwests
transmission service charges reflected in its 2009 rate, as well as hearings regarding the justness
and reasonableness of the 2009 rate (with the ultimate goal of reducing such rate).
On April 16, 2009, the FERC dismissed the IP&L complaint, citing that IP&L failed to meet its
burden as the complainant to establish that the current rate is unjust and unreasonable and that
IP&Ls alternative rate proposal is just and reasonable. Requests for rehearing have been filed
with the FERC and, therefore, the April 16 order remains subject to rehearing and ultimately to an
appeal to a federal Court of Appeals within 30 days of any decision on rehearing.
9
4. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
We have recorded intangible assets as a result of the METC acquisition in 2006. The carrying
value of these assets is $48.6 million (net of accumulated amortization of $9.8 million) as of
March 31, 2010.
In addition, during 2009, ITC Great Plains recorded intangible assets for rights we acquired
from certain transmission owners, who have agreed to designate ITC Great Plains to build, own and
operate projects within the SPP region, including the KETA Project and the Kansas V-Plan. The
carrying amount of these intangible assets was $2.7 million (net of accumulated amortization of
less than $0.1 million) as of March 31, 2010.
During the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, we recognized $0.8 million of
amortization expense of our intangible assets. For each of the next five years, we expect the
annual amortization of our intangible assets that have been recorded as of March 31, 2010 to be
$3.1 million per year.
5. LONG TERM DEBT
ITC Midwest
On December 17, 2009, ITC Midwest issued $35.0 million of the total face amount of $75.0
million of its 4.60% First Mortgage Bonds, Series D, due December 17, 2024 (Series D Bonds). ITC
Midwest closed on the additional $40.0 million of Series D Bonds in February 2010. The proceeds
were used to repay a portion of the amounts outstanding under the ITC Midwest Revolving Credit
Agreement. All of ITC Midwests First Mortgage Bonds are issued under its First Mortgage and Deed
of Trust, and therefore have the benefit of a first mortgage lien on substantially all of ITC
Midwests property.
Revolving Credit Agreements
ITC Holdings Revolving Credit Agreement
At March 31, 2010, ITC Holdings had no amounts outstanding under the ITC Holdings Revolving
Credit Agreement (out of a capacity of $105.2 million, net of an unfulfilled commitment from Lehman
Brothers Bank, FSB (Lehman)).
ITCTransmission/METC Revolving Credit Agreement
At March 31, 2010, ITCTransmission and METC had $23.1 million and $39.3 million, respectively,
outstanding under the ITCTransmission/METC Revolving Credit Agreement (compared to capacities of
$88.3 million and $50.5 million, respectively, net of an unfulfilled commitment from Lehman). The
weighted-average interest rates on borrowings outstanding under the agreement were 0.6% and 0.6%,
respectively, at March 31, 2010.
ITC Midwest Revolving Credit Agreement
At March 31, 2010, ITC Midwest had no amounts outstanding under the ITC Midwest Revolving
Credit Agreement (out of a capacity of $41.0 million, net of an unfulfilled commitment from
Lehman). As noted above, a portion of the proceeds from the issuance of Series D Bonds were used to
repay the outstanding balance under the ITC Midwest Revolving Credit Agreement.
6. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three months ended
March 31, 2010 and 2009 is presented in the following table:
10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
(in thousands, except share, per share data and percentages) |
|
2010 |
|
|
2009 |
|
Numerator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
34,204 |
|
|
$ |
28,725 |
|
Less: dividends declared common shares, restricted shares and deferred stock units |
|
|
(16,036 |
) |
|
|
(15,172 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Undistributed earnings |
|
|
18,168 |
|
|
|
13,553 |
|
Percentage allocated to common shares (a) |
|
|
98.5 |
% |
|
|
98.8 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Undistributed earnings common shares |
|
|
17,895 |
|
|
|
13,390 |
|
Add: dividends declared common shares |
|
|
15,793 |
|
|
|
14,988 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share |
|
$ |
33,688 |
|
|
$ |
28,378 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominator for basic earnings per common share weighted-average common shares |
|
|
49,352,632 |
|
|
|
49,127,337 |
|
Incremental shares for stock options and employee stock purchase plan |
|
|
902,780 |
|
|
|
892,487 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominator for diluted earnings per common share adjusted weighted-average
shares and assumed conversion |
|
|
50,255,412 |
|
|
|
50,019,824 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per common share net income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
0.68 |
|
|
$ |
0.58 |
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
0.67 |
|
|
$ |
0.57 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) Weighted-average common shares outstanding |
|
|
49,352,632 |
|
|
|
49,127,337 |
|
Weighted-average restricted shares and deferred stock units (participating securities) |
|
|
763,040 |
|
|
|
604,898 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
50,115,672 |
|
|
|
49,732,235 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage allocated to common shares |
|
|
98.5 |
% |
|
|
98.8 |
% |
Our restricted stock and deferred stock units contain rights to receive nonforfeitable
dividends and thus, are participating securities requiring the two-class method of computing
earnings per share.
At March 31, 2010 and 2009, we had 2,630,094 and 2,510,252 million outstanding stock options,
respectively. Stock options are included in the diluted earnings per share calculation using the
treasury stock method, unless the effect of including the stock options would be anti-dilutive. For
the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, 244,316 and 522,417 anti-dilutive stock options
were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation, respectively.
7. INCOME TAXES
METC Uncertain Tax Position
At December 31, 2009, we had recorded a reserve for an uncertain tax position resulting from
the deductibility of transaction costs incurred in connection with the METC acquisition. This tax
position was effectively settled in January 2010 upon completion of the Internal Revenue Service
audit of our 2006 tax year. The settlement of this tax position reduced our income tax provision by
$0.7 million when recorded in the first quarter of 2010.
8. RETIREMENT BENEFITS AND ASSETS HELD IN TRUST
Retirement Plan Benefits
We have a qualified retirement plan for eligible employees, comprised of a traditional final
average pay plan and a cash balance plan. The traditional final average pay plan is
noncontributory, covers select employees, and provides retirement benefits based on the employees
years of benefit service, average final compensation and age at retirement. The cash balance plan
is also noncontributory, covers substantially all employees, and provides retirement benefits based
on eligible compensation and interest credits. While we are obligated to fund the retirement plan
by contributing the minimum amount required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974,
as amended, it is our practice to contribute the maximum allowable amount as defined by section 404
of the Internal Revenue Code. We expect to contribute up to $6.0 million to the defined benefit
retirement plan in the third quarter of 2010.
We have also established two supplemental nonqualified, noncontributory, retirement benefit
plans for selected management employees. The plans provide for benefits that supplement those
provided by our other retirement plans. We expect to contribute up to $0.5 million to these
supplemental nonqualified, noncontributory, retirement benefit plans in the third quarter of 2010.
11
Net pension cost includes the following components:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
(in thousands) |
|
2010 |
|
|
2009 |
|
Service cost |
|
$ |
710 |
|
|
$ |
494 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
508 |
|
|
|
291 |
|
Expected return on plan assets |
|
|
(355 |
) |
|
|
(260 |
) |
Amortization of prior service cost |
|
|
(11 |
) |
|
|
(229 |
) |
Amortization of unrecognized loss |
|
|
267 |
|
|
|
450 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net pension cost |
|
$ |
1,119 |
|
|
$ |
746 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Postretirement Benefits
We provide certain postretirement health care, dental, and life insurance benefits for
employees who may become eligible for these benefits. We expect to contribute up to $2.8 million to
the postretirement benefit plan in the third quarter of 2010.
Net postretirement cost includes the following components:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
(in thousands) |
|
2010 |
|
|
2009 |
|
Service cost |
|
$ |
757 |
|
|
$ |
408 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
255 |
|
|
|
168 |
|
Expected return on plan assets |
|
|
(118 |
) |
|
|
(54 |
) |
Amortization of prior service cost |
|
|
79 |
|
|
|
145 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net postretirement cost |
|
$ |
973 |
|
|
$ |
667 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Defined Contribution Plan
We also sponsor a defined contribution retirement savings plan. Participation in this plan is
available to substantially all employees. We match employee contributions up to certain predefined
limits based upon eligible compensation and the employees contribution rate. The cost of this plan
was $1.1 million and $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
9. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The measurement of fair value is based on a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes
the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs
such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in
active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as
unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to
develop its own assumptions.
Our assets measured at fair value subject to the three-tier hierarchy at March 31, 2010, were
as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using |
|
|
|
Quoted prices in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Significant |
|
|
|
active markets for |
|
|
Significant other |
|
|
unobservable |
|
|
|
identical assets |
|
|
observable inputs |
|
|
inputs |
|
(in thousands) |
|
(Level 1) |
|
|
(Level 2) |
|
|
(Level 3) |
|
Financial assets measured on a recurring basis: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents cash equivalents |
|
$ |
59,108 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Mutual funds fixed income securities |
|
|
9,112 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mutual funds equity securities |
|
|
794 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
69,104 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of March 31, 2010, we held certain assets that are required to be measured at fair value on
a recurring basis. These consist of investments recorded within cash and cash equivalents and other
long-term assets, including investments held in trust associated with our nonqualified,
noncontributory, supplemental retirement benefit plans for selected management and employees that
are classified as trading securities. Our investments included in cash equivalents consist of money
market funds recorded at cost plus accrued interest to approximate fair value. Our investments
classified as trading securities consist primarily of mutual funds and equity securities that
12
are publicly traded and for which market prices are readily available. Changes in the observed
trading prices and liquidity of money market funds are monitored as additional support for
determining fair value, and losses are recorded in earnings if fair value falls below recorded
cost.
We also held non-financial assets and liabilities that are required to be measured at fair
value on a non-recurring basis. These consist of goodwill and intangible assets. We did not take
any impairment charges on long-lived assets and no other significant events requiring non-financial
assets and liabilities to be measured at fair value occurred (subsequent to initial recognition)
during the three months ended March 31, 2010. For additional information on our goodwill,
intangible assets and asset retirement obligations please refer to the notes to the condensed
consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2009 included in our
Form 10-K for such period and Note 4 of this Form 10-Q.
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities
Fixed Rate Long-Term Debt
Based on the borrowing rates currently available for bank loans with similar terms and average
maturities, the fair value of our consolidated long-term debt, excluding revolving credit
agreements, was $2,432.5 million at March 31, 2010. The total book value of our consolidated
long-term debt, excluding revolving credit agreements, was $2,393.1 million at March 31, 2010.
Revolving Credit Agreements
At March 31, 2010, we had a consolidated total of $62.4 million outstanding under our
revolving credit agreements, which are variable rate loans and therefore fair value approximates
book value.
Trade Accounts Receivables and Payables
As of March 31, 2010, our accounts receivable and accounts payable balances approximate fair
value.
10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Litigation
We are involved in certain legal proceedings before various courts, governmental agencies and
mediation panels concerning matters arising in the ordinary course of business. These proceedings
include certain contract disputes, regulatory matters and pending judicial matters. We cannot
predict the final disposition of such proceedings. We regularly review legal matters and record
provisions for claims that are considered probable of loss. The resolution of pending proceedings
is not expected to have a material effect on our operations or financial statements in the period
in which they are resolved.
Michigan Sales and Use Tax Audit
The Michigan Department of Treasury conducted a sales and use tax audit of ITCTransmission for
the audit period April 1, 2005 through June 30, 2008 and has denied ITCTransmissions use of the
industrial processing exemption from use tax it has taken beginning January 1, 2007.
ITCTransmission has certain administrative and judicial appeal rights.
ITCTransmission believes that its utilization of the industrial processing exemption is
appropriate and intends to defend itself against the denial of such exemption. However, it is
reasonably possible that the assessment of additional use tax could be sustained after all
administrative appeals and litigation have been exhausted.
The amount of use tax liability associated with the exemptions taken by ITCTransmission
through March 31, 2010 is estimated to be approximately $5.9 million, which includes approximately
$3.3 million assessed for the audit period April 1, 2005 through June 30, 2008, including interest.
In the event it becomes appropriate to record additional use tax expense relating to this matter,
ITCTransmission would record the additional use tax expense primarily as an increase to the cost of
property, plant and equipment, as the majority of purchases for which the exemption was taken
relate to equipment purchases associated with capital projects. These higher use tax expenses would
be passed on to ITCTransmissions customers as the amounts are included as components of net
revenue requirements and resulting rates. METC has also taken the industrial processing exemption,
estimated to be approximately
13
$5.9 million for periods still subject to audit since 2005. The Michigan Department of
Treasury initiated a use tax audit of MTH, METCs sole member, in the first quarter of 2010.
ITC Midwest Project Commitment
In the Minnesota regulatory proceeding to approve ITC Midwests asset acquisition, ITC Midwest
agreed to build a certain project in Iowa and made a commitment to
use commercially reasonable best efforts to complete the project prior to December 31, 2011. In the event ITC Midwest is found to
have failed to meet this commitment, the allowed 12.38% rate of return on the actual equity portion
of its capital structure would be reduced to 10.39% under Attachment O until such time as ITC
Midwest completes the project, and ITC Midwest would refund with interest any amounts collected
since the close date of the transaction that exceeded what would have been collected if the 10.39%
ROE had been used in Attachment O. To complete this project, the IUB must provide certain
regulatory approvals but, due to the current case schedule, it is unlikely that the approvals will
be received in time to allow the project to be completed by
December 31, 2011. ITC Midwest believes it has made
commercially reasonable best efforts toward completion of the project by the stipulated deadlines and
will continue to do so and therefore we believe the likelihood of any adverse effect from this
matter is remote.
11. SEGMENT INFORMATION
We determine our reportable segments based primarily on the regulatory environment of our
subsidiaries and the business activities performed to earn revenues and incur expenses. As
discussed in Note 3, during 2009, ITC Great Plains acquired electric transmission assets and
implemented its cost-based formula rate in SPP to record revenues. As a result, the newly regulated
transmission business at ITC Great Plains is now included in the Regulated Operating Subsidiaries
segment. The following tables show our financial information by reportable segment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
|
OPERATING REVENUES: |
|
March 31, |
|
(in thousands) |
|
2010 |
|
|
2009 |
|
Regulated Operating Subsidiaries |
|
$ |
161,298 |
|
|
$ |
155,955 |
|
ITC Holdings and other |
|
|
107 |
|
|
|
69 |
|
Intercompany eliminations |
|
|
(117 |
) |
|
|
(83 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Operating Revenues |
|
$ |
161,288 |
|
|
$ |
155,941 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
|
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES: |
|
March 31, |
|
(in thousands) |
|
2010 |
|
|
2009 |
|
Regulated Operating Subsidiaries |
|
$ |
77,392 |
|
|
$ |
69,355 |
|
ITC Holdings and other |
|
|
(23,688 |
) |
|
|
(23,702 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Income Before Income Taxes |
|
$ |
53,704 |
|
|
$ |
45,653 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
|
NET INCOME: |
|
March 31, |
|
(in thousands) |
|
2010 |
|
|
2009 |
|
Regulated Operating Subsidiaries (a) |
|
$ |
53,459 |
|
|
$ |
47,614 |
|
ITC Holdings and other |
|
|
34,204 |
|
|
|
28,725 |
|
Intercompany eliminations |
|
|
(53,459 |
) |
|
|
(47,614 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Net Income |
|
$ |
34,204 |
|
|
$ |
28,725 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL ASSETS: |
|
March 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
(in thousands) |
|
2010 |
|
|
2009 |
|
Regulated Operating Subsidiaries |
|
$ |
3,982,171 |
|
|
$ |
3,890,874 |
|
ITC Holdings and other |
|
|
2,623,748 |
|
|
|
2,614,394 |
|
Reconciliations (b) |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
(1,940 |
) |
Intercompany eliminations |
|
|
(2,528,336 |
) |
|
|
(2,473,612 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets |
|
$ |
4,077,593 |
|
|
$ |
4,029,716 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Income tax provision and net income for our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries do not include
any allocation of taxes for METC. METC is organized as a single-member limited liability
company that is a disregarded entity for federal income tax purposes. METC is treated as a
branch of MTH, which is taxed as a multiple-partner limited partnership for federal income tax
purposes. Since METC and MTH, its immediate parent, file as a partnership for federal income
tax purposes, they are exempt from federal income taxes. As a result, METC does not record a
provision for federal income taxes in its statements of operations or record |
14
|
|
|
|
|
amounts for federal deferred income tax assets or liabilities on its statements of financial
position. For FERC regulatory reporting, however, METC computes theoretical federal income taxes
as well as the associated deferred income taxes and includes an annual allowance for income taxes
in its net revenue requirement used to determine its rates. |
|
(b) |
|
Reconciliation of total assets results primarily from differences in the netting of deferred
tax assets and liabilities at our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries as compared to the
classification in our condensed consolidated statement of financial position. |
15
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
Our reports, filings and other public announcements contain certain statements that describe
our managements beliefs concerning future business conditions, plans and prospects, growth
opportunities and the outlook for our business and the electric transmission industry based upon
information currently available. Such statements are forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Wherever possible, we have
identified these forward-looking statements by words such as will, may, anticipates,
believes, intends, estimates, expects, projects and similar phrases. These
forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions our management believes are reasonable. Such
forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause our actual
results, performance and achievements to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by,
these statements, including, among others, the risks and uncertainties listed in Part I, Item 1A
Risk Factors of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 (as revised in Part II,
Item 1A of this Form 10-Q) and the following:
|
|
|
Certain elements of our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries cost recovery through rates can
be challenged, which could result in lowered rates and/or refunds of amounts previously
collected and thus have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of
operations and cash flows. We have also made certain commitments to federal and state
regulators with respect to, among other things, our rates in connection with recent
acquisitions (including ITC Midwests asset acquisition of IP&Ls electric transmission
assets) that could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of
operations and cash flows. |
|
|
|
|
Our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries actual capital expenditures may be lower than
planned, which would decrease expected rate base and therefore our revenues. In addition, we
expect to invest in strategic development opportunities to improve the efficiency and
reliability of the transmission grid, but we cannot assure you that we will be able to
initiate or complete any of these investments. |
|
|
|
|
The regulations to which we are subject may limit our ability to raise capital and/or
pursue acquisitions, development opportunities or other transactions or may subject us to
liabilities. |
|
|
|
|
Changes in federal energy laws, regulations or policies could impact cash flows and could
reduce the dividends we may be able to pay our stockholders. |
|
|
|
|
If the network load or point-to-point transmission service on our MISO Regulated
Operating Subsidiaries transmission systems is lower than expected, the timing of
collection of our revenues would be delayed. |
|
|
|
|
Each of our MISO Regulated Operating Subsidiaries depends on its primary customer for a
substantial portion of its revenues, and any material failure by those primary customers to
make payments for transmission services would adversely affect our revenues and our ability
to service our debt obligations and affect our ability to pay dividends. |
|
|
|
|
METC does not own the majority of the land on which its transmission assets are located.
Additionally, a significant amount of the land on which ITCTransmission and ITC Midwests
assets are located is subject to easements, mineral rights and other similar encumbrances
and a significant amount of ITCTransmission and ITC Midwests other property consists of
easements. As a result, ITCTransmission, METC and ITC Midwest must comply with the
provisions of various easements, mineral rights and other similar encumbrances, which may
adversely impact their ability to complete construction projects in a timely manner. |
|
|
|
|
If ITC Midwests operating agreement with IP&L is terminated early, ITC Midwest may face
a shortage of labor or replacement contractors to provide the services formerly provided by
IP&L. |
|
|
|
|
Hazards associated with high-voltage electricity transmission may result in suspension of
our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries operations or the imposition of civil or criminal
penalties. |
|
|
|
|
Our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries are subject to environmental regulations and to laws
that can give rise to substantial liabilities from environmental contamination. |
16
|
|
|
Our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries are subject to various regulatory requirements.
Violations of these requirements, whether intentional or unintentional, may result in
penalties that, under some circumstances, could have a material adverse effect on our
results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. |
|
|
|
|
Acts of war, terrorist attacks and threats or the escalation of military activity in
response to such attacks or otherwise may negatively affect our business, financial
condition and cash flows. |
|
|
|
|
ITC Holdings is a holding company with no operations, and unless we receive dividends or
other payments from our subsidiaries, we may be unable to pay dividends and fulfill our
other cash obligations. |
|
|
|
|
We are highly leveraged and our dependence on debt may limit our ability to fulfill our
debt obligations and/or to obtain additional financing. |
|
|
|
|
Certain provisions in our debt instruments limit our financial flexibility. |
|
|
|
|
Adverse changes in our credit ratings may negatively affect us. |
|
|
|
|
The amount of our federal net operating loss carryforwards for income taxes that we may
use to reduce our tax liability in any given period is limited. |
|
|
|
|
Provisions in our Articles of Incorporation and bylaws, Michigan corporate law and our
debt agreements may impede efforts by our shareholders to change the direction or management
of our company. |
|
|
|
|
Provisions in our Articles of Incorporation restrict market participants from voting or
owning 5% or more of the outstanding shares of our capital stock. |
|
|
|
|
Other risk factors discussed herein and listed from time to time in our public filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). |
Because our forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions that are subject
to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, many of which are beyond our
control or are subject to change, actual results could be materially different and any or all of
our forward-looking statements may turn out to be wrong. Forward-looking statements speak only as
of the date made and can be affected by assumptions we might make or by known or unknown risks and
uncertainties. Many factors mentioned in our discussion in this report will be important in
determining future results. Consequently, we cannot assure you that our expectations or forecasts
expressed in such forward-looking statements will be achieved. Actual future results may vary
materially. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update any of our
forward-looking or other statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or
otherwise.
OVERVIEW
Through our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries, we are engaged in the transmission of
electricity in the United States. Our business strategy is to operate, maintain and invest in
transmission infrastructure in order to enhance system integrity and reliability, to reduce
transmission constraints and to allow new generating resources to interconnect to our transmission
systems. By pursuing this strategy, we strive for high reliability of our systems and to improve
accessibility to generation sources of choice, including renewable sources. We operate high-voltage
systems in Michigans Lower Peninsula and portions of Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri and
Kansas that transmit electricity from generating stations to local distribution facilities
connected to our systems.
As electric transmission utilities with rates regulated by the FERC, our Regulated Operating
Subsidiaries earn revenues through tariff rates charged for the use of their electric transmission
systems by our customers, which include investor-owned utilities, municipalities, co-operatives,
power marketers and alternative energy suppliers. As independent transmission companies, our
Regulated Operating Subsidiaries are subject to rate regulation only by the FERC. The rates charged
by our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries are established using a cost-based formula rate template as
discussed in Note 3 to the condensed consolidated financial statements under Cost-Based Formula
Rates with True-Up Mechanism.
Our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries primary operating responsibilities include maintaining,
improving and expanding their transmission systems to meet their customers ongoing needs,
scheduling outages on system elements to allow for maintenance and construction, balancing
electricity generation and demand, maintaining appropriate system voltages and monitoring flows
over transmission lines and other facilities to ensure physical limits are not exceeded.
17
We derive nearly all of our revenues from providing network transmission service,
point-to-point transmission service and other related services over our Regulated Operating
Subsidiaries transmission systems to investor-owned utilities such as Detroit Edison, Consumers
Energy, IP&L and to other entities such as alternative electricity suppliers, power marketers and
other wholesale customers that provide electricity to end-use consumers and from transaction-based
capacity reservations on our transmission systems.
Significant recent events that influenced our financial position and results of operations and
cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2010 or may affect future results include:
|
|
|
Our capital investment of $99.5 million at our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries ($14.2
million, $31.2 million, $52.5 million and $1.6 million at ITCTransmission, METC, ITC Midwest
and ITC Great Plains, respectively) for the three months ended March 31, 2010, resulting
primarily from our focus on improving system reliability and interconnecting new generating
resources; |
|
|
|
|
Debt issuances and borrowings under our revolving credit agreements in 2010 and 2009 to
fund capital investment at our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries, resulting in higher
interest expense; and |
|
|
|
|
Our development activities relating to ITC Great Plains and Green Power Express. Certain
development activities are expensed in the period incurred as they are not yet probable of
recovery and there is no corresponding revenue recognized for these expenses. |
These items are discussed in more detail throughout Managements Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
ITC Great Plains
KETA Project
In 2009, ITC Great Plains commenced construction-related activities for the 345 kV KETA
Project, a 215-mile long transmission line that will run between Spearville, Kansas and Axtell,
Nebraska. On January 19, 2010, the FERC issued an order approving the novation agreements required
by SPP for the designation of the right and obligation to build this project to ITC Great Plains by
Sunflower Electric Power Corporation and Midwest Energy, Inc. ITC Great Plains is also in the
process of securing other remaining regulatory approvals for the second phase of the project, which
will run from Hays, Kansas to the Nebraska border. We estimate that the cost for ITC Great Plains
portion of the KETA project will be approximately $203 million.
Kansas V-Plan Project
In 2009, the KCC authorized ITC Great Plains to build a segment of the Kansas V-Plan.
The total project will run between Spearville and Wichita, Kansas. In April 2010, SPP approved the
Kansas V-Plan at 345 kV double circuit construction. The next steps for this project include the
resolution of cost allocation of SPP projects, which is currently before the FERC, and securing
siting approvals. Additionally, the KCC had previously certificated the project to be built at 765 kV
and ITC Great Plains must seek an amendment to its certificate of
public convenience to build its portion of the Kansas VPlan at 345 kV by the KCC. ITC
Great Plains estimates it will invest approximately $300 million to construct its portions of the
project if built at 345 kV. We expect that the SPP will continue to explore the appropriateness of
765 kV construction and ITC Great Plains would expect to invest $430 million to construct its
portions of the project if it is built at 765 kV.
Hugo to Valliant Project
In 2009, ITC Great Plains commenced construction-related activities for the Hugo to Valliant
Project in Oklahoma, consisting of a 19-mile transmission line and substation construction and
upgrades. The Hugo to Valliant Project has an estimated cost of approximately $37 million.
Development Bonus
In January of 2010, the board of directors authorized and we paid $0.9 million in bonuses to
substantially all employees for the successful completion of certain regulatory milestones relating
to the KETA Project, which were recorded to general and administrative expenses in 2010. It is
reasonably possible that future development-related bonuses would be authorized and awarded for
these or other development projects.
18
Trends and Seasonality
Network Revenues
We expect a general trend of increases in network transmission rates and revenues for our
Regulated Operating Subsidiaries over the long term. The primary factor that is expected to
continue to increase our rates and our actual net revenue requirements in future years is our
anticipated capital investments in excess of depreciation as a result of our Regulated Operating
Subsidiaries long-term capital investment programs. Investments in property, plant and equipment,
when placed in service upon completion of a capital project, are added to the rate base of our
Regulated Operating Subsidiaries. Our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries strive for high reliability
of their systems and to improve accessibility to generation sources of choice, including renewable
sources. In addition, the Energy Policy Act requires the FERC to implement mandatory electric
transmission reliability standards to be enforced by an Electric Reliability Organization.
Effective June 2007, the FERC approved mandatory adoption of certain reliability standards and
approved enforcement actions for violators, including fines of up to $1.0 million per day. The NERC
was assigned the responsibility of developing and enforcing these mandatory reliability standards.
We continually assess our transmission systems against standards established by the NERC, as well
as the standards of applicable regional entities under the NERC that have been delegated certain
authority for the purpose of proposing and enforcing reliability standards. We believe we meet the
applicable standards in all material respects, although further investment in our transmission
systems will likely be needed to maintain compliance, improve reliability and address any new
standards that may be promulgated.
We also assess our transmission systems against our own planning criteria that are filed
annually with the FERC. Based on our planning studies, we see needs to make capital investments to
(1) rebuild existing property, plant and equipment; (2) upgrade the system to address demographic
changes that have impacted transmission load and the changing role that transmission plays in
meeting the needs of the wholesale market, including accommodating the siting of new generation or
to increase import capacity to meet changes in peak electrical demand; and (3) relieve congestion
in the transmission systems. The following table shows our expected and actual capital investment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Investment |
|
|
|
Five-Year Capital |
|
|
Forecast for the |
|
|
Actual for three |
|
(in millions) |
|
Investment Program |
|
|
year ending |
|
|
months ended |
|
Regulated Operating Subsidiary |
|
2010-2014 |
|
|
December 31, 2010 |
|
|
March 31, 2010 (a) |
|
ITCTransmission |
|
$ |
445 |
|
|
$ |
5060 |
|
|
$ |
14.2 |
|
METC |
|
|
750 |
|
|
|
140155 |
|
|
|
31.2 |
|
ITC Midwest |
|
|
1,147 |
|
|
|
205225 |
|
|
|
52.5 |
|
ITC Great Plains |
|
|
637 |
|
|
|
1020 |
|
|
|
1.6 |
|
Other (b) |
|
|
91 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
3,070 |
|
|
$ |
405460 |
|
|
$ |
99.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Capital investment amounts differ from cash expenditures for property, plant and equipment
included in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows due in part to differences in
construction costs incurred compared to cash paid during that period, as well as payments for major
equipment inventory that are included in cash expenditures but not included in capital investment
until transferred to construction work in progress, among other factors. |
|
(b) |
|
Includes Green Power Express and other development initiatives. |
Investments in property, plant and equipment could vary due to, among other things, the impact
of actual loads, forecasted loads, regional economic conditions, weather conditions, union
strikes, labor shortages, material and equipment prices and availability, our ability to obtain
financing for such expenditures, if necessary, limitations on the amount of construction that can
be undertaken on our systems at any one time, regulatory approvals for reasons relating to rate
construct, environmental, siting, regional planning, cost recovery or other issues or as a result
of legal proceedings and variances between estimated and actual costs of construction contracts
awarded. In addition, investments in transmission network upgrades for generator interconnection
projects could change from prior estimates significantly due to changes in the MISO queue for
generation projects, the generators potential failure to meet the various criteria of Attachment
FF of the MISO tariff for the project to qualify as a refundable network upgrade, and other factors
beyond our control.
19
Revenue Accruals Effects of Monthly Peak Loads
Under their formula rates that contain true-up mechanisms, our Regulated Operating
Subsidiaries accrue or defer revenues to the extent that their actual net revenue requirement for
the reporting period is higher or lower, respectively, than the amounts billed relating to that
reporting period. For example, to the extent that amounts billed are less than our net revenue
requirement for a reporting period, a revenue accrual is recorded for the difference. One of the
primary factors that impacts the revenue accrual/deferral at our MISO Regulated Operating
Subsidiaries is actual monthly peak loads experienced as compared to those forecasted in
establishing the annual network transmission rate. The monthly peak load of our MISO Regulated
Operating Subsidiaries is affected by many variables, but is generally impacted by economic
conditions and is seasonally shaped with higher load in the summer months when cooling demand is
higher.
ITC Great Plains does not receive revenue based on a peak load each month. Our rates at ITC
Great Plains are billed ratably each month based on its annual projected net revenue requirement.
Monthly Peak Load (in MW) (a)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|
ITCTransmission |
|
METC |
|
ITC Midwest |
|
ITCTransmission |
|
METC |
|
ITC Midwest |
|
ITCTransmission |
|
METC |
|
ITC Midwest |
January |
|
|
7,255 |
|
|
|
5,940 |
|
|
|
2,865 |
|
|
|
7,314 |
|
|
|
6,009 |
|
|
|
2,950 |
|
|
|
7,890 |
|
|
|
6,215 |
|
|
|
2,952 |
|
February |
|
|
6,997 |
|
|
|
5,798 |
|
|
|
2,758 |
|
|
|
7,176 |
|
|
|
5,818 |
|
|
|
2,815 |
|
|
|
7,715 |
|
|
|
6,159 |
|
|
|
2,906 |
|
March |
|
|
6,620 |
|
|
|
5,370 |
|
|
|
2,533 |
|
|
|
7,070 |
|
|
|
5,548 |
|
|
|
2,695 |
|
|
|
7,532 |
|
|
|
5,797 |
|
|
|
2,748 |
|
April |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,761 |
|
|
|
5,112 |
|
|
|
2,426 |
|
|
|
6,926 |
|
|
|
5,223 |
|
|
|
2,582 |
|
May |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,801 |
|
|
|
5,296 |
|
|
|
2,423 |
|
|
|
7,051 |
|
|
|
5,328 |
|
|
|
2,522 |
|
June |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,392 |
|
|
|
8,063 |
|
|
|
3,389 |
|
|
|
10,624 |
|
|
|
7,241 |
|
|
|
2,907 |
|
July |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,720 |
|
|
|
6,523 |
|
|
|
2,842 |
|
|
|
11,016 |
|
|
|
8,042 |
|
|
|
3,385 |
|
August |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,846 |
|
|
|
7,181 |
|
|
|
3,103 |
|
|
|
10,890 |
|
|
|
7,816 |
|
|
|
3,213 |
|
September |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,043 |
|
|
|
5,919 |
|
|
|
2,595 |
|
|
|
10,311 |
|
|
|
7,622 |
|
|
|
3,208 |
|
October |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,446 |
|
|
|
5,258 |
|
|
|
2,494 |
|
|
|
6,893 |
|
|
|
5,514 |
|
|
|
2,724 |
|
November |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,996 |
|
|
|
5,778 |
|
|
|
2,638 |
|
|
|
7,205 |
|
|
|
5,823 |
|
|
|
2,830 |
|
December |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,661 |
|
|
|
6,192 |
|
|
|
2,856 |
|
|
|
7,636 |
|
|
|
6,280 |
|
|
|
2,984 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
93,226 |
|
|
|
72,697 |
|
|
|
33,226 |
|
|
|
101,689 |
|
|
|
77,060 |
|
|
|
34,961 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Our MISO Regulated Operating Subsidiaries are each part of a joint rate zone. The load data
presented is for all transmission owners in the respective joint rate zone and is used for
billing network revenues. Each of our MISO Regulated Operating Subsidiaries makes up the
significant portion of network load within its respective joint rate zone. |
20
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Results of Operations and Variances
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage |
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
Increase |
|
|
increase |
|
(in thousands) |
|
2010 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
(decrease) |
|
|
(decrease) |
|
OPERATING REVENUES |
|
$ |
161,288 |
|
|
$ |
155,941 |
|
|
$ |
5,347 |
|
|
|
3.4 |
% |
OPERATING EXPENSES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operation and maintenance |
|
|
23,729 |
|
|
|
23,741 |
|
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
|
(0.1 |
)% |
General and administrative |
|
|
17,781 |
|
|
|
19,893 |
|
|
|
(2,112 |
) |
|
|
(10.6 |
)% |
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
22,115 |
|
|
|
26,548 |
|
|
|
(4,433 |
) |
|
|
(16.7 |
)% |
Taxes other than income taxes |
|
|
12,308 |
|
|
|
11,098 |
|
|
|
1,210 |
|
|
|
10.9 |
% |
Other operating income and expense net |
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
75,940 |
|
|
|
81,280 |
|
|
|
(5,340 |
) |
|
|
(6.6 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING INCOME |
|
|
85,348 |
|
|
|
74,661 |
|
|
|
10,687 |
|
|
|
14.3 |
% |
OTHER EXPENSES (INCOME) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense |
|
|
35,029 |
|
|
|
31,593 |
|
|
|
3,436 |
|
|
|
10.9 |
% |
Allowance for equity funds used during construction |
|
|
(3,143 |
) |
|
|
(2,766 |
) |
|
|
(377 |
) |
|
|
13.6 |
% |
Other income |
|
|
(626 |
) |
|
|
(683 |
) |
|
|
57 |
|
|
|
(8.3 |
)% |
Other expense |
|
|
384 |
|
|
|
864 |
|
|
|
(480 |
) |
|
|
(55.6 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other expenses (income) |
|
|
31,644 |
|
|
|
29,008 |
|
|
|
2,636 |
|
|
|
9.1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES |
|
|
53,704 |
|
|
|
45,653 |
|
|
|
8,051 |
|
|
|
17.6 |
% |
INCOME TAX PROVISION |
|
|
19,500 |
|
|
|
16,928 |
|
|
|
2,572 |
|
|
|
15.2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCOME |
|
$ |
34,204 |
|
|
$ |
28,725 |
|
|
$ |
5,479 |
|
|
|
19.1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Revenues
Three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to three months ended March 31, 2009
The following table sets forth the components of and changes in operating revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage |
|
|
|
2010 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
Increase |
|
|
increase |
|
(in thousands) |
|
Amount |
|
|
Percentage |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Percentage |
|
|
(decrease) |
|
|
(decrease) |
|
Network revenues |
|
$ |
140,297 |
|
|
|
87.0 |
% |
|
$ |
138,337 |
|
|
|
88.7 |
% |
|
$ |
1,960 |
|
|
|
1.4 |
% |
Regional cost sharing revenues |
|
|
11,176 |
|
|
|
6.9 |
% |
|
|
9,472 |
|
|
|
6.1 |
% |
|
|
1,704 |
|
|
|
18.0 |
% |
Point-to-point |
|
|
4,718 |
|
|
|
2.9 |
% |
|
|
4,648 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
% |
|
|
70 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
% |
Scheduling, control and dispatch |
|
|
3,239 |
|
|
|
2.0 |
% |
|
|
3,313 |
|
|
|
2.1 |
% |
|
|
(74 |
) |
|
|
(2.2 |
)% |
Other |
|
|
1,858 |
|
|
|
1.2 |
% |
|
|
171 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
% |
|
|
1,687 |
|
|
|
986.5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
161,288 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
$ |
155,941 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
$ |
5,347 |
|
|
|
3.4 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Network revenues increased due primarily to higher net revenue requirements at our Regulated
Operating Subsidiaries during the three months ended March 31, 2010 as compared to the same period
in 2009. Higher net revenue requirements were due primarily to higher rate base primarily
associated with higher balances of property, plant and equipment in-service, among other factors,
partially offset by lower operating expenses.
Regional cost sharing revenues increased due primarily to capital projects placed in-service
or expected to be in-service that have been identified by MISO as eligible for regional cost
sharing.
Other revenues increased due primarily to revenue recognized at METC for utilization of its
jointly-owned transmission lines under its transmission ownership and operating agreements.
21
Network revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2010 include the network revenue
accruals as calculated below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ITC |
|
|
net revenue |
|
Line |
|
Item |
|
ITCTransmission |
|
|
METC |
|
|
ITC Midwest |
|
|
Great Plains |
|
|
accrual |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Estimated net revenue requirement
(network revenues recognized)(a) |
|
$ |
56,377 |
|
|
$ |
38,423 |
|
|
$ |
45,227 |
|
|
$ |
270 |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
Network revenues billed(b) |
|
|
53,377 |
|
|
|
36,941 |
|
|
|
40,381 |
|
|
|
267 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
Network revenue accruals (line 1 line 2) |
|
$ |
3,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,482 |
|
|
$ |
4,846 |
|
|
$ |
3 |
|
|
$ |
9,331 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
The calculation of net revenue requirement for our MISO Regulated
Operating Subsidiaries is described in our Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2009 under Item 7 Managements Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Cost-Based
Formula Rates with True-Up Mechanism Net Revenue Requirement
Calculation. The amount is estimated for each reporting period until
such time as FERC Form No. 1s are completed for our MISO Regulated
Operating Subsidiaries. |
|
(b) |
|
Network revenues billed at our MISO Regulated Operating Subsidiaries
are calculated based on the joint zone monthly network peak load
multiplied by our effective monthly network rates of $2.818 per
kW/month, $2.370 per kW/month and $6.882 per kW/month applicable to
ITCTransmission, METC and ITC Midwest, respectively, adjusted for the
actual number of days in the month less amounts recovered or refunded
associated with our MISO Regulated Operating Subsidiaries 2008 true-up
adjustment. Amounts billed through our MISO Regulated Operating
Subsidiaries effective transmission rates reduced ITCTransmission,
METC and ITC Midwests regulatory assets associated with the 2008
true-up adjustments and related accrued interest by $4.6 million, $3.0
million and $13.3 million, respectively, during the three months ended
March 31, 2010. ITC Great Plains does not receive revenue based on a
peak load each month. Our rates at ITC Great Plains are billed ratably
each month based on its annual projected net revenue requirement. |
Operating Expenses
Operation and maintenance expenses
Three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to three months ended March 31, 2009
Operation and maintenance expenses were consistent compared to prior period.
General and administrative expenses
Three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to three months ended March 31, 2009
General and administrative expenses decreased as a result of lower business expenses primarily
for information technology support of $1.9 million and lower professional advisory and consulting
services of $1.6 million. General and administrative expenses also decreased by $0.6 million for
salaries, benefits and general business expenses associated with development activities at ITC Grid
Development and Green Power Express. These decreases were partially offset by higher compensation
and benefits expenses of $2.1 million, due in part to personnel additions, stock compensation
expense and benefits expense.
Depreciation and amortization expenses
Three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to three months ended March 31, 2009
Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased due to the reduced depreciation rates that
went into effect at ITCTransmission and METC in the third and fourth quarter of 2009, respectively,
as described in Note 3 to the condensed consolidated financial statements, partially offset by a
higher depreciable asset base resulting from property, plant and equipment additions.
22
Taxes other than income taxes
Three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to three months ended March 31, 2009
Taxes other than income taxes increased due to higher property tax expenses due primarily to
our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries 2009 capital additions, which are included in the assessments
for 2010 personal property taxes.
Other Expenses (Income)
Three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to three months ended March 31, 2009
Interest expense increased due primarily to additional interest expense associated with the
December 2009 issuance of ITC Holdings $200.0 million 5.50% Senior Notes due January 15, 2020 and
the December 2009 and February 2010 issuance of ITC Midwests $75.0 million 4.60% First Mortgage
Bonds, Series D, due December 17, 2024.
Income Tax Provision
Three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to three months ended March 31, 2009
Our effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 are 36.3% and
37.1%, respectively. Our effective tax rate differs from our 35% statutory federal income tax rate
due primarily to state income tax provision of $2.0 million and $1.8 million (net of federal
benefit) recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2010 and the three months ended March 31,
2009, respectively, offset by the tax effects of Allowance for Equity Funds Used During
Construction (AFUDC equity). The amount of income tax expense relating to AFUDC equity is
recognized as a regulatory asset and not included in the income tax provision. Additionally, the
income tax provision for the three months ended March 31, 2010 has been reduced by $0.7 million for
the settlement of an uncertain tax position described in Note 7 to the condensed consolidated
financial statements.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We expect to fund our future capital requirements with cash from operations, our existing cash
and cash equivalents and amounts available under our revolving credit agreements (described in
Note 5 to the condensed consolidated financial statements). In addition, we may from time to time
secure debt and equity funding in the capital markets, although we can provide no assurance that we
will be able to obtain financing on favorable terms or at all. We expect that our capital
requirements will arise principally from our need to:
|
|
|
Fund capital expenditures at our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries. Our plans with regard
to property, plant and equipment investments are described in detail above under Trends
and Seasonality. |
|
|
|
|
Fund business development expenses and related capital expenditures. We are pursuing
development activities at Green Power Express as well as at ITC Grid Development that will
continue to result in the incurrence of development expenses and could result in significant
capital expenditures. |
|
|
|
|
Fund working capital requirements. |
|
|
|
|
Fund our debt service requirements. We expect our interest payments to increase during
2010 compared to 2009 as a result of additional debt incurred in 2009 and 2010 to fund our
capital expenditures. |
|
|
|
|
Fund dividends to holders of our common stock. |
|
|
|
|
Fund contributions to our retirement plans, as described in Note 8 to the condensed
consolidated financial statements. The impact of the growth in the number of participants in
our retirement benefit plans, financial market conditions that may cause a decrease in the
value of our retirement plan assets and changes in the requirements of the Pension
Protection Act may require contributions to our retirement plans to be higher than we have
experienced in the past. |
In addition to the expected capital requirements above, an adverse determination in our appeal
relating to the recent denial of our ability to use the sales and use tax exemption as described in
Note 10 to the condensed consolidated financial statements would result in additional capital
requirements.
23
We believe that we have sufficient capital resources to meet our currently anticipated
short-term needs. We rely on both internal and external sources of liquidity to provide working
capital and to fund capital investments. We expect to continue to utilize our revolving credit
agreements and our cash and cash equivalents as needed to meet our other short-term cash
requirements. As of March 31, 2010, we had consolidated indebtedness under our revolving credit
agreements of $62.4 million, with unused capacity under the agreements of $277.6 million, or $222.6
million of unused capacity if reduced by Lehmans commitment of $55.0 million described below. In
addition, as of March 31, 2010, we had $67.1 million of cash and cash equivalents on hand, which
exceeds the amounts that we would typically maintain for operating purposes as a result of the
recently completed debt issuances in 2009 and 2010.
Lehman, a member of our revolving credit agreement syndication, was included in a bankruptcy
filing made by its parent, Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., on September 14, 2008. Lehmans
commitment of $55.0 million represented 16.2% of our total revolving credit agreement capacity of
$340.0 million and we had no amounts outstanding under the agreements at March 31, 2010 relating to
Lehmans participation. We do not expect that we will replace Lehmans commitment in our existing
credit agreements given the favorable terms of our existing agreement compared to current market
conditions. However, we believe we have sufficient unused capacity under our revolving credit
agreements, even without the Lehman capacity, to meet our short-term capital requirements.
Additionally, we believe we will be able to access the financial markets for other short-term
capital requirements through term loan agreements.
For our long-term capital requirements, we expect that we will need to obtain additional debt
and equity financing. Certain of our capital projects could be delayed in the event we experience
difficulties in accessing capital. We expect to be able to obtain such additional financing as
needed in amounts and upon terms that will be reasonably satisfactory to us.
Credit Ratings
Credit ratings by nationally recognized statistical rating agencies are an important component
of our liquidity profile. Credit ratings relate to our ability to issue debt securities and the
cost to borrow money, and should not be viewed as an indication of future stock performance or a
recommendation to buy, sell, or hold securities. Ratings are subject to revision or withdrawal at
any time and each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating. Our current credit
ratings are displayed in the following table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Standard and Poors |
|
Moodys Investor |
Issuer |
|
Issuance |
|
Ratings Services(a) |
|
Service, Inc.(b) |
ITC Holdings
|
|
Senior Notes
|
|
BBB-
|
|
Baa2 |
ITCTransmission
|
|
First Mortgage Bonds
|
|
A-
|
|
A1 |
METC
|
|
Senior Secured Notes
|
|
A-
|
|
A1 |
ITC Midwest
|
|
First Mortgage Bonds
|
|
A-
|
|
A1 |
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Our Standard and Poors Rating Services credit ratings have a stable outlook. |
|
(b) |
|
On April 16, 2010, Moodys Investor Service upgraded the ratings of ITC
Holdings, ITCTransmission, METC and ITC Midwest concluding their review for
possible upgrade that was initiated December 4, 2009. ITC Holdings was
upgraded to Baa2 from Baa3. The First Mortgage Bonds at ITCTransmission and
ITC Midwest and the METC senior secured notes were upgraded to A1 from A2.
ITCTransmission, METC and ITC Midwests issuer ratings were increased to A3
from Baa1. All of the ratings have a stable outlook. |
Covenants
Our debt instruments include senior notes, secured notes, first mortgage bonds and revolving
credit agreements containing numerous financial and operating covenants that place significant
restrictions as described in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009. We are
currently in compliance with all debt covenants and in the event of a downgrade in our credit
ratings, none of the covenants would be directly impacted.
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $57.8 million and $25.5 million for the three
months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The increase in cash provided by operating
activities was due primarily to an increase in cash received for operating revenues due to the
increase in billed revenues resulting from higher rates in 2010 that include the 2008 revenue
accruals.
24
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $71.9 million and $104.7 million for the three
months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The decrease in cash used in investing
activities was due primarily to lower payments during the three months ended March 31, 2010 for
amounts accrued for property, plant and equipment at December 31, 2009 compared to payments during
the same period in 2009 for amounts accrued for property, plant and equipment at December 31, 2008.
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $6.4 million and $47.9 million for the three
months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The decrease in cash provided by financing activities
was due primarily to a net decrease of $61.9 million in amounts outstanding under our revolving
credit agreements and a reduction in net proceeds associated with refundable deposits for
transmission network upgrades of $18.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010 as
compared to the same period in 2009. These decreases were partially offset by proceeds of $40.0
million received in February 2010 from the closing of ITC Midwests 4.60% First Mortgage Bonds,
Series D, due December 17, 2024.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
Our contractual obligations are described in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2009. There have been no material changes to that information during the three months ended March
31, 2010, other than amounts borrowed under our revolving credit agreements and the additional
$40.0 million of Series D Bonds issued by ITC Midwest in February 2010.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Our condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). The preparation of these
condensed consolidated financial statements requires the application of appropriate technical
accounting rules and guidance, as well as the use of estimates. The application of these policies
necessarily involves judgments regarding future events. These estimates and judgments, in and of
themselves, could materially impact the condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures
based on varying assumptions, as future events rarely develop exactly as forecasted, and the best
estimates routinely require adjustment. The accounting policies discussed in Item 7Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCritical Accounting
Policies in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 are considered by management
to be the most important to an understanding of the consolidated financial statements because of
their significance to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations or because
their application places the most significant demands on managements judgment and estimates about
the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. There have been no material changes to that
information during the three months ended March 31, 2010.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Fixed Rate Long-Term Debt
Based on the borrowing rates currently available for bank loans with similar terms and average
maturities, the fair value of our consolidated long-term debt, excluding revolving credit
agreements, was $2,432.5 million at March 31, 2010. The total book value of our consolidated
long-term debt, excluding revolving credit agreements, was $2,393.1 million at March 31, 2010. We
performed an analysis calculating the impact of changes in interest rates on the fair value of
long-term debt, excluding revolving credit agreements, at March 31, 2010. An increase in interest
rates of 10% (from 7.0% to 7.7%, for example) at March 31, 2010 would decrease the fair value of
debt by $81.4 million, and a decrease in interest rates of 10% at March 31, 2010 would increase the
fair value of debt by $89.0 million at that date.
Revolving Credit Agreements
At March 31, 2010, we had a consolidated total of $62.4 million outstanding under our
revolving credit agreements, which are variable rate loans and therefore fair value approximates
book value. A 10% increase or decrease in borrowing rates under the revolving credit agreements
compared to the weighted average rates in effect at March 31, 2010 would increase or decrease the
total
interest expense by less than $0.1 million, respectively, for an annual period on a constant
borrowing level of $62.4 million.
25
Other
As described in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, we are subject to
commodity price risk from market price fluctuations, and to credit risk primarily with Detroit
Edison, Consumers Energy and IP&L, our primary customers. There have been no material changes in
these risks during the three months ended March 31, 2010.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to assure that material
information required to be disclosed in our reports that we file or submit under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), is recorded, processed, summarized, and
reported within the time periods specified in the SECs rules and forms, and that such information
is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required financial
disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management
recognized that a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only
reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Because of
the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute
assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, with a company have been
detected.
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the
supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure
controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation,
our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and
procedures are effective, at the reasonable assurance level.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three
months ended March 31, 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially
affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Other than as discussed below, there have been no material changes to the risk factors set
forth in Item 1A of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.
Due to recent factual developments in connection with one of the projects in Iowa that ITC
Midwest committed to build as part of the Minnesota regulatory proceeding to approve ITC Midwests
asset acquisition, we are modifying the relevant risk factor set forth in Item 1A of our Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2009 to amend and restate the last paragraph thereof as follows:
Certain elements of our Regulated Operating Subsidiaries cost recovery through rates can be
challenged, which could result in lowered rates and/or refunds of amounts previously collected and
thus have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows. We have also made certain commitments to federal and state regulators with respect to,
among other things, our rates in connection with recent acquisitions (including ITC Midwests
acquisition of IP&Ls electric transmission assets) that could have an adverse effect on our
business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
* * * * *
In the Minnesota regulatory proceeding to approve ITC Midwests asset acquisition, ITC
Midwest agreed to build two construction projects in Iowa intended to improve the reliability and
efficiency of our electric transmission system. Specifically, ITC Midwest made commitments to use
commercially reasonable best efforts to complete the two projects prior to December 31, 2009 and 2011,
respectively. In the event ITC Midwest is
found to have failed to meet these commitments, the allowed 12.38% rate of return on the
actual equity portion of its capital structure would be reduced to 10.39% under Attachment O until
such time as ITC Midwest
26
completes the projects, and ITC Midwest would refund with interest any amounts collected since
the close date of the transaction that exceeded what would have been collected if the 10.39% ROE
had been used in Attachment O. The project that was required to be completed prior to December 31,
2009 was completed by that deadline. With respect to the second project, the IUB must provide
certain regulatory approvals but, due to the current case schedule, it is unlikely that the
approvals will be received in time to allow the project to be completed by December 31, 2011. Any
of the events described above could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition,
results of operations and cash flows.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALE OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
The following table sets forth, the repurchases of common stock for the quarter ended March 31,
2010:
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Total Number of |
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Maximum Number or |
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|
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|
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|
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Shares Purchased as |
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Approximate Dollar |
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|
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Part of Publicly |
|
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Value of Shares that May |
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Total Number of |
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Average Price |
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Announced Plan or |
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Yet Be Purchased Under |
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Period |
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Shares Purchased (1) |
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Paid per Share |
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Program(2) |
|
|
the Plans or Programs(2) |
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January 2010 |
|
|
127 |
|
|
$ |
51.59 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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February 2010 |
|
|
151 |
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|
|
52.22 |
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|
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|
|
|
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|
March 2010 |
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
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Total |
|
|
278 |
|
|
$ |
51.93 |
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(1) |
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Shares acquired were delivered to us by employees as payment of tax withholding obligations
due to us upon the vesting of restricted stock. |
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(2) |
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We do not have a publicly announced share repurchase plan. |
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
As described in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations Overview ITC Great Plains, on January 28, 2010, we paid cash bonuses to
substantially all employees for the successful completion of certain regulatory milestones relating
to the KETA Project. The bonus was distributed on a pro rata basis equal to the percentage of the
total annual incentive award payout received by each employee. The named executive officers listed
in the Companys 2010 annual meeting proxy statement received the following amounts:
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Named Executive Officer |
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Bonus Amount |
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Joseph L. Welch |
|
$ |
34,072 |
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Cameron M. Bready |
|
|
11,126 |
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Edward M. Rahill |
|
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11,126 |
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Linda H. Blair |
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12,757 |
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Jon E. Jipping |
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12,757 |
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Daniel J. Oginsky |
|
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10,013 |
|
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
The following exhibits are filed as part of this report (unless otherwise noted to be
previously filed, and therefore incorporated herein by reference). Our SEC file number is
001-32576.
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Exhibit No. |
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Description of Document |
31.1
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Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
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31.2
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Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
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32
|
|
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
27
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Dated: April 29, 2010
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ITC HOLDINGS CORP.
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By: |
/s/ Joseph L. Welch
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Joseph L. Welch |
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President and Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer) |
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By: |
/s/ Cameron M. Bready
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Cameron M. Bready |
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Senior Vice President, Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer and
principal accounting officer) |
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28