LAS VEGAS, Feb. 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Gas Corporation (SWX) reported consolidated earnings of $3.04 per basic share for 2014, a $0.10 per share decrease from the $3.14 per basic share earned in 2013.  Consolidated net income for 2014 was $141.1 million, compared to $145.3 million during 2013. The current year includes $5.3 million, or $0.11 per share, in other income associated with increases in the cash surrender values of company-owned life insurance ("COLI") policies.  The prior-year included $12.4 million, or $0.27 per share, in other income associated with COLI policies.

According to Jeffrey W. Shaw, Chief Executive Officer, "We are pleased to report 2014 earnings per share of $3.04, the second highest in the Company's history.  While this was a reduction from the record-high $3.14 per share reported for 2013, results were strong overall, and operating income reflected a modest increase.  The overall lower earnings resulted from a decline in COLI-related income."  Shaw added, "The gas segment had a number of notable accomplishments as we increased our customer base by 1.4% to 1,930,000; successfully concluded two general rate cases; invested $350 million in our distribution system to enhance integrity and satisfy growth requirements; and received regulatory approval in Arizona to construct an LNG facility to enhance service reliability.  Additionally, the acquisition of three construction service businesses was completed during the fourth quarter of 2014.  The acquisition creates long-term opportunities for growth and expands our pipeline construction reach into Canada.  Our construction services subsidiary, which includes NPL Construction Co. and the newly acquired businesses, is now referred to as Centuri.  Centuri gave a strong performance in 2014, contributing a record $24.3 million in net income compared to $21.2 million in 2013."

During the fourth quarter of 2014, consolidated net income was $58.7 million, or $1.26 per basic share, versus $57.3 million, or $1.24 per basic share, for the fourth quarter of 2013.  Construction services results (including those associated with the October acquisition) improved by $2.4 million.

Natural Gas Operations Segment Results

Full Year 2014

Operating margin, defined as operating revenues less the cost of gas sold, increased $13 million between years including a combined $8 million of rate relief in the California jurisdiction and Paiute Pipeline Company.  New customers contributed $8 million of the increase during 2014 as approximately 26,000 net new customers were added during the last twelve months.  Operating margin associated with customers outside the decoupling mechanisms and other miscellaneous revenues declined by $3 million.

Operating expenses increased $10.8 million, or 2%, between years primarily due to a $10.3 million increase in depreciation and amortization expense associated with plant additions.  In addition, taxes other than income taxes increased $1.7 million between years due to higher property taxes in Arizona and Nevada.  Lower pension costs and employer-sponsored medical costs (which combined reduced operations and maintenance expense by $9.5 million) offset other general cost increases.

Other income decreased $5.1 million between years due to a $7.1 million reduction in COLI-related income, partially offset by a $2.1 million increase in interest income associated with under-collected purchased gas adjustment ("PGA") balances.  Net interest deductions increased $5.7 million between years, primarily due to interest costs associated with the issuance of debt in the fourth quarter of 2013.  The increase was mitigated by higher interest expense in the prior year associated with PGA balances, which were in an over-collected status for the majority of 2013.

Fourth Quarter

Operating margin increased approximately $1 million between quarters including a combined $1 million of rate relief in the California jurisdiction and Paiute Pipeline Company.  New customers contributed $2 million in operating margin during the fourth quarter of 2014.  Operating margin associated with customers outside the decoupling mechanisms and other miscellaneous revenues declined by $2 million.

Operating expenses for the quarter declined by approximately $2.9 million compared to the fourth quarter of 2013, as lower pension and employer-sponsored medical costs more than offset higher property taxes (primarily in Arizona) and higher depreciation expense (which resulted from additional plant in service).

Other income decreased approximately $1.8 million between quarters.  The current quarter reflects income from COLI policy cash surrender value changes of $2.4 million, while the prior-year quarter included $4.3 million in COLI-related income.  COLI-related income in both periods was higher than expected, reflecting strong returns on investments underlying the policies.

Board Completes Previously Announced CEO Transition

Southwest Gas also announced today that its Board of Directors has completed the previously announced CEO transition with the election of Company President John Hester to the additional position of CEO, effective March 1, 2015 when Mr. Shaw will retire as an employee of the Company.  Mr. Shaw will continue to serve on the Board, and Mr. Hester will be nominated for election to the Board at the 2015 annual meeting of shareholders.  Additionally, Michael O. Maffie will not stand for re-election and will retire from the Board as of the 2015 annual meeting after years of admirable service to the Company and its shareholders. 

"We have successfully built Southwest Gas into a highly regarded utility company that is well-positioned to meet the evolving energy needs of its customers and deliver lasting shareholder value," said Mr. Hester.  "We have a proven business strategy, top performing utility and unregulated construction segments and one of the most talented teams in the industry, and I am honored to lead the Company into its next phase of growth."

Southwest Gas Corporation provides natural gas service to 1,930,000 customers in Arizona, Nevada, and California. 

This press release may contain statements which constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (Reform Act).  All such forward-looking statements are intended to be subject to the safe harbor protection provided by the Reform Act.  A number of important factors affecting the business and financial results of the Company could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated in the forward-looking statements.  These factors include, but are not limited to, customer growth rates, the effects of regulation/deregulation, the timing and amount of rate relief, changes in rate design, the earnings impact of the recent acquisition of construction services businesses, results of Centuri fixed-price contracts, and the impacts of stock market volatility.

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