XML 46 R28.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.20.4
Fair Value
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value Fair Value
A.Fair Value Measurements
Recurring Fair Value Measurements. The following tables present financial assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets on a recurring basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
 
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
December 31, 2020 (in millions)
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical Assets
(Level 1)		Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)		Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Balance as of
December 31, 2020
Assets
Risk management assets$— $13.2 $— $13.2 
Available-for-sale securities— 170.9 — 170.9 
Total$— $184.1 $— $184.1 
Liabilities
Risk management liabilities$— $222.8 $— $222.8 
Total$— $222.8 $— $222.8 
 
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
December 31, 2019 (in millions)
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical Assets
(Level 1)		Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)		Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Balance as of
December 31, 2019
Assets
Risk management assets$— $4.4 $— $4.4 
Available-for-sale securities— 154.2 — 154.2 
Total$— $158.6 $— $158.6 
Liabilities
Risk management liabilities$— $146.6 $— $146.6 
Total$— $146.6 $— $146.6 
Risk Management Assets and Liabilities. Risk management assets and liabilities include interest rate swaps, exchange-traded NYMEX futures and NYMEX options and non-exchange-based forward purchase contracts. When utilized, exchange-traded derivative contracts are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and are classified within Level 1. These financial assets and liabilities are secured with cash on deposit with the exchange; therefore, nonperformance risk has not been incorporated into these valuations. Certain non-exchange-traded derivatives are valued using broker or over-the-counter, on-line exchanges. In such cases, these non-exchange-traded derivatives are classified within Level 2. Non-exchange-based derivative instruments include swaps, forwards, and options. In certain instances, these instruments may utilize models to measure fair value. We use a similar model to value similar instruments. Valuation models utilize various inputs that include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, other observable inputs for the asset or liability and market-corroborated inputs, (i.e., inputs derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means). Where observable inputs are available for substantially the full term of the asset or liability, the instrument is categorized within Level 2. Certain derivatives trade in less active markets with a lower availability of pricing information and models may be utilized in the valuation. When such inputs have a significant impact on the measurement of fair value, the instrument is categorized within Level 3. Credit risk is considered in the fair value calculation of derivative instruments that are not exchange-traded. Credit exposures are adjusted to reflect collateral agreements that reduce exposures. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, there were no material transfers between fair
value hierarchies. Additionally, there were no changes in the method or significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of our financial instruments.
Credit risk is considered in the fair value calculation of each of our forward-starting interest rate swaps, as described in Note 10, "Risk Management Activities." As they are based on observable data and valuations of similar instruments, the hedges are categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. There was no exchange of premium at the initial date of the swaps, and we can settle the contracts at any time.
NIPSCO has entered into long-term forward natural gas purchase instruments to lock in a fixed price for its natural gas customers. We value these contracts using a pricing model that incorporates market-based information when available, as these instruments trade less frequently and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. For additional information see Note 10, “Risk Management Activities.”
Available-for-Sale Debt Securities. Available-for-sale debt securities are investments pledged as collateral for trust accounts related to our wholly-owned insurance company. We value U.S. Treasury, corporate debt and mortgage-backed securities using a matrix pricing model that incorporates market-based information. These securities trade less frequently and are classified within Level 2.
We adopted ASC 326 effective January 1, 2020. See "Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements" in Note 2, "Recent Accounting Pronouncements," for more information about ASC 326. Upon adoption of ASC 326, our available-for-sale debt securities impairments are recognized periodically using an allowance approach instead of an 'other than temporary' impairment model. At each reporting date, we utilize a quantitative and qualitative review process to assess the impairment of available-for-sale debt securities at the individual security level. For securities in a loss position, we evaluate our intent to sell or whether it is more-likely-than-not that we will be required to sell the security prior to the recovery of its amortized cost. If either criteria is met, the loss is recognized in earnings immediately, with the offsetting entry to the carrying value of the security. If both criteria are not met, we perform an analysis to determine whether the unrealized loss is related to credit factors. The analysis focuses on a variety of factors that include, but are not limited to, downgrade on ratings of the security, defaults in the current reporting period or projected defaults in the future, the security's yield spread over treasuries, and other relevant market data. If the unrealized loss is not related to credit factors, it is included in other comprehensive income. If the unrealized loss is related to credit factors, the loss is recognized as credit loss expense in earnings during the period, with an offsetting entry to the allowance for credit losses. The amount of the credit loss recorded to the allowance account is limited by the amount at which security's fair value is less than its amortized cost basis. If the credit losses in the allowance for credit losses are deemed uncollectible, the allowance on the uncollectible portion will be charged off, with an offsetting entry to the carrying value of the security. Subsequent improvements to the estimated credit losses of available-for-sale debt securities will be recognized immediately in earnings instead of over-time as they would under historic guidance. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we recorded $0.5 million as an allowance for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities as a result of the analysis described above. Continuous credit monitoring and portfolio credit balancing mitigates our risk of credit losses on our available-for-sale debt securities.
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, allowance for credit losses, and fair value of available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2020 and 2019 were: 
December 31, 2020 (in millions)
Amortized
Cost		Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses(1)
Allowance for Credit LossesFair Value
Available-for-sale debt securities
U.S. Treasury debt securities$33.7 $0.3 $— $— $34.0 
Corporate/Other debt securities130.2 7.7 (0.5)(0.5)136.9 
Total$163.9 $8.0 $(0.5)$(0.5)$170.9 
December 31, 2019 (in millions)
Amortized
Cost		Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses(2)
Allowance for Credit LossesFair Value
Available-for-sale debt securities
U.S. Treasury debt securities$31.4 $0.1 $(0.1)$— $31.4 
Corporate/Other debt securities118.7 4.2 (0.1)— 122.8 
Total$150.1 $4.3 $(0.2)$— $154.2 
(1) Fair value of U.S. Treasury debt securities and Corporate/Other debt securities in an unrealized loss position without an allowance for credit losses is $0 and $13.2 million, respectively, at December 31, 2020.
(2) Fair value of U.S. Treasury debt securities and Corporate/Other debt securities in an unrealized loss position without an allowance for credit losses is $17.2 million and $12.2 million, respectively, at December 31, 2019.
Realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities were immaterial for the year-ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
The cost of maturities sold is based upon specific identification. At December 31, 2020, approximately $4.9 million of U.S. Treasury debt securities and approximately $4.3 million of Corporate/Other debt securities have maturities of less than a year.
There are no material items in the fair value reconciliation of Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
Non-recurring Fair Value Measurements. We measure the fair value of certain assets on a non-recurring basis, typically annually or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. These assets include goodwill and other intangible assets.
The sale of the Massachusetts Business occurred on October 9, 2020, and the assets and liabilities of the Massachusetts Business were measured at fair value, less costs to sell. Our estimated total pre-tax loss for the year ended December 31, 2020 is $412.4 million.
At December 31, 2019, we recorded an impairment charge of $204.8 million for goodwill and an impairment charge of $209.7 million for franchise rights, in each case related to Columbia of Massachusetts. For additional information, see Note 7, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.”
B.         Other Fair Value Disclosures for Financial Instruments. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, notes receivable, customer deposits and short-term borrowings is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to their liquid or short-term nature. Our long-term borrowings are recorded at historical amounts.
The following method and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments.
Long-term debt. The fair value of outstanding long-term debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar securities. Certain premium costs associated with the early settlement of long-term debt are not taken into consideration in determining fair value. These fair value measurements are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, there was no change in the method or significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of long-term debt.
The carrying amount and estimated fair values of these financial instruments were as follows: 
At December 31, (in millions)
Carrying
Amount
2020
Estimated
Fair Value
2020
Carrying
Amount
2019
Estimated
Fair Value
2019
Long-term debt (including current portion)$9,243.1 $11,034.2 $7,869.6 $8,764.4