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Summary of significant accounting policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Summary of significant accounting policies | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of presentation The abbreviations and acronyms used throughout are defined following the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of the following businesses: electric, natural gas distribution, pipeline and midstream, construction materials and contracting, construction services and other. The electric and natural gas distribution businesses, as well as a portion of the pipeline and midstream business, are regulated. Construction materials and contracting, construction services and the other businesses, as well as a portion of the pipeline and midstream business, are nonregulated. For further descriptions of the Company's businesses, see Note 15. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation, except for certain transactions related to the Company's regulated operations in accordance with GAAP. The statements also include the ownership interests in the assets, liabilities and expenses of jointly owned electric generating facilities. The Company's regulated businesses are subject to various state and federal agency regulations. The accounting policies followed by these businesses are generally subject to the Uniform System of Accounts of the FERC. These accounting policies differ in some respects from those used by the Company's nonregulated businesses. The Company's regulated businesses account for certain income and expense items under the provisions of regulatory accounting, which requires these businesses to defer as regulatory assets or liabilities certain items that would have otherwise been reflected as expense or income, respectively, based on the expected regulatory treatment in future rates. The expected recovery or flowback of these deferred items generally is based on specific ratemaking decisions or precedent for each item. Regulatory assets and liabilities are being amortized consistently with the regulatory treatment established by the FERC and the applicable state public service commissions. See Note 6 for more information regarding the nature and amounts of these regulatory deferrals. Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense is reported separately on the Consolidated Statements of Income and therefore is excluded from the other line items within operating expenses. On January 2, 2019, the Company announced the completion of the Holding Company Reorganization, which resulted in Montana-Dakota and Great Plains becoming a subsidiary of the Company. The purpose of the reorganization was to make the public utility divisions into a subsidiary of the holding company, just as the other operating companies are wholly owned subsidiaries. Unless otherwise indicated, the amounts presented in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements relate to the Company's corporate structure prior to the Holding Company Reorganization. On December 22, 2017, President Trump signed into law the TCJA which includes lower corporate tax rates, repealing the domestic production deduction, disallowance of immediate expensing for regulated utility property and modifying or repealing many other business deductions and credits. The reduction in the corporate tax rate was effective on January 1, 2018. The effects of the change in tax laws or rates must be accounted for in the period of enactment, which resulted in the Company making reasonable estimates of the impact of the reduction in corporate tax rate on the Company's net deferred tax liabilities during the fourth quarter of 2017. The SEC issued rules that allowed for a measurement period of up to one year after the enactment date of the TCJA to finalize the recording of the related tax impacts. At December 31, 2018, the Company finalized the estimates from the fourth quarter of 2017 and no material adjustments were recorded to income from continuing operations during the twelve months ended December 31, 2018. Due to the enactment of the TCJA, the regulated jurisdictions in which the Company's regulated businesses provide service requested the Company furnish plans for the effect of the reduced corporate tax rate, which impacted the Company's rates to customers. Therefore, the Company reserved for such impacts as an offset to revenue or passed back to customers through lower rates in certain jurisdictions. For more information on the details and statuses of the open requests, see Note 18. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the requirements of the accounting standard update on revenue from contracts with customers following the modified retrospective method, as further discussed in this note, as well as in Note 2. As such, results for reporting periods beginning January 1, 2018, are presented under the new guidance, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the historic accounting for revenue recognition. Based on the Company's analysis, the Company did not identify a significant change in the timing of revenue recognition under the new guidance as compared to the historic accounting for revenue recognition. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation in the consolidated financial statements related to the retrospective adoption of the accounting standard update to improve the presentation of net periodic pension and net periodic postretirement benefit costs, which was effective on January 1, 2018. The components of net periodic pension and postretirement costs, other than service costs, were reclassified from operating expenses to other income on the Consolidated Statements of Income, as further discussed in this note. The assets and liabilities for the Company's discontinued operations have been classified as held for sale and the results of operations are shown in income (loss) from discontinued operations, other than certain general and administrative costs and interest expense which do not meet the criteria for income (loss) from discontinued operations. At the time the assets were classified as held for sale, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense was no longer recorded. Unless otherwise indicated, the amounts presented in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements relate to the Company's continuing operations. For more information on the Company's discontinued operations, see Note 4. Management has also evaluated the impact of events occurring after December 31, 2018, up to the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements. Cash and cash equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts Accounts receivable consists primarily of trade receivables from the sale of goods and services which are recorded at the invoiced amount net of allowance for doubtful accounts, and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts. For more information, see Note 2. The total balance of receivables past due 90 days or more was $30.0 million and $34.7 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The allowance for doubtful accounts is determined through a review of past due balances and other specific account data. Account balances are written off when management determines the amounts to be uncollectible. The Company's allowance for doubtful accounts at December 31, 2018 and 2017, was $8.9 million and $8.1 million, respectively. Accounts receivable also consists of accrued unbilled revenue representing revenues recognized in excess of amounts billed. Accrued unbilled revenue at Montana-Dakota, Cascade and Intermountain was $96.2 million and $112.7 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Amounts representing balances billed but not paid by customers under retainage provisions in contracts at December 31 were as follows:
| 2018 |  | 2017 |
| (In thousands)
Short-term retainage* | $ | 56,228 |  | $ | 57,134 |
Long-term retainage** | 4,152 |  | 1,410 |
Total retainage | $ | 60,380 |  | $ | 58,544 |
* | Expected to be paid within one year or less and included in receivables, net.
** | Included in deferred charges and other assets - other.
Inventories and natural gas in storage Natural gas in storage for the Company's regulated operations is generally carried at lower of cost or net realizable value, or cost using the last-in, first-out method. All other inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The portion of the cost of natural gas in storage expected to be used within one year was included in inventories. Inventories at December 31 consisted of:
| 2018 |  | 2017 |
| (In thousands)
Aggregates held for resale | $ | 139,681 |  | $ | 115,268 |
Asphalt oil | 54,741 |  | 30,360 |
Materials and supplies | 23,611 |  | 18,650 |
Merchandise for resale | 22,552 |  | 14,905 |
Natural gas in storage (current) | 22,117 |  | 20,950 |
Other | 24,607 |  | 26,450 |
Total | $ | 287,309 |  | $ | 226,583 |
The remainder of natural gas in storage, which largely represents the cost of gas required to maintain pressure levels for normal operating purposes, was included in deferred charges and other assets - other and was $48.5 million and $49.3 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Investments The Company's investments include the cash surrender value of life insurance policies, an insurance contract, mortgage-backed securities and U.S. Treasury securities. The Company measures its investment in the insurance contract at fair value with any unrealized gains and losses recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company has not elected the fair value option for its mortgage-backed securities and U.S. Treasury securities and, as a result, the unrealized gains and losses on these investments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). For more information, see Notes 7 and 16. Property, plant and equipment Additions to property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. When regulated assets are retired, or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business, the original cost of the asset is charged to accumulated depreciation. With respect to the retirement or disposal of all other assets, the resulting gains or losses are recognized as a component of income. The Company is permitted to capitalize AFUDC on regulated construction projects and to include such amounts in rate base when the related facilities are placed in service. In addition, the Company capitalizes interest, when applicable, on certain construction projects associated with its other operations. The amount of AFUDC for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
| 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |
| (In thousands)
AFUDC - borrowed | $ | 2,290 |  | $ | 966 |  | $ | 914 |
AFUDC - equity | $ | 1,897 |  | $ | 909 |  | $ | 565 |
Generally, property, plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the average useful lives of the assets, except for depletable aggregate reserves, which are depleted based on the units-of-production method. The Company collects removal costs for plant assets in regulated utility rates. These amounts are recorded as regulatory liabilities, which are included in deferred credits and other liabilities - other. Property, plant and equipment at December 31 was as follows:
| 2018 |  | 2017 |  | Weighted Average Depreciable Life in Years |
| (Dollars in thousands, where applicable)
Regulated: |  |  |
Electric: |  |  |
Generation | $ | 1,131,484 |  | $ | 1,034,765 |  | 49 |
Distribution | 430,750 |  | 415,543 |  | 46 |
Transmission | 302,315 |  | 296,941 |  | 64 |
Construction in progress | 161,893 |  | 117,906 |  | — |
Other | 122,127 |  | 117,109 |  | 13 |
Natural gas distribution: |  |  |
Distribution | 1,981,356 |  | 1,831,795 |  | 47 |
Construction in progress | 21,028 |  | 19,823 |  | — |
Other | 496,708 |  | 468,227 |  | 16 |
Pipeline and midstream: |  |  |
Transmission | 585,594 |  | 516,932 |  | 54 |
Gathering | 37,829 |  | 37,837 |  | 20 |
Storage | 49,101 |  | 45,629 |  | 61 |
Construction in progress | 5,915 |  | 17,488 |  | — |
Other | 45,763 |  | 41,054 |  | 33 |
Nonregulated: |  |  |
Pipeline and midstream: |  |  |
Gathering and processing | 31,094 |  | 31,678 |  | 19 |
Construction in progress | 86 |  | 17 |  | — |
Other | 9,577 |  | 9,649 |  | 10 |
Construction materials and contracting: |  |  |
Land | 109,541 |  | 95,745 |  | — |
Buildings and improvements | 114,905 |  | 102,435 |  | 20 |
Machinery, vehicles and equipment | 1,090,790 |  | 947,979 |  | 12 |
Construction in progress | 22,507 |  | 7,750 |  | — |
Aggregate reserves | 430,263 |  | 406,139 |  | * |
Construction services: |  |  |
Land | 5,216 |  | 5,216 |  | — |
Buildings and improvements | 29,795 |  | 27,351 |  | 25 |
Machinery, vehicles and equipment | 145,859 |  | 137,924 |  | 6 |
Other | 7,716 |  | 6,774 |  | 3 |
Other: |  |  |
Land | 2,648 |  | 2,837 |  | — |
Other | 25,461 |  | 28,286 |  | 14 |
Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization | 2,818,644 |  | 2,691,641 |  |
Net property, plant and equipment | $ | 4,578,677 |  | $ | 4,079,188 |  |
* | Depleted on the units-of-production method based on recoverable aggregate reserves.
Impairment of long-lived assets The Company reviews the carrying values of its long-lived assets, excluding goodwill and assets held for sale, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such carrying values may not be recoverable. The determination of whether an impairment has occurred is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the assets, compared to the carrying value of the assets. If impairment has occurred, the amount of the impairment recognized is determined by estimating the fair value of the assets and recording a loss if the carrying value is greater than the fair value. The impairments are recorded in operation and maintenance expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income. No significant impairment losses were recorded in 2018, 2017 or 2016, other than those related to the Company's assets held for sale and discontinued operations recorded in 2016. For more information regarding these impairments, see Note 4. Unforeseen events and changes in circumstances could require the recognition of impairment losses at some future date. Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net tangible and intangible assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is required to be tested for impairment annually, which is completed in the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill may be impaired. The goodwill impairment test is a two-step process performed at the reporting unit level. The Company has determined that the reporting units for its goodwill impairment test are its operating segments, or components of an operating segment, that constitute a business for which discrete financial information is available and for which segment management regularly reviews the operating results. For more information on the Company's operating segments, see Note 15. The first step of the impairment test involves comparing the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, the test is complete and no impairment is recorded. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, step two of the test is performed to determine the amount of impairment loss, if any. The impairment is computed by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill to the carrying value of that goodwill. If the carrying value is greater than the implied fair value, an impairment loss must be recorded. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, there were no impairment losses recorded. At December 31, 2018, the fair value substantially exceeded the carrying value at all reporting units. Determining the fair value of a reporting unit requires judgment and the use of significant estimates which include assumptions about the Company's future revenue, profitability and cash flows, amount and timing of estimated capital expenditures, inflation rates, risk adjusted cost of capital, operational plans, and current and future economic conditions, among others. The fair value of each reporting unit is determined using a weighted combination of income and market approaches. The Company uses a discounted cash flow methodology for its income approach. Under the income approach, the discounted cash flow model determines fair value based on the present value of projected cash flows over a specified period and a residual value related to future cash flows beyond the projection period. Both values are discounted using a rate which reflects the best estimate of the risk adjusted cost of capital at each reporting unit. The risk adjusted cost of capital, which varies by reporting unit and is in the range of 5 percent to 9 percent, and a long-term growth rate projection of approximately 3 percent were utilized in the goodwill impairment test performed in the fourth quarter of 2018. Under the market approach, the Company estimates fair value using multiples derived from enterprise value to EBITDA for comparative peer companies for each respective reporting unit. These multiples are applied to operating data for each reporting unit to arrive at an indication of fair value. In addition, the Company adds a reasonable control premium when calculating the fair value utilizing the peer multiples, which is estimated as the premium that would be received in a sale in an orderly transaction between market participants. The Company believes that the estimates and assumptions used in its impairment assessments are reasonable and based on available market information. Revenue recognition Revenue is recognized when a performance obligation is satisfied by transferring control over a product or service to a customer. Revenue is measured based on consideration specified in a contract with a customer, and excludes any sales incentives and amounts collected on behalf of third parties. The Company is considered an agent for certain taxes collected from customers. As such, the Company presents revenues net of these taxes at the time of sale to be remitted to governmental authorities, including sales and use taxes. The electric and natural gas distribution segments generate revenue from the sales of electric and natural gas products and services, which includes retail and transportation services. These segments establish a customer's retail or transportation service account based on the customer's application/contract for service, which indicates approval of a contract for service. The contract identifies an obligation to provide service in exchange for delivering or standing ready to deliver the identified commodity; and the customer is obligated to pay for the service as provided in the applicable tariff. The product sales are based on a fixed rate that includes a base and per-unit rate, which are included in approved tariffs as determined by state or federal regulatory agencies. The quantity of the commodity consumed or transported determines the total per-unit revenue. The service provided, along with the product consumed or transported, are a single performance obligation because both are required in combination to successfully transfer the contracted product or service to the customer. Revenues are recognized over time as customers receive and consume the products and services. The method of measuring progress toward the completion of the single performance obligation is on a per-unit output method basis, with revenue recognized based on the direct measurement of the value to the customer of the goods or services transferred to date. For contracts governed by the Company’s utility tariffs, amounts are billed monthly with the amount due between 15 and 22 days of receipt of the invoice depending on the applicable state’s tariff. For other contracts not governed by tariff, payment terms are net 30 days. At this time, the segment has no material obligations for returns, refunds or other similar obligations. The pipeline and midstream segment generates revenue from providing natural gas transportation, gathering and underground storage services, as well as other energy-related services to both third parties and internal customers, largely the natural gas distribution segment. The pipeline and midstream segment establishes a contract with a customer based upon the customer’s request for firm or interruptible natural gas transportation, storage or gathering service(s). The contract identifies an obligation for the segment to provide the requested service(s) in exchange for consideration from the customer over a specified term. Depending on the type of service(s) requested and contracted, the service provided may include transporting, gathering or storing an identified quantity of natural gas and/or standing ready to deliver or store an identified quantity of natural gas. Natural gas transportation, gathering and storage revenues are based on fixed rates, which may include reservation fees and/or per-unit commodity rates. The services provided by the segment are generally treated as single performance obligations satisfied over time simultaneous to when the service is provided and revenue is recognized. Rates for the segment’s regulated services are based on its FERC approved tariff or customer negotiated rates on special projects, and rates for its non-regulated services are negotiated with its customers and set forth in the contract. For contracts governed by the company’s tariff, amounts are billed on or before the ninth business day of the following month and the amount is due within 12 days of receipt of the invoice. For gathering contracts not governed by the tariff, amounts are due within twenty days of invoice receipt. For other contracts not governed by the tariff, payment terms are net 30 days. At this time, the segment has no material obligations for returns, refunds or other similar obligations. The construction materials and contracting segment generates revenue from contracting services and construction materials sales. This segment focuses on the vertical integration of its contracting services with its construction materials to support the aggregate based product lines. This segment provides contracting services to a customer when a contract has been signed by both the customer and a representative of the segment obligating a service to be provided in exchange for the consideration identified in the contract. The nature of the services this segment provides generally includes integrating a set of services and related construction materials into a single project to create a distinct bundle of goods and services, which the Company evaluates to determine whether a separate performance obligation exists. The transaction price is the original contract price plus any subsequent change orders and variable consideration. Examples of variable consideration that exist in this segment's contracts include liquidated damages; performance bonuses or incentives and penalties; claims; unapproved/unpriced change orders; and index pricing. The variable amounts usually arise upon achievement of certain performance metrics or change in project scope. The Company estimates the amount of revenue to be recognized on variable consideration using estimation methods that best predict the most likely amount of consideration the Company expects to be entitled to or expects to incur. The Company includes variable consideration in the estimated transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur or when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. Changes in circumstances could impact management's estimates made in determining the value of variable consideration recorded. The Company updates its estimate of the transaction price each reporting period and the effect of variable consideration on the transaction price is recognized as an adjustment to revenue on a cumulative catch-up basis. Revenue is recognized over time using the input method based on the measurement of progress on a project. The input method is the preferred method of measuring revenue because the costs incurred have been determined to represent the best indication of the overall progress toward the transfer of such goods or services promised to a customer. This segment also sells construction materials to third parties and internal customers. The contract for material sales is the use of a sales order or an invoice, which includes the pricing and payment terms. All material contracts contain a single performance obligation for the delivery of a single distinct product or a distinct separately identifiable bundle of products and services. Revenue is recognized at a point in time when the performance obligation has been satisfied with the delivery of the products or services. The warranties associated with the sales are those consistent with a standard warranty that the product meets certain specifications for quality or those required by law. For most contracts, amounts billed to customers are due within 30 days of receipt. There are no material obligations for returns, refunds or other similar obligations. The construction services segment generates revenue from specialty contracting services which also includes the sale of construction equipment and other supplies. This segment provides specialty contracting services to a customer when a contract has been signed by both the customer and a representative of the segment obligating a service to be provided in exchange for the consideration identified in the contract. The nature of the services this segment provides generally includes multiple promised goods and services in a single project to create a distinct bundle of goods and services, which the Company evaluates to determine whether a separate performance obligation exists. The transaction price is the original contract price plus any subsequent change orders and variable consideration. Examples of variable consideration that exist in this segment's contracts include claims, unapproved/unpriced change orders, bonuses, incentives, penalties and liquidated damages. The variable amounts usually arise upon achievement of certain performance metrics or change in project scope. The Company estimates the amount of revenue to be recognized on variable consideration using estimation methods that best predict the most likely amount of consideration the Company expects to be entitled to or expects to incur. The Company includes variable consideration in the estimated transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur or when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. Changes in circumstances could impact management's estimates made in determining the value of variable consideration recorded. The Company updates its estimate of the transaction price each reporting period and the effect of variable consideration on the transaction price is recognized as an adjustment to revenue on a cumulative catch-up basis. Revenue is recognized over time using the input method based on the measurement of progress on a project. The input method is the preferred method of measuring revenue because the costs incurred have been determined to represent the best indication of the overall progress toward the transfer of such goods or services promised to a customer. This segment also sells construction equipment and other supplies to third parties and internal customers. The contract for these sales is the use of a sales order or invoice, which includes the pricing and payment terms. All such contracts include a single performance obligation for the delivery of a single distinct product or a distinct separately identifiable bundle of products and services. Revenue is recognized at a point in time when the performance obligation has been satisfied with the delivery of the products or services. The warranties associated with the sales are those consistent with a standard warranty that the product meets certain specifications for quality or those required by law. For most contracts, amounts billed to customers are due within 30 days of receipt. There are no material obligations for returns, refunds or other similar obligations. The Company recognizes all other revenues when services are rendered or goods are delivered. For more information on revenue from contracts with customers, see Note 2. Asset retirement obligations The Company records the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred. When the liability is initially recorded, the Company capitalizes a cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Over time, the liability is accreted to its present value each period, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Upon settlement of the liability, the Company either settles the obligation for the recorded amount or incurs a gain or loss at its nonregulated operations or incurs a regulatory asset or liability at its regulated operations. For more information on asset retirement obligations, see Note 9. Legal costs The Company expenses external legal fees as they are incurred. Natural gas costs recoverable or refundable through rate adjustments Under the terms of certain orders of the applicable state public service commissions, the Company is deferring natural gas commodity, transportation and storage costs that are greater or less than amounts presently being recovered through its existing rate schedules. Such orders generally provide that these amounts are recoverable or refundable through rate adjustments which are filed annually. Natural gas costs refundable through rate adjustments were $30.0 million and $28.5 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, which is included in other accrued liabilities. Natural gas costs recoverable through rate adjustments were $42.7 million and $14.5 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, which is included in prepayments and other current assets. Stock-based compensation The Company determines compensation expense for stock-based awards based on the estimated fair values at the grant date and recognizes the related compensation expense over the vesting period. The Company uses the straight-line amortization method to recognize compensation expense related to restricted stock, which only has a service condition. This method recognizes stock compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. The Company recognizes compensation expense related to performance awards that vest based on performance metrics and service conditions on a straight-line basis over the service period. Inception-to-date expense is adjusted based upon the determination of the potential achievement of the performance target at each reporting date. The Company recognizes compensation expense related to performance awards with market-based performance metrics on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. The Company records the compensation expense for performance share awards using an estimated forfeiture rate. The estimated forfeiture rate is calculated based on an average of actual historical forfeitures. The Company also preforms an analysis of any known factors at the time of the calculation to identify any necessary adjustments to the average historical forfeiture rate. At the time actual forfeitures become more than estimated forfeitures, the Company records compensation expense using actual forfeitures. Income taxes The Company provides deferred federal and state income taxes on all temporary differences between the book and tax basis of the Company's assets and liabilities by using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Excess deferred income tax balances associated with the Company's rate-regulated activities have been recorded as a regulatory liability and are included in other liabilities. These regulatory liabilities are expected to be reflected as a reduction in future rates charged to customers in accordance with applicable regulatory procedures. The Company uses the deferral method of accounting for investment tax credits and amortizes the credits on regulated electric and natural gas distribution plant over various periods that conform to the ratemaking treatment prescribed by the applicable state public service commissions. The Company records uncertain tax positions in accordance with accounting guidance on accounting for income taxes on the basis of a two-step process in which (1) the Company determines whether it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely than-not recognition threshold, the Company recognizes the largest amount of the tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. Tax positions that do not meet the more-likely-than-not criteria are reflected as a tax liability. The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income taxes. Earnings per common share Basic earnings per common share were computed by dividing earnings on common stock by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per common share were computed by dividing earnings on common stock by the total of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year, plus the effect of nonvested performance share awards and restricted stock units. Common stock outstanding includes issued shares less shares held in treasury. Earnings on common stock was the same for both the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations. A reconciliation of the weighted average common shares outstanding used in the basic and diluted earnings per share calculation was as follows:
| 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |
| (In thousands)
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic | 195,720 |  | 195,304 |  | 195,299 |
Effect of dilutive performance share awards | 430 |  | 383 |  | 319 |
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted | 196,150 |  | 195,687 |  | 195,618 |
Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share | 10 |  | — |  | — |
Use of estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates are used for items such as long-lived assets and goodwill; fair values of acquired assets and liabilities under the acquisition method of accounting; aggregate reserves; property depreciable lives; tax provisions; revenue recognized using the cost-to-cost measure of progress for contracts; uncollectible accounts; environmental and other loss contingencies; accumulated provision for revenues subject to refund; costs on construction contracts; unbilled revenues; actuarially determined benefit costs; asset retirement obligations; and the valuation of stock-based compensation. As additional information becomes available, or actual amounts are determinable, the recorded estimates are revised. Consequently, operating results can be affected by revisions to prior accounting estimates. New accounting standards Recently adopted accounting standards ASU 2014-09 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance on accounting for revenue from contracts with customers. The guidance provides for a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry specific guidance. In August 2015, the FASB issued guidance deferring the effective date of the revenue guidance and allowing entities to early adopt. With this decision, the guidance was effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Entities had the option of using either a full retrospective or modified retrospective approach to adopting the guidance. Under the modified retrospective approach, an entity recognizes the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance with an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The Company adopted the guidance on January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective approach. The Company elected the practical expedient to not disclose the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to the performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) as of the end of the reporting period, along with an explanation of when such revenue would be expected to be recognized. This practical expedient was used since the performance obligations are part of contracts with an original duration of one year or less. The Company also elected the practical expedient to recognize the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset that the Company otherwise would have recognized is one year or less. Upon completion of the Company's evaluation of contracts and methods of revenue recognition under the previous accounting guidance, the Company did not identify any material cumulative effect adjustments to be made to retained earnings. In addition, the Company has expanded revenue disclosures, both quantitatively and qualitatively, related to the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers, as discussed in Note 2. The Company reviewed its revenue streams to evaluate the impact of this guidance and did not identify a significant change in the timing of revenue recognition, results of operations, financial position or cash flows. The Company reviewed its internal controls related to revenue recognition and disclosures and concluded that the guidance impacted certain business processes and controls. As such, the Company developed modifications to its internal controls for certain topics under the guidance as they apply to the Company and such modifications were not deemed to be significant. Results for reporting periods beginning after December 31, 2017, are presented under the new guidance, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with historic accounting for revenue recognition. Under the modified retrospective approach, the guidance was applied only to contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Therefore, the Company recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance with an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings at January 1, 2018. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, there were no material impacts to the financial statements as a result of applying the guidance. The cumulative effect of the changes made to the Consolidated Balance Sheet were as follows:
| December 31, 2017 |  | Adjustments |  | January 1, 2018 |
| (In thousands)
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity |  |  |
Current liabilities: |  |  |
Other accrued liabilities | $ | 186,010 |  | $ | 903 |  | $ | 186,913 |
Deferred credits and other liabilities: |  |  |
Deferred income taxes | 347,271 |  | (332 | ) | 346,939 |
Other | 1,179,140 |  | 399 |  | 1,179,539 |
Commitments and contingencies |  |  |
Stockholders' equity: |  |  |
Common stockholders' equity: |  |  |
Retained earnings | 1,040,748 |  | (970 | ) | 1,039,778 |
The cumulative effect adjustment is related to prepaid natural gas transportation to storage contracts where a separate performance obligation existed and has not yet been satisfied. As such, these contracts were still open and met the criteria for a cumulative effect adjustment. ASU 2016-15 - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments In August 2016, the FASB issued guidance to clarify the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The guidance is intended to standardize the presentation and classification of certain transactions, including cash payments for debt prepayment or extinguishment, proceeds from insurance claim settlements and distributions from equity method investments. In addition, the guidance clarifies how to classify transactions that have characteristics of more than one class of cash flows. The Company adopted the guidance on January 1, 2018, on a prospective basis. The guidance did not have a material effect on the Company's statement of cash flows. ASU 2017-01 - Clarifying the Definition of a Business In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. The guidance provides a screen to determine when an integrated set of assets and activities is not a business. The guidance also affects other aspects of accounting, such as determining reporting units for goodwill testing and whether an entity has acquired or sold a business. The Company adopted the guidance on January 1, 2018, on a prospective basis. The guidance did not have a material effect on the Company's results of operations, financial position, cash flows or disclosures. ASU 2017-07 - Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost In March 2017, the FASB issued guidance to improve the presentation of net periodic pension and net periodic postretirement benefit costs. The guidance required the service cost component to be presented in the income statement in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services performed during the period. Other components of net periodic benefit cost shall be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations. The guidance also only allows the service cost component to be capitalized. The Company adopted the guidance on January 1, 2018, on a retrospective basis. The guidance required the reclassification of all components of net periodic benefit costs, except for the service cost component, from operating expenses to other income on the Consolidated Statements of Income with no impact to earnings. As a result of the retrospective application of this change in accounting guidance, the Company reclassified $6.2 million and $4.5 million from operation and maintenance expense to other income on the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company also reclassified unrealized gains on investments used to satisfy obligations under the defined benefit plans of $10.8 million and $4.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, which were included in operation and maintenance expense, to other income on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The guidance did not have a material effect on the Company's results of operations, cash flows or disclosures. ASU 2018-02 - Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income In February 2018, the FASB issued guidance that allows an entity to reclassify the stranded tax effects resulting from the newly enacted federal corporate income tax rate from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to retained earnings. The guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, including interim periods, with early adoption permitted. The guidance can be applied using one of two methods. One method is to record the reclassification of the stranded income taxes at the beginning of the period of adoption. The other method is to apply the guidance retrospectively to each period in which the income tax effects of the TCJA are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The Company early adopted the guidance on January 1, 2018, and elected to reclassify the stranded income taxes at the beginning of the period. During the first quarter of 2018, the Company reclassified $7.9 million of stranded tax expense from accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings. The guidance did not have a material effect on the Company's results of operations, cash flows or disclosures. SEC File Number S7-15-16 - Disclosure Update and Simplification In October 2018, the SEC published guidance in the Federal Register on disclosure updates and simplifications. The guidance removed disclosures that are no longer considered cost beneficial, duplicative of GAAP required disclosures, clarified the specific requirements of disclosures and added disclosure requirements identified as relevant. The amendments were intended to facilitate disclosure of information to investors and simplify the compliance without significantly altering the total mix of information provided to investors. The guidance was effective for the Company on November 5, 2018, including interim periods. The Company adopted the guidance in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, which required minimal disclosure updates. The guidance was applied on a prospective basis and did not have a material effect on the Company's disclosures or certain sections of the Annual Report on Form 10-K. Recently issued accounting standards not yet adopted ASU 2016-02 - Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance regarding leases. The guidance requires lessees to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset on the balance sheet for operating and financing leases. The guidance remains largely the same for lessors, although some changes were made to better align lessor accounting with the new lessee accounting and to align with the revenue recognition standard. The guidance also requires additional disclosures, both quantitative and qualitative, related to operating and finance leases for the lessee and sales-type, direct financing and operating leases for the lessor. The Company adopted the standard on January 1, 2019. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11 - Leases: Targeted Improvements, an accounting standard update to ASU 2016-02. This ASU provides an entity the option to adopt the guidance using one of two modified retrospective approaches. An entity can adopt the guidance using the modified retrospective transition approach beginning in the earliest year presented in the financial statements. This method of adoption would require the restatement of prior periods reported and the presentation of lease disclosures under the new guidance for all periods reported. The additional transition method of adoption introduced by ASU 2018-11, allows entities the option to apply the guidance on the date of adoption by recognizing a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings during the period of adoption and does not require prior comparative periods to be restated. The Company adopted the standard on January 1, 2019, utilizing the practical expedient that allows the Company to not reassess whether an expired or existing contract contains a lease, the classification of leases or initial direct costs, as well as the additional transition method of adoption applied on the date of adoption. The Company also adopted a short-term leasing policy as the lessee where leases with a term of 12 months or less will not be included on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. In January 2018, the FASB issued a practical expedient for land easements under the new lease guidance. The practical expedient permits an entity to elect the option to not evaluate land easements under the new guidance if they existed or expired before the adoption of the new lease guidance and were not previously accounted for as leases under the previous lease guidance. Once an entity adopts the new guidance, the entity should apply the new guidance on a prospective basis to all new or modified land easements. The Company has adopted this practical expedient. The Company will evaluate any new or modified agreements that fall within the scope of the standard. The Company continues to monitor other industry-specific issues as it relates to its regulated businesses but does not expect these issues to have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or disclosures. The Company formed a lease implementation team to review and assess existing contracts to identify and evaluate those containing leases. Additionally, the team has implemented new and revised existing software to meet the reporting and disclosure requirements of the standard. The Company also has assessed the impact the standard will have on its processes and internal controls and has identified new and updated existing internal controls and processes to ensure compliance with the new lease standard; such modifications were not deemed to be significant. During the assessment phase, the Company used various surveys, reconciliations and analytic methodologies to ensure the completeness of the lease inventory. The Company determined that most of the current operating leases are subject to the guidance and will be recognized as operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets upon adoption. The Company expects the impact of the lessee guidance to be approximately $105 million to $125 million of an increase to assets and liabilities on January 1, 2019. In addition, the Company has evaluated the impact the new guidance will have on lease contracts where the Company is the lessor and does not anticipate a significant impact. ASU 2017-04 - Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance on simplifying the test for goodwill impairment by eliminating Step 2, which required an entity to measure the amount of impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of such goodwill. This guidance requires entities to perform a quantitative impairment test, previously Step 1, to identify both the existence of impairment and the amount of impairment loss by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount. Entities will continue to have the option of performing a qualitative assessment to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. The guidance also requires additional disclosures if an entity has one or more reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts of net assets. The guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2020, and must be applied on a prospective basis with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the guidance to have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position, cash flows and disclosures. ASU 2018-13 - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance on modifying the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements as part of the disclosure framework project. The guidance modifies, among other things, the disclosures required for Level 3 fair value measurements, including the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs. The guidance removes, among other things, the disclosure requirement to disclose transfers between Levels 1 and 2. The guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2020, including interim periods, with early adoption permitted. Level 3 fair value measurement disclosures should be applied prospectively while all other amendments should be applied retrospectively. The Company is evaluating the effects the adoption of the new guidance will have on its disclosures. ASU 2018-14 - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance on modifying the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans as part of the disclosure framework project. The guidance removes disclosures that are no longer considered cost beneficial, clarifies the specific requirements of disclosures and adds disclosure requirements identified as relevant. The guidance adds, among other things, the requirement to include an explanation for significant gains and losses related to changes in benefit obligations for the period. The guidance removes, among other things, the disclosure requirement to disclose the amount of net periodic benefit costs to be amortized over the next fiscal year from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and the effects a one percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates will have on certain benefit components. The guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2021, and must be applied on a retrospective basis with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the effects the adoption of the new guidance will have on the its disclosures. ASU 2018-15 - Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance on the accounting for implementation costs of a hosting arrangement that is a service contract. The guidance aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract similar to the costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software and such capitalized costs to be expensed over the term of the hosting arrangement. Costs incurred during the preliminary and postimplementation stages should continue to be expensed as activities are performed. The capitalized costs are required to be presented on the balance sheet in the same line the prepayment for the fees associated with the hosting arrangement would be presented. In addition, the expense related to the capitalized implementation costs should be presented in the same line on the income statement as the fees associated with the hosting element of the arrangements. The guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2020, including interim periods, and may be applied on a retrospective or a prospective basis with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2019, on a prospective basis. The adoption of the guidance will not have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position, cash flows and disclosures. ASU 2018-18 - Clarifying the Interaction between Topic 808 and Topic 606 In November 2018, the FASB issued guidance on whether certain transactions between collaborative arrangement participants should be accounted for within revenue under Topic 606 in order to provide for better comparability among entities. The guidance clarifies which transactions should be accounted for as revenue under Topic 606 and provides unit-of-account guidance in Topic 808 to align with the guidance in Topic 606 regarding distinct goods or services. The guidance also specifies that transactions with a collaborative arrangement not directly related to sales to third parties may not be presented together with revenue recognized under Topic 606. The guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2020, including interim periods, and must be applied retrospectively to January 1, 2018, the date in which the Company adopted Topic 606. An entity may apply the guidance to either all contracts or to only contracts that are not completed as of the date of the initial application of Topic 606. The Company is evaluating the effects the adoption of the new guidance will have on the its results of operations, financial position, cash flows and disclosures. SEC Final Rulemaking Release Number 33-10570 - Modernization of Property Disclosures for Mining Registrants In November 2018, the SEC published guidance in the Federal Register on the modernization of property disclosures for mining registrants. The guidance requires additional disclosures related to activities under material mining operations to be included as an exhibit, including a technical report summary by a qualified person about an organization's mineral resources or mineral reserves; an overview of mining properties and operations; a summary of all mineral resources and mineral reserves as of the most recently completed fiscal year; a description of each material property, including the proposed program of exploration and development, stage of the development or production, and current production activities, among other things; and a description of the organization's internal controls surrounding mineral resource and reserve estimates. The guidance will be effective on a prospective basis for the Company on January 1, 2021, including interim periods, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the effects the adoption of the guidance will have on its disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K. Variable interest entities The Company evaluates its arrangements and contracts with other entities to determine if they are VIEs and if so, if the Company is the primary beneficiary. GAAP provides a framework for identifying VIEs and determining when a company should include the assets, liabilities, noncontrolling interest and results of activities of a VIE in its consolidated financial statements. A VIE should be consolidated if a party with an ownership, contractual or other financial interest in the VIE (a variable interest holder) has the power to direct the VIE's most significant activities and the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits of the VIE that could be significant to the VIE. A variable interest holder that consolidates the VIE is called the primary beneficiary. Upon consolidation, the primary beneficiary generally must initially record all of the VIE's assets, liabilities and noncontrolling interests at fair value and subsequently account for the VIE as if it were consolidated. The Company's evaluation of whether it qualifies as the primary beneficiary of a VIE involves significant judgments, estimates and assumptions and includes a qualitative analysis of the activities that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and whether the Company has the power to direct those activities, the design of the entity, the rights of the parties and the purpose of the arrangement. Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive income (loss) is the sum of net income (loss) as reported and other comprehensive income (loss). The Company's other comprehensive income (loss) resulted from losses on derivative instruments qualifying as hedges, postretirement liability adjustments, foreign currency translation adjustments and loss on available-for-sale investments. The after-tax changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, were as follows:
| Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments Qualifying as Hedges |  | Post- retirement Liability Adjustment |  | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment |  | Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available- for-sale Investments |  | Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss |
| (In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2016 | $ | (2,300 | ) | $ | (33,221 | ) | $ | (149 | ) | $ | (63 | ) | $ | (35,733 | )
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications | — |  | (1,812 | ) | (6 | ) | (139 | ) | (1,957 | )
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 366 |  | 1,013 |  | — |  | 120 |  | 1,499 |
Amounts reclassified to accumulated other comprehensive loss from a regulatory asset | — |  | (1,143 | ) | — |  | — |  | (1,143 | )
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) | 366 |  | (1,942 | ) | (6 | ) | (19 | ) | (1,601 | )
Balance at December 31, 2017 | (1,934 | ) | (35,163 | ) | (155 | ) | (82 | ) | (37,334 | )
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | — |  | 4,441 |  | (61 | ) | (144 | ) | 4,236 |
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 162 |  | 2,173 |  | 249 |  | 131 |  | 2,715 |
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) | 162 |  | 6,614 |  | 188 |  | (13 | ) | 6,951 |
Reclassification adjustment of prior period tax effects related to TCJA included in accumulated other comprehensive loss | (389 | ) | (7,520 | ) | (33 | ) | (17 | ) | (7,959 | )
Balance at December 31, 2018 | $ | (2,161 | ) | $ | (36,069 | ) | $ | — |  | $ | (112 | ) | $ | (38,342 | )
The following amounts were reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss into net income. The amounts presented in parenthesis indicate a decrease to net income on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The reclassifications for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
| 2018 |  | 2017 |  | Location on Consolidated Statements of Income
| (In thousands) |
Reclassification adjustment for loss on derivative instruments included in net income | $ | (591 | ) | $ | (590 | ) | Interest expense
| 429 |  | 224 |  | Income taxes
| (162 | ) | (366 | ) |
Amortization of postretirement liability losses included in net periodic benefit cost (credit) | (2,894 | ) | (1,658 | ) | Other income
| 721 |  | 645 |  | Income taxes
| (2,173 | ) | (1,013 | ) |
Reclassification adjustment for loss on foreign currency translation adjustment included in net income | (324 | ) | — |  | Other income
| 75 |  | — |  | Income taxes
| (249 | ) | — |  |
Reclassification adjustment for loss on available-for-sale investments included in net income | (166 | ) | (185 | ) | Other income
| 35 |  | 65 |  | Income taxes
| (131 | ) | (120 | ) |
Total reclassifications | $ | (2,715 | ) | $ | (1,499 | ) |

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