- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                              WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
[ X ]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
       EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                For the quarterly period ended June 30, 1996

                                        OR

[   ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
       EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

            For the transition period from ___________ to ___________

                          COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-7850


                             SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION
              (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


              California                                      88-0085720
    (State or other jurisdiction of                        (I.R.S. Employer
     incorporation or organization)                       Identification No.)

      5241 Spring Mountain Road
        Post Office Box 98510
          Las Vegas, Nevada                                   89193-8510
(Address of principal executive offices)                      (Zip Code)


        Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (702) 876-7237


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   X   No
                                                       -----    -----

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock as of the latest practicable date.

     Common Stock, $1 Par Value 26,451,061 shares as of August 5, 1996


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       1

                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                         ------------------------------


ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been
prepared by Southwest Gas Corporation (the Company), without audit, pursuant
to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  In
the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring
items and estimates necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the
interim periods, have been made.  Certain information and footnote disclosures
normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted
pursuant to such rules and regulations.  It is suggested that these condensed
consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial
statements and the notes thereto included in the Company's 1995 Annual Report
on Form 10-K, and the 1996 first quarter report on Form 10-Q.

                                       2


                            SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                              CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                      (Thousands of dollars)
                                           (Unaudited)
JUNE 30, DECEMBER 31, 1996 1995 ----------- ----------- ASSETS Utility plant Gas plant $ 1,636,618 $ 1,579,665 Less: accumulated depreciation (480,512) (474,891) Acquisition adjustments 6,081 6,298 Construction work in progress 27,287 26,678 ----------- ----------- Net utility plant 1,189,474 1,137,750 ----------- ----------- Other property and investments 66,209 35,128 ----------- ----------- Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 11,570 11,168 Accounts receivable, net of allowances 40,267 38,186 Accrued utility revenue 19,964 43,900 Deferred tax benefit 22,282 17,089 Prepaids and other current assets 28,401 31,386 Net assets of discontinued operations 175,118 175,493 ----------- ----------- Total current assets 297,602 317,222 ----------- ----------- Deferred charges and other assets 52,641 42,427 ----------- ----------- Total assets $ 1,605,926 $ 1,532,527 =========== =========== CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES Capitalization Common stock, $1 par (authorized - 30,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding - 26,403,084 and 24,467,499 shares) $ 28,018 $ 26,097 Additional paid-in capital 342,680 312,631 Retained earnings 9,411 17,322 ----------- ----------- Total common equity 380,109 356,050 Redeemable preferred securities of Southwest Gas Capital I 60,000 60,000 Long-term debt, less current maturities 624,634 607,945 ----------- ----------- Total capitalization 1,064,743 1,023,995 ----------- ----------- Current liabilities Current maturities of long-term debt 125,727 120,000 Short-term debt 45,000 37,000 Accounts payable 32,701 41,864 Accrued taxes 32,161 29,116 Deferred purchased gas costs 46,398 32,776 Other current liabilities 69,930 69,455 ----------- ----------- Total current liabilities 351,917 330,211 ----------- ----------- Deferred income taxes and other credits Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits 146,973 138,893 Other deferred credits 42,293 39,428 ----------- ----------- Total deferred income taxes and other credits 189,266 178,321 ----------- ----------- Total capitalization and liabilities $ 1,605,926 $ 1,532,527 =========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements. 3 SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)
THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED TWELVE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, JUNE 30, JUNE 30, --------------------- --------------------- --------------------- 1996 1995 1996 1995 1996 1995 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Operating revenues: Gas operating revenues $ 102,713 $ 122,189 $ 291,065 $ 325,710 $ 528,857 $ 609,345 Construction revenues 20,898 -- 20,898 -- 20,898 -- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Total revenues 123,611 122,189 311,963 325,710 549,755 609,345 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Operating expenses: Net cost of gas 36,688 54,760 115,157 153,666 188,947 258,154 Operations and maintenance 48,260 47,855 95,471 93,722 189,718 185,839 Depreciation and amortization 18,052 15,741 34,591 30,878 66,205 59,711 Taxes other than income taxes 7,269 6,706 14,863 13,488 28,548 26,288 Construction expenses 18,089 -- 18,089 -- 18,089 -- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- 128,358 125,062 278,171 291,754 491,507 529,992 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Operating income (loss) (4,747) (2,873) 33,792 33,956 58,248 79,353 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Other income and (expenses): Net interest deductions (13,476) (13,038) (26,429) (26,360) (53,423) (52,348) Preferred securities distributions (1,369) -- (2,738) -- (3,651) -- Other income (deductions), net (282) (199) (203) 9 (864) 182 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Total other income and (expenses) (15,127) (13,237) (29,370) (26,351) (57,938) (52,166) --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes (19,874) (16,110) 4,422 7,605 310 27,187 Income tax expense (benefit) (7,931) (6,159) 1,506 3,107 (762) 10,163 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Income (loss) from continuing operations (11,943) (9,951) 2,916 4,498 1,072 17,024 Net income (loss) from discontinued operations -- 610 -- 806 (18,342) 1,653 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Net income (loss) (11,943) (9,341) 2,916 5,304 (17,270) 18,677 Preferred/preference stock dividend requirements -- 95 -- 190 117 423 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Net income (loss) applicable to common stock $ (11,943) $ (9,436) $ 2,916 $ 5,114 $ (17,387) $ 18,254 ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations $ (0.46) $ (0.44) $ 0.12 $ 0.19 $ 0.04 $ 0.77 Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations -- 0.03 -- 0.04 (0.74) 0.07 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Earnings (loss) per share of common stock $ (0.46) $ (0.41) $ 0.12 $ 0.23 $ (0.70) $ 0.84 ========= ========= ========== ========= ========= ========= Dividends paid per share of common stock $ 0.205 $ 0.205 $ 0.41 $ 0.41 $ 0.82 $ 0.82 ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= Average number of common shares outstanding 25,817 22,816 25,211 22,110 24,773 21,615 ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements. 4 SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Thousands of dollars) (Unaudited)
SIX MONTHS ENDED TWELVE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, JUNE 30, ----------------------- ----------------------- 1996 1995 1996 1995 --------- --------- --------- --------- CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income $ 2,916 $ 5,304 $ (17,270) $ 18,677 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 34,591 30,878 66,205 59,711 Deferred income taxes (1,850) 9,670 (26,834) 6,120 Changes in current assets and liabilities Accounts receivable 10,847 31,345 (778) (1,004) Accrued utility revenue 23,936 28,909 (1,340) (975) Unrecovered purchased gas costs 13,622 45,363 16,253 46,292 Accounts payable (12,286) (25,037) 5,651 1,138 Accrued taxes 3,045 (24,917) 14,142 (21,486) Other current assets and liabilities (2,238) 6,561 (5,138) 2,068 Other 2,543 1,175 1,163 (1,650) Undistributed (income) loss from discontinued operations -- (3,780) 5,356 (7,088) --------- --------- --------- --------- Net cash provided by operating activities 75,126 105,471 67,410 101,803 --------- --------- --------- --------- CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Construction expenditures (87,178) (74,045) (179,316) (153,554) Other (2,802) (2,297) 1,960 1,057 --------- --------- --------- --------- Net cash used in investing activities (89,980) (76,342) (177,356) 152,497) --------- --------- --------- --------- CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Issuance of common stock 11,412 35,680 20,576 39,941 Issuance of trust originated preferred securities -- -- 57,713 -- Reacquisition of preferred/preference stocks -- -- (4,000) (4,058) Dividends paid (10,427) (9,974) (20,029) (18,691) Issuance of long-term debt 9,286 24,800 33,893 45,800 Retirement of long-term debt (1,519) (2,255) (1,549) (2,440) Issuance (repayment) of short-term debt 5,234 (76,000) 26,234 (5,000) Other 1,270 538 684 823 --------- --------- --------- --------- Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 15,256 (27,211) 113,522 56,375 --------- --------- --------- --------- Change in cash and temporary cash investments 402 1,918 3,576 5,681 Cash at beginning of period 11,168 6,076 7,994 2,313 --------- --------- --------- --------- Cash at end of period $ 11,570 $ 7,994 $ 11,570 $ 7,994 ========= ========= ========= ========= Supplemental information: Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized $ 30,142 $ 31,019 $ 61,500 $ 59,480 ========= ========= ========= ========= Income taxes paid, net of refunds $ 4,428 $ 17,419 $ 7,422 $ 18,568 ========= ========= ========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements. 5 NOTE 1- DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS In January 1996, the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries: The Southwest Companies and PriMerit Bank, Federal Savings Bank (PriMerit or the Bank), entered into a definitive agreement with Norwest Corporation (Norwest) to sell PriMerit to Norwest for $175 million. In April 1996, Norwest elected, pursuant to an option in the original agreement, to structure the acquisition as a purchase of substantially all of the assets and liabilities of the Bank in exchange for consideration of $191 million. It is estimated that the Company will be required to pay an additional $16 million in income taxes by virtue of consummating the Bank sale as a purchase of assets and assumption of liabilities. The consideration of $191 million therefore provides the economic equivalent to the Company of a sale of stock of the Bank for $175 million. Shareholders of the Company voted on and approved the principal terms of the sale at the annual shareholder meeting held in July. Various preclosing regulatory approvals were obtained and other customary closing conditions were satisfied. The sale closed in July 1996. Net proceeds of approximately $163 million were initially used to pay down short-term debt and a portion of the term-loan facilities. In August, the Company will retire debt incurred in connection with its investment in the Bank. NOTE 2 - ACQUISITION OF NORTHERN PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION CO. On April 29, 1996, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of Northern Pipeline Construction Co. (NPL) pursuant to a definitive agreement dated November 1995. The Company issued approximately 1,439,000 shares of common stock valued at $24 million. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase. In connection with the acquisition, goodwill in the amount of approximately $12 million was recorded by NPL. This goodwill will be amortized over a period of approximately 25 years. NPL provides local gas distribution companies with installation, replacement, and maintenance services for underground natural gas distribution systems. During the period from the acquisition date through June 30, 1996, NPL recognized revenues generated from contracts with the Company of $9.3 million. This amount is included in the consolidated statements of income of the Company and was not eliminated during consolidation. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation," provides that intercompany profits on sales to regulated affiliates should not be eliminated in consolidation if the sales price is reasonable and if future revenues approximately equal to the sales price will result from the rate-making process. Management believes these two criteria will be met. The acquisition of NPL had the following initial impact on the Company's consolidated balance sheet (thousands of dollars): Other property and investments $ 26,490 Receivables, net 12,928 Prepaids and other current assets 2,545 Deferred charges and other assets 11,340 --------- Total assets acquired 53,303 --------- Long-term debt and capital leases, including current maturities 14,867 Short-term debt 2,766 Accounts payable 3,123 Other current liabilities 6,759 Deferred income taxes 4,737 Other deferred credits 394 --------- Total liabilities assumed 32,646 --------- Net noncash assets acquired 20,657 Cash acquired in acquisition and included in cash flow statement 3,343 --------- Total common equity issued in acquisition $ 24,000 ========= 6 ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The Company is principally engaged in the business of purchasing, transporting, and distributing natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in geographically diverse portions of Arizona, Nevada, and California (natural gas operations segment). In April 1996, the Company completed the acquisition of Northern Pipeline Construction Co. (NPL) pursuant to a definitive agreement dated November 1995. The Company issued approximately 1,439,000 shares of common stock, valued at $24 million, in exchange for 100 percent of NPL common stock. NPL provides local gas distribution companies with installation, replacement, and maintenance services for underground natural gas distribution systems (construction services segment). Previously, the Company engaged in financial services activities through PriMerit, a wholly owned subsidiary. In January 1996, the Company signed a definitive agreement to sell PriMerit to Norwest. The sale closed July 19, 1996, following receipt of shareholder and various governmental approvals and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. For consolidated financial reporting purposes, the financial services activities are disclosed as discontinued operations. For the twelve months ended June 30, 1996, continuing operations contributed income of $1 million, while discontinued operations experienced an $18.3 million loss, resulting in a total net loss of $17.3 million. CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY The Company estimates that construction expenditures for its natural gas operations for the three-year period ending December 31, 1998 will be approximately $470 million. It is estimated that cash flow from operating activities (net of dividends) will fund approximately one-half of the gas operation's total construction expenditures during the three-year period ending December 31, 1998. A portion of the construction expenditure funding will be provided by $31 million of funds held in trust, at June 30, 1996, from the issuance of 1993 City of Big Bear Lake, California, Series A industrial development revenue bonds (IDRB). The remaining cash requirements are expected to be provided by external financing sources. The timing, types, and amounts of these additional external financings will be dependent on a number of factors, including conditions in the capital markets, timing and amounts of rate relief, and growth factors in the Company's service areas. These external financings may include the issuance of both debt and equity securities, bank and other short-term borrowings, and other forms of financing. In early August 1996, the Company completed the sale of $150 million of debt securities. These debt securities are composed of $75 million 7-1/2% debentures due 2006, and $75 million 8% debentures due 2026. Net proceeds of $148 million as well as a portion of the $163 million net proceeds from the Bank sale will be used to refund outstanding callable debentures with the remaining amount to be used for general corporate purposes, including the acquisition of property for the construction, completion, extension, or improvement of the Company's pipeline systems and facilities located in and around the communities it serves. The June 30, 1996 balance of the debt to be refunded was (thousands of dollars): Series A, 9% due 2011 $ 26,838 Series B, 9% due 2011 31,158 Series C, 8.75% due 2011 18,323 Series D, 9.375% due 2017 120,000 Series E, 10% due 2013 23,069 Securities ratings issued by nationally recognized ratings agencies provide a method for determining the creditworthiness of an issuer. The Company's debt ratings are influential since long-term debt constitutes a significant portion 7 of the Company's capitalization. These debt ratings are a factor considered by lenders when determining the cost of debt for the Company (i.e., the better the rating, the lower the cost to borrow funds). In July 1996, Moody's upgraded the Company's unsecured long-term debt rating from Baa3 to Baa2. Moody's debt ratings range from Aaa (best quality) to C (lowest quality). Moody's applies a Baa2 rating to obligations which are considered medium grade obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Also in July 1996, Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Co. upgraded the Company's unsecured long-term debt rating to BBB from BBB-. Duff & Phelps debt ratings range from AAA (highest rating possible) to DD (defaulted debt obligation). The Duff & Phelps rating of BBB indicates that the Company's credit quality is considered prudent for investment. A securities rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold a security and is subject to change or withdrawal at any time by the rating agency. RESULTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS Quarterly Analysis - ------------------ Contribution to Net Income Three Months Ended June 30, --------------------------- (Thousands of dollars) 1996 1995 ---------- ---------- Continuing operations: Natural gas operations $ (12,389) $ (9,951) Construction services 446 -- Discontinued operations-financial services -- 610 ---------- --------- Net loss $ (11,943) $ (9,341) ========== ========== Loss per share for the quarter ended June 30, 1996 was $0.46, a $0.05 decline from a per share loss of $0.41 recorded during the corresponding quarter of the prior year. Loss from continuing operations during the current quarter was $0.46, a decline from the loss recorded during the quarter ended June 30, 1995 of $0.44 per share. See separate discussion at NATURAL GAS OPERATIONS SEGMENT of the changes as they relate to the natural gas operations segment. Construction services earnings per share were $0.02 for the two-month period since acquisition. Prior year loss per share included per share earnings of $0.03 contributed from discontinued operations. Average shares outstanding increased 3 million shares between years primarily resulting from a 2.1 million share public offering in May 1995, a 1.4 million share issuance in April 1996 to acquire NPL, and issuances under the Company's Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan. Six-Month Analysis - ------------------ Contribution to Net Income Six Months Ended June 30, -------------------------- (Thousands of dollars) 1996 1995 ---------- ---------- Continuing operations: Natural gas operations $ 2,470 $ 4,498 Construction services 446 -- Discontinued operations-financial services -- 806 ---------- ---------- Net income $ 2,916 $ 5,304 ========== ========== 8 Earnings per share for the six months ended June 30, 1996 were $0.12, an $0.11 decline from per share earnings of $0.23 recorded during the corresponding six months of the previous year. Earnings from continuing operations during the current six-month period were $0.12 per share, a decline from earnings recorded during the corresponding prior period of $0.19 per share. See separate discussion at NATURAL GAS OPERATIONS SEGMENT of the changes as they relate to the natural gas operations segment. Prior period earnings also included $0.04 per share contributed from discontinued operations. Average shares outstanding increased 3.1 million shares between years. Twelve-Month Analysis - --------------------- Contribution to Net Income Twelve Months Ended June 30, ---------------------------- (Thousands of dollars) 1996 1995 ---------- ---------- Continuing operations: Natural gas operations $ 626 $ 17,024 Construction services 446 -- Discontinued operations-financial services (18,342) 1,653 ---------- ---------- Net income (loss) $ (17,270) $ 18,677 ========== ========== Loss per share for the twelve months ended June 30, 1996 was $0.70, a $1.54 decline from earnings per share recorded during the prior twelve month period of $0.84. Earnings from continuing operations during the current period were $0.04 per share compared to earnings of $0.77 per share for the prior period. See separate discussion at NATURAL GAS OPERATIONS SEGMENT of the changes as they relate to the natural gas operations segment. Loss from discontinued operations for the current period was $0.74 per share compared to earnings of $0.07 per share from the prior year. The current period loss occurred primarily as a result of the disposal of the discontinued segment. Average shares outstanding increased 3.2 million shares between years. NATURAL GAS OPERATIONS SEGMENT The Company is engaged in the business of purchasing, transporting, and distributing natural gas in portions of Arizona, Nevada, and California. Its service areas are geographically as well as economically diverse. The Company is the largest distributor in Arizona, selling and transporting natural gas in most of southern, central, and northwestern Arizona, including the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas. The Company is also the largest distributor and transporter of natural gas in Nevada, and serves the Las Vegas metropolitan area and northern Nevada. In addition, the Company distributes and transports natural gas in portions of California, including the Lake Tahoe area in northern California and high desert and mountain areas in San Bernardino County. The Company purchases, transports, and distributes natural gas to approximately 1,051,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers within its three-state service territory, of which 59 percent are located in Arizona, 31 percent are in Nevada, and 10 percent are in California. During the twelve months ended June 30, 1996, the Company earned 58 percent of operating margin in Arizona, 31 percent in Nevada, and 11 percent in California. During this same period, the Company earned 59 percent of operating margin from residential customers, 24 percent from commercial customers, and 17 percent from industrial and other customers. These patterns are consistent with prior years and are expected to continue. For the twelve months ended June 30, 1996, the Company's natural gas construction expenditures totaled $179 million, a 17 percent increase when compared to $153 million of additions for the same period ended a year ago. The increase is attributed to the investment in new transmission and distribution plant in Arizona, Nevada, and California to meet the demand from the Company's growing customer base. 9 RESULTS OF NATURAL GAS OPERATIONS Quarterly Analysis - ------------------ Three Months Ended June 30, ------------------------ (Thousands of dollars) 1996 1995 ---------- ---------- Gas operating revenues $ 102,713 $ 122,189 Net cost of gas 36,688 54,760 ---------- ---------- Operating margin 66,025 67,429 Operations and maintenance expense 48,260 47,855 Depreciation and amortization 16,452 15,741 Taxes other than income taxes 7,269 6,706 ---------- ---------- Operating income (loss) (5,956) (2,873) Other income (expense), net (354) (199) ---------- ---------- Income (loss) before interest and income taxes (6,310) (3,072) Net interest deductions 13,271 13,038 Preferred securities distribution 1,369 -- Income tax expense (benefit) (8,430 (6,159) ---------- ---------- Net income (loss) before allocations (12,520) (9,951) Allocation of carrying costs, net of tax 131 -- ---------- ---------- Contribution to consolidated net income $ (12,389) $ (9,951) ========== ========== Contribution to consolidated net income decreased $2.4 million, compared to the second quarter of 1995. The decrease was principally the result of higher depreciation, general taxes, and financing costs incurred as a result of the expansion and upgrading of the gas system to accommodate continued customer growth. Operating margin decreased two percent in the second quarter of 1996 when compared to the second quarter of 1995. Temperatures during the second quarter of 1995 were cooler than normal, with the second quarter of 1996 experiencing a return to normal temperatures. Customer growth in 1996 somewhat offset the weather-related margin decrease. Depreciation expense and general taxes increased $1.3 million, or six percent, as a result of additional plant in service. Average gas plant in service increased $138 million, or nine percent, as compared to the second quarter of 1995. The increase reflects ongoing capital expenditures for the upgrade of existing operating facilities and the expansion of the system to accommodate continued customer growth. Preferred securities distributions during the second quarter of 1996 were $1.4 million. These distributions were generated from the original issuance of preferred securities in October 1995. 10 Six-Month Analysis - ------------------ Six Months Ended June 30, -------------------------- (Thousands of dollars) 1996 1995 ----------- ----------- Gas operating revenues $ 291,065 $ 325,710 Net cost of gas 115,157 153,666 ----------- ----------- Operating margin 175,908 172,044 Operations and maintenance expense 95,471 93,722 Depreciation and amortization 32,991 30,878 Taxes other than income taxes 14,863 13,488 ----------- ----------- Operating income 32,583 33,956 Other income (expense), net (275) 9 ----------- ----------- Income before interest and income taxes 32,308 33,965 Net interest deductions 26,224 26,360 Preferred securities distribution 2,738 -- Income tax expense 1,007 3,107 ----------- ----------- Net income before allocations 2,339 4,498 Allocation of carrying costs, net of tax 131 -- ----------- ----------- Contribution to consolidated net income $ 2,470 $ 4,498 =========== =========== Contribution to consolidated net income decreased $2 million as compared to the six months ended June 1995. This was the result of increased operating costs and financing expenses incurred as a result of the continued expansion and upgrading of the gas system to accommodate the Company's growth partially offset by increased operating margin. Operating margin increased two percent during the six months ended June 1996 compared to the same period in 1995 due primarily to continued customer growth. However, the impact of record warm temperatures in the Southwest region of the country during the first quarters of 1996 and 1995 reduced operating margin in both periods from expected levels. Operations and maintenance expenses increased $1.7 million, or two percent, reflecting increases in labor and maintenance costs along with incremental operating expenses associated with meeting the needs of the Company's growing customer base. Depreciation expense and general taxes increased $3.5 million, or eight percent, resulting from an increase in average gas plant in service of $143 million, or ten percent. This increase reflects capital expenditures for the upgrade of existing operating facilities and the expansion of the system to accommodate continued customer growth within the Company's service area. Preferred securities distributions during the current period were $2.7 million. These distributions were generated from the original issuance of preferred securities in October 1995. 11 Twelve-Month Analysis - --------------------- Twelve Months Ended June 30, -------------------------- (Thousands of dollars) 1996 1995 ----------- ----------- Gas operating revenues $ 528,857 $ 609,345 Net cost of gas 188,947 258,154 ----------- ----------- Operating margin 339,910 351,191 Operations and maintenance expense 189,718 185,839 Depreciation and amortization 64,605 59,711 Taxes other than income taxes 28,548 26,288 ----------- ----------- Operating income 57,039 79,353 Other income (expense), net (936) 182 ----------- ----------- Income before interest and income taxes 56,103 79,535 Net interest deductions 53,218 52,348 Preferred securities distribution 3,651 -- Income tax expense (benefit) (1,261) 10,163 ----------- ----------- Net income before allocations 495 17,024 Allocated carrying costs, net of tax 131 -- ----------- ----------- Contribution to consolidated net income $ 626 $ 17,024 =========== =========== Contribution to consolidated net income decreased $16.4 million as compared to the corresponding twelve-month period of the prior year. Operating margin decreased while operations and maintenance expense, depreciation expense, general taxes, and net interest deductions increased. Despite a five percent increase in the average number of customers billed between the two periods, operating margin decreased $11.3 million due to record warm weather experienced during the 1995/1996 winter heating season. Unseasonably warm weather experienced during much of the fourth quarter of 1995 and the first quarter of 1996 caused operating margin to be approximately $30 million less than expected and $24 million lower than the prior twelve- month period. The addition of 58,000 new customers over the twelve-month period partially mitigated the impact of weather, contributing approximately $13 million to operating margin. Operations and maintenance expenses increased $3.9 million, or two percent, primarily as a result of general cost increases in labor and materials over the same period a year ago. These increases reflect the incremental cost of providing service to the Company's steadily growing customer base. Depreciation expense and general taxes increased $7.2 million, or eight percent, as a result of additional plant in service. Average gas plant in service for the current twelve-month period increased $142 million, or ten percent, compared to the corresponding period a year ago. This was attributable to the upgrade of existing operating facilities and the expansion of the system to accommodate the number of new customers being added to the system. Net interest deductions increased $870,000 during the twelve months ended June 1996 over the comparative period of the prior year. Average total debt outstanding during the period increased two percent and consisted of a $57 million increase in average long-term debt, net of funds held in trust, and a $44 million decrease in average short-term debt. The increase in debt is attributed primarily to the drawdown of IDRB funds previously held in trust and the refinancing of the $165 million term-loan facilities with a $200 million term-loan facility in January 1995. 12 Preferred securities distributions during the current period were $3.7 million. These distributions were generated from the original issuance of preferred securities in October 1995. RATES AND REGULATORY PROCEEDINGS NEVADA In December 1995, the Company filed general rate cases with the Public Service Commission of Nevada (PSCN) seeking approval to increase revenues by $15.8 million, or 12 percent, annually for its southern Nevada rate jurisdiction and $5 million, or 10 percent, annually for its northern Nevada rate jurisdiction. The Company was seeking recovery of increased operating and maintenance costs, construction-related financing, tax, insurance, and depreciation expenses associated with its expanding customer base. In April 1996, the PSCN approved a settlement of the general rate cases which provide the Company with a $10.6 million general rate increase in southern Nevada and a $3.2 million increase in northern Nevada. The settlement achieved a number of rate design and tariff restructuring changes resulting in rates that are more cost-based. Over 86 percent of annual margin will now be recoverable from core customer classes, those most responsible for the increased operating costs. The settlement also adjusts rate design by equalizing margins earned from sales and transportation customers, resulting in consistent margin regardless of the type of service elected by a customer. The settlement also specifies a moratorium on future general rate increase requests until April 1999. The new rates became effective July 1, 1996. FERC In July 1996, Paiute Pipeline Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, filed a general rate case with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) seeking approval to increase revenues by $6.9 million annually. Paiute is seeking recovery of cost increases associated with plant and related items, depreciation rates, operational costs including labor, and an increase in the required rate of return. Interim rates reflecting the increased revenues are expected to become effective in January 1997, subject to refund. The exact amount of rate relief that will ultimately be authorized is not known. 13 PART II - OTHER INFORMATION ---------------------------- ITEMS 1-3 NONE ITEM 4 SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS The Company's Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held on July 16, 1996. Matters voted upon and the results of the voting were as follows: (1) The eleven directors nominated were reelected. (2) The proposal to approve the principal terms of the sale of PriMerit Bank, Federal Savings Bank, to Norwest Corporation was approved. Shareholders voted 18,580,929 shares in favor, 301,381 opposed, and 385,356 abstentions. (3) The proposal to approve the 1996 Stock Incentive Plan was approved. Shareholders voted 13,942,808 shares in favor, 4,601,390 opposed, and 768,820 abstentions. (4) The proposal to amend the Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company to increase the authorized shares of Common Stock from 30,000,000 shares to 45,000,000 shares was approved. Shareholders voted 19,561,462 shares in favor, 3,162,217 opposed, and 521,758 abstentions. (5) The proposal to amend the Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company to authorize a new class of Preferred Stock and to eliminate authority to issue shares of Preferred Stock ($50 par value), Cumulative Preferred Stock ($100 par value), Second Preference Stock ($100 par value) and Special Common Stock was approved. Shareholders voted 13,264,972 shares in favor, 5,720,041 opposed, and 735,719 abstentions. (6) The proposal to ratify the selection of Arthur Andersen LLP as independent public accountants for the Company was approved. Shareholders voted 22,472,397 shares in favor, 396,510 opposed, and 376,531 abstentions. ITEM 5 NONE ITEM 6 EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a) The following documents are filed as part of this report on Form 10-Q: Exhibit 10 -- Southwest Gas Corporation Directors Deferral Plan together with first amendment dated March 5, 1996. Exhibit 27 -- Financial Data Schedule (filed electronically only) Exhibit 99 -- Financial Analyst Report-Second Quarter 1996 14 ITEM 6 EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K - (CONTINUED) (b) Reports on Form 8-K The Company filed a Form 8-K, dated July 19, 1996, reporting the closing of the sale of the Bank to Norwest Corporation. The Company filed a Form 8-K, dated July 26, 1996, updating exhibits in connection with its Registration Statement No. 33-62143. The Company filed a Form 8-K, dated July 31, 1996, in connection with the issuance of $150 million of debt securities. 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. Southwest Gas Corporation -------------------------------------------------- (Registrant) Date: August 12, 1996 /s/ Edward A. Janov -------------------------------------------------- Edward A. Janov Vice President/Controller/Chief Accounting Officer 15 EXHIBIT INDEX EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION - ------ ----------- 10 Southwest Gas Corporation Directors Deferral Plan together with first amendment dated March 5, 1996. 27 Financial Data Schedule (filed electronically only) 99 Financial Analyst Report - Second Quarter 1996
                                                              EXHIBIT 10








                            MASTER PLAN DOCUMENT


                          SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION


                           DIRECTORS DEFERRAL PLAN






                                       

                              TABLE OF CONTENTS


Article   Subject                                                Page
- -------   -------                                                ----

   1      Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    1

   2      Eligibility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    3

   3      Deferral Commitment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    3

   4      Interest, Crediting and Vesting. . . . . . . . . . .    4

   5      Plan Benefit Payments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    4

   6      Retirement Benefit Payments. . . . . . . . . . . . .    4

   7      Pre-Retirement Survivor Benefit Payments . . . . . .    5

   8      Post-Retirement Survivor Benefit Payments. . . . . .    5

   9      Termination Benefit Payments . . . . . . . . . . . .    5

  10      Disability Benefit Payments. . . . . . . . . . . . .    5

  11      Beneficiaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    6

  12      Company Liability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    7

  13      No Guarantee of Continuing Directorship. . . . . . .    7

  14      Termination, Amendment or Modification of The Plan .    7

  15      Restrictions on Alienation of Benefits . . . . . . .    8

  16      Administration of the Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . .    8 

  17      Miscellaneous. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    9



                                       

                            DIRECTORS DEFERRAL PLAN
                                       OF
                           SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION



                                    PURPOSE

The purpose of this Plan is to provide specified benefits to Directors of
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION.

                                   
                                   ARTICLE 1
                                  DEFINITIONS

For purposes hereof, unless otherwise clearly apparent from the context, the
words and phrases listed below shall be defined as follows:

1.1     "Account Balance" means a Participant's individual fund comprised of
        Deferrals and interest earnings credited thereon up to the time of
        Benefit Distribution.

1.2     "Beneficiary" means the person or persons, or the estate of a
        Participant, named to receive any benefits under the Plan upon the
        death of a Participant.

1.3     "Benefit Account Balance" shall have the meaning set forth in 
        Article 5.3.

1.4     "Benefit Distribution" means the date benefits under the Plan commence
        or are paid in full to a Participant, or because of his death, to his
        Beneficiary, which will occur within 90 days of notification to the
        Company of the event that gives rise to such distribution.

1.5     "Board Fees" means the annual compensation received by a Director for
        serving on the Board of Directors of Southwest Gas Corporation, its
        Subsidiaries and any committees of such boards.

1.6     "Board of Directors" means the Board of Directors of Southwest Gas
        Corporation.

1.7     "Committee" means the administrative committee appointed by the Board
        of Directors to manage and administer the Plan in accordance with the
        provisions of the Plan.

1.8     "Company" means Southwest Gas Corporation.

                                       1

1.9     "Deferral(s)" means the amount of Board Fees transferred to the Plan
        accounts.

1.10    "Director" means any person on the Board of Directors of Southwest Gas
        Corporation.

1.11    "Master Plan Document" means this legal instrument containing the
        provisions of the Plan.

1.12    "Moody's Rate" means Moody's Seasoned Corporate Bond Rate which is an
        economic indicator consisting of an arithmetic average of yields of
        representative bonds (industrial and AAA, AA and A rated public
        utilities) as of January 1 prior to each Plan Year as published by
        Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (or any successor thereto), or, if such
        index is no longer published, a substantially similar index selected by
        the Board of Directors.

1.13    "Moody's Composite Rate" means the average of the Moody's Rate on
        January 1 for the five years prior to Benefit Distribution.

1.14    "Participant" means any Director who executes a Plan Agreement.

1.15    "Plan" means the Director Deferral Plan of the Company evidenced by
        this Master Plan Document.

1.16    "Plan Agreement" means the form of written agreement which is entered
        into from time to time, by and between the Company and a Participant.

1.17    "Plan Year" means the year beginning on March 15 of each year.

1.18    "Retire" or "Retirement" means the cessation of service on the Board
        of Directors of the Company after completing five (5) Years of Service,
        other than by death, disability or Termination of Service.

1.19    "Subsidiaries" means any corporation, partnership, or other
        organization which is at least 50 percent owned by the Company or a
        Subsidiary of the Company.

1.20    "Terminates Service" or "Termination of Service" means the cessation
        of service on the Board of Directors of the Company, either voluntarily
        or involuntarily, excluding Retirement, disability or death.

1.21    "Years of Service" means the length of time, in discrete 12-month
        periods, a Participant has served on the Board of Directors of the
        Company.

                                       2

                                   ARTICLE 2
                                  ELIGIBILITY

2.1     A Director shall become eligible to participate in the Plan as of the
        effective date of his election as a Director.

2.2     Once eligible to participate in the Plan, a Director has to complete,
        execute and return to the Committee a Plan Agreement to become a
        Participant in the Plan.  Continued participation in the Plan is
        subject to compliance with any further conditions as may be established
        by the Committee.

                                   ARTICLE 3
                              DEFERRAL COMMITMENT

3.1     A Participant may defer up to 100 percent of his Board Fees received
        during a Plan Year; provided, that such Deferral exceeds $2,000 per
        Plan Year.

3.2     Prior to the commencement of each Plan Year, a Participant will advise
        the Committee, in writing, of his deferral commitment for the upcoming
        Plan Year. If a Participant fails to so advise the Committee, through
        no fault of the Company, he will not be permitted to defer any of his
        Board Fees during upcoming Plan Year.

3.3     A Participant's Deferral commitment will be exercised on a per pay
        period basis.

3.4     In the event a Director becomes a Participant in the Plan during a
        Plan Year, such Participant may defer up to 100 percent of the
        remaining portion of his Board Fees for the Plan Year.  Such
        Participant must make his Deferral commitment by advising the
        Committee, in writing, at the time he elects to become a Participant
        in the Plan.

3.5     In the event a Participant defaults on his Deferral commitment, the
        Participant will not be allowed to make any further Deferrals during
        the current Plan Year and may not make any Deferrals for the subsequent
        Plan Year.

3.6     The Committee may waive for good cause the default penalty specified
        in Article 3.5 upon the request of the Participant.

                                       3

                                   ARTICLE 4
                        INTEREST, CREDITING AND VESTING

4.1     A Participant's Account Balance at the start of a Plan Year and any
        Deferrals made during a Plan Year will earn, except as provided for
        in Article 4.2, interest annually at 150 percent of the Moody's Rate.
        Interest will be credited to a Participant's account for rollover
        contributions, from the date such contributions are accepted by the
        Plan.

4.2     If a Participant Terminates Service prior to completing five Years of
        Service with the Company, interest credited for all Deferrals to a
        Participant's Account Balance will be adjusted based on the Moody's
        Rate during the period he participated in the Plan.

                                   ARTICLE 5
                             PLAN BENEFIT PAYMENTS

5.1     A Participant's Account Balance will be paid to the Participant in a
        lump-sum payment at the time of Benefit Distribution, unless the
        Participant qualifies to receive benefit payments over a specific
        benefit payment period.

5.2     A Participant's Account Balance will earn interest under the provisions
        of Article 4.1 until the time of Benefit Distribution.

5.3     If a Participant is entitled to receive Plan benefit payments over
        a specific benefit payment period, his Account Balance at the
        commencement of Benefit Distribution will be credited with an amount
        equal to the interest such balance would have earned assuming
        distribution in equal monthly installments over the specific benefit
        payment period, at a specified interest rate, thereby creating a
        Benefit Account Balance.  The Benefit Account Balance will then be
        paid to the Participant in equal monthly installments over the specific 
        benefit payment period.

                                   ARTICLE 6
                          RETIREMENT BENEFIT PAYMENTS

6.1     A Participant who Retires from the Company qualifies to receive his
        Account Balance over a period of either 120, 180 or 240 months.  The
        Committee will have complete discretion to determine the retirement
        benefit payment period that will be awarded to an individual
        Participant.

                                       4

6.2     The interest rate used to calculate the amount that will be credited
        to a Participant's Account Balance, to determine his Benefit Account
        Balance under the provisions of Article 5.3, will be 150 percent of
        the Moody's Composite Rate.

                                   ARTICLE 7
                    PRE-RETIREMENT SURVIVOR BENEFIT PAYMENTS

7.1     If a Participant dies while he is on the Board of Directors, his
        Account Balance will be paid to his Beneficiary in a lump sum
        distribution at the time of Benefit Distribution or in equal monthly
        installments over the 180 month survivor benefit payment period.
        The Committee will, in its sole discretion, determine whether the
        Participant's Beneficiary will qualify for payment over the survivor
        benefit payment period.

7.2     If the Committee determines to pay the Beneficiary over the survivor
        benefit payment period, the interest rate used to determine the amount
        that will be credited to a Participant's Account Balance, to determine
        his Benefit Account Balance under the provisions of Article 5.3, will
        be the Moody's Composite Rate.

                                   ARTICLE 8
                   POST-RETIREMENT SURVIVOR BENEFIT PAYMENTS

8.1     If a Participant dies after the commencement of retirement or
        disability benefit payments under Articles 6 or 10 but prior to such
        benefits having been paid in full, the Participant's benefit payments
        will continue to be paid to the Participant's Beneficiary through the
        end of the originally awarded benefit payment period, except as
        provided for in Article 11.7.

                                   ARTICLE 9
                          TERMINATION BENEFIT PAYMENTS

9.1     A Participant who Terminates Service with the Company prior to
        Retirement will receive his Account Balance in a lump sum payment at
        Benefit Distribution.

                                   ARTICLE 10
                          DISABILITY BENEFIT PAYMENTS

10.1    The Committee will, in its sole discretion, determine whether a
        Participant is disabled under the provisions of the Plan.

10.2    If a Participant is disabled within the first 5 Years of Service with
        the Company, he will receive his Account Balance in a lump sum payment
        at Benefit Distribution.

                                       5

10.3    If a Participant is disabled after 5 Years of Service with the
        Company, his Account Balance will be paid to him in equal monthly
        installments over the 180 month disability benefit payment period.

10.4    If a Participant qualifies to receive his Account Balance over the
        disability benefit payment period, the interest rate used to calculate
        the amount that will be credited to a Participant's Account Balance,
        to determine his Benefit Account Balance under the provisions of
        Article 5.3, will be 150 percent of the Moody's Composite Rate.

                                   ARTICLE 11
                                 BENEFICIARIES

11.1    A Participant shall have the right to designate any person as his
        Beneficiary to whom benefits under this Plan shall be paid in the
        event of the Participant's death prior to the total distribution of
        his Benefit Account Balance under the Plan.  If greater than
        50 percent of the Benefit Account Balance is designated to a
        Beneficiary other than the Participant's spouse, such Beneficiary
        designation must be consented to by the Participant's spouse.  Each
        Beneficiary designation must be in written form prescribed by the
        Committee and will be effective only when filed with the Committee
        during the Participant's lifetime.

11.2    A Participant shall have the right to change the Beneficiary
        designation, subject to spousal consent under the provisions of
        Article 11.1, without the consent of any designated Beneficiary by
        filing a new Beneficiary designation with the Committee.  The filing of
        a new Beneficiary designation form will cancel all Beneficiary
        designations previously filed.

11.3    The Committee shall acknowledge, in writing, receipt of each
        Beneficiary designation form.

11.4    The Committee shall be entitled to rely on the Beneficiary designation
        last filed by the Participant prior to his death.  Any payment made in
        accordance with such designation shall fully discharge the Company from
        all further obligations with respect to the amount of such payments.

11.5    If a Beneficiary entitled to receive benefits under the Plan is a minor
        or a person declared incompetent, the Committee may direct payment of
        such benefits to the guardian or legal representative of such minor or
        incompetent person.  The Committee may require proof of incompetency,
        minority or guardianship as it may deem appropriate prior to
        distribution of any Plan benefits.  Such distribution shall completely
        discharge the Committee and the Company from all liability with respect
        to such payments.

                                       6

11.6    If no Beneficiary designation is in effect at the time of the
        Participant's death, or if the named Beneficiary predeceased the
        Participant, then the Beneficiary shall be: (1) the surviving spouse;
        (2) if there is no surviving spouse, then his issue per stirpes; or
        (3) if no surviving spouse or issue, then his estate.

11.7    If a Beneficiary receiving benefit payments under the provisions of
        Articles 7 or 8 of the Plan dies prior to the completion of the benefit
        payment period, the total of the remaining benefit payments will be
        paid, in a lump sum amount, to the contingent Beneficiary designated
        by the Participant under the provisions of Article 11.1.  If the
        Participant has failed to designate a contingent Beneficiary, the
        total of the remaining benefit payments will be paid, in lump sum
        amount, to the Beneficiary's estate.

                                   ARTICLE 12
                               COMPANY LIABILITY 

12.1    Amounts payable to a Participant shall be paid exclusively from the
        general assets of the Company.

12.2    The Company shall have no obligation under the Plan to a Participant
        or a Participant's Beneficiary, except as provided in this Master Plan
        Document.

12.3    The Participant shall cooperate with the Committee in furnishing all
        information requested by the Company to facilitate the payment of his
        Benefit Account Balance.  Such information may include the results of a
        physical examination if any is required for participation in the Plan.

                                   ARTICLE 13
                    NO GUARANTEE OF CONTINUING DIRECTORSHIP

13.1    The Company is without power to lawfully assure a Participant continued
        tenure as a Director, and nothing herein constitutes a contract of
        continuing directorship between the Company and the Participant. 

                                   ARTICLE 14
               TERMINATION, AMENDMENT OR MODIFICATION OF THE PLAN

14.1    The Board of Directors may at any time, without notice, amend the Plan
        in whole or in part provided, however, that no amendment shall be
        effective to decrease or restrict the amount of interest to be credited
        under the provisions of Article 4.1 on an Account Balance as of the
        date of such amendment.

                                       7

14.2    The Board of Directors reserves the right to partially or completely
        terminate the Plan at any time and for any reason.  

14.3    The Board of Directors may partially terminate the Plan by instructing
        the Committee not to accept any additional Deferral commitments.  In
        the event of a partial termination, the remaining provisions of the
        Plan shall continue to operate and be effective for all Participants
        in the Plan, as of the date of such partial termination.

14.4    In the event that the Board of Directors completely terminates the
        Plan, the Plan shall cease to operate and the Committee shall pay out
        to each Participant his Account Balance, plus interest to be credited
        to the Account Balance, as of the date of the Plan's termination. The
        Committee, in its sole discretion, may either make a lump sum
        distribution at the time of Benefit Distribution or in equal monthly
        installments over the 60 month Plan termination benefit payment period.
        If the Committee determines to pay a Participant over the Plan
        termination benefit payment period, the interest rate used to calculate
        the amount that will be credited to a Participant's Account Balance,
        to determine his Benefit Account Balance under the provisions of
        Article 5.3, will be 150 percent of the Moody's Composite Rate.

14.5    Once benefits payments have commenced, termination of the Plan shall
        not terminate the rights of a Participant or his Beneficiary to
        continue to receive such payments.  For all other Participants, the
        termination of the Plan will limit benefits under the Plan to those
        provided for in Article 14.4 herein.

                                   ARTICLE 15
                     RESTRICTIONS ON ALIENATION OF BENEFITS

15.1    To the maximum extent permitted by law, no interest or benefit under
        the Plan shall be assignable or subject in any manner to alienation,
        sale, transfer, claims of creditors, pledge, attachment or encumbrances
        of any kind.

                                   ARTICLE 16
                           ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN

16.1    The general administration of the Plan, as well as construction and
        interpretation thereof, shall be vested in the Committee.  The number
        of members of the Committee shall be established by, and the members
        shall be appointed from time to time by, and shall serve at the
        pleasure of, the Board of Directors of the Company.

16.2    Subject to the Plan, the Committee shall from time to time establish
        rules, forms and procedures for the administration of the Plan.  Except

                                       8

        as otherwise expressly provided, the Committee shall have the exclusive
        right to interpret the Plan and to decide any and all matters arising
        thereunder.  The Committee's decisions shall be conclusive and binding
        upon all persons having or claiming to have any right or interest under
        the Plan.

16.3    The Committee may employ such consultants, advisors and managers as it
        deems necessary or useful in carrying out its duties.

16.4    No member of the Committee shall be liable for any act or omission of
        any other member of the Committee, nor for any act or omission on his
        own part, excepting his own willful misconduct.  The Company shall
        indemnify and save harmless each member of the Committee against any
        and all expenses and liabilities arising out of his membership on the
        Committee, with the exception of expenses and liabilities arising out
        of his own willful misconduct.

16.5    To enable the Committee to perform its functions, the Company shall
        supply full and timely information to the Committee on all matters
        relating to the compensation of all Participants, their retirement,
        death or other cause for termination of employment, and such other
        pertinent facts as the Committee may require.

16.6    The Committee shall have the power, in its sole discretion, to change
        the manner and time of payments to be made to a Participant or
        Beneficiary from that set forth herein, if requested to do so by such
        Participant or Beneficiary.

                                   ARTICLE 17
                                 MISCELLANEOUS

17.1    Any notice given under the Plan shall be in writing and shall be mailed
        or delivered to:

                         SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION
                         Directors Deferral Plan
                         Administrative Committee
                         5241 Spring Mountain Road
                         Las Vegas, NV  89102

17.2    The Plan shall be binding upon the Company and its respective
        successors, and upon a Participant, Participant's Beneficiary,
        assigns, heirs, executors and administrators.

17.3    The Plan shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the
        State of Nevada.

                                       9

17.4    Headings in this Master Plan Document are inserted for convenience of
        reference only.  Any conflict between such headings and the text shall
        be resolved in favor of the text.

17.5    Masculine pronouns wherever used shall include feminine pronouns and
        when the context dictates, the singular shall include the plural.

17.6    In case any provision of the Plan shall be held illegal or invalid for
        any reason, said illegality or invalidity shall not affect the
        remaining parts hereof, but the Plan shall be construed and enforced
        as if such illegal and invalid provisions had never been inserted
        herein.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Company has executed this Master Plan Document
        this 29th day of October, 1992.


                                                SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION



                                                By     /s/ Michael O. Maffie
                                                       -----------------------
                                                Title  President and
                                                       Chief Operating Officer
                                                       -----------------------

                                      10

                               FIRST AMENDMENT 
                       TO THE SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION
                           DIRECTORS DEFERRAL PLAN
                           ------------------------

Effective March 1, 1996, the Southwest Gas Corporation Directors Deferral Plan
is hereby amended pursuant to Article 14.1 of Plan, as follows:

1.   Article 1.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:

     1.1  "Account Balance" means a Participant's individual fund comprised of
          Deferrals, rollover contributions from the PriMerit Bank, Federal
          Saving Bank directors deferral plan and interest earnings credited
          thereon up to the time of Benefit Distribution.

2.   Article 3 is hereby amended to include a new Article 3.7, which reads as
     follows:

     3.7  The Plan will accept rollover contributions for Participants from
          the PriMerit Bank, Federal Saving Bank directors deferral plan.

3.   Article 4.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:

     4.1  A Participant's Account Balance at the start of a Plan Year, any
          Deferrals made during the Plan Year and rollover contributions from
          the PriMerit Bank, Federal Saving Bank directors deferral plan will
          earn, except as provided for in Article 4.2, interest annually at
          150 percent of the Moody's Rate.  Interest will be credited to a
          Participant's account for Deferrals made during the Plan Year, as if
          all Deferrals were made on the first day of the Plan Year.  Interest
          will be credited to a Participant's account for rollover
          contributions, from the date such contributions are accepted by the
          Plan.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Board of Directors has adopted this amendment,
effective on the date stated above, on this 5th day of March, 1996.

                                        SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION


                                        By: /s/ Michael O. Maffie
                                            -------------------------
                                                Michael O. Maffie
                                                President and
                                                Chief Executive Officer

 

UT This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from Southwest Gas Corporation's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1996, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements. 1,000 6-MOS DEC-31-1996 JUN-30-1996 PER-BOOK 1,189,474 66,209 297,602 52,641 0 1,605,926 28,018 342,680 9,411 380,109 0 0 624,634 45,000 0 0 125,727 0 0 0 430,456 1,605,926 311,963 1,506 278,171 278,171 33,792 (2,941) 30,851 26,429 2,916 0 2,916 10,427 0 75,126 0.12 0.12 Includes: trust originated preferred securities of $60,000, current liabilities, net of current long-term debt maturities and short-term debt, of $181,190 and deferred income taxes and other credits of $189,266. Includes distributions related to trust originated preferred securities of $2,738.
                                          

                                                                                                  EXHIBIT 99
                                          SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION
                                         SUMMARY STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                   (In thousands, except per share amounts)
                                                  (Unaudited)
SIX MONTHS ENDED TWELVE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, JUNE 30, ---------------------- --------------------- 1996 1995 1996 1995 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Gas operating revenues $ 291,065 $ 325,710 $ 528,857 $ 609,345 Net cost of gas purchased 115,157 153,666 188,947 258,154 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Operating margin 175,908 172,044 339,910 351,191 Operations and maintenance expenses 95,471 93,722 189,718 185,839 Depreciation, amortization, and general taxes 47,854 44,366 93,153 85,999 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Operating income 32,583 33,956 57,039 79,353 Net interest deductions 26,008 26,361 53,002 52,348 Preferred securities distribution 2,738 -- 3,651 -- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Pre-tax utility income 3,837 7,595 386 27,005 Utility income tax expense (benefit) 1,124 2,905 (923) 9,805 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net utility income 2,713 4,690 1,309 17,200 Other income (expense), net (243) (192) (683) (176) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Contribution to net income - gas operations 2,470 4,498 626 17,024 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Equity in earnings of Northern Pipeline 577 -- 577 -- Acquisition carrying costs, net of tax (131) -- (131) -- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Contribution to net income - Northern Pipeline 446 -- 446 -- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Discontinued operations - PriMerit Bank - NOTE 2 -- 806 (18,342) 1,653 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net income (loss) 2,916 5,304 (17,270) 18,677 Preferred & preference dividends -- 190 117 423 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net income (loss) applicable to common stock $ 2,916 $ 5,114 $ (17,387) $ 18,254 ============================================================================================================ Earnings per share from gas segment $ 0.10 $ 0.19 $ 0.02 $ 0.77 Earnings per share from Northern Pipeline 0.02 -- 0.02 -- Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations -- 0.04 (0.74) 0.07 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Earnings (loss) per share of common stock $ 0.12 $ 0.23 $ (0.70) $ 0.84 ============================================================================================================ Average outstanding common shares 25,211 22,110 24,773 21,615 ============================================================================================================ See Notes to Summary Financial Statements. /TABLE
SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION SUMMARY BALANCE SHEET AT JUNE 30, 1996 (In thousands) (Unaudited) ASSETS UTILITY PLANT Gas plant, net of accumulated depreciation $ 1,162,187 Construction work in progress 27,287 ------------ Net utility plant 1,189,474 ------------ OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS Investment in discontinued operations - PriMerit Bank - NOTE 2 175,118 Investment in Northern Pipeline Construction Co. 24,577 Other 36,532 ------------ Total other property and investments 236,227 ------------ CURRENT AND ACCRUED ASSETS Cash, working funds and temporary cash investments 9,480 Receivables - less reserve of $1,486 for uncollectibles 23,446 Accrued utility revenue 19,964 Other 48,143 ------------ Total current and accrued assets 101,033 ------------ DEFERRED DEBITS Unamortized debt expense 13,029 Other deferred debits 32,920 ------------ Total deferred debits 45,949 ------------ TOTAL ASSETS $ 1,572,683 ============ CAPITALIZATION, LIABILITIES AND DEFERRED CREDITS CAPITALIZATION Common stockholders' equity Common stock equity, $1 par, 26,403 shares outstanding $ 370,698 Retained earnings 9,411 ------------ Total common stockholders' equity 380,109 32.4% Preferred securities of Southwest Gas Capital I, 9.125% 60,000 5.1 Long-term debt - NOTE 3 733,576 62.5 ------------ ---------- Total capitalization 1,173,685 100.0% ------------ ========== CURRENT AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES Notes payable 45,000 Accounts payable 29,631 Customer deposits 21,020 Taxes accrued (including income taxes) 31,696 Deferred purchased gas costs 46,398 Other 41,317 ------------ Total current and accrued liabilities 215,062 ------------ DEFERRED CREDITS Deferred investment tax credits 19,440 Deferred income taxes 123,622 Other 40,874 ------------ Total deferred credits 183,936 ------------ TOTAL CAPITALIZATION, LIABILITIES AND DEFERRED CREDITS $ 1,572,683 ============ See Notes to Summary Financial Statements. /TABLE SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION SUMMARY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 (In thousands) (Unaudited) [S] CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATIONS: Net income $ 2,916 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 32,991 Change in receivables and payables 25,821 Change in gas cost related balancing items 15,174 Change in accrued taxes 4,095 Change in deferred taxes (2,882) Allowance for funds used during construction (767) Other (2,654) ---------- Net cash provided from operating activities 74,694 ---------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net proceeds from stock issuance 8,069 Stock issuance - Northern Pipeline acquisition 24,000 Dividends paid (10,427) Change in notes payable 8,000 Long-term debt issuance, net 5,849 Other 1,269 ---------- Net cash provided from financing activities 36,760 ---------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Construction expenditures (86,770) Investment in Northern Pipeline (24,000) Other (2,091) ---------- Net cash used in investing activities (112,861) ---------- Change in cash and temporary cash investments (1,407) Cash at beginning of period 10,887 ---------- Cash at end of period $ 9,480 ========== SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized $ 29,937 Income taxes, net of refunds $ 4,301 See Notes to Summary Financial Statements. SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION NOTES TO SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In thousands, except par values) (Unaudited) NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION: The financial statements have been prepared by Southwest Gas Corporation (the Company) using the equity method of accounting for Northern Pipeline Construction Co. This presentation is not in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted. The financial statement presentation in this report produces the same net income as the consolidated financial statements and, in management's opinion, is a fair representation of the operations and contributions to net income of the Company's operating segments. NOTE 2 - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS: In January 1996, Southwest Gas Corporation (the Company) reached an agreement to sell PriMerit Bank (PriMerit) to Norwest Corporation. Discontinued operations includes the net income of PriMerit and its subsidiaries on a stand-alone basis as adjusted, reduced by allocated carrying costs associated with the Company's investment in PriMerit (principally interest) net of taxes. The discontinued operations also includes the estimated loss on the disposition. The sale of PriMerit to Norwest was completed in July 1996. NOTE 3 - LONG-TERM DEBT: Commercial paper facility $ 200,000 Debentures: Debentures, 9% series A, due 2011 26,838 Debentures, 9% series B, due 2011 31,158 Debentures, 8.75% series C, due 2011 18,323 Debentures, 9.375% series D, due 2017 120,000 Debentures, 10% series E, due 2013 23,069 Debentures, 9.75% series F, due 2002 100,000 Industrial development revenue bonds - net of funds heldin trust 223,840 Unamortized discount on long-term debt (9,652) ---------- TOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT $ 733,576 ========== ESTIMATED CURRENT MATURITIES $ 120,000 ========== /TABLE SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION SELECTED STATISTICAL DATA JUNE 30, 1996 FINANCIAL STATISTICS Market value to book value per share at quarter end 112% Twelve months to date return on equity -- total company (4.7)% -- gas segment 0.2% Common stock dividend yield at quarter end 5.1%
GAS OPERATIONS SEGMENT
Authorized Authorized Authorized Return on Rate Base Rate of Common Rate Jurisdiction (In thousands) Return Equity - ----------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- Central Arizona $ 267,348 9.13% 10.75% Southern Arizona 157,620 9.12 11.00 Southern Nevada 184,673 8.89 11.55 Northern Nevada 47,695 9.16 11.55 Southern California 69,486 9.94 11.35 Northern California 9,521 10.02 11.35 Paiute Pipeline Company 61,057 10.09 12.50
SYSTEM THROUGHPUT BY CUSTOMER CLASS
SIX MONTHS ENDED TWELVE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, JUNE 30, -------------------------- --------------------------- (In dekatherms) 1996 1995 1996 1995 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Residential 28,320,580 28,889,283 41,704,732 45,836,876 Small commercial 13,845,218 13,919,969 22,874,442 23,740,156 Large commercial 4,084,374 4,570,048 7,858,394 9,204,993 Industrial / Other 2,900,420 4,092,423 5,829,712 8,599,301 Transportation 42,930,403 46,964,610 97,566,915 98,628,474 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total system throughput 92,080,995 98,436,333 175,834,195 186,009,800 ========================================================================================================================= HEATING DEGREE DAY COMPARISON - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Actual 1,249 1,538 1,684 2,418 Ten year average 1,414 1,598 2,035 2,350 ========================================================================================================================= /TABLE