13. Financial risk management
a. Natural gas price risk (continued)
Based on period-end closing positions, an increase of $1.00 per Gigajoule in natural gas prices would have increased net income, through an increase in the fair value of natural gas derivative instruments, by $37 million (March 31, 2018 - $29 million). Conversely, a decrease of $1.00 per Gigajoule would have decreased net income, through a decrease in the fair value of natural gas derivative instruments, by $37 million (March 31, 2018 - $30 million).
b. Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Corporation is unable to meet its financial obligations as they become due. The Corporation has credit facilities available to refinance maturities in excess of anticipated operating cash flows. The contractual maturities of the Corporation’s financial obligations, including interest payments and the impact of netting agreements, as at December 31, 2018 were as follows:
Contractual Maturities
Carrying Less Than
1 - 2
3 - 5
More Than
(millions)
Amount
1 Year
Years
Years
5 Years
Short-term debt
237
237
- -
- -
- -
Trade and other payables
81
81
Long-term debt
1,230
133
82
138
1,730
Finance lease obligation Derivative instruments
8
3
2
3
- -
32
18
31
11
$
1,588
$
472
$
115
$
152
$
1,730
At period end, the Corporation’s borrowing capacity, together with relatively stable operating cash flows, provide sufficient liquidity to fund these contractual obligations.
In addition to the above, the Corporation has posted a $12 million (March 31, 2018 - $12 million) letter of credit with NGX Financial Inc. (NGX) as security for natural gas purchases and sales conducted by the Corporation on the NGX natural gas exchange in Alberta. NGX may draw upon the letter of credit if the Corporation fails to make timely payment for, or delivery of, natural gas as per the related contract.
c. Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss if a customer or counterparty to a financial or derivative instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. The Corporation is exposed to credit risk through cash, trade and other receivables, debt retirement funds and derivative instrument assets. Credit risk related to cash and debt retirement funds is minimized by dealing with institutions that have strong credit ratings and holding highly-rated financial securities. The Corporation extends credit to its customers in the normal course of business and is at risk of loss in the event of non-performance by counterparties on certain of the financial and derivative instruments. To reduce its credit risk, the Corporation has established policies and procedures to monitor and limit the amount of credit extended to its customers and counterparties and may require letters of credit and other forms of security.
The carrying amount of financial and derivative assets represents the maximum credit exposure as follows:
As at
As at
December 31, 2018
March 31, 2018
(millions)
Trade and other receivables
$
115 116
$
141 106
Debt retirement funds
Fair value of derivative instrument assets
56
61
$
287
$
308
28
2018-19 THIRD QUARTER REPORT
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator