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

FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) October 31, 2017

WESTAR ENERGY, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

KANSAS
 
1-3523
 
48-0290150
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(Commission File Number)
 
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
 
 
818 South Kansas Avenue, Topeka, Kansas
 
66612
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
 (785) 575-6300

Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)


Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

T Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2).
Emerging growth company o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o






WESTAR ENERGY, INC.

Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On October 31, 2017, we issued a press release announcing our earnings for the period ended September 30, 2017. A copy of our October 31, 2017 press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference. We are also including our 2017 Third Quarter Earnings package, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2 and is incorporated herein by reference. The information furnished pursuant to this Item 2.02, including Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2, will not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement filed by us under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), unless specifically identified therein as being incorporated by reference.


Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure.

On October 31, 2017, we also released an investor presentation. A copy of that investor presentation is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.3. This information is also available to the public on our website, http://www.WestarEnergy.com. Investors should note that we announce material financial information in Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings and press releases, and on public conference calls. In accordance with SEC guidance, we may also use the Investor Relations section of our website to communicate with investors about us. It is possible that the financial and other information we post there could be deemed to be material information.

The information furnished pursuant to this Item 7.01, except for the portions included in Item 8.01 and Exhibit 99.4 as set forth below, will not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement filed by us under the Securities Act, unless specifically identified therein as being incorporated by reference.


Item 8.01. Other Events.

As previously reported, on July 9, 2017 we entered into an Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger with Great Plains Energy Incorporated (“Great Plains Energy”), Monarch Energy Holding, Inc. (“Monarch Energy”), and King Energy, Inc., and for certain limited purposes, GP Star, Inc. The portions of the investor presentation that relate to our pending merger with Great Plains Energy are being filed herewith as Exhibit 99.4 in compliance with Rule 425 of the Securities Act.


Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

Exhibit 99.1
Press Release dated October 31, 2017
Exhibit 99.2
2017 Third Quarter Earnings Package
Exhibit 99.3
Investor Update - October 31, 2017
Exhibit 99.4
Merger Excerpts from Investor Update - October 31, 2017

Additional Information and Where to Find It
 
This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any proxy, vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. In connection with the proposed transactions, Monarch Energy has filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-220465), which was declared effective by the SEC, Great Plains Energy and Westar Energy have each filed a definitive joint proxy statement, which also constitutes a prospectus of Monarch Energy, each of which is publicly available, and Great Plains Energy, Westar Energy and Monarch Energy have filed and may file other documents regarding the proposed transactions with the SEC. Great Plains Energy and Westar Energy mailed the definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus in connection with the transactions to their respective shareholders on or around October 13, 2017. WE URGE INVESTORS TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND DEFINITIVE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND THESE OTHER MATERIALS CAREFULLY BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT GREAT PLAINS ENERGY, WESTAR ENERGY, MONARCH ENERGY AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS.






Investors can obtain free copies of the Registration Statement and definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed by Monarch Energy, Great Plains Energy and Westar Energy with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov, the SEC’s website. These documents filed by Great Plains Energy and Monarch Energy are also available free of charge from Great Plains Energy’s website (http://www.greatplainsenergy.com) under the tab, “Investor Relations” and then under the heading “SEC Filings,” or by contacting Great Plains Energy’s Investor Relations Department at 1-800-245-5275. These documents filed by Westar Energy are also available free of charge from Westar Energy’s website (http://www.westarenergy.com) under the tab “Investors” and then under the heading “SEC Filings,” or by contacting Westar Energy’s Investor Relations Department at 785-575-8227.
 
Participants in Proxy Solicitation

Great Plains Energy, Westar Energy and their respective directors and certain of their executive officers and employees may be deemed, under SEC rules, to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Great Plains Energy’s and Westar Energy’s shareholders with respect to the proposed transactions. Information regarding the officers and directors of Great Plains Energy is included in its definitive proxy statement for its 2017 annual meeting filed with the SEC on March 23, 2017. Information regarding the officers and directors of Westar Energy is included in its definitive proxy statement for its 2017 annual meeting filed with the SEC on September 14, 2017. Additional information regarding the identity of potential participants, and their direct or indirect interests, by securities, holdings or otherwise, is set forth in the Registration Statement and definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus and other materials filed with SEC in connection with the proposed merger. Free copies of these documents may be obtained as described in the paragraphs above.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain matters discussed in this communication are “forward-looking statements.” The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 has established that these statements qualify for safe harbors from liability. Forward-looking statements may include words like “believe,” “anticipate,” “target,” “expect,” “pro forma,” “estimate,” “intend,” “guidance” or words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements describe future plans, objectives, expectations or goals. Although Westar Energy believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, all forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include those discussed herein as well as (1) those discussed in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2016 (a) under the heading, “Forward-Looking Statements,” (b) in ITEM 1. Business, (c) in ITEM 1A. Risk Factors, (d) in ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and (e) in ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data: Notes 3, 14 and 16; (2) those discussed in the company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2017, Aug. 8, 2017 and Oct. 31, 2017, (a) under the heading “Forward-Looking Statements,” (b) in ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, (c) in Part I, Financial Information, ITEM 1. Financial Statements: Notes 3, 11, 12 (in the Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2017), and 13 (in the Form 10-Q filed on Aug. 8, 2017 and Oct. 31, 2017), and (d) ITEM 1A. Risk Factors; and (3) other factors discussed in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date such statement was made, and the company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement was made.






SIGNATURE

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 hereunto duly authorized.

 
 
 
 
WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
 
October 31, 2017
 
By:
 
/s/ Larry D. Irick
 
 
 
 
Name:
 
Larry D. Irick
 
 
 
 
Title:
 
Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary





Exhibit
Exhibit 99.1

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Westar Energy announces 3rd quarter 2017 results.
TOPEKA, Kan., Oct. 31, 2017 - Westar Energy, Inc. (NYSE:WR) today announced earnings of $158 million, or $1.11 per share, for the third quarter 2017 compared with earnings of $155 million, or $1.09 per share, for the third quarter 2016. Earnings for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2017 were $290 million, or $2.03 per share, compared with $293 million, or $2.06 per share, for the same period in 2016.

Higher earnings per share for the third quarter were driven by lower income tax expense. Partially offsetting the lower income tax expense were lower residential and commercial sales due primarily to mild weather, a decrease in corporate-owned life insurance income, and an increase in depreciation related to Western Plains Wind Farm.
    
Lower earnings per share for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2017 were driven by the effect of mild weather resulting in lower residential and commercial sales. Also contributing to lower earnings was a decrease in corporate-owned life insurance income and increased depreciation due to Western Plains Wind Farm. Partially offsetting lower sales was lower income tax expense.
 
Conference Call and Additional Company Information

Westar Energy management will host a conference call Wednesday, Nov. 1 with the
investment community at 10:00 a.m. ET (9:00 a.m. CT). Investors, media and the public may
listen to the conference call by dialing (844) 646-4526, conference ID 96033428. A webcast of the live conference call will be available at www.WestarEnergy.com.

Members of the media are invited to listen to the conference call and then contact Gina
Penzig with any follow-up questions.

This earnings announcement, a package of detailed third-quarter financial information, the company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended Sept. 30, 2017 and other filings the company has made with the Securities and Exchange Commission are available on the company’s website at www.WestarEnergy.com.
- 30 -

As Kansas’ largest electric utility, Westar Energy, Inc. (NYSE:WR) provides customers the safe, reliable electricity
needed to power their businesses and homes. We have 7,800 MW of electric generation capacity that includes renewables and
traditional power sources with half the electricity supplied to our more than 700,000 customers from emissions free sources:
nuclear, wind and solar, with a third coming from renewables. We are a leader in electric transmission in Kansas coordinating a
network of lines and substations that supports one of the largest consolidations of wind energy in the nation. Our employees live,
volunteer and work in the communities we serve.

For more information about Westar Energy, visit us on the Internet at http://www.WestarEnergy.com.

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WESTAR ENERGY NEWS RELEASE    Page 1 of 3

Westar Energy announces 3rd quarter results


Forward-looking statements: Certain matters discussed in this news release are “forward-looking statements.” The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 has established that these statements qualify for safe harbors from liability. Forward-looking statements may include words like “believe,” “anticipate,” “target,” “expect,” “pro forma,” “estimate,” “intend,” “guidance” or words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements describe future plans, objectives, expectations or goals. Although Westar Energy believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, all forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include those discussed herein as well as (1) those discussed in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2016 (a) under the heading, “Forward-Looking Statements,” (b) in ITEM 1. Business, (c) in ITEM 1A. Risk Factors, (d) in ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and (e) in ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data: Notes 3, 14 and 16; (2) those discussed in the company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2017, Aug. 8, 2017 and Oct. 31, 2017, (a) under the heading “Forward-Looking Statements.” (b) in ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, (c) in Part I, Financial Information, ITEM 1. Financial Statements: Notes 3, 11, 12 (in the Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2017), and 13 (in the Form 10-Q filed on Aug. 8, 2017 and Oct. 31, 2017), and (d) ITEM 1A. Risk Factors; and (3) other factors discussed in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date such statement was made, and the company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement was made.


Media Contact:
Gina Penzig
Media Relations Manager
Phone: 785-575-8089
Gina.Penzig@westarenergy.com
Media line: 888-613-0003

Investor Contact:
Cody VandeVelde
Director, Investor Relations
Phone: 785-575-8227
Cody.VandeVelde@westarenergy.com


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WESTAR ENERGY NEWS RELEASE    Page 2 of 3

Westar Energy announces 3rd quarter results

Westar Energy, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
 
% Change
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
REVENUES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
$
278,138

 
$
282,272

 
$
(4,134
)
 
(1.5
)
 
$
642,449

 
$
664,400

 
$
(21,951
)
 
(3.3
)
Commercial
219,414

 
218,377

 
1,037

 
0.5

 
557,232

 
572,247

 
(15,015
)
 
(2.6
)
Industrial
117,721

 
106,021

 
11,700

 
11.0

 
324,227

 
314,723

 
9,504

 
3.0

Other retail
149

 
7,883

 
(7,734
)
 
(98.1
)
 
(22,293
)
 
(23,002
)
 
709

 
3.1

Total Retail Revenues
615,422

 
614,553

 
869

 
0.1

 
1,501,615

 
1,528,368

 
(26,753
)
 
(1.8
)
Wholesale
102,113

 
86,421

 
15,692

 
18.2

 
242,524

 
220,520

 
22,004

 
10.0

Transmission
69,504

 
58,462

 
11,042

 
18.9

 
209,097

 
188,996

 
20,101

 
10.6

Other
7,288

 
5,218

 
2,070

 
39.7

 
22,986

 
17,668

 
5,318

 
30.1

Total Revenues
794,327

 
764,654

 
29,673

 
3.9

 
1,976,222

 
1,955,552

 
20,670

 
1.1

OPERATING EXPENSES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Fuel and purchased power
189,804

 
155,673

 
34,131

 
21.9

 
415,449

 
374,361

 
41,088

 
11.0

SPP network transmission costs
62,578

 
57,939

 
4,639

 
8.0

 
185,015

 
173,925

 
11,090

 
6.4

Operating and maintenance
79,856

 
86,758

 
(6,902
)
 
(8.0
)
 
248,211

 
250,135

 
(1,924
)
 
(0.8
)
Depreciation and amortization
94,668

 
84,972

 
9,696

 
11.4

 
277,322

 
252,838

 
24,484

 
9.7

Selling, general and administrative
65,630

 
60,582

 
5,048

 
8.3

 
182,367

 
192,762

 
(10,395
)
 
(5.4
)
Taxes other than income tax
41,815

 
48,154

 
(6,339
)
 
(13.2
)
 
126,421

 
145,529

 
(19,108
)
 
(13.1
)
Total Operating Expenses
534,351

 
494,078

 
40,273

 
8.2

 
1,434,785

 
1,389,550

 
45,235

 
3.3

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
259,976

 
270,576

 
(10,600
)
 
(3.9
)
 
541,437

 
566,002

 
(24,565
)
 
(4.3
)
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Investment earnings
2,593

 
2,619

 
(26
)
 
(1.0
)
 
8,384

 
6,916

 
1,468

 
21.2

Other income
3,849

 
13,353

 
(9,504
)
 
(71.2
)
 
5,672

 
26,212

 
(20,540
)
 
(78.4
)
Other expense
(6,493
)
 
(5,887
)
 
(606
)
 
(10.3
)
 
(14,457
)
 
(14,338
)
 
(119
)
 
(0.8
)
Total Other (Expense) Income
(51
)
 
10,085

 
(10,136
)
 
(100.5
)
 
(401
)
 
18,790

 
(19,191
)
 
(102.1
)
Interest expense
43,458

 
40,897

 
2,561

 
6.3

 
128,232

 
121,011

 
7,221

 
6.0

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
216,467

 
239,764

 
(23,297
)
 
(9.7
)
 
412,804

 
463,781

 
(50,977
)
 
(11.0
)
Income tax expense
55,743

 
81,211

 
(25,468
)
 
(31.4
)
 
112,559

 
160,376

 
(47,817
)
 
(29.8
)
NET INCOME
160,724

 
158,553

 
2,171

 
1.4

 
300,245

 
303,405

 
(3,160
)
 
(1.0
)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
2,418

 
3,833

 
(1,415
)
 
(36.9
)
 
10,213

 
10,760

 
(547
)
 
(5.1
)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
$
158,306

 
$
154,720

 
$
3,586

 
2.3

 
$
290,032

 
$
292,645

 
$
(2,613
)
 
(0.9
)
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER AVERAGE COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING ATTRIBUTABLE TO WESTAR ENERGY, INC. (See 10-Q Note 2):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per common share
$
1.11

 
$
1.09

 
$
0.02

 
1.8

 
$
2.03

 
$
2.06

 
$
(0.03
)
 
(1.5
)
Diluted earnings per common share
$
1.11

 
$
1.08

 
$
0.03

 
2.8

 
$
2.03

 
$
2.05

 
$
(0.02
)
 
(1.0
)
AVERAGE EQUIVALENT COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING (in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
142,473

 
142,091

 
382

 
0.3

 
142,459

 
142,039

 
420

 
0.3

Diluted
142,516

 
142,578

 
(62
)
 

 
142,496

 
142,413

 
83

 
0.1

DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE
$
0.40

 
$
0.38

 
$
0.02

 
5.3

 
$
1.20

 
$
1.14

 
$
0.06

 
5.3

Effective income tax rate
26
%
 
34
%
 
 
 
 
 
27
%
 
35
%
 
 
 
 

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WESTAR ENERGY NEWS RELEASE    Page 3 of 3
Exhibit


Exhibit 99.2
Westar Energy, Inc.
Third Quarter 2017 Earnings
Released October 31, 2017





Contents
Page
 
 











Cody VandeVelde
Director Investor Relations
785-575-8227
Cody.VandeVelde@WestarEnergy.com



NOTE:
The Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2017 should be read in conjunction with this financial information. The enclosed statements have been prepared for the purpose of providing information concerning the Company and not in connection with any sale, offer for sale, or solicitation to buy any securities.






Westar Energy, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
REVENUES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
$
278,138

 
$
282,272

 
$
(4,134
)
 
(1.5
)
Commercial
219,414

 
218,377

 
1,037

 
0.5

Industrial
117,721

 
106,021

 
11,700

 
11.0

Other retail
149

 
7,883

 
(7,734
)
 
(98.1
)
Total Retail Revenues
615,422

 
614,553

 
869

 
0.1

Wholesale
102,113

 
86,421

 
15,692

 
18.2

Transmission
69,504

 
58,462

 
11,042

 
18.9

Other
7,288

 
5,218

 
2,070

 
39.7

Total Revenues
794,327

 
764,654

 
29,673

 
3.9

OPERATING EXPENSES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel and purchased power
189,804

 
155,673

 
34,131

 
21.9

SPP network transmission costs
62,578

 
57,939

 
4,639

 
8.0

Operating and maintenance
79,856

 
86,758

 
(6,902
)
 
(8.0
)
Depreciation and amortization
94,668

 
84,972

 
9,696

 
11.4

Selling, general and administrative
65,630

 
60,582

 
5,048

 
8.3

Taxes other than income tax
41,815

 
48,154

 
(6,339
)
 
(13.2
)
Total Operating Expenses
534,351

 
494,078

 
40,273

 
8.2

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
259,976

 
270,576

 
(10,600
)
 
(3.9
)
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment earnings
2,593

 
2,619

 
(26
)
 
(1.0
)
Other income
3,849

 
13,353

 
(9,504
)
 
(71.2
)
Other expense
(6,493
)
 
(5,887
)
 
(606
)
 
(10.3
)
Total Other (Expense) Income
(51
)
 
10,085

 
(10,136
)
 
(100.5
)
Interest expense
43,458

 
40,897

 
2,561

 
6.3

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
216,467

 
239,764

 
(23,297
)
 
(9.7
)
Income tax expense
55,743

 
81,211

 
(25,468
)
 
(31.4
)
NET INCOME
160,724

 
158,553

 
2,171

 
1.4

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
2,418

 
3,833

 
(1,415
)
 
(36.9
)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
$
158,306

 
$
154,720

 
$
3,586

 
2.3

BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER AVERAGE COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING ATTRIBUTABLE TO WESTAR ENERGY, INC. (See 10-Q Note 2):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per common share
$
1.11

 
$
1.09

 
$
0.02

 
1.8

Diluted earnings per common share
$
1.11

 
$
1.08

 
$
0.03

 
2.8

AVERAGE EQUIVALENT COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING (in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
142,473

 
142,091

 
382

 
0.3

Diluted
142,516

 
142,578

 
(62
)
 

DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE
$
0.40

 
$
0.38

 
$
0.02

 
5.3

Effective income tax rate
26
%
 
34
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


The Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the period ended September 30, 2017 should be read in conjunction with this financial information.
Page 1





Westar Energy, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)

 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
REVENUES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
$
642,449

 
$
664,400

 
$
(21,951
)
 
(3.3
)
Commercial
557,232

 
572,247

 
(15,015
)
 
(2.6
)
Industrial
324,227

 
314,723

 
9,504

 
3.0

Other retail
(22,293
)
 
(23,002
)
 
709

 
3.1

Total Retail Revenues
1,501,615

 
1,528,368

 
(26,753
)
 
(1.8
)
Wholesale
242,524

 
220,520

 
22,004

 
10.0

Transmission
209,097

 
188,996

 
20,101

 
10.6

Other
22,986

 
17,668

 
5,318

 
30.1

Total Revenues
1,976,222

 
1,955,552

 
20,670

 
1.1

OPERATING EXPENSES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel and purchased power
415,449

 
374,361

 
41,088

 
11.0

SPP network transmission costs
185,015

 
173,925

 
11,090

 
6.4

Operating and maintenance
248,211

 
250,135

 
(1,924
)
 
(0.8
)
Depreciation and amortization
277,322

 
252,838

 
24,484

 
9.7

Selling, general and administrative
182,367

 
192,762

 
(10,395
)
 
(5.4
)
Taxes other than income tax
126,421

 
145,529

 
(19,108
)
 
(13.1
)
Total Operating Expenses
1,434,785

 
1,389,550

 
45,235

 
3.3

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
541,437

 
566,002

 
(24,565
)
 
(4.3
)
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment earnings
8,384

 
6,916

 
1,468

 
21.2

Other income
5,672

 
26,212

 
(20,540
)
 
(78.4
)
Other expense
(14,457
)
 
(14,338
)
 
(119
)
 
(0.8
)
Total Other (Expense) Income
(401
)
 
18,790

 
(19,191
)
 
(102.1
)
Interest expense
128,232

 
121,011

 
7,221

 
6.0

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
412,804

 
463,781

 
(50,977
)
 
(11.0
)
Income tax expense
112,559

 
160,376

 
(47,817
)
 
(29.8
)
NET INCOME
300,245

 
303,405

 
(3,160
)
 
(1.0
)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
10,213

 
10,760

 
(547
)
 
(5.1
)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
$
290,032

 
$
292,645

 
$
(2,613
)
 
(0.9
)
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER AVERAGE COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING ATTRIBUTABLE TO WESTAR ENERGY, INC. (See 10-Q Note 2):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per common share
$
2.03

 
$
2.06

 
$
(0.03
)
 
(1.5
)
Diluted earnings per common share
$
2.03

 
$
2.05

 
$
(0.02
)
 
(1.0
)
AVERAGE EQUIVALENT COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING (in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
142,459

 
142,039

 
420

 
0.3

Diluted
142,496

 
142,413

 
83

 
0.1

DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE
$
1.20

 
$
1.14

 
$
0.06

 
5.3

Effective income tax rate
27
%
 
35
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


The Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the period ended September 30, 2017 should be read in conjunction with this financial information.
Page 2



Westar Energy, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Par Values)
(Unaudited)

 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
ASSETS
 
 
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
3,388

 
$
3,066

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,658 and $6,667, respectively
308,275

 
288,579

Fuel inventory and supplies
285,074

 
300,125

Taxes receivable

 
13,000

Prepaid expenses
15,781

 
16,528

Regulatory assets
94,777

 
117,383

Other
25,754

 
29,701

Total Current Assets
733,049

 
768,382

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
9,494,023

 
9,248,359

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES, NET
178,058

 
257,904

OTHER ASSETS:
 
 
 
Regulatory assets
748,934

 
762,479

Nuclear decommissioning trust
229,927

 
200,122

Other
241,384

 
249,828

Total Other Assets
1,220,245

 
1,212,429

TOTAL ASSETS
$
11,625,375

 
$
11,487,074

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
$

 
$
125,000

Current maturities of long-term debt of variable interest entities
28,534

 
26,842

Short-term debt
189,100

 
366,700

Accounts payable
147,933

 
220,522

Accrued dividends
53,770

 
52,885

Accrued taxes
114,317

 
85,729

Accrued interest
64,851

 
72,519

Regulatory liabilities
14,068

 
15,760

Other
74,273

 
81,236

Total Current Liabilities
686,846

 
1,047,193

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
Long-term debt, net
3,686,852

 
3,388,670

Long-term debt of variable interest entities, net
81,433

 
111,209

Deferred income taxes
1,866,583

 
1,752,776

Unamortized investment tax credits
208,597

 
210,654

Regulatory liabilities
237,065

 
223,693

Accrued employee benefits
497,298

 
512,412

Asset retirement obligations
397,505

 
323,951

Other
84,296

 
83,326

Total Long-Term Liabilities
7,059,629

 
6,606,691

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (See 10-Q Notes 11 and 13)
 
 
 
EQUITY:
 
 
 
Westar Energy, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity:
 
 
 
Common stock, par value $5 per share; authorized 275,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 142,094,176 shares and 141,791,153 shares, respective to each date
710,471

 
708,956

Paid-in capital
2,022,072

 
2,018,317

Retained earnings
1,196,460

 
1,078,602

Total Westar Energy, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity
3,929,003

 
3,805,875

Noncontrolling Interests
(50,103
)
 
27,315

Total Equity
3,878,900

 
3,833,190

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
$
11,625,375

 
$
11,487,074


The Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the period ended September 30, 2017 should be read in conjunction with this financial information.
Page 3



Westar Energy, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Net income
$
300,245

 
$
303,405

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
277,322

 
252,838

Amortization of nuclear fuel
24,150

 
22,518

Amortization of deferred regulatory gain from sale leaseback
(4,121
)
 
(4,121
)
Gain on lease modification
(3,500
)
 

Amortization of corporate-owned life insurance
15,744

 
13,779

Non-cash compensation
6,777

 
7,025

Net deferred income taxes and credits
126,986

 
160,429

Allowance for equity funds used during construction
(1,094
)
 
(7,894
)
Changes in working capital items:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
(19,696
)
 
(64,100
)
Fuel inventory and supplies
15,515

 
11,680

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
61,287

 
(385
)
Accounts payable
(10,044
)
 
9,736

Accrued taxes
35,631

 
40,711

Other current liabilities
(108,503
)
 
(61,879
)
Changes in other assets
20,085

 
(4,377
)
Changes in other liabilities
5,538

 
13,208

Cash Flows from Operating Activities
742,322

 
692,573

CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment
(564,622
)
 
(821,936
)
Purchase of securities - trusts
(15,262
)
 
(43,252
)
Sale of securities - trusts
15,896

 
44,326

Investment in corporate-owned life insurance
(13,875
)
 
(14,648
)
Proceeds from investment in corporate-owned life insurance
265

 
24,242

Investment in affiliated company

 
(655
)
Other investing activities
(3,411
)
 
(3,095
)
Cash Flows used in Investing Activities
(581,009
)
 
(815,018
)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Short-term debt, net
(177,732
)
 
(67,402
)
Proceeds from long-term debt
296,215

 
396,472

Proceeds from long-term debt of variable interest entities

 
162,048

Retirements of long-term debt
(125,000
)
 
(50,000
)
Retirements of long-term debt of variable interest entities
(26,840
)
 
(190,357
)
Repayment of capital leases
(2,592
)
 
(2,327
)
Borrowings against cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance
53,422

 
55,952

Repayment of borrowings against cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance

 
(22,921
)
Issuance of common stock
659

 
2,003

Distributions to shareholders of noncontrolling interests
(5,760
)
 
(2,551
)
Cash dividends paid
(166,340
)
 
(152,787
)
Other financing activities
(7,023
)
 
(4,979
)
Cash Flows (used in) from Financing Activities
(160,991
)
 
123,151

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
322

 
706

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
 
 
 
Beginning of period
3,066

 
3,231

End of period
$
3,388

 
$
3,937


The Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the period ended September 30, 2017 should be read in conjunction with this financial information.
Page 4



Westar Energy, Inc.
3rd Quarter 2017 vs. 2016
Earnings Variances
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ per share)
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
 
($ per share)
September 30, 2016 basic earnings attributable to common stock
 
 
 
$
154,720

 
 
 
$
1.09

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Favorable/(Unfavorable)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Margin
 
 
 
(9,097
)
 
A
 
 
 
Operating and maintenance
 
 
 
6,902

 
B
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
 
 
(9,696
)
 
C
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative
 
 
 
(5,048
)
 
D
 
 
 
Taxes other than income tax
 
 
 
6,339

 
E
 
 
 
Other income (expense)
 
 
 
(10,136
)
 
F
 
 
 
Interest expense
 
 
 
(2,561
)
 
G
 
 
 
Income tax expense
 
 
 
25,468

 
H
 
 
 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
1,415

 
 
 
 
 
Change in shares outstanding
 
(0.01
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2017 basic earnings attributable to common stock
 
 
 
$
158,306

 
 
 
$
1.11

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Major factors influencing the period to period change in EPS -- Favorable/(Unfavorable)
 
 
A
Due primarily to lower residential and commercial sales primarily attributable to mild weather; partially offset by increase in industrial sales

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
B
Due primarily to: decrease in distribution operations and maintenance expense due primarily to executing vegetation management strategy earlier in 2017 -- $5.5M; decrease in nuclear operating and maintenance costs -- $1.7M; decrease in steam generation operating and maintenance costs -- $1.5; partially offset by higher operating expense due to start of Western Plains Wind Farm -- ($2.4M)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
C
Due principally to property additions at Western Plains Wind Farm in March 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
D
Due primarily to: increase in merger-related expense -- ($5.9M); partially offset by decrease in outside services -- $1.8M

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
E
Due primarily to decreased property tax amortization expense that is largely offset by decreased prices --
$6.3M

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F
Due primarily to: lower COLI benefit -- ($10.1M); a decrease in equity AFUDC -- ($2.3M); partially offset by deconsolidation of the trust holding our 8% interest in JEC -- $3.5M


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
G
Due primarily to: a decrease in debt AFUDC -- ($1.3M)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
H
Due primarily to a reduction in income tax expense from lower income before income tax -- $9.2M, a favorable deferred tax true-up -- $7.6M, and production tax credits from Western Plains Wind Farm - $5.1M



The Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the period ended September 30, 2017 should be read in conjunction with this financial information.
Page 5



Westar Energy, Inc.
YTD September 2017 vs. 2016
Earnings Variances
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ per share)
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
 
($ per share)
September 30, 2016 basic earnings attributable to common stock
 
 
 
$
292,645

 
 
 
$
2.06

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Favorable/(Unfavorable)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Margin
 
 
 
(31,508
)
 
A
 
 
 
Operating and maintenance
 
 
 
1,924

 
B
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
 
 
(24,484
)
 
C
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative
 
 
 
10,395

 
D
 
 
 
Taxes other than income tax
 
 
 
19,108

 
E
 
 
 
Other income (expense)
 
 
 
(19,191
)
 
F
 
 
 
Interest expense
 
 
 
(7,221
)
 
G
 
 
 
Income tax expense
 
 
 
47,817

 
H
 
 
 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
547

 
 
 
 
 
Change in shares outstanding
 
(0.01
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2017 basic earnings attributable to common stock
 
 
 
$
290,032

 
 
 
$
2.03

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Major factors influencing the period to period change in EPS -- Favorable/(Unfavorable)
 
 
A
Due primarily to lower residential and commercial sales primarily attributable to mild weather; partially offset by increase in industrial sales


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
B
Due primarily to: a decrease in nuclear operating and maintenance costs due primarily to receipt of proceeds from a legal settlement at Wolf Creek -- $7.7M; decrease in distribution operating and maintenance costs -- $1.8M; partially offset by higher operating expense due to start of Western Plains Wind Farm -- ($6.3M); and higher operating and maintenance costs for steam generation -- ($1.6M)


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
C
Due principally to property additions at Western Plains Wind Farm in March 2017


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
D
Due primarily to: a decrease in outside services -- $5.0M; a decrease in employee benefit costs attributable partially to having fewer employees -- $2.0M; and a decrease in merger-related expense -- $1.2M


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
E
Due primarily to decreased property tax amortization expense that is largely offset by decreased prices --
$18.9M




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F
Due primarily to: lower COLI benefit -- ($16.7M); a decrease in equity AFUDC -- ($6.8M); partially offset by deconsolidation of the trust holding our 8% interest in JEC -- $3.5



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
G
Due primarily to: an increase in interest expense of long-term debt primarily from the issuances of FMBs during March 2017 -- ($5.1M); and a decrease in debt AFUDC -- ($2.9M)


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
H
Due primarily to a reduction in income tax expense from lower income before income tax -- $20.1M, production tax credits from Western Plains Wind Farm - $16.6M, and a favorable deferred tax true-up -- $7.6M



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the period ended September 30, 2017 should be read in conjunction with this financial information.
Page 6



Westar Energy, Inc.
Revenue, Sales and Energy Supply
Supplemental Data
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
 
% Change
Revenues
(Dollars In Thousands)
Residential
$
278,138

 
$
282,272

 
$
(4,134
)
 
(1.5
)
Commercial
219,414

 
218,377

 
1,037

 
0.5

Industrial
117,721

 
106,021

 
11,700

 
11.0

Other retail
2,997

 
3,908

 
(911
)
 
(23.3
)
Provision for rate refunds
(2,848
)
 
3,975

 
(6,823
)
 
(171.6
)
Total Retail Revenues
615,422

 
614,553

 
869

 
0.1

Tariff-based wholesale
67,601

 
70,923

 
(3,322
)
 
(4.7
)
Market-based wholesale
34,512

 
15,498

 
19,014

 
122.7

Transmission
69,504

 
58,462

 
11,042

 
18.9

Other
7,288

 
5,218

 
2,070

 
39.7

Total Revenues
$
794,327

 
$
764,654

 
$
29,673

 
3.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electricity Sales
(Thousands of MWh)
Residential
2,081

 
2,209

 
(128
)
 
(5.8
)
Commercial
2,156

 
2,230

 
(74
)
 
(3.3
)
Industrial
1,563

 
1,444

 
119

 
8.2

Other retail
12

 
19

 
(7
)
 
(36.8
)
Total Retail
5,812

 
5,902

 
(90
)
 
(1.5
)
Tariff-based wholesale
1,284

 
1,380

 
(96
)
 
(7.0
)
Market-based wholesale
1,844

 
1,009

 
835

 
82.8

Total wholesale
3,128

 
2,389

 
739

 
30.9

Total Electricity Sales
8,940

 
8,291

 
649

 
7.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars per MWh)
Total retail
$
105.89

 
$
104.13

 
$
1.76

 
1.7

Tariff-based wholesale
$
52.65

 
$
51.39

 
$
1.26

 
2.5

Market-based wholesale
$
18.72

 
$
15.36

 
$
3.36

 
21.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel and Purchased Power
(Dollars In Thousands)
Fuel used for generation
$
131,635

 
$
131,390

 
$
245

 
0.2

Purchased power
49,517

 
43,676

 
5,841

 
13.4

Subtotal
181,152

 
175,066

 
6,086

 
3.5

RECA recovery and other
8,652

 
(19,393
)
 
28,045

 
144.6

Total fuel and purchased power expense
$
189,804

 
$
155,673

 
$
34,131

 
21.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electricity Supply
(Thousands of MWh)
Generated - Gas
633

 
631

 
2

 
0.3

                    Coal
4,959

 
5,254

 
(295
)
 
(5.6
)
                    Nuclear
1,244

 
840

 
404

 
48.1

                    Wind
294

 
84

 
210

 
250.0

Subtotal electricity generated
7,130

 
6,809

 
321

 
4.7

Purchased
1,956

 
1,673

 
283

 
16.9

Total Electricity Supply
9,086

 
8,482

 
604

 
7.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars per MWh)
Average cost of fuel used for generation
$
18.46

 
$
19.30

 
$
(0.84
)
 
(4.4
)
Average cost of purchased power
$
25.32

 
$
26.11

 
$
(0.79
)
 
(3.0
)
Average cost of fuel and purchased power
$
19.94

 
$
20.64

 
$
(0.70
)
 
(3.4
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Degree Days
 
 
2016/
 
 
 
 
 
2017
 
20 yr Avg
 
 Change
 
 % Change
Cooling
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actual compared to last year
1,138

 
1,285

 
(147
)
 
(11.4
)
Actual compared to 20 year average
1,138

 
1,123

 
15

 
1.3

Heating
 
 
 
 
 
 


Actual compared to last year
6

 
15

 
(9
)
 
(60.0
)
Actual compared to 20 year average
6

 
44

 
(38
)
 
(86.4
)


The Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the period ended September 30, 2017 should be read in conjunction with this financial information.
Page 7



Westar Energy, Inc.
Revenue, Sales and Energy Supply
Supplemental Data
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
 
% Change
Revenues
(Dollars In Thousands)
Residential
$
642,449

 
$
664,400

 
$
(21,951
)
 
(3.3
)
Commercial
557,232

 
572,247

 
(15,015
)
 
(2.6
)
Industrial
324,227

 
314,723

 
9,504

 
3.0

Other retail
12,638


11,761

 
877

 
7.5

Provision for rate refunds
(34,931
)
 
(34,763
)
 
(168
)
 
(0.5
)
Total Retail Revenues
1,501,615

 
1,528,368

 
(26,753
)
 
(1.8
)
Tariff-based wholesale
178,154

 
186,203

 
(8,049
)
 
(4.3
)
Market-based wholesale
64,370

 
34,317

 
30,053

 
87.6

Transmission
209,097

 
188,996

 
20,101

 
10.6

Other
22,986

 
17,668

 
5,318

 
30.1

Total Revenues
$
1,976,222

 
$
1,955,552

 
$
20,670

 
1.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electricity Sales
(Thousands of MWh)
Residential
4,828

 
5,097

 
(269
)
 
(5.3
)
Commercial
5,588

 
5,763

 
(175
)
 
(3.0
)
Industrial
4,319

 
4,137

 
182

 
4.4

Other retail
56

 
60

 
(4
)
 
(6.7
)
Total Retail
14,791

 
15,057

 
(266
)
 
(1.8
)
Tariff-based wholesale
3,085

 
3,290

 
(205
)
 
(6.2
)
Market-based wholesale
4,527

 
2,670

 
1,857

 
69.6

Total wholesale
7,612

 
5,960

 
1,652

 
27.7

Total Electricity Sales
22,403

 
21,017

 
1,386

 
6.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars per MWh)
Total retail
$
101.52

 
$
101.51

 
$
0.01

 

Tariff-based wholesale
$
57.75

 
$
56.60

 
$
1.15

 
2.0

Market-based wholesale
$
14.22

 
$
12.85

 
$
1.37

 
10.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel and Purchased Power
(Dollars In Thousands)
Fuel used for generation
$
301,077

 
$
305,008

 
$
(3,931
)
 
(1.3
)
Purchased power
135,784

 
116,577

 
19,207

 
16.5

Subtotal
436,861

 
421,585

 
15,276

 
3.6

RECA recovery and other
(21,412
)
 
(47,224
)
 
25,812

 
54.7

Total fuel and purchased power expense
$
415,449

 
$
374,361

 
$
41,088

 
11.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electricity Supply
(Thousands of MWh)
Generated - Gas
1,327

 
1,328

 
(1
)
 
(0.1
)
                    Coal
11,383

 
11,915

 
(532
)
 
(4.5
)
                    Nuclear
3,734

 
3,334

 
400

 
12.0

                    Wind
990

 
306

 
684

 
223.5

Subtotal electricity generated
17,434

 
16,883

 
551

 
3.3

Purchased
5,765

 
4,683

 
1,082

 
23.1

Total Electricity Supply
23,199

 
21,566

 
1,633

 
7.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars per MWh)
Average cost of fuel used for generation
$
17.27

 
$
18.07

 
$
(0.80
)
 
(4.4
)
Average cost of purchased power
$
23.55

 
$
24.89

 
$
(1.34
)
 
(5.4
)
Average cost of fuel and purchased power
$
18.83

 
$
19.55

 
$
(0.72
)
 
(3.7
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Degree Days
 
 
2016/
 
 
 
 
 
2017
 
20 yr Avg
 
 Change
 
 % Change
Cooling
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actual compared to last year
1,660

 
1,882

 
(222
)
 
(11.8
)
Actual compared to 20 year average
1,660

 
1,583

 
77

 
4.9

Heating
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actual compared to last year
2,216

 
2,383

 
(167
)
 
(7.0
)
Actual compared to 20 year average
2,216

 
2,860

 
(644
)
 
(22.5
)
 

The Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the period ended September 30, 2017 should be read in conjunction with this financial information.
Page 8



Westar Energy, Inc.
Capitalization
 
 
September 30, 2017
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
 
$

 
 
 
$
125,000

 
 
Current maturities of long-term debt of VIEs
 
28,534

 
 
 
26,842

 
 
Long-term debt, net
 
3,686,852

 
 
 
3,388,670

 
 
Long-term debt of variable interest entities, net
 
81,433

 
 
 
111,209

 
 
Total long-term debt
 
3,796,819

 
49.5
 %
 
3,651,721

 
48.8
%
Common equity
 
3,929,003

 
51.2
 %
 
3,805,875

 
50.8
%
Noncontrolling interests
 
(50,103
)
 
(0.7
)%
 
27,315

 
0.4
%
Total capitalization
 
$
7,675,719

 
100.0
 %
 
$
7,484,911

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP Book value per share
 
$
27.65

 
 
 
$
26.84

 


Period end shares outstanding (in thousands)
 
142,094

 
 
 
141,791

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding Long-Term Debt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CUSIP
September 30, 2017
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
Westar Energy:
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
First Mortgage Bond series:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.15% Series due January 2017
95709TAB6
$

 
 
 
$
125,000

 
 
5.10% Series due July 2020
95709TAD2
250,000

 
 
 
250,000

 
 
3.25% Series due December 2025
95709TAL4
250,000

 
 
 
250,000

 
 
2.55% Series due June 2026
95709TAN0

350,000

 
 
 
350,000

 
 
3.10% Series due April 2027
95709TAP5
300,000

 
 
 

 
 
4.125% Series due March 2042
95709TAH3
550,000

 
 
 
550,000

 
 
4.10% Series due April 2043
95709TAJ9
430,000

 
 
 
430,000

 
 
4.625% Series due September 2043
95709TAK6
250,000

 
 
 
250,000

 
 
4.25% Series due December 2045
95709TAM2
300,000

 
 
 
300,000

 
 
 
 
2,680,000

 
 
 
2,505,000

 
 
Pollution control bond series:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Variable series due April 2032 (Wamego)
933623BN9
30,500

 
 
 
30,500

 
 
Variable series due April 2032 (St Marys)
792609AF6
45,000

 
 
 
45,000

 
 
 
 
75,500

 
 
 
75,500

 
 
Total Westar Energy
 
2,755,500

 
 
 
2,580,500

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
KGE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First mortgage bond series:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6.70% Series due June 2019
485260BL6
300,000

 
 
 
300,000

 
 
6.15% Series due May 2023
485260B@1
50,000

 
 
 
50,000

 
 
6.53% Series due December 2037
485260BJ1
175,000

 
 
 
175,000

 
 
6.64% Series due May 2038
485260B#9
100,000

 
 
 
100,000

 
 
4.30% Series due July 2044
485260BM4
250,000

 
 
 
250,000

 
 
 
 
875,000

 
 
 
875,000

 
 
Pollution control bond series:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Variable rate series due April 2027 (LaCygne)
502828AJ5
21,940

 
 
 
21,940

 
 
2.50% Series due June 2031
N/A
50,000

 
 
 
50,000

 
 
Variable rate series due April 2032 (St Marys)
792609AE9
14,500

 
 
 
14,500

 
 
Variable rate series due April 2032 (Wamego)
933623BM1
10,000

 
 
 
10,000

 
 
 
 
96,440

 
 

96,440

 
 
Total KGE
 
971,440

 
 
 
971,440

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total long-term debt
 
3,726,940

 
 
 
3,551,940

 
 
Unamortized debt discount
 
(11,082
)
 
 
 
(10,358
)
 
 
Unamortized debt issuance expense
 
(29,006
)
 
 
 
(27,912
)
 
 
Long-term debt due within one year
 

 
 
 
(125,000
)
 
 
Total long-term debt, net
 
$
3,686,852

 
 
 
$
3,388,670

 
 

The Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the period ended September 30, 2017 should be read in conjunction with this financial information.
Page 9



Westar Energy, Inc.
GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation

Fuel and purchased power costs fluctuate with electricity sales and unit costs. As permitted by regulators, prices are adjusted to reflect changes in the costs of fuel and purchased power. Fuel and purchased power costs for wholesale customers are recovered at prevailing market prices or based on a predetermined formula with a price adjustment approved by FERC. As a result, changes in fuel and purchased power costs are offset in revenues with minimal impact on net income. For this reason, Westar management believes that gross margin is useful for understanding and analyzing changes in operating performance from one period to the next. Gross margin is calculated as total revenues, including transmission revenues, less the sum of fuel and purchased power costs and amounts billed by the SPP for network transmission costs (SPP NITS). Accordingly, gross margin reflects transmission revenues and costs on a net basis.

The calculations of gross margin for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 are shown in the table below. The table also includes a reconciliation of gross margin to income from operations for both periods. Income from operations is the GAAP financial measure most directly comparable to gross margin.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Revenues
$
794,327

 
$
764,654


$
29,673


$
1,976,222


$
1,955,552


$
20,670

Less: Fuel and purchased power expense
189,804

 
155,673

 
34,131

 
415,449

 
374,361

 
41,088

 SPP network transmission costs
62,578

 
57,939

 
4,639

 
185,015

 
173,925

 
11,090

Gross margin
$
541,945


$
551,042


$
(9,097
)

$
1,375,758


$
1,407,266


$
(31,508
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from operations
$
259,976

 
$
270,576

 
$
(10,600
)
 
$
541,437

 
$
566,002

 
$
(24,565
)
Plus: Operating and maintenance expense
79,856

 
86,758

 
(6,902
)
 
248,211

 
250,135

 
(1,924
)
Depreciation and amortization expense
94,668

 
84,972

 
9,696

 
277,322

 
252,838

 
24,484

Selling, general and administrative expense
65,630

 
60,582

 
5,048

 
182,367

 
192,762

 
(10,395
)
Taxes other than income tax
41,815

 
48,154

 
(6,339
)
 
126,421

 
145,529

 
(19,108
)
Gross margin
$
541,945

 
$
551,042


$
(9,097
)

$
1,375,758


$
1,407,266


$
(31,508
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


The Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the period ended September 30, 2017 should be read in conjunction with this financial information.
Page 10
a20171031ex993
Westar Energy Investor Update – October 31, 2017 Exhibit 99.3


 
Forward-Looking Disclosures OCTOBER 31, 2017 INVESTOR UPDATE 2 Forward Looking Statements Certain matters discussed in this presentation are “forward-looking statements.” The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 has established that these statements qualify for safe harbors from liability. Forward-looking statements may include words like “believe,” “anticipate,” “target,” “expect,” “pro forma,” “estimate,” “intend,” “guidance” or words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements describe future plans, objectives, expectations or goals. Although Westar Energy believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, all forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include those discussed herein as well as (1) those discussed in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2016 (a) under the heading, “Forward-Looking Statements,” (b) in ITEM 1. Business, (c) in ITEM 1A. Risk Factors, (d) in ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and (e) in ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data: Notes 3, 14 and 16; (2) those discussed in the company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2017, Aug. 8, 2017 and Oct. 31, 2017, (a) under the heading “Forward-Looking Statements,” (b) in ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, (c) in Part I, Financial Information, ITEM 1. Financial Statements: Notes 3, 11, 12 (in the Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2017), and 13 (in the Form 10-Q filed on Aug. 8, 2017 and Oct. 31, 2017), and (d) ITEM 1A. Risk Factors; and (3) other factors discussed in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date such statement was made, and the company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement was made. Additional Information The information in this investor update is not complete, and is intended to be read in conjunction with Westar Energy, Inc.’s full earnings package for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 as well as other information regarding the company that is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The full earnings package is available is available under Supplemental Materials within the investor section of the company website at www.WestarEnergy.com, and the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission can be found in the same section under SEC Filings.


 
Company Update 3 OCTOBER 31, 2017 INVESTOR UPDATE


 
Recent Announcements & Focus  Reported Q3 2017 EPS of $1.11  Compared to Q3 2016 EPS of $1.09  Upcoming Rate Review  Expect to file for general rate review in 1st quarter 2018  Merger with Great Plains Energy  100% stock-for-stock, tax-free exchange  Westar: exchange 1 WR share for 1 share of new company stock  Great Plains: exchange 1 GXP share for .5981 shares of new company stock  Targeted EPS CAGR at 6-8% (off WR’s ’16 EPS of $2.43)  Immediate 15% WR dividend boost at closing  Adjustment maintains GXP dividend  Targeted dividend CAGR at 6-8% thereafter  Improved credit profile; strong investment grade credit  Continued focus on clean, affordable, reliable and safe power 4 OCTOBER 31, 2017 INVESTOR UPDATE


 
Clean Energy Leader 5 OCTOBER 31, 2017 INVESTOR UPDATE In 2017, more than half of retail sales will come from emission-free sources – renewables and nuclear power. * Emissions and water reduction change since 2005


 
Earnings Update 6 OCTOBER 31, 2017 INVESTOR UPDATE


 
Year Over Year Earnings Variance $1.09 $1.11 $2.06 $2.03 3Q16 3Q17 YTD 16 YTD 17 EPS 2016 vs 2017 7  Q3 Variance Drivers Lower income tax expense ~ $25M Lower O&M~ $7M 11% decrease in CDD Higher depreciation expense ~ ($10M) Decrease in COLI benefit ~ ($10M) Increase in merger-related expenses ~ ($6M)  YTD Variance Drivers 12% decrease in CDD Higher depreciation expense ~ ($24M) Lower COLI benefit ~ ($17M) Higher interest expense ~ ($7M) Lower income tax expense ~ $48M Lower property tax amortization expense ~ $19M Lower O&M/SG&A ~ $12M Full Earnings Package is available under Supplemental Materials within the investor section of the company website at www.WestarEnergy.com. OCTOBER 31, 2017 INVESTOR UPDATE


 
Additional Earnings Detail  Merger Expenses  2016 – $10.2M  Q3 2017 – $7.8M  YTD 2017 – $8.6M  Expected total upon closing – $40M to 45M  Weather EPS Estimate  Q3 – $0.05 unfavorable to 2016 – $0.03 unfavorable to normal  2017 – $0.09 unfavorable to 2016 – $0.09 unfavorable to normal  COLI  Actual:  Q3 – $0M  2017 – $0M  2017 annual assumption – $20M  Transmission Margin Increase  2017 annual assumption – $18M 8 OCTOBER 31, 2017 INVESTOR UPDATE


 
Merger Update 9 OCTOBER 31, 2017 INVESTOR UPDATE


 
Merger Value 10 OCTOBER 31, 2017 INVESTOR UPDATE  Expected stronger EPS growth  New company EPS CAGR of 6-8%1 vs WR stand-alone EPS CAGR of 4-6%2  Merger savings – Improve “slope” of EPS growth  Share buybacks – Upward “shift” of EPS growth  Immediate ≈15% dividend increase  Not at expense of credit or payout ratio  Tax-free exchange  Structured to address regulatory order  Not as dependent on future ongoing rate relief 2016 2022e Westar Stand Alone Plan, Guidance 4%-6%, Middle of Range Merger, Opportunities for Additional Synergies/Buy-back Shares Merger, Modest Synergies Merger, No Synergies, Excess Cash Used to Buy-back Approximately 30 Million Shares EPS Growth Targets 6% 7% 8% Merger Close 2018e 1New company expected EPS CAGR based off ‘16 WR EPS of $2.43/sh. 2 WR stand-alone expected EPS CAGR based off normalized ‘15 WR EPS of $2.21/sh.


 
Strong Growth Targets 11 OCTOBER 31, 2017 INVESTOR UPDATE $2.19 $1.44 $1.52 $1.60 $1.84 $2.32 2015A 2016A 2017 Pro Forma 2018E Pro Forma 2021E $2.43 $3.57 2016A Pro Forma 2021E $3.25 Targeted EPS Growth 6-8%1 Targeted Dividend Growth 6-8%1 1Indicated annual earnings per share and dividend per share are historical Westar Energy and targeted combined company.


 
Merger Expected To Close In 1st Half 2018 12 OCTOBER 31, 2017 INVESTOR UPDATE STAKEHOLDER FILED APPROVAL ANTICIPATED ADDITIONAL INFO. GXP and WR shareholders √ 4Q17 Special shareholder meetings for Westar and Great Plains to be held on November 21, 2017 KCC √ 2Q18 Docket: 18-KCPE-095-MER MPSC √ 2Q18 Docket: EM-208-0012 FERC √ 1Q18 – 2Q18 Docket: EC-171-000 NRC √ 1Q18 – 2Q18 Docket: 50-482 U.S. DOJ/FTC (HSR) 4Q17 4Q17 – 1Q18 FCC 1Q18 – 2Q18 1Q18 – 2Q18


 
Merger Summary 13 OCTOBER 31, 2017 INVESTOR UPDATE Transaction Structure • All stock merger of equals (100% stock-for-stock, tax-free exchange); combined equity value of ~$14 billion • New company to be jointly named prior to close Exchange Ratio • Westar Energy: 1:1 • Great Plains Energy: 0.5981:1 Approximate Pro Forma Ownership • Westar Energy 52.5% • Great Plains Energy 47.5% Pro Forma Dividend • Results in 15% dividend uplift for Westar Energy • Adjust to maintain current Great Plains Energy dividend Termination Fee • Reverse break-up fee of $190 million in favor of Westar Energy • Mutual fiduciary out break-up fees of $190 million in favor of the other • Great Plains Energy no-vote fee of $80 million in favor of Westar Energy Governance • Mark Ruelle, Westar Energy CEO to become non-executive chairman • Terry Bassham, Great Plains Energy President & CEO to remain President & CEO • Tony Somma (Westar Energy CFO) to be CFO; Kevin Bryant (Great Plains Energy CFO) to be COO • Equal board representation from each company, including Bassham and Ruelle Headquarters • Corporate Headquarters – Kansas City, Missouri • Operating Headquarters – Topeka, Kansas; Kansas City, Missouri Timing / Approvals • Expected to close first half 2018 • Shareholders, federal and state regulators


 
Additional Information OCTOBER 31, 2017 INVESTOR UPDATE 14 Additional Information and Where to Find It This presentation does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any proxy, vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. In connection with the proposed transactions, Monarch Energy has filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-220465), which was declared effective by the SEC, Great Plains Energy and Westar Energy have each filed a definitive joint proxy statement, which also constitutes a prospectus of Monarch Energy, each of which is publicly available, and Great Plains Energy, Westar Energy and Monarch Energy have filed and may file other documents regarding the proposed transactions with the SEC. Great Plains Energy and Westar Energy mailed the definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus in connection with the transactions to their respective shareholders on or around October 13, 2017. WE URGE INVESTORS TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND DEFINITIVE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND THESE OTHER MATERIALS CAREFULLY BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT GREAT PLAINS ENERGY, WESTAR ENERGY, MONARCH ENERGY AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS. Investors can obtain free copies of the Registration Statement and definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed by Monarch Energy, Great Plains Energy and Westar Energy with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov, the SEC’s website. These documents filed by Great Plains Energy and Monarch Energy are also available free of charge from Great Plains Energy’s website (http://www.greatplainsenergy.com) under the tab, “Investor Relations” and then under the heading “SEC Filings,” or by contacting Great Plains Energy’s Investor Relations Department at 1-800-245-5275. These documents filed by Westar Energy are also available free of charge from Westar Energy’s website (http://www.westarenergy.com) under the tab “Investors” and then under the heading “SEC Filings,” or by contacting Westar Energy’s Investor Relations Department at 785-575-8227. Participants in Proxy Solicitation Great Plains Energy, Westar Energy and their respective directors and certain of their executive officers and employees may be deemed, under SEC rules, to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Great Plains Energy’s and Westar Energy’s shareholders with respect to the proposed transactions. Information regarding the officers and directors of Great Plains Energy is included in its definitive proxy statement for its 2017 annual meeting filed with the SEC on March 23, 2017. Information regarding the officers and directors of Westar Energy is included in its definitive proxy statement for its 2017 annual meeting filed with the SEC on September 14, 2017. Additional information regarding the identity of potential participants, and their direct or indirect interests, by securities, holdings or otherwise, is set forth in the Registration Statement and definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus and other materials filed with SEC in connection with the proposed merger. Free copies of these documents may be obtained as described in the paragraphs above.


 
a20171031ex994
Westar Energy Investor Update – October 31, 2017 Exhibit 99.4 Filed by: Westar Energy, Inc. pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act of 1933 and deemed filed pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Subject Company: Westar Energy, Inc. Commission File Number: 001-03523 Subject Company: Great Plains Energy Incorporated Commission File Number: 001-32206 Subject Company: Monarch Energy Holding, Inc. Commission File Number: 132-02816 Date: October 31, 2017 {Merger Excerpts}


 
Forward-Looking Disclosures OCTOBER 31, 2017 INVESTOR UPDATE 2 Forward Looking Statements Certain matters discussed in this presentation are “forward-looking statements.” The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 has established that these statements qualify for safe harbors from liability. Forward-looking statements may include words like “believe,” “anticipate,” “target,” “expect,” “pro forma,” “estimate,” “intend,” “guidance” or words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements describe future plans, objectives, expectations or goals. Although Westar Energy believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, all forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include those discussed herein as well as (1) those discussed in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2016 (a) under the heading, “Forward-Looking Statements,” (b) in ITEM 1. Business, (c) in ITEM 1A. Risk Factors, (d) in ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and (e) in ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data: Notes 3, 14 and 16; (2) those discussed in the company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2017, Aug. 8, 2017 and Oct. 31, 2017, (a) under the heading “Forward-Looking Statements,” (b) in ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, (c) in Part I, Financial Information, ITEM 1. Financial Statements: Notes 3, 11, 12 (in the Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2017), and 13 (in the Form 10-Q filed on Aug. 8, 2017 and Oct. 31, 2017), and (d) ITEM 1A. Risk Factors; and (3) other factors discussed in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date such statement was made, and the company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement was made. Additional Information The information in this investor update is not complete, and is intended to be read in conjunction with Westar Energy, Inc.’s full earnings package for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 as well as other information regarding the company that is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The full earnings package is available is available under Supplemental Materials within the investor section of the company website at www.WestarEnergy.com, and the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission can be found in the same section under SEC Filings.


 
Recent Announcements & Focus  Merger with Great Plains Energy  100% stock-for-stock, tax-free exchange  Westar: exchange 1 WR share for 1 share of new company stock  Great Plains: exchange 1 GXP share for .5981 shares of new company stock  Targeted EPS CAGR at 6-8% (off WR’s ’16 EPS of $2.43)  Immediate 15% WR dividend boost at closing  Adjustment maintains GXP dividend  Targeted dividend CAGR at 6-8% thereafter  Improved credit profile; strong investment grade credit 3 OCTOBER 31, 2017 INVESTOR UPDATE


 
Merger Update 4 OCTOBER 31, 2017 INVESTOR UPDATE


 
Merger Value 5 OCTOBER 31, 2017 INVESTOR UPDATE  Expected stronger EPS growth  New company EPS CAGR of 6-8%1 vs WR stand-alone EPS CAGR of 4-6%2  Merger savings – Improve “slope” of EPS growth  Share buybacks – Upward “shift” of EPS growth  Immediate ≈15% dividend increase  Not at expense of credit or payout ratio  Tax-free exchange  Structured to address regulatory order  Not as dependent on future ongoing rate relief 2016 2022e Westar Stand Alone Plan, Guidance 4%-6%, Middle of Range Merger, Opportunities for Additional Synergies/Buy-back Shares Merger, Modest Synergies Merger, No Synergies, Excess Cash Used to Buy-back Approximately 30 Million Shares EPS Growth Targets 6% 7% 8% Merger Close 2018e 1New company expected EPS CAGR based off ‘16 WR EPS of $2.43/sh. 2 WR stand-alone expected EPS CAGR based off normalized ‘15 WR EPS of $2.21/sh.


 
Strong Growth Targets 6 OCTOBER 31, 2017 INVESTOR UPDATE $2.19 $1.44 $1.52 $1.60 $1.84 $2.32 2015A 2016A 2017 Pro Forma 2018E Pro Forma 2021E $2.43 $3.57 2016A Pro Forma 2021E $3.25 Targeted EPS Growth 6-8%1 Targeted Dividend Growth 6-8%1 1Indicated annual earnings per share and dividend per share are historical Westar Energy and targeted combined company.


 
Merger Expected To Close In 1st Half 2018 7 OCTOBER 31, 2017 INVESTOR UPDATE STAKEHOLDER FILED APPROVAL ANTICIPATED ADDITIONAL INFO. GXP and WR shareholders √ 4Q17 Special shareholder meetings for Westar and Great Plains to be held on November 21, 2017 KCC √ 2Q18 Docket: 18-KCPE-095-MER MPSC √ 2Q18 Docket: EM-208-0012 FERC √ 1Q18 – 2Q18 Docket: EC-171-000 NRC √ 1Q18 – 2Q18 Docket: 50-482 U.S. DOJ/FTC (HSR) 4Q17 4Q17 – 1Q18 FCC 1Q18 – 2Q18 1Q18 – 2Q18


 
Merger Summary 8 OCTOBER 31, 2017 INVESTOR UPDATE Transaction Structure • All stock merger of equals (100% stock-for-stock, tax-free exchange); combined equity value of ~$14 billion • New company to be jointly named prior to close Exchange Ratio • Westar Energy: 1:1 • Great Plains Energy: 0.5981:1 Approximate Pro Forma Ownership • Westar Energy 52.5% • Great Plains Energy 47.5% Pro Forma Dividend • Results in 15% dividend uplift for Westar Energy • Adjust to maintain current Great Plains Energy dividend Termination Fee • Reverse break-up fee of $190 million in favor of Westar Energy • Mutual fiduciary out break-up fees of $190 million in favor of the other • Great Plains Energy no-vote fee of $80 million in favor of Westar Energy Governance • Mark Ruelle, Westar Energy CEO to become non-executive chairman • Terry Bassham, Great Plains Energy President & CEO to remain President & CEO • Tony Somma (Westar Energy CFO) to be CFO; Kevin Bryant (Great Plains Energy CFO) to be COO • Equal board representation from each company, including Bassham and Ruelle Headquarters • Corporate Headquarters – Kansas City, Missouri • Operating Headquarters – Topeka, Kansas; Kansas City, Missouri Timing / Approvals • Expected to close first half 2018 • Shareholders, federal and state regulators


 
Additional Information OCTOBER 31, 2017 INVESTOR UPDATE 9 Additional Information and Where to Find It This presentation does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any proxy, vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. In connection with the proposed transactions, Monarch Energy has filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-220465), which was declared effective by the SEC, Great Plains Energy and Westar Energy have each filed a definitive joint proxy statement, which also constitutes a prospectus of Monarch Energy, each of which is publicly available, and Great Plains Energy, Westar Energy and Monarch Energy have filed and may file other documents regarding the proposed transactions with the SEC. Great Plains Energy and Westar Energy mailed the definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus in connection with the transactions to their respective shareholders on or around October 13, 2017. WE URGE INVESTORS TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND DEFINITIVE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND THESE OTHER MATERIALS CAREFULLY BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT GREAT PLAINS ENERGY, WESTAR ENERGY, MONARCH ENERGY AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS. Investors can obtain free copies of the Registration Statement and definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed by Monarch Energy, Great Plains Energy and Westar Energy with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov, the SEC’s website. These documents filed by Great Plains Energy and Monarch Energy are also available free of charge from Great Plains Energy’s website (http://www.greatplainsenergy.com) under the tab, “Investor Relations” and then under the heading “SEC Filings,” or by contacting Great Plains Energy’s Investor Relations Department at 1-800-245-5275. These documents filed by Westar Energy are also available free of charge from Westar Energy’s website (http://www.westarenergy.com) under the tab “Investors” and then under the heading “SEC Filings,” or by contacting Westar Energy’s Investor Relations Department at 785-575-8227. Participants in Proxy Solicitation Great Plains Energy, Westar Energy and their respective directors and certain of their executive officers and employees may be deemed, under SEC rules, to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Great Plains Energy’s and Westar Energy’s shareholders with respect to the proposed transactions. Information regarding the officers and directors of Great Plains Energy is included in its definitive proxy statement for its 2017 annual meeting filed with the SEC on March 23, 2017. Information regarding the officers and directors of Westar Energy is included in its definitive proxy statement for its 2017 annual meeting filed with the SEC on September 14, 2017. Additional information regarding the identity of potential participants, and their direct or indirect interests, by securities, holdings or otherwise, is set forth in the Registration Statement and definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus and other materials filed with SEC in connection with the proposed merger. Free copies of these documents may be obtained as described in the paragraphs above.