11-K RSP - 12
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 


 
FORM 11-K
 
þ
 ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d)
 
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012
OR
 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d)
 
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from              to             
Commission file number 001-16189
 


 
 
NISOURCE INC.
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN
(Full title of plan)

NISOURCE INC.
(Issuer of the Securities)

801 East 86th Avenue, Merrillville, Indiana 46410
(Address of Principal Executive Office)




NiSource Inc.
Retirement Savings Plan
Employer ID No: 35-2108964
Plan Number: 005

Financial Statements as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 and for the Year Ended December 31, 2012,
Supplemental Schedule as of December 31, 2012, and Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm




NISOURCE INC.
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN

CONTENTS
 
Page
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits as of December 31, 2012 and 2011
Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits for the year ended December 31, 2012
Notes to Financial Statements
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE

Form 5500 Schedule H, Part IV, Line 4i - Schedule of Assets (Held at End of Year) as of December 31, 2012
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT:
 
Exhibit 23 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 

NOTE: Schedules not filed herewith are omitted because of the absence of the conditions under which they are required by the Department of Labor's Rules and Regulations for Reporting and Disclosure under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974


NISOURCE INC.
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Participants and Benefits Committee of the NiSource Inc. Retirement Savings Plan
Merrillville, Indiana

We have audited the accompanying statements of net assets available for benefits of the NiSource Inc. Retirement Savings Plan (the “Plan”) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related statement of changes in net assets available for benefits for the year ended December 31, 2012. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Plan’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Plan is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Plan’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the net assets available for benefits of the Plan as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the changes in net assets available for benefits for the year ended December 31, 2012 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Our audits were conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic financial statements taken as a whole. The supplemental schedule of assets (held at end of year) as of December 31, 2012, is presented for the purpose of additional analysis and is not a required part of the basic financial statements, but is supplementary information required by the Department of Labor’s Rules and Regulations for Reporting and Disclosure under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. This schedule is the responsibility of the Plan’s management. Such schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in our audit of the basic 2012 financial statements and, in our opinion, is fairly stated in all material respects when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.


/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Chicago, Illinois
June 26, 2013



2

NISOURCE INC.
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN

Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits

As of December 31,
2012
2011
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
Investments - at fair value:
 
 
Mutual funds
$
696,017,054

$
606,930,725

Money market fund
119,248,262

124,164,245

NiSource Inc. Common Stock Fund
264,874,301

242,905,900

Common collective trust
21,207,717

20,549,783

Total investments
1,101,347,334

994,550,653

Notes receivable from participants
24,180,176

22,175,668

Net Assets Available for Benefits
$
1,125,527,510

$
1,016,726,321


See accompanying notes to financial statements.

Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits

Year Ended December 31,
2012
 
 
Additions
 
Contributions:
 
Participant
$
50,273,366

Employer
30,425,211

Total contributions
80,698,577

Investment Income:
 
Net appreciation in fair value of investments
74,790,844

Dividends and interest
34,857,318

Net investment income
109,648,162

Interest on notes receivable from participants
802,401

Total additions
191,149,140

 
 
Deductions
 
Benefits paid to participants
82,146,202

Administrative expenses
123,808

Other
77,941

Total deductions
82,347,951

Increase in Net Assets
108,801,189

Net Assets Available for Benefits - Beginning of year
1,016,726,321

Net Assets Available for Benefits - End of year
$
1,125,527,510


See accompanying notes to financial statements.


3

NISOURCE INC.
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN

Notes to Financial Statements

1.    Description of the Plan

NiSource Inc. (the “Company” or “NiSource”) is a holding company whose major subsidiary companies are Northern Indiana Public Service Company (“NIPSCO”), Columbia Energy Group, and Bay State Gas Company. On July 1, 2011, subsidiaries Northern Indiana Fuel and Light (“NIFL”) and Kokomo Gas and Fuel (“Kokomo”) were merged into NIPSCO. The following description of the NiSource Inc. Retirement Savings Plan (the “Plan”) provides general information regarding the Plan. Participants should refer to the Plan document for a more complete description of the Plan's provisions.
General - The Plan is a defined contribution plan available to each eligible employee who works for the Company or one of its subsidiary companies as defined above. It is subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), as amended.
Plan Administration - The Company serves as sponsor of the Plan. The Company maintains the NiSource Benefits Committee (the "Committee"), an administrative committee appointed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, which has the responsibility to assist the Company in administering the Plan. Fidelity Management Trust Company (the “Trustee”) holds all of the Plan's assets and executes all investment transactions. The Plan investments include twenty-five mutual funds, one money market fund, one collective trust and one common stock fund as investment options for participants.
Contributions - Each year, participants may contribute up to 50% of compensation (as defined in the Plan) on a combined pre-tax and Roth basis, and up to 25% on an after-tax basis, up to 75% in total (including catch-up contributions), subject to Internal Revenue Code limitations. Participants who are at least 50 years old or will be 50 years old in the Plan year can make catch-up contributions to the Plan. Participants can direct the investment of their contributions into the various investment options offered by the Plan. NiSource does not match on pre-tax catch up or Roth after-tax catch up contributions. Some groups are not matched on after-tax contributions, as noted below.
The Company contribution (match) formulas are as follows:
a.
For the accounts of all participants who participate in the Final Pay Option of the Columbia Energy Group Pension Plan, or any successor plan (as defined therein):

(1)
during the first 120 months of participation, the match is equal to 50% for each $1 contributed as an elective deferral contribution (pre-tax or Roth) and/or after-tax contribution (a combined total) up to the first 6% of the participant's contribution;

(2)
from the 121st through the 240th month of participation, the match is equal to 75% for each $1 contributed as an elective deferral contribution (pre-tax or Roth) and/or after-tax contribution (a combined total) up to the first 6% of the participant's contribution;

(3)
from the 241st month onward of participation, the match is equal to $1 for each $1 contributed as an elective deferral contribution (pre-tax or Roth) and/or after-tax contribution (a combined total) up to the first 6% of the participant's contribution.

b.
For the accounts of all participants who participate in the Final Pay Option of the NiSource Salaried Pension Plan and NIPSCO (formerly Kokomo) nonunion employees who participate in the Final Pay Option of the NiSource Subsidiary Pension Plan and NIPSCO (formerly Kokomo) union employees who participate in the Final Pay Option of the Kokomo Union Pension Plan, or any successor plans (as defined therein), the match is equal to 11.1% of a combined total of pre-tax and Roth after-tax contributions made by the participant to the Plan.

c.
For the accounts of all nonunion participants who participate in the Final Pay Option of the Bay State Gas Company Pension Plan, or any successor plan (as defined therein), the match is 50 cents for each $1 contributed on the first 5% of compensation.

d.
For accounts of all employees of NIPSCO (formerly NIFL) who participate in the Final Pay Option of the NiSource Subsidiary Pension Plan or any successor plan (as defined therein), the match is equal to 50 cents for each $1 contributed as an elective deferral contribution (pre-tax or Roth) up to the first 6% of compensation.


4

NISOURCE INC.
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN

Notes to Financial Statements

e.
For the accounts of all participants who participate in the Account Balance I (AB I) option of the Columbia Energy Group Pension Plan, the NiSource Salaried Pension Plan, the NiSource Subsidiary Pension Plan, or the Bay State Gas Company Pension Plan, or any successor plans (as defined therein), the Company match is 75 cents for each $1 contributed as an elective deferral contribution (pre-tax or Roth) and/or after-tax contribution (a combined total) up to the first 6% of compensation.

On January 1, 2006, a new Account Balance option was created (AB II). Exempt employees were given the opportunity to elect this new account balance pension design or stay in the old Account Balance option (AB I). Under the new retirement income program, exempt new hires since January 1, 2006 are automatically placed into the new retirement income program plan design (AB II), as are all nonunion nonexempt hires since January 1, 2008. Effective January 1, 2008 new hires into the NIPSCO (formerly NIFL) Union within the NiSource Subsidiary Pension Plan and new hires in certain union groups within The Bay State Union Pension Plan are automatically placed into the new retirement income program plan design (AB II). Effective March 1, 2009, new hires in the Kokomo Union Pension Plan are automatically placed into the new retirement income program plan design (AB II). As of January 1, 2011 all current exempt employees who had not already elected the new account balance design were automatically converted. The Company match for the 401(k) under this new pension design (AB II) is equal to $1 for each $1 contributed as an elective deferral contribution (pre-tax or Roth) and/or after-tax contribution (a combined total) up to the first 6% of compensation.
f.
Effective January 1, 2005, all NIPSCO active union employees were given a choice between Account Balance (AB I) and Final Average Pay defined benefit plan. For employees who choose the Account Balance (AB I) pension plan, the Company match is 75 cents for each $1 contributed as an elective deferral contribution (pre-tax or Roth) and/or after-tax contribution (a combined total) up to the first 6% of compensation. For employees who choose the Final Average Pay defined benefit plan, the Company match is equal to 11.1% of a combined total of pre-tax and Roth after-tax contributions made by the participant to the Plan.

g.
For certain union employees in The Bay State Union Pension Plan, Bay State Gas Company makes contributions from 2.5% to 6% of eligible compensation. Such contributions are allocated according to the participant's direct accounts.

h.
Effective January 1, 2010, in lieu of a pension plan, employees who are hired or rehired on or after January 1, 2010 and classified by the Company as an “exempt employee,” are eligible for the Exempt Employee Employer Contribution. Each pay period, the Company makes an Exempt Employee Employer Contribution in the amount of 3% of compensation to the account of each exempt employee eligible for this contribution. Employees will receive this contribution each pay period whether or not they make contributions to the Plan. If an employee wishes to participate in the 401(k) plan, the Company match is 50 cents for each $1 contributed as an elective deferral contribution (pre-tax or Roth) and/or after-tax contribution (a combined total) up to the first 6% of compensation.

For all employees other than those referenced in item 1(g) above, the matching contribution is invested directly into the NiSource Inc. Common Stock Fund. Employees may subsequently redirect matching contributions among any of the remaining funds available in the Plan.

The Plan allows the Company to make additional discretionary profit sharing contributions to the Plan. These contributions may be up to 1.5% of each participant's compensation. Such discretionary contributions are determined and credited in the year following the Plan year. Discretionary contributions of $4,399,264 were authorized on February 28, 2013. Such amounts will be reported as contributions to the Plan in the year authorized and funded. Discretionary contributions of $6,100,919 were authorized in 2012 and reported as contributions in the statement of changes in net assets for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Automatic Enrollment - Certain new hires are automatically enrolled into the Plan at a 3% contribution level after 30 days of hire. The new hire has the option to stop or change the contribution percentage at any time.
Rollovers from Other Qualified Employer Plans - The Plan allows for employees to transfer certain of their other qualified employer retirement plan assets to the Plan. These amounts are reflected in participant contributions in the accompanying statement of changes in net assets available for benefits.
Participant Accounts - Individual accounts are maintained for each participant of the Plan. Each participant's account is credited with the participant's contribution and allocations of the Company's contribution and Plan earnings and charged with withdrawals

5

NISOURCE INC.
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN

Notes to Financial Statements

and an allocation of Plan losses and certain administrative expenses. Allocations are based on participant account balances. The benefit to which a participant is entitled is the benefit that can be provided from the participant's account.
Vesting - Participants are fully vested in their accounts at all times.
Notes Receivable from Participants - Participants may borrow from their accounts a minimum of $1,000 up to a maximum of $50,000 or 50% of their account balance, whichever is less. The loans are secured by the balance in the participant's account and bear interest at prime rate on the last day of the month prior to loan initiation. Interest rates on outstanding loans range from 3.25% to 9.50% at December 31, 2012 and 3.25% to 11% at December 31, 2011. Participants may have a maximum of two loans outstanding at any given time. Principal and interest are paid ratably through payroll deductions over a period not to exceed five years, unless the loan is to purchase the participant's primary residence which allows repayment up to 15 years (30 years prior to January 1, 2002). Participants who terminate employment on or after July 1, 2005 with an outstanding Plan loan may make loan repayments through direct payments from their bank accounts. If no arrangements are made with Fidelity after termination/retirement, the participant is subject to having their loan defaulted and could face tax consequences.
Participant Withdrawals - Withdrawals from the Plan are generally permitted when the participant terminates employment, retires, or becomes permanently disabled. The Plan offers the following options for withdrawals while still employed:
Age 59½ withdrawals;
Voluntary withdrawals from after-tax, rollover and matching contributions; and
Hardship withdrawals, subject to the Plan rules.

A hardship withdrawal may result in the suspension of the participant's deferral and Company matching contributions for six months.

Payment of Benefits - If the amount payable under the Plan to any participant or beneficiary is $1,000 or less, the Plan administrator will direct that such amount be paid in a lump sum. If the participant's balance exceeds $1,000, but does not exceed $5,000 and the participant does not elect to have such distribution paid to another qualified plan or does not elect to receive a distribution directly, then the Plan administrator will pay the distribution as a direct rollover to an individual retirement plan designated by the Plan administrator.
2.    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Accounting - The financial statements of the Plan were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) using the accrual basis of accounting.
Use of Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and changes therein, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Payment of Benefits - Benefits are recorded when paid. There were no participants who have elected to withdraw from the Plan, but have not yet been paid, at December 31, 2012 and 2011.
Investments - The investments of the Plan are reported at fair value. The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that would be received to sell that asset (or paid to transfer a liability) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (the exit price). See Note 4 for discussion of fair value measurements.
Purchases and sales of the investments are reflected on a trade-date basis.
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis.
Management fees and other operating expenses charged to the Plan for investments in the mutual funds are deducted from income earned on a daily basis and are not separately reflected. Consequently, management fees and operating expenses are reflected as a reduction of investment return for such investments.

6

NISOURCE INC.
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN

Notes to Financial Statements

Risks and Uncertainties - The Plan provides various investment options to its participants. Investment securities, in general, are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate risk, credit risk, and overall market volatility. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investment securities, it is reasonably possible that changes in the values of investment securities will occur in the near term and that such change could materially affect the value of the participants' account balances and the amounts reported in the financial statements.
Notes Receivable from Participants - Loans to participants are recorded at the unpaid principal balance plus any accrued but unpaid interest. Delinquent participant loans are recorded as distributions based on the terms of the Plan document.
NiSource Inc. Common Stock Fund
Employee Stock Ownership Plan - The NiSource Inc. Common Stock Fund operates as an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”). As an ESOP, under the terms of this Plan, participants may diversify their investment attributable to employer match at any time. Participants may also elect to have dividends paid to them in cash or reinvested in the fund.
Voting and Tendering Rights of NiSource Inc. Common Stock Fund Participants - Each participant in the NiSource Inc. Common Stock Fund is entitled to direct the Trustee as to the manner of voting at each meeting of shareholders. A participant's interest is represented by the value of the participant's interest in the NiSource Inc. Common Stock Fund.
Payment of Benefits - Any distribution consisting of units in the NiSource Inc. Common Stock Fund may be paid in cash or in whole shares of common stock represented by such units plus a cash amount equal to the fair market value of any fraction of a share of the NiSource Inc. Common Stock Fund.
Administrative Expenses - Most administrative expenses of the Plan are paid by the Company. Certain other expenses of the Plan such as investment manager and broker fees are paid by the Plan. Certain loan administration fees are paid from the individual participant accounts.
Subsequent Events - Subsequent events have been evaluated through June 26, 2013 which is the date the financial statements were available to be issued. As of January 1, 2013, the following employees, not already participating in the new retirement income program plan design (AB II), were automatically converted: union and non-exempt non-union employees in the Columbia Energy Group Pension Plan, non-exempt non-union and Brockton Clerical Technical Union employees in the Bay State Gas Company Pension Plan, non-exempt non-union employees in the NiSource Salaried Pension Plan, and certain union employees in The Bay State Union Pension Plan.
New Accounting Pronouncement- In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS, which amends ASC 820. ASU 2011-04 also requires the categorization by level for items that are only required to be disclosed at fair value and information about transfers between Level 1 and Level 2. In addition, the ASU provides guidance on measuring the fair value of financial instruments managed within a portfolio and the application of premiums and discounts on fair value measurements. The ASU requires additional disclosure for Level 3 measurements regarding the sensitivity of fair value to changes in unobservable inputs and any interrelationships between those inputs. The new guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Plan's financial statements.

3.    Investments

The following identifies investments that represent 5% or more of the Plan's net assets.
As of December 31,
2012
2011
 
 
 
NiSource Inc. Common Stock Fund2
$
264,874,301

$
242,905,900

Fidelity Institutional Money Market Fund1
119,248,262

124,164,245

Fidelity Contrafund Class K1
67,609,355

63,392,994

Spartan 500 Index - Institutional
74,514,690

65,660,157

Fidelity Growth Company Fund Class K1
103,005,011

93,140,663



7

NISOURCE INC.
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN

Notes to Financial Statements

1Includes parties-in-interest to the Plan.
2Includes nonparticipant-directed investments and represents a party-in-interest to the Plan.

The Plan provides for investments that, in general, are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate, credit and overall market volatility risks. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investment securities, it is reasonably possible that changes in the values of investment securities will occur in the near term and that such changes could materially affect the amounts reported in the accompanying statements of net assets available for benefits.


During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Plan's investments (including gains and losses on investments bought and sold, as well as held during the year) appreciated in value as follows:
 
 
Appreciation
Mutual Funds1
 
U.S. equities
$
41,788,488

International equities
8,805,824

Balanced fund
4,354,102

Target date funds
7,514,960

Fixed income
682,091

Common collective trust
100,071

NiSource Inc. Common Stock Fund2
11,545,308

Net appreciation in fair value of investments
$
74,790,844


1Includes parties-in-interest to the Plan.
2Includes nonparticipant-directed investments and represents a party-in-interest to the Plan.

4.    Fair Value Measurements

The Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the FASB ASC established a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below. As required, assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Basis of Fair Value Measurement
Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
Level 2 - Quoted prices in markets that are not considered to be active or financial instruments for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3 - Prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.
The methods used to measure fair value may produce an amount that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, although the Plan believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.
The Plan's policy is to recognize significant transfers at the actual date of the event. During the year ended December 31, 2012 the Plan had no transfers in or out of Levels 1, 2, or 3.

8

NISOURCE INC.
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN

Notes to Financial Statements

Asset Valuation Techniques
Level 1 Measurements - The investments in mutual funds are valued at quoted market prices that represent the net asset value of shares held by the Plan at year-end. The shares held in mutual funds are traded on national securities exchanges.
The money market fund is stated at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
Level 2 Measurements - The investment in the common collective trust (“CCT”) is valued at the unit value as reported by the investment manager as of December 31, 2012 and 2011. Unit values are determined by the financial institution sponsoring such CCT, by dividing the trust's net assets (which are primarily short-term investments and guaranteed investment contracts) at fair value (calculated by the fair value of the underlying investments held by the trust) by its units outstanding at the valuation dates. Redemptions are normally available on a daily basis without notice, but may be temporarily suspended due to liquidity concerns.
The investment in the NiSource Inc. Common Stock Fund is reported at net asset value and includes money market funds which are valued at cost (which approximates fair value) and NiSource Inc. Common Stock which is stated at fair value measured by quoted market prices in an active market. Redemptions are available on a daily basis without notice.

9

NISOURCE INC.
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN

Notes to Financial Statements

The following tables set forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the Plan's investment assets at fair value as of December 31, 2012 and 2011.
 
 
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2012
 
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
Significant Other Observable Inputs
Significant Unobservable Inputs
 
Total
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)
Mutual funds
 
 
 
 
U.S. equities
$
348,240,341

$
348,240,341

$

$

International equities
57,237,610

57,237,610



Balanced fund
43,550,980

43,550,980



Target date funds
119,122,323

119,122,323



Fixed income
127,865,800

127,865,800



Money market fund
119,248,262

119,248,262



Common collective trust
21,207,717


21,207,717


NiSource Inc. Common Stock Fund
264,874,301


264,874,301


Total
$
1,101,347,334

$
815,265,316

$
286,082,018

$

 
 
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2011
 
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
Significant Other Observable Inputs
Significant Unobservable Inputs
 
Total
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)
Mutual funds
 
 
 
 
U.S. equities
$
318,397,644

$
318,397,644

$

$

International equities
51,202,621

51,202,621



Balanced fund
39,647,249

39,647,249



Target date funds
89,045,730

89,045,730



Fixed income
108,637,481

108,637,481



Money market fund
124,164,245

124,164,245



Common collective trust
20,549,783


20,549,783


NiSource Inc. Common Stock Fund
242,905,900


242,905,900


Total
$
994,550,653

$
731,094,970

$
263,455,683

$



10

NISOURCE INC.
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN

Notes to Financial Statements

5.    Exempt Party-In-Interest Transactions

Certain Plan investments are shares of mutual funds managed by the Fidelity Management Trust Company. Fidelity Management Trust Company is the Trustee, as defined by the Plan; therefore, these transactions qualify as party-in-interest transactions.
Fees paid by the Plan for investment management services were included as a reduction of the return earned on each fund.
At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Plan held 24,525,398 and 23,469,169 shares, respectively, of common stock of the Company, the Plan Sponsor, with a cost basis of $195,569,059 and $173,198,298 respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Plan recorded $9,587,600 of dividend income for the common stock.
6.    Nonparticipant-Directed Investments

The Plan's investment in NiSource Inc. Common Stock Fund includes both participant-directed transactions and non-participant directed transactions. Information about the NiSource Inc. Common Stock Fund and the significant components of the changes in the NiSource Inc. Common Stock Fund are as follows as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and for the year ended December 31, 2012:
Balance at beginning of year
$
242,905,900

 
 
Changes in net assets:
 
Net appreciation in fair value of investments
11,545,308

Interest and dividends
9,587,600

Participant contributions
4,468,829

Employer contributions
29,759,829

Loans issued/repaid (net)
(1,027,820
)
Interest on loans
249,085

Administrative fees
(21,314
)
Benefits paid
(17,726,849
)
Other adjustments
11,498

Transfer (to)/from participant-directed investments (net)
(14,877,765
)
Net Change
21,968,401

Balance at end of year
$
264,874,301



7.    Fidelity Managed Income Portfolio

The Plan participates in a fully benefit-responsive investment contract, the Fidelity Managed Income Portfolio, which is a collective trust. The beneficial interest of each participant is represented by units. Units are issued and normally redeemed daily at the trust's constant net asset value (NAV) of $1 per unit. Distribution to the trust's unit holders is declared daily from the net investment income and automatically reinvested in the trust on a monthly basis, when paid. It is the policy of the trust to use its best efforts to maintain a stable net asset value of $1 per unit; although there is no guarantee that the trust will be able to maintain this value. Participants may ordinarily direct the withdrawal or transfer of all or a portion of their investments at contract value. Contract value represents contributions made to the trust, plus earnings, less participant withdrawals and administrative expenses.
GAAP requires that the statements of net assets available for benefits present investment contracts at fair value as well as an additional line item showing an adjustment from fair value to contract value. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the investment manager reported that there is no significant difference between the contract value and fair value; therefore, there is no impact on the 2012 and 2011 financial statements. The contract is included in the statements of net assets available for benefits at estimated fair value.

11

NISOURCE INC.
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN

Notes to Financial Statements

The average yield and average crediting interest rates were 1.70% and 1.05% for 2012 and 1.92% and 1.39% for 2011. The crediting interest rate is based on a formula agreed upon with the issuer. Such interest rates are adjusted on a daily basis.
The trust imposes certain restrictions on the Plan, and the trust itself may be subject to circumstances that impact the ability to transact at contract value, such as partial or complete termination of the Plan or its merger with another plan, plant closings, layoffs, bankruptcy, mergers, early retirement incentives, and certain transfers of assets from the fund. The Plan Administrator believes such events that would limit the Plan participants' ability to transact at contract value with the Fidelity Managed Income Portfolio are not probable of occurring.
8.    Plan Termination

Although it has not expressed any intention to do so, the Company reserves the right under the Plan document to terminate the Plan at any time, subject to the provisions of ERISA. In the event of Plan termination, the rights of each participant to all amounts then credited to the participant's account will continue to be nonforfeitable.
9.    Tax Status

The Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) has issued a determination letter dated February 25, 2004, stating that the Plan is qualified under applicable sections of the Internal Revenue Code (the “IRC”). The Plan has been amended and restated since receiving such determination letter and has been submitted as of January 28, 2010 for a new determination letter. This submission is outstanding as of the date of these financial statements. However, the Plan administrator believes that the Plan is designed and is currently being operated in compliance with the applicable requirements of the IRC, and the Plan and related trust continue to be tax-exempt. Therefore, no provision for income taxes has been included in the Plan's financial statements.
GAAP requires Plan management to evaluate tax positions taken by the Plan and recognize a tax liability if the Plan has taken an uncertain position that more likely than not would not be sustained upon examination by the Internal Revenue Service. The Plan administrator has analyzed the tax positions taken by the Plan, and has concluded that as of December 31, 2012, there are no uncertain positions taken or expected to be taken that would require recognition of a tax liability or disclosure in the financial statements.
The Plan is subject to routine audits by taxing jurisdictions; however there are currently no audits for any tax periods in progress. The Plan administrator believes that it is no longer subject to income tax examinations for years prior to 2007.
The Plan files Form 5500, Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan, which is subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service until the applicable statute of limitations expires. The statute of limitations for Form 5500 is six years.


12

NISOURCE INC.
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN

FORM: 5500 Schedule H, Part IV, Line 4i
EMPLOYER ID NO: 35-2108964, PLAN No: 005



Schedule of Assets (Held at End of Year)
As of December 31, 2012
 
Identity of Issuer, Borrower, Lessor, or Similar Party
Description of Investment, Including Maturity Date, Rate of Interest, Collateral and Par or Maturity Value
Cost**
Fair Value
*
NiSource Inc.
NiSource Inc. Common Stock Fund
$
195,569,059

$
264,874,301

*
Fidelity
Institutional Money Market Fund
 
119,248,262

*
Fidelity
Managed Income Portfolio
 
21,207,717

*
Fidelity
Balanced Fund Class K
 
43,550,980

 
American Funds
EuroPacific Growth Fund
 
50,829,042

 
Columbia
Acorn USA Z
 
14,338,394

*
Fidelity
Contrafund Class K
 
67,609,355

*
Fidelity
Equity Income Fund Class K
 
16,113,827

*
Fidelity
Freedom K Income Fund
 
5,797,424

*
Fidelity
Freedom 2010 Fund
 
18,561,422

*
Fidelity
Freedom 2020 Fund
 
47,361,494

*
Fidelity
Freedom 2030 Fund
 
24,978,676

*
Fidelity
Freedom 2040 Fund
 
15,467,855

*
Fidelity
Freedom 2050 Fund
 
6,955,452

*
Fidelity
Growth Company Fund Class K
 
103,005,011

 
Oakmark
Oakmark International Fund I
 
5,106,903

 
MFS
Massachusetts Investors Trust
 
20,436,946

 
Invesco
U.S. Small Cap Value Fund
 
21,660,898

 
Northern Funds
Small Cap Value Fund
 
5,845,251

 
Perkins
Small Cap Value Fund - Institutional Class
 
18,832,750

 
PIMCO
Total Return Fund (institutional)
 
46,300,928

 
PIMCO
Long-Term U.S. Government Fund
 
23,664,816

 
PIMCO
Low-Duration Fund (institutional)
 
13,449,066

*
Fidelity
Spartan 500 Index - Institutional
 
74,514,690

*
Fidelity
Spartan International Index Fund - Investor Class
 
1,301,665

*
Fidelity
Spartan Extended Market Index Fund - Investor Class
 
5,883,219

 
Vanguard
Total Bond Market (institutional)
 
36,429,415

 
Vanguard
Inflation Protected Securities Fund - Admiral Shares
 
8,021,575

*
Various plan participants
Participant loans, with interest rates ranging from 3.25% to 9.50%, and maturity dates
 
 
 
 
ranging from 2013 to 2031.
 
24,180,176

 
Total Assets (Held at End of Year)
 
$
1,125,527,510

 
 
 
 
 
*
Denotes a party-in-interest
 
 
**
Cost omitted for participant-directed investments
 
 

13

NISOURCE INC.
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN

SIGNATURE
The Plan. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Administrative Committee has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.


 
 
NiSource Inc. Retirement Savings Plan
 
 
(Name of Plan)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:            
June 26, 2013
/s/David J. Vajda
 
 
David J. Vajda
 
 
V.P., Treasurer & Chief Risk Officer NiSource Inc.
 
 
Member, Administrative Committee

14

NISOURCE INC.
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN

Each of the undersigned, in his capacity as an officer of NiSource Inc., hereby certifies as required by 18 U.S.C. ss.1350, that, to his knowledge, the accompanying annual report on Form 11-K of the NiSource Inc. Retirement Savings Plan for the fiscal year ended on December 31, 2012 fully complies with the requirements of 15 U.S.C. ss.78m and that the information contained in the accompanying annual report fairly presents, in all material respects, the net assets of the Plan available for benefits and changes in those net assets.
/s/Robert C. Skaggs, Jr.
 
/s/Stephen P. Smith
Robert C. Skaggs, Jr.
 
Stephen P. Smith
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
Executive Vice President and
 
 
Chief Financial Officer


15

NISOURCE INC.
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN

Exhibit
Description of Item
23
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


16