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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
|X| QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2006
OR
|_| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _________________ to______________________
Commission File Number 0-422
MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
New Jersey 22-1114430
(State of incorporation) (IRS employer identification no.)
1500 Ronson Road, Iselin, NJ 08830
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(732) 634-1500
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes |X| No |_|
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of "accelerated
filer and large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check
one):
Large accelerated filer |_| Accelerated filer |X| Non-accelerated filer |_|
The number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common
stock, as of October 27, 2006: Common Stock, No Par Value: 11,661,332 shares
outstanding.
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INDEX
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION PAGE
----
Item 1. Financial Statements:
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income 1
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets 2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Capital Stock
and Long-term Debt 4
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated
Financial Statements 5
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations 13
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures of Market Risk 19
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 20
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 20
Item 1A. Risk Factors 20
Item 2. Changes in Securities 20
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 20
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 21
Item 5. Other Information 21
Item 6. Exhibits 21
SIGNATURE 22
MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2006 2005 2006 2005
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Revenues $ 22,631,975 $ 20,832,448 $ 61,899,176 $ 56,006,102
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Expenses:
Operations 10,446,019 10,065,706 30,104,046 28,516,810
Maintenance 907,554 765,422 2,440,786 2,643,226
Depreciation 1,882,544 1,635,403 5,263,677 4,803,610
Other Taxes 2,537,462 2,352,781 7,109,987 6,599,435
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Operating Expenses 15,773,579 14,819,312 44,918,496 42,563,081
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Income 6,858,396 6,013,136 16,980,680 13,443,021
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Income:
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction 170,148 109,009 398,173 459,915
Other Income 41,393 63,368 140,171 154,530
Other Expense (6,372) (1,879) (20,630) (26,348)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Other Income, net 205,169 170,498 517,714 588,097
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest Charges 1,889,572 1,624,145 5,212,687 4,584,315
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before Income Taxes 5,173,993 4,559,489 12,285,707 9,446,803
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Taxes 1,796,998 1,535,061 4,128,512 3,096,545
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income 3,376,995 3,024,428 8,157,195 6,350,258
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements 61,947 61,947 185,840 189,340
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock $ 3,315,048 $ 2,962,481 $ 7,971,355 $ 6,160,918
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings per share of Common Stock:
Basic $ 0.29 $ 0.26 $ 0.69 $ 0.54
Diluted $ 0.28 $ 0.26 $ 0.68 $ 0.54
Average Number of
Common Shares Outstanding :
Basic 11,629,681 11,466,024 11,611,427 11,409,182
Diluted 11,960,821 11,805,164 11,942,567 11,750,989
Cash Dividends Paid per Common Share $ 0.1700 $ 0.1675 $ 0.5100 $ 0.5025
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
1
MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
September 30, December 31,
ASSETS 2006 2005
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UTILITY PLANT: Water Production $ 94,139,767 $ 91,403,549
Transmission and Distribution 230,308,569 217,098,466
General 23,915,030 23,292,087
Construction Work in Progress 12,374,501 6,127,634
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 360,737,867 337,921,736
Less Accumulated Depreciation 58,624,098 54,960,290
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UTILITY PLANT - NET 302,113,769 282,961,446
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and Cash Equivalents 1,410,258 2,983,762
Accounts Receivable, net 9,571,383 8,074,929
Unbilled Revenues 5,110,991 3,737,627
Materials and Supplies (at average cost) 1,630,298 1,259,935
Prepayments 1,703,998 927,254
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 19,426,928 16,983,507
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEFERRED CHARGES Unamortized Debt Expense 3,033,125 3,164,043
AND OTHER ASSETS: Preliminary Survey and Investigation Charges 3,112,458 1,774,817
Regulatory Assets 7,516,015 7,469,190
Restricted Cash 5,053,792 5,782,705
Non-utility Assets - Net 6,208,215 5,727,806
Other 643,032 519,610
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSETS 25,566,637 24,438,171
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL ASSETS $ 347,107,334 $ 324,383,124
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAPITALIZATION: Common Stock, No Par Value $ 77,343,106 $ 76,160,949
Retained Earnings 25,679,691 23,638,301
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net of tax (167,951) (206,925)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL COMMON EQUITY 102,854,846 99,592,325
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preferred Stock 3,958,062 3,958,062
Long-term Debt 126,337,662 128,174,944
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION 233,150,570 231,725,331
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CURRENT Current Portion of Long-term Debt 2,441,885 1,930,617
LIABILITIES: Notes Payable 18,200,000 4,000,000
Accounts Payable 7,044,871 6,038,060
Accrued Taxes 8,021,684 6,466,531
Accrued Interest 908,690 1,868,962
Unearned Revenues and Advanced Service Fees 567,430 473,627
Other 831,552 707,446
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 38,016,112 21,485,243
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Note 6)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEFERRED CREDITS Customer Advances for Construction 18,178,585 17,180,962
AND OTHER LIABILITIES: Accumulated Deferred Investment Tax Credits 1,558,987 1,617,949
Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes 14,937,828 14,296,620
Employee Benefit Plans 6,951,355 6,650,724
Regulatory Liability - Cost of Utility Plant Removal 6,104,208 5,647,757
Other 749,749 793,857
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES 48,480,712 46,187,869
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTRIBUTIONS IN AID OF CONSTRUCTION 27,459,940 24,984,681
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES $ 347,107,334 $ 324,383,124
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
2
MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2006 2005
---------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income $ 8,157,195 $ 6,350,258
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
Depreciation and Amortization 5,817,307 5,320,479
Provision for Deferred Income Taxes and ITC 240,838 61,268
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (398,173) (459,915)
Changes in Assets and Liabilities:
Accounts Receivable (1,496,454) (1,402,349)
Unbilled Revenues (1,373,364) (1,001,815)
Materials & Supplies (370,363) (344,115)
Prepayments (776,744) (209,502)
Other Assets (383,147) (130,128)
Accounts Payable 1,006,811 (1,384,541)
Accrued Taxes 1,535,075 602,410
Accrued Interest (960,272) (851,448)
Employee Benefit Plans 300,631 416,723
Unearned Revenue & Advanced Service Fees 93,803 102,371
Other Liabilities 79,998 (116,096)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 11,473,141 6,953,600
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Utility Plant Expenditures* (20,700,359) (17,684,593)
Cash Surrender Value & Other Investments (154,527) (189,951)
Restricted Cash 745,078 6,763,292
Preliminary Survey & Investigation Charges (1,337,641) (790,524)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (21,447,449) (11,901,776)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Redemption of Long-term Debt (1,647,282) (1,003,768)
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt 321,268 14,637,070
Net Short-term Bank Borrowings (Repayments) 14,200,000 (6,000,000)
Deferred Debt Issuance Expenses (1,390) (131,777)
Common Stock Issuance Expense (9,939) --
Restricted Cash (16,165) --
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock 1,182,157 2,599,335
Payment of Common Dividends (5,920,026) (5,728,156)
Payment of Preferred Dividends (185,840) (189,340)
Construction Advances and Contributions-Net 478,021 938,606
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES 8,400,804 5,121,970
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET CHANGES IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (1,573,504) 173,794
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 2,983,762 4,034,768
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $ 1,410,258 $ 4,208,562
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Excludes Allowance for Funds Used During Construction.
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH ACTIVITY:
Utility Plant received as Construction Advances and Contributions $ 2,994,862 $ 901,531
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOWS INFORMATION:
Cash Paid During the Year for:
Interest $ 6,152,560 $ 5,394,714
Interest Capitalized $ (398,173) $ (459,915)
Income Taxes $ 3,110,550 $ 2,822,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
3
MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITAL STOCK
AND LONG-TERM DEBT
(Unaudited)
September 30, December 31,
2006 2005
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock, No Par Value:
Shares Authorized - 20,000,000
Shares Outstanding - 2006 - 11,638,581 $ 77,343,106 $ 76,160,949
2005 - 11,584,499
Retained Earnings 25,679,691 23,638,301
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net of tax (167,951) (206,925)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL COMMON EQUITY $ 102,854,846 $ 99,592,325
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cumulative Preference Stock, No Par Value:
Shares Authorized - 100,000
Shares Outstanding - None
Cumulative Preferred Stock, No Par Value
Shares Authorized - 139,497
Convertible:
Shares Outstanding, $7.00 Series - 13,881 $ 1,457,505 $ 1,457,505
Shares Outstanding, $8.00 Series - 12,000 1,398,857 1,398,857
Nonredeemable:
Shares Outstanding, $7.00 Series - 1,017 101,700 101,700
Shares Outstanding, $4.75 Series - 10,000 1,000,000 1,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCK $ 3,958,062 $ 3,958,062
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term Debt:
8.05%, Amortizing Secured Note, due December 20, 2021 $ 2,918,493 $ 2,983,384
6.25%, Amortizing Secured Note, due May 22, 2028 9,100,000 9,415,000
6.44%, Amortizing Secured Note, due August 25, 2030 6,696,667 6,906,667
6.46%, Amortizing Secured Note, due September 19, 2031 6,976,667 7,000,000
4.22%, State Revolving Trust Note, due December 31, 2022 738,772 754,164
3.30% to 3.60%, State Revolving Trust Note, due May 1, 2025 3,019,522 3,018,254
3.49%, State Revolving Trust Note, due January 25, 2027 598,144 278,144
4.00% to 5.00%, State Revolving Trust Bond, due September 1, 2021 730,000 760,000
0.00%, State Revolving Fund Bond, due September 1, 2021 577,222 614,436
First Mortgage Bonds:
5.20%, Series S, due October 1, 2022 12,000,000 12,000,000
5.25%, Series T, due October 1, 2023 6,500,000 6,500,000
6.40%, Series U, due February 1, 2009 15,000,000 15,000,000
5.25%, Series V, due February 1, 2029 10,000,000 10,000,000
5.35%, Series W, due February 1, 2038 23,000,000 23,000,000
0.00%, Series X, due September 1, 2018 646,897 700,280
4.25% to 4.63%, Series Y, due September 1, 2018 820,000 870,000
0.00%, Series Z, due September 1, 2019 1,454,749 1,567,367
5.25% to 5.75%, Series AA, due September 1, 2019 1,890,000 1,990,000
0.00%, Series BB, due September 1, 2021 1,804,982 1,926,956
4.00% to 5.00%, Series CC, due September 1, 2021 2,090,000 2,185,000
5.10%, Series DD, due January 1, 2032 6,000,000 6,000,000
0.00%, Series EE, due September 1, 2024 7,482,432 7,715,909
3.00% to 5.50%, Series FF, due September 1, 2024 8,735,000 8,920,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT 128,779,547 130,105,561
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less: Current Portion of Long-term Debt (2,441,885) (1,930,617)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT $ 126,337,662 $ 128,174,944
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
4
MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Organization - Middlesex Water Company (Middlesex or the Company) is the parent
company and sole shareholder of Tidewater Utilities, Inc. (Tidewater), Tidewater
Environmental Services, Inc. (TESI), Pinelands Water Company (Pinelands Water)
and Pinelands Wastewater Company (Pinelands Wastewater) (collectively,
Pinelands), Utility Service Affiliates, Inc. (USA), and Utility Service
Affiliates (Perth Amboy) Inc. (USA-PA). On January 1, 2006, the Company's
Bayview Water Company subsidiary was merged into Middlesex. Southern Shores
Water Company, LLC (Southern Shores) and White Marsh Environmental Systems, Inc.
(White Marsh) are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Tidewater. The financial
statements for Middlesex and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the Company) are
reported on a consolidated basis. All significant intercompany accounts and
transactions have been eliminated.
The consolidated notes within the 2005 Form 10-K are applicable to these
financial statements and, in the opinion of the Company, the accompanying
unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments
necessary (including normal recurring accruals) to present fairly the financial
position as of September 30, 2006 and the results of operations for the three
and nine month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, and cash flows for the
nine month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005. Information included in
the Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2005 has been derived from the Company's
audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2005.
Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year financial statements
to conform with the current period presentation.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements - In July 2006, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48) "Accounting
for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109,"
to clarify certain aspects of accounting for uncertain tax positions, including
recognition and measurement of those tax positions. This interpretation is
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company is in
the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption of this interpretation on
the Company's results of operations and financial condition.
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard
(SFAS) No. 158, "Employers' Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other
Postretirement Plans," (SFAS 158). SFAS 158 requires recognition of the
overfunded or underfunded status of defined benefit pension and other
postretirement plans as an asset or liability on the balance sheet and
recognition of changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes
occur through comprehensive income. For an underfunded plan, the incremental
liability to be recorded would be equal to the difference between the projected
benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets. SFAS No. 87, "Employers'
Accounting for Pensions" (SFAS 87) and SFAS No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions" (SFAS 106) allowed for deferred
recognition of this liability through amortization of this difference over time.
Under SFAS 158, actuarial gains and losses and prior service costs and credits
that arise during the period but, pursuant to SFAS 87 and SFAS 106 were not yet
recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, will be recognized as a
component of Other Comprehensive Income (net of tax). SFAS 158 also recognizes
an adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings (net of tax) for any
transition obligation remaining from the initial application of SFAS 87 and SFAS
106. Such amounts subsequently will be amortized as a component of net periodic
benefit cost.
On September 13, 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission "SEC" issued Staff
Accounting Bulleting No. 108 ("SAB 108"). SAB 108 provides interpretive guidance
on how the effects of the carryover or reversal of prior year misstatements
should be considered in quantifying a potential current year misstatement. Prior
to SAB 108, Companies might evaluate the materiality of financial-statement
misstatements using either the income statement or balance sheet approach, with
the income statement approach focusing on new misstatements added in the current
year, and the balance sheet approach focusing on the cumulative amount of
misstatement present in a company's balance sheet. Misstatements that would be
material under one approach could be viewed as immaterial under another
approach, and not be corrected. SAB 108 now requires that companies view
financial statement misstatements as material if they are material according to
either the income statement or balance sheet approach. The Company has analyzed
SAB 108 and determined that upon adoption it will have no impact on the reported
results of operations or financial conditions.
5
This statement is effective as of the end of the fiscal year ending after
December 15, 2006 (December 31, 2006 for the Company). Because we are subject to
regulation in the states in which we operate, we are required to maintain our
accounts in accordance with the regulatory authority's rules and guidelines,
which may differ from other authoritative accounting pronouncements. In those
instances, the Company follows the guidance of SFAS No. 71, "Accounting for the
Effects of Certain Types of Regulation," (SFAS 71). Based on prior regulatory
practice, and in accordance with the guidance provided by SFAS 71, the Company
will record approximately $13.5 million of underfunded pension and
postretirement obligations, which otherwise would be recognized as Other
Comprehensive Income as of December 31, 2006 under SFAS 158, as a Regulatory
Asset, and expect to recover those costs in our rates charged to customers. The
Company does not anticipate that the adoption of this standard will have a
material impact on its financial position, results of operations, and cash
flows, except as described above.
Note 2 - Rate Matters
On April 28, 2006, Tidewater filed for a $5.5 million, or 38.6%, base rate
increase with the Delaware Public Service Commission (PSC). The request is
intended to recover increased costs of operations, maintenance and taxes, as
well as capital investment of approximately $23.8 million since rates were last
established in March 2005. We cannot predict whether the PSC will ultimately
approve, deny, or reduce the amount of the request. Concurrent with the rate
filing, Tidewater also submitted a request for a 15% interim rate increase
subject to refund as allowed under PSC regulations. The interim rates of $1.6
million on an annualized basis, went into effect on June 27, 2006.
Effective April 13, 2006, Pinelands Water and Pinelands Wastewater received
approval from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) for base rate
increases of 7.02% and 0.98%, respectively. These increases represent a total
base rate increase of approximately $0.1 million for Pinelands to offset
increased costs associated with capital improvements, and the operation and
maintenance of their systems.
In accordance with the tariff established for Southern Shores, an annual rate
increase of 3% was implemented on January 1, 2006. Under the terms of a contract
with Southern Shores Homeowners Association, the increase cannot exceed the
lesser of the regional Consumer Price Index or 3%. The rates are set to expire
on December 31, 2006 and the Company is currently negotiating a new agreement.
Note 3 - Capitalization
Common Stock -During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, there were 54,082
common shares (approximately $1.2 million) issued under the Company's Dividend
Reinvestment and Common Stock Purchase Plan. On October 6, 2006, we filed a
registration statement with the United States Securities Exchange Commission
("SEC") on Form S-3 for an offering of 1,495,000 (including the over-allotment
option) shares of our common stock. We anticipate the registration statement
will be declared effective in November 2006.
Long-term Debt - On July 19, 2006, Middlesex received approval from the BPU to
issue up to $4.0 million of first mortgage bonds through the New Jersey
Environmental Infrastructure Trust under the New Jersey State Revolving Fund
(SRF) program. The Company expects to close on the financing in November 2006.
On April 25, 2006, Tidewater received approval from the PSC to borrow up to $1.0
million under the Delaware SRF program. The Delaware SRF program allows, but
does not obligate, Tidewater to draw against a General Obligation Note for a
specific project over a two-year period ending in April 2008. On May 31, 2006,
the Company closed on the loan with an established interest rate of 4.03%.
6
Note 4 - Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share (EPS) are computed on the basis of the weighted average
number of shares outstanding during the period presented. Diluted EPS assumes
the conversion of both the Convertible Preferred Stock $7.00 Series and the
Convertible Preferred Stock $8.00 Series.
(In Thousands Except per Share Amounts)
Three Months Ended September 30,
Basic: 2006 Shares 2005 Shares
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income $ 3,377 11,630 $ 3,024 11,466
Preferred Dividend (62) (62)
------- ------- ------- -------
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock $ 3,315 11,630 $ 2,962 11,466
Basic EPS $ 0.29 $ 0.26
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diluted:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock 3,315 11,630 $ 2,962 11,466
$7.00 Series Preferred Dividend 24 167 24 175
$8.00 Series Preferred Dividend 24 164 24 164
------- ------- ------- -------
Adjusted Earnings Applicable to
Common Stock $ 3,363 11,961 $ 3,010 11,805
Diluted EPS $ 0.28 $ 0.26
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Basic: 2006 Shares 2005 Shares
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income $ 8,157 11,611 $ 6,350 11,409
Preferred Dividend (186) (189)
------- ------- ------- -------
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock $ 7,971 11,611 $ 6,161 11,409
Basic EPS $ 0.69 $ 0.54
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diluted:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock $ 7,971 11,611 $ 6,161 11,409
$7.00 Series Dividend 73 167 76 178
$8.00 Series Dividend 72 164 72 164
------- ------- ------- -------
Adjusted Earnings Applicable to
Common Stock $ 8,116 11,942 $ 6,309 11,751
Diluted EPS $ 0.68 $ 0.54
7
Note 5 - Business Segment Data
The Company has identified two reportable segments. One is the regulated
business of collecting, treating and distributing water on a retail and
wholesale basis to residential, commercial, industrial and fire protection
customers in parts of New Jersey and Delaware. This segment also includes the
operations of a regulated wastewater systems in New Jersey and Delaware. The
entities comprising this segment are subject to regulation as to rates, service
and other matters by the States of New Jersey and Delaware. The other segment
primarily includes non-regulated contract services for the operation and
maintenance of municipal and private water and wastewater systems in New Jersey
and Delaware. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those
described in the summary of significant accounting policies in the Consolidated
Notes to the Financial Statements in the Company's Annual Report for the period
ended December 31, 2005 filed on Form 10-K. Inter-segment transactions relating
to operational costs are treated as pass-through expenses. Finance charges on
inter-segment loan activities are based on interest rates that are below what
would normally be charged by a third party lender. These inter-segment
transactions are eliminated in the Company's consolidated financial statements.
(In Thousands)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
Operations by Segments: 2006 2005 2006 2005
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues:
Regulated $ 20,388 $ 18,701 $ 55,051 $ 49,852
Non - Regulated 2,330 2,161 6,994 6,244
Inter-segment Elimination (86) (30) (146) (90)
--------------------------------------------
Consolidated Revenues $ 22,632 $ 20,832 $ 61,899 $ 56,006
--------------------------------------------
Operating Income:
Regulated $ 6,597 $ 5,746 $ 16,046 $ 12,813
261 267 935 630
--------------------------------------------
Consolidated Operating Income $ 6,858 $ 6,013 $ 16,981 $ 13,443
--------------------------------------------
Net Income:
Regulated $ 3,255 $ 2,878 $ 7,662 $ 6,018
Non - Regulated 122 146 495 332
--------------------------------------------
Consolidated Net Income $ 3,377 $ 3,024 $ 8,157 $ 6,350
--------------------------------------------
Capital Expenditures:
Regulated $ 8,799 $ 6,004 $ 20,478 $ 17,450
Non - Regulated 5 88 222 235
--------------------------------------------
Total Capital Expenditures $ 8,804 $ 6,092 $ 20,700 $ 17,685
--------------------------------------------
As of As of
September 30, December 31,
2006 2005
---- ----
Assets:
Regulated $ 342,772 $ 320,889
Non - Regulated 6,899 5,912
Inter-segment Elimination (2,564) (2,418)
----------------------
Consolidated Assets $ 347,107 $ 324,383
----------------------
8
Note 6 - Short-term Borrowings
As of September 30, 2006, the Company has established lines of credit
aggregating $37.0 million. At September 30, 2006, the outstanding borrowings
under these credit lines were $18.2 million at a weighted average interest rate
of 5.67%. As of that date, the Company had borrowing capacity of $18.8 million
under its credit lines.
The weighted average daily amounts of borrowings outstanding under the Company's
credit lines and the weighted average interest rates on those amounts were $15.4
million and $10.9 million at 6.22% and 4.72% for the three months ended
September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The weighted average daily amounts of
borrowings outstanding under the Company's credit lines and the weighted average
interest rates on those amounts were $10.1 million and $10.9 million at 6.05%
and 4.29% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Note 7 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
Guarantees - USA-PA operates the City of Perth Amboy's (Perth Amboy) water and
wastewater systems under contract through June 30, 2018. The agreement was
effected under New Jersey's Water Supply Public/Private Contracting Act and the
New Jersey Wastewater Public/Private Contracting Act. Under the agreement,
USA-PA receives a fixed fee and in addition, a variable fee based on increased
system billing. Scheduled fixed fee payments for 2006 are $7.6 million. The
fixed fees will increase over the term of the contract to $10.2 million.
In connection with the agreement Perth Amboy, through the Middlesex County
Improvement Authority, issued approximately $68.0 million in three series of
bonds. Middlesex guaranteed one of those series of bonds, designated the Series
C Serial Bonds, in the principal amount of approximately $26.3 million. Perth
Amboy guaranteed the two other series of bonds. The Series C Serial Bonds have
various maturity dates with the final maturity date on September 1, 2015. As of
September 30, 2006, approximately $23.4 million of the Series C Serial Bonds
remained outstanding.
Middlesex is obligated to perform under the guarantee in the event notice is
received from the Series C Serial Bonds trustee of an impending debt service
deficiency. If Middlesex funds any debt service obligations as guarantor, Perth
Amboy is required to reimburse the Company. There are other provisions in the
agreement that make it unlikely that we would be required to perform under the
guarantee, such as scheduled annual rate increases for water and wastewater
services as well as rate increases that may be implemented by Perth Amboy due to
unforeseen circumstances. In the event revenues from customers could not satisfy
the reimbursement requirements, Perth Amboy has Ad Valorem taxing powers, which
could be used to raise the needed amount.
Water Supply - Middlesex has an agreement with the New Jersey Water Supply
Authority (NJWSA) for the purchase of untreated water through November 30, 2023,
which provides for an average purchase of 27 million gallons per day (mgd).
Pricing is set annually by the NJWSA through a public rate making process. The
agreement has provisions for additional pricing in the event Middlesex
overdrafts or exceeds certain monthly and annual thresholds.
Middlesex also has an agreement with a non-affiliated regulated water utility
for the purchase of treated water. This agreement, which expires February 27,
2011, provides for the minimum purchase of 3 mgd of treated water with
provisions for additional purchases.
9
Purchased water costs are shown below:
(In Millions)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
2006 2005 2006 2005
-------------------------------------
Purchased Water
Treated $ 0.6 $ 0.7 $ 1.7 $ 1.7
Untreated 0.5 0.5 1.3 1.4
-------------------------------------
Total Costs $ 1.1 $ 1.2 $ 3.0 $ 3.1
-------------------------------------
Construction - The Company expects to spend approximately $29.3 million on its
construction program in 2006.
Litigation - In July 2005, Tidewater received a notice of violation and request
for corrective action issued by the Delaware Fire Marshal regarding the alleged
failure of one of the community water systems operated by Tidewater to meet
Delaware fire protection requirements. Tidewater appealed the Fire Marshal's
decision with the Delaware State Fire Prevention Commission (the "SFPC") and, in
November 2005, the SFPC denied Tidewater's appeal. In December 2005, Tidewater
filed an appeal of the SFPC's decision with the Sussex County Superior Court in
Delaware, which is still pending. There are approximately 67 of our other
systems that may not meet the Delaware Fire Marshal's recent interpretation of
the fire protection requirements. If the Delaware Fire Marshal's interpretation
of the regulations is upheld upon appeal, we may be required to make corrections
to the system at issue and the Delaware Fire Marshal could issue notices of
violation and requests for corrective action for some or all of the
approximately 67 other community systems. At this time, we cannot predict how
many community water systems would ultimately require corrective action if our
appeal is unsuccessful nor can we predict the timing and the cost of any
required corrective actions. We will apply to the PSC to increase base rates to
recover the costs of any such corrective actions. However, if corrective actions
need to be taken at several community water systems, our costs could be
significant, and to the extent the PSC does not approve rate increases to offset
these costs, or if there is a significant delay in receiving approval for such
rate increases, such costs could have a material adverse effect on our operating
results.
The Company is a defendant in various lawsuits in the normal course of business.
We believe the resolution of pending claims and legal proceedings will not have
a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Change in Control Agreements - The Company has Change in Control Agreements with
certain of its Officers that provide compensation and benefits in the event of
termination of employment in connection with a change in control of the Company.
10
Note 8 - Employee Retirement Benefit Plans
Pension - The Company has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan, which
covers all employees with more than 1,000 hours of service. The Company
contributed $1.3 million of cash to the plan in July 2006. In addition, the
Company maintains an unfunded supplemental pension plan for seven company
officers.
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions - The Company maintains a
postretirement benefit plan other than pensions for substantially all of its
retired employees. Coverage includes healthcare and life insurance. Retiree
contributions are dependent on credited years of service. The Company expects to
make a cash contributions of approximately $1.0 million in the fourth quarter of
2006.
The following table sets forth information relating to the Company's periodic
costs for its retirement plans.
(In Thousands)
Pension Benefits Other Benefits
---------------- --------------
Three Months Ended September 30,
2006 2005 2006 2005
----------------------------------------
Service Cost $ 328 $ 281 $ 189 $ 156
Interest Cost 426 390 201 193
Expected Return on Assets (402) (387) (83) (69)
Amortization of Unrecognized Losses 64 12 111 120
Amortization of Unrecognized Prior Service Cost 3 23 -- --
Amortization of Transition Obligation -- -- 34 34
----------------------------------------
Net Periodic Benefit Cost $ 419 $ 319 $ 452 $ 434
----------------------------------------
(In Thousands)
Pension Benefits Other Benefits
---------------- --------------
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2006 2005 2006 2005
----------------------------------------
Service Cost $ 972 $ 844 $ 555 $ 466
Interest Cost 1,281 1,169 620 578
Expected Return on Assets (1,219) (1,160) (256) (206)
Amortization of Unrecognized Losses 184 36 351 361
Amortization of Unrecognized Prior Service Cost 6 69 -- --
Amortization of Transition Obligation -- -- 101 102
----------------------------------------
Net Periodic Benefit Cost $ 1,224 $ 958 $ 1,371 $ 1,301
----------------------------------------
Note 9 - Stock Based Compensation
The Company recognizes compensation expense at fair value for its restricted
stock awards in accordance with SFAS 123(R). The adoption of this standard on
January 1, 2006 did not have any impact on the Company's financial position,
results of operations, or cash flows.
The Company maintains a Restricted Stock Plan, under which 56,067 shares of the
Company's common stock are held in escrow by the Company as of September 30,
2006 for key employees. Such stock is subject to forfeiture by the employee in
the event of termination of employment within five years of the award other than
11
as a result of retirement, death, disability or change in control. The maximum
number of shares authorized for grant under this plan is 240,000 shares. There
were no grants, vesting or forfeitures of restricted stock during the nine
months ended September 30, 2006.
Compensation expense is determined by the market value of the stock on the date
of the award and is being amortized over a five-year period. Compensation
expense for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 was $0.1 million.
Compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 was
$0.2 million. Total unearned compensation related to restricted stock was $0.5
million at September 30, 2006.
Note 10 - Other Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income was as follows:
(In Thousands)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
2006 2005 2006 2005
--------------------------------------
Net Income $ 3,377 $ 3,024 $ 8,157 $ 6,350
Other Comprehensive Income:
Change in Value of Equity Investments,
Net of Income Tax 39 (1) 39 8
--------------------------------------
Other Comprehensive Income 39 (1) 39 8
--------------------------------------
Comprehensive Income $ 3,416 $ 3,023 $ 8,196 $ 6,358
--------------------------------------
12
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the
unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company included
elsewhere herein and with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this quarterly report are "forward-looking
statements" within the meaning of federal securities laws. The Company intends
that these statements be covered by the safe harbors created under those laws.
These statements include, but are not limited to:
- statements as to expected financial condition, cash flows,
performance, prospects and earnings of the Company;
- statements regarding strategic plans for growth;
- statements regarding the amount and timing of rate increases and
other regulatory matters;
- statements regarding expectations and events concerning capital
expenditures;
- statements as to the Company's expected liquidity needs during
fiscal 2006 and beyond and statements as to the sources and
availability of funds to meet its liquidity needs;
- statements as to expected rates, consumption volumes, service fees,
revenues, margins, expenses and operating results;
- statements as to the Company's compliance with environmental laws
and regulations and estimations of the materiality of any related
costs;
- statements as to the safety and reliability of the Company's
equipment, facilities and operations;
- statements as to financial projections;
- statements as to the ability of the Company to pay dividends;
- statements as to the Company's plans to renew municipal franchises
and consents in the territories it serves;
- expectations as to the amount of cash contributions to fund the
Company's pension plan, including statements as to anticipated
discount rates and rates of return on plan assets;
- statements as to trends; and
- statements regarding the availability and quality of our water
supply.
These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other
factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results
expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that
could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results and
outcomes include, but are not limited to:
- the effects of general economic conditions;
- increases in competition in the markets served by the Company;
- the ability of the Company to control operating expenses and to
achieve efficiencies in its operations;
- the availability of adequate supplies of water;
- actions taken by government regulators, including decisions on base
rate increase requests;
- new or additional water quality standards;
- weather variations and other natural phenomena;
- the existence of attractive acquisition candidates and the risks
involved in pursuing those acquisitions;
- acts of war or terrorism;
- significant changes in the housing starts in Delaware;
- the availability and cost of capital resources; and
- other factors discussed elsewhere in this quarterly report.
13
Many of these factors are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict.
Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on
any forward-looking statements, which only speak to the Company's understanding
as of the date of this quarterly report. The Company does not undertake any
obligation to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements
to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this quarterly report or to
reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as may be required under
applicable securities laws.
For an additional discussion of factors that may affect the Company's business
and results of operations, see Item 1A. - Risk Factors in the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.
Overview
The Company has operated as a water utility in New Jersey since 1897, and in
Delaware, through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Tidewater, since 1992. We are in
the business of collecting, treating, distributing and selling water for
residential, irrigation, commercial, municipal, industrial and fire protection
purposes. We also operate a New Jersey municipal water and wastewater system
under contract and provide wastewater services in New Jersey and Delaware
through our subsidiaries. Our utility companies are regulated as to rates
charged to customers for water and wastewater services in New Jersey and
Delaware, as to the quality of service provided and as to certain other matters.
Our USA, USA-PA and White Marsh subsidiaries are not regulated utilities.
Our New Jersey water utility system (the Middlesex System) provides water
services to approximately 59,125 retail customers, primarily in central New
Jersey. The Middlesex System also provides water service under contract to
municipalities in central New Jersey with a total population of approximately
294,000. Through our subsidiary, USA-PA, we operate the water supply system and
wastewater collection system for the City of Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Pinelands
Water and Pinelands Wastewater provide water and wastewater services to
residents in Southampton Township, New Jersey.
Tidewater and Southern Shores provide water services to approximately 29,700
retail customers in New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Counties, Delaware. Our TESI
subsidiary provides regulated wastewater service to approximately 80 residential
retail customers. White Marsh serves approximately 5,000 customers under
unregulated operating contracts with various owners of small water and
wastewater systems in Kent and Sussex Counties.
Our USA subsidiary provides customers within the Middlesex System a service line
maintenance program called LineCareSM.
The majority of our revenue is generated from regulated water services to
customers in our franchise areas. We record water service revenue as such
service is rendered and include estimates for amounts unbilled at the end of the
period for services provided since the end of the last billing cycle. Fixed
service charges are billed in advance by our subsidiary, Tidewater, and are
recognized in revenue as the service is provided.
Our ability to increase operating income and net income is based significantly
on four factors: weather, adequate and timely rate relief, effective cost
management, and customer growth. These factors are evident in the discussions
below which compare our results of operations with prior periods.
14
Recent Developments
Rate Increases
Tidewater filed for a $5.5 million, or 38.6%, base rate increase with the
Delaware Public Service Commission (PSC) on April 28, 2006. The requested
increase is intended to recover increased costs of operations, maintenance and
taxes, as well as capital investment of approximately $23.8 million since rates
were last established in March 2005. We cannot predict whether the PSC will
ultimately approve, deny, or reduce the amount of the request. Concurrent with
the rate filing, Tidewater also submitted a request for a 15% interim rate
increase subject to refund, as allowed under PSC regulations. The interim rates,
$1.6 million on an annualized basis, went into effect on June 27, 2006.
Evidentiary hearings are scheduled for mid-November 2006.
Effective April 13, 2006, Pinelands Water and Pinelands Wastewater received
approval from the BPU for base rate increases of 7.02% and 0.98%, respectively.
These increases represent a total base rate increase of approximately $0.1
million for Pinelands to offset increased costs associated with capital
improvements, and the operation and maintenance of their systems.
In accordance with the tariff established for Southern Shores, an annual rate
increase of 3% was implemented on January 1, 2006. Under the terms of a contract
with the Southern Shores Homeowners Association, the increase cannot exceed the
lesser of the regional Consumer Price Index or 3%. The rates are set to expire
on December 31, 2006, and the Company is currently negotiating a new agreement.
Merger of Bayview Water Company into Middlesex Water Company
In December 2005, the BPU approved a merger of Bayview into the Middlesex system
effective January 1, 2006. As part of the BPU's stipulation approving the
merger, the water service rates for the customers of Bayview are to remain at
their current levels until the water service rates for Middlesex customers
exceed the current Bayview rates.
Operating Results by Segment
The Company has two operating segments, Regulated and Non-Regulated. Our
Regulated segment contributed 89% of total revenues and 94% of net income for
the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 89% of total revenues and 95% of
net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. The discussion of the
Company's results of operations is on a consolidated basis, and includes
significant factors by subsidiary. The segments in the tables included below
consist of the following companies: Regulated- Middlesex, Tidewater, Pinelands,
Southern Shores, and TESI; Non-Regulated- USA, USA-PA, and White Marsh.
15
Results of Operations - Three Months Ended September 30, 2006
(Thousands of Dollars)
Three Months Ended September 30,
--------------------------------
2006 2005
---- ----
Non- | Non-
Regulated Regulated Total | Regulated Regulated Total
--------- --------- ----- | --------- --------- -----
Revenues $ 20,388 $ 2,244 $ 22,632 | $ 18,701 $ 2,131 $ 20,832
Operations and maintenance expenses 9,468 1,886 11,354 | 9,043 1,788 10,831
Depreciation expense 1,849 34 1,883 | 1,607 28 1,635
Other taxes 2,474 63 2,537 | 2,305 48 2,353
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income 6,597 261 6,858 | 5,746 267 6,013
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
Other income 205 -- 205 | 170 -- 170
Interest expense 1,867 22 1,889 | 1,600 24 1,624
Income taxes 1,680 117 1,797 | 1,438 97 1,535
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income $ 3,255 $ 122 $ 3,377 | $ 2,878 $ 146 $ 3,024
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2006 increased $1.8
million, or 8.6%, from the same period in 2005. Water sales improved by $0.6
million in our New Jersey systems, of which $1.3 million was a result of a base
rate increase that was granted to Middlesex on December 8, 2005. Unfavorable
weather at the beginning and end of the quarter resulted in a decrease in
consumption revenues of $0.7 million when compared to the same period in 2005.
Revenues rose in our Delaware service territories by $1.1 million. Higher water
consumption by our existing customers contributed $0.4 million in revenue,
customer growth contributed $0.2 million of water sales, and the implementation
of the 15% interim rate increase on June 28, 2006 provided an additional $0.5
million. New unregulated wastewater contracts in Delaware under our White Marsh
operations provided $0.1 million of additional revenues. Revenue changes for all
other operations were minor when compared to the prior year period.
While we anticipate continued organic customer and consumption growth,
particularly in our Delaware systems, such growth and increased consumption
cannot be guaranteed. Revenues from our water systems are highly dependent on
the effects of weather, which may adversely impact future consumption despite
customer growth. Customer growth in both the regulated water and wastewater
businesses are dependent upon economic conditions surrounding new housing as
well as developer construction timetables. Appreciable organic customer and
consumption growth is less likely in our New Jersey systems due to the extent to
which our service territory is developed.
Operation and maintenance expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2006
increased $0.5 million or 4.8%, compared to the same period in 2005. The
continued growth of our Delaware systems resulted in $0.3 million of increases
for the cost of water treatment, business insurance, payroll and related
employee benefit costs. Wastewater treatment costs for White Marsh increased by
$0.1 million. USA-PA expenses for subcontractor fees and labor increased by $0.1
million. In New Jersey, lower consumption led to lower production costs of $0.1
million. All other operation expenses increased $0.1 million.
As expected, we are experiencing increased costs in the areas of electric
generation costs, pension and other-postretirement costs and payroll and related
employee benefit costs.
16
Depreciation expense increased $0.2 million, or 15.1%, primarily as a result of
a higher level of utility plant in service since September 30, 2005.
Other taxes increased $0.2 million, reflecting increased taxable gross revenues
in New Jersey and higher payroll related taxes.
Interest expense increased $0.3 million, primarily due to a higher level of
short-term borrowings at higher rates of interest as compared to the prior year.
Income taxes increased $0.3 million as a result of increased operating income as
compared to the prior year.
Net income increased $0.4 million. Basic earnings per share increased from $0.26
to $0.29 due to the increase in earnings. Diluted earnings per share increased
from $0.26 to $0.28.
Results of Operations - Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006
(In Thousands)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
-------------------------------
2006 2005
---- ----
Non- | Non-
Regulated Regulated Total | Regulated Regulated Total
--------- --------- ----- --------- --------- -----
Revenues $ 55,051 $ 6,848 $ 61,899 | $ 49,852 $ 6,154 $ 56,006
Operations and maintenance expenses 26,900 5,645 32,545 | 25,883 5,277 31,160
Depreciation expense 5,173 90 5,263 | 4,729 75 4,804
Other taxes 6,932 178 7,110 | 6,427 172 6,599
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income 16,046 935 16,981 | 12,813 630 13,443
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Other income 518 -- 518 | 588 -- 588
Interest expense 5,140 73 5,213 | 4,514 70 4,584
Income taxes 3,762 367 4,129 | 2,869 228 3,097
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income $ 7,662 $ 495 $ 8,157 | $ 6,018 $ 332 $ 6,350
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 increased $5.9
million, or 10.5% from the same period in 2005. Base rate increases in New
Jersey and Delaware combined to contribute $3.9 million of the higher revenues.
Water consumption and related fees from customer growth, primarily in Delaware,
added $0.8 million of the increase, while water sales to our existing customers
grew by $0.4 million. New unregulated wastewater contracts in Delaware provided
$0.4 million of additional revenues. All other sources contributed $0.4 million.
Operation and maintenance expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2006
increased $1.4 million, or 4.4%, compared to the same period in 2005. Even
though water production was down 2.4% compared to 2005, water production and
treatment costs for our Middlesex system increased by $0.2 million due to higher
unit costs for electricity, chemicals and disposal of residuals. This increase
was offset by $0.2 million of reduced
17
maintenance costs for the Middlesex system. As previously discussed, the
continuing growth of our Delaware systems resulted in higher costs of water
treatment, additional employees and related benefit expenses of $0.4 million.
Costs related to providing services by our non-regulated wastewater operation in
Delaware increased $0.2 million. USA-PA expenses for subcontractor fees and
labor increased by $0.2 million. Business insurance increased $0.2 million and
bill production fees increased by $0.1 million. All other operation costs
increased by $0.3 million.
Depreciation expense increased $0.5 million, or 9.6%, due to a higher level of
utility plant in service since September 30, 2005.
Other taxes increased by $0.5 million, reflecting taxes on higher taxable gross
revenues in New Jersey.
Other income decreased $0.1 million, primarily due to a reduced Allowance for
Funds Used During Construction from less capitalized interest as a result of
smaller capital projects with shorter construction cycles in New Jersey.
Interest expense increased $0.6 million, primarily due to a higher level of
short-term borrowings at higher rates of interest as compared to the prior year.
Income taxes increased $1.0 million as a result of increased operating income as
compared to the prior year.
Net income increased $1.8 million, or 28.5%, and basic earnings per share
increased from $0.54 to $0.69 per share. Diluted earnings per share increased
from $0.54 to $0.68 per share. The earnings per share increase was due to the
higher net income.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash flows from operations are largely dependent on three factors: the impact of
weather on water sales, adequate and timely rate increases, and customer growth.
The effect of those factors on net income is discussed in results of operations.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, cash flows from operating
activities were $11.5 million, an increase of $4.5 million from the prior year.
This increase was attributable to increased earnings and the timing of payments
to vendors and payments for taxes. The $11.5 million of net cash flow from
operations enabled us to fund 55% of our utility plant expenditures internally
for the period, with the remainder funded with proceeds from short-term
borrowings and equity issued under our Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
The Company's capital program for 2006 is estimated to be $29.3 million and
includes $16.0 million for additions and improvements to our Delaware water
systems, including the construction of several storage tanks and the creation of
new wells and interconnections. We expect to spend approximately $5.0 million
for infrastructure additions and acquisitions for our Delaware wastewater
systems. We expect to spend $3.5 million for the RENEW program, to clean and
cement line approximately nine miles of unlined mains in the Middlesex system.
There remains a total of approximately 120 miles of unlined mains in the
730-mile Middlesex system. The capital program also includes $4.8 million for
scheduled upgrades to facilities in New Jersey. These upgrades consist of $0.3
million for improvements to existing utility plant, $1.4 million for mains, $0.9
million for service lines, $0.4 million for meters, $0.3 million for hydrants,
and $1.5 million for other infrastructure needs.
To fund our capital program in 2006, we will utilize internally generated funds
and funds available under existing New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust
(NJEIT) loans (currently, $3.4 million) and Delaware State Revolving Fund (SRF)
loans (currently, $3.5 million), which provide low cost financing for projects
that
18
meet certain water quality and system improvement benchmarks. We also expect to
utilize short-term borrowings through $37.0 million of available lines of credit
with several financial institutions. As of September 30, 2006, $18.2 million was
outstanding against the lines of credit.
On July 19, 2006, Middlesex received approval from the BPU to issue up to $4.0
million of first mortgage bonds through the NJEIT. The Company expects to close
on the financing in November 2006. The proceeds from this financing will be used
to fund the 2007 RENEW program.
On April 25, 2006, Tidewater received approval from the PSC to borrow up to $1.0
million under the Delaware SRF program. The Delaware SRF program allows, but
does not obligate, Tidewater to draw against a General Obligation Note for a
specific project over a two-year period ending in April 2008. On May 31, 2006,
the Company closed on the loan with an established interest rate of 4.03%.
We periodically issue shares of common stock in connection with our dividend
reinvestment and stock purchase plan (DRP). From time to time, we may issue
additional equity to reduce short-term indebtedness, fund our capital program,
and for other general corporate purposes. On October 6, 2006 we filed a
registration statement on Form S-3 covering the offering of 1,495,000 (including
the over-allotment option) shares of our common stock with the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). We anticipate the registration
statement will be declared effective in November 2006. There can be no assurance
that the registration statement will be declared effective in November 2006 or
at any later time. If the offering is completed, we expect to use the net
proceeds to repay all of our outstanding short-term borrowings and to fund our
ongoing construction program.
We expect to spend between $79 million and $102 million for capital projects
through 2008. To the extent possible and because of the favorable interest rates
available to regulated water utilities, we will finance our capital expenditures
under SRF loan programs. We also expect to use internally generated funds,
proceeds from the DRP, and the proceeds from the common stock offering described
above to pay for our capital program.
In addition to the effect of weather conditions on revenues, increases in
certain operating costs will impact our liquidity and capital resources. As
described in our overview section, we have recently received rate relief for
Middlesex and Pinelands. Changes in operating costs and timing of capital
projects will have an impact on revenues, earnings, and cash flows and will also
impact the timing of filings for future rate increases.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements - See Note 1 of the Notes to Unaudited
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of recent
accounting pronouncements.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures of Market Risk
The Company is subject to the risk of fluctuating interest rates in the normal
course of business. Our capital program is partially financed with fixed rate,
long-term debt and, to a lesser extent, short-term debt. The Company's interest
rate risk related to existing fixed rate, long-term debt is not material due to
the term of the majority of our Amortizing Secured Notes and First Mortgage
Bonds, which have maturity dates ranging from 2009 to 2038. Over the next twelve
months, approximately $2.4 million of the current portion of fifteen existing
long-term debt instruments will mature. Applying a hypothetical change in the
rate of interest of 10% on those borrowings would not have a material effect on
earnings.
19
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act, an evaluation of the
effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls
and procedures was conducted by the Company's Chief Executive Officer along with
the Company's Chief Financial Officer. Based upon that evaluation, the Company's
Chief Executive Officer and the Company's Chief Financial Officer concluded that
the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the end of
the period covered by this Report. There have been no changes in the Company's
internal controls, or in other factors which materially affected internal
controls during the quarter ended September 30, 2006.
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are
designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Company reports
filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and
reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange
Commission's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include,
without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information
required to be disclosed in Company reports filed under the Exchange Act is
accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company's Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as appropriate, to allow timely
decisions regarding disclosure.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Reference is made to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2005 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed for the periods ended
March 31, 2006 and June 30, 2006. Note 7 to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated
Financial Statements for the period ended September 30, 2006, included in Part I
of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
We expect our revenues to increase from customer growth in Delaware for our
regulated water operations and, to a lesser degree, our regulated wastewater
operations as a result of the anticipated construction and sale of new housing
units in the territories we serve. Although the residential building market in
Delaware has experienced growth in recent years, this growth may not continue in
the future. If housing starts in the Delaware territories we serve decline
significantly as a result of economic conditions or otherwise, our revenue
growth may not meet our expectations and our financial results could be
negatively impacted.
Except as described above, information about risk factors for the three months
ended September 30, 2006 does not differ materially from those set forth in Part
I, Item 1A. of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2005.
Item 2. Changes in Securities
None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
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Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None.
Item 5. Other Information
None.
Item 6. Exhibits
31 Section 302 Certification by Dennis W. Doll pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and
15d-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
31.1 Section 302 Certification by A. Bruce O'Connor pursuant to Rules 13a-14
and 15d-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
32 Section 906 Certification by Dennis W. Doll pursuant to 18 U.S.C. ss.1350,
as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1 Section 906 Certification by A. Bruce O'Connor pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
ss.1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY
By: /s/ A. Bruce O'Connor
---------------------
A. Bruce O'Connor
Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Date: October 27, 2006
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