SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File
For Quarter Ended: September 30, 2001March 31, 2002 No. 0-422
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MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY
-----------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
INCORPORATED IN NEW JERSEY 22-1114430
- -------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
1500 RONSON ROAD, ISELIN, NJ 08830
- ---------------------------- --------------------------------------------- ----------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(732) 634-1500
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(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 and Exchange Act of 1934
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that this registrant
was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 30 days.
YES X[X] NO ------------ ------------[ ]
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the Issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class Outstanding at September 30, 2001March 31, 2002
----- --------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock, No Par Value 5,071,3397,659,344
INDEX
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION PAGE
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Item 1. Financial Statements:
Consolidated Statements of Income 1
Consolidated Balance Sheets 2
Consolidated Statements of Capitalization and Retained Earnings 4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 6
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations 10
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures of Market Risk 12
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION 13
SIGNATURE 13
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION PAGE
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Item 1. Financial Statements:
Consolidated Statements of Income 1
Consolidated Balance Sheets 2
Consolidated Statements of Capitalization and Retained Earnings 4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 6
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations 10
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures of Market Risk 13
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION 14
SIGNATURE 15
MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
Three Months Nine Months Twelve Months
Ended September 30,March 31, Ended September 30, Ended September 30,March 31,
2002 2001 20002002 2001 2000 2001 2000
---- ----
---- ---- ---- ----
Operating Revenues $16,065,400 $14,386,999 $43,963,030 $41,425,330 $57,014,243 $54,037,657
----------- -----------$14,229,403 $13,143,898 $60,723,650 $54,639,352
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Operating Expenses:
Operations 7,297,815 7,057,061 21,476,488 21,168,803 28,020,909 27,773,1077,213,568 7,022,231 29,212,127 27,813,186
Maintenance 704,953 692,062 1,985,223 2,008,416 2,532,044 2,718,148657,564 622,369 2,753,784 2,498,941
Depreciation 1,264,812 1,170,734 3,773,764 3,477,375 4,997,323 4,599,9471,295,718 1,249,845 5,097,272 4,804,646
Other Taxes 2,031,965 1,871,767 5,618,902 5,304,962 7,245,901 6,930,9561,851,660 1,702,997 7,789,069 6,966,568
Federal Income Taxes 1,233,979 900,843 2,697,309 2,191,868 3,142,499 2,618,417
----------- -----------698,905 474,936 3,937,614 2,597,625
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total Operating Expenses 12,533,524 11,692,467 35,551,686 34,151,424 45,938,676 44,640,575
----------- -----------11,717,415 11,072,378 48,789,866 44,680,966
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Operating Income 3,531,876 2,694,532 8,411,344 7,273,906 11,075,567 9,397,0822,511,988 2,071,520 11,933,784 9,958,386
Other Income:
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction 38,776 76,277 77,034 121,041 91,154 152,27570,283 15,905 193,987 133,890
Other - Net 29,017 36,700 445,186 111,965 562,013 188,238
----------- -----------27,913 71,159 319,105 262,596
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total Other Income 67,793 112,977 522,220 233,006 653,167 340,51398,196 87,064 513,092 396,486
Income Before Interest Charges 3,599,669 2,807,509 8,933,564 7,506,912 11,728,734 9,737,595
----------- -----------2,610,184 2,158,584 12,446,876 10,354,872
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Interest Charges 1,226,153 1,270,066 3,758,319 3,694,872 5,060,469 4,890,303
----------- -----------1,333,478 1,274,934 5,100,836 5,072,278
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net Income 2,373,516 1,537,443 5,175,245 3,812,040 6,668,265 4,847,2921,276,706 883,650 7,346,040 5,282,594
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements 63,697 63,697 191,090 191,090 254,786 254,786
----------- -----------
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock $ 2,309,8191,213,009 $ 1,473,746819,953 $ 4,984,155 $ 3,620,950 $ 6,413,479 $ 4,592,5067,091,254 5,027,808
=========== =========== =========== =========== =========== ====================
Earnings per share of Common Stock:
Basic $ 0.460.16 $ 0.290.11 $ 0.980.93 $ 0.72 $ 1.27 $ 0.920.67
Diluted $ 0.450.16 $ 0.290.11 $ 0.980.93 $ 0.72 $ 1.27 $ 0.920.67
Average Number of
Common Shares Outstanding :
Basic 5,067,279 5,024,431 5,060,736 5,014,937 5,056,422 5,001,0547,639,843 7,578,897 7,613,209 7,550,765
Diluted 5,238,849 5,196,001 5,232,306 5,186,507 5,227,992 5,181,8047,897,198 7,836,252 7,870,564 7,808,120
Cash Dividends Paid per Common Share $ 0.31 $0.30 1/20.210 $ 0.930.207 $ 0.91 1/20.833 $ 1.24 $ 1.220.820
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
-1-Statements.
MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS AND OTHER DEBITS
September 30,March 31, December 31,
2002 2001
2000
------------ ---------------- ----
(Unaudited)
UTILITY PLANT:
Water Production $ 71,499,02470,116,500 $ 69,363,62669,636,415
Transmission and Distribution 139,032,979 136,545,596146,617,145 145,409,761
General 21,481,274 20,189,18220,852,737 20,797,621
Construction Work in Progress 3,592,233 1,036,4985,732,869 3,890,406
------------ ------------
TOTAL 235,605,510 227,134,902243,319,251 239,734,203
Less Accumulated Depreciation 42,221,506 38,856,59144,711,989 43,670,744
------------ ------------
UTILITY PLANT-NET 193,384,004 188,278,311198,607,262 196,063,459
------------ ------------
NONUTILITY ASSETS-NET 2,895,920 2,918,1333,030,868 2,996,119
------------ ------------
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and Cash Equivalents 2,610,081 2,497,1543,090,094 4,534,384
Temporary Cash Investments-Restricted 2,602,720 2,819,6618,031,185 9,210,283
Accounts Receivable (net of allowance
for doubtful accounts) 6,959,159 5,282,7965,425,643 6,665,720
Unbilled Revenues 2,941,399 2,969,0432,976,667 2,801,015
Materials and Supplies (at average cost) 1,041,532 1,009,9561,113,557 1,027,920
Prepayments and Other Current Assets 963,152 694,111712,913 869,693
------------ ------------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 17,118,043 15,272,72121,350,059 25,109,015
------------ ------------
DEFERRED CHARGES:
Unamortized Debt Expense 2,849,846 2,950,2763,448,815 2,873,976
Preliminary Survey and Investigation Charges 885,140 573,128910,723 943,622
Regulatory Assets
Income Taxes 6,012,748 6,012,7486,038,474 6,038,474
Post Retirement Costs 977,020 1,041,676933,916 955,468
Other 2,034,218 2,352,9661,420,707 1,393,540
------------ ------------
TOTAL DEFERRED CHARGES 12,758,972 12,930,79412,752,635 12,205,080
------------ ------------
TOTAL $226,156,939 $219,399,959$235,740,824 $236,373,673
============ ============
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
-2-
MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
LIABILITIES AND OTHER CREDITS
September 30,March 31, December 31,
2002 2001
2000
------------ ---------------- ----
(Unaudited)
CAPITALIZATION (see accompanying statements) $157,772,351 $156,807,552$164,765,234 $164,493,833
------------ ------------
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current Portion of Long-term Debt 274,883 215,859405,436 358,836
Notes Payable 11,700,000 6,050,00011,625,000 13,225,000
Accounts Payable 1,899,491 2,438,6642,134,051 2,396,335
Taxes Accrued 7,010,112 6,050,3228,374,961 6,330,877
Interest Accrued 744,084 1,797,520850,197 1,813,896
Other 1,339,020 1,454,2761,477,810 1,845,642
------------ ------------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 22,967,590 18,006,64124,867,455 25,970,586
------------ ------------
DEFERRED CREDITS:
Customer Advances for Construction 10,752,056 11,364,81810,823,228 10,789,513
Accumulated Deferred Investment Tax Credits 1,952,070 2,011,0331,912,762 1,932,416
Accumulated Deferred Federal Income Taxes 12,616,612 12,371,47312,716,937 12,716,171
Employee Benefit Plans 5,176,747 4,658,3645,414,549 5,262,676
Other 1,064,307 1,203,0511,100,176 1,084,590
------------ ------------
TOTAL DEFERRED CREDITS 31,561,792 31,608,73931,967,652 31,785,366
------------ ------------
CONTRIBUTIONS IN AID OF CONSTRUCTION 13,855,206 12,977,02714,140,483 14,123,888
------------ ------------
TOTAL $226,156,939 $219,399,959$235,740,824 $236,373,673
============ ============
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
-3-
MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION AND RETAINED EARNINGS
September 30,March 31, December 31,
2002 2001
2000
------------- ----------------- ----
(Unaudited)
CAPITALIZATION:
Common Stock, No Par Value
Shares Authorized, 10,000,000
Shares Outstanding - 2002 - 7,659,344; 2001 - 5,071,339; 2000 - 5,048,5347,626,002 $ 49,784,35750,873,002 $ 48,838,48650,099,621
Retained Earnings 22,076,073 21,796,70721,797,612 22,190,691
------------- -------------
TOTAL COMMON EQUITY 71,860,430 70,635,19372,670,614 72,290,312
------------- -------------
Cumulative Preference Stock, No Par Value
Shares Authorized, 100,000; Shares Outstanding, None
Cumulative Preferred Stock, No Par Value, Shares Authorized - 140,497
Convertible:
Shares Outstanding, $7.00 Series - 14,881 1,562,505 1,562,505
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 CUMULATIVE PREFERRED STOCK 4,063,062 4,063,062
------------- -------------
Long-term Debt:
8.05% Amortizing Secured Note, due December 20, 2021 3,278,983 3,320,4283,249,762 3,264,536
4.00% State Revolving Trust Bond, due September 1, 2021 850,000 850,000
0.00% State Revolving Fund Bond, due September 1, 2021 750,000 750,000
First Mortgage Bonds:
7.25%, Series R, due July 1, 2021 6,000,000-- 6,000,000
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 August 1, 2018 903,168 917,363 970,667
4.53%, Series Y, due August 1, 2018 1,055,000 1,095,0001,055,000
0.00%, Series Z, due September 1, 2019 1,989,064 2,022,396 2,089,061
5.25%, Series AA, due September 1, 2019 2,350,000 2,350,000
0.00%, Series BB, due September 1, 2021 2,350,000 2,350,000
4.00%, Series CC, due September 1, 2021 2,440,000 2,440,000
5.10%, Series DD, due January 1, 2032 6,000,000 --
------------- -------------
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT 82,123,742 82,325,15688,436,994 88,499,295
------------- -------------
Less: Current Portion of Long-term Debt (274,883) (215,859)(405,436) (358,836)
------------- -------------
TOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT 81,848,859 82,109,29788,031,558 88,140,459
------------- -------------
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION $ 157,772,351164,765,234 $ 156,807,552164,493,833
============= =============
=============
NineThree Months Ended Year Ended
September 30,March 31, December 31,
2002 2001
2000
------------- ----------------- ----
(Unaudited)
RETAINED EARNINGS:
BALANCE AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 21,796,70722,190,691 $ 22,895,84421,796,707
Net Income 5,175,245 5,305,0601,276,706 6,952,984
------------- -------------
TOTAL 26,971,952 28,200,90423,467,397 28,749,691
------------- -------------
Cash Dividends:
Cumulative Preferred Stock 191,09063,697 254,786
Common Stock 4,704,789 6,149,4111,602,400 6,304,214
Common Stock Expenses 3,688 --
------------- -------------
TOTAL DEDUCTIONS 4,895,879 6,404,1971,669,785 6,559,000
------------- -------------
BALANCE AT END OF PERIOD $ 22,076,07321,797,612 $ 21,796,70722,190,691
============= =============
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.Statements
-4-
MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
NineThree Months Ended September 30,March 31, Twelve Months Ended September 30,March 31,
2002 2001 20002002 2001 2000
---- ---- ---- ----
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income $ 5,175,2451,276,706 $ 3,812,040883,650 $ 6,668,2657,346,040 $ 4,847,2925,282,594
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
Depreciation and Amortization 4,041,507 3,656,228 5,329,980 4,889,1591,392,152 1,326,079 5,369,609 5,032,106
Provision for Deferred Income Taxes 245,139 234,750 211,708 242,807766 (44,195) 363,933 122,299
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (77,034) (121,041) (91,154) (152,275)(70,283) (15,905) (193,987) (133,890)
Changes in Current Assets and Liabilities:
Accounts Receivable (1,682,305) (255,123) (740,433) 161,3811,240,077 (330,564) 187,717 (423,022)
Accounts Payable (533,231) (1,126,167) (360,834) (257,231)(262,284) (550,351) 245,740 (45,716)
Accrued Taxes 955,034 1,240,313 406,305 216,1242,044,084 1,698,302 626,337 592,705
Accrued Interest (1,053,436) (833,498) (182,888) 245,086(963,699) (1,083,430) 136,107 (12,655)
Unbilled Revenues 27,644 (373,899) 60,363 (101,814)(175,652) 329,033 (336,657) 46,552
Employee Benefit Plans 518,383 762,753 (242,582) 976,106151,873 229,162 527,023 (13,523)
Other-Net (495,110) (91,138) (846,549) 382,620(371,978) (128,281) 9,882 (352,024)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 7,121,836 6,905,218 10,212,181 11,449,2554,261,762 2,313,500 14,281,744 10,095,426
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Utility Plant Expenditures* (8,854,026) (9,932,019) (12,561,298) (17,819,025)(3,803,987) (1,283,172) (15,267,847) (12,262,310)
Note Receivable 97,500 (28,500) 85,500 2,730,090-- (8,000) 105,500 (41,000)
Preliminary Survey and Investigation Charges (312,012) (41,186) (371,667) (123,773)32,899 (226,949) (110,646) (328,762)
Other-Net 84,326 40,671 (811,036) 107,751(5,366) (75,658) 573,295 (799,333)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (8,984,212) (9,961,034) (13,658,501) (15,104,957)(3,776,454) (1,593,779) (14,699,698) (13,431,405)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Redemption of Long-term Debt (201,414) (193,149) (214,622) (205,224)(6,062,301) (61,542) (6,216,618) (240,340)
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt (895)6,000,000 -- (895) 4,500,00012,390,000 --
Short-term Bank Borrowings 5,650,000 4,025,000 5,675,000 5,025,000(1,600,000) 975,000 4,600,000 4,525,000
Deferred Debt Issuance Expenses (4,739)(600,301) -- (46,356) (20,404)(611,741) (41,617)
Temporary Cash Investments-Restricted 216,941 1,369,073 1,760,034 (1,670,003)1,179,098 217,211 (5,428,735) 2,998,994
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock-Net 945,871 938,177 1,252,666 1,239,187769,693 324,678 1,706,150 1,233,375
Payment of Common Dividends (4,704,789) (4,586,549) (6,267,651) (6,095,166)(1,602,400) (1,565,712) (6,340,902) (6,189,310)
Payment of Preferred Dividends (191,090) (191,090)(63,697) (63,697) (254,786) (254,786)
Construction Advances and Contributions-Net 265,417 1,424 676,168 138,28350,310 140,769 481,098 690,585
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES 1,975,302 1,362,886 2,579,558 2,656,887(1,929,598) (33,293) 324,466 2,721,901
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 112,926 (1,692,930) (866,762) (998,815)(1,444,290) 686,428 (93,488) (614,078)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 4,534,384 2,497,154 5,169,772 3,476,842 4,475,6573,183,582 3,797,660
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $ 2,610,0803,090,094 $ 3,476,8423,183,582 $ 2,610,0803,090,094 $ 3,476,8423,183,582
============ ============ ============ ============
* Excludes Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOWS INFORMATION:
Cash Paid During the Period for:
Interest (net of amounts capitalized) $ 4,477,6102,217,732 $ 4,274,3742,311,016 $ 4,846,3714,686,925 $ 4,317,2784,787,960
Income Taxes $ 1,972,79260,000 $ 1,101,450125,000 $ 2,852,7923,609,792 $ 2,507,8002,102,100
See Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsStatements.
-5-
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Organization - Middlesex Water Company (Middlesex) is the parent company and
sole shareholder of Tidewater Utilities, Inc. (Tidewater), Pinelands Water
Company, Pinelands Wastewater Company, Utility Service Affiliates, Inc. (USA),
Utility Service Affiliates (Perth Amboy) Inc. (USA-PA) and Bayview Water
Company. Southern Shores Water Company, LLC acquired in August 2001, and White Marsh Environmental
Systems, Inc. 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 intercompany accounts and transactions
have been eliminated.
The consolidated notes accompanying the 20002001 Form 10-K are applicable to this
report and, in the opinion of the Company, the accompanying unaudited
consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only
normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position as
of September 30, 2001March 31, 2002 and the results of operations and its cash flows for the
periods ended September 30, 2001March 31, 2002 and 2000.2001. Information included in the Balance Sheet
as of December 31, 2000,2001, has been derived from the Company's audited financial
statements included in its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2000.
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities," as amended. This Statement establishes accounting and
reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative
instruments embedded in other contracts. The adoption of this statement on
January 1, 2001, had no impact on the financial statements.2001.
Note 2 - Regulatory Matters
Base Rate Cases - On January 25, 2002, Tidewater filed for a 24.0% or $1.5
million phased-in rate increase. Although the financial information submitted in
its petition supports a 30.8% increase, Tidewater has requested the lower amount
and a three-phase increase in an attempt to reduce potential rate shock to its
customers. The first phase increase of 8.0% was implemented under the interim
rate rules on April 1, 2002. Three separate Public Comment Sessions were held in
April 2002. These meetings afford our customers the opportunity to express their
opinions, which become part of the legal record, on the rate increase as well as
water quality and the operations of the water systems. Evidentiary hearings have
been scheduled for the mid-July 2002. Tidewater hopes to receive a decision
early in the fourth quarter of 2002.
All parties to the Bayview base rate case have agreed to settle the matter prior
to evidentiary hearings. This settlement, which still must be approved by the
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) approved an, calls for a six-part phase-in over a
thirteen month period of a 120.3% increase or $0.1 million of additional
revenues. This rate increase is needed to support the cost for replacement of
the entire water distribution system in base rates for the following companies:
Pinelands Pinelands Middlesex
Water Wastewater Water
----------- ---------- -----
Effective Date August 1,Fortescue, New Jersey. This matter,
which was initiated in December 2001, August 1, 2001is expected to be completed in June 6, 2001
Percentage Increase 26.92% 11.81% 8.10%
Revenue Increase $ 86,000 $ 104,000 $ 3,300,000
Rate Base $956,000 $1,471,000 $133,013,000
Return on Equity 10.5% 10.5% 10.5%
Rate of Return 9.1% 9.2% 7.95%
-6-
2002.
Note 3 - Capitalization
Common Stock - During the three months ended September 30, 2001, 7,582March 31, 2002, there were 33,342
common shares ($0.30.7 million) were issued under the Company's Dividend Reinvestment
and Common Stock Purchase Plan. UnderThe increase in participation in this Plan can
be attributed to the Company's Restricted Stock Plan, 2,450
common5% discount on optional cash payments and reinvested
dividends that began on March 1, 2002. The discount is scheduled to continue
until the earlier of August 1, 2002 or when 100,000 shares were returned and cancelled.are issued during the
discount period.
Long-term Debt - On November 8, 2001,February 6, 2002, Middlesex issued its $6.0 million, 5.10%,
Series DD First Mortgage Bonds. The proceeds were used to redeem and retire the
Company closed$6.0 million, 7.25%, Series R First Mortgage Bonds on a BPU approved $4.79
million, 20 year loan from the State of New Jersey and the New Jersey
Environmental Infrastructure Trust (Trust) throughMarch 5, 2002.
-6-
Note 3 - Capitalization (cont'd.)
Bayview has submitted its financial application with the New Jersey State
Revolving Fund (SRF). The SRF loan,to borrow up to $750,000 for the design and construction of an
elevated water storage tank. This financing, which is secured by First Mortgage Bonds
designated as Series BB and CC, is comprised of a $2.35 million, zero interest
borrowing form thealso requires New Jersey
DepartmentBoard of Environmental Protection Agency
(DEP) and a $2.44 million borrowing from the Trust, with the interest rate
varying from 4.00% to 5.00 % depending on the maturity date. Final maturity for
both series of Mortgage BondsPublic Utilities approval, is August 1, 2021. The interest paid to bond
holders is exempt from federal and New Jersey income taxes, but is subject to
the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). The proceeds will be used to fund the 2003
and 2004 capital projects to clean and cement line previously unlined pipes and
mains.
On November 8, 2001, Bayview closed on a BPU approved $1.6 million, 20 year SRF
loan. The SRF loan, which is an unsecured promissory note guaranteed by
Middlesex, is comprised of a $0.75 million, zero interest borrowing from the New
Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Agency (DEP) and a $0.85 million
borrowing from the Trust, with the interest rate varying from 4.00% to 5.00 %
depending on the maturity date. Final maturity for both series of Mortgage Bonds
is August 1, 2021. The interest paid to bond holders is exempt from federal and
New Jersey incomes taxes, but is subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT).
The proceeds will be used to fund the replacement of the 300 customer water
distribution system in Fortesuce, New Jersey.
On September 17, 2001, Middlesex submitted a petition to the BPU for permission
to redeem the $6.0 million, 7.25% Series R First Mortgage Bonds. Market
conditions for long-term interest rates have made it attractive for the Company
to refinance these bonds, which were originally issued through the New Jersey
Economic Development Authority (EDA) and were scheduled to mature on July 1,
2021. The redemption, which will require a 2% or $120,000 call premium, will be accomplished by issuing a new series of First Mortgage Bonds through the EDA
with an expected maturity date of January 1, 2031. A decision by the BPU is
expected during the fourth quarter of 2001.
On August 31, 2001, Tidewater closed on a Delaware Public Service Commission
(PSC) approved Delaware SRF loan of $0.8 million, which is administered by the
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. The Delaware SRF program will
allow, but does not obligate, Tidewater to draw down against a General
Obligation Note for five specific capital projects. Tidewater will be charged an
annual fee, which is a combination of interest charges and administrative fees,
of 4.22% on the outstanding principal amount. All unpaid principal and fees must
be paid on or before December 31, 2022.
-7-
completed in November
2002.
Note 4 - Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share (EPS) are computed on the basis of the weighted average
number of shares outstanding. 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 for per Share Amounts)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
September 30, September 30, September 30,
------------- ------------- -------------March 31 March 31
2002 2001 20002002 2001 2000 2001 2000
Basic: Income Shares Income Shares Income Shares Income Shares
Income Shares Income Shares
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income $2,374 5,068 $1,537 5,025 $5,175 5,061 $3,812 5,015 $6,668 5,057 $4,847 5,001$ 1,277 7,640 $ 884 7,579 $ 7,346 7,613 $ 5,283 7,551
Preferred Dividend (64) (64) (191) (191) (255) (255)
------ ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- ----------- ------- ------ ------ ------- ------ ------ -----
Earnings Applicable
to Common Stock $2,310 5,068 $1,473 5,025 $4,984 5,061 $3,621 5,015 $6,413 5,057 $4,592 5,001$ 1,213 7,640 $ 820 7,579 $ 7,091 7,613 $ 5,028 7,551
Basic EPS $0.46 $ 0.29 $0.98 $0.72 $1.27 $0.920.16 $ 0.11 $ 0.93 $ 0.67
Diluted:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings Applicable
to Common Stock $2,310 5,068 $1,473 5,025 $4,984 5,061 $3,621 5,015 $6,413 5,057 $4,592 5,001$ 1,213 7,640 $ 820 7,579 $ 7,091 7,613 $ 5,028 7,551
$7.00 Series Dividend 26 89134 26 89 78 89 78 89134 104 89134 104 89134
$8.00 Series Dividend 24 82123 24 82 72 82 72 82123 96 82123 96 92
------123
------- ----------- ------- ----------- ------- ----------- ------- ------ ------- ------ -----
Adjusted Earnings
Applicable to
Common Stock $2,360 5,239 $1,523 5,196 $5,134 5,232 $3,771 5,186 $6,613$ 1,263 7,897 $ 870 7,836 $ 7,291 7,870 $ 5,228 $4,792 5,1827,808
Diluted EPS $0.45 $0.29 $0.98 $0.72 $1.27 $0.92$ 0.16 $ 0.11 $ 0.93 $ 0.67
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. It also operates a regulated
wastewater system in New Jersey. The Company is subject to regulations as to its
rates, services and other matters by the States of New Jersey and Delaware with
respect to utility service within these States. The other segment is the
non-regulated contract services for the operation and maintenance of municipal
and private water and wastewater systems in New Jersey and Delaware. On January
1, 1999 the Company began operating the water and wastewater systems of the City
of Perth Amboy, New Jersey under a service contract. The
accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the
summary of significant accounting policies in Note 1 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements. Inter-segment transactions relating to operational costs
are treated as pass through expenses. -8-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.
-7-
(Thousands of Dollars)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
September 30 September 30 September 30March 31, March 31,
Operations by Segments: 2002 2001 20002002 2001
2000 2001 2000
- ----------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- --------- --------- --------
Revenues:----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues:
Regulated $ 14,38912,527 $ 12,65611,410 $ 38,85853,412 $ 36,235 $ 50,256 $ 46,90247,752
Non - Regulated 1,685 1,740 5,132 5,217 6,794 7,1711,711 1,743 7,347 6,923
Inter-segment Elimination (9) (9) (27) (27) (36) (36)
-------- --------
-------- -------- -------- --------
Consolidated Revenues $ 16,06514,229 $ 14,38713,144 $ 43,96360,723 $ 41,425 $ 57,014 $ 54,037
-------- --------54,639
-------- -------- -------- --------
Operating Income:
Regulated $ 3,4152,456 $ 2,6032,020 $ 8,13711,527 $ 6,957 $ 10,705 $ 8,7589,576
Non - Regulated 117 92 274 317 371 63956 52 406 382
Inter-segment Elimination -- -- -- -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- --------
-------- --------
Consol.Consolidated Operating Income $ 3,5322,512 $ 2,6952,072 $ 8,41111,933 $ 7,274 $ 11,076 $ 9,397
-------- --------9,958
-------- -------- -------- --------
Depreciation/Amortization:
Regulated $ 1,2511,287 $ 1,1561,236 $ 3,7325,046 $ 3,437 $ 4,940 $ 4,5574,748
Non - Regulated 9 14 15 42 4051 57 43
Inter-segment Elimination -- -- -- --
Consolidated
-------- -------- -------- --------
Depreciation/Amortization $ 1,296 $ 1,250 $ 5,097 $ 4,805
-------- -------- -------- --------
Other Income:
Regulated $ 422 $ 236 $ 1,959 $ 1,311
Non - Regulated 34 50 46 57
Inter-segment Elimination (358) (199) (1,492) (972)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Consolidated Other Income $ 98 $ 87 $ 513 $ 396
-------- -------- -------- --------
Interest Expense:
Regulated $ 1,581 $ 1,482 $ 6,006 $ 5,790
Non - Regulated 13 14 55 49
Inter-segment Elimination (261) (221) (960) (767)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Consolidated Interest Expense $ 1,333 $ 1,275 $ 5,101 $ 5,072
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net Income:
Regulated $ 1,298 $ 774 $ 7,481 $ 5,097
Non - Regulated 76 88 397 391
Inter-segment Elimination (97) 22 (532) (206)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Consolidated Net Income $ 1,277 $ 884 $ 7,346 $ 5,282
-------- -------- -------- --------
Capital Expenditures:
Regulated $ 3,760 $ 1,249 $ 15,161 $ 12,124
Non - Regulated 44 34 107 138
Inter-segment Elimination -- -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- --------
-------- --------
Consolidated
Depreciation/Amortization $ 1,265 $ 1,171 $ 3,774 $ 3,477 $ 4,997 $ 4,600
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Other Income:
Regulated $ 542 $ 287 $ 1,396 $ 891 $ 1,789 $ 1,339
Non - Regulated 4 -- 59 (3) 65 (3)
Inter-segment Elimination (478) (174) (933) (655) (1,201) (995)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Consolidated Other Income $ 68 $ 113 $ 522 $ 233 $ 653 $ 341
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Interest Expense:
Regulated $ 1,439 $ 1,437 $ 4,397 $ 4,145 $ 5,899 $ 5,471
Non - Regulated 14 25 42 69 28 97
Inter-segment Elimination (227) (192) (681) (519) (867) (678)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Consol. Interest Expense $ 1,226 $ 1,270 $ 3,758 $ 3,695 $ 5,060 $ 4,890
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net Income:
Regulated $ 2,518 $ 1,453 $ 5,135 $ 3,703 $ 6,595 $ 4,625
Non - Regulated 107 67 292 245 407 539
Inter-segment Elimination (251) 17 (252) (136) (334) (317)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Consolidated Net Income $ 2,374 $ 1,537 $ 5,175 $ 3,812 $ 6,668 $ 4,847
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Capital Expenditures:
Regulated $ 5,102 $ 4,037 $ 8,769 $ 9,405 $ 12,430 $ 17,280
Non - Regulated 21 7 85 527 131 539
Inter-segment Elimination -- -- -- -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total Capital Expenditures $ 5,1233,804 $ 4,0441,283 $ 8,85415,268 $ 9,932 $ 12,561 $ 17,819
-------- --------12,262
-------- -------- -------- --------
As of As of
September 30,March 31, December 31,
2002 2001 2000
Assets:
Assets:
Regulated $252,513 $236,923$265,410 $264,601
Non - Regulated 3,334 3,0343,566 3,858
Inter-segment Elimination (29,690) (20,557)
------------- -------------(33,235) (32,085)
-------- --------
Consolidated Assets $226,157 $219,400
------------- -------------$235,741 $236,374
-------- --------
-8-
Note 6 - Intangible Assets
The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142,
"Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." on January 1, 2002. Under SFAS No. 142,
goodwill is considered a nonamortizable asset and will be subject to an annual
review for impairment and when other events or circumstances indicate an
impairment may have occurred. The Company has recorded the excess of the
purchase price over the historical cost of regulated water utility property as
an acquisition adjustment, which is consistent with SFAS No.71, "Accounting for
the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation". Approximately $0.7 million of the
$2.4 million balance of unamortized acquisition adjustments at January 1, 2002
is currently recoverable in rates. Therefore, under SFAS No. 71, the Company
will continue to amortize the associated remaining balance. Amortization on the
$1.7 remaining million has ceased as of January 1, 2002. Even though the Company
is not recovering $1.7 million through its rates, it does not believe those
assets are impaired. As part of those acquisitions, wide area water utility
franchises were among the assets acquired by the Company. These franchises are
located in the growth corridors in Kent and Sussex County, Delaware.
The following table shows the effect on Net Income and Earnings Per Share as if
this accounting standard had been adopted for all periods reflected in this
report.
(In Thousands Except per Share Amount)
Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
March 31, March 31,
2002 2001 2002 2001
---- ---- ---- ----
Net Income $1,277 $ 884 $ 7,346 $ 5,283
Acquisition Adjustment -- 10 -- 41
------ ------ ------- -------
As Adjusted $1,277 $ 894 $ 7,346 $ 5,324
====== ====== ======= =======
Basic Earnings Per Share $ 0.16 $ 0.11 $ 0.93 $ 0.67
Acquisition Adjustment -- -- -- 0.01
------ ------ ------- -------
As Adjusted $ 0.16 $ 0.11 $ 0.93 $ 0.68
====== ====== ======= =======
Diluted Earnings Per Share $ 0.16 $ 0.11 $ 0.93 $ 0.67
Acquisition Adjustment -- -- -- 0.01
------ ------ ------- -------
As Adjusted $ 0.16 $ 0.11 $ 0.93 $ 0.68
====== ====== ======= =======
-9-
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Results of Operations - Three Months Ended September 30, 2001March 31, 2002
Operating revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2001March 31, 2002 were up $1.7$1.1
million or 11.7%8.26% from the same period in 2000.2001. Higher base rates in our New
Jersey and Delaware service territories provided $1.4$0.9 million of the increase.
IncreasedLower consumption mostly in Delaware,our New Jersey systems were offset completely by revenues
from customer growth within existing systems in Delaware. The acquisition of
Bayview and Southern Shores generated the balanceremaining revenue increase of the revenue
increase.$0.2
million.
Operating expenses increased $0.8$0.6 million or 7.2%5.83%. Operations and maintenance
expenses increased $0.3$0.2 million or 3.3%3.0% over the prior period. Depreciation
expense increased 8.0%3.7% over the same period from last year. Plant improvements
of $12.0amounted to $10.7 million over the last twelve months plus an increase in
the composite depreciation rate for our Delaware utility plant were the primary
reasons for the increase of this expense.months.
Other taxes rose $0.2$0.1 million due to higher revenue related taxes.taxes on additional
revenues from our regulated New Jersey operations and increased real estate
taxes in both New Jersey and Delaware. Federal income taxes rose 37.0%47.2%,
reflecting a higher amount of current taxable income.
Other income fell less than $0.1 millionInterest charges rose 4.59% due to lower Allowance for Funds Used
During Construction (AFUDC).a higher level of long-term and short-term
debt outstanding during the quarter. Lower interest rates on the short-term debt
helped reduce the level of the increase.
Net income rebounded in the third quarter and increasedgrew by 54.4%44.5% to $2.4$1.3 million.
Results of Operations - NineTwelve Months Ended September 30, 2001March 31, 2002
Operating revenues for the ninetwelve months ended September 30, 2001March 31, 2002 were up $2.5$6.1
million to $60.7 million. Higher consumption in all our service territories
provided $1.9 million of additional revenue. Fueling the consumption growth in
Delaware was the 9.0% increase in the customer base since March 2001. Rate
increases accounted for $3.4 million. Service fees from our operations and
maintenance contracts rose $0.4 million due to an increase in fixed fees earned
under the City of Perth Amboy contract. The $0.4 million balance of the increase
is the result of the acquisition of the Bayview and Southern Shores water
utilities.
Operating expenses increased $4.1 million or 9.2%. Maintenance costs increased
by $0.3 million due to the inclusion of costs of $0.1 million associated with
the Bayview and Southern Shores systems as well as higher repair costs in our
Middlesex system and contract operations. Depreciation expense increased $0.3
million or 6.1% from the same period in 2000. Higher base rates in our New
Jersey and Delaware service territories provided $1.7 millionas a result of the increase.
Increased consumption in our Middlesex and Delaware service areas generated the
balance of the revenue increase.
Operating expenses increased $1.4 million or 4.1% over the same period last
year. Operations and maintenance expenses increased slightly over the prior
period. Depreciation expense increased 8.5% over the same period from last year.
Plant improvements of $11.0 million over the last twelve months plus an
increase in the composite depreciation rate for our Delaware utility plant were
the primary reasons for the increaseadditions of this expense.$21.7 million since
March 2000.
Other taxes rose $0.3increased by $0.8 million due to higher revenue related taxes.taxes from
our regulated New Jersey operations and increased real estate taxes in both New
Jersey and Delaware. Federal income taxes rose 23.1%, reflecting$1.3 million or 51.6% as a result
of the higher amount of current taxable income.
Other income rose $0.3$0.1 million due in part to a one-time gain of $0.3 million on
the sale of excess land by a small investor owned utility in Southern Delaware.
Middlesex is a 23% equity owner of that utility. Offsetting that gain were lower
earnings on short-term investments.
Net income increased by 35.8%39.1% to $5.2 million.
-10-
Results of Operations - Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2001
Operating revenues for the twelve months ended September 30, 2001 were up $3.0
million to $57.0 million. Higher consumption in all our service territories
provided $1.7 million of additional revenue. Rate increases accounted for $1.5
million. Service fees from our operations and maintenance contracts fell $0.4
million due to lower variable fees earned under the City of Perth Amboy
contract. These variable fees are based upon consumption revenue growth, which
failed to materialize due to unfavorable weather during the comparative period.
The $0.2 million balance of the increase is the result of the customer growth in
our Delaware service territory.
Operating expenses increased $1.3 million or 2.9%. Maintenance costs decreased
by $0.2 million due to a lower number of cold weather related main breaks and a
decreased number of emergency repairs at the Delaware mobile home parks systems
acquired in January 2000. Depreciation expense increased $0.4 million or 8.6% as
a result of the CJO Plant completion in July 1999, with a cost of approximately
$35.0 million and other utility plant improvements of $28.3 million since
September 30, 1999.
Other taxes increased by $0.3 million due to higher revenue related taxes.
Federal income taxes rose $0.5 million or 20.0% as a result of the higher amount
of taxable income.
Other income rose $0.3 million due to a one-time gain on the sale of excess land
by a small investor owned utility in Southern Delaware. Middlesex is a 23%
equity owner of that utility.
Net income increased 37.6% to $6.7$7.3 million. Basic and diluted earnings per share
jumped by 38.0%39.0% to $1.27%.$0.93 per share.
-10-
Capital Resources
The Company's capital program for 20012002 is estimated to be $12.0$23.2 million and
includes $6.6$12.6 million for water system additions and improvements for our
Delaware systems, and $0.8$2.5 million for the RENEW Program, which is our program to
clean and cement line approximately nine miles of unlined mains in the Middlesex
System. There is a total of approximately 150 miles of unlined mains in the 730
mile Middlesex System. Additional expenditures on the upgrade to the CJO Plant.Plant
are estimated at $1.6 million. The capital program also includes $4.6$6.5 million
for scheduled upgrades to our existing systems in New Jersey. The scheduled
upgrades consist of $0.8$2.4 million for mains, $0.9 million for service lines, $0.3
million for meters, $0.3 million for hydrants, $0.3$0.1 million for computer systems
and $2.0$2.5 million for various other items.
Liquidity
The capital program in Delaware will be financed through a combination of a
capital contribution and short-term debt financing from Middlesex, as well as
long-term financing through the State Revolving Fund (SRF) in Delaware.
Middlesex, Tidewater and Bayview each have secured long-term financing with
their respective state agencies for certain capital projects. SRF provides low
cost financing for projects that meet certain water quality improvement
benchmarks. Most of theThe proceeds from those loans will be used in 2002 through 2004 with some minor expenditures in 2001.2004. See
Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Other capital expenditures will
be financed through internally generated funds and sale of common stock through
the Dividend Reinvestment and Common Stock Purchase Plan (DRP). Capital
expenditures of $ 6.8$3.8 million have been incurred in the ninethree months ended September 30, 2001.March
31, 2002. The Company will also utilize short-term borrowings through $28.0$30.0
million of available lines of credit it has with three commercial banks for
working capital purposes. At September 30, 2001,March 31, 2002, there was $11.7$11.6 million outstanding
against the lines of credit.
-11-
Accounting Standards
The Financial Accounting StandardsOutlook
For the second time in three years, the State of New Jersey has declared a
drought emergency and issued water restrictions in our New Jersey service
territories. Significantly different from the 1999 restrictions is the
identification of six drought regions in the State. Middlesex County, where a
significant portion of our sales take place, is in one of two regions that are
under less severe water use restrictions than the rest of New Jersey. Although
personal car washing and pavement cleaning with water are banned, our customers
are permitted to water lawns on an odd-even day system. Customers in our
Pinelands and Bayview systems are restricted further to lawn watering only on
two weekdays. Water restrictions will impact revenues and earnings.
Even though recent precipitation in April has been above normal levels, the New
Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative InstrumentsPublic
Utilities continues to develop plans to divert water supplies from areas where
there is abundant reserves to the severely affected areas of the state.
Middlesex derives more than 75% of its water supply from New Jersey Water Supply
Authority's (NJWSA) Delaware and Hedging Activities,"Raritan Canal as amended. This Statement establishes accounting and
reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative
instruments embedded in other contracts. The adoption of this statement on
January 1, 2001, had no impact onaugmented by the financial statements.
The FASB issued two new accounting pronouncements. SFAS No. 141, Business
Combinations and SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. SFAS No.
141 will require business combinations entered into after June 30, 2001 to be
accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. Specifically identifiable
intangible assets acquired, other than goodwill, will be amortized over their
estimated useful economic life. SFAS No. 142 eliminates amortization of
goodwill. Goodwill impairment testing will be required at least annually. SFAS
No. 142 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001 to all
goodwill and other intangible assets recognized in an entity's statement of
financial position atRound
Valley/Spruce Run Reservoir System. Because that date, regardless of when those assets were initially
recognized.
The FASB issued SFAS No. 143, Assets Retirement Obligation, which the Company is
required to adopt January 1, 2003. The Companyreservoir system is currently
evaluatingat 85% capacity, the effectDEP approved the diversion of adopting these three new accounting pronouncements.
The FASB also issued SFAS No. 144, Accounting fornineteen million gallons a
day into the Impairment or Disposal of
Long-Lived Assets, whichNorth Jersey Water District. We believe this underscores the
Company will adopt on January 1, 2002. This
Statement replaces SFAS No. 121, which had previously been adopted by Middlesex
in 1996. As with SFAS No.121, the adoption of SFAS No. 144 is not expected to
have a significant effect on our results of operations or cash flows.
Regulatory Matters
On April 10, 2001, Middlesex completed the purchasestrength and adequacy of the water utility assetssupply that has been developed by the NJWSA
for Central New Jersey. However, a return to below normal levels of
precipitation could cause the DEP to further restrict water usage.
-11-
In Delaware, a drought warning has been declared by the Governor. Water users
have been asked and certain trade payables of Fortescue Realty Company. This transaction was
effected with the creation of a wholly-owned subsidiary, Bayview Water Company.
The first long-term objective for improving serviceare encouraged to the 300 customers was to
obtain low cost financing through the SRF to fund the replacementconserve water. Tidewater, which operates
south of the entireDelaware and Chesapeake Canal (D&C Canal), relies on well water distribution system. This plan calls for
construction to begin in100% of its water supply. The State of Delaware is primarily concerned about the
fourth quarter of 2001. Becauselarger surface water systems north of the system replacement, significant rate
relief will be required. The Company expects to file a rate increase on or about
November 30, 2001.
The Delaware Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved the acquisition of the
2,200 customer Sea Colony, LLCD&C Canal, which draw their water system. The acquisition cost for this
system, which has been renamed as Southern Shores Water, LLC, was approximately
$2.1 million. Because Tidewater has resolved its quality of service issuesfrom
rivers and reservoirs. It is expected that drought-related conservation in
Delaware the PSC removed the 0.75% credit against the Company's allowed return
on equity.
On November 13, 2001, Middlesex file a petition with the BPU requesting
permission to institute a three-for-two stock split of its Middlesex Water
Company no par value Common Stock. A decision is expected within six weeks.
-12-
Outlook
Middlesex and its subsidiaries continue to review operations for cost
reductions, without sacrificing service to our customers. Higher revenueswill somewhat temper revenue increases from the most recently approvedprojected 9% customer
growth for 2002 as well as the 8% interim rate increases for Middlesex and the two Pinelands
cases should continue to help improve earnings over last year. A return to more
typical weather patterns has increased revenues. Similarly, increased usage in
Delaware has provided additional revenue as a result of the rate increase and
restructured rates. The restructured rates now reflect a greater proportionate
charge on the consumption component of the rate. Even with the recent rate
increase in Delaware, we are earning less than half of the approved 9.14% rate
of return. We are evaluating the timing of additional rate relief request in
that jurisdiction. Our latest earnings projections for 2001 are between $1.22
and $1.26 per basic share.
Divestiture
As reported in its September 17, 2001 Form 8-K filing, Middlesex had been in
negotiations to sell its Delaware water utility operation to Artesian Resources
Corporation. Those negotiations have terminated without an agreement.increase.
Forward Looking Information
Certain matters discussed in this report on Form 10-Q are "forward-looking
statements" intended to qualify for safe harbors from liability established by
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may
address future plans, objectives, expectations and events concerning various
matters such as capital expenditures, earnings, litigation, growth potential,
rate and other regulatory matters, liquidity, capital resources and accounting
matters. Actual results in each case could differ materially from those
currently anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation
to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result
of new information, future events or otherwise.
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 policy is to manage interest rates through the use of
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 First Mortgage Bonds, which
have maturity dates ranging from 2009 to 2038. Over the next twelve months,
approximately $0.3$0.4 million of the current portion of four existing long-term
debt instruments will mature. Applying a hypothetical change in the rate of
interest charged by 10% on those borrowings would not have a material effect on
earnings.
-13--12-
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
A claim has been made by multiple plaintiffs for damages
resulting from personal injury, including death, and property
damage alleged to have been caused by the delivery in Delaware
of inadequate quality water, and related claims. While the
Company has little detail about the claim at this time, we
have substantial insurance coverage, which we believe will be
sufficient for all claims in this matter other than for
punitive damages.None.
Item 2. Changes in Securities
None.
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None.
Item 5. Other Information
None.
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) Exhibits: None.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K: Filed July 9, 2001.
Filed September 17, 2001.
-14-
April 3, 2002
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereto duly authorized.
MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY
(Registrant)
/s/ A. Bruce O'Connor
-----------------------------
Date: NovemberMay 14, 20012002 A. Bruce O'Connor
Vice President and Controller
-15--13-