UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

(Mark One) 
þQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 20172019

 

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

(State of incorporation)

22-1114430

(IRS employer identification no.)

 

1500 Ronson Road,485C Route One South, Iselin, New Jersey 08830

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(732) 634-1500

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common StockMSEXNASDAQ

 

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.

Yesþ    No¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post files).

Yesþ    No¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer, non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company and emerging growth company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer¨                     Accelerated filerþ                     Non-accelerated filer¨

Smaller reporting company¨                               Emerging growth company¨

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

Yes¨    Noþ

The number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of October 31, 2017:2019: Common Stock, No Par Value: 16,346,03616,669,540 shares outstanding.

 

 

INDEX

 

PART I.FINANCIAL INFORMATIONPAGE
   
Item 1.Financial Statements (Unaudited): 
   
 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income1
   
 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets2
   
 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows3
   
 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Capital Stock and Long-Term Debt4
   
 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Common Stockholders’ Equity5
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  56
  
Item 2.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations1417
   
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures of Market Risk  2226
   
Item 4.Controls and Procedures2327
   
PART II.OTHER INFORMATION 
   
Item 1.Legal Proceedings2328
   
Item 1A.Risk Factors2328
   
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds2328
   
Item 3.Defaults upon Senior Securities2328
   
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures2328
   
Item 5.Other Information2328
   
Item 6.Exhibits2428
   
SIGNATURES2529

 

 

Index

MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

 (In(In thousands except per share amounts)

  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
         
Operating Revenues $36,174  $37,794  $99,319  $101,098 
                 
Operating Expenses:                
Operations and Maintenance  16,178   16,599   48,563   48,215 
Depreciation  3,587   3,243   10,280   9,561 
Other Taxes  3,603   3,796   10,327   10,537 
                 
Total Operating Expenses  23,368   23,638   69,170   68,313 
                 
Operating Income  12,806   14,156   30,149   32,785 
                 
Other Income (Expense):                
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction  174   207   473   387 
Other Income  43   400   69   449 
                 
Total Other Income, net  217   607   542   836 
                 
Interest Charges  1,493   1,427   3,965   3,841 
                 
Income before Income Taxes  11,530   13,336   26,726   29,780 
                 
Income Taxes  3,888   4,523   9,263   10,258 
                 
Net Income  7,642   8,813   17,463   19,522 
                 
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements  36   36   108   108 
                 
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock $7,606  $8,777  $17,355  $19,414 
                 
Earnings per share of Common Stock:                
Basic $0.47  $0.54  $1.06  $1.19 
Diluted $0.46  $0.54  $1.06  $1.19 
                 
Average Number of                
Common Shares Outstanding :                
Basic  16,340   16,284   16,324   16,262 
Diluted  16,496   16,440   16,480   16,418 
                 
Cash Dividends Paid per Common Share $0.2113  $0.1988  $0.6338  $0.5963 

 

  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2019 2018 2019 2018
         
Operating Revenues $37,769  $38,713  $101,859  $104,809 
                 
Operating Expenses:                
Operations and Maintenance  17,669   18,114   50,569   52,773 
Depreciation  4,246   3,792   12,415   11,137 
Other Taxes  3,871   3,889   10,913   10,910 
                 
Total Operating Expenses  25,786   25,795   73,897   74,820 
                 
Operating Income  11,983   12,918   27,962   29,989 
                 
Other Income (Expense):                
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction  871   424   2,030   805 
Other Income (Expense), net  (4)  409   (142)  1,277 
                 
Total Other Income, net  867   833   1,888   2,082 
                 
Interest Charges  1,996   1,723   4,984   4,929 
                 
Income before Income Taxes  10,854   12,028   24,866   27,142 
                 
Income Taxes  (265)  (262)  (952)  1,683 
                 
Net Income  11,119   12,290   25,818   25,459 
                 
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements  30   36   102   108 
                 
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock $11,089  $12,254  $25,716  $25,351 
                 
Earnings per share of Common Stock:                
Basic $0.67  $0.75  $1.56  $1.55 
Diluted $0.66  $0.74  $1.55  $1.54 
                 
Average Number of                
Common Shares Outstanding:                
Basic  16,610   16,394   16,520   16,379 
Diluted  16,757   16,550   16,673   16,535 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.  

Index

MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED  BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

  September 30, December 31,   September 30, December 31,
ASSETS  2017 2016   2019 2018
UTILITY PLANT: Water Production $149,881  $146,914  Water Production $157,970  $156,423 
 Transmission and Distribution  449,323   430,880  Transmission and Distribution  536,367   512,202 
 General  67,774   63,514  General  80,635   74,371 
 Construction Work in Progress  21,752   12,196  Construction Work in Progress  69,651   32,878 
 TOTAL  688,730   653,504  TOTAL  844,623   775,874 
 Less Accumulated Depreciation  143,269   135,728  Less Accumulated Depreciation  166,873   157,387 
 UTILITY PLANT - NET  545,461   517,776  UTILITY PLANT - NET  677,750   618,487 
                   
CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and Cash Equivalents  2,701   3,879  Cash and Cash Equivalents  3,151   3,705 
 Accounts Receivable, net  11,730   10,129  Accounts Receivable, net  13,407   11,762 
 Unbilled Revenues  8,628   6,590  Unbilled Revenues  9,417   7,293 
 Materials and Supplies (at average cost)  4,441   4,094  Materials and Supplies (at average cost)  5,159   5,411 
 Prepayments  2,588   2,024  Prepayments  3,577   2,644 
 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS  30,088   26,716  TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS  34,711   30,815 
                   
DEFERRED CHARGES Operating Lease Right of Use Asset  6,133    
AND OTHER ASSETS: Preliminary Survey and Investigation Charges  3,832   2,365  Preliminary Survey and Investigation Charges  2,252   5,254 
 Regulatory Assets  60,430   60,894 
 Operations Contracts, Developer and Other Receivables  789   1,139 
 Restricted Cash  439   439  Regulatory Assets  100,320   99,236 
 Non-utility Assets - Net  9,276   9,131  Restricted Cash  53,927   1,956 
 Federal Income Tax Receivable  1,408   1,408  Non-utility Assets - Net  10,306   9,989 
 Other  196   293  Other  1,954   2,093 
 TOTAL DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSETS  76,370   75,669  TOTAL DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSETS  174,892   118,528 
 TOTAL ASSETS $651,919  $620,161  TOTAL ASSETS $887,353  $767,830 
                   
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIESCAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES        CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES        
CAPITALIZATION: Common Stock, No Par Value $154,626  $153,045  Common Stock, No Par Value $170,562  $157,354 
 Retained Earnings  72,403   65,392  Retained Earnings  105,233   91,433 
 TOTAL COMMON EQUITY  227,029   218,437  TOTAL COMMON EQUITY  275,795   248,787 
 Preferred Stock  2,433   2,436  Preferred Stock  2,084   2,433 
 Long-term Debt  135,806   134,538  Long-term Debt  228,272   152,851 
 TOTAL CAPITALIZATION  365,268   355,411  TOTAL CAPITALIZATION  506,151   404,071 
                    
CURRENT Current Portion of Long-term Debt  6,547   6,159  Current Portion of Long-term Debt  7,161   7,343 
LIABILITIES: Notes Payable  24,500   12,000  Notes Payable  58,500   48,500 
 Accounts Payable  12,113   12,343  Accounts Payable  20,178   19,325 
 Accrued Taxes  11,881   12,385  Accrued Taxes  12,132   14,230 
 Accrued Interest  391   1,084  Accrued Interest  799   1,289 
 Unearned Revenues and Advanced Service Fees  962   923  Unearned Revenues and Advanced Service Fees  1,048   1,036 
 Other  2,618   2,162  Other  3,657   2,640 
 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES  59,012   47,056  TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES  103,475   94,363 
                   
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Note 7)COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Note 7) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Note 7)        
                   
DEFERRED CREDITS Customer Advances for Construction  21,307   20,846  Customer Advances for Construction  22,682   22,572 
AND OTHER LIABILITIES: Accumulated Deferred Investment Tax Credits  694   753  Operating Lease Obligation  5,908    
 Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes  80,250   72,072  Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes  50,947   47,270 
 Employee Benefit Plans  33,544   36,139  Employee Benefit Plans  27,826   30,661 
 Regulatory Liability - Cost of Utility Plant Removal  11,889   11,337  Regulatory Liabilities  72,000   79,112 
 Other  1,348   1,443  Other  2,567   2,730 
 TOTAL DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES  149,032   142,590  TOTAL DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES  181,930   182,345 
                   
CONTRIBUTIONS IN AID OF CONSTRUCTIONCONTRIBUTIONS IN AID OF CONSTRUCTION  78,607   75,104 CONTRIBUTIONS IN AID OF CONSTRUCTION  95,797   87,051 
 TOTAL CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES $651,919  $620,161  TOTAL CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES $887,353  $767,830 

 

See Notes to Condensed ConsolidatedConsolidate Financial Statements.

Index

MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

 Nine Months Ended Septmber 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2019 2018
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                
Net Income $17,463  $19,522  $25,818  $25,459 
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to                
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:                
Depreciation and Amortization  10,677   10,052   12,858   11,743 
Provision for Deferred Income Taxes and Investment Tax Credits  8,394   5,382 
Provision for Deferred Income Taxes  (8,379)  (5,975)
Equity Portion of Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC)  (323)  (261)  (1,330)  (538)
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance  (161)  (89)  (187)  (119)
Stock Compensation Expense  673   649   409   757 
Changes in Assets and Liabilities:                
Accounts Receivable  (1,601)  (3,213)  (1,645)  (2,759)
Unbilled Revenues  (2,038)  (2,285)  (2,124)  (2,098)
Materials and Supplies  (347)  (1,799)  252   (1,515)
Prepayments  (564)  (778)  (933)  (1,111)
Accounts Payable  (230)  3,806   853   5,606 
Accrued Taxes  (504)  1,506   (2,098)  3,400 
Accrued Interest  (693)  (703)  (490)  (545)
Employee Benefit Plans  (1,362)  (1,169)  (640)  (1,426)
Unearned Revenue & Advanced Service Fees  39   24   12   85 
Other Assets and Liabilities  (774)  16   972   1,899 
                
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES  28,649   30,660   23,348   32,863 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                
Utility Plant Expenditures, Including AFUDC of $150 in 2017, $126 in 2016  (35,170)  (34,146)
Utility Plant Expenditures, Including AFUDC of $700 in 2019 and $267 in 2018  (61,220)  (49,518)
                
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES  (35,170)  (34,146)  (61,220)  (49,518)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                
Redemption of Long-term Debt  (5,163)  (4,917)  (6,315)  (6,013)
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt  6,968   3,903   82,446   9,265 
Net Short-term Bank Borrowings  12,500   10,600   10,000   20,500 
Deferred Debt Issuance Expense  (144)  (158)  (754)  (862)
Common Stock Issuance Expense  (22)   
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock  908   1,159   12,449   864 
Payment of Common Dividends  (10,344)  (9,695)  (11,893)  (10,993)
Payment of Preferred Dividends  (108)  (108)  (102)  (108)
Construction Advances and Contributions-Net  726   686   3,480   3,140 
                
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES  5,343   1,470   89,289   15,793 
NET CHANGES IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS  (1,178)  (2,016)  51,417   (862)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD  3,879   3,469 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $2,701  $1,453 
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD  5,661   6,397 
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH AT END OF PERIOD $57,078  $5,535 
                
                
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH ACTIVITY:                
Utility Plant received as Construction Advances and Contributions $3,238  $1,217  $5,375  $3,028 
Long-term Debt Deobligation $  $476  $130  $ 
                
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOWS INFORMATION:                
Cash Paid During the Year for:                
Interest $4,775  $4,658  $5,929  $5,090 
Interest Capitalized $150  $126  $700  $267 
Income Taxes $1,462  $4,011  $6,752  $3,191 

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Index

MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITAL STOCK

AND LONG-TERM DEBT

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)thousands

 September 30, December 31, September 30, December 31,
 2017 2016 2019 2018
Common Stock, No Par ValueCommon Stock, No Par Value                
Shares Authorized -40,000        
Shares Outstanding - 2017 - 16,345; 2016 - 16,296 $154,626  $153,045 
Shares Authorized - 40,000        
Shares Outstanding - 2019 - 16,670; 2018 - 16,403 $170,562  $157,354 
                
Retained EarningsRetained Earnings  72,403   65,392   105,233   91,433 
TOTAL COMMON EQUITYTOTAL COMMON EQUITY $227,029  $218,437  $275,795  $248,787 
                
Cumulative Preferred Stock, No Par Value:Cumulative Preferred Stock, No Par Value:                
Shares Authorized - 126        
Shares Outstanding - 24        
Shares Authorized - 2019 - 123; 2018 - 126        
Shares Outstanding - 2019 - 20; 2018 - 23        
Convertible: Convertible:                
Shares Outstanding, $7.00 Series - 10Shares Outstanding, $7.00 Series - 10 $1,005  $1,007   1,005   1,005 
Shares Outstanding, $8.00 Series - 3  349   349 
Shares Outstanding, $8.00 Series - 2019 - 0; 2018 - 3     349 
Nonredeemable: Nonredeemable:                
Shares Outstanding, $7.00 Series - 1Shares Outstanding, $7.00 Series - 1  79   80   79   79 
Shares Outstanding, $4.75 Series - 10Shares Outstanding, $4.75 Series - 10  1,000   1,000   1,000   1,000 
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKTOTAL PREFERRED STOCK $2,433  $2,436  $2,084  $2,433 
                
Long-term Debt:Long-term Debt:                
8.05%, Amortizing Secured Note, due December 20, 2021 8.05%, Amortizing Secured Note, due December 20, 2021 $1,241  $1,415  $715  $924 
6.25%, Amortizing Secured Note, due May 19, 2028 6.25%, Amortizing Secured Note, due May 19, 2028  4,480   4,795   3,640   3,955 
6.44%, Amortizing Secured Note, due August 25, 2030 6.44%, Amortizing Secured Note, due August 25, 2030  3,617   3,827   3,057   3,267 
6.46%, Amortizing Secured Note, due September 19, 2031 6.46%, Amortizing Secured Note, due September 19, 2031  3,897   4,107   3,337   3,547 
4.22%, State Revolving Trust Note, due December 31, 2022 4.22%, State Revolving Trust Note, due December 31, 2022  304   329   202   228 
3.60%, State Revolving Trust Note, due May 1, 2025 3.60%, State Revolving Trust Note, due May 1, 2025  1,958   2,062   1,519   1,632 
3.30% State Revolving Trust Note, due March 1, 2026 3.30% State Revolving Trust Note, due March 1, 2026  392   431   309   351 
3.49%, State Revolving Trust Note, due January 25, 2027 3.49%, State Revolving Trust Note, due January 25, 2027  427   465   349   389 
4.03%, State Revolving Trust Note, due December 1, 2026 4.03%, State Revolving Trust Note, due December 1, 2026  578   603   474   501 
4.00% to 5.00%, State Revolving Trust Bond, due August 1, 2021 4.00% to 5.00%, State Revolving Trust Bond, due August 1, 2021  162   213   60   111 
0.00%, State Revolving Fund Bond, due August 1, 2021 0.00%, State Revolving Fund Bond, due August 1, 2021  128   166   50   88 
3.64%, State Revolving Trust Note, due July 1, 2028 3.64%, State Revolving Trust Note, due July 1, 2028  266   276   225   235 
3.64%, State Revolving Trust Note, due January 1, 2028 3.64%, State Revolving Trust Note, due January 1, 2028  87   91   73   77 
3.45%, State Revolving Trust Note, due August 1, 2031 3.45%, State Revolving Trust Note, due August 1, 2031  962   1,015   851   907 
6.59%, Amortizing Secured Note, due April 20, 2029 6.59%, Amortizing Secured Note, due April 20, 2029  4,040   4,302   3,343   3,604 
7.05%, Amortizing Secured Note, due January 20, 2030 7.05%, Amortizing Secured Note, due January 20, 2030  3,083   3,271   2,583   2,771 
5.69%, Amortizing Secured Note, due January 20, 2030 5.69%, Amortizing Secured Note, due January 20, 2030  6,325   6,709   5,299   5,684 
4.45%, Amortizing Secured Note, due April 20, 2040 4.45%, Amortizing Secured Note, due April 20, 2040  9,937   10,267   9,057   9,387 
4.47%, Amortizing Secured Note, due April 20, 2040 4.47%, Amortizing Secured Note, due April 20, 2040  3,687   3,809   3,361   3,483 
3.75%, State Revolving Trust Note, due July 1, 2031 3.75%, State Revolving Trust Note, due July 1, 2031  2,134   2,191   1,892   1,954 
2.00%, State Revolving Trust Note, due February 1, 2036 2.00%, State Revolving Trust Note, due February 1, 2036  1,115   1,115   1,013   1,064 
3.75%, State Revolving Trust Note, due November 30, 2030 3.75%, State Revolving Trust Note, due November 30, 2030  1,123   1,154   990   1,024 
0.00% Construction Loans 0.00% Construction Loans  14,439   7,470   38,171   16,509 
First Mortgage Bonds: First Mortgage Bonds:                
0.00%, Series X, due August 1, 2018  55   107 
4.25% to 4.63%, Series Y, due August 1, 2018  61   122 
0.00%, Series Z, due August 1, 2019 0.00%, Series Z, due August 1, 2019  224   336      113 
5.25% to 5.75%, Series AA, due August 1, 2019 5.25% to 5.75%, Series AA, due August 1, 2019  300   440      155 
0.00%, Series BB, due August 1, 2021 0.00%, Series BB, due August 1, 2021  482   603   241   362 
4.00% to 5.00%, Series CC, due August 1, 2021 4.00% to 5.00%, Series CC, due August 1, 2021  636   779   331   489 
0.00%, Series EE, due August 1, 2023 0.00%, Series EE, due August 1, 2023  2,296   2,713   1,455   1,876 
3.00% to 5.50%, Series FF, due August 1, 2024 3.00% to 5.50%, Series FF, due August 1, 2024  3,495   3,690   2,440   2,980 
0.00%, Series GG, due August 1, 2026 0.00%, Series GG, due August 1, 2026  813   903   633   723 
4.00% to 5.00%, Series HH, due August 1, 2026 4.00% to 5.00%, Series HH, due August 1, 2026  880   960   710   795 
0.00%, Series II, due August 1, 2024 0.00%, Series II, due August 1, 2024  610   700   429   520 
3.40% to 5.00%, Series JJ, due August 1, 2027 3.40% to 5.00%, Series JJ, due August 1, 2027  750   824   588   671 
0.00%, Series KK, due August 1, 2028 0.00%, Series KK, due August 1, 2028  988   1,078   807   898 
5.00% to 5.50%, Series LL, due August 1, 2028 5.00% to 5.50%, Series LL, due August 1, 2028  1,095   1,175   928   1,010 
0.00%, Series MM, due August 1, 2030 0.00%, Series MM, due August 1, 2030  1,237   1,337   1,037   1,137 
3.00% to 4.375%, Series NN, due August 1, 2030 3.00% to 4.375%, Series NN, due August 1, 2030  1,505   1,590   1,190   1,415 
0.00%, Series OO, due August 1, 2031 0.00%, Series OO, due August 1, 2031  2,107   2,258   1,806   1,956 
2.00% to 5.00%, Series PP, due August 1, 2031 2.00% to 5.00%, Series PP, due August 1, 2031  740   780   660   700 
5.00%, Series QQ, due October 1, 2023 5.00%, Series QQ, due October 1, 2023  9,915   9,915   9,915   9,915 
3.80%, Series RR, due October 1, 2038 3.80%, Series RR, due October 1, 2038  22,500   22,500   22,500   22,500 
4.25%, Series SS, due October 1, 2047 4.25%, Series SS, due October 1, 2047  23,000   23,000   23,000   23,000 
0.00%, Series TT, due August 1, 2032 0.00%, Series TT, due August 1, 2032  2,258   2,408   1,957   2,107 
3.00% to 3.25%, Series UU, due August 1, 2032 3.00% to 3.25%, Series UU, due August 1, 2032  845   890   755   800 
0.00%, Series VV, due August 1, 2033 0.00%, Series VV, due August 1, 2033  2,290   2,433   2,003   2,147 
3.00% to 5.00%, Series WW, due August 1, 2033 3.00% to 5.00%, Series WW, due August 1, 2033  830   865   755   795 
0.00%, Series XX, due August 1, 2047  10,627   11,006 
3.00% to 5.00%, Series YY, due August 1, 2047  3,785   3,860 
0.00%, Series 2018A, due August 1, 2047  6,678   6,917 
3.00%-5.00%, Series 2018B, due August 1, 2047  2,320   2,365 
4.00%, Series 2019A, due August 1, 2059  32,500    
5.00%, Series 2019B, due August 1, 2059  21,200    
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBTSUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT  144,294   142,489   231,820   162,904 
Add: Premium on Issuance of Long-term DebtAdd: Premium on Issuance of Long-term Debt  1,335   1,495   8,164   1,259 
Less: Unamortized Debt ExpenseLess: Unamortized Debt Expense  (3,276)  (3,287)  (4,551)  (3,969)
Less: Current Portion of Long-term DebtLess: Current Portion of Long-term Debt  (6,547)  (6,159)  (7,161)  (7,343)
TOTAL LONG-TERM DEBTTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT $135,806  $134,538  $228,272  $152,851 

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.  

Index

MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

  Common  Common       
  Stock  Stock  Retained    
  Shares  Amount  Earnings  Total 
             
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018                
Balance at July 1, 2018  16,392   156,251   79,826  $236,077 
Net Income        12,290   12,290 
Dividend Reinvestment & Common Stock Purchase Plan  8   266      266 
Restricted Stock Award, Net - Employees     242      242 
Shares Forfeited  (2)  (18)     (18)
Cash Dividends on Common Stock ($0.2238 per share)        (3,667)  (3,667)
Cash Dividends on Preferred Stock        (36)  (36)
Balance at September 30, 2018  16,398  $156,741  $88,413  $245,154 
                 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018                
Balance at January 1, 2018  16,352  $155,120  $74,055  $229,175 
Net Income        25,459   25,459 
Dividend Reinvestment & Common Stock Purchase Plan  21   864      864 
Restricted Stock Award, Net - Employees  23   628      628 
Stock Award - Board Of Directors  4   147      147 
Shares Forfeited  (2)  (18)     (18)
Cash Dividends on Common Stock ($0.6713 per share)        (10,993)  (10,993)
Cash Dividends on Preferred Stock        (108)  (108)
Balance at September 30, 2018  16,398  $156,741  $88,413  $245,154 
                 
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2019                
Balance at July 1, 2019  16,554  $165,138  $98,146  $263,284 
Net Income        11,119   11,119 
Dividend Reinvestment & Common Stock Purchase Plan  92   5,368      5,368 
Restricted Stock Award, Net - Employees  1   172      172 
Shares Forefeited  (18)  (466)     (466)
Conversion of $8.00 Convertible Preferred Stock  41   350      350 
Cash Dividends on Common Stock ($0.2400 per share)        (3,987)  (3,987)
Cash Dividends on Preferred Stock        (30)  (30)
Common Stock Expenses        (15)  (15)
Balance at September 30, 2019  16,670  $170,562  $105,233  $275,795 
                 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019                
Balance at January 1, 2019  16,403  $157,354  $91,433  $248,787 
Net Income        25,818   25,818 
Dividend Reinvestment & Common Stock Purchase Plan  222   12,449      12,449 
Restricted Stock Award, Net - Employees  18   679      679 
Stock Award - Board Of Directors  4   196      196 
Shares Forefeited  (18)  (466)     (466)
Conversion of $8.00 Convertible Preferred Stock  41   350      350 
Cash Dividends on Common Stock ($0.7200 per share)        (11,893)  (11,893)
Cash Dividends on Preferred Stock        (102)  (102)
Common Stock Expenses        (23)  (23)
Balance at September 30, 2019  16,670  $170,562  $105,233  $275,795 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.  

Index

MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 1 – Basis of Presentation and Recent Developments

 

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), Utility Service Affiliates  (Perth Amboy) Inc. (USA-PA), and Twin Lakes Utilities, Inc. (Twin Lakes). 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 20162018 Annual Report on Form 10-K (the 2016(2018 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, 2017,2019 and the results of operations and cash flows for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 20172019 and 2016 and cash flows for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.2018. Information included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2016,2018, has been derived from the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 20162018 included in the 20162018 Form 10-K.

 

Recent Developments

Tidewater to Acquire Water Systems - On October 8, 2019, the Delaware Public Service Commission (DEPSC) approved Tidewater’s request to purchase the water utility assets of J.H. Wilkerson and Son, Inc. and transfer the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity in order for Tidewater to serve the approximate 1,000 customers currently connected to eight community water systems located mostly in eastern Sussex County, Delaware. The DEPSC also authorized Tidewater to maintain the existing rates that these customers currently pay. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

 

InventoryLeases - - In July 2015,On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance on simplifying the measurement of inventory. The new guidance replaces the current lower of cost or market test with a lower of cost or net realizable value test when cost is determined on a first-in, first-out or average cost basis. The guidance was effective January 1, 2017 and did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Accounting for Share-Based Payments -In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. The guidance was effective January 1, 2017 and did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Revenue Recognition - In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance related to revenue from contracts with customers. The update replaces most of the existing guidance with a single set of principles for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. The FASB has deferred the effective date of these new revenue recognition standards by one year to January 1, 2018, at which time the Company will adopt this guidance using the modified retrospective method. The Company continues to assess the impact this standard will have on our financial statements by analyzing our inventory of contracts with customers, which consist primarily of regulated tariff-based sales and non-regulated operation and maintenance contracts for water and wastewater systems. Based on the Company’s on-going interpretation and analysis of this guidance, this update is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s regulated tariff-based sales and the impact on the Company’s non-regulated operation and maintenance contracts, if any, is not expected to be material. The Company’s non-regulated segment contributed approximately 12% and 6% of total revenues and net income, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and approximately 11% and 2% of total revenues and net income, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2016. The Company’s assessment of this guidance is not final and subject to change pending the Company’s completion of its review of the guidance, including any new authoritative and interpretive guidance.

Index

Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities- In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance which (i) requires all investments in equity securities, including other ownership interests such as partnerships, unincorporated joint ventures and limited liability companies, to be carried at fair value through net income, (ii) requires an incremental recognition and disclosure requirement related to the presentation of fair value changes of financial liabilities for which the fair value option has been elected, (iii) amends several disclosure requirements, including the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate fair value or a description of the changes in the methods and assumptions used to estimate fair value, and (iv) requires disclosure of the fair value of financial assets and liabilities measured at amortized cost at the amount that would be received to sell the asset or paid to transfer the liability. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The guidance is required to be applied retrospectively with a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings for initial application of the guidance at the date of adoption (modified retrospective method). The Company is currently assessing the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures, but does not expect that the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Leases -In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance related to leases which will requirerequired lessees to recognize a lease liability (a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis)and a right-of-use asset (an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term). The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted.asset. The Company is currently assessingelected the impactoptional transition method of thisadoption option to apply the requirements of the standard on its consolidated financial statementsin the period of adoption with no restatement of prior periods. The Company utilized the package of transition practical expedients provided by the new guidance, including carrying forward prior conclusions related to contracts that contain leases and footnote disclosures, but, based onlease classification. The Company also utilized the Company’s current leasing activity, does not expect thattransition practical expedient permitting entities to forgo the evaluation of existing land easement arrangements to determine if they contain a lease. Land easement arrangements, or modifications to existing arrangements, entered into after adoption of this guidance will need to havebe evaluated to determine if they meet the definition of a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Statement of Cash Flows -In August 2016, the FASB issued guidance which amends the previous guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The primary purpose of this guidance is to reduce the diversity in practice that has resulted from the lack of consistent principles on this topic. The guidance is effective January 1, 2018 with early adoption permitted.lease. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to haveresulted in the recording of a material impact$6.7 million right-of-use asset, a $7.1 million lease liability and a $0.4 million regulatory asset on the Company’s financial statements.

Restricted Cash -In November 2016, the FASB issued guidance related to the classification and presentationconsolidated balance sheet as of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows, which requires entities to a) include restricted cash balances in its cash and cash-equivalent balances in the statement of cash flows and b) include a reconciliation of cash and cash-equivalents per the statement of financial position as compared to the statement of cash flows. Changes in restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents that result from transfers between cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents will not be presented as cash flow activities in the statement of cash flows. In addition, an entity with a material balance of amounts described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents must disclose information about the nature of the restrictions. The guidance is effective January 1, 2018 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.2019. For further discussion, see “Leases” inNote 7 – Commitments and Contingent Liabilities.

 

Employee Benefit Plans-Net Periodic Benefit Cost –In March 2017, the FASB issued guidance which requires entities to (1) disaggregate the current-service-cost component from the other components of net benefit cost and present it with other current compensation costs for related employees in the income statement and (2) present the other components elsewhere in the income statement and outside of income from operations if that subtotal is presented. In addition, the ASU requires entities to disclose the income statement lines that contain the other components if they are not presented on appropriately described separate lines. The guidance is effective January 1, 2018. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures, but does not expect that the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Index

There are no other new adopted or proposed accounting guidance that the Company is aware of that could have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Index

Note 2Rate and Regulatory Matters

 

Middlesex –On October 10, 2017, Middlesex filed a petition withIn December 2018, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) seeking permission to increase base water rates by approximately $15.3 million per year. The request was necessitated by capital infrastructure investments Middlesex has made, or has committed to make, to drinking water infrastructure since the last filing in New Jersey in 2015 as well as increased operations and maintenance costs. We cannot predict when and whether the NJBPU will ultimately approve, deny, or reduce the amount of the request. Under New Jersey statute, the NJPBU must render a decision within nine months of filing a petition.

On October 20, 2017, the NJBPU approved Middlesex’s petition to resetestablish its Purchased Water Adjustment Clause (PWAC) tariff rate to recover additional annual costs of $1.2less than $0.1 million, primarily for the purchase of untreatedtreated water from a non-affiliated water utility regulated by the New Jersey Water Supply Authority.NJBPU. A PWAC is a rate mechanism that allows for the recovery of increased purchased water costs between base rate case filings. The PWAC is reset to zero once those increased costs are included in base rates. The reset PWAC tariff rate became effective on NovemberJanuary 1, 2017.2019.

 

Tidewater -Effective July 1, 2017,2019, Tidewater reset its Delaware Public Service Commission-approvedDEPSC approved Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC) rate, which is expected to generate $0.4revenues of approximately $0.5 million annually.

In February 2019, Tidewater received approval from the DEPSC to reduce its rates, effective March 1, 2019, to reflect the lower corporate income tax rate enacted by theTax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (Tax Act), resulting in an overall rate decrease of 3.35%, or $1.0 million of revenues, on an annual revenues. A DSIC isbasis. The DEPSC also approved a rate-mechanism that allows water utilitiesone-time credit of $0.7 million to recover investments of,customers’ accounts related to the lower corporate income tax rate.

Pinelands -On October 25, 2019, Pinelands Water and generate a return on, qualifying capital improvements toPinelands Wastewater concluded their water distribution system made between base rate proceedings.case matters when the NJBPU approved a $0.5 million increase in annual base rates, effective November 4, 2019. In March 2019, Pinelands Water and Pinelands Wastewater had filed petitions with the NJBPU seeking permission to increase base rates by approximately $0.7 million per year. The requests were necessitated by capital infrastructure investments both companies had made, and increased operations and maintenance costs.

Twin Lakes -In July 2019, Twin Lakes filed a petition with the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission (PAPUC) seeking permission to increase base rates by approximately $0.2 million per year. This request was necessitated by capital infrastructure investments Twin Lakes has made and increased operations and maintenance costs. We cannot predict whether the PAPUC will ultimately approve, deny, or reduce the amount of the request. A decision by the PAPUC is not expected before the first quarter of 2020.

 

Note 3 – Capitalization

 

Common Stock

-During the nine months ended September 30, 20172019 and 2016,2018, there were 24,154221,558 common shares ($12.4 million) and 21,001 common shares (approximately $0.9 million) and 35,350 common shares (approximately $1.2 million), respectively, issued under the Middlesex Water Company Investment Plan (Investment Plan). On January 2, 2019, the Company began offering shares of its common stock for purchase at a 5% discount to participants in the Investment Plan. In August 2019, the 200,000 share purchase limit established for the 5% discount program was reached and the program was concluded.

 

Long-term DebtIn September 2019, the Company determined it had inadvertently sold shares of its common stock through the Investment Plan from August 1, 2018 through September 3, 2019 (Eligible Period) after the registration statement covering sales through the Investment Plan had expired and therefore was no longer effective. Under applicable federal securities laws, participants in the Investment Plan who purchased shares of common stock have a right to rescind their Eligible Period purchases and require the Company to repurchase these shares for an amount equal to the price paid by the participant, less any dividends paid on the purchased shares, plus interest.

In January 2017,October 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a plan to voluntarily offer a right of rescission (Rescission Offer) to Investment Plan participants who purchased shares of the Company’s common stock during the Eligible Period. During the Eligible Period, Investment Plan participants purchased 232,643 shares at an average price of $55.79 per share.

On October 11, 2019, the Company filed a supplement to the Investment Plan prospectus (Prospectus Supplement) with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission registering both the Rescission Offer and the 232,643 shares sold during the Eligible Period and notifying eligible Investment Plan participants of the specific details of the Rescission Offer. Investment Plan participants have thirty (30) days from the notification date to decide to accept or reject the Rescission Offer. Based on the current market price of the Company’s common stock, the Company does not expect that the exercise of any applicable rescission rights under the Rescission Offer by participants will have a material impact on its results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

Index

For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, 3,000 shares (approximately $0.3 million) of the Company’s no par $8.00 Series Cumulative and Convertible Preferred Stock were converted into 41,142 shares of common stock.

In May 2019, Middlesex received approval from the NJBPU to issue and sell up to 1,500,000 shares of its common stock in one or more transactions through December 31, 2022. Sales of additional shares of common stock are part of the Company’s comprehensive financing plan to fund its multi-year utility plant infrastructure investment program. As described below in “Long-term Debt”, the NJBPU approved Middlesex’s requestthe New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) debt funding component of the financing plan.

Long-term Debt -Subject to borrow upregulatory approval, the Company periodically issues long-term debt to $37.0 millionfund its investments in utility plant and other assets. To the extent possible, the Company finances qualifying capital projects under State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan programs in New Jersey and Delaware. These government programs provide financing at interest rates that are typically below rates available in the broader financial markets. A portion of the borrowings under the New Jersey State Revolving Fund (SRF) program to fundSRF is interest-free. Under the construction of a large-diameter transmission pipeline from the Carl J. Olsen water treatment plant and interconnect with our distribution system. Middlesex currently expects to close on the SRF construction loan in the first quarter of 2018 with funding requisitions occurring primarily throughout 2018 and 2019.

Middlesex closed on a $9.5 million NJBPU approved SRF construction loan in August 2017. The proceeds will be used to fund the RENEW 2017 project. RENEW is an ongoing program to eliminate all unlined water distribution mains in the Middlesex system. Funding requisitions are expected to occur primarily throughout the remainder of 2017.

Middlesex closed on a $2.3 million NJBPU approved SRF construction loan in May 2017. The proceeds will be used to fund the upgrade of a booster station at one of its well fields. Funding requisitions are expected to occur through early 2018.

In November 2017, Middlesex is scheduled to close out three of its active New Jersey SRF program, borrowers first enter into a construction loans (booster station upgrade, RENEW 2015 and RENEW 2016 projects) by issuing first mortgage bonds designated as Series XX (approximately $11.1 million) and Series YY (approximately $3.7 million).loan agreement with the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (NJIB) at a below market interest rate. The current interest rate on construction loan borrowings is zero percent (0%). When construction on the Series XX bondqualifying project is substantially complete, NJIB will be zero andcoordinate the conversion of the construction loan into a long-term securitized loan with a portion of the principal balance having a stated interest rate onof zero percent (0%) and a portion of the Series YY bond will be determinedprincipal balance at a market interest rate at the time of closing using the credit rating of the State of New Jersey. The current term of the long-term loans offered through the NJIB is up to thirty years. The current portion of the principal balance having a stated interest rate of zero percent (0%) is 75% with the remaining portion of 25% having a market based interest rate.

The NJIB generally schedules its long-term debt financings in May and November. Middlesex currently has two projects that are in the construction loan phase of New Jersey SRF program:

1)In April 2018, the NJBPU approved Middlesex’s request to participate in the NJIB loan program to fund the construction of a large-diameter transmission pipeline from the CJO water treatment plant and interconnect with our distribution system. Middlesex closed on a $43.5 million NJIB interest-free construction loan in August 2018. Through September 30, 2019, Middlesex has drawn a total of $30.2 million and expects to draw down the remaining proceeds through the first quarter of 2020.

2)In March 2018, the NJBPU approved Middlesex’s request to participate in the NJIB loan program to fund the 2018 RENEW Program, which is an ongoing initiative to eliminate all unlined water distribution mains in the Middlesex system. Middlesex closed on an $8.7 million NJIB construction loan in September 2018. Through September 30, 2019, Middlesex has drawn a total of $8.0 million and drew the remaining proceeds in October 2019.

The Company expects that the large-diameter transmission pipeline and the 2018 RENEW construction loans will be included in the NJIB May 2020 long-term debt financing program.

In May 2018, Middlesex repaid its RENEW 2017 interest-free construction loan by issuing to the NJIB first mortgage bonds in the amount of $9.5 million designated as Series 2018A ($7.1 million) and Series 2018B ($2.4 million). The interest rate on the Series 2018A bond is zero and the interest rate on the Series 2018B bond ranges between 3.0% and 5.0%. The final maturity date for both bonds will beis August 1, 2047.2047, with scheduled debt service payments over the life of the loans.

 

78 

Index

In 2019, the NJIB de-obligated principal payments of $0.1 million on Series NN of the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds.

In order to help ensure adherence to its comprehensive financing plan, Middlesex received approval from the NJBPU in February 2019 to issue and sell up to $140 million of First Mortgage Bonds (FMB) through the NJEDA in one or more transactions through December 31, 2022. Because the interest paid to the bondholders is exempt from federal and New Jersey income taxes, the interest rate on debt issued through the NJEDA is generally lower than otherwise achievable in the traditional taxable corporate bond market. However, the interest received by the bondholder is subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax.

In August 2019, Middlesex priced and closed on a NJEDA debt financing transaction of $53.7 million by issuing FMBs designated as Series 2019A ($32.5 million at coupon interest rate of 4.0%) and Series 2019B ($21.2 million at coupon interest rate of 5.0%). The proceeds, including an issuance premium of $7.1 million, are being used to finance several projects under the Water For Tomorrow capital program initiated by the Company to upgrade and replace aging water utility infrastructure. The total proceeds of $60.8 million, initially recorded as Restricted Cash on the balance sheet, is held in escrow by a bond trustee and are drawn down by requisition for the qualifying projects. Through September 30, 2019, Middlesex has drawn a total of $7.6 million and currently expects to draw the remaining $53.2 million of proceeds, currently included in Restricted Cash, through the third quarter of 2021.

In March 2018, the DEPSC approved Tidewater’s request to borrow up to $0.9 million under the Delaware SRF program to fund the replacement of an entire water distribution system of a small Delaware community. Tidewater closed on the SRF loan in May 2018. In April 2019, Tidewater received approval from the DEPSC to increase the borrowing to $1.7 million based on revised project cost estimates. Tidewater closed on the additional SRF loan in October 2019 and immediately began drawing on the combined loan amount with expected draws continuing through the first quarter of 2020.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

-The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosure for financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value. The carrying amounts reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, accounts payable and notes payable approximate their respective fair values due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. The fair value of First MortgageFMB and SRFState Revolving Fund Bonds (collectively, the Bonds) issued by Middlesex is based on quoted market prices for similar issues. Under the fair value hierarchy, the fair value of cash and cash equivalents is classified as a Level 1 measurement and the fair value of notes payable and the Bonds in the table below are classified as Level 2 measurements. The carrying amount and fair value of the Bonds were as follows:

 

  (In Thousands)
  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
  Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
  Amount Value Amount Value
Bonds $80,203  $82,573  $82,786  $84,821 

 September 30, 2019December 31, 2018
 CarryingFairCarryingFair
 AmountValueAmountValue
Bonds $151,361 $154,355 $101,411 $102,789

 

For other long-term debt for which there was no quoted market price and there is not an active trading market, it was not practicable to estimate their fair value (for details, including carrying value, interest rate and due date on these series of long-term debt, please refer to those series noted as “Amortizing Secured Note”, “State Revolving Trust Note” and “Construction Loans” on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Capital Stock and Long-Term Debt). The carrying amount of these instruments was $64.1$80.5 million and $59.7$61.5 million at September 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016,2018, respectively. Customer advances for construction have carrying amounts of $21.3$22.7 million and $20.8$22.6 million at September 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016,2018, respectively. Their relative fair values cannot be accurately estimated since future refund payments depend on several variables, including new customer connections, customer consumption levels and future rate increases.

Index

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) (In Thousands Except per Share Amounts)
 Three Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2019 2018
Basic:  Income Shares Income Shares Income Shares Income Shares
Net Income $7,642   16,340  $8,813   16,284  $11,119   16,610  $12,290   16,394 
Preferred Dividend  (36)      (36)      (30)      (36)    
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock $7,606   16,340  $8,777   16,284  $11,089   16,610  $12,254   16,394 
                                
Basic EPS $0.47      $0.54      $0.67      $0.75     
                                
Diluted:                                
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock $7,606   16,340  $8,777   16,284  $11,089   16,610  $12,254   16,394 
$7.00 Series Preferred Dividend  17   115   17   115   17   115   17   115 
$8.00 Series Preferred Dividend  6   41   6   41      32   6   41 
Adjusted Earnings Applicable to Common Stock $7,629   16,496  $8,800   16,440  $11,106   16,757  $12,277   16,550 
                                
Diluted EPS $0.46      $0.54      $0.66      $0.74     

 

Index

 (In Thousands Except per Share Amounts) (In Thousands Except per Share Amounts)
 Nine Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2019 2018
Basic:  Income Shares Income Shares Income Shares Income Shares
Net Income $17,463   16,324  $19,522   16,262  $25,818   16,520  $25,459   16,379 
Preferred Dividend  (108)      (108)      (102)      (108)    
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock $17,355   16,324  $19,414   16,262  $25,716   16,520  $25,351   16,379 
                                
Basic EPS $1.06      $1.19      $1.56      $1.55     
                                
Diluted:                                
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock $17,355   16,324  $19,414   16,262  $25,716   16,520  $25,351   16,379 
$7.00 Series Preferred Dividend  50   115   50   115   50   115   50   115 
$8.00 Series Preferred Dividend  18   41   18   41   12   38   18   41 
Adjusted Earnings Applicable to Common Stock $17,423   16,480  $19,482   16,418  $25,778   16,673  $25,419   16,535 
                                
Diluted EPS $1.06      $1.19      $1.55      $1.54     

 

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, Delaware and Pennsylvania. This segment also includes regulated wastewater systems in New Jersey and Delaware. The Company is subject to regulations as to its rates, services and other matters by New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania with respect to utility services within these states. The other segment is primarily comprised of non-regulated contract services for the operation and maintenance of municipal and private water and wastewater systems in New Jersey and Delaware. 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.

910 

Index

 (In Thousands) (In Thousands)
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30,
Operations by Segments: 2017 2016 2017 2016 2019 2018 2019 2018
Revenues:                
Regulated $32,252  $33,989  $88,023  $89,797  $35,000  $34,628  $93,342  $93,002 
Non – Regulated  4,142   3,949   11,755   11,685   3,020   4,304   9,032   12,286 
Inter-segment Elimination  (220)  (144)  (459)  (384)  (251)  (219)  (515)  (479)
Consolidated Revenues $36,174  $37,794  $99,319  $101,098  $37,769  $38,713  $101,859  $104,809 
                                
Operating Income:                                
Regulated $12,098  $13,516  $28,195  $30,940  $11,001  $12,214  $24,937  $27,827 
Non – Regulated  708   640   1,954   1,845   982   704   3,025   2,162 
Consolidated Operating Income $12,806  $14,156  $30,149  $32,785  $11,983  $12,918  $27,962  $29,989 
                                
Net Income:                                
Regulated $7,232  $8,154  $16,341  $18,226  $10,409  $11,770  $23,700  $23,904 
Non – Regulated  410   659   1,122   1,296   710   520   2,118   1,555 
Consolidated Net Income $7,642  $8,813  $17,463  $19,522  $11,119  $12,290  $25,818  $25,459 
                                
Capital Expenditures:                                
Regulated $13,998  $14,011  $35,157  $33,961  $25,437  $21,141  $60,998  $49,469 
Non – Regulated  7   24   13   185   85      222   49 
Total Capital Expenditures $14,005  $14,035  $35,170  $34,146  $25,522  $21,141  $61,220  $49,518 
                

 

     
 As of As of  As of As of 
 September 30, December 31,  September 30, December 31, 
 2017 2016  2019 2018 
Assets:                  
Regulated $654,248  $619,915   $886,280  $764,749  
Non – Regulated  6,772   6,245    9,593   8,994  
Inter-segment Elimination  (9,101)  (5,999)   (8,520)  (5,913) 
Consolidated Assets $651,919  $620,161   $887,353  $767,830  

 

Note 6 – Short-term Borrowings

 

As of September 30, 2017,2019, the Company has establishedretained lines of credit aggregating $92.0$120.0 million, an increase of $32.0$20.0 million sincefrom June 30, 2017.2019. In October 2019, the Company increased its lines of credit to $140.0 million. At September 30, 2017,2019, the outstanding borrowings under these credit lines were $24.5$58.5 million at a weighted average interest rate of 2.28%3.06%.

11 

Index

 

The weighted average daily amounts of borrowings outstanding under the Company’s credit lines and the weighted average interest rates on those amounts were as follows:

10 

Index

 

  (In Thousands)
  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
  September 30, September 30,
  2019 2018 2019 2018
Average Daily Amounts Outstanding $58,259  $43,402  $56,881  $34,332 
Weighted Average Interest Rates  3.26%   3.24%   3.45%   3.09% 

  (In Thousands)
  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
  September 30, September 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
Average Daily Amounts Outstanding $21,055  $11,734  $16,447  $6,177 
Weighted Average Interest Rates  2.28%   1.54%   2.07%   1.52% 

 

The maturity dates for the $24.5$58.5 million outstanding as of September 30, 20172019 are all in October 2017 and November 20172019 through December 2019 and are extendable at the discretion of the Company.

 

Interest rates for short-term borrowings under the lines of credit are below the prime rate with no requirement for compensating balances.

 

Note 7 – Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

 

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 27.0 million gallons a 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, 2021, provides for the minimum purchase of 3.0 mgd of treated water with provisions for additional purchases.

 

Tidewater contracts with the City of Dover, Delaware to purchase 15.0 million gallons of treated water annually.

 

Purchased water costs are shown below:

 

 (In Thousands) (In Thousands)
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2019 2018 2019 2018
                
Treated $791  $804  $2,365  $2,360  $818  $836  $2,415  $2,427 
Untreated  673   675   1,905   1,911   878   948   2,521   2,728 
Total Costs $1,464  $1,479  $4,270  $4,271  $1,696  $1,784  $4,936  $5,155 

 

GuaranteesContract Operations -USA-PA operates the City of Perth Amboy, New Jersey’s (Perth Amboy) water and wastewater systems under a 20-year agreement, which expires in December 2018. In connection with the agreement with Perth Amboy, USA-PA entered into a concurrent subcontract with a wastewater operating company for the operation and maintenance of the Perth Amboy wastewater collection system. The subcontract provides for the sharing of certain fixed and variable fees and operating expenses.

Guarantees -As part of an agreement with the County of Monmouth, New Jersey (County), Middlesex serves as guarantor of the performance of Applied Water Management, Inc. (AWM), an unaffiliated wastewater treatment contractor, to operate a County-owned leachate pretreatment facility at the Monmouth County Reclamation Center in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. The performance guaranty is effective through 2028 unless another guarantor, acceptable to the County, replaces Middlesex before such date. Under agreements with AWM and Natural Systems Utilities, LLC (NSU), the parent company of AWM, Middlesex earns a fee for providing the performance guaranty. In addition, Middlesex may provide operational support to the facility, as needed, and AWM and NSU, serving as guarantor to Middlesex with respect to the performance of AWM, agree to indemnifyhave indemnified Middlesex against any claims that may arise under the Middlesex guaranty to the County.

 

11 

Index

If requestedrequired to perform under the guaranty to the County and, if AWM and NSU, as guarantor to Middlesex, do not fulfill their obligations to indemnify Middlesex against any claims that may arise under the Middlesex guaranty to the County, Middlesex would be required to fulfill the remaining operational commitment of AWM. As of both September 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016,2018, the liability recognized in Other Non-Current Liabilities on the balance sheet for the guaranty is approximately $0.1 million.

$1.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively.

Construction

12 

Index

Leases-The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Generally, a lease agreement exists if the Company determines that the arrangement gives the Company control over the use of an identified asset and obtains substantially all of the benefits from the identified asset.

The Company expectshas entered into an operating lease of office space for administrative purposes, expiring in 2030. The Company has not entered into any finance leases. The exercise of a lease renewal option for the Company’s administrative offices is solely at the discretion of the Company.

The right-of-use (ROU) asset recorded represents the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liability represents the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The Company’s operating lease does not provide an implicit discount rate and as such the Company used an estimated incremental borrowing rate (4.03%) based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments.

Given the impacts of accounting for regulated operations, and the resulting recognition of expense at the amounts recovered in customer rates, expenditures for operating leases are consistent with lease expense and was $0.2 million for each of the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $0.5 million and $0.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Information related to operating lease ROU assets and lease liabilities is as follows:

  (In Millions)
  September 30, 2019
ROU Asset at Lease Inception $7.3 
Accumulated Amortization  (1.2)
Current ROU Asset $6.1 

The Company’s future minimum operating lease commitments as of September 30, 2019 are as follows:

  (In Millions)
  September 30, 2019
2019 $0.2 
2020  0.8 
2021  0.8 
2022  0.8 
2023  0.8 
Thereafter  5.2 
Total Lease Payments $8.6 
Imputed Interest  (2.0)
Present Value of Lease Payments  6.6 
Less Current Portion*  (0.7)
Non-Current Lease Liability $5.9 
     
*Included in Other Current Liabilities 

13 

Index

Construction - The Company has forecasted to spend approximately $52$105 million for its construction program in 2017.2019. The actualCompany has entered into several contractual construction agreements that, in the aggregate, obligate it to expend an estimated $68 million in the future. The timing and amount of capital expenditures is dependent on project scheduling and refinement of engineering estimates for certain projects.

 

Litigation

- The Company is a defendant in 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.

 

Note 8 – Employee Benefit Plans

 

Pension Benefits

- The Company’s Pension Plan covers all active employees hired prior to April 1, 2007. Employees hired after March 31, 2007 are not eligible to participate in this plan, but do participate in a defined contribution plan that provides anfor a potential annual contribution in an amount that is at the discretion of the Company, based upon a percentage of the participants’ compensation.Company. In order to be eligible for a contribution, the participant must be employed by the Company on December 31st of the year to which the contribution relates. For each of the three month periodsmonths ended September 30, 20172019 and 2016,2018, the Company made Pension Plan cash contributions of $1.0 million.$1.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively. For each of the nine month periodsmonths ended September 30, 20172019 and 2016,2018, the Company made Pension Plan cash contributions of $2.5 million.$2.3 million, respectively. The Company expects to make Pension Plan cash contributions of approximately $0.8$1.3 million over the remainder of the current year. The Company also maintains an unfunded supplemental retirement benefit plan for certain active and retired Company officers and currently pays $0.3$0.4 million in annual benefits to the retired participants.

 

Other Postretirement Benefits-

The Company’s retirement plan other than pensions (Other Benefits Plan) covers substantially all of its current retired employees. Employees hired after March 31, 2007 are not eligible to participate in this plan. Coverage includes healthcare and life insurance. For each of the three month periodsmonths ended September 30, 20172019 and 2016,2018, the Company made Other Benefits Plan cash contributions of $0.2 million.million, respectively. For each of the nine month periodsmonths ended September 30, 20172019 and 2016,2018, the Company made Other Benefits Plan cash contributions of $0.7 million.$0.6 million and $0.5 million, respectively. The Company expects to make Other Benefits Plan cash contributions of approximately $0.9$0.8 million over the remainder of the current year.

12 

Index

 

The following tables set forth information relating to the Company’s periodic costs for its employee retirement benefit plans:

 

 (In Thousands) (In Thousands)
 Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits
 Three Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2019 2018 2019 2018
                
Service Cost $600  $577  $272  $275  $543  $607  $210  $284 
Interest Cost  786   761   491   488   857   765   496   474 
Expected Return on Assets  (1,122)  (1,004)  (601)  (558)  (1,173)  (1,218)  (613)  (637)
Amortization of Unrecognized Losses  391   357   445   443   404   415   330   447 
Amortization of Unrecognized Prior Service Cost (Credit)        (432)  (432)           (402)
Net Periodic Benefit Cost $655  $691  $175  $216 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost* $631  $569  $423  $166 

14 

Index

  (In Thousands)
  Pension Benefits Other Benefits
  Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2019 2018 2019 2018
         
Service Cost $1,628  $1,820  $630  $851 
Interest Cost  2,570   2,296   1,488   1,423 
Expected Return on Assets  (3,520)  (3,653)  (1,838)  (1,912)
Amortization of Unrecognized Losses  1,213   1,244   989   1,340 
Amortization of Unrecognized Prior Service Cost (Credit)           (1,205)
Net Periodic Benefit Cost* $1,891  $1,707  $1,269  $497 

*Service cost is included in Operations and Maintenance expense on Consolidated Statements of Income; all other amounts are included in Other Income/Expense, net.

Note 9 – Revenue Recognition from Contracts with Customers

The Company’s revenues are primarily generated from regulated tariff-based sales of water and wastewater services and non-regulated operation and maintenance contracts for services on water and wastewater systems owned by others. Revenue from contracts with customers is recognized when control of a promised good or service is transferred to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services.

The Company’s regulated revenue from contracts with customers is derived from tariff-based sales that result from the obligation to provide water and wastewater services to residential, industrial, commercial, fire-protection and wholesale customers. The Company’s residential customers are billed quarterly while most of the Company’s industrial, commercial, fire-protection and wholesale customers are billed monthly. Payments by customers are due between 15 and 30 days after the invoice date. The Company recognizes revenue as the water and wastewater services are delivered to customers and records unbilled revenues estimated from the last meter reading date to the end of the accounting period utilizing factors such as historical customer data, regional weather indicators and general economic conditions in its service territories. Unearned Revenues and Advance Service Fees include fixed service charge billings in advance of service provided to Tidewater customers and are recognized as service is provided.

Non-regulated service contract revenues consist of base service fees, as well as fees for additional billable services provided to customers, are billed monthly and are due within 30 days after the invoice date. The Company considers the amounts billed to represent the value of these services provided to customers. Certain of these contracts continue through 2022 and thus contain remaining performance obligations for which the Company expects to recognize revenue in the future. These contracts also contain termination provisions.

Substantially all operating revenues and accounts receivable are from contracts with customers. The Company records an allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical write-offs combined with an evaluation of current economic conditions within its service territories.

The Company’s contracts do not contain any significant financing components.

15 

The Company’s operating revenues are comprised of the following:

  (In Thousands)
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2019 2018 2019 2018
Regulated Tariff Sales                
Residential $20,693  $19,788  $54,453  $53,303 
Commercial  4,487   4,418   11,539   11,298 
Industrial  2,723   2,868   7,242   7,869 
Fire Protection  3,100   3,084   9,211   9,045 
Wholesale  3,813   4,319   10,582   11,211 
Non-Regulated Contract Operations  2,919   4,203   8,729   11,983 
Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers $37,735  $38,680  $101,756  $104,709 
Other Regulated Revenues  184   151   315   276 
Other Non-Regulated Revenues  101   101   303   303 
Inter-segment Elimination  (251)  (219)  (515)  (479)
Total Revenue $37,769  $38,713  $101,859  $104,809 

 

 

  (In Thousands)
  Pension Benefits Other Benefits
  Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
         
Service Cost $1,799  $1,731  $817  $824 
Interest Cost  2,357   2,284   1,473   1,464 
Expected Return on Assets  (3,367)  (3,011)  (1,804)  (1,674)
Amortization of Unrecognized Losses  1,174   1,070   1,336   1,330 
Amortization of Unrecognized Prior Service Cost (Credit)        (1,296)  (1,296)
Net Periodic Benefit Cost $1,963  $2,074  $526  $648 

Note 910 – Income Taxes

 

As part of its 2014 Federal income tax return, the Company adopted the final Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tangible property regulations pertaining toand changed its accounting method for the tax deductibilitytreatment of costsexpenditures that qualifyqualified as repairs on tangible property.deductible repairs. The adoption resulted in a net reduction of $17.6 million in taxes previously remitted to the IRS, for which the Company has already sought and received refunds pertaining tothe tax years 2012 through 2014refunds. A reserve provision against refunded taxes of $2.3 million was recorded in accordance with2015 at the time of filing its change in accounting method based on a possible challenge by the IRS regulations. Subsequently, theduring an audit examination. The Company’s 2014 federal income tax return was subsequently selected for examination by the IRS. It is unknown at this time whetherIn 2018, the results of this examination will result in any changes to the filed FederalCompany increased its income tax reserve provision to $4.1 million. During the first quarter of 2019, the Company agreed to certain modifications of its accounting method for expenditures that qualify as deductible repairs and the IRS concluded its audit of the Company’s 2014 federal income tax return. The modifications also impacted the Company’s filed 2015, 2016 and 2017 federal income tax returns. In March 2019 and June 2019, the Company paid $0.8 million in income taxes and $0.1 million in interest, respectively, in connection with the conclusion and closing of the 2014 and 2015 tax return audits. As of September 30, 2019, the Company has reduced its income tax reserve provision and interest expense liability to $2.4 million and $0.1 million, respectively. In October 2019, the Company paid $1.9 million in income taxes in connection with the conclusion and closing of the 2016 and 2017 tax return audits.

1316 

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 Middlesex Water Company (Middlesex or the Company) included elsewhere herein and with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.2018.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this periodic report and in the documents incorporated by reference constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933. The Company intends that these statements be covered by the safe harbors created under those laws.  They include, but are not limited to statements as to:

 

-expected financial condition, performance, prospects and earnings of the Company;
-strategic plans for growth;
-the amount and timing of rate increases and other regulatory matters, including the recovery of certain costs recorded as regulatory assets;
-the Company’s expected liquidity needs during the upcoming fiscal year and beyond and the sources and availability of funds to meet its liquidity needs;
-expected customer rates, consumption volumes, service fees, revenues, margins, expenses and operating results;
-financial projections;
-the expected amount of cash contributions to fund the Company’s retirement benefit plans, anticipated discount rates and rates of return on retirement benefit plan assets;
-the ability of the Company to pay dividends;
-the Company’s compliance with environmental laws and regulations and estimations of the materiality of any related costs;
-the safety and reliability of the Company’s equipment, facilities and operations;
-the Company’s plans to renew municipal franchises and consents in the territories it serves;
-trends; and
-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:

 

-effects of general economic conditions;
-increases in competition for growth in non-franchised markets to be potentially served by the Company;
-ability of the Company to adequately control selected operating expenses which are necessary to maintain safe and proper utility services, and which may be beyond the Company’s control;
-availability of adequate supplies of water;
-ability to maintain compliance with all regulatory requirements with respect to water and wastewater treatment, distribution and collection;
-actions taken by government regulators, including decisions on rate increase requests;
-ability to meet new or modified water and wastewater quality standards;
-weather variations and other natural phenomena impacting utility operations;
-financial and operating risks associated with acquisitions and/or privatizations;
-acts of war or terrorism;
-changes in the pace of residential housing development;
-actions against the company that could be brought by third parties;
-availability and cost of capital resources; and
-other factors discussed elsewhere in this quarterly report.

 

17 

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

14 

date of this 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 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, 2016.2018.

 

Overview

 

Middlesex Water Company (Middlesex) has operated as a water utility in New Jersey since 1897, in Delaware through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Tidewater Utilities, Inc. (Tidewater), since 1992 and in Pennsylvania through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Twin Lakes Utilities, Inc. (Twin Lakes), since 2009. We are in the business of collecting, treating and distributing water for domestic, commercial, municipal, industrial and fire protection purposes. We also operate two New Jersey municipal water and wastewater systems under contract and provide regulated wastewater services in New Jersey and Delaware through four of our other subsidiaries. We are regulated as to rates charged to customers for water and wastewater services, as to the quality of water service we provide and as to certain other matters in New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania. Only our Utility Service Affiliates, Inc. (USA), Utility Service Affiliates (Perth Amboy), Inc. (USA-PA) and White Marsh Environmental Services, Inc. (White Marsh) subsidiaries are not regulated utilities.

 

Our New Jersey water utility system (the Middlesex System) provides water services to approximately 61,000 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 219,000. Our Bayview subsidiary provides water services in Downe Township, New Jersey. Our other New Jersey subsidiaries, Pinelands Water Company (Pinelands Water) and Pinelands Wastewater Company (Pinelands Wastewater) (collectively, Pinelands), provide water and wastewater services to approximately 2,500 residentscustomers in Southampton Township, New Jersey.

 

In partnership with ourOur Delaware subsidiaries, Tidewater and Southern Shores Water Company, LLC (Southern Shores), provide water services to approximately 47,000 retail customers in New Castle, Kent and Sussex Counties, Delaware. Tidewater’s subsidiary, White Marsh, services approximately 4,000 customers in Delaware and Maryland through various operations and maintenance contracts.

Our Tidewater Environmental Services, Inc. (TESI) subsidiary provides wastewater services to approximately 3,600 residential retail customers in Sussex Counties, Delaware.

USA-PA we operateoperates the water supply system and wastewater systemsystems for the City of Perth Amboy, New Jersey.Jersey (Perth Amboy) under a 10-year operations and maintenance contract expiring in 2028. In addition to performing day-to day operations, USA-PA is also responsible for emergency responses and management of capital projects funded by Perth Amboy. USA-PA does not manage the billing, collections and customer service functions of Perth Amboy.

 

USA operates the Borough of Avalon, New Jersey’s (Avalon) water utility, sewer utility and storm water system under a ten-year operations and maintenance contract expiring in 2022. In addition to performing day to day operations, USA is responsible for billing, collections, customer service, emergency responses and management of capital projects funded by Avalon.

Under a marketing agreement with HomeServe USA (HomeServe), USA offers residential customers in New Jersey and Delaware a menu of water and wastewater related home maintenance programs. HomeServe is a leading national provider of such home maintenance service programs. USA receives a service fee for the billing, cash collection and other administrative matters associated with HomeServe’s service contracts. The agreement expires in 2021. USA also provides unregulated water and wastewater services under contract with several New Jersey municipalities.

 

Our Delaware subsidiaries, Tidewater and Southern Shores Water Company, LLC, provide water services to approximately 44,000 retail customers in New Castle, Kent and Sussex Counties, Delaware. Tidewater’s subsidiary, White Marsh, services approximately 4,000 customers in Kent and Sussex Counties through various operations and maintenance contracts.18 

Our Tidewater Environmental Services, Inc. subsidiary provides wastewater services to approximately 3,500 residential retail customers in Sussex County, Delaware.

Our Pennsylvania subsidiary, Twin Lakes, provides water services to approximately 120 retail customers in the Township of Shohola, Pike County, Pennsylvania.

 

15 

The majority of our revenue is generated from retail and contract water services to customers in our service 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 after 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 the prior period.

Recent Developments

 

Capital Construction Program -The Company’s multi-year capital construction program, involvesWater for Tomorrow, encompasses numerous projects designed to upgrade and replace utility infrastructure as well as enhance the integrity and reliability of system assets to better serve the current and future generations of water and wastewater customers. The Company plans to invest approximately $106$105 million through 2018in 2019 in connection with this plan for projects that include, but are not limited to;

·Construction of a 4.6 mile water transmission pipeline to provide critical resiliency and redundancy capability to the Company’s water transmission system in New Jersey;
·Replacement of fivefour miles of water mains including service lines, valves, fire hydrants and meters in the Borough of South Plainfield,Carteret, New Jersey;
·Enhanced treatment process at the Company’s largest water plant in Edison Township, New Jersey, to mitigate the formation of disinfection by-products that can develop during treatment;
·Additional elevated storage tanks to supplement water supply during emergencies and peak usage periods;
·Upgrades to water interconnections with neighboring utilities for greater resiliency and emergency response capability;
·Relocation of water meters from inside customers’ premises to exterior meter pits to allow quicker access by crews in emergencies, enhancedto enhance customer safety and convenience and reducedto reduce unmetered water; and
·Additional standby emergency power generation.

 

Middlesex-Pinelands’ Base Rate Increases Approved –On October 10, 2017, Middlesex filed a petition with25, 2019, Pinelands Water and Pinelands Wastewater concluded their base rate matters when the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) approved a $0.5 million increase in annual base rates, effective November 4, 2019. In March 2019, Pinelands Water and Pinelands Wastewater had filed petitions with the NJBPU seeking permission to increase base water rates by approximately $15.3$0.7 million per year. The requests were necessitated by capital infrastructure investments both companies had made and increased operations and maintenance costs.

Tidewater to Acquire Water Systems - On October 8, 2019, the Delaware Public Service Commission (DEPSC) approved Tidewater’s request to purchase the water utility assets of J.H. Wilkerson and Son, Inc. and transfer the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity in order for Tidewater to serve the approximate 1,000 customers currently connected to eight community water systems located mostly in eastern Sussex County, Delaware. The DEPSC also authorized Tidewater to maintain the existing rates that these customers currently pay. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Middlesex Issues $53.7 Million of First Mortgage Bonds -As part of the Company’s comprehensive financing plan to fund its Water for Tomorrow capital construction program, in August 2019, Middlesex priced and closed on a New Jersey Economic Development Authority debt financing transaction of $53.7 million by issuing First Mortgage Bonds designated as Series 2019A ($32.5 million at coupon interest rate of 4.0%) and Series 2019B ($21.2 million at coupon interest rate of 5.0%). The proceeds, including an issuance premium of $7.1 million, are being used to finance several projects, including certain of the projects noted above. Through September 30, 2019, Middlesex has drawn a total of $7.6 million from the proceeds and expects to draw the remaining $53.2 million through the third quarter of 2021.

Twin Lakes Files for Rate Increase -In July 2019, Twin Lakes filed a petition with the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission (PAPUC) seeking permission to increase base rates by approximately $0.2 million per year. This request was necessitated by capital infrastructure investments MiddlesexTwin Lakes has made or has committed to make, to drinking water infrastructure since the last filing in New Jersey in 2015, as well asand increased operations and maintenance costs. We cannot predict when and whether the NJBPUPAPUC will ultimately approve, deny, or reduce the amount of the request. Under New Jersey statute,A decision by the NJPBU must render a decision within nine monthsPAPUC is not expected before the first quarter of filing a petition.2020.

 

On October 20, 2017,19 

Middlesex Receives Financing Approval -In May 2019, the NJBPU approved Middlesex’s petition with the NJBPU seeking approval to resetissue and sell up to 1,500,000 shares of its Purchased Water Adjustment Clause (PWAC) tariff ratecommon stock in one or more transactions through December 31, 2022. Sales of additional shares of common stock are also part of the Company’s comprehensive financing plan to recover additional annual costs of $1.2 million for the purchase of untreated water from the New Jersey Water Supply Authority. A PWAC is a rate mechanism that allows for the recovery of increased purchased water costs between base rate case filings. The PWAC is reset to zero once those increased costs are included in base rates. The reset PWAC tariff rate became effective on November 1, 2017.

Tidewater Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC) -Effective July 1, 2017, Tidewater resetfund its Delaware Public Service Commission-approved DSIC rate, which is expected to generate $0.4 million of annual revenues. A DSIC is a rate-mechanism that allows water utilities to recover investments of, and generate a return on, qualifying capital improvements to the water distribution system made between base rate proceedings.multi-year utility plant infrastructure investment plan.

16 

 

Outlook

 

FavorableOur 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 (which are evident in comparison discussions in the Results of Operations section below). Revenues in the first quarter of 2019 were favorably impacted by Middlesex’s April 2018 base water rate increase. Weather patterns experienced in 2017 and 2018, which impact outdoorresulted in lower customer demand for water, use,have continued to occur in 2019 and additional saleshave impacted revenues and net income. Actuarially-determined non-service retirement benefit plan costs are expected to neighboring municipal water utilities dueincrease in 2019. We continue to emergency conditions experienced by those entities in 2015implement plans to further streamline operations and 2016,further reduce, and which contributed to overallmitigate increases in, operating revenues during those periods, have not reoccurred to-date in 2017.costs. Changes in customer water usage habits, as well as increases in capital expenditures and operating costs, are significant factors in determining the timing and extent of rate increase requests (see discussion of the Middlesex base water rate increase request above under “Recent Developments”). We continue to execute plans to further streamline operations and further reduce, and mitigate increases in, operating costs.requests.

 

Organic residential customer growth for 2017, largely the result of new housing from developer activity in Delaware, is expected to bethrough September 2019 has been consistent with that experienced in recent years.

 

Our strategy for profitable growth is focused on fivethe following key areas:

 

·Timely and adequate recovery of prudentinfrastructure investments in utility plant requiredand other costs to maintain appropriate utility services;
·Operate municipal, commercial and industrial water and wastewater systems under contract;service quality;
·Prudent acquisitions of investor-investor and municipally-owned water and wastewater utilities;
·Invest in, and/or operate under contract, renewable energyOperation of municipal and industrial and commercial treatment projects that are complementary to the provision of water and wastewater services and related competencies;systems on a contract basis; and
·Invest in otherprojects, products services and opportunitiesservices that complement our core water and wastewater competencies.

 

Operating Results by Segment

 

The discussion of the Company’s operating results is on a consolidated basis and includes significant factors by subsidiary. The Company has two operating segments, Regulated and Non-Regulated. The operations of the Regulated segment are subject to regulations promulgated by state public utility commissions as to rates and levellevels of service. Rates and levellevels of service in the Non-Regulated segment are subject to the terms of individually-negotiated and executed contracts with municipal, industrial and other clients. Both segments are subject to federal and state environmental, water and wastewater quality and other associated legal contractual and regulatory requirements.

 

The segments in the tables included below consist of the following companies: Regulated-Middlesex, Tidewater, Pinelands, Southern Shores, TESI and Twin Lakes; Non-Regulated-USA, USA-PA, and White Marsh.

 

1720 

 

Results of Operations – Three Months Ended September 30, 20172019

 

 (In Thousands)  (In Thousands) 
 Three Months Ended September 30,  Three Months Ended September 30, 
 2017 2016  2019 2018 
 Regulated Non-
Regulated
  Total  Regulated Non-
Regulated
  Total  Regulated Non-
Regulated
 Total Regulated Non-
Regulated
 Total 
Revenues $32,132  $4,042  $36,174  $33,946  $3,848  $37,794  $34,850  $2,919  $37,769  $34,510  $4,203  $38,713 
Operations and maintenance expenses  12,980   3,198   16,178   13,527   3,072   16,599   15,859   1,810   17,669   14,764   3,350   18,114 
Depreciation expense  3,540   47   3,587   3,194   49   3,243   4,182   64   4,246   3,745   47   3,792 
Other taxes  3,513   90   3,603   3,709   87   3,796   3,808   63   3,871   3,787   102   3,889 
Operating income  12,099   707   12,806   13,516   640   14,156   11,001   982   11,983   12,214   704   12,918 
                                                
Other income, net  197   20   217   82   525   607   824   43   867   772   61   833 
Interest expense  1,493      1,493   1,427      1,427   1,996      1,996   1,723      1,723 
Income taxes  3,571   317   3,888   4,017   506   4,523   (580)  315   (265)  (507)  245   (262)
Net income $7,232  $410  $7,642  $8,154  $659  $8,813  $10,409  $710  $11,119  $11,770  $520  $12,290 

 

Operating Revenues

 

Operating revenues for the three months ended September 30, 20172019 decreased $1.6$0.9 million from the same period in 2016 due2018. This decrease was related to the following factors:

 

·Middlesex System revenues decreased $1.8$0.6 million due to lowerreduced water consumption across all classes of customers largely as a result of weather patternsweather. A reduction in the summer months in 2017 in addition to lower bulk water sales to neighboring municipal systems who experienced emergency conditions in the same period in 2016;consumption by wholesale contract customers accounted for $0.5 million of this decrease;
·Tidewater System revenues remained consistentincreased $0.9 million due to additional residential customers, somewhat offset byreduced base tariff rates. The reduction in base tariff rates, which was approved by the DEPSC, became effective March 1, 2019, and was prompted by the lower water consumption, also largelycorporate income tax rate enacted under theTax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (Tax Act). There is a result of weather patternscorresponding decrease in income tax expense;
·Non-regulated revenues decreased $1.3 million primarily due to changes resulting from USA-PA’s 10-year contract with Perth Amboy. Under the summer monthsnew contract effective January 1, 2019, USA-PA has direct management control for wastewater services, for which USA-PA is compensated. Under the prior contract, USA-PA utilized, and was compensated for, subcontracted wastewater services. This results in 2017;a related decrease in operations and maintenance expense; and
·All other revenue categories increased $0.2$0.1 million.

 

Operation and Maintenance Expense

 

Operation and maintenance expenses for the three months ended September 30, 20172019 decreased $0.4 million from the same period in 2016,2018, primarily related to the following factors:

 

·Lower retirement planNon-regulated operation and maintenance expenses of $0.7decreased $1.5 million, primarily due mostly to reimbursement of retiree healthcare insurance premiums;our new Perth Amboy operating contract, effective January 1, 2019, under which USA-PA no longer incurs sub-contractor fees for wastewater services. This results in a related decrease in operating revenues;
·Lower water production costs of $0.2Retirement benefit plan expenses decreased $0.1 million in our Middlesex System, primarily due to weather-driven decreased water consumption, partially offset by a rate increase by the municipal wastewater utility that receives the water treatment residuals in the Middlesex System;lower actuarially-determined postretirement benefit plan service expense;
·Higher main break repair activityLabor costs in our Middlesex System in 2017 as compared to 2016 resulted in additional costs of $0.3 million;
·Higher labor costs of $0.1regulated subsidiaries increased $1.4 million primarily due to higherincreased headcount, increased average labor rates and additional personnel requiredpayments relative to address increased regulatory requirements and other critical needs;certain retiring employees; and
·All other operation and maintenance expense categories increased $0.1decreased $0.2 million.

 

21 

Depreciation

 

Depreciation expense for the three months ended September 30, 20172019 increased $0.3$0.5 million from the same period in 20162018 due to a higher level of utility plant in service.

 

18 

Other Taxes

 

Other taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2017 decreased $0.2 million from2019 remained consistent with the same period in 20162018 primarily due to lower revenue related taxes on decreasedlower revenues in our Middlesex system partially offset by higher payroll taxes.

 

Other Income, net

 

Other Income, net for the three months ended September 30, 2017 decreased $0.4 million from2019 remained consistent with the same period in 2016,2018, primarily due primarily to the 2016 recognitionhigher Allowance for Funds Used During Construction resulting from a higher level of capital construction projects in progress offset by USA of previously deferred income associated with the 10-year marketing agreement with HomeServe.higher actuarially-determined postretirement benefit plan non-service expense.

 

Interest Charges

 

Interest charges for the three months ended September 30, 20172019 increased $0.1$0.3 million from the same period in 20162018 due to higher average short-term and long-term debt balances outstanding and higher averagepartially offset by lower interest rates on short-term debt.related to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) examinations of the Company’s federal income tax returns.

 

Income Taxes

 

Income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2017 decreased $0.6 million from2019 remained consistent with the same period in 2016,2018, primarily due to lower-pre-tax income and a decrease in Tidewater’s effective income tax rate in March 2019, reflecting the rate reduction approved by the DEPSCto reflect the lower pre-taxcorporate income tax rate resulting from implementation of theTax Act. The decrease in 2017 as compared to 2016.Tidewater’s effective tax rate has also resulted in a corresponding decrease in operating revenues.Offsetting the decreases above were lower tax deductible repair and maintenance expenses, which results in higher tax expense.

 

Net Income and Earnings Per Share

 

Net income for the three months ended September 30, 20172019 decreased $1.2 million as compared with the same period in 2016.2018. Basic earnings per share were $0.47$0.67 and $0.54$0.75 for the three months ended September 30, 20172019 and 2016,2018, respectively. Diluted earnings per share were $0.46$0.66 and $0.54$0.74 for the three months ended September 30, 20172019 and 2016,2018, respectively.

22 

 

Results of Operations – Nine Months Ended September 30, 20172019

 

 (In Thousands)  (In Thousands) 
 Nine Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
 2017 2016  2019 2018 
 Regulated Non-
Regulated
  Total  Regulated Non-
Regulated
  Total  Regulated Non-
Regulated
 Total Regulated Non-
Regulated
 Total 
Revenues $87,866  $11,453  $99,319  $89,712  $11,386  $101,098  $93,130  $8,729  $101,859  $92,826  $11,983  $104,809 
Operations and maintenance expenses  39,476   9,087   48,563   39,075   9,140   48,215   45,233   5,336   50,569   43,390   9,383   52,773 
Depreciation expense  10,136   144   10,280   9,420   141   9,561   12,229   186   12,415   10,999   138   11,137 
Other taxes  10,059   268   10,327   10,277   260   10,537   10,731   182   10,913   10,610   300   10,910 
Operating income  28,195   1,954   30,149   30,940   1,845   32,785   24,937   3,025   27,962   27,827   2,162   29,989 
                                                
Other income, net  492   50   542   317   519   836   1,835   53   1,888   1,985   97   2,082 
Interest expense  3,965      3,965   3,841      3,841   4,984      4,984   4,929      4,929 
Income taxes  8,381   882   9,263   9,190   1,068   10,258   (1,912)  960   (952)  979   704   1,683 
Net income $16,341  $1,122  $17,463  $18,226  $1,296  $19,522  $23,700  $2,118  $25,818  $23,904  $1,555  $25,459 

19 

Operating Revenues

 

Operating revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 20172019 decreased $1.8$3.0 million from the same period in 2016.2018. This decrease was related to the following factors:

 

·Middlesex System revenues decreased $2.8$0.7 million due to lowerthe following:
oReduced water consumption related to weather across all classes of customers, largely asresulting in reduced revenues of $1.9 million; and
oEffective April 1, 2018, a resultNJBPU-approved base rate increase resulted in higher revenues of weather patterns in the spring and summer months in 2017 in addition to lower bulk water sales to neighboring municipal systems who experienced emergency conditions in the same period in 2016;$1.2 million;
·Tidewater System revenues increased $0.9 million primarily due to additional residential customers, offsetwhich was mitigated byreduced base tariff rates. The reduction in base rates was approved by the DEPSC and became effective March 1, 2019, and was prompted by the lower water consumption, also largelycorporate income tax rate enacted under theTax Act. There is a result of weather patternscorresponding decrease in income tax expense; and
·Non-regulated revenues decreased $3.3 million, primarily due to changes resulting from USA-PA’s new 10-year contract with Perth Amboy. Under the springnew contract, effective January 1, 2019, USA-PA has direct management control for wastewater services, for which USA-PA is compensated. Under the prior contract, USA-PA utilized, and summer monthswas compensated for, subcontracted wastewater services. This results in 2017;a related decrease in operations and maintenance expense; and
·All other operating revenue categories increased $0.1 million.

 

Operation and Maintenance Expense

 

Operation and maintenance expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased $0.32019 decreased $2.2 million from the same period in 2016,2018, primarily related to the following factors:

 

·Higher labor costs of $0.6Operation and maintenance expenses in our non-regulated subsidiaries decreased $4.0 million, primarily due to higher average labor rates and additional personnel required to address increased regulatory requirements and other critical needs;our new Perth Amboy operating contract, effective January 1, 2019, under which USA-PA no longer incurs sub-contractor fees for wastewater services. This results in a related decrease in operating revenues;
·Higher water production costs of $0.5Retirement benefit plan expenses decreased $0.2 million in our Middlesex System, primarily due to a rate increase by the municipal wastewater utility that receives the water treatment residuals in the Middlesex system and lower raw water quality;actuarially-determined postretirement benefit plan service expense;
·Higher main break repair activityLabor costs in our Middlesex System in 2017 as comparedregulated subsidiaries increased $1.7 million due to 2016 resulted in higherincreased headcount, increased average labor rates and payments relative to certain retiring employees;

23 

·Rent costs increased $0.2 million due to the January 2019 commencement of $0.5 million;our lease of new corporate administrative office space;
·Lower retirement plan expenses of $0.8Health insurance costs increased $0.2 million due mostly to reimbursement of retiree healthcare insurance premiums;increased premiums and headcount; and
·Decreased liability insurance costs of $0.5 million, primarily due to prior policy year refunds;All other operation and maintenance expense categories decreased $0.1 million.

 

Depreciation

 

Depreciation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 20172019 increased $0.7$1.3 million from the same period in 20162018 due to a higher level of utility plant in service.

 

Other Taxes

 

Other taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased $0.2 million from2019 remained consistent with the same period in 20162018 primarily due to lower revenue related taxes on decreasedlower revenues in our Middlesex system offset by higher payroll taxes.

 

Other Income, net

 

Other Income, net for the nine months ended September 30, 20172019 decreased $0.3$0.2 million from the same period in 20162018, primarily due tohigher actuarially-determined postretirement benefit plan non-service expense and the 2016 recognitionsale of wastewater franchise rights by USAour TESI subsidiary in the second quarter of previously deferred income associated with the 10-year marketing agreement with HomeServe2018. This decrease was partially offset by higher AFUDC,Allowance for Funds Used During Construction resulting from a higher level of capital construction projects in progress.

 

Interest Charges

 

Interest charges for the nine months ended September 30, 20172019 increased $0.1 million from the same period in 20162018 due to higher average short-term and long-term debt balances outstanding and higher averagein 2019 as compared to 2018 partially offset by lower interest rates on short-term debt.associated with IRS examinations of the Company’s federal income tax returns.

 

20 

Income Taxes

 

Income taxes for the nine months ended September 201730, 2019 decreased $1.0$2.6 million from the same period in 2016,2018, primarily due to lower pre-tax income and the regulatory accounting treatment of tax benefits associated with the adoption of the tangible property regulations, prescribed by the IRS, which was approved in 2017 as compared Middlesex’s 2018 base rate case decision. In addition, Tidewater’s effective income tax rate was decreased in March 2019, reflecting the rate reduction approved by the DEPSCto 2016.reflect the lower corporate income tax rate resulting from implementation of theTax Act. This has resulted in a corresponding decrease in operating revenues.

 

Net Income and Earnings Per Share

 

Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased $2.12019 increased $0.4 million as compared with the same period in 2016.2018. Basic and diluted earnings per share were $1.06$1.56 and $1.19$1.55 for the nine months ended September 30, 20172019 and 2016,2018, respectively. Diluted earnings per share were $1.55 and $1.54 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Operating Cash Flows

 

Cash flows from operations are largely based on four factors: weather, adequate and timely rate increases, effective cost management and growth. The effect of those factors on net income is discussed in Results“Results of OperationsOperations.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2019, cash flows from operating activities decreased $2.0$9.5 million to $28.6 million.$23.3 million from the same period in 2018. The decrease in cash flows from operating activities primarily resulted from lower water sales andthe timing of vendor payments offset by lowerto vendors and increased income tax payments and a decreased level of inventory purchases as compared to 2016. The $28.6 million of net cash flow from operations enabled the Company to fund approximately 41% of utilitypayments. Utility plant expenditures internally for the period.period were primarily funded by financing activities.

 

24 

Investing Cash Flows

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2019, cash flows used in investing activities increased $1.0$11.7 million to $35.2 million.$61.2 million from the same period in 2018. The increase in cash flows used in investing activities resulted from higherincreased utility plant expenditures as compared to 2016.expenditures.

 

For further discussion on the Company’s future capital expenditures and expected funding sources, see “Capital Expenditures and Commitments” below.

 

Financing Cash Flows

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2019, cash flows from financing activities increased $3.9$73.5 million to $5.3$89.3 million as compared to 2016.from the same period in 2018. The majority of the increase in cash flows fromprovided by financing activities resulted from anis due to the net increase in short-termlong-term and long-termshort-term debt funding partially offset byand increased common stock dividend payments and lower proceeds from salesthe issuance of common stock under the Middlesex Water Company Investment Plan (the Dividend Investment Plan).

In September 2019, the Company determined it had inadvertently sold shares of its common stock through the Investment Plan from August 1, 2018 through September 3, 2019 (Eligible Period) after the registration statement covering sales through the Investment Plan had expired and therefore was no longer effective. In October 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a plan to voluntarily offer a right of rescission (Rescission Offer) to Investment Plan participants who purchased shares of the Company’s common stock during the Eligible Period. During the Eligible Period, Investment Plan participants purchased 232,643 shares of Company common stock at an average price of $55.79 per share. The Rescission Offer ends in November 2019. Based on the current market price of the Company’s common stock, the Company does not expect that the exercise of any applicable rescission rights will have a material impact on its results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. For more information, see discussion under “Common Stock” inNote 3 – Capitalization.

 

Capital Expenditures and Commitments

 

To fund our capital program, we may use internally generated funds, short-term and long-term debt borrowings, proceeds from sales of common stock under the Dividend Investment Plan and proceeds from salesnew offerings to the public of our common stock. See below for a more detailed discussion regarding the funding of our capital program.

 

The capital investment program for 20172019 is currently estimated to be approximately $52$105 million. Through September 30, 2017,2019, we have expended $35.2$61 million and expect to incur approximately $17$44 million for capital projects for the remainder of 2017.2019.

 

We currently project that we willmay expend approximately $163$220 million for capital projects in 20182020 and 2019.2021. The actual amount and timing of capital expenditures is dependent on furtherproject scheduling and refinement of engineering estimates related to the timing and cost of specificfor certain capital projects.

 

21 

To fundpay for our capital program for the remainder of 2017,2019, we intend to utilize:plan on utilizing:

·Internally generated funds;
·Proceeds from the Dividend Investment Plan;
·RequisitionsProceeds from active loans under the New Jersey and Delaware State Revolving Fund (SRF) program (approximately $6 million depending on actual construction schedule). The SRF program providesprograms provide low cost financing for projects that meet certain water quality and system improvement benchmarks;benchmarks (see discussion under “Long-term Debt” inNote 3 - Capitalization);
·Proceeds from the issuance of First Mortgage Bonds through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (see discussion under “Middlesex Issues $53.7 Million of First Mortgage Bonds” inRecent Developments above);

25 

·If necessary, proceeds from a common stock offering (see discussion under “Middlesex Receives Financing Approval” inRecent Developments above); and
·Short-term borrowings as needed, through $92.0$140.0 million of availableactive lines of credit with several financial institutions. As of September 30, 2017,2019, there remains $67.5$81.5 million of available credit under these lines.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements – See Note 1 of the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.pronouncements and guidance.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures of Market Risk

 

We are exposed to market risk associated with changes in interest rates and commodity prices. 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 final maturity dates ranging from 20182021 to 2047.2059. Over the next twelve months, approximately $6.5$7.2 million of the current portion of existing long-term debt instruments will mature. Applying a hypothetical 10% change in the rate of interest charged by 10% on those borrowings, would not have a material effect on our earnings.

 

Our risks associated with commodity price increases for chemicals, electricity and other commodities are reduced through contractual arrangements and the ability to recover market-based price increases through customers’ rates. Non-performance by these commodity suppliers could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

 

We are exposed to credit risk for both our Regulated and Non-Regulated business segments. Our Regulated operations serve residential, commercial, industrial and municipal customers while our Non-Regulated operations engage in business activities with developers, government entities and other customers. Our primary credit risk is exposure to customer default on contractual obligations and the associated loss that may be incurred due to the non-payment of customer accounts receivable balances. Our credit risk is managed through established credit and collection policies which are in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and involve monitoring of customer exposure and the use of credit risk mitigation measures such as letters of credit or prepayment arrangements. Our credit portfolio is diversified with no significant customer or industry concentrations. In addition, our Regulated businesses are generally able to recover all prudently incurred costs including uncollectible customer accounts receivable expenses and collection costs through rates.

 

The Company's retirement benefit plan assets are exposed to fluctuating market prices of debt and equity securities. Changes to the Company's retirement benefit plan assets’ valueasset values can impact the Company's retirement benefit plan expense, funded status and future minimum funding requirements. Our risk is reduced throughmitigated by our ability to recover retirement benefit plan costs through rates.

rates for regulated utility services charged to our customers.

2226 

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (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 were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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.

 

27 

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Item 1.Legal Proceedings

 

None.

 

Item 1A.Item 1A.Risk Factors

 

The information about risk factors 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, 2016.2018.

 

Item 2.Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

None.

 

Item 3.Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

Item 4.Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5.Item 5.Other Information

 

None.

 

23 

Item 6.Item 6.Exhibits

Exhibits

  
10.32(a)10.32Amendment ToAmended and Extension of the Expiration Date of theRestated Line of Credit included in the Amended and Restated Loan AgreementNote between registrant, registrant’s subsidiaries and PNC Bank, N.A.

10.32(a)

10.33(a)

Amendment To and Extension of the Expiration Date ofto the Line of Credit included in the Amended and Restated Loan AgreementLine of Credit Note between registrant, registrant’s subsidiaries and PNC Bank, of America, N.A., filed as Exhibit 10.32.

10.47Copy of Construction Loan Agreement (CFP 17-2) By and Between New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust and Middlesex Water Company

31.1

Section 302 Certification by Dennis W. Doll pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

31.2Section 302 Certification by A. Bruce O’Connor pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

32.1Section 906 Certification by Dennis W. Doll pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

32.2Section 906 Certification by A. Bruce O’Connor pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

101.INSXBRL Instance Document

 

101.SCHXBRL Schema Document

 

101.CALXBRL Calculation Linkbase Document

 

101.LABXBRL Labels Linkbase Document

 

101.PREXBRL Presentation Linkbase Document

 

101.DEFXBRL Definition Linkbase Document

 

2428 

 

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
  Senior Vice President, Treasurer and
  Chief Financial Officer
   (Principal Accounting Officer)

 

 

Date: November 2, 2017

1, 2019