UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
S QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
For the quarterly period ended March 31,June 30, 2021
£ 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 1-6659
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Pennsylvania | 23-1702594 |
(State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer |
incorporation or organization) | Identification No.) |
| |
762 W. Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania | 19010 -3489 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
| |
(610) 527-8000 | |
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) | |
N/A
(Former Name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes S No £
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes S 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,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12(b)-2 of the Exchange Act.:
Large Accelerated Filer S | Accelerated Filer £ |
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 Exchange Act). Yes £ No S
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: | ||||
Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||
Common stock, $0.50 par value | WTRG | New York Stock Exchange | ||
6.00% Tangible Equity Units | WTRU | New York Stock Exchange | ||
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of April 22, 2021: 245,643,343July 23, 2021: 245,757,399
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
March 31, | December 31, | June 30, | December 31, | |||||||||
Assets | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||
Property, plant and equipment, at cost | $ | 11,771,225 | $ | 11,620,019 | $ | 11,977,707 | $ | 11,620,019 | ||||
Less: accumulated depreciation | 2,201,890 | 2,107,142 | 2,270,344 | 2,107,142 | ||||||||
Net property, plant and equipment | 9,569,335 | 9,512,877 | 9,707,363 | 9,512,877 | ||||||||
Current assets: | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 18,046 | 4,827 | 8,404 | 4,827 | ||||||||
Accounts receivable, net | 168,464 | 154,775 | 129,151 | 154,775 | ||||||||
Unbilled revenues | 84,700 | 118,538 | 63,912 | 118,538 | ||||||||
Inventory - materials and supplies | 24,092 | 21,669 | 27,755 | 21,669 | ||||||||
Inventory - gas stored | 10,730 | 36,732 | 35,627 | 36,732 | ||||||||
Prepayments and other current assets | 33,547 | 38,594 | 29,440 | 38,594 | ||||||||
Regulatory assets | 8,530 | 5,085 | 10,443 | 5,085 | ||||||||
Total current assets | 348,109 | 380,220 | 304,732 | 380,220 | ||||||||
Regulatory assets | 1,409,022 | 1,362,788 | 1,400,215 | 1,362,788 | ||||||||
Deferred charges and other assets, net | 87,777 | 56,002 | 115,692 | 56,002 | ||||||||
Funds restricted for construction activity | 1,268 | 1,268 | 1,268 | 1,268 | ||||||||
Goodwill | 2,340,905 | 2,324,547 | 2,340,836 | 2,324,547 | ||||||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 58,513 | 60,334 | 57,154 | 60,334 | ||||||||
Intangible assets | 6,986 | 7,241 | 6,732 | 7,241 | ||||||||
Total assets | $ | 13,821,915 | $ | 13,705,277 | $ | 13,933,992 | $ | 13,705,277 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements | ||||||||||
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
March 31, | December 31, | June 30, | December 31, | |||||||||
Liabilities and Equity | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||
Stockholders' equity: | ||||||||||||
Common stock at $0.50 par value, authorized 600,000,000 shares, issued 248,882,867 and 248,571,355 as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 | $ | 124,441 | $ | 124,285 | ||||||||
Common stock at $0.50 par value, authorized 600,000,000 shares, issued 249,001,181 and 248,571,355 as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 | $ | 124,500 | $ | 124,285 | ||||||||
Capital in excess of par value | 3,386,376 | 3,379,057 | 3,393,372 | 3,379,057 | ||||||||
Retained earnings | 1,383,857 | 1,261,862 | 1,403,041 | 1,261,862 | ||||||||
Treasury stock, at cost, 3,251,478 and 3,180,887 shares as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 | (84,333) | (81,327) | ||||||||||
Treasury stock, at cost, 3,246,023 and 3,180,887 shares as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 | (84,098) | (81,327) | ||||||||||
Total stockholders' equity | 4,810,341 | 4,683,877 | 4,836,815 | 4,683,877 | ||||||||
Long-term debt, excluding current portion | 5,585,245 | 5,545,890 | 5,689,430 | 5,545,890 | ||||||||
Less: debt issuance costs | 37,309 | 38,146 | 41,198 | 38,146 | ||||||||
Long-term debt, excluding current portion, net of debt issuance costs | 5,547,936 | 5,507,744 | 5,648,232 | 5,507,744 | ||||||||
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 14) |
|
|
|
| ||||||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||||||||
Current portion of long-term debt | 80,351 | 84,353 | 79,660 | 84,353 | ||||||||
Loans payable | 74,893 | 78,198 | 71,849 | 78,198 | ||||||||
Accounts payable | 121,593 | 177,489 | 131,815 | 177,489 | ||||||||
Book overdraft | - | 44,003 | 13,408 | 44,003 | ||||||||
Accrued interest | 65,286 | 39,408 | 43,731 | 39,408 | ||||||||
Accrued taxes | 38,365 | 37,172 | 15,307 | 37,172 | ||||||||
Regulatory liabilities | 14,662 | 19,866 | 5,314 | 19,866 | ||||||||
Other accrued liabilities | 108,244 | 123,384 | 108,071 | 123,384 | ||||||||
Total current liabilities | 503,394 | 603,873 | 469,155 | 603,873 | ||||||||
Deferred credits and other liabilities: | ||||||||||||
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits | 1,310,000 | 1,258,098 | 1,349,873 | 1,258,098 | ||||||||
Customers' advances for construction | 102,830 | 99,014 | 108,605 | 99,014 | ||||||||
Regulatory liabilities | 784,151 | 773,310 | 779,355 | 773,310 | ||||||||
Asset retirement obligations | 1,348 | 1,336 | 1,355 | 1,336 | ||||||||
Operating lease liabilities | 53,542 | 55,642 | 51,992 | 55,642 | ||||||||
Pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities | 83,306 | 91,896 | 56,901 | 91,896 | ||||||||
Other | 46,310 | 56,713 | 50,334 | 56,713 | ||||||||
Total deferred credits and other liabilities | 2,381,487 | 2,336,009 | 2,398,415 | 2,336,009 | ||||||||
Contributions in aid of construction | 578,757 | 573,774 | 581,375 | 573,774 | ||||||||
Total liabilities and equity | $ | 13,821,915 | $ | 13,705,277 | $ | 13,933,992 | $ | 13,705,277 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements | ||||||||||
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||||||||
March 31, | June 30, | |||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||
Operating revenues | $ | 583,565 | $ | 255,585 | $ | 397,032 | $ | 384,468 | ||||
Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||
Operations and maintenance | 125,075 | 106,637 | 127,515 | 128,604 | ||||||||
Purchased gas | 132,153 | 12,770 | 44,897 | 43,420 | ||||||||
Depreciation | 71,637 | 45,566 | 72,764 | 67,925 | ||||||||
Amortization | 1,307 | 679 | 1,408 | 1,967 | ||||||||
Taxes other than income taxes | 21,041 | 16,436 | 21,120 | 19,433 | ||||||||
Total operating expenses | 351,213 | 182,088 | 267,704 | 261,349 | ||||||||
Operating income | 232,352 | 73,497 | 129,328 | 123,119 | ||||||||
Other expense (income): | ||||||||||||
Interest expense | 50,769 | 35,122 | 52,036 | 51,666 | ||||||||
Interest income | (387) | (5,035) | (338) | (196) | ||||||||
Allowance for funds used during construction | (2,934) | (2,948) | (4,906) | (2,230) | ||||||||
Gain on sale of other assets | (80) | (105) | (223) | (20) | ||||||||
Equity loss in joint venture | - | 127 | ||||||||||
Equity earnings in joint venture | - | (470) | ||||||||||
Other | (3,471) | 1,679 | (1,941) | (722) | ||||||||
Income before income taxes | 188,455 | 44,657 | 84,700 | 75,091 | ||||||||
Provision for income taxes (benefit) | 4,766 | (7,124) | ||||||||||
Provision for income taxes | 3,786 | 462 | ||||||||||
Net income | $ | 183,689 | $ | 51,781 | $ | 80,914 | $ | 74,629 | ||||
Comprehensive income | $ | 183,689 | $ | 51,781 | $ | 80,914 | $ | 74,629 | ||||
Net income per common share: | ||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.72 | $ | 0.22 | $ | 0.32 | $ | 0.29 | ||||
Diluted | $ | 0.72 | $ | 0.20 | $ | 0.32 | $ | 0.29 | ||||
Average common shares outstanding during the period: | ||||||||||||
Basic | 254,565 | 236,122 | 254,769 | 254,167 | ||||||||
Diluted | 254,969 | 255,054 | 255,441 | 254,434 | ||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements | ||||||||||
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Six Months Ended | ||||||
June 30, | ||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||
Operating revenues | $ | 980,597 | $ | 640,053 | ||
Operating expenses: | ||||||
Operations and maintenance | 252,590 | 235,241 | ||||
Purchased gas | 177,050 | 56,190 | ||||
Depreciation | 144,401 | 113,491 | ||||
Amortization | 2,715 | 2,646 | ||||
Taxes other than income taxes | 42,161 | 35,869 | ||||
Total operating expenses | 618,917 | 443,437 | ||||
Operating income | 361,680 | 196,616 | ||||
Other expense (income): | ||||||
Interest expense | 102,805 | 86,788 | ||||
Interest income | (725) | (5,231) | ||||
Allowance for funds used during construction | (7,840) | (5,178) | ||||
Gain on sale of other assets | (303) | (125) | ||||
Equity earnings in joint venture | - | (343) | ||||
Other | (5,412) | 957 | ||||
Income before income taxes | 273,155 | 119,748 | ||||
Provision for income taxes (benefit) | 8,552 | (6,662) | ||||
Net income | $ | 264,603 | $ | 126,410 | ||
Comprehensive income | $ | 264,603 | $ | 126,410 | ||
Net income per common share: | ||||||
Basic | $ | 1.04 | $ | 0.52 | ||
Diluted | $ | 1.04 | $ | 0.50 | ||
Average common shares outstanding during the period: | ||||||
Basic | 254,667 | 245,144 | ||||
Diluted | 255,268 | 254,452 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements | ||||||
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
March 31, | December 31, | June 30, | December 31, | |||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||
Stockholders' equity: | ||||||||||||||
Common stock, $0.50 par value | $ | 124,441 | $ | 124,285 | $ | 124,500 | $ | 124,285 | ||||||
Capital in excess of par value | 3,386,376 | 3,379,057 | 3,393,372 | 3,379,057 | ||||||||||
Retained earnings | 1,383,857 | 1,261,862 | 1,403,041 | 1,261,862 | ||||||||||
Treasury stock, at cost | (84,333) | (81,327) | (84,098) | (81,327) | ||||||||||
Total stockholders' equity | 4,810,341 | 4,683,877 | 4,836,815 | 4,683,877 | ||||||||||
Long-term debt of subsidiaries (substantially collateralized by utility plant): | Long-term debt of subsidiaries (substantially collateralized by utility plant): | Long-term debt of subsidiaries (substantially collateralized by utility plant): | ||||||||||||
Interest Rate Range | Maturity Date Range | Maturity Date Range | ||||||||||||
0.00% to 0.99% | 2023 to 2033 | 2,764 | 2,805 | 2023 to 2033 | 2,491 | 2,805 | ||||||||
1.00% to 1.99% | 2021 to 2039 | 10,061 | 10,260 | 2021 to 2039 | 9,820 | 10,260 | ||||||||
2.00% to 2.99% | 2022 to 2033 | 264,861 | 265,557 | 2022 to 2033 | 314,161 | 265,557 | ||||||||
3.00% to 3.99% | 2021 to 2056 | 1,314,846 | 1,316,872 | 2021 to 2056 | 1,362,817 | 1,316,872 | ||||||||
4.00% to 4.99% | 2021 to 2059 | 1,314,127 | 1,315,812 | 2021 to 2059 | 1,312,447 | 1,315,812 | ||||||||
5.00% to 5.99% | 2021 to 2043 | 17,610 | 17,804 | 2021 to 2043 | 17,416 | 17,804 | ||||||||
6.00% to 6.99% | 2022 to 2036 | 33,926 | 33,955 | 2022 to 2036 | 33,896 | 33,955 | ||||||||
7.00% to 7.99% | 2022 to 2027 | 29,668 | 29,890 | 2022 to 2027 | 29,442 | 29,890 | ||||||||
8.00% to 8.99% | 2021 to 2025 | 4,267 | 4,425 | 2021 to 2025 | 3,105 | 4,425 | ||||||||
9.00% to 9.99% | 2021 to 2026 | 12,400 | 16,900 | 2021 to 2026 | 12,400 | 16,900 | ||||||||
3,004,530 | 3,014,280 | 3,097,995 | 3,014,280 | |||||||||||
Notes payable to bank under revolving credit agreement, variable rate, due 2023 | Notes payable to bank under revolving credit agreement, variable rate, due 2023 | 440,000 | 385,000 | Notes payable to bank under revolving credit agreement, variable rate, due 2023 | 60,000 | 385,000 | ||||||||
Unsecured notes payable: | ||||||||||||||
Amortizing notes at 3.00% due 2022 | Amortizing notes at 3.00% due 2022 | 50,605 | 60,502 | Amortizing notes at 3.00% due 2022 | 40,635 | 60,502 | ||||||||
Notes at 2.40% due 2031 | 400,000 | - | ||||||||||||
Notes at 2.704% due 2030 | 500,000 | 500,000 | 500,000 | 500,000 | ||||||||||
Notes ranging from 3.01% to 3.59% due 2029 through 2050 | Notes ranging from 3.01% to 3.59% due 2029 through 2050 | 1,125,000 | 1,125,000 | Notes ranging from 3.01% to 3.59% due 2029 through 2050 | 1,125,000 | 1,125,000 | ||||||||
Notes at 4.28%, due 2049 | 500,000 | 500,000 | ||||||||||||
Notes at 4.28% due 2049 | Notes at 4.28% due 2049 | 500,000 | 500,000 | |||||||||||
Notes ranging from 5.64% to 5.95%, due 2021 through 2034 | Notes ranging from 5.64% to 5.95%, due 2021 through 2034 | 45,461 | 45,461 | Notes ranging from 5.64% to 5.95%, due 2021 through 2034 | 45,460 | 45,461 | ||||||||
5,665,596 | 5,630,243 | 5,769,090 | 5,630,243 | |||||||||||
Current portion of long-term debt | 80,351 | 84,353 | 79,660 | 84,353 | ||||||||||
Long-term debt, excluding current portion | Long-term debt, excluding current portion | 5,585,245 | 5,545,890 | Long-term debt, excluding current portion | 5,689,430 | 5,545,890 | ||||||||
Less: debt issuance costs | 37,309 | 38,146 | 41,198 | 38,146 | ||||||||||
Long-term debt, excluding current portion, net of debt issuance costs | Long-term debt, excluding current portion, net of debt issuance costs | 5,547,936 | 5,507,744 | Long-term debt, excluding current portion, net of debt issuance costs | 5,648,232 | 5,507,744 | ||||||||
Total capitalization | $ | 10,358,277 | $ | 10,191,621 | $ | 10,485,047 | $ | 10,191,621 | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements | ||||||||||||
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(In thousands of dollars)
(UNAUDITED)
Capital in | |||||||||||||||
Common | Excess of | Retained | Treasury | ||||||||||||
Stock | Par Value | Earnings | Stock | Total | |||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2020 | $ | 124,285 | $ | 3,379,057 | $ | 1,261,862 | $ | (81,327) | $ | 4,683,877 | |||||
Net income | - | - | 183,689 | - | 183,689 | ||||||||||
Dividends declared ($0.2507 per share) | - | - | (61,520) | - | (61,520) | ||||||||||
Issuance of common stock under dividend reinvestment plan (98,904 shares) | 49 | 4,112 | - | - | 4,161 | ||||||||||
Repurchase of stock (76,105 shares) | - | - | - | (3,262) | (3,262) | ||||||||||
Equity compensation plan (192,407 shares) | 97 | (97) | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Exercise of stock options (20,201 shares) | 10 | 704 | - | - | 714 | ||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | - | 2,631 | (174) | - | 2,457 | ||||||||||
Other | - | (31) | - | 256 | 225 | ||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2021 | $ | 124,441 | $ | 3,386,376 | $ | 1,383,857 | $ | (84,333) | $ | 4,810,341 | |||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements | |||||||||||||||
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(In thousands of dollars)
(UNAUDITED)
Capital in | |||||||||||||||
Common | Excess of | Retained | Treasury | ||||||||||||
Stock | Par Value | Earnings | Stock | Total | |||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2019 | $ | 111,935 | $ | 2,636,555 | $ | 1,210,072 | $ | (77,702) | $ | 3,880,860 | |||||
Net income | - | - | 51,781 | - | 51,781 | ||||||||||
Dividends declared ($0.2343 per share) | - | - | (52,205) | - | (52,205) | ||||||||||
Issuance of common stock from private placement (21,661,095 shares) | 10,831 | 719,304 | 730,135 | ||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock from stock purchase contracts (2,335,654 shares) | 1,168 | (1,168) | - | ||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock under dividend reinvestment plan (86,969 shares) | 43 | 4,019 | - | - | 4,062 | ||||||||||
Repurchase of stock (81,722 shares) | - | - | - | (4,339) | (4,339) | ||||||||||
Equity compensation plan (223,495 shares) | 112 | (112) | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Exercise of stock options (56,106 shares) | 28 | 922 | - | - | 950 | ||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | - | 2,072 | (147) | - | 1,925 | ||||||||||
Other | - | (6) | - | - | (6) | ||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2020 | $ | 124,117 | $ | 3,361,586 | $ | 1,209,501 | $ | (82,041) | $ | 4,613,163 | |||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements | |||||||||||||||
Capital in | |||||||||||||||
Common | Excess of | Retained | Treasury | ||||||||||||
Stock | Par Value | Earnings | Stock | Total | |||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2020 | $ | 124,285 | $ | 3,379,057 | $ | 1,261,862 | $ | (81,327) | $ | 4,683,877 | |||||
Net income | - | - | 183,689 | - | 183,689 | ||||||||||
Dividends declared ($0.2507 per share) | - | - | (61,520) | - | (61,520) | ||||||||||
Issuance of common stock under dividend reinvestment plan (98,904 shares) | 49 | 4,112 | - | - | 4,161 | ||||||||||
Repurchase of stock (76,105 shares) | - | - | - | (3,262) | (3,262) | ||||||||||
Equity compensation plan (192,407 shares) | 97 | (97) | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Exercise of stock options (20,201 shares) | 10 | 704 | - | - | 714 | ||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | - | 2,631 | (174) | - | 2,457 | ||||||||||
Other | - | (31) | - | 256 | 225 | ||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2021 | 124,441 | $ | 3,386,376 | $ | 1,383,857 | $ | (84,333) | $ | 4,810,341 | ||||||
Net income | - | - | 80,914 | - | 80,914 | ||||||||||
Dividends declared ($0.2507 per share) | - | - | (61,584) | - | (61,584) | ||||||||||
Issuance of common stock under dividend reinvestment plan (90,654 shares) | 46 | 4,049 | - | - | 4,095 | ||||||||||
Repurchase of stock (364 shares) | - | - | - | (17) | (17) | ||||||||||
Equity compensation plan (4,874 shares) | 2 | (2) | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Exercise of stock options (22,786 shares) | 11 | 781 | - | - | 792 | ||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | - | 2,316 | (146) | - | 2,170 | ||||||||||
Other | - | (148) | - | 252 | 104 | ||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2021 | $ | 124,500 | $ | 3,393,372 | $ | 1,403,041 | $ | (84,098) | $ | 4,836,815 | |||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements | |||||||||||||||
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(In thousands of dollars)
(UNAUDITED)
Capital in | |||||||||||||||
Common | Excess of | Retained | Treasury | ||||||||||||
Stock | Par Value | Earnings | Stock | Total | |||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2019 | $ | 111,935 | $ | 2,636,555 | $ | 1,210,072 | $ | (77,702) | $ | 3,880,860 | |||||
Net income | - | - | 51,781 | - | 51,781 | ||||||||||
Dividends declared ($0.2343 per share) | - | - | (52,205) | - | (52,205) | ||||||||||
Issuance of common stock from private placement (21,661,095 shares) | 10,831 | 719,304 | - | - | 730,135 | ||||||||||
Issuance of common stock from stock purchase contracts (2,335,654 shares) | 1,168 | (1,168) | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Issuance of common stock under dividend reinvestment plan (86,969 shares) | 43 | 4,019 | - | - | 4,062 | ||||||||||
Repurchase of stock (81,722 shares) | - | - | - | (4,339) | (4,339) | ||||||||||
Equity compensation plan (223,495 shares) | 112 | (112) | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Exercise of stock options (56,106 shares) | 28 | 922 | - | - | 950 | ||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | - | 2,072 | (147) | - | 1,925 | ||||||||||
Other | - | (6) | - | - | (6) | ||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2020 | 124,117 | $ | 3,361,586 | $ | 1,209,501 | $ | (82,041) | $ | 4,613,163 | ||||||
Net income | - | - | 74,629 | - | 74,629 | ||||||||||
Dividends declared ($0.2343 per share) | - | - | (57,414) | - | (57,414) | ||||||||||
Expenses incurred for private placement issuance of common stock | - | (834) | - | - | (834) | ||||||||||
Issuance of common stock under dividend reinvestment plan (100,148 shares) | 50 | 3,949 | - | - | 3,999 | ||||||||||
Repurchase of stock (100 shares) | - | - | - | (4) | (4) | ||||||||||
Equity compensation plan (4,594 shares) | 2 | (2) | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Exercise of stock options (3,411 shares) | 2 | 115 | - | - | 117 | ||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | - | 1,918 | (94) | - | 1,824 | ||||||||||
Other | - | (37) | - | 91 | 54 | ||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2020 | $ | 124,171 | $ | 3,366,695 | $ | 1,226,622 | $ | (81,954) | $ | 4,635,534 | |||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements | |||||||||||||||
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
(In thousands of dollars)
(UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||
March 31, | June 30, | |||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 183,689 | $ | 51,781 | $ | 264,603 | $ | 126,410 | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 72,944 | 46,245 | 147,116 | 116,137 | ||||||||
Deferred income taxes | 19,335 | (18,701) | 19,594 | (11,959) | ||||||||
Provision for doubtful accounts | 8,921 | 2,204 | 16,511 | 11,599 | ||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 2,724 | 1,688 | 5,053 | 3,708 | ||||||||
Gain on sale of utility systems and other assets | (91) | (105) | ||||||||||
Gain on sale of other assets | (808) | (125) | ||||||||||
Net change in receivables, inventory and prepayments | 30,261 | 22,921 | 55,561 | 45,328 | ||||||||
Net change in payables, accrued interest, accrued taxes and other accrued liabilities | (53,756) | (7,531) | (78,587) | (39,019) | ||||||||
Pension and other postretirement benefits contributions | (6,363) | (36) | (12,971) | (3,784) | ||||||||
Other | (2,183) | (2,945) | (3,204) | (3,093) | ||||||||
Net cash flows from operating activities | 255,481 | 95,521 | 412,868 | 245,202 | ||||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment additions, including the debt component of allowance for funds used during construction of $170 and $873 | (178,009) | (118,734) | ||||||||||
Cash flows used in investing activities: | ||||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment additions, including the debt component of allowance for funds used during construction of $1,393 and $1,708 | (404,557) | (293,090) | ||||||||||
Acquisitions of utility systems, net | - | (3,446,056) | - | (3,467,060) | ||||||||
Net proceeds from the sale of other assets | 100 | 160 | 960 | 232 | ||||||||
Other | 197 | 28 | (184) | (17) | ||||||||
Net cash flows used in investing activities | (177,712) | (3,564,602) | (403,781) | (3,759,935) | ||||||||
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||||||
Cash flows (used in) from financing activities: | ||||||||||||
Customers' advances and contributions in aid of construction | 4,716 | 1,462 | 8,988 | 3,001 | ||||||||
Repayments of customers' advances | (971) | (1,065) | (1,961) | (1,827) | ||||||||
Net proceeds of short-term debt | (3,305) | 174,281 | ||||||||||
Net repayments of short-term debt | (6,349) | (192,605) | ||||||||||
Proceeds from long-term debt | 85,000 | 801,184 | 760,176 | 2,838,664 | ||||||||
Repayments of long-term debt | (46,305) | (11,509) | (619,477) | (1,627,300) | ||||||||
Change in cash overdraft position | (44,003) | (10,943) | (30,595) | 8,590 | ||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under dividend reinvestment plan | 4,161 | 4,062 | 8,256 | 8,061 | ||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of common stock from private placement | - | 730,135 | - | 729,301 | ||||||||
Proceeds from exercised stock options | 714 | 950 | 1,506 | 1,067 | ||||||||
Repurchase of common stock | (3,262) | (4,339) | (3,279) | (4,343) | ||||||||
Dividends paid on common stock | (61,520) | (52,205) | (123,104) | (109,619) | ||||||||
Other | 225 | (6) | 329 | 48 | ||||||||
Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities | (64,550) | 1,632,007 | (5,510) | 1,653,038 | ||||||||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents | 13,219 | (1,837,074) | 3,577 | (1,861,695) | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 4,827 | 1,868,922 | 4,827 | 1,868,922 | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 18,046 | $ | 31,848 | $ | 8,404 | $ | 7,227 | ||||
Non-cash investing activities: | Non-cash investing activities: | Non-cash investing activities: | ||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment additions purchased at the period end, but not yet paid for | $ | 73,014 | $ | 55,881 | $ | 74,752 | $ | 78,384 | ||||
Non-cash customer advances and contributions in aid of construction | 8,997 | 8,637 | 17,651 | 18,883 | ||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements | ||||||||||
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Note 1 – Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheets and statements of capitalization of Essential Utilities, Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”) at March 31,June 30, 2021, and the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, and the consolidated statements of cash flows and consolidated statements of equity for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2021 and 2020, are unaudited, but reflect all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring accruals, which are,have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the opinion of management, necessary to present a fair statement of its consolidated financial position, consolidated changes in equity, consolidated results of operations,United States (“GAAP”) for interim reporting and consolidated cash flowthe rules and regulations for the periods presented.reporting on Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Because they cover interim periods, the statements and related notes to the financial statements do not include all disclosures and notes normally provided in annual financial statements and, therefore, should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. TheInterim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of only recurring accruals, which are necessary to present a fair statement of its consolidated financial position, consolidated changes in equity, consolidated results of operations, for interim periods may not be indicative of the results that may be expectedand consolidated cash flow for the entire year. The December 31, 2020 consolidated balance sheet dataperiods presented, herein was derived from the Company’s December 31, 2020 audited consolidated financial statements but does not include all disclosures and notes normally provided in annual financial statements.have been made.
The preparation of financial statements often requires the selection of specific accounting methods and policies. Further, significant estimates and judgments may be required in selecting and applying those methods and policies in the recognition of the assets and liabilities in its consolidated balance sheets, the revenues and expenses in its consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, and the information that is contained in its summary of significant accounting policies and notes to consolidated financial statements. Making these estimates and judgments requires the analysis of information concerning events that may not yet be complete and of facts and circumstances that may change over time. Accordingly, actual amounts or future results can differ materially from those estimates that the Company includes currently in its consolidated financial statements, summary of significant accounting policies, and notes.
In the preparation of these financial statements and related disclosures, we have assessed the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our estimates, assumptions, forecasts, and accounting policies. Because of the essential nature of our business, we do not believe the COVID-19 pandemic had a material impact on our estimates, assumptions and forecasts used in the preparation of our financial statements, although we continue to monitor this closely. As the COVID-19 pandemic is continuing to evolve, future events and effects related to the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be determined with precision, and actual results could significantly differ from our estimates or forecasts.
There have been no changes to the summary of significant accounting policies previously identified in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Note 2 – Revenue Recognition
The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by major source and customer class:
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2021 | March 31, 2020 | June 30, 2021 | June 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Water Revenues | Wastewater Revenues | Natural Gas Revenues | Other Revenues | Water Revenues | Wastewater Revenues | Natural Gas Revenues | Other Revenues | Water Revenues | Wastewater Revenues | Natural Gas Revenues | Other Revenues | Water Revenues | Wastewater Revenues | Natural Gas Revenues | Other Revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from contracts with customers: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential | $ | 132,856 | 24,361 | 214,194 | - | $ | 127,014 | $ | 22,614 | $ | 22,900 | $ | - | $ | 144,415 | $ | 24,312 | $ | 83,760 | $ | - | $ | 146,621 | $ | 23,631 | $ | 86,191 | $ | - | |||||||||||||||||
Commercial | 33,188 | 4,995 | 41,021 | - | 35,300 | 4,451 | 3,929 | - | 37,967 | 5,268 | 14,850 | - | 31,318 | 4,942 | 11,964 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fire protection | 9,045 | - | - | - | 8,646 | - | - | - | 8,919 | - | - | - | 8,769 | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Industrial | 6,989 | 445 | 957 | - | 6,942 | 446 | 433 | - | 7,747 | 410 | 521 | - | 7,120 | 396 | 1,880 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gas transportation & storage | - | - | 77,803 | - | - | - | 9,469 | - | - | - | 37,789 | - | - | - | 40,235 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other water | 10,443 | - | - | - | 7,159 | - | - | - | 12,714 | - | - | - | 6,695 | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other wastewater | - | 1,750 | - | - | - | 724 | - | - | - | 2,564 | - | - | - | 1,263 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other utility | - | - | 9,179 | 3,826 | - | - | 1,731 | 3,204 | - | - | 5,971 | 3,489 | - | - | 5,684 | 5,831 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from contracts with customers | 192,521 | 31,551 | 343,154 | 3,826 | 185,061 | 28,235 | 38,462 | 3,204 | 211,762 | 32,554 | 142,891 | 3,489 | 200,523 | 30,232 | 145,954 | 5,831 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Alternative revenue program | 409 | 46 | 211 | - | (281) | (22) | 82 | - | 421 | (50) | (5) | - | 340 | (83) | 72 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other and eliminations | - | - | - | 11,847 | - | - | - | 844 | - | - | - | 5,970 | - | - | 854 | 745 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated | $ | 192,930 | $ | 31,597 | $ | 343,365 | $ | 15,673 | $ | 184,780 | $ | 28,213 | $ | 38,544 | $ | 4,048 | $ | 212,183 | $ | 32,504 | $ | 142,886 | $ | 9,459 | $ | 200,863 | $ | 30,149 | $ | 146,880 | $ | 6,576 | ||||||||||||||
Six Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
June 30, 2021 | June 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Water Revenues | Wastewater Revenues | Natural Gas Revenues | Other Revenues | Water Revenues | Wastewater Revenues | Natural Gas Revenues | Other Revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from contracts with customers: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential | $ | 277,272 | $ | 48,673 | $ | 297,953 | $ | - | $ | 273,635 | $ | 46,246 | $ | 109,091 | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial | 71,155 | 10,263 | 55,871 | - | 66,618 | 9,393 | 15,893 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fire protection | 17,964 | - | - | - | 17,414 | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Industrial | 14,736 | 854 | 1,478 | - | 14,062 | 842 | 2,314 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gas transportation & storage | - | - | 115,593 | - | - | - | 49,704 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other water | 23,157 | - | - | - | 13,855 | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other wastewater | - | 4,314 | - | - | - | 1,987 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other utility | - | - | 15,151 | 7,315 | - | - | 6,905 | 9,544 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from contracts with customers | 404,284 | 64,104 | 486,046 | 7,315 | 385,584 | 58,468 | 183,907 | 9,544 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Alternative revenue program | 830 | (4) | 206 | - | 59 | (105) | 154 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other and eliminations | - | - | - | 17,816 | - | - | 854 | 1,588 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated | $ | 405,114 | $ | 64,100 | $ | 486,252 | $ | 25,131 | $ | 385,643 | $ | 58,363 | $ | 184,915 | $ | 11,132 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
On March 16, 2020, the Company completed the Peoples Gas Acquisition, which expanded the Company’s regulated utility business, to include natural gas distribution. The natural gas revenues of Peoples are included for the period since the date of the acquisition.
Revenues from Contracts with Customers – These revenues are composed of four main categories: water, wastewater, natural gas, and other. Water revenues represent revenues earned for supplying customers with water service. Wastewater revenues represent revenues earned for treating wastewater and releasing it into the environment. Natural gas revenues represent revenues earned for the gas commodity and delivery of natural gas to customers. Other revenues are associated fees that relate to our utility businesses but are not water, wastewater, or natural gas revenues. Refer to the description below for a discussion of the performance obligation for each of these revenue streams.
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Tariff Revenues – These revenues are categorized by customer class: residential, commercial, fire protection, industrial, gas transportation, other water and other wastewater. The rates that generate these revenues are approved by the respective state utility commission, and revenues are billed cyclically and accrued for when unbilled. The regulated natural gas rates are set and adjusted for increases or decreases in our purchased gas costs through purchased gas adjustment mechanisms. Purchased gas adjustment mechanisms provide us with a means to recover purchased gas costs on an ongoing basis without filing a rate case. Other water and other wastewater revenues consist primarily of fines, penalties, surcharges, and availability lot fees. Our performance obligation for tariff revenues is to provide potable water, wastewater treatment service, or delivery and sale of natural gas to customers. This performance obligation is satisfied over time as the services are rendered. The amounts that the Company has a right to invoice for tariff revenues reflect the right to consideration from the customers in an amount that corresponds directly with the value transferred to the customer for the performance completed to date.
Other Utility Revenues – Other utility revenues represent revenues earned primarily from: antenna revenues, which represent fees received from telecommunication operators that have put cellular antennas on our water towers; operation and maintenance and billing contracts, which represent fees earned from municipalities for our operation of their water or wastewater treatment services or performing billing services; fees earned from developers for accessing our water mains; miscellaneous
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
service revenue from gas distribution operations; gas processing and handling revenue; sales of natural gas at market-based rates and contracted fixed prices; sales of gas purchased from third parties; and other gas marketing activities. The performance obligations vary for these revenues, but all are primarily recognized over time as the service is delivered.
Alternative Revenue Program:
Water / Wastewater Revenues: These revenues represent the difference between the actual billed utility volumetric water and wastewater revenues for Aqua Illinois and the revenues set in the last Aqua Illinois rate case. In accordance with the Illinois Commerce Commission, we recognize revenues based on the target amount established in the last rate case, and then record either a regulatory asset or liability based on the cumulative annual difference between the target and actual, which results in either a payment from customers or a refund due to customers. The cumulative annual difference is either refunded to customers or collected from customers over a nine-month period.
Natural Gas Revenues: These revenues represent the weather-normalization adjustment (“WNA”) mechanism in place for our natural gas customers served in Kentucky. The WNA serves to minimize the effects of weather on the Company’s results for its residential and small commercial natural gas customers. This regulatory mechanism adjusts revenues earned for the variance between actual and normal weather and can have either positive (warmer than normal) or negative (colder than normal) effects on revenues. Customer bills are adjusted in the December through April billing months, with rates adjusted for the difference between actual revenues and revenues calculated under this mechanism billed to the customers.
These revenue programs represent a contract between the utility and its regulators, not customers, and therefore are not within the scope of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) accounting guidance for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers.
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Other and Eliminations – Other and eliminations consist of our market-based revenues, which comprises: our non-regulated natural gas operations, Aqua Infrastructure and Aqua Resources (described below) and intercompany eliminations for revenue billed between our subsidiaries. Our non-regulated natural gas operations consist of utility service line protection solutions and repair services to households and the operations of gas marketing and production entities. Revenue is recognized and the performance obligation is satisfied over time as the service is delivered.
Aqua Infrastructure is the holding company for our former 49% investment in a joint venture that operated a private pipeline system to supply raw water to natural gas well drilling operations in the Marcellus Shale of north central Pennsylvania. Prior to our October 30, 2020 sale of our investment in the joint venture, the joint venture earned revenues through providing non-utility raw water supply services to natural gas drilling companies which enter into water supply contracts. The performance obligation was to deliver non-potable water to the joint venture’s customers. Aqua Infrastructure’s share of the revenues recognized by the joint venture was reflected, net, in equity earnings in joint venture on our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. Aqua Resources earned revenues by providing non-regulated water and wastewater services through an operating and maintenance contract which concluded in 2020, and continues to earn revenue through third party water and sewer service line protection and repair services. The performance obligations were performing agreed upon contract
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
services to operate the water and wastewater system or allowing the use of our logo to a third-party water and sewer service line repair. Revenues are primarily recognized over time as service is delivered.
Note 3 – Acquisitions
Peoples Gas Acquisition
On March 16, 2020 (the “Closing Date”), the Company completed the acquisition of Peoples Natural Gas (the “Peoples Gas Acquisition”), which expanded the Company’s regulated utility business to include natural gas distribution, serving approximately 750,000 natural gas utility customers in western Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Kentucky. The Company paid cash consideration of $3,465,344, which is subject to adjustment based upon the terms of the purchase agreement. Purchase price adjustments include the completion of a closing balance sheet, which was provided to the seller, and the finalization of an adjustment for utility capital expenditures made by the seller during the period between November 1, 2018 and closing. There is a dispute between the parties regarding this adjustment for utility capital expenditures. It is expected the matter will be resolved in accordance with the provisions of the purchase agreement or by the competent court of law with jurisdiction over the matter.agreement. The estimated purchase price paid by the Company was determined as follows:
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Base purchase price | $ | 4,275,000 |
Adjustments: | ||
Estimated change in working capital | 43,935 | |
Certain estimated capital expenditures | 247,500 | |
Assumption of indebtedness | (1,101,091) | |
Cash consideration | $ | 3,465,344 |
The assumption of $1,101,091 of indebtedness as of the Closing Date, consisted of $920,091 of senior notes and $181,000 of short-term debt. The acquisition was financed through a series of financing transactions which included the issuance of common stock from a public offering and a private placement, a tangible equity unit offering, and short and long-term debt.
The Company accounted for the Peoples Gas Acquisition as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting. The estimated purchase price was allocated to the net tangible and intangible assets based upon their estimated fair values at the date of the acquisition. The purchase price allocation was preliminary and was subject to revision through the end of the measurement period on March 15, 2021. During the first quarter of 2021, the Company recorded an adjustment to increase goodwill by $16,400 primarily reflecting an adjustment to deferred income taxes and the valuation of accounts receivable. Goodwill recorded for the Peoples Gas Acquisition is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation as of the acquisition date and measurement period adjustments as of March 31,15, 2021:
Amounts | Amounts | Amounts | Amounts | |||||||||||
Previously | Measurement | Recognized as of | Previously | Measurement | Recognized as of | |||||||||
Recognized as of | Period | Acquisition Date | Recognized as of | Period | Acquisition Date | |||||||||
Acquisition Date (a) | Adjustments | (as Adjusted) | Acquisition Date (a) | Adjustments | (as Adjusted) | |||||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net | $ | 2,476,551 | $ | - | $ | 2,476,551 | $ | 2,476,551 | $ | - | $ | 2,476,551 | ||
Current assets | 242,531 | (9,197) | 233,334 | 242,531 | (9,197) | 233,334 | ||||||||
Regulatory assets | 286,751 | (22,293) | 264,458 | |||||||||||
Goodwill | 2,261,047 | 16,400 | 2,277,447 | |||||||||||
Other long-term assets | 75,071 | - | 75,071 | |||||||||||
Total assets acquired | 5,341,951 | (15,090) | 5,326,861 | |||||||||||
Current portion of long-term debt | 5,136 | - | 5,136 | |||||||||||
Loans payable | 181,000 | - | 181,000 | |||||||||||
Other current liabilities | 186,120 | (200) | 185,920 | |||||||||||
Long-term debt | 999,460 | - | 999,460 | |||||||||||
Deferred income taxes | 213,647 | (20,522) | 193,125 | |||||||||||
Regulatory liabilities | 123,029 | 6,389 | 129,418 | |||||||||||
Other long-term liabilities | 168,215 | (757) | 167,458 | |||||||||||
Total liabilities assumed | 1,876,607 | (15,090) | 1,861,517 | |||||||||||
Net assets acquired | $ | 3,465,344 | $ | - | $ | 3,465,344 | ||||||||
(a)As reported, the Essential Utilities, Inc. 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2020.
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Regulatory assets | 286,751 | (22,293) | 264,458 | |||
Goodwill | 2,261,047 | 16,400 | 2,277,447 | |||
Other long-term assets | 75,071 | - | 75,071 | |||
Total assets acquired | 5,341,951 | (15,090) | 5,326,861 | |||
Current portion of long-term debt | 5,136 | - | 5,136 | |||
Loans payable | 181,000 | - | 181,000 | |||
Other current liabilities | 186,120 | (200) | 185,920 | |||
Long-term debt | 999,460 | - | 999,460 | |||
Deferred income taxes | 213,647 | (20,522) | 193,125 | |||
Regulatory liabilities | 123,029 | 6,389 | 129,418 | |||
Other long-term liabilities | 168,215 | (757) | 167,458 | |||
Total liabilities assumed | 1,876,607 | (15,090) | 1,861,517 | |||
Net assets acquired | $ | 3,465,344 | $ | - | $ | 3,465,344 |
(a)As reported, the Essential Utilities, Inc. 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2020.
The Company incurred transaction-related expenses for the Peoples Gas Acquisition, which consisted of costs recorded as operations and maintenance expenses in the first quarter of 2020 of $25,397 primarily representing expenses associated with investment banking fees, including bridge financing, employee related costs, obtaining regulatory approvals, legal expenses, and integration planning. There were no further transaction-related expenses for the Peoples Gas Acquisition after the first quarter of 2020.
The results of Peoples have been included in our consolidated financial statements as of the Closing Date. Peoples contributed revenues of $38,544$188,181 and earnings of $13,398$31,753 for the period from the Closing Date to March 31,June 30, 2020. The following pro forma summary presents consolidated unaudited information as if the Peoples Gas Acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2019:
| ||||
| ||||
|
|
| ||
|
| |||
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||
June 30, 2020 | June 30, 2020 | ||||
Operating revenues | $ | 384,468 | $ | 921,121 | |
Net income | 74,629 | 211,921 | |||
The supplemental pro forma information is not necessarily representative of the actual results that may have occurred for the period or of the results that may occur in the future. This supplemental pro forma information is based upon the historical operating results of Peoples for the period prior to the Closing Date and is adjusted to reflect the effect of non-recurring acquisition-related costs, incurred in 2020 as if they occurred on January 1, 2019. The adjustments include $20,628 ($25,197 pre-tax) of expenses incurred in 2020, primarily associated with investment banking fees, obtaining regulatory approvals, legal expenses and other direct costs of the Peoples Gas Acquisition, adjustments to reflect net acquisition financing as of January 1, 2019 of $10,700 ($14,342 pre-tax), the elimination of interest on debt that was not assumed in the acquisition of $2,448 ($3,442 pre-tax), and the elimination of a management fee charged quarterly to Peoples by its former parent company of $885 ($1,245 pre-tax).
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Associated with the approval of the Peoples Gas Acquisition from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, the Company committed to addressing the replacement of gathering pipe over a seven year timeframe for an estimated cost of $120,000, which will be recoverable through customer rates. Additionally, the Company has committed to provide $23,004 of one-time customer rate credits to its Pennsylvania natural gas utility customers and water and wastewater customers served by Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc. (“Aqua Pennsylvania”). In 2020, theThe Company granted $4,080 of customer rate credits to its water and wastewater customers during the third quarter of 2020, and $18,924 to its natural gas utility customers in the fourth quarter of 2020 to satisfy the $23,004 commitment.
Water and Wastewater Utility Acquisitions - Completed
In August 2021, the Company acquired the water utility system assets of The Commons Water Supply, Inc., which serves 992 customers in Harris County, Texas. The total cash purchase price for the utility system was $4,000.
In December 2020, the Company acquired the wastewater utility system assets of New Garden Township, Pennsylvania, which serves 1,965 customers. The total cash purchase price for the utility system was $29,944.
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
In October 2020, the Company acquired the water and wastewater utility system of Rockwell Utilities, which serves 514 customers in the Village of Lakemoor in Lake County, Illinois. The total cash purchase price for the utility system was $4,859.
In June 2020, the Company acquired the wastewater utility system assets of East Norriton Township, Pennsylvania, which serves 4,947 customers. The total cash purchase price for the utility system was $21,000.
In January 2020, the Company acquired the water utility system assets of the City of Campbell, Ohio, which serves 3,126 customers. The total cash purchase price for the utility system was $7,472.
The purchase price allocation for these acquisitions consisted primarily of acquired property, plant and equipment.
The pro forma effect of the utility systems acquired is not material either individually or collectively to the Company’s results of operations.
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Water and Wastewater Utility Acquisitions – Pending Completion
In July 2021, the Company entered into a purchase agreement to acquire the water utility assets of Shenandoah Borough, Pennsylvania which consists of approximately 2,930 customers for $12,000. In April 2021, the Company entered into a purchase agreement to acquire certain water or wastewater utility assets of Oak Brook, Illinois which consists of approximately 2,121 customers for $12,500. In January 2021, the Company entered into purchase agreements to acquire, in separate transactions, the wastewater utility system assets of East Whiteland Township, Pennsylvania and Willistown Township, Pennsylvania which consist of approximately 10,500 customers for $72,400. In December 2020, the Company entered into a purchase agreement to acquire the wastewater utility system assets of the Village of Bourbonnais, Illinois, which consists of approximately 6,500 customers for $32,100. In September 2020, the Company entered into a purchase agreement to acquire the wastewater utility system assets of Lower Makefield Township, Pennsylvania, which consists of approximately 11,000 customers for $53,000. In July 2020, the Company entered into a purchase agreement to acquire the water utility system assets of Commons Water, Texas, which consists of approximately 980 customers for $4,000.
The purchase price for these pending acquisitions are subject to certain adjustments at closing, and are subject to regulatory approval, including the final determination of the fair value of the rate basedbase acquired. We plan to finance the purchase price of these acquisitions by utilizing our revolving credit facility until permanent debt and common equity are secured. The closings of our acquisitions of East Whiteland Township and Willistown Township are expected to occur in the firstsecond quarter of 2022, closing for the Village of Bourbonnais is expected to occur before the end of 2021, and closing for the wastewater assets of Lower Makefield Township is expected to occur in the second halffirst quarter of 2021.2022. Closing for our utility acquisitions are subject to the timing of the regulatory approval process. The closing of our Shenandoah acquisition is expected to occur in the second half of 2022. The closing of our Oak Brook acquisition is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2023.
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
In September 2019, the Company entered into a purchase agreement to acquire the wastewater utility system assets of the Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority (“DELCORA”), which consists of approximately 16,000 customers, or the equivalent of 198,000 retail customers, in 42 municipalities in Southeast Pennsylvania for $276,500. In May 2020, Delaware County, Pennsylvania filed a lawsuit alleging that DELCORA does not have the legal authority to establish and fund a customer trust with the net proceeds of the transaction. In December 2020, the judge in the Delaware County Court lawsuit issued an order that (1) the County cannot interfere with the purchase agreement between DELCORA and the Company; (2) the County cannot terminate DELCORA prior to the closing of the transaction; and (3) that the establishment of the customer trust was valid. Delaware County appealed this decision to Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, where this case is continuing. The administrative law judges in the regulatory approval process recommended that the Company’s application be denied, and subsequently, the Company provided exceptions to the recommended decision. On March 25, 2021, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ruled that the case be remanded back to the Office of Administrative Law Judge and vacated the original administrative law judges’ decision. On April 16, 2021, the administrative law judge issued an order staying the proceeding until the Delaware County Court lawsuit is final and unappealable. The purchase price for this pending acquisition is subject to certain adjustments at closing, and is subject to regulatory approval, including the final determination of the fair value of the rate base acquired. We plan to finance the purchase price of this acquisition by the issuance of common stock upon settlement of our forward equity sale agreement (refer to Note 6 – Capitalization for further info) and by utilizing our revolving credit facility until permanent debt is secured. Closing of our acquisition of DELCORA is expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2021,2022, subject to the timing of the regulatory approval process and DELCORA’s above-referenced litigation with Delaware County.
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Note 4 – Goodwill
The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s goodwill, by business segment:
Regulated Water | Regulated Natural Gas | Other | Consolidated | Regulated Water | Regulated Natural Gas | Other | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2020 | $ | 58,659 | $ | 2,261,047 | $ | 4,841 | $ | 2,324,547 | $ | 58,659 | $ | 2,261,047 | $ | 4,841 | $ | 2,324,547 | ||||||||
Goodwill acquired | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||
Measurement period purchase price allocation adjustments | - | 16,400 | - | 16,400 | - | 16,400 | - | 16,400 | ||||||||||||||||
Reclassification to utility plant acquisition adjustment | (42) | - | - | (42) | (111) | - | - | (111) | ||||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2021 | $ | 58,617 | $ | 2,277,447 | $ | 4,841 | $ | 2,340,905 | ||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2021 | $ | 58,548 | $ | 2,277,447 | $ | 4,841 | $ | 2,340,836 | ||||||||||||||||
The measurement period purchase price allocation adjustments resulted from the completion of the Peoples Gas Acquisition on March 16, 2020, which resulted in goodwill of $2,277,447 which was subject to adjustment over the one year measurement period that ended on March 15, 2021. Refer to Note 3 – Acquisitions for information about the goodwill attributed to our Regulated Natural Gas segment.
The reclassification of goodwill to utility plant acquisition adjustment results from a mechanism approved by the applicable utility commission. The mechanism provides for the transfer over time, and the recovery through customer rates, of goodwill associated with some acquisitionacquisitions upon achieving specific objectives.
Note 5 –Disposition
In October 2020, the Company sold its investment in a joint venture. Its investment represented its 49% investment in a joint venture that operates a private pipeline system to supply raw water to natural gas well drilling operations in the Marcellus Shale of north central Pennsylvania. This investment was an unconsolidated affiliate and was accounted for under the equity method of accounting within our Aqua Infrastructure subsidiary. In the third quarter of 2020, we recorded a charge of $3,700 for the write-down of the Company’s investment associated with the sale, which was reported in equity loss in joint venture.
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Note 6 – Capitalization
In April 2021, the Company filed a new universal shelf registration through a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)(“SEC”) to allow for the potential future offer and sale by the Company, from time to time, in one or more public offerings, of an indeterminate amount of our common stock, preferred stock, debt securities and other securities specified therein at indeterminate prices.
Stockholders’ Equity
In August 2020, the Company entered into a forward equity sale agreement for 6,700,000 shares of common stock with a third party (the “forward purchaser”). In connection with the forward equity sale agreement, the forward purchaser borrowed an equal number of shares of the Company’s common stock from stock lenders and sold the borrowed shares to the public. The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of its common stock by the forward purchaser until settlement of the shares underlying the forward equity sale agreement. The actual proceeds to be received by the Company will vary depending upon the settlement date, the number of shares designated for settlement on that settlement date and the method of settlement. The Company intends to use any proceeds received upon settlement of the forward equity sale agreement to fund general corporate purposes, including for water and wastewater utility acquisitions, working capital and capital expenditures. The forward equity sale agreement is accounted for as an equity instrument and was recorded at a fair value of $0 at inception. The fair value will not be adjusted so long as the Company continues to meet the accounting requirements for equity instruments.
The Company may elect to settle the forward equity sale agreement by means of a physical share settlement, net cash settlement, or net share settlement, on a settlement date or dates, no later than August 10, 2021. As of June 30, 2021, the Company has not settled any portion of the forward equity sale agreement. The Company expects to settle the forward equity sale agreement in full by physical share settlement on August 9, 2021. The forward equity sale agreement provides that the forward price will be computed based upon the initial forward price of $46.00 per share, and is subsequently adjusted for a floating interest rate factor equal to a specified daily rate less a spread and scheduled dividends during the term of the agreement. As of March 31,June 30, 2021, the forward price was $45.08$44.77 per share. Under limited circumstances or certain unanticipated events, the forward purchaser also has the ability to require the Company to physically settle the forward equity sale agreement in shares prior to the maturity date. As of March 31, 2021, the Company has not settled any portion of the forward equity sale agreement.
Private Placement
On March 29, 2019, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”) with Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (the “Investor”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue and sell to the Investor in a private placement (the “Private Placement”) 21,661,095 newly issued shares of common stock, par value $0.50 per share (the “Common Stock”). On March 16, 2020, in connection with the closing of the Peoples Gas Acquisition, the Company closed on the Private Placement and received gross proceeds of $749,907, less expenses of $20,606. The Investor has agreed to certain transfer restrictionsIn June 2021, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-3 ASR registering the Private Placement shares for a period of 15 months from the March 16, 2020 closing date of the Peoples Gas Acquisition.resale.
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
The shares issued and sold to the Investor pursuant to the Private Placement were to be priced at the lower of (1) $34.62, which represents a 4.5% discount to the trailing 20 consecutive trading day volume weighted average price of the Common Stock ending on, and including, March 28, 2019, and (2) the volume weighted average price per share in the Company’s subsequent public offering of Common Stock to fund a portion of the Peoples Gas Acquisition.
The Stock Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants of the Company and the Investor, and the parties have agreed to indemnify each other for losses related to breaches of their respective representations and warranties. At the closing of the Private Placement, the Company reimbursed the Investor for reasonable out-of-pocket diligence expenses of $4,000.
Tangible Equity Unit Issuances
On April 23, 2019, the Company issued $690,000, less expenses of $16,358, of its tangible equity units (the “Units”), with a stated amount of $50 per unit. This issuance was part of the permanent financing to close the Peoples Gas Acquisition.
Each Unit consists of a prepaid stock purchase contract and an amortizing note due April 30, 2022, each issued by the Company. Unless earlier settled or redeemed, each stock purchase contract will automatically settle on April 30, 2022 (subject to postponement in limited circumstances) for between 1.1790 and 1.4442 shares of the Company’s common stock, subject to adjustment, based upon the applicable market value of the common stock, as described in the final prospectus supplement relating to the Units. During the first three months of 2021, thereThere were no stock purchase contracts early settled by the holders of the contracts.contracts during the six months ended June 30, 2021. As of March 31,June 30, 2021, 6,088,862 stock purchase contracts have been early settled by the holders of the contracts, resulting in the issuance of 7,182,255 shares of the Company’s common stock. The balance of stock purchase contracts is 7,711,138. The amortizing notes have an initial principal amount of $8.62909, or $119,081 in aggregate, and bear interest at a rate of 3.00% per year, and pay equal quarterly cash installments of $0.75000 per amortizing note (except for the July 30, 2019 installment payment, which was $0.80833 per amortizing note), that will constitute a payment of interest and a partial repayment of principal, and which cash payment in the aggregate will be equivalent to 6.00% per year with respect to each $50 stated amount of the Units. The amortizing notes represent unsecured senior obligations of the Company.
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Long-term Debt and Loans Payable
On April 15, 2021, the Company’s operating subsidiary, Aqua Ohio, Inc., issued $100,000 of first mortgage bonds, of which $50,000 is due in 2031 and $50,000 is due in 2051, with interest rates of 2.37% and 3.35%, respectively. The proceeds from these bonds were used for general corporate purposes and to repay existing indebtedness. Further, on April 19, 2021, the Company issued $400,000 of long-term debt, less expenses of $4,010, which is due in 2031 with an interest rate of 2.40%. The Company used the proceeds from this issuance to repay $50,000 of borrowings under ourthe Aqua Pennsylvania revolving credit facility, and the balance was used to repay in full the borrowings under its existing five-yearfive year unsecured revolving credit agreement.
The Company completed the Peoples Gas Acquisition on March 16, 2020, which resulted in the assumption of $1,101,091 of indebtedness, which includes $920,091 of senior notes and $181,000 of short-term debt. The senior notes have maturities ranging from 2020 to 2032 and interest rates that range from 2.90% to 6.42%. The short-term debt assumed at closing was repaid with the proceeds from the Company’s subsequent April 2020 long-term debt issuance.
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Note 7 – Financial Instruments
The Company follows the FASB’s accounting guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures, which defines fair value and establishes a framework for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. That framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
l | Level 1: unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access; |
l | Level 2: inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted market prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities; or |
l |
|
The asset’s or liability’s fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Valuation techniques used need to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. There have been no changes in the valuation techniques used to measure fair value, or asset or liability transfers between the levels of the fair value hierarchy for the quarter ended March 31,June 30, 2021.
Financial instruments are recorded at carrying value in the financial statements and approximate fair value as of the dates presented. The fair value of these instruments is disclosed below in accordance with current accounting guidance related to financial instruments.
The fair value of loans payable is determined based on its carrying amount and utilizing Level 1 methods and assumptions. As of March 31,June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the carrying amount of the Company’s loans payable was $74,893$71,849 and $78,198, respectively, which equates to their estimated fair value. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, is determined based on Level 1 methods and assumptions. As of March 31,June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the carrying amounts of the Company's cash and cash equivalents was $18,046$8,404 and $4,827, respectively, which equates to their fair value. The Company’s assets underlying the deferred compensation and non-qualified pension plans are determined by the fair value of mutual funds, which are based on quoted market prices from active markets utilizing Level 1 methods and assumptions. As of March 31,June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the carrying amount of these securities was $26,783,$27,975 and $25,780, respectively, which equates to their fair value, and is reported in the consolidated balance sheet in deferred charges and other assets.
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Unrealized gain and losses on equity securities held in conjunction with our non-qualified pension plan is as follows:
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
March 31, | June 30, | June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
Net gain (loss) recognized during the period on equity securities | $ | 248 | $ | (54) | $ | 251 | $ | (7) | $ | 499 | $ | (61) | ||||||
Less: net gain / loss recognized during the period on equity securities sold during the period | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
Unrealized gain (loss) recognized during the reporting period on equity securities still held at the reporting date | $ | 248 | $ | (54) | $ | 251 | $ | (7) | $ | 499 | $ | (61) | ||||||
The net gain (loss) recognized on equity securities is presented on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income on the line item “Other.”
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s long-term debt is as follows:
March 31, | December 31, | June 30, | December 31, | |||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||
Carrying amount | $ | 5,665,596 | $ | 5,630,243 | $ | 5,769,090 | $ | 5,630,243 | ||||
Estimated fair value | 5,908,503 | 6,366,030 | 6,254,857 | 6,366,030 | ||||||||
The fair value of long-term debt has been determined by discounting the future cash flows using current market interest rates for similar financial instruments of the same duration utilizing Level 2 methods and assumptions.
The Company’s customers’ advances for construction have a carrying value of $102,830$108,605 as of March 31,June 30, 2021, and $99,014 as of December 31, 2020. Their relative fair values cannot be accurately estimated because future refund payments depend on several variables, including new customer connections, customer consumption levels, and future rates. Portions of these non-interest-bearing instruments are payable annually through 2031, and amounts not paid by the respective contract expiration dates become non-refundable. The fair value of these amounts would, however, be less than their carrying value due to the non-interest-bearing feature.
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Note 8 – Net Income per Common Share
Basic net income per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and the minimum number of shares to be issued upon settlement of the stock purchase contracts issued under the tangible equity units. Diluted net income per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, potentially dilutive shares, and the expected number of shares to be issued upon settlement of the stock purchase contracts issued under the tangible equity units, based on the applicable market value of our common stock. The dilutive effect of employee stock-based compensation and shares issuable under the forward equity sale agreement (from the date the Company entered into the forward equity sale agreement to the settlement date) are included in the computation of diluted net income per common share. The dilutive effect of stock-based compensation and shares issuable under the forward equity sale agreement are calculated using the treasury stock method and expected proceeds upon exercise or issuance of the stock-based compensation and settlement of the forward equity sale agreement. The treasury stock method assumes that the proceeds from stock-based compensation and settlement of the forward equity sale agreement are used to purchase the Company’s common stock at the average market price during the period. The following table summarizes the shares, in thousands, used in computing basic and diluted net income per common share:
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||
March 31, | June 30, | June 30, | ||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
Average common shares outstanding during the period for basic computation | 254,565 | 236,122 | 254,769 | 254,167 | 254,667 | 245,144 | ||||||
Effect of dilutive securities: | ||||||||||||
Forward equity sale agreement | 3 | - | 285 | - | 147 | - | ||||||
Issuance of common stock from private placement | - | 17,853 | - | - | - | 8,926 | ||||||
Tangible equity units | - | 607 | ||||||||||
Employee stock-based compensation | 401 | 472 | 387 | 267 | 454 | 382 | ||||||
Average common shares outstanding during the period for diluted computation | 254,969 | 255,054 | 255,441 | 254,434 | 255,268 | 254,452 | ||||||
For the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2020, the average common shares outstanding during the period for diluted computation reflects the impact of the issuance of common stock from the March 16, 2020 private placement as if the shares were issued on January 1, 2020.
For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, theThe average common shares outstanding during the period for basic computation includes the weighted-average impact of 9,091,179 shares for both the three and 10,215,189six months ended June 30, 2021, and 9,091,179 and 9,653,184 shares for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively, based on the minimum number of shares of 9,091,179 to be issued in April 2022 upon settlement of the stock purchase contracts issued in April 2019 under the tangible equity units. Further, for the three months ended March 31, 2020, average common shares outstanding during the period for diluted computation includes the impact of the additional shares to be issued in April 2022 upon settlement of the stock purchase contracts based on the threshold appreciation price of $42.41.
For the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2021 and 2020, all of the Company’s employee stock options were included in the calculations of diluted net income per share as the calculated cost to exercise employee
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
stock options was less than the average market price of the Company’s common stock during these periods. Additionally, the dilutive effect of performance share units and restricted share units granted are included in the Company’s calculation of diluted net income per share.
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Note 9 – Stock-based Compensation
Under the Company’s Amended and Restated Equity Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) approved by the Company’s shareholders on May 2, 2019, to replace the 2004 Equity Compensation Plan, stock options, stock units, stock awards, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalents, and other stock-based awards may be granted to employees, non-employee directors, and consultants and advisors. The Plan authorizes 6,250,000 shares for issuance under the Plan. A maximum of 3,125,000 shares under the Plan may be issued pursuant to stock awards, stock units and other stock-based awards, subject to adjustment as provided in the Plan. During any calendar year, no individual may be granted (i) stock options and stock appreciation rights under the Plan for more than 500,000 shares of Company stock in the aggregate or (ii) stock awards, stock units or other stock-based awards under the Plan for more than 500,000 shares of Company stock in the aggregate, subject to adjustment as provided in the Plan. Awards to employees and consultants under the Plan are made by a committee of the Board of Directors of the Company, except that with respect to awards to the Chief Executive Officer, the committee recommends those awards for approval by the non-employee directors of the Board of Directors. In the case of awards to non-employee directors, the Board of Directors makes such awards. At March 31,June 30, 2021, 2,130,0872,133,751 shares were still available for issuance under the Plan. NaN further grants may be made under the Company’s 2004 Equity Compensation Plan.
Performance Share Units – A performance share unit (“PSU”) represents the right to receive a share of the Company’s common stock if specified performance goals are met over the three year performance period specified in the grant, subject to exceptions through the respective vesting period, which is generally three years. Each grantee is granted a target award of PSUs and may earn between 0% and 200% of the target amount depending on the Company’s performance against the performance goals. The following table provides compensation costs for stock-based compensation related to PSUs:
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
March 31, | June 30, | June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation within operations and maintenance expenses | $ | 1,641 | $ | 510 | $ | 1,290 | $ | 966 | $ | 2,931 | $ | 1,447 | ||||||
Income tax benefit | 462 | 144 | 364 | 265 | 826 | 408 | ||||||||||||
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
The following table summarizes the PSU transactions for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2021:
Number | Weighted | Number | Weighted | |||||||||
of | Average | of | Average | |||||||||
Share Units | Fair Value | Share Units | Fair Value | |||||||||
Nonvested share units at beginning of period | 283,007 | $ | 34.57 | 283,007 | $ | 34.57 | ||||||
Granted | 151,931 | 43.23 | 152,142 | 43.18 | ||||||||
Performance criteria adjustment | 28,548 | 53.49 | 28,057 | 53.63 | ||||||||
Forfeited | (1,078) | 46.31 | (3,584) | 46.81 | ||||||||
Share units issued | (141,329) | 31.26 | (141,328) | 31.36 | ||||||||
Nonvested share units at end of period | 321,079 | 41.61 | 318,294 | 41.54 | ||||||||
A portion of the fair value of PSUs was estimated at the grant date based on the probability of satisfying the market-based conditions using the Monte Carlo valuation method, which assesses probabilities of various outcomes of market conditions. The other portion of the fair value of the PSUs is based on the fair market value of the Company’s stock at the grant date, regardless of whether the market-based condition is satisfied. The per unit weighted-average fair value at the date of grant for PSUs granted during the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2021 and 2020 was $43.23$43.18 and $52.09.$55.65, respectively. The fair value of each PSU grant is amortized monthly into compensation expense on a straight-line basis over their respective vesting periods, generally 36 months. The accrual of compensation costs is based on the Company’s estimate of the final expected value of the award and is adjusted as required for the portion based on the performance-based condition. The Company assumes that forfeitures will be minimal, and recognizes forfeitures as they occur, which results in a reduction in compensation expense. As the payout of the PSUs includes dividend equivalents, no separate dividend yield assumption is required in calculating the fair value of the PSUs. The recording of compensation expense for PSUs has no impact on net cash flows.
Restricted Stock Units – A restricted stock unit (“RSU”) represents the right to receive a share of the Company’s common stock. RSUs are eligible to be earned at the end of a specified restricted period, which is generally three years, beginning on the date of grant. The Company assumes that forfeitures will be minimal and recognizes forfeitures as they occur, which results in a reduction in compensation expense. As the payout of the RSUs includes dividend equivalents, no separate dividend yield assumption is required in calculating the fair value of the RSUs. The following table provides the compensation cost and income tax benefit for stock-based compensation related to RSUs:
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
March 31, | June 30, | June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation within operations and maintenance expenses | $ | 604 | $ | 486 | $ | 761 | $ | 554 | $ | 1,365 | $ | 1,032 | ||||||
Income tax benefit | 169 | 136 | 212 | 154 | 381 | 290 | ||||||||||||
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
The following table summarizes the RSU transactions for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2021:
Number | Weighted | Number | Weighted | |||||||||
of | Average | of | Average | |||||||||
Stock Units | Fair Value | Stock Units | Fair Value | |||||||||
Nonvested stock units at beginning of period | 163,906 | $ | 40.80 | 163,906 | $ | 40.80 | ||||||
Granted | 85,717 | 44.44 | 85,829 | 44.44 | ||||||||
Stock units vested and issued | (47,735) | 35.03 | (49,182) | 35.27 | ||||||||
Forfeited | (746) | 40.10 | (1,742) | 42.08 | ||||||||
Nonvested stock units at end of period | 201,142 | 43.71 | 198,811 | 43.72 | ||||||||
The per unit weighted-average fair value at the date of grant for RSUs granted during the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2021 and 2020 was $44.44 and $47.10,$49.48, respectively.
Stock Options – A stock option represents the option to purchase a number of shares of common stock of the Company as specified in the stock option grant agreement at the exercise price per share as determined by the closing market price of our common stock on the grant date. Stock options are exercisable in installments of 33% annually, starting one year from the grant date and expire 10 years from the grant date, subject to satisfaction of designated performance goals. The fair value of each stock option is amortized into compensation expense using the graded-vesting method, which results in the recognition of compensation costs over the requisite service period for each separately vesting tranche of the stock options as though the stock options were, in substance, multiple stock option grants. The following table provides the compensation cost and income tax benefit for stock-based compensation related to stock options:
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
March 31, | June 30, | June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation within operations and maintenance expenses | $ | 211 | $ | 501 | $ | 90 | $ | 265 | $ | 301 | $ | 766 | ||||||
Income tax benefit | 60 | 142 | 26 | 75 | 86 | 217 | ||||||||||||
The Company did 0t grant stock options for the threesix months ended March 31, 2021.June 30, 2021 and 2020.
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
The following table summarizes stock option transactions for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2021:
Weighted | Weighted | Weighted | Weighted | |||||||||||||||||
Average | Average | Aggregate | Average | Average | Aggregate | |||||||||||||||
Exercise | Remaining | Intrinsic | Exercise | Remaining | Intrinsic | |||||||||||||||
Shares | Price | Life (years) | Value | Shares | Price | Life (years) | Value | |||||||||||||
Outstanding at beginning of period | 947,680 | $ | 35.22 | 948,270 | $ | 35.22 | ||||||||||||||
Granted | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||
Forfeited | (1,427) | 35.77 | (4,728) | 35.89 | ||||||||||||||||
Expired | (773) | 34.87 | (894) | 34.28 | ||||||||||||||||
Exercised | (20,201) | 35.34 | (42,987) | 35.04 | ||||||||||||||||
Outstanding at end of period | 925,279 | $ | 35.21 | 7.6 | $ | 8,823,580 | 899,661 | $ | 35.22 | 7.3 | $ | 9,426,549 | ||||||||
Exercisable at end of period | 685,964 | $ | 34.95 | 7.4 | $ | 6,719,789 | 663,450 | $ | 34.95 | 7.2 | $ | 7,125,309 | ||||||||
Restricted Stock – Restricted stock awards provide the grantee with the rights of a shareholder, including the right to receive dividends and to vote such shares, but not the right to sell or otherwise transfer the shares during the restriction period. Restricted stock awards result in compensation expense that is equal to the fair market value of the stock on the date of the grant and is amortized ratably over the restriction period. The Company expects forfeitures of restricted stock to be de minimis. The following table provides the compensation cost and income tax benefit for stock-based compensation related to restricted stock:
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
March 31, | June 30, | June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation within operations and maintenance expenses | $ | 93 | $ | 18 | $ | 12 | $ | 99 | $ | 106 | $ | 117 | ||||||
Income tax benefit | 27 | 5 | 4 | 29 | 31 | 34 | ||||||||||||
The following table summarizes restricted stock transactions for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2021:
Number | Weighted | Number | Weighted | |||||||
of | Average | of | Average | |||||||
Shares | Fair Value | Shares | Fair Value | |||||||
Nonvested restricted stock at beginning of period | 13,228 | $ | 34.02 | 13,228 | $ | 34.02 | ||||
Granted | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
Vested | (11,952) | 33.47 | (11,952) | 33.47 | ||||||
Nonvested restricted stock at end of period | 1,276 | $ | 39.19 | 1,276 | 39.19 | |||||
The Company did 0t grant restricted stock for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2021. The weighted-average fair value at the date of grant for restricted stock awards granted during the six months ended June 30, 2020 was $33.47.
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Stock Awards – Stock awards represent the issuance of the Company’s common stock, without restriction. The issuance of stock awards results in compensation expense that is equal to the fair market value of the stock on the grant date and is expensed immediately upon grant. The following table provides the compensation cost and income tax benefit for stock-based compensation related to stock awards:
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
March 31, | June 30, | June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation within operations and maintenance expenses | $ | 175 | $ | 175 | $ | 175 | $ | 170 | $ | 350 | $ | 345 | ||||||
Income tax benefit | 51 | 51 | 51 | 49 | 101 | 100 | ||||||||||||
The following table summarizes stock award transactions for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2021:
Number | Weighted | Number | Weighted | |||||||
of | Average | of | Average | |||||||
Stock Awards | Fair Value | Stock Awards | Fair Value | |||||||
Nonvested stock awards at beginning of period | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | ||||
Granted | 3,927 | 44.54 | 7,728 | 45.28 | ||||||
Vested | (3,927) | (44.54) | (7,728) | (45.28) | ||||||
Nonvested stock awards at end of period | - | - | - | - | ||||||
The weighted-average fair value at the date of grant for stock awards granted during the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2021 and 2020 was $44.54$45.28 and $41.58,$40.80, respectively.
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Note 10 – Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits
The Company maintains a qualified defined benefit pension plan (the “Pension Plan”), a nonqualified pension plan, and other postretirement benefit plans for certain of its employees. The net periodic benefit cost is based on estimated values and an extensive use of assumptions about the discount rate, expected return on plan assets, the rate of future compensation increases received by the Company’s employees, mortality, turnover, and medical costs. The following tables provide the components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s legacy pension and other postretirement benefit plans:
Pension Benefits | ||||||
Three Months Ended | ||||||
March 31, | ||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||
Service cost | $ | 1,078 | $ | 763 | ||
Interest cost | 3,061 | 2,540 | ||||
Expected return on plan assets | (5,907) | (3,938) | ||||
Amortization of prior service cost | 140 | 148 | ||||
Amortization of actuarial loss | 1,071 | 1,992 | ||||
Net periodic benefit cost | $ | (557) | $ | 1,505 | ||
Other | ||||||
Postretirement Benefits | ||||||
Three Months Ended | ||||||
March 31, | ||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||
Service cost | $ | 203 | $ | 217 | ||
Interest cost | 561 | 677 | ||||
Expected return on plan assets | (690) | (675) | ||||
Amortization of prior service credit | (108) | (116) | ||||
Amortization of actuarial loss | 95 | 156 | ||||
Net periodic benefit cost | $ | 61 | $ | 259 | ||
The Company presents the components of net periodic benefit cost other than service cost in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income on the line item “Other.”
The Company made cash contributions of $6,332 to its Pension Plan during the first three months of 2021, and intends to make cash contributions of $8,443 to the Pension Plan during the remainder of 2021.
On March 16, 2020, we completed the Peoples Gas Acquisition and assumed the pension and other postretirement benefit plans for its employees. The operating results of Peoples has been included in our consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. On April 1, 2020, the Company merged the pension plans acquired in the Peoples Gas Acquisition into the Company’s legacy Pension Plan. As such,
The following tables provide the following tablecomponents of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s pension and other postretirement benefit plans:
Pension Benefits | ||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||
June 30, | June 30, | |||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||
Service cost | $ | 876 | $ | 989 | $ | 1,953 | $ | 1,792 | ||||
Interest cost | 3,255 | 3,630 | 6,316 | 6,361 | ||||||||
Expected return on plan assets | (5,791) | (5,657) | (11,698) | (9,897) | ||||||||
Amortization of prior service cost | 140 | 148 | 280 | 296 | ||||||||
Amortization of actuarial loss | 727 | 1,992 | 1,797 | 3,984 | ||||||||
Net periodic benefit cost | $ | (793) | $ | 1,102 | $ | (1,352) | $ | 2,536 | ||||
Other | ||||||||||||
Postretirement Benefits | ||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||
June 30, | June 30, | |||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||
Service cost | $ | 699 | $ | 658 | $ | 1,398 | $ | 952 | ||||
Interest cost | 839 | 986 | 1,678 | 1,717 | ||||||||
Expected return on plan assets | (1,039) | (1,107) | (2,078) | (1,857) | ||||||||
Amortization of prior service credit | (108) | (116) | (216) | (232) | ||||||||
Amortization of actuarial loss | 55 | 156 | 110 | 312 | ||||||||
Net periodic benefit cost | $ | 446 | $ | 577 | $ | 892 | $ | 892 | ||||
The net periodic benefit cost is based on estimated values and an extensive use of assumptions about the discount rate, expected return on plan assets, the rate of future compensation increases received by the Company’s employees, mortality, turnover, and medical costs. The Company presents the components of net periodic benefit costs forcost other than service cost in the period since March 16, 2020 that are related toconsolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income on the Peoples’ other postretirement benefit plans acquired:
line item “Other”.
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Other | ||||||
Postretirement Benefits | ||||||
Three Months Ended | ||||||
March 31, | ||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||
Service cost | $ | 496 | $ | 77 | ||
Interest cost | 278 | 54 | ||||
Expected return on plan assets | (349) | (76) | ||||
Amortization of actuarial loss | (40) | - | ||||
Net periodic benefit cost | $ | 385 | $ | 55 | ||
The Company made cash contributions of $12,664 to its Pension Plan during the first six months of 2021, and intends to make cash contributions of $2,111 to the Pension Plan during the remainder of 2021.
During the second quarter of 2021, the Company remeasured its Pension Plan’s obligations and assets due to a plan amendment, effective May 1, 2021, that ended benefit accrual for a certain group of participants in the Pension Plan. The remeasurement resulted in a decrease in pension benefit obligation and regulatory assets totaling $20,732, of which $17,520 is attributable to the increase in the discount rate assumption from 2.57% at December 31, 2020 to 3.08% at May 1, 2021, and $3,212 is due to the curtailment of benefits. All other assumptions used for the remeasurement were consistent with the valuation as of December 31, 2020.
Note 11 – Rate Activity
During the first threesix months of 2021, the Company’s water and wastewater utility operating divisions in New Jersey, Ohio, Virginia and Indiana were granted base rate increases designed to increase total operating revenues on an annual basis by $1,559$2,643 and one of its gas utility operating divisions in Kentucky was granted a base rate increase designed to increase annual revenues by $747. Further, during the first threesix months of 2021, the Company received approval to bill infrastructure rehabilitation surcharges designed to increase total operating revenues on an annual basis by $10,725$12,894 in its water and wastewater utility operating divisions in Pennsylvania and North Carolina, offset partially by a decrease of $277 in its gas utility operating divisions in Pennsylvania.Carolina.
On February 1, 2021, the Company initiated billing interim rates in Virginia, which has a base rate case filing in progress. The interim rates are designed to increase annual revenues by $1,733. As of March 31, 2021, billings of $242 have been collected and remain subject to refund based on the outcome of the final base rate case order, which is expected to be received later in 2021.
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Note 12 – Taxes Other than Income Taxes
The following table provides the components of taxes other than income taxes:
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
March 31, | June 30, | June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
Property | $ | 7,714 | $ | 7,033 | $ | 9,570 | $ | 8,275 | $ | 17,284 | $ | 15,308 | ||||||
Gross receipts, excise and franchise | 3,684 | 3,122 | 3,949 | 3,579 | 7,633 | 6,701 | ||||||||||||
Payroll | 6,756 | 4,280 | 4,718 | 4,693 | 11,474 | 8,973 | ||||||||||||
Regulatory assessments | 838 | 700 | 847 | 698 | 1,685 | 1,398 | ||||||||||||
Pumping fees | 1,126 | 1,081 | 1,464 | 1,487 | 2,590 | 2,568 | ||||||||||||
Other | 923 | 220 | 572 | 701 | 1,495 | 921 | ||||||||||||
Total taxes other than income | $ | 21,041 | $ | 16,436 | $ | 21,120 | $ | 19,433 | $ | 42,161 | $ | 35,869 | ||||||
Note 13 – Segment Information
On March 16, 2020, the Company completed the Peoples Gas Acquisition, marking the Company’s entrance into the regulated natural gas business. The operating results of Peoples are included in the consolidated financial statements for the period since the acquisition date. As a result, the Company now has 12 operating segments and 2 reportable segments. The Regulated Water segment is comprised of 8 operating segments representing its water and wastewater regulated utility companies, which are organized by the states where the Company provides water and wastewater services. The eight8 water and wastewater utility operating segments are aggregated into one1 reportable segment, because each of these operating segments has the following similarities: economic characteristics, nature of services, production processes, customers, water distribution or wastewater collection methods, and the nature of the regulatory environment. The Regulated Natural Gas segment is comprised of one1 operating segment representing natural gas utility companies, acquired in the Peoples Gas Acquisition, for which the Company provides natural gas distribution services.
In addition to the Company’s 2 reportable segments, we include 3 of our operating segments within the Other category below. These segments are not quantitatively significant and are comprised of our non-regulated natural gas operations, Aqua Infrastructure, and Aqua Resources. Our non-regulated natural gas operations consist of utility service line protection solutions and repair services to households and the operation of gas marketing and production entities. Prior to our October 30, 2020 sale of investment in joint venture, Aqua Infrastructure provided non-utility raw water supply services for firms in the natural gas drilling industry. Aqua Resources offers, through a third party, water and sewer service line protection solutions and repair services to households. In addition to these segments, Other is comprised of business activities not included in the reportable segments, including corporate costs that have not been allocated to the Regulated Water and Regulated Natural Gas segments and intersegment eliminations. Corporate costs include general and administrative expenses, and interest expense. The Company reports these corporate costs within Other as they relate to corporate-focused responsibilities and decisions and are not included in internal measures of segment operating performance used by the Company to measure the underlying performance of the operating segments.
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
The following table presents information about the Company’s reportable segments, including the operating results and capital expenditures of the Regulated Natural Gas segment for the period since the completion of the Peoples Gas Acquisition on March 16, 2020:
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2021 | March 31, 2020 | June 30, 2021 | June 30, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Regulated Water | Regulated Natural Gas | Other | Consolidated | Regulated Water | Regulated Natural Gas | Other | Consolidated | Regulated Water | Regulated Natural Gas | Other | Consolidated | Regulated Water | Regulated Natural Gas | Other | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $ | 228,353 | $ | 343,115 | $ | 12,097 | $ | 583,565 | $ | 216,197 | $ | 38,544 | $ | 844 | $ | 255,585 | $ | 248,177 | $ | 141,562 | $ | 7,293 | $ | 397,032 | $ | 234,086 | $ | 146,880 | $ | 3,502 | $ | 384,468 | |||||||||||||||||
Operations and maintenance expense | 78,347 | 51,326 | (4,598) | 125,075 | 73,694 | 8,823 | 24,120 | 106,637 | 77,801 | 52,334 | (2,620) | 127,515 | 76,645 | 50,876 | 1,083 | 128,604 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchased gas | - | 122,888 | 9,265 | 132,153 | - | 12,770 | - | 12,770 | - | 39,788 | 5,109 | 44,897 | - | 41,593 | 1,827 | 43,420 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 45,138 | 27,590 | 216 | 72,944 | 41,511 | 4,569 | 165 | 46,245 | 45,546 | 28,121 | 505 | 74,172 | 42,748 | 25,727 | 1,417 | 69,892 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Taxes other than income taxes | 16,044 | 4,638 | 438 | 21,120 | 14,899 | 3,991 | 543 | 19,433 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 89,447 | 136,864 | 6,041 | 232,352 | 86,506 | 11,715 | (24,724) | 73,497 | 108,786 | 16,681 | 3,861 | 129,328 | 99,794 | 24,693 | (1,368) | 123,119 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | 26,460 | 17,296 | 6,626 | 50,382 | 25,495 | 1,887 | 2,705 | 30,087 | 27,122 | 20,422 | 4,154 | 51,698 | 25,970 | 9,334 | 16,166 | 51,470 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for funds used during construction | 3,247 | (313) | - | 2,934 | 2,912 | 36 | - | 2,948 | (4,438) | (468) | - | (4,906) | (1,911) | (319) | - | (2,230) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity (loss) earnings in joint venture | - | - | - | - | - | - | (127) | (127) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity earnings in joint venture | - | - | - | - | - | - | (470) | (470) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other | (1,940) | (439) | 215 | (2,164) | (454) | 78 | (366) | (742) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income before income taxes | 88,042 | (2,834) | (508) | 84,700 | 76,189 | 15,600 | (16,698) | 75,091 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Provision for income taxes (benefit) | 3,633 | 432 | 701 | 4,766 | 3,127 | (3,448) | (6,803) | (7,124) | 9,193 | (4,739) | (668) | 3,786 | 7,194 | (2,399) | (4,333) | 462 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | 64,030 | 119,251 | 408 | 183,689 | 59,934 | 13,398 | (21,551) | 51,781 | $ | 78,849 | $ | 1,905 | $ | 160 | $ | 80,914 | $ | 68,995 | $ | 17,999 | $ | (12,365) | $ | 74,629 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures | 113,793 | 64,114 | 102 | 178,009 | 110,606 | 8,128 | - | 118,734 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, | December 31, | |||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||
Total assets: | ||||||
Regulated water | $ | 7,957,080 | $ | 7,838,034 | ||
Regulated natural gas | 5,374,760 | 5,303,507 | ||||
Other | 490,075 | 563,736 | ||||
Consolidated | $ | 13,821,915 | $ | 13,705,277 | ||
Six Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
June 30, 2021 | June 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Regulated Water | Regulated Natural Gas | Other | Consolidated | Regulated Water | Regulated Natural Gas | Other | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $ | 476,530 | $ | 484,677 | $ | 19,390 | $ | 980,597 | $ | 450,283 | $ | 184,915 | $ | 4,855 | $ | 640,053 | ||||||||
Operations and maintenance expense | 156,148 | 103,660 | (7,218) | 252,590 | 150,339 | 59,533 | 25,369 | 235,241 | ||||||||||||||||
Purchased gas | - | 162,676 | 14,374 | 177,050 | - | 53,966 | 2,224 | 56,190 | ||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 90,684 | 55,711 | 721 | 147,116 | 84,259 | 30,234 | 1,644 | 116,137 | ||||||||||||||||
Taxes other than income taxes | 31,465 | 9,085 | 1,611 | 42,161 | 29,386 | 4,652 | 1,831 | 35,869 | ||||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 198,233 | 153,545 | 9,902 | 361,680 | 186,299 | 36,530 | (26,213) | 196,616 | ||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | 53,582 | 37,719 | 10,779 | 102,080 | 51,505 | 11,926 | 18,126 | 81,557 | ||||||||||||||||
Allowance for funds used during construction | (7,685) | (155) | - | (7,840) | (4,823) | (355) | - | (5,178) | ||||||||||||||||
Equity earnings in joint venture | - | - | - | - | - | - | (343) | (343) | ||||||||||||||||
Other | (3,369) | (867) | (1,479) | (5,715) | 367 | (756) | 1,221 | 832 | ||||||||||||||||
Income before income taxes | 155,705 | 116,848 | 602 | 273,155 | 139,250 | 25,715 | (45,217) | 119,748 | ||||||||||||||||
Provision for income taxes (benefit) | 12,826 | (4,307) | 33 | 8,552 | 10,321 | (5,820) | (11,163) | (6,662) | ||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 142,879 | $ | 121,155 | $ | 569 | $ | 264,603 | $ | 128,929 | $ | 31,535 | $ | (34,054) | $ | 126,410 | ||||||||
Capital expenditures | $ | 247,911 | $ | 156,252 | $ | 394 | $ | 404,557 | $ | 217,373 | $ | 75,458 | $ | 259 | $ | 293,090 | ||||||||
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
June 30, | December 31, | |||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||
Total assets: | ||||||
Regulated water | $ | 8,158,852 | $ | 7,838,034 | ||
Regulated natural gas | 5,594,238 | 5,303,507 | ||||
Other | 180,902 | 563,736 | ||||
Consolidated | $ | 13,933,992 | $ | 13,705,277 | ||
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is routinely involved in various disputes, claims, lawsuits and other regulatory and legal matters, including both asserted and unasserted legal claims, in the ordinary course of business. The status of each such matter, referred to herein as a loss contingency, is reviewed and assessed in accordance with applicable accounting rules regarding the nature of the matter, the likelihood that a loss will be incurred, and the amounts involved. As of March 31,June 30, 2021, the aggregate amount of $17,627$17,510 is accrued for loss contingencies and is reported in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as other accrued liabilities and other liabilities. These accruals represent management’s best estimate of probable loss (as defined in the accounting guidance) for loss contingencies or the low end of a range of losses if no single probable loss can be estimated. For some loss contingencies, the Company is unable to estimate the amount of the probable loss or range of probable losses. Further, the Company has insurance coverage for certain of these loss contingencies, and as of March 31,June 30, 2021, estimates that approximately $3,294$3,327 of the amount accrued for these matters are probable of recovery through
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
insurance, which amount is also reported in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as deferred charges and other assets, net.
During a portion of 2019, the Company initiated a do not consume advisory for some of its water customers in one division served by the Company’s Illinois subsidiary. AlthoughDuring the Company has determined that it is reasonably possible that a fine or penalty may be incurred, it cannot estimate the possible rangesecond quarter of loss at this time and 0 liability2021, an immaterial amount has been accrued for these future costs.a portion of the fine or penalty that we determined to be probable and estimable of being incurred. In addition, on September 3, 2019, two individuals, on behalf of themselves and those similarly situated, commenced an action against the Company’s Illinois subsidiary in the State court in Will County, Illinois related to this do not consume advisory. The complaint seeks class action certification, attorney's fees, and "damages, including, but not limited to, out of pocket damages, and discomfort, aggravation, and annoyance” based upon the water provided by the Company’s subsidiary to a discrete service area in University Park, Illinois. The complaint contains allegations of damages as a result of supplied water that exceeded the standards established by the federal Lead and Copper Rule. The complaint is in the discovery phase and class certification has not been granted. The Company plans tois vigorously defenddefending against this claim. A claim for the expenses incurred has been submitted to the Company’s insurance carrier for potential recovery of a portion of these costs, and on August 3, 2020, the Company received $2,874 in insurance proceeds. The Company continues to assess the potential loss contingency on this matter. While the final outcome of this claim cannot be predicted with certainty, and unfavorable outcomes could negatively impact the Company, at this time in the opinion of management, the final resolution of this matter is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Although the results of legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, other than disclosed above, there are no other pending legal proceedings to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or to which any of its properties is the subject that are material or are expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
In addition to the aforementioned loss contingencies, the Company self-insures its employee medical benefit program, and maintains stop-loss coverage to limit the exposure arising from these claims. The Company’s reserve for these claims totaled $1,535 at March 31,June 30, 2021 and represents a reserve for unpaid claim costs, including an estimate for the cost of incurred but not reported claims.
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Associated with the approval of the Peoples Gas Acquisition from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, the Company has committed to addressing the replacement of gathering pipe over a seven year timeframe for an estimated cost of $120,000, which will be recoverable through customer rates. Additionally, the Company committed to provide $23,004 of one-time customer rate credits to its Pennsylvania natural gas utility customers and water and wastewater customers served by Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc. In the third quarter of 2020, the Company granted $4,080 of customer rate credits to its water and wastewater customers served by Aqua Pennsylvania and $18,924 was granted to its Pennsylvania natural gas utility customers in the fourth quarter of 2020.
Note 15 – Income Taxes
On March 16, 2020, the Company completed the Peoples Gas Acquisition. On March 31, 2020, the Company changed the method of tax accounting for certain qualifying infrastructure investments at its Peoples Natural Gas subsidiary, its largest natural gas subsidiary in Pennsylvania. This change allows a
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
tax deduction for qualifying utility asset improvement costs that were formerly capitalized for tax purposes. The Company is performing an analysis to determine the ultimate amount of qualifying utility asset improvement costs eligible to be deducted under the IRS’s final tangible property regulations that will be reflected on its 2021 and 2020 Federal Tax Return. As a result, the Company has estimated a portion of its infrastructure investment at Peoples Natural Gas since the acquisition date that will qualify as a utility system repairs deduction for 2021 and 2020. Consistent with the Company’s accounting for differences between book and tax expenditures in Pennsylvania, the Company is utilizing the flow-through method to account for this timing difference. The Company completed its analysis of the income tax benefits for qualifying capital expenditures made prior to March 16, 2020 (“catch-up adjustment”) and recorded a regulatory liability of $160,655 for these tax benefits which will remain on the consolidated balance sheet pending regulatory guidance. In August 2020, the Company filed a petition with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission proposing treatment of the catch-up adjustment. On March 11, 2021, the Company and the statutory advocates filed a Joint Petition of Settlement (“Settlement”) representing a Settlementsettlement of the parties and on May 6, 2021 it was approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. The Settlement proposes,stipulates, among other points, that the catch-up adjustment be provided to utility customers over a five-year period, and the Company can continue to use flow-through accounting for the current tax repair benefit until its next base rate case. In addition, the Company will provide $5,000 in relief to regulated natural gas customer past-due accounts receivable impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as making a $500 contribution to a customer-bill payment assistance program.
The Company’s effective tax rate was 2.5%4.5% and (16.0)3.1% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate was 0.6% and (5.6)% for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021 andJune 30, 2020, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate for the firstsecond quarter can be attributed to an increase in our income before income taxes as compared to the prior period, and a decrease in the income tax benefit recognized due to a lower tax deduction for qualifying infrastructure recognized. The increase in the effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2021 over the first six months of 2020 is due to an increase in our income before income taxes as compared to the prior period, and offset by an increase in the income tax benefit recognized due to additional tax deductionsdeduction for qualifying infrastructure recognized in the first quarter of 2021.recognized. The statutory Federal tax rate is 21% for three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2021 and 2020. For states with a corporate net income tax, the state corporate net income tax rates range from
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
2.5% to 9.99% for all periods presented. In determining its interim tax provision, the Company reflects its estimated permanent and flow-through tax differences for the taxable year, including the basis difference for the adoption of the tangible property regulations. Qualifying utility asset improvement costs and the amortization of excess deferred income taxes caused the year-to-date effective tax rate to be significantly different from the statutory rate.
In connection with the completion of the Peoples Gas Acquisition, the Company identified changes to acquired deferred tax asset valuation allowances or liabilities related to uncertain tax positions during the one year measurement period, which related to new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. Those changes are considered a measurement-period adjustment, and an offset was recorded as an adjustment to goodwill. The Company records all other changes to deferred tax asset valuation allowances and liabilities related to uncertain tax positions in current-period income tax expense.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020 and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA) on December 27, 2020. The CARES Act provides numerous tax provisions and other stimulus measures, including temporary changes regarding the prior and future utilization of net operating losses, temporary changes to the prior and future limitations on interest deductions, temporary suspension of certain payment requirements for the employer portion of Social Security taxes, technical corrections from prior tax legislation for tax depreciation of certain qualified improvement property, and the creation of certain refundable employee retention credits. The CAA modifies the employee retention credit
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
(introduced under the CARES Act), extended paid sick and child-care leave through March 31, 2021, and expands the business meal deduction to 100% of business-related restaurant meals in 2021 and 2022. We evaluated the provisions of the CARES and CAA Acts and do not anticipate that the impacts will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) was signed into law. The ARPA includes business tax provisions, including the extension of the employee retention credit, expansion of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act with respect to Family and Medical Leave Act tax credits, expanded limits on executive compensation deductions, repeal of the worldwide interest allocation, changes to pension funding requirements, and extension of the limitation on excess business losses for non-corporate taxpayers. We evaluated the provisions of the ARPA Act and do not anticipate that the impacts will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Note 16 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Pronouncements to be adopted upon the effective date:
In August 2020, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance on accounting for convertible instruments and contracts in an entity’s own equity. The updated guidance reduces the number of accounting models for convertible debt and convertible preferred stock instruments and makes certain disclosure amendments intended to improve the information provided to users. Additionally, the guidance also amends the derivative guidance for the “own stock” scope exception, which exempts qualifying instruments from being accounted for as derivatives if certain criteria are met. Further, the standard changes the way certain convertible instruments are treated when calculating earnings per share. The updated accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021 with early adoption permitted beginning in 2021. The Company is evaluating the requirements of the updated guidance to determine the impact of adoption.
In March 2020, the FASB issued accounting guidance that provides companies with optional guidance, including expedients and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles to contracts and other transactions affected by reference rate reform, such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). In January 2021, the FASB clarified the scope of that accounting standards update with additional guidance for reference rate reform on financial reporting. The accounting guidance was effective upon issuance and generally can be applied to applicable contract modifications through December 31, 2022. The Company is evaluating the impact of this accounting guidance.
Pronouncement adopted during the year:
In December 2019, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance that simplifies the accounting for income taxes. The updated guidance removes certain exceptions to the general principles of accounting for income taxes to reduce the cost and complexity of its application, including the accounting for intraperiod tax allocation when there is a loss from continuing operations and income or a gain from other items, deferred tax liabilities for equity method investments when a foreign subsidiary becomes an equity method investment or when a foreign equity method investment becomes a subsidiary, and calculating income taxes in an interim period when a year-to-date loss exceeds the anticipated loss for the year. Additionally, the updated guidance clarifies and amends the existing guidance over accounting for franchise taxes and other taxes partially based on income, an entity’s tax basis of goodwill, separate entity financial statements, interim recognition of enactment of tax laws or rate changes, and improvements to the Codification for income taxes related to employee stock ownership plans and investments in qualified affordable housing projects accounted for using the equity method. As permitted, we adopted this updated guidance on January 1, 2021, which did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and other sections of this Quarterly Report contain, in addition to historical information, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements address, among other things: the expected timing of closing of our acquisitions; the projected impact of various legal proceedings; the projected effects of recent accounting pronouncements; prospects, plans, objectives, expectations and beliefs of management, as well as information contained in this report where statements are preceded by, followed by or include the words “believes,” “expects,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “future,” “potential,” “probably,” “predictions,” “intends,” “will,” “continue,” “in the event” or the negative of such terms or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions concerning future events, and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the effects of regulation, abnormal weather, changes in capital requirements and funding, our ability to close acquisitions, changes to the capital markets, and our ability to assimilate acquired operations, as well as those risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 under the captions “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere in such report and those included under the captions “Risk Factors” and this Quarterly Report. As a result, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Essential Utilities, Inc. (“we”, “us”, “our” or the “Company”), a Pennsylvania corporation, is the holding company for regulated utilities providing water, wastewater, or natural gas services to an estimated five million people in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, Illinois, North Carolina, New Jersey, Indiana, Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky under the Aqua and Peoples brands. One of our largest operating subsidiaries, Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc. (“Aqua Pennsylvania”), provides water or wastewater services to approximately one-half of the total number of water or wastewater customers we serve, who are located in the suburban areas in counties north and west of the City of Philadelphia and in 27 other counties in Pennsylvania. Our other regulated water or wastewater utility subsidiaries provide similar services in seven additional states. Additionally, pursuant to the Company’s growth strategy, commencing on March 16, 2020, with the completion of the Peoples Gas Acquisition, the Company began to provide natural gas distribution services to customers in western Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and West Virginia. Approximately 93% of the total number of natural gas utility customers we serve are in western Pennsylvania. Lastly, the Company’s market-based activities are conducted through Aqua Infrastructure, LLC and Aqua Resources, Inc. and certain other non-regulated subsidiaries of Peoples. Prior to our October 30, 2020 sale of our investment in a joint venture, Aqua Infrastructure provided non-utility raw water supply services for firms in the natural gas drilling industry. Following the October 30, 2020
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
closing, Aqua Infrastructure does not provide any services to the natural gas drilling industry. Aqua Resources offers, through a third party, water and sewer service line protection solutions and repair
services to households.
The non-regulated subsidiaries of Peoples provide utility service line protection solutions and repair services to households and operates gas marketing and production entities.
Essential Utilities, Inc., which prior to its name change in February 2020 was known as Aqua America, Inc., was formed in 1968 as a holding company for its primary subsidiary, Aqua Pennsylvania, formerly known as Philadelphia Suburban Water Company. In the early 1990s, we embarked on a growth-through-acquisition strategy. Our most significant transactions to date have been the merger with Consumers Water Company in 1999, the acquisition of the regulated water and wastewater operations of AquaSource, Inc. in 2003, the acquisition of Heater Utilities, Inc. in 2004, the acquisition of American Water Works Company, Inc.’s regulated operations in Ohio in 2012, and the March 16, 2020 acquisition of Peoples, a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania based natural gas distribution company. For many years, starting in the early 1990s, our business strategy has been primarily directed toward the regulated water and wastewater utility industry, where we have more than quadrupled the number of regulated customers we serve, and have extended our regulated operations from southeastern Pennsylvania to include our current regulated utility operations in seven other states. On March 16, 2020, the Company completed the Peoples Gas Acquisition, a natural gas distribution utility, marking its entrance into the regulated natural gas business. The Company seeks to acquire businesses in the U.S. regulated sector, which includes water and wastewater utilities, natural gas utilities, and other regulated utilities, and to opportunistically pursue growth ventures in select market-based activities, such as infrastructure opportunities that are supplementary and complementary to our regulated utility businesses.
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes.
COVID-19 Pandemic
We provide a critical service to our customers, which means that it is paramount that we keep our employees who operate the business safe and informed.informed while supporting our customers and assuring the continuity of our operations. We continue to monitor the outbreaks of COVID-19 pandemic and continue to take steps to mitigate the potential risks to our employees. We also continue to work with our suppliers to monitor potential impacts to our supply chain. At this time, no material risks to our supply chain have been identified. We continue to implement strong physical and cyber-security measures in an effort to ensure that our systems remain functional in order to both serve our operational needs with a remotehybrid workforce if needed, and maintain uninterrupted service to our customers.
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
We will continue to monitor developments affecting our business, workforce, and suppliers and take additional precautions as we believe are warranted. We are continuing with our capital investment program and continue to work with our suppliers to monitor and address the risks present in our supply chain. While we have experienced some delays in certain materials, we have been able to adjust our purchasing procedures to secure and stock the necessary materials without materially impacting our operations or capital investment program. We are actively monitoring our utility billings and have noticed increasesfor changes in residential, customer usage offset by decreases in commercial and industrial usage. In response to concerns about customer economic hardship and affordability during the COVID-19 pandemic, health crisis, our state regulators mandated the temporary curtailment of certain collection practices, such as disconnections from utility service. In addition, we are monitoring collections of customer utility accounts as to potential impacts on cash flows, and increased expenses for costs associated with workforce-related expenses, security and cleaning of company offices and operating facilities, as well as other one-time expenses above the expense amounts included in general rates. In most of the states where we operate, regulators have allowed utilities to resume disconnections from utility service for certain customers who have unpaid balances. In eight of the ten states in which we operate regulated utilities, public utility commissions issued guidance for utilities to defer COVID-19 expenses in anticipation of seeking recovery in a future rate proceeding, and we continue to evaluate the impact of this guidance. We are continuing with our capital investment program, and based on
While the current situation, continuepandemic presents risks to believe we are ablethe Company's business, as further described in the Company’s 2020 Form 10-K in Part II, Item 1A — Risk Factors, as of the date of this report, the Company has not experienced any material financial or operational impacts related to complete the planned projects and improvements to our utility infrastructure.COVID-19. Despite our efforts, the ultimatepotential for a material negative impact toon the Company ofexists as the COVID-19 pandemic also depends on factors beyond our knowledge, control, or ability to predict, including the duration and severity of this pandemic, the emergence of new variants of the virus, the resurgence of positive cases, the development and availability of effective treatments and vaccines, the speed at which such vaccines are delivered, as well as third party actions taken to contain its spread and mitigate its public health effects. Although some of our customers are facing economic hardships due to various impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and may be unable to pay for our utility services, we do not currently anticipate a significant impact to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Financial Condition
The Company’s consolidated balance sheet historically has had a negative working capital position whereby our current liabilities routinely exceed our current assets. Management believes that internally generated funds along with existing credit facilities, and the proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt and equity will be adequate to provide sufficient working capital to maintain normal operations and to meet our financing requirements for at least the next twelve months.
During the first threesix months of 2021, we incurred $178,009$404,557 of capital expenditures, issued $85,000$760,176 of long-term debt, and repaid debt and made sinking fund contributions and other loan repayments of $49,610.$625,826. The capital expenditures were related to new and replacement water, wastewater, and natural gas mains, improvements to treatment plants, tanks, hydrants, and service lines, construction of natural gas fueled energy plants, well and booster improvements, information technology improvements, and
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
other enhancements and improvements. The issuance of long-term debt was for funds borrowed under our revolving credit facility and used for capital expenditures.
In August 2020, we entered into a forward equity sale agreement for 6,700,000 shares of common stock with affiliates of a certain underwriter (“forward purchaser”). In connection with the forward equity sale agreement, the forward purchaser borrowed an equal number of shares of our common stock from stock
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
lenders and sold the borrowed shares to the public. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of our common stock by the forward purchaser until settlement of all or a portion of the forward equity sale agreement. The actual proceeds to be received by us will vary depending upon the settlement date, the numberAs of shares designated for settlement on that settlement date and the method of settlement. We intend to useJune 30, 2021, we have not settled any proceeds received by us upon settlementportion of the forward equity sale agreement. We expect to settle the forward equity sale agreement in full by physical share settlement on August 9, 2021. The net proceeds are expected to be used for general corporate purposes, including for water and wastewater utility acquisitions, working capital and capital expenditures.
Associated with the approval of the Peoples Gas Acquisition from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, the Company has committed to addressing the replacement of gathering pipe over a seven year timeframe for an estimated cost of $120,000, which will be recoverable through customer rates. Additionally, the Company has committed to provide $23,004 of one-time customer rate credits to its Pennsylvania natural gas utility customers and water and wastewater customers served by Aqua Pennsylvania. The Company granted $4,080 of customer rate credits to its water and wastewater customers during the third quarter of 2020, and $18,924 was granted to its natural gas utility customers in the fourth quarter of 2020.2020 to satisfy the $23,004 commitment.
AtOn March 31, 20212020, we had $18,046changed the method of cash and cash equivalents compared to $4,827tax accounting for the certain qualifying infrastructure investments at December 31, 2020. During the first three months of 2021, we used the proceeds from long-term debt and internally generated funds to fund the cash requirements discussed above and to pay dividends.
At March 31, 2021 our $1,000,000 unsecured revolving credit facility, which expires in December 2023, had $536,543 available for borrowing. Additionally, at March 31, we had short-term lines of credit of $235,500, of which $160,607 was available for borrowing. One of our short-term lines of credit is an Aqua Pennsylvania $100,000 364-day unsecured revolving credit facility with four banks, which is used to provide working capital, and as of March 31, $35,107 was available for borrowing. Another one of our short-term lines of credit is a Peoples Natural Gas, Companies $100,000 364-day unsecured revolving credit facilityour largest gas subsidiary in Pennsylvania. This change allows a tax deduction for qualifying capital expenditures, including those made prior to March 16, 2020 (“catch-up adjustment”) that have been deferred and recorded as a regulatory liability on the consolidated balance sheet. As a result of a settlement agreement approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, the income tax benefits associated with two banks, which is used to provide working capital, and asthe catch-up adjustment of March 31, 2021, $90,000 was available for borrowing. Our short-term lines of credit of $235,500 are subject to renewal on an annual basis. Although we believe we$160,655 will be ablerefunded to renew these facilities, there is no assurance that theyutility customers over a five-year period starting in August 2021. In addition, the Company will be renewed, or whatprovide $5,000 in relief to regulated natural gas customer past-due accounts receivable impacted by the terms of any such renewal will be.COVID-19 pandemic, as well as making a $500 contribution to a customer-bill payment assistance program.
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
On April 15, 2021, the Company’s operating subsidiary Aqua Ohio, Inc. issued $100,000 of first mortgage bonds, of which $50,000 is due in 2031 and $50,000 is due in 2051, with interest rates of 2.37% and 3.35%, respectively. The proceeds from these bonds were used for general corporate purposes and to repay existing indebtedness. Further on April 19, 2021, the Company issued $400,000 of long-term debt, less expenses of $4,010, which is due in 2031 with an interest rate of 2.40%. The Company used the proceeds from this issuance to repay $50,000 of borrowings under our Aqua Pennsylvania five- year revolving credit facility, and the balance was used to repay in full the borrowings under its existing five-year unsecured revolving credit agreement.
At June 30, 2021 we had $8,404 of cash and cash equivalents compared to $4,827 at December 31, 2020. During the first six months of 2021, we used the proceeds from long-term debt and internally generated funds to fund the cash requirements discussed above and to pay dividends.
At June 30, 2021 our $1,000,000 unsecured revolving credit facility, which expires in December 2023, had $916,691 available for borrowing. Additionally, at June 30, we had short-term lines of credit of $235,500, of which $163,651 was available for borrowing. One of our short-term lines of credit is an Aqua Pennsylvania $100,000 364-day unsecured revolving credit facility with four banks, which is used to provide working capital, and as of June 30, $58,151 was available for borrowing. Another one of our short-term lines of credit is a Peoples Natural Gas Companies $100,000 364-day unsecured revolving credit facility with two banks, which is used to provide working capital, and as of June 30, 2021, $70,000 was available for borrowing. Our short-term lines of credit of $235,500 are subject to renewal on an annual basis. Although we believe we will be able to renew these facilities, there is no assurance that they will be renewed, or what the terms of any such renewal will be.
RevenuesConsolidated results
Operating revenues increased by $327,980$12,564 or 128%3.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2021, as compared to the same period in 2020. Revenues from our Regulated Water segment and Other business segment increased by $14,091 and $3,791, respectively. These increases were offset by the decrease in revenues from our Regulated Natural Gas segment of $5,318 for the quarter ended June 30, 2021. Refer below for further details on the changes on Regulated Water and Regulated Natural Gas segment revenues. The increase in our Other business segment revenue is largely due to higher purchased gas revenues of $3,282 from our non-regulated gas operations, which has a corresponding offset in expense.
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Operations and maintenance decreased by $1,089 or 0.8%, primarily due to:
insurance expense decreased by $1,409 for reduced insurance claims;
contributions to charitable trust decreased by $3,100;
COVID-19 pandemic related expenses decreased by $3,525; and,
offset by the increase in employee related costs of $4,558, increase in production costs for water and wastewater operations of $1,224 and additional operating costs associated with acquired and pending acquisitions of water and wastewater utility systems of $988.
Purchased gas increased by $1,477 or 3.4%. Purchased gas represents the cost of gas sold by Peoples for the regulated and non-regulated gas business and has a corresponding offset in revenue. This expense decreased for the regulated gas business by $1,805 and increased for the non-regulated business by $3,282.
Depreciation expense increased by $4,839 or 7.1%, principally due to continued capital expenditures to expand and improve our utility facilities, and our acquisitions of new utility systems.
Amortization decreased by $559 or 28.4% primarily due to the completion of the recovery of our costs associated with various rate filings. Expenses associated with filing rate cases are deferred and amortized over periods that generally range from one to three years.
Taxes other than income taxes increased by $1,687 or 8.7%. Public utility realty tax expense for Pennsylvania increased by $715 and property tax expense went up by $443 for the gas business during the current period.
Interest expense increased by $370 or 0.7% for the quarter primarily due to the increase in average borrowings.
additional natural gas revenues of $315,840 associated withEquity earnings from the Peoples Gas Acquisition which closed on March 16,joint venture was $470 in 2020 and our investment in the joint venture was sold in October 2020.
Other expense, which reflectslargely consist of the non-service cost component of our net benefit cost for pension benefits, decreased by$1,219 or 168.8% during the quarter compared to the same period in the
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
prior year. This is primarily driven by improved investment returns as a full quarterly result of favorable market experience from the prior period.
Our effective income tax rate was 4.5% in the second quarter of 2021 and 0.6% in the second quarter of 2020. The increase in the effective tax rate for 2021;the second quarter can be attributed to an increase in our income before income taxes of $9,609 as compared to the prior period, and a decrease in the income tax benefit recognized due to a lower tax deduction for qualifying infrastructure recognized.
Net income increased by $6,285 or 8.4% primarily as a result of the factors described above.
Regulated Water Segment
Our Regulated Water segment is comprised of eight operating segments representing its water and wastewater regulated utility companies which are organized by the states where the Company provides water and wastewater services. The Regulated Water segment is aggregated into one reportable segment.
Revenues increased by $14,091 or 6.0% for the second quarter of 2021 as compared to the same period in 2020, mainly due to the following:
an increase in water and wastewater rates, including infrastructure rehabilitation surcharges, of $6,549;$7,850 (net of $214 refund of the tax benefit associated with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act);
additional water and wastewater revenues of $3,275$2,660 associated with a larger customer base due to utility acquisitions and organic growth; and
an increase in customer water consumptionand wastewater volumes amounting to $3,003 associated with increased residential usage which is offset by a decrease in customer water consumption forlargely from our commercial customers; offset by foregone water revenue of $347 $203 as a result of an advisory for some of our water utility customers served by our Illinois subsidiary. We expect this impact on revenues resulting from the advisory to continue in the secondthird quarter of 2021.
Operations and maintenance expenses increased by $18,438expense for the three months ended June 30, 2021 was $77,801 (31.3% of revenues) compared to $76,645 (32.7% of revenues) in the prior period. The increase of $1,156 or 17%,1.5% was primarily due to:to the following:
incremental operating costs of $42,864 associated with the Peoples Gas Acquisition, which closed on March 16, 2020;
additional expenses of $839 associated with the COVID-19 pandemic for our water utility operations consisting primarily of bad debt expense of $902, which are partially offset by decreases in travel expenses;
additional operating costs associated withresulting from acquired and pending acquisitions of water and wastewater utility systems and higher customer base of $778;$988;
increase in labor and benefits expense of $1,862;
increase in production costs for water and wastewater operations of $1,224;
expenses of $669$401 associated with remediating an advisory for some of our water utility customers served by our Illinois subsidiary, which is offset by the prior year effect of expenses of $605$452 recognized in the first quartersix months of 2020. We expect the expenses associated with remediating the advisory to continue in the secondthird quarter of 2021; offset by
the decrease in COVID-19 pandemic related expenses of $2,687.
Depreciation and amortization increased by $2,798 or 6.5% primarily due to continued capital spend.
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
lower insurance expense of $4,025 for reduced insurance claim reserve requirements; and
the prior year effect of transaction expenses of $25,397 in the first quarter of 2020 for the Peoples Gas Acquisition, primarily representing expenses associated with investment banking fees, employee related expenses, obtaining regulatory approvals, legal expenses, and integration planning.
Purchased gas increased by $119,383 primarily due to the closing of the Peoples Gas Acquisition on March 16, 2020, and a reflection of full first quarter results in the first quarter of 2021. Purchased gas represents the cost of gas sold by Peoples.
Depreciation expense increased by $26,071 or 57%, primarily due to depreciation expense of $22,707 associated with our completion of the Peoples Gas Acquisition on March 16, 2020 and the utility plant placed in service since March 31, 2020.
Amortization increased by $628 primarily due to amortization expense associated with our completion of the Peoples Gas Acquisition.
Taxes other than income taxes increased by $4,6051,145 or 28%,7.7% primarily due to increases in payroll taxeshigher public utility realty tax expense for Pennsylvania of $2,476$715 which covers the years 2020 and property taxes resulting from additional expenses associated with acquired operations primarily the Peoples Gas Acquisition.2021.
Interest expense, net, increased by $15,647$1,152 or 45%,4.4% for the quarter primarily due to the following items:
an increase in average borrowings; and
interest on debt assumed in the Peoples Gas Acquisition; offset by
a decrease in our effective interest rate.borrowings.
Equity loss (earnings) in joint venture was $127 in 2020 and our investmentincrease in the joint venture was soldaverage balance of utility plant construction work in October 2020.progress, to which AFUDC is applied.
Other expense decreased by $5,150$1,486 primarily due to the probable recovery of a previously incurred cost that resulted in the recognition of a regulatory asset, and a decrease in the non-service cost componentscomponent of our net benefit cost for pension benefits.
Our effective income tax rate was 2.5% inThis is driven by improved investment returns as a result of favorable market experience from the first quarter of 2021 and (16.0)% in the first quarter of 2020. The effective income tax rate increased due to an increase in the pre-tax income, offset by an increase in the income tax benefit recognized due to additional tax deductions for qualifying
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
infrastructure investments recognized in the first quarter of 2021. The Company’s provision for income taxes represented an income tax benefit in the first quarter of 2020 due to the effects of tax deductions recognized for certain qualifying infrastructure improvements and lower pre-tax income during theprior period.
Net income increased by $131,908 primarily as a result of the factors described above.
Results of Operations – Regulated Water Segment
Our Regulated Water segment is comprised of eight operating segments representing its water and wastewater regulated utility companies which are organized by the states where the Company provides water and wastewater services. The Regulated Water segment is aggregated into one reportable segment and for a discussion and analysis of the segment operating results, refer to the consolidated results of operations.
Results of Operations – Regulated Natural Gas Segment
Our Regulated Natural Gas segment is affected by the cost of natural gas, which is passed through to customers using a purchased gas adjustment clause and includes commodity price, transportation and storage costs. These costs are reflected in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income as purchased gas expenses. Therefore, fluctuations in the cost of purchased gas impact operating revenues on dollar-for-dollar basis, but do not impact gross margin. Management uses gross margin, a non-GAAP financial measure, defined as operating revenues less purchased gas expense, to analyze the financial performance of our Regulated Natural Gas segment, as management believes gross margin provides a meaningful basis for evaluating our natural gas utility operations since purchased gas expenses are included in operating revenues and passed through to customers. The following table includes the operating results for our Regulated Natural Gas segment for the period since the acquisition date of March 16, 2020, including the reconciliation of gross margin (non-GAAP) to operating revenues (GAAP):
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||
June 30, | June 30, | ||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||
Operating revenues (GAAP) | $ | 141,562 | $ | 146,880 | $ | 484,677 | $ | 184,915 | |||
Purchased gas | 39,788 | 41,593 | 162,676 | 53,966 | |||||||
Gross margin (non-GAAP) | 101,774 | 105,287 | 322,001 | 130,949 | |||||||
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended | |||||
March 31, | |||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||
Operating revenues (GAAP) | $ | 343,115 | $ | 38,544 | |
Purchased gas | 122,888 | 12,770 | |||
Gross margin (non-GAAP) | 220,227 | 25,774 | |||
The term gross margin is not intended to represent operating revenues, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, as an indicator of operating performance. In addition, our measurement of gross margin is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
On March 31, 2020, we changedOperating revenues from the method of tax accounting for certain qualifying infrastructure investments at PeoplesRegulated Natural Gas our largest naturalsegment decreased by $5,318 or 3.6% due to:
volumes decreased by $4,830 due to warmer weather during the second quarter of 2021 as compared to the same period in 2020;
purchased gas subsidiaryadjustment revenues decreased by $1,805 mainly due to lower volumes of gas sold, offset by the impact of higher rates during the current period;
increased refund of the tax benefit associated with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of $755; and,
offset by higher average delivery rates of $1,097, incremental universal service revenue of $570 and growth in Pennsylvania, which providedwarranty revenues of $301.
Operations and maintenance expense for a reduction to income tax expensethe three months ended June 30, 2021 increased by $1,458 or 2.9% primarily due to the flow-through treatmentfollowing:
increase in employee related costs of $1,733; and
increase in outside services expense of $677; offset by
the decrease in COVID-19 pandemic related expenses of $838.
Purchased gas decreased by $1,805 or 4.3% which has a corresponding offset in revenues.
Depreciation and amortization increased by $2,394 or 9.3% primarily due to continued capital spend.
Taxes other than income taxes increased by $647 or 16.2% mainly due to higher property tax expense.
Interest expense, net, increased by $11,088 or 118.8% for the quarter due to additional borrowings in the second quarter of 2021 as compared to the same period of 2020.
Net income for the Regulated Natural Gas segment decreased by $16,094 or 89.4% during the second quarter of 2021 as compared to the same period in 2020 as a result of the current taxfactors described above.
Consolidated results
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Consolidated operations and maintenance expenses increased by $17,349 or 7.4%, primarily due to:
the timing of the People’s Natural Gas acquisition that resulted an increase in operations and maintenance expense of $42,864 for the first quarter of 2021 as compared to the same period in 2020;
an increase in employee related costs of $8,040;
additional operating costs associated with acquired and pending acquisitions of water and wastewater utility systems of $1,766; and
an increase in outside services and maintenance expenses of $1,870; offset by
a decrease in insurance expense of $5,434 for reduced insurance claim reserve requirements;
a decrease in contributions to charitable trust of $3,100;
a decrease in COVID-19 pandemic related costs of $2,686; and,
the prior year effect of transaction expenses of $25,397 in the first quarter of 2020 for the Peoples Gas Acquisition, primarily representing expenses associated with investment banking fees, employee related expenses, obtaining regulatory approvals, legal expenses, and integration planning.
Purchased gas increased by $120,860 or 215.1%. Purchased gas represents the cost of gas sold by Peoples for regulated and non-regulated gas business. This expense increased by $108,710 and $12,150 for the regulated gas and non-regulated gas business, respectively, mainly due to the timing of the Peoples Gas acquisition.
Depreciation expense increased by $30,910 or 27.2%, primarily due to depreciation expense associated with our completion of the Peoples Gas Acquisition on March 16, 2020 and the utility plant placed in service, significant capital expenditures made to expand and improve our utility facilities, and our acquisitions of new utility systems.
Amortization slightly increased by $69 or 2.6% during the period as compared to the prior period.
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Taxes other than income taxes increased by $6,292 or 17.5% principally due to increase in payroll taxes of $2,769 and other taxes of $1,649 associated with acquired operations, primarily the Peoples Gas Acquisition.
Interest expense increased by $16,017 or 18.5% primarily due to the following items:
an increase in average borrowings; and
interest on debt assumed in the Peoples Gas Acquisition; offset by
a decrease in our effective interest rate.
Interest income decreased by $4,506 or 86.1%, primarily due to the utilization of the proceeds held from our 2019 equity and debt offerings to close the Peoples Gas Acquisition on March 16, 2020.
AFUDC increased by $2,662 or 51.4% due to the increase in the average balance of utility plant construction work in progress, to which AFUDC is applied.
Equity earnings in joint venture was $343 in 2020 and our investment in the joint venture was sold in October 2020.
Other expense decreased by $6,369 or 665.5% primarily due to the decrease in the non-service cost component of our net benefit cost for pension benefits. AsThis is driven by improved investment returns as a result currentof favorable market experience from the prior period.
Our effective income tax rate was 3.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and (5.6%) for the same period in the prior year. The increase in the effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2021 over the first six months of 2020 is due to an increase in our income before income taxes as compared to the prior period, and offset by an increase in the income tax benefit recognized due to additional tax deduction for qualifying infrastructure recognized.
Net income increased by $138,193 or 109.3% primarily because of the factors described above.
Regulated Water Segment
Revenues from our Regulated Water segment for the first six months of 2021 increased by $26,247 or by 5.8%, as a result of the following:
an increase in water and wastewater rates, including infrastructure rehabilitation surcharges, of $14,030 (net of $583 refund of the tax benefit associated with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act);
additional water and wastewater revenues of $5,935 associated with a larger customer base due to utility acquisitions and organic growth; and
an increase in customer water and wastewater volumes of $5,352; offset by foregone water revenue of $550 as a result of an advisory for some of our water utility customers served by our
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Illinois subsidiary. We expect this impact on revenues resulting from the advisory to continue in the third quarter of 2021.
Operations and maintenance expense was $156,148 (32.8% of revenues) compared to $150,339 (33.4% of revenues) in the prior period. The increase of $5,809 or 3.9% was principally due to the following:
additional operating costs resulting from acquired water and wastewater utility systems and higher customer base of $1,766;
increase in labor and benefits expense of $34,069$4,232;
increase in outside services and $5,923maintenance expenses of $1,193;
expenses of $1,070 associated with remediating an advisory for some of our water utility customers served by our Illinois subsidiary, which is offset by the prior year effect of expenses of $1,057 recognized in the first six months of 2020. We expect the expenses associated with remediating the advisory to continue in the third quarter of 2021; offset by
the decrease in COVID-19 pandemic related expenses of $1,849.
Depreciation and amortization increased by $6,425 or 7.6% primarily due to continued capital spend.
Taxes other than income taxes increased by $2,079 or 7.1% primarily due to higher public utility realty tax expense for Pennsylvania of $715 which covers the years 2020 and 2021.
Interest expense, net, increased by $2,077 or 4.0% for the quarter primarily due to the increase in average borrowings.
Other expense decreased by $3,736 primarily due to the decrease in the non-service cost component of our net benefit cost for pension benefits. This is driven by improved investment returns as a result of favorable market experience from the prior period.
Regulated Natural Gas Segment
ESSENTIAL UTILITIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements
We describe the impact of recent accounting pronouncements in Note 16, Recent Accounting Pronouncements, to the consolidated financial statements in this report.
Item 3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are subject to market risks in the normal course of business, including changes in interest rates and equity prices. Refer to Item 7A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, filed March 1, 2021, for additional information on market risks.
Item 4 – Controls and Procedures
(a)Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report are effective such that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.
(b)Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
On March 16, 2020, we completed the Peoples Gas Acquisition. For additional information refer to Note 3 – Acquisitions to the consolidated financial statements included in this report. We consider this acquisition material to our business, financial condition, and results of operations, and believe the changes in our internal controls and procedures as a result of the Peoples Gas Acquisition have a material effect on our internal control over financial reporting. During the time since acquisition, we have assessed the control environment and made certain changes in our internal control over financial reporting, including design changes, and we have performed testing of operating effectiveness over many of Peoples’ internal controls. We now consider the Peoples’ business to be included in the scope of our assessment over internal controls.
Part II. Other Information
Item 1 – Legal Proceedings
We are party to various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. Although the results of these legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, there are no pending legal proceedings to which we or any of our subsidiaries is a party or to which any of our properties is the subject that we believe are material or are expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Item 1A – Risk Factors
Please review the risks disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, under “Part 1, Item 1A – Risk Factors.”
Item 2 – Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The following table summarizes the Company’s purchases of its common stock for the quarter ended March 31,June 30, 2021:
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities | |||||||||
Total | Maximum | ||||||||
Number of | Number of | ||||||||
Shares | Shares | ||||||||
Purchased | that May | ||||||||
as Part of | Yet be | ||||||||
Total | Publicly | Purchased | |||||||
Number | Average | Announced | Under the | ||||||
of Shares | Price Paid | Plans or | Plan or | ||||||
Period | Purchased (1) | per Share | Programs | Programs | |||||
January 1 - 31, 2021 | - | $ | - | - | - | ||||
February 1 - 28, 2021 | 71,650 | $ | 42.81 | - | - | ||||
March 1 - 31, 2021 | 4,455 | $ | 43.80 | - | - | ||||
Total | 76,105 | $ | 42.87 | - | - | ||||
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities | |||||||||
Total | Maximum | ||||||||
Number of | Number of | ||||||||
Shares | Shares | ||||||||
Purchased | that May | ||||||||
as Part of | Yet be | ||||||||
Total | Publicly | Purchased | |||||||
Number | Average | Announced | Under the | ||||||
of Shares | Price Paid | Plans or | Plan or | ||||||
Period | Purchased (1) | per Share | Programs | Programs | |||||
April 1 - 30, 2021 | 219 | $ | 44.29 | - | - | ||||
May 1 -31, 2021 | 143 | $ | 45.69 | - | - | ||||
June 1 - 30, 2021 | 2 | $ | 45.61 | - | - | ||||
Total | 364 | $ | 44.85 | - | - | ||||
(1)These amounts consist of 76,105364 shares we acquired from employees associated with the withholding of shares to pay certain withholding taxes upon the vesting of stock-based compensation. This feature of our equity compensation plan is available to all employees who receive stock-based compensation under the plan. We purchased these shares at their fair market value, as determined by reference to the closing price of our common stock on the day prior to the award vesting.
Item 6 – Exhibits
Exhibit No. | Description | |
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31.1* | ||
31.2* | ||
32.1* | Certification of Chief Executive Officer, furnished pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 | |
32.2* | Certification of Chief Financial Officer, furnished pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 | |
101.INS | Inline XBRL Instance Document – The instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. | |
101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | |
101.CAL | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | |
101.DEF | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | |
101.LAB | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | |
101.PRES | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | |
104 | The cover page from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended |
!Represents a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
*Filed herewith
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be executed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
May 10,August 6, 2021
Essential Utilities, Inc. | |||
Registrant | |||
/s/ Christopher H. Franklin | |||
Christopher H. Franklin | |||
Chairman, President and | |||
Chief Executive Officer | |||
/s/ Daniel J. Schuller | |||
Daniel J. Schuller | |||
Executive Vice President and | |||
Chief Financial Officer | |||