Notes to Interim Financial Statements
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
The interim financial statements are unaudited but, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation of results for such periods. Because the financial statements cover an interim period, they do not include all disclosures and notes normally provided in annual financial statements, and therefore, should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company's Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2010.
Operating results for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2011.
2.
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Basic Earnings Per Share
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Basic earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 were based on weighted average shares outstanding of 12,695,604 and 12,571,066, respectively.
Since the Company has no common stock equivalents outstanding, there are no diluted earnings per share.
Certain 2010 amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2011 presentation. Such reclassifications had no effect on net income, the statement of common stockholders’ equity, or the statement of cash flow category reporting.
The Company has committed a total of approximately $1,351 for upgrades to the water treatment facilities. As of March 31, 2011, $32 remained to be incurred.
Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost
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Three Months Ended
March 31
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2011
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2010
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Service cost
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$ 232
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$ 208
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Interest cost
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348
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341
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Expected return on plan assets
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(333)
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(294)
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Plan amendments
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23
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-
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Amortization of actuarial loss
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78
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66
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Amortization of prior service cost
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4
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4
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Rate-regulated adjustment
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46
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(21)
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Net periodic pension expense
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$ 398
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$ 304
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Employer Contributions
The Company previously disclosed in its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010 that it expected to contribute $1,593 to its pension plans in 2011. As of March 31, 2011, no contributions had been made. The Company expects to begin contributions during the second quarter of 2011.
6.
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Interest Rate Swap Agreement
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The Company is exposed to certain risks relating to its ongoing business operations. The primary risk managed by using derivative instruments is interest rate risk. The Company utilizes an interest rate swap agreement to effectively convert the Company’s $12,000 variable-rate debt issue to a fixed rate. Interest rate swaps are contracts in which a series of interest rate cash flows are exchanged over a prescribed period. The notional amount on which the interest payments are based ($12,000) is not exchanged. The interest rate swap provides that the Company pays the counterparty a fixed interest rate of 3.16% on the notional amount of $12,000. In exchange, the counterparty pays the Company a variable interest rate based on 59% of LIBOR on the notional amount. The intent is for the variable rate received from the swap counterparty to approximate the variable rate the Company pays to bondholders on its variable rate debt issue, resulting in a fixed rate being paid to the swap counterparty and reducing the Company’s interest rate risk. The Company’s net payment rate on the swap was 2.87% during the quarter ended March 31, 2011.
The interest rate swap agreement is classified as a financial derivative used for non-trading activities. The professional standards regarding accounting for derivatives and hedging activities require companies to recognize all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value on the balance sheet. In accordance with the standards, the interest rate swap is recorded on the balance sheet in other deferred credits at fair value (see Note 7).
The Company uses regulatory accounting treatment rather than hedge accounting to defer the unrealized gains and losses on its interest rate swap. Instead of the effective portion being recorded as other comprehensive income and the ineffective portion being recognized in earnings using the cash flow hedge accounting rules provided by the derivative accounting standards, the entire unrealized swap value is recorded as a regulatory asset. Based on current ratemaking treatment, the Company expects the unrealized gains and losses to be recognized in rates as a component of interest expense as the swap settlements occur. Swap settlements are recorded in the income statement with the hedged item as interest expense. During the three months ended March 31, 2011, $89 was reclassified from regulatory assets to interest expense as a result of swap settlements. The overall swap result was a gain of $72 for the quarter ended March 31, 2011. The Company expects to reclassify $351 from regulatory assets to interest expense as a result of swap settlements over the next 12 months.
The interest rate swap agreement contains provisions that require the Company to maintain a credit rating of at least BBB- with Standard & Poor’s. If the Company’s rating were to fall below this rating, it would be in violation of these provisions, and the counterparty to the derivative could request immediate payment if the derivative was in a liability position. The Company’s interest rate swap was in a liability position as of March 31, 2011. If a violation were triggered on March 31, 2011, the Company would have been required to pay the counterparty approximately $1,269. The Company’s current credit rating with Standard & Poor’s is in compliance with this requirement.
The interest rate swap will expire on October 1, 2029. Other than the interest rate swap, the Company has no other derivative instruments.
7.
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Fair Value Measurements
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The professional standards regarding fair value measurements establish a fair value hierarchy which indicates the extent to which inputs used in measuring fair value are observable in the market. Level 1 inputs include quoted prices for identical instruments and are the most observable. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and observable inputs such as interest rates, commodity rates and yield curves. Level 3 inputs are not observable in the market and include management’s own judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
The Company has recorded its interest rate swap liability at fair value in accordance with the standards. The liability is recorded under the caption “Other deferred credits” on the balance sheet. The table below illustrates the fair value of the interest rate swap as of the end of the reporting period.
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Fair Value Measurements
at Reporting Date Using
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Description
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March 31, 2011
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Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
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Interest Rate Swap
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$1,180
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$1,180
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Fair values are measured as the present value of all expected future cash flows based on the LIBOR-based swap yield curve as of the date of the valuation. These inputs to this calculation are deemed to be Level 2 inputs. The balance sheet carrying value reflects the Company’s credit quality as of March 31, 2011. The rate used in discounting all prospective cash flows anticipated to be made under this swap reflects a representation of the yield to maturity for 30-year debt on utilities rated A- as of March 31, 2011. The use of the Company’s credit quality resulted in a reduction in the swap liability of $89 as of March 31, 2011. The fair value of the swap reflecting the Company’s credit quality as of December 31, 2010 is shown in the table below.
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Fair Value Measurements
at Reporting Date Using
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Description
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December 31, 2010
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Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
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Interest Rate Swap
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$1,341
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$1,341
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The carrying amount of current assets and liabilities that are considered financial instruments approximates fair value as of the dates presented. The Company's long-term debt (including current maturities), with a carrying value of $85,163 at March 31, 2011, and $85,173 at December 31, 2010, had an estimated fair value of approximately $92,000 and $94,000, respectively. The estimated fair value of debt was calculated using a discounted cash flow technique that incorporates a market interest yield curve with adjustments for duration and risk profile. The Company recognized its credit rating in determining the yield curve, and did not factor in third party credit enhancements including bond insurance on the 2004 PEDFA Series A and 2006 Industrial Development Authority issues, and the letter of credit on the 2008 PEDFA Series A issue.
Customers' advances for construction and notes receivable have carrying values at March 31, 2011 of $14,970 and $399, respectively. At December 31, 2010, customers’ advances for construction and notes receivable had carrying values of $15,031 and $407, respectively. The relative fair values of these amounts cannot be accurately estimated since the timing of future payment streams is dependent upon several factors, including new customer connections, customer consumption levels and future rate increases.
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As of
Mar. 31, 2011
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As of
Dec. 31, 2010
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4.05% Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority
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Exempt Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series A, due 2016
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2,350
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2,350
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5.00% Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority
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Exempt Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series A, due 2016
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4,950
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4,950
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10.17% Senior Notes, Series A, due 2019
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6,000
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6,000
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9.60% Senior Notes, Series B, due 2019
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5,000
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5,000
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1.00% Pennvest Loan, due 2019
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363
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373
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10.05% Senior Notes, Series C, due 2020
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6,500
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6,500
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8.43% Senior Notes, Series D, due 2022
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7,500
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7,500
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Variable Rate Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority
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Exempt Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series 2008A, due 2029
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12,000
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12,000
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4.75% Industrial Development Authority Revenue
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Bonds, Series 2006, due 2036
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10,500
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10,500
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6.00% Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority
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Exempt Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series 2008B, due 2038
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15,000
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15,000
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5.00% Monthly Senior Notes, Series 2010A, due 2040
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15,000
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15,000
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Total long-term debt
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85,163
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85,173
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Less current maturities
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(132)
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(41)
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Long-term portion
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$85,031
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$85,132
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The 6.00% Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Exempt Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series 2008B, contain special redemption provisions. The current maturities include $90 for bonds that met the special provisions and have been tendered for redemption. The Company is not required to redeem more than $300 per year under these provisions.
In April 2011, the Company renewed the $13,000 committed portion of one of its lines of credit, extending the revolving 2-year maturity date to May 2013 and lowering the interest rate from LIBOR plus 2.00% to LIBOR plus 1.40%. The Company allowed the $4,000 on-demand portion of this line of credit to expire.
In April 2011, the Company renewed its $5,000 committed line of credit and extended the maturity date to June 2012.
The Company is required to maintain a demand deposit account with an average monthly balance of $500 in order to retain one of its committed lines of credit. The use of the funds in the account in excess of the $500 is not restricted in any way.
From time to time, the Company files applications for rate increases with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, or PPUC, and is granted rate relief as a result of such requests. The most recent rate request was filed by the Company on May 14, 2010 and sought an increase of $6,220, which would have represented a 15.9% increase in rates. Effective November 4, 2010, the PPUC authorized an increase in rates designed to produce approximately $3,400 in additional annual revenues. The Company does not expect to file a base rate increase request in 2011.
10.
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Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements
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In November 2008, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released a proposed roadmap regarding the potential use by U.S. issuers of financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). IFRS is a comprehensive series of accounting standards published by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). In February 2010, the SEC expressed support for a single set of high-quality globally accepted accounting standards and established a work plan that sets forth specific areas and factors before transitioning to IFRS. The SEC will make a determination in 2011 regarding the mandatory adoption of IFRS with the expectation that any decision to adopt IFRS would allow issuers four to five years to prepare for a transition. The Company is currently assessing the impact that this potential change would have on its financial statements, and it will continue to monitor the development of the potential implementation of IFRS.
Item 2.
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Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
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Forward-looking Statements
This report on Form 10-Q contains certain matters which are not historical facts, but which are forward-looking statements. Words such as "may," "should," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The Company intends for these forward-looking statements to qualify for safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include certain information relating to the Company’s business strategy; statements including, but not limited to:
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·
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expected profitability and results of operations;
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goals, priorities and plans for, and cost of, growth and expansion;
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availability of water supply;
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water usage by customers; and
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ability to pay dividends on common stock and the rate of those dividends.
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The forward-looking statements in this report reflect what the Company currently anticipates will happen. What actually happens could differ materially from what it currently anticipates will happen. The Company does not intend to make any public announcement when forward-looking statements in this report are no longer accurate, whether as a result of new information, what actually happens in the future or for any other reason. Important matters that may affect what will actually happen include, but are not limited to:
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changes in weather, including drought conditions;
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levels of rate relief granted;
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the level of commercial and industrial business activity within the Company's service territory;
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construction of new housing within the Company's service territory and increases in population;
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changes in government policies or regulations;
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the ability to obtain permits for expansion projects;
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material changes in demand from customers, including the impact of conservation efforts which may impact the demand of customers for water;
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changes in economic and business conditions, including interest rates, which are less favorable than expected;
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changes in, or unanticipated, capital requirements;
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changes in accounting pronouncements;
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changes in our credit rating or the market price of our common stock;
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the ability to obtain financing; and
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other matters set forth in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.
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General Information
The business of the Company is to impound, purify to meet or exceed safe drinking water standards and distribute water. The Company operates within its franchised territory, which covers 39 municipalities within York County, Pennsylvania and seven municipalities within Adams County, Pennsylvania. The Company is regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, or PPUC, in the areas of billing, payment procedures, dispute processing, terminations, service territory, debt and equity financing and rate setting. The Company must obtain PPUC approval before changing any practices associated with the aforementioned areas. Water service is supplied through the Company's own distribution system. The Company obtains its water supply from both the South Branch and East Branch of the Codorus Creek, which together have an average daily flow of 73.0 million gallons per day. This combined watershed area is approximately 117 square miles. The Company has two reservoirs, Lake Williams and Lake Redman, which together hold up to approximately 2.2 billion gallons of water. The Company has a 15-mile pipeline from the Susquehanna River to Lake Redman which provides access to an additional supply of 12.0 million gallons of untreated water per day. As of March 31, 2011, the Company's average daily availability was 35.0 million gallons, and daily consumption was approximately 17.5 million gallons. The Company's service territory had an estimated population of 182,000 as of December 31, 2010. Industry within the Company's service territory is diversified, manufacturing such items as fixtures and furniture, electrical machinery, food products, paper, ordnance units, textile products, air conditioning systems, laundry detergent, barbells and motorcycles.
The Company's business is somewhat dependent on weather conditions, particularly the amount of rainfall. Revenues are particularly vulnerable to weather conditions in the summer months. Prolonged periods of hot and dry weather generally cause increased water usage for watering lawns, washing cars, and keeping golf courses and sports fields irrigated. Conversely, prolonged periods of dry weather could lead to drought restrictions from governmental authorities. Despite the Company’s adequate water supply, customers may be required to cut back water usage under such drought restrictions which would negatively impact our revenues. The Company has addressed some of this vulnerability by instituting minimum customer charges which are intended to cover fixed costs of operations under all likely weather conditions. In the first quarter of 2011, per capita consumption by industrial and commercial customers showed a modest increase over the same period last year while residential customer use declined slightly. Total per capita consumption for the first quarter of 2011 was 0.7% more than the same period last year.
The Company’s business does not require large amounts of working capital and is not dependent on any single customer or a very few customers for a material portion of its business. Increases in revenues are generally dependent on the Company’s ability to obtain rate increases from the PPUC in a timely manner and in adequate amounts and to increase volumes of water sold through increased consumption and increases in the number of customers served. The Company continuously looks for acquisition and expansion opportunities both within and outside its current service territory. The Company also looks for additional opportunities to enter into bulk water contracts with municipalities and other entities to supply water.
Results of Operations
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 Compared
With Three Months Ended March 31, 2010
Net income for the first quarter of 2011 was $2,139, an increase of $300, or 16.3%, from net income of $1,839 for the same period of 2010. The primary contributing factors to the increase were higher water revenues which were partially offset by higher operating expenses, primarily pension and depreciation expenses.
Water operating revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2011 increased $629, or 7.0%, from $9,016 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 to $9,645 for the corresponding 2011 period. The primary reasons for the increase in revenues were a rate increase effective November 4, 2010 and growth in the residential customer base. The total per capita volume of water sold in the first quarter of 2011 increased compared to the corresponding 2010 period by approximately 0.7%. The increase is mainly attributed to higher industrial and commercial consumption. The average number of customers served in the first quarter of 2011 increased as compared to the same period of 2010 by 270 customers, from 62,286 to 62,556 customers. For the remainder of the year, the Company expects revenues to increase as a result of the rate increase granted in November 2010 and higher summer demand. Drought warnings or restrictions as well as regulatory actions and weather patterns could impact results.
Operating expenses for the first quarter of 2011 increased $318, or 6.7%, from $4,741 for the first quarter of 2010 to $5,059 for the corresponding 2011 period. The increase was primarily due to increased pension expense of approximately $94 and increased depreciation expense of approximately $76. Also contributing to the increase were higher 401K, salary and wage, health insurance and other expenses aggregating approximately $148. For the remainder of the year, depreciation expense is expected to continue to rise due to investment in plant, and other operating expenses are expected to increase at a moderate rate as costs to serve customers and to extend our distribution system continue to rise.
Interest expense on debt for the first quarter of 2011 increased $112, or 9.3%, from $1,203 for the first quarter of 2010 to $1,315 for the corresponding 2011 period. The increase was primarily due to $188 in interest for the newly issued 5.00% Senior Notes, Series 2010A, in October of 2010. Offsetting the increase were lower interest payments of $40 due to retirement of the 3.75% Industrial Development Authority Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 1995, in June of 2010 and lower interest of $36 on the Company’s lines of credit due to reduced borrowings. During the first quarter of 2011, there were no borrowings under the lines of credit. During the first quarter of 2010, the average interest rate on the lines of credit was 1.87% and the average debt outstanding under the lines of credit was $7,445. For the remainder of the year, interest expense is expected to increase as line of credit borrowings are used to fund capital expenditures.
Allowance for funds used during construction increased $11, from $9 in the first quarter of 2010 to $20 in the 2011 period, due to a higher volume of eligible construction. For the remainder of the year, allowance for funds used during construction is expected to increase as construction expenditures increase during the summer months.
Other income (expenses), net for the first quarter of 2011 reflects increased income of $88 as compared to the same period of 2010. The increase was primarily due to lower employee retirement expense of approximately $131 due to life insurance proceeds. The decrease in expense was partially offset by higher contributions of approximately $39 and increased other expenses aggregating approximately $4. For the remainder of the year, other expenses are expected to increase as no further life insurance proceeds are expected.
Federal and state income taxes for the first quarter of 2011 decreased $2, or 0.2%, compared to the same period of 2010. The Company’s effective tax rate was 35.2% for the first quarter of 2011 and 38.8% for the first quarter of 2010. The decrease in the effective tax rate was due to the deductibility of bonus depreciation for state purposes for 2011. The Company expects a lower effective tax rate to continue through the remainder of the year.
Rate Matters
See Note 9 to the financial statements.
Capital Expenditures
For the quarter ended March 31, 2011, the Company invested $2,103 in construction expenditures for routine items and upgrades to its water treatment facilities as well as various replacements of aging infrastructure. The Company was able to fund operating activities and construction expenditures using internally-generated funds, proceeds from its stock purchase plans, and customer advances.
The Company anticipates construction expenditures for the remainder of 2011 of approximately $10,700. In addition to routine transmission and distribution projects, a portion of the anticipated expenditures will be for additional main extensions, further upgrades to water treatment facilities and various replacements of aging infrastructure. The Company intends to use internally-generated funds for at least half of the anticipated construction and fund the remainder through line of credit borrowings, proceeds from our stock purchase plans, and customer advances and contributions. Customer advances and contributions are expected to account for approximately 8% of funding requirements in 2011. We believe we have adequate availability under our lines of credit to meet our capital needs in 2011.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash
Although the Company is able to generate funds internally through customer bill payments, we have not historically maintained cash on the balance sheet. The Company manages its cash through a cash management account that is directly connected to a line of credit. Excess cash generated automatically pays down outstanding borrowings under the line of credit arrangement. If there are no outstanding borrowings, the cash is used as an earnings credit to reduce banking fees. Likewise, if additional funds are needed, besides what is generated internally, for payroll, to pay suppliers, or to pay debt service, funds are automatically borrowed under the line of credit. The cash management facility has historically provided the necessary liquidity and funding for our operations and we expect that to continue to be the case for the foreseeable future. The cash balance of $2,704 at March 31, 2011 mainly represents the balance of the proceeds of the October 2010 long-term debt issue that may be utilized in 2011.
Accounts Receivable
Historically the Company has seen an upward trend in its accounts receivable balance. This trend is generally a result of increased revenues. Increases in accounts receivable have corresponded with increases in revenue. Recently the Company has noticed a decline in the timeliness of payments by its customers resulting in an increase in accounts receivable in excess of the increase in revenues. Despite this trend of slower payments, the Company has not seen a dramatic deterioration of its accounts receivable aging or the amount of uncollectible accounts written off. The Company has increased its allowance for doubtful accounts in consideration of this trend. If this trend continues, the Company may incur additional expenses for uncollectible accounts and see a reduction in its internally-generated funds.
Internally-generated Funds
The amount of internally-generated funds available for operations and construction depends on our ability to obtain timely and adequate rate relief, our customers’ water usage, weather conditions, customer growth and controlled expenses. In the first quarter of 2011, we generated $4,815 internally from operations as compared to $4,480 in the first quarter of 2010. An increase in deferred income taxes, which is a non-cash expense, increased cash flow from operating activities.
Credit Lines
Historically, the Company has borrowed $15,000 to $20,000 under its lines of credit before refinancing with long-term debt or equity capital. As of March 31, 2011, the Company maintained unsecured lines of credit aggregating $33,000 with three banks. Subsequent to March 31, 2011, the Company voluntarily chose to reduce the aggregate amount to $29,000. One line of credit included a $4,000 portion which was payable upon demand and carried an interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.00%, and a $13,000 committed portion with a revolving 2-year maturity, which carried an interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.00%. The Company had no outstanding borrowings under the committed portion and no on-demand borrowings under this line of credit as of March 31, 2011. In April 2011, the Company allowed the $4,000 on-demand portion to expire and renewed the $13,000 committed portion of this line of credit, extending the revolving 2-year maturity date to May 2013. The interest rate was lowered from LIBOR plus 2.00% to LIBOR plus 1.40%. The second line of credit, in the amount of $11,000, is a committed line of credit, which matures in May 2012 and carries an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.50%. The Company had no outstanding borrowings under this line of credit as of March 31, 2011. The third line of credit, in the amount of $5,000, is a committed line of credit, which was to mature in June 2011 and carries an interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.00%. The Company had no outstanding borrowings under this line of credit as of March 31, 2011. In April 2011, the Company renewed this committed line of credit and extended the maturity date to June 2012.
The credit and liquidity crisis which began in 2008 caused substantial volatility and uncertainty in the capital markets and in the banking industry resulting in increased borrowing costs and reduced credit availability. The Company has experienced more stability as the economy recovers from the recession. Actual interest rates remain low and one of our banks recently decreased the interest rate on our line of credit from LIBOR plus 200 basis points to LIBOR plus 140 basis points. One of the lines of credit continues to carry a commitment fee. We have taken steps to manage the risk of reduced credit availability such as maintaining primarily committed lines of credit that cannot be called on demand and obtaining a 2-year revolving maturity. Despite general improvements and actions we have taken, there is no guarantee that we will be able to obtain sufficient lines of credit with favorable terms in the future. In addition, if the Company is unable to refinance its line of credit borrowings with long-term debt or equity when necessary, we may have to eliminate or postpone capital expenditures. The Company was able to pay off its line of credit borrowings by issuing long-term debt in October 2010. We believe we will have adequate capacity under our current lines of credit to meet our financing needs throughout the remainder of the year.
Long-term Debt
The Company’s loan agreements contain various covenants and restrictions. We believe we were in compliance with all of these restrictions as of March 31, 2011. See Note 4 to the Company's Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2010 for additional information regarding these restrictions.
The 6.00% Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority Exempt Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series 2008B, contain special redemption provisions. The current maturities include $90 for bonds that met the special provisions and have been tendered for redemption. The Company is not required to redeem more than $300 per year under these provisions.
The Company’s debt (long-term debt plus current portion of long-term debt) as a percentage of the total capitalization, defined as total common stockholders’ equity plus long-term debt (including current portion of long-term debt), was 48.0% as of March 31, 2011, compared with 48.3% as of December 31, 2010. While our debt load has trended upward over the years, we have historically matched increasing debt with increasing equity so that our debt to total capitalization ratio was nearly fifty percent. This capital structure has historically been acceptable to PPUC in that prudent debt costs and a fair return have been granted by the PPUC in rate filings.
The Company has an effective “shelf” Registration Statement on Form S-3 on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), pursuant to which the Company may offer an aggregate remaining amount of up to $25,000 of its common stock or debt securities subject to market conditions at the time of any such offering.
Deferred Income Taxes
The Company has seen an increase in its deferred income tax liability amounts over the last several years. This is primarily a result of the accelerated and bonus depreciation deduction available for federal tax purposes which creates differences between book and tax depreciation expense. We expect this trend to continue as we make significant investments in capital expenditures and as the tax code continues to extend bonus depreciation.
The Company has a substantial deferred income tax asset primarily due to the differences between the book and tax balances of the pension and deferred compensation plans. The Company does not believe a valuation allowance is required due to the expected generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. The Company has determined there are no uncertain tax positions that require recognition as of March 31, 2011.
Common Stock
Common stockholders’ equity as a percent of the total capitalization was 52.0% as of March 31, 2011, compared with 51.7% as of December 31, 2010. It is the Company’s intent to maintain a ratio near fifty percent. Under the Registration Statement previously mentioned, we have the ability to issue additional shares of our common stock, subject to market conditions at the time of any such offering.
Credit Rating
Our ability to maintain our credit rating depends, among other things, on adequate and timely rate relief, which we have been successful in obtaining, and our ability to fund capital expenditures in a balanced manner using both debt and equity. For the remainder of 2011, our objectives will be to continue to maximize our funds provided by operations and maintain the equity component of total capitalization.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The methods, estimates and judgments we use in applying our accounting policies have a significant impact on the results we report in our financial statements. Our accounting policies require us to make subjective judgments because of the need to make estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain. Our most critical accounting estimates include regulatory assets and liabilities, revenue recognition and accounting for our pension plans. There has been no significant change in our accounting estimates or the method of estimation during the quarter ended March 31, 2011.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company does not use off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements or obligations that may have a material current or future effect on financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, capital resources or significant components of revenues or expenses. The Company does not use securitization of receivables or unconsolidated entities. The Company uses a derivative financial instrument, an interest rate swap agreement discussed in Note 6 to the financial statements, for risk management purposes. The Company does not engage in trading or other risk management activities, does not use other derivative financial instruments for any purpose, has no lease obligations, no guarantees and does not have material transactions involving related parties.
Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 10 to the financial statements.
Item 3.
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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
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The Company does not use off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements or obligations that may have a material current or future effect on financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, capital resources, or significant components of revenues or expenses. The Company does not use securitization of receivables or unconsolidated entities. The Company uses a derivative financial instrument, an interest rate swap agreement described below, for risk management purposes. The Company does not engage in trading or other risk management activities, does not use other derivative financial instruments for any purpose, has no lease obligations, no guarantees and does not have material transactions involving related parties.
The Company's operations are exposed to market risks primarily as a result of changes in interest rates under its lines of credit. The Company has unsecured lines of credit with three banks having a combined maximum availability of $29,000. The first line of credit, in the amount of $13,000, is a committed line of credit with a revolving 2-year maturity (currently May 2013), and carries an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.40%. The Company had no outstanding borrowings under this line of credit as of March 31, 2011. The second line of credit, in the amount of $11,000, is a committed line of credit, which matures in May 2012 and carries an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.50%. This line of credit has a compensating balance requirement of $500 (see Note 8 to the financial statements included herein). The Company had no outstanding borrowings under this line of credit as of March 31, 2011. The third line of credit, in the amount of $5,000, is a committed line of credit, which matures in June 2012 and carries an interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.00%. The Company had no outstanding borrowings under this line of credit as of March 31, 2011. Other than lines of credit, the Company has long-term fixed rate debt obligations as discussed in Note 8 to the financial statements included herein and a variable rate Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority (PEDFA) loan agreement described below.
In May 2008, the PEDFA issued $12,000 aggregate principal amount of PEDFA Exempt Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series A (the “Bonds”). The proceeds of this bond issue were used to refund the $12,000 PEDFA Exempt Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series B of 2004 which were refunded due to bond insurer downgrading issues. The PEDFA then loaned the proceeds to the Company pursuant to a variable interest rate loan agreement with a maturity date of October 1, 2029. The interest rate under this loan agreement averaged 0.28% during the quarter ended March 31, 2011. In connection with the loan agreement, the Company retained its interest rate swap agreement whereby the Company effectively exchanged its floating rate obligation for a fixed rate obligation. The purpose of the interest rate swap is to manage the Company’s exposure to fluctuations in the interest rate. If the interest rate swap agreement works as intended, the rate received on the swap should approximate the variable rate we pay on the Bonds, thereby minimizing our risk. See Note 6 to the financial statements included herein for additional information regarding the interest rate swap.
In addition to the interest rate swap agreement, the Company entered into a Reimbursement, Credit and Security Agreement with PNC Bank, National Association (“the bank”), dated as of May 1, 2008, in order to enhance the marketability of and to minimize the interest rate on the Bonds. This agreement provides for a three-year direct pay letter of credit issued by the bank to the trustee for the Bonds. The letter of credit expires May 6, 2013 and is reviewed annually for a possible one-year extension. The Company’s responsibility under this agreement is to reimburse the bank on a timely basis for interest payments made to the bondholders and for any tendered Bonds that could not be remarketed. The Company has fourteen months from the time Bonds are tendered to reimburse the bank. If the direct pay letter of credit is not renewed, the Company would be required to pay the bank immediately for any tendered Bonds. In addition, the interest rate swap agreement would terminate causing a potential payment by the Company to the counterparty. Both the letter of credit and the swap agreement can potentially be transferred upon this type of event.
Item 4.
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Controls and Procedures
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(a)
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Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
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The Company's management, with the participation of the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon this evaluation, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer along with the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's 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 the Company in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.
(b)
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Change in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
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No change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting occurred during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Part II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 6.
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Exhibits
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Exhibit No.
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Description
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3
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Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 4, 2010.
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3.1
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By-Laws. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 24, 2007.
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31.1
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31.2
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32.1
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32.2
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
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THE YORK WATER COMPANY
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By:
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/s/Jeffrey R. Hines |
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Jeffrey R. Hines
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Principal Executive Officer
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