Essential Utilities, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2009 September (Form 10-Q)
Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
þ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934. |
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009
o | 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
AQUA AMERICA, 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
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
(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 þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its
corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted
pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months
(or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a
non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated
filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12(b)-2 of the Exchange Act.:
Large accelerated filer þ | Accelerated filer o | Non-accelerated filer o | Smaller reporting company o | |||
(do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuers classes of common stock, as of
October 20, 2009.
136,270,613.
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Part I Financial Information |
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4 | ||||||||
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6 | ||||||||
7 | ||||||||
8 | ||||||||
20 | ||||||||
26 | ||||||||
26 | ||||||||
Part II Other Information |
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26 | ||||||||
28 | ||||||||
29 | ||||||||
30 | ||||||||
31 | ||||||||
32 | ||||||||
Exhibit 31.1 | ||||||||
Exhibit 31.2 | ||||||||
Exhibit 32.1 | ||||||||
Exhibit 32.2 |
1
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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Part 1 Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2009 | 2008 | |||||||
Assets |
||||||||
Property, plant and equipment, at cost |
$ | 4,057,062 | $ | 3,848,419 | ||||
Less: accumulated depreciation |
924,710 | 851,036 | ||||||
Net property, plant and equipment |
3,132,352 | 2,997,383 | ||||||
Current assets: |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
18,015 | 14,944 | ||||||
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net |
86,075 | 84,523 | ||||||
Inventory, materials and supplies |
10,277 | 9,822 | ||||||
Prepayments and other current assets |
10,515 | 11,752 | ||||||
Total current assets |
124,882 | 121,041 | ||||||
Regulatory assets |
233,711 | 234,980 | ||||||
Deferred charges and other assets, net |
52,199 | 50,603 | ||||||
Funds restricted for construction activity |
38,623 | 52,931 | ||||||
Goodwill |
42,874 | 41,007 | ||||||
$ | 3,624,641 | $ | 3,497,945 | |||||
Liabilities and Equity |
||||||||
Aqua America stockholders equity: |
||||||||
Common stock at $.50 par value, authorized 300,000,000 shares,
issued 136,942,380 and 136,053,467 in 2009 and 2008 |
$ | 68,470 | $ | 68,026 | ||||
Capital in excess of par value |
638,416 | 623,407 | ||||||
Retained earnings |
382,744 | 379,778 | ||||||
Treasury stock, 671,767 and 683,958 shares in 2009 and 2008 |
(12,392 | ) | (12,751 | ) | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
118 | (14 | ) | |||||
Total Aqua America stockholders equity |
1,077,356 | 1,058,446 | ||||||
Noncontrolling interest |
552 | 2,181 | ||||||
Total equity |
1,077,908 | 1,060,627 | ||||||
Long-term debt, excluding current portion |
1,265,404 | 1,248,104 | ||||||
Commitments and contingencies |
| | ||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||||
Current portion of long-term debt |
54,848 | 7,297 | ||||||
Loans payable |
76,546 | 80,589 | ||||||
Accounts payable |
26,310 | 50,044 | ||||||
Accrued interest |
16,203 | 16,070 | ||||||
Accrued taxes |
15,110 | 15,362 | ||||||
Dividends payable |
19,759 | | ||||||
Other accrued liabilities |
21,291 | 23,809 | ||||||
Total current liabilities |
230,067 | 193,171 | ||||||
Deferred credits and other liabilities: |
||||||||
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits |
391,851 | 355,166 | ||||||
Customers advances for construction |
77,885 | 72,955 | ||||||
Regulatory liabilities |
27,623 | 27,894 | ||||||
Other |
117,146 | 120,333 | ||||||
Total deferred credits and other liabilities |
614,505 | 576,348 | ||||||
Contributions in aid of construction |
436,757 | 419,695 | ||||||
$ | 3,624,641 | $ | 3,497,945 | |||||
See notes to consolidated financial statements beginning on page 8 of this report.
2
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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
September 30, | ||||||||
2009 | 2008 | |||||||
Operating revenues |
$ | 502,646 | $ | 467,132 | ||||
Costs and expenses: |
||||||||
Operations and maintenance |
204,026 | 196,193 | ||||||
Depreciation |
76,795 | 64,909 | ||||||
Amortization |
8,848 | 4,000 | ||||||
Taxes other than income taxes |
35,892 | 34,111 | ||||||
325,561 | 299,213 | |||||||
Operating income |
177,085 | 167,919 | ||||||
Other expense (income): |
||||||||
Interest expense, net |
50,693 | 51,207 | ||||||
Allowance for funds used during construction |
(1,940 | ) | (3,032 | ) | ||||
Gain on sale of other assets |
(375 | ) | (1,085 | ) | ||||
Income before income taxes |
128,707 | 120,829 | ||||||
Provision for income taxes |
51,013 | 48,576 | ||||||
Net income attributable to common shareholders |
$ | 77,694 | $ | 72,253 | ||||
Net income attributable to common shareholders |
$ | 77,694 | $ | 72,253 | ||||
Other comprehensive income, net of tax: |
||||||||
Unrealized holding gain on investments |
127 | 193 | ||||||
Reclassification adjustment for losses
(gains) reported in net income |
5 | (209 | ) | |||||
Comprehensive income |
$ | 77,826 | $ | 72,237 | ||||
Net income per common share: |
||||||||
Basic |
$ | 0.57 | $ | 0.54 | ||||
Diluted |
$ | 0.57 | $ | 0.54 | ||||
Average common shares outstanding
during the period: |
||||||||
Basic |
135,673 | 134,013 | ||||||
Diluted |
136,006 | 134,423 | ||||||
Cash dividends declared per common share |
$ | 0.55 | $ | 0.51 | ||||
See notes to consolidated financial statements beginning on page 8 of this report.
3
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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
September 30, | ||||||||
2009 | 2008 | |||||||
Operating revenues |
$ | 180,826 | $ | 177,098 | ||||
Costs and expenses: |
||||||||
Operations and maintenance |
68,488 | 66,743 | ||||||
Depreciation |
25,436 | 22,809 | ||||||
Amortization |
3,029 | 1,815 | ||||||
Taxes other than income taxes |
12,418 | 11,157 | ||||||
109,371 | 102,524 | |||||||
Operating income |
71,455 | 74,574 | ||||||
Other expense (income): |
||||||||
Interest expense, net |
17,256 | 17,014 | ||||||
Allowance for funds used during construction |
(747 | ) | (976 | ) | ||||
Gain on sale of other assets |
(162 | ) | (532 | ) | ||||
Income before income taxes |
55,108 | 59,068 | ||||||
Provision for income taxes |
21,638 | 23,688 | ||||||
Net income attributable to common shareholders |
$ | 33,470 | $ | 35,380 | ||||
Net income attributable to common shareholders |
$ | 33,470 | $ | 35,380 | ||||
Other comprehensive income, net of tax: |
||||||||
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on investments |
(142 | ) | 4 | |||||
Reclassification adjustment for gains reported in net income |
| (209 | ) | |||||
Comprehensive income |
$ | 33,328 | $ | 35,175 | ||||
Net income per common share: |
||||||||
Basic |
$ | 0.25 | $ | 0.26 | ||||
Diluted |
$ | 0.25 | $ | 0.26 | ||||
Average common shares outstanding during the period: |
||||||||
Basic |
135,975 | 134,932 | ||||||
Diluted |
136,260 | 135,279 | ||||||
Cash dividends declared per common share |
$ | 0.28 | $ | 0.26 | ||||
See notes to consolidated financial statements beginning on page 8 of this report.
4
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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | |||||||||||
Aqua America stockholders equity: |
||||||||||||
Common stock, $.50 par value |
$ | 68,470 | $ | 68,026 | ||||||||
Capital in excess of par value |
638,416 | 623,407 | ||||||||||
Retained earnings |
382,744 | 379,778 | ||||||||||
Treasury stock |
(12,392 | ) | (12,751 | ) | ||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
118 | (14 | ) | |||||||||
Total Aqua America stockholders equity |
1,077,356 | 1,058,446 | ||||||||||
Noncontrolling interest |
552 | 2,181 | ||||||||||
Total equity |
1,077,908 | 1,060,627 | ||||||||||
Long-term debt: | ||||||||||||
Long-term debt of subsidiaries (substantially secured by utility plant): |
Interest Rate Range |
Maturity Date Range | |||||||||||
0.00% to 0.99% |
2012 to 2034 | 6,868 | 3,606 | |||||||||
1.00% to 1.99% |
2009 to 2035 | 22,342 | 22,076 | |||||||||
2.00% to 2.99% |
2019 to 2027 | 13,072 | 13,683 | |||||||||
3.00% to 3.99% |
2010 to 2025 | 28,924 | 30,437 | |||||||||
4.00% to 4.99% |
2020 to 2041 | 195,921 | 196,150 | |||||||||
5.00% to 5.99% |
2011 to 2043 | 374,392 | 318,913 | |||||||||
6.00% to 6.99% |
2011 to 2036 | 121,889 | 121,552 | |||||||||
7.00% to 7.99% |
2012 to 2025 | 31,495 | 32,245 | |||||||||
8.00% to 8.99% |
2021 to 2025 | 34,611 | 34,806 | |||||||||
9.00% to 9.99% |
2010 to 2026 | 70,106 | 71,301 | |||||||||
10.00% to 10.99% |
2018 | 6,000 | 6,000 | |||||||||
905,620 | 850,769 | |||||||||||
Notes payable to bank under revolving credit agreement, variable rate, due May 2012 | 72,500 | 62,500 | ||||||||||
Unsecured notes payable: | ||||||||||||
Notes of 4.87%, due 2010 through 2023 |
135,000 | 135,000 | ||||||||||
Notes ranging from 5.00% to 5.99%, due 2013 through 2037 |
207,132 | 207,132 | ||||||||||
1,320,252 | 1,255,401 | |||||||||||
Current portion of long-term debt | 54,848 | 7,297 | ||||||||||
Long-term debt, excluding current portion | 1,265,404 | 1,248,104 | ||||||||||
Total capitalization |
$ | 2,343,312 | $ | 2,308,731 | ||||||||
See notes to consolidated financial statements beginning on page 8 of this report.
5
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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY
(In thousands of dollars)
(In thousands of dollars)
(UNAUDITED)
Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital in | Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common | Excess of | Retained | Treasury | Comprehensive | Noncontrolling | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock | Par Value | Earnings | Stock | Income | Interest | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2008 |
$ | 68,026 | $ | 623,407 | $ | 379,778 | $ | (12,751 | ) | $ | (14 | ) | $ | 2,181 | $ | 1,060,627 | ||||||||||||
Net income |
| | 77,694 | | | 31 | 77,725 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of subsidiary shares from
noncontrolling interest |
| | | | | (1,660 | ) | (1,660 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized holding gain on investments,
net of income tax of $69 |
| | | | 127 | | 127 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Reclassification adjustment for losses
reported
in net income, net of income tax of $2 |
| | | | 5 | | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends paid |
| | (54,969 | ) | | | | (54,969 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared |
| | (19,759 | ) | | | | (19,759 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Stock issued for acquisitions (164,052
shares) |
82 | 2,827 | | | | | 2,909 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Sale of stock (529,660 shares) |
251 | 7,864 | | 661 | | | 8,776 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase of stock (15,037 shares) |
| | | (302 | ) | | | (302 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Equity compensation plan (70,000 shares) |
35 | (35 | ) | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options (152,429 shares) |
76 | 1,503 | | | | | 1,579 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation |
| 2,787 | | | | | 2,787 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Employee stock plan tax benefits |
| 63 | | | | | 63 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2009 |
$ | 68,470 | $ | 638,416 | $ | 382,744 | $ | (12,392 | ) | $ | 118 | $ | 552 | $ | 1,077,908 | |||||||||||||
See notes to consolidated financial statements beginning on page 8 of this report.
6
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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
(In thousands of dollars)
(In thousands of dollars)
(UNAUDITED)
Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
September 30, | ||||||||
2009 | 2008 | |||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
||||||||
Net income attributable to common shareholders |
$ | 77,694 | $ | 72,253 | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income attributable to common
shareholders to net cash flows from operating activities: |
||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
85,643 | 68,909 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
33,608 | 34,558 | ||||||
Provision for doubtful accounts |
4,608 | 4,970 | ||||||
Stock-based compensation |
2,714 | 2,942 | ||||||
Gain on sale of utility system |
(1,009 | ) | (4,118 | ) | ||||
Gain on sale of other assets |
(375 | ) | (1,085 | ) | ||||
Net increase in receivables, inventory and prepayments |
(6,091 | ) | (18,454 | ) | ||||
Net (decrease) increase in payables, accrued interest, accrued
taxes and other accrued liabilities |
(9,332 | ) | 438 | |||||
Other |
(6,555 | ) | (4,322 | ) | ||||
Net cash flows from operating activities |
180,905 | 156,091 | ||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
||||||||
Property, plant and equipment additions, including allowance
for funds used during construction of $1,940 and $3,032 |
(194,886 | ) | (188,063 | ) | ||||
Acquisitions of utility systems and other, net |
(1,523 | ) | (14,225 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from the sale of utility system and other assets |
1,985 | 19,304 | ||||||
Additions to funds restricted for construction activity |
(59,722 | ) | (1,219 | ) | ||||
Release of funds previously restricted for construction activity |
74,016 | 17,572 | ||||||
Other |
(3,504 | ) | (44 | ) | ||||
Net cash flows used in investing activities |
(183,634 | ) | (166,675 | ) | ||||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
||||||||
Customers advances and contributions in aid of construction |
3,852 | 5,332 | ||||||
Repayments of customers advances |
(2,070 | ) | (2,996 | ) | ||||
Net (repayments) proceeds of short-term debt |
(4,043 | ) | 46,151 | |||||
Proceeds from long-term debt |
69,833 | 16,850 | ||||||
Repayments of long-term debt |
(6,505 | ) | (37,444 | ) | ||||
Change in cash overdraft position |
(10,449 | ) | (8,349 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from exercised stock options |
1,579 | 1,538 | ||||||
Stock-based compensation windfall tax benefits |
98 | 107 | ||||||
Proceeds from issuing common stock |
8,776 | 30,368 | ||||||
Repurchase of common stock |
(302 | ) | (298 | ) | ||||
Dividends paid on common stock |
(54,969 | ) | (50,258 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from net cash settlements of forward equity sale
agreement |
| 11,011 | ||||||
Net cash flows from financing activities |
5,800 | 12,012 | ||||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
3,071 | 1,428 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
14,944 | 14,540 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ | 18,015 | $ | 15,968 | ||||
See notes to consolidated financial statements beginning on page 8 of this report.
7
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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Note 1 Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated balance sheets and statements of
capitalization of Aqua America, Inc. and subsidiaries (the
Company) at September 30, 2009, the consolidated statements
of income and comprehensive income for the nine months and
three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, the
consolidated statements of cash flow for the nine months ended
September 30, 2009 and 2008, and the consolidated statement of
equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, are
unaudited, but reflect all adjustments, consisting of only
normal recurring accruals, which are, in the opinion of
management, necessary to present fairly the consolidated
financial position, the consolidated changes in equity, the
consolidated results of operations, and the consolidated cash
flow for the periods presented. 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 Companys Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. The results
of operations for interim periods may not be indicative of the
results that may be expected for the entire year. Effective
January 1, 2009, we adopted newly issued accounting guidance
for noncontrolling interests, which was retrospectively
applied. This new guidance requires a noncontrolling interest
to be separately presented as a component of stockholders
equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and Statement of
Equity. In accordance with the preparation of the
consolidated financial statements the Company evaluated
subsequent events after the balance sheet date of September
30, 2009 through to the time the financial statements were
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November
5, 2009. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified
to conform to the current period presentation.
8
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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Note 2 Goodwill
The following table summarizes the changes in the Companys
goodwill, by business segment:
Regulated | ||||||||||||
Segment | Other | Consolidated | ||||||||||
Balance at December 31,
2008 |
$ | 36,887 | $ | 4,120 | $ | 41,007 | ||||||
Goodwill acquired during
year |
1,932 | 1,932 | ||||||||||
Reclassifications to
utility plant
acquisition adjustment |
(1,453 | ) | | (1,453 | ) | |||||||
Other |
1,388 | | 1,388 | |||||||||
Balance at September 30,
2009 |
$ | 38,754 | $ | 4,120 | $ | 42,874 | ||||||
As of July 31, 2009, management performed its annual test of
goodwill for impairment, in conjunction with the timing of the
Companys annual five-year financial plan. Based on the Companys
comparison of the estimated fair value of each reporting unit to
its respective carrying amounts management concluded that none of
the Companys goodwill was impaired.
Note 3 Dispositions
The City of Fort Wayne, Indiana (the City) authorized the acquisition by eminent
domain of the northern portion of the utility system of one of the Companys
operating subsidiaries that the Company acquired in connection with the AquaSource
acquisition in 2003. The Company challenged whether the City was following the
correct legal procedures in connection with the Citys condemnation, but the Indiana
Supreme Court, in an opinion issued in June 2007, supported the Citys position. In
October 2007, the Citys Board of Public Works approved proceeding with its process
to condemn the northern portion of the Companys utility system at a preliminary
price based on the Citys valuation. The Company filed an appeal with a local
circuit court challenging the Board of Public Works valuation on several bases. In
November 2007, the City Council authorized the taking of the northern portion of the
Companys system and the payment of $16,911 based on the Citys valuation of this
portion of the system. In January 2008, the Company reached a settlement with the
City to transition the northern portion of the system in February 2008 upon receipt
of the Citys initial valuation payment of $16,911. The settlement agreement
specifically states that the final valuation of the northern portion of the Companys
system will be determined through a continuation of the legal proceedings that were
filed challenging the Citys valuation. On February 12, 2008, the Company turned
over the northern portion of the system to the City upon receipt of the initial
valuation payment. The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission also reviewed and
acknowledged the transfer of the Certificate of Territorial Authority for the
northern portion of the system to the City.
The proceeds received by the Company are in excess of the book value of the
assets relinquished. No gain has been recognized due to the
contingency over the
final valuation of the assets. On March 16, 2009, oral argument was held on certain
procedural aspects with respect to the valuation evidence that may be presented and
whether the Company is entitled to a jury trial. The Company expects a ruling from
the judge in the upcoming
months. Depending upon the outcome of the legal proceeding in the circuit court the
Company may be required to refund a portion of the initial valuation payment, or may
receive additional proceeds. The northern portion of the system relinquished
represents approximately 0.5% of the Companys total assets.
9
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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
In June 2009, the Company sold a water and wastewater utility system in Texas for net
proceeds of $1,601. The sale resulted in the recognition of a gain on the sale of
these assets, net of expenses, of $1,009. The gain is reported in the consolidated
statement of income as a reduction to operations and maintenance expense.
Note 4 Long-term Debt and Loans Payable
In July 2009, the Companys Pennsylvania operating subsidiary Aqua
Pennsylvania, Inc. issued $58,000 of tax-exempt bonds, secured by a
supplement to its first mortgage indenture, which are due in 2039
with an interest rate of 5.23%. The proceeds are restricted to
funding certain capital projects during the period 2009 through
2012.
Note 5 Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amount of current assets and liabilities that are considered financial
instruments approximates their fair value as of the dates presented. The carrying
amount and estimated fair value of the Companys long-term debt are as follows:
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2009 | 2008 | |||||||
Carrying Amount |
$ | 1,320,252 | $ | 1,255,401 | ||||
Estimated Fair Value |
1,315,606 | 1,191,877 |
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. The Companys customers advances for construction and related
tax deposits have a carrying value of $77,885 as of September 30, 2009, and $72,955
as of December 31, 2008. 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 rate increases. Portions of
these non-interest bearing instruments are payable annually through 2024 and amounts
not paid by the 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.
10
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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Note 6 Net Income per Common Share
Basic net income per common share is based on the weighted average number of common
shares outstanding. Diluted net income per common share is based on the weighted
average number of common shares outstanding and potentially dilutive shares. The
dilutive effect of employee stock options is included in the computation of diluted
net income per common share. The dilutive effect of stock options is calculated
using the treasury stock method and expected proceeds upon exercise of the stock
options. The following table summarizes the shares, in thousands, used in computing
basic and diluted net income per common share:
Nine Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2009 | 2008 | |||||||||||||
Average common shares outstanding during
the period for basic computation |
135,673 | 134,013 | 135,975 | 134,932 | ||||||||||||
Dilutive effect of employee stock options |
333 | 410 | 285 | 347 | ||||||||||||
Average common shares outstanding during
the period for diluted computation |
136,006 | 134,423 | 136,260 | 135,279 | ||||||||||||
For the nine and three months ended September 30, 2009, employee stock options
to purchase 2,705,004 shares of common stock were excluded from the calculations of
diluted net income per share as the calculated proceeds from the options exercise
were greater than the average market price of the Companys common stock during these
periods. For the nine and three months ended September 30, 2008, employee stock
options to purchase 2,217,746 shares of common stock, were excluded from the
calculations of diluted net income per share as the calculated proceeds from the
options exercise were greater than the average market price of the Companys common
stock during these periods.
Note 7 Stock-based Compensation
Under the Companys 2009 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan (the 2009 Plan), as
approved by the Companys shareholders to replace the 2004 Equity Compensation Plan
(the 2004 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 2009 Plan
authorizes 5,000,000 shares for issuance under the plan. A maximum of 50% of the
shares available for issuance under the 2009 Plan may be issued as restricted stock
and the maximum number of shares that may be subject to grants under the plans to any
one individual in any one year is 200,000. Awards under the 2009 Plan are made by a
committee of the Board of Directors. At September 30, 2009, 4,975,500 shares
underlying stock option and restricted stock awards were still available for grants
under the 2009 Plan. No further grants may be made under the 2004 plan.
11
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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Stock Options During the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, the
Company recognized compensation cost associated with stock options as a component of
operations and maintenance expense of $1,866 and $2,243 , respectively. During the
three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, the Company recognized compensation
cost associated with
stock options as a component of operations and maintenance expense of $665 and $743, respectively.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, the Company
recognized income tax benefits associated with stock options in its income statement
of $359 and $242 , respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2009 and
2008, the Company recognized income tax benefits associated with stock options in its
income statement of $124 and $91 , respectively. In addition, the Company
capitalized compensation costs associated with stock options within property, plant
and equipment of $73 and $306 during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and
2008, and $0 and $94 during three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008,
respectively.
The fair value of options was estimated at the grant date using the Black-Scholes
option-pricing model. The per share weighted-average fair value at the date of grant
for stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008
was $4.37 and $4.12 per option, respectively. There were no stock options granted
during the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008. The following assumptions
were used in the application of this valuation model:
2009 | 2008 | |||||||
Expected term (years) |
5.3 | 5.2 | ||||||
Risk-free interest rate |
2.2 | % | 3.0 | % | ||||
Expected volatility |
31.3 | % | 23.7 | % | ||||
Dividend yield |
2.98 | % | 2.24 | % |
Historical information was the principal basis for the selection of the expected
term and dividend yield. The expected volatility is based on a weighted-average
combination of historical and implied volatilities over a time period that
approximates the expected term of the option. The risk-free interest rate was
selected based upon the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for
the expected term of the option.
12
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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
The following table summarizes stock option transactions for the nine months ended
September 30, 2009:
Weighted | Weighted | |||||||||||||||
Average | Average | Aggregate | ||||||||||||||
Exercise | Remaining | Intrinsic | ||||||||||||||
Shares | Price | Life (years) | Value | |||||||||||||
Options: |
||||||||||||||||
Outstanding at beginning of
period |
3,543,573 | $ | 18.83 | |||||||||||||
Granted |
586,950 | 19.12 | ||||||||||||||
Forfeited |
(17,864 | ) | 20.81 | |||||||||||||
Expired |
(41,477 | ) | 23.09 | |||||||||||||
Exercised |
(152,429 | ) | 10.36 | |||||||||||||
Outstanding at end of period |
3,918,753 | $ | 19.15 | 6.1 | $ | 5,262 | ||||||||||
Exercisable at end of period |
2,785,946 | $ | 18.76 | 5.0 | $ | 5,262 | ||||||||||
Restricted Stock During the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, the
Company recorded stock-based compensation related to restricted stock awards as a
component of operations and maintenance expense in the amounts of $848 and $699,
respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, the Company
recorded stock-based compensation related to restricted stock awards as a component
of operations and maintenance expense in the amounts of $219 and $170, respectively.
The following table summarizes nonvested restricted stock transactions for the nine
months ended September 30, 2009:
Number | Weighted | |||||||
of | Average | |||||||
Shares | Fair Value | |||||||
Nonvested shares at beginning of period |
74,251 | $ | 21.88 | |||||
Granted |
70,000 | 18.47 | ||||||
Vested |
(41,333 | ) | 21.46 | |||||
Forfeited |
| | ||||||
Nonvested shares at end of period |
102,918 | $ | 19.73 | |||||
13
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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Note 8 Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits
The Company maintains qualified defined benefit pension plans, nonqualified pension
plans 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 Companys employees, mortality,
turnover, and medical costs. The following tables provide the components of net
periodic benefit costs:
Pension Benefits | ||||||||||||||||
Nine Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2009 | 2008 | |||||||||||||
Service cost |
$ | 3,276 | $ | 3,358 | $ | 1,092 | $ | 1,052 | ||||||||
Interest cost |
9,411 | 9,190 | 3,137 | 3,092 | ||||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets |
(7,037 | ) | (9,074 | ) | (2,346 | ) | (3,078 | ) | ||||||||
Amortization of transition asset |
(136 | ) | (157 | ) | (45 | ) | (53 | ) | ||||||||
Amortization of prior service
cost |
113 | 195 | 38 | 63 | ||||||||||||
Amortization of actuarial loss |
3,848 | 129 | 1,283 | 1 | ||||||||||||
Capitalized costs |
(2,027 | ) | (1,972 | ) | (707 | ) | (685 | ) | ||||||||
Settlement charge |
641 | | | | ||||||||||||
Net periodic benefit cost |
$ | 8,089 | $ | 1,669 | $ | 2,452 | $ | 392 | ||||||||
Other | ||||||||||||||||
Postretirement Benefits | ||||||||||||||||
Nine Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2009 | 2008 | |||||||||||||
Service cost |
$ | 810 | $ | 813 | $ | 270 | $ | 271 | ||||||||
Interest cost |
1,716 | 1,632 | 572 | 544 | ||||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets |
(1,266 | ) | (1,344 | ) | (422 | ) | (448 | ) | ||||||||
Amortization of transition
obligation |
78 | 78 | 26 | 26 | ||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service cost |
(209 | ) | (210 | ) | (70 | ) | (70 | ) | ||||||||
Amortization of actuarial loss |
440 | 174 | 147 | 58 | ||||||||||||
Amortization of regulatory asset |
102 | 103 | 34 | 34 | ||||||||||||
Capitalized costs |
(274 | ) | (390 | ) | (95 | ) | (135 | ) | ||||||||
Net periodic benefit cost |
$ | 1,397 | $ | 856 | $ | 462 | $ | 280 | ||||||||
The Company made cash contributions of $16,922 to its defined benefit pension
plans during the first nine months of 2009. For the fourth quarter of 2009 there is
no funding requirement for the Companys defined benefit pension plans. In addition,
the Company expects to make
cash contributions of $1,684 for the funding of its other postretirement benefit
plans during the fourth quarter of 2009.
14
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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Note 9 Water and Wastewater Rates
During the first nine months of 2009, certain of the Companys operating divisions in
North Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maine, and New York were
granted base rate increases designed to increase total operating revenues on an
annual basis by approximately $16,932.
On September 23, 2008, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) issued
its final ruling with a unanimous decision approving the rate application that was
filed in 2004 by the Companys operating subsidiaries in Texas to increase rates, on
an annualized basis, by $11,920 over a multi-year period beginning in 2004. The
application sought to increase annual revenues in phases and was accompanied by a
plan to defer and amortize a portion of the Companys depreciation, operating and
other tax expense over a similar multi-year period, such that the impact on operating
income approximated the requested amount during the first years that the new rates
were in effect. The Company commenced billing for the requested rates and
implemented the deferral plan in 2004. As a result of the final order, the
regulatory asset for the deferred operating costs and rate case expenses was set at
$13,697. Beginning January 1, 2009, the regulatory asset for the deferred operating
costs and rate case expense will be recovered through two twenty-four month surcharge
mechanisms. The final order was appealed to the TCEQ by two parties, and the TCEQ
exercised its legal authority to take no action within the required period, therefore
affirming the TCEQs approval decision. Thereafter, the appealing parties filed suit
against the TCEQ in an effort to appeal the order. The additional revenue billed and
collected in connection with the case are subject to refund based on the outcome of
the appeal. The revenue recognized and the expenses deferred by the Company reflect
an estimate of the final outcome of the case. As of September 30, 2009, the Company
has deferred $7,165 of operating costs and $1,800 of rate case expenses and
recognized $44,493 of revenue that is subject to refund based on the outcome of any
appeals. Based on the Companys review of the present circumstances, no reserve is
considered necessary for the revenue recognized to date.
15
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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Note 10 Taxes Other than Income Taxes
The following table provides the components of taxes other than income taxes:
Nine Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2009 | 2008 | |||||||||||||
Property |
$ | 18,980 | $ | 18,879 | $ | 6,462 | $ | 5,971 | ||||||||
Capital stock |
1,887 | 2,304 | 642 | 763 | ||||||||||||
Gross receipts,
excise and
franchise |
6,740 | 5,866 | 2,534 | 2,088 | ||||||||||||
Payroll |
5,313 | 4,837 | 1,582 | 1,460 | ||||||||||||
Other |
2,972 | 2,225 | 1,198 | 875 | ||||||||||||
Total taxes other
than income |
$ | 35,892 | $ | 34,111 | $ | 12,418 | $ | 11,157 | ||||||||
16
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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Note 11 Segment Information
The Company has identified fourteen operating segments and has one reportable segment
named the Regulated segment. The reportable segment is comprised of thirteen
operating segments for the Companys water and wastewater regulated utility companies
which are organized by the states where we provide these services. In addition, one
segment is not quantitatively significant to be reportable and is comprised of the
businesses that provide on-site septic tank pumping, sludge hauling services and
certain other non-regulated water and wastewater services. This segment is included
as a component of Other in the tables below. Also included in Other are
corporate costs that have not been allocated to the Regulated segment and
intersegment eliminations.
The following tables present the Companys segment information:
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, 2009 | September 30, 2008 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Regulated | Other | Consolidated | Regulated | Other | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues |
$ | 177,872 | $ | 2,954 | $ | 180,826 | $ | 174,037 | $ | 3,061 | $ | 177,098 | ||||||||||||
Operations and maintenance expense |
66,133 | 2,355 | 68,488 | 63,999 | 2,744 | 66,743 | ||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation |
25,854 | (418 | ) | 25,436 | 22,465 | 344 | 22,809 | |||||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
70,819 | 636 | 71,455 | 74,887 | (313 | ) | 74,574 | |||||||||||||||||
Interest expense,
net of AFUDC |
16,443 | 66 | 16,509 | 15,590 | 448 | 16,038 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income tax |
21,548 | 90 | 21,638 | 23,845 | (157 | ) | 23,688 | |||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders |
32,986 | 484 | 33,470 | 35,662 | (282 | ) | 35,380 |
Nine Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, 2009 | September 30, 2008 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Regulated | Other | Consolidated | Regulated | Other | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues |
$ | 493,911 | $ | 8,735 | $ | 502,646 | $ | 458,110 | $ | 9,022 | $ | 467,132 | ||||||||||||
Operations and
maintenance expense |
197,403 | 6,623 | 204,026 | 188,502 | 7,691 | 196,193 | ||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation |
77,990 | (1,195 | ) | 76,795 | 66,152 | (1,243 | ) | 64,909 | ||||||||||||||||
Operating income |
175,007 | 2,078 | 177,085 | 166,341 | 1,578 | 167,919 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense,
net of AFUDC |
48,495 | 258 | 48,753 | 46,583 | 1,592 | 48,175 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income tax |
50,876 | 137 | 51,013 | 48,802 | (226 | ) | 48,576 | |||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable
to common shareholders |
75,995 | 1,699 | 77,694 | 71,715 | 538 | 72,253 | ||||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures |
194,196 | 690 | 194,886 | 187,906 | 157 | 188,063 |
17
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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2009 | 2008 | |||||||
Total assets: |
||||||||
Regulated |
$ | 3,555,198 | $ | 3,425,442 | ||||
Other and eliminations |
69,443 | 72,503 | ||||||
Consolidated |
$ | 3,624,641 | $ | 3,497,945 | ||||
Note 12 Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued accounting
guidance that establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of
events that occur after the balance sheet date, but before financial statements are
issued. The guidance requires the disclosure of the date through which the Company
has evaluated subsequent events and the basis for that date. Effective June 30,
2009, the Company adopted the guidance as required, and the adoption did not have a
material impact on the Companys consolidated results of operations or consolidated
financial position.
In April 2009, the FASB issued amended guidance that requires disclosures about the
fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods of publicly traded
companies as well as in annual financial statements. Effective June 30, 2009, we
adopted the provisions of the guidance as required. See Note 5, Fair Value of
Financial Instruments, for applicable disclosures.
In December 2007, the FASB revised its guidance on business combinations, which
establishes principles for recognizing assets and liabilities acquired in a business
combination, contractual contingencies and certain acquired contingencies to be
measured at their fair values at the acquisition date. The guidance requires that
acquisition-related costs and restructuring costs be recognized separately from the
business combination. The guidance, which is effective for the Companys fiscal year
beginning January 1, 2009, changed the Companys accounting for business combinations
on a prospective basis beginning with transactions closing in the first quarter of
2009.
18
Table of Contents
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
In December 2007, the FASB issued guidance that establishes accounting and
reporting principles for a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary that requires the
identification of the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent
and to the noncontrolling interest, the application of a single method of accounting
for changes in a parents ownership interest when the parent retains its controlling
financial interest, and measurement at fair value of a retained noncontrolling
equity investment when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. The guidance also requires
expanded disclosures in the consolidated financial statements that clearly identify
and distinguish between the interest of the parent and the interest of the
noncontrolling owners. The Company adopted the guidance as required on January 1,
2009, and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Companys consolidated
results of operations or consolidated financial position.
In September 2006, the FASB issued guidance on fair value measurements which defines
fair value, establishes a framework for using fair value to measure assets and
liabilities, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The guidance
applies when fair value is required to or permitted to measure assets and
liabilities, however, it does not expand the use of fair value measurement. In
February 2008, the FASB delayed the effective date of applying fair value accounting
for certain non-financial assets and liabilities that are fair valued on a
non-recurring basis to fiscal years, beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company
adopted the guidance as required on January 1, 2008 for all financial assets and
liabilities, and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Companys
consolidated results of operations or consolidated financial position. Effective
January 1, 2009, the Company adopted the guidance on all non-financial assets and
liabilities, and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Companys
consolidated results of operations or consolidated financial position.
19
Table of Contents
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Forward-looking Statements
This Managements 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: our use of cash; projected
capital expenditures; liquidity; possible acquisitions and other growth ventures; the completion of
various construction projects; the projected timing and annual value of rate increases; the
recovery of certain costs and capital investments through rate increase requests; the projected
effects of recent accounting pronouncements; prospects, plans, objectives, expectations and beliefs
of management, as well as information contained elsewhere in this report where statements are
preceded by, followed by or include the words believes, expects, anticipates, plans,
intends, will, continue or similar expressions. These statements are based on a number of
assumptions concerning future events, and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other
factors, many of which are outside our control. Actual results may differ materially from such
statements for a number of reasons, including the effects of regulation, abnormal weather, changes
in capital requirements and funding, acquisitions, and our ability to assimilate acquired
operations. In addition to these uncertainties or factors, our future results may be affected by
the factors and risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2008. We undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
General Information
Nature of Operations Aqua America, Inc. (we or us), a Pennsylvania corporation, is the
holding company for regulated utilities providing water or wastewater services to what we estimate
to be approximately 3 million people in Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, Illinois, Texas, New
Jersey, New York, Florida, Indiana, Virginia, Maine, Missouri, and South Carolina. Our largest
operating subsidiary, Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc., provides water or wastewater services to
approximately one-half of the total number of people we serve, which are located in the suburban
areas north and west of the City of Philadelphia and in 24 other counties in Pennsylvania. Our
other subsidiaries provide similar services in 12 other states. In addition, we provide water and
wastewater service through operating and maintenance contracts with municipal authorities and other
parties, and septage services, close to our utility companies service territories. Aqua America,
Inc., which prior to its name change in 2004 was known as Philadelphia Suburban Corporation, was
formed in 1968 as a holding company for its primary subsidiary, Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc., formerly
known as Philadelphia Suburban Water Company. In the early 1990s we embarked on a growth through
acquisition strategy focused on water and wastewater operations. 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, and the acquisition of New York Water Service
Corporation in 2007. Since the early 1990s, our business strategy has been primarily directed
toward the regulated water and wastewater utility industry and has extended our regulated
operations from southeastern Pennsylvania to include operations in 12 other states.
20
Table of Contents
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Financial Condition
During the first nine months of 2009, we had $194,886 of capital expenditures, repaid debt and made
sinking fund contributions and other loan repayments of $6,505, and repaid $2,070 of customer
advances for construction. The capital expenditures were related to improvements to treatment
plants, new and rehabilitated water mains, tanks, hydrants, and service lines, well and booster
improvements, and other enhancements and improvements.
At September 30, 2009, we had $18,015 of cash and cash equivalents compared to $14,944 at December
31, 2008. During the first nine months of 2009, we used the proceeds from the issuance of
long-term debt, common stock, internally generated funds and available working capital to fund the
cash requirements discussed above and to pay dividends. In the fourth quarter of 2009, our
operating subsidiary in Pennsylvania intends to issue long-term debt up to $75,000 to fund its
capital expenditures.
At September 30, 2009, our $95,000 unsecured revolving credit facility, which expires in May 2012,
had $9,246 available for borrowing. At September 30, 2009, we had short-term lines of credit of
$139,000, of which $62,454 was available. One of our short-term lines of credit is an Aqua
Pennsylvania $70,000 364-day unsecured revolving credit facility with two banks. This facility is
used to provide working capital and expires in December 2009. In addition, we have $27,000 of
short-term lines of credit maturing in December 2009.
Our short-term lines of credit of $139,000 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. The United States credit and liquidity crisis that
started in 2008 which caused substantial volatility in capital markets, including credit markets
and the banking industry, has increased the cost and significantly reduced the availability of
credit from financing sources, which may continue or worsen in the future. If in the future, our
credit facilities are not renewed or our short-term borrowings are called for repayment, we would
have to seek alternative financing sources, although there can be no assurance that these
alternative financing sources would be available on terms acceptable to us. In the event we are
not able to obtain sufficient capital, we may need to reduce our capital expenditures and our
ability to pursue acquisitions that we may rely on for future growth could be impaired.
The Companys consolidated balance sheet historically has had a negative working capital position
whereby routinely our current liabilities 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 common stock will be adequate to provide sufficient
working capital to maintain normal operations and to meet our financing requirements for the balance of the
year and the reasonably foreseeable future.
21
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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Results of Operations
Analysis of First Nine Months of 2009 Compared to First Nine Months of 2008
Revenues for the first nine months increased $35,514 or 7.6% primarily due to additional revenues
associated with increased water and wastewater rates of $50,600 and additional wastewater and water
revenues of $3,863 associated with a larger customer base due to acquisitions, offset partially by
decreased water consumption as compared to the first nine months of 2008, and the loss of utility
revenues of $1,774 associated with utility systems sold. The decrease in customer water
consumption is largely due to unfavorable weather conditions in many of our service territories
during the first nine months of 2009 that reduced water usage. Excluding the effect of
acquisitions and dispositions, our customer base increased at a lower percentage rate than the
comparable period in 2008. We believe the economy and its effect on our customer growth rate have
affected the operating revenue comparison for the first nine months of 2009.
Operations and maintenance expenses increased by $7,833 or 4.0% primarily due to the absence of the
August 2008 gain on sale of our utility system in Woodhaven, Illinois of $4,118, increases in
operating costs associated with acquisitions of $2,112, increases in water production costs of
$2,059, increased insurance and claims expense of $1,342, additional expenses resulting from the
write-off of previously deferred expenses related to our rate filing in North Carolina of $996, and
normal increases in other operating costs. In addition, pension expense increased as compared to
the first nine months of 2008. Offsetting these increases were decreases in fuel costs for our
service vehicles of $1,670, the June 2009 gain on the sale of our utility system in Texas of
$1,009, and reduced expenses of $921 associated with the dispositions of utility systems. The
increased water production costs, principally purchased water, power, and chemicals were associated
with vendor price increases.
Depreciation expense increased $11,886 or 18.3% due to an increase in deprecation rates, the
utility plant placed in service since September 30, 2008, and additional expense of $2,037
resulting from a rate case adjustment related to our rate filing in North Carolina.
Amortization increased $4,848 primarily due to additional expense of $4,774 resulting from the
recovery of our costs associated with our rate filing in Texas and $394 resulting from a rate case
adjustment related to our rate filing in North Carolina, as well as the amortization of the costs
associated with, and other costs being recovered in, various rate filings.
Taxes other than income taxes increased by $1,781 or 5.2% primarily due to an increase in the local
assessment of water pumping fees and an increase in gross receipts, excise and franchise taxes.
Interest expense decreased by $514 or 1.0% primarily due to decreased interest rates on short-term
borrowings and long-term debt, offset partially by additional borrowings to finance capital
projects.
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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) decreased by $1,092 primarily due to a
decrease in short-term interest rates, which are a component of the applied AFUDC rate, as well as
a decrease in the average balance of utility plant construction work in progress, to which AFUDC is
applied.
Gain on sale of other assets totaled $375 during the first nine months of 2009 and $1,085 in the
first nine months of 2008. The decrease of $710 is due to the timing of sales of land and other
property.
Our effective income tax rate was 39.6% in the first nine months of 2009 and 40.2% in the first
nine months of 2008. The effective income tax rate decreased due to an increase in a tax credit for
qualified domestic production activities in the first nine months of 2009 versus the same period in
2008.
Net income attributable to common shareholders for the first nine months of 2009 increased by
$5,441 or 7.5%, in comparison to the same period in 2008 primarily as a result of the factors
described above. On a diluted per share basis, earnings increased $0.03 reflecting the change in
net income attributable to common shareholders and a 1.2% increase in the average number of common
shares outstanding. The increase in the number of shares outstanding is primarily a result of the
issuance of 1,000,000 shares related to the settlement of the forward equity sale agreement in June
2008, the additional shares sold or issued through our dividend reinvestment plan, equity
compensation plan, and employee stock purchase plan, and the additional shares issued in August
2009 in connection with an acquisition.
Results of Operations
Analysis of Third Quarter of 2009 Compared to Third Quarter of 2008
Revenues for the quarter increased $3,728 or 2.1% primarily due to additional revenues associated
with increased water and wastewater rates of $17,138 and additional wastewater and water revenues
of $1,161 associated with a larger customer base due to acquisitions, offset partially by decreased
water consumption as compared to the third quarter of 2008, and the loss of utility revenues of
$383 associated with utility systems sold. The decrease in customer water consumption is largely
due to unfavorable weather conditions in many of our service territories during the third quarter
of 2009 that reduced water usage. Excluding the effect of acquisitions and dispositions, our
customer base increased at a lower percentage rate than the comparable period in 2008. We believe
the economy and its effect on our customer growth rate have affected the operating revenue
comparison for the third quarter.
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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Operations and maintenance expenses increased by $1,745 or 2.6% primarily due to the absence of the
August 2008 gain on sale of our utility system in Woodhaven, Illinois of $4,118, increases in
operating costs associated with acquisitions of $555, increased insurance and claims expense of
$256, and normal increases in other operating costs. In addition, pension expense increased as
compared to the third quarter of 2008. Offsetting these increases were decreases in fuel costs for
our service vehicles of $719, decreased water production costs of $397, and reduced expenses of
$218 associated with the dispositions of utility systems. The decreased water production costs,
principally purchased water, power, and chemicals were associated with a decrease in water
consumption.
Depreciation expense increased $2,627 or 11.5% due to an increase in depreciation rates, and the
utility plant placed in service since September 30, 2008.
Amortization increased $1,214 due to additional expense of $1,791 resulting from recovery of our
costs associated with our rate filing in Texas, and the amortization of the costs associated with,
and other costs being recovered in, various rate filings.
Taxes other than income taxes increased by $1,261 or 11.3% primarily due to an increase in property
taxes, an increase in gross receipts, excise and franchise taxes, and an increase in the local
assessment of water pumping fees.
Interest expense increased by $242 or 1.4% primarily due to additional borrowings to finance
capital projects, offset partially by decreased interest rates on short-term borrowings and
long-term debt.
Allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) decreased by $229 primarily due to a
decrease in short-term interest rates, which are a component of the applied AFUDC rate, as well as
a decrease in the average balance of utility plant construction work in progress, to which AFUDC is
applied.
Gain on sale of other assets totaled $162 in the third quarter of 2009 and $532 in the third
quarter of 2008. The decrease of $370 is due to the timing of sales of land and other property.
Our effective income tax rate was 39.3% in the third quarter of 2009 and 40.1% in the third quarter
of 2008. The effective income tax rate decreased due to an increase in a tax credit for qualified
domestic production activities in the third quarter of 2009 versus the same period in 2008.
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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Net income attributable to common shareholders for the quarter decreased by $1,910 or 5.4%, in
comparison to the same period in 2008 primarily as a result of the factors described above. On a
diluted per share basis, earnings decreased $0.01 reflecting the change in net income attributable
to common shareholders and a 0.7% increase in the average number of common shares outstanding. The
increase in the number of shares outstanding is primarily a result of the additional shares sold or
issued through our dividend reinvestment plan, equity compensation plan, and employee stock
purchase plan, and the additional shares issued in August 2009 in connection with an acquisition.
Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements
We describe the impact of recent accounting pronouncements in Note 12, Recent Accounting
Pronouncements, of the consolidated financial statements.
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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
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. There have been no significant changes in our exposure to market risks since December 31, 2008. Refer to Item 7A of the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 for additional information. |
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 SECs 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 |
No change in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. |
Part II. Other Information
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings |
In 2004, our subsidiaries in Texas filed an application with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to increase rates over a multi-year period. On September 23, 2008, the TCEQ issued its final ruling with a unanimous decision approving this rate application. The final order was appealed to the TCEQ by two parties, and the TCEQ exercised its legal authority to take no action within the required period, therefore affirming the TCEQs approval decision. Thereafter, the appealing parties filed suit against the TCEQ in the Travis County District Court in an effort to appeal the order. In accordance with authorization from the TCEQ in 2004, our subsidiaries commenced billing for the requested rates and deferred recognition of certain expenses for financial statement purposes. In the event the TCEQs final order is overturned on appeal, completely or in part, we could be required to refund some or all of the revenue billed to-date, and write-off some or all of the regulatory asset for the expense deferral. For more information, see the description under the section captioned Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and refer to Note 9, Water and Wastewater Rates, to the Consolidated Financial Statements of Aqua America, Inc. and subsidiaries in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. |
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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
The City of Fort Wayne, Indiana (the City) authorized the acquisition by eminent domain of the northern portion of the utility system of one of the Companys operating subsidiaries in Indiana. We challenged whether the City was following the correct legal procedures in connection with the Citys condemnation, but the Indiana Supreme Court, in an opinion issued in June 2007, supported the Citys position. In October 2007, the Citys Board of Public Works approved proceeding with its process to condemn the northern portion of our utility system at a preliminary price based on the Citys valuation. In October 2007, we filed an appeal with a local circuit court challenging the Board of Public Works valuation on several bases. In November 2007, the City Council authorized the taking of this portion of our system and the payment of $16,910,500 based on the Citys valuation of the system. In January 2008, we reached a settlement agreement with the City to transition this portion of the system in February 2008 upon receipt of the Citys initial valuation payment of $16,910,500. The settlement agreement specifically states that the final valuation of the northern portion of the system will be determined through a continuation of the legal proceedings that were filed challenging the Citys valuation. On February 12, 2008, we turned over the northern portion of the system to the City upon receipt of the initial valuation payment. The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission also reviewed and acknowledged the transfer of the Certificate of Territorial Authority for the northern portion of the system to the City. The proceeds received by the Company are in excess of the book value of the assets relinquished. No gain has been recognized due to the contingency over the final valuation of the assets. On March 16, 2009, oral argument was held on certain procedural aspects with respect to the valuation evidence that may be presented and whether we are entitled to a jury trial. We expect a ruling from the judge in the upcoming months. Depending upon the outcome of the legal proceeding in the circuit court we may be required to refund a portion of the initial valuation payment, or may receive additional proceeds. The northern portion of the system relinquished represented approximately 0.5% of Aqua America, Inc.s total assets. | ||
A lawsuit was filed by a husband and wife who lived in a house abutting a percolation pond at a wastewater treatment plant owned by one of the Companys subsidiaries, Aqua Utilities Florida, Inc., in Pasco County, Florida. The lawsuit was originally filed in August 2006 in the circuit court for the Sixth Judicial Circuit in and for Pasco County, Florida and has been amended several times by the plaintiffs. The lawsuit alleges our subsidiary was negligent in the design, operation and maintenance of the plant, resulting in bodily injury to the plaintiffs and various damages to their property. The plaintiffs filed an amended complaint in July 2008 to include additional counts alleging nuisance and strict liability. In the third quarter of 2008, approximately thirty-five additional plaintiffs, associated with approximately eight other homes in the area, filed another lawsuit with the same court making similar allegations against our subsidiary with respect to the operation of the facility. Both lawsuits have been submitted to our insurance carriers, who have reserved their rights with respect to various portions of the plaintiffs claims. Based on the ultimate outcome of the litigation, we may or may not have insurance coverage for parts or all of the claims. The Company continues to assess the matter and any potential losses. |
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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Two homeowners associations comprised of approximately 170 homes located next to a wastewater plant owned by one of the Companys subsidiaries in Indiana are claiming that the subsidiarys prior management, before our acquisition of the subsidiary in 2003, allegedly entered into an agreement to cease the majority of operations at the wastewater plant and to remove most of the facilities located at the plant site by April 2009. The plant treats approximately 75% of wastewater flow from the subsidiarys 12,000 customers in the area. The Company has filed a formal request for review of the purported agreement with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. In September 2009, the homeowners associations filed suit in Allen County, Indiana Superior Court claiming breach of contract, breach of warranty, fraud, unjust enrichment, promissory estoppel and constructive fraud. If the purported agreement is ultimately determined to be valid, the subsidiary may be subject to liability to the homeowners for failure to remove the plant and/or, if the agreement is enforced, the subsidiary may be required to expand another existing plant or construct a new plant elsewhere and close and remove the existing plant. The scope of any such possible expansion or construction is difficult to determine at this time, but the construction costs for new wastewater treatment plants are estimated at anywhere from $9 to $12 per gallon of flow per day. The current plant is treating an average flow of approximately 2.3 million gallons per day. The book value of the current plant is $5 million. The Company continues to assess the matter and any potential losses. Based on our current understanding of the controversy, this matter would not be covered by any of the Companys insurance policies. | ||
There are no other pending legal proceedings to which we or any of our subsidiaries is a party or to which any of their properties is the subject that are material or are expected to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. |
Item 1A. | Risk Factors |
There have been no material changes to the risks disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (Form 10-K) under Part 1, Item 1A Risk Factors. The risks described in our Form 10-K are not the only risks facing the Company. Additional risks that we do not presently know or that we currently believe are immaterial could also impair our business, financial position, or future results and prospects. |
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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds |
The following table summarizes Aqua Americas purchases of its common stock for the quarter ended September 30, 2009: |
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 (2) | ||||||||||||
July 1 31, 2009 |
102 | $ | 17.39 | | 548,278 | |||||||||||
August 1 31, 2009 |
| $ | | | 548,278 | |||||||||||
September 1 30,
2009 |
| $ | | | 548,278 | |||||||||||
Total |
102 | $ | 17.39 | | 548,278 | |||||||||||
(1) | These amounts consist of shares we purchased from our employees who elected to pay the exercise price of their stock options (and then hold shares of the stock) upon exercise by delivering to us (and, thus, selling) shares of Aqua America common stock in accordance with the terms of our equity compensation plans that were previously approved by our shareholders and disclosed in our proxy statements. This feature of our equity compensation plans is available to all employees who receive option grants under the plans. 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 option exercise. | |
(2) | On August 5, 1997, our Board of Directors authorized a common stock repurchase program that was publicly announced on August 7, 1997, for up to 1,007,351 shares. No repurchases have been made under this program since 2000. The program has no fixed expiration date. The number of shares authorized for purchase was adjusted as a result of the stock splits effected in the form of stock distributions since the authorization date. |
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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Item 6. | Exhibits |
Exhibit No. | Description | |||
31.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer,
pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities and Exchange Act of
1934. |
|||
31.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer,
pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities and Exchange Act of
1934. |
|||
32.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer,
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. |
|||
32.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer,
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. |
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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 executed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
November 5, 2009
AQUA AMERICA, INC. | ||||
Nicholas DeBenedicits | ||||
Chairman, President and | ||||
Chief Executive Officer | ||||
David P. Smeltzer | ||||
Chief Financial Officer |
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EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. | Description | |
31.1
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. | |
31.2
|
Certification of Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. | |
32.1
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. | |
32.2
|
Certification of Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. |
32