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Essential Utilities, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2009 September (Form 10-Q)

Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
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
(Registrant’s 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 issuer’s 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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Part II — Other Information
 
       
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 Exhibit 31.1
 Exhibit 31.2
 Exhibit 32.1
 Exhibit 32.2

 

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Table of Contents

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)
                 
    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.

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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(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.

 

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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(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.

 

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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION
(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.

 

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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY
(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.

 

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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
(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.

 

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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(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 Company’s 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.

 

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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
Note 2 Goodwill
The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s 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 Company’s annual five-year financial plan. Based on the Company’s comparison of the estimated fair value of each reporting unit to its respective carrying amounts management concluded that none of the Company’s 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 Company’s 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 City’s condemnation, but the Indiana Supreme Court, in an opinion issued in June 2007, supported the City’s position. In October 2007, the City’s Board of Public Works approved proceeding with its process to condemn the northern portion of the Company’s utility system at a preliminary price based on the City’s 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 Company’s system and the payment of $16,911 based on the City’s 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 City’s initial valuation payment of $16,911. The settlement agreement specifically states that the final valuation of the northern portion of the Company’s system will be determined through a continuation of the legal proceedings that were filed challenging the City’s 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 Company’s total assets.

 

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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 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 Company’s 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 Company’s 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 Company’s 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.

 

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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(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 Company’s 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 Company’s common stock during these periods.
Note 7 Stock-based Compensation
Under the Company’s 2009 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan (the “2009 Plan”), as approved by the Company’s 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.

 

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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(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.

 

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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
The following table summarizes stock option transactions for the 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  
 
           

 

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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(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 Company’s 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 Company’s 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.

 

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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(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 Company’s 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 Company’s 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 Company’s 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 TCEQ’s 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 Company’s review of the present circumstances, no reserve is considered necessary for the revenue recognized to date.

 

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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(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  
 
                       

 

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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(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 Company’s 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 Company’s 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  

 

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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(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 Company’s 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 Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2009, changed the Company’s accounting for business combinations on a prospective basis beginning with transactions closing in the first quarter of 2009.

 

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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 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 parent’s 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 Company’s 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 Company’s 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 Company’s consolidated results of operations or consolidated financial position.

 

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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Forward-looking Statements
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and other sections of this Quarterly Report contain, in addition to historical information, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements address, among other things: 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 1990’s 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 1990’s, 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.

 

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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
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 Company’s 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.

 

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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
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
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
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
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
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
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
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 Company’s 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 SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.
  (b)   Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
      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 TCEQ’s 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 TCEQ’s 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 “Management’s 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 Company’s operating subsidiaries in Indiana. We challenged whether the City was following the correct legal procedures in connection with the City’s condemnation, but the Indiana Supreme Court, in an opinion issued in June 2007, supported the City’s position. In October 2007, the City’s 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 City’s 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 City’s 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 City’s 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 City’s 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 Company’s 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 Company’s subsidiaries in Indiana are claiming that the subsidiary’s 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 subsidiary’s 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 Company’s 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 America’s 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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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.    
 
 
 
Registrant
   
 
       
 
  Nicholas DeBenedicits    
 
 
 
Nicholas DeBenedictis
   
 
  Chairman, President and    
 
  Chief Executive Officer    
 
       
 
  David P. Smeltzer    
 
 
 
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.

 

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