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Essential Utilities, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2010 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, 2010
     
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 þ 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
(do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company o
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 26, 2010: 137,540,249.
 
 

 

 


 

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
 EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT
 EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

 

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Table of Contents

Part 1 – Financial Information
Item 1.   Financial Statements
AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
(UNAUDITED)
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2010     2009  
Assets
               
Property, plant and equipment, at cost
  $ 4,389,159     $ 4,141,690  
Less: accumulated depreciation
    991,859       914,396  
 
           
Net property, plant and equipment
    3,397,300       3,227,294  
 
           
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
    13,554       21,869  
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net
    96,467       78,742  
Income tax receivable
    18,365       0  
Inventory, materials and supplies
    10,013       9,519  
Prepayments and other current assets
    10,766       11,441  
 
           
Total current assets
    149,165       121,571  
 
           
 
               
Regulatory assets
    219,396       226,351  
Deferred charges and other assets, net
    63,441       59,468  
Funds restricted for construction activity
    42,329       84,830  
Goodwill
    41,651       43,083  
 
           
 
  $ 3,913,282     $ 3,762,597  
 
           
Liabilities and Equity
               
Aqua America stockholders’ equity:
               
Common stock at $.50 par value, authorized 300,000,000 shares, issued 138,191,194 and 137,148,749 in 2010 and 2009
  $ 69,095     $ 68,574  
Capital in excess of par value
    658,563       642,786  
Retained earnings
    423,621       409,402  
Treasury stock, at cost, 678,572 and 662,410 shares in 2010 and 2009
    (12,403 )     (12,138 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    124       280  
 
           
Total Aqua America stockholders’ equity
    1,139,000       1,108,904  
 
               
Noncontrolling interest
    565       560  
 
           
 
               
Total equity
    1,139,565       1,109,464  
 
           
 
               
Long-term debt, excluding current portion
    1,450,338       1,386,557  
Commitments and contingencies
           
 
               
Current liabilities:
               
Current portion of long-term debt
    12,805       59,577  
Loans payable
    69,472       27,487  
Accounts payable
    36,540       57,862  
Accrued interest
    19,161       16,265  
Accrued taxes
    17,504       18,813  
Dividends payable
    21,314       0  
Other accrued liabilities
    29,782       21,003  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    206,578       201,007  
 
           
 
               
Deferred credits and other liabilities:
               
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits
    446,641       408,583  
Customers’ advances for construction
    68,592       76,913  
Regulatory liabilities
    32,789       28,812  
Other
    113,557       114,490  
 
           
Total deferred credits and other liabilities
    661,579       628,798  
 
           
 
               
Contributions in aid of construction
    455,222       436,771  
 
           
 
  $ 3,913,282     $ 3,762,597  
 
           
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,  
    2010     2009  
 
               
Operating revenues
  $ 546,758     $ 502,646  
 
               
Operating expenses:
               
Operations and maintenance
    209,879       204,026  
Depreciation
    80,433       76,795  
Amortization
    10,115       8,848  
Taxes other than income taxes
    39,985       35,892  
 
           
 
    340,412       325,561  
 
           
 
               
Operating income
    206,346       177,085  
 
               
Other expense (income):
               
Interest expense, net
    56,084       50,693  
Allowance for funds used during construction
    (4,079 )     (1,940 )
Gain on sale of other assets
    (2,330 )     (375 )
 
           
Income before income taxes
    156,671       128,707  
Provision for income taxes
    61,554       51,013  
 
           
Net income attributable to common shareholders
  $ 95,117     $ 77,694  
 
           
 
               
Net income attributable to common shareholders
  $ 95,117     $ 77,694  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
               
Unrealized holding gain on investments
    1,174       127  
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses reported in net income
    (1,330 )     5  
 
           
Comprehensive income
  $ 94,961     $ 77,826  
 
           
 
               
Net income per common share:
               
Basic
  $ 0.70     $ 0.57  
 
           
Diluted
  $ 0.69     $ 0.57  
 
           
 
               
Average common shares outstanding during the period:
               
Basic
    136,798       135,673  
 
           
Diluted
    137,112       136,006  
 
           
 
               
Cash dividends declared per common share
  $ 0.59     $ 0.55  
 
           
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,  
    2010     2009  
 
               
Operating revenues
  $ 207,797     $ 180,826  
 
               
Operating expenses:
               
Operations and maintenance
    72,968       68,488  
Depreciation
    27,431       25,436  
Amortization
    3,629       3,029  
Taxes other than income taxes
    14,182       12,418  
 
           
 
    118,210       109,371  
 
           
 
               
Operating income
    89,587       71,455  
 
               
Other expense (income):
               
Interest expense, net
    19,150       17,256  
Allowance for funds used during construction
    (1,077 )     (747 )
Gain on sale of other assets
    (291 )     (162 )
 
           
Income before income taxes
    71,805       55,108  
Provision for income taxes
    28,054       21,638  
 
           
Net income attributable to common shareholders
  $ 43,751     $ 33,470  
 
           
 
               
Net income attributable to common shareholders
  $ 43,751     $ 33,470  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
               
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on investments
    272       (142 )
 
           
Comprehensive income
  $ 44,023     $ 33,328  
 
           
 
               
Net income per common share:
               
Basic
  $ 0.32     $ 0.25  
 
           
Diluted
  $ 0.32     $ 0.25  
 
           
 
               
Average common shares outstanding during the period:
               
Basic
    137,095       135,975  
 
           
Diluted
    137,394       136,260  
 
           
 
               
Cash dividends declared per common share
  $ 0.30     $ 0.28  
 
           
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,  
        2010     2009  
Aqua America stockholders’ equity:                
Common stock, $.50 par value
  $ 69,095     $ 68,574  
Capital in excess of par value
    658,563       642,786  
Retained earnings
    423,621       409,402  
Treasury stock, at cost
    (12,403 )     (12,138 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    124       280  
 
               
Total Aqua America stockholders’ equity     1,139,000       1,108,904  
 
                   
Noncontrolling interest     565       560  
 
             
 
                   
Total equity     1,139,565       1,109,464  
 
               
 
                   
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     6,420       6,868  
1.00% to 1.99%
  2011 to 2035     21,057       21,917  
2.00% to 2.99%
  2019 to 2029     13,626       12,935  
3.00% to 3.99%
  2016 to 2025     26,568       28,455  
4.00% to 4.99%
  2020 to 2041     269,967       271,346  
5.00% to 5.99%
  2011 to 2043     384,794       384,694  
6.00% to 6.99%
  2011 to 2036     121,587       121,876  
7.00% to 7.99%
  2012 to 2025     30,432       31,236  
8.00% to 8.99%
  2021 to 2025     34,332       34,543  
9.00% to 9.99%
  2011 to 2026     45,228       69,983  
10.40%
  2018     6,000       6,000  
 
               
 
        960,011       989,853  
 
                   
Notes payable to bank under revolving credit agreement, variable rate, due May 2012     68,000       64,149  
Unsecured notes payable:                
Notes ranging from 4.62% to 4.87%, due 2013 through 2024
    193,000       185,000  
Notes ranging from 5.01% to 5.95%, due 2014 through 2037
    242,132       207,132  
 
               
 
        1,463,143       1,446,134  
Current portion of long-term debt     12,805       59,577  
 
               
Long-term debt, excluding current portion     1,450,338       1,386,557  
 
               
Total capitalization   $ 2,589,903     $ 2,496,021  
 
               
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 (Loss)     Interest     Total  
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 68,574     $ 642,786     $ 409,402     $ (12,138 )   $ 280     $ 560     $ 1,109,464  
Net income
    0       0       95,117       0       0       5       95,122  
Unrealized holding gain on investments, net of income tax of $632
    0       0       0       0       1,174       0       1,174  
Reclassification adjustment for gain reported in net income, net of income tax of $716
    0       0       0       0       (1,330 )     0       (1,330 )
Dividends paid
    0       0       (59,584 )     0       0       0       (59,584 )
Dividends declared
    0       0       (21,314 )     0       0       0       (21,314 )
Sale of stock (543,506 shares)
    259       8,550       0       479       0       0       9,288  
Repurchase of stock (41,255 shares)
    0       0       0       (744 )     0       0       (744 )
Equity compensation plan (196,688 shares)
    98       (98 )     0       0       0       0       0  
Exercise of stock options (327,344 shares)
    164       3,725       0       0       0       0       3,889  
Stock-based compensation
    0       3,095       0       0       0       0       3,095  
Employee stock plan tax benefits
    0       505       0       0       0       0       505  
 
                                         
Balance at September 30, 2010
  $ 69,095     $ 658,563     $ 423,621     $ (12,403 )   $ 124     $ 565     $ 1,139,565  
 
                                         
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,  
    2010     2009  
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net income attributable to common shareholders
  $ 95,117     $ 77,694  
Adjustments to reconcile net income attributable to common shareholders to net cash flows from operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    90,548       85,643  
Deferred income taxes
    35,557       33,608  
Provision for doubtful accounts
    3,556       4,608  
Stock-based compensation
    3,095       2,714  
Gain on sale of utility system
    0       (1,009 )
Gain on sale of other assets
    (2,330 )     (375 )
Net increase in receivables, inventory and prepayments
    (19,867 )     (6,091 )
Net decrease in payables, accrued interest, accrued taxes and other accrued liabilities
    (13,179 )     (9,332 )
Other
    (3,119 )     (6,555 )
 
           
Net cash flows used in operating activities
    189,378       180,905  
 
           
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Property, plant and equipment additions, including allowance for funds used during construction of $4,079 and $1,940
    (239,467 )     (194,886 )
Acquisitions of utility systems and other, net
    (1,948 )     (1,523 )
Additions to funds restricted for construction activity
    (1,051 )     (59,722 )
Release of funds previously restricted for construction activity
    43,552       74,016  
Net proceeds from the sale of utility system and other assets
    3,582       1,985  
Other
    (4,438 )     (3,504 )
 
           
Net cash flows used in investing activities
    (199,770 )     (183,634 )
 
           
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Customers’ advances and contributions in aid of construction
    5,682       3,852  
Repayments of customers’ advances
    (5,203 )     (2,070 )
Net proceeds (repayments) of short-term debt
    41,985       (4,043 )
Proceeds from long-term debt
    114,313       69,833  
Repayments of long-term debt
    (97,678 )     (6,505 )
Change in cash overdraft position
    (10,173 )     (10,449 )
Proceeds from issuing common stock
    9,288       8,776  
Proceeds from exercised stock options
    3,889       1,579  
Stock-based compensation windfall tax benefits
    302       98  
Repurchase of common stock
    (744 )     (302 )
Dividends paid on common stock
    (59,584 )     (54,969 )
 
           
Net cash flows from financing activities
    2,077       5,800  
 
           
 
               
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (8,315 )     3,071  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    21,869       14,944  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 13,554     $ 18,015  
 
           
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, 2010, the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the consolidated statements of cash flow for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, and the consolidated statement of equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, 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, 2009. The results of operations for interim periods may not be indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year. The December 31, 2009 consolidated balance sheet data presented herein was derived from the Company’s December 31, 2009 audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures and notes normally provided in annual financial statements.
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, 2009
  $ 38,962     $ 4,121     $ 43,083  
Reclassifications to utility plant acquisition adjustment
    (1,522 )     0       (1,522 )
Other
    90       0       90  
 
                 
Balance at September 30, 2010
  $ 37,530     $ 4,121     $ 41,651  
 
                 
The reclassification of goodwill to utility plant acquisition adjustment results from a mechanism approved by the applicable public utility commission. The mechanism provides for the transfer over time, and the recovery through customer rates, of goodwill associated with certain acquisitions upon achieving certain objectives.
As of July 31, 2010, 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.

 

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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 3 Dispositions
The City of Fort Wayne, Indiana (the “City”) has authorized the acquisition by eminent domain of the northern portion of the utility system of one of the 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 attempted 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 has filed an appeal with the Allen County 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 stated 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. The net book value of the assets relinquished has been removed from the consolidated balance sheet and the difference between the net book value and the initial payment received has been deferred and is recorded in other accrued liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. Once the contingency is resolved and the asset valuation is finalized, through the finalization of the litigation between the Company and the City of Fort Wayne, the amounts deferred will be recognized in the Company’s consolidated income statement. 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. On October 12, 2010, the Wells County Indiana Circuit Court ruled that the Company is not entitled to a jury trial, and that the Wells County judge should review the City of Fort Wayne Board of Public Works’ assessment based upon a “capricious, arbitrary or an abuse of discretion” standard. The Company disagrees with the Court’s decision and is evaluating its legal options with respect to this decision. Depending upon the ultimate outcome of all of the legal proceedings, the Company may be required to refund a portion of the initial valuation payment, or may receive additional proceeds. The northern portion of the utility system relinquished represents approximately 0.50% 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)
Note 4 Long-term Debt and Loans Payable
In June 2010, the Company issued $70,000 of senior unsecured notes, of which $15,000 is due in 2021, $20,000 in 2024, and $35,000 in 2028 with interest rates of 4.62%, 4.83%, and 5.22%, respectively.
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,  
    2010     2009  
Carrying Amount
  $ 1,463,143     $ 1,446,134  
Estimated Fair Value
    1,524,859       1,315,954  
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 $68,592 as of September 30, 2010, and $76,913 as of December 31, 2009. 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 2025 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,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
Average common shares outstanding during the period for basic computation
    136,798       135,673       137,095       135,975  
Dilutive effect of employee stock options
    314       333       299       285  
 
                       
Average common shares outstanding during the period for diluted computation
    137,112       136,006       137,394       136,260  
 
                       
For the nine and three months ended September 30, 2010, employee stock options to purchase 2,623,273 and 1,512,197 shares of common stock, respectively, 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, 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.
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 Plan 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, 2010, 4,322,775 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, 2010 and 2009, the Company recognized compensation costs associated with stock options as a component of operations and maintenance expense of $1,540 and $1,866, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company recognized compensation costs associated with stock options as a component of operations and maintenance expense of $526 and $665, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company recognized income tax benefits associated with stock options in its income statement of $502 and $359, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company recognized income tax benefits associated with stock options in its income statement of $201 and $124, respectively. In addition, for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company capitalized compensation costs associated with stock options within property, plant and equipment of $0 and $73, 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, 2010 and 2009 was $3.49 and $4.37 per option, respectively. There were no stock options granted during the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009. The following assumptions were used in the application of this valuation model:
                 
    2010     2009  
Expected term (years)
    6.0       5.3  
Risk-free interest rate
    2.8 %     2.2 %
Expected volatility
    26.7 %     31.3 %
Dividend yield
    3.3 %     3.0 %
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, 2010:
                                 
            Weighted     Weighted        
            Average     Average     Aggregate  
            Exercise     Remaining     Intrinsic  
    Shares     Price     Life (years)     Value  
Options:
                               
Outstanding at beginning of period
    3,895,329     $ 19.17                  
Granted
    459,837       17.14                  
Forfeited
    (11,839 )     18.91                  
Expired
    (43,033 )     23.22                  
Exercised
    (327,344 )     11.88                  
 
                           
Outstanding at end of period
    3,972,950     $ 19.50       5.9     $ 9,157  
 
                       
 
                               
Exercisable at end of period
    2,952,181     $ 19.87       5.0     $ 7,141  
 
                       
Restricted Stock – During the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company recorded stock-based compensation related to restricted stock awards as a component of operations and maintenance expense in the amounts of $1,555 and $848, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company recorded stock-based compensation related to restricted stock awards as a component of operations and maintenance expense in the amounts of $412 and $219, respectively. The following table summarizes nonvested restricted stock transactions for the nine months ended September 30, 2010:
                 
    Number     Weighted  
    of     Average  
    Shares     Fair Value  
 
               
Nonvested shares at beginning of period
    102,918     $ 19.73  
Granted
    197,288       17.19  
Vested
    (64,587 )     19.66  
Forfeited
    (600 )     17.23  
 
           
Nonvested shares at end of period
    235,019     $ 17.62  
 
           

 

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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,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
Service cost
  $ 3,396     $ 3,276     $ 1,052     $ 1,092  
Interest cost
    9,702       9,411       3,262       3,137  
Expected return on plan assets
    (8,545 )     (7,037 )     (2,953 )     (2,346 )
Amortization of transition asset
          (136 )           (45 )
Amortization of prior service cost
    141       113       71       38  
Amortization of actuarial loss
    3,222       3,848       1,162       1,283  
Capitalized costs
    (2,493 )     (2,027 )     (808 )     (707 )
Settlement charge
    1,068       641       184       0  
 
                       
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 6,491     $ 8,089     $ 1,970     $ 2,452  
 
                       
                                 
    Other  
    Postretirement Benefits  
    Nine Months Ended     Three Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
Service cost
  $ 847     $ 810     $ 237     $ 270  
Interest cost
    1,831       1,716       591       572  
Expected return on plan assets
    (1,402 )     (1,266 )     (478 )     (422 )
Amortization of transition obligation
    78       78       26       26  
Amortization of prior service cost
    (201 )     (209 )     (67 )     (70 )
Amortization of actuarial loss
    464       440       122       147  
Amortization of regulatory asset
    102       102       34       34  
Capitalized costs
    (369 )     (274 )     (119 )     (95 )
 
                       
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 1,350     $ 1,397     $ 346     $ 462  
 
                       
The Company made cash contributions of $12,706 to its defined benefit pension plans during the first nine months of 2010, and intends to make cash contributions of $300 to the plans during the remainder of 2010. In addition, the Company made cash contributions of $191 and expects to make cash contributions of $1,494 for the funding of its other postretirement benefit plans during the remainder of 2010.

 

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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
On June 17, 2010, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission granted the Company’s operating subsidiary in Pennsylvania a water rate increase designed to increase total operating revenues by $23,600, on an annualized basis. The rates in effect at the time of the filing included $24,256 in Distribution System Improvement Charges (“DSIC”) or 7.5% above prior base rates. Consequently, the total base rates increased by $47,856, and the DSIC was reset to zero.
During the first nine months of 2010, in addition to Pennsylvania, the Company’s operating divisions in New York, New Jersey, Maine, North Carolina, Ohio, Missouri, and Indiana were granted base rate increases designed to increase total operating revenues on an annual basis by approximately $14,275.
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,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
 
                               
Property
  $ 20,466     $ 17,941     $ 7,376     $ 6,115  
Capital stock
    2,641       1,887       850       642  
Gross receipts, excise and franchise
    7,790       6,740       3,111       2,534  
Payroll
    5,267       5,313       1,519       1,582  
Other
    3,821       4,011       1,326       1,545  
 
                       
Total taxes other than income
  $ 39,985     $ 35,892     $ 14,182     $ 12,418  
 
                       

 

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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 fifteen operating segments and has one reportable segment named the “Regulated” segment. The reportable segment is comprised of fourteen 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, 2010     September 30, 2009  
    Regulated     Other     Consolidated     Regulated     Other     Consolidated  
Operating revenues
  $ 204,976     $ 2,821     $ 207,797     $ 177,872     $ 2,954     $ 180,826  
Operations and maintenance expense
    70,074       2,894       72,968       66,133       2,355       68,488  
Depreciation
    27,643       (212 )     27,431       25,854       (418 )     25,436  
Operating income (loss)
    89,700       (113 )     89,587       70,819       636       71,455  
Interest expense, net of AFUDC
    16,727       1,346       18,073       16,443       66       16,509  
Income tax
    29,124       (1,070 )     28,054       21,548       90       21,638  
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
    44,113       (362 )     43,751       32,986       484       33,470  
                                                 
    Nine Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30, 2010     September 30, 2009  
    Regulated     Other     Consolidated     Regulated     Other     Consolidated  
Operating revenues
  $ 538,575     $ 8,183     $ 546,758     $ 493,911     $ 8,735     $ 502,646  
Operations and maintenance expense
    202,655       7,224       209,879       197,403       6,623       204,026  
Depreciation
    81,427       (994 )     80,433       77,990       (1,195 )     76,795  
Operating income
    205,589       757       206,346       175,007       2,078       177,085  
Interest expense, net of AFUDC
    49,292       2,713       52,005       48,495       258       48,753  
Gain on sale of other assets
    257       2,073       2,330       359       16       375  
Income tax
    62,977       (1,423 )     61,554       50,876       137       51,013  
Net income attributable to common shareholders
    93,577       1,540       95,117       75,995       1,699       77,694  
Capital expenditures
    239,141       326       239,467       194,196       690       194,886  

 

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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,  
    2010     2009  
Total assets:
               
Regulated
  $ 3,833,263     $ 3,689,689  
Other and eliminations
    80,019       72,908  
 
           
Consolidated
  $ 3,913,282     $ 3,762,597  
 
           
Note 12 Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued revised accounting guidance for variable interest entities, which replaces the quantitative approach for determining which reporting entity has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity with a qualitative approach that focuses on which reporting entity controls the most significant economic activities of the variable interest entity. The revised guidance is effective January 1, 2010. The Company adopted the revised guidance as required, and the adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or consolidated financial position.
Note 13 Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is routinely involved in various disputes, claims, lawsuits and other regulatory and legal matters, including both asserted and unasserted legal claims, in the ordinary course of business. The status of each such matter, referred to herein as a loss contingency, is reviewed and assessed in accordance with applicable accounting rules regarding the nature of the matter, the likelihood that a loss will be incurred, and the amounts involved. As of September 30, 2010, the aggregate amount of $14,860 is accrued for loss contingencies and is reported in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as other accrued liabilities and other liabilities. These accruals represent management’s best estimate of probable loss (as defined in the accounting guidance) for loss contingencies or the low end of a range of losses if no single probable loss can be estimated. For some loss contingencies, the Company is unable to estimate the amount of the probable loss or range of probable losses. While the final outcome of these loss contingencies cannot be predicted with certainty, and unfavorable outcomes could negatively impact the Company, at this time in the opinion of management, the final resolution of these matters are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Further, Aqua America has insurance coverage for certain of these loss contingencies, and as of September 30, 2010, estimates that approximately $2,920 of the amount accrued for these matters are probable of recovery through insurance, which amount is also reported in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as deferred charges and other assets, net.

 

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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)
Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
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 belief in our ability to renew our short-term lines of credit; the impact and the actions we may need to take if we are unable to obtain sufficient capital; the projected impact of various legal proceedings; the projected effects of recent accounting pronouncements; prospects, plans, objectives, expectations and beliefs of management, as well as information contained in this report where statements are preceded by, followed by or include the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “future,” “potential,” “probably,” “predictions,”“intends,” “will,” “continue” or the negative of such terms or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions concerning future events, and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others: the effects of regulation, abnormal weather, changes in capital requirements and funding, acquisitions, changes to the capital markets, and our ability to assimilate acquired operations, as well as those risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 under the captions “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere in such report. As a result, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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, South Carolina, and Georgia. Our largest operating subsidiary, Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc., provides water or wastewater services to approximately one-half of the total number of people we serve, who are located in the suburban areas in counties north and west of the City of Philadelphia and in 25 other counties in Pennsylvania. Our other subsidiaries provide similar services in 13 other states. In addition, we provide water and wastewater service through operating and maintenance contracts with municipal authorities and other parties close to our utility companies’ service territories as well as sludge hauling, septage and grease services and backflow prevention services.

 

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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)
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 13 other states.
Financial Condition
During the first nine months of 2010, we had $239,467 of capital expenditures, issued $114,313 of long-term debt, repaid debt and made sinking fund contributions and other loan repayments of $97,678, and repaid $5,203 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. The issuance of $114,313 of long-term debt was comprised principally of the proceeds received from the June 2010 issuance of senior unsecured notes payable of $70,000, and the funds borrowed under our revolving credit facility of $43,000.
At September 30, 2010, we had $13,554 of cash and cash equivalents compared to $21,869 at December 31, 2009. During the first nine months of 2010, we used the proceeds from internally generated funds, the issuance of long-term debt, the issuance of common stock, the sale of other assets, and available working capital to fund the cash requirements discussed above and to pay dividends.
At September 30, 2010, our $95,000 unsecured revolving credit facility, which expires in May 2012, had $10,848 available for borrowing. At September 30, 2010, we had short-term lines of credit of $137,000, of which $67,528 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, which is used to provide working capital.
Our short-term lines of credit of $137,000 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 and caused substantial volatility in capital markets, including credit markets and the banking industry, has 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.

 

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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)
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 at least the next twelve months.
Results of Operations
Analysis of First Nine Months of 2010 Compared to First Nine Months of 2009
Revenues increased $44,112 or 8.8% primarily due to additional revenues associated with increased water and wastewater rates of $25,310, increased water consumption as compared to the first nine months of 2009, additional revenues associated with increased infrastructure rehabilitation surcharges of $2,413, and additional wastewater and water revenues of $2,118 associated with a larger customer base due to acquisitions. The increase in customer water consumption is largely due to favorable weather conditions in many of our service territories during May, June, and the third quarter of 2010, which increased water usage. Further impacting the comparison is the unfavorable weather conditions experienced in 2009 in our service territories that reduced water usage in the third quarter of 2009.
Operations and maintenance expenses increased by $5,853 or 2.9% primarily due to the write-off of previously deferred regulatory expenses of $2,082, the absence of the June 2009 gain on sale of a utility system of $1,009, which had the effect of reducing operations and maintenance expense in 2009, increases in operating costs associated with acquisitions of $938, a write-off of capitalized costs of $715, increases in fuel costs for our service vehicles of $536, and normal increases in other operating costs. Offsetting these increases were decreases in water production costs of $1,227, decreased bad debt expense of $1,052, and reduced expenses of $175 associated with the dispositions of utility systems. The decreased water production costs, principally for chemicals utilized to treat water, were associated with vendor price decreases.
Depreciation expense increased $3,638 or 4.7% due to the utility plant placed in service since September 30, 2009, offset by the effect of the additional expense of $2,037 recognized in the first quarter of 2009 resulting from a rate case adjustment related to our rate filing in North Carolina.
Amortization increased $1,267 or 14.3% primarily due to additional amortization of $579 resulting from the recovery through a surcharge 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, offset by the effect of the additional amortization recognized in the first quarter of 2009 of $394 resulting from a rate case adjustment related to a rate filing.

 

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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)
Taxes other than income taxes increased by $4,093 or 11.4% primarily due to an increase in property taxes of $2,525, an increase in gross receipts, excise and franchise taxes of $1,050 and an increase in capital stock taxes for our operating subsidiary in Pennsylvania of $754. The increase in property taxes is attributable to an increase in recoverable expenses associated with a recent rate award. The increase in gross receipts, excise and franchise taxes is attributable to an increase in revenue.
Interest expense increased by $5,391 or 10.6% primarily due to an increase in borrowings to finance capital projects, offset partially by decreased interest rates on long-term debt.
Allowance for funds used during construction (“AFUDC”) increased by $2,139 primarily due to an increase in the average balance of utility plant construction work in progress, to which AFUDC is applied, and an increase in short-term interest rates, which are a component of the applied AFUDC rate.
Gain on sale of other assets totaled $2,330 during the first nine months of 2010 and $375 in the first nine months of 2009. The increase of $1,955 is due primarily to a gain on the sale of an investment in the first quarter of 2010.
Our effective income tax rate was 39.3% in the first nine months of 2010 and 39.6% in the first nine months of 2009. 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 2010 versus the same period in 2009.
Net income attributable to common shareholders increased by $17,423 or 22.4%, in comparison to the same period in 2009 primarily as a result of the factors described above. On a diluted per share basis, earnings increased $0.12 reflecting the change in net income attributable to common shareholders and a 0.8% 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, employee stock purchase plan, and the additional shares issued in August 2009 in connection with an acquisition.

 

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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 Third Quarter of 2010 Compared to Third Quarter of 2009
Revenues increased $26,971 or 14.9% primarily due to additional revenues associated with increased water and wastewater rates of $17,431, increased water consumption as compared to the third quarter of 2009, and additional water and wastewater revenues of $815 associated with a larger customer base due to acquisitions. The increase in customer water consumption is largely due to favorable weather conditions in many of our service territories during the third quarter of 2010, which increased water usage. Further impacting the comparison is the unfavorable weather conditions experienced in some of our service territories that resulted in reduced water usage in the third quarter of 2009.
Operations and maintenance expenses increased by $4,480 or 6.5% primarily due to the write-off of previously deferred regulatory expenses of $1,071, increased water production costs of $534, increases in operating costs associated with acquisitions of $326, and normal increases in other operating costs. Offsetting these increases was decreased bad debt expense of $169. The increase in water production costs is a result of increased water consumption, offset primarily by vendor price decreases for chemicals utilized to treat water.
Depreciation expense increased $1,995 or 7.8% due to the utility plant placed in service since September 30, 2009.
Amortization increased $600 or 19.8% due to the amortization of the costs associated with, and other costs being recovered in, various rate filings.
Taxes other than income taxes increased by $1,764 or 14.2% primarily due to an increase in property taxes of $1,261, an increase in gross receipts, excise and franchise taxes of $577, and an increase in capital stock taxes for our operating subsidiary in Pennsylvania of $208. The increase in property taxes is attributable to an increase in recoverable expenses associated with a recent rate award. The increase in gross receipts, excise and franchise taxes is attributable to an increase in revenue.
Interest expense increased by $1,894 or 11.0% primarily due to additional borrowings to finance capital projects, offset partially by decreased interest rates on long-term debt.
Allowance for funds used during construction (“AFUDC”) increased by $330 primarily due to an increase in the average balance of utility plant construction work in progress, to which AFUDC is applied, and an increase in short-term interest rates, which are a component of the applied AFUDC rate.
Gain on sale of other assets totaled $291 in the third quarter of 2010 and $162 in the third quarter of 2009. The increase of $129 is principally due to the timing of sales of land and other property.

 

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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)
Our effective income tax rate was 39.1% in the third quarter of 2010 and 39.3% in the third quarter of 2009. The effective income tax rate decreased due to an increase in a tax credit for qualified domestic production activities in the third quarter of 2010 versus the same period in 2009.
Net income attributable to common shareholders increased by $10,281 or 30.7%, in comparison to the same period in 2009 primarily as a result of the factors described above. On a diluted per share basis, earnings increased $0.07 reflecting the change in net income attributable to common shareholders and a 0.8% 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, 2009. Refer to Item 7A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 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.

 

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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Part II. Other Information
Item 1.   Legal Proceedings
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 the Allen County 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 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. The net book value of the assets relinquished has been removed from the consolidated balance sheet and the difference between the net book value and the initial payment received has been deferred and is recorded in other accrued liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. Once the contingency is resolved and the asset valuation is finalized, through the finalization of the litigation between the Company and the City of Fort Wayne, the amounts deferred will be recognized in the Company’s consolidated income statement. On March 16, 2009, oral argument was held before the Allen County Circuit Court on certain procedural aspects with respect to the valuation evidence that may be presented and whether we are entitled to a jury trial. On October 12, 2010, the Wells County Indiana Circuit Court ruled that the Company is not entitled to a jury trial, and that the Wells County judge should review the City of Fort Wayne Board of Public Works’ assessment based upon a “capricious, arbitrary or an abuse of discretion” standard. The Company disagrees with the Court’s decision and is evaluating its legal options with respect to this decision. Depending upon the ultimate outcome of all of the legal proceedings 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 0.50% of Aqua America’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. At this time, the Company believes that the estimated amount of any potential losses would not be material to the Company’s consolidated results of operations or consolidated financial condition.

 

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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Two homeowners’ associations comprised of approximately 180 homes located next to a wastewater plant owned by one of the Company’s subsidiaries in Indiana claim 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 Company filed a formal request for review of the purported agreement with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC). 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. On September 8, 2010, the IURC approved the settlement agreement between the Company and the homeowners’ associations, and the suit filed by the homeowners’ association was dismissed. The settlement agreement includes the payment of $2,600,000 to the homeowners’ associations, certain conditions for future plant improvements, which should not materially interfere with the operation of the plant, and the transfer of a parcel of land to the homeowners’ associations for which the Company will receive a $50,000 credit to the settlement amount. This matter is not covered by any of the Company’s insurance policies.
In July, 2010 one of the Company’s subsidiaries received a notice of violation from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The notice of violation resulted from the subsidiary’s commencement of construction of a water tank prior to receipt of a construction permit from DEP. The permit was subsequently received. On September 29, 2010, the DEP notified the Company about a proposed penalty of $120,000 in connection with the notice of violation. The Company’s subsidiary is contesting the amount of the proposed penalty and working with DEP to reach an amicable resolution.
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 we believe 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, 2009 (“Form 10-K”) under “Part 1, Item 1A — Risk Factors.”

 

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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, 2010:
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, 2010
    8,508     $ 19.26       0       548,278  
August 1 – 31, 2010
    2,602     $ 19.93       0       548,278  
September 1 – 30, 2010
    112     $ 20.71       0       548,278  
 
                       
Total
    11,222     $ 19.43       0       548,278  
 
                       
     
(1)   These amounts consist of the following: (a) shares we purchased from employees who elected to have us withhold shares to pay certain withholding taxes upon the vesting of restricted stock awards granted to such employees; and (b) shares we purchased from 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. These features of our equity compensation plan are available to all employees who receive stock-based compensation 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 of vesting of the restricted stock award or 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
The information required by this Item is set forth in the Exhibit Index hereto which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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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, 2010
     
 
  Aqua America, Inc.
 
  Registrant
 
   
 
  /s/ Nicholas DeBenedictis
 
 
 
Nicholas DeBenedictis
 
  Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
 
   
 
  /s/ 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.
 
   
101.INS
  XBRL Instance Document
 
   
101.SCH
  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
   
101.CAL
  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
   
101.DEF
  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
   
101.LAB
  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
   
101.PRES
  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

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