Essential Utilities, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2018 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON DC  20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One) 

☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934. 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018 

☐ 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) 





(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 ☒  No ☐



Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).  Yes ☒  No ☐



Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12(b)-2 of the Exchange Act.:   



If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐



Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes ☐  No ☒

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of  

October 24, 2018: 177,939,879

  

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TABLE OF CONTENTS







 

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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, 2018, the consolidated statements of net income and comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 the consolidated statements of cash flow for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, and the consolidated statement of equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 are unaudited, but reflect all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring accruals, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present a fair statement of its consolidated financial position, consolidated changes in equity, consolidated results of operations, and 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, 2017.  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, 2017 consolidated balance sheet data presented herein was derived from the Company’s December 31, 2017 audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures and notes normally provided in annual financial statements.  Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation in the consolidated statements of net income as a result of the adoption, in the first quarter of 2018, of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) accounting guidance on the presentation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (refer to Note 16 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements).



The preparation of financial statements often requires the selection of specific accounting methods and policies.  Further, significant estimates and judgments may be required in selecting and applying those methods and policies in the recognition of the assets and liabilities in its consolidated balance sheets, the revenues and expenses in its consolidated statements of net income, and the information that is contained in its summary of significant accounting policies and notes to consolidated financial statements.  Making these estimates and judgments requires the analysis of information concerning events that may not yet be complete and of facts and circumstances that may change over time.  Accordingly, actual amounts or future results can differ materially from those estimates that the Company includes currently in its consolidated financial statements, summary of significant accounting policies, and notes.



There have been no changes to the summary of significant accounting policies, other than as described in Note 2 – Revenue Recognition as a result of the adoption of a new accounting pronouncement adopted on January 1, 2018, previously identified in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

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Note 2 – Revenue Recognition



The Company recognizes revenue as water and wastewater services are provided to our customers, which happens over time as the service is delivered and the performance obligation is satisfied.  The Company’s utility revenues recognized in an accounting period include amounts billed to customers on a cycle basis and unbilled amounts based on estimated usage from the last billing to the end of the accounting period.  Unbilled amounts are calculated by deriving estimates based on average usage of the prior month.  The Company’s actual results could differ from these estimates, which would result in operating revenues being adjusted in the period that the revision to our estimates is determined.  Unbilled amounts are included in accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net on the consolidated balance sheet.   



Generally, payment is due within 30 days once a bill is issued to a customer.  Sales tax and other taxes we collect on behalf of government authorities, concurrent with our revenue-producing activities, are primarily excluded from revenue.  The Company has determined that its revenue recognition is not materially different under the FASB’s new accounting standard for revenue from contracts with customer, and has not made any changes to our accounting policy.  The Company’s revenues are being reported identical in the consolidated statements of net income to how they were reported under the FASB’s former accounting standard for revenue recognition.  The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by major source and customer class:







Revenues from Contracts with Customers – These revenues are composed of three main categories:  water, wastewater, and other.  Water revenues represent revenues earned for supplying customers with water service.  Wastewater revenues represent revenues earned for treating wastewater and releasing it into the water supply.  Other revenues are associated fees that relate to the regulated business but are not water and wastewater revenues.  See description below for a discussion on the performance obligation for each of these revenue streams.



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Tariff Revenues – These revenues are categorized by customer class:  residential, commercial, fire protection, industrial, and other water and other wastewater.  The rates that generate these revenues are approved by the respective state utility commission, and revenues are billed cyclically and accrued for when unbilled.  Other water and other wastewater revenues consist primarily of fines, penalties, surcharges, and availability lot fees.  Our performance obligation for tariff revenues is to provide potable water or wastewater treatment service to customers.  This performance obligation is satisfied over time as the services are rendered.  The amounts that the Company has a right to invoice for tariff revenues reflect the right to consideration from the customers in an amount that corresponds directly with the value transferred to the customer for the performance completed to date.  The Company elected to use the right to invoice practical expedient for these revenues as the Company recognizes revenue in the amount for which the Company has the right to invoice the customer.    



Other Utility Revenues – Other utility revenues represent revenues earned primarily from:  antenna revenues, which represent fees received from telecommunication operators that have put cellular antennas on our water towers, operation and maintenance and billing contracts, which represent fees earned from municipalities for our operation of their water or wastewater treatment services or performing billing services, and fees earned from developers for accessing our water mains.  The performance obligations vary for these revenues, but all are primarily recognized over time as the service is delivered.



Alternative Revenue Program – These revenues represent the difference between the actual billed utility water and wastewater revenues for Aqua Illinois and the revenues set in the last Aqua Illinois rate case.  We recognize revenues based on the target amount established in the last rate case, and then record either a regulatory asset or liability based on the cumulative annual difference between the target and actual, which results in either a refund due to customers or a payment from customers.  The cumulative annual difference is either refunded to customers or collected from customers over a nine-month period.  This revenue program represents a contract between the utility and its regulators, not customers, and therefore is not within the scope of the FASB’s accounting guidance for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers.    



Other and Eliminations – Other and eliminations consist of our market-based revenues, which comprises:  Aqua Infrastructure and Aqua Resources (described below), and intercompany eliminations for revenue billed between our subsidiaries. 



Aqua Infrastructure is the holding company for our 49% investment in a joint venture that operates a private pipeline system to supply raw water to natural gas well drilling operations in the Marcellus Shale of north central Pennsylvania.  The joint venture earns revenues through providing non-utility raw water supply services to natural gas drilling companies which enter into water supply contracts.  The performance obligation is to deliver non-potable water to the joint venture’s customers.  Aqua Infrastructure’s share of the revenues recognized by the joint venture is reflected, net, in equity earnings in joint venture on our consolidated statements of net income.   



Aqua Resources earns revenues by providing non-regulated water and wastewater services through operating and maintenance contracts, and third-party water and sewer service line repair.  The performance obligations are performing agreed upon services in the contract, most commonly operation of third-party water or wastewater treatment services, or billing services, or allowing the use of our logo

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to a third-party water and sewer service line repair.  Revenues are primarily recognized over time as service is delivered.



Note 3 – Goodwill 



The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s goodwill, by business segment:

 





The reclassification of goodwill to utility plant acquisition adjustment results from a mechanism approved by the applicable utility commission.  The mechanism provides for the transfer over time, and the recovery through customer rates, of goodwill associated with some acquisitions upon achieving specific objectives.



Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment annually, or more often, if circumstances indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount.  When testing goodwill for impairment, the Company may assess qualitative factors, including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, and entity specific events, for some or all of our reporting units to determine whether it’s more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount.   Alternatively, based on our assessment of the qualitative factors previously noted, we may perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test by determining the fair value of a reporting unit based on a discounted cash flow analysis.  If we perform a quantitative test and determine that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we would record an impairment loss for the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.  The Company performed a qualitative assessment for its annual test of the goodwill attributable for each of its reporting units for impairment as of July 31, 2018, and concluded that the estimated fair value of each reporting unit, which has goodwill recorded, exceeded the reporting unit’s carrying amount, indicating that none of the Company’s goodwill was impaired.







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Note 4 – Acquisitions 



Subsequent to the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018, pursuant to the Company’s growth strategy, on October 22, 2018, the Company entered into a purchase agreement with LDC Parent LLC (“Seller”), to acquire its interests in LDC Funding LLC (“LDC”).  LDC is the parent of LDC Holdings LLC (“LDC Holdings”), and LDC Holdings is the parent of five natural gas public utility companies, which includes Peoples Natural Gas Company, Peoples Gas Company, and Delta Natural Gas Company as well as other operating subsidiaries.  Collectively these businesses are referred to as “Peoples,” a natural gas distribution company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, serving approximately 740,000 gas utility customers in Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Kentucky.  The Company will acquire LDC for $4,275,000,  which will be reduced by the amount of outstanding indebtedness at closing, which is estimated to approximate $1,300,000.  The Company expects to finance this acquisition and refinance certain debt with a mix of common equity, mandatory convertible equity units, debt financing, which could include senior notes issued in capital markets transactions, term loans or other credit facilities or any combination thereof.  On October 23,  2018, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements which locked in the interest rate for an anticipated $850,000 of future debt issuances related to this acquisition.  The interest rate swaps do not qualify for hedge accounting and any changes in the fair value of the swaps will be included in our future earnings.  The purchase price for this pending acquisition is subject to certain other adjustments at closing, and is subject to regulatory approval by the United States Federal Trade Commission, and the public utility commissions in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and West Virginia.    This acquisition is expected to close in mid-2019, once regulatory approvals are obtained, and it is anticipated that this transaction will result in the recording of goodwill.  In the event that this acquisition is terminated a fee of $120,000 would be payable to the Seller.   



In July 2018, the Company acquired the wastewater utility systems assets of Limerick Township, Pennsylvania which serves 5,497 customers.  The total cash purchase price for the utility system was $74,836.  The purchase price allocation for this acquisition consisted primarily of acquired property, plant and equipment of $64,759,  and goodwill of $11,297.    Additionally, during the first nine months of 2018, the Company completed four acquisitions of water and wastewater utility systems in various states adding 4,338 customers.  The total purchase price of these utility systems consisted of $25,190 in cash.  The purchase price allocation for these acquisitions consisted primarily of acquired property, plant and equipment.  The pro forma effect of the businesses acquired is not material either individually or collectively to the Company’s results of operations.



In July 2018, the Company entered into a purchase agreement to acquire the wastewater utility system assets of Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania, which serves approximately 10,500 customers for $50,250.  The purchase price for this pending acquisition is subject to certain adjustments at closing, and is subject to regulatory approval, including the final determination of the fair value of the rate base acquired. 



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In addition to the Company’s pending acquisition in Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania, as part of the Company’s growth-through-acquisition strategy, the Company entered into purchase agreements to acquire the water or wastewater utility system assets of seven municipalities for a total combined purchase price in cash of $65,418 which we plan to finance by the issuance of debt.  The purchase price for these acquisitions is subject to certain adjustments at closing, and the acquisitions are subject to regulatory approvals, including the final determination of the fair value of the rate base acquired.  In October 2018, we closed on the following acquisition:



   

Closings for our remaining acquisitions are expected to occur by the end of 2019, subject to the timing of the regulatory approval process.  In total, these acquisitions will add approximately 10,800 customers in three of the states in which the Company operates in.   



During 2017, the Company completed four acquisitions of water and wastewater utility systems in various states adding 1,003 customers.  The total purchase price of these utility systems consisted of $5,860 in cash, which resulted in $72 of goodwill being recorded.  The pro forma effect of the businesses acquired is not material either individually or collectively to the Company’s results of operations. 



Note 5 –  Assets Held for Sale



In the first quarter of 2017, the Company decided to market for sale a water system that serves approximately 265 customers.  This water system is reported as assets held for sale in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.  The Company has been in discussions with a potential buyer for the water system and is currently negotiating the terms of a sale, which will require regulatory approval.  



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Note 6 – Capitalization



In June 2018, the Company amended its unsecured revolving credit facility, to extend the expiration from February 2021 to June 2023, and to increase the facility from $250,000 to $500,000.  Funds borrowed under this facility are classified as long-term debt and are used to provide working capital as well as support for letters of credit for insurance policies and other financing arrangements.  Interest under this facility is based at the Company’s option, on the prime rate, an adjusted Euro-Rate, an adjusted federal funds rate or at rates offered by the banks.  A facility fee is charged on the total commitment amount of the agreement.



In June 2018, Aqua Pennsylvania issued $100,000 of first mortgage bonds, of which $25,000 is due in 2042,  $10,000 is due in 2045, and $65,000 is due in 2048 with interest rates of 3.99%,  4.04%, and 4.09%, respectively.  The proceeds from these bonds were used to repay existing indebtedness and for general corporate purposes.



In July 2018, Aqua Pennsylvania redeemed $49,660 of tax-exempt bonds at 5.25% that were originally maturing in 2042 and 2043, respectively.     



Note 7 – Financial Instruments 

 

The Company follows the FASB’s accounting guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures, which defines fair value and establishes a framework for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities.  That framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  The hierarchy gives highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).  The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:





The asset’s or liability’s fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  Valuation techniques used need to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.  There have been no changes in the valuation techniques used to measure fair value, or asset or liability transfers between the levels of the fair value hierarchy for the quarter ended September 30, 2018. 



Financial instruments are recorded at carrying value in the financial statements and approximate fair value as of the dates presented.  The fair value of these instruments is disclosed below in accordance with current accounting guidance related to financial instruments. 

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The fair value of loans payable is determined based on its carrying amount and utilizing Level 1 methods and assumptions.  As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the carrying amount of the Company’s loans payable was $21,689 and $3,650, respectively, which equates to their estimated fair value.  The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, which is comprised of uninvested cash, is determined based on the net asset value per unit utilizing Level 1 methods and assumptions.  As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the carrying amounts of the Company's cash and cash equivalents was $4,264 and $4,204, respectively, which equates to their fair value.  The Company’s assets underlying the deferred compensation and non-qualified pension plans are determined by the fair value of mutual funds, which are based on quoted market prices from active markets utilizing Level 1 methods and assumptions.  As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the carrying amount of these securities was $22,215 and $21,776,  respectively, which equates to their fair value, and is reported in the consolidated balance sheet in deferred charges and other assets. 



Unrealized gain and losses on equity securities held in conjunction with our non-qualified pension plan is as follows:







The net gain recognized on equity securities is presented on the consolidated statements of net income on the line item “Other.”  Additionally, the unrealized gain recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, was reported on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. 



The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s long-term debt is as follows:

 



The fair value of long-term debt has been determined by discounting the future cash flows using current market interest rates for similar financial instruments of the same duration utilizing Level 2 methods and assumptions. 



The Company’s customers’ advances for construction have a carrying value of $94,112 as of September 30, 2018, and $93,186 as of December 31, 2017.  Their relative fair values cannot be accurately estimated because future refund payments depend on several variables, including new customer connections, customer consumption levels, and future rates.  Portions of these non-interest bearing instruments are payable annually through 2028 and amounts not paid by the respective contract

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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.

 

Note 8 – 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-based compensation is included in the computation of diluted net income per common share.  The dilutive effect of stock-based compensation is calculated using the treasury stock method and expected proceeds upon exercise or issuance of the stock-based compensation.  The treasury stock method assumes that the proceeds from stock-based compensation are used to purchase the Company’s common stock at the average market price during the period.  The following table summarizes the shares, in thousands, used in computing basic and diluted net income per common share: 





For the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 and the nine months ended September 30, 2017, all the Company’s employee stock options were included in the calculations of diluted net income per share as the calculated cost to exercise the stock options was less than the average market price of the Company’s common stock during these periods.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, employee stock options to purchase 8,596 shares of common stock were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share as the calculated cost to exercise the stock options was greater than the average market price of the Company’s common stock during this period.    

 

Note 9 – Stock-based Compensation 

 

Under the Company’s 2009 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan, as amended as of February 27, 2014 (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.  No further grants may be made under the 2004 Plan.  The 2009 Plan authorizes 6,250,000 shares for issuance under the plan.  A maximum of 3,125,000 shares under the 2009 Plan may be issued pursuant to stock awards, stock units and other stock-based awards, subject to adjustment as provided in the 2009 Plan.  During any calendar year, no individual may be granted (i) stock options and stock appreciation rights under the 2009 Plan for more than 500,000 shares of Company stock in the aggregate or (ii) stock awards, stock units or other stock-based awards under the 2009 Plan for more than 500,000 shares of Company stock in the aggregate, subject to adjustment as provided in the 2009 Plan.  Awards to employees and consultants under the 2009 Plan are made by a committee of the Board of

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Directors of the Company, except that with respect to awards to the Chief Executive Officer, the committee recommends those awards for approval by the non-employee directors of the Board of Directors.  In the case of awards to non-employee directors, the Board of Directors makes such awards.  At September 30, 2018, 3,388,594 shares were still available for issuance under the 2009 Plan.   

 

Performance Share Units – A performance share unit (“PSU”) represents the right to receive a share of the Company’s common stock if specified performance goals are met over the three-year performance period specified in the grant, subject to exceptions through the respective vesting period, generally three years.  Each grantee is granted a target award of PSUs, and may earn between 0% and 200% of the target amount depending on the Company’s performance against the performance goals.  The following table provides compensation costs for stock-based compensation related to PSUs: 



 

The following table summarizes the PSU transactions for the nine months ended September 30, 2018:   



 

 

 

A portion of the fair value of PSUs was estimated at the grant date based on the probability of satisfying the market-based conditions using the Monte Carlo valuation method, which assesses probabilities of various outcomes of market conditions.  The other portion of the fair value of the PSUs is based on the fair market value of the Company’s stock at the grant date, regardless of whether the market-based condition is satisfied.  The per unit weighted-average fair value at the date of grant for PSUs granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was $37.42 and $30.79, respectively.  The fair value of each PSU grant is amortized monthly into compensation expense on a straight-line basis over their respective vesting periods, generally 36 months.  The accrual of compensation costs is based on the Company’s estimate of the final expected value of the award, and is adjusted as required for the portion based on the performance-based condition.  The Company assumes that forfeitures will be minimal, and recognizes forfeitures as they occur, which results in a reduction in compensation expense.  As the payout of the PSUs includes dividend equivalents, no separate dividend yield assumption is

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required in calculating the fair value of the PSUs.  The recording of compensation expense for PSUs has no impact on net cash flows.   



Restricted Stock Units – A restricted stock unit (“RSU”) represents the right to receive a share of the Company’s common stock.  RSUs are eligible to be earned at the end of a specified restricted period, generally three years, beginning on the date of grant.  The Company assumes that forfeitures will be minimal, and recognizes forfeitures as they occur, which results in a reduction in compensation expense.  As the payout of the RSUs includes dividend equivalents, no separate dividend yield assumption is required in calculating the fair value of the RSUs.  The following table provides the compensation cost and income tax benefit for stock-based compensation related to RSUs:

 



The following table summarizes the RSU transactions for the nine months ended September 30, 2018: 



 



The per unit weighted-average fair value at the date of grant for RSUs granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was $35.15 and $30.37, respectively.   



Stock Options – A stock option represents the option to purchase a number of shares of common stock of the Company as specified in the stock option grant agreement at the exercise price per share as determined by the closing market price of our common stock on the grant date.  Stock options are exercisable in installments of 33% annually, starting one year from the grant date and expire 10 years from the grant date, subject to satisfaction of designated performance goals.  The fair value of each stock option is amortized into compensation expense using the graded-vesting method, which results in the recognition of compensation costs over the requisite service period for each separately vesting tranche of the stock options as though the stock options were, in substance, multiple stock option grants.  The following table provides the compensation cost and income tax benefit for stock-based compensation related to stock options:

The fair value of options was estimated at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.  The following assumptions were used in the application of this valuation model:





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.



The following table summarizes stock option transactions for the nine months ended September 30, 2018:

 



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Stock Awards –   Stock awards represent the issuance of the Company’s common stock, without restriction.  The issuance of stock awards results in compensation expense which is equal to the fair market value of the stock on the grant date, and is expensed immediately upon grant.  The following table provides the compensation cost and income tax benefit for stock-based compensation related to stock awards:









The following table summarizes stock award transactions for the nine months ended September 30, 2018:







The per unit weighted-average fair value at the date of grant for stock awards granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was $35.34 and $32.92, respectively.

 

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Note 10 – Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits   

 

The Company maintains a qualified defined benefit pension plan (the “Pension Plan”), a nonqualified pension plan, and other postretirement benefit plans for certain of its employees.  The net periodic benefit cost is based on estimated values and an extensive use of assumptions about the discount rate, expected return on plan assets, the rate of future compensation increases received by the Company’s employees, mortality, turnover, and medical costs.  The following tables provide the components of net periodic benefit cost:



The components of net periodic benefit cost other than service cost are presented on the consolidated statements of net income on the line item “Other.”  



The Company made cash contributions of $12,484 to its Pension Plan during the first nine months of 2018, which completed the Company’s 2018 cash contributions. 

 

Note 11 – Water and Wastewater Rates 

 

During the first nine months of 2018, the Company’s operating divisions in Illinois and Ohio were granted base rate increases designed to increase total operating revenues on an annual basis by $8,640.  On April 6, 2018, the base rate case in Illinois was petitioned for a rehearing; however, this petition was denied on April 19, 2018.  No appeals were filed and the approved rates are considered final.  Further, during the first nine months of 2018, the Company’s operating divisions in Pennsylvania, North Carolina,

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and New Jersey received approval to bill infrastructure rehabilitation surcharges designed to increase total operating revenues on an annual basis by $19,366.  Additionally, commencing in the second quarter of 2018, due to the decrease in our federal income tax rate from 35% to 21% from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”), the Company’s operating divisions in Texas, New Jersey, Ohio, and Indiana implemented base rate reductions or added credits to customer bills that are estimated to reduce total operating revenues by $7,959 on an annualized basis.  



In August 2018, the Company’s operating subsidiary in Pennsylvania filed for a base rate increase in water and wastewater rates for its customers, proposing an aggregate increase of $71,769 in annual revenues.  The base rate case is being reviewed by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.    The Company expects resolution of the Pennsylvania base rate case in 2019.      



In March 2018, the Company’s operating subsidiary in North Carolina filed for a base rate increase in water and wastewater rates for its customers, proposing an aggregate increase of $4,968 in annual revenues.  The base rate case is being reviewed by the North Carolina Utilities Commission. 



As of February 10, 2018, the Company had been billing interim rates in Virginia, which had a base rate case filing in progress.  Because of the TCJA, which reduced our federal income tax rate from 35% to 21%, our Virginia subsidiary reduced its water rate increase request and eliminated its wastewater rate increase request.  In May 2018, the rates charged to our Virginia customers reverted to the previous rates, pursuant to a submitted stipulation, and in the second quarter of 2018, $183 of billings already collected was refunded to our Virginia customers.  Subsequently, a final order was issued on October 19, 2018 approving the stipulation.   

 

Note 12 – Taxes Other than Income Taxes 

 

The following table provides the components of taxes other than income taxes:

 





Note 13 – Segment Information 

 

The Company has ten operating segments and one reportable segment.  The Regulated segment, the Company’s single reportable segment, is comprised of eight operating segments representing its water and wastewater regulated utility companies which are organized by the states where the Company provides water and wastewater services.  These operating segments are aggregated into one reportable segment because each of these operating segments has the following similarities: economic

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characteristics, nature of services, production processes, customers, water distribution or wastewater collection methods, and the nature of the regulatory environment.



Two operating segments are included within the Other category below.  These segments are not quantitatively significant and are comprised of Aqua Infrastructure and Aqua Resources.  Aqua Infrastructure provides non-utility raw water supply services for firms in the natural gas drilling industry.  Aqua Resources provides water and wastewater service through operating and maintenance contracts with municipal authorities and other parties close to its utility companies’ service territories; and offers, through a third-party, water and sewer service line protection solutions and repair services to households.  In addition to these segments, Other is comprised of other business activities not included in the reportable segment, including corporate costs that have not been allocated to the Regulated segment and intersegment eliminations.  Corporate costs include general and administrative expenses, and interest expense.   



The following table presents information about the Company’s reportable segment:



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Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies 

 

The Company is routinely involved in various disputes, claims, lawsuits and other regulatory and legal matters, including both asserted and unasserted legal claims, in the ordinary course of business.  The status of each such matter, referred to herein as a loss contingency, is reviewed and assessed in accordance with applicable accounting rules regarding the nature of the matter, the likelihood that a loss will be incurred, and the amounts involved.  As of September 30, 2018, the aggregate amount of $17,816 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, the Company has insurance coverage for certain of these loss contingencies, and as of September 30, 2018, estimates that approximately $6,009 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.



Although the results of legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, there are no pending legal proceedings to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or to which any of its properties is the subject that are material or are expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.



In addition to the aforementioned loss contingencies, the Company self-insures its employee medical benefit program, and maintains stop-loss coverage to limit the exposure arising from these claims.  The Company’s reserve for these claims totaled $1,515 at September 30, 2018 and represents a reserve for unpaid claim costs, including an estimate for the cost of incurred but not reported claims.  

 

Note 15 – Income Taxes 

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company’s Federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward decreased by $51,031.  In addition, during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company’s state NOL carryforward increased by $14,468.  As of September 30, 2018, the balance of the Company’s Federal NOL was $12,271.  The Company believes its Federal NOL carryforward is more likely than not to be recovered and requires no valuation allowance.  As of September 30, 2018, the balance of the Company’s gross state NOL was $646,676, a portion of which is offset by a valuation

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allowance because the Company does not believe the state NOLs are more likely than not to be realized.  The Company’s Federal and state NOL carryforwards begin to expire in 2032 and 2023, respectively.  The Company’s Federal and state NOL carryforwards are reduced by an unrecognized tax position, on a gross basis, of $65,194 and $85,636, respectively.  The amounts of the Company’s Federal and state NOL carryforwards prior to being reduced by the unrecognized tax positions were $77,465 and $732,311 respectively.  The Company records its unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction to its deferred income tax liability. 



In accordance with a 2012 settlement agreement with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, Aqua Pennsylvania expenses, for tax purposes, qualifying utility asset improvement costs, which results in a substantial reduction in income tax expense and greater net income and cash flows.  The Company’s effective income tax rate for the third quarter of 2018 and 2017 was 4.8% and 4.3%, respectively, and for the first nine months of 2018 and 2017 was 0.7% and 6.0%, respectively. 



As of September 30, 2018, the total gross unrecognized tax benefit was $18,990.  As a result of the regulatory treatment afforded for qualifying infrastructure improvements in Pennsylvania, $26,400, if recognized, would affect the Company’s effective tax rate.  At December 31, 2017, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits of $17,583. 



Accounting rules for uncertain tax positions specify that tax positions for which the timing of resolution is uncertain should be classified as long-term liabilities.  Judgment is required in evaluating the Company’s uncertain tax positions and determining the provision for income taxes.  Management believes that an adequate provision has been made for any adjustments that may result from tax examinations.  Although the timing of income tax audit resolutions and negotiations with taxing authorities is highly uncertain, the Company does not anticipate a significant change to the total amount of unrecognized income tax benefits within the next 12 months.



On December 22, 2017, President Trump signed the TCJA into law.  Substantially all the provisions of the TCJA are effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017.  The TCJA includes significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code and the taxation of business entities, and includes specific provisions related to regulated public utilities.  Significant changes that impact the Company included in the TCJA are a reduction in the corporate federal income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018, and a limitation of the utilization of NOLs arising after December 31, 2017 to 80% of taxable income with an indefinite carryforward.  The specific TCJA provisions related to our regulated entities generally allow for the continued deductibility of interest expense, the elimination of full expensing for tax purposes of certain property acquired after September 27, 2017 and the continuation of certain rate normalization requirements for accelerated depreciation benefits.  Our market-based companies still qualify for 100% deductibility of qualifying property acquired after September 27, 2017.



In accordance with the FASB’s accounting guidance for income taxes, the tax effects of changes in tax laws must be recognized in the period in which the law is enacted, or December 22, 2017 for the TCJA.  Additionally, deferred tax assets and liabilities are required to be measured at the enacted tax rate expected to apply when temporary differences are to be realized or settled.  Thus, at the date of enactment, the Company’s deferred taxes were re-measured based upon the new tax rate.  For our regulated entities, the change in deferred taxes is recorded as either an offset to a regulatory asset or liability and may be subject to refund to customers.  In instances where the deferred tax balances are not

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in ratemaking, such as the Company’s market-based operations, the change in deferred taxes is recorded as an adjustment to our deferred tax provision.



The staff of the SEC has recognized the complexity of reflecting the impacts of the TCJA, and on December 22, 2017 issued guidance, which clarifies accounting for income taxes if information is not yet available or complete and provides for up to a one year period in which to complete the required analyses and accounting (the measurement period).  The guidance describes three scenarios (or “buckets”) associated with a company’s status of accounting for income tax reform:  (1) a company is complete with its accounting for certain effects of tax reform, (2) a company is able to determine a reasonable estimate for certain effects of tax reform and records that estimate as a provisional amount, or (3) a company is not able to determine a reasonable estimate and therefore continues to apply the FASB’s accounting guidance, based on the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately prior to the TCJA being enacted.



The Company has completed or has made a reasonable estimate for the measurement and accounting of the effect of the TCJA which were reflected in the December 31, 2017 financial statements, which resulted in a decrease to the accumulated deferred income tax liability of $303,320.  Additionally, due to the reduction in the Company’s corporate income tax rate, in the first nine months of 2018, the Company has reserved $4,679 for amounts expected to be refundable to utility customers.  During the first nine months of 2018, in Illinois,  Virginia, Texas, New Jersey, and two operating divisions in Ohio which operate under locally-negotiated contractual rates with their respective counties, the Company’s base rates have been adjusted or surcredits have been added to customer bills to reflect the lower corporate income tax rate.  In addition, through a reduction in base rates or surcredits, the Company has refunded approximately $6,700 to utility customers during the first nine months of 2018.             



As of December 31, 2017, the Company had provisionally estimated that $175,108 of deferred income tax liabilities for our Pennsylvania subsidiary will be a regulatory liability as a result of the accounting effect of the TCJA.  In May 2018, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (“PA PUC”) issued an order that set forth the requirements for utilities to either immediately initiate the refund or otherwise address the impacts of the TCJA in the utilities’ next rate case.  Aqua Pennsylvania was included in the rate filing group of utilities as the Company filed a base rate case in August 2018, during which the PA PUC is expected to address the effects of the TCJA within the base rate case filing.  Additionally, the PA PUC has ordered that all rates charged by utilities, including those billed by Aqua Pennsylvania since January 1, 2018, are temporary and subject to refund pending the outcome of its review of the effects of the TCJA within the next base rate case.  Based on the Company’s review of the present circumstances, no reserve is considered necessary for the revenue recognized to date in 2018.      



The Company’s regulated operations accounting for income taxes are impacted by the FASB’s accounting guidance for regulated operations.  Reductions in accumulated deferred income tax balances due to the reduction in the Federal corporate income tax rates to 21% under the provisions of the TCJA will result in amounts previously collected from utility customers for these deferred taxes to be refundable to such customers, generally through reductions in future rates.  The TCJA includes provisions that stipulate how these excess deferred taxes related to certain accelerated tax depreciation deduction benefits are to be passed back to customers.  Potential refunds of other deferred taxes will be determined by our state regulators.  Our state regulatory commissions have or are in the process of issuing procedural orders directing how the tax law changes are to be reflected in our utility customer rates. 

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Note 16 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements   



In August 2018, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance on accounting for cloud computing arrangements.  The updated guidance requires entities that are customers in cloud computing arrangements to defer implementation costs if they would be capitalized by the entity in software licensing arrangements under the internal-use software guidance.  The guidance may be applied retrospectively or prospectively to implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption.  The updated accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those fiscal years.  The Company is evaluating the requirements of the updated guidance to determine the impact of adoption.



In August 2018, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance, which modifies the disclosures required for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans.  The modifications in this update remove disclosures that are no longer considered cost beneficial, clarify the specific requirements of disclosures, and add disclosure requirements identified as relevant.  The updated accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020, with early adoption available.  The Company is evaluating the requirements of the updated guidance to determine the impact of adoption.   



In August 2018, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance, which modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements.  The modifications in this update eliminates, amends, and adds disclosure requirements for fair value measurements, which is expected to reduce costs for preparers while providing more decision-useful information for financial statement users.  The updated accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2019, with early adoption available.  The Company is evaluating the requirements of the updated guidance to determine the impact of adoption.



In March 2017, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance on the presentation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (net benefit cost).  Historically, net benefit cost is reported as an employee cost within operating income, net of amounts capitalized.  The guidance requires the bifurcation of net benefit cost.  The service cost component will be presented with other employee compensation costs in operating income and the other components of net benefit cost will be reported separately outside of operating income, and will not be eligible for capitalization.  The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within that reporting period, and is to be applied retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost, and on a prospective basis for the capitalization of only the service cost component of net benefit cost.  On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the updated guidance, which did not have a material impact on its results of operations or financial position, and resulted in the reclassification, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, of $1,238 and $3,714, respectively, for the other components of net benefit cost from operations and maintenance expense to other in the consolidated statements of net income.



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In January 2017, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance that provides a new framework for determining whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses.  This update creates an initial screening test for which an entity would evaluate if substantially all the fair value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets.  If this threshold is met, the set of assets is not considered a business; however, if the threshold is not met, the entity evaluates whether the set of assets meets the requirement that a business included, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs.  The update also narrows the definition of outputs by more closely aligning it with how outputs are described in the new revenue guidance.  The updated accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted.  On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the updated guidance.      



In June 2016, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance on accounting for impairments of financial instruments, including trade receivables, which requires companies to estimate expected credit losses on trade receivables over their contractual life.  Historically, companies reserve for expected credit losses by applying historical loss percentages to respective aging categories.  Under the updated accounting guidance, companies will use a forward-looking methodology that incorporates lifetime expected credit losses, which will result in an allowance for expected credit losses for receivables that are either current or not yet due, which historically have not been reserved for.  The updated accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption available.  The Company is evaluating the requirements of the updated guidance to determine the impact of adoption.          



In February 2016, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance on accounting for leases, which requires lessees to establish a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months.  For income statement purposes, leases will be classified as either operating or finance.  Operating leases will result in straight-line expense while finance leases will result in a front-loaded expense pattern.  The updated accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption available.  The Company is implementing a process to address the requirements of the updated guidance and has not yet quantified the impact that the adoption of the updated accounting guidance on accounting for leases will have on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet due to the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities.          



In January 2016, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance on the recognition and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities, which amends certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments, including the requirement to measure certain equity investments at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income.  The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 31, 2017.  On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the updated guidance, which did not have a material impact on its results of operations or financial position, and resulted in the recognition of $860 of previous unrealized gains, which was recorded as an adjustment to beginning retained earnings (refer to the presentation of “cumulative effect of change in accounting principle – financial instruments” on the Company’s consolidated statement of equity).  



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In May 2014, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance on recognizing revenue from contracts with customers, which outlines a single comprehensive model that an entity will apply to determine the measurement of revenue and timing of recognition.  The underlying principle is that an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.  In 2017, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”) power and utility entities revenue recognition task force determined that contributions in aid of construction are not in the scope of the new standard, which was approved by the AICPA’s revenue recognition working group.  The Company implemented the updated guidance using the modified retrospective approach on January 1, 2018, which did not result in a change in the Company’s measurement of revenue, and reached the following conclusions: