YORK WATER CO - Annual Report: 2015 (Form 10-K)

Commission file number 001-34245
THE YORK WATER COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
PENNSYLVANIA		23-1242500
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
130 EAST MARKET STREET, YORK, PENNSYLVANIA		17401
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (717) 845-3601
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None
(Title of Each Class)		(Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
 YES				 NO
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
 YES				 NO
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 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				 NO
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. 
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 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one):
	Large accelerated filer 	Accelerated filer 
	Non-accelerated filer 	Small Reporting Company 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 YES	 NO

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Certain statements contained in this annual report and in documents incorporated by reference constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933.  Words such as "may," "should," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements include certain information relating to the Company's business strategy; statements including, but not limited to:

The forward-looking statements in this Annual Report reflect what the Company currently anticipates will happen.  What actually happens could differ materially from what it currently anticipates will happen.  The Company does not intend to make a public announcement when forward-looking statements in this Annual Report are no longer accurate, whether as a result of new information, what actually happens in the future or for any other reason.  Important matters that may affect what will actually happen include, but are not limited to:

 

THE YORK WATER COMPANY

PART I

The York Water Company (the "Company") is the oldest investor-owned water utility in the United States and is duly organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  The Company has operated continuously since 1816.  The primary business of the Company is to impound, purify to meet or exceed safe drinking water standards and distribute water.  The Company also owns and operates two wastewater collection and treatment systems.  The Company operates within its franchised territory, which covers 39 municipalities within York County, Pennsylvania and nine municipalities within Adams County, Pennsylvania.  The Company is regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, or PPUC, in the areas of billing, payment procedures, dispute processing, terminations, service territory, debt and equity financing and rate setting.  The Company must obtain PPUC approval before changing any practices associated with the aforementioned areas.

Water service is supplied through the Company's own distribution system.  The Company obtains the bulk of its water supply from both the South Branch and East Branch of the Codorus Creek, which together have an average daily flow of 73.0 million gallons.  This combined watershed area is approximately 117 square miles.  The Company has two reservoirs, Lake Williams and Lake Redman, which together hold up to approximately 2.2 billion gallons of water.  The Company has a 15-mile pipeline from the Susquehanna River to Lake Redman which provides access to an additional supply of 12.0 million gallons of untreated water per day.  The Company also owns seven wells which are capable of providing a safe yield of approximately 366,000 gallons per day to supply water to its customers in Carroll Valley Borough and Cumberland Township, Adams County.  As of December 31, 2015, the Company's average daily availability was 35.4 million gallons, and average daily consumption was approximately 18.5 million gallons.  The Company's service territory had an estimated population of 194,000 as of December 31, 2015.  Industry within the Company's service territory is diversified, manufacturing such items as fixtures and furniture, electrical machinery, food products, paper, ordnance units, textile products, injectable drug delivery systems, air conditioning systems, laundry detergent, barbells and motorcycles.

The Company's water business is somewhat dependent on weather conditions, particularly the amount and timing of rainfall.  Revenues are particularly vulnerable to weather conditions in the summer months.  Prolonged periods of hot and dry weather generally cause increased water usage for watering lawns, washing cars, and keeping golf courses and sports fields irrigated.  Conversely, prolonged periods of dry weather could lead to drought restrictions from governmental authorities.  Despite the Company's adequate water supply, customers may be required to cut back water usage under such drought restrictions which would negatively impact revenues.  The Company has addressed some of this vulnerability by instituting minimum customer charges which are intended to cover fixed costs of operations under all likely weather conditions.

The Company's business does not require large amounts of working capital and is not dependent on any single customer or a very few customers for a material portion of its business.  Increases in revenues are generally dependent on the Company's ability to obtain rate increases from the PPUC in a timely manner and in adequate amounts and to increase volumes of water sold through increased consumption and increases in the number of customers served.  The Company continuously looks for water and wastewater acquisition and expansion opportunities both within and outside its current service territory as well as additional opportunities to enter into bulk water contracts with municipalities and other entities to supply water.

The Company has agreements with several municipalities to provide sewer billing services.  The Company also has a service line protection program on a targeted basis in order to further diversify its business.  Under this optional program, customers pay a fixed monthly fee, and the Company will repair or replace damaged customer service lines, as needed, subject to an annual maximum dollar amount.  Opportunities to expand both initiatives are being pursued.

Competition

As a regulated utility, the Company operates within an exclusive franchised territory that is substantially free from direct competition with other public utilities, municipalities and other entities.  Although the Company has been granted an exclusive franchise for each of its existing community water and wastewater systems, the ability of the Company to expand or acquire new service territories may be affected by currently unknown competitors obtaining franchises to surrounding systems by application or acquisition.  These competitors may include other investor-owned utilities, nearby municipally-owned utilities and sometimes from strategic or financial purchasers seeking to enter or expand in the water and wastewater industry.  The addition of new service territory and the acquisition of other utilities are generally subject to review and approval by the PPUC.

Water and Wastewater Quality and Environmental Regulations

Provisions of water and wastewater service are subject to regulation under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, the Clean Water Act and related state laws, and under federal and state regulations issued under these laws.  In addition, the Company is subject to federal and state laws and other regulations relating to solid waste disposal, dam safety and other aspects of its operations.

The federal Safe Drinking Water Act establishes criteria and procedures for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, to develop national quality standards.  Regulations issued under the Act, and its amendments, set standards on the amount of certain contaminants allowable in drinking water.  Current requirements are not expected to have a material impact on the Company's operations or financial condition as it already meets or exceeds standards.  In the future, the Company may be required to change its method of treating drinking water, and may incur additional capital investments if new regulations become effective.

Under the requirements of the Pennsylvania Safe Drinking Water Act, or SDWA, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, or DEP, monitors the quality of the finished water supplied to customers.  The DEP requires the Company to submit weekly reports showing the results of daily bacteriological and other chemical and physical analyses. As part of this requirement, the Company conducts over 70,000 laboratory tests annually.  Management believes that the Company complies with the standards established by the agency under the SDWA.  The DEP assists the Company by regulating discharges into the Company's watershed area to prevent and eliminate pollution.

The federal Groundwater Rule became effective December 1, 2009 with implementation for community water supplies serving between 100 and 500 customers before April 1, 2012.  This rule requires additional testing of water from well sources, and under certain circumstances requires demonstration and maintenance of effective disinfection.  The Company holds public water supply permits issued by the DEP, which establishes the groundwater source operating conditions for its wells, including demonstrated 4-log treatment of viruses.  All of the satellite systems operated by the Company are in compliance with the federal Groundwater Rule.  The Company plans to make modifications at one of these systems to more reliably and consistently demonstrate 4-log treatment of viruses.

The Clean Water Act regulates discharges from water and wastewater treatment facilities into lakes, rivers, streams and groundwater.  The Company complies with this Act by obtaining and maintaining all required permits and approvals for discharges from its water and wastewater facilities and by satisfying all conditions and regulatory requirements associated with the permits.

The DEP monitors the quality of wastewater discharge effluent under the provisions of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, or NPDES.  The Company submits monthly reports to the DEP showing the results of its daily effluent monitoring and removal of sludge and biosolids.  The Company is not aware of any significant environmental remediation costs necessary from the handling and disposal of waste material from its wastewater operations.

The DEP and the Susquehanna River Basin Commission, or SRBC, regulate the amount of water withdrawn from streams in the watershed to assure that sufficient quantities are available to meet the needs of the Company and other regulated users.  Through its Division of Dam Safety, the DEP regulates the operation and maintenance of the Company's impounding dams.  The Company routinely inspects its dams and prepares annual reports of their condition as required by DEP regulations.  The DEP reviews these reports and inspects the Company's dams approximately every year.  The DEP most recently inspected the Company's dams in April 2014 and noted no significant violations.

Since 1980, the DEP has required any new dam to have a spillway that is capable of passing the design flood without overtopping the dam.  The design flood is either the Probable Maximum Flood, or PMF, or some fraction of it, depending on the size and location of the dam.  PMF is very conservative and is calculated using the most severe combination of meteorological and hydrologic conditions reasonably possible in the watershed area of a dam.

The Company engaged a professional engineer to analyze the spillway capacities at the Lake Williams and Lake Redman dams and validate the DEP's recommended flood design for the dams.  Management presented the results of the study to the DEP in December 2004, and DEP then requested that the Company submit a proposed schedule for the actions to address the spillway capacities.  Thereafter, the Company retained an engineering firm to prepare preliminary designs for increasing the spillway capacities to pass the PMF through armoring the dams with roller compacted concrete.  Management has met with the DEP on a regular basis to review the preliminary design and discuss scheduling, permitting, and construction requirements.  The Company is currently completing preliminary work on the dams as well as the final design and the permitting process.  The Company expects to begin armoring one of the dams between 2017 and 2019.  The second dam is expected to be armored in a year or two following the first dam armoring.  The cost to armor each dam is expected to be approximately $5 million.

Capital expenditures and operating costs required as a result of water quality standards and environmental requirements have been traditionally recognized by state public utility commissions as appropriate for inclusion in establishing rates.  The capital expenditures currently required as a result of water quality standards and environmental requirements have been budgeted in the Company's capital program and represent less than 10% of its expected total capital expenditures over the next five years.  The Company is currently in compliance with wastewater environmental standards and does not anticipate any major capital expenditures for its current wastewater business.

Growth

During the five year period ended December 31, 2015, the Company continued to grow the number of customers and its distribution facilities.

The following table sets forth certain of the Company's summary statistical information.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

The Company presently has 104 full time employees including the officers detailed in the information set forth under the caption "Executive Officers of the Company" of the 2016 Proxy Statement incorporated herein by reference.

Available Information

Shareholders may request, without charge, copies of the Company's financial reports.  Such requests, as well as other investor relations inquiries, should be addressed to:

The rates we charge our customers are subject to regulation. If we are unable to obtain government approval of our requests for rate increases, or if approved rate increases are untimely or inadequate to cover our investments in utility plant and equipment and projected expenses, our results of operations may be adversely affected.

Our ability to maintain and meet our financial objectives is dependent upon the rates we charge our customers, which are subject to approval by the PPUC.  We file rate increase requests with the PPUC, from time to time, to recover our investments in utility plant and equipment and projected expenses.  Any rate increase or adjustment must first be justified through documented evidence and testimony.  The PPUC determines whether the investments and expenses are recoverable, the length of time over which such costs are recoverable, or, because of changes in circumstances, whether a remaining balance of deferred investments and expenses is no longer recoverable in rates charged to customers.  Once a rate increase application is filed with the PPUC, the ensuing administrative and hearing process may be lengthy and costly.  The timing of our rate increase requests are therefore dependent upon the estimated cost of the administrative process in relation to the investments and expenses that we hope to recover through the rate increase.  In addition, the amount or frequency of rate increases may be decreased or lengthened as a result of changes in income tax laws regarding tax-basis depreciation as it applies to our capital expenditures or qualifying repair tax deductible expenditures.

We can provide no assurances that future requests will be approved by the PPUC; and, if approved, we cannot guarantee that these rate increases will be granted in a timely or sufficient manner to cover the investments and expenses for which we sought the rate increase.  If we are unable to obtain PPUC approval of our requests for rate increases, or if approved rate increases are untimely or inadequate to cover our investments in utility plant and equipment and projected expenses, our results of operations may be adversely affected.

We are subject to federal, state and local regulation that may impose costly limitations and restrictions on the way we do business.

Various federal, state and local authorities regulate many aspects of our business.  Among the most important of these regulations are those relating to the quality of water we supply our customers, water allocation rights and the quality of the effluent we discharge from our wastewater treatment facility.  Government authorities continually review these regulations, particularly the drinking water quality regulations, and may propose new or more restrictive requirements in the future.  We are required to perform water and wastewater quality tests that are monitored by the PPUC, the EPA, and the DEP, for the detection of certain chemicals and compounds in our water and effluent.  If new or more restrictive limitations on permissible levels of substances and contaminants in our water and wastewater are imposed, we may not be able to adequately predict the costs necessary to meet regulatory standards.  If we are unable to recover the cost of implementing new water and wastewater treatment procedures in response to more restrictive quality regulations through our rates that we charge our customers, or if we fail to comply with such regulations, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We are also subject to water allocation regulations that control the amount of water that we can draw from water sources. The SRBC and the DEP regulate the amount of water withdrawn from streams in the watershed for water supply purposes to assure that sufficient quantities are available to meet our needs and the needs of other regulated users.  In addition, government drought restrictions could cause the SRBC or the DEP to temporarily reduce the amount of our allocations.  If new or more restrictive water allocation regulations are implemented or our allocations are reduced due to weather conditions, it may have an adverse effect on our ability to supply the demands of our customers, and in turn, on our revenues and results of operations.

Our business is subject to seasonal fluctuations, which could affect demand for our water service and our revenues.

Demand for our water during the warmer months is generally greater than during cooler months due primarily to additional requirements for water in connection with cooling systems, swimming pools, irrigation systems and other outside water use.  Throughout the year, and particularly during typically warmer months, demand will vary with temperature and rainfall levels.  If temperatures during the typically warmer months are cooler than expected, or there is more rainfall than expected, the demand for our water may decrease and adversely affect our revenues.

Weather conditions and overuse may interfere with our sources of water, demand for water services, and our ability to supply water to our customers.

We depend on an adequate water supply to meet the present and future demands of our customers and to continue our expansion efforts.  Unexpected conditions may interfere with our water supply sources.  Drought and overuse may limit the availability of surface and ground water.  These factors might adversely affect our ability to supply water in sufficient quantities to our customers and our revenues and earnings may be adversely affected.  Additionally, cool and wet weather, as well as drought restrictions and our customers' conservation efforts, may reduce consumption demands, also adversely affecting our revenue and earnings.  Furthermore, freezing weather may also contribute to water transmission interruptions caused by pipe and main breakage.  If we experience an interruption in our water supply, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Some scientific experts are predicting a worsening of weather volatility in the future, possibly created by the climate change greenhouse gases.  Changing severe weather patterns could require additional expenditures to reduce the risk associated with any increasing storm, flood and drought occurrences.

The issue of climate change is receiving ever increasing attention worldwide.  Many climate change predictions, if true, present several potential challenges to water and wastewater utilities, such as increased frequency and duration of droughts, increased precipitation and flooding, potential degradation of water quality, and changes in demand for services.  The changes may result in lower revenue, the need for additional capital expenditures, or increased costs.  Because of the uncertainty of weather volatility related to climate change, we cannot predict its potential impact on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.  Although any potential expenditures and costs may be recovered in the form of higher rates, there can be no assurance that the PPUC would approve rate increases to enable us to recover such expenditures and costs.  We cannot assure you that our costs of complying with any climate change related measures will not harm our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

General economic conditions may affect our financial condition and results of operations.

A general economic downturn may lead to a number of impacts on our business that may affect our financial condition and results of operations.  Such impacts may include: a reduction in discretionary and recreational water use by our residential water customers, particularly during the summer months when such discretionary usage is normally at its highest; a decline in usage by industrial and commercial customers as a result of decreased business activity; an increased incidence of customers' inability to pay or delays in paying their utility bills, or an increase in customer bankruptcies, which may lead to higher bad debt expense and reduced cash flow; a lower customer growth rate due to a decline in new housing starts; and a decline in the number of active customers due to housing vacancies or abandonments.  A deterioration in general economic conditions may also lead to an investment market downturn, which may result in our pension plans' asset market values suffering a decline and significant volatility.  A decline in our pension plans' asset market values could increase our required cash contributions to these plans and pension expense in subsequent years.

The current concentration of our business in central and southern Pennsylvania makes us particularly susceptible to adverse developments in local economic and demographic conditions.

Our service territory presently includes 39 municipalities within York County, Pennsylvania and nine municipalities within Adams County, Pennsylvania.  Our revenues and operating results are therefore especially subject to local economic and demographic conditions in the area.  A change in any of these conditions could make it more costly or difficult for us to conduct our business.  In addition, any such change would have a disproportionate effect on us, compared to water and wastewater utility companies that do not have such a geographic concentration.

Contamination of our water supply may cause disruption in our services and adversely affect our revenues.

Our water supply is subject to contamination from the migration of naturally-occurring substances in groundwater and surface systems and pollution resulting from man-made sources.  In the event that our water supply is contaminated, we may have to interrupt the use of that water supply until we are able to substitute the flow of water from an uncontaminated water source through our interconnected transmission and distribution facilities.  In addition, we may incur significant costs in order to treat the contaminated source through expansion of our current treatment facilities or development of new treatment methods.  Our inability to substitute water supply from an uncontaminated water source, or to adequately treat the contaminated water source in a cost-effective manner, may have an adverse effect on our revenues.

The necessity for increased security has and may continue to result in increased operating costs.

We have taken steps to increase security measures at our facilities and heighten employee awareness of threats to our water supply.  We have also tightened our security measures regarding the delivery and handling of certain chemicals used in our business.  We have and will continue to bear increased costs for security precautions to protect our facilities, operations and supplies.  We are not aware of any specific threats to our facilities, operations or supplies.  However, it is possible that we would not be in a position to control the outcome of such events should they occur.

The growing dependence on digital technology has increased the risks related to cybersecurity.

Computers and the Internet have led to increased productivity and improved customer service.  Unfortunately, progress in this area has brought with it cybersecurity risks.  Recently, the frequency and severity of cyber attacks on companies has increased resulting in a disruption to business operations and the corruption or misappropriation of proprietary data.  We have and will continue to bear increased costs for security precautions to protect our information technology.  However, if such an attack was to occur and could not be prevented, customer information could be misappropriated, our networks may be down for an extended period of time disrupting our business, and it could require costly replacement of hardware and software.  We carry cyber liability insurance, however, our limits may not be sufficient to cover all losses or liabilities.

We depend on the availability of capital for expansion, construction and maintenance.

Our ability to continue our expansion efforts and fund our construction and maintenance program depends on the availability of adequate capital.  There is no guarantee that we will be able to obtain sufficient capital in the future or that the cost of capital will not be too high for future expansion and construction.  In addition, approval from the PPUC must be obtained prior to our sale and issuance of securities.  If we are unable to obtain approval from the PPUC on these matters, or to obtain approval in a timely manner, it may affect our ability to effect transactions that are beneficial to us or our shareholders.  A single transaction may itself not be profitable but might still be necessary to continue providing service or to grow the business.

The failure to maintain our existing credit rating could affect our cost of funds and related liquidity.

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services rates our outstanding debt and has given a credit rating to us.  Their evaluations are based on a number of factors, which include financial strength as well as transparency with rating agencies and timeliness of financial reporting.  Failure to maintain our current credit rating could adversely affect our cost of funds and related liquidity.

We may face competition from other water suppliers that may hinder our growth and reduce our profitability.

We face competition from other water suppliers for acquisitions, which may limit our growth opportunities.  Furthermore, even after we have been the successful bidder in an acquisition, competing water suppliers may challenge our application for extending our franchise territory to cover the target company's market.  Finally, third parties either supplying water on a contract basis to municipalities or entering into agreements to operate municipal water systems might adversely affect our business by winning contracts that may be beneficial to us.  If we are unable to compete successfully with other water suppliers for these acquisitions, franchise territories and contracts, it may impede our expansion goals and adversely affect our profitability.

An important element of our growth strategy is the acquisition of water and wastewater systems.  Any pending or future acquisitions we decide to undertake will involve risks.

The acquisition and integration of water and wastewater systems is an important element in our growth strategy.  This strategy depends on identifying suitable acquisition opportunities and reaching mutually agreeable terms with acquisition candidates.  The negotiation of potential acquisitions as well as the integration of acquired businesses could require us to incur significant costs.  Further, acquisitions may result in dilution for the owners of our common stock, our incurrence of debt and contingent liabilities and fluctuations in quarterly results.  In addition, the businesses and other assets we acquire may not achieve the financial results that we expect, which could adversely affect our profitability.

We have restrictions on our dividends. There can also be no assurance that we will continue to pay dividends in the future or, if dividends are paid, that they will be in amounts similar to past dividends.

The terms of our debt instruments impose conditions on our ability to pay dividends.  We have paid dividends on our common stock each year since our inception in 1816 and have increased the amount of dividends paid each year since 1997.  Our earnings, financial condition, capital requirements, applicable regulations and other factors, including the timeliness and adequacy of rate increases, will determine both our ability to pay dividends on our common stock and the amount of those dividends.  There can be no assurance that we will continue to pay dividends in the future or, if dividends are paid, that they will be in amounts similar to past dividends.

If we are unable to pay the principal and interest on our indebtedness as it comes due or we default under certain other provisions of our loan documents, our indebtedness could be accelerated and our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

Our ability to pay the principal and interest on our indebtedness as it comes due will depend upon our current and future performance.  Our performance is affected by many factors, some of which are beyond our control.  We believe that our cash generated from operations, and, if necessary, borrowings under our existing credit facilities will be sufficient to enable us to make our debt payments as they become due.  If, however, we do not generate sufficient cash, we may be required to refinance our obligations or sell additional equity, which may be on terms that are not as favorable to us.  No assurance can be given that any refinancing or sale of equity will be possible when needed or that we will be able to negotiate acceptable terms.  In addition, our failure to comply with certain provisions contained in our trust indentures and loan agreements relating to our outstanding indebtedness could lead to a default under these documents, which could result in an acceleration of our indebtedness.

We depend significantly on the services of the members of our senior management team, and the departure of any of those persons could cause our operating results to suffer.

Our success depends significantly on the continued individual and collective contributions of our senior management team.  If we lose the services of any member of our senior management or are unable to hire and retain experienced management personnel, our operating results could suffer.

Work stoppages and other labor relations matters could adversely affect our operating results.

Approximately one-third of our workforce is unionized under a contract with a labor union.  In light of rising costs for healthcare and retirement benefits, contract negotiations in the future may be difficult.  We are subject to a risk of work stoppages and other labor actions as we negotiate with the union to address these issues, which could affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.  Although we believe we have a good relationship with our union workforce and have a strike contingency plan, we cannot be assured that issues with our labor force will be resolved favorably to us in the future or that we will not experience work stoppages.

There is a limited trading market for our common stock; you may not be able to resell your shares at or above the price you pay for them.

Although our common stock is listed for trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the trading in our common stock has substantially less liquidity than many other companies quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.  A public trading market having the desired characteristics of depth, liquidity and orderliness depends on the presence in the market of willing buyers and sellers of our common stock at any given time.  This presence depends on the individual decisions of investors and general economic and market conditions over which we have no control.  Because of the limited volume of trading in our common stock, a sale of a significant number of shares of our common stock in the open market could cause our stock price to decline.

The failure of, or the requirement to repair, upgrade or dismantle, either of our dams may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Our water system includes two impounding dams.  While we maintain robust dam maintenance and inspection programs, a failure of the dams could result in injuries and damage to residential and/or commercial property downstream for which we may be responsible, in whole or in part.  The failure of a dam could also adversely affect our ability to supply water in sufficient quantities to our customers and could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.  We carry liability insurance on our dams, however, our limits may not be sufficient to cover all losses or liabilities incurred due to the failure of one of our dams.  The estimated costs to maintain and upgrade our dams are included in our capital budget.  Although such costs have previously been recoverable in rates, there is no guarantee that these costs will continue to be recoverable and in what magnitude they will be recoverable.

Wastewater operations entail significant risks and may impose significant costs.

Wastewater collection and treatment and septage pumping and sludge hauling involve various unique risks.  If collection or treatment systems fail or do not operate properly, or if there is a spill, untreated or partially treated wastewater could discharge onto property or into nearby streams and rivers, causing various damages and injuries, including environmental damage.  These risks are most acute during periods of substantial rainfall or flooding, which are the main causes of sewer overflow and system failure.  Liabilities resulting from such damages and injuries could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

The final determination of our income tax liability may be materially different from our income tax provision.

Significant judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes.  The calculation of the provision for income taxes is subject to our interpretation of applicable business tax laws in the federal and state jurisdictions in which we file.  In addition, our income tax returns are subject to periodic examination by the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, and other taxing authorities.  In December 2014, we changed our tax method of accounting to permit the expensing of qualifying asset improvement costs that were previously being capitalized and depreciated for tax purposes.  Our determination of what qualifies as a capital cost versus a repair expense tax deduction is subject to subsequent adjustment and may impact the income tax benefits that have been recognized.  Although we believe our income tax estimates are appropriate, there is no assurance that the final determination of our income tax liability will not be materially different, either higher or lower, from what is reflected in our income tax provision.  In the event we are assessed additional income taxes, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected.

We are subject to market and interest rate risk on our $12,000,000 variable interest rate debt issue.

We are subject to interest rate risk in conjunction with our $12,000,000 variable interest rate debt issue.  This exposure, however, has been hedged with an interest rate swap.  This hedge will protect the Company from the risk of changes in the benchmark interest rates, but does not protect the Company's exposure to the changes in the difference between its own variable funding rate and the benchmark rate.  A breakdown of the historical relationships between the cost of funds of the Company and the benchmark rate underlying the interest rate swap could result in higher interest rates adversely affecting our financial results.

The holders of the $12,000,000 variable rate Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority (PEDFA) Series A Bonds may tender their bonds at any time.  When the bonds are tendered, they are subject to an annual remarketing agreement, pursuant to which a remarketing agent attempts to remarket the tendered bonds pursuant to the terms of the Indenture.  In order to keep variable interest rates down and to enhance the marketability of the Series A Bonds, the Company entered into a Reimbursement, Credit and Security Agreement with PNC Bank, National Association ("the Bank") dated as of May 1, 2008.  This agreement provides for a direct pay letter of credit issued by the Bank to the trustee for the Series A Bonds.  The letter of credit expires June 30, 2017 and is reviewed annually for a potential extension of the expiration date.  The Bank is responsible for providing the trustee with funds for the timely payment of the principal and interest on the Series A Bonds and for the purchase price of the Series A Bonds that have been tendered or deemed tendered for purchase and have not been remarketed.  If the Bank is unable to meet its obligations, the Company would be required to buy any bonds which had been tendered.

 

None.

Source of Water Supply

The Company owns two impounding dams located in York and Springfield Townships adjoining the Borough of Jacobus to the south.  The lower dam, the Lake Williams Impounding Dam, creates a reservoir covering approximately 165 acres containing about 870 million gallons of water.  The upper dam, the Lake Redman Impounding Dam, creates a reservoir covering approximately 290 acres containing about 1.3 billion gallons of water.

In addition to the two impounding dams, the Company owns a 15-mile pipeline from the Susquehanna River to Lake Redman that provides access to a supply of an additional 12.0 million gallons of water per day.

The Company also owns three satellite water systems in Adams County, Pennsylvania.  The Carroll Valley Water System consists of two groundwater wells capable of providing a safe yield of approximately 100,000 gallons per day with a current average daily consumption of 12,000 gallons per day.  The Western Cumberland Water System (formerly Lincoln Estates) consists of three groundwater wells capable of providing a safe yield of 144,000 gallons per day with a current average daily consumption of 18,000 gallons per day.  The Eastern Cumberland Water System (formerly The Meadows) consists of two groundwater wells capable of providing a safe yield of 122,000 gallons per day with a current average daily consumption of 17,000 gallons per day.

As of December 31, 2015, the Company's present average daily availability was 35.4 million gallons, and daily consumption was approximately 18.5 million gallons.

Pumping Stations

The Company's main pumping station is located in Spring Garden Township on the south branch of the Codorus Creek about four miles downstream from the Company's lower impounding dam.  The pumping station presently houses pumping equipment consisting of three electrically driven centrifugal pumps and two diesel-engine driven centrifugal pumps with a combined pumping capacity of 68.0 million gallons per day.  The pumping capacity is more than double peak requirements and is designed to provide an ample safety margin in the event of pump or power failure.  A large diesel backup generator is installed to provide power to the pumps in the event of an emergency. The untreated water is pumped approximately two miles to the filtration plant through pipes owned by the Company.

The Susquehanna River Pumping Station is located on the western shore of the Susquehanna River several miles south of Wrightsville, PA.  The pumping station is equipped with three Floway Vertical Turbine pumps rated at 6 million gallons per day each.  The pumping station pumps water from the Susquehanna River approximately 15 miles through a combination of 30" and 36" ductile iron main to the Company's upper impounding dam, located at Lake Redman.

Treatment Facilities

The Company's water filtration plant is located in Spring Garden Township about one-half mile south of the City of York. Water at this plant is filtered through twelve dual media filters having a stated capacity of 31.0 million gallons per day with a maximum supply of 42.0 million gallons per day for short periods if necessary.  Based on an average daily consumption in 2015 of approximately 18.5 million gallons, the Company believes the pumping and filtering facilities are adequate to meet present and anticipated demands.  In 2005, the Company performed a capacity study of the filtration plant, and in 2007, began upgrading the facility to increase capacity to meet peak demands, for operational redundancy, and for future growth.  The current phase of the upgrade, replacement of the filter media, began in 2013 and is expected to be completed in 2016.

The Company's sediment recycling facility is located adjacent to its water filtration plant.  This state of the art facility employs cutting edge technology to remove fine, suspended solids from untreated water.  The Company estimates that through this energy efficient, environmentally friendly process, approximately 600 tons of sediment will be removed annually, thereby improving the quality of the Codorus Creek watershed.

The Company's two wastewater treatment facilities are located in East Manchester and Lower Windsor Townships.  The two wastewater treatment plants are each small, packaged, extended aeration activated sludge facilities with a combined average daily flow capacity of 167,000 gallons.  With a projected maximum daily demand of 77,000 gallons, the plants' flow paths offer both capacity and operational redundancy for maintenance, high flow events, and potential growth.

Distribution and Collection

The distribution system of the Company has approximately 958 miles of water main lines which range in diameter from 2 inches to 36 inches.  The distribution system includes 31 booster stations and 33 standpipes and reservoirs capable of storing approximately 58.0 million gallons of potable water.  All booster stations are equipped with at least two pumps for protection in case of mechanical failure.  Following a deliberate study of customer demand and pumping capacity, the Company installed standby generators at all critical booster stations to provide an alternate energy source or emergency power in the event of an electric utility interruption.

The two wastewater collection systems of the Company have a combined approximate 38,270 feet of 6 inch and 8 inch gravity collection mains and 4,800 feet of 6" pressure force main along with 3 sewage pumping stations each rated at 80 gallons per minute.

Other Properties

The Company's distribution center and material and supplies warehouse are located in Springettsbury Township, and are composed of three one-story concrete block buildings aggregating 30,680 square feet.

The administrative and executive offices of the Company are located in one three-story and one two-story brick and masonry buildings, containing a total of approximately 21,861 square feet, in the City of York, Pennsylvania.

All of the Company's properties described above are held in fee by the Company.  There are no material encumbrances on such properties.

In 1976, the Company entered into a Joint Use and Park Management Agreement with York County under which the Company licensed use of certain of its lands and waters for public park purposes for a period of 50 years.  Under the agreement, York County has agreed not to erect a dam upstream on the East Branch of the Codorus Creek or otherwise obstruct the flow of the creek.

There are no material legal proceedings involving the Company.

Not applicable.

PART II

Market for Common Stock and Dividends

The common stock of The York Water Company is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (Symbol "YORW").  Quarterly price ranges and cash dividends per share for the last two years follow:

*Cash dividends per share reflect dividends declared at each dividend date.

Prices listed in the above table are sales prices as listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.  Shareholders of record (excluding individual participants in securities positions listings) as of December 31, 2015 numbered approximately 2,007.

Dividend Policy

Dividends on the Company's common stock are declared by the Board of Directors and are normally paid in January, April, July and October.  Dividends are paid based on shares outstanding as of the stated record date, which is ordinarily the last day of the calendar month immediately preceding the dividend payment.

The dividend paid on the Company's common stock on January 15, 2016 was the 580th consecutive dividend paid by the Company.  The Company has paid consecutive dividends for its entire history, since 1816.  The policy of the Company's Board of Directors is currently to pay cash dividends on a quarterly basis.  The dividend rate has been increased annually for nineteen consecutive years.  The Company's Board of Directors declared dividend number 581 in the amount of $0.1555 per share at its February 2016 meeting.  The dividend is payable on April 15, 2016 to shareholders of record as of February 29, 2016.  Future cash dividends will be dependent upon the Company's earnings, financial condition, capital demands and other factors and will be determined by the Company's Board of Directors.  See Note 4 to the Company's financial statements included herein for restrictions on dividend payments.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Company

On March 11, 2013, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program granting the Company authority to repurchase up to 1,200,000 shares of the Company's common stock from time to time.  Under the stock repurchase program, the Company may repurchase shares in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions.  The Company may suspend or discontinue the repurchase program at any time.  The Company did not repurchase any shares that were not part of the publicly announced plan during the quarter ended December 31, 2015.

The following table summarizes the Company's purchases of its common stock for the quarter ended December 31, 2015.

The Company's loan agreements contain various covenants and restrictions regarding dividends and share repurchases.  As of December 31, 2015, management believes it was in compliance with all of these restrictions.  See Note 4 for additional information regarding these restrictions.

The Company will fund repurchases under the share repurchase program with internally generated funds and borrowings under its credit facilities, if necessary.

Performance Graph

The following line graph presents the annual and cumulative total shareholder return for The York Water Company Common Stock over a five-year period from 2010 through 2015, based on the market price of the Common Stock and assuming reinvestment of dividends, compared with the cumulative total shareholder return of companies in the S&P 500 Index and a peer group made up of publicly traded water utilities, also assuming reinvestment of dividends.  The peer group companies include:  American States, American Water, Aqua America, Artesian Resources, California Water Service, Connecticut Water, Middlesex Water and San Jose Water.

 

(All dollar amounts are stated in thousands of dollars.)

For Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, please refer to Item 7 of this Annual Report.

(All dollar amounts are stated in thousands of dollars.)

Overview

The York Water Company (the "Company") is the oldest investor-owned water utility in the United States, operated continuously since 1816. The Company also operates two wastewater collection and treatment systems.  The Company is a purely regulated water and wastewater utility.  Profitability is largely dependent on water revenues.  Due to the size of the Company and the limited geographic diversity of its service territory, weather conditions, particularly rainfall, economic, and market conditions can have an adverse effect on revenues.  Market conditions and the economy in general remain sluggish.  While there was little organic growth in the customer base in 2015, total water usage per customer declined by only 0.1% compared to 2014.

The Company increased revenues in 2015 compared to 2014 due to an 11.7% rate increase effective February 28, 2014, an interconnection with a neighboring municipality to provide water due to an emergency event, and growth in the customer base as a result of acquisitions.

The Company's business does not require large amounts of working capital and is not dependent on any single customer or a very few customers for a material portion of its business.  In 2015, operating revenue was derived from the following sources and in the following percentages: residential, 63%; commercial and industrial, 29%; and other, 8% which is primarily from the provision for fire service and other water and wastewater service-related income.  The customer mix helps to reduce volatility in consumption.

The Company seeks to grow revenues by increasing the volume of water sold through increases in the number of customers served, making timely and prudent investments in infrastructure replacements, expansion and improvements, and timely filing for rate increases.  The Company continuously looks for acquisition and expansion opportunities both within and outside its current service territory as well as through contractual services and bulk water supply.  The Company's wastewater business provides additional opportunities to expand.

The Company has entered into agreements with several municipalities to provide sewer billing services.  The Company also has a service line protection program on a targeted basis.  Opportunities to expand both initiatives are being pursued to further diversify the business.

In addition to increasing revenue, the Company consistently focuses on minimizing costs without sacrificing water quality or customer service.  Paperless billing, negotiation of favorable electric and banking costs, as well as taking advantage of the IRS tangible property regulations are examples of some of the Company's efforts to minimize costs.

Performance Measures

Company management uses financial measures including operating revenues, net income, earnings per share and return on equity to evaluate its financial performance.  Additional statistical measures including number of customers, customer complaint rate, annual customer rates and the efficiency ratio are used to evaluate performance quality.  These measures are calculated on a regular basis and compared with historical information, budget and the other publicly-traded water and wastewater companies.

The Company's performance in 2015 was strong under the above measures.  Residual increases from a prior year rate filing, higher consumption from an interconnection with a neighboring municipality, and increases in the number of customers mostly as a result of acquisitions resulted in higher revenue and offset the higher operating expenses recorded in 2015.  The Company also benefited from a decrease in other net expenses and lower income taxes despite higher income due to the effects of the IRS tangible property regulations, or TPR.  The overall effect was an increase in net income in 2015 over 2014 of 8.8% and a return on year end common equity of 11.5%, its highest level in more than five years.

The efficiency ratio, which is calculated as net income divided by revenues, is used by management to evaluate its ability to control expenses.  Over the five previous years, the Company's ratio averaged 23.1%.  In 2015, the ratio was higher than the average at 26.5% due to the higher net income resulting from higher revenue and lower income taxes.  Management is confident that its ratio will compare favorably to that of its peers.  Management continues to look for ways to decrease expenses and increase efficiency as well as to file for rate increases promptly when needed.

Results of Operations

2015 Compared with 2014

Net income for 2015 was $12,489, an increase of $1,005, or 8.8%, from net income of $11,484 for 2014.  The primary contributing factors to the increase in net income were higher operating revenues, lower retirement expenses and reduced charitable contributions.  The increased income was partially offset by higher operating expenses and a non-recurring prior year gain on the sale of land.

Operating revenues for the year increased $1,189, or 2.6%, from $45,900 for 2014 to $47,089 for 2015.  The primary reason for the increase was a rate increase effective February 28, 2014.  Additionally, revenues increased from an interconnection with a neighboring municipality to provide water due to an emergency event and from an increase in customers.  The average number of customers served in 2015 increased as compared to 2014 by 894 customers, from 64,773 to 65,667 customers, due primarily to recent acquisitions.  Total per capita consumption for 2015 was 0.1% lower than last year.  The Company expects revenues for 2016 to show a modest increase over 2015 due to an increase in the number of water and wastewater customers due to recently announced acquisitions.  Other regulatory actions and weather patterns could impact results.

Operating expenses for the year increased $605, or 2.5%, from $23,823 for 2014 to $24,428 for 2015.  The increase was primarily due to higher depreciation expense of approximately $219, increased water treatment chemical usage of approximately $131 due to weather conditions, and higher pension expense of approximately $118.  Also adding to the increase were higher expenses of approximately $71 for sediment hauling and a survey of piping at the water treatment plant, $45 for insurance, $33 for information technology strategic planning and $31 for credit card fees due to increased on-line payments.  The increased expenses were partially offset by a reduction of $32 for power.  Other expenses decreased by a net of $11.  In 2016, the Company expects depreciation expense to continue to rise due to additional investment in utility plant, and other expenses to increase at a moderate rate as costs to maintain and extend the distribution system continue to rise and as additional water and wastewater systems are acquired.

Interest expense on debt for 2015 decreased $34, or 0.7%, from $5,087 for 2014 to $5,053 for 2015.  The decrease was due to the 2014 bond refinancing at a lower interest rate. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in interest due to additional long-term debt outstanding.  Interest expense for 2016 is expected to increase due to the increase in long-term debt outstanding (see Note 4 to the financial statements) and possible line of credit borrowings.

Allowance for funds used during construction decreased $4, from $210 in 2014 to $206 in 2015, due to a lower volume of eligible construction.  Allowance for funds used during construction in 2016 is expected to show a modest increase based on a projected increase in the amount of eligible construction.

A non-recurring gain on the sale of land of $316 was recorded in 2014 as a result of a PennDOT realignment project which included a portion of the Company's distribution facility property.  No additional land sales are anticipated at this time.

Other income (expenses), net for 2015 reflects reduced expenses of $570 as compared to 2014.  The net change was primarily due to reduced retirement expense of $443 and lower charitable contributions of $296.  The reduced expenses were partially offset by lower earnings on life insurance policies of approximately $165.  Other expenses aggregating approximately $4 increased as compared to 2014.  In 2016, other income (expenses) will largely be determined by the change in market returns and discount rates for retirement programs and related assets.

Income taxes for 2015 decreased $137, or 2.8%, compared to 2014 due to the continued tax benefit of the IRS TPR.  (See the Income Taxes, Deferred Income Taxes and Uncertain Tax Positions section included herein for additional details.)  The Company's effective tax rate was 27.5% for 2015 and 29.8% for 2014.  The Company expects the effective tax rate to be approximately 28% to 32% in 2016 due to the continued expensing of asset improvements that would have been capitalized for tax purposes prior to the implementation of the TPR.

2014 Compared with 2013

Net income for 2014 was $11,484, an increase of $1,830, or 19.0%, from net income of $9,654 for 2013.  The primary contributing factors to the increase in net income were higher operating revenues and lower income taxes which were partially offset by higher operating and retirement expenses.

Operating revenues for 2014 increased $3,517, or 8.3%, from $42,283 for 2013 to $45,900 for 2014.  The primary reason for the increase was an 11.7% rate increase effective February 28, 2014.  Total per capita consumption for the year was 0.4% lower than 2013.  The average number of water customers served in 2014 increased as compared to 2013 by 429 customers, from 63,774 to 64,203 customers.  The average number of wastewater customers served in 2014 increased as compared to 2013 by 340 customers, from 230 to 570 customers, due to the East Prospect acquisition.

Operating expenses for 2014 increased $2,201, or 10.2%, from $21,622 for 2013 to $23,823 for 2014.  The increase was primarily due to higher pension expense of approximately $589 and increased salary and wage expense of approximately $489.  Also adding to the increase were higher expenses of $188 for depreciation, $165 for health insurance, $139 for general insurance, $118 for wastewater treatment, $114 for rate case expenses, $90 for accounting services and $80 for distribution system maintenance.  Other expenses increased by a net of $299.  The increase was partially offset by higher capitalized overhead of $70.

Interest expense on debt for 2014 decreased $157, or 3.0%, from $5,244 for 2013 to $5,087 for 2014.  The decrease was due to the bond refinancing in 2014 at a lower interest rate.

Allowance for funds used during construction increased $128, from $82 in 2013 to $210 in the 2014, due to a higher volume of eligible construction.

A gain on the sale of land of $316 was recorded in 2014 as a result of a PennDOT realignment project which included a portion of the Company's distribution facility property.

Other income (expenses), net for 2014 reflects increased expenses of $1,022 as compared to 2013.  The net change was primarily due to higher retirement expenses of approximately $611 caused by an 85 basis point decrease in the discount rate for our retirement programs, additional charitable contributions of $243 and lower earnings on life insurance policies of $138.  Other expenses aggregating approximately $30 increased as compared to 2013.

Income taxes for 2014 decreased $935, or 16.1%, compared to 2013 due to additional tax deductions under the IRS TPR. The Company's effective tax rate was 29.8% for 2014 and 37.6% for 2013.

Rate Developments

See Note 7 to the Company's financial statements included herein for a discussion of its rate developments.

The benefit from the implementation of the IRS TPR impacts the rate matters of the Company.  Earnings in excess of the regulatory benchmark prevented the collection of a distribution system improvement charge in 2015, and the Company anticipates it will do so again in 2016.  It also may lengthen the amount of time until filing the next rate increase request.  When the Company does file for its next rate increase, the PPUC will take into account the lower income taxes which resulted from the implementation of the IRS TPR, effectively reducing the amount of revenue required in future years and lowering the Company's rate increase request.

Acquisitions

See Note 2 to the Company's financial statements included herein for a discussion of completed acquisitions included in financial results.

On October 8, 2013, the Company signed an agreement to purchase the wastewater assets of SYC WWTP, L.P. in Shrewsbury and Springfield Townships, York County, Pennsylvania.  Completion of the acquisition is contingent upon receiving approval from all required regulatory authorities.  Closing is expected in the fourth quarter of 2016 at which time the Company will add approximately 30 commercial and industrial wastewater customers.

On July 16, 2015, the Company signed an agreement to purchase the water assets of Crestview Mobile Home Park in York County, Pennsylvania.  PPUC approval was granted in January 2016.  Completion of this acquisition is expected in March 2016, at which time the Company will begin serving approximately 120 new customers through an interconnection with its current distribution system.

On July 20, 2015, the Company signed an agreement to purchase the water assets of Westwood Mobile Home Park in York County, Pennsylvania.  Completion of this acquisition is contingent upon receiving approval from all required regulatory authorities.  The Company expects to begin serving approximately 200 new customers through an interconnection with its current distribution system in the second quarter of 2016.

On January 18, 2016, the Company signed an agreement to purchase the wastewater collection assets of West York Borough in York County, Pennsylvania.  Completion of the acquisition is contingent upon receiving approval from all required regulatory authorities.  Closing is expected in the fourth quarter of 2016 at which time the Company will add approximately 1,700 wastewater customers.

In total, these acquisitions are expected to be immaterial to total company results.  The Company is also pursuing other bulk water contracts and water and wastewater acquisitions in and around its service territory to help offset any further declines in per capita water consumption and to grow its business.

Capital Expenditures

During 2015, the Company invested $13,844 in construction expenditures for routine items and further upgrades to its water treatment facilities as well as various replacements of infrastructure.  The Company replaced and relined approximately 42,000 feet of main in 2015.  In addition, the Company invested $352 in the acquisition of water systems during 2015.  The Company was able to fund construction expenditures and acquisitions using internally-generated funds, proceeds from its stock purchase plans, and proceeds from its long-term debt issue.  See Notes 4 and 5 to the Company's financial statements included herein.

The Company anticipates construction and acquisition expenditures for 2016 and 2017 of approximately $20,100 and $13,100, respectively, exclusive of any acquisitions not yet approved.  In addition to routine transmission and distribution projects, a portion of the anticipated 2016 and 2017 expenditures will be for additional main extensions, further upgrades to water and wastewater treatment facilities, an additional raw water pumping station and force main, the beginning of armoring one of the dams, and various replacements of infrastructure.  The Company intends to use primarily internally-generated funds for its anticipated 2016 and 2017 construction and fund the remainder through line of credit borrowings, proceeds from its stock purchase plans and customer advances and contributions (see Note 1 to the Company's financial statements included herein).  Customer advances and contributions are expected to account for less than 5% of funding requirements in 2016 and 2017.  Potential debt and equity offerings may be utilized if required.  The Company believes it will have adequate credit facilities and access to the capital markets, if necessary, during 2016, to fund anticipated construction and acquisition expenditures.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash

The Company manages its cash through a cash management account that is directly connected to a line of credit.  Excess cash generated automatically pays down outstanding borrowings under the line of credit arrangement.  If there are no outstanding borrowings, the cash is used as an earnings credit to reduce banking fees.  Likewise, if additional funds are needed beyond what is generated internally for payroll, to pay suppliers, or for debt service, funds are automatically borrowed under the line of credit.  The Company fully utilized its cash on hand after three separate significant cash outflows, specifically a $2,300 contribution to its pension trusts and April and July dividend payments, requiring the use of line of credit borrowings for a portion of the year ended December 31, 2015.  Each time, the Company was able to repay the borrowings, and it accumulated a cash balance of $2,879 as of December 31, 2015.  This was primarily due to proceeds from the long-term debt issue in July and lower income taxes paid than would have been required without the implementation of the IRS TPR.  The Company expects the cash balance to be fully utilized in 2016, after which the cash management facility is expected to provide the necessary liquidity and funding for the Company's operations, capital expenditures, acquisitions and potential buybacks of stock for the foreseeable future.

Accounts Receivable

The accounts receivable balance tends to follow the change in revenues but is also affected by the timeliness of payments by customers and the level of the reserve for doubtful accounts.  In 2015, the accounts receivable balance decreased despite an increase in revenue as the Company experienced an improvement in the timeliness of payments by its customers.  A reserve is maintained at a level considered adequate to provide for losses that can be reasonably anticipated based on inactive accounts with outstanding balances.  Management periodically evaluates the adequacy of the reserve based on past experience, agings of the receivables, adverse situations that may affect a customer's ability to pay, current economic conditions, and other relevant factors.  If the status of these factors deteriorates, the Company may incur additional expenses for uncollectible accounts and experience a reduction in its internally-generated funds.  The improvement in the timeliness of payments by customers allowed the Company to reduce its allowance for doubtful accounts in 2015.

Internally-generated Funds

The amount of internally-generated funds available for operations and construction depends on the Company's ability to obtain timely and adequate rate relief, changes in regulations, customers' water usage, weather conditions, customer growth and controlled expenses.  In 2015, the Company generated $20,710 internally as compared to $18,766 in 2014 and $18,438 in 2013.  The increase was primarily due to increases in net income, depreciation and lower taxes paid.

Credit Lines

Historically, the Company has borrowed $15,000 to $20,000 under its lines of credit before refinancing with long-term debt or equity capital.  As of December 31, 2015, the Company maintained unsecured lines of credit aggregating $29,000 with three banks at interest rates ranging from LIBOR plus 1.20% to LIBOR plus 1.50%.  The Company had no outstanding borrowings under any of its lines of credit as of December 31, 2015.  The Company plans to renew a $5,000 line of credit that expires in June 2016 under similar terms and conditions.

The Company has taken steps to manage the risk of reduced credit availability such as maintaining committed lines of credit that cannot be called on demand and obtaining a 2-year revolving maturity on its larger facilities.  There is no guarantee that the Company will be able to obtain sufficient lines of credit with favorable terms in the future.  In addition, if the Company is unable to refinance its line of credit borrowings with long-term debt or equity when necessary, it may have to eliminate or postpone capital expenditures.  Management believes the Company will have adequate capacity under its current lines of credit to meet financing needs throughout 2016.

Long-term Debt

The Company's loan agreements contain various covenants and restrictions.  Management believes it is currently in compliance with all of these restrictions.  See Note 4 to the Company's financial statements included herein for additional information regarding these restrictions.

On July 23, 2015, the York County Industrial Development Authority (the "YCIDA") issued and sold $10,000 aggregate principal amount of YCIDA Exempt Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series 2015 (the "Series 2015 Bonds") for the Company's benefit pursuant to the terms of a trust indenture, dated as of July 1, 2015, between the YCIDA and Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, as trustee.  The YCIDA then loaned the proceeds of the sale of the Series 2015 Bonds to the Company pursuant to a loan agreement dated as of July 1, 2015, between the Company and the YCIDA, which matches the debt service requirements on the Bonds.  The Bonds, and therefore the loan, bear interest at rates ranging from 4.00% to 4.50% per annum payable semiannually.  The Bonds have stated maturity dates of June 1 of the years 2029, 2032, 2035, 2038, 2042 and 2045 and are subject to optional and mandatory redemption provisions.  Amounts outstanding under the loan agreement are direct, unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the Company.  The Company received net proceeds, after deducting original issue discount and issuance costs, of approximately $9,500.  The net proceeds were used to redeem the PEDFA Series A 2004 Bonds and to fund a portion of the Company's 2015 capital expenditures.

The Company's debt (long-term debt plus current portion of long-term debt) as a percentage of the total capitalization, defined as total common stockholders' equity plus long-term debt (including current portion of long-term debt), was 44.5% as of December 31, 2015, compared with 44.8% as of December 31, 2014.  The Company will likely allow the debt percentage to trend upward until it approaches fifty percent before matching increasing debt with additional equity.  A debt to total capitalization ratio between forty-six and fifty percent has historically been acceptable to the PPUC in rate filings.  Due to its recent ability to generate and retain more cash internally, the Company has been able to keep its ratio below fifty percent.  See Note 4 to the Company's financial statements included herein for the details of its long-term debt outstanding as of December 31, 2015.

Income Taxes, Deferred Income Taxes and Uncertain Tax Positions

The Company has a substantial deferred income tax asset primarily due to the differences between the book and tax balances of the pension and deferred compensation plans.  The Company does not believe a valuation allowance is required due to the expected generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible.

The Company has seen an increase in its deferred income tax liability amounts primarily as a result of the accelerated and bonus depreciation deduction available for federal tax purposes which creates differences between book and tax depreciation expense.  The Company expects this trend to continue as it makes significant investments in capital expenditures subject to accelerated and bonus depreciation or TPR.

The Company filed for a change in accounting method under the IRS TPR when its 2014 income tax return was filed in the third quarter of 2015.  The Company began adjusting its income tax provision for the effects of this change during the fourth quarter of 2014.  Under the change in accounting method, the Company is permitted to deduct the costs of certain asset improvements that were previously being capitalized and depreciated for tax purposes as an expense on its income tax return.  The Company was permitted to make this deduction for prior years (the "catch-up deduction") and each year going forward, beginning with 2014 (the "ongoing deduction").  As a result of the catch-up deduction, income tax benefits of $4,314 were deferred as a regulatory liability as of December 31, 2014.  The catch-up deduction resulted in a decrease in current income taxes payable and an increase to regulatory liabilities during 2014.  In 2015, upon final determination of the TPR amounts for its income tax return, the Company reclassified the portion of TPR related to dispositions to deferred taxes and deferred tax liabilities in compliance with the IRS regulations.  The Company will seek approval from the PPUC in its next rate filing to amortize the remaining catch-up deduction of $3,887, recorded as a regulatory liability.

As a result of the ongoing deduction, the net income tax benefits of $1,438 and $1,342 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, reduced income tax expense and flowed-through to net income.  The ongoing deduction results in a reduction in the effective income tax rate, a net reduction in income tax expense, and a reduction in the amount of income taxes currently payable.  Both the ongoing and catch-up deductions result in increases to deferred tax liabilities and regulatory assets representing the appropriate book and tax basis difference on capital additions.  The Company expects to continue to expense these asset improvements in the future, resulting in an effective tax rate of 28% to 32%.  The effective tax rate will vary depending on the level of eligible asset improvements that are placed in service each period.

The Company has determined there are no uncertain tax positions that require recognition as of December 31, 2015.  See Note 3 to the Company's financial statements included herein for additional details regarding income taxes.

Common Stock

Common stockholders' equity as a percent of the total capitalization was 55.5% as of December 31, 2015, compared with 55.2% as of December 31, 2014.  The volume of share repurchases and line of credit borrowings, among other things, could reduce this percentage in the future.  It is the Company's intent to target a ratio between fifty and fifty-four percent.

Credit Rating

On March 20, 2015, Standard & Poor's affirmed the Company's credit rating at A-, with a stable outlook.  The Company's ability to maintain its credit rating depends, among other things, on adequate and timely rate relief, which it has been successful in obtaining, its ability to fund capital expenditures in a balanced manner using both debt and equity and its ability to generate cash flow.  In 2016, the Company's objectives are to continue to maximize its funds provided by operations and maintain a strong capital structure in order to be able to attract capital.

Dividends

During 2015, the Company's dividend payout ratios relative to net income and net cash provided by operating activities were 62.0% and 37.1%, respectively.  During 2014, the Company's dividend payout ratios relative to net income and net cash provided by operating activities were 64.8% and 39.4%, respectively.  During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Board of Directors increased the dividend by 4.0% from $0.1495 per share to $0.1555 per share per quarter.  This was the nineteenth consecutive annual dividend increase and the 200th consecutive year of paying dividends.

The Company's Board of Directors declared a dividend in the amount of $0.1555 per share at its February 2016 meeting. The dividend is payable on April 15, 2016 to shareholders of record as of February 29, 2016.  While the Company expects to maintain this dividend amount in 2016, future dividends will be dependent upon the Company's earnings, financial condition, capital demands and other factors and will be determined by the Company's Board of Directors.  See Note 4 to the Company's financial statements included herein for restrictions on dividend payments.

Inflation

The Company is affected by inflation, most notably by the continually increasing costs incurred to maintain and expand its service capacity.  The cumulative effect of inflation results in significantly higher facility replacement costs which must be recovered from future cash flows.  The ability of the Company to recover this increased investment in facilities is dependent upon future rate increases, which are subject to approval by the PPUC.  The Company can provide no assurances that its rate increases will be approved by the PPUC; and, if approved, the Company cannot guarantee that these rate increases will be granted in a timely or sufficient manner to cover the investments and expenses for which the rate increase was sought.

Contractual Obligations

The following summarizes the Company's contractual obligations by period as of December 31, 2015:

In addition to these obligations, the Company makes refunds on Customers' Advances for Construction over a specific period of time based on operating revenues related to developer-installed water mains or as new customers are connected to and take service from such mains.  The refund amounts are not included in the above table because the timing cannot be accurately estimated.  Portions of these refund amounts are payable annually through 2026 and amounts not paid by the contract expiration dates become non-refundable and are transferred to Contributions in Aid of Construction.

See Note 9 to the Company's financial statements included herein for a discussion of its commitments.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The methods, estimates and judgments the Company used in applying its accounting policies have a significant impact on the results reported in its financial statements. The Company's accounting policies require management to make subjective judgments because of the need to make estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain.  The Company's most critical accounting estimates include: regulatory assets and liabilities, revenue recognition, accounting for its pension plans, and income taxes.

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities

Generally accepted accounting principles define accounting standards for companies whose rates are established by or are subject to approval by an independent third-party regulator.  In accordance with the accounting standards, the Company defers costs and credits on its balance sheet as regulatory assets and liabilities when it is probable that these costs and credits will be recognized in the rate-making process in a period different from when the costs and credits were incurred.  These deferred amounts are then recognized in the statement of income in the period in which they are reflected in customer rates.  If the Company later finds that these assets and liabilities cannot be included in rate-making, they are adjusted appropriately.  See Note 1 for additional details regarding regulatory assets and liabilities.

Revenue Recognition

Operating revenues include amounts billed to metered water and certain wastewater customers on a cycle basis and unbilled amounts based on both actual and estimated usage from the latest meter reading to the end of the accounting period.  Estimates are based on average daily usage for those particular customers.  The unbilled revenue amount is recorded as a current asset on the balance sheet.  Actual results could differ from these estimates and would result in operating revenues being adjusted in the period in which the actual usage is known.  Based on historical experience, the Company believes its estimate of unbilled revenues is reasonable.

Pension Accounting

Accounting for defined benefit pension plans requires estimates of future compensation increases, mortality, the discount rate, and expected return on plan assets as well as other variables.  These variables are reviewed annually with the Company's pension actuary.  The Company continued to use a compensation increase of 3% in 2015.  In 2016, compensation increases of 2.5% to 3.0% are expected to be used.

The Company adopted a new mortality table in 2014, the RP-2014, using the white collar table for the administrative and general plan and the blue collar table for the union plan.  Using the new mortality table increased the life expectancy of pension plan participants, resulting in a significant increase to the pension benefit obligation, and ultimately, a decline in the Company's funded status of the plans.  In 2015, the Social Security Administration released new underlying data creating an Adjusted RP-2014 mortality table.  In addition, a new mortality improvement scale was released, MP-2015, which the Company also adopted.  These changes partially offset the increase in the pension benefit obligation realized in 2014.

The Company selected its December 31, 2015 and 2014 discount rates based on the Citigroup Pension Liability Index.  This index uses the Citigroup spot rates for durations out to 30 years and matches them to expected disbursements from the plan over the long term.  The Company believes this index most appropriately matches its pension obligations.  The present values of the Company's future pension obligations were determined using a discount rate of 4.20% at December 31, 2015 and 3.80% at December 31, 2014.

Adopting a new mortality table that represents a decrease in life expectancy and choosing a higher discount rate normally decreases the amount of pension expense and the corresponding liability.  In the case of the Company, these items change its liability, but do not have an impact on its pension expense.  The PPUC, in a previous rate settlement, agreed to grant recovery of the Company's contribution to the pension plans in customer rates.  As a result, under the accounting standards regarding rate-regulated activities, expense in excess of the Company's pension plan contribution can be deferred as a regulatory asset and expensed as contributions are made to the plans and are recovered in customer rates.  Therefore, these changes affect regulatory assets rather than pension expense.

The Company's estimate of the expected return on plan assets is primarily based on the historic returns and projected future returns of the asset classes represented in its plans.  The target allocation of pension assets is 50% to 70% equity securities, 30% to 50% fixed income securities, and 0% to 10% cash reserves.  The Company used 7% as its estimate of expected return on assets in both 2015 and 2014.  The Company plans to reduce the expected return in 2016, as estimates of asset returns over the next several years are expected to be weaker than they have been in the past.  A decrease in the expected pension return would normally cause an increase in pension expense; however due to the aforementioned rate settlement, the Company's expense would continue to be equal to its contributions to the plans.  The change would instead be recorded in regulatory assets.

Lower discount rates and underperformance of assets could cause future required contributions and expense to increase substantially.  If this were to happen, the Company would have to consider changes to its pension plan benefits and possibly request additional recovery of expenses through increased rates charged to customers.  See Note 6 to the Company's financial statements included herein for additional details regarding the pension plans.

Income Taxes

The Company estimates the amount of income tax payable or refundable for the current year and the deferred income tax liabilities and assets that results from estimating temporary differences resulting from the treatment of certain items, such as depreciation, for tax and financial statement reporting.  Generally, these differences result in the recognition of a deferred tax asset or liability on the balance sheet and require the Company to make judgments regarding the probability of the ultimate tax impact of the various transactions entered into.  Based on these judgments, it may require tax reserves or valuation allowances on deferred tax assets to reflect the expected realization of future tax benefits.  The Company believes its determination of what qualifies as a repair expense tax deduction versus a capital cost as it relates to the IRS TPR ongoing and catch-up deductions is consistent with the regulations.  Actual income taxes could vary from these estimates and changes in these estimates could increase income tax expense in the period that these changes in estimates occur.

Other critical accounting estimates are discussed in the Significant Accounting Policies Note to the Financial Statements.

Off-Balance Sheet Transactions

The Company does not use off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements or obligations that may have a material current or future effect on financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, capital resources or significant components of revenues or expenses.  The Company does not use securitization of receivables or unconsolidated entities. The Company uses a derivative financial instrument, an interest rate swap agreement discussed in Note 4 to the financial statements included herein, for risk management purposes.  The Company does not engage in trading or other risk management activities, does not use other derivative financial instruments for any purpose, has no material lease obligations, no guarantees and does not have material transactions involving related parties.

Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 1 to the Company's financial statements included herein for a discussion on the effect of new accounting pronouncements.

The Company's operations are exposed to market risks primarily as a result of changes in interest rates under its lines of credit.  As of February 2016, the Company has unsecured lines of credit with three banks having a combined maximum availability of $29,000.  The first line of credit, in the amount of $13,000, is a committed line of credit with a revolving 2-year maturity (currently May 2017), and carries an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.20%.  The second line of credit, in the amount of $11,000, is a committed line of credit, which matures in May 2017 and carries an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.25%.  The third line of credit, in the amount of $5,000, is a committed line of credit, which matures in June 2016 and carries an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.50%.  The Company had no outstanding borrowings under any of its lines of credit as of December 31, 2015.  Other than lines of credit, the Company has long-term fixed rate debt obligations that are not subject to interest rate risk as discussed in Note 4 to the financial statements included herein, and a variable rate PEDFA loan agreement, which is subject to minimal market risk, described below.

In May 2008, the PEDFA issued $12,000 aggregate principal amount of PEDFA Exempt Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series A (the "Bonds").  The proceeds of this bond issue were used to refund the $12,000 PEDFA Exempt Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series B of 2004 which were refunded due to bond insurer downgrading issues.  The PEDFA then loaned the proceeds to the Company pursuant to a variable interest rate loan agreement with a maturity date of October 1, 2029.  In connection with the loan agreement, the Company retained its interest rate swap agreement whereby the Company exchanged its floating rate obligation for a fixed rate obligation.  The purpose of the interest rate swap is to manage the Company's exposure to fluctuations in the interest rate.  If the interest rate swap agreement works as intended, the receive rate on the swap should approximate the variable rate the Company pays on the PEDFA Series A Bond Issue, thereby minimizing its risk.  See Note 4 to the Company's financial statements included herein.

The table below provides information about the Company's financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates, including long-term debt obligations and the interest rate swap.  For debt obligations, the table presents principal cash flows and related weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates.  For the interest rate swap, the table presents the undiscounted net payments and weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates.  Notional amounts are used to calculate the contractual payments to be exchanged under the contract.  Weighted average variable rates are based on implied forward rates in the yield curve at the reporting date.

The variable rate portion of the liabilities section of the table includes the $12,000 variable rate loan potentially due in 2017, as the underlying bonds could be tendered at any time.  If all of the bonds were tendered and could not be remarketed, the earliest that the Company would have to buy them back would be fourteen months from the date of notification.  As of the date of this report, there had been no such notification.  If the bonds are able to be remarketed as intended for the term of the bonds, the loan will be due in October 2029.  The interest rate of 0.02% on the $12,000 variable rate loan represents the rate paid to bondholders for the PEDFA Series A issue at December 31, 2015.  This rate is used for 2016 and 2017, but it may not be indicative of the actual rate.

Other than the interest rate swap, the Company has no other derivative instruments used for any purpose, no additional financial instruments with significant credit risk, and no material exposure to currency or commodity risk.

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Stockholders of

The York Water Company

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of The York Water Company (the "Company") as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related statements of income, common stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015. In connection with our audits of the financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) 2. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The York Water Company as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respect, the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), The York Water Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013 framework) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 8, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion.

Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP

York, Pennsylvania

March 8, 2016

 

THE YORK WATER COMPANY

Balance Sheets

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

THE YORK WATER COMPANY

 

Balance Sheets

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

THE YORK WATER COMPANY

 

Statements of Income

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

THE YORK WATER COMPANY

 

Statements of Common Stockholders' Equity

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

THE YORK WATER COMPANY

Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

Notes to Financial Statements

 

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

The primary business of The York Water Company is to impound, purify and distribute water.  The Company also operates two wastewater collection and treatment systems.  The Company operates within its franchised territory located in York and Adams Counties, Pennsylvania, and is subject to regulation by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, or PPUC.

The following summarizes the significant accounting policies employed by The York Water Company.

Utility Plant and Depreciation

The cost of additions includes contracted cost, direct labor and fringe benefits, materials, overhead and, for certain utility plant, allowance for funds used during construction.  In accordance with regulatory accounting requirements, water and wastewater systems acquired are recorded at estimated original cost of utility plant when first devoted to utility service and the applicable depreciation is recorded to accumulated depreciation.  The difference between the estimated original cost less applicable accumulated depreciation, and the purchase price and acquisition costs is recorded as an acquisition adjustment within utility plant as permitted by the PPUC.  At December 31, 2015 and 2014, utility plant includes a net credit acquisition adjustment of $3,724 and $3,522, respectively.  For those amounts approved by the PPUC, the net acquisition adjustment is being amortized over the remaining life of the respective assets. Certain amounts are still awaiting approval from the PPUC before amortization will commence.  Amortization amounted to $58 in 2015, $54 in 2014, and $50 in 2013.

Upon normal retirement of depreciable property, the estimated or actual cost of the asset is credited to the utility plant account, and such amounts, together with the cost of removal less salvage value, are charged to the reserve for depreciation.  To the extent the Company recovers cost of removal or other retirement costs through rates after the retirement costs are incurred, a regulatory asset is reported.  Gains or losses from abnormal retirements are reflected in income currently.

The straight-line remaining life method is used to compute depreciation on utility plant cost, exclusive of land and land rights.  Annual provisions for depreciation of transportation and mechanical equipment included in utility plant are computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated service lives.  Such provisions are charged to clearing accounts and apportioned therefrom to operating expenses and other accounts in accordance with the Uniform System of Accounts as prescribed by the PPUC.

The Company charges to maintenance expense the cost of repairs and replacements and renewals of minor items of property.  Maintenance of transportation equipment is charged to clearing accounts and apportioned therefrom in a manner similar to depreciation.  The cost of replacements, renewals and betterments of units of property is capitalized to the utility plant accounts.

The following remaining lives are used for financial reporting purposes:

The effective rate of depreciation was 2.24% in 2015, 2.26% in 2014, and 2.28% in 2013 on average utility plant, net of customers' advances and contributions. Larger depreciation provisions resulting from allowable accelerated methods are deducted for tax purposes.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For the purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents except for those instruments earmarked to fund construction expenditures or repay long-term debt.

The Company periodically maintains cash balances in major financial institutions in excess of the federally insured limit by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).  The Company has not experienced any losses and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash

The Company served as the custodian for an escrow account that was used to rehabilitate a neighborhood within the service territory of the Company.  The deposits made by various community organizations were classified as restricted cash on the balance sheets of the Company.  The project was completed and the remaining cash was disbursed in 2015.

In 2012, the Company had a compensating balance requirement for one of its lines of credit which was recorded as Restricted Cash – compensating balance.  This requirement was removed in 2013.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are stated at outstanding balances, less a reserve for doubtful accounts.  The reserve for doubtful accounts is established through provisions charged against income.  Accounts deemed to be uncollectible are charged against the reserve and subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the reserve.  The reserve for doubtful accounts is maintained at a level considered adequate to provide for losses that can be reasonably anticipated.  Management's periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the reserve is based on past experience, agings of the receivables, adverse situations that may affect a customer's ability to pay, current economic conditions, and other relevant factors.  This evaluation is inherently subjective.  Unpaid balances remaining after the stated payment terms are considered past due.

Revenue Recognition

Operating revenues include amounts billed to water customers on a cycle basis and unbilled amounts based on actual and estimated usage from the latest meter reading to the end of the accounting period.  Operating revenues also include amounts billed to wastewater customers as either a flat monthly fee or a metered rate based on water consumption.  The metered wastewater revenue includes actual and estimated usage from the latest meter reading to the end of the accounting period.

Materials and Supplies Inventories

Materials and supplies inventories are stated at cost.  Costs are determined using the average cost method.

Deferred Debt Expense

Deferred debt expense is amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related debt.

Notes Receivable

Notes receivable are recorded at cost and represent amounts due from various municipalities for construction of water mains in their particular municipality.  Management, considering current information and events regarding the borrowers' ability to repay their obligations, considers a note to be impaired when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the note agreement.  When a note is considered to be impaired, the carrying value of the note is written down.  The amount of the impairment is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the note's effective interest rate.

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities

The Company is subject to the provisions of generally accepted accounting principles regarding rate-regulated entities.  The accounting standards provide for the recognition of regulatory assets and liabilities as allowed by regulators for costs or credits that are reflected in current customer rates or are considered probable of being included in future rates.  The regulatory assets or liabilities are then relieved as the cost or credit is reflected in rates.  Regulatory assets represent costs that are expected to be fully recovered from customers in future rates while regulatory liabilities represent amounts that are expected to be refunded to customers in future rates.  These deferred costs have been excluded from the Company's rate base and, therefore, no return is being earned on the unamortized balances.

Regulatory assets and liabilities are comprised of the following:

The regulatory asset for income taxes include (a) deferred state income taxes related primarily to differences between book and tax depreciation expense, (b) deferred income taxes related to the differences that arise between specific asset improvement costs capitalized for book purposes and deducted as a repair expense for tax purposes, and (c) deferred income taxes associated with the gross-up of revenues related to the differences.  These assets are recognized for ratemaking purposes on a cash or flow-through basis and will be recovered in rates as they reverse.

Postretirement benefits include the difference between contributions and deferred pension expense and the underfunded status of the pension plans.  The underfunded status represents the difference between the projected benefit obligation and the fair market value of the assets.  This asset is expected to be recovered in future years as additional contributions are made or market conditions improve.  The recovery period is dependent on contributions made to the plans, plan asset performance and the discount rate used to value the obligations.  The period is estimated at between 5 and 10 years.

The Company uses regulatory accounting treatment to defer the mark-to-market unrealized gains and losses on its interest rate swap to reflect that the gain or loss is included in the ratemaking formula when the transaction actually settles.  The value of the swap as of the balance sheet date is recorded as part of other deferred credits.  Realized gains or losses on the swap will be recorded as interest expense in the statement of income over its remaining life of 14 years.

Utility plant retirement costs, including cost of removal, represents costs already incurred which are expected to be recovered over a five-year period in rates, through depreciation expense.  Service life study and rate case filing expenses are deferred and amortized over their remaining lives of two and one years, respectively.

The regulatory liability for the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, tangible property regulations, or TPR, catch-up deduction represents the tax benefits realized on the Company's 2014 income tax return for qualifying capital expenditures made prior to 2014.  In 2015, upon final determination of the TPR amounts for its income tax return, the Company reclassified the portion of TPR related to dispositions to deferred taxes and deferred tax liabilities in compliance with the IRS regulations.  The Company will seek approval from the PPUC in its next rate filing to amortize the remaining catch-up deduction.

The regulatory liability for income taxes relates mainly to deferred investment tax credits, and additionally to deferred taxes related to postretirement death benefits and bad debts.  These liabilities will be given back to customers in rates as tax deductions occur over the next 1-50 years.

Regulatory liabilities are part of other accrued expenses and other deferred credits on the balance sheets.

Other Assets

Other assets consist mainly of the cash value of life insurance policies held as an investment by the Company for reimbursement of costs and benefits associated with its supplemental retirement and deferred compensation programs.

Customers' Advances for Construction

Customer advances are cash payments from developers, municipalities, customers or builders for construction of utility plant, and are refundable upon completion of construction, as operating revenues are earned.  If the Company loans funds for construction to the customer, the refund amount is credited to the note receivable rather than paid out in cash.  After all refunds to which the customer is entitled are made, any remaining balance is transferred to contributions in aid of construction.  From 1986 to 1996 when customer advances were taxable income to the Company, additional funds were collected from customers to cover the taxes.  Those funds were recorded as a liability within Customer Advances for Construction and are being amortized as deferred income over the tax life of the underlying assets.

Contributions in Aid of Construction

Contributions in Aid of Construction is composed of (i) direct, non-refundable contributions from developers, customers or builders for construction of water infrastructure and (ii) customer advances that have become non-refundable.  Contributions in aid of construction are deducted from the Company's rate base, and therefore, no return is earned on property financed with contributions.  The PPUC requires that contributions received remain on the Company's balance sheets indefinitely as a long-term liability.

Interest Rate Swap Agreement

The Company is exposed to certain risks relating to its ongoing business operations.  The primary risk managed by using derivative instruments is interest rate risk.  The Company utilizes an interest rate swap agreement to convert its variable-rate debt to a fixed rate.  Interest rate swaps are contracts in which a series of interest rate cash flows are exchanged over a prescribed period.  The notional amount on which the interest payments are based is not exchanged.  The Company has designated the interest rate swap agreement as a cash flow hedge, classified as a financial derivative used for non-trading activities.

The accounting standards regarding accounting for derivatives and hedging activities require companies to recognize all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value on the balance sheets.  In accordance with the standards, the interest rate swap is recorded on the balance sheets in other deferred credits at fair value.

The Company uses regulatory accounting treatment rather than hedge accounting to defer the unrealized gains and losses on its interest rate swap.  Instead of the effective portion being recorded as other comprehensive income and the ineffective portion being recognized in earnings, the entire unrealized swap value is recorded as a regulatory asset.  Based on current ratemaking treatment, the Company expects the gains and losses to be recognized in rates and in interest expense as the swap settlements occur.  Swap settlements are recorded in the income statement with the hedged item as interest expense.  Swap settlements resulted in the reclassification from regulatory assets to interest expense of $366 in 2015, $368 in 2014, and $366 in 2013.  The overall swap result was a (gain) loss of $285 in 2015, $1,318 in 2014, and $(830) in 2013.  During the twelve months ending December 31, 2016, the Company expects to reclassify $328 (before tax) from regulatory assets to interest expense.

The interest rate swap will expire on October 1, 2029.

Income Taxes

Certain income and expense items are accounted for in different time periods for financial reporting than for income tax reporting purposes.

Deferred income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and tax credit carryforwards.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.  To the extent such income taxes increase or decrease future rates, an offsetting regulatory asset or liability has been recorded.

Investment tax credits have been deferred and are being amortized to income over the average estimated service lives of the related assets.  As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, deferred investment tax credits amounted to $696 and $734, respectively.

The Company filed for a change in accounting method under the IRS TPR when its 2014 income tax return was filed in 2015.  The Company began adjusting its income tax provision for the effects of this change during the fourth quarter of 2014.  Under the change in accounting method, the Company is permitted to deduct the costs of certain asset improvements that were previously being capitalized and depreciated for tax purposes as an expense on its income tax return.  The Company is permitted to make this deduction for prior years (the "catch-up deduction") and each year going forward, beginning with 2014 (the "ongoing deduction").  The ongoing deduction results in a reduction in the effective income tax rate, a net reduction in income tax expense, and a reduction in the amount of income taxes currently payable.  The catch-up deduction resulted in a decrease in current income taxes payable and an increase to regulatory liabilities.  The Company will seek approval from the PPUC in its next rate filing to amortize the remaining catch-up deduction recorded as a regulatory liability.  Both the ongoing and catch-up deductions resulted in increases to deferred tax liabilities and regulatory assets representing the appropriate book and tax basis difference on capital additions.

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction

Allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) represents the estimated cost of funds used for construction purposes during the period of construction.  These costs are reflected as non-cash income during the construction period and as an addition to the cost of plant constructed. AFUDC includes the net cost of borrowed funds and a rate of return on other funds. The PPUC approved rate of 10.04% was applied for 2014 and 2013.  The Company applied a blended rate in 2015 due to its partial use of tax-exempt financing for 2015 construction projects.  The tax-exempt borrowing rates of 4.00% - 4.50% were applied to those expenditures so financed, whereas the approved 10.04% rate was applied to the remainder of 2015 expenditures.  AFUDC is recovered through water and wastewater rates as utility plant is depreciated.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which replaces the existing guidance in Accounting Standard Codification 840 – Leases.  This ASU requires a dual approach for lessee accounting under which a lessee would account for leases as finance leases or operating leases.  Both finance leases and operating leases will result in the lessee recognizing a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability.  For finance leases, the lessee would recognize interest expense and amortization of the right-of-use asset, and for operating leases, the lessee would recognize a straight-line total lease expense.  This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and for interim periods within those fiscal years.  The Company is currently assessing the impact of the adoption of the standard on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes.  This ASU requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position.  The current requirement that deferred tax liabilities and assets of a tax-paying component of an entity be offset and presented as a single amount is not affected by the amendments in this update.  This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and for interim periods within those fiscal years.  Early adoption is permitted, and the Company intends to adopt this ASU in the first quarter of 2016.  The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have any impact on its results of operations or cash flows, but will result in current deferred income tax asset being presented net with the noncurrent deferred income tax liability on the balance sheets.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.  This ASU clarifies the required presentation of debt issuance costs.  The standard requires that debt issuance costs be presented on the balance sheet as a direct reduction from the carrying amount of the recognized debt liability, consistent with the treatment of debt discounts.  Amortization of debt issuance costs is to be reported as interest expense.  The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the standard.  This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015.  Early adoption is permitted.  The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have any impact on its results of operations or cash flows, but will result in debt issuance costs being presented as a direct reduction from the carrying amount of debt liabilities on the balance sheets.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, which provides guidance on determining when and how reporting entities must disclose going-concern uncertainties in their financial statements.  The new standard requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date of issuance of the entity's financial statements.  Further, an entity must provide certain disclosures if there is substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern.  The ASU is effective for fiscal years ending on or after December 15, 2016 and interim periods thereafter.  The Company will comply with these assessments, but does not expect the adoption of this accounting standard to have any impact on its financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.  This ASU supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification 605—Revenue Recognition and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Codification.  The standard requires that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.  In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date, deferring the effective date of this amendment for public companies by one year to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017.  Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, the original effective date.  The standard permits the use of either a retrospective or cumulative effect transition method.  The Company has not yet selected a transition method and is in the process of assessing the impact of the adoption of the standard on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

On March 7, 2013, the Company completed the acquisition of the Windy Brae Mobile Home Park water assets of Barkas, Inc. in York County, Pennsylvania.  The Company began operating the existing system through an interconnection with its current distribution system on March 11, 2013.  The acquisition resulted in the addition of approximately 135 new water customers with purchase price and acquisition costs of approximately $29, which is less than the depreciated original cost of the assets.  The Company recorded a negative acquisition adjustment of approximately $45 and will seek approval from the PPUC to amortize the negative acquisition adjustment over the remaining life of the acquired assets.

On February 7, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of the wastewater facilities of East Prospect Borough Authority in York County, Pennsylvania. The Company began operating the existing collection and treatment facilities on February 8, 2014. The acquisition resulted in the addition of approximately 400 wastewater customers with purchase price and acquisition costs of approximately $281, which is less than the depreciated original cost of the assets. The Company recorded a negative acquisition adjustment of approximately $667 as of December 31, 2014.  In 2015, the Company paid additional acquisition costs of approximately $2 resulting in a decrease of the negative acquisition adjustment to $665.  The Company will seek approval from the PPUC to amortize the negative acquisition adjustment over the remaining life of the acquired assets.

On May 30, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of the water assets of Forest Lakes Water Association in York County, Pennsylvania. The Company began operating the existing system through an interconnection with its current distribution system on June 2, 2014. The acquisition resulted in the addition of approximately 70 new water customers with purchase price and acquisition costs of approximately $18, which is less than the depreciated original cost of the assets. The Company recorded a negative acquisition adjustment of approximately $9 as of December 31, 2014.  In 2015, the Company paid additional acquisition costs of approximately $2 resulting in a decrease of the negative acquisition adjustment to $7.  The Company will seek approval from the PPUC to amortize the negative acquisition adjustment over the remaining life of the acquired assets.

On November 20, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of the water assets of Lincoln Estates Mobile Home Park in Adams County, Pennsylvania. The Company began operating the existing system as a satellite location on November 24, 2014. The acquisition resulted in the addition of approximately 200 new water customers with purchase price and acquisition costs of approximately $70, which is less than the depreciated original cost of the assets.  In 2015, the Company recorded a negative acquisition adjustment of approximately $77 and will seek approval from the PPUC to amortize the negative acquisition adjustment over the remaining life of the acquired assets.

On April 9, 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of the water assets of The Meadows community in Adams County, Pennsylvania.  The Company began operating the existing system as a satellite location on April 13, 2015.  The acquisition resulted in the addition of approximately 90 new water customers with purchase price and acquisition costs of approximately $63, which is less than the depreciated original cost of the assets.  The Company recorded a negative acquisition adjustment of approximately $159 and will seek approval from the PPUC to amortize the negative acquisition adjustment over the remaining life of the acquired assets.

On April 22, 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of the water assets of the Paradise Homes Community in York County, Pennsylvania.  The Company began operating the existing system through an interconnection with its current distribution system on April 27, 2015.  The acquisition resulted in the addition of approximately 90 new water customers with purchase price and acquisition costs of approximately $36, which is less than the depreciated original cost of the assets.  The Company recorded a negative acquisition adjustment of approximately $28 and will seek approval from the PPUC to amortize the negative acquisition adjustment over the remaining life of the acquired assets.

On October 19, 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of the water assets of the Newberry Farms Mobile Home Park in York County, Pennsylvania.  The Company began operating the existing system through an interconnection with its current distribution system on October 22, 2015.  The acquisition resulted in the addition of approximately 160 new water customers with purchase price and acquisition costs of approximately $116.

On November 2, 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of Margaretta Mobile Home Park in York County, Pennsylvania.  The Company began operating the existing system through an interconnection with its current distribution system on November 3, 2015.  The acquisition resulted in the addition of approximately 65 new water customers with purchase price and acquisition costs of approximately $133.

The provisions for income taxes consist of:

A reconciliation of the statutory Federal tax provision (34%) to the total provision follows:

The Company filed for a change in accounting method under the IRS TPR when its 2014 income tax return was filed in the third quarter of 2015.  The Company began adjusting its income tax provision for the effects of this change during the fourth quarter of 2014.  Under the change in accounting method, the Company is permitted to deduct the costs of certain asset improvements that were previously being capitalized and depreciated for tax purposes as an expense on its income tax return.  The Company was permitted to make this deduction for prior years (the "catch-up deduction") and each year going forward, beginning with 2014 (the "ongoing deduction").  As a result of the catch-up deduction, income tax benefits of $4,314 were deferred as a regulatory liability as of December 31, 2014.  The catch-up deduction resulted in a decrease in current income taxes payable and an increase to regulatory liabilities during 2014.  In 2015, upon final determination of the TPR amounts for its income tax return, the Company reclassified the portion of TPR related to dispositions to deferred taxes and deferred tax liabilities in compliance with the IRS regulations.  The Company will seek approval from the PPUC in its next rate filing to amortize the remaining catch-up deduction of $3,887 recorded as a regulatory liability.  As a result of the ongoing deduction, the net income tax benefits of $1,438 and $1,342 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, reduced income tax expense and flowed-through to net income.  The ongoing deduction results in a reduction in the effective income tax rate, a net reduction in income tax expense, and a reduction in the amount of income taxes currently payable.  Both the ongoing and catch-up deductions result in increases to deferred tax liabilities and regulatory assets representing the appropriate book and tax basis difference on capital additions.

The tax effects of temporary differences between book and tax balances that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized in the following table:

The Company has a contribution carryover of $363.  If not used, this carryover will expire in 2019.

No valuation allowance was required for deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.  In assessing the soundness of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible.  Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment.  Based upon expected future taxable income and the current regulatory environment, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences.

The Company determined that there were no uncertain tax positions meeting the recognition and measurement test of the accounting standards recorded in the years that remain open for review by taxing authorities, which are 2012 through 2014 for both federal and state income tax returns.  The Company has not yet filed tax returns for 2015, but has not taken any new position in its 2015 income tax provision.

The Company's policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in other expenses.  There were no interest or penalties for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013.

Long-term debt as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 is summarized in the following table: