UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For Quarter Ended March 31, 2011
Commission File Number 1-8858
UNITIL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
New Hampshire | 02-0381573 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
6 Liberty Lane West, Hampton, New Hampshire | 03842-1720 | |
(Address of principal executive office) | (Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (603) 772-0775
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 x 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 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 | x | |||
Non-accelerated filer | ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | Smaller reporting company | ¨ |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuers classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class |
Outstanding at April 22, 2011 | |
Common Stock, No par value | 10,925,573 Shares |
UNITIL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
FORM 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2011
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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 2. | Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
OVERVIEW
Unitil Corporation (Unitil or the Company) is a public utility holding company headquartered in Hampton, New Hampshire. Unitil is subject to regulation as a holding company system by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. On December 1, 2008, the Company purchased: (i) all of the outstanding capital stock of Northern Utilities, Inc. (Northern Utilities), a natural gas distribution utility serving customers in New Hampshire and Maine, from Bay State Gas Company and (ii) all of the outstanding capital stock of Granite State Gas Transmission, Inc. (Granite State), an interstate gas transmission pipeline company primarily serving the needs of Northern Utilities, from NiSource, Inc. (the Acquisitions).
Unitils principal business is the local distribution of electricity and natural gas throughout its service territory in the states of New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine. Unitil is the parent company of three wholly-owned distribution utilities:
i) | Unitil Energy Systems, Inc. (Unitil Energy), which provides electric service in the southeastern seacoast and state capital regions of New Hampshire, including the capital city of Concord; |
ii) | Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light Company (Fitchburg), which provides both electric and natural gas service in the greater Fitchburg area of north central Massachusetts; and |
iii) | Northern Utilities, which provides natural gas service in southeastern New Hampshire and portions of southern and central Maine, including the city of Portland, which is the largest city in northern New England. |
Unitil Energy, Fitchburg and Northern Utilities are collectively referred to as the distribution utilities. Together, the distribution utilities serve approximately 100,900 electric customers and 70,800 natural gas customers in their service territory.
In addition, Unitil is the parent company of Granite State, an interstate natural gas transmission pipeline company, operating 87 miles of underground gas transmission pipeline primarily located in Maine and New Hampshire. Granite State provides Northern Utilities with interconnection to major natural gas pipelines and access to domestic natural gas supplies in the south and Canadian natural gas supplies in the north.
Unitil had an investment in Net Utility Plant of $476.0 million at March 31, 2011. Unitils total operating revenue includes revenue to recover the approved cost of purchased electricity and natural gas in rates on a fully reconciling basis. As a result of this reconciling rate structure, the Companys earnings are not directly affected by changes in the cost of purchased electricity and natural gas. Earnings from Unitils utility operations are primarily derived from the return on investment in the utility assets of the three distribution utilities and Granite.
Unitil also conducts non-regulated operations principally through Usource Inc. and Usource L.L.C. (collectively, Usource), which is wholly-owned by Unitil Resources Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Unitil. Usource provides energy brokering and advisory services to large commercial and industrial customers primarily n the northeastern United States. The Companys other subsidiaries include Unitil Service Corp., which provides, at cost, a variety of administrative and professional services to Unitils affiliated companies, Unitil Realty Corp., which owns and manages Unitils corporate office building and property located in Hampton, New Hampshire and Unitil Power Corp., which formerly functioned as the full requirements wholesale power supply provider for Unitil Energy. Unitils consolidated net income includes the earnings of the holding company and these subsidiaries.
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RATES AND REGULATION
Rate Case Activity
On April 15, 2010, Unitil Energy filed for a distribution base rate increase of $10.1 million. The Companys filing also included a proposed long-term rate plan establishing step adjustments for future utility plant investments and enhanced reliability and vegetation management programs. On June 29, 2010, the NHPUC issued an order approving a temporary rate increase for Unitil Energy of $5.2 million effective July 1, 2010. Once permanent rates are approved by the NHPUC, they will be reconciled to the date temporary rates were ordered. The Company has filed a settlement agreement with the NHPUC and is expecting an order on a permanent rate plan on or before May 1, 2011.
On November 30, 2010 the Companys interstate natural gas transmission pipeline, Granite State, filed a rate settlement agreement, which provides for an increase of approximately $1.7 million in annual revenue effective January 1, 2011. This settlement agreement was approved by the FERC on January 31, 2011.
On January 14, 2011, the Companys Massachusetts operating utility, Fitchburg, filed a comprehensive revenue decoupling proposal and a request for distribution rate increases of $7.1 million for its electric division and $4.4 million of its gas division. The Companys filing also includes a rate-impact mitigation alternative for the electric division that would offset the distribution revenue increase through a corresponding decrease in Fitchburgs Transition Charge. The Transition Charge is the means by which Fitchburg recovers its power supply-related stranded costs and other restructuring-related regulatory assets. Any offsetting decrease in the Transition Charge would allow for the recovery of the restructuring related stranded costs over an extended term. The Companys revenue decoupling proposal is modeled closely on decoupling proposals already approved by the MDPU for other utilities operating in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is intended to align the Companys interests with important public policy objectives concerning energy efficiency, energy reliability, national energy security and protecting the environment. The MDPU issued an order suspending and deferring the use of the rates until August 2, 2011, pending an investigation and analysis of the Companys filing.
Northern Utilities, the Companys gas distribution utility operating in New Hampshire and Maine, is currently planning to file base rate cases for both its New Hampshire and Maine divisions in the second quarter of 2011.The Company will announce the amount of the requested rate increases and other related information after the filing of the distribution base rate cases.
Regulation:
Unitil is subject to comprehensive regulation by federal and state regulatory authorities. Unitil and its subsidiaries are subject to regulation as a holding company system by the FERC under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 in regards to certain bookkeeping, accounting and reporting requirements. Unitils utility operations related to wholesale and interstate energy business activities are also regulated by FERC. Unitils distribution utilities are subject to regulation by the applicable state public utility commissions, in regards to their rates, issuance of securities and other accounting and operational matters: Unitil Energy is subject to regulation by the NHPUC; Fitchburg is subject to regulation by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (MDPU); and Northern Utilities is regulated by the NHPUC and the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC). Because Unitils primary operations are subject to rate regulation, the regulatory treatment of various matters could significantly affect the Companys operations and financial position.
Unitils distribution utilities deliver electricity and/or natural gas to all customers in their service territory, at rates established under traditional cost of service regulation. Under this regulatory structure, Unitils distribution utilities recover the cost of providing distribution service to their customers based on a historical test year, in addition to earning a return on their capital investment in utility assets. As a result of a restructuring of the utility industry in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine, Unitils customers have the opportunity to purchase their electricity or natural gas supplies from third party suppliers. A majority of Unitils largest commercial and industrial (C&I) customers purchase their electric and natural gas supplies from third party suppliers. However, most residential and small customers continue to purchase their electric and natural gas supplies through Unitils distribution utilities. Unitils distribution
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utilities purchase electricity or natural gas from unaffiliated wholesale suppliers and recover the actual costs of these supplies on a pass-through basis, as well as certain costs associated with industry restructuring, through reconciling rate mechanisms that are periodically adjusted.
The regulatory process in both New Hampshire and Maine, in connection with those states approvals of the Acquisitions, included the negotiation and filing of settlement agreements reflecting commitments by Unitil with respect to Northern Utilities rates, customer service and operations. The settlement agreements were separately negotiated and filed in each state but reflect a number of common features. For additional discussion, please refer to Unitils Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 3, 2011.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
This report and the documents we incorporate by reference into this report contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included or incorporated by reference into this report, including, without limitation, statements regarding the financial position, business strategy and other plans and objectives for the Companys future operations, are forward-looking statements.
These statements include declarations regarding the Companys beliefs and current expectations. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as may, will, should, expects, plans, anticipates, believes, estimates, predicts, potential or continue or the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Some, but not all, of the risks and uncertainties include those described in Item 1A (Risk Factors) and the following:
| the Companys regulatory environment (including regulations relating to climate change, greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental matters), which could impact the rates the Company is able to charge, the Companys authorized rate of return and the Companys ability to recover costs in its rates; |
| fluctuations in the supply of, demand for, transmission capacity and the prices of energy commodities and the Companys ability to recover energy commodity costs in its rates; |
| customers preferences on energy sources; |
| severe storms and the Companys ability to recover storm costs in its rates; |
| the Companys stranded electric generation and generation-related supply costs and the Companys ability to recover stranded costs in its rates; |
| declines in the valuation of capital markets, which could require the Company to make substantial cash contributions to cover its pension obligations, and the Companys ability to recover pension obligation costs in its rates; |
| general economic conditions, which could adversely affect (i) the Companys customers and, consequently, the demand for the Companys distribution services, (ii) the availability of credit and liquidity resources and (iii) certain of the Companys counterpartys obligations (including those of its insurers and lenders); |
| the Companys ability to obtain debt or equity financing on acceptable terms; |
| increases in interest rates, which could increase the Companys interest expense; |
| restrictive covenants contained in the terms of the Companys and its subsidiaries indebtedness, which restrict certain aspects of the Companys business operations; |
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| variations in weather, which could decrease demand for the Companys distribution services; |
| long-term global climate change, which could adversely affect customer demand or cause extreme weather events that could disrupt the Companys electric and natural gas distribution services; |
| numerous hazards and operating risks relating to the Companys electric and natural gas distribution activities, which could result in accidents and other operating risks and costs; |
| catastrophic events; |
| the Companys ability to retain its existing customers and attract new customers; |
| the Companys energy brokering customers performance under multi-year energy brokering contracts; and |
| increased competition. |
Many of these risks are beyond the Companys control. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of these factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of any such factor on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following section of MD&A compares the results of operations for each of the two fiscal periods ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010 and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes to unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this report.
The Companys results are expected to reflect the seasonal nature of the natural gas businesses. Accordingly, the Company expects that results of operations will be positively affected during the first and fourth quarters, when sales of natural gas are typically higher, and negatively affected during the second and third quarters, when gas operating and maintenance expenses usually exceed sales margins in the period.
Earnings Overview
The Companys Earnings Applicable to Common Shareholders was $8.7 million for the first quarter of 2011, an increase of $2.2 million over the first quarter of 2010. Earnings per common share (EPS) were $0.81 for the first quarter of 2011, an improvement of $0.20 per share over the first quarter of 2010.
Natural gas sales margin increased $3.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010 reflecting higher sales volumes. Total therm sales of natural gas increased 12.7% in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010, reflecting the effect of colder winter weather in the first quarter of 2011 compared to 2010 as well as higher usage by our large Commercial & Industrial (C&I) customers. Heating Degree Days in the first quarter of 2011 were 6% greater than in the same period in 2010. On a weather-normalized basis, natural gas sales increased by 9.5% in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010.
Electric sales margin increased $2.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010, reflecting higher electric kilowatt-hour (kWh) sales and an electric rate increase implemented in July 2010 for Unitil Energy, the Companys New Hampshire electric operating utility.
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Total (kWh) sales increased 4.9% in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the first quarter of 2010, reflecting an improving economy and the effect of colder winter weather in the first quarter of 2011 compared to 2010. As discussed above, Heating Degree Days in the first quarter of 2011 were 6% greater than in the same period in 2010. On a weather-normalized basis, kWh sales in the three months ended March 31, 2011 increased 3.6% compared to the same period in 2010.
Operation & Maintenance (O&M) expenses increased $0.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. The increase in O&M expenses primarily reflects higher utility operating costs, higher professional fees and higher employee and retiree benefit costs, partially offset by the receipt of proceeds from an insurance settlement.
Depreciation and Amortization expense increased $0.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010, reflecting higher depreciation on normal utility plant additions and higher amortization in the current period.
Federal and State Income Taxes increased by $1.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010 due to higher pre-tax earnings in 2011 compared to 2010.
All other expenses increased $0.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010, primarily reflecting higher property taxes.
Interest Expense, net increased $0.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. The increase is primarily due to the issuance of $40 million of long-term notes by Unitil Energy and Northern Utilities in March 2010.
Usource, our non-regulated energy brokering business, recorded revenues of $1.3 million in the first quarter of 2011, an increase of $0.2 million compared to the first quarter of 2010.
In 2010, Unitils annual common dividend was $1.38, representing an unbroken record of quarterly dividend payments since trading began in Unitils common stock. At its January, 2011 and March, 2011 meetings, the Unitil Board of Directors declared quarterly dividends on the Companys common stock of $0.345 per share.
A more detailed discussion of the Companys results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2011 is presented below.
Gas Sales, Revenues and Margin
Therm Sales Unitils total therm sales of natural gas increased 12.7% in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010, reflecting increases of 11.8% and 13.0% in sales to residential and C&I customers, respectively. The increase in gas therm sales in the Companys utility service territories reflects the effect of colder winter weather in the first quarter of 2011 compared to 2010 as well as higher usage by our large C&I customers. Heating Degree Days in the first quarter of 2011 were 6% greater than in the same period in 2010. On a weather-normalized basis, natural gas sales increased 9.5% in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010.
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The following table details total firm therm sales for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, by major customer class:
Therm Sales (millions) |
||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | Change | % Change | |||||||||||||
Residential |
19.9 | 17.8 | 2.1 | 11.8 | % | |||||||||||
Commercial/Industrial |
61.7 | 54.6 | 7.1 | 13.0 | % | |||||||||||
Total |
81.6 | 72.4 | 9.2 | 12.7 | % | |||||||||||
Gas Operating Revenues and Sales Margin The following table details total Gas Operating Revenues and Sales Margin for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010:
Gas Operating Revenues and Sales Margin (millions) |
||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | $ Change |
% Change(1) |
|||||||||||||
Gas Operating Revenue: |
||||||||||||||||
Residential |
$ | 28.0 | $ | 25.8 | $ | 2.2 | 3.6 | % | ||||||||
Commercial / Industrial |
37.9 | 35.3 | 2.6 | 4.3 | % | |||||||||||
Total Gas Operating Revenue |
$ | 65.9 | $ | 61.1 | $ | 4.8 | 7.9 | % | ||||||||
Cost of Gas Sales: |
||||||||||||||||
Purchased Gas |
$ | 40.5 | $ | 39.1 | $ | 1.4 | 2.3 | % | ||||||||
Conservation & Load Management |
0.6 | 0.8 | (0.2 | ) | (0.3 | %) | ||||||||||
Total Cost of Gas Sales |
$ | 41.1 | $ | 39.9 | $ | 1.2 | 2.0 | % | ||||||||
Gas Sales Margin |
$ | 24.8 | $ | 21.2 | $ | 3.6 | 5.9 | % | ||||||||
(1) | Represents change as a percent of Total Gas Operating Revenue. |
Total Gas Operating Revenues increased $4.8 million, or 7.9%, in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. Total Gas Operating Revenues include the recovery of the approved cost of sales, which are recorded as Purchased Gas and Conservation & Load Management (C&LM) in Operating Expenses. The increase in Total Gas Operating Revenues in the first quarter of 2011 reflects higher Purchased Gas costs of $1.4 million and higher gas sales margin of $3.6 million, partially offset by lower C&LM revenues of $0.2 million.
The Purchased Gas and C&LM component of Gas Operating Revenues increased $1.2 million, or 2.0%, of Total Gas Operating Revenue in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. The increase reflects higher sales of natural gas, discussed above, partially offset by lower natural gas commodity prices, an increase in the amount of natural gas purchased by customers directly from third-party suppliers and lower spending on energy efficiency and conservation programs. Purchased Gas revenues include the recovery of the approved cost of gas supply as well as other energy supply related costs. C&LM revenues include the recovery of the approved cost of energy efficiency and conservation programs. The Company recovers the cost of Purchased Gas and C&LM in its rates at cost on a pass through basis.
Natural gas sales margin increased $3.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. This increase was driven by the higher sales of natural gas, discussed above.
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Electric Sales, Revenues and Margin
Kilowatt-hour Sales In the first quarter of 2011, Unitils total electric kWh sales increased 4.9% compared to the first quarter of 2010. Sales to residential and C&I customers increased 6.5% and 3.7%, respectively, in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010, reflecting an improving economy and the effect of colder winter weather in the first quarter of 2011 compared to 2010. As discussed above, Heating Degree Days in the first quarter of 2011 were 6% greater than in the same period in 2010. On a weather-normalized basis, kWh sales increased 3.6% in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010.
The following table details total kWh sales for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 by major customer class:
kWh Sales (millions) |
||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | Change | % Change | |||||||||||||
Residential |
189.2 | 177.7 | 11.5 | 6.5 | % | |||||||||||
Commercial/Industrial |
246.3 | 237.5 | 8.8 | 3.7 | % | |||||||||||
Total |
435.5 | 415.2 | 20.3 | 4.9 | % | |||||||||||
Electric Operating Revenues and Sales Margin The following table details total Electric Operating Revenues and Sales Margin for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010:
Electric Operating Revenues and Sales Margin (millions) |
||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | $ Change | % Change(1) | |||||||||||||
Electric Operating Revenue: |
||||||||||||||||
Residential |
$ | 27.0 | $ | 28.1 | $ | (1.1 | ) | (2.2 | %) | |||||||
Commercial / Industrial |
21.2 | 22.7 | (1.5 | ) | (3.0 | %) | ||||||||||
Total Electric Operating Revenue |
$ | 48.2 | $ | 50.8 | $ | (2.6 | ) | (5.2 | %) | |||||||
Cost of Electric Sales: |
||||||||||||||||
Purchased Electricity |
$ | 31.2 | $ | 35.8 | $ | (4.6 | ) | (9.1 | %) | |||||||
Conservation & Load Management |
0.9 | 0.9 | | | ||||||||||||
Total Cost of Electric Sales |
$ | 32.1 | $ | 36.7 | $ | (4.6 | ) | (9.1 | %) | |||||||
Electric Sales Margin |
$ | 16.1 | $ | 14.1 | $ | 2.0 | 3.9 | % | ||||||||
(1) | Represents change as a percent of Total Electric Operating Revenue. |
Total Electric Operating Revenues decreased by $2.6 million, or 5.2%, in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. Total Electric Operating Revenues include the recovery of approved costs of electric sales, which are recorded as Purchased Electricity and C&LM in Operating Expenses. The decrease in Total Electric Operating Revenues in the three months ended March 31, 2011 reflects lower Purchased Electricity costs of $4.6 million, partially offset by higher sales margin of $2.0 million.
The Purchased Electricity and C&LM component of Total Electric Operating Revenues decreased $4.6 million, or 9.1%, of Total Electric Operating Revenue in the three months ended March 31, 2011
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compared to the same period in 2010, reflecting an increase in the amount of electricity purchased by customers directly from third-party suppliers and lower electric commodity costs, partially offset by increased kWh sales. Purchased Electricity revenues include the recovery of the approved cost of electric supply as well as other energy supply related restructuring costs, including long-term power supply contract buyout costs. C&LM revenues include the recovery of the approved cost of energy efficiency and conservation programs. The Company recovers the cost of Purchased Electricity and C&LM in its rates at cost on a pass through basis.
Electric sales margin increased $2.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010, reflecting higher kWh sales and an electric rate increase implemented in July 2010 for Unitil Energy, the Companys New Hampshire electric operating utility.
Operating Revenue - Other
The following table details total Other Operating Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010:
Other Operating Revenue (Millions) |
||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||
Other |
$ | 1.3 | $ | 1.1 | $ | 0.2 | 18.2 | % | ||||||||
Total Other Operating Revenue |
$ | 1.3 | $ | 1.1 | $ | 0.2 | 18.2 | % | ||||||||
Total Other Operating Revenue increased $0.2 million, or 18.2%, in the three month period ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. This increase was the result of growth in revenues from the Companys non-regulated energy brokering business, Usource. Usources revenues are primarily derived from fees and charges billed to suppliers as customers take delivery of energy from these suppliers under term contracts brokered by Usource.
Operating Expenses
Purchased Gas Purchased Gas includes the cost of natural gas purchased and manufactured to supply the Companys total gas supply requirements. Purchased Gas increased $1.4 million, or 3.6%, in the three month period ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. The increase in Purchased Gas reflects higher sales of natural gas, partially offset by lower natural gas commodity prices and an increase in the amount of natural gas purchased by customers directly from third-party suppliers. The Company recovers the approved costs of Purchased Gas in its rates at cost on a pass through basis and therefore changes in approved expenses do not affect earnings.
Purchased Electricity Purchased Electricity includes the cost of electric supply as well as other energy supply related restructuring costs, including power supply buyout costs. Purchased Electricity decreased $4.6 million, or 12.9%, in the three month period ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010, reflecting an increase in the amount of electricity purchased by customers directly from third-party suppliers and lower electric commodity costs, partially offset by increased sales. The Company recovers the approved costs of Purchased Electricity in its rates at cost and therefore changes in approved expenses do not affect earnings.
Operation and Maintenance (O&M) O&M expense includes electric and gas utility operating costs, and the operating costs of the Companys non-regulated business activities. O&M expenses increased $0.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. The increase in O&M expenses primarily reflects higher utility operating costs of $1.1 million, higher professional fees of $0.5 million and higher employee and retiree benefit costs of $0.2 million, partially offset by a reduction of $1.0 million associated with the proceeds from an insurance settlement.
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Conservation & Load Management Conservation and Load Management expenses are expenses associated with the development, management, and delivery of the Companys energy efficiency programs. Energy efficiency programs are designed, in conformity to state regulatory requirements, to help consumers use natural gas and electricity more efficiently and thereby decrease their energy costs. Programs are tailored to residential, small business and large business customer groups and provide educational materials, technical assistance, and rebates that contribute toward the cost of purchasing and installing approved measures. Approximately 60% of these costs are related to electric operations and 40% to gas operations.
Total Conservation & Load Management expenses decreased by $0.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. These costs are collected from customers on a fully reconciling basis and therefore, fluctuations in program costs do not affect earnings.
Depreciation, Amortization and Taxes
Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation and Amortization expense increased $0.8 million, or 11.3%, in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. The increase reflects higher depreciation on normal utility plant additions and higher amortization expenses in the current period.
Local Property and Other Taxes Local Property and Other Taxes increased by $0.2 million, or 6.5%, in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. The increase reflects higher local property tax rates on higher levels of utility plant in service.
Federal and State Income Taxes Federal and State Income Taxes increased by $1.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010 reflecting higher pre-tax earnings in the current quarter.
Other Non-Operating Expense
Other Non-operating Expenses in the three month period ended March 31, 2011 were flat compared to the same period in 2010.
Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense is presented in the financial statements net of interest income. Interest expense is mainly comprised of interest on long-term debt and short-term borrowings. In addition, certain reconciling rate mechanisms used by the Companys distribution operating utilities give rise to regulatory assets (and regulatory liabilities) on which interest is calculated.
Unitils utility subsidiaries operate a number of reconciling rate mechanisms to recover specifically identified costs on a pass through basis. These reconciling rate mechanisms track costs and revenue on a monthly basis. In any given month, this monthly tracking and reconciling process will produce either an under-collected or an over-collected balance of costs. In accordance with the distribution utilities rate tariffs, interest is accrued on these balances and will produce either interest income or interest expense. Consistent with regulatory precedent, interest income is recorded on an under-collection of costs which creates a regulatory asset to be recovered in future periods when rates are reset. Interest expense is recorded on an over-collection of costs, which creates a regulatory liability to be refunded in future periods when rates are reset.
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Interest Expense, Net (millions) |
Three Months
Ended March 31, |
|||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | Change | ||||||||||
Interest Expense |
||||||||||||
Long-term Debt |
$ | 5.1 | $ | 4.7 | $ | 0.4 | ||||||
Short-term Debt |
0.4 | 0.4 | | |||||||||
Regulatory Liabilities |
0.1 | 0.1 | | |||||||||
Subtotal Interest Expense |
5.6 | 5.2 | 0.4 | |||||||||
Interest (Income) |
||||||||||||
Regulatory Assets |
(0.9 | ) | (0.8 | ) | (0.1 | ) | ||||||
AFUDC and Other |
(0.1 | ) | (0.1 | ) | | |||||||
Subtotal Interest (Income) |
(1.0 | ) | (0.9 | ) | (0.1 | ) | ||||||
Total Interest Expense, Net |
$ | 4.6 | $ | 4.3 | $ | 0.3 | ||||||
Interest Expense, Net increased $0.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. In March 2010, Unitil Energy and Northern Utilities collectively issued $40 million of long-term debt which is contributing to the higher interest expense in the three month period.
CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
Sources of Capital
Unitil requires capital to fund utility plant additions, working capital and other utility expenditures recovered in subsequent and future periods through regulated rates. The capital necessary to meet these requirements is derived primarily from internally-generated funds, which consist of cash flows from operating activities. The Company initially supplements internally-generated funds through bank borrowings, as needed, under its unsecured short-term bank credit facility. Periodically, the Company replaces portions of its short-term debt with long-term financings more closely matched to the long-term nature of its utility assets. The Companys utility operations are seasonal in nature and are therefore subject to seasonal fluctuations in cash flows.
The continued availability of these methods of financing, as well as the Companys choice of a specific form of security, will depend on many factors, including, but not limited to: security market conditions; general economic climate; regulatory approvals; the ability to meet covenant issuance restrictions; the level of the Companys earnings, cash flows and financial position; and the competitive pricing offered by financing sources.
Unitil has a revolving credit facility with a group of banks that extends to October 8, 2013. The borrowing limit under the revolving credit facility is $80.0 million. There was $50.6 million, $19.3 million and $66.8 million in short-term debt outstanding through bank borrowings under the revolving credit facility at March 31, 2011, March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The total amount of credit available under the Companys revolving credit facility was $29.4 million, $60.7 million and $13.2 million at March 31, 2011, March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The revolving credit facility contains customary terms and conditions for credit facilities of this type, including, without limitation, covenants restricting the Companys ability to incur liens, merge or consolidate with another entity or change its line of business. The revolving credit agreement also contains a covenant restricting the Companys ability to permit funded debt to exceed 65% of capitalization at the end of each fiscal quarter. As of March 31, 2011, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants contained in the revolving credit agreement.
Northern Utilities enters into asset management agreements under which Northern Utilities releases certain natural gas pipeline and storage assets, resells the natural gas storage inventory to an asset
11
manager and subsequently repurchases the inventory over the course of the natural gas heating season at the same price at which it sold the natural gas inventory to the asset manager. There was $1.8 million, $6.2 million and $11.7 million outstanding at March 31, 2011, March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2010, respectively, related to these asset management agreements. The amount of natural gas inventory released in March 2011, which is payable in April 2011, is $1.7 million and recorded in Accounts Payable at March 31, 2011. There were no amounts of natural gas inventory released in March 2010 and payable in April 2010 that were recorded in Accounts Payable at March 31, 2010. The amount of natural gas inventory released in December 2010, which was payable in January 2011, is $3.9 million and recorded in Accounts Payable at December 31, 2010.
The Company also provides limited guarantees on certain energy and natural gas storage management contracts entered into by the three distribution utilities. The Companys policy is to limit these guarantees to two years or less. As of March 31, 2011 there are $37.9 million of guarantees outstanding and the longest of these guarantees extends through December 31, 2012. Of this amount, $5.0 million is related to Unitils guarantee of payment for the term of the Northern Utilities gas storage agreement discussed above.
The Company also guarantees the payment of principal, interest and other amounts payable on the notes issued by Unitil Realty and Granite. As of March 31, 2011, the principal amount outstanding for the 8% Unitil Realty notes was $3.7 million. On December 15, 2008, the Company entered into a guarantee for the payment of principal, interest and other amounts payable on the $10 million Granite notes due 2018. As of March 31, 2011, the principal amount outstanding for the 7.15% Granite notes was $10.0 million.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company and its subsidiaries do not currently use, and are not dependent on the use of, off-balance sheet financing arrangements such as securitization of receivables or obtaining access to assets or cash through special purpose entities or variable interest entities. Unitils subsidiaries conduct a portion of their operations in leased facilities and also lease some of their vehicles, machinery and office equipment under both capital and operating lease arrangements.
Cash Flows
Unitils utility operations, taken as a whole, are seasonal in nature and are therefore subject to seasonal fluctuations in cash flows. The tables below summarize the major sources and uses of cash (in millions) for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010.
Three Months Ended March 31, |
||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Cash Provided by Operating Activities |
$ | 36.4 | $ | 24.3 | ||||
Cash Provided by Operating Activities Cash Provided by Operating Activities was $36.4 million for the first three months of 2011 compared to $24.3 million in the same period of 2010. In the first three months of 2011 as compared to the first three months of 2010, net sources of cash flow from Net Income, adjusted for non-cash charges to depreciation, amortization and deferred taxes increased by $12.7 million, changes in working capital items decreased $4.0 million, and changes in all other Operating Activities increased $3.4 million.
Three Months Ended March 31, |
||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Cash (Used in) Investing Activities |
$ | (10.8 | ) | $ | (10.3 | ) | ||
Cash (Used in) Investing Activities Cash (Used in) Investing Activities was ($10.8) million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to ($10.3) million for the same period in 2010. The capital spending in both periods is representative of normal distribution utility capital expenditures reflecting normal electric and gas utility system additions. Capital expenditures are projected to total approximately ($59.8) million for 2011.
12
Three Months Ended March 31, |
||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Cash (Used in) Financing Activities |
$ | (27.9 | ) | $ | (12.9 | ) | ||
Cash (Used in) Financing Activities Cash Used in Financing Activities was ($27.9) million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to ($12.9) million for the same period in 2010. Short-term borrowings were reduced by ($16.2) million in the first three months of 2011. Other uses of cash include ($3.8) million for quarterly dividend payments, gas inventory financing of ($7.8) million, repayment of long-term debt of ($0.1) million, and other of ($0.3) million. Proceeds from issuances of common stock provided a source of cash of $0.3 million.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The preparation of the Companys financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America requires the Company 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. In making those estimates and assumptions, the Company is sometimes required to make difficult, subjective and/or complex judgments about the impact of matters that are inherently uncertain and for which different estimates that could reasonably have been used could have resulted in material differences in its financial statements. If actual results were to differ significantly from those estimates, assumptions and judgment, the financial position of the Company could be materially affected and the results of operations of the Company could be materially different than reported. The following is a summary of the Companys most critical accounting policies, which are defined as those policies where judgments or uncertainties could materially affect the application of those policies. For a complete discussion of the Companys significant accounting policies, refer to the Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 3, 2011.
Regulatory Accounting The Companys principal business is the distribution of electricity and natural gas by the three distribution utilities: Unitil Energy, Fitchburg and Northern Utilities. Unitil Energy and Fitchburg are subject to regulation by the FERC. Fitchburg is also regulated by the MDPU, Unitil Energy is regulated by the NHPUC and Northern Utilities is regulated by the MPUC and NHPUC. Granite State, the Companys natural gas transmission pipeline, is regulated by the FERC. Accordingly, the Company uses the Regulated Operations guidance as set forth in the FASB Codification. The Company has recorded Regulatory Assets and Regulatory Liabilities which will be recovered from customers, or applied for customer benefit, in accordance with rate provisions approved by the applicable public utility regulatory commission.
13
Regulatory Assets consist of the following (millions)
March 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2010 | ||||||||||
Energy Supply Contract Obligations |
$ | 19.5 | $ | 31.2 | $ | 21.7 | ||||||
Deferred Restructuring Costs |
24.0 | 27.7 | 25.0 | |||||||||
Subtotal Restructuring Related Items |
43.5 | 58.9 | 46.7 | |||||||||
Retirement Benefit Obligations |
46.9 | 43.8 | 47.1 | |||||||||
Income Taxes |
12.9 | 14.0 | 12.7 | |||||||||
Environmental Obligations |
18.9 | 21.9 | 20.3 | |||||||||
Deferred Storm Charges |
21.1 | 19.6 | 21.0 | |||||||||
Other |
10.6 | 8.2 | 10.9 | |||||||||
Total Regulatory Assets |
$ | 153.9 | $ | 166.4 | $ | 158.7 | ||||||
Less: Current Portion of Regulatory Assets(1) |
14.3 | 19.0 | 15.7 | |||||||||
Regulatory Assets noncurrent |
$ | 139.6 | $ | 147.4 | $ | 143.0 | ||||||
(1) | Reflects amounts included in Accrued Revenue on the Companys unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets. |
The Company receives a return on investment on its regulated assets for which a cash outflow has been made. Regulatory commissions can reach different conclusions about the recovery of costs, which can have a material impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements. The Company believes it is probable that its regulated distribution and transmission utilities will recover their investments in long-lived assets, including regulatory assets. If the Company, or a portion of its assets or operations, were to cease meeting the criteria for application of these accounting rules, accounting standards for businesses in general would become applicable and immediate recognition of any previously deferred costs, or a portion of deferred costs, would be required in the year in which the criteria are no longer met, if such deferred costs were not recoverable in the portion of the business that continues to meet the criteria for application of the FASB Codification topic on Regulated Operations. If unable to continue to apply the FASB Codification provisions for Regulated Operations, the Company would be required to apply the provisions for the Discontinuation of Rate-Regulated Accounting included in the FASB Codification. In the Companys opinion, its regulated operations will be subject to the FASB Codification provisions for Regulated Operations for the foreseeable future.
Utility Revenue Recognition Regulated utility revenues are based on rates and charges approved by federal and state regulatory commissions. Revenues related to the sale of electric and gas service are recorded when service is rendered or energy is delivered to customers. However, the determination of energy sales to individual customers is based on the reading of their meters, which occurs on a systematic basis throughout the month. At the end of each calendar month, amounts of energy delivered to customers since the date of the last meter reading are estimated and the corresponding unbilled revenue is estimated. This unbilled revenue is estimated each month based on estimated customer usage by class and applicable customer rates.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company recognizes a provision for doubtful accounts each month based upon the Companys experience in collecting electric and gas utility service accounts receivable in prior years. At the end of each month, an analysis of the delinquent receivables is performed which takes into account an assumption about the cash recovery of delinquent receivables. The analysis also calculates the amount of written-off receivables that are recoverable through regulatory rate reconciling mechanisms. The Companys distribution utilities are authorized by regulators to recover the costs of their energy commodity portion of bad debts through rate mechanisms. Evaluating the adequacy of the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts requires judgment about the assumptions used in the analysis, including expected fuel assistance payments from governmental authorities and the level of customers enrolling in payment plans with the Company. It has been the Companys experience that the assumptions it has used in evaluating the adequacy of the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts have proven to be reasonably accurate.
14
Retirement Benefit Obligations The Company sponsors the Unitil Corporation Retirement Plan (Pension Plan), which is a defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all of its employees. The Company also sponsors an unfunded retirement plan, the Unitil Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP), covering certain executives of the Company and an employee 401(k) savings plan. Additionally, the Company sponsors the Unitil Employee Health and Welfare Benefits Plan (PBOP Plan), primarily to provide health care and life insurance benefits to retired employees.
The Company records on its balance sheets as an asset or liability the overfunded or underfunded status of their retirement benefit obligations (RBO) based on the projected benefit obligation. The Company has recognized a corresponding Regulatory Asset, to recognize the future collection of these obligations in electric and gas rates.
The Companys reported costs of providing retirement benefits are dependent upon numerous factors resulting from actual plan experience and assumptions of future experience. The Company has made critical estimates related to actuarial assumptions, including assumptions of expected returns on plan assets, future compensation, health care cost trends, and appropriate discount rates. The Companys RBO are affected by actual employee demographics, the level of contributions made to the plans, earnings on plan assets, and health care cost trends. Changes made to the provisions of these plans may also affect current and future costs.
The Companys RBO may also be significantly affected by changes in key actuarial assumptions, including, anticipated rates of return on plan assets and the discount rates used in determining the Companys RBO. If these assumptions were changed, the resultant change in benefit obligations, fair values of plan assets, funded status and net periodic benefit costs could have a material impact on the Companys financial statements. The discount rate assumptions used in determining retirement plan costs and retirement plan obligations are based on a market average of long-term bonds that receive one of the two highest ratings given by a recognized rating agency. For the year ended December 31, 2010, a change in the discount rate of 0.25% would have resulted in an increase or decrease of approximately $300,000 in the Net Periodic Benefit Cost for the Pension Plan. For the year ended December 31, 2010, a 1.0% increase in the assumption of health care cost trend rates would have resulted in an increase in the Net Periodic Benefit Cost for the PBOP Plan of $728,000. Similarly, a 1.0% decrease in the assumption of health care cost trend rates for that time period would have resulted in a decrease in the Net Periodic Benefit Cost for the PBOP Plan of $565,000. See Note 9 to the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements.
Income Taxes The Company is subject to Federal and State income taxes as well as various other business taxes. This process involves estimating the Companys current tax liabilities as well as assessing temporary and permanent differences resulting from the timing of the deductions and recognition of taxable income for tax and book accounting purposes. These temporary differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included on the Companys unaudited consolidated balance sheets. The Company accounts for income tax assets, liabilities and expenses in accordance with the FASB Codification guidance on Income Taxes.
Provisions for income taxes are calculated in each of the jurisdictions in which the Company operates for each period for which a statement of earnings is presented. The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with the FASB Codification guidance on Income Taxes which requires an asset and liability approach for the financial accounting and reporting of income taxes. Significant judgments and estimates are required in determining the current and deferred tax assets and liabilities. The Companys current and deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect its best assessment of estimated future taxes to be paid. Periodically, the Company assesses the realizability of its deferred tax assets and liabilities and adjusts the income tax provision, the current tax liability and deferred taxes in the period in which the facts and circumstances which gave rise to the revision become known.
Depreciation Depreciation expense is calculated on a group straight-line basis based on the useful lives of assets and judgment is involved when estimating the useful lives of certain assets. The Company conducts independent depreciation studies on a periodic basis as part of the regulatory ratemaking process and considers the results presented in these studies in determining the useful lives of the Companys fixed assets. A change in the estimated useful lives of these assets could have a material impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
15
Commitments and Contingencies The Companys accounting policy is to record and/or disclose commitments and contingencies in accordance with the FASB Codification as it applies to an existing condition, situation, or set of circumstances involving uncertainty as to possible loss that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. As of March 31, 2011, the Company is not aware of any material commitments or contingencies other than those disclosed in the Commitments and Contingencies footnote to the Companys unaudited consolidated financial statements below.
Refer to Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements in Note 1 of the Notes of unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding recently issued accounting standards.
LABOR RELATIONS
As of March 31, 2011, the Company and its subsidiaries had 447 employees. The Company considers its relationship with employees to be good and has not experienced any major labor disruptions.
As of March 31, 2011, 150 of the Companys employees were represented by labor unions. These employees are covered by four separate collective bargaining agreements which expire on March 31, 2012, May 31, 2012, May 31, 2013 and June 5, 2014. The agreements provide discreet salary adjustments, established work practices and uniform benefit packages. The Company expects to negotiate new agreements prior to their expiration dates.
INTEREST RATE RISK
As discussed above, Unitil meets its external financing needs by issuing short-term and long-term debt. The majority of debt outstanding represents long-term notes bearing fixed rates of interest. Changes in market interest rates do not affect interest expense resulting from these outstanding long-term debt securities. However, the Company periodically repays its short-term debt borrowings through the issuance of new long-term debt securities. Changes in market interest rates may affect the interest rate and corresponding interest expense on any new issuances of long-term debt securities. In addition, short-term debt borrowings bear a variable rate of interest. As a result, changes in short-term interest rates will increase or decrease interest expense in future periods. For example, if the average amount of short-term debt outstanding was $25 million for the period of one year, a change in interest rates of 1% would result in a change in annual interest expense of approximately $250,000. The average interest rates on the Companys short-term borrowings for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010 were 2.29% and 2.26%, respectively.
MARKET RISK
Although Unitils three distribution utilities are subject to commodity price risk as part of their traditional operations, the current regulatory framework within which these companies operate allows for full collection of electric power and natural gas supply costs in rates on a pass-through basis. Consequently, there is limited commodity price risk after consideration of the related rate-making. Additionally, as discussed above and below in Regulatory Matters, the Company has divested its commodity-related contracts and therefore, further reduced its exposure to commodity risk.
16
REGULATORY MATTERS
Please refer to Note 6 to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report for a discussion of Regulatory Matters.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
Please refer to Note 7 to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report for a discussion of Environmental Matters.
17
Item 1. | Financial Statements |
UNITIL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Millions, except common shares and per share data)
(UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended March 31, |
||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Operating Revenues |
||||||||
Gas |
$ | 65.9 | $ | 61.1 | ||||
Electric |
48.2 | 50.8 | ||||||
Other |
1.3 | 1.1 | ||||||
Total Operating Revenues |
115.4 | 113.0 | ||||||
Operating Expenses |
||||||||
Purchased Gas |
40.5 | 39.1 | ||||||
Purchased Electricity |
31.2 | 35.8 | ||||||
Operation and Maintenance |
12.2 | 11.4 | ||||||
Conservation & Load Management |
1.5 | 1.7 | ||||||
Depreciation and Amortization |
7.9 | 7.1 | ||||||
Provisions for Taxes: |
||||||||
Local Property and Other |
3.3 | 3.1 | ||||||
Federal and State Income |
5.4 | 3.9 | ||||||
Total Operating Expenses |
102.0 | 102.1 | ||||||
Operating Income |
13.4 | 10.9 | ||||||
Other Non-Operating Expense (Income) |
0.1 | 0.1 | ||||||
Income Before Interest Expense |
13.3 | 10.8 | ||||||
Interest Expense, Net |
4.6 | 4.3 | ||||||
Net Income |
8.7 | 6.5 | ||||||
Less: Dividends on Preferred Stock |
| | ||||||
Earnings Applicable to Common Shareholders |
$ | 8.7 | $ | 6.5 | ||||
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding Basic (000s) |
10,860 | 10,801 | ||||||
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding Diluted (000s) |
10,861 | 10,803 | ||||||
Earnings Per Common Share (Basic and Diluted) |
$ | 0.81 | $ | 0.61 | ||||
Dividends Declared Per Share of Common Stock |
$ | 0.69 | $ | 0.69 |
(The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated unaudited financial statements.)
18
UNITIL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Millions)
(UNAUDITED)
March 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2010 | ||||||||||
ASSETS: |
||||||||||||
Utility Plant: |
||||||||||||
Electric |
$ | 325.1 | $ | 310.8 | $ | 321.5 | ||||||
Gas |
362.3 | 327.9 | 360.1 | |||||||||
Common |
30.7 | 29.5 | 30.2 | |||||||||
Construction Work in Progress |
13.9 | 24.8 | 16.6 | |||||||||
Total Utility Plant |
732.0 | 693.0 | 728.4 | |||||||||
Less: Accumulated Depreciation |
256.0 | 237.9 | 251.9 | |||||||||
Net Utility Plant |
476.0 | 455.1 | 476.5 | |||||||||
Current Assets: |
||||||||||||
Cash |
6.6 | 8.8 | 8.9 | |||||||||
Accounts Receivable, net |
45.7 | 40.3 | 36.9 | |||||||||
Accrued Revenue |
33.9 | 27.4 | 46.7 | |||||||||
Refundable Taxes |
| | 7.5 | |||||||||
Gas Inventory |
0.7 | 6.6 | 10.6 | |||||||||
Materials and Supplies |
3.4 | 2.9 | 2.9 | |||||||||
Prepayments and Other |
4.4 | 3.8 | 3.6 | |||||||||
Total Current Assets |
94.7 | 89.8 | 117.1 | |||||||||
Noncurrent Assets: |
||||||||||||
Regulatory Assets |
139.6 | 147.4 | 143.0 | |||||||||
Other Noncurrent Assets |
26.4 | 25.6 | 23.0 | |||||||||
Total Noncurrent Assets |
166.0 | 173.0 | 166.0 | |||||||||
TOTAL |
$ | 736.7 | $ | 717.9 | $ | 759.6 | ||||||
(The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated unaudited financial statements.)
19
UNITIL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Cont.)
(Millions)
(UNAUDITED)
March 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2010 | ||||||||||
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES: |
||||||||||||
Capitalization: |
||||||||||||
Common Stock Equity |
$ | 190.5 | $ | 192.6 | $ | 189.0 | ||||||
Preferred Stock |
2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | |||||||||
Long-Term Debt, Less Current Portion |
288.2 | 288.7 | 288.3 | |||||||||
Total Capitalization |
480.7 | 483.3 | 479.3 | |||||||||
Current Liabilities: |
||||||||||||
Long-Term Debt, Current Portion |
0.5 | 0.4 | 0.5 | |||||||||
Accounts Payable |
22.5 | 17.8 | 26.5 | |||||||||
Taxes Payable |
0.1 | 6.4 | | |||||||||
Short-Term Debt |
50.6 | 19.3 | 66.8 | |||||||||
Energy Supply Contract Obligations |
9.1 | 18.1 | 17.0 | |||||||||
Other Current Liabilities |
21.1 | 25.7 | 16.1 | |||||||||
Total Current Liabilities |
103.9 | 87.7 | 126.9 | |||||||||
Deferred Income Taxes |
48.7 | 34.3 | 43.8 | |||||||||
Noncurrent Liabilities: |
||||||||||||
Energy Supply Contract Obligations |
10.4 | 19.4 | 12.6 | |||||||||
Retirement Benefit Obligations |
70.3 | 68.2 | 74.0 | |||||||||
Environmental Obligations |
14.5 | 14.3 | 14.5 | |||||||||
Other Noncurrent Liabilities |
8.2 | 10.7 | 8.5 | |||||||||
Total Noncurrent Liabilities |
103.4 | 112.6 | 109.6 | |||||||||
TOTAL |
$ | 736.7 | $ | 717.9 | $ | 759.6 | ||||||
(The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated unaudited financial statements.)
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UNITIL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Millions)
(UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended March 31, |
||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Operating Activities: |
||||||||
Net Income |
$ | 8.7 | $ | 6.5 | ||||
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Cash |
||||||||
Provided by Operating Activities: |
||||||||
Depreciation and Amortization |
7.9 | 7.1 | ||||||
Deferred Tax Provision (Benefit) |
4.5 | (5.2 | ) | |||||
Changes in Working Capital Items: |
||||||||
Accounts Receivable |
(8.8 | ) | (6.8 | ) | ||||
Accrued Revenue |
12.8 | 16.6 | ||||||
Taxes Refundable / Payable |
7.6 | 8.1 | ||||||
Gas Inventory |
9.9 | 7.7 | ||||||
Accounts Payable |
(4.0 | ) | (7.3 | ) | ||||
Other Changes in Working Capital Items |
3.6 | 6.8 | ||||||
Deferred Regulatory and Other Charges |
(2.5 | ) | (6.1 | ) | ||||
Other, net |
(3.3 | ) | (3.1 | ) | ||||
Cash Provided by Operating Activities |
36.4 | 24.3 | ||||||
Investing Activities: |
||||||||
Property, Plant and Equipment Additions |
(10.8 | ) | (10.3 | ) | ||||
Cash (Used in) Investing Activities |
(10.8 | ) | (10.3 | ) | ||||
Financing Activities: |
||||||||
Repayment of Short-Term Debt |
(16.2 | ) | (45.2 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from Issuance (Repayment) of Long-Term Debt |
(0.1 | ) | 40.0 | |||||
Net Decrease in Gas Inventory Financing |
(7.8 | ) | (3.8 | ) | ||||
Dividends Paid |
(3.8 | ) | (3.8 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock |
0.3 | 0.2 | ||||||
Other, net |
(0.3 | ) | (0.3 | ) | ||||
Cash (Used in) Financing Activities |
(27.9 | ) | (12.9 | ) | ||||
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash |
(2.3 | ) | 1.1 | |||||
Cash at Beginning of Period |
8.9 | 7.7 | ||||||
Cash at End of Period |
$ | 6.6 | $ | 8.8 | ||||
Supplemental Cash Flow Information: |
||||||||
Interest Paid |
$ | 3.1 | $ | 2.0 | ||||
Income Taxes Paid (Refunded) |
$ | (6.9 | ) | $ | 1.0 |
(The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated unaudited financial statements.)
21
UNITIL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE 1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of Operations Unitil Corporation (Unitil or the Company) is a public utility holding company. Unitil and its subsidiaries are subject to regulation as a holding company system by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The following companies are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Unitil: Unitil Energy Systems, Inc. (Unitil Energy), Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light Company (Fitchburg), Northern Utilities, Inc. (Northern Utilities), Granite State Gas Transmission, Inc. (Granite State), Unitil Power Corp. (Unitil Power), Unitil Realty Corp. (Unitil Realty), Unitil Service Corp. (Unitil Service) and its non-regulated business unit Unitil Resources, Inc. (Unitil Resources). Usource, Inc. and Usource L.L.C. are subsidiaries of Unitil Resources.
The Companys results are expected to reflect the seasonal nature of the natural gas businesses. Accordingly, the Company expects that results of operations will be positively affected during the first and fourth quarters, when sales of natural gas are typically higher, and negatively affected during the second and third quarters, when gas operating and maintenance expenses usually exceed sales margins in the period.
Unitils principal business is the local distribution of electricity in the southeastern seacoast and state capital regions of New Hampshire and the greater Fitchburg area of north central Massachusetts and the local distribution of natural gas in southeastern New Hampshire, portions of southern and central Maine and in the greater Fitchburg area of north central Massachusetts. Unitil has three distribution utility subsidiaries, Unitil Energy, which operates in New Hampshire, Fitchburg, which operates in Massachusetts and Northern Utilities, which operates in New Hampshire and Maine (collectively referred to as the distribution utilities).
Granite State is a natural gas transportation pipeline, operating 87 miles of underground gas transmission pipeline primarily located in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Granite State provides Northern Utilities with interconnection to three major natural gas pipelines and access to domestic natural gas supplies in the south and Canadian natural gas supplies in the north. Granite State derives its revenues principally from the transportation services provided to Northern Utilities and, to a lesser extent, third party marketers.
A fifth utility subsidiary, Unitil Power, formerly functioned as the full requirements wholesale power supply provider for Unitil Energy. In connection with the implementation of electric industry restructuring in New Hampshire, Unitil Power ceased being the wholesale supplier of Unitil Energy on May 1, 2003 and divested of its long-term power supply contracts through the sale of the entitlements to the electricity associated with various electric power supply contracts it had acquired to serve Unitil Energys customers.
Unitil also has three other wholly-owned subsidiaries: Unitil Service; Unitil Realty; and Unitil Resources. Unitil Service provides, at cost, a variety of administrative and professional services, including regulatory, financial, accounting, human resources, engineering, operations, technology, energy management and management services on a centralized basis to its affiliated Unitil companies. Unitil Realty owns and manages the Companys corporate office in Hampton, New Hampshire and leases this facility to Unitil Service under a long-term lease arrangement. Unitil Resources is the Companys wholly-owned non-regulated subsidiary. Usource, Inc. and Usource L.L.C. (collectively, Usource) are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Unitil Resources. Usource provides brokering and advisory services to large commercial and industrial customers in the northeastern United States.
Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Unitil have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2011. For further information, please refer to Note 1 of Part II to the Consolidated Financial Statements Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Companys Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on February 3, 2011, for a description of the Companys Basis of Presentation.
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Derivatives The Company has a regulatory approved hedging program for Northern Utilities designed to fix a portion of its gas supply costs for the coming year of service. In order to fix these costs, the Company purchases natural gas futures contracts on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) that correspond to the associated delivery month. Any gains or losses resulting from the change in the fair value of these derivatives are passed through to ratepayers directly through a regulatory commission approved recovery mechanism. The fair value of these derivatives is determined using Level 2 inputs (valuations based on quoted prices available in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, inputs other than quoted prices that are directly observable, and inputs derived principally from market data), specifically based on the NYMEX closing prices for outstanding contracts as of the balance sheet date. As a result of the ratemaking process, the Company records gains and losses resulting from the change in fair value of the derivatives as regulatory liabilities or assets, then reclassifies these gains or losses into Purchased Gas when the gains and losses are passed through to customers in accordance with rate reconciling mechanisms.
As of March 31, 2011, March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2010 the Company had 1.3 billion, 1.2 billion and 1.3 billion cubic feet (BCF), respectively, outstanding in natural gas purchase contracts under its hedging program.
The tables below show derivatives, which are part of the regulatory approved hedging program, that are not designated as hedging instruments, under FASB ASC 815-20. As discussed above, the change in fair value related to these derivatives is recorded initially as a Regulatory Asset then reclassified to Purchased Gas in accordance with the recovery mechanism. The tables below include disclosure of the Regulatory Asset and reclassifications from the Regulatory Asset into Purchased Gas.
Fair Value Amount (millions) Offset in Regulatory Assets(1), as of: |
||||||||||||||
Fair Value | ||||||||||||||
Description |
Balance Sheet Location |
March 31, 2011 |
March 31, 2010 |
December 31, 2010 |
||||||||||
Natural Gas Futures Contracts |
Other Current Liabilities | $ | 0.4 | $ | 1.7 | $ | 0.8 | |||||||
Natural Gas Futures Contracts |
Other Noncurrent Liabilities | | 0.2 | 0.2 | ||||||||||
Total |
$ | 0.4 | $ | 1.9 | $ | 1.0 | ||||||||
(1) | The current portion of Regulatory Assets are recorded as Accrued Revenue on the Companys unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets. |
Three Months Ended March 31, |
||||||||
(millions) |
2011 | 2010 | ||||||
Amount of (Gain) / Loss Recognized in Regulatory Assets for Derivatives: |
||||||||
Natural Gas Futures Contracts |
$ | 0.1 | $ | 1.9 | ||||
Amount of Loss Reclassified into unaudited Consolidated Statements of Earnings( 2): |
||||||||
Purchased Gas |
$ | 0.7 | $ | 2.3 |
(2) | These amounts are offset in the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Earnings with Accrued Revenue and therefore there is no effect on earnings. |
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Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company recognizes a provision for doubtful accounts each month based upon the Companys experience in collecting electric and gas utility service accounts receivable in prior years. At the end of each month, an analysis of the delinquent receivables is performed which takes into account an assumption about the cash recovery of delinquent receivables. The analysis also calculates the amount of written-off receivables that are recoverable through regulatory rate reconciling mechanisms. The Companys distribution utilities are authorized by regulators to recover the costs of their energy commodity portion of bad debts through rate mechanisms. Evaluating the adequacy of the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts requires judgment about the assumptions used in the analysis, including expected fuel assistance payments from governmental authorities and the level of customers enrolling in payment plans with the Company.
The Allowance for Doubtful Accounts as of March 31, 2011, March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2010, which are included in Accounts Receivable, net on the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheets, were as follows:
(Millions) |
||||||||||||
March 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2010 | ||||||||||
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts |
$ | 3.0 | $ | 3.0 | $ | 2.6 | ||||||
Subsequent Events The Company has evaluated all events or transactions through the date of this filing. During this period, the Company did not have any material subsequent events that impacted its unaudited consolidated financial statements.
Reclassifications Based on the Companys analysis certain amounts previously reported have been reclassified to improve the financial statements presentation and to conform to current year presentation.
Recently Issued Pronouncements There are no recently issued pronouncements that the Company has not already adopted.
NOTE 2 DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER SHARE
Declaration Date |
Date Paid (Payable) |
Shareholder of Record Date |
Dividend Amount | |||
03/24/11 |
05/16/11 | 05/02/11 | $0.345 | |||
01/18/11 |
02/15/11 | 02/01/11 | $0.345 | |||
09/22/10 |
11/15/10 | 11/01/10 | $0.345 | |||
06/17/10 |
08/16/10 | 08/02/10 | $0.345 | |||
03/25/10 |
05/14/10 | 04/30/10 | $0.345 | |||
01/14/10 |
02/16/10 | 02/02/10 | $0.345 |
NOTE 3 COMMON STOCK AND PREFERRED STOCK
Common Stock
The Companys common stock trades under the symbol, UTL.
On April 21, 2011, the Companys shareholders approved an increase in the authorized shares of the Companys common stock. Shareholders approved an amendment to the Companys Articles of Incorporation to increase the authorized number of shares of the Companys common stock, from 16,000,000 shares to 25,000,000 shares in the aggregate. The Company had 10,925,136, 10,859,442 and 10,890,262 of common shares outstanding at March 31, 2011, March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
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Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan During the first quarter of 2011, the Company sold 10,544 shares of its common stock, at an average price of $22.78 per share, in connection with its Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (DRP) and its 401(k) plans resulting in net proceeds of approximately $240,000. The DRP provides participants in the plan a method for investing cash dividends on the Companys common stock and cash payments in additional shares of the Companys common stock.
Stock Plan On February 9, 2011, 24,330 restricted shares were issued in conjunction with the 2003 Restricted Stock Plan (Restricted Stock Plan) with an aggregate market value at the date of issuance of $554,237. There were 49,089 and 42,000 non-vested shares under the Restricted Stock Plan as of March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value of these shares was $22.17 and $22.13, respectively. The compensation expense associated with the issuance of shares under the Restricted Stock Plan is being recognized over the vesting period and was $0.1 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. At March 31, 2011, there was approximately $1.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost under the Restricted Stock Plan which is expected to be recognized over approximately 2.9 years. There were no forfeitures or cancellations under the Restricted Stock Plan during the three months ended March 31, 2011.
On March 24, 2011, the Board of Directors of the Company amended the Companys 2003 Restricted Stock Plan (the Amendment) and restated the 2003 Restricted Stock Plan, as amended, in its entirety as the Companys Amended and Restated 2003 Stock Plan (the Stock Plan). The Amendment adds restricted stock units as a type of award that the Company may grant to the Companys employees, Directors or consultants pursuant to the Stock Plan. There were no restricted stock units issued under the Stock Plan during the three months ended March 31, 2011.
Preferred Stock
Details on preferred stock at March 31, 2011, March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2010 are shown below:
(Amounts in Millions)
March 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2010 | ||||||||||
Preferred Stock |
||||||||||||
Unitil Energy Preferred Stock, Non-Redeemable, Non-Cumulative: |
||||||||||||
6.00% Series, $100 Par Value, |
$ | 0.2 | $ | 0.2 | $ | 0.2 | ||||||
Fitchburg Preferred Stock, Redeemable, Cumulative: |
||||||||||||
5.125% Series, $100 Par Value |
0.8 | 0.8 | 0.8 | |||||||||
8.00% Series, $100 Par Value |
1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | |||||||||
Total Preferred Stock |
$ | 2.0 | $ | 2.0 | $ | 2.0 | ||||||
There were 2,250, 2,250 and 2,250 shares of Unitil Energys 6.00% Series Preferred Stock outstanding at March 31, 2011, March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2010, respectively. There were 7,901, 8,102 and 7,901 shares of Fitchburgs 5.125% Series Preferred Stock outstanding at March 31, 2011, March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2010, respectively. There were 9,742, 9,791 and 9,742 shares of Fitchburgs 8.00% Series Preferred Stock outstanding at March 31, 2011, March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
There was less than $0.1 million and less than $0.1 million of total dividends declared on Preferred Stock in the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010, respectively.
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NOTE 4 LONG-TERM DEBT, CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS AND GUARANTEES
Long-Term Debt
Details on long-term debt at March 31, 2011, March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2010 are shown below ($ Millions):
March 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2010 | ||||||||||
Unitil Corporation Senior Notes: |
||||||||||||
6.33% Notes, Due May 1, 2022 |
$ | 20.0 | $ | 20.0 | $ | 20.0 | ||||||
Unitil Energy Systems, Inc.: |
||||||||||||
First Mortgage Bonds: |
||||||||||||
5.24% Series, Due March 2, 2020 |
15.0 | 15.0 | 15.0 | |||||||||
8.49% Series, Due October 14, 2024 |
15.0 | 15.0 | 15.0 | |||||||||
6.96% Series, Due September 1, 2028 |
20.0 | 20.0 | 20.0 | |||||||||
8.00% Series, Due May 1, 2031 |
15.0 | 15.0 | 15.0 | |||||||||
6.32% Series, Due September 15, 2036 |
15.0 | 15.0 | 15.0 | |||||||||
Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light Company: |
||||||||||||
Long-Term Notes: |
||||||||||||
6.75% Notes, Due November 30, 2023 |
19.0 | 19.0 | 19.0 | |||||||||
7.37% Notes, Due January 15, 2029 |
12.0 | 12.0 | 12.0 | |||||||||
7.98% Notes, Due June 1, 2031 |
14.0 | 14.0 | 14.0 | |||||||||
6.79% Notes, Due October 15, 2025 |
10.0 | 10.0 | 10.0 | |||||||||
5.90% Notes, Due December 15, 2030 |
15.0 | 15.0 | 15.0 | |||||||||
Northern Utilities Senior Notes: |
||||||||||||
6.95% Senior Notes, Series A, Due December 3, 2018 |
30.0 | 30.0 | 30.0 | |||||||||
5.29% Senior Notes, Due March 2, 2020 |
25.0 | 25.0 | 25.0 | |||||||||
7.72% Senior Notes, Series B, Due December 3, 2038 |
50.0 | 50.0 | 50.0 | |||||||||
Granite State Senior Notes: |
||||||||||||
7.15% Senior Notes, Due December 15, 2018 |
10.0 | 10.0 | 10.0 | |||||||||
Unitil Realty Corp.: |
||||||||||||
Senior Secured Notes: |
||||||||||||
8.00% Notes, Due Through August 1, 2017 |
3.7 | 4.1 | 3.8 | |||||||||
Total Long-Term Debt |
288.7 | 289.1 | 288.8 | |||||||||
Less: Current Portion |
0.5 | 0.4 | 0.5 | |||||||||
Total Long-term Debt, Less Current Portion |
$ | 288.2 | $ | 288.7 | $ | 288.3 | ||||||
The fair value of the Companys long-term debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues, or on the current rates offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities. The fair value of the Companys long-term debt at March 31, 2011 is estimated to be approximately $315 million, before considering any costs, including prepayment costs, to market the Companys debt. Currently, the Company believes that there is no active market in the Companys debt securities, which have all been sold through private placements.
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Credit Arrangements
At March 31, 2011, March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2010, the Company had $50.6 million, $19.3 million and $66.8 million, respectively, in short-term debt outstanding through bank borrowings under its revolving credit facility which extends through October 8, 2013. The borrowing limit under the revolving credit facility is $80.0 million. The total amount of credit available under the Companys revolving credit facility at March 31, 2011, March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2010 was $29.4 million, $60.7 million and $13.2 million, respectively. The revolving credit facility contains customary terms and conditions for credit facilities of this type, including, without limitation, covenants restricting the Companys ability to incur liens, merge or consolidate with another entity or change its line of business. The revolving credit agreement also contains a covenant restricting the Companys ability to permit funded debt to exceed 65% of capitalization at the end of each fiscal quarter. As of March 31, 2011, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants contained in the revolving credit agreement.
Northern Utilities enters into asset management agreements under which Northern Utilities releases certain natural gas pipeline and storage assets, resells the natural gas storage inventory to an asset manager and subsequently repurchases the inventory over the course of the natural gas heating season at the same price at which it sold the natural gas inventory to the asset manager. There was $1.8 million, $6.2 million and $11.7 million outstanding at March 31, 2011, March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2010, respectively, related to these asset management agreements. The amount of natural gas inventory released in March 2011, which is payable in April 2011, is $1.7 million and recorded in Accounts Payable at March 31, 2011. There were no amounts of natural gas inventory released in March 2010 and payable in April 2010 that were recorded in Accounts Payable at March 31, 2010. The amount of natural gas inventory released in December 2010, which was payable in January 2011, is $3.9 million and recorded in Accounts Payable at December 31, 2010.
Guarantees
The Company also provides limited guarantees on certain energy and natural gas storage management contracts entered into by the three distribution utilities. The Companys policy is to limit these guarantees to two years or less. As of March 31, 2011 there are $37.9 million of guarantees outstanding and the longest of these guarantees extends through December 31, 2012. Of this amount, $5.0 million is related to Unitils guarantee of payment for the term of the Northern Utilities gas storage agreement discussed above.
The Company also guarantees the payment of principal, interest and other amounts payable on the notes issued by Unitil Realty and Granite. As of March 31, 2011, the principal amount outstanding for the 8% Unitil Realty notes was $3.7 million. On December 15, 2008, the Company entered into a guarantee for the payment of principal, interest and other amounts payable on the $10 million Granite notes due 2018. As of March 31, 2011, the principal amount outstanding for the 7.15% Granite notes was $10.0 million. This guarantee will terminate if Granite reorganizes and merges with and into Northern Utilities.
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NOTE 5 SEGMENT INFORMATION
The following table provides significant segment financial data for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 (Millions) |
Electric | Gas | Other | Non- Regulated |
Total | |||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 48.2 | $ | 65.9 | $ | | $ | 1.3 | $ | 115.4 | ||||||||||
Segment Profit (Loss) |
1.7 | 6.8 | (0.2 | ) | 0.4 | 8.7 | ||||||||||||||
Identifiable Segment Assets |
369.0 | 355.4 | 6.4 | 5.9 | 736.7 | |||||||||||||||
Capital Expenditures |
5.3 | 5.2 | 0.3 | | 10.8 | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 (Millions) |
||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 50.8 | $ | 61.1 | $ | | $ | 1.1 | $ | 113.0 | ||||||||||
Segment Profit |
1.3 | 4.6 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 6.5 | |||||||||||||||
Identifiable Segment Assets |
371.3 | 334.6 | 7.8 | 4.2 | 717.9 | |||||||||||||||
Capital Expenditures |
6.9 | 2.8 | 0.6 | | 10.3 |
NOTE 6 REGULATORY MATTERS
UNITILS REGULATORY MATTERS ARE DESCRIBED IN NOTE 6 TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS IN ITEM 8 OF PART II OF UNITIL CORPORATIONS FORM 10-K FOR DECEMBER 31, 2010 AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON FEBRUARY 3, 2011.
Legal Proceedings
The Company is involved in legal and administrative proceedings and claims of various types, which arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes, based upon information furnished by counsel and others, that the ultimate resolution of these claims will not have a material impact on the Companys financial position.
A putative class action complaint was filed against Fitchburg on January 7, 2009 in Worcester Superior Court in Worcester, Massachusetts, captioned Bellerman v. Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light Company. On April 1, 2009, an Amended Complaint was filed in Worcester Superior Court and served on Fitchburg. The Amended Complaint seeks an unspecified amount of damages including the cost of temporary housing and alternative fuel sources, emotional and physical pain and suffering and property damages allegedly incurred by customers in connection with the loss of electric service during the ice storm in Fitchburgs service territory in December, 2008. The Amended Complaint includes M.G.L. ch. 93A claims for purported unfair and deceptive trade practices related to the December 2008 Ice Storm. On September 4, 2009, the Superior Court issued its order on the Companys Motion to Dismiss the Complaint, granting it in part and denying it in part. The Company anticipates that the court will decide whether the lawsuit is appropriate for class action treatment in the fall of 2011. The Company continues to believe the suit is without merit and will defend itself vigorously.
Regulatory Matters
Fitchburg Base Rate Case Filings On January 14, 2011, Fitchburg filed a petition with the MDPU requesting approval of a comprehensive revenue decoupling proposal and for an increase in its electric and gas distribution rates. The Companys revenue decoupling proposal is modeled closely on proposals already approved by the Department for other gas and electric utilities operating in the Commonwealth of
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Massachusetts and is intended to facilitate the achievement of important public policy objectives of fostering energy efficiency, conservation and protecting the environment. The proposed rates are scheduled to change in conjunction with the implementation of revenue decoupling and are subject to the review and approval of the MDPU.
In its rate filing the Company made a request for an increase of $7.1 million in its electric distribution rates, including the recovery of deferred emergency storm restoration costs. The Company also proposed a rate-impact mitigation alternative in order to offset, in whole, the electric distribution rate increase with a corresponding decrease in its Transition Charge. The Transition Charge is the means by which Fitchburg recovers its power supply-related stranded costs and other restructuring-related regulatory assets, discussed above. Any offsetting decrease in the Transition Charge would allow for the recovery of the restructuring related stranded costs over an extended term. The Companys filing included a request for an increase of $4.4 million in its gas distribution rates. The MDPU issued an order suspending and deferring the use of the rates until August 2, 2011, pending an investigation and analysis of the Companys filing.
Granite State Gas Transmission, Inc. Base Rate Case Filing On June 29, 2010, Granite State filed a base transportation rate increase of $2.3 million in annual revenue with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which is Granite States first request for a rate change since its last general rate case in 1997. On July 30, 2010, the FERC ordered the rate increase to be effective on January 1, 2011, subject to refund and hearing and settlement procedures. On November 30, 2010, a settlement was filed on behalf of Granite State and all intervenors in the proceeding, resolving all issues in the docket. The settlement provides for an increase of approximately $1.7 million in annual revenue, based on new gas transportation rates to be effective January 1, 2011. The settlement was approved by the FERC on January 31, 2011.
Unitil Energy Rate Case Filing On April 15, 2010, Unitil Energy filed a proposed base rate increase of $10.1 million, an increase of 6.5 percent above present rates. In addition, Unitil Energys filing also included a proposed long-term rate plan establishing future rate step adjustments for utility plant investments and enhanced reliability and vegetation management program expenditures. On June 29, 2010, the NHPUC issued an order approving a temporary rate increase for Unitil Energy of $5.2 million (annual) effective July 1, 2010 which is being collected by a uniform per kilowatt-hour (kWh) surcharge of $0.00438 on each of Unitil Energys current rate schedules. Once permanent rates are approved by the NHPUC, they will be reconciled to the date temporary rates were ordered, July 1, 2010. The Company has filed a settlement agreement with the NHPUC and is expecting an order on a permanent rate plan on or before May 1, 2011.
Major Wind Storm On February 25, 2010, a significant wind storm struck portions of the New England region, causing extensive damage to electric facilities and loss of service to significant numbers of customers of several utilities. An estimated one million electric customers in the region were affected, including approximately 85% of the Unitil Energys customers. The Company spent approximately $7.4 million for the repair and replacement of electric distribution systems damaged during the storm, including $1.5 million related to capital construction and $5.9 million which has been deferred as a regulatory asset. Unitil Energy, in its base rate case filing discussed above, has requested recovery in rates for the costs associated with the emergency repair of its electric distribution system for damage caused by this storm.
Major Ice Storm On December 11 and 12, 2008, a severe ice storm (December 2008 Ice Storm) struck the New England region. The Company spent approximately $24.2 million for the repair and replacement of electric distribution systems damaged during the storm, including $8.6 million related to capital construction and $15.6 million which has been deferred as a regulatory asset, based on orders issued by the MDPU and NHPUC, discussed below. Also, the Company expensed $3.0 million for professional fees related to the ice storm, in addition to normal anticipated expenditures related to emergency storm preparedness. If the Company is unable to recover a significant amount of these deferred storm costs, or if the Companys recovery of these costs is significantly delayed, then the Companys financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected.
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On November 9, 2009, the NHPUC granted Unitil Energys petition to defer and record as a regulatory asset costs associated with electric distribution system damage from the December 2008 Ice Storm until such time as the Commission issues a final order in Unitil Energys pending base rate case. The order clarified that the issues of the appropriate amount of the storm related expenses to be recovered, the timing and manner of recovery, and what, if any, return should be applied to the unrecovered balance are to be reviewed in the rate case. As of March 31, 2011, Unitil Energy has deferred approximately $2.2 million associated with the repair of its electric distribution system for future recovery in rates.
On December 30, 2009, the MDPU approved Fitchburgs petition to defer and record as a regulatory asset costs associated with the repair of its electric distribution system from damage caused by the December 2008 Ice Storm for future recovery in rates. The order of approval made no findings as to whether the subject expenses were reasonable or whether they can be recovered from ratepayers, and confirmed that the MDPU will consider the subsequent ratemaking treatment of the expense as part of Fitchburgs next rate case. As of March 31, 2011, Fitchburg has deferred approximately $13.4 million associated with the repair of its electric distribution system for future recovery in rates.
The MDPU conducted an investigation of Fitchburgs preparation for, and response to, the December 2008 Ice Storm during the first half of 2009. On November 2, 2009, the MDPU issued its order with respect to its investigation, finding that Fitchburgs preparation for, and response to, the December 2008 Ice Storm constituted a failure of the Company to meet its public service obligation to provide safe and reliable service, and ordered several remedial actions. First, the MDPU ordered a comprehensive independent management audit of Fitchburgs management practices. The management audit, which was performed by Jacobs Consultancy, Inc. (Jacobs), was recently completed and the audit report was submitted by Jacobs to the MDPU. The Audit Report found Unitils management practices to be comprehensive, sound and in-line with industry practice. It also included sixteen recommendations intended to further improve the results of Unitils management strategy, and acknowledged that many of these recommendations were already being implemented by the Company.
Second, the MDPU directed Fitchburg to implement a series of operational and capital improvements which had been identified and recommended through the Companys self-assessment review. All of these operational and capital improvements have either been completed or are being implemented, and remain subject to MDPU review. Finally, the MDPU noted that the costs incurred by Fitchburg for the December 2008 Ice Storm would be subject to review in Fitchburgs next electric rate case, along with Fitchburgs rate of return.
Fitchburg Electric Operations On November 24, 2010, Fitchburg submitted its annual reconciliation of costs and revenues for Transition and Transmission under its restructuring plan (the Annual Reconciliation Filing). In addition, the Standard Offer Service and Default Service Costs incurred during the seven year Standard Offer Service period that ended February 28, 2005 have been combined and recovery continues through a Transition Charge Surcharge of $0.00400 per kWh. Changes to the Pension/PBOP Adjustment, Residential Assistance Adjustment Factor, and Net Metering Recovery Surcharge were proposed in other proceedings. The rates were approved effective January 1, 2011, subject to reconciliation pending investigation by the MDPU. This matter remains pending. A final order on Fitchburgs 2009 Annual Reconciliation Filing also remains pending.
Fitchburg Gas Operations On November 2, 2009 the MDPU issued an order finding that Fitchburg engaged in certain price stabilization practices for the 2007 / 2008 and 2008 / 2009 heating seasons without the MDPUs prior approval and that Fitchburgs gas purchasing practices were imprudent. As a result, the MDPU required Fitchburg to refund $4.6 million of natural gas costs, plus an appropriate carrying charge based on the prime lending rate, to its gas customers. The Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $4.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2009 based on the MDPUs order. On November 30, 2009, the MDPU approved Fitchburgs proposal to amortize its refund of natural gas costs to customers over a five-year period. Fitchburg has appealed the gas procurement order to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC). Fitchburg believes that its gas-procurement practices were consistent with those of other Massachusetts natural gas distribution companies and all relevant MDPU rules and orders and Massachusetts law. The Company filed its initial brief in this matter on January 10, 2011. This appeal remains pending before the Massachusetts SJC.
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Fitchburg Other On February 11, 2009, the Massachusetts SJC issued its decision in the Attorney Generals (AG) appeal of the MDPU orders relating to Fitchburgs recovery of bad debt expense. The Massachusetts SJC agreed with the AG that the MDPU was required to hold hearings regarding changes in Fitchburgs tariff and rates, and on that basis vacated the MDPU orders. The Massachusetts SJC, however, declined to rule on an appropriate remedy, and remanded the cases back to the MDPU for consideration of that issue. This matter remains pending before the MDPU.
On July 2, 2008, the Governor of Massachusetts signed into law The Green Communities Act (the GC Act), an energy policy statute designed to substantially increase energy efficiency and the development of renewable energy resources in Massachusetts. The GC Act provides for utilities to recover in rates the incremental costs associated with its various mandated programs. Several regulatory proceedings have been initiated to implement various provisions of the GC Act, including provisions for each distribution company to file enhanced three-year energy efficiency investment plans, plans to establish smart grid pilot programs, proposals to purchase long-term contracts for renewable energy, special tariffs to allow the net metering of customer-owned renewable generation, and terms and conditions for purchasing supplier receivables. Three year energy efficiency investment plans, plans to establish smart grid pilot programs, and net metering tariffs have been approved by the MDPU. Proposals to purchase long-term contracts for renewable energy and terms and conditions for purchasing supplier receivables are under review in a separately designated docket.
On January 26, 2011, the MDPU issued orders with respect to Fitchburgs 2008 and 2009 Service Quality Reports for its electric division. Fitchburg failed to meet certain of its service quality benchmarks in 2008, and a penalty of $100,478 was ordered to be refunded to its electric customers. For 2009 performance, no net penalty was asssessed. As required by the Order, on February 16, 2011 Fitchburg filed a report regarding the actions it has taken to improve its performance in the metrics it had not met.
On March 1, 2011, Fitchburg submitted its 2010 Service Quality Reports for both its gas and electric divisions. Fitchburg reported that it met or exceeded its benchmarks for service quality performance in all metrics for both its gas and electric divisions.
Unitil Energy Other In July 2008, the State of New Hampshire enacted legislation that allows electric utilities to make investments in distributed energy resources, including energy efficiency and demand reduction technologies, as well as clean cogeneration and renewable generation. On August 5, 2009 Unitil Energy filed a plan for approval of investment in and rate recovery for Distributed Energy Resources (DER). An order approving a settlement agreement for a time-of-use pilot program was issued on February 26, 2010. On June 11, 2010, the NHPUC issued an order on the remaining two proposed projects and cost recovery. The NHPUC denied one of the two projects, citing that the costs outweighed the benefits but found the other project to be in the public interest. On November 1, 2010 Unitil Energy filed adjustments to base distribution rates to collect actual costs associated with authorized DER projects. The first step adjustment was approved and became effective on April 1, 2011.
Northern Utilities On November 21, 2008, the MPUC issued an order approving a settlement agreement resolving a number of Notices of Probable Violation (NOPVs) of certain safety related procedures and rules by Northern Utilities. Under the Settlement, Northern Utilities will incur total expenditures of approximately $3.8 million for safety related improvements to Northern Utilities distribution system to ensure compliance with the relevant state and federal gas safety laws, for which no rate recovery will be allowed. These compliance costs were accrued by Northern Utilities prior to the acquisition date and the remaining amount on the Companys unaudited consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2011 was $0.7 million.
On June 27, 2008 the MPUC opened an investigation of Northern Utilities cast iron pipe replacement activities and the benefits of an accelerated replacement program for cast iron distribution pipe remaining in portions of Northern Utilities Maine service areas. In an order issued on July 30, 2010, the MPUC approved a Settlement Agreement resolving this matter, filed on behalf of Northern Utilities, the Maine Office of the Public Advocate, and several state legislator intervenors, which was filed with the MPUC on July 6, 2010. Under the Agreement, Northern Utilities will proceed with a comprehensive upgrade and replacement program (the Program), which will provide for the systematic replacement of cast iron,
31
wrought iron and bare steel pipe in Northern Utilities natural gas distribution system in Portland and Westbrook, Maine and the conversion of the system to intermediate pressure. The Agreement establishes the objective of completing the Program by the end of the 2024 construction season. Under the Agreement, the parties agreed to support a cost recovery mechanism that will provide for the timely recovery of prudently-incurred costs of the Program. The features of this cost recovery mechanism will be finalized during Northern Utilities next base rate case proceeding, which is anticipated to be filed in early 2011.
NOTE 7 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
UNITILS ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS ARE DESCRIBED IN NOTE 6 TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS IN ITEM 8 OF PART II OF UNITIL CORPORATIONS FORM 10-K FOR DECEMBER 31, 2010 AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON FEBRUARY 3, 2011.
The Companys past and present operations include activities that are generally subject to extensive and complex federal and state environmental laws and regulations. The Company believes it is in compliance with applicable environmental and safety laws and regulations, and the Company believes that as of March 31, 2011, there were no material losses reasonably likely to be incurred in excess of recorded amounts. However, there can be no assurance that significant costs and liabilities will not be incurred in the future. It is possible that other developments, such as increasingly stringent federal, state or local environmental laws and regulations could result in increased environmental compliance costs.
Included in Environmental Obligations on the Companys unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2011 are accrued liabilities totaling $12.0 million related to estimated future clean up costs for permanent remediation of a former manufactured gas plant (MGP) site at Sawyer Passway, located in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. The amounts recorded do not assume any amounts are recoverable from insurance companies or other third parties. Fitchburg has filed suit against several of its former insurance carriers seeking coverage for past and future environmental response costs at the site. In January 2011, Fitchburg settled with the remaining insurance carriers for approximately $2.0 million and received these payments in the first quarter of 2011. Any recovery that Fitchburg receives from insurance or third-parties with respect to environmental response costs, net of the unrecovered costs associated therewith, are shared equally between Fitchburg and its gas customers.
Also included in Environmental Obligations on the Companys unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2011 are accrued liabilities totaling $2.5 million associated with Northern Utilities environmental remediation obligations for former MGP sites. In addition to the amounts noted above, there are $0.1 million of accrued liabilities in Other Current Liabilities on the Companys unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2011 associated with Northern Utilities environmental remediation obligations for former MGP sites. Corresponding Regulatory Assets were recorded to reflect that the future recovery of these environmental remediation costs is expected based on regulatory precedent and established practices.
NOTE 8: INCOME TAXES
The Company bills its customers sales tax in Massachusetts and Maine and consumption tax in New Hampshire. These taxes are remitted to the appropriate departments of revenue in each state and are excluded from revenues on the Companys unaudited Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
The Company evaluated its tax positions at December 31, 2010 and for the current interim reporting period ended March 31, 2011 in accordance with the FASB Codification, and has concluded that no adjustment for recognition, derecognition, settlement and foreseeable future events to any unrecognized tax liabilities or assets as defined by the FASB Codification is required. The Company does not have any unrecognized tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts recognized will significantly change within the next 12 months.
In its Federal Income Tax Return filings for the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company recognized net operating loss (NOL) carrybacks for the years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2007 which resulted in a refund to the Company of $4.0 million, which was received in November 2009. As a result, on December 30, 2009, the Company received notice that its Federal Income Tax filings for the years ended December 31, 2006, December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2008 were under examination by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS completed its examination and the Company and the IRS entered into a settlement for certain timing items deducted in previous years to be deducted in the Companys Federal Income Tax return filing for the year ended December 31, 2009. On March 3, 2011 the Company received notice of approval from the Joint Committee of Congress (Joint Committee) regarding the settlement between the Company and the IRS for tax years ending December 31, 2006, December 31, 2007, and December 31, 2008.
The Company remains subject to examination by Federal, Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire tax authorities for the tax periods ended December 31, 2009; December 31, 2008; and December 31, 2007. Income tax filings for the year ended December 31, 2010 have been extended until September 15, 2011.
32
Concurrent with filing its 2009 Federal income tax return in September of 2010, the Company changed its method of tax accounting for certain construction-related costs previously capitalized as depreciable assets, to account for those expenditures as repairs expense deductions under Sections 162 and 263(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). In applying the new tax accounting method, certain costs which were previously capitalized and recognized as depreciation deductions over various useful lives for tax accounting purposes are now to be deducted in the year incurred.
The Company applied the tax accounting method change retroactively for additional deductions of $23.9 million in its Federal Income Tax return filing for the year ended December 31, 2009 which resulted in a 2009 NOL of $26.5 million. As a result, the Company recognized NOL carrybacks against its Federal Income Tax returns for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005, and 2007 in the amounts of $1.1 million, $12.8 million, and $9.6 million, respectively. The carryback of the 2009 NOL resulted in current tax refunds of $7.5 million, of which $7.1 million was received in February 2011, and remaining unused NOL and Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) credit carryforwards of $3.0 million and $1.4 million respectively.
According to IRC rules, NOL refunds in excess of $2.0 million fall under the jurisdiction of the Joint Committee and are subject to review by the IRS and attorneys of the Joint Committee. As a result, on April 1, 2011, the Company received notice that its Federal Income Tax return filing for the year ended December 31, 2009 is under examination by the IRS.
In total at December 31, 2010, the Company had generated NOL carryforwards for income tax purposes of $8.5 million. In the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Company applied $6.9 million of NOL carryforwards against current taxes payable. If unused, the Companys NOL carryforwards will expire in 2029 and 2030. In addition, at March 31, 2011, the Company had $1.4 million of AMT credit carryforwards to offset future AMT indefinitely.
NOTE 9: RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS
The Company co-sponsors the Unitil Corporation Retirement Plan (Pension Plan), the Unitil Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Plan (PBOP Plan), and the Unitil Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) to provide certain pension and postretirement benefits for its retirees and current employees. Please see Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Companys Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 as filed with the SEC on February 3, 2011 for additional information regarding these plans.
The following table includes the key weighted average assumptions used in determining the Companys benefit plan costs and obligations:
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Used to Determine Plan Costs |
||||||||
Discount Rate |
5.35 | % | 5.75 | % | ||||
Rate of Compensation Increase |
3.50 | % | 3.50 | % | ||||
Expected Long-term rate of return on plan assets |
8.50 | % | 8.50 | % | ||||
Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed for Next Year |
7.00 | % | 7.50 | % | ||||
Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate |
4.00 | % | 4.00 | % | ||||
Year that Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate is reached |
2017 | 2017 |
33
The following table provides the components of the Companys Retirement plan costs ($000s):
Pension Plan | PBOP Plan | SERP | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, |
2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||||||||||||||
Service Cost |
$ | 735 | $ | 652 | $ | 479 | $ | 367 | $ | 71 | $ | 71 | ||||||||||||
Interest Cost |
1,171 | 1,114 | 570 | 504 | 57 | 57 | ||||||||||||||||||
Expected Return on Plan Assets |
(1,210 | ) | (1,045 | ) | (204 | ) | (150 | ) | | | ||||||||||||||
Prior Service Cost Amortization |
62 | 63 | 432 | 395 | 3 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Transition Obligation Amortization |
| | 5 | 5 | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Actuarial Loss Amortization |
783 | 601 | | | 19 | 33 | ||||||||||||||||||
Sub-total |
1,541 | 1,385 | 1,282 | 1,121 | 150 | 162 | ||||||||||||||||||
Amounts Capitalized and Deferred |
(503 | ) | (622 | ) | (234 | ) | (350 | ) | | | ||||||||||||||
Net Periodic Benefit Cost Recognized |
$ | 1,038 | $ | 763 | $ | 1,048 | $ | 771 | $ | 150 | $ | 162 | ||||||||||||
Employer Contributions
The Company, along with its subsidiaries, expects to continue to make contributions to its Pension Plan in 2011 and future years at minimum required and discretionary funding levels consistent with the amounts recovered in the distribution utilities rates for these Pension Plan costs.
As of March 31, 2011, the Company had made $13,000 of contributions to the SERP Plan in 2011. The Company presently anticipates contributing an additional $40,000 to the SERP Plan in 2011.
Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |
Reference is made to the Interest Rate Risk and Market Risk sections of Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (above).
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures |
Management of the Company, under the supervision and with the participation of the Companys Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Companys disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2011. Based upon this evaluation, the Companys Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer concluded as of March 31, 2011 that the Companys disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e)) are effective.
There have been no changes in the Companys internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15(d)-15(f) during the fiscal quarter covered by this Form 10-Q that have affected, or are reasonably likely to affect, the Companys internal controls over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings |
The Company is involved in legal and administrative proceedings and claims of various types, which arise in the ordinary course of business. Certain specific matters are discussed in Notes 6 and 7 to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements. In the opinion of Management, based upon information furnished by counsel and others, the ultimate resolution of these claims will not have a material impact on the Companys financial position.
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Item 1A. | Risk Factors |
There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in the Companys Form 10-K for the year-ended December 31, 2010 as filed with the SEC on February 3, 2011.
Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds |
There were no sales of unregistered equity securities by the Company for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2011.
Pursuant to the written trading plan under Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), adopted by the Company on March 25, 2010, the Company will periodically repurchase shares of its Common Stock on the open market related to Employee Length of Service Awards and the stock portion of the Directors annual retainer. There is no pool or maximum number of shares related to these purchases; however, the trading plan automatically terminated when $80,700 in value of shares were purchased so that, as of March 31, 2011, the value of shares that may yet be purchased under that trading plan was $0.
The Company adopted a new written trading plan under Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act on March 24, 2011, covering the period March 24, 2011 through March 24, 2012. The Company may suspend or terminate this trading plan at any time, so long as the suspension or termination is made in good faith and not as part of a plan or scheme to evade the prohibitions of Rule 10b-5 under the Exchange Act, or other applicable securities laws. There is no pool or maximum number of shares related to these purchases; however, the trading plan will terminate when $224,500 in value of shares have been purchased or, if sooner, on March 24, 2012.
The Companys repurchases are shown in the table below for the monthly periods noted:
Period |
Total Number of Shares Purchased |
Average Price Paid per Share |
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs |
|||||||||
1/1/11 1/31/11 |
| | | |||||||||
2/1/11 2/28/11 |
| | | |||||||||
3/1/11 3/31/11 |
295 | $ | 22.70 | 295 | ||||||||
Total |
295 | $ | 22.70 | 295 | ||||||||
Item 5. | Other Information |
On April 26, 2011, the Company issued a press release announcing its results of operations for the three-month period ended March 31, 2011. The press release is furnished with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as Exhibit 99.1.
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Item 6. | Exhibits |
(a) Exhibits
Exhibit No. |
Description of Exhibit |
Reference | ||
10.1 | Unitil Corporation Amended and Restated 2003 Stock Plan | Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K dated March 24, 2011 | ||
10.2 | Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (form of) | Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K dated March 24, 2011 | ||
10.3 | Restricted Stock Agreement (form of) | Exhibit 10.3 to Form 8-K dated March 24, 2011 | ||
11 | Computation in Support of Earnings Per Average Common Share | Filed herewith | ||
31.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Exchange Act, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | Filed herewith | ||
31.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Exchange Act, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | Filed herewith | ||
31.3 | Certification of Chief Accounting Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Exchange Act, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | Filed herewith | ||
32.1 | Certifications of Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | Filed herewith | ||
99.1 | Unitil Corporation Press Release Dated April 26, 2011 Announcing Earnings For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2011. | Filed herewith | ||
101.INS | XBRL Instance Document. | Filed herewith | ||
101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. | Filed herewith | ||
101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. | Filed herewith | ||
101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. | Filed herewith | ||
101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. | Filed herewith |
36
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
UNITIL CORPORATION | ||
(Registrant) | ||
Date: April 26, 2011 | /s/ Mark H. Collin | |
Mark H. Collin | ||
Chief Financial Officer | ||
Date: April 26, 2011 | /s/ Laurence M. Brock | |
Laurence M. Brock | ||
Chief Accounting Officer |
37
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. |
Description of Exhibit |
Reference | ||
10.1 | Unitil Corporation Amended and Restated 2003 Stock Plan | Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K dated March 24, 2011 | ||
10.2 | Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (form of) | Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K dated March 24, 2011 | ||
10.3 | Restricted Stock Agreement (form of) | Exhibit 10.3 to Form 8-K dated March 24, 2011 | ||
11 | Computation in Support of Earnings Per Average Common Share | Filed herewith | ||
31.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Exchange Act, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | Filed herewith | ||
31.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Exchange Act, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | Filed herewith | ||
31.3 | Certification of Chief Accounting Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Exchange Act, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | Filed herewith | ||
32.1 | Certifications of Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | Filed herewith | ||
99.1 | Unitil Corporation Press Release Dated April 26, 2011 Announcing Earnings For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2011. | Filed herewith | ||
101.INS | XBRL Instance Document. | Filed herewith | ||
101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. | Filed herewith | ||
101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. | Filed herewith | ||
101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. | Filed herewith | ||
101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. | Filed herewith |
38
EXHIBIT 11
UNITIL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER AVERAGE COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING
(Millions, except for per share data)
(UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended March 31, |
||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Net Income |
$ | 8.7 | $ | 6.5 | ||||
Less: Dividend Requirements on Preferred Stock |
| | ||||||
Net Income Applicable to Common Stock |
$ | 8.7 | $ | 6.5 | ||||
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding Basic (000s) |
10,860 | 10,801 | ||||||
Dilutive Effect of Stock Options and Restricted Stock (000s) |
1 | 2 | ||||||
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding Diluted (000s) |
10,861 | 10,803 | ||||||
Earnings Per Share Basic |
$ | 0.81 | $ | 0.61 | ||||
Earnings Per Share Diluted |
$ | 0.81 | $ | 0.61 |
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION UNDER SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Robert G. Schoenberger, certify that:
1) | I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Unitil Corporation; |
2) | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3) | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4) | The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f))for the registrant and have: |
a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
d) | Disclosed in this report any changes in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonable likely to materially affect, the registrants internal controls over financial reporting; and |
5) | The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: April 26, 2011 |
/s/ Robert G. Schoenberger |
Robert G. Schoenberger |
Chief Executive Officer and President |
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION UNDER SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Mark H. Collin, certify that:
1) | I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Unitil Corporation; |
2) | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3) | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4) | The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
d) | Disclosed in this report any changes in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonable likely to materially affect, the registrants internal controls over financial reporting; and |
5) | The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: April 26, 2011 |
/s/ Mark H. Collin |
Mark H. Collin |
Chief Financial Officer |
Exhibit 31.3
CERTIFICATION UNDER SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Laurence M. Brock, certify that:
1) | I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Unitil Corporation; |
2) | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3) | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4) | The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
d) | Disclosed in this report any changes in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonable likely to materially affect, the registrants internal controls over financial reporting; and |
5) | The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: April 26, 2011 |
/s/ Laurence M. Brock |
Laurence M. Brock |
Chief Accounting Officer |
Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Unitil Corporation (the Company) on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2011 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), each of the undersigned Robert G. Schoenberger, Chief Executive Officer and President, Mark H. Collin, Chief Financial Officer and Laurence M. Brock, Chief Accounting Officer, certifies, to the best knowledge and belief of the signatory, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1) | The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
(2) | The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
Signature |
Capacity |
Date | ||
/s/ Robert G. Schoenberger |
||||
Robert G. Schoenberger | Chief Executive Officer and President | April 26, 2011 | ||
/s/ Mark H. Collin |
||||
Mark H. Collin | Chief Financial Officer | April 26, 2011 | ||
/s/ Laurence M. Brock |
||||
Laurence M. Brock | Chief Accounting Officer | April 26, 2011 |
Exhibit 99.1
PAGE 1 OF 4
For Release
UNITIL REPORTS FIRST QUARTER EARNINGS
HAMPTON, N.H., April 26, 2011 Unitil Corporation (NYSE: UTL) (www.unitil.com) today announced Earnings Applicable to Common Shareholders of $8.7 million for the first quarter of 2011, an increase of $2.2 million over the first quarter of 2010. Earnings per common share (EPS) were $0.81 for the first quarter of 2011, an improvement of $0.20 per share over the first quarter of 2010.
We achieved strong first quarter financial results due to increased unit sales which resulted from an improving economy and colder than normal winter weather, said Bob Schoenberger, Unitils Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. We expect continued improving financial performance as we complete the resetting of rates for all of our distribution utilities by the end of the year.
Natural gas sales margin increased $3.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010 reflecting higher sales volumes. Total therm sales of natural gas increased 12.7% in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010, reflecting the effect of colder winter weather in the first quarter of 2011 compared to 2010 as well as higher usage by our large Commercial & Industrial (C&I) customers. Heating Degree Days in the first quarter of 2011 were 6% greater than in the same period in 2010. On a weather-normalized basis, natural gas sales increased 9.5% in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010.
Electric sales margin increased $2.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010, reflecting higher electric kilowatt-hour (kWh) sales and an electric rate increase implemented in July 2010 for Unitil Energy, the Companys New Hampshire electric operating utility. Total (kWh) sales increased 4.9% in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the first quarter of 2010, reflecting an improving economy and the effect of colder winter weather in the first quarter of 2011 compared to 2010. As discussed above, Heating Degree Days in the first quarter of 2011 were 6% greater than in the same period in 2010. On a weather-normalized basis, kWh sales increased 3.6% in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010.
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6 Liberty Lane West
Hampton, New Hampshire 03842
www.unitil.com
Ph: 603-772-0775 Fax: 603-773-6605
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Selected financial data for 2011 and 2010 is presented in the following table:
Unitil Corporation Condensed Financial Data
(Millions, except Per Share Data) (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | Change | ||||||||||||
Gas Therm Sales: |
||||||||||||||
Residential |
19.9 | 17.8 | 11.8 | % | ||||||||||
Commercial/Industrial |
61.7 | 54.6 | 13.0 | % | ||||||||||
Total Gas Therm Sales |
81.6 | 72.4 | 12.7 | % | ||||||||||
Electric kWh Sales: |
||||||||||||||
Residential |
189.2 | 177.7 | 6.5 | % | ||||||||||
Commercial/Industrial |
246.3 | 237.5 | 3.7 | % | ||||||||||
Total Electric kWh Sales |
435.5 | 415.2 | 4.9 | % | ||||||||||
Gas Revenues |
$ | 65.9 | $ | 61.1 | $ | 4.8 | ||||||||
Purchased Gas |
41.1 | 39.9 | 1.2 | |||||||||||
Gas Sales Margin |
24.8 | 21.2 | 3.6 | |||||||||||
Electric Revenues |
48.2 | 50.8 | (2.6 | ) | ||||||||||
Purchased Electricity |
32.1 | 36.7 | (4.6 | ) | ||||||||||
Electric Sales Margin |
16.1 | 14.1 | 2.0 | |||||||||||
Usource Sales Margin |
1.3 | 1.1 | 0.2 | |||||||||||
Total Sales Margin |
42.2 | 36.4 | 5.8 | |||||||||||
Operation & Maintenance Expenses |
12.2 | 11.4 | 0.8 | |||||||||||
Depreciation, Amortization, Taxes & Other |
16.7 | 14.2 | 2.5 | |||||||||||
Interest Expense, Net |
4.6 | 4.3 | 0.3 | |||||||||||
Earnings Applicable to Common Shareholders |
$ | 8.7 | $ | 6.5 | $ | 2.2 | ||||||||
Earnings Per Share |
$ | 0.81 | $ | 0.61 | $ | 0.20 |
Usource, the Companys non-regulated energy brokering business, recorded revenues of $1.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $0.2 million compared to 2010.
Operation & Maintenance (O&M) expenses increased $0.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. The increase in O&M expenses primarily reflects higher utility operating costs, higher professional fees and higher employee and retiree benefit costs, partially offset by the receipt of proceeds from an insurance settlement.
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Depreciation and Amortization expense increased $0.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010, reflecting higher depreciation on normal utility plant additions and higher amortization in the current period.
Federal and State Income Taxes increased by $1.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010 due to higher pre-tax earnings in 2011 compared to 2010.
All other expenses increased $0.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010, primarily reflecting higher property taxes.
Interest Expense, net increased $0.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. The increase is primarily due to the issuance of $40 million of long-term notes by Unitil Energy and Northern Utilities, Inc. in March 2010.
At its January 2011 and March 2011 meetings, the Unitil Corporation Board of Directors declared the regular quarterly dividends on the Companys common stock of $0.345 per share. These quarterly dividends results in a current effective annual dividend rate of $1.38 per share representing an unbroken record of quarterly dividend payments since trading began in Unitils common stock.
The Companys results are expected to reflect the seasonal nature of the natural gas businesses. Accordingly, the Company expects that results of operations will be positively affected during the first and fourth quarters, when sales of natural gas are typically higher, and negatively affected during the second and third quarters, when gas operating and maintenance expenses usually exceed sales margins in the period.
The Company will hold a quarterly conference call to discuss first quarter 2011 results on Tuesday, April 26, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time. This call is being webcast by Thomson Financial and can be accessed in the Investor Relations section of Unitil Corporations website, www.unitil.com.
About Unitil Corporation
Unitil Corporation provides for the necessities of life, safely and reliably delivering natural gas and electricity throughout northern New England. We are committed to the communities we serve and to developing people, business practices, and technologies that lead to dependable, more efficient energy. Unitil Corporation is a public utility holding company with affiliates that include Unitil Energy Systems, Inc., Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light Company, Northern Utilities, Inc., and Granite State Gas Transmission, Inc. Together, Unitils operating utilities serve approximately 100,900 electric customers and 70,800 natural gas customers. Other subsidiaries include Unitil Service Corp. and Usource, Unitils non-regulated business segment. For more information about our people, technologies, and community involvement please visit www.unitil.com.
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This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Certain factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to the following: variations in weather; changes in the regulatory environment; customers preferences on energy sources; general economic conditions; increased competition; fluctuations in supply, demand, transmission capacity and prices for energy commodities; and other uncertainties, all of which are difficult to predict, and many of which are beyond the control of Unitil Corporation.
For more information please contact:
David Chong Investor Relations
Phone: 603-773-6499
Email: chong@unitil.com
Alec OMeara Media Relations
Phone: 603-773-6404
Email: omeara@unitil.com