wtr-20140930

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON DC  20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One) 

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014 

 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934. 

For the transition period from_______________ to _______________

Commission File Number 1-6659 

AQUA AMERICA, INC. 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 

 

 

 

 

 

Pennsylvania

23-1702594

(State or other jurisdiction of

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

Identification No.)

 

 

762 W. Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania

19010 -3489

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

 

 

(610) 527-8000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

(Former Name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes    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 12(b)-2 of the Exchange Act.:   

 

 

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

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  

 

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

October 24,  2014:  176,633,848

  

 


 

Table of Contents

AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

Part I – Financial Information 

 

 

Item 1.  Financial Statements: 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) – September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 

2

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Net Income (unaudited) -
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013
 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Net Income (unaudited)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2104 and 2013
 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) –
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013
 

5

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Capitalization (unaudited) –
September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013
 

6

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Equity (unaudited) –
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 

7

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow (unaudited) –
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013
 

8

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) 

9

 

 

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations
 

26

 

 

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 

34

 

 

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures 

34

 

Part II – Other Information 

 

 

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings 

34

 

 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors 

35

 

 

Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 

36

 

 

Item 6.  Exhibits 

36

 

 

Signatures 

37

 

 

Exhibit Index 

38

 

1

 


 

Table of Contents

AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts) 

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

Assets

 

2014

 

2013

Property, plant and equipment, at cost

 

$

5,594,967 

 

$

5,350,868 

Less: accumulated depreciation

 

 

1,281,152 

 

 

1,212,300 

Net property, plant and equipment

 

 

4,313,815 

 

 

4,138,568 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

4,843 

 

 

5,058 

Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net

 

 

105,744 

 

 

94,704 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

42,606 

 

 

40,038 

Inventory, materials and supplies

 

 

12,583 

 

 

11,353 

Prepayments and other current assets

 

 

11,317 

 

 

18,954 

Assets of discontinued operations held for sale

 

 

30,428 

 

 

30,747 

Total current assets

 

 

207,521 

 

 

200,854 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regulatory assets

 

 

658,619 

 

 

585,140 

Deferred charges and other assets, net

 

 

52,231 

 

 

50,290 

Investment in joint venture

 

 

44,650 

 

 

48,695 

Funds restricted for construction activity

 

 

47 

 

 

47 

Goodwill

 

 

30,298 

 

 

28,223 

Total assets

 

$

5,307,181 

 

$

5,051,817 

Liabilities and Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aqua America stockholders' equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock at $.50 par value, authorized 300,000,000 shares, issued 178,462,611 and 177,928,922 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013

 

$

89,231 

 

$

88,964 

Capital in excess of par value

 

 

753,814 

 

 

743,335 

Retained earnings

 

 

812,412 

 

 

729,272 

Treasury stock, at cost, 1,763,171 and 1,178,323 shares as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013

 

 

(41,055)

 

 

(27,082)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

 

731 

 

 

346 

Total Aqua America stockholders' equity

 

 

1,615,133 

 

 

1,534,835 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noncontrolling interest

 

 

227 

 

 

208 

Total equity

 

 

1,615,360 

 

 

1,535,043 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, excluding current portion

 

 

1,560,426 

 

 

1,468,583 

Commitments and contingencies (See Note 13)

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

 

86,580 

 

 

86,288 

Loans payable

 

 

6,997 

 

 

36,740 

Accounts payable

 

 

48,864 

 

 

65,815 

Accrued interest

 

 

20,911 

 

 

13,615 

Accrued taxes

 

 

11,147 

 

 

14,176 

Other accrued liabilities

 

 

32,224 

 

 

33,596 

Liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale

 

 

28,669 

 

 

29,649 

Total current liabilities

 

 

235,392 

 

 

279,879 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred credits and other liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits

 

 

972,082 

 

 

866,211 

Customers' advances for construction

 

 

77,215 

 

 

73,892 

Regulatory liabilities

 

 

279,666 

 

 

281,014 

Other

 

 

71,116 

 

 

81,552 

Total deferred credits and other liabilities

 

 

1,400,079 

 

 

1,302,669 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contributions in aid of construction

 

 

495,924 

 

 

465,643 

Total liabilities and equity

 

$

5,307,181 

 

$

5,051,817 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements beginning on page 9 of this report.

 

 

  

2

 


 

Table of Contents

AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET INCOME

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenues

 

$

210,535 

 

$

202,320 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operations and maintenance

 

 

72,374 

 

 

71,631 

Depreciation

 

 

29,482 

 

 

29,980 

Amortization

 

 

806 

 

 

1,185 

Taxes other than income taxes

 

 

12,815 

 

 

13,384 

Total operating expenses

 

 

115,477 

 

 

116,180 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

 

95,058 

 

 

86,140 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other expense (income):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

18,990 

 

 

19,350 

Allowance for funds used during construction

 

 

(1,195)

 

 

(426)

Gain on sale of other assets

 

 

(75)

 

 

(138)

Equity loss (earnings) in joint venture

 

 

736 

 

 

(78)

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

 

76,602 

 

 

67,432 

Provision for income taxes

 

 

8,891 

 

 

4,683 

Income from continuing operations

 

 

67,711 

 

 

62,749 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations before income taxes

 

 

472 

 

 

1,433 

Provision for income taxes

 

 

187 

 

 

565 

Income from discontinued operations

 

 

285 

 

 

868 

Net income attributable to common shareholders

 

$

67,996 

 

$

63,617 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.38 

 

$

0.36 

Diluted

 

$

0.38 

 

$

0.35 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.00 

 

$

0.00 

Diluted

 

$

0.00 

 

$

0.00 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.38 

 

$

0.36 

Diluted

 

$

0.38 

 

$

0.36 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average common shares outstanding during the period:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

176,900 

 

 

176,483 

Diluted

 

 

177,908 

 

 

177,575 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends declared per common share

 

$

0.165 

 

$

 -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements beginning on page 9 of this report.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

 


 

Table of Contents

AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET INCOME

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenues

 

$

588,514 

 

$

574,815 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operations and maintenance

 

 

214,435 

 

 

209,837 

Depreciation

 

 

91,689 

 

 

88,336 

Amortization

 

 

2,685 

 

 

3,930 

Taxes other than income taxes

 

 

37,943 

 

 

39,884 

 

 

 

346,752 

 

 

341,987 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

 

241,762 

 

 

232,828 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other expense (income):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

57,393 

 

 

57,833 

Allowance for funds used during construction

 

 

(3,299)

 

 

(1,468)

Loss (gain) on sale of other assets

 

 

133 

 

 

(121)

Equity loss in joint venture

 

 

2,673 

 

 

1,732 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

 

184,862 

 

 

174,852 

Provision for income taxes

 

 

19,932 

 

 

18,235 

Income from continuing operations

 

 

164,930 

 

 

156,617 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations before income taxes

 

 

2,497 

 

 

11,301 

Provision for income taxes

 

 

1,003 

 

 

4,150 

Income from discontinued operations

 

 

1,494 

 

 

7,151 

Net income attributable to common shareholders

 

$

166,424 

 

$

163,768 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.93 

 

$

0.89 

Diluted

 

$

0.93 

 

$

0.89 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.01 

 

$

0.04 

Diluted

 

$

0.01 

 

$

0.04 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.94 

 

$

0.93 

Diluted

 

$

0.94 

 

$

0.93 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average common shares outstanding during the period:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

176,933 

 

 

175,964 

Diluted

 

 

177,872 

 

 

176,732 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends declared per common share

 

$

0.469 

 

$

0.432 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements beginning on page 9 of this report.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

 


 

Table of Contents

AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

 

  

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

(In thousands of dollars) 

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to common shareholders

 

$

67,996 

 

$

63,617 

 

$

166,424 

 

$

163,768 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized holding (loss) gain on investments, net of tax (benefit) expense of $(33) and $32 for the three months and $73 and $9 for the nine months ended, September 30, respectively

 

 

(62)

 

 

60 

 

 

136 

 

 

18 

Reclassification adjustment for loss reported in net income, net of tax benefit of $134 and $49 for the nine months ended, September 30, respectively (1)

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

249 

 

 

90 

Comprehensive income

 

$

67,934 

 

$

63,677 

 

$

166,809 

 

$

163,876 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Amount of pre-tax loss of $383 and $139 reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to loss on sale of other assets on the consolidated statements of net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements beginning on page 9 of this report.

 

  

 

 

5

 


 

Table of Contents

AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION 

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts) 

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

Aqua America stockholders' equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Common stock, $.50 par value

 

 

$

89,231 

 

$

88,964 

    Capital in excess of par value

 

 

 

753,814 

 

 

743,335 

    Retained earnings

 

 

 

812,412 

 

 

729,272 

    Treasury stock, at cost

 

 

 

(41,055)

 

 

(27,082)

    Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

 

731 

 

 

346 

Total Aqua America stockholders' equity

 

 

 

1,615,133 

 

 

1,534,835 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

227 

 

 

208 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total equity

 

 

 

1,615,360 

 

 

1,535,043 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt of subsidiaries (substantially secured by utility plant):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Rate Range

Maturity Date Range

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.00% to  0.99%

2023 to 2033

 

 

5,653 

 

 

5,035 

1.00% to  1.99%

2016 to 2035

 

 

14,681 

 

 

28,615 

2.00% to  2.99%

2024 to 2033

 

 

24,653 

 

 

14,903 

3.00% to  3.99%

2016 to 2047

 

 

168,206 

 

 

167,365 

4.00% to  4.99%

2020 to 2048

 

 

444,332 

 

 

447,296 

5.00% to  5.99%

2015 to 2043

 

 

256,205 

 

 

284,362 

6.00% to  6.99%

2015 to 2036

 

 

64,939 

 

 

64,924 

7.00% to  7.99%

2022 to 2027

 

 

34,583 

 

 

35,056 

8.00% to  8.99%

2021 to 2025

 

 

19,006 

 

 

19,283 

9.00% to  9.99%

2018 to 2026

 

 

27,800 

 

 

28,500 

10.00% to 10.99%

2018

 

 

6,000 

 

 

6,000 

 

 

 

 

1,066,058 

 

 

1,101,339 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes payable to bank under revolving credit agreement, variable rate, due March 2017

 

 

109,000 

 

 

 -

Unsecured notes payable:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bank Note at 1.921% due September 2017

 

 

 

50,000 

 

 

 -

Notes at 3.57% due 2027

 

 

 

50,000 

 

 

50,000 

Notes ranging from 4.62% to 4.87%, due 2016 through 2024

 

 

144,400 

 

 

171,400 

Notes ranging from 5.01% to 5.95%, due 2014 through 2037

 

 

227,548 

 

 

232,132 

 

 

 

 

1,647,006 

 

 

1,554,871 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

 

 

86,580 

 

 

86,288 

Long-term debt, excluding current portion

 

 

1,560,426 

 

 

1,468,583 

Total capitalization

 

 

$

3,175,786 

 

$

3,003,626 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements beginning on page 9 of this report.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

6

 


 

Table of Contents

AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY 

(In thousands of dollars)

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital in

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common

 

Excess of

 

Retained

 

Treasury

 

Comprehensive

 

Noncontrolling

 

 

 

 

 

Stock

 

Par Value

 

Earnings

 

Stock

 

Income

 

Interest

 

Total

Balance At December 31, 2013

 

$

88,964 

 

$

743,335 

 

$

729,272 

 

$

(27,082)

 

$

346 

 

$

208 

 

$

1,535,043 

Net income

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

166,424 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

19 

 

 

166,443 

Other comprehensive income, net of income tax of $207

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

385 

 

 

 -

 

 

385 

Dividends

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(82,953)

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(82,953)

Repurchase of stock (584,853 shares)         

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(13,973)

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(13,973)

Equity compensation plan (212,920 shares)

 

 

107 

 

 

(107)

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

Exercise of stock options (320,769 shares)

 

 

160 

 

 

4,710 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

4,870 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

 -

 

 

5,137 

 

 

(331)

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

4,806 

Employee stock plan tax benefits

 

 

 -

 

 

1,319 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

1,319 

Other  

 

 

 -

 

 

(580)

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

(580)

Balance At September 30, 2014

 

$

89,231 

 

$

753,814 

 

$

812,412 

 

$

(41,055)

 

$

731 

 

$

227 

 

$

1,615,360 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements beginning on page 9 of this report.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

7

 


 

Table of Contents

AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW 

(In thousands of dollars) 

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

 

2014

 

2013

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

166,424 

 

$

163,768 

Income from discontinued operations

 

 

1,494 

 

 

7,151 

Income from continuing operations

 

 

164,930 

 

 

156,617 

Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

to net cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

94,374 

 

 

92,266 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

15,055 

 

 

19,852 

Provision for doubtful accounts

 

 

4,648 

 

 

3,337 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

5,145 

 

 

4,043 

Gain on sale of utility system

 

 

 -

 

 

(1,025)

Loss (gain) on sale of other assets

 

 

133 

 

 

(121)

Net increase in receivables, inventory and prepayments

 

 

(13,928)

 

 

(1,322)

Net increase in payables, accrued interest, accrued taxes and other accrued liabilities

 

 

16,241 

 

 

1,771 

Other

 

 

(11,023)

 

 

2,287 

Operating cash flows from continuing operations

 

 

275,575 

 

 

277,705 

Operating cash flows (used in) from discontinued operations, net

 

 

(1,142)

 

 

1,893 

Net cash flows from operating activities

 

 

274,433 

 

 

279,598 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment additions, including the debt component of allowance for funds used during construction of $1,033 and $1,352

 

 

(220,739)

 

 

(215,407)

Acquisitions of utility systems and other, net

 

 

(11,677)

 

 

(14,404)

Additions to funds restricted for construction activity

 

 

 -

 

 

(6)

Release of funds previously restricted for construction activity

 

 

 -

 

 

11,952 

Net proceeds from the sale of utility system and other assets

 

 

386 

 

 

3,187 

Investment in joint venture

 

 

 -

 

 

(9,800)

Other

 

 

513 

 

 

(439)

Investing cash flows used in continuing operations

 

 

(231,517)

 

 

(224,917)

Investing cash flows (used in) from discontinued operations, net

 

 

(77)

 

 

50,421 

Net cash flows used in investing activities

 

 

(231,594)

 

 

(174,496)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customers' advances and contributions in aid of construction

 

 

4,510 

 

 

3,523 

Repayments of customers' advances

 

 

(2,107)

 

 

(1,938)

Net (repayments) proceeds of short-term debt

 

 

(29,743)

 

 

29,403 

Proceeds from long-term debt

 

 

221,058 

 

 

188,321 

Repayments of long-term debt

 

 

(128,395)

 

 

(258,295)

Change in cash overdraft position

 

 

(16,883)

 

 

(11,881)

Proceeds from issuing common stock

 

 

 -

 

 

10,478 

Proceeds from exercised stock options

 

 

4,870 

 

 

24,941 

Stock-based compensation windfall tax benefits

 

 

1,235 

 

 

 -

Repurchase of common stock

 

 

(13,973)

 

 

(12,815)

Dividends paid on common stock

 

 

(82,953)

 

 

(76,028)

Other

 

 

(580)

 

 

 -

Financing cash flows used in continuing operations

 

 

(42,961)

 

 

(104,291)

Financing cash flows (used in) from discontinued operations, net

 

 

(93)

 

 

61 

Net cash flows used in financing activities

 

 

(43,054)

 

 

(104,230)

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(215)

 

 

872 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

 

5,058 

 

 

5,521 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

4,843 

 

$

6,393 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements beginning on page 9 of this report.

 

 

 

8

 


 

Table of Contents

AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

(UNAUDITED)

 

Note 1 – Basis of Presentation 

 

The accompanying consolidated balance sheets and statements of capitalization of Aqua America, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) at September 30, 2014, the consolidated statements of net income and comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the consolidated statements of cash flow for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, and the consolidated statement of equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 are unaudited, but reflect all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring accruals, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position, the consolidated changes in equity, the consolidated results of operations, and the consolidated cash flow for the periods presented.  Because they cover interim periods, the statements and related notes to the financial statements do not include all disclosures and notes normally provided in annual financial statements and, therefore, should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.  The results of operations for interim periods may not be indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year.  The December 31, 2013 consolidated balance sheet data presented herein was derived from the Company’s December 31, 2013 audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures and notes normally provided in annual financial statements.  Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the reporting of discontinued operations (see Note 4).

 

Note 2 – Goodwill 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment

 

Other

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2013

 

$

24,102 

 

$

4,121 

 

$

28,223 

Goodwill acquired

 

 

 -

 

 

1,753 

 

 

1,753 

Reclassifications to utility plant acquisition adjustment

 

 

(261)

 

 

 -

 

 

(261)

Other

 

 

583 

 

 

 -

 

 

583 

Balance At September 30, 2014

 

$

24,424 

 

$

5,874 

 

$

30,298 

 

9

 


 

Table of Contents

AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

(UNAUDITED)

  

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

 

The Company tested the goodwill attributable for each of our reporting units for impairment as of July 31, 2014, in conjunction with the timing of our annual strategic business plan, and concluded that the estimated fair value of each reporting unit, which has goodwill recorded, exceeded the reporting unit’s carrying amount, indicating that none of the Company’s goodwill was impaired. 

 

 

 

  

Note 3 – Acquisitions 

 

In September 2014, the Company acquired the water and wastewater utility system assets of Texas H2O, Inc. located in Mansfield, Texas serving approximately 1,100 customers.  The total purchase price consisted of $2,796 in cash.

 

In September 2014, the Company acquired the water utility system assets of Lake Caroline Water Co. located in Caroline County, Virginia serving approximately 1,040 customers.  The total purchase price consisted of $1,377 in cash.

 

In August 2014, the Company acquired Tri-State Grouting, which is a non-regulated business that specializes in the inspection, cleaning and repair of storm and sanitary sewer lines.  The total purchase price consisted of $3,010, of which a total of $810 is contingent upon satisfying certain annual performance targets over a three-year period.      

 

In May 2014, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement for the acquisition of the water and wastewater utility system assets of North Maine Utilities owned by the Village of Glenview, Illinois serving approximately 7,200 customers, for cash at closing of up to $22,000, subject to final adjustment pursuant to the purchase agreement.  Closing of this acquisition is anticipated to occur in mid-2015.

 

In March 2014, the Company acquired the wastewater utility system assets of Penn Township located in Chester County, Pennsylvania serving approximately 800 customers.  The total purchase price consisted of $3,668 in cash.

 

In March 2013, the Company acquired the water and wastewater utility system assets of Total Environmental Solutions, Inc. located in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania serving approximately 4,200 customers.  The total purchase price consisted of $10,350 in cash.      

 

Note 4 –  Discontinued Operations 

 

Discontinued Operations – In September 2012, the Company began to market for sale its water and wastewater operations in Florida, which served approximately 38,000 customers, and the Company’s wastewater treatment facility in Georgia.  In March, April, and December 2013, through five separate sales transactions, the Company completed the sale of its water and wastewater utility systems in Florida, which

10

 


 

Table of Contents

AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

(UNAUDITED)

  

concluded its regulated operations in Florida.  The Company received total net proceeds from these sales of $88,934 and recognized a gain on sale of $21,178 ($13,766 after-tax).  On March 12, 2014, the Company completed the sale of its wastewater treatment facility in Georgia.     

 

The City of Fort Wayne, Indiana (the “City”) authorized the acquisition by eminent domain of the northern portion of the utility system of one of the Company’s operating subsidiaries in Indiana (the “Northern Assets”).  In January 2008, the Company reached a settlement with the City to transition the Northern Assets in February 2008 upon receipt of the City’s initial valuation payment of $16,911.  The settlement agreement specifically stated that the final valuation of the Northern Assets will be determined through a continuation of the legal proceedings that were filed challenging the City’s valuation.  On February 12, 2008, the Company turned over the Northern Assets to the City upon receipt of the initial valuation payment.  The proceeds received by the Company are in excess of the book value of the assets relinquished.  No gain has been recognized due to the contingency over the final valuation of the assets.  The net book value of the Northern Assets has been removed from the consolidated balance sheet and the difference between the net book value and the initial payment received has been deferred and is recorded in other accrued liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.  Once the contingency is resolved and the asset valuation is finalized, through the finalization of the litigation between the Company and the City, the amounts deferred will be recognized in the Company’s consolidated statement of net income.  The Northern Assets relinquished represent approximately 0.4% of the Company’s total assets. 

 

In addition, in December 2012, the Fort Wayne City Council considered an ordinance that sought to declare it a “public convenience and necessity” to acquire certain of the Company's water utility system assets located in the southwest section of the City and in Allen County (the “Southern Assets”), and if negotiations with Fort Wayne officials were to fail, to condemn the Southern Assets.  The first public hearing on the ordinance was held on January 22, 2013 and a subsequent hearing scheduled for February 5, 2013 was not held due to ongoing settlement discussions between the parties. As part of such settlement discussions, the parties negotiated an acquisition agreement that was approved by the City on May 13, 2014.  The acquisition agreement will settle both the acquisition of the Southern Assets and the dispute concerning the Northern Assets.  The acquisition agreement establishes an aggregate purchase price of $67,011 for the Southern and Northern Assets.  The City has already paid Aqua Indiana $16,911 for the Northern Assets.  On October 22, 2014, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission approved the transaction.  Upon completion of this transaction, the Company will expand its sewer customer base by accepting new wastewater from the City.  The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2014The planned sale of these operations is accounted for as discontinued operations held for sale beginning in the first quarter of 2014

 

The operating results, cash flows, and financial position of the Company’s operations named above, during the periods owned, have been presented in the Company’s consolidated statements of net income, consolidated statements of cash flow, and consolidated balance sheets as discontinued operations.  These operations were included in the Company’s “Regulated” segment.     

 

11

 


 

Table of Contents

AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

(UNAUDITED)

  

A summary of discontinued operations presented in the consolidated statements of net income include the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2014

 

2013

Operating revenues

 

$

1,935 

 

$

4,103 

 

$

5,234 

 

$

15,716 

Total operating expenses

 

 

1,463 

 

 

2,669 

 

 

2,603 

 

 

9,882 

Operating income

 

 

472 

 

 

1,434 

 

 

2,631 

 

 

5,834 

Other (income) expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss (gain) on sale

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

134 

 

 

(5,469)

Other, net

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 

 -

 

 

Income from discontinued operations before income taxes

 

 

472 

 

 

1,433 

 

 

2,497 

 

 

11,301 

Provision for income taxes

 

 

187 

 

 

565 

 

 

1,003 

 

 

4,150 

Income from discontinued operations

 

$

285 

 

$

868 

 

$

1,494 

 

$

7,151 

 

 

 

 

 

The assets and liabilities of discontinued operations presented in the consolidated balance sheets include the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, at cost

 

$

37,226 

 

$

37,303 

Less: accumulated depreciation

 

 

8,197 

 

 

8,378 

Net property, plant and equipment

 

 

29,029 

 

 

28,925 

Current assets

 

 

976 

 

 

1,362 

Regulatory assets

 

 

423 

 

 

460 

Assets of discontinued operations held for sale

 

 

30,428 

 

 

30,747 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

14,583 

 

 

16,212 

Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits

 

 

1,819 

 

 

1,308 

Contributions in aid of construction

 

 

11,048 

 

 

10,935 

Other liabilities

 

 

1,219 

 

 

1,194 

Liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale

 

 

28,669 

 

 

29,649 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets

 

$

1,759 

 

$

1,098 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

]

12

 


 

Table of Contents

AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

(UNAUDITED)

  

Note 5 – Capitalization 

 

In September 2014, one of the Company’s operating subsidiaries, Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc., entered into a $50,000 three year unsecured loan at an interest rate of 1.92%.  The proceeds from this loan were used to repay existing indebtedness and for general working capital purposes including financing acquisitions.

 

In August 2014, the Company increased its five-year $150,000 unsecured revolving credit facility to $200,000.  The funds borrowed under this facility are used to provide working capital as well as support for letters of credit for insurance policies and other financing agreements.      

 

In accordance with a resolution approved in October 2013 by the Board of Directors of the Company, in the third quarter of 2014, the Company repurchased 490,000 shares of its common stock in the open market for $11,624.     

 

Note 6 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments 

 

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

 

·

Level 1:  unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access; 

 

·

Level 2:  inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted market prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities; or 

 

·

Level 3:  inputs that are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. 

 

The asset’s or liability’s fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  Valuation techniques used need to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.  There have been no changes in the valuation techniques used to measure fair value or asset or liability transfers between the levels of the fair value hierarchy for the quarter ended September 30, 2014

 

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

 

13

 


 

Table of Contents

AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

(UNAUDITED)

  

The fair value of funds restricted for construction activity and loans payable are determined based on their carrying amount and utilizing Level 1 methods and assumptions.  As of both September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the carrying amount of the Company’s funds restricted for construction activity was $47, which equates to their estimated fair value.  As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the carrying amount of the Company’s loans payable was $6,997 and $36,740, respectively, which equates to their estimated fair value.  The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, which is comprised of a money market fund, is determined based on the net asset value per unit utilizing Level 2 methods and assumptions.  As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the carrying amounts of the Company's cash and cash equivalents was $4,843 and $5,058, respectively, which equates to their fair value.   

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

Carrying Amount

 

$

1,647,006 

 

$

1,554,871 

Estimated Fair Value

 

 

1,720,489 

 

 

1,540,296 

 

 

The fair value of long-term debt has been determined by discounting the future cash flows using current market interest rates for similar financial instruments of the same duration utilizing Level 2 methods and assumptions.  The Company’s customers’ advances for construction have a carrying value of $77,215 as of September 30, 2014, and $73,892 as of December 31, 2013.  Their relative fair values cannot be accurately estimated because future refund payments depend on several variables, including new customer connections, customer consumption levels, and future rate increases.  Portions of these non-interest bearing instruments are payable annually through 2029 and amounts not paid by the respective contract expiration dates become non-refundable.  The fair value of these amounts would, however, be less than their carrying value due to the non-interest bearing feature.

 

14

 


 

Table of Contents

AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

(UNAUDITED)

  

Note 7 – Net Income per Common Share 

 

Basic net income per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted net income per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and potentially dilutive shares.  The dilutive effect of employee stock-based compensation is included in the computation of diluted net income per common share.  The dilutive effect of stock-based compensation is calculated using the treasury stock method and expected proceeds upon exercise or issuance of the stock-based compensation.  The following table summarizes the shares, in thousands, used in computing basic and diluted net income per common share: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2014

 

2013

Average common shares outstanding during the period for basic computation

 

176,900 

 

176,483 

 

176,933 

 

175,964 

Dilutive effect of employee stock-based compensation

 

1,008 

 

1,092 

 

939 

 

768 

Average common shares outstanding during the period for diluted computation

 

177,908 

 

177,575 

 

177,872 

 

176,732 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, all of the Company’s employee stock options were included in the calculations of diluted net income per share as the calculated cost to exercise the stock options was less than the average market price of the Company’s common stock during these periods.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note 8 – Stock-based Compensation 

 

Under the Company’s 2009 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan, as amended as of February 27, 2014, (the “2009 Plan”), as approved by the Company’s shareholders to replace the 2004 Equity Compensation Plan (the “2004 Plan”), stock options, stock units, stock awards, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalents, and other stock-based awards may be granted to employees, non-employee directors, and consultants and advisors.  The 2009 Plan authorizes 6,250,000 shares for issuance under the plan.  A maximum of 3,125,000 shares under the 2009 Plan may be issued pursuant to stock awards, stock units and other stock-based awards, subject to adjustment as provided in the 2009 PlanDuring any calendar year, no individual may be granted (i) stock options and stock appreciation rights under the 2009 Plan for more than 500,000 shares of Company stock in the aggregate or (ii) stock awards, stock units or other stock-based awards under the 2009 Plan for more than 500,000 shares of Company stock in the aggregate, subject to adjustment as provided in the 2009 Plan.  Awards under the 2009 Plan are made by a committee of the Board of Directors of the Company, or in the case of awards to non-employee directors, by the Board of Directors of the Company.  At September 30, 2014, 4,421,302 shares underlying stock-based compensation awards were still available for grants under the 2009 Plan.  No further grants may be made under the 2004 Plan.     

 

15

 


 

Table of Contents

AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

(UNAUDITED)

  

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2014

 

2013

Stock-based compensation for performance share units within operations and maintenance expenses

 

$

1,220 

 

$

1,044 

 

$

3,689 

 

$

2,723 

Income tax benefit

 

 

495 

 

 

424 

 

 

1,506 

 

 

1,109 

 

The following table summarizes nonvested PSU transactions for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number

 

Weighted

 

 

 

of

 

Average

 

 

 

Share Units

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nonvested share units at beginning of period

 

 

528,092 

 

$

21.25 

Granted

 

 

143,630 

 

 

25.31 

Performance criteria adjustment

 

 

74,616 

 

 

22.09 

Forfeited

 

 

(13,190)

 

 

23.56 

Share units vested in prior period and issued in current period

 

 

18,000 

 

 

19.51 

Share units issued

 

 

(174,148)

 

 

18.93 

Nonvested share units at end of period

 

 

577,000 

 

$

22.96 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A portion of the fair value of PSUs was estimated at the grant date based on the probability of satisfying the market-based conditions associated with the PSUs using the Monte Carlo valuation method.  The other portion of the fair value of the PSUs is based on the fair market value of the Company’s stock at the grant date, regardless of whether the market-based condition is satisfied.  The per unit weighted-average fair value at the date of grant for PSUs granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $25.31 and $26.88, respectively.  The fair value of each PSU grant is amortized monthly into compensation expense on a straight-line basis over their respective vesting periods, generally 36 months.  The accrual of compensation costs is based on our estimate of the final expected value of the award, and is adjusted as required for the portion based on the performance-based condition.  The Company assumes that forfeitures will be minimal, and recognizes forfeitures as they occur, which results in a reduction in compensation expense.  As the payout of the PSUs includes dividend equivalents, no dividend yield assumption is required in calculating the fair value of the PSUs.  The recording of compensation expense for PSUs has no impact on net cash flows.   

 

16

 


 

Table of Contents

AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

(UNAUDITED)

  

Restricted Stock UnitsA restricted stock unit (“RSU”) represents the right to receive a share of the Company’s common stock.  RSUs are eligible to be earned at the end of a specified restricted period, generally three years, beginning on the date of grant.  In some cases the right to receive the shares is subject to certain performance goals established at the time the grant is made.  The Company assumes that forfeitures will be minimal, and recognizes forfeitures as they occur, which results in a reduction in compensation expense.  The following table provides compensation costs for stock-based compensation related to restricted stock units:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2014

 

2013

Stock-based compensation for restricted stock units within operations and maintenance expenses

 

$

295 

 

$

214 

 

$

827 

 

$

612 

Income tax benefit

 

 

122 

 

 

88 

 

 

342 

 

 

252 

 

 

The following table summarizes nonvested RSU transactions for the nine months ended September 30, 2014: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number

 

Weighted

 

 

 

of

 

Average

 

 

 

Stock Units

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nonvested stock units at beginning of period

 

 

112,666 

 

$

20.16 

  Granted

 

 

41,150 

 

 

24.80 

Stock units vested but not paid

 

 

(5,750)

 

 

17.99 

Stock units vested and paid

 

 

(24,772)

 

 

17.77 

  Forfeited

 

 

(729)

 

 

21.77 

Nonvested stock units at end of period

 

 

122,565 

 

$

22.29 

 

 

The per unit weighted-average fair value at the date of grant for RSUs granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $24.80 and $23.28, respectively.   

17

 


 

Table of Contents

AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

(UNAUDITED)

  

Stock Options  The fair value of stock options is estimated at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.  The following table provides compensation costs for stock-based compensation related to stock options granted in prior periods:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation for stock options within operations and maintenance expenses

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

$

30 

Income tax benefit

 

 

 

 

110 

 

 

98 

 

 

433 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were no stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 or 2013. 

 

The following table summarizes stock option transactions for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

Average

 

Aggregate

 

 

 

 

Exercise

 

Remaining

 

Intrinsic

 

 

Shares

 

Price

 

Life (years)

 

Value

Outstanding at beginning of period

 

1,538,110 

 

$

16.82 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 

 

 

Expired

 

(3,706)

 

 

17.87 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(320,769)

 

 

15.18 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding and exercisable at end of period

 

1,213,635 

 

$

17.25 

 

3.2 

 

$

7,628 

 

 

Restricted Stock The following table provides compensation costs for stock-based compensation related to restricted stock:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2014

 

2013

Stock-based compensation for restricted stock within operations and maintenance expenses

 

$

92 

 

$

92 

 

$

629 

 

$

678 

Income tax benefit

 

 

38 

 

 

38 

 

 

261 

 

 

281 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18

 


 

Table of Contents

AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

(UNAUDITED)

  

The following table summarizes nonvested restricted stock transactions for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number

 

Weighted

 

 

 

of

 

Average

 

 

 

Shares

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nonvested shares at beginning of period

 

 

62,500 

 

$

17.70 

  Granted

 

 

14,000 

 

 

25.19 

  Vested

 

 

(45,250)

 

 

20.02 

  Forfeited

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

Nonvested shares at end of period

 

 

31,250 

 

$

17.70 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The per unit weighted-average fair value at the date of grant for restricted stock granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2104 and 2013 was $25.19 and $25.09, respectively.

 

  

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Table of Contents

AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

(UNAUDITED)

  

 

 

Note 9 – Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits  

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2014

 

2013

Service cost

 

$

1,004 

 

$

1,209 

 

$

3,291 

 

$

4,101 

Interest cost

 

 

3,564 

 

 

3,164 

 

 

10,589 

 

 

9,494 

Expected return on plan assets

 

 

(4,495)

 

 

(3,692)

 

 

(13,105)

 

 

(11,078)

Amortization of prior service cost

 

 

69 

 

 

57 

 

 

208 

 

 

171 

Amortization of actuarial loss

 

 

628 

 

 

2,073 

 

 

1,628 

 

 

6,105 

Curtailment loss

 

 

84 

 

 

 -

 

 

84 

 

 

 -

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

854 

 

$

2,811 

 

$

2,695 

 

$

8,793 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

Postretirement Benefits

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2014

 

2013

Service cost

 

$

283 

 

$

338 

 

$

878 

 

$

1,188 

Interest cost

 

 

722 

 

 

622 

 

 

2,181 

 

 

1,956 

Expected return on plan assets

 

 

(686)

 

 

(574)

 

 

(2,057)

 

 

(1,694)

Amortization of prior service cost

 

 

(68)

 

 

(73)

 

 

(210)

 

 

(221)

Amortization of actuarial loss

 

 

59 

 

 

395 

 

 

200 

 

 

1,085 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

310 

 

$

708 

 

$

992 

 

$

2,314 

 

The Company made cash contributions of $17,875 to its Pension Plan during the first six months of 2014, which completed the Company’s 2014 cash contributions.  In addition, the Company expects to make cash contributions of $2,009, to the extent allowable for a tax deduction, for the funding of its other postretirement benefit plans during the remainder of 2014.

 

In August 2014, the Company announced changes to the way it will provide future retirement benefits to employees acquired through certain acquisitions.  Effective January 1, 2015, the Company will provide future retirement benefits for these employees through its defined contribution plan.  As a result, no further service will be considered in future accruals in the Pension Plan after December 31, 2014.  As a result of this change, the Company recognized a curtailment loss of $84 in the third quarter of 2014.    

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Table of Contents

AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

(UNAUDITED)

  

 

In the first quarter of 2014 the Company offered a one-time voluntary lump sum window to certain eligible terminated vested participants in an effort to reduce its long-term obligations and plan volatility for its Pension Plan.  In May 2014, the Pension Plan paid $11,471 to participants who elected to receive a lump sum distribution, which was funded from the existing Pension Plan assets.  

 

Note 10 – Water and Wastewater Rates 

 

During the first nine months of 2014, the Company’s operating divisions in Ohio, North Carolina, Texas, New Jersey, Virginia, and Indiana were granted base rate increases designed to increase total operating revenues on an annual basis by $10,153.  Further, during the first nine months of 2014, the Company’s operating divisions in Illinois and New Jersey received approval to bill infrastructure rehabilitation surcharges designed to increase total operating revenues on an annual basis by $1,558.

 

Note 11 – Taxes Other than Income Taxes 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property

 

$

6,860 

 

$

6,246 

 

$

17,938 

 

$

19,040 

Capital stock

 

 

(274)

 

 

488 

 

 

749 

 

 

1,599 

Gross receipts, excise and franchise

 

 

2,727 

 

 

3,211 

 

 

8,476 

 

 

8,842 

Payroll

 

 

1,650 

 

 

1,682 

 

 

5,913 

 

 

5,747 

Other

 

 

1,852 

 

 

1,757 

 

 

4,867 

 

 

4,656 

Total taxes other than income

 

$

12,815 

 

$

13,384 

 

$

37,943 

 

$

39,884 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

(UNAUDITED)

  

Note 12 – Segment Information 

 

The Company has identified ten operating segments and has one reportable segment named the “Regulated” segment.  The reportable segment is comprised of eight operating segments for the Company’s water and wastewater regulated utility companies which are organized by the states where we provide these services.  In addition, two segments are not quantitatively significant to be reportable and are comprised of the Company’s non-regulated subsidiaries:  Aqua Resources, Inc. and Aqua Infrastructure, LLC.  Aqua Resources, Inc. provides water and wastewater services through operating and maintenance contracts with municipal authorities and other parties in close proximity to our utility companies’ service territories as well as offers, through a third party, water and sewer line repair service and protection solutions to households, inspects, cleans and repairs storm and sanitary sewer lines, liquid waste hauling and disposal, backflow prevention, construction, and other non-regulated water and wastewater services.  Aqua Infrastructure, LLC provides non-utility raw water supply services for firms in the natural gas drilling industry.  These two segments are included as a component of “Other” in the tables below.  Also included in “Other” are corporate costs that have not been allocated to the Regulated segment and intersegment eliminations.  Corporate costs include general and administrative expense, and interest expense. 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

September 30, 2014

 

September 30, 2013

 

 

Regulated

 

Other

 

Consolidated

 

Regulated

 

Other

 

Consolidated

Operating revenues

 

$

203,303 

 

$

7,232 

 

$

210,535 

 

$

197,857 

 

$

4,463 

 

$

202,320 

Operations and maintenance expense

 

 

68,319 

 

 

4,055 

 

 

72,374 

 

 

67,737 

 

 

3,894 

 

 

71,631 

Depreciation

 

 

29,273 

 

 

209 

 

 

29,482 

 

 

29,873 

 

 

107 

 

 

29,980 

Operating income (loss)

 

 

92,783 

 

 

2,275 

 

 

95,058 

 

 

86,232 

 

 

(92)

 

 

86,140 

Interest expense, net of AFUDC

 

 

16,805 

 

 

990 

 

 

17,795 

 

 

17,314 

 

 

1,610 

 

 

18,924 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

8,832 

 

 

59 

 

 

8,891 

 

 

5,435 

 

 

(752)

 

 

4,683 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

 

67,221 

 

 

490 

 

 

67,711 

 

 

63,566 

 

 

(817)

 

 

62,749 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30, 2014

 

September 30, 2013

 

 

Regulated

 

Other

 

Consolidated

 

Regulated

 

Other

 

Consolidated

Operating revenues

 

$

571,180 

 

$

17,334 

 

$

588,514 

 

$

562,035 

 

$

12,780 

 

$

574,815 

Operations and maintenance expense

 

 

204,291 

 

 

10,144 

 

 

214,435 

 

 

200,641 

 

 

9,196 

 

 

209,837 

Depreciation

 

 

91,378 

 

 

311 

 

 

91,689 

 

 

88,565 

 

 

(229)

 

 

88,336 

Operating income

 

 

236,638 

 

 

5,124 

 

 

241,762 

 

 

231,032 

 

 

1,796 

 

 

232,828 

Interest expense, net of AFUDC

 

 

50,654 

 

 

3,440 

 

 

54,094 

 

 

51,334 

 

 

5,031 

 

 

56,365 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

20,701 

 

 

(769)

 

 

19,932 

 

 

20,483 

 

 

(2,248)

 

 

18,235 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

 

165,587 

 

 

(657)

 

 

164,930 

 

 

159,380 

 

 

(2,763)

 

 

156,617 

Capital expenditures

 

 

219,465 

 

 

1,274 

 

 

220,739 

 

 

214,575 

 

 

832 

 

 

215,407 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

(UNAUDITED)

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

2014

 

2013

Total assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Regulated

 

$

5,146,961 

 

$

4,893,573 

  Other

 

 

160,220 

 

 

158,244 

  Consolidated

 

$

5,307,181 

 

$

5,051,817 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note 13 – Commitments and Contingencies 

 

The Company is routinely involved in various disputes, claims, lawsuits and other regulatory and legal matters, including both asserted and unasserted legal claims, in the ordinary course of business.  The status of each such matter, referred to herein as a loss contingency, is reviewed and assessed in accordance with applicable accounting rules regarding the nature of the matter, the likelihood that a loss will be incurred, and the amounts involved.  As of September 30, 2014, the aggregate amount of $12,491 is accrued for loss contingencies and is reported in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as other accrued liabilities and other liabilities.  These accruals represent management’s best estimate of probable loss (as defined in the accounting guidance) for loss contingencies or the low end of a range of losses if no single probable loss can be estimated.  For some loss contingencies, the Company is unable to estimate the amount of the probable loss or range of probable losses.  While the final outcome of these loss contingencies cannot be predicted with certainty, and unfavorable outcomes could negatively impact the Company, at this time in the opinion of management, the final resolution of these matters are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  Further, the Company has insurance coverage for certain of these loss contingencies, and as of September 30, 2014, estimates that approximately $2,385 of the amount accrued for these matters are probable of recovery through insurance, which amount is also reported in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as deferred charges and other assets, net.

 

In addition to the aforementioned loss contingencies, the Company self-insures its employee medical benefit program, and maintains stop-loss coverage to limit the exposure arising from these claims.  The Company’s reserve for these claims totaled $1,468 at September 30, 2014 and represents a reserve for unpaid claim costs, including an estimate for the cost of incurred but not reported claims.  

 

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Table of Contents

AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

(UNAUDITED)

  

Note 14 – Income Taxes 

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company utilized $77,199 of its Federal net operating loss carryforward (“NOL”).  In addition, during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company utilized $2,962 of its state NOL carryforward.  As of September 30, 2014, the balance of the Company’s Federal NOL was $180,895.  The Company believes its Federal NOL carryforward is more likely than not to be recovered and requires no valuation allowance.  As of September 30, 2014, the balance of the Company’s gross state NOL was $546,256, a portion of which was offset by a net valuation allowance of $5,232 because the Company does not believe the NOLs are more likely than not to be realized.  The Company’s Federal and state NOL carryforwards begin to expire in 2031 and 2023, respectively.   The Company has unrecognized tax positions that result in the associated tax benefit being unrecognized.  The Company’s Federal and state NOL carryforwards are reduced by an unrecognized tax position, on a gross basis, of $65,973 and $85,619, respectively, which results from the Company’s adoption in the third quarter of 2013 of the FASB’s accounting guidance on the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists.  The amounts of the Company’s Federal and state NOL carryforwards prior to being reduced by the unrecognized tax positions were $246,868 and $631,875, respectively.  The Company records its unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction to its deferred income tax liability

 

In December 2012, the Company changed its tax method of accounting for qualifying utility system repairs in Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc. (“Aqua Pennsylvania”) effective with the tax year ended December 31, 2012 and for prior tax years.  The tax accounting method was changed to permit the expensing of qualifying utility asset improvement costs that were previously being capitalized and depreciated for book and tax purposes (the “Repair Change”).  As a result of the adoption of the Repair Change prior to the receipt of Aqua Pennsylvania’s next rate order, the Repair Change results in a substantial reduction in income tax expense and greater net income and cash flows.  The Company’s effective income tax rate for the third quarter of 2014 and 2013, for its continuing operations, was 11.6% and 6.9%, respectively, and for the first nine months of 2014 and 2013, for its continuing operations, was 10.8% and 10.4%, respectively

 

In September 2013, the Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service issued “Guidance Regarding and Capitalization of Expenditures Related to Tangible Property” which contains standards for determining whether and when a taxpayer must capitalize costs incurred in acquiring, maintaining or improving tangible property.  These regulations are effective for the Company’s 2014 fiscal year.  The Company has reviewed the regulations and concluded that the regulations will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or consolidated financial position.

 

As of September 30, 2014, the total gross unrecognized tax benefit was $30,204, of which $12,999, if recognized, would affect the Company’s effective tax rate as a result of the regulatory treatment afforded the Repair Change in Pennsylvania.  At December 31, 2013, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits of $28,690.  There was an unrecognized tax benefit of $29,510 at September 30, 2013.

 

Accounting rules for uncertain tax positions specify that tax positions for which the timing of resolution is uncertain should be classified as long-term liabilities.  Judgment is required in evaluating the

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Table of Contents

AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

(UNAUDITED)

  

Company’s uncertain tax positions and determining the provision for income taxes.  Management believes that an adequate provision has been made for any adjustments that may result from tax examinations.  Although the timing of income tax audit resolutions and negotiations with taxing authorities is highly uncertain, the Company does not anticipate a significant change to the total amount of unrecognized income tax benefits within the next 12 months.

 

Note 15 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements   

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance on recognizing revenue from contracts with customers, which outlines a single comprehensive model that an entity will apply to determine the measurement of revenue and timing of when it is recognized.  The underlying principle is that an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.  The updated guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to fulfill a contract.  The updated guidance is effective retrospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016.  The Company is currently evaluating the requirements of the updated guidance to determine the impact of adoption.     

 

In April 2014, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance which changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements.  The updated guidance is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption available.  The Company will adopt the provisions of the updated accounting guidance for its quarterly reporting period beginning January 1, 2015, and the Company does not expect the adoption of the revised guidance to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or consolidated financial position. 

 

 

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Table of Contents

AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

 

 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF 

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

 

Item 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

 

Forward-looking Statements 

 

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and other sections of this Quarterly Report contain, in addition to historical information, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These forward-looking statements address, among other things: the projected impact of various legal proceedings; the projected effects of recent accounting pronouncements; prospects, plans, objectives, expectations and beliefs of management, as well as information contained in this report where statements are preceded by, followed by or include the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “plans,”  “future,” “potential,” “probably,” “predictions,”“intends,” “will,” “continue” or the negative of such terms or similar expressions.  Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions concerning future events, and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements.  These risks and uncertainties include, among others: the effects of regulation, abnormal weather, changes in capital requirements and funding, acquisitions, changes to the capital markets, and our ability to assimilate acquired operations, as well as those risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 under the captions “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere in such report.  As a result, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.  We undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.     

 

General Information 

 

Nature of Operations - Aqua America, Inc. (“we”,  “us”,  “our” or the “Company”), a Pennsylvania corporation, is the holding company for regulated utilities providing water or wastewater services to what we estimate to be almost three million people in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, Illinois, North Carolina, New Jersey,  Indiana, and Virginia.  Our largest operating subsidiary, Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc. (“Aqua Pennsylvania”), provides water or wastewater services to approximately one-half of the total number of people we serve, who are located in the suburban areas in counties north and west of the City of Philadelphia and in 26 other counties in Pennsylvania.  Our other regulated utility subsidiaries provide similar services in seven other states.  In addition, the Company’s non-regulated subsidiary, Aqua Resources, Inc., provides liquid waste hauling and disposal, water and wastewater service through operating and maintenance contracts with municipal authorities and other parties close to our utility companies’ service territories and offers, through a third party, water and sewer line repair service and protection solutions to households, inspects, cleans and repairs storm and sanitary sewer lines, backflow prevention, construction, and other non-regulated water and wastewater services.  The Company’s non-regulated subsidiary, Aqua Infrastructure, LLC, provides non-utility raw water supply services for firms in in the natural gas drilling industry.

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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

 

 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF 

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

 

 

Aqua America, Inc., which prior to its name change in 2004 was known as Philadelphia Suburban Corporation, was formed in 1968 as a holding company for its primary subsidiary, Aqua Pennsylvania, formerly known as Philadelphia Suburban Water Company.  Since the early 1990s, we have embarked on a growth-through-acquisition strategy focused on water and wastewater operations.  Our most significant transactions to date have been the merger with Consumers Water Company in 1999, the acquisition of the regulated water and wastewater operations of AquaSource, Inc. in 2003, the acquisition of Heater Utilities, Inc. in 2004, and the acquisition of American Water Works Company, Inc.’s regulated operations in Ohio in 2012.  Since the early 1990s, our business strategy has been primarily directed toward the regulated water and wastewater utility industry, where we have more than quadrupled the number of regulated customers we serve, and has extended our regulated operations from southeastern Pennsylvania to include operations in seven other states.  

 

Beginning in 2010, and completed in 2014, we pursued a portfolio rationalization strategy to focus our operations in areas where we have critical mass and economic growth potential and to divest operations where limited customer growth opportunities exist, or where we are unable to achieve favorable operating results or a return on equity that we consider acceptableIn 2014, we sold our operation in Georgia; in 2013, we sold our operations in Florida; in 2012, we sold our operations in Maine and New York; in 2011, we sold our operations in Missouri; and in 2010, we sold our operations in South Carolina.  In connection with the sale of our New York and Missouri operations, we acquired additional utility systems (and customers) in Ohio and Texas, two of the larger states in our portfolio.          

 

In January 2008, we reached a settlement agreement with the City of Fort Wayne, Indiana, (the “City”) to transition the northern portion of the utility system of one of the Company’s operating subsidiaries in Indiana (the “Northern Assets”), upon receipt of the City’s initial valuation payment of $16,911.  The settlement agreement specifically stated that the final valuation of the Northern Assets will be determined through a continuation of the legal proceedings that were filed challenging the City’s valuation.  In February 2008, we turned over the Northern Assets to the City upon receipt of the initial valuation payment.  The proceeds we received are in excess of the book value of the assets relinquished.  No gain has been recognized due to the contingency over the final valuation of the assets.  In December 2012, the Fort Wayne City Council considered an ordinance that sought to declare it a “public convenience and necessity” to acquire certain of our water utility system assets located in the southwest section of the City and in Allen County (the “Southern Assets”), and if negotiations with Fort Wayne officials were to fail, to condemn the Southern Assets.  On May 13, 2014, an acquisition agreement was approved by the City, which will settle both the acquisition of the Southern Assets and the dispute concerning the Northern Assets.  The acquisition agreement establishes an aggregate purchase price of $67,011 for the Southern and Northern Assets.    On October 22, 2014, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission approved the transaction.  Upon completion of this transaction, we will expand our sewer customer base by accepting new wastewater from the City.  The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2014.   

 

We have accounted for sales of our operations in Georgia and Florida, and planned disposition of our Southern Assets in Indiana as discontinued operations. 

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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

 

 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF 

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

 

 

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes.

 

Financial Condition

 

During the first nine months of 2014, we had $220,739 of capital expenditures, issued $221,058 of long-term debt, repaid debt and made sinking fund contributions and other loan repayments of $128,395, and repurchased $13,973 of our common stock. The capital expenditures were related to improvements to treatment plants, new and rehabilitated water mains, tanks, hydrants, and service lines, well and booster improvements, and other enhancements and improvements.  The issuance of $221,058 of long-term debt was comprised principally of the funds borrowed under our revolving credit facility of $169,000, and the issuance of $50,000 unsecured loan by the Company’s Pennsylvania operating subsidiary, Aqua Pennsylvania.  The repurchase of our common stock was comprised principally of 490,000 shares that were purchased in the open market in the third quarter of 2014 in accordance with a resolution approved by the Board of Directors of the Company in October 2013.          

 

At September 30, 2014 we had $4,843 of cash and cash equivalents compared to $5,058 at December 31, 2013.  During the first nine months of 2014, we used internally generated funds, the proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt, and the sale or issuance of common stock through our equity compensation plan to fund the cash requirements discussed above and to pay dividends.   

 

In August 2014, we increased our five year $150,000 unsecured revolving credit facility to $200,000.  At September 30, 2014, our $200,000 unsecured revolving credit facility, which expires in March 2017, had $69,383 available for borrowing.  At September 30, 2014, we had short-term lines of credit of $160,500, of which $153,503 was available for borrowing.    One of our short-term lines of credit is an Aqua Pennsylvania $100,000 364-day unsecured revolving credit facility with four banks, which is used to provide working capital, and as of September 30, 2014, $97,743 was available for borrowing. 

 

Our short-term lines of credit of $160,500 are subject to renewal on an annual basis.  Although we believe we will be able to renew these facilities, there is no assurance that they will be renewed, or what the terms of any such renewal will be.     

 

The Company’s consolidated balance sheet historically has had a negative working capital position whereby routinely our current liabilities exceed our current assets.  Management believes that internally generated funds along with existing credit facilities and the proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt will be adequate to provide sufficient working capital to maintain normal operations and to meet our financing requirements for at least the next twelve months. 

 

On June 7, 2012, Aqua Pennsylvania reached a settlement agreement in its rate filing with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, which in addition to a water rate increase, provided for the flow-through accounting treatment of certain income tax benefits upon Aqua Pennsylvania changing its tax accounting

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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

 

 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF 

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

 

method to permit the expensing of certain utility asset improvement costs that have historically been capitalized and depreciated for book and tax purposes (the “Repair Change”).  In December 2012, Aqua Pennsylvania implemented the Repair Change.  During the third quarter of 2013, we recorded additional tax deductions for certain qualifying infrastructure improvements in connection with the preparation of our annual tax return filings, which resulted in both additional recognized and unrecognized tax benefits.  As a result of the adoption of the Repair Change prior to the receipt of Aqua Pennsylvania’s next rate order, the Repair Change results in a substantial reduction in income tax expense and greater net income and cash flow, and as a result allowed the Company to suspend its Distribution System Improvement Charges in 2013 and lengthen the amount of time until the next Aqua Pennsylvania rate case is filed.  A portion of the additional tax deductions recognized in the third quarter of 2013 relate to a change in our tax method of accounting for certain qualifying utility system repairs in certain other operating divisions.  These divisions currently do not employ a flow-through method of accounting and as such the change in the Company’s tax method of accounting in these other operating divisions had no impact on our effective income tax rate.

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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

 

 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF 

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

 

Results of Operations 

 

Analysis of Third Quarter of 2014 Compared to Third Quarter of 2013 

 

Unless specifically noted, the following discussion of the Company’s results of operations for the third quarter of 2014 refers to the Company’s results of operations from continuing operations. 

 

Revenues increased by $8,215  or  4.1%, primarily due to an increase in non-regulated revenues of $2,700 associated with water and sewer line repairs and construction services, an increase in water and wastewater rates of $2,513,  an increase in customer water consumption, additional water and wastewater revenues of $616 associated with a larger customer base due to acquisitions, and an increase in infrastructure rehabilitation surcharges of $230

    

Operations and maintenance expenses increased by $743 or 1.0%, primarily due to additional operating costs associated with acquired utility systems and other growth ventures of $1,293 and additional operating costs of $710, primarily associated with non-regulated water and sewer line repairs and construction services, offset by a  decrease in postretirement benefits expense of $658, a decrease in insurance expense of $378, and a decrease in water production costs of $327.  The decrease in water production costs is primarily due to a decrease in energy costs as a result of participation in an energy incentive plan

 

Depreciation expense decreased by $498 or 1.7%, due to the implementation of new depreciation rates for our Texas operating subsidiary

 

Amortization expense decreased by $379, primarily due to the completion of the recovery of our costs associated with various rate filings. 

 

Taxes other than income taxes decreased by $569 or 4.3%, primarily due to a decrease in capital stock taxes of $762 primarily associated with a decrease in capital stock taxes assessed for Aqua Pennsylvania, and a decrease in gross receipts, excise and franchise taxes of $484, primarily due to the repealing of gross receipts tax in North Carolina, offset by an increase in property taxes of $614.    

 

Interest expense decreased by $360 or 1.9%, primarily due to a decrease in the effective interest rate on average borrowings as compared to the third quarter of 2013. 

 

Allowance for funds used during construction (“AFUDC”) increased by $769, primarily due to an increase in the AFUDC rate.  

 

Equity loss in joint venture totaled $736 during the third quarter of 2014, and reflects a decline in water sales to our customers in the natural gas drilling industry. 

 

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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

 

 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF 

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

 

Our effective income tax rate was 11.6% in the third quarter of 2014 and 6.9% in the third quarter of 2013.   The effective income tax rate increased due to the effect of additional tax deductions recognized in the third quarter of 2013 for certain qualifying infrastructure improvements for Aqua Pennsylvania.     

 

Income from continuing operations increased by $4,962 or 7.9%, primarily as a result of the factors described above.  On a diluted per share basis, income from continuing operations increased by $0.03,  reflecting the change in income from continuing operations and a 0.2% increase in the average number of common shares outstanding.  The increase in the number of shares outstanding is primarily a result of the additional shares sold or issued through our equity compensation plan, offset by repurchases of the Company’s common stock  

 

Income from discontinued operations decreased by $583, primarily as a result of the sale of our water and wastewater utility system in Sarasota, Florida completed in the fourth quarter of 2013 

 

Net income attributable to common shareholders increased by $4,379 or 6.9%, primarily as a result of the factors described above.  On a diluted per share basis, earnings increased by $0.02 reflecting the change in net income attributable to common shareholders and a 0.2% increase in the average number of common shares outstanding.  The increase in the number of shares outstanding is primarily a result of the additional shares sold or issued through our equity compensation plan, offset by repurchases of the Company’s common stock  

 

Analysis of First Nine Months of 2014 Compared to First Nine Months of 2013 

 

Unless specifically noted, the following discussion of the Company’s results of operations for the first nine months of 2014 refers to the Company’s results of operations from continuing operations.  

 

Revenues increased $13,699 or 2.4%, primarily due to an increase in water and wastewater rates of $4,366, an increase in non-regulated revenues of $4,141 associated with water and sewer line repairs and construction services, an increase in customer water consumption, an increase in infrastructure rehabilitation surcharges of $1,993,  and additional water and wastewater revenues of $1,846 associated with a larger customer base due to acquisitions, offset by the effect of a reversal in the second quarter of 2013 of a reserve of $2,061 for rates that were subject to refund in Texas.    

   

Operations and maintenance expenses increased by $4,598 or 2.2%, primarily due to additional operating costs of $2,893, primarily associated with non-regulated water and sewer line repairs and construction services, additional operating costs of $1,861 associated with severe winter weather conditions experienced in many of our service territories,  additional operating costs associated with acquired utility systems and other growth ventures of $1,825, an increase in bad debt expense of $1,310, the effect of the June 2013 gain on sale of a utility system of $1,025, and the effect of the favorable recognition in the first quarter of 2013 of a legal settlement received of $871, offset by a reduction in post-retirement benefits expense of $2,608 and the recognition of a regulatory asset in the second quarter of 2014 of $1,575.    The gain on sale of a  

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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

 

 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF 

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

 

utility system is reported in the consolidated statement of net income as a component of operations and maintenance expense.

 

Depreciation expense increased $3,353 or 3.8%, due to the utility plant placed in service since September 30, 2013, offset by the implementation of new depreciation rates for our Texas operating subsidiary.

 

Amortization expense decreased $1,245, primarily due to a change in the amortization period for expenses associated with providing non-utility raw water supply services for firms in the natural gas drilling industry, which resulted in a decrease in amortization expense, and the completion of the recovery of our costs associated with various rate filings.   

 

Taxes other than income taxes decreased by $1,941 or 4.9%, primarily due to a decrease in property taxes of $1,102 associated with a reduction in the property tax rate assessed for Aqua Ohio recognized in the first quarter of 2014, and a decrease in capital stock taxes of $850 primarily associated with a decrease in capital stock taxes assessed for Aqua Pennsylvania.  

 

Interest expense decreased by $440 or 0.8%, primarily due to a decrease in average borrowings as compared to the first nine months of 2013. 

 

AFUDC increased by $1,831, primarily due to an increase in the AFUDC rate. 

 

(Loss) gain on sale of other assets totaled $(133) during the first nine months of 2014 and $121 during the first nine months of 2013.  The decrease of $254 is principally due to the write-off in the first quarter of 2014 of a marketable security of $443, offset by gains recognized on the sale of property, plant and equipment of $310.    

 

Equity loss in joint venture totaled $2,673 during the first nine months of 2014, and reflects a decline in water sales, due to sluggish well drilling activity, in connection with serving the raw water needs of our customers in the natural gas drilling industry. 

 

Our effective income tax rate was 10.8% during the first nine months of 2014 and 10.4% during the first nine months of 2013.  The effective income tax rate increased due to the effect of additional tax deductions recognized in the third quarter of 2013 for certain qualifying infrastructure improvements for Aqua Pennsylvania.          

 

Income from continuing operations increased by $8,313 or 5.3%, in comparison to the same period in 2013, primarily as a result of the factors described above.   On a diluted per share basis, income from continuing operations increased $0.04 reflecting the change in income from continuing operations and a 0.6% increase in the average number of common shares outstanding.  The increase in the number of shares outstanding is primarily a result of the additional shares sold or issued through our equity compensation plan, offset by repurchases of the Company’s common stock.    

 

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AQUA AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

 

 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF 

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

 

Income from discontinued operations decreased by $5,657 or $0.03 per diluted share, in comparison to the same period in 2013, primarily as a result of the effect of the prior year recognition of the gain on sale of our Florida operations, net of income taxes of $3,555

 

Net income attributable to common shareholders increased by $2,656 or 1.6%, in comparison to the same period in 2013, primarily as a result of the factors described above.  On a diluted per share basis, earnings increased $0.01 reflecting the change in net income attributable to common shareholders and a 0.6% increase in the average number of common shares outstanding.  The increase in the number of shares outstanding is primarily a result of the additional shares sold or issued through our equity compensation plan and dividend reinvestment plan, offset by repurchases of the Company’s common stock.

 

Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements 

 

We describe the impact of recent accounting pronouncements in Note 15,  Recent Accounting Pronouncements, of the consolidated financial statements in this report.  

 

  

 

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Item 3  – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 

 

We are subject to market risks in the normal course of business, including changes in interest rates and equity prices.  There have been no significant changes in our exposure to market risks since December 31, 2013.  Refer to Item 7A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for additional information.

 

Item 4  – Controls and Procedures 

 

(a)

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures 

 

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report are effective such that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.   

 

(b)

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

 

No change in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Part II.  Other Information

 

Item 1 – Legal Proceedings 

 

We are party to various legal proceedings.  Although the results of legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, other than as described below, there are no pending legal proceedings to which we or any of our subsidiaries is a party or to which any of our properties is the subject that we believe are material or are expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  Dollar amounts disclosed is this section, Item 1. Legal Proceedings are presented in whole dollars, not thousands of dollars. 

 

The City of Fort Wayne, Indiana (the “City”) authorized the acquisition by eminent domain of the northern portion of the utility system of one of our operating subsidiaries in Indiana (the “Northern Assets”).  In January 2008, we reached a settlement with the City to transition the Northern Assets in February 2008 upon receipt of the City’s initial valuation payment of $16,910,500.  The settlement agreement specifically stated that the final valuation of the Northern Assets will be determined through a continuation of the legal proceedings that were filed challenging the City’s valuation.  On February 12, 2008, we turned over the Northern Assets to the City upon receipt of the initial valuation payment.  The proceeds received by the Company are in excess of the book value of the assets relinquished.  No gain has been recognized due to the contingency over the final valuation of the assets.  The net book value of the Northern Assets has been removed from the consolidated

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balance sheet and the difference between the net book value and the initial payment received has been deferred and is recorded in other accrued liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.  Once the contingency is resolved and the asset valuation is finalized, through the finalization of the litigation between the Company and the City the amounts deferred will be recognized in the Company’s consolidated income statement.       

 

In addition, in December 2012, the Fort Wayne City Council considered an ordinance that sought to declare it a “public convenience and necessity” to acquire certain of our water utility system assets located in the southwest section of the City and in Allen County (the “Southern Assets”) and, if negotiations with Fort Wayne officials were to fail, to condemn the Southern Assets.  The first public hearing on the ordinance was held on January 22, 2013 and a subsequent hearing scheduled for February 5, 2013 was not held due to ongoing settlement discussions between the parties.  As part of such settlement discussions, the parties negotiated an acquisition agreement that was approved by the City on May 13, 2014.  The acquisition agreement will settle both the acquisition of the Southern Assets and the dispute concerning the Northern Assets.  The acquisition agreement establishes an aggregate purchase price of $67,011,000 for the Southern and Northern Assets.  The City has already paid Aqua Indiana $16,910,500 for the Northern Assets.  On October 22, 2014, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission approved the transactionUpon completion of this transaction, we will expand our sewer customer base by accepting new wastewater from the City.  The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2014.   

 

Item 1A – Risk Factors 

 

There have been no material changes to the risks disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013  under “Part 1, Item 1A – Risk Factors.”

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Item 2 – Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s purchases of its common stock for the quarter ended September 30, 2014:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

Maximum

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of

 

Number of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchased

 

that May

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

as Part of

 

Yet be

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

Publicly

 

Purchased

 

 

Number

 

Average

 

Announced

 

Under the

 

 

of Shares

 

Price Paid

 

Plans or

 

Plan or

Period

 

Purchased (1)

 

per Share

 

Programs

 

Programs (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 1-31, 2014

 

 -

 

$

 -

 

 -

 

685,348 

August 1-31, 2014

 

420,000 

 

$

23.68 

 

 -

 

265,348 

September 1-30, 2014

 

70,000 

 

$

23.97 

 

 -

 

195,348 

Total

 

490,000 

 

$

23.72 

 

 -

 

195,348 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

These amounts consist of purchases on the open market of our outstanding common stock in accordance with the Board of Directors resolution disclosed below.     

 

(2)

On October 4, 2013, our Board of Directors approved a resolution authorizing the purchase of up to 685,348 shares.  This authorization renewed the number of shares that had remained, when affected for stock splits, from an existing buy-back authorization from 1997.  The program has no fixed expiration date.

 

Item 6 – Exhibits  

 

The information required by this Item is set forth in the Exhibit Index hereto which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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SIGNATURES 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be executed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 6, 2014 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

        Aqua America, Inc.                  

 

 

 

Registrant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

        /s/Nicholas DeBenedictis            

 

 

 

Nicholas DeBenedictis

 

 

 

Chairman, President and

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

        /s/David P. Smeltzer                   

 

 

 

David P. Smeltzer

 

 

 

Executive Vice President and

 

 

 

Chief Financial Officer 

 

  

 

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit No. 

 

 

Description

10.53

First Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement between Aqua America, Inc. and PNC Bank, National Association, Co Bank, ACB, and Huntingdon National Bank, dated as of January 31, 2013

10.54

Second Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement between Aqua America, Inc. and PNC Bank, National Association, Co Bank, ACB, and Huntingdon National Bank, dated as of August 20, 2014

31.1 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.

31.2 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.

32.1 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

32.2 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRES

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

  

 

 

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