UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
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þ
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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For the quarterly period ended: June 30, 2009
or
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|
o
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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For the transition period from
to
0-18552
(Commission File Number)
PENNICHUCK CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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New Hampshire
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02-0177370
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(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
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(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
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25 Manchester Street, Merrimack, New Hampshire 03054
(Address and zip code of principal executive offices)
(603) 882-5191
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
None
(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.
þ
Yes
o
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 (§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).
o
Yes
o
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a
non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated
filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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Large accelerated filer
o
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Accelerated filer
þ
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Non-accelerated filer
o
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Smaller reporting company
o
|
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of
the Exchange Act). Yes
o
No
þ
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuers classes of common stock, as
of the latest practicable date:
Common Stock, $1 Par Value, 4,258,863 shares outstanding as of August 3, 2009
PENNICHUCK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
June 30, 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- i -
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)
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ITEM 1.
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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PENNICHUCK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(000s, except share data)
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As of
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June 30,
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December 31,
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2009
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|
2008
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Property, Plant and Equipment, net
|
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$
|
153,562
|
|
|
$
|
151,319
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Current Assets:
|
|
|
|
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Cash and cash equivalents
|
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2
|
|
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91
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Investments
|
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546
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|
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1,005
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Accounts receivable, net of allowance
of $28 and $37 in 2009
and 2008, respectively
|
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|
2,260
|
|
|
|
2,142
|
|
Unbilled revenue
|
|
|
2,276
|
|
|
|
2,941
|
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Materials and supplies
|
|
|
780
|
|
|
|
889
|
|
Refundable income taxes
|
|
|
913
|
|
|
|
667
|
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Prepaid expenses
|
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|
1,172
|
|
|
|
1,134
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Total Current Assets
|
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|
7,949
|
|
|
|
8,869
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Other Assets:
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|
|
|
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Deferred land costs
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|
2,468
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|
|
|
2,457
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|
Deferred charges and other assets
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11,995
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12,195
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Investment in real estate partnerships
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114
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|
114
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Total Other Assets
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14,577
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|
|
|
14,766
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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TOTAL ASSETS
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$
|
176,088
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|
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$
|
174,954
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
- 1 -
PENNICHUCK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) CONTINUED
(000s, except share data)
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As of
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June 30,
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December 31,
|
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2009
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2008
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SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
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Shareholders Equity:
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Common stock $1 par value
Authorized - 11,500,000 shares in 2009 and 2008
Issued 4,256,775 and 4,253,398 shares, respectively
Outstanding 4,255,573 and 4,252,196 shares,
respectively
|
|
$
|
4,257
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|
|
$
|
4,253
|
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Additional paid in capital
|
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|
33,165
|
|
|
|
33,092
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|
Retained earnings
|
|
|
9,890
|
|
|
|
10,684
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
(67
|
)
|
|
|
(111
|
)
|
Treasury stock, at cost; 1,202 shares in 2009 and 2008
|
|
|
(138
|
)
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|
|
(138
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Total Shareholders Equity
|
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47,107
|
|
|
|
47,780
|
|
|
|
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|
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Preferred Stock, No Par Value, 100,000 Shares Authorized,
No Shares Issued In 2009 and 2008
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|
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|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
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Long-term Debt, Less Current Portion
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54,314
|
|
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59,586
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Current Liabilities:
|
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Line of credit
|
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|
3,572
|
|
|
|
1,465
|
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Current portion of long-term debt
|
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|
10,291
|
|
|
|
5,199
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
1,256
|
|
|
|
1,326
|
|
Accrued interest payable
|
|
|
726
|
|
|
|
804
|
|
Accrued liability retainage
|
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|
476
|
|
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|
1,049
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Customer deposits and other current liabilities
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|
770
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|
919
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Total Current Liabilities
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17,091
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|
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|
10,762
|
|
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|
|
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Deferred Credits and Other Reserves:
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
15,837
|
|
|
|
15,135
|
|
Other deferred credits and other reserves
|
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|
10,008
|
|
|
|
9,761
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Total Deferred Credits and Other Reserves
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|
25,845
|
|
|
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24,896
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Contributions in Aid of Construction
|
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31,731
|
|
|
|
31,930
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
|
|
$
|
176,088
|
|
|
$
|
174,954
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
- 2 -
PENNICHUCK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(000s, except share and per share data)
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For the Three Months Ended
|
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For the Six Months Ended
|
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|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
Operating Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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Water utility operations
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|
$
|
7,678
|
|
|
$
|
7,281
|
|
|
$
|
14,007
|
|
|
$
|
13,426
|
|
Water management services
|
|
|
772
|
|
|
|
657
|
|
|
|
1,464
|
|
|
|
1,250
|
|
Real estate operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
Other
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Operating Revenues
|
|
|
8,452
|
|
|
|
7,940
|
|
|
|
15,475
|
|
|
|
14,682
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Water utility operations
|
|
|
5,476
|
|
|
|
5,289
|
|
|
|
11,031
|
|
|
|
10,474
|
|
Water management services
|
|
|
698
|
|
|
|
623
|
|
|
|
1,294
|
|
|
|
1,112
|
|
Real estate operations
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
21
|
|
|
|
29
|
|
Other
|
|
|
28
|
|
|
|
(24
|
)
|
|
|
60
|
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Operating Expenses
|
|
|
6,213
|
|
|
|
5,894
|
|
|
|
12,406
|
|
|
|
11,630
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Income
|
|
|
2,239
|
|
|
|
2,046
|
|
|
|
3,069
|
|
|
|
3,052
|
|
Eminent Domain Expenses
|
|
|
(70
|
)
|
|
|
(4
|
)
|
|
|
(188
|
)
|
|
|
(16
|
)
|
Net (Loss) Earnings from Investments
Accounted for
Under the Equity Method
|
|
|
(1
|
)
|
|
|
(3
|
)
|
|
|
(3
|
)
|
|
|
3,453
|
|
Other (Expense) Income, Net
|
|
|
(11
|
)
|
|
|
54
|
|
|
|
(33
|
)
|
|
|
53
|
|
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
|
|
|
20
|
|
|
|
94
|
|
|
|
141
|
|
|
|
240
|
|
Interest Income
|
|
|
(5
|
)
|
|
|
52
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
133
|
|
Interest Expense
|
|
|
(907
|
)
|
|
|
(927
|
)
|
|
|
(1,835
|
)
|
|
|
(1,801
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes
|
|
|
1,265
|
|
|
|
1,312
|
|
|
|
1,152
|
|
|
|
5,114
|
|
Provision for Income Taxes
|
|
|
502
|
|
|
|
520
|
|
|
|
457
|
|
|
|
1,832
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income
|
|
|
763
|
|
|
|
792
|
|
|
|
695
|
|
|
|
3,282
|
|
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives
|
|
|
25
|
|
|
|
52
|
|
|
|
44
|
|
|
|
(11
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive Income
|
|
$
|
788
|
|
|
$
|
844
|
|
|
$
|
739
|
|
|
$
|
3,271
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per Common Share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
$
|
0.18
|
|
|
$
|
0.19
|
|
|
$
|
0.16
|
|
|
$
|
0.78
|
|
Diluted
|
|
$
|
0.18
|
|
|
$
|
0.19
|
|
|
$
|
0.16
|
|
|
$
|
0.77
|
|
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
|
4,253,870
|
|
|
|
4,235,847
|
|
|
|
4,253,218
|
|
|
|
4,233,288
|
|
Diluted
|
|
|
4,272,528
|
|
|
|
4,266,998
|
|
|
|
4,263,124
|
|
|
|
4,269,109
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends Paid per Common Share
|
|
$
|
0.175
|
|
|
$
|
0.165
|
|
|
$
|
0.350
|
|
|
$
|
0.330
|
|
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
- 3 -
P
ENNICHUCK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(000s)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Six Months Ended
|
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
Operating Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
695
|
|
|
$
|
3,282
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
2,137
|
|
|
|
2,067
|
|
Amortization of deferred investment tax credits
|
|
|
(17
|
)
|
|
|
(17
|
)
|
Provision for deferred income taxes
|
|
|
673
|
|
|
|
869
|
|
Equity component of allowance for funds used
during construction
|
|
|
(63
|
)
|
|
|
(102
|
)
|
Undistributed loss in real estate partnerships
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
|
3
|
|
Stock-based compensation expense
|
|
|
32
|
|
|
|
24
|
|
Changes in assets and liabilities
|
|
|
54
|
|
|
|
(1,842
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
|
|
|
3,514
|
|
|
|
4,284
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases of property, plant and equipment,
including debt component of allowance for funds
used during construction
|
|
|
(4,526
|
)
|
|
|
(7,254
|
)
|
Sales of investment securities
|
|
|
1,136
|
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
Purchases of investment securities
|
|
|
(677
|
)
|
|
|
(6,131
|
)
|
Distributions in excess of earnings
in investment in real estate partnerships
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
343
|
|
Increase in investment in real estate partnership
and deferred land costs
|
|
|
(14
|
)
|
|
|
(10
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
|
|
|
(4,081
|
)
|
|
|
(8,052
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in line of credit, net
|
|
|
2,107
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments on long-term debt
|
|
|
(713
|
)
|
|
|
(15,637
|
)
|
Contributions in aid of construction
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
|
41
|
|
Proceeds from long-term borrowings
|
|
|
524
|
|
|
|
20,712
|
|
Debt issuance costs
|
|
|
(9
|
)
|
|
|
(758
|
)
|
Proceeds from issuance of common stock and
dividend reinvestment plan
|
|
|
45
|
|
|
|
156
|
|
Dividends paid
|
|
|
(1,489
|
)
|
|
|
(1,397
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
|
|
|
478
|
|
|
|
3,117
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
|
|
|
(89
|
)
|
|
|
(651
|
)
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period
|
|
|
91
|
|
|
|
963
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period
|
|
$
|
2
|
|
|
$
|
312
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental Disclosures on Cash Flow and Non-Cash Items:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Paid During the Period for:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
|
|
$
|
1,804
|
|
|
$
|
1,579
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes, net of refunds
|
|
$
|
426
|
|
|
$
|
1,317
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-cash Items:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contributions in aid of construction
|
|
$
|
148
|
|
|
$
|
305
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
- 4 -
PENNICHUCK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
Note 1 Description of Business, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and
Non-recurring Items
The terms we, our, our Company, and us refer, unless the context suggests otherwise,
to Pennichuck Corporation (the Company) and its subsidiaries, including Pennichuck Water Works,
Inc. (Pennichuck Water), Pennichuck East Utility, Inc. (Pennichuck East), Pittsfield Aqueduct
Company, Inc. (Pittsfield Aqueduct), Pennichuck Water Service Corporation (Service Corporation)
and The Southwood Corporation (Southwood).
Operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 are not necessarily
indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2009. The
condensed consolidated balance sheet amounts shown under the December 31, 2008 column have been
derived from the audited financial statements of our Company as contained in our 2008 Annual Report
on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Description of Business
:
We are an investor-owned holding company headquartered in Merrimack, New Hampshire. We have
five wholly-owned operating subsidiaries: Pennichuck Water, Pennichuck East, and Pittsfield
Aqueduct, which are involved in regulated water supply and distribution to customers in New
Hampshire; Service Corporation which conducts non-regulated water-related services; and Southwood
which conducts real estate operations.
Pennichuck Water, Pennichuck East and Pittsfield Aqueduct (collectively referred to as our
Companys utility subsidiaries) are engaged principally in the collection, storage, treatment and
distribution of potable water to approximately 33,400 customers throughout the State of New
Hampshire. Our Companys utility subsidiaries, which are regulated by the New Hampshire Public
Utilities Commission (the NHPUC), are subject to the provisions of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 71,
Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation
(Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 980 Regulated Operations). Service Corporation is
involved in providing non-regulated water-related services to approximately 19,000 customers, while
Southwood owns and commercializes real estate holdings.
-5-
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:
(a) Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for
interim financial statements and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X of the SEC
pertaining to interim financial statements. Accordingly, they do not include all of the
information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments
(consisting of normal recurring and non-recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair
presentation have been included.
The Company has performed an evaluation of subsequent events through August 6, 2009, which is
the date the financial statements were issued and filed with the SEC.
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of our
Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been
eliminated in consolidation.
Certain balance sheet amounts as of December 31, 2008 have been reclassified to conform to the
June 30, 2009 balance sheet presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on total current
assets or total current liabilities and relate to the reclassification of refundable income taxes,
miscellaneous accrued accounts payable and accrued liability-retainage.
(b) Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
(c) New Accounting Pronouncements
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) recently announced that effective for
interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009, the FASB Accounting Standards
Codification will be the single official source of authoritative, nongovernmental U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles, superseding existing FASB, American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants, Emerging Issues Task Force and related literature. At that time, only one level of
authoritative Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) will exist, excluding the guidance
issued by the SEC. ASC does not change GAAP; instead, ASC introduces a new structure, arranged
within topics, subtopics, sections and subsections.
In November 2008, the SEC released a proposed roadmap regarding the potential use by U.S.
issuers of financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRS). IFRS is a comprehensive series of accounting standards published by the
International Accounting Standards Board. Under the proposed roadmap, we may be required to prepare
financial statements in accordance with IFRS as early as 2014. The SEC will make a determination in
2011 regarding the mandatory adoption of IFRS. Our Company is currently assessing the impact that
this potential change would have on our financial statements,
and we will continue to monitor the SECs determination regarding of the potential requirement
to implement of IFRS.
-6-
In December 2008, the FASB issued FSP SFAS 132(R)-1,
Employers Disclosures about
Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets
(ASC 715 Compensation Retirement Benefits). This FSP
amends SFAS 132(R), Employers Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits, to
provide guidance on an employers disclosures about plan assets of a defined benefit pension or
other postretirement plan. The disclosures about plan assets required by this FSP shall be
provided for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. We are currently reviewing the effect
this new pronouncement will have on our financial statements.
(d) Property, Plant and Equipment
The components of property, plant and equipment as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 were
as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of
|
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
(000s)
|
|
Utility Property:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Land
|
|
$
|
1,829
|
|
|
$
|
1,712
|
|
Source of supply
|
|
|
47,534
|
|
|
|
46,868
|
|
Pumping & purification
|
|
|
26,724
|
|
|
|
22,805
|
|
Transmission & distribution, including
services, meters and hydrants
|
|
|
102,499
|
|
|
|
98,889
|
|
General and other equipment
|
|
|
9,018
|
|
|
|
8,787
|
|
Intangible plant
|
|
|
720
|
|
|
|
720
|
|
Construction work in progress
|
|
|
2,304
|
|
|
|
7,478
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total utility property
|
|
|
190,628
|
|
|
|
187,259
|
|
Total non-utility property
|
|
|
101
|
|
|
|
101
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total property, plant & equipment
|
|
|
190,729
|
|
|
|
187,360
|
|
Less accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
(37,167
|
)
|
|
|
(36,041
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment, net
|
|
$
|
153,562
|
|
|
$
|
151,319
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(e)
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents consists of cash in banks.
|
(f) Investments
Investments represent funds held in money market securities. These funds have no restriction
and may be used for general corporate purposes.
(g) Concentration of Credit Risks
Financial instruments that subject our Company to credit risk consist primarily of cash and
accounts receivable. Our cash balances are invested in financial institutions with investment
grade credit ratings. Occasionally, our cash balance with a single financial institution may
exceed FDIC limits. Our accounts receivable balances primarily represent amounts due from the
residential, commercial and industrial customers of our water utility operations as well as
receivables from our water management services customers.
-7-
(h) Deferred Charges and Other Assets
Deferred charges include certain regulatory assets and costs of obtaining debt financing.
Regulatory assets are amortized over the periods they are recovered through NHPUC-authorized water
rates. Sarbanes-Oxley costs relate to first year implementation and compliance with Section 404 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. We received approval from the NHPUC to recover these costs.
Deferred financing costs are amortized over the term of the related bonds and notes. Our Companys
utility subsidiaries have recorded certain regulatory assets in cases where the NHPUC has
permitted, or is expected to permit, recovery of these costs over future periods. Currently, the
regulatory assets are being amortized over periods ranging from 4 to 25 years. Deferred charges
and other assets as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
Recovery
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
Period
|
|
|
|
(000s)
|
|
|
|
|
Regulatory assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Source development charges
|
|
$
|
750
|
|
|
$
|
771
|
|
|
|
525
|
|
Miscellaneous studies
|
|
|
964
|
|
|
|
979
|
|
|
|
425
|
|
Sarbanes-Oxley costs
|
|
|
537
|
|
|
|
635
|
|
|
|
5
|
|
Prepaid pension
|
|
|
4,724
|
|
|
|
4,724
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other postretirement benefits
|
|
|
447
|
|
|
|
447
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total regulatory assets
|
|
|
7,422
|
|
|
|
7,556
|
|
|
|
|
|
Franchise fees and other
|
|
|
40
|
|
|
|
45
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental retirement plan asset
|
|
|
577
|
|
|
|
525
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred financing costs
|
|
|
3,956
|
|
|
|
4,069
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred charges and other assets
|
|
$
|
11,995
|
|
|
$
|
12,195
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We expect to recover the deferred pension and other postretirement amounts consistent with
the anticipated expense recognition of the pension and other postretirement costs.
|
(i) Revenues
Standard charges for water utility services to customers are recorded as revenue, based upon
meter readings and contract service, as services are provided. The majority of our Companys water
revenues are based on rates approved by the NHPUC. Estimates of unbilled service revenues are
recorded in the period the services are provided. Provision is made in the financial statements
for estimated uncollectible accounts.
Non-regulated water management services include contract operations and maintenance, and water
testing and billing services to municipalities and small, privately owned community water systems.
In accordance with the guidance contained in the SECs Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, Topic 13
Revenue Recognition, revised and updated,
our Company records revenues for this business segment
in one of two ways. Contract revenues are billed and recognized on a monthly recurring basis in
accordance with agreed-upon contract rates. Revenue from unplanned additional work is based upon
time and materials incurred in connection with activities not specifically identified in the
contract, or for which work levels exceed contracted amounts.
Revenues from real estate operations, other than undistributed earnings or losses from equity
method joint ventures, are recorded upon completion of a sale of real
property. Our
Companys real estate holdings outside of our regulated utilities are comprised primarily of
undeveloped land.
-8-
(j) Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
Allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) represents the estimated debt and
equity costs of capital necessary to finance the construction of new regulated facilities. AFUDC
consists of two components, an interest component and an equity component. AFUDC is capitalized as
a component of property, plant and equipment and has been reported separately in the condensed
consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. The AFUDC rate was 8% in 2009 and
2008. The total amounts of AFUDC recorded for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and
2008 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
Six Months Ended
|
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
(000s)
|
|
Debt (interest) component
|
|
$
|
10
|
|
|
$
|
55
|
|
|
$
|
78
|
|
|
$
|
138
|
|
Equity component
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
|
63
|
|
|
|
102
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total AFUDC
|
|
$
|
20
|
|
|
$
|
94
|
|
|
$
|
141
|
|
|
$
|
240
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding for a period. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted average
number of common and dilutive potential common shares outstanding for the period. For the three
and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, dilutive potential common shares consisted of
outstanding stock options.
The dilutive effect of outstanding stock options is computed using the treasury stock method.
Calculations of the basic and diluted net income per common share and potential common share for
the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
Six Months Ended
|
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
(000s, except per share and share data)
|
|
Basic net income per share
|
|
$
|
0.18
|
|
|
$
|
0.19
|
|
|
$
|
0.16
|
|
|
$
|
0.78
|
|
Dilutive effect of unexercised
stock options
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dilutive net income per share
|
|
$
|
0.18
|
|
|
$
|
0.19
|
|
|
$
|
0.16
|
|
|
$
|
0.77
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Numerator:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
763
|
|
|
$
|
792
|
|
|
$
|
695
|
|
|
$
|
3,282
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominator:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic weighted average common
shares outstanding
|
|
|
4,253,870
|
|
|
|
4,235,847
|
|
|
|
4,253,218
|
|
|
|
4,233,288
|
|
Dilutive effect of unexercised
stock options
|
|
|
18,658
|
|
|
|
31,151
|
|
|
|
9,906
|
|
|
|
35,821
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted weighted average common
shares outstanding
|
|
|
4,272,528
|
|
|
|
4,266,998
|
|
|
|
4,263,124
|
|
|
|
4,269,109
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-9-
Options to purchase 56,201 and 91,403 shares of common stock were not included in the
computation of diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009,
respectively, because their effect would have been antidilutive. There were no options to purchase
shares of common shares excluded for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008.
Non-recurring Items:
Net (loss) earnings from investments accounted for under the equity method for the six
months ended June 30, 2008 includes a non-recurring, non-operating, after-tax gain of approximately
$2.3 million ($3.4 million before federal income taxes), or $0.53 diluted earnings per share, from
the January 2008 sale of three commercial real estate properties that were owned by three joint
ventures, as more fully described in Note 7, Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Companies.
Note 2 Postretirement Benefit Plans
Pension Plan
We have a non-contributory, defined benefit pension plan (the Plan) that covers
substantially all employees. The benefits are formula-based, giving consideration to both past and
future service as well as participant compensation levels. Our funding policy is to contribute
annual amounts that meet the requirements for funding under Section 404 of the Internal Revenue
Code. During the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, we contributed $183,000 and $180,000,
respectively, into the Plan. During the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, we contributed
$339,000 and $293,000, respectively, into the Plan. We anticipate that we will contribute a total
of approximately $708,000 into the Plan in 2009. This amount includes approximately $103,000 to
reduce the plans underfunded status, per current requirements under the Pension Protection Act.
Components of net periodic pension benefit cost were as follow:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
Six Months Ended
|
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
(000s)
|
|
Service cost
|
|
$
|
208
|
|
|
$
|
130
|
|
|
$
|
416
|
|
|
$
|
243
|
|
Interest cost
|
|
|
165
|
|
|
|
111
|
|
|
|
330
|
|
|
|
207
|
|
Expected return on plan assets
|
|
|
(154
|
)
|
|
|
(104
|
)
|
|
|
(308
|
)
|
|
|
(195
|
)
|
Amortization of net actuarial loss
|
|
|
41
|
|
|
|
26
|
|
|
|
82
|
|
|
|
49
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net periodic benefit cost
|
|
$
|
260
|
|
|
$
|
163
|
|
|
$
|
520
|
|
|
$
|
304
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Postretirement Benefits
We provide postretirement medical benefits for eligible retired employees, who retire on or
after the normal retirement age of 65, through separate postretirement medical plans for union and
non-union employees. Future benefits increase annually based on the actual percentage of wage and
salary increases earned from the plan inception date to the normal retirement date.
Our Company also offers postemployment medical benefits for employees who retire prior to
their normal retirement age and who have met certain age and service requirements. The benefits
allow continuity of coverage at group rates from the employees retirement date until the
employee becomes eligible for Medicare. This postemployment plan is funded from the general
assets of the Company.
-10-
Upon retirement, if a qualifying employee elects to remain on the Companys group medical
plan, the Company pays his or her full monthly premium. Upon request, the spouse of the covered
former employee may also remain on the Companys group medical plan provided that persons full
monthly premium is reimbursed to the Company.
Net periodic other postretirement and postemployment benefit cost included the following
components:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
Six Months Ended
|
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
(000s)
|
|
Service cost
|
|
$
|
35
|
|
|
$
|
34
|
|
|
$
|
70
|
|
|
$
|
95
|
|
Interest cost
|
|
|
34
|
|
|
|
25
|
|
|
|
68
|
|
|
|
68
|
|
Expected return on plan assets
|
|
|
(12
|
)
|
|
|
(10
|
)
|
|
|
(24
|
)
|
|
|
(20
|
)
|
Amortization of prior service cost
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
8
|
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
24
|
|
Amortization of net actuarial loss
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net periodic benefit cost
|
|
$
|
64
|
|
|
$
|
57
|
|
|
$
|
128
|
|
|
$
|
167
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs were estimated based on
the latest available participant census data. During each of the three months ended June 30, 2009
and 2008, we contributed approximately $9,000 into this program. During the six months ended June
30, 2009 and 2008, we contributed approximately $18,000 and $17,000, respectively, into this
program. We anticipate that we will contribute a total of approximately $37,000 into the program
in 2009.
Note 3 Stock-based Compensation Plans
The impact of stock-based compensation on the condensed consolidated statements of income and
comprehensive income was approximately:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
Six Months Ended
|
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
(000s)
|
|
Stock-based compensation
|
|
$
|
16
|
|
|
$
|
12
|
|
|
$
|
32
|
|
|
$
|
23
|
|
Income taxes
|
|
|
(6
|
)
|
|
|
(5
|
)
|
|
|
(13
|
)
|
|
|
(9
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock-based compensation, net
of tax
|
|
$
|
10
|
|
|
$
|
7
|
|
|
$
|
19
|
|
|
$
|
14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our Company has periodically granted its officers and key employees incentive and
non-qualified stock options on a discretionary basis pursuant to two stock option plans, the 1995
Stock Option Plan (1995 Plan) and the 2000 Stock Option Plan (2000 Plan). No further shares
are available for future grant under the 1995 Plan. As of June 30, 2009, there were 183,834 shares
available for future grant under the 2000 Plan. We issued -0- and 38,000 options during the three
and six months ended June 30, 2009.
On May 6, 2009, our shareholders approved an amendment to and restatement of the 2000 Plan to
also allow for the issuance of restricted stock without increasing the number of
shares available for awards under the Plan. As amended and restated, the plan has been
renamed the 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2009 Plan).
-11-
Note 4 Commitments and Contingencies
Pending Municipalization Efforts
On March 25, 2004, the City of Nashua, New Hampshire (the City) filed a petition with the
NHPUC under the New Hampshire utility municipalization statute, NHRSA Ch. 38, seeking to take by
eminent domain all of the utility assets of our Companys three utility subsidiaries. Under NHRSA
Ch. 38, if the NHPUC makes a finding that it is in the public interest to do so, a municipality may
take the assets of a utility providing service in that municipality. The NHPUC is also charged
with determining the amount of compensation for the assets that it finds are in the public interest
for the municipality to take. In January 2005, the NHPUC ruled that the City could not use the
eminent domain procedure to acquire any of the assets of Pennichuck East or Pittsfield Aqueduct,
and that, with regard to the assets of Pennichuck Water, the question of which assets, if any,
could be taken by the City was dependent on a determination to be made after a hearing as to what
was in the public interest.
On July 25, 2008, the NHPUC issued an order that the taking of the assets of Pennichuck Water
is in the public interest provided certain conditions are met, and that the price to be paid to
Pennichuck Water for such assets is $203 million as of December 31, 2008. The conditions include a
requirement that Nashua place an additional $40 million into a mitigation fund to protect the
interests of the customers of Pennichuck East and Pittsfield Aqueduct. Hence, under the terms of
the NHPUC order, the City must pay out a total of $243 million determined as of December 31, 2008.
Another condition is that the City submit to the NHPUC, for its advance approval, the final
operating contracts between the City and its planned contractors. The remaining conditions cover
various aspects of the operation and oversight of the water system under City ownership. Both the
Company and the City submitted motions to the NHPUC requesting reconsideration or rehearing as to
its order.
On March 13, 2009, the NHPUC issued an order denying the motions of both parties
in their entirety on the basis that neither party had presented any new arguments or evidence that
the NHPUC had not previously considered. Subsequently, both parties filed appeals with the New
Hampshire Supreme Court (the Supreme Court). The Companys appeal is principally focused on legal
issues relating to the NHPUCs public interest determination. The Citys appeal focuses
principally on the valuation of Pennichuck Waters assets and the need for a $40 million mitigation
reserve. The Supreme Court agreed to hear the appeals and set a briefing schedule, but has not yet
set a date for oral arguments. The Companys initial brief is currently scheduled to be filed with
the Supreme Court on September 14, 2009. In the course of preparing its brief, the Company may
choose to limit the issues it will appeal, taking into account all of the circumstances at that
time. The Company expects that the Supreme Court is not likely to render a decision before early
2010.
If the City ultimately is successful in obtaining a final determination that it can take some
or all of Pennichuck Waters assets, the City is not required under NHRSA Ch. 38 to complete the
taking and could ultimately choose not to proceed with the purchase of the assets. Our Company
cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these matters.
-12-
A taking of assets by eminent domain as per the NHPUC order would result in a significant
taxable gain and related tax liability to the Company based on the difference between
the price paid to Pennichuck Water for the assets taken and Pennichuck Waters underlying tax
basis in such assets. The tax liability would be due proximate to the sale of the assets unless
the proceeds of the taking were reinvested in other water utility assets in accordance with certain
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. A taking by eminent domain could also result in our
Company incurring various other costs depending on the final terms of the eminent domain taking and
decisions that our Company may make regarding its remaining operations. These costs may include
expenditures associated with termination and/or funding of health and retirement plans, certain
debt redemption premiums, severance costs and professional fees. In addition, if the Company were
to sell some or all of its remaining businesses or assets, it may be forced to accept prices below
their current carrying values as a result of then-current market conditions, a limited number of
potential buyers, and/or other factors. It is possible that, if the acquisition efforts of the
City are successful, the financial position of our Company would be materially and adversely
impacted.
We have publicly stated our willingness to consider any credible settlement proposals the City
may wish to make to us as an alternative to its continued pursuit of an eminent domain taking. We
have also stated publicly that such a settlement, subject to required approvals, could include the
Citys acquisition of our Companys stock which, depending on share price, could result in better
economics for both parties relative to an eminent domain taking pursuant to the terms of the July
2008 NHPUC order. A negotiated stock sale could be better for our shareholders because there would
be no corporate level capital gains tax and, concurrently, could enable the City to pay
substantially less than the aggregate amount required by the July 2008 NHPUC order (i.e., $243
million as of December 31, 2008) while acquiring substantially more assets. Consistent with the
foregoing, we remain opposed to an eminent domain taking of the assets of Pennichuck Water pursuant
to the terms of the July 2008 NHPUC order.
The Town of Pittsfield, New Hampshire voted at its town meeting in 2003 to acquire the assets
of our Companys Pittsfield Aqueduct subsidiary by eminent domain. In April 2003, the Town
notified our Company in writing of the Towns desire to acquire the assets. Our Company responded
that it did not wish to sell the assets. Thereafter, no further action was taken by the Town until
March 2005, when the Town voted to appropriate $60,000 to the eminent domain process. On March 22,
2005, our Company received a letter from the Town reiterating the Towns desire to acquire the
assets of our Companys Pittsfield Aqueduct subsidiary, and by letter dated May 10, 2005, our
Company responded that it did not wish to sell them. Our Company does not have a basis to evaluate
whether the Town will actively pursue the acquisition of our Companys Pittsfield Aqueduct assets
by eminent domain, but since the date of the Towns letter to our Company the Town has not taken
any additional steps required under New Hampshire RSA Chapter 38 to pursue eminent domain.
The Town of Bedford, New Hampshire voted at its town meeting in March 2005 to take by eminent
domain our Companys assets within Bedford for purposes of establishing a water utility, and by
letter dated April 4, 2005 inquired whether our Company, and any relevant wholly owned subsidiary
of our Company, was willing to sell its assets to Bedford. Our Company responded by letter dated
June 1, 2005, informing the Town that our Company did not wish to sell those assets located in
Bedford that are owned by any of its subsidiaries. Our Company has not received a response to its
letter, and since the date of the Towns letter to our Company the Town has not taken any
additional steps required under New Hampshire RSA Chapter 38 to pursue eminent domain. During the
hearing regarding the proposed eminent domain taking of the Pennichuck Water assets by Nashua, a
witness for the Town of Bedford testified that the Towns interest in a possible taking of assets
of our Company related to a situation in which Nashua might acquire less than all of our Companys
assets, leaving the system in Bedford as part of a significantly smaller utility.
-13-
Our Company cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these matters. It is possible that, if the
acquisition efforts of the City and/or the Towns of Pittsfield or Bedford were ultimately
successful, the financial position of our Company would be materially impacted. No adjustments
have been recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for these
uncertainties.
Note 5 Business Segment Reporting
Our operating activities are grouped into three primary business segments as follows:
Water utility operations
Includes the collection, treatment and distribution of potable
water for domestic, industrial, commercial and fire protection service in the City of Nashua and
numerous other communities throughout New Hampshire.
Water management services
Includes the contract operations and maintenance activities of
Service Corporation.
Real estate operations
Involves the ownership, commercialization and sale of non-utility
landholdings in Nashua and Merrimack, New Hampshire.
The line titled Other relates to parent company activity, including eminent domain expenses.
This line, which is not a reportable segment, is shown only to reconcile to the total amounts
shown in our condensed consolidated financial statements.
The following table presents information about our three primary business segments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
Six Months Ended
|
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
(000s)
|
|
Operating revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Water utility operations
|
|
$
|
7,678
|
|
|
$
|
7,281
|
|
|
$
|
14,007
|
|
|
$
|
13,426
|
|
Water management services
|
|
|
772
|
|
|
|
657
|
|
|
|
1,464
|
|
|
|
1,250
|
|
Real estate operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
Other
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
$
|
8,452
|
|
|
$
|
7,940
|
|
|
$
|
15,475
|
|
|
$
|
14,682
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income (loss):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Water utility operations
|
|
$
|
2,202
|
|
|
$
|
1,992
|
|
|
$
|
2,976
|
|
|
$
|
2,952
|
|
Water management services
|
|
|
74
|
|
|
|
34
|
|
|
|
170
|
|
|
|
138
|
|
Real estate operations
|
|
|
(11
|
)
|
|
|
(6
|
)
|
|
|
(21
|
)
|
|
|
(27
|
)
|
Other
|
|
|
(26
|
)
|
|
|
26
|
|
|
|
(56
|
)
|
|
|
(11
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating income
|
|
$
|
2,239
|
|
|
$
|
2,046
|
|
|
$
|
3,069
|
|
|
$
|
3,052
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Water utility operations
|
|
$
|
752
|
|
|
$
|
769
|
|
|
$
|
709
|
|
|
$
|
969
|
|
Water management services
|
|
|
43
|
|
|
|
20
|
|
|
|
101
|
|
|
|
81
|
|
Real estate operations
|
|
|
(7
|
)
|
|
|
(4
|
)
|
|
|
(15
|
)
|
|
|
2,269
|
|
Other
|
|
|
(25
|
)
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
|
(100
|
)
|
|
|
(37
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total net income
|
|
$
|
763
|
|
|
$
|
792
|
|
|
$
|
695
|
|
|
$
|
3,282
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-14-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of
|
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
(000s)
|
|
Total assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Water utility operations
|
|
$
|
164,244
|
|
|
$
|
165,280
|
|
Water management services
|
|
|
281
|
|
|
|
159
|
|
Real estate operations
|
|
|
2,350
|
|
|
|
2,394
|
|
Other
|
|
|
9,213
|
|
|
|
7,121
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
176,088
|
|
|
$
|
174,954
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note 6 Fair Value of Financial Instruments
We use a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation methods used to
measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the 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 fair value hierarchy are as
follows:
|
|
|
Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the
measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
|
|
|
|
Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable
either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or the
liability.
|
|
|
|
Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant
to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e. supported with little or no market
activity).
|
An asset or liabilitys level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of
input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
For assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, the fair value
measurement by levels within the fair value hierarchy used as of June 30, 2009 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quoted Prices
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
in Active
|
|
|
Significant
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Markets for
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
Significant
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Identical
|
|
|
Observable
|
|
|
Unobservable
|
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
Assets
|
|
|
Inputs
|
|
|
Inputs
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
(Level 1)
|
|
|
(Level 2)
|
|
|
(Level 3)
|
|
|
|
(000s)
|
|
Investments
|
|
$
|
546
|
|
|
$
|
546
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Interest rate swap
|
|
|
(112
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(112
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
434
|
|
|
$
|
546
|
|
|
$
|
(112
|
)
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-15-
For assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, the fair value
measurement by levels within the fair value hierarchy used as of December 31, 2008 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quoted Prices
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
in Active
|
|
|
Significant
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Markets for
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
Significant
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Identical
|
|
|
Observable
|
|
|
Unobservable
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
Assets
|
|
|
Inputs
|
|
|
Inputs
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
(Level 1)
|
|
|
(Level 2)
|
|
|
(Level 3)
|
|
|
|
(000s)
|
|
Investments
|
|
$
|
1,005
|
|
|
$
|
1,005
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Interest rate swap
|
|
|
(185
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(185
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
820
|
|
|
$
|
1,005
|
|
|
$
|
(185
|
)
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The carrying value of certain financial instruments included in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheet, along with the related fair value, as of June 30, 2009 and December 31,
2008 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2009
|
|
|
December 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
Carrying
|
|
|
Fair
|
|
|
Carrying
|
|
|
Fair
|
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
|
(000s)
|
|
Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments
|
|
$
|
546
|
|
|
$
|
546
|
|
|
$
|
1,005
|
|
|
$
|
1,005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt
|
|
|
(64,605
|
)
|
|
|
(58,928
|
)
|
|
|
(64,785
|
)
|
|
|
(59,148
|
)
|
Interest rate swap liability
|
|
|
(112
|
)
|
|
|
(112
|
)
|
|
|
(185
|
)
|
|
|
(185
|
)
|
The fair value of long-term debt has been determined by discounting the future cash flows
using current market interest rates for similar financial instruments of the same duration. The
fair value for long-term debt shown above does not purport to represent the amounts at which those
debt obligations would be settled. The fair market value of our interest rate swaps represents the
estimated cost to terminate these agreements as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 based upon
current interest rates.
The carrying values of the Companys cash, short-term investments, line of credit and
short-term notes receivable approximate their fair values because of the short maturity dates of
those financial instruments.
Note 7 Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Companies
As of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, Southwood held a 50 percent ownership interest in a
limited liability company (LLC) known as HECOP IV. The remaining ownership interest in HECOP IV
is held by John P. Stabile II (Stabile), principal owner of H.J. Stabile & Son, Inc. This LLC,
whose assets and liabilities are not included in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance
sheets, owns approximately nine acres of undeveloped land in Merrimack, New Hampshire. The
short-term cash needs of HECOP IV are expected to be funded by the LLC partners on an on-going
basis and are not expected to be significant.
-16-
Until December 2008, Southwood also held a 50 percent ownership interest in three other LLCs known as
HECOP I, HECOP II and HECOP III. All, or a majority of the remaining ownership interest in each of these joint
ventures, was held primarily by Stabile. Net (loss) earnings from investments accounted for under the equity method
for the six months ended June 30, 2008 includes a non-recurring, non-operating, after state tax gain of approximately $3.4 million
($2.3 million after federal income taxes) from the January 2008 sale of the three commercial real estate properties that were owned
by these three joint ventures. The land and office buildings sold comprised substantially all of the assets of HECOP I, II, and III.
Consequently, these three joint ventures were dissolved in December 2008. For the three and six months ended
June 30, 2008, cash distributions received from HECOP I, II, and III were $0 and $3.8 million, respectively.
Southwood uses the equity method of accounting for its investments in the four joint ventures and
accordingly, its investment is adjusted for its share of earnings or losses and for any distributions or dividends
received from the joint ventures. Southwoods share of earnings and losses are included under Net (loss) earnings from
investments accounted for under the equity method in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income.
-17-
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Introduction
The terms we, our, our Company, and us refer, unless the context suggests otherwise,
to Pennichuck Corporation (the Company) and its subsidiaries, Pennichuck Water Works, Inc.
(Pennichuck Water), Pennichuck East Utility, Inc. (Pennichuck East), Pittsfield Aqueduct
Company, Inc. (Pittsfield Aqueduct), Pennichuck Water Service Corporation (Service Corporation)
and The Southwood Corporation (Southwood).
We are a holding company whose income is derived from the earnings of our five wholly-owned
subsidiaries. We are engaged primarily in the collection, storage, treatment and distribution of
potable water for domestic, industrial, commercial and fire protection service in New Hampshire
through our three utility subsidiaries: Pennichuck Water, Pennichuck East and Pittsfield Aqueduct.
Our water utility revenues constituted 91% of our revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2009
and 2008. Pennichuck Water, our principal subsidiary which was established in 1852, accounted for
70% and 71% of our revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Pennichuck Waters franchise area presently includes the City of Nashua, New Hampshire and 10
surrounding municipalities.
Our water utility subsidiaries are regulated by the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission
(NHPUC) and must obtain NHPUC approval to increase their water rates to recover increases in
operating expenses and to obtain the opportunity to earn a return on investment in plant and
equipment. New Hampshire law provides that utilities are entitled to charge rates that permit them
to earn a reasonable return on the cost of the property employed in serving their customers, less
accrued depreciation, contributed capital and deferred income taxes (Rate Base). The cost of
capital permanently employed by a utility in its regulated business marks the rate of return that
it is lawfully entitled to earn on its Rate Base. Capital expenditures associated with complying
with federal and state water quality standards have historically been recognized and approved by
the NHPUC for inclusion in water rates, though there can be no assurance that the NHPUC will
approve future rate increases in a timely or sufficient manner to cover our capital expenditures.
The businesses of our two other subsidiaries are non-regulated water management services and
real estate management and commercialization. Service Corporation provides various non-regulated
water-related monitoring, maintenance, testing and compliance reporting services for water systems
for various towns, businesses and residential communities in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Its
most significant contracts are with the towns of Hudson, New Hampshire, and Salisbury,
Massachusetts.
Southwood is engaged in real estate management and commercialization activities.
Historically, most of Southwoods activities were conducted through joint ventures. During the
past 10 years, Southwood has participated in four joint ventures with John P. Stabile, II, a local
developer. Southwoods earnings have from time to time during that period contributed a
significant percentage of our net income, including in the six months ended June 30, 2008 (i.e.,
the January 2008 sale of the three commercial office buildings that comprised substantially all of
the assets of HECOP I, II, and III as more fully described in Note 7, Equity Investments in
Unconsolidated Companies in Part I, Item I, in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q). Southwoods
contributions from the sale of real estate have increased the fluctuations in our net income during
the 10-year period. While we expect that Southwood will contribute a smaller
proportion of our future revenues and earnings over the next several years, we expect it to
pursue the orderly commercialization of the Companys 450 acres of undeveloped land held outside
the regulated utilities.
- 18 -
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including Managements Discussion
and Analysis, are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for safe harbors from liability
under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended (and codified in Section 27A
of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). The
statements are made based upon, among other things, our current assumptions, expectations and
beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect on us. These forward-looking
statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside our control
which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any
future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking
statements. In some cases you can identify forward-looking statements where statements are
preceded by, followed by, or include the words in the future, believes, expects,
anticipates, plans or similar expressions, or the negative thereof.
Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and there are important factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these
forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among other things, whether eminent domain
proceedings are ultimately successful against some or all of our water utility assets, the success
of applications for rate relief, changes in governmental regulations, changes in the economic and
business environment that may impact demand for our water, services and real estate products,
changes in capital requirements that may affect our level of capital expenditures, changes in
business strategy or plans and fluctuations in weather conditions that impact water consumption.
For a complete discussion of our risk factors, see Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, in our 2008
Annual Report on Form 10-K, as supplemented by Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors, in this Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking
statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
City of Nashuas Ongoing Eminent Domain Proceeding
The City of Nashuas then-current Mayor stated his opposition to our proposed merger with
Philadelphia Suburban (now Aqua America) almost immediately after we announced the proposed merger
in 2002. In January 2003, Nashua residents approved a referendum authorizing the City to pursue
the acquisition of our water utility assets. In March 2004, the City filed a petition with the
NHPUC under the New Hampshire utility municipalization statute, NHRSA Ch. 38, seeking to take by
eminent domain all of the utility assets of our Companys three utility subsidiaries. In January
2005, the NHPUC ruled that the City could not use the eminent domain procedure to acquire any of
the assets of Pennichuck East or Pittsfield Aqueduct. The eminent domain proceeding and potential
consequences for us are more fully discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10K for the year ended
December 31, 2008 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009, as
the same has been updated in this Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 and may be updated
from time to time by our future filings with the SEC under the Exchange Act.
- 19 -
A taking of assets by eminent domain as per the NHPUC order would result in a significant
taxable gain and related tax liability to the Company based on the difference between the price
paid to Pennichuck Water for the assets taken and Pennichuck Waters underlying tax
basis in such assets. The tax liability would be due proximate to the sale of the assets
unless the proceeds of the taking were reinvested in other water utility assets in accordance with
certain provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. A taking by eminent domain could also result in
our Company incurring various other costs depending on the final terms of the eminent domain taking
and decisions that our Company may make regarding its remaining operations. These costs may
include expenditures associated with termination and/or funding of health and retirement plans,
certain debt redemption premiums, severance costs and professional fees. In addition, if the
Company were to sell some or all of its remaining businesses or assets, it may be forced to accept
prices below their current carrying values as a result of then-current market conditions, a limited
number of potential buyers, and/or other factors. It is possible that, if the acquisition efforts
of the City are successful, the financial position of our Company would be materially and adversely
impacted.
We have publicly stated our willingness to consider any credible settlement proposals the City
may wish to make to us as an alternative to its continued pursuit of an eminent domain taking. We
have also stated publicly that such a settlement, subject to required approvals, could include the
Citys acquisition of our Companys stock which, depending on the share price, could result in
better economics for both parties relative to an eminent domain taking pursuant to the terms of the
July 2008 NHPUC order. A negotiated stock sale could be better for our shareholders because there
would be no corporate level capital gains tax and, concurrently, could enable the City to pay
substantially less than the aggregate amount required by the July 2008 NHPUC order (i.e., $243
million as of December 31, 2008) while acquiring substantially more assets. Consistent with the
foregoing, we remain opposed to an eminent domain taking of the assets of Pennichuck Water pursuant
to the terms of the July 2008 NHPUC order.
Critical Accounting Policies, Significant Estimates and Judgments
We have identified the accounting policies below as those policies critical to our business
operations and the understanding of the results of operations. The preparation of financial
statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts
of assets and liabilities and revenues and expenses. We base our estimates on historical
experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the
circumstances. Changes in the estimates or other judgments included within these accounting
policies could result in significant changes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Our critical accounting policies are as follows.
Regulatory Accounting.
The use of regulatory assets and liabilities as permitted by SFAS No.
71,
Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation,
(SFAS 71) (ASC 980 Regulated
Operations) stipulates generally accepted accounting principles for companies whose rates are
established by or are subject to approval by an independent third-party regulator such as the
NHPUC. In accordance with SFAS 71, we defer costs and credits on the condensed consolidated
balance sheets as regulatory assets and liabilities when it is probable that these costs and
credits will be recognized in the rate-making process in a period different from when the costs and
credits are incurred. These deferred amounts, both assets and liabilities, are then recognized in
the condensed consolidated statements of income in the same period that they are reflected in rates
charged to our water utilities customers. In the event that the inclusion in the rate-making
process is disallowed, the associated regulatory asset or liability would be adjusted to reflect
the change in our assessment or change in regulatory approval.
We did not defer the costs associated with our defense against the Citys ongoing eminent
domain proceeding.
- 20 -
Revenue Recognition.
The revenues of our water utility subsidiaries are based on authorized
rates approved by the NHPUC. Estimates of water utility revenues for water delivered to customers
but not yet billed are accrued at the end of each accounting period. We read our customer meters
on a monthly basis and record revenues based on meter reading results. Unbilled revenues from the
last meter-reading date to the end of the accounting period are estimated based on historical usage
and the effective water rates. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Accrued unbilled
revenues recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements as of June 30,
2009 and December 31, 2008 were approximately $2.3 million and $2.9 million, respectively.
Our non-utility revenues are recognized when services are rendered. Revenues are based, for
the most part, on long-term contractual rates.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits.
Our pension and other postretirement benefits
costs are dependent upon several factors and assumptions, such as employee demographics, plan
design, the level of cash contributions made to the plans, return on plan assets, the discount
rate, the expected long-term rate of return on the plans assets and health care cost trends.
Changes in pension and postretirement benefit obligations other than pensions (PBOP)
associated with these factors may not be immediately recognized as pension and PBOP costs in the
condensed consolidated statements of income, but generally are recognized in future years over the
remaining average service period of the plans participants.
In determining pension obligation and expense amounts, the factors and assumptions described
above may change from period to period, and such changes could result in material changes to
recorded pension and PBOP costs and funding requirements. Further, the value of our pension plan
assets are subject to fluctuations in market returns which may result in increased or decreased
pension expense in future periods.
Although our pension plan currently meets the minimum funding requirements of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, market declines significantly impacted the value of our
pension plan assets in 2008, which has unfavorably impacted pension expense. We currently
anticipate that we will contribute approximately $708,000 to the plan during 2009.
Results of Operations General
In this section, we discuss our results of operations for the three and six months ended June
30, 2009 and 2008 and the factors affecting them. Our operating activities, as more fully
discussed in Note 5, Business Segment Reporting in Part I, Item I, in this Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q, are grouped into three primary business segments as follows:
|
|
|
Water utility operations;
|
|
|
|
Water management services; and
|
|
|
|
Real estate operations.
|
- 21 -
Results of Operations Three Months Ended June 30, 2009
Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2008
Overview
Our revenues, and consequently our net income, can be significantly affected by weather
conditions, and in past years our net income has been significantly affected by sales of major real
estate assets which have occurred from time to time. Water revenues are typically at their lowest
point during the first and fourth quarters of the calendar year. Water revenues in the second and
third quarters tend to be greater because of increased water consumption for non-essential usage by
our customers during the late spring and summer months.
For the three months ended June 30, 2009, our net income was $763,000, compared to net income
of $792,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2008. On a per share basis, the fully diluted
income per share for the three months ended June 30, 2009 was $0.18 as compared to fully diluted
income per share of $0.19 for the three months ended June 30, 2008. The principal factors that
affected current period net income, relative to prior period net income, include the following:
|
|
|
An increase in 2009 regulated water utility operating income of $210,000;
|
|
|
|
A decrease in 2009 allowance for funds used during construction of $74,000;
|
|
|
|
An increase in 2009 eminent domain-related costs of $66,000; and
|
|
|
|
A decrease in 2009 interest income of $57,000.
|
Water Utility Operations
Our water utility operations include the activities of Pennichuck Water, Pennichuck East and
Pittsfield Aqueduct, each of which is regulated by the NHPUC.
Our utility operating revenues increased to approximately $7.7 million in 2009, an increase of
5.5% over 2008, as shown in the following table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended June 30,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
Change
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(000s)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pennichuck Water
|
|
$
|
5,992
|
|
|
|
78
|
%
|
|
$
|
5,702
|
|
|
|
78
|
%
|
|
$
|
290
|
|
Pennichuck East
|
|
|
1,346
|
|
|
|
18
|
%
|
|
|
1,380
|
|
|
|
19
|
%
|
|
|
(34
|
)
|
Pittsfield Aqueduct
|
|
|
340
|
|
|
|
4
|
%
|
|
|
199
|
|
|
|
3
|
%
|
|
|
141
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
7,678
|
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
$
|
7,281
|
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
$
|
397
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The increase in revenues is primarily the result of temporary rate increases granted to
Pennichuck Water and Pittsfield Aqueduct in December 2008 offset, in large part, by declines in
customer usage. For the three months ended June 30, 2009, approximately 67% of our billed water
utility usage was to residential customers, and approximately 28% to commercial and industrial
customers, with the balance being principally from billings to municipalities. Residential and
commercial customer usage in our core system declined approximately 3% and 4%, respectively, for
the three months ended June 30, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008. Although industrial
usage declined substantially as a result of an energy conservation program
implemented by a large customer, the decline was more than offset by an annual take or pay
provision in the contract which was recognized in the second quarter.
- 22 -
We believe that the current economic recession and the wet weather we experienced in June,
2009 have been the primary causes of the current reduction in consumption among our residential
customers. We also believe that usage has and may be further impacted by increased customer
conservation efforts as a result of rate increases, as discussed elsewhere in this Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q, and the implementation of automated meter reading equipment that allows for monthly
billing, rather than quarterly billing.
For the three months ended June 30, 2009, utility operating expenses increased by
approximately $187,000, or approximately 3.5%, to approximately $5.5 million as shown in the table
below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended June 30,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
Change
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(000s)
|
|
Operations & maintenance
|
|
$
|
3,671
|
|
|
$
|
3,490
|
|
|
$
|
181
|
|
Depreciation & amortization
|
|
|
1,005
|
|
|
|
995
|
|
|
|
10
|
|
Taxes other than income taxes
|
|
|
800
|
|
|
|
804
|
|
|
|
(4
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
5,476
|
|
|
$
|
5,289
|
|
|
$
|
187
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The operations and maintenance expenses of our water utility business include such
categories as:
|
|
|
Water supply, treatment, purification and pumping;
|
|
|
|
Transmission and distribution system functions, including repairs and maintenance
and meter reading; and
|
|
|
|
Engineering, customer
service and general and administrative functions.
|
The change in our utilities operating expenses over the same period in 2008 was primarily the
result of the following:
|
|
|
Increased general and administrative costs of $126,000 largely relating to
increased pension and postretirement expense of $108,000;
|
|
|
|
Increased customer accounting expenses of $48,000 related to the additional costs
associated with the change from quarterly to monthly billing;
|
|
|
|
$79,000 of increased transmission and distribution costs relating to repair or
replacement of gates, mains, meters and hydrants, supplies, fuel and labor costs; and
|
|
|
|
Decreased production costs of $66,000.
|
As a result of the above changes in operating revenue and operating expenses, water utility
operating income increased to $2.2 million from $2.0 million, or 10.7%, for the three months ended
June 30, 2009 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2008.
- 23 -
Our utilities periodically seek rate relief, as necessary, to recover increased operating
costs and to obtain recovery of and a return on capital additions as they are made over time. .
In May 2008, the Companys Pittsfield Aqueduct utility subsidiary filed for rate relief with the
NHPUC to recover increased operating expenses and to obtain recovery of and a return on
capital improvements principally benefitting water systems acquired in 2006. Pittsfield
Aqueduct requested an overall increase in rates that, if approved in its entirety, would result in
an annual increase in revenues of approximately $1.1 million effective for service rendered from
June 6, 2008. In December 2008, the NHPUC issued an order approving temporary rate relief for
Pittsfield Aqueduct. The order provides for an annualized temporary increase in revenues of
approximately $666,000 effective for service rendered from June 6, 2008. Increased revenues for
the period June 6, 2008 through December 31, 2008 were recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008 in
the amount of $315,000.
On January 14, 2009, the Company filed a motion with the NHPUC to extend the procedural
schedule in the Pittsfield Aqueduct rate case until March 13, 2009 in order to allow the Company to
modify its request for permanent rate relief. In broad terms, the Company has proposed to transfer
the assets of the systems in Barnstead, Middleton and Conway, New Hampshire (the North Country
Systems) to its sister utility, Pennichuck East. A final hearing on the merits of the case is
scheduled for the week of September 21, 2009. Temporary rates, as approved, will remain in effect
for the North Country Systems until permanent rates are approved by the Commission.
In June 2008, the Companys Pennichuck Water utility subsidiary filed for rate relief with the
NHPUC to recover increased operating expenses and to obtain recovery of and a return on capital
improvements principally for the ongoing major upgrade to its water treatment plant, the
replacement of a 5.5 million gallon water tank, the installation of radio meter reading equipment,
and the replacement of aging infrastructure. Pennichuck Water requested an overall increase in
rates that, if approved in its entirety, would result in an annual increase in revenues of
approximately $5.1 million based on 2007 usage volumes. Included in the $5.1 million are two
proposed step increases that, if approved, would increase annual revenues by a combined total of
approximately $1.9 million. In December 2008, the NHPUC issued an order approving temporary rate
relief for Pennichuck Water. The order provides for an annualized temporary increase in revenues
of approximately $2.4 million based on 2007 usage volumes, or 11%, effective for service rendered
from July 28, 2008. Increased revenues for the period July 28, 2008 through December 31, 2008 were
recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008 in the amount of $702,000. The Company and the NHPUC Staff
presented a settlement agreement on the merits of the case to the Commission at a final hearing on
May 19, 2009. The Company expects a final rate order for the Pennichuck Water rate case at any
time.
The temporary rate relief that has now been granted by the NHPUC for both Pennichuck Water and
Pittsfield Aqueduct does not necessarily reflect the ultimate outcome of the underlying requests
for permanent rate relief. Any difference between the temporary rate relief that has been granted
and the permanent rates ultimately approved by the NHPUC for these utilities will be reconciled
upon the approval of such permanent rates.
Water Management Services
The operating income of our water management services segment was $74,000 and $34,000 for the
three months ended June 30, 2009 and June 30, 2008, respectively. Service Corporations contracts
with two municipalities ended on June 30, 2009 and July 31, 2009 and have not been renewed by the
municipalities. The operating revenue earned from these two contacts was 9% and 12% of Service
Corporations total revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
- 24 -
Real Estate Operations
As of June 30, 2009 and 2008, our Company, principally through our Southwood subsidiary, owned
approximately 450 acres of non-utility undeveloped land in southern New Hampshire. We expect to
pursue the commercialization of these 450 acres over the next several years as market conditions
improve.
As of June 30, 2009 and 2008, Southwood held a 50% ownership interest in a real estate joint
venture (known as HECOP IV) organized as a limited liability company. HECOP IV currently owns
undeveloped land and generates no operating revenue. Consequently, earnings or losses from HECOP
IV for the foreseeable future are expected to be insignificant. As of June 30, 2008, Southwood
also held a 50% ownership interest in three other real estate joint ventures (known as HECOP I, II,
and III) also organized as limited liability companies. In December 2008, HECOP I, II and III were
dissolved.
Eminent Domain Expenses
Our eminent domain expenses were $70,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2009 as compared
to $4,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2008. The 2009 eminent domain expenses were
primarily attributable to on-going legal fees and the Companys retention of an investment banking
firm in January 2009. The Company expects to continue to incur material eminent domain expenses
for the remainder of 2009.
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC)
For the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, we recorded AFUDC of approximately $20,000
and $94,000, respectively. The $74,000 decrease is largely attributable to the completion of
certain large projects that qualified for AFUDC during the reported periods. This trend is
expected to continue principally because the multi-year upgrade to Pennichuck Waters water
treatment plant has been completed.
Interest Income
For the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, we recorded interest income of
approximately $(5,000) and $52,000, respectively. The decrease of $57,000 is primarily
attributable to lower cash and short-term investment balances during the three-month period ended
June 30, 2009.
Provision for Income Taxes
For the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, we recorded an income tax provision of
$502,000 and $520,000, respectively. The effective income tax rate was 39.7% and 39.6%,
respectively.
- 25 -
Results of Operations Six Months Ended June 30, 2009
Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2008
Overview
Our revenues, and consequently our net income, can be significantly affected by weather
conditions, and in past years our net income has been significantly affected by sales of major real
estate assets which have occurred from time to time. Water revenues are typically at their lowest
point during the first and fourth quarters of the calendar year. Water revenues in the second and
third quarters tend to be greater because of increased water consumption for non-essential usage by
our customers during the late spring and summer months.
For the six months ended June 30, 2009, our net income was $695,000, compared to net income of
$3.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008. On a per share basis, the fully diluted
income per share for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was $0.16 as compared to fully diluted
income per share of $0.77 for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The principal factors that
affected current period net income, relative to prior period net income, include the following:
|
|
|
A 2008 non-operating, after-tax gain of approximately $2.3 million ($3.4
million before federal income taxes) from the sale of land and three commercial
office buildings by three of our HECOP joint ventures;
|
|
|
|
An increase in 2009 eminent domain-related costs of $172,000;
|
|
|
|
A decrease in interest income of $132,000,
|
|
|
|
A decrease in allowance for funds used during construction of $99,000; and
|
|
|
|
A decrease in the 2009 provision for income taxes of $1.4 million.
|
Water Utility Operations
Our water utility operations include the activities of Pennichuck Water, Pennichuck East and
Pittsfield Aqueduct, each of which is regulated by the NHPUC.
Our utility operating revenues increased to approximately $14.0 million in 2009, an increase
of 4.3% over 2008, as shown in the following table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
Change
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(000s)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pennichuck Water
|
|
$
|
10,835
|
|
|
|
77
|
%
|
|
$
|
10,479
|
|
|
|
78
|
%
|
|
$
|
356
|
|
Pennichuck East
|
|
|
2,469
|
|
|
|
18
|
%
|
|
|
2,558
|
|
|
|
19
|
%
|
|
|
(89
|
)
|
Pittsfield Aqueduct
|
|
|
703
|
|
|
|
5
|
%
|
|
|
389
|
|
|
|
3
|
%
|
|
|
314
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
14,007
|
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
$
|
13,426
|
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
$
|
581
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- 26 -
The increase in revenues is primarily the result of temporary rate increases granted to
Pennichuck Water and Pittsfield Aqueduct in December 2008 offset, in large part, by declines in
customer usage. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, approximately 67% of our billed water
utility usage was to residential customers and approximately 29% to commercial and industrial
customers, with the balance being principally from billings to municipalities. Residential and
commercial customer usage in our core system declined approximately 3% and 4%, respectively,
for the six months ended June 30, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008. Company-wide
industrial usage for the six months ended June 30, 2009 declined by approximately 27%, due
principally to a 30% drop in usage by one of our industrial customers which resulted from an energy
conservation program implemented by that customer in the third quarter of 2008. The decline in
first half 2009 revenues from that industrial customer was more than offset by an annual take or
pay provision in the customers contract which was recognized in the second quarter of 2009. Year
over year comparative demand by that industrial customer is expected to generally stabilize
beginning in the third quarter of 2009.
We believe that the current economic recession and the wet weather we experienced in June,
2009 have been the primary causes of the current reduction in consumption among our residential,
commercial and industrial customers (aside from the effects of the energy conservation program
implemented by one of our industrial customers). We also believe that usage has and may be further
impacted by increased customer conservation efforts as a result of rate increases, as discussed
elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the implementation of automated meter reading
equipment that allows for monthly billing, rather than quarterly billing.
For the six months ended June 30, 2009, utility operating expenses increased by
approximately $557,000, or approximately 5.3%, to approximately $11.0 million as shown in the table
below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
Change
|
|
|
|
(000s)
|
|
Operations & maintenance
|
|
$
|
7,316
|
|
|
$
|
7,017
|
|
|
$
|
299
|
|
Depreciation & amortization
|
|
|
2,027
|
|
|
|
1,968
|
|
|
|
59
|
|
Taxes other than income taxes
|
|
|
1,688
|
|
|
|
1,489
|
|
|
|
199
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
11,031
|
|
|
$
|
10,474
|
|
|
$
|
557
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The operations and maintenance expenses of our water utility business include such
categories as:
|
|
|
Water supply, treatment, purification and pumping;
|
|
|
|
Transmission and distribution system functions, including repairs and maintenance
and meter reading; and
|
|
|
|
Engineering, customer
service and general and administrative functions.
|
- 27 -
The change in our utilities operating expenses over the same period in 2008 was primarily the
result of the following:
|
|
|
Increased taxes other than income taxes of $199,000, principally related to
increased real estate taxes resulting from capital additions in our core Pennichuck
Water system as well as increased real estate tax rates;
|
|
|
|
Increased general and administrative costs of $168,000 primarily relating to
increased pension and postretirement expense of $170,000;
|
|
|
|
Increased customer accounting expenses of $86,000, primarily associated with the
additional costs of billing customers on a monthly rather than a quarterly basis;
|
|
|
|
Increased depreciation and amortization of $59,000 principally due to increased
depreciation attributable to completed portions of the water treatment plant upgrade
for Pennichuck Water;
|
|
|
|
$110,000 of increased transmission and distribution costs relating to repair or
replacement of gates, mains, meters, services and hydrants; and
|
|
|
|
Decreased production costs of $55,000.
|
As a result of the above changes in operating revenue and operating expenses, water utility
operating income remained relatively unchanged for the six months ended June 30, 2009 compared to
the six months ended June 30, 2008.
Our utilities periodically seek rate relief, as necessary, to recover increased operating
costs and to obtain recovery of and a return on capital additions as they are made over time. In
May 2008, the Companys Pittsfield Aqueduct utility subsidiary filed for rate relief with the NHPUC
to recover increased operating expenses and to obtain recovery of and a return on capital
improvements principally benefitting water systems acquired in 2006. Pittsfield Aqueduct requested
an overall increase in rates that, if approved in its entirety, would result in an annual increase
in revenues of approximately $1.1 million effective for service rendered from June 6, 2008. In
December 2008, the NHPUC issued an order approving temporary rate relief for Pittsfield Aqueduct.
The order provides for an annualized temporary increase in revenues of approximately $666,000
effective for service rendered from June 6, 2008. Increased revenues for the period June 6, 2008
through December 31, 2008 were recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008 in the amount of $315,000.
On January 14, 2009, the Company filed a motion with the NHPUC to extend the procedural
schedule in the Pittsfield Aqueduct rate case until March 13, 2009 in order to allow the Company to
modify its request for permanent rate relief. In broad terms, the Company has proposed to transfer
the assets of the systems in Barnstead, Middleton and Conway, New Hampshire (the North Country
Systems) to its sister utility, Pennichuck East. A final hearing on the merits of the case is
scheduled for the week of September 21, 2009. Temporary rates, as approved, will remain in effect
for the North Country Systems until permanent rates are approved by the Commission.
- 28 -
In June 2008, the Companys Pennichuck Water utility subsidiary filed for rate relief with the
NHPUC to recover increased operating expenses and to obtain recovery of and a return on capital
improvements principally for the ongoing major upgrade to its water treatment plant, the
replacement of a 5.5 million gallon water tank, the installation of radio meter reading equipment,
and the replacement of aging infrastructure. Pennichuck Water requested an overall increase in
rates that, if approved in its entirety, would result in an annual increase in revenues of
approximately $5.1 million (based on 2007 usage volumes). Included in the $5.1 million are two
proposed step increases that, if approved, would increase annual revenues by a combined total
of approximately $1.9 million. In December 2008, the NHPUC issued an order approving temporary
rate relief for Pennichuck Water. The order provides for an annualized temporary increase in
revenues of approximately $2.4 million based on 2007 usage volumes, or 11%, effective for service
rendered from July 28, 2008. Increased revenues for the period July 28, 2008 through December 31,
2008 were recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008 in the amount of $702,000. The Company and the
NHPUC Staff presented a settlement agreement on the merits of the case to the Commission at a final
hearing on May 19, 2009. The Company expects a final rate order for the Pennichuck Water rate case
at any time.
The temporary rate relief that has now been granted by the NHPUC for both Pennichuck Water and
Pittsfield Aqueduct does not necessarily reflect the ultimate outcome of the underlying requests
for permanent rate relief. Any difference between the temporary rate relief that has been granted
and the permanent rates ultimately approved by the NHPUC for these utilities will be reconciled
upon the approval of such permanent rates.
Water Management Services
The operating income of our water management services segment was $170,000 and $138,000 for
the six months ended June 30, 2009 and June 30, 2008, respectively. Service Corporations
contracts with two municipalities ended on June 30, 2009 and July 31, 2009, and have not been
renewed by the municipalities. The operating revenue earned from these two contacts was 9% and 11%
of Service Corporations total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008,
respectively.
Real Estate Operations
As of June 30, 2009 and 2008, our Company, principally through our Southwood subsidiary, owned
approximately 450 acres of non-utility, undeveloped land in southern New Hampshire. We expect to
pursue the commercialization of these 450 acres over the next several years as market conditions
improve.
As of June 30, 2009 and 2008, Southwood held a 50% ownership interest in a real estate joint
venture (known as HECOP IV) organized as a limited liability company. HECOP IV currently owns
undeveloped land and generates no revenue. Consequently, earnings or losses from HECOP IV for the
foreseeable future are expected to be insignificant. As of June 30, 2008, Southwood also held a
50% ownership interest in three other real estate joint ventures (known as HECOP I, II, and III)
also organized as a limited liability companies.
For the six months ended June 30, 2009, Southwoods equity share of pre-tax loss from HECOP IV
was approximately $(3,000). For the six months ended June 30, 2008, Southwoods equity share of
pre-tax income from HECOP I, II, III, and IV was approximately $3.5 million. The 2008 pre-tax
earnings was due principally to an approximately $3.4 million gain (before federal income taxes)
from the January 2008 sale of the three commercial real estate properties owned by HECOP I, II, and
III. The real estate assets sold by HECOP I, II, and III comprised substantially all of the assets
of those three joint ventures. In December 2008, HECOP I, II and III were dissolved.
- 29 -
Eminent Domain Expenses
Our eminent domain expenses were $188,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2009 as compared
to $16,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The 2009 eminent domain
expenses were primarily attributable to on-going legal fees and the Companys retention of an
investment banking firm in January 2009. The Company expects to continue to incur material eminent
domain expenses in 2009.
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC)
For the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, we recorded AFUDC of approximately $141,000
and $240,000, respectively. The $99,000 decrease is largely attributable to the completion of
certain large projects qualifying for AFUDC during the reported periods. This trend is expected to
continue principally because the upgrade to Pennichuck Waters water treatment plant was completed
in May of 2009.
Interest Income
For the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, we recorded interest income of approximately
$1,000 and $133,000, respectively. The decrease of $132,000 is primarily attributable to lower
cash and short-term investment balances throughout the respective six-month periods.
Provision for Income Taxes
For the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, we recorded an income tax provision of
$457,000 and $1.8 million, respectively. The decrease was largely due to federal income taxes on
the January 2008 gain on the sale of the real estate held by HECOP I, II, and III joint ventures.
The effective income tax rate was 39.7% and 35.8%, respectively.
The State of New Hampshire income tax liability on income attributable to our Companys four
joint ventures is imposed at the LLC level, and not at the Pennichuck Corporation level (in
contrast to federal income taxes). Therefore, State of New Hampshire income taxes for the joint
ventures are included in Net (loss) earnings from investments accounted for under the equity
method in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.
The amount of such state income taxes in 2008 was approximately $217,000. This is the principal
reason why the Provision for Income Taxes for 2008, as a percentage of Income Before Provision
for Income Taxes, was lower in 2008 than it was for 2009.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
Our primary sources of funds are cash flow from utility operations, cash proceeds from the
sale of portions of our real estate holdings, borrowings pursuant to our bank revolving credit
facility and proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt and equity securities. Our primary uses
of funds are capital expenditures, dividends on our common stock payable as and when declared by
our Board of Directors and repayments of principal on our outstanding debt obligations, whether
pursuant to scheduled sinking fund payments or final maturities.
For the past several years, cash flows from operations have fluctuated largely based on four
factors: (i) weather, (ii) amount and timing of rate increases, (iii) gain(s) recognized on the
sale of non-utility real estate properties, and (iv) significant defense costs associated with the
ongoing eminent domain proceeding. During the six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company
billed over $1.0 million of revenue accrued in December 2008 related to recoupment of
temporary rate increases it was granted by the NHPUC.
- 30 -
Capital Expenditures Program
We expect our capital expenditures to moderate during the period 2009 through 2011 due to the
substantial completion of our water treatment plant. The following table summarizes our expected
capital expenditure requirements for the 2009 to 2011 period.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(000s)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Utility water treatment plant upgrade
|
|
$
|
2,160
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Utility other plant additions
|
|
|
5,675
|
|
|
|
7,686
|
|
|
|
7,361
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
7,835
|
|
|
$
|
7,686
|
|
|
$
|
7,361
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We have completed the upgrade of our water treatment plant that was necessary in order
for the plant to meet more stringent federally mandated safe drinking water standards. The upgrade
of our water treatment plant began in the second half of 2005. Capital expenditures, including
pre-design and construction costs, associated with the water treatment plant upgrade project
aggregated approximately $39.5 million through June 30, 2009.
The additional $1.9 million in forecasted 2009 capital expenditure spending over the amount in
our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K reflects primarily the addition of previously deferred projects
that are now expected to be funded by a combination of 2009 American Reinvestment and Recovery Act
and new State Revolving Fund (SRF) monies.
In addition to the water treatment plant upgrade project, we are engaged in construction
programs at our utility subsidiaries primarily for water distribution system repair, rehabilitation
and replacement, water storage facility maintenance and additions, and more recently, water supply
security. The timing of these projects may be impacted by weather, availability of contractors and
equipment, coordination with other utilities and municipalities in order to reduce digging and
paving costs and the availability and cost of financing.
We have applied, and will continue to apply, for long-term debt funds directly from the SRF
loan program. SRF loans have long-term fixed interest rates set with reference to various
Municipal Bond Indices, which rates have historically been at or below the rates for comparable
U.S. Treasury securities of like maturity. As of June 30, 2009, we had eight outstanding SRF loans
with aggregate principal balances outstanding of approximately $6.4 million. Funds available for
future advances as of June 30, 2009 totaled approximately $777,000. During the remainder of 2009,
we expect to draw down all of those available funds on existing SRF loans.
Long-term Debt
The Company has $4.5 million of long-term bank debt due on December 31, 2009 and a $5 million
note due March 4, 2010. The Company expects to pay off these amounts when they become due through
either replacement debt or the issuance of new equity.
- 31 -
Significant Financial Covenants
Our $16.0 million revolving credit loan agreement with Bank of America expires on June 30,
2011. This agreement contains three financial maintenance tests which must be met on a quarterly
basis. These maintenance tests are as follows:
|
(1)
|
|
our Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio must exceed 1.2x;
|
|
(2)
|
|
our Tangible Net Worth must exceed $37.0 million, plus new equity issued
subsequent to December 2007; and
|
|
(3)
|
|
our Funded Debt (less certain cash and short-term investment balances, if
any) must not exceed 65% of our Total Capitalization.
|
Also, various Pennichuck Water and Pennichuck East loan agreements contain tests that govern
the issuance of additional indebtedness. These issuance tests are as follows:
|
(1)
|
|
to issue short-term debt, our Total Debt must not exceed 65% of our Total
Capital (unless the new short-term debt is subordinated to existing debt);
|
|
(2)
|
|
to issue long-term debt, our Funded Debt must not exceed 60% of our Property
Additions; and
|
|
(3)
|
|
to issue long-term debt, our Earnings Available for Interest divided by our
Interest Expense must exceed 1.5x.
|
Certain covenants in Pennichuck Waters and Pennichuck Easts loan agreements and in our Bank
of America revolving credit loan agreement effectively restrict our ability to upstream common
dividends from Pennichuck Water and Pennichuck East as well as limit our ability to pay common
dividends to our shareholders.
Several of Pennichuck Waters loan agreements contain a covenant that requires Pennichuck
Water to maintain a minimum net worth of $4.5 million. As of June 30, 2009, Pennichuck Waters net
worth was $41.2 million. One of Pennichuck Easts loan agreements contains a covenant that
requires Pennichuck East to maintain a minimum net worth of $1.5 million. As of June 30, 2009,
Pennichuck Easts net worth was $6.8 million.
As of June 30, 2009, we were in compliance with all of our financial covenants. Our ability
to incur significant additional long-term debt and to continue to satisfy these tests depends,
among other factors, on receipt of timely and adequate rate relief.
Quarterly Dividends
One of our primary uses of funds is dividends on our common stock, payable as and when
declared by our Board of Directors. We have paid dividends on our common stock each year since
1856. On August 5, 2009, the Board of Directors declared a third quarter common stock dividend of
$0.175 per share payable September 1, 2009 to shareholders of record August 17, 2009. The third
quarter dividend amount results in an indicated annual rate of $0.70 per share. We expect to
continue to pay comparable cash dividends in the future, subject to the terms of our debt
agreements, as more fully discussed above.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
In October 2005, we completed a tax-exempt debt financing with the Business Finance Authority.
The Business Finance Authority acts solely as a passive conduit to the tax-exempt bond markets
with our Company acting as the obligor for the associated tax-exempt debt. As of
June 30, 2009, we had borrowed $38.1 million representing a portion of the $49.5 million
offering conducted in October 2005. The remaining $11.4 million has been placed in an escrow
account maintained by The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as escrow agent, for the sole
benefit of bondholders with no recourse to us and hence we have not recorded the associated debt as
a long-term liability. We expect to draw these funds in October 2009 or later as we incur capital
expenditures for various water facilities projects and record the associated debt as a long-term
liability.
We
have one interest rate financial instrument, an interest rate swap,
as described in Part I, Item 3, in this Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q.
- 32 -
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Information regarding market risk of our Company is presented in Note 6, Fair Value of
Financial Instruments in Part I, Item I, in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in Note 3,
Debt in Part II, Item 8, in our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
We do not engage in trading market risk sensitive instruments or purchasing hedging
instruments or other than trading instruments that are likely to expose us to significant market
risk, whether interest rate, foreign currency exchange, commodity price or equity price risk. As
described below, our Company has one interest rate financial instrument, an interest rate swap,
which qualifies as a derivative under GAAP
.
We are subject to commodity price risks associated with price increases for chemicals,
electricity and other commodities. These risks are reduced through contracts and the ability to
recover price increases through rates. Non-performance by our commodity suppliers can gave a
material adverse impact on our results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
Our exposure to financial market risk results primarily from fluctuations in interest rates.
We are exposed to changes in interest rates primarily from our revolving credit facility. Our
revolving credit facility, which includes a total borrowing capacity of $16.0 million, permits us
to borrow, repay and re-borrow, in varying amounts and from time to time at our discretion through
June 30, 2011. Borrowings under this credit facility bear interest rates at prime or the London
Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 1.2% to 1.7% (based on the results of various financial
ratios). The applicable margin as of June 30, 2009 was 1.70%, however all borrowings were at
prime, with an interest rate of 3.25%. Borrowings under our revolving credit facility as of June
30, 2009 were $3.6 million. We expect to borrow additional amounts during the remainder of 2009,
as needed to supplement cash generated from operations. We expect to repay all of these borrowed
amounts within the next twelve months.
We also have a $4.5 million variable interest rate loan with a bank. The loan, which was
originally scheduled to mature in April 2005, was extended to December 31, 2009. In April 2005, we
entered into an interest rate swap agreement with the bank that also has a maturity date of
December 31, 2009. The purpose of this swap agreement is to mitigate interest rate risks
associated with this $4.5 million floating-rate loan. The agreement provides for the exchange of
fixed interest rate payments for floating interest rate payment obligations on notional amounts of
principal totaling $4.5 million. The floating-rate loan with the bank contains interest rates
ranging from LIBOR plus 1.0% to LIBOR plus 1.5% based on the results of various financial ratios.
The applicable margin as of June 30, 2009 was 1.50%, resulting in an interest rate of 1.57%. We
designated this interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge against the variable future cash flows
associated with the interest payments due on the $4.5 million of notes. The combined effect of its
LIBOR-based borrowing formula and the swap produces an all-in fixed borrowing cost equal to 6.0%.
- 33 -
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
We carried out an evaluation required by Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the principal
executive officer and the principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and
operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule
15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Report.
Disclosure controls and procedures are designed with the objective of ensuring that (i)
information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SECs
rules and forms and (ii) information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the
principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely
decisions regarding required disclosures.
Based on their evaluation, the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer
have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the end of the
period covered by this Report.
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during
the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to
materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
- 34 -
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On March 13, 2009, the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (NHPUC) issued an order
denying the rehearing motions filed by both the Company and the City of Nashua (the City) in
September 2008 with respect to the NHPUCs July 25, 2008 order that the taking of the assets of
Pennichuck Water by eminent domain is in the public interest, subject to certain conditions. In
denying the rehearing motions, the NHPUC ruled that neither party had presented any new arguments
or evidence that the NHPUC had not previously considered. Both the Company and the City appealed
the NHPUCs March 13 order to the New Hampshire Supreme Court (see also Item 1A, Risks Related to
Our Water Utilities, below). The Supreme Court agreed to hear the appeals and set a briefing
schedule, but has not yet set a date for oral arguments. The Companys initial brief is currently
scheduled to be filed with the Supreme Court on September 14, 2009. In the course of preparing its
brief, the Company may choose to limit the issues it will appeal, taking into account all of the
circumstances at that time. The Company expects that the Supreme Court is not likely to render a
decision before early 2010. Except as otherwise noted in this Item 1 above, there were no other
material changes in existing legal proceedings or any new material legal proceedings during the
three months ended June 30, 2009.
Other than with respect to the risk factors below, there have been no material changes from
the risk factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A Risk Factors in our 2008 Annual Report on Form
10-K. The Risk Factors presented below should be read in conjunction with the risk factors and
information disclosed in our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K. See also discussion under City of
Nashuas Ongoing Eminent Domain Proceeding included in Part I, Item 2, in this Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q.
Risks Related to Our Water Utilities
The City of Nashuas use of the power of eminent domain to acquire a significant portion of
our water utility assets creates uncertainty and may result in material adverse consequences for us
and our shareholders.
We are involved in ongoing proceedings with the City of Nashua (the City) regarding the
Citys desire to acquire all or a significant portion of the water utility assets of Pennichuck
Water, our principal subsidiary. The City is pursuing such acquisition pursuant to its power of
eminent domain under New Hampshire law. On July 25, 2008, the NHPUC issued an order that the
taking of the assets of Pennichuck Water is in the public interest provided certain conditions are
met, and that the price to be paid to Pennichuck Water for such assets is $203 million, determined
as of December 31, 2008. The conditions include a requirement that the City place an additional
$40 million into a mitigation fund to protect the interests of the customers of our other two
regulated utilities, Pennichuck East and Pittsfield Aqueduct. Another condition is that the City
submit to the NHPUC, for its advance approval, the final operating contracts between the City and
its planned contractors. The remaining conditions cover various aspects of the operation and
oversight of the water system under City ownership.
- 35 -
A taking of assets by eminent domain as per the NHPUC order would result in a significant
taxable gain and related tax liability to the Company based on the difference between the price
paid to Pennichuck Water for the assets taken and Pennichuck Waters underlying tax basis in such
assets. The tax liability would be due proximate to the sale of the assets unless the proceeds of
the taking were reinvested in other water utility assets in accordance with certain provisions of
the Internal Revenue Code. A taking by eminent domain could also result in our Company incurring
various other costs depending on the final terms of the eminent domain taking and decisions that
our Company may make regarding its remaining operations. These costs may include expenditures
associated with termination and/or funding of health and retirement plans, certain debt redemption
premiums, severance costs and professional fees. In addition, if the Company were to sell some or
all of its remaining businesses or assets, it may be forced to accept prices below their current
carrying values as a result of then-current market conditions, a limited number of potential
buyers, and/or other factors. It is possible that, if the acquisition efforts of the City are
successful, the financial position of our Company would be materially and adversely impacted.
Under New Hampshire law, all parties to the proceeding and persons directly affected by the
order had 30 days to seek reconsideration or a rehearing before the NHPUC. Our Company and the
City were the only parties to submit such motions or objections thereto.
On March 13, 2009, the NHPUC issued an order denying the motions of both parties in their
entirety on the basis that neither party had presented any new arguments or evidence that the NHPUC
had not previously considered. Subsequently, both parties filed appeals with the New Hampshire
Supreme Court (the Supreme Court). The Companys appeal is principally focused on legal issues
relating to the NHPUCs public interest determination. The Citys appeal focuses principally on
the valuation of Pennichuck Waters assets and the need for a $40 million mitigation reserve. The
Supreme Court agreed to hear the appeals and set a briefing schedule, but has not yet set a date
for oral arguments. The Companys initial brief is currently due to be filed with the Supreme
Court on September 14, 2009. In the course of preparing its brief, the Company may choose to limit
the issues it will appeal, taking into account all of the circumstances at that time. The Company
expects that the Supreme Court is not likely to render a decision before early 2010.
If the City ultimately is successful in obtaining a final determination that it can take some
or all of Pennichuck Waters assets, the City is not required under NHRSA Ch. 38 to complete the
taking and could ultimately choose not to proceed with the purchase of the assets. Our Company
cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these matters.
Our Board of Directors and our shareholders would not have the right to approve a forced sale
of Pennichuck Water assets to the City in an eminent domain proceeding or the amount of damages
that the City would have to pay to Pennichuck Water as a consequence of such a taking.
Furthermore, such compensation could give rise to material income tax liabilities at the corporate
level, thereby effectively reducing our remaining net assets.
Given the highly integrated nature of our businesses, a forced sale of a significant portion
of Pennichuck Waters assets may result in increased costs and operating inefficiencies borne by
our remaining water utilities. Additionally, Service Corporations ability to service its existing
contracts, as well as pursue additional operating contracts, could be materially impaired. The
existence of a pending eminent domain proceeding also could adversely affect our future prospects
and result in the loss of key employees.
- 36 -
According to the Citys filings with the NHPUC, if the City acquires all or any portion of the
Pennichuck Water system by eminent domain, the City intends to enter into an Operation, Maintenance
and Management Agreement with Veolia Water North America Northeast LLC to operate the water
system. According to the Citys filings, Veolia is a wholly owned subsidiary of Veolia Environment
(a French company, formerly known as Vivendi Environment).
Our liquidity may be reduced and our cost of debt financing may be increased while the eminent
domain controversy remains unresolved, because, while such controversy is ongoing, we may be unable
to, or elect not to, issue or remarket debt securities for which Pennichuck may be liable.
Given the highly uncertain ultimate outcome of the eminent domain proceeding, we may find that
we are unable to, or elect not to, issue or remarket certain debt securities pending a definitive
resolution of the Citys eminent domain petition or we may find that the cost that we incur in
connection with the issuance or remarketing of such debt increases materially. If we are unable
to, or elect not to, issue or remarket such debt, we would expect to rely primarily on our bank
revolving credit facility to finance our capital projects. Our borrowing costs under that credit
facility would likely be materially higher than tax-exempt bond financing costs. Borrowings under
the credit facility would also reduce our liquidity to meet other obligations. For additional
information, see Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations in Part II, Item 7 in our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Our ability to raise equity capital on a timely basis, and indirectly our liquidity, may be
adversely affected while the eminent domain controversy remains unresolved because, while such
controversy is ongoing, we may be unable to, or elect not to, issue equity securities.
Given the highly uncertain outcome of the eminent domain proceeding and any confidential
settlement discussions that may be ongoing from time to time between the parties, we may find that
we are unable to, or elect not to, issue equity securities because we are precluded from
disclosing, or believe we could adversely affect any settlement discussions if we were to disclose,
the details of on-going settlement discussions to current and potential investors in connection
with an equity offering. If we are unable to, or elect not to, issue equity securities as
necessary to maintain an appropriate debt/equity balance, we would be unable to pay down our
revolving credit facility on a timely basis and our liquidity available to meet other obligations
would be reduced.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
- 37 -
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
On August 6, 2009, we issued a press release announcing our financial results for the three
and six months ended June 30, 2009. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to
this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The information contained in Exhibit 99.1 shall not be deemed
filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, nor shall it be deemed
incorporated by reference in any filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the
Exchange Act of 1934 or the Securities Act of 1933, except as expressly set forth by specific
reference in such a filing.
- 38 -
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
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Exhibit
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Number
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Exhibit Description
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3.1
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Restated Articles of Incorporation of Pennichuck Corporation
(filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Companys 2007 Annual Report on Form
10-K and incorporated herein by reference)
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3.2
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Bylaws of Pennichuck Corporation (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the
Companys third quarter 2008 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and
incorporated herein by reference)
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4.1
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Rights Agreement dated as of April 20, 2000 between Pennichuck
Corporation and Fleet National Bank, as Rights Agent (filed as
Exhibit 4.1 to the Companys Registration Statement on Form
8-A12G, filed on April 21, 2000 and incorporated herein by
reference)
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4.2
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Amendment to Rights Agreement dated October 10, 2001, by and
between Pennichuck Corporation and Fleet National Bank (filed as
Exhibit 4.1 to the Companys Registration Statement on Form
8-A12G/A, filed on April 30, 2002 and incorporated herein by
reference)
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4.3
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Second Amendment to Rights Agreement dated January 14, 2002, by
and between Pennichuck Corporation and EquiServe Trust Company,
N.A. (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Companys Registration Statement
on Form 8-A12G/A, filed on April 30, 2002 and incorporated herein
by reference)
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4.4
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Agreement of Substitution and Amendment of Common Shares Rights
Agreement dated January 15, 2002, by and between Pennichuck
Corporation and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company (filed as
Exhibit 4.3 to the Companys Registration Statement on Form
8-A12G/A, filed on April 30, 2002 and incorporated herein by
reference)
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4.5
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Amendment to Rights Agreement dated April 29, 2002, by and between
Pennichuck Corporation and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
(filed as Exhibit 99.2 to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K
filed on April 29, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference)
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4.6
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Dividend Reinvestment and Common Stock Purchase Plan, as amended
(included in the prospectus in the Companys Registration
Statement on Form S-3/A, filed on April 8, 2009 and incorporated
herein by reference)
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4.7
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Amendment to Rights Agreement, effective as of August 15, 2006, by
and between Pennichuck Corporation and American Stock Transfer &
Trust Company (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Companys Registration
Statement on Form 8-A12G/A, filed on September 25, 2006 and
incorporated herein by reference)
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4.8
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Sixth Amendment to Rights Agreement, effective as of March 2,
2009, by and between Pennichuck Corporation and American Stock
Transfer & Trust Company (filed as Exhibit 4.8 to the Companys
Registration Statement on Form 8-A12G/A filed on March 5, 2009
and incorporated herein by reference)
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- 39 -
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Exhibit
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Number
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Exhibit Description
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4.9
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Letter agreement, effective as of March 18, 2009, by and between
Pennichuck Corporation and GAMCO Investors, Inc. and its
affiliated entities (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Companys Current
Report on Form 8-K, filed on March 19, 2009 and incorporated
herein by reference)
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31.1
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Certification
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31.2
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Certification
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32.1
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Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer of the
Company in accordance with Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002
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32.2
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Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer of the
Company in accordance with Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002
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99.1
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Press Release Pennichuck Corporation Announces Second Quarter
2009 Earnings dated August 6, 2009
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- 40 -
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused
this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
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Pennichuck Corporation
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(Registrant)
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Date: August 6, 2009
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By:
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/s/ Duane C. Montopoli
Duane C. Montopoli
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President and Chief Executive Officer
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Date: August 6, 2009
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By:
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/s/ Thomas C. Leonard
Thomas C. Leonard
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Senior Vice President, Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer
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- 41 -
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Exhibit
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Number
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Exhibit Description
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31.1
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Certification
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31.2
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Certification
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32.1
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Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer of the
Company in accordance with Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002
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32.2
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Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer of the
Company in accordance with Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002
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99.1
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Press Release Pennichuck Corporation Announces Second Quarter
2009 Earnings dated August 6, 2009
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- 42 -
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